Chapter 20
Saturday December 31st, 2005
11:05 p.m.
CSI DNA Lab
"Mia, do you know where Nick and Jessica might be?" Grissom asked stepping into the doorway of the DNA lab.
"Did you try her office?" asked Mia in reply.
"Her office?"
"Unless they're out in the field, that's where you're most likely to find them," explained Mia.
"And where might her office be?"
"Three doors down from yours I believe, Dr. Grissom."
"Thanks Mia," Grissom said before turning and making his way down the hall towards his office.
"No problem," replied Mia to the now empty lab.
Grissom came to a stop at the third door down from his office and it was just as Mia had said. There written on the door in front of him was Jessica's name. What caught his attention though was what was written on the door under her name. Grissom knew the only way to get this mystery solved was to ask the woman herself, so he opened the door and entered the office, only to find both Nick and Jessica sound asleep with their heads on the desk, in amongst piles of paperwork and what looked like case files. With a shake of his head, Grissom made his way into the room and towards the desk, approaching Nick first as his back was to the door. "Nick?" he called quietly, not wanting to startle the younger man as he laid a hand on Nick's shoulder, shaking him gently.
"Grissom?" asked Nick groggily, rubbing his eyes as he sat back. "Boy am I glad to see you. What time is it?"
"Shift is just about to start," replied Grissom.
"Which one?" asked Nick.
"Listen do me a favor will you? Wake Jessica and meet me in my office," Grissom instructed Nick before walking out of the room.
A few minutes later, a very tired looking couple walked into Grissom's office.
"Morning Sunshines," Greg piped up from where he was sitting on the arm of the couch next to Warrick.
"Stuff it Sanders," replied Jessica as she practically collapsed into a chair, Nick taking up position behind her.
"Well in that case, I'll stick with a nice and simple, Happy New Years to both of you, and thank God that Griss is back cause all of us are in desperate need of putting him back in control of the politics around here."
"Remind me to bring this conversation back up in the years to come after I retire and leave you in charge of night shift Warrick," Grissom answered dryly.
"Man, you're going to leave him in charge?" Greg groaned.
"He's welcome to it, let me tell you," Jessica replied around a yawn.
"Speaking of which," Grissom began turning to look at Jessica. "Did you neglect to tell Sara about a promotion? Cause I do not want to be there when she finds out, if that is the case."
"What?" Greg asked confused. "Who got promoted? Where was I? And why wasn't I promoted?"
"That's it, no more sugar for this boy," Warrick announced.
"I did not get promoted. Not officially at any rate," explained Jessica. "My status as a supervisor is only temporary. And believe me it can't end soon enough because then maybe Nick and I can actually get some real sleep."
"Well that explains that," Grissom mused with a smile. "Although more details would be nice Jess, and I don't blame you a bit for wanting to get some actual sleep."
"Well let's see, while you and Sara were enjoying your holidays, Nick and I had ours cut short. I got a call Christmas day. It was the Sheriff. He told me, Nick and I were to report for work the next day so Nick and I have been here since the day after Christmas working more hours than what would be considered regulation, which would be why you found us asleep on the desk a few minutes ago," Jessica explained.
"Ah, we were wondering about what happened when Warrick called to let us know about Ecklie being put on leave," Grissom mused. "Which I have to see Atwater about in the morning so..."
"Please Griss. I would love the chance to see my bed for more than two hours at a time," pleaded Jessica as she fell to her knees in front of Grissom, Nick chuckling behind her at her antics. "Oh, be quiet Nick. I know you feel the same way."
"I'm with her Griss," agreed Nick. "We need sleep man. Caffeine can only do so much."
"Sadly I can't let you guys go until closer to the end of shift," Grissom sighed softly. "We're swamped, which is why Cath and Sara have set up our own toast in the break room so we can celebrate the New Year before heading out."
"That's fine Griss, as long as I know that my bed is at the end of the shift, I'll do whatever you want," Jessica said getting back into her seat after Nick helped her up off the floor.
"Well, I think that's a given Jess," Griss smiled. "Okay Nick and Greg, you're going together. From what I hear, you're going to have your hands full Nick, something about it looking like someone put the place in a snow globe and shook it a few dozen times. I honestly didn't ask for more details, but they said to send a hair and fiber specialist."
"Griss, Jess and I have another case we've been working on…"
Grissom sighed softly as he debated things in his head. "Well I know I'm not Nick, but could I help out since they seem to need you at this other scene. Then after this one is going you can work both?"
"That works," agreed Jessica. "This one is almost finished anyways. I just need to go serve them with a warrant to search the house more extensively. "We're about ninety percent ready to arrest the guy; we just need to find the blood tying our victim to the house."
"Okay," Grissom nodded before looking over at Nick. "Okay with you?"
"It's fine with me Griss," replied Nick.
"Okay then, so we'll do that. Warrick, you're heading downtown," Grissom spoke as he stood and handed the slips to the two teams.
