****Thanks for all the reviews...I love to hear what you guys think or have to say...so please keep me informed.**** **This chapter or section is a bit different because it sort of shows just how McKean's rumor is starting to affect everyone including Catherine. I guess in a sense you begin to see who is on her side and who isn't on her side. I hope I don't have you fooled with grissom's actions. He is on Cath's side, but is having a hard time accepting the fact that he sort of screwed up. I might warn you guys that this will most likely lead into a catnip romance...but then again...I don't really like to give any of that stuff away. All I can say is when I write each section the outcomes usually end up surprising me. Enjoy!!!** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Grissom remained quiet as he stared at her. Catherine was the essence of beauty, and it terrified him that she was slowly slipping from him. Was she slowly slipping away from him to land into someone else’s arms? His jaw flexed as he turned his attention to Nick. She had in fact called Nick for help to make him leave her house. Nick had also brought her to work today. Did they honestly think that went by unnoticed? He was partly angry with himself for making it so easy for them. He in fact, told Nick to take care of her. “Well…,” Catherine growled out as she remained standing there waiting for an answer. Grissom cleared his throat as he stared at Catherine. “You are working with Sara tonight. A DB in an apartment complex,” he said sternly as he handed the slip to Sara. “Sara you initial off on everything. You’re the lead on this case.” He realized then that his actions were probably unjustified but his anger was getting the best of him. The air turned chilly as Catherine left the room obviously not too pleased. Warrick, you are working with Greg tonight. Another DB on the strip,” Grissom stopped as he turned and looked at Nick. “You’re with me.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “At least you get to work out on the field,” Sara said as she stopped at a red light. They had been in the Denali for nearly twenty minutes of awkward silence. Catherine went rigid at her choice of words. Shaking her head frustratingly, she stared out the window mumbling to herself. “What?” Sara asked as she looked over at her co-worker. “You already have found me guilty in your head,” Catherine spat out loud. “Un-BE-Lievable,” she growled on as she angrily shook her head. “Cath…I, don’t…,” Sara started before she was quickly interrupted. “BULL…don’t give me that shit. Don’t play coy with me Sara. Don’t try to reel in what you already started just because you don’t like the fact that you pissed me off. You made it sound like I’m LUCKY to be able to work as IF I have DONE something wrong.” Sara stared at Catherine incredulously not knowing what to say to calm her down. “I’m….” “What do you want me to say,” Catherine went on not realizing that Sara was trying to apologize. “You want me to say that I went down on the commissioner? You want me to say that I’m the one to blame for all of this mess? That all I care about is me and my career, and SCREW anyone that gets in the way of it?” Sara’s mouth opened in obvious shock at Catherine’s outburst. Normally she would be offended, but one look at Catherine and for the first time she saw the raw anguish she was holding in and hiding from everyone. She was suffering, and Sara was not sure exactly what part of this got the best of her. Within seconds she witnessed Catherine’s angry explosive comments to her melt down as she fell apart. The guilt washed over Sara as she realized a big part of her naturally assumed she was far from innocent. She was always the noticed one, and Sara always contributed it to Catherine’s sex pot ways. But that was not fair; Sara realized that she let her jealously think the worst of her. “Cath I’m…sorry. Maybe I was judging you without realizing it,” Sara whispered as she pulled up to the crime scene. “Whatever. I’ll take the perimeter,” and with that Catherine was gone leaving Sara in the vehicle alone. Sara quickly grabbed her kit and jogged up to Brass when she noticed Catherine had already started on the perimeter. Two officers, Sampson and Pettler approached them as she began to ask Brass a few questions. “Who called it in?” Sara asked first as she took out her small notepad. “The apartment manager found the DB in her apartment when he went to collect his rent money. She was two weeks late. He knew her car was in her assigned spot so he went in after he pounded on the door for awhile. Can you imagine the surprise he got?” Sara raised her eyebrows at Brass’s comment, but then his two police officers caught her attention as they were ogling over something. She looked in their direction, and noticed Catherine was bent down casting a shoe impression. She was wearing her usual black tank top, and Sara knew immediately what they were impressed with. Her cleavage. “Hey,” she shouted a bit loudly which caused Catherine to immediately straighten up as if she was once again doing something wrong. “I’m just casting a shoe imprint,” Catherine retorted as she slowly stood. Sara stood on in confusion as she witnessed her lack of confidence. “Keep doing what you are doing…I was…just trying to get their attention,” she gestured to the officer’s with her thumb as she smiled at Catherine. Catherine stared at her briefly before she got back to work. “You nearly messed that one up Sidle,” one of the Officer’s joked on as Catherine held his attention again. “Excuse…ME?” Brass watched on in confusion with what he just missed until Sampson spoke up. “Hey…she gets around. I’m just looking. I can’t necessarily help further her career but I’d sure try.” “WHAT? What did you just say?” Brass suddenly beat Sara to the punch. “Come on Cap…you