One Week Later

Miami, Florida

He thought it had just been exhaustion and the stress of everything that had happened over the last few months. He had lost weight, been increasingly tired, and short of breath at the oddest of times. Even though he had decided to leave CSI after the symptoms persisted even after his suspension, the symptoms hadn't gone away and he hadn't wanted to burden Sara. He had lied about why he needed to go to Miami and had gone; it was a warm place that would give him peace if he needed it. He also knew that Nick's sister was there and was one of the best doctors in the country.

After renting an apartment in Miami, Grissom had composed an email to Sara with the truth of why he left. He had apologized for leaving the way he did, but he hadn't wanted to burden her with his own issues if he was sick. He had sent the email and had gone about getting himself to a doctor. Sara's reply had been fast and quiet; she had expressed concern for him and offered to get leave to come see him.

Grissom, however, didn't want his old colleagues knowing so he had asked her to wait until he knew for sure. He had also briefly admitted his fear of being seen as weak and about overburdening her. Sara had yet to reply, but it was obvious she still cared.

With those thoughts on his mind, Grissom had prepared himself for the worst, but expected it to be nothing he couldn't handle. The news he ended up getting, however, wasn't good; he had lymphoma that was treatable with surgery and chemotherapy.

Unable to lie to Sara, Grissom had emailed her the results and had made the necessary arrangements to receive treatment in Miami. If he had returned to Vegas for treatment, his old colleagues would find out and he would attract unwanted scrutiny. Sara, on the other hand, would keep his secrets and respect his need for privacy as she always had.

The sound of the hospital intercom suddenly brought Grissom back to reality and he found himself gazing at the door to the Oncology department with uncertainty.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Sara, I need a favor," Nick spoke as he held the phone to his ear while watching Parker pick what clothes he wanted to wear the next day. "Jenny's mom is in town and she and her kids are visiting with her tonight, so I need someone to watch Parker overnight. He's in afternoon kindergarten, so I can get him after my shift…"

Sara sighed, "As long as you bring him over here, I can," she replied quietly.

"I can drop him off on my way in," Nick replied. "How are you doing?"

Nick suddenly heard cooing, "Gregory and Danielle keep me pretty busy," Sara replied in a quiet voice. "I'll get them to bed now so I can focus on Parker…"

A buzz suddenly filled the apartment and Nick sighed, setting the phone down so he could see who was at the door, "Nicky…" a cold voice suddenly spoke over the intercom.

Nick froze, recognizing the voice as Derek's. He silently moved back into the room and guided Parker into the closet, "I want you to sit in here and be quiet as a mouse while Daddy answers the door," he spoke softly. "I'm going to lock the door."

Parker recognized the fear in Nick's voice and nodded solemnly before sitting down and being quiet. Nick grabbed the phone, closed the door, and set the phone in the kitchen, forgetting that Sara was still on the line and listening in.

As Nick reached the front door, he pressed the buzzer that unlocked it and opened it to find Derek and an anxious looking Emily on the porch, "Hey there, Derek," Nick spoke in a calm voice. "I was just getting ready to head out for work…"

Derek looked amused before pulling a knife out of his jeans, "Nicky, where's Jenny and my daughter at?" he asked coldly as he pointed the knife at Nick. "You know."

Nick swallowed hard, "Derek, man, I gotta get to work," he stammered anxiously, wondering if Derek was playing games with him. "Is your sugar low?"

Derek, however, shoved his way into the house and slammed Nick up against the wall, "WHERE ARE JENNY AND MY DAUGHTER, NICKY?!" he roared angrily, ignoring Nick's whimper of pain. "Emily, search the house. He's lying."

Shaking, as she didn't expect Derek to show such intense anger towards Nick, Emily hurried into the house. Nick tried to look at where she was going, but Derek grabbed his hair and smushed his face into the wall, "They went on vacation to Miami for a week or so," Nick lied shakily. "There's…there's money in the microwave drawer…"

Derek turned to look at Emily briefly and Nick pushed Derek off of him, but Derek was too strong and promptly stabbed Nick in the abdomen before throwing him against the bookcase against the opposite wall. Nick hit the wall hard and a few books fell around him fell to the floor as he dropped to the carpet, now unconscious and bleeding from a gash on his head and his nose. Derek swore and picked Nick's unconscious form up off the floor, "Emily?!" he called out anxiously.

Emily came into view carrying a stack of money and a wallet, "There's enough for fuel and stuff," she spoke in an anxious voice. "Should we check…?"

"Nah, we gotta go," Derek replied anxiously. "We're taking a passenger…"

Emily's eyes widened at the blood, but she nodded and followed Derek out the door as he carried the bleeding Nick to his rental. Derek laid Nick in the back seat of the rental, "We need to go!" Derek replied anxiously. "Where's that dollar store crap?!"

