Crimson Puddles


"You going to tell me what you got him?"

"Nah… I think you deserve to be just as surprised." She flashed him one of a very few genuine smiles, and Warrick couldn't help but chuckle. "What's so funny?" Sara asked, now staring at him in complete confusion.

"Nothing… It's just that, well, that has got to be one of the few real smiles I've seen from you for quite a while."

"Yeah, I guess it is." She let out a sharp laugh, "Thank you. I'm not sure I could do this alone."

"Do what?"

"Face him. I've been freaking out about this for the last week, and I spent the two weeks before looking for this." She finished nodding towards the box on her lap. "I just don't know what to expect from him anymore…"


"Go find her, Jimmy. It's what you have to to do; I understand. And good luck."

"Thanks, Annie, i-it means alot." Brass smiled awkwardly as they continued their meal. This is it, I'm really going to go and find her, I just hope she listens to me...


"Hey, McKeen."

"Ah, what can I do for you Brass?"

"I… I need a few days off."

"Oh, what for? We're already on a limited amount of staff, even with your friend Annie Kramer getting her transfer here to Vegas approved."

"Hmm. I didn't know about that, but, well, I've got some unfinished business in Hollywood."

"What kind of business? The last time you said that you went off chasing some crook…"

"This time it really is a family matter; my daughter."


"So, I heard Ecklie is having a bit of a spar with the Undersheriff."

"Don't you think that's a bit of an understatement there, Catherine?" Grissom smiled halfheartedly from behind his desk.

"Yeah, I'll say. Well, uh… I just have to wrap up some paperwork here, and Sofia is taking the mother down to the station."

"Ok, thanks for letting me know. Oh, and Catherine?" He waited for her to turn back around before finishing, "You did a good job."

"Thanks, and… I'm proud of you."

"For what?" He asked in confusion. She must just mean the case.

"For standing up for Nick. He does deserve that promotion more than anyone else in this lab, and it's nice seeing everyone supporting him not just because he's a victim, but because you know he's capable." Her voice faltered by the time she finished, and Grissom immediately hurried over to her.

"What's wrong, Catherine? You can tell me…" He pushed gently, not expecting the sudden outburst of emotions from his colleague.

"It should have been me, Gil! Lindsay is my daughter; I shouldn't need someone else to take care of her. He shouldn't have even been in that damn house to begin with! If I would've paid more attention, or if I would've been more careful and not gotten in the car accident he wouldn't have even left home…"

"Listen, I know it's gotta be hard on you, but Nick is a grown man. He chose to go that far to save Lindsay. We both know there isn't anyone else on this team, except maybe Warrick, that could've gotten that far. There's too many variables to even hypothesize what would've happened if any of us had been put in the situation…"

"Hey, you two, I uh, found something you might be interested in."

"Hey Bobby, what is it?"

"Well, I was kind of curious when I saw that there were shell casings and bullets in the truck that rammed you, Catherine, and I checked them against the bullets in Nick's Denali. Perfect match; the two events are connected."

"Check them with the casings of the guns collected, and put the reports on my desk, so that we can get this fully wrapped up."

"Sure thing… I hate working on cases like these, oh and, I uh, couldn't match the bullets taken from Nick's arms and leg to any of the weapons we collected."

"We need to make sure everyone working for Donovan is accounted for. I'll be down in the A/V Lab checking up on some files. Why don't you head home early, Cath? You should spend some more time with Lindsay anyway. She's gotta be scared still, and besides, there isn't much going on here right now."

"Uh, ok. I-I'll see you later then, I just want to go pick up some test results."

"Oh, hey Hodges," She had barely started when she noticed his shoulders were slumped and he was shaking slightly, "W-what's wrong?"

"I-I just went t-t-to see Nick." He took in a deep breath before making himself continue, "It was so hard… s-seeing him like that. H-he was so desperate to get out of that room; I-I spent a half-hour wheeling him around the courtyard before he fell asleep. I-it was so weird, just seeing him beaten down like that. It pissed me off; he's always been so strong, you know? It just freaking pisses me off to think that someone might've pushed him so far over the edge of a cliff that he didn't even get the chance to grab that single tree branch."

"He'll be ok, just give him time." Catherine whispered softly with tears brimming, and just waiting to fall, "Just give him time."


"Grissom."

"Ah, hello, this is Dr. Hawkes."

"Hello, uh, is there something you needed?"

