Making A Killing, CSI, Love, and Murder

Yes, folks, it's Making A Killing. I'm reposting it here because I enjoy seeing others in pain. Just kidding... Anyway, gotta get this legal mumbo-jumbo outta the way.

Disclaimer: I do not (nor will I ever) own any and all of the celebrities mentioned in this story. So, don't sue. All you'll probably get is my dirty laundry, anyway. The idea is mine, and so are any original characters. Some characters are based on real people (i.e. their names and appearence) but I used poetic license in some cases so they can fit the story.

Rating: PG-13 in most cases; and, depending on your tolerence level of violence and blood, a little R. Sorry, Peiyu, I don't intend on any sweaty sex scenes.

Author's Note: Please enjoy this story. As I am reposting this, up until chapter 65 or so isn't new. Which means the progression of my writing might be a little ill-paced and I apologize. Have fun reading and remember this: comments and criticism are always appreciated.

Now, on with the show!

Chapter 1-

Elijah eyed the lifeless body before him. The blood had pooled around the pale frame of what had once been a lively girl. She had to be about 18, but she had still looked young. He tried not to inhale the sent that he had gotten so used to over time. That scent of dried copper that could almost never leave his nostrils. The sirens had faded to the back of his mind. He was used to them, too.

He took a deep breath.
Exhaled.
Inhaled.
Exhaled.
Stepped toward the body.

“Elijah,” the familiar voice of his partner stopped him. He turned around a small smile gracing his face. “Dom.” The two smiled. Their eyes betrayed the lie. The job never got so easy. But they loved it.

“Ready, man?” Dom asked.

“Of course.” Elijah answered back. The men walked towards the crime scene; their crime scene.

“What’s her story?” Elijah asked. He was devoid of emotion, or at least he tried to be.

“Another Jane Doe. No I.D.. No wallet. Nothing. Ms. Kantorin called it in.” He gestured with his hand to an hysterical older woman taking to some officers than continued, “she saw here when going into the store through the backdoor. The officers are checking her alibi as we speak.”

Elijah looked up at Dom, “Is there anything else I should know?”

Dom nodded his head absently and began to put on some latex gloves. He handed some to Elijah and then spoke, “Yeah; we’re getting a guppy.” Dom grinned at the cruel nick-name he had started. Elijah grimaced and pulled out a pair of gloves for himself. “Oh joy,” he said, “let’s hope she can make it through a roll of film before she gags.” He and Dom laughed a little, but it was the truth. It was a messy crime scene, to say the least.

The body wasn’t a hack-n-slash. But the blood was everywhere. Elijah scanned the crime scene. It was contained to a 15 foot radius around the body; for now, anyway. He saw the crime lab van pull up out of the corner of his eye and scowled. Dom punched his shoulder lightly. “Come on man, the gup’ can’t be that bad,” he said chuckling lightly. Elijah smiled, “You’re probably right. He’s probably worse.” They laughed and watched as the van door opened.

Chapter 2-

Jo stepped, or stumbled, out of the van a little less gracefully than she had hoped.

It wasn’t considered falling if you caught yourself, right? Jo huffed and fixed her hair as best she could. When she was satisfied she fidgeted with the camera around her neck and surveyed her surroundings. Two men with CSI tags were grinning madly at her. ‘Oh God,’ she thought, ‘my first day and already my co-workers have got something to hang over my head for the rest of my career. Perfect, Jo, just perfect.’

Dom was sharing a smile with Elijah as they watched her situate herself a little more. Guppies were always fun to play, but with her it was going to be too easy. They eyed her as she walked over to them. Despite her mishap, she walked with confidence. Arrogance wouldn’t help her stomach the fumes of death for long. They took off there glove and disposed of them and met her half way.

She offered her hand to shake, “Jo Norris. I’m the new guy- or girl, whichever you prefer.”

Dom took the hand first and gave a broad smile for extra flavor. “Dominic Monaghan. But you can call me Dom, Jo.” She smiled back.

“My name’s Elijah Wood.” The statement brought them out of the would be casual flirting. Jo extended her hand to Elijah and he gave a brisk shake. “Let’s get started than.” Elijah said and went to get more gloves. They all put them on and got some bags and walked closer to the body.

“Jo you go ahead and start taking pictures.” Elijah said. Jo nodded her head and began snapping away. It didn’t take long however, for her to notice the stench. The sour metallic smell consumed her and she paused. The smell was almost suffocating and swallowed down the bile that threatened to escape. She looked over to Elijah to ask him about the smell, but thought better of it and went to Dom.

“Does it always smell like this?” She asked. Her voice wasn’t as strong as it was before and she cursed herself mentally for it. She had to show she could make it in this job.

“Only when there’s blood,” Dom laughed a little but saw her face and gave her a nurturing look, “don’t worry you’ll get used to it. I’m not saying it’ll get better, but you’ll get used to it.”

“Oh.” That was all Jo needed so she got back to work. With every snap the scent dimmed just a little. She took in the crime scene with the lens. She followed protocol and took 2 or 3 pictures for each blood spatter, unsettled trash can, potential weapon, and whatever else seemed out of place or unusual. Elijah and Dom were both gathering evidence and putting it into the little bags. There eyes scanned the dark back-alley with precision. She had been one of the best in college. She had even interned on some little cases before, as well. She knew what she was doing but book knowledge is far different from experience.

