Chapter Seven

Monday 6:00am

Paul walked down the hallway, dressed in clean surgical scrubs. Roger was asleep; Sara was curled up beside him, her head in his lap. Paul cleared his throat and they both woke up.

"How is he?" Sara asked, wiping her eyes and sitting up slowly.

"He came through the surgery fine. I reset his dislocated shoulder that I missed before during the prelim exam and taped his ribs. Simon repaired the damage from the ulcer. He's sleeping, now; should be up in a couple of hours." Paul said, annoyed with himself for such an easy mistake.

"Thank you," Roger said, now fully awake.

"You're most welcome." Paul said, forcing a smile before turning to walk down the hallway.

"Well, do you want to go home and shower now that we know he's all right?" Roger asked, feeling sticky in his day old clothes.

"Yes, definitely," Sara said, standing.

Roger stood as well and they walked together out to her Denali. She got in behind the wheel and handed him her cell phone.

"Would you call Jim and Catherine? They'll call everyone else." Sara explained.

"Sure," Roger said, carefully going through the steps on her cell phone to call Jim.

"Brass,"

"It's Roger, on Sara's phone. He came through the surgery. We're heading home for a shower and a nap. He's supposed to be up in a couple of hours." Roger remarked.

"Terrific,"

"Would you call the Robbins brothers?"

"Sure, of course. Talk to you later." Brass said.

"Most definitely,"

Roger hung up the phone and then repeated his search for a phone number. Finding the right one, he pressed send.

"Willows,"

"Catherine, it's Roger."

"Yes, Roger, how's Gil?"

"He came through the surgery fine. Sara and I are headed home for a shower and a nap. Gil should be up in a few hours, the doctor said." Roger explained.

"Great news, I'll try to stop by later." She remarked.

"Okay, well good bye," Roger replied.

"Bye,"

Sara pulled into the driveway at Grissom's townhouse and parked next to his Denali. They walked upstairs and she unlocked the door. As they walked into the town house, her cell phone rang.

"Sidle,"

"Ms. Sidle, this is Seb Robbins,"

"Yes, Agent Robbins,"

"You left the hospital without Agent Donner. Where are you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think. We're at home, at Grissom's townhouse."

"Who's we?"

"Roger McAllister and I." she answered. "What's wrong?"

"Lock the door. Don't answer the phone or door until you see Agent Donner." He warned.

"Uh, all right," Sara replied, and then her phone was dead, the call disconnected.

"What's wrong, Sara?"

"I'm not sure. I'm in the dog house, though, because I left Agent Donner at the hospital. Don't answer the phone or the door until Agent Donner is here, okay?"

"Sure, why don't you take the first shower? I have to email Annie to see how Noble is doing." Roger said.

"Sounds good," Sara said, walking to the front door to double lock it.

She headed up the stairs and Roger headed to the lab room. He walked in and paused, listening to the hisses from Grissom's cockroaches. Turning the light on, he headed to the computer and turned it on, as well. A few minutes later, he heard the beep and knew he was connected.

Morning, Gil

What are you doing home so early?

Mrs. Grissom was online and in a talkative mood.

Hi, I'm Roger McAllister, a friend of Gil's. There's been some trouble….

Roger explained the last forty-eight hours, ending in hoping that he would see her in Las Vegas today, if she could break away from work.

Roger, I will be there on the next available plane. I will be with my new companion, Agent Thibodeau.

I look forward to meeting you. Sara and I will be at the hospital after ten.

Thank you again, Roger.

You're most welcome, Mrs. Grissom.

Goodbye

Goodbye.

Roger said goodbye and then sent a quick email to Annie giving her a rough idea of his schedule. He then terminated the program and turned off the computer. He heard a buzz at the door and left the lab room. Walking across the living room, the buzzing at the door became more insistent.

"Hold your horses," Roger roared.

The silence was immediate. Roger looked through the spy hole and saw Agent Donner with his ID. Roger unlocked the door and stood aside to let Agent Donner in.

"I'm very sorry," Roger said, locking the door behind him.

"I'm not sure you understand how serious this is. I stepped into the men's room. The uniform was not supposed to let you out of his sight. When I returned you had gone and I was informed that the fake FBI agent in ICU had expired from an overdose. His uniformed officer went to get a cup of coffee." Agent Donner said, pacing in the living room.

"So there's only one left," Roger remarked.