can’t really expect us to have respect for that,” he motioned his hand at Catherine who was oblivious to what was going on. “I can…and I do. Give me your badge and gun,” Brass snarled as he held out his hand. “You’re kidding right?” “No…I’m dead serious. You don’t talk that way about anyone especially on the job. You’re on suspension until further notice.” Sampson angrily jerked his gun from his holster after he yanked at his badge. “Where’s your loyalty Cap? McKean won’t like this,” he growled as he slammed both items in Brass’s hands and walked off. Brass turned to Officer Pettler who had remained quiet through out the whole ordeal. “Do I need your badge and gun too or are we understanding one another.” “Understood sir. I’ll finish up with this statement, and then head off and take the next call.” “Good to know.” He sighed to himself as he turned his attention back to Sara. “Sorry you had to witness that.” “Me too…Look, I’m going to start on the inside of the apartment.” Brass watched as Sara strode off and stopped next to Catherine as she gently touched her shoulder. They shared a few words before Catherine shook her head and Brass read her lips as she said she was okay.
Chapter 6 “Grissom, what case do we have?” Nick asked as he followed his boss to his office in confusion. “We don’t Nicky. Just paperwork.” “Paper work? I’m all caught up.” “What exactly is going on with you and Catherine?” “What?” Nick asked hesitantly. “Well, she called you to get rid of me. You brought her into work today, and I’m just curious to know if something is going on between the two of you that I should know about?” Nick opened his mouth in shock as he slowly shook his head. “Grissom, you told me to look after her, and now you’re giving me the third degree?” Nick questioned as a small surge of guilt filled his stomach. Truth was he wanted more than a friendship with her but he was not about to admit that to his boss, who was supposedly dating her. “So that’s it? You’re just looking out for her best interest?” “Yes…, she’s a good friend of mine. I care about what happens to her,” Nick stopped as he tilted his head in slight agitation. “Grissom, I’m confused here. You know that Catherine and I have always been close.” Grissom sighed as he took off his wired framed glasses. “Sorry Nick. This whole ordeal is getting to me, and I feel as though I’ve failed her somehow. I can’t even concentrate on work because I know the potential that all of this has to become very ugly.” “Right…well have you tried to think how hard this is for her? Come on Grissom…you walked out on her, and told me to look out for her. Do you even love her?” Nick shifted uncomfortably as he waited what he feared to hear, but he knew he needed to hear it. “I screwed up…,” Grissom paused as he fumbled for a velvet black box in his drawer, and slowly pulled it out. “I was planning on proposing to her before all this went down.” Nick could not talk at first as he stared at the box wishing he never asked. “Your...you’re going to propose to her? Wow…I didn’t realize that things had gotten this serious between the two of you. Congratulations!” He did his best to sound happy for them; even though, happiness was the farthest thing he felt that moment. He cursed his vivid mind as images of Grissom making love to Catherine flashed through his head. “Yeah well don’t say anything. I want this to be a surprise. But to answer your previous question Nick…I do love her.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Catherine watched as Brass drove off in his squad car which left Sara and her with Officer Pettler. She looked over at him, and he seemed preoccupied with finishing his report. She kept her flash light aimed at the grounds near the house looking for anything that looked bothered. So far everything looked normal and the only disturbance she found was earlier which was towards the front of the house. Shutting her kit after finishing the back yard, Catherine heard a noise and she quickly turned around only to be forced up to the side of the house harshly. Her eyes grew wide in panic as the air left her lungs from the sudden impact. Her mind went wild thinking that the suspect came back to the scene as she started to shout to alert the others. “Suspect…on loc…,” she was immediately interrupted as a strong hand covered her mouth. “You’ve been warned. YOU better follow McKean’s statement against you or you’ll be sorry.” Her breathing turned more labored as she realized that it was Officer Pettler that had a strong hold on her. “Go to Hell,” she barely managed through clenched teeth as she fought desperately to free herself. “I will keep that in mind,” he whispered as he grabbed roughly at her breasts and ripped at her shirt before he roughly pushed her away and on the ground. Within seconds, Sara was breathing hard and standing with her gun pointed forward. “Ms. Willows are you okay?” Officer Pettler asked as he ran towards the other side of the house. He turned briefly to Sara and motioned for her to follow him. “He ran this way.” “Cath you okay?” Sara watched as Catherine seemed to shake her head before she followed him towards the back of the house. They replaced their gun in their holsters as their search turned up empty, and Sara rounded upon Catherine who remained open mouthed on the ground. “That looks like one angry gash,” Pettler whispered as he crouched besides Catherine and touched her face. She immediately flinched away from his touch as she backed slowly away. “He must have been hiding in the neighbor’s yard. Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked again as he smiled at her menacingly as he lightly touched her leg. “It’s a good thing I was close enough to hear the struggle, and prevented him from possibly raping you or something.” Catherine could not speak as the fear panged at her heart. This guy was crazy, and she realized that it was now basically her word against his if she pointed a finger in his direction. Then how would that look? She’d now have two cases against her that dealt with something sexual. Not to mention she read between the lines, and knew he was quietly threatening her in front of Sara without being obvious. She blinked back the tears that were forming as she realized the mess she was currently in. “Cath…do you remember what he looked like?” Sara asked as she kneeled down next to her. She looked up and stared at Sara for a moment before she shook her head no. “Come on, let’s collect the evidence off of you, and you…can put on a jumper suit,” Sara said as she managed to help Catherine up. They walked back to the Denali, and Sara handed her a blue jumper. “How did you get the cut on your face? Did he have a weapon of some sort? ” Sara asked as she quickly swabbed it. “Tree branch.” “A tree branch?” Sara questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Yes, he pushed me. I fell backwards, and my face hit the low lying tree branch.” Sara stared at Catherine for a moment trying to take in everything as Catherine got dressed and placed the evidence in the bag. “I was just finishing up with the inside of the house when I heard you scream suspect on location. Are you sure you are okay?” “Yeah…can we get this over with and then head out?” “Are you done with the perimeter?” “Yeah…I was just about to close my kit when…,” Catherine stopped as she shut her eyes briefly. “I’m done. I can help you inside.”
Holy cow! Now Cath has the whole police department against her! Interesting love triangle, btw. This is getting better, you need to update soon! please.
***I'm so bad!!! I know you have all been waiting for an update, but I do have good news--it's here and its LONGER than usual! I want to thank everyone for their kind reviews--because I love getting them. Please don't be shy and let me know what you think! I added some catnip humor into the mix, and I hope you all like it. Enjoy!!! Catherine felt like she was in a daze as she followed Sara back into the house. Chin quivering as a silent tear fell down her cheek, she gently but quickly wiped it away as an unpleasant after thought. She nearly screamed when she felt someone grab her arm from behind yet again. “Hey Sara, I’m going to get Catherine’s statement. It should only take a moment, and then she’s all yours.” Catherine glared at Officer Pettler as he pulled her outside, and out of ear shot from Sara. “This is your statement,” he growled as he shoved his clip board with the description of her attack into her hands. She looked down refusing to show her emotions as she read on in shock at the false claim that was presented to her. Date of offense-- September 30, 2007 Name of Respondent—Catherine Willows Officer-- Pettler Time of attack-- 3:30 am Location--2nd Ward of Las Vegas (Casa Playa Apartments) Witnesses—None Offense--Attempted rape Details of offense-- Black male suspect in his late 30s, bald with tattoos tattering all over his well muscled physique. Victim didn’t get a good look at the face because it was dark. Suspect pushed victim down into the grass, and proceeded to attack her by forcefully tearing at her shirt while he straddle her. All clothing and evidence has been placed in evidence bags by CSI Sidle, who is handling the case. Catherine’s hands shook as he handed her a pen. “I need you to sign this stating that you agree with everything mentioned above. Otherwise perhaps the perp in question will be back to finish off the job.” She watched as he smiled wickedly at her as he nodded at the paper. Where her new found courage came from, Catherine was not sure because on the inside she felt incredibly weak and terrified. It was nothing more than a whisper, but it was something. “I’m not signing anything.” She took a small step away as she watched the anger invade his face as his jaw muscles flexed uncontrollably. She could smell his after shave as he forced her up against his squad car that still had its dancing lights that splayed multiple colors of red, blue, and yellow across his face. “You will sign,” his voice remained in control but was laced with ferocity. “No…I won’t sign anything that is of a false account.” “Is that so,” he questioned as his fingers traced the small opening of the jumper around her neck. He felt her swallow, and smiled the knowing smile of getting at someone. “You better wizen up.” “You better step away from me.” He laughed dejectedly at her as he popped his gum in her ear. “Or what princess? What are you going to do to me? I’m the one with the Big gun.” She knew all too well what he was referring to since she was carrying too, and he was not referring to his weapon. Keeping her cool was the only thing she knew would get the best of him. “Are you aware of the Rampart Casino?” She watched as his eyes slowly registered shock mixed with confusion. “I know a bit off topic, but what is something that Old Las Vegas and the Rampart have in common? Well amongst other things too?” “How do you know about the Rampart Casino?” He asked roughly as he grabbed her arm tighter. She held in her wince as she realized she now had the upper hand on him. He obviously had no clue that Sam was her father, and was worried about something else. That something else most likely dealt with some sort of debt. “Nothing. I know nothing, but there is something you should know. Don’t mess with me,” and with that she yanked her arm free and headed back to the house to help Sara finish processing. “Oh and…I think I will keep this,” Catherine smirked as she pulled the copy of the false report from the clipboard, and tossed the board just short enough to fall right before his feet. ~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~ The drive back to the