“When’s the coroner gonna get here, man?” Dom’s slightly agitated inquiry shook Jo’s thoughts and brought her back.

“I’m right here” A jovial voice filled Jo’s ears and she look up to see who it was.

Chapter 3-

“Billy, I didn’t know you were working the night shift now.” Dom said happily. He stood up stretched and walked over to Billy. “Oh well you know, I couldn’t stay away from you two too long, who knows what kind of trouble you’d get into without me here?” Billy joked with him. “But only the devil knows the trouble we’ll get into with you here, Billy-boy” They both laughed and Elijah and Jo stood up to join them.

“Who’s the lass?” Billy asked.

“Jo Norris. It’s nice to meet you Billy--?”

“Billy Boyd, the coroner.” He gave a cheeky grin to rival Dom’s earlier one and Jo smiled back. “I’d shake your hand but we’re gloved.”

Jo smirked, “Hey, where would we be without protection?” Dom and Billy cracked up. “I guess Dom and Elijah aren’t the only ones I’m gonna have to be checking up on, are they?” Billy said looking at Jo. Elijah rolled his eyes, “Just check out the vic, okay?”

Billy grabbed his kit and mock saluted, “Yes, sir.”

The four of them went back to the body and Billy squatted down. He inspected the back of the girl’s head for a minute, and looked back at the other three, “I can move her right?” Jo nodded her head, “We’ve got enough pictures.” Billy nodded and turned back to the body, he flipped her over slowly and carefully. He checked her temperature, and to see if she had gone stiff yet. “Seven hours gone, I’d say. I’ll get cause of death and all that good stuff when we get back to the lab; but, chances are it’s from the blood loss.” He stood up and instructed two of the other coroners to place the body in a bag and on a stretcher. “Elijah, are you gonna go with the body?” Dom asked. Elijah nodded and followed Billy. Jo and Dom watched them as they left.

“Guess you and me get to stay here and ‘clean up’?” Dom smiled at Jo.

“Is Elijah always like that?” She asked

Dom was just a little startled by the out-of-the blue question, “Uh, like what?”

“Distant.”

“It’s the job. You’ve gotta build up walls or you’d break down crying at every case like this. Off the clock he’s a great guy, we all are, it’s just...” Dom trailed of

“It’s just the job.” Jo nodded her head finishing for him. During college they never said anything like that, but she understood. They couldn’t save these victims, the gruesome deeds had all been done. But they could provide justice and catch the criminals. But they couldn’t feel for the vics. They could have a passion for their job, they could hate the crimes, they could sympathize to the families; but they could never feel. Jo shuddered lightly and went back to the crime scene. She would have to learn not to feel, not to make it personal. It was painful, but if she didn’t provide justice, who would?

----

Billy cut open the girl’s shirt and gaped. He quickly shed the rest of the corpse’s clothes to check for anything else. He’d seen some serious stuff in his line of work, but this was big. He went out of the sterile room and saw Elijah putting on some scrubs.

“Elijah, hurry up.”

“Why? She’s not going anywhere.”

Billy ignored the joke and locked his jaw slightly. The lines around his face grew slightly and he made his voice cold and serious. “Elijah, You are going to went to see this. Now.” Elijah looked at Billy’s face and then finished putting on his scrubs and washing up. They both went back into the room where the body waited for them. Billy pulled back the sheet and watched Elijah’s face.

Elijah’s blue eyes widened and turned gray with his face. His lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came. There were no words.

There, sliced into the girl’s chest was a large ‘1’ that could scream all the words their Jane Doe couldn’t: “The first, of many.”

Okay guys, that's it for now. Feedback please? D'y'all want more? Should I burn this? What?

I NEED TO KNOOOOOOW!!!!!

-love, the ever insane
kat

Are you nuts? (er... figure of speech) This story rocks! *pokes Kat*

Ahh...

I'm cool ( ) though YOU NEVER KNOW (the pervy winky)


God, love to re-read this from the beginning, the tight-ass cow and all haha! Arrogant, lovely...





Oh well, people, reply!

Yayayayay! Ronda finally gets to read this!

Wahoo!!!!!! You're posting it here.
I'm excited to get where it left off on EWFN. It's gonna be awhile though, huh? That's cool.

~Stacy~

Yay!

You are posting it here as well!!!! Yes yes yes!!!

*does a little dance*

You know, girl? We should re found our little fantastic clubs, pinatas or anti bloody evil characters... they were so funny...

*racks own mind to find new clubs*

*pats*

Adorably Arrogant Cows Getting Laid!

*huggles MAK*
I'd missed this!!
It's great you're posting it here! (I didn't feel like going back to ewfn much...)

Hehe, remember that??
I never got to shout 'laaaand'!!

Hehe, remember that??
I never got to shout 'laaaand'!!

*pats Flower* (am into patting)

We'll get the chance now *goes to set up AACGL in C&C if nobody has done so*

AACGL back up!?!?! WOOT! Well than, that deserves some more chappies, dontchya think?

