{"id":10522,"date":"2018-03-31T18:16:10","date_gmt":"2018-04-01T01:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?page_id=10522"},"modified":"2018-03-31T19:24:43","modified_gmt":"2018-04-01T02:24:43","slug":"personal-attachments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi\/personal-attachments\/","title":{"rendered":"Personal Attachments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title<\/strong>: Personal Attachments
\nAuthor<\/strong>: Bj Jones
\nRating<\/strong>: FRT -13
\nSummary<\/strong>: A serial rapist is attacking college students. An FBI profiler is called in, but what is her connection to Gil Grissom.
\nAuthor\u2019s Note<\/strong>: My first serious CSI fic. I\u2019m working hard on the technical side along with the personal side of the characters.<\/p>\n

~University Nevada – Las Vegas~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thing Gil Grissom noticed, as he stepped out of the Tahoe, was the night air; it was still, no sounds, no movements, not even a small breeze, just the settling of dread in the pit of his stomach. As he took a deep breath he closed the passenger door; getting his focus. Looking around the surrounding area he observed every detail before heading to the back of the Tahoe to grab his gear.<\/p>\n

He glanced towards Sara, who was grabbing her own gear; the two had been distant since the \u2018the incident\u2019, or what the DUI had been dubbed as around the lab. He had always had a good working relationship with Sara, and didn\u2019t understand what had caused her to distance herself away from him. He figured it had something to do with him turning down her dinner invitation. He had thought he had made it clear he only saw her as a friend and colleague, but now sees he wasn\u2019t clear enough. And since he felt guilty for hurting her, he kept his distance, failing to see her burning out. The phone call was a shock to the system, but if he was honest with himself, he had seen the signs but ignored it. Lately, he had been working more cases with her, to try to get that old chemistry back, but he wasn\u2019t sure if it was working. He turned to ask her how her day was, when Brass walked up to the two CSI\u2019s, interrupting his train of thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe victim\u2019s name is Amy Neal, twenty-two year old student, an English major,\u201d Brass gave them a quick update as they walked towards the crime scene. \u201cCampus security found her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little late,\u201d Sara stated, as they walked up to the crime scene. David, the coroner, glanced their way, but continued examining the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say she was raped first then had her throat slit. The wound goes from the right to the left, indicating her attacker was facing her.\u201d He explained using his pen to show the movement of the knife.\u201d There is a large amount of blood on the front, the wounds deep; she probably bled out in less than a minute. I\u2019ll give you a full detail once I get the body back to the morgue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom looked over the body, his eyes searching for any type of clue, while Sara pulled out her penlight searching the surrounding area; a black strap caught her eye a few feet away from the body. She walked over, squatting down next to it. \u201cLooks like we got a camera,\u201d Sara said as she looked back over at Grissom, who was staying at the body no, indicated that he had heard her.<\/p>\n

Grissom blinked, and then gave a quick shake to his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sara, you were saying?\u201d He looked over to her, an apologetic look on his face.<\/p>\n

She held up the camera by its strap, \u201cdo you think she got any pictures of her assailant?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom eyed the swinging camera, \u201cget it to Nick see what he can pull off the negative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom turned back towards Brass. \u201cCan we find out who was the last person out of the photo lab was?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight on it,\u201d Brass grabbed a few uniforms and headed inside the building.<\/p>\n

Grissom watched as they zipped up the bag over Amy Neal\u2019s face. \u201cShe\u2019s the third victim, this month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSerial rapist?\u201d Sara paused while taking pictures of the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame MO, college student, red hair, throat slit, left nude on campus. We won\u2019t know for sure till Greg runs the tests and see if we come up with any similarities.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Crime Lab~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom was heading back to his office, when he heard Nick call out to him. Grissom stopped and turned to wait for Nick to catch up to him. Grissom watched the young CSI, remembering back to when he first arrived in Vegas. He had come a long way from that green CSI level one.<\/p>\n

Nick smiled, \u201cGrissom, I\u2019ve got an update on the Cushing case,\u201d Nick handed Grissom the file folder he was carrying, then waited for his reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame weapon?\u201d Grissom looked up at Nick.<\/p>\n

Nick nodded, his smile turning series; \u201cI talked to Doc Robbins. He discovered while examining the latest victim he noticed a pattern on the left hand side of the neck. Following a hunch he pulled up the autopsy reports on the other two victims, both had the same pattern. He had written it down, but didn\u2019t take notice until now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom eyes narrowed, it proved their suspicion, \u201dLooks like we have a serial rapist on our hands. Grab the rest of the team, and meet me in the break room.\u201d Nick nodded as he headed down the hall.<\/p>\n

Grissom set the files down on the table, and then walked over to the coffee pot to get a cup of coffee. He set the cup down on the table and slumped into the chair, pulled his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. The team walked in taking their seats around the table, waiting for Grissom to begin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese cases have moved to top priority. We have a serial rapist on our hands, and we need to stop him as soon as possible.\u201d Grissom looked at his team, each with their own weakness, and strengths. He had come to rely on them these past five years, their skills and insights. \u201cWe have to focus on the evidence, let it tell us the story. Once the press gets a hold of the story, there will be a lot of pressure from the community, higher ups, and the victim\u2019s family to solve the case. The main key is to stay focused or we could let something slip. If we rush, we make mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at the faces of his team, he knew they were good at their jobs, professionals, well trained, but he could see the under lining emotion in their faces, some not so deep. Nick and Sara were his two most emotional CSI\u2019s. Nick feels for the families of the victims, sympathizing with them, making himself available to them. His main weakness was crimes against children, at least on this case he will be less likely to get attached to the case, while Sara had always associated herself to the victims, specifically crime against women. He knew this case, would be especially hard on her. He looked towards Catherine, his second in command. Her resolve was set, he knew she could handle Nick if need be, but he was more worried about Sara. He could tell she was already getting agitated with the case, just sitting for a meeting made her antsy. He could always count on Warrick to handle himself as a professional, also to keep Sara on her toes, keep her busy enough to not think about the situation. He grinned slightly; they were a truly balanced team.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom?\u201d Nick\u2019s voice broke through his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Grissom looked over at him, \u201cWhat do we have so far?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreg is now comparing fibers that were found on your latest victim Amy Neal and also the second victim Tanya Cushing.\u201d Nick informed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know what he finds. Have you had a chance to look at the camera?\u201d Grissom asked.<\/p>\n

Nick shook his head no, \u201cnot yet, I\u2019ll get on it right away, and let you know what I find.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrelim on Neal shows that like the other two cases, no semen was present.\u201d Catherine added to the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s either using a condom, or getting off after the fact.\u201d Warrick\u2019s forehead was knit in concentration. \u201cIt will make it more difficult to link him between all three cases.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom shook his head, \u201cserial killers will have one common element in each of their slayings, for our guy, it\u2019s the knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe find the knife, we find him.\u201d Sara stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt we will find the knife, until we find him.\u201d Nick spoke his thoughts out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell we don\u2019t have much else to work with,\u201d Sara\u2019s voice was becoming agitated. \u201cThree women are dead and we have nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dNot true, we know the knife is the common element. We know he at least knows enough information about forensics, by the lack of evidence. No semen, no fingerprints, no hairs, nothing, he takes their clothes, leaving no trace of him behind. Look at the evidence, read it.\u201d Grissom tapped the folders making his point, \u201cnow everyone back to work.\u201d Grissom stood up pulling together his notes and files.<\/p>\n

Warrick and Catherine headed towards the Morgue to talk to Doc Robbins, as Grissom followed them out, Sara stopped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you not be fazed by all of this?\u201d Sara asked. She never understood how Grissom could stay un-emotional, so unattached. \u201cThree women are dead, and there will probably be others if we can\u2019t catch him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom paused, masking the strong emotions that lay underneath. Emotions he had been fighting all evening. This case was hitting close to home, dredging up old memories, ones he preferred stayed in the recesses of his mind. \u201cGetting emotional will not solve the case any quicker, we have to keep a calm and rational mind. Look at the evidence, follow the leads that is all we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs being emotional a weakness to you?\u201d Sara pushed him, to see what lay underneath the cool exterior. All she wanted was for him to show some emotion, if she was honest with herself, show some emotion to her.<\/p>\n

Grissom stiffened; his eyes bore into hers, \u201cDon\u2019t assume you know me.\u201d He left a shocked Sara in the break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to far, Sara.\u201d Nick stated from the back of the room, a shocked Sara spun on her heel to face the Texan. \u201cWe all deal with these cases differently. You give me crap about showing my emotions, or giving my sympathies to the victim\u2019s family, yet you snap at Grissom for his lack of emotion, you can\u2019t have it both ways. Whatever your issue is with him, deal with it and move on.\u201d He stepped past her and headed toward the lab, to see if Greg had any news.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Grissom\u2019s Office~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom continued onto his office, now even more tired. All he wanted was to sit in his dark office, put on some Mozart, and close his eyes. He was feeling a headache coming on, and wanted to quiet his mind for an hour. He opened his door only to stop short. Sheriff Atwater was sitting at his desk looking over the case files on each of three dead college girls. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a serial rapist on our hands,\u201d Atwater commented. \u201cHow is the investigation going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dWarrick and Catherine were called to the first case\u2026\u201d Grissom shut his door; setting the files he was carrying on the bookcase.<\/p>\n

Atwater interrupted, \u201cNancy Hanes, found behind the library?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that was September first, two weeks later Nick and Sara were called back to the campus for the second victim, Tanya Cushing, she was found near the Psych buildings. Tonight, Sara and I were called to the third scene, Amy Neal, found just outside the Art Buildings, specifically the photo labs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBold leaving the bodies in plane sight,\u201d Atwater speculated. \u201cI\u2019ve gotten a call from the FBI, an Agent Culpepper. You\u2019ve worked with him before?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom\u2019s eyes narrowed at the thought of Culpepper invading his territory, again. \u201cYes, and it wasn\u2019t pleasant, he manhandled my case and my CSI\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Atwater stood up, \u201cThis isn\u2019t a time to let personal grudges get in the way of solving this case.\u201d He opened the office door and looked back. \u201cIt\u2019s going to get worse before it gets better. Oh, and Grissom, keep me informed.\u201d He exited the office closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Grissom slumped into his chair, tossing his glasses onto the desk and rubbed his tired eyes. The badly concealed emotions were beginning to run out of control; he shook his head as if trying to shake them out. He knew they all thought he didn\u2019t feel any emotion, when in truth he felt them too much. There were reasons behind is persistence in keeping focused on the evidence, and not the victim. They can\u2019t save them all, and if you tried even the best CSI would burn out.<\/p>\n

The year before his surgery he had purposely distanced himself away from his team, afraid of them knowing his weakness. Then with the lab explosion, he had shut down completely. Seeing Greg sprawled out on the floor, covered in glass and blood tore at him. When Sara had asked him to dinner, he refused. He was to caught-up in the after effects of the explosion, and his own hearing loss that he didn\u2019t want or need an emotional entanglement; his mistake was not explaining this to Sara.<\/p>\n

When he got back from surgery and they had gone back to the way they were, he figured there was no hard feelings. But now he sees that may not be so, it was so much easier with Catherine. They had their disagreements, but overall Catherine was his best friend, and they had a silent communication. She understood him; he didn\u2019t have to explain his reasoning\u2019s. She was the only one on the team he had confided in about his hearing.<\/p>\n

With the promotion, subsequently going to Nick, even if the promotion was pulled due to lack of funds; Sara had not understood his reasoning, and became even more withdrawn, leading to the DUI. He had taken her home, ordering her to take some time off. When she returned back to work, she was ordered to see the department therapist. He wasn\u2019t sure if it was helping, but talking with Jim he hasn\u2019t seen any signs of her drinking. But lately, she had started to become more testy and trying to push his buttons to get a reaction out of him.<\/p>\n

This case was high profile; it was going to get ugly. The press, the public outcry, who ever works the case, is going to be under a microscope, and now Culpepper was involved. Grissom had decided to let Nick be lead on the case, he deserved a case like this after loosing the position to a robot for the lab, and Sara wasn\u2019t going to be happy about it.<\/p>\n

He sighed, then picked up the phone, and began to dial; a knock on the door interrupted him.<\/p>\n

He set the phone down, as Nick\u2019s walked into the door, a grin on his face. The one Grissom as associated with, a cat that just eyed the canary. \u201cI take Greg found something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe black fibers found at two of the scenes matched, a black synthetic.\u201d Nick handed Grissom the printout.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like the cases are weaving together,\u201d Grissom cocked his head eyebrow raised towards Nick. \u201cNow we just need to unravel the mystery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 2: Federal Agents<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~Sheriff Atwater\u2019s Office~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA series of rapes, have plagued the campus of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This station has discovered that there have been three victims, found raped, with their throats slit. When Sheriff Atwater was question he informed the press that he had his top detectives working on it, and the crime lab was working overtime, to bring the criminal to justice. All calls to the Crime lab have been answered with a series of no comments. In recent development, Agent Culpepper, of the FBI, told the press earlier today that he was bringing in a top-notch profiler to help with the case. Our own Ashley Gains was able to get a few seconds with lead investigator Gil Grissom, when asked if they were close to naming a suspect he informed her that he will let the evidence do the talking, and walked into the crime lab\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Atwater hit the mute button, and threw down the remote onto his desk. His eyes flashed in anger, turning towards Agent Culpepper. \u201cYou bastard, no warning you just inform the press that you\u2019re bringing in one of your agents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInter-agency cooperation, Sheriff,\u201d Culpepper sneered. \u201cI\u2019m just helping your team out, to catch this sick son of a bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need your help, my team is on it. We already have a few leads and working them.\u201d Grissom commented from the sidewall, where he and Brass were standing. \u201cI will not let one of your men, into my labs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culpepper smiled, \u201cyou have no choice. Unless you want to explain to the press, why you turned down federal assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur labs are second in the nation,\u201d Grissom informed him.<\/p>\n

Culpepper\u2019s eyes locked with Grissom, a battle of wills. \u201cThe agent is a profiler. Highly recommended by the DC branch. I suggest you take advantage of our generosity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom stepped forward, Brass\u2019s hand on his shoulder. Atwater\u2019s voice interrupted the two, \u201cA profiler would help, Gil. We should accept the FBI\u2019s help…\u201d Culpepper smirked at Grissom, \u201cbut on our terms.\u201d Culpepper\u2019s head snapped towards Atwater\u2019s who just continued on. \u201cI will allow your agent to help on the case, but they will report to Grissom and follow his lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff…\u201d Grissom looked at Atwater.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here I thought you would want to work with me again.\u201d A feminine voice entered the conversation. Four heads turned to the now open door, one shocked expression, one neutral, and two very confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby?\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice and expression showed his shock.<\/p>\n

She smiled, her hazel eyes shining with mirth. \u201cSheriff Atwater, it\u2019s a pleasure to meet you.\u201d She walked up to the Sheriff hand out, shaking his hand and then turned towards the confused FBI Agent. \u201cAgent Culpepper? I\u2019m Agent Abigail Thornheart. You talked to my boss Agent Cornwall. I\u2019m your profiler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culpepper stood up, and shook her hand. \u201cWelcome to Vegas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be home, sir.\u201d Abby inwardly grinned at Culpepper\u2019s expression. \u201cI\u2019m originally from Las Vegas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culpepper recovered quickly, \u201cOh, well that should help in the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is if Mr. Grissom will let me near his pristine labs?\u201d Abby turned back to the two men. She smiled at Brass, \u201cDetective Brass, I\u2019m not sure if you remember me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dHow could I forget, you and Catherine tormented all us detectives. It was a shame to see you go.\u201d Brass smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Mr. Grissom, am I aloud back in your labs?\u201d Her grin widened, Grissom was rarely caught off guard.<\/p>\n

Grissom recovered from his shock, then smiled, \u201dWelcome home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby smiled back, \u201cIt\u2019s good to be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll update you on the case.\u201d He opened the door for her and slipped out behind her. Brass followed suit, ignoring the shocked Atwater, and confused Culpepper.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come I have a feeling I\u2019m missing something?\u201d Culpepper contemplated.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause you probably are, now get out of my office.\u201d Atwater pointed at the door, sending a glare in Culpepper\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

~Crime Lab~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201dAgent Culpepper told the press earlier today that he was bringing in a top-notch agent to help with the case. Our own Ashley Gains was able to get a few seconds with lead investigator Gil Grissom, when asked if they were close to figuring a suspect he informed her that he will let the evidence o the talking, and walked into the crime lab. Agent Abigail Thornheart has been called from Washington to help with the investigation. She is one of the top profilers in the Bureau\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Catherine hit the mute button, staring at the picture of Agent Thornheart. Catherine smiled, and then laughed shocking the rest of the room\u2019s occupants. \u201cCulpepper you\u2019re an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell we know that, but what\u2019s so funny?\u201d Nick asked, looking at the grinning Catherine.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgent Thornheart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs present and accounted for,\u201d Abigail answered as she and Grissom entered the room.<\/p>\n

Catherine smiled, and jumped out of her chair, and hugged Abby to her. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you.\u201d She stepped back giving her a once over. \u201cYou\u2019re looking good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dNot nearly as good as you.\u201d Abby smiled, hugging her again. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you, how\u2019s Lindsey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPre-teen.\u201d Catherine rolled her eyes, pulling Abby farther into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you two would like to catch up, but we have a case to work on.\u201d Grissom commented from the doorway. \u201cAbby, let me introduce you to the rest of the team.\u201d Abby turned her attention back to Grissom, giving him a slight smile. \u201cNick Stokes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick smiled, \u201cWelcome aboard,\u201d His accent slipping into the conversation.<\/p>\n

Grissom continued down the table. \u201cNext to him is Sara Sidle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you.\u201d Her tone was tight, not open or friendly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext is Warrick Brown, a fellow Las Vegas homebody.\u201d Grissom finished out the introductions. \u201cEveryone this is Agent Abigail Thornheart, on loan from DC.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat high school?\u201d Abby turned towards Warrick.<\/p>\n

\u201cDurango,\u201d a smile appeared on Warrick\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilverado,\u201d she answered with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cRivals,\u201d Warrick laughed. \u201cWhen did you graduate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEighty-eight, you? Sports?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEighty-seven. Sports weren\u2019t my pass time.\u201d Warrick grinned, remembering all the odd jobs growing up.<\/p>\n

Abby grinned back knowing her own vices she participated in Vegas. \u201cLater we will have to talk about common hangouts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to talk to a fellow Vegas kid, these guys just don\u2019t understand the benefits of growing up here.\u201d He nods his head towards the others.<\/p>\n

A throat cleared, interrupting their discussion. Abby turned, giving Grissom a sheepish look \u201csorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we?\u201d Grissom sat down at the end of the table. \u201cDo you know anything about the case?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was handed the case file as I walked on the plane.\u201d Abby pulled out the file out of her bag. \u201cWhat can you tell me about it. There\u2019s one thing to read a report, and another to hear your accounts. Who was at the first scene?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be Warrick and me.\u201d Catherine answered, getting down to business.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was your first impression of the scene?\u201d Abby turned towards the two CSI\u2019s, her tone now sharp, and business.<\/p>\n

Grissom watched her at work; she had developed into a fine CSI. He had kept up with her career over the years, proud of her accomplishments. She made a name for herself as a profiler, but her true roots were in forensics. It was an interesting balance between the two fields. She once told him, it was like looking at the ingredients to make cookies, and figuring out who made them.<\/p>\n

His thoughts were interrupted when Sara interrupted Abby, \u201cWhat does that matter?\u201d Grissom looked up, trying to figure out what they were discussing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I have to look at is pictures taken at the scene, making it difficult to get a feel for what the rapist may be thinking.\u201d Abby explained her rationale.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do we care what he\u2019s thinking, he\u2019s a sick bastard. All we need is to find the evidence to catch him before he does it again.\u201d Sara\u2019s tone didn\u2019t hide her animosity.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a profiler, my job is to get into his head, figure out what he will do next.\u201d Abby\u2019s tone began to harden.<\/p>\n

Sara didn\u2019t let up, \u201cWe know what he will do next, rape and kill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pattern, a simple pattern can help us figure out who, where, and why. Once we have that, we can stop him before he gets a hold of his next victim. If we alter his pattern, then he gets careless and makes mistakes, leaving behind evidence. Making him easy to find, and capture.\u201d Abby then turned back towards Catherine. \u201cJust give me a general impression of what you saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Catherine glanced at Grissom, who was studying Sara. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t random.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile getting my degree I frequented that library just about everyday, all times of the day. It stays open for students till past midnight, students constantly going in and out. The victim was discovered at Eleven pm. He didn\u2019t wait for closing, when most of the students are gone, no possible witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby leaned back in her chair, \u201cthe first victim was Nancy Holmes?\u201d Catherine nodded her head, \u201cWho was called to the second scene?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would have been Sara and I,\u201d Nick answered. \u201cTanya Cushing, found behind the psych buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter hours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, a professor walking the last student out to her car, discovered the body.\u201d Nick informed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did the scene look to you?\u201d She locked eyes with Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cClean,\u201d he had a look of concentration on his face as if trying to put a few things together. \u201cTo clean, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom, you were on the latest victim?\u201d Abby turned toward Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmy Neal,\u201d He paused \u201cShe was found outside the Art buildings, specifically the photo lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby looked him in the eyes, \u201cYou\u2019re impression?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalculating,\u201d Grissom answered. \u201cOnce we identified that the cases weren\u2019t random, I sent Brass to pull the girls transcripts, to see if there are any similarities. Once Brass gets back I\u2019ll have Nick give them to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby nodded in acknowledgement, Grissom was always one step ahead. \u201cIs there a place I can unpack my laptop and files?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPick a corner,\u201d he gestured around the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Abby sarcastically replied, turning to Catherine, \u201cyou have a minute to update me on where everything is at?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGladly, let\u2019s go.\u201d Catherine and Abby walked out of the break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom why are you trusting her?\u201d Sara asked. \u201cShe works with Culpepper and we know what he\u2019s capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she used to work here?\u201d Nick asked, cutting off Sara, who sent him a murderous glare.<\/p>\n

