Chapter 18

Moving through the crowd outside the Reno airport, Brass, Catherine and Grissom made their way to the designated pick up point.

While they were in flight, Catherine had received a disappointing call from Warrick. The search of Mike Rodgers' credit cards was a bust.

So, with a warrant and no leads, they knew they would have to rely on plan B…finding Sara the old fashioned way. They would divide up and canvas the area until someone recognized Sara and Mike from photos and gave them the tip they needed. It wasn't efficient but when it's all you got you make do.

Noticing a man holding a sign with his name on it, Brass signaled for the others to follow him. When he reached the man, he extended his hand. "I'm Captain Jim Brass LVPD and these are my associates from the crime lab, Gil Grissom and Catherine Willows."

While he shook their hands, the captain, the fifty-something balding man dressed in a stuffy brown suit, announced, "I'm Detective Bryant and first off, let me assure you that the Tahoe Police Department is at your disposal…whatever you need. The last thing we want loose in our town is a killer. As I'm sure you're aware from living in a tourist haven yourself, murder negatively impacts tourism and the mayor doesn't like negative impacts."

Brass chuckled, "Funny thing about the tourists in Vegas…they think a murder every now and then adds to the mystique."

Not sure if the Captain was joking, Detective Bryant motioned to the car. "Why don't we head to the station to discuss your strategy and determine what resources you'll need."

Not desiring to waste another minute on small talk, Grissom breezed through the group towards the car. "Why are we still standing here chatting?"

Catherine, making up for Grissom's rudeness, flashed a thousand-watt smile at the detective. "I want to personally thank you for your cooperation. We appreciate you dedicating your time and energy to help us solve this case."

Adjusting his tie, the Detective nodded at the pretty little lady in front of him. "Anything you need…just ask me and I'll personally see to it."

Leaning out of the car, Grissom yelled, "Nick's on the line. He picked up another hit on Sara's credit card. Lakeshore Lodge and Spa."

The Detective grabbed his radio. "I'll have a couple of uniforms meet us there."

In the rustic lobby of the Lakeshore Lodge, Grissom and Catherine waited while Brass and Detective Bryant spoke with the hotel manager.

Seeing Grissom's impatience growing, Catherine reminded him, "She was at the spa at four o'clock. That's three hours ago. She's fine."

"I'm sure you're right." Logically he knew she was but yet he still worried. With the sunset on the horizon he hoped that Sara was done with outdoor activities for the day and would therefore be safe.

"Gil…there's a possibility we didn't consider and I think we should be prepared to handle it." What she really meant was he should be prepared to handle it but it was easier to broach the subject this way. "Sara could be having a good time with Mike and get very upset if we burst in and haul him a way."

His voice hollow, he replied. "Believe me, I've considered that possibility."

"Maybe only I should go with Brass to the rooms. Why don't you stay here and wait for my call." It was a preventative measure to spare her friend any unnecessary pain. The last thing she wanted him to see was Sara and Mike in bed together.

Before Grissom could answer, Brass reappeared.

"Sara has room 316 and Mike has 354. We'll check Sara's room first and if she's there we can inform her of the situation before heading to Mike's."

Having considered Catherine's suggestion, Grissom said, "I'm going to stay back and check out the public areas."

After exchanging a quick look with Catherine, Brass nodded. "Good plan. Check out the restaurant…the bars. You will remember that the warrant is with me and call first if you find him."

Grissom placated his concerned friend with a nod.

As she walked away with Brass to join Detective Bryant and his two officers, Catherine waved her cell phone. "Hang tight. I'll call you as soon as I know anything."

Once out of ear shot, Brass said, "Until now I never thought they'd actually have the separate rooms."

"Me either." Catherine incredulously replied as she followed him up the stairs. "But I guess I was thinking like me and not Sara."

"They don't even have adjoining rooms," he said as he took the second flight. "Maybe it really is a platonic relationship."

"We'll know soon."

At the third floor landing, the detective huddle the group. "Ms. Willows please hang back and let my officers ensure your safety."

"I…" The ring of her cell phone interrupted her. "It's Grissom." Putting the phone to her ear she listened.

Detective Bryant called out to his officers. "Hold up!"

Smiling, Catherine hung up and announced. "Mike and Sara are on the patio of the bar having a drink. Sara's fine. Grissom didn't make contact. He's waiting for us."

Detective Bryant told Brass, "Tell us when you're ready."

Brass locked eyes with Catherine. "This seems too easy."

"I know. It's freaking me out."

From behind a window inside the Mexican restaurant, Grissom continued staring at Sara.

Sitting across from Mike at a candlelit table she was smiling and having what appeared to be a great time.

Suddenly Grissom didn't know which hurt more…the knowledge that Sara was having a wonderful time with Mike or the fact that in a minute they would be bringing her happiness to an end by telling her Mike was suspected of murder.