"Yes,"

"Only one what left?" Sara asked, walking down the stairs.

"One bad guy," Roger elaborated. "If you'll excuse me, I need a shower."

Agent Donner stopped pacing to nod and then resumed. Sara picked up the remote and the CD player started playing Cellos in the Mist. Agent Donner slowed his pacing, finally sitting at the breakfast bar.

"I'm making breakfast. Can I get you anything?" Sara asked.

"Coffee and toast would be more than fine, thank you," Agent Donner said as his phone rang.

"Donner, yes I'm here, they're fine, a mix-up in communications. Oh, okay, I haven't seen Tibbs in six months, that will be great. I'll call you if we move. Right, bye," Agent Donner said before hanging up.

"I'm sorry, are you in trouble?" she asked, while grinding coffee.

"No, but as I said to Mr. McAllister, it's a lot more serious than you understand."

"Ah," she replied, while getting the eggs, milk and cheese from the fridge.

Roger emerged from the guest room just as Sara was finished with making breakfast.

"Scrambled eggs with cheese, a favourite," Roger teased, sitting next to Agent Donner at the breakfast bar.

"No breakfast for you," she teased back, pouring him a mug of coffee.

"Thanks," Roger replied.

The toast popped in the toaster and Sara plated the two pieces and handed it to Agent Donner.

"Thank you," he said, sipping his coffee.

"Butter, jam?" she suggested.

"Uhm, peanut butter?" he asked.

Roger chuckled.

Sara walked to the cabinet and pulled out a jar of Crunchy Jif and set it next to him.

"Thanks,"

"No problem," Sara said, plating up eggs for her and Roger.

Setting the bowls in front of her place in the kitchen and Roger's at the breakfast bar, she saw the look in Agent Donner's eyes. Smiling, she dished up another bowl of eggs and set it in front of him.

"I haven't eaten this well in quite some time. Thank you," he said, softly.

"You're welcome."

"The plan is to finish breakfast and head back to the hospital. Gil should be out from under his anesthetic by then." Roger explained.

"Sounds good," Agent Donner said, in between mouthfuls.

Sometime during the quiet familiar breakfast, Sara and Roger realized that they weren't going to get naps and mentally set themselves up for a long day. She put the dishes in the dishwasher while Agent Donner checked in with his office. They finished about the same time. Pouring the rest of the coffee into a thermos, Roger cracked his neck.

"Wow," Agent Donner exclaimed.

"You should both go to Grissom's acupuncturist." Sara remarked, walking to the door to get her office trappings.

"Who does he see?" Agent Donner asked.

"Dr. Wu," Sara replied.

Agent Donner smiled while tightening his tie.

"What's that smile for?"

"I've been going to Dr. Wu since I was stationed here." Agent Donner replied.

"Small world," Roger remarked.

"You have no idea," Agent Donner said.

They organized themselves and Agent Donner led the way out of the townhouse, standing by Sara's car until they were out of the house and standing by him.

"I'll be right behind you," he said, waiting for them to get into their car.

She nodded and they got into the Denali. Starting the engine, she hit play, listening to Songs for Sara before putting the car into gear.

"Did I miss something, Roger? He's is a lot more gung-ho than earlier." Sara remarked, backing out of the driveway.

"The fake FBI agent in ICU was murdered at the same time we left him at the hospital. I suspect there was a little tongue lashing." Roger mentioned.

"Oh, yeah, I would think so," she replied, paying a great deal of attention to the black town car following them.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the hospital, parked, and walked as a group into the building. Flashing IDs, security issued them visitor's passes and the trio proceeded up to the 6th floor. The uniform at Grissom's room was now an FBI agent. He nodded to Agent Donner as they passed and walked in.

Grissom was asleep, pale on the white sheets, with various machines making occasional beeps. Unconsciously, Roger reached for Sara and held on tightly, reliving his hospital experiences with Jeremy. They walked out of the room.

"Hi, I'm Nancy, the day nurse. Dr. Grissom is sleeping comfortably. Dr. Evans explained to me that he had been exhausted before the trauma, and he hadn't taken that into consideration when he spoke to you earlier. Dr. Grissom is out of the anesthetic, but he is sleeping and will wake up when he wakes up."

"I noticed he wasn't restrained," Sara remarked.

"Yes, Dr. Evans feels that if you and Mr. McAllister are near Dr. Grissom, then there is no need for restraints. We put two chairs in the room for you."