lab felt long and tiring, and Catherine kept quiet about what happened to her with Pettler. She could not concentrate on the case at hand, and feared that she might just royally screw up her first case back on the job. She noticed the few stares that Sara threw in her direction, but Catherine somehow managed to hold everything together. “I need to call Lindsey. I will get back with you shortly,” Catherine whispered as she climbed out of the Denali when they arrived at the lab. “Sure no problem. Tell her I say hi!” Catherine smiled at her as she walked away, and before she knew it she pushed her way into the locker room. She had no intension of calling her daughter, but just needed a reason to be alone. That cop was obviously out for blood which meant he knew about McKean. Which meant only one thing—McKean was talking. She opened her locker, and stared at her reflection in her small mirror. The gash along her right cheek was deep, and looked nasty. Taking her eyes away from her own reflection, she quickly rummaged through her locker for a spare set of clothes. She found a black v-neck shirt, and a pair of dark denim jeans. Quickly undoing the jumper after she stepped out of her black sneakers, she hastily threw it aside as she grabbed her shirt. She was about to put the shirt on over her head, when the bruising above her bra caught her eye. Mouth opening at the sight, she quickly shut her locker door so she no longer had to see the marks that he left on her. Stepping into her jeans, she winced as she pulled them up over her hips. Her right back hip was protesting loudly, and she realized she must have bruised that as well when he pushed her aggressively to the ground. “Cat…, hey how’s your day going?” She quickly turned as she jumped at Nick’s sudden voice. “Nicky…uhhh it’s been…,” she stopped as she felt the floodgates loosening. She could not lose it in front of him. Not him of all people. “Fine,” she barely managed as her throat started to restrict with emotion. “That tough already? I noticed that you came in wearing a jumpsuit. Did you have to surf through garbage or something?” Catherine smiled at him in hopes to keep her emotions in check. “You…you could say that.” “Well do you need any help or anything? Grissom has me on paperwork and I’m already caught up. I’ve sort of been doing nothing, and it is driving me crazy.” “Well…Nicky…you know I’m not the lead. You need to ask Sara. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind your help,” Catherine says as she takes a seat on the bench and puts her sneakers back on. “Woa…when did that happen?” Nick asked as he ran his hand over her right cheek. Her face deepened a new degree of red as she stuttered over her words. “I…today…at the…scene…fell.” Catherine closed her eyes in further embarrassment as her words made no sense. “I fell while processing the scene, and caught a tree branch.” “You had a fight with a tree? Did it get away?” She shoved him as she stood up smirking. “Cute…real cute.” His banter was slowly easing the tension that was building within her. His jovial side was replaced with seriousness as he grabbed the first aid kit. “That cut looks mean.” “Nick…I’m fine. Seriously! I don’t need any of that.” Catherine’s protest was wasted as his hand gently cupped her chin while the other one applied some antibiotic ointment. She could feel his sweet breath on the side of her face, and her chest fluttered as she took in a quick swallow. Feeling unsteady, her hand gingerly covered his in an attempt to help balance her. His eyes met hers, and she found herself willing him to move his lips towards hers. Licking her lips in anticipation, her heart was beating out of control as she stood by witnessing his lips moving closer. Something snapped, and she quickly pulled away. “I can’t…I’m sorry,” she whispered as she looked away just as quickly. “No…I’m sorry. That was wrong of me.” “Nick…please don’t. Don’t make this complicated. You wanted to kiss me, and I wanted to kiss you. The timing is wrong. Not you.” “If it was only that simple, but it’s not. I can’t get enough of you. I want to be around you all the time. I’d even just take friendship if that was all it amounted too,” he whispered as he pushed her hair from her face. She was speechless as both his hands captured her face. She closed her eyes as the desire to give in returned more than ever. “Tell me to stop Cat. Don’t tell me you can’t. Tell me to stop.” “I can’t tell you to stop,” she whispered as her chin quivered. “I don’t want you to, but I don’t know where I’m at with Grissom.” The drop of his name—Grissom’s name made him slowly pull away. Nick clenched his eyes tight before he slowly opened them. “I understand. You let me know when you are ready,” was all Nick managed before he kissed her lightly on the forehead and left the room. She watched him go and a big part of her wanted to run after him, and tell him how she truly felt. She was no longer in love with Grissom, but she was not one to pick up new puzzle pieces before the old pieces were placed where they belonged. ~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~<3~ Nick needed to get away and fast before he lost it in front of her. She was everything that he ever wanted, and the possibility of that dream not coming true was too much too bear. Hell, Grissom had an engagement ring picked out; and he was literally trying to tempt her in a different direction because the thought of losing her was insufferable. He rounded into the nearest men’s bathroom to sort through his thoughts as he splashed warm water on his face. Thoughts of their conversations from moments ago filled his head in agonizing waves. “I can’t…I’m sorry,” she whispered with a face flushed with desire. He noticed the guilty expression on her face as she quickly looked away. “Tell me to stop Cat. Don’t tell