As soon as Gil had ensured Lindsey was safe in Sara's presence, he started towards the exit, Warrick beside him. He was caught, with the exit in sight, by Brass demanding, "Where have you been? And more importantly where do you think you are going? I'm missing one CSI I don't intend to lose any more."

"Sorry Brass, I had an e-mail, check with Nick, he's analysing it at the moment. I need to get back across to Braun's. I've two hours to persuade him to work with us, before…I don't know…" he stopped the fear and love for Catherine clearly evident in his eyes, "I can't let them hurt her any more."

Brass put his hand on Gil's shoulder, capturing his full attention he tried to both reason with and reassure his friend, "I know you're worried, but running off at their request is what they want you to do, that way you won't be concentrating on finding Cath…"

Before he could finish Gil had shaken his hand away, his voice raised, he all but shouted at Brass, "What do you expect me to do?! Wait for her to be returned in pieces, or so damaged by what they have done to her that she never feels safe again? I won't allow that to happen, I've caused her to be hurt by them already, just by signaling to you. They don't want you involved and if that is what it takes to get her back that's fine by me."

Brass slowly shook his head, raising his right hand to his chin, he slowly rubbed it before venturing, "I'm willing to stand back, for Catherine, at the moment. I think you need to have back up going to Braun's, but if you and Warrick are willing, I'll arrange for one of my men, Officer Stephens, to be in the Tangiers by the time you get there. He can follow you up to Braun's office and wait until you've concluded you meeting, outside. Humour me, please; I don't trust Braun and it will make me happier knowing you have some back up. In the meantime, I'm getting a couple of extra bodies on to the phone companies. We're going to try to trace the call, I know they said we wouldn't be able to, but I've yet to find a completely watertight system, a pity we couldn't get a recording."

Gil, realising he needed to compromise as well as understanding much of Brass' concern, agreed to the offered help. Warrick took the keys to the Tahoe and the two men made their way to the Tangiers in silence.

Gil had expected to have to argue with the pretty receptionist to see Braun, but as soon as he mentioned his name, he was shown to the elevator and told that Mr Braun was expecting him.

Sam's office was open as the elevator reached the top floor. Warrick and Grissom quickly made their way along the short corridor while Officer Stephens stood, appearing to guard the elevator. As they entered the office, Grissom made sure he closed the door behind them. He needed to win Sam Braun's trust and the imposing figure of Officer Stephens standing guard was hardly likely to fill anyone with confidence.

"Grissom, and Warrick Brown isn't it?"

Warrick nodded, he intended to let Grissom start the negotiation, he'd only jump in if events started to deteriorate.

"I know you said you didn't want to help Catherine, but I've returned with no ulterior motive. I only want Catherine returned safely. About fifteen minutes ago we received this message," Gil passed Sam a copy of the e-mail. "I know you and Catherine had your differences, I'm aware neither one of you want to be indebted to each other, but you are the only link we have. Time is running out for her. We have two hours to find what her captors want. I need your help Mr Braun, otherwise whatever happens to her will lie at your feet."

Gil watched anxiously as Sam seemed to study every detail of the picture, "You said you received this. I'm sorry; you and Catherine should not be brought into my business. Did you know that's one of the reasons she didn't want me in her life. Something about, now how did she put it," he appeared to think for a moment before continuing, "unsavoury business that conflicts with the life she fought for."

All three men smiled at that, each imagining Catherine standing before Sam in full verbal flow.

Gil looked to Sam and tentatively asked, "Will you help, if not for Catherine or me, for her daughter."

Sam looked at him, a look Gil couldn't discern crossing his face, "You know I've never met Lindsey, heard about her, don't suppose I ever will if her mother's got anything to do with it. I will help you as far as I can, not for Lindsey, or you, but for Catherine. You must understand, she is not to know of this. I will not have her trying to establish a relationship with me because she feels she owes me. No, that must be on other terms. You both understand how much more difficult I could make your future careers if she learns of this. Believe me, this is not a threat, so don't call in your Officer Stephens," catching the look that passed between the two men he added, "you hardly think I was going to let you just wander in here at your will, without my knowledge of how many of you there were, do you?" He let out a small chuckle; "It'll probably surprise you then to know since you left my offices I've had my people keeping an eye on you, Mr Grissom."

Gil smiled, "Nothing would surprise me when it comes to you, Sam."

Sam returned his attention to the copy of the message Gil had given him. He tapped it with his left hand while repeating, "Five years ago, five years ago." He then stood up paced over to his desk and opened a drawer. From it he drew several ledgers. One was dated 1999. He scanned through it for what must have been three quarters of an hour, while Gil and Warrick shifted uneasily on the leather sofa. Reaching the end he snapped it shut and looked towards the two CSI's, "I've been through my business dealings from the year in question and I can see no reason for someone to be seeking vengeance on me. I can assure you I'm on good terms with all the people I dealt with that year."

Gil studied him, something in his own mind didn't feel right, at this moment in time he couldn't quite place what it was, briefly clearing his mind he asked, "Can we borrow those business records? You never know, there may be something you missed."

Sam's face momentarily darkened, before he let a smile cross his features, "I'm sure you're aware my business dealings are highly confidential. I'm afraid I will have to decline your request."

There it was again, that overly polite tone. It was obvious to Gil now that Sam was hiding something and that this was no doubt the key to Catherine's abduction. There was, however, no way of proving this and it was clear Braun was now keen to draw their meeting to a close, he would reveal no more at this moment. There were more avenues for them to investigate once they'd returned to the lab.

Standing, Gil went across to Sam's desk and shook his hand, "Please call me should you recall anything, Sam." He dropped a business card onto his desk and with a look to Warrick indicating he should follow, left the offices in the direction of the elevator.