Confessions

Sara walked apprehensively into the halls of the Las Vegas Crime Lab. She worried that everyone would be talking about her and whispering about her. She was certain that everybody was aware of what went on with Catherine and Ecklie. The lab wasn’t that big of a place after all.

She was worried that everyone would think of her differently than they used to. Greg, Warrick, Nick and even Catherine at one time were her family. Now she worried all of them would turn on her like Catherine did.

Sara never thought she would see the day that Catherine cozied up with Conrad Ecklie. Then again she never thought she would ever see the day she would be sharing a bed with Gil Grissom.

Walking into the break room, she grabbed her mug and poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat down and rifled through the news of the day. She didn’t want to make eye contact with anyone because she was uncertain of what they thought of her.

Greg walked in humming a tune. He sat down in front of Sara. “Hey Girl. It is good to have you back.” He smiled at her and she smiled back. It was good to know that Greg wasn’t against her. “For the record Sara, I told Catherine I didn’t think it was right for you to be suspended.”

Sara’s mood lightened. “Thanks Greg. I appreciate that.”

He got up and poured himself a cup of coffee. Taking a sip he spat. “This is horrible!” He went to the fridge and grabbed his private stash. “Want some good stuff, Sara?” He asked.

“Um Sure. I just drank this because it was there.”

Greg smiled at her. He knew this was going to be hard for her. “I don’t share the good stuff with just anybody, you know.”

“Thanks Greg.” Sara said again.

Nick walked in to the break room, took one look at Sara and flashed her a million dollar smile. “Hey Sara, good to have you back with us.”

Sara smiled. “Thanks Nick.”

He leaned in and gave her a hug. “I think Cath was out of line and Ecklie too.” Nick whispered in her ear.

Sara was feeling better about herself. She was so worried she was going to lose her friends. These people were the only family she had left and that really upset her. The whole Catherine thing still bothered her. Her and Catherine had overcome the animosity from when she came into Vegas. They were moving forward and then this happened. It saddened Sara.

She refused to apologize to Catherine for her behavior. She was only defending herself. Catherine had done it many times before, but that was before she was a supervisor. After that everything changed.

Grissom walked in with assignments and Sara looked up.

“I need all hands on deck tonight, we have a high profile case. It is at the Casino down town. An Ambassador from England was found dead. Catherine and Warrick are already there.” He looked around. “Lets go. Nick, you take Greg and Sofia with you and Sara comes with me.”

They all got up and left with their perspective company. Sara and Grissom headed for the truck not uttering a word. Grissom headed out onto the highway.

“How are things going so far Sara?”

She smiled. “Better than I expected actually.”

“That’s good. Do me one favor tonight. Please stay away from Catherine, I would rather not have a repeat of last week.”

She laughed at him. “Alright. It’s a deal.”

They pulled into the casino and headed to find the rest of the group. They were on the fourth floor in the suite. There were cops and people everywhere.

Sara took her kit and started processing the empty room. She was collecting fibres off the floor when she looked up to notice she had company. It was Catherine. Sara began to panic. She didn’t want to disappoint Grissom, but she wasn’t apologizing to Catherine. There was no way.

“I’m almost done here.” Sara said not looking up from her perch.

Catherine didn’t say anything and started to walk out. Sara swallowed the lump in her throat. “Catherine, can I talk to you for a minute?” She asked standing up.

Catherine approached Sara. She was curious as to what the other woman had to say.

“Ecklie told me to apologize to you.” Sara began. Catherine placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not going to because I don’t feel I was in the wrong. I was only standing up for my beliefs. I have witnessed you doing the exact same thing.”

Catherine remained silent allowing Sara to talk.

“I will admit that the husband crack was a low blow, but you got my defensive up.”

“Sara, I think you needed a break. You were near burn out. I think the ‘vacation’ did you good.”

“Thanks Cath.” Sara stated. They had come to a mutual agreement to be professional while at work.

Grissom stood in the doorway of the room watching Catherine and Sara talk. She had told him she would avoid Catherine. Why didn’t she listen to him? He gently knocked on the door to alert them of his presence. Catherine gathered her kit and left. Grissom approached Sara.

“What just happened?” He asked worriedly.

“We came to an agreement, Griss.”

He smiled. “I assume it was good. I didn’t hear yelling.”

“Yes it was, we understand each other better.”

“Did you tell her?”

“No. But I told her I wouldn’t back down from my beliefs.”

He was proud of Sara. She shot her a smile. “After shift you want to get together?”

She was amazed by his recent gain in confidence. “Sure. Where?”

“My place?” He passed her a spare key. “Come by whenever.” He turned to leave. He was sure his heart was going to pound right out of his chest.