"Sorry, my brain is a little sleep addled at the moment but did you say that Sara was here?" asked Jessica a few moments later.
"Yes I did," Grissom smiled. "And I believe if I don't get you to the break room in a few moments she's going to come hunting, so we should probably get going."
As everyone was making their way towards the break room, Jim joined them. "Hey Jessica, got that search warrant you asked for."
"Thanks Brass," Jessica replied taking the paper from Brass. "Griss and I are going to be heading out after we stop in to see Catherine and Sara."
"I'll come with you and then the three of us can head out together," commented Brass as they turned into the break room.
"About time you people got here!" Catherine spoke up with a grin.
"Hmm, I think I was enjoying my one on one time with my goddaughter," Sara countered from where she sat on the couch, the sleeping Abigail in her arms.
"Well don't I just feel the love in this room," grumbled Jessica petulantly, crossing her arms across her chest. "I'm beginning to wish Griss never woke us up Nick since that desk is looking much more inviting than here at the moment."
"Oh stuff it," Sara smiled. "I'd get up, but my luck I'd trip over Sahidi and we do not want that with this one here in my arms. I can just hear the screams if that were to happen, and they wouldn't be just Abby's."
"Umm, no getting up, period," Catherine spoke up quickly. "At least not until one of us gets over there to rescue my daughter."
"Never said I was going to get up, just wanted to make your blood pressure rise, it's been too low after all."
"Am I the only one here missing something? Grissom found Nick and Jessica asleep on a desk?" asked Jim completely confused.
"Now, there's no killing our boss' significant other Sweetheart. I want to live to see our children grow up after all, and we all know he'd kill us for killing her," Warrick teased Catherine softly before turning to Jim. "And hey, I'm as lost as you are."
"I think the answer would be obvious, we're all workaholics who work day after day and they probably fell asleep going over files, hence sleeping on a desk," Sara spoke up with a smirk.
"Brass, you try working twenty hours plus a day for an entire week and let's see you not fall asleep at your desk," Nick challenged. "It's not our fault Ecklie's an idiot, not that the suspension doesn't look good on him but it's been hell on Jess and I for an entire week. Not to mention we had to duck out on my parents."
"And I think we are going to seriously need a girl's night and lots of chocolate to start off the New Year," Sara spoke up with a sigh. "Yes, definitely need chocolate."
"Chocolate? What's that? Hell, never mind that, what's food?" commented Jessica.
"Hmm, well food I can't help with, but if you check the fridge you'll find a box of chocolate covered strawberries," Sara smiled.
"You do!" Catherine spoke up. "Why didn't you say anything?" she continued as she lunged for the fridge.
"Griss, you said something about a toast earlier? Would it be possible to do that while Catherine is overdosing on chocolate strawberries? The sooner we get to the Eastman house the sooner I can see my bed," commented Jessica as Catherine turned around with her prize.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Grissom smiled as he shook his head.
"Quite, but someone wrestle those strawberries away from the woman, Jessica and I are suppose to have at least one each," Sara spoke up as she carefully stood and waited for Sahidi to move out of the way as Grissom made his way over to her.
"Hey!" Catherine cried with a pout as her husband snatched the container before offering it to Jessica then Grissom who took one for Sara. Returning it to Catherine he joined Nick in pouring the sparkling cider.
"So what are we toasting to?" Jessica asked as she took a glass from Nick.
"To a New Year, old friends and new relationships. And that every day will be as perfect as even this moment with all of us exhausted and stressed out is, because we're together," Sara spoke up with a smile.
"I like the sound of that," Jessica commented, trying to suppress another yawn but failing miserably, making Nick chuckle, which caused Jessica to elbow him in the ribs.
"Alright, enough chatter. To family and the family you create," Sara laughed as she raised her glass.
"Here here," replied Nick, raising his glass, Jessica following suit.
"Here here," the others echoed
Saturday December 31st, 2005
11:50 pm
Eastman Residence
"I told you I'd be back Mr. Eastman," Jessica said holding up her search warrant when the gentleman opened the door.
"Fine," replied David Eastman stepping back to allow Jessica and Grissom to enter the house. "But make it fast alright?"
"Look Mr. Eastman, this is a murder investigation so it's going to take as long as it takes," replied Jessica leading Grissom into the living room and over to where she and Nick had found the shards of glass underneath the baseboards. Crouching down Jessica lifted the baseboard only to discover that all the glass had been cleaned up since her visit earlier that day. "I thought you might have cleaned house Mr. Eastman."
Grissom and Jessica set to work on trying to find out if this is where the victim had in fact been killed three years ago. Finding what they were looking for, Jessica turned to the man and his wife, who had joined him a few minutes prior.
"Mr. Eastman, I believe you killed Meagan Winston in a fit of jealous rage when she told you she was leaving. I believe you slammed her head through this window, causing glass, and Meagan to fall to the floor, her blood seeping into the floor and the baseboard. Unfortunately for Meagan, the window didn't kill her. What you used to kill her with is the one thing that I haven't quite figured out yet but once you killed her you threw her body into your car and drove her over to the housing development you were working at and dumped her body into one of the foundations," Jessica said.
