Chapter 25
Monday April 17th, 2006
10:58 p.m.
CSI Lab
"Go ahead Nick," Jessica said as they made their way into the building. "I just need to drop my purse off in my locker."
"See you in there," Nick said giving her a quick kiss before walking off down the hall as Jessica turned into the locker room. After tossing her purse in her locker, Jessica quickly made her way out of the locker room and off down the hall towards the break room, groaning internally when she noticed Conrad Ecklie lounging around the hallway she had to walk down.
"Why look here, if it isn't our very own little singing Angel of Music. Quite a show you put on last night, did you have fun getting in touch with your inner angels?" Ecklie spoke up when he saw her, a smile in place. "Makes one wonder why you're doing a job like this when you could easily make millions doing your little show. Oh wait, I nearly forgot, you do this because of Ms. Sidle and your parents," he continued nodding his head as if he had just remembered that fact.
"Stuff it Conrad," Jessica snapped as she moved to step around him.
"Oh, I hit a nerve," Ecklie continued as he turned to look at her as she moved. "Question then is, did I hit a nerve about your relationship with Ms. Sidle, or did I hit a nerve about your parents. You know, I have to wonder...the psychological effects you must have thanks to their deaths. Makes one wonder why any CSI Lab would take the risk of hiring someone with your past."
"God damn it Ecklie," cursed Jessica quietly before spinning suddenly.
"Jess NO!" Nick cried out when he saw Jessica launch herself at Ecklie. He'd just stuck his head out of the break room to see what was keeping Jessica only to see her stepping around Ecklie, who seemed to say something to her causing her to spin suddenly back towards him. "Let go of him Jess," he told her as he pulled Jessica off of Ecklie.
"Let go of me Nick," Jessica ordered struggling to get free.
"Not going to happen Jess. He's not worth losing everything over," Nick told her as he fought to hold onto Jessica.
"Nick, you two go to my office," Gil spoke up from behind them as he looked around the hallway. Catherine and Warrick were on the far end with Greg, the latter having dropped a magazine of some sort on the ground as they stared in shock at the scene before them. Other members of the lab were blocking every empty space in the hallway either looking at Nick and Jessica or at Ecklie who was slumped against the wall, hands resting lightly against the 'v' of his collarbone as he tried to catch his breath after having Jessica choking him.
Nick did as Grissom asked and practically dragged Jessica away from Ecklie and towards his office. "Baby, you have to calm down," Nick told her as he pulled her into an embrace once they were safely inside Grissom's office. "He's not worth it, Jess."
"I know that Nick it's just…" Jessica trailed off into Nick's shoulder. "He had no right to bring my parents into this."
"I know Baby, I know, but there is nothing we can do about Ecklie and you and I both know that he is out to get Graveyard any way he can because of what you did to him," replied Nick as he rubbed her back.
"I couldn't just let him destroy the team simply because he doesn't like Grissom, Nick," Jessica said in frustration pulling away slightly.
"I know Jess…I know," Nick said, kissing Jessica's temple as he pulled her close once more.
"Ahem," Grissom cleared his throat from the doorway.
Nick and Jessica stepped apart when they heard Grissom clear his throat, Jessica not really wanting to make eye contact with him.
"Everything okay in here? No broken bones?" he asked softly.
"I'm fine," Jessica answered quietly. "How's Ecklie?"
"He's in his office, other than a sore throat and need for lozenges, he's fine. Physically," he answered before glancing at Nick. "Nick, can you go give assignments to everyone in the break room, I need Jess on my own case tonight anyway..."
"Sure boss," Nick said taking the slips from Grissom, kissing Jessica quickly on the temple before leaving the office.
"How are you Jess?" Grissom repeated after a moment of silence.
"Honestly?" asked Jessica nervously.
"No Jessica, I want you to lie through your teeth so I get to watch as Sara goes up one side of me and down the other because the answer I have regarding your welfare isn't going to satisfy her," he replied rolling his eyes, but still smiling. "Jessica, when do I want you not to be honest with me?" he continued seriously.
"If you want the God's honest truth," Jessica began as Gil nodded. "Then the last 24 hours have not been the easiest I've ever had to deal with. The stunt Thomas and Sara pulled the other night did quite a number on me. It brought up a lot of things that have been long buried, buried since the night my parents died actually. It's going to take some time but I should be able to work through it with Nick's help. I tried to ignore Ecklie Griss, I really did try but he just...he used the one thing against me that hurts me the most and I...I just snapped. I'm sorry," Jessica apologized. "I am so sorry."
"Oh honey," Grissom sighed softly. "Look, personally, he deserved it, and he's going to deserve what he gets from Sara who we both know he can't do a thing against professionally..." he trailed off with a slight smile. "But professionally...Jess you know that there are going to be repercussions from this. This is Conrad we're talking about; he's not going to take this sitting down. I'll do everything in my power to fight for you, and I'm pretty sure Rory will not push things too far...but you could be put on suspension pending investigation..." he trailed off as he sat down.
"I know Gil, and I am sorry," replied Jessica quietly.
"Jess, it's okay," he countered with a smile. "Look, give me a few minutes, I need to send out some feelers to see what Conrad is up to. We might just have you take tonight off, if not, then tomorrow for sure. If that's the case, why don't you and Sara have a girl's night, I know she's been hoping to have one with you and Catherine since Christmas..." he trailed off with a shrug as he stood. "And Jess, don't worry about it. Given the circumstances, I'm pretty sure all of us would react the same way," he added pausing to gently squeeze her shoulder before heading out of his office.
"Thanks Griss...mind if I just wait here?"
"Not at all," he called before disappearing completely.
"Knock knock."
