Will

Chapter 2

Jim and Grissom were preparing to leave to go to MeekMeeks’s apartment. They were walking by the suite where Theda was. A terrified scream emitted from it. Jim went to the door and Grissom stopped him.

“They have to do the exam Jim.” Said Grissom gently.

“Yeah…….I know but…..” Jim was a little terrified himself for her at that point.

“Come on you know they have too. Let them do their work. I know it’s not easy me hearing her scream either. Screams fa moa morgue……..well it’s just not natural anyway. There is nothing you can do in there. You did everything above and beyond for her getting her Roz.” Said Grissom.

“Yeah I know, but Gil it’s like this, how would you feel if a member of your family had to have one of those? I can put myself in those shoes easy. If that ever happened to Ellie……….”

“I know but the best place for you right now is with me and us going to see about the guy that did this. Come on.” Said Grissom pulling Jim down the hall and away from the door as another scream emitted.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Said Jim stone faced and they left out of the building.

The rest of the trip was in utter silence. Jim Brass was one upset cop. They got to the apartment and there were several marked cars waiting on him. They followed him back to number 103. It had been on the DMV Database. Jim got out of the car and waved two of the officers back to the back door. Jim stood at the front door which was still open like Theda had said.

“You stay here. I’ll clear the room.” Said Brass unholstering his gun.

“I’m packing.” Said Gil. He unholstered his gun too.

“Good then you can back me up if needed.” Said Jim.

They walked into the apartment Jim did a walk though with no one present in the efficiency. He called the back and let the officers know. In the living room/dining room at the side of the coffee table lay blood evidence.

“It’s clear and he is not here so………I’ll put out a APB on him and the car.” Said Brass as Grissom nodded as Brass got out his radio. Grissom threw him gloves and he put them on. The first thing that was seen was the pewter lighter laying on the floor that she had hit Jef with. There was a mix of blood and hair on it. It was almost shaped like a bowling pin so she could have gripped it and swung it at him he thought. He took pictures and bagged it seeing that it did have a bloody fingerprint on the neck of it.

Brass got the APB out and called the hospitals putting the word out about him and then came to help Grissom.

Jim whistled and scratched his head seeing the pewter lighter.

“She must of brained him with that.” Said Jim. “That’s why she thought she had killed him. Those make nasty weapons.”

Grissom looked up at Brass. “Speaking from experience Jim?” Asked Grissom smirking a him.

“Well, yeah Nora, my ex tried several times to relieve me of consciousness with something like that. It was a silver one and belonged to her mother. She only threw it at me. Me, ducking but that was a long time ago. I don’t know that guy anymore.” Said Jim of the man he used to be.

“That’s good. Don’t want that guy around to piss off.” Said Grissom.

“No, you wouldn’t.” Said Jim looking around the apartment. “This Jef guy is a model and he lives like a bum.”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t he……….Jim, he’s got a problem worse than having raped Theda.” Said Grissom.

“What could………Drugs or alcohol. Perhaps both?” Asked Jim.

“I think we are going to find out. I’ll do the living room go on into the bedroom. I don’t think the rape took place in there but it would shed some light on things.” Said Grissom.

Jim agreed and took some evidence bags and bindles into the bedroom.

“God this is a dive. Why did she even come in this place?” He asked shaking his head.

“I think he lured her here.” Said Grissom. “Had to be something really cool for her to have gone in.”

“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The “little girl ya want some candy routine.” We couldn’t wait on a statement from her………..Bingo!” Yelled Jim. As he started rifling though the dresser drawers. He came peeking out the bedroom door.

“What did you find?” Asked Grissom.

“Heroine kit. I also found some blow.” Said Jim. “That’s where his money is going in his veins and up his nose.”

Jim did a preliminary test to determine if it was drugs. It was. The cocaine turned blue on contact with the chemicals. Jim looked in the bathroom to find bloody towels. She had beamed him pretty good seeing she got hair and skin on the pewter lighter. Jim was just as glad. He wouldn’t be thinking strait and might go to one of the hospitals for treatment. He bagged the towels after taking pictures of them and the kit and package of Cocaine. He then looked into the closet. There in the dingy lightless closet was several fine suites and dress shirts and designer one’s at that. He only looked the part. He looked at the shoes…….Fine Italian leather one’s. Jim took pictures of the contrast he saw. From the way he saw all this it was a big contrast. Night and day.

