A/N: A story of a peaceful death...
Thanatos
Chapter 1
A golden heat haze covered Las Vegas as the driver of the black limo lifted the trunk and removed one piece of rolling luggage. He had offered her a bottle of cold water from a center console cooler as she had settled into the plush leather seat behind him. Vegas never changes, she thought—or it changed continually.
Over twenty years—closer to twenty-five—had passed since a young Sara Sidle had arrived on a day just like this—not in a limo but in a blue city taxi with a rip in the seat and a small duffle bag with clothes for a week.
As she reached for the handle of her suitcase, the tall brunette almost smiled as she thought how fast time had passed. She thanked the driver as he hurried to the driver's door. A few seconds later, he had disappeared into traffic.
Sara Sidle Grissom stood in the bright sun for a moment and wished she was someplace else. The entry doors were several steps away but she didn't move. She took out her cell phone and checked the screen before tapping out a short message and hitting send. She'd passed a restless night, dreaming in scraps of her mother, of events long ago, before waking to an early alarm.
Her young children had been excited that she was packing a suitcase, going to the airport, and telling her their plans for the day. Her solemn, sensitive son had worked on a rocket he'd made, telling her he was trying to decide if he wanted to go to Mars one day or be a designer of the space ship that took people to Mars. While complimenting his work, she had taken time to assure him of upcoming plans and they would see each other in a few days.
Her lively daughter had helped her mother pack, adding at least three small stuffed animals to the suitcase and a colorful swimsuit, saying, "I know Cay-Cay will have a swimming pool!"
Her husband had been caring and sweet; his personal concern obvious but doing a good job of presenting a calm manner for their children. Depending on what Sara learned, her family would probably join her in a few days.
The hospital doors opened with a whoosh and several people burst through; Sara snapped out of her thoughts and stepped into a light-filled entrance lobby.
Catherine Willows was waiting near floor-to-ceiling windows, cell phone in hand, and for a split second, Sara saw her as one might a stranger. The pencil-slim figure was clothed in an expensive designer black suit, a pale pink silk shirt underneath the jacket. Glowing golden hair fell in waves around her shoulders and with a long familiar flick of her hand, she tossed a long curl away from her face.
Sara had a pang of almost unbearable affection at the change in her friend's face. "Catherine," she said, hiding her emotion behind a broad smile. "It feels like it's been ages—like ships in the night."
The two women embraced and Sara was reminded of the slight scent of perfume her friend had worn for years for special occasions.
"I'm so glad you came," Catherine said as she squeezed Sara's hand before leading her to a bank of elevators.
"I got here as quickly as I could."
"And Gil? The kids? I've got a suite ready for all of you. They are coming, right?" asked Catherine as the elevator doors opened with a quiet swish.
Sara smiled, saying, "Good—great—they will be here in a few days. And Lindsey? Your granddaughter?" She knew Catherine and Lindsay had a prickly relationship but Catherine's quick smile and nod indicated things were good.
"One is growing up to fast—you know how that is—and Lindsay is—is Lindsay. She's fine—we're fine now." Catherine had not released Sara's hand and squeezed it again. "Jim is going to be thrilled you are here."
The elevator doors opened to the customary sounds and smells of a busy hospital floor. No one lifted eyes as Catherine turned left, guiding Sara down the hallway until she hesitated at a closed door.
"I want to warn you, Sara," she said, "Jim's gone downhill. At times, he is alert—funny—his old self." Catherine's lips quivered as she continued. "He gets confused, restless—some of the medications make him very groggy."
Sara nodded. The physician had said as much as he had used a litany of euphemisms until Sara had finally asked, "Do you mean Jim is dying?"
Catherine pushed the door open and said, "Look who I found, Jim!"
Sara entered the room, realizing she was holding her breath.
A/N: More to come. Thank you for reading.