Chapter 27

To: Sunshine at Sidle . org
From: Duchess at Sidle . org
Subject: Re: Sorry
Date: Wednesday May 10th 2006, 7:15pm PST

Hey Sis,

Definitely sounds like your normal 'court' routine all right. It sure sounds like you and Gil are enjoying your time away from court. Gil must be in heaven there in Florida with all those amusement parks and their myriad of roller coasters. I know how much Gil loves his coasters. So Scor is taking care of Sahidi for you on weekends, poor Sahidi. He must be so happy to see you when you guys get back but I don't think Gil minds being your escort in the parks. That man would escort you to the moon if he could.

Believe me Sara, I know how you feel about me still being on suspension, which just to let you know is now in its 4th week. I swear Ecklie is behind this, hence me avoiding the lab at all costs these days.

It's taking time Sara but I'm slowly letting myself truly believe that what Stevens said isn't true and that I really am a part of your family. You, Laura, Jack and Scor, you all have told me, and shown me that I'm a part of your family but it's still hard for me to accept that. I think a part of it is that I'm afraid to lose you, so as long as I keep some sort of distance mentally and even a little emotionally it won't hurt so much when you do eventually leave me.

Oh God Sara, I'd completely forgotten about that tape. I guess I blocked it from my mind. I don't know if I can bring myself to be in court that day. I lost it when you called the first time, I don't think I can go through that again and yet I feel like I need to be there for you at the same time. I guess I'll just have to see what happens. I can always leave the courtroom if I have to, that's if Nick even lets me go the day those tapes are played. He knows what I was like when your calls first came in since he's the one that pulled me through.

As for babysitting the munchkin, I'm having a blast. Lindsey is great and a big help. She simply adores her baby sister so she actually does most of the looking after part; I'm more just the legal adult type person. Even Kylie's getting in on it. If she hears Abby before either Lindsey or I do she comes to get one of us, practically dragging us down the hall by our clothes if she thinks we're not coming fast enough.

Oh, that poor judge. And I can just picture the Miami crew laughing over everything that happened. They're a great team.

This group of yours, the M.A. definitely sounds...interesting. Why can I see myself getting totally pestered about wine, etc. when they come to Vegas? Maybe I can plan to be out of town that week, take Nick with me and hide out somewhere where you can't find us.

Catherine did, very reluctantly, put me in touch with Sam. I don't really know what to make of him though. I have everything Catherine's told me about him and the things he's done but when I met him he was very nice and quite helpful. If Catherine's worried about him trying to get me into bed she can stop right now because I only have eyes for one man and it's his ring I'm wearing so nothing will ever happen in regards to anything Sam could be dreaming up. I do have a stable picked out. It's called Desert Oasis and they have room for at least 4 of my horses. I don't plan on moving the entire stable out here. I want to keep the main breeding part out in California but I will move Dalliance, Radiance, Wisdom and Pastime out here. Maybe I can even get a breeding operation started out here over time.

I'm all for another family 'trek' as you put it but with the way things are going right now it probably won't be until after all these trials are over. I fear the day we introduce Nick and Gil to the rest of the Sidle bunch.

As for when I'm bringing my babies in, the stalls won't be available until the first of June but I can start moving some of the other things in, like saddles etc. That's why it's been so long since my last email. I was back at Heaven's Paradise this past weekend starting to get things ready to get my four babies moved. Lindsey begged and pleaded with Catherine to let her come along for the weekend. Catherine finally gave in after I promised nothing would happen to Lindsey and she made Lindsey promise to call her every day, which of course was not an issue. Lindsey had a blast. She couldn't believe the house I lived in and couldn't understand why I preferred to live in such a small house in Vegas instead of one like the one I bought her parents.

Had another session today. Talked mostly about my plans for the future and my relationship with Nick. Dr. Gale wants me to bring Nick with me to the next session, which can only mean one thing. God Sara, how do I tell them what I've kept hidden for so many years? How do I tear down that wall?

I gotta go Sara, Catherine just dropped Lindsey and Abby off. She and Nick are heading into the lab early to work a bit on a case that's giving them trouble.

Talk to you soon,

Love you.

Jess.

To: Duchess at Sidle . org
From: Sunshine at Sidle . org
Subject: Hi love
Date: Thursday May 11th 2006, 8:24pm PST

Hey Jyn,

Yeah, definitely the normal court routine ;) And yes, we're loving our time away from court :) He's in total heaven, dragged me on every roller coaster in four parks and counting. Although, even though I couldn't see it of course, I LOVED the Dueling Dragons at Universal. There are two sides, Ice and Fire. You pick your 'dragon' and then the ride starts and you pass literally within inches of each other. Okay, maybe it's more like a few feet, but it was insane. And he was on cloud nine after we got off so...lol. I swear, one day we have to get the gang together out here to see him after he's been on these things. He's like a kid in a candy store at the sight of all these roller coasters :) But yes, Scor has the kid on weekends. He's going nuts when we get back, but I think he's enjoying sometime with his 'dad' again just the same :). But he's in heaven, this weekend we aren't going to any parks. I don't know what he wants to do this weekend, but so far Gil hasn't mentioned anything about going up to Orlando or anything so... -shrug-.

