Summary: Strange events in the form of murder leave nothing, but trouble and confusion. Nick and Warrick are pulled into a world they were not ready for. It threatens not only their lives, but their sanity.
Disclaimer: This is all written in fun and trial for something new. Everything CSI is not mine and never will be. It belongs to the creative talent of the actors, the writers, the directors, and producers. I am not making any money off of this. Only meant to offer something new on something already so great. No reason to sue.
Author's Note: Thanks for returning for more! Means a lot! More at the end of this story! Race ya!
Title: Poisonous Fear
By: duffshel
#24
These were the times that Susan Mercer hated the most about being a doctor. Hope was something she could only offer in so many dosages a day. Their eyes were begging for a miracle. She took a deep breath and looked down at the chart she held in her left hand.
"I have only Gil Grissom down for their emergency contact besides each other. But since he has been admitted as well, he asked to have you all informed. Said it would save time."
Catherine gave a tiny smile, "He would say something like that."
"Well, I'll begin with Warrick Brown. We managed to get the poisoning under control and are working it slowly out of his system. He is currently stable, but we will keep him for a few days to make sure there is no relapse. I had to clean up his hands and a few stitches were needed in his knuckles. All in all, he should make a complete recovery and be able to return to work in a couple weeks."
Greg looked up from his chair. His knees gave out on him as soon as he walked in the entrance doors to the hospital. He had been with Brass when they were found and rescued. From what he heard from Sara, he had been expecting the worst. So far, things were good.
"What about Nick?" Jim's voice was gruff as he softly asked the doctor from his position over by the other two detectives.
"It was complicated. I will be monitoring him for at least a week. The poisoning, the allergic reaction made his body very weak. Once he started bleeding out, it was risky. We needed to do an emergency transfusion and have him heavily medicated. There is a risk at mixing in a pain medication with everything else he needs right now, so I made the decision to keep him off that right now. The allergy medicine will keep him knocked out for awhile longer anyways. Once he is off that, then we can take care of the pain.
And I had to reset his arm and I gave him a nice white cast. He will recover, but it will be slow and hard on him. And from what I know of Nicholas Stokes, he will push it. He hates those hospital pants."
This got the desired chuckle from the tense group, "I have them both transferred from the emergency unit. It took some string pulling, but I managed to get them in the same room. Figured it would be easier than having to chase them around."
"Can we see them?"
Dr. Mercer looked at the spiky haired man. She couldn't help, but to smile at him. He looked lost and she knew the men under her care were important to him. This was Greg from the night Nick had broken his arm. Yes, this man needed to see his friends.
"I was asked by Dr. Grissom to allow him to see them first. But I have no problem with you staying for a short visit, but in small groups. I will send for you as soon as I am given permission from your boss."
Catherine watched the doctor walk away with a wink. She liked that woman. Her body collapsed into the plastic chair next to Greg. The younger man didn't hesitate to take her hand that she placed in his. The other one was already within Sara's grasp on the other side.
"What do you think Grissom is going to say to them?"
"I don't know," Catherine shrugged at Greg's quiet question, "But I'm sure they all need to hear it."
The three CSI's remained silent as they thought over their own thoughts. From time to time their attention was dragged to the make-shift poker game the three cops had decided they needed to get going. It was nice to hear Brass' grumble, Vega's triumphant cry, or Vartann's huff from time to time. Kept them all down to earth and in the present. Greg's curiosity got the best of him and he moved to join in.
Sara shifted into Greg's now vacated seat and let her upper arm rest on that of Catherine's. It was a simple gesture, but it was enough for both women. They weren't the greatest of friends, nothing like Nick or Warrick. But there was friendship and love between the two of them. They were a family, no matter how dysfunctional.
"We should make those guys wear bells on every case from now on."
"What?" Sara shifted towards Catherine, trying to hold back the grin on her face.
Catherine merely shrugged, "It would keep them within hearing distance. They get to far away, we shock them or something."
"I don't think that is considered humane."
