Laws of Motion – Book 1
Written by: Ms Maggs / Edited by: KJT
Chapter 37
September 4, 2005
The Mandalay Bay
8:02 a.m.
Lounging in bed writing a To Do list, Gil was looking forward to spending the day at his home tending to special projects and relaxing in comfortable surroundings.
"I'm really getting tired of not having all my stuff," Sara groaned as she searched the drawers for something comfortable to wear to the spa.
"It won't be long now," Gil informed her while removing his glasses. "The security firm is ahead of schedule. I'll inspect everything today and hopefully we'll be able to move back by mid-week."
Finally locating her navy blue yoga pants Sara tugged them on and smiled. "I feel a little guilty about being excited. I mean the only reason I'm going for this day of pampering with Carrie is that she's ready to implode from stress."
"She was so manic last night, for a moment I thought she was Greg's long lost twin sister."
"It's hard seeing her that way when she's usually so together." Sara grabbed a pair of flip flops from the closet and sat on the edge of the bed next to her husband so she was positioned for a little pre-departure affection. "I promised Nick I'd get Carrie to chill, and I'm determined to be successful."
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
8:07 a.m.
"Sean…come on!" Carrie yelled, hoping to rouse.
Believing there was no chance that Ryan sustained a neck or spinal injury, Nick said, "Sweetheart…let me switch places with you for a sec. I want you to move Ryan onto the bed so he's not in the path of the EMTs, and I'm not allowed to lift more than ten pounds."
"Sean's still not responding," Carrie simultaneously informed Nick and the 911 operator who insisted the phone call continue until the crew arrived. Then she did as requested, moving Ryan and quickly returning to Sean's side.
"I don't see any blood in Ryan's mouth, or chipped teeth." Nick carefully inspected Ryan's face, relieved nothing looked broken. "There's a pretty big welt on his cheek though. My workboots were over there and his face slammed into the one on its side." Leaving Ryan there Nick hustled to the bathroom, adrenaline and Vicodin eliminating any pain his body was experiencing. "I'm gonna get a cold compress for him."
Applying pressure to Sean's head wound Carrie told the operator. "I hear the sirens!" And when the woman permitted her to disconnect, Carrie pressed the end button and dialed Wendy. "Nicky! Meet the paramedics at the door!"
"I'm on it!" He rushed out of the bathroom leaving the sink running.
"Are the boys driving you crazy yet?" Wendy answered in a chipper tone. "I really appreciate you…"
"Wendy…" Carrie's tears came out of no where. "Don't panic…"
"Oh God." Wendy's tone transformed from cheery to terrified in a heartbeat. "Did something happen to one of my boys!"
"Sean tripped and hit his head. We don't think it's serious…but he's been out almost ten minutes and…"
"Call an ambulance!" The panicked mother and experienced nurse yelled, "Don't ever try to diagnose a head injury. Did you move him, Carrie? Please tell me you didn't move him."
"I didn't, and the ambulance is pulling up right now."
"Thank you. Now let me talk to Ryan," Wendy demanded. "If he was horsing around chasing Sean when this…"
"Wen…" Carrie took a deep breath and relayed the next bit of traumatizing news. "Ryan passed out when he saw the blood. I was tending to Sean and Nicky was calling the ambulance…we couldn't catch him in time. He's still out."
"Good Lord...I can't believe this! I need to get the girls and…oh God…just…just tell me which hospital."
"I'm really sorry, Sis," Carrie squeaked. "It all happened so fast."
The Regent Beverly Wilshire
8:11 a.m.
Rousing from sleep, Tawny felt the luxurious bedding against her warm skin. "Mmm…" Stretching, she recalled the previous day, which in hindsight seemed like a blur, but at the time had felt like it inched at a snail's pace. "Oh!" she shrieked while bolting up in bed and thrusting out her left hand.
"What's wrong!" Greg anxiously asked as he tried to get his bearings.
Seeing her engagement ring, Tawny relaxed against the sheets again. "It wasn't a dream. It was all so perfect, for a second there I thought it had to be a dream." When she glanced over and saw Greg's hair rivaling that of a porcupine, she teased, "Exactly how much hair gel did you use last night, Spike?"
"Tons, why?" As he went to snuggle her Tawny darted out of bed for the bathroom.
"Sorry! Gotta go!"
Catching a glimpse of his horrid appearance Greg burst out laughing. "Now I know why you asked about the hair gel." He tried to mat it down, but it was hopeless. "Yeah…this Pretty Woman scene must have ended up on the editing room floor, because I would have remembered, Edward waking up looking like crap and Vivian darting off to pee."
"And did you get a look at me!" Tawny yelled from the toilet. "I went to bed with my makeup on and it's all over my face. I look like a raccoon wearing a matted blonde wig!"
Continuing to jest, Greg shouted back, "Hey! Would ya finish peeing already, Princess! I can't wait to continue this fairy tale we're living with a sloppy morning-breath kiss!"
"Only if Prince Charming promises to fart and set the mood!"
Cracking up Greg tossed the covers. "I can already tell this is going to be one hell of a fun day."
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
8:21 a.m
Since it was Sunday, Nick's customary day off, as well as a holiday weekend when a lot of tenured cops weren't working, Nick didn't know the lead officer responding with the paramedics.
Even though she was shaken to the core, Carrie did recognize one of the officers who strolled in after the paramedics took over. "That's O'Hara," she whispered to Nick as he held her. "The rookie who mistook me for a prostitute that night after Sara's party when we were waiting for Greg outside of Brass's apartment."
Out of the corner of his eye Nick took a look. "Right…he was also partners with my buddy Carlos that night when the Peeping Tom thing happened to you at Wendy's."
"How are they doing?" Carrie nervously asked the two EMTs when she heard a moan.
"Ryan's coming around," EMT Sanborn calmly informed the worried aunt. "Ryan…can you hear me?"
