CHAPTER TWO
At the hospital, Catherine walked back to Jenna's room. Sara picked up the evidence hours ago, but the CSI really didn't want to leave Jenna here alone. Catherine reminded herself to ask Sara why she had been crying.
As she came to Jenna's room, the door was slightly open and as Catherine peered in, she saw the battered teen lying in the bed, face staring at the ceiling.
Catherine took a few steps in as she said "Jenna? It's Catherine."
Jenna slowly moved her head to look at Catherine and she replied "I didn't think you were still here."
Catherine pulled a chair close to the girl's bed and saw the various bruises on her face and arms.
"I'm just waiting for Sara to come give me a report. Oh, by the way, I have a question. Where are your parents? You're only 14; Someone has to live in that house with you."
Jenna took a deep breath and replied "They died in a car accident. I was 10. After they died my Aunt became my guardian. I was only home alone because one of her friend's is sick and she went to take care of them. I didn't think anything about staying home alone. You… You never think anything is going to happen to you."
Catherine nodded and said "I'm so sorry. I saw you looking at the ceiling; Ya know, there is a TV."
Jenna grinned as she replied "I know. I'm just waiting" She lifted her left arm from her side revealing an IV and continued "For this to kick in."
Catherine flashed a smile but her face turned serious as Jenna's eyes suddenly filled with tears.
"What's wrong?" Catherine asked and ever so carefully placed her hand on Jenna's slightly trembling hand.
Jenna drew in a deep breath and replied "I've never been in so much pain. My whole body is sore. And I'm tired but I'm afraid to fall asleep."
She moved her head back to stare at the ceiling. Catherine saw the tears rolling down Jenna's cheeks and swallowed to hold back her own tears.
At that moment, Sara appeared in the doorway. "Hi Jenna.'Member me?" She cautiously asked. Jenna moved her head to look at Sara and replied "Hi Ms. Sidle."
Sara looked at Catherine. "Can I talk to you outside?"
Catherine slowly stood up and went out into the hall. Sara pulled a piece of paper out of her back pocket and said "Greg ran the DNA from Jenna's SAE kit through CODIS. Got a hit." She handed the paper to Catherine and waited to see her response. Catherine looked at the paper for a moment then read aloud "James West. Well, call Brass and let's go visit Mr. West." Catherine turned to go tell Jenna she had to leave but saw her IV had kicked in because she was asleep.
Jim Brass held his gun in his left hand and knocked on the apartment door of Mr. West. It was incredibly hot out as usual and the sweat beads had started to form on the man's forehead.
The faded door opened and a tall man with a deep voice asked "May I help you?"
Brass glanced at Catherine and Nick before holstering his gun and asked "Are you James West?"
The man nodded and Brass continued. "Mr. West, we are investing a crime. May we ask you some questions?"
West motioned for the group to enter.
Inside, it was dark. Catherine pulled out her Maglite and almost immediately spotted a Ski Mask, simply tossed on the dining room table.
She looked over to make sure Brass had West occupied and walked slowly over to the table. She spotted a stain near the mouth opening on the mask and sucked in a breath as she realized what it was; Blood. "Brass!" she called out much louder than she had intended.
He approached her and whispered to Catherine as he saw the blood "Well that's interesting." Brass turned back to West and said "You're going to have to come with us."