Oh honey...grrr must hurt that man. Four WEEKS! That's just ridiculous, the lab needs you there. They're already shorthanded with Gil here for the trial. -sigh- vindictive bastard.

But we aren't going to focus on that. And honey...it's okay. I know it's going to take time to accept that you're family. But you know you don't have to wait for that other shoe to drop. We're keeping you around as long as you'll have us. And if someday you decided to tell us to get lost (which I doubt, but for the example here), you'd still by Laura's baby girl. (You know, you got the cute nickname. I'm the 'Girl Child'...LOL God, I'm terrified of the day the gang meets them all...-shudders- )

Okay, now Jess, do something for me...BREATHE! Hey, I'm all for forgetting about that tape and in my personal opinion, if you don't leave on your own. I'll have Scor there to keep you locked up in the hotel room with Sahidi somehow! I have your support just as well from the hotel as I do from the courtroom. All right? So don't fret, all right? You don't have to hear it again. (Honestly, I'd love to be there with you) Okay? Just don't worry, Chica.

Good to hear that you are doing okay with babysitting. To be honest I wasn't asking how the babysitting was going as much as how you were doing with the little one after loosing Leilani. But I'm going to take a guess you might have known that and are answering in a roundabout way...and goodness, I can just see that dog of yours doing that :) lol. But so, you've taken over my babysitting duties, welcome to the club :) Sahidi's just as bad as Kylie when it comes to Abby around the house...I think all of our animals are protective of that little one :)

Yeah, the judge was rather shocked from what I hear :) And yeah, they are a great team. I can't help but wonder what Tim was like; they do talk about him every now and again. Wish we could have met him too...but such is life huh? Makes you consider just how dangerous being a CSI could be...but not even going to go there. (Sorry last day of trial was today so, for some ungodly reason I'm being rather melodramatic...) So, onto other thoughts. No thoughts about dangers of living. Yes, the M.A. is...interesting :) And sorry, you can't plan to be out of town that week, you're my maid of honor you know! ;) and don't worry. I've warned them they are not allowed to interrogate you under pain of death. Or in their case, pain of Mama Albina finding out they were harassing my friend. (A fate worse than death) ;)

Sounds like you're all set when it comes to the babies. And hey, I never had any doubts, and I don't know that Catherine's worry about Sam was as much as that particular department or other things she might know about him that we don't...I'm not sure if we can trust that man as far as we can throw him. But since you have the stable and such...I'll give him the benefit of the doubt...Hmm so I have to visit Desert Oasis sometime in the future to see the babies :) And that would be fantastic if you could start an operation here, I know how much you love working with the horses. Never told you, once upon a time if I could have done things, you would have found yourself with two more horses up at HP...but God that was years ago...And I choose not to think about what became of Storms and Rosebud.

I'll make sure to let Scor know he can tell Laura and Jack the trek is on...we'll get back to them with a date...and you and me both. Although, I suppose I should introduce Gil to the family sometime soon...oh well, not going to worry about that for now. And I'll eagerly await the first of June then, so I can see Wisdom and the others :) lol So you took Linds up to HP...I can just picture her going crazy up there :) as for Linds not understanding the house thing, she will someday, for now...hey she's a teen. :)

Crud...well honey...like I said last time, you don't want to talk about it. Technically, she can't force you. No one can force you to talk about what happened. Although it might be a good idea to start considering talking about it, at least to Nick someday. Until then...honey don't let them force you into doing something your not ready for. All right?

I'm going to run too, it's late and we have those dang closing statements in the morning. And hope you had fun with the munchkins and all...Take care of yourself and talk to you soon.

Love,

Sara

Wednesday May 17th, 2006
1:08pm
Desert Palms Hospital

"Jessica, I'm afraid we can't put off talking about this any longer, not if you want to return to active duty any time soon," Carolyn informed her.

"You want to talk about my parents," commented Jessica quietly.

"Yes I do," Carolyn agreed. "That's part of the reason why I asked you to bring Mr. Stokes with you today. I thought it might make it easier for you to talk about what happened if he was here offering you support.

"I've never talked about what actually happened that night so I…I don't…don't really know where to start."

"Start wherever you feel most comfortable," instructed Carolyn, as Nick took a hold of one of Jessica's hands.

