Title: The Walls Came Tumbling Down
Author: chocomkr
Fandom: CSI
Pairing: Cath/Sara
Rating NC 17
Word count: 20,092
Summary: Sara and a vengful Hank (don't worry, it's totally cath/sara)
Spoilers: none
Disclaimer: don't own, don't sue

***

Sara was sleeping soundly when the loud shrill of her smoke detector
started going off. She stumbled out of bed and did a quick scan of
her apartment and didn't see anything on fire, or the source of any
smoke. She went to her door and saw a little smoke coming in from
under it. She placed her hands on the door and noting it was cool
she opened it. The smoke was so thick she couldn't see the stairs
just twenty feet in front of her door. She was about to step out of
her apartment when she heard an odd noise. It sounded as if a
tornado was inside the building. She immediately shut the door as a
wall of fire exploded on the other side, immediately turning her door
hot as a coal.

She ran to the phone to call for help, but the line was dead. She
pulled the smoke alarm off the wall and took out the batteries.
There was nothing to be gained by listening to the ear piercing
shrill any longer. She picked up her cell phone. There was a small
amount of signal and she dialed 9-1-1.

The smoke was pouring in and she was barely able to see. She made
her way to the bathroom and pulled out all the towels she could find
and got them wet. Walking back into the living room, she felt her
way to the door and placed half of the wet towels on the floor in
front of the door, trying to keep the smoke out as long as possible.
Next, she went to the kitchen and turned on the stove fan hoping to
help suck some of the thick black smoke out of her apartment.

`Stay calm.' Sara thought to herself. `Help will be here in a few
minutes.' She ran back to the window and looked below at the people
scurrying out from the lower floors. She recognized a few of the
people as those who lived two floors below her.

"The fire must have started on the floor below." She said aloud.
This caused panic to well up in her stomach. `If that's the case,
then there's not much time before the fire burns through and into my
apartment.' She thought to herself. Despite all her efforts to keep
the smoke out, it was billowing in again. She ran to the bathroom
and got everything wet she could find and placed it against the
door. She turned her shower on and climbed in, praying that someone
would find her soon.

She sat down in the tub, becoming dizzy from the smoke. She pulled
her shirt up over her face to help filter what little air was
available. Breathing was becoming more and more difficult and she
felt herself falling asleep. She could hear the firefighters yelling
in the hallway on the floor below. `Stay awake, Sara, they're almost
here.' She thought, willing herself to stay awake.

A dark sleep consumed her.

Back at the lab…..

"Any body seen Sara?" Grissom asked.

"No man. It's not like her to be late." Warrick said.

They were all sitting around watching the news of an apartment
structure blaze when the reporter gave the address.

"Fire crews have been on the scene now for about forty five minutes
and have barely made a dent in the flames that has now all but gutted
half the building. Neighbors in the surrounding units were evacuated
as a precaution. No word yet on how many people may or may not be
trapped inside. Fire Chief Petersen said the fire appears to have
started on the fourth floor of this eight story building. All we can
do at this point is pray for the souls who live here at 10990 W.
Charleston."

"Hey wait a minute, isn't that Sara's address?" Catherine asked.

"What was it?" Grissom asked.

"10990 W. Charleston. That's Sara's building!" Catherine yelled as
she leapt from the table. "Grissom, can you call Brass and see if he
can find out anything?"

"Yes. Why don't you take Nick and head on over. Maybe she's in the
crowd. I'll call your cell when if I hear anything from Brass.

The two sped to the address, both silently praying for Sara's safety.

"Why are you so concerned Catherine? You don't even like Sara."
Nick asked.

"I do like Sara. We just butt heads. But that doesn't mean I want to
see her hurt or killed Nick." Catherine yelled.

The scene was mass chaos. People running everywhere, yelling and
screaming. Catherine ran up to an ambulance and grabbed the
paramedic there.

"I'm looking for Sara Sidle. She lived on the 5th floor of that
building. Do you know anything about her?"

"Sorry Ma'am. There have only been two people brought out of that
building since the floor gave way. I don't know the names of
person. The firefighters have to go in from the roof now to try and
get to the fire. I'm afraid it doesn't look good for anyone who
might still be in there. The heat is reaching dangerously high
levels even for the firefighters with their gear."

"Where did they take the two who were pulled out?" Nick asked.

"Desert Palms Hospital. They left about fifteen minutes ago."

"Thank you." Catherine said as she ran back to the Tahoe.
They arrived at the hospital and patiently waited for the ER nurse to
get off the phone.

"May I help you?" She asked.

"My name is Catherine Willows and this is Nick Stokes. We are
investigating the fire on west Charleston. The paramedics at the
scene said two victims were brought here. Was one of them a Sara
Sidle?"

"I'm not allowed to give out information like that unless you are
family." The nurse said.

"I'm Sara's brother." Nick said. "Is she here or not?"

"She was brought in about thirty minutes ago. She's still in with
the doctors."

"May we see her please?"

"Not until she's either discharged or moved to a room. I'll let the
doctor know you two are here and he'll come find you when he has some
news."

Nick and Catherine sat in the waiting room, watching the seconds tick
by on the clock.

"Mr. Stokes? A nurse said.

"Yes?"

"Will you two come with me please?" The nurse said as she turned to
walk back towards the elevators.

"How is Sara?" He asked.

"She's going to be fine. I'll let the doctor fill you in. He's
finishing up with her now."

They followed the nurse into the room and saw Sara lying on the bed
by the window.

"Your sister is going to be fine. She has first degree radiant heat
burns, much like severe sunburn. There are no blisters, but I want
to keep her overnight to make sure nothing changes. We have her
wrapped in gauze with some cream on her skin. The gauze will help
keep the skin clean. She also suffered from smoke inhalation. The
firefighter found her in the bathtub. She was using her shirt to
filter out what air she was able to get. She placed wet clothes
under the gap in the door to hold off the entrance of smoke. We are
giving her some oxygen with a bit of force behind it to help her
breathe, although she can do that on her own. This will just help
her lungs. If you have any questions, buzz the nurse."

"Thank you doctor." Nick and Catherine said as he left the room.

They walked over to Sara's side. She looked like a mummy in the
gauze wrapping.

"Hey Sara." Nick said.

"Hey guys." She whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"Making sure you're ok." Catherine said taking Sara's hand.

"Did they get the fire out?"

"No honey." Nick replied. "You were pretty lucky. Not very many
people made it out."

"What about my apartment? Is there anything left?"

"Sara honey, everything's gone. We'll help you get back on your
feet." Catherine said.

"I'm homeless?" Sara asked.

"Let's not talk about that now Sara. You need to rest. The doctor
said he's keeping you overnight and that you can leave tomorrow."

"Leave to where exactly?" Sara asked.

"You can stay with me until you find another place." Catherine
offered.

"I don't want to be a bother Catherine. I'll stay at a hotel or
something."

"Nonsense. You're staying with me. End of discussion." Catherine
said. "You get some sleep. I'll be back in a bit ok?"

Catherine and Nick left the room and headed back to the lab and were
met with the rest of the graveyard shift to hear any news.

"Is she ok?" Grissom asked.

"She's going to be fine. She was only one of two survivors on the
upper floors. She has some burns and smoke inhalation but will be
fine. They're keeping her overnight for observation." Catherine
said.