“Jim, bring the camera back in here will you? I found something else.” said Grissom.

“What?” He asked seeing something shiny on the carpet. Jim took the picture and Grissom lifted it after to look at it.

“Theda it says on one side. With Love, Mom, Daddy and Bobby.” Said Grissom.

“That puts her here without running anything.” Said Jim looking at the bracelet. “You done a ALS search yet?”

“No, not yet. But I think we have found where the rape happened.” Said Grissom putting on the orange goggles and getting his ALS out. He shined the blue light on the carpet. It lit up like a Christmas tree.

“This is where it happened alright.” Said Grissom. Look at all…………..” Jim had just stopped doing or saying anything. “Jim?”

“Oh yeah, this must be where it all happened. He didn’t get her into bed but you can ALS it too if you want.” Said Jim quietly almost with reverence.

“You need to remain objective Jim.” Said Grissom.

“Yeah, but it’s hard after hearing her………anyway I’ll go and finish the bedroom. Oh Gil, she didn’t have underwear on when she came in. Or did you notice?” Asked Jim turning to go back into the bedroom.

“Yeah I did. He had cut her dress down the middle and she was clutching at it like you would a robe. They have to be here.” Said Grissom looking further after swabbing the area down with the semen on it.

Jim started looking for other stash knocking on the panels of the drawers. He was coming up with nothing until he got to a smaller sock drawer in the old chest of drawers. He opened it and was almost horrified at the find. 10 pairs of ladies underwear most ripped up and some having semen on the outside of them.

“Oh this man has been really………..bad.” Said Jim. “That’s putting it nicely.

“What did you find Jim?” Asked Grissom.

Jim came into the living room where Grissom was bent over looking at the couch with his ALS.

Grissom saw Jim with the torn underwear. “Don’t tell me he keeps trophies for later use?”

“Yep. Shine that thing over here.” Said Jim as he brought the panties over to Grissom. Just like Jim had though the ALS lit up on the panties on the outside.

“Umm, yeah I’d say he’s been really awful.” Said Grissom.

“Pervert.” Said Jim angrily.

“Well to him it’s a game it looks like. How many of those did you find?” Asked Grissom.

“10 pair. Enough for a week without washing.” Said Jim.

“Yeah but he never planned…….I’ll skip what I was going to say we both know what he was doing with them.” Said Grissom his face a little in a grimace.

“Yeah, you know over 30 years as a cop and I still can’t understand what drives these guys to do things like this.” Said Jim.

“Ours is not to reason why I guess Jim.” Said Grissom as he kept finding semen stains.

“Looks like he has been at this a lot.” Said Grissom.

“From the looks of it. I think he is a serial rapist.” Jim said with conviction.

“Yeah, from my stand point. We need to take this couch in for testing to see if there is any other fluid and who’s.” Said Grissom.

“I seems like there is a virtual smorgasbord of fluids.” Said Jim. “Hey Gil what’s that down there under the couch.”

Grissom went fishing a little under the couch. He pulled out another pair of underwear. The initials TR in red on the black thong. Noticeably it was cut on the side.

“This must be Theda’s.” said Grissom.

“Would stand to reason.” Said Jim looking on as Grissom shined the ALS on the panties.

“Well, he didn’t find these. But they do have blood on them.” Said Grissom.

“I guess we will have to wait on whether it was hers or his. I wonder if you can pull finger prints off of those?”

“Don’t know Jim we could try but not here.” Said Grissom bagging the panties. Anything else in his room before I do the bed?” Said Grissom.

“No. I bagged the towels I need to do the bathroom I guess and the kitchenette.” Said Jim. “Do you expect that they are done with Theda by now?” Asked Jim.

“I don’t know might call them we have been here almost an hour. Let me ok? I need to find out about the fuming.” Said Grissom ing ing out his cell.

“Ok I’ll go and see about the bathroom.” said Jim. “We really need someone helping us.”

“Yes, I’ll see if Catherine is free now that you have brought in Roz for Theda.” Said Grissom as he dialed the number to Warrick cell.

“Brown.”

“Warrick you guys started on Miss Ryan yet? Asked Grissom.

