EPILOGUE - Part 2 of 5

Four hours later…

When he heard Sara's car pull into the driveway, Grissom stopped shelving books in the library and headed down the hall to greet her.

In the entryway, she cheerily announced, "I'm home," before tossing her purse and keys on their new Pottery Barn honey oak console table.

When he rounded the corner, he was happy to see a sunny smile on Sara's face. "I take it your session went well." He stated as he slipped his arms around her waist.

"It was great," she eagerly replied while curling her arms around his neck. "Dr. Meyers heard about Mike's conviction on the radio before I even got there. We talked about that and the rest was all progress review."

"Excellent." He was thrilled with her progress considering how far she had come.

It was only seven weeks into their relationship when Grissom first realized Sara needed more help than he or an underpaid, overworked PEAP counselor could give her…

In his new capacity as Assistant Director, Jim Brass liked to go into the field to observe the CSIs in action. On this particular day in November, he had stopped by the scene of a heartbreaking case involving an ex-husband who brutalized and murdered his ex-wife in front of their two small children. Shortly after arriving, he found Sara in the alley behind the home. With several of the day CSIs out with the flu, Sara was there filling in. When he noticed she was shaking uncontrollably, he whisked her into his car and drove her to Grissom's.

When Grissom opened the door he was shocked to see Sara pale and trembling. "Honey, what's wrong?" Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her. "What is it, Sara?"

"She wouldn't tell me anything except to take her home." Looking over at Sara, Brass explained, "Which I wouldn't do because I didn't think she should be alone. Instead I brought her here."

Sara finally spoke. "I'm fine. I…I just need to throw some water on my face." Slipping out of Grissom's arms she hurried inside.

"What the hell happened out there?" Grissom probed. "What was she working on?"

"Ex-husband messed up his wife real good, then slit her throat while their four year old and six year old kids watched. I asked around…Sara was fine until a caseworker showed up for the kids."

Baffled by the sudden change in Sara's demeanor, Grissom looked to his friend for answers. "What do you think is wrong?"

Brass took a step closer. "Before Tahoe there was something going on with her and it had nothing to do with you. Like the night she was working the Ellers case, it was obvious. And her drinking..."

"That was one time, Jim."

"No…it wasn't just once." He could tell Grissom was worried. "Look, I think the excitement of the new relationship with you probably suppressed it for a while but this case today…something about it brought it back to the surface. Stuff that deep never really goes away if it's not dealt with right?"

Perplexed by the sudden drama when everything was going so well, Grissom asked, "Why do you think she wanted to go home instead of come here?"

Brass shrugged. "Maybe she thinks you can't handle whatever it is she's hiding. Maybe she thinks it will hurt the relationship." His tone turned serious. "Maybe she still remembers how you left her in Tahoe when the going got rough. I know I do."

Grissom winced at the mention of the bad memory.

"But no matter what it is she's got bottled up, you're going to handle it, right?" Brass nodded. "I know you are. Better go check on her."

"Thanks for bringing her here." Grissom said before closing the door.

"Sara?" He called out as he walked down the hall toward the bathroom. "Honey, are you sure you're okay?" When she didn't answer, he knocked lightly. "Can I come in?" Getting no response, he tried the doorknob which he was relieved to find unlocked. "Sara…"

Peering inside, he saw her sitting in the corner of the bathroom, tears pouring down her cheeks. "Honey, what is it?" He rushed to her side. "Whatever it is you can tell me."

Trying to catch her breath she replied, "I…I think I need help."

In the privacy of his home, as Sara cried in his arms, Grissom listened to her unearth the painful secrets trapped inside of her...the death of her father, the loss of her mother, the years spent moving from one foster family to another, never having a home of her own. As she spoke, her pain tore at his soul.

That day he knew…he loved her more than he ever imagined possible and those things he used to fear losing were meaningless in comparison to the value of having someone to hold…someone with whom you could bare your heart and soul.

"I love you, Sara," He whispered for the first time. "Whatever it takes we'll get you through this. You're going to be okay."

