Title: Safe 1/?
Author: Tim
Pairing: C/S (soon)
Rating: Mature (abuse and language)
Disclaimer: they're not mine
AN: Sara left after her investigation of Warrick, but did stay in touch with Catherine.
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CHAPTER 1



I don't know where else to go, but I knew I had to get away from him. I couldn't let my baby girl stay in that kind of enviroment. I could take the occasion hit from him, but it has been getting worse since he was passed over for promotion. I knew when his friends took him fishing it was my chance to get away. The only problem with that was I wasn't able to take that much with us.

The only thing I going for me was that I had started a separate account to make sure I had money for us. I know I should stop and rest for the night, but I want to put as much space between him and I. I was just glad Emily has been asleep the whole trip, but I know the questions are going to start when she wakes up though.

The thing that worries me most is that my plan blows up in my face. I mean I'm coming to Vegas with my three year old daughter where I am friends with two people who have no idea I'm coming, and the big fact that I don't have a job. Well, I do have a job, but it is back in Frisco where Stephen lives.

The only good thing about my job in Frisco is that they know about what has been going on with Stephen and I, so they know when he comes to ask, they know nothing. I've lost track how long I have been driving when I see the neon of Vegas on the horizon. I know it won't be too long before I can get some sleep before trying to figure out what to do next.

I pull into the first hotel I come to and pick Emily and our bags up before hesding inside. After getting us a room, I lay Em on the bed before heading to the shower. I looked at myself and notice all the stages of bruising on my body and face and know who I go to see first is going to ask questions.

----

I wake up playing bed for my baby girl. I will always love Stephen for her, but I am glad she doesn't have any trait that reminds me of him. I lay there running my fingers through her hair knowing I will do anything to keep her safe. I just hope it doesn't come to that. I feel her start to stir as I brace for the barrage of questions wonder where we are, and if daddy was coming.

"Morning Mommy, are we going to get something to eat?" Emily asked giving me a kiss. I wrapped her in a hug and grabbed our bags to pull out clothes for each of us.

"Yeah sweetie, pancakes okay," I said even though I knew what her response was going to be. She started bouncing up and down on the bed as I got her dressed.

During breakfast, I texted Catherine that I was in town and asked if we could meet. She knows about Stephen just not 'about' Stephen, but once she sees me, she will. I got a response quickly telling me to meet her at her place. After Emily finished, I paid the bill and took her to the bathroom because no matter how careful she tries to be, she always finds a way to get syrup on herself.

On the way to Catherine's house, I told Em that we were meeting an old friend of mommy's. She didn't ask any questions as I tried to figure out how old Lindsay would be now. When I came to Vegas, she was seven, so she would be ten or eleven now, but she could keep an eye on Em while I give Catherine my situation and ask for advice.

I pulled into Catherine's driveway getting a little nervous. I looked back at Em, and she was just smiling. What I wouldn't give to be that innocent again. I got out of the car and went to the back to get Emily. I made my way up the walkway and knocked as I reached the door. I heard Catherine yell something as the door opened.

 

 

CHAPTER 2

 

 

I smiled when I saw Catherine's face, and she offered me one back, but I also noticed that she saw my face. I wanted to say something, but the silence got the better of both of us until someone behind Catherine said something.

"Are you going to let Sara and Emily stand out there all day or invite them in?" Lindsay asked sarcasticly. I had to smile knowing that she was slowly becoming her mother as Catherine sat us down on the couch, and Em decided to play shy and hide her head in my neck.

As Lindsay went into the kitchen, the silence between Catherine and I continued. I have so much to say, but I'd rather not do it in front of the kids, and if Em doesn't feel like coming out of her shell, Catherine and I are in for a quiet visit. Then, I noticed Lindsay coming back in carrying drinks.

"Emily, would you like a juice box?" Lindsay asked sitting in front of me holding the box.

Em looked at me, and I nodded as she turned and took the juice box while whispering a quiet thank you. Lindsay then surprised me by offering her hand to Em to see if she wanted to go play. I nodded again as she turned towards me again silently asking for permission. As I watched them go up the steps, I turned towards Catherine when I noticed she was about to say something, but I stopped her because I would lose my nerve if I didn't get this out now.

"Catherine, first off, I'm not here visiting. After the last fight, I couldn't risk him hitting Emily, so when his friends to him fishing, I packed us up a few things and just drove. All my friends, my job, and most of my belongings are back there, and I don't know what to do," I said trying to blink back tears.

"Sara, it is going to be okay. You did the right thing leaving because I can tell you that it wasn't going to get better. As for the other stuff, we'll work it out, but right now I want you and Emily to move into my guest room for the time being," Catherine said as I just brokedown in her arms.