"Yeah well, if it keeps them out of trouble for at least a week, I am sure we can get past those thoughts. Pretty sure the sheriff would give us the budget for it. It's not like I want to attach the shockers to vital parts. Only…like their ears."
Both women started to laugh. All four men glanced in their direction. Greg and Vega were the only two to smile. Vartann simply raised an eyebrow. Brass frowned.
"Those two are nuts."
"Oh come on Jim. Leave them be," Vega shuffled the deck.
Vartann nodded, "Yeah, women always laugh at times like these. My sister laughed at everything when the times got tough."
"Still nuts. You gonna deal Sam or you need to rules explained again?"
"Yeah, yeah. Five card."
All laughter and ribbing was brought to a halt, but the sudden appearance of one Gil Grissom.
!#$&()!#$&()!#$&()+
His face was sore, but it was him mind and soul that hurt the most. Grissom sat upon the paper sheet wrapped around the examine table. The hospital gown was itching and the draft in the back was enough to make him want to walk out. But the doctor put him in a room directly in from of the information desk for the E.R. There was no way out without being seen by someone.
A soft sigh left his lips and he looked around the room again. Dr. Mercer seemed nice, but she just didn't seem to understand that he didn't need to be in this room. He had gotten off easy. She had no need to waste any effort on him. Nick and Warrick needed her undivided attention.
The door opened and swung inward, emitting the small female doctor. She wore a small smile, "Dr. Grissom."
He nodded at her hello. She moved around the room without wasting any movements. All the equipment she would be using on him was already out and ready. Grissom watched her settle herself onto the black stool and turn her attention to him.
"How are Nick and Warrick?"
Dr. Mercer was not put off by the question. In fact, she looked completely prepared for it. Grissom didn't like the look she did at her hands first though. From years of interrogations, he had learned that was never a good sign.
"We are still working on them. Mr. Brown is almost completely stabilized. And Mr. Stokes…well, we are getting positive things done."
"Then what the hell are you doing in here! You shouldn't be wasting time looking over these bruises. Discharge me and get on with it."
"You arrived to this emergency room in an ambulance, Dr. Grissom. By hospital policy, I am required to check you over before you're allowed to leave."
He stood quickly to his feet, "Policy means nothing when my guys' lives are in danger."
"Please sit back down," Susan stood as well, holding her hands out in front of her, "The sooner you allow me to do my work, the sooner you can get out of that gown."
Grissom looked stunned, "What?"
"I have no desire to hold you back from seeing your CSI's. All I need to do is some quick checks and you're free. But to do this, you need to sit back down. That lip won't clean itself."
Not knowing what else to do, Grissom sat back down, the paper crumpling under his weight. He tried not to shift as she examined his face, eyes, and ears. His lips stung when she pressed the cleansing cloth to the cut. The stethoscope was cold against the skin of his chest and he always felt like a fool taking those deep breaths. But with everything that was done to him, the doctor's face smiled more and more.
"All I need is a blood sample and we're done. Simple, no?"
"I'm sorry," Grissom ran a tired hand across his jaw, "I just need to know they're okay."
"Believe me. I completely understand. You forget I was here for Nick the two times he was brought into my E.R. These men are important, not only to you."
Dr. Mercer walked over to the tray holding the syringe and tubing. Grissom held out his arm and allowed the yellow rubber to be tied around his upper arm. He clenched a fist without prompting and waited to feel that annoying prick. It was over before he knew it.
"Would I be able to see them?"
"Of course. I was planning on having them placed in a room together so it would be easier on everyone involved, though mostly the staff here. There will be short visits with small groups of friends and family. Reporters are not allowed inside the doors."
"No, I mean as soon as I get clothes on."
This bought the doctor up short. She frowned at him and looked troubled. Grissom didn't like this silence. He would have much rather had her tell him off. Finally, she sighed and looked away from at the door.
"I don't know what good it would do. They are both drugged and will most likely be asleep. Nick should be out of it for at least twenty four hours yet."
"It doesn't matter," Grissom stood again, "I just need to see them. They don't have to be awake."
