Title: One Night
By: little arsonist
Pairing: Cath/Sara
Fandom: CSI: Las Vegas
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Sara's POV. Catherine and Sara work on a case together, and Greg offers some insight, changing Sara's life in one night.
Warning: abandoned WiP
Spoilers: Burden of Proof, Stalker, Crash and Burn, Lady Heather's Box (if others come up, I'll let you know)
Archive: open to anybody, although I would wait until it's finished. Your choice. Just let me know.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Anthony E. Zuiker and CBS (among others) do. I'm borrowing them for a bit.
Starting Note: I'm trying to balance out a case and a relationship, with a dash of humour and maybe some angst. I'm wading into unfamiliar territory, with this fandom, present tense, and the whole WIP thing. Bear with me and let me know what you think.

***

1

The evidence room has a beautiful silence in which I can work, think, and theorize without interruptions, if I close the door. I have this ratty blue wool blanket spread out on the table and I tell myself one hair can lead us to our man. I grab a magnifying glass, checking for anything in its creases.

I wish this could have been a normal kidnapping but Elyse Hedges had been raped as well. She's only sixteen, and all I remember is her green eyes, wide with fear. She escaped from the man who had taken her innocence but she looked like she wanted to keep running, despite her parents reassuring her she was safe. She broke out of there just in time, before the million-dollar ransom could be dropped.

Catherine left me to go get the ransom letter, and I can tell this case is getting to her. Elyse was abducted while walking home from her friend's house three blocks away, and both live in one of Las Vegas's richer neighbourhoods. It shows that today, any kid at any age anywhere is at risk, and I think that scares Catherine. She always keeps a close watch on Lindsey but now the little girl can't even play in the front yard without worrying about strangers.

I stoop over to examine a small tear in the wool and smile to myself as I find a short black hair, skin tag intact. We finally have something to use after the sexual assault kit came back negative for semen or foreign pubic hairs. I finish that side of the blanket, coming up with nothing else. Time to flip it over.

I want to find everything I can before calling Catherine. Disappointing her is not an option, and never will be again, not since Eddie. Of course I couldn't have chosen a better time to fall for her. I always screw up with timing. I didn't like seeing anguish etched across such a beautiful face, and knowing I had something to do with her pain.... It hurt so badly. There was so much misplaced anger from both of us. She wanted a murder charge, but the evidence wasn't there. I wanted to hold her, but she wouldn't let me close to her. We are on good terms now, and she smiles more around me.

I walk to the lab with the bagged single hair in my hand. I swing my arms and realize why working in a laboratory never appealed to me. I enjoy the freedom of working in more than one place every day.

Greg did his best to keep himself occupied while he analyzed and tested. I respect him, because he can actually do his job while blasting music at maximum volume, sometimes on his headphones. Today, he's not listening to anything. He's caught up in doing paperwork but notices me.

He greets me with a big grin, trying to be suave. I don't know if he's taken the hint I'm not interested in him, but I'm always glad to remind him. He's a funny guy, and I like the funny part. I've dated men before but as with my last relationship, it usually ends badly. When Catherine comforted me after I broke up with Hank, she made me see that maybe, I'm looking for happiness in the wrong place. I've had two girlfriends since coming to Vegas CSI and even though few people know I'm bisexual, I was happier with women. Nobody at work knows, and I intend to keep it that way for now, even though I'm sure it wouldn't matter.

"Sara, how's it going?"

I smile back, holding up the bag. "First trace evidence I've found from that room since that tiny apartment had almost nothing. I'm headed to Trace to do a comparison with the hairs from the Hedges' sexual assault kit. If there isn't a match to the girl, we may have her kidnapper."

I'm excited, he can tell, and he looks somewhat confused. I realize I just sped through what I was telling him.

"You're talking about Elyse Hedges. Tell me more about 'that room' as I walk you to Trace." He nudges me toward the door, which he pulls open after saying, "Allow me." Always the gentleman.

Trace isn't too far away but I won't turn down a chance to fill Greg in, since I may be seeing him anyway.

"Elyse took the police to where she had been held, and it's this tiny apartment. And that room is even tinier. All she had was a blanket, a pillow, a toilet, and a sink. Some prints were found on the room's door, but they're still being processed."

"This will be tough for you, since I had no fluids to analyze." He opens the door and takes the bag from me. He prepares a slide for the hair, placing it in the centre with tweezers. "Ready for the comparative microscope. I'll be right back with the sexual assault kit."

It's my turn to get a closer look. This hair may belong to Elyse, and we would have nothing again. If it didn't match hers, we had our criminal. I'm ready for either. I set the slide on the microscope stage and examine the hair.

"Where's Catherine?"

I'm startled by Greg's speedy return and when I face him, I act like nothing happened. He saw me jump, and he thinks it's amusing.

I narrow my eyes before answering him. "She's getting the ransom letter from the family. Don't worry. She'll be here soon, with more DNA to work with."

He cuts the seal on the kit and once another slide is ready, I take it from him and put it on the free stage. I focus on the two hairs, and the one I recovered from the blanket is not pubic hair.

"Not a visual match. It's not hers. I'm thinking this is from her captor's head."

Greg is quick, reaching his left arm around me to retrieve the unidentified hair. "My top priority."

"If?" Greg is helpful with testing numerous samples at once, but I've never heard him offer to rush anything before.

"I like you, Sara, but I've gotten the picture that you're not interested. This has nothing to do with that. I would like to help your case along." He said all that without avoiding eye contact like he sometimes does when he's revealed too much.

"I'm sorry I assumed, Greg."

"That's okay." He gives me a small smile and heads for the door. "Since Catherine's not back yet, come to the lab. I'd like to talk to you about something."

I follow him, wondering what is so urgent. Of course it's relating to Catherine. Maybe he wants to know how he can impress her enough to get a date. I think I actually have a better chance with her than he does. She never bothers with his comments because they don't have much in common. His idea of a night out requires earplugs if one wants to hear the next morning. Concerts and loud clubs didn't seem like Catherine's scene.

Greg starts to process the hair as soon as we get back to DNA. He stays quiet for a few minutes, working away while I wonder what he wants to discuss.

"Uh, Greg?"

I came so we can talk. I don't need him getting in 'the zone', leaving me to stand around the lab like an idiot.

He turns his attention to me for a moment. "Yes, Sara?"

Seeing Catherine through the lab windows catches me off guard. I kept staring at a minimum to avoid glances from anyone here, to keep my life simple for the time being.

Today, she is blonde perfection with her hair in gorgeous waves and of course, she has to wear a tight white tank top under her black jacket. She never spares on cleavage, and I never complain.

She smiles and holds up an evidence bag, the folded ransom letter and its envelope inside. Greg clears his throat and I realize my ten-second stare turned into an all-out ogle. How much did he see?

"Catherine's here," he says, his back to me. His shoulders shake a little. Is he laughing?

The smile on Catherine's face remains when she enters the lab. She must already know a fact or two about the note.

"Greg, has Sara found evidence and actually put you to work?" she asks, giving me a wink.

Okay. She's teasing Greg, but he can't see her from his seat.

I look in his direction but he's still facing away from me. Some help he is. My stare drops to the floor but I get closer to inform her about my finding. I just can't look at her.

"Found a single black hair on the blanket, but no match to Elyse. Greg is working on it now."

She leans in, her body a few inches from mine, and runs her index finger along my jaw. She stops to lift my chin. She's making me look at her.

"Sara, are you okay?" she asks.

I was until now.

"Oh, I'm fine. Really." I force a smile to support my reply.

Catherine pulls away first, heading for the door. I hold my breath for a moment, our brief contact causing a rush of heat throughout my body.

"The parents touched the letter but preserved it otherwise." She lifts the bag, adding, "I'm getting this dusted but I'll need you soon, Greg."

He waves, not even lifting his head. "Later, Catherine."

I say "Bye," but she's out the door.

I sit in a lone chair away from Greg, leaving some distance so I won't be disturbed. Break time in the lab with thoughts of Catherine's touch to keep me busy... I'm set.

"Hey, Sara. We were interrupted."

I nearly say "Not now, Greg", catching myself when I remember he needed to talk to me.

"What's going on, Greg?"

He turns his chair around, meaning this may be serious. I get his full attention.

"I want to ask you something but please don't freak out."

Worry seizes me immediately, as it usually does whenever Greg starts asking questions.

I don't respond and I guess he takes that as a sign to continue. "As you know, observation is imperative to being a good CSI. Being around you all, I've learned to read people and situations, a bit. I've observed you, with Catherine."

I snap, "Yeah. So what?" I didn't mean to sound so harsh.

"Whoa! And Sara takes defense," he says with a laugh.

I'm silent, glaring at him, not finding this amusing at all. Now, months of secret lust may be spoiled by my desire to watch her.

"Relax. It's nothing bad."

I trust him but only because I've never seen him this serious before. He must reserve all the comedy for me.

"At first, I thought I was hallucinating because you and Catherine are so fine. But the glances became a regular part of your visits."

I'm lucky I'm able to speak. "Glances?" I know exactly where he's going with this.

He rolls his chair closer to me and in a hushed tone, pointless because we're alone, he says, "Sara, you look at her... like I look at you."

I can overreact, outing myself right now, or become best friends with denial. Greg probably doesn't care but if anyone else knows, there's more of a chance she'll find out.

That can't happen.

"I do not," I retort, crossing my arms. It's childish but all I could manage.

Nodding, he sighs. "Yeah, you do, and you don't have to lie to me. I'm all for the girl love." He adds, "But thinking about it is downright naughty."

Greg's attempt at humour in this situation throws me. My face is getting warm. So much for denial.

He chuckles, reaching to grasp my wrist gently, fingertips finding my pulse. "You're still alive. You just haven't moved for the last two minutes."

It's too late to escape.

Still holding my wrist, he asks casually, "Want to take a quick break?"

"Finish with the hair first, then we'll see."

He lets go, getting back to his work. I sit down in a nearby chair to wait, to think about what's coming next.

I've never had to deal with people I know professionally finding out about my personal life and preferences, and I like it that way. Greg will be the only person here who knows unless I decide otherwise. His observation was correct, so maybe fieldwork is in his near future. Complimenting him crosses my mind but since I'm still reeling from his bluntness, I decide to stay seated, saying nothing about the break.

When I think I'm safe, I hear, "I found you out. I can't believe I was right."

"Say goodbye to that break with me."

I'm upset, so the ice is audible in my voice. I'm not in control anymore. If I'm obvious enough for Greg to know, does anybody else? They must. With her years of experience, she must. I hope she doesn't.

I get up and head for the door, intending to leave without any more ribbing from Greg.

"What should I tell Catherine when she gets back and you're not here?"

