grissom back

Nick had never wanted to hit something so much as he did when he opened that door. Lady Heather he'd been expecting, although he hated to deal with her, but when he saw Grissom there, not just staying there, but living there, his temper had hit the roof. He'd been glad Greg wasn't with him and doubly glad that Sara hadn't been. Sara walked into the break room, smiling. She stopped behind Nick and put her arms around him, kissing his head and resting on his shoulder.

He relaxed gently, turning to face her. "How did you know I needed that?" He was hoping Russell and Morgan hadn't said anything.

"I didn't. I just wanted to do it. What are you thinking about?"

He knew there was a chance that she could never find out about it, but there was also a chance that she could run into him on the street or a case and he didn't want anyone telling her but him. "You know the case I've been working?"

"Yeah, something to do with Lady Heather."

"Yeah." He moved her to sit with him. "I had to go over there today, to talk to her, with Russell and Morgan."

"Okay. But that isn't what's bothering you, is it?"

He shook his head, holding both of her hands in his. "No, babe, it isn't." He paused. "Grissom was there. He's living in Vegas again, with her."

Sara tensed, but smiled. "Good for him. I don't care."

"I do." He paused. "I just didn't want you running into him, finding out we knew and were keeping it from you."

"It's okay, honestly. I've moved on."

"Good." He kissed her forehead, trying not to be worried about her, but of course he was.

"I'm gonna go get some air," she said calmly, with a hint of anger and pain in her voice.

"Do you want me to go with you? Or get Finn or Morgan to?"

"Uh, no, I'll be fine. Just need a few minutes."

He nodded, wanting to argue, but sensing it was one of the times not to. "Okay."

Sara gave him another smile, this time less real, and walked off. Nick knew she would hate it, but he went to Russell and asked him to talk to her, that he was worried.

"Of course. Nick, maybe you should let Greg know too? He might be able to help."

"I'll do that." He wanted to tell Morgan as well since she knew enough to be worried about her friend. It was always easier to find them together. "But can you go now?"

"I'm on my way."

Russell walked out and headed outside to Sara. He approached her carefully, trying to discern her mood. He was as worried about her as Nick was and Morgan wasn't far behind. He'd wanted to punch Grissom and had been about to recommend Nick take a breather if he hadn't walked out when he had.

Sara turned, hastily wiping away her tears. "Hi Russell, I was just coming back inside."

"Don't worry about it. Everyone needs a breath of fresh air, from time to time."

"Nick told me."

"I know." He paused. "I know better than to ask if you're okay. Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. Maybe. I don't love him anymore but I would have thought that he would call or something if he was here."

"Maybe he didn't want to cause you any more problems, any more heartache."

"He did that when he asked for a divorce rather than trying to talk and work things out."

"Maybe he didn't think there was anything to work out." His ex sure hadn't.

"I want to talk to him, but I'm scared I might punch him in the face."

"So was Nick," he said before he could stop himself.

Sara laughed. "I imagine if Greg had been there, he would have punched him immediately."

"I think Morgan and I were the only things stopping Nick. That and the fact that I've never seen him punch anyone, although I know he used to."

"Believe me, he would have if you guys weren't there. He is so angry with Gil, especially for the way he broke off our marriage. Nick is very protective."

"He loves you, Sara."

"I know. I don't mind that he protects me. God knows I've never had that, not even when I was married."

"Sara, if all you want is to talk to Gil, I'll try to set something up. I'll even be there with you if you want, if it'll help you."

"Can you tell Nick to come too? I want him there. I don't know why, but I feel safer with him."

He nodded. "I'm sure he'll feel better if he's there."

"Thanks for listening Russell."

"You've done the same for me." She was the one that helped him see what Barbara said when she left was true, that Jules was more than just a best friend.

Sara smiled. She hugged her boss and then headed inside to find Nick.
*****************
Nick meanwhile had found Greg exactly where he'd thought he would, in one of the layout rooms with Morgan, examining evidence.

"Hey Nick. Where's Sara?" Greg asked, needing her to help him with their case.

"You told her, didn't you?" said Morgan.

"I had to, Morgan. If she had found out another way, she would have hated me."

"No. She's hating him right now."

Greg looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Grissom's back in Vegas. Living with Lady Heather or Dr Heather or whatever she's calling herself these days."

Greg was stunned and angry. "What the hell?! I'm going to kill him!"

Morgan rested a hand on Greg's shoulder. "No. I know that you're pissed with him, but we need to support Sara right now, especially if she wants to confront him."

"I'm with you, Greg." Nick agreed.

"Guys, Sara has got to be hurting badly. I don't think she's going to appreciate you both attacking him. Even if she hates him. Let her talk to him first. Then I'll help you get him."

Greg smiled. "Don't I have the most wonderful girlfriend? Always backs me up."

"Doesn't hurt that she's Ecklie's daughter. She's SUPPOSED to hate the ba...jerk."

Nick smiled though.

"Hey, I'm nothing like my dad. Okay, maybe just a little."

Greg sighed. "I should check on Sara and then she and I need to go to our scene. I'll see you both later." He walked off.

"He's so upset, poor guy. I feel horrible for him."

"He idolized Grissom. By the time he'd started dating Sara, I'd grown out of it, but Greg never did. He was the only one who defended him while he hurt Catherine, but Sara...Sara was the last straw."

"Sara is his best friend. That's why she was the last straw for him."

Nick nodded. "I'm really worried, Morgan. I don't want either of them to get hurt anymore."

"Then let's be there for them. Surely they will need us at some point."

Russell went back into the lab as Greg came out. "Hey," he said, sitting on the concrete near her. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just thinking. Did Nick tell you?"

"Yeah. Morgan says I can't beat him up right now though."

"Let me talk with him first. You may not have a chance to hit him though cause I really would like to do that."