Caving Under Pressure – Part 6
August 4, 2005 (Day 104)
Harper House Accident Scene
7:45 a.m.
"Where's Warrick, Greg?" Nick anxiously repeated as his heart pounded louder.
Still dazed, Greg finally heard the question and pointed straight ahead. "There."
When Nick and Sara turned, they saw a stretcher with a body covered in a white sheet and Vartann, standing beside it, talking on his radio.
"No!" The image and the potential for two more like it was more than she could bear and Sara flung her arms around Nick.
Greg dashed forward. "No! That's not Warrick! Warrick is alive! That's the cop who was standing next to the building when the truck pulled out." His voice faded into despair. "He was killed instantly. Right in front of me." Shuddering from the memory, he wrapped his arms around himself.
Feeling horrible to be glad it was someone else under the sheet, Sara and Nick tried to mask their relief while Greg redirected them. "Over there… sitting on the back of the ambulance getting treated. He was just coming out of the front of the building when it crumbled. Thankfully, only minor lacerations."
Sara and Nick didn't waste a minute rushing over.
"Warrick!" Sara yelled as she neared.
As soon as he heard her, he ran for her, meeting her and embracing her. "They're gonna be okay. I know it."
"Me too." In his arms, she found herself crying once more. "They have to be."
"That's right."
While steadying his breathing, Nick saw the incident commander leading an entourage of rescue personnel. "There's the man we need to see." He hustled over and joined the group, with Sara and Warrick following closely behind. "Sir…Nick Stokes, in lieu of Gil Grissom who is in charge for Jim Brass, I'm next in command for the Crime Lab. I've got two of my people trapped in that building, so I need to know what's going on."
"Then listen up," Commander Hawkins directed.
Nick turned to Sara and whispered, "You have to stay calm or they'll make you leave, got it?"
Unable to speak, she nodded vehemently while clinging to Warrick.
Hawkins slapped his whiteboard on the hood of a nearby police car and explained to his newly formed and expanding team. "Here's what we know so far. The truck crashed through the side of the building and then drove out, causing the loss of a critical interior weight bearing structure, in this case, a load bearing wall. The loss of that structure set off a chain reaction. We can only assume what happened next, based on the debris pattern and eyewitness statements. We believe the loss of the initial wall ultimately pulled down the ceiling of the first floor, which led to losing the other load bearing walls. Next, the second story and the roof came down, and the combined the weight of the two floors collapsed the first floor, leading to a full implosion of the building into the basement."
Sara fought to remain calm while furiously analyzing the facts in her head. A full implosion…very bad news. Implosion is worse than explosion because an implosion pulls the exterior walls into the center of the mass causing the entire building to collapse on itself, creating the highest density and depth of debris.
The Commander continued. "Our initial assessment indicates a pancake collapse pattern. All too common for buildings built before the 40's. They had the same thing happen in Rhyolite with a mining office building. However, for the moment, stability is adequate. We're waiting for the construction equipment to arrive. Once it does, we'll begin shoring up and start lifting debris. Due to the nature of the collapse, our only option is a steady overhead lift removal with constant shoring."
Once again, Sara ran the information through her overloaded brain. Pancake collapse pattern…worst scenario…all vertical supports fail, causing all the floors to collapse on one another…less chance for voids but, still can support plenty of them. It's also the most difficult and time consuming to search. Steady overhead lift removal was the safest method, but she also knew the dangers…people sometimes survive the initial collapse but perish during the rescue effort when rubble shifts. Don't go there, she warned herself. Positive thoughts only. Right now, Grissom and Catherine are down there waiting to be rescued.
Pointing at Warrick, the Commander said, "You provided locations of our two unaccounted for personnel." He grabbed a marker and drew a square on the whiteboard. "Here and here, correct?"
Clearing his clogged throat, he said, "Yes, Grissom was in the north east corner and…" He pushed her name out. "…Catherine was in the north west corner, when I was heading up the stairs." All he kept seeing was the look on Catherine's face and he wished he could take back that moment when she said she needed him. Why didn't I say anything other than, 'yeah'? What if…no! Stay positive. You'll continue that discussion with her. You will!
"You didn't notice any hazardous materials while you were down in the basement?"