I reply with a growl and I'm out the door.

Damn his improving perception.

2

Warrick and Nick stand up as soon as I reach the table. I get to have a cup of chamomile tea and relax in an empty break room. Teatime is deep thought time, but I brought Elyse's file in case I'm able to actually focus on work after I finish my tea.

"Hey guys. What's the rush?" I ask, feigning disappointment about them leaving.

Nick's out of sight, and Warrick calls back, "Grissom paged us. DB in a dumpster not too far from your crime scene, that apartment."

"Any connections to the Hedges case?"

He shrugs before leaving but he calls back, "I'll let you know if there is."

Catherine's in the print lab, Greg's processing my evidence. I'm safe for at least a half-hour. I need a lifetime.

If Greg picked up on my attraction to Catherine so easily, my act may be more transparent than I thought. She's sharp and definitely more observant than Greg.

I make my tea, using the hot water dispenser on the new water cooler. It's handy and I don't have to wait for the screech of the kettle. The cooler even has a nifty little fridge on the bottom, and it's off limits to Grissom's experiments. Well, he doesn't know there's a fridge. Not yet.

Grissom.

I haven't heard from him about the case. Elyse was found three days ago. Catherine was there for the SART exam and police statement, but the girl's parents still haven't let us interview her. With almost nothing to go on, Elyse may be the key to finding more evidence leading to her kidnapper. Grissom will let me know when the call comes. For Elyse's cooperation, we have to play by her parents' rules.

Before I realize it, I've spread out every file photo on the table, examining the girl and the apartment for any visible evidence we might have missed. Correction. Evidence I might have missed. Catherine's not the one who spends half her time at work trying to hide a secret.

I sip my tea slowly, taking the time to look at the pictures. I should've brought some sort of magnifying device. I bring each photo close enough to see what others may miss.

My eyes hurt by the time I finish that. Nothing sticks out but it was worth a try. Catherine and I will have to explore any possible avenues, when we get to them.

Glancing at the clock, I notice I've been in here for an hour. My tea is lukewarm after sitting untouched while I was working. I jump up, gathering the photos back into their folder before rushing out. I'm sure Catherine's made some progress with prints.

I approach the lab, seeing Greg inside. He's still processing but I notice that he's talking to someone. Once inside the door, I see her sitting across from him.

I'm interrupting them.

No. Catherine doesn't stop the conversation because of me, but she does acknowledge me with a wave.

"So she's attracted to this woman but she doesn't know if said woman will feel the same way? And why are you asking me for advice, Greg?"

My feet won't move. What the hell are they talking about? I may have to kill Greg. I send him a cold stare when he notices me.

"Yes. Why are you asking her for advice, Greg?" I ask through clenched teeth, turning my head slightly so she wouldn't see.

He looks a little frightened, probably of me. He turns his chair right around to face us.

"Don't you remember, Sara? I mentioned that girl I was tight with in high school. Her name's Stacey." His eyes widen. He's asking her for advice about my love life, covering up certain facts. Stacey? Where did that come from? I don't like it.

"The one who likes women, especially her co-worker," he adds. I nod sharply, wishing for him to stop. He's heading into dangerous territory.

Greg stands up to continue his story, and this worry causing my stomach to turn comes before work right now. A few more seconds and it will be over.

"The main problem is what happens if the woman isn't interested. My friend isn't 'out' at work. I'm asking you since you're straight."

She blinks, glances at me, and I'm baffled. I shouldn't try to find meaning in every move she makes.

She answers his question, finally. "If it's as open-minded a workplace as ours, she'll be fine. Does anybody really care who she sleeps with?"

And Greg keeps going.

"Okay, Catherine. Hypothetical situation. Let's say our dear Sara asks you out to dinner, as more than a friend, which won't happen ever. You're not interested, but is she still Sara? Or is it all strange after?"

Catherine flashes a beautiful smile my way. "Strange? No way. At least Sara could be herself."

I'm touched by her statement but sick because Greg used me as an example. I mumble, "Yeah. Great. Well, I have to find Grissom."

I'm at the point that when I can't handle the stress, I flee. I hope this behaviour doesn't continue. It doesn't suit me. Catherine's always going to be here, and I'll always want to be with her.

I don't care. Catherine stands up before I turn to rush out, but I don't think she's following me. Greg can straighten up whatever mess he's made.

Grissom should be in his office. His door is open.

My pager beeps as I near the doorway, and it's him paging me. His timing's great.

"I was just coming to see you," I say as I approach his desk.

He grins and looks at me. "Sara, how are you feeling? You look pale."

"Gee, thanks," I reply, tucking the case file under my arm. "I'm not here to talk about me. Have you heard from Mr. Hedges yet?"

Grissom nods slowly, still eyeing me. He knows something's wrong but at least it's not personal feelings about the case.

"They're expecting you and Catherine at ten."

"Thank you, Grissom." I try not to sigh but it happens. We finally have something.

I'm on my feet and almost out the door when he calls, "So how's the case going?"

"I found a hair on the blanket. Greg's on that now. Catherine has the ransom note to run by prints and QD. We don't have any results yet." I don't know if we do because I took off before I could find out.

"Keep at it until your interview."

Overtime with Catherine was great any other time but not tonight. I don't know what she and Greg may be discussing at the moment, and I don't really want to know.

I take deep breaths as I go back to the lab once more, this time with some good news.

3

"Where's Catherine?!"

Greg's alone in the lab, and now he's rolling his chair to the corner farthest away from me.

"Sorry about earlier, Sara. Really. I didn't think you'd be back so soon."

Frustration clouds my mind for a moment. I'm finally focused on the case, accepted that I have to work with Catherine even after the tension I feel from Greg's questioning, and I can't find her. Just great.

"Where's Catherine?" I repeat.

He eases up a bit, moves back to his station, and a huge grin spreads across his face. I don't want to know.

"She went to get whatever results the print lab has for her, and she said for you to stay here until she gets back. She wants me to check if the kidnapper actually licked the envelope."

"If he's dumb enough," I mutter, staying near the doorway. Busying myself in the case file seems like the best option to pass the time.

"I said I was sorry, Sara."

"I accept your apology. And I know you were trying to help me but stay out of my personal life, please."

Greg laughs as he goes to his computer, presumably to check on the CODIS search.

"What's so funny?"

He presses a few keys. "Catherine already knew something was going on with you, even before I got that advice for Stacey." He faces the monitor and groans.

"What's wrong, Greg?"

"The DNA from your hair doesn't match anybody in CODIS."

I slump down in a chair beside the door and my folder's contents fall to the floor. "Tonight sucks."

"Keep that negative attitude up and you won't get anywhere."

I fire back with, "We have an interview in the morning, so that's somewhere."

It becomes quiet, but I'm fine with that. If I'm lucky, Greg won't say another word until Catherine arrives or until I leave if she doesn't return, whichever comes first. She keeps her word, so she'll be back.

Then I decide to ask Greg what this visit's laughter meant. I suspect that just because he won't tell anyone about my crush, he'll still tease me when he can.

"So Chuckles, why were you laughing at me?"

"When?"

"A few minutes ago."

He raises his eyebrows. "Oh, that? I'll only say that I know something you can never know."

He and Catherine kept talking after I left, about what I can't know, like he said. It's about me, it has to be. She probably guessed that whole story about Greg's friend was a lie to cover for someone else he knew, someone closer than an old high school friend.

"Whatever," I mutter before turning my chair around, my back to him. I'll ignore him until Catherine rescues me.

I shouldn't have let her get to me like this, and Greg knows. He's not the 'blackmail for cash' type, but there's a possibility that I'll be doing favours for him in the near future.

No. He's a good guy. He won't use this against me.

I get lost in the case again to pass the time but while reading Elyse's statement for the fourth time, the words start to blur. A huge yawn hits me, forcing my eyes closed as I cover my mouth.

When I open my eyes, she's standing in front of me. She takes the folder and pulls me to my feet.

"You're tired already, Sara? We're just getting started."

I react slowly, enjoying the warmth of her hand against mine. "Uh, I'm tired from sitting in one spot. I'm ready to go now. Any prints on the letter?"

I let go of her and step back, glancing back in time to see Greg pretend he's not watching us.

"The mother and father handled the letter, like I said, and theirs were the only prints found," she explains as she reaches inside her jacket pocket. She has the letter's envelope wrapped in the evidence bag. "Greg, can you analyze this tonight?"

"It's next in my 'to do' pile."

"Call me with any results."

I follow Catherine out of the lab, to the building's exit, and finally ask, "Where are we going?"

"Back to the start. I thought it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the abduction spot again. Have you gotten anything from the photos?"

I shake my head. "Nothing but eyestrain."

"What about the girl? Can we talk to her yet?"

I can't believe I forgot to tell her. Any touch from her can do that.

"Elyse is ready for us at ten."

She sighs, pushing the door open and holding it for me. "I told Lindsey I'd drive her to school. I'll make a call when the sun comes up."

"You can still drive her. I'm sure we'll still be out and about when she's getting up."

Lindsey's such a great kid, and I don't see her enough. Now that she's older, she doesn't come around as much. Last time I saw her, she complained how each new grade meant more homework.

Catherine's lips twitch into a small grin, her eyes studying me for a moment before she sprints ahead to her vehicle. I wish I knew what thinks about when she looks at me like that.

I don't speak again until we're moving. "Do you have a hunch?"

"Not really. I figured that if we had nothing at the lab, we can get some fresh air and maybe find anything that could've been missed."

"They searched every yard and sewer near the corner where Elyse was last seen. That's an extensive search."

She glances at me before turning her focus back to the road ahead. Her brain's working on something and hopefully, she'll share.

"We'll take a walk."

4

Catherine's been standing by that stop sign for five minutes. She doesn't say a word, just glances in each direction. The cool night air causes me to shiver as I lean against her Tahoe. I don't know what she's doing so I can only watch.

A man walking his dog saw Elyse starting on her short walk home after visiting her friend, Jane Creston. He said she was standing on the corner, waiting for a car to stop so she could cross. He continued on his way, not knowing if she actually made it across.

"Frank Maxwell mentioned a red sports car approaching the sign. She could've been lured inside by the driver," I say, attempting to break her silence.

And I succeed.

"Did he see the license plate?"

"He admits he wasn't really paying attention but was able to give us a partial." I open my door to retrieve the file, and I page it open to the dog walker's statement to police. "No letters but all three numbers: 780."

She nods but doesn't seem as interested anymore. She has other ideas. I close the file and hold it against my chest, taking my place against her vehicle again.

"Let's go, Sara. And bring a flashlight."