Emily threw the wallet and money on Derek's seat and then grabbed one of the bags that was filled with items they had gotten at a dollar store on the way. Derek got into the back, "You have to drive," he said anxiously. "You wanna go get Alex instead of wasting time trying to find Jessica? Nick's lying, but I can't break him…"

Nodding, Emily got behind the wheel and waited until the vehicle was closed up before she took off down the street towards one of the roads that would lead to the highway. Derek silently rummaged through the bags and quickly found first-aid supplies and a sewing kit inside along with other supplies.

Cursing their inability to plan better, Derek got into the first aid kit and used alcohol wipes to clean Nick's wound before he carefully removed the knife. He then threaded the needle and used the sewing kit to patch Nick's wound with careful stitches.

Back at the apartment, Parker had managed to unlock the bedroom door and went over to the phone, "DADDY!" he screamed, seeing all the blood and the open door.

Miami, Florida

"You're looking better," Horatio spoke in a calm voice as he entered his nephew's hospital room and saw that Robert was awake and eating. "How are you feeling?"

"I've gotten by blood volume back up, but I still can't feel my legs," Robert replied in a quiet, concerned voice. "The house has an elevator if the paralysis is permanent…"

"You cannot give up hope, Bobby," Horatio spoke in a concerned voice as he walked over to the bed and sat in the chair by the bed. "I know it doesn't seem likely, but there's always a chance that you will regain the use of your legs. Even if you don't, however, you still have a career. When I get back from New York, I'm going to put in a request with the chief that you come work at CSI once you're able to do it."

Robert sighed and Horatio gently touched his arm, "I got a letter in the mail this morning and made Natalia swear not to tell you," Robert spoke quietly. "MDPD can't grant me prolonged paid medical leave due to budget constraints and if I can't get back to work by fall in some capacity, I'll be let go from the department."

Horatio frowned, "Well, I'll put in the transfer paperwork with the chief before I go to New York, but you have to promise that you'll do your best to recover," he replied.

Robert nodded and exhaled weakly, "Donnie's also running out of sick leave and will have to go back soon," he explained quietly. "He wants to stay longer, but then it will turn into unpaid leave and I know he has bills. NYPD doesn't pay that much…"

Horatio nodded, "Detective Messer visited last night and offered to stay on too, but I worry he's not getting paid and he has a family," Robert spoke worriedly.

"I personally put Detective Messer on the payroll," Horatio replied reassuringly. "Natalia gave him one of the apartments owned by Victims Assistance to use."

Robert nodded, "I wish I could be there for you when you have to testify," he replied in a concerned voice. "I know you'll be staying with Stella, but I still worry…"

Horatio nodded, his expression thoughtful as his nephew expressed his concerns about the trial in New York. Truthfully, he too was scared about how that would go for him.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Anxiety filled Sara's heart as she hurried into the Crime Lab after asking Betty to babysit Danielle and Gregory for her. She had heard the struggle involving Nick, Derek, and a girl named Emily on the phone and had called the police when Parker had begun screaming for his dad. The police had gone to Nick's immediately and had rescued the terrified Parker before telling CSI to get to the scene.

She was still reeling from the news that Grissom was in cancer treatment and Nick's violent disappearance was already making her want to take the kids and go be with Grissom in Miami. Since she was listed as Nick's emergency contact, however, she couldn't leave; perhaps she could after Nick was found safe and recovering.

"Sara!"

Sara turned towards the sound just in time to see Catherine hurrying towards her looking worried, "Thanks for coming in," Catherine spoke worriedly. "Ray, Morgan, and Hodges are over at Nick's with a bunch of uniforms, but Parker's here…"

Nodding, Sara followed Catherine into the break room, shocked and relieved to see that Parker was sitting on the couch with a blanket and street clothes covering his little body. He looked scared and his face was red from tear-stains.

"Parker?" Sara asked quietly, gazing at him. "Catherine called me and…"

Parker launched himself off the couch and clung to Sara's legs, "Archie's gotten a hold of the phone call between you and Nick that happened before Nick was abducted," Catherine spoke quietly. "Parker, do you know where you were?"

"Daddy put me in his closet and locked the door," Parker spoke softly as he gazed up at Catherine. "The door was broken so I could get out, but there was noise…"

Catherine nodded and Parker yawned, "I'm sleepy," Parker spoke softly.

Sara nodded, "Catherine, Parker needs to sleep," she spoke worriedly.

"Do you have a place for him to sleep at your house?" Catherine replied calmly.

Sara nodded, "The couch goes into a hideabed and I can take it while Parker takes the bed," she replied quietly. "Did someone make sure Greg, Jenny, and the kids…?"