She looked back over at the taller man and made up her mind, "Alright, but if they are sleeping, leave them be. It will only be a short visit and no one else must see you go in. There are rules that need to be followed here. I break enough as it is."
There was no look of disgust or annoyance on her face. Grissom knew that she understood and would not deny him this. She nodded to his clothes and left without another word. He wasted no time in ripping the gown off. These clothes were clean and smelled of the lab. Greg had been kind enough to grab all three men's spare clothes from their lockers since he knew the ones that had been wearing would go directly into evidence.
Once he was dressed, shoes tied, Grissom walked over and opened the door. Dr. Mercer was signing something and turned to him. A pen was held out towards him. His discharge papers were waiting.
"You are free to go. Just keep those bruises iced for a couple days and take it easy. Your muscles are going to be sore and tired. Simple aspirin will suffice. I suggest you take at least four days off to get some rest. But all in all, you are completely fine physically. Your job will determine procedures for mental healing. If you need, I know some really good doctors who deal with post events like these…well, not quite like these, but you know what I mean."
"Good to hear. And thanks. There are mandatory evaluations after traumatic events and seeking therapy is a must."
He signed the forms and handed them back to the nurse behind the counter. The woman didn't even bother to look at him. It didn't matter at all. Grissom's attention was completely on the doctor. Again, she nodded her head and began to walk away. He followed with no hesitation.
Her voice was low, "Only Mr. Brown is currently in the room. He was awake according to the nurse that was just in the room. The poison has been neutralized and he should make a full recovery. We are monitoring the removal of the leftovers, but his system should be cleaned out in a few hours. There were some cuts on his knuckles, so a few stitches were needed in order to ensure proper closure of the wounds. His body will take care of itself in time."
"And Nick?"
"Mr. Stokes is still being worked on. I will be going back to see him as soon as I drop you off. When he is ready, I'll bring him in and fill you in on what is going on."
They stopped in front of a closed door, "This is it."
Grissom nodded and not another word was said. He watched as Dr. Mercer took off back in the direction they had come. Looking around, he took notice that they were still in the ICU of the hospital. His guys weren't out of the storm yet apparently.
His hand rose with a shake to grasp the doorknob. His breath caught in his throat as the door opened, his nostrils assaulted with the scent of healing. There wasn't a great deal of light in the room, but he made out Warrick's shape on the far bed with no problem. Grissom's feet almost worked on their own accord to take him the side of the bed.
Warrick had been resting his eyes, but the new arrival forced them open. He was waiting for news on Nick. The nurse didn't seem to care to fill him in on anything. He was hoping this was that nice doctor again. It wasn't.
"Grissom?"
"Hey, how're you doing?"
"Felt better. Have you heard about Nicky?"
"Not much. I just got out of my own examination. Dr. Mercer only said they are still working on him. He was pretty roughed up."
Warrick chuckled, "If you call that roughed up, I would hate to see what you call fucked up."
Both men grinned for a moment. But reality slipped back in and weighed the both down. Warrick almost could feel himself get pushed further down in the mattress. His body screamed for sleep, but his mind wouldn't allow it.
"At least that doctor's awesome. She'll be able to fix him back up. Did wonders for me. Guess that frog toxin can't hold up to some needles and clear liquids, I guess."
Grissom nodded at the remark, "Yeah, she will put him back together again. But Warrick. How're you really doing?"
"Well, I'm drugged up and my body is killing me. But, not too bad I guess. Got something pumping into me that is cleaning my blood out. Making me really tired."
"No, I mean how are you handling all of this? We went through at lot and I need to know how you are dealing with this, emotionally and mentally."
The new question brought Warrick up short. He had been hoping to avoid that for a little while longer. Maybe like until he was on his death bed. But leave it to Grissom to bring it up before he had yet to see his partner. And from the look he was getting, there was no way to avoid it.
"I don't know. It's going to take time. A lot of fucked up shit happened in that room. Can't say I'm not going to have nightmares about it. I know I will have to see the lab shrink and to be honest…I really think I should. As for the emotions, you best be asking Nick about those. Man has more emotions in his entire body than I have in my big toe."