Catherine crosses the empty street and waits for me on the opposite corner. I put the file folder back inside on the driver's seat and find a long-handled flashlight in the glove compartment. I also grab some evidence bags and latex gloves from Catherine's vast supply. I jog over to her but stop before I step up on the curb.

"Where are we going?"

"For that walk. I'm not sure which direction to go. South takes us straight to Elyse's house. East goes to a back alley, a shortcut to her backyard."

"Maybe she made it farther than we thought." I look in both directions, thinking the main road will be less frightening.

She takes the flashlight from me, switching it on, shining the bright beam on the ground between us.

She's still deciding which way to go when I remind her, "We have so much time, Catherine. We can take both paths."

"Okay. Let's take the safest route first."

She starts walking on the front street and staying two steps behind her, I watch the ground as she moves the light back and forth, from the curb, across the sidewalk to the grassy front yard.

We clear the third house, and I don't expect to find anything on the fourth or fifth. Any possible evidence would have been turned in by concerned residents.

When I think Catherine's staying silent for the entire search, she says, "Greg is so nice, getting advice for his friend."

What is she doing? I want her off this subject now.

"Yes, it is. I'm sure he's a great friend."

"You do know he has a thing for you, don't you? Or have you not been paying attention to anything but work since coming to Vegas?"

I shrug, reply with, "Yeah, I know."

I can't dodge a conversation since I'm on duty and alone with her, no matter how uncomfortable I feel.

"He hasn't asked you out?"

I avoid eye contact, easy in the night lit only by the spaced out streetlights and the motionless wide beam at Catherine's side.

"No, but I've let him know I'm not interested. We're friends."

She starts on the fourth house and I sigh with relief. Maybe the chatting will end now that she's back to work.

It does, and we work our way down the entire street to the curve heading to Elyse's house. A cool breeze sneaks its way up my sweaty back, and I examine my shirt beneath my jacket, tugging both down to meet the waist of my pants.

Catherine eyes me, asks, "Are you cold? Because I can give you my jacket. I'm all worked up and warm."

I shake my head and smile. "I was cold for a moment. I'm fine now, but thanks for the offer."

We stroll along Elyse's street, still looking as we head toward the alley entrance.

"No cars," I say.

"What?"

"Folks here must have some fancy cars. None of them are parked out here. Most houses I've seen at least have a driveway but around here, it's about one in twenty."

"Elyse's abduction is sad proof that even the richest neighbourhoods are hit by crime. Garages in the back protect the Beamers."

I try to comprehend what Catherine said but she looks amazing out here in the moonlight, even if the moon only has a few hours before it gives way to the sun. Her hair shines, almost glows, and her skin is paler than usual. She looks great in any type of lighting.

Already in the alley, she notices my lack of movement. "Sara, you all right?"

"Sure. I was thinking, about the case."

She waits for me to catch up, offers me the flashlight but I decline.

"I want you to stay beside me this time," she says.

She's only thinking about my safety, so I obey and walk next to her. I concentrate on the ground, between trash cans, in any patches of grass. I prepare myself for the possibility of huge dogs barking as we pass fenced yards.

We're past the bend in the asphalt when the beam shows a glint of something, possibly plastic or metal, in some grass growing from under a large white fence.

I open my mouth, to tell her to stop, but the light returns.

"Bet you thought I didn't see that." She chuckles, crouching down with me.

"I'd never think that."

I hand her an evidence bag and gloves, but she refuses. "It's your turn."

With a covered hand I reach for the shiny object, grasping it carefully. I hold it out in my palm for closer inspection.

"That is one expensive barrette," Catherine comments as I examine the gold and green stone accessory.

"This looks like jade."

"And Elyse is a brunette."

She reaches in her pocket and brings out tweezers, taking several brown hairs from the clip part of the barrette. She puts them in their own bag.

I stand up, straighten my legs before stretching them. She tucks the bags inside her jacket and continues down the alley. I keep her pace until we were back on the street, a few steps from the corner where we started.

Catherine checks her watch. "We have six hours until our interview, and three until the end of shift. We should get this evidence to Greg before he leaves."

Back in the Tahoe, the passenger seat is comfort to my aching legs. I'm fine after most searches, so I can't explain why I'm sore now. I put on my seatbelt, lean back, and close my eyes.

"Now it's okay to be tired," she says as she starts the engine.

I rest, enjoying the darkness until I hear her calling me. At first it's faint but I open my eyes before she's shouting at me.

"Yeah," I answer, moving my head so I can look at her.

"We've been so busy, we haven't had a chance to talk, catch up."

My mouth drops open, I can't help it, and I suddenly don't feel well. I face forward to stare out the windshield.

"Sara, you've been nervous lately. So not you. You look at Greg like you want to hurt him." She touches me briefly, fingertips over the back of my left hand.

I have to say something, so I speak quickly, without thinking. "Hurt him? You could say that."

She sighs before asking, "What has he done this time?"

Now I have to think, choose the right words even if my brain is screaming at me to just tell her the truth about what Greg did. I'll be revealing myself but I can't run from her, or her questions, forever. Catherine and I work together so seeing her is part of the job. Though I hate to admit it, if my behaviour's strange now, I don't want to see myself in another year. That's only if I don't tell her, tonight.

I breathe deeply and ignore my stomach turning, but it's very hot in here. My heart thuds in my chest. This has to end, and only I can do it.

"Earlier, with Greg's question to you. The hypothetical situation."

She glances in my direction every chance she gets. "What about it?"

More breathing, a moment of silence, and it's time.

"It's not hypothetical at all."

"I didn't think so."

She's not angry or disgusted. She doesn't slam on the brakes. She doesn't laugh. I decide to check out any facial expressions.

Catherine's smiling.

I'm confused.

She appears to know something I don't know. I recognize that smile.

"Greg told, didn't he?" It's more of a statement than a question. Now I'm really going to hurt him.

"No, he didn't tell. I... made a correct guess. He only confirmed it."

My heart slows down a few beats, but she knows. Catherine knows, and she guessed.

"How long have you known?"

"Since last year, but you act well."

I hesitate but I do ask her, "How do you feel about it? About me?"

"You're still Sara." She licks her lips, eyes still going back and forth between the road and me. "As for how I feel about the situation... I told Greg, but I'll tell you too."

I raise my eyebrows. "Is this the something I can never know?"

"Did he tell you already?" she asks, her voice raising.

"No, no. He kept your secret."

The tension rises again because I'm afraid of what she's going to say, but I don't have high expectations.

"I told him that if you did ask me out, I would definitely consider it."

What does that mean? She sounds like she's given it some thought already, maybe even before Greg's story. She said she'd consider it and I spend too much time analyzing.

"You like women?" If she does, I didn't notice.

Catherine nods. "It's nothing new to me, but nobody knows at work. Well, except for Greg."

"I just thought I would've been able to tell since I watch you so often."

"No, but that's how I found out about you. You tried to hide the staring but I caught it a few times. You didn't."

Nervous laughter bubbles up. "I didn't."

"Sara, now that it's all out in the open, would you like to go to dinner?"

From considering to asking. She's making this easier for me.

"Perhaps as more than friends?" she adds.

I stay cool but inside, I'm going crazy. This reminds me of high school, when I was approached by the head cheerleader for a date. We were friends and although we hung out often, I didn't know she had any interest in me.

I find my voice to answer, "Yes, Catherine."

Her fingers are on my hand again, and she strokes my skin while using her left hand to control the steering wheel. Her touch is wonderful when I don't have to hide my reaction. I close my eyes again, and she slides her fingers between mine, to hold my hand.

I love Greg.

5 (NC-17)

I'm nearly asleep when the vehicle stops, and Catherine moves from me slowly, careful not to disturb me. My palm is cold now, so I would've noticed anyway. I let her get out before I open my eyes.

She's parked in front of the 7-Eleven that's almost a halfway mark between Elyse's neighbourhood and the lab. I remember the squatter wearing neon orange sweat pants from driving past at least ten times since the kidnapping. And there he is again, leaning against the wall in his usual spot, beside the payphone five feet from the store's front door. He even checks Catherine out before she goes inside. That's sort of gross but part of me doesn't blame him. She's hot.

She returns with a plastic bag in hand, and she smiles, probably because I'm awake. We have a serious discussion ahead of us and some time to kill before we're back at the lab.

She opens her door, passes me the bag. "I was only joking about you being tired before. You can sleep. I don't mind."

"You don't?" I moisten my lips in another attempt at flirtation, even though I think I already have her.

She replies, "No, because we have more hours ahead of us. I don't need you yawning all morning. Feel free to sleep until the interview." She gets back in and does up her seatbelt.

Not the reply I expected but she's cute when she cares. She even bought me a raspberry-filled cereal bar and a carton of milk, or so I guess since there are two of each inside the bag.

"Yeah. I needed some sort of breakfast and thought you might be hungry too."

"Yes, thank you." I'm thankful I don't have to settle for some break room coffee and an apple. She watches with wide eyes as I eat the cereal bar in four bites, wash it down with the milk, and I hope I won't get ill because I barely chewed my food.

On the road again, I finally blurt out, "We should talk, about what's happening."

She looks me up and down. "Fine. You look scared. Why?"

I wanted her for so long but accepted she didn't feel the same way. Now that I want to focus on work and not on hiding my drool when she's near me, she's coming around. I'm used to unrequited love, so this sudden change is a little frightening.

"You make me nervous, not scared, but in the best possible way. I'm doing a lot better, now that you know how I feel."

"You seem more relaxed, but there's something else."

"What's going to happen now? Between us?"

Catherine chuckles, sounding as calm as I want to be at the moment. "I don't even know, Sara. We'll know when we get there." She gives my hand a reassuring pat, then slides her fingertips along my forearm.

I make a desperate attempt to keep a straight face despite the familiar tingle running through me. If she keeps it up, I might moan out and blow my cover. I've always wanted her to know what she does to me but I'm not sure right now is the best time to tell her. Our top priority is getting these hairs to Greg.

Loud buzzing starts, startling me, and it's coming from near our feet. She lets me go, reaches down, and pulls her cell phone from the cup-holder. I listen to her on the phone.

"Greg, I hope you're calling about the results from the envelope." Pause. "Oh, you are? So is this DNA in CODIS?" A wide grin spreads across her face and she says, "Greg, I'm going to put you on speaker phone. I want you to repeat what you told me. Sara needs to hear this." She presses a button.

He gets to it after a quick hello. "I ran the saliva DNA and it matches the DNA from the hair you found. We have the kidnapper, or at least the person who wrote the ransom letter."

Part of me wants her to pull over so I can kiss her, to celebrate getting somewhere with the case, and with us. Today is proving to be better than I thought. Greg is still on my shit list, but near the bottom instead of number one like when I walked in on his story.

