Chapter 18
Tuesday November 22nd, 2005
7:08 a.m.
Heaven's Paradise
Jessica groaned in sleepy irritation as she rolled over and felt around on her bedside table for her cell phone. "Nick?" she asked barely coherently.
"Baby, you are not going to believe this," replied Nick, he was so beyond pissed at this point.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Jessica asked around a yawn.
"Cath's been fired," replied Nick.
"What?" demanded Jessica sitting bolt upright in bed.
"That's not all, Jess. Warrick and I are off night shift," Nick continued.
"Nick what in the hell is going on there?"
"Ecklie," Nick replied simply.
"Ecklie? What do you mean Ecklie? Is he the one behind this?" questioned Jessica worriedly.
"Well…" Nick began...
Thursday November 24th, 2005
3:30 p.m.
CSI Lab
Jessica was furious. She could not believe the man had the nerve to do what he did, especially after all this time. Nick had called the other day to tell her the news and to tell her not to come to Vegas for Thanksgiving like she and Sara had planned, as no one was really in the mood to celebrate. Jessica never told Sara about Nick's call, just told her of her plan to surprise their friends with Thanksgiving dinner. She had not even told Sara that she had been on her way into the lab, just told Sara that she had some last minute errands to run and to meet her outside police headquarters at four o'clock that afternoon. When Sara questioned her on her meeting place, Jessica gave no direct answer, just told her to meet her and that all would be revealed at that time.
The receptionist had tried to stop her on her way into the lab, but after recognizing her, the receptionist backed away, like everyone else that was in Jessica's path. Word of Jessica's status as more than just a CSI level 3 had gotten around and given the anger radiating off of her, everyone knew better than to get in Jessica's way.
"We need to talk," Jessica said as she stalked into Conrad Ecklie's office, slamming the door behind her. "Now."
"Well, well, well. It looks like Grissom's little lost lamb has finally returned to the fold," Ecklie mused. "What can I do for you Miss Harrison? Here to try to get your job back because the likeliness of that happening is quite small."
"For your information Conrad, may I call you Conrad?" asked Jessica innocently taking a seat across the desk from him.
"No, you may not," replied Ecklie.
"For your information Conrad, I never worked for you. In fact, I never worked for the Las Vegas Crime Lab. I was here on loan from San Francisco because your Night Stalker case started out as our Birchwood Rapist case and I, along with Sara Sidle, was the primary CSI assigned to Birchwood. Therefore you have no say over my job or me. But you are going to do something for me," Jessica told him.
"And what might that be?" questioned Ecklie.
"Reinstate the night shift the way that it was," Jessica told him.
"Won't happen Miss Harrison. Grissom and crew messed up big time this time and must pay the consequences. There is nothing I can to do fix it. I tried to help Grissom, I really did but you know what he's like. I refuse to stick my neck out for him anymore for fear of having my head chopped off in the process," replied Ecklie with a smirk.
"I do know what Gil is like but I also know you Conrad," replied Jessica. "Gil is a better CSI than you and his team was the best in the state, if not the country and you can't stand that, so you strike at him the only way you can. Well now it's my turn Conrad. Either reinstate the night shift as it was with Grissom, Warrick, Catherine, Nick and Greg or pay the consequences."
"Is that a threat Miss Harrison?" Ecklie questioned. "Because I can assure you it won't work. You have no power here Miss Harrison. No one is going to believe the word of a level 3 CSI that is attempting to strike out at her superiors. I have friends in high places Miss Harrison. I can make your life very difficult if you choose to continue down this path. Plus I have the sheriff on my side. He agrees with me that it was time to break up the night shift. They were getting…sloppy."
"It's not a threat Conrad. It's a promise and if you don't believe me that's your problem," Jessica informed him as she rose from her chair and left the room, making her way out to the waiting car.
A few minutes later found the limousine pulling up out front of police headquarters, where a large number of reporters had gathered. Through the throng of people Jessica could see Sara and Sahidi waiting at the top of the stairs, just outside the main entrance. When the reporters noticed the limo pull up they turned their attention towards it and therefore missed seeing the sheriff come out of the building. The minute Jessica stepped from the car, the reporters started shouting questions her way, many of them recognizing her from her recent press in the society pages in most magazines and newspapers and her name and face showing up in television reports as well.
Jessica made her way through the reporters and up to where Sara and Sheriff Atwater were waiting.
"Jyn what in the world is going on?" asked Sara curiously.
"That's exactly what I'd like to know Miss Harrison," demanded Atwater.
"I decided to hold a press conference," replied Jessica. "Excuse me will you?" she asked as she turned her attention back to the reporters.
"May I have your attention please?" she said as she stepped up to the microphone. Once all the reporters had stopped throwing questions at her for the time being, Jessica continued. "Thank you. I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you all here today, and from the looks on your faces, some of you know who I am and some of you don't so let me get that out of the way first then. My name is Jessica Lynn Harrison. I am the only daughter of Sebastian and Victoria Harrison and the sole owner of the vineyards and stables of Heaven's Paradise. What does all this have to do with why I have called you here today you ask. Quite simply I am here to correct a wrong that has been committed against my friends…my family and to call for the resignation of Assistant Director Conrad Ecklie. I'm sure all of you are aware of the serial killer dubbed 'Night Stalker'…" Jessica waited a few minutes while the murmurs of the reporters died back down.
"Night Stalker, also known as the Birchwood Rapist, raped and murdered close to a hundred women in both San Francisco and Las Vegas. He has since been captured and is awaiting trial not only here in Vegas but in San Francisco, Miami and Dallas, for crimes committed in those cities but it is here, in Las Vegas that his final crime was stopped. If it weren't for the unceasing efforts of Gil Grissom, Nick Stokes, Warrick Brown, Catherine Willows, Sara Sidle, and Greg Sanders, Night Stalker would still be roaming free to prey on other unsuspecting victims. When Night Stalker turned his attention to one of their own, the Criminalists that make up the night shift here in Vegas, doubled their efforts to bring him to justice and get back the one that went missing. Sara Sidle is alive because of the efforts of Gil Grissom, Nick Stokes, Warrick Brown, Catherine Willows and Greg Sanders. And yet how are these people repaid? Gil Grissom is removed from his position as night shift supervisor, Catherine Willows is fired, Greg Sanders is taken out of the field and placed back in the lab on a permanent basis and Nick Stokes and Warrick Brown are not only transferred from the night shift, Warrick to the swing shift and Nick to days, but both are dropped down from level 3 to level 2, making all their effort and hard work for nothing as they have to work that much harder to get back to where they were before they brought in the Night Stalker.
