Chapter 9 by Kristen
It was his sixth night of being back at work. He loved being back out in the field, but the cases they kept handing him were getting old. One B and E after another. He knew they were handing him softball assignments, he was a CSI still, and seemed to think other people forgot that. He was sitting at the table sipping coffee and taped his fingers against the table with pent up energy at finding out about his assignment for the night.
Warrick popped his head into the break room waving a piece of paper in the air. "Come Nicky, let's get a move on, we got a B and E down at a pet store. Let's get."
Nick didn't know whether to laugh or scream. Sighing deeply, he pushed aside the dark thoughts that continued to plague him.
Progress, it was all progress.
Nick's face scrunched up. "Did you say a pet store, Rick?" Nick couldn't keep the astoundment out of his tone.
He laughed at the craziness of it.
Nick and Warrick wandered through the parking lot towards their vehicle. Both criminalists headed for the driver's door, with the intent of getting in. Both men gave each other a knowing look, as each refused to back down.
Nick chuckled under his breath. "I see we're at a standstill over who's driving."
Nick opened his left palm and made a fist with his right hand as he gestured for their usual game of paper rock, scissors to determine who was going to be the alpha male on this trip.
Warrick snorted and simply yanked open the door and slide into the driver's seat. "No calls on this one partner."
Nick just gaped at the other CSI. "Now that's just cold, man," he said, as he walked over to the other side of the SUV.
Warrick didn't comment as he drove towards their destination. He wasn't in the mood lately over games of chance. If Nick picked up on this irrational behavior he didn't let on.
Nick on the other hand just stared out the window. "Jungle Mania" was on the other side of town. He couldn't recall how many breaking an enterings, assaults, suspicious circumstances and other odd cases he had been assigned to of late. One thing that did occur to him, every single case this past week, he always rode with Warrick.
Of course following his provisions for ebbing back into the field he knew solo work was a long way off, but he wondered who insisted on Warrick Brown's presences at every scene. If both his supervisors were assigning the details, or if his partner had insisted. His gut told him the latter, and this made him feel slightly uneasy. His partner was going to have to let go of the guilt that was crushing him like some dead weight sooner or later. Nick had tried to talk to him about it, but his partner was just as good as he was, at avoiding subjects that were not up for discussion.
Nick felt that Warrick would eventualy let things go, or they were going to have to sit down and talk about it. Nick smiled. Maybe he would challenge Rick to a basketball game and then it would just be the two guys, a court, and both of their bottled up emotions.
Warrick continued to glance over at his partner. "You still brooding over not drivin'?"
Nick actually laughed out loud. "Nope. Just psyching myself up for our next case." Nick looked to see his partner's frustrated expression.
Nick sighed; he really wasn't all that upset over their newest softball assignment. Maybe changing tactics would be a good thing he mused. "A robbery at an exotic pet store. Our bad guy must be other really bored, or just plain stupid."
Warrick pulled into the lot of their next scene. "You kiddin' me, man? I expect you to be like some kid at a candy store. Birds, fish, lizards, turtles, snakes, and even some stuff that might fall under Grissom's area of expertise."
Nick allowed a slightly amused grin. Both men meet Detective O'Reilly at the door who filled them in.
The gruff cop didn't hide his less than thrilled attitude over the situation. "Silent alarm was triggered. I rolled and found the place pretty intact. Safe was opened, a couple hundred dollars stolen."
Warrick nodded. "Was the safe forced?"
The older man shrugged. " Nope, looks like someone who had the combination."
"Inside job more than likely." Nick mused.
"I'd agree. Owner came down just a little while ago to take inventory on some of his stock. Said some pretty expensive fish and lizards were missing." O'Reilly signaled for them to enter the store.
Both criminalists followed carrying their kits. A man in his early fifties with short silver hair and glasses was pacing up and down in front of his counter, wringing his hands. As he saw the trio approach, he became very animated. "Finally, some people who might expedite this situation. Not only have I been Shanghaied, but my animals have been kidnapped. I know time is of the essence."
