Chapter Ten

5:30pm

Half an hour later, they pulled up to the town house. Grissom unlocked his harness while Roger opened the car door. Getting out car, Grissom walked slowly up the stairs. Lenny ran ahead while Scott stayed with the car. Grissom rang the door bell, as Sara had taken his personal effects from the hospital the previous evening for safekeeping.

Sara looked through the security hole and opened the door. He looked awful. Opening the door, she extended a hand to his and pulled him gently into the town house. Lenny quickly did a sweep, saw Sean Brennan on alert and then stood in a corner of the living room opposite him, being invisible. Roger walked into the town house, shutting and locking the door behind him. He walked to the breakfast bar and set down the paperwork before walking into the kitchen.

Sara gently embraced Grissom, but knew something was wrong. She broke away from him and walked to the kitchen.

"Grissom, what have you eaten today?" she said, pulling the Sansert and a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Nothing," he said, taking off the ball cap as he walked to the breakfast bar and sat down.

"Can you eat anything, or is it too far along?"

"Let's try one of those Nutriments." He said, rubbing his temples.

Roger pulled the cork from the bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and filled an old-fashioned glass ¾ full. He took a large sip and leaned back against the counter, looking at the scenario. Sara pulled a Nutriment from the door of the fridge and shook it hard before opening it. She set it on the counter and gently touched his hand. He opened his eyes and took hold of the can slowly. He brought it to his mouth and started to drink the banana cream liquid. Finishing it, he set the can back on the counter and massaged his temples. The only sound was the compressor of the refrigerator cycling and a faint hum from the air conditioning. Roger sipped his wine, Lenny and Sean observed, while Sara watched for the telltale signs. Five minutes later, he dropped his hand to the counter and curled the fingers into a fist. She shook out one pill and opened his hand, putting the pill on his palm. He put the medicine into his mouth and swallowed it dry. She opened the bottle of water and handed it to him. He drank two sips and put it down. Firmly, she put his hand around the bottle. He looked at her, his eyes dark and full of pain.

"You have to drink all of it," she said, her voice soft and gentle.

He put the bottle to his lips and closed his eyes, finishing the entire bottle. Setting the bottle back on the counter, he stood slowly and started to walk upstairs. Sara followed him closely. Roger turned on the stereo, letting the cellos float over him. Grissom got to the bedroom and stood still. He smelled her shampoo and then his migraine hit him full force. He staggered to the bed and sat down heavily. Sara put her hands on his shoulders to steady him before helping him undress. Quickly, she stripped him to his shorts and helped him into bed. He looked at the ceiling, his hands clenched, full of sheets. Gently, she rolled him onto his left side and began to rub his back. Soon he relaxed and was asleep. Sara stood and walked downstairs, leaving the bedroom door open.

"Hi, I'm Sara, Grissom's partner," She said, thrusting her hand toward the red headed FBI agent.

"I'm Lenny, Scott is outside," he said, blushing slightly.

"Okay, Sean, Lenny, I need to give you a quick primer on migraines. Grissom hasn't eaten much and just took his medication. He will wake up in 3-4 hours disoriented. He might shout and he might come downstairs. He might collapse onto the floor. Unless it looks as though he will injure himself, let him be. He can't see well on this medication. He will be fully cognizant in ten hours." Sara said, trying to be strong.

"Okay,"

"I understand,"

"I have to be at work at 10pm. Roger has had one experience with a migraine. Lenny, he may need your help." Sara said softly.

"Whatever Grissom needs, I will provide," Lenny said, very seriously.

Sara looked at him and then looked at Roger, who was cooking. The clock said six and she was hungry.

"What's for dinner?" she asked.

"Vegetable crepes, if that's okay with you. The act of making them calms me."

"They were wonderful, but I need to go up with him. Remember, no food for Grissom until at least 8am tomorrow." Sara warned.

"Right, I remember," he said, thinking of Grissom spewing over the porch railing after insisting that he was hungry when he was in Elko.

Sara turned and walked up the circular staircase. Yawning briefly, she got into bed in front of Grissom. Backing up to him, she felt his hands find her in his sleep and relaxed. Earlier, she had reminded Sean that she needed to leave at 9pm to get to work on time. Sighing, she finally fell asleep.

9:30pm

Grissom woke up in an empty bed. He pulled on a t-shirt and walked to the bathroom. After washing his hands, he walked to the staircase. Lenny looked up at him. Roger was asleep in the chair closest to the stereo. Grissom walked down and headed into the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of water and then drank it. Setting it on the counter, he walked back to the sofa and stretched out on his stomach. Ten minutes later he was asleep. Lenny walked up to him and spread the wool blanket over him.