"No." Warrick shook his head. "I covered the place real well. Mostly old furniture…desks, cabinets and there was an iron safe."
Sara breathed deep. Finally some good news….desks and iron safes create awesome voids! Using her visualization technique she learned in therapy, she closed her eyes and imagined Grissom and Catherine in perfect little voids just waiting for the Calvary. Unable to keep her mouth shut any longer, Sara asked, "What about seismic or acoustic listening devices? Or optical search equipment?"
"We're due for another seismic try in four minutes with what we have, and we have more sensitive equipment on the way. Our optical has a ten foot range, so we're going to need to move some debris before we can get close to their reported locations. Unless they tried to make it out of the building and weren't in those locations at the time of the collapse."
Nick gave Sara's arm a squeeze.
I'm hanging on." She whispered, "Barely, but I am."
The commander looked to his public works rep. "No gas lines or anything we need to worry about?"
"I've confirmed you're clear."
"Excellent. We needed some good news," The Commander replied. "Okay, Chief, have your search and rescue folks take another listen."
The Chief lifted his bullhorn. "I need a complete operational shut down in sixty seconds for a sound check. Crew take positions!"
Flanked by Warrick, Nick and Greg, Sara went as close to the site as allowed. Second by second, the area got quieter until she could hear only her breathing. The three taps went out, followed by a pause and then three more taps. Now it was time for the rescue worker to listen through his headphones. Her heart sank when he shook his head, confirming he got nothing back on any of the six sensors.
"One more time," The Chief instructed.
With baited breath, Sara watched the procedure again and once more, nothing was received in return.
"Doesn't mean anything," Nick confidently told Sara and Warrick. "They could be too deep, they could be talking to each other and not hear the taps. Once the heavy moving begins they'll know we're up here and they'll know when we get quiet. That's when they'll hear it. And like the Commander said, better equipment is coming in soon."
Warrick and Sara nodded in sync as they felt they were required to do to mask the doubt returning to haunt them.
Over the bullhorn, the Chief yelled, "Resume operations."
Pete slowly approached. "Is there anything you want us to do, Nick?" He asked on behalf of himself, Nina and Trey.
"Um…just hang tight for now," He replied as he saw the construction vehicles approaching. "Now we'll get somewhere. Two cranes will have that pile cleared in no time." Throwing his arm over Sara's shoulder, he optimistically said, "They'll be out of there by dinnertime."
"Yeah." Sara inhaled sharply, appreciative of Nick's efforts. "I'll even offer to make him a hamburger if he…" Once again the façade cracked and her eyes began to fill. "You know…I think I…I need to take a few minutes away from here. I'll uh…I'll be in the truck." She began walking away, but after a few strides she dashed toward the row of Tahoes.
Nick let her go and told Greg, who was gravely concerned about her, "She needs to let that out." Then he turned to Warrick. "How are you doing?"
"Not too good." The agony of the unfinished conversation and unresolved tension with Catherine weighed heavy. "I'm taking a walk."
"Understood," Nick nodded. "I'm going to take one too and find out as much information as possible."
Sara was just about to get in Nick's truck when she saw Grissom's Tahoe twenty feet away and decided that's where she'd rather be. Shaking like a leaf, she opened the door and climbed into his seat, shutting the door behind her.
Immediately she felt something underneath her…his shirt…the beige one she had watched him button last night, the one he was wearing when he kissed her…goodbye. That kiss was supposed to last twenty hours, not a lifetime. Sobbing harder, she brought the shirt to her face. It smelled like him and for a moment she closed her eyes and pretended he was there. No longer was she a scientist analyzing the odds of a void in a pancake pattern implosion. She was a heartsick wife, whose husband of only eight days was buried beneath tons of rubble.
Clutching the shirt, she unleashed her anguish.
If he doesn't make it…I'm alone again. Alone like I've always been. Alone because he'll be gone and we never had a chance to…have a baby.
In a flash, her deepest fear shed light on her recent behavior. All this time I was pushing to have the pregnancy work quickly, I thought it was for fear we're getting older and couldn't waste time. That wasn't it. I needed a baby to make sure I'd always have a part of him…so if something happened to him, I'd never truly be without him…never truly be alone. But now…he may be gone and I'm not pregnant and…he won't live on…we won't live on.