"Oh, well, I guess we should go back in," Roger remarked, leading the way into the room.

Sara smiled and followed him back into Grissom's room. They settled and watched him sleep, losing track of time. Once an hour, they would take turns and walk out into the hallway, the cafeteria, or even outside to check phone messages.

Monday 1:00 pm

Roger was slowly pacing in the hallway, trying to bleed off some nervous energy, when he noticed a striking woman walking down the hallway towards him with a handsome man in a dark suit. She was beautiful, her grey hair perfectly coiffed, and dressed in an expensive suit. He knew her immediately from the sketches Grissom had drawn at Elko. She hadn't changed in forty years.

"Mrs. Grissom, I'm your son's friend, Roger. I'm so pleased to meet you, albeit here," Roger effused.

The woman stopped for a moment, paling slightly, before replying.

"Roger, please call me Helen. Gil has written so much about you. I am so pleased to finally meet you." She said, speaking in a quiet fashion, her eyes studying his face.

The man with her signed something and she signed back. He walked to the wall opposite and chatted audibly with Agent Donner.

"Your agent?"

"Yes. How is Gil?"

"Still asleep. Let's go see him," Roger said, before turning to the room.

They walked in and found Sara looking out the window. Sara turned and smiled, recognizing Helen's face. Mrs. Grissom stood and opened her arms as Sara walked over quickly to be enveloped in her embrace. Both women cried openly. Sara pulled back and signed.

I didn't know you were coming.

Roger IM'd me this morning. How is he?

Sleeping, according to the doctors. He could wake up at any time.

I'm going to the cafeteria to get a fresh coffee. Can get anything Roger signed getting Helen's visual attention.

"No, thank you, Roger. I'm fine." Helen replied, smiling.

He's teaching me, I'm not very good, Roger signed.

"You're doing fine," Helen said, touching his arm.

"I'm going to go with you, Roger." Sara said, turning to look at Helen.

I'm going to take a break with Roger. I'm so glad you're here, Sara signed.

"Me too," Helen said and signed simultaneously.

They left the room and Helen looked at her son for the first time in six months. He had aged, to be sure. The lines around his eyes were deeper and the grey in his hair and beard was a bit more pronounced. She sat next to him and reached for his hand.

Grissom had been struggling. He woke for a moment after the surgery, but was very disoriented and thankfully fell back under the influence of the anesthetic. Now he needed to wake up.

He opened his eyes and looked around. Then he saw her. Tears started to roll down his face. He tried to sign to her but the IVs in his arms made it difficult.

"Hi, Mom," he managed verbally.

"Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" she said, feeling the tears start down her face, as well.

"Fine, I'm fine," he said, reaching slowly to wipe the tears from her face. "Please don't cry,"

You are not fine. You're in a hospital. You were kidnapped and now we're both under guard by the FBI. This is not fine. she shouted in sign, standing to see him better.

"Mom, please," Grissom said, getting agitated because she was upset.

How dare he do this to us? Why couldn't he leave you alone? she continued.

Grissom's blood pressure rose as he thought of his father and their life together. The machines started to beep faster and slightly louder. Suddenly the door burst open and Dr. Evans walked in.

"Grissom, it's okay. Just relax. You'll have to leave." Paul said, not looking at her as he pushed her aside.

"NO!" Grissom shouted with his raw vocal cords, reaching up to grab Paul by his lapels, easily pulling out the IVs.

Surprised by Grissom's sudden move, Paul put his hands over his but couldn't break his grasp.

"You will NOT speak to my mother in that manner." Grissom said, his knuckles white, the sweat streaming down his face, his eyes dark blue.

"Gilbert Grissom, release that man," Helen spoke and signed, getting his attention.

Grissom looked at her, the pain obvious on his face as he released Paul.

Helen reached to Paul's shoulder and turned him to face her.

"I am deaf and my son has always been my protector. He is my knight."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Grissom. I need you to be his protector now. Please calm him." Paul said, his face filled with concern, putting his stethoscope in his ears and listening to Grissom's lungs, before resetting the IVs.

"Gil," she said, turning his face to see her. "Remember when you were little and you were scared? Well there's nothing and no one to be scared of now. I want you to sleep. Would you do that for me?" Helen asked, her hand on his head, gently running her fingers through his soft hair.