Later that afternoon, when Sara finally slept he slipped out of her arms. But instead of running out the door when the going got tough, he dug in and worked to find Sara the help she needed. Dr. Sylvia Myers was the top in the field and after making an impassioned plea, Grissom was able to get Sara an appointment with her the next day.

In the comfort of Grissom's reassuring arms, Sara closed her eyes and gently rested her head on his shoulder. "I couldn't have made it this far without you." As she learned early in their relationship, he wasn't the solution to her problems; he was her soft place to fall while she worked through them.

In her ear he lovingly whispered, "So…how many bags do you have in the car?"

Breaking into a sweet laugh, she opened her eyes and took a step back. "No bags, just a floor lamp for my office."

As part of her therapy the doctor insisted she find a hobby that had absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement. One night while flipping through TV channels she happened upon a show called Trading Spaces. Building on her existing addiction to Pottery Barn, she decided home improvement would be a good hobby choice.

"Only a lamp?" Grissom was shocked.

A couple of months into her new therapeutic hobby, Grissom realized Sara had reworked every inch of her apartment as well as Roxie's kitchen.

Deciding Sara desperately needed more space and he desperately needed more time with her, he started house hunting on the sly. When he finally found the perfect place, he couldn't wait to surprise her…

As Grissom drove through the unfamiliar neighborhood, Sara remarked, "Where are we going to breakfast? Is it a new place?"

"Before breakfast, I need your opinion on something I want to buy."

"What is it?"

Building the mystery, he replied. "I can't tell you. I have to show it to you."

"Uh oh…how many legs does it have? Is it that tarantula you were talking about last night?"

Laughing at her natural assumption, he replied, "It doesn't have any legs."

"Why are we stopping here?" Sara curiously asked as Grissom pulled the car to the curb.

"Because this is what I want to buy." Pointing to the sprawling thirty year old ranch home he casually said, "It's a wonderfully constructed house on a fantastic piece of land but the décor is very 'seventies mob wife'. I don't want to make the investment without knowing I'll have the decorating support I need to make it livable."

Expecting the purchase to be bugs not real estate, Sara was completely caught off guard.

Handing her a folder, he said, "Here are photos of the inside. Think you could help solve my problem?"

Flipping through the pictures, she saw past the gaudy interior design and immediately fell in love with the architecture. "It has an enormous amount of potential."

Watching her study the floor plan he softly replied, "That's what I was thinking."

Noting the high square footage, Sara commented, "Five thousand square feet? This is a lot of space."

"Yeah…too big for one person." Taking her hand he sweetly asked, "Do you think you could help solve that problem too?"

"You mean…"

"I want this to be our house, Sara. Our home." Squeezing her hand tighter, he said, "I love you. I want you in my life forever. What do you think?"

Tears welling up in her eyes, she replied, "Love and stability…the two things I always wanted and thought I would never get. Now I have both." Tears of happiness flowed down her cheeks. "Thank you." Throwing her arms around him she gave him the answer he couldn't wait to hear. "Yes!"

"Do you want me to help you with the lamp now?" He asked.

"No, we'll get it later. Because I have some exciting news to share." Beaming she announced, "I got a call on my cell when I was driving home. Professor Samuels is ready to schedule my final dissertation review. He said my last submission was excellent."

"First the Rodgers conviction and now this. The day keeps getting better." Taking her hands in his, he said, "Soon we'll have two doctors in the house. When will Samuels see you?"

"Well…he said..." In her professor's nasally voice, she quoted, "my schedule is booked for the next two months but if you could do me a favor and get Gil Grissom to come out with you and give a lecture... gratis of course… then I could probably re-prioritize and work you in then."

Confident she knew he would do anything for her and could have guaranteed his participation on the spot, Grissom inquired. "What did you tell him?"

Slowly moving her hands up Grissom's chest she spoke in a sexy whisper. "I assured him it wouldn't be a problem." Running a finger over Grissom's lips she explained, "I said all I have to do put on the right lingerie and give Gil Grissom a little quality time in the bedroom and he'll do whatever I want."

Visualizing the scenario he pulled her closer. "That's the true answer; now tell me your actual answer."