"At least you are honest about it." Grissom chuckled at that little rant, "No doubt I will need your help to get Nick in there to speak with him about all of this as well."
Warrick nodded, knowing full well about Nick and shrinks, "Yeah, but I'll get him in there even if I have to drag him."
Silence fell over the two men and Grissom looked around the room. It wasn't anything special, but he took notice that the beds were fairly close together. He shook his head and walked over to the chair situated by the window. A little pull and he brought it closer to Warrick's bed.
The taller CSI watched his boss get comfortable in the chair, "Is everyone else here?"
"Most likely. Catherine rode in with you. Brass brought Greg in. And I hear Sara is back, with Vega and Vartann. They brought Miguel Johnson in to be checked out."
"Party in the waiting room. When are they coming?"
"Don't know. I asked if I could see you guys first. The doctor had to move quickly and not let anyone see me come in here."
"We owe her dinner," Warrick sat up more against the pillows.
"And some flowers."
Any further conversation was interrupted by the door opening once again. The first thing through was a rolling bed. Nick was pale and small underneath the white sheet. Dr. Mercer rested her hand on the railing as it was moved inside. Two male nurses accompanied her.
Warrick turned on his bed and watched every move the three hospital members made. They shifted Nick from one bed to the other by using the sheet underneath his body. Once the Texan was situated on the new mattress, Dr. Mercer began placing the IV's and monitor stickers. The soft beeping of Nick's heart beat was almost better than Mozart to Warrick and Grissom.
The two nurses left without as much as a glance at the other two men in the room. Dr. Mercer was left alone as she made sure everything was in order. It only took a total of five minutes, but it seemed forever to the other two.
"Well, here he is."
"How is he?"
"Is he alright?"
The two questions were thrown at her, one on top the other, "Yes, he will be just fine. It took some work, but I believe everything is done. He's going to be extremely weak and will probably remain asleep for awhile due to the allergy meds I have in his body. The poison was dealt with as was the blood loss. I performed an emergency transfusion to make up for it. It took some work to close the stab wound, but nothing major was damaged. He will probably need some therapy to regain some of the damaged muscle usage in the area though.
And his arm was reset. This time I put a thicker cast on. Hopefully this one will be allowed to do its job. If those bones are not allowed to heal, Nick may lose some of the movement in his hand. I am planning on keeping this cast on a little longer. His therapist will also be able to work with him on it."
"But he's going to make it?" Warrick asked almost fearfully.
"Yes. He will be just fine in time. Just don't give up and help him through this. You three did well. You all deserve a vacation. Hit the assistance button should anything come up. I'll be back in thirty minutes to check on him."
They watched as she left. As soon as the door clicked shut, Grissom was on his feet and over at Nick's bedside. He didn't protest as he felt Warrick shuffle over as well, the IV pole dragging behind him. Both had similar thoughts as they looked down at their friend.
The Texan looked so small, so vulnerable on the white sheets. Warrick didn't like the sheen on his pale flesh. He had to keep himself from looking at the heart monitor screen to make sure this wasn't all a dream. His hand reached out, trembling badly. The skin he touched was cold, sweaty.
"This is all my fault."
Grissom looked up sharply to look hard into Warrick's face, "How is any of this your fault?"
"I broke his arm. I made him open to Tenner's sick obsession. It was just a simple shove and now look at him."
"No, Warrick. I put you two on the case. It was me that put the two of you in his sights. Everything else was only a matter of time in that man's mind. The arm break was just a play in his favor, but not the reason."
Warrick shook his head and gripped Nick's arm harder. He didn't want to let the man out of his sights, no less from his touch. It was still possible this was all a dream from the frog toxin and Nick would vanish if he didn't keep tabs on him.
"I should have fought harder for him."
"How would you be able to do that tied to that chair as you were?" Grissom raised an eyebrow, "Besides, you were poisoned as well. There was only so much you could do."
"Still…"
"Warrick, look at me."
The taller man did so reluctantly. Grissom turned to fully face him and rested a hand on his broad right shoulder, "You did what you could. Both of you are alive and will be fine. You have nothing to blame yourself for."
