Horatio sat in the chair next to Frank Tripp's desk. It had been Frank who had taken his statement concerning the events that had led up to Horatio's shooting and killing of Clavo Cruz.
Horatio rested his aching head in his hands as he listened to Frank read back his statement. He felt Frank touch his arm and he raised his head to look Frank in the eye.
"I failed them," he softly whispered.
"Them?" Frank inquired gently. He had been studying Horatio for several minutes and was concerned for the redhead. He had a gut feeling that Horatio was almost at his breaking point. One more thing and Horatio would tumble off the tight rope he was teetering on.
"Eric and..." Horatio began before sighing. "Clavo."
"Horatio, Eric accepted the risks that come with being a cop the moment he got his badge," Frank reasoned, hoping he could reach his friend's practical side. "Clavo used you as a means to an end."
"I realize that, Frank," Horatio countered as he slowly stood up. He had to visit Eric before going home and crashing for a few hours. "I do."
"Do you really?"
Horatio smiled. It was a bittersweet one. "My mind knows that, but my heart is a different matter."
"Horatio, some people don't want to be saved, so don't take Clavo's death on your shoulders."
The redhead nodded. "I'll see you in the morning," he said before donning his sunglasses and leaving the building.
Frank shook his head. Once Eric was out of the hospital and on the road to recovery, he was going to take Horatio out and get him royally drunk. He believed it was time that Horatio shook loose of his grief and start living again.
The Texan turned his attention back to Horatio's statement. He had to get it in the system before he left for the day.