Feasibility Study
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 87: Losing It – Part 16
August 23, 2005 (Day 123)
The Townhouse
3:57 p.m.
Sara softly said, "Tawny…when we were talking last night about the Lady Heather thing you agreed with me that being lied to and blindsided is a horrible feeling, that if there was something going on that concerned you…you would rather know straight up than find out later."
"Right." Her hands shaking she placed her cell on the kitchen counter. "It's about Greg…"
"Promise me you'll do your best to hold it together." She took Tawny's hands. "You have to for the babies. Remember that and promise me."
"I promise," She replied in a small frightened voice. "You know why he's not answering."
"Yes." She gripped her a little tighter. "That's why Gil called earlier. Greg's…" It was too late to turn back so she forced herself to say it. "Greg's alive, but he's being held captive by a suspect in the basement of a house he was processing. They're working to get the situation under control and…"
"Oh god." The words sent a chill up her spine. "Is he hurt? Is he shot, Sara?"
"They don't think so."
"Wait…" Tawny shook her head as she slipped into denial. "No…this can't be true. Greg wasn't going into the field today. I talked to Nick and he promised me that he wouldn't send Greg out because I told him he was beat. He only had two hours of sleep and he was totally preoccupied with me and the babies and…" As her breathing sped up so did her words. "He only went to work today because he didn't want to let Nick or Gil down. Nick gave me his word! I remember the conversation…I said, don't let Greg do anything dangerous and he said don't worry, I hear you and he told me I could relax. I can't believe he lied…"
"Tawny!" Sara gripped her tighter. "Remember your promise. Breathe for me. I know you're tough. You have to be or you wouldn't have survived on your own since you were sixteen. If you want to be Greg's wife then you have to accept this as part of the job and you have to be strong. Be strong for the babies too. Keep telling yourself he's going to be fine. Greg's a very smart guy and he loves you…he's going to do whatever it takes to get out of there. I've been in your shoes and I know exactly how you feel but you need to believe it will all work out."
"Okay…" She nodded as she panted. "Okay."
"Nick didn't go back on his word to you," She explained. "Gil overrode Nick's orders and took Greg into the field. He never thought something like this would happen and he's doing everything he can to get Greg out of there."
"Um…okay."
"I'm going to call Gil and see if there's any news." She released Tawny's hands. "I hope it was the right decision to tell you."
"Sara…" Tawny fought to hold her tears in check. "This is just like last night at the hospital...telling me about this was for the same reason the nurse told us about the reality of miscarriage."
Sara tilted her head
"You want me to remain optimistic, but be prepared for the worst so if the time comes it won't be a complete surprise."
The two women exchanged tearful glances. "That's right," Sara confessed.
As her first tear spilled Tawny whispered, "Thank you."
"Here…" She took her by the arm. "You're shaking and pale. Let me get you over to the couch."
"I'm going to hold it together." Biting her bottom lip she tried not to sob as she crossed the room with Sara. "I'm…" Taking a seat on the couch she saw the bridal magazines and her despair soared, releasing a flood of tears. "He has to come back to me." Glancing up she saw tears spilling down Sara's cheeks too. "You heard him last night…he said forever. It's not time for us to be over."
"No…it's not." Sara wiped her tears and took a seat next to Tawny. "That's why he's going to make it. And he's going to see you walking down the aisle in that beautiful dress you picked out, and he's going to be at your side when you're delivering those two beautiful babies."
Nodding as she cried Tawny whimpered, "I can see it in my head…and if I can picture it that means it's going to happen."
Squeezing her friend's quivering hands Sara whispered, "Keep picturing it Tawny…just keep picturing it."
Hughes Residence
"I know it seems a little confusing." Greg forced his friendliest tone. "But I'm just a chemist…a science geek, who happens to work for the police department. They make me carry a gun when I go places just in case…well, I think it's pretty obvious what they mean by in case."
"A chemist, huh." Holding the gun in his right hand, Tucker reached into his pants pocket with his left. "That explains why you like chemicals." He produced a bag and some papers. "It's pure Acapulco Gold. If that doesn't do it for you, I've got some stoppers we can pop."
"Nah, let's tea party." He trusted his gut that this plan would work.
Command Center
Nick stared at the phone in disbelief. "Greg's tokin' with the psycho."
"I think I like this plan after all," Grissom announced much to everyone's surprise. "Acapulco Gold is marijuana and stoppers are depressants. Tucker's been self-medicating. When he gets too out of control he's relying on street drugs to take the edge off. So this should work."
Catherine looked over at Nick. "I'm feeling a little better, how about you?"
He shrugged. "Since it's all he's got…" Greg's next words grabbed his attention...
My boss…his name is Nick, he's gonna be royally pissed that I let this happen.
He's a real stickler for rules…total control freak.
Obviously I let things get out of control here.
The gang watched for Nick's reaction as he listened.
Is he an asshole? My boss was an asshole. That's why I told him to shove it.
Nah, Nick's not an asshole. He just doesn't like it when I don't listen to him or do stupid shit.
Like letting some deranged guy grab your gun?
Yeah…stuff like that. And he told me to stay out of the field today.
Apparently he knew what he was talking about, huh? I should have listened.