He clears his throat. "So unless you have anything more, I'm going to be heading out in an hour."

Catherine gives him the bad news, that he can't leave until he finishes with the new hairs. He's not disappointed at all. He asks when we'll be back.

I respond, "We're fifteen minutes away but once we're finished there, we have to head back out, to drive Lindsey to school and maybe get something to eat before we see Elyse Hedges."

"Okay. See you soon." He hangs up first.

He didn't start with me by bringing up what had gone on earlier, and I sigh once Catherine has her phone in her pocket. Then, her hand is right back in mine.

She surprises me by saying, "Don't spend all your time plotting Greg's death, okay? What if he hadn't caught you looking at me? You'd still be hiding, for who knows how long."

I nod, knowing she's correct, but she does understand how Greg can be sometimes, not knowing when to quit. Last year, Nick was featured in the department newsletter and he didn't want too many people seeing it, so Greg littered the entire lab with copies of the article. I laughed at Nick then, and I think he would poke fun at me if he knew what Greg did.

"I'm so happy this case is finally coming together, and I don't have to act around you anymore," I profess, squeezing her hand gently.

"And you can look all you want now without being afraid of me catching you." She winks at me, and I don't stop myself from smiling.

The rest of the ride is quiet except for the radio I turned on and Catherine's soft humming. Too busy trying not to fall asleep, I can barely hear the song and finally, I see the building in the distance.

Catherine drives in the parking lot, stops the vehicle in the space farthest from the doors, and I'm wide awake.

"We can go in, or we can talk, because I know we're not finished." I turn my body slightly to face her and rest my head against the window.

She doesn't say a word but her hand goes up, under my hair, to massage the nape of my neck. A groan escapes from my throat, and she grins at my reaction, observing me as she brings my face closer to hers. She places her other hand on my thigh, and my breathing speeds up while we stare at each other.

I'd love to drown in those ocean-coloured eyes.

She presses her warm lips against mine, and after months of wondering how she tastes, I dart my tongue out right away. She opens her mouth to me, and her tongue moving with mine is the most amazing experience in my adult life. I lose myself, combing my fingers through her blonde locks while my left hand grips her hip.

I pull away to breathe once, twice, before she attacks my mouth again. She's always gorgeous, but even more so when she's kissing me. Her cheeks are flushed, possibly from the increasing heat around us, but I'm hot from arousal.

I inch my fingers under her shirt, over her flat stomach.

Three loud knocks on my window force us apart, and I scramble to fix myself. Catherine smooths her hair back without taking her stare off whoever's on the other side of the glass. I feel nauseous.

She reads me so well. "It's only Greg."

I face him, and he's wearing a shit-eating grin. Scowling, I roll down the window.

"You're lucky it's just me." He crosses his arms, looking cold in his Rage Against the Machine T-shirt. "I thought you two would want to get on your way, maybe catch some shuteye before the Hedges meeting. That's why I'm here."

Catherine hands me the evidence bags and before giving them to Greg, I say, "Next time, tell us you're coming right to the door."

He should be on his way now, but he stands there gawking. "So I guess you two can thank me."

Catherine replies, "You didn't really help."

"I started the dialogue." He asks, "Who should I call with the results?" as he walks away.

"Call Catherine's cell. We'll be together," I respond. He laughs because I gave him the ammunition.

Catherine starts the engine, glances over at me. "Sara, are you okay?"

"Yeah. Greg scared me. He's such a freak sometimes," I grumble. "Was he watching us before he knocked?"

She shrugs. "I wasn't paying attention to the outside."

My heart's still pounding from getting caught, but I speak my mind. "Catherine, we are lucky it was Greg, but the way I feel about you... I wouldn't care if Grissom caught us in the backseat."

She gasps, and I see the smile in her eyes. "But Sara, we're on shift. You wouldn't risk it."

I slip my arm around her and lean in for a quick kiss. "I would for you."

"I'll remember that for later."

I've only been to Catherine's house once so the journey there isn't familiar to me. I'm sure I've seen every part of Vegas at least twice, but maybe it's a good thing we haven't had many cases out this way. Less crime means a safer environment for Lindsey.

I stifle a yawn before asking, "What time does school start?"

"Eight. Lindsey slept at her friend's house down the street, so both girls should be ready when we get there." She casts a wistful glance at the green numbers glowing 6:58. "Linds should be getting up any minute now."

My eyelids become heavy and I don't want to struggle against sleep anymore. I wait for another yawn to ask, "Do you mind if I have a little nap?"

Catherine shakes her head and pats my thigh. "Not at all. I'm thinking we should skip breakfast and you rest for as long as you can."

I curl up enough to get comfortable, and the drive lulls me to sleep.

I don't remember my dream when a car door slamming wakes me. With blurred vision, I see Catherine, still in the driver's seat, but she looks up at the rear-view mirror.

"Lindsey, I told you Sara was sleeping."

"Sorry."

I clear my throat and rub my eyes. "That's okay, Lindsey. I would've missed a visit with you." I roll down my window, letting the cool air hit me to wake me fully.

Looking cute in pigtails, the nine-year-old sits by herself in the backseat with her Powerpuff Girls backpack beside her. She gives me a huge grin, the one that reminds me of her mother's.

"Where's your little friend this morning?" I ask, turning more to make eye contact with the girl.

"Laura felt sick when she woke up, but I didn't. Good thing because I have a math test this morning."

We chat about the substitute teacher she's had the past month because her regular teacher, Mrs. Darwin, has been on maternity leave.

She gets on the subject of dogs. "Laura's parents are buying her a cute Golden Retriever puppy." I wait in expectation and almost laugh out loud when Lindsey finally asks, "Mommy, can I get a dog?"

I only get to see Catherine, the CSI, rarely as a mother. I want to see how she handles this.

"Now isn't a good time for dogs, with school and dance class. You're not always at home because I'm at work. Maybe in a few years."

Good one, Catherine. Lindsey doesn't pout either. She's used to the life she has and probably knows her mother is right.

"I'm dropping you off a few minutes early, but I'm sure some of your healthy friends are here already," Catherine says as we approach the school. I see the yellow buses first.

She parks so she can take Lindsey to the school's front steps. Holding hands, they walk up the sidewalk, then Catherine lifts her daughter to kiss her cheek and whisper a secret in her ear. Lindsey giggles and squirms out of her mother's grasp. She calls, "See you later, Sara."

"Bye, Lindsey!" I wave until she runs off with a little dark-haired boy.

As soon as Catherine's back behind the wheel, she surprises me by taking my face in her hands, stroking my cheeks with her thumbs. I push forward, shocking her more when I brush my lips against hers, then move back to feel her breath on my skin.

"I suppose we should drive away," she whispers.

I nod, retreating back to my side, but I capture her right hand for a moment, use my index finger to slowly trace the creases in her palm. "I don't think I'm so tired anymore, and we have an hour of free time."

She laughs at me. "You're such a liar. You've been semi-conscious since we left the Hedges' neighbourhood. When we get back to the house, you're going to bed. I'll get you up when it's time to go."

"Aren't you coming to bed?"

"Nice try, Sara."

Catherine tells me she'll be in the shower in case I need anything, but she figures I'll be fast asleep by the time she's out. She teases me with a kiss before leaving me alone in her bedroom.

I don't want to wrinkle my clothes, so I slip them off, fold them neatly, and place them atop her dresser. Then I get in her bed, expecting to feel vulnerable in only my bra and panties, but I feel safe and at ease beneath the covers.

I hear the shower start in the bathroom connected to her room by a white door, and listening to the spray hitting the wall while imagining her naked and wet does the trick. My eyelids flutter a few times and then, I'm out.

Hands sliding over my body, fingers finding my nipples through the lace of my bra, lips grazing over my stomach.

This isn't a dream, but I'm surrounded in darkness. The blinds must be closed.

My hands find her head, and I tangle my fingers in her wet hair. I gasp when she slides my panties down and I lift myself to help her get them off. She's reconsidered.

She parts my thighs and explores my folds with gentle fingertips, moving easily through the wetness. "Sara, have you gotten a head start?" My heartbeat speeds up some more when she circles my swelling clitoris, then plunges two fingers where I've wanted them from the beginning, coaxing nonsensical utterances from me with every thrust.

She adds her mouth and tongue, and crooks her fingers the right way, and I moan her name over and over. She keeps going well past the burst of stars I see when I close my eyes tightly, spreading my legs wider as I come.

Heavy breathing in a dark room. I never believed this would ever happen with her.

Catherine moves away from me and turns on the bedside lamp. In the soft glow I see she's all smiles, and she's fully dressed.

"Time to get up," she says. "Special wake-up call because I feel bad for interrupting your sleep. I'm sure you were having some pleasant dreams."

I'm taking deep breaths while my body tingles from orgasm. I'm definitely awake, but speechless, when she throws me my clothes.

She's amazing, and I need to tell her that.

Once I'm decent and washed up and Catherine's hair is dry, we head out the door with plenty of time to spare. She clasps my hand as we go to her vehicle, and I can only manage, "You didn't have to, but thank you, Catherine."

She knows she's amazing.

6a

Catherine asks me to drive and after the surprise she gave me, I say yes right away. She appears to be one tired CSI, so I'm glad she asked.

It's quiet in here, and she seems to be deep in thought. I want to touch her but I'm afraid I'll startle her.

"What's on your mind, Catherine?" I love saying her name, the way my tongue flicks against my teeth on the "th". Now it means more because she's with me.

"The case. I suggest you gather your thoughts and think about questions to ask. We need to know what to ask so maybe, an answer will lead us to some solid evidence, possibly a suspect."

Catherine's phone rings and she answers it before it rings a second time. "Hey. What's up?" She frowns as she listens. "Thanks. With the way this case is going, those results don't surprise me."

I wait for her to hang up. "Who was that?"

"Grissom. He wanted to be the one to give me the bad news. The only prints we found, on the door, belong to Elyse. Perhaps she closed the door behind her so her kidnapper wouldn't know she was gone as soon as he got back, only when he checked on her or tried anything else with her."

Does she expect my brain to function normally so soon after waking me up like that? I try to think, running through the facts in my head. An apartment with a table and two chairs left by previous tenants, as well as two doors, and we couldn't recover any of his prints. He's smart enough to wear gloves or wipe surfaces clean but there's something else.

"Do you mind if we do this together?" I ask. "We might have the same questions."

Catherine nods. "You start."

"The girl reported he only raped her once but checked on her a couple times before that. What if he wasn't even in the other room the whole time?"

"Then we're looking at someone with access to the empty apartments. The building manager has been helpful since his son goes to school with Elyse."

Another point to process. "Are they friends, more, or just schoolmates?"