"Vitals are fine over here," EMT Dawes announced. "Of course we won't know if there's anything else going on until they get a CT at the hospital." He expeditiously worked to ready the patient for transport. "I wouldn't worry too much, Ma'am. I have three sons and they've all met up with a table top at some point. These things usually look much scarier than they are."
"Thank you." It was just the news she needed to hear. "That makes me feel much better."
Meanwhile, Rookie O'Hara, along with his partner, Don Franco, stepped further into the bedroom while back up officers Antonio Morales and Karen Harnett milled about by the front door to shoo curious neighbors.
Eyeing the hugging couple suspiciously, Billy O'Hara pulled his partner to the corner of the bedroom. "I've run into these two twice before and both times it was freaky…just like this scene is freaky."
"How so?" Franco stared at the man and woman embracing and watching the EMTs work.
"The first time, they were getting it on in the backseat of a car on a downtown street. I thought she was a hooker until I found out he was her fiancé. She works for the prosecutor's office." Lowering his voice a little more Billy said, "Stokes, he's a CSI…you know how they are, and not only that, he's got one hell of a temper. I saw him beat the shit out of a teenage suspect's father when the man called Stokes's fiancée a bitch. Borrega and another CSI…big black guy…can't remember his name, had to restrain him. She acted all pissy about him losing it but as soon as we were pulling away she was shoving her tongue down his throat." Billy whispered, "Like it was some sorta kinky turn on for her and he did it to thrill her."
"Really?"
"Like I said…I had already caught them steaming windows. I've been keeping tabs on him ever since that night. Stokes is out on mandated medical because he snapped at a crime scene. These people are pretty freakin' strange if you ask me…and this incident…what the hell? Look pretty weird to me."
Franco's eyes darted around the bedroom and upon closer inspection he caught several things…women's lingerie in the unmade bed, a wet spot, and a small tube of lubricant peeking out from under a pillow. Like it was some sorta kinky turn on for her. His gaze darted to a pair of boy's briefs on the floor, which appeared wet from a substance other than urine.
Billy continued to voice his concern. "Did you see that living room? They were partying. There are open containers of alcohol in plain view. What kind of people leave that stuff around when kids are present?"
Next Franco looked at the bruise on the roused boy's cheek. The unconscious boys, both with head injuries, bristled him further. Stokes…he's got one hell of a temper. "I need a few questions answered," he announced after clearing his throat. "How did…" He checked his notes. "…Sean…end up wearing women's underwear?" He stared at the mute couple. "Is someone going to answer?" When he saw them exchange worried glances, Franco stepped forward and grabbed his radio. "I need back up in the apartment."
Carrie and Nick both glared at the officer and Nick said what they were both thinking. "Back up…why?"
"Ms. Blake, right?" When she nodded Franco pointed. "I'd like you to step into the kitchen with Officer O'Hara, thanks. Mr. Stokes, you stay with me."
"I'm not leaving my nephews!" Carrie blasted as she watched Sean being strapped to a backboard.
"Miss…" O'Hara took her arm. "I need you to comply with the officer's instructions or I'll have to take you into the station."
The lawyer in Carrie emerged full force. "On what grounds!"
"Aunt Carrie…" Ryan groggily spoke as his gripped the EMT's arm. "Why did…"
"That's it," Franco answered for his partner. "Suspicious Circs…we need to seal the area."
"Are you out of your god damn mind!" Nick snarled at the cop. "Do you have any idea who we are and what we do…she's a Sex Crimes Prosecutor and I'm a…"
"CSI," O'Hara quickly retorted. "I know. So let me ask you this…what would you say if you walked into an apartment where one young boy is only wearing women's underwear as he lay unconscious from blunt force trauma to the head, while another young boy is lying in a bed that contains sexy lingerie, a wet spot and a tube of lube…and that same boy has facial trauma? And what if when you arrived on the scene, you observed the couple in the apartment whispering and the woman looking guilty as sin?" Feeling full of himself O'Hara pointed to Carrie, "I don't know what you'd think, but to me it looks like she was getting it on with the boys and you weren't happy when you found them! It's no secret you have a temper when it comes to your woman, isn't that right, Stokes!"
Both stunned by the sickening implications Nick and Carrie fell speechless.
"Aunt Carrie…" Ryan cried out when he saw his brother on a backboard being lifted onto a stretcher. "Is Sean okay? What's going on? What happened?"
"I'm right here, Honey!" Snapping out of her shock, Carrie moved forward to go to him but was blocked by the officer. "I want to speak to my…"
"To the kitchen, Ms. Blake," Franco warned. "You're not to have contact."
Listening to Ryan beg for her, Carrie's blood finally reached its boiling point. "I told you when you got here, they're my nephews!" She watched helpless as the female backup officer went to comfort Ryan instead of her.
Franco callously shrugged, "Is that supposed to remove my suspicion? Hell, just last night I was called out to catch a daddy in the act with his daughter…some people prefer to keep things in the family in spite of the law."
Nick grabbed Carrie before she could smack the man and be charged with career-ending 'assaulting an officer'. "We know the truth…we know how this works… things will be cleared up in no time, okay?" In her ear he whispered, "Trust me…I know how awful it feels to be wrongly accused of something incomprehensible, but while you're waiting to be cleared, the best way to get in real trouble is to haul off."
Trembling she whispered back, "But, Nicky…of all things for me to be accused of…" Holding her gut she cringed. "I think I'm going to be sick."
"Here…use this as a reminder to stay strong." Taking her hand he slipped the rubber band from his wrist onto hers. "Keep your cool, Sweetheart." Then, loud enough for the officers to hear Nick said, "Carrie…these super cop wannabes are itchy for a juicy bust and determined to think the worst of us. Don't let them get under your skin…you know what really happened here."
Carrie nodded as she inhaled sharply. "Okay, Nicky."