Warrick placed a hand on Nick's shoulder, "He knows you're out here feeling bad and he's absolving you. Hell…he's staring down the barrel of a gun and he's worried about you. That's gotta tell you something."
Nick clamped his mouth tight and nodded.
Grissom didn't expect to be granted the same clemency.
If Nick could hear me, I'd say you tried your best, Bro, but I'm…hopeless.
He doesn't like when I use the word hopeless because it's not a macho thing to say.
He's into football and all that bravado, which is really annoying.
Talks about when he caught this Hail Mary pass at some really important game.
Says things like…quitting is not an option. No guts, no glory, no girls.
Stupid jock shit like that. Eye on the prize is another one.
He thinks I tune him out, but I'm listening.
Eye on the prize! I think he expects me to bark back something like…you know it, Bro!
It's so friggin' annoying.
"Hold up…hold up." Nick burst into a grin. "He's telling me he's in it to win. Yeah…he's playin' ball. Greggo's playin some ball!"
"What are you talking about?" Catherine prodded while wondering if Nick was spiraling out of control again.
After breathing in and exhaling sharply in relief, he explained to the group, "Remember when he failed his firearm cert right before the Dales Trail incident? I was in the locker room with him and he was dogging himself…talking about how he's not a fighter. I was trying to psych him up with some football talk." Enthusiastically he pointed at the phone. "There's three seconds on the clock and he knows his only option is to catch the Hail Mary in the end zone…he's playing a game and he's determined to win." He punched his fist in open palm. "Yes! Now I'm feeling better about this plan."
Grinning, Warrick slapped Nick on the back. "Way to go, Coach."
Catherine and Grissom exchanged glances that said the same thing…attitude is one thing, but can he pull it off the first time he tries, especially under the influence?
When his cellphone blared, Nick snatched it off his belt and told the group, "It's Sara."
"She wouldn't be able to get through on my phone because I have the call-waiting feature blocked," Grissom announced.
"Go ahead, Sara." Nick answered.
"I told Tawny. I had to and she deserves to know."
Nick froze up for a second then asked, "How's she handling it?"
The group looked on and Catherine asked, "Tawny knows?" Her question was confirmed when she saw Nick nod.
"She's holding up. Much better than me at Harper House. Nick…I know I can't bring her to the scene, but she wants to be close so whenever something happens, she's there…in case time is short. She um…told me that when her dad died she was away from home for the day and she didn't make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye. If Greg gets out but is critically injured…"
"I hear you," He solemnly replied. "Tell you what…there's a gas station just before you turn off the road leading to the house. You can park it there and keep your cell on waiting for one of us to update you. That way she won't see all the trucks and equipment and panic. Will that work?"
"I think it will. And Nick…she wants me to tell you that she knows Greg disobeyed your orders and she's knows you didn't lie to her." Her voice softened, "Once Greg's safely out this mess…which we know he will be…I think Tawny will let him have it for going into the field."
Nick faintly smiled. "You tell her we can hear everything that's going on in there and Greg's alive and well. He's talking his way out of it. And she knows how good of a talker Chuckles is, so she should stay optimistic and get ready to chew out his ass."
"I'll tell her."
Hugh's Residence
Tucker tossed the supplies at Greg. "Roll one for each of us. Since we'll be checking out, why make it last?"
"Cool, thanks." As he rolled a nice fat one for Tucker, Greg prodded, "So, why wouldn't the girls in high school give you the time of day?"
"Because they thought I was queer. They saw me getting my ass kicked and heard the guys." His voice grew cold. "They loved riding me…until I showed them I meant business."
"What'd you do?" Holding up the abundantly packed joint he warned, "Dude…now don't be tossing your discarded match anywhere near that container of paint thinner. Remember the scars I showed you…why end the party before it even starts, right?"
Tucker gave a nod of reassurance. "Right. Anyway, I only have a lighter."
Greg quickly noted…no matches. Now he waited to see if Tucker would put down the gun to light up.
Command Center
"No matches," Grissom nodded enthusiastically. "Just a lighter."
"And he'll have to give it to Greg to fire up," Catherine surmised. "Maybe he can hold onto it."
Hughes Residence
Balancing the joint between his lips, Tucker flicked the lighter. "I came to school with a gun but they busted me."
Since the gun never went down and his gut told him to keep playing it cool, Greg continued, "So that's what your mom was talking about before when she said it would be like high school if the cop came down here and found you with my gun?"
"Right." He chucked the lighter at Greg. "I was expelled and ordered into psychiatric treatment. They changed my meds around a lot. What were you on?"
"I don't know." Greg lit up his lightly stuffed joint and then slyly stowed the lighter behind his back. "My mom took care of everything. I just swallowed what she gave me." He took the smallest hit possible while making it seem much bigger. "I always thought it was ironic that they gave me pills to get well after I just swallowed a bunch of them to die."
"That does seem messed up."
Greg held up his joint. "You were right, this is good shit."
"Told ya." Tucker took another hit.
Greg smoothly said, "So, Tuck…is it okay if I call you Tuck?"
"Yeah, that's cool. My dad used to call me that."
"So what meds did they have you on, Tuck?"
Command Center
Grissom nodded. "Another excellent question, Greg. And using the friendly nickname is a nice touch."
Lithium and Depakote. Makes me feel like a friggin' zombie.