Lightening her tone she replied. "I said I would try my best but I would probably have much better luck if I could offer box seats to the San Francisco Opera when I ask. To which he replied, consider it done."

Already thrilled with her original answer, Grissom was ecstatic over the bonus. "Two of the many reasons I love you, Sara…always thinking on your feet and always thinking of me." Tightly wrapping his arms around her, he showed his deep appreciation with a kiss.

When they parted she grinned. "So…I take it you'll do the lecture if I ask?"

"Well…" Eyeing her seductively he teased, "I am a busy man with a very full schedule so when you officially ask you might want to hedge your bet by offering the opera tickets while wearing lingerie and giving me a little quality time."

More than up for a little game, she taunted him. "Well I'll do anything to increase my odds of pinning you down…on a date for the lecture."

Her uninhibited declaration tantalized him. "And the day gets better still."

Moving behind him she seductively whispered, "Lamps and end tables aren't the only thing I've purchased this week. You probably would have written my dissertation for me if I asked when I was wearing what I'm about to put on. Do the words, La Perla Black Label mean anything to you?"

"They mean my day is going to get better still."

Standing in front of the Bellagio fountain, Nick asked Carrie, "So what do you want to do first? Want to see the sights? Drop some cash trying to beat the house? You name it. I'll take you there."

While waiting for her reply he soaked in her appearance, which was dramatically different than earlier. Instead of a stuffy suit, she was wearing a pair of perfectly fitted distressed jeans, a lacy red tank and kicky snakeskin mules. Her wavy brown hair was whimsically piled on top of her head with a rhinestone comb, framing her gorgeous face and accenting her deep brown eyes. "You look completely different than you did at the courthouse."

"You mean out of my monkey suit?" Smiling, she said, "It's a courtroom habit. But the trial trauma is over and I'm ready to have some fun. I want the full tourist experience."

"Which one? We don't have to stay in Vegas." Grinning, he said, "How about we tour Venice and then go to Paris for dinner?"

"When I was in college I always wanted to go to Europe and have an adventure but was always too busy studying or working." She chuckled. "Story of my life actually…good intentions and then a case comes up and before I know it a year has passed."

"Well, it's never too late to start having some fun, Carrie. I have friends who just started this year and it's working out real well for them." Taking her by the arm, he led her down the sidewalk. "Now when we get to Italy you'll want to stay close to me because you know the guys in Italy have a reputation for being a little too frisky."

"So you'll protect me." Her smile grew.

Turning on his good boy drawl, he teased, "Ma'am I'm from Texas you can count on it."

"Good to know."

Sitting in her home office typing an email reply to Professor Samuels confirming Grissom's willingness to lecture at Berkeley, Sara heard Grissom's cell phone ring in his office.

Cinching her pink Victoria's Secret cashmere robe tighter, she padded across the hall into his office and grabbed the phone off his desk.

When she saw it was Catherine calling, she flipped open the phone. "Hey Catherine."

"I hope I didn't catch you at a really good time. I also hope you wouldn't answer the phone if you were having a really good time."

Sara chuckled. "He's sleeping."

"Then you've already had a good time! Let me guess you're fresh out of a bubble bath, kicking back in luxurious cashmere robe."

Pulling the phone from her ear she took a moment to stare at it before returning it. "It's creepy how you know this stuff."

"It's not rocket science, Sara. As much as the two of you would like to believe you're eccentric you're quite normal…except for the bugs. Plus, I was there when he bought the robe. Five hundred bucks in case you were wondering why it's so damn comfy."

Sara chuckled while heading back to her office with the phone. "It is comfy."

"Listen to you gushing! How do two people go from never having a serious relationship to having the perfect one together? Do you ever disagree? You have to, Warrick and I do all the time."

Returning to her desk chair she replied, "Yes, but we're very good at compromising." She heard Catherine roll her eyes through the phone.

"Oh come on, make me feel better. Don't you ever come home from work on a day you're PMSing, find his boxers on the floor or the toilet seat up and snap?"

