Feasibility Study
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT

Chapter 88: Losing It – Part 17

August 23, 2005 (Day 123)
Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center
5:52 p.m.

Tawny and Nick trailed behind Greg's stretcher which was being pushed down the hall of the ER by EMT Steve Fosse.

"He fell asleep two minutes into the ride here, "Tawny informed Nick. "He's beat. I hope this doesn't take too long. I just want to get him home."

"Don't worry," He assured her knowing she was still in shock herself. "They'll give him the red carpet treatment because of the ordeal he's been through. They've heard there was something going on and know he's the guy who was held hostage."

Nurse Ginny Campbell, a twenty-four year old blonde with a beach-worthy tan and a sunny smile, directed the EMT, "Curtain four, thanks."

As they hung back waiting down across the hall for Greg to be transferred to the bed, Nick said under his breath, "Looks like Greggo's got himself a hottie for a nurse. That'll wake him up." Then he realized he made the comment out loud with Tawny standing next to him. "Uh…not that it matters what she looks like." He glanced over at Tawny and explained, "In the past it would have mattered is all I'm saying…but not now. Now he won't even notice."

"But you noticed," Tawny teased.

"But not for me…for Greg." He cringed while he laughed. "Not that I think Greg should want her or that you aren't hot enough for him…because you're much hotter than her…not that I'm lookin' at either of you that way or that hotness is the only criteria for…hell, if I dig this hole a little deeper it can be my grave. I'm shutting up now."

"She's a babe, Nick." Tawny laughed at him. "I don't expect Greg or you to lose your sight just because you're monogamous. Hot blooded males will always notice sexy women."

From behind a female voice added, "And you know what hot blooded women will always notice…" When they turned to face her, Sofia finished her statement. "…sexy men." She smirked at Nick. "Like that doctor over there…" She pointed. "Yowza."

"Good, you're here. I've been counting the minutes," Nick huffed. "Let's just get this over with so…"

"Excuse me…" Nurse Campbell interrupted. "Are you Nick?"

"Yes." He turned towards her.

"Mr. Sanders has requested you help undress him so he can put on his hospital gown."

"He did?" Nick prodded.

"Yes, he specifically said only you and no other visitors at this time. He's behind curtain four." She smiled sweetly as she patted the concerned man's arm. "Don't worry, with a little TLC your partner will be just fine. I'll be back in a few."

Tawny stood gaping at Nick who in a dumbfounded tone remarked, "He must be a little more stoned than we thought."

Shrugging, Sofia tossed in her two cents. "I don't know…near death experiences can cause a person to make some big changes in their lifestyle."

"What!" Tawny shrieked.

Nick stared at curtain four across the hall. "I'll uh…see what's going on." Confused, he wandered over and peeled back the curtain. "Uh…Greggo…the nurse said …"

"Come in here and shut the curtain! Now!" Frantic, Greg yanked out the folded photo of Tawny's future engagement ring. "I didn't want Tawny to see this…it's the picture of the diamond I bought her. Check it out real quick and tell me what you think, Bro."

Realizing that the paranoia-inducing effects of marijuana can take up to five hours to wear off, he understood Greg's panic. While taking the paper he said, "Oh, you should know…Sofia is here to interview both of us because the Sheriff can't wait to blame someone for this mess. Not that I think you have anything to worry about." Looking up from the paper he smiled wide. "Hell, after this incident you could give Tawny the prize from a Cracker Jack box and she'd love it, but this ring will take her breath away. Very nice choice, I'm impressed."

"Cool." Greg relaxed against the hospital linens. "Now would you ask Tawny to come in and help me because I really am too sore to undress on my own?"

"Gladly." Tucking the paper in his back pocket he emerged from the curtain. "Little misunderstanding, Tawny. The herb is still talking." Nick laughed. "He wants you to strip him down." And when Tawny zipped past him he explained to Sofia, "Greg had a picture of the engagement ring he bought Tawny in his pocket. He didn't want her to find it when he took off his clothes."

"Sweet."

"Yeah." Scratching his head he glanced around. "Could we do this interview in the cafeteria? I need somethin' to drink."

"How nostalgic…having drinks together." Smirking, she pointed to the left and started walking. "I've been to this hospital before, I'll lead the way."

"You taking the lead without asking…" He grumped as he followed her down the hall. "…not a surprise."

With ease she retorted, "You being intolerant of a woman in the lead however, comes as no surprise to me."

Stopping in the hall he stuffed his hands on his hips and postured. "Look…I've had a rough day and I'm not in the mood for games."

Halting in front of Nick, Sofia mused, "Now that's nostalgic."

When the door to Sofia's apartment opened she and Nick stumbled into the living room.

"Wait…" Trying to catch his breath from laughing Nick asked, "Did you pay for the cab? Cause I don't recall…"

"You didn't pay for it?"

"Pay for what?" He burst out laughing again. "How'd we get here?" Holding onto the wall he steadied his drunken body. "Damn…I'm trashed. We really shouldn't have done this again."

"Shouldn't have done what again? Drink? Take a taxi?" She threw her purse towards the entry table but missed. "Or come back to my place to knock boots?"

"Ma'am…" Faking sincerity he held his hand over his heart. "I'm just being a gentleman and escorting you to your door. I have no intention of staying and would never expect to participate in the vulgar activity you described a moment ago."

"That's what you said last time right before you dropped your pants and had your way with me up against the wall…not that I minded." Chuckling, she meandered through her living room and at the entrance to her bedroom beckoned, "Are you coming?"

"In spite of the excess tequila I consumed, I think I can manage to…yes." Grinning, he weaved across the room to join her and when he reached the doorway, he pulled her close, running his hands over her back. "You feel tense. Tough day at the office?"

"Ghastly." Intoxicated by his smile Sofia purred, "I definitely need a release. Think you can help me with that?"

Walking her backwards to the bed he replied, "From the noise you were making the last time we hooked up, I believe I've already proven I can."

A bang on the front door interrupted the mood. "HEY! You wanna give me my fare! You said you would be right out. I know this is the right apartment because I see your purse and recognize it, lady!"

"We left the door open." Sofia chortled, "You really did forget to pay the cabbie." She pointed at him. "Thief!"

"You wait right here, little lady." Grabbing his wallet Nick hustled out of the bedroom and when he returned two minutes later Sofia was on the bed stripped down to her black satin undergarments. "Starting the party without me?"

She patted the mattress and eyed him like prey. "I'm in law enforcement so I don't usually mingle with bad boys who stiff cab drivers but, I'll make an exception today if you promise to do exactly as I say."

"I'll try my best," He smarmily remarked while shucking his blue sweater and sliding on the bed next to her.

