"Where Even Willows Cannot Bend"

-(Set immediately after "Big Middle")-

Notice: Even though this "fic" is not sexual after the first chapter, it gets violent in the middle. It also contains censored but legible profanity as well as racial themes. PG-13

Chapter I: Enjoying the Night

After a late dinner at the Bellagio, Catherine had invited Warrick over for drinks. Even though they both loved Catherine's daughter, they were glad that Lindsey was at a slumber party. After sharing a bottle of vintage red wine, Catherine had tried to slip out of her strapless dress. She had started at the top, and its jade green silk had just exposed a black strapless bra when Warrick had put his hand on hers to stop her. At first, she thought she really was losing it. She had wondered if her sexual allure really was fading with time. But, then, she'd seen the look in Warrick's eyes. Between her various consorts and her former profession, Catherine knew the look well. He wanted her. But, just the same he had whispered, "Are you sure, Cath?" Catherine had smiled like the Cheshire cat and whispered, "Like I said before, 'I'll take you action.'" Warrick had hoped that there was a double meaning to those words, and she had confirmed it. They both knew that she had won a lot more than a "fabulous dinner" that night. Warrick had tenderly kissed her lips, while taking the pins out of her hair. Her formal, but surprisingly flattering up-do fell to a slightly more tousled version of the free flowing strawberry-blond hair he was used to. She had helped him by sliding her dress the rest of the way down the curves of her body until it crumpled on the floor. At that point she felt her feet leave the ground, both figuratively and literally, as he had taken her into his muscular arms and carried her to the bedroom.

The night had been beyond anything they could have ever imagined. But, now it was morning. Catherine was awakened by the gentle light. She felt warm, secure, and most of all, loved. The sun was rising, and it's gentle glow felt warm against her skin. But, it's beauty and power paled by comparison to the feeling that seemed to surround her and go deep inside her body and soul. She tried to tell herself that it was an increase in the hormone levels in her bloodstream, but it was something more. Neither Catherine's sex drive nor her scientific training could explain this. The only possible source for this feeling was the strong black man who lay beside her. For the first time in a long time, maybe the first time ever, Catherine felt whole. She had her career, her daughter, and now an incredible man in bed with her.

"MOM!" Catherine was startled by the sound. She sat bolt-upright. She looked to Warrick trying to figure out what to do. But, Warrick was gone. Catherine's heart was racing. She tried to think, but she could only hear her own breathing getting faster and louder. Lindsey looked concerned.

Lindsey: Mom, are you alright? Were you having a nightmare?

Catherine: -(disoriented)- -(muttered)- No, no, honey. Where's Warrick?

(Lindsey looked at her mother like she had just asked where the U.F.O. landed.)-

Lindsey: Why would I know where Warrick is? He wasn't here, was he? -(oooh-la-la sort of look)-

Catherine: -(as she realized she'd been dreaming)- Of course not, Linds. I was just...trying to call him.

Lindsey: -(laugh)- Mom, you were dreaming.

Catherine: -(like Lindsey hit the nail on the head)- You're right, honey. I was dreaming we were on a case.

Lindsey: -(as she rolled her eyes)- You even dream about work! You could try dreaming about me some time.

Catherine: -(guilty)- Linds, honey, I do. I dream about you all the time. I'd do anything for you. You know that.

Lindsey: Then, how about getting me to school on time. -(arms folded)-

Catherine looked at the clock and jumped out of bed, because they were already running 15 minutes behind. It wasn't like Catherine to oversleep, but she had been preoccupied with that dream. It was so real, and it felt so right. Catherine felt deeply confused, because she didn't think she felt that way about Warrick. She couldn't. She tried to push the thought out of her head.

Catherine put on her shoes and walked out into the hall to pick up Lindsey's overnight bag for the slumber party her daughter was going to after school. Lindsey acted like she was hitting her head on the doorway.

Lindsey: -(muttered)- Tell me she's not going to drive me to school like that.

She looked down the hall and saw her mother in a brown satin night gown and Nikes, headed for the front door.