Chapter Two – Bed Of Lies
Sara never got another chance to think about Grissom's offer, in fact truth be told, she forgot. She was busy going over the statements that they had collected over the last few hours, trying to tell the lies from the truth. They had all been to the club that they had claimed to be at, so the stories came together neatly. It made Sara a little suspicious that the stories were so tidy but she knew that it could happen.
"Have you thought about my offer?"
Sara shrugged as she pushed the statements into the manila file, sitting back in her chair.
"Not really. I got a phone call earlier from Mary about the case. We are both invited to the funeral when the body gets released."
Grissom nodded, even though Sara didn't see him, she still had her back to him. He could see the exhaustion in the slump of her shoulders, the way her head hung low to the table and the way her voice was low and steady, like she was talking in her sleep.
"Well you need to think about it. You need to sleep at some point."
Sara turned in her seat, her tired eyes flashing a challenge.
"If I do, you do too. You have been here just as long as I have."
Grissom indicated the folder with his thumb.
"Do you want to bring those home with you?"
Sara nodded, grabbing the file off the table and following Grissom out the door.
"Do you mind if we go past my house so I can pack a bag?"
Grissom nodded keys in his hand. He didn't know whether to be excited or anxious about Sara coming to his home. He felt the need to protect her, a feeling that was different to the way he felt about the rest of his team. He had felt his blood boil when Warrick had given Sara a hug, felt a flush of jealousy that she had turned to Warrick and not himself for comfort. When she was picked up for DUI, he had held her hand and then taken her home, when she had broken down about her parent's, he had again held her hand and sat with her while she cried. He for once wanted to be brave enough, strong enough to pull her into a hug. Tell her what he wanted, what he needed from her. He wanted to know what he needed to be for her.
They drove silently to Sara's apartment, Grissom settling himself on her sofa while she scurried around throwing things into a suitcase. After about ten minutes she dragged her suitcase back into the living room and was about to say something when there was a knock on her door. She shook her head at Grissom when he opened his mouth, making a point of stepping carefully and silently to the door, peeping through the spy hole in the centre. Mary Jennings was standing outside of the door, a large basket of muffins in her arms. Sara watched as the older woman sighed and made her way back to her own apartment. She turned back to Grissom, a wave of guilt making her question her now seemingly lame reaction.
"Am I such a terrible person for wanting to avoid her?"
Grissom shook his head, moving to stand dragging the suitcase into a standing position.
"I am surprised you have avoided her for this long. You are not a terrible person Sara; you don't need to added pressure from the family on this case. You done packing?"
Sara said nothing just moved into the little kitchen and started pulling some containers out of the freezer, loading them into a brown paper bag. Grissom moved into the kitchen, standing near the entrance.
"What are you doing?"
Sara picked up the now full bag, pushing the freezer closed with her shoulder, turning back to Grissom with a small smile.
"Comfort food."
Grissom followed her back to the front door, pulling her suitcase behind him as she paused and made sure the coast was clear before moving into the small hallway, locking the door behind them. They moved swiftly back to his truck, loading her suitcase and comfort food into the back seat before beginning the somewhat long drive to Grissom's town house.
"I was going to ask you earlier but we were interrupted. Are you allergic to dogs?"
Sara shot Grissom a suspicious look before shaking her head.
"No, why?"
"Because I happen to be dog sitting for my neighbours. Someone died unexpectantly and they couldn't leave her alone so they came and asked me to look after her and I said that it was fine."
Sara smiled again.
"That explains the dog hair that you have had on your clothing. What kind of dog is she?"
Grissom turned into his driveway, pausing at the mailbox.
"Charlie is a Labrador. She's been here for almost a week, and the family has no idea when they will be back. She is great company though."
Sara sat back in her seat, quietly surprised by Grissom's announcement of dog sitting. This man who she had always presumed lived for his work, had friends outside of work. People who trusted him enough to leave their dog with him. Sara liked knowing new things about him, liked knowing that she was one of the few who did. Grissom opened the front door for her, where she was just about bowled over by a honey colored hurricane.