Warrick tried to suppress a grin; O'Reilly didn't even try to hide his annoyance. Nick held out his hands in a calming gesture.
"Its all right, sir. Why don't you tell us what's missing."
The storeowner went into a long diatribe about his missing stock. Both criminalists scanned the owner's records. He had about thirty missing exotic fish and amphibians. After some brief calculations Warrick looked over at his partner and whistled. "Over ten thousands dollars for a bunch of lizards and goldfish."
Nick shook his head. "Well, they are not your run of you mill fish, Rick. Certain Japanese fighting fish are prized as a delicacy and are popular in underground circuits. Also many zoos have wait lists for some of the lizards that this guy had. It seems Mr. Landers uses this shop as a place of operations for private collectors. I bet his cliental is from all over the country."
Warrick's grin continued to widen after every word.
Nick looked him perplexed. "What?"
"Nothing man. So, Mr. Animal Planet, where would one go to sell these things? Is there an underground market?"
Nick laughed. "I have no clue, man. Discovery Channel doesn't cover the seedy shades of animalnapping."
Detective O'Reilly came over with his usual happy disposition. "You guys all right here? I just got a call for multiple homicide on Butler Street."
Nick's curiosity was piqued but he wasn't about to ask any questions. "We're fine here."
The older man turned to leave, but Warrick followed his retreating form. "When's the next officer on the scene?"
O'Reilly looked at the taller criminalist somewhat confused at the question. His gaze drifted over at the older owner who was talking rapidly on his cell phone, then over to Nick Stokes who was patiently waiting on his partner. Realization dawned on him.
"Um, well its not procedure on robbery cases, Warrick. But I'll get someone over here right away." The heavyset detective eyed the criminalist, any comments he had were kept to himself.
"Good." Warrick was all business. "Then would you mind taking the owner outside while we're going over our scene?"
The detective raised his eyebrows at that request. It was obvious the CSI wasn't taking any chances of late. "Will do," he said gruffly.
O'Reilly went over to escort the owner outside despite his protests of being ejected from his own business. Warrick wandered back in to divide up the scene.
Nick had his hands on his hips, and gave the other CSI a pointed expression. "This is a pet store, bro. I don't think our suspect is going to come and hit it again."
Warrick matched his partner's expression with a serious look. "I'm just following protocol. People have been lax of late."
Nick just smiled and shook his head. He stepped closer as he kept his voice low. "Lax? Warrick, I've never seen so many cops hover around scenes like the ones you and I have worked the past week. There is no threat level here, cut O'Reilly some slack. I'm sure his next scene is a bit more vital then this one."
Warrick's eyes were bright with intensity. "O'Reilly stays till the next officer is sent here." He said in a deeper voice.
Nick chewed on his bottom lip. "Fine, man." He said a bit testily.
The Texan pulled out some latex gloves in slipped them on each hand and canvassed the store with his eyes.
Warrick seemed to relax a bit. "Which area do you want?"
The other criminalist seemed to consider his options. "I really don't dig amphibians. I'll go check out the fish."
"Figures. I'll get the safe and head over to the lizard area next."
Both CSIs grabbed their kits and headed into opposite sections of the store. Warrick walked behind the counter and squatted down near the safe. He still couldn't understand how people could pay so much for animals, but then again he'd seen people spend a ton more loot on other senseless things. He gathered up his supplies and set to work. He knew O'Reilly had all ready gotten a list of people from the owner who knew the combination to the safe.
Nick marveled at the amount of fish tanks in the store. Each aquarium contained every kind of fish imaginable. Every color and size was represented and Nick caught himself studying them in awe. The criminalist shook his head; he had to visit this place when he had more time. He carried his kit to the backroom, where the more prized and expensive fish were kept.