“We are waiting actually. Her SART exam took a little longer than usual.” Said Warrick.

“We thought it might seeing……….well when you start fuming let me know.” Said Grissom.

“Ok.” Said Warrick. Grissom slapped shut his cell.

“Well?” Asked Jim.

“The SART is taking a little longer than normal.” Said Grissom carefully.

“Yeah, my guess is they had to give her something to calm her down.” Said Jim.

“With what we heard before probably.” Said Grissom. “It took her a while to go ballistic.”

“Yes it did. She kept her head for a while.” Said Jim.

Meanwhile in the morgue Theda was loosing it quickly.

“Theda just relax. No one is going to hurt you.” Said Roz.

“I’m trying but……..Oh please get him off me! Please letget get him off me!” She pleaded.

Theda was screaming and crying hysterically now.

“I’ll give her something.” Said Roz. She reached into her bag that she had gone to get after Jim and Grissom left, and pulled out a syringe and a bottle. She loaded up the shot and went over to Theda.

“I’m going to give you something to calm you down.” Said Roz. “You allergic to anything?” She asked. Theda nodded no. Roz gave her the shot and in about 5 minutes Theda was calmer and they finished the SART.

“Looks like rape to me.” Said Rawlings. Bruising at tinneinner hour and the guy must have been larger than normal. Lacerations inside and outside the vagina.”

“Dr. Rawlings………” Began Theda.

“Yes Theda?”

“I’m sorry I am being too much trouble.” Said Theda. Rawlings smiled.

“It’s ok Theda. We know you want to get him off of you and take a shower. It’s normal.” Said Rowlings.

“Yeah, but I shouldn’t have fought all of you.” Said Theda.

“It’s ok Theda.” Said Roz patting her. “Nothing that we haven’t seen before. Just rest now. Relax and let the medication work a little.”

Theda laid her head back on the pillow still shaking from being cold and on a slab.

“I’ll take the SART to the lab.” Said Catherine. She walked over to Theda. “I have to go now Theda but I’ll see you again in a little while for your statement.”

“Ok Catherine I know you have a job to do.” She said a little groggy.

“Plus that needs to wear off some for the statement. We can give you a little time before the guys try and fume you.” Said Catherine.

“Thanks. Is this the first time ya’ll have done this?” Said Theda.

“Well usually it’s out in the field. Not on living people.” Said Catherine. “Don’t worry those guys are the best. They would soon hurt the man who did this to you than hurt you.”

“Ok, I’ll have to taker wor word on that.” Said Theda. She grasped Catherine’s hand. “Thank you.”

“Your welcome Theda.” Said Catherine.

Catherine left to take the SART to the lab. Nick and Warrick were waiting just outside.

“How is Miss Ryan?” Asked Nick.

“Well, I guess you heard all that.” Said Catherine. “She’s as good as she can be now. Roz Zuniga is with her. Jim went and got her.”

“Yeah, poor woman.” Said Nick who understood a little what she was going though. He looked at Catherine with those big brown puppy dog eyes and looked down. She patted his shoulder.

“When do you think it’s going to be ok to go in there?” Asked Warrick.

“Give her a few. What are you going to fume?” She asked.

“Her hands, wrists, ankles and feet.” Said Nick.

“What did Grissom say use?” Catherine asked.

“Make little plastic boxes around them.” Said Warrick.

“I have an idea first. Use a Fammed. I know it’s for getting fingerprints off of cardboard but it might work before you start using duct tape on her and freaking her out more.” Said Catherine.

“Could you help us?” Asked Nick.

“Sure I have one in my kit. I know it’s ancient but it still works.” Said Catherine.

“Anything not to freak her out further. Man I hope that they catch that guy. I heard that she just rolled in on her own. Had a pretty good gash in her forehead.” Said Nick.

“Yes she does and don’t be surprised if she goes off on both of you. However; she is a cops kid. She knows the drill or at least has been told. Gil sure picked a strange time to try this.” Said Catherine.

“Yeah and asked me and Nick to do it. Wouldn’t it have been better for you and Sara to have done this?” Asked Warrick.

“Maybe but you two are pretty savvy getting prints. Gimme a few and I’ll be back down with the Fammed.” She said.