Grissom smiled, at Nick\u2019s astute question. \u201cShe left eight years ago to join the Bureau. Warrick, here, was her replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill doesn\u2019t mean we should trust her with all of our information.\u201d Sara commented, not liking the fact Nick upped her in front of Grissom.<\/p>\n

Nick shrugged, looking over at Sara. \u201cShe can\u2019t do her job unless she\u2019s informed,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cBesides, if Cath and Gris trust her, why shouldn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you would say that, you\u2019ve always been too trusting, Stokes.\u201d Sara snapped, at Nick.<\/p>\n

Nick\u2019s jaw tightened his eyes narrowing at her, \u201cI\u2019m going to go check to see if Brass is back with those transcripts, and get them to Agent Thornheart.\u201d He got up and walked out, leaving behind a cold room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is up with you, girl?\u201d Warrick asked shaking his head, as he followed Nick out of the break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom?\u201d Sara turned, question in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSara, I trust Abby with my life.\u201d Grissom stood and left the room leaving a shocked Sara behind, twice in the past thirty-six hours.<\/p>\n

Chapter 3 – Transcripts<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~Crime Lab – DNA Lab~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Opening the door to the DNA lab Catherine let Abby walk into the room first. The sight that greeted her was of a young man, with spiky blonde hair, bouncing with beat of the music blaring through the headphones he was wearing. He hadn\u2019t heard the door open, fully concentrating on the lab work in front of him, and the music blaring in his ears. Abby looked over at Catherine a smirk on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeet Greg, are DNA tech, and future CSI, once he finds a lab replacement. The irony he doesn\u2019t like any of the applicants, says none of them were good enough for his \u2018lab\u2019.\u201d Catherine smiled as she waved her hand towards the oblivious tech.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he always this hyper?\u201d Abby asked, watching him bounce between microscopes and printers.<\/p>\n

Catherine shrugged, \u201cHe\u2019s actually a bit calm today.\u201d She stepped in front of him, raising her voice. \u201cGreg!\u201d<\/p>\n

Greg looked up, startled when he saw Catherine, across the table from him. Taking off the headphones, \u201chey Catherine, how can I help you?\u201d He smiled at her, as he leaned on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreg, I want you to meet a friend of mine.\u201d Catherine motioned towards Abby, who was still standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n

Greg\u2019s eyes went wide; he pulled back from the table, straightened his lab coat, and held out his hand. \u201cAny friend of Catherine\u2019s is a friend of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Catherine rolled her eyes at his antics, \u201cGreg this is Agent Abigail Thornheart, she\u2019s helping us with the campus rape case. Abby this is Greg Sanders, lab tech.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget DNA extraordinaire.\u201d Greg took her hand and kissed the back of it, then stepped back and looked over his shoulder at Catherine. \u201cGrissom actually let an FBI agent into the labs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby pulled her hand out of Greg\u2019s now lose grip. \u201cI trained here as a CSI level one, before I became FBI.\u201d She smiled, instantly like the hyper lab tech.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Greg intrigued by the woman standing in front of him. He stepped closer grinning, a conspirator gleam in his eyes. \u201cAre all FBI agents as pretty as you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby gave a sly smile, and leaned towards Greg whispering \u201cAre all lab techs as cute as you?\u201d Abby took a quick step to the right, winked at Catherine as Greg stumbled a bit.<\/p>\n

Greg turned towards the two women, \u201cCatherine your friend is a tease, but welcome in my lab any time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Greg.\u201d Abby smiles. \u201cThe lab has changed a lot since I\u2019ve been here. It will take me a while to find my way around again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Greg stepped up, \u201cGreg Sanders, personal guide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember that, when I get lost between the break room and the DNA lab.\u201d Abby shook her head. \u201cIt was nice meeting you, Greg. I have a feeling I\u2019ll be seeing more of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait till the end of the earth to be graced by your presence,\u201d Greg flourished.<\/p>\n

Catherine grabbed Abby\u2019s arm, pulling her out the door. \u201cGreg, I\u2019m still waiting for those fiber samples.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m working on it,\u201d He yelled as the door shut. He waved as the two women walked past the lab. Abby laughed, but waved back. \u201cI\u2019m in love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dI wouldn\u2019t fall to hard.\u201d Greg turned startled, twice in less than thirty minutes, a new record. \u201cShe was trained by Grissom, before she went to FBI.\u201d Nick laughed at Greg\u2019s horrified expression.<\/p>\n

Greg sat down in front of the samples he was working on, for Catherine. \u201cSo if I want to keep going out into the field\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t only think of pure thoughts when you\u2019re around Agent Thornheart,\u201d Nick finished his thought for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something I can do for you?\u201d Greg asked, getting down to business.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you able to identify the substance we found on the camera lens?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m running it now.\u201d The printer started up, Greg grabbing it before Nick could. \u201cRubbing Alcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick pulled the paper from Greg\u2019s hands. \u201cHe wiped the camera clean, so it is possible that she got a picture of him. But then if he wiped the camera clean why not take the camera?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot enough time?\u201d Greg asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr he\u2019s toying with us,\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice entered the lab. \u201cDid you get anything off the film, Nick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked over at Grissom; \u201cI got Archie to scan in the photo\u2019s and digitally enhance them to see if we can pull anything off the two exposed frames. The rest of the film was blank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrass just got back with the transcripts.\u201d Grissom held out the files to Nick, who grabbed them, taking a quick look through them, as he followed Grissom out the door, sending a quick nod towards Greg. \u201cAbby, is setting up in the break room, I want you to lead and Sara to work with you on this case. Warrick, Catherine and I will be working any other cases that come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick stopped just outside the break room, looking at Grissom. \u201cSara and I? Are you sure about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom could understand Nick\u2019s hesitation. The two CSI work well together, but since the \u2018promotion\u2019, it was a bit strained between the two. Plus a case like this would be difficult with emotions so high. Let alone added stress, of the FBI, the Sheriff, and the unknown factor of Abby. \u201cYou\u2019re both good at what you do, and this will case will take a lot of single minded attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a nice way of putting, we\u2019re to damn stubborn to know when to give up.\u201d Nick graced Grissom with a rare true smile; one Grissom hadn\u2019t seen a lot of lately.
\nGrissom\u2019s lips turned upward slightly, \u201cI want to be kept in the loop.\u201d Nick nodded, turning to go into the break room. \u201cOh, and Nick\u2026\u201d He paused and turned back towards Grissom. \u201c\u2026Remember nothing is to small, and trust your instincts I\u2019ve got a feeling this case will need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick watched as Grissom walked away. In three hours he watched Grissom storm out of his office to a meeting with the sheriff, to come back with a smile on his face. He looked through the glass to see Abby setting up. He took the opportunity to study her, and wonder about the effect she had on Grissom. She stood at five-seven, auburn hair pulled up into a twist on the back of her head, strands curling around the top and down the sides. Her sharp green eyes, were piercing, when Grissom introduced her she had looked each of them in the eyes, he felt like she was searching for some hidden answers. She was wearing a crisp dark gray suit, with a cream colored silk shirt. Her make-up was light, and minimal jewelry, actually the only pieces he could see was a simple set of earrings, and a chain around her neck. He looked back up to see her watching him, smiling. He blushed, as he opened the door and walked into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I pass, inspection?\u201d She asked, with an all-knowing smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tryin\u2019 to figure out who you are,\u201d Nick\u2019s accent thickening, a sign when he\u2019s nervous or embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just a kid from Vegas, who has a weird fascination with criminals and what makes them do what they do.\u201d She cocked her head, eyes dancing with mirth.<\/p>\n

Nick set the folders down on the table, asking the million-dollar question. \u201cSo what\u2019s your connection with Grissom?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed; Nick noticed that it was a soft shy laugh. \u201cNow there\u2019s a man any psychologist would love to figure out what makes him tick. Unfortunately in the fourteen years I\u2019ve known him, I still haven\u2019t figured it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick absorbed the information, Abby knew Grissom before Catherine. Just about the time he had arrived in Vegas, from Los Angeles. \u201cI brought those transcripts,\u201d he said getting down to business.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, now lets take a look and start making a chart.\u201d She wheeled a dry erase board closer to the table, and picked up a black marker. \u201cOkay, who\u2019s the first victim?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNancy Holmes, twenty-one, found September first, behind the library.\u201d Nick answered picking up the victim\u2019s transcripts. He watched as Abby wrote down the information.<\/p>\n

\u201cSecond victim?\u201d She looked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cTanya Cushing, twenty, found September fifteenth, outside the Pysch buildings.\u201d Setting the second victims transcripts next to the first. \u201cYou ready for the third?\u201d She nodded keeping her eyes on the board. \u201cAmy Neal, twenty-two, September twenty-ninth, found outside the art building.\u201d<\/p>\n

After writing all of them up on the board, she stepped back next to Nick and studied them. \u201cWhat\u2019s the connection?\u201d Abby asked to no one in particular.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou started without me?\u201d Sara\u2019s voice came from behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust getting the preliminary data onto the board.\u201d Nick answered, not looking back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what does it tell us?\u201d Sara stepped up next to Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s look at their transcripts, see what classes, clubs, programs, anything they would have in common.\u201d Abby picked up Amy Neal\u2019s and handed it to Sara, Tanya Cushing to Nick and herself took Nancy Holmes.<\/p>\n

Nick took up the pen, \u201cNeal was taking Children\u2019s Lit, an English Special Project, Fiction Writing, and Photography. We know her last class was photography, she was coming from developing a project she was working on when she was attacked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren\u2019s Lit?\u201d Sara asked, looking up at Nick. \u201cCushing was taking Children\u2019s Lit, along with Ancient Society, Human Mind, and Art History. How about Holmes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStats, Civil War, Cultural Anthropology, and Psychology. She was a History major, wouldn\u2019t be in an English classes.\u201d Abby commented as Nick wrote the info on the board. \u201cPlaces of residence? Holmes lived at home with her parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeal was married,\u201d Nick said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorority House,\u201d Sara added.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn, is there any connection between the three?\u201d Nick asked stepping back from the board. \u201cWe have a History major, Sociology major and an English major.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe there is a connection that isn\u2019t school related?\u201d Sara questioned. Both turned to Abby, noticing she was quiet, contemplating.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgent Thornheart?\u201d Nick tried to get her attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Abby,\u201d Abby moved forward concentrating. \u201cIt\u2019s the dates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Sara asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeptember first, fifteenth, and twenty-ninth, fourteen days apart. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern, third time is a signature. What is today\u2019s date?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked at the calendar on the wall, \u201cOctober second.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo if this pattern holds, we will find the next victim on the thirteenth. We have eleven days to find another pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll three victims are red hair, or dyed red. All around the same age, and height, all students.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know the knife is the same, between the three. The same black fibers between Cushing and Neal.\u201d Sara thought out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo semen found?\u201d Abby asked.<\/p>\n

Nick answered, \u201cNot a drop, no fibers, no blood, the bodies were clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s toying with us.\u201d Abby kept staring at the board. \u201cHe\u2019s leaving just enough evidence to know he\u2019s out there, but not enough to find him.\u201d She turned to the two CSI\u2019s, \u201cThe hunt is afoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 4 – Breakfast at Tiffany\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby walked through the mall towards her destination, her heels clicking on the marble floors, echoing through the empty corridors. The crowds were thin, to early to actually be up and shopping. Only a few tourists roaming around taking pictures of gaudy motifs and statues of Zeus and other Greek god like figures. Most of the shops were high end stores designer clothes, jewelry and expensive gadgets. She stopped for a second eyeing a trendy black suit in the window of Jones New York, then kept on her way, she had a breakfast date to keep.<\/p>\n

She stopped, for a few minutes, and watched the man waiting for her, absorbing his presence. It had been to long since she had seen him last. Abby walked up to the table, set her satchel down and took the seat across from her breakfast date. She sighed with relief when she noticed the venti starbucks coffee sitting in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease tell me it\u2019s bold Columbian or something close to it, I really need a caffeine fix.\u201d She lifted the lid off the cup and inhaled the strong aroma.<\/p>\n

\u201dYou and Greg would really get along, he has a stash of some expensive Hawaiian coffee around the labs.\u201d Grissom shook his head at the look of pure bliss on Abby\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? I\u2019ll have to hunt him down, and make him tell me where it is at.\u201d She took a sip of the coffee, sighed with content as she set it back on the table. \u201cFood?\u201d<\/p>\n

He produced a bag full of various muffins and pastries from a local bakery. \u201cMolly\u2019s Bakery, your favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod, I love you!\u201d Abby snatched the bag and started digging through it, pulling out a cheese danish, and banana nut muffin. She handed the bag back to Grissom, while nibbling on the danish.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Grant?\u201d Grissom asked pulling out a muffin for himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould love to hear from you, he\u2019s got a science project due next week, and of course he wants to study bugs. So he can be just like his godfather.\u201d Abby sipped her coffee, sending a mock glare at Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s my job to help mold him into a stable part of society.\u201d Grissom off handedly remarked, \u201cI\u2019ll give him a call later today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still haven\u2019t forgiven you for the pet tarantula.\u201d Abby shook her cheese danish at him. \u201cYou know I hate spiders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a pet, to teach him how to be responsible.\u201d His monotone voice was ruined with the twitching of his lips. \u201cBesides I hear you\u2019re the main suspect in its death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no evidence to prove that theory,\u201d she sipped her coffee, looking like the cat that ate the canary.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you doing?\u201d Grissom leaned back in his chair, blue eyes piercing. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t mean in general, I mean about the case?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure know how to ruin a good meal.\u201d She threw down the danish, and sat back. \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026 Honestly I\u2019m fine. It was a long time ago, and it isn\u2019t like I haven\u2019t worked rape cases before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but none of them were on the campus, where yours took place.\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice was calm, yet filled with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a trained CSI, with a degree in Psychology, I\u2019ve dealt with it, and I\u2019m fine Gil.\u201d Abby picked up her coffee and took a few sips.<\/p>\n

Grissom nodded, and then said, \u201cMy door is always open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, because I need a place to stay.\u201d She grinned, \u201cYou walked right into that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I did. FBI not putting you up in a hotel?\u201d Grissom sipped at his own coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the cheapest hotel they can find. I don\u2019t even want to know what organisms might be living in that hotel let alone, in the sheets.\u201d Abby shivered at the thought. \u201cEspecially since I happen to know this great guy, who happens to have an extra bedroom, yes I admit it has bugs on the wall, but at least their not in the sheets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom laughed, putting his coffee down, before he spilled it. \u201cYou\u2019re always welcome at my house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby shrugged, \u201cThat\u2019s good because my bags are already there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s the mapping going?\u201d Grissom asked, getting more serous.
\n\u201cGood, Nick and Sara were still combing over the victims transcripts trying to find any more connections. So far we have only the dates to go by.\u201d Abby pulled up her satchel going through it looking for something in particular. \u201cFourteen days between each attack, so if we don\u2019t figure out who the rapist is, we will have another victim in eleven days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom sighed, \u201cAny ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up from her search, eyebrow raised. \u201cYou\u2019re asking me for an educated guess?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dNo, I\u2019m asking a profiler their opinion.\u201d Grissom pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s toying with us, ahhah.\u201d She yelled, and then pulled out a leather bound journal. \u201cHe knows by not leaving clues, he\u2019s leaving clues. He wants us to chase him. What I don\u2019t know is if he\u2019s doing this because he has an issue with young college students with red hair, or if his issues lies towards the police, maybe even CSI.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with the journal?\u201d Grissom pointed at the book in her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy personal notes, on the case, my feelings or others. I\u2019ve found that if I write down it helps not to get my thoughts and the evidence mixed up.\u201d She opened the book and wrote a few things down.<\/p>\n

Grissom watched as she chewed on her pen, writing a few things down. \u201cI\u2019m glad your back. I\u2019ve missed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby looked up, a shy smile on her face. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you to, Gil. To bad it took three women dying to get me back in Vegas. It will be hard to leave when the case is solved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho says you have to leave?\u201d Grissom\u2019s look showed his sincerity.<\/p>\n

Abby\u2019s shock showed on her face. \u201cLet\u2019s catch the asshole first then we will talk job opportunities. Besides if I recall the last time you asked if I wanted to work for you I was in labor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dDistraction method, it worked.\u201d Grissom grinned, \u201cYou took the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever regretted it.\u201d Abby laughed, \u201cwell most of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think of the team?\u201d Grissom asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatherine has really come along way. She\u2019s confident in herself and her abilities. She\u2019s found a nice mix between being sensitive to the victims and families and following the evidence, a balance between being a mom and an investigator. She called me after Eddie died you know, she\u2019s doing well, considering everything she\u2019s been dealt with this past year.\u201d Abby set the book down on the table. \u201cAs for the rest of your team. I\u2019ve only got to know them a little, can\u2019t give you a full profile on each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom looked down, like being caught with his hand in cookie jar. \u201cFirst Impression?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSara is dedicated to her job, almost married to it, reminds me of someone.\u201d Abby sent him a knowing look, \u201cHer single-minded dedication is also a hindrance. She doesn\u2019t know when to let go, and walk away. She is not very trusting of strangers. That was obvious the moment we were introduced. She sees me as a threat. She\u2019s determined to prove to you, she can be trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dI\u2019ve tried talking to her, but she\u2019s just been pushing my buttons lately,\u201d Grissom sighed.<\/p>\n

.<\/p>\n

\u201cClassic child trying to get dad\u2019s attention. She just needs to find her center, again.\u201d Abby explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarrick?\u201d Grissom asked. \u201cMy other problem child.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby smiled, \u201cWarrick, my first impression is that he is completely professionalism, maybe even a perfectionist. All his energy he spent gambling is now reflected back on his job.\u201d Abby stilled for a minute thinking. \u201cHe\u2019s hard to read actually, since I talked to him for only a few minutes I can\u2019t really say, exactly what makes him tick. But from what you\u2019ve told me, over the years, he\u2019s loyal. You\u2019ve stuck by him, when others wouldn\u2019t; it is what strives him to be the best. To prove to others that your faith in him was not misplaced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby paused and studied Grissom carefully, \u201cIf you recall is need to prove his loyalty was strong after Holly was killed. He pushed your buttons to get you to respond, to see he was capable, to let go of the leash. Sara is doing much the same thing. You\u2019re her mentor and she misplaced her feelings of admiration, even fatherly love for romantic love. When you turned her down she retreated into herself, and her work leading to burn out. She was humiliated, and now needs to prove to you and herself that she is a good CSI.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom gave her a contemplative look, listening to her observations. \u201c What about Nick? Ironically, considering he\u2019s my least problem child, I\u2019m worried about him; he\u2019s been acting a lot less like \u2018Nick\u2019 these past few months. The tension between him and Sara has been thick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby sat back in her chair, \u201cNick is coming into his own. Learning to be the CSI he wants to be, not what he thinks you want him to be or his family. The promotion was a sign of moving up in your career, to prove to his family that he\u2019s going somewhere. He realized that the promotion didn\u2019t matter; he was there for his reasons, not his families or yours. His relationship with Sara was damaged, and I think he doesn\u2019t know what to do about it. Causing some of the tension. He\u2019s afraid of doing something to upset her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby paused then smiled. \u201cI don\u2019t know how, but considering his job, and events that has taken place in his life it\u2019s hard to imagine that he still believes in the good of mankind.\u201d Abby grinned, \u201cYou can\u2019t help but be caught up in his optimism. He\u2019s now comfortable with himself and his abilities. He reminds me of Catherine, trying to find that balance between instinct and evidence, emotion and reason. Yet he still has an underlining need to please others, he\u2019s looking for acceptance, specifically from you.\u201d She looked up at Grissom, giving him a knowing look. \u201cThe Nick you knew is still there, just a bit more matured.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded, \u201cDid you meet Greg?\u201d Grissom asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hyper lab rat, trying to break out of the maze and get into the field?\u201d Abby commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, him.\u201d Grissom watched as the mall began to fill with more people as the morning progressed. \u201cYou got him peg pretty well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s trying to find his nitch, he knows he\u2019s good at what he does. He just wants to try new things. He\u2019s trying to impress all of you, to show he\u2019s more than a rat.\u201d Abby downed the last of her coffee. \u201cAll of your team members have a common element. The need to please you.\u201d Abby looked him in the eyes, \u201cThey just want you to say good job.\u201d Feeling his uneasiness, Abby let him off the hook and changed the subject. \u201cYou know they are all curious about our history. Nick even flat out asked. Must of learned his get straight to the point technique from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Grissom asked, concerned. There were few people he couldn\u2019t hide from, Abby, Catherine, and Lady Heather. He knew just because Abby dropped the subject didn\u2019t mean she forgot it. She was a psychologist, a criminalist, stubborn, and observant, he trained her, he should know. His team was his family, and at times he didn\u2019t know how to say \u2018good job\u2019. There are only a few people that he could open up to; consequently they were the same few he couldn\u2019t hide from.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat in the fourteen years I\u2019ve known you, even I don\u2019t know you.\u201d Abby motioned with her hands, absent-mindedly. \u201cOf course he latched onto the whole fourteen years part, got yourself a good CSI there, observant. What do you want me to tell them?\u201d
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know?\u201d Grissom shrugged, his eyes clouded with concentration. \u201cI don\u2019t think we should mention that we met, because I was investigating your rape case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr that you got personally involved and let your emotions cloud your judgment.\u201d Abby added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t regret it.\u201d Grissom said with sincerity. \u201cYou and Grant are my family. I just don\u2019t like my personal life talked about at work.\u201d
\n\u201cI know, look they know I used to work with you. That you trained me, they don\u2019t have to know how we met.\u201d Abby got up out of her chair and kissed him on the cheek. \u201cYou saved me, and gave me a chance for a better life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you saved yourself. I held the net to make sure you didn\u2019t fall.\u201d Grissom brushed a piece of hair back behind her ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m exhausted, can we go, so I can get some sleep, before I face shift tonight.\u201d Abby stood back, picking up her satchel.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, besides I need to give Grant a call, to talk bugs.\u201d Grissom grinned as Abby rolled her eyes at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the way, why did you ask me to meet you here?\u201d Abby motioned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always wanted to have Breakfast at Tiffany\u2019s.\u201d Grissom held out his arm for her to take it.<\/p>\n