----

When I woke up, I wasn't really surprised. My sleep patterns have been shitty for a while, and add to that the drive here, it was bound to happen. I heard laughter as I turned and saw Lindsay playing with Emily. Despite the age difference, they seem to be getting along. I didn't see or hear Catherine as I sat up and watched the girls play.

"Mommy!" Emily yelled when she saw that I was awake. She came over and gave me a hug as Lindsay handed me a mote. I waited until Linds and Em were in the kitchen before opening it.

Sara,

I'm sorry I'm not there when you woke up, but I wanted to see if Grissom has any ideas for your situation. I let you know when I get back. Make yourself at home.

Catherine

I went off to look for the bathroom when I noticed that Lindsay had taken Em into the back yard to play. I could ask, but I would rather not disturb the bonding between those two. I actually found it on the first try, and after cleaning up, I decided to take a look around. I walked across the hall and found the guest room.

It was a nice sized room with a king sized bed, so Em and I would both fit comfortably even though she ends up using me as her bed when we sleep in the same one. I sat down on the corner of the bed and put my head in my hands trying not to think about what might happen if Stephen finds us.

I shook that thought off as I left the room and headed off to find the girls. I went into the kitchen and found recently brewed coffee and poured myself a cup before opening up the sliding glass door. I just sat down on the deck watching Lindsay push my little girl on the swing set. I could see her telling Lindsay to push her higher, but Lindsay gave me a wink as she kept her at the same heighth. I could get used to this, but I knew it wasn't going to be this easy.

 

 

CHAPTER 3

 

 

Watching the girls made me smile. The way they were made it seem like they had known each other for years even though there was the eight year difference. I almost laughed when Em called Lindsay, Linny. I can't even imagine how Catherine came out of her mouth.

I finished my coffee and headed back inside, but when I stepped inside the front door opened and in walked Catherine with Grissom. I don't know what my mentor is going to say knowing all that Catherine has probably told him. I rinsed out my coffee mug before making my way into the living room. I walked over to Gil and gave him a hug.

"It is good to see you again Sara. Catherine told me what is going on, and I started the ball rolling on possibly getting you into the lab. It may take awhile since we have to work with your old job, but I'm sure we can work something out considering the circumstances, and if you need anything let me know," he said as Lindsay and Emily came in.

"Gil Grissom, this is my daughter Emily Catherine Sidle," I said introducing them as I noticed both Gil and Catherine's eyes go wide after hearing Em's name.

I heard a snicker from behind me, and I turned around to see that Lindsay is finding something funny. I look at Catherine who just shrugs her shoulders. I gave Em a kiss before sending her over to Lindsay. Sensing I wanted to talk to Gil privately, Catherine went over to the girls as I took Gil outside.

"Gil, I know my last tour in Vegas kind of upset some people, and I want to make sure that my coming in won't do that again," I said as we made it over to his car.

"Sara, I can't say that it won't, but with Catherine and I in your corner, I think it will be okay," he said giving me another hug before driving away.

I let loose with a relaxing sigh as I headed back towards the house. Maybe I wrong earlier when I said that it couldn't be this easy. I opened the door and found myself laughing at the sight in front of me. Lindsay was on the carpet being tickled by Em with a little help from Catherine.

"Do I even want to know?" I asked as Catherine got up off the floor and came over to me.

She just shook her head as we went into the kitchen. Catherine went to the fridge and grabbed a couple beers from the top shelf. Normally, I would decline, but considering my last few days, I could use it. We clinked the necks together before I tipped it back and took a big swallow.

"Sara, I want you to know that if you need to talk about anything, I'm here for you," Catherine said touching my arm.

"Thank you Catherine and after everything settles down, I'll probably take you up on that offer," I said taking another sip of my beer.

We went back into the living room after finishing our beers to find it empty. I look over at Catherine as she pointed upstairs. I didn't hear anything as we were coming up the steps which surprised me more than scared me. Lindsay's door was slightly ajar as I peeked in and saw that she was reading to Em while Em looked like she was about to fall asleep. After taking a quick picture, Catherine and I both went back downstairs.

 

 

CHAPTER 4

 

 

The last two weeks have been great. Sure, I still have no idea what I'm going to do for a living, but Grissom keeps me abreast of the situation every couple days. While I'm worrying almost constantly, Emily has fit right in. Her and Lindsay are two peas in a pod and now are sharing Lindsay's bed.

Catherine and I have gotten into a rhythm too, but I feel like I'm overstaying my welcome even though she has told me countless times that it is okay. The guys have been over a couple times, and they seem to be okay with me being back. Greg has fallen back into his flirting with me, and I actually find it flattering now, but that could be just my situation talking.

I got to meet Catherine's sister Nancy and her son Jeremy. She actually got me to go out to dinner with her once while their mom Lili watched the kids. We talked about what I was dealing with, and she understood what I was going through and told me if I ever wanted to talk that she was availiable. We also talked about Catherine's boyfriend Chris.

