Her Worst Nightmare
- Thread starter ladyhunter
- Start date
CSIWillows
Rookie
Wow! It's awsome! Can't wait for another update!
MissCriminalMind
Witness
Really nice job! Please upload another chapter soon!
Hottie_Cath
Corpse
Ooooww angst. I love the flashback, can't wait for the update.
CSIWillows
Rookie
Aww come on Heather , it's been 16 days since you updated! 
ladyhunter
Head of the Swing Shift
hey
Updates are in progress
with the holidays coming up
it's looking like after Christmas
but no worries, it's getting there
thanks for thinking about me
Heather
Updates are in progress
with the holidays coming up
it's looking like after Christmas
but no worries, it's getting there
thanks for thinking about me
Heather
ladyhunter
Head of the Swing Shift
Thanks
I'll have something up next week
I promise
I'll have something up next week
I promise
AshleyFirst223
Pathologist
hi, im addicted.
i love cath romances. period.
i love cath romances. period.
ladyhunter
Head of the Swing Shift
(this really isn't the rest of the story it's just an update
There is more)
The Rest of the Story
Catherine is in her car lost in thought as her fingers travel to her lips. Her mind wanders to him; to his touch, to his long slender fingers tracing her palms, to his breath on her earlobe; and his hand caressing her knee. She realizes she is at the lab as if her car knew how to get there on its own.
The halls are quiet as she makes her way to the locker room to change her clothes.
The silence is almost disturbing. Walking past the Trace Lab, she looks in and notices even Hodges is not there. She almost longs for one of his snarky remarks about now to fill the halls with some sort of noise.
After changing clothes, she puts her purse in her locker and notices something taped to the inside.
She puts her hand to her stomach as a sudden wave of nausea sweeps over her. She resists the urge to vomit and looks what is on the inside of her locker.
LAKESIDE SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT OFFICE
KIRKLAND, WA
1-425-554----
She traces the letters thinking if that is a possibility.
Could she uproot Lindsey and leave her job to follow a man to Seattle? For what? Domestic bliss? Is it worth it? Is it worth it to open her heart and life for a man? Is it worth it to open the part of your life you don’t use everyday for him? A man she can’t stop thinking about; a man who ties her stomach up in knots when she thinks about him. It’s too late now; she has already fallen for him. She already said I LOVE YOU, and you can’t take that back, not like she’d want to. Life has its ups and downs and each new day brings challenges and rewards. Listening to what you really want can bring again bring rewards which sometimes can’t be measured.
He is right, if she didn’t want to be with him, she would have blown him off a long time ago. Funny how falling in love makes you realize these things. And if this isn’t love she is feeling towards him, then what the hell is it??
“Yikes! Talk about a romance novel.” Catherine says out loud.
She looks at her watch. 3:08 it reads. “I’m not that late.” She says to herself again.
Walking down the hall she looses herself in thought again. She thinks about the way he holds himself, the way he puts his hand on his hip, his dark hair and steely blue/grey eyes; and the way he lifts his chin when hearing something he doesn’t agree with.
He might have noticed her first, but being the investigator she is, she noticed him as well.
“Warrick.” She says breathlessly almost bumping into him.
“Hey Cath, how is it going?” He asks. “How are things with you? Is everything alright with you and Lindsey?
I haven’t talked to you since…” his voice trails off noticing Catherine’s very casual attire and lack of make-up.
“I’m…. I’m … I’m good.” She says to Warrick animated.
“And Lindsey, well she’s good, she loves school and I just found out she made the swim team.” “She is no longer friends with that girl Julie; I’d say we are doing great.”
“Does he make you happy?” Warrick asks out of the blue.
Catherine looks back at him for a moment before replying.
“Yes, he does.” She states.
“Then I’m happy for you too.” Warrick says with a smile.
“I just found out I have some great news of my own.” He says leaning in whispering into Catherine’s ear.
“WOW!” “That IS great news Warrick.” She replies back. “You’ll be a great fath—“
Just then her phone rings.
“Catherine, It’s Nick, I’m glad you are there.” Greg and I could sure use an extra pair of hands here.”
“I’ll be right there.” She says into her phone smiling relishing the distraction.
“Catch you later Catherine.” Warrick calls to her as she quickly makes her way back to the locker room.
“I’m really happy for you too.” Catherine calls back to him.
*********************
An hour passes before he makes his way back to the hotel.
He’s not really sure if he’s going to miss Las Vegas or not but Tony decides to take a look around possibly for the last time.
He, like Catherine and Grissom and all the rest of the CSI’S and police, see people on the worst days of their lives. He sees them after the murder takes place and when the investigation begins.
Las Vegas is a town where people come to make it big, find their fortune, or wind up homeless or worse when none of that happens.
In a city where 3000 or more people come to live every month; it can also be one of the loneliest places in the world.
After Karen’s death, Tony thought Las Vegas is just what he needed. A place that is full of distraction and there is ‘never a dull moment.’ After hearing what happened to new CSI Greg Sanders, its true; he has seen and heard about more shit in this city than anywhere he has ever been. Somehow that helped him get over loosing Karen and their son. But now, it’s time to move on.
He is back at the hotel.
He sighs grateful that someone has made up the bed. The blue t-shirt of his she wore is folded in the middle of the pillows.
Tony looks at it smiling thinking of him and Catherine together in the bed.
Fatigue is starting to take over as he thinks about them making love in that bed and how nice it would be to lay down and get lost in thoughts of her.