"That's great, Sara. I didn't think of that." She's silent for a few minutes. "Since she was there, maybe she could shed some light on unusual places where we might find DNA, prints, whatever."

I'm intrigued by her idea since we search all the usual places. Catherine may have something.

Then I realize we don't have photographs of the barrette to show the girl, and Greg is processing the original.

"We have to ask her about the barrette but we didn't have a camera when we found it. What are we going to show her?" I don't feel it but I hear the stress in my voice.

Catherine's hand is on mine. "Sara, relax. I have that all figured out for later. Why don't you lay off the thinking and leave it to me? I didn't think you'd become so worked up."

I sigh because she's right. Last night we weren't expecting to find anything and lucked out. We still might have nothing because the barrette could belong to any brown-haired girl on the block.

Catherine stretches her legs out, and there's a rustle by her feet.

"Your breakfast. You never ate it."

She picks up the bag, looks inside. "I can't wait to have a meal that doesn't come in a wrapper." She takes out the cereal bar but leaves the milk. It's probably warm from the early morning sun.

Catherine eats and gets lost in her own world again. I don't disturb her this time. She's doing great work.

I knock on the front door but let Catherine step in front of me to do the talking. Scott and Karen Hedges greet us, anguish lining their faces and fatigue visible in the darkness below their eyes. I don't think anyone in the household has gotten any sleep lately.

Catherine handles the reintroduction, shaking Scott's hand first, then his wife's. "We'd like to thank you for letting us speak with your daughter."

"Anything to help find the man who did this," Scott says, a hint of anger evident in his tone, but he's staying calm for his family.

They show us to the living room and I don't really look at Elyse until I sit down beside Catherine.

In the school photo the police provided, Elyse's cheeks are rosy and her green eyes shine. In front of us is a pale girl, a flash of fear in her dulled stare when her attention is on us. She sits in a leather recliner with a blanket wrapped around her tightly.

"Mom, Dad, I can talk to them alone if you don't want to hear it again," Elyse offers.

Her father goes to her side, kisses the top of her head. "Only if you're sure."

She nods, and her parents leave us. Unsure of where to start, I glance at Catherine. She is the people person after all.

"We read your statement to police, and you did extremely well."

"What else do you need to know then?" the girl asks, shifting inside her cotton cocoon.

I take over, asking the first question that comes to mind. "Where were you taken from?"

"The corner by Jane's house. A red car came up and the man inside asked for directions. I leaned too close, he grabbed me by the arm and pulled me inside."

She confirms Frank Maxwell's statement about seeing the red sports car, but the barrette means nothing now. It could belong to any girl on the block. We'll learn that when Greg gets back to us with the results on the hairs.

Catherine isn't thinking like me. "Sara and I went for a walk around your neighbourhood and we found a pretty jade and gold barrette. There were some hairs caught in it, hairs close to the colour of yours."

"Oh, that's not mine. I don't like to wear my hair pulled back."

Catherine goes on to her next question. "Did you see any names on the car?"

Elyse shakes her head. "Just initials, maybe. GTO on the seats."

Initials, maybe a part of the make name. I pull out a notepad and jot down the letters as Catherine continues.

"You said he had dark hair. Do you know what colour it is?"

The girl answers her quickly. "Dark brown, maybe black. The lighting wasn't great, and I tried not to look at him. I was really scared."

Elyse is very courageous for having gone through this only days ago, trying for herself and for her parents. They must be helping her as much as they can with their support and attentiveness.

Catherine moves forward on the couch, getting a few inches closer to Elyse without standing up and hovering over her. "We found a hair on the blanket, but only your fingerprints were recovered. Can you remember if he cleaned up after himself?"

Elyse bites her bottom lip and nods. "He had a rag he used to open the door, and I was the only... thing he touched inside the room."

I press forward before Catherine starts speaking again. "When he wasn't in the room with you, did he stay in the other part of the apartment?"

"I don't know. It got quiet, but he could've been just sitting on the floor, even if that sounds strange." Elyse brushes a few strands of hair back behind her ear and shrugs. "But maybe he left the whole place when he wasn't bothering me. I don't think he would slam the door if he left."

I see a small playing on Catherine's lips. I sit back and listen although I think we're nearly finished.

"Do any sounds or odours stand out to you at all?"

I wish I knew how Catherine's brain worked. She's running with an idea she didn't share before and I'm so interested, I have to shift my attention from her to Elyse. Tears are welling up in the girl's eyes.

She sniffles and wipes at her cheeks with her sleeve. "The condom smelled gross, but he smelled like...." She trails off, shooting a quick glance at the doorway. She leans in and tells us in a lowered voice, "He smelled like pot."

She must have left that out of her original statement for fear of her parents finding out she knows what it smells like, probably because she's tried it.

"Are we almost finished?" Elyse asks. She looks uncomfortable all of a sudden, moving in her chair.

I nod, taking over to finish. "One last thing. Do you know Kelly Nelson?"

Right away she shakes her head and says, "No". She chews her lip again, becoming more skittish than I've seen her during this entire interview. Either she wants us to leave or she's not being truthful. She's tired and sore, and she would know if Kelly Nelson were in one of her classes.

I stand up and extend my hand to her, and Elyse grasps it in a momentary handshake.

"Thank you for seeing us, Elyse." I give a friendly smile. "I'm sorry if we upset out but you've been very helpful."

Her green eyes widen and she swallows hard. "There's something else, something I just remembered. He stood a certain way." She almost jumps up, wincing, but she walks to the doorway. She puts her right hand high up on the frame and leans, supporting all her weight. "He'd be like this while he checked on me."

We didn't find prints because we were looking in all the usual places. This new information gives me a rush but it's not enough to make me forget about how exhausted I am. Catherine and I will revisit that apartment today for sure, hopefully after some time to rest.

Elyse calls, "Mom and Dad, we're done!"

Scott returns to see us out. "My wife and I appreciate all your work. If you need anything else, let us know."

When he closes the door, Catherine puts her arm around me, tugging me closer to her. "Should we take what we know and head for the lab, or write it all down and tell Grissom we're taking a few hours off?"

My raised eyebrow combined with a glare is my answer, and she knows me so well. "Fine, but if I drop from exhaustion and have to grab you for support, it's your fault."

"We've had longer shifts." I open the passenger side and embrace her before she slips inside.

"Let me sleep now and I'll keep you up later."

"You don't have to deal with me, Catherine, as long as we're not awake too late."

She covers a yawn, gets comfortable enough in her seat, and drifts off the moment she closes her eyes. I think. I don't bother saying goodnight, or whatever. I turn on the radio to keep me company instead of driving a half-hour in silence.

Catherine snores lightly as I pull into the lab's lot. I'm prepared for grouchiness. I nudge her awake, whispering, "Cath, we're here."

She blinks and glances around, a slight bout of disorientation passing quickly. "Did anyone call while I was napping?"

"No, but let's hope Greg's still around."

We keep our distance on the walk inside to the DNA lab, and Catherine yawns a seventh time when we reach the glass doors.

Greg looks worn out as he pages through a tattoo magazine, but he drums his fingers on his workstation surface. He perks up once we're inside.

"I thought you two were playing hooky."

I should smack him, but I control myself and scowl. "We had to speak to Elyse Hedges, remember?"

"Did you ask if the expensive piece belong to her?"

"Yes," I reply. "She said it wasn't hers. We didn't even need a photo."

"She's not telling the truth. One of those hairs had a skin tag and I matched the DNA to her sample from the rape kit." He hands Catherine the sheet of paper as if we don't believe him. "This isn't your only problem though. About an hour ago Warrick and Nick were looking for either of you before they had to go to an autopsy."

"The DB in the dumpster?" I ask.

Greg shrugs, then stretches his back. "I'm not sure. Is that their new case? They didn't even tell me what was so urgent."

Catherine reaches for her phone and hits Nick's number on her speed dial. Greg pulls me aside while she moves away to get some quiet.

"Really, anything you want to do to thank me is fine. Just let me know when I should act surprised."

I cover my mouth, stifling a laugh successfully . He's not going to let it go. "You did start the dialogue, against my wishes, so I owe you a small thank you. Catherine and I did the rest."

"Say 'Greg's the man'."

He's not serious. "I will not. No way."

"Come on, Sara. Catherine's busy, and nobody else is around. This can be the 'small thank you'."

"I appreciate what you did but I'm also pissed that you did it. Only a little pissed though, so I should be back to normal by tomorrow."

"As long as you're happy. I know I am. It isn't every day I get to see you and Catherine groping each other. Hell, that's thanks enough."

I give him a playful shove. "Don't announce it, okay?"

I feel her fingers on my shoulder before seeing her beside me, and she kisses my cheek. "And what did Nick say?" I ask, dodging Greg's perverted stare.

"Their DB was a male, eighteen, shot in the chest and thigh. He was thrown in the dumpster, where he bled out. They printed him, got nothing, but the autopsy gave them bullets. Nine millimeter. I interrupted Nick's call with a police officer. Minutes ago a good citizen turned in a wallet belonging to a Mark Wright. The driver's license photo matches the deceased, but he also had a school picture of Elyse."

Joy courses through me, self-control taking over before I can engage Catherine in a full-lipped kiss. I go for her cheek instead.

"Damn the glass walls!" Greg. He's still here?

Catherine pats his shoulder as we trudge out behind him. "Go home and leave us alone."

He gives a lazy wave as he slips off his white coat, and it falls to the floor. "Good luck, ladies. Maybe Grissom will let you two have a few hours to... rest."

Catherine picks up the coat. "Greg, you dropped something," she calls after him, but he's gone. She tosses it on the coatrack inside the lab doors.

"Why does he have to be so dramatic? We've been at work longer, and we're not finished yet," I mutter.

I saunter off to the locker room in search of clean clothes. I brought in case of double shifts. Catherine follows me inside and I stop abruptly, enjoying the brief collision of body heat as her breasts press against my back. It might be the closest contact we'll have all morning.

She slips her arms around me and pushes my hair away to nuzzle the nape of my neck, finding a sensitive spot. I feel like I might fall but she's right there behind me to keep me up.

"What are we doing here, Sara?"

I regain control, unable to believe I'm pulling away from her. "I have to change if we're on the go for a few more hours."

As expected I find my emergency stash of clothes: a clean shirt, comfortable black cords with panties stuffed in one pocket and socks in the other. I prepared well.

"Keep watch, Cath," I say as I unzip my pants, then slide them down with my underwear, not waiting for her reaction.

She replies, sounding very distracted, "On you or on the door?" She stares while I slip on the clean underwear, followed by the pants, which I leave undone with the intention of tucking in my shirt. She doesn't move except to lick her lips, and her irises seem bluer than usual.

