A Nightmare in Seattle

Pairing: Sara and Nick (Snickers)

The media gets into the investigation. That pisses off Deanna. Nick tells Deanna something that Sara doesn't know yet.

Disclaimer: I don't own Nick, Sara, or any other CSI: Vegas character. I own the character Deanna and the other Seattle CSIs.

Media Goons and Secrets

"That will be the last time they'll allow Hodges to participate in a phone conference," Nick hissed.

"He said something so stupid that I can't repeat it for fear of corroding my brain," Sara whined.

"At least Mr. Brass and the rest of your team were notified about that creep that my neighbors saw," Deanna sighed. "I would like to meet that Hodges guy and kick his ass. Nicky, what is he like?"

"He likes to kiss people's asses," Nick shrugged. "This fool gives results to Grissom not to the CSIs who really need them. I think this guy is a dork."

Deanna was about to say something when a young man brandishing a microphone and she flinched.

"Dee Marie, what's wrong?" Nick asked with concern.

"Well, if it isn't everybody's favorite media goon!" Deanna sarcastically yelled. "Bernie, what the hell are you doing here with your crew of fellow media goons?"

"I read on the internet about that guy Nigel Crane who escaped from a Nevada prison and came to Seattle," Bernie said with an air of pompousness in his voice that really pissed Deanna off. "Do you have any comments about him and/or his actions?"

"There is no comment coming from the crime lab until we know more about it," Deanna hissed. "If you don't leave this building within the next two minutes, I'll personally glue your face to your crotch and roll your sad ass out of here."

"Aw Deanna, your really don't mean that," Bernie smirked.

"Hey, it's better than me pointing my gun at your face," Deanna said. "That's what I did in our first encounter."

This Bernie guy doesn't flinch at my cousin's threats or having a gun at his face, Nick thought. Twice, I had a gun pointed at my face and I was scared shitless.

He left immediately knowing Deanna doesn't make idle threats.

"What's up with that guy?" Nick asked.

"He is a reporter for one of our local TV stations," Deanna heavily sighed. "This fucking clown is relentless when he wants information about what CSI does here. We don't like him at all. If you are asking if I went to college with him, I didn't. He went to Washington State University."

"So, when did this hatred toward the media goons start?" Sara asked.

"When I was a teenager in New Orleans," Deanna said. "Being a daughter of a non-profit CEO turned politician and a prominent businessman, I learned to hate the media. I remember when I got my driver's license at 18, those bastards hounded me down. I told them not to feed the animals and I sped off home. The society page said in June of 1994 and I quote, 'Everyone, get off the road! Deanna Giroux, 18, got her driver's license and already got her first parking ticket that she graciously paid. We can't wait until she gets her first speeding ticket. Will her parents help pay for it?' They also ruined my sweet sixteen party back in 1992."

"I was there," Nick said. "You had a major fit about them covering a private matter. You threw some Veal Marsala at them."

"Bernie is like a roach that needs to be stomped," Deanna said.

"Dee Marie, don't say that around Gil Grissom," Nick winced. "He would get mad at you for squashing his bugs."

"I won't, I promise," Deanna chuckled and calmed herself. "Listen, shift is about to end and I know you are tired after your flight. Zach and the girls are already at home. We are having crawfish etoufée with brown rice for dinner. Sara, Nick has told me you are a vegetarian. I can make yours with tofu so you wouldn't be left out."

"That's would be interesting," Sara smiled.

"I made some pralines yesterday and it will be for dessert," Deanna said. "Before you guys return to Vegas, I'll take you to my favorite places for coffee, chocolates, gelato and sorbetto and breakfast."

"Just as long as you give us the recipe for those pralines," Sara said. "You can take us around Seattle to your favorite places."

"Sara, I will take you shopping at some of my favorite shops," Deanna smirked. "Don't worry about Nick! He and Zach will probably engage in a friendly debate over who has the better professional sports teams Boston, Seattle or Dallas while we shop. I'll make an appointment for a day in the spa for the two of us. You deserve to be spoiled and pampered."

"Deanna, I spoil Sara," Nick whined. "She deserves to be pampered!"

"First, we need to catch creepy Nigel before we can have a day in the spa," Sara said.

"Think of it as a celebratory gift and a chance for me to get to know my cousin's girlfriend," Deanna winked.

"Sara, I need to speak with Deanna in private for a few minutes," Nick said. "You can talk with Athena, she seems to be very nice. We come get you when we're done."

"Sure," Sara sighed and left the break room.

"Nicky, is there something you aren't telling me about that creepy guy?" Deanna asked with fear in her voice.

"No, I sent Sara out of the room for a reason," he said. "What do you think of her? I know that I told you about her and that you only met her today, but I want your opinion on her."

"She is a nice, beautiful and intelligent woman," she replied. "I know that you are both dating. Nicky, what are you trying to tell me?"

"I am thinking about marrying her," he said. "I don't have a ring for her yet or a plan to give her a surprise proposal."

"Nicky, I am happy about your plan," she smiled. "That would have to wait until we arrest Nigel the sociopath. Is there anything else you want to talk to me about that Sara couldn't listen?"

"No, that's it," he beamed. "Let's go get Sara and go to your place. I am hungry for Creole food."

Nick and Deanna went to look for Sara. They found her in the trace lab talking to Athena and Alan. When Sara saw her boyfriend and his cousin looking at her, she politely excused herself and joined them. Two hours later, they were talking, joking and laughing while they ate their dinner at the O'Hara house. Little did they know, Nigel Crane was lurking a few yards from the house.

TBC

Post Chapter A/N: Reviews are always appreciated for this and my other stories! Just click on my name and then the story. So remember to tip your waiters/waitress and I will be here whenever I can!