Disclaimer: ALL characters belong to CBS. No infringement is intended, as this story is written for fun only. Any additional characters will be mine or I may borrow a few from some of my fellow fanfic writers.
Summary: This story details Conrad Ecklie's plan to destroy Dr. Gil Grissom's life. He secures the services of Ms. Sophia Curtis to systematically destroy Dr. Gil Grissom, beginning of course with his relationship with CSI-3 Sara Sidle (I gave our Sweet Sara a promotion).
Author: Christiangirl (AKA Sharon)
Spoilers: Mea Culpa, among others
Rating: PG-13
A/N: This an AU story, as I had Catherine a member of CSI Las Vegas before Dr. Gil Grissom. I also have Grissom as a 35-year-old virgin when he first meets Sara at Harvard University. It's just my take on things.
Chapter One – Mr. Conrad Ecklie/Dr. Gil Grissom Remember When
Conrad Ecklie, the dayshift supervisor for CSI, was in his office a little after his shift ended. He was daydreaming of a time when Dr. Gil Grissom, the nightshift supervisor wasn't on staff. Oh, how he loved those days. His weasel face broke out in a frown as he remembered the day that Dr. Gil Grissom darkened his doorstep. His thoughts were drawn to the day that Dr. Robert Carvallo made his unbelievable announcement.
Years earlier
"May I have everyone's attention, please!" Dr. Robert Carvallo shouted over the many voices in the staff meeting. "I'm pleased to announce that the renown forensic entomologist, Dr. Gil Grissom will be joining our lab staff. He'll be starting in about two weeks."
"I've read some of his articles," CSI Louise Parker began, "it'll be great to get his views on forensics."
"How do you know about this guy?" CSI-3 Conrad Ecklie, dayshift supervisor asked incredulously. "What, do you have some sort of crush on him? You sound like some kind of groupie."
"No, Ecklie, I DO NOT have a crush on him," CSI-3 Parker replied, glaring at Ecklie. "Besides, I'm too old for him. I attended his lectures at UNLV. He was a professor at Harvard University."
"Oh, a brainy one, eh?" Conrad asked quite nastily. "Oh how we need another one of those."
"People, people!" Dr. Carvallo replied, attempting to get back to the reason for this important meeting. "I expect everyone to be on their best behavior when Dr. Grissom starts."
"What shift will Dr. Grissom work?" CSI Catherine Willows asked.
"He will be assisting Jim Brass, the nightshift supervisor," Dr. Carvallo began, "and we'll be hiring some new staff members for the night shift. If you know anyone who would be willing to join our staff, please pick up a referral slip and place their names and phone numbers on it."
'This will be my chance to get away from Ecklie,' Catherine thought to herself. 'I'll have to make new arrangements with Lindsay's babysitter.'
A lab tech intern from UNLV by the name of Deborah Gooding, upon noticing the stressed look of Conrad Ecklie, decided to become a thorn in his flesh. She passed a photo of Dr. Grissom, apparently a photo from one of his research papers, around to everyone, especially the female populace. She proceeded to make comments regarding the handsome looking forensic entomologist.
"Just look at those eyes of his," Debbie began, "they're a striking cobalt blue, don't you think Mr. Ecklie?" Debbie stressed the fact that Conrad didn't have the credentials this new staff member had.
"Why don't you can your snide comments, Gooding!" Ecklie asked angrily.
"People, this meeting is ended," Dr. Carvallo began, "you can all go back to work. Oh, Conrad, might I see you before you leave?"
'What can Dr. Carvallo possibly want?' Conrad asked himself in thought. Out loud Conrad replied: "Sure, Dr. Carvallo."
"Conrad," Dr. Carvallo began, "I need you to show this Dr. Grissom around the lab when he starts in two weeks. He said he may come in a few days earlier, I'll let you know."
"Sir," Conrad began, but was interrupted by Dr. Carvallo, who already figured out that Conrad didn't like Dr. Grissom.
