Laws of Motion – Book 1
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 13
August 31, 2005
Crime Lab
6:58 a.m.
In an effort to maintain Nick's conformist morning routine, Pete, in his role as temporary Days Supervisor, called the traditional seven a.m. rally meeting. "Um…" Rattled by Grissom's presence and the responsible role, he searched frantically for his notes. "I know I had my…"
"Here…" Jas picked up the yellow sheet from the floor. "Is this what you're looking for?"
"Yeah…" He smiled at his secret girlfriend when her hand brushed his. "Thanks."
Under the table Sara poked her husband's thigh. She had told him last night that she suspected Jas and Pete were an item but Grissom didn't believe her. Sara of course took the opportunity to remind him he'd always been a little clueless about office romance…particularly his own.
Sofia, still irritated by Pete from the old days, snipped, "Can we hurry this along? The bumbling but lovable Temp Supervisor routine is wearing thin and it's only minute four of day one."
Suddenly Jas was reminded why she hated working with Sofia when they used to be on the same shift. But unlike before, now she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. "Hey! How about cutting him slack? It's not like this was planned. We were still recovering from being two men down and Relief Shift making a mess of things around here when Brass asked him to fill in until Nick's back on his feet."
"Wow…look who grew a spine." Sofia flicked her hair off her shoulder. "That ought to make things a little more fun around here."
Sara glanced at Pete smiling. "Are you enjoying the job so far?"
"Um…" When Pete saw Grissom check his watch he hurried to grab a marker for the whiteboard. "Oh shit." His coffee spilled directly into his lap. "Uh…"
Grissom rolled his eyes. "This is why I never had these meetings."
"Maybe Jas will clean up your wet spot while you get some fresh pants, Pete," Sofia grinned, knowing that the not-so-secret couple was squirming.
Just then Judy showed up at the door. "Two DBs at a campsite. Rumor has it there are bugs."
"Yes!" Grissom stood, happy to be done with playing the supportive guy Jim demanded he be at Pete's first meeting. "I mean…yes, I'll be more than happy to lead that case because I'm working on some procedural notes on processing multi-victim sites for new training materials."
Sofia and Sara both raised their hands chiming, "Pick me! Pick me!"
Grissom pointed at both. "But we'll have to drive separately because Sara has a mid-morning doctor's appointment and Sofia…you get on my nerves."
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
7:11 a.m.
"How are you doing this morning, Sugar? Any calmer?" Jillian warmly inquired when she saw Carrie walking through the front door with Bill.
"Much." Carrie accepted the maternal hug offered. "Since she speaks doctor, Barbara is accompanying Nicky when they take him for an abdominal CT scan. If the surgeon doesn't see any signs of bleeding and thinks everything looks good, they'll remove his naso tube and catheter and transfer him out of ICU this afternoon."
"Excellent." Jillian smiled over Carrie's shoulder at her husband.
Pointing towards the bedroom she announced, "I'm going to quickly grab a much needed shower and put on fresh clothes. I want to be back at the hospital by eight."
Releasing the girl from her embrace she asked, "Would you like me to make some of that French Toast you loved the other day?"
"Yes! I'm starving, thanks."
When Carrie was behind the closed bedroom door Jillian asked her husband, "Now how is she really doing?"
"That's the Valium talking I'm afraid." Tossing Carrie's car keys he sighed, "I believe she'd be a bundle of nerves otherwise. Not that I blame her. I saw what was written in that card about Nick's protection of her being a curse. We raised two very hot-headed boys, Jilly…how did that happen?"
"I believe it happened when we weren't there…too much happened when we weren't there. Which reminds me…" Taking a seat on the couch she patted the cushion. "…we need to talk."
Catherine's House
7:25 a.m.
Since they were up talking until four a.m., Catherine and Warrick moved about the kitchen like zombies getting things ready for Lindsay's special first day of school breakfast.
"Don't talk about the uniform," Lindsay implored as she approached. "And please…no pictures." Then she noticed how awful they both looked. "Are you too hungover to drive me?"
"We're not hungover, Lindsay." Catherine breathed in the espresso wafting from her cup. "We were up late talking."
"Oh….talking." Rolling her eyes she took a seat at the table.
"Yes…talking." Warrick plopped a glass of orange juice in front the smirking girl. "We had lots to discuss and a bunch of it was about you."
"I've been good!"
Warrick laughed. "For the last twelve hours, most of which you were sleeping…yes. Your mom and I discussed some long-term behavior goals for you."
"We watched the movie, Thirteen," Catherine warned. "And I know what can happen if we don't keep you on the right track, around the right people. And just so there are no misunderstandings of what you're not allowed to do…no tattoos, no piercings, no drinking, no drugs, no violence, no stealing, no sexual activity, no sneaking away to parties, no…"
"Mom!" Lindsay stopped her. "Could you chill and not ruin my first day vibe? I'm actually trying to get into it."
Warrick kneaded Catherine's shoulders and whispered, "Not the approach we discussed."
Catherine quickly changed gears. "How would you like your eggs this morning 7th grader?"
