Wicked Game [Nick Stokes] (CSI Las Vegas)

8. Start A War

"Bang, shots fired. Pain is what you desire. The pen is mightier than the sword then how did we get here, my God. Sail among liars, blame the deniers. So you want to start a war. So you want to be immortal with a loaded gun"

As we had done in the interrogation of Pete, Sara, Brass and I entered the interrogation room while the FBI agents stayed in the viewing room. As soon as we entered, Brian got mad and started talking.

-Finally! What am I doing here? You have no right bring me here when I have done nothing!

-Are you in a hurry, Mr. Reid? –Brass asked.

-In fact, yes –he nodded seriously- I have to stop by my ex-girlfriend's house to pick up my stuff before she gets from work.

-So you didn't break into her apartment? –He frowned like if he had no idea about what I was talking about- The door was bashed open.

-What? No! I have a key –he exhaled and tried to calm down- Just call Portia. She's angry with me but she'll back me up.

I opened my mouth in surprise. Brian didn't know what had happened, which meant I had to tell him. This was going to be the first time that I had to communicate someone's death. I looked at my colleagues and they nodded at me. With their support, I quickly thought about how to say it.

-There was a fire at the spa.

-A fire? Oh God! Is she OK?

-Unfortunately, Ms. Weismann never made it out of the mud bath.

-The mu.. you mean sh.. it can't be!

-Mr. Reid, we're sorry for your loss –Brian closed his eyes and put his hands in his head- We have no evidence implicating you right now, and we know it must be a shock to hear about Portia. We need your help to figure out what happened to her. You mentioned that you and Portia were no longer together. Was this a mutual decision?

-No, I broke it off with her. She.. her, her drug problem was getting in the way. Weed. She knew I couldn't.. she knew I had a problem with it.

-Was Portia self-medicating? –Sara asked- Cancer patients are sometimes prescribed medicinal marijuana to help them cope with the side effects of treatment.

-Cancer? Well, that may have started her habit, but her cancer's been in remission for years.

-Portia's cancer had come back. The autopsy found mesothelioma in the lining of her heart. She didn't have long.

-But she never told.. I didn't know.

-Where were you last night? –I asked- Can anyone verify your location between the hours of three and four a.m.?

-I don't think so, no. I was at home hanging with my body Jack for most of the night. But by then, Jack was gone and I was pretty much passed out.

-Can your buddy Jack confirm your story?

-Well, I try not to ask the bottle too many questions. People look at me funny.

-Mr. Reid or should I call you Captain Reid? –I could see where Brass was going.

-Not anymore, I'm no longer with the Las Vegas Fire Department.

-I bet you've seen a lot of buildings burn and I bet you know a lot of ways to light 'em up.

-You know something buddy? You are way the hell outta line! –Brian snapped and hit the table with his fist- I devoted my life to jumping into flames and saving people. So for you to sit there and insinuate that I may be an arsonist.. is the most offensive thing anyone has ever said to me! And Portia? You think I set Portia on fire?! I mean, I don't know what kind of animals you people have to deal with, but that's not me!