"Sara? Chica what are you doing here?"
"Why hello there Love," Sara smiled. "I just went with the boys to the airport and decided to stop by here on my way back to the house," Sara explained as she and Sahidi came into the office and she took a place on the couch.
"Did they get off okay?"
"Perfectly. Chris told me to quote, "tell the Duchess I want a rematch next time we're together. I'll take my title back yet!" Sara giggled. "I think he's a bit perturbed that you managed to sneak all those marbles in while he was busy making sure I didn't get mine in."
"Ah, but you see, you make the perfect distraction for him," Jessica laughed.
"Oh, I know. He's still got that belief that I'm his only competition when it comes to Jesters, he forgets, Laura and I taught you all our secrets. And you in turn learned a good deal of your own," Sara agreed.
"That I did," Jessica smiled. "I'm not the Duchess for nothing ya know."
"Nope, same reason I'm the Princess and Laura's the Goddess. We are infinitely more wiser than the men in the family, especially when it comes to Jesters."
"That we are," agreed Jessica
Sara grinned. "So," she began after a moment. "Out of curiosity, slow night tonight?"
"Not...exactly..."
"Not exactly...?" Sara repeated confused.
"I'm waiting to hear if I'll be suspended or not," Jessica told her quietly.
"Huh?" Sara asked blinking at Jessica for a moment. "Okay, I am completely utterly lost."
"And that's a story to be continued in a few minutes," Grissom spoke from the doorway.
"Huh?" Sara repeated turning to look at him.
"What did Ecklie say?" Jessica asked rising from her seat.
"He's contacting Atwater about this, and if you worked for him, you'd already have your pink slip and would be out the door," Grissom replied as he made his way over to his chair.
"Excuse me?" Sara spoke up even more lost.
"To which I merely replied well, you work for me and your pink slip, if you are going to have one, will be my business not his. But until things are worked out with the review board, you're going to have to be on vacation."
"Then on vacation I go," sighed Jessica. "Will you tell Nick for me?"
"Of course," he replied softly. "Jess, you may have to see a PEAP Counselor after this."
"I understand. Call me and let me know when my vacation is over?"
"Of course."
"Okay, I'm about as lost as I think I'll ever be. But regardless, Jyn girl, what do you say to getting something to eat? It's before midnight, I believe T.G.I. Fridays is open, and I have a craving for some mozzarella sticks and potato skins," Sara spoke up.
"Of course," replied Jessica as they headed towards the door, Jessica turning back before leaving. "I really am sorry Griss," Jess said once more before leaving the room.
"So? Want to leave the car here for Nick and we can get a cab? Something tells me both of us might do well to get drunk," Sara asked when they were outside the lab a few minutes later.
"A cab sounds good," agreed Jessica. "As does the sound of getting drunk part."
"Okay, so drunk and food hunting we go," Sara smiled as she pulled out her cell.
"That we do, especially since I've suddenly found myself with absolutely nothing to do for a while."
"Ah," Sara began before pausing to talk with the cab company. "So, what happened, Baby Girl?" she continued as if they were talking about the weather.
"Oh nothing. Just attempted murder on my part," Jessica replied nonchalantly.
Sara turned and blinked at Jessica for a few minutes. "Attempted murder? And Ecklie is the one reporting you? Okay, what did the man do?" she continued as she shifted and leaned back against the wall.
"I did ignore him…at first," Jessica told her. "That is until he brought my parents into it and wanted to know why any lab in the country would take a risk on someone with my history."
"Oh no, he is so dead," Sara growled as she straightened up and prepared to go into the lab.
"Sara no," Jessica said, grabbing Sara by the arm to prevent her from doing anything rash. "I already attacked Ecklie physically and that's why I'm on leave. I'm not about to let you go after the creep too."
"Bloody goody two-shoes," Sara grumbled as she rolled her eyes before smiling at Jessica. "Alright, I won't go and kill him, although honestly what's the worst he could do to me? Press charges? Hello, I could so have those out of the way like that," she continued snapping her fingers. "I swear, if anyone can get away with an insanity plea..."
"Yeah and I could use the same excuse Sara but that would mean that I would be out of a job permanently. As it is, if Ecklie has his way, I could be facing that very fate since Nick had to literally tear me off of him. If Nick had been any later, I would probably be up on murder charges right now."
Sara sighed softly. "Okay then, we definitely have to get drunk."
"That we do," sighed Jessica as the cab pulled up and she opened the door helping Sara in before climbing in after her.
Twenty minutes later they had arrived at their destination and were escorted to a booth, towards the back of the restaurant, Sara had requested that so that they wouldn't have to worry about people throwing any sort of fits over Sahidi taking up aisle-way.
"Your waitress will be right with you, but can I get you anything to drink?" the hostess asked.
"Ultimate Strawberry Daiquiri," Sara replied as she looked up from arranging her silverware.
"Tequila sunrise please," Jessica said. "A large one if possible."
"Certainly," she replied before heading off on her way.
"You know, I love this place. They never seem to truly change their menu, and the food is always to die for," Sara smiled. "Hmm so, we're getting drunk tonight, I'm going to just say screw any form of dieting whatsoever," she continued as their waitress returned with their drinks.
"Strawberry Daiquiri?"
"Here," Sara replied and the drink was set in front of her before Jessica received hers.
"Welcome to T.G.I. Fridays, my name is Michelle and I'll be your server tonight. Would you like to order an appetizer? Or perhaps do you need more time?" she asked as she glanced between them.
"Jess?" Sara asked glancing across the table.
"Well since we've agreed that this girl's night we're throwing the diets out the window, I'll have the Chicken Quesadillas to start and then I'll have the double-glazed ribs," Jessica told her.