"Where's she going to stay? From the looks of the TV footage there's
nothing left." Warrick said.

"Catherine offered to let Sara stay with her until she can get back
on her feet."

"Cool. You guys let me know if anything changes, ok." Warrick asked.

"Will do man." Nick said.

"Gil, I'm going to take a couple of days off to help Sara get
situated." Catherine stated.

"Sounds good. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Tell Sara I'm assigning her two weeks vacation and I don't want to
see her at the lab until then, ok?"

"Certainly." Catherine said as she left the building.

A storm of emotions was running through Catherine. She had to admit
that she and Sara never really got a long, but just as she told Nick,
that didn't mean she wanted anything bad to happen to her. She got
in the Tahoe and drove to the mall to get a few clothes for Sara.
She was saddened to know that aside from what she was wearing when
she was brought into the hospital this was all she had.

She stopped at the florist on her way back to the hospital and picked
up a bunch of flowers, hoping to lift her colleague's spirits.

She arrived back at the hospital and found Sara sleeping, so she sat
in the chair next to her bed. She settled in and decided to take a
nap.

Sometime later, she woke to the sound of the nurses changing Sara's
bandages.

"Sorry to wake you Ma'am." The nurse said.

"No, it's ok." Catherine said standing out of the way.

"The doctor wants one more set of bandaged on you Sara. If things
still look this good tomorrow he'll probably order them off." The
nurse said. "How are you doing as far as pain?"

"It hurts a good deal." Sara said.

"Here's the dosing button. The machine's set up to release only a
little bit of medication every hour so you can't overdose. See how
this goes and if it doesn't help, I'll call the doctor." The nurse
said handing the button to Sara who immediately pushed the button.

"Can I get you anything Ma'am?" The nurse asked Catherine.

"Just a bottle of water if you don't mind." She said.

The nurse smiled and left the room only to return a few moments later
with a bottle of water.

"Hey." Catherine said.

"Thank you Catherine. You don't have to take me in if you don't want
to. The gesture is appreciated."

"No no, I want to. Grissom said to tell you he's putting you one two
week's mandatory vacation and not to step foot back in the lab until
after that." Catherine chuckled.

"Yea, we'll see." Sara said with a smile.

"Hey, I hope you don't mind, but I stopped at the mall on my way back
over here and bought you a few things. I knew you'd need something
to wear until you're feeling up to going shopping on your own."

"Thank you." Sara said reaching out her hand to Catherine's.

"I'm also taking the next couple of days off, just to help you get
situated at my place. I wasn't sure if you'd need much help or not,
but wanted to be there just in case."

"That's awful nice of you Cath. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now get some rest." Catherine said taking her seat
at the side of the bed.


The night passes and the bright Vegas morning sun shone brightly into
the hospital room, waking Catherine. She stood to stretch and
noticed Sara sitting up on the bed.

"How'd you sleep?" Catherine asked Sara.

"Probably better than you did in that little chair. You didn't have
to stay last night."

"I know. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. Sara, I know we've
had more than our fair share of fighting. I want to start fresh with
you. I don't know what to say about my behavior other than I'm
sorry."

"I haven't been the easiest person to get along with Cath. I would
like to think that we can be friends, both at work and outside."

The doctor interrupted their conversation as he entered the room.

"Good morning Ms. Sidle. Let's have a look see at your burns." He
said carefully removing the gauze. "No blisters, which is good. Now
let me listen to your lungs." He said leaning in to Sara.

"Your lungs sound much better. I'm going to let you go this
morning. I want you to apply the cream to all affected areas three
times a day for the next week. Keeping the skin supple will help in
the healing and prevent and problems. If you have any questions,
feel free to call."

"Thanks doc."

"I'll have the nurse come in and discharge you. It won't be but a
few minutes. Oh and as far as bathing goes, just soak in the tub, no
wash cloths or anything like that for a week. If the skin starts to
itch, just apply a fragrance free hand lotion."

Catherine picked up a duffle bag from the floor. "I brought you a
change of clothes. I hope they fit." She said placing the bag on
the bed.

"I'm sure they will be just fine Cath." Sara said as she stood up
and headed to the bathroom to get dressed. She was surprised to see
what Catherine had bought. They looked like sleep wear made of
silk. She dressed and walked back into the room.

"I thought the silk might feel good against your skin, thought it
might help keep you cool." Catherine said.

"It feels wonderful. Thank you."

"I know they're just pj's, but you still look good in that color."
Catherine laughed.

The nurse came in and Sara signed all the papers and they were on
their way.

"Do you want to fill your prescription before we head home?"
Catherine asked.

"Yea, if you don't mind. That way it's just done. Oh, but wait,
what time do you have to pick up Lindsay to take her to school?"

"I need to do that now. I thought I'd take you with me. She asks
about you."

"Oh?" Sara said with a hint of uncertainty.

"Yea. She asks about you quite a bit actually. She says that you
look so sad when she sees you."

"Oh." Sara said not quite sure how to respond.

"I told her you're not sad, just tired from working so hard. She
seems to buy it."

The two drove in silence to Nancy's house. Lindsay was outside
waiting when they arrived.

Catherine jumped out of the car and ran to pick up her baby. She and
Nancy talked for a few minutes before the two Willow's women walked
back to the Tahoe.

"Hi Sara!" Lindsay yelled as she got into the vehicle.

"Hey yourself Linds. How's school?"

"Good. Mom says you're going to be staying with us for a while. I'm
sorry your house burned down. But I'm glad you're sleeping over.
We'll have a lot of fun." Lindsay said beaming from ear to ear.

"Take it easy baby." Catherine said. "Sara needs to get some rest
to feel better. There will be plenty of time to play." Catherine
said trying to save Sara from the ocean of giggles in the back.

The walls chapter 2


They dropped Lindsay off at school and ran a couple other errands
before heading to Catherine's house. When they arrived, Catherine
showed Sara to the guest room.

"The bathroom is down the hall. I hope you don't mind sharing with
Lindsay."

"Not at all. Thanks again Catherine. This means a lot to me."

"You're quite welcome Sara. Would you like to rest or are you
hungry?"

"I'm fine Catherine. Is there anything I can help you do?"

"You're here to rest my dear, not help me."

"I don't want to be a burden. I plan on carrying my weight around
here."

"I don't mind the thought of you helping out, but not right now. I
want you to stay here until you feel ready to find a place of your
own, whether that is a month or three. There's no rush for you to
leave."

"Thanks."

"I'm going to fix some breakfast. Would you care to join me?"
Catherine asked.

"Sure." Sara said as she followed Catherine back downstairs to the
kitchen.

The two women ate in silence. It was approaching noon and both were
tired.

"Would you like some help with your cream before I go take a nap?"
Catherine asked.

"Uh, sure." Sara said going to get the cream. She was nervous about
having Catherine help her, but knew she couldn't reach her back on
her own. Catherine joined Sara in the guest room and Sara unbuttoned
the shirt and pulled it forward, keeping her front covered.

Catherine began to gently rub the cream onto Sara's back, trying not
to hurt her.

"You do this well Catherine."

"Yea, Lindsay has such fair skin we go through this almost every time
she swims." Catherine said, finding herself enjoying the feeling of
Sara's skin under her fingertips. `Keep it in check Catherine.' She
thought to herself.

