Title: Knight in Armor
Author: Susie
Author Email: Susie41694@Aol.com
Pairing: Nick/Gil
Rating: FRAO - Adults only
Warnings: Rape and violence.
Summary: This AU was started in answer to a challenge by Shanyles posted a very long time ago. The first story is Trouble Lane. In this AU Nick is not a member of the unit but is an ex-hustler that Gil bought home with him one night then kept. It is six months later and the past rears it's ugly head.
Permission to Archive: Yes to WWOMB/Makebelieve, CKOS, anyone else please asks.
Spoilers: None
Author Notes: I wish to thank Shanyles for the challenge. Many thanks to Wildcard and The_Space_Monkey_02 for their beta work. I would love feedback.

Gil's pov

"Have a good day, Catherine, see you later."

I can't believe I'm out of here on time. This is great. Now I have time to stop and get the special breakfast that Nick loves.

Ten minutes later I'm pulling up to Joe's Place

"Hi Joe"."How about fixing two of the special breakfast plates for me."."That's perfect, Thanks"

Five minutes later, I'm off for home. I turn the corner, and there in the empty lot is a lady with a flat tire. It will only take a few minutes to help her. So I pull into the lot next to her car. Stepping from my car I walk towards her, and then darkness.

Nick's pov

Where is HE?

Pacing the room, all I can think about is *where the hell is Gil!* He promised that he would be here by nine o'clock and it is almost ten. I have that school project to get done with only two days to do it in and I need to get supplies.

My thoughts turn to that fateful night we met, my knight-in-shining- armor swooping by in his shining car. He carried me far from the evil knight to his castle, keeping me safe. So much has happen in the last six months. First I started working for his friend at the part time job then beginning at the college and most importantly making a home for the two of us. I'm only taking two classes but it's a start. I feel almost like a normal man. *Where is he?*

I continue to pace. My emotions rage to anger then as the time creeps by turn to worry. He's always been here on time when we have had plans, if he couldn't make it, he would call. My eyes look at the hands on the clock then lock on to the phone willing it to ring.

My pacing stops as I reach for the phone. Picking up the phone I call his cell but get voicemail.

"Gil, where are you? You're late! Call me." And I slam the phone down.

Picking it up once more I dial the office. Voicemail again! "Where the fuck are you? You're late. No Call? You better get here fast." Next I press the "0" for a person to talk to.

"Crime Lab, Jeanne speaking, how can I help you?"

"Is Gil Grissom or Catherine Willows in?"

"One moment"

"Hello, This is Catherine how can..."

I cut in "Catherine it's Nick. Where is Gil?"

"Nick, he walked out of here a little after eight o'clock. Let me check his office and calendar. I'll call you back in a few. Ok?"

"Catherine he hasn't called, but alright, Bye."

I hang the phone up once more. My hand resting on it as I slowly sink into the chair, worry almost completely replacing the anger. Tears well in my eyes as flashes of my past starts to bring terrifying images to me. I jump as the phone rings.

"Gil?" Thoughts racing *please be you.*

"Nick, it's Catherine. I've checked the lab. He's not here. He signed out at eight o'clock. And the guard watched him leave in his car about eight-fifteen. The only note on his calendar for today is Nick 9 am. Have you tried his cell?"

"Yes! His cell, his office. I checked inside and outside of the house. No car. Catherine, what should I do? This isn't like my Gil." The tears are beginning to run down my face. She can't see them and hopefully she's not hearing them.

"Let me make some calls, and then I'll be on my way. Nick, calm down, I'm sure it's just traffic or something like that. Bye, see you soon."

"Bye" and I hang up the phone.

I pull out my cell phone and check it for messages one more time. Gil had insisted that I get it with the account in his name so that no one could trace it to me. No messages, it's fully charged. I lay my head on my arms as I wait for the phone to ring. The cell in one hand and the house phone sitting on the table in front of me. Tears flowing freely and sobs now breaking free as the terror overwhelms me, the wild thoughts of losing Gil hang before me.

I jump as Catherine lays her hand on my shoulder. I didn't even hear her come in. I was so lost in my nightmare. Then I see that Jim is behind her as well as Greg and the clock shows it's after eleven.

"Catherine, what's happen to Gil?" I try to stand but she just pushes me down as she sits in the next chair.

"Nick, calm down, I don't know yet. We have checked with everyone we can think of. Jim put out an APB for him and his car. I need you to think. Could he have gone to run an errand, shopping? Paying a bill?"

As she is talking, I watch Jim sit in another one of the chairs, notepad in hand. While Greg heads through the house, the CSI persona taking over. Catherine is pulling my attention to focus on her and her words.

"Nick, could Gil be running an errand, paying a bill?"

