The End Is In Sight.
“Hey Mr Brown!” The fourteen year old shouted at Warrick Brown on the basketball court at the Lower West Side Boys Center. Warrick volunteered there a lot. He grew up in the neigbourhood and always came home to it to help out. He thought today would be no different.
He thought wrong.
Before he could see or say a thing a blinding white light hit him. After that there was nothing. The kid that shot him didn’t move. The others on the court ran in many directions, some actually called 911 for help, those were the kids Warrick was helping the most. This kid, Keja Jones, was acting strange, as if he didn’t care what was going to happen to him. He just sat on the ground and waited.
The police showed up and called the paramedics but realized soon that the coroner would be needed more. They also called Jim Brass.
****************
Jim Brass felt all of his years as a police detective. He saw death so many times it did not faze him….but this one did. He tried not to let it get to him on the way over to Gil Grissom’s townhouse in Hendersen, but he was failing. His eyes brimmed with tears and once in a while one rolled unchecked down his cheeks. He pulled into the driveway and sat there for a few minutes gathering his strength. He knew he had to get moving or someone would call Gil and he did NOT want the guys on graveyard to be told by anyone but him. This was personal.
Gil was just about to head up to take a shower and bed. He put in a long shift and just got back with Hank from a mind clearing walk. The doorbell rang and he made a face at the door. He knew he wouldn’t get sleep wondering WHO it was. Hank just looked at him. “No bark? Must be someone you know.” He opened the door. “Jim !”
There was dead silence.
“Jim? What are you doing here? I…mean, of course you are welcome but you didn’t call…..Jim?” Gil could see the lost look on Brass’ face. “Come in. What’s wrong?” He held the screen door open. Jim walked thru the door almost like a robot. “Jim…WHAT’S WRONG?”
“Ahhh there’s no easy way to say this but….”
“Jim?”
“I didn’t want you to find out over the phone….you are the first one. I think it would be better if we ahhh….”
“Spit it Jim.”
“Warrick.”
“What about him? He had off last night. He was going to work with the kids.”
“Yeah. He did and ahhh….”
“Jim.”
“Yeah, one of them had a gun.” Jim was choking on the words now. “I came here to get….”
“How bad is he?”
“He’s ….gone.” There was dead silence in the room. Jim saw Gil go pale. “Yeah I had the same reaction. Stomach taking the fast route to you feet and back.”
“Where…is he?”
“Still at the place. I thought we should get Catherine and….”
“Gods Cath. I don’t want her to see him like that. What about Nick? Greg?”
“I haven’t called them yet. I wanted to get you first and head over there. Ecklie said you guys can NOT work this case.”
“Why not?”
“Too close and…well….he thinks a sleazy ass lawyer might get the fucking asshole off on a techno. For the first time in my life, I just wanna shoot the bastard. He’s FOURTEEN!”
“Is he in custody?” Brass nodded. “Then there are witnesses?” Again Brass nodded. “Then there’s really not much to do is there but collect the evidence, process it and hand it over.” Gil ran his fingers thru his hair. “I’ll drop Hank off and ahhh Catherine.”
“Maybe we should see her together.”
“Yeah, I think that might be good. I don’t want her seeing Warrick like that. She’s been on a tight string lately. I’ll be right down. If you need a drink…you know where it is.”
“No…thanks. I ..ah.. No.”
Gil ran up the stairs and changed his clothes quickly and washed his face. Downstairs Hank sat next to Jim with his head on Jim’s knee as he stroked it over and over. “Thanks Buddy, I need that.”
**************
Gil and Brass drove to the Lower West Side Boys Center and stood behind the yellow tape. It felt strange being on the other side of the ‘Do Not Cross’ tape. Gil saw the new day shift supervisor and nodded. He came over to them.
“Sorry I can’t let you under. You understand.” Brett Johnson looked at Gil and Jim. Both just nodded. “Has your whole team been notified?” Gil shook his head. “I would tell them before it hits the noon news. We’ll be here a while longer and….”
“Can I see him?” Gil just looked past him.
“Don’t think it would be a good idea. Really.” Gil just looked at him. “Just don’t get in the way.” Both Jim and Gil ducked under the tape, and followed Brett. Gil heard air being sucked in when Brass saw Warrick laying there. David Phillips, the assistant coroner was just finishing up and he was trying hard not to let the tears roll. He looked up at both men and then quickly finished up. “We’ll bring him back shortly.” David nodded and left quickly. This was one field job he never wanted to do. “From the looks of it, he died right away. I don’t think he suffered.”