"My parents had gone out to some sort of society function. My father hated attending those things. He preferred staying at home with his vineyard and his horses, but mother insisted that they attend, so my father agreed. He could never say no to my mother. My father used to tell me that my mother and I were the two most important people in his life, even more important than the family businesses. He made sure that we had whatever we wanted and for me that was spending every moment I could with him. If you were looking for either one of us, we were usually found down at the stables. Father loved the horses more than anything and I took after him in that regard. That's actually the only thing my parents ever actually fought about. Mother was afraid I'd get hurt but father always insisted that it was something every proper young lady should know about. My mother actually agreed with him in that respect, it was the fact that I never handled the pony she'd bought for me but that I was always dealing with the stallions, Heaven's Majesty especially. He was our foundation stallion and the most difficult of the five we had at the time. Mother was afraid he'd try to hurt me or worse, but in the end…in the end it was Majesty that saved my life, I think. I'm probably making absolutely no sense. I just…" Jessica sighed in frustration.

"It's all right Jessica," reassured Carolyn as Nick gave Jessica's hand a supportive squeeze.

"As I said, my parents had gone to a party and I was left in the care of the housekeeper, Clair. The night for me was no different than any other night except that it was Clair that put me to bed instead of my parents. Sometime later, I remember waking from a nightmare and went in search of my parents, which was typical for me after a nightmare. I just wasn't expecting to walk into another one," Jessica said taking a deep breath before continuing on. "As I was walking down the hallway I heard voices downstairs telling me my parents were home so I made my way towards where the voices were coming from. When I reached the top of the stairs, that's when it happened. Three men came out of nowhere. They hit my father across the back of his head. My mother screamed. I was terrified. These men had just attacked my parents. I…I hid in the shadows at the top…top of the stairs, hoping…praying they wouldn't see me and would just leave us alone," Jessica's voice broke as the images she'd kept locked away for the past twenty odd years began to resurface. She rose from the couch and walked over to the window, where she stood looking out over the hospital grounds.

"I sat there, hiding at the top of the stairs and watched as they tied my father up in such away that he was forced to watch as they each took their turn ra…raping my mother before…before all three ra…raped her together. I watched as they turned their attention from my mother, who lay there barely coherent from her attacks, to my father. They beat him. It was then that they told him that they had been told not to kill him but instructed to make him suffer. They forced my father back to his knees and over next to my mother. The forced a gun into his hand and made him pull the trigger; a bullet straight through my mother's heart. The minute the shot rang out, my father raised his gaze heavenward. Our eyes met. I could see the anguish in his eyes at having just killed my mother. He mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' and 'I love you, my angel'. That's what he used to call me, 'my angel'. He used to tell me that I was an angel sent to him from heaven by God," Jessica said, wiping away her tears before wrapping her arms around her middle protectively, causing Nick to walk over and lay his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them supportively.

"My father knew when he saw me sitting there in the shadows at the top of he stairs that if these men had been told to make him suffer, there was only one way to truly do that. That's when he started pleading with them. He begged them to kill him, to take his life and let me live. These men that had just raped and forced my father to murder my mother, were there to kill me as well. My father was still pleading with them when a second shot rang out, taking his life. I don't remember if I made a noise or one of the men just happened to notice me but all of a sudden they were coming up the stairs after me, so I ran. I ran as fast as I could back down the hall towards my room. There was a servants' staircase at the end of my hall, which led into the laundry room on the main floor. I somehow managed to make it from the house down to the stables."

Jessica took another deep breath and wiped away more tears before continuing once more. "The stable hands found me the next morning. Apparently when they entered the stallion barn they found blood on the floor and Majesty's stall door and wall broken and splintered. When they finally got the stall door open, they found more blood on the bedding and Majesty laying on his chest, his feet tucked up under him, with more blood on the bedding where he way laying, his legs all cut up from striking and kicking at the stall. When Majesty lifted his head when the stable hands entered, that's when they found me. I was curled up asleep beside the most difficult of stallions; a stallion that protected me when my parent's couldn't. My father traded his life for mine. He wasn't supposed to die. I'm the one that should have died that night, not him. He wasn't supposed to die," Jessica cried, finally breaking down completely.

"Shh Baby," Nick soothed as he turned Jessica around and held her tightly as she cried.

Thursday May 18th, 2006
8:10 a.m.
Stokes/Harrison Residence

/-/"Who in the world could it be at this time of morning?/-/ wondered Nick as he pulled his jeans on and made his way from the bedroom, where Jessica was still laying in bed, towards the front door. Only to open the door and come face to face with the entire graveyard shift, including Brass with the exception of Grissom who was still in Florida with Sara.

"Good morning, the breakfast crew has arrived," Catherine announced as she walked through the door, followed by the rest of them.

"Guys what are you doing here?" asked Nick as he followed the gang into his living room. "Plus now probably isn't the best time.."

