�Hey, everyone, great job tonight. Party at my place tomorrow night. I�ve already arranged shift replacements, so everyone can come.� It was a rare thing, but sometimes Catherine found the perfect way to remind everyone just how much clout she had around this lab.
Gil watched as each person in the room reacted in their own way, from the boys grinning sheepishly at a free night off, to Sara who obviously would rather work. To Jesse, who for some reason kept staring out the window toward the mountains. She seemed so distracted, and yet he knew better. He watched in fascination as her ears perched toward the conversations around her, picking up every word and storing all the information, much as he did.
The group dispersed, and she returned to the lab, with Nick following close behind, a case file in hand. If Grissom didn�t know better, he�d say that there might be something going on between those two. He hoped so and not at the same time, for to see two such as they happy together would make his day, but to not be able to enjoy either one for himself would indeed be unfortunate. Oh well, he thought as he made his way back to his office. If so, so be it. Another opportunity lost. So why did this one sting so badly?
Grissom closed the heavy door to his office, half tempted to lock it behind him. But he knew he couldn�t. If something happened, he would need to know immediately. So he contented himself with shutting it tight.
He slumped down into his chair, his thoughts as heavy as the sigh that pushed him over his desk. Another lost chance. Another beautiful soul he wanted so much to hold, to cherish. To love. The first had been so promising. Nick had been so much younger than his years when Gil had first set eyes on him. He was idealistic, full of so much spark, Gil couldn�t help adoring him. Even when he made mistakes, he made certain to learn from them, and to ensure that they never happened again.
Nick proved to be a wonderful CSI under Gil�s watchful eye, until that fateful day when Gil had been forced to take on the role of supervisor, and all hope of reaching out to Nick in a way beyond their work was lost. He tried to continue his friendship with the young man, but he didn�t see him enough. And finally, as Gil watched Nick latch on to Warrick, and eventually fall into the arms of the young hooker, Kristy, he knew he�d lost his chance. Even after Kristy�s death, Gil had tried to console Nick, extending the only tenderness he had. Nick had accepted, but not to the extent hoped for. Things went back to normal not too much later, much to Gil�s chagrin.
And then Jesse had come dancing into his life. In a whirl of curls and light and life, she had turned his world on its ear. With every meeting, she seemed so much deeper, every conversation exposing new levels of wonder to explore. Such complexity did more than intrigue him. It aroused him, far more than he knew it should. She fascinated him, drove him mad with her teasing comments and subtle innuendo. Yet she seemed so distant alongside that playfulness. She�d lost something, or someone. What had happened between she and Sara? What could cause such a vibrant soul to close off so much?
But am I reaching her somehow? The thought came unbidden, yet wanted all the same. He wanted to believe she felt something for him. He wanted the fleeting glances and tiny smiles to mean something more. Something special...
The knock came hard to his door, shaking him violently out of his mind. Nick poked his head in, a concerned look on his handsome face. Gil simply had to smile. Nicky, you�re timing is amazing.
�You ok?�
�Yes, Nicky, I�m fine.� Gil smiled brighter as the name slipped from his lips. He enjoyed how easily it came to him, and how warm it felt to see the sparkle in this wonderful man�s eyes.
�I think I have something on the homeless guy.�
�Show me.� And for nearly twenty minutes, Gil found his thoughts lightened.
At Catherine�s, the house was light and filled with laughter. Little Lindsey was at her Aunt�s for the evening, to make sure no one kept her up. Cat would be joining her later, but only to bring her home to spend time with her before bedtime.
Gil walked around just as the sun touched the western most mountaintops, ready for a nice evening with friends. Catherine�s house was truly lovely. Two stories, yet very ranch style, with a very expansive yard. The house stood at the top of a small hill, with the basement half exposed through the hillside. The large picture window and patio door set-up that was the basement access was lovely, giving a stunning view of the sunset to the west. Except that if this cooler breeze kept up, they were going to need a fire outside. Just as that thought crossed his mind, Warrick walked down the slight hill, avoiding rocks as he went.
Cold metal met his hands, even though all he could see was moving black. �What is that?�
�When you�ve dug as many impromptu graves as I have, you tend to know a shovel when you see one. Start the pit.�
�Why me?� And he wasn�t even going to ask about Grissom and grave digging.
�You�re the tallest.�
�What the hell does that have to do-� But Grissom was already gone, and Warrick was left grumbling over overturning earth.