"Excellent." He blew out his tension in a jagged breath. "Okay, Boys…if this is a potential crime scene you better call it in. I'm chomping for it, because the evidence, when analyzed by a qualified Criminalist, is gonna tell a whole different story and when it does…my fiancée and I will be expecting apologies."
Jim Brass's Apartment
8:41 a.m.
Carrying Jim's ringing cell into the bathroom, Heather said, "Would you like me to answer while you wash off your shaving cream?"
"Please."
Smirking, Heather clicked the green button and answered in a sultry voice, "Jim Brass's phone." Covering the receiver, she relayed the message. "It's Paula, the weekend day shift secretary from the lab. She says it's urgent."
After drying his hands on a towel Jim grabbed the phone, "What's going on, Paula?"
When Heather saw Jim's jaw drop she knew he'd be bolting out the front door as soon as he was dressed. "I'll put your coffee in a travel mug," she stated before leaving the room. "And I'll give you a rain check on breakfast."
The Regent Beverly Wilshire
8:46 a.m.
In another homage to Pretty Woman, Greg and Tawny sat at the well appointed dining room table surrounded by every breakfast item on the hotel's menu.
"There's enough food here to feed an army," Greg remarked while lifting the last silver lid.
"Or me and the twins." Tawny picked up a pancake and started nibbling. "So…do you have any fantasies left that need fulfilling?"
"Hmm…" Grabbing the maple syrup, Greg ran down his mental list of fantasy accomplishments. "We knocked off quite a few over the past few days. Actually…I think last night's' naked fun with food', and 'high school limo lovefest' were the last of the old ones." Slicing up his pancakes he said, "Yep…now I can fully focus on the ones in your notebook."
"I can't wait to check off the engagement one when we get back to your parents' house."
"Where do you want to go shopping with Charlie's money, first?" In the envelope they had received at the desk the night before, was a note from Charlie detailing that his father made him use three thousand dollars from his trust fund to buy a prepaid Visa card for them to use as spending money during their stay. It was a peace offering to save face and smooth things over between the Dwyer and Sanders families, which Greg recognized was really hush money to keep him from saying anything at the club. "Here's a directory for the shops on Rodeo." He slid it towards her.
Without opening it, Tawny announced, "I know exactly where I want to shop. But before we go there, we need to stop someplace else first. But it's all a surprise."
Sunrise Medical Center
8:51 a.m.
After rushing McKenna and Ashley to Catherine and Warrick's house and pleading with them to babysit, Wendy hurried to the designated hospital to be with her boys.
Her angst intensifying, Wendy raced to the ER desk. "I'm Wendy Blake. I was told my boys Sean and Ryan were being brought here by ambulance."
The clerk at the desk smiled while waving to the security guard standing in front of the ER door. "This is Mrs. Blake."
The guard grabbed his radio. "Mrs. Blake is in the lobby."
"Can you give me any update on their conditions?" Wendy prodded, wishing she could just hold them tight and see they were okay.
The clerk just smiled.
"I said, can you please give me an update on…"
"Mrs. Blake?" a female voice called out.
When she turned, Wendy saw a male police officer and a woman dressed in a shabby suit. "Yes."
"I'm Liz Reynolds…the advocate assigned to your boys. They're both awake. Ryan is having some bloodwork done and Sean is on his way for a CT scan."
"Advocate?" Confused and frantic, nothing made sense.
"Ma'am…" The officer stepped closer. "Your boys have been placed under protective custody and I need you to come with me to answer some questions. Ms. Reynolds will ensure…"
"What the hell is going on!" Wendy screamed in the middle of the waiting area. "Where is my sister-in-law, Carrie Blake? Are she and Nick Stokes back there with my boys? Who is with my boys?" When Nick and Carrie hadn't answered their cell phones, she assumed they had turned them off for the ambulance rides and kept them off in the ER. "Can someone please tell me what's going on! Were they injured too? I don't understand what's going on!"
The cop quietly informed her, "Your sister-in-law and Mr. Stokes are being detained for questioning due to the suspicious nature of the injuries sustained by your boys and due to certain circumstances officers encountered at the apartment when responding to the 911 call. Mrs. Blake, please answer this question…did you give permission for your boys to stay at Ms. Blake's apartment?"
"Yes." The Kafkaesque moment knocking her for a loop Wendy gripped the counter. "I…I don't understand any of this. Are you saying? I can't grasp what you're saying. I just want to see my boys and know they're okay."
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to see or talk to them at this time," the officer responded. "We need some questions answered first."
Wendy's voice shrilled. "I'll answer anything you ask after I see my boys!"
"Ma'am…" The officer's tone softened for one last attempt at controlling the woman. "I promise Ms. Reynolds will keep in contact with me and provide frequent updates on your boys while I'm speaking with you in an office down the hall, but if you continue to cause a scene in the middle of the waiting room, I will remove you from the hospital premises and will not be at liberty to provide updates."
"Fine," Wendy despondently agreed, not seeing an alternative. Turning she grabbed a handful of tissues from the counter. "Let's do this as quickly as possible so I can see my boys. They have to be…" Choking on her tears she brought the tissues to her face. "…they have to be confused and scared, because I know I am."
Once the mother was quiet, the Child Advocate resumed her duties. "Mrs. Blake, would you please tell me the whereabouts of your other two children. Ryan told me he has two sisters, Ashley and McKenna."
The Willows/Brown Household
9:04 a.m.
"Check this out!" Catherine cheerily announced as she returned to the living room with an armful of flamboyant clothing, shoes and accessories. "McKenna…you and Lindsay can play dress up!"
"Yay!" the thrilled girl shrieked when she saw the colorful clothes and fancy shoes. "I love playing dress up!"
Lindsay's enthusiasm was somewhat less boisterous. "Great," she droned. "I was hoping you'd say that, Mother."
When the kitchen door swung open the ladies of all ages turned to see how Warrick was doing.