Apparently, I'm not the only that sees that Catherine is headed for trouble with him, but Nancy told me not to butt in and just be there if anything happens. The fact that he is a club owner doesn't help his credibility, and I do see the attraction, but I know Catherine can do better, and if I thought I stood a chance, I would show her how special she is.

I have talked to a few friends from Frisco, and they are telling me that Stephen is seriously pissed off, but doesn't have any idea where I'm at. Most of the time, I tell them that I'm going stir crazy because I fear leaving the house and only do it if I have to. The last time I talked to my friend Erica, she said that the job problem should be fixed shortly.

Tonight though, I watching the three kids. Nancy needed me to watch Jeremy because she got called into the hospital to cover for a sick friend. I didn't mind seeing as though Em likes the fact that she has an older brother now too. The funniest thing I have ever seen was the first time that I watched Jeremy. He and Lindsay got into a yelling match over something dumb, and Emily came in and gave a blow-by-blow account what they were saying.

After getting the kids ready for bed and putting them down, I decided to take a bubble bath. I lit a few candles and put some of my vanilla bubble bath in the water. Since Em and I are sharing Catherine's bed tonight, I grabbed my stuff before coming in. I stretched out in the tub and closed my eyes. I cleared my head of everything just thinking about taking Emily to the park tomorrow while Lindsay is at school, and Catherine is sleeping.

I don't know what it is about a bubble bath, but you can have the crappiest day, but once you step in to a bubble bath, it all goes away. After changing into my tee and shorts, I made my way into Catherine's room and tried to climb into bed without waking up Em. Just about the time I was going to fall asleep, I felt Em curl into me. I wrapped my arms around her as I fell asleep.

When the alarm went off, I shut it off and noticed Em wasn't up, so I let her sleep while checking on the other two. After making sure they were up, I went back to wake up Em before going to make breakfast. I know how much Lindsay loves my pancakes, so I got started on those while Em kept herself entertained watching cartoons.

Lindsay and Jeremy shooed me out of the kitchen after breakfast while they did the dishes. I changed Emily into a cute outfit for our morning fun. When I came back in, I made sure that Lindsay and Jeremy both had everything before we left. For some reason after dropping off the kids, I went back to Catherine's to make sure she got home okay.

Em made me laugh as we got to the door when she asked if Catrin could come with us. I gave her a kiss and told her I would ask. I sat her down on the couch when I didn't see Catherine in the kitchen, so I went down the hall to check her bedroom. Her door was closed when I reached it, so I knocked. I peeked my head in and saw that she was asleep, so I slipped out and took Em to the park.

 

 

CHAPTER 5

 

 

 

Since the park was pretty much vacant and Em is on an independence kick, I was relegated to watching her play from the bench. Even though I was watching her the whole time, she would occasionally yell a 'Look Mom' when she did something that amazed her. I couldn't help but be a little relieved watching her play. I think if I had waited longer to get away from Stephen, things might have been different.

"Sara," I heard someone say, and when I turned in the direction of the voice, I saw it was Nick with a woman and a little girl about Em's age.

"Hey Nick," I said nodding in the direction of the woman and her girl as I felt Em run into my leg.

"Oh sorry, Sara, this is my little sister Krys and her daughter Emma," Nick said as I offered out my hand as I felt Em yanking on my pants.

"And this is my daughter Emily," I said as the girls smiled at each other before running towards the playground.

"Sara, I know we just met again, but seeing that the girls are getting along so well, I was wondering if I could take her with us to Chuck E Cheese, so Krys and I could talk," Nick asked looking nervous as I thought this is the perfect solution to my Catherine problem.

"As long as Em doesn't mind, I don't see why not. Just remember I'm at Catherine's when you drop her off," I said smiling as I headed for the girls. I crouched down as Em came over to me. I told her what Nick asked, and her face lit up as I watched her walk over to tell Emma the good news. She gave me a hug around the neck before taking Emma's hand again as we headed back over to the other adults.

After giving Em the good behavior speech, I headed back to Catherine's. I hope she is up, so I can see if everything is okay. I had to smile glad that my daughter didn't pick up my loner persona. I think she has more friends now than I did my whole childhood. I started to feel bad for Nick and sister because before they are done, those girls are going to wipe them both out.

When I walked in the door, I noticed that it was still quiet, so I guess Catherine is still in bed. I walked down the hall and lightly knocked on the door. I didn't hear her say anything, so I peeked my head in. She still had her back to the door, and just as I was about to reshut the door, I heard Catherine crying. I don't really want to invade her privacy, but I want to also make sure she is okay.

"Catherine, what's wrong?" I asked touching her shoulder.

