Well it seems that last chapter was a bit of a bomb. Sorry! Hope this one is better.
As the plane approached Las Vegas, Grissom found himself drawn to the window. He watched as they passed over the desert, and the city rose like an oasis of neon. He could feel his stomach churning but he knew it wasn't the plane's slow descent that was responsible. And right now he wasn't sure what scared him the most, but he knew Catherine was near the top of the list. There was no stopping her when she was on a mission, and right now her mission was to get him to the hospital.
When the plane stopped at the gate, he was the last to stand, and then the last to leave. Following the other passengers to baggage claim, he felt detached. It was like watching his ant farm, seeing everyone around him rushing around while he observed. He was snapped back to reality when a small child ran into him and the mother apologised profusely. Instead of complaining he offered her a smile and reassurance that he wasn't bothered at all before continuing to the carousel to retrieve his bag.
As he exited, there was a well dressed gentleman holding a placard bearing his name. Grissom shook his hand, and offered his thanks for the ride, grateful that Catherine had not sent one of their friends. Facing them was inevitable, but at least she knew he wasn't ready. His driver welcomed him back to Las Vegas and assisted him with his belongings as they went to the black Lincoln Town Car, and then handed him an envelope containing his hotel room keys and a quick note from Catherine.
Gil - You're in room 3419 and everything you should need is there. Eat, shower, nap and then message me when you're ready to see Sara. - Catherine
He sighed heavily, but the driver was kind enough to pretend not to notice and allow them to travel in silence.
At the hotel, the driver entered an unmarked driveway and dropped Grissom off at a private entrance, wishing him well. Grissom collected his things and made his way to his room. When he opened the door, he was impressed to find a generous room with a separate bedroom and living area. A dining tray sat on the table covered with a silver dome. There was a coffee maker on the counter with a small assortment of snacks and drinks. Entering the bedroom area, he was surprised to find some of his clothes and wondered how that had been arranged. As he looked around, he felt overwhelmed and was unsure where to even start. He had expected a hostile reception, but Catherine obviously cared enough to make sure he was comfortable. For the first time, he realised that perhaps his friends still cared for him despite the mess he had made of things.
Sitting at the table, he lifted the lid on the tray and found what he was sure was enough food for the entire team. He ate a dish of gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce, and the small garden salad next to it, saving the rest for later. Then it was into the shower, and he found himself truly appreciating a proper hot shower for the first time in months. When he stepped out he quickly dried off, changed into a clean tshirt and boxers, and then crawled into bed - but not before setting an alarm. He knew Catherine was serious about the 12 hour deadline and he didn't want to wake up to her in his room.
Catherine had spent much of the day anxiously tracking Grissom's movements. She was notified when he boarded the plane, and again when the plane had landed. The driver she sent for Grissom had discretely sent her a message letting her know that he had been dropped to the hotel after a silent drive and he looked "rather exhausted." When the plane landed, she had organised for food to be sent to his room so at least she knew he would have had access to a proper hot meal, a good bed, and a real shower. Now all that was left to do was to wait for his message.
And of course, should he not message her within the required twelve hours, well, then she would be at the hotel room door waiting for him. She hoped it didn't come to that, though.
Sara's physical therapy exercises kept Catherine distracted from worrying about Grissom, and then she sat down to attempt to work. Brass was napping on the cot next to Sara, and his gentle snoring reassured her that at least he was getting some sleep. Everyone else had been sent home, and while Catherine hadn't told anyone that Grissom had arrived, she would do so once they were awake. While she was certain everyone would want to visit Sara tonight, and to see Grissom as well, she was determined to make sure he could have Sara to himself for the night if he wanted. There was no doubt in her mind that he wouldn't be ready to see the rest of the team all at once, and especially not in Sara's room.
All of that said, she realised there were two people who did need to be made aware of Grissom's arrival, so she sent a message to Dr. Mark, and then quietly sat down next to Sara and took her hand.
"Hey Sara, I'm not sure if you can hear me right now, or if you're asleep." She paused, as if waiting for some sort of acknowledgement. "I thought I should let you know that Gil is back in Las Vegas now. His flight landed an hour ago and I've sent him to eat, shower and nap but he's going to be coming by this evening." Catherine waited again for a moment, relieved that Sara's heart rate monitor didn't start bleeping like it had the last time Grissom was mentioned. "I know I don't know what happened between the two of you, but he still holds your medical power of attorney, and he is still your husband. If you wake up and decide you don't want him here, that's totally ok. I can send him back to his boat. But for now, I think he should be here at least until you wake up."