-Middle of the Desert-

Sam Braun's Limo

"Seriously," Nick asked looking at the older man. "Your limo? Of all vehicles to bring along you picked this?"

"Mr. Stokes," Braun turned to look at him. "I have done many things in my life. Many I am not proud of. I know this desert well but if I lose my daughter to some lunatic I will ensure the entire lab pays for that. I will ensure the entire police force understands my pain."

"Good thing I'll be gone and we got that recorded," He looked at him. "Sam … Grissom pledged his world to your daughter. You really think he's just going to let her perish for no reason. He knows her to well. Hell normally the two know exactly where each other are I'm … your ringing."

"It's not … Mugs?" He put it on speaker shocked knowing very well Brass would hear this as well. Knowing they were listening back at the lab in Archie's little technologically advanced area. That helicopters were prepared to home in on him and any other emergency vehicles as well. But this … this was the one thing he want.

"How is it the one number that works is his?" Nick's eyes widened at Sara's voice.

"Hush Sidle. Sam listen tell the lab Hodges is innocent. Brother," There was a sound and a curse. Catherine whimpered a little and Sara apologized.

-Unknown Location-

Room 1

Sara looked at Catherine sheepishly as the food tray crashed down onto the wound. The whimper that escaped told her she was holding in as much pain as possible. Trying to be strong for them all like she always does. Sitting down she hadn't meant to knock the tray it just happened. After a momentary glare Catherine went back to the phone.

"Hodges brother is response. Tell Jim to protect Nick. Without Nick nothing can happen." She cursed as the call ended signal dying out again. They had dialed number after number hoping at any point signal would come through. Now, they waited praying they understood and Nick would be safe. Looking to Sara she gave a weak smile. "Without Nick … you live if he isn't here. So does Lindsey and John … I'm … I'm gone."

"No … you don't know that."

"I've been feeling hot Sara. My leg is becoming infected. If I don't die from what ever they plan then this leg will kill me. It's okay … I'll be with my baby girl again." Sara watched her eyes drift shut and cursed. How long had she been hiding the fever from her. Moving from the bed she lifted Catherine into it cursing the entire time. If she was here when Catherine died she'd never forgive herself. Undoing the shirt tied to the wound she whimpered at how swollen it looked. Pulling on the hole in the jeans she ripped them down to the bottom to get better access. Dirt must have gotten in somehow.

"Damn it! I need more stuff!" She looked to the door then the leg begged Hodges to appear so this could be fixed. He wouldn't want Catherine dead … not like this. He'd help. At least she hoped he would. Grabbing one of the bottles of water she cleaned her hands and then poured the rest on the wound. Catherine let out a moan of pain but nothing else. "Come on wake back up women!" Once the dried blood and grime was away from the wound she took the bloodied shirt and cleaned it with the other bottle as best as possible. It wasn't exactly white again but having shuck out as much dirt as possible before pouring water on it was better then nothing. Wrapping it back around the wound she tied it on the top and then sat on the bed putting her mentors leg on top of her lap. "You aren't allowed to die. I don't give you permission."

-Crime Lab-

Archie's Lab

"It's time to bring in Grissom … he makes this call." Brass spoke at Warrick's uncertain face. When no one moved he sighed. "Look either we stop this operation now so this guy can't possibly get Nicky or we let Grissom make the call."

"Archie … anything on her call?"

"I've got it down to the same side of Vegas Braun was called to meet at but that's it. Nothing more. That's a lot of desert."

"But it's desert … means there is nothing out there." Brass smiled clapping him on the back with a grin. The three men looked to him confused. "Warrick why don't you go check on the rest of your evidence I'm going to send the helicopters to look for heat signatures in an area of desert that should have no signs of people."

"Of course!" Greg laughed and shuck his head. "The desert is perfect for re-enacting a lot of romance crap." Archie looked at him. "Come on you got all the science fiction, can set up some sort of stages, and even create your own hang mans stage like back in the west without having anyone noticing."

"Reminded me to put a tracking device on you." Archie spoke going back to his work.

"We all need to remember that." Brass shuck his head hanging up the phone and looking at the next number he was debating calling. Instead he flipped to another and pressed send. "Mrs. Flynn … no I didn't want to worry about … I figured he was still locked in there … we might have a lead … I wanted … exactly what I was thinking … we got the lead from, well, uh, your daughter called and we were able to narrow her call signal down to a part of the desert that Sam is currently about to exchange Nicky in … no he only get's something for Catherine in return nothing else … I see … yes, she said that same … I'll do that."

"What?"