"It's alright Nick," commented Jessica from the doorway wearing one of Nick's shirts. "So what are you all doing here?" she asked stepping up next to Nick, who put an arm around her shoulders.

"We're here to take you out to breakfast. We have to celebrate," Jim answered with a smile.

"Celebrate?" asked Jessica in confusion looking between the others. "What are we celebrating? Has the verdict come in already?"

"Umm...I have no idea," Catherine answered glancing around at the others. "Did anyone think to check their e-mail or voicemail recently? I mean they had closing arguments on Friday, Griss told me that..." she trailed off as the others started digging for their cell phones.

"Nothing."

"Nadda."

"Zip."

"Well, if nobody's heard from Sara or Gil, then what are we celebrating?" asked Jessica, still just as confused as before.

"Wait the closing statements were on Friday?" Greg asked looking up from listening to his messages. "Has anyone thought to check their e-mail? I mean maybe they're busy doing something and hence no phone calls, but Sara has been going to town with e-mail since she got there, hasn't she?" he continued with a frown. "And as for what we're celebrating, we're celebrating you getting back to work, of course," he continued with a shrug before getting hit over the head by Catherine.

"O-kay," replied Jessica. "I'm even more confused now than when all of you first showed up so I'm just going to go and actually put on some clothes before we head out to celebrate...something. Excuse me," she said turning and walking back towards the bedroom.

"I'm with her," agreed Nick as he too turned and followed Jessica back towards the bedroom.

Ten minutes later both Nick and Jessica emerged from their bedroom, both in a fresh set of clothes.

"Okay, now we're ready to go, we have breakfast to attend to, Jessica, you get to pick the restaurant. And we have the story to tell you..." Jim grinned.

"And to explain Greg's comment earlier. Get your butt ready to come back to the lab. Hopefully you'll be on tonight, if not, you're on Monday for sure," Catherine explained with a smile. "About time I got to put my temporary status as Supervisor truly to work after all," she continued with a laugh. "But to breakfast we go, then the story."

Shaking her head Jessica rattled off the name of a restaurant before Nick led her to the car and they followed the others in a small caravan of cars to breakfast, both still completely confused.

"All right. Nowwill someone tell me what exactly is going on here? How can I be going back to the lab and what story?" demanded Jessica after everyone had placed and received their orders.

"Well Greg had a B and E tonight at the Tangiers," Catherine began.

"And when I got there, I was talking to Brass here who was the responding officer about the vics staying in the room, you know." Greg continued.

"Then we heard a shriek," Jim spoke up as the waitress came by with refills.

"Okay, how does this relate to her working again?" Nick asked confused.

"Getting there, Cowboy," Jim answered with a smirk. "So, we being the nice crime fighters that we are, took off after the source of the scream."

"And we found a housekeeper standing in the doorway of this room, mumbling incoherently as she stared into the room in shock," Greg continued.

"So, I moved her out of the way, we drew our guns and entered the room," Jim kept the narrative going.

"So what was in the room?" Nick asked still confused.

"Ecklie," Greg answered with a grin.

"Ecklie?" asked Jessica for confirmation. "As in Conrad Ecklie, Day Shift supervisor and massive thorn in the side of graveyard, that Ecklie?"

"Yup," Greg grinned.

"You realize you look like you might have, had Sara ever said yes to going on a date with you back during her second year here right?" Nick asked raising an eyebrow at the youngest CSI.

"Yup," Greg nodded, still grinning like an idiot.

"What my happy cohort is trying to say is, it isn't exactly that we found Ecklie, it's the how and who with that are important." Jim smiled.

"And the pictures!" Greg put in.

"Pictures?" asked Nick. "What exactly did you catch Ecklie doing?"

"We'd show you the pictures but they might ruin your appetite," Jim smiled. "But the esteemed Day Shift supervisor was tied to a bed with an old friend standing over him. Well, that is an old friend of mine, Catherine's and Grissom's."

"And old friend of yours? But not ours?" Nick echoed looking at Jessica. "Huh?"

"Goodie, we get to play let's make Nicky guess the suspect," Greg grinned as he rubbed his hands together. "Okay, three clues. Likes black, owns her own business, and Sara at one point might have very well killed her."

"No clue what he's talking about," replied Nick shaking his head.

"Okay, I think what Greg is trying to say with that last clue is that a few years ago now, rumors were flying that Sara wanted to kill this woman in response to rumors flying about this woman and a certain eccentric scientist of our lab. And their evenings spent together," Jim explained.

"Lady Heather?" asked Nick in shock.

