Summary: There's evil once again in the city of sin. Whatever happens in Vegas…might just kill ya.

Timeline: Sequel to Poisonous Fear (recommended that one is read first), Early/Mid Season Six

Spoilers: Grave Danger, Bodies in Motion, Shooting Stars, Gum Drops, Daddy's Little Girl, several references to other episodes

Disclaimer: This is all written in fun. Everything CSI is not mine and never will be. It belongs to the creative talent of the actors, the writers, the directors, and the producers. I am not making any money off of this. Only meant to offer something new on something already so great. No reason to sue.

Title: To Whom It May Concern

By: duffshel

Author's Note: Head's up on this chapter. This is where we're really going to get off from the season as we knew it. Having some fun with it and making it work. Hope everyone likes the new twists on it. Thanks for my couple of reviewers on the last chapter. Good to know you're still here with me. But I have to say, poor Warrick! No one seemed to concerned about our dear CSI. Only Nick and he wasn't even in any trouble…yet, interesting I must say. So, let's find out some more of what's going on! See ya next time!

Chapter 16:

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me.
The Carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality
Emily Dickinson

present…

Another day had come and gone. Nick was going out of his mind. Writing was consuming his entire life it seemed. No matter what was going on around him, all he could think about was what he could be or should be writing in that damn journal.

Here he was, trying to enjoy a day out with the guys, but couldn't get his mind away from the hidden desk in the sanctuary of his bedroom. After all the time he had been forced to spend there, he had been sure he would have never wanted to voluntarily stay in his house anymore. But this was too distracting out here, in the real world.

Warrick and Greg walked ahead of him, pointing a stuff they saw in the various window displays. The youngest CSI claimed he needed some new work clothes and enlisted the other two for their help. It was meant to help, get the two out of their respective houses since they weren't cleared for work just yet. Nick just didn't seem to be up to it no matter how hard he tried.

It was a popular part of town for both outsiders and natives so there were a lot of people milling around. A pair of flustered young people chased after their two young children into one of the candy stores that was present. Nick felt himself smile a little at the display, remembering times when he had done the same thing to his own parents.

He was barely prepared for when Warrick and Greg finally turned into a store. Nick didn't bother looking at the name since he really didn't plan on buying anything. His mind was still stuck back in the casino parking garage with Kelly as his passenger.

They had been taken to a large clothing store from the look of things once Nick got fully inside the building. It always amazed him how many shirts and pants could be possible in one place like that. Maybe he was too southern or something, but he didn't see the need to own so many different things of the same thing. Some jeans, some t-shirts, sweatshirts were just great. Of course, he had finer things ready for those events outside the house and the occasional suit for appearances in court.

Greg immediately bee-lined it for a large display of jeans. There were six different varieties set up, each with its own mannequin and sign of description. It was almost overwhelming to the laidback Texan.

"You should get those."

Nick startled and looked at Greg's expectant eyes, "Huh?"

"You should get those jeans there. And you should try a darker color, not black though."

"Alright Martha Stewart. Didn't know you suddenly became the teacher in jeans."

"Oh give the little guy a break, man," Warrick walked over with a smile, "He's just trying to infect you with his taste. Fortunately, we've become immune to it over the years."

"Ha ha, I forgot to laugh," Greg scowled as he turned back to the denims in front of him.

Nick shook his head and wandered off after Warrick. The taller man was walking towards the men's shirt section. In hindsight, Nick would come to regret this decision more than staying in denim world with Greg.

"Hey, this is a nice shirt," Warrick pulled a hanger off the rack and held up a blue silk shirt. The man didn't even bother looking at the price, just the size.

Feeling bored, Nick let his eyes drift to other areas of the store. There were a lot of younger shoppers, mostly couples. No one older than them was there, not even as workers. Nick suddenly felt ancient and uncomfortable. He shifted a little closer to Warrick who stopped to look at him.

Warrick thought quickly and disguised his real concern at the action, "Hey, what do you think of this?"

Blinking quickly Nick looked back at the shirt Warrick was holding up, "Not too bad. Out of my price range though."

"Bah, nothing is out of your range if you don't let it. Just need to improve your style, bro and you'll be wearing the finest cottons and silks in all the world."

Nick rolled his eyes as he watched Warrick smirk at him. He knew the other man was trying to rile him into talking about whatever was bothering him. They hadn't been best friends for no reason.

"No thanks. Basic cotton works just fine. Covers the body and that's all I need."

"Covers it and makes you look like a complete bum. You know, the ladies would have more fun with you if you dressed the part better."