When did you stop taking your meds?
A couple of weeks ago. Hey, Man…you're wasting good shit. Take another hit.
I was into your story…it's good to have someone who knows where I've been.
"He's trying to fake smoking," Warrick stated as he listened intently. "Let Tuck get high while you fake it, Greggo."
Greg, I'm sure they beat your ass and called you queer.
All the time in middle school.
What's the worst thing they ever did to you?
Nick turned away thinking of his conversation with Carrie…what would those good 'ol boys have taunted you with day after day until the day you died? You were nine and confused, but not stupid. They would have called you queer. You knew if you spoke the truth you'd end up being victimized all over again.
Hughes Residence
"The worst thing?" Greg feigned a crazy laugh. "Shit…there's so much to choose from…I had a year of solid abuse. But here's the cream of the crop. Happened right before I tried to check out…the proverbial straw on the camel's back. You're the only person I've ever told this story to, Tuck, so let's keep it between us, okay? We're buds, right?" It was the truth, he had never spoken of the details. Not even his mom knew the real story.
"I'll take it to the grave, Man." He laughed riotously. "And since I don't plan on seeing anyone but you between now and then, I think you know your secret will be safe."
Pushing past Tucker's insistence on dying, Greg told his tale. "There was this girl…"
"It's always a friggin' girl." Tucker groaned as he exhaled.
"Always." Greg paused for a drag. "Serena Tennison," He proclaimed on the exhale. "You ever catch reruns of Bewitched? My mom loves that show. Serena is the name of a witch…so fitting. Serena Tennison was a witch and a bitch. At the time…before this happened, I thought she was nice. But she was just playin' me."
"They're always playin'…that's what they're born to do. They practice playing with dollhouses and little plastic people, then once they're good at it…they switch to messin' with real people." Tucker relaxed against the wall. "What did this witch bitch do to ya?"
"She set me up…set me up big." He channeled the traumatic memory to make it as raw and believable as possible. "I was in this prestigious boys choir…one of the best in the country. I even sang solo in New York City in a big concert hall."
"Fag city right there man." Tucker laughed hard. "They make you wear one of those stupid blazers and a tie?"
"Hell yeah to both statements. That's why I kept it quiet from the kids at school." Greg joined in the laughter. "I wasn't stupid! I wasn't advertising it. But the witch bitch found out. I still don't know how. Anyway…she comes over to my locker. I don't know about you but…a chick at my locker was not the norm."
"I bet you were stoked."
"Oh yeah." He nodded. "Shoulda been a red flag, but even though I was real smart at academics, I was dumb when it came to people." He saw the scene in his head and it fueled his ire. "Serena tells me she wants to audition for the school play and she heard my mom was a music teacher and that I was a really good singer. She wanted to know if I could give her voice lessons at her house after school. So I'm psyched."
Command Center
"He thinks you're gay, Greg." Grissom anxiously listened. "You thought he was so you played along, but he likes little girls."
Nick leaned in concerned. "He's gonna think he's lying again and blow."
Did you think she was gonna give you some play? Wait…why would you care if you're gay?
Warrick stuffed his arms across his chest. "Talk your way out of it, Greg."
Hey, I never said I was gay, you assumed that…just like they did.
I was saying I wasn't good with chicks. Doesn't mean I don't want one.
Just means I have a hard time getting one. Ever been there?
Before Brittany I wasn't having much luck.
See! Hey…maybe I should learn how to build dollhouses so I can score.
It's not that hard. I got some books and taught myself.
Dude…if you can pass Chemistry, I don't think you'll have a problem building a dollhouse.
Excellent news because I'm really pent up.
Grissom relaxed his shoulders. "Nice."
"And creepy." Catherine shivered from hearing the words come from Greg's mouth.
Warrick reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. "Not everything he's saying is real."
"Thank God." Nick shuddered at the thought. "I wish the rest of it wasn't either."
What happened when you got there…to the witch's house? Did she put a spell on you?
Yes, she did. She sat there batting her eyelashes and mesmerizing me with her smile.
I'm singing my little heart out showing her how it's done, thinking she really digs me.
I had no clue there were four jocks in the kitchen waiting to beat me senseless.
What did you do to them to piss them off?
You mean besides exist and attempt to share the same air at school!
"I think we're about to find out why Greg really hates jocks," Catherine readied for details, which she assumed from the emotion in Greg's voice, would be nasty.
Without provocation Nick declared, "I swear I didn't do that stuff." His guilty conscious assaulted him. "I knew it happened though and I played ball with guys who did…so I guess that makes me no better than the guys who did."
Grissom opined, "I don't think any of us are the same people we were then, Nicky."
"Hell no." Catherine offered reassurance. "I'm not even the same person I was last year."
Hughes Residence
"What did I do to piss them off?" Greg rolled his eyes hard. "One of them said I smiled at him…accused me of coming on to him. These guys were your stereotypical homophobic jocks…" His voice grew distant as he remembered the merciless beating. "Ironically, their homophobia actually ended up working in my favor."
"How's that?" Tucker took a long drag and rested the hand holding the gun on his lap.