"No, I don't think so. We had planned to go shopping together. I have a class project to do, and we were going to go get the supplies for it before I had to go to work. Maybe have lunch together." Catherine continues to ask questions; have I noticed anything strange, any changes in Gil. Are we doing ok? All the things you see on those cop shows.

I answer each question as my emotions run the gambit from anger to worry to frustration to terror and back again. My voice rising as my emotion runs wild "no, No, NO, NO! Stop asking me! Just go find my Gil! NOW!"

Greg walks back in as I'm losing control. Catherine and Jim glance in his direction, he just shakes his head.

My world is crashing. I knew the nightmare would one day tear the fairytale away from me. It has always been me that had to suffer I don't think I can survive if Gil is the one to suffer. My mind is racing and my heart is pounding as I watch the three of them talk. I can't even make sense of what they are saying. *Oh Gil, please be alright, I can't make it without you.*

I feel Catherine's hands on my shoulders "Nick, look at me. Greg is going to stay here with you. I want you to go over with him, the schedules for both of you covering the last month. Jim and I are going back to the office and try to follow Gil's path. Okay?"

She releases my shoulders as I nod that it's ok.

I watch as the three of them head to the door. Catherine is giving Greg instructions. They are about half way to the door when Jim stops and grabs his cell.

"Jim Brass here. Where is it?" "." "Okay we're on our way."

Jim turns and whispers, "They only found the car."

Before he can continue I'm moving towards them. My hearing greatly improved, as I knew it would be about Gil. Catherine has turned to stop me.

"You need to stay here. They only found the car. We need to leave but Greg will stay as I still need you to go over the information with him."

"No, I'm going"

"Nick, please let us go do our work. You'll only be in the way and the information you tell Greg could make the difference in finding Gil."

I know she is right so I sink into the couch. I watch as they leave. Greg locks the door and faces me.

"How about I get you something to eat, sandwich? Drink?" He is waiting for an answer.

I can't talk, just nod.

Soon he has set a sandwich and drink in front of me. The one in his hand is already half gone.

"Come on eat, I'm really good at making sandwiches."

I pick up the shot glass that he sat in front of me, downing it without even tasting the fluid. Next picking up the sandwich as I look at it a hysterical laugh escapes.

"Nick, what's the matter?" Greg is facing me worry flashing in his eyes.

I somehow pull it back together "Gil hates peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but I wish he was here to whine. He hates to kiss me when I'm eating one. Where is he?"

Greg picks up the shot glass then returns a few minutes later with it plus two sodas. "Let's get to the work that we need to do. First Gil's schedule then will go over yours."

I watch as Greg sets the recorder on the table and press the record button. He also has a notepad and as we talk, he writes. Time files by as we sit there talking, my mind drifting off to what Catherine and the rest are doing as we reach the end of my schedule.

Catherine's pov

It has been a very quiet morning. I'm almost caught up with my paperwork. Gil always said this is the worse part of the job. I'm glad he had me doing his so much of the time as it was good practice for now. The phone rings breaking my thoughts.

"Hello, This is Catherine how can..."

Nick cuts me off, "Catherine its Nick. Where is Gil?" his voice is on the edge.

"Nick, he walked out of here a little after eight o'clock. Let me check his office and calendar. I'll call you back in a few. Ok?"

"Catherine he hasn't called, but alright, Bye."

"Bye, Nick."

His voice now has raised a concern in me. Gil is never late to meet Nick without calling. I remember Greg telling me of an incident about a month ago. They were out of cell range and it was almost time for Gil to be home. So Gil had the sheriff that was with them radio in for the office to call and leave a message on his home phone that he would be late. And now it's almost two hours since he left here. It only takes about twenty minutes to get to Gil's home from here and I've seen him make it in less than ten.

I move quickly though the labs, offices, locker-room and break room checking for Gil. No one has seen him since eight-fifteen when the guard watched him drive away. What really has me worried is the note on the calendar Nick 9 am. Back in my office I call Jim.

"Hello, I need some help."."Nick called. Gil is over an hour late getting home and they had plans. He left here at e ight-fifteen."."All you get is voicemail when calling his cell."."I tried everyone I could think of including Sam where Nick works and no one has seen him since he left this morning. What do you think, can I put him officially missing?"."No, I'll make the call and start the team on the case."."Will do if I need you but could you meet me and Greg at Gil's? I'm concern with how Nick will react."."See you there, Bye."

I make the call reporting Gil missing for over two hours. It was a tough sale at first but then I made it a point to report that Gil was over an hour late for an appointment without calling. Everyone knows that just doesn't happen with Gil. I called in his team to join with mine on this. Time is the thing we will be fighting against, at least that's the feeling I have. I hand out the assignments, records to be searched, criminals to be checked on and logs to be looked over. Greg will go with me as he has the best rapport with Nick beside me. And I think I will need to leave him there. The next call is going to be one of the hardest I've had to make.