"I've got a little something that will help keep you in line." Grinning, she revealed the shiny pair of silver handcuffs she was hiding under a pillow.

"What are those for?" He asked in a surprised tone.

She let her answer glide off her tongue while reaching for his hand. "Your wrists of course."

Pulling his hand away Nick informed her, "No, thanks…I do my best work unrestrained."

"That's the thing…you always do the brunt of the work. I want a turn…it's only fair." Tossing her long blonde hair off her shoulder she moved to straddle him. "So just lay back and do what I say, Bad Boy." When he jerked away Sofia blurted, "What the hell?"

"This…" Bolting off the bed he glanced around to locate his shirt. "I need to go."

"Now?" She gaped at him while he pulled on his shirt. "You come to my place, toss your shirt, climb into bed with me and THEN you tell me you need to go? What the hell, Stokes!" She laughed. "Oh…I get it. You don't enjoy a woman calling the shots in bed. You wanted to play the same old game."

"What?" He straightened out his sweater and in a tequila haze, steadied himself by holding onto her dresser. "No, that's not it, I don't know why…"

"What? Admit it…a good 'ol boy like you just can't handle a woman in control of the action." Dangling the cuffs she joked, "You would love playing cop, snapping these around my wrists, and telling me to spread 'em…but not the other way around." Seeing his perplexed expression she continued the taunt, "Prove me wrong." Sofia opened one of the cuffs. "Come on…show me you believe in equal rights and aren't just another closed-minded boy from the ranch…" Leaving the bed she strutted tipsily towards him. "I promise you'll enjoy it."

Even though his reflexes were a little slow, Nick managed to move his hand just in time to escape the steel aimed at his wrist. "Hey! I'm not in the mood for games, so back off!"

Thrusting her index finger toward her bedroom door she snapped, "And suddenly I'm not in the mood for you, so get the hell out of my apartment!"

"Exactly what I was planning on doing," He informed her while hustling out of the room.

Pissed off and piss drunk she shouted, "And don't think you're ever coming here ever again you chauvinistic…control-freak…asshole!"

"Not a problem!" He yelled before walking through the front door, slamming it behind him.

"Nick!" Sofia called out as she snapped her fingers. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I uh…" He started walking. "I just realized you remind me of someone…same hair…same voice...same attitude…never mind." At the time it happened he didn't know why she freaked him out, but now it was crystal clear. "Let's just focus on the business at hand."

"At the risk of sounding too aggressive for you, I'm going to point out you're walking the wrong way."

"Shit." He stopped, turned and in a frustrated voice asked, "Fine…which way is it?"

Observing his body language Sofia stated, "All kidding aside, I think you have a problem."

"Oh you do, huh?"

"Yeah…I do." Sofia lowered her voice. "Look…from what I've heard, I don't believe you have any culpability in this incident with Greg and I don't expect my opinion to change once I interview the two of you. But, Nick, I did my research when the Sheriff called me. Considering what happened to you on the scene yesterday, what I witnessed last night, the fact that people saw you storm out of the lab this morning and take off running down the road, the emotional display with Grissom at the scene earlier, and because you look like your head is about to explode over a little harmless banter between ex-screw buddies…I'd be remiss if I didn't say I wasn't highly concerned. Exactly how many times have you lost it in the last thirty-six hours, Nick?"

Not amused by her line of questioning he snipped, "I'd hardly call the last thirty-six hours typical circumstances and I'm working on four hours of sleep because I spent half the night dealing with that pervert from..."

"It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, you need to be in control at all times. You have a department issued firearm on your belt. You're not at liberty to lose it." Sighing she informed him, "I'm making a recommendation…for your own good."

"What's that?" He folded his arms and waited for her verdict.

"I think you're mentally maxed out," She declared. "I'm recommending mandatory personal leave time. According to your file you have seven weeks. I'm suggesting in my report that you use one."

"No." Shaking his head he pursed his lips. "And Brass won't make me."

"I hate to break it to you but…" She smiled warmly. "You don't have the authority here…I do. And not even Jim Brass will be able to deny your instability and go against my written recommendation. Not after today's rule-breaking incident. If he ignores my report and you make an error tomorrow it would be the end of his career. Sorry…I'm recommending the Relief Crew be brought in because Greg will be out on medical and when I checked the calendar, Jas already has approved vacation time for her brother's wedding."

"You know what…" He tossed his hands in the air. "I think that's a great idea. Carrie was just askin' if I would take some time off and why the hell wouldn't I want to spend quality time with my fiancée? Thanks, Sofia…I'm thrilled. You're the best. Now, by all means, lead me to the cafeteria. All I want to do is get some iced tea, answer your damn questions, check in on Greg, and then head back to the lab get my stuff and my car, so I can go home and sleep. Will that work for ya? Is that submissive enough?"

"Keep it up and I'm recommending two weeks not one." Turning, she headed towards the cafeteria. "Are you coming?"

"Oh yeah!" Secretly relieved at being forced off the job he sounded off, "I'm even letting you buy my iced tea because I'm such a progressive guy."

Switching her red leather briefcase to her left hand she groaned, "You used to be a fun guy. What happened?"

"I grew up."

Sheriff Burdick's Office
6:04 p.m.

Sheriff Burdick sat behind his oak desk eyeing the two men there to grovel before him. "Grissom, did you know Greg Sanders' rank when you chose to leave him without a partner in the field?"

"Yes," He answered factually. "I was Greg's direct supervisor when he requested a transfer from DNA and, after passing his proficiencies, I hired him for Graveyard shift as a CSI I. He's not eligible for a promotion until March 2006."

"Did you know he had a flagged file?"

Maintain the proper level of contriteness he fielded the question. "Yes, I'm the one who flagged it."

Brass breathed in deep waiting for the axe to fall.

"When you told Sanders you were leaving the scene what did he say?"

"He said…" Grissom thought back and wished he could make a different choice. "He said…I'm not allowed to be out in the field alone because I'm a CSI I with a flagged file."

"At the time you made your decision were you aware that department procedure mandates supervision for Level I's in the field and that a Level I with a flagged file is only allowed to be in the field with a CSI III with a mentor certification or a supervisor?"

"Yes…" Grissom somberly nodded. "I was aware of that procedure at the time I made the decision."

"Then why did you make the decision you did?"

Brass sat quietly, hoping Gil would knock it out of the park.