The Blakes
7:34 a.m.
While Sean had been up since five and dressed in his school uniform by six, Wendy focused her efforts on Ryan. "Get a move on, now!" she yelled into his room.
"Okay…okay."
"It's your sister's first day of kindergarten and I want to take family pictures out front with her." Which brought her to her next issue. "Put on a shirt with a collar."
"For school!" He was appalled.
"For pictures, you can change after. And Ryan…" Shutting the door she whispered, "You remember what I said yesterday…no making fun of your brother's uniform. If you act immature I'll only take Sean to visit Nick in the hospital later."
Trudging to the closet he droned, "Collar…maturity…got it."
"Thank you." Feeling confident she strolled into the hall and right into her daughter. "Aww…I think all your new friends at school will love your ladybug dress."
When Ryan joined them he was sporting a navy blue polo. "Better?"
"Much."
Sean stepped into the hall. "Picture time?"
"Dude…" Ryan almost forgot his promise when he saw his brother in the crested blazer and dress clothes he was required to wear. "I like the uniform, Bro. It's very um…um…" Holding up the copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone he was bringing for the daily mandated reading period at school, he thought of something positive to say. "It's very Hogwarts. Too bad you guys don't get to wear the cool capes and learn magic."
"Who says we don't?" Sean laughed. "Be careful…I may learn how to transform you into a toad."
McKenna took her brother's hand. "That's okay, Ryan…if that happens, all you need to do is have a girl kiss you on the lips and then you'll turn into a prince."
The Townhouse
7:45 a.m.
"Princess…" Greg whispered in his future wife's ear as she slumbered. "Time to wake up. We have a few things to do this morning before heading to the airport, remember?"
"Mmm." She rolled away and burrowed under the covers.
"I have a special song to play for you." Walking over to the stereo in his boxers, Greg upped the volume and played the tune he had cued to a specific part. It was The Beach Boys, in honor of the California trip, and the song selected was Wouldn't It Be Nice, to celebrate the upcoming ritual.
As soon as he saw Tawny waking Greg turned the volume down a bit and dove into bed. "Morning!" Then, he grabbed the remote and spoke rapidly into it like a 1960s radio DJ. "Hey all you hep cats and chicks…this song goes out to Tawny, who's a little nervous about her first trip to Surf City USA. A real cool daddy-o named Greg wants her to know that he thinks she's groovy fab and he's sure their trip will be outta sight!"
Clicking the mute button Greg vibrated with excitement. "Guten Morgen, Ann Yoder…also known as, Tawny Ann Cooper and in the very near future…Tawny Sanders. Wow…I don't think I ever said that out loud before…it's wild!"
"And so are you." Giggling she asked, "Exactly how many cups of coffee did you have already this morning, Chuckles?"
"Just one…" Tickling her he clarified, "With three shots of espresso in it and double sugar! Woo hoo!" In between eager kisses to her still macadamia scented flesh he commented, "You fell asleep naked…that's so convenient."
Pushing him away she warned, "Sorry…the pregnant girl needs to powder her nose first."
"Yeah…you may also wanna brush while you're in there." A second later a pillow smacked him in the face. "I thought the Amish were a non-violent people!"
The sound of the house phone interrupted the play.
Grabbing the cordless Greg said, "I'll get this while you take care of business, then when you return we can continue our monkey business." When he saw it was his mother's cell phone he answered, "Sorry, Greg can't come to the phone right now because he's…"
"We have a glitch," Bev announced.
"I really don't need one of those this morning." Staring at his multi-color striped boxers Greg watched his excitement fade.
"Guess what your father did? Your normally predictable and non-spontaneous father!"
"Uh…went to bed without brushing?"
"He surprised me with a new sports car!"Bev yelled in between laughs. "He said he did it because I had been talking non-stop about how much I loved your Z, which I of course I was doing so when you 'sold' it to me it wouldn't look suspicious. Now you can't have my Camry because I don't have my Camry."
"Uh…I already spent the money you gave me for the Z…I paid off the loan and then bought diamonds with the rest."
"I know, Sweetie." Bev sighed. "So, I'm proposing you just trade it in and get something else and whatever you need to cover above the trade-in price, I'll give you."
Crashing back against the pillows his guilt festered. "But you already gave me way too much when you bought the Z. No…I'll trade it in and get something used and..."
"Hey…those are my grandbabies and it's my prerogative to make sure they have a safe vehicle. After you propose you can tell your father that since you're settling down you don't need the sports car and want something roomier because you're starting a family…two months ago. It could be a good segue! Your dad will love it…he'll think it's very responsible….except the part about you getting Tawny pregnant on your first date…with twins."
With his morning buzz eradicated Greg sighed. "Okay…thanks."
"Hey…a weird thing happened yesterday."
"Oh."
"I saw Becca at the club. I couldn't talk because I had a tennis match, but she said the oddest thing in passing…she said that you had been in touch and she was looking forward to hanging out with you this weekend and starting over. I got the distinct impression she thought she had a shot at a future with you."
Stunned, he blurted, "What the hell would make her think that!"