"Gil?" Like I thought hardest, now, *pull it together Catherine it's just another case, right!*

"Nick, it's Catherine. I checked the lab. He's not here. He signed out at eight o'clock. And the guard watched him leave in his car about eight-fifteen. The only note on his calendar for today is Nick 9 am. Have you tried his cell?"

"Yes! His cell, his office. I checked inside and outside of the house. No car. Catherine, what should I do? This isn't like my Gil." I can hear that he is close to the edge.

"Let me make some calls, and then I'll be on my way. Nick, calm down, I'm sure it's just traffic or something like that. Bye, see you soon."

"Bye"

I hung up the phone, like I said time is against us. I grab my things, stop by each of the team for a quick update and head out to the van with Greg in tow. On the way over I explain to Greg my concerns for Nick and what I want him to do.

I use my key to get in when Nick doesn't answer the door. We head over to Nick who is lying on the table as I get close I can hear the mellowing sobs. Nick jumps when I touch his shoulder. The wild eyes looking up at me instantly trigger a mix of the maternal and CSI persona to take control of the situation.

I force Nick to stay in the chair as I start the questioning. Jim is backing me up while Greg does a sweep of the house for anything of use. By the time Greg is returning to report Nick is losing it. I realize that it's time for Jim and me to go so that Greg can take over. Hopefully he will get something from Nick that will help.

The call that the car was found comes in as we are heading for the door. Nick is out of the chair and to us before Jim has finished telling me that the car only has been found. It's a struggle for me to make Nick stay here but I know Greg can handle it and I need Nick out of the way in case it goes from bad to worst. I hear the door lock as Jim and I leave.

Gil's pov

The next thing I remember is waking up in chains. My arms are slightly up and out to the side. My legs are held in place about a shoulder width apart. I'm naked and cold. I can't believe I fell for such an obvious setup and now I'm in real trouble. If the clock is right Nick must be out of his mind with worry as it's showing eleven o'clock. The light coming in the skylight says it's still morning.

The voice that I hoped I would never again hear comes booming from somewhere behind me. "Welcome to my new playroom. Since you stole my toy and you don't want to share him you'll just have to fill in for him. Besides you have to pay for setting Internal Affair division on me. I have plenty of time to entertain myself, they suspended me for a month while they finish the investigation. So how long do you think you can hang on?"

It's at that moment I feel the sting of the whip on my back. Then he's moving letting the tip land in new places. *I'm in real trouble.* It's many strikes later when a shout comes from another place.

"Lunch is ready."

"That's just a little taste of what is to come. See you later." And I hear a door shut. All is quiet once more.

I don't really want to look but I must, the little movement that I can make lets me see the stripes of blood starting to trickle down my body. He only struck me about ten times but they were done by an expert intent on causing the most pain and damage. *I'm in real trouble. Please Nick I hope you've call Catherine. Nick please tell her I need help. Nick, Nick, I close my eyes willing my mind to remember all the happy moments with Nick. I'm hanging on Nick.*

Greg's pov

I wish I could go with Catherine and Jim as they check out the car. I'm wondering where they found it. But as I look down at Nick I realize I have important work of my own to handle, first will be getting Nick to calm down. A drink and food should help.

I get Nick's attention. "How about I get you something to eat, sandwich? Drink?"

He just nods.

I head off to the kitchen. I remember the first time I came here. Gil was so nervous. It was the first time we had been alone and he wanted to talk to me about the 'crush' I seemed to have on him. He pulled down the bottle of whiskey and poured two shots just like I'm doing at the moment. He pushed one towards me and picked up the other downing it. Then he launched into the spiel about how it's not wise to get involve with someone you work with especially your boss no matter how much chemistry there is between you. I really got him when I asked if he had done this talk thing with Sara. I realized he was clueless about her and proceeded to tell him. And that's how I ended up getting him in bed with me.

I was so jealous when I heard about Nick and then I saw them together. Nick made Gil's eyes light up in a way I never would or could. Even Sara realized that day that Gil's heart belongs to Nick and she never had a chance. It was that day I finally told her that I was gay and that I didn't have a chance with Gil. As it turned out that was a good thing because it made me take a second look at someone else. He is everything to me and I know how it feels to be in the dark about his whereabouts. While the memories had played in my mind I had made two sandwiches.

Sitting the sandwich and drink in front of Nick I joined him on the couch, my sandwich already half gone.

"Come on eat, I'm really good at making sandwiches."

He picks up the shot glass downs it then picks up the sandwich. He looks at it then a hysterical laugh escapes.

I turn in shock at the sound. "Nick, what's the matter?"

"Gil hates peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but I wish he was here to whine. He hates to kiss me when I'm eating one. Where is he?"