"Oh good choice, the ribs are fantastic," Michelle smiled. "And for you?"
"Well, I'm having fun and going with taste," Sara smiled. "And a lot of appetizers. I'm going to have the Fried mozzarella sticks as an appetizer, then for my main meal I want a House Salad with Ranch dressing, and a Tuscan Spinach Dip and the Potato Skins."
"Ah, munchies night," Michelle smiled. "Well, I'll get your 'appetizers' in and I'll be right back," she continued before making her way to the kitchen.
"So what brought on this impromptu girls night, other than my rather sudden vacation?" prompted Jessica.
"Well, Gil and I are leaving Friday for Miami and this is one of the last days we have until we return so...and even then when we do get back, the lot of us are off to Dallas. You know, I'm rather surprised Atwater is going for Gil being gone so long..." she mused to herself.
"Who knows with Atwater. I just hope that Gil can get him to see reason when it comes to my attack on Ecklie."
"I'm pretty sure he will be able to Love, Gil may hate politics, but he can calm people down surprisingly well."
"My God Sara, I would've killed him if…if Nick hadn't been there…I would've…would've…" Jessica trailed off as her earlier actions truly started to set in.
"Jyn..." Sara began as she reached across the table for Jessica's hand. "Honey, it's okay. I would have done the same thing, hell I can still kill him if anyone would let me. Sweetie...you can't be angry at yourself. You're only human, and you were pushed too damn far."
"Who did I piss off Sara? Which deity did I upset so much that they would put me through this? I just want to do my job and go home at the end of shift."
"No one Jyn. We didn't do anything. Ecklie just pissed off some deity who decided to shove a stick so far up his ass that he can't help but be a bastard to the rest of the world, and anyone who is friends with Grissom in particular...So sadly, all of this is only because you're friends with me and in turn the others..." Sara trailed off with a sigh.
"And everyone's going to think I've lost my mind for attacking a supervisor in the middle of the lab like that," Jessica groaned letting her head hit the table. "The last thing I need right now is to be seeing a bloody counselor," she grumbled from the tabletop.
"Honey, not to interrupt this moment of grumbling, since everyone's entitled to one. But I think the table might have its feelings hurt if you continue to beat it up with your head. Not that your head would mind of course," Sara added with a smile.
"I'm enjoying my Zen moment with the table, Sara," Jessica grouched.
"Not saying you aren't, but we are expecting appetizers at some point Chica."
"Fine," Jessica groaned sitting back up before taking a large gulp of her drink.
"Here we are ladies," Michelle announced moments later as she returned with the mozzarella sticks and Chicken Quesadillas.
"Thank you," Sara smiled before taking a drink.
"Okay I have to ask," Michelle began after a moment.
"Ask?" Sara repeated.
"Are you Jessica Harrison and Sara Sidle?"
"Umm," Sara began unsure.
"Why?" Jessica asked.
"Well, it's just that you look like them, and I was just reading about you two, well them..." Michelle shrugged. "You are them aren't you? I mean you even have your companion..." she trailed off once more as she glanced down at Sahidi. "Gorgeous dog, by the way."
"Thank you," Sara answered automatically before turning to Jessica. "Did we just get recognized in public? I mean like a couple of Hollywood Stars would?"
"Yes," Jessica replied from behind her hands, which were hiding her face, her elbows on the table supporting her head.
"Oh wow, well I just wanted to say what you guys are doing... it's fantastic. But since it seems you don't want to be recognized, do you know you're both on the cover of the Enquirer?" she continued concerned.
"We are?" Sara asked. "Umm...are you sure about that?"
"Oh God," Jessica groaned slumping back in her seat.
"Yeah, I was just reading it back in the kitchen...would you like to see it?"
"Something tells me that might be a good thing..." Sara trailed off glancing at Jessica. "Jyn?"
"Would you mind?" asked Jessica quietly.
"No problem, I'll bring it right out, along with a new drink. You might need them..." Michelle nodded before heading back there.
"Well, this night just went from abnormal to twilight zone..." Sara mused as she found the marinara sauce and took a bite of her mozzarella stick.
"Great, more ammunition for Ecklie. Screw Ecklie, more ammunition for Julia," Jessica moaned. "That woman has been out to get me since we first met. I swear she's worse than Ecklie. And believe me that is not an easy feat."
"Honey, I've been working with Ecklie for years. For her to be 'worse than Ecklie'...you know I'm suddenly glad Gil is sibling-less..." Sara trailed off with a shudder.
"Trust me on this one Chica. She makes Ecklie seem like an angel."
Sara just blinked at her friend in shock until Michelle returned with fresh rounds and the magazine. "Let me know if you need anything, chocolate, straight liquor, anything."
"Thanks," Jessica said as she took the magazine from the waitress. She was shocked silent when she saw the front page for there staring back at her were her and Sara in the middle with pictures of Thomas, Nick, Roberto and Gil surrounding them, Nick and Roberto taking up the two corners on the side of the page that her picture was on, Thomas and Gil on the other side with Sara. "Oh God," she sighed when she read the headline splashed across the front page proclaiming 'Sisters in Everything?'.
"Oh God?" Sara repeated
"It's us alright along with Thomas, Gil, Nick and Roberto," Jessica told her. "The headline reads 'Sisters in Everything'."
"Why am I suddenly afraid of what some idiot with too much time on his hands did," Sara sighed.
"You and me both," agreed Jessica as she turned to the appointed page, groaning when she saw the photos included. Before she even began reading she had a bad feeling about this.