me you can’t. Tell me to stop.” “I can’t tell you to stop,” her voice was barely a whisper as he witnessed her glassy eyes full of emotion. “I don’t want you to, but I don’t know where I’m at with Grissom.” He had to know if she felt the same way or more importantly he wanted to know why she stopped him in the first place. Better yet, he needed to know that she desperately wanted it just as much as he did. Now he felt guilty because he manipulated her to say what he so desperately wanted to hear. She was holding back because of Grissom, and not because she did not feel anything for him. He turned the water off before he grabbed some paper towels and dried his face off. He needed work. Something to take his mind off of everything or namely Catherine. He sighed as he rounded the corner and nearly collided with Sara. “Hey…sorry about that, but actually I was looking for you?” “Yeah…what do you need? I’m a bit busy. Our crime scene sort of turned into two crimes in one.” “Why…what happened?” Nick asked as he raised an eyebrow as they strode down the hallway to Sara’s lab. “I’m surprised you don’t know. I notified Brass and Grissom, and I thought you and Griss were working together tonight?” “Oh well we aren’t really working together. He placed me on paperwork tonight.” “Bummer deal. Well, Catherine was attacked at the crime scene. It seemed rather personal which I find odd.” “What? What happened?” Nick asked as he grabbed her arm forcing her to look at him. “She was finishing up the perimeter, and I’m not sure if the suspect returned but he went after her. Part of me thinks this had to be separate, because her attack was personal…like he was going to rape her or something. Which we both know is highly unusual if a suspect returns,” Sara rattled off as she shrugged her shoulders in confusion. “But, Officer Pettler was still there and managed to scare the guy off. “How far did the perp get Sara?” Nick asked as the anger boiled in his veins. She was now laying crime scene photos out on the table top as she answered. “Not far. He tore at her top, and knocked her on the ground. It seemed the cop rescued her in time,” Sara paused as she looked up at Nick. “Speaking of cops, it seems they know about Mckean and Catherine. These cops tonight were jerks. They have no respect and made me feel uncomfortable, and I wasn’t the one they were eyeing. They were staring at Catherine like she was bait. It doesn’t look good for Cath…Nick.” Nick ran a hand through his hair as he tried to take everything in. Catherine was nearly raped at a crime scene tonight? Her first night back and she was attacked? That seemed a bit fishy and he began to wonder just who was really responsible for this. His thoughts were interrupted as Sara began to talk again. “And, I think she’s hiding something. She was really shook up, and I guess that is normal but we are talking about Catherine here. It’s seemed all too perfect. The cop saw the suspect, but I never saw anyone. And, I heard her scream. I should have seen someone retreating or heard a rustle of some sort, but all I saw was Officer Pettler,” she stopped as she continued to think. “Could the cop of scared the suspect away before you got out there?” “Maybe but doubtful, and Catherine seemed scared of the cop. But, she never said a word about him to me.” Sara and Nick both straightened up immediately when they heard the lab door open. “Well…well…well…what did I walk into? You guys look guilty of something,” Catherine spoke as she smirked at the two of them. “How’s Lindsey?” Sara found herself asking. “You were attacked today?” Nick spoke up simultaneously. “What?” Catherine questioned as she shook her head in annoyance. “Lindsey’s fine, and someone has a big mouth,” Catherine countered further as she glared at Sara. “Are you serious? The lab will find out soon enough Catherine. I had to inform Brass and Grissom about what happened.” “You what?” Catherine asked heatedly as she stepped closer to Sara. “You had no right. As far as I’m concerned there is no case to begin with.” “Cath give her a break. She didn’t mean anything by telling me,” Nick added quietly. “You were attacked at a crime scene. I had to notify them,” Sara chanted right after Nick. Catherine rubbed at her throbbing head as the control for this situation was slowly slipping from her grasp. Who was she kidding? She never had control over it to begin with. “You’re making too much out of it Sara.” “I don’t take attempted rape lightly.” “Neither do I,” Catherine whispered as she glared back. “Quit referring to my situation as that. It wasn’t like that.” “Really? Torn shirt, forced to the ground, and bruising around the breast and hip area—are all telling me a different story.” Sara was definitely pushing for the truth, and Catherine was not handling it good. “And I’m telling you it wasn’t like that. Let it go Sara,” Catherine warned more with her eyes before she hastily pushed through the lab door and left.
***thanks for all the reviews...sorry this update took so long! I'm still going strong, but wanted to introduce an OC in this chapter...*** ***please let me know what you think...I'd love to hear your thoughts!