Abby looked up at the Tiffany\u2019s window, \u201cYou\u2019re much better looking than George Peppard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy thank you, Miss Hepburn.\u201d Grissom took Abby\u2019s arm and walked back through the mall, now filling with tourists and shoppers.<\/p>\n

Chapter 5 – Frustration <\/strong><\/p>\n

~Crime Lab – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nick walked into the building around six pm. Abby had called him about a possible lead she found in the victims employment records at the campus, he was to meet her and Sara in the break room a couple of hours before shift. The past few days had been frustrating, getting the records from the campus were taking longer than expected.<\/p>\n

The University was afraid of lawsuits, and getting information out of them was slow. At one point he thought Sara or Abby was going to reach across the chancellor\u2019s desk and strangle him. Each of the girls had been involved in various clubs and organizations. It was taking time to compile all the rosters from all the clubs to see if there were cross members that new all three victims. Last he had checked, before crashing after a double shift, was that a few of clubs still hadn\u2019t handed over their lists.<\/p>\n

There seemed to be no connection between the three girls. A through search of each of the residences hadn\u2019t pulled up anything. They were involved in very different social circles, none of them coming into contact with the other. So far the only connection they had with each other was being a victim. Their case was at a stand still until they found some active leads. He and Sara both were working separate cases, while working with Abby, who seemed to get more frustrated by the day.<\/p>\n

As he turned the corner he could hear raised voices coming from the break room. By the time he reached the door, it was an all out screaming match between Abby and Culpepper. He stopped outside the door, not sure if he should interfere.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell you can just shove your progress reports up your ass!\u201d Abby stood nose to nose with Culpepper.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs your supervisor I demand to be brought up to date one this case,\u201d Culpepper gave back as much as he got.<\/p>\n

Abby stepped back; hands on her hips, eyes burning, \u201cConsidering you\u2019re not my supervisor you could demand all you want, doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re going to get anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in charge of this investigation.\u201d Culpepper took a step forward, \u201cAnd you will follow my orders Agent Thornheart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst off, Grissom is in charge of this investigation. Second of all, I\u2019m on loan from DC, as a profiler, I\u2019m not one of your agents. Third of all Sheriff Atwater made it quite clear that I was to report to Grissom, only.\u201d Abby\u2019s voice lowered into a low growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can have your badge,\u201d making his threat clear<\/p>\n

Abby smirked, \u201cand I can work freelance,” making her position known.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgent Culpepper your disturbing my labs, and CSI\u2019s I suggest you take this argument somewhere else, actually why don\u2019t you just leave.\u201d Grissom entered the break room, Nick a few steps behind him.<\/p>\n

Culpepper turned on his heel, his anger now focused on the CSI Supervisor. \u201cGrissom, just the man I was looking for, what is the status of this case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy CSI\u2019s are working on a few leads.\u201d Grissom stood his ground, arms crossed in front of him. \u201cUntil further evidence can be analyzed that is all anyone is going to get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Culpepper snapped his head back towards Abby, \u201cI\u2019ll be calling your supervisor,\u201d then stormed out of the break room, shoving Sara aside as she walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him I said hello,\u201d Abby yelled out after him. \u201cBastard!\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom now turned his intense stare towards her, \u201cAbby?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you start on me, I was minding my own business going over these employment records when he stormed in knocking things off the table demanding an update. I told him we were working the evidence and would get back to him when we had something conclusive.\u201d Abby sat down at the table sorting through the scattered files. \u201cHe didn\u2019t like my answer, and well one thing led to another; next minute I know he\u2019s threatening to call DC and have me removed from the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan he do that?\u201d Nick asked, picking up files off the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s doesn\u2019t have jurisdiction over me, plus I\u2019m on loan from DC branch, not Vegas.\u201d Abby looked over at Nick and grinned, \u201cI would love to be a fly on the wall when he calls DC.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dCulpepper can still make problems.\u201d Sara stated sitting down at the table. \u201cHe\u2019s railroaded our cases before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby, can he cause problems with your supervisor?\u201d Grissom asked a bit concerned.
\n\u201cI\u2019m going to say this once; there is no way Culpepper can get me pulled off this case or any case\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cWhy?\u201d Sara quipped, \u201cAre you that good?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby smiled, \u201cI was involved in the sniper case, even had dinner at the white house, for my work. So who do you think they are going to side with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sniper, as in the one who was shooting people randomly throughout Virginia and Maryland?\u201d Nick asked a bit awed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one in the same, of course I also bribed the lab techs that the one who found me a linking piece of evidence I would pay for them to go to the Bahamas.\u201d Abby grinned, then looked up to see a wide eyed Greg. \u201cNo, don\u2019t even think about it, I\u2019m not sending you to the Bahamas unless of course that report in your hand tells me who the rapist is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Greg looks at the report, frowns, \u201cNo, but it does tell Grissom who his killer is, does that count for something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Grissom grabs the report, seeing Abby raise her eyebrow at him, \u201cbut good job Greg.\u201d Leaving a shocked lab tech at the door, he turns and looks at Abby. \u201cAbby, we will discuss this later, in my office.\u201d Greg walked back to his lab on cloud nine.<\/p>\n

Abby watched through the windows as Grissom went to go find Warrick. \u201cI\u2019m in trouble aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Nick grinned. \u201cWhat did you find in the employment records?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA connection, finally,\u201d Abby pulled up one of the files. \u201cAt one point they all worked at the college bookstore.\u201d Pausing for dramatic affect, \u201cand worked under the same supervisor, who interestingly enough was fired for sexual harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrass picking him up?\u201d Sara asked, a smile forming on her face. She was beyond frustrated over the pace of the case. They had nothing until now; she was giddy with excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould be bringing him in now, Sara I want you to do the interview. I had the campus fax over the complaints made against him. From what I can tell from the reports, he doesn\u2019t like strong willed women. \u201d Abby paused, Sarah\u2019s grin just got wider. \u201dThe biggest complaint was that he would always preach that women should be at home making sure dinner is on the table for her man, taking care of the kids, and keeping her husband happy in the bedroom.\u201d Abby looked up at Sara, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll just love you,\u201d Nick grinned at Sara, who grinned back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just watch from behind the mirror, see his responses and mannerisms.\u201d Abby handed her the report as they headed out of the break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything specific I should I do?\u201d Sara asked, looking over the complaints quickly.<\/p>\n

Abby shrugged, \u201cJust be you, it will be enough to set him off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas that a compliment or insult?\u201d Sara stopped looking at Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on how you want to take it,\u201d Abby walked off leaving Sara gaping.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more I work with her, the more I see Grissom\u2019s training.\u201d Nick commented; a huff from Sara was her only response. \u201cWhat exactly do you have against her?\u201d
\nSara just glared at him, \u201cWe have to get to the station.\u201d She turned on her heel and followed Abby down the hall.<\/p>\n

Nick sighed, and followed the two women out into the parking lot. He fished out the keys to his Tahoe, unlocking the doors to let the girls in, when he heard the door open, and Grissom stepped out of the labs and jogged up to Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cNick, whatever you do, do not let Abby drive.\u201d Grissom stated with extreme seriousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Nick asked shocked.<\/p>\n

\u201dWHAT!\u201d Abby yelled indignant.<\/p>\n

Grissom looked Nick directly in the eyes. \u201cYou heard me, Nick, Abby doesn\u2019t drive.\u201d Grissom then turned towards Abby, \u201cAnd you know why?\u201d Grissom turned and walked back into the lab.<\/p>\n

Nick turned to Abby eyebrows raised in a question. \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up and drive.\u201d Abby grumbled getting into the backseat of the Tahoe. Her eyes narrowed at Sara\u2019s smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~Interrogation Room – Police Station~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sara sat across from one Thomas Philips, thirty-two, single, and balding. He was belligerent in his answers and only spoke to Brass when he answered, Sara\u2019s questions. Abby watched through the two-way mirror, watching carefully for any indication of violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t like woman, much do you? Mr. Philips.\u201d Brass asked, sitting across the table from the suspect.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly woman that don\u2019t know their place,\u201d Philip pointedly glared at Sara.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why, the woman at the bookstore, filed charges against you?\u201d Sara asked.<\/p>\n

Philips leaned forward, \u201cThose woman, were know-it-all little bitches, couldn\u2019t get a man if they paid one.\u201d He finished his statement by sitting back in his chair, smiling at Brass.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you raped and killed them?\u201d Sara threw a picture of Amy Neal. \u201cShe was married, and she didn\u2019t pay him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t rape or kill no one.\u201d Philip pushed the photo away from him in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Philips, where were you on the night of September first?\u201d Sara asked, cocking her head to the side staring at him intently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking like I do every night at the construction yard.\u201d He answered, and then looked over at Brass. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you asking the questions? She your supervisor or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr something,\u201d Brass shrugged.<\/p>\n

Sara interrupted, \u201cNow Mr. Philips do you have any witness to the fact you were at the construction yard?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you married, miss?\u201d Philips glanced at Sara.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you or do you not have proof you were at the construction yard?\u201d Sara asked, her voice becoming tight with frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously not, no man would put up with a bitch like you.\u201d Philips sneered in her direction, then turned to Brass. \u201cCheck my time cards man, and ask my crew. I work the graveyard shift, clock in at eight pm and clock out at eight am, my lunch break is at one am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will do that Mr. Philips, and if I find one discrepancy I\u2019m hauling you in, personally.\u201d Sara stood and left the room.<\/p>\n

~Behind the Mirror~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, why can\u2019t you drive?\u201d Nick asked, as they watched the interrogation.<\/p>\n

She looked over at him, trying not to succumb to his grin, \u201cthat\u2019s between me, Grissom, and the DMV.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, maybe I should make a call,\u201d Nick was in full grin.<\/p>\n

Abby focused in on Mr. Philips, watching his reaction to the photo. \u201cYou do, and I\u2019ll tie you up in the lab\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKinky\u2026\u201d Nick looked over at Abby\u2019s eyes dancing.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026With Gil\u2019s spider.\u201d Abby smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just wrong,\u201d Nick turned back to the interrogation. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Nick gestured towards the man being interrogated.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not our guy. He\u2019s a chauvinistic pig, who obviously can\u2019t get a date if he paid them.\u201d The door opened as Brass and Sara walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI all ready have them checking out his time cards and asking his co-workers, but I have a feeling they will support what he\u2019s telling us.\u201d Brass commented as he closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a jerk, but not a killer.\u201d Sara sighed looking back through the mirror at Mr. Philips. \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to the records,\u201d Abby shook her head. \u201cThere\u2019s got to be something we are missing.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Break Room – Crime Labs: 2 days later~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nick barely missed the thrown file folder as he opened the door. Abby looked beyond frustrated. She sat down at the desk and stared at the board.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing?\u201d Nick asked<\/p>\n

\u201dNo, notta, zip, zero, zilch\u2026\u201d Abby waved her hands around exuberantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it,\u201d Nick sat across from her, handing her a cup of coffee from Starbucks. \u201cGrissom told me about your ah, addiction, just don\u2019t let Greg see it. He\u2019ll think your cheating on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Abby sipped the coffee. \u201cHow\u2019s the other case going?\u201d
\n\u201cGood, we found a match to the DNA and fingerprints, Warrick is with O\u2019Reilly booking the suspect.\u201d Nick answered, picking up some loose papers. \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI finally got the all the clubs to send me the roster lists.\u201d Abby rolled her eyes. \u201cI gave Sara a copy earlier; she\u2019s running the names through the system to see if we get a connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many days left?\u201d Nick asked, flipping through the papers.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive, until he strikes again.\u201d Abby stood up and looked at the board frowning. \u201cI know I\u2019m missing something. Something important, something he knows I should know, but won\u2019t tell me. The only thing we have is the number fourteen. It could mean anything, date, victims, age he lost his virginity, months in the service, jail; the list is endless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look frustrated,\u201d Catherine walked in with a sympathetic look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell you would be to if your phone rang every five minutes. Culpepper is riding me, I now got the Sheriff hounding me, DC called asking my estimated return time, and now the damn reporters keep calling. I\u2019m sorely tempted to turn my cell phone off, but then Grissom would yell at me, again or worse make me do a shoe print comparison on his case.\u201d Abby smirked, and then yawned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long you\u2019ve been up?\u201d Catherine eyed the venti starbucks.<\/p>\n

Abby blinked, looked at her watch, then calendar. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick shook his head, \u201c4am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby spun in her chair and looked at Catherine. \u201cThen I\u2019ve been up for twenty hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m heading out, you should go home and get some sleep.\u201d Catherine headed for the door. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come over before shift, I\u2019ll cook dinner. Lindsey would love to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby smiled, \u201cThanks Cath, I would love to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you around six?\u201d Catherine called out as she headed out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCatherine\u2019s right you should go, get some rest. If you want I\u2019ll drive you out to your hotel, since it seems the state of Nevada won\u2019t let you drive.\u201d Nick grinned, and then laughed at Abby\u2019s glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor your information Mr. Stokes, I can drive in the state of Nevada. Its just that Grissom doesn\u2019t trust me with the Tahoe\u2019s,\u201d Abby\u2019s glare was ruined by a mouth splitting yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need a ride home?\u201d Nick asked concerned.<\/p>\n

Abby gave a tired smile, \u201cI\u2019m just waiting for Gil; he\u2019s my ride and my hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re staying at Grissom\u2019s?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime I\u2019m in Vegas I stay there, it\u2019s like a second home.\u201d Abby picked up another folder and started going through it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Grissom are close?\u201d Nick tried to easy into the conversation, hoping to get more information out of the redhead.<\/p>\n

Abby looked up at the Texan and smirked, \u201cHe helped me through a rough time in my life. When my parents died when I was sixteen I had no one. Grissom became my family, a second father in a sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked up, hearing the emotion in her voice. It made sense to him, watching the two interact. Grissom treated her like his kid; he was protective of her, and always quick to smile at her antics. Nick was curious; it was the CSI in him. He wanted to know how the two meet, what situation made the two become so close, and in truth he wanted to know more about Abby. He opened his mouth to ask more questions, when the theme song from the A-Team interrupted him. He looked at Abby, who smiled sheepishly and picked up her phone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThornheart,\u201d Her voice was professional, though her face showed her irritation. Nick watched in amazement as her face softened and lit up in joy. \u201cHi, honey. How are you\u2026I\u2019m fine, yes Gil is taking care of me\u2026No, I\u2019m not drinking coffee\u2026\u201d Nick watched as she pushed her cup of coffee away from her. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not lying to you\u2026 By the way what are you doing up? It\u2019s four in the morning\u2026 Oh yeah time difference. Did you get your homework done?\u201d Nick looked up in surprise. \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026 Yes, I\u2019m eating\u2026did you finish your project? Yes, I\u2019m changing the subject\u2026 I\u2019m your mother; it\u2019s my job to change the subject.\u201d She looks up to see a surprised Nick looking back at her. \u201cHoney\u2026I\u2019m not answering that\u2026one of Gil\u2019s CSI\u2019s is from Texas\u2026went to A&M\u2026I\u2019m not sure\u2026 Why don\u2019t you ask him?\u201d Abby grinned then handed the phone over to Nick.<\/p>\n

Nick took the phone without thinking, gave a puzzled look to a smirking Abby, who sat back sipping her coffee. \u201cHello? This is Nick Stokes\u2026Yeah, I\u2019m from Texas\u2026Didn\u2019t play for A&M but played in high school, but I do know the quarterback\u2026He\u2019s a friend of the family\u2026Next time I\u2019ll talk to him I\u2019ll get an autograph, who should I have it signed for? Grant Grissom Thornheart.\u201d Nick raised his eyebrows at Abby she coughed and looked down. \u201cYes, she\u2019s drinking coffee\u2026Oh really, I\u2019ll write that down.\u201d Nick pulled out a paper and pen, \u201cNo coffee after 3am got it\u2026 Really call the local Starbucks.\u201d Abby huffed from her side of the table her hands gesturing for the phone. Nick grinned and leaned back in his chair. \u201cMust have three meals a day or gets crabby\u2026Yes, I noticed that\u2026Thanks for the tip I\u2019ll make sure to remember that\u2026Well it looks like your mom is going to try to rip the phone out of my hand so I\u2019ll talk with you later\u2026 My cell number? Its\u2026\u201d Nick stated his number then handed back the phone to Abby smirking.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant honey, what did you tell him?\u201d Abby glared at the phone,\u201d Don\u2019t give me that young man. Of course, now you have to go. I love you to.\u201d She closed the phone and looked over at Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-Team theme song?\u201d Nick grinned at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just getting tons of information out of me this morning aren\u2019t you.\u201d Abby smiled, as she reached for her coffee.<\/p>\n

Nick was one step ahead of her and grabbed it before she did. \u201cGrant, said no coffee after three am, and its now four-fifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby eyes narrowed at the Texan, \u201cGive me my coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, and he also stated that if you argued with me, I should tell Grissom that your drinking to much coffee.\u201d Nick stood up walking over to the sink to dump the coffee.<\/p>\n

Abby jumped up to stop him, \u201cNow, Nick, we can work out some arrangement right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick held the cup over the sink. Abby lunged for it; Nick grabbed her by the waist pulling her way while dumping the liquid down the sink. Abby groaned at the loss of the blessed caffeine.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something going on here?\u201d Grissom stood at the break room door. He had heard laughter from the break room, and had decided to investigate. He walked up to see Nick and Abby laughing, Nick holding Abby around her waist, while she was reaching past him trying to get to the cup in his hand. He wasn\u2019t sure what to feel about the cozy moment he witnessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom, your CSI just poured my perfectly good coffee down the drain.\u201d Abby stood there hands on her hips glaring at the Texan, who didn\u2019t look at all ashamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was ordered to get rid of it,\u201d Nick pointed out.<\/p>\n

Grissom looked over at his CSI, \u201cBy whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant Grissom Thornheart,\u201d Nick looked Grissom directly in the eyes.<\/p>\n

Grissom paused, looked over at Abby who shrugged, \u201cThe two of them had a chat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dAnd exactly how did they end up chatting?\u201d Grissom asked, his answer coming from Abby\u2019s eye shift and quick movement to sit back down. \u201cDistracting Grant from asking questions so you handed him off to Nick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby looked over at Nick, \u201cYou know he should be a CSI.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick laughed as he sat back down at the table. \u201cSo Grissom\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you have a case to work on?\u201d Grissom cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarrick and I wrapped the last one; I was going to go over these club records with Abby.\u201d Nick took the hint and dropped the subject matter. Grissom nodded then turned and left the break room.<\/p>\n

Nick looked over at the board and tried to focus on finding any connection. Abby pulled up more folders and began sifting through them, writing down thoughts or notes into a journal that sat next to her. \u2018The only thing we have is the number fourteen. It could mean anything, date, victims, age he lost his virginity, months in the service, jail; the list is endless.\u2019 Nick stood up and headed for the door. Abby jerked at his sudden movements following him with her eyes to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a hunch, I want to follow. I\u2019ll let you know if it pans out.\u201d He walked out the door and down the hall. She watched him head to the back of the labs, but lost sight of him as he turned the corner. She then looked around, got up walked over to the cabinet, opened the second to the left and reached into the back of the cabinet. Grabbing her prize she pulled out Greg\u2019s secret stash, and made a fresh pot of coffee.<\/p>\n

Nick sat down at the computer and pulled up the Crime Lab\u2019s database on past cases. He typed in the number fourteen to see if it would pull up anything. He slowly began a methodical search, using the number fourteen in every possible search field – date, victim, age, year. What if it was personal? What if he is saying something to CSI? Nick sat back; it was going to be a long day, now he wished he hadn\u2019t dumped the Starbucks coffee.<\/p>\n

Chapter 6 – Strikes Again<\/strong><\/p>\n

~CSI Lab\u2019s – October 13th<\/sup>~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nick watched from the hallway as Abby paced back and forth inside the break room. Fourteen days since the last victim, Amy Neal. Abby was beyond frustrated, she was agitated, irritable, and down right pissed. They had one other lead that had come from Sara compiling the list from the clubs. One name came up, Paul Jackson; he was a member in over ten clubs, three of the clubs had the victims as members. It was their first major lead, considering the clubs were a wide variety of social groups; to be a member of all three was suspicious.<\/p>\n

That lead failed, just like Thomas Philips. Jackson had an alibi for each of the nights. He was a Sociology major doing his thesis on social groups and how they interacted. Abby stormed out of the precinct, frustrated. Nick had watched as Grissom gently lead her to the car, and then took off. Brass ended up giving Sara and him a ride back to the Lab. The whole time Sara, fumed in the back, at being left behind.<\/p>\n

An hour later Abby walked back into the lab with Grissom, a venti starbucks in her hand. Nick smirked, as she shield her coffee away from him. He smiled as he handed her a small box, stating Grant said they would help. Her squeal of delight in seeing the box of Rum Nougats from Sees Candy was worth the effort to get them, that and the kiss on the cheek.<\/p>\n

