Chapter 3:

I put my car in park and took a deep breath. I couldn't believe I was really here, in Las Vegas, getting my dream job. "What if I mess up? What if they all hate me? What if…" My thoughts were interrupted when I looked at the clock, realizing I had 5 minutes to get inside. I cut the engine, stopping Manson mid-song, hastily grabbed my bag and ran inside.

Greg's POV:

I pulled in to the lot with a grin on my face when I remembered that today we were getting a new CSI. Things had been boring lately and a new face would do everyone good. "What if I meet her and she hates me? What if I get distracted and mess up? What if I say something stupid? What if…" My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a door slam saw the back of a girl's head disappear into the building. I looked at the clock and quickly gathered my things as well, running to the door, praying I wouldn't be late.

Marilyn's POV:

I slowly walked up to the lady at the reception desk and put on a smile. "Hi," I said. She looked up and gave me a smile. "Today is my first day and I'm not really sure where I should be…"

"Welcome to the Crime Lab. I will page Gil Grissom, he is your supervisor. He will take it from there."

I sat down and looked at my feet, afraid to make eye contact with anyone. I felt someone brush past me and say, "Sorry Grissom. Didn't see you there."

My head snapped up, not because the guy said Grissom, but because I thought I recognized the voice. "Don't be stupid Mar. You just got here, how could you know anyone?" I stood up and walked over to a man with grayish hair and kind eyes. "Hi. I'm Marilyn Sorenson."

"Gil Grissom. Pleased to meet you. Now if you'll follow me I will show you to the break room where you can meet your colleagues. I apologize if I seem rushed, but I have to dissect larvae before they mature."

I smiled to myself. "How many weeks have they been on the body? If you haven't determined a TOD yet they can be quite helpful." He gave me a strange look and I felt myself blushing. "I'm sorry if that came out wrong. I don't want you to think I'm pushy but I've always been fascinated by bugs and…"

He held up a hand to cut me off before offering a small smile. "I think you and I will get along famously."

My smile grew as we walked down to what I assumed was the break room. I was greeted by a blonde woman with a pile of folders around her. She looked up as we came closer and I immediately liked her. "Catherine, this is Marilyn Sorenson our new CSI. Marilyn, this is Catherine Willows."

She held out her hand and I took it tentatively. "Please call me Mar."

We smiled and all of a sudden booming voice came from down the hall, "Hey Griss I got the results you wanted."

Grissom smiled and said, "Thank you Nick. I'll leave you to get acquainted."

I faced the man with the Texas drawl and smiled. "I'm Mar."

"And what's that short for?" He grinned at me.

"Marilyn."

"As in Monroe?"

I giggled. "No. Manson. One of the greatest musicians to live."

Nick broke into a wide smile and said, "Well I think you and the other DNA tech will get along just fine."

"Who's that?"

He opened his mouth but was interrupted by another man coming into the break room and slapping him on the back. "Well we did it Nicky. We nailed that SOB."

Nick glanced from the man to me and said, "Such language in front of a lady. Warrick you should be ashamed."

Warrick and I shook hands and I said, "Don't worry on my account. You may have offended Nick though. He looks as if he might cry."

They both gaped at me as I grinned. Warrick crushed me in a hug and let out a booming laugh. "I like this one. She's got you down Nicky."

"Mar. Short for Marilyn. Not Monroe," I said, and to that Nick laughed as well.

"I think we will get along famously."

Catherine gathered her things and made for the door, "I'll leave you three to it then. Show her around, but be nice please."

I shot her a quick smile and with that she disappeared down the hall.