Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI

David went back to his lab and Wendy back to hers. They had to steer clear of each other at the lab until David was cleared. That was their choice to do that, no matter how much they wanted each other.

After work, Hodges headed home and Wendy followed him in her vehicle. They sat on the couch in his apartment chatting.

"I didn't kill her. You do believe me don't you Wendy?"

"I believe you David, but it certainly looks bad that you were at the scene and lied to the LAPD about it"

"I came clean to Brass didn't I? Doesn't that count for something?"

"Lawyers may not think that way. You lied that's all they are going to be told."

David sighed. "I am so sorry for dragging you into this mess. I don't want to put you in the middle."

"David what they did was a mean childish prank." Wendy said and shook her head. "Very mean and childish."

"I guess we know who is twelve now!" David joked.

Wendy gave him a half-smile in understanding.

David's cell rang. "Hodges."

"Um it's Catherine. David I have to suspend you until we get this mess sorted out. I don't know um what else to say."

"Thanks Catherine. I um I'll get Wendy to go and clean out my locker." He said forlornly.

"Thanks for understanding David."

When he hung up he looked at Wendy who nodded. "I am so sorry David. I don't know what to do now. What is going to happen?"

"Well if you can clean out my locker that would be super. I – guess you just carry on with your work at the lab. I'm sure a replacement will be found soon."

"You have no income, what are you going to do?"

"I'll manage Wendy. This will get settled soon enough." He said with a smile.

Wendy gave his hand a squeeze and got up. "I'd better be going now David. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. I'll bring by your stuff tomorrow after shift – I'll call first." She said and left.

David nodded and walked her to the door. "Thanks for listening Wendy and believing in me."

Wendy smiled as he shut the door.

David blew out a breath and then went over to his couch and sat with his head in his hands.

"This all started because of a silly prank. It is awful what can arise over a stupid prank!"

There was a knock on his door. He went to the door and peeked through the peep hole. It was David Phillips.

"What do you want? I'm not opening the door for you Phillips."

"I want to talk to you." Was the reply.

Hodges sighed. "Ok fine." He opened the door and Phillips walked in.

"Talk."

"Look, just admit that you killed her and everyone will be happy. They haven't found anyone else that did it so just admit you did it and you'll go to jail and my sister will get justice."

"I did not kill her. It was some dude – tall blond, clean shaven with a single earring in the left ear and loaded with tattoos on the arms."

Phillips paled. "Did you give this description to the cops?"

"No, as a matter of fact I didn't. I didn't actually think of it at the time of my questioning. I was too busy trying to prove I was innocent." He said.

"I think I may know who it is. But we have to be careful as this guy is a nut case."

"I'll call Jim Brass and get him over here."

"Do you have a computer Hodges, I need to check out something."

Hodges pointed to the old-looking thing in the corner. "It's old and slow and runs on dial up internet." He said.

Phillips cursed. "Why don't you get with the 21st century Hodges! I'm going to get my laptop, it is in my car. Certainly there is a wireless I can tap into somewhere around here."

Hodges said nothing but he did nod. "I'll be back in a few minutes. " Phillips said.

Hodges, watched his co-worker leave and then looked out the window to where he went to his car. All of a sudden, he saw two big brawny men jump out from behind some bushes and ambush Phillips before he could open his car door. Hodges, shut his blinds before the perpetrators could look up. He was on the phone with Brass within seconds.

"Jim, it's Hodges, um we have a situation. David Phillips has been kidnapped. He came over to chat, we actually made progress…" David began and told Brass everything they talked about. David also gave Brass the description of the guy who killed Starla.

"David stay put. We will be by soon to take you into protective custody. Did you get a description of the guys who kidnapped Phillips?"

"Two men, big and brawny in a 4 door Toyota , green. I didn't see the license plates."

"Hodges, you need to get somewhere safe. Is there a 2nd way out of your apartment?"

"Yes, the balcony – I can climb down the balcony. I'm in a duplex and not a high-rise so it's easy for me to get down."

"Do it. Get yourself from your apartment to CSI NOW."

Hodges put his phone in his pocket along with his wallet. He looked around his apartment and sighed. His cat was hiding but Hodges knew the cat would be fine. He had filled up the food bowls for the cat a short time ago.

David headed towards the back exit where he thought he'd be safe, but unfortunately he saw someone climbing the stairs to the back door. Quietly he re-locked the door and went into his bedroom. His bedroom had a window, but it was a two storey drop. He was risking an injury if he jumped, but he had absolutely no choice in the matter. He had to do it. Quietly he opened the window and jumped out of the window and ran. He saw his 'followers' who were on his balcony trying to break in. None of them saw Hodges jump from his bedroom window. His key in hand, he ran to his car, locked the door and floored it. Although he was not a CSI or a cop, he still had emergency lights on his vehicle. He turned them on as he sped down the street in order to get to CSI/PD without trouble.

A/N: Thought I'd add a little bit of mystery/intrigue..