How her hair feels falling on his chest. What her hands feel like on his face. How his heart melts when her blue eyes are fixed on him. How smart and down to earth she really is. How she can manage to have a job she loves and raise a daughter. How she puts the tip of her tongue in the middle of her top lip when she is thinking; or when she opens her mouth slightly and runs her tongue across her top teeth when she is really interested and how she give a sideways glance to the nearest person when she hears something she disagrees with.
**************
Catherine arrives at the scene. She immediately tucks her hair behind her ears, puts on her CSI cap and heads to where Greg and Nick are standing.
They are standing over a dead body lying face down on the ground.
“Nice of you to join us here Cath, did we interrupt your yoga session?”
Nick smirks at Catherine noticing her clothes.
“Very funny.” She smirks back.
She takes in a deep breath after quickly scanning the scene.
“What do we have here?” Catherine asks looking at Nick, the senior of the two CSI’s.
“Well, we are not sure. The body looks male, late 20’s to early 30’s, white, dark brown to black hair… err... ahh… that’s about all we have so far.” Nick replies flatly. “David should be here shortly.” He adds
“Why, where’s Brass?” Catherine asks. “He’s not on the case, neither is Sofia.” Nick says with a slight grin. .
“We get the new guy.” Greg pipes in pointing to the young detective standing about 20 feet away from Catherine interviewing witnesses.
“So, let me get this straight.” She asks looking in the direction of both Greg and Nick.
“There is a dead guy here, we have no idea what happened or how he got here.”
“What about witnesses?” “Blood spatter, a weapon, ANYTHING?” Catherine asks getting rather annoyed.
“No wonder you called me.” She mutters under her breath.
“Let me go talk to the new detective, I’ll try to figure out what happened.”
She says as she puts down her field kit.
Greg turns to Nick as says as quietly as he can, “I might not have liked him, but I miss Vartann, he knew what he was doing.”
Nick suddenly elbows Greg in the side forcing Greg to let out an “OWWW!” “WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!”
“You know…” says Nick as quietly as he can trying to talk out of the corner of his mouth.
“OOOHHH!” Greg replies back acknowledging why Nick was trying not to say anything.
Catherine overhears the two other CSI’s exchange.
“Whatever you two are trying to be…. Helpful it is not.” She remarks before finding the detective.
She takes in another deep breath and lets it out.
“Thanks guys, I’m fine, really.” She says sincerely. “So, does this new guy have a name?” She asks smiling.
“Detective Roberts, and let me tell you,” Nick states, “he can’t be over 25.”
“Oh, I see, Thanks Nick.” Catherine says as she finally heads over to talk with Detective Roberts.
After prying the information from the detective, Catherine goes back to Nick and Greg.
“Let’s get started guys before it gets dark.” She says putting on her gloves after spying a knife, or the possible murder weapon.
****************
After packing up his belongings, he thinks about trying to convince Catherine to stay with him one more night. He knows that she has her life here in Vegas and he is going to Seattle. But, this is not the way he wants to start out their relationship.
But he can’t do it that easily.
He finds a black jewelry box and puts it on the dresser. He looks at it for a while. He wanted to give it to her when she was with him, but getting caught up in each other was more important. There is so much more he wants to tell her. Like the real reason he and Karen didn’t get married. And what his family is like, and his friends, why people think he’s an ass sometimes.
Looking out the window he notices it’s starting to get dark already. Most of the day is gone. He knows she is working but it will be hard for him not to miss her. Nighttime used to be easy. That’s when he would be working. Helping the other who have lost their way in the city, helping families cope with loosing a loved one, or being there when a dead body is discovered. Daytime is for sleeping to forget all the sorted details that go along with all the rest of it. But now he will spend this night missing Catherine.
He takes the jewelry box and puts it in his pocket, grabs some other things, and heads out for one last errand.
5:30 pm
Although he has never been to her house before, somehow he knew how to get there.
Tony sits in the car and watches the house for a moment or two. He notices a black Cadillac in the two car driveway. Sheer curtains fall from the windows to the living room. They are slightly open as he sees a blonde head walk by the window.
She peeks outside then turns away. That has to be Lindsey. He thinks.
He knows Catherine is not there but he told her he would drop off something for her at her house. Meeting Lindsey comes with that, he knew it, but he’s not so sure she knew it.
He makes his way to the front door and stands on the landing for a moment or two. He is holding the jewelry box and a legal sized envelope. He takes in a deep breath, lets it out, then …
“DING DONG” went the doorbell. Within less than a minute it opens.
A teenage version of Catherine is looking right at him.
“Yes.” She questions as he takes in a breath. “Can I help you?” She asks.
“I’m… I’m…Detective… He couldn’t get his name out. He is speechless as he looks at Catherine’s daughter.
“OH MY GOSH”, “I know who you are! Lindsey yells as she practically jumps at him throwing her arms around his middle hugging him.
I’m Lindsey.” She beams at him when she lets go.
“I’m Detective…er…(wincing slightly) I mean my name is Tony Vartann. He tells Lindsey.
“Who is it Lindsey?” A voice calls from inside the house.
“It’s him, it’s him.” She turns and says back inside the house.
“But, mom isn’t home, she’s at work.” Lindsey says turning back towards Tony.
“Grandma is going to take me out to dinner then to buy a new swimsuit. I made the swim team.” Lindsey gushes.
“Who?” “Who is it?” The female voice says getting closer.
Suddenly he is not only looking at Catherine’s daughter, but her mother as well.
She is an older slightly different version of Catherine. They all have the same eyes, he notices, Catherine, her mother; and Lindsey.
“I’m Lily Flynn, I’m Catherine’s mother.” She states.
“My name is Tony Vartann, I’m here…”
“I know who you are, you are the reason Catherine didn’t come home last night.”