No…he has to make it. She scolded herself for even thinking otherwise. I've lost so much in my life, I don't deserve this. I've given so much in my life, it isn't fair to take him away from me. Her words to Greg yesterday echoed in her head… Bad things happen to good people all the time. You never know when your luck will change. There is no rhyme or reason to life's twists of fate. And like she learned when the pregnancy test came up negative, desire alone can't make something happen.
Remembering the note she had stuffed in her pocket earlier, she retrieved it, hoping it would raise her sinking spirits.
Immediately a sentence popped out at her…
Wherever I am when you're reading this, I guarantee I'm missing you.
Her tears silently flowed as she looked out the window toward the search area. "I'm reading…now miss me enough to make it back to me."
Another two words jumped off the page…
Yours forever
Whose forever? His? Mine? I'm not ready for it to end. Her mind drifted back to that special night when he gave her the diamond ring and she spoke from her heart…
And there will be an end. We know it's inevitable. But it will be a natural end and the teardrop, a tear of joy cried by…you or me…while looking back and recalling the beautiful moments we shared…
That night was a beautiful moment and there had been so many beautiful moments since then, but now, faced with the truth that the natural end could be near, it didn't seem enough. It didn't seem right. It wasn't natural, it was untimely and cruel. Maybe that's why I'm not shedding only one tear drop but legions. It's not time. He's alive. He's coming back to me. Yes! In my heart I know it's not time.
But…why didn't he hear the taps? It was hard to believe he was okay without evidence.
Then it hit her. Maybe he couldn't hear them! He keeps putting off his hearing test. Is he putting it off because he knows something is wrong? Maybe he can't hear the taps! That's it. It was the straw she needed and she clung to it like white on rice. He's down there alive. I know it.
After stuffing the note back in her pocket, with Grissom's shirt firmly in hand, she flung open the door and rushed back to the site. "Nick!" She looked around for him. "Nick!"
"Over here, Sara." He called as he hurried to meet her. "You okay?"
"Yes!" Nodding frantically, she relayed her renewed hope. "In my gut I know he's okay." She enthused while clutching the shirt like a security blanket.
"Awesome, Sara." He threw his arms around her. "You stay in this zone." He didn't care how she got there, but he was going to encourage her positive outlook. "We're going to see him alive and well in no time."
"Sara?" A recognizable voice from the past called out.
When she lifted her head out of Nick's chest, she saw a familiar face to match the voice. "Hank?" Of all the times for a bad memory. "What are…?"
Nick recognized the guy. "Peddigrew, right? I thought you were an EMT."
"I was but I'm search and rescue now." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Which means, I stand by until they need me to extract survivors. Most of the time it's mountain or lake calls…hiking or boating accidents. Not usually buildings."
He wasn't exactly the person she wanted to rely on in time of need and her voice reflected her disapproval. "When it's time…."
"I know those are your co-workers and I…"
"Not just my co-workers." She snapped. "My husband's down there and you…."
"Whoa." Nick sensed there was more to the situation than he knew. "You biting the guy's head off for a reason?"
"Let's just say that I'd feel more comfortable trusting someone else with the job."
Hank knew her reaction was justified. "Sara, I understand where you're coming from and, if you want me to tell my boss to get someone else, that's cool, but I guarantee you, when the time comes, I'll give it two-hundred percent, because it's the very least I owe you and I've got something to prove."
After carefully considering his words, she finally said, "Don't disappoint me."
Nodding, Hank returned to his truck to wait.
Once again, the Chief raised his bullhorn. "I need a complete operational shut down in sixty seconds for a sound check. Crew, take positions!"
"Let's go." Nick took Sara's hand and led her back toward the group's position at the safety boundary. "The acoustical equipment arrived while you were in the truck."
Upon hearing the Chief's command, Warrick, having cleared his head the best he could, returned as well.
In silence they waited together, hoping for a different outcome than the last time.
When the taps went out, Sara brought Grissom's shirt to her chest and closed her eyes because she feared her optimism would drain if she saw the rescue worker shake his head in disappointment. But her action didn't protect her, as Nick's hand dropped on one shoulder, and Greg's on the other, she knew the moment had just come and gone.
"Run it again!" The Chief boomed.
