Here's the next part, sorry about the wait, and unfortunetly the next chapter will be a while too...

Tessa's my hero, she has way more on her plate than I do.

Oh and the locations are made up, I don't think 405 Ruckland is an actual place...I'm using myPoetic Licence...


"I'm beginning to think this guy is a lot smarter than we thought. The envelopes are the kind with adhesive already on; you don't have to lick them." Sara explained as she flopped down in a chair while Grissom finished with setting up his desk to process the box. "I hope this guy screws up soon, for fuc…"

"It's ready. Here." He set the box down on the middle of the table.

"…k sake."

The desk was completely cleared and he had print dust waiting along with his own smaller version of the ESDA machine. She turned her attention to the box as Grissom carefully cut it open with a fresh box cutter.

She leaned forward when he pulled out a small piece if paper. He handed it to her and she promptly interpreted it. After all the other notes she practically memorised the numbers to letters.

"'THIS IS FOR TOUCHING YOU. I…COULD TELL YOU DIDN'T LIKE IT…YOU WONT LIKE YOUR…BOSS' TOUCH EITHER WHEN YOU LEARN WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU'."

She glanced at Grissom, giving him permission to open the rest of the box. She heard crinkling of plastic and got up to stand next to him. Carefully he took hold of the bag inside the box and lifted it out.

Sara inhaled sharply when she saw what it was inside the plastic. Grissom set his jaw as he removed the plastic from the severed hand. He could tell by the wet blood and colour of the flesh that the hand was still fresh.

"Jesus Christ!" she swore bringing her hands up to her mouth in shock.

"Do you know whose hand this is?" Grissom asked.

Tears welled up in her eyes, she shook her head but said yes.

"It's Rick's hand. It makes sense, the picture of me and Rick; his hands were on my arms." Her voice started to rise with each word, "He's got Rick, if this guy doesn't get what he wants, he'll kill Rick."

"He wants you." Grissom said levelly.

"I know but what am I supposed to do?" she gestured wildly with her hands, "Rick could die if we don't give my stalker what he wants!"

"We'll send Brass to Rick's place. Catherine, Warrick and Nick can process. They'll find him and the stalker." He kept calm but it only angered Sara more.

"I'm sorry but I can't just shut off my emotions, I don't really even like Rick but I can't sit still knowing he might die! This may not bother you but it bothers me!" she yelled.

Grissom shook his head, both of his hands went up to hold Sara's head still and effectively stopped her motions, making her look deep into his eyes.

"Don't think this isn't bothering me. If for one second you think I don't care about an innocent man, care about what this is doing to you, you need to hey your head checked." He paused, lowering his voice, "I won't put your life in danger. I lo- care about you too much." He reddened a bit at his slip up.

She whimpered, tears spilling down her face. She felt helpless, her body was sick with the emotion.

"I understand but…"

"I won't allow you to give yourself over to this guy." He pleaded with his eyes; his hands fell to her shoulders still holding her. "I'm sending the team. They'll find them both."

Sara twisted out of his grasp.

"But not before Rick dies. If this sick-o isn't taking proper care, Rick will die." She started pacing.

"And what do you think he's going to do to you?" he asked. She could see his frustration.

"I don't know but I'm the only one that can stop him."

"No you're not." His voice held all the authority he could muster and she stopped pacing not saying a word. He picked up his phone and speed dialled Brass's number. "Jim, lead in the stalker case." He handed over the handset to Sara. "Tell him where Rick lives."

"He lives in the 'burbs, 405 Ruckland. No, not the stalker but his victim. Catherine, Warrick and Nick will meet you there. You're looking for signs of the stalker." She handed back the phone.

"The date from the other night." Grissom continued. "The stalker sent Sara her date's hand." There was a long pause then Grissom hung up. He dialled Catherine's pager and told her to call him and waited. The phone ran. "Catherine, new lead. Meet Brass at 405 Ruckland, he'll fill you in…Call me at home. She'll be there too." He hung up.

Sara gave him a death glare, pointed a finger at him and opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off.

"I don't want to hear a word. Pack your things, we're leaving."

TBC…

Up next, back at Grissom's...