That was two days ago, and now Nick stood silently in the hallway, watching Grissom try to calm Abby down. He wasn\u2019t sure if it was working. He watched in fascination to see a more emotional side of Grissom. He seemed open and approachable, as a matter of fact Nick couldn\u2019t remember a time he had seen Grissom like this. Sara stepped up behind him, watching the scene play out, a mixture of emotions on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the history between those two?\u201d She asked, her tone sharp.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have to ask them that.\u201d Nick shrugged gripping the file he had in his hands tighter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just seems odd. We\u2019ve never heard of her, and she just shows up and Grissom just welcomes her with open arms.\u201d Sara said, never taking her eyes off the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not our place to ask.\u201d Nick looked over at the now frowning Sara. He looked back over to the break room. Grissom had pulled Abby into his arms, Nick could tell by her shoulders shaking that she was crying. He turned to see Sara head for the door. \u201cSara give them a few\u2026\u201d He frowned as Sara entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems someone doesn\u2019t like it when dad pays attention to the other children.\u201d Catherine\u2019s voice came from behind him, startling him slightly.<\/p>\n

Nick turned, to look at the older woman. \u201cSara\u2019s feeling a bit insecure in her place with Grissom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warrick walked up to the pair, \u201cI know how she feels.\u201d He looked into the break room to see Abby move away from Grissom, and head for the door.<\/p>\n

Abby walked by the three, heading for the bathroom, Catherine excused herself and followed. Nick and Warrick watched as Grissom and Sara went head deep into an argument.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not my place, but have you tried talking with her?\u201d Nick asked Warrick, \u201cI mean out of all of us, you understand the situation best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried, but she shot me down.\u201d Warrick shrugged. \u201cThe difference is that I know I have an addiction, and I fight it every day, every case gone bad. It took a while but I put it behind me, stopped trying to show Grissom I can do my job, and just did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is it that three grown adults, secure in what they do, via for his attention and acceptance?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea, man.\u201d Warrick patted Nick on the shoulder and head down the hall.<\/p>\n

Nick took a deep breath and walked into the break room. \u201cGris, I have\u2026\u201d He hoped he could defuse the situation, but he was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cSara, this isn\u2019t the time or place for this. What ever your problem is get over it, and get back to work.\u201d Grissom commanded, then turned and walked out the door, not even acknowledging Nick.<\/p>\n

Nick looked over at Sara, who was fuming. Not sure exactly what to say or do, he just set the folder on the counter, and poured some coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT is his problem!?\u201d Sara fumed; she started pacing around the room. \u201cI just asked a simple question, and he goes ballistic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends\u2026.\u201d Nick turned coffee cup in hand, leaning on the counter<\/p>\n

Sara continued, not even hearing Nick\u2019s answer. \u201cI mean, don\u2019t you think we have the right to know their history?\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched her pace, \u201cActually\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d Nick just looked at her. \u201cWe should be able to trust our team members, and yet Grissom and her are hiding something!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSara, how many nieces and nephews do I have?\u201d Nick asked out of the blue.<\/p>\n

Sara turned and looked at him, like he had just asked for the formula for nuclear fusion. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe point I\u2019m making is, we no little about each other. Do you even know how many sisters and brothers I have? How about where Catherine is from? Warrick\u2019s grandma\u2019s name? What Greg did before he came to Vegas? You don\u2019t know the answers. So how can you expect Grissom to tell you deep personal history when you didn\u2019t even know his mother was deaf?\u201d Nick looked at her expectantly.<\/p>\n

Sara stood there dumb founded, then turned angry. \u201cI supposed you could answer the questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have five sisters and one brother.\u201d He smirked slightly, but continued on at her annoyed glance. \u201cCatherine is from Montana, Warrick\u2019s grandmothers name is Hannah, and Greg worked at the San Francisco lab before coming here. And I know you grew up at a Bed and Breakfast, just outside San Francisco. Sara, the point I\u2019m making is you have to open up to others, if you expect them to open up to you.\u201d Nick\u2019s voice was soft, but firm.<\/p>\n

Sara just stood there, looking at him. He smiled softly, \u201cTrust goes both ways.\u201d He picked up the folder and headed out the door towards Grissom\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Nick left a gaping Sara in the break room. \u201cWhen the hell did he become so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrown-Up?\u201d Catherine finished. \u201cNick\u2019s always been grown-up, he just hide\u2019s it behind the good ole Texan boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara sighed and slumped in one of the chairs. \u201cHow could I\u2019ve screwed my life up this much?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, people do it all the time. It\u2019s called being human,\u201d Catherine sat down across from her. \u201cWe screw up, we deal with the consequences, and we move on. You need to stop beating yourself up, and think your doing penance. Grissom trusts you, like he trusted me after the lab explosion, like he trusted Warrick after Holly was killed, and Nick after Kristy\u2019s murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel I\u2019ve let him down.\u201d Sara voice dropped, showing the emotion pent up. \u201cI let the job get to me, my emotions got the better of me and I couldn\u2019t cope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all get that way. How do you think Warrick started gambling? Sara, you have friends here that have been there, talk to us, we can help.\u201d Catherine took the younger woman\u2019s hand and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me this? What is up between Abby and Grissom?\u201d Sara asked.<\/p>\n

Catherine laughed, \u201cYou\u2019re like a dog with a bone.\u201d Catherine laughed even more by Sara\u2019s indigent expression. \u201cThat\u2019s for them to tell you. They\u2019re close, always have been since I\u2019ve known them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick was ready to step into Grissom\u2019s office, when Grissom came out in a rush. He stopped before heading head long into Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Nick.\u201d Grissom apologized, then paused. \u201cWe got a call, get your gear and Sara. I\u2019ll get Abby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick closed his eyes, and sighed. \u201cDamn, part of me was hoping she was wrong.\u201d
\nGrissom smiled, slightly \u201cIf there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learned is to trust Abby\u2019s instincts.\u201d He paused once again then looked at Nick, \u201cAs I\u2019ve learned to trust yours.\u201d He turned and headed down the hallway searching for Abby.<\/p>\n

Nick stood there for a second, shocked \u2018Grissom really needs to stop doing that,\u2019 he thought as he turned quickly and headed back to the break room. Poking his head in, he called out to Sara. \u201cSara, we got a call, another victim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn!\u201d She stood up pushing her chair back forcefully. \u201cWhat about Abby?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick raised his eyebrow, \u201cGrissom went to get her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two grabbed their gear, and headed out to the Tahoe. Grissom and Abby were already waiting by the car. Abby was glaring at Grissom, who ignored her completely. He threw the keys to Nick as he walked up and climbed into the passenger seat. Abby rolled her eyes, and got into the back seat followed by Sara. Nick laughed gently, and got behind the wheel.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot one word,\u201d Abby warned.<\/p>\n

Nick tried to hide his grin, as he pulled out of the parking lot, \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n

~UNLV – Outside Gym~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom walked up to the scene in trepidation. He looked over at Abby who had pulled out her camera, and notebook. \u201cAbby you can\u2019t collect any evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, doesn\u2019t mean I can\u2019t study the scene.\u201d She commented as she snapped a few pictures. Stepping aside to let Nick and Sara into the scene, to begin collecting. She hung the camera on her shoulder and began writing notes. Not moving to keep from disturbing any evidence, she looked around the scene. \u201cGil, notice anything different?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara looked up at Abby, pure annoyance on her face. She was ready to comment when Gris from the other side of the scene, \u201cDefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara and Nick both looked up from their spots. \u201cLook at the whole scene not just the section you\u2019re working on,\u201d Grissom explained.<\/p>\n

Nick stood up and took a step back, eyeing the scene carefully. He smiled, and looked over at Sara, who was grinning. \u201cIt\u2019s not neat,\u201d He looked over at Grissom who was snapping pictures.<\/p>\n

Sara kneeled next to the body, smiling over at David. \u201cSame MO, throat slit left to right. Looks like similar bruise appearing on the left side,\u201d He informed her.<\/p>\n

Sara studied the body, looking at her hands. \u201cGris, we got defensive wounds.\u201d Sara looked up holding up the victim\u2019s hand. Grissom kneeled down to take a closer look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarnings were going around the campus, especially with the news reports.\u201d Nick theorized, \u201cShe probably was watching her surroundings a bit more than the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully there\u2019s DNA under her nails.\u201d Sara set the hand down gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen hopefully he\u2019s in Codas.\u201d Nick comments, noticing a small impression near the head. \u201cSara, shine your light left of the head.\u201d Sara looked over to where he was pointing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a shoe impression?\u201d She looked closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cPartial,\u201d Nick smiles at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer fighting through him off his pattern.\u201d Abby comments from the side, \u201cHe was used to them not fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe victim is Melissa Henry\u2019s, and she just finished up with her kickboxing lesson, not more than two hours ago.\u201d Brass\u2019s informed them as he stepped up to the scene. \u201cHe picked the wrong girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would say,\u201d Nick pulled out his gear to get an impression of the partial print.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already got my men, waking up the dean to get her transcripts.\u201d Brass informed Abby before she could ask. She just smiled, and wrote more notes.<\/p>\n

The body was removed from the scene, just in time to make the early morning news. \u201cI hate working under the media spot lights.\u201d Abby growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but sometimes their bright lights help us find evidence.\u201d Nick smiled as he pulled up a black thread wedged between the sidewalk and dirt. \u201cLooks like the others, but I\u2019ll have Greg analyze it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood eye, Nick.\u201d Grissom commented as he walked up to Abby, who was smiling at him. \u201cWhat is your impression?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s upset, he screwed up and he knows it. She fought, hard. He still took the clothes and I bet there is no semen, but he didn\u2019t swipe under her nails. If he knew this much about forensic he should know we could get DNA from her nails. So either he doesn\u2019t care, that we know, now, who he is or he knows he\u2019s not in the system.\u201d She looked at the scene, then back to Grissom. \u201cEither way we look at it, unless that DNA produces miracles, and gives us his name, and where he\u2019s at. He will strike again in fourteen days. This won\u2019t stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Crime Lab – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAny new clues?\u201d Nick asked handing her a cup from Starbucks. \u201cI just want you to know Greg isn\u2019t speaking to me, he thinks I\u2019m cheating on him now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sipped it, quickly swallowing then glared at him. \u201cOkay, how many times have you talked with my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked at the board, trying to look innocent. \u201cProblem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is \u2018calm\u2019 tea, not coffee,\u201d She accused.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust following orders,\u201d He grinned. \u201cYou got yourself a good kid there.\u201d He watched her face beam with pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I do, one who\u2019s going to get an earful when I talk to him next.\u201d She set the tea down, and looked at the board. \u201cI got the transcripts, and filled in the blanks. She fits the physical profile, Auburn hair, five foot six inches; she\u2019s the youngest of the group at nineteen. But that\u2019s all that fits the rest of the victims. Chemistry major that lived in the dorms, none of the classes she was taking match the other three, nor the clubs. She wasn\u2019t in any of them, and she didn\u2019t work at the store. She was on student council, and active for better security.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo basically, no leads.\u201d Nick stated looking over the board. \u201cHow about DNA?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreg\u2019s running it now, Doc Robbins confirmed same knife, and no semen.\u201d Sara stated as she walked into the room. \u201cWere back to square one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we have the DNA and shoe print, we at least made it to square two.\u201d Nick shrugged, \u201cLet\u2019s just hope it matches with something. I have Warrick running the print. He wasn\u2019t happy with me, matter of fact I owe him big,\u201d Nick sighed as he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you do.\u201d Warrick commented as he entered the room. \u201cMen\u2019s ten shoe, Nike running sneakers, you really don\u2019t want to know how many were sold in Vegas alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Warrick.\u201d Abby commented, turning from the board. Grissom and Catherine entered the break room followed by Greg.<\/p>\n

\u201cDNA, confirms it\u2019s male, but no matches in Codas.\u201d Greg informs the group sitting down at the end of the table. \u201cUnless I have something to compare it to, can\u2019t help you much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what do we have?\u201d Grissom asked the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fiber Nick found at the scene, matches the other two.\u201d Catherine stated, sitting down next to Warrick.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame knife, no semen.\u201d Sara added, her voice tired and frustrated.<\/p>\n

\u201cShoe was a men\u2019s size ten, Nike running shoe.\u201d Warrick looked toward Grissom.<\/p>\n

Nick looked down at the file in his hands, then back up at Grissom. He knew this could just blow up in his face, but something told him the file was important. \u201cI might have found an old connection.\u201d He hesitated as he put the folder down in front of Grissom. \u201cIt fits the number fourteen. To be exact the crime was fourteen years ago, this Halloween.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby froze in her seat, turning to look at Nick then Grissom. Grissom opened the case folder recognizing it instantaneously. \u201cIt\u2019s not relevant, he\u2019s was caught and is serving jail time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI matched the transcripts, the classes match three of the victims, and the latest lived in the dorms. All red heads, college students, around the early twenties.\u201d Nick put forth his theory.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a connection,\u201d Catherine shrugged. \u201cWho was the victim, maybe we could talk with her, see if there\u2019s any further connections.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we sure, he\u2019s still in jail?\u201d Warrick asked. \u201cIf the case if fourteen years old, he could be out on parole.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not out on parole, I\u2019ve made sure of it.\u201d Grissom commented, as he looked up to Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you make sure of it?\u201d Sara asked, confused by Grissom\u2019s behavior and Nick\u2019s worried expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe made sure of it, for me.\u201d Abby commented from the side, as she turned to face everyone, giving a reassuring smile to Nick. \u201cI was the victim fourteen years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 7: Emotional Involvement<\/strong><\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The room went silent. Abby could see the calculations running through Catherine\u2019s head, her blue eyes had gone wide, then to understanding; Grant had just turned thirteen in July. Sara sat looking between Abby and Grissom, shock prevalent on her face. Warrick leaned back in his chair absorbing the information. While, Nick watched Grissom carefully, not sure of his reaction, he had read the file and now understood not only Abby\u2019s and his relationship, but also his determination to keep the cases impersonal.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike, I said earlier, it\u2019s irrelevant, because Robert William\u2019s is serving a twenty-year sentence.\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice was calm, but hard. His emotions lying close the surface.<\/p>\n

Abby stood up and looked at the board, then walked over to Grissom, grabbing the chart. Following Nick\u2019s instinct she mapped out the connections. \u201cGil, there\u2019s two many matches here. Once is a coincidence, twice is a pattern, and three is a signature, are we sure he\u2019s in jail.\u201d Abby\u2019s voice hitched, \u201cI mean they would call me if he was out, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t he have to register as sex-offenders?\u201d Warrick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wasn\u2019t this brought up before?\u201d Sara demanded, staring accusingly at Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, he\u2019s in jail.\u201d Grissom glared at Sara.<\/p>\n

Nick spoke up, \u201cI had Brass check to make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby slouched back down in her chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Grissom stood, making his way over to her, kneeling next to the chair. She felt his hand on her knee, tears threatening to spill down her face. She took a deep breath, \u201cOkay we don\u2019t know for sure, but if it is, then well, we\u2026\u201d Her voice cracked, her worst nightmare was coming true. She had always known he would get out sooner or later, part of her hoped he would just go away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney, they would have called us. It\u2019s stipulated in his files, that we are called about any changes in his status, for every parole hearing.\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice was soft, reassuring. \u201cBut, it could be a lead, maybe someone who knows him, out to humiliate CSI\u2026\u201d He paused, as Brass walked into the room.<\/p>\n

Everyone looked at him, his gruff expression tight with frustration. \u201cI called the department of Prisons,\u201d He looked at Abby and Grissom. \u201cRobert Williams was released six months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom stared at Brass in shock, \u201cWhat?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis family got him a new lawyer, why this late in the game I don\u2019t know. But the appeals judge decided that he had been sentenced to harshly, and he was released for time served.\u201d Brass walked into the room, closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHY! The hell wasn\u2019t I notified.\u201d Grissom voice rose in agitation, Catherine put a hand on his arm to calm him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new warden felt that it wasn\u2019t necessary, Williams wasn\u2019t a threat to society anymore.\u201d Brass\u2019s venom in his voice showed how much he believed the statement.<\/p>\n

Abby stood abruptly, and before anyone could blink she had reached into Grissom\u2019s pockets and pulled out his keys. She grabbed her purse and was out the door, Nick jumped up the moment she reached the door, and followed her out. He ran after her down the hall, and into the parking lot. He barely made it into the Tahoe before she peeled out of the parking lot.<\/p>\n

Grissom stormed out of the break room, slamming the door into the wall. The lab watched in stunned silence as he stalked down the hall to his office. It was a rare moment to see Grissom loose his cool.<\/p>\n

Everyone sat there in stunned silence. Catherine blinked, sitting back down at the table. \u201cOkay, so now we have a new lead. Warrick find out where Mr. Williams is at.\u201d She was working hard to pull her emotions in check. She had known Abby for ten years, never once had this come up. She had never talked about Grant\u2019s father, but she had never suspected that he was a product of a rape. Abby and Grissom both adored Grant, loved him unconditionally. Abby always looked at Grant with nothing but love and awe, never did she a flicker of any type of negative emotion when it came to him.<\/p>\n

Warrick nodded, and headed out the door, Brass following behind him. Catherine looked at a stunned Greg, \u201cIf he was charged with rape he would be in the system.\u201d He looked up at Catherine.<\/p>\n

\u201cFourteen years ago, we didn\u2019t have the DNA advances, let alone codas.\u201d Catherine commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Abby\u2019s old case, do we keep evidence that long?\u201d Greg asked, speculating on how to match the cases.<\/p>\n

Catherine looked at him and smiled, \u201cYou\u2019ll make a good CSI, once Grissom\u2019s calmed down a bit I\u2019ll find more about the case, and the evidence used in the trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd in the mean time?\u201d Greg asked, looking out toward Grissom\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are other cases, that need to be processed.\u201d Catherine watched as Greg nodded, then headed back to his lab.<\/p>\n

\u201cSara?\u201d Catherine asked the still shocked CSI.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know?\u201d Sara turned towards Catherine.<\/p>\n

Catherine studied Sara\u2019s face, it was mixture of emotions, frowning she wasn\u2019t sure how to answer. The truth was, she knew Grissom and Abby were close, but not why. She also knew that if Sara didn\u2019t get in check with her emotions, she was likely going to do something rash. \u201cI told you they were close, I had no idea what had made them so close.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand, did he know her before she was raped? She couldn\u2019t have been CSI at the time.\u201d Sara asked, her mind working out scenarios.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s between them\u2026\u201d Catherine began, but was cut off by Sara\u2019s exclamation.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if it\u2019s relevant to the case!\u201d Sara stood up and headed for Grissom\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Catherine sighed, lowering her head till it hit the table. The day had official gone straight to hell, and the forecast didn\u2019t look good.<\/p>\n

~Open Highway – Grissom\u2019s Tahoe~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGoing anywhere in particular?\u201d Nick asked, glancing over at the distraught woman.<\/p>\n

Abby shrugged. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to get into the car.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was wise to leave you alone,\u201d he turned towards her, his back leaning up against the passenger door. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? It\u2019s not your fault, there\u2019s a sick son of a bitch out there trying to get his frustration out against me on innocent woman,\u201d Abby growled out.<\/p>\n

Nick could feel the Tahoe speed up, resisting looking at the speedometer. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I brought up painful memories.\u201d He caught her look as she glanced his way. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not your fault. Like you said he\u2019s a sick son of a bitch. He raped you, and now he\u2019s doing it again. We will catch him, and this time he will get a needle in his arm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that simple,\u201d Abby turned onto a side street, and headed out farther into the desert. She seemed to know where they were going.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be, you can\u2019t blame yourself for this,\u201d Nick reassured her or at least he tried.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole time, it was me he was sending the message to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure about that?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

Abby glanced over, a look of confusion on her face. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been out for six months, long enough to know you weren\u2019t in Vegas anymore,\u201d Nick began to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Abby pushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knew forensics, you weren\u2019t a CSI when he attacked you. I read the file Abby.\u201d Nick paused, feeling the car stop. \u201cThink like the profiler you are, read the evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby turned off the engine, leaning back in the seat. \u201cHe was sending a message to Grissom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt only became personal, when the FBI announced\u2026.\u201d Nick continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I was assigned to the case,\u201d Abby finished. She looked out the window, Nick followed her gaze, they were at the Las Vegas Race tracks, \u201cWhen things got to tough, I would come out here, and think.\u201d Her voice became quiet and reflective. She opened the door and jumped out, Nick following her lead, as she climbed onto the hood of the Tahoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant?\u201d Nick asked, looking over in time to see the flinch. \u201cSorry, it really isn\u2019t any of my business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s okay,\u201d she turned her face and smiled. \u201cHe knows, when he got old enough to truly understand I told him the truth. He\u2019s a good kid, and I love him more than life, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are times you wonder?\u201d Nick finished for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but then I look into his beautiful green eyes, and can\u2019t think of these past fourteen years with out him.\u201d She smiled, thinking about her son. \u201cYou\u2019ve made a quite impression on him, he talks about you all the time now. Can\u2019t wait to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell we have a lot in common,\u201d Nick shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cFootball? Love for Texas,\u201d Abby grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong other things,\u201d Nick sat up head resting on his now raised knees. \u201cYou have no idea how much I admire you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby sat up next to him, \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked over at her, \u201cYou didn\u2019t let Williams win. You stood up, made your stand and told him to go to hell. You raised a good kid, in-spite the odds, on your own. Yet still managed to finish your education, and became a top notch CSI – Profiler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby blushed, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant every word of it,\u201d He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him, both quiet in their own reflections.<\/p>\n