Opening her eyes, Sara watched the process this time, and when the rescue worker lifted his arm and nodded affirmatively, she gasped and gripped Grissom's shirt tighter. "Did he…"
"Yes." Warrick's eyes widened. "I think he heard something."
"Again!" The Chief instructed.
Thirty seconds later, the rescue worker gave a strong nod and announced, "I got one set of taps coming back each time from sensor two."
The jubilation ensued, and for a moment the hope seemed endless, until Sara and Warrick looked each other in the eyes and he said, "Only one set. They weren't together when I left them."
"It's okay," She confidently replied, "they're together now, or they're communicating and only one of them is responding for both."
"Right." He clung to the optimism in her eyes. "That's got to be it."
The Chief, with renewed vigor, shouted into the bullhorn, "Resume operations!"
A few minutes later, Nick headed over alone for a detailed report. "Can you pinpoint the location?"
"Approximately…" The commander pointed on his whiteboard. "They were last reported in the far corners of the north side. The sound is coming from the north central."
"So maybe they got together before the collapse to take cover."
The Chief countered, "Or, they were heading for the stairs and that's where they got stuck. Or one of them stayed put and one of them made it to the middle. What I'm saying is, be careful when you deliver the message. We've got two missing people and only one response. At this point, it could mean a lot of things."
"Okay."
Checking his watch, the Chief said, "It's almost ten. As soon as we get some more of the debris lifted, we'll be able to snake two-way communication listening devices and then eventually fiber-optics. If the removal continues to go well, then we can try in an hour. Until then…remain cautiously optimistic that they are both doing well." In no uncertain terms he shared the reality of the situation. "Stokes, it's best if you and your staff remain cautiously optimistic until you see your missing team members standing in front of you, because these extractions are unpredictable. One minute all is well and the next you've got a cave in."
"Understood." Across the desert landscape he saw Sara and Warrick standing side by side, in front of Greg, Trey, Pete and Nina. The thought of only one survivor ripped at his soul. Catherine had Lindsay to care for, and Sara, after a lifetime of heartache, didn't need any more. One survivor is not acceptable. Today the only acceptable number is two. With that number in his heart and the chief's words in his head, he rejoined the group.
"What did he say?" Sara hoped for specifics.
"They've pinpointed the area the taps came from and they're going to try and establish two-way communication as soon as they lift a little more rubble." Forcing a supportive smile, he said, "I bet Cath and Gris are going to have a lot to say when given the chance."
Warrick let nervous laughter take over. "You know Cath always has something to say."
"She's probably driving him crazy down there," Sara replied, trying to lighten the somber mood.
Greg, for the first time, felt a ray of hope and spoke. "If you really want to bug Grissom, pipe in The Killers' Somebody Told Me. We were listening to it on the radio on the way out here. He would probably start digging out on his own just to escape."
Stunned by the statement, Sara said, "Grissom let you pick the radio station?"
"Yeah." Fully smiling, he recalled the moment. "He was feeling sorry for me stressing over Tawny and was trying to cheer me up. We were bonding." Hoping to make her feel better, he relayed more details. "He told me about dancing with you in Colorado and when I asked him if he was a good dancer, he lit up and said, I asked Sara to marry me the next day and she said yes, so what do you think?"
Nick built on the positive vibe. "I can't wait to see you and Grissom dancing at my wedding."
"I can't believe he was talking about that with you, Greg." In an instant Sara filled with joy.
"He never used to talk about anything personal, Sara." Greg stated. "But now he can't stop talking about you. I bet he's down there right now singing your praises to Catherine, who is wishing he'd shut the hell up."
Warrick shook his head. "Yeah, she'll want him to be quiet so she can complain about me. We…we were arguing over the stupidest thing before this happened."
Nick elbowed his friend in the ribs. "Then you know she's making it out of there just to chew your ass out."
"You know it."
Trey, Pete and Nina stood off to the side watching the camaraderie like they were observing life on another planet.
Wanting to know every last detail of Grissom's day, Sara asked, "Warrick, tell us about the case. About what you guys were doing in the basement."
Deciding it would be a good way to pass the time and keep their minds occupied, he obliged. "Three vics, one fresh. Your old man was having a great time with the bugs."
"I bet." Unraveling Grissom's crumpled and tear-stained shirt, she tied it around her waist, letting it hug her in lieu of him. "Like a kid in a candy store, no doubt."