10:30pm

Roger woke up and looked around him. Lenny was sipping coffee at the dining room table and Grissom was asleep on the sofa.

"When did he come down?" he asked softly.

"About an hour ago. Got himself a bottle of water and then stretched out." Lenny remarked.

"I'm going to sleep. Call me if he wakes up." Roger said, still murky from his nap.

"Okay, no problem,"

"Brass," he answered.

"It's Seb,"

"Hey man, what's up?"

"Can I come by your office, say nine or so, tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sure, I may be out on my sofa, but sure."

"Thanks, Sheriff Atwater will be there as well."

"Ah, okay, see you tomorrow."

"Right, night then,"

"Night," Brass said, hanging up his phone.

Wednesday 2:00am

Grissom woke up with a start, the nightmare still clinging to him, as was his shirt. His headache was gone, but he was nauseous. He sat up and ran his hand through his wet hair. Lenny looked at him silently. Grissom stood quickly and started to pace. After ten minutes, he went upstairs. Five minutes later he came down in shorts, a dry t-shirt, and running shoes, carrying a small bag.

"Uhm, I have to go to the gym," Grissom said, fidgeting.

"Not a problem. Roger wants to know where you are. Just hang on for a minute." Lenny said, walking to the guest bedroom.

Roger woke when the door opened.

"We're going to the gym,"

"Thanks, I'll stay here,"

"Okay," Lenny said, closing the door and walking out.

"He's going to stay here. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes,"

"Bugman on the move to the gym," Lenny said into his Nextel.

"Copy that," Seb's voice came through.

Grissom picked up his bag and keys and followed Lenny out of the townhouse. Scott had the car at the base of the stairs, waiting for driving directions. They got in and Grissom told him in a quiet, flat voice. Both Lenny and Scott had read Grissom's file and knew he was a formidable opponent in the ring.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived.

"Hey, Griss. What, you have an entourage, now?" Hank called from the desk.

"Yeah, if Slattery challenges me and I lose, they take him," Grissom teased softly, using his reserve energy, now.

The three men walked back to the locker room. Grissom calmly put his gear in a locker. He pulled out his gloves and walked out onto the floor.

"Hey, Griss,"

"Hey, Tommy,"

"You okay?" He asked in concern, seeing the black eye and the way he was slighting favouring his right side.

"Yeah, I'm fine,"

"Okay, only the bag, tonight, you hear me?" Tommy said, lacing his gloves.

"Yeah, Tommy, I hear you," Grissom said.

"Okay kid, go get 'em,"

Grissom grinned and started his workout. Lenny stood in the corner and watched. Sure, he was securing his protectee, but he was also fascinated that the scientist was a boxer.

Grissom worked on the speed bag, trying to get his rhythm down. Forty five minutes later, he switched to the body bag and continued. His shirt was soaked, wetting the waistband of his shorts. His damp hair stuck to his forehead.

"Griss, Griss, ya gotta go home. You're spent, kid, hit the shower," Tommy said, looking at him.

"Okay, Tommy," Grissom said, offering his gloves up.

Tommy removed his gloves and Grissom went to the locker room to put them in his bag. Grissom started to feel shaky and reached out to steady himself. Lenny took his hand gently and they walked to the car where Scott was ready. Lenny got into the back seat next to Grissom.

"Home, please,"

"No shower?" Lenny asked.

"Too tired," Grissom replied, his eyes closed.

"Bugman, heading home,"

They drove quickly and arrived at the town house in fifteen minutes. Grissom walked up the stairs and let himself in. He continued to walk up the stairs to the bedroom and shut the door. The fatigue he felt was incalculable as he fell onto the bed in a deep sleep.

6:15am

Grissom awoke from a dream. He was frightened and disoriented. Getting up from the bed, he walked out onto the landing and looked down to see Lenny looking up at him. Turning around, he went back into his bedroom and then to the bathroom. He used it and yawned. Walking out, he remembered his nightmare and walked into the closet; pulling clothing off the shelf, he buried himself; hiding.

8:30am

Sara walked into the townhouse, exhausted. Sean stayed downstairs as she walked up the circular staircase to the bedroom. The bed was empty, but she wasn't surprised. She walked into the bathroom and then to the closet. He lay in the middle of the closet, not half as well masked as he had been before. Reaching down, she ran her hand through his curls. He moaned slightly.

"Griss? Gil? You need to get up and take a shower." she said, crouching by him.