“No.” Gil just looked at the lifeless body in front of him. He whispered ‘Catherine’, then turned. Jim had to trot to catch up to him.
“How are you going to tell Cath?”
“There’s no easy way. But I will NOT let her see him that way. She’ll never get it out of her mind.” Jim followed Gil to Catherine’s house in his car. They both felt like it was the longest drive of their lives.
*****************
Gil saw Catherine pulling out of the garage and sped up. She almost ran into his car while backing up. She threw the car into park and got out. “Grissom ! Didn’t you see…..Gil… what’s wrong? GIL!”
“Get back into the house Catherine. Just do it.” Gil looked straight ahead. He couldn’t risk looking at Catherine just yet. Cath started to open her mouth but Gil cut her off. “NOW!” She blinked and returned to the car and pulled into the garage again. Gil met her at the front door.
“JIM !” Catherine saw Brass getting out of his car and she turned and looked at Gil. “NO!! NOOOOOOOOO!” Catherine felt Gil’s arms on either side of her shoulders. “Who? WHO?”
“Open the door Catherine.” Gil was ordering her thru the fog. She was shaking so bad she kept dropping the keys. Jim finally got them and opened the door.
“Which one?” A sob came from Catherine. “WHICH ONE?”
“Warr.” Gil felt Catherine’s body go limp in his arms. He just picked her up and carried her the rest of the way to the sofa. “Jim….”
“Getting the water….and the whiskey.”
Catherine woke a few minutes later to Gil’s blue eyes looking down at her and moving a cool washcloth over her face. “Slow. Get up slow.” She looked at both men’s eyes and saw the red puffy eyes. She allowed Gil to help her sit up. “Here drink this.”
Catherine took the glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp and made no face. Jim gained a bit of admiration for her at that moment. Gil knew Catherine could drink anyone under the table and look good doing it.
“WHO? WHERE? WHEN?” She looked at them and her voice was like ice.
“The kids’ place he volunteered at. One of the boys, seemed to have no known reason and Warr…. It was quick, he didn’t suffer.” Brass sounded almost flat.
“I’m going…”
“No, Honey you are not.” Gil’s hands pushed her back down. “I don’t want you to see him like that….”
“You already did! Why can’t…..”
“Because you’ll never get that out of your mind. I know you loved him too much to want to remember him that way. Ecklie’s orders too. For once, we are in agreement.”
“What about Nick, Greg…the rest of the Lab?” Catherine’s eyes were wide and she was fighting back the tears.
“We wanted you to know first. We’ll go to Nick and Greg’s in a few minutes. Right now it’s you we are worried about.” Brass looked at Cath while he poured her another drink. “After this one, you can’t drive.”
“Wanta bet?” Catherine downed it just as fast as the first one. “I’m not letting you guys tell the boys without me.”
“Cath….” The look on her face told Gil he wasn’t going to win. “Fine, but I’m driving.”
***************
Brass had called Greg’s place and got his answering machine. They would head over there after talking to Nick. The three of them stood ramrod straight as Gil rang Nick’s doorbell at the apartment. They could hear country music behind the door. It turned down and the door opened.
“Hey! Come on in! Greg it’s Cath, Gil ….and Brass.” Greg came out of the kitchen with a bowl in his hands. “We’re just getting lunch, we hit the bowling alley. Want some?” Then he saw the pale looks and one eyebrow came up Greg just dropped the bowl. Nick turned quickly and then back at the group. “Warrick?” Gil slightly nodded. Nick wasn’t holding back the tears and Greg wasn’t either.
Nick stepped back so they could enter the apartment. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “What happened?”
“Shot by a kid, at the rec center.” Brass spoke plain and simple.
“Cath.” Nick looked over at her. She just stood there. Nick took her arm and led her to the sofa. “Greg….” Greg had already turned and was bringing in cups with the coffee pot. Once he handed those to Gil he returned to clean up the dropped bowl and it’s contents. He needed to keep busy at the moment.
“I didn’t get to tell him how much…..” She looked at Nick who put his finger on her lips.
