An Unfair Act of Vengeance
Notes: This was actually harder to write than I thought it would be. It was longer than I expected, so the story might go on for a few more chapters, but it's getting closer! Hope you enjoy this chapter, and as always: please review! I love comments, and I always like reading what you have to say!
Summary: The entire courthouse becomes a complete scene of confusion leading to a dangerous series of events that leaves everyone lost.
Warrick watched in complete shock as the four dark forms rapidly rappelled from the shattered dome above them. Suddenly he forced his attention back to finding Nick. I'm not going to let them hurt him again… That's when he saw it.
It took little effort for him to shove Grissom out of his way as he lunged for Nick. The large dagger in his hand headed for Nick's chest gleamed in the bright sunlight from above. Just as he reached Nick he felt someone fly into his side.
Catherine hadn't hesitated, and when she saw the dagger moving towards Nick she propelled herself into the man's side. She managed to land two hard punches to his face and a knee to his groin before he threw her off him. She tried to get up, but was suddenly faced by one of his henchmen.
Warrick didn't wait to see what Alberts would try next, and he quickly positioned himself between the two. He wasn't quite as muscular as the other, but there was no way he was going to let them hurt Nick again.
Greg and Sara had immediately risen to try and help Nick, but were stopped by Alberts' henchmen who had dropped down from the roof of the courthouse. A quick glance towards Nick's family showed that they were itching to get into the fight. We can't just stand here and watch them take Nick… His eyes searched frantically for an opportunity to help the others.
Catherine glared menacingly at the man smiling at her from behind his mask. Not again… I swear they're not going to take him away from us… not again…
Warrick lunged at Alberts, and the two began to struggle for possession of the dagger. He finally managed to shove his elbow into Alberts' face, but he instantly regretted it when Alberts grabbed his arm, and flipped him to the ground. He looked up, and found himself confused when Alberts yanked Grissom up off the ground.
Nick found it impossible to move. His mind raced as he watched the men fall into the courtroom from above. He stood transfixed in horror as they waved their guns towards the stunned people in the room. Even as he saw Alberts heading for him with the gleaming knife in his hand he found it impossible to even lift his arms.
"That's it, everyone out, now!" Alberts shouted as the room full of people stared on in fear. He smiled as everyone sat or stood transfixed by the scene before them.
"I'd suggest you all move, now, or I'll slit this man's throat, and move on to Mr. Stokes here."
That got the desired reaction as people slowly started to move for the door. Unsure as to what he should do Greg began to back up, until one of the gunmen smiled menacingly at him from the hole in his ski mask.
"Oh no, no, no you don't. Come on 'Greggo' don't you want to see what we have in store for all of you?" He smiled as he grabbed Sara's wrist, and pulled her up against him. "Why, hello sweetheart…"
Judge Bill Stokes slowly let bailiff hurry him and his family from the room, and he watched in dismay as he caught a glimpse of the tears falling down his son's face. I can't… I can't just abandon him… He was the last one to leave the courtroom when the doors suddenly swung shut, and cut off his view of his son and his son's five best friends. No… How much more can they put him through?
Nick suddenly seemed to snap out of it as he watched the doors swing shut and he caught one last glimpse of his father before the dark wood doors separated them from the rest of the world. Please… not again…
"I thought you said…" Alberts lawyer began, but froze when he saw the barrel of a gun shoved into his face. His voice failed, and he glanced nervously at Alberts who merely laughed, and nodded toward the man.
"You were a greedy fool, and now you'll pay. With your life."
"But…" he begged as tears came to his eyes. What have I done?
"You've outlived your usefulness. I have what I need, and you brought them all to me. Now, your time is up." He finished, and as if on cue the man pulled the trigger.
More tears fell from Nick's eyes as he watched the horrific scene. He couldn't take his eyes off the splatter of blood that was quickly turning into a large pool as the man's dead body lay hidden from his view. His eyes slowly met Grissom's and he watched in horror as his five closest friends were being held closely by Alberts' henchmen.
Catherine tried to keep herself focused as she felt the barrel of the gun press against her cheek. Her eyes slowly made their way to Warrick and she slowly realized that he, Greg and Sara were all being held similarly, and that Alberts had his knife pressed tightly against Grissom's throat. Oh God no… don't make him go through this…
"Please… let him go. Take one of us instead… he didn't do anything… he doesn't deserve this!" She was yelling, her voice pleading for Nick's safety. All she got in return was an evil cackle from Alberts.
"Why don't we leave it up to Pancho? He's a 'big boy' now, isn't he? He can make his own decisions." His eyes shifted from the worrying red-haired woman back to Nick, who was completely pale. "Maybe he needs some motivation. Daniel, why don't you give Miss Sidle a taste of what Nick went through when he was younger?"