"That's trivial stuff." She shrugged. "We don't argue about it. We make it a point not to argue at all."

"You're telling me you've never had an argument? I'm not sure that's healthy."

Sara fell silent.

"Sara?"

"I'm still here."

"Sorry…did I hit a nerve?"

Sitting back in her chair Sara sobered slightly. "Once…about a month ago. It was…"

"Scary, huh? One minute you're humming along and then something happens to set one or both of you off. You say things, he says things and for a while you think this is it…it was perfect but now it's over and life will never be the same. It's normal, Sara. I know you're a perfectionist but no relationship is perfect."

"I hated every minute of it." Sighing she closed her eyes. "Felt like my world was falling apart."

"But you're okay now, right?"

Her smile returned. "Don't worry. Everything is fine now. Better than ever actually."

"Great. That's a relief. Hey, I need to know what to do with the Diamante case tonight so have Grissom call me on my cell when he gets his strength back."

Laughing she replied, "It will probably be a few hours."

"I figured as much. Bye."

"Bye."

Tossing the cell phone on her desk, she decided that her email could wait.

After leaving her office, she went straight to the bedroom where she was happy to find Grissom still asleep. Slipping into bed she snuggled next to him, laying her head on the same down pillow. Closing her eyes she savored the simplicity of the tranquil moment before joining him in peaceful slumber.

Tranquility is always something to cherish. Because as Grissom and Sara found out last month, you never know when it will be disrupted by someone looking to exercise a little dominion…

Grissom and Sara were investigating a 419 at The Enchanted Garden, a VIP hangout for the rich and twisted. The vic, a twenty-one year old girl, was found strangled on the premises, in the room designated as The Pleasure Pit.

While Nick continued processing the room where the girl was found, Grissom and Sara went to the lounge where the confined guests, about thirty of them, were mingling about the large hedonistically decorated room while being detained.

Grissom put down his kit and announced, "I'm Gil Grissom and this is Sara Sidle, we're with the crime lab. We have a few questions to ask each of you and would also like to obtain a DNA sample to help clear you, it is a simple procedure. We'll take a swab from the inside of your cheek. So if you would take turns and move this along we'll get you out of here as soon as possible. Thank you."

Turning to Sara he instructed. "You pull the supplies while I organize the masses. I'll swab, you write. We'll be done in no time."

"Sounds good." Bending down she opened her kit to prepare.

When Grissom turned back to face the crowd, much to his dismay, he came face to face with a very uncomfortable memory. And with Sara two feet away, it couldn't have happened at a worse time.

"Mr. Grissom." Lady Heather smiled. "You've changed since we last saw each other. The beard is new and there is something else…" She studied him intensely. "Something has changed in your personal life."

Looking up over her shoulder, Sara saw a provocative woman dripping in leather. From her choker necklace, to her barely there push-up corset and obscenely short skirt, right down to her stiletto knee-high boots the woman oozed sadomasochism. Having heard her call Grissom by name in an intimate tone, she couldn't fathom how they knew each other and she didn't want to try.

"Lady Heather," Grissom stoically replied, while nervously glancing in Sara's direction. "Who is running your dominion if you're here?" Flustered he tried to think of a good way to manage the potentially awkward situation without it appearing to Sara that he was handling something.

Sara relaxed. It was Lady Heather who ran the domination operation. They had processed two cases there over the years, surprisingly not more since it was rampant with perverts and freaks paying for repugnant fantasies. Her curious mind satisfied, Sara continued prepping.

Pleased to have the enigmatic man once again at her disposal, Lady Heather wistfully replied. "Mr. Grissom, I have a busy career but even I need a chance to get out and play games once in while." Her voice turned sultry. "Surely you understand since you're a busy man, guilty of the same indulgence."

Grissom politely said, "Yes, I am very busy here so if you wouldn't mind rejoining the group, we'll get to you as soon as possible." The situation was quickly morphing from awkward to awful and he felt powerless.