He answered the question calmly and honestly. "I had faith that Greg could handle the simple tasks I assigned him and I did not perceive the situation to be dangerous because the occupants of the home were not suspects of the crime and there was an armed and experienced officer guarding the house. May I point out that if I had remained at the scene, the officer still would have been attacked and instead of having just Greg in jeopardy in the basement, I would have been there too? If Tucker had seen two of us, who knows what he may have done? In the agitated mental state he was in, anything is possible. He could have overpowered one of us, taken a gun and shot us all immediately. The outcome could have been worse if I had remained or it may have been better, there's no way of knowing."

Deciding to move on, Burdick asked, "Why did you leave?"

After clearing his throat, he continued to explain, "A promising lead was called into me and my focus was on capturing Brittany Thomas's killer. I wanted him off the streets because my experience was telling me he was already planning his next rape and murder…which as we now know was a correct assumption."

Brass interjected, "He was thinking of the taxpayers and the safety of their children. And may I remind you, he took a drastic cut in pay when he took this position."

Grissom rolled his eyes, wishing Brass wouldn't lay the bullshit on quite so thick.

"Do you know how much money the taxpayers will be spending to cover the tab for dragging out the bomb squad, a fire battalion, sharpshooter, seven squad cars and two ambulances?"

Brass shrugged, "Ballpark? I'd say it has to be less than the value of the next victim's life. The killer is off the streets because of this incident. We all would have liked it to have been done in a different manner, but the end result can't be denied. Gil is also willing, as a courtesy, to reimburse the county for all expenses incurred."

"You're lucky Greg Sanders didn't die in the process." Burdick shoved a file in Brass's direction. "I may be new, but I did my homework. Sanders was already a victim due to Grissom's lack of control over his personnel. Catherine Willows blew up the lab and Sanders paid the price then as well…third degree burns on his back. His mother was going to sue the county."

"Until Gil talked her out of it," Brass informed the Sheriff.

Changing topics Burdick snapped, "What are your defined supervisory responsibilities in your position as Master Criminalist?"

"I don't have any defined responsibilities," Grissom candidly replied, "We're in the process of defining them."

Burdick rocked back in his oversized chair. "So Atwater approved a job position without a description?"

Brass offered, "Maybe we should blame him and call it a day. You could call him in Fort Lauderdale and ask if he wants to return for a post-retirement ass-chewing. He may agree if you toss in some casino comps."

"You're pretty cocky, Jim," Burdick stated on a sigh.

"I have to be to do the job I do, don't you think?" He shrugged, "A wimpy guy who cowers at the feet of a big dog really doesn't do his people any good. You know how it works. So let's not beat around the bush…Grissom is critical to the lab…"

"That's how he's been able to get away with everything over the years."

"No, he's why the lab has been so successful over the years," Brass countered.

"We'll test your theory," Burdick announced as he rose from his chair to loom. "Mr. Grissom…you're suspended for the next five days. We'll see how the lab does without you and then I'll decide if Mr. Brass is correct."

"Fair enough." Grissom stood and nodded. "For the record…the last thing I'd ever want is for the lab, its employees or the people of Clark County to suffer. So while I know it would look good for me to have the place fall apart…it's not what I'm hoping for, Sheriff. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm heading back to my office to collect my things and begin my suspension." As he walked out he politely said, "Have a good evening."

Jim stood staring at the Sheriff. "What about me?"

"I'll be watching you."

"Thank you for the warning." Brass nodded before turning to leave. At the door he muttered under his breath, "I'll make sure to wipe my ass twice." And as he strolled out he thought, we'll see how the lab does with Gil suspended, Greg on medical leave, Jas on vacation, and Nick on the personal leave I'm going to force him to take.

As he strolled down the hall, Jim wondered…how can I make it even worse? Then it hit him. Grabbing his cell he punched in Sara's number and when she answered he jovially said, "Sara…if your husband were to come home and tell you he was on vacation until Monday wouldn't you want to be on vacation too? Surely there must be something fun the two of you could do to pass the time."

Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center
Cafeteria
6:11 p.m.

At a corner table in the cafeteria, Sofia held a pen in one hand and a cup of Diet Dr. Pepper in the other. "Ready?"

With a shit-eating grin, Nick lowered his cup and enthusiastically replied, "Chomping at the bit like my horse Derringer used to when he saw me headin' over with my riding boots on."

"Does Carrie enjoy the cowboy talk?" From her briefcase she selected the appropriate form.

"Well…" He folded his hands and sat up nice and tall. "…she's wearing my ring so I'm guessin' she don't mind it too much, Ma'am." Glancing over at the paperwork she was grabbing he joked, "Seems like a strange question for a department inquiry."

"I like Carrie," Sofia stated as she placed the form on the table.

"What a coincidence, me too."

"We made lunch plans for next week."

His shoulders slumped. "Why?"

"To compare notes on sex with you." She choked on her drink when she saw his reaction. "I don't expect it to be a lengthy conversation." When she saw his tense expression she rolled her eyes. "Calm down…we're having lunch because I provided testimony on a case her co-worker Clive Braxley lost. She wants my opinion on how he handled it. She, like me, thinks Braxley is a Grade-A Asshole and I'm hoping to give her some stuff she can use against him."

"Oh." He relaxed.

Readying her pen Sofia asked the first question. "Okay, what was the last contact you had with Greg prior to the incident?"

Grateful to get to the formalities he responded with enthusiasm, "I sat with him in the conference room that morning to review what he was working on."

"Which was?"

"Vendor contracts for the craft market where the vic's ladybug dress was purchased and the customer information book was lifted."

"And your supervisory advice to him was?"

Glancing up he recalled his words. "I told him to have at it…meaning the analysis of the vendor contracts, and then I ordered him to stay out of the field. Reason being he was working on two hours of sleep and under duress because he was at the ER all night with Tawny thinking she was miscarrying."

"I knew that because he contacted me when he got home and asked me to get his stuff from Hodges." She jotted her notes. "That was a good call."

"Thanks." He shifted nervously in his chair.

"Where were you when Grissom ordered Greg into the field?"

"Processing a case with Pete," He replied. "When I returned to the lab I asked Jas where Greg was and she told me she thought he went to grab a bite. I didn't attempt to track him down before I left the building for lunch myself. I spent my lunch hour at the courthouse with Carrie and was on my way to a scene when I got the call about Greg from Jim."

"Sofia!" A nurse in her fifties approached and held out her arms. "How are you, Sweetie? You look great."

"Stella." Sofia jumped up and embraced her. "I'm doing well. Sorry I haven't visited in a while."

"It's okay." Stella smiled. "It's understandable. You spent enough time here. Wow…I'd love to stay and catch up, but I'm due back in the ICU in two minutes. Take care of yourself, Honey. Okay?"

Nick watched the exchange with curious eyes.

"I will, Stella. Nice seeing you." She returned to her chair and picked up her pen. "Sorry for the interruption."