"Well, Nick has been up more recently, and he's even been outside twice as of now. Anyway, I was just calling to make sure there was some type of setup planned for when he's released. It's still too soon to know when he'll be released, but he's looking pretty good, so I think he has a pretty good chance of walking again, and maybe even regaining full use of both limb after enough time. Which is why I'm really calling. Physically he is getting better, but we're rather concerned about the psychological repercussions of what happened."

"Yeah, I'll talk to some of the others here about it, and we'll make sure everything is ready."

"Good, because, I've had my share of psychological classes, not to mention personal experience, and I strongly believe that the sooner he's out of the hospital the better. I'm thinking it'll be at least a few more weeks before we can start actually coming up with some tangible results though… he could be in the hospital for a few months."


"Warrick…" Nick whispered just loud enough to get his attention. When they had entered he had been asleep, so they had both agreed to wait for him to wake, and now that he had, Sara had gone to talk to the doctor.

"Hey, buddy, you want something?" He asked as soothingly as possible.

"Yeah… want to… get out of this damn hospital."

"Yeah, I guess I should've seen that one coming, but, cheer up, I promise I'll at least stop by everyday now, and that we'll get you out of here ASAP, okay?"

"Guess I don't h-have much of a choice, do I?" Nick responded as he looked away. Warrick could see his eyes were glistening, and the subtle increased speed of his breathing worried him.

"You're gonna be ok, I swear, you're gonna be ok." Warrick whispered as soothingly as he could while he clung to Nick's left hand. After several minutes of repeating the same phrase he started to wonder if it was more to comfort himself or Nick. It wasn't until Sara appeared in the doorway carrying a much larger box that made either one move. Without hesitation Warrick took the large box and set it down, and catching a smile on Sara's face along with a wink he decided to hold off on the questions.


"You really ought to pay more attention to the news around the lab." Hodges smiled brightly as he approached Grissom. He could hardly believe what he had just overheard, but it also made him extremely happy. Things are getting better...

"What do you mean?"

"Well, for one thing, I got to witness the Sheriff ripping McKeen a new one. Said that 'Nick Stokes was a hero, and that he deserved to be treated with more respect than some lowlife scum.' Then McKeen started to get a bit defensive when the Sheriff ensured that if both you and Ecklie were recommending Nick, then he sure as hell better have the position waiting for him when he gets back."

Grissom stared at him speechless. Something about Hodges' smile was different as well. Then it hit him, he was happy for Nick finally having some good news. "I guess I'll call Catherine and tell her the good news." Then he stopped, his eyes suddenly watered. We're getting ahead of ourselves… he might not even be able to come back…


"Believe it or not, Nick, but I managed to round up some stuff for you. Thought it might make this room a bit more comfortable. Grabbed some of your pictures from your place, along with a few of your bird books, and then there's this." She offered, smiling kindly as she handed him the small, wrapped box. Warrick felt himself start to smile at the look of curiosity and the bit of happiness on Nick's face. He carefully watched the other man open the box and hold out a small, simple key.

"What's it for?"

"Well, my friend, Catherine told me about how you like to paraglide every once in a while, so I got you a locker at this one place, where you can store your very own set of wings. This is of course from Catherine, and Griss pitched in too. We've got two more set aside if Warrick and Greg ever get interested, but I've got the feeling they're too scared." Sara prodded gently. Sensing the chance to lift Nick's spirits he smiled, and took the bait.

"Now, that's a low blow, Sara. Tell her, Nick…"

"Well… you were pretty hesitant when we were working that case a few years back. You seemed pretty doubtful when I said it'd be fun..." Warrick was about to add something when a gentle jab from Sara's elbow in his arm stopped him.

"He's asleep." She whispered as he slowly looked back over to his best friend only to see him slumped back against his pillows with his eyes closed peacefully, and a slight smile still on his face. "It worked, at least for now. Just hope I don't have to 'bribe' him too much… well, I'm gonna go catch some sleep before shift, or do you want to grab something to eat?"

"Nah… I think I'm gonna stay here for a bit, you know, watch him for a while, make sure he doesn't have any nightmares."

"Ok, well, maybe I'll stop in later, but otherwise I'll see you tonight."

"Yeah, oh, and thanks Sara. Thanks for not letting me take the easy way out… we both needed this a lot more than I realized."

"No problem, and maybe I'll give Greg a call, let him know that Nick seems to be doing a lot better, and that we got him to laugh for the first time in the last month."


"Hey, baby, what's wrong?" Catherine immediately asked as she gently pulled her crying daughter into a tight hug.