He opened his eyes slowly and reached towards her. Standing slowly, he walked to her and together they walked into the bathroom. He carefully kicked off his shoes and took off his clothes. Stepping into the shower, he turned on the water. The heat radiated across his shoulders and he groaned slightly. Sara opened the door and walked in, standing under the other shower head. She turned to face him, really seeing him for the first time since it all started. The cuts on his hands were red and angry, his chest was bruised, and she saw the incision stitches from his surgery. She looked up at his face and saw that look that scared her; the lost, frightened, haunted, exhausted look. Slowly, she reached to him and embraced him tightly, he returned the hug, but he was gentle, as if not trusting himself. She let him go and handed him the soap. He washed quickly and left the shower. Toweling off, he padded into the bedroom, slipped on a fresh pair of shorts and crawled into bed, lying on his right side. Sara finished her shower, toweled off and walked into the bedroom. She picked up his clothes and put them in the hamper in the closet. She looked at the pile of clothes that Grissom had slept in and decided she couldn't deal with it at that moment. She put on a pair of underwear and one of Grissom's t-shirts and climbed into bed. Reaching, she turned out the lamp and lay on her back for a moment. Just as she was about to roll to spoon against Grissom, he rolled to her. Snuggling his head on her shoulder, he reached across her and anchored his right hand under her left arm. Her right arm crossed his broad back, resting on his right side. Her left arm held onto his right. He took a slow breath and squeezed her before slipping into sleep. Sara held him, listening to him breathe, smelling him, just being with him before falling asleep, herself.

9:00am

Seb pulled into the parking lot at the police station and parked his car. Feeling much older than his forty-seven years, he got out of the car, locked it electronically and headed in for his meeting. He attached his ID to his jacket pocket and walked to reception.

"FBI Supervisor Robbins to see Captain Brass,"

"Yes, Supervisor, second door on the left."

"Thanks," Seb said, walking down the hallway.

He knocked on the door and was greeted with a grunt. Grinning, he walked in. Jim's office was sparse; a desk, a computer, a table lamp and three chairs. Jim was sitting at his desk and then looked up.

"Hi, coffee behind you," Jim said, returning his eyes to the folder in front of him.

Seb turned and saw a very old coffee maker and four identical mugs with the LVPD logo on them. He took one and filled it almost to the brim before returning to sit in the far right chair. He sipped his coffee and listened to the hum of the air-conditioning.

"Where is that guy?" Jim said, picking up his phone. "Find the Sheriff, would you please? Thanks."

He hung up the phone with a little more force than he wanted to and blushed slightly. Ten minutes later, Sheriff Atwater walked into Jim's office. His tie was loose; there was grease on his hands, face and knees of his trousers.

"What happened to you?" Jim asked.

"Flat tire," Rory scowled, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

He sat down, took a breath and a sip of coffee and then shifted his glance to Seb.

"We're here to discuss Sofia Curtis." Seb started.

"Yes, she's on leave. Her father was in a car crash in Seattle." Rory said, smugly.

"Her father was shot in a hotel in Las Vegas," Seb said, softly.

"Oh, man. You've gotta be kidding me," Jim said, sitting forward in his chair.

"I wish to God I was. We traced her movements after Sara received the phone call. She did go to Seattle and then took the next plane back to Vegas. We went to her apartment." Seb said, pulling out a piece of paper from his briefcase.

Jim looked at the sketch. It was Grissom as a young boy. The style was very similar. Jim sighed heavily.

"This is a copy from a notebook we found." Seb remarked.

"I don't get it," Rory said, taking a big sip of his coffee.

"We did a DNA test and Sofia is Gilbert Grissom's daughter. We don't know who the mother was. We have evidence that they were close; speaking once a week. We also believe she set up her father for Christopher Kang." Seb revealed.

"So, is she after Grissom, now?" Jim asked.

"Yes, we think she's the one who planned the rooftop kidnapping,"

"Kang doesn't think she knows where the money is? She was speaking to Mr. Grissom regularly," Jim asked again.

"Apparently, he trusts her."

"He's the only one," Jim remarked before standing to pour himself more coffee.

Rory was quiet; after all, he knew Ecklie was dating Sofia. But he didn't think that Conrad had any idea about this.

"So what's the next move?" Jim asked.

"We continue to monitor her. Hopefully catch her or Kang in something. I'm not convinced that they've given up on Grissom." Seb said, thoughtfully.

"What do I do?" Rory asked, at a loss.

"Sheriff, you have spoken to FBI impersonators about sensitive issues. Your subordinate is sleeping with the enemy. I suggest you do exactly as I tell you." Seb remarked.

Rory nodded and listened to the specific instructions.