"Were you a patient here for a while?" Then he realized the inappropriateness of the question. "Sorry…that's the CSI in me talking. I didn't mean to pry."

"No, I was a visitor, not a patient." Studying his puzzled expression she sighed, "My kid brother was the patient. He was in a coma for a long time and then he died. I spent a lot of time here and got to know the nurses. Does that satisfy your curiosity enough to focus?"

"Sorry to hear about your brother. Really, I didn't mean to pry." But his curiosity got the best of him again. "How long ago?"

"Six years ago and I never talk about him that's why you don't know." She grimaced. "What? Just because you know my body intimately doesn't mean you know everything about me. You don't know me at all."

"How did it happen?"

After a deep breath she replied, "One day he called to talk. I told him I was too busy working and I'd stop by later. I didn't know he was holding a cup of pills when he was calling. He was already in a coma when I found him. Now you know why I refuse to spend every waking hour at the lab and why I think it's important not to get consumed by the job."

"Look…" Leaning in he spoke softly. "I'm uh…I'm really sorry about what happened that night between us. It was a shitty thing for me to do without offering an explanation…I um…I wasn't in the mood for what you were demanding and instead of being polite about it…because I was piss drunk and had some stuff going on in my head that I didn't quite understand at the time, I was an ass."

Sofia sipped her drink while listening intently.

Anxious, he glanced around to see if they were still alone. "You didn't do anything wrong…you had every right to make demands after I called the shots the other times and you were just trying to have some fun. It was all me, not you. But to quote you from last night…please don't ask me why because I don't want to discuss it. So I would appreciate it if you would take my apology and leave it at that."

With a straight face she asked, "Is this sudden apology due to you feeling sorry for me over the loss of my brother or because you're worried about what I'll say to your fiancée? Or both?"

"Honestly? A little of both and then some." He sat back. "You mentioning your brother reminded me that you're human. Carrie liking you means you can't be a bad person, because she is an excellent judge of character. And recently…I've figured out some things about myself that help shed some light on why I behaved the way I did that night."

"I accept your apology," Raising her cup she smile lightly. "Let's drink to putting it behind us."

"Thank you." Feeling his load a little less burdened he bumped his cup to hers. "To putting it behind us."

Curtain 4
6:41 p.m.

Nurse Ginny Campbell returned with a sunny smile plastered on her face. "Has the Percocet kicked in yet, Mr. Sanders?"

"Just call me Greg," He remarked in a chipper tone. "Mr. Sanders is my daddy and he's a bit of a stiff."

"Oh, it's kicked in alright." Tawny probed, "How much Percocet did you give him? And where was I when you did?" At least she had an explanation for the sudden increase in Greg's loopiness.

"10mg and you were using the restroom." The nurse wondered why the girlfriend looked so concerned. "He didn't say he had a problem taking…."

"No… that's not it. He already had something in his system." Smiling at her man, Tawny teased, "Looks like you'll be flying twice in one day, Chuckles."

"I'm feeling fine, Princess T."

"What did he have in his system?" The nurse's concern grew.

"He inhaled some marijuana smoke while being held hostage."

"There's no contraindication for those two drugs." Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. "For the record, I did ask him if he was taking any other meds."

After kissing her overly medicated man on the cheek Tawny whispered in his ear, "I need to use the restroom again, I'll be right back."

"Oooh! Can you score me some food?" He patted his belly repeatedly. "That packet of crackers isn't holding me."

"Sure thing, Chuckles." Tawny winked. "Be back soon."

"Chuckles?" Ginny curiously repeated.

"Cause I'm a funny guy." Greg unfurled a goofy smile and stared at the nurse.

"Knock Knock…" Sofia called from the other side of the curtain. "Are you decent in there, Greg? It's Sofia."

"Come on in!" Feeling no pain, Greg sat up and when Sofia stood on the opposite side of the bed from the sexy blonde nurse he whooped, "This dream keeps getting better." That's when he saw Nick slip through the curtain. "Nicky! Check it out…I've got two Aggie girls in my bedroom just like you promised."

Nick immediately asked the nurse, "How is he getting more stoned as time passes?"

"I gave him 10mg of Percocet," She explained. "Most people pass out from it, but around ten percent have the opposite reaction and experience euphoria and an exaggerated feeling of well-being."

"It figures Greg would be abnormal," Nick groaned. "These are not co-eds from Texas, Greg. One is a nurse and one is your co-worker, Sofia."

Sofia pulled an inquiry form from her briefcase. "This should be pointless."

"Does he have a diagnosis yet?" Nick inquired.

"Yeah…I got my ass kicked…literally!" Greg flipped over and let his gown part. "Check out what that big bully did to me, Bro."

"Good thing he left his boxers on," Sofia remarked in a laugh. "Bright green and yellow polka dots….very befitting for a big tough hero."

Nick saw the top half of a boot imprint above the waistband of Greg's boxers. "We need to photo that boot print, Greggo. May as well tack assault to Tucker's charges. I'll grab my kit." As he turned he bumped into Tawny. "Sorry…I need to go get my camera to take a picture of your man's ass."

"Um…okay." Tawny took the nurse's place at Greg's bedside after Ginny followed Nick out of the room.

Sofia started her questions. "Greg…do you remember what Nick's orders were to you this morning when he spoke to you while you were processing vendor contracts for the craft market.?"

"Yep!" When he saw Tawny holding a bag of Cheetos and a can of Coke he lit up. "I love you, Princess…because you remembered I like crunchy Cheetos, not puffy ones. I promise…as soon as I'm up to it, I'll make love to you for as long as you like…to whatever music you request…in whatever position you want. My piece will be at your command."

Tawny hurried to open the snack bag so Greg's mouth would be busy chewing instead of confessing his inner most thoughts."

"Can you tell me what Nick's orders were?" Sofia poised her pen while laughing at her interviewee.

"Nick's exact words were…." In his best jock impression Greg barked, "Stay out of the field. And you better listen to me punk or I'll beat your ass!"

Sofia hesitated to write the response. "Does Nick always boss you around in such a demeaning manner?"

Greg was too busy chomping Crunchy Cheetos and gulping soda to answer. When he finally did pause his snackfest he asked through orange-tinted lips, "Why do you like me so much, Sofia?" He glanced up at Tawny. "I ask her all the time but she refuses to answer."

In a bittersweet voice Sofia finally answered the question for him. "Because you remind me of my kid brother…same outrageous personality…same soulful eyes…and almost the same hair except his was blonder."

