She has lived in Vegas for nearly seven years, and she can honestly say she is one of the millions living in the desert city that gambles.

Poker has never interested her, but she does, in fact, enjoy blackjack. She doesn't see anything exciting about betting on a moving ball like in roulette, and the noises from the slot machines still give her headaches.

But she decides that gambling is better than drinking, because it doesn't give her a hangover, even though it burns a hole in her pocket. Not enough to worry her; it is disposable income.

Blackjack, the lesser of two evils.

In Las Vegas, Sara Sidle doesn't only gamble for money.

She gambles on love.

And today is the day she has to realise, like all the other people placing bets and gambling in flashy casinos, there are winners and losers. It is the same with poker, with roulette, and definitely with love.

The winner takes it all in virginal white, while the loser stands small.

Sara Sidle slips into a pure white gown and pins up her hair, feeling every bit the winner as she walks down the aisle towards Grissom with a knowing smile on her lips.

--

END.