Chapter 16 – Sara's POV

3:15:30

We're on the edge of the desert now. The case was all over the news, with a description of Green and his car, and several people called in to say they'd seen him driving past out towards the desert. We've found tyre tracks that match his car, so now we at least know what direction he's driven in.
But, the desert is huge, how the hell are we supposed to find him?
By the time we reach him, we could be too late.
Nick comes over to join me.

"How are supposed to find them? There's just too big an area to search."
I shake my head, despair beginning to set in.
Nick gazes skyward, then a smile spreads across his face.
"I can't believe we didn't think of it before."
"What? You got an idea of where they are?"
"No, but what about the search helicopter they've got out looking for Green's car? Now we know the direction he drove in, couldn't we send it in that direction?"
"Nick, that's brilliant! Then, the police helicopter could follow it, and arrest Green. It'll be much quicker than looking for them on foot or by car!"

We both run over to Brass.
I just hope this is enough, as it's all we've got.

Catherine's POV

2:58:08

Green's disappeared again. All I can do it sit in silence and watch as the numbers tick by all too quickly.
I'm trying to think positively, but I'm afraid. Before, I was so certain that I'd get out alive. But, there's no sign of anyone yet, and over two hours have passed. Two precious hours.
I think of Lindsay, and Sara.
I hope Lindsay understands why I did this, and I hope Sara isn't angry with me.
I just wish I'd had more time with her.
I close my eyes so I can't see the timer, in a way that's more frightening.
I don't want to die. I don't want my little girl to be an orphan.
I don't want Sara to find someone else.
I want to be there for both of them.
Lindsay needs me, and I think in a way, Sara does too. I try to untie my hands, but the ropes are too tight.
A tear drips down my cheek, then before I know it, I'm sobbing.
I'm scared, and I'm not ready for this.

Sara's POV

2:05:44

I watch as the three helicopters soar away into the distance.
Brass, Sofia and Grissom are in one, and a load of SWAT officers are with them. I wanted to go, but Brass and Grissom wouldn't allow it.
They seem to think it'll be dangerous.
Nick's pulling me towards the car, telling me we need to go.
I need to go with them, I need to find Catherine. I just need Catherine.
I close my eyes, hoping when I open them, Catherine will be safe in my arms and this nightmare will be over.
But when I open them, all I can see is a vast expanse of empty desert.
I wrench my arm out of Nicks grasp, and walk across to the SUV alone.
As we drive back to the lab, I pretend to sleep.
I can't think, let alone talk right now.
I just want Catherine back.

Catherine's POV

01:10:00

Green still hasn't appeared.
I think this is part of the torture, leaving me to wait this out alone.
If they don't make it in time, I have an hour and ten minutes to live. I'm hungry, thirsty, weak and tired.
I wonder if that noise in the distance has been there the whole time, or I've been so distracted, I haven't noticed it.
Hold on, it's getting closer.
I won't allow myself to get excited…it could just be..
It's a helicopter.
Tears of relief begin to fall down my cheeks, then Green appears in the doorway.

"Three helicopters, just for me! I wonder if they'll land. Once I know, I'm going to press this button just here. Then you'll have thirty seconds left before-"
"Shut up!" I scream.

I'm done with playing it cool with him. I don't care if he sees I'm upset. All I care about is believing they'll save me. It's like, as long as I believe they'll save me, they will. I just need to believe it .
Green looks shocked, and I almost laugh at the expression on his face.
He says something else, but I can't hear him because of the helicopters. I can see out of the door, and one is landing about 10 meters away.They must have spotted his car. Suddenly, Green presses the button.
The numbers change.

00:30:00

Thirty seconds left.