"Cath's mom said Catherine wouldn't want anyone being traded for anything to do with her. To bring Nicky back and lock him in the house with her if we have to. Keep him safe and remind him how cared for he is. Well she said loved but … I'll call -"

"Shakespeare," Sam's voice interrupted them as he started speaking to some one. They hadn't heard a phone or car door. The high pitched response told them it was definitely in person.

"Interesting name, why do you pick it?"

"You plan to kill my granddaughter for some sick love story along with Mr. Stokes and Ms. Sidle. As for my daughter … not sure what story that is," The cold reply froze them all. "Pity you won't succeed."

"Why is that? You can't kill me, Mr. Braun for then your precious Mugs and Lindsey will rot away. I'm sure Mugs by now is already suffering. She got shot trying to save a pathetic cabby. Legs probably infected by now. Fever picking up. She'll die in time. Unless I hang her and save her from such a horrible fate."

"I won't need to kill you. The Las Vegas Police Department will handle you. They may not handle their cases against me well but you've attacked two of their own, the off spring of one of theirs, and an innocent boy. Your own brother as well, Mr. Hodges." The sound of a vehicle got Archie's attention and he looked to his screen.

"Uh … Nick's GPS tracker in his watch is moving … at high speeds."

"No doors opened though!" Brass looked stricken with concerned and quickly pulled out his phone. They heard the ringing through the wire and then the click of an answer.

"It appears, Brass, that having a criminal on our side provides us with an advantage." Nick spoke and they heard a door shut and movement. "Instead of providing me, Sam figured slipping my watch in the vehicle would be better."

"A trick I learned back in the day."

"I have so got to learn more about his business." Greg spoke with awe and eyes turned to him. "What you know I'm fascinated with old Vegas."

"Get Warrick, Archie keep us posted on where that device ends up. The moment it stops I want it's location." Brass spoke rushing out while calling in the calvary. He was not looking forward to telling either Grissom's that they owned Sam Braun for this one.

-Grissom Residence-

Three Hours Later

"Grissom," He pulled his phone out of habit. The whispered word that greeted him caused him to stand in shock and awe. Lily looked over from the changing table with Jr. and Betty continued to rock Maria gently back and forth while watching him. Tears danced in his eyes as he fought to believe what he just heard. Fought the urge to ask someone to say something to make sure his hearing wasn't going again. "L-Lindsey?"

"They did it." Lily spoke smiling and he looked at her. Mischievously she smiled and he shuck his head in understanding. "I'll get the car seats. Betty the bags. You figure out the hospital information."

"We are coming butterfly, we are coming."

-Two Hours Ago-

Catherine was in and out of it as Sara kept cleaning her leg. It hurt so much and yet she was ready to be with her baby girl again. The sounds above her didn't faze her. It was to late for a rescue for her. Hodges was with them she had noticed that. He was giving supplies to Sara and she smiled at him wanting him to knew she didn't blame him. Family was family and you couldn't help it. Hell her father was Sam Braun she couldn't fault this man for his brother now could she. The door flew open and she swore she saw the most grieved look ever on Jim Brass's face but then again she also could swear that a green alien was floating around the room singing songs about love in all the wrong places.

"Call a bus!" Brass called spinning and stopping someone from entering. Had to be Lindsey and she smiled.

"Lindsey …" She whispered softly with a grin. "I'm going to see Mary-Anne again."

"Dear God," Brass spoke swallowing. "Get these two out now." He rushed over to the bed and gently touched Sara's shoulder. "It's okay … I got her now. Take Hodges upstairs. He isn't under arrest. Go on …"

"Jimmy." Blinking rapidly she pushed back the insanity the fever was causing as best as she could. She watched Sara and Hodges reluctantly leave. He took her hand and she squeezed it weakly. "James … tell Grissom …"

"Cathy, you tell him okay. You tell him," He whispered brush a hand through her damp hair. "Come on baby don't give up. Where's that fighter?"

"Mary-Anne …" The tears in her eyes pained him and he understand right then why she was willing to not fight. Nodding he let her know he understood. "My fault … heart problem … wanted Gil … she sensed … Jimmy tell him I'm sorry. Please tell him that. Tell him I'll be with her now. I'm sorry."

"Catherine!" He shuck her arm eyes watering. Turning he saw Greg and Warrick, each with their kits ready to work. "Damn it where are the paramedics!"

"They … they are an hour out. Didn't come when we did. Brass!" Warrick watched shocked as the aging detective lifted one of their mentors into his arms. Once she was settled he hurried passed them holler that the scene was clear and theirs. Brass had no thought but getting her to a hospital as quickly as possible. Not even shooting the man laughing as he ran by occurred to him. All he wanted was to save the one person in the world that brought the bug man alive. Lindsey stood shocked as he came out carrying her mother.