It's that look of despair that moves me into action. I pick up the shot glass then return a few minutes later with it plus two sodas. I pull out my gear to get started.

"Let's get to the work that we need to do. First Gil's schedule then we'll go over yours."

Nick picks at the sandwich as we start going over the schedules. I know Catherine is hoping I will find some clue but they're just what I told her they were. It's been over an hour since they left and we just finished the second time through. Nick needs a break and I need the bathroom.

I hear Nick talking as I head out of the bathroom. I stop and listen, out of his sight.

"Mama Rose this is Nick."."Do you know where Gil is?"."Please tell me if you have him. I'll come back if you'll let him go.".."You don't know."."It's been over five hours since anyone has seen him."."Yea, I remember the cop."."When did that happen?"."Do you think he could have taken Gil?"."Any guesses as to where he would have taken him?"."Thanks, Mama."."Yes, I'll tell him to change the number as soon as we find him."."You always did try to take good care of me. Bye."

I stepped back into the bathroom shutting the door. I place a call.

"Jimmy, you remember the story about how Nick and Gil met?"."Yes, the fairytale with the happy ever after, just like us."."Nick just called Mama Rose."."I was in the bathroom"."No, he doesn't know I heard, now shut up and listen. Check out the cop. It sounds like she thinks it could be him."."I'll see what I can get. Love you."

I walk out of the bathroom and as I get to the end of the hall I hear the door shut. I run for it. I'm out the door, jumping into the car before Nick can leave. I pull the seatbelt on.

"Where do you think you're going? Please we need to tell Catherine or Jim where we are? Nick, please!"

Nick slams on the brakes, "Greg shut up or get the fuck out of this car. I don't have time for this."

"Please just let me tell them where we're headed, at least the general area. We may need their help."

"That's just it. Mama wasn't sure and Tommy showed me the area over a year ago. He's the guy you found in the used car lot last month. It was somewhere around Nellis. Some really old big abandon warehouses, I'm hoping something will look familiar to me as I drive around. I just have to do something. Gil is in danger and it's all my fault."

"Nick it's not your fault. Please stop the car and let me drive. You'll be better able to watch for landmarks if you don't have to watch the road."

He did stop and changed places with me. I call Jimmy letting him know the area we were heading for and why. He told me about the cop being suspended and under investigation and that they were on the way to the cop's home.

Gil's pov

The phone ringing startles me awake. Pain radiates through my body as I jump at the sound. My mind is foggy but as it clears and the realization of my predicament hits me I fear that this is one time I won't make it out alive. Then thoughts of Nick flood me and I find the will and need to fight, to hang on for him.

Nick has come so far but isn't ready for living on his own. Beside I don't want to let go of him yet. I force my mind to think of the moments with Nick: watching as he works on homework; sleeping curled around my pillow because I was at work; the smile that crosses his eyes and mouth when he sees me. The jokes he plays on me. Nick with the horrible peanut butter and jelly sandwich as he chases me around the house for a kiss, falling on the bed as he captures my lips in a breath-stealing kiss. Coming home to be held by him as I tell what horrible night I've had. He just makes it all more livable.

I hear noises of aircraft overhead, maybe jets. Next what sounds like a car taking off, the noise of the car becoming very distant. I feel as if I'm all alone, abandoned but I fear that this is a short break before the next session. I force my mind back to the memories of Nick.

I remember hearing once that if you try really hard you can make someone close to you hear your thoughts and so with every ounce of my being I try. *Nick, I love you. It's the cop. Find him and you'll find me. I need you. Call Catherine and Jim. I love you.* I just keep running these thoughts through my mind, trying to send them out to him.

Jim's pov

"Jim Brass here"."You mean the fairytale"."Love you too"."why didn't you stop him?"."Does he know you heard?"."Go find out what she said, we can use all the info we can get. Now get back in there with him. Later"

I close my cell and walk back over to Catherine who is standing next to her van. My thoughts racing *Nick must be really desperate for him to have called Mama Rose.* I relate the information that Greg had just told me about the call to Mama Rose and the suggestion about the cop. I open my phone to call in as we stand watching the rest but it rings before I can dial.

"Jim Brass here"."Is that the vice cop Gil asked you about six months ago, right Kurt?"."What happened?"."No, that case was pulled by IAD from us when it came in."."I'll ask Catherine about it, great, give me the address."

Catherine turns her attention to me as I'm talking. The pickup unit is here to get the car. They have all that they could get at this point, maybe in the lab more will be revealed. She is watching closely as I write an address, nodding my head for her to get it also.

"Thanks"."I'll let you know"."Please just keep me informed, later."

We still have no real answers even thou this is the second time the team has gone over the car. The only thing that they've learned is that Gil stopped at Joe's Place. The food is still in the front seat. And that there is another set of tire tracks close to his car. They found some shoe prints and drag marks.