She says cutting him off.
“Lindsey”, Lily says turning towards her granddaughter, “Go finish getting ready.”
“But, Grandma, Lindsey whines, I am ready.”
“No granddaughter of mine is going out looking like that.” Lily says to Lindsey somewhat disgusted.
“Okay”, huffs Lindsey, as she stomps up the stairs.
“Catherine’s mother looks Tony up and down. He turns his head slightly from embarrassment.
“Well, Catherine didn’t lie, you certainly are handsome.” She says to the air above him.
Her tone is somewhere between slightly polite and slightly rude.
“I’m sorry if I interrupted something.” He says humbly to her mother.
“I know Catherine is not home, but I told her I would drop some things off for her.
“Alright, I’ll take them.” Lily says as she studies him.
She puts the items on the table by the door as Lily still stands in the doorway studying him still
Lindsey comes bounding back down the stairs in a new outfit and through the door towards him.
“Do you want to come with us?” She asks cheerfully as she takes him by the arm and leads him towards the driveway.
Tony turns his head towards Lindsey, “I don’t think so.”
He watches Lindsey’s face fall. “Oh, that’s right; you are going back to Seattle.”
She says looking down at the pavement.
“I really wish you would stay.” Lindsey pleads.
“I’ve never seen mom so happy. I guess she has you to thank for that.” Lindsey tells.
“She and I had this BIG talk awhile ago…. You know…about loosing your power and stuff like that.” “She pretty much moped around here after you left her that phone message.” “I told her to call you because I was sick of watching her mope.” “Talk about loosing your power.” Lindsey says under her breath.
“Since then she and I have been spending more time together; and I like that. But maybe that’s just guilt.” Lindsey smirks.
She even made it to one of my ballet recitals.” She adds.
He stands listening to Catherine’s daughter in the darkness outside of the house.
“She said you can teach me how to cook.” Lindsey breaks in.
“I’d love to.” He tells Lindsey. “When I come back, I’d love to teach you and your mom how to cook and how to fish, I hear you like to go fishing.”
“So, you’re coming back?” Lindsey asks.
“Of course, I’ll just be gone for a while.” “I’ll come back here to visit; then I have to go back. But, I told your mom, it’s only for a year.”
“A year?” Lindsey questions with the tone that only teenage girls posses.
“I guess you expect me to say ‘whatever’.” Aren’t you?” She asks looking at him.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect.” He says to Lindsey.
“My mom has been through a lot lately, I mean, you got shot, she was there; all the stuff at work, and now you are leaving.”
“I just didn’t like things the way they were before. She was so uptight. She didn’t like my friend Julie, and we fought all the time. I don’t know, I guess… what I’m trying to say… ummm…”
“Lindsey”, he cuts her off, “it’s okay.” “I understand what you are saying.”
“For a teenager, you sure are smart.” “It must come from your mom.” He says smiling looking right at Lindsey.
“Yeah, well, she still won’t let me be friends with Julie, but that’s okay. My friend Micayla that used to live by Grandma just moved back here, so that’s cool.”
“And can you tell her that I’m old enough now to go to the Strip by myself…I mean with my friends without an adult?”
Tony laughs a little and says, “I’ll let you and your mom work that one out.”
He leans in to Lindsey’s face. “I have something for you too.” “Will you let your mom know how you like it; then she can tell me, okay?”
Lindsey beams again, “Thanks Mr. Vartann.” she gushes.
Lily comes out of the house and heads towards Lindsey.
She turns to Tony.
“I’m sorry young man, but Lindsey and I have plans. We are going out.”
“I’m leaving as well; It was very nice to meet you Mrs. Flynn”, he says as he extends his hand out to her. This time, she shakes it gently.
“Lindsey, I’m very glad to meet you and Congratulations on making the Swim Team.” He says to Lindsey extending his hand towards Lindsey.
Lindsey instead reaches her arms around him again to hug him.
Knowing that Catherine’s mother is watching; he puts his hands on Lindsey’s shoulders as not to be inappropriate.
“I’m glad I got to meet you too.” Lindsey states happily.
She waves to him as she and Lily get in the black Cadillac.
He watches them drive off.
******************
10:30pm
After returning from the crime scene, Catherine feels something come over her. She gets the ‘mouth watering, stomach churning, hot and cold feeling’ that only comes when you are about to vomit.
She runs to the Ladies Room hoping to make it there before she does it in the hallway.
Luckily she is able to make it at least to the sink in the Ladies Room.
After retching once, she looks up at herself in the mirror, “Oh no!” She says to herself as she vomits again.
After doing it again and then feeling somewhat better, she looks up at herself again in the mirror.
Catherine notices her now bloodshot eyes and pale face. “This isn’t good.” She says to herself again grateful that no one else is there to witness her.
Her hands find their way down to her abdomen where they rest for a minute.
“This isn’t good at all.” She breathes.
Catherine washes her hands, rinses out her mouth and splashes some water on her face.
“I just need to sleep, that’s all, sleep.” She keeps saying to herself.
She makes her way to her office. It’s not really her office yet; but after her promotion it will be. She still shares it with the supervisor from the day shift.
She takes a big drink of water to help her feel better and logs onto the computer.
“Damn it Gil, what the HELL is this about?” Catherine says storming into his office.
“What do you mean?” He asks looking up from his desk lost in pile of file folders.
“DON’T GET THAT WAY WITH ME!!!” “YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!!!”
My promotion to supervisor.” Catherine replies not so loud.