Nick joked, "I bet Grissom would have passed up candy for bugs as a kid."
"Definitely," Sara confirmed while chuckling. "Even now there are only a couple of life's pleasures he finds more exciting than bugs."
They took a moment to laugh that one through before Warrick continued.
"We assumed the vics, based on their clothing and considering they were found in this old brothel, were all prostitutes. We're thinking serial killer. I got a clean boot print. That's what I was doing when I left the basement." His upbeat mood took a nose dive. "Grissom sent me out to compare the print and to let me get some air because of the thing with Cath. I should have been down there too."
For the first time, Nick noticed a barrage of media personnel trying to get closer to the scene. "Look who's here. Hoping for something grisly no doubt." Searching the area, he yelled, "Where the hell is the PIO for this incident? Someone needs to control the newshounds."
"Wait!" Sara barked. "We can use the media!"
Not tracking her, Nick asked, "How are they going to help with the extrication?"
"Not the extraction." A new expression appeared on her face…vengeance. "To catch the killer. To catch the bastard that put those bodies in that building, because the killer is ultimately responsible for anything that happens to Grissom and Catherine. They wouldn't be in there if the killer didn't leave the bodies there."
Warrick caught on. "You think the killer will show up at the scene if he hears about the accident?"
"Yes." Cinching Grissom's shirt a little tighter around her waist, she explained, "Serial killers never want to get caught. They find their niche and then live out their dream, growing more confident with every kill. This guy…he goes after prostitutes and then brings them here. He's gonna pissed when he finds out someone interrupted his plans. Those bodies are prizes to him. This location meant something to him. Now it's all gone and he'll want answers."
Shocked that Sara would even be thinking about the case during the tragedy, Pete, Trey and Nina, moved closer to make sure they were hearing correctly.
Nick folded his arms across his chest. "So you think if the story gets play on the TV and radio stations, our killer will rush out here."
"If he hears about it, I guarantee it." Sara nodded with conviction. "We spread out and blend with the growing crowd of lookie-lous until we find people who could fit the profile. We start talking. The killer will want to talk…he'll want details. We may even know what kind of boots he wears, right Warrick?"
"I left the print in the back of the ambulance." He hustled off in that direction.
Pete took a step forward. "Nick and Sara, you have your hands full. How about I lead this?"
After glancing at Sara, Nick replied, "Great idea. Thanks for stepping up." Cupping his hands, Nick shouted, "Hey Vartann, we have something we want to run by you!"
11:25 a.m.
KTBC reporter Ana Silva readied for her live shot. "Do you have the cranes in the background?" She asked her cameraman. "People love seeing that heavy-duty machinery crap almost as much as they love blood and gore."
"I've got cranes and, even better, I've got sweaty rescue workers…that will help us keep the ladies at home glued to their sets. I'll count you down in five." With his fingers, he signaled.
"This is Ana Silva reporting to you live from the scene of a building collapse just south of Boulder City. Police and Crime Scene Investigators were called here early this morning to investigate the grisly discovery of a decaying body, but they got much more than they bargained for." Taking a few steps, she pointed to the rescue effort. "Harper House, a historic building and legendary house of ill repute back in the mining days, used to be directly behind me. However, a freak accident around seven a.m. caused the building, where the rotting corpse was hidden, to suddenly collapse. It saddens me to report one officer, whose name hasn't yet been released, was killed, and still trapped inside is Vegas' top Crime Scene Investigator, Gil Grissom. Workers have been toiling for hours to locate and rescue him but still have a lot of dangerous work ahead. We'll be coming to you live with updates as news breaks. This is Ana Silva from KTBC, Las Vegas' news leader."
Pulling out her ear piece, Ana walked to the police barrier. "Okay, Vartann, how much longer until I get the name of the KIA cop?"
"You know the drill, Ana. Still waiting on next of kin," He informed her. "I know you like names and faces to up the human interest on your stories." Catherine's name was out of the question because they had to protect her daughter from being alarmed. The only reason he could provide Grissom's name was his next of kin was on site. "You'll have it when we can give it." With a healthy dose of sarcasm, he quipped, "By the way, I love how you accent all the juicy words when you do your reports. It's like having Cliff Notes…grisly, killed, corpse, trapped, dangerous…I mean really, what else does the public need to know?"