"They proclaim themselves sisters in every way that matters except by blood. It appears that these 'sisters' do indeed share everything except their blood, including their respective beaus. Both women can be connected to each of the four men in their lives. Lacking a strong father figure in her life, Jessica Harrison latched on to Thomas Richards when she was the tender age of twelve, he sixteen, while they attended vocal classes together, while at the same time playing on the emotions of young Roberto Sutton, a long time family friend and playmate. When her interest changed to that of the young Roberto she passed Mr. Richards off to her friend Sara Sidle."
Jessica began reading the article to herself as it talked about what she and Sara had done over the years, what schools they had attended etc, until it got to her sudden reappearance in society months earlier.
"Seven months ago Miss Harrison was seen attending the opening of her own Foundation on the arm of the very same Roberto Sutton she had toyed with earlier in her life. At the time, Miss Harrison had been engaged to the wealthy young man, only to break up with him weeks after the opening and taking up with Las Vegas criminalist Nicholas Stokes, one time paramour of best friend Sara Sidle. Is Nicholas Stokes, the son of Texas Supreme Court Judge William Stokes, really the man of Miss Harrison's heart or does she yearn for another? Does her heart long for the young man that was taken from her years ago by her dear friend Miss Sidle?"
"It would appear so if last night's surprise performance by Thomas Richard's touring company of Phantom of the Opera at the opening gala of the Las Vegas branch of Miss Harrison's Foundation is anything to go by. This reporter managed to get a picture of Miss Harrison and Mr. Richards in a rather passionate kiss while Mr. Stokes watched from the sidelines. What was Miss Sidle's reaction to her best friend kissing the young man that had stolen her heart at a young age? That I'm afraid, is a question that may never be answered. Miss Sidle was in attendance on the arm of her one time Crime Lab supervisor Gilbert Grissom, the same man who is now Miss Harrison's supervisor as well as that of Mr. Stokes. Is Mr. Grissom so blind as to not see what is going on right in front of him in regards to the torrid love affair between Miss Harrison and Mr. Stokes? Perhaps it is more a case that Mr. Grissom is too blinded by feelings for Miss Sidle to realize what is happening right in front of his very eyes."
"How long will it be before Miss Sidle and Miss Harrison decide that they have tired of their current beaus and decide to swap once more? Miss Harrison has been linked with Thomas Richards, Roberto Sutton and Nicholas Stokes and Miss Sidle has herself been linked to Thomas Richards and Nicholas Stokes and is currently involved with Gilbert Grissom. The only men left for these women to share would be Gilbert Grissom and Roberto Sutton, but then we may never know if Miss Sidle has already been involved with Mr. Sutton as her relationship with Miss Harrison spans a twenty year period in which both women knew Mr. Sutton and if she has, then that leaves only Gilbert Grissom to be shared between the two women who share everything but blood."
"Oh brother, does this person have way too much time on his hands," Sara sighed before downing the last of her drink. "Okay, I'm starting to think our lives have reached the point where they can no longer get worse, only better."
"I just hope Nick's parents don't see this but knowing Julia, she'll make sure that they do," sighed Jessica before taking a good drink.
"Lovely," Sara sighed.
"I take it you finished the article," Michelle spoke up gathering their attention. "New drinks to go with dinner? And personally, it's obviously a load of crap. I mean really, you two just radiate good honest people, and anyone who knows what they are looking at would know that it's obvious that you love this Nick fellow and you're head over heels for this Grissom. And the pictures of you with Nick and with Thomas are obviously a few years old and only the picture of you with Thomas has any sense of feelings of a romantic nature to it," Michelle rambled on as she gave them their food. "So anyway, going to shut up. Is there anything else I can get you two?"
"I think I'll take that new drink if you don't mind," replied Jessica.
"Of course, I'll be right back, and enjoy your meal," Michelle smiled once more before disappearing.
"Thank God Ecklie only ever read the newspaper article. If he'd read this he really would be dead right now because I think Nick would have helped me kill him right where he stood," commented Jessica after the waitress had left.
"Yup, and Gil would have provided the means of disposing of the body while Catherine, Warrick, Greg, and Mia made sure there were no witnesses," Sara agreed. "God, can you imagine that trial. 'Your honor, please I know that murder is murder, but isn't it obvious that they all were not in their right mind at the time. Please? Listen to the blind woman...I know what I'm talking about...'." Sara giggled.
Jessica couldn't help but giggle at Sara's reasoning.
"Okay, here is my theory Chica Maria," Sara began after Michelle had dropped off fresh drinks. "We are going to ignore all the insanity that is our lives at this moment. And we are going to enjoy a nice girls night, perhaps throw around a few wedding plans, who knows, whatever comes up. We're going to stay here until they close, and get completely wasted. Then tomorrow or the next day, we'll deal with the real world. Deal?"
"Deal," agreed Jessica.
"Good. Now, help me locate my food," Sara grinned.
Wednesday April 19th, 2006
2:30pm
Desert Palms Hospital
Jessica reluctantly made her way into Desert Palms hospital on her way to her first appointment with Dr. Carolyn Gale, her assigned P.E.A.P counselor. She stopped outside the door and knocked, praying that something might have come up and she could get out of this session.
"Hello," an older woman with short blonde hair greeted as she opened the door. "Ms. Harrison?"
"That would be me, I guess," replied Jessica nervously.
"Please, come in," the doctor continued as she opened the door completely. Inside Jessica found a room done in sort of an African motif, before she followed the woman through a door towards the back and found herself in a room with a white couch opposite a leather chair, bookcases lining the three walls other than the one where the couch was, which had a large window. The bookcase by the wall between the door and the wall with the couch was covered with various toys and figures, and against the wall with the door was a small table with a box of sand. /-/Sand?/-/. The wall opposite the 'child's wall' was occupied by a desk obviously well used; numerous books and closed folders covered the desk, along with a laptop and phone.