I fill Catherine in on the news I had just been given about the vice cop including that the address is for his home that he shares with a wife and three kids.

"Catherine what can you tell me about a guy that was found in the used car lot. It happened last month. It's being hinted that it could have something to do with the vice cop and Gil being missing." I see that Catherine is debating with her self over the answer.

Catherine's pov

Shit, Jim is asking about that case but with everything going on, "Jim that case was given to me with strict orders not to include Gil or you. Nick knew the guy from Mama Rose's. He was one of Kurt's favorites. The guy appeared to have been tortured for several days. The body had cuts, bruises and signs of abusive sexual actives in more then one way. IAD has been watching him for awhile but they can't find proof of a connection. The IAD captain came to me personally with the request that my team only handle the case, no one from Gil's team or the lab on that shift were to be involved with it. The IAD captain knows about Nick but he is sure of Gil. He knew about the kid that Gil helped a while back. He said the kid is doing great in college thanks to Gil. He had been tipped off about Gil and Mama Rose way back then. He said he didn't want you in the middle because of how close you are to Gil and Greg. That's why he wanted the two of you kept out of it, as he put it, nothing that the defense could use to bring Gil and Nick into it."

"Catherine, let's go. I need to see if we can find out anything from Kurt."

I yelled for Warrick to join me in the van then we followed after Jim to Kurt's home.

I filled Warrick in on all that we had learned. The call from Greg, news of the vice cop possible involvement and telling Jim about Tommy, the guy from the used car lot. It seemed that we were close to the house in no time.

It was at that moment a car sped around the corner and almost hit Jim's car. The next moment Warwick is pointing ahead. He is out of the van as I stop and opening the back grabbing things then running. It registers that the lady standing in the cop's driveway is bleeding and I call in for help. Jim and Warwick are at her side doing what they can.

Moving to join them I feel a moment of total helplessness as flashes of Gil flood my mind. Then I look up at the house and six small eyes of terror flood my senses. I walk past Jim, Warwick and the lady to those children who have just watched their father try to kill their mother. I push the door open and the older boy stands protectively in front of his younger brother and sister. There are bruises of variant colors on all three kids.

"Hi, I'm Catherine and I'm here with the cop out there. It's okay, I won't hurt you."

"Sure you won't, just like our father won't" and the boy held out his arms for me to get a good look, "and like he won't hurt our mom any more. That's what he promised the last cops that were here."

I'm shocked at the hopelessness in the sound of such a young voice. He can't even be ten. I finally find my voice. "We want to talk to your father; do you know where he might have gone?"

The kid just shook his head then guided the other two to the couch. He picked up the remote and put on cartoons. The three lost kids sat there watching the TV.

I stood back up and felt Jim's hand on my shoulder as he whispered, "The paramedics are here. They know anything?" as he nods his head towards the kids.

Now all I can think of is getting out of here and I turn leaving that house. Once I'm out the door I drop to the ground pulling into a ball. Warrick and Jim are at my side in a moment. I can hardly breathe. "If this is what he does to his family and if he killed the guy then what is he doing to Gil?"

I look up, first at Warrick then at Jim, "What do I tell Nick? How do I tell Nick? What if ..? And what about those kids?"

It is at that moment the tears and sobs break free. Jim pulls me to him. He holds on to me as Warrick stands, pulls himself together and calls in for more help to be sent out. He then heads into the house his CSI persona in place.

Gil's pov

The car noise, door slamming and his voice shock me back to reality.

"Fucking woman, her and the fucking kids, let her parents take care of them because I won't." His voice low then becoming louder, lastly leveling off as if he had been coming towards me then stopped.

My mind registers that he is stopped so I drift back into the other place in my mind far from the pain of reality.

I was lost in my mind with Nick and good thoughts when his voice came screaming through to me. I open my eyes to find him standing in front of me. His clothes have what looks like blood spatters on them. I'm trying to keep my breathing even so that he won't realize how terrified I am.

"Well, I'm glad you hung around waiting for me."

I watch as he slowly takes off his shirt then he steps towards me as he drops it on the floor.

"Your buddies have traced me faster than I thought they would. I'm afraid I'll have to move us before I get to have as much fun as I had hoped to have with you here."

His hands are now running down my body. I want to scream leave me alone, I didn't turn you into IAD, I just wanted you out of our life but somehow I know it will only make it worse.

"I figure I had at least two more days before they put two and two together. But we still have a few hours for fun." And as he says the last words he grabs my cock, making me catch my breath.

"I just knew you wanted to play. Too bad my toy isn't here to watch or maybe you would prefer to be the one watching. Either way I need release."

