Moving On
Disclaimer: I obviously still do not own the rights to CSI.
Spoilers: This story has spoilers for Nesting Dolls, Unbearable and basically anything through season five.
Chapter Two
Sara got a call informing her that after reviewing her records, the Denver Crime Lab was interested in meeting her in person. They wanted to do a brief interview to make sure that she was the person they were looking for. Mr. Mayer told her that as far as he was concerned, there was no reason not to hire her. Her record looked good and her supervisor had included a glowing recommendation.
Sara entered Grissom's office, "I heard you gave me a really nice recommendation."
"You're a talented CSI," Grissom didn't even look up.
"Thanks," Sara said.
The room was silent for a moment as Grissom continued whatever it was he was doing on his computer. Sara sat uncomfortably hoping he was going to say something more.
"Is there something else you wanted?" Grissom looked up.
"I need two days off so I can go to Colorado," Sara replied.
"Give me the appropriate paperwork and I'll approve it," Grissom looked back at his screen.
"Okay," Sara stood up and wanted to say something more, but decided against it.
Sara left his office and proceeded to walk quickly down the hall.
"Sara wait," Greg called out.
"What?" Sara turned warily.
"You know how I told you I was a good listener?" Greg asked.
"Yeah," Sara crossed her arms, signifying that she was not really in a good mood at the moment.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me?" Greg asked.
"I'm really not in the mood for games, Greg, please just get to the point," Sara sighed.
"You know how gossip travels around this place. I heard you were quitting," Greg said.
"How on earth did you hear that?" Sara asked, incredulous.
"I heard it from Hodges," Greg said, "I know, not the best source, but that's why I wanted to talk to you."
"I'm not necessarily quitting," Sara lightened up, "I am looking into an open position at a crime lab in Colorado. I want to move on and try out living somewhere new. Nothing is even definite yet."
"You're leaving?" Greg asked, taken aback.
"I feel like I've overstayed my welcome in Vegas. I came here five years ago to help out Grissom and I've done more than that now, so I figured I should find a new lab," Sara explained.
"I know I'm usually the one who cracks all sorts of jokes and stuff, but I would really miss you if you left, Sara," Greg said.
"Like I said, nothing is set in stone yet. I have to fly out to Colorado for an interview though, I'll be taking a couple days off," Sara told him.
"Good luck I guess," Greg called after her.
Sara's plane landed on time at Denver International Airport and after she had claimed her baggage, she rented a car and followed Mayer's directions to the Denver Crime Lab. About two blocks before she arrived at the lab, Sara began to feel nervous. It suddenly hit her how important this meeting was going to be. It could potentially be a life altering meeting for her. She stopped at a restaurant and went into a bathroom to make sure that she looked good after her long flight. She wanted to make a positive first impression. After making sure that she looked presentable, she continued to the lab and parked her rental car.
"Hello, ma'am, how may I help you?" a bubbly blonde woman asked.
"My name is Sara Sidle and I'm supposed to have a meeting with Mr. Mayer," Sara explained.
"Oh, you're the woman from Las Vegas, aren't you?" the woman asked.
"Yes I am," Sara replied.
"My name is Laura Simmons, by the way," the woman smiled warmly, "Mr. Mayer's office is right down that way. Second door on your right."
"Okay, thank you," Sara returned the smile and walked toward the office. She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come on in," a voice called out.
"Hello, I'm," Sara started.
"Let me guess, you're Sara Sidle?" Mayer jumped up from his desk.
"That would be me," Sara nodded.
"Pleased to meet you," Mayer extended his hand, "so tell me again, what exactly is that has you interested in Denver?"
"I think I am just getting tired of the routine in Vegas. I need to find somewhere new to start over again," Sara explained.
"I'm sorry, did you just say you got tired of 'routine' in Vegas?" Mayer burst out laughing.
"I guess that does sound a little ridiculous," Sara smiled and took the offered seat, "it's just that I feel like I'm in a rut and I thought trying out a new city would do good for me."
"But why Denver, Vegas is the second best crime lab in the country and you want to come work for us?" Mayer shook his head in disbelief, "you could probably get a position at any lab in the country, according to your supervisor's report on your work, and you want to come here."
"I remembered a couple days ago hearing about an opening here and I started to think that leaving Vegas might be just what I needed," Sara explained.
"All right, now what is your specialty again?" Mayer asked.
"Materials and element analysis," Sara told him.
"Good, good," Mayer clapped his hands together, "well I know we should probably do a more professional interview here, but I think you are perfect for this job Miss Sidle."
Sara sighed heavily, "There is one more thing I think you should know. I'm guessing by your reactions that my supervisor hasn't told you of my recent disciplinary problems."
"Your supervisor told me that you were recently suspended, but that it was his own fault," Mayer said.
Sara sat back in the chair, "That's not entirely true. The assistant director of the Vegas lab is one of those people that no one can stand. He was promoted to his position and he has been trying to wreak havoc on the graveyard shift. I lost my temper with him one night and yelled at him, so I got suspended for a week."
Mayer chewed on the end of a pen for a moment, staring at Sara, "Well I'm your boss here and I don't think we're going to have any problems. I know how it is sometimes, one of those guys that's just a real jerk. Is that what your assistant director is like?"
"Pretty much," Sara lowered her eyes briefly, "so you're still willing to hire me?"
"Yes, as soon as you are ready," Mayer sat his pen down, "look, I met you, I heard from your supervisor, I like you and I think you will fit in nicely here."
"Okay," Sara smiled a little, "I'll need a few weeks. I have to give my official two weeks notice."
"That's fine, and I could always contact your lab and see about having that expedited if you'd like," Mayer offered.
"You don't have to do that. I will need to get all my stuff together and get ready to move," Sara said.
"Okay, well," Mayer checked his watch, "it's about time for lunch. Would you like to join my team for a meal? I think it'd be a good idea for you to meet some of your future colleagues."
"Sure," Sara agreed.
"All right, let's go," Mayer lead her out to the lobby where she had come into the lab.
"Hey Fred, it's about time you showed up, we've been waiting for ten minutes," a man in a blue shirt teased.
"I told you I was interviewing a new girl Jack," Mayer waved him off, "everyone this is Sara Sidle. She will be joining our team in a few weeks."
"Welcome to Denver, Sara," Jack smiled brilliantly at the pretty new girl, "I'm Jack Creston."
"Hi," Sara said.
"I'm Lucy James," a redheaded woman stretched out a hand.
"And I'm Christina Valdez, everyone calls me Chris," a brunette woman announced.
"That would make me Alex Shelley," a blonde man added.
"Hi everyone," Sara smiled at the crew.
"Well let's get out of here, I'm starving," Chris announced.
A/N: I am really stuck on Post-Butterflied, so I still do intend to update it one of these days. Last night's CSI King Baby was just weird...a little too weird for me. It really bothered me that they had Ecklie actually acting like a decent person...and the fact that Sofia stayed on the show. The ending really made me angry though, it seems Grissom will go out to dinner with everyone but the one person who he should. Oh well. That's what fanfiction is for, to "fix the problems" with the actual show lol.