"I'm Carolyn Gale, but please, call me Carolyn," the woman continued as she closed the door behind them.
"All right…Carolyn," replied Jessica stepping further into the room, her step rather hesitant.
"Please, have a seat. Or if you prefer you can remain standing..." Carolyn offered.
"Thank you," Jessica said taking a seat nervously on the white couch.
"Well, what would you like to talk about?" Carolyn asked as she sat down.
"I'm here because I was told to be here if I want my job back," Jessica told her.
"That's why you're here," Carolyn countered softly. "But I didn't ask that my dear, what would you like to talk about?"
"I don't have anything I would like to talk about," replied Jessica.
"Fair enough," Carolyn agreed. "Well, how about I tell you a bit about myself?"
"If that's what you want," commented Jessica.
"Well, I've been a Psychologist for thirty years, yes that does make me quite a few years old," she added with a smile. "I got into this business because I was abused by my great-uncle. Yes, lovely fun life I know. Although you might have a bit of understanding about this as well with your line of work," she trailed off with a shrug. "A good deal of my work involved children, as you can guess by the wall over there," she continued gesturing to the 'child's wall'. "Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my horse. Rather empty life I know, but it's mine and I'm happy," she shrugged.
Seeing Jessica's nod Carolyn looked down at the blank tablet in her lap. "So, you're a CSI? I've always been curious about your job. What's it like?"
"I'm a scientist. I use science to solve crimes," replied Jessica with a shrug.
"Any science in particular?" Carolyn continued leaning forward, clearly curious.
"Every CSI has a particular area in which they specialize. Mine would be ballistics."
"Oh? There is a good deal to the knowledge of ballistics?"
"Every firearm is different and therefore each has its own characteristics. These characteristics tell me the type of weapon but also give me something to use to match the bullets to a specific firearm," explained Jessica.
"Wow, the knowledge you must have must be extensive."
"I guess," shrugged Jessica noncommittally.
"So you enjoy your work, obviously. Are your co-workers nice?"
"For the most part I guess," Jessica shrugged
"I see," Carolyn smiled. "Well, tell me about them? What do they do as Criminalists? Are they ballistic experts like you? Or do their expertise lie elsewhere? I'm immensely curious about all of this, the job of a CSI that is," she added as she sat back.
"Well, Gil, my supervisor is an Entomologist or as we like to call him, the bug guy. Catherine is the expert in blood spatter analysis. Warrick is the audio/visual expert, Sara was Material and Element analysis, Greg is our resident DNA expert and Nick is hair and fiber analysis."
"Wow, so many different specialties. You must all work very well together," Carolyn smiled. "But you said Sara was? Does that mean she changed her specialty or does she no longer work with you?"
"Sara lost her sight due to an injury so she's no longer able to work as a CSI," replied Jessica.
"Oh I'm sorry," Carolyn sighed. "Are you close with Sara? Or Catherine? It sounds like the three of you are...or were...surrounded by men."
"Sara's family. She's the closest thing to a sister a girl can have."
"Ah, so you and Sara are very close. Have you been 'sisters' for a long time then?"
"Over twenty years. We met at science camp when I was almost 10. She was fourteen."
"Very long time indeed. So I guess you two have been through everything together huh? First loves, driver's licenses and all that fun," Carolyn smiled.
"We've been through a lot together. More than most sisters I think."
Carolyn nodded. "So what about the others you work with? Are you close to them like you are Sara?"
"Greg tends to be like an annoying little brother at times. Catherine and Warrick are great but they have a family to care for. Gil...I don't know what to classify Gil as and as for Nick..."
"As for Nick?"
"Next to Sara, he's the person I'm closest to. Other than Sara, he knows the most about me, about my past."
"I see. So, Nick...does he know more than your fiancé? Or is he your fiancé?" she asked with a smile.
"Nick is my fiancé," replied Jessica as she subconsciously played with her engagement ring
"So, what is he like? It must be interesting to work with the man you intend to marry..."
"Nick's a great guy. Sweet...charming...sexy... We make sure that we leave our work at the lab so that when we're off shift it's just him and me and we don't talk about work. He's helped me through a lot recently."
"That's good. And it's good that you have someone who is there to help you with things. Everyone needs a person like that... First love?" Carolyn asked with another smile. "You have the aura my sister did when she was engaged to her first love."
"Is it that obvious?"
"To those who know the look." Carolyn laughed softly. "Trust me, not everyone will be able to tell. Congratulations by the way."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome. So, have you picked the day?"
"The wedding's been put on hold for the time being due to some rather unexpected circumstances."
"Ah," nodded Carolyn. "Well, long engagements are always fun as well. And it gives more time to just enjoy being a couple before becoming 'a married couple'."
"I'm actually quite glad we're having a long engagement. I nearly rushed into marriage once before and I don't want to rush with Nick."
"Oh?"
"Nick and I had a misunderstanding which led to a huge fight at the lab one day. The result of which was me leaving Vegas and returning to a life I'd walked away from and found me almost walking down the aisle with a man I knew as a child."
"Wow," Carolyn murmured. "That must have been an interesting event...But how did you go from Nick to being engaged to another man? I mean I'm taking a guess this all happened rather quickly, I'm not sure why but that's just the feeling I get...I should probably tell you I sometimes speak before I think things out..." she trailed off rolling her eyes at herself.
"Nick was the first man I ever let in. I let him start seeing a side of me that even Sara's never seen. He reacted fine at first but then something happened. I don't know what but he started acting differently around me. He started accusing me of cheating on him with some of the other guys from the lab, who were nothing more than friends and were actually trying to help me figure out what was going on. He accused me of lying to him about things in my past and I lost it. We had a huge fight and I ran. I ran right back to the life I'd left at 18. A life that I figured he wouldn't follow me to. I decided to seek safety the only way I knew how."