"As soon as we got word about what happened, I sent Brass over to the hotel," Catherine replied in a professional voice. "Lindsey's with my mom tonight."

Sara looked uneasy, "I heard Nick say that Jenny and Jessica were on vacation in Miami," she spoke in a concerned voice. "Derek knew he was lying…"

Parker yawned again and Sara quickly settled him on the couch, making sure he was completely under his blanket. As Parker drifted off, Catherine's phone rang.

Catherine quickly answered it, "Brass is here," Greg spoke sleepily. "Is it true?"

"Yes," Catherine replied quietly. "Are you and your family safe, Greg?"

A yawn filled the phone, "Do I need to come into work?" he asked groggily.

There was soft talking, "Maybe Sara should bring Nicky's boy over to the hotel for a bit of a sleepover," Brass spoke into the phone. "I sent a car over to her house too."

"I can come get him," Brass replied calmly. "You might need Sara there."

More quiet talking filled the phone, "Greg offered to come too," Brass said simply.

"We'll be waiting," Catherine replied in an anxious voice before hanging up.

Flack and Danny were now with Bobby, which meant Horatio could have a few hours to himself. Since it was evening, Natalia was at home with BJ, Maggie, and Adam and Horatio found himself exhausted. He had spent hours with his nephew, gently reassuring him that recovery was possible and that he didn't need to worry about it.

As Horatio stepped off the elevator into the lobby of the hospital, he saw Ryan coming into the hospital looking nervous, "Ryan?" Horatio called out quietly.

"Oh, hi H," Ryan replied quietly, sighing. "I…I'm just here for an appointment."

Horatio frowned, but Ryan caught on quickly, "Just to make sure that the cancer's still in remission," Ryan explained reassuringly. "This was the only time I could get in."

"Want some company?" Horatio offered. "You seem very nervous."

Ryan thought for a moment and then nodded, deeply relieved when Horatio followed him to the Oncology department, "Diana went to visit Jenny, so Tommy's watching the kids while I work and do this," he spoke in a tired voice. "How are you?"

"I'll be going to New York soon for the trial about my kidnapping, so you'll be reporting to Speed," Horatio spoke quietly. "How are you coping with being…?"

A loud retching suddenly filled the air, "…I sincerely apologize for that," a quiet, very familiar voice spoke. "I didn't think I'd be puking that soon afterwards…"

"Don't apologize, Doctor Grissom, it's normal to feel unwell after sessions," a kind, very familiar voice replied. "I don't usually work oncology anymore, but since you asked for me, I decided to help. You've been incredibly good to Nicky…"

Horatio's eyes narrowed and Ryan looked alarmed, but was spared from having to react as he was called in for his appointment. Horatio, however, felt sick inside.

All of them had condemned Grissom over recent events and here he was in Miami and sick. Horatio didn't know why Grissom had chosen Miami of all places…

"Lieutenant!"

Horatio turned away from his thoughts and saw that Dr. Stokes had come out of the chemo suite and spotted him, "Doctor Stokes, hello," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I was just walking Ryan to a checkup and I overheard Doctor Grissom…"

Dr. Stokes sighed, "Unfortunately, I can't explain without Doctor Grissom's permission because of confidentiality rules," she replied softly, her expression a patient one. "You're welcome to go ask him about it yourself if you'd like."

Thoughts of the struggles that Marisol and Emily had endured filled Horatio's heart and he found himself wondering if he should tell Emily and Natalia about Grissom. Sighing softly, Horatio silently entered the chemo suite and was surprised to see Grissom sitting in a chair with one arm resting on a line that was attached to a chemotherapy machine. He was wearing his glasses and using one hand to text a message on a Blackberry.

"I really am well enough to leave," Grissom said quietly without looking up. "You…"

Silence filled the air as Grissom looked up and suddenly paused at seeing Horatio standing there, a concerned expression on his face, "I…I didn't know," Horatio began.

"I didn't either and this felt like a safe enough place to check it out," Grissom replied in a patient voice as he finished his message and set his phone on the table beside the chair. "I knew Nick's sister was here and that she was a doctor, so I came."

It was then that Horatio noticed the small puddle of vomit on the floor, "Does Sara or anyone else know you're here?" he asked quietly. "This seems like an unusual…"

"Sara knows," Grissom replied quietly, sighing. "Doctor Stokes is overseeing my sessions with permission from the hospital. I'm staying in one of the units set aside for people needing the help of Victims Assistance. I just need to call a taxi."

Horatio raised an eyebrow, "People undergoing cancer treatment usually need someone staying with them," he replied worriedly. "Is there anyone you could…?"

"I wouldn't want to put anyone else in harm's way," Grissom replied in a cold voice as he sighed tiredly. "LVPD seems to think that I have a talent for doing that. I resigned so that I could focus more on truly helping people in need of it. It's not fair for those in Victims Assistance to expect my help and end up not getting it because I'm too busy with work or can't get away. Catherine's got my job now."