Tears escaped Grissom's eyes as he tried to slow his breathing down. It took almost ten minutes, but he finally fell asleep, relaxing into the smell of her perfume; a smell of safety. She took a handkerchief from her purse and wiped the tears and perspiration from his face. Paul made sure Grissom's IVs were firmly in place and turned to her.

"I am Paul Evans, your son's doctor." He said, getting her attention.

"I am Helen Grissom. How is he, really?" she asked.

"He has a couple of broken ribs, a black eye, cuts on his feet and some injuries to his hands. The most serious thing he has to contend with is an ulcer. Has anyone in your family had ulcers?"

"My brother, Jack, had them when he was flying bombers in WWII. He would lie to his flight surgeon just to be able to fly. I had an ulcer when Gil was a small boy, right before my husband left." She said with a tight smile.

"I'm trying to get a better picture of him. Grissom is a very private man. The scars on his back and knee, for instance."

"My husband was not a tolerant man, Dr. Evans. He had a temper and used physical force quite often. Gil protected me when things got out of hand. The scars on his back are from a fishing pole. His knee, and the way he walks; that happened the last time I saw my husband. Gil told me later that Gilbert was shouting at me. I couldn't hear him, of course. He came after me and Gil came after him with his birthday present, a Louisville slugger. He hit Gilbert once. I've never seen so much blood. Gilbert fell to the carpet and Gil dropped the bat to look after me. Gilbert woke up and beat Gil. When he left, finally, Gil was unconscious in the kitchen and the neighbours had called the police. The police were called often by the neighbours, but, there were never any actual reports. Gilbert wouldn't hear of it. He was a terrific salesman. He could make you believe anything."

"What did he do to your son?"

"He fractured his left leg in multiple places and bruised his right leg badly. Gil spent two weeks in the hospital and my husband left us flat broke with bill collectors at the door. I had a job at a local gallery, nothing spectacular, but a good job. One of our artists was a New Yorker named Paul Jenkins. Paul took a liking to me and one thing led to another. He is an Abstract Expressionist who was very popular in the sixties and seventies. I opened my own gallery and now have a posse of artists around the world who show with me. And I owe it all to Paul and, in an odd way, Gilbert."

"Did Mr. Grissom hurt you often?"

"Yes, but Gil never knew,"

"I'm not sure about that," Dr. Evans said as the door opened.

"Everything okay?" Sara asked and signed.

"He woke up and was confused by Dr. Evans." Helen said tactfully.

"No, he protected you, as he has done all of his life. He saw Paul as a threat to you. I'm so glad you're here, Helen. Gil's been so unhappy and no one can shake him out of it." Sara said, standing at the foot of the bed.

"Let's get him well and home, first, then I'll work on his mood." Helen remarked.

"If he continues to rest, we'll take the catheter out this afternoon and try to get him on some light solids. He should be able to go home tomorrow, but not back to work until next week." Paul said.

"That sounds great," Sara said.

"I'd like to go to the hotel, if you don't mind, and sort through my things. I left quickly, this morning. I'll be back in the early evening." Helen said, pausing to kiss Grissom.

"We'll be here. I might have to work tonight. It depends on staff." Sara said.

"I understand," Helen said, before she left the room.

"Heading out?" Roger asked, getting her attention as she left the room.

"Yes, I'm going to check in to the hotel, do some business, and return after dinner."

"Where are you staying?"

"I'm staying at a hotel called The Hotel; leave it to the FBI to think of an original name. It's right around the corner from headquarters. They've actually set the whole thing up. So Tibbs and I will be there."

"Okay, Agent Donner is watching Sara and Gil so we'll be here."

"Night,"

"Good night,"

Helen walked up to Agent Thibodeau and signed something before walking down the hallway with him in pursuit. Agent Donner walked up to Roger.

"And I thought you folks were a handful. She is definitely Dr. Grissom's mother." He said, grinning.

Grissom slept in-between sessions with Paul and the nurses checking his status. He was quiet and calm. Sara and Roger took turns sitting with him in the room, but it was tedious and tiring.

At five o'clock, Paul came in to remove his catheter. Sara and Roger stepped into the hall and were surprised not to see Agent Donner.

"Where's Agent Donner?" Sara asked the agent at the door.

"He had to run over to headquarters for a quick meeting. Please don't leave my eyesight." The agent replied seriously.

"No, sir," Roger replied.