Nick popped through the crack in the curtain. "Sofia, would you mind stepping outside for this?" When she did, he instructed, "Okay Buddy, drop those clown shorts and, Tawny would you do the honors for me?" He grabbed a ruler and handed it to her. "Just place it parallel."

Greg just lay there staring at the two of them clutching his bag of Cheetos and can of Coke. "Uh…I've measured it plenty of times, can't I just tell you how long it is?"

Sofia's laughter penetrated the curtained room and joined up with Nick's and Tawny's.

Greg followed up with, "Nick…buddy…trust me on this…you don't want to be in this contest with me. Remember the pool house…Tawny saw you in your wet boxer briefs. She assures me I've got you beat by at least an inch." A smile radiated on his face. "After all…I am Chuckles the Master of Tantric Sex while you and Carrie just branched out from Missionary on Saturday. Apparently she enjoyed her time in the saddle and fear not, Little Buddy, Carrie ordered some books and she's getting ready for more. Yeah…I predict some Side by Side Clasping and Kama's Wheel coming your way reeeeeeeeeal soon. Women love those positions…it's the eye contact. If the books aren't detailed enough for you and you need tips on how to pull those off, just ask the Chuckster."

Tawny slapped her hand over Greg's mouth. "He's making stuff up."

Nick knew it at least some of it was true. "Carrie confided to you about our sex life and you told Greg?"

"No! I didn't divulge anything," She calmly told the distraught man. "Greg read about it on our computer."

"Excuse me?" Nick pushed for a better explanation. "Care to explain how the details of my sex life are on your computer?"

"Sara, Carrie and Tawny had an online Chick Chat. Tawny saved the transcript and I accidentally read it. I found out you snore too." Greg crumbled up his Cheetos bag, tossed it and when it landed in the trash he celebrated, "Two points! I've got this jock thing down! Hey Nick…don't worry, it's all even because Tawny dished about my misfire on position seven. Sometimes I don't have control over my piece."

From the other side of the cotton wall Sofia coughed, "Just a reminder…these walls aren't soundproof. I don't know why people always forget that in hospitals."

Seventy year old Mrs Gertz, the patient behind Curtain Three shouted, "The suspense is killing me! How big is Chuckles? And what was position was number seven?"

And since everyone else was acknowledging the fact that the conversation was loud, twenty one year old Brian Jones from Curtain Five asked, "Dude…what's the name of the sex book you were talking about? I could use some new tricks."

Crime Lab
6:57 p.m.

Grissom was sitting at his desk gathering his files on the BrittanyThomas case to pass onto Warrick when much to his surprise, Sara breezed into the room.

"Hey…" She greeted him with a loving smile.

"What are you doing here, Honey?" He felt bad. He hadn't called her and told her the news yet, but he wasn't ready to talk about it.

"I came in to submit a personal leave request. I'm not sure you're aware, but I have over a dozen weeks. For a long time I didn't take any days off because I had the hots for my supervisor and always wanted to be at work with him." Strolling over she sat on the edge of her husband's desk. "But I don't work for him anymore because one day last month I married him…" Her eyes sparkling she said, "You know…for better or worse…in good times and bad."

"You know about my suspension."

"Yeah." She met his gaze. "Since my supervisor is unavailable, Jim Brass was kind enough to approve my leave. I don't have to be back until Monday…just like you."

Reclining in his chair he sighed. "My second day on the new job and I'm suspended. Has to be a lab record, don't you think? What's the grapevine saying?"

"They're all abuzz about Greg making it out and no one is holding anything against you." In a confident tone she assured him, "The Sheriff is new and he has to stomp his foot. Everyone knows it. No one believes you'd intentionally put Greg or anyone in harms way."

"Everyone here…but what about Tawny?" He looked to Sara for advice. "Once Sofia finishes interviewing Greg and has his official statement on record, I'm allowed to speak with him. I need to speak with him and Tawny."

Sara checked her watch. "They're probably still at the ER. Nick said he would call Jim when they were leaving. Once he gets the call, then how about I call Nick and see if it would be a good idea?"

"Thanks, Sara." He nodded as he stood and grabbed a box for his files.

"Now how about I help you pull the casefile together for transfer?" Sliding off the edge of the desk she smirked. "We can pretend it's like old times." She elbowed him in the ribs. "You know what that means."

"I'll have to pretend I don't love you."

"And I'll have to pretend it doesn't bother me that you don't love me."

Gil smiled for the first time since the incident. "You never were very good at that, Sara."

"I know." Her lips curved into a beautiful smile. "And yet…it didn't get you up off your ass and asking me out."

Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center
7:10 p.m.

"Up you go, Buddy," Nick instructed as he hoisted Greg to the edge of the hospital bed and swung his legs off the side. "Get his jeans ready, Tawny."

"My arms feel like spaghetti," Greg remarked as he let his helpers dress him.

"It's the happy pill talking, Sweetie." Tawny snaked the pants up his legs while Nick lifted Greg out of bed. "I'm not used to putting clothes on you," She giggled. "I'm only used to ripping them off you."

Holding Greg, Nick commented, "It's good practice for dressing the babies…they'll be helpless too."

"We're having twins!" Greg euphorically announced. "Did you hear that people behind the curtains listening to everything I say?" Then he started to hum, She's Having My Baby.

"Here you go…" Nurse Campbell waltzed in with Greg's prescriptions and discharge instructions. "As the doctor told you, there's no serious damage to his spine or discs. Follow the instructions on these sheets for treating the inflammation. He needs to take the anti-inflammatory medication as directed and the pain medication as needed. Mr. Stokes, I've faxed all the necessary paperwork for insurance and disability to your office as you requested."

"Thanks," He replied while fetching Greg's sneakers.

Next the nurse handed Tawny a few pamphlets and since Greg was in his own world, she left him out of the conversation. "These are from the staff psychologist. Because Mr. Sanders was in shock right after the rescue, and medicated upon arrival, he hasn't coped with what's happened. These booklets describe the common side effects of trauma…behavioral, emotional and physical. Sometimes it can be pretty rough. And it may take days or weeks before he fully comes to terms with everything. Be on the lookout for sleep difficulties, nightmares if he does sleep, and hypervigilance…easily startling and edginess, which is very common for people who were attacked. Most importantly watch his mood..." The nurse smiled. "Considering he's happily singing right now I think you'll be able to recognize a negative change if it happens. You want to make sure he's not getting overwhelmed and that he's dealing rather than suppressing."

Tawny clutched all the papers and said, "Are the risks for psychological problems higher if he has any sort of history of coping poorly with heavy stress?"