A soft moan escaped Sara's throat.

"Did I hurt you?" Catherine asked pulling her hand away quickly.

"Hmm? Oh, only a bit, it's ok." Sara said trying to cover up for
her mistake. She had dreamed for a long time of the feel of
Catherine's hands on her body. The sensation was almost too much for
her to bear. "Thanks Cath." Sara said as she pulled her shirt back
on.

"No problem. I'll just be down the hall if you need anything."
Catherine said.

"Ok." Sara said crawling into the big bed. She thought back to the
way Catherine's hands felt on her skin. The burning from desire was
almost more than she could take. `How could you moan like that
Sidle?' She thought to herself. `There's no way she could feel the
same way you do.'

Catherine climbed into bed, burying herself deep in the blankets.
She felt hot deep inside, the feeling of touching Sara's skin still
fresh on her fingers. Catherine found herself smelling her fingers,
smelling the scent of Sara. `Get a grip Catherine.' She said to
herself. `But she moaned. Was that from my touch or did I hurt
her?' She wondered. She fell asleep, wonderful dreams filling her
sleep.

Catherine slept hard, waking to sounds from the kitchen. She rolled
over and looked at the clock. She flew out of bed and ran down the
stairs.

"Sara I'm late getting Lindsay. I'll be right back."

"Cath, look." Sara said pointing to Lindsay at the table.

"What? You picked her up? How did you know it was time to go get
her?"

"I called the school. You were sleeping so soundly I didn't want to
bother you. I slipped in and turned off your alarm clock and went to
pick her up."

"Yea mommy, she even brought me ice cream and rented a movie for us
to watch tonight. Doesn't that sound like fun? She told me you're
staying home tonight and that we could all sit and watch the movie."

"Oh Sara, you didn't have to do that. Really." Catherine said
taking a seat next to Lindsay.

"I know, but I wanted to let you sleep. I'm sorry if I over stepped
any bounds." Sara said looking down at the floor.

"No, no. It's ok. I just didn't think of you as the type of person
who would think about such things."

"That's just because you never gave me the chance." Sara said taking
Lindsay's milk glass and napkin to the sink.

"So what movie did you rent baby?" Catherine asked Lindsay.

"Actually, Sara had already rented it before she picked me up. She
rented Brother Bear Mommy!"

"That's the one you've been wanting to see isn't it?" Catherine
asked.

"Yea mommy and she even bought microwave popcorn so we could have a
snack while we watched it."

Catherine walked into the kitchen where Sara was washing the
glass. "Thank you. She's been wanting to see that movie since it
came out."

"It's not a problem. Really, Catherine." Sara said as she turned
the water off. Catherine took the glass from her and put it in the
dishwasher.

"You have done quite enough Sara. Go sit down and rest while I get
dinner going." Catherine ordered.

"It's already in the oven." Sara said as she walked to the couch.

Catherine opened the oven door and saw a casserole dish full of pasta
and cheese, another one of Lindsay's favorites.

"Where did that come from?" Catherine asked.

"Sara made it after we got home. She put it in the oven just before
you came downstairs." Lindsay said.

Catherine walked into the living room and sat at the other end of the
couch as Sara.

"You are an amazing person Sara." Catherine said.

"I told you I was going to carry my own weight while I'm here." She
said.

"Yes and I told you to relax and get better. There will be plenty of
time for helping. I didn't know you could cook."

"I can do quite a few things actually. It's just hard to cook for
one person, so I rarely do it."
Catherine tried to stretch her neck as she slept wrong.

"Would you like a neck rub? I can get that kink out for you." Sara
asked.

"No, I'm fine thanks." Catherine said getting up from the
couch. "Lindsay go get your dirty clothes honey. I'm going to do
some laundry."

"Ok Mommy. Oh by the way, did you remember we have to make cupcakes
tonight for the party tomorrow?"

"Oh baby I forgot. Can't we just stop by the store on the way to
school in the morning?"

"You promised you'd make the ones with the kisses in the middle."
Lindsay yelled from the stairs.

"I can help her make them if you like." Sara offered.

"It's ok Sara. I'll do it." Catherine said. "How long until
dinner's ready?"

"About half an hour." Sara answered, suddenly feeling like she was
intruding.

"Ok. Come on down Linds. We'll do the cupcakes now so they can go
in the oven as soon as dinner's done. I'll do the laundry later."
Catherine said as she began pulling bowls from the cabinets.

Sara stayed in the living room, trying not to get under Catherine's
feet. She felt as if she had really stepped on her toes with the
whole picking up Lindsay and dinner thing. The last thing she wanted
to do was cause problems for Catherine after she invited her to stay
with her.

"Sara do you want to help?" Lindsay asked from the kitchen.

"Thanks anyway Lindsay. I'm going to rest." Sara replied. She saw
Catherine shoot her a look from the stove. It wasn't a go to hell
look like she was used to getting from Catherine, rather more of a
thank you look.


Sara settled in with a forensics journal and must have dozed off.
The time for the oven buzzed and Sara jumped from the couch looking
around like a caged animal.

"Sara, what is it?" Catherine asked as she headed for the startled
Sara.

"Huh?" Sara asked as she realized where she was. "Oh, um, I'm
sorry. The timer just scared me a little. I forgot where I was."
She said as she started to shake. Catherine ran to her side.

"Sara, honey, what is it? What's wrong?" Catherine asked in a
concerned voice as she took Sara by the arms, holding the woman up.

"Oh, sorry. The buzzer just, um, scared me a little." Sara said as
her entire body started to shake.

"Oh honey, it's ok. You're safe." Catherine said taking Sara into
her arms realizing what the connection was. "It's just the oven
timer, there's no fire." She said trying to reassure the woman.

"Oh gees, I feel stupid." Sara said into her hands.

"It's ok. I should have turned the timer off when you fell asleep, I
just wasn't thinking."

"It's not your fault Cath. I think I'm going to go upstairs for a
minute." Sara said as she stood and walked quietly up the steps.

"Mommy, is Sara ok?" Lindsay asked.

"Yea baby, she's fine. She's still just a little scared from the
fire at her house. You sit here and stir the cupcake batter; I'll be
back down in a minute ok? I'm just going to check on Sara."

Walls chapter 3

Catherine went upstairs to check on Sara and found her sitting on the
bed, rocking slightly. She knocked on the door so as not to startle
her.

"Hey, you ok?" She asked after Sara turned around.

"Yea. Sorry. I hope I didn't scare Lindsay." Sara said quietly.

"No you didn't. She is concerned about you though. Would you like
to come down and join us for dinner? It smells wonderful."
Catherine said as she sat down next to Sara.

"Maybe in a minute."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Catherine asked.

"There's not much to say really. All I remember is going to sleep.
Then the smoke detector woke me up. I checked the door and it was
cool so I opened it. I couldn't see two feet in front of me. Then I
heard this noise, this horrible eerie noise. I shut my door as fast
as I could before the wall of fire shot up through the hallway."
Sara said as she started to shake again. Catherine moved closer and
wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"The door immediately turned hot and smoke started to pour under the
door. I remember turning the stove fan on trying to suck some of the
thick black smoke out. I remember putting wet towels on the floor by
the door. Then I went into the bathroom and did the same there and
turned the shower on. I remember feeling dizzy so I sat down and
pulled my shirt off and put it over my face. It burned every time I
breathed. I tried to stay awake, but couldn't. Then the next thing
I know there is a firefighter in my bathroom putting his oxygen mask
on my face and picking me up. The air was so hot. My skin felt like
it was on fire. I don't remember how we got out but I remember
hearing my floor fall."