"She's not a very good guard dog. She wants to be friends with everyone."
Grissom let Sara get acquainted with Charlie before moving more into the house.
"I know that you've been here before, so I'll just show you straight to your room."
He was once again carrying Sara's suitcase, making her feel decidedly female. He led her to where she would be staying, Charlie following closely at his heels. The room was quite large, the walls an off white colour like the rest of the house, the walls covered in the same butterfly cases that Sara had seen in the living room. The bed itself was a double with a pretty faded green cover, pillows and a teddy-bear placed in the middle. It was neat tidy and organized. Very Grissom. The only thing that seemed out of place was a replica of a painting that Sara instantly recognised.
"Girl with a Pearl Earring. That is one of my very favourite paintings. Have you read the book?"
Grissom shook his head, letting the suitcase slide to a laying position on the floor, moving to stand behind looking at the painting over her shoulder.
"Nah, I prefer to let my imagination go on that one. I like how much mystery surrounds her, all because she was chosen for a painting."
Sara could feel Grissom's breath on the back of her neck; smell the familiar scent of his skin. She could feel the little hairs on the back of her neck start to raise, her nerves pulling to the point of no return. He was too close. Sara moved away from the painting, in what she hoped was a not overly obvious gesture, moving towards what she presumed was the bathroom. Her en suite was a pretty pale blue, a toilet in the furtherest corner and a shower across from it. There was no tub, but Sara wasn't too bothered, she preferred showers over baths anyway.
"This is above the call of duty letting me crash here. You know that right?"
Grissom shrugged non-committedly.
"Where else would you go? Greg's place is a pit, Nick and Warrick would have girls going in and out and Catherine has Lindsey. And I think if you stayed with her, I would properly be investigating your murder in no time."
Sara had to laugh. He had hit the nail on the head in true Grissom fashion.
"You might want to get your comfort food into the freezer before it melts. I'll get you some clean towels for the bathroom."
Sara watched him go down the hallway toward his room, before taking the brown paper bag off the bed and heading into the kitchen. She had just finished loading the last of her comfort food into the freezer in amongst the frozen meals mixed vegetables and ice-cream when there was a loud knock on the door. Charlie responded enthusiastically, her whole body wiggling from side to side. Sara froze for a moment before deciding to answer it; Grissom was obviously still trying to sort out her bathroom. She swung open the door to find a teenage boy standing on the doormat, one hand with a large plate of cookies the other held a large plastic container which Sara cannot see into. His hair was somehow all spiked up to make him resemble a hedgehog; his clothes were all black despite the sunny weather. He smiled when Charlie came to greet him, leaving quickly when she realised that he could not scratch her ears.
"Hi, is Mr. Grissom here?"
Sara nodded her eyes still on the youth as she yelled over her shoulder.
"Grissom! You have a guest!"
Grissom came quickly, breaking into a smile at the sight of the youth on the step.
"Travis! How are you?"
Sara watched as the boy broke into a shy smile and moved past her and into the house.
"I'm good thanks Mr. Grissom. I brought over my report card like you said. Oh and Mom sent this for you. I also have something to show you. It's really cool."
He handed Grissom the plate of cookies.
"I told her you liked the chocolate chip ones."
Grissom indicated the sofa, handing the cookies to Sara.
"Travis this is Sara, one of my colleges."
Sara shook the boy's hand, finding his grip surprisingly firm. She moved into the kitchen, leaving the guys alone but still being able to hear what was being said. Grissom was now sitting across from Travis, his hand held out.
"So show us this report card then."
Travis pulled a wrinkled looking piece of card from his pocket, handing it over to Grissom with a smile. Grissom read it silently, his expression letting nothing be known. When he was finished he studied Travis hard. Travis looked nervous, and Sara felt nervous for him. She was all too familiar with that famous penetrating gaze.
"Are you proud of how you have done this year Travis?"
Travis shrugged confusion on his face. He didn't know whether he should be proud or not.
"Well you should be. You have worked hard for this Travis. I'm very proud of you."
Travis broke into a wide grin, watching as Grissom eyed up the container now sitting beside the boy.