Horatio's eyes narrowed, but Dr. Stokes returned before he could say anything, "I wish I could talk you into staying the night and resting, Doctor Grissom, but Nick's told me how stubborn you are," she spoke kindly. "Just don't drive."

Nodding, Grissom waited until he was disconnected from the machine before getting up and Horatio found himself following Grissom out of the chemo suite. As Grissom's step slowed, Ryan came out of another office and paused at seeing Grissom nearby.

Horatio watched as Ryan quietly observed Grissom's slow steps to the elevator and waited before he was out of sight to turn away, "Is he sick?" Ryan asked quietly.

"He is," Horatio replied quietly. "I know you expected to never see him again…"

Ryan sighed heavily, "I don't know what to say," he replied in a distressed voice, feeling uneasy about it. "He's married and has kids. Why did he come here?"

"I'll drive you back to your brother's and explain what I know," Horatio replied softly, sighing when Ryan nodded. "I had a conversation with Grissom before he left."

Manhattan, New York

Danielle, I need you to take overseeing Ellen's care for me. I've Fed-exed the necessary documents and they might get to you before this message does. I also listed Danny Messer and Greg Sanders as others who can make decisions if you absolutely cannot bring yourself to do it, but I hope you will choose to. – Grissom

Danielle, who was taking advantage of a rare day off to spend time at home with her family, frowned as she looked over the documents and Grissom's text. He knew how uncomfortable she was with the idea of Ellen, yet he had staunchily arranged this paperwork to make her Ellen's guardian. Why had he ignored her wishes? He had respected her opinions in the past and had understood her boundaries, but now…

Setting the paperwork in the drawer on her side of the bed, Danielle grabbed the phone and dialled Grissom's number, "Hello?" Sara's voice suddenly spoke.

"Sara, is Grissom available?" Danielle asked, remembering from John's letters that Sara was Grissom's wife. "He sent me papers about taking over Ellen's care…"

There was a pause, "Who is this?" Sara asked cautiously. "Is this about Nick?"

"This is Danielle Boscorelli, Sara," Danielle replied. "What…what's this about Nick? Grissom gave me this number last time he was here and this is his phone…"

More silence filled the phone, "Nick was kidnapped a couple of hours ago by his brother, Derek, and a girl named Emily," Sara replied quietly. "Grissom resigned from CSI and went to Miami. I remember him talking about you…he trusts you a lot."

"Emily, Emily Yokas?" Danielle replied, suddenly feeling very scared for Nick and enraged that Emily seemed to be aiding in a kidnapping. "Wait…Grissom quit CSI?"

Sara sighed weakly, "He has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and he went to Miami because a good doctor is there," she explained shakily. "Nick's son is with Greg and Jenny right now and I'm at the lab. Grissom gave me his phone when he left…"

Danielle felt sick about everything she had just heard, "Sara, Gil may have told you we have a father-daughter type relationship," she finally spoke in as composed a voice as she could manage. "Would you feel comfortable giving me his contact information?"

Sara quietly obliged and then said she had to go, as the CSI's were back from Nick's with evidence. Danielle thanked her, ended the call, and quietly called Mac Taylor.

"Taylor," Mac's professional voice filled the phone. "Who's this?"

Danielle sighed, "It's Danielle Boscorelli," she replied in a quiet voice, her heart heavy over what she was about to say. "I just talked to Sara Sidle-Grissom in Las Vegas about a personal matter and she said that apparently, Nick Stokes was just abducted by Derek Stokes and a girl named Emily," Danielle spoke anxiously, sighing. "Last time I talked to Faith Yokas-Miller, she said her Emily had left the city…"

"And you think Emily Yokas is an accomplice in this kidnapping?" Mac replied.

Danielle sighed heavily, "Yes," she replied firmly. "Could you please look into it?"

"Your husband is NYPD and you could always tell him," Mac replied in a concerned voice. "Is there any reason you're calling me directly instead of talking to him?"

Just then, the door opened and Bosco came into the room in his uniform, having just gotten off work. Danielle turned the speaker on and put the phone in the cradle.

"Maurice just got home, Detective," Danielle explained. "Maurice, I just learned that an Emily helped Derek Stokes abduct Nick Stokes. I think it might be Emily Yokas because Faith said she left. Faith also told me Emily and Derek got married a few months ago in Austin; she and Charlie went to the wedding at the Stokes Ranch."

Bosco frowned, "Isn't Derek Stokes like 40 or older?" he asked sternly.

Danielle sighed and Bosco suddenly looked defeated, "I thought Emily was trying," he spoke in a pained voice as he removed his uniform and changed into sweats, socks, and a t-shirt. "Faith…Faith should know so she can protect Charlie and her grandkid."

