A Friend In Need

By

Sydne

Rating: CSI 2

Disclaimer: All characters belong to CBS, etc…

Summary: Catherine imparts some bad news.

Chapter 2

Catherine left Ecklie's office and went to the restroom. Once there, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror above the sink. She reached out a shaky hand and turned the water tap on. Dipping her hands in the cool water, she lightly splashed it on her face. Taking a towel from the dispenser, she patted off the water and took a deep breath. She threw the damp paper towel in the garbage and took another calming breath.

Gathering her strength, she left the washroom and headed for Grissom's office. When she reached the door to his office, Catherine paused to watch him work for a moment. His head was bent down over a file folder and she could tell he was concentrating. She hated to bother him, but knew she must. Stepping in the doorway, she quietly called to him.

"Gil."

Gil Grissom looked up from his paperwork and smiled at the lovely redhead standing before him.

"Catherine, how can I help you?"

Without answering, she walked the rest of the way into the office and shut the door behind her. Turning to the blinds, she pulled them shut.

"Cath?"

Catherine walked around the back of his desk and stood next to him.

Grissom turned in his chair to face her as she knelt down in front of him. He watched her as she gathered up the courage to speak.

"What's the matter?"

"Gil, Ecklie just got a call from the Marina Del Rey P.D."

Those words caused Grissom's hands to began to tightly grip the arms of the chair.

"The police think it's your Mom."

"How?"

"It looks like she passed away in her sleep," the beautiful redhead told him as she laid her right hand on top of his left hand. Her left hand reached up and caressed his face.

"The police want you to go to Marina Del Rey and identify her."

This statement caused Grissom to crumple. He pulled his hand away from Catherine's and placed his head in both his hands.

As the tears began to fall, she stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled his head to her breast and ran a soothing hand through his hair.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," she kept repeating as her best friend cried in her arms.

When he finally began to calm and the tears stopped, she pulled back from him. She touched his damp cheeks and ran her fingers through his curls.

"You're officially off duty now. We can go to Marina Del Rey as soon as we get our clothes together," she told him.

"We?"

"Yes, we. I'm going with you."

He grasped her hand and stared at her. "Catherine, you don't have to go."

"Yes, I do. I want to be there for you. You're going to need some help."

Acquiescing to her logic, he quietly said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, are you ready to go home?"

Grissom reached into his desk and pulled out a Kleenex. He wiped his face off and then threw the crumpled tissue into the garbage. Taking her hand, he stood up and pulled her in a hug. He held her tight and whispered, "I appreciate this."

Catherine smiled and laid her cheek against his chest. She quietly whispered back, "I know."

They held each other for a few moments before breaking apart. She gazed at him and squeezed his hand.

"Let's go," she said as she pulled him toward the door.

"Hang on. I need to give this file to someone," he replied as he grabbed the file he had been reading.

They walked out of his office together and went to Ecklie's office.

Ecklie looked up from his desk and took in Grissom's rumpled appearance. He stood up and greeted the two CSI's.

"Gil, I'm so sorry for your loss," he sincerely told Grissom.

"Thank you, Conrad. Here's the case I was working on. You'll need to find someone to finish it."

"No problem. I'll take care of it myself."

The three of them looked at each other for a moment and then Ecklie held out his hand to Grissom. Surprised, Grissom shook his hand.

"Hurry back, Gil. We'll miss you," he said as he turned toward Catherine. "Take care of him will you?"

"I will," Catherine smiled.

Grissom and Catherine turned as one and left the office. When they arrived at the Yukon, She opened the passenger door for him and helped him in. The drive to his townhouse was quiet.

When they arrived at his home, she directed him into his bedroom and told him to begin packing. Retrieving his suitcase he began to blindly pull clothing from his wardrobe not caring what he chose. He just wanted to get to Marina Del Rey.

While he was packing, she took the time to call her mother and apprise her of the situation. Lily said she would stay with Lindsey and would have Catherine's suitcase ready when they arrived at her house. Catherine thanked her and hung up the phone. Walking back to his bedroom, she stood in the doorway and watched him for a few moments.

"Whoa, slow down," she told him when she saw how he was choosing his clothes.

Grissom looked up and her and she could see the fresh tears in his eyes. She walked over to him and took his hands in hers. Leading him to the edge of the bed, she sat him down on it.

"Let me take care of it," she told him as she began to re-arrange his clothes and pick out clothing that was more appropriate.

After she was done packing, Catherine walked to where he was sitting and sat next to him. Taking his hand in hers, she looked at him and said, "ready?"

Grissom nodded and rose from the bed. He took his suitcase and went out to the living room. She followed and grabbed his coat as they passed the chair where he had thrown it previously. They made their way to his Mercedes and loaded his bag in the back.

"Do you want me to drive?" she asked him.

He nodded and after unlocking the passenger side door, tossed the keys to her.

"We need to stop by my house. Then we'll be on our way," Catherine told him as she started the Mercedes and pulled out of the driveway.

Grissom nodded his understanding and gazed out the window.

The trip to Catherine's house was quick and Lily had her daughter's suitcase packed and waiting for her when they arrived.

"Thanks, Mom," Catherine said when she saw that Lily had everything together.

"You're welcome. How's he doing?"

"Not great, but he's dealing in his own 'Grissom' way."

"I'll take care of things while you're gone. Don't worry about Lindsey."

"Thanks. I appreciate you doing this."

Lily reached out and hugged her daughter, "Hurry home. I know this isn't going to be a fun trip, but be strong."

"I will," Catherine said as she pulled away.

She walked to the Mercedes put her suitcase in the back and got in. He was still not speaking. Sighing, Catherine realized this was going to be a long drive to Marina Del Rey.

TBC…