~CSI Labs – Grissom\u2019s Office~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sara walked into the office, closing the door behind her. Grissom watched her as she paced in front of his desk. His emotions were too close to the surface to deal with Sara.<\/p>\n

He pulled off his glasses throwing them down on his desk, \u201cSara either say what you\u2019re here to say or get out and let me do my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped and glared at him, \u201cYou have the nerve to yell at me about being emotional involved, yet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy situation with Abby is the reason I tell everyone not to get emotionally involved.\u201d Grissom stood leaning over his desk towards her. \u201cYou want the story, Sara? The one you\u2019ve been snipping about for the past few weeks. Abby was one of my first high profile cases, when I got Vegas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara stopped stunned, \u201cwhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe almost lost the damn case! The defense put just enough doubt in the jury\u2019s mind, that I railroaded some innocent bystander because Abby and I had a personal relationship.\u201d Grissom paused sitting back down. \u201cNot in the sense, he was eluding to. Abby had become like a daughter to me. Her strength to get through the ordeal she had been faced with was amazing. She had no one, and I opened up, a rare incident.\u201d He smiled, caught up in the memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, you won the case,\u201d Sara snipped as she sat down on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly, because Abby was hit with another blow.\u201d Grissom paused, \u201cShe became pregnant. The defenses full case rested on one thing. They never denied that Abby had been raped, the photos and evidence was enough for that. What they denied was it was Williams. They main line of defense was that he was innocent, I was railroading him. Kind of hard to deny plausibility that Williams never laid eyes on Abby, if she was pregnant with his child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPregnant?\u201d Sara asked, shocked.<\/p>\n

Grissom leaned back in his chair. \u201cGrant, her son. Sara, I almost lost the case, and my reputation because I got involved. I wouldn\u2019t change a thing; Abby and Grant became the family I thought I would never have. But, it could have turned out worse. I know the consequence\u2019s Sara; it\u2019s why we can\u2019t get emotional. Think, if all the cases were like this, I couldn\u2019t handle it, neither could you or anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked over at Sara; he could see she was thinking. He sighed, deciding to push the issues that lay between them, \u201cYou want to know why I recommended Nick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara looked up at him confused by the turn in the conversation. \u201dYes!\u201d Even though she told Nick, he deserved it, he was a good CSI, but she had always felt he was to soft, not dedicated like she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw this as a stepping stone in your career, as did he, but somewhere along the line, he realized something you haven\u2019t yet.\u201d Grissom leaned forward making sure she followed his line of thinking. \u201cHe didn\u2019t care if he got the promotion, because in the end he was here for the victims and that was what was important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here for the victims!\u201d Sara replied indignant, pissed that Grissom would think other wise. Hell half the time she was there too much for the victims.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you?\u201d Grissom pushed, \u201cWas the drinking due because cases were getting to personal or your own life becoming to personal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara paused stunned, \u201cThe job became to much.\u201d Even though it wasn\u2019t the full truth. She could pin point the moment things in her life became to personal.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet, your still here.\u201d Grissom pointed out, knowing the truth, even if she wouldn\u2019t say it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you turn my dinner invitation down?\u201d Finally asking the question that had been on her mind for a year.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re a friend, nothing more.\u201d Grissom answered, \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry I wasn\u2019t clear on that to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the Debbie Marlin case, I heard you.\u201d Sara watched the confused expression cross Grissom\u2019s face. \u201cYou said that he was brave to take the chance given to him, that you weren\u2019t, your career had come first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom closed his eyes, remembering the moment. \u201cSara, I wished you had said something. I\u2019ve put aside all personal relationships for my career. Only two have ever stayed with me, Catherine and Abby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara looked down studying the floor, finally looking inside; to find the truth about why she was acting the way she has these past few months. \u201cI\u2019m a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t communicate well. Ask Catherine, hell ask Abby she\u2019s thrown things at me because of it.\u201d Grissom sighed, hoping to get a smile out of Sara. \u201cYou\u2019ve made mistakes, I\u2019ve made them, hell Sara everyone here has. It\u2019s time to stop trying to impress me, and do your job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I think this has been the longest conversation we have ever had.\u201d Sara stood up as she headed for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet Warrick, Catherine, and Greg and meet me in the break room. We have a case to solve.\u201d Grissom began pulling out folders from his filing cabinet.<\/p>\n

Sara looked at him, and smiled. It was finally clicking, it wasn\u2019t her, it was just Grissom being Grissom. She headed out the door looking for the rest of the team. She had a lot to still deal with but she was on the right path, at last.<\/p>\n

Chapter 8 – 1st<\/sup> Victim<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s Tahoe – Las Vegas Race Track~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI was walking back from the library,\u201d Nick barely heard the soft-spoken words. His arm tightened around her, encouraging her. \u201cI had a paper due in my Cultural Anthropology class, I was studying the dynamics of kinship in the South. It\u2019s actually a really fascinating subject.\u201d She glanced up, trying to read his neutral expression. \u201cIt was just after midnight, I clearly remember this because the Librarian had kicked me out of the Library.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell me this,\u201d Nick offered, tipping her chin to look at him.<\/p>\n

Abby sighed, \u201cNo, I need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were walking alone? What about campus security?\u201d Nick asked, trying to keep her emotions from taking over.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe never showed up. Well he did, but he wasn\u2019t there to keep me from harm,\u201d Abby snorted.<\/p>\n

Nick\u2019s voice showed his surprise, \u201cHe was campus security?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby shook her head, \u201cYeah. It was Grissom that found the connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes sense, he would know the campus inside and out,\u201d Nick contemplated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI lived on the opposite side of the campus, a resident dorm advisor.\u201d Abby took a deep breath. \u201cI could have lived off campus, but I enjoyed living in the dorms. Felt like a family, one I didn\u2019t have. Did I tell you how my parents died when I was sixteen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dNo, you didn\u2019t?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

Abby whispered, \u201cI\u2019ll tell you a little secret.\u201d She grinned, eyes dancing with humor. Nick couldn\u2019t help but be caught up in them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, and what would that be?\u201d Nick raised his eyebrow in question, playing along with her diversion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason Grissom won\u2019t let me drive.\u201d She knew that would catch his attention. The psychologist inside her knew she was stalling.<\/p>\n

Nick turned and looked at her, \u201cthe secret of all secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed then closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. It was never easy to talk about her parents; she found it ironic that at times it was easier to talk about the rape, then the day her parents died. \u201cMy parents were killed by a street race gone bad. One of the racers lost control, and veered into on coming traffic, hit them head on, going ninety. Being the very angry sixteen-year-old that I was, I started racing. I told myself, it was to find my parent\u2019s killers, but in truth I was just acting out in my anger. I didn\u2019t quit until I nearly killed a family. Barely missed them, the car next to me bumped my car, more like slammed it into oncoming traffic. Only quick thinking got me out of the way, I was going ninety at least. It was a too familiar scene.\u201d
\n\u201cSo you stopped racing?\u201d Nick asked, a bit surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cStreet racing yes,\u201d Abby shrugged. \u201cAt one of the races, the owner of the Vegas Race Track had come to watch, he had heard about my skills. When he found out I retired from the street he offered me a job racing stock cars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick wasn\u2019t sure to be in awe or upset at the unnecessary risks she was taking. \u201cYou still race?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI quit, well I had to quit. I had Grant to think of,\u201d Abby looked over at Nick. \u201cDoesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t go out and take a few laps when I get really frustrated. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised Grissom knew exactly where I was.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked over at the track, \u201cSo he doesn\u2019t let you near the Tahoe\u2019s, why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause, on my first assignment, he gave me the keys\u2026\u201d Abby smiled at the memory, a small laugh escaping.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause, we all know he hates to drive,\u201d Nick commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly, well the scene was across town, I got there in I think ten minutes. It\u2019s normally thirty.\u201d Nick\u2019s laughter became contagious as Abby herself began laughing. \u201cHe never let me drive after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom walked in and set down a box full of folders and notes on the table. The three CSI\u2019s and one in training looked up at their boss. \u201cThese are all the notes, and files from Abby\u2019s case. I want us to go through them, and see if we can pick up on another pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGris, I know I\u2019m diving into personal territory here, but I mean shouldn\u2019t you at least tell us what is going on.\u201d Catherine sat up leaning onto the table looking at Grissom.<\/p>\n

He sighed, picking up the box and setting down on the ground. \u201cI was working here about a year, the lab was in shambles.\u201d He looked up at the group, \u201cI\u2019m not kidding, lab equipment out of date, CSI\u2019s that just didn\u2019t really care, and did I mention the rats living in the supply closet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRats in the supply closet?\u201d Catherine cringed, looking around the now clean pristine lab. \u201cGood job on cleaning it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom just looked at her, \u201cThe first year, our solve rate was slowly getting better. I pushed for new equipment and staff. Our reputation was starting to improve. Things were looking good for the lab when I had gotten the call. Rape victim on the UNLV Campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s Tahoe – Las Vegas Race Track~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI was only 100 yards from the entrance to the dorms, when he grabbed me,\u201d Abby began slowly. \u201cI\u2019ve have always been alert to my surroundings, mainly due from the racing. In truth I never thought I would be a victim, but it only took one simple act, to drop my guard and he took the advantage.\u201d She paused, taking a deep breath, \u201cI dropped my keys, and as I bent over to pick them up he grabbed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick slipped his arm back around her, pulling her close. \u201cShhh, take a deep breath, we\u2019ve got time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby leaned her head on his shoulder, \u201cI tried to swing around, get him in front of me, but he held onto my backpack wrenching my arms behind me. He pulled me into the small grove of trees near the dorms.\u201d She lifted her head to look up at Nick. \u201cThe funny thing, not once did I scream. I struggled, lashed out, but didn\u2019t scream. I couldn\u2019t find my voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot uncommon, the fear paralyzed your voice box. Your survivor instinct kicked in and fought, but you were running on pure adrenaline,\u201d Nick theorized.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ripped my backpack off my back and then threw me to the ground. I was dazed for a few minutes, I think, cause I don\u2019t remember him ripping my shirt. Once, I was able to focus, I felt his hands on my hips pulling off my jeans.\u201d She looked over at the racetrack, the sounds of cars filtered towards the two CSI\u2019s. \u201cI kicked out, but he pinned my hips down by leaning on them. It was that moment I knew I wasn\u2019t going to get out, that he was going to rape me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick closed his eyes, trying not to imagine or think what had happened to her. He knew it had been fourteen years ago, but it didn\u2019t make the memories less painful. All he could do is sit there and listen, it was the least he could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was a virgin, emphasis on the word was.\u201d Abby voice was strained. She heard Nick\u2019s exclamations even if he tried to conceal them under his breath. \u201cI just concentrated on getting out of the situation alive. I could learn to deal with the rape, but I had to be alive to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas his intentions to kill you?\u201d Nick asked, quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea at the time, just as he was finishing up a noise alerted him to people coming. A group of students were coming back from a Halloween Party. He backhanded me hard, I blacked out from the force of the blow. I don\u2019t know exactly what happened, when I came to a bunny rabbit was telling me that an ambulance was on their way and not to worry that I was going to be alright.\u201d Abby smiled for the first time, while telling the story. \u201cI have a weird attachments to bunnies now, they actually make me feel secure.\u201d<\/p>\n

She could feel Nick trying not to laugh, \u201cIt\u2019s okay, and even now I laugh over it. If you can\u2019t find humor where you can, life just gets to much to handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick\u2019s laughter spilled out, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. That night was hell for you and the only image I have is this bunny rabbit super hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe stayed with me through the whole thing, we\u2019re still friends to this day,\u201d Abby said with a smile.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom leaned back in his chair, eyes down cast. \u201cDetective Nelson had met me at the parking lot, when I pulled up to the campus. He had informed me that a young woman walking back from the library had been attacked and raped. She was found by a group of students heading back from a Halloween party. They had stated that they heard something in the trees, and when they called out a man took off running. It wasn\u2019t until they got closer did they see the woman, clothes shredded and unconscious.\u201d He paused for a second, and then continued. \u201cThe scene was in shambles, between the students, paramedics, and cops there were a dozen footprints, and everything was scattered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you the only one on the case?\u201d Warrick asked sensing Grissom was having a difficult time talking about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the staff was quite small then, actually we had only three CSI\u2019s.\u201d Grissom looked over to Warrick, \u201cIt didn\u2019t take long to process the actually scene. Thinking back to that case I\u2019m amazed at the advancements made in not only DNA, but also just collecting evidence. I got molds of the shoe prints, bagged her backpack, and the articles of clothing that was left behind.\u201d Grissom stopped, caught up in the memory.<\/p>\n

Catherine watched in silent fascination, as long as she had known Grissom she had only seen this side of him twice. The first being when Lindsey was born, his look of complete awe holding the infant was amazing. The second was when Abby left Vegas.<\/p>\n

Catherine startled, when Grissom suddenly began talking, \u201cAfter finishing up the scene, I proceeded to the hospital where the vic\u2026 Abby had been taken.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Flashback~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom walked into the hospital and was greeted, by a large bunny talking to one of the doctors. When he got closer, he could hear them discussing, the victim.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Grissom interrupted. \u201cI\u2019m Gil Grissom with the crime lab, I\u2019m looking for Abigail Thornheart, she was brought in here, earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Grissom, she\u2019s in room four,\u201d the doctor pointed towards the end of the hall. \u201cShe\u2019s been irritable, cause I haven\u2019t let her wash up.\u201d Grissom seemed a bit surprised at the doctor\u2019s statement, \u201cI attended a seminar a while back on the advancements of DNA work and new that the littlest thing could help a criminal case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdvance thinking, could actually do that, thank you Doctor,\u201d Grissom walked down the hall towards the room. A pink furry hand stopped him; he turned to look at a young man in the bunny suit.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Grissom, is there a chance in catching the bastard? I didn\u2019t get a really good look, but I would like to help,\u201d the bunny was sincere in his statements.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.?\u201d Grissom asked he was starting to get used to Vegas. Talking to a rabbit in the hospital was really not that surprising as it should have been.<\/p>\n

\u201dSorry, Wayne Connors, Abby is the resident advisor for my sister\u2019s dorm. She\u2019s a good person, and I want to see the bastard behind bars. Besides the fact he\u2019s still loose and my sister walk those same paths. It worries me,\u201d Wayne admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my best, Mr. Connors,\u201d Grissom walked past and into the hospital room.<\/p>\n

Abby turned and looked at the person walking into her room. She just watched him as he crossed the room and set his kit down on the table. Not once did she take her eyes off of him, a bit unnerving for Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Thornheart, I\u2019m Gil Grissom with the crime lab. I\u2019m going to see if there\u2019s any evidence left behind on you.\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice was neutral calming. She just nodded and he preceded to exam her.<\/p>\n

Abby just watched as he cleaned out from under her nails. Then watched as he pulled out a comb and started going through her hair. \u201cWhat are you looking for?\u201d Her curiosity getting the better of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDebris to match to the crime scene, and if we find the same debris with your assailant then it puts him there also,\u201d Grissom answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I didn\u2019t get a good look at the guy, he had a mask on.\u201d Abby informed him, as she watched him label the envelope.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are ways of identify someone without seeing their face,\u201d Grissom closed up his case. \u201cYou can clean up now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dOh, thank God!\u201d Abby sat up then winced, she stopped and looked at the bathroom.<\/p>\n

Grissom could hear her try to control her emotions. \u201cIf you want I can have a nurse come in and help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m okay, I just need to clean up\u2026\u201d She hesitated, \u201cI just don\u2019t want to look in the mirror.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Thornheart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby, please I\u2026.\u201d Abby interrupted, looking over at him.<\/p>\n

Grissom watched as she tried to compose herself, \u201cis there someone the nurses can call for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sob of pain startled Grissom; he barely reached her before she crumbled onto the floor. He barely made out the words no and alone, but it was enough to understand that she had no one. He wasn\u2019t sure how long he stayed there, and he was surprised he didn\u2019t care that he was breaking every rule about not getting involved. He just held her until the sobs stopped and she was asleep. He called the nurse in who helped him get her back into the bed. As he left, he looked back she looked so peaceful while sleeping.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou broke your own rule,\u201d Catherine pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Catherine.\u201d Grissom gave her a look, which plainly asked why she was stating something so obvious.<\/p>\n

\u201cSolving a rape case without DNA isn\u2019t easy. All I had to go on was the shoe prints, debris from the scene, and blood type. My big break came when I went back at the crime scene, and Abby showed up out of nowhere.\u201d Grissom began to explain.<\/p>\n

~Flashback~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Grissom.\u201d Grissom jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion of his space. He turned to see Abby standing slightly behind him. \u201cI thought it was you.\u201d His look of confusion was evident on his face. \u201cI was up in my room, and I saw you looking around.\u201d She pointed up to the top floor, a window on the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou live there?\u201d Grissom looked up at the dorms. The thought that she had to see the crime scene every time she looked at the window, \u201cThat must be difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way it makes me deal with it, I can\u2019t hide from it,\u201d She shrugged. She was wearing bagging jeans and a UNLV sweatshirt. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail. She looked like a normal college kid, except for the large bruise fading on her cheek. \u201cIs there anything I can help with?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom shook his head no, but stopped and turned towards her. \u201cHow about walking me through the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

She paled at the thought, he was about to tell her to forget about it, but she shook her head yes. \u201cFrom the beginning?\u201d<\/p>\n

He could see her hands shaking, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to, I\u2019m sorry to have brought it up.\u201d Grissom later would analyze exactly what was causing him to be so open.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s okay. It will be good for me, or at least my therapist would think so,\u201d She shrugged walking up to the sidewalk. \u201cI was walking back, when my keys dropped. I bent over to pick them up, and when I stood up \u2026 \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cHe came from behind, did you hear anything?\u201d Grissom asked, trying to get her concentrate on outside details not on the attacker.<\/p>\n

She turned to look at him, \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. Then he dragged me over there.\u201d She points to the grove of trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to go any further. You didn\u2019t see where he went when the students scared him off?\u201d Grissom asked, watching her face panic as she looked towards the grove.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he backhanded me good, I think I heard leaves crunching but I\u2019m not sure.\u201d Her eyes were glued to the area. \u201cIs there a chance of finding him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I can do is follow the evidence, it never lies.\u201d Grissom stated, with a firm conviction. As he walked towards the actual crime scene, he noticed that she was a few steps behind him. \u201cIs there something I can help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I don\u2019t mean to intrude, just curious\u2026\u201d Abby paused words faltering.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurious?\u201d Grissom asked, while he squatted down eyeing the ground then looked up towards the trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you see?\u201d She asked watching him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does this path go?\u201d Grissom stood up, pointing through the trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really don\u2019t know,\u201d She followed his gaze. \u201cI always thought it was a bit dangerous and stupid to walk through the groves when you didn\u2019t know what could be lurking in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom could hear the sarcasm in her voice, \u201cHow about a walk through the woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if there is a wolf?\u201d Abby looked up her eyes catching his.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll protect you,\u201d and Grissom realized he meant it.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t explain it, but we connected.\u201d Grissom shrugged, \u201cNot on a romantic level that later Williams defense attorney and family would try to use against Abby, but just one of those things. She broke through a lot of my defenses by just being her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you figure Williams?\u201d Sara asked, a new respect for Abby settling in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the trees, was a parking lot, at the end of the parking lot was the security offices. While walking through I noticed similar shoe prints from one at the crime scene. I had told Abby to stay put, and went to get my camera and kit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou left a traumatized rape victim in the middle of a grove of trees, where her rapist might be prowling from?\u201d Catherine looked at Grissom in horror, now that was the Grissom she knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe hit me when I got back,\u201d Grissom smiled. \u201cShe later told me she wasn\u2019t sure if that ten minutes helped or gave her an un-rational fear of squirrels, something about them running and chatting the whole time scaring the crap out of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warrick snickered, then sobered. \u201cSo the shoeprint?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI took the pictures, and molds, but from quick examination they matched one from the crime scene, and sense all witness stated that the assailant had ran into the groves it was a logical step that they were his.\u201d Grissom answered Warrick. \u201cI just kept following the trail, ended up at the security offices.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby was still with you?\u201d Sara asked, shocked at Grissom\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, in truth I had forgotten she was there.\u201d Grissom answered self-consciousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s the Grissom we know,\u201d Catherine commented out loud.<\/p>\n