“You are ‘suspending my promotion pending the outcome of the investigation into your previous cases’.” She reads from the printout. She slams down the printout from her computer, after waiting 15 of the longest seconds ever for it to print, on to his desk.
“WHY?” She asks raising her voice again.
“Look,” she sighs, “I really don’t care, at this point, what you and Sara do with your own time.” “It doesn’t even bother me that you two are just about every case together, but DON’T BRING ME INTO THIS!”
“It’s not MY fault Ecklie has the D.A. and the Sheriff on your back.”
“You and Sara brought this on yourself.”
You want to bring the whole lab down with you, is that it?” “You know, I thought I knew you Gil Grissom, but I guess I don’t anymore,” Catherine glares at Grissom.
Catherine plops her self down in the chair across from his desk. Her rage is flaring up in her as she puts her hand over her stomach as more nausea comes.
“Let me see Catherine”, Grissom says in his ‘holier than thou’ attitude he is now known for, his eyes peering over his glasses.
“I seem to have found some cases where you and a certain Detective (his emphasis on the word Detective makes Catherine shudder) were working together.”
“Do you want me to pull those files for you?” The tone he is using is one Catherine hates.
“I’ll be happy to show them to the D.A. and to the Sheriff when they arrive in about an hour.” Grissom says as sarcasm flies at Catherine.
“This isn’t about me.” She snaps.
“And, he is no longer working for the LVPD, in case you forgot, so it doesn’t matter anyway.”
“The D.A. might not see it that way.” Grissom remarks back to Catherine in his typical Grissom tone.
“Again, it’s not my fault you can no longer keep your…..” She stops herself from saying something she’ll regret.
“Catherine,” he states as he barely notices her presence anymore, “I think you should take some time off.” “You have been through a lot lately.”
“Don’t EVEN try to tell me what I need, Gil.” She fires at him.
A minute passes as Catherine feels her rage start to subside. Grissom returns to looking at his pile of case files.
“Look, Gil, I’m sorry.” She quietly says breaking the silence.
“We have been friends for a long time, I just don’t think what you are doing is fair.”
“It’s not fair to me, for one, but also not to everyone else.” “Greg, for example, has worked really hard over the last few years to become a good CSI, it’s not fair to bring him down with you and Sara.” “Don’t you think?”
Just then Sara passes Grissom’s office.
“Is everything alright in here?” Sara asks, “I heard some yelling a few minutes ago, I just thought I’d check it out.”
Sara looks at Catherine. “Are you okay?” Sara asks directly to Catherine. “You’re not …. You know… are you?”
“WHAT?” Asks Catherine annoyed. “What are you talking about?”
“The last time you looked like that,” Grissom butts in, “you were pregnant with Lindsey.” “That could explain this outburst.” Grissom points out.
“And you do have you hand on your stomach.” Sara adds.
“I’m fine.” Catherine snaps at Sara. “And Gil, don’t be ridiculous, I’m not pregnant.” She says somewhat nicer to Grissom.
Sara stands in Grissom’s doorway stunned.
“Oooo-kay then, I’ll be on my way.” Sara remarks as she turns to leave.
“Sara”, Catherine says, “I’m sorry I snapped, yes, I don’t feel well, but, your boyfriend here is suspending my promotion, so I have every reason for ‘this outburst’, okay?”
Catherine says directly at Grissom.
Sara, still in the doorway, states back, “Did you find out why?” Then turns and walks out the door.
As if on queue, Grissom hands Catherine an envelope.
“What’s this?” She asks humbly.
“Just read it.” Grissom says again going back to his stack of case files.
Lab Director
City of Seattle Crime Lab
Seattle, WA
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to inform you of the outstanding work of CSI Catherine Willows.
As the supervisor the graveyard shift of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, I highly recommend her for the supervisor of the day shift.
As stated below, her references are outstanding as she has several commendations from Police Captains, Detectives and fellow CSI’s
The letter continues…..
Sincerely,
Gil Grissom
Graveyard Shift Supervisor
Las Vegas Crime Lab
Las Vegas, NV
“You’re… you’re … “she mumbles.
“I’m giving you an ‘out’ Catherine, if you want it.” Grissom responds not looking up at her.
“Or you can stay here, wait it out, and try for the swing shift supervisor again. It’s up to you.”
“And whatever Ecklie or the D.A. brings at me regarding myself and Sara, I’m willing to take full responsibility for.” So, you don’t have to worry about Greg or anyone else at the lab.”
He laughs slightly, “But I might be joining you in Seattle.”
“Thanks Gil.” Catherine eeks out. “How did you know he’s going to Seattle?” Catherine asks.
“Word travels fast around here, remember?” Grissom jokes.
“You really look awful Catherine, are you SURE you’re not …..”
“Really Gil, Please.” She questions as Catherine gets up to leave.
“But, I am going to take you up on your advice and take the rest of the night off.”
“Nick and Greg can finish up the case without me, so I’m going home.”
“Lindsey made the swim team so she and my mother are going out to dinner to celebrate. I told her I’d do something special with her tomorrow.”
“Tell her Congratulations from me. And Catherine… “
“Yeah?”
“I hope you are happy, I really do, whether you are here or in Seattle with him.”
“I mean that.”
“Thanks again Gil, and I am. I really am happy.”
“All I want to do now is go home and sleep.”
There is more)
The Rest of the Story
Catherine is in her car lost in thought as her fingers travel to her lips. Her mind wanders to him; to his touch, to his long slender fingers tracing her palms, to his breath on her earlobe; and his hand caressing her knee. She realizes she is at the lab as if her car knew how to get there on its own.
The halls are quiet as she makes her way to the locker room to change her clothes.