10:00am

Grissom woke again from a nightmare, sitting up quickly and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He stood and walked slowly to the bureau and pulled out a faded sweatshirt. Pulling it over his head, wincing as he stretched the tight skin from his injuries on his chest, he walked downstairs. He stopped at the bottom and stared at Lenny, sitting at the dining room table. He turned his gaze to the man sleeping on the sofa, his gun in its holster resting on the coffee table. Roger walked into the living room, stopped in the doorway, watching Grissom, recognizing the look.

"Morning, Moss, can you eat anything, yet?" he asked, continuing to the kitchen.

Grissom turned and looked at Roger, finally walking to the breakfast bar.

"Coffee, if it wouldn't be too much trouble." He said softly, his voice rough.

"That's fresh, the coffee in the pot," Lenny said, from the dining room.

Grissom visibly flinched at the sound of the other man's voice.

"For right now, coffee is off limits. Peppermint tea, decaf, is on your diet." Roger said, setting a mug of water in the microwave

It pinged two minutes later and he removed the mug. Placing the tea bag in the water, he stirred it before setting it in front of Grissom. He tried to pick it up, but his hands were shaking too much.

"Easy, Moss," Roger said, steadying him, carefully setting his hands around Grissom's as he guided the mug to is lips.

Grissom took a sip and swallowed, feeling the heat all the way down his throat. He set the mug on the counter and stood up. Picking up the mug, he disappeared into the lab room and shut the door.

11:30am

Sara woke up in an empty bed. She pulled on a pair of sweatpants and walked downstairs. Roger looked up from the sofa. Sean and Lenny were playing cards at the dining room table.

"Hi," Roger said, looking up from his book.

"Hi, where is he?"

"Lab room, last time I looked. He's unsettled. I called Andy; he should be here soon."

Sara looked at him and then the agents and walked into the lab room. He wasn't there. She walked back into the hallway and then into the guest room. Grissom was sitting on the bed, a photo in his hand and as Sara approached, he started to tear it up. She ran to him, putting her hands over his.

"No, Gil, you don't want to do this," she said softly.

He looked at the four pieces of the photo of his father and started to cry. She reached for him, pulling him close, holding him tightly, and feeling his sobs of utter despair. She felt an energy build up in him, his muscles tensed, his breathing quickened and he stood, breaking her hold. This was the Grissom she knew who was violent. He needed to strike out, to run, to box, to shoot. But he was here at the townhouse without a release. He walked into the living room and stopped, looking at the three men. Only Roger saw the violence in his eyes.

"Guys, don't move a muscle." Roger warned quietly.

The agents remained motionless as Grissom started to pace. Roger walked to the breakfast bar when Grissom's back was turned. He poured Maker's into a glass and held it out for him. Grissom took it, not breaking his stride. He drank the whole thing and walked into the kitchen over the tile floor. It felt cool under his sensitive bare feet. He fingered the glass and Roger started to get nervous.

"Put the glass down, Moss," Roger directed.

Sara walked to the doorway of the living room and watched.

Grissom looked at Roger, then at the void where the telephone and answering machine used to sit. He placed the glass slowly on the counter, his back to the room. Reaching his left arm behind him, he opened his hand. Sara walked forward and grasped it. He turned and folded her into him. She embraced him and then pulled away and walked to the staircase, leading him behind her. They walked into the bedroom. He continued into the room and she shut the door behind him. She walked up to him, trying to gauge his feelings. Suddenly he turned and started to pace again, muttering under his breath. She moved to the chair and sat to watch him. He pushed his hand through his hair and then paled. Walking swiftly to the bathroom, he managed to vomit into the bowl. Sara followed him with a wet wash cloth. The door to the bedroom opened and Andy walked in. He followed the noise to the bathroom in time to see Grissom rise from his knees.

"I spoke to Paul. Have you been taking your ulcer meds? Following your diet?" Andy asked, looking at Grissom's pale face, but getting no response.

He pulled a Prilosec and an Amoxicillin from prescription envelopes in his jacket pocket. Filling a glass with water, he handed it and the medicine to Grissom, who socked back both. Andy escorted Grissom back to the bedroom. He helped him pull off his sweatshirt and get settled in bed. Andy filled the syringe and injected Grissom.

"He should sleep for at least six hours." Andy advised softly.

"Okay, thanks," Sara replied, pulling up the sheets to Grissom's neck as he rolled over on his left side.

"Have him call when he wakes up, okay?" Andy asked.

"You bet, Andy," Sara answered, standing by Grissom's side.

Andy looked at Grissom again and then turned to leave the room. Sara waited until he left, before pulling off her sweat shirt and sweat pants. Dressed in her underwear and a tank top, she crawled into bed behind Grissom, gently folding her arms around his sleeping form.