"Conrad, there's no if, ands, or buts about it." Dr. Carvallo replied firmly, leaving no room for arguments.
Passing the buck
"Willows!" Conrad Ecklie's voice bellowed throughout the lab.
'What does that creep want now?' Catherine asked herself in thought. 'He's probably going to get me to do his dirty work, no doubt. Oh well, no use putting it off any longer.'
"Yes?" Catherine asked as she stood in Ecklie's doorframe.
"Come in, Catherine, and have a seat." Conrad replied in a mock sweet tone, causing Catherine to be very suspicious. "I have a job for you to do next week."
"What job is that?" Catherine asked, not fooled by Ecklie's fake sweet tone.
"Is that any way to address your supervisor, Willows?" Ecklie asked. He would have continued, but Catherine so deftly cut him off. The glare she gave him sent shivers down his spine.
"Just cut to the chase, Ecklie," Catherine began in irritation, "I have a job to do and I don't have any time for games."
Ecklie had to regain his composure before continuing, so as not to show Catherine that he feared her.
"Ah, yes, my dear," Ecklie began taking up his mock-sweet tone. "I need you to be an escort…" Conrad would have continued, but Catherine nearly tore his head off with her remark.
"Are you mad, pervert!" Catherine began, deciding if she should knock his head off and lose her job. "I don't do that kind of stuff. If you want an escort, you should try the prostitutes on the Vegas Strip!"
Conrad let out an exasperated sigh, but he realized he deserved, considering he had, on many occasions, made passes at the lovely CSI.
"No, Willows," Ecklie replied in exasperation, "I need you to show Mr. Grissom around the lab and possibly Las Vegas."
"You mean Dr. Grissom, don't you Mr. Ecklie?" Catherine asked trying to stifle a chuckle. She called Conrad on his attempt to not acknowledge Dr. Grissom's proper title.
"I'll be glad to show Dr. Grissom around the lab." Catherine replied smiling insincerely at her supervisor. "As for showing Dr. Grissom around Las Vegas, there's no need, Conrad."
"I'm quite sure he'd love to have the lovely Catherine Willows on his arm, as she's showing him around Las Vegas." Conrad replied in jealousy.
"Well, Conrad," Catherine began unable to hide her amusement at Ecklie's jealousy of Dr. Grissom. "You do remember that Dr. Grissom held many lectures at UNLV, which happens to be in Las Vegas."
"Okay, okay, Willows, you made your point." Conrad replied in resolute defeat. "Just be prepared to show the good doctor a good time."
"Yes, sir." Catherine replied, glad for the opportunity to be away from Ecklie, as she planned to be busy with Dr. Grissom.
Meeting Dr. Grissom, Forensic Entomologist
Dr. Carvallo walked into the employee cafeteria with a tall, handsome and lightly tanned younger man. Every female staff member eyed the man with hot desire. Conrad Ecklie eyed the same man with disgust. Dr. Carvallo proceeded to introduce the newcomer to everyone.
"Everyone, this is Dr. Gil Grissom," Dr. Carvallo began in a fake smile. "He'll be assisting the nightshift supervisor. His office is right down the hall. If you have any questions for the doctor, you can go to his office."
Dr. Gil Grissom smiled shyly as he noticed the attention the women were giving him. He then made the mistake of looking Ecklie's way. The evil glare Conrad shot Grissom's way made him coil on the inside. But, upon outward appearances, he appeared to be unmoved by Ecklie's glare, which caused slight fear in Ecklie's countenance. Which, when Dr. Grissom picked up on, he shot Ecklie a 'mess with me if you want' look. Ecklie truly shuddered.
Back to the present time
Conrad was shaken from his reverie when someone knocked on his door.
"Conrad, you wanted to see me?" CSI Sophia Curtis asked, curious to know the reason the dayshift supervisor had beckoned her to his office.