"I… I had a nightmare. I dreamt that Nick di-didn't make it, and that we w-were stuck in th-the car. He was so s-scared, Mom. I've never seen anyone that scared. And, he… he was crying when he made me promise to keep going no matter what…"

"Of course he was scared, sweetheart. But the important thing is that he managed to do what he needed to even though he was afraid. See, Lindsay, bravery and courage… it isn't people who aren't afraid. The people who are really brave and courageous are the ones that take risks when they're afraid and scared. It doesn't that Nick was scared, what matters is that he still did as much as he could to keep you safe, and he did just that."

"But… why? He didn't care that he could've died, and it just doesn't make sense…"

Catherine nodded solemnly before answering, "Well, sweetie, sometimes people make decisions that don't benefit them. Nick… well, he knew how much you meant to me, as well as to him, so he did everything he could to keep you safe, he was willing to save you from the pain he's already suffered."

"Yeah, but why? Daddy never did anything like that…"

"No, he didn't, but he should have. Linds, there are certain things that we can't really explain in life, and why he risked his life to save you… well that's one of them. Just know that he cared that much about you, about us, and that he felt that it was, in a way, his duty to help you. He was the one there, no one else, and he did what he felt was right. Kind of like that time when you were really little, and Nick was giving you a piggyback ride when your dad showed up drunk."

"And Nick f-forced him to l-l-leave…"

"Yeah. You see, Nick is the kind of guy that hates to see others in pain. He loves helping people, and he never backs down from doing the right thing, or, if he does, he feels more guilty than you could even begin to comprehend. I know it may be hard to understand; you haven't really met anyone like him. Warrick is pretty much the same way, I try to be, but some people have more to think about, like family, their lives. Nick is ready to give that up, while, people like me, aren't as willing because we love people, like you, as much as we do."

"I guess I k-kinda understand. I just can't help but think that its my fault…"

"Oh, baby, it is not your fault. It's not even Nick's fault. The fault belongs to the men who did this to you. They were the ones who made the decisions to try to hurt you, and that hurt Nick."

"Will he be able to walk again?"

"The doctors think it's a good possibility, and I'm sure he'll pull through this. And, since you're done with your school stuff, maybe we should go visit him." Without warning her cell phone went off, she bit her lip and almost turned it off until she noticed it was Sara.

"Hey, Catherine. I was just calling to let you know that Nick seems to be doing a lot better. Warrick and I managed to get him to really laugh for a little bit before he fell asleep. God, it was so nice seeing even that small bit of a smile on his face… Anyway, I just thought you'd like to know. He moved around more than he has before, so I think that's a good sign. Warrick is still sitting with him, and I just finished calling Grissom, Greg is next on my list."

"Ok, thanks, that's… really good to know, we were just going to go see him."


Catherine made sure she was the first to enter the room, and stopped when she saw Nick lying silently in his bed with his eyes closed. She gently bit her lip and started to turn to leave when she heard a quiet whimper. She sighed before going back into the hallway to face Lindsay and her mother.

"Is he awake? Can we see him?" Lindsay asked delicately as she took note of the look on her mother's face.

"Listen honey, I'm not sure if he's awake, but if he is then he's in a lot of pain, and if not, then he's in the middle of a really bad nightmare. I-I'm going to go in for a bit, but I want you to stay out here, and wait for me, ok? I'm so sorry, but I'm not sure you'll be able to… to uh, see him today…"

"But you prom-"

"I know, sweetie, but Nick is in really bad shape, and I'm not sure he'd want you to see him l-like this. Please, this is going to be hard for everyone, but please trust me Lindsay."

"Okay, okay." Lindsay repeated quietly as she watched her mother turn to go back into the room before she decided to add, "I love you."

Catherine smiled, and moved back to give her daughter a quick kiss on her forehead, "I love you too… more than you'll ever know." She offered another weak smile and turned to go back into the room; trying to brace herself for what she suspected was going to be the most difficult situation she'd ever face in her entire life.


Warrick wasn't sure how long he sat, staring idly at the massive TV that was currently off. He wiped the salty water from his eyes as he fumbled with his wallet. It held only the essential items, and the carefully opened a single flap that allowed two items to fall into his open palm. Tears started to fall once more as he fingered the quarter idly, choosing to focus more intently on the picture of him sitting on a long bench with Nick at one of the yearly softball games. You're going to be ok… you're gonna be fine… I know it…

"That was a great thing you did today, Sara. I-I'm proud of you. You made a nearly broken man smile and laugh today; you should be-"

"Be what, Griss? Happy? No. No, it doesn't work that way. See, he has to suffer with the possibilities of what he may never be able to do again. I just want to know. I hate not knowing how he's going to come of all of this. I hate this waiting, I hate knowing that he's still going through a living hell…"


"So why did you really take this job, Paul?"