“Ok.” Said Nick.

Catherine smiled and walked on down to the lab where Jamie Montez was busily doing her work. Catherine popped her head in.

“Hi, I’m Catherine Willows and you are……….?”

“Jamie Montez. I’m helping out Greg in the lab now. Glad to meet you Ms. Willows.” Said Jamie.

“Likewise. Catherine please.”

“Jamie then.”

“Here is Theda Ryan’s SART.” Said Catherine.

“Thanks I’m just about ready to run that.” Said Jamie.

“Good. We have more evidence coming I’m sure.” Said Catherine.

“No doubt.” said Jamie. “I’ll let you know the second I do ok?”

“Sure. I really hope you like it here.” Said Catherine.

“Oh I already do. Greg is so nice and helpful. Everyone has been so far.” Said Jamie.

“That’s good it’s a busy lab. Pretty intimidating I’m sure.” Said Catherine.

“Oh, I’ll get over that soon enough.” Said Jamie looking up and smiling at her.

“I have to go I’ll talk with you later hopefully we can grab some coffee later or at some point.” Said Catherine.

“I’d like that Catherine.” Said Jamie.

Catherine smiled and Jamie smiled then Catherine left to get her Fammed.

A few minutes later Nick, Warrick and Catherine were back at Theda’s side. Nick was shocked a little. She reminded him of someone he had known. He hadn’t put his finger on it yet as to whom. Then it hit him. Christy Hopkins, the young, beautiful prostitute that he had a thing for a few years back. His heart sank a little remembering her. Because the last time he saw Christy was on a slab in the very room they were in. But Theda was older and had blue eyes. The resemblance was a little uncanny though. Theda and Christy could be sisters. Nick sucked it up and went on with his work though.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” Said Theda. “I just wish this was under better circumstances.”

“Us too Miss Ryan.” said Nick.

“Theda please.” She said to both men.

“Ok Theda. I’m Warrick and this is Nick. We are going to make this as easy as possible.” Said Warrick.

“I know. The shot helped loads.” Said Theda. “You going to use a Fammed to lift the prints?” She asked.

“Yeah, how did you know?” Asked Catherine holding the device.

“My brother Bobby, before he went to Narcotics was a trained cop and CSI. He has one.” Said Theda.

“Cool brother you have.” Said Warrick.

“Yeah Bobby is the best.” Said Theda. “Has Jim been able to call him?”

“Probably not yet Theda. We are short on people gathering your evidence.” Said Catherine.

“Do you mind some advice from a novice?” Theda asked. “I’m a little more lucid now.”

“What’s that?” Asked Nick.

“It was my lower body he ted red rather than my upper. I know you guys make tents………..why not just fume my lower half and stick my hands inside. I can do it.” Said Theda.

“It’s getting the glue off we are worried about.” Said Catherine.

“Don’t worry about that. Fingernail polish is going to get it off and it’s only going to be a fine misting. Just get me an industrial size can of that and we are good to go. I think your going to find some really good prints on my thighs.” She said.

The three CSI’s looked at each other and shrugged. “How about we use the Fammed first.” Said Catherine.

“Ok but it’s not going to attach to skin or give you light prints. That’s what Bobby told me once.” Said Theda.

“Smart isn’t she.” Said Warrick.

“Sure is but lets try anyway.” Said Catherine.

They set up a place at her hands first. Catherine loaded the Fammed and started blowing on it. Nothing was happening.

“Well I guess your right Theda.” Said Catherine. “Ok, we make tents nShe She said to the guys.

“Please, go on and get my legs. There was a lot of touching down there.” She said.

“It’s not going to freak you out?” Asked Nick.

“No, the shot Roz gave me is helping loads.” Said Theda. “It’s helping me focus.”

“Good.” Said Nick smiling at her. “But Theda, we have to have you lye here…….without clothes on.”

“I’m aware. At the moment it’s not a problem.” She said. “I want everything possible to be done evidence wise. That’s why I came here first.”

Nick smiled at her. How he wished that Christy had made it. But here in front of him was her double. She was about his own age or a little older than him but that didn’t matter. She needed him just like Christy had. Nick had always carried an edge of guilt about her. This time the woman was still alive and Nick was going to do everything he could to help her. He figured he owed God and Christy that.