"I wasn't even in Vegas at the time you say Meagan was killed," David Eastman argued. "Ask Heather, she'll tell you. We worked for the same building company.
"He's right. He was in Laughlin. The company sent him there to see to some of the developments there," replied Heather Eastman.
"And you what, paint your cherry wood floors for aesthetic reasons?" Grissom asked.
"Why would I kill Meagan? I loved her. God I still love her…" David Eastman's words trailed off as he, and everyone else in the room realized what he had just said. "I'm sorry Heather."
"Do you still love her David?" Heather Eastman asked curiously.
"Officer, would you arrest Mr. Eastman here please?" asked Jessica when David Eastman did not answer.
Grissom and Brass followed the officers and Mr. Eastman from the house while Jessica stayed behind to begin processing the scene. She walked out into the front hall to collect her gear when she noticed some pictures on the wall, something in them catching her eye. "Excuse me, Mrs. Eastman, but do you and your husband do a lot of rock climbing?"
"Yes we do," replied Heather Eastman. "How else was I supposed to kill the bitch?"
Jessica turned towards the woman only to find herself staring down the barrel of gun, pointed directly at her head.
Meanwhile as Grissom was accompanying Mr. Eastman out to the police car, something in what the man was saying was giving him a bad feeling. A feeling that told him he really should not leave Jessica alone in that house.
Back in the house, Jessica was still staring down the barrel of Heather Eastman's gun as she was forced back into the living room. "Mrs. Eastman please…put the gun down…"
"Did you know the bitch tried to steal him away from me? We were three months away from our wedding when Meagan waltz's in and tries to take David away from me. There was no way I was going to give David up to that slut, so I took her out of the picture. There was blood everywhere…"
"Mrs. Eastman please…I'm a good listener I swear. Please just give me the gun," Jessica pleaded, tears entering her eyes as fear for her unborn child started to overwhelm her. Jessica continued to plead with Mrs. Eastman, trying to get her to put the gun down to no avail. "Mrs. Eastman please…I'm begging you…just put the gun down…"
"Mrs. Eastman?" Grissom asked before Heather Eastman or Jessica could do or say anything more, causing Mrs. Eastman to spin around to find Grissom pointing his own gun at her. "Don't move Jessica," he instructed keeping his focus solely on Heather Eastman. "Mrs. Eastman, I don't want to fire this gun anymore than you do alright? You've been trying to wash Meagan Winston's blood off your hands for the past three years so let's put the guns down."
Heather Eastman slowly started to lower her gun as Grissom moved into the living room towards her while Jessica breathed out the breath she had been holding, wiping away her tears.
"Are you alright Jessica?" Grissom asked as he took the gun from Heather.
"Yeah," replied Jessica shakily as Grissom led Heather Eastman from the room, leaving Jessica alone to start processing the scene once more. As she and Grissom were processing the scene after the Eastmans had been taken into custody, Jessica had a feeling that something was not right. She had started feeling cramps in her lower abdomen but was determined to get through her job, attributing the pains to the fact that she had fallen asleep at her desk earlier in the night.
"Are you sure you're alright Jessica?" Grissom asked worriedly as they were making their way out of the house.
"I'm fi…" Jessica's words trailed off as she hissed in pain, collapsing against the doorframe for support, dropping her field kit in the process.
"Jim!" Grissom cried as he hurried over to Jessica's side, putting his kit down. "Jessica, what is it? What's wrong?"
"It…it hurts," replied Jessica through the pain as Brass came running over.
"Jim, go back to the lab and get Nick. Tell him I'm taking Jessica to Desert Palms," Grissom instructed as he picked Jessica up and carried her out to his car.
"I'm on it," replied Brass as he too made his way to his vehicle, heading in the opposite direction to Grissom. "Where's Stokes," he asked a short while later as he entered the break room
"Huh? Why?" Catherine asked as she and Sara looked up from Abby.
"Jim?" Sara asked concerned. "Shouldn't you be on scene with Griss and Jess?"
"Where is she Brass? Where's Jessica?" demanded Nick as he entered the break room moments later. "What happened?"
"Gil's taking her to Desert Palms," replied Jim. "She collapsed at the scene."
"Oh no," Nick said, his face going almost completely white. "The baby…" his whispered words trailed off as he bolted from the room.
"Oh holy crap," Sara murmured as she rose and started after him, Sahidi racing with her. "Nick! Wait for me!" she yelled after him only to stop when Jim wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Cath and I will take you honey," he whispered stopping her struggling.
"Fine, in the car, now," she ground out after a moment.
Sunday January 1st, 2006
1:55 a.m.