Chapter 4-

Dom and Jo said goodbye to the officers left on duty and they loaded up the van to go back to the lab to get things processed. They had received many blood samples, presumably the vic’s, but everything had to be processed as to code. Dom was getting excited. Jo was getting extremely curious, what could be so special about a DNA lab. Dom gave vague answers to her questions, but this only sparked her curiosity more. The car ride ended with a piqued Jo and a very smug looking Dom.

As they walked down the hallway Jo was border-line hysterical. “Just tell me what the big deal is.” She said, her voice much louder than necessary and her arms flailing wildly. She was making a fool out of herself, but she had to know. “It’s not what, it’s who.” Dom said. Jo’s eyes flashed. “Ugh. Could you possibly be more uncool?!? Just tell me what I need to know that’s so special about the DNA lab.”

“Why it’s the fact that the beautiful, wonderful, and all knowing DNA mistress, has graced this crime lab with her very presence.” A brunette girl with a lab coat popped out of a room before them. She looked at Jo and smiled, “You must be the new guppy.”

Jo’s mouth hung open. “What- wait, hold on. One, is she the ‘surprise’ you’ve been building me up for, and two what’s a guppy?” She was agitated. With all the build-up Dom had been feeding to her on the way here, she had just assumed that God presided in the DNA lab, definitely not a ‘DNA mistress’.

“She is the surprise, and a darn good one at that. And you may call her Sherolyn. Sher is for those who know they are worthy.” Dom and Sherolyn were grinning at their obvious inside joke. He continued by clearing his throat, “A guppy is our new ‘trainee’. I have created this title because when guppies come to us,” he indicated to himself and Sherolyn, “they’re all used to being in a ‘school’ with all there little guppy friends. But when they’re here, they don’t receive the same group lovey-dovey-ness that they’ve been weaned on, they get-” “They get bit.” Sher cut him off and made a chomping motion with her hands and Dom laughed. “By the sharks.” Dom continued.

“You’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this haven’t you?” Jo asked grinning herself.

“Don’t interrupt. Anyway, sharks are the intelligent, steely, workers, like myself, that have a killer instinct.” Dom finished smugly. “Well now for something a little more on topic. Sher, we’ve got work for you. A couple of blood samples for you to test and compare to our vic’s.”

Sher nodded, “This is where you’ll see me work my magic.” She looked at Dom and grinned wickedly, “Time me.” Dom looked at his watch and then saw Sherolyn grab the samples and get to work.

“What do you think of her?”

“She‘s... funny. You two seem to hit it off well.”

Dom blushed a little bit, “Yeah, well you’d better get to work on finding out who our Jane is. Check the database for missing persons meeting her description. It’s a little tedious but it needs to be done.”

“Yeah I know. When I assisted on cases before I was lucky enough to get to do it. I spent many hours scrolling the database.” Jo said. She had a hint of disdain in her voice that Dom picked up. “Hey,” he smiled at her trying to comfort her; “we all had to start somewhere. I know I got to re-catalog old evidence so many times, I could do it blindfolded.” They both laughed. “You’ll be a shark soon enough.” Jo smiled and walked off to the computer and ran head on to Elijah.

“Why didn’t you two call me when you got here?” He barked.

“Uh- we um DNA processing... sorry.” Jo stammered out a response. It was incredibly incoherent but it seemed to suffice.

“Where’s Dom?”

“Um, last I checked still at the DNA lab.”

“I need to see him. We found a marking on the body.”

“A marking?”

“A calling card actually. We now know we’re dealing with a serial killer.”

Chapter 5-

Jo’s lips formed an ‘o’. “How do-?”

“The marking was the number one. He’s an arrogant jerk-off, that’s for sure.”

Jo’s eyes found the floor and she began searching it for an answer. She was new, green, inexperienced and she had to deal with a serial killer. She shook the thoughts away and looked back to Elijah who was talking to her. “I’m sorry what’d you say?”

“I said we would have to start profiling now. We need to find out the vic’s identification, pronto. This guy will strike again, and soon, and we need to find out where and who.” Elijah looked at Jo and his voice softened slightly. “You’ll have to go to the database and check missing persons. It’ll be tedious but...”

“Somebody’s gotta do it. Yeah, don’t worry I was on my way there anyway.” She smiled at him and went to leave but Elijah grabbed her shoulder. He gave her the smallest smile but his eyes shown bright and lit up her soul. “You’re doing a great job for your first day.” And then he walked off. Jo stood there speechless, that was more of a shock than the serial killer announcement, but infinitely more pleasant. She bit her lower lip to hide her grin and walked with a bounce in her step to the designated “missing person’s room.”

------

“Dom.” Elijah called out to him as he and Sher walked down the hall sipping a coke.

“Yeah man?” Dom looked up and tried to find an excuse for not checking in. “We were just heading to the break room, and I was gonna check in with you, but I gave the stuff to Sherolyn and then I had to, well it’s just I, ya know.”

“It’s fine.”

Dom and Sher glanced at each other and than back at Elijah. “Are you sure?” Dom asked hesitantly.