*** Chapter 7 Locking herself in the safety of her own office, Catherine let out a deep sigh as she angrily threw herself in her black leather chair. Squeezing her eyes shut, her hands reactively reached up and her fingers grazed through her hair along the sides of her forehead. This was turning into a bigger mess than she cared to admit, and Sara’s dramatization of the events that took place at the crime scene had only made matters worse. It all amounted to one thing: McKean and his sick twisted mind were slowly trickling down to his fellow law mates. Attacking back would only heighten the situation for her, a situation that was becoming too much for her to handle as it was. Pettler was devious yet seemed somewhat reserved with his retaliation against her, but what if some of the other officers weren’t as kind, and she began to worry about if her life or physical body were in harms way. A sharp tapping noise and the brisk opening of her office door brought her out of her delirium. Rolling her eyes, Catherine immediately rejected the person that entered her domain. “I don’t even want to discuss this with you.” She sighed as she grabbed a few file folders and stacked them closer to her, and opened the one on top. “As you can see…I’m busy,” she nearly growled as she witnessed his calm demeanor as he stood remaining where he was standing. “Well standard policy is for me to get your statement of the events leading up to your assault at the crime scene. You were attacked on the clock Catherine.” That seemed to get her attention as she slammed the case folder that she was searching through shut. “Really?” She snorted more than she questioned. “I think you're breaking policy. Isn’t that Ecklie’s job?” Her eyes turned to ice as she cockily started at his concerned blue ones. “I’m your supervisor.” “Right… and I’m screwing my boss.” His eyes widened at her choice of words as his mouth fluttered open in shock. “Don’t diminish what we have to just mere…,” his words were suddenly lost as she abruptly stood. “I haven’t diminished us to anything. I’m just being blunt, and you have NO business interfering with anything that is happening to me professionally. If you think I’m being callous that is something you are going to have to deal with. Because frankly Gil, my sole priority here is to dig my name out of the mud that you so easily allowed to get slung there.” Walking to the door to leave heatedly, she was suddenly jerked backwards as Grissom yanked her back to him. “I love you…You HEAR me? And if you think that I’m going to allow this to interfere with us,” Grissom stopped momentarily as he gestured his hand between the two of them. “Then you don’t know me at all. I’m not giving up on US. It might have felt that way, but I screwed up,” his words ended into a whisper as his hands gently stroked down her arms and grabbed her hands. “Look, we will talk about this later after work when we are away from here,” and with that he reluctantly let go of her hands as he pulled away from her leaving her alone in her office. She turned around to watch him leave with her mouth hanging open. Three small simple words that she used to love hearing from his mouth now only complicated her life all the more. Where did he get off suddenly spouting his love for her when only a few weeks ago he literally walked out on her when she needed him the most? She slammed her office door shut yet again, and thought about locking it to keep Grissom’s pestering ass out. Shaking her head angrily, she could not get past the nerve of this man. Just today at the start of her shift, he had belittled her in front of everyone with his uncouth comment of Sara being the lead on their case. That was nothing more than a harsh reminder of reemphasizing she could no longer work a case alone. And now only moments ago, he declares that he’s not giving up on them because he loves her. She felt utterly bewildered, and perhaps a few months ago confusion would have been the last word she would have used to describe her feelings towards Grissom. She would have never questioned his love for her or had any reservations about their relationship. But things felt different now, and the doubts seemed too overwhelming and smothering. Then again it wasn’t fair for her to judge her feelings about Grissom now. Not with her career possibly falling in shambles or the gradual desires for Nick that were slowly surfacing. Letting out a pent up sigh, she was about to take a seat behind her desk when her cell phone buzzed. Looking down she rolled her eyes at the display. “Shit…,” she whispered to herself before she popped her flip phone open. “Willows?” “Catherine, did you forget to come by my office?” She chose to ignore the frustration that was laced in Ecklie’s tone. “For?” “I heard from Brass you were attacked. Attacked at a crime scene no less! You know its procedure to get your statement so that…,” Ecklie stopped as she interrupted him. “I know the procedures; I didn’t realize you were in already,” she barked. “Well, I came in a few hours early considering you have to check in with me. I think we should do this now…so you don’t forget anything. You know time is of the essence with matters like these.” “Touching!’ “Excuse me?” Ecklie asked with bemusement. “Oh this…your act of caring…it’s really touching. Where’s Brass?” Her tone turned a bit clipped as her patience was slowly wearing thin. “He’s…in my office. I thought we could get this done before the end of your shift.” She clicked her phone shut as she grabbed her purse from within her cabinet, and headed to the dreariest office of all. Ecklie’s! It was by far worse than Grissom’s which was saying a lot. She pushed her way through the closed door not really caring if she was interrupting his privacy. “I’d prefer in the future if you’d knock,” came Ecklie’s cocky reply. “I’m sure there are many things you’d prefer. I’d prefer to go home.” Brass only chuckled at the tension that was building within the room. “Tell me what happened tonight,” Brass asked as he took out his pen. Catherine took a deep breath as she took a seat next to Brass. “It really all happened fast. I didn’t get a look at the guy. I really don’t have much more to say,” Catherine whispered as she settled her stare on Brass. “Sara says that it was an attempted rape. Did he unclothe himself?” Ecklie asked as he stared at Catherine’s face before his eyes lingered down her top. “Uhhh…no,” Catherine stopped as she cleared her throat. She noticed as Ecklie’s eyes flicked quickly