The room was small, and very low lit. Each tank hummed from filtering the water. Nick glanced at his inventory list and went over to the far end to scan the ones with the missing fighting fish. These tanks were huge, over forty gallons in size. Each aquarium sat on a very large stand. Nick began dusting the tops of the lid since the suspect would have touched them in order to snag the fish. Nick took his time lifting every sample and started to move down in front of the tank.
He found dozens of prints on the front of the glass. It would take forever to gather the numerous sets as well as analyzing them back at the lab. Nick maneuvered over to the next tank and studied the now empty waters. He shook his head ruefully at the absurdity of this particular crime. He heard the noise of the tank behind him and glanced at the row there. The CSI wondered how much the owner's water bill was for this facility.
"No way this replaces the ocean," he said under his breath.
He saw some of the prettiest orange striped specimens swimming around in the unit behind him. Nick smiled, he have to really do some research of aquatic life when he was done.
Nick shifted down the wall of glass as he searched for the next tank that had been robbed. Each unit was numbered and he would double check with the master sheet in his hands. He went down to one of the tanks that made up the corner of the room. Just like the other one, the CSI started with the lid and worked his way down to dust the front part of the tank.
The unit he was working on must have been a popular one from the amount of prints he was gathering. He thought maybe the owner would be more meticulous about keeping the aquarium spotless. Mr. Landers didn't know much about Windex cleaner. Nick stayed in the caddy corner of the building for a while as he went to his knees to powder the bottom part of the large aquarium.
The criminalist heard the loud bubbling of the tank behind him; the filter system seemed to be working over time in that unit. However, what was more distracting, was the unit to his very right. The light bulb was excessively bright. The units that surrounded him housed an array of tropical fish. The temperature of each tank was set higher and the lights were brighter.
The CSI wondered how higher sets of light ever truly represented the sun, it wasn't like the rays reached that far down in the ocean. The quiet was kind of nice; this little storehouse was an interesting room. Nick tried not to look directly at the light from the tank to the right of him, but its illuminations were distracting. Nick stayed crouched down, his intense focus on the front glass structure.
Nick's mind began to wonder a bit, his peripheral vision kept grabbing his attention. The glow of the bulbs were right at eye level and his fingers began to tremble slightly.
"What the Hell?" He mumbled to himself as he stared dumbly at his fingers.
Nick looked up and stared at the inch thick glass in front of him. The hallway of tanks were like a solid wall of glass in front and behind him. He backed up, but his shoulders hit the tank.
The air seemed to thin out. The room wavered, and started to close in on him. His breath hitched in his throat, a few droplets of sweat dotted his brow.
'No. I'm not going to freak out now. Calming breaths. Deep calming breaths.'
Nick stood up quickly. He placed a latex covered hand on top of one of the tanks exhaled heavily. He looked around franticly trying to replace the images of Plexiglas with the calming realism of peaceful fish. Nick let his hand slide down to the front of the tank. He could feel the cool exterior of the glass.
They say all five senses are equally important. Nick could see all the glass around him. Hear the stillness of the room punctuated by the low humming. The noise was like the eerie sound of several fans. Feeling the glass beneath gloved fingertips was just too much.
Nick hurried as fast as his feet could take him out of that room. He nearly ripped the door off its hinges when he threw it open and bolted out. He hurried into the store and made a beeline for the outside. He brushed past the officer assigned to the scene who eyed him wearily as Nick hurried into the parking lot.
Nick placed his hands on his knees, as he calmed his breathing. It wasn't near the panic levels of weeks ago, but it was certainly some kind of anxiety attack. His throat had not closed in on him, but it was like he couldn't take being in that enclosed space.
Nick slowly began to calm down. He was embarrassed by his slip up. He tried to refocus his attention on his job. Nick squared his shoulders as he gathered his thoughts. He turned around and headed back into the store.
When he reached the doorway he was met by his partner. Warrick had the same worried expression that he had sported for almost the first month after the incident. Nick had hoped he'd never see that look again.
Officer Tanner was standing alert only a few feet away. Nick knew his cheeks were burning; he really wasn't up to any kind of scrutiny. "Just needed some fresh air," he explained. The excuse sounded lousy to his ears.