"Oh, and what part would that be?"

"The one of respectable, suave Texan. You got the accent and the charm down, but the clothes, dude, you're hurting there."

Chuckling, Nick shook his head and looked Warrick straight in the eye. For a flash, the store was gone, the laughter was gone. All that was left was darkness, fear, and screams. It forced Nick to shiver a little.

"Nick?"

In a whirlwind of colors and sound, the store was back with Warrick looking straight at him with pure calculation, "Oh yeah, sorry. Been thinking about a lot of stuff lately. Must be finally getting to me."

"Yeah, sure," But Warrick sounded far from sure, "How about you pick something out here and then we'll go get the wild child from over there. I could go for some food."

"But I don't need any new clothes. And besides, I can't be spending this kind of money on leave. Need that overtime to afford stuff like this."

Warrick plastered the smile back on his face and picked up a red shirt in the same make as the blue one, "Alright, suit yourself. I'll go pay and you go get Greg."

"Sure thing, boss," Nick nodded and walked back over to the wall of denim. Greg was no where to be found. Turning in a slow circle, Nick took in every inch of the store he could see without having to move. A frown formed as irrational panic swelled up.

It was something he had been fighting for a long time since the last time. If someone was missing or out of his sights for too long, Nick found himself having a panic attack from worry about that person. No one else knew about this new little problem. It was his own and that's how it was going to stay.

A second spin proved that Greg wasn't where he could see him, but he could see Warrick up in the check out line. Part of his heart didn't have to beat quite as hard anymore since he knew someone else in the area. He wasn't totally alone.

"Greg?" It was quiet, meant only for the area around him. A young blonde turned to look at him, but didn't do more than stare for a moment. She had more important things to do than look at the panicking man in the jeans department.

His breathing was getting harsher, jumpier. Sweat broke out across his forehead and upper lip. Another spin, but still nothing.

Nick tried to tell himself it was okay, it was a store. There were several places Greg could be. But it wouldn't quite about whether or not he was there under his own power, if he had chosen to go somewhere else.

The blonde girl looked at him again and all he could see was Kelly looking back at him. Her face was pale and void. Blonde tresses were limp and greasy. Neither eye showed signs of life.

A hand fell on his right shoulder and Nick almost collapsed to the ground under its weight. But his knees locked up and his hands curled into fists. A person was moving around him, coming to the front side of his body.

"Nick? Where's Warrick?" Greg asked, not even dreaming about what was happening in Nick's mind.

The sight of the younger man, whole and unharmed almost was enough to explode his racing heart from out of his chest. Everything crashed into him. Nick couldn't believe what he had been thinking. Of course Greg was okay.

His mouth opened and closed a few times before he was finally about to get words behind the motions, "He…he's in the line. Where were you?"

"Dressing room. Had to try these jeans on to see if they would fit. Never owned a pair in this cut so I wanted to make sure. Hey, you okay?"

Nick wiped a hand across his lips trying to remove some of the signs of his panic, "Yeah, just couldn't figure out where you ran off to in this place. Warrick wants to go get some food."

He really hoped he sounded as calm and smooth out loud as he did in his head. From the slight frowning of Greg's face, Nick knew he hadn't been totally successful.

"Sure thing. I gotta go purchase these and we can be off," Greg gave one more look before moving towards the end of the line, right behind Warrick.

The shorter CSI leaned towards Warrick, mouth moving. But Nick was too far away to hear what they were saying about him. He did catch the looks they threw his way.

Nick shook his head and headed for the door. He would wait for them outside. They could have their discussion behind his back without having to worry about him walking over. And maybe his hands would dry by the time they came out.

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

Like the clothing store, the restaurant was busy. They had been stupid and let Greg pick the place they were to eat. It was one of those places that was a mesh of everything; you could get almost everything you wanted. But as it came with such things, it wasn't always wise to actually get anything too odd there. Food poisoning could be a real bitch.

Nick munched on the fries that came with his burger, not really tasting anything that went down. They had been faking conversation since they got there, but so far, nothing too exciting came up. All in all, it was about as awkward as the three of them could get.

Greg focused solely on his meal, adding in a few words here and there as he went along, but nothing substantial. His eyes flickered around, taking in the other two. He was a little worried about Nick since his freak out in the clothing store. When he had come back to that section, he had come across an extremely confused CSI. And the response to everything didn't make him feel any better.

He didn't know if he should bring it up now or tell Warrick on his own later. Nick might not appreciate being the center of attention once again. It happened too much and Greg couldn't bring himself to do it to his friend. So, he kept his thoughts to himself.