"I'm the best, Baby." Ana strutted back to her news van and snipped at her cameraman, Ed. "It's friggin' 117 degrees already. Call me if anything happens. I'll be in the van blasting the air."
Vartann walked over to the CSIs gathered just behind the safety tape marking the accident site. "TV reporters all got the information. Bulletins have been faxed to the Radio stations."
"Good." Sara was pleased that Vartann backed their plan and would provide the backup Pete and the team needed. "This is really helping me keep my mind off the fact that it seems like they're making no progress with the extrication."
"Sara you know they have to take it slow," Nick cautioned her for the tenth time this hour. "I know the waiting is hard but, it's better than them being sloppy, right?"
"Of course I logically know that." Wiping the sweat off her forehead, she spoke softly. "How hot do you think it is in the basement? Warrick, you said they didn't have any water."
"None." He somberly shook his head. "But it has to be a lot cooler down there than it is out here. And obviously they're protected from the sun."
Finally, they heard the chief announce the next sound check. "I need clearance for the aerial ladder truck. Operational shut down at noon." After he was done, he walked over to brief Stokes and the CSI team, who he knew were on edge. "We're moving in the aerial truck because we're going to extend the ladder to get one of our communications guys positioned over the center of the site where we heard the taps. He's going to snake down a two-way listening device. It will pick up anything down there, even if it's just breathing. So hang tight."
After pushing dreadful thoughts out of her mind for hours, Sara felt them starting to creep back and then suddenly they attacked. No longer could she rationalize that Grissom couldn't hear the taps if there was no response. "If they don't hear anything…not even breathing…what will we know then? I wanted this moment to come and now it's scaring me to death because we may not hear anything. If we don't hear anything does that mean they're…" Shaking out the tension in her hands, she whimpered, "I want to stay positive, I really do but I'm getting that sinking feeling again. Plus it's so hot…I can't...I need air." Her breathing became labored and she gulped for oxygen. "Nick…I don't feel so good." Clutching her head, she continued gasping.
Helping her down on the ground, Nick, warned, "Sara, you need to calm down. You're hyperventilating."
"How about some more water?" Nina suggested while heading off. "I'll grab a few more bottles."
"No!" Greg had another idea. "She needs a paper bag. Grab one from the truck!" Kneeling down next to her, he rubbed her back. "Come on, Sara. Try to relax."
11:32 a.m.
From his position next to the news van, eagle-eyed Ed the camera guy noticed the meltdown happening in front of the rescue site. Knocking on the window, he alerted the news diva cooling her jets inside. "We've got drama."
Upon hearing her favorite word, drama, Ana jumped out. "Zoom in on it and run tape. I'll try to get the scoop and, if it's good enough, maybe the station will carry this as a noon lead-in. Play it cool so the other bozos don't catch wind."
Waltzing over to the youngest rookie-looking cop she could find guarding the crime scene tape, Ana popped open another button of her blouse. "Hey there, cutie." She lowered her designer sunglasses and checked his badge. "Officer Lopez." Holding out her hand, she smiled provocatively. "Ana Silva, KTBC."
The young man tried to maintain his dignity while salivating. "Sorry, I can't let you behind the tape, Miss."
"No, no, of course not." Giggling she grinned, "I'd never ask a man in a position of authority to do something he wasn't supposed to do." Now that she had finished pumping the kid's ego, she pointed towards the emotional woman near the rescue site. "I was just so concerned about that poor woman over there. She looks so distraught. Do you know who she is?"
Glancing over his shoulder, the rookie said, "I've only been on the job for a few weeks so I don't know her personally but, she's Gil Grissom's wife, Sara. She works for the Vegas Crime Lab too. They only got married like a week ago and it's been the talk of the station."
Realizing she hit the jackpot, Ana winked. "Well I hope she's going to be okay. Thank you, Officer." To oblige him for his ignorant generosity, she wiggled while she walked away.
"I love you on the news, Ms. Silva!" He yelled out.
