Nightmares

Chapter Four


Last night had been the first time in weeks Greg had been able to get a full night’s sleep. He felt refreshed and ready to work.

He kissed Sara as she came out of the shower. She was surprised, but she relaxed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him.

He wanted to go further, but they would be late for work. Instead, he kissed her passionately which would leave her wanting more.

“Something to fantasize about,” he whispered in her ear.

She shivered and he smiled. He kissed her again and left so she could get dressed.

Several minutes later, Sara joined him in the living room. Greg smiled at her as he took her in. She wore a brown short-sleeved blouse and black jeans. The outfit melded her figure nicely, causing him to have second thoughts about getting to work on time.

She noticed his approving gaze and smiled. His heart skipped a beat, making it difficult to breathe.

“Let’s get to work,” Sara said as she picked up her purse and headed for the door.

“Right,” he said as he grabbed his keys.

It dawned on him then why she wore such form fitting clothes.

She wants to make sure I can’t concentrate today, he thought as he closed the door behind him.


~*~


Greg and Sara arrived at the lab several minutes later. Sara kissed him before heading into the evidence room. He stepped into the DNA lab, hoping for some good news.

“Have anything?” Greg asked Mia.

Mia glanced at him, “Glad to see you’re in a better mood.”

Greg stared at her in surprise. He forgot how fast news spread in the lab.

“I saw you storming down the hall yesterday,” she said as she handed the results to him.

“I’m fine now,” he said as he looked at the paper.

“I ran the DNA through CODIS,” Mia said, changing the subject. “Came back a Robert Jefferson. Did some time for assault and battery. Bar fight got out of hand.”

“Thanks.”

Greg left the room and went in search of Catherine. He ran into Nick as the older man came out of the break room.

“Hey, Greg,” Nick said. “How are you?”

“Better. I had the first full night’s sleep in weeks.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Greg nodded and continued his search. He found Catherine in Trace. Hodges filled her in on the white substance she had found.

“It’s dandruff. I sent it to DNA.”

“Thanks, Hodges.”

Catherine turned and saw Greg in the doorway.

“Got something?”

“The DNA came back Robert Jefferson.”

“We have something to compare the dandruff with then,”
Catherine said as she followed him out of the room.

“Right.”

“How are you and Sara holding up?” Catherine asked as they made their way to the break room.

“Better,” he said as he felt his face burn. “We had a great time last night.”

“Glad to hear it,” she said mimicking Nick’s earlier comment.

Greg smiled as he walked into the room. The events of last night crept into his mind and more than his face began to burn. He forced the arousal down as he grabbed his lunch from the fridge. The last thing he wanted was for Catherine to know what kind of great time he and Sara had.

He sat at the table and brought out his sandwich. Catherine sat across from him, a cup of soup before her.

“So we have a woman visiting for a week. She meets a guy, has what might be a one night stand with him and he leaves.”

“Later that night, she’s murdered,” Greg finished. “So far the evidence points to Robert, though we don’t have a weapon to put in his hand.”

“Looks like we need to pay him a visit.”

“See if we can place him before five that night.”


~*~

Sara stood in the evidence room, photos of the crime scene spread out before her. She sighed as she leaned against the table.

She ran a hand through her hair as she fought back a yawn. She hadn’t slept at all after the nightmare she had. She had gotten up, showered and dressed.

She sighed again, wondering when the nightmares would stop.

How can they be stopped? Sara thought as she took a closer look at a picture of the drowned five year old.

The mother had found her daughter face down in the pool and had called the police. Her daughter knew how to swim and the mother had left her alone for a couple of hours. The mother hadn’t seen anyone enter the yard or leave it.

“Hey, beautiful,” Greg said as he came into the room.

She glanced at him, wanting to hit him for being in such a good mood. Of course, he had slept the entire night.

“Greg,” she said as she looked back at the photos. “What brings you here?”

“Just want to see how you’re doing,” he answered as he stood beside her, his nearness causing her body to burn.

“I’m fine,” she answered, hoping she didn’t sound terse. The last thing she wanted to do was have an argument with him.

Greg nodded, but she sensed he didn’t believe her. She glanced at him and he was close enough for her to kiss him without moving much. She stared into his eyes and he smiled.

“I have to interrogate a suspect,” he told her. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have fun,” she said, causing his smile to broaden. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to kiss him or hit him.

“Will do,” he said as he turned and left the room.

Sara sighed envying him his good night’s sleep.

~*~

Greg woke to the sound of crying. He stared into the darkness and the sound came again.

Sara, he thought as he sat up.

He reached over and turned on the light. He looked at Sara, tears trailing down her cheeks. She mumbled something that sounded like his name.

“No!” Sara shouted.

“Sara!” Greg called to her, shaking her awake. “Sara, wake up.”

Her eyes flew open and he backed away before she hit him. He watched as her breathing returned to normal. He stroked her hair, hoping to soothe her. She looked up at him and he saw how bright her eyes were.

“Greg?” Sara said, blinking her eyes. It was if she didn’t expect him to be there.

“Nightmare,” he whispered as he continued to stroke her hair. “Want to talk about it?”

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” she said softly.

“I’m used to it,” he said, smiling. “At least you didn’t hit me this time.”

She smiled, but he knew she wanted to avoid his question. He was beyond frustrated and he wanted answers.

“Are you going to answer my question?” Greg asked softly.

Sara stared at him as if she hadn’t heard him. She averted her gaze and sighed. He leaned against his pillow and stared at the ceiling.

“I appreciate your concern, Greg,” she said softly. “But I can handle it.”

“You’re doing a great job so far,” he said, glancing at her.


“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sara asked, her eyes narrowed.

“Exactly how it sounds. You have nightmare after nightmare and you refuse to let me help you. Sara, when was the last time you’ve had a good night’s sleep?”

Sara looked away, but she didn’t answer. He knew what the answer would be, though. Never, not since Daniel Harris was put away.

He sighed, “Please let me help you.”

She shook her head, causing his heart to sink.

“Why not, Sara?”

She looked at him and he saw in her eyes the fear and doubt. It hurt him to see those emotions. His own fear rose up inside him as he thought of what she would say.

“I can’t, Greg,” she said, staring into his eyes as if pleading with him.

Greg took a deep breath, fighting back the emotions that rushed through him. He closed his eyes as her words sank in. She didn’t want his help and it was as plain as that.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Sara touched his arm and tears stung his eyes. His world crumbled around him and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Even after three months of living together, she didn’t trust him enough.

He took another deep breath to bring himself under control.

“It’s fine,” Greg said as he turned the light off.

He turned over on his side away from Sara. He closed his eyes as the tears flowed.