"The doctor said you were very lucky. He also credited your survival
to your ability to think about putting the towels under the door."

"All I could think about doing was keeping the smoke out. As I sat
down in that tub, thoughts of things I wanted to do and hadn't done
poured through my head. There are so many things I want to do and
experience."

"Like what?"

"You wouldn't understand. I don't mean that in a bad way, just that
it would seem bizarre."

"Hey mommy, Sara, dinner's done." Lindsay called from downstairs.
"We'll be there in a minute baby." Catherine called back
down. "Let's go have some dinner and watch the movie. Then I want
you and me to talk more about this ok? I want to know what your
dreams and desires are. I want to share that with you. Ok?"

"Ok. Just give me a minute, ok? I want to wash my face." Sara said
not knowing how to deal with Catherine's sudden interest in her.

Catherine walked downstairs as Sara freshened up before heading
down. Sara joined the two Willows women at the dinner table.

"Sara this smells so good." Lindsay said.

"Good. I hope you like it."

"Oh I'm sure I will." She said taking a big mouthful.

The three ate, enjoying the conversation.

"Hey Sara, would you like one of mom's great cupcakes?" Lindsay
asked walking back from the stove.

"Sure." She said as Lindsay placed a saucer sized cupcake before her.

"They're my favorite. Mommy makes them when I'm having a bad day to
cheer me up. I hope it cheers you up Sara." Lindsay said placing a
gentle hand on Sara's shoulder.

"Careful baby, Sara has a bad sunburn." Catherine cautioned.

"Can I go start the movie now Mommy?"

"Sure thing baby. Sara and I will be there in a few minutes, ok?"

"Ok."

"Catherine, you have to help me eat this, there's no way I can eat it
all on my own."

"That's why she likes them so much, we always share." Catherine said
scooting closer to Sara. She watched her intently, her facial
expressions, her mannerisms. There was so much about this woman she
had not noticed before, or had not let herself notice before. She
was at complete ease with this woman she would have harsh words with
at work almost everyday. Having Sara here with her and Lindsay felt
good.

"After the movie why don't you let me draw you a bath. We can talk
while I help you with the cream." Catherine offered.

"Ok." Sara answered. She cherished being here with Catherine. She
loved the way she felt near her and Lindsay. She loved feeling like
she belonged somewhere, like she fit in. She only hoped she could
muster the courage to tell Catherine what she really wanted for so
long but never could.

The three watched the movie and Catherine went upstairs to put
Lindsay to bed and draw Sara's bath water before coming back
downstairs. She watched Sara briefly looking at the photos on the
mantle before walking up behind her.

"That one is of Lindsay on her first day of kindergarten. She was so
excited and so scared at the same time. She knew she had to go and
wanted to go, but was scared of what the outcome would be. She
really likes you Sara. She asked me if you were going to stay with
us forever."

"I really like her to Catherine. She's a good kid. Beautiful just
like her mother." Sara said before walking to the kitchen.

"You think I'm beautiful Sara?" Catherine asked following her to the
kitchen.

"Yes I do. Probable the most beautiful woman I have ever had the
pleasure of knowing." Sara said.

"Thank you. I think you are pretty sexy yourself, especially when
you wear your black tank top."

This unexpected compliment caused Sara to blush. "I think I'm going
to take that bath now."

"Ok. Come find me when you're done and we'll put on some more
cream." Catherine said to Sara as she headed up the stairs.

Sara climbed into the warm water and slid down until she was almost
completely submerged. `I can't believe I told her I thought she was
beautiful. But she said she thought I was sexy. Maybe there is
something there.' Sara thought to herself. A knock at the door
pulled her from her thoughts.

"Yes?" She answered.

"I was just making sure you were ok. I put some clean pajamas on the
bed for you."

"I'm almost done. I'll be out in a few minutes, ok?"

"Take your time." Catherine said walking back to her bedroom. She
sat patiently waiting for Sara to come so they could finish their
conversation from earlier.

"I'm ready if you are." Sara spoke softly.

"Come on in." Catherine said joining Sara on her bed. `Oh the
number of times I have dreamed of having Sara in my bedroom.'
Catherine thought as Sara pulled her shirt over her head. `Snap out
of it Catherine. So she thinks you're beautiful. There's no need to
get too excited.'

Catherine began to gently rub the cream over Sara's back, going
slowly so she could savor the feel of the younger woman's skin
beneath her fingers once again. "How are you feeling? Is there much
pain or itchiness?"

"No actually. I took some ibuprofen earlier."

"So tell me more about what you want to do in life. What is it that
you think I would think of as bizarre?"

"A lot of things. I want to know the feel of a kiss by someone who
loves me for me, not what they want me to be. I want to know what it
feels like to be loved completely, with no lies or secrets. I want
to know the passion of someone who I mean as much to as they do me.
I want to travel and learn more about different cultures." Sara said.

"You've never honestly felt loved before?" Catherine asked her hands
paused waiting fro Sara's answer.

"No. There was always something keeping them from wanting only me.
Look at the mess with Hank. He didn't want just me. He pulled me
along like a child's pull toy. The only other two people in my life
I let get close did something similar."

"I'm sorry Sara." Catherine whispered as she resumed with the cream.

"It's not your fault. I guess I just haven't found the right person.
What about you, what do you want in life?"

"I want to know love again, pure love. I want to raise Lindsay to
love herself, feel good about herself and know how to take care of
herself. I want the world for her."

"Those are very good goals. I'm sure Lindsay will grow up to be all
of those things, she has you for a mother." Sara said.

Catherine had long since been done applying the cream, but found it
impossible to stop rubbing Sara's back. Sara sat enjoying the
touches and conversation.

"I'm pretty tired." Sara finally said. "I think I'm going to turn
in."

"That's a good idea. You need your rest. I'm going to shower and
probably do the same. Let me know if you need anything ok?"
Catherine asked.

"Ok. Goodnight Catherine."

"Goodnight Sara. Oh and Sara?" Catherine said walking towards the
brunette.

"Yea?"

"Rest well." Catherine said embracing Sara.

Sara hugged her back. "You too."

Ok, like i said the first few chapters were leading up to the good
stuff. let me know if i shoudl continue. thanks april


Walls chapter 4

Sara woke upon hearing the front door close. She rolled over and saw
it was after 8 am. She rolled over to face the door, trying to wake
up.

"Good morning sleepy head." Catherine said.

"Good morning to you, too." Sara replied. "Is Lindsay at school?"

"Yes. I just got back from taking her. She's all excited about the
cupcakes."

"Good. Got any plans for today?" Sara asked.

"I need to run into the lab for a bit and finish some paperwork.
Grissom called me while I was in the car with Lindsay. He needs two
cases finished and ready for the DA."

"Ok. Would you mind if I dropped you off and ran a few errands? I
need to pick up a few more clothes."

"Not at all. I'll need about five hours. If you like we can plan it
around picking up Lindsay. That way you have time for a nap if you
like before picking us up."

