Okay, you guys wanted more angst and grief in Jim's life...here goes!

--------------------------------------------------

With Jim doing so well, Sofia went back to work. She took second shift until he was ready to return, then they would arrange their schedules so that one on them would always be there for Jeb, just as things had been before the beating. Maria was so wonderful with Jeb that they had asked her to stay, thinking that they could work the same schedule and have more time together. Maria declined, however, saying there were sick people that needed her and there were no more sick people in the Brass home. Her last day was scheduled for Friday.

On Thursday, the Sheriff's office called to arrange an appointment for Jim the next day. The Sheriff wanted to see him. He tried to explain that he doctor hadn't released him for work yet so the meeting was a little premature. And shouldn't he be talking to H.R. anyway?

"You don't understand, Captain Brass," said the secretary. "This isn't about when you will be coming back."

Her tone made him uneasy; this meeting sounded ominous. He shared his uneasiness with Sofia when she got home that night. "Jim," she reminded him, "most of your problems with the Sheriff's office were years ago…with Brian Mobley. You got along well with Atwater, for the most part. And Burdick thinks you are a hero."

"He didn't think I was so heroic when I shot Bell," Jim stated flatly. Sofia could still hear the pain in his voice, however. Jim still hadn't been able to forgive himself.

"No, but you made his P.D. look awfully good when you took that bullet from Cutter and now, you're just coming back from a beating while taking a beating to save the other victims in a robbery. He's up for reelection so he probably wants a media event around your return to duty."

"Yeah…maybe," he said, still unconvinced.

Sofia had already left for her shift the next day when Jim got ready for his meeting. Maria was watching Jeb. He fidgeted as he waited in the Sheriff's outer office. Finally the secretary told him that he could go in. The two men shook hands and the Burdick indicated that Jim sit in a chair in the area of office that was arranged for casual chat. Burdick sat in a matching leather chair. "I'll cut to the chase here Jim," he began. "I've been reviewing your file."

Jim tried not to let his unease show, but suddenly the collar of his shirt seemed too tight. He sat quietly for the boom to be lowered.

"And I've also heard form your doctors. Jim," The Sheriff at least looked at him when he talked, "they don't want you back on the streets." Jim sighed deeply, preparing himself for what would come next. "And I agree that you shouldn't be there any longer. But my reasons are different." Sheriff Burdick paused, increasing Jim's agony. "Jim I think Brian Mobley was an idiot when he bounced you out of CSI. What happened with Holly Gribbs …it was tragic. And you did what any good supervisor does, you took the heat. Mobley shouldn't have shut down your career with it."

"I, um…appreciate that Sheriff." Jim said uncomfortably.

"You were up for a promotion then weren't you? McKean's job, wasn't it?"

"That was my understanding…yes."

"Jim, McKean is retiring in a couple of months. I want you in his office."

Jim looked at him incredulously. He shifted in his chair as Burdick's words sank in. The promotion that had been snatched from him eight years before was being offered again…not at all how he expected the meeting to go. "Well…um, thank you."

"There's a catch though, Jim. Your wife, Sofia. I've overlooked the situation because you were working different shifts. But as the Under-Sheriff, you'll have a supervisory role over her. She'll have to resign."

"Ouch," said Jim as he grimaced. "I don't know Sheriff; I can't ask her to give up her career. It wouldn't be fair to her."

"Tell you what, Jim…go home and talk it over with her. But I want you to understand, I can't authorize you as fit for duty back in your old job….not with the doctor's reports. They say you can't sustain another serious blow to the head anytime soon. And we know injury is always a possibility."

Jim sighed deeply. "I'll have an answer for you on Monday," he said, chagrinned.

As he headed home, his mind was reeling. There was no way he was going to suggest to Sofie that she quit. But then, what the hell was he going to do? He pulled into his driveway, locked his car and walked toward the front door. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck bristle as his senses told him that something was terribly wrong. The door was ajar. Carefully he eased it open and entered. A table near the door was overturned and he saw where a vase on an end table was knocked over in the living room. Jim called 911 and then proceeded to search the house. Checking each room, his heart rose to his throat as he realized that Maria and Jeb were missing.

At the PD, Sofia heard that a call had come in from Jim. She rushed home; worried that something had happened to him. When she got home, she found him standing beside his car, in the midst of a quiet panic. Gil Grissom and Warrick Brown arrived just behind her. They went into the house looking for clues.

Sofia looked at Jim as he tried to tell her. How could he tell her that their son w as gone? "Honey…I got home and the door was ajar. Baby….they aren't here. I can't find Jeb anywhere." His self control broke as he watched horror explode in Sofia's features. Tears flowed from both of them as she stared at him. "Jeb…missing?" she asked meekly.

Inhaling deeply to try to regain some control, he nodded. "I searched the house…I…"

His arms shot out to catch her as she fell into him, burying her face into his chest. Holding her closely, he felt her sobs against his body. Fear blanketed both of them as they waited for news, clinging tightly to each other. At times, Jim became agitated, wanting to do something to aid the investigation but he knew he could help Sofia more than he could help the investigation. He trusted Gil and Rick to do everything possible to find his son. Sam Vega was the detective of record. He would give it everything too. Jim just prayed that it would be enough. And Jim didn't consider himself a praying man.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, you think things are bad, eh...just wait. Reviews are requested.