It was brought to my attention that my post on 3/5 at 7:30 a.m. didn't go through for some odd reason. I can see it under my account! Anyways, this is the second post, same day, but much later (11 p.m. just is way too late fora post!). Wishing for the best!

Title: And the Thunder Rolls

By: duffshel

Author's Note: Huh, some people thought that last chapter ending was a cliffhanger…huh…well, then. Have to be careful from now on then. Can't have anymore of those. Nothing, but smooth sailing from here on out now guys! No more owies, no more drama, and no more storm. Let's get them on out and back to the lab. Then we can solve the case and everyone's happy. Right? Sound good? Yeah…I agree…let's not and say we did! As always, enjoy, read, review, appreciation, thank you and what-not. Until the middle of the next week! Bye!

#8: A strange new perfume blows…

It was getting late. Catherine was beginning to seriously regret offering to help out the swing shift with that case at the Tangiers. It had been simple enough, but now she had to get ready to start her normal graveyard case. And with the boys out in Boulder City, there was going to be even more work for them to do.

Her shoes clapped on the tiles of the hallway as she made her way towards Grissom's office. There had been nothing more to do with swing and she had yet to find Sara walking around. Something had to be left for graveyard to do. But the door was closed.

Catherine frowned as she took in the wooden barrier. It wasn't often that this door was closed. She strained her ears for any sounds on the other side. There were none. Her hand rapped lightly and she took a step back to wait. It wasn't more than thirty seconds until the door opened.

"Catherine? Case wrapped?" Grissom reached up to remove his glasses as he took in the blonde CSI standing in his doorway.

"Yeah, nothing too difficult with a cheating husband and his hooker. Wife practically tap danced her confession. I signed off on it to swing. Now, anything we need to work on?"

Grissom moved away from his door and walked around his desk. His chair waited patiently for his body. It welcomed him fully. The glasses rested on the papers from the file the supervisor had been looking at for the part twenty minutes.

"You hear from the guys?"

"Still haven't gotten a call?" Catherine's delicate eyebrows raised high on her brow.

"No. Nothing from any of the three or from Brass even. Something's not right."

"Have you tried calling the police station?"

The comment caught Grissom off guard. He had been so worried about getting a call from one of his guys, he hadn't even thought about calling the police station itself. It made perfect sense, but it had slipped past his grasp. Grissom shook his head slightly and berated himself for a moment. He was fully aware that Catherine's eyes were on his face.

"You didn't did you." It wasn't a question. The volume in her voice dropped off at the end. She knew better. Sometimes that man just grated on her nerves. He was brilliant, but he could be really dense more times than she could count of her fingers.

"Didn't even think about it, to be honest."

Smiling slightly, Catherine didn't bother saying anything else as she reached for her phone. It flipped open tightly and the screen caused her face to light up with a soft blue glow. The speed dial went straight through to the operator for the station. The voice was pleasant and gladly placed Catherine's call through to the Boulder City Police Department.

She winked at Grissom as he watched her like one of his racing cockroaches. It was a look of well hidden confusion and discomfort. Normally she would take great pleasure in getting this look out of the normally controlled and in charge man, but not now. Now the phone was answered.

"Yes, this is Catherine Willows with the Las Vegas lab. I'm calling about a case that three of our CSI's went out to work. We haven't heard from them and would like to talk with them."

Grissom's face got tighter as Catherine's frown forced two delicate wrinkles to show lightly across her forehead. The plumpness of her cheek was pulled in as she chewed on her inner cheek. Her fingers on her left hand began tapping to an off beat that she could only hear.

"And you're sure about this?"

Now her lips puckered inward. Her weight shifted.

"No one has looked?"

There was a third wrinkle line in her forehead now. Her eyes starred straight downward.

"Alright. Please make a note to contact us as soon as you know something…Uh huh…That would be greatly appreciated."

Catherine flipped her phone closed and held it tightly in her grip. Her knuckles went white as she thought about what she had just heard in that sweet voice on the other end of the line. Secretaries shouldn't be allowed to sound so nice when giving such troubling news.

"Well?"

That one word was so emotionally unlike Grissom that she looked up sharply. She had forgotten for a second that she was in the entomologist's office. Taking a deep breath and looking her friend right in the eye, Catherine readied herself.

"They're not there. Seems there were several tornados in the area. City is wrecked. Safety crews are busy helping out as many people as they can. Hospital is parked. It's possible they're still at the school."

"None of their officers were still present?"

