| Shadows of Crimes Past - by kyrdwyn |
| Rated: R (language, adult themes) Spoilers: Pilot, Anonymous, my fan fic Ghosts of Crimes Past Synopsis: Grissom asks Jana for help on personal matter which leads to her teaming up with the nightshift on a missing persons case. And yes, she does get to torment Brass again. (If you haven't read Ghosts of Crimes Past, I suggest you read it first.) |
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| CSI, Gil Grissom and company, and places and etc are all property of Anthony Zuiker, Alliance Atlantis, CBS, and other companies. They did not condone this fic, and I am not getting paid for it. I write because I want to. All other characters not appearing on CSI in any way, shape, or form that appear in this story are my property. If you have any comments - good or bad, feel free to e-mail me at: toxicrev@yahoo.com |
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| Jana was already at the diner when Grissom walked in. He was relieved that she’d gotten his message and decided to respond. Though she’d accepted his apologies for what happened five years ago, their relationship was still fragile. He’d invited her to lunch several times over the past few months, and she’d only taken him up on it a few times. But this was different. He needed her help. Jana’s face was wreathed in cigarette smoke as she sat in a back booth. The P.I.’s hair was loose around her shoulders, covering part of her face. He couldn’t read her expression as she waited for him. “Hey, I was wondering if you were going to show up tonight.” Jana’s voice carried across the aisle to him. She was tilting her head to one side, regarding him intently as she tapped the ash from the end of her cigarette. He slipped onto the bench opposite her. “Sorry. Something came up. Couldn’t get away when I wanted too.” She shook her head. “Any other woman would have left by now, Grissom. It’s a good thing I used to work with you.” He regarded her with a raised eyebrow. She just smiled. “Anyway, sorry I didn’t get to meet you for lunch last week – I was in court, testifying.” “Anything interesting?” “Divorce. Never fun. At least there were no kids involved – I hate having to testify when the kids are in the room.” “Adultery?” “Big time.” She crushed her cigarette out into the ashtray. The waitress came over to take their orders, and Jana was grateful that Grissom let the subject drop when the woman left. Divorce cases were the lowlight of her job. Jana took a sip of her soda and watched Grissom. There was something off about him tonight. She realized what it was when he reached over to the napkin dispenser and pulled out one of the paper rectangles. He idly began to twist it around in his hands. Jana had seen Grissom worked up about things before, but had never seen him fidget like this. “What’s wrong?” He looked up, startled by her question. “What do you mean?” “I mean – what’s wrong? There’s something bothering you, Gris.” “Nothing’s wrong.” He was lying, Jana could tell. She reached across the table to cover one of his hands with her own. “Grissom, you just destroyed a poor, defenseless napkin for no reason. That’s not your style. Something’s wrong.” Grissom sighed, staring down at the remains of the napkin. “You’re right. There is something wrong.” Jana waited quietly. She stayed silent when the waitress brought their orders. She watched Grissom as they ate. He wouldn’t meet her eyes. This was almost worse than that farce of a conversation they’d had five years ago. Grissom set his fork down. “Look, Jana, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring you into this. I ought to get back to work.” He started to get up. Jana’s hand shot across the table to grab his arm before he could get out of the booth. “No way, Grissom. There’s something bothering you – and for some reason you came to me instead of Catherine to talk this out. I’m not letting you just get up and leave.” Grissom regarded the younger woman. Her blue eyes were angry. He sat back down, sighing. She was right. He reached into his jacket and pulled out three plastic evidence bags. Inside each was a note. He handed them over to Jana and watched her face as she read them. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the first note, then narrowed at the other two. He remained silent as she read each a second time. Finally she looked up at Grissom. “Where did you get these?” “They’ve been slipped into my mailbox while I’ve been at work over the past week.” Jana flipped the bags over, noticing the lack of evidence tags. “Why come to me? Wouldn’t Brass be a better choice?” He shook his head. “I need someone outside the department.” Jana raised an eyebrow. If Grissom wasn’t even trusting Brass on this, it must be serious. “You think someone in the department sent them?” “No. But I think someone inside the department helped.” “Okay, you know how I feel about Brass, but I sincerely doubt he’s helping out whoever sent these. So why not go to him about this?” “Because there’s no way any investigation run within the department could remain secret. Someone is bound to find out about it. And the more people who know…” “The more of a chance this guy will know,” Jana finished for him. “What do you need me to do?” He shook his head. “I really don’t want to drag you into this, Jana. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.” His face reflected the pain he felt at recalling why Jana had left CSI. Jana looked at him steadily, her own ghosts from that time visible in her expression. “Look, I’m already involved now. It’s why you wanted to meet tonight – isn’t it? You said it yourself – you need someone outside the department. How many other P.I.s do you know? Especially ones who wouldn’t be able to resist bragging that a member of the LVPD is coming to them for help.” He sighed, dropping his eyes down to his unfinished meal. Jana was right – he didn’t know of anyone else he could trust with this. He just prayed he wasn’t making a mistake in allowing her to investigate. “I need you to keep an eye on my townhouse. They know my work hours and habits – even what cases I’m working. I want to find out who’s delivering the notes and when.” Jana nodded, mentally checking over the equipment in her car. She had some surveillance items left over from another case earlier that day. “I can start tonight. Where’s the best place?” “There’s a parking lot for visitors to the clubhouse a few streets away. You ought to be able to get a good view from there.” “How close do you want me to keep this?” Grissom tilted his head to one side. “What do you mean?” Jana smiled. “Should I bring in my staff, or would you rather I not?” “I’d rather just keep it between us right now. The less people who know, the better as far as I’m concerned.” He pulled out his wallet and tossed enough on the table to cover both their meals. He stood, and Jana got up as well. He looked at her solemnly, “Jana – be careful. If I’m right, this could be dangerous.” Jana swallowed the flippant remark she was planning to make. Instead she nodded. “I’ll be careful, I promise.” * * * * * His cell phone rang just as he turned off the ignition to his Tahoe. He flipped it open. “Grissom.” “Good morning, sunshine. No visitors last night, unless you count the occasional stray animal. You really ought to put the lids to your garbage cans on a little tighter.” Jana’s amused voice came through the speaker. “Where are you?” “Now, now, Gris. I never reveal good surveillance positions. Trade secrets and all that. I just thought I would let you know that while I was here, no one stopped by. Now I think I’m going to take off and get some sleep. What time should I be back tonight?” “I’m scheduled to be in at 11, but if I get called in earlier I’ll let you know.” “Okay. Call my cell – it’s the best way to reach me.” “I will. Tell Tilly and Evie I said hi.” He heard her chuckle. “I’ll do that.” She ended the call. Grissom refrained from looking around for her when he got out of the car. He felt relieved at knowing that there shouldn’t be another note waiting for him when he got his mail. He flipped open the box and found it empty – as it should be. His tormentor had taken last night off, apparently. * * * * * Jana watched from her car to make sure Grissom made it into his house. She wasn’t surprised to see him check his mailbox – just in case. Once his door was closed, she started her car. She headed home long enough to change into a gray business suit and pull her hair back into a French braid. A little makeup to hide the evidence of a night’s surveillance and she was off again. When she’d driven past Grissom’s house the night before, she’d noticed a “For Rent” sign on a house diagonally across the street from his. It had a bay window on the side that would give a perfect view for surveillance – and would be less conspicuous than sitting in the parking lot every night. The realtor was delighted to show the house to Jana, who gave every appearance of being a young professional just moving into the area. As Jana had suspected, the house was perfect for surveillance. The windows were at great angles, and the place was furnished - meaning she wouldn't have to do much more to establish her cover. Jana signed the rental agreement when they got back to the realtor's office. After a few minutes of wheedling, she got permission to stay there starting that night. After all, she’d told the realtor, staying in a hotel on the Strip wasn’t the same as sleeping in your own space. The woman had agreed, and turned over the key. Of course, the fact that Jana had paid the equivalent of three months rent – nonrefundable – didn’t hurt either. On her way back to her own condo, Jana shook her head at the lengths she went to in her job. Normally, she wouldn’t have been this