"Damned if I know. When was the last time you spoke with her? I was going to mention Tawny but didn't, because you specifically told me not to several times."
"I did?"
"Yes, because you wanted everyone to surprised when you finally showed up with a date…and a gorgeous one at that!"
"Oh…right." He glanced toward the closed bathroom door. "Well, I changed my mind. You can tell anyone, especially Becca, that I'm in a serious relationship. Oh, but Mom…if anyone asks about Tawny's background, please tell them that she lived among the Amish until she was eighteen."
"With those boobs!"
"I've got an explanation for that…okay, on second thought, don't tell anyone anything until I get there and brief you." His smile returned when he saw Tawny emerge from the bathroom naked and smiling. "Sorry, Tawny needs me! Love ya! See you this afternoon."
"Everything okay?" she asked while returning under the covers.
"Great!" He shucked his boxers, ready to relieve some of the tension that had built up inside him.
"I don't have the slightest urge to vomit."
"That's good, considering you just watched me get naked."
"I meant from morning sickness." Eyeing him she cleared her throat. "Talking to your mommy killed your mood, huh?"
"Yeah…" Laughing he pulled her close. "Dr. Myers would say that's a good thing."
University Trauma Center – ICU
8:12 a.m.
"Thanks, Doc," Nick told his surgeon upon hearing the good news that his CT scan showed no signs of internal bleeding and he would be transferred out of ICU that afternoon. "I feel a hundred percent better than yesterday.
"Great." Doctor Singh nodded, "Take care, Mr. Stokes and I'll see you tomorrow in your new room."
Carrie watched the relief build in Nick's eyes. "That's fantastic and I really needed some good news. Maybe I'll even be able to stop doping today."
Reaching out Nick took Carrie's hand. "I'm really sorry I put you through this, Honey."
"Hey…" She burst into a smile. "You reached out for my hand instead of the other way around. You are feeling better." Placing her hand on his bruised cheek she smooched his puffy lips. "You still look like hell though."
"I haven't seen myself."
"Here." Grabbing her purse she retrieved her compact. "Check yourself out, Stud."
As he studied his battered reflection Nick mumbled, "Stud…"
"Nicky?" Carrie saw his cheerful expression melt away. "Honey, it's only temporary…just bruising."
In a distant voice he said, "You got a bracelet for me too, Stud?" They were the words that started it all and suddenly, like a movie, the events at the Tempest played in his mind.
"Nicky!" Carrie gently shook him. "Are you feeling okay? Where did you go just now?"
"My brother's lyin'." Returning the compact to Carrie, Nick took a deep breath. "About the fight…"
"You remember what happened?"
"Yeah." Deflated, he admitted, "We had words over Tawny and I slugged him. He didn't do anything but laugh. Then we got into a heated debate over marriage and raising kids…" Glancing up at Carrie, Nick swallowed hard. "He said I should be ashamed that I'm marrying you without a proper house or the money to give our kids the good things in life…like a private education."
While her ire towards Andy re-ignited Carrie spoke sweetly, "Nicky, come on…you don't really believe a big house and a big time financial portfolio mean more to me than a man I can trust, do you?"
"It's not that…" Hanging his head he confessed, "I was walking away because I had enough of his warped rationalizations but then…he started in about you."
"About me? What could he say about me? He hadn't even met me at the time." This time her anger penetrated her happy Valium haze. "What did that asshole say about me! Sorry…sorry…" She waved to Eileen through the window. "Staying calm!"
"He said I had no right to judge him because once you have kids, pack on twenty pounds and don't want to fall into bed every day…I'd um…cheat on you." Blowing out a heavy breath Nick told her, "I started the fight…for him disrespecting you. I didn't break his nose in self-defense…I broke it trying to beat the shit out of him…and I was psyched when I did. He's lying in the police report sayin' it was one-sided." Shaking his head he recalled the moment. "I swear he was proud of me when I managed to pull it off. He said…'I'll be damned, you broke my nose' with the same voice he used when I caught a winning touchdown for the first time."
Truly it was the last thing Carrie wanted to hear. It was just what Mike Rodgers was counting on. "We talked about this…we talked about you getting tweaked whenever you think I'm being threatened. I know you want to protect me…I know you want to make sure nothing else happens to me, but it has to stop. It's what he wants…and at this rate he's going to win." Backing away she looked at him with terror in her eyes. "I'm serious when I say this, Nicky…if you can't control it then I'll have to…by leaving."
"Carr…" Stunned into silence he just gaped.
"I'd never leave you for another man, or because you couldn't buy a million dollar house…but I will give you back this ring and call off the wedding if it's the only way to save you." Shaking she continued backing towards the wall. "My father almost killed my brother over what happened to me and it still haunts me. I'll lose my mind if you go to jail or die over me. I won't I let that happen! Do you hear me, Nicky! If you can't save yourself from Mike, then I will!" Her hysteria mounting she shouted, "I'll leave and go somewhere you'll never find me. Do you understand? Do you!"
Eileen came rushing in just as Nick's pulse-ox alarm rang. One look at Carrie and she ordered, "That's it, Ms. Blake…you need to go. And Mr. Stokes…you need to take a few deep breaths and calm down."
