Chapter Eighteen: Secrets

The investigation, at the present moment, was at a standstill. Mckinely didn't have any other information, and if he did, he simply wasn't giving. The cell phone had also come to a dead end, the number deactivated, and the owner unidentifiable. Nick knew the others were still working on it back in Vegas, but it hardly eased his mind.

He had been attacked more than once…he knew feeling of dread, of terror. But at least he knew who, and he also knew why. That alone was some counsel, and perhaps even closure. He had been stalked, framed for murder, and kidnapped. It was safe to say he had used up all his lifelines.

But what about Greg, and Sara, of course? He knew the ex-lab rat better than he did Sara. He and Greg got along naturally, even from the first time they had met. Nick found humor in his odd acts, and his self proclamation around the lab, not only by his attitude but also by his wardrobe, and his procedure.

Sara he knew quite well, but only on a professional matter. He had never been to her house, or gone out drinking with her. He never traveled to seminars or classes, and the never ate out. They had breaks, of course, but those didn't really count. Sara was just as much as a mystery to him as Greg was his friend.

He pushed his sunglasses up as he entered the building, making his way to the elevator. Normally he would use the stairs, but today he didn't quite feel up to the challenge of climbing four flights. He hadn't heard yet on Sara's condition, and no one from the hospital had called to update on Greg. This was why he was here, but it wasn't the only reason.

Greg had given them a brief statement the previous night, but it wasn't enough. Maybe Mckinely had slipped somewhere, had let something out, or maybe Greg knew something that would bring an end to this case. Even if he didn't, a full statement was still required. The person wanting them dead may get away, but at the very least they could pin Mckinely on it. It would get the message out that murder for hire wasn't a 'get-rich-quick' scheme, and that it came with a high penalty.

Nick flagged down a passing nurse, frowning as she hustled by without so much as looking up. Trying to get some help here was worse than it had been back at the crime lab. The Texan wondered if this happened to be the current theme of the area, or if he had just happened to come at a bad time.

His second attempt was more successful than the first, despite the fact she hadn't ever heard of a man by the name of Greg Sanders and she hardly knew how to speak in English. He ran a hand through his hair, pursing his lips as he headed down the hall. Greg should still be in the same room as the night before, but there had been talk of moving him. Aside from that, he would have liked a full update before going in there.

The door itself was hanging open slightly, and even still Nick knocked as he entered, pushing it open hesitantly. The smile that was once on his face disappeared now as he came to a stop, watching the man dress slowly.

Greg barely glanced up at him, turning away as he pulled the shirt over his head carefully, as though each move pained him greatly. In the silence Nick could hear his heavy breaths and the Texan tried to get his bearings straight, wanting to scold the man for moving too much too soon.

"What are you doing here?"

"Checking up on you," Nick responded, finding his voice only then. "Exactly what are you doing?"

"Leaving," Greg answered, trying to smooth his hair down. "I'm going to see Sara."

"Sara?" Nick blinked, trying to process all that had just been said. "Leaving? Wait…you can't leave."

"Yeah?" Greg looked at him, the anger evident in his eyes. "Who's going to stop me?"

"The doctors approved you for release?"

Greg shook his head, coughing as he rested his weight on his knees. His eyes were halfway closed and Nick knew the man wasn't in any shape for walking, let alone traveling. "I don't need anyone's approval."

"Greg…"

"No," he cut the Texan off quickly, shaking his head. "No. I'm not in the mood to listen to more of your lies. I'm tired of being lied to."

"I was wrong," Nick admitted, hating both himself and Catherine at the same time. He knew she had been right, but he hadn't wanted to believe it, keeping to his own hopes in order to keep everything at bay. "I didn't want you to worry."

"Worry?" Greg wondered, staring at him. "I wake up this morning asking about her and no one in this entire damn hospital knows she even exists. They keep telling me she never came in. I thought she was dead."

"How did you find out?"

"What?" Greg huffed angrily, "That she wasn't? Catherine. Pretty shameful that I have to call outside sources to figure things out. You're my friend Nick, I trusted you."

"We didn't know anything at the time Greg…I didn't know what else to say."

"You say that you didn't know," the man pointed out angrily. "I wouldn't have been mad at you; I knew Sara wasn't in that great of shape."

Nick shrugged, holding his hands out to the side. "I'm sorry, alright? I was only doing what I felt was best. I know we haven't exactly started off on the right foot, but listen too me. You're not ready to leave."

Greg nodded, to the Texan's surprise. "I know that."

"You do?" Nick raised an eyebrow.

"I still need my shoes, there's no way in hell I'm going to Portland barefoot."

"That's not what I was saying and you know it," Nick ground out angrily. "You almost died last night. You're severely dehydrated and mal-nourished, not to mention weak. You're barely able to sit up."

"I'm fine," Greg answered crisply, holding his head in hands at the same time.

"Fine?" Nick wondered out loud.

"Maybe not great, but I'm still going. I've already made that decision, and with all due respect, I'm not minor. I don't need your approval to do anything."

"Catherine and I are going up there tomorrow, stay here, get another day of rest, and then you can ride with us. It'll be a lot more comfortable and cheaper than renting a cab."

"Who said anything about taking a cab?"