"I'll investigate this personally," Mac promised. "Thank you for letting me know."

The call ended and Bosco sank on the bed, now very anxious, "I'll ask Carlos to walk John to and from work for the next few days," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I…"

Danielle paused as the front door opened and closed, "He's home," she spoke softly.

Bosco quickly got up and left the bedroom just in time to see David and Ellie sit down at the TV with Mikey and Emily while Yelina cooked dinner. Sully was seated in one of the chairs with Nicolas and a book in his lap. Caira was helping Yelina and Ray Jr's bedroom door was closed, a signal that he was doing homework and wanted privacy.

"John, you're not walking to and from the diner by yourself for the next few days," Bosco spoke in a firm voice. "I'll ask Carlos and if he can't do it, I'll get someone…"

John frowned, "What happened?" he asked in a confused, concerned voice.

"Uncle Nick was abducted, honey," Danielle replied softly. "By Derek Stokes and Emily Yokas. Nobody knows where they're going to go. They could come here…"

John nodded, looking uneasy, "Does Faith know?" Sully asked in a stern voice.

"Detective Taylor said he'd take care of it," Danielle replied anxiously.

John sighed irritably and went to his studio room in silence, needing to think and check his blood sugar before dinner, "He's scared," Caira spoke quietly, unsurprised that John was upset by this development. "Emily's obsessed with making him love her and I'm scared she'll do anything to hurt him."

Bosco quickly grabbed the phone, "That's exactly why I'm not letting him walk alone to work anymore and I'm asking for someone to go even if you walk with him," he replied in a worried voice as he dialled Carlos and Holly's number. "For safety."

Miami, Florida

"Don, Nick Stokes was abducted from Las Vegas by Derek Stokes and Emily Yokas," Flack heard Mac's serious voice fill the phone. "LVPD is still investigating, but Sara Grissom gave this information to Danielle Boscorelli and I have to wonder if McKeen arranged this. We know that McKeen and Ivan Sarnoff are in New York…"

Flack sighed as he turned to check on Robert and found that he was asleep while Danny sat in a chair beside the bed, quietly fiddling with his phone, "…Maybe McKeen and Ivan are plotting something against John just like they're plotting something against Doctor Pride and Detective Angell," Mac stated.

An uneasy feeling filled Flack's heart, but he kept quiet because he had discreetly communicated with Angell over where she and Dr. Pride were now staying with the few possessions Lindsay had gotten them from the apartment, "I'm not altogether convinced that they will be safe even with each other," Mac spoke quietly. "I may need you to come back and you take charge of Doctor Pride's situation…"

"And what about Bobby, Mac?" Flack asked quietly. "He needs protection too or did you not know about the attack on that hotel and the killing spree?"

Mac sighed, "NYPD's annoyed that two of their officers are working in Miami and straining the budget," he replied softly. "I assume your friend expressed concern…"

"Yeah, Bobby did," Flack replied quietly. "He's my best friend, though…"

A pause filled the phone as Flack watched Bobby wake and look at Danny before looking at him, "I'll talk to Bobby," Flack replied, upset that he might need to go.

Without waiting for Mac to say goodbye, Flack ended the call and pocketed the phone as he returned to the hospital room, "Donnie, if you have to go, you can," Robert spoke before Flack could speak. "I actually asked my doctor about home care today because I'm missing Natalia and the kids. He said he'd look into it for me."

Flack raised an eyebrow, "I can stick around til you get things worked out," Danny offered quietly, knowing Flack leaving would cause hardship to the Caines.

Exhaling softly, Robert shrugged and closed his eyes, "He took some pain meds when you were out in the hall," Danny explained quietly. "The random killings are stressing him out and he's mad he can't be of any help. His body's struggling too…"

Flack looked concerned and pulled Danny out in the hallway, "Old scarring's making healing difficult," Danny spoke quietly. "His doctor came while you were out and he'll eventually get better, but he won't be the same even if he can walk again."

"Mac needs me to get back," Flack spoke quietly. "I'm really sorry…"

Danny nodded, "Mac wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," he replied.

"I'll wait til tomorrow to make arrangements," Flack replied with a sigh.

It was evening and Ryan was exhausted, but he had to know for himself. He had to know more about Grissom's sickness and why he had chosen Miami of all places.

Since he himself was an agent for Victims Assistance, he knew what properties were vacant and which properties were filled because Grissom and Natalia were good about updating that information constantly. He had first gone home to get the information off his computer and then had borrowed Tommy's car since he didn't yet have one of his own to get around. Now, he was parked at the curb next to a small, beachside condo after stopping by the grocery store to get things that Grissom might need.

