Grillows piece following on from the episode Law of Gravity, (Season 7, Episode 15) ((The one where Keppler dies and Grissom returns from Sabbatical))

As requested by the wonderful Sunni ( grillowsqueen24 )

Xxx

Grissoms POV

It feels nice to be back at the lab after my break. I've been gone for four weeks, and I missed it a lot. I missed the people, the atmosphere, the work, but the break was exactly what I needed. Four weeks of not having to worry about lab politics, or paperwork, small dramas or conflicts within the team.

Those four weeks away weren't exactly restful, I was probably just as busy, and just as tired, having to adjust to working in daylight hours for one, running lectures, guiding students, setting and marking homework. There were 23 people in the class, but another 7 had joined the course online, as they couldn't afford the travel and accommodation for the four weeks. But as they say, a change is as good as a rest sometimes.

Now though, now it feels wonderful to be back at the lab… except for the massive pile of paperwork, letters, and parcels that I have come back too. It's not long before I decide to head out to a scene to catch up with my team and the cases they are working.

The paperwork will still be there when I get back.

Xxx

How can so much happen in four weeks?

So far I've seen Warrick and Nick, and I've been informed about the incident involving Keppler, and Catherine, and the reverse forensics… What were they thinking? Now not only am I worrying about the fallout this may have caused professionally, I'm worried about Sara – she's never been quick to trust – but even more so I'm worried about Catherine, and where she seems to be emotionally and with her judgement right now.

Part of me is dying to see Sara, but I think right now, more than anything, I need to see Catherine, and I need to carry on working.

Xxx

I can't explain it, and I don't know why, but my heart flutters a little when the phone rings, and I can see its Catherine calling. She's spoken to me several times since I've returned, but something, I don't know what, tells me that this call is different.

Catherine doesn't even say hello, but I can tell she's worked up and worried 'He just called, sounded desperate. Like a man with nothing to live for and nothing to lose.'

Sighing I try and do my best to remind Catherine that, although hard at times, her work comes first. 'Well, he's not your priority. Find the witness.

'Yeah. I'm on my way. I just wanted you to know.' With that the line goes dead, and I know just how cold I seemed to her in that moment.

My social skills haven't improved at all it seems.

Shaking off the thought, I once again start to open my post, starting with the letters.

I'll get around to the parcel later.

I don't know how much time has passed, but soon my phone is ringing again.

Xxx

As I pull up to the motel, flashing light's all around me, I see Catherine almost shaking standing just outside the back of an ambulance, clearly shaken. I get to her as quickly as I can, putting my arms around her, as she falls apart.

Keppler has died, and Catherine begins to crumble.

I gently lead her away, my arms still holding her close.

Xxx

a/n – this was going to be a one-shot, but it's long overdue, so it will be a mini-fic instead.

More to follow as soon as my body stops rebelling against me.

Emz

Hi Sunni! xxx