Desert Palms Memorial Hospital
"Hi, I'm looking for Jessica Harrison?" Nick asked when he reached the Emergency room admitting desk, getting no response from the nurse. That was when he noticed Grissom sitting a little ways down the hall. "Where's Jessica?" he asked stepping up next to where Grissom sat
"Nick," Grissom began as he rose. "Why don't you sit down, she's okay," he continued trying to find the words.
"And the baby?" asked Nick, worry, concern and relief warring in his voice.
"I'm so sorry Nick," he whispered.
"NO!" Nick raged, slamming his fist into the wall before he began pacing back and forth across the hall, his anger growing the more he paced. "No. You're lying. It's not possible. We've been so careful about everything. This isn't happening. You are not standing there telling me that…that…"
Nick's words stopped abruptly when Grissom grabbed him and pulled the younger man into a hug, causing Nick to break down into tears. A few minutes later the others arrived to find that sight before them, and Jim and Catherine both looked at each other, neither wanting to be the one to tell Sara what was going on across the room.
"What's going on?" Sara asked glancing around when they stopped. "Guys? Where's Nick and Grissom? Do you see them?"
"They're across the room," Catherine answered finally. "Griss, Nick," she called to give them warning.
"Where is she?" Nick asked stepping back from Grissom, wiping away his tears, hoping they did not carry through in his voice to the others. "I need to see her. Be with her."
"They just transferred her to her own room, 209. They want to keep her overnight for observation," Grissom replied softly as the three made their way towards them.
Grissom watched the other man leave for a moment before turning back to the others. "Grissom?" Sara asked looking for him.
"Right here, Honey," he answered as he took her hand and led her to a chair.
"What happened?" she asked as Jim and Catherine took seats in silence.
"She's fine, Honey," he began softly. "Honey there was an incident at the suspect's house. She wasn't injured, but the stress was too much. Sweetie, she lost the baby," he trailed off with a sigh.
"Oh my God," she whispered as he pulled her into his arms as she started to cry, across from them Jim pulled Catherine into a hug as she silently began to cry.
"Jess? Baby?" Nick called out softly as he entered Jessica's room to find her lying curled up on her side, her back to the door.
"Nick?" Jessica asked through her tears as she turned to see who it was that entered the room.
"It's me Baby, I'm right here," Nick said as he quickly crossed the room, taking Jessica into his arms immediately, sitting down on the bed as she broke down into heart wrenching sobs in his arms.
"This is all my fault Nick. I never should have let the Sheriff force me into taking on so much. Dr. Edwards warned me about taking on too much too soon and I didn't listen. This is all my fault," Jessica sobbed into Nick's shoulder.
"Baby, don't talk like that," Nick said as he gently rocked Jessica. "This is not your fault. I don't want to hear you blaming yourself okay?" he asked as he pulled away to look Jessica in the eyes as he held her head in his hands. "No one's to blame understand?" When Jessica nodded, Nick pulled her back to him, kissing her forehead before wrapping his arms around her once more. "It was an accident, nothing more," Nick reassured.
"You're not…not mad at me, are you?" Jessica asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper and filled with tears.
"Of course not Baby," Nick soothed, tears in his voice as well. "Why would you think that?"
"I put myself in that situation…"
"Nonsense Jessica. Whatever happened was not your fault and nothing you could have done could have prevented this from happening. God just decided that it wasn't time for this particular angel to leave heaven so he called her back. Jess you have to believe that, in time, he will grant us another angel to call our own."
"Please don't leave me?"
"Of course not Baby. I'm not going anywhere. Not now. Not ever," Nick swore as he lay down on the bed, pulling Jessica to him tightly as they shared each other's grief and tears.
Sunday January 1st, 2006
4:30pm
Stokes and Harrison Residence
Nick was sitting on the bed reading while Jessica lay sleeping next to him, her head in his lap. She had been released a few hours ago and had been asleep since shortly after they had returned home, he didn't know if it was from the exhaustion they had both been working with or the stress of losing their child or a combination of both. The first time the doorbell rang he just ignored it not wanting to leave Jessica alone incase she woke up and hoping whoever it was would just go away. This was not his day as the doorbell rang for a second time, forcing him off the bed and out into the hallway. When he reached the front door, he opened it prepared to tell whomever it was that was bothering them to just go away. He wasn't really prepared to come face to face with almost every member of his team. "Guys?" Nick asked surprised. "What are you all doing here?"
"We found out Jess had been released and wanted to check in and see how you were doing. And to be honest, Sara threatened us with telling Sahidi he could sit in our laps," Greg replied before Sara and Catherine smacked him over the back of his head. "What, she did!" he grumbled.
"Alright, to be honest she did threaten us into driving her over here, but the bargain was we'd leave as soon as you asked so...for all his lack of tact, the newbie is right," Jim spoke up from the back of the group.
"Come in then, just keep it down," Nick instructed as he stepped away from the door, walking back off down the hall, closing the bedroom door before returning to the living room.
"How's she doing? Physically that is. Sort of a given about mentally and emotionally," Sara asked softly.