Grissom shot her a look, but kept on with the story. \u201cWhile I talked to the head of security, Abby wandered around. Most of the officers were out patrolling, knowing that the rapist was still at large. While he checked the logs from his officers, I saw Abby came back into the lobby pale, tears streaking down her eyes. She was shaking and scared. I pulled her aside; she fell into my arms crying. As I got her to calm down, she told me she saw an open locker in the back, shoes full of mud and leaves, I tried to say that can be anything, but she stopped me in my tracks when she stated, she saw a black ski mask on the top shelf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t touch anything did she?\u201d Warrick asked. He couldn\u2019t imagine what had been going through Abby\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, as she so well put it, \u2018Mr. Grissom, I\u2019ve known you for a few days and already knew that to touch anything and contaminate your crime scene would be a very bad idea.\u2019\u201d Grissom had to pause as Catherine laughed, and then just sighed as Warrick and Sara joined in. \u201cThat was one of the things that drew me to her, was her undying sense of humor. Through everything, she could always find a way to laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get a warrant?\u201d Catherine asked as she composed herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t need to the head of security let me search the place, he was adamant that if it was one of his guys, he would personally see to their prosecution. You know he\u2019s still head of security; I talked to him last week about the new cases. He\u2019s going to be pissed when he finds out its Williams, if it\u2019s Williams. Inside Williams locker was the ski mask, shoes, and black pants full of mud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he confess to the rape?\u201d Warrick asked. \u201cI mean twenty years is a good sentence without DNA proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, as a matter of fact he denied ever being near Abby. The trial was a joke; they almost ripped my reputation to shreds claiming I was fabricating evidence, because it was obvious I was personally involved with Abby. They tried to state Abby planted the evidence in the locker while I distracted the head of security. The only thing they didn\u2019t dispute was her being raped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt all makes sense now,\u201d Warrick commented looking over at Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have those few cases, that will forever be with us. Ones that change our lives, what are actions during the case might not be for the best, but the effects afterwards are more important in the long run.\u201d Catherine commented. \u201cIt\u2019s just rare to see this side of your Grissom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously you won the case, though.\u201d Warrick pointed out. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant?\u201d Catherine asked Grissom, who shook his head yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant?\u201d Warrick asked, looking between the two CSI\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby\u2019s son, the preliminary trials had begun, when she showed up at the lab.\u201d Grissom answered. \u201cI knew something was wrong, it was the first time I had really seen her look defeated. After a few minutes of coaching I finally heard the quite whisper, but it was such a loud statement, she was pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warrick leaned back in his chair, \u201cThat\u2019s just a slap in the face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut in the end, it convicted him. Kind of hard to say you\u2019ve never seen her before, when she\u2019s pregnant with your child, and sense they never denied she was raped. The jury easily connected all the dots and convicted him. I was surprised at the sentence myself, but the judge was tough on sexual crimes.\u201d Grissom continued, \u201cGrant just turned thirteen, a good kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, to keep the child, that\u2019s determination.\u201d Greg spoke up for the first time; it was a lot to take in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt helps that Grant is a lot like his mother.\u201d Grissom commented obviously proud of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell lets get looking over those files oh and Grissom, Greg mentioned pulling DNA off of Abby\u2019s old clothes maybe connecting the two crimes?\u201d Catherine nodded towards Greg.<\/p>\n

Grissom looked over at Greg, cocking his head as if he was thinking. \u201cGood thinking Greg, I\u2019ll check into it. Everyone sift through these files, as far as I\u2019m concerned this becomes priority we are all working on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we be concerned where Abby and Nick is?\u201d Sara asked just noticing it had been hours since Abby had taken off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know where she is, and I\u2019m sure Nick is keeping an eye on her.\u201d Grissom commented as he got up and headed for the door. He had a prison warden to call and yell at.<\/p>\n

They watched him leave and walk towards his office. \u201cSo where do you think they are at?\u201d<\/p>\n

Catherine grinned, \u201cProbably just driving around.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Las Vegas Race Track~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby shifted down going into the turn, trying not to laugh at Nick\u2019s yelps of surprise as she neared the wall. Maybe next time she\u2019ll let him drive or better yet challenge him to a race. As she shifted out of the turn, slamming the gas peddle down she felt the tension leave her body as she flew by the stands going over a hundred plus miles per hour. She knew as soon as she stepped out of this car, it would be back to the real world of rape, murder, and evils of mankind, but right now she just concentrated on the track. As she looked over at Nick quickly, as they came out of another turn, she saw him smiling at her. Okay, maybe not all of mankind was evil.<\/p>\n

Chapter 9 – Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nick walked into the break room, feeling human once again. After a good sleep, shower, and some food he was ready to get back onto the case. They had nine days to go before the next victim would be found. He watched as Abby pored over her old case file, and writing notes on the board and in her own note book. After their talk in the desert then subsequent drive around the track, she was calmer. He could see the profiler at work, but knew underneath was a young woman who\u2019s life had been changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look rested,\u201d Her voice broke through his thoughts. \u201cIs that what I think it is in your hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled, handed her the coffee and sat down next to her. \u201cSleep helps, you did get some right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Grissom made sure of it. I swear he drugged my tea,\u201d Abby sipped the coffee and set it down. \u201cYou know it\u2019s a bit scary you know the exactly how I like my coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

He just shrugged, \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the final pieces to the puzzle, everything clicks. If it\u2019s not Robert then it\u2019s someone familiar with my case.\u201d Abby looked over at the board.<\/p>\n

Nick could see the connecting points. Each of the victims had a class similar to the ones Abby had been taking the semester she was attacked. The latest victim had lived in the dorms.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom have any luck getting your old case out of the Archive?\u201d Nick asked, reading through Grissom\u2019s old notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen him, all evening,\u201d Abby answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what happens if we prove it is Williams?\u201d Nick asked, concern on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe arrest the bastard and stick a needle in his arm,\u201d Abby had just enough venom in her voice, to worry Nick. She looked over at his concerned expression. \u201cDon\u2019t worry I won\u2019t do anything stupid, like shoot him. I just want to make sure justice is served, preferable very painful, but I can live with a simple needle. I mean it was one thing, to rape me okay got it, but to kill and rape those women for revenge will that just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, and we will catch him, or who ever is doing this.\u201d Nick forced her to look at him. \u201cAnd don\u2019t feel guilty for being angry. He already messed with your life once, now he\u2019s trying it again. You have the right to pissed, I would be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, nothing more we can do except wait for Grissom,\u201d Abby leaned back in her chair, trying to relax for a few minutes.<\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s Office~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, no I understand,\u201d Grissom said as he hung up the phone. He sighed in frustration as he leaned back in his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it, that wasn\u2019t good news,\u201d Catherine asked from the doorway of his office.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the Archive has already dumped the evidence. It had a ten year hold, and was destroyed a few years ago.\u201d Grissom said without looking up. \u201cWhich means we can\u2019t compare DNA from her case to the Henrys case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I think we can, we forgot a very important piece of evidence,\u201d Catherine moved into the office.<\/p>\n

Grissom sat up and elbows on the desk, \u201cJust spit it out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant,\u201d She paused trying to gauge his reaction. \u201cMatch his DNA to the sample we got from the Henrys case. If they have seven matching markers then it links Williams to Henrys, which links him to the rest via the knife wounds.\u201d Catherine said, watching Grissom\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get Abby,\u201d He stood up and left his office.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby looked up when Grissom walked into the room, \u201cWhat?\u201d She knew that look, and she wasn\u2019t going to like what he was going to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe evidence from your case was destroyed a few years back,\u201d Grissom said. He sat down across from her, looking her directly in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God, what?\u201d Abby now new for sure something was up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a way we can match the evidence,\u201d Grissom hesitated.<\/p>\n

Abby\u2019s eyes narrowed, \u201cGrant?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf seven markers match, then\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe link him to the Henrys case, and by default all of them,\u201d Nick finished.<\/p>\n

Abby knew both men were watching her for a reaction. She didn\u2019t know how to react. She looked between the two her mind trying to focus on the issue. \u201cI don\u2019t want Grant associated with that bastard,\u201d she snarled.<\/p>\n

Grissom was a bit taken back at her words, \u201cAbby\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! You don\u2019t get it. It\u2019s a fine line I walk\u2026we walk dealing with who his father is. I have to assure him, that he is nothing like that bastard. To even remotely show biological evidence it just re-enforces the fact to Grant that he is a part of the man that raped me.\u201d Abby slumped father into her chair, \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can really explain it to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby, but wouldn\u2019t Grant want to do anything to make sure Williams is put away,\u201d Nick ventured. \u201cLook at this way, because of Grant he was put away for twenty years, and now he can put him away for good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom at that moment thanked God for Nick\u2019s ability to handle people. Even after all these years of dealing with Abby and Grant, he still wasn\u2019t very good at handling people\u2019s emotions. He watched as Nick soothed Abby, and try to get her to see a different side. He watched the touches, and calm voice as he talked with her. He realized that Abby completely trusted Nick, and that was something to think about.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call a friend to get the blood work, she\u2019ll process it and send it here,\u201d Abby conceded. Before Grissom could protest, \u201cShe works as a DNA specialist for the NCIS, well trained and qualified. Besides any evidence coming from our lab or my own lab back in DC could be considered tainted, and I will not let any defense attorney drag my son through a trial and more lab work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho should I call?\u201d Grissom asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer name is, Abby Sciuto, we met at a conference a few years back. She actually sought me out, because are names matched, something about fate meant for us to be friends. By looking at her you wouldn\u2019t think scientist but she knows her stuff, and Grant knows her personally. I\u2019ll give her and Special Agent Gibbs a call to clear it with him, he\u2019s her boss over at NCIS or at least he seems to think he is.\u201d Abby said as she pulled out her cell phone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Abby, its Abby.\u201d Abby smiled at the joke, \u201cOh, God, I’m sorry I forgot the time difference, wait you\u2019re a night owl what are you complaining about\u2026Gibbs working you to hard? Oh I see it’s Gibbs and DiNizzo’s bantering….I didn’t call for gossip actually I called for a favor\u2026.Where am I? Vegas. Yes, as in casinos and the mafia. No, I\u2019m on a case, it\u2019s been in the news, a series of rapes on the campus here\u2026 Actually that\u2019s why I\u2019m calling I need you to take a blood sample from Grant and do a DNA profile, then send it to the Las Vegas Crime Lab attention Gil Grissom.\u201d Abby paused at the silence at the other end. \u201cI promise to explain everything later\u2026 over drinks\u2026No, you don\u2019t need to come out here and hurt someone. It\u2019s not Navy or Marine related so you don\u2019t have to wake Gibbs. I need to call Grant, can you pick him up tomorrow, and make sure DiNozzo doesn\u2019t use him to pick up girls\u2026 Let\u2019s not got there\u2026I know about your speculations about them, no\u2026 AH man you had to go there, yes I think you\u2019re right but getting them to admit it\u2026I’m not helping you in any scheme you might have worked out….Ducky is involved count me out!…I\u2019m hanging up now.\u201d With that Abby hung up and rolled her eyes. \u201cYou know I thought Greg would be perfect for her, but I just realized she would drive him nuts. Now, if you two would excuse me I need to wake my son up and tell him I\u2019m using him to catch a killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom watched as Abby left the room, his eyes followed her to his office where she entered and closed the door. \u201cI have no idea what she\u2019s going through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us can,\u201d Nick answered, as he watched Grissom. \u201cShe knows you care, and have her feelings in mind. She also knows your dedication to the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom just looked at the Texan, \u201cYou\u2019ve been very supportive of her, through all of this. I thank you for that,\u201d Nick looked up in surprise. \u201cShe trusts you and that says more than you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

~CSI – DNA Lab Two Days Later~ <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grissom handed Greg, the FedEx package from DC, \u201cI want this compared, now.\u201d Greg nodded, and set to work. He tried hard not to get irritated by Grissom standing quietly in the corner, impatiently waiting for the results.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can page you,\u201d Greg commented looking over at Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait,\u201d Grissom crossed his arms, an act that he wasn\u2019t leaving any time soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom, I need your help,\u201d Abby asked as she walked into the lab. \u201cI\u2019m trying to predict his next victim, by using my old schedule and the class schedules for this semester. I also got the entire student ID\u2019s of women between the ages of nineteen and twenty-one, red hair or variation of, but it\u2019s a lot of material. Sara and Nick are going cross-eyes and Catherine just got called out to a scene. Warrick is still following Williams trail since he left jail so that leaves you.\u201d Abby answered before Grissom could ask. \u201cGreg will page you when it\u2019s ready.\u201d Grissom sighed but headed out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Greg said as Abby walked out of the lab.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Greg put you up to this?\u201d Grissom asked as they entered the break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I just know you that well,\u201d Abby handed him a stack of papers. \u201cThose are the women that are taking similar course to either my old schedule, or the same as the previous victims.\u201d<\/p>\n

The four of them sat sifting through all the files and notes, any girl that might fit the profile was set aside, to be looked at closely. After a few hours had gone by, they had compiled a list of over fifty girls that could be the next victim. As they discussed what to do about informing the young women, Greg walked into the lab with the DNA results.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe DNA found under Henrys nails has seven common markings with Grant Thornheart,\u201d Greg presented with little flourish or excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did I miss?\u201d Catherine asked as she walked into the break room followed by Warrick.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobert Williams is our rapist,\u201d Nick answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt took me a while, but the only consistent address ever used by Williams inside and out of jail, was his mother\u2019s house. I checked she still lives there, with her daughter and grandson.\u201d Warrick informed the rest of the team. \u201cBrass as an unmarked car out there now, to see if Williams shows up, but so far nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe set up surveillance before we had the DNA proof?\u201d Sara asked.<\/p>\n

Warrick smiled, \u201cHis exact words \u2018it\u2019s him I know it and I\u2019m not Grissom so I can go on a hunch\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCatherine get on the phone I want a warrant by morning. Warrick, I want you and Abby to head over to the campus and talk to Al Collins, he\u2019s head of security there and let him know what\u2019s going on. Also, get Brass on the phone, we need to make sure there is an all points bulletin out on Williams.\u201d Grissom stood up and headed for the door. \u201cNick, Sara I want you with me when we go to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Morning – Williams Residence~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

For Grissom it was like stepping back fourteen years, it hadn\u2019t changed a bit. It looked run down, falling apart, broken toys in the front yard; it was such a stereotype.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Nick turned to the other two CSI\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s got that Wal-mart feel to it,\u201d Sara responded back, grinning at Nick. Enjoying the relaxed yet tense atmosphere. Nick just smiled at her as they went up the walkway.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you believe it looks the same as it did fourteen years ago?\u201d Grissom commented as he knocked on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Nick answered, looking around the desolate yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d A loud obnoxious voice sounded through the ripped screen door. \u201cWait! I know you! You\u2019re that cop who framed my Bobby!\u201d<\/p>\n

The screen door opened to reveal an older woman, wearing jeans and a Vegas t-shirt. Her white hair was pulled back in a ponytail, thick red lipstick on her lips a cigarette dangling out of it. \u201cGet off my land before I call the cops on you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am I have a warrant to check the premises,\u201d Grissom held up the warrant to show her. \u201cAnd these officers behind me will escort you and anyone else in the house outside till we are through with our investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m calling my lawyer you can\u2019t do this, Robert is a free man. No, thanks to you and that whore!\u201d Mrs. Williams got up in Grissom\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Nick took a deep breath and was about to get into her face when Sara\u2019s voice cut in. \u201cMa\u2019am I suggest you step back before I have these men arrest you for harassing an officer of the law. Now you might not want to admit that your precious little Bobby is a criminal but we have a warrant so step aside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is that little whore anyway I heard she became some FBI big shot. Using her government connections to hurt my poor Bobby,\u201d She looked around almost hoping to see Abby by the police cars.<\/p>\n

Sara stepped past Grissom and got into Mrs. Williams\u2019s space, \u201cAbigail Thornheart is an upstanding citizen of this community which is more that I can say about you or your family now step aside,\u201d Sara growled out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m calling my lawyer you just see, you\u2019ll be sorry.\u201d She yelled as the police officers escorted her off the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nerve of that woman, \u2018poor innocent Bobby\u2019 my ass!\u201d Sara exclaimed walking into the house. She stopped when seeing the filth and dirt. \u201cI hate these type of houses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick walked up from behind and leaned over her shoulder, whispering in her ear, \u201cWelcome back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara smiled, and blushed as she picked up her kit and screamed dips on the living room. She no way wanted to see the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen.<\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, notta, zip, zilch. He is no where to be found!\u201d Sara exclaimed as she slumped onto the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless we find him in the next three days, he will attack again,\u201d Abby said from her spot next to Nick at the table. \u201cThe difference is he knows that we know its him. So he won\u2019t be so cautious in what evidence he does or doesn\u2019t leave behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecurity is patrolling, flyers went out to the campus, let\u2019s just hope girls are aware of the danger and take heed of the warnings to not walk alone.\u201d Catherine commented from her side of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn most cases, it won\u2019t matter, he\u2019ll find away to keep up with his pattern,\u201d Abby points out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when he does, we will be there. He will make a mistake, and we will find him,\u201d Grissom looked over his team. \u201cHe can\u2019t hide forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 10 – Time\u2019s Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

~University Campus – Grove outside Dorms~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby wasn\u2019t sure what she should be feeling, she was just numb. They got the call a little after one in the morning, fifth victim found. It hadn\u2019t shocked Abby, what had shocked her was the fact the woman had been left in the very same spot; she was raped fourteen years earlier.<\/p>\n

Nick closed his eyes, walking away from the scene to get his emotions under control. He had seen the photos from Abby\u2019s case, and the similarities were just too much, but what set his pulse racing was the fact the victim\u2019s hair had been dyed red. Nick took a few deep breaths trying to calm down; un-rational fear along with guilt flooded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNick, are you okay?\u201d Catherine came up to the Texan, concerned at his reaction. Grissom had noticed that he walked off, and motioned for her to follow, he had his hands full of a frozen Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe this, I feel so selfish Cath,\u201d Nick stuttered out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Catherine looked back at the scene, then at Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw that her hair was dyed red, and I flipped to Jane Galloway, and the irrational fear that Crane was around.\u201d Nick looked over at the older CSI, \u201cI mean this is Abby\u2019s worst nightmare and I feel like a big baby, getting paranoid over a stalker I know is in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNick, you shouldn\u2019t feel guilty, Crane screwed with your life and your head. It\u2019s not surprise that something like this would bring up old memories and feelings. I can see how easily it would remind you of that case, same scenario.\u201d Catherine rubbed his shoulders, \u201ctake a few minutes and lets get to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick nodded, then looked up at the dorms. Students were looking out at the scene, watching them. He took one last deep breath, and went back to the scene. Warrick looked at him with some concern, but he just smiled to assure him he was okay. Grissom had taken Abby away from the scene, and let the others process. He knew he was to close to this one.<\/p>\n

Abby and Grissom lean up against Tahoe watching the rest of the team work the scene. David left with the body, an hour before.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe victims name is Karen Thompson, twenty-one, studying in pre-law. She was the dorms resident advisor,\u201d Brass nodded towards the familiar dorms. He paused, \u201cFriends state she was studying for her criminology test in the library.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby closed her eyes, \u201cno escort?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe librarian stated, that she had left with a man in a security uniform,\u201d Brass informed them. \u201cBut she didn\u2019t good a clear look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it! I should have seen that coming. He knew we were onto him. He\u2019s rubbing it in my face.\u201d Abby yelled out, causing the team of CSI\u2019s to look back at her and Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby, you couldn\u2019t have predicted this,\u201d Grissom tried to sooth her.<\/p>\n

\u201dYes! I could have. I missed it, don\u2019t you see, Grissom. Resident dorm Advisor, the last victim just lived in the dorms, she was an advisor. Karen Thompson fits the last piece, except he had to dye her hair to match.\u201d Abby started pacing back and forth, obviously irritated. Grissom was tempted to call Nick over he was better and calming Abby down.<\/p>\n

\u201cAGENT THORNHEART!\u201d Abby jumped at the yell from across the parking lot. Agent Culpepper was heading straight towards them, the Sheriff right behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cShit, just what I need,\u201d Abby stood her ground and faced the irate FBI Agent. \u201cYes, Agent Culpepper, what brings you out to the crime scene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom was impressed not a hint of malice in her voice. \u201cSheriff Atwater,\u201d Grissom greeted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a media circus going on Grissom,\u201d Sheriff began. \u201cI\u2019ve got reports calling me, asking about your and Abby\u2019s connection to the Campus Rapist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom held the Sheriff\u2019s eyes, \u201cWe just discovered that a few days ago, hence we aren\u2019t processing the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do realize, that anything your team collects could be considered tainted,\u201d Sheriff looked over to see the team finishing up and heading their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy team are professionals, and will not let their personal feelings jeopardize the case,\u201d Grissom\u2019s voice was calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike you didn\u2019t fourteen year ago,\u201d Culpepper\u2019s voice was vindictive.<\/p>\n

The resounding slap could be heard over the now quite crime scene. \u201cYou ever insult Grissom professionalism in my presence again I\u2019ll have your badge.\u201d Abby\u2019s voice was deadly quiet. Culpepper\u2019s eyes were wide with shock then narrowed in anger, but he was cut off by Abby turning towards the Sheriff. \u201cSheriff, I apologize for the previous lack of professionalism I just showed. In truth we didn\u2019t realize there was a personal attachment to these cases until a few days ago. Unfortunately, Robert Williams is out to make a statement, and doing it quite well. We know it\u2019s him, we have evidence to connect the cases, we just need to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should pull you and Grissom off this case,\u201d Sheriff Atwater began. \u201cBut, you\u2019re a top notch profiler and you know how this guys thinks. I want an air tight case, Grissom.\u201d He turned and glared at the older CSI.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t give you anything less,\u201d Grissom nodded. He pulled Abby towards the Tahoe, leaving a still fuming Culpepper behind.<\/p>\n

Atwater pulled Culpepper back towards their waiting cars, \u201cJust let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have her badge,\u201d Culpepper growled out as he stepped into the car.<\/p>\n

Nick watched as the two had left the campus, he looked over at the rest of the team all clearly shocked that Abby had slapped Culpepper.<\/p>\n

\u201dShe can get into a lot of trouble for that,\u201d Sara commented. \u201cBut, it was a good show.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked over at Abby and Grissom, both standing near the Tahoe trying unsuccessfully not to laugh. \u201cIt\u2019s not like none of us wanted to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemind me not to piss her off,\u201d Warrick smiled at the rest of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get the two rebels, and head back to the lab,\u201d Catherine walked towards the two smiling CSI\u2019s, both somehow plastered an innocent look on their face, one no one was believing for a minute.<\/p>\n