back to her reddened face. “Sara didn’t witness anything.” “So he didn’t… force himself on you?” He questioned again as his eyes purposely left her face and traveled to the ‘v’ between her legs. Catherine turned her attention quickly to Brass who was writing in his notepad before he looked up at Catherine expectantly waiting an answer. “No,” she croaked out as her arms settled into a cross-like fashion under her breast. “But, he wanted to?” She appallingly stared at Ecklie as his lips twisted into an upward grin as his eyes slowly lingered back up her body. Her body tensed from the obvious hidden meaning behind his question. The world around her felt foreign as she took in her bosses’ sudden ill advances upon her. Uncomfortable was not half of what she was feeling, and her skin felt clammy as the pit of her stomach felt empty yet sickeningly heavy. She was about to speak but Brass beat her to the point. “Cath, take your time. I understand this must be hard for you. Do you want to take a break? I could get you a drink of water?” “NO…I don’t need any water! I mean…I’m fine.” She turned her attention eagerly back to Brass. “Look, it was dark. He got a little…rough. Shoved me to the ground…then stopped.” “Did he say anything to you?” Brass questioned as he continued jotting down notes. “Just…meaningless threats.” Brass quirked his eyebrow up at her comment as he scratched at his head. “Meaningless how?” “If I didn’t do what he wanted…sort of threats,” Catherine stopped as she looked at her watch. “If that’s it…I really need to go.” She just wanted to bolt from Ecklie’s office because he was succeeding at making her skin crawl. She felt a small shiver pass down her spine as she shot Brass a quick smile. “Well, I suppose we are through here, but if you remember anything at all... call me,” Brass stopped as he stood up as Catherine did. “Let me walk you out.” Normally she would have easily declined, but a big part of her wanted Brass near her. He was the only person she truly trusted on the police force besides the close-knit group that she worked with. Sighing heavily as they walked out of Ecklie’s office, her body started to relax momentarily. “Thanks.” “Look… Cath, I think maybe you should talk to someone?” “Why?” She asked as she turned her head to look at him in confusion. “Brass… I’m fine,” she whispered in denial as her eye brows drew together in annoyance. “I’m just concerned here. You are going through a lot. With everything dealing with McKean, and on top of that you were attacked at a crime scene today.” “I’m fine! I don’t know how else to say that to you. I don’t need to talk to anyone. I mean today was a little scary, but it’s nothing to write home about.” “I’m going to go with my gut on this one, and mandate that you receive counseling sessions on a weekly basis by a therapist provided to you by our police department.” He was now facing her as he lightly touched her shoulder. A mixture of concern and austerity was settling on his face, and even though she knew she could not reason her way out of this; she felt she had to try. “Brass… I appreciate your concern here, but I don’t need that. I will be okay,” she pleaded as she kept her eyes firmly on his. “I’m not backing down on this one.” “So… I’m barely BACK on the job a whole freaking day, and you want to send me to SOME… therapist. I’m NOT crazy Brass,” Catherine spouted as her eyes glazed over with emotion her arms frilled out to the sides as she continued with her plea. “Cut me some slack here!” “I don’t think you’re crazy. That’s not what this is about, and you know it.” His voice remained low as his fingers gently massaged her shoulder. She pulled away with a look of exasperation written all over her face. “You know that is what everyone will think. That… I lost it and need departmental counseling. I already have everyone against me as it is BRASS, and this is only going to make everything a whole heck of a lot worse.” “Everyone is not against you.” “Oh… DAMN it Brass, don’t be so naïve here,” Catherine growled as she furiously searched for her keys in her overloaded purse. “OPEN up your eyes! Don’t reduce this to me being paranoid.” She jerkily opened up her car door as his hand kept a firm hold on her shoulder. “Before you report into work tomorrow, a therapist will be appointed to you. No field work is allowed until you talk to them.” Shaking her head heatedly, she fell into her seat as she jammed her key into the ignition. “Right… and you think I’m going to feel comfortable opening up to someone on the police force when I hardly trust a damn person in it,” Catherine yelled as she grabbed her door handle with the intention of slamming it shut. Brass quickly grabbed her door before she succeeded at closing him out from her. “Who don’t you trust Cath. I want names.” Looking down, she dejectedly shook her head as she erupted into a fit of distressed giggles. So many names were conjuring up into her head, and how could she begin to tell Brass that one of his officers was the one that actually attacked her tonight. Or that Ecklie seemed to be apart of the whole elaborate scheme that McKean had managed to create for some unsightly reason. His concern grew for her as he bent down to her level. “You realize anything you say will be held in the strictest of all confidence. No one will know that you are talking to anyone.” “And you can’t really promise me that,” she whispered before Brass backed away as she pulled her door shut. Revving her engine to life, she reversed out of her parking space and tried to leave the nightmare behind her. xxxxxxx With every intention of driving home, she found herself parked at the nearest public park. It was either here or some local bar to help drown her miserable life that would later leave an acid after taste in her mouth. She opened her car door, and immediately