Could A Week Change Forever?

Monday Evening

Horatio and Eric were having a beer and relaxing after a particularly harrowing case, when suddenly Eric's eye was caught by a new arrival. She was alone, and Eric heard her ask the bartender for a diet coke before seating herself on a stool not far from the table where the two men were sitting. It was, however, her expression that had initially attracted Eric's attention; she looked lost and a little lonely. He nudged Horatio. 'Look H, that's odd!'

Horatio glanced at the woman. 'What's odd Eric?' he replied absently, his mind still half pre-occupied with the case they'd just wrapped up.

'Oh come on H, wake up, do! To start with, she's on her own, secondly, she's just asked for a diet coke, and who drinks that, in this city, unless they're under 18!

Horatio took a second, longer look at the woman. Being slightly more observant than his younger colleague, and also more perceptive, he noticed that – as well as the expression that had attracted Eric- she seemed decidedly scared and upset. Her hand shook slightly as she sipped her drink, and she looked as if she was trying not to cry. It made her seem oddly vulnerable, and the protective instinct, that had made Horatio Caine one of the best Crime Lab Supervisors in the country, suddenly kicked in. 'You're right Eric, that is odd, it looks like there's something wrong. Maybe we should investigate.'

Eric shot his boss an exasperated look. 'For goodness sake H, we're supposed to be off duty! She's probably just split up with her boyfriend or something!'

'Maybe so, Eric' replied Horatio, 'but as you said, she's alone and we both know it's not safe to be on your own in this kind of neighbourhood- especially as evening's drawing on! We need to do something about it!'

Eric sighed, but he knew that the older man was right, they should do something but he wasn't quite sure exactly what. 'Okay H, I suppose you want me to go and ask her what's wrong?'

Horatio studied the woman for a moment before making his mind up. 'Hmm, actually Eric, I think I'd better deal with it. I've got a bit more tact than you, and this may take careful handling. You get off home okay, and I'll see you the day after tomorrow.'

As Eric left the bar, he wondered at Horatio's last words. He knew that he tended to go at things like a bull in a china shop, but the woman didn't seem like H's type, so Eric couldn't understand why Horatio had been so insistent that he should be the one to deal with it. Then he laughed to himself, it was probably just H's protective instinct again!

Meanwhile, Horatio, having finished his beer, went to the bar to get another. He was waiting to order, when he heard a male voice say 'Well hello darlin', all on your lonesome huh? Lemme buy you a drink?'

He turned slightly and saw a large roughneck sitting next to the woman that he and Eric had noticed. She seemed to freeze for just an instant, before replying icily 'No thank you!' and turning back to her drink.

The roughneck took no notice, leaned over and tried to put an arm around her, saying 'Aw, c'mon gorgeous, stop playin' hard to get! I'm gonna show you a real good time!'

She slipped from his grasp and moved to the stool next to Horatio, at the same time saying even more frostily 'I've already said NO once, now kindly leave me alone!'

Horatio couldn't quite place her accent, but she wasn't a local or she would've left the bar by now – therefore not giving her would-be suitor a chance to try again-, which he promptly did! Moving to the stool next to her, he reached for her again, saying as he did so, 'C'mon you cutie, you may as well give in now, 'cause we both know how this is gonna end! It's time for us to have some fun!'

Horatio decided it was time for him to intervene, as this lout didn't seem able to take a hint, so he stepped forward, saying firmly 'The Lady has requested that you leave her alone. I suggest that you do as she asks, and leave now!'

The roughneck looked the older man up and down, with an insolent air, taking in the suit, his age and the fact that he looked definitely an "office type". 'Oh yeah, and just who's gonna make me Ginger? You? I don't think so!' he sneered.

'Oh I think that I can manage that' replied Horatio, casually drawing back the left side of his jacket and showing his badge.

The other mans eyes widened, and he backed off a bit, before saying 'Sorry Officer, just a joke y'know! Sorry lady, I'm leavin'!'

He swung round, and left the bar in a hurry, while Horatio turned to the woman and softly asked 'Are you okay?'

She looked up at him and replied 'Yes thank you, and thank you for getting rid of that obnoxious fellow, he didn't seem to want to listen to me!'

'Unfortunately, there's a lot of people like that around here, you really ought not to be here alone' Horatio said. Allow me to introduce myself, Lieutenant Horatio Caine of the Miami- Dade Crime Lab'.