"May I help you?"
"Good afternoon Stefan," Jessica greeted him after he opened the door. "Is Alejandro at home?" she asked stepping into the foyer at Las Nubes.
"Mr. Sutton is in his study, Miss Harrison."
"Would you please inform him that I am here and that I would like to speak with him privately."
"Of course Miss Harrison, kindly wait here please," Stefan instructed before turning and disappearing down the hall. "Mr. Sutton has agreed to see you Miss Harrison," Stefan informed her a few minutes later. "If you will please follow me," he instructed as he led Jessica from the foyer, down the hall he'd disappeared down a few minutes earlier, stopping outside a closed door. After a brief knock, Stefan opened the door and stepped inside. "Miss Harrison to see you, Sir."
"Thank you Stefan," replied Alejandro as Jessica stepped into the room around Stefan, who bowed and closed the door behind him, leaving Jessica and Alejandro alone. Alejandro was a broad man of just under six feet in height, with dancing brown eyes, his slightly silvering black hair belying his late sixties age. "Well, if it isn't little Jessica Harrison all grown up into a beautiful young woman," he said as he walked over to Jessica, taking her hands in his and kissing her lightly on each cheek.
"Hello Alejandro," Jessica greeted in return.
"How are you, my dear?" Alejandro asked as he led Jessica towards his desk, indicating for her to sit in one of the chairs while he retook his seat behind the desk. "It's been a long time since we've seen you here at Las Nubes. Twelve years I believe."
"That sounds about right Alejandro," agreed Jessica.
"So tell me Jessica, what has brought you to Las Nubes after all this time?"
"My father."
"What do you mean your father brought you here?" asked Alejandro in confusion.
"I was going through my father's study this morning when I…"
"You have finally returned to the manor house at Heaven's Paradise then," commented Alejandro in surprise.
"Yes, I have, and my reasons for doing so are nobody's business but my own Alejandro," Jessica informed him. "Now, as I was saying, I was going through my father's study this morning when I came across a letter; a letter written to me by my father shortly before his death."
"What did your father say that would send you here, child?" Alejandro asked curiously.
"It was not so much the letter that brought me here Alejandro, but what I found with the letter," replied Jessica as she pulled a folded up piece of paper from her purse. "I have come here to ask you to honor the agreement you made with my father over twenty years ago," she said as she handed the paper to Alejandro.
"I see," he sighed as he unfolded the paper, revealing the marriage agreement he had made with the late Sebastian Harrison. "Why now Jessica? Why come out of hiding after twelve years and ask to marry my son?"
"I have my reasons," Jessica replied quietly. "And I was not hiding Alejandro. I could have easily been found by anyone who bothered to look for me."
"Alicia wanted to Jessica but we both agreed it was for the best to leave you be, hoping that one day you would return to us. And now you have. Twelve years later requesting to marry my youngest son."
"Will you honor the agreement then?"
"Roberto is a sensitive soul Jessica, much the same as you are. When he finds the woman of his heart, he will lose himself in her completely. He will give her every last piece of his soul. I'm afraid the woman my son gives his heart to will not be you Jessica," Alejandro informed her.
"I see," replied Jessica, fighting back the tears that were threatening, thanks to another rejection only this one from someone she considered family. "May I ask why Alejandro?"
"Because Jessica, I can see in your eyes that your heart already belongs to another. I will not allow my son to give his heart to a woman who cannot return his feelings because those feelings are for another," Alejandro explained. "I will not allow my son to be involved with a woman who will leave him when the man of her heart returns."
"I won't lie to you Alejandro, my heart did belong to another," Jessica told him quietly. "And he is the reason I have returned to the life I walked away from twelve years ago. I trusted this man with my heart…my soul, and when he began to learn the secrets of my past he turned from me Alejandro. I gave this man my heart and in return he broke it. He broke it into a million tiny pieces and the chances of me returning to him are very small Alejandro, as is the likelihood of him coming after me. I walked away from this life twelve years ago Alejandro in the hopes of building a new life where the spirits of my past could not haunt me, only to have those spirits bring that new life crashing down around me, sending me back to the life I was born into."
"I am sorry for your pain and heartache Jessica, but marrying my son will not ease your burden," commented Alejandro.
"So you will not honor your agreement with my father then?"
"No Jessica. I'm sorry, but I cannot."
"That is your right," Jessica sighed in defeat. "Thank you for seeing me Ale…Mr. Sutton. I apologize for taking up so much of your time this afternoon," she said, desperately fighting back the sobs that were threatening as she rose. "I'll see myself out. Good day," she finished as she made her way quickly to the door.
"Jessica wait…" Alejandro called after her as the door to his study closed behind the distraught young woman.
Jessica made her way to the front doors as quickly as she could without actually breaking into a run, determined not to breakdown completely until she was safely behind her bedroom door. She was so caught up in trying not to cry that she never noticed the young man preparing to enter the house as she exited, nor did she notice that he bore a striking resemblance to the man she had just been speaking to, nor the fact that he watched her go by him, wiping away an escaped tear or two before climbing into the waiting car.
"Goodness, I can't imagine what that must have been like for you," Carolyn sighed softly. "But I'm confused by something, if Alejandro rejected your request, then how did you and Roberto still end up engaged to be married?"