Slave-driver, thy name is Grissom. Not that Warrick really thought that of Grissom, but he knew what was really going on. Grissom always was against inner-office dating, even with this insane thing he had for Nick. Warrick wondered if Gil knew anyone had picked up on it, but Warrick and Catherine had spent many a morning after shift and over coffee regarding the subject. Gil was smitten, and had been since Nick got to Vegas. He wondered why he�d never acted on it, at least before he became night shift supervisor.
That really wasn�t something Warrick had to worry about. Catherine had been known for her discretion, but he�d been truly amazed when he�d gotten ready for work after that first amazing night in her bed to a list of �do�s and don�t�s� regarding conduct in the office. So many things could not be said, he wondered if he�d ever get the chance to just reach out and hold her, especially during those rare moments when she needed just that, office or no office. He was quite sure Ecklie would not approve of such open affection, especially since he probably hadn�t gotten such a thing in years. Weasel that he is.
And of course, there was the wrath of Grissom to consider. If he ever did such a thing in front of Grissom, Warrick doubted either his or Catherine�s friendship with Grissom would save them from losing their jobs. Or at least his. He honestly doubted Grissom would fire Catherine, but she would get a mark on her record, and Warrick was not about to do that to her. Not when she was so close to getting a promotion anyway.
Warrick wasn�t even sure what Grissom was doing with this. If he knew Warrick and Catherine were dating, why force Warrick to be away from her? Surely he realized how much time they spent together anyway. What, was he jealous that Warrick might take the only solid friend Griss had in the office? Was he really that overprotective? As the pit was finally finished, a set of footsteps got Warrick�s attention, and he was sorely tempted to club the old man.
�Look, Grissom-� He turned wide, the shovel flying wide under no control at all. Something ducked down and back, avoiding the spaded blade and the subsequent flying dirt. The movement was so quick Warrick had to take a second to catch up. It was only at the hesitant reemergence of wild curls that Warrick knew what he�d done.
�Jesse! Jesus, are you ok?� He took her hand, pulling her completely to her feet as she swayed a bit.
�Yeah. Careful with that thing. I think it�s loaded.�
And she was very glad he wasn�t truly mad at her. Warrick�s hands felt strong enough to crush her.
�You sure you�re all right?�
�Yeah. He had you dig the hole, huh?�
�Yeah. And with as many impromptu graves as he�s dug in his life, you�d think he�d be happy to do it himself.�
�What was that?!� Warrick placed the logs cabin-style and packed the undersides with paper, filling the freshly dug pit with kindling.
�Nothing. Dinner ready yet?� A single match, and the flames licked at the dry wood, a pleasant fire growing before his eyes.
�Uh, yeah.�
�Great. Can you bring me out a plate? I don�t want to leave this unattended.�
�Sure.� She made her way back up the hill, the light crackling of a well-built fire fading behind her. As she opened the door, Catherine was giving direction as everyone got ready to enjoy this gorgeous smelling meal. Catherine looked up, obviously not expecting Jesse to be alone.
�Hey. Where�s Warrick?�
�Tending the fire-pit. He didn�t want to leave it. He wanted me to bring him something.� That last comment got Jesse a smile she knew too well. Catherine looked around to the others, who were already busy getting their own things.
�Ok. I�ll take him down something.� Catherine prepared a second plate and glass, and with the grace and ease of a trained waitress, she glided out the door and down the hill, two plates and two glasses in her possession. Jesse smiled as she shut the door, marveling at the happiness spread so wide across Catherine�s face. She watched a moment as Warrick took the plates and glasses form Catherine�s hands, only to envelope her in a loving embrace. Good for them, she thought as she pulled the backdoor blinds shut. They deserve a moment.
Dinner had proven lovely, right down to the fact that Nick had to take over the grill because Catherine was not the greatest at barbeque. But the Texan ran things perfectly, taking over the rest of the kitchen as well, timing everything to perfection so that everything was done at the same time, hot and delicious. Much like he is, Gil thought as he continued with the dishes. He thought it rude to simply leave such a mess, so he took it upon himself to see to the dishes while everyone else enjoyed a lovely if cool evening outside.
�Hey, what are you doing?� Gil couldn�t help but smile at the gentle timbre of the sweet voice so near.