I trade my current shirt for the fresh one. I realize it's backwards before I pull it over my head, and I turn it around, the fluorescent light visible through the thin material.

The light becomes dim. She creeps up, touches my bare stomach, glides her fingers to my navel. I tug my shirt into place and trap her hand against me.

"Catherine, are you thinking clearly?"

We're waiting for Nick and Warrick, and she wants to start up here. Now. She needs to retreat to the bench before we're interrupted. I can't handle more than one person knowing the first day into our relationship.

"Not really, but that's what you do to me."

I don't struggle to move when she turns me and in one fluid motion, pushes me against my locker door, slamming it shut. She pinches my nipple with gentle fingers and presses her mouth to my collarbone. To avoid sexual overload I concentrate on the cool metal touching my exposed lower back.

She kisses up the right side of my throat, over my jaw, stopping by my ear to whisper, "You taste so good, everywhere." She slides her leg between mine, tempting me, knowing what I'll want to do if her hands move lower. Then she grabs my hips, bringing me down on her firm thigh.

My moan comes out sounding more like a strangled cry when I notice Warrick and Nick, mouths agape, watching from the doorway. Nick's face reddens, out of embarrassment or maybe he's trying to contain his laughter by holding his breath. I duck down before I can see Warrick's expression.

"Cath, uh, we have company."

She breaks away and faces them, offering a casual greeting as if nothing happened. I can't do the same in the wake of two more coworkers catching us making out like horny teenagers. My hands work fast, doing up my pants and straightening my shirt.

Warrick gets straight to the point. "We've contacted the Wright family already. Would you like to ask them about Elyse Hedges when they get here, or will you be busy?"

Catherine answers, "We're free for the next hour. After that, back to the Hedges scene."

I assume Warrick's taking care of the talking since Nick's still recovering, but he's able to speak.

"Did the Hedges girl, or her parents, mention a boyfriend?"

I shake my head. "We thought she might have been seeing the apartment manager's son, Kelly Nelson, but they go to the same school and that's it."

The guys head out the door. "Do you mind if we talk with your girl sometime today?" Warrick calls from the hall.

"Not at all," Catherine replies. Once they're gone, she allows her laughter to escape.

"Did that really happen?" I don't need an answer. Their stunned looks said it all.

"We'll discuss this with them later."

"How about never?" I suggest. "Or you can handle the explaining while I picture life now that we've been caught again."

"How does it look?"

Catherine leads me out to the hallway, loosening her hold when she notices Nick in sight. Before he disappears around the corner, we go in the opposite direction.

He and Warrick will get used to us. Sara and Catherine, the couple. I hope they do, because Greg has already shown support in his own invasive way.

Finally I answer her, "Life looks wonderful. I'm simply overreacting when I know I shouldn't be. I think the guys are cool."

I keep up with her but I have no idea where we're going. "Hey Cath, where are you taking me?"

"Grissom's office. We'll update him on the case and let him know the cases' connection, if he doesn't already know."

It seems he's expecting someone, probably us. "Good morning, ladies. I trust you spoke to Warrick and Nick about your cases." He removes his glasses to rub his eyes, looking like he might call it a day himself. "You changed clothes."

"Yeah. We're ready for more work if needed," Catherine says.

I overreact, again, wondering if he's hinting at something he'd rather not come out and say. He's Grissom, but he's not psychic. He couldn't possibly know.

She lets him in on our findings including the hair belonging to Elyse. "The guys are going to see Elyse Hedges later. If an actual connection is established, we'll get Mark Wright's DNA for comparison to that from the unknown hair and the envelope. I don't think he's our prime suspect, but he knew Elyse Hedges well enough to have her picture. Maybe he knew something about her kidnapping."

Grissom nods, closing the folder in front of him. "Why don't both of you go home, get some rest, and come back refreshed for the next shift? Everyone's been working overtime the past few days, and continuing this case requires clear heads."

I must've smiled involuntarily because he adds, "I've made someone happy."

Catherine comments, keeping a straight face, "Oh yeah. Sara's tried to sleep all morning, but I always interrupted."

6b (NC-17)

The moment we step inside Catherine's front door, she tugs my jacket off and ushers me to the bedroom. I sit on the soft bed, the unmade left side, and I remove my shoes and socks, then my shirt.

"Did I sleep on your side, Catherine?" I reach for the bedside lamp, switch it on.

"No. I usually curl up in the middle."

She undresses behind me, and I turn out of curiosity. Even if she hadn't been fully clothed this morning, it was impossible to see two inches in front of me. She would've wasted her beauty on the inky darkness created by her blinds.

She's down to her black lace thong. Toned legs, the flat stomach I only felt under her shirt, erect candy-pink nipples. I take it all in, and then she slides the thong off. Seeing the revealed glistening flesh would usually be enough to give me my second wind, but I don't think falling asleep on top of her would be the greatest plan.

"What you did earlier.... I'm not capable of reciprocating at the moment, but we can set an alarm."

"I'm fine with just holding you while I sleep. And I already have an alarm set, to get me up for when Lindsey gets home. She has ballet after school so we have extra time."

My bra goes slack with one tug of her hand, fingernails lightly scraping the skin beneath the clasp. "You're sure it's okay if we just sleep?" I ask, standing to take off my pants and adding my bra and panties to the pile on a nearby chair.

I don't expect an immediate reply from Catherine. This is my first time naked in the light. Tired or not, a wave of arousal hits me as she looks up and down, her tongue darting over her upper lip. Then I turn off the light.

She lifts the blankets and I slide in beside her, staying on my back. Spreading her hand out on my abdomen, she snuggles up to me. "Sara, it's fine. We have forever now."

If we continue having days like this, forever with Catherine could be interesting.

Snarling guitars jolt me awake at five and it takes all my self-control not to slam my fist down on the clock radio. I miss the continuous shrill tone of my own alarm. I stare at the ceiling, having a momentary lapse about where I am and whose hand is on me.

She's beautiful every moment I look at her but I never watched her sleep before. Once perfect hair ruined by the pillow, strands in her face moving when she exhales, but she remains on her right side, facing me. The music didn't affect her at all.

I turn on the light and push back the covers to see the bare expanse of flesh before me. I trace my fingers down her side, over her hip, whispering her name until her eyes are open and she's aware of what I want to do. I get a sleepy grin as she grabs my wrist, pushing my fingers lower. I capture her mouth in a kiss, breathing her in.

"So Sara likes the light on."

"I'm not complaining about the darkness, not after what you did."

She rolls onto her back, leaving me in the best position with my face an inch away from her breast. I explore her smooth skin with my mouth, flicking my tongue over her nipple. Catherine parts her thighs, and I cup my hand over her slick labia before slipping two fingers inside her. I brush her clitoris with my thumb, hearing her groan because of me for the first time.

Her inner muscles flutter as I add a third finger easily, and she arches her back when I start thrusting. I take her nipple between my lips, sucking in time with my hand's movement. She attends to her other breast, tugging at her nipple until it stiffens. I can't remember a time when I was wetter than this.

She's hot around my fingers, gripping them with each push inward and when I press the pads of my fingers against her G-spot, she cries out in my ear.

That's the loudest noise she's made so far. I imagined Catherine would be a moaner, but maybe she forgot Lindsey isn't at home.

I slow down, free her breast. "I left the light on to watch you come."

I move down the bed, filling the space created by her parted thighs, getting in close. She reaches down to spread herself open for me, and I make a slow sweep of my tongue, over her opening, the underside of her clit.

Catherine thrashes beneath me as I find my rhythm, pressing my fingers back inside. She tangles her hands in my hair, urging me on, small moans on her lips. I use my thumb to continue stimulating her while I venture a little lower, penetrate her with my tongue to taste her essence direct from the source, to drink her in.

The karma gods must love me.

After several thrusts, I realize this plan may not work as well as I predicted and return to my original idea. I suckle her clit again, like I had her nipple, with gentle lips. She digs her fingers into the mattress and her legs shake, thigh grazing my ear. To finish this off, I'll need to restrain her. I loop my arms under and around her thighs, gripping them apart with my hands.

"Sara... Don't slow down."

And I don't. Sensing she's close, I speed up, as does her breathing and her utterance of my name. Forget about restraint. I slide my fingers inside in time to feel her muscles clench around them. I lose count of the spasms after five, lost in the wonder of feeling, seeing, and tasting her orgasm.

"Fuck! Sara...." Foul language can be beautiful, in the right context.

While she recovers, I trail my lips over her inner thighs, enjoying the position I'm in. I could sleep here.

"I wondered what kind of orgasm you'd give me."

What a way to break the silence. I'll play her game.

"Did I meet your expectations?"

She offers a throaty chuckle. "You surpassed them, or couldn't you tell?"

I shift upward to lay my head on her belly, careful not to press too hard, and she stretches her legs out alongside me, angling them to get comfortable.

"You're tired?"

I nod, a yawn escaping to prove it. After that excitement, I thought I'd be wired, possibly horny, but I must need all the rest I can get. My body's never wrong.

She reaches out to turn out the light, and in the dark she strokes my hair. Her hand stills before I fall asleep. Catherine doesn't wake when my tears drip down to her skin but if she did, I'd be smiling.

"Mom!"

A small voice in the distance, far enough that I could be dreaming it. I open my eyes but the darkness remains. I remember where I am. My cheek is pressed against Catherine's warm stomach, and her legs are stretched out along my sides. What a wonderful way to wake up.

I'm not dreaming the footsteps getting louder as they come up the stairs.

"Mom! Laura's mom said she would pick me up and she did, so I'm home."

I shake Catherine awake frantically, not wanting to say anything. A shadow blocks the crack of light from under the door. Lindsey is right outside the door.

"Mom, are you sleeping? You're always awake when I get home."

When she knocks, I move fast, diving under the blankets and leaving Catherine to deal with her daughter. I pray for this to be quick. I don't need Lindsey jumping in beside her mother to find me under the covers with her.

Catherine clears her throat. "Honey, I'll be out in a second. Wait for me downstairs."

"Okay, but we have to eat dinner. I'm starving."

Catherine burrows under the covers, finding me curled up as far away from her as I could get. Now I'm teetering on the edge of the bed. She pulls me close for a quick soft kiss.

"Stay in bed if you want, but Lindsey knows I sometimes date women. One time, she knocked but came in before giving me enough time. You should've heard the discussion I had with her after."

If the little girl knows, I should go downstairs with Catherine. She gets up, grabs her robe, and I swing my legs off the bed, reaching for my clothes.

"Does Lindsey like me?" I ask as I slide my pants on.

"I think so. Out of everyone at work, she talks about you most. I think she picked up on my attraction to you, because she even said I should ask you on a date."

