A Case Close to Home

Plot Summary: Random members of the CSI team keep going missing at regular intervals, then show terrified, in places no-one would even think of looking. When found they are accompanied by a series of strange messages that are the only clue as to what is going on. As the case grows closer to home and Lindsay goes missing, the game becomes more dangerous. Mac and his team face a race against time as they fight to save her.

Second ever CSI story so pretty new at this. Feedback is extremely welcome, Thanks to all reviewers on my other story- 'Let it snow,' especially to Dark Rolling Sea for your help.

Here goes!

"Ok everybody, listen up!" Mac Taylor strode to the front of the room and slammed his fistful of papers on to the desk to catch the attention of his team. The buzz of noise faded immediately as they all looked up to face him. He stood in front of a massive board, onto which the pictures and details of several victims were pinned.

"Right. Using the evidence gathered from the last three victims, we are working on the assumption that the kidnapper will strike again this tomorrow evening. Now, the first victim, Detective Lisa Benson, was taken from her kitchen at eight thirty pm. Dr. Fiona Davies was snatched from her car at the same time a week later, then Detective Ellen Frost disappeared on the way home from work last Friday. She was spotted leaving at eight pm by the security guard downstairs. That puts the time of the kidnap at roughly the same time as the first two."

Mac pinned a piece of paper under the photo of Dt. Ellen Frost and stood back.

Stella, Lindsay, Flack, Danny and several other members of the team stared at Mac, listening very carefully.

"The clue left beside the last victim said," Mac handed photos around, "Same time next week, and don't forget to call."

The team looked at the bizarre message that had been left next to the victim when she had been found in a wine cellar under a bar. It had been written in calligraphy on a piece of old yellow parchment and pinned to the chair she had been tied to.

"So far we have not been able to come up with any ideas as to what the second part of the message means, but it is pretty obvious what the first part is telling us. I have arranged for surveillance at all three kidnapping sites, and I believe Detective Flack will be at the bar where Ellen was found."

Flack flinched at the sound of Ellen Frost's name, but nodded to Mac.

"As the victim's were all picked up at different places I don't expect anything will turn up tomorrow evening, but at the minute we have no other leads unless any of the victims wake up. Do we know how they are?"

Danny looked up and passes Mac a file.

"Yeh, er…no change with Fiona and Lisa, and Ellen….got worse." He looked away from Flack as he spoke.

"Ok, well, this case is close to home, so I know I will have your full commitment in helping to catch the son of a bitch that's doing this."

Mac handed them assignment files.

"Just some loose ends that need clearing up on the first three vics, and information about the plan for tomorrow night. I'll see you all in here for a briefing at nine tomorrow morning. Try to get a good night's sleep and…be careful."

The team got up and left the office, talking quietly amongst themselves. The atmosphere, Mac had noticed, was thick with tension. No-one felt safe. Not even he himself felt safe.

"Flack?" He stopped Flack on his way out.

"You got a minute?"

"Sure." Flack stepped back inside the office and sat on a table, clutching his file.

Mac stood in front of him and closed the door.

"I just wanted to ask you, are you ok?" He looked concerned.

"Yeah, I just….I miss her." Flack looked at the picture of Ellen on the pin board and covered his face with his hands, groaning.

"How is she?"

"Not good. The doctor said she's getting worse. What the hell is going on Mac? Why her? Why any of them?"

Mac shook his head and sat opposite Flack.

"I don't know. But if anyone s going to find out, it's us."

He patted Flack on the arm and smiled sympathetically.

Lindsay was just about to pick up her things and leave the office when she heard a noise behind her. She turned around, but there was no-one there. Her eyes searched the dark corner behind her, but she couldn't see anything.

"Everything ok?"

She jumped visibly and gasped as Mac spoke from the other side of the desk.

"Yeah…I just though I heard something….I guess it's just this case, it's making everyone jumpy."

Mac picked up Lindsay's files for her and stood facing her.

"You know, you should be careful Lindsay. All of the victims have been young female detectives. You and Stella are the most vulnerable at the minute."

Lindsay looked up.

"I can take care of myself."

"I don't doubt hat. All I'm saying is….be careful."

Mac once again looked concerned for a member of his team. Lindsay smiled.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Like I said, jumpy."

She scooped up her files from her boss and sighed.

"You heading home soon?"

Mac nodded.

"Now actually. You want me to walk you home?"

Lindsay nodded appreciatively.

"I was hoping you would say that."

More drama to come soon but please review so I can pick up on mistakes and improve….