Warrick didn't even pretend to buy into his lame explanation. The other CSI hesitated briefly, choosing his words wisely. "You all right?" It was a genuine question.
Nick was all ready nodding his head in a positive manner. "Yeah." He laughed softly and shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle." Nick cleared his throat. "I'll get back there and finish."
The criminalist tried to walk back in, but Warrick had not budged from the entrance. Nick's nonchalant mannerisms started to ebb away to a more frustrated posture.
"Warrick, I'm fine."
The taller CSI narrowed his eyes. "You put a dent in the wall from where the door handle impacted." Warrick's expression softened. "I checked it out...the room is...very small. I should have taken it, I'm sorry."
Nick frowned. "Don't apologize to me, man. I'm capable of canvassing that room. I just let my thoughts drift. Won't happen again."
Nick was getting overly agitated, but he didn't want this to escalate into some kind of set back. He could imagine the report that Grissom and Catherine would read and interpret from this. "I have three more tanks to process."
"No, I'll complete it. Why don't you examine the rest of the cages in the amphibian area."
Nick took exception to the commanding tone of his partner. "Warrick, I don't take orders from you. We're of equal rank."
"You have any of your meds with you?" Warrick asked.
Nick looked over at the officer whose ears perked up at that last question. A bit angry, Nick grabbed Warrick's shoulder and led him further in the parking lot. In a low voice covered by a thick accent Nick whispered. "I'm not on any more medication. And no, I don't carry any with me."
Warrick shook loose of his partner's grip. "Nick, you're not ready to go back in that room. If you don't have anything to combat a panic attack, then I'm taking over. No arguing about it." Warrick explained.
"It wasn't a panic attack!" Nick stormed away for a second as he tried to reign in his temper. He turned on his heel and stared at his partner. "I felt closed in. I came out here to clear my head. End of story."
It appeared that Warrick was going to continue the argument, but Nick wasn't going to let him. "I have to fight my own battles. You can't do it for me all the time."
Without any further comment on the discussion Nick stalked past his partner and went back into the store. He could hear Warrick follow him. Nick cast a look behind his shoulder and continued into the back room. He found his spot again and sighed deeply. He picked up his brush and started dusting the next area.
Nick remained in the room for the next hour. He fought back the suffocating feeling that gripped him a few more times. He regretted his hostile tone towards his friend. It seemed like his coworkers were antsier then he was at work. Their combined concern was causing more pressure for him to act as normally as possible. Nick knew he might encounter a few setbacks, he wasn't stupid. The overbearing behavior of his colleagues however, only served to make him even more unsure of himself.
His task completed, Nick gathered his collections and put them away with the rest of his kit. He found his partner speaking to the officer. He didn't hear any of their conversation, which made him even more paranoid when they stopped talking to each other once his presence was noticed.
Nick nodded towards both men. "Ready to roll?"
"Yeah." Warrick answered quietly.
Both partners drove back to the lab in an uneasy silence. The topic of what transpired at the pet store was never brought up. Nick wanted to know what his partner was going to type up in his report. However, he really didn't feel like getting into another argument. The tension in the SUV was unsettling so Nick turned on the radio. Neither man spoke as they got out of the car and both entered CSI to work on their case.
tbc...
Kristen's notes:
Wow, hope I was able to contiune the build up guys after the last chapter. Hope you enjoyed it!
Shacky's: notes:
Higherbeingfriendsfan- I am such a Greg fan, I am really trying to portray him as a more grown up man than the usual goof most people do, and a true friend who can empathize and help him, and Nick has a way to go still. Thank you for your reviews.
Designation- What can I say, your reviews have been ones that I always look forward to. Thank you for them, they really do mean so much. This was one of my favorite chapters to write, this and the slumber party chapter. I love writing Nick and Greg so, I really wanted to try to show Nick trying to get better, but maybe not as much as he wants. Again, thank you for your time and reviews.