"Smart girl. She'll figure out our obvious situation when we both come down from the same bedroom, you in your robe and me in dirty clothes."

Catherine waits for me to finish dressing and before she opens the door, I ask what comes to mind before it's gone. "Is it possible for me to stop at home to shower and change?"

"We'll make time."

It's a long quiet walk behind her to the kitchen. Lindsey is peeling an orange at the table. She gives a brief acknowledgment, as she is clearly having trouble with the thick peels. I choose the seat across from her.

"You want coffee, Sara?" Catherine pushes the 'brew' button on her coffeemaker.

"Yes, please." I can already feel the caffeine rush.

Catherine opens the fridge and scans the contents. "Now Linds, what do you think about the leftover chicken with that macaroni salad you like?"

Lindsey nods her approval, busy with the peel still covering half the fruit. She has the orange in wedges by the time the coffee's brewed. Catherine sets two mugs on the table, grabs the coffee pot, and pours the first cup.

"Sara, are you my mom's new girlfriend?"

I'm glad Catherine's holding the hot glass coffee pot. I'd have second-degree burns and cuts on my feet by now. Damn. The girl's as intuitive as her mother, able to read people, situations.

The embarrassment slips away but I can't hide the blush already warming my cheeks. "I'd say so, Lindsey. Is that okay with you?"

"Yep. You're pretty and smart, you're nice to me, and you both have the same kind of job." She pops a piece of orange in her mouth, yet insists on speaking after she shoves it against her cheek. "Do you love her?"

I try not to act frozen or let fear be projected in my stare. She's a good daughter, putting me in my place like she should. She doesn't know we've only been 'together' for less than a day.

I swallow and moisten my dry lips before answering, "I do. I think I have for a while." Both mother and daughter smile at me.

"Then you're perfect for her!" the little girl declares.

Catherine kisses the top of Lindsey's head, then gives her hair an affectionate tousle. She moves on to me, tips my face up, and I get a kiss on the lips. "She is, isn't she?" Keeping her face close to mine, she adds in a whisper, "I love you too."

Why couldn't I have known about Catherine's feelings from the start? I'll have to ask her when she realized I was the one for her.

While she busies herself with getting dinner ready, I have an opportunity to start a conversation with Lindsey. "How was ballet today?"

"It was okay. It would've been better with Laura there. Days aren't much fun when your best friend is sick."

"You're not staying there tonight," Catherine interrupts. "You can't get sick because I'll probably catch it. You're staying next door with the Andersons." Lindsey must have more friends living there. She doesn't complain, only grins with an orange peel stuck over her teeth.

"Sara, I can fix a plate for later if you want to use the shower. Then you only need clean clothes at your place."

Liking the idea of a more natural way to wake up, I leave my coffee and get to my feet. "Don't worry about the food. I have a mushroom alfalfa wrap in my fridge."

Lindsey wrinkles her nose. "Eww. Mushrooms are gross."

"I'll save you some," I tease. I embrace Catherine, my arms loose around her. Her mouth finds mine, hands moving up to rest on my cheeks.

"There should be clean towels but holler if I forgot. Oh. Do you even know where the bathroom is? I never gave you the tour."

"I heard the shower earlier, when you were in there. I think I can find it."

I slip my fingers over her hips as I let her go and before I leave the kitchen, I glance back at them. Catherine's in love with me, Lindsey seems content with that. My personal life couldn't be more perfect right now. I'll have to see about my professional life when we go back to work. Perhaps the guys will have some insight as to why Elyse lied to us.

On my way upstairs, Catherine calls, "If I'm not here when you're done, I'll be back in five minutes. I'm locking the door though."

The bathroom is decorated in pastels, blue and green, soft towels draped over a rack near the glass-walled shower stall. I sit on the edge of the separate bathtub and squeeze the rubber yellow duck beside me.

After opening the window I shed my clothes and start the water immediately. The sooner I get clean, the sooner we can be on our way. Spending alone time with Catherine is tempting, but I can't overcome being a workaholic. I'm not satisfied until the case is solved, this one especially. Once we've closed it, we can hibernate in her room for a day. Of course, sleep will be optional.

I let the hot spray pound against my back for a good three minutes, knowing I'll appreciate this relaxation when we're twelve hours into tonight's shift.

As I wash my hair with her papaya shampoo, I do my best to curb naughty thoughts about Catherine in her shower, moaning from her own touch. The shampoo's scent brings back the memory of this morning. She smelled so good.

No, Sara. Focus on the moment or you'll be late for work. Now isn't the time.

I rinse my hair, and then soap my body quickly, scrubbing with my palms. I stand under the water for another minute, making sure the soap's gone before I turn off the taps.

I open the stall door, step onto the fuzzy bathmat, hearing Lindsey's giggles outside as I reach for two towels. They must be on the journey to the neighbour's house. I'm disappointed I didn't get to spend more time with the little girl. I was enjoying the domestic bliss.

I feel slight discomfort putting on already worn clothes after a shower, but I dress slowly, stumbling as I pull on my sock. If I wait for Catherine and she doesn't start anything, even though I wouldn't mind, we'll be at my place soon.

7

When we arrive at the lab, Catherine's still pretending to be upset because I made her wait in the car while I ran up to my apartment. I used the excuse that she's driving.

"Why turn off the engine when I'm going to be in and out? And, in case you haven't noticed, it's not the best idea to leave a running vehicle unattended around here, or anywhere."

"But I've never been inside your apartment."

"You'll see it, soon. I promise."

She's giving me the silent treatment with a smirk on her face. She's too funny. She takes the keys out of the ignition, and I grab her wrist before she can slip her hand in her pocket.

"I humoured you, said I was sorry. I didn't think you'd want to watch me brush my teeth. We both know what happens when you see me undressed, so speed was also a factor. I want to solve this case."

She moves in, uniting our lips for only seconds. The contact leaves me wanting more. "No replays of earlier," she says as she pulls away to open her door.

On the trip inside, I tell her, "I was disappointed I didn't say goodbye to Lindsey."

"She wanted to wait until you were finished in the shower to leave, but I explained that we had to go as soon as you were done. I did tell her that you would be around often, so it's not like she's never going to see you again."

"So she really doesn't mind us being together?"

"According to her, it's great, and it's 'so pretty' when you and I kiss."

That's good to know. I plan on kissing her mother as often as I can.

In search of Warrick or Nick, we find Grissom instead, and he's engrossed in a stack of folders and large envelopes.

Catherine gives my arm a light squeeze. "I have to see Greg about something. Handle Grissom for now, and see if he knows when the guys are coming in."

She brushes past Grissom, but he doesn't notice.

Catherine's gone, he's one of the few who hasn't caught us in a compromising position. This will be easy. He might even help us if it turns out our two cases are connected by more than a photo.

Grissom looks up to acknowledge me. "Good evening, Sara. You're later than usual."

"I decided to stay in bed for as long as possible. Get some rest, like you said."

He peers over his glasses at me. "Good. We all needed it."

"Do you know if Nick and Warrick are here yet?"

"They came in early and went to see Elyse Hedges. I'm supposed to tell you to stick around," Grissom replies. He turns his attention to a manila envelope, opening it after moving it to the top of his stack. I stand across from him, unsure if he's finished with talking to me.

"Is there a running joke between you and Nick? I mentioned your case, and I believe he snickered."

So Nick isn't the mature adult I thought he was. I open my mouth to explain, my story coming to me right before I speak. "Before I left this morning, the guys walked in on me while I was changing. Catherine said she would be my lookout."

"Why did she neglect her duty?"

I look down the hall as if she's going to come save me, answering the question herself. "I don't know, but I do know she's sorry. That's all I need."

"Sara! It's nice of you to finally show up."

Warrick's here, approaching me from behind. Nick's in tow, flashing a wide grin when I face him. I turn away to ignore him, asking, "Have any news for me?"

"We do. I tried calling and paging you and Catherine. Where is –"

Nick cuts Warrick off with, "Did you both shut off your phones? It's not like you to miss a page, Sara."

I clench my teeth, staring him down, but I recover to speak in front of Grissom. "Tell me already. What did you find out?"

Warrick answers, which is best because of the pissy mood Nick's started. I'll have my payback somehow, and he won't know it's coming.

"According to the Wrights, their son had been seeing Elyse Hedges for six months. She wasn't there all the time but they considered the girl part of their family. They loved her, thought their boy would've married her someday. However, Elyse tells a different story."

I press on, determined to find out why this girl lied to us. "Which is?"

"According to her, they dated for a week. They had three classes together, went to the movies a few times. She gave the picture to him when they were just friends. She became misty-eyed when we told her he was dead but other than that, she didn't have much to say. Something's not right."

Grissom gives us his full attention, his files and important documents forgotten for now.

"Did she say why they stopped going out?" I ask.

Warrick nods. "She didn't. She wasn't very responsive to start, and I asked that very question. Mr. Hedges jumped in to volunteer the answer. Mark didn't have the right values to be dating Elyse, that he needed new friends. Pops is to blame for the break up, which apparently never occurred."

Nick has to say something or else he'll spontaneously combust, probably from the thought that is burning through my mind as well. "Ladies, your girl lied."

"Again," I add. "Catherine and I found a barrette, Elyse said it's not hers but DNA proves otherwise. So, her parents were there when you spoke to her?"

"Uh, yeah. Warrick and I are two guys, and their frightened daughter was raped a few days ago."

"I'm thinking she knows more than she's telling." I scan the hall again for Catherine, wondering what could be keeping her. Greg doesn't have any new results for us.

"You okay, Sara?" Warrick asks as Nick's cell phone rings, breaking my concentration on the hall. I nod anyway. I am okay, as long as our news stays away from everyone else.

I ask the next question to hit me. "Do you think Mark Wright had a part in or knew something about the kidnapping?"

"Jumping the gun, Sara. You work your case, I'll work mine, and I'll let you in on anything pertinent to yours."

Grissom starts toward his office, walking between me and Warrick. "Get a sample of the Wright DNA to compare with Sara and Catherine's unknown. A match or elimination could mean much to their case, and maybe yours too, Warrick. It's the least that can be done after many dead ends."

He makes the last leg of the trip to his office, leaving Warrick with me, and Nick off to the side, still on his phone.

"Where's Cath?" Warrick asks, able to get it out without interruption.

"With Greg, or that's where she said she was going."

He gets closer, lowers his voice to speak. "Are you happy?"

He and Catherine are close friends. He's looking out for her and treating me like he would any other date of hers, which I appreciate. I'll answer any of his questions.

"Technically we're still on day one, but it's like a dream." I laugh a bit, glancing at our feet. "It's corny, I know."

"No, it's not." He reassures me with a hand on my shoulder. "If anyone should be happy, it's you and Catherine. It did surprise me you chose each other."