"Ok. Let me shower and get dressed. Oh, I don't have any day
clothes." Sara said.

"Oh. I bought you one outfit that's not pj's. I didn't know what
you would like so I just picked up a pair of sweat pants and a t-
shirt. I hope that's ok."

"It will be fine." Sara said taking the clothes from Catherine.

"Ok. I'll be downstairs whenever you're ready."

"Ok." Sara headed to the bathroom to clean up a little while
Catherine went downstairs. She pulled on the sweats and her shoes
and went downstairs.

"You ready?" Sara asked.

"Yep."

The two arrived at the lab and Catherine pulled into a parking spot.

"Would you like to come in and say hi? Everybody's been asking about
you."

"Sure, I'll come in for a minute."

Sara's minute turned into half an hour with all the well wishers.
She searched Catherine out before leaving.
"I'll be here at 3:00 to pick you up." Sara said.

"Sounds good. Try not to over do it, ok?" Catherine asked.

"Ok. See you later."

"See ya baby." Catherine said and immediately hoped Sara didn't hear
the last word.

Sara headed out to the mall to purchase a few items. On her way back
to Catherine's she decided to pick up some flowers and a few other
items from the store. She got to the house at 11:30.

She busied herself in the kitchen until about 1:30, making Catherine
a batch of ganache chocolates. She packed them neatly in a small box
and took them and the flowers upstairs to Catherine's room. In a
small card she wrote:
Thank you so much for your generosity, Catherine. I will never
forget this. I hope to someday be able to show you how thankful I
am. Until then, enjoy the chocolates.

Sara had just enough time for a quick nap before heading out to pick
up two people who were starting to mean more to her than she ever
thought possible.

Sara pulled up to the lab and Catherine was waiting for her.

"Hi, I'm sorry I'm a bit late, I overslept." Sara apologized.

"It's ok, we still have half an hour before we can pick up Lindsay.
You wanna grab a coffee?"

"Sure." Sara said getting out of the driver's seat and heading to
the passenger's side.

"So what all did you do today?" Catherine asked.

"I bought a few more outfits and took care of a couple of other
things. Were you able to get the reports done?"

"Yes I was thank you. Grissom apologized for making me come in, but
gave me the night off to make up for it. I told him you were still
in a bit of pain and I didn't think you should be alone too much
yet. He bought it." Catherine giggled.

"I'm fine though. Please don't feel like you have to baby-sit me."

"I know you're fine, but I have really enjoyed spending the last
little bit with you. I'm sorry it took this situation to facilitate
it though."

"Me too, but we can't go back, only forward."
Catherine drove to Lindsay's school where she was already waiting out
front.

"Hi Mommy. Hi Sara." She said climbing into the Tahoe.

"Hey sweetie." Catherine said. "How was school?"

"Great!" Lindsay exclaimed. "All the kids said you have to make the
cupcakes again for our next party. They think you're the best cook
in the world."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far." Catherine said.

"How are you feeling today Sara?" Lindsay asked.

"Just fine. Thank you for asking Lindsay."

"You're welcome. Are we going to watch another movie tonight
Mommy?"

"We'll see what time it is after dinner and your homework, ok?"

"Ok."

The three returned to the house. Lindsay ran upstairs to start her
homework. Catherine went up to change into something a little more
comfortable, and Sara took a seat on the couch. Catherine noticed
the flowers on her night side table and sat down to enjoy them when
she saw the chocolates and the card. Tears welled up in her eyes at
Sara's words. She opened the box of chocolates and ate one, enjoying
the experience. She headed back downstairs and started dinner.

Dinner was quiet, but it was a comfortable quiet. Each enjoyed the
food and the company, no words were needed. Sara cleared the table
and made coffee as Catherine prepared Lindsay for bed. When she
returned she sat back at the table and rolled her head from side to
side trying to work a kink out of her neck. Sara walked up behind
her and started to run her neck and shoulders.

"Mmm that feels good Sara. I didn't know you had so many talents."

"I've got a lot more than this, but not sure you'd be willing to see
them." Sara said. "Oh shit, did I just say that out loud?"

"Um, yes you did. Thank you for the flowers and the chocolates are
wonderful. Where did you get them?"

"I made them."

Catherine turns around with a look of shock on her face. "You MADE
those?"

"Yes I did. Were they ok?"

"Ok? They were wonderful, very flavorful and smooth. Where did you
learn to do that?"

"It's just one of my hobbies. Does your neck feel better?"

Catherine leaned her head to the side again. "Yes, much better.
How'd you know where I needed the massage?"

"By the way you moved your head. I can tell a lot about a person's
stress by the way they manage their shoulders. Their neck always
pays for it."

"I could get used to a massage everyday after work." Catherine said.

"I'd like to massage more than your neck." Sara said and immediately
turned red. "Shit, did I say that out loud too?"

"Why Sara Sidle, would you be hitting on me?"

"Um, I think I need to get the dishes done." Sara said trying to
change the subject as she made a mad dash for the kitchen. "I
understand if you want me to stay someplace else. I didn't mean to
say those things out loud." Sara said, kicking herself mentally for
slipping up so bad.

"But did you mean them?" A husky voice said from behind her.

Sara felt goose bumps climbing up on the skin where she felt
Catherine's hot breath. Then she felt two hands snake their way
around her waist and was spun around to face Catherine who was
looking at her with a look Sara had only seen a couple of times
before. That look meant one of two things, Catherine was either
about to knock Sara on her ass or she was going to rip into her.

Catherine closed the space between them a little more. "Did you mean
those things you said?"

Sara tried to look everywhere but the sea of blue eyes before her,
feeling herself flush even more and her heart beat rocketing through
the roof.

Catherine took Sara's chin in her hand and brought the brunette's
eyes into contact with her own. She leaned in and placed a gentle
kiss on her lips. `Mmm, softer than I had imagined.' She thought to
herself.

"Did you mean those things Sara?" She asked again.

"Yes." Sara whispered as Catherine leaned in and kissed her again.
Sara's breath hitched in her throat.

"What else do you want to massage on me Sara?" Catherine asked as
she kissed Sara's neck.

Sara's knees went weak but Catherine was holding her up against the
counter.

"I want to massage every inch of your body. I want to taste every
inch of you." Sara managed to say as Catherine kissed the exposed
skin above her breasts where the button was undone. "Do you want me
to do those things to you Catherine?" Sara asked.

Catherine looked up into the dark chocolate eyes. "Sara, I have
dreamed of those things for four years now. I have wanted those
things for so long."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I wasn't sure if you were into women. I didn't want to take
the chance of opening myself up to you like that only to be shot down.

With that Sara brought her knee up between Catherine's thighs
pressing against her center, raising her a few inches off the floor.
Catherine leaned into Sara, steadying herself, laying her head on
Sara's pounding chest. Sara held her there for a few moments before
putting the blonde's feet back on the floor.

"Shall we continue this upstairs?" Catherine asked.

"Yes we shall." Sara said taking Catherine's hand and leading her to
the bedroom.

The walls chapter 5 NC-17

Ok guys, I woke to find several wonderful reviews for my fic so I
decided to surprise you with the next chapter. Enjoy! April


Sara followed Catherine up the stairs, their eyes never leaving the
other. The walk upstairs was in slow motion, each studying the other
with intent desire. Catherine led Sara into her room and closed the
door, locking it for privacy. Catherine pushed Sara gently up
against the door and kissed her lips once more.