"Look who likes me," he announced while crossing the room cradling Ashley who was sucking on a sippy cup full of juice. "Apparently I'm a natural."
Breaking into a smile Catherine said, "Too bad you're spoken for, because I know a woman named Celeste who would love to marry you."
"Oh no…" Warrick took a seat with little Ashley. "I couldn't handle this as a permanent gig…not a kid this small. I prefer dealing with moody and difficult teens."
"How do I look?" asked McKenna as she stood in a pair of Catherine's sinful red heels, sporting a leopard print blouse.
While her mother and Warrick lied, Lindsay quipped, "You look ready for Fremont Street."
A ring of the doorbell halted the laughter and Catherine walked to get it with McKenna clomping beside her. "It's a cop," she said with surprise. "Ken Carter to be exact." When she opened the door, Catherine flashed her best smile. "You're a little early for the house warming party, or are you looking for a free cup of coffee?"
"Uh…" Ken nervously cleared his throat. "This is a little embarrassing, Cath."
"Hi, Officer!" McKenna waved and smiled before turning in a circle to show off her outfit. "Do I look ready for Fremont Street?"
"Kids! They hear everything." Catherine cracked up and stepped outside, leaving McKenna behind. "So…why re you here, Carter?"
"I'm uh…I was told to meet Child Protective Services here…they need to take McKenna and Ashley Blake into temporary custody."
"Yeah, okay…sure…" Catherine postured, "Over my dead body."
Sunrise Medical Center
9:08 a.m.
After thinking he had lost his brother forever, Ryan was never happier to see Sean than when the curtain separating ER cubicles was pulled back to reveal him. "Are you okay, Bro!"
"No." Still strapped to a backboard, Sean lie staring at the ceiling as tears poured from his eyes. "Why isn't mom here yet? And where are Aunt Carrie and Uncle Nick? Why did they just leave us here? I'm really scared, Ryan. How could they just leave us here?"
"Don't be scared." Ryan hoped out of bed even though he had been told to stay put. "There's this lady…she told me that Uncle Nick and Aunt Carrie had to stay at the apartment with the police to explain what happened." Grabbing his brother's hand, Ryan told him, "Mom is here, but she's not allowed to see us yet. I don't know why. If you ask me, everyone around here is acting real weird. But don't worry, Bro…I won't let anything happen to you."
"Okay." Sean gripped Ryan's hand. "Don't let go."
"Hi, boys." Liz Reynolds greeted in a sunny tone as if nothing was wrong. "Are you up for a few questions?"
"I'll be asking the questions," Ryan snapped. "Why can't my mother be here? Why are you here? What is going on? Why is everyone acting weird around us? Why wasn't Aunt Carrie allowed to come in the ambulance with us? Why did you tell the nurse to take my blood?"
"You fainted, Ryan," Liz answered. "They need to check your blood and see if there's a reason…like over consumption of alcohol for example."
"What! I've never drank alcohol in my life." Seeing Sean's tears Ryan blasted, "What is with you people! You obviously have my brother and I confused with some other patients. Did someone switch charts or something? Seriously! What gives, Lady! I fainted because I saw my brother's head gushing blood and I'm a wuss when it comes to seeing blood or puke."
"I need you to calm down, Ryan." Liz sweetly smiled. "Can I get you something to help you calm down? Some water? Juice?"
"A teddy bear would be great," he replied in a tone that rivaled the glucose level of the annoying woman's.
"Oh…okay, sure. I'll be right back with…"
"I wasn't serious!" Ryan screamed. "The only thing that will get me to calm down is sending my mother back here and leaving us alone."
Unable to wipe his tears because he was strapped to the backboard, Sean sobbed and said, "Ryan…what if we're really dead and this is hell?"
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
9:12 a.m.
The instant Gil parked his Tahoe and Sara her sedan, they flew to the apartment door. "What the hell, Jim!" Gil snapped as he stepped under the yellow crime tape and saw his boss standing next to the couch. "You can't put a stop to this nonsense? This is insanity."
"Gil…hold that thought." Brass approached Sara. "I'm sorry, but because you work for Nick, you can't be here." Brass moved to the tape. "The call was for Gil only and, no, I can't put a stop to this because Nick's out on mandated leave for losing his cool, which is exactly what these bozos are accusing him of here. No…as disgusting and humiliating as it is, we need to let this play out and solve itself."
"I'm not here to work," Sara retorted. "I'm here for my friends. Where are they?"
"Carrie's in the kitchen, Nick's in the bedroom, but you can't cross the line and speak to either."
"How about hanging by the complex pool," Gil suggested and when Sara nodded, he mouthed 'patience'. Once his wife was gone he turned to Jim. "This is unbelievable."
"No shit." Jim stepped closer and heatedly whispered, "Unfortunately we've got two of our biggest nightmares in the bedroom with Nick and Detective Packer…an overzealous rookie, and a cop looking for a high profile bust that will help him bump up in rank. As bad luck would have it, they both seem to dislike CSIs due to previous negative case experiences, which translated means…one of you nailed their ass to the wall for mishandling something. This Detective…Packer…he just got promoted to the position, so he's not going out on a limb for me."
"Wonderful." Gil clutched his kit and headed for the bedroom, noting the disarray in the living room from the party last night.
"Gris…" Nick was thrilled to see him walk in. "I know it looks bad, but there's a logical explanation for everything."
Gil held up his hand. "I'll get to you in a minute, Nick." Then he turned to the officers. "What made you call this suspicious circs?"
As Franco went through the room and pointed out all the evidence, Nick sat on the edge of the bed staring at Brass.
"Are you in pain? Do you need to lie down?" Jim quietly asked when he saw Nick holding his left side.
"No…I need this nightmare to be over ASAP." Smoothing his hand over his torso, Nick said, "But thanks for asking…no, I'm not in physical pain."
As the officers recounted the details, Gil snapped photos of the evidence and silently empathized with Nick. Looking over the room, he also understood why the officers were suspicious. "Nick…tell me about the bed and the evidence in it first."