"She's exhausted. We both are but she's worse. She put in more hours than I did," replied Nick as everyone took a seat. "She's been sleeping since I brought her home."
"Poor Jess," Catherine sighed softly. "We should definitely let you go then, you need to be getting some sleep too."
"I'm more concerned about her than myself at the moment Cath," replied Nick, rubbing his face. "I want to take her to California for a few days Griss."
Grissom nodded for a few moments as he thought. "That's a good idea, but how many days is a few?" he asked softly.
"I was thinking I would stay with her until Sara arrives. I have something planned that I think will help Jessica through this but it's not something I can do from here and I really would like to be with her. Besides, Atwater owes us Griss," replied Nick.
He remained silent for a few more moments, lost in thought before nodding. "I'll talk with Atwater Nick, but he might not be happy having you gone so long with Ecklie still out and Cath not back on yet. So you might be hearing from him..." he trailed off.
"That's fine. If he wants to talk to me, we'll talk but he probably won't like what I have to say to him if he does call. Griss, Jess would never have been in that house if it wasn't for Atwater calling us back. God only knows why he called us and not you but with what she was being asked to do...the number of hours we were both clocking and then what happened last night... ]I hold Atwater personally responsible for the death of my daughter," argued Nick. "I'm taking Jessica to California whether he likes it or not and if it means my job then so be it."
"No," came the quiet recrimination from the hallway.
"Baby, what are you doing up? You should still be sleeping," Nick said rising from his seat.
"I woke up and you were gone," Jessica explained walking over to him and sitting down, pulling him down with her. "And you will not give up your job for me Nick. I won't let you."
"But Baby..."
"No Nick. I'll get through this whether here or in California, it doesn't matter as long as I have you with me," argued Jessica
"She's right Nick," Sara spoke up softly and everyone turned to look at her surprised that she was getting involved in what most would argue to be a private matter. "You can't give up your life here just because you're angry at Atwater right now. California's great in its own way, but..." she trailed off with a shrug.
That's easy for you to say Sara," argued Nick. "You don't know what Atwater's put us through this past week. We were lucky to get even two hours of sleep a day. I swear this is one of the first times we've been home for longer than it takes to change clothes."
"You're right; I haven't been through the past week. But Nick, you're sitting in a room with two women who know first hand what it's like to run away. We both ran for different reasons, but we both ran to avoid situations we'd rather not deal with, or thought we couldn't deal with. And we both regretted it, in a small way, or a large way. Going away for a day or two to find a measure of comfort and peace is one thing, but going away and giving up everything you've worked for here... that's no better than doing what I did. I made that mistake, gave up everything. Don't do what I did Nick. For your sake, and Jyn's. And for the memory of your daughter."
"Fine. I promise I won't quit but Griss you gotta do what you can for me. I only need a week at most since Sara should be there by then," commented Nick.
"We were supposed to leave on the second Nick," Sara pointed out softly. "I'll be there the third."
"Well I'm still owed at least 5 days vacation since I never got to actually take them and I think given the amount of overtime I've clocked in the last week a few days off shouldn't be a problem," observed Nick. "Jess and I have spent the last week, time we were supposed to have off, cleaning up after Ecklie, I would think they would at least give us what we're owed."
Grissom nodded slowly. "I'll talk with him. Explain things. But we should probably let you guys get some rest, it's been a long day for everyone."
"Thanks guys," Nick said rising with the others to show them out before returning to Jessica who was still sitting on the couch. "Do you want to go back to bed?"
"No. I just want to stay here with your arms around me," replied Jessica, snuggling into Nick's side as he wrapped his arms around her.
Friday January 6th, 2006
2:30pm
Heaven's Paradise
Nick and Jessica had been back in California for four days, Sara having joined them three days ago. Sheriff Atwater had agreed to Nick's request of a week's leave for both him and Jessica before he returned to Las Vegas and Jessica had to appear in court to deal with the case surrounding Sara's uncle.
It had taken a few days and the help of Alicia Sutton but what he had wanted for Jessica was finally ready. Now all he had to do was get her away from Sara long enough and convince her to come with him someplace he had a feeling she did not visit all that often.
"Hey Sara, can I borrow Jessica for a minute?" Nick asked as he walked out onto the terrace.
"Sure, borrow away. I'm ready for a break from these files anyway," Sara smiled as she pushed back from the table where they were going over past files on Birchwood.
"Thanks," Nick replied as he pulled a protesting Jessica from her chair and led her out onto the grounds.
"Nick, where are we going and couldn't this wait? The trial starts in a few days," argued Jessica.
"You'll see and no it couldn't. And yes I realize that the trial starts in a few days but there is something I need to show you first," Nick argued lightly, continuing to lead Jessica by the hand around the outside of the house to the side opposite the vineyards.
"Nick I...no, not there please..." Jessica pleaded when she realized just where Nick was taking her.