As much as he had tried to feel angry at Grissom daring to come to Miami, he couldn't because cancer was involved. He felt empathy for Grissom more than any other emotion once Horatio had confirmed that Grissom was sick, as cancer sucked.

Sofia would want him to move past the hate and anger that their situation had invited. It was one of the things that John Boscorelli had relayed to him in their quiet conversation days after the incident. Perhaps this kindness would let him move on.

Exhaling anxiously, Ryan gathered the supplies from the car and made his way to the front door. He silently knocked and frowned when he heard absolutely nothing inside.

"Whoever's at the door, I'm on the back deck," a tired voice suddenly spoke.

Ryan walked around to the back deck and was surprised to see Grissom sitting in a beach chair, wrapped in a blanket with a mug in one hand and a book in the other, "Hi," Grissom spoke in a quiet voice, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Ryan.

"I…I brought you some stuff," Ryan spoke nervously, holding the bags out.

Grissom raised an eyebrow, "I appreciate that," he replied quietly, setting the book down on a table that was next to his chair. "You're looking a lot better, Ryan."

Ryan silently brought the bags over to the table, as he noticed that Grissom looked sick and tired, "I saw you leaving the hospital and Horatio said you were sick?" he asked in a concerned voice, frowning. "Were you able to get time off from work?"

"I resigned not long after my suspension," Grissom replied softly. "Sit down."

Ryan nodded and sat in the empty beach chair, "I started feeling unwell after everything that happened and I rested a lot during my suspension, but it didn't go away and I also felt like Victims Assistance needed my attention more than the lab," Grissom explained quietly. "I didn't feel like I'd be able to deal with my illness with dignity if I stayed in Vegas. I have been crucified over what happened last year."

"It wasn't your fault," Ryan spoke shakily. "I volunteered to lead the search for Horatio and I knew the risks. You tried to talk me out of it, but…I didn't listen."

Grissom sighed and Ryan exhaled anxiously, "Sofia was gonna die either way and at least John was there to comfort her," Ryan spoke shakily. "She…she wasn't alone."

Nodding, Grissom took a drink from his mug and Ryan sighed, "Sara…does she know you're here?" Ryan asked softly. "It must be hard being away from them…"

Grissom shrugged, as he didn't know what to say. He did miss Sara and their children, but he didn't want to burden them with his illness. Sara seemed to be doing fine from what she had said and he would go back once he was able; he had let her know that.

"Cancer's a rough thing," Ryan spoke quietly. "Are you talking to someone about it?"

Grissom looked amused, "I know your sister's a counselor, but your family isn't overly fond of me," he replied simply. "Not even Natalia knows I'm here. Horatio knows, but I don't think he'll go blabbing. I know a lot of people hate me right now."

Ryan frowned, "If you want someone to talk to, I'd recommend my sister because she herself has had cancer and is currently in remission," he replied. "Breast cancer."

Grissom again raised an eyebrow and Ryan got up, "Do you want me to put this stuff away for you?" Ryan asked quietly, hoping that Grissom would consider his words.

"The door's unlocked," Grissom replied quietly, returning to his book because he didn't have anymore strength for conversation.

Ryan nodded and went inside the house, keeping silent as he put the supplies away.

Las Vegas, Nevada

It was getting late, but everyone in the Crime Lab was fully awake and functioning. Ecklie had ordered all shifts to come on duty and help in trying to find Nick, Derek, and Emily Yokas. Greg, however, was simply getting ready to go serve as cover for the lab in case other cases came up. He had been kept off of Nick's case by Catherine and had been asked to cover since Tommy's hotel had tight security and Diana was there to help Jenny look after Jessica, Matthew, Parker, and herself during the night.

"Greg, are you ready yet?" Greg heard Jenny's quiet voice ask as he changed into clean clothes after showering. "Captain Brass is waiting…"

Greg sighed as the bathroom door opened and Jenny came in wearing a bathrobe over her sweats and tank top, "Greg, I hope you know that my feelings haven't changed even after this," Jenny spoke softly. "Derek reminds me of poor choices I made and Nick made his feelings for me clear, but I chose you. You are safe and I love you."

Tears filled Greg's eyes and he sighed tiredly, prompting Jenny to hug and kiss him, "I love you too," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I...I can't believe Nick lied to protect us from Derek. I thought he'd be angry enough at me to tell Derek where we were…"

Jenny gave him another hug, "I need to stop being a brat," Greg spoke quietly.

Sighing, Greg wandered out of the bathroom and Jenny followed just in time to see him get his shoes and coat. Brass suddenly came out of the living room looking grim.

"Highway Patrol just called," Brass spoke grimly. "Nick's truck was seen going out of state and is either headed to Utah or Arizona right now. The Feds are being notified."