Hating the idea of discussing Carrie's sex life in front of the two male officers Nick made a request. "Due to the sensitive nature of the information I'd like the officers to leave. Detective Packer is more than enough of a police presence."
Packer nodded at his men. "You can wait out front."
Once they were gone, Nick cleared his throat and answered the question. "It's as simple as this…when Carrie and I woke this morning we were both in amorous moods. I took off her lingerie and left it in bed. The tube of warming gel will have my prints on it, and I used it exclusively on Carrie…it's nothin' kinky, you can buy it at Walgreens."
"So, that explains the fresh spot on the bed." Grissom stepped closer, hoping he wouldn't have to swab it, but if it did, he decided he'd ask Nick to leave."
"And Gris…since I'm still recovering from surgery and restricted from sexual activity, you won't find any evidence of my…" He glanced over at Packer to finish his statement. "…or any other male's output in that bed…it's exclusively Carrie and the gel. The boys were not present in the bedroom at any time Carrie and I were being intimate. I checked on them before we got started and found them asleep. I locked the door before engaging in a legal and mutually consensual sexual activity with my fiancée so they wouldn't walk in and see something they shouldn't. After we were done, Carrie started the shower, I opened the door to check on the boys again and found them still asleep. Once I was showered and dressed, I opened the door again and saw Ryan was awake and Sean still asleep."
Gil, Jim and the detective exchanged looks and then Gil quizzed, "Why is there a pair of soiled boy's briefs on the bedroom floor?"
Very calmly, Nick explained, "Last night the boys slept in the living room…Sean on the couch, Ryan on the loveseat. When Sean woke up this morning, he was panicked. I didn't know what was wrong, and he wasn't sayin' anything. Carrie took Ryan to get bagels and when I was alone with Sean he eventually admitted he had his first wet dream and didn't know what to do. He was embarrassed it happened on Carrie's sheets and couch."
Grissom held up his hand. "So, if I were to analyze the bedding on the couch I'd find evidence of…"
"Yes." Nick gingerly shifted on the bed and resumed. "I told him I'd get a garbage bag from the kitchen, pack up the bedding and wash it later when Carrie was gone for the day. Then I told him to head to the bedroom and grab a pair of fresh underwear from the dresser." Nick pointed to the floor. "He must have dropped his briefs and went searching. Unfortunately, he found Carrie's Jockey tighty whities that she wears sometimes. They look boyish…I can see why he was confused."
The detective cut in. "So that's why he was wearing your fiancée's underwear when the EMTs got here?"
"Yes," he curtly replied while biting his tongue not to snap at the guy.
"So how did the head injury happen?" Jim prodded, trying to wrap things up.
"Carrie came back for the keys to my Xterra because she had a flat. She thought I was in here. When she opened the door she saw Sean pulling on her underwear, and as you can imagine…was a little freaked out."
Grissom cringed as he imagined Sean's reaction in that moment.
"Carrie said Sean tried to run to the bathroom but tripped when the underwear fell to his ankles. That's when he smacked his head on the nightstand." He watched Grissom walk the path that Sean had taken.
"Jesus…" Packer stuffed his hands in his pockets and flippantly said, "That had to be humiliating for a boy on the day he creams his shorts the first time."
Brass wasted no time retorting, "Yeah…about as humiliating as a woman who was sexually abused as a kid who's spent her adult life prosecuting sex offenders, getting accused of being hot and heavy with not one, but two of her nephews. But I suppose you'll say 'Life's a bitch'."
In that moment Nick worshipped his Best Man a little bit more.
"My boys were doing their job," Packer unapologetically stated while taking a step toward Brass.
"I think your boys were trying to do my job," Grissom remarked while inspecting the point of contact on the nightstand. "And they're not very good at it." Standing up he added, "And they're not always very good at their own jobs either. Did you know that Detective Packer?" Pointing toward the door where the officers had gone through minutes earlier Grissom said, "State vs. Tisdale…his first week on the job, your boy O'Hara put his own prints on the murder weapon because he wanted to 'check it out because it looked really cool'. State vs. Preminger…six years ago, your boy Franco conducted an illegal search and Preminger got to walk of court. Two days after that, Preminger raped a sixteen year old girl."
"I didn't know either of those things," Parker admitted.
Staring at the Detective Grissom sighed, "I make it my business to know everything about your boys...and Vartann's boys…girls too…everyone in LVPD really. If you want to have lunch some time I'll be more than happy to go over the top fifty blunders made so far this year."
Brass and Nick remained quiet, expertly hiding their joy.
Cleo Jewelers
Los Angeles, CA
9:31 a.m.
Standing in front of the wedding ring display, Greg quizzed his unpredictable fiancée, "You want to do what!"
"Pleeeeeeease," Tawny begged while squeezing Greg's hand. "The lady opened the store a half hour early just for us when the Manager of the Regent called her. We can't back out now…it would be rude."
"What if it's bad luck?"
"Oh, come on…first of all…you've had plenty of bad luck for no apparent reason. Secondly…it's not bad luck!"
Testing for hypocrisy Greg asked, "So, you'll be letting me see you in your dress before the wedding then?"
"No!"
"A ha!"
"Not so fast…" Tawny shook her head. "I won't let you see me but it has nothing to do with superstition." Wrapping her arms around his waist she cooed, "I don't want you to see me in it so when you do see me at the ceremony, you're amazed. I want to see your eyes light up and your jaw drop." She ended her explanation with a tender kiss. "Now will you say yes to buying our wedding rings and wearing them while we shop for maternity clothes! Please…won't you make an honest woman in front of the sales clerks and other snooty moms-to-be?"
He answered by sighing and waving to the sales clerk. "We need to purchase two wedding bands."
Tawny assaulted her man with kisses in between declarations. "I love you! I love you! I love you!"
