Author's Note: So the officer is now going to be referred to as Officer Michaels, thanks for the info! Also, who hates Nick's moustache! I DO! UGH! Anyways, back to the story…

"I just got a call from dispatch, PD found Clara McBride's car abandoned in an alley off the strip. Windows broken, her personal items still inside, and there was blood," Brass said gravely.

"I think it has something to do with the idea I was telling you about. I just received another memory stick with a message on it. This isn't good Jim."

"You're telling me."

"I'll put Catherine and Warrick on the car. I'll send them to you for the information, I need to talk to Nick."

"Sounds like a good idea."

Inside the evidence room, Nick's cell phone rang.

"Stokes."

"Nick?"

"Cassie? What's wrong peanut?"

"Aunt Clara hasn't picked me up from swim practice yet."

"Did you try her cell?"

"Yes, she didn't answer."

"Did you call home?"
"I did that too. I got the answering machine."

"Listen, I'll try her again, and then I'll be there in about ten minutes ok? She's probably caught in traffic. Don't worry."

"Ok."

"Is your coach with you?"

"Yes."

"Stay with her alright?"
"I will."

He hung up and Sara gave him a look,

"What's going on?"

"I gotta go pick up Cassie, I don't know where Clara is," he replied, dialling her number.

He waited, but got no answer. Her cell was apparently turned off.

Greg entered the room, a bag in his hand,

"I've got the vic's jacket you asked for," he placed it on the table.

"Thanks Greg," Sara said as her pager went off, "I have to go see Mia."

As Sara left the room she brushed past Grissom who was on his way in.

"Nick I need to talk to you in my office."

"No can do boss, Cassie needs to be picked up, Clara's MIA."

"Greg can do it. This can't wait."

"What?" the newest CSI exclaimed.

"Go Greg! And go see Brass before you leave," Grissom ordered.

Sanders scurried out of the room, not wanting to upset his boss any more.

"What is going on?" Nick questioned, glaring at Grissom.

"Sit down Nick."

"Why?"

"You're right that Clara's MIA but it's suspicious circumstances," Grissom said bluntly.

"Pardon? What suspicious circs?"

"PD found her car abandoned in an alley. It doesn't look good."

Nick sank onto a chair, his face draining of colour.

"Do…do you know what happened?"

"No. I am sending Catherine and Warrick to find out. But there's more. I didn't tell you before, but I think there was someone else involved in your kidnapping, but I haven't been able to prove it. Today I got another computer stick, similar to the one I received on your case. There was a message on it, saying that 'this isn't over.' I'm sorry Nicky, but I think Clara's disappearance has something to do with it."

Anger registered on Nick's face,

"Someone else? You didn't tell me! Why Grissom! Now who ever this bastard is has Clara! What if it had been Cassie! Why?" he shouted.

"I'm sorry Nick, but I had no way of proving my theory," Grissom said, trying to keep calm.

"Sorry isn't going to cut it! Clara's missing! Why?…Why!…" he broke down, a sob escaping his lips.

Grissom starred for a second, not really knowing how to respond, but then went over and placed a hand on the younger CSI's shoulder,

"We'll find her Nicky…we will," he said quietly, as much to reassure himself as his friend.

To be continued…