Greg started at the beginning. "They put duct tape over my mouth, stripped me down to my tighty whities and then duct taped my wrists. They didn't want to do it in the witch's house so they dragged me to this secluded area in this park behind her house. They had it all perfectly planned." Exhaustion catching him off guard, along with the pain of reliving the details for the first time in seventeen years, Greg took a long, slow hit and forgot to fake inhaling. "Three of the guys and Serena just stood there egging on the guy who accused me of smiling at him. They just stood there laughing their asses off as he beat me to a pulp. I could barely breathe with the tape over my mouth and my nose full of blood and snot."
Tucker sat entranced by the story and the haunted quality in Greg's voice.
Greg circled his freehand in front of his face. "My lips were busted, my nose was pouring red, my entire body was throbbing, and just when I'm thinking I can't take another punch or kick and I'm hoping I'd die, one of the guys standing there says the magic words, 'That's an awful lot of blood, what if he has AIDS'? That freaked them out and they took off." He cracked up. "How ironic is that? The guy pounds me because he thinks I'm gay and then he stops pounding me because he thinks I'm gay. Of course the ultimate irony was…I wasn't smiling at him, I was smiling at the girl behind him because I wasn't gay…not that he gave me a chance to explain."
"They never do man." Tucker nodded. "I've been there. It sucks. That's why I started pumping iron. Nobody messes with me now. No fucking way."
Command Center
"Don't let that tweak you, Greg," Warrick barked into the phone. "He's bigger but he's not smarter and I can tell he's starting to fly."
Nick remained silent as he dealt with Greg's story and recalled all the times he'd harped on him about dogging on jocks.
"Bastards." Catherine flashed to anger. "He was Lindsay's age when that happened."
"It's happening to Sean right now," Nick confessed as he looked over at Grissom. "I found him tied up in the park during the church picnic on Sunday. He said some jocks from school did it.
"Times change, human nature doesn't." Grissom sighed as he stared at the phone.
Hughes Residence
"So why did you kill that little girl, Tuck?" Greg raised his brows and settled back. "I was honest with you and told you a story, now you tell me one. If she was into you, why'd you have to kill her to have sex with her?"
Confused he answered, "I gave her some Vita-G…you know, to make it better for her. She didn't handle it."
"You gave her too much." Greg stared at the gun resting on Tucker's lap and noticed his fingers were still wrapped tightly around it.
Command Center
"I don't like this." Grissom felt his pulse notch. "He shouldn't be going there."
Was that why she died? Because I gave her too much?
Yeah…I saw the autopsy report. You gave her three times more than she could handle.
She was short.
Dude! She was five years old…they usually are at that age.
She wanted me.
She wanted a dollhouse.
You didn't see how she looked at me.
Did you put the G in her chocolate ice cream?
How do you know that?
"Tucker's getting edgy," Warrick commented while his brows knitted.
"So is Greg." Catherine glanced around at the rescue crews doing nothing. Not that there was anything they could or should do.
Nick covered his mouth to remind himself not to start running it.
Hughes Residence
"I know everything, Tucker." Greg started laughing like a lunatic and pointing at him. "I'm in your head now."
After taking the last toke possible, Tucker tossed the roach and grinned, "How's the view, Man?"
"Pretty freakin' scary. On my worst day, my head was Disneyland compared to yours." Greg began rolling another joint. "Especially what you want to do with the next one…McKenna." That's when he realized at some point he had smoked the entire joint.
Command Center
Nick flinched at the mention of his niece. "Why is he saying that?"
Warrick suggested, "Maybe you should take a walk, Nick."
"I'll be fine." He stood firm.
You can see that? You know McKenna's next on my list?
"He really was coming after her next," Nick exclaimed as his stomach twisted. "I told you I felt it in my gut."
You can see what I want to do to McKenna?
I can see everything, Tuck. It's playing like a movie in my mind.
No, you can't.
Yes, I can. You think I'm lying again? Ask me something about McKenna.
Even though he was sickened, Nick remained by the phone. "Greg knows what she looks like. He's seen photos."
What does she look like?
"Lucky break." Catherine moved closer to the phone.
Long curly blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes and the cutest smile.
All she's missin' is the angel wings, Man. She's so sweet.
She smiled at you at the craft market and you got a rise.
I don't blame you. She's a looker.
Holy shit! You really are in my head.
Does that bother you? That I'm taking up some space?
No…I'm glad someone finally understands.
Misery loves company, Tuck.
Yeah.
Do you know why misery is still bummed even though it loves company?
Huh?
Because company doesn't love misery back.
I absorbed that from this guy at work we call Grissom.
He's taught me a lot about people. How to read them. How to get inside their heads.
He's in my head right now…helping me. He knows exactly what I'm doing.
"Yes, I do, Greg." After listening carefully to Tucker's voice, Grissom said, "Greg has his trust and he's looking to make a move. I'm grabbing the Commander." He rushed off.
"Do you hear him? Greg sounds exhausted and wasted." Catherine looked to the guys. "You know they won't close in until they're sure Mifflin's not blowing the roof off the house. If Greg doesn't take care of him on the first strike, it could be too late."
"I hear ya." Warrick looked at Nick. "We'll be ready to run. Right, Slick?"
"Absolutely." Nick winked at his pal. "Even before they say we can. All we need is for someone to say the word."