“Positive. But, Sher, if you’re finished we need those DNA samples-”

“Done. All the vic’s.” She said smiling proudly.

Elijah sighed, “Damn.” Dom and Sher looked at Elijah inquisitively. “It’s just I was hoping we had something, anything. Dom, the body had a calling card.”

Dom’s hand tightened around the can and he glanced at Elijah sternly. “Are you sure?”

Elijah flipped out the pictures of the autopsy. “Check out the one.”

Dom shifted through them, found the right picture and paled. Sher glanced over his shoulder and gasped a little. “We’ve gotta stop him.”

Elijah nodded. “Jo’s gone to check the missing persons report so we can I.D. the vic A.S.A.P. and start a profile. You and I are gonna examine the evidence. Unfortunately, I think the press have gotten wind of the murder. They don’t have any details yet, but they have a tendency to be shrewd.”

Dom scoffed, “Murder junkies.”

“They want what boosts ratings. They’d be all over this if it was a politician who had died with a prostitute in the middle of a playground. But because the victim appears low profile, we might be able to contain them just a little.”

“God I hope so.”

Jo came quickly down the hall, “I got her. Jeanette Elmner; age 22. Brown hair, green eyes. Finishing up her senior year at college, interning at a local law firm. Reported missing 11 hours ago.” Jo looked up from the report sheet at the three of them looking at her. Elijah checked his watch. He winced.

“She was reported missing at the approximate time of death.”

Chapter 6-

“Jo, you find out who reported her missing.” Elijah glanced at Jo, “now.” Jo jumped a little and scurried off. Elijah watched her go.

Sher leaned over and whispered into Dom’s ear, “I see Attila’s taking charge again.” Dom laughed but immediately quieted as Elijah glared at the two of them. “In three minutes I want to see you ready to work on checking out the evidence collected. I’ll be waiting.” Elijah walked away towards the evidence examination room. Sherolyn rolled her eyes at his back.

“I don’t understand it,” Sher was grimacing, “he’s a nice guy off work, but here.” Sher shook her head.

“You don’t see what he sees. You just process the samples. He takes them, studies them, and sees the effect that they have on the people outside these walls. And all the while, we have to be impassive. His poker face just happens to be one with a stick up his bum.”

“Did you just say bum?”

“What? An ass is a donkey.”

“Or an Elijah.”

Dom cracked a smile, “He is a friend of mine you know.” He was trying not to laugh, but his eyes were failing him.

“He’s my friend, too. He just needs to-” Sher was trying to find a nice way to put it. Dom had less tact.

“Get laid.”

“I was gonna say loosen up, but that works too.” Sher grinned. “But I did enjoy that momentary lapse where he was actually pleasant to talk to. And I think I know who to thank.”

“What, who? Are you doing that annoying chick ‘I’ve got a secret’ thing. I hate that.” Dom took a swallow of his soda and pouted just a little. No woman could resist the Domie-kins pout. It was full proof, iron-clad, unbreakable, it was-

“You’ll just have to see and find out.” Sher smiled at him, winked and walked off swinging her hips just a little. Dom watched.

It was faulty. His pout had failed him, was there no justice? Dominic checked his watch. He could always go and ask the source. Elijah would be proud of him if he showed up two minutes early, any way. He gulped down the last of his drank and followed Elijah’s trail.

Elijah looked at the door as Dominic came in. “You’re early.” He looked back down at the shirt he was currently processing. The number had been made post-mortem, so he was checking the shirt for fibers and maybe some blood if the killer had been sloppy. He hadn’t. Elijah’s eyes pierced the shirt, ‘Tell me something anything,’ he was pleading with an inanimate object. But the evidence could tell anything. He said as he realized this particular piece wasn’t talking. He looked up at Dom who was studying him and not the evidence. This unnerved him.

“Go ahead, take anything.”

Dom pulled at a bag and placed what appeared to be an earring back on the table. “What do you think of the new girl.” He threw the question out without ever taking his eyes off the evidence. Elijah didn’t look up either as he responded, “She’s a guppy.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Elijah faltered and looked up at Dom. Dom was still looking at his evidence, but not paying attention. Inside he was doing a victory dance. He had actually caught Elijah off guard. Score one for the Dom man!

“I want to know what you think of her, not her work.”

“She seems okay. Why do you ask?” Elijah lowered his head back to his new evidence, the victims skirt.

“Just wondering, that’s all.”

“Dom, if you’re hinting at something I suggest you go ahead at it.”

“I’m not hinting at anything, just making conversation. You know, they say that when people jump to conclusions and make accusations, they’re being paranoid about what they’re trying to cover up.”

“I’m not paranoid”

“Shesh, don’t take things so personal. I never said you were paranoid. What are you narcissistic?”

“Just get back to work.”

Score two for the Dom man!

Haha actually I do feel sorry for Elijah... *pats Elijah* But I can't poke Dom because he is absolutely correct, the getting laid part of course

Chapter 7-

Jo looked at the file. Katherine Elmner had reported it, Jeanette’s sister. Jo sighed, she’d have to go and tell Elijah. She didn’t particularly feel like telling him the news. He didn’t seem like the kind of guy who wouldn’t shoot the messenger. She printed out a copy of the report and went on her way. Some where in the back of her mind a little voice was saying, ‘dead girl walking.’