"Yes, my dear," Conrad began, smiling wickedly. "Have you seen the new rotation?"
"Oh, yes," Sophia began, happy to be on the same shift with the handsome Dr. Grissom. "And might I add, that I am quite pleased."
"So am I, my dear." Conrad replied quite happy to have split the night shift and Dr. Grissom's precious CSI team. "Oh, this should be good!"
"It should be," Sophia began, but then her eyes clouded over, which Ecklie noticed immediately.
"What's the matter, Sophia?" Ecklie asked in puzzlement. "I thought you said you were happy to be on Dr. Grissom's team?"
"I am, but there is just one wee problem," Sophia began glaring at Ecklie, causing him to flinch.
"And what might that be, my dear?" Ecklie asked, trying to regain his edge.
"Sara Sidle." Sophia replied with a touch of anger. "I thought that you were going to get her fired for that DUI incident, or even get her on another shift and away from Grissom. What happened with that?" Sophia now had her hand on her hips.
"Well, Dr. Carvallo and Dr. Grissom, that's what happened." Ecklie replied disgusted about the fact that Dr. Grissom gets preferential treatment at the lab. "Anything that Mr. Grissom wants, he gets."
"Don't you have more seniority than he does?" Sophia asked incredulously.
"Yeah, but he's a great forensic entomologist and everyone bows down to Mr. Wonderfully Handsome, don't they Sophia?" Ecklie replied, shooting an accusatory glance at Sophia, causing her to blush in embarrassment.
"Okay, Ecklie," Sophia replied, quickly regaining her composure. "I'll be able to handle both Grissom and Sidle myself. You handle your side of Part B of our 'Separate Grissom and Sidle' plan."
With that, Sophia left Ecklie to go to Dr. Grissom's office. She had a real great plan to get Dr. Gil Grissom to hate CSI Sara Sidle, or so she thought. As she walked down the hall, a generous smile spread across her face as she thought about Dr. Grissom being interested in her.
'I don't know why I'm worried about Sidle, she and Grissom are barely on speaking terms.' Sophia thought to herself. 'And besides, I checked the new schedule. Grissom has paired Sara with Greg Sanders. That means Grissom and me will be together.'
In Dr. Gil Grissom's office
Little did Sophia know that no matter what was happening between Dr. Grissom and CSI-3 Sidle, Dr. Gil Grissom was in deep thought about how he met Sara when she was a graduate at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was also trying to figure out where they went wrong. As he sat behind his desk, his brows furrowed in deep thought about his summer-long lectures at Harvard University nearly 10 years earlier.
Ten years earlier: Harvard University
Dr. Gil Grissom approached the theatre-like lecture hall looking for Room 201. He had scheduled a summer long forensic entomological lecture at Harvard University. His slides, booklets and other lecture materials were strewn atop the podium. He also set up portable shelves with additional materials that he felt that would be of further help to those students who decided to delve into the wonderful world of forensic entomology. He smiled at the prospect of effecting the minds of the young people attending his lecture.
The lecture wasn't due to start in another forty-five minutes, so Dr. Grissom decided to go outside for a smoke. He knew that smoking wasn't good for his health, for crying out loud he should know better, he was a doctor. His Mom had spoken to him about it, well, she signed her concerns to him about this bad habit.
As he stood outside, taking in the wonderful morning sunshine, he noticed a young lady with blonde hair getting out of an expensive car.
'She must come from a wealthy family,' Grissom began in thought wryly. 'I wonder if she'd be interested in my lecture…I seriously doubt it.' With that, Dr, Grissom put his cigarette out and proceeded to enter the lecture hall. There was still a considerable amount of time before his lecture, so he decided to take in the students entering the lecture. He was a pretty good judge of who would make excellent forensic entomologists and those who merely took his lecture just to get credits to graduate from college. These were the students he'd rather see go to a ceramics class.