“He knew Cath and felt the same way. But he wasn’t going to make things hard for you at work.”
“Unlike some people” Brass could have kicked himself for saying it. Gil acted as if he didn’t hear it. Catherine just put her head on Nick’s shoulder and he just hugged her.
“I really loved him.”
“We know Sugar and he loved you….a lot. You were his dream lady.” Catherine finally started to cry. Gil had to sit down on the sofa behind Catherine. His hand just rubbed her back slowly.
“Do they have everything at the scene?” Greg looked to both men. They nodded. “Then all we can do is sit and wait?” Nods. “I feel useless.” Again everyone nodded. “Warrick doesn’t have any one but us. I don’t think Tina cares one way or the other.”
“He’ll be buried with full honours rest assured.” Gil looked straight ahead. “I’ll break Ecklie’s neck and Robert’s if they say otherwise.”
“Yeah and WE will carry him. God knows he carried us more then once.” Nick was wiping Catherine’s tears with a tissue.
“I’ll be right back.” Greg got up and headed to the kitchen. Everyone could hear pots and pans banging together. Nick just chuckled slightly. “He cooks when he’s stressed out. He’s put a bit of weight on me.” Slowly his real meaning begin to sink in to Gil and Jim. Neither of them said a word.
*****************
Gil took Catherine home and told her to stay home or he would nail her to the floor. She was exhausted and promised. She just didn’t want to face going in right then. She knew she would at some time during the night have to go into the Morgue and just did not want to do so. Gil kissed her forehead before he left. She promised to call him if she needed anything. What she needed no one could give her.
Gil headed back to the townhouse and had just enough time to get something to eat, shower and head back to Las Vegas. Gods he was tired but he knew he couldn’t sleep. Besides he was now one CSI short, hell he was down two since Sara Sidle left. He sat in his office and started to fill out th paperwork in Warrick’s personnel folder. He noticed the beneficiary was Catherine and smiled. It should allow her to take a few months off and not worry about things. He looked and realized Warrick had never changed it to Tina, even he married Tina.
His phone rang and it was Sofia Curtis. She had heard on the news in Tucson. She wanted to know if there was anything she could do. “No, but it’s nice you called. Ahh, you are coming in for the funeral?”
“Of course and if it’s okay with everyone else, I’d like to help take him home.” Her soft voice made it easier for Gil not to have to say much.
“I think he’d like that. We’re all going to too. You were and still are one of us….anytime. You know that.”
“Yeah, and I love you for that. Well, I’ll be there tomorrow after my shift’s over.”
“Why don’t you go home after your shift, sleep and then come. My place is open for you.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
Gil hung up and saw Conrad Ecklie just about to walk into his office. “Gil, I….”
“Don’t say a word Conrad. Just sit.” Ecklie sat down and folded his hands over the folder he held. “WE are going to be the pall bearings in Warrick’s funeral. I don’t want to hear anything to counteract that. He’s going to have a FULL police service. But WE are taking him home. The graveyard shift. Period. “ He handed over the personnel folder to Ecklie. “Paperwork’s done. Final review and I’ll reassign his cases. I’ll start looking for a replacement in a few days. I still have all the applications when Sara left. Now I can just picked two instead of one.” Ecklie just nodded. “Are you going to say something?”
“No. I think we’re all just a bit shocked and…..” Gil’s phone rang. “Go ahead and get that, we can talk later. I’ll tell The Commissioner what YOU decided. I’m sure he will be interested.” He left as Gil picked up the phone.
“Hello. How did you know I needed to hear your voice?”
Heather Kessler’s soft voice spoke at the other end. “Gil, how are you? Why aren’t you home? Or here?”
“Because I need to work. We’re short handed now and….”
“You need to keep busy.”
“Yeah. I’ll have to pick up the slack and look for a new CSI in the mean time. Two actually. Interested?”
“What about Ms Sizzle?”
Gil chuckled as Heather’s pet name for Sara was used. “She’s not coming back here. She’s caused enough trouble in enough lives in Vegas. Besides Warrick was NOT her number one fan. I don’t think he ever forgave her for digging into his private life when I brought her here. Or me.”
“You were just doing your job. Do you want or need some company later? You know my door is always open to you.”
“How’s Allison? And Jerome?”