squinted at the sun rays that managed to escape past a few tree branches. She found an empty bench and just fell into it as she managed to keep her purse next to her. She knew her demeanor to an outsider probably would have come across as overly dramatic, but the only thing her life amounted to these days was drama. She could not get past Ecklie’s behavior today, and saying that it was inappropriate was a major understatement. She had never felt so small, belittled, or offended by one man like she was in his discomfortingly small office. Even in her past life as a stripper, the men seemed to lack more couth than Ecklie did when they grazed over her body with eyes filled only with lust. There was an obvious difference, and Ecklie’s was indeed threateningly disturbing. Sighing heavily, she dropped her head in the palm of her hand as she unwittingly shook her head with profound uneasiness. “Excuse me Miss…you dropped your purse!” Catherine raised her head in alarm as she stared at the man before her who was holding up her purse. Where had he come from, and more importantly why did she not notice his presence before he spoke? She was a CSI for goodness sakes and she wondered if perhaps she was losing her edge, but then again his soft and gentle demeanor did not go unnoticed by her. “Thanks… I don’t mean to stare; you just caught me off guard.” His face which was of a smooth light olive complexion relaxed into a soft grin as his light blue-gray eyes sparkled with a hint of teasing. “The feeling is mutual.” Catherine cracked an innocent grin of complete confusion as she lightly grabbed her purse from his offering hand. “Excuse me?” “I jog by here nearly everyday, and I rarely see anyone sitting here. And here you are…looking so distraught. I had to stop.” She stared at the man before her as she opened her mouth to speak but just smiled instead as she looked down. A perfect stranger happened to read her emotions better than the people that were closest to her. “It’s just been a long day, but besides that I’m fine.” “How about an early dinner?” “You’re kidding right?” The look on her face was one of amusing bewilderment. “It seems to me that it might do you some good to talk.” Catherine snickered at him as she shifted on the bench. “I don’t even know you.” “And… that’s what is so beautiful about it. You have nothing to lose” “Is this your normal way of getting someone to talk to you?” His brilliant white teeth flashed as his face molded into a soft grin. His slightly wavy brown hair provided a harsh contrast to the lightness of his amused eyes. “No usually people like to open up to me. Or at least that is what they all tell me. I’m actually a psychology professor at Valley High School.” “Impressive! So I now know what you do for a living, but I don’t know your name. I suppose people would say that… you’re not the best with introductions.” Catherine could not help but smile before she opened her mouth in modest shock at her sudden bluntness. “Ladies first, by all means,” he whispered as he took a seat next to her. She tilted her head at him as she shook her head smiling at his light banter. “I’m Catherine… Catherine Willows.” “Nice to meet you Catherine. My name is Mark Cohen,” he stopped as he smiled. “I wasn’t going to tell you my name at first until you agreed on a dinner date with me, but then I didn’t want to come across as desperate.” Catherine licked at her top lip as her eyes shot upward at this response. Desperate was a far cry from any thought that popped up in her mind. Mark was definitely not lacking in the looks department, and part of her wondered what he was doing talking to her. “Desperate wasn’t what I would have thought,” she replied in a much lower voice than she had anticipated using. “So you accept my invitation to a dinner date then?” “I didn’t realize you passed me one?” “Have dinner with me tonight?” His face turned serious as he uttered his question confidently. Catherine looked down as a small smile graced her features. “Mark, I… I can’t. As much as I know that it would be fun, I just can’t,” she stopped as she looked back at him. Every part of her wanted another male companion that was outside of her work force. Her life was only being jumbled and turning more complicated by the moment and a big part of her wondered if someone on the outside could help relieve the added tension that was pressing firmly on her shoulders. Then her thoughts went briefly to Grissom and Nick, and how big of a mess that could all escalate into. Choosing one over the other, could only cause more hurtful complications amongst the people that she was the closest to. “I’m sort of seeing someone,” she whispered as she sighed heavily. “That good huh?” Mark asked as he gently nudged her shoulder with his. “Have dinner with me anyway,” he stopped as she started to object lightly. “Look, only as two people hanging out in good company. No strings and no pressure.” Her eyes blinked rapidly as she slowly shook her head up and down. “I’ve heard that one before, and that is how I ended up with the guy I’m seeing now. And now, I’m finding myself in a very complicated relationship because I work closely with him.” Raking her upper lip between her teeth she let out a puff of air. “He was my best friend, and if things turn worse I might end up losing everything that I treasured the most… his friendship.” "Well, like I said you seem like you need a friendly ear to bend for a little while. No strings attached." He offered her a wide smile and gestured towards the parking lot. "Just think of me as someone you met in a chat-room online, you can rant about the boyfriend and then whenever you're done sign out for the night. Only difference is, you're going to get a free dinner out of it. Why don't you meet me at the Jewish Deli on Tropicana? It's my favorite place in town."