Nick saw Tawny's concern mounting and said, "Don't worry, Greg already has a PEAP session scheduled for Thursday. The counselors are specialists in dealing with this type of thing. He'll have it a little rough at first but after some counseling and decompression time with you, I'm sure he'll pull through just fine. And you know Sara, Gris, Catherine, Warrick and me are all just a phone call away."

Nurse Campbell nodded, "Counseling and support from family and friends are the best ways to ensure a full recovery. Best of luck to you." She left the curtain open upon exiting.

Tawny looked up at Nick. "I only asked because he has some history…"

"He talked about it with Mifflin…it was one of the things we heard over the phone." Nick smiled reassuringly. "That was a long time ago and if fought that hard to get out of the basement I don't think any amount of emotional distress or depression could swing him that low ever again, do you?"

Shaking her head she said, "No…I can't imagine he…"

"Hey…" Greg interrupted and asked in a carefree tone, "Can we hit a buffet on the way home? I'm starving."

Tawny immediately lightened up. "I guess as long as I keep his belly full I won't have anything to worry about."

"Probably not." Helping Greg into the wheelchair left to transport him to the parking lot Nick commented, "Bro, you really aren't up to being seen in public, you're a little too medicated and a lot too smelly."

Tawny nodded and sweetly confirmed, "He's right, Honey…I think you must have sweated out every drop of water in your body at some point. You need to hit the showers, Jock."

While Greg sniffed his armpit Nick suggested, "How about I hit the drive-thru of your choice while taking you home?"

"Sonic."

"You got it."

Crime Lab
7:26 p.m.

When Grissom brought the Brittany Thomas casefile information into Warrick's office he was surprised to find it occupied. "I didn't expect you to be here this early after a trying day."

Warrick glanced up. "Hey, Gris…how you doing? I heard about the suspension."

"News certainly travels fast around here." He set the file box on one of the guest chairs. "I feel guilty people are even concerned about me when Greg is the one who had the rough day. He already paid for my mistake…it's only fitting I do too, not that a five-day vacation from here seems appropriate. If anything I should be forced to work twice as much. All I want to do is work the case so it's solid when we hand it over."

"If you spend these next five days beating yourself up because you aren't occupied with work I think you'll feel punished. It all worked out…you can ease up." Warrick motioned to his open chair. "Take a load off."

"I'm waiting for Sara…" He glanced over his shoulder. "She's on the phone with Nick seeing if Greg and Tawny are up for a visit."

"That will help."

"Yeah." Anxious, he glanced around at Warrick's new and still sparse office.

Warrick smiled. "Hey…if you really want someone to read you the riot act and feed your guilty conscience, why not call Greg's mom and tell her what happened? From what Catherine told me, Mrs. Sanders can get the job done right."

"I appreciate what you're doing." He took the seat that had been offered.

"I don't mean to make light of the situation. It's nerves talking and I guess Catherine's coping mechanism is wearing off on me." Warrick sat forward, leaning in to the conversation. "Nah…that's not it. This whole thing today has me…it has me wishing things would have worked out differently for Holly. Watching you feel so guilty when Greg is fine only makes me feel…." After breathing deep he confessed, "Here I am sitting in my new office with my new supervisory job when really I don't deserve it…I only got to stay because you refused to fire me."

"I stand by my decision, Warrick…and the work you've done since supports it too." He saw the pain in his eyes and knew the words didn't help much.

Sara's perky voice broke the silence in the office. "Just got off the phone with Nick and he said Tawny would love for you to stop by, Gil. But she said be sure and bring food and be prepared because Greg is looped on pain medication."

Warrick nodded. "Get to it, Gris. It will feel even better seeing him blissed out. And don't worry…I'll handle the case and it will be air tight."

Rising from the chair Grissom smiled. "Why do you think I gave it to you? I trust you."

"Thanks." Relaxing slightly he said, "Tell Greggo that Cath and I will be around to see him in the morning. We'll bring breakfast."

"I'll tell him." Gil walked to meet his wife at the door. "Ready?"

"Are you asking me or checking on your own status?" Sara led the way down the hall. "When we stop to get him food I want to get some balloons...the kind you can twist into animals."

"You know how to twist balloon animals?" Gil asked in surprise.

With a glint in her eye Sara replied, "There's still a lot you don't know about me."

"Well…I have five days off. Maybe I can open an investigation at home to satisfy my need to crack a case."

"Funny you should mention that because I have some ideas on how to spend our five days…"

Greg's Apartment
7:52 p.m.

While Tawny hurried for the door carrying the three large bags of takeout food from Sonic, Nick guided Greg from the parking lot into the apartment.

"Where's Carrie?" Greg asked while Nick held him by the waist as he teetered up the sidewalk. "Because you really seem to need a hug…you won't let go of me."

"She's working and I'm holdin' ya because you'll fall on your ass if I don't." Nick waited for Tawny to open the door. "Carrie's behind at work so she needs to stay late. Trust me…I wish she was in my arms instead of you because she smells a hell of a lot better…and I miss her."

"When she comes home hit her up for some of that Side-By-Side Clasping and you'll…"

"Shut up."

"Shutting up."

"Home Sweet Home." Tawny walked through the door and set the bags of food on the counter. "Let's put him on the couch since Gil and Sara will be here any minute."

"Okay, Chuckles…" Nick lugged him toward the sofa. "You ready to crash?"

"I'm ready to eat!" He glanced over his shoulder. "I want my Lime Slushie, Chicken Club Toaster sandwich, Tater Tots, Onion Rings and Coney Island Hot Dog with the works."

"I'm working on it, Baby!" Tawny shouted from the kitchen. "I need to fill this ice pack for you too."

"You emptied my wallet at the drive-thru," Nick laughed as he eased Greg onto the couch.

"Wow…you're really good at that," Greg remarked as he found himself suddenly horizontal. "The ladies must not even see that coming."

"I perfected that freshman of college, my friend."

"Can you grab a pillow from the bedroom for me?"

"Sure. You should have one under your knees too." Happy to see Greg looking relaxed Nick teased, "You got a favorite stuffed animal in there you want me to bring ya?"

"Mr. Peebles."

"Jeez, Sanders, I was kidding."

"No…Mr. Peebles was my favorite stuffed animal as a kid." Blissfully high, Greg recalled the memory. "He was a donkey. Had the cutest little eyes and this soft…"

"Hold up!" Nick raised his hand in disbelief. "Your childhood comfort item was an ass?"

"He was really sweet and cute!" Greg protested. "My dad gave him to me when I was three."

"Are ya sure he wasn't a horse and you mistook him for a donkey?" Nick cringed. "Because why would a father give his son an ass as a gift?"

"My dad was at the National Democratic Convention and brought him home for me."