"No. The sheriff wanted them out and back at the station due to the bad weather," Catherine chucked sarcastically, "But our guys were fine enough to be left behind it seems."

Grissom sat back heavily in his chair, his fingers rushing to pinch the bridge of his nose. He quickly ran through all the meteorology information he knew, but was coming up sadly short. Tornados were not things he knew much about. It was something that he should never have to worry about in this city, this area.

"So no one knows where the twisters touched down?"

'Didn't ask," Catherine shook her head, "But we need to get a hold of them. Now."

Her phone once again flipped open and her fingers flew over the buttons. First one number, than another. And another. Her eyes showed her fear to Grissom as he watched her. As her hand shook on the last try, he lifted himself from his seat enough to reach across the desk and take the phone from her. There was noise on the other end.

"The customer you are currently trying to reach is out of service or is out of area. Please contact your local cellular dealer for more information. The customer you are currently trying to reach is out of service or is out of area. Please contact your local cellular dealer for more information. The customer you are currently trying to reach…"

With a quiet sound of disgust, Grissom closed the phone and rested it against his forehead, "Who?"

"Nick, but Warrick's was the same. Greg's went to his voice mail. Should I have left a message?"

Her voice sounded so uncertain to Grissom, "No, it's fine. We just need to get over there."

Grissom was on his feet before Catherine could even blink. Her body moved before her brain and before she knew it, she was following him out into the sudden too bright hallway of the lab. The safe lab. Away from the outside world. Sure, they looked over evidence from violent acts, but it was relatively safe here from that. But her boys were out there. Somewhere. And she didn't know where.

"What do you mean? We're driving to Boulder City!"

His stride was longer than hers, but he slowed enough to turn around to look back, "Only place we can find them. I'll drive."

They continued to walk in silence, but determination. Now they had some sort of plan to set into motion. Grissom felt better now that he had something to focus on. And he would have plenty of time on the drive to get his speech in line.

!#$&()!#$&()!#$&()+

Warrick could hear his voice shouting about how Nick was being stupid and should just sit his ass down. He should just admit that he was injured and needed some help. And some rest. Too bad he couldn't get the words out past his lips. Hearing voices inside your head, even your own, was supposed to be a bad thing.

The three girls were walking almost on top of each other as the moved from one room to another. It was something he never understood about women. Always had to go into the bathroom in packs and had to cling onto another when something stressed them out. Warrick would pay see a couple of guys doing the same things. No way was he going to go over and hold Nick's hand through this.

Brass had taken the lead and was marching with determination in front of him. He didn't even bother to ask for any sort of direction as to where this hole was. Seemed to Warrick the detective would just find it by some sort of miracle.

It was silent and damp in the band room. Just as they had left it only a short time ago. Nothing had sprouted from the floor and was waiting to gobble them up in a moment's notice. But Brass had stopped right in front of his followers. Warrick side stepped him.

"It's over here."

With a nod of his head, Warrick walked away from the group and headed towards their artificial window to the outside world. It was dark outside. Flicking his wrist, Warrick uncovered his watch and rubbed at the face. It was officially the night now. But he could still hear the pattering of the rain. It wasn't as strong, but it was still very present.

"Dang, you guys weren't kidding when you said it was small," Brass's deep baritone was suddenly right behind his right ear.

"Yeah, Greg would never have a chance."

Both men shared a look and looked back behind them. Nick was standing as straight as he could, hand resting on his hip. The three girls were trying to all hide behind his bulk. Amber looked to be shaking slightly.

Warrick leaned closer to Brass, "Jim, you really think we should do this?"

A sigh escaped, the words heavy, "We need to get someone out of here and get someone to help us."

"Hey, before it slips my mind again," Nick suddenly called, his body becoming straighter, "Cell phones."

It was simply two words, but it caused both Warrick and Brass to jump and begin patting down their bodies. Nothing was found. Warrick frowned as he tried to figure out what could have happened to his phone. He knew he had it when they walked into the building, into this room.

"Oh shit."

"Huh?"

"Put the damn thing in my kit. It's over there," Warrick threw his head towards the rubble that laughed at him from under that damn truck.

Brass shook his head, "Must have lost my radio. Nothing."

"Worth a shot. I hadn't even thought of it until Andy and I were alone with the kids. Have to use the hole."

Nick shuffled a little as he looked around him. He wanted out. Really badly. It was larger and there were people with him, but it was still closed off and suffocating. With a small way out. They had to get moving and get someone outside.