Hughes Residence
"Ready for another toke?" When Greg started sliding closer he noticed the pain in his back, but tried not to show it since he was supposed to be flying high. "Hope you don't mind, feed bag's empty so we're gonna have to share this fattie." He did just as Nick said… you test the boundaries…you move a little closer and watch his reaction. And he made sure to leave the lighter behind because…you look around and see what you can use to help yourself out. Feeling foggy he questioned his judgment and decided to buddy up some more.
Tucker unfurled a grin. "Hell…you're already sharing the shit inside my head so BFD. Whatever's mine is yours Buddy."
Coming up beside Tucker, Greg offered some advice. "Tuck…when you slip McKenna the G, only use a third of a cap or she'll G-hole too."
Command Center
"Good thing Nicky's not here for this part," Grissom sighed as he listened to Greg climb a little deeper into Tucker's diseased brain.
The Commander was standing by with his radio to call in the troops. "Your man is smoking pot with his captor?"
"Whatever it takes to survive," Brass stated while hoping Greg knew what he was doing.
Just a third of a cap? Are you sure she'll get into it with only that much G?
Oh yeah, she'll groove.
Brittany barely moved.
Uh…yeah…that's because she was in a coma, Buddy.
Hey…you're not into bangin' the dead are you? Because that's over the line for me.
Bangin' the dead…that's like Vampire shit.
Vampires are cool. Bangin' the dead isn't.
Catherine shivered. "This conversation is giving me the creeps. I don't even recognize Greg's voice."
With his hands firmly in his pockets Brass commented, "He's talking to a psycho, what do you expect him to bring up? Chess? Relax, Cath…he's got the guy in his pocket."
Hey…you wanna get in on the McKenna action, Greg?
You'd do that for me?
Shit…I'll even let you go first.
Whoa…where have you been my whole life, Tuck!
"They're best friends now." Grissom's smile widened. "I'm so proud of you, Greg."
Damn…
What's wrong, Greg?
I left the lighter over where I was sitting and I'm beat. I don't want to move again.
I'll get it. Just give me a minute to get up.
Thanks, Tucker…I was really hoping you would.
"Now!" Catherine shouted at her partners in disobedience.
"Hold positions!" The Commander barked through his radio before turning to snap at Catherine. "Willows you keep your damn mouth clamped! The last thing we need is confusion about orders." He glared at Grissom. "That's how this mess happened in the first place, right? It's still too early."
"Commander…" A call came through the radio. "Two men without radios didn't hear the call to hold. They're halfway to the front door."
"My fault." Catherine raised her hand. "Suspension is just fine. And I'd prefer five days when you put the word in because I've wanted a vacation for a while but the lab is too backed up for me to take it."
His finger in her face, the Commander shouted, "If the house blows, it'll be a permanent vacation because you'll be fired."
"If it blows…" She turned to watch the house. "…my job is going to be the last thing on my mind."
Grissom lifted his eyes to Catherine's vexed expression. "And I'll be responsible for it all."
"Not intentionally," She honestly replied. "And the guys…it was their choice to make. They made it and I chose to give the word."
Brass threw up his hands. "You planned this?"
Hughes Residence
So far Greg had utilized Jock Mantras, Forensic Psychology and Organic Chemistry to achieve success, now it was time for some Physics…laws of motion in particular.
Timing was everything…Greg knew he'd have to rush him when the gun hand was swinging backwards. That way, when Tucker's body accelerated forward, the gun would shake loose and continue its backwards motion. Then he would have to pull a180 and race back to grab the loose weapon. Lastly, he would have to turn around brandishing it, willing to fire if necessary.
That was the play he'd be running in this game of his life. No guts, no glory, no girl. Tawny and the babies she was carrying were his motivation.
As Tucker stood, Greg knew there were only three seconds left on the clock and his only option was catching the Hail Mary in the end zone.
"Dude…" Tucker remarked as he started to cross the room loosely holding the gun in his right hand. "Are you hungry? Because I'm starving."
Greg changed from a sit to a squat, ready to explode off the line like a football player under the Friday Night Lights. Wait, he coached himself in his fuzzy head as he saw the gun swinging forward. Remember…it needs to be a backwards motion. Eye on the prize! Here it comes…
"What the f…" Tucker lurched forward as the gun flew out of his hand. Off balance, he kept going until he crashed against the row of cabinets where Greg had been sitting.
Greg stopped his forward momentum, twisted around and took off looking for the gun. Where had it slid? He didn't see it.
Tucker wheeled around screaming, "You son of a bitch! You were playin' me!"
Finally he saw it…the shiny silver of the pistol's handle was peeking out from under the workbench and Greg dove to reach it. "Don't move!" Trapped lying on the floor, Greg held the gun in his trembling hands. "Don't make me shoot you." Tucker's eyes were wild once more…the betrayal triggering a new wrath. "I can and I will. I've done it before!"
Tucker didn't listen.
Greg squeezed the trigger without hesitation and then squeezed it a second time. "Stop! Stay there! Don't make me kill you!" Greg pleaded as he saw the bullets had ripped holes in each of Tucker's legs sending him crashing to the floor from the pain. "Stay down, Tucker! I don't want to kill you!" While holding the gun in his tremoring right hand he used his left to prop himself up and scurry backwards. But before he could get to his feet he crashed into a pile of wood and it spilled on top of him, startling him and causing him to drop the gun. "Get off me!" He wrestled with the large pieces of wood uncertain where Tucker was at the moment. "Get off me!"