Nick stopped just outside a small wrought iron gate that surrounded a small plot of land that had a couple of trees on it, turning to face Jessica. "Baby please? For me? There's something I want you to see."
Jessica nodded allowing Nick to lead her into the small family cemetery that had been created when her parents had been killed so many years ago. Jessica stepped away from Nick, who stopped, when she noticed something that had never been there before.
"Oh god..." Jessica cried quietly, falling to her knees when she got a look at the small plaque that had been placed between the graves of her parents. Ever so slowly she ran her hand across the inscription, as her tears flowed freely.
Leilani Angelique Stokes.
Beloved daughter called back to God before her time.
May she rest in peace in the arms of her loving grandparents for all eternity.
"Alicia helped me," Nick said quietly, trying to hold back his own tears. "I wanted you to know that she's safe and with those that will love her. Jess I..."
Nick's words trailed off as Jessica threw herself at him, burying her head in his chest. "Thank you."
"You're welcome Baby," replied Nick soothingly as he rubbed her back.
They stood there like that for an undermined time both lost in their grief but for once feeling the burden of their grief begin to lighten, knowing that they had finally laid their daughter to rest.
A few minutes later Nick and Jessica pulled apart when they heard someone clear their throat. Since Nick was blocking the entrance to the small cemetery, he had his back to the person allowing him and Jessica to wipe away their tears without the person seeing too much.
"Forgive me Miss Jessica, Mr. Stokes," James said after a moment. "Miss Sara sent me to find you as Ms. McCoy has arrived."
"Thank you James," replied Jessica around Nick. "We'll be right in."
"Of course Miss," James said before turning and making his way back into the house.
Nick and Jessica took a few minutes to compose themselves before following after James. When they reached the terrace Nick gave Jessica a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving her alone with Sara and the district attorney Tanya McCoy.
"Jessica, it's a pleasure to see you again," Tanya smiled after Nick had left.
"Thank you Tanya," Jessica replied her voice a little worse for wear, as she retook her seat from earlier.
"Jessica," Tanya began concerned. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," replied Jessica, her voice still a little shaky.
"Why don't we take care of that last minute stuff so we can all call it a night?" Sara spoke up before Tanya could ask if she was sure.
"Of course," Tanya agreed as she pulled out her briefcase. "Trial is to begin at nine Monday morning; Judge Douglas is very strict about his court starting on time. Jess, you're up first for us, as you know, we should probably get to you on Monday. Sara...you're not scheduled to be called until Wednesday by me, and we have that run through on Tuesday don't forget."
"Of course," Sara agreed with a nod.
"When do the two of you arrive in town?" Tanya asked as she closed her folder for a moment.
"Sunday night," replied Jessica who was starting to sound more like herself again.
"Okay then," Tanya nodded. "Well, I think that's everything then, I'll see you guys at the courthouse Monday morning then."
"Let me walk you out," Jessica offered.
"Thank you," Tanya smiled. "Goodnight Sara."
"Night Tanya," Sara answered as the two women rose.
After showing Tanya out, Jessica made her way back into the parlor, collapsing in a heap on one of the sofas.
"Jyn?" Sara asked softly as she came into the parlor after a few minutes of being alone.
"I'm here Sara," Jessica replied quietly.
"Sweetie? You okay?" she asked as she headed towards a sofa.
"In time I will be. I just thought I was past everything that's happened recently. Nick showed me that I wasn't."
"Good way or bad?"
"He gave me closure," explained Jessica.
"Ah. At least someone could," Sara smiled slightly. "How are you doing Jyn girl, really?"
"It hurts. Oh God Sara, it hurts. I feel like a part of me is missing now but at the same time I feel like a bit of weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know that doesn't make any sense and you probably think I've lost my mind or something..." Jessica trailed off
"Honey, of course I don't," Sara soothed as she rose and felt her way over to sit next to the other woman. "Jess, it makes perfect sense, you've lost a child, and no person should lose a child. But closure is a natural part of life, you'll never completely find peace, but you will be able to live without it feeling like you're going to never make it through the day."
"Nick gave me that. Gave me a way to say goodbye," Jessica said as she leaned into her friend
"I knew I liked him for a reason," Sara smiled softly. "What did he do? You don't have to share of course, I'm just curious love."
"You know the small memorial garden that holds my parents graves?"
"Mm hmm, you took me there once."
"He had a small plaque made with our daughter's name on it. It now sits between the graves of my parents," Jessica said wiping away an escaping tear as she remembered the words she'd read not that long ago.
"Oh Sweetie. Remind me to give that man a kiss on his cheek next I see him," Sara sighed.
"Where's Tanya?" Nick asked a few minutes later as he entered the room to find Sara and Jessica alone.
"On her way back to Frisco would be my guess," Sara spoke up before she gave Jess one more hug. "Well, I do believe Gil is expecting a phone call about now, so I will see you two later for dinner. If not earlier of course," she added as she rose. "Oh and Nick, love ya," she called before disappearing from the room.