The silence is almost disturbing. Walking past the Trace Lab, she looks in and notices even Hodges is not there. She almost longs for one of his snarky remarks about now to fill the halls with some sort of noise.
After changing clothes, she puts her purse in her locker and notices something taped to the inside.
She puts her hand to her stomach as a sudden wave of nausea sweeps over her. She resists the urge to vomit and looks what is on the inside of her locker.
LAKESIDE SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT OFFICE
KIRKLAND, WA
1-425-554----
She traces the letters thinking if that is a possibility.
Could she uproot Lindsey and leave her job to follow a man to Seattle? For what? Domestic bliss? Is it worth it? Is it worth it to open her heart and life for a man? Is it worth it to open the part of your life you don’t use everyday for him? A man she can’t stop thinking about; a man who ties her stomach up in knots when she thinks about him. It’s too late now; she has already fallen for him. She already said I LOVE YOU, and you can’t take that back, not like she’d want to. Life has its ups and downs and each new day brings challenges and rewards. Listening to what you really want can bring again bring rewards which sometimes can’t be measured.
He is right, if she didn’t want to be with him, she would have blown him off a long time ago. Funny how falling in love makes you realize these things. And if this isn’t love she is feeling towards him, then what the hell is it??
“Yikes! Talk about a romance novel.” Catherine says out loud.
She looks at her watch. 3:08 it reads. “I’m not that late.” She says to herself again.
Walking down the hall she looses herself in thought again. She thinks about the way he holds himself, the way he puts his hand on his hip, his dark hair and steely blue/grey eyes; and the way he lifts his chin when hearing something he doesn’t agree with.
He might have noticed her first, but being the investigator she is, she noticed him as well.
“Warrick.” She says breathlessly almost bumping into him.
“Hey Cath, how is it going?” He asks. “How are things with you? Is everything alright with you and Lindsey?
I haven’t talked to you since…” his voice trails off noticing Catherine’s very casual attire and lack of make-up.
“I’m…. I’m … I’m good.” She says to Warrick animated.
“And Lindsey, well she’s good, she loves school and I just found out she made the swim team.” “She is no longer friends with that girl Julie; I’d say we are doing great.”
“Does he make you happy?” Warrick asks out of the blue.
Catherine looks back at him for a moment before replying.
“Yes, he does.” She states.
“Then I’m happy for you too.” Warrick says with a smile.
“I just found out I have some great news of my own.” He says leaning in whispering into Catherine’s ear.
“WOW!” “That IS great news Warrick.” She replies back. “You’ll be a great fath—“
Just then her phone rings.
“Catherine, It’s Nick, I’m glad you are there.” Greg and I could sure use an extra pair of hands here.”
“I’ll be right there.” She says into her phone smiling relishing the distraction.
“Catch you later Catherine.” Warrick calls to her as she quickly makes her way back to the locker room.
“I’m really happy for you too.” Catherine calls back to him.
*********************
An hour passes before he makes his way back to the hotel.
He’s not really sure if he’s going to miss Las Vegas or not but Tony decides to take a look around possibly for the last time.
He, like Catherine and Grissom and all the rest of the CSI’S and police, see people on the worst days of their lives. He sees them after the murder takes place and when the investigation begins.
Las Vegas is a town where people come to make it big, find their fortune, or wind up homeless or worse when none of that happens.
In a city where 3000 or more people come to live every month; it can also be one of the loneliest places in the world.
After Karen’s death, Tony thought Las Vegas is just what he needed. A place that is full of distraction and there is ‘never a dull moment.’ After hearing what happened to new CSI Greg Sanders, its true; he has seen and heard about more shit in this city than anywhere he has ever been. Somehow that helped him get over loosing Karen and their son. But now, it’s time to move on.
He is back at the hotel.
He sighs grateful that someone has made up the bed. The blue t-shirt of his she wore is folded in the middle of the pillows.
Tony looks at it smiling thinking of him and Catherine together in the bed.
Fatigue is starting to take over as he thinks about them making love in that bed and how nice it would be to lay down and get lost in thoughts of her.
How her hair feels falling on his chest. What her hands feel like on his face. How his heart melts when her blue eyes are fixed on him. How smart and down to earth she really is. How she can manage to have a job she loves and raise a daughter. How she puts the tip of her tongue in the middle of her top lip when she is thinking; or when she opens her mouth slightly and runs her tongue across her top teeth when she is really interested and how she give a sideways glance to the nearest person when she hears something she disagrees with.
**************
Catherine arrives at the scene. She immediately tucks her hair behind her ears, puts on her CSI cap and heads to where Greg and Nick are standing.
They are standing over a dead body lying face down on the ground.
“Nice of you to join us here Cath, did we interrupt your yoga session?”
Nick smirks at Catherine noticing her clothes.
“Very funny.” She smirks back.
She takes in a deep breath after quickly scanning the scene.
“What do we have here?” Catherine asks looking at Nick, the senior of the two CSI’s.
“Well, we are not sure. The body looks male, late 20’s to early 30’s, white, dark brown to black hair… err... ahh… that’s about all we have so far.” Nick replies flatly. “David should be here shortly.” He adds
“Why, where’s Brass?” Catherine asks. “He’s not on the case, neither is Sofia.” Nick says with a slight grin. .
“We get the new guy.” Greg pipes in pointing to the young detective standing about 20 feet away from Catherine interviewing witnesses.
“So, let me get this straight.” She asks looking in the direction of both Greg and Nick.
“There is a dead guy here, we have no idea what happened or how he got here.”
“What about witnesses?” “Blood spatter, a weapon, ANYTHING?” Catherine asks getting rather annoyed.