"Greg!" Nick shouted as he flew down the stairs followed by Warrick. They had heard the two shots but didn't see him. "Greg!"
"I'm over here!" He screamed from his position hidden behind the workbench staring at Tucker, who was attempting to reach him using his upper body strength to drag himself the across the floor. "Over here! I can't find my gun!" When he saw Tucker making progress he started heaving for breath. "Hurry!"
"You bastard!" Tucker raged while slithering towards Greg. "You were lying to me the whole time!"
"Shut up and stay down!" Greg screamed with the last supply of air in his lungs. In a gasp he refilled them. "SHUT UP!"
"We've got him!" Nick assured his buddy. "You can relax. Try to catch your breath."
"You're a dead man, Greg!" Tucker roared, "Do you hear me! You're dead!"
Greg lowered his head and covered his ears. "Shut up…shut up! Make him shut up."
With their weapons drawn Nick and Warrick stood over Tucker.
"All clear! Send in the troops." Warrick shouted so they'd hear it through the cellphone. Funneling his body weight into the boot slammed against Tucker's upper back Warrick said, "Nick, I've got him…this stoner's all talk at this point. You check on Greg." He could see he was hanging on by a thread and reacting more emotionally every time Tucker screamed at him, which he was doing relentlessly.
"I will fucking haunt you till the day you die, Man! And when you die I'll see you in hell! You know you're going there!"
Command Center
Cath threw her arms around Grissom's neck. "I know you hate public displays of affection, but I need a hug and I'm not hugging Brass because I don't want Lady Heather kicking my ass for touching her man."
"Greg's okay." Grissom returned the hug because he needed it too. "He's okay," He repeated to assure himself. "Give me your phone so I can call Sara to bring Tawny down the road."
Hughes Residence
"Greggo…" Nick came up and knelt beside him, tossing pieces of wood out of the way. "Don't listen to Tucker, listen to me." He put his hands on his shoulders. "Look at me." He tossed on his warmest smile. "You were great, Bro. We heard everything over the phone. You were brilliant every step of the way."
Bordering on hysterics, Greg rambled, "I did everything you said. I had my eye on the prize. It worked just like you said. I kept thinking of Tawny. I have a picture of her ring in my pocket. I kept thinking of putting it on her finger. I kept thinking of the babies. I was looking for a way to make the winning play. You were in my head…Gris was in my head. It all came together. Are you proud of me?"
Nick helped him sit up and rest gently against the wall. "I'm really proud of you."
Tucker released a series of inhuman groans as the EMTs arrived and the cops restrained him. "Look what that bastard did to me! He shot my legs! He made me a god damn cripple! I'm gonna rip your stick legs right off your body you lying sack of shit!"
"Focus on me not him, Greggo."
"I played defensive tackle and running back all in one game." Holding his tears in check, he gripped Nick's arm. "I did it…I really did…I caught it in the end zone with three seconds left."
"Playing offense and defense in the same game…you're a better man than me." Nick's eyes were overflowing approval. "You want two Aggie girls in your bed tonight? Cause I have Alumni connections at A&M and some frequent flier miles to get them out here."
"No…" His emotions getting the better of him he whispered, "I just want one from Kansas. I want Tawny."
"That's what I figured." Nick winked and told him, "She's fine and the babies are too. Sara's with her just a little ways down the road. I promise I'll take you to her, but first we need to lay low here while they remove Tucker. Are you hurt anywhere?"
Upon hearing his name Tucker fumed, "This isn't over, you son of bitch! Do you hear me, Greg! You think that beating you told me about hurt, that's nothing compared to what I'm gonna do to you!"
"He kicked me in the back…it's throbbing, but not serious." He winced from the pain and Tucker's endless stream of curses.
"He's wrong, Greg," Nick assured him in a steady voice. "He's getting life without parole for what he did to Brittany. We've got him on child rape, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping with special circs…he's done. You'll never see him again. So just let it go." He patted Greg's shoulder. "Hey, I have to be your boss here for a minute…we need to get you to the hospital for some x-rays…and some paperwork."
"After I spend some time with Tawny."
Nick made a counteroffer. "She can ride with you in the ambulance to the hospital and hold your hand the whole time we're there."
"Okay…" Greg agreed because he was too exasperated to argue. "After this nightmare, I shouldn't question you."
Convinced everything was under control with Tucker, Warrick walked over, tucking Greg's cellphone, which was still on, in his shirt pocket. When he crouched on the opposite side of Greg from Nick he remarked, "I think you're the first CSI in history to save his ass by smoking weed with a suspect. I'm beyond impressed with your creativity and your success. I'm also bummin' you switched from Grave to Days because there's always room for a hero on my shift."
"No take backs! He's all mine." Still trying to distract him from Tucker's wrathful language, Nick teased, "Hey Greg, remember what I told you this morning when I was giving you shit about always relying on your mommy to save your ass?"
Breathing rhythmically to calm himself down Greg jaggedly replied, "You said um…one of these days I should really try saving my own ass." The words brought a smile to his face while he was trying to get a grip and ignore the viciousness pouring from Tucker's mouth as he was carted up the stairs strapped to a stretcher.