"Thank you for not making a huge deal about it, even if you caught us at a bad time."

"I wouldn't say that."

I don't mind Warrick's teasing. He hasn't laughed once about any of this, and I'm positive he won't ever. He should've been the first one to find out.

Catherine appears at the end of the hall, and I smile widely. Warrick turns to see what caused the change in facial expression, then gives me a look like his guess was right.

At my side she puts her arm around me, letting her hand linger on my hip. My heart races but I stay composed, not allowing my knees to go weak. She breaks contact first.

Nick snaps his phone shut and joins us. "Just who we were waiting for, some of us for more reasons than others." He winks at Catherine and she plays it cool, brushing him off by turning away.

He acts offended, crossing his arms. "I'm a nice guy so I will tell you the good news. Elyse Hedges is on her way downtown to see Brass. She's requested you and Sara, and she doesn't sound fine."

"We should go then," I say, easing her along with me. "Call us with the DNA results, match or not. Oh! Run a tox screen on Mark Wright's blood, will you?"

"No problem," Warrick calls. "Let us know if there are any truthful developments."

Catherine looks lost, unaware of the lie Elyse told the guys, so I explain it on the way to the station. She perks up when I mention the presence of Elyse's parents at her meeting with Warrick and Nick.

"She gave us more when she was alone. She may have given the one week answer because her parents didn't like Mark. This wouldn't be the first time a girl has gone behind her parents' backs to date a boy they didn't like."

I nod slowly. "Part of the excitement is the sneaking around, and getting away with it."

There's a twinkle in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth twitch upward. "Is that why you have panic attacks when we get caught? Our secret's been found out so it's not as exciting anymore?"

I roll my eyes and, taking her hand in mine, reply, "Yes, that's the only reason. It has nothing to do with being yanked from the closet. Or falling out of it."

Her laugh is a beautiful sound. With long hours on some cases, our relationship won't be close to normal, but I would love to keep her laughing, and moaning, all the time. Hopefully, not in the same moment.

We make the short trip to the police station and stop before we reach the front doors. She moves first, pulling me to her to steal a long kiss for the work day ahead of us. I'm not worried about anyone seeing us here. Most cops don't notice the criminalists.

She steps back, arms loose around my neck. "I love you, and good luck."

"Good luck?"

"I think about you too much now, and that may distract me on shift. Let's hope you can manage to stay clearheaded."

"Catherine, you don't let much stop you from doing your job. I think you'll do your best work tonight."

We part and straighten our clothes as we enter. Captain Brass is waiting with Elyse in the visitors' area. The girl looks worse than before, her face white, and her red-rimmed eyes sparkle a vibrant green, but only from tears. She stands as we approach her.

"Elyse has information for us, ladies," Brass says, standing up as well. He turns to Elyse. "We can stay here to talk, or we can find somewhere else. It's up to you."

She sits down again. "Right here is fine."

Catherine takes the seat beside her. I remain on my feet to keep the girl in sight. I'll listen to what she's come here to say but her body language will say it all. She might come clean to us, or add more to the collection of lies she's started.

"Do your parents know you came to see us?" Catherine asks.

"No. I left when they went to bed. They can't know I was here. Please don't call them."

We can't make that promise since she's a minor, but if it means we get more information from her, I'll ask Brass to hold off making the call until the last possible moment. She's our only link to any other evidence we haven't found yet, and she came forward on her own accord.

Elyse brushes away new tears, and I notice her hands shaking. Nick wasn't kidding. She's a wreck.

"Mr. Stokes and Mr. Brown came by and my parents stuck around. When they asked me about Mark, I had to lie. I loved him so much, and I had to lie, say I didn't."

I surprise her by asking, "What about the barrette?" She taps her foot a little, perhaps a nervous twitch I didn't get a chance to witness before. "We tested the hair found in the clasp and that DNA matches yours. We have your sample from the SART kit. You were taken from the alley, not the street, right?"

She sniffles as she pulls a tissue from her pocket. "I could tell you but you wouldn't understand."

In unison Catherine and I say, "Try me." Having a few years on me, living the life she's lived, she's seen so much more. She's believable, and I feel like I'm prying.

Elyse breathes deeply, tries to stop the shake plaguing her body. Tears spill over again as some unknown emotion, fear or maybe guilt, hits her hard. We may be in for a revelation, possibly a lead to her kidnapper.

"Mark and I... we were in love. My unnecessarily strict parents didn't want to hear that a guy he knows sells drugs, not Mark. They didn't care, wouldn't listen, so I told them what made them happy. I wasn't seeing him anymore. I used every chance I had to go to his house. His family is actually normal, with a mom and a dad who eat dinner with their kids and ask about their day."

A corporate lawyer father, a university professor mother and no brothers or sisters add up to one lonely house for Elyse to arrive home to after school every day. She would be alone without any friends, or boyfriends. What did her parents expect when they said no and didn't listen to their daughter?

I hope this isn't leading to a confession of murder. We need to question her, but I decide not to interrupt.

"We were going to get married when we got older, but Mark knew my parents would never let it get that far. He said we'd run away together, and I agreed. I didn't hesitate, didn't need to think about it. Mark would take care of me. He had some money, only a few hundred, but I came up with a better plan. I was going to fake my own kidnapping and Mark insisted on writing the ransom letter. He wanted to be the only one to take the fall if we got caught. I told him nothing would go wrong, and my parents would be paying for my happiness after making me miserable all these years."

Catherine's shocked by the news, and I'm a little angry. The girl played us about the kidnapping and we fell for it. The sexual assault happened. I guess that will be our main investigation. I'm already working with what I know so far. Maybe the loving Mark attacked Elyse instead of leaving town with her, or someone else intervened in a harmful way. It's possible that whoever raped Elyse could've had a part in Mark Wright's death.

"But Elyse," I say, forcing a calm tone, "you were scared to death when you were found. Did Mark hurt you, or do something to scare you that much?"

Sobbing hard she shakes her head furiously. "No. He didn't touch me. He didn't rape me, if that's what you're thinking. I wasn't ready for sex and he understood. He's not the one."

"What happened?" Catherine asks, offering Elyse a new tissue from a package in her purse.

"Something awful, and it didn't have to happen. We should've left town when we had the chance."

Brass speaks up, patting her hand in a gesture of comfort. "Tell us whatever you left out before, and take your time."

"First, you have to know that the kidnapping was all my idea. Mark didn't even want to go along with it. He didn't want my parents' money. He agreed to pick me up in the alley because I begged him."

I reassure her that yes, we understand what she said. It's all her.

She dabs her eyes, gives a weak smile. "Mark borrowed this nice car from his friend to pick me up. Red, tinted windows, with spinning rims. He saw the barrette in my hair and reminded me of how much he loves my hair loose, flowing down my back. I didn't think anyone would find it."

I press on. "Where did you go after he came for you?"

"We decided to lay low a few days, in a place his friend had for us. We partied there a few times. This time was different. Mark and I had the first night to ourselves, and then he spilled everything to his friend when they got high the next day. His friend wanted the money split three ways since he was helping us. Mark wouldn't agree, but it wasn't a big issue at the time."

Who is this friend? Perhaps Elyse is avoiding the name because Mark's friend knows what went wrong. I stay silent, waiting for her to continue.

"They decided to make a practice run to the drop spot but Mark... I don't think he made it. He never came back, but he did."

Letting her continue is more important than interrupting to ask if 'he' is the man who attacked her and is also Mark's friend. Her inflection tells me it's the first, and what she said supports the second. Neither helps us out unless we find evidence to help the girl.

"He showed me a gun and told me that if I tried to take his now larger cut of the money, or if I screamed, made any noise, he'd use it on me. He made the plan: he gets the money, comes back for me and we get out of here. With that settled, he threw me in that room and locked the door. He threw me in there like I was nothing, and I thought he was my friend. That's when I decided I'd do whatever he told me to until I could find a way out, or until he went to the drop spot."

We have a breakthrough. She knows her attacker after all.

"He came back a day early, tricking me into thinking he might let me go. He knew the cops would be swarming, he was having second thoughts. He left again, only to get beer and some joints so we could 'party'. I was fine with getting messed up together but, when he said I was his 'new bitch', he couldn't comprehend why I was upset."

She breaks down all over again, resting her chin against her hands clenched together at her chest. The worst part approaches. "You know, even when he was above me, inside of me, I told myself over and over that I would do anything and everything if it meant I stayed alive. Mark wasn't coming back to save me."

She excuses herself, asking for directions to the nearest restroom. Catherine starts to stand but I volunteer to show her. I want to give Nick a quick call, maybe ask Elyse a few more questions if she's okay with it.

The girl walks close beside me, her arm pressing into mine like she needs help to keep going, to stay on her feet. Perhaps hunger, dehydration or both have caused this sudden weakness. Loss of appetite would explain her pallor.

"Do you need anything, Elyse? A glass of water, or something to eat?"

I'm amazed when the girl chuckles. "Anything you can do so I can get a decent night's sleep? I've been awake for almost a week."

"We can help catch the guy. How does that sound?"

"That will make all the difference."

I hold the restroom door open for her. "I'll be waiting out here. Take your time, and decide whether or not you'd like to keep talking to us. Your health is more important right now."

If she decides not to return with me, I plan on making a gentle attempt at finding out her attacker's identity. She said it herself that she knows, or knew, him. He was her friend. I'll be happy if we can even get a first name. I'm not picky with evidence when I have some to work with, so we're lucky to have Elyse be so forthcoming. We have only her input to go on at this point.

The hand dryer starts inside, and I back across the hall to avoid being right in Elyse's face when she opens the door.

She appears, clutching a wad of toilet paper to her chest, but her tears have stopped. She's short of breath for a moment, signalling that she's fine with a wave.

"I've been having little panic attacks, or something. Feels like the air is being squeezed out of my lungs. It's only happened when I've left my house."

That reminds me to find another victims' services card before Elyse leaves. She doesn't seem to have sought any counselling yet but, with her parents and the police telling urging her, she'll realize how important the healing is if she hasn't already.

She stops to stand in front of me, the toilet paper now clenched in her fist. A flash of anger crosses her face.

"Why am I letting him do this to me? He killed Mark, but it doesn't matter if he knows where I live. He can't touch me again."

I reach out and grasp her shoulders, her eyes locked on mine. "Elyse, do you know him? Do you know this guy's name?"

She looks at the wall behind me, side to side down the hallway, as if she's debating whether or not to tell me. She doesn't want to be scared anymore, and she trusted me enough to request me by name. She could have just told Brass the details she'd missed.

"Kelly Nelson. We go to school together. He ruined my life."

To Be Continued...

***

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