"That was Alicia's doing. Alicia is Roberto's mother. Elsie, my housekeeper, called Alicia the next day out of concern for me," replied Jessica
"Jessica honey, it's Alicia. Will you please open the door?" Getting no response she tried again. "Jess honey, please open the door." With still no response, Alicia gave it one last try, "Jess honey, if you need to talk all you need to do is call me, you know that, right? Listen honey, I'm going to leave you alone now, but please talk to someone." With that last plea, Alicia turned and started walking away from the closed door. She did not get very far when she heard the lock click open. She turned and walked back towards the still closed door, opening it carefully to find Jessica folding herself back up onto the window seat after having unlocked the door.
"Why are you here, Alicia?" asked Jessica quietly when Alicia had sat down opposite her.
"Elsie called me. She's worried about you Jessica," Alicia replied as she brushed a stray strand of hair behind Jessica's ear. "She tells me you haven't eaten anything since returning home from Las Nubes yesterday afternoon."
"Why bother eating when you have nothing to live for," sighed Jessica as she rested her head on the window, her gaze out across the grounds.
"Honey, you don't mean that. You can't possibly have nothing to live for," chided Alicia in concern. She did not like the apathy she heard in Jessica's voice. "What about your life in San Francisco with the police department?"
"That life is over Alicia. There is nothing left for me there except heartache and pain."
"Is that why you have returned home?"
"Yes. I can't return to that life Alicia."
"You fell in love didn't you," commented Alicia, eliciting a nod from Jessica. "And this young man proceeded to break your heart, oh my poor dear," sighed Alicia as she pulled Jessica into a hug as the younger woman started crying. "Honey, you shouldn't stay here alone. Why don't you come stay with us at Las Nubes…"
"I can't," Jessica replied pulling back.
"Why ever not child? You know I think of you as a daughter."
"I know Alicia but I can't. Not after yesterday."
"Honey, what did happen yesterday? I know you were at Las Nubes, Elsie told me as much but I knew even before she called me that you had been there. Roberto saw you," Alicia said.
"He did?"
"Yes Honey, he did. He asked me who the young woman was who had passed him on the front steps. I had no idea what he was talking about so I asked him to describe the young woman and when he was finished I knew that it was you he was talking about. Might I add that he was quite worried about you? He saw your tears as you passed him, which is what led him to question me," she said as she wiped away Jessica's tears. "Honey what happened yesterday that would make you leave in tears?"
"I learned that I am truly alone in this world and that I will forever be alone…"
"Oh Honey, no. You are not alone and you will never be alone. You are a wonderful young woman who deserves to be loved and cared for," reassured Alicia.
"Then why did Alejandro refuse to honor his agreement with my father?"
"Agreement? Honey what agreement?"
"My father made arrangements for me should anything ever happen to them. He…he had a suspicion that he and my mother might not live long enough to see me grow up."
"Jessica, what are you saying?" asked Alicia in concern.
"He'd been receiving threats for a few months, each worse than the other. He had his suspicions about who it was behind them but he had no actual proof to take to the police."
"Honey, how do you know all this? You were only seven when your parents were killed," Alicia wondered.
"My father wrote me a letter, a letter that my guardians were supposed to give to me when I turned eighteen. I found the letter yesterday when I was going through my father's study. The agreement I spoke of was with the letter. It was an agreement he'd made with Alejandro, maybe a week or so before he died. In it Alejandro agreed to allow me to marry one of his sons anytime after I reached the age of majority should I wish it. It was my father's way of making sure I was taken care of along with the rest of the Estate."
"This is the agreement you went to see my husband about yesterday?" questioned Alicia.
"Yes. I went to see if Alejandro would honor the agreement. He refused. I can't return to the life I built for myself and I am apparently not welcome in the world my father tried to create for me. I don't belong anywhere Alicia, so what's the point of continuing on."
"Oh Honey, that is not true. You should have come to me first. I would have made sure that Alejandro honored his word to your father. I will make sure that he upholds his word. I promise you Jessica, you will have a family and that you will never be alone. Now come, you need to get dressed," Alicia instructed.
"Alicia, what are you talking about? How can you make Alejandro change his mind when he made it quite clear yesterday that I am not welcome when it comes to his son? And why do I need to get dressed?" asked Jessica in complete confusion.
"You leave Alejandro to me Jessica and as for getting dressed, Roberto is downstairs waiting to see you," Alicia replied.
"What? Alicia…"
"No arguments child. Roberto was quite upset when he saw you crying yesterday and he was even more upset when he learned who it was that had been crying. He insisted on coming with me this evening. He's waiting for you so you can either go down in your pajamas or you can put some other clothes on," instructed Alicia as she pulled Jessica to her feet before pushing her towards the closet.
A few minutes later Alicia was leading an unsure Jessica downstairs to where Roberto was waiting, before heading home to have a few words with her husband.
"Wow," Carolyn echoed. "So you and Roberto were going to marry, then things changed and here you are."
"Here I am," agreed Jessica.
"A good place to be," Carolyn smiled softly as she looked over at the clock. "But, it seems our time has come and past," she continued looking back at Jessica.
"So what now?"
"Well, seeing as these sessions are ordered by your work, I need to see you a total of five more times. We can do it one of many ways, one session a week for six weeks. Or if you like you can come sooner if I have an opening..." Carolyn trailed off leaving the choice in her hands.
"Once a week sounds good," replied Jessica.
"Okay, so I will see you next week, at say... how does one work for you?" Carolyn asked as she looked at her book.
"One is fine."
"Okay, so I'll see you in a week then," Carolyn smiled as she set the book aside and rose to escort Jessica from the room.
"Alright," Jessica said as she opened the door.
"Have a good week then Jessica," Carolyn smiled before Jessica left.