It broke my heart when she turned towards me as I saw that she had been crying for awhile. I bent down and wrapped my arms around while she told me that she caught Chris cheating on her. As much as I wanted to find him and kick his ass, I climbed in bed with Catherine. I let her use my chest as a pillow as she slowly fell back asleep.

Knowing that Lindsay shouldn't see her mom like this I called Nancy and gave her the rundown on what happened, and after a few angry curse words, she agreed to pick up Linds, and I told her that Nick would probably be dropping Emily off. I called Nick next to let him know the new dropoff place, but not the reasons behind it. Once I got that all settled, I lightly kick off my shoes before closing my eyes.

I woke up feeling fingers on my stomach. I looked down and found that Catherine had undone the last few buttons and was running her fingers along my skin. It has been so long that I have gotten any that this was starting to stir the pot, and as much as I want to flip Catherine over and make her scream, I think we should at least talk first. I was about to say something when she blew across my stomach causing me to make a squeaking noise causing Catherine to look up.

"Oh Sara, I'm sorry. I didn't..." was all I let her get out before putting my finger over her mouth.

"Catherine, it isn't a problem, but if you are serious about this, I think we really need to talk, and we have some time now," I said smiling as I explained my morning.

 

 

CHAPTER 6

 

 

I knew this conversation wouldn't get too deep if we stayed on the bed, so I got up.
I heard Catherine groan as I got to the door and headed towards the kitchen to start some coffee. As much as I would like to rock Catherine's world, neither one of us is in a good place. She just broke up with her boyfriend, and I am on the run from my abusive one.

As I was grabbing two mugs, I felt Catherine wrap her arms around my midsection. I leaned back into her taking in her warmth as she started to kiss my neck. I guess leaving the bedroom isn't the problem. Now, I have to break this up before we do this in the kitchen. I broke up her clasp arms and placed them on my hips as I turned around.

"Catherine, you have no idea how much I want to do this, but I don't think either one of us is ready for that yet. I have no doubt that you can keep me safe, but I would like to get some things settled before exploring this further. Now that being said, I don't have a problem with some kissing and cuddling with the promise of something more," I explained as Catherine smiled before placing a tender kiss on my lips.

"Okay, now why don't you go stretch out on the couch, and I'll bring the coffee in before we do some of this cuddling you are promising me," Catherine said swatting my ass lightly but not before I returned her kiss.

When I got into the living room, I saw that we had a couple hours before Lindsay got home, and maybe an hour before Nick brought Em back. That is something I haven't seen that much of since we got here, Catherine and Emily. If she is anything like her daughter, I'm sure they will instantly click.

I was brought out of my internal discussion by Catherine's hand on my cheek. I smiled up at her as she placed our mugs on the table before climbing into my lap and laying her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head as we just laid there playing with each other's hands.

I don't know when we fell asleep, but I woke up to noises coming from the kitchen. I knew it wasn't Catherine because I still felt her against my chest. I opened my eyes and looked towards the kitchen to see three adults moving around, and I heards Em laugh a couple times. I squeezed my arms around Catherine as I faced the kitchen doorway waiting to see who is in there.

Catherine was still sleeping when I saw Emily come through the doorway holding Emma's hand. She saw that I was awake and came over. I gave her a kiss on the cheek as she headed towards her room. Lindsay popped her head out looking for the girls as I pointed towards the bedroom before she went to make sure that they were okay.

Catherine started rubbing her face against my chest as she started to wake up. I know she is going to want a wake up kiss, but she doesn't realize that we have some guests in the house that she isn't aware of. She turned around smiling up at me as I looked into her loving blue eyes as she brought her hand behind my neck and pulled me into a passionate kiss.

"Damn," I heard Nick say from the doorway as I saw Catherine's eyes bug out before she buried her face in my chest as I started laughing especially after Nick's sister Krys smacked him for spying on us. As soon as they went back into the kitchen, I sat up and took Catherine's face in my hands and gave her a kiss before standing us up and heading into the kitchen to make the introduction. When we walked into the doorway, I saw that the three of them were making dinner. Oh yeah, this is going to be a fun dinner.

 

 

CHAPTER 7

 

 

I whispered to Catherine that I was going to check on the kids while she made a new friend. Since no one saw us standing there, I gave Catherine a smack on the butt making her squeal as I quickly made my way upstairs. I knew that was probably costing me later, but it will be worth it.

As I got closer to Lindsay's room, I was trying to figure out why I wasn't hearing more noise. I peeked my head in her doorway to see the three of them on the bed while Lindsay read to them. I just stood there watching both Emma and Emily listen intently while Lindsay read to them. They both would occasionally look up up at Lindsay while she was reading before going back to the pictures in the book. I guess Catherine isn't the only Willows looking out for a Sidle.

When I noticed that Lindsay had finished the book, she whispered something into Emily's ear that made her smile, and when I saw Em' head turning I ducked behind the doorway. I heard Lindsay start talking to the girls again, so I peeked back around the corner.

