Thanks to all of you who have reviewed, it's wonderful reading all the responses. really looking forward to reading more, this chapter is another short one, but I'll try to have a longer one the next time. Enjoy!

Chapter Four: A Final Clue

Downpour…in Vegas…it wasn't expected, but at the same time it happened often enough that it was foolish to dismiss such a notion. Sara watched from her window, clutching her phone in one had as it let out another ring. She had it set to standard; a single normal tone…one that Greg had teased her about relentlessly. He changed his tone weekly, if not daily, bobbing his head in time with music.

The thought made her smile, as she lowered her head, the phone ringing another time. She didn't want to answer it, already knowing it was work. She didn't want to go it, didn't want to pretend none of this was happening. Perhaps she was being a bit selfish, after all, no one else agreed with Ecklie's decision to close the case, but they were all working, all the same.

"Where does this leave us then?" Nick asked, his fingers laced together behind his head as he reclined in the chair.

"One extra pizza slice?" Warrick suggested, motioning to the uneaten piece. It was a small tradition they had started almost a year back, ordering a small pizza, sharing it with everyone on the night shift. It wasn't much, just enough for everyone to have one piece. It was more of a snack, than an actual meal, giving them enough time to take a quick break.

The mood this time was somber, and Warrick's statement had done nothing but add to the uneasiness that was felt in the room.

Jacqui shifted at the door, the half eaten slice in her hand. She had been hungry, missing breakfast earlier that day, but now she found herself unable to finish the slice. "I can't believe he's closing the case. I mean, there may be nothing criminal going on, but that doesn't matter. If it were someone else, anyone else, this case would still be open."

"That's because Ecklie has his head too far up his…" Warrick trailed off as Nick ran a hand across his throat, nodding towards the window. "…his decision was…a good one," he finished instead, priceless seconds before Ecklie walked in himself, a frown on his face.

"Are we all taking a break?" he wondered mildly, taking the last slice for himself. Sara frowned, resisting the urge to slap him right then and there.

"Actually," Nick started, sitting up in his chair, "We are. We figured that since we've all worked doubles, we deserved a rest."

"That's nice," Ecklie nodded towards him, taking a bite, "but there's work to be done, breaks over."

"I'm headed out," Sara said quickly, standing before the others.

"Where exactly?" Ecklie asked as she brushed past, finishing the pizza.

"Home."

"Who said your work was done?"

"The time clock actually," Sara chimed, turning to look at him for a moment. "I can't work more than two shifts without at least a four hour break. It's in my file if you don't believe me, and you know how well you like to stick to protocol. You'll just have to mandate me four hours from now."

It had only been two and a half. She knew that it was him, calling to mandate her. The funny thing was that she had a hard time saying no. Even though her four hours were guaranteed, all Ecklie had to do was put her job on the line…and then what?

She turned away from the window, collapsing on the couch. What did she care if she had her job anymore? Grissom didn't notice her anymore today than he had ever before, and without Greg…there really wasn't a point anymore.

When the phone rang again she let out a crude sigh, unable to take it anymore. "What?" she demanded bitterly, rubbing her forehead with her free hand.

"Sara, I was looking through some of these records here, Greg purchased a new credit card a couple of days ago."

Sara sat up slowly, one hand grasping the couch as she did so. "Archie? I thought the case had been closed."

"It is," he said simply, "but that doesn't mean I can't work on it during my break."

"You don't have to do that," Sara said softly, all at the same time deeply touched by his offer.

"Do you want to hear this or not?" Archie waited a beat before continuing. "He used it just yesterday, to check into the Mills House Hotel, located in Charleston, South Carolina."

"Thanks Archie, let Grissom know I'm taking some personal days," Sara stammered quickly into the phone, already off the couch.

"I kind of figured. Your plane leaves at midnight, so you best hurry."

"You already bought me tickets?" Sara demanded, coming to a stop in the middle of her kitchen.

"Just find him Sara," Archie cut her off. "Bring him home."

TBC