With tears streaming down her cheeks, she ran out the door and past Barbara who was coming back from the cafeteria.
"Wh…" Barbara stepped into the room. "What happened?"
Watching the monitor Eileen replied, "They quarreled."
"Nicky?" She found that hard to believe.
"I um…" After a jagged breath he requested, "Could you come back later, Sis? Thanks."
"Sure." She turned and left the room.
Once the alarm stopped Eileen quietly asked, "Would you like me to ban visitors for a while?"
"Please…" He glanced away so she wouldn't see the emotion building in his eyes.
"Any exceptions?"
In a shaky voice he replied, "Um…yeah, actually…my uncle…Jim Brass. Could you dial his number for me?"
Patting her tense patient's shoulder she smiled supportively. "You bet."
Dales Trail
8:42 a.m.
When Gil saw his wife standing in the middle of the field staring at the ground he stopped processing and walked over. "You doing okay?"
"Huh?" Raising her camera she replied, "Yeah…I was just wondering how the killer got…"
"I don't think you were." He tugged off his gloves. "When we found out the location I didn't think it was a good idea for you to return here."
Pointing at the ground, Sara said, "Right here is where I made my move…he was about to force me into the truck."
Gil pulled his baseball cap down a little further. "It was a good plan, Sara."
"Just think about everything that wouldn't be happening right now if Greg didn't pull off killing that guy." Running her palm over her womb she smiled, "We wouldn't be married or having a baby…Tawny wouldn't be having two…and she'd probably be working as Drew's courtesan. It really makes me wish I had come back here a little sooner."
Gil raised a brow. "Really?"
"Yeah…I feel centered again…and committed to not falling for anything Mike has in the works." Her smile returned. "I can't wait to return to Tahoe on my birthday too. We've barely mentioned the crisis over your dad's appearance since we returned. I think it will be good to remember…it'll bring us even closer."
"We'll take the glass out of the box and spend a little time…centering, as you call it. It's in storage in the cabin's garage."
"Yeah." Her smiled widened. "And I definitely want to go Batting again."
"You bet your ass we'll be bat watching again." Glancing around he verified everyone was occupied and then stole a quick kiss. "I didn't want to spoil any of the surprises I have in store but…I bought a shelter to sit in at the beach, since it will be colder this time and…" Oozing with geeky excitement he announced, "…a night vision camera so we can document our sightings."
"Ooh!" Sara bubbled with enthusiasm. "I can put the bat photos in my scrapbook."
Laughing he said, "I don't think that's what Carrie had in mind when she bought you the supplies as a gift."
"Hey, there's no chance in hell that the Grissom family scrapbook will look anything like the Stokes one."
"Yeah…the lack of sports photos being one major difference."
"Speaking of sports..." After snapping a photo of a shoe print Sara chuckled, "…this time in Tahoe, I'm gonna kick your ass at Scrabble."
Walking away he gave a hearty laugh. "You've got seventeen days to cling to that dream, Honey. And I won't go easy on you because it will be your birthday." Turning to face her he shouted across the field, "I predict a frabjous victory!"
"For me!"
Desert Mountain Middle School
8:53 a.m.
Walking down the hall as a seventh grader was a lot more appealing to Ryan Blake than being the low man on campus the previous year as a sixth grader. "Dude!" he called out to his friend Jake when he saw him approaching. "What's up?"
"If you saw the girl I just saw you would know the answer." Craning his neck he tried to spot her. "She's new from LA and you know what that means…she's fast. She already got busted by the dress code police for the length of her skirt, but since it's the first day they give everyone a pass. So you better catch up with her before the last bell because tomorrow she'll have to wear something longer or be sent home."
Laughing as he pulled his tossed his new math book in his locker Ryan said, "I bet your Church Pastor father would be thrilled to hear you say that."
Flashing his good boy smile Jake laughed along. "Being the Pastor's son, no one expects me to be thinking like that…that's why I can get away with so much shit." Just then Mrs. Torres, a music teacher and a member of his father's congregation strolled by. "Hello, Mrs. Torres." Jake politely waved. "My father sent his blessings to you for a successful school year."
"Thank you, Jake." She touched the gold cross hanging around her neck. "If only all the boys around here were more like you. I'll see you fifth period."
"See what I mean," Jake grinned. "They're all snowed. So…tell me Blake. When is Lindsay Willows moving in next door to you?"
"I thought you said you both moved on, Dude." In his head he finished the statement…I know for a fact she did because she tried to move on with me on Sunday.
"Yeah, but this morning, before school, I saw her with her mom at Starbucks and she was wearing one of those school girl uniforms…the kind with the plaid skirt…just like the chicks in that porn magazine I stole from my cousin." Wiggling his brows Jake cackled, "Suddenly, I wasn't over her anymore."
Butterfield Academy
9:00 a.m.
After tugging up her knee-highs for what she was sure the tenth time that hour, Lindsay made her way to down the hall to Spanish class.
"Senorita Willows!" Sean greeted his friend. "Buenas dias!"