“Ok Theda.” Said Nick smiling at her. “You say your from Richardson, Texas?”

“Yes I grew up there. Oh I see, I detect a slight drawl on you. Where in Texas are you from?” She asked.

“Dallas Proper.” He said.

“Oh yeah? Not far from where I‘m from.” She said. As they got her ready to fume her.

“Cool.” Said Nick as they finished the tent. “You comfortable Theda?”

“Yes. I’m fine Nick.” She said.

Catherine put the Fammed’s business end in the slot they made and started blowing.

“This isn’t going to work……..we will be here all day.” Said Catherine. Get tube of crazy glue.” She said.

Nick handed her the fumer and a half a tube of Crazy glue.

“Ok Theda. This time it’s either bingo or bust.” Said Catherine.

“Good.” She said as she lay on the table. “It’s cold ire.”re.”

They fumed her, cutting off the fumer at 5 minutes. Catherine began to inspect what they had done. She smiled.

“It worked. There are usable prints on her ankles and her thighs. You boys work on her ankles. Oh look! A fat print on her wrists!” Said Catherine. “I thought this would take longer on living skin.”

“Me too.” Said Warrick who was working with Nick on her ankles and feet.

“I think on living skin because it is living it would hold the prints a little longer.” Said Theda. “That’s a novice’s guess there.”

“Perhaps.” Said Warrick who was pretty happy this all worked. He lifted prints off her right leg and ankle and Nick the left. Then Catherine would do her thighs.

“Where did Roz go?” Asked Theda.

“She left for us to do our work but rest assured she’s going to the hospital with you. After all this I will take your statement on tape and then you go to the hospital.” Said Catherine.

Nick and Warrick got finished with her ankles.

“Well we are done with her ankles and feet.” Said Warrick. “We will take this to Jaquie. She can run this though AFIS for us.”

&#’ll ’ll call Grissom.” Said Nick.

“Good idea he wanted to be in on this but…….we need to document this so other people can use it.” Said Catherine.

“Yeah, it worked and didn’t leave a bunch of residue. She needs to get that off her pretty quick though.” Said Nick.

“I’ll see she gets it off.” Said Catherine.

Nick went over to Theda. “Good luck to you Theda. I’m sure we will see you again soon. Just know we are doing everything we can to get this guy.” said Nick smiling kindly at her.

“I know Nick and thanks to both of you. I didn’t mind being a guinea pig if it means we catch Jef and help someone else.” Said Theda.

“You’re a very brave woman Theda.” said Warrick. “Really, good luck and if there is anything we can do beyond this let us know.”

“I will. Thank you too fellas.” She said sweetly. Nick grasped her hand for a second squeezing it. He smiled at her and left with the finger prints along with Warrick.

“Nice guys.” Said Theda.

“Yep and handsome.” Said Catherine.

“Yeah, but you know what I have noticed?” Asked Theda.

“What’s that?” Asked Catherine preparing to lift the pints off Theda’s thighs.

“All the men around here are handsome.” She said.

“Well, I guess so. I haven’t thought of Jim Brass that way but he does have style. I’ll give him that.” Said Catherine. “He’s also a good man. Which is a treat for some lucky woman.”

“Is he married?” Asked Theda.

“No divorced……….ah, why you ask?” Asked Catherine.

“Just wondered and Nick……Whew that’s what my best friend and I would call Mr. Butt and Shoulders.” Said Theda. “Boy that shot is working!”

Catherine giggled at that description. “Yeah, I agree with the description. He is easy on the eyes.” Said Catherine. “Do you feel a little loopy?”

“A little. That’s probably why I said that but, they are all very professional and very caring which is great.” Said Theda.

In the garage Greg and Sara were about to fume the Charger.

“I get the feeling this is wasting time.” Said Sara.

“Yeah me too. I don’t think he was in the car.” Said Greg.

“But he might have boutsoutside the car and touched it.” Said Sara. “Let’s do the outside too.” said Sara.

“Ok.” Said Greg. “Man, what a car!”

“I agree. It’s cool. It’s sad about Theda. I wish it hadn’t happened to her.” Said Sara.

“Yeah, It shouldn’t happen to anyone.” Said Greg.

“Yeah.” Said Sara sadly.