�Oh, hi, Jesse. I�m just finishing up the dishes.� He only had the large pots left, always something he left for last. That is until the plate in his hand was lifted away. He turned to see Jesse with a fresh dishcloth, drying and stacking the plates he had set on the drying board.
�Need a hand?� And a hand she gave, clearing the space Gil needed to set the pots to dry, and making the entire thing seem to take forever just by standing there. He kept his eyes to himself as much as possible, stealing only the tiniest glances at her lovely legs, well shaped hips, ample bosom and long, curly hair. A warmth not his own touched his skin each time she reached for a new dish to dry, their touches so light he could barely feel them. Yet each still sent ripples through his skin, calming the tension of being out of his own space. He wondered consciously how she would make him feel in his own space. Would he ever get the chance to find out?
�Well,� she said as the last pot was set in place, �I guess we should go be social. Come on.� She took his arm gently, leading him outside to the roaring fire and comforting laughter of the others.
No sooner had they stepped onto the edge of the firelight when Nick spoke up. �There she is!�
�All right, why didn�t you tell anyone?� Warrick�s deep, gravely voice sounded from nowhere Jesse could see, but she felt him close by.
�He�s right. Keeping something like that a secret isn�t fair to the rest of us.� Nick was upon her, something large in one hand. Jesse stepped back a little, her hands shaking a remarkably small amount.
�Ok, I�m lost. What am I being accused of here?�
�You have been officially elected to sing for us.� Greg could barely be heard around the roll he had stuffed in his mouth. The young man had taken the liberty of not allowing the last of the rolls to get cold when everyone else had had their fill.
Nick then extended the item he�d been holding: a vintage 60�s acoustic guitar. �You have got be kidding!�
�Oh, come on. I�ve heard you singing in the lab before; you just always stop when people come near you. Sing for us. Please?� Nick gave her his most pathetic puppy pout, and she couldn�t help but acquiesce. She took the neck gently, a round of applause spattering across the fire pit. Grissom had never been one for sing-alongs, but he sat down anyway. Besides, it gave him a good excuse to watch the petite mystery without fear of reprisals.
�I�m going to hurt you for this. Fair warning.� But the wide grin across her face beamed in the firelight, and she sat down to tune the old instrument a moment before she stilled, almost becoming one with the old guitar.
The soft moan of the strings came to life in her hands, and the tune came to him in only five notes, a new record for Grissom. He loved this song, and he had to work not to applaud.
I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls.
A smooth, aching tingle began deep in his chest and ran a slow path through his blood. His eyes shut against the sweet pain that tugged in time with his own heartbeat. Her voice was slow and soft, as controlled and wild as she, and as smooth as honeyed silk. Beautiful. There was no other word for it. For her. That voice would haunt him, he knew. He would never hear this song again without remembering this slow, sweet torture she wove within him.
And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies.
Grissom shifted, trying hard not to let it show, but as he looked around a moment, he saw that everyone else was listening, as captivated as he. Nick looked like he was going to cry, while Warrick appeared drunk off the sheer intensity. Catherine looked on with a mother�s affection, while Sara was in sheer and simple awe. Brass looked on much like any man his age would upon a girl such as she. Protective, yet willing to let her be free. Would that Gil himself had such control. All he wanted was to pull her close and never let her go again. Why did that sound so wrong?
My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you as you start your day.
He could see that. Sunlight streaming in through the curtains of his bedroom. A day off, and it felt great. Felt even better knowing that he wasn�t alone. Warm and soft and smooth, her hair a cinnamon mass of curls across his body, she lay wrapped around him, and he around her. Limbs tangled so perfectly, he wasn�t at all uncomfortable sleeping next to her, nor waking to her sweet perfection. He could feel her breathing against his skin, her chest flowing softly with each breath. How he wanted to reach down and wake her with a kiss, the same kiss she sang of so wondrously�
He shook his head sharply, shaking loose the images. Ok, time to suppress that.
And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.
She never strained at such things, he thought with a whimsical smile. She believed in constructive chaos, but she was more than creative. She was a fountain of so many things. From knowledge to wit to powerful wisdom, she brought forth so much not just in herself but in him as well. Would that she could be so outpouring for just one more thing�
And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you.
