Chapter 8--The Rage
Nick kept busy while Greg was gone with Sophia. Nick felt that he held the remaining puzzle pieces in his hands and the last thing he wanted to do was let Greg down.
Nick paced, wishing he could will the computers to work faster. He checked and rechecked every paint sample, every tire tread molding, and every shard of headlight or brakelight.
"There can't be that many damned Camaros," Nick grumbled into his coffee cup. Just then a flash on the computer's monitor caught his eyes. He grinned with satisfaction and quickly put the printers to work.
Nick was taking his findings to Grissom's office when he ran into Sophia. A bit startled, Nick declared "You're back!"
Sophia pulled Nick close to her and spoke softly. "Greg is in my car. He asked me to come get you."
Nick could tell by the sound of Sophia's voice that something was wrong. "Is Greg okay? What happened!" Sophia took hold of Nick's arm and held him to the spot. She continued to talk quietly and calmly.
"There was an...incident." Sophia's eyes looked softly into Nicks. "Greg is fine...but he's a little...shook up. Now...he's not hurt badly..."
Nick had been clenching his teeth, his temples pulsing. "What?" Nick could barely find his voice.
Sophia now held both of his arms. "As soon as the suspect saw Greg, he raged. Things got a little ugly, but Greg is fine...really." She slowly let go of Nick's arms. "Now...I have to go tell Grissom."
Nick shot Sophia a look. He knew the what the repercussions of her talk with Grissom would be. "Grissom will take him off the case."
"I know that's a possibility, Nick. I'm sorry, but I have to." Sophia shook her head sadly. She then nodded towards the exit. "Go. He's waiting for you."
Nick fought the urge to run, but found he slammed open the door that led to the parking area. His eyes quickly scanned the lot and then he saw him.
Nick saw Greg sitting sideways. Greg's legs were out of the door, his feet on the asphalt...and he held a blood stained towel to the side of his face.
Nick's heart stopped and a lump rose from his chest, making it difficult to breathe. Nick ran.