Missing

Summary: When teenage girls start going missing in Vegas Catherine begins to worry about the safety of her own daughter, especially when she disappears. In the meantime Catherine turns to the only place she can find the support she needs; Warrick.

I was watching Season 5 Episode 3 and it inspired me to write this. I will be continuing with Fix You as well, chapter 5 is half done. The next chapter of this fic will be longer and the title may change. As usual I don't own anything, except an unhealthy obsession with CSI but then don't we all! Please review, I love hearing from you. Some SaraGreg will be added later! luv, Vikki x

Chapter 1: Tears

"Don't you dare question the way I bring up my daughter!" Catherine Willows practically screamed at Dr Robbins. She didn't know why she was taking her anger out on him but it was the only outlet she had for the frustration and anxiety that had been building up inside of her all day since the incident with Lindsey. She was doing all she could for her daughter but it didn't seem to be enough for anyone and the pathologist had just caught her at the wrong moment.

"I'm not questioning you Catherine." He replied gently. "I just think that that was too much for a thirteen year old girl."

Catherine sighed, the fight was gone from her now. "I just don't know how to show her how much I love her and how I just want to protect her but she's growing up so fast now."

Dr Robbins looked at her sympathetically. "You'll get through to her Catherine, just give her some time and space."

Catherine just wished she had the same faith in herself.

"Thanks Doc." She said, before exiting the mortuary and going off in search of her daughter. Catherine opened the door to come face to face with Warrick.

"Hey," He said, smiling gently and staring at her with those eyes that always made her stare for a second too long. Now was not the time or place from daydreaming.

"Hey, have you seen Lindsey?" Catherine asked.

"Yeah, she ran into me in the corridor. She's in the break room with Greg. Do you want to talk about it Cath?" He asked, her eyes probing hers.

Catherine let out a long sigh. "You know the Alicia case?" She began and Warrick nodded. "Lindsey was caught hitch-hiking this morning and it could so easily have been her on the slab rather than Alicia. I just worry about her but she doesn't understand, she just thinks I'm trying to ruin her life." Catherine was surprised to find herself on the verge of tears, she didn't realise how much today had got to her.

Warrick pulled her into his arms, ignoring the look on Greg Sanders' face as he passed on the way to the DNA lab.

"Linds knows how much you love her." He soothed, stroking her soft hair. "She's a teenager and teenagers do things like that and they don't worry about the consequences."

"I know." Catherine said, the tears easing up now as she rested her head against Warrick's shoulder. "It's this job, it just gets to me especially when I know there is nothing I can do to keep Lindsey safe now she's getting older."

"Look, why don't you ask Grissom for a few days off and you can spend some quality time with Linds?" Warrick asked gently, not wanting to sound like he was interfering. Catherine stood up straight, breaking free of Warrick's embrace.

"I think that's the last thing Lindsey will want."

Warrick's eyes met hers again. "You know that's not true, that kid loves you."

Catherine looked at the ground. "I know but I just feeling like I'm letting her down."

"You are doing anything but that Catherine." Warrick replied seriously. "You've been a great mother to her whilst being great and your job. If you want me to I'll come with you to talk to her."

Catherine considered this. "Thank you Warrick but this is something I need to do on my own."

Warrick put a hand on her shoulder. "Okay, but if you need me I'll be right outside."

"I appreciate it." She gave him a half smile and a quick peck on the cheek to show her gratitude.

Nick, who had taken that moment to walk passed, raised his eyebrows in Warrick's direction. Warrick shook his head to show Nick not to raise the issue while Catherine was there. Unaware of this Catherine went to the break room where she watched Greg trying to make Lindsey laugh, suprisingly he was suceeding and Catherine felt a rush of gratitude towards the young CSI. Sara was a lucky girl she thought, Grissom and Greg and then she thought of Warrick before her thoughts returned the much more serious topic of her daughter.