She knocked on the door to the evidence examination room.

“Come in.” Dominic said.

She opened the door, “Uh, Elijah?”

“Yes?” The two of them were hunched over some pieces of evidence from the crime scene.

“I got the missing person’s report. Her sister filed it. Apparently, they were supposed to meet for dinner the night before, when she didn’t show Katherine, the vic’s sister, thought she had forgotten. She tried reaching her everywhere, not finding any luck she called us. Not much out of the ordinary. Would you like me to go question her for an alibi, anyway?” Jo tried to sound as precise as possible. She tried and failed.

“Not much out of the ordinary? In a case like this we cannot rule out anyone.” He snapped his head up and peered into her eyes. He was challenging her.

Jo was taking aback by the sternness of his voice. But she loved to challenge. “But the autopsy report showed struggle, not congruent with a victim being familiar with the killer. And it has obvious signs of a serial killer. We studied murder patterns in class.”

“I don’t give a damn about what you studied, this is a serious case and we can’t rule out-”

“Don’t interrupt me.” Jo yelled at him. Elijah’s mouth hung open and she took the chance to continue. “Plus, the call was traced to the girl's home, 21.3 miles from the crime scene. There’s no way our girl could of made it there and back with all the traffic. And the body wasn’t moved.”

Dominic’s mouth looked like it belonged to a fish as he saw the flares shoot between their glares. It was like a showdown in one of those cowboy movies and Jo had drawled first, and shot Elijah down. Go, Jo. If it wasn’t for the fact that Elijah would have made another crime scene, he would of being doing a cheer for the girl. But as it was, he did another mental victory dance and kept quiet. He wanted to continue to watch this clash of the titans.

Elijah was pissed, he was presiding over this case and this guppy had shown him up.

“Go get the alibi while your telling the family what has happened to the vic.”

Jo nodded her head trying her best to hide a smug grin and turned to leave. Elijah’s call stopped her. “And, Jo?”

“Yes?”

“Next time you have relevant information pertaining to a case, tell that first. Otherwise you’re withholding information from a superior, against protocol. Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again” Elijah’s voice was cold, and Jo backed down and made a hasty retreat.

Dom’s mouth stayed in the open position. She had shot first, but oh boy, did it back fire. Poor girl...

“Dom.”

“Eh, yeah?” Dom suddenly realized he wasn’t paying attention and looked a little sheepish.

“Speaking of alibis, where is the one for the first person on the crime scene and why don’t I have it?”

Damn it, Jo. You embarrassed Elijah and now we’re all can a burn for it. You think a girl as smart as her would of known never to insult a man’s pride. “Uh, you don’t have it because I’m getting it.” Dom threw away his gloves and got himself out of there. Besides, he’d have to pass the DNA lab to get to the document room.

-----

Jo stood outside the apartment door of Katherine Elmner. She didn’t want to knock just yet. She had been planning what to say since she had gotten in the car, but somehow, it just didn’t seem right. Jo’s shoulders dropped and she took a deep breath. She knocked and exhaled. The door openned nearly ten seconds later, but it felt like ten millennia for Jo.

A fair haired girl opened the door about 25. She looked at Jo and her brow furrowed when she say her I.D. tag. “Can I help you?”

“Katherine Elmner?”

“Yes.”

“Hi, I’m Jo Norris, from the crime lab. Can I come in, I have some news.” Jo kept her face tight as the girl ushered her in. ‘Impassive, impassive, impassive.’ This became her mantra, but deep down she knew nothing could keep her from the heart wrenching emotion she felt right then. “It’s about your sister...”

Chapter 8-

Dom pulled out the file of the alibi for Ms. Kantorin, the first person to find the body. She checked out. He walked down the hall and stopped at the DNA lab door. Elijah would need time to cool off anyway, he was so caught up in the fact that Jo had showed him up that he’d never notice Dom’s tardiness. On the other hand, Elijah could be seriously pissed off. But Dom wanted to see Sher. Girl. Boss. Girl. Boss. Girl. Boss. The choice was easy. He knocked on the DNA lab door and came in.

“Why do you knock if you’re going to come in anyway?” Sher said continuing to look through the microscope. Dom suddenly noticed that the CSI lab had a problem with making eye contact. He’d have to work on that.

“Because you’d have let me in anyway.” Dom smiled big and broad.

“No, I wouldn’t have.” She looked up from the microscope and at him.

Dom’s smile fell, “Wha-bu-uh, why not?” He did the trademark Domie-kins pout again. Maybe it would work this time.

“Because you haven’t asked me out to dinner yet.” Sher put her hands on her hips and stared at him. Dom grinned wickedly.

“Why dinner when breakfast is so much sooner? Sher, honey, this is the nightshift.” Now Sher was flabbergasted. “Besides, Waffle House is open 24 hours a day.”

“You’re taking me to a Waffle House for our first date?”

“I’m hoping you’ll give me more chances to give you better ones.”

Sher smiled at him sweetly. “You know, Dom, I was really in the mood for dessert.”