"Damn…you didn't waste any time showing me you could do it." Nick nodded approvingly. "You put your mommy out of a job today, Pal."
Warrick proudly explained, "I'd expect nothing less from a Scandinavian Bad Ass."
Greg half laughed, half cried.
"Okay, Tucker's gone…just calm down," Nick assured him. "Just keep breathing."
An EMT came over. "Do I need to grab another stretcher?"
Nick smiled at Greg as he gripped his right arm. "Do Warrick and I need to tell you how this works, or have you at least seen it in sports movies?"
Warrick took Greg's left arm, and in sync with Nick, helped the newest legend in town to his feet. "Unless you're dead or paralyzed…always walk off the field. Makes the chicks melt right there in the stands."
"You walk off limping and smiling," Nick added. "You let your teammates assist if necessary."
Warrick volleyed back, "There's plenty of time to collapse in the locker room. Tell him the best part, Slick."
"And after that there's plenty of time for a bodacious babe to kiss whatever hurts."
Greg looked at the EMT. "I've got it, thanks." He let Nick and Warrick help him to the stairs. Once there he grabbed the rail and started up.
Warrick grinned, "He needs a jock nickname."
"You know the weed has to come into play." Nick pondered the possibilities.
"Give me a minute, I'll come up with something." Warrick started thinking. "Hey…how about Roach?"
"Gris will love that one," Greg blurted as he slowly climbed the stairs. "Is he okay?"
Warrick kept it real. "He's messed up. The guilt is killing him." Knowing the phone was still on he asked, "More importantly, how are you feeling about Grissom?"
Command Central
Gris didn't think I'd be in danger when he left. And I wanted to stay.
So, you're not pissed at him?
No. But I'm never staying alone in the field again when I'm not supposed to. Rules are Rules, Bro.
Stop it, Greg, you're gettin' Nicky hot talking like that. Carrie doesn't need competition.
It's not worth the hassle…I wouldn't gain any closet space if I traded in Carrie for Greg.
He has just as many pairs of colorful shoes as her.
"They're laughing," Catherine announced with relief from her position on the front lawn of the house. "A very good sign. And Greg's not holding a grudge, Gil."
"Not because I don't deserve it," Grissom sighed as he picked up his phone. "He's not holding a grudge because that's not who he is."
Just then, Catherine saw Sara approaching with Tawny. "And now for my favorite part of the story…the hero gets the girl." She winked at Gil. "You get one too even though you broke the rules."
After shutting off his cell so the guys could have their privacy, Grissom turned to look for Sara, and when he saw her smile his shattered confidence healed. She was the perfect sight for his tired soul. Her love was steady and unconditional.
"Where is he?" Tawny clamored to get past the personnel and over to Gil and Catherine on the enormous front lawn of the house. "When can I see him?"
"Any minute now, Honey. Keep watching the door." Catherine threw her arm around Tawny's shoulders. "Just hang with me."
Foregoing decorum, Sara wrapped her arms around her husband and gave him a hug. "I love you," She whispered for only him to hear.
"Thank you." He returned the embrace, grateful once more that she was committed to supporting him no matter what.
When Sara slipped out of his arms, Grissom approached Tawny. "I'm really sorry this happened. I hope you can forgive me."
Without saying a word she nodded. It was all she was capable of because she needed to see Greg first before believing he was out of danger.
"Is that…" Tawny shrieked when she saw the stretcher.
"No, that's the guy who was holding Greg hostage," Grissom informed her.
Everyone's attention turned to the stretcher being wheeled across the lawn and the infuriated man strapped to it. "This isn't over! When I get out, I'm tearing that bastard limb from limb! I fucking hate you, Greg! I HATE YOU! You'll pay for what you did to me! I'll make everyone pay!"
Tawny gripped Catherine tight. "That's the guy!" She shuddered at the size of him and from his hateful words. "Oh my god."
"It's okay," Catherine informed her, "He's never getting out of prison so he won't be able to touch Greg."
While everyone was focused on Tucker Mifflin, Sara returned her gaze to the front door. "They're coming out!"
When Tawny saw Greg flanked by Warrick and Nick she took off running.
"Don't run!" Catherine screamed, remembering her tearing across the Grissoms' backyard. "You'll worry him!"
When Warrick saw Tawny sprinting towards them he grinned. "And a gorgeous cheerleader is rushing the field to get first dibs." Along with Nick he helped him down the last step.
"Greg!" Tawny shouted upon approach with her arms stretched wide. "I want a hug!"
"Don't run! You could trip!" He screamed. "She's always running." And while he successfully kept his emotions in check until then, the second he saw tears streaming down Tawny's face Greg welled up and his tears spilled over.
Nick and Warrick walked away leaving the job of holding Greg for Tawny.
"I never thought I'd see you again," Greg choked out as he buried his face in the nape of her neck, clinging to her for dear life. "I was so scared I thought I'd never see our babies. It feels so good to hold you."
"It's okay now…you're okay," She soothed, struggling to keep her emotions under control and be strong for him. "Are you hurt? You look like you're in pain."
"I got kicked in the back…" He sniffled as he moved to look into her eyes. "It hurts, but it's not serious. I'll probably need to take it easy for a while."