Barbara Gilead, a doctoral candidate and Dr. Grissom's lecture assistant, greeted him brightly.
"Hey, Doc, sorry I'm late," Mrs. Gilead began, "the usual, you know."
"What did Joey do this time?" Gil asked with a broad smile, knowing some of the pranks that the young guy pulled in the past.
"Joseph tried to shave Lucy, our German Shepherd." Mrs. Gilead replied with a deep sigh.
As Dr. Grissom eyed the 45-year old mother of five, he really admired her for going back to college to get her doctorate degree. He especially admired her husband for taking up the slack to help his wife get her degree. The 35-year old CSI forensic entomologist wondered if he would ever find a woman who would understand his job and his many odd interests. As of yet, he hadn't found that special woman. It seemed that he was much too busy with his career and his lecturing to take time to pursue a relationship at this time. He just sighed and proceeded to make the final preparations for his lecture.
As Dr. Grissom watched the students entering the lecture hall, he found himself looking at the female students. He chided himself, as he reminded himself that many of these students might still be in their teens. Never the less, he found his eyes drawn to the female students again, though none of them seem to capture his fancy. Dr. Grissom left the podium for a few minutes get the slide projector hooked up.
When Dr. Gil Grissom came back to the lecture hall to begin his forensic entomology lecture, he made the mistake of looking up. There she was, front and center, the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. She had the most beautiful brown eyes he had ever seen. The usually cool-as-a-cucumber Gil Grissom, almost lost his composure. Mrs. Gilead who noticed a sudden change in Dr. Grissom's countenance, took matters into her own hand. She was a real asset to Dr. Grissom. The lecture proceeded successfully.
After the lecture
Lots of students, many of whom were females, came to ask questions of Dr. Grissom regarding his profession. The young blonde haired lady, came and asked some questions that caused an exasperated sigh from Dr. Grissom. The young lady was clearly not interested in the subject matter, judging from her comments to Dr. Grissom.
"Why did you attend this lecture?" Dr. Grissom asked, mildly irritated with the blonde young woman. "There were other lectures being held today that would have been of more interest to you."
The smile that the young lady gave, Dr. Grissom could have sworn he saw on the face of a Bengal tiger ready to pounce on its' prey on a Discovery Channel special. That smile threw him off guard, but her comment nearly floored the entomologist.
"Yes, I suppose you're right, Dr. Grissom," the young woman began, "but you're so cute that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to test your hot spot."
Mrs. Gilead, being older than Dr. Grissom, intervened for the socially inept entomologist.
"Young lady, I can help you with any questions, as Dr. Grissom would really like to get some rest." Mrs. Gilead began. "He had a late night last night in preparation for this lecture, which will be for the whole week."
"What I plan to do with him would help him rest for sure," the little vixen replied, causing Dr. Grissom to blush a deep shade of crimson.
"Young lady, that's enough!" Dean Richard Bowers replied angrily. "What did your mother and I discuss with you the other day?"
"Oh, Dad!" The young woman huff. "I was just having a little innocent fun." As the young woman passed by Dr. Grissom, she brushed against him on purpose, sticking her tongue out seductively.
"Angela Bowers!" Dean Bowers bellowed. "Come with me, on the double."
Dr. Bowers walked toward Dr. Grissom and spoke in an apologetic voice.
"I really apologize for Angie's actions, Dr. Grissom, I don't know what's come over her." Dr. Bowers replied apologetically. "Are we still on for dinner Wednesday night?"
"Oh, sure, Dr. Bowers," Grissom replied. "You can call me Gil."
"You can call me Rick, Gil." Dr. Bowers replied. With that Dr. Bowers and his daughter, Angie left.
As the rest of the students shuffled out of the lecture hall, the beautiful young woman approached Dr. Grissom, causing his heart to skip a beat.
"Hi, Dr. Grissom, my name is Sara Sidle," the young woman extended her hand towards his. He quickly grabbed her hand in greeting, smiling generously.