Without looking back, she waved and made a beeline for her cameraman. "Bingo, Baby!" She fluffed her hair. "Every other reporter is snoozing in their truck while we've got the wife of the trapped guy having a nervous breakdown on tape! And they've only been married a week! The public loves a romantic tragedy!" Taking her position, she held up the microphone and wiped the smile off her face. "Ana Silva reporting from the site of the Harper House Tragedy, where tensions are rising along with today's scorching temperature. There's still no word on the condition of Gil Grissom, the trapped crime scene investigator and it's taking a devastating toll on his new bride, Sara, who is also a valued member of the Las Vegas Crime Lab…"
11:38 a.m.
Removing the open paper bag from her mouth, Sara murmured, "I'm okay." Of course she was referring to the status of her breathing, not her fragile mental state. "Thank you for the bag. It was just what I needed."
"Maybe you need something stronger than a paper bag," Nina calmly advised. "How about a valium? I have some in my purse."
Pete shot her a nasty look.
"What!" Nina returned the unwelcome glare. "Oh, get off my case! That's not a put-down, I'm serious! For Christ's sake, could she be under anymore stress? It's obvious that she loves the man! She just had a full blown panic attack over the thought of losing him and it's not because of the money because if he dies while working she'll get double indemnity! So, yes, I feel bad and for once I want to be nice. Sue me! Hell, if valium wasn't made for this mind-blowing situation, what the hell was it made for?"
Pete provided the words to support his body language. "It wasn't the sentiment, it was the fact that you, a CSI, offered your prescription drug to someone else. That's illegal."
"Oh." Smiling at Sara, Nina said, "I meant to say, do you need a feminine protection product? I have some in my purse."
Nick helped Sara up. "I think that's probably an excellent idea." If the next sound check showed no signs of life, or only Catherine's life, Sara was going to need a lot more than a Valium, but at least it would be a start. And Nina's purse was a lot quicker than calling Doc, phoning a pharmacy and picking something up.
Nina took Sara by the elbow.
Greg grabbed a bottle of water. "To go with the…uh…feminine thing."
LVPD
Lunch Room
12:00 p.m.
The TV in the corner of the room blared and the plethora of concerned crime lab employees and cops watched to see if there would be any coverage of the disaster in the field.
When the KTBC intro came on, the entire room went from a roar to a hush.
Our top story today, a murder investigation turned disaster! I'm Kim Thompson. And I'm Thomas Church. As we reported earlier, the death toll is holding at one, and we're waiting to hear if there's been progress on rescuing the trapped crime scene investigator. More from Ana Silva who is on the scene…
Ana Silva reporting from the site of the Harper House Tragedy, where tensions are rising along with today's scorching temperature. There's still no word on the condition of Gil Grissom, the trapped crime scene investigator and, as you can see, it's taking a devastating toll on his new bride, Sara, who is also a valued member of the Las Vegas Crime Lab. Take a look at this tape shot moments ago…
From the table closest to the TV, Betty, Jim Brass's secretary, shrieked to her lunch mates, "Oh my goodness, look at poor Sara! I just want to give her a hug!"
"Whoa…she's a wreck." Mabel observed. "If we weren't pulling a double, I'd go down there myself and give her a hug."
"After everything you've said about her, I doubt she'd want a hug from you." Placing her hands over her heart, Theresa sighed, "Look…she really does love Mr. Grissom."
"Wow…I feel like shit for talking about them," Mabel lowered her head in shame. "All those nasty things I said about her."
Theresa nodded. "I need to go to confession on the way home from work."
We heard the Incident Commander announce that there will be yet another sound check at noon. We're told more sensitive equipment has arrived which should tell us definitively if anyone is alive under that horrific pile of mortar and brick. For newlywed Sara Grissom's sake…let's hope they hear something. I'm Ana Silva reporting from the scene of the Harper House Tragedy for KTBC, Las Vegas' news leader.
Thank you, Ana. Well, Thomas, let's hope we get a happy ending to this story…
Theresa used her cafeteria napkin to swipe away a tear. "If he doesn't make it I'll never live down this guilt no matter how many Hail Marys I say!"
Betty grabbed her napkin and joined in, sniffling, "This is the greatest LVPD love story of all time. It's practically Shakespearian! Two people work side by side for years, then finally find love and marry only to be torn apart a week later."
"You ladies want brownies?" Mabel offered as she got up from the table. "I'm in serious need of some chocolate."