Hey. New fic from me. Started writing it back in April, hence why Ray is in it. The title is an actual fair ground ride (as explained in this chapter), and being a China Beach fan I couldn't resist the name lol. As always, nothing is mine. Enjoy :)
Catherine couldn't quite recall who had originally suggested this idea, but as she stepped out of the car, her ears and eyes assaulted by screams and flashing lights, the figure of Greg Sanders excitedly bouncing in her peripheral vision like Tigger on Speed, the memories started to resurface.
She'd entered the break room on a particularly slow crime night last week to catch the tail end of a conversation between Nick, Greg, Sara and Ray, although the latter had chosen listening over participation. They'd apparently decided to have a team night out, and as she'd crossed the threshold all eyes had turned to her, Greg's voice piping up to ask her if she was in. Sensing her hesitation, the ex-lab rat had dangled Lou Vartann's confirmed attendance like bait from a hook. Catherine had agreed reluctantly, although it hadn't occurred to her until much later to ask where this night out was due to take place by which time no one would tell her, stating that is was a surprise.
She had even used somewhat dirty tactics the previous evening in order to get Lou to reveal the secret, but he'd refused to break.
That lapse in judgement the week before was why Catherine was stood in line with her team, plus Lou and Jim Brass waiting to pay their admission fee to enter the fun fair that had taken residence on the outskirts of Las Vegas for "one week only", as the garish signs proclaimed.
"Remind me again why I agreed to this," she mumbled only loud enough for the man stood next to her to hear. Lou chuckled and slid an arm round her waist, pulling her against his side.
"It'll be fun," he reassured, pressing his lips briefly against her temple. Catherine's eyes flicked from his face to a rather green looking group of people who had just disembarked one of the scarier looking rides, a circle of seats attached to a long pole that not only span on its axis but swung in an ever increasing arch, the bright neon sign by the side identifying its name as 'Afterburner'.
"Sure, they look like they're having a whale of a time."
Lou laughed and moved them to the window, paying for both their tickets despite protests from the strawberry blonde.
"Maybe we'll give that one a miss."
Sorry it's short but hopefully the next chapter will make up for that.
Lily
-x-