"M-mommy?" Sara pulled her back knowing that Nick be at the hospital waiting for them. Knowing that this isn't how Lindsey should see her mother. Knowing this would be the worst day for this girl. Hodges looked terrified at what was happened. John let the jacket around his shoulders slip as he stood from the squad car he was huddled in. Lindsey shuck her head unable to handle what she was seeing.

"Get them to the blasted hospital. Lindsey come!" Brass hollered and Lindsey and Sara rushed forward . Sara forced Lindsey into the front seat buckling her in as Brass settled the unconscious Catherine into the back. Sara slid into the back just as he climbed into the front and speed out. Another car was already driving John and Hodges away in front of them lights on. Sara pulled Catherine against her cradling her protectively. Grabbing the radio Brass held it close. "Clear the roads to Desert Palms we have a CSI down. Detective Brass is doing the rush. Call EMTs off desert job."

"Road blocks dispatched," A reply came back followed by another. Lindsey listened and watched fascinated as ahead of them lights seemed to come to life on the road. Red lights became green and cop cars came speeding forward halting traffic and escorting them. Over the radio cries came requesting name for who was down. From the crime scene her mothers name was given and after that she listened as officers and CSIs out doing their jobs took time to wish them luck and offer prayer. Tears formed as she looked at her Uncle Jim and back at her mother.

"H-how did you … know?"

"Your grandpa is a smart person," Brass growled swerving dangerously to make a turn. He was already speeding and risking them all but currently his only concern was his dying passenger. "Hold on kiddo it's about to stop very abruptly."

"Forty minutes … not bad," Sara mumbled as Brass came to a quick stop outside the emergency exit of Desert Palms. Already doctors and nurses were standing by the call reaching them as well. Brass wasn't even able to carry her mother into the hospital but Lindsey sat frozen as her mother was carefully taken from the car, placed upon a gurney, and rushed inside Sara following and telling them what she knew. Before she could climb out the vehicle was moving and headed towards the parking lot of the hospital. Once parked Brass pulled out his phone and handed it to her.

"I believe someone has been eager to hear from you." Shaky she dialed the only number she wanted to dial right now and held the phone to her ear. Her knew last name made her smile and she paused just briefly unsure what to say. Then the door beside her opened and Brass was kneeling beside her. Realizing for the first time that it was okay to slow down and be afraid she whispered.

"Daddy," It was soft. Barely audible and he waited so long to reply she thought he didn't hear at first. At first he just said her name and then he said they were coming. "Daddy … Uncle Jim was carrying mommy. I'm scared. I'm so scared."

"Gil, it's Jim. Desert Palm. Taking her in now she's crying a little to much to talk. You get here then I'll tell you about Cath but get to your daughter first." Hanging up before the man could ask questions he scooped the fragile teenage into his arms. "Your mother loves you Lindsey. Remember that okay."

"She wants to be with Mary-Anne doesn't she?" Lindsey whimpered and he didn't respond not sure how to.

Hours passed as they waited. Lindsey and John had been cleared. Sara as well, though they told her to take it easy along with Hodges. All had changed immediately. Now, the waiting room was filled with well over twenty people. Co-workers, family, friends, cops, reports crowded outside that finally caught wind of the story. All waiting to hear the news of Catherine Grissom and surgery. Grissom had already scared all of them as he entered, grabbed Lindsey and told her never to do anything so foolish again. Then he sat and held her not once mentioning Catherine. When Lindsey feel asleep in his arms he lightly moved her down onto the couch by herself then spoke with Brass. His calmness was frightening all of them, especially since the last time he saw all of them he exploded.

"Uh … Grissom family?" A doctor asked and all heads shot up.

"I'm the husband, this is the children, friends, brothers, and our parents." He motioned around the group and the doctor nodded understanding. Walking away with the Doctor he took the news so he could give what ever needed to be given to the others. They all watched blocking Lindsey just in case she woke. Brass, Warrick, Nick, Greg, and Sara at the front watching as Grissom nodded along with the news. He then walked into the room the doctor had lead him too and they all felt sorrow. They felt like they just lost everything.

Inside the room was different, Catherine was awake due to her stubbornness and waiting eagerly for Grissom to enter. When he did she smiled and held her hands out to him. He came quickly and she grinned happy to see him. Happy to not have completely given up. Then again she also had something to tell him. Something she herself couldn't believe. It was why she was awake now despite the surgery for her leg being done hours ago.

"The doctor … you crashed?"

"I died Gil," She smiled happily and he looked at her like she was insane. "I died and a beautiful girl. Black hair and blue eyes just like yours was sitting before me. She had the same look you have now."

"Catherine you died!"

