Officer Ryan Wolfe, nose deep in a case file, walked down the halls of the Miami-Dade Crime Lab. He was searching for any evidence that could help him solve his case. Passing the reception desk, Ryan heard a woman call out his name; he smiled. He knew that voice well. It was one of the only voices he could instantly recognize. She was his favorite person, his sister, Lauren Speedle.

Ryan closed the folder and turned around. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I've missed you," Ryan said pulling his sister into a tight hug. "How was your trip?"

"It was incredible, especially Europe! The architecture is breathtaking. I could've spent hours in the Gothic Cathedrals. I got so inspired, and I think my boss is going to love what I've come up with." Lauren exclaimed.

Lauren held the position of lead interior designer and photographer at Sunrise Architect Firm in downtown Miami, Florida. She was living her dream job. Lauren had been on a two month long trip to Europe and Asia with her husband, Officer Tim 'Speed' Speedle.

Ryan was glad his sister had a wonderful time, but he was happy she was back. "Sounds like you had fun. How'd Speed like it?"

"I had a great time. It was nice to get away, spend some time with my wife, and clear my head," Speed said walking up behind Lauren.

Six months ago, Speed was involved in a deadly shooting. Speed had been severely injured, and wasn't expected to survive. The three months following the shooting had been the toughest three months of Speed's life, but with help from the medical staff, Lauren, his family, and friends, he made a full recovery.

Speed went back to work, but it was too soon. Flashbacks of the day haunted him, and firing his gun had become difficult. He had put himself and his co-workers in danger. His boss and good friend, Lt. Horatio Caine decided it was time Speed took a step back, take a leave-of-absence.

"I'm glad, you had a great time, Speed. When do you think you'll come back to work? Apparently it's not the same without you." Ryan shrugged his shoulders.

Speed sighed. "To be honest, I haven't thought about it yet."

"I understand." Ryan paused a moment to gather his thoughts. "I hate to run, but this case won't solve itself," he said waving the folder in the air. "I'll stop by after work, and we can catch up some more." Ryan hugged his sister one last time and said his goodbyes.

Lauren watched her brother walk away. Something was different about him. He was quieter than normal. Ryan was a man of questions, and always wanted to know every little detail. She hoped he was all right. Lauren turned to Speed. "Let's go find Horatio, Calleigh, and Eric."

"Well, we can cross Calleigh off the list," Speed chuckled. "Turn around."

"Hey, strangers!" came the sweet southern voice of Officer Calleigh Duquesne.

Lauren turned around, and saw their favorite ballistics expert walking toward them. "Hi, Calleigh," Lauren exclaimed as she pulled her into a hug.

Speed smiled, and said as he pulled Calleigh in for a hug, "Hey, Cal."

"Welcome home! How was your trip?" Calleigh asked with excitement.

"It was incredible," Speed said as he looked down at Lauren and smiled.

"Good, I'm glad, and how are you feeling? You look good!" Calleigh asked.

"I'm good. The vacation was needed," Speed explained.

"I'm glad. I love you like a brother, and it hurt me to see you in pain." Tears began to form in the corner of Calleigh's eyes.

Behind them, Officer Eric Delko appeared. "Hey Calleigh, I've been looking for you…" Eric trailed off upon seeing Speed and Lauren.

"Hey Speed, welcome back," Eric rejoiced giving his best friend a hug. "How was the trip, and are you coming back?"

"Thanks, the trip was great, and I'm not sure. I haven't thought much about it yet." Speed shrugged. Eric understood Speed needed time, but he missed working with him. The lab wasn't the same.

"Well, it's good to see you too, Eric, and thanks I had a great time," Lauren joked as she walked and gave Eric a hug.

"Sorry Lauren," he grinned hugging her back. "I take it you had fun too."

"Absolutely! It was the trip of a lifetime." Lauren broke the embrace and stepped back. "Before I forget, you're all invited over for a barbeque tonight. So spread the word."

"All right, Speed's famous barbecue ribs," Eric exclaimed. "What time do you want us there?"

Speed looked down at Lauren then at Eric and Calleigh. "How does seven o'clock sound? It'll give you guys some time after work," Speed answered.

"Perfect! See you guys at seven, and welcome back," Calleigh said as she hugged Speed and Lauren one last time before heading their separate ways.