He had to calm down.

He took deep breaths, clenched and unclenched his fists trying to calm his racing heart. But nothing seemed to be working.

Gil couldn't get control back. He was losing it and he knew if he lost it here someone would get hurt. He knew he couldn't leave, the case was too important. There was too much work to finish; too many questions to be answered. But if didn't get himself under control none of that would matter.

The rage was flowing over him, engulfing him, drowning him. The urge to rip, to tear, to punch and to hurt was now a physical need. Gil's stomach was in knots, sweat soaking his shirt. He had to find someplace safe.

"Grissom, I've got your results bac…" Greg began but backed off when he saw the expression on Grissom's face.

Grissom glared at Greg, one part of his mind hoping the young tech would move toward him, close enough so he could pummel him. The other part of his mind screamed at Greg to leave, to run, and to hide. Greg moved further back into the DNA Lab, not sure why Grissom looked the way he did but knowing almost instinctively that to get close to him now would mean pain for Greg.

Greg sagged in relief at Grissom's retreat.

Grissom began to shake. He had been so close to seriously injuring the young lab tech. He had to find somewhere safe. Now.

Reaching one of the empty interrogation rooms Grissom tore open the door before slamming it shut and locking it; his control completely gone. He slammed his hands down on the tabletop before grabbing a chair and throwing it across the room to smash against the reinforced mirror. He upended the table before tossing another of the chairs across the room. His rage was now all consuming.

~*~*~*~*~

Brass ran through the halls trying to figure out exactly where Grissom had gone. Catching sight of a pale-faced Greg he stopped.

"Grissom? Where?" Jim asked the shaken lab tech.

"Interrogation rooms, I think," Greg answered.

Nodding his thanks Jim started toward the interrogations rooms, stopping when he heard a familiar voice.

"Jim. Jim wait," Catherine, shouted.

"Catherine, not now," Jim answered. "I don't have time to explain."

"Where is he?" she asked.

"Interrogation rooms," Jim answered, grabbing Catherine's arm to keep her from heading to them. Catherine tried to jerk her arm from Jim's grasp. "Catherine listen to me, I can't let you help. Trust me."

"Why?"

"I can't explain now just let me find him and…" said Jim.

"I'm going with you," Catherine argued pulling her arm from Jim's grasp.

Grabbing Catherine again, Jim turned her around to face him. "Dammit, woman I know he is your friend but it is too dangerous for you to deal with him now." Seeing the stubborn look on Catherine's face Jim added, "You can watch him from the observation room. But you have to promise not to interfere regardless what you see. Promise."

Catherine nodded once. "Fine."

Letting out the breath he was holding Jim nodded before saying, "Come on."

Jim noticed a few people gathered in front of the interrogation room trying to figure out exactly what was going on.

"Jenkins, you got the keys?" Jim growled.

"Yes sir. You need me to open it for you?"

"No, just give them to me and get these people out of here." Jim ordered. Everyone jumped at the sound of something hitting the wall.

Jim quickly removed his gun from his holster before taking his jacket off, handing the keys to Catherine and everything else to Jenkins. "Put these in my office Jenkins,' Jim ordered. "Catherine, unlock the door then go to the observation room. When we are ready, I'll signal you to let us out."

Raising his hand to Catherine's cheek, Jim whispered, "Trust me."

Unlocking the door Catherine watched as Jim disappeared behind it. Locking it again, she headed to the observation room next door ignoring the curious looks from the others.

TBC