A/N: Many, many, many appologizes for the mucho delayed up-dates on this story. I assure you I will attempt to finish this story in a satisfactory way, along with my other story. CSI: Nick and the Lady. Thank you all for your patience. I know this chapter may not be up to the usual standards but I assure you all it will get a bit better in the near future. Once again, many thanks for your patience.

Chapter 28

It took less than half an hour for the Raies and the Markhams to make their decision and it was apparently done with raised voices from behind the doors. The assembled group couldn't hear exactly what was being said but they knew they would find out later when they went through the videotape.

Finally Candy came back with a message that said they were ready and that a decision had been made.

Everyone filed back in and took their respective places.

"I understand you've come to a decision," Randi said.

Conrad Markham stood up and said, "Yes, we have. Both boys will co-operate fully with the NYPD and grant you their DNA sample. We will also permit a search of their dorms and homes."

"I'm glad to hear that," Randi said, smiling plesantly. "And if the DNA samples match what evidence the police have?"

"Then they will escorted directly to the police or, should they be arrested, there will be no trouble from either of them," Sidney Raies said tiredly. "There will be no trouble from any of us."

"And should the boys prove to be guilty?" Randi asked.

"We will, of course, provide them with a lawyer as is their right but we will not interfere with the process of things," Mathew Raies said.

Randi looked at Peter Markham and Bryan Raies and said, "Do you two gentlemen understand this?"

There was a chorus of "Yes ma'am" from the two sullen young men.

"I'm glad to hear that. Detectives, they're all yours."

Mac and Sheldon stood up and each took out a pair of latex gloves and a swab. They went around the table and, ignoring the dark looks they were getting from Peter and Bryan, quickly took their sample from the boys' mouths.

"We should know the results in a few days," Mac said casually as he capped the sample and tucked it back in its box.

"In the mean time, until we know the results, may I strongly advise that neither of you two young men make any plans to leave the country any time soon," Kevin said.

"We give you our word on that," Dorothy Markham said.

"In that case, I consider this meeting adjourned," Randi said. "You are welcome to stay for refreshments or, should you decline otherwise, you may leave. However, I take my leave of you, as does the NYPD." And with that, she and the said NYPD filed out of the room.

It took three days but the DNA results came back and confirmed what Mac and Sheldon and Flack already suspected; Bryan and Peter were guilty. Both young men were arrested and, as promised by their families, co-operated to the fullest.

Bryan and Peter admitted to the beating but claimed Edward Nashwood had started the whole thing. He just would not leave Jack Dales alone and this had cumulated into the beating and subsequent death of the victim. Mac, Sheldon, and Flack decided to let the D.A. sort out the mess, since that part didn't really matter to them; they had caught the pricks by their balls and that was all that mattered.

"Looks like I owe you one," Mac said later to Randi as they snuggled on the couch.

"You don't owe me a darn thing. You have your connections, I have mine," she said.

"True. Speaking of connections, how's it going with Stewart?"

"Judge threw the case out of court thanks to the evidence and witness testimony so kindly provided by your friends," she said, grinning.

The truth was there had been so many cops behind her in the courtroom that the judge had finally asked if all those cops were supporting Randi or providing witness testimony. When she'd learned that the cops were supporting Randi, along with a fair number providing testimony on behalf of Randi, and the dozens of other people behind Randi, all for the same reason, she'd nearly fallen off her bench in shock.

"Glad to hear that," Mac said, grinning.

"I just hope things return to normal now," she said.

"What is normal with you?" he quipped. "Ack!" he suddenly yelped when she retaliated by going after his ticklish spot. "No fair!" he laughed, protesting as he fought her off.

"Nothing's fair in love and war, buster!"