"The life of a criminalist is not a glamorous one. We do not do what we do for fame, for money or for notoriety. We do what we do because it's a part of our nature, a part of who we are and if we can't trust the people we work with, what are we left with. Assistant Director Conrad Ecklie took it upon himself to break up a team that worked tirelessly to get the Night Stalker off the streets, ensuring the safety of everyone and what do they get in return. Not the congratulations that they deserve. No, they get their lives ripped apart by a man who is too cowardly to admit the truth. To admit that he is only half the man that Gil Grissom is. Conrad Ecklie has taken every opportunity to berate and belittle the entire night shift team. He has done everything in his power to destroy the best team in the country but I say no more. Conrad Ecklie may think he's safe because of his 'high powered' friends but I hate to be the one to tell him that his friends won't be able to protect him any longer, not if I have anything to say about it."
"Miss Harrison, what is it exactly that you want?" shouted out a reporter from the middle of the crowd.
"I want the night shift reinstated as it was with Gil Grissom as supervisor. I want Catherine's job returned to her, along with Greg's, Nick's and Warrick's rankings as CSI level 1 and level 3s respectively. I want Greg, Nick, Warrick and Catherine back on nights where they belong," answered Jessica.
"What was Assistant Director Ecklie's reaction to your demand?" shouted another reporter.
"His reaction was to hide behind the so called power of his highly placed friends. Conrad Ecklie is a small man who thinks he holds great power because he is friends with the sheriff and mayor of Las Vegas. Conrad Ecklie holds no power."
"How can you be so sure of that?" demanded one of the younger reporters who obviously did not really know anything about Jessica's family.
"You want to know how I can be so sure that Conrad Ecklie holds no power even though he is friends with the sheriff and mayor?" reiterated Jessica.
"Exactly," replied the same reporter.
"Simply because he is friends with the local sheriff and mayor, whereas my family has been friends with the likes of governors, congressmen, senators and even presidents. Normally I am not the type of person who uses her family name to get what she wants but in this case I make an exception. Conrad Ecklie has attacked my family and I'll be damned if I'll just sit back and let him get away with it. Make no mistake, we may not be related by blood but Gil Grissom, Sara Sidle, Nick Stokes, Warrick Brown, Catherine Willows and Greg Sanders are my family and by attacking them, you attack me. If the night shift is not reinstated within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours the Las Vegas Crime Lab will no longer be the number one lab in the country next to the FBI. The Las Vegas Crime Lab will find itself struggling to make ends meet as their funding will be cut," Jessica told them.
"You can't do that," snarled Atwater.
"Oh no? Watch me," snapped Jessica in return as she pulled out her cell phone and started dialing. "May I speak with Senator Ensign please," Jessica asked when someone picked up on the other end. "John, Jessica Harrison here, how are you?…Listen I'm having a little issue here in Las Vegas…It seems that a few of my friends are being penalized for doing their jobs…One has been fired while the others have mostly been demoted and the team broken up…"
"She's bluffing," laughed Atwater.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that Sheriff. You have no idea the amount of pull Jessica has when it comes to things like this," Sara told him.
"…Of course you can John. Hold on one moment and I'll put him on," Jessica said into her phone before turning around to face the Sheriff. "Senator Ensign would like to speak with you Sheriff Atwater," Jessica told him as she held the phone out towards him. "The phone won't bite you Sheriff, the Senator might but the phone won't," Jessica observed a few minutes later when the Sheriff had made no move to take the phone from her.
"Rory Atwater," the sheriff said into the phone after tentatively taking it from Jessica.
"Is that really Senator Ensign?" questioned one of the reporters.
"Yes…yes Senator," agreed Atwater, who had paled considerably at the verbal dressing down he had just received. "Yes sir, of course Sir. Right away Sir. Thank you Senator," Atwater finished as he hung up the phone, handed it back to Jessica and stepped up towards the microphones and the waiting reporters. "Ladies and gentleman, I have an announcement to make. I would like to publicly apologize to Gil Grissom, Sara Sidle, Nick Stokes, Warrick Brown, Catherine Willows, Greg Sanders and Jessica Harrison. All ratings will be reinstated and Gil Grissom will be returned to the position of supervisor immediately. They will also all be returned to their former positions on the night shift and I would like to extend an offer of employment to Jessica Harrison to fill the spot vacated by Sara Sidle."
"Thank you Sheriff," replied Jessica. "I accept your offer on one condition."
"And what might that be?" questioned Atwater nervously.
"Ecklie is to be returned to his position as Day Shift Supervisor as of today and he is to refrain from any form of revenge against any member of night shift, either on the job or off," Jessica informed him.
"Now see here Miss Harrison…" Atwater began before paling once more as Jessica flipped open her phone and started dialing.
"What was that you were saying Sheriff?" asked Jessica.
"Nothing Miss Harrison. I will see to it that Ecklie is dealt with as you requested," replied Atwater nervously.
"Thank you Sheriff," replied Jessica closing her phone. "In that case I accept your offer. Oh and one more thing Sheriff," Jessica called out as Atwater started to leave. "I'll be starting on Monday. After the holiday," she informed him, getting a terse nod in acceptance before the Sheriff continued on back into the building.
Sara remained quiet as Atwater walked away before looking back at Jessica one eyebrow raised. "When exactly did all of this happen?"
"Nick called me two days ago," offered Jessica as she walked over to her friend.
"And I was left out of the loop because?" she asked curious
"Nick begged me not to tell you. Hell he even told me not to come for Thanksgiving. They're all in shock right now, Gil especially and Nick didn't want to upset you and neither did I," replied Jessica.
Sara nodded. "Makes sense, but next time something bad happens, screw me being upset, tell me okay?" she asked as she lowered her glasses to look at Jessica over the lenses. "And yeah, I can't glare anymore, but I know everyone gets unnerved by my stares so accept one of them in its place."
"I'm sorry alright?" laughed Jessica. "I know how much all of you hate Ecklie and Nick was just so upset. I think he was more upset about Catherine and Griss than he was about himself, hence Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of Chez Harrison," she finished holding out her arm for her friend.
"Well I thought we planned that before everyone was upset but I do believe it should be Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of Chez Harrison and Sidle," Sara teased as she took Jessica's arm.