I feel my whole body tightens up as I realize what he is about to do. His pants hit the floor, a condom is between his teeth and as he lets go of his pants the tube of lube slid into his hand. I know this is going to be bad. I try to relax my body. I hear the package rip then feel the cold of the lube on my hole. Next he has grabbed my hips and is ramming all the way in me. He doesn't give me any time to adjust; his actions speak only of finding his own release. The pains radiate through my body, I bite my lips to keep the screams in feeling that they will only add to the rage he is releasing upon me. He pulls out of me as soon as he comes, throwing the used condom on the floor in front of me. It lies in the perfect place to torment me.

I can here him moving things. A few minutes later I feel lashes strike my back. Still biting my lips I taste the blood. After a few more strikes I feel the blood starting to flow down my back and then the flogger being dragged around my front. He starts talking as he brings the flogger under my chin forcing me to look at him.

"I guess I need to raise my efforts. I will make you scream before we leave here." And he walks behind me once more.

There is a pause then the sound of something being dipped in liquid. Next the flogger hits and everywhere it touches brings a burning fire and pain that radiates outward. The pain is so consuming that my screams burst out. He starts laughing as he continues to hit me with the dampen flogger, rewetting it as needed. Soon the pain is so overwhelming that I pass out.

Warrick's pov

This is the first time I've ever seen Catherine totally lose it. I stand upright and pull it together. I realize that I need to take over for her, at least for the moment. I call in for more help to be sent out here to this scene. I start through the house looking for any signs that might help. The knowledge that something here may be Gil's only hope is scary. Yes, Gil is in real trouble.

I reach the office and papers are thrown all over the room. It looks like a tornado hit. Pictures and more pictures are taken then I set to the task of picking all the papers up, scanning for any piece of information that could lead to Gil. I find an electric bill for another address then a picture of the cop by what looks like a warehouse and a car. I had found an empty box in the room and I'm using it for the papers. Soon Sara is standing at the door asking where she should start, adding that Jim told her that he put an APB out for the cop and his car. I have her join me in looking for anything else in this room that seems out of place. Something just tells me if there is anything to be found, it will be in this room.

Soon the papers are either in the box or in the small stack that I'm holding. I carry them into the kitchen. And start going through them with Jim as Sara and Catherine go through the rest of the house. I realized the kids are gone as I reach the kitchen table.

I guess, Jim saw the questioning look on my face because he tells me that social services came for the kids while I was in the office.

Besides the first picture and bill we find more receipts that don't belong to this house. Jim calls in to find out what should be at the addresses; houses or other buildings, and what kind. By the time I have finished the small pile Catherine is back.

I can tell it's taking all her control to speak, "it looks like he's taken most of his things out of this house. Except for a few odd pieces we found only her clothes. My guess is he hasn't been living here or at least isn't planning on returning."

I show her what we have so far. There are about ten different addresses to check out. Jim is on the phone trying to get additional help. When he gets off his phone, he calls to an officer standing outside giving him instruction to stay with Sara.

The three of us head out for the van and his car after Catherine filled Sara in.

Nick's pov

We have driven all over the area for hours but I just can't remember anything. The few times I thought it might have been the right place turned out to have a business in full swing operating out of it.

I keep feeling as though I'm on the edge of the area. I feel so close and yet so far from reaching Gil. I have a strong feeling, desperation, that Gil needs me. And I know I need him. Greg has been here to calm me after each disappointment. I know each time it takes a little more to reach me. I'm trying hard to keep myself together for Gil.

Greg pulled in for gas and to make a call. While he goes into the store to pay I pump the gas. He is on the phone as he walks out. I know it's not good from the look on his face but he hangs up before reaching me.

"What is it, Greg?"

"They made it to the cop's house and they're checking it out. He wasn't there and they need time to search it."

We both get in the car. Greg is bad at covering up but I'm not sure I really want to know everything just yet. I need to keep the hope that we will find Gil alive. We drive off to yet another area looking, forever looking.

Jim's pov

A car matching the description of Kurt's car almost hits me as I pull on to the street where his house is. I have only a second to decide whether to continue to the house or follow the car but the bleeding lady in the cop's driveway makes it for me. I pull to a stop and run to her, helping her to the ground as her legs give out. She is his wife and he had just beaten and cut her, trying to shut her up. The kids stood at the window peaking out their eyes full of terror. But my thoughts are on what will happen to Gil if that man has him.

And if that was the cop!

She is barely alive. I see Catherine on her phone calling in. Warrick is trying to do what he can. Time is running so fast and slow all at the same time. Then the paramedics are here and they take over. More cops are taking up their places at the scene.

I get up to go into the house to see what Catherine has gotten from the kids. When I'm about half way there my phone rings. It's Greg wanting news. I filled him in on what we knew then continue for the house. The moment I touch her she practically runs me over on her way out the door. I followed behind her as the kids are safe on the couch. Warrick and I reach her about the same time. I have never seen Catherine lose it like this before. I pull her into my arms to comfort her as Warrick takes charge of the scene.