"Who's Lady Heather?" asked Jessica in confusion

"Local Dominatrix, we had to go to her place every couple years in relation to cases. There were rumors for a while that Grissom and here were seeing each other, and of his tastes in that department," Catherine trailed off with a shudder. "Let's just say the woman wears a lot of leather. Although, she did say I would make a great dominatrix," Catherine mused.

"We've all said that," Warrick rolled his eyes lightly.

"But yes, that's Lady Heather. And she was in a good deal of leather at the hotel, but Ecklie wasn't. And she had a whip on hand... " Jim shrugged.

"And we have pictures!" Greg added with another grin as he rubbed his hands together. "Vengeance is ours!" he continued with an evil laugh.

"You know, now that we've finished eating, it might be a good idea to get out of here before Greg frightens the other patrons anymore," Catherine spoke up as she noticed half the restaurant was now looking at them worriedly.

"Well, why don't we head back to our place and you can finish your story there," suggested Jessica. "Besides there's something I need to tell you guys."

"Baby, are you sure?" asked Nick in concern. "Are you sure you want to do this so soon? Wouldn't you rather tell Sara first?"

"I need to do this Nick. Beside Dr. Gale told me it will get easier the more I talk about it and it will make it easier for me to come to terms with what happened. And I'm sure Sara will understand."

"Okay, well we'd love to hear and we'll make sure Sara does understand, though I doubt she won't..." Catherine spoke up. "Should we get something to drink on the way to celebrate slash get drunk off our asses as well?" she asked curious.

"Well I've got some wine at the house that I brought back with me from my trip to California with Lindsey. Will that do?"

"Works for me," Catherine agreed as Jim rose to take care of the cheque.

"So, to the house we go?" Warrick asked as he helped Catherine rise.

"To the house we go," agreed Jessica as Nick helped her up, the others following Nick and Jessica back to their house where Jessica poured out glasses of wine for everyone and sparkling cider for Catherine. "I owe all of you an apology and an explanation," Jessica began once everyone had a glass and had arranged themselves around the living room, Jessica standing over by the window.

"Jess honey, what are you talking about?" Catherine asked confused.

"I never should have attacked Ecklie the way that I did. I put all of you in a situation that you never should have been in and for that I am sorry," replied Jessica. "You all deserve an explanation for why I attacked Ecklie and why I react the way that I do in certain circumstances." Jessica sighed quietly trying to find the right words to tell her friends what she needed to. "A while ago, I was asked what it was that led me to becoming a CSI. It's time I answered that question. Catherine, Warrick, Jim, you're all parents. What's the worst fate you could ever imagine for your children?"

The three glanced at each other before looking back at her. "That depends," Catherine began softly. "My greatest fear would be for my daughters to live through anything like what happened to Sara, or any other rape or abuse victim we see in our work."

"The worse fate I could imagine would be to grow up without their family," Warrick continued softly as Jim remained silent, nodding in agreement.

"I need your promise that what I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this house. The last thing I need is this being splashed all over the tabloids." When everyone nodded in agreement, Jessica continued, "There is a reason why every time someone asks me about my past or about why I became I CSI, I shut down. I have lived through most people's worst fears for their children. I myself was not a victim of rape or abuse. I was my parents' whole world; they would have done anything for me and in the end my father made that ultimate sacrifice. What nobody here knows, with the exception of Nick is that I was a witness to the murder of my parents and that is the reason I became a Criminalist. I watched as my mother was raped multiple times. I watched as my father was beaten and forced to kill my mother. I watched my father trade his life for mine, only to nearly lose my own life when the men responsible came after me anyways. I survived thanks to one of our stallions, which protected me when the men followed me to the stables. I watched, as the police did nothing to help my family. I watched as the police let the men responsible for the murders of my parents go because they would not listen to the word of a seven year old. I swore from that moment on I would do everything I could to see to it that no other child had to go through what I did," Jessica finished, wiping away her silent tears, Nick walking up behind her and resting reassuring hands on her shoulders.

"Oh Jess," Catherine whispered.

"When Ecklie brought my parents into his fight with Graveyard, I...I saw that night flash before my eyes. It was people like him that have left my parents murder unsolved all these years. I didn't even realize what I was doing until Nick pulled me off him. I would have killed him if Nick hadn't stopped me."

"Honey, don't worry about it," Catherine spoke up. "Next time, I'm right there with you. And hey, Ecklie is getting his 'reward' for all the annoying crap he's pulled in this life," she trailed off, keeping the other thoughts in her head to herself.

"Catherine's right. Hey, you had every right to go after him, in my opinion," Greg agreed.

"So, this thing with Ecklie earlier? Does this mean Jess can come back to work tonight?" asked Nick. "And do we want to know what exactly it was he was doing with Lady Heather?"

"Well, if you can come back tonight is unsure, " Catherine began. "It depends on how quickly we can push the paperwork through. As for Heather and Ecklie...no, you don't want to know. I have nightmares and I've yet to actually sleep," she trailed off with a shudder.