Sitting across from Mike, Sara enthusiastically sipped the remainder of her margarita.

"Are you having fun?" Mike sweetly inquired as he studied Sara's eyes. "How's your drink?" Seeing it was gone he already knew the answer.

"Great! Thanks for ordering a margarita; I haven't had one in long time." Relaxing back in her chair she unloaded a heavy sigh. "That massage really worked. I think I got rid of all the stress trapped in my body. I feel better than I have in years. "

"I'm so happy to hear that, Sara." Leaning into the conversation he spoke soothingly. "Doesn't it feel good to be outdoors instead of trapped in the lab for hours on end? You look so much more relaxed than when we first arrived. The fresh air does wonders."

Savoring the soothing effects of the margarita she purred, "Mmmm…definitely."

"And the exercise…really rejuvenates you, doesn't it?"

"It really does." Enthusiastically she announced.

Reaching across the table, Mike gently took Sara's hand. "You look great too."

Surprised by his touch, she retracted her hand and playfully scolded him. "Now I thought we said we're taking things slow…very slow."

Mike charmingly replied, "Sorry. With the sunset in the background…you look… let's just say I lost my head…again."

Coyly she said, "I think you keep trying because you're hoping I'll change my mind."

"I think you will eventually." Smiling he winked at her. "A guy can hope anyway."

Without taking his eyes off Sara, Grissom acknowledged the arrival of Catherine, Brass and the Tahoe crew. "Took you long enough."

Brass was quick to answer. "It's been two minutes tops.
Glancing through the window he noted the target. "Okay, I'll go with the Detective and backups to get Mike, the two of you stay…"

"No." Grissom turned to face the group. "I'll go in and take Sara out of the bar before you get to Mike." The last thing he wanted was for her to find out in a big scene. "Don't make a move until you see I have Sara out of there, understand?"

Brass could tell Detective Bryant didn't like the idea of an unarmed CSI leading off. "Probably better for business, Detective Bryant, don't you think? Less of a scene without the girl there for the take down."

Bryant nodded. "Okay. We'll do it your way, Mr. Grissom."

Casually checking his watch, Mike asked. "Are you hungry? Maybe we should leave here and grab a bite to eat at that seafood place we saw the other day."

The mention of food thrilled her and she replied with dramatic flair. "Good idea. I'm starving."

Grinning, Mike once again took Sara's hand. "I'm hungry too." Pleased that she didn't rebuff his touch this time, he murmured, "You should probably grab a sweater from your room in case you get chilly again." Rising from his seat he gently pulled Sara to her feet. "I'll walk with you."

While staring into Mike's suddenly enticing brown eyes, Sara was surprised to hear her name yelled from across the restaurant. "Did someone just…" It was a familiar voice but not one she expected to hear in Tahoe.

"Sara!" Grissom dashed past the bar and onto the patio. "Sara, I need to talk to you." When he reached for her Mike batted his hand away.

Aggravated, Mike raised his voice. "What the hell are you doing here? Sara is on vacation.She's here to relax. You have no right to bother her especially whenshe's suspended. I can't believe you! Whatever you have to say can wait until she returns to work." Clasping Sara's hand, he attempted to walk away. "Now if you'll excuse us."

Shaking Mike's hand loose, Sara turned back to Grissom and cheerily asked, "What are you doing here?" Without waiting for his answer she leapt to a joyful conclusion. "You…you came looking for me."

She couldn't believe he was here. How did he find her? She didn't tell anyone where she was staying. It didn't seem possible but the details hardly mattered. "You're here…for me." Happiness flowed through her as she realized absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

"Yes, I am, Sara." Grabbing her hand, Grissom pulled her away while snapping at Mike. "This won't take long. I have to brief her on an urgent case. It's confidential so we'll be stepping out for a moment. Wait here." Practically dragging her, he whisked her off the patio.

Agitated, Mike checked his watch and gripped the railing of the patio balcony. "Damn him!"

A moment later, Brass was leaning against the rail smirking. "Wait for the next part…then you'll really have a reason to curse."

Turning around Mike saw Catherine Willows, Captain Brass and two local uniformed police officers. "What the hell is going on?"

Stepping forward Brass calmly delivered the news. "We have a warrant to bring you in for questioning."

"A warrant?" Mike seethed with anger. "On what grounds?"

"Suspicion of murder." Brass extended his court order. "Does the name Samantha Hatcher ring a bell?" Enjoying the shock in Mike's eyes Brass signaled for the uniforms to take him out of the restaurant. "No need to put on a floor show for the customers. We're going to step in a private room down the hall and give you a presentation on blood spatter. Oh and Ms. Willows will need a sample of your DNA."