"True," agreed Jessica as she led Sara down the steps towards the waiting car. "But I do believe we have some people that are expecting us, even though they don't realize it yet."
"Very, very true," Sara smiled. "So, how exactly are we getting the lot of them to the Lab if they are not all working now? And shouldn't the food for the Break Room have arrived already? We just have to set up in Gil's office right?"
"Well, Gil still works nights as does Greg so neither one will be in yet. Nick should be finishing soon and I believe Warrick should also be there since he's on swing. Really the only person we need to worry about getting there is Catherine but she should be getting into a car shortly. A car sent by her darling husband to surprise her with dinner. Nick has a note tucked into his locker telling him to be in Gil's office at the appointed time and I have Brass in on it to get Warrick there as well," explained Jessica as the car started on its way to the lab.
"Brilliant my dear woman, brilliant," Sara grinned.
Thursday November 24th, 2005
6:01 p.m.
Grissom's Office
"Okay Griss, we're here. What's up?" Nick asked walking into Grissom's office only to find Grissom looking around his office like it was possessed.
"I'm thinking the same thing Nick," he replied looking around once more. "Did one of you decide to have Thanksgiving dinner here?" he asked looking up at Nick, and now Warrick who stood behind the other man.
"Not me," Warrick replied as he took in the array of food spread around Grissom's office that was unusually neat, and completely free of the normal papers.
"Warrick?" Catherine asked causing her husband to turn around and whistle in appreciation.
"Where are you heading to?" he asked with a smile as he took in her dressed up appearance.
"Umm, shouldn't you know that?" she asked confused.
"No..." he began. "Why?"
"Well you sent the car for me," she argued as she pointed towards the front of the building.
"I didn't send any car..." he echoed completely confused.
"Hiya!" Greg spoke up from behind Catherine causing everyone to look at him. "Did you see the press conference?"
"What press conference?" the four echoed more confused as they added that to the food, pages, cars that weren't sent...
"Jessica gave a press conference this afternoon."
"She did?" Nick asked surprised.
"Yup, we got our jobs back."
"Huh?" Catherine, Warrick, and Nick spoke simultaneously.
"Yup, she got our jobs back."
"How?" the three asked starting to sound like they were speaking on cue.
"I told you," Greg answered rolling his eyes. "Jessica gave a press conference and she got our jobs back for us. Aren't you listening to anything?"
"How the hell did she get our jobs back with a press conference?" Catherine asked frustrated and contemplating strangling the bearer of the news. "She's not even in Vegas for crying out loud."
"By calling a friend of mine," replied Jessica from the doorway, a strange smirk on her face.
"That's putting it mildly," Sara added from slightly behind and next to her. "Happy Thanksgiving!"
"Jess, what are you doing here?" questioned Nick as he went over and hugged her. "I told you to stay in California."
"And I'm not about to sit back and watch my family be attacked for no reason when I have it within my power to prevent it," argued Jessica. "And like Sara said. Happy Thanksgiving."
"Exactly," Sara agreed. "So, I do believe we have a few good things to be thankful for," she continued with a smile. "And night shift doesn't start for an hour, so we have time to eat," she continued as Sahidi stuck his head around her legs. "And Sahidi would like some turkey. Oh and rest assured, she wouldn't let me do the tofu turkey so you meat eaters have meat.
"Well in that case," Grissom spoke up with a smile. "Warrick, kindly help your wife into the room, Nick get the two of you into the room. Greg, you too. I do believe we have surpassed the maximum capacity for my doorway."
Sara snorted back a giggle before fighting not to smile.
"Laugh woman, it's been too long since I've heard you laugh," Grissom ordered with a grin as the others moved into his office before he reached her and gave her a quick hug. "And hello to you too Sahidi and no, we aren't going to rub you're stomach so no trying to kill our feet," he continued as he scratched the dog's ears.
"What was that?" Greg asked looking over at them from where he sat.
"It's a thing with the dog Greg, you don't want to go there... Although," Grissom began with a smile. "Acushla, why don't you sit down and we'll let Sahidi assure himself that everyone here is safe."
Sara looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Makes perfect sense to me. Now get me to a chair so I can get a drink already," she ordered with a smile.
Grissom led her over to one of the two free chairs, before taking Sahidi over to each of the members, stopping in front of Greg. "Sahidi, Greg. Greg, Sahidi." he introduced.
"Hi big boy," Greg grinned as she scratched the dog's ears. Sahidi moved his head more into Greg's ministrations before stopping and dropping to the ground on his feet only to roll over.
"Dude, I can't feel my feet," Greg spoke looking up at Grissom for help.
"Rub his stomach Greg or you're feet and him are going to become life-long companions," Sara smiled.
"You're kidding right?"
Seeing both Grissom and Sara regarding him with similar expressions, right eyebrows raised and a half smile he dropped his head to his chest. "Damn, I don't know where his stomach has been."
"Greg, do you think I'd let his stomach go anywhere that I haven't been?" Sara replied rolling her eyes as the others in the room tried to not laugh.
"Sara...he's a dog. He licks himself."
"And you're a human, you wash yourself," Sara shot back
"But I don't use my tongue!"
"Yeah, so you use water that is run through a filter after being used for any other type of use including filling the toilet."
"Aww man, now I won't be able to take a shower again. Thanks Sara," he groaned before reaching down and rubbing the dog's stomach. Immediately Sahidi rolled over, stood up and padded his way back to Sara's side, before dropping down to lay on the floor next to her.
"Okay, now that Greg's been introduced properly, would someone please tell me exactly howJessica managed to get all our jobs back? Who in the world did you call girl?" questioned Warrick.
"Well…" Jessica trailed off, not really wanting to talk about it.
"Well, she simply contacted an old friend of her family's. Who doesn't really matter now does it?" Sara spoke up. "And hey, I understand that Atwater pretended to be a ghost there for a few so...things are interesting. But we have other things to talk about after all. And I have pictures for you guys from Halloween," she began to babble.
"Acushla," Grissom whispered as he handed her a plate full of everything except turkey. Jessica mouthed a 'thank you' in Sara's direction.
"Okay, yeah I'll stop babbling now," Sara grinned as Grissom whispered in her ear what Jess had done along with where things were on her plate.
"Pictures from Halloween?" Greg asked curious.
"Are you sure you can handle seeing Sara and I together Greg?" questioned Jessica innocently.
"Oh grow up," Greg replied rolling his eyes. "I know that she was making that up."
