Title: This Time It's Different
Author: Trashy
Genre: POV, gen
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Anthony Zuiker, creator and writer of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Description: Warrick thinks about his actions and feelings. His POV takes place after Holly Gribbs death. Post "Cool Change".

***

"This time it's different." Sara Sidle, the new CSI requested by Gil Grissom, said.

"Yeah? Why's that?" Warrick spat.

"Because Holly Gribbs died twenty minutes ago on the operating table." She spoke softly.

A million thoughts ran through Brown's head. The eager rookie CSI he was left to shadow, was dead, and it's all his fault. 'If I only stayed back. If only.' Warrick kept thinking to himself. He was frozen to his seat at the diner. Sidle was still sitting next to him. He couldn't speak, he couldn't move. His problem with gambling killed her.

'If I only didn't make that bet with the judge.' He thought to himself. Holly would have still been alive. 'If only I just stayed at the scene with her. If only.'

Days passed and Warrick couldn't shake his emotions out of his mind. The judge was still on his ass about the money. Warrick screwed up. He bet on the wrong team.

"Hey guys. It's Catherine. Whoevers listening, we got him. I repeat. Holly Gribbs' suspect is in custody." Her voice came over loud and clear on the walkie-talkie.

"Ten thousand. See you around judge." Warrick slapped the bundle of money into the greedy judge's hand.

"You don't leave until I tell you to leave." He spat.

"What are you going to do? Hold me in contempt?" Warrick barked back.

"You're already in contempt with me. We're in bed, pal. I own you." He seethed.

"Nobody owns me." Warrick spat out.

"Yeah? Let me tell you something. Ever hear about a wolf in sheep's clothing? You and me. We're going to do business, whether you like it or not. Keep your cell phone charged." The judged warned Warrick Brown as he got into his overly expensive Benz.

Warrick watched as he sped away out of the parkade. How he wanted so desperately to wash his hands clean of this whole entire mess.

A few minutes later, he stood there with his colleagues after a stern talking from Grissom. Brass walked out the suspect bound in handcuffs and chains. 'Just like an animal.' Warrick thought to himself. 'He deserves it.'

Warrick wanted another chance, but how could he? Because of his actions, Holly would be six feet under at the end of the week, and there was nothing he could do about it.

'If only.' Warrick thought to himself once again. If only.