"Boo," Emily yelled as I screamed in surprise causing all three girls to start laughing.

After I realized what happened, I grabbed Emily and started to tickle her, but her cohorts came over and triple teamed and ended up tickling me. We were having so much fun that I didn't hear the other two mothers come into the room.

"Well, at least that means everyone is okay," I heard Catherine say as the girls got off, so I could sit up as Emma decided to be the storyteller and explain what happened as both Krys and Catherine were laughing by the time she was finished. I was sitting against Lindsay's bed when Emily came up to me holding Emma's hand.

"Mommy, this is my best friend Emma. She just moved here too, and Linny is our big sister," Emily said so sweetly as I gave her and Emma a hug looking up at Catherine and Krys who both had tears in their eyes while Lindsay was hugging her mom.

We all ended going downstairs before either Nick or Nancy came to what we were all up to. They were putting the finishing touches on the dinner while Catherine, Krys, and I set the table while the girls were in the living room waiting until dinner was ready. I was glad that the girls were talking about their day at Chuck E. Cheese during dinner because it kept the heat off Catherine and I. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed of Catherine, but I'd like to let it sink in before talking about it.

After a little ice cream for dessert, Nick took Krys and Emma home while Lindsay took Emily upstairs leaving Catherine and I by ourselves. We both didn't know what to say because we both agreed to take things slower, so I turned towards Catherine and interlocked my hand with hers. She gave my hand a squeeze before crawling across the couch until she was straddling my hips.

I placed my hand behind her head and was bringing her lips down for a kiss when somebody rang the doorbell. I let out a groan as Catherine climbed off and headed for the door. I headed to the kitchen for a water and grabbed one for Catherine until I heard Grissom's voice. I ended up putting the waters back and decided to start some coffee. He and Catherine both came in with smiles on their face.

"Good evening Sara, I'm sorry for dropping in, but I finally have some good news for you. Sara, your first day at the lab is next Sunday. Conrad Ecklie is going to San Francisco to take your place, and Michelle from graveyard is going to days, so you can work with us again," Gil explained as I went over to him and gave him a hug before lightly kissing Catherine's lips before hugging her too.

"Gil, I want to thank you for this, and I promise that Catherine and I's relationship will not interfere with our work," I said keeping my arm around Catherine's waist.

"I know it won't. You both are too professional to let that happen. I can see you both are happy, so you won't hear anything from me. Besides, I think I can use it to my advantage when either of you is being difficult," Gil said laughing as Catherine and I both hit him before we sat down to talk.

 

 

CHAPTER 8

 

 

The first couple months being back in the lab were rough, but having Catherine around helped immensely. The guys were great, but I had forgotten how hard some of the cases Vegas get are. Emily has blossomed here, and she and Krys' daughter Emma have become inseparatable. So much so, she stays over there when I'm working. The household has come together really well too. Emily loves the fact that she has her own room.

Catherine and I have been working on our relationship by going out to dinner and movies whenever time allows it. Our kissing usually ends up with one of us on top of the other before one puts the brakes on, and I know it is only a matter of time before we take the next step. At work we are consumate professionals except for the little kisses here and there, but nothing overly aggressive.

Tonight though, I am stuck in the lab because Grissom is making me do paperwork. He said that I hadn't done since I came back, but I know I did it for the first couple cases I did. My only saving grace has been Catherine texted me that I'm probably having more fun than she is. Being bored, I decided to play with her and send her dirty texts which got me threats of spankings when we got home. I ended sending her back one saying that it isn't punishment if I enjoyed it.

I went to get a coffee refill halfway through my stack which I planted the finished ones on Grissom's desk. I plan on getting the rest done, so he won't be catching cases unless something major comes in. I walked into the breakroom to find it and the coffee pot empty, but Greg left his good stuff by the pot, so I brewed some of it and read a forensics magazine while I waited. After pouring my cup, I headed back to Catherine's office to finish my paperwork.

The rest of my paperwork went fast, and I ended falling asleep at Catherine's desk. It wasn't until she moved hair off my face that I woke up. I sat up and pulled her into my lap resting my head on her shoulder asking if we could go home. She helped me up as I grabbed my finished files and headed to Gil's office to drop them off. I walked in with a tired smile as I plopped them on his desk.

"I should have known you would have finished these. Now get out of here both of you," he said as I giggled quietly as Catherine and I headed for the car.

After dropping Lindsay off at school and Emily and Emma, who want to be referred to as Em and Em, off at pre-school, Catherine and I drove home. We ended up eating a quick breakfast before retiring back to the bedroom. Catherine was starting to unbutton her shirt when I walked over and did it myself. I kissed the skin that I uncovered, and when I tossed her shirt in the hamper, I delicately removed her bra before kissing both breasts as I knelt on the floor to take off her pants. I wasn't going to push, so I stood up after taking care of that.