Dom caught the innuendo and gave a wolfish grin. “But Sher, what fun we could have with maple syrup.”

“Dom.” Dom spun around to see the CSI nazi himself. There stood Elijah, eyes blazing. Maybe Dom should have taken the other option. “What are you doing in here?” Elijah wanted and answer and he wanted it now. Dom stammered for an answer but decided to screw Elijah. Hey if Jo could do it, so could.

“I’m trying to get a date, thank you, something you should really consider doing once in a while. And just because Jo made you look like an idiot it doesn’t mean you have to do the same to everybody else. All that built up tension isn’t good for ya man. Take a holiday.”

Elijah looked like a deer in headlights. “Be back in five minutes.” Elijah’s voice was quiet. He left them and went back to the evidence room.

“Go Dom.” Sherolyn threw her arms around his neck. “You’ve slain the mighty dragon. Now take the princess back to your castle.” Dom didn’t quite share her joy.

“Maybe I should have gone a little easier on him.”

“Why!?!” Sher came off of Dom and looked at him questioningly.

“Because the guy’s under a lot of stress. Besides, Jo did rip him a new one earlier. Too bad he shot her down for it.” Dom shook his had with the memory.

“Too bad I couldn’t be there to see it. Hey, I’ve got an idea.”

“What?”

“Why don’t you tell me all about it over pancakes?”

“I’ll tell Elijah we’re taking a break.”

Chapter 9-

“You have news about Jeanie!?!” Katherine looked hopeful. Jo looked pained.

“Yes, you’re sister is Jeanette Elmner, correct?”

“Yes. Just tell me what’s going on.” Katherine’s eyes searched Jo’s.

Impassive, be impassive.

“Your sister, Jeanette, she was-”

Impassive, be impassive.

“-found murdered-

“NO!” Katherine jumped up and pointed a finger at Jo. “You’re wrong.” She was screaming, “That’s not Jeanie, she’s ok, she’s gotta be okay...” Katherine dropped to her knees. Jo didn’t care about being impassive anymore. She ran over to the complete stranger, got on her knees to her level, and held her hands. Katherine was sobbing uncontrollably.

“I’m sorry miss, but if you can answer any questions, we might be able to find her killer.”

“She’s not dead, she can’t be.”

“Ms. Elmner, please. If you want to help your sister, you’re going to have to help me.”

Katherine’s eyes were read and puffy as she searched Jo’s eyes. She nodded her head slowly. Jo helped her to the couch and snagged a tissue from coffee table. After some sniffling and nose blowing, Jo looked at Katherine.

“May I ask you some questions?”

Katherine nodded her head. Jo thought that she looked like a robot. Lifeless, emotionally dead, blind to everything and nothing. Jo shuddered the thought away and cleared her throat.

“Was Jeanette seeing anyone new?”

Katherine stared at the coffee table, “I don’t think so.”

“Did she have any one that held a grudge against her, enemies...?”

Katherine’s head snapped up, “No! Everyone loved Jeanie. You couldn’t help but love her... She was always kind and...” Katherine began sobbing again. Jo rubbed her back and made soothing noises. Katherine’s head came up and suddenly her eyes were filled with a sense of purpose. She looked at Jo and searched her again.

“Can you promise me something?”

“Well, I-”

“Can you promise me you’ll catch the sicko who killed her?” Katherine gripped Jo’s arm tightly and her knuckles turned white. Her lips quivered as she tried to stop from sobbing again. Her eyes were big and full of tears. She was pleading with Jo to get involved emotionally.

Impassive, be impassive.

“I’ll try, but-”

“Promise me. Please. Promise me.” Streams of tears flowed down the miserable girl’s face.

Impassive, be impassive.

“I...” Jo trembled in her response. Why did Elijah send her alone? Why did Katherine have to look so helpless? Why couldn’t Dom go? Why did Jeanette Elmner have to die? “I... I... I’m so-”

“Don’t say that to me.” Katherine stood up and glared at Jo. “Don’t tell me you’re sorry. I don’t want sorry. I want Jeanie. Sorry can’t bring back Jeanie. But I want justice, too. You can bring Jeanie justice. Bring me justice. Bring this guy down.”

“The crime lab will call you if we have any further information. If you remember anything here’s the number to the lab. I’ll try my best.” Jo handed Katherine a card. Katherine’s eyes had become dark but she took the card. Jo took that as a sign to show herself out.

As she closed the door behind her, her body went numb. She walked to her car. She didn’t think about anything. She didn’t feel anything. She got into her car and gripped the steering wheel, but she didn’t move. She had become impassive. She started the car and drove back to the lab. Good for her.

Chapter 10-

Jo felt weighted as she walked into the crime lab. She didn’t want to deal with anyone. And she was hungry. She tried to fight the hunger, but it just kept biting at the back of her mind. She sighed and resigned to the human emotion. Maybe some comfort food would provide her temporary release anyway. She needed to talk to someone about what had happened, Dom or Sher would probably be willing to listen. She went to the staff lounge and saw that they weren’t there. She’d check the DNA next, grabbing a granola bar she left. She was walking to the DNA lab when the last thing she wanted to hear popped into her ears.

