"Hey, how are you holding up?" He asked upon entry to his office; closing the door at the same time.
"Fine." He clenched his teeth at her response.
"Sara, this is me you're talking to."
"I know."
"Then, will you elaborate on 'fine', please?" She smiled softly.
"It's funny; your past catches up to you when you least expect it."
"I know the feeling. Part of mine has already caught me." She looked at him curiously.
"When?"
"The day you found out I know sign language." He sat in the chair beside her.
"How do you know it?"
"My mother is deaf. It's a hereditary disease called Otosclerosis. I had the surgery to correct it a few years ago."
"Will you teach me?" she asked.
"Why do you want to learn it?"
"I have a few reasons." she said vaguely.
"Such as?"
"I find it fascinating. I love to learn. I'd rather not make an ass out of myself if I don't have to. Also, I can talk to you from a distance; like at a crime scene or something."
"Sure, I can teach you." Sara smiled at him and it warmed his heart to be on the receiving end.
"Thank you…shall we go talk to Ecklie?"
"I guess we shouldn't put it off any longer." He rose from his seat when she did. With is hand on her back, he led her though the door. Sara missed the contact while walking through the halls.
"Do you think he…looked in depth?" Sara asked timidly.
"I'm sure he looked. I'd rather not guess at how long he looked. Hopefully, he remained professional and respected your privacy."
"Me too. The pictures are pretty explicit; even by today's standards. I was the centerfold."
"Are you telling me this personally or professionally?" he asked with wide eyes.
"I'll let you decide." Sara answered vaguely, but wore a smirk at the same time.
"I'm actually shocked that you would do something like that." he said a few steps later.
"Like I said, I needed the money."
"For what?"
"Ask me again sometime." she answered. Grissom knocked on the door to Ecklie's office. They heard a muffled reply inviting them inside. Once again, Grissom placed his hand on her back to guide her through the door. Ecklie moved to close the door and then sat on the chair in front of his desk to be closer to Gil and Sara sitting on his couch.
"Conrad, before you begin, I need to ask why you felt the need to interrupt our team meeting. It embarrassed Sara and by association, me."
"I felt it was an important enough threat to act as I had."
"May I see the letter?" Sara asked before Grissom could argue. Ecklie handed it over. Gil read the letter over her shoulder.
"I can do this. Grissom, will you go with me?"
"Yes."
"May I have the magazine?" Ecklie handed it and the address to her.
"I'd like to draw up a contract stating that once these demands are met, nothing further will occur in the future. I'd also like it specified that my clothes will remain on my person for the photo."
"I'll type that up right now." Sara and Grissom waited patiently while Ecklie typed up the contract and showed them the printed copy. After approving it, Ecklie called the two men to set up an appointment. They listened to him speak on the phone and Sara had to appreciate his discretion and regard for her privacy as much as he could concerning the nature of the pictures. He put he men on hold and turned to Sara.
"They are willing to sign the contract but request that you at least wear a bikini for the picture."
"Fine, but that's it." Ecklie nodded and finalized the arrangements with the two men. Revisions were made to the contract drawn up by Ecklie and they were handed to Ecklie. There was even a space for Grissom to sign as a witness.
"Ecklie, I'm sorry you were dragged into this. When was this delivered?" Sara asked.
"It was on my desk when I got here this morning. I looked to see who was being blackmailed since the letter didn't specify. I didn't linger, but what I saw was impressive."
"I appreciate the courtesy." Sara said while fighting the blush and the nausea at the same time.
"I apologize for embarrassing you. I could have and should have handled the situation much better."
"Thank you."
"May I ask why you did it?" Ecklie was curious.
"I needed the money." Sara's answer remained the same. Grissom was itching to know what she needed the money for.
"Is this the only time?"
"Yes, it was. The more explicit the photos were, the more I was paid. I made a nice chunk of change for a few hours of complete exposure."
"I believe it; did you keep the prop?"
"That's irrelevant." She said.
"Fair enough." Ecklie conceded.
"Thank you. I'll be going now." Ecklie nodded and both men rose for her. Grissom moved to follow her, but Ecklie stopped him.
"Gil, wait another minute please?" Grissom turned to Sara.
"I'll call you later so we can go to his house."
"Thank you." Gil closed the door after she left and returned to his seat.
"Yes, Conrad?"
"How long have you known about that?"
"I made her tell me at the scene last week. I had to since it started on the clock. Had this been an off the lock incident, I might not have ever known."