"What did she mean by that?" asked Nick in confusion
"Forget it Nick," Jessica said smiling as Nick sat down next to her allowing her to cuddle up next to him. They stayed there like that until they were being called into dinner.
Saturday January 7th, 2006
4:30 p.m.
Heaven's Paradise
"Nick? What is it? Has something happened? Is it your family? The team?" Jessica asked in concern when she walked into the main foyer to find Nick putting down his suitcases.
"Come here, Jess," Nick said as he led her into the parlor so that they could talk privately.
"Nick please, tell me what's wrong?" Jessica pleaded.
"I'm leaving."
"What?" Jessica asked completely flabbergasted, as that was the last thing she expected him to say. "You're...you're leaving? All...all right. I guess," she said as her heart began breaking.
"Baby, I didn't mean it like that," Nick said trying to reassure her as he led her over to the sofa, sitting her down on it before sitting beside her.
"Then what did you mean Nick? I thought things were fine between us. I mean I realize that the past couple of weeks have been utter hell but I thought...I thought that…that we were fine," Jessica said desperately.
"I'm not breaking up with you Jess. I just think that we need take a step back."
"Oh..." Jessica trailed off, looking down at her engagement ring that she was playing with in her nervousness.
"Jess...Baby I am not breaking off the engagement either," Nick reassured as he took her hands in his. "A lot has happened this past week. Things that we both need to deal with and yes we would deal with it better together but you have a job to do and as long as I stick around, you won't be giving it one hundred percent. Jess I don't want to be a distraction for you, and don't try to argue the point with me, Miss Harrison," Nick said putting a finger on Jessica's mouth to prevent the arguments he knew would be forthcoming. "You need to put all your focus on putting this slime ball away, for Sara's sake. Sara needs you now more than ever Jess and you can't be there for her like you need to be if I'm around. Understand?"
Jessica nodded slowly in response, unable to say anything as Nick still had his finger on her mouth.
"I promise that I'll call you every weekend alright?"
"Promise?" Jessica asked now that she had the use of her mouth back.
"I promise," Nick swore before kissing her. "I gotta go," he said as he rose from the sofa, Jessica rising with him.
"Is Phillip taking you?"
"Is that alright?" Nick asked uncertain.
"You know it is Nick. I've told all the staff that they are to do as you request, so yes, it's alright that Phillip is flying you back," Jessica told him as they made their way back out into the main foyer. "You be careful on shift tonight."
"Of course," Nick said kissing Jessica once more before turning and walking out the door to meet Matthew, who had already loaded his luggage in the car.
"Dinner's ready Miss Jessica," Elsie said from behind her.
"Thank you Elsie," Jessica replied as she watched Matthew pull out of the front drive. Jessica stood there watching the car drive away until she could no longer see it before turning and making her way into the dining room, taking her normal seat at the table.
"Nick head out?" Sara asked softly.
"You knew?" Jessica asked in return.
"Knew?" she countered confused.
"That he was leaving?"
"Leaving?" Sara continued shaking her head. "I just thought he might have run into town or something since he wasn't here at dinner," she continued with another shake. "Although...it makes sense, they do need him back in Vegas. But how are you doing?"
"I've been better," Jessica admitted quietly.
"Oh Sweetie," Sara sighed softly. "Want to send James to the store to get some Making Whoopee Pie ice cream and a few other flavors, grab some bananas and a few bottles of whip cream, and have a musical fest tonight? I have Phantom of the Opera," she added after a moment.
"Sounds like a plan," Jessica agreed pushing her plate away before getting up from the table to go in search of James. She returned a few minutes later, "James is on his way to the store now. Shall we head upstairs?"
"Of course. Lead away my dear friend."
Jessica let Sara take a hold of her arm and led her from the dining room, leaving their untouched dinners behind, making their way up the stairs towards Jessica's bedroom where they could get comfortable in her bed, watching television.
"Hmm just thought of something, should we call James and have him grab some munchies too?" Sara asked as the opening credits to The Phantom of the Opera began.
"Good idea," Jessica agreed picking up the phone. After a few minutes on the phone she hung up and turned back to Sara. "He's going to pick up all our old favorites. I can't believe he still remembers from when he did our snack runs all those years ago."
"You and me both," Sara nodded before hitting the play button once more. "Now, to dream... " she sighed as she settled down. "Is Raoul really as cute as I can imagine Patrick Wilson is playing him?"
"Even cuter," Jessica giggled as she snuggled down next to Sara.
"God, that is one lucky woman," Sara moaned. "Gorgeous, long hair according to Gil, who immediately told me that he simply didn't get my whole melting periods over certain men with long hair," she giggled. "Oh and then there's the horse he rides, can just imagine how he handles that, and bareback on top...oh and can just picture how he handles a sword. And did I mention he sings and is ready to die to rescue the woman he loves from a madman?" she finished with a sigh.
"HEY! Nothing like spoiling the story for me," chided Jessica teasingly with a nudge to Sara's side.