It is some time before Catherine is calm enough for me to return to check on the others. We watched as social services came and picked up the children. I walked over and found out that they were being taken to their grandparents as they had it in their records from a prior report. Finally Catherine joined Sara in searching the house and I joined Warrick at the kitchen table. We ended with ten addresses to check out, which is where we were headed when the next call came in from Greg. I filled him in on what was going on. After finding out where they were I gave them an address on the list. I made Greg promise to wait for the cops to get there before doing anything or even getting to close to the building. He promised he would and I know he'll do it. Now I just hope he can control Nick.

Kurt's pov

I finally realize that Gil is unconscious. It sure took long enough and now my arms are aching from swinging the flogger.

I go into the other room. It has a make shift shower. I rinse myself off then pull on some clean clothes. I know it's only a matter of time before they catch me but in the meantime I'll have as much fun as possible with my little prize.

Returning to the room where Gil is, I pack up everything in the box. I put everything I think I will need into the van including the unconscious Gil. I gag him and tie him up just in case he wakes up. I'm sure that they must be getting close to coming here as it is almost five o'clock.

I look around the place once more for anything that could lead them to the next place. I see nothing that will lead them there but there are a lot of things to keep them busy here for sometime. There are clothes from Tommy, Gil and myself, blood and urine from Tommy, Gil and one or two others and last but not at all least cum of a nice variety. I take one last look at my play area knowing this will be the last time I see it.

I drive off to the next location. The little house that I took Nick to that first time I got to play with him. It has such a nicely equipped basement with sound proofing and an attached garage. The neighbors never seem to see or know a thing.

Greg's pov

We drive to the address that Jimmy just gave me. I stopped down the street to wait for the cops. Nick is turning and looking then all of a sudden he's babbling away.

"Greg, this is it. Really this is it. Please I'm sure it's right up there on the right. You see that building. Greg, please drive now."

"No Nick. I promised Jim I would wait for the cops. They'll be here in a moment."

"But Greg please, I can feel Gil needs me, please."

As I'm about to say no again I see a van driving down the other end of the street. It's heading a way from us. The cops are coming towards us on the cross street and as they head down the street to the address I moved in behind them. A second cop car joined us at the warehouse. Nick reached to get out of the car and I stopped him.

"No Nick. We have to wait for the all clear sign. Jim and Gil will kill me if something happens to you. I don't even want to have to deal with Catherine. So we wait."

A few minutes later we have the signal. I step from the car only to have a cop running towards me.

"No Sanders, you both need to stay back. Wait for the team's lead. They're on the way. I was told to tell you that the orders come from both Brass and Willows. I'm quoting 'We'll have both your hides if Sanders and Nick step in there before us' please I really would like to keep my hide intact."

Somehow the tone of the cop's plea stopped Nick and the two of us stood there with the cop and waited.

When I saw Jimmy step from his car all I wanted was to run and hug him. The look in his eyes told me it was very bad. My heart sank knowing that if Gil was in there then he was dead. I started to follow him into the building Nick right behind me. He stopped and turned around.

"Both of you back to the car now! Nick, Gil is not here. It looks like we missed him. I'm sorry but this needs to be left for the CSI team."

Nick was staring at Jim then as he said the last few words, turned to me. "But Greg is part of the team."

"He is not on this team. They are bringing in the FBI's CSI team on this one. They don't want anyone who knows Gil working it. That's what came down from IAD. Now back to the car."

We turned and took a few steps toward the car then stopped. We both turned around and in unison said "Jim, the van. The van left as the cops drove up."

I watched as Jim talked with the cops a few minutes then later he was on the phone. Next he was walking towards us. Jim guided us to the car and waited with us for more information. He told us that the rest of the CSI unit had been told to report back to the office. I was put under Jim's supervision while I had Nick with me.

It was about fifteen minutes later that everything seemed to be happening at once. First the FBI's CSI team drove up and as Jim was checking in with them he got a call. He waved for me to meet him at his car. He put Nick and me in the back seat. He drove off putting on the red light as he did.

Nick started to ask but I stopped him. Jim was racing through lights; red, yellow or green it didn't matter so we kept quiet. In moments we were at the scene. The van was encircled by cop cars. It seemed one of Kurt's buddies had told them about the little house. The buddy made a deal to get his own ass out of hot water. The IAD team checking on it was coming out as Kurt pulled up in the van. Jim's call about a van had set off a flag, so to speak for IAD. They had a complaint about a cop taking a van but no record anywhere of it.

The cop had sat there just staring at all the guns drawn on him. It was a stand off as we drove up. We stopped at the back of the ring of cop cars. Nick stepped out before anyone could stop him. When Kurt saw Nick he flew out the van's door and shot at Nick. Jim shoved Nick to the ground just in time. Kurt fell to the ground in a rain of gun fire.