"Yeah, it was just wrong on so many levels," Jim agreed with a sigh.

"Well, as long as I'm back and working before Sara and Gil get back, I'll be happy. Sara is far from thrilled that I'm still on suspension and I hate to think of what she might do if I'm still off when they return from Florida," replied Jessica. "And as for Ecklie, as long as he gets what's coming to him, I'm happy."

"Same here," echoed around the room as the others agreed, before Catherine's cell phone began to ring.

Digging it out of her purse she grinned when she saw the ID. "Well, if it isn't the newest resident of Florida," she began as she answered.

"Griss?" Warrick asked after her greeting and she nodded, listening to the man over the phone.

"You and Sara just finished lunch at the...Columbia Harbor House? Is that what Sara said?" Catherine asked with a smirk as she leaned back. "Mm hmm, and you're on your way to Liberty Square to hit the Hall of Presidents and see what George W. Bush and the rest of the animatronic presidents have to say about the world. Interesting."

"They're at Disney World!" Greg perked up. "Tell them to get me some Mickey ears!"

"Sara says hell no, she's getting ears for Lindsey, herself, and a special set for Jyn. She has an entirely different set of ears picked out for you," Catherine recited after a moment and Greg pouted.

"Enough about Disney World, what the hell are they doing there?" Jim spoke up before Greg could get going.

"Yeah, Jim's got a good point, what are you doing at Disney World?" Catherine asked through the phone. "Sara says to tell Jess to go check her e-mail? Wait, how did you know we're with Jess?" Catherine asked confused.

"Oh...you automatically assumed that because Greg is here along with Nick, and it's like ten in the morning that we must all be together. And if we're all together then it's more than likely over at Jessica and Nick's because if we're planning to relax, as much as we love the children we can't be 'adults' around them, especially Lindsey who is very impressionable. And going to Greg's or Jim's is out of the question as we have no idea what Greg's place could be like considering his uniqueness and like Jim would let the entire group take over his house when he's never even had you and Griss over together..." Catherine continued rolling her eyes. "Geez, three thousand miles away and she can still decipher us better than you can, Gil."

"I'm going," commented Jessica, pulling away from Nick and heading back towards her bedroom and her laptop. Sitting down she quickly turned the laptop on and opened her e-mail, where there was a message waiting for her from Sara. Clicking on it she began to read...

To: Duchess at Sidle . org
From: Sunshine at Sidle . org
Subject: OMG!
Date: May 17th, 2006

Hey Chica,

Well, I know it's been forever hasn't it. Sorry I didn't write sooner, it's been crazy.

As you know closing arguments were Friday. After we left the courthouse, Gil told me we were going on a road trip and that was it (mean man isn't he). So we packed Sahidi up and some stuff and started driving. And he didn't stop until we reached a hotel in Key Largo!

So spent Friday night at the famous Tavernier hotel in Key Largo. Pretty nice place. So Saturday morning we started heading towards Key West, and stopped at the Dolphin Cove there in Key Largo. Then we went to the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon and I got to swim with these two sweetheart dolphins. Merina and Santini. Merina was born in 84, Santini in 86. But God girl, it was so amazing swimming with them. And Gil says we have a videotape, so it's coming home with us :)

But after that, we had to leave eventually, sadly. And we continued on to Key West where we had dinner and stayed at the Cyprus Bed and Breakfast. Lovely place from how Gil described it. And had a lovely evening on the beach...it was so nice :) Sunday morning, we went to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. (I got dolphins, he got Butterflies ;) ). And you know him; he got a few new specimens and all that fun. He found one that is gorgeous. I remember seeing it in a Butterfly book he had loaned me years ago. So, we had a lovely time there...and I think Gil almost suggested we move the wedding there from Las Nubes when he found out they have weddings. (He didn't of course...but I can only imagine what that thought was doing to him...lol).

After the Conservatory, we hit the road and stopped in to see the Theater of the Sea, and had an early dinner in Marathon before making our way back home. Well, that is our temporary home of course. Monday was spent waiting, but Scor decided to kidnap us and appeared Monday morning to throw us in the car and take us up north. I'll tell you all about that when we're back home :) But we got back Monday night and still nothing. (Of course). So Tuesday morning the M.A. kidnapped us. And I took Gil to the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. (Used to love visiting there). And finally today we got word that the jury was back.

Okay, breathe now honey. He got twenty years. (You should have seen the cheer that went up in the courtroom. M.A. was there, and they were damn near jumping around their seats.). After it was over, we were kidnapped once more for a celebration. M.A. and CSI group together...it was scary, I tell you. And Janey was hitting on Wolfe while Rain was flirting with Delko (they were adorable though). As for Wolfe, I warned the boy to run for his life. I love Janey, but the woman goes through men like I used to go through cigarettes.

