Finals are finally over.
YAY!
This is the last official chappie but there might be an epilogue.
Chapter 20:
The one thing they didn't realize was that Conrad Ecklie and Sheriff Rory Atwater had set up a news conference with local and national television and newspaper journalists. It ended up being a few hours before Elliot, Olivia, Jen, and Tasha were to catch their flights so the detectives and criminalists had to rush it a bit.
They recounted what they legally could of the case and dutifully answered the questions thrown at them. Greg, of course, had to crack some joke about him 'never having to do so much research since high school'. Grissom knew that was going to show up in the news ad verbatim.
After the questions about the newly dubbed 'Nationwide Serial Murders' had been answered, credit had been given where credit was due, and the national news crews left, a local journalist stood up and asked them about the bar fight at Heaven Cent the previous morning.
Tasha sat forward and calmly folded her hands over her crossed legs. "I don't know what rumors have been going around, but early yesterday morning we all were unwillingly pulled into a small mishap started by a group of inebriated tourists. The Vegas Police Department, New York, Chicago, and Houston PD's along with ourselves and the tourists have apologized profusely to the owner. We have also offered to pay out-of-pocket for any reparations needed to the business. The owner has declined the offer, saying that no actual damage was done."
The reporters all nodded and murmured they're appreciation before leaving. Ecklie stood just inside the door to the station and nodded his approval to his staff and the visiting detectives.
"Very impressive. This'll look nice for Vegas law enforcement."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "You think that was impressive? He's obviously never had to deal with the New York press."
"As to Sanders…" Ecklie managed to get out.
Grissom clapped the young man on the shoulder. "I think he did quite well Conrad. He gave the case a more…human aspect."
Before Ecklie could say anything else, everyone trooped back out to the parking lot to head for the airport.
Arriving there, they all just stood in the terminal not sure what to say. The men had all shook hands and now idled with their hands in their pockets or crossed over their chests while they waited for the women to say their goodbyes.
Catherine tentatively shook Tasha's hand. "It was…nice to meet you."
"Same here. Though, I suppose we didn't start off on the right foot."
"We're like oil and vinegar. We go good together, but we don't mix." Catherine smirked.
Tasha returned the smile while Olivia and Shannon wrapped their arms around Alex in sad hug.
"Why is it that every time I move somewhere else, you and Elliot seem to find me?" Alex sniffled a bit.
"We're like bad pennies. We just keep turning up."
"How long till you leave?" Shannon asked as she finally let Alex go.
"She has until Detectives Benson, Stabler, Alexander, and Lieutenant Linn step onto their planes." A man said, walking up the group.
"Detectives and criminalists, I present to you Federal Marshall Hammond." Alex introduced in a sad monotone.
Elliot shook the man's hand. "You'll take care of her, right?"
"I'll do my best." Hammond said as his phone began to ring. He listened for a few seconds without talking and then snapped it shut with the flick of his wrist.
"A change of plans?" Grissom asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Something like that." The Marshall said in a low voice so the civilians milling around the terminal wouldn't hear.
"You all might find this interesting. It seems that one Caesar Valez was found down in Columbia and is now being transported back to the states. And a Liam Connor was also found beaten to death in his cell. Apparently he pissed off a few of the more…physical inmates."
Alex let out a cry and Olivia and Elliot caught her as her knees buckled.
Shannon's brow furrowed with worry. "What does all that mean?"
"I-It m-m-means…It means that I-I can go h-home." Alex said shakily as the now obviously happy tears trailed down her face.
Olivia clasped Alex's hands in her own. "So, we'll see you in New York in…"
"Three weeks. That should be long enough to hand in my resignation and pack up my stuff. I'll need to get tickets and…but what am I going to do for a job when I get there?"
"You mean you haven't heard?" Elliot asked.
She shook her head.
"DA Elizabeth Donnelly, your old boss, is now Judge Donnelly." Olivia said.
"We could put in a good word for you." Elliot added. "Although, I'm sure Arthur Branch would love to have you back."
Alex giggled. "Shannon, I think I'm gonna need your help."
"I don't know if I want to help you. After all, I probably won't see you again."
"You never know. There's always a chance we'll meet up again. This is Vegas after all." Warrick said.
"So says the gamblin' man. He would know the odds." Nick quipped as he wrapped a genial arm around Jen and Sam's shoulders.
"Things that happen by chance are events in search of a cause. K. C. Cole." Grissom rattled off.
The women morosely ducked out from under Nick's arm.
"Well, I'm gonna hafta cut all this short. I promised my Cap'n I'd be back afore sundown. And so, I'll leave y'all with somethin' Victor Bogre said: Laughter is the closest distance between two people. So… " Sam said as she handed out her business card to everyone. "This is my number and e-mail. Please call or write me. I know we haven't know each other long but…I think I'm really gonna miss y'all."
Nick looked down at the card in his hand and opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.
Sara chuckled as she traded business cards along with everyone else. "Speaking requires the effort of 72 different muscles. Apparently none of Nicky's are working."
Everyone said goodbye one last time and Elliot, Olivia, Jen, and Tasha all headed for their planes home. Nick walked Sam out to her truck while Alex headed for her apartment with Shannon's arm around her shoulders, her eyes shining with hope. Catherine said something about having to go see Lindsey and everyone else headed either home or to work.