"Nice to meet you, Sara Sidle," Grissom replied, eyeing the brown-eyed beauty with the long curly brown hair.
"I really enjoyed your lecture," Sara began in excitement, "I just can't wait to see the rest of your slides."
"Thank you," Grissom began smiling, "I'm glad someone truly enjoyed the lecture."
"Lots of us are interested in forensics and entomology," Sara replied encouragingly. Sara took a look at her clock and realized that she was late for an appointment. "I gotta go, bye." Before Sara had a chance to leave, Dr. Grissom decided to ask her a question that was very important to him. Depending on the answer that Sara gave him, he would know if she were really interested in the subject matter or, like Angie Bowers, merely looking for a summer time fling.
"Tell me, Miss Sidle, why are you interested in forensics and entomology?" Dr. Grissom asked, interested in knowing what she thought.
"Well, Dr. Grissom, I'd like to make a difference in people's lives," Sara began, weighing her words carefully. "I've seen far too many rapists and murderers walk free, leaving hurt and devastated people in their wake." Sara's answer caught Dr. Grissom off guard, as he didn't expect such a mature response from such a young person. What Dr. Grissom didn't realize that Sara was speaking from events she'd experienced in her own life. With that, Sara scampered off, leaving a very shocked Dr. Grissom in her wake.
Dr. Grissom smiled as the young woman left. He just stared as she jumped in her car. He was really floored with her response. 'If only she were a few years older, I think I can marry a woman like that.' Grissom thought to himself.
A 35-year old virgin
As Dr. Grissom was lying on his hotel bed, he thought about the fact that he had never been with a woman intimately. Not those opportunities hadn't presented themselves, because they had many, many times. It was just that Dr. Grissom was way too busy furthering his career. He also spent many times traveling the world over going to seminars and conferences. He also went on anthropological digs with his older sister and many of his former professors. He finally had to face the fact that he was a 35-year old virgin male.
"Why would Sara be interested in me?" Dr. Grissom sighed sadly. "There are lots of men on campus closer to her age. Why would she want some man that wouldn't know what to do with a woman?" With that, Dr. Grissom sadly crawled into bed and called it a night.
The next day
The second day of the seminar had come to an end. Dr. Grissom was so pleased that Miss Angie Bowers hadn't darkened his doorstep. He was surprised not to see Sara at this all-important section of the seminar, as slide presentation was excellent, judging from the reactions of the students. Class participation was at an all time high. Although he was pleased with the standing room only crowd, he was still saddened not to see his prized pupil.
'Maybe that was just a pat response Miss Sidle gave me,' Dr. Grissom thought sadly. 'Perhaps she didn't want to make me feel bad that she wasn't really interested in the subject matter.'
Just when he thought that all hope was lost, he heard someone calling out his name.
"Dr. Grissom?"
Dr. Grissom turned to see the beautiful Sara Sidle running towards him like a dainty doe skipping through the forest.
"Hey, young lady, I missed you today, another important appointment?" Gil asked, testing the waters.
"Hey yourself, Dr. Grissom," Sara began smiling, "and yeah, I had an important appointment, your lecture."
"Really?" Dr. Grissom asked in amazement. "I didn't even see you. I was beginning to think that you had lost interest."
"Wild horses couldn't keep me away." Sara replied. But something in the way Dr. Grissom looked at her informed her that he didn't quite believe her.
"Dr. Grissom, I was really at your lecture this morning." Sara replied. "I t was very crowded, you know that for a fact." Sara then showed Dr. Grissom her notes from today. He took in all of her notes, then nodded. He smiled at her happily; knowing that she told him the truth and she absorbed the subject matter as a sponge absorbed water.
"Miss Sidle, please forgive me for ever doubting you." Grissom replied softly. "I'm so very sorry for not believing you."
"Yeah," Sara began, "I'll forgive you, but only if you do one thing?"