Didn't get a chance to call any of you guys, our cell phones were confiscated by Scor (did I mention he was there to...yeah. he's on my bad side...taking my cell phone). So I'm e-mailing everyone tonight with the news. (Scor still hasn't given them back! He says we are not going to start making plans to return home yet, without going to Disney World and so he is planning our trip with Gil and I've been sent to use the computer and listen to music with headphones...(Can I kill them both? Please?).

Have more to say, but I need to get the other e-mails off too. How did things go? You had a session today didn't you? And any word on going back to work? Well, if things don't get settled soon, I think I just heard something about our flight home being scheduled for Monday. So if you aren't back on then, you know heads are going to roll (figuratively of course) when Gil gets there on Tuesday. (This is just ridiculous; we've been here almost six weeks after all).

But give everyone my love, and celebrate away about John :) (Another reason I have to hurry. The girls (that is M.A. girls and Calleigh) are supposed to stop by soon to get me out of the hotel so they can plan and we can have a girl's night celebration about the trial being over. I think I heard them say they're taking me to Let's Make A Daiquiri across the street so...I'm happy. I can have any flavor of Daiquiri I want :) LOL)

But have a good night okay? I'll talk to you A.S.A.P.

Love you

Sara

"Twenty years," commented Jessica with a smile as she walked back into the living room a few minutes later.

"YES!" echoed throughout the room once more before Catherine laughed.

"Sara says Scor was right, they did hear the cheer from Vegas there."

"Hmm, looks like the Sidle man is starting to get to know us well," mused Jim.

"Well, he knows me at any rate therefore, he knows how I would react to the news," commented Jessica.

"So true," Nick agreed with a smile.

"Okay, well go enjoy experiencing Mickey Mouse and all his fairy tale friends." Cath laughed over the phone. "Yes, we'll pass hugs and such here, and we'll see you Monday. Talk to you later bug man," she continued before hanging up. "They send hugs, love, and a request that we all be prepared for one hell of a dinner at their place sometime next week."

"Well, it sounds like we have our orders." Warrick laughed. "And I don't know about you guys, but as much as I'd hate to end this time together. I need some sleep. So..."

"Thanks guys...for everything," commented Jessica as the others rose.

"He's right, work tonight, and hopefully Jess will be back tonight as well so..." Jim agreed as he rose. "Take care of yourself Jess girl. And your welcome," he added with a wink before disappearing out the front door.

Tuesday May 23rd, 2006
5:12 a.m.
CSI Lab

"Harrison." Jessica said into her phone, not really paying much attention to who was calling, her focus on the stuff laid out before her in the layout room.

"Good morning," Grissom greeted over the phone.

"Gil?" Jessica asked in surprise when the voice finally registered with her brain.

"Morning Jess," he replied with a smile to his voice. "So, how does it feel to be back at work?"

"Great but how did you know I was back at work? And why are you calling me at..." Jessica trailed off looking at her watch," quarter after five in the morning?"

"Figured you'd be there, and to see if you can arrange to get everyone together for breakfast after shift. I owe Sara for not letting her visit anyone yesterday when we got back."

"Everyone will be there even if I have to tie them up and drag them there against their wills," agreed Jessica. "Where shall I drag everyone after shift?"

"Usual, we aren't doing the whole big get together today. I think Sara threw out the idea of having everyone over for a late lunch, early dinner on Thursday but we'll have that more figured out once she's up and we've talked. And I'm starting to ramble...you and Sara are wearing off on me," he continued with a sigh.

"We'll be there," Jessica said with a laugh. "And I'm afraid you're stuck with us so you'll just have to get used to us. God knows Mac did."

"I have to meet that man someday, something tells me we might have quite the tales to compare," Grissom laughed. "See you later Jess."

"That you will. Bye Griss," finished Jessica hanging up the phone. /-/Now to figure out how to get everyone to agree to breakfast without letting them know Gil and Sara are going to be there,/-/ she mused before turning her attention back to the case laid out in front of her.

"Hey guys," Jessica greeted a short while later as she entered the locker room where everyone was gathered, shift having just finished. "Up for breakfast? My treat."

"Your treat?" Greg repeated. "I'm there."

"Why not, I don't have the energy to cook," Catherine laughed

"Well then, shall we?" Jessica asked turning and making her way out the door, Nick hot on her heels.

"What's up Jess?" asked Nick quietly after catching up with Jessica.

"You'll see," Jessica smirked in response as they made their way out into the parking lot.

Twenty minutes later everyone was at their usual table, orders placed. But when the waitress came bearing seven plates instead of five, Catherine was the first to ask.

"Okay, our orders are right, that much is obvious. But who the heck is whole wheat with fruit and an omelet for?"