Somewhere on I-80

"…McKeen, I didn't know what else to do," an angry voice filled the air. "Nick was lying about where Jenny and that Sanders kid were, but I couldn't beat it out of him…"

As Nick slowly came to, he felt a warm hand touch his face, "…You need to tell Simms that her information about where Nick lived wasn't worth anything because I wasn't able to get my daughter!" the voice snapped again. "We're in Utah right now and we should be in New York in a couple days. I need your help with Nick…"

Nick's vision blurred and as he blinked, the face of Emily Yokas greeting his corrected vision. The vehicle hit a bump and pain shot through Nick's body.

"Ugh," Nick groaned, his voice weak. "Wh..where am I? I feel sick."

Emily cringed, "We're somewhere in Utah, I think," she replied nervously, worried that Nick would be able to overpower her and stop them. "Derek's driving…"

Another surge of pain shot through Nick's body, followed by heavy nausea, "I'm gonna throw up," he whimpered, closing his eyes. "I need a bucket…"

Emily cringed and looked to the front, seeing that Derek was now off of the phone, "Derek, Nick says he's gonna puke," she spoke in a worried voice. "Should we…?"

"There's medicine in the bags somewhere," Derek replied in an annoyed voice, sighing softly to keep himself from losing his temper with Nick's weaknesses. "We need to find a pharmacy so I can get diabetes medicine. I need it."

Emily sighed anxiously, but rummaged through the bags and found some over-the-counter Tylenol and a bottle of juice. She force fed Nick two Tylenol and some juice and Nick sputtered, but weakly managed to swallow it.

"What are we supposed to do with Nick, Derek?" Emily asked anxiously.

Derek smirked as he watched Nick slip back into a sleep through the rearview mirror, "McKeen's going to call me back and let me know," he replied in a cold voice.

Manhattan, New York

Ivan's belch filled the brownstone and McKeen's nose wrinkled in disgust as he came into the living room and saw Ivan downing a bottle of beer, "Disgusting," he hissed in a cold voice. "Ivan, Derek Stokes and Emily Yokas kidnapped Nick Stokes and they're on their way to New York. I didn't tell them to kidnap Nick Stokes!"

"Maybe Nick knew where Derek's girl and baby were and didn't tell?" Ivan replied in a slurred voice, gazing at McKeen through bloodshot eyes. "It's not a problem."

McKeen swore and Ivan exhaled, "There is no room for Nick Stokes in this plan!" he snapped angrily, his face filled with rage. "I told Derek that I'd help him get access to Alex Yokas and I also promised Emily that she could have John Boscorelli!"

"Threaten to kill him if Andrea and this Detective Angell keep trying to avoid me!" Ivan snapped, his voice slurring. "He can be used as bait to draw her out!"

McKeen looked amused, "And he can be used to get John Boscorelli and keep him in line," he hissed coldly. "John was so scared that I'd murder Sofia Wolfe and she died anyway, but he was also scared for Ryan. I also happen to know that John's mother and Stokes used to be a thing and if it means protecting Stokes, John will comply…"

Ivan smirked and returned to his booze while McKeen slipped into the room he had claimed for himself. They would need to go to the diner when John worked and get him out without trouble. After that it would be a matter of keeping him isolated and unharmed until Emily arrived.

"Mom?"

Danielle looked up from the book she was reading David and Ellie while Michael and Emily played with toys on the floor. John was standing there looking rather antsy.

"Can I go get the mail and check in on Uncle Carlos?" John asked quietly.

Danielle looked around and saw that her parents, Ray Jr., Caira, and Nicolas were now in their rooms and that Maurice was washing dishes, "Maurice, why don't you and John go down and get the mail?" she suggested gently. "And visit Carlos?"

"I want to talk to him anyway," Bosco replied calmly. "He didn't answer my call."

John sighed, but nodded because he knew his parents were quite firm about wanting him to be safe. Caira had gone to bed early because she too was worried about what was going on in Vegas, as she didn't know if her brother had been involved or not.

Bosco dried his hands and grabbed his keys before leaving the apartment with John at his heels. The two made their way down to the community mailbox on the first floor and then over to the nearby apartment where Carlos and his family lived.

"Carlos, are you home?" Bosco called out as he rapped on the door.

A door opened and closed, "No," a voice spoke quietly. "I'm not home."

Bosco and John turned to see Carlos standing there looking tired, "Hey," John said in a quiet, nervous voice. "Uncle Carlos, I figured you'd be home a lot earlier…"

"I froze up at the practical requal and failed, kiddo," Carlos spoke quietly.

John sighed and gently hugged Carlos, who accepted the hug without hesitation, but Bosco felt confused, "Requal?" Bosco asked in a confused voice, frowning.