Truth. He knew so much of fact, but real truth eluded him. And yet there she sat, on a rock in the middle of what some would consider nothing, alight in song so soft and low that it would surely fill his heart forever. Her truth was so simple, and so filled with myriad complexities of pleasure and life, he wondered if he would ever even see it all, let alone understand it. Would he ever get the chance?
No, he thought with the only sigh he had to give. Such a creature would never let one such as he near. He would simply worship from afar, as he had done for so long with another colleague. Neither would know, and neither would push him away because of this insane affection.
He looked out over the fire to see Nick still trying to hide his face, though he wasn�t succeeding very well. His cheeks were tinged such a rosy pink and bright with tears that he hastily tried to wipe away. Gil couldn�t hold in a smile at the thought that these two such wonderful beings so affected each other, his two cherished treasures. Gil smiled as he took them both in, so different and yet both so very loved.
And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I.
And by your grace I will hold you both in my heart, my sweet ones. He held still for fear that the tears would show before he could control them. So shadowed in firelight, his cherished ones seemed to glow. One wiped that sweet face of tears still too feared to shed, the other held onto the tone of her music, a single note that brought his heart forth in all its unrequited rapture.
Jesse took her expected bow and passed the guitar back to Nick, amongst several compliments and comments. She made a very discreet exit as everyone began talking again, but Gil wasn�t buying it. He followed slowly, catching up just as she reached the back door.
�Leaving so soon, my dear?� She seemed startled, but upon seeing it was Grissom, she also seemed to calm. Gil was confused and elated, but didn�t push against that perfect smile. The two crept inside and made their way to the small cache of liquor Catherine had set up. Jesse poured them both a very stiff drink and held up her glass.
�A toast. To good friends.� And to the failures of being social. Her voice shook she knew, but she didn�t really care at the moment. She just needed to get away from� everything.
�Indeed.� With a clink, a wink, and a smile, Gil took a slow sip as Jesse�s drink disappeared completely into that pouty, perfect little mouth. Wouldn�t have figured her for much a drinker.
�I still can�t believe I agreed to this. A double usually shouldn�t preceed a party,� she said as she poured herself a second, far more mild drink. Gil watched as her hands shook slightly, her voice holding no more of its gentleness but almost�fear? What was she afraid of? Performing? Criticism?
�That was lovely out there. I didn�t know you sang.� He reached out and touched her arm as she set the last of the bottles aside, and she seemed to calm a bit. He was more than happy to do that much for her, but she obviously needed something more to calm her. And not liquor.
�I�ve always loved to sing. I used to walk by the beach for hours, listening to the water and singing to it.� She took up her glass, her hands far steadier. Yes, Jesse. I�m here. You don�t have to be afraid of me.
�That must have been nice.�
�It was, but my thoughts were always of the mountains, where I was from and where I eventually wanted to return.� A sadness Gil couldn�t define filled his chest, something familiar. A fleeting thought about unattainable goals flittered through his mind, but it was gone before he could truly latch onto it. Besides, he used to go to the seaside often himself when he�d lived in California. He was well acquainted with a need to reach out and touch the sea.
�Not that the ocean doesn�t have its good points, too.�
�It never stays the same, the sea. The tides, the storms, the calms, the waves themselves, ever changing, ever shifting, always bringing something new to your very doorstep, if you only open up long enough to see it.� She looked up at him then, the fear he�d seen before gone, replaced with something he couldn�t name. Something he�d seen in the eyes of only a scant few suspects. Something sad yet dark, frightening yet fascinating. And as suddenly as it had appeared, it was gone again, leaving behind an obvious shadowed veil. �But listen to me, the sudden sentimentalist. I promise this isn�t normal. I�m not usually this melodramatic.�
�I have a feeling I�ll get to know what normal is for you soon enough.� He sipped his drink again, wondering how long it would take to get her talking about what was truly bothering her. He didn�t want her drinking any more in the near future, but what she had may be just the edge he would need to loosen her tongue.
As she cleared the couch with a gentle twist of her delicate ankle, she turned back to see him still watching her, a contented smile on his face. I hope so, Gil. I really do.
�Well, this is kinda nice. You don�t talk much at the office, unless of course it�s about work.� He moved a step back on reflex. Ok, at what point had this become about him? �Oh, who am I kidding? Even then, you only talk when you�re good and ready.� He nodded slowly, taking in the sudden change he hadn�t even seen take place in this mysterious little nymph.