“No wonder you called me.” She mutters under her breath.
“Let me go talk to the new detective, I’ll try to figure out what happened.”
She says as she puts down her field kit.
Greg turns to Nick as says as quietly as he can, “I might not have liked him, but I miss Vartann, he knew what he was doing.”
Nick suddenly elbows Greg in the side forcing Greg to let out an “OWWW!” “WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!”
“You know…” says Nick as quietly as he can trying to talk out of the corner of his mouth.
“OOOHHH!” Greg replies back acknowledging why Nick was trying not to say anything.
Catherine overhears the two other CSI’s exchange.
“Whatever you two are trying to be…. Helpful it is not.” She remarks before finding the detective.
She takes in another deep breath and lets it out.
“Thanks guys, I’m fine, really.” She says sincerely. “So, does this new guy have a name?” She asks smiling.
“Detective Roberts, and let me tell you,” Nick states, “he can’t be over 25.”
“Oh, I see, Thanks Nick.” Catherine says as she finally heads over to talk with Detective Roberts.
After prying the information from the detective, Catherine goes back to Nick and Greg.
“Let’s get started guys before it gets dark.” She says putting on her gloves after spying a knife, or the possible murder weapon.
****************
After packing up his belongings, he thinks about trying to convince Catherine to stay with him one more night. He knows that she has her life here in Vegas and he is going to Seattle. But, this is not the way he wants to start out their relationship.
But he can’t do it that easily.
He finds a black jewelry box and puts it on the dresser. He looks at it for a while. He wanted to give it to her when she was with him, but getting caught up in each other was more important. There is so much more he wants to tell her. Like the real reason he and Karen didn’t get married. And what his family is like, and his friends, why people think he’s an ass sometimes.
Looking out the window he notices it’s starting to get dark already. Most of the day is gone. He knows she is working but it will be hard for him not to miss her. Nighttime used to be easy. That’s when he would be working. Helping the other who have lost their way in the city, helping families cope with loosing a loved one, or being there when a dead body is discovered. Daytime is for sleeping to forget all the sorted details that go along with all the rest of it. But now he will spend this night missing Catherine.
He takes the jewelry box and puts it in his pocket, grabs some other things, and heads out for one last errand.
5:30 pm
Although he has never been to her house before, somehow he knew how to get there.
Tony sits in the car and watches the house for a moment or two. He notices a black Cadillac in the two car driveway. Sheer curtains fall from the windows to the living room. They are slightly open as he sees a blonde head walk by the window.
She peeks outside then turns away. That has to be Lindsey. He thinks.
He knows Catherine is not there but he told her he would drop off something for her at her house. Meeting Lindsey comes with that, he knew it, but he’s not so sure she knew it.
He makes his way to the front door and stands on the landing for a moment or two. He is holding the jewelry box and a legal sized envelope. He takes in a deep breath, lets it out, then …
“DING DONG” went the doorbell. Within less than a minute it opens.
A teenage version of Catherine is looking right at him.
“Yes.” She questions as he takes in a breath. “Can I help you?” She asks.
“I’m… I’m…Detective… He couldn’t get his name out. He is speechless as he looks at Catherine’s daughter.
“OH MY GOSH”, “I know who you are! Lindsey yells as she practically jumps at him throwing her arms around his middle hugging him.
I’m Lindsey.” She beams at him when she lets go.
“I’m Detective…er…(wincing slightly) I mean my name is Tony Vartann. He tells Lindsey.
“Who is it Lindsey?” A voice calls from inside the house.
“It’s him, it’s him.” She turns and says back inside the house.
“But, mom isn’t home, she’s at work.” Lindsey says turning back towards Tony.
“Grandma is going to take me out to dinner then to buy a new swimsuit. I made the swim team.” Lindsey gushes.
“Who?” “Who is it?” The female voice says getting closer.
Suddenly he is not only looking at Catherine’s daughter, but her mother as well.
She is an older slightly different version of Catherine. They all have the same eyes, he notices, Catherine, her mother; and Lindsey.
“I’m Lily Flynn, I’m Catherine’s mother.” She states.
“My name is Tony Vartann, I’m here…”
“I know who you are, you are the reason Catherine didn’t come home last night.”
She says cutting him off.
“Lindsey”, Lily says turning towards her granddaughter, “Go finish getting ready.”
“But, Grandma, Lindsey whines, I am ready.”
“No granddaughter of mine is going out looking like that.” Lily says to Lindsey somewhat disgusted.
“Okay”, huffs Lindsey, as she stomps up the stairs.
“Catherine’s mother looks Tony up and down. He turns his head slightly from embarrassment.
“Well, Catherine didn’t lie, you certainly are handsome.” She says to the air above him.
Her tone is somewhere between slightly polite and slightly rude.
“I’m sorry if I interrupted something.” He says humbly to her mother.
“I know Catherine is not home, but I told her I would drop some things off for her.
“Alright, I’ll take them.” Lily says as she studies him.
She puts the items on the table by the door as Lily still stands in the doorway studying him still
Lindsey comes bounding back down the stairs in a new outfit and through the door towards him.
“Do you want to come with us?” She asks cheerfully as she takes him by the arm and leads him towards the driveway.
Tony turns his head towards Lindsey, “I don’t think so.”
He watches Lindsey’s face fall. “Oh, that’s right; you are going back to Seattle.”
She says looking down at the pavement.
“I really wish you would stay.” Lindsey pleads.
“I’ve never seen mom so happy. I guess she has you to thank for that.” Lindsey tells.