"Are you attempting to control me? I'm not sure I like it and yet I find it intriguing considering our history." Raking her eyes over him, she purred. "I always did enjoy your company. Maybe enough time has passed for me to forgive your transgression. That is if you would be willing to show the appropriate level of remorse." Inching closer she was determined to entice him. "Perhaps we could discuss it over tea…our favorite ritual."

Sara's heart leapt into her throat as she processed the woman's words. Certain she must be misinterpreting the situation; she stood up clutching a swab ready to get on with the task at hand. However, one look at the unease dominating Grissom's face, she knew her interpretation, no matter how dark and disturbing, was dead on.

Never did Grissom consider Sara and Lady Heather's paths crossing and now that they were he froze.

Lady Heather, always an expert at reading people, figured out the situation in seconds. "Ah…I think I know what has changed in your life, Mr. Grissom." Pausing she read Sara's name off her jacket. "Ms. Sidle? She is the change, is she not?"

Grissom attempted one more dismissal. "Lady Heather...I think it would be best if you waited with the others."

It was then that Lady Heather realized Grissom was trying to protect Ms. Sidle from the truth. Protection...something he never considered offering in the interrogation room years ago when she needed it from him. Studying the woman at Grissom's side, Lady Heather masked her jealousy with intense control. "You didn't answer me. Is Ms. Sidle your cup of tea now?"

Sara forced a business tone while her mind frantically churned along with her stomach. "We have a job to do here so if you wouldn't mind...."

"That's right." Lady Heather smiled. "You need a DNA swab." Folding her arms across her chest she postured. "I want Mr. Grissom to do it."

"No." Sara insisted. "It's my job."

"Ms. Sidle, you work for Mr. Grissom do you not?" She knew the answer was yes from the looks they exchanged. "I think we should ask him since he has authority over you." With a wicked stare she informed Sara, "And because you pushed back, Ms. Sidle, now I will demand more." Refocusing on the dumbfounded man in front of her she stated her terms. "Mr. Grissom, I will only provide my sample if you take it…while Ms. Sidle watches."

Standing side by side, Grissom and Sara didn't move a muscle.

Lady Heather's face brimmed with pleasure. "What's it going to be Mr. Grissom? You need my sample to be thorough at your job. So what's your choice? Do you submit to the will of your subordinate and fail at your job or do you submit to my will and get what you are required to obtain? Each choice has a price."

When Grissom didn't immediately answer, Sara chose for him. Looming over the offensive woman, she declared, "We're too busy for games. He'll take it. I'll watch. You'll be on your way."

"And now he no longer has the power." Lady Heather grinned with approval. "Ms. Sidle, I'm impressed with you."

"Thanks. Too bad I can't say the same about you." Sara snipped as she slapped the swab in Grissom's hand. "Take it." Crossing her arms over her chest she stepped back determined to fulfill her end of the bargain without emoting. "I'm watching."

Without looking at Sara, Grissom opened the swab container.

"This feels vaguely familiar." Lady Heather mused before opening her mouth wide.

Sara winced and her gaze hit the floor along with the pit of her stomach.

Glancing forward out of the corner of his eye, Grissom obtained the swab as quickly as possible and sealed the tube.

Her voice dripping with concern she inquired, "I forgot to ask…how is your hearing Mr. Grissom? It must have improved because you didn't read Ms. Sidle's lips and yet you knew what she said."

Aghast at the woman's intimate knowledge, Sara announced, "I'm checking on Nick." Then bolted from the room.

Lady Heather, pleased with herself, leaned in and whispered, "Time has passed but you've learned nothing, Mr. Grissom."

"Oh, I've learned plenty." He snapped. "In these past five minutes…I learned even more."

When Sara got to the room, she walked over to Nick. "You need to go out to the lounge and work with Grissom. I'll take over here."

In the middle of collecting fibers, Nick groaned, "Oh come on, I'm half way done and…"

"Just do it, Nick!" She shouted.

"Dang." He stood up and noted an unfamiliar look on her face. "What's got you so ticked off? If I barked at you like that…"

"I'm…I didn't mean to yell." Her head swirling with doubts and fears her voice trembled. "You know on second thought. I…I need to go. Something…something's not agreeing with me and I…"

"Told you not to eat the bean dip in the break room." Nick bent down and started collecting fibers again.