"I'd say she's ready for a trip to the altar," Belinda McGee, a fifty-two year old gregarious saleswomen with bobbed silver hair and a warm smile announced as she opened the case the eager couple was standing in front of while they smooched. "From the way you're kissing her, I'd say you're ready too, young man."
"Absolutely." Greg slapped his hand on the counter. "Sign me up."
Gushing with excitement Tawny said, "I'd like them to match, but I need something that will compliment my engagement ring." She waved her left hand. "And Greg needs something that will hold up on the job." With pride she told the saleswoman, "He's a Forensic Scientist…like the guys on those TV shows who solve creepy crimes."
"Really?" Belinda loved working the wedding section just for this reason…the overflowing happiness of the bride and grooms to be. "I love those shows. Although sometimes I think they're a tad unrealistic."
"You've got that right." Greg cracked up. "Those posers get at least five things wrong every episode."
Belinda laughed along. "I always think it's hilarious that the women are wearing high heels and low cut shirts on the job…as if that's practical when you're on your feet all day and crouching to inspect evidence."
"Actually…I work with someone who really does that. Don't ask me how but, she manages in those heels without a problem and the cleavage…I think it helps her on the job, because the cops are way more willing to do stuff for her than me."
The Willows/Brown Household
9:38 a.m.
After sweet talking Officer Carter into convincing Protective Services to allow the girls to remain in the house while he guards the door, Catherine quickly ended the unintentional game of 'Hooker Dress Up'. "Who's hungry?"
"Shhh…" Warrick pointed to Ashley who hand fallen asleep. "Where should I put her down? On the…"
"Don't you dare let go of that kid." Catherine, who had several run-ins with CPS when her sister thought she was an unfit mother and wanted custody of Lindsay, knew better than to take chances. "That's all we need with CPS outside…her rolling off the couch or being accidentally stepped on while sleeping on the floor. You just hold her and smile in case they look through the windows."
Nick and Carrie's Apartment
9:44 a.m.
Sitting alone in the kitchen, Carrie stared out the window and wondered what was happening beyond its glass. Was Sean okay? Was Ryan? Had Wendy made it to the hospital safely? Where were the girls?
Thought after troublesome thought raced through her mind as time stood still, but she was grateful her questioning was over and that Officer Harnett had gone easy on her out of professional courtesy. During two of her trials, Carrie had called Karen Harnett to the stand as the arresting officer. In private and off the record, Karen had told her she thought this was all bullshit and she always thought Franco and O'Hara assholes.
"Darlin'!" Nick anxiously called out on his way to the kitchen. "Are you okay in there!"
Carrie bolted from the chair. "Nicky!" When rushing the door, she never considered the possibility that Nick would be doing the same…and with twice the force.
The thud from the edge of the door slamming into Carrie's face sent a shiver through Nick's body. "Sweetheart!" When he saw her down on the kitchen floor he yelled, "Jim! I need your help!" Carefully he lowered himself beside her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm…yeah…just a little stunned." When Carrie pulled herself to sitting she felt a blood drip. "Uh oh."
"What the hell happened now!" Jim shouted when he saw blood dripping from a cut above Carrie's left eye.
When Nick turned to explain it to Jim, he saw Detective Parker shaking his head and felt compelled to explain. "I swear...it was an accident."
Parker's eyes darted around the apartment. "Stokes, if I were you…I'd consider getting a priest in here to perform an exorcism…this much shit doesn't happen to people without some kind of supernatural force at work."
Ely State Prison
9:49 a.m.
Alone in a room with his lawyer, Mike enjoyed a brief reprieve from his Holier than Thou act. Flipping through the pages of the latest issue of Penthouse, which his top notch attorney had brought as a treat, Mike said, "You want to tell me about that shit-eating grin you're wearing, Schultzy?"
"You ever work with Sofia Curtis during your time with LVPD?"
With his eyes glued on the magazine Mike answered, "A couple of times. She flirted with me, I reciprocated, but she shot me down when I asked her out. Said something about not dating muscleheads anymore. She wasn't my type anyway…too assertive…I like them needy and desperate for affection." Finally he lowered the magazine. "Why?" He laughed, "Does she want to be my prison pen pal? Do ex-cops behind bars do it for her?"
"I don't know if ex-cops behind bars do it for her but guess who did for a while?"
"Gil?"
Schultz laughed, "You really do have a strange imagination." He tossed a picture of Nick Stokes on the table. "I have witnesses."
"Wow…" Mike's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Stokes had sex with a chick…that's shocking." He rolled his eyes. "Big deal…it's not like he was her supervisor. Too bad he wasn't though, because we all know lustin' over your boss is baaaaaaaad news. That is unless you need someone to cover up your DUI or your mishandling of critical evidence…then it's handy…to a guy building a case against the Las Vegas Crime Lab. Isn't that right, Schultzy?"
"Yes, indeed." He pointed to the photo. "But, Lover Boy didn't just have sex with Blondie…he had sex with Blondie and Red, and they paid Red for the privilege. Not really flattering for two Criminalists, one of whom is also a quality control officer."
"Huh? Why would Slick have to pay for that experience, when he would have had plenty of volunteers?"
"Okay…technically, they didn't pay for the sex, they paid her cab fare. While Stokes was in the shower, Blondie told Red thanks for coming and directed her to take a twenty from her wallet, which was in her purse by the front door." After a chuckle he said, "But Red told our PI that working in loud strip clubs has damaged her hearing. At the time, she thought Blondie said take all the twenties in her wallet. She only realized differently when Stokes confronted her at Sonny's the next day. She told him Blondie could press charges if she wanted to, but she wasn't giving the cash back. Since it would have looked bad for two LVPD co-workers to take the sleazy stripper they banged to small claims court to get the eighty bucks back…Lover Boy declined on Blondie's behalf. Red said the two of them never showed up at Sonny's again."