"Ahhh…" A grin stretched across Nick's face. "That explains why my Right-Wing daddy never happened upon one, and if my mom ever brought one home from one of her Liberal rallies, most likely he snatched it for target practice with my brother before I ever saw it. But now that you've explained it, I believe your woobie was indeed a donkey."

Greg assured his concerned friend, "Yes, indeed, Mr. Peebles was a cuddly little ass and I snuggled the stuffing out of him by the time I was eight. My mom has him preserved in a plexiglass box on a shelf at home, so I still get to visit him."

On his way to the bedroom Nick cracked, "So much for the tough guy image of you I started developing today."

To keep her man content, Tawny hurried over with his shake. "Suck this down while I unpack everything else and warm it up a little. It got cold when we were waiting for your prescriptions."

"First a kiss." Holding the shake in one hand, he slipped the other around her neck and pulled her close.

"Are you sure you're up to it, Chuckles?" Tawny gladly obliged.

Only seconds into the smooch Greg yanked her on top of him and in his euphoria got a little carried away.

"Hey now…the doctor told him to take it easy," Nick joked. "And you don't want to shock Gris and Sara with any complicated Kama Sutra sexual positions. I've seen it all in my day so I'm not flustered, but I doubt the Grissoms have been exposed to as much as I have."

Knowing the truth, Tawny returned to the kitchen laughing.

With his mouth free to blab, Greg quietly informed his pal, "Get this…according to the chick chat transcript, Gris and Sara already have twenty-seven positions down! Can you believe that! 27!"

"Are you sure you read that right?" Nick guffawed, "Are you sure it wasn't two POINT seven with Gris having a misfire like you?"

"No, I'm positive it was twenty seven!" Greg explained, "Because Sara was giving Carrie advice… she told her to go for The Mandarin Ducks and The Goat and the Tree." Laughing at himself he confessed, "I didn't know what they were but I Googled them…looks fun to me…but I have so few limitations in bed. I can't imagine Gris doing it with Sara though. Then again, I try never to imagine that because, Dude, let's face it…it's squicky. I'm still purging the images I used to have of me and Sara getting it on now that she's like my sister. The last thing I need in my head is my sister-figure and my father-figure turning up the kink." Since Nick was still speechless Greg continued, "Oh you'll like this…Tawny told Carrie to ask you to Drive the Peg Home, citing that she heard you had done it, and done it well, at plenty of parties. She even translated it into your language as 'Up Against the Wall, Baby!' so when Carrie came asking you'd know just what to do."

"Just when I thought the humiliation couldn't get worse." He covered Greg's face with the pillows and yelled toward the kitchen, "Hey Tawny!" When she looked up Nick asked in mortification, "From that online chat, Sara knows all this embarrassing stuff about me too?"

"Hey, it wasn't all embarrassing." Sensing he needed it, Tawny pumped his ego. "Carrie told us you can run ten miles without stopping and bench press twice your body weight." She winked. "We both knew what she was trying to tell us with that tidbit of information, Stud. Why do you think I recommended the peg? It takes a man with a certain combination of attributes. And Carrie also said you were really good at…" She stopped talking to answer the knock on the door. "Coming!"

"Help me, Bro," Greg whined from the couch. "I'm trying to get my socks off and it hurts too much to bend."

Nick grabbed Greg's left calf and lifted it to yank off his blue sock. "And you say my feet reek? Good thing I don't have a weak stomach." He attempted to grab the sock by the toes.

Greg recoiled laughing. "Sorry…I'm really ticklish. Tawny knows and loves to torture me."

"Carrie is too." His eyes lit up just thinking about her giggling uncontrollably in his arms. "I love making her beg for mercy." He grabbed Greg's leg again and this time tugged the sock off from the cuff.

Standing in the living room, Sara, Tawny and Gil took one look at Nick holding Greg's naked foot up towards his mouth and gasped in unison. Then Sara yelled in squicky horror, "My eyes!" The joyous look on Nick's face made it easy for her to envision the toe sucking nightmare Tawny had jokingly described the day before.

"What!" Nick shouted when he saw the threesome gaping. "He wanted his socks off and he can't bend. Can you smell his feet from over there? Is that why you look like you're gonna be sick?"

Then, the three who were in on the twisted fantasy joke burst into outrageous laughter until Tawny quipped, "Thankfully it's summer so Nick's not wearing a flannel shirt." They laughed harder.

As he released Greg's foot Nick snapped, "Is this another Chick Chat inside joke? Unbelievable." He stuffed his hands on his hips. "Did Gris read it too? That's it…I demand a copy. Roxie's gonna get some crap about this."

Puzzled by Nick's statement Grissom curiously inquired, "What's a Chick Chat?"

Jim Brass's Office
8:05 p.m.

Sitting at his desk drowning in paperwork and tension, Jim picked up the phone for a few minutes of diversion.

Thank you for calling, but unfortunately I'm too busy dominating those around me to take your call. Leave a message and I'll call you back…unless you've been naughty…then I'll pay you a visit.

Smiling at her latest personal voicemail message Jim waited for the beep. "I was a real wise-ass to with the Sheriff so I suppose that makes me a naughty boy. I don't think a phone call will cut it." He glanced at his watch. "It's just past eight and I'll be here until ten at the latest. See you later?" He asked in a questioning tone. "Oh and thanks for your message earlier…I need that. Bye, Sweetheart."

After hanging up he picked up his pen and signed off on Sofia's two incident interview reports and then reached for a Personal Leave form for Nick and a Medical Leave form for Greg.

Greg's Apartment
8:10 p.m.

Tawny walked Nick outside leaving Greg in the living room shoveling in his fast food and shooting the breeze with Gil and Sara. "Thanks for all your help today, Nick."

"It was the least I could do."

Seeing his tension re-emerge Tawny asked, "Do you really think Sofia's report is going to make Jim force you out on leave?"

"Definitely." He reached into his pocket to retrieve his keys. "But don't worry…I'm not leaving town so if you need anything I…"

"We'll be fine." She smiled warmly. "You could use a vacation…well, that's not me talking. I'm basing it on what Greg said yesterday. He was worried about you. And considering the way Carrie flew out of the gym I'd say she's worried about you too. Hey, maybe you can convince her to take some time off and go someplace fun."

"Fat chance of that," He sighed as he rocked on his heels. "It's too short notice and she has too much going on at work. But maybe I will sneak off for a day or two and do some camping and hiking…something to clear my head. I don't know." Appreciating her concern he smiled. "I'll see if I can try and remember what I used to do for fun…besides partying."