Daniel nodded, and quickly swung Sara around to face him, and he forced her towards him.
She recoiled as she felt him force his lips against her face, and she immediately began to struggle. I swear, if I get a hold of one of those damn guns they're going to regret it…
"I think that's enough Danny. Perhaps Mr. Brown would appreciate feeling a tiny sliver of pain… after all, I'm sure he wished it had been him that we'd taken."
In response Warrick felt the man holding the gun to his head clamp his hand on his shoulder. He winced as the pressure of the man's grasp increased, and he found himself on his knees until he heard a loud pop. A sudden spasm of pain shot through him, and his watery eyes looked hopelessly at Nick. I'm sorry, Nick… I'm letting you down…
"Stop! Why… why are you hurting them? Please… just stop… I'll… I'll do anything… just don't hurt them anymore…" Nick suddenly cried out, and he forced himself to ignore the stares of his friends. I love you guys… I can't let you do this for me… I hope that someday you'll understand…
"My, how noble of you Pancho. The only right thing to do would be to follow your wishes, but of course I'd hate to take you from your friends without giving you the chance to give them a final farewell." He smiled, and once more, on cue Nick watched in horror as each of the men before him pulled out a white cloth. No… please… don't… He watched miserably as his best friends slowly, and reluctantly, lost consciousness and fell to the floor.
"I thought… you said you'd let me say goodbye…" Nick stammered as his voice grew softer and weaker. More tears fell from his eyes as he looked at the now peaceful faces of his second family. I love you guys… please… I hope you understand…
"Oh you'll get the chance. Here's a pen and some paper, so you can tell them anything you want." His cold smile grew bigger as Nick cautiously took the paper and the pen from him. After several minutes he smiled as Nick set the paper down with the pen, and turned around to see Alerts standing right next to him. "It's time to go Nick."
Nick almost screamed as he felt the other man grab him by the throat and throw him to the ground. Within seconds he felt the cast on his leg being broken off, and the brace around his wrist seemed to disappear as well. Instead they were replaced by thick ropes that seemed to dig into his skin as he was slowly carried towards the door. He caught one last glimpse of Grissom's face, and he let out a quiet sob as he they slowly left the courtroom.
Brass stood next to his car just behind practically every cop in Vegas. He watched with concern as the doors opened a second time and four men armed with both pistols and sub machine guns slowly exited the building. He nearly ordered for them to fire, but his found it impossible to speak when he saw Alberts come through the door last holding a bound and gagged Nick. He fought back the sudden wave of nausea, and he carefully wiped at his eyes to prevent the onslaught of tears that were threatening to overcome him as he caught sight of the dagger pressed against the Texan's throat. What the hell happened in there? Please say they didn't kill them…
Grissom slowly rubbed his eyes, and looked slowly around the room. Oh God… where's Nick? Suddenly his eyes landed on a single sheet of paper lying on floor next to him. What the hell? His eyes slowly scanned the familiar handwriting as he took in the words.
I'm so sorry. I know how much you all tried to protect me, and I truly appreciate it. It's just that I couldn't let them put you through this. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I had let any of you take my place. They wanted me, and I'm sorry it had to end this way.
Griss, I know how much you care about me; I just wish I hadn't let you down. I always looked up to you. You inspired me to do my best, and while I know my best wasn't enough, I still tried, and I thank you for giving me the chance. I hope you can find it in your heart forgive me someday.
Warrick, you were more than just my best friend, hell you were more than just a brother to me. You got me through the tough times, and I'll never forget that. Let go of the guilt, life is too short, and this isn't your fault. I chose this, I wouldn't have it any other way. Enjoy life while you can, and take care of Tina. She's luckier than you realize.
Catherine, I know it'll be hard, but let me go. Take good care of yourself, and Lindsey. Please, tell my family how much I loved them. It'll mean more coming from you; you have a child, and you know how devastated you'd be if you ever lost Lindsey. Tell them how much I cared about them, and I know you'll manage to move on with your life.
Sara, let yourself move on. Don't let your grief overcome you, things will get better for you. Don't let this stop you from finding any happiness in life. You deserve to be happy, you deserve the chance to enjoy life, I just hope you can find a way to make it happen.
Greg, I can't say that I haven't noticed how much you've change over the years. Don't let the goofy fun loving Greggo die. Don't become some empty, heartless shell. You don't have to be strong, just don't forget who you are, and don't let everything that's happened to me let that change. Don't stop the loud music, the sporadic fun moments, not for me.
Brass, you were always there to look out for me, for all of us. I'll never forget how much you did for us, and for me. You were always steady, and I appreciate it more than you know. I need you to look out for them now, more than ever. Don't let this destroy them, make sure they can find a way through this, no matter what happens to me.