"Are you so sure about that Greg?" asked Jessica as she walked over and behind Sara's chair, wrapping her arms seductively around Sara's neck, kissing her lightly behind the ear.
"Hello again poppit," Sara grinned as she looked up at Jessica's face before she took one of her hands and raised it to her lips.
"It was so nice having you back in my bed Sara," commented Jessica sexily.
"Is there something we should know about?" Nick asked curious as he shared a glance with Grissom.
"Oh I know, I had forgotten how incredibly warm and comfortably that bed is," Sara groaned as she let her head fall against the back of her chair, and in turn Jessica with a smile of pure ecstasy.
"You do realize Greg is hyperventilating over here right?" Catherine asked with a smirk.
"Really?" Sara asked. "Hmm honestly I can't find it in me to care at the moment," she continued as she reached an arm up to wrap around Jessica's neck.
Thunk
Sara looked across the room one eyebrow raised. "The boy just fell out of the chair, didn't he?"
Jessica could not hold back her laughter any longer and collapsed to the floor in a fit of giggles. Sara no longer having something to hold her arm up, brought her hand around to her mouth to quiet her own laughter.
"You two are evil," Warrick shook his head. "Truly, completely, evil."
"Thank you," Sara replied with a grin.
"I'm still wondering if there's something the two of us need to know about," Nick teased lightly.
"Oh my God, I just had the weirdest dream," Greg muttered as he sat up rubbing his head.
"Did you now?" Catherine asked pinching her lips together to keep from laughing.
"Yeah, Sara and Jess were making out during Thanksgiving dinner," he answered before Nick handed him a drumstick.
Greg looked at the drumstick then Nick, then back at the drumstick. "Oh my God! That wasn't a dream!"
"Greg, would you kindly stop teasing my dog with that drumstick," Sara drawled as she felt Sahidi stand up and his tail start wagging. "He's going to take out the desk in a moment," she added as incentive.
"Oh, here," he began starting to hand the bone to the dog.
"NO!" Sara and Grissom yelled.
"What?" he asked pulling the piece of meat back.
"Dogs can't eat chicken bones. Turkey bones, whatever. Only beef and ham," Sara explained leaning back in her chair to let her heartbeat return to its normal rate. "Just had visions of the dog choking running through my head," she muttered to herself.
"Well, what am I suppose to do?" Greg asked confused. "The dog's still looking at me like he wants to eat me."
"Take the meat off the bone, dingbat," she answered.
"Okay," he shrugged before peeling the meat off the bone and handing it in pieces to the dog.
"Is he actually hand feeding my dog?" Sara asked leaning over to look towards Jessica.
"Yep," replied Jessica still suffering from her stress induced giggle attack. "Nick, baby, can you help me up please before Sahidi takes my head off," asked Jessica from her spot on the floor near Sara's feet.
"Oh, he doesn't want you're head. He wants your breast," Sara spoke up.
"Breast?" Greg squeaked.
"Meat," Sara added quickly.
"Come on Jess," Nick said as he helped Jessica back to her feet and over to the couch. "You okay?" he asked quietly so as not to draw too much attention
"Just a little stressed. I'm not used to the whole press conference bit. I'm a CSI for a reason and not having to deal with the press is one of them," Jessica replied just as quietly, resting her head on Nick's shoulder.
"Okay, so we've had our fun," Sara began once they were sitting back across the room.
"Wait, that means that you two really aren't?" Greg broke off glancing around. "Umm, well that is...you know."
"Dear God Greg, you think I'd actually have dated Hank and flirted with Grissom if I had been involved in a relationship with Jessica?" Sara asked looking towards him like he lost his mind.
"Not to mention the fact that I'm nuts about Nick here," commented Jessica.
"Yeah and hello, everyone here knew I was crazy for Grissom since the second week I was here," Sara agreed.
"You...oh you two are annoying," Greg huffed.
"We know," Sara grinned. "But anyhow, I do believe we were talking about Halloween earlier."
"Yes, we were." Catherine agreed. "So just what is so special about this Halloween?" she asked with a smile.
"Ah, tradition," Sara began with a smile.
"Witches," Jessica added.
"Unicorns."
"Haunted Houses."
"Demons," Sara continued.
"Demons? Unicorns? Oh come on," Greg rolled his eyes.
"You don't believe us?" Sara asked turning to look at him.
"Hey, you are not pulling this one over me too," argued Greg.
"So, you're saying that our Halloween did not include Demons, Unicorns, and everything else that we just mentioned?" Sara continued.
"Yeah, I am."
"Wanna bet?" asked Jessica, her eyebrow raised in challenge.
"Yeah, I do," replied Greg without missing a beat.
"How much?" Sara asked with a smirk.
"If you win, I'll do all the grunt work for an entire week. If I win, Jessica has to tell everyone exactly how she managed to get everyone's job back," countered Greg.
"Deal," Sara and Jessica agreed in unison.
"Why do I get the feeling you just walked right into a trap buddy," commented Nick.
"That's because he did," Sara grinned as she handed her plate to Grissom before digging into her purse. "I do believe there should be a TV in here..."
"Right over here," Warrick replied as she held up a VHS.
"And here are the pictures as well," Sara continued holding up a packet of photos. Taking her plate back she handed the photos to Grissom as Warrick popped the tape into the player.
"Blonde?" Grissom asked as he looked at the pictures.
"Red?" Nick chorused as they both looked up at the girls.
"Problem?" Sara replied with a smile. "Now start the tape. I need an honest review of our program."
"Yes ma'am," Warrick grinned before hitting play
On the screen they saw a graveyard at night, and red-haired Jessica was riding a black unicorn and blonde-haired Sara was sitting on a white unicorn.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome one and all," Sara spoke as she was lifted from the unicorn's back by a man wearing only leather pants and leather bands around his wrists, and one on his left bicep. "My name is Lady Marina and my sister is Lady Lillian," she continued as Jessica was helped off the unicorn by another man dressed similar to Sara's companion, with the band around his right bicep instead.
"Welcome back to Heaven's Paradise," Jessica continued. "And those of you who are new, welcome."
"As you know, tonight is Samhien, the one night a year when the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead is lowered," Sara continued. "And as midnight approaches, we have gathered here to share with you the stories of our ancestors, who like so many witches, have made sure that those who would use this night as an escape to be free and wreak havoc on the world are kept at bay."