Clapping, Mike rejoiced, "I really like this chick."
"You'll love her even more in a minute." Schultz continued, "When Red leaves the apartment, she's got a handful of cash and Blondie's neighbor, who has been doing a Mrs. Kravitz impression since the horny trio arrived, believes Red was paid to make the loud noises coming from Blondie's apartment. You know…people are always willing to believe the worst of people when things look bad. Anyway, our guy Mantello spoke with Red personally and has verified the tramp will say anything for the right price." Cackling, he added, "And even though he likes to get a little kinky in the bedroom from time to time…we both know Dudley Do Right isn't going to engage in a bidding war with us to pay off a witness, not even to save his own ass or keep yours behind bars."
"So, Red is ours!" Mike cheered.
"And Mrs. Kravitz too, because she hates Blondie. The beautiful part there is, she's not even lying…she's believes the story her eyes told her." Reclining in his chair Schultz grinned, "That's why my daddy always said not to bring the naughty ones home. Blondie and Stokes should have driven to The Bunny Ranch to scratch their itch...but lucky for us, they didn't."
His hands pressed to his chest Mike grinned. "And here I go fallin' a little deeper in love with ya."
Glow
Beverly Hills, CA
10:02 a.m.
Hand in hand Tawny and Greg excitedly entered the posh maternity store.
"Welcome to Glow!" Suzi and Mira, the thirty-eight year old twins and owners of the shop, eagerly greeted the obvious first timers. They could always tell by the overwhelmed look in their eyes and the way they gripped each other's hands to the point of lost circulation.
Greg's eyes moved from one pregnant mannequin to another as he tried to envision Tawny looking thick with child. Meanwhile, Tawny was studying the bevy of blown up snapshots of happy giant babies filling the walls and panicked once again about carrying two around inside her and having to push their enormous heads out of her tiny body.
Fearing the newbies were about to bolt, Suzi stepped forward. "Here at Glow we believe the glowing mother-to-be and the proud father-to-be should be pampered." Taking the scared young lady's hand she led the couple to the plush lounge. "First time shopping for maternity clothes? How far along are you, Sweetie?"
"Uh…yeah," Greg answered on Tawny's behalf. "She's three months…with twins."
"Twins!" the owners shrieked, as did a customer who was six months along carrying a set herself.
"Perfect timing!" the fellow mother-to-be announced while patting the silent young lady's stomach. "Trust me…any day now you're going to pop and you won't stop until you push those babies out." Smoothing her hands over her profoundly protruding belly, she said, "I used to be a size two, but look at me now…I'm only three months ahead of you and I'm huuuuuuuge!" A few seconds later she was escorted away by Mira and sweetly told not to frighten the newbie.
"Greg…" Tawny twittered as she pulled him to a corner, "I want to go."
In her ear he whispered, "We can't…you heard that woman, you're going to pop any day now. You need clothes. Besides…" Squeezing her hand a little tighter Greg sheepishly admitted, "We just put our rings on and I wanted to play the part of your husband a little longer than two minutes."
Glancing down at the shiny titanium band on Greg's left ring finger and the matching platinum band complimenting her engagement ring, Tawny's anxiety eased. "Chilling!"
Grinning, Greg pecked Tawny's cheek and led her to the sales clerk. "We're ready now."
"Terrific!" Suzi patted one of the overstuffed pink velour arm chairs. "Come right over here and have a seat, Dad."
When Greg didn't budge Tawny nudged him. "She said have a seat."
"No…she said, have a seat, Dad." Greg tried to shake off the odd feeling. "It threw me…sorry." A few seconds later he did as requested.
"Okay, Mom!" Suzi bubbled with salesmanship verve. "Let's strap a fake belly on you and have some fun."
When Greg saw Tawny mouth the word 'mom' he pointed at his fiancée. "See! It's freaky!" Five minutes later, when Tawny emerged from the dressing room looking six months pregnant, he realized he had been grossly off base. "Whoa…now that's freaky." The vision of the future rocked him to the core.
Grinning from ear to ear Tawny put her hands on the fake belly. "I can't believe this is really going to happen to me."
Suzi motioned for Mira to keep the smelling salts handy just in case the expectant father took a header. "Isn't she darling in these rhinestone-studded jeans and pink sweater? You're going to make a beautiful mother-to-be, Mrs. Sanders."
"Oh!" Greg had never heard anyone but his mother referred to by that name. "Sorry." Not wanting to blow their cover as pretend spouses he explained, "I uh…just remembered that I…you know…"
"Sure." Suzi motioned to the understandably nervous customer. "Come stand behind your wife in front of the mirror."
"My…wife…right," Greg mumbled as he took the position.
"Arms around her…" Suzi instructed. "Perfect…now, hands on her belly. And, Mom…you relax back against his chest. There! You look adorable." When they were in position and standing gape mouthed she said, "Take a few minutes to get used to the feeling and I'll grab some relaxing decaffeinated iced tea and my digital camera to snap a photo for your scrapbook. Oh! And don't forget to turn sideways and check out that view as well."
When they turned in perfect harmony, Tawny gasped, "This is…"
"So cool," he whispered in Tawny's ear while gently running his palms over the belly. "It's like we jumped in a time machine." He pressed a little firmer. "I can't wait until we can feel them kick."
"Greg…it's a foam belly, it doesn't have special effects."
"No..." Laughing with her he said, "I can't wait to feel our real babies kick. I hope we're home together when it happens the first time."
"Me too." Seeing the reflection of their rings in the mirror, Tawny gulped, "Greg…I don't want to take the wedding bands off."
"I think it will look a little strange if we wear them before the wedding. I can just hear Nick…" He mocked his voice. "Sanders, will you ever do something in the proper order!"
"I mean…let's just skip the fancy wedding and get married right after we return to Vegas."
"What?" He turned her around so he could see her eyes.