“They are both fine. Jerome has gone back to the judge and asked for an amended order. He wants joint custody.”
“So you two are….”
“Still friends. Nothing more. He’s seeing someone and is serious. I really am not interested in Jerome that way. I just want to spend my time with Allison…..and you.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be over after work. Want me to bring anything?”
“Just you. That’s all I need. “
“I’ll see you then.” He hung up and rubbed his eyes. He was getting ready to leave the office when the phone rang. He didn’t look to see who it was. “Grissom.” The voice at the other end left him cold. “What do you want?”
“Just checking in and seeing if you need something.” Sara Sidle’s voice sounded dull after Heather’s.
“We’re fine thanks. I’m really busy Sara. What?”
“Need another CSI I hear.”
“No.”
“Why not? I’m the best you ever had there.”
“Best at causing trouble. No.” He started to hang up.
“GRISSOM!”
“What? “
“I want to come back. I want to be a part of this. I liked Warrick too.”
“Well he wasn’t fond of you and ….everything is settled. Good bye Sara.” Gil hung up and left the office quickly. The phone rang again and Gil let the answering machine get it.
Sara was fuming at the other end. She wasn’t thrilled Grissom hung up on her.
*************************
Doctor Albert Robbins took a deep breathe before uncovering the sheet. “I’ve done too many of these.” He was speaking to himself softly. “This is one of the hardest.”
“I know.” Doc turned slightly to see Gil standing there. “Want me to go?”
“No, I think somehow…you can keep me focused.” Gil just nodded and stood on the other side of Doc. “This will be simple, we know who, what, where and when. Just collecting and …”
“Yeah. Have you and David down as pallbearers.” Gil saw Doc just nodded as he lowered the sheet to Warrick’s waist.
Doc lowered the microphone and started to speak. “Case number 08-823. Brown, Warrick. CSI, Las Vegas Police Department…..”
Gil didn’t hear anything after that he was lost in doing his job. He didn’t even hear Doc making a slight joke about Warrick nickname should have been ‘Magic Johnson’.
Gil put Warrick back into the refrigerated locker and called the funeral home. Then he headed up to his office. Everyone was walking about in dead silence. People in the Lab were working hard just so they wouldn’t break down. Even David Hodges was being unlike himself and not pestering people.
“Want to look over the transcript?” Jim Brass held out the paperwork folder on Warrick’s case. “I mean just to check it over…you know see if all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed? Not that I don’t trust day shift….well I don’t but…”
Gil held out his hand and took the case. He flipped thru the pages for the interrogation. The kid admitted right out he shot Warrick but didn’t give any reason. Brass saw Gil’s forehead wrinkle at that point.
“Yeah no damned reason. Not that any would be good. But for NO reason?” He shook his head. “Sad thing is, he goes to jail until he’s twenty one and then it’s as if nothing happened. He’s out and starts his life over again. Unless we get lucky and someone shoots him while he’s in jail.”
“Something just isn’t right here. There’s something else going on. He said he didn’t have a grudge against Warr. WHY?” Gil looked up at Brass. “Is he still here?”
“Yeah, but you can’t see him. Robert’s orders AND the DA’s. Not until after the trial.”
Gil just looked at Brass. “I smell a rotten fish in Denmark.”
“Yeah. Ain’t a damn thing we can doing about it.”
“For now.” Gil sighed, “Right now we have to bury my ‘Rock’.”
*************
Officers from all over the country can to the funeral. The graveyard shift was treated as the main family. Gil the father, Catherine the mother and the others as Warrick’s brothers and sisters. Catherine and Gil did everything down to the seating arrangements. Catherine was given the state flag from the Sargent of Arms. She even help to carry Warrick to his final resting place. Later Catherine would recall not remember much but hearing the rifles shooting off. She almost jumped out of the chair, but Gil had a good grip on her one arm and Nick was on the other side holding her. Gil thought he saw Sara in the background but his concentration was pulled away by what was going on in front of him, besides it was a guy looking back at him. He had a speech to give and he pulled it off without breaking down. They waited for everyone to leave the cemetery. Until it was just the grave yard shift. They all had their CSI vests on instead of fancy clothes.