"It was." Pointing she politely asked, "Could you walk like five feet away from me so no one mistakes us for being together?"
"Um…"
"Like Pronto!" she barked.
"Lindsay!" Celine Campbell called out to her newest friend.
"Hey, Celine!" Lindsay was happy to see a familiar face. At last night's open house she and Celine met at the sports sign up room. After only spending a few minutes with her, Lindsay was certain Celine had serious NBFP…new best friend potential. She was rich, pretty and oozed cool.
"You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend." Celine eyed the gangly boy with the goofy smile standing next to her potential ex-NBF.
"Are you kidding!" Mortified, Lindsay burst out laughing. "He's not my boyfriend! As if! Right! Yeah…my mom is friends with his mom and she's making me be his bodyguard because last year he got pummeled regularly at Desert Mountain Middle School. I think of it as my charity work."
Celine laughed along with her friend. "Okay, good…because I really liked you last night and he'd be a deal breaker."
"I…um…have to get to class." With the last ounce of his ego stomped to death Sean hung his head and tore off down the hall but not fast enough to miss the girls laughing at him. Making a quick detour into maintenance closet he sought refuge in a corner. "Girls think Ryan's a big deal but me…I'm a deal breaker," he sadly said while sliding down the wall.
University Trauma Center – Family Sleep Room
9:05 a.m.
Jillian quietly opened the door expecting to find three or four sleeping people taking quick naps before returning to their critically ill loved one's side. As luck would have it at the moment, Carrie was the only one in there and when Jillian saw her in the furthest corner lying on a cot, sobbing into a pillow, her heart broke. "Sweetheart…it's Jillian. Would you like a shoulder?" Without waiting for answer she approached.
Staring at the wall, Carrie wiped her tears on her sleeve. "I got scared…I yelled at him…repeatedly…and now…he blocked me from visiting. I'm blocked." Her tears pouring she squeaked, "He doesn't want me near him. I went from being the person who comforted him the most to…"
"Oh, Sugar…" Jillian took a seat on the edge of the cot. "He blocked all of us, not just you." Softly she stroked Carrie's auburn hair. "What happened, Honey?"
"He remembered what really happened with Andy. Turns out he didn't break Andy's nose in self-defense. They fought each other because Nicky didn't like what his arrogant brother said about me. It didn't have anything to do with Tawny…it was all about defending me."
"Just like the threatening engagement card said."
"Yes." Drowning in guilt Carrie spoke in between jagged breaths. "I got so scared…and angry. I told him…I said I would call off the wedding and leave him if he couldn't get his temper over protecting me under control. I said I'd leave and never let him find me. Is it any wonder he doesn't want me near him? I screamed at him while he's lying there covered in wires. What kind of person does that to someone recovering from surgery in Intensive Care?"
"A person who loves someone so much she'd do anything to protect him…even threaten to walk away from her own happiness." Reaching out she pulled Carrie close. "Enough self-loathing…it's time for a hug."
She accepted the affection and let loose another round of tears.
Smoothing her palm over Carrie's back Jillian soothed, "Sure, your timing and the locale was off but, your message was solid, Honey…and it was based on love. Nicky knows that, he just needs a little time…I'm sure mostly because he knows he's guilty of the things you said…and because he's a little slow from being weak and drugged."
Glancing up she asked, "You think he'll forgive me?"
"I'd stake the ranch on it, Sweetie." Wiping away the shaky girl's tears Jillian smiled. "Remember the other night I told you the best way to get Nicky to do something in record time was to have his brother laugh in his face and say it would be impossible?"
"Uh huh." The motherly attention mending her heart Carrie snuggled close.
"Well…I think it's safe to say that Andy's status as hero is over and you just came up with a new motivational tool for getting Nicky's ass in gear…fear of losing you if he doesn't straighten up and fly right."
"It's kind of harsh, don't you think?"
"It's tough love…it's very Stokes." Jillian lightly laughed. "Nicky's used it. He responds to it and I think it will work. Because we both know he's headed for disaster if he keeps reacting the way he does. Really…he's leaving us no choice."
"Because we know Mike Rodgers won't yield." Carrie sniffled as her tears slowed. "Nick wasn't like this a few months ago. I think it's everything piling up on him. I really think it will help once he knows Shelly isn't hurting anyone else."
"I've got that taken care of." Jillian tenderly brushed Carrie's damp hair off her cheeks. "Don't you worry."
University Trauma Center – ICU
9:35 a.m.
"Fear not, nephew!" Brass announced from the door. "Uncle Jimmy's here." Walking in he froze, taken aback by Nick's horrid appearance. "What the hell happened to you? Did you get into a fight or something? Did Carrie do that to you?"
"Stop." Nick shook his head. "You'll ruin my depressed and self-loathing mood."
After pulling over a chair, Jim took a seat. "Did you hear about the group vote? Your brother's out as your best man and everyone thinks I should fill the role. I won't hold you to it though."
"Well…there may not be a wedding if I don't get my shit together."