Nick, Jim and I ran to the back of the van opening it up. We found Gil wrapped in a blanket. Nick moved in beside him, lying down next to him and saying sweet things.

I could hear the noises of cops calling for the help Gil needed. I just looked from Nick and Gil to Jimmy and smiled.

Nick's pov

Gil was in that van. I just knew it. I opened the car door and headed for the van. It didn't register that the cops had guns drawn on someone or that he could shoot me. All I knew in that moment was Gil needed me and I was going. As I hit the ground I realized that Kurt had tried to kill me as his last living act but he didn't.

Jim had saved me and now the three of us were running for the van. Jim and Greg pulled the doors opened. There laid Gil. You could see blood soaking into the blanket. I climbed into the van and laid down beside my lover pulling him into my arms. His eyes flashed open for a minute then closed back.

"Gil, it's really me. I'm here. Please hold on. They're getting you help. I won't leave your side." I gently remove the gag.

I see Jim cutting the rope from Gil's feet. The side door is being opened and Warrick is reaching over me to cut the rope from Gil's hands.

Gil's eyes open once more then in a very soft voice, "No pictures, no one sees, please straight to hospital, Jim's car now."

I look to Jim, "Okay just hang on. I love you"

I moved out of the way as Warrick reaches in to pick up Gil. Warrick laid him into my lap, joining me in the back of Jim's car and we were off.

Jim called ahead and the hospital staff were waiting outside for us. They rushed Gil into the room with me following right behind. A nurse turned to stop me at the door but Gil called out. I stood in the corner out of the way but where Gil could see me as the doctors and nurse worked on him. I watched as they put in IV's and opened the blanket.

It was days later that they let me take Gil home. I never left his side for more time than it took to shower and change clothes.

During a visit Warrick had explained that the IAD captain had called Catherine as he heard that they had the cop, so everyone went to the scene instead of the office. It was the first time he ever saw cops move out of the way for CSI personnel. It was like the cops knew we would have taken them apart piece by piece if anyone had tried to stop us. He said one thing that made Gil laugh.

"You know I don't think they'll question us about being a team and friends ever again. Or about being partners like cops are."

The first few days home everyone brought us food which relieved me of that problem. My boss told me to take all the time off that I needed to. School gave me a few days but one of the team would come and stay with Gil while I went to class.

Gil seems to sleep better if I was holding him. I learned how to do most of my homework and reading in bed with him lying against me. He still had nightmares and I had a few of my own. It was almost a month later that Gil returned to work. He worked only in the office for the first few weeks starting with just a few hours a night. He was back to full time and heading out to the field by the end of the second month.

The hardest time for me was when he was coming and going to work. I would wait with my phone in my hand for the call he had gotten to the office. He called right before leaving and I would be at the window watching for him to drive up. Things started returning to normal after three or four months except for the checking in with each other. We phoned to let each other know when we left for home or got to work/school. The nightmares are lessening and Gil is healing up nicely. The medicines and lotion have help to lessen the scarring. The one thing that seems to help most is we talk about what happen and how we felt. I knew I loved Gil before all this but now I know how much I need him and how much he needs me. He has even made me realize what a strong person I can be when I need to be.

Yesterday I took my first finals. I couldn't believe when the instructors told me after looking at them that I should have a B and possibly even an A when they had graded all the reports and finals. Gil took me out to celebrate. Life is going good again and this time I'm keeping a more positive attitude.

Catherine's pov

When the call came that they had the cop I flipped the van around and headed for the address. Throwing the phone to Warwick I told him to let the others know. We drove on to the street just in time to see the scene play out before us. Nick coming out of the car, the van door opening and Kurt firing at Nick as Jim tackled him to the ground. The gunfire blazing as Kurt fell dead on the ground.

I had barely got our van stopped before Warrick was out and running for the other van. I was last to reach the van as the CSI team put a protective ring around it and Gil. We kept everyone back from him. Jim, Greg, Warrick and Nick drove off with him to the hospital.

The rest of us followed them to the hospital. We all worked to watch over the two men for the next few weeks. While Gil was in the hospital we made sure that Nick ate and had time to shower and change. When Gil came home we took turns bringing food until we felt Nick was ready to handle it himself.

This time I also had another issue that I had to deal with. One evening as I was leaving from Gil's hospital room I saw the kids in a waiting room. I walked over to them.

"Hi, I'm Catherine, do you remember me?"

The oldest boy looked up, "yea, you're the lady that came to the house the day Dad hurt Mom. Mom is going to be okay and Dad can't hurt us any more. We're living with grandma and grandpa now."

"I want you to give this card to your grandparents. You tell them if I can be of any help to please call." And I handed the card to the boy who now had a small look of hope in his eyes.

The End