Catherine returned the favor, and when I moaned after she kissed my breasts, she smiled knowing that we would be making love soon. I for one couldn't wait. Catherine took my hand and led us into bed before taking her favorite protective position spooning behind me with her arm wrapped around me. She has no idea how safe I feel when I'm in her arms like this. We both said 'I love you' as we fell asleep.

I woke up to find myself face to face with one of Catherine's glorious breasts. I was thinking about waking her up in an interesting fashion, but I didn't want to upset her, so I just ran my fingers over her smooth stomach. It caused her skin to goosebump as I ran my index finger around her belly button that got me a low moan.

"You best be willing to finish what you started Sara," Catherine said talking with her eyes closed as I peeled down her panties taking in the sight of her blonde curls and glistening center.

Since I had already stirred the pot, I didn't feel the need for foreplay as I slide down the bed until I was between Catherine's legs. I teased her clit my finger before sliding a couple in deep and started sucking on her clit. I touched her g-spot causing her hips to buck as sucked harder while massaging her spot harder as I felt her walls clamping down. Catherine's moans were getting louder as I kept up with my ministrations, and before I knew it, Catherine screamed out my name flooding my mouth with her essence.

"My turn," was all I heard as I found myself flat on back giving Catherine a nod letting her know it was okay.

The next time I woke up I found myself alone. I grabbed my robe off the back of the door and heard the shower running as I headed downstairs to start some coffee. While I waited for it to finish, I walked to the front door to grab the paper. I came back in and poured myself a cup before checking to see what the Giants did the night before. I had just finished my first cup when the doorbell rang. I made sure my robe was completely secure since I was naked underneath before opening the door.

"Hello Sara,"

"Stephen!"

 

 

CHAPTER 9

 

 

Before I chance to move Stephen's hand was around my throat and when I tried to close the door on him, he punched me in the face. I couldn't scream for Catherine since I could barely breathe, and now my one eye is slowly swelling shut while the other is watering. I hear him slam the door, and I feel the back of my head slam against it as he starts to talk.

"Dear, sweet Sara did you think you could hide from me forever. Your friends were good at playing dumb, but when the new guy showed up, and I played the 'best friend' to him and found out where you were, and now I can get my family back," Stephen spewed out as I felt myself slowly blacking out until I heard her.

"The police are on their way, so I suggest you take your hands off my girlfriend before I put a hole in the back of your head," I heard Catherine say and when I saw him turn his head, I saw my opening and kneed him in the groin dropping him to the ground as I crawled towards Catherine's form.

I don't know how much time passed between Catherine saving me, and Brass and the guys showing up, but I never left Catherine's side. I think Grissom tried to get evidence from me, but I swung wildly at him keeping him at a distance. It was Catherine whispering that she would be here for me as long as I needed when I allowed Gil to take swabs and pictures of my face. I heard Brass tell Catherine that I could come to PD later to make my statement.

The next feelings I felt were Catherine cleaning my cut before placing the ice pack over the swelling on my eye. I heard Catherine say she would be right back. She placed my hand on the ice to hold it place. but when I couldn't feel her or hear her, my hands started to shake, and I started to cry. It wasn't until I felt her arms wrap around that I completely broke down.

"Oh Sara I'm sorry, I left I just wanted to get the girls squared away. I should have known that they could have waited," I heard Catherine saying as she rocked me on the couch.

----


I woke up with a pounding headache, but I felt safe and warm. I tried opening my eyes, but my right one was swelled shut, and I realized that earlier wasn't a dream. I looked over at Catherine sleeping and smiled knowing she protected me. I gave her a kiss on the cheek before slowly making my way over to the bathroom to get something to stop this pounding. I opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed a couple tablets before closing the mirror and seeing the damage for the first time.

I traced the handprint on my neck before lightly touching my swelled eye. I turned on the shower and stripped out of my clothes to get him off me. I was completely into cleaning myself off that I didn't hear Catherine come in until she wrapped her arms around me kissing the back of my neck.

"I know this might be a stupid question, but how are you?" Catherine asked tracing her fingers along my stomach as I turned around.

"Much better now that I know I have a ferocious Cat to protect me. I have never had someone do what you did for me, so thank you my beautiful protector," I said giving her a kiss before pulling her in for a tight hug.

"I don't know if you know this, but I can be a bit of a bitch, and if you harm something that is mine, she comes out ten-fold," Catherine said as stayed clinged to her.

We got out of the shower and dressed before Catherine made us some lunch before heading to PD. I held Catherine's hand as we walked through the halls while we made our way to Brass' office. He stood and smiled as we walked in, and I gripped her hand hard as I told Jim about everything. I gave him the name of the police captain in Frisco to talk to about getting the past incidents. Before we left, Jim gave me a fatherly hug that had me crying again.

