They had just arrived at the crime scene. It was a suspected murder- suicide. How many times had she seen this before? Too many times to count. “Sara could you start print- lifting for me please?” Gil asked. “Sure” she replied. It was one of those rare days where he was being nice. Ever since they’d stopped dating he was bipolar concerning there relationship. She was just getting started when her phone rang. Who would be calling me? I’m already at a scene. She thought. She answered the way she normally would expecting to hear Greg or something. “Sidle?” She answered.

“Mom, it’s me Allie, I know your at work and I’m sorry to call you, I really am, but I need you to come get me. I’ve got a fever and I can’t keep anything down.” the voice on the other end of the line said. “Okay, babe. I’ll be there soon, love you.” She said quietly hoping Gil hadn’t heard. “Love you too mom.” How was she going to explain this?

“Um, Gil, I’ve got to go, um I won’t be back today and I probably won’t be here tomorrow either.” She said as she packed her kit up. “Why are you leaving and why won’t you be here tomorrow?” he asked icily. “I’d rather not get into this now, maybe later.” she said over her shoulder as she left. “Sara? Sara!” Gil called. She didn’t stop.

“Hi I’m Sara Sidle, I’m here to pick up my daughter Allie.” Sara told the receptionist. “Alright I need to see your ID , sign this.” “Um, I left my wallet in the car, here what about this?” she asked showing her crime lab ID. “ Crime lab? Interesting. Yeah that’s fine. I’ll call Allie out.” the receptionist said

“Hey mom.” a teen said coming and giving Sara a hug. “Hey babe, lets get you home.” Sara said taking the Allie’s hand.

“Mom your phone has been ringing off the hook. Who are you avoiding?” Allie asked “Grissom.” Sara said annoyed “Oh. Hey mom..” she didn’t get to finish her sentence, she ran down the hall hand clamped over her mouth. Sara followed and held her daughters hair while she was sick. “Mom, I’m tired of being sick.” “I know baby, I know, go crawl in my bed I’ll tea and movies.” Sara said while rubbing the girls back.

Two Days Later:

“Anyone seen Sara?” Nick asked “She hasn’t been here for two days.” Catherine said. “I’m going to see her after shift.” Gil said before handing out assignments. Gil had just finished wrapping up his case and as he drove to Sara’s he thought; What made her leave so suddenly the other day? Why has she been missing work without calling anyone? I hope she’s alright.

He pulled into her drive way and was about to ring the doorbell when he heard voices coming from inside.