"Did any of you meet any creatures who need to be captured?" Jessica asked before the camera turned to see the crowd gathered. There had to be at least fifty people there, of all ages and a variety of costumes. They were carrying lanterns and candles, not to mention whatever type of container they had for candy."
"Ghosts."
"Wolves."
"Werewolves," another voice corrected.
"Vampires."
"Cat people," a small child cried.
"Mummies."
"Oh goodness," Jessica replied as the camera turned back to the two. "We definitely need to get all of them captured. Was there anyone else?"
"Lucian," a small Snow White yelled.
"Lucian?" Jessica and Sara repeated with horror.
"Oh goodness Lil, we should get them out of here."
"I know Rina," Jessica agreed. "Come on everyone, the stories will have to wait," she continued as she walked towards the group, obviously intent on turning them around. Until evil laughter filled the air.
"Just where do you think you're going Lillian?"
The camera swung around to where a small group was gathered by a few tombstones. The man, if it was a man, was standing in front and looked like every classic rendition of Satan, horns and all, except he was wearing a leather duster. His "minions" looked similar, and were dressed in a variety of clothing.
"Lucian," Jessica remarked with disdain.
"I see you brought guests. My thanks," Lucian continued before his minions ran towards the crowd.
"No!" Sara and Jess cried pointing their wands toward the guests and a curtain of water sprang up between the minions and their "prey".
Lucian growled before raising his hand towards the water and flames sprang up on the side of the water away from the guests.
"Shay na!" Sara spoke before the flames died away. "Ca na ra-su," she continued before the water disappeared in a shower of sparkles.
"Ingenious Marina," Lucian spoke rolling his eyes. "Protection spell...well, we'll just get them after we've taken care of you two."
"Actually, you and yours are returning from whence you came," Jessica answered.
"And who's going to make us?" Lucian countered before raising a hand and the ground next to Jessica suddenly exploded and the sky was lit with fire.
"Shay na," Sara spoke before the flames died away and Jessica pointed her own wand towards Lucian and sparks shot up from the ground as his minions jumped away
"Get them!" Lucian ordered before his minions suddenly charged at Sara and Jessica who raised their wands and began casting spells left and right, sparks jumping from where the spells hit the ground as others knocked minions off their feet and even a few did back flips and twisted in the air as they flew before landing on the ground unconscious.
The few that did nearly reach them were knocked out of the way by their...male companions...before Lucian sent fireballs that the two were forced to dodge only to be knocked off their feet by something else he did.
"You're protectors are gone Ladies," Lucian spoke with a smile.
"So are yours," Jessica countered idly waving her wand.
"Then you have to deal with me and all the powers of hell!" Lucian cried before a circle of flames erupted from the ground to surround him.
"Haven't you learned by now that the whole 'powers of hell' thing is only a big deal in Disney movies?" Sara asked with a sigh before ducking and the ground behind them blew up with a few sparks for good measure.
"Seems like that is a bit more 'real life' than a Disney movie," Lucian replied with a smirk.
"Good point," Sara agreed with a nod. "Lil, shall we?"
"I thought you'd never ask," she replied with a smile before taking Sara's free hand with her own as they both pointed their wands towards Lucian. "Shay na," they began together as Lucian laughed. "Kah-ch ra me-soo ti la tu nah coa sharin me no kra," they continued as they began to glow with a lavender and pale green light.
"What are you doing?" Lucian asked as the ground around his circle started to erupt with magical explosions.
"Ti ra shoo na coo, mi ca-ra soot num ray," they answered as the minions stumbled to their feet and ran to his side as the flames disappeared. "Alay-na sho rean mey to soo nat. Careen morn toreen sha-laan coo ray toorne re moo-na."
Suddenly fireworks burst from the ground and shot into the air, numerous others following them before the air became deathly silent as the scene moved back to the spot where the group had been, now empty save for scorch marks on the ground.
"I think we did well, sister mine," Sara smiled as she looked at Jessica.
"As do I Marina," Jessica agreed, "I do believe our ancestors would be proud, and now we have guests to see back to the Manor. The midnight hour shall soon end, and we have other business to attend to as well, other creatures to return to their cages."
"That we do," Sara agreed softly as she turned and cast two spells towards each of the men, soft sparkles moving towards them before they rose and made their way back to the two women. Her companion led her back to her unicorn as Jessica turned to the crowd.
"Our thanks for joining us this most mystical of nights, but my sister and I must unfortunately leave your side. Rest assured however that you shall all be safe and sound. At the manor you shall find refreshments and other treats, stay as long as you wish. And until next year, may you all be well and cared for. And may those that watch over us all, keep each of you in the palm of their hands."
The camera followed as the two made their way from the group for a few moments, atop their magical mounts and accompanied by their familiars and companions before following the crowd back to the manor then fading to black as the screen held on the outside of the house decorated with lanterns and candles lighting the shrubs and such.
"Oh my freaking mother of God. I can not believe I just lost a bet like that," Greg moaned.
"Accept it Greggo. It's life," Catherine replied with a smirk before turning to the two women. "First, who are the two gorgeous hunks?"
"That's Henry and Alan. They're two of the stable hands, they've been with us for...oh since we were all teenagers," Sara replied with a smile.
"They actually thought up those outfits of theirs," Jessica added. "Although I do honestly believe they've only gotten better as the years have gone by," she continued looking towards Sara who was smirking in agreement.
"Anyway, I do believe we have some food here that needs eating," Grissom spoke up with a look around at the food still mostly uneaten on everyone's plates.
"Yes sir," Catherine replied with a salute before turning to the other women. "So, you wanted reviews. Here goes..."
"You know what guys, I hate to do this but I gotta run," Nick said some time later.
"You might want to wake sleeping beauty first Nick," commented Warrick as he indicated Jessica, who had fallen asleep with her head in Nick's lap.
"Good point," agreed Nick as he gently shook Jessica. "Jess, Baby, I gotta get up."
"Hmm?" Jessica replied rubbing her eyes and sitting up. "Nick what is it?"
"I gotta run Jess," Nick told her as he rose from the couch.
"I'll go with you," commented Jessica getting up herself. "I've had one hell of a stressful day. God, I hate the press," she finished mumbling to herself.
"Good night guys," Nick said as he made his way out of the break room, Jessica following behind him.
A few minutes later they were standing out in the parking lot in front of Jessica's hired car.
"So, my place or yours?" asked Jessica as she wrapped her arms around Nick's waist.
"You're place? Jess, you live in California," Nick commented returning Jessica's embrace.