After calming back down again, Catherine drove us over to Krys', so I could see Emily and explain what happened. I'm sure Nick gave her the heads up on what to expect since he was at Catherine's after it happened. I took a couple deep breaths, and Catherine gave me a good luck kiss as we headed up the walkway. Krys must have let Emily watch by the window because she flew out the door and into my arms. I pointed to the back yard as both Catherine and Krys both nodded as I held my little girl tight.

"Mommy, did something happen at work last night?" Em asked in a small voice.

"No baby, Mommy didn't get hurt at work. Daddy came over today, and he was mad at mommy because she left and tried to hurt me, but mommy's new friend Catherine protected me," I explained without too graphic as Emily leaned forward and kissed my swollen eye.

"I like Caterine and Linny. Mommy, are they our new family?" Em asked as I hugged her tight telling that yes they were our family.

 

 

CHAPTER 10

 

 

I just sat there in Krys' yard holding my baby girl knowing we wouldn't have to run anymore because I was going to make damn sure that Stephen doesn't see the light of day for a long time. My past is just that, and Catherine is my future which means I see this through because I know she will be there to pick me up when I am down as will my extended family. I felt Em pulling away, so I looked up into her hazel eyes and noticed she was smiling.

"What are you smiling about goofball?" I asked lightly tickling her.

"We were going to go to the park, and I was hoping that you and Caterine would come with us," she said still missing the 'h' in Catherine's name.

"I'll go. Let's go see if we can talk Catherine into to going too," I said lifting her up, but she wanted to walk herself, so I just followed behind her as we walked into the house. I watched from the doorway as she walked over to my protector and whispered something into her ear causing Catherine to look towards me.

I watched Catherine's smile get bigger as she kissed Em on the cheek before whispering something back to her. Em walked over to the stairs and headed upstairs as Catherine got up and came over to me giving me a hug. She gave me a quick peck on the lips as it sounded like a herd of elephants coming down the steps. The three girls came down all smiles as Lindsay came over and gave me a hug as Em and Em went over to Krys.

The trip over to the park was quick and while Catherine and Krys watched us, I played with the girls. We did everything from tag to me pushing the three girls on the swings to a very tiring game of hide and seek. When we were ready to leave, I was whooped while the three girls looked like they could go for a couple more hours, but I did know that as soon as bedtime comes, they will drop like logs. Hopefully, I will still have some energy to play with Catherine.

Catherine insisted on taking us out to dinner, and after convincing Krys it was a losing battle to try to fight Catherine, we ended up at Chuck E Cheese. I guess Catherine wanted to make sure that the girls would be down when the hit their pillows. The first time I watched Em play the whack a mole game, I almost had pop come out my nose because she was so hilarious with her mallet handling. After Lindsay showed her the way to do it, she was less spazzy.

During dinner, Krys and I made plans to hang out since I'm figuring on getting some time off until the swelling goes down on my eye. I couldn't believe my luck. I came here to get away from Stephen, and I end up with more than I could ever fathom. After dropping off Krys and Emma, Catherine drove the rest of us home. I had to carry Emily into the house because she was out like a light, and Lindsay looked like she was about to drop.

I carried Em straight to her bed and dressed her in pjs before heading to our bedroom. I pulled out my favorite big Harvard tee as I kicked off my shoes before starting to take off my clothes. After unclasping my bra, I threw my clothes into the hamper and had just picked up my nightshirt when Catherine's hands came around and cupped my breasts. I leaned into her touch as I dropped the shirt back onto the bed before turning around.

"You are seriously overdressed Miss Willows," I said smirking as she returned one back to me.

"I guess you have some work to do then, huh," she retorted as I walked over to the door and locked to avoid any kid scarring with parental nudity.

"Since you are being that way, you aren't allowed to touch me until I say you can," I said bending down and taking off her shoes before trailing one of my hands up her inseam.

I lightly pressed my hand into her sex before bringing both hands up and starting to unbutton her top. I heard her breath hitch as I took her blouse off tossing it into the hamper before reaching around undoing the clasp of her bra. I smiled watching her nipples stiffen at the change in temperature as I knelt on the carpet. I slowly undid the button and zipper before bringing them down her legs. After having her step out of them, I also tossed them in the hamper before climbing on the bed.

"You're allowed to touch me now," I said from the bed as Catherine slowly turned around.