"That bad, huh?" Jim pointed towards the window. "Nurse Ratchet said I'm the only one you're allowing in here. I'm honored but concerned."
"Y'all are hiding somethin' from me including my fiancée." Nick searched his mentor's eyes. "From what she let slip I'd say it's about Mike."
"Yeah." Reaching into his pocket he produced copies of the engagement card and 'Nigel's'. "You gotta promise to keep your vitals under control because Ratchet warned me if your bells sound she's bouncing me. Not that I'm afraid of dominant women mind you."
"I promise." He held out his hand.
"Okay." Jim placed the copies in Nick's shaky hand. "I personally met with Nigel yesterday. The card isn't from him."
"How is Nigel?" Nick asked with concern as he studied the cards. "Is he making any progress?"
Jim laughed. "Could you do me a favor and hate these nutjobs that cross your path?"
"I hate Mike," he admitted. "I don't hate Nigel because he's confused. Mike's not confused…he's focused." Lowering the cards he rested back against the pillows. "Damn…no wonder she flipped when I told her I fought Andy because he dissed her."
"She opened it Monday morning at her office." Brass took the copies back. "Then she locked it in a drawer."
"Because she couldn't trust me."
"I think there was a little more going on in her head than that, don't you? And hey…she bagged the critical evidence real nice so you should be proud of her for that." Standing up Jim reached into his pocket producing a rubber band. "Believe it or not I went to therapy once upon a time."
"You?"
"I know…you think I'm perfect so it's hard to accept that once upon a time I had a flaw." Taking Nick's tube and wire free left hand, he put a rubber band around his wrist…then he snapped it hard."
"Ow." Nick reflexively grabbed his wrist. "What the…"
"It's a therapy trick." Jim returned to his chair. "Every time you feel your demons coming on you snap the band and say some shit in your head. My mantra was don'tscrew this up too, Jimmy, but you need to think of something that pertains to you…or change your name to Jimmy." He tossed a bag of rubber bands on the bedside table. "I bought extra because they tend to break when you have a really bad day."
Nick stared at the beige piece of rubber around his wrist. "Does it work?"
"Considering how perfect I am today, I'd say so. Eventually you won't even have to snap it, you'll just look at it and get the vibe." Leaning close Jim grew serious. "If you let that scumbag Rodgers win I'll be highly disappointed in you, Nicholas and if you end up breaking Carrie's heart I'm pretty sure her father will kill you. Then your mother will go after him and put him behind bars. Then Carrie's heart breaks again and those cute little Blake kids have to visit their grandpa in prison and their aunt in a mental hospital. You see how it works? It's like dominoes and you're the first one. You stay standing everyone else will too. It's pressure, but you're used to that…feed off it…pretend it's the football game of your life."
"Understood."
"Hell, you're a control freak…what more could you ask for?" Jim stood smiling. "You are in complete control of situation."
"Thanks, Jim." Nick glanced up. "And I'd be honored if you would be my best man. Thanks for saving my life."
"Your brother had a little to do with that too." Jim leaned on the rail of the bed. "I know you got a lot of history the two of you, and he's a pig…no doubt about that…but the look on his face when he thought he was losing you…"
"Got it." Nick pursed his lips and nodded.
"Okay." Jim patted Nick on the shoulder. "Is there anything else you need me to do?"
"I have this itch on my ass…" Although he was weak, Nick cracked up. "I was testing your loyalty."
"Hey, Nurse!" Jim yelled toward the door. "Your patient has an itchy ass and needs some assistance." Then he turned to Nick. "You wanna deck me for that?"
"Hell, yeah."
Jim reached over and snapped the band.
Eileen waltzed in tugging on a pair of latex gloves. "Which cheek?"
Holding his gut Jim answered, "Actually, he said it was in between the cheeks."
Nick snapped his rubber band. "It's gone now, thanks."
"Well…" Eileen continued over to the bed. "Since I'm here and gloved, I'll check your catheter and change your urine collection bag."
"Thanks for stopping by, Uncle Jimmy." When Nick pointed to the door that's when he saw Catherine. "How the hell did you get back here when no visitors are allowed?"
"Willows…" She flashed her ID. "I'm with the Las Vegas Crime Lab." Holding up the business envelope with her father's settlement paperwork she announced. "I'm here on official business regarding events that occurred at The Tempest Hotel." Then she winked. "And the security guard liked my breasts so he gave me a pass."
Dr. Simon's Office
10:12 a.m.
"Hi, Sara." The OB entered the room smiling. "Congratulations." She held up a lab sheet so her patient could see the positive result from her exam chair. "Your HCG level is 692 which is within the normal range of 135 to 1690. The average for twenty days post ovulation is 522."
"So it's probably not twins," Sara blurted.
"Do twins run in either your or your husband's families?"
"Not at all." Sara relaxed in the chair. "It's just…I'm worried enough about my husband and I handling one…the thought of two scares me to death. My friends are having twins and although I'd never tell them this…I have no idea how they're possibly going to deal with two babies, twenty four hours a day."
Snapping on a pair of gloves the doctor laughed. "You're a scientist…you should know all about the powers of adaptation."