They were all on autopilot and it was beginning to piss Warrick off. He knew he had missed something by the looks Greg was giving to Nick and the looks Nick was giving the floor. And he really didn't like being out of any loops. It was just something that didn't work for the taller CSI.

"So, when's your provisionary test Nick?"

"I dunno. I've got to get signed off by the doc and have Ecklie say it's alright for me to start getting back into work. Could be awhile knowing my luck."

"Nah, you'll get back in, just fine," Greg managed to mumble out around a mouthful of food.

Warrick cringed at the sight, "Gross, man. Just gross. You're momma teach you that one?"

"Sure did. It's how we did it back out in California. You'd be jealous and so out of place if you went there."

"No problems then. Never planning to go there."

"Oh, but Warrick," Nick tried to smirk in his old way, "If we lock Greg up here, maybe then it'll be alright since he won't be there to dumb down the entire state. They'll still be civilized for us."

"Hey, you're on to something with that one!"

Greg faked laughed and rolled his eyes, "Good one. Must have killed a few brain cells coming up with that stuff."

"But it was worth it. Have to admit," Warrick leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together in his lap.

"Whatever lets you guys sleep at night. I'll just ignore you and it won't matter anyways."

Nick laughed, "What? Are you two in kindergarten or something? Should I go get the teacher?"

"Only if she is wearing a short skirt and has smooth skin," Warrick added his own laugh in.

All three couldn't help, but to laugh now. They had gone from awkward sentences to complete stupidity in no time. And now they were talking about teachers.

"Now 'Rick," Nick pointed his finger at the taller man, "What would Tina saw about something like that? I could tell her and we could find out if you wanted."

"Yeah and you open your mouth on that one Tex, and you'll be eating out of a straw for the rest of your life."

"Tina wouldn't let you hurt a hair on the top of my head. I'm her favorite after all. She would defend me first over you."

"Oh and don't I know it. Woman is married to me, but she would lay her life down for you first. Thinking I got ripped somewhere along the way."

"Nick's just better looking than you," Greg coughed out.

"At least we know you're no competition for anything with us Greggo. You would have problems getting a toad even if you worked at it."

None cared about the looks they were getting from the other patrons of the place. They were having fun and finally were back into that ease that was so natural. Nick could feel himself getting less tense, forgetting about the thoughts that had plagued him before in the clothing store. He would worry more about that when he got back home, to where his journal was.

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

Sixty two days earlier…

They wound their way through several streets, passing by many buildings that Nick was sure he had never seen before. It was a part of town that the rich and educated lived in. Large buildings with door watchmen and drivers if they were so inclined. It was one of the parts of Vegas that many people didn't know or see when they came on the tours.

Kelly methodically told him where to turn, what to look for as they went along. It wasn't hard, but Nick didn't like not knowing their destination. But he was willing to play along. Something about Kelly was bothering him and he wanted to know what it was.

"Turn into here," Kelly pointed to a parking structure, much like the one they had just left, but not quite as tall.

Nick turned the wheel and lined the front end of the truck up with the gate arm. Some sensor sensed the vehicle, but he still had to talk to the security guard that was waiting in his little booth. The man looked bored and as if he hadn't left that glass cell in a few long hours.

"What can I help you with?" his deep voiced rumbled.

Turning to look at Kelly, Nick couldn't think of what to say, "Uh…"

But Kelly was quick with it and leaned her small torso across his lap so she was able to see the guard more clearly, "We're here to see Mrs. Mullins. Family friend and she asked me to come here."

"Oh, alright. Go on up."

The arm lifted and the truck slipped under with ease. Nick followed Kelly's finger as they went up to the third level. It was darker as they went; several of the lights weren't working. He turned on the headlights without much thought on the matter.

"Where are we going? Who's this person we're going to see?" Nick couldn't keep quite any longer as they headed to the back of the third level.

Kelly simply nodded her head forward, "Just up there. By the black car."

There was no room to park next to the black BMW so Nick pulled into a spot across the way from the car. He looked over at Kelly, but she was getting out on her side without another word. Nick huffed and got himself out, walking quickly to meet up with Kelly in the back.

But he was brought up short. Now he could see the BMW better, even with the extremely poor lighting going on up there. Slowly he walked so he was more on the driver's side of the black car. The driver's side door was wide open and he could tell the airbag had been deployed.

Nobody was in the front seat. No, the person was in front of the car, crushed up against the wall. The woman was pale from blood loss, pooling from her upper body. She was most certainly dead.