Nick ground his teeth, growing more agitated by the minute. Greg wasn't thinking along reasonable lines, not in the least bit. He knew the man was angry, and perhaps this sudden rebellious streak was due to pay him back for the lie he spread earlier. Still, this wasn't the way to handle it all. "Greg…you're in no shape to drive. You'll kill yourself trying to get there, not to mention everyone else you're putting in danger. Do you really want to kill someone with your own selfishness?"

He could see that this got to him here, watching as the young man shifted with a heavy sigh. Greg may not have cared much about his health, but he wouldn't willingly risk the health of an innocent bystander. The level one CSI rubbed his head gently, as if trying to think, before letting out a long sigh.

"Fine…you win. I'll stay another day, but I'm not going to enjoy it."

"You'll follow the doctor's orders?" Nick wondered, watching as Greg edged himself back into the bed.

"Whatever," was his crisp reply and Nick let out a sigh, moving for the first time near the bed. He pulled the chair close, sitting quietly almost admiring the silence as Greg continued to breathe deep and heavy, as if struggling to breathe.

"I'm not trying to punish you," the Texan started finally, hoping to repair some of the trust that had been between them. If Greg wasn't so worried, he would have realized the logic behind the Texan's motives. But he also knew how spiteful Greg could be, and knew that this battle would be long in winning.

He said nothing in return and Nick rubbed his forehead, trying to find a way to ask the questions. He still needed a statement, thrown off from earlier by the sudden change. But he was saved from the awkward situation at the next asked question.

"Did you find who did it?"

"Other than Mckinely…no."

"He wouldn't cop to it," Greg huffed, letting out a yawn as he closed his eyes. "Where do you want me to start?"

Nick smiled lightly, knowing that this was the first step of many to getting back on track. He cleared his throat, nodding even though Greg couldn't even see. "The beginning would be good."

She resembled and angel. When he was young it had always been his duty to put the angel on the top of the tree for Christmas, and this was how he saw her now. Her face was pale, almost like porcelain, and with her eyes closed, her head resting on the pillow turned towards the wall, she was an angel of beauty, resting peacefully.

She was beautiful, and at the same time frightening. The doctors had assured him she would be okay given a few days, and a week or two of rest.

Greg reached out with a shaky hand, letting his fingers move over her hair, coming to rest on her cool forehead. If she only had more color in her cheeks, she wouldn't look so bad.

The bite hadn't been venomous…just a small simple bite that had thrown her body over the edge. As weak as she had been, it would have only taken something as small as that, to produce life threatening results. Even though the costs of the transportation, and added care, would skyrocket, it all and all had been a smart move. The doctor stressed the fact that one could never be too careful when dealing with poisons.

Greg sat down on the edge of her bed, hand still lingering in her hair. He wanted nothing more than to talk to her, to hear her voice, but he knew she wouldn't be waking up for some time yet. The doctor had given her a sedative to calm her, and help her gain the much needed sleep she was lacking.

He had wanted more than to see her since first waking with rational thoughts in the hospital. He had wanted to be here much earlier than this, but Nick had helped delayed that. He knew the Texan was right; he just didn't want to agree with him. The last day there had been pure misery, to anxious to sleep, too worried to eat he spent most of his time staring off into emptiness. It wasn't until that morning Nick had finally okayed him to leave.

Even still, Catherine and Nick hardly took their eyes off of him. Greg knew he wasn't one hundred percent yet, and that he would be lucky to be at even fifty, but he didn't want to worry the others. Still he had a keen feeling that they knew just how poorly he was doing. They insisted on making several stops along the way, even if it was only a few hours drive to begin with. One of the stops had lasted a full hour and half, as both Catherine and Nick forced him to eat. He knew the doctors had talked to them about his weight, or rather, the lack of it.

Needless to say he was busting at the seams when they finally arrived. Yet when they got to her door, Greg was struck by a sudden surge of fear. He was afraid to see what was on the other side.

They were only allowed in one at a time. Catherine had gone first, followed then by Nick even though he had offered to let Greg go in ahead. The man turned the offer down, pacing the halls as he tried to calm himself. It had taken a lot of nerve to finally go in and see her, but in the end Greg was glad.

Leaning over he placed a kiss on the side of her face, stroking her hair as he rested his head on top of hers. "You have no idea how glad I am you're okay," he whispered in her ear, closing his eyes. "I love you, Sara Sidle."

He waited, almost holding his breath but there wasn't any response. Then again why did he expect one? She wasn't even conscious at the time, and wouldn't be for hours yet. He pulled back, biting his bottom lip as he tried to keep his composure. He wanted nothing more than to kick himself; after all this time he had with her, why now? Why did he have to act like an idiot and confess his deepest darkest secrets, when she wasn't even listening? Greg highly doubted that after her near-death experience Sara would want to date, especially someone like him.

No…there had been Hank, and he knew Sara had secretly sworn off guys…most guy's that was. He knew she still had an eye for their boss, and if anything she would turn to Grissom for the support she needed. After all, Sara had little choice in confiding in Greg over the past days.

He swore to himself quietly, wiping away the tears that were beginning to fall. Why did he have to be so emotional? Sara was going to be fine; he was going to be fine. In a week they'd be back to normal, in a month, it would be like none of this had ever happened.

He ran his hand through her hair one last time as the knock on the door signaled it was time to go. Visiting hours were over, and they would be back in the morning. Greg would be, at least. He didn't care that the others were headed back to Vegas the next night; he was willing to find a way to stay with Sara until she was well enough to head back as well. Surely no one could oppose to that, could they?

TBC