"What the hell? Have you all lost your mind?" Not wanting to make a scene, Mike followed them out of the bar while quietly protesting to Brass. "You have no idea what you're talking about. Samantha died in a horrible accident."

When they reached a secluded spot in the resort garden, Grissom finally stopped tugging Sara. "Sorry for the scene but I …"

Sara's spirits soared. "I completely understand! You had a change of heart and couldn't wait to tell me so you rushed to Tahoe and tracked me down." Like a giddy school girl she took his hands in hers. "I'm so glad you're here." The intimate garden setting made the sweet scene even more surreal than it already felt and she begged him, "Say something! Tell me how you feel."

Never anticipating her to make this particular assumption about his sudden appearance, Grissom froze.

Pouring out her heart, Sara gushed. "I tried so hard not to think about you but I missed you every day. I tried to move on. I really tried to move on but I don't want to move on. I couldn't, so many things reminded me of you...of us. I saw the most beautiful butterfly and…I can't believe you're here…that you feel the same way."

Overwhelmed with delight, Sara threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you for coming for me." It felt like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.

Peeling her arms off him, he delicately said, "Sara…I think you better listen to what I have to say." Before he could get another word in she was verbally off and running again.

"I know. I know!" Remembering what she learned during the Dr. Lurie interrogation she addressed his concerns. "You were worried things wouldn't work out between us because you thought I would get disenchanted and leave you. You think I have some schoolgirl fantasy in my head that I want you to fulfill and if you don't live up to it I'll leave skid marks as I run out the door. That would never happen. Never."

Caught off guard by her affirmations and her loving stare, he averted his eyes.

Reaching out she caressed his cheek. "I don't want a fantasy; I need someone to share my reality. That someone is you. It's always been you, Grissom."

Her touch startling him as much as her words, a current of fearsurged through him.

"No relationship is perfect but we can make it work. I know we can because I love..."

"Sara!" Frantic, he gripped her by the shoulders. "You need to stop talking! Right now!" Once more he attempted to get her to listen to him. "Sara, I need ..."

Blissfully she whispered, "I need you too." The world was spinning out of control along with her mounting passion so without wasting another second on conversation she planted her lips on his, unleashing years of pent up desire.

Astonished by her very unexpected and decidedly hungry kiss, Grissom took Sara's head in his hands and coaxed her to stop. "Sara, please…I can't handle this right now."

"I know…it's intense, isn't it?" Watching him catch his breath, a euphoric grin blanketed her face. "I've never felt more alive!" Running her hands over his body she taunted him. "Let's go back to my room. There's a fireplace. Let's go right now…I can't wait another minute for you to make…"

"Stop!" Unable to cope with his conflicting feelings or her impulsive behavior for another minute he snapped. "What has gotten into you? How can you say these things to me when five minutes ago you were in there holding hands with Mike? Where were you going with him, Sara? Back to your room? Do you remember you're here on vacation with another man?" Noticing her wild eyes, he asked, "How drunk are you?"

Amused by his assumption, she giggled, "I only had one margarita. I'm not drunk! I was fine until you got here and now…all of a sudden…well I do feel pretty tipsy." Giggling, she yelled, "I must be drunk on you!"

Mentally and physically exhausted from the days of searching for her and now completely overwhelmed by her reaction to his arrival, he implored her. "Sara…I mean it. I'm serious. You have to stop."

From the main building, Catherine rushed into the garden shouting. "Gil!"

Sara tossed her arms in the air. "Not good timing, Catherine!" Confused by her co-workers spontaneous appearance, Sara desperately tried to make sense of it all. "Catherine? Why are you here?" Suddenly she couldn't focus on why any of them were here. "How did we all…" The surroundings blurred and she wondered where they were. Was she sleeping and this nothing more than a twisted dream?

Rushing over Catherine anxiously relayed her urgent information to Grissom. "When they patted down Mike they found half a vial of a clear, odorless substance in his jacket pocket."

Losing her footing, Sara stumbled forward.

While catching Sara, the picture snapped into focus for Grissom and panic flooded his voice. "We need an ambulance." A vial…Sara's uncharacteristic behavior…the missing GHB…Mike had been in the lab that night. "Now!"

Phone to her ear, Catherine made the urgent request.

Sara couldn't understand Grissom's choice. "An ambulance?" Not very romantic, she mused. Still, no matter how odd the suggestion she realized she didn't mind. Holding her head she teetered. "As long as I can lie down I don't care where we go."

Catherine announced, "Ambulance is on the way."

Grissom whisked Sara into his arms. "Catherine, see if Sara's glass is still on the table. If it's not on the table, find it and take it into evidence!" "I'm taking her to the lobby to wait."

"I'm on it!" Catherine shouted as she ran back into the building.