"I've dreamed about this moment for a very long time Sara. I want to
memorize every part of you. I want to make mental pictures of you,
knowing when I look at you from now on I can see things that nobody
else has seen." Catherine said as she took Sara's face in her hands.

Sara walked Catherine backwards to the edge of the bed and gently
laid her down. "I want those things too, Cath. I was to satisfy
you. I want to please you. I want to hear you pant my name. I want
to know that this thing I've been feeling for so long is real and
reciprocated. I need you." Sara lay down next to Catherine on the
bed, both on their sides facing each other.

Catherine started to outline Sara's face with her finger, drawing it
over Sara's lips and pausing for a moment as she stuck her fingertip
in Sara's mouth. He hand inched down over Sara's shoulder the length
of her arm to her fingers. Sara took Catherine's hand in hers and
brought it up to her breasts. Catherine squeezed softly, feeling the
immediate response of Sara's nipples pushing up through the fabric of
her shirt.

Sara rolled onto her back granting Catherine easier accessibility.
Catherine undid the buttons in her way, exposing the skin between
Sara's breasts. She slowly slid her hand under the fabric there to
touch her skin. She laid her head on Sara's shoulder, watching her
hand explore the new untouched skin.

Sara leaned her head over and placed a kiss on the top of Catherine's
head, wrapping her free arm Catherine's back. Catherine watched as
her touch cause goose bumps to rise on Sara's skin as she finished
unbuttoning the barrier that was between her and the Sara she had
dreamed of for so long.

Sara's breathe hitched in her throat as the cool air hit her already
erect nipple, her back arching needing the touch of her new lover.

Catherine propped herself up on an elbow and leaned over, taking a
breast into her mouth. She licked at the nipple, teasing it, tasting
it. Sara's hands found their way into Catherine's hair, holding her
mouth where she wanted it. In fluid like movements, Catherine
carefully placed a hand under Sara's back so as not to hurt her still
sensitive skin and pulled her body up so she was resting on the
pillow.
Catherine had bought the silk pajamas so they would be light against
Sara's skin, but also so she could see more of Sara, but now those
items were a bothering barrier, keeping her from the sight and smell
of Sara's body. Gently, Catherine removed the shirt, and then the
pants, taking her time pulling the pants down, watching the silk
slide easily down the woman beneath her.

After Catherine had completed her task, Sara sat up, pulling
Catherine's clothing off, enjoying the first sight of her naked
body. Catherine laid Sara back down and then laid her now naked form
next to Sara's. The initial contact of their naked bodies was almost
enough to send them both over the edge of ecstasy. Their bodies
melded together as if they were meant for each other and each other
alone. The two lay together for a while, content in each other's
arms.

"Are you ok?" Catherine asked.

"I was wondering the same thing about you. We haven't done anything
yet that will make it difficult for us. If you have changed your
mind, I understand." Sara said, hoping her emotions weren't
betraying her. The thought of coming this far only to have Catherine
change her mind was more than she could bare.

"Are you having second thought Sara?" Catherine asked as she too was
afraid one would change their mind.

"Not at all. I have lived and breathed for the hopes of this moment
happening, but I do not want to put you in a position that would make
us working together uncomfortable. I would much rather have this
memory and be able to work side by side and have it all and have us
return to the way we were before."

"Oh baby, I never want to return to the way things were before. I
want this just as much if not more than you do. I want to know you.
I want to see you across the room and remember the smell of your skin
or the sounds of your moans. I want this Sara. I want you."
Catherine said as she leaned in and kissed Sara passionately with all
the fire and intensity she had been keeping secret the last four
years.

"I want it too." Sara said into Catherine's mouth

The walls chapter 6 NC-17

Sara rolled Catherine onto her back and straddled her thighs. She
kissed her way around her jaw line down her neck to her collar bone
where she nibbled slightly. Catherine ran her fingers through Sara's
hair, pushing it out of the way so she could see Sara's face. Sara
continued kissing down between Catherine's breasts before taking one
in her mouth, the other in her hand. Catherine arched her back,
meeting Sara's touch.

Sara sat back between Catherine's legs, their centers only a few
inches apart. Each felt the other's heat radiating from their
womanhood. Catherine sat up into Sara's lap, wrapping her legs
around Sara's waist, pressing her core into Sara's stomach. The
sudden heat against her abdomen sent shivers down Sara's spine as the
realism of what was happening hit her. She was finally living her
dream.

She wrapped her arms tightly around the older woman's chest, crushing
her breasts against the side of Sara's face as she nuzzled in. She
held that position only for a few moments, listening to the racing
heart beat just below the surface before laying her back down, never
breaking contact between Catherine's center and her stomach. The
motion of lying down caused Catherine to moan. Sara stopped and
looked deep into the blue eyes that had turned almost grey with
desire.

"What's wrong?" Catherine asked.

"Not a thing. I've just waited so long to hear you do that." Sara
whispered, placing gentle kisses on her mouth.

Sara continued to grind against her, slowly building her already
peaked desire. Sara paused only long enough to run her hand down
Catherine's bare body until it reached the mound beneath her
stomach. She traced Catherine's lower lips, each pass spreading them
a little more. Catherine bucked her hips as Sara entered her. Sara
lost her breath as she felt her inner walls clutching her fingers so
desperately trying to pull them in deeper.

Sara moved her body down kissing the path her hand had taken only
moments before. A guttural animalistic moan filled the air as Sara's
tongue tasted Catherine for the first time. Her essence was sweet
yet spicy. Sara continued making love to Catherine, inserting
another finger and sucking on her well engorged clit.

Catherine began moving her hips in time with Sara's thrusts, her
breathing becoming more ragged and short. Sara could sense the
woman's imminent release and quickened the pace and sucked harder
before flicking the woman's clit with her tongue.

Catherine saw stars at the onset of the most powerful orgasm she had
ever experienced. The wave of pleasure seemed to last forever. Sara
kept the motion up, wanting to prolong Catherine's pleasure as long
as possible, stopping only after she had stopped shaking. She left
her fingers inside the wet canal until Catherine's muscles released
them.
Sara moved back up next to Catherine, snuggling in close.

"That was the most mind blowing orgasm I have ever had." Catherine
said between pants for breathe.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Sara said smiling, pleased with her
results.

"Enjoyed it? Hell I don't even had words for that experience."
Catherine said wrapping her arms around the younger woman. "You, my
dear, are the best lover I have ever had."

"Thank you. I have dreamed many dreams about what would please you.
That, my dear, doesn't even break the tip of the ice burg." Sara
boasted.

"Well, I look forward to breaking the ice cap and seeing what lies
beneath." Catherine said planting a kiss on Sara's head.

"You are so soft Catherine. Even in my dreams you weren't this
soft. Your skin smells unlike anything I have ever smelled before."

"Thank you Sara." Catherine said before rolling over onto her side,
facing the brunette. She looked deep into the eyes of her new love,
searching the depths of her soul. "I'm so sorry for the way I've
treated you Sara. I was only trying to hide the way I felt for you.
I was afraid to show you how much you meant to me."

"It's ok. I haven't been the easiest to get a long with either."