"So what did you want to show me aside from your report card?"
Travis pulled open the container, handing it over excitedly to Grissom.
"I found it yesterday, and it was the largest of the species that I have ever seen and I thought you might be interested."
Sara moved closer to the pair, her curiosity getting the better of her. In the container a dead butterfly was nestled on some cotton wool, the wings just touching the sides of the container.
"Danaus Plexippus. It is definitely one of the larger ones I have seen. Where did you find it Travis?"
Travis grinned excitedly.
"On my way home from school. I put it into a container carefully like you told me to."
Grissom urged Sara closer, moving over slightly for her to sit next to him.
"Sara this is a Monarch butterfly, and quite an unusual one at that. How big would you say its wingspan was?"
Sara studied the butterfly for a moment, doing mental measurements.
"About 7 inches."
Grissom nodded, handing her the container before reaching for one of his books.
"This is why it's an amazing find. Normally the wingspan is only about 3-4 inches."
He showed Sara a picture from the book and she could see the immediate difference in the wingspan.
"So what made this fella so big?"
Grissom shrugged.
"No idea. The only real growth that happens is before they vacate the cacoon. This guy is just a rare find is all. I'll give you the name of a good guy in town that does my glass cases Travis, I'm sure he'll give you a good deal."
Travis shook his head, a shy smile on his face.
"I want you to have it Mr. Grissom, to thank you for all that you have done for me."
Sara watched as a rare moment occurred of Grissom being speechless. She watched Travis, who looked a combination of shy and apprehensive and for a moment she was transported to her time in University when she had first met Grissom. He had this presence that was both incredibly intimidating and awe inspiring. She had been tense at the idea that this man would be teaching her class, she was excited but more worried that she would not be able to match his intelligence with her own. She need not have worried it turned out. Grissom was more then what she had expected him to be. And still was.
"I don't know what to say Travis. Are you sure? I mean this is a pretty rare find."
Travis nodded his head in the decidedly decisive way that Sara had seen many teenagers do.
"I'm sure. It will be more at home here then at my place anyway."
Grissom nodded in acceptance, his gaze connecting with Travis's, who surprised them both by throwing himself at Grissom, wrapping his lanky arm's around the older mans neck. It only lasted a few seconds but Sara could see Grissom had been affected, his posture softening, along with his eyes. Grissom stood making his way towards the kitchen.
"This calls for a celebration. Hot chocolate?"
Travis stood also, shaking his head.
"No thanks, Mr. Grissom. I have to get home, Mum made me promise to come right back. Can I get those books before I go?"
Grissom nodded and watched Travis head down the hall before turning to Sara.
"Sorry Sara, I forgot that he was going to come around today. Do you wanna have a sleep or do you want to go over those notes on the case?"
Sara held up her hand.
"Hold on. What is the story with Travis? Does he come here regularly?"
Grissom glanced down the hallway quickly, before turning back to Sara.
"I tutor him a couple of times a week. He has a passion for bugs and science but was failing all his other topics. His mother called me when she found out what I did for a living. It's been gone on for about six months. He's gone from a D average to a B average. Next year we will be aiming for A's but I'm happy with how quickly he has improved."
Sara said nothing, filing the new information away with the other odds and ends she had been collecting over the last few minutes. Like the fact that the work fridge was not his only place to put experiments, half his own fridge was filled with unknown objects and growth. She wondered for a moment how on earth Grissom had not been infected with a disease. She also took in the sheer volume of books he had in his collection, bookshelves lined almost every wall, each with at least four shelves, jammed to breaking point with hardcover and paperback books. Her fingers itched to go and run her fingers over each and every volume, to try and somehow get into Grissom's head, find out what made this man tick. Travis had reappeared, a large pile of books hiding most of his face. Grissom opened the door and waved the boy off before turning back to Sara.
"So what did you decide? Sleep or file?"
Sara thought for a second.
"I need to clear me head; I think I might go for a run. Do you want me to take Charlie?"
Grissom nodded.
"If you want to. She'll stay close to you even if you let her off the lead."