They fumed thr anr and got nothing but her prints on the inside but a larger palm and thumb print was on the outside of it.

Sara lifted the print off carefully.

“What you wanna bet this is the rapists?” Asked Greg.

“I don’t want to bet on this one Greg.” Said Sara. “But I think your right.”

“I’ll take this into Jaquie Franco.” said Greg.

“Ok. I’ll go down and see how Theda is doing. I think we are done here. Besides no one has gone though her purse yet.” Said Sara. “We can release the car to lock up.”

“Ok. I don’t want anything happening to this baby. I’m sure Miss Ryan wouldn’t either.” Said Greg.

Greg went off to the finger print lab and Sara walked down to the morgue. She walked slower than usual. Rape cases just freaked her out but Sara had a secrete that no one knew. She had never told anyone but she was a survivor too. She sucked up the pent up feelings she had and went though the door. Theda was still laying on the slab resting.

“This is a first. A live victim in the morgue.” She said to herself.

“Hi Theda.” Said Sara giving her a gapped tooth smile.

“Hey Sara.” Said Theda.

“How are you doing?” She asked coming over and standing beside her.

“They had to give me a shot I went thermonuclear.” Said Theda.

“I don’t blame you. But you are one brave woman. I don’t know if I could go though all this and keep my cool.” Said Sara.

“Well, I didn’t to tell you the truth. I finally……..”

“Yeah, it’s ok though.” Said Sara still smiling at her. “Did anyone go though your purse yet?”

“No, but it has nothing to do with the case but if you want it they left it on Jim’s desk in his office.” She said.

“I’ll go and check it out if you don’t mind.” Said Sara.

“Go on, but I tell ya there is nothing in there that can help you.” Said Theda.

“Curiosity really I guess Theda.” Said Sara nervously giggling a little.

“Sara, I get the feeling your uncomfortable.” Said Theda.

“Yeah well, its not every day you see a living person la in in the morgue. Let alone talk with them about their personal effects.” Said Sara.

“I know. But I had to get here as soon as I could. I know evidence was burning away. That’s the trouble with other victims they don’t think about prosecution. They just want to get the bastard off of them. I want him Sara. I want him to pay for what he did to me. So he doesn’t do it to anyone else.” Said Theda.

“We will make sure of it Theda. Everything is being done to get evidence. Oh and we pulled a palm and thumbprint off the Charger.” Said Sara.

“Jef opened the car for me to get in to go to his place.” Said Theda.

“I see, why did you go?” She asked.

Catherine came back in with a tape recorder about then.

“Hold that thought.” Said Catherine.

At Jef’s apartment Jim was going though the bathroom and came across something even more disturbing. When he brought back the mirror on the medicine cabinet over the sink he found cut out pictures of Theda in almost a shine covering the inside of it.

“Hey Gil, we have a shrine in here.” Said Jim.

Grissom stopped what he was doing and went into the bathroom. Jim stepped away from the sink and let Grissom take a look.

“Yeah looks like it. He was obsessed with her. But how didn’t she know?” Asked Grissom.

“Covert?” Asked Jim. “Looks like he had a camera but I haven’t found it yet.”

“Yeah a little scary if you ask me. We need to hear her statement. That’s going to put all the pieces to this together or at least shed light on what went on besides what we believe.” Said Grissom.

“I wonder if Catherine has taken it?” Said Jim.

“We have to give her time to recuperate from the evidence gathering.” said Grissom.

“We also need help here we can’t do all this just you and me.” Said Jim.

“Yeah, I’ll call Nick and Warrick I bet they are done by now. Warrick called and they got fingerprints with fuming her. Catherine documented how it was done so we can use it again if we need it.” Said Grissom. “Let’s look some more in here. I bet we find more stash of something.”

“Ok. I need to call her brother too. I promised her I would. I have been kind of putting it off because I’m not sure how to tell him. Oh yeah, I know I’ve been talking to victims families for over 30 years but this is different………she’s a cops kid.” Said Jim.

“I know it’s hard but someone has to do it and you’re the man with the badge here.” Said Grissom.

“Ok, I’ll go to the car and call him. I found his number in her palm pilot.” Said Jim.

“Ok, I’ll keep looking. Good Luck with that Jim I know this isn’t easy.” Said Grissom.