He slowly turned towards the frightened group behind him. This was one of those few moments he actually felt really tall. Warrick had him beat; Grissom and Greg were pretty damn close if not worst with shoes. Hell, even the female CSI's were tall. But now with these teenagers, he was the one looking down on the top of their heads.

"Okay, we need to get down there. Take your time, watch your footing. Real easy to twist an ankle or something."

Natalie sniffled and looked up, "Who's going out?"

"Have to get down there and take a look, won't we."

The Texan turned back towards the mess he had been a part of and began to force his feet to move forward. His feet had minds of their own. It was enough to make sure he didn't fall flat on his face. The rubber band that had wrapped around his chest was getting tighter.

Warrick reached out a hand to steady Nick as he stumbled. The extra weight of his friend pulled his body forward, adding stress to his leg. It was enough to remind the taller CSI that his muscles were going to need a long vacation after this.

"Okay, bro?"

"Yeah, yeah," Nick brushed his hands off, coughing slightly.

Out of the girls, Susie was the first to reach the three men. Her eyes were large in the dim lighting as she looked over the hole. Slowly, her left hand reached forward as if she was going to touch something new and special. But her arm stopped short.

Amber took up space at her left, Natalie to the right. Different emotions were present, but fear was strong on both feminine faces. And understanding came clear onto Natalie's.

"So, who wants to try first?" Brass asked quietly, trying to not scare them anymore.

It was Amber that stepped forward first, "I'll try."

Nick suddenly got a chill up and down his spine. It caused his shoulders to shutter. His face scrunched up in confusion at the sudden bodily reaction. Sure, this was nothing new. As his mother had always said, someone was probably talking about him in either anger, jealously, or deep concern. But it was an odd time. He shrugged it off.

"Once you get through, we'll pass you my light," Brass explained, looking Amber right in the eye, "And wait until someone else joins you. Then make your way to the police station. Let them know what has happened and that we need immediate help here."

"Y-y-yes sir."

Her voice got caught up on her gasp. Though Nick could hardly blame her considering. She was doing well, brave face on now as she turned towards the tiny exit. It was a slight upward climb, then forward. Brass and Warrick helped to steady her as she arranged her arms into the space. Nick found himself turning away with a grimace.

It was tiny and rough. Amber grunted as she pushed her body upward, ramming her shoulders forward. A rock pulled at her cloths, but she squirmed away from it. Large hands helped hold her legs, her feet. They gave her something to push against as her hands scrambled for holds. A slight cry of energy and Amber was suddenly tumbling forward towards the ground.

"She's through," Warrick breathed in relief as he wiped at his forehead.

Turning his eyes back towards the proceedings, Nick watched as Natalie gently pushed Susie forward, a smile on her face. The other girl didn't bother saying anything, just got herself ready as she waited for Brass to pull back from where he was handing over the flashlight.

"Ready?"

It seemed that Warrick was looking straight at Nick when the question was asked. Nick could sense that it was partly for him, but for the life of him couldn't figure out why. But those green eyes stayed on his face for a moment longer as Susie moved into place.

She was a little larger than Amber, her way not as easy. Brass grunted as her foot slipped and knocked him in the chest. He slapped a palm on the flat of her foot and let her push off it. She had to twist and pull a little more. But she got out as well.

Both faces remained at the other side of the hole for a minute. The flashlight was one, their faces eerily lit up from underneath. Their hair was quickly getting plastered against their scalps as the rain fell from the sky to wash them.

Brass grinned a little, "Good luck, kids."

Then they were gone. Warrick took a deep breath and moved his hands to his lower back. His pelvic muscle shifted forward, a twinge of pain running from his toes to his shoulders. But there was a weight gone that he hadn't realized was even there. Help would be coming soon.

"Well, no point to stay in here. Should head back and check on Greg."

Nick nodded. He wanted to sit back down. His eyes were getting heavy and his head was really starting to hurt. It was too much at that moment to remain upright on his feet. And it seemed he wasn't fooling anyone by the two critical looks he was now getting. Nick turned his attention to Natalie to escape them.

She was hugging herself tightly as she starred at the place her two classmates had just left her through. Her body was tight as Nick rested a hand on her shoulder to help divert her attention. He could have sworn she truly had jumped a foot into the air in surprise. But she didn't make a single sound. Only turned and headed towards the band room door.

"Come on Nick. Have to take a look at that cut of yours," Brass mumbled as he moved to follow after the girl.

"Yeah man. Ya need to get off your feet for a bit. Let's go."