"Well, this is Vegas. For one, it has the second best crime lab in the country, and plus, there's never a dull moment."

"Yeah, never a dull moment. I wish there was, though. I mean a few years ago I'd have been right on board, saying you were right, saying how great it is to have the constant excitement right at your fingertips. But… well now, I'd say it sucks. We encounter all sorts of people in our job. Criminals, bystanders, and victims… you just don't realize how hard the victims have it until you're either one yourself, or someone close to you is. I-I guess what I'm trying to say is that, seeing Nick go through hell has really shaken me up… I get so scared to say anything too… because I'm afraid I might be the one to push him over the edge. I don't want to be the final straw that makes him explode, or shatter, or whatever the hell is going to happen."

"You know something, Greg? You have to stop for a minute and think. You can't let him try to deal with this alone. If you get burned from your efforts then so what? He's the one who is really suffering here. You gotta stop treating him like glass; treat like you would on any other day, and then I bet you'll see him being a lot happier than he's been in a long time. Meanwhile, you work your hardest to cut off the gossip in the lab. I can help with that, because I promise you the last thing he wants is to be the center of everyone's attention."

"Yeah, but, with all due respect, you have no idea how hardthat isgonna be." They sat in an awkward silence as they stared vacantly at the glasses in front of them. Greg's final comment lingered in the air, silently contemplating what was going to happen next.


Her shoes clicked on the tile floor as she walked up to the bed. Catherine frowned as she watched Nick trembling with his eyes closed tight. His tears mixed with the sweat on his face, and she bit her lip as he let out another whimper.

"Nick… come on, Nick, you have to wake up now… come on, it's ok. It isn't real; you're going to be ok. I promise… just wake up." She gently shook his shoulder, her voice becoming more desperate as his whimpering grew worse. Nothing prepared her for seeing his eyes open wide with a final whimper that was even more unbearable than the others. His breathing quickened and she grabbed his left hand, hoping she could find a way to help him.

After several minutes Nick started to regain some control of himself. The sickening images of his nightmare were beginning to fade, though he knew he would never forget it. His eyes focused briefly on Catherine, but he quickly looked away, unable to really look at her. Just great, you're breaking up in front of everyone… it'll be a miracle if you ever have someone respect you again. I'm sure I'll have plenty of gossip… the talking about me, the damn looks of pity, and the constant supervision. That ought to be great going back to; that is, if you ever go back. You stupid, useless moron… Go figure, only I could screw up my life like this. At least she's ok, she'll probably be scared for the rest of her life, and you let it happen, hell you made it worse…

"Hey." She waited for a few moments for him to reply, and when he didn't she held back a sigh of disappointment. Instead she rose and sat by his side on the bed. Without a word she gingerly helped him sit up, and she pulled him into a tight hug. It took her a few minutes of having the younger man crying into her shoulder to realize that she wasn't crying anymore. "You're going to get better, Nick. Just let it all out. I'm here for you, I'll always be there for you."

"Y-you d-don't hate me?"

The weak voice nearly made her cringe, but it was the words that really started to frighten her. A new wave of pain surged through her as she felt Nick's chest move in and out rapidly as he tried to breathe through his sobs. "Y-you saved my daughter, Nick, I could never hate you. I've never hated you, either. You're like my family, a brother that I've never really had, and you were so amazing. I don't know anyone who would've gone through all of this for someone else." Catherine stopped and gave Nick a gentle squeeze with her arms, it pained her to realize Nick couldn't even raise his right arm, and his left arm was weakly clinging to the back of her shirt to keep it in place.

"I-I think we should h-have that talk n-now."

"Whenever you're ready, Nick. Whenever you're ready…" Catherine answered and braced herself for what would most likely be the hardest conversation she'd ever faced or would ever face in her entire life. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be right here for you."


To Be Continued…


Notes: Sorry this took so long to post, but over the last three weeks I've been gone for a total of 11 days. Thus, writing and getting the chance to post, while keeping up with school was essentially impossible. But, I am going to have a lot more time on my hands after this weekend, so I should be able to update and post a bit more often. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you take the time to review!


Next Chapter: Nick and Catherine have their conversation. Meanwhile, the rest of the team begins their task of making sure Nick doesn't have a hard time coming back to the lab.