�I speak when it�s necessary, yes.�
�And when it suits you. I have a feeling that if properly motivated, you could talk up a storm. Bugs and forensics aside, I wouldn�t be surprised if there is a down right likable guy behind that thick wall you erect around yourself.� Gil set his drink down, forgotten against the hammering of emotions he was desperately trying to suppress. How could she know that? What had she seen? Had he done something, said something to give himself away? No, she was just a little tipsy. Uninhibited. She probably didn�t even realize what she�d said. He smiled gently, his voice soft despite his pounding chest.
�You don�t know that, Jesse. For all you know, I could be a psychotic killer who uses the lab to cover my crimes. Or just a freak entomologist hiding amongst his fellow geeks because he doesn�t know any other life.� He realized his mistake as the last word fell from his lips. Idiot! Give her your life story, why don�t you! Well, so much for keeping things to himself. Yet that didn�t seem so bad just then. This was Jesse, a mystery onto herself, filled with her own anxieties and myriad complexities. She would not betray him, would she? Heaven help him, was it possible she might understand him? Her laughter was like tinkling bells. He could get used to hearing such a laugh.
�I know who you are, Gil. You are the Mountain of the Crime Lab. The steadying rock that everyone clings to, knowing you�re strong enough to hold them.� He stared at her a moment, his heart racing its way up to his throat, strangling in his chest as the secret it held screamed to escape.
�Am I?�
�Yes. You would do anything for anyone on your team, even if it meant something you didn�t necessarily want to do. If it would help one of them, you wouldn�t hesitate.� She finished her drink in a single gulp, and Gil saw the telltale warning signs of heavy intoxication, even considering that this was only her second drink. Her glass set aside, she looked up at him with a tired smile, one he knew all too well himself. Yet he still hung on her every word, his heart somehow hers to read as she would any open book. �As someone who�s had mountains on the brain for quite a while now, I know what I�m talking about.� And with that she was out, passed completely from consciousness, standing up and perfectly balanced. Which made it easy for Gil to sweep her slender form into his arms.
Nick listened as everyone discussed their latest cases and life events. It wasn�t that he didn�t enjoy such things, but he was more concerned at the moment with how Grissom and Jesse had come out of the house together, only to return to the house together only moments later. What was going on between those two? And why did he feel like he had some kind of right to know?
�Hey, where�s the fire, big guy?� Nick was on his feet before he realized, and in motion as his mind caught up.
�What�s the matter with him?� He could hear the voices behind him, none of which addressed him directly, so he didn�t care.
Nick made his way to the door, and found the view not displeasing. Gil and Jesse seemed to be talking, though she was putting down an empty glass. He didn�t have to guess what that was, considering the glassy eyes and almost evil smile on her face. What had happened to the sweet little lady he�d just heard sing like an angel?
And then Gil advanced on her, her body limp and falling into his arms.
�Griss?� Nick�s voice came out of nowhere, bringing his heartbeat up another notch. He turned to see the native Texan standing next to the bar, a look of uncertainty on his face.
�It�s all right, Nicky. She�s just had a very long day.�
�Ok. You need help?� Though to be honest, Nick wanted to give less help and more supervision, but what of that?
�No, thank you, I�ll just be a moment.� He passed Catherine, who rattled off a series of directions to a guest room where Jesse could be placed until she woke up.
Gil tried his best to keep from jossling her as he walked. So she couldn�t hold her liquor. Big deal. Better than Sara who drank like a fish. Besides, Jesse�d pulled a double before coming here. What did people expect? Lab techs never worked that hard! Greg in his hayday with the help of his special coffee did such a thing rarely. It was no real surprise that she was so tired.
Grissom found the spare room exactly where Catherine had said it was, complete with a very large bed. He set Jesse against the soft linens, her silken mane falling everywhere. He sank onto the edge of the bed a moment, caught somewhere between odyssey and fantasy as cinnabar curls fell across ivory skin. The dim light from the hall cast a glow across her face so soft she seemed unreal. A figment, a being of myth, his very own Lady of the Lake.
A single tendril fell across her face, and on reflex he reached out to move it away. He wasn�t prepared for the spun silk that swam through his fingers, nor the porcelain skin that swept fire through his senses. Pale pink lips curled into the tiniest smile. So lovely�
Gil leaned down and swept his lips across the place that renegade strand had landed. He�d wanted it to end there, to be a simple, paternal gesture and nothing more. But he could not rest, nor keep himself from straying down the bridge of her nose, right down to the delicate tip. Her breath drifted warm against his face. She didn�t smell like alcohol. She smelled of jasmine and hyacinth, and for what felt like hours he stayed right where he was, breathing in her perfect scent. He was so engrossed in her sweet bliss that he never heard the floorboards creak just outside the door.