"Okay fine," sighed Jessica rolling her eyes. "Your place or my hotel room?"
"As much I would like to take you up on the offer Jessica, I have to run," Nick said, kissing her lightly on the lips before pulling out of her arms.
"Nick where are you going?" asked Jessica in confusion.
"Dallas," replied Nick simply.
"Dallas? Nick I don't understand."
"I'm going to visit my folks for Thanksgiving Jess. I told you not to come here, didn't I?" asked Nick.
"Well yeah, but I thought…"
"Thought what Jess?"
"I thought that you just said that because of what Ecklie did and you didn't want me to come here until you'd gotten yourself organized in your new shift. But Nick that's not an issue anymore, you're back on nights effective immediately," Jessica said trying to explain.
"Jess, it's not that simple. My folks asked me to come for Thanksgiving and if I don't leave now I'll miss my flight."
"So what if you miss your flight Nick," argued Jessica. "Phillip can fly the two of us to Dallas…"
"I'm sorry Jess but that's not going to work," Nick said interrupting her suggestion. "My parents are meeting me at the airport and if I change it now…Look Jess I really have to go."
"Fine Nick, go," sighed Jessica in defeat as she watched Nick walk across the parking lot and get into his truck.
"Where to Miss Harrison?" asked the driver as he came and opened the car door for Jessica as she watched Nick pull out of the parking lot.
"Henderson airport please," instructed Jessica pulling out her cell phone as she climbed in the back seat, never seeing Catherine come out of the building. "Phillip, prepare the plane, I'm returning to Heaven's Paradise."
"Oh Nicky, what have you done now," sighed Catherine worriedly as she watched Jessica's car pull out of the parking lot.
Sunday November 27, 2005
1:17 p.m.
Heaven's Paradise
"Jessica? What are you doing here?" asked Roberto in surprise. He had not been expecting to find Jessica wandering the grounds of Heaven's Paradise so soon after her impromptu press conference a few days earlier, which had caught the attention of the national news.
"I'm walking the grounds Roberto, what does it look like?" snapped Jessica in return. "I'm sorry Roberto," she sighed a few minutes later. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just thinking and wasn't really expecting to run into anyone."
"It's alright Jessica, I understand. Would you like to talk about it?"
"I don't think this is something you really want to hear about Roberto," replied Jessica.
"And why might that be?"
"It's about Nick."
"I see. Well in that case I will leave you to your thoughts," Roberto offered before turning and leaving the way he had come, leaving Jessica to her thoughts once more.
Monday November 28th, 2005
10:03 a.m.
Heaven's Paradise
"Mistress?"
"Yes Elsie, what is it?" asked Jessica as she waved the maid into her room which was in total disarray as she was trying to decide what to pack and what to leave behind.
"Mrs. Sutton is here to see you," Elsie informed her. "Shall I tell her you're busy?"
"No Elsie, I'll see her. Would you please pack everything that is here on the bed for me?" Jessica asked as she made her way towards her door.
"Of course Mistress. Mrs. Sutton is in the sitting room."
"Thank you Elsie," Jessica said as she left the maid to pack for her. "What can I do for you Alicia?" Jessica asked a few minutes later as she entered the sitting room to find Alicia waiting for her.
"I'm worried about you Jessica. You know I think of you as a daughter and when Roberto told me he'd seen you yesterday and that you seemed quite upset I thought you might like someone other than Roberto to confide in, given what has happened between the two of you in the past," explained Alicia as she hugged Jessica, before pulling her down onto the sofa. "It's about your young man, isn't it?" she asked causing Jessica to nod in agreement. "What has Nicholas done? Was he upset by the press conference?"
"You know about that?"
"Yes Jessica I do, it made the national news broadcast. What did you expect to happen when you call a United States Senator on the phone in front of the press in order to get what you want," explained Alicia. "Was Nicholas not happy that you got him his old job back?"
"I don't know Alicia, we never really talked about that," replied Jessica. "I hate dealing with the press and it stresses me out so Sara helped me deflect anything my friends wanted to know about the press conference and only Greg saw it anyways."
"Then what's the matter Jessica? The last time I saw you with your young man you were both so happy," commented Alicia as she turned Jessica's face to hers. "What is it Jessica? What happened to send you back here?"
"He left."
"What do you mean he left? Left how?" demanded Alicia angrily.
"Well, after the press conference Sara and I surprised everyone at the lab with Thanksgiving Dinner and a video of what we did for Halloween since we knew no one would believe us unless we had proof. Well half way through the party Nick says he has to go so I leave with him only to discover he's flying off to Dallas to see his parents," explained Jessica.
"There is nothing wrong with him wanting to see his parents Jessica," Alicia pointed out.
"I know that Alicia," snapped Jessica as she stood from the sofa and walked to the windows. "I suggested we both go, take the jet and surprise his parents. He was quick to kill that idea. Alicia, I think there is something going on that he's not telling me about."
"What makes you think that Jessica?"
"Well, he seemed happy to see me when he found me at the lab but he pulled away when I suggested going to Dallas with him and he even made a point of reminding me that he didn't want me in Vegas this weekend to begin with. Alicia if it was just him going to visit his parents why would my staying in California be so important to him?"
"I don't know Jessica," replied Alicia sadly. "I'm afraid I don't know how to counsel you in this one except to ask if you still plan on taking the job in Vegas."
"I do. I let Nick chase me away once; I'm not going to let him do it again. Besides, my furniture is arriving today and I'm due to fly out of here in a couple hours which will give me a few hours to get my house set up before I have to report to work. I guess I'll just have to see how things go from there," replied Jessica with a shrug.
"Well you know where to find me if you need someone objective to talk to my dear," Alicia reminded as she walked over to Jessica and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a motherly hug.
"Thank you Alicia," replied Jessica, returning the hug before walking Alicia to the door.
Monday November 28th, 2005
7:10 p.m.
CSI Lab
"Nick, are you still working on anything from days?" questioned Grissom.
"Yeah, Sofia asked me to follow up on a few of the cases we'd been working on," Nick answered.
"Fine. Nick, you're on that. Warrick you're with me, suspected suicide. Greg, you're with Jessica tonight, break and enter," instructed Grissom as he handed Greg a slip of paper with the address on it as Nick and Warrick turned to look at Jessica in surprise, who was standing leaning up against the door frame.
"Jess? What are you doing here?" Nick asked as he walked over to her.