Catherine leaned in and kissed Sara's perfect lips, gently biting the
lower one, sucking it into her mouth. She kissed her way around to
Sara's ear, licking her earlobe before moving to the skin just
below. Her breath tickled Sara's ear, causing her to squirm into her
arms deeper. Catherine licked her way down to Sara's shoulders and
finally to her breasts.

She teased the nipple before moving on down, stopping at her belly
button. Her tongue dove into the small opening, darting in and out
hinting at what was to come. Sara's hands pushed Catherine's head
lower, aching to be touched.

Catherine obliged and spread Sara's lower lips with her tongue,
licking the full length of Sara's center before thrusting her tongue
deep into the warm slick canal. Sara bucked hard at the sensation.
Catherine began to rub Sara's clit with her finger applying just
enough pressure to make her moan. She in turn, moaned in
satisfaction.

She removed her tongue only to replace it with two fingers and thrust
them deep into Sara before attacking her clit with her tongue,
nipping and flicking it with her tongue. Sara was on edge and knew
this wasn't going to last long. She pulled Catherine's head in
closer. Catherine inserted another finger and thrust faster and
harder. As Sara came, she heard her moaning her name.
"Catherine. Oh god Catherine." Sara panted.

"Did you like that?" Catherine asked.

"More than you'll ever know." Sara whispered.

The older woman moved back up and took Sara's body in her arms,
missing the full body contact. The two women regained their
breathing and their heart rate slowed. Their minds swam with the
events that just took place.

"This place is so much better than where we used to be Sara. Let's
never go back."

"I never want to go back Catherine. Never." Sara said as she fell
into a pleasant sleep.

The walls chapter 7

Catherine and Sara slept soundly, wrapped in each other's arms.
Catherine woke first to the sound of Lindsay brushing her teeth.

"Sara honey, wake up." Catherine whispered. "Wake up baby. I need
to get Lindsay breakfast and take her to school."

"Hmm? I don't want to go to school today." Sara mumbled.

"Not you Sara. Lindsay, I have to take Lindsay to school."

Sara bolted up from a dead sleep. "What?" Sara asked looking
through her sleep heavy eyes.

"I need to get Lindsay ready for school. I just wanted to let you
know so you didn't wonder where I had gone."

"Ok. Will you be gone long?"

"No. I will be back in about twenty minutes. Keep the bed warm for
me huh?" Catherine asked.

"Of course." Sara said as she nestled back under the comforter on
Catherine's side of the bed. It was still warm and Catherine's smell
was a comforting reminder of their first night together. Catherine
kissed Sara on the forehead before running downstairs and heading out
the door.

Before Sara knew it, Catherine was back home and crawling into bed
beside her.

"Sara, you awake honey?"

"Yea, I was just smelling your pillow."

"Smelling my pillow?" Catherine asked.

"Yes. Your side of the bed was still warm and I could smell you and
feel you. I could get used to waking up like this."

"Me too Sara." Catherine said as she nuzzled her nose into Sara's
neck.

"Catherine?"

"Yea."

"Are you ok with what happened last night?"

"Absolutely. Are you?"

"Yes. It was the best night I have ever had. You mean so much to
me. I only wish I had told you sooner how I felt."

"There is no point in talking about should haves Sara. All we can do
is go from this moment forward, making the best of the times ahead of
us."

"Agreed." Sara said as she rolled over to face Catherine. The two
spent a few long moments gazing into each other's eyes, memorizing
each other's souls.

"How's the burn?" Catherine asked.

"Ok. It doesn't burn much anymore, but it's starting to itch."

"I have some lotion I can put on you if you like." Catherine said
with a mischievous smile.

"You do, do you?" Sara said with a smile spreading across her entire
face.

Catherine left the bed and retrieved the said lotion. She returned
and Sara laid on her stomach exposing her naked form. Catherine
dispensed some into her hands and rubbed them together, warming the
lotion before rubbing Sara's back.

"You have the most amazing touch Catherine." Sara said into the
pillow.

"Thank you." Catherine said as her hands dipped lower and lower down
Sara's back. As her hands began to rub Sara's perfect ass, Sara
reached her hand out and placed it on Catherine's thigh.

"God Sara you have the most wonderful ass." Catherine said as she
kneaded the soft tissue beneath her hands. She continued rubbing
lotion down the length of Sara's long, lean legs, brushing her
fingers only slightly against Sara's center.

"Roll over." Catherine whispered.

Sara did as she was asked. She heard Catherine's breathe hitch as
she worshipped the breasts and toned body of her lover. Catherine
started with Sara's arms, rubbing slowly and deeply, captivated by
the way Sara's body reacted to her touch. She moved down to Sara's
chest, paying special attention to her nipples that were becoming
harder and more erect. She worked her way down Sara's stomach and
thighs, taking notice of the quivering in Sara's breathing and skin
as she reached the top of Sara's pubic area. Sara involuntarily
opened her legs, allowing Catherine access to where ever she wanted
to go next.

Much to Sara's disappointment, Catherine rubbed her inner thighs
momentarily before moving down to her calf muscles and feet. She was
shocked at the older woman's next move as Catherine took Sara's toe
into her mouth, rubbing her tongue all around, sucking gently. Sara
moaned as Catherine continued to suck her toe and massage her feet at
the same time.

Sara could take it no longer. She sat up in the bed and reached for
Catherine, pulling her into her before lying back down. The older
woman was lying fully on top of Sara, their breasts crushing into the
other. Sara pulled Catherine's face to hers and kissed her
passionately, rubbing her back down to her ass before coming back up
to Catherine's sides, rubbing the sides of her breasts.

Catherine's knee spread Sara's thighs apart before coming to rest
against Sara's already wet sweet spot. Catherine braced herself with
one arm beside Sara's body before allowing the other one to feel Sara
up and down. Her knee took on a life of its own, grinding hard and
deep against Sara. Sara wrapped her legs around the back of
Catherine's body, trying to pull her into her deeper.

"I want to watch you come Sara. I want to see your eyes as I release
you. I want to watch your heart race through your chest, smell your
desire."

Sara kept her eyes open, watching Catherine's face as she continued
to gyrate against her. Catherine removed her knee, and slid her body
between Sara's legs, placing her stomach where he knee had just
been. Sara wrapped her legs around her once more, quickly becoming
lost in the euphoria. Catherine began a combination of thrusting and
grinding her stomach against Sara's dripping hot center.

The two never lost eye contact as Sara began to shudder against
Catherine's stomach, her legs clamping tighter around Catherine's
waist. Catherine slowed her movements and lay back down next to
Sara, never breaking eye contact. She watched as the younger woman
came down off of the wave of pleasure, studying her soul and the glow
that permeated the room. Sara nuzzled her head into Catherine's
bosom, wrapping her arms around her.

The two women quickly fell back asleep in each other's arms.

The walls chapter 8

Catherine woke to find herself alone in the bed. She sat up and
looked around, not seeing Sara. She quickly dressed and made her way
through the upper level rooms before heading downstairs. As she got
to the kitchen, she heard Sara's voice and walked around the corner
to find her sitting on the couch on the phone.

"Is there any news on what caused the fire?" Sara asked.

She remained quiet while the person on the other end spoke.

"Have they found him yet?"