~*~*~
Nick was very anxious for no good reason. What the hell was taking Grissom so long? Sure it had been nice of him to take Jesse someplace so she could get some rest, but that took, what, three minutes? Five max? Not twelve, going on thirteen. Nick shook his head sharply and ran his hands roughly over his head. Ok, so he was being a little paranoid. It was obvious from the lack of noise that nothing untoward was going on. No reason at all to fret, and even less reason to go check and make sure everything was ok. Not that that was going to stop him, but that�s really not the point. People had started coming inside, so he�d better get going before someone-
�Nick?� He froze. Of all the people he couldn�t sneak past, Sara was by far the most inconvenient. �Where�s the fire?�
�Bathroom. That ok with you?� A bit harsh, but effective. And just what the little hussy deserved. Ok, where had that thought come from?
�Sure. Just wondering.� And with that Nick was gone, leaving behind one very perplexed CSI.
Nick made his way down the darkened hall, trying to remember the vague directions Catherine had rattled off. Not that he couldn�t tell which way to go. He could hear something. Humming? Moaning, maybe? He picked up the pace as he approached the right door. Better not be�
The door was already open about halfway, just enough to see�Nick stepped back, certain his chest would implode. He couldn�t even remember making it out to his truck, but the next thing he knew he was pulling into his own driveway, his chest still pounding.
Sara watched transfixed as Nick came back down the hall, grabbed his coat and left without a single word. Not even a look. What the�?
�Sara?� She looked, Grissom appearing down the hall Nick had just all but run out of.
�Grissom.�
�You ok?�
�I am. Not so sure about Nick, though.� Nicky? Alarms raised in several sections of Gil�s mind.
�What about Nick?�
�Well, he went down the hall, said something about the bathroom, then like a minute later came out here and stormed right out the door.� Gil pulled a confused face, one Sara saw so rarely she barely knew what to make of it.
�Grissom, did you say something to Nick?�
Bucket of cold water. He couldn�t have seen� �No. Why?�
�Well, what were you doing down there?� Always asking questions. He enjoyed Sara on the job for it, but right now was not the best time to bring that trait out.
�Jesse needed a place to get some rest.� Sara�s eyes popped wide, her face falling.
�What? Why?� Her voice held something akin to panic. Sara? The deadpan CSI who only freaked out over pig meat and saliva?
�Nothing. She and I shared a drink, and it went to her head. She just needs to lie down for a while.� Sra shifted into �scene� mode, which comprised of knowing everything, finding everything, organizing everything, taking care of everything�
�Ok. I�ll look after her and make sure to take her home. You may want to check on Nick. I�m not sure he should be driving.� She made her way down the hall, not waiting for Grissom�s answer. Gil watched as she disappeared in the darkened hall, his cell phone suddenly in his hand. He looked down at it as if it held all the answers.
�You�re probably right.�
~*~*~
Nick�s phone rang out of nowhere just as he walked in his front door. He still felt mildly disoriented, and the darkness wasn�t helping much. He fumbled for a light switch he would have found blindfolded on any other day. The front room lit up just as the answering machine turned on.
�Hey, it�s Nick. Let me know who, where and what, and I�ll get there as soon as I can. If you can�t wait, call my cell. Thanks.� Nick openly considered changing his phone greeting. It wasn�t like he was married to this job. And it wasn�t like eh saw himself doing this for much longer if-
*BEEP*
�Hey, Nick. It�s Grissom. Listen, you tore out of here pretty fast, and I wanted to make sure you got home safe. Call me, you know I don�t even know what sleep is.� A pause, as if something was bothering him. Guilt, I imagine. �Take care.�
Nick reached out and hit the delete button before the message was even complete. Take care, he says. Yeah, like he took care of Jesse? Fat chance.
Author�s Note: Song title: Kathy�s Song, by Paul Simon, circa 1968.
Disclaimer: The characters, names, and references made herein belong to CBS inc, Jerry Bruckheimer, etc. No copyright infringement intended. For fun, not profit.