extravagant - Grissom's neighborhood wasn't cheap. The parking lot would have been fine, except for the fact that people noticed when unfamiliar cars began showing up at odd hours of the night and staying for a while. If she was there too long, they called the police. Usually, the cops were friendly with her – understanding that she was doing her job. But she didn’t want word of her investigation becoming known around the station – it might get back to the mole. * * * * * Jana awoke to the sound of Mozart's 40th in her ear. She turned over and grabbed her cell phone. "Jana." "Hey, boss. You planning on coming in today?" She rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?" she asked her office manager. "Two in the afternoon." She'd been asleep for three hours. She was tempted to just hang up on Timothy and go back to sleep, but he deserved an explanation. "Sorry - I was working on a case all night. Special request." Timothy stayed silent. Special request cases meant that the client, for whatever reason, wanted one investigator only working on their case. That often translated into not telling anyone else in the office about the case until it was finished. "Well, should we expect you in today?" "Anything pressing on my calendar?" "Nope." "Then I'm not coming in. If an emergency comes up, call me. Otherwise, I'm in the field." "Sure thing. See you later." "Later." Jana hung up the phone and burrowed back under her covers, gently pushing her dogs out of the way. She'd just about fallen back asleep when the phone rang again. Letting out a sound of frustration, she reached for her cell phone. "What?" "Not exactly the greeting I was expecting." Jana sighed. "Sorry, Gris." He chuckled. "No problem. Look, I'm sorry to do this to you, but I have to go in early tonight - there's a meeting I need to attend." "You poor thing." "Thanks. Look, if you can't make it this afternoon, just come back at the usual time - they may not know about the meeting." "Grissom, if they've got a mole in the department, they probably know. Don't worry; I'll be there. What time is the meeting?" "I'll have to leave by 6 to be there on time." "Okay." "Jana…thanks. This means a lot to me." "I know, Gil. You take care." "You too." * * * * * Jana stood in her new living room and watched through the viewfinder of her video camera as Grissom got into his SUV and drove away. She had debated letting him know that she was renting the house, but decided against it. Sometimes the less a client knew, the better for them. Once the video camera was set up to her liking, Jana moved over to her still photo camera. Though she couldn't be watching the house 24/7, she wanted to make sure that if someone showed up, they were caught on film no matter what. Since her equipment was working, all Jana had to do was wait. She sat down on the couch across from the window and pulled out her notebook to log in her arrival time at the house. She flipped to the last page, where she'd written down the messages on the notes Grissom had showed her. Though they made no sense to Jana, they obviously did to Grissom. Enough to worry him. Looking up, Jana noticed a UPS truck pulling up outside Grissom's house. Curious, she moved over to the camera and began taking shots as the driver got out and walked up to the front door. When he didn't get an answer, he went next door. Jana presumed he needed a signature for the package. Figuring she might as well see what Grissom had ordered, she headed out her front door to check her mailbox. The delivery guy noticed her and came over. "Excuse me, ma'am." "Yes?" "This package is for your neighbor across the street, but he's not home. Would you mind signing for it?" "Uh, no." Jana scrawled a fake name on the computer pad and took the box. The young man gave her a grateful smile and hurried back to his truck. Jana walked back into her house and set the package down on the dining room table. She smiled ruefully - she was going to have to tell Gris about her new place now. The package had been sent from here in Vegas – from one of those businesses that provided private mailboxes and shipping. The name above the business address was Royce Harmon – a name Jana didn’t recognize. She shrugged and returned to the living room. There was nothing going on outside in the street. Jana lit a cigarette and settled back down on the couch, pulling out a book to read. * * * * * When Grissom pulled into his driveway the next morning he was half expecting his phone to ring again. It didn't, so he got out of the car and headed into his house, checking his mailbox along the way. It was empty - no visitors last night. He entered his house and set his briefcase and jacket down on one of the chairs. He'd just gotten a bottle of water from his fridge when the doorbell rang. He was surprised to find Jana on his porch, a box in her arms. There was a note on top of the box. He