Disclaimer: same as every other chapter…
Catherine found Greg just outside the door, waiting like a spider. "Cath, tell me this is all a lie, there's no way Sara would let herself become a victim like that!"
Catherine smiled, and shook her head, "I'd rather she talk to you, go on in."
Greg bounded into the room and immediately sat by Sara's side. He was surprised to see her smiling, "It's OK Greg, really, I mean it, I'm OK." Her bloodshot eyes said otherwise.
"But….Sara? Is it true?"
"It all happened such a long time ago, my father knocked me around a bit, my mother, too. He's dead, and I don't speak to her anymore. It's ancient history."
Greg started to ask something, but Sara put her finger to his lips, "Leave it in the past."
She looked seriously at him, "And, keep this between us. This is not something I like people knowing about me."
Greg pulled her into an embrace, as much to be close to her as to hide his tears welling up at the thought of someone abusing her as a girl.
Meanwhile, Catherine waited outside. She pondered how so much of both Sara and Gil was out of sight, like two icebergs. They were perfectly matched in that regard, so much beneath the surface. It now seemed almost logical that their relationship was hidden, when so much of each individual existed hidden from others.
Doris approached Catherine as she passed, "You people sure keep an eye on that gal. There's always somebody up here with her."
Catherine just nodded, "We are all very close, and it was a close call after all."
"How 'bout an extra chair or cot?"
"That'd be great!"
Catherine and Greg each laid out on a cot, exhausted. They both had a hard time sleeping though. Sara drifted off, awakening them all with a nightmare. Asleep again, then the phone, Grissom checking in. They reassured him, saving the story for Sara to tell later. Asleep again, Doris in to check Sara's condition. Asleep again, meal time. "They need to discharge you to get well, nobody can get a minute's sleep in this place," Greg moaned.
Back in her office, and thanks to a close contact in San Francisco, Marion Davies wasted no time in confirming Sara's story. From the details of the trial transcript, she easily found records. As she filed away the paperwork, she focused her attention on Dr. Lurie. She called to inform him the matter was closed, and not so subtly told him he should proceed with the transfer immediately. He thanked her for the call, but inside he felt such utter frustration that Grissom was exonerated so quickly. Also, knowing his contact with Sara was now officially severed, he was consumed by thoughts of what might have been if he could have come between them, been her savior. I must have been delusional to think I could get her that way. He buried his head in his hands on his desk. He was totally enraged that he missed his opportunity to put it to Grissom. Even worse, his nemesis had his 'Debbie', and he didn't even stand a chance with her. Trying to get his mind off of her, he threw himself into work, not that hard to do given his schedule, and as promised passed her care to the orthopedic team. The only reminder was her name and contact information he copied from her chart that first night, still tucked into the back of his wallet. He knew he couldn't be further from her, but deep down he just couldn't let go of all hope completely.
TBC….
A/N: Sorry for the brevity of this chapter, I'm trying to figure out how to land this thing, so I'm working on several chapters at once! I don't intend to go on and on, so just a few more chapters, until the start of the episode "A La Cart." Thanks for hanging in there, and I should be able to post everyday from here on….