Albert
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI, nor any other works which may bear a resemblance, intentional or otherwise, to this work.
Rating: T
A/N: I have a flatmate called Alberto. He is a very nice guy, and bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to 'Albert'.
Chapter 8: The Second Conversation
Sara's blood ran cold when the message popped up on her computer as she logged evidence from the Susan Johnson case.
A666: Hello Sara.
She had confronted both Nick and Greg after the last conversation, and both had denied any knowledge of it. Nick had been so concerned by her distress that he had taken her out for a drink after work in an effort to calm her down and cheer her up.
Now she screwed up her courage and typed a reply.
Sidleways: Who are you?
A666: Can't you guess?
Sidleways: Tell me.
A666: I am the reason that your kind know fear.
Sidleways: That doesn't tell me much.
A666: Doesn't it? You're afraid Sara.
Sidleways: That won't stop me from catching you.
A666: Won't it?
A666: Goodbye Sara.
The computer died again, and this time she abandoned it and all but bolted from the room. As she did so, she literally ran straight into someone and, startled, gave a small scream.
"Sara?"
She looked up into Grissom's slightly puzzled gaze.
"Are you alright?"
She was tempted to confide, but she wasn't sure how he'd take it if she said 'I think Albert is real and he's some kind of evil entity, and he's been invading my computer.'
Instead, she said "Fine."
He didn't look convinced.
"Why don't you take a break?" he suggested kindly. "Go to Starbucks and get a coffee or something."
Normally she would have resented being told to take a break, but tonight she would welcome the bright lights and normality of a crowded coffee-shop.
"What did Tommy say?" she asked first, knowing that Grissom must have just returned from talking to the child.
"He said Albert did it."
Sara nodded. "That's what I thought."