The episode in season one with the character of Brenda always strikes me as one of the most telling when it comes to Sara. Light seems to be shed on her character when she is around children. This idea came to me a long time ago but I'm just now having time to truly work on it. Please let me know if you like it and if you think it's worth continuing. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 1 With a Broken Wing

Sara glanced nervously at her watch, wondering what was taking so long in the next room. It had been over two hours since she had surrendered the tiny blond child to the middle aged, cross-eyed psychiatrist who was supposedly a genius in his field. The examination room had only one exit, so she was pretty certain that the youth services woman hadn't snuck the girl out another door. She certainly hoped not; it would just mean more running around for her. Although she'd had all day to think about it, Sara was still confused as to why this little girl's welfare was so important to her. Maybe it was because she knew what it was like to have evil lurk inside the family that was supposed to bring you safety. She knew all too well what Brenda's life had been like and what it would be in the future.

Just as the door across from her opened, Sara's phone and pager both began to ring. Seeing that it was Grissom and Brass, Sara ignored them in favor of talking to the doctor, who was coming out of the room, guiding a silent Brenda in front of him. Immediately, Brenda took Sara's hand and hid her face against the woman's leg, obviously not wanting to see any more of this particular doctor. Clutching the child's hand, Sara looked expectantly at the doctor, waiting for an explanation.

"In my opinion, she should be kept for observation."

"Overnight?"

"Possibly for several days," the doctor said in a matter-of-fact tone. Brenda's hand clutched Sara tighter and the CSI could feel the little girl beginning to panic. The representative from CYS was on her way over and so Sara took the opportunity to scoop up the little girl and carry her further down the hall, away from the vibrating negative influence of the doctor and caseworker.

"Are you okay?" Brenda nodded sincerely, her blue eyes wide. "You don't like him, huh?" Brenda didn't have to answer; the expression of pure fear in her eyes was enough for Sara. Transferring the small girl to one hip, she pulled out her cell phone and dialed Brass.

"It's about time," he said, annoyance evident in his tone. "I've been calling—"

"Brass, I need your help."

"What's up?" He knew that Sara only requested help when things were serious; his own problem could wait.

"I'm with Brenda Collins."

"The little girl from the quadruple homicides?"

"Yeah. We're at the hospital. I'm not comfortable with her doctor. Is there anything I can do to check him out? And keep her in our custody?"

"The case is still open, so you don't have to let her out of your sight if you don't want," Brass informed her. "But Ecklie isn't going to like this. It might cause questions—"

"What's more important, a quiet media or a little girl's state of mind?"

"Point taken. Whatever you think, Sara. I trust you."

"Thanks Brass." Hanging up the cell phone, Sara turned her attention back to the little girl, who was watching her intently through her big blue eyes. "Don't worry," Sara assured the little girl. Brenda answered her with the same look of pure terror that she had worn all night. "Just stay with me, alright? I'm not going to leave you." The little girl seemed to understand these reassurances; she buried her face in Sara's neck and held on tightly, her small teddy bear snuggled safely between them.

"Miss Sidle, Dr. Kanter has the child's best interest in mind. If he feels that she needs to remain here for observation, I am ready to support that decision."

"Luckily, I'm not," Sara said shortly. "We still have some evidence to go over. We need to ask Brenda a few more questions."

"The child is not speaking. I don't see how she'll be of any help," the caseworker argued.

"She'll be plenty of help," Sara answered, absently stroking the girl's soft, wispy blond hair.

"Miss Sidle, this is completely inappropriate—"

"I believe your business here is done, Ms. Walker. The department has every right and ability to care for Miss Collins until our investigation is through," Grissom offered this statement as he strode up behind Sara. His eyes briefly caught Brenda's, which were peaking up from Sara's shoulder, and he offered her a friendly smile. His expression changed back to one of seriousness when he faced the caseworker and doctor.

"This is completely unorthodox, I've never heard of such a thing."

"We do things a little differently here," Grissom offered simply. "Sara, may I see you ladies back to the station? Captain Brass is waiting." Without allowing the shocked woman to respond, Grissom and Sara began to walk steadily down the hall, Sara holding Brenda closely and Grissom leading them both with a gentle hand on the small of Sara's back.

"Sara, what were you thinking?" Brass's question was not unexpected, but it was in a harsher tone than Sara was used to hearing from the man.