"Curious, what type omelet is it?" Greg mused.

"Ham and Cheese with mushrooms if you must know," Grissom voice drew their attention and Catherine shrieked as she, well tried to jump up, instead still managing to get to her feet and wrap her arms around Grissom as Jessica rose and went after Sara behind him.

"Hey Chica, it's so good to see you," Jessica said hugging Sara.

"Hey Chica Maria," Sara laughed softly as she hugged Jessica back. "God, have I missed you."

"And I've missed you," replied Jessica leading Sara over to the table.

"God, you are a sight for sore eyes," Greg grinned as they all got resettled.

"Well, I'd say the same," Sara laughed softly. "How are you guys though?" she asked as she moved in on her fruit.

"Grateful to be back to work," commented Jessica.

"Grateful to have her back," agreed Nick.

"When did you start back?" Sara asked glancing around the table. "I was starting to think Ecklie was purposely keeping you off so he'd have to get his butt whipped when we got back."

"Two days ago," admitted Jessica. "And as for Ecklie purposely keeping me on suspension...I think the others would be better able to explain that one."

"Umm... okay," Sara trailed off glancing around them. "What am I, are we, missing?"

"Okay, so it is the greatest thing. Last week Brass and I were working a case right; we heard a scream and followed it to a source. And wouldn't you know, we found dear Mr. Ecklie in quite the compromising position," Greg mock whispered.

"Excuse me?" Sara asked shocked.

"What our dear newbie isn't saying is that we found Ecklie with a one time suspect. Got pictures, and such," Jim continued.

"Wait, who was Ecklie with?" Sara asked confused, even more confused by the silence after her words. "What am I missing thanks to my lack of sight?" she asked after a beat.

"They're all looking at me as if they're debating answering you," Grissom replied softly. "What is it?" he continued to the group.

"Okay, may as well spit it out and all. He was with Lady Heather," Catherine answered with a decisive nod.

"Oh," the couple chorused.

"And you have pictures," Sara continued. "What did you guys do with the pictures?" she asked softly.

"At the moment nothing. Only thing we've done is get Ecklie to stop his little vendetta against Jessica," Greg replied with a shrug.

"You blackmailed him?" Grissom asked after a moment.

"Not exactly. We just reminded him that he's as human as the rest of us," Jim replied.

"What now? What are you going to do with the pictures?" Sara asked as she set her fork down.

"Beats me," Greg shrugged once more. "Keep them around for the next time Ecklie sticks his foot up his ass is my guess."

"So, who has these pictures anyway?" Grissom asked curiously.

"Me. Brass tried to take them off my hands, but we all know how much of a pain I can be when I don't want to give something up." Greg grinned.

"I see. Well, enough talk about Ecklie. What else has been going on?" Sara asked changing the subject.

"Nothing big, usual lives otherwise," Catherine shrugged.

"Sounds normal enough," Sara laughed. "So, what are you guys doing Thursday?" she asked with a smile.

"Nothing."

"Nadda."

"Zip," echoed around the table and Jessica laughed. She suddenly had a flash back to Thursday when she heard those exact same words.

"Well then, you are all invited to a late lunch, early dinner thing at our place. Lindsey, Mia, and the munchkin too," Sara continued with a grin.

"What time?" Catherine asked with a smile.

Sara glanced over to Grissom and he nodded his head from side to side as he thought. "Four? Or should we go three-thirty?"

"You weren't kidding about it being a late lunch thing were you," Greg teased.

"No we weren't," Sara laughed.

"Well, I'll be there. And I'll let Mia know," Greg smiled.

"Count me in,." Jim agreed.

"Lindsey will drag us there earlier if we let her so..." Catherine trailed off with a laugh.

"Is it all right if Nick and I come by a little earlier Sara? There is something I need to tell you and Gil," commented Jessica, Nick rubbing her shoulder in support.

"Jyn, you have to ask?" Sara smiled softly. "Come on by as early as you want."

"Although a few hours of sleep after work would be nice," Grissom continued with a smile.

"Don't worry Gil, I think we'll all need sleep before we get together," replied Jessica.

"Sounds good," Sara smiled. "But, as much as I hate to call it a morning, I think we have to."

"I seem to recall you were still in bed when Gil called me at five o'clock this morning," teased Jessica. "But you're right for those of us that worked last night I hear my bed calling me."

"Me too," agreed Nick.

"Night everyone." Sara gave Jess one more hug before they headed their separate ways. After the other members of the team had left the dinner, Grissom took her hand and they headed towards the car.

"You okay?" he asked softly once they were in the Tahoe.

"Just a headache." she whispered as she closed her eyes.

"Come on, let's get you home," he sighed as he started the car, taking her hand in his as he made their way home.