"Gil, I was with Mary-Anne, I was gone for just three seconds here, but there was like an eternity. I … I won't say it was heaven. Or … I don't know what it was but she … I have still been blaming myself Gil. I never told you about her heart problem and how she turned as I cried out for you. I knew of her heart problems. It's why I was so cautious this pregnancy. Why I was so careful. I didn't want to lose this little girl but she held out so much because she knew I wanted you. And I couldn't blame you, had I just stopped focusing on you not being there I thought …"

"Catherine, Lindsey wouldn't even come out till I arrived."

"She wasn't going to be okay." Tears prickled her eyes. "Gil, she told me why she turned. It wasn't because of you it was because of us. I know you aren't religious but I am and well she told me that God told her, told all of them it was to early. That something had happened that wasn't meant to. He had needed more time to strength her heart. He gave her the choice, Gil, to … to suffer here with us or be at peace with him. She turned because it would give her a shorter time here … less suffer for us."

"Oh, Cat," He kissed her head. "I'll believe that one. Now, if that is all you had to tell me can I go get your daughter before everyone thinks I'm in here losing it at your death?"

"Well I did die you could lose it a little bit," She smirked a little then grimaced as her leg twitched. "And maybe ask the doctor to help with that."

"On it, love," He turned and walked out the biggest smile on his face since the day he married the women he love. Seeing a bunch of faces that looked like they were grieving he walked forward. Looking for the doctor he motioned to him. "Hey, Doc, was wondering if you could do anything to help her leg. Causing her some pain and she can't seem to be her normal sarcastic self like that."

"Wait …" Brass spoke looked at him shocked and then annoyed.

"You mean you didn't tell us before seeing her that she was alive. Damn it, Gil Grissom I thought my daughter was -"

"Mommy?" Lindsey whispered sitting up. "Is mommy okay?"

"Yes and she has a story to tell you." Grissom smiled motioning in the direction the Doctor was headed. The teenage girl rushed off eager to see her mother.

A/N: First I would like to disclaim everything. I only own this plot and of course those characters I made up. Everything else belongs to those affiliations that created them. Second, for any who are curious about Hodges brother I will put his information below and what the plan had been. I think I originally had planned Hodges to be the bad guy in this but I like Hodges so I changed it. I hope this is satisfactory to my readers. Honestly, I read through Role Models and was like ... why did I not just leave it with the happy wedding ... then I remember it's me. I did read that wedding though and go hey look it's my wedding ... well the one I want when I get married. Sorta, anyways onto Hodges brother.

Hodges brother, Daniel, is recently divorced from his high school sweet heart. He comes to Vegas to stay with his brother hoping to recover from heart ache. He's spent the last few years listening to Hodges stories about the people in the lab and their lives. Having been in Vegas for nine months, since the birth of the twins, he has sunk farther into his depression. The stories in his mind become wrong and he realizes only he can fix them. He starts working on this first by going to the lab and taking Sara's weapon so the evidence would point towards her then anyone with access to the lab once he took her. Hodge gets dragged into everything once he catches onto his brothers insanity, he notices the gun and massive amounts of pictures of particular co-workers and Lindsey, by force. After Daniel gets Hodges out of his own house he tells him he has to call in sick or he will not only kill him but also pick other ways to harm those he choices to bring true romance too.

Lindsey and John: Daniel sees the two of them as Romeo and Juliet (simply because they are young and Lindsey's parents work in the lab and John's for a crime boss)

Sara and Nick: (bringing out my inner geek and a shot out to Star Trek Voyager) Janeway and Chakotay. A fan of Star Trek like his brother, he has heard Hodges compare Sara and Nick to multiple Star Trek couples. Daniel finds it unfair that these two can accept their love and live happily when in scripts they are not meant to. Nor does he find it fair that his script didn't give him that.

Catherine and Grissom: Quasimodo and Esmeralda, as Daniel Hodges can't understand how Grissom (the science geek) got Catherine (the head cheerleader) and he got left by his high school sweet heart. To him it is an unjust union, he knows of Eddie and he feels that Catherine should have suffered as Esmeralda did after Eddie's death and Grissom left to pin after her dead body. Which is his ultimate plan.

If you haven't seen Star Trek Voyager then that reference won't make sense. That's why I used Greg to explain a lot of it but these are the basic couples I was going off of. Sara and Nick could of been any of multiple science fiction/fantasy couples . Catherine was going to hang like Esmeralda and Hodges was going to be killed with her own weapons, which Daniel knew she still had. He was going to leave a note with her saying her crime was his brothers death along with Eddie's. Lindsey he couldn't bring himself to completely follow to tale of Romeo and Juliet and so was just going to poison the two of them.

Thank you for reading my story and I hope you enjoyed it. I know ... I made Sam the hero in a way I'm weird.