“She and I had this BIG talk awhile ago…. You know…about loosing your power and stuff like that.” “She pretty much moped around here after you left her that phone message.” “I told her to call you because I was sick of watching her mope.” “Talk about loosing your power.” Lindsey says under her breath.
“Since then she and I have been spending more time together; and I like that. But maybe that’s just guilt.” Lindsey smirks.
She even made it to one of my ballet recitals.” She adds.
He stands listening to Catherine’s daughter in the darkness outside of the house.
“She said you can teach me how to cook.” Lindsey breaks in.
“I’d love to.” He tells Lindsey. “When I come back, I’d love to teach you and your mom how to cook and how to fish, I hear you like to go fishing.”
“So, you’re coming back?” Lindsey asks.
“Of course, I’ll just be gone for a while.” “I’ll come back here to visit; then I have to go back. But, I told your mom, it’s only for a year.”
“A year?” Lindsey questions with the tone that only teenage girls posses.
“I guess you expect me to say ‘whatever’.” Aren’t you?” She asks looking at him.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect.” He says to Lindsey.
“My mom has been through a lot lately, I mean, you got shot, she was there; all the stuff at work, and now you are leaving.”
“I just didn’t like things the way they were before. She was so uptight. She didn’t like my friend Julie, and we fought all the time. I don’t know, I guess… what I’m trying to say… ummm…”
“Lindsey”, he cuts her off, “it’s okay.” “I understand what you are saying.”
“For a teenager, you sure are smart.” “It must come from your mom.” He says smiling looking right at Lindsey.
“Yeah, well, she still won’t let me be friends with Julie, but that’s okay. My friend Micayla that used to live by Grandma just moved back here, so that’s cool.”
“And can you tell her that I’m old enough now to go to the Strip by myself…I mean with my friends without an adult?”
Tony laughs a little and says, “I’ll let you and your mom work that one out.”
He leans in to Lindsey’s face. “I have something for you too.” “Will you let your mom know how you like it; then she can tell me, okay?”
Lindsey beams again, “Thanks Mr. Vartann.” she gushes.
Lily comes out of the house and heads towards Lindsey.
She turns to Tony.
“I’m sorry young man, but Lindsey and I have plans. We are going out.”
“I’m leaving as well; It was very nice to meet you Mrs. Flynn”, he says as he extends his hand out to her. This time, she shakes it gently.
“Lindsey, I’m very glad to meet you and Congratulations on making the Swim Team.” He says to Lindsey extending his hand towards Lindsey.
Lindsey instead reaches her arms around him again to hug him.
Knowing that Catherine’s mother is watching; he puts his hands on Lindsey’s shoulders as not to be inappropriate.
“I’m glad I got to meet you too.” Lindsey states happily.
She waves to him as she and Lily get in the black Cadillac.
He watches them drive off.
******************
10:30pm
After returning from the crime scene, Catherine feels something come over her. She gets the ‘mouth watering, stomach churning, hot and cold feeling’ that only comes when you are about to vomit.
She runs to the Ladies Room hoping to make it there before she does it in the hallway.
Luckily she is able to make it at least to the sink in the Ladies Room.
After retching once, she looks up at herself in the mirror, “Oh no!” She says to herself as she vomits again.
After doing it again and then feeling somewhat better, she looks up at herself again in the mirror.
Catherine notices her now bloodshot eyes and pale face. “This isn’t good.” She says to herself again grateful that no one else is there to witness her.
Her hands find their way down to her abdomen where they rest for a minute.
“This isn’t good at all.” She breathes.
Catherine washes her hands, rinses out her mouth and splashes some water on her face.
“I just need to sleep, that’s all, sleep.” She keeps saying to herself.
She makes her way to her office. It’s not really her office yet; but after her promotion it will be. She still shares it with the supervisor from the day shift.
She takes a big drink of water to help her feel better and logs onto the computer.
“Damn it Gil, what the HELL is this about?” Catherine says storming into his office.
“What do you mean?” He asks looking up from his desk lost in pile of file folders.
“DON’T GET THAT WAY WITH ME!!!” “YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!!!”
My promotion to supervisor.” Catherine replies not so loud.
“You are ‘suspending my promotion pending the outcome of the investigation into your previous cases’.” She reads from the printout. She slams down the printout from her computer, after waiting 15 of the longest seconds ever for it to print, on to his desk.
“WHY?” She asks raising her voice again.
“Look,” she sighs, “I really don’t care, at this point, what you and Sara do with your own time.” “It doesn’t even bother me that you two are just about every case together, but DON’T BRING ME INTO THIS!”
“It’s not MY fault Ecklie has the D.A. and the Sheriff on your back.”
“You and Sara brought this on yourself.”
You want to bring the whole lab down with you, is that it?” “You know, I thought I knew you Gil Grissom, but I guess I don’t anymore,” Catherine glares at Grissom.
Catherine plops her self down in the chair across from his desk. Her rage is flaring up in her as she puts her hand over her stomach as more nausea comes.
“Let me see Catherine”, Grissom says in his ‘holier than thou’ attitude he is now known for, his eyes peering over his glasses.
“I seem to have found some cases where you and a certain Detective (his emphasis on the word Detective makes Catherine shudder) were working together.”
“Do you want me to pull those files for you?” The tone he is using is one Catherine hates.
“I’ll be happy to show them to the D.A. and to the Sheriff when they arrive in about an hour.” Grissom says as sarcasm flies at Catherine.
“This isn’t about me.” She snaps.
“And, he is no longer working for the LVPD, in case you forgot, so it doesn’t matter anyway.”
“The D.A. might not see it that way.” Grissom remarks back to Catherine in his typical Grissom tone.
