Chapter 1 - Warm Welcome

I would never steal CSI: Miami no matter how much I love it, and I can only wish of owning it.

Yes, its the first chapter, so it may not be the most exciting thing, but I promise it will get better. Please Enjoy.

I was never used to this kind of atmosphere back in New York. The palm trees, infinite beaches, the ridiculous humidity. Although the downtown streets, full of architectural wonders and busy people, I can recognize. Maybe it was the sweltering heat that I seemed to notice first, but I didn't think at all that Miami would be hard to get used to. I've been here a few times on business meetings and not much has changed. Still the popular place to party, if not get into trouble.

As the cab driver pointed out buildings and streets to me, I fiddled around with the letter that I had received not too long ago. I constantly read it over and over again, becoming more and more nervous each time. Even though I was pretty confident, I still had trouble relieving my nervousness. The letter was sent to me as a request from a lieutenant that has been close friends with my own boss back at the hospital. I was very much surprised that I was wanted to work for him down in the city of Miami. I didn't know why exactly, the letter didn't explain, but my boss eventually persuaded me to come.

And now, watching all the rotting palm trees fly past my window, all I could do was wait. I had no clue what to expect. But my expectations came too soon.

The cab pulled into a curb and my driver informed me that we reached the Miami-Dade Crime Lab. Thanking him and grabbing my belongings, I hesitantly stepped out into the heat once again. I quickly handed him my fare and looked around. It wasn't to shabby, a huge office and professional looking buildings. I was about to start off to the entrance when I heard a voice to my left.

"Hello, you must be Dr. Millard." said a deep and relaxed voice. I paused, but turned to see a cheery smile at my side.

The man took off his sunglasses and offered his hand to me. I noticed his crystal blue eyes and bronze-colored hair that suited his inviting smile. I shyly smiled myself before accepting and shaking his hand.

"Yes, I am." I nervously replied, keeping my eyes on the man. He placed his hands on his hips casually.

"As you could have probably guessed, I'm Lieutenant Caine," He glanced down at my bags of equipment, "Would you like help with those?"

"No, its okay, Lieutenant." I tried to sound like the bags I carried weren't heavy but in reality they weren't the lighest things in the world.

"You can go ahead and call me Horatio." he explained, leading me down the pathway to the entrance.

"As long as you can call me Laura." I joked, struggling with my bags. Then my theory of easily being able to laugh and balance heavy bags at the same was proven false as I lost my balance and fell flat on my bottom. What a nice way to get to know your new boss, I thought, quietly cursing my clumsiness. I am such a klutz, as always.

"Deal." he chuckled. Horatio helped me up and walked to the doors of the building with a look of concern. "Are you okay there?"

"Fine, thanks. Just have to remember not to wear heels again anytime soon." I sighed as he reached to open the doors. Another smile played on his lips. I walked in as he followed me.

I never had expected it to be so enormous. It was nothing like I had pictured it. Everything looked as if it came straight out of a science-fiction novel. Being one of the most famous crime labs across the country I wasn't very surprised at how it gained such a great reputation. I had always wished to work at a place like this since I was little. Putting the bad guys behind bars, saving the day... And it looked surely well that my dream might come true.

I was so lost in thought that I barely noticed Horatio drift off down a hallway, and so I was left to follow him.

"Wow, this is huge. Nothing like the emergency rooms back in Manhattan." I stated as he had turned down another hallway. The lieutenant nodded in agreement.

"How long have you worked at the hospital?" Horatio questioned, keeping his gaze ahead of him.

"Close to five years. Long enough to know my way around and most of the patients that come in now and then," I started politely, not trying to sound like I missed Manhattan much already."You know Greg, Lieutenant?"

"Dr. Anderson? Of course, good friend of mine. I was talking to him a while back and..." He stopped to turn to me. "I've heard you are some doctor." I sighed, trying my best to hold back a smile.

"That's Greg for ya, bragging about his doctors. I think it's just for the hospital's popularity."

"Or maybe its because its true."

"I guess so, but I'm not that good." I tried to defend myself. But I just happen to be up against a detective, so I knew that I was probably going to lose at an arguement.

"Well, if you weren't any good, I don't think I would have asked your help, now would I?" he objected. "That's the reason I wanted you here. So maybe you could give us a hand with some cases. Would you mind that, Doctor?"

"Of course not, I will help out around here the best I can." I promised.

"Thank you, I'm sure the team will be glad to meet you, then."

We continued, until he at last led me to a room where I was sure I wouldn't be able to find again, and opened the door for me. Inside were three pairs of curious eyes resting on me. I smiled at the three detectives and gladly shook each of their hands.

"Laura, this is Tim Speedle, Calleigh Duquesne, and Eric Delko. Your new team. And," Horatio told me, "welcome to Miami."