“Your right I have to stay objective.” Said Jim to Grissom as he walked out to his Park Avenue. He got in and dialed the number. On the other end of the phone a drawl laced male voice answered.

“Narcotics, Captain Ryan speaking.”

“Captain Ryan this is Captain Jim Brass LVPD.” Jim began.

“Yes Captain Brass what can I do for you?” He asked.

“It’s………..”

“Las Vegas Police………Theda………”Ryan interjected.

“Yes sir. I have some bad news.” Said Jim.

“She’s not dead is she?” Asked Ryan in a concerned voice now lower and almost fear attached.

“No, but she was raped tonight.” Said Jim carefully.

“Shit.” Said Ryan. “Pardon me Captain.”

“My thoughts exactly Captain.” Said Jim.

“I take it you have her case. Right?” Asked Ryan. “She did what Dad and I asked her to do.”

“Yes she did and yes I am the investigating detective. You have a very brave sister Captain Ryan.” said Jim.

“Yeah, she’s always been that way. But she had to be. Long story and for another time. How is she?” Asked Ryan.

“She’s got a gash on her forehead and a concussion and contusions all over but other than that………..she drove herself here to the station. Gutsy it the word I came up with to describe her.” Said Jim.

“Well at least she was able to do what we asked of her. At least she is still alive. I’ll have to make arrangement to come up there. It might take a day or so. I have a family and Mother and Dad to care for. Have you caught the Som’obitch yet?” Asked Ryan.

“No, but we have an APB out on him and the hospitals have been notified. She brained him pretty damned good with a cigarette lighter made out of pewter. You know the old kind almost shaped like a bowling pin.” Said Jim.

“I remember those. Good for her. What we said kicked in and she did what she could to defend herself. I’m sorry she had to use it at all. Damn it! I know I need to get up there but with all this riding down here it’s going to take me a few days to actually do it.” Said Ryan.

“Don’t worry Captain. She’s been extended professional courtesy already up here. She told us your status and you father’s retired status. I’ll make sure she is taken care of.” Said Jim very politely.

“Thank you Captain. Say with all the titles here we are going to get hip deep in ribbons and citations. Seeing as you are going to take care of my baby sister and we are both brothers in blue let’s drop that ok?” Asked Ryan.

“I was about to ask that. I’m Jim.”

“I’m Bobby.”

“Well at least we got that settled Bobby. I waited until I had something to tell you case wise. I didn’t want you any more in the dark than you are. We are gathering evidence yet against Jefrey Meeks. Has Theda mentioned him?” Asked Jim.

“Only in passing and that he was a great help to her on the Amanda Payne line. So she told you who did it?” Asked Bobby.

“Yes she did. Look, I know it’s going to be hard getting up here Bobby. I know what having a family is like being a cop, but I wasn’t as lucky as you are I didn’t get to keep mine. I have a daughter that is 22 and lives in Newark, New Jersey with my ex.” Said Jim.

“Yeah, I’m lucky Tina and my three kids are still with me. Believe me I know how lucky I am. You have to know this though I count Theda as mine. She’s been mine since she was born and had my heart from day one. I was 11 years old when Theda was born. Mom had lost a brother when I was about 6. He was still born and Mom never got over that. Theda came 6 years later when Mom was 39. She was still sick from loosing my brother. Theda weighed 3 pounds 15 ounces at birth being that Mom had her early and back then most preemies didn’t survive. She was born at 34 weeks on Christmas Eve 1965. She was a miracle then and now. The first time I laid eyes on her I knew it was my responsibility to keep her safe. I did my best when she was here in Texas and she pretty much grew up with my kids in my house. So now you know why I’m so torn as to get on a plane right now and tear ass up there.” Said Bobby.

“I knew somehow she was special and I know how you feel her being yours but not being yours all too well. We can talk about all this when you get here. How old are your kids?” He asked.