"You don't know my friends," she chuckled.
"Our records indicate you had a pap and lab work done when you were in here for your pre-pregnancy appointment in May so we don't have to repeat those. I'll just do a quick check to see how everything feels." Clicking on the controls she angled the exam chair. "In four weeks you'll have your first ultrasound to verify the presence of a sac and a heartbeat."
"My husband will be here for that one." Staring at the ceiling she waited for the doctor to finish.
"Everything checks out." Tugging off her gloves the doctor smiled. "Are you taking those prenatals I prescribed for you in May?"
Sara breathed a sigh of relief. "Haven't missed one." Smiling she added, "My husband reminds me every day just in case I slip up."
Dales Trail
10:21 a.m.
As he approached Sofia, Grissom yelled, "I've collected everything and need to get my insect samples back to the lab. How much longer will you be?"
Packing up the tent that used to contain the bodies Sofia replied, "If you're done you have your own truck…go."
"No."
"You think I need a babysitter?" Sofia huffed.
"No, I have post traumatic stress disorder from leaving co-workers at the scene…especially this scene." Grabbing a pair of gloves from his pocket he added, "And I heard that you're seeing Irving."
Shaking open a bag she chuckled, "That makes me more likable?"
"No…he could snap me in half and on the off chance he likes you…for some reason not obvious to me…I need to make sure nothing happens to you. I can't afford to have him damage me…" Taking hold of the bag she was trying to stuff the tent into Grissom smiled, "…because I have a baby on the way." He checked his watch and wondered if Sara had the results of her blood work yet. "After we pack this tent I'm going to make a quick call."
University Trauma Center – ICU
10:26 a.m.
"It's your call, Nick." Catherine watched his eyes as he stared at the papers. "But keep something in mind…if you tick off Sam, things could get ugly for you and your family." She chuckled. "I don't mean that in the mobster way…I mean scandal…and it won't be limited to just you and your family, but it will impact mine as well…me, Linds and Warrick." Heaving a sigh she confessed, "I screwed up, Nick. I shouldn't have been there working the case because it's my father's hotel…even worse, I put Warrick's ass on the line."
"Are you trying to emotionally blackmail me, Cath?" Confused and exhausted, Nick glanced up from the documents. "Is that what's going on here?"
"I'm handing you four million dollars on a silver platter and you're accusing me of taking advantage of you?" She laughed. "Sorry…you'll need to explain that to me."
Nick snapped his band.
"What…you didn't get enough pain the other night?"
"It's this…this thing." He tossed down the papers. "I really think I'm too drugged to think about this."
Catherine worked to lower the rail of the bed.
"Nurse Eileen said that's against the rules."
Catherine rolled her eyes and lowered it anyway, taking a seat on the edge. "Settlements like this happen all the time. No one will know the terms, you and Carrie will be set for life, and the whole thing goes away for you, your brother, everyone…like it never happened."
"It doesn't feel right."
"You're not stealing…you deserve to be compensated. You haven't seen the tape…I saw the tape. Trust me, you deserve it, so take it," she urged him. "You were five minutes from death, Nick! And you're only here because Jim bought those minutes for you." Taking his hand she squeezed it. "Let's be practical…think of what you can buy with this money…a year's supply of shoes for Carrie…the dream house with the little corral for a pony…a top-notch education for your kids." Smirking she added, "And because I know you, I'll add…you can make a generous donation to your charity."
"Those were the things my brother rubbed in my face for not being able to provide my family on my pathetic County salary." Recalling his brother's harsh words, he snapped his band.
"Excellent!" Catherine grabbed her pen. "Accept the offer so you can shove it in his face." When he glared at her she admitted, "Okay, that's very me…not you. Do it for other reasons I said…particularly the charity one. No wait…do it for this reason..." Gripping him by the shoulders she said, "One day a few years ago I worked my ass off to prove you innocent and keep you from going to jail for Kristy's murder. So, could you please do the same and save my ass here…as I see it, you owe me one."
"Jesus, Cath…" Nick grabbed the pen. "…you're sounding more like your father every day." He tucked the pen and the papers back in the envelope. "I'll let you know my decision after my legal team reviews the documents."
"Good plan…because you should never automatically trust Sam."
"Hey!" Eileen yelled from the doorway. "No visitors on the bed in ICU!"
"She was just leaving," Nick advised. "And Eileen...could you add Carrie to my visitor list, thanks."
The Mandalay Bay
10:37 a.m.
"Guero! Your guest is here," Lina yelled down the hall. "I really miss having an intercom system because he never hears me," she muttered under her breath as she opened the door. "Good morning, Tawny…you're looking radiant."
"Like pregnant radiant!" she panicked. "Because I really can't look pregnant just yet."
"No…" Taking her hand, Lina assured her. "Radiant like you and Greg spent the morning in bed having a fantastic time…talking."
Greg chuckled as he walked through the door. "That we did." Being fifty-percent engaged had made their love-making one hundred percent hotter.
"Okay, good." Tawny rubbed her hand over her belly. "Because my jeans don't fit anymore and I'm really starting to think it's obvious."