"What would that be, Miss Sidle?" Dr. Grissom replied, having a feeling what she wanted him to do.
"Please, please, stop calling me Miss Sidle." Sara replied. "You make me sound old or something. Please call me Sara."
"Okay, Sara it is." Dr. Grissom replied. "Well, I would like it very much if you would call me Gil outside of class. I'd like to cut the formal crap."
"Okay, Gil." Sara replied, a little giddy over the prospect of having an intelligent man interested in her.
"Sara, would you like to accompany me to college cafeteria for lunch, my treat?" Grissom asked with a hopeful expression on his face. "I'd like your views on what we discussed today at the lecture." It wasn't a total lie, because he was impressed with her enthusiasm for the subject matter and his many odd interests. He was also taken with her beauty.
"Sure, why not, Dr. Grissom, I mean Gil." Sara replied nervously. 'What a way to go, Sara. Yeah just go stumble over your words around this prominent scientist.' Sara thought to herself.
Gil took Sara's hand in his as they made their way to the college cafeteria. It felt like a natural thing for him to do; though he didn't know the exact reason for feeling the way he did.
After they finished their lunch, Gil took Sara to the place he went when he needed quiet time. It was small park-like area that housed a small, white gazebo. It was very romantic. Sara was taken with the beautifully secluded little area.
"Wow, Dr. Grissom, I mean Gil," Sara began, "this place is breathtaking! Oh, I have a new place to study."
"Only be sure NOT to come here after dark, okay, Sweetie?" Gil replied, concern for Sara evident in his voice. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
"Oh, Gil, your concern for me is really sweet." Sara replied.
Just then, Gil came up with an idea.
"Sara, how would you like to accompany for dinner?" Gil asked.
"Oh, Gil, I'd love to!" Sara exclaimed, happy to accompany this handsome forensic entomologist anywhere.
"Great!" Gil replied excitedly. "I'll pick you up around 5pm. Would that be all right for you?"
"Yes, I'll be ready." Sara replied. With that Dr. Grissom drove Sara to her apartment. As Sara excited his black Mercedes sedan, Dr. Grissom wanted to say something to Sara, but thought better of it.
"See you at 5pm, Sara." Gil called out to Sara.
"Okay." Sara replied.
The Dinner Date
Gil took Sara to a five-star type of restaurant. The atmosphere in this restaurant was quite different compared to the many restaurants she'd ever been in. Sara knew that Dr. Grissom was paying quite a bit of money for their night out on the town.
"Hey, Gil," Sara began smiling nervously, "are you sure you want to eat here?"
"Of course, Sarah, why wouldn't we?" Gil Grissom asked in puzzlement.
"It just seems so expensive." Sara replied, looking at the pricey menu.
"I thought you might like this restaurant as a change from the college cafeteria." Gil Grissom replied. "Besides, money is no object when you're trying to impress a beautiful and intelligent young woman, as yourself." Grissom couldn't believe what he said. 'That's right, Gil,' Grissom thought to himself, 'yeah, just go right ahead and invite you foot right into your mouth.'
"It seems like a nice place." Sara replied, interrupting Gil's thoughts. "I just can't wait to try their version of seafood bisque soup. I had the college cafeteria's version and I wasn't impressed. Hopefully, that won't be the case here."
Just then, the waiter came to take their orders. The waiter made the mistake of ogling Sara, boldly looking at her lovely long legs. Sara, though, was so lost in the menu that she didn't notice the pair of eyes intently gazing at her. But, unfortunately for the poor waiter, Dr. Gil Grissom did.
Dr. Grissom calmly placed their orders of a three-course meal of appetizers, dinner entrees and dessert. Upon completing their orders, Dr. Grissom unceremoniously threw both of their menus angrily back at the waiter, who beat a hasty retreat from the glaring eyes of Dr. Grissom.