“Jo.” Elijah’s voice carried down the hall. She turned around and faced him and waited for his response. “I need to see you in my office.” Jo nodded and followed.

Elijah closed the door behind him and pointed to a seat. She sat down and stared at him as he followed suit behind his desk. There was a moment of awkward silence.

“I’m sorry.” Elijah shocked Jo. “I believe we’ve started off on the wrong foot. And I’d like to say that my behav-”

“I saw Katherine Elmner.”

Elijah stared at Jo, he was confused. “Uh, and did she say anything?”

“She cried. She cried so much. She asked me to promise her to find Jeanie’s-”

“Jeanie? Is that the vic?”

Jo nodded, “She wanted me to promise to find Je- the vic’s murderer.”

Elijah closed his eyes and looked pained. “What did you say?”

“I said no.”

Elijah suddenly looked relieved, “I shouldn’t of let you go alone.”

“I forgive you.” They shared an understanding glance that meant friendship in the future. Then Elijah’s door was opened.

“Wood, I’m glad I found you.” I tall dark haired man with a detective’s badge came in and walked over to where Elijah was sitting. Elijah stood up and shook his hand.

“Orlando, have you met our new recruit?” Elijah motioned to Jo and she stood up. “My name’s Jo Norris.”

“Detective Orlando Bloom,” he briskly shook her hand and turned his attention to Elijah again. “The press has gotten a hold of the story. They want everything: statements, names, times, suspects. It’s hell, man.”

“Damnit. I was hoping we could keep it under wraps for just a little while longer.” Elijah passed his hand through his hair. This was the only time Jo had actually seen Elijah look worried. “Do you want me to make a statement?”

“If you want I could, I know how you hate cameras.” Orlando laughed and Elijah blushed. Jo cracked a smile, “You hate cameras?” Yes! This was perfect, the machine had a flaw! “I don’t hate cameras. I hate the press. Microphones in your face, everything’s made to sound differently than the way you said it.” Orlando shook his head, “Elijah here doesn’t like public speaking.”

“It’s not that!” Elijah was getting flustered. Jo was grinning from ear to ear, “Then what is it?”

“I just don’t like the press. That’s it.”

Orlando patted his shoulder, “It’s okay man, I’ll do the press thing.”

Elijah was getting laughed at by Jo. His pride was fired up, “No, I’ll do it.”

Orlando’s eyes went wide, “Sure man, if you want to.” Elijah nodded his head, “Where are they?” “They’re all in the lobby. Go get ‘em tiger.” Elijah nodded his head and fixed his shirt and heart and walked out with a sense of determination. Orlando chuckled lightly, and Jo looked a little confused. “Uh, is he gonna be okay?”

Orlando nodded his head but kept grinning, “Yeah, he’ll be alright. He’s done it once or twice before, but he doesn’t like to. All I can say is this is going to be an interesting news report.”

“Can we go watch?”

“Sure, just follow me.” Orlando lead Jo towards the mayhem.

-------

“And then she told him the exact distance between the crime scene and the vic’s sister’s house, he looked like he had gotten punched in the gut.”

Sher laughed, “God, do I wish I was there.” She kept laughing and bit into a piece of syrup covered pancake. She got a little syrup on her mouth and Dom laughed at her. “What?” Sher looked clueless and Dom laughed harder and made a motion to his face to indicate the syrup. Sherolyn looked a little panic, “Oh jeez.” She picked up her napkin and tried to wipe it away, but missed totally. Dom shook his head and motioned for her to come closer. She leaned over the table and Dom leaned over as well. He wiped the syrup away with his finger and trailed his finger to her lips with a fleeting touch. “There. I think, you’re good.”

They stayed there in that position and Sher shook her head. “I don’t think I’m quite good yet.” They both smiled and leaned in closer.

Chapter 11-

“Mr. Wood do you have any suspects?”

“Has the family been notified, Mr. Wood?”

“How far is the crime lab on the case?”

Elijah was beating himself up mentally. He suddenly had no desire to do this. “Please, one question at a time.” His voice wasn’t loud it, but it was stern. Everyone shut up. “You, from WKAT-TV, your question first.”

A mousy-haired small frame woman blinked in surprise. “Uh, yes, who was the victim?”

“We at the crime lab do not wish to answer that question at this time. Next question.”

“Do you have any suspects in mind?” A tall broad man asked.

“You know I can’t answer that question. Someone else, please.”

“How is the case status coming along?”

“My team and I are working diligently on evidence processing. We also...” Elijah continued talking and the cameras kept on him. Jo frowned a little. She was hoping he would mess up somewhere. He was actually doing really well. The cameras were eating him up. He had a very... Hollywood face on him. Jo leaned over to Orlando and decided to make conversation.

“I thought you said he didn’t like cameras.” She whispered into his ear.

He leaned down to hers, “I thought so, too. Apparently he’s had some P.R. classes since I saw him last.” Orlando frowned for a moment and looked at Elijah again. “Or they found his good twin and finally got rid of the evil ‘work-or-I’ll-kill-you’ twin.” The two of them laughed quietly.