"Oh and I nearly forgot, she got to listen to the Phantom sing when she was younger. He has a voice to die for...well figuratively. Not worth it literally, definitely choose Raoul there. And what do you mean spoiling it; you've seen it on stage how many times. And you can't honestly tell me you didn't go see this in the theaters...although. That was when I was in the hospital so perhaps you didn't...oops," Sara smiled and ducked her head.
"I never actually got the chance to see it at the movies. We were all too busy trying to find you when it first came out. It was playing in Dallas but we were so worried that you wouldn't pull through that we barely left the hospital. It got to the point where Gil basically ordered us back to the hotel at night and even then all we did was sleep. I was under so much stress and reliving my past that Nick held me every night as I cried myself to sleep," explained Jessica in mild embarrassment.
"Ah well, I shall shut up and we can watch it as if it's the first time, for me at least," Sara smiled. "So, shall we hit play again?"
"Yes please," agreed Jessica as Sara hit the button and the auction began just as Elsie walked in with the snacks that James had been sent to bring back for them. Once they were ready with their munchies they once again started the movie over.
"Never dreamed out in the world,
There are arms to hold you.
You've always known,
Your heart was on it's own." Sara sung softly with the song that was being sung over the end credits.
"So laugh in your loneliness,
Child of the wilderness.
Learn to be lonely...
Learn how to love...
Life that is lived...alone.
Learn to be lonely...
Life can be lived...
Life can be loved...Alone..."
"Sara," whined Jessica. "I'm trying to watch the movie."
"Jessica," Sara countered. "The movie's over," she grinned.
"I. Don't. Care," Jessica countered as she turned on her long time friend and attacked her with tickles.
"No! Stop!" Sara shrieked as she laughed.
"Make me," Jessica challenged having the upper hand.
"I'll tell Sahidi to sit on you!" she threatened amidst her giggles.
"Okay fine, you win," Jessica said rolling off and collapsing on the bed.
"Oh, thank God," Sara groaned as she caught her breath.
"Serves you right for singing during the movie," chided Jessica, tossing her arm over her eyes.
"And since when has it been an issue with singing during the movie. I distinctly remember a duet of "Impossible" during Cinderella!" Sara challenged.
"Ah, but there is a difference my dear sister. I had actually seen Cinderella at that point. This was the first time I got to see the Phantom movie," countered Jessica
"And did I sing along with "All I Ask of You"? Or "Think of Me"?" Sara pointed out. "I only sung with the song over the credits! Besides, I've been out of practice on singing, and Gil is not believing that the two of us can sing on key with Phantom music, well you being Christine and me Meg...Of course I have neglected to also mention about those Jester nights with Scor and the piano..." Sara trailed off.
"Alright, alright, I give," agreed Jessica with a laugh. "You realize Gil's going to force us to perform right?"
"Well that first requires him believing that we can do it, second requires us having someone who can accompany us, and I don't know if Warrick knows any of the songs from Phantom or any other musicals. Besides, if we're going to do songs from Phantom, we both have to do "Angel of Music", and one of us has to do "Think of Me" or Phantom, and we don't have any guys who can do Phantom so...He's got a lot to do before then," Sara shrugged. "Besides, unless he can somehow find out about Thomas, locate Thomas, and get him to where we are, I, at least, refuse to sing any songs from Phantom or any other musicals requiring a male counterpart. He's the only one we ever sung with during training and I'll be damned if I'm gonna try to match my voice to someone I've never worked with in "All I Ask of You". Or any other duets for that matter."
"You got a point," agreed Jessica. "But you realize that we are going to have to sing for him at some point and knowing Gil, he'll make sure Nick is there as well to witness it."
"Well of course. And knowing both of them, they'll make sure the rest of the gang is there as well. But between you and me, I'm putting that off as long as physically possible. Besides, we don't have a piano so I can't play to accompany us if we do any Phantom music or any music by our dear Andrew Lloyd...God, that man is gifted," Sara paused before shaking her head. "Blasted tangents, so was saying, no piano for me to play to accompany us, and somehow doubt Rick would want to play and not be able to just sit and watch, and at the same time, I haven't practiced piano since I was in Miami, not to mention the whole need to reacquaint myself with being able to play now that I'd have to do it by touch and memory of where the keys are."
"Sara…you're babbling."
"Really now?" Sara asked before shaking her head. "God we need a new movie, and I need to steal you're piano one of these days. Ever since I saw this with Gil I've had the itch...That and Scor keeps mentioning the old days in e-mails. God, my brother is insane."
"Hey, you have free access to the piano here anytime you want girl," Jessica told her.
"I know," Sara smiled softly. "Okay, pass the Ben and Jerry's and let's hit Cinderella. I've got the urge to sing along with Leslie Ann Warren."
"You got it," agreed Jessica as she handed Sara the tub of ice cream before getting up and changing the DVD over, hitting the play button on her way back to the bed.