I don't own CSI: NY or any of the related characters. I do own Samantha and Jonathan though.
Thanks to White Rose for reviewing, You were right, the posters from last chapter were based on that CSI episode.(Stalker)
What's Golden
Chapter 4
October 23rd
A strange mood had descended over the New York Crime Lab. The usual chattering was quieter as if something was about to happen especially when I entered a room. Conversation would dry up, smirks were exchanged and there was a certain knowing glint in the eyes of the younger techs. When questioned Stella turned it around into not getting enough sleep and the rest of the dayshift would shrug it off.
The relentless slog continued finding, processing, interpreting and solving. It wasn't till Thursday a full two weeks after the strangeness began that I understood it. Sam at some point had disappeared out of the lab, unexplained. Stella appeared very early with a massive smile fixed on her features and proceeded to drag me to the break room (By the wrist in front of the whole lab) (Oh please I was tired) where Danny, Aiden, Flack and Sam were waiting to wish me happy birthday.
It was then I noticed a twelve inch cake on the table with rich, fluffy buttercream an off white colour with speckles of something sculpted on top of a Victoria sponge decorated with chocolate covered coffee beans and candles. Presiding proudly over the creation was Sam's son Jonathan which went some way to explaining Sam's absence.
Hang on? My birthday? I lose track of the days as they blend into one fuzzy haze after a while.
"Well go on blow out the candles and make a wish" Stella pushed me forward a bit to a chorus of Happy Birthday. It seems there was careful glossing over of the whole age thing. (Forty two isn't really a celebratory landmark) in exchange for general good cheer.
The cake knife was a simple back handled creation which slid smoothly into the buttercream and through the sponge. Repeating this motion I gently lifted out a slice onto a small paper plate. There was some expectation all around the room as I took a bite. A thin spread of raspberry jam in the middle was the first taste followed by the classic vanilla sponge. The butter cream was excellent, Irish coffee, light yet rich finished off with a jolt from the chocolate covered beans.
Jonathan snapped off another picture just as Mac cut the cake. His digital camera was his favourite thing, kept safe around his neck most of the time. Best 400 bucks ever. He kept his eyes fixed on Mac as he lifted the cake to his mouth. After helping to bake the cake (he has quite a knack for whisking) he had naturally wanted to come and have a part in the eating. Stella cleared that for me.
"It's lovely" Mac mumbled hoarsely after the first bite
I had been standing behind Jonathan to give him the congratulatory pat on the back. Taking their cue everyone else huddled round the cake to grab a slice. I cut off two slim slices and removed all the beans from one and handed that to my son, no more caffeine than necessary.
The next half hour disappeared with the constant stream of people in and out of the room. The cake was popular, several requests for the recipe and one very happy eight year old. I caught him a few times in the process of removing a coffee bean but that didn't seem to dampen his spirits. He just seemed fascinated by everyone moving around him and asking them questions.
Mac however had slipped into his office the moment it became crowded. His slice was half uneaten on his desk it seemed his case files were more important. The cake was pretty much finished by now and there were a few presents on the side, unopened. Since most of the dayshift had gone home, swing was commencing and there was a callout the only noise from the whirring of machine and the swing techs.
I told Jonathan to collect up all the plates whilst I began sweeping up crumbs. Stella had taken the presents to Mac's office on two trips and by the looks were 'having words'. I don't get their dynamic although he seems to value her opinion above all others. Turns out for grown ups we were quite messy when it comes to cake consumption. Jonathan was amusing himself, looking though the pictures he had taken.
I grabbed the cake plate and box lid I had brought it in. Judging by the self satisfied look Jonathan wore he was either pleased with the photos or had subverted my authority in some way. I sighed and headed for the lot. Mac was there shoving the gifts unceremoniously onto the back seat of his car. Thank god I only got him a tie; black with silver pattern, I mean what do you get a guy like him?
"Nice birthday Mac?" As usual he took a couple of seconds to answer
"Yeah" He gave that funny smile that was almost creepy and also not a proper smile.
I gave a shrug "See you tomorrow" Few seconds
"Bye"
Jonathan leapt onto the backseat. Seeing him properly I could see the resemblance he and Sam shared. But also the differences. Her soft brown hair. His messy black curls. Her bony fingers, his chubby ones. The main feature shared was the pale blue eyes.
I turned my attention to my backseat. After the two armfuls Stella had left in my office I finished up the cake and taken the carefully wrapped objects to my car where they currently resided on the backseat. For good measure amongst them were a couple of case files that weren't at home.
Stella had suggested a birthday drink before she was on the clock. Frankly I can't be bothered and want to open the presents in private. Besides I must just snatch a few hours tonight.