“Again, it’s not my fault you can no longer keep your…..” She stops herself from saying something she’ll regret.
“Catherine,” he states as he barely notices her presence anymore, “I think you should take some time off.” “You have been through a lot lately.”
“Don’t EVEN try to tell me what I need, Gil.” She fires at him.
A minute passes as Catherine feels her rage start to subside. Grissom returns to looking at his pile of case files.
“Look, Gil, I’m sorry.” She quietly says breaking the silence.
“We have been friends for a long time, I just don’t think what you are doing is fair.”
“It’s not fair to me, for one, but also not to everyone else.” “Greg, for example, has worked really hard over the last few years to become a good CSI, it’s not fair to bring him down with you and Sara.” “Don’t you think?”
Just then Sara passes Grissom’s office.
“Is everything alright in here?” Sara asks, “I heard some yelling a few minutes ago, I just thought I’d check it out.”
Sara looks at Catherine. “Are you okay?” Sara asks directly to Catherine. “You’re not …. You know… are you?”
“WHAT?” Asks Catherine annoyed. “What are you talking about?”
“The last time you looked like that,” Grissom butts in, “you were pregnant with Lindsey.” “That could explain this outburst.” Grissom points out.
“And you do have you hand on your stomach.” Sara adds.
“I’m fine.” Catherine snaps at Sara. “And Gil, don’t be ridiculous, I’m not pregnant.” She says somewhat nicer to Grissom.
Sara stands in Grissom’s doorway stunned.
“Oooo-kay then, I’ll be on my way.” Sara remarks as she turns to leave.
“Sara”, Catherine says, “I’m sorry I snapped, yes, I don’t feel well, but, your boyfriend here is suspending my promotion, so I have every reason for ‘this outburst’, okay?”
Catherine says directly at Grissom.
Sara, still in the doorway, states back, “Did you find out why?” Then turns and walks out the door.
As if on queue, Grissom hands Catherine an envelope.
“What’s this?” She asks humbly.
“Just read it.” Grissom says again going back to his stack of case files.
Lab Director
City of Seattle Crime Lab
Seattle, WA
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to inform you of the outstanding work of CSI Catherine Willows.
As the supervisor the graveyard shift of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, I highly recommend her for the supervisor of the day shift.
As stated below, her references are outstanding as she has several commendations from Police Captains, Detectives and fellow CSI’s
The letter continues…..
Sincerely,
Gil Grissom
Graveyard Shift Supervisor
Las Vegas Crime Lab
Las Vegas, NV
“You’re… you’re … “she mumbles.
“I’m giving you an ‘out’ Catherine, if you want it.” Grissom responds not looking up at her.
“Or you can stay here, wait it out, and try for the swing shift supervisor again. It’s up to you.”
“And whatever Ecklie or the D.A. brings at me regarding myself and Sara, I’m willing to take full responsibility for.” So, you don’t have to worry about Greg or anyone else at the lab.”
He laughs slightly, “But I might be joining you in Seattle.”
“Thanks Gil.” Catherine eeks out. “How did you know he’s going to Seattle?” Catherine asks.
“Word travels fast around here, remember?” Grissom jokes.
“You really look awful Catherine, are you SURE you’re not …..”
“Really Gil, Please.” She questions as Catherine gets up to leave.
“But, I am going to take you up on your advice and take the rest of the night off.”
“Nick and Greg can finish up the case without me, so I’m going home.”
“Lindsey made the swim team so she and my mother are going out to dinner to celebrate. I told her I’d do something special with her tomorrow.”
“Tell her Congratulations from me. And Catherine… “
“Yeah?”
“I hope you are happy, I really do, whether you are here or in Seattle with him.”
“I mean that.”
“Thanks again Gil, and I am. I really am happy.”
“All I want to do now is go home and sleep.”
*pops in*
WOW!!! that was good. i LOOOOOVED his interraction with linsey. absolutely loved it. she treated him as a father right away. its great. you did caths mother micely too. i didnt know that that is her name.
AND YOUD BETTER NOT MAKE CATH PREGNANT!!!!!
all in all GREAT JOB!!!
you know, you really are special, cause i just broke 2 rules. the Do not read het rule and the Do not go to FF forum on TalkCSI rule
id love if youd start posting on lj, that way id only have to break 1 rule never know, i might start writing vartann slash soon, look out...
WOW!!! that was good. i LOOOOOVED his interraction with linsey. absolutely loved it. she treated him as a father right away. its great. you did caths mother micely too. i didnt know that that is her name.
AND YOUD BETTER NOT MAKE CATH PREGNANT!!!!!
all in all GREAT JOB!!!
you know, you really are special, cause i just broke 2 rules. the Do not read het rule and the Do not go to FF forum on TalkCSI rule
id love if youd start posting on lj, that way id only have to break 1 rule
never know, i might start writing vartann slash soon, look out...
MacsGirlMel
Mac's Personal Assistant
Nice...I hope Cath is pregnant hehe. Aww pabzi, why not? lol I'm partial to CatNip babies myself but I'd like to see it here just to see how Lindsay would react LOL
ladyhunter
Head of the Swing Shift
Thanks Guys
and I do have to also thank Catherinesmyidol for helping me with Lindsey
and you'll just have to wait to see.....
and pabzi, I know what you have in mind when it comes to Vartann :lol: and I do feel special that you broke your rules for me and this story...
and I do have to also thank Catherinesmyidol for helping me with Lindsey
and you'll just have to wait to see.....
and pabzi, I know what you have in mind when it comes to Vartann :lol: and I do feel special that you broke your rules for me and this story...