Smiling brightly as she blinked back her tears, Tawny joked, "You'll do anything not to make love to me, Greg."
"After today…I think I'll be over that fear." With his trembling hands he cupped her face. "So much and forever, Tawny."
"I love you too." Tenderly she placed a kiss on his parched lips.
"I never thought I'd get to kiss you again," He whispered when they parted. Then he noticed the ambulance had pulled up on the lawn. "Oh…my ride's here." The dull ache of his exhausted body powered his words. "I can't wait to lie down. I'm really tired…and a little wasted."
"Wasted?" She moved out of the way to let the EMT assist Greg into the back of the ambulance.
"It's a long story," He moaned as he collapsed onto the stretcher. "I'll tell you everything later, Princess."
The EMT held out his hand to assist Tawny climbing up. "My name's Steve." He thought Greg was a lucky guy for getting out of the hostage situation alive, but now that he saw Tawny…he knew Greg was doubly blessed.
"Thanks, Steve." Now that she was certain Greg would be fine, Tawny lashed out. "When we get home later, Gregory Hojem Sanders, I'm going to chew you out for going into work in the first place and then going into the field when you weren't supposed to!"
"Uh oh." Steve laughed as he readied the blood pressure cuff. "Just when you thought you were safe, Greg."
"Yeah…" Tawny huffed, "And after I'm through with him I'm telling your mother."
Greg released a tortured groan…and not from the pain in his back.
On the sidelines, Nick, Warrick, Gil, Catherine, Sara and Brass had watched the loving reunion in silence until Greg and Tawny disappeared into the back of the ambulance.
While Catherine discussed the day's events with Warrick and Nick, Brass decided to approach Sara. "So uh…I left you a message earlier, but the day got away from me somehow and I didn't follow up."
Gil looked on wondering if should say anything, but opted to let his wife handle things on her own unless she requested him to speak up.
Lucky for Jim, Sara couldn't have been angry at that moment if her life depended on it. "It's okay…I mean the whole thing. I do think we need to talk about why I got so ticked and why you felt it necessary to hide this from me, but today's not the day. Can we agree that there's nothing ugly between us and just keep our lunch plans on Saturday to talk things through? Because hopefully by Saturday the fallout from this mess will be over and we'll be back to normal."
"That's the second best plan I've heard all day," Brass replied to the two perplexed people standing before him. "Sorry…I have to give the best plan of the day award to Greg for getting the guy pointing a gun at him stoned." The ring of cell ended their laughter. "You all better duck, because the shit's about to hit the fan. It's Burdick."
"United we stand, Jim," Catherine replied. "Take the call, we've got your back."
"Then he'll most likely aim for my nuts."
Warrick couldn't resist. "Maybe Lady Heather can watch those for you."
Laughing hard, Catherine elbowed her man who knew she preferred to release her tension humorously. "I really needed that laugh."
"Thank goodness I'm here for your amusement." With that, Brass clicked on the phone. "Burdick…you got my message I see..."
Grissom watched his friend take his heat. "It should be my ass being chewed." When he felt Sara's hand on his back he breathed a little easier.
As he watched Brass react to the reaming, Nick said, "Being the Assistant Director has its disadvantages. No doubt they're going to hand him a bill for all this equipment and personnel we didn't use and expect him to make it up in the budget."
"Maybe I can offer to reimburse the county?" Grissom wondered out loud. "I mean, that's what's expected when someone has to be rescued due to their own stupidity, right? The county sends bills to reckless people all the time. Like motorists who don't heed the flooded road signs, or climbers who get stuck on mountains without the proper equipment and need to be choppered out. It might work."
Catherine burst out laughing. "Listen to Daddy Warbucks solving problems with his wallet. I love it actually. It's so Nouveau Grissom."
When Brass snapped his phone closed he rejoined the group. "Grissom …you get to come to the Sheriff's office with me and I have a feeling you'll be getting an unpaid vacation. Burdick has Sofia, our personable Quality Control Officer, meeting Greg and Nick at the hospital to take their statements."
Nick snapped, "He can't even let the guy recover before he has to be hassled?"
Brass droned, "Are you talking about yourself and your reluctance to spend quality time with Sofia…or are you worried about Sanders?
"No doubt he's talking about himself." Warrick had to laugh. "Hey, let Greg answer the questions while he's stoned. He'll be really laid back about this whole mess."
As Brass retrieved his car keys from his pocket he instructed, "Give your hubby a kiss for luck, Sara. Then we have to go. Nick, call me from the hospital with a Chuckles update."
"Will do, Boss." When Nick saw the ambulance pulling away he started for his Tahoe. "And don't worry, after a little TLC from Tawny, I'm sure Chuckles will be back to clowning around in no time."
"Good luck," Sara whispered in her husband's ear. "Just remind them that you work for peanuts and most importantly…" She smiled brightly as she murmured Gil's famous line to her. "The lab needs you." But she followed up with, "But not as much as I do."
"I'll call you." Feeling stronger from his wife's words, Grissom took off walking for his car.
"I'll answer!" She yelled after him and when he turned to face her she flashed the I love you sign and mouthed no matter what happens.
Next Chapter: Losing It - Part 17
Posting: Late Friday
Teaser: There's a new Sheriff in town and he wants answers!
Thanks for reading and commenting,
Maggs