The all stood there as his coffin was placed inside the wall. Catherine walked over and put in pictures of them together and a couple of roses. She took off her CSI vest folded it and placed it in the vault. Greg and Nick put in a pack of latex gloves and fingerprint powder, then took off their vests and folded them. Brass put in a poker chip and shot glass. Gil walked up and put a small colourful rock along with his vest. He touched the coffin one more time then turned and waited for them to seal the wall. They all walked out in silence and headed to Catherine’s house. There was a large wake at one of the hotels for the rest of the police and visitors, but the graveyard shift wanted to pull in the ranks and be alone.
Greg made enough food to feed an army but no one was eating much. They just shoved the food around their plates. The room was filled with silence. Catherine couldn’t handle it anymore. She walked over to the tv and turned it on and hit the remote. A video came on. She had been watching them the past few days. Trying to burn Warrick’s face into her memory alive….not laying in the coffin. ALIVE.
Greg was the first one to chuckle. “Oh I remember that Kitty Kat! He’s going to pick you up and……into the pool !” He laughed out loud and then covered his mouth.
“No Greg please, help me remember him alive.” That was enough to get people talking and laughing about things they had done with Warrick. Soon the pain was beginning to ease. They would never forget him, but they had to live on without him. It would be hard, especially for Catherine, but they would.
************
Several weeks later the trial was booked in the court system. Gil was surprised at the speed AND that one judge in particular wanted it. Gil reminded The Commissioner, the DA, Ecklie and Brass that this judge often dismissed Warrick’s cases for what appeared to be no reason. Gil was sure there was something more to this. But he was ordered to leave it alone. They couldn’t stop him from being in the court room every morning and sitting thru the trial each day. It was no surprise when the verdict was handed down as guilty. The young man was sentenced to prison until he tuned twenty one. Then he was out scot free. It didn’t sit well with Gil. But the law was the law and he had to swallow it.
“What are you processing in that brain of yours?” Brass looked at Gil sitting in a darken office. “I know you, something is sticking in your throat.”
“No reason. The kid gave NO reason. Did you notice his Mother? She wasn’t crying, screaming or acting out. Not like a normal Mother would. Something just isn’t right. She isn’t living in the same place now. She’s moved to an upscale home. Driving a new car too.”
“Came into some money did she? Well this is Vegas.” Gil looked up at him. “Maybe if I keep talking I’ll convince myself.”
“I’m paying Keja a visit tomorrow. They can’t stop me now.”
“Mind if I come along?”
****************
The young man was led into the room wearing an orange jumpsuit. He didn’t look any worse for wear being in a juvie jail for three months. Seems the other inmates were somewhat in awe of him, killing an officer of the law. Word spread he was not to be messed with because he had connections. His legs were chained to the floor across from Brass and Gil.
“Being treated well?” Gil was trying not to reach over and choke the life out of this kid.
“Can’t complain. Who are you and why you want to talk to me?” His arrogant tone made Brass grit his teeth.
“I’m Gil Grissom. Supervisor and a friend of the man you killed. I just came to get some answers.”
“Ain’t got nuthin’ to say.”
“Then you can sit and listen.” Gil opened up a folder with pictures of Warrick laying on the table. The pool of blood. Gil watched as the kid turned slightly pale. Then Gil put pictures of his Mother on the table. Pictures of her driving around in a new car, outside her new house. Wearing expensive clothes.
“You leave my Mama alone.”
“Who paid you off? What was the deal?” Grissom spoke softly enough Brass barely heard him. When Keja didn’t answer fast enough for Gil, his fist hit the table. “WHO?”
“Can’t tell ya. Promised. Besides, he said he’d take care of Mama and I’d be out and free in a few years.”
“So you sold your soul for your Mama? And she LET you? She’s some piece of work your Mama.” Brass was spitting venom
“Don’t you talk about my Mama like that. She’s had it rough and I wanted her not to have to work no more. I wanted her out of that place.”
“And you succeeded. But payback isn’t quite what you were thinking is it?” Gil looked at the wide eyes on the boy. “Not being able to do what you want, when you want. No cells, dvds, computers. Sitting in a eight by ten space twenty three hours a day. Has your cellmate tried anything yet?”
“Like what?”
“Making you his bitch.” Brass smiled. “Or is that something you like?”
“No ! I ain’t like that. NO!”
“Well dude, it’s coming.” Brass smiled slightly. “Just wish I could see your face afterwards.”