"What did she tell you?"
"Relevant information; when and why?"
"Have you seen the photos?" Ecklie asked. Grissom knew there was a point to this ridiculous conversation and sorely wished that he would get there so he could go home.
"No; I haven't asked and she hasn't offered. She did say they were explicit; even by today's standards."
"I would have to agree. If she asks you if you want to see them, would you look?"
"I don't know. I suppose it depends on the situation we're in and the tone she's using. I'm not anticipating her asking me, so I have nothing to worry about."
"I would appreciate in the future, you make me aware of things like this." Ecklie said.
"Sure, are we through here?"
"For now."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Grissom was ready to leave, but his curiosity was peaked once again.
"What's the nature of your relationship with Catherine?"
"We're friends and colleagues that occasionally share a meal together."
"What about with Sara?"
"She's been a close friend since we met. We're also colleagues; why?" Ecklie heard the subtle difference in the tones he used when talking about both women.
"I've just heard rumors, that's all."
"Like what?" Grissom was intrigued, irritated, tired and confused. He didn't like any of those feelings when it came to dealing with Ecklie.
"I've heard that you have romantic feelings for Sara."
"That may or may not be true; in either cease, I still go home alone every day." Ecklie smiled.
"If you ever decide to stop denying your feelings and would like to pursue her, I'm sure we could reach an understanding. She's got a thing for you too. It's quite obvious."
"I know she does." Grissom conceded the point.
"It's a two-way street, Gil and she's not the only one driving."
"Excuse me?"
"You treat her differently." Ecklie said though it was not in an accusatory tone.
"How so?"
"You're quite protective of her. You look at her and everyone can see your heart on your sleeve. I commend you, actually, for holding out for this long; she is beautiful."
"If she heard that, she could bust you for harassment." Ecklie smiled at how Grissom had so easily taken the bait. Sara was his weakness.
"Just promise me that if something should ever transpire, you'll tell me right away."
"Alright; are we done here?"
"Yes." Grissom left the office, pulling out his cell phone.
"Willows."
"Did I wake you?"
"No, but if you're calling me in, the next DB will be you."
"I need to talk." Catherine opened the door wide open when Grissom presented this golden opportunity. Screw sleep, she thought.
"Lindsey's gone; come on over."
"Thanks." He hung up and dialed the number of his other trusted friend.
"Brass."
"Are you busy?'
"I'm on my way home."
"Can you detour to Catherine's house? I need a favor and a conversation."
"I'll be there." Both men hung up and Grissom quickly grabbed his things from his office. He called Sara from his car.
"Sidle."
"Did I wake you?"
"No, I'm not home yet."
"Where are you?"
"I'm at a store debating whether or not to call Catherine and enlist her help."
"What do you need help with?"
"I'm trying to buy a new bathing suit. My other one is very old and thinning out in all the wrong places." Grissom bit back his moan at the mental image.
"I'm headed to her place right now; should I have her call you?"
"Sure, how did it go with Ecklie after I left?"
"I'm still processing it actually. I don't think he believed me when I told him I haven't seen the photos."
"Well, it disturbs me greatly that he saw them."
"Me too." Grissom whispered.
"What was that?"
"Uh…I'm at Catherine's; I'll have her call you in a few minutes."
"Oh, ok…where should I meet you tonight?"
"I'll pick you up at six; we'll grab a bite to eat afterward." For him, that qualified as asking her out. He bit his lip in anticipation.
"Ok."
"Would you like Brass to be there with us just in case the men get any ideas?"
"That's why I asked you." She defended. He felt a surge of pride and decided to match her subtle compliments.
"Well, it will be two on one; plus he'll be there in an official capacity. I won't."
"Ok, he can meet us there." He smiled and part of him wished he could see her face; an equally large part of him was glad that he couldn't.
"Thank you. Catherine will call you."
"Ok, bye."
"Bye Sara." Grissom hung up and met Brass at the door. He knew that Brass had been waiting for him to get off the phone. By the smile, he figured that Brass knew it was a private conversation. Catherine let the two men in immediately.
"Thank you both for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice." Grissom started once they were all seated.
"No problem; what's on your mind?" Catherine said.
"Do you think I treat anyone differently?"
"Yes," "Absolutely." Were both said at the same time by his two trusted friends."
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A/N: So how much do you think Grissom is going to share with them? What advice are Catherine and Jim going to offer? Reviews are appreciated. Have a great day everyone! Kelly