~Morning – CSI Labs – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby sat contemplating at the break room table. She had just gotten off the phone with her supervisor. Even though he personally agreed with her assessment of one Agent Culpepper he had to write her up for misconduct, he though assured her it would be hidden in her file underneath her commendations from the White House, Senate, and the Director of the FBI. It was now seven in the morning, and the day just didn\u2019t look like it was going to get any better.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it go with your supervisor?\u201d Grissom asked, as he walked into the quiet break room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got written up, but besides that no actions will be taken. They labeled it a slip on character under extreme stress.\u201d Abby\u2019s shrugged, her mannerism and tone showed how tired she was. \u201cI just want to go home, and see my son take him out to Gettysburg and walk around enjoy the fall colors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Grissom sat next to her. \u201cI wish I could take this nightmare away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, you couldn\u2019t then, and you can\u2019t now.\u201d Abby leaned across the table taking his hand, \u201cbut you\u2019re here and that means a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick walked in followed by Warrick both with pained expressions. \u201cYou might want to turn the news on.\u201d Warrick said as he walked over to the TV and flipped on the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cChannel ten news has gotten a new information concerning the Campus Rapist. It seems that top notch high profiler from DC was a victim herself fourteen years ago. From an anonymous tip we were able to discover facts concerning not only Agent Thornheart\u2019s case, but also controversy surrounding the trial. It seems the Crime Labs Gil Grissom was assigned her case back in 1990, and was accused during the trial of altering evidence. Mr. Williams\u2019s attorney, Mr. Matthew Hansen had this to stay.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mr. Grissom has a history of harassing Mr. Williams. For all we know the supposed child that Agent Thornheart had given birth too that linked my client to her rape, could be Mr. Grissom\u2019s. I would like to see a second paternity test done, to prove once and for all that Mr. Grissom altered the test to railroad my client. Then I ask, should I trust a crime lab that obviously well do anything to get a conviction, to keep their high rating in the nation.\u2019<\/p>\n

The child Mr. Hansen was referring to Agent Thornheart\u2019s thirteen-year-old son. He was born nine months after the rape. The paternity test at the time of the trial proved that Mr. Williams was the father, concluding that he had been the rapist. In counter, Sheriff Atwater, made a short statement to the press, earlier.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mr. Grissom is highly respected in his field and has never once tampered with evidence. Agent Thornheart along with the CSI\u2019s have conducted a through investigation into these crimes, and have followed the evidence provided. If Mr. Williams\u2019s lawyer wants to talk to the press, yelling accusations about tampering, then I offer this solution. Bring your client to one of our precincts were a DNA sample can be taken, we will even offer to have a second sample sent to a neutral lab.\u2019<\/p>\n

The FBI offices have refused to answer any of our questions concerning Agent Thornheart\u2019s record with the agency. All calls to the Mr. Grissom and Agent Thornheart have not been answered. In the mean time there have been five women who have been raped and killed. This news cast only hopes that the killer is brought to justice and the campus once again safe for students.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby stood and ran out of the break room. Grissom got up to go after her, but stopped when Nick followed her out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really hate lawyers,\u201d Grissom sighed sinking into his chair. \u201cJust for the record. This is why I stress not to get personally involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dDo you regret it?\u201d Warrick asked, turning off the TV.<\/p>\n

Grissom stood up, \u201cNo.\u201d He walked out the door to his office, closing it silently.<\/p>\n

~Woman\u2019s Bathroom~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nick closed the door behind him, after making sure no one was in the bathroom. He could hear Abby throwing up in one of the stalls, sobs wracking through her body. He leaned down next to her, pulling her hair out of her face, while he rubbed soothing circles along her lower back. Abby leaned back, tears running down her face. Nick got up and wetted some towels wiping her face and hands. He pulled her up and helped her sit down against the far wall. He flushed the toilet, and then sat next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know this is the woman\u2019s bathroom, right.\u201d Abby looked over at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I made sure we won\u2019t be disturbed, Catherine\u2019s guarding the hallway.\u201d Nick answered, putting his arm around her and pulling her close.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really hate lawyers, and I hate the news, and I truly hate Williams.\u201d Abby sighed leaning into his embrace. \u201cWhat no one seems to realizes is that Grissom saved me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would explain all the procedures to me, it kept me from dwelling. Each time he would show me a new technique in forensics or a new advancement in DNA or in finger printing; the rape would just get one-step father behind me. Yes, he got personally involved, but it saved me and I can\u2019t thank him enough. If he wasn\u2019t there to hold me when I told him I was pregnant I don\u2019t know what I would have done. It was his silent strength that helped me through morning sickness, he held my hand during the doctor appointments.\u201d Abby paused, emotion thick in her voice. \u201cI was twenty years old, alone no family, raped and pregnant, and still trying to take my damn finals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby wiped the tears from her eyes. \u201cGrissom encouraged me to keep with school, helped me find a sitter, and when I went into labor, he offered me a entry lab tech job at the Lab.\u201d Abby smiled at the memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile in labor?\u201d Nick looked over at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he said it was taking advantage of the distraction to get me to say yes, without thinking to much on it,\u201d Abby shrugged. \u201cI took it and never looked back. I\u2019m proud of my accomplishments, my relationship with Gil Grissom, and my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou beat tremendous odds you should be proud,\u201d Nick assured her. \u201cNot all of us deal well with these types of situations, you were lucky to have Grissom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby picked up the tone in his voice, and looked over at him. His eyes had a slight far away look, \u201chow old were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Nick looked back at her confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old were you?\u201d Abby asked again, watching his face carefully.<\/p>\n

Nick looked back at her, fear in his eyes. It wasn\u2019t something he talked about, only Catherine knew. He looked down at his feet, \u201cNine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never told?\u201d Abby lifted his chin up for him to look at her. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of, you like me are a victim to someone else\u2019s sick need. We deal with it, and move on. It effects us, yes, but doesn\u2019t control us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt did for me, at least until my Captain forced me into therapy,\u201d Nick said. \u201cI was a rookie on the force, almost took out a pedophile. He didn\u2019t force me to tell him what was going on, but demanded I see the department shrink. It took me a while, but I got through it, but I never told my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember the moment, when the emotions hit hard. I was so pissed at the girl, who had done that to me. I wanted to hunt her down, and kill her.\u201d Nick focused on his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that feeling, it was in the middle of the trial, I was five months pregnant, when I reached that stage. I couldn\u2019t even sit in the courthouse, without the temptation to grab the bailiffs gun and shoot the guys balls off.\u201d Abby grinned over at him, \u201cSince I couldn\u2019t go racing, or to the shooting range. I had no way to release the pent up frustration.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI went bull riding,\u201d Nick stated, grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201dBull riding?\u201d Abby looked over at him in shock, \u201cAs in a bull with horns?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, one and only time. I rode rodeo before, roping, even bronco busting. First time on a bull, and the last time.\u201d Nick grinned with pride. \u201cStayed on it for the full eight seconds, was sore for the weekend afterwards, but it helped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom solved my dilemma. He took me into his garage were a table was set up, with walls around the edges. I remember looking at him like he was insane, but then he dumped all these ugly, ugly, bugs into the table, and handed me a shoe.\u201d Abby smiled at the memory. \u201cI killed bugs for hours, Grissom sat quietly in the corner trying not to get upset at the mass destruction I was reeking on his precious bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick looked at her, blinked, and then started laughing, Abby soon joined in. It was how Catherine found them five minutes later, leaning against each other tears streaming down the face, still chuckling quietly. Looking relaxed, and refreshed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Every gathered around the table, discussing the next move in the investigation. Grissom was watching Abby carefully, he wasn\u2019t sure what Nick had said, but she seemed calmer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a solid \u2018no comment\u2019 policy about anything going on in this lab,\u201d Grissom began the meeting. \u201cIgnore anything Mr. Hansen, might have to say, we know the truth and he\u2019s just trying to via public opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJumping the gun a bit isn\u2019t he?\u201d Greg asked, \u201cI mean to start screaming tampering before his client is arrested, to me as GQ Public screams guilty, but that just me.\u201d Greg shrugged.<\/p>\n

Abby smiled at him, \u201clets just hope the jury thinks like you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwelve people all on Greg\u2019s wave length, now that can\u2019t be good.\u201d Nick teased the lab tech.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not speaking to you, Mr. Starbucks.\u201d Greg snubbed him, turning his back on the Texan.<\/p>\n

Grissom watched the antics, letting it go; they all need to relieve some stress. \u201cActually Greg, I think he\u2019s been buying them for Abby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby stared at Grissom, \u201cwhy you little traitor!\u201d Who just gave her shrug \u2018who me?\u2019<\/p>\n

Greg turned to Abby, bottom lip whimpering, and \u201cI thought we had something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Greg, but Starbuck and I go way back,\u201d Abby looked down trying not to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to business,\u201d Grissom looked across the room, noticing they were all now a bit relaxed. \u201cAbby, any of this will affect your relationship with the FBI?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ve already contacted them. Agent Cromwell, my boss, laughed when he heard Mr. Hansen\u2019s threat, then offered to try Williams in a federal court and see if Mr. Hansen could survive the FBI labs.\u201d Abby grinned; she really had a good boss. \u201cWhat Mr. Hansen doesn\u2019t realize, is that by lashing out, he\u2019s made a media announcement that we suspect Williams as a suspect, warning everyone that he\u2019s loose and dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it could be used to our advantage,\u201d Sara stated, thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest thing we need to do is put warning out to the campus,\u201d Warrick commented. \u201cIt\u2019s obvious now, that he will attack any girl, and mold them into his image.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t go after anyone else, he\u2019s made his statement. He\u2019s hurt Grissom, by smearing his name, and now he\u2019s going to finish it,\u201d Abby stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Catherine asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next victim,\u201d Abby looked over at Grissom. \u201cWell be me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence that followed that statement was deafening to Abby\u2019s ears. She looked at the table not daring to look into Grissom or Nick\u2019s face. She didn\u2019t want to bring it up in the first place, because she knew what their reactions would be. The fact that Halloween was only a few days away, proved her point. Nick was right, it started off being about Grissom, but then it became about her. The ultimate revenge, rape and killing her on Halloween.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when were you planning on telling us this?\u201d Grissom calming asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just did,\u201d Abby looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not go anywhere without someone with you!\u201d Grissom looked around, \u201cthe same for all of you, I wouldn\u2019t put it past him to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about police escort?\u201d Brass asked from the door. \u201cI mean Mr. Hansen basically threatened you and Abby, we could make sure of round the clock surveillance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby tuned out the arguing between the group; they didn\u2019t understand that it wouldn\u2019t stop him. Williams was beyond caring and would go through whomever to seek his revenge. He already killed five women, what are a few cops and CSI\u2019s. Her thoughts were interrupted when her cell phone rang. Startled she looked around as everyone looked back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThornheart,\u201d She sniped into the phone. She turned in her seat a bit, and smiled. \u201cHey, honey, how are you doing?\u201d She paused a frown forming. \u201cNo, everything is fine here\u2026 you don\u2019t need to worry, I\u2019m not in any danger\u2026What? No, you tell Agent DiNozzo that he doesn\u2019t need to drag Gibbs out here, and take care of things properly. Grant, I have to go we are in a meeting\u2026\u201d Abby\u2019s face paled a bit, \u201cNews? Whatever you heard, ignore it\u2026trust me nothing is going to happen\u2026I love you.\u201d She clicked off the phone and shrugged. Catherine just smiled at her, understanding completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was informed that campus security has patrols set up, and a few un-marked cars are roaming around\u2026\u201d Brass began to explain, when Grissom\u2019s phone went off.<\/p>\n

Abby looked over at him, eyebrow raised. He picked up his phone, and sighed when he looked at the caller ID, \u201cGrant, nice try, I was in the room when you called your mother.\u201d He paused glaring at a snickering Catherine, who was mouthing something to Warrick who was also snickering. \u201cEverything is fine here. I won\u2019t let anything happen\u2026Listen to your mom, and get to school.\u201d He clicked off his phone, and just gave a death glare towards Catherine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Jim, you were saying?\u201d Grissom waved his hand, as he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead.<\/p>\n

Brass looked around the room, \u201cany other phone calls\u2026\u201d Nick\u2019s phone rang on cue.<\/p>\n

He sat there, hoping to ignore it. \u201cYou might as well answer it,\u201d Grissom gestured towards the phone.<\/p>\n

Nick picked his phone up, \u201cYou do realize I\u2019m in a lot of trouble right now.\u201d Which got the whole room laughing. \u201cJust trust me, I won\u2019t let anything happen to her.\u201d Nick hung the phone up and smiled sheepishly at Brass.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he know anyone else\u2019s phone number?\u201d Brass asked Abby.<\/p>\n

Abby had a thoughtful look on her face, \u201cKnowing him, probably everyone\u2019s. Grant is very protective,\u201d Glances at Grissom. \u201cHe would call the President of the United States if he felt it would help.\u201d She looks around, \u201cI\u2019m not kidding. He has the number.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFuture FBI?\u201d Warrick asked grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m betting CIA,\u201d Abby smiled back. \u201cHe has way to many connections for a thirteen-year-old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch like is mother,\u201d Grissom looked over at her. \u201cUntil Williams is caught, we work in pairs. There will be check in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis also means you,\u201d Catherine looked over at Grissom. \u201cAnd don\u2019t give me that \u2018what\u2019 look. You know what I\u2019m talking about. You\u2019re notorious for going and talking to serial killers, weaponless I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom looked at everyone looking at him, \u201cI just wanted to ask a few questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chapter 11 – Happy Anniversary <\/strong><\/p>\n

~Halloween – Grissom\u2019s House~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby stared out of the living room window, listening to the music coming in from the kitchen, as Grissom made dinner. Considering the day and the situation at hand she felt at peace. She turned around to see a nervous Nick sitting on the leather couch not quite sure what to do or say. Grissom had invited him over for dinner, to quote \u2018help him keep an eye on Abby\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can relax, Nick. The bugs won\u2019t jump off the wall and bite you,\u201d Abby chuckled at the startled look that came across his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? There\u2019s bug in here I never heard of,\u201d Nick laughed at his own nervousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe makes me take the scary ones down when I have company.\u201d Grissom commented as he walked into the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I know y\u2019all are making fun of me, so just stop.\u201d Nick laughed; blushing knowing his accent came out thick.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant mentioned that he has going to a Halloween Party tonight?\u201d Grissom asked Abby, as she sat on the couch next to Nick.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a teenager now, with a teenager schedule.\u201d Abby sobbed and leaned on Nick\u2019s shoulder, who was snickering. \u201cI told him, I would call home exactly eleven o\u2019clock his time, and if he doesn\u2019t answer it, he\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho stays with him when you\u2019re away?\u201d Nick asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a nanny that has been watching him since he was seven, she stays when I\u2019m on extended cases or work late.\u201d Abby sighed, \u201cI miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will you go back to DC?\u201d Nick tried to hide the concern in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I was just talking to Abby about that,\u201d Grissom interrupted, watching the two interact with each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were?\u201d Abby looked over at him, a questioning look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, remember, over breakfast,\u201d Grissom looked over at her.<\/p>\n

Abby had a mix expression of confusion and concentration on her face, \u201cAt Tiffany\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Grissom got up when the timer dinged. \u201cI said you didn\u2019t have to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby looked over at Nick and laughed, \u201cSo that was a job offer? What exactly are you offering me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you to come home and be with your family?\u201d Grissom yelled from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Nick whispered, his eyes searching hers.<\/p>\n

Abby smiled at him, her eyes never leaving his, as she yelled over to Grissom, \u201cGet me relocation and you got yourself a profiler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlready did, and matched your salary.\u201d Grissom walked out of the kitchen, beaming with pride. \u201cThe Sheriff was drooling. Just thought of stealing a profiler from the FBI was enough for him to say yes to just about anything I demanded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick smiled at her, \u201cSo now that your moving back to Vegas\u2026\u201d His phone interrupted him mid-sentence, \u201cThat better not be Grant.\u201d He stated, picking up the phone, glaring at a laughing Abby. \u201cStokes. Yeah, man, really I\u2019ll be right there.\u201d He snapped the phone shut, \u201cThat was Warrick he\u2019s got a lead, I\u2019m going in early so I\u2019ll see you at the lab.\u201d Nick hesitated, but got up off the couch and headed towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCall before you do anything,\u201d Grissom gave him a hard look. \u201cWe will be in at the start of shift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby closed the door behind Nick. She turned to see Grissom eyeing her, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, dinner\u2019s ready.\u201d Grissom walked back into the kitchen, smiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~UNLV – Campus~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sara got out of the Tahoe, and looked around the parking lot behind the grove of trees. If she remembered correctly, this was where Williams had escaped from, after raping Abby. She closed the door, and walked towards the grove. Using her flashlight she scanned the area, referring to the campus map she had pulled out. While sitting at home, an idea formed in her head, about the location of the crime scenes. She printed off a campus map off the their Internet sight and marked each location, each scene was in close proximity of this particular grove of trees. Like Abby had stated, once was a coincidence, twice a pattern, third time a signature.<\/p>\n

She stepped into the grove, checking between the map and the surrounding area. When she figured to be mid point between all of the scenes, she began searching the area methodologically. Her light caught a reflection off to the side, and as she turned to check it a blow came from behind knocking her unconscious.<\/p>\n

Robert pulled the phone out of the CSI\u2019s pocket. Scrolling through the numbers, smiled and hit dial.<\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s House~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby curled up against the couch, thinking back over Nick\u2019s comment, trying to figure out what exactly was happening between them. Grissom had been called into a meeting with the Sheriff, soon after Nick left. With a strict warning not to do anything stupid, he left and would meet her at the lab in two hours. Warrick\u2019s lead turned out to be, an old college buddy of Williams\u2019s. He stated that Williams had been by asking for money. Nick was now questioning the college buddy, while Warrick was checking schedules of flights, and buses.<\/p>\n

Her cell phone pulled her out of her thoughts; she looked at the display and was a bit surprised to see Sara\u2019s name and number, \u201c Sara?\u201d The two might have come to an understanding, but they weren\u2019t on friendly terms.
\n\u201cHappy Anniversary,\u201d Robert\u2019s voice filtered through the phone. \u201cMeet me in our spot, or the CSI will understand your suffering.\u201d The phone clicked off in her ear.<\/p>\n

Abby froze, fear entering her body and mind. She took a few deep breaths, trying to get control over her own body. Once, she was able to focus, she got up found a pen and paper, wrote Grissom a note, grabbed her keys and left. Leaving the note under her phone on the table, \u2018It all comes to end this hallows eve night\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~CSI – Break Room~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Sara and Abby?\u201d Catherine asked as she walked into the break room. \u201cI wanted to show them some pictures of Lindsey in her costume,\u201d The proud mom beamed with pride.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbby is at my house, but should be here within the hour, Sara should be around here,\u201d Grissom looked up contemplating. \u201cNick have you seen her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I haven\u2019t. I\u2019ll give her cell a call.\u201d Nick answered, pulling out his cell phone. He dialed the number, a busy signal answering back. He dialed again, getting the same signal. \u201cNow, that\u2019s odd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Catherine asked, the young Texan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe line\u2019s busy,\u201d Nick looked over at the two CSI\u2019s. The implication heavy in the air<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be, we all have call waiting, and if some reason both lines are busy it\u2019s forward to the front desk,\u201d Grissom stated, concern entering his voice. It wasn\u2019t like Sara, to stay out of contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes anyone know what she was doing before work?\u201d Catherine asked. \u201cPlease tell me she didn\u2019t pull a Grissom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll CSI\u2019s are supposed to report at the lab, before going anywhere,\u201d Grissom gave Catherine an indignant look. \u201cNick, get on the GPS Tracking System, all our phones have GPS, see where she is located.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick left the break room, Grissom watched him go, concern clear on his face. He picked his own phone up and dialed Abby\u2019s line. When he reached her voice mail, he left a short abrupt message before he hanging up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGris?\u201d Catherine questioned, fear evident on her face and in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Abby was right, tonight is when he\u2019ll make his move. Something just doesn\u2019t feel right, and I sure as hell don\u2019t want to get a call, telling me to go back to the campus or worse my own home.\u201d Grissom breathed slowly and deeply.<\/p>\n

Nick walked back into the break room. Grissom didn\u2019t like his look. \u201cAccording to the GPS, she\u2019s at the campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom jumped out of his chair, yelling at Catherine as he headed for the door. \u201cCatherine call Brass tell him to meet you and Warrick at my house, make sure Abby is there. Nick and I are going to the campus.\u201d Catherine watched as Nick and Grissom ran down the hall, and then ran off to find Warrick, calling Brass as she ran.<\/p>\n

~UNLV – Campus~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Abby pulled up next to Sara\u2019s Tahoe, cursing the woman. \u2018I told Grissom, she was just like him.\u2019 Abby stared at the groves for a few minutes, memories assaulting her mind. She refused to let Robert win. She stepped into the groves, and headed towards the one spot on earth, she hated most. She focused on her surroundings, refusing to be caught unaware. She stopped a few yard before the edge of the groves, Robert was standing over an unconscious Sara.<\/p>\n

Abby looked over at Sara, then up to Robert. He answered her unanswered question, \u201cShe\u2019s not a redhead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t stop you the last time, dyed her hair. Did you do that before or after you killed her?\u201d Abby asked, watching him carefully. She could see the glint of the knife held in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore, broke into her dorm room. Did you know she had the same one you did?\u201d Abby shook her head no, \u201cI forced her by knife point to dye her hair, then dragged her down stairs, where I recreated our time together. In the end she had to die, just like the others.\u201d Robert\u2019s eyes shifted between Sara and Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you killed them all for what? Torment Grissom; show him your better than he is? Or was it to seek revenge against me, because I refused to cower and hide? Or maybe it was because your hatred towards your older sister?\u201d Abby knew she struck a cord when he growled and stepped towards her. \u201cI will not be you\u2019re victim, I haven\u2019t been for years, and tonight will not change that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI always admired you. Did you know I watched you race?\u201d Robert took another step forward, Abby stepped back luring Robert away from Sara.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. What else do you know?\u201d Abby asked keeping him occupied, focused on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son Grant is fine looking boy,\u201d Robert sneered. \u201cHas your red hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s House~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Warrick and Catherine barged into the house, guns drawn. Warrick searched the main living area, as Catherine checked the backyard and garage.<\/p>\n