I hope that someday, all of you will understand why I had to do this. I couldn't let him hurt you the way he hurt me. The truth is, is that he already killed me. Don't blame yourselves; you did more than your best to find me, and you did. I couldn't find myself, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that after everything I put you through it ended up being such a waste.
I wish I could've told you this in person, and while I know that you'll never see me again, I just hope you won't remember me like this. Remember me before I was ever abducted, remember me before I let the world drag me down. And, please, don't hate me for this. I hope you'll find a way to forgive me, to forgive the memory of me. I love you all so much, and I wish I had gotten the chance to tell you in person. I love you guys.
Your friend,
Nick
Grissom sank to his knees as his eyes read the letter again and again. He gave up his life for us… Oh Nick… how could I let this happen? You didn't deserve this… He felt a trembling hand on his shoulder, and he looked back to see Catherine trying her hardest not to completely lose herself once she had finished reading the letter a few times.
"He's… he's gone." She whispered she turned around and slowly stumbled towards the door, but collapsed with her arms weakly holding the thick wood gate that separated the courtroom into two parts. She felt a rough hand slowly touch her cheek and she looked up to see Brass staring sadly down at her.
"He's not dead yet, Catherine, we can still find him."
"How?" She whispered. Brass slowly got down to his knees as he tried to keep himself steady. In all his years working with her he had never heard her voice sound so hollow and so full of despair. It was almost as unsettling as the look he had briefly caught in Nick's eyes when Alberts men had loaded him into their get away vehicle, he'd never forget what had happened.
He had been watching them, and from out of nowhere there had been multiple explosions. Everyone nearby panicked, and people were running everywhere. He could see flames engulfing several police cruisers, as well as several other cars. Somehow he lost sight of Nick in the chaos, and apparently no one had seen what vehicle he had been thrown into.
How could I let this happen?
All he knew was that he'd never forget the look of resignation in Nick's eyes. A look that came over people who knew they were going to die.
He had dropped the letter. This can't be happening. He can't… he came so far… it can't just be over… it can't be. Nick… how could we let this happen?
His eyes watched as Warrick's hands slowly took the letter, and he turned his head just enough to see Warrick, Greg and Sara's feet standing nearby. Suddenly Sara's feet were gone, and he distantly heard her fall to the floor. In a moment Greg's feet were gone too, and he heard him whispering something. All that remained were Warrick's feet. He was motionless, and something about it made Grissom look up.
Sara cried in silence as she clung to the legs of the table, searching desperately for some sense of stability. Her fingers slowly grasped Greg as he allowed himself to collapse next to him. The two slowly found themselves crying into the others shoulder as the fact that Nick had sacrificed himself for them fully sunk in.
Grissom felt Warrick's hand firmly grasp his shoulder. He looked up at Warrick and could see the pain in his eyes. He just lost his best friend. No, we all just lost our best friend. We lost so much more… why did I take him for granted?
"Griss. Come on, snap out of it. We're going to find him. He isn't dead yet, Griss. And… even if… even if he is, I swear I won't stop looking until I find him… no matter what his condition is. I'm never going to stop. So, come on Griss. I need your help. We've got to pull together, we've got to get him back."
"What… what if he's already d-d-dead… Warrick, what then?" Grissom immediately looked back down at the polished floor that was littered with broken glass.
"Then we can at least find his damn body and give him a burial! Doesn't he deserve at least that? Doesn't he deserve our best?" Warrick voice rose as he finally broke through to his supervisor.
"No. He deserves more than our best. Come on Warrick, we've got a lot of work to do." He slowly got up to his feet, and shook his head in an attempt to clear away the effect of what he assumed was ether. "Alright, all of you! Listen up!" He waited until everyone slowly looked up at him in near confusion, "Nick is out there, right now. Whether or not he's dead doesn't matter. We have to find him either way. He deserves our best, so I want everyone to go home, and be back here in one hour, composed and ready to find him!" He quickly walked past Warrick, and he carefully wiped the tears from his eyes as he slammed the thick doors wide open.
Catherine stood staring at herself in the mirror. Brass had driven her home, and she had spent ten minutes merely staring at a picture of Nick giving Lindsey a piggyback ride. Though it had been taken years ago she realized she'd never forget that day. He had been so nice, and had gone out of his way to make sure Eddie didn't get anywhere near them while he was still drunk. Oh Nick… I'm not going to let you down. I swear, we'll find you. She quickly turned back to her mirror, and wiped away the remaining tears before reapplying some make up. I'm going to give this two hundred percent, and if I have to flirt my way to save us some time then I'll do whatever it takes. She walked over to a locked chest, and slowly unlocked it. Her eyes focused on the small gun, and she quickly placed it in a holster around her ankle just high enough so that her slacks covered it's existence. She carefully loaded several small EpiPens into a pouch and made sure they were filled with the proper medicine should they find Nick suffering from any sort of allergic attack. Who knows what these animals will do to him… She quickly pulled on her vest, and loaded every pocket with varying objects, and she finished by tucking the picture of Nick and Lindsey inside a larger pocket next to an extra cell phone, and a small GPS device.