She didn't say anything as she crawled onto the bed and placed my hands above my head. I knew from earlier that I was not to move them until she permitted, so I tucked them under my head as Catherine took both her hands and started caressing my breasts before rolling my nipples into taut points using her thumb and forefinger. She continued stroking my body as I watched one her hands trail down my body as it went under my panties. I let out a low moan as she slid two fingers into my core and started to rub the heel of her palm into my clit and as she rubbed against my g-spot the first time, I knew it was a matter of time before I came. My moans kept getting louder as I put a pillow over my mouth to muffle the scream that was imminent, and after her repeated massages of my spot, I screamed Catherine's name into the pillow before riding out my climax.

I felt Catherine climb off the bed as I lifted the pillow off my face as I watched her go to the closet and grab one of my shirts and put it on before turning around and handing me my shirt before going to the door and unlocking it. She also shut off the light as I scooted over in bed. I gave her a tender kiss before wrapping my arms around and watching her fall asleep before quickly joining her in slumber.

 

 

CHAPTER 11

 

 

To say it has been a rough few months would be making a gross understatement. I have had some serious rough patches in my life, and this ranks right up there. The only thing keeping it from being one of the worst is Emily, Catherine and the rest of the family behind me picking me when I am feeling down. After Stephen's attack, I was on leave for two weeks which gave me time to talk over my wishes with the DA and to get to know my new friends Krys and Emma better. One thing I found about Nick's sister is she doesn't put up with alot of shit, and here I thought Catherine was bad.

Once I got back to work, things started to get back to normal until the first hearing. Catherine and I sat in the gallery as the charges were read. Stephen would occassionally glance over giving me the look that always scared the shit out of me, but when Catherine gripped my hand tightly, I realized that he wouldn't ever touch either one of us again. Work was rough after that with the pointing and staring, but going through school as the daughter whose mother killed her father made me used to that.

Everything went back to normal again for a while until the trial started. Gil knew I wouldn't be real focused, so he assigned me to lab work. I was fine with it because I was never by myself, and even if it was slow, Greg would make damn sure that I was entertained. Catherine and I suffered a little because we weren't making love all that often, but the heavy makeout sessions definitely made up for it. She promised me that she was fine with it, but warned me that once the trial was over, she was going to make me forget the whole ordeal. I thank whoever is watching over me everyday for bringing Catherine Willows back into my life.

For the most part Emily was shielded from the whole thing. It also helps that she has her partner in crime Emma keeping her company. I love watching those two together. They play like they have known each other forever, and I think anyone who has ever babysat for them has gotten the 'are they sisters' question. Then, there is Lindsay. The girls treat her like she is a queen by listening to everything she tells them. Catherine and I both think playing big sister to them both has helped Lindsay too. I was finally brought out of my intenal ramblings by Catherine touching my arm.

"Jury back?" was my question as she just nodded as I took her offered hand as we headed for the car, but Catherine stopped us at the door.

"Sara no matter what happens, he will not lay another finger on you," she pulling me into a deep and passionate kiss.

"I want to thank you so much for the strength and courage to make it through this," I said interlocking our fingers heading for the car.

Catherine made a quick detour for a little mocha interuption. Got to love a woman who knows what you need when you need it as I started thinking about what she has for us later pending the outcome. I was happy with the way the DA handled the trial and knew he did his best to convince the jury that the bastard needs to be put away. I think Emily being in the picture helps tremendously. We linked hands again as we walked into the courtroom to find it full of my friends. I rested my head on Catherine's shoulder as the jury came back in as the judge asked if they had reached a verdict to which the foreman stood up.

"We the jury find Stephen Jenkins guilty on all charges," he said as I let out the breath that I had been holding before fighting the urge to cry as the judge announced when the sentencing would be as the gallery started to clean out.

Catherine must have known I was close to letting all that I had been holding in out because we practically ran to the car. As soon as my door closed, I collapsed in her arms just letting the tears flow.

I don't remember the drive home. I don't remember coming into the house, but I do remember waking up in Catherine's arms. I basked in the warmth of her embrace as I started to play with the hem of your shirt, but ended up getting my hands smacked for my troubles.

"No fooling around Sara. As much as I want to let you make me scream, and then return the favor. Today is about putting the past behind us. Tomorrow is a different story, but we'll discuss it then, so come back up her, so I can hold my girl," Catherine stated completely serious knowing she was right about why I wanted to do it.

After getting out of bed, we made lunch for the girls before asking them what they wanted to do. They put their heads together in a little huddle before Lindsay announced that they wanted a family vidfest. With all the emotions of the day, I had to fight the urge not to cry again even though it would have been a valid reason. I just help Catherine with dishes while the girls picked their movies.

A couple weeks later, we were back in court finding out that Stephen was sentenced to thirty years in prison. This time when I walked outside holding Catherine's hand, I felt happy, free, safe. As I went to open the door, I felt Catherine flush against my back with her lips beside my ear.

"I hope you took your vitamins this morning sweetie because you are going to need them," she said nipping at my ear lobe before going around the car. Oh yeah, this is going to be one hell of a ride.



The End