Thanks so much for the lovely reviews.
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Miami Crime Lab, Layout Room, 2pm
Tom: *picks up rope, tilts magnifying lamp down*
Lori: *walks past, stops, looks in* Tom?
Tom: *lifts head*
Lori: *steps in* Uh...have you seen my uncle? He wanted to talk to me and asked me to stop by.
Tom: *looks down* I haven't see him.
Lori: *leans against wall, crosses arms* What are you doing?
Tom: Collecting evidence from this here rope.
Lori: They let you touch evidence? Alone? That's like letting a child push your shopping cart.
Tom: *grabs tweezer, looks back at rope*
Lori: By the way, I know why you did what you did.
Tom: Mhm. *picks up hair*
Lori: I happen to know you aren't like that.
Tom: *grabs baggie*
Lori: Even though you pretend to be an ass, I know that deep down inside, you're just as cuddly and warm as a teddy.
Tom: *looks back at rope*
Lori: You just had to get out of the rut you were stuck in. Hey, did you check inside the knots?
Tom: *lifts eyes*
Lori: *smiles*
Tom: *leans on table*
Lori: *walks over* Snazzy lab coat. White's a good color on you. Brings out your eyes.
Tom: I thought you were trying to find your uncle.
Lori: There's no reason I can't visit. I mean, that's why this thing says 'visitor's pass', right?
Tom: *looks down, picks up rope*
Lori: How are you?
Tom: I'm great. *grabs pen, pulls notebook over*
Lori: Are you seeing anyone?
Tom: *writing* Don't have time.
Lori: *blinks* OH! Oh my God, I forgot. It's your birthday today. Right?
Tom: Yeah.
Lori: *smiles* Happy birthday. You're what, the big 2-8 now?
Tom: Wow I must look
really good today.
Lori: Okay so I'm a little off. 30?
Tom: Try 35.
Lori: *stares at Tom*
Tom: *flips page*
Lori: *laughs* No no no. You're not older than Scott.
Tom: I don't see why it's a big deal. But if you'd prefer, we'll just pretend I'm 28. Makes me feel better.
Lori: You'd think with all the heroin, you'd look like a sack of potatoes.
Tom: *smiles, snaps off latex gloves* Care to have lunch?
Lori: I really shouldn't. But it's your birthday so...how can I refuse?
Tom: I'll meet you outside.
Lori: *walks away*
Restaurant, 2:38pm
Lori: *sips water*
Tom: So how are you doing?
Lori: I'm good. We're just taking care of my little sister for a while and then we'll be heading to Brazil. We kind of need some 'us' time.
Tom: *nods* I'm sure you'll both have a good time.
Lori: I hope so.
Tom: How's Stephanie?
Lori: *laughs* Mischievous. The stuff she gets into, y'know?
Tom: She must take after her mother.
Lori: I'm not sure if that's something I should be proud of.
Tom: Could be worse.
Lori: *nods*
Tom: *drinks soda*
Lori: I guess you've been working pretty hard at the whole CSI thing.
Tom: It's paying the bills.
Lori: Have you made any new friends at the lab?
Tom: You make it sound like kindergarten.
Lori: Well I only ask because you didn't exactly have many friends before. I was hoping maybe that changed.
Tom: I have a couple aquaintances. Nothing close to wanting to go out for burgers and beers or anything.
Lori: You're a great guy, I'm sure once people get to know you-
Tom: I'm not really interested in being buddies with everyone.
Lori: You need to start letting people in. Trust me, you'll be a lot less miserable.
Tom: *nods, looks down at glass*
Lori: *smiles* So. What are your plans for your birthday?
Tom: *lifts eyes* Plans?
Lori: Yeah. Are you going to treat yourself to a bucket of chicken and a bad horror movie? Maybe you want splurge a little. Buy yourself a new car or something.
Tom: You assume I have that kind of money.
Lori: *shrugs* Maybe I'll just have to get you a gift, then.
Tom: If you want to give me a gift, why don't you bring the bucket of chicken and I'll get the movie.
Lori: *lifts brow* You want me to watch a movie with you for your birthday.
Tom: I'll be a perfect gentleman. *lifts hand* Scout's honor.
Lori: ...I don't know...
Tom: How about this. I'll leave the front door unlocked and if you decide to show...*shrugs* great. If not, no harm no foul.
Lori: *nods slowly* I can deal with that.
Hummerhome, side of the road
Calleigh: Anything?
Horatio: No one's willing to tow us. So it looks like we'll have to think of something.
Speed: What about a bus?
Horatio: I don't think they have tow trucks in bus form.
Calleigh: How about a semi trailer? Load us on.
Horatio: Does anyone here know any truck drivers?
Carly: It's been 24 hours. Has anyone tried...starting the engine?
Everyone: *looks at Carly*
Carly: Just a suggestion.
Horatio: *turns key*
Engine starts
Horatio: SUCCESS! I'M A GENIUS!
Carly: But I-
Speed: *shakes head*
Carly: *frowns*
Highway, 2 hours later
Colton: *staring down at crossword puzzle* I need a 9-letter word for a man who pursues women lecherously.
Katie: *rolls eyes* Speedle doesn't have 9 letters in it, stupid.
Speed: *frowns*
Colton: I need a 5-letter word for someone who compromises ones self for money or other gains.
Speed: Katie.
Katie: HEY! That's not 5 letters.
Speed: *stares at Katie*
Katie: Or wait...DAMNIT. *frowns, crosses arms* I don't like this crossword puzzle.
Ryan: Yeah, where's that from anyway? It's awfully dirty.
Colton: I found it under Eric's bed.
Everyone: *looks at Eric*
Delko: I got it from Ryan.
Ryan: I got it from Horatio.
Everyone: EW!
Horatio: What's going on back there?
Katie: ForSHAME.
1 hour later
Anni: *pushes Katie* Stop poking me.
Katie: I'm not poking you.
Anni: I just saw you!
Katie: You saw wrongly.
Anni: Go sit over there.
Katie: I don't wanna sit with Ryan.
Ryan: *looks down at floor* No one wants to sit with Ryan.
TBC..................................