"I don't know about you, but I'm enjoying retirement from the party circuit," She giggled. "Go have some good clean fun. I have your cell programmed in mine if something comes up with Greg." Tossing her arms around his neck she whispered, "Thanks for not just being a great boss to Greg but a great friend. He didn't always have them. I'm glad he does now."

Releasing from the hug, Nick assured her, "Don't you worry, we've got Greggo flanked. Good night, Tawny."

"Night." When she stepped back into the living room, Tawny saw Sara standing next to the couch twisting a balloon poodle. "Where'd you learn to do that, Sara?"

"Social Services used to put on events for foster kids…you know…picnics and stuff. Their intentions were good, but I hated them." Sadly she shrugged. "To me they just accented the fact that I didn't have a family."

From the coffee table where he was sitting, Gil listened intently to this new story about his wife.

"So I was at this one event…they reserved a local zoo for all of us kids and brought in clowns and magicians…carnival games, all that stuff." She finished making the poodle's head. "This one clown saw me reading alone under a tree and she took me by the hand. Her name was Binny. Anyway…she felt sorry for me and took me to her booth and made me her assistant while she made balloon animals for kids. By the end of the day I knew how to make everything."

"No shock there," Gil remarked as he stared lovingly at his wife. "What don't you learn quickly?"

Greg answered after yawning, "She went almost five years waiting for you to give her the time of day…I'd say she was a little slow on the uptake there."

Sara held up her open palm. "High-five for that one, Bro."

"Now on the flip side." He yawned again.

"Looks like the hero is finally getting sleepy." Tawny checked her watch. "And you need another 800mg of Motrin before you pass out. Gil…maybe you can move him into the bedroom before you go because I won't be able to." She patted her tummy. "No heavy lifting."

Reminded of her pregnancy, Sara smiled. "I'll take his left arm, you take his right, Gil."

"I really wanted to take a shower first," Greg commented through a yawn. "But I'm too weak to go it alone."

"Sorry…but I'm not showering with you unless it's mandated by Hazmat," Sara laughed.

"I had that dream once," Greg confessed as he was brought to standing. "Sorry, Gris."

"Hey…why would I care about fantasies?" He grinned, "I get to shower with Sara for real all the time."

"Overshare!" Greg clung to them as he crossed the room. "Thanks a lot for coming to see me."

Grissom shook his head. "You need anything while you're home recovering you call me."

"We'll need help moving to the townhouse," Greg answered in a free-association.

Sara glanced over at her husband. "We can come back tomorrow and help them pack up. I don't have plans for us until six."

"Which are?" Gil prodded.

"Dinner with your dad and Lina…who I'm dying to meet."

"She's really cool," Greg enthused. "And Gris's dad is totally hot for her. It's obvious. But Ron doesn't know what to do about it."

Sara choked on her laughter thinking of how similar father and son were in that regard. "I've heard about that."

When they reached the bed Grissom took over. "Easy it does it…" He accidentally flopped Greg onto his back.

"Yeah…there's a reason Nick is called Slick." Greg adjusted his position. "His technique is much smoother."

"Some girls appreciate a little roughness around the edges." Sara winked at her husband. "I'm going to see if Tawny needs anything before we go. I'll see you tomorrow, Tough Guy."

"Night, Sara." When she left the room Greg noticed Grissom was staring at him. "I'm fine…really. I don't even remember much."

"Not now because you're half-baked and still in shock." He took a seat on the edge of the bed. "But you will. And when you do you may regret having been so nice to me tonight."

"Not a chance." He settled in under the covers. "I'm not going to let one bad call overshadow all the great stuff you've taught me or done for me over the years. I know what it's like to make a bad decision and live to regret it. The best thing to do is to learn from it and move right along." Breaking the tension he smiled, "But if it will make you feel better you can tack a few more rent-free months on the townhouse."

"Let's make it an even year." Grissom smiled as he held out his hand.

"Deal." Returning the handshake Greg noted the emotion in Grissom's eyes. "Let it go or I'll ask for two rent-free years. I'm a spoiled country club kid so I'm more than capable of outrageous mooching without guilt."

"Okay." Grissom released Greg's hand. "I'll stop. But I predict a very nice wedding gift in your future."

"The very near future if all goes according to plan."

"I'm glad there's still going to be a wedding, Greg, I…"

"What's this about a wedding?" Tawny teased as she breezed in the room. "So busted. Rumor has it there's even a ring purchase in the works."

"How did you find out about that!" He shrieked.

"I didn't." She winked. "I was bluffing." Elbowing Grissom she remarked, "I learned from the Master." Glancing up she asked in a voice steeped in sincerity, "If I happen to find myself in a wedding dress in the near future, would you mind walking me down the aisle in place of my dad?" When she heard the words out loud she flashed to tears.

"You really want me to after what…"

In the doorway, Sara watched her husband's reaction and her eyes welled.

"Are you kidding…" Tawny squeaked. "I can't think of anyone else who's played a bigger role in helping Greg and me get together."

From the bed, Greg watched with a smile plastered on his face. "If you say yes to her then it takes the pressure off me having to choose between Nick and you for best man. You were both down there in the basement with me today and I really didn't want to choose."

"I'd be honored, Tawny," Gil choked out. "Thrilled."

"Great!" She threw her arms around him. "So if I find myself planning a wedding in the near future I have one thing done already."

"Two." Sara reminded her. "You picked out your dress earlier, remember?"

"Tawny's hands rushed to her mouth. "I forgot about that! Yes! I have the best dress." She pointed to Greg. "But you're not seeing it, because the last thing we need is bad luck!"

Before he could reply Greg was interrupted by the phone. Since it was next to him on the nightstand he reached for it. When he checked the display he announced, "Speaking of having bad luck…it's my mom. Who wants to break this to her?"

Grissom held out his hand. "She can't kill me over the phone, right?"

"I guess we'll find out." Greg pressed the talk button. "Mom?"

"Hi, Sweetie."

"Hey, just to let you know I'm absolutely fine, so is Tawny, and the babies. There is someone here who wants to talk to you and tell you something though." He slapped the phone in Grissom's hand. "Good luck."

"Hello, Bev…" He nervously greeted. "Um…"

"Who is this?"

"It's Gil Grissom. We um…we had an incident on the job today."

"Did Catherine blow up the lab again!"

"No…" Grissom cleared his throat and asked himself…how would my father approach this? Then it came to him and his tone warmed. "Bev…did Greg mention I'm letting him have my townhome rent free for a year?"

Next: Chapter 89 - Bring on the Night (epilogue to Losing It series)

Posting: Late Monday NOTE: Since the changes to this website I haven't been able to get the document upload feature to work. SORRY! Chapter 89 is available on my website by clicking my homepage link.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

Have a great weekend!

Maggs