"I work here Nick. Or don't you watch the news, oh wait that's right, all you care about are the latest baseball scores," commented Jessica sarcastically. "Come on Greg, we better get going," she suggested as she looked at Greg around Nick before turning and heading out the door.
"Ouch," commented Warrick as Jessica walked away, Greg following behind after shrugging at Nick to let him know he had no idea what Jessica was upset about.
Later in the shift…
"Hey partner," Warrick greeted Nick as he entered the room in which Nick was currently working.
"Hey," Nick greeted in response. "How's the case going?"
"Waiting on ballistics to get back to us on the shell casings and the gun we found at the scene," offered Warrick. "So how was your weekend?"
"Went to visit my folks back home in Dallas," replied Nick rolling his eyes.
"That bad huh?" wondered Warrick.
"My folks want to know why I can't find a nice girl to settle down with, especially since my sisters and my brother are all married. All I heard all weekend was 'Why can't you find a nice girl like that Harrison girl from the news to settle down with?'."
"And what did you're family say when you told them you were actually seeing Jessica?" asked Warrick in curiosity. "You didn't actually tell them did you?" he asked a few minutes later when Nick never answered.
"Hey Jess, AFIS just kicked out a name to go with our finger prints," Greg said as he approached Jessica who had been standing just outside the room Warrick and Nick were currently in.
"That's great Greg," replied Jessica as she quickly wiped away a tear. She had not meant to eavesdrop on Nick and Warrick's conversation but found she could not help herself when the topic turned to Nick's weekend.
"Are you alright Jess?" Greg asked in concern when he saw her wipe her eyes.
"I'm fine Greg," Jessica tried to reassure. "We should call Brass…"
"I already did. He's going to meet us there," Greg explained as he and Jessica began to walk away from Nick and Warrick's room.
"How much do you think she heard?" asked Nick in concern a few minutes after Greg and Jessica had left the area.
"If you're lucky? None of it," offered Warrick just as his pager went off. "Ballistics is back. I'll see you later…maybe," he said as he left Nick alone in the room once more
Friday, December 2, 2005
9:04 a.m.
Harrison Residence
Jessica backed up into the wall, sliding to the floor the minute her back hit, holding the phone to her ear desperately hoping Sara was home. She did not know what to do and she needed her friend more than anything at the moment. "Sara? Sara I need to see you…"
"Jyn?" Sara asked over the phone. "Jyn girl what's wrong? Where are you?"
"I'm at home."
"Home? I thought you were here in Vegas?" Sara asked even more confused.
"I'm at my home here."
"What? Okay never mind. Don't care, where are you?" Sara rushed out. Jessica rattled off the address before Sara told her she'd be there in ten minutes. "Jyn?" Sara called a few minutes later as she opened the door before waving the driver away as Sahidi started to sniff the air of the new place. "Jyn where are you?"
"I'm here," Jessica said through her tears as she slowly stepped into the hall from the back bedroom.
Sara turned at the voice and sought out her friend, reaching out with her free arm as she let go of Sahidi's lead. "Chica?"
"I'm in trouble Sara and I don't know what to do…"
"Jess honey, talk to me," Sara asked as she found the other woman's arm and pulled her into a hug after having followed the sound of Jessica's cries.
"Sara…I...I'm pregnant."
/-/Wow. Unexpected.../-/ "Okay," Sara began much calmer than she was feeling. "Let's find a couch and sit down."
Jessica took Sara's hand and led her into the living room, guiding her over to the couch where the two sat down, Jessica a little harder than Sara.
"Lay down Sahidi," Sara spoke before turning and taking Jessica's entirely too cold hands in her own. "Alright Honey, just let it out. I'm here."
"I don't know what to do Sara," Jessica repeated as her tears overtook her once again.
"Oh honey," Sara whispered as she pulled Jessica into her arms. "It's going to be okay," she soothed softly
"How Sara? How is this going to be okay?" demanded Jessica. "I can't do this alone."
"You don't have to be alone," Sara argued softly. "I don't know where Nick is, I don't know what's going on. But even if he's not in the picture, you're never going to be alone. That's what family's for you know, and you have one of the best families I know right here in Vegas, Jyn girl."
You don't understand Sara. I can't be a mother. I don't know how," argued Jessica through her sniffles.
"And anyone else in the world does?" Sara asked with a smile. "Baby girl, no one knows how to be a mother. But you learn as you live. Hell, I bet even Cath didn't know how to be a mother when she had Lindsey. But you've got people who will help you. And I know in my heart, you will be the greatest mother any child could have."
"I don't know Sara. This isn't exactly how I imagined things," sighed Jessica sadly.
"Hey, life tends to not go as we imagined it. Ten years ago did you imagine you'd be here in Vegas working with the number one lab in the country next to the FBI and me a ten-minute trip away, available at the drop of a hat? Okay, so things were like that in Frisco, but did you imagine that it would be the same in Vegas or that I'd be living with my 'Doctor Gil Grissom'."
"No," agreed Jessica. "It's just…I thought that…I don't know. God Sara, I just don't know anymore."
"You thought Nick would be here instead of me," Sara whispered.
"Yes."
"Oh Honey," Sara sighed softly. "How did you find out?"
"I nearly threw up at a crime scene the other day. When I got home I checked to see when my last period was. When I realized I'd missed it twice I...I got one of those do it yourself tests. And yes Sara, I know all about how they can give you false positives so I took another one. When that one came up positive, I did something I probably shouldn't have."
"You ran a test through the lab."
"I had Greg run it for me," Jessica admitted quietly. "He called me to let me know the results which is when I called you."
"Oh Sweetie. For once, screw the damn system," Sara replied with a half smile. "Don't you dare feel guilty. I'd do the same thing," she continued with a real smile. "What do you want to do now? Should we make you an appointment? Hell should we fly back up to Heaven's Paradise for the weekend and see Thomas? Whatever you want I'm there with you. On the other hand...have you thought about..."
"Thought about what Sara?"
"About the other options Jyn," Sara answered carefully. "Adoption, or an abortion…" /-/Somehow I seriously doubt the latter but the first...how knows anymore./-/
"I honestly don't know Sara. I just…I don't know…" Jessica trailed off in tears once more. "I don't know what to do and I can't do this alone…"
"Shh, no matter what things will be okay. Just breathe and don't panic Honey. I'll be here with you every step of the way," Sara whispered as she pulled Jessica back into her arms. "I'm here sis, I'm here," she continued softly.