A glint off the coffee table caught his attention, \u201cBrass, Catherine!\u201d He yelled for the detective and CSI. Both ran in guns drawn. He showed them the phone, and attached note. He looked over at a growling Catherine, \u201cCatherine call Grissom, Abby\u2019s headed for the campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brass picked up his phone cursing the FBI Agent, \u201cI\u2019ll get back-up, over there, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three headed out towards the waiting Tahoe, and for once they let whatever Warrick needed to do, to get them there fast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~Grissom\u2019s Tahoe~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDAMN! HER!\u201d Grissom screamed as he threw the phone onto the seat, anger seething through him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it she isn\u2019t at your place, but instead at the campus facing that mad man?\u201d Nick\u2019s tone was hard and sarcastic. \u201cAre you sure, she isn\u2019t yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust get us there, if something happens to her or Sara, I\u2019ll kill him.\u201d Grissom states as he tried to calm himself down. The last thing he needed was to go in, thinking with his heart instead of his head. He was terrified and angry. There have only been two people in this world he ever wanted to kill, and Eddie was already dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey will be fine, both are strong women, who can handle tough situations.\u201d Nick wasn\u2019t sure who he was trying to persuade himself or Grissom<\/p>\n

~UNLV – Campus~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby glared, growling, \u201cYou go near MY son, and I\u2019ll kill you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce your gone, I can claim him as my own,\u201d Robert smiled at her. \u201cI will tell him the truth, make him forget all those lies you told him about me.\u201d Robert began yelling at her, \u201cAnd don\u2019t think that scientist will be around either. He\u2019s next, but I want to cause him all the pain he\u2019s caused me, by taking you away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think you will get away with any of this. We have proof you killed those girls, and I\u2019m sure the cops are already on their way here.\u201d Even as the fear rushed through her, Abby took control of her emotions. She needed to think like a profiler, keeping herself calm would keep the attacker calm. She ignored the fear pooling in her stomach. If she could hold out long enough, she was sure the Calvary was on its way.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think the Texan will save you?\u201d Robert sneered, as he lunged for her.<\/p>\n

Chapter 12 – \u2018It All Comes to End this Hallows Eve Night\u2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby ducked to her right, as Robert lunged for her. She kicked out with her foot connecting with his knee, sending him crashing into the ground. She straightened back up quickly, putting distance between them and Sara. If she could keep Robert preoccupied on her, then at least Sara would be safe. She barely avoided the second lunge, his hand catching her leg, slamming her into a tree. She was able to pull away, and dodge behind the tree, barely avoiding the swing of the knife as it splintered the bark.<\/p>\n

\u2018You really should have thought about bringing your gun, Abby. Your FBI Instructor is going to kill you, if you survive.\u2019 She thought as she dodges between trees, \u2018Oh God, Grissom is contagious.\u2019 She froze a split second not sure where Robert was; she felt the breeze of his hand and ducked, barely dodging the swinging knife. \u2018Come on Nick, get here and be my hero.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nick slammed the Tahoe into park, and jumped out of the vehicle. He barely noticed Grissom a few steps behind him, as they ran towards the trees. When they reached the clearing, the first thing they noticed was Sara unconscious on the ground, Nick bent down next to her, checking for a pulse. He nodded towards Grissom, indicating she was alive with a steady pulse. Both men pulled their guns, and walked further into the groves, following the distant sounds of a struggle.<\/p>\n

Nick tensed when he heard Abby scream, then broke out into a run. As the two of them, came around the trees they ran into a small clearing guns raised.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet her go, Robert!\u201d Grissom commanded, gun pointing at the two struggling.<\/p>\n

Robert turned, grabbing Abby by her hair pulling her in front of him. The knife rested directly under her chin. \u201cLook, honey, it\u2019s the scientist,\u201d Robert whispered into Abby\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

Nick crept closer to the two, gun pointed towards Robert\u2019s head. \u201cCloser, cowboy and I\u2019ll slice her throat.\u201d Robert sneered turning slightly to keep Abby between him and the two CSI\u2019s, eyes shifting between the two threats.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet her go, it\u2019s finished,\u201d Nick stated, gun not wavering.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the bitch has to die.\u201d Robert snarled the blade digging into her flesh, a drop of blood forming on her neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can walk away from this alive,\u201d Grissom moved opposite of Nick. Robert couldn\u2019t keep her between both of them if they came from opposite ends, giving one of them a clear shot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can walk away now,\u201d Robert took a step back, but Abby didn\u2019t. Her eyes went calm, a look of determination sparkled deep inside them. Nick felt a flash a fear run through him, unsure what Abby would do, to finally end this nightmare. His eyes darted to Grissom, whose body language should tension, but face appeared calm.<\/p>\n

Fighting against the bite of pain on her neck Abby took the advantage, and slammed her head back knocking into Roberts chin. Distracted, she elbowed him in the stomach, and then twisted away from the knife. As he lunged for her she pulled away. She screamed out when the knife sliced her arm, but she kept twisting. As the two pulled and tugged, Nick made his move. Not getting a clear shot, he physically tackled Robert, pulling him away from Abby. When Abby broke free the force of it, slammed Robert into Nick, sending the two men to the ground.<\/p>\n

Abby fell to the floor, and rolled away from the two men. Grissom grabbed her arm, pulling her behind him. Grissom quickly turned away from Abby, and crept closer to the two fighting men, waiting for a clear shot. He watched as Nick slammed his fist into Robert\u2019s face, barely dodging the knife. He quickly grabbed Robert\u2019s knife hand and twisted, except his hand slipped giving Robert just enough movement to slam his arm down, imbedding the knife into Nick\u2019s thigh. With a scream of pain, Nick let go. Robert took the advantage and threw Nick into Grissom sending the two men into the ground, knife still imbedded into Nick\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

Robert growled and turned towards Abby eyes wild with hatred and revenge. He stopped short, Abby stood before him, with Nick\u2019s gun in her hand. The world stood still and the only sound was of silence. It had come down to the two of them. Abby\u2019s face only showed an eerie a sense of calmness. Robert growled and lunged, Abby fired a shot slightly over his shoulder. Her eyes never left his, her stance spoke of strength, she knew how to handle a gun, and wasn\u2019t afraid to use it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t go through six weeks of training at Quantico, and come out not knowing how to shoot,\u201d Abby stated calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t shoot me,\u201d Robert sneered at her. \u201cYou\u2019re to much like him,\u201d He nodded towards Grissom, who was pulling off his jacket to stop the bleeding. \u201cYou prefer justice of the courts, not by the gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to take that chance?\u201d Abby asked, \u201cDo you think I would got to jail? I wouldn\u2019t even go to trial. You killed five woman, attacked one CSI, wounded another, and to top it off you threatened the life of a FBI Agent. So really, do you think any one would care if I dumped this full clip into your chest?\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert\u2019s confidence faltered, \u201cGo ahead kill me. Just remember, that when you look into my son\u2019s eyes, you will always see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby took a step forward, \u201cNo, when I look in my son\u2019s eyes, I see my father!\u201d She pulled the gun back, and then slammed it, along with her fist into his jaw, knocking him out cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought I was going to kill him, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Abby looked over at Grissom, who was attending to a bleeding Nick, putting pressure onto the wound. At the same time making sure the knife wasn\u2019t touched, after all it was evidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly wasn\u2019t sure, but you were right.\u201d Grissom looked up at her, \u201cNo one would have cared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have,\u201d Abby stated, turning towards the sound of approaching people.<\/p>\n

She looked up to see Brass and Warrick running towards them, with the police and FBI right behind them. Warrick kneeled down next to Nick, taking over for Grissom. Grissom watched as Culpepper order his agents to collect Robert Williams and then walked off, not even looking at Abby. Brass was glaring at her, but she just handed him the gun and walked away.<\/p>\n

Grissom moved to follow, but Brass stopped him. \u201cShe needs a few.\u201d Grissom followed her with his eyes, and then turned back to Brass. He answered, before Grissom could ask, \u201cSara\u2019s awake and being attended to by the paramedics, Catherine is with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom nodded, turned and walked towards the growing number of police and medical personal. \u201cJim,\u201d He turned back around looking at the detective. \u201cYou will have to call in the day shift; my team can\u2019t process the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim smiled; it was typical Grissom thinking, \u201cAlready called them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom walked down the path, thoughts and feelings in turmoil. He stood on the sidewalk in front of the dorms, ignoring the onlookers, and press, just watching everything play out.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Warrick kept by Nick\u2019s side as they wheeled him towards an awaiting ambulance. \u201cNick, man, there are other ways of collecting evidence.\u201d Warrick teased, hiding his fear behind the sarcastic comment.<\/p>\n

Nick chuckled, drugs already taking effect, \u201cBut we have it.\u201d Warrick just shook his head as he climbed in behind the paramedics as they raced off to the hospital.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Sara sat on the back of the second ambulance, holding an ice pack to the back of her head. Catherine stood in front of her, arms crossed looking extremely pissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you pulled a GRISSOM!\u201d Catherine yelled, then looked sheepishly at Sara\u2019s wince. \u201cSorry, didn\u2019t mean to yell that loud. You scared the hell out of us! I mean you went after a serial rapist by yourself. What the hell where you thinking? And if you say \u2018I just wanted to talk with him\u2019, I\u2019ll smack you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara smiled, \u201cI had a gun at least.\u201d She tried to reason with the angry blonde.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it did you a whole lot of good,\u201d Catherine hands gestured towards the ice pack. \u201cYou get so caught up in what you\u2019re looking for, you don\u2019t look around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara blinked, and it hit her. Everything just fell into place. \u2018Maybe the knock to the head was a good thing.\u2019 She looked up at Catherine, \u201cI\u2019m just like him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and I can only deal with one Gil Grissom!\u201d Catherine pointed towards Grissom, who watching Abby. She stood alone staring at the ground, her thoughts and feelings in turmoil.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll this time, my love of him, was just admiration for the man. I wanted him because he was familiar. Didn\u2019t have to deal with any complications cause I knew what to expect.\u201d Sara rested her head on her other hand, dropping the ice bag onto the ambulance floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sara, but you must know he will never see you as anything but a friend, colleague, maybe a daughter.\u201d Catherine voice softened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do now,\u201d Sara looked up and watched Grissom walk up to Abby and put his arm around her. \u201cI almost ruined two complete good friendships, because I saw what I wanted to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNick and Gris are very forgiving men,\u201d Catherine smiled at Sara\u2019s shocked look at the guess of the second. \u201cWe all have noticed the distance between the two. Nick cares for you, looks after you as a sister. He also knew you would have to come to him, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara nodded, then moaned. \u201cOkay, note to self, don\u2019t do that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you better not!\u201d Catherine put her hands on her hips. \u201cI\u2019ll just have to get Warrick to baby sit you,\u201d smiled at Sara\u2019s indignant grunt. \u201cI got my hands tied with Grissom.\u201d Looks over to Abby and Grissom, \u201cAnd looks like Abby has a similar trait, so Nick\u2019s got his hands full. God, let\u2019s just hope Greg turns out to be smart enough not to go after serial killers, I\u2019m out of baby sitters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara laughed, \u201cOuch, don\u2019t make me laugh.\u201d Catherine sat next to her, patting her on the knee. \u201cThanks, Cath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d Catherine just sat there, as the two watched another emotional scene play out.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Grissom just held Abby, as she stood staring at a scene that took place fourteen years ago. Tears were streaming down her face, as she let go of the emotions that had been building up over the past few weeks.<\/p>\n

She leaned into Grissom\u2019s embrace, \u201cI thought it was over, all those years ago, when the jury said guilty. But, it\u2019s not is it. It will never really be over. No matter, if he gets jail time, or the death penalty. He will always be a part of who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, his actions led you to the path you\u2019re on, they didn\u2019t make you the person you are, you did that\u201d Grissom held her tight, \u201cYou could have given up, aborted the baby, or moved out of town and never come back, but you didn\u2019t. Yes, he impacted your life, but you made it yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abby just leaned further in for the comfort, \u201cHow\u2019s Nick?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWarrick\u2019s with him. Looks like the knife hit mostly flesh and muscle. He\u2019ll be limping for a while. His main concern was that no one would touch the knife, screaming it was evidence.\u201d Grissom smiled into her hair, enjoying her laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, God, Grant I have to call him.\u201d Abby pulled away, looking for her cell phone.<\/p>\n

Grissom put his arm back around her, pulling her next to him. \u201cHe\u2019s fine, I called earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSara?\u201d Abby looked over her shoulder to see Catherine sitting with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll be fine, I think in more ways than just physically,\u201d Grissom followed her gaze to the two women.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a good CSI,\u201d Abby stated, turning back to look at the groves. \u201cI wanted to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but you didn\u2019t.\u201d Grissom said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you, have?\u201d She asked, not looking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, I don\u2019t know.\u201d He pulled her away from the groves towards the ambulances. \u201cLet\u2019s get that arm checked and get you back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, dad,\u201d Abby laughed at the beaming smiling he was wearing.<\/p>\n

Chapter 13 – Moving On<\/strong><\/p>\n

~Police Precinct – Parking Lot~<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abby stood next to Grissom, sunglasses hiding her tired eyes. Nick leaned up against the near by cop car, resting his bandaged leg, cane next to him. He smiled at her, reassuring her he was all right.<\/p>\n

Abby grinned, \u201cWorse than the bull?\u201d She nodded towards his leg.<\/p>\n

Nick laughed, \u201cLet me get back to you on that.\u201d Shifting slightly to relieve the pressure on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBull?\u201d Sara asked from Nick\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t he tell you, he\u2019s been bull riding,\u201d Abby grinned at the mock glare Nick was giving her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rode a bull?\u201d Warrick asked, not sure if he should be impressed or commit Nick into the nearest asylum.<\/p>\n

\u201cA bull, as in horns?\u201d Catherine asked, eyeing the Texan.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Catherine bulls have horns,\u201d Grissom commented from his spot. \u201cNow, Nick what would possess you to get on a 800 pound animal and ride it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYouth?\u201d Nick answered, not indulging the real reason.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there pictures?\u201d Greg asked from his spot perched on top of the cop car.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not telling,\u201d Nick crossed his arms grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you at least stay on it?\u201d Warrick asked, leaning against the car.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the full eight seconds. Hell, longest eight seconds of my life,\u201d Nick smiled, proud of his accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are such a cowboy,\u201d Sara commented, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I am,\u201d Nick beamed. Catherine laughed, as she walked up and gave him a hug. He just blushed, \u201cAh, Catherine don\u2019t get all mushy on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can give me a hug, Catherine,\u201d Greg called out arms open wide.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you ride a bull, you can have one,\u201d She smiled and winked at him, then went and stood next to Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think about Greg, I need my CSI\u2019s with their bones intact.\u201d Grissom smiled as he heard Greg\u2019s gasp and almost stumble off the car.<\/p>\n

Warrick and Sara laughed as they grabbed his legs to keep him from falling. \u201cReally, I\u2019m a CSI now?\u201d<\/p>\n

The laughter was contagious, and most all of them were laughing at Greg\u2019s antics. Grissom looked over at the young man, \u201cYes, Greg, you\u2019re a real boy now. It went through this morning, you\u2019re a level one, and a replacement for the lab has all ready been found.\u201d<\/p>\n

The small group of friends, stood off to the side waiting to see the conclusion of the hellish few weeks. Grissom, looked over at Abby, happy to have her back in Vegas. He glanced over at Nick, who was smiling at something she was telling him, he would be good for her, and Grant. He caught Sara\u2019s warm smile and smiled back. Warrick was teasing Greg, who took every ribbing with grace. Catherine leaned into his side, grinning at him then over to the others, \u201cSo dad, for a non-family man you sure have a lot of kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grissom opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by a taxi pulling up. They all turned to watch as a thirteen-year-old boy with red hair, and piercing green eyes stepped out of the cab smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant?\u201d Abby\u2019s mouth dropped open, and then quickly shut. \u201cWhat the hell are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, mom,\u201d Grant walked up and hugged her. She held onto him tight, tears in her eyes. He pulled back and looked at his mom, \u201cYou needed me.\u201d Abby wiped the tears from her eyes, hugging him once again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you get here?\u201d Grissom asked, as shocked as Abby.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took the money out of my savings, bought a plane ticket\u2026\u201d He pulled back but kept his arm around Abby, and began explaining.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you get a ticket without a parent?\u201d Nick asked, concerned. Impressed he would go to great lengths for his mother, but worried he was able to travel across the country alone, and no one noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ordered it online, using my account to pay for it.\u201d Grant beamed, he was quite proud of his accomplishment, and the fact he surprised his mom. \u201cThen picked up the ticket using one of the e-terminals, and told the stewardess I was traveling to see my mother, that my uncle had just dropped me off.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all looked at him, in shock. \u201cI think you\u2019re right Abby, definitely CIA.\u201d Warrick commented from the side.<\/p>\n

Abby smiled, then turned to Grissom, \u201cIsn\u2019t my son great?\u201d Grissom looked at her eyebrow raised. She put her arm around Grant, \u201cAnd he\u2019s so grounded till he\u2019s twenty!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMom!\u201d Grant complained, \u201cI was doing it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what could have happened?!\u201d She yelled back, and then softened at his big eyes. \u201cDon\u2019t give me that look, you\u2019re still grounded. Just till your sixteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grant grinned, as he kissed her cheek. He then turned towards Nick holding out his hand. \u201cGrant Grissom Thornheart, it\u2019s nice to finally meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nick smiled as he took his hand, \u201cNick Stokes, same here buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrissom Thornheart?\u201d Greg called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he get that name?\u201d Sara asked smirking at Grissom.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet alone Grant? Not a common first name?\u201d Catherine asked. Abby looked at her, \u201cHey, I\u2019ve always wanted to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrant because mom admires Ulysses S. Grant of the Union Army. Grissom because Uncle Gil is my godfather.\u201d Grant answered, everyone\u2019s question.<\/p>\n

\u201cGodfather?\u201d Warrick asked, \u201cDoes he teach you all about bugs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, its so cool!\u201d Grant answered, grinning widely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Catherine looked over at Abby, who shrugged.<\/p>\n

The doors opening to the precinct and scurrying of the reports alerted them to the moment they were all waiting for; Grant followed his mother\u2019s gaze. Brass walked out with Culpepper, followed by two FBI agents flanking Robert Williams.<\/p>\n

Williams looked over at the group of CSI, his eye catching on Grant. He smirked, sending a nod in his son\u2019s direction. What surprised him was Grant\u2019s reaction. Grant took a step in front his mother, a show of protection. His eyes went cold as he looked at his mother\u2019s rapist. He lifted his head, straightened his shoulders, and flipped him off. Turned his back on him, grabbed his mom\u2019s hand and walked away.<\/p>\n

Abby put her arm around her son, \u201cI\u2019ll let that go this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grant smiled, \u201cLove ya\u2019, mom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove you too,\u201d Abby kissed the top of his head.<\/p>\n

The rest of the CSI\u2019s followed suit, as they each turned and followed Abby and Grant. Grissom walked next to Abby, as Nick limped next to Grant.<\/p>\n

Abby smiled at her son, \u201cSo what do you think about moving back home to Vegas?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grant glanced over at her, \u201cCool.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Personal Attachments Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRT -13 Summary: A serial rapist is attacking college students. An FBI profiler is called in, but what is her connection to Gil Grissom. Author\u2019s Note: My first serious CSI fic. I\u2019m working hard on the technical side along with the personal side …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":10490,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-10522","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2Da1M-2JI","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10531,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi\/a-romantic-surprise\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":0},"title":"A Romantic Surprise","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"March 31, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: A Romantic Surprise Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Nick has a surprise for Gil *** Nick had it all figured out. It had taken months of planning and diverting his lover from snooping into his elaborate surprise. He had pulled out his best suit. The dark grey designer\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10533,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi\/time-doesnt-stand-still\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":1},"title":"Time Doesn’t Stand Still","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"March 31, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Time Doesn\u2019t Stand Still Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRT-17 Summary: Wasn\u2019t sure who was more surprised Nick or the person at the door \u00a0 *** Nick grumbled as he heard the knock on the door, this time harder. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist and\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12191,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/coming-out\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":2},"title":"Coming Out","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"October 28, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Coming Out Author: Bj Jones Rating: PG Summary: Nick and Gil tell their friends about their relationship Series: What do a Gunny Sergeant and Entomologist have in Common?, Coming Out,\u00a0Inter-Agency Cooperation, and Haunting Memories *** Catherine knocked on Grissom\u2019s door, alerting him to her presences as she walked into\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12196,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/haunting-memories\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":3},"title":"Haunting Memories","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"October 28, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Haunting Memories Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary: Sara's attack as lasting effects\u2026 Series: What do a Gunny Sergeant and Entomologist have in Common?, Coming Out,\u00a0Inter-Agency Cooperation, and Haunting Memories *** Grissom closed the front door behind him; he leaned heavily against it, the day's events running through his\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12283,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/full-circle\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":4},"title":"Full Circle","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"November 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Full Circle Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Everything comes full circle Series: Goodnight Nick, One More Victim,\u00a0Fixer Upper, Breakfast, Moving On, Messages,\u00a0Saving Love, Shower Food Sleep, Home,\u00a0Full Circle *** Gil hummed softly as he studied the insects moving around the trees. He glanced up towards the hacienda, noting\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12014,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/acquired-taste\/","url_meta":{"origin":10522,"position":5},"title":"Acquired Taste","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"October 19, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Acquired Taste Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Ants was an acquired taste\u2026. 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