She shook his proffered hand and said 'I'm Fiona, Fiona Curtis'.

By now, Horatio had managed to place her accent. 'Hey, you're English, are you here on vacation?'

'I'm actually Welsh, and yes, I'm here on holiday, arrived yesterday afternoon, but as for being here alone......' she stopped, and sighed deeply. 'Well I don't really have anywhere else to go at the moment!'

'How's that?' asked Horatio. 'Surely you didn't come on vacation on your own? Oh, by the way, would you allow me to buy you a drink? I'm having one, and I'd be pleased if you would join me. What would you like?'

'Well, if you insist, I'll have a diet coke please' she replied. Seeing Horatio's surprise, she explained. 'My parents never drank, so I never really took to it. I was also brought up to understand that there's no shame in saying "No, I don't want to" so I avoided becoming a victim of Peer Pressure too! Oh I might have maybe, half a Lager and Lime, or some wine occasionally, but really I'm happier sticking to soft drinks if I go out. At least I know that I'll be able to remember what I was doing the previous night!'

Horatio chuckled, even while remembering just how often his team had been called out to deal with the grim aftermath of drunken antics.

Having paid for the drinks, he suggested that they sit somewhere a little more comfortable, and carried both drinks over to a table in the corner, before courteously pulling out a chair to allow Fiona to sit down and then taking the seat opposite her.

'You were saying about having nowhere else to go?' he prompted, once they were both settled.

She sighed again. 'Oh that! It's this way; I came on holiday with my workmate, Monica. She'd paid for the tickets etc. but her boyfriend dumped her almost at the last minute, so, as she knew I was off, she asked me to join her instead. We arrived yesterday afternoon, but, while we were on the beach today, she managed to find herself another bloke, and decided she wanted a bit of privacy. So this evening, she turfed me out of the room, telling me not to go back until at least 10.30pm. Therefore, I'm stuck with nowhere to go. I haven't yet had time to find out what evening entertainment is on offer, so I'll just have to wander around until it's time to go back to the hotel. I might go for a walk along the beach perhaps'.

By now, a horrified Horatio was mentally cursing the absent friend. She seemed to be the type who selfishly did what she wanted all the time, and never mind the consequences on other people! He'd dealt with cases all too similar in the past, and they invariably took their toll on someone- usually, in his experience, the innocent party! He carefully masked his anger, and asked 'Is this your first time in the US?'

'It's my first trip abroad anywhere! To be honest, I was scared stiff setting foot on that plane, I really had no idea what to expect, so I actually shut my eyes during take-off! Once we were up in the air though, it was much better- I couldn't see so much unless I looked down!'

Horatio smiled at her candid confession. 'I should think it would be scary your first time, however, at least you'll know now what to expect when you go home. Sometimes it helps if you're not sitting in a window seat apparently. But how is it you've not been abroad before? Didn't you go on trips when you were younger?'

'Wasn't really able to, as mum was disabled- she had rheumatoid arthritis- and on crutches from when I was little, so any holidays we did go on were usually to relatives. Once I'd reached my late teens, as mum was mainly in a wheelchair by then, once a year mum and dad would go on a special holiday designed for disabled people and their carers.' Fiona explained.

'But didn't you go with friends once you'd left school?'

I don't really think I have many friends. As mum got worse, I cared for her if dad wasn't there, and we lived at least eight miles from the nearest town, so as public transport wasn't good, I didn't get to go out often like everyone else. Also to be honest, I didn't seem to have much in common with my schoolmates- I liked different stuff from them, and they all thought I was weird! It was a good job I liked reading!' She looked pensive for a moment, remembering.

Horatio fleetingly wondered how lonely her childhood had been to bring that look into her eyes. Even though his own youth had been pretty horrific, at least he'd had his younger brother, Ray, to share it with. From the sound of it, Fiona hadn't had anyone. To cover the awkward moment, he asked 'So what do you think of Miami?'

'I like what I've seen so far, but considering that it's only been the inside of the hotel room and the beach, I probably don't think my opinion would be worth you listening to! What I'd really like' she continued, 'would be to go sightseeing, because apparently there's some nice scenery, museums and stuff. However, as Monica is more of a "beach" person- and I am technically her guest! - I suppose......' she sighed, 'I ought to do what she wants. Although it's not going to be much fun playing gooseberry, if she carries on seeing that bloke!'

Her words had given Horatio a surprising idea, although he said nothing of it at present. He changed the subject. 