“No! No! The judge ain’t gonna let it happen.”
“Which judge is that?” Gil just looked at him.
The kid realized he let is slip. “Not suppose to tell.”
“Makes little difference now. You’re in here. Your Mama’s taken care of and you got plenty of time to kill until twenty one. A lot can happen between now and then. Mama could get arrested for something and….”
“Leave her alone!”
“Can’t promise that the same judge that tried your case would get your Mama’s case, then what? All that for nothing. She’s lost everything.” Brass was baiting the kid who didn’t realize it.
“No, that judge …Ensign said Mr Cohen would take care of my Mama if I took care of Mr Brown.”
“Judge Cohen?” Both Gil and Brass said at the same time.
“Was he a judge too? Didn’t care what he was, I promised and he’d take care of Mama. That’s all. And he did. Mama’s out of that hood in a nice place now.”
**************
Brass and Gil didn’t bother to knock as they hit The Commissioner’s office. Both were not in the mood for being polite. Ecklie was just standing after having a short meeting with Robert Carvelle.
“Forgot how to knock Grissom?” The Commissioner looked up for his desk.
“I knew there was something going on. Did you know about this?” Gil hit the pocket sized recorder. They all listened as the conversation in the jail was repeated. “Now tell me what the hell is going on.”
“I don’t know a damned thing.” Robert reached for the recorder but Gil was faster.
“I’ll keep this. You better figure out what side you are on.” Gil stormed from the room and Conrad just looked at The Commissioner. Brass followed Gil to his office and closed the door.
“So you think Robert’s tied in with this?”
“I’m beginning to wonder.” Gil looked up at Jim. “I’m going to make a call better you not be here.”
“Oh no, I’m in on this the whole way.” Brass sat down as Gil picked up the phone.
After calling his lawyer and the Mayor, Grissom and Brass headed out the door of the Crime Lab Building Brass in tow. Jim was on high alert, he felt like eyes were watching them.
***************
Gil played the tape for the Mayor in front of several lawyers for the City and his own. Afterwards, he handed the tape over to his lawyer for safe keeping. “If anything happens to me, you will know what to do with this.”
“I think we need to put this on tv right away.” The Mayor’s eyes almost bugged out at the suggestion from Gil’s lawyer.
“Do you know what kind of lawsuit you are opening up here?” He was turning pale at the thought of his friends, judges and The Commissioner doing these things. People he appointed. The City lawyers were quick to say that the City of Las Vegas would be best served by getting it out in the open via the Mayor’s office and not some television station. So it was agreed several that several tapes would be made and everyone would have copies for safe keeping.
It hit the news within an hour.
***********
The Commissioner was ‘escorted’ from his office and processed like a common criminal. Judge Ensign was escorted from his chambers and given the same treatment. Judge Cohen was already in jail thanks to Warrick wearing a wire years ago. It took the Mayor one phone call to the FBI’s local office to get things moving. The FBI had not said a word to anyone that they had been investigating for months and was looking for the ONE lead that would break the case of corruption in the Las Vegas Judicial System. They also informed the Mayor that, yes the Commissioner WAS involued.
Catherine called Gil when she heard the news. “You did Warrick proud. You made his death count for something.”
“I would give anything if it was otherwise.”
“Yeah.”
“So, feel like coming back to work yet?”
“I’ve been thinking. I got a job offer from someone to work in the private sector….as a CSI on the other side. Sorta of a way to keep it honest. I think I’m going to take it. I’ll have better pay and shorter hours. More time….for me.”
Gil just sighed. “I know, I’m feeling the age myself. We both have enough time in to get a pension. Why don’t you take that route? You can pick and chose the cases on a consultant basis. Might work out better for you financially.”
“Great idea. What about you? I think it’s time for you too.”
“Yeah, I’m going to retire. I’m not going to say anything about it. Just walk in and put the badge on the new Commissioner’s desk. I’m just tired Cath. Maybe Nick or someone else can fill in our shoes. I just have had enough. I want to do some traveling and work with my racers.”
“And Hank.”
“And Hank.”
“Heather?”
“Yeah. I think it’s a good thing. She’s been there for me a lot lately.”
“About time damn it. What about Jim? Think he’ll stay?”
“I think maybe he’d be lost without the job. Who knows. When are you coming in to do the paperwork?”
“Tonight too soon?”