Friday, December 2, 2005
12:08 p.m.
Stokes Residence
Sighing heavily Sara leaned back on the chair and tried to keep from wanting to curse the world. An hour earlier Jessica had fallen asleep, cried herself to sleep in all honesty, and she had called Catherine. Catherine had come to stay with her, and brought along Warrick who wisely stayed silent and drove her over to Nick's place where he let her in before heading home.
Now she found herself waiting for Mr. Stokes to come home from errands that he had run after work, all no secret to any of his co-workers, and fielding phone calls from Grissom wondering where the hell she was at. /-/For the love of God man, how long can it take to go shopping. I'm blind and I could take less freaking time!/-/
"Sara?" Nick asked in confusion when he noticed her sitting in his living room after entering his apartment. "What are you doing here and how in the world did you get in?"
"Jyn and Warrick," she replied turning towards him and crossing her arms over her chest.
"Why would Warrick let you in and what does Jess have to do with it?" asked Nick even more confused.
"Because I asked and his wife ordered him to. And she has every freaking thing to do with it," Sara snapped
"Back up a minute here Sara and tell me what's going on," pleaded Nick. "I have no idea what you're talking about and why it involves Jessica."
Sara closed her eyes and tried to stop the thoughts spinning through her head. "God Nick, you really need to start paying attention," she began shaking her head. "She's a complete wreck, and she couldn't even call the man she loves because you're half the problem."
"I have been paying attention Sara, at least as much as she'll let me these days. Every time I try to talk to her something seems to come up. I've tried calling her but she won't answer her phone and I have no idea where she's living right now, as I can't find her registered at any of the hotels. Now I'll grant you that I've been a little preoccupied but for good reason," argued Nick.
"Dear lord man, have you even thought that she might be living somewhere other than a hotel. I mean come on man, she works here, you think she's going to live in a hotel for the next five or ten years?"
"Yes, I thought that she might be living here somewhere but it usually does take some time to find a place when you just suddenly up and move to a new city like she did. In case you've forgotten Sara, she lived in your apartment when you were gone. And I didn't exactly know she was working here again until she showed up at the lab on Monday. I knew she'd be working in Vegas thanks to my family but they never said anything about her being on the same bloody shift as me," argued Nick.
"You know you couldhave just asked," Sara shot back. "Besides, half the city, hell half the nation knew she was going to be working here. She told Atwater that she'd be back, and the reporters made sure not to miss that. And what did you think? She was going to start working at the lab and decide to work day shift? Who in their right mind would choose day shift after working night shift with the best team in the nation!"
"God Sara, when I approached her on Monday about working with us again she practically bit my head off and she's been acting strange ever since. Hell, she started acting strange the day the two of you first arrived here!"
"Well, how might you be acting if you had decided to come back to Vegas and go on national television in order to save your family. For God's sake, she despises the public eye. And hello, it's called mood swings, you should probably get used to them, they're rather damn common you know!"
"Sara, what are you talking about? What do mood swings have to do with giving a press conference?" questioned Nick in confusion.
"Nothing in the damn world!" Sara yelled before dropping her head and sighing in frustration. "Mood swings have nothing to do with press conferences. The mood swings explain why she's been acting strange ever since, you dingbat!"
"Sara, would you just tell me what in the world you're going on about because quite honestly, I haven't the slightest idea," sighed Nick.
"She's pregnant, oh great crime scene investigator!"
"She's pregnant?" repeated Nick as he collapsed onto his couch in complete shock.
"God did the thought never cross your mind, you know, when you obviously neglected to use proper protection after you two got back together. I mean that's when my godchild obviously had to have been conceived since she's only about two months along by the missing periods. So, hello Mood Swings are here to stay. And while we're on it, what the hell have you been doing? I just spent the last few hours listening to my best friend cry herself to sleep over you. And you SWORE that I'd never have to do that again. I was stupid enough to tell you the truth and tell you where to find her, next time you screw up, don't expect me to help you out again. She'd be better off with Roberto now. At least if she was carrying his child, she wouldn't be crying because he's spending time with another woman and is going off to his family and telling her to stay here, as if he were ashamed of her. Oh and she wouldn't have to hear him telling someone that he didn't even have the guts to tell his family that he was involved with her after they bloody well spoke that they wanted him to be involved with a nice girl like her. Hell, I know for a fact that never would have happened because a conversation very similar to that occurred and I know that Roberto told his family that he was finally involved with her, without a moment's hesitation!"
"Alright Sara, yes we were stupid but there were other things on our minds at the time when we first got back together, especially since Jessica had only just gotten out of the hospital. And as for my family, don't you think I wanted to tell them? You don't know my family Sara. I had every intention of telling them about Jessica but decided not to as there was something I wanted to talk to her about first as she's quite important to what I had planned and I have every intention of introducing her to them at Christmas," argued Nick. "And what other woman Sara? There is no woman but Jessica as far as I'm concerned."
"Okay, you seriously need to talk with Jessica. And hello, you're spending a few hundred hours a week with Sofia, and I'm not just talking about work."
"This is about Sofia?" Nick asked in surprise. "Sara, you know I worked closely with her during my brief stint on days. She's merely been helping me with something."
"Okay, yeah I get that. But did I mention that there is a pregnant woman with major hormone changes and mood swings, not to mention the fact that she doesn't know what to think anymore. So, you got one hell of a problem on your hands Mr. Stokes, and one that is seriously needing you more than me."
"Sara, what exactly do you think is going on between me and Sofia?" wondered Nick.
"Well, initially I didn't know what the hell to think. Now, well considering I'm blind as a bat, I'm guessing that you can't exactly come to me for help with whatever you might be doing for Jessica. I have suspicions but I'd rather remain in silence because my emotions are shot enough right now than to hear more."
"Where is she Sara?" asked Nick quietly
"1752 Roselea Avenue."
"Thank you," replied Nick as he rose from the couch. "Can I give you a lift somewhere?"
"No, I need to call Grissom anyway, he's got about as many questions for me as you and Jess have for each other. Get the hell out of here Nick; you have places to go and people to see. Oh, and tell Cath I'll call her later," she added with a smile.
"Will do...and Sara?"
"Yeah Nick?"
"Thanks."
"Always. I may be a pain in the ass, doesn't mean I don't love the lot of you to death," she smiled. "Now go on you, get out of here."
Nick shook his head in silent laughter at Sara and quickly made his way out the door, on his way to find Jessica.