A/N: This idea came to me when I was riding my horse one day, and I knew it would continue to bug me until I set finger to keyboard! I hope you enjoy.

Oh, and I just wanted to say thank you to the few people who read/reviewed my other CSI fic. It means a lot when people say they like my work!

Disclaimer: I don't own CSI :(

The cold muzzle of a gun against her temple.

"Breathe a word and you won't see the light of tomorrow."

A vicelike grip crushing her fragile bones.

"I want revenge. Nothing will stand in my way."

A sharp prick on her arm.

"I've been through hell. It's time you paid."

Black.

Delicate petals blew across the lawn, each dewy stalk headed with a glittering droplet, perfectly balanced and gently shimmering. A handsome Texan disturbed the tranquil beauty, scuffed boots treading across the grass, making soft indents in the ground. A dark bay horse stood in her stable, head over the door, bright eyes fixed on her owner as he approached. Running a hand across her smooth coat, Nicholas Stokes rested a tanned hand upon his horse's neck, allowing her to lip his other palm gently. The horse's beautiful eyes emanated nothing but raw love and pure trust for the man before her, her velvet muzzle rubbing the back of Nick's hand as she searched his person for treats.

"What are you looking for, Beatrix?" Nick laughed, face creased with a deep and genuine smile as his horse rubbed her head against his strong chest. Nick stepped back, taking a worn leather bridle from a hook by the large oak doors into the barn, brushing flecks of chipped red paint from the braided brow band. He gently pushed the metal bit into Beatrix's mouth, slipping the headpiece over her ears and pulling her silky forelock over the brow band. Doing up the various buckles, Nick patted his trusty steed's strong neck, leading her out of the barn and swinging himself up onto her back in one fluid motion. He felt her bare back muscles rippling beneath him as she followed his precise instructions and walked through the long grass, slender legs brushing the blooming flowers. Nick took a deep breath, giving Beatrix full rein as they reached the field, allowing her to stretch her neck and guide them around the large paddock. It had been a couple of months since Nick had been buried alive, and he had taken the time out to recuperate at his father's picturesque Texas ranch, leaving his dearest friends to handle the gruelling cases. Thinking back to his hellish time in the box, Nick felt the cold muzzle of the gun against his throat, the sharp pain of the fire-ants crawling across his skin, the uncut terror burning in his stomach as he realised that he was trapped, thrown into a box and left for dead. Shaking his head free of such thoughts, Nick raised a hand, removing his cream cowboy hat and running a hand though his lustrous brunette locks, few strands falling across his tanned forehead. Placing his cowboy hat back onto this head, Nick took up the reins, pressing his heels into Beatrix's sides and pushing her forward into a steady, loping canter across the field. Beatrix pushed forward, lengthening her stride, muscles working as she carried Nick bareback through the grass, whispering leaves brushing Nick's arms as they rode through a dappled glade. Nick closed his eyes, closing his tenderly damaged soul from prying eyes, relaxing into Beatrix's gentle movements and allowing his horse to lead the way.

Nick brushed a few glistening beads of sweat from his brow, fingertips tracing across a faint scar delicately lined across his forehead, a permanent reminder of his short time in hell. He dropped the reins, giving Beatrix a sweeping stroke down her muscled neck, before slipping off her back and leading her towards the nearby hose. Tying her reins around the worn wooden post, Nick turned the tap on, only to be showered in a spray of pearly droplets, completely soaking his plaid shirt and ripped jeans. Nick groaned, running a hand through his glossy locks as he stared down at his ruined clothing, mind working desperately to think of some means of escape from the damp mess. He bit his lip, pearly teeth dragging across the velvet skin as he undid the buttons of his shirt, slipping it off his shoulders to reveal a perfectly toned chest, the result of many gruelling training sessions. Muscles steadily rippling, Nick turned the now working hose onto Beatrix, allowing the shimmering crystals to cascade over her body, glittering beautifully in the sunlight. Once she had been washed free of any sweat, Nick wiped any excess water away with a strong hand, before covering her with strong fly repellent. Grabbing a carrot from the feed room, Nick untied Beatrix's reins and led her to the nearest paddock. He unbuckled her bridle and allowed her to step inside, offering her the carrot as she walked past and into the field. She took it between her pearly teeth, crunching the orange delight as she made her way across the field to her best friend, Sandy. The two nuzzled each other, before settling down to pick at the luscious grass, tiny few drops glinting at the head of each stalk. Nick smiled to himself, looping the bridle over his bare shoulder and heading back up to the barn. A familiar ringing came from his pocket, and he pulled out the small cell he used for work.

"Stokes."

"Nick, it's Grissom." the entomologist sounded terse, voice brittle, words rushed and threaded with raw worry.

"Griss, what's up? You sound shaken."

"You would be correct, Nick. Listen, I'm sorry to cut your break short but I'm afraid we need you back-"

"But-" Nick began, only to be silenced by Grissom's harsh tones flooding the speaker.

"Nick, listen! There have been two separate attacks on CSI's on either side of town. You're one of your best guys and we need you on this case."

Nick's blood ran cold.

"What happened?"

Pause.

"I'll tell you when you get over here. Just get your ass on the first flight to Vegas."

Silence.

Nick pulled his phone from his ear, hands shaking slightly.

His friends were in danger.

What if it was too late for some of them?

What if death's cruel and cold fingers had already prised them from him?

He had to get back to Vegas.

Fast.

Uh oh...

Thanks for reading! thebestoftimes11 x