"They wanted to keep her in the psych ward."

"She looks like she needs it."

"She's a five year old who's just been through hell! The last thing she needs to be is a lab rat in some state-run facility," Sara seethed, her eyes blazing.

"We're not a daycare center," Brass said sternly, trying to even out his temper. He understood that Sara empathized with this girl, but he had to pretend to be irate so that he could reconcile himself with the idea and defend Sara when Ecklie caught wind of the situation.

"Brass, I'll take responsibility for this one."

"You will," he said quietly, his eyes locking with Sara's, allowing her concrete proof that he was not angry, simply conflicted between personal and professional feelings and responsibilities. Without waiting for his permission, she walked quietly from the room and down the corridor to the lounge, where Grissom was trying to convince Brenda to eat. The child was ignoring him, focusing instead on Greg's coffee cup, perched on the counter.

"Hi Brenda," Sara said, her voice friendly as she lightly touched Grissom's shoulder, giving him permission to leave. After he did, Sara sat next to Brenda and began to unpack the things that Grissom had ordered from a nearby deli. Pouring a bit of soup into a mug, Sara took in the delicious smell before taking a sip. Brenda looked at her out of the corner of her eye, clearly surprised that Sara was freely partaking in the lunch without first forcing her to eat something.

"Let me know if you want something," Sara said, her voice nonchalant as she continued to eat heartily, "the food is great." Brenda watched her for a few minutes, leaning slowly closer. When she was staring at the soup instead of into the air, Sara tried again.

"Would you like some?" Brenda looked up at the smiling woman and barely nodded, but it was enough. Sara poured another mug of soup and cut the simple turkey sandwich into triangles, placing two on a plate in front of the girl. She ate slowly but eventually consumed half the meal, enough to keep Sara from worrying. Just as they were finishing, Sara heard a set of footsteps stop outside the lounge door. She turned to look just in time to see Grissom walking in with an irritated looking Ecklie behind him.

"Let's get you ladies out of here," Grissom said with a fake smile, one that Sara knew was merely for Brenda's benefit. The source of Grissom's anger was clearly the man behind him; he seemed to bristle when Ecklie began to speak.

"This is completely against normalcy—"

"So are you." Sara snipped coolly as she stood up and offered her hand to Brenda. The little girl took it and her eyes automatically shifted to the floor as she passed Ecklie, despite the fact that she was surrounded by Grissom on one side and Sara on the other. Catherine, who was walking down the hall toward them, handed Sara her keys and bag.

"Thanks."

"Call me if you need anything."

"Thanks Cath." The blond woman offered a strained smile to the tragic little girl and continued on her way, hoping to get home before her own daughter fell asleep. Grissom continued to walk down the hall and it was only then that Sara realized he was holding her hand. She didn't comment, simply continued to follow him as they headed for her car.

Once she had Brenda inside her apartment, away from the chaotic jumble of journalists and photographers, Sara was at a loss. She stood inside her front hall holding the child's hand but having absolutely no idea what to do next. Luckily, her intuitive nature kicked in when she heard the living room clock striking ten. The frightened child had been awake for nearly an entire day with very little to eat. Grissom stood uncomfortably outside the door but Sara barely realized his presence; she was too preoccupied with Brenda.

"I think it's time for bed," Sara suggested gently, shifting Brenda's weight so that she could once again pick up her purse. She nodded to Grissom, indicating that he should stay while she settled the young girl. Digging through her drawers, she found a softest, smallest t-shirt in her drawer and carried it, along with the tiny child, into the bathroom.

"What a day," she said with a tired sigh. "I guess I don't have to tell you, huh?" Sara bit her lip as Brenda continued to stare. Only her eyes acknowledged the fact that she heard and understood Sara. The woman picked up the girl and sat her gently on the bathroom counter. Wetting a soft washcloth with warm water, Sara helped Brenda wash before changing into the makeshift nightgown. After the little girl's hair and teeth were brushed, Sara carried her back into the bedroom and snuggled her tightly beneath the covers.

"Goodnight," Sara said gently, her fingers reaching out to brush wisps or blond hair from the child's eyes. As she stood up and leave the room, she felt tiny fingers grab her wrist. She stopped and sat back down on the bed, settling in to hold Brenda's hand while the child tried to fight her demons long enough to rest.