Sara nodded and moved into her room to get changed. She put on her running shorts, a sports bra and as an after thought threw on her light, grey hoody. She headed back to the kitchen where she grabbed a bottle of water and Charlie's lead which she had spotted earlier on one of the side tables.
"There is a nice runner's path just to the north of here. It should be quiet, everyone is at work."
Sara gave Grissom a quick nod, a small wave and them she was out the door. She started at a smooth pace, finding the path quickly and set about clearing her mind.
Two hours later, Sara arrived home sweaty and pleasantly worn, a tired looking Charlie at her heels. She moved into the kitchen where Grissom was cooking, a lovely smell filling the house, making her stomach rumble.
"Yum smells good. I didn't know you cooked."
Grissom smiled.
"Ah there is not much that anyone knows. Go have shower and then we can have something to eat."
Sara ignored him and moved closer to the stove, lifting the lid off one of the pots. Grissom moved forward quickly, pulling the lid from her grasp and putting it back on the pot before taking her by the shoulders and physically moving her out of the kitchen.
"Shower. Now."
Sara made no attempt to fight or discuss the order, a shower sounded like the perfect way to end the long jog she had just had. Her muscles hummed with the lack of movement, the shower soon dulling the aching, the hot water relaxing her whole body more then the run did. Regretfully she turned the water off and went back into her room to change. Finally settling on her black jeans and white tank top, she moved back into the living room, her hair still damp and hanging around her shoulders. She didn't have the energy or will to spend hours making sure it stayed straight. Tonight it could do as it pleased. Grissom had laid out garlic bread and salad on the dining room table with soft jazz playing on the CD player. For a second Sara thought that maybe this was more intimate then she could handle right now. She needed to sort out Elizabeth's case before she could even think about Grissom. She wanted to be with him, but she needed to not be distracted from this case. Grissom was just serving some food onto plates as Sara took a seat, her hunger getting the best of her.
"Callaloni. No meat, just spinach, ricotta cheese and plenty of sauce."
Grissom sat across from her and watched as she ate. He didn't often see her like she was now, scrubbed clean and with out anything between her and the world. Her hair had left some wet patches on her shirt and Grissom could see the strap of her black bra through the simple cotton. He quickly turned his attention back to the food. They ate in silence for a little longer, the scraping of cutlery and the soft jazz filling the void. Grissom finally broke the silence.
"Were you surprised?"
Sara swallowed her mouthful of pasta, chasing it with a gulp of water before answering.
"About what?"
Grissom put his fork down.
"About Travis and Charlie, the fact I have a life."
Sara followed Grissom's suit and put down her fork also, her hands on either side of her plate. She was struggling with what to say. She wanted to be honest with Grissom; she never liked to make a habit out of lying when it wasn't utterly required.
"I admit I was a little surprised. You never seem to leave work and when you did, most presumed that you would be reading and going over case files."
Grissom nodded, taking a sip of water.
"Do I really seem that sub human that people that I work with actually think that all I do is come home and work? What an impression that must leave."
Grissom stood, taking her plate and his own into the kitchen, scraping them loudly before for allowing them to clatter into the sink. Sara stayed where she was, not quite sure what she was meant to do. She had insulted the man who had opened his house to her and let her into a part of his life nobody ever sees. She had thrown it back in his face and she had no idea how to repair the damage. She pushed her chair back and slowly moved into the kitchen, pausing at the entryway. Watching his angry movements.
"Grissom, I'm sorry"
He didn't turn around, his shoulders still stiff as he continued to clean the kitchen.
"You were telling the truth. That is nothing to apologize for."
"Grissom, can you please turn around and talk to me?"
Grissom paused, his hands wet and dripping as he leaned against the sink. He took a deep breath and turned. Sara moved closer, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Grissom, I didn't mean for you to get hurt by my comment. You are really a sweetie, you just need to let more people to see it"
"I am a lot less then what you think I am"
Sara uncrossed her arms and placed a hand on his forearm.