“See you.”
***************
By the time Gil got to his office at eleven the place was in a buzz. Grissom was walking thru and people were patting his back and strangely enough also saying that they were sorry things were what they were. He was puzzled and every time he went to ask what they were taling about someone else would come up to him. He finally got to his office and there were quite a few message slips on his desk. Nick and Greg were waiting for him too.
Catherine walked in and hugged the boys. Small talk for a few minutes and Gil said it was time to buckle down and start work, that Catherine had come to reassign. Nick and Greg looked at each other and nodded.
“Griss, we came to a decision.” Nick looked sheepish. “Don’t know how to say this without sounding ungrateful.”
“Just say it Nick. You know we’re family here.” Gil looked up after taking his glasses off and handing Catherine the paperwork.
“Okay, can you give Greg and I the same papers that you just handed Catherine?”
“What?”
“Nick and I decided we want to move on. We want to go somewhere else and work. We don’t want to be here when….”
“Hey guys!” Jim walked in and closed the door. “So what’s up? CATHERINE !!” He went over and hugged her. He looked around and realized something was up. “Wanta clue me in or is this a private party?”
“Catherine is retiring…..Nick and Greg just said they want to leave….I wasn’t going to say anything but….” Gil looked at them all.
“Oh guess you didn’t hear the news.” Jim smiled a cocky grin. He looked at each of them as he rocked on his heels.
“Why do I get the feeling I’m NOT going to like this?” Gil once again took off his glasses after getting Nick and Greg’s paperwork.
“We have a new boss.” Jim smiled devilishly.
“Well of course.” Gil looked at Jim, “That’s to be expected.”
“Guess. Come on guess!” Jim started swinging his hands. “While you are guessing, hand me some of that paperwork too. I’m retiring.”
The entire group shouted “JIM !!” at the same time.
“Ahhh come on someone GUESS !!!” He sat down and started to fill out the papers. “Fifty bucks say you can’t figure it out in three guesses.”
“I’m surprised the Mayor found someone so quickly.” Gil looked at Jim filling out the forms. The others were just about finished. “Come on Jim who.”
“Guess, come on!!!”
“Enie, Meenie, or Myie?” Catherine smirked. “I’ll PAY you fifty bucks to tell us.”
“I’d stay if it was Grissom.” Greg smiled and Nick nodded his approval.
“Thanks but…no thanks. I’m not doing the politics.” Gil looked at Jim again. “WELL?”
A knock at the door and no wait for entrance approval was given. Conrad Ecklie just opened the door. “Grissom, we need to talk now.” He saw the entire group standing there. “Oh, you are handing out assignments….good. Hello, Catherine, glad you are back. I need to ….”
“I’m not back Conrad. I’m retiring. I just filled out the paperwork and Gil’s signing off on it now.” Gil grabbed the pen and put his name on the paper.
“Oh , well sorry to hear that because you were going to be promoted to Assistant Director.” Ecklie thought the idea would be enough to make her change her mind. When she didn’t jump at the chance he was surprised. “What? That’s not enough?”
“No Conrad not any more. I’m done.” She stood up. “Jim we’re still waiting.”
“I’m not finished yet.” Conrad looked at her. “Since YOU are not taking the job. I guess it leaves it to….”
“Wait Ecklie….” Nick piped up. “Why are YOU offering YOUR job to Catherine? It’s not like you are……” He looked at Brass who put on a shit eating grin. “Holy Mother of God.”
“Grissom quick PLEASE sign the papers for Nick and I !! PLEASE !!!” Greg looked like a deer in headlights. “Ppppplease!!!”
Gil took the papers and signed them and Jim set his on top after he signed his name on the bottom line. “Mine too.” Gil just added his signature to the ever growing pile.
“What the hell is going on?” Ecklie looked at the men sitting there.
Gil pulled open the drawer again and got out yet another paper. “They are all leaving effective immediately Conrad.”
“Why?” Conrad was totally clueless and looking back and forth. He didn’t notice Gil filling out paperwork for himself. “What am I to do without a graveyard shift?” Gil stood up and handed all of the paperwork to Conrad, who looked down at the top one. “YOU TOO!”
