Hi everyone! I'm trying my hand again at a multi-chapter story. I've always had a problem writing characters when it comes to stories that aren't angst (I can write characters in character for angst, but not for general stories. It's a bit weird.) So I want to challenge myself to do better at writing (use more advanced vocabulary, etc). Also, I want to try to write CSI: NY characters as in character as possible, so that's another challenge I give myself with this.

About the story... it's wholly a crime case story. Sorry to say that it will not (really) include any pairings. Maybe if I feel up to it, I may put in some SMacked or Danny/Lindsay banter in. All in due time...

Disclaimer: No own. OK? (:

A/N (Aly's Note): I really don't have a good experience with multi-chapter stories, so I really hope you like this one! Don't hesitate to give me any help! Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! I also did research on Bronx buses and the area around 3rd Avenue-149th Street station, but the subway talk is all real (I take the subway frequently).

"This is an Eastchester- Dyre Avenue bound 5 local train. The next stop is Jackson Avenue," the subway's speaker system came on and recited the words it usually did when it reached the 3rd Avenue-149th Street station in the Bronx. People waiting on the sides filed into the already crowded rush hour train, while people inside the train struggled to get out.

They filed up the stairs and into the streets of the Bronx like a mob. Up the stairs went the people who were ready to leave, while on the other side of the staircase went the people who were making a mad dash to the train. Yet, nobody seemed to mind all the madness of the New York City subway system.

Up went the exiting people. As they reached the exit, they dispersed. Some went this way, some went that way. No one ever followed anyone. Except for this one night.

Emily Rodriguez strolled out of the station with a cake box and walked to the bus stop for the Bx55. She planned to surprise her fiancé, Chris Jackson, for his thirty-sixth birthday. Her brown eyes sparkled as she walked, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear. He would suspect nothing; he believed she was in Jersey City for a business meeting.

The bus driver spotted a lone figure waiting at the bus stop and pulled over to let her in. Emily pulled out her MetroCard and inserted it in the bus's slot. A beep signified that she paid her fare and she went to sit. The bus glided through the streets of the Bronx. After a couple of stops, she stopped near St. Barnabas Hospital. Her fiancé's apartment was located a block from the bus stop.

She walked along 183rd Street until she reached his apartment building. Emily pushed open the old mahogany door. It opened with a creak to let her in. The woman walked the two floors up to apartment number 25 and knocked on the door.

"Chris," she called, a grin appearing on her face. "Chris, I've got a surprise for you!" Emily frowned. It wasn't like him to not answer his door unless he was taking a shower. However, she knew he wasn't taking a shower, for at this time, he was probably watching TV.

The brunette knocked again, the pace of her knocking slowing. Knock…knock…knock. "Chris, are you in there?" She tried opening the door. To Emily's surprise, it opened. That was strange. He never left his door open.

She pushed it open and walked inside, nearly tripping over a stray shoe. She put the cake box down on a table close to the door and walked into the living room.

"Oh, and it's yet another touchdown for the Giants! They're going to beat the Packers by quite a lot tonight, Ted," the television was on and Emily could faintly hear the sports commentary.

"Chris, babe, you're scaring me. Hello?" she called again. The full living room was in view now, and she saw the most horrible sight of her life. A sanguine river of blood was flowing across the hardwood floor. Arterial spray lined the previously white living walls with crimson lines and drips. The source of all this red was the dead body of Chris Jackson.

There's the prologue! Hope you enjoyed (the small bit) it was! Like I said before, constructive criticism is welcomed (in fact encouraged (; ), and reviews are loved and always rewarded with a reply and Ben & Jerry's (This is my new thing XD).

(:
Aly