Warrick nodded slowly, his gaze returning to his partner. It was going to be hard to accept, but he was willing to try it. His body began to protest being vertical. Both legs were being to shake and Warrick was sure they wouldn't hold him up much longer.
Grissom also took notice. Before waiting to see how long it would take for him to fall over, he grabbed Warrick's arm and pulled him back towards the other bed. Protests were heard, but fully ignored. Warrick's eyes began to close as soon as Grissom pulled the blankets back over his form.
The door opened again. Dr. Mercer walked back in and nodded to Grissom. She took in both sleeping forms and smiled. Maybe this was the best idea to keep them together.
"Your colleagues are asking to see them."
"Did you tell them anything?"
"No, you are the only other contact on their forms. Wish to wave?"
"Tell them what they want. Save time. I'll be right behind you."
She nodded again. Grissom waited for her to leave before he turned to his CSI's again. He wished to stay and wait to see Nick wake up as well, but knew that wouldn't be possible right now. Walking between both beds so he was level with both men's chests, he sighed.
"I'm sorry this happened to both of you. But I promise to help you through this. You are not alone. I'm proud of both of you."
Neither moved. Their soft breathing was his answer. It caused Grissom to grin slightly. There had been many hours he was afraid that would be something he would never hear again. With one last glance, he removed himself from the room. The door shut softly behind him.
No one was in the hall and Grissom followed the signs until he found the waiting room. It was weird to enter it from this direction. The rest of his group was waiting for him. Catherine and Sara were sitting side by side. The four guys goofing around a game of cards. His grin grew.
"Glad to see you all still working."
Catherine stood and walked over to him. She didn't stop until her arms wrapped around him in a tight hug, "You three do that to me again and I'll be the one to kill you!"
"Glad to see you too. Who's processing the church?"
"Ya know, you don't have to work all the time," Jim Brass smacked him on the shoulder, "Day shift has it under control. Vartann and I'll make sure of it. And Miguel Johnson will be taken care of as well. Child services is here, waiting."
Vega walked over as well, "And we have good news on Kevin Starr. Talked with Robbins, his parents came and made arrangements. Seems they were on vacation and didn't even know he wasn't home."
"He was the mauling vic? Need to get work finished with him so I can help you put those two men behind bars for good. Have more on them?" Vartann asked as he pulled Vega over to the side a little for some more information.
"But how're you doing?" Sara asked softly.
"Sara, good to see you again. Sorry I didn't say that back at the scene. But I'm well."
No one seemed to believe him. Even Greg had complete disbelief on his features. Grissom shook his head and mumbled to himself. This was his family.
"How are Nick and Warrick?"
"They'll be fine. Dr. Mercer is optimistic and says they will be out of the hospital soon. They are going to need our help though."
Catherine smiled, "But of course. Those two need all the help they can get."
Laughter filled the room and everyone looked to calm down. Grissom rubbed at his face, "We should head back to the lab. They're both asleep and will not wake for awhile. There is a lot of work to do. Besides, I think Catherine and I need to have a chat with Conrad."
"Now what did he do?" Vega walked closer.
"Let's just say he needs to learn to screen guests to the lab better next time. A pretty smile shouldn't be enough to let anyone in personal files room. That information is personal for a reason."
The words hit hard. Catherine's face turned vicious, Brass actually sneered. It was going to be interesting when they walked through those glass doors.
Catherine wasted no time in walking over to her purse, "Where the hell are my keys! I'm going to fry his head."
"I'm ready. I'll drive," Brass growled.
The group left, much to the relief of the secretary in the room. Grissom followed closely in the back. He really wasn't up to having to deal with Ecklie right now, but it seemed he may not even have to say a word. There were enough people to do that for him. He would save his strength to hold Catherine back though if need be.
Doors slide open to allow him into the open air. Grissom took a deep breath. His eyes closed against the bright light. The healing had begun. He was up to the work to get his guys through it. They would be back. Most likely again tonight.
TBC…