Though he had no need to, Grissom's breathing had become erotic. He'd almost blown his cover, but what the hell for? Terrance shouldn't have even been there and if Sara had seen him? The repercussions of her seeing him for what he really would devastate their already fragile friendship. Splashing some water on his face, he willed the shaking in his hands to stop. All his thoughts were violently disturbed as Greg charged through the door, completely flustered and about to pop.

"Where's the fire Greg?"

"Brass just called. Sara was attacked at her crime scene."

"Grab Catherine and Warrick, meet me at the car."

She should have known Grissom was too emotionally unstable to drive, but with the speed they were traveling at, Catherine could almost sense that Grissom was trying to get them killed, terrifying everyone in and around the car. The man in question was half way across the lawn before anyone had registered that they had stopped. After the shock had worn off, they managed to stumble from the vehicle as the paramedics had begun loading Sara's limp form into the ambulance. Grissom was having a quiet argument with Brass, which abruptly ending as the group made their approach.

"Cath, I want you and Warrick in the bedroom, that's where Sara was attacked. Greg, I want you and Nick on the parameter when he gets here. This may be the same guy from Sara's home invasion so be on the lookout for anything out of place."

"What about you?"

"I'll be at the hospital." The trio exchanged looks as their supervisor retreated to the Denali.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? Cause I saw you nearly freak out after the lab explosion."

"No, but I know I cant work the scene without losing it. At least you have the strength and knowledge of what I am to hold me back."

"Have you eaten lately?"

"I ran out a few days ago. Heather was supposed to pick some stuff up for me, probably too busy fucking you to remember."

"You're really mean when you're hungry, has anyone ever mentioned that?"

"I don't care right now Jim. Its something about her blood that drives me nuts. I could smell it when I was stood with you." He quickly checked that they were free from suspicious onlookers before bringing them to a stop. "I need to run and grab Heather, so I'll meet you there." With a final look down the street, Grissom disappeared, leaving Brass shaking his head, concerned for his friend and blood-brother.

"Hey kiddo. How you doing?" Sara groaned loudly, throwing a hand over her eyes, which was more than understandable, her face almost as white as the hospital blanket.

"Turn the damn light off and get me the hell out of here. I hate hospitals." Brass chuckled whole-heartedly.

"If I could, I would. I do need a statement from you. Only if you're up to it though."

"I can do this."

"Just start with what you remember."

"I was processing the bedroom when I heard someone enter, I thought it was a uniform but it wasn't. He pushed me back against the wall with his hand around my throat. He asked what my name was so I told him to go to hell and he threw me against the wall."

"You're doing good Sara. What happened next?"

"He started advancing on me when someone else spoke."

"Did you catch any names?"

"Yeah. The guy who attacked me was called Terrance. I think the other guy was called Gilbert, but I cant be certain. I was pretty out of it." Brass glanced over his notebook when 'Gilbert' was mentioned. Sara was too busy fiddling with her blanket to notice though. I'm gonna kill him. Stupid bastard.

"You did fine Cookie. Grissom should be here in a minute to do his thing." As he finished his sentence, a revived looking Grissom poked his head through the door.

"Hey. Sorry, I couldn't find your room." He stepped in sheepishly. Doing what she was accustomed doing to other... victims (she gulped at the word) he saved her head wound until last. Brass could see his inner struggle as he gently pulled paint from the shallow wound. It wasn't until they were three blocks away that Brass slammed on the brakes and began his verbal assault on Grissom.

"What the hell were thinking Gil? Terrance attacks Sara so you decide to run in and play superhero?"

"I felt his presence Jim, I could see what he was going to. He would have killed her if I hadn't showed up when I did."

"She caught your name. Luckily she isn't certain she heard right or you'd be in deep shit." Grissom rested his head against the chair and he sighed deeply.

"I know, but what can I do? If Terrance comes after her again, and you know he will."

"All you can do is keep a low profile and pray for the best."

"That means avoiding her in order to protect a secret I never wanted to keep."

"You could have died that night. I saved your life."

"Did it ever occur to you that that might have been better. I cant even her how I feel cause it puts her in danger."

"Gil-"

"Just take me home Jim."

The lights of Vegas whizzed unnoticed as Grissom stared absently out of the car window, Brass's concern forever growing that he may not be able to hide him for much longer.

Not the most subtle way to end a chapter but there you go. Next chapter and Sara is beginning to piece it together. This may not be the longest story ever but I really am trying to drag it out a bit.