"Yeah..." Clutching her head, she hurried through the building while trying to ignore the repulsive décor and abhorrent paraphernalia which until moments ago seemed to have no connection to her life.

Five minutes later, after ensuring an officer had escorted Lady Heather to her car, Grissom came searching for Sara. "Where's Sara? She said she was checking in with you."

"She did." Nick kept collecting fibers without turning around. "Bit my head off telling me to switch places with her and then she said she felt sick and had to go. It may have been that bean dip she ate earlier because she looked a little green. Then again she always gets a little wigged out in these deviant places. Makes her more squeamish that decomp. Not that I blame her. I hate this freaky shit too." Finally he looked up. "Didn't she stop and tell you she was leaving?"

"No." Grissom grabbed his cell phone. "I can't leave you at this scene alone, there's too much to do. I'm calling Catherine and Warrick to fill in so I can check on Sara."

An hour later, Grissom rushed through his front door. Having seen Sara's car in the driveway he knew she was home. "Sara?" From room to room he looked for her until he finally saw her standing in the darkened bedroom, peering out the window. "There you are." He rushed over and saw the fear in her eyes. "Sara…I know what you must be thinking…"

"Do you?" She swallowed hard. "Good. Because I don't know what to make of the thoughts in my head so maybe you can help me." She was too confused to focus on one emotion so fear, anger and despair took turns shooting through her.

"There is nothing for you to be concerned about."

"Really?" She locked her eyes on his. "Then why do I have so many questions? Questions like… When? Where? Why? How often?"

"Sara…" He reached out to her but she recoiled. "Please…you have nothing to worry about."

After gulping a fresh batch of air she snapped, "If I don't then why aren't you answering any of my questions. Why did you look the way you did when she was talking to you? Why was she hell bent on humiliating me?" Her voice cracked. "I'm scared."

His heart pounded in his chest. "You want the truth."

"Do I?" She wasn't sure she could handle it. "How bad will it be?"

The repulsion in her eyes killed him and he had to turn away to provide the answer. "It was after the second case. At her place. Years ago. One time."

Her voice faltered. "I never thought for a moment it was a recent thing."

"Of course not, Sara." Facing her he made an impassioned plea. "I would never…ever…do anything to hurt you. You have to know that."

In an empty voice she said, "My reaction has nothing to do with jealousy. I remember her place." Sara's stomach twisted into a tighter knot. "It's vile." Trembling she let her true concern show. "Is that what you really enjoy? Is our life in this house…in this room…in our bed… nothing but a lie? My god, I must be such a bore if she's your…what did she say? If she's your cup of tea. The idea of you doing any of the things I saw happening in her place when we processed those cases…I can't…"

"It wasn't like that, Sara!"

"I don't want to know what it was like!" She felt her sour stomach rising. "I thought I knew you! Obviously not because look what you've been hiding from me."

Grabbing her hands, he fought to make her understand. "You are the only person who knows me, Sara. The only one who ever has even known me and the only one who ever will."

"I don't know if I believe you. I saw the way she was looking at you…she appeared to know you quite well. She knew about your hearing." Hurt flashed in her eyes. "You told her years ago but you didn't tell me until four months ago! What else does she know about you that I don't?!"

"I didn't tell her! She guessed! And you know why I didn't tell you." Frustration mounting he couldn't figure out how to allay her darkest fears. "How can I make this better, Sara?"

Desperate, she nervously asked, "You didn't answer why. Maybe it will help me understand…not that I'm sure I can."

After taking a deep breath he explained. "I was hurting. I was still reeling from finding out about Hank…"

"Hank?" Sara yanked her hands out of his. "I went to the movies with Hank so you went to her to play out some sick fantasy? What role were you playing? You were angry at me over Hank so were you the aggressor…was she supposed to be me?! This is so…"

"No!" Gripping her shoulders, he pleaded, "Please let me finish."

She swallowed the lump in her throat to reply. "Fine. I'm listening."