"I saw you with Travis and with Charlie. Not everyone would go out of their way to help others and you have taken on two rather huge tasks. That proves what you don't see. Now, go and sit down, watch the news or whatever you watch at night and let me finish cleaning"
"Sara, you don't have to do that"
"But I want to. Go, sit down and get some of that animal therapy that everyone is talking about"
Grissom smiled at her and slipped out of the kitchen. Sara rolled up her sleeve and began to clean, wondering how such a normally tidy man could be such a messy cook. When she was finally finished, half and hour later, she went into the living room to see if Grissom wanted some coffee before she went to bed. She smiled at what she had found. Grissom was passed out on the sofa, Charlie snoring softly on top of him. They made a gorgeous pair, the blonde and the older man. Sara pulled the rug off the back of one of the chairs and placed it over them. Charlie opened one brown eye and began to wag her tail. Sara gave her head a quick rub before heading to bed.
She had been dreaming about driving in the country with Grissom. She had no idea where they were going, no idea where they were but for some reason it didn't seem to bother her. She was startled out of her dream when she sensed someone in her room. She didn't open her eyes, didn't move just waited to see what would happen. She knew it was Grissom who was in her room, she could hear Charlie panting near the end of the bed and she could smell Grissom, his scent sharp on her nose. He moved closer to her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder, giving her a gentle shake.
"Sara, it's time to wake up."
She took her time opening her eyes, opening them to Grissom's face a mere inch or so away from hers. His face looked so different close up. His eyes were bluer, his beard more distinct, his lips fuller and his breath pleasant on her skin. She watched as his pupils dilated as the shock of how close he was to her registered. He moved away from her, his hands in his pockets.
"It's 9:30. Thought you might like a chance to get ready for work."
Sara said nothing just watched him leave, Charlie at his heels. She rolled over in the large bed, burying her face in one of the pillows. It was getting too much. She had been there less then forty-eight hours and she already felt like she had over stayed her welcome. and she was enjoying a little too much the fact that she was in such close proximity to Grissom. She needed to re-focus her attention. Elizabeth needed her and Grissom would have to come second. She got out of bed and pulled her green khakis out of her suitcase topping it with her white pheasant blouse and her boots. Within fifteen minutes she was ready to go. She settled for tidying the large mess that she had managed to create in the short time she had been there, allowing her mind to process what this shift would bring. They were going to go to the club where Elizabeth had been, armed with the pictures of the teens that had claimed to be with her. If the manager helped then great, if he didn't they could shut the whole business down for him selling alcohol to minors. Either way some good would come of it. She grabbed her jacket, cell phone and a change of clothing just in case it was going to be a double. Always better to be prepared. She took her stuff into the living room finding Grissom deep in thought, Charlie once again on his lap.
"Sara?"
Sara dropped the plastic bag with her clothing on the floor beside the door, turning back to the kitchen to grab a drink of water.
"Mmm?"
"Did you put a rug over me earlier?"
Sara took her time drinking from the bottle of water, once again battling with the truth. Why was it with Grissom she always felt the need to cover her actions? And why was it when it came to him her actions required covering? What was it about him that made her do and say foolish things?
"Yeah, I did. You two make a very good couple"
Grissom still was facing away from her but she could almost see him thinking.
"So Mr. Grissom, how long were you standing watching me sleep?"
She saw Grissom shift uncomfortably. It was odd that they could only have this bizarrely intimate conversation without facing each other. Another thing to add to her list of things done.
"Not long. Just so you know you talk in your sleep and do this weird little snuffling. Cute really. Sounds kind of like a puppy."
Sara threw the lid of the bottle of water at the back of Grissom's head, her aim perfect as it made a soft crack against his skull.
"Hey! That hurt."
Sara laughed and took another drink of water turning to put it on the bench, she felt the bottle lid landing softly on the centre of her back before it landed with a soft clunk on the floor around her feet. She picked it up and placed the cap back on the bottle, turning to Grissom. He had moved and was now standing near the door, his arms crossed over his chest, a small smile on his face.
"Now that we are even, we should get going to work."
Sara nodded and moved to the door, bending to scoop up her bag of clothing off of the floor, following Grissom to the truck.