"Dr. Grissom, what was that all about?" Sara asked, surprised to see that kind of action on the part of the intelligent professor.
"Oh, nothing, Sara," Dr. Grissom lied. 'What's wrong with me?' Gil asked himself in thought, slightly shaking his head as if to clear it. 'It's not like she's my girl or anything.'
"What are you thinking about, Dr. Grissom?" Sara asked flashing him her beautiful gap-tooth smile, causing his heart to melt.
"Nothing really," Gil began. "What's with this Dr. Grissom stuff? Remember, when we're not in the classroom, it's just plain Gil."
"Okay, Gil," Sara began, "I just feel funny, calling you by your first name. It feels like I'm disrespecting you in a way."
"You're not, Sara. I'm the one that asked you to call me Gil." Grissom replied. As Sara reached out to look at the list of beverages offered at the restaurant, Gil felt the need to take her hand into his, causing her to flinch a bit.
"I'm sorry, Sara, just a reflex," Gil began, looking into her deep brown eyes and getting lost in their pools of brown.
"Oh, I'm the one that should apologize," Sara began nervously. "It's not everyday that a girl like me gets to hobnob with someone with handsome looks and brilliant intelligence." Dr. Grissom blushed furiously at her comment, causing Sara much amusement.
"And what's so funny, young lady?" Grissom asked in mock anger, causing Sara more amusement.
"You just look so cute," Sara began trying to regain her composure, "deep red crimson is definitely your color." Gil was a little embarrassed by the blushing, as he felt the heat on his face, which began on his neck.
Just then, their meals came and they ate in comfortable silence. As they ate, Dr. Grissom stole side way glances of Sara. Although he was a virgin, as he continued to steal glances, something happened to him that never happened in his 35-year existence. He felt a pain in his groin area.
'This can't be happening,' Gil sighed in thought. 'She's my student and she's much too young for me.' Although he knew he was right, he just couldn't help thinking about the possibility of a relationship with Sara.
As Grissom smiled blissfully about his past with Sara, a knock on his door startled him beyond belief. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest.
"Hi, Dr. Grissom," Sophia began with a flirtatious smile causing Grissom to cringe inside.
"What is it, Sophia?" Grissom asked, trying not to show his disdain for the former dayshift CSI. He was angry that she invaded his thoughts of the happier times he and Sara shared. Times that he truly missed, if he'd been more truthful to himself.
"Brass called," Sophia began, "something about a DB found at a porn shop on the Strip. Brass said he'll meet us there."
"Sophia, take Greg with you." Grissom replied dismissively, not wanting to spend another night alone at a crime scene with Sophia. What, with her making suggestive comments. He considered himself a gentleman and wouldn't dare hit a woman, but in Sophia's case, he'd make an exception.
"You wouldn't want me and Greg alone, would you?" Sophia pouted, causing Grissom to glare angrily at her. He had to count to ten to squelch his anger.
"Sophia, if you're having a problem doing this job, then why don't you go back to the dayshift, or better yet why don't you just quit?" Grissom responded in exasperation. "I really don't need someone on my shift that's not pulling his or her weight and I shouldn't have to baby-sit you either."
At that moment, Catherine Willows happened to hear the exchange between her former supervisor, Dr. Gil Grissom and that troublesome Sophia Curtis. Catherine waited outside until they were finished. As Sophia left, Catherine noticed the look on her face. Right then and there, Catherine thought that she should give the socially inept night shift supervisor some advice on handling difficult female staff.
"Hi, Gil!" Catherine greeted Grissom brightly. "How are things going?" From the look on Grissom's face, she already had her answer, though she wanted to hear it from his own mouth.
"As good as it can go," Grissom sighed heavily. "I just miss the way things use to be. But, I'm sure glad you got that promotion."
"Gil, what's really wrong?" Catherine asked, knowing that Grissom had the classic ability to hide his true feelings, by keeping them buried deep below the surface. "I get the feeling that you're hiding something. If you come clean, you'll feel much better, you'll see."