"You heard them…I'm going to pop any day now. When your mom talked to the people at the Bellagio yesterday they said it would seven weeks before we could have a reception there." Her hands on the fake belly Tawny whispered, "I don't want to look super-sized in all our wedding photos.
"You just said last night that you were happy we didn't rush into the engagement and you were thrilled that I made it special." With the back of his hand he stroked her cheek. "I don't want you to regret not having the wedding of your dreams."
"What makes you think I won't?" she asked after a smile. "The wedding of my dreams was all about marrying the perfect guy. I'm serious, Greg…let's keep it small and have it as soon as possible. I'm so anxious to move into the next phase…being married, building our nest together. The thought of waiting seven weeks to do that seems like an eternity. If your proposal had been a ring in a muffin then maybe I'd still need the over the top wedding, but…" Placing her hands on Greg's shoulders she lovingly said, "The proposal was beyond my wildest dreams…it was spectacular…you really made me feel like a princess, and it filled my need for a huge public declaration of our love. If it fulfill your needs too, then why not get your parents and our close friends together next weekend, have an intimate chapel ceremony with a little celebration afterwards, and then get on with our lives as 'Mr. and Mrs. Happily Ever After'?"
"You're really serious…unlike before I can see it in your eyes."
She flashed a brilliant smile when she saw the excitement building in his expression.
"Okay…but only on one condition."
"Which is?"
"You still get your dream dress." Grabbing his cell and the business card for the Regent's Manager, Greg jittered with excitement. "I'll ask our 'Beck and Call Guy' to find a place in LA that has your dream dress and then we'll get some seamstresses working overtime to fit you."
When she jumped from giddy anticipation, Tawny saw her belly bopping around and it pumped her excitement. "Yes! By this time next week we'll be married!"
"Uh…Princess." Greg pointed to the puzzled sales clerk. "You just blew our cover."
"Oops." She covered her mouth. "I didn't mean to say that out loud."
Sunrise Medical Center
10:17 a.m.
Sitting in a chair next to Sean's bed, Liz Reynolds smiled at Ryan who was standing by his brother's side clutching his hand. "It's quite obvious you care very deeply about your brother."
Staring down the woman, Ryan retorted, "And it's quite obvious you're dense, because no matter how nice you are to me, you're still going to be the nasty lady who won't let my brother see his mother when he's petrified."
"Do you like going to your Aunt's house for visits?" she asked, ignoring the personal attack.
"Of course, we do," Ryan answered for both of them. "She's really cool, and Nick's the best uncle a guy wish for."
"Sean…can you answer for yourself, please."
Sniffling, he said, "Y…yes. It's always fun."
"What makes it fun?"
Hoping compliance would gain him access to his mother Sean answered, "We're allowed to do things we don't get to do at home."
"Such as?"
"Don't tell her anything, Sean!" Ryan urged while leaning over the bed to look at his brother who was still restrained from movement. "It's just like on TV…you're not supposed to speak unless your lawyer's present…and you know you always say the wrong things."
"I know you don't believe me, Ryan, but…" Liz spoke as tenderly as possible. "I'm here to help you and your brother. I'm someone you can trust to protect your best interests."
"How can you say that when you're keeping my mother away from me and my brother when we desperately need her!" Ryan blasted.
"I want to confess!" Sean cried out.
"She's not a priest and you're not Catholic, Bro. Keep your trap shut!"
Sure that if he told the truth he wouldn't be punished anymore Sean blurted, "We watched naked movies when I knew we shouldn't and then I had sinful dreams! That's why I…"
"Stop talking, Sean!" Ryan warned.
"Did you watch the naked movies at your aunt's apartment?" Liz asked, bypassing the headstrong brother for the weak. When she heard him squeak 'yes' she continued, "Who did you watch the movies with, Sean? Where was your aunt at the time?"
"Sean! I will never talk to you again if you say another word to this woman! Do you understand me! Never! I won't be your brother anymore!" Having watched enough TV to finally figure out what was happening, and realizing his brother might keep crumbling even with the hopefully persuasive threat looming over him, Ryan opted for a diversionary tactic. Without another word, he raced from ER cubicle, dashed out the ambulance bay doors, and ran as if he were heading for the end zone in the Super Bowl.
Author's Notes:
This chapter should have had a different feel than the humorous/light ones of late. Although Greg and Tawny were there for a stress break.
Mike's lawyer summed up the theme in one line: You know…people are always willing to believe the worst of people when things look bad. So true, and it's exactly what Mike and Schultzy are banking on. Now it should be crystal clear that Mantello is indeed a member of Mike's team. A little reminder in the chappie that Mike has not forgotten Sara's DUI or the GHB incident either.
Another reminder…Grissom has a pretty good memory too, as he recalled the previous blunders by both cops on the scene at NC's. I really liked writing Grissom in that scene…he's emotional upon arrival, but turns all business and non-biased once he enters the bedroom, and yet he manages to find a way to jab the cops in retaliation for jumping to false conclusions without looking like it's in retaliation. I hope you enjoyed him there too.
Nicky showed he took both Carrie and Brass seriously when they lectured him in the hospital. He didn't lose it when the cops were accusing Carrie. He was actually the one holding her together and he handed off the rubber band to show he was in control.
Then there's Cath… "Yeah, sure…over my dead body." That's just how I love writing her. She's waaaay too experienced (and bitter) about her own dealings with CPS so she's not going to hand over the kids…and she uses her charisma to get what she wants from the officer.
The theme of looks bad but isn't is introduced here with the scene at NC's apartment. It comes up again when we learn that the stripper Nick and Sofia 'paid' really wasn't a prostitute and it was cab fare they were giving her. The theme will be seen again in the future ;-).
Next Chapter: The cops and CPS scramble when it's learned that they lost one of the kids in their protective custody; Grissom works to prove the cops suspicions wrong; Greg and Tawny return to the Sanders home with some news; and more. Posting: Thursday
Thanks for reading!
Maggs