“Trey, He’s Robert David Ryan the third he’s 22 and in college but living at home. Theda, yeah I named my daughter after my sister seeing Theda was named after our mother. We call her Teddy though as not to confuse people, She’s 16 and Johnny is 10. So I pulled kind of a Ryan special like my parents did. But then there is Theda. I started late too. Tina and I were married many years before the first one came. Actually Theda was our first if you want to get technical. She came to live with us when she was about 12. Try that on a new marriage. It was hard but Tina agreed to it because she loved her too and knew how special she was. When the kids came Theda helped Tina care for them no questions asked. She was a good kid and a model teenager at least with us she was. Mother couldn’t handle her in her condition and Dad well, you know he was at work most of the time being police chief in Richardson.” said Bobby.

“Wow, yeah I know what your talking about but mine didn’t come out as good as Theda did.” Said Jim. “Is there anything you need to know that I haven’t told you?”

“Yeah, where will she be or do you know?” He asked.

“She will be at Desert Palm hospital. Don’t worry Bobby we are doing the best possible for her. Just let me know when you get here and I’ll have someone come to the airport and get you. Or I will myself. I have a councilor for her already. She’s in great hands. Roz Zuniga is the head psychiatrist for the department here in Vegas. I was lucky she was in when Theda came into the station.” Said Jim.

“Did she walk in?” Asked Bobby.

“No she didn’t. She kindrollrolled in in her car. We took evidence off of her not an hour old. She was lucky she could still drive and think strait with that concussion.” Said Jim.

“No doubt. Thanks Jim for seeing after her. She means the world to me. Just be careful she doesn’t steal your heart too.” Said Bobby.

“Yeah, well I’ll watch it. But your right it’s hard.” Said Jim. “I’m trying to stay professional on this but every bit of evidence we find just makes objectiveness a little harder. The creep that hurt her was a very nasty man. I was just in there and found many things I didn’t like finding but I can’t go over them now. When you get here I’ll tell you what I can but you know that.” Said Jim.

“I know Jim sounds like she is in good hands. Give me your number would you? So I can put it in my cell. I’m on my office phone at the moment. Did you get this number from her pilot?” he asked.

“Yeah I did Bobby.” said Jim then he gave him his number. Bobby gave him his cell number and Jim gave him his just in case there was anything breaking with Theda.

“I’ll get things going down here. Might not take me that long. I’m sure Tina will haul ass packing as soon as she is told. I’m not sure if I can spare her though coming up here.” Said Bobby.

“What ever you need to do and if I can help let me know. Theda is getting the best care I can get for her right now so please try not to worry but I know that’s a gimme. I barely know her and I’m worried but probably for nothing.” Said Jim.

“Yeah, well we both know too that’s just part of being a good cop.” Said Bobby in a knowing voice. “I’ll call you soon as I know what’s up down here.”

“Good enough. I wish this was under better circumstances. We are about the same age as far as Theda said.” Jim stated.

“Oh really, well I had no idea. I was born in 1954.” Said Bobby.

“1953.” Said Jim.

“Yeah you’re a year older than me or maybe less.” Said Bobby. “I need to go now and get this started down here. It’s going to be hell getting leave right now with a case pending. But I have my ways of getting what I need and I don’t ask often.” he said.

“Ok talk to you later then. Good luck.” Said Jim.

“Thanks Jim. See you later or talk to you later which ever comes first.” Said Bobby.

“You bet.” Said Jim. Thung ung up the phone.

Jim got out of his car just as Nick and Warrick pulled up.

“Hey guys.” Said Jim.

“Hey, the boss said you found some really bad stuff in there already.” said Nick.

“Yeah, I just talked to Bobby Ryan her brother. He’s a nice guy being that he is a narc they are usually really off the wall guys but he seems ok. Personable in fact.” Said Jim.

“That’s cool. Theda’s doing about as well as can be expected.” Said Nick.

“Has Catherine taken her statement yet?” Asked Jim.

“No, it took longer to get the prints off of her and the SART exam done but she was getting to it when we left.” Said Warrick.

“Oh, I’m sorry she has to go though this at all. I need to call and let Catherine know and Theda too her brother is coming as soon as he can.” Said Jim.

Jim called Catherine who was getting her statement on tape and told her that he had talked to her brother and he was coming soon. Then he went back into the apartment. He took a long deep breath before going into the place again. He then prayed a little. Something he hadn’t done in a long while.

“Please God, give me the strength to know the difference herhe nhe needs help in getting this………bastard.” Said Brass. “Please help all of us. But most of all help Theda Ryan.”