“So has he always been so--?” Jo made some hand movements in the air.

“Tight assed?”

“Yes.” She tried to keep her voice as low as possible but she was getting some juicy information. Not gossip, she was above gossip. Just handy information that she would keep tucked away. If she happened to use that information for exploitation, than so be it. But it wasn’t gossip.

Orlando smiled, “On the job, most definitely. Off work, he’s ok. He’s a lot more fun when he loosens up. Until then he’s...” Orlando mimicked Jo’s earlier hand movements.

“I said no further questions!” Elijah’s voice carried throughout the lobby.

“That.” Jo added helpfully. “Ya know, in a book I once read it said that all of the world’s problems could be traced back to small men.” Again they laughed slightly and watched as the press dispersed.

Elijah watched them converse and grumbled something to a reporter from a newspaper. They were laughing- presumably at him. He thought he had done well, but he was second-guessing himself. Jo looked way more relaxed than she had in his office earlier. She was having fun. For the short period that he had known her he had seen her nervous, thoughtful, pissed, aggravated, and distraught, but never like that.

He walked over to the two of them and they stopped talking. Hey, he was the head of the investigation team for this case, he did have powers of observation. “You did good, Elijah.” Orlando said patting his shoulder.

“Well.” It came from both Jo and Elijah. Jo smiled a little, “I didn’t know you were a grammar nut, too.”

Elijah shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Jo,” he nodded his head to her and than Orlando, “Orli.”

“Oh, Elijah what happened to Dom and Sher?” Jo asked as he began to walk away. Elijah smiled a little. “Something that should of happened a while ago.”

Orlando’s mouth formed an ‘o’. “He-” he laughed, “Well I’ll be damned, he found a personality.”

Chapter 12-

“Uh, do you two like want a check or something.” A bubble snapped loudly pulling Dom and Sher from the romance movie type scene. The two of them glared at the girl and she popped another bubble in return. Sher twirled some hair around her finger and gave her best valley girl voice, “Do you, like, want a tip, or like, something?” The waitress rolled her eyes and walked off. “The customer is always right, Blondie!” Sher yelled after her.

Dom chuckled lightly, “First Lij interrupts are little innuendo session, then that girl interrupts what would have been a very pleasant moment. I think Fate has it in for us tonight.”

“Well ya know what they say.” Sher said with a sour face.

“No, what do they say?”

“Things always come in threes.”

Dom groaned, “Than my plans for the evening are screwed. Or not screwed.” Dom winked. Sher smiled devilishly, “We could get a doggie bag for these pancakes.” Dom’s cell phone rung. “Ah, Sher! Ya jinxed it, short stack.”

“Short stack?”

“I could eat you up!”

“Dork.” The cell phone rang again. They both groaned and Dom answered it.

“Hello?” Dom was just a little irritated.

“He dealt with the press! In front of cameras and everything!” Said the voice from the phone.

“Who dealt with the press, Orli, and why is it so important.” Dom was aggravated, in more ways than one.

“This’ll answer both questions: Elijah dealt with the press.” Orli listened for something, anything, but all he got was silence.

Sher stared as Dom’s mouth opened and closed. “Dom, are you okay?” Sher waved some pancake in front of his face. He twitched, “Our Elijah did what!?!?” Dom looked like he was going to fall out of his chair. Sher looked like she would have killed to know what was going on. “What’d he do, what’d he do!?!” Dom shushed her a little and Sher huffed at him.

“Yeah.... really?.... tomorrow morning.... uh-huh... you think Jo made him... yeah that wanker does have some serious pride issues... compensation, haha that’s a good one... could be an American thing... yeah... ok than... see ya round.” Dom hung up the phone and grinned.

“Well?” Sher asked, she was on the edge of her seat.

Dom’s lips quirked into a smile and he picked up his fork and examined it carefully, “Well what?” He began testing out the sharpness of the prongs pretending to be uninterested.

“What’d Orlando have to say?” Sher’s eyes were about to pop out of her head.

“Oh, he said that he’d see me tomorrow at work.” Dom shrugged his shoulders and began folding his napkin slowly.

“What else did he say?” Sher was getting urgent.

“Oh yes... he did say something else,” Dom scrunched up his face in thought, “now, what was it that he said?”

Sher groaned, “Dom you’re killing me here! Now I understand why Jo was so impatient and agitated when we first met. I bet you did the same thing to her didn’t you?”

“Yup, would ya like me to tell you about that?”

“No! Tell me what Orlando said!!!”

“You can call him Orli, ya know.”

“I’ll call him ‘master’ if that’ll get you to tell men what he said.

“Orli’s fine.”

“Fine.” Sher gave the infamous “look” to Dom. He gulped. “Tell me what Orli said, Dom-honey.”

“Uh, Elijah actually spoke to the press about the case and it’s because Jo was insulting his pride!” Dom whimpered. “Don’t hit me!"

Heh can't believe this man... Didn't really realize that it kind of started from this moment onwards... Anyway there aren't many off-duty Elijah in this fic I realized...

Kat I love your banner!!!!!!!!!!
It's amazing.

~Stacy~

ummmmmmmh... what about some updates, Kat?