"It wasn't supposed to happen like this. I didn't really know what happened."

Her voice was calm, almost cold like it was when they were back in the café. Kelly looked straight at Nick as she spoke, keeping him grounded where he was.

"When?"

"Before I called you. I came to talk to her. She wasn't supposed to get in the way. She wasn't supposed to get anything. It got out of hand."

"But the guard!"

"He was asleep the first time I got here. Didn't see me come in or leave. Hell, didn't hear the crash. Was dead to the world when I walked away to call you."

"Why'd you do this?"

Kelly sneered and started to pace in small circles, "She wasn't supposed to have anything to do with it. He was supposed to get the money for me, not her. It wasn't what I wanted. I needed to take care of this, but it all got out of hand."

Taking a deep breath, Nick forced his body to move forward. His hand trembled a little as he reached towards the body, towards the neck. Pressing his two main fingers to the woman's throat, Nick checked for the pulse he knew wouldn't be there. But he had to make sure.

"She's dead."

"I know, I did it. I killed her," Kelly tightened the steps she was taking.

"You hit her with her own car! In the garage that she parks in."

"Yes! Geez, I thought it was your job to not ask stupid questions. I killed her. I already said that. We've established that fact."

Nick didn't know what to think anymore. He knew he needed to all someone. Needed to apprehend Kelly so she could be taken in for this murder. But he was really disappointed that this had happened with her. She was supposed to let it all go when she go out. Now, she was a killer like her father tried to be.

"I need to call this in."

"You will, just not yet," Kelly moved a few steps away before planting her feet into the cement of the parking garage.

"Not yet?" Nick didn't know what to make of that response, "This needs to go in now. There is no waiting on something like this. Kelly, you need to give yourself up."

He took a couple of steps towards her, but she continued to move back so he was farther than arm's length from her body. Nick gave up and moved towards his truck, where he knew his cell phone was. This would be called in with or without her help.

"What are you doing?"

"Going to get my phone. It's my responsibility to turn this scene over to the police," Nick opened the passenger door of his truck and leaned his head forward.

"It's not there."

His back straightened and his eyes were a little wide as he looked at the blonde woman, "How do you know?"

In her raised hand, his cell phone was being kept. Nick turned his head a little to the right in his confusion. Never had he seen her touch his phone when they were in the vehicle. He didn't understand how she had gotten a hold of it.

Kelly looked at the clock on the front panel of the phone, "Less than a minute now. And you'll have your phone back. I promise."

"Why'd you take it in the first place? Hell, when did you take it?"

"It's not important. There are other things you need to worry about more now. I had nothing to do with it. Remember that. I didn't plan it to be like this."

"Kelly, you really need to tell me what's going on. This isn't helping anyone, these games. Just be honest and tell me!"

The phone went off in her hand. Kelly once again checked the front panel, a sad smile coming across her lips. She flipped the phone open and raised it to her ear. Her eyes never left Nick's confused face as she did it. For only a moment did she listen to whatever was going on over that line.

"It's for you."

Nick walked forward slowly, hand reaching out to take the phone, 'What's going on Kelly?"

"I didn't plan for this to happen this way. It wasn't supposed to go like this. I wanted to let it all go. I wanted to get away!"

Her desperation was thick, but Nick was sure it was real. But he also wanted to get his phone back in his hand where it belonged. He would deal with Kelly once that was done.

"I'm sorry Nick," Kelly whispered before their hands met for the exchange. Her hand wasn't warm anymore. It was freezing.

Nick kept his eyes on her as he got ready to talk to whoever had called him, "Stokes."

There was heavy breathing, harsh with pain. No voice came through and Nick lowered his head, plugging his other ear to get a better hold on the sounds. A cough echoed through and there was a groan. Nick knew that tenor tone. But he wasn't going to jump to any conclusions.

"Hello? Who's there?"

A deep breath was taken, another groan. This time the person on the other end managed to get a word out, "Ni…ick…"

"Warrick! What the hell!" Nick suddenly felt as if the world had just come crashing down on him. He knew that was his friend. And that wasn't how that man was supposed to sound over the phone.

There was a crashing noise from the other end and Nick pressed the phone harder into his head. Something was happening to Warrick, causing him pain. Nick could hear the struggle his brother was having not to yell out.

"Warrick! Where are you!"

There was no answer. Just heavy breathing. Nick lifted his head to look at Kelly. He watched as she shot herself in the head. Her blood was warm where it washed against his face.

TBC…