"Those would be her size zero jeans," Greg informed Lina. "I think most people will just assume she's just fat now, don't you?" He winked.
"Oh yes…" Lina shut the door behind them and put her hands on her size 14 hips. "I'm sure some of those doctors at your parents' country club will hand her their cards offering good deals on gastric bypass surgery." She pointed down the hall. "Ron will see you in the office, Tawny. Do you remember where it is?"
"Yep." She pecked Greg on the cheek. "I'll see you soon."
"Would you like to watch television?"
"Sure." He walked over and took a seat on the couch. "Is Days of Our Lives on?"
When she arrived at the office Tawny knocked, "Hello, Boss."
"Tawny!" Ron stood. "Have a seat. This won't take long."
"I'm really excited," she declared while plopping into the leather guest chair. "I've never had my own health insurance, or vision, or dental. The only perks you get working clubs are free drinks and dry cleaning if a customer stains your costume." She quickly clarified, "By spilling their drink!"
"Don't worry, I knew what you meant." He handed over the envelope. "All your cards are in there so you can take them on your trip. By the time you get back we'll be moved into the new house and you'll help us get settled in the office."
"Thanks again for having faith in me, Mr. Grissom."
"Ron."
"Right…Ron." Grabbing her purse she queried, "I do have one thing I wanted to ask you. Being a man of means I thought you might be able to tell me what's the least I should take for this diamond bracelet when I pawn it?"
"Do you need a salary advance for your trip?"
"No…no." She handed over the bracelet. "I'm pawning it and giving the money to Nick for B-PAC. Since his pig brother gave me the bracelet right before punching Nick's lights out, I thought it had a nice karmic feel."
Eyeing the gem he said, "It's brand new and if you pawn it you'll only get a fraction of its worth."
"Well…I don't really feel like asking the asshole who gave it to me for the receipt."
"I suppose not." Ron grabbed his checkbook. "I had planned on going jewelry shopping this afternoon anyway. I'll make the check out to you and then you can deposit it and write out a check to B-PAC so the karmic significance stays intact."
"Cool!"
"Just keep it between us and Greg though." Tearing off the check for ten grand he instructed, "Tell everyone else you pawned it."
"Wow!" She knew, according to Drew, it was the full price. "Hey, one more thing…because you're so worldly."
"Yes?"
"If you didn't know me, would you believe me if I said I was raised Amish?"
"Uh…" Ron smiled at the bubbly girl. "Did you leave for rumspringa and decide not to go back because you wanted to go to Hollywood and become a star? Is that why you got plastic surgery?"
"Oh my god! Yes!"
"And I bet right before you left for tinsel town you met Greg and fell madly in love." Ron stood and rounded his desk. "You don't happen to speak German, do you?"
"Ja!"
"You've got it made then." Opening the door he asked, "What was your Amish name?"
"Ann Yoder."
"What time did you wake up in the morning on the farm?"
"Four-thirty!" she answered with game-show verve.
"What did your father give you for your fifth birthday?"
"A cloth doll with no facial features dressed in Amish clothing!"
"Very good." Ron chuckled as he walked down the hall. "In my previous life I did a little work as a con man." He tossed his arm around her shoulder. "If you promise not to tell my straight and narrow son, I'll give you a few tips."
Grissom's Tahoe
10:44 a.m.
Into his cell he asked, "Are you still at the doctor's?"
"No."
"So…"
"My blood work was perfectly within the normal range with no sign of there being twins."
"That's a relief." Gil relaxed in his seat. "Because ever since Greg and Tawny found out they were having twins I wondered how we would possibly…"
"Me too!" she confirmed. "We have our first ultrasound in four weeks. The doctor said we'll be able to see the heartbeat."
"It's really happening."
"Yep."
Staring out at the place where his wife almost died eight weeks ago he soulfully whispered, "I love you, Sara."
"You're still at Dales Trail, aren't you?"
"Yes." He smiled. "To quote you…I'm centering." When he heard a loud crunch he asked, "What's that?"
"I'm snacking…for two. So, I guess I'll see you back at the lab."
He glanced out at Sofia still packing things up. "Yeah."
"We love you."
Grinning from her use of the word 'we', Gil nodded. "Sara…in my heart I know we're going to be fine."
"Me too."
Author's Notes:
It's the start of a new day and this chapter kicks it off…it will prove to be an enlightening one for many by night's end. I hope you enjoyed it.
Thanks to SouthernCSIlover, Misty-J and Rojaji for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed Nigel's scene and are looking forward to the CA trip..
Next Chapter: At the airport, Tawny meets someone from her past…Sara plays sexual therapist to someone new…Greg gets some good advice from an unlikely source…Carrie and Nick make some big decisions about their future…Gil packs for an adventure. Posting: Friday morning (I'm still trying to get further ahead since KJT will be taking a really cool two week vacation to Florida (that I wish I could take!) starting this Friday. She will be greatly missed while she has a freaking awesome time! But she deserves a vacation for putting up with me and editing this story all this time! Bon Voyage Pal!)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts,
Maggs