"Like I said before, it wasn't what you think." He steadied himself. "She was looking for the deviation, not me. She wanted something mundane instead of the extreme she dealt with daily. A little civility to counteract the debauchery."

Softening his tone, he said, "The truth is…I was vulnerable. You were with Hank… I was losing my hearing. I was lost. Out of balance. It felt good to be desired when the last thing I felt was desirable. In that moment…under those circumstances I made a choice." Searching her eyes for understanding he asked, "Have you ever felt that way, Sara? Before we were together, when things weren't making sense for us? Can you understand?"

She knew the feeling he described. She knew it well. It was the same feeling that led her to reckless choices in college. It was the same feeling that almost let her fall into bed with Hank on several occasions. It was the same feeling she had while hiking in Tahoe with Mike right before he showed his true colors. Grissom's honesty was undeniable. "Yes. I understand the feeling. I understand why you…"

The unexpected loop of the roller coaster had turned them upside down before they even knew what happened and now it was time to catch their breath, realize the ride wasn't over and regain their momentum.

Moments later, Sara did what she knew how to do better than anyone…she showed a little empathy. Slipping her arms around Grissom she pulled him close. "Neither of us ever needs to feel that way again."

"That's right." Returning the embrace, he closed his eyes, grateful for her trust. "I love you, Sara."

"I love you, too."

In the darkness, they clung to each other for balance.

Sara whispered, "I guess that was our first fight. We knew it had to happen eventually. Now it's out of the way."

"I hated every minute of it."

"Me too."

He sighed with relief. "But we worked through it."

"We did."

"But let's not have another one any time soon."

"I'd prefer never."

"That's fine by me."

In the stands of the softball field, Catherine and Warrick were sweating out the eighth inning.

"I can't believe she's pitching a no-hitter on her first try." Catherine brimmed with excitement while shielding her eyes.

"Baby, it's bad luck saying it out loud before the end." He took her hand. "But what did you expect after all that practice."

"No kidding! You guys have been in the yard practicing every day for two weeks."

Breaking into a huge grin she eased back against Warrick's shoulders. Always a fan of irony, Catherine loved the relationship between Warrick and Lindsay. Warrick Brown, a boy who never knew his father and was raised by his grandma…a teen who was once told by an ignorant school counselor that he would end up a statistic, another young black male probably fathering a child out of wedlock and walking out the door…instead of being a statistic, he ended up being the best father-figure Lindsay ever knew.

"Yes!" Catherine jumped as Lindsay whipped the last strike over the plate.

Warrick eased into a smile. "Okay one more inning. You gonna make it?"

"Did you bring any booze?" She joked.

"We're on the clock in four hours."

"Then just hold me tighter."

"Never a problem." He pulled her closer while ignoring the stares of several uptight parents around them.

"I've been thinking." Catherine announced.

"Uh oh."

She grinned. "Listening to Sara talk about the house has made me want to make a few changes around mine. Bring in something to brighten the place up."

"Like what?"

While talking they continued to stare ahead at the field since Lindsay was at bat.

"Like you. Think you could handle me every day?"

"365 out of 365." He smoothly replied while squeezing her tighter.

"Good." Her grin widened. "Now I only have to sweat out the next inning, not my future."

Grissom was sitting in his home office typing up notes for his upcoming Berkeley lecture when he heard his cell phone ringing in Sara's office.

Cinching his robe tighter he crossed the hall. Upon entering Sara's office he grabbed his phone off her desk. "Grissom." He saw it was Brass calling.

"Sorry to disturb you on your day off."

"It's fine." He crossed the hall to return to his office. "I was typing up notes."

"Where's Sara?"

"Sleeping." Smiling he took a seat in his chair.

"Good. Now I'll have your undivided attention."

"What's up?"

"I have a problem and I want you to help me with it."

Leaning back in his chair Grissom eagerly replied, "What can I do to help?"

"It may be upsetting for you to hear this but…I'm your boss now so you'll listen. I'm also your friend so you can trust me that my intentions are good for all parties concerned."

Grissom inhaled sharply. "You certainly have my attention. Go ahead."