Disclaimer: Like I said before, I don't anyone or anything relating to CSI or CBS!
A/N: this an edited version of the previous chapter. Thanks for letting me know!
Chapter 3
LV Crime Lab
"Madison, I'm sorry about the wait. If you're hungry, we can go get something to eat," Catherine said.
Madison looked at the woman who reminded her of her own mother and smiled. She wasn't sure why she smiled. She wasn't happy about her situation. Madison thought to herself, Sure, why not-- anything that will delay the inevitable.
With a nod of her head, Madison got up and headed over to the diner with Catherine and Janet to grab some food. Before leaving, Catherine told Nick to page her when Sara came back to the lab.
In the Diner
As they sat in a booth and ordered their meals, Catherine thought of some questions to ask the girl. She desperately wanted to know how Madison was connected to Sara. A mother and trained investigator, Catherine knew that she couldn't just come out and ask that question. She'd have to work her way up to that one.
"Madison, how old are you?" Catherine asked as she sipped on her coffee.
Madison knew that her silence would be mistaken for rudeness, so she decided that answering this strange woman's questions wouldn't hurt. She answered, "I just turned twelve."
"That means you're in sixth grade?" asked Catherine.
Madison stared at Catherine in confusion and then realized the blonde woman wouldn't know that she had skipped a grade. "I'm actually a 7th grader. I skipped forth grade," Madison explained.
"Wow! That's impressive. How do you like junior high? What school do you go to?"
Catherine asked as she attempted to finesse more information out of the young girl.
"I attend a private school in San Francisco named St. Mary Sisters Academy. The campus is really pretty, and much better than the elementary school. I really like all of the options that the curriculum of the school offers."
"What type of classes did you take?" Catherine continued to probe. This girl must be related to Sara, thought Catherine. She caught Madison's eyes in just the right light and was struck by who her eyes reminded her of. Okay, now I have to know how she's connected to Sara. As Catherine was trying to figure out the most tactful way to ask the question she really wanted to know, Madison talked animatedly about the classes she was taking at St. Mary Sisters.
"Madison, how do you know Sara?" Catherine asked tentatively. As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized she hadn't been quite as tactful as she had hoped. Catherine watched the girl's expression change from to anger in a split second.
Madison's eyes darkened as random thoughts ran through her head. What?!? Who is this woman that's asking me all these questions? Uhh!!! You want to know how I know Sara Sidle? I'll tell you! I know her because she's the reason that my parents are dead!!! That's how I know her! Madison wanted to scream in rage, just thinking about the reason she was there in Las Vegas. She wanted to everyone to know the reason why she had to leave the world she treasured and loved.
Seeing rage in the girl's eyes, Catherine quickly realized she had hit a nerve. This can't be good. I wonder what could have happened between them. I wish I had never opened my mouth. I just had to be nosy. Great! Look at what you did! Catherine was reprimanding herself while looking at the girl.
Past: One Week Ago.
"Daddy! Where are you?" Madison came down the stairs looking for her father.
As Madison walked closer to the den she heard her mother and father having an argument.
"Why are you being so stubborn, Sam?"
"Me! What about you? I've been telling you stop seeing that damn Sidle woman. I told you she's crazy!"
"You know I can't do that. Even with everything that I went through with her, I still care about her, Sam."
"Daniel! Please! Let's just stop this before it gets worse. I'm through with this. I can't take this anymore."
"Sam, try to understand where I'm coming from."
"That's the thing, Daniel. I can't understand! I mean for Christ's sake! You even changed your name to get away from her!"
What's going on? Who is this woman? I've heard that name before--Sidle. Sidle. Dad and Mom were arguing then too about a Sara Sidle. Is Dad cheating on Mom with this woman named Sara Sidle? And what does Mom mean she's through with this? Is she thinking about a divorce? No! All I know is her name, but I hate this woman! Madison was pissed. She was thinking of ways to make sure her parents weren't going to split up. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the door opening to the den. Her mother nearly bumped into her.
"Mom," Madison said as she approached her.
"Not now, Maddy."
"But mom…" Madison started, but was cut off by her mother.
"Maddy, I said not now. I have to go to work. You're going to have to get your stuff together and spend the night at Melinda's house. Okay?"
"Fine!" Madison yelled as she glared at both her mother and father before running upstairs.
Present Day
Sara parked her car and grabbed her kit and went inside the lab.
"Hi Judy!" Sara greeted the receptionist as she passed her desk on her way to the evidence room.
"Wait," Judy called after Sara. "You had a visitor-- an Agent Janet. She stepped out for food. She said she'd be right back."
"Agent Janet?" Confusion spread over Sara's face. I don't know an agent Janet. "Okay, page me when she gets here. I'll be in my lab." Sara said as she continued toward the evidence room.
Back at the Diner
Catherine was still trying to figure out why Madison became so angry at the mention of Sara when her pager went off. It was Nick letting her know that Sara had finally got back from her scene. Catherine told the agent and they left with a brooding and silent Madison in tow.
Crime Lab
As they came back to the lab, Catherine noticed Sara waiting in the lobby.
"Miss Sidle, I'm Agent Janet. I'm here regarding Daniel Mead."
Sara just stared in shock. She knew there was only one reason an agent would want to speak to her about Daniel.
Please review! Next Chapter coming soon. After that, I won't be able to update til the weekend.