Greg looked at himself carefully in the refection of his bedroom window. He slowly turned around and rummaged through his closet for some clean clothes. Something about what Nick had written troubled him. Don't let Greggo die… I won't Nick. I won't… He smiled as he grabbed an old T-shirt with some crazy quote on it, before he placed his vest over it, and grabbed some gel to spike his hair. This is for you Nick… I'll make you proud… He turned back into his room, and he quickly grabbed a few pairs of handcuffs into one of his pockets, and also grabbed a few extra water bottles to put in his kit. He quickly grabbed a cooler and filled it with ice and icepacks before throwing it into the back of the Denali next to two identical, fully supplied kits, and he quickly went back inside and grabbed his first aid kit. I can't forget anything… I can't forget anything…
Sara quickly wiped her eyes, and quickly used some eye drops to help her look like she hadn't been crying. She quickly grabbed both of her extra guns, and strapped one around her ankle, before placing the other in her kit. Her next course of action was to grab her kit, and she dropped it by the door before she turned around and grabbed some more items. Just keep control, Sara. He deserves your best. You can't miss anything. You're gonna nail this, so just stay focused. She quickly repositioned her vest, and smiled grimly as she grabbed a small gold bracelet. She had been so surprised when he had given it to her, and she remembered his words. 'I wish I could do more to thank you for everything Sara. You, and the rest of the team. You did so much for me.' She frowned, and forced back another wave of tears. He had gotten something special for everyone on the team. Tears won't bring you back Nick, but we can… we will, I promise.
Grissom paced back and forth as he rubbed his beard thoughtfully. He was wearing his vest, and he could feel his gun by his side in its holster. He had started wearing both more and more since Nick had been abducted. Even if I had been there, Gordon could've still waltzed off with him. I'm coming for you Nick. I won't let you down, not anymore. He quickly headed for his garage and stuffed pliers, and other various tools into a box, before he grabbed a pair of shovels and tossed them into the back of his vehicle. He quickly went back inside and threw his pillow against the wall. His fingers closed over the frayed picture of his entire team. We'll be able to smile like that again someday. I promise… We will Nick…
Warrick hurried back and forth around his house as he hurriedly gathered various objects. He had changed into jeans and a button up shirt, and his hand slowly felt at the piece of paper inside. The letter seemed to motivate him, it made him want to do whatever was needed to help his best friend. Tina came back into the room carrying her own special supplies. He could see a small kit that contained stitches, and he vividly remembered the night he had asked her to show him some basics after Nick had been stabbed. Next to that was a case of special made bandages that could temporarily hold back blood from something as serious as a bullet wound. Next he grabbed the container of EpiPens that Tina had grabbed for him. He quickly loaded the supplies into another container while he decided to place some in his pockets. No wonder why I love her. Who else would've gone so far out on a ledge like this to get me these supplies? I won't let you down Nick… I can't. I won't miss a single clue, I promise. He was just about to leave when his eyes landed on a picture. He quickly undid the latches and removed the picture of him standing next to Nick as they smiled wildly, happily. We'll be doing that again in no time Nick…
I promise…
An hour later they pulled up quickly in front of the courthouse, and they gathered slowly at the base of the stairs waiting for their instructions.
"Alright, Greg, you take the car bombs keep Vega and Vartann nearby if you need anything! Sara you take any possible surveillance shots from the traffic cameras! At least they weren't confused by any explosions, and I already called Archie, he's got them there waiting for you! Catherine, you're in the courtroom with Sofia, I want you to find out how Alberts got that knife in there! Warrick, you're with me on the roof, we're going to find out how those guys got up there, and how they managed to coordinate all this! Brass is going to be starting the interviews with some other detectives. If you find anything let Catherine and myself know! Keep your cell phones handy, and let's make sure we keep our lines of communication as open as we can! I've called Mia and Hodges, they lab is all ours, and whatever we bring in is processed first. They promised to let everyone else know, so we'll get our results back ASAP. Now, let's go, and remember… this is for Nick!" Grissom yelled at them, and none of them needed to be told twice what their jobs were. They all set off in different directions, and they all silently swore to themselves that they'd do more than their best to find Nick.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: The team thoroughly processes everything, and they refuse to let anything distract them from the case. Sheriff Atwater makes a final press release as the entire LVPD works on trying to find the single clue that could help them find Nick. Nick tries to keep himself together while he waits in the trunk of a car for what he knows is inevitably going to happen…