"I just miss my former team of CSIs, is all," Grissom replied. It wasn't a total lie, but it wasn't the whole truth, either. He missed Catherine Willows, Warrick Brown and Nick Stokes, yes that was true. But, the person he really missed with his whole being was Sara. Yes, Sara was still on his team, but their relationship had deteriorated so badly, that they couldn't work together. He wanted so badly to put her on cases with him, but he realized that they'd just end up in bad arguments.
"C'mon, Grissom," Catherine began impatiently, "out with it."
"How's Lindsey doing these days?" Grissom asked, deftly ignoring her question.
"She's fine, Gris," Catherine began, "but it's you that I'm concerned about. You seem so sad of late." When she saw that Grissom delayed his reply, she continued talking.
"How's Sara doing these days?" Catherine asked, sadly missing the spunky brunette. "I miss having breakfast with you and Sara."
"Why don't you call her sometime?" Grissom asked, as small smile crept on his face. He remembered the rocky start between Catherine and Sara. He was proud of the fact that they ironed our their differences and became great friends. Catherine was the reason Sara started wearing making and dressing more feminine. That was also the source of Grissom's troubles. Men started taking notice of this new and improved CSI-3 Sara Sidle, causing Grissom much heartache.
"Grissom! Gris-som! Earth to Grissom!" Catherine began in a singsong voice. "Dr. Gilbert Grissom!" That seemed to cut through Grissom's fog.
"Oh, oh, sorry, Cath," Grissom began, "I kinda got a little lost in my thoughts."
"Thoughts of a certain tall and beautiful brunette, eh?" Catherine replied.
"Will you ever let up?" Grissom sighed in exasperation. "Is it a crime to have thoughts?" The tone in Grissom's voice let Catherine know that he had enough and that information from her former supervisor wasn't forthcoming.
"Look, Gil, I've got to go, so you have great night, okay?" Catherine replied. "I'll see you tomorrow on my way out. If you get to see Sara, tell her I'll be calling her for a girls' night out. My sister will be in town in about two weeks and I'd like us to get together."
"I don't know about that, Catherine." Grissom replied uncertainly.
"Since when do you have the say-so in what Sara does?" Catherine replied. "It's her life and she deserves to have some fun away from work." 'And away from you' Catherine wanted to add.
Grissom held his hands up in surrender and in true defeat.
"Okay, I'll give her the message." Grissom replied in total dejection. "Let me know which day or days you guys plan to be out on the town and I'll make sure she's off."
"Oh, and Gil," Catherine began, "I'll make sure that Warrick or Nick would be available to cover her shifts. And if you need them both, you got it."
"That sounds good, Cath, but how would you pull that one off with those two?" Grissom asked curiously.
"I just told them they'll do what I asked them to, or else." Catherine replied.
"Oh." Grissom replied, knowing how Catherine could buffalo him into doing things he needed to do, but was too afraid to do (like sending Sara that plant to keep her in Las Vegas and at the lab). He sighed to himself: 'I hope she doesn't make me tell Sara that I truly love her.'
"Night, Grissom," Catherine began, "oh, and Grissom, you know what you have to do, don't you?"
'Oh, no, here it comes,' Grissom thought ruefully.
"You're going to have to tell Sara how you truly feel." Catherine replied. "Grissom, please tread carefully where Miss Sophia Curtis is concerned. You know she wants to get back in good standing with Ecklie. I overheard your 'conversation'.
"Yeah, I thought about that," Grissom began in disgust. Just the mere mention of CSI Sophia Curtis sent waves of disdain through his entire being.
With that, Catherine was gone leaving Grissom in the safety of his office. He already made up his mind to tackle the mountain of paperwork on his desk; and since the paperwork didn't take much brain power, he decided to let his mind wander to those happier times with the love of his life, CSI-3 Sara Sidle.