Now Nick had Warrick's hand on his shoulder to get him into motion. But he didn't jump. No, he didn't have the energy to do anything than let his form be moved around. And to concentrate on where he was walking. One serious cut was enough for one night.

!#$&()!#$&()!#$&()+

Greg tapped his fingers on the table that rested under the dying body of the band director. He was used to dead people for the most part, but the dying people issue was still something he didn't like. There was no way to know what was going on in the band room, but he sure hoped it was something good. Greg was worried he would lose it if Warrick and Nick walked back in with all three girls.

His attention was drawn to Andrew as the cop moved the injured man's arm a little. A small groan escaped the man, but his eyelids didn't even flutter even in his pain. Greg didn't want to know what was wrong with him. It would only make his worry more and feel even worse.

"You think someone got out?"

The quiet question forced Andrew to move his eyes up slowly to look at Greg's drawn face. He searched his brain for any reassuring and hopeful lies, but was coming up short. Nothing he could say would work. He didn't believe in any of it enough to pull it off.

"No idea, man. Just have to wait and see."

"How?"

Andrew raised an eyebrow at the quick, new question, "What do you mean?"

"How can you say that and look so positive about all of this?"

"You really think I look positive? Cause, man Greg, I'm shaking in my shoes right now. I've been through a lot of shit in my time, but this is defiantly new enough to cause a little fear. Just have to shove it down and not let it rein."

The CSI downcast his eyes as he thought about it, "And the kids, huh."

"Yeah, that too. Always have to be strong for others. They're looking at us for what they should do. Have to be good role models and such."

Greg could hear the slight grin at the end of the response. He didn't know if the boys could hear what him and Andrew were talking about since they were having their own little discussion. But he wasn't about to risk raising his voice much.

"If we're role models man, something is terribly wrong in the world."

"What?" Andrew sat down in another chair across the table from Greg, "Ya think we'd be that bad? Hell, I think we could do some good."

A snort and a grin erupted from Greg, "Yeah, maybe with a puppy, dude. But not with a person."

"Hmm, well…I had a puppy once. Damn thing ate my favorite pair of shoes. He lives with my sister now. Now, he's the perfect dog."

"Just like you to mess up a dog, Andy."

Both men chuckled softly, "You have any pets Greg?"

But the question was put on hold by Sam walking over to the table, his face set in distress. Andrew was worried at once that he had been injured somehow and needed some help. A quick look over him proved to show he was free of blood. Maybe he was just nervous.

"I gotta use the restroom."

Greg looked confused for a second before his thoughts cleared, "Oh, yeah. Bathroom is good, man. Just be careful and don't go anywhere else."

Sam nodded and moved quickly towards the door. He brushed through just as Natalie was making her way in. More voices in the hallway proved that the guys were on their way as well. Greg exhaled in pure exhalation as he didn't see anymore teenage girls burst in.

"Think we should have let him go alone?"

It was a logical question. Greg just didn't know how to answer it.

!#$&()!#$&()!#$&()+

The night air was chilly. It caused goose bumps to form with great definition over the thin arms and necks. Their feet moved quickly, barely leaving any impressions in the earth. If someone had been following them, they left no tracks to be of much help. But the ground was too muddy for anything to matter anyways.

Winds rushed, pushed, and stabbed as the girls jogged down the deserted street. The beam of the flashlight bounced with each movement, giving a sad beckon to what might be in their path. But neither dared to slow their steps. It wasn't a short walk to the police station from the school.

Several cars were turned in odd directions, a Focus on its roof, tires helpless in the air. A tree had been uprooted and tossed into a living room of a small ranch house. A pink flamingo hung from a dangling telephone wire.

Small eyes darted around looking for any form of danger. Both girls weren't going to go all girly and just simply run stupid like all those blondes in the scary movies. They were going to use their heads and get help in a timely manner.

Sirens sounded, red and blue lights were up ahead, around the corner. Footsteps became quicker. Eyes widened, breath became harder as they moved along. This was better than having to go all the way to the station. A police car was almost to the corner. Help was just up and around the bend.

There were suddenly two gasps. Two thuds. Nothing, but the sound of rain and a sudden panting. The rain water carried the crimson blood towards the sewer as it flowed from two different wounds.

Blue and red lights continued to flash. But the car turned away and went down the other part of the street. Headlights never lit up this part of the street.

Breathing stopped before there was a chance to call out. The panting slowed and a smile formed. White teeth flashed in the beam of light that was now facing backwards. A figure moved quickly away. Back towards the school.

TBC…