In Grissom's arms Sara felt her body completely relax. "This is so nice. Mmm...where are we going?" Closing her eyes she decided she didn't care.

Once in the lobby, Grissom placed Sara in a brown leather arm chair and kneeling down in front of her, lightly tapped her cheeks. "Stay with me, Sara."

Grissom knew all too well that GHB was a tricky substance.

A low dose removes inhibitions, produces euphoria and stimulates sexual appetite until the person eventually gets drowsy and falls asleep. The effects are present about ten to fifteen minutes after the drug hits the system and the victim stays conscious for one to four hours. After five or six hours of deep sleep the person wakes up with a slight hangover and a foggy memory.

In contrast, a higher dose of GHB, rapidly leads to unresponsive sleep, shallow breathing, and decreased blood pressure. The next morning the person would have total amnesia about the night's events.

When criminals secretly administer the drug to unsuspecting victims the real danger is the potential for the drug to mix with other agents…alcohol, over the counter medications, prescriptions. The wrong combination and the wrong amounts could lead to coma or even death.

Since Sara's symptoms coincided with his arrival he figured she had been drugged only ten to fifteen minutes prior so her rapid cycling from euphoria to arousal to drowsiness troubled him.

"Sara, you said you had one margarita, are you sure that's all you had? How strong was it?" Placing his two fingers on her wrist he took her pulse.

Her head felt heavy and she struggled to focus on the question. "It was a little salty."

Upset to find her pulse was only 52, he shook her lightly. "Stay awake, Sara." A crowd was gathering around them so he barked. "I need everyone to back away and give us some space! Can someone working here please control the guests!" The curious patrons quickly dispersed to the far corner of the room.

"I…I'm really tired." She took a shallow breath. "I don't think I can pull another shift today. I need to get some rest. I can't drive…I'll sleep here in the break room."

Yanking her out of the chair he held her to keep her on her feet. "Sara! Did you take any medications today? Prescription, OTC? Anything?"

Dropping her head on his shoulder she mumbled. " I…I took some allergy stuff. I shouldn't have…didn't mean to let you down."

A moment later he felt her go completely limp in his arms. "Sara!" Shaking her, he frantically tried to get a response. While readying to take her pulse again, the wail of a siren brought him much needed comfort. Once again he lifted Sara in his arms, this time rushing outside to meet the paramedics.

The stretcher was barely off the truck when Grissom placed Sara on it and gave the EMTs all the information he had. "Her pulse was 52 when I checked a minute ago. She was given an unknown quantity of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate in a margarita of unknown strength probably about twenty minutes ago, she also took allergy medication but I don't know how much, when or what kind. I'll have someone check her room to see what she took."

With horror in his eyes he watched them load Sara inside before climbing in with them.

Calmly one of the paramedics slipped a blood pressure cuff around Sara's upper arm while the other jumped out and shut the door. "Lucky for her there was a doctor in the house. Nice of you to ride with us in case we need you." Moving to check his patient's pulse, he said, "My name's Doug by the way."

Trying to snap out of the shock assaulting him, Grissom retreated into formality. "I'm Gil Grissom. I'm not a medical doctor; I'm with the Las Vegas crime lab. I came out here as part of a team to serve a warrant on the guy who drugged her." His words caught on the lump in his throat. It was all so surreal. Reaching out he took Sara's limp hand in his. "How is she doing?"

"Pulse is 50, pressure's a little low but not worrying me because body temp is normal and she's breathing fine. Protocol is observation for respiratory problems and seizures. She's my third GHB victim since I took the job and the best off by far." While noting vitals, the paramedic routinely asked, "do you have someone meeting us there with a rape kit?"

The word and the question rocked him to the core. Everything had unfolded so fast that he didn't have time to realize what he had prevented. "I…uh…got to her before…" Sweat beaded on his forehead as his stomach churned.

Doug looked quizzically at Grissom. "Are you usually in the lab instead of out in the field because you look like you're going to lose it? You CSIs have a reputation for stomaching anything and this case isn't…"

"This isn't just another case." Tightening his grip on Sara's hand, his voice cracked. "She's with me…with my lab."

Pulling out his cell phone, Grissom punched in Catherine's code and anxiously waited for her to answer. His voice cracking he said, "Catherine, I…I need you to go to Sara's room and see if you can find a box of allergy medication. Check the trash for the bubble pack and see how many pills she took."

Closing his eyes he tried to focus on her questions. "She's stable." Tightening his grip on Sara's hand he choked out the next answer. "How am I? I...Catherine, how did I...why didn't I figure out he took the GHB? I was right there. Hell…I didn't even know it was missing until Ecklie told me. If I had inventoried before I took it back for her…"

Doug cautioned. "Pressure's dipping."

Terror in his voice, Grissom announced, "I have to go."