"I took the tests to try and requalify for FDNY, but I froze during the practical part," Carlos spoke quietly. "I couldn't finish and the tester said to come back in September to try again. I tried…but those flashbacks kept haunting me."

Bosco sighed, "I actually wanted to ask you a favor," he replied quietly, shocked that Carlos was looking to go back to work so soon after his brain surgery. "If you…"

"What's the favor?" Carlos asked in a concerned voice. "Is it illegal?"

Bosco scoffed, "I just need you to walk John to and from that diner he works at for the next few days because it's safer that way," he replied calmly. "Can you do that?"

Carlos frowned, but nodded, "Yeah," he replied softly. "I can do that."

John looked relieved and Carlos offered him a smile before disappearing into the safety of his apartment. Bosco and John both sighed and headed back upstairs.

Morning came all too quickly and Bosco quickly learned that Mac had not only spoken with Vegas about Derek and Emily Yokas, he had also arranged for Faith, Charlie, Captain Miller, and Alex to move to a secure hotel for the next few days until the threat level went down. They were also getting plainclothes escorts everywhere.

"…As of six a.m., Clark County has lost track of fugitives Derek and Emily Stokes as well as their hostage, Nicolas Stokes of the Las Vegas Crime Lab," the voice of the news filled Bosco's ears, bringing him back to reality. "The investigation is ongoing."

Sighing, Bosco finished his mug of herbal tea and turned to face Danielle, who was sitting on the couch with John and Caira. As luck would have it, there was a PD day and so David and Ellie were sleeping in along with the overtired Michael and Emily.

"Ready to go to work?" Bosco asked calmly, eyeing John. "Got your bag?"

John nodded and got up, "Caira, did you wanna come too and have a breakfast date?" he asked in a kind voice, smiling. "Mom, you're welcome since Grandpa and…"

"Grandpa and Grandma are still asleep, as are Ray Junior and Nicolas, and I'm not going to deny them a nice rest," Danielle replied kindly. "I love you. Be safe."

Once hugs and kisses were exchanged, John and Caira silently went downstairs and got Carlos from his apartment before going outside. The walk to Christine's diner was short and once they got there, John went into the back to get clocked in while Caira and Carlos sat at a table, "Are you hungry, Mister Nieto?" Caira asked quietly.

"It's just Carlos," Carlos replied nervously. "Are you two going to be okay here?"

As Christine and John came out of the kitchen, both of them ready to work, the door opened and a figure wearing a trenchcoat, fedora, and sunglasses came inside.

"I'll take this new customer," John replied quietly, smiling at Christine.

Christine nodded and turned her attention to Carlos and Caira as John approached the new customer, "Welcome, sir," John spoke kindly. "Do you have a preference…?"

The man suddenly smirked and removed his sunglasses, revealing himself as Jeffrey McKeen. John swore and automatically stepped back, prompting Christine, Carlos, and Caira to look at them, "Well, well, well," McKeen spoke softly. "This is an adorable sight. Two murderers and the sister of a proven psychopath…"

"I didn't murder anyone and neither did Carlos," John hissed coldly, frowning.

McKeen gritted his teeth angrily and drew a gun from his pocket, his expression murderous as he stuck the gun in John's face, "Still haven't learned to control your mouth, I see," he replied coldly. "Emily Yokas sent me to collect you…"

John's eyes widened and he took another step back, shaking his head, "I'm not in love with Emily and I never will be," he replied coldly as he reached for his pocket.

Swearing loudly, McKeen lunged at John and knocked him towards a wall while his phone flew out of his pocket and broke on the floor. John hit the wall and fell to the floor and Caira didn't hesitate; she jumped up and hurried over to him, worried.

McKeen, however, shot Caira in the left foot, sending her to the floor and Carlos shakily got up, "Are you going to try and pop me off, weakling?" he snarled.

Christine moved over to the register, "Do you want money?" she asked shakily.

Chuckling coldly, McKeen marched over to John and forced him to his feet, "Emily only wanted one thing," he replied coldly. "It would be a shame if I had to kill…"

Letting off a string of curses, McKeen began to fire off several rounds throughout the diner as he forced John outside. Christine was forced to duck behind the counter while Carlos did his best to cover the injured and terrified Caira, who was bleeding.

A few moments later, the squealing of tires filled the air before all went quiet.

Caira whimpered and Carlos immediately turned his attention to her injured foot, being gentle as he removed her shoe and sock. The bullet had hit the middle of her foot, which was now oozing blood, "I'm going to take care of you," Carlos promised, realizing that he had to rise above his PTSD to help Caira. "It's going to be okay."

Christine grabbed the first aid kit and phone and hurried over to Carlos and Caira, setting the kit within his reach before dialling 9-1-1. Carlos popped it open and began to clean the wound, doing his best to ignore Caira's whimpers and Christine's talking while he worked.

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