"Let me know when they do Brass. I want to be there when they
question him." Sara said adamantly. She stood up and began to pace
around the living room, not yet seeing Catherine standing in the room
with her.

"What's the final count on casualties?"

"What about a family by the name of Hancock? Lisa, a single mom, had
four kids. They lived in the apartment two floors below mine. Did
they survive?"

Catherine could tell the answer as Sara collapsed on the floor. She
ran to her side and pulled her in close, holding her tight as she sat
silently listening to Brass.

"Tell Grissom I'm coming in tonight. I want to help put this guy
away!" Sara yelled. "Brass, you have to let me do this. You can't
keep me off this case!"

Catherine knew that Sara knew she was a victim in this particular
case and under no circumstances would she be allowed on the case.
She could also understand her desire to bring the perp to justice.
She felt the same thing when Eddie was killed and Lindsay was in
danger.

Sara hung up the phone and remained in Catherine's arms for a moment
before she stood up and started pacing again. Catherine took a seat
on the couch, watching Sara's every move. She knew better than to
try and get Sara to open up. She had worked enough cases with her to
know that when she was ready she would talk.

Sara stopped pacing before she began to wear holes in Catherine's
carpet and sat down next to the worried blonde.

"Brass said it was arson. Kim, in the apartment directly below mine,
was planning to leave her husband. She and I had talked numerous
times about it. He was beating her and she wanted out. He had moved
in with a friend for a while, hoping she would calm down and ask him
back. He was served with the divorce papers the day of the fire.
When they finally got the fire out and rescue teams went in to look
for survivors, they found Kim's body. Doc Robbins said she had been
murdered before the fire started. He found several long deep gashes
in what remained of her chest, serrated knife markings on some of her
ribs. The lack of carbon monoxide says she was dead before the fire
started."

"So he started the fire to cover up for killing his wife." Catherine
said quietly.

"Yes." Sara said. She stood up and began pacing again. "All in
all, there were only about ten survivors from my building. Most of
them weren't at home at the time. Of the ones of us who were home, I
am one of three people who were able to be rescued."

"What about the family you were asking about?"

"Lisa and her four children died in the fire. Their ceiling
collapsed on them in their sleep. Doc Robbins said there was very
little carbon monoxide in their blood. He suggests that they smelled
the smoke, which would account for the carbon monoxide, and that they
were trying to get out when the ceiling collapsed. He found all five
bodies within six feet of the front door."

Catherine walked over to the pacing Sara and pulled her into an
embrace. `I'm so sorry Sara."

"Those kids would come see me about once a week. They loved science
and they would ask me questions about how I use science at work.
They were really good kids. The youngest was eight, the oldest was
sixteen. Lisa tried hard by them working two jobs."

"I'm glad you could share your love of science with them Sara."
Catherine said.

Sara pulled from the embrace. "I think I'm going to shower."

"Ok baby. I have to go pick up Lindsay in about half an hour. Do
you want to come?"

"Um, I'm not sure I'm up for it, but thanks for inviting me." Sara
said as she headed upstairs.

Catherine stood and watched a broken Sara disappearing at the top of
the landing. Her heart broke for her.

The walls chapter 9

Sara took a long hot shower, trying to wash the sorrow away. Grant
it she didn't know most of the people in her building, but it
bothered her that so many innocents had died as a result of an
abusive husband. It saddened her deeply to know that the lives of
four kids with such great potential had been snuffed out.

After she showered, she curled up in Catherine's bed, wishing to fall
asleep and not have to deal with the emotions of the last few days.
Sleep eluded her though, forcing her to deal with things. Her body
gave in to the sorrow and tears began to fall freely from her eyes
staining the white pillow case beneath her face. She vaguely heard
Catherine and Lindsay return, but wasn't ready just yet to see them.

Sara must have dozed off for a little nap because she felt a small
bump on the bed and a small hand pushing the hair from her face. She
opened her eyes to see the youngest Willows smiling brightly with her
mother's amazing blue eyes.

"I brought you a glass of milk and two cookies. Mom says there's
nothing better than a glass of milk and two cookies to make the blues
go away. I asked mom to stop at the store on our way home and get
Oreo's. They're my favorite." Lindsay said, still brushing at
Sara's hair.

"Thank you honey, it was very nice of you to think of me." Sara said.

"You're welcome. Mom was afraid it would ruin your dinner, but I
told her Oreo's cheer everybody up. I even talked her into letting
me bring one for me. So how do you take yours?"

"Excuse me?" Sara asked at the question.

"I like to dunk mine in the milk then eat them. Mommy likes to take
them apart and lick them before dunking them." Lindsay explained.

"I like to dunk them just like you do." Sara said with a smile
taking the Oreo Lindsay was holding out to her.

They heard a noise at the door and both turned to see Catherine
standing in the doorway with three more cookies. "May I join you
two?" She asked.

Lindsay and Sara looked at each other before making room between the
two of them for Catherine to join. Both females curled up close to
Catherine as she crawled into bed. They ate their cookies in
silence. When they stood up to head downstairs, Catherine saw the
crumbs in the bed.

"Ok you two, who's going to clean the crumbs out of my bed?" She
said trying to be serious.
"Sara can do it Mommy." Lindsay said pointing to Sara and laughing
wildly.

"I'll clean the crumbs." Sara said. "Wouldn't want your mom to get
crumbs in her nice pretty pajamas would we?" She said laughing with
Lindsay.

"Alright you two. Dinner's ready." Catherine said as she waited for
the two giggle monsters to head downstairs. Lindsay took off in a
flash leaving Sara and Catherine at the top of the stairs.

"You two sure do know how to make a person feel better." Sara said
leaning and kissing Catherine quickly on the cheek.

"It was Lindsay's idea. She wanted to do something to help you feel
better."

"Being here with the two of you is all I need to feel better." Sara
said as she headed down the stairs.

Catherine stood there for a moment processing what Sara had just said
to her. She had to admit to herself she was really enjoying Sara
being around.

The walls chapter 10

Sara helped Catherine clean up after dinner while Lindsay watched
television.

"I want to go in to the lab with you tonight." Sara said flatly.

"Sara, Grissom said two weeks. Brass can't put you on the case, you
know that."

"I know I can't work the case. I also know I can't just sit here
doing nothing while Kim and every one else that died in my building's
killer is walking free."

"There's nothing you can do Sara. Let Brass and his team do his
job. The arson investigators will do theirs. This time you have to
do what we tell the families of the victim's cases we work—be
patient."

Sara's cell phone ringing broke the silence that had crept up between
her and Catherine.

"Sidle."

Catherine watched as Sara's face went ashen then a brilliant red of
anger before she hung up the phone.

"What is it Sara?" Catherine asked cautiously.

"That was Kim's husband, David. He said he just got back into town
and went to see Kim and found the building gone. She had given him
my cell number in case of an emergency when they first moved in."

"Why did she give him your number?"

"I have no idea. He said that he heard the police were looking for
him in connection with Kim's murder and that he didn't kill her. He
said he has been out of town for the last week and didn't know about
the divorce papers until he got his mail early this morning. He
wants to meet with me."

"Yea, so he can kill the one person who is left that knew he and his
wife were having difficulties!" Catherine yelled.

"Let's call Brass and get me wired up. He wants to meet me at 10pm
out in Summerlin.

***