“Well Conrad, there’s this new CSI from San Francisco. I saw him at Warrick’s funeral. Name’s Sam. You might like him. Then there is always Hodges. You can promote him. You two have a lot in common, total ass kissers. “ Gil started to take down the items from the wall, Catherine was helping him.
“But…but….”
“Grissom?” A voice from the doorway made Conrad’s few hairs stand on end.
“SIDLE? “ Ecklie turned and looked at a man standing there with a mustache. “SARA?”
“It’s Sam now Conrad. Grissom said there was an opening. I had my application in and he rehired me. So here I am, ready to work.”
Ecklie turned and looked at Gil. “You bastard. You can’t get away with this. I’m not going to let you.”
“Can’t do anything about it Conrad. We’ll all retired, it’s signed sealed AND delivered in front of witnesses. You have to put the paperwork thru or… and as of now Sam here is your Senior CSI on graveyard. I hired him this morning.”
“Get out. GET OUT! And take that……with you.” He pointed to Sara/Sam.
“After I collect my things. Guys boxes?” They all scattered out the door. Ecklie just turned and stormed out of the office. Each one of them just looked at the newly changed Sara and left without a word.
“Grissom, what’s going on? Where are they going? Where are YOU going?”
“We’re all retired now. Jim, Catherine and I retired. Nick and Greg are moving on. You now have control. Remember when you THOUGHT you were in charge of the shift because you were sleeping with me? Well now you are. Enjoy it. I’m leaving, I’m starting my life before it’s too late.”
“With the bitch?”
“Heather yes, you no.” Catherine came in with several boxes and started placing Gil’s treasures in them as she spoke. “I have my car with me. We can load it up. I’m sure Ecklie isn’t going to let you take the SUV home…” she smiled, “..and I called someone who was just on her way over here. She should be here shortly.” Gil smiled at Catherine, he knew. “Sara err Sam you might want to go over the slips and get moving. There’s a lot of work to do. We’ll be out as soon as we can. You can probably move right into Gil’s office here.” Gil just closed his eyes at the horrour. “Sorry.” Nick and Greg brought in more boxes and started to take down Gil’s wall of jars. “I think we’ll need something bigger for the crew.” She pointed to the live gallery of insects.
“Maybe I can help.” They all turned to see Heather standing in the doorway. “Ms Sizzle?” She walked past Sam. “Hot wax does wonders.” She motioned her upper lip and kept moving as Sam glared at her. Heather kissed Gil’s lips. “I brought packing material and my SUV for the pets.”
“You always know what to do.” Gil smiled down at her.
“It’s about time you two got it together. I think the end is in sight for this CSI unit. It was a good run….most of the time. I think things started to go downhill when…” Catherine spoke softly.
“Nick got shot.” Greg touched Nick’s arm and Nick nodded.
“Nope, it went downhill when Griss over there got DUMB.” Brass did his best smart aleck smile. The rest of the crew nodded in agreement.
“Okay, okay. I’ll admit I was thinking with the wrong ….head.” Gil looked at them individually. “I’m sorry. I really am sorry. I have NO idea what I was thinking.”
“You LOVED me !!” Sam looked at him. “I changed FOR YOU! I thought you liked me more…..butch so I made it permanent.” Sam/Sara was practically screaming now.
“No Sara err Sam. I want my woman to be one. I lost internet because I didn’t like YOU wearing the pants all the time.” He touched Heather’s face softly. “I like knowing who the man is in a relationship.”
They finished clearing out the office quickly and found they could fit everything in all of their cars with not too much of a problem. Several of the officers who were just getting off duty also pitched in to help Grissom.
They were just about out the door when Hodges came up to Grissom and was dumbfounded as everyone was saying goodbye.
“Who? Who is going to be our new boss?” Hodges was blinking.
“Grissom!” Everyone turned to see Doc Robbins walking up the hallway. “Can you sign this?” He handed Gil is retirement paperwork. Gil smiled and signed it. “Thanks, I’ll drop it off as I go by the office. I’ll slip it under the others on the secretary’s in box. See you at ‘Lucky’s’.”
“HIM TOO !!” Hodges looked around. “Next thing you’ll be telling me that bitch Sidle’s coming back. He stood there with his hands on his hips.
“Hodges.” The voice came from behind him.
The last thing Hodges saw was the entire team walking down the hall together for the last time…. they didn’t look back. The last thing the gang heard was Hodges’ scream.