To : Duchess at Sidle . org
From : Sunshine at Sidle . org
Subject : Hey Sis
Date : Friday April 21st, 2006 7:16 p.m. PST
Hey Jyn :)
Have I ever mentioned my brother is insane for creating that family site of his? But at the same time, I'm suddenly glad for this e-mail, even though I haven't used it other than for Laura, Jack, and Scor for the last five years...lol Oh did I tell you Scor offered Gil an addy on this one? Strange thought isn't that...can you imagine? , or perhaps ...oh lord, that would be the one that Scor would make...scary thought...
Anyway, how are things out there?
Well it's Friday,\; we're here. Got into town just after four-thirty yesterday. Took about an hour to get the car and everything, all that lovely fun. Oh and I have now learned just how...interesting...it is to fly public airlines with a companion animal. At least one the size of Sahidi. We had to sit in the first set of seats in coach because that was the only area with enough space in the foot area to fit Sahidi, luckily the people who were sitting there had no issues with switching seats, in fact they were very nice about it all things considered...Oh but you would have been so proud, he was an angel the entire flight. 0:)
So anyway, we got here at the hotel about 5:30ish last night, unpacked all that fun. Oh and girl, I swear, I'm seriously liking the Miami-Dade County D.A. They put us up in the Holiday Inn Port of Miami. Now let me tell you something from my time here in Coral Gables, Downtown Miami is where people come, of course, and the Port of Miami...well hey, hotels here while not expensive, just pamper you. At least in my opinion. I mean come on, we have a bathtub (And BUBBLES, course those are thanks to Cath, but still ;) ) A coffee maker (thank you God, no having to deal with other people's versions of coffee) a Crib of all things, which we had removed for obvious reasons ;). There's so many things it's just not even funny, it took nearly two hours for me to memorize where everything was, Gil was near to laughing his head off cause I'd stop and be like, okay so remind me here, bathroom there, bed there, couch there... no wait, that's the rollaway we've given to Sahidi...My dog is in heaven I tell you ;)
But yeah, love this place. Course I can't wait to get home but that's life :)
Oh, hey we went to this place across the street for dinner last night. Bongo's Cuban Café. What's her name owns it...okay Sara come on, kick in brain. Uggh, I spent too much time with the D.A. and meeting the Miami CSI team. Although that was fun :)
Oh, Gloria Estefan, yeah she owns Bongo's. So Gil and I went there for dinner. And let me say, damn that place has this FANTASTIC Strawberry Daiquiri. It had lemon and lime in it too...I don't know why but I just loved it...must try to find out how to make it back home, the lemon and lime just brought out the flavor of the strawberries more...But anyhow, so Gil had this thing called "Bistec Empanizado". Personally that doesn't sound very appetizing for some reason, but he enjoyed it. I think it was Breaded Cuban steak topped with marinara and melted mozzarella...except for the steak part, it did seem rather interesting sounding... :) but they had this "Ensalada de Futas, Tropicales"...(Hard to decipher huh ;) ) and God, that Tropical fruit... oh life was good :) OH but the best part. Jyn girl, they had Chocolate Flan...
I've died and gone to heaven, I tell you.
But anyway :) so had dinner, got up, met with Mitch... that man has called us twenty times today to make sure we're okay. I think he's a bit worried or something...which reminds me...bad news.
John's out on bail. He's got one of those ankle trackers and all...but Stevens...oh the bastard managed to get him out on bail. HOW he could afford bail is beyond me...but argh...
But not going to think about, as is, I got to get off to bed. I have no idea what we're doing tomorrow, but I'm exhausted so...
Have a good night Jyn, love you
Sara
To: Sunshine at Sidle . org
From: Duchess at Sidle . org
Subject: Re: Hey Sis
Date: Friday April 21, 2006 10:30pm PST
Hey Sara,
I'm suddenly glad Scor created that site of his. Heaven help us if he offers one to Nick as well. Why can I see all of a sudden flashing through my head? Oh heaven help us if that ever happens.
I'm glad you and Gil arrived safely and are settling in. So, what do you think of Horatio and his team?
God Sara, now I know why you showed up so suddenly in San Francisco the other year when you were on a forced leave. I don't know how you survived. I'm going stir crazy here and it's only been 5 days. When I walked away from everything last year at least I had the horses to keep me occupied but now I don't know what to do with myself. Nick's being really supportive, and it does help to an extent but I don't know Sara. Things aren't looking too cheery here in regards to my future. I think Ecklie's doing everything in his power to keep me on leave and I don't dare do anything to go against him publicly. The last thing we need is to give John's attorney anymore ammunition, plus I've been in the press so much lately that I just can't face it anymore. Did you know that I can't step outside right now without some reporter throwing questions my way. It's driving me nuts. Why can't I just fade back into the background again and get back to doing what I love?
I had my first session with the P.E.A.P counselor this week. I don't know what to make of it. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things progress. She asked me about Roberto and how I went from Nick to him so quickly. I know you're probably wondering about that yourself. Other than Nick, this counselor is the only one that I've told the truth to about that and it wasn't all that easy to tell her either.
Hang on…
Okay, I'm back. Sorry bout that. Nick was just leaving to head into work. He says 'Hi' and 'make sure Griss enjoys time off when you're not worrying about the trial'.
I can't believe that bastard is out on bail. How the hell can they let a convicted criminal out on bail? I guess the rulings from California and Nevada don't mean anything down there in Miami. Let's just hope that John is smart enough to stay as far away from you as possible, but I would keep my guard up just in case if I were you.
I guess I better let you go so you can get some sleep.
Oh, and can you tell Calleigh the next time you see her that I said thanks and that she was right, it's a really good read and quite informative. She'll know what I'm talking about.
Have a good night Sis, talk to you soon.
Love you.
Jess.