Jewelbaby- I'm a slasher at heart, so I love writing the Nick and Greg friendship stuff. I believe they are true friends no matter what, that is canon. I try to let that friendship come through, plus I truly believe Greg can empathize with him because of the explosion and being the one treated with kid gloves. I have had a great time writing these Nick/Greg scenes and thank you so much for your consistent reviews, they really mean so much to me and Kristen.
Everybetty- Wow, new favorite chapter, that truly is special to me. I have written very little actually, and only Nick/Greg slash, so I jumped at the chance when Kristen asked me to write this story with her, it has truly been a wonderful learning experience, plus I have really become a better writer because of this. And I truly believe we have put together a great post GD fic and to get the feedback we have makes it that much more to us. Thank you.
New Creation- Professional? Wow, now that means a lot. I am a Nick/Greg slasher at heart, but I do believe their friendship is canon, and a good one. They have such great chemistry on screen and always seem to have a good time, so I can see Greg trying to comfort Nick, but also keep it between them, catching things that others may miss, and letting Nick know it's OK, little things happen sometime. And since Greg had the explosion, I think he has an understanding no one else does. Plus I just love those two guys, and try to let that come through. But thank you, that means so much, cause I really haven't written much, but have learned so much writing this with Kristen, is has been an honor and an experience I will cherish.
Cheelalaucha- Glad you liked the bubble gum thing. It can be like that. You can be fine, and the smallest little thing can take you right back to a moment in time, I really wanted to catch everyone off guard, while they were all having a good time, and then WHAM, but Greg is there once again, understanding and helping. I love that friendship and take so much from it when I write those scenes. Thank you.
LemonGrass- Nice to see we are still picking up new readers. So happy to see you are enjoying this story. We worked on is for almost two months before we posted it, blood sweat and tears literally, but what an experience. I have truly loved it and learned so much, and the great reviews are truly icing on the cake for me.
Amy- Like I have said, I am such a Greg fan, and a Nick/Greg fan, I can so see him being a true support system for Nick. You're very perceptive, yeah Nick is trying, but not quite there. Thank you so much for your reviews.
Anmani- I saved yours for last, it truly brought tears to my eyes, seriously. Like I said earlier, I haven't written that much, I am a little old Nick/Greg slasher, just started dabbing in fanfiction earlier this year, and by some miracle, Kristen asked me to write with her. I couldn't believe it because I loved her work since "A Walk in the Woods" then got to emailing each other, and viola, she asked me to write this. We worked for two months, and I was scared at first, feeling I wasn't up to her caliber of writing, I still don't think I am but have learned so much from writing this with her, and about myself, that I can do it. I love the Nick/Greg relationship, and try to bring it out during this fic by Greg's understanding and support, and also his Gregness to help set Nick at ease. I was truly touched by your review, and to say this is the best piece of fanfiction you have ever read, let's just say I am going to print this off and tape it to my computer when I think I can't write anymore, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Tenofswords- So glad you are enjoying this, I love Greg and I am a slasher at heart, so writing the Nick/Greg scenes are my favorites, but Kristen writes the best angst. Together we make a pretty good team I think. I this is my first venture at a 'novel' length fic, but it is truly thanks to her. So happy you have enjoyed this so far, but we have a ways to go still.
KASEY(KC javascript:ol('http/ Yeah, I thought Nick may begin to feel a little awkward being surrounded by all that glass, and all the new people staring at him like some side show, the "guy that was buried" when he just wants his life back. Yeah, I really tried to have that panic attack sneak up on him, that's how they work, and I really wanted to surprise the readers with it. And during Nick's eight week absence, we put the team back together again, Kristen and I fixed that problem, so swing was back at nights again.
Groban- Another "one of my favorite chapter" reviews, WOW, that really means so much to me, it truly does. I know I not nearly as well known in CSI fic as Kristen, barely at all, and to start out with something like this has really been a privilege. So glad our interpretation of Nick's and the team's experience is working for everyone.