glanced at it before greeting her. We're being watched - act like you don't know me. He looked up. "Hi." She smiled brightly. "Hi! My name is Karen Lockhart. I just moved in across the street. You got a package yesterday that needed a signature. I hope you don't mind that I signed for it." He shook his head. "No, I'm glad you did. My name is Gil Grissom, but I guess you've figured that out by now. Would you like to come in?" "Sure." She brought the box in with her. Grissom locked the door behind her and followed her into the living room. She had set the box on the glass dining table and was writing something on the slip of paper. She handed it to him. "I like the décor. These butterflies are exquisite." She said as she wandered around. He looked at the paper. Have you checked your place for bugs? I think these people are more sophisticated than we expected. He raised his eyebrows and looked at Jana disbelievingly. She was over by his window fans, peering into the mesh that covered them. She turned her head, pointing to the fans with a finger. "So, how long have you lived here?" "Uh, about 15 years." He walked over to where she stood and peered in, seeing the tiny wireless microphone that someone had placed into the unit. He looked over at her, and she shook her head at him. "This house - or in Vegas?" "I've been in Vegas pretty much all my life. What about you?" he responded, making small talk as Jana continued to examine his house for bugs. Grissom sat down at the table, a little stunned by the fact that someone had been listening to him at home. "Oh, I just moved here from Reno. Transferred by my company. I was lucky to find a furnished place for rent so quickly - living out of the Monaco was getting to be a drag." Jana had finished her survey of his living room and kitchen, finding no other bugs. Grissom planned to go through the rest of his house when he was alone. "Well, I saw you pull up as I was getting ready for work and wanted to make sure you got your package. I do need to get going." Jana was scrawling something else on the slip of paper as she spoke. Call me when you're not at home so we can talk freely. "Thank you for taking in my package. You didn't have to do that." He walked with Jana to his front door. "It was my pleasure. I hope to see you again, Mr. Grissom." She smiled at him and extended her hand, as if she hadn't known him for seven years. "Same here, Ms. Lockhart." He shook her hand and watched from his doorway, hands in his pockets, as Jana walked across the street to the house she was apparently using for surveillance. She got into her car and drove off, waving at him as she drove by. He waved back and shut his door. Back in his living room, he contemplated the package. He, like Jana, noticed that it had been sent from a packaging depot store. Unlike Jana, he recognized the name on the return address. He sat down in his chair, thinking back to all those months ago when he and Brass had worked on the Royce Harmon case. A fingerprint had led them to Paul Millander, but the man had been sneaky enough to plant his own fingerprint from a latex hand his Hallowierd Company made. It was enough to make Grissom doubt the evidence. Then another body, same suicide in the bathtub scenario. This time, they realized Millander had been behind the killings, but the man had slipped away, tormenting Grissom one last time by showing up at the crime lab while he, Brass, and Catherine were out to arrest him. Grissom had suspected Millander was behind the notes that were being sent to his house. They had all had references to his two killings. What had really disturbed Grissom were the references to some of the current cases he was working on - like the Metcalf case. Grissom rubbed his forehead. He should take this package down to the lab and have them dust it for prints. He should tell Brass that Millander was back in town. But with his suspicion that someone in the department was assisting Millander, he was leery of any departmental involvement. Deciding that he didn't want to open the package just yet, he got up and headed into his bedroom to take a shower. He'd look for bugs later. * * * * * Jana checked her rearview mirror to make sure the people who were watching Grissom's house weren't following her. They apparently decided that she was a harmless neighbor. She headed back home and greeted Tilly and Evie, her two Shih-Tzu dogs. Setting out their bowls, she climbed the stairs to the top floor of her condo. In her home office, she booted up her laptop and logged onto the Internet. She had a Lexis-Nexis account she used for research for cases. Now, she was searching for the name that she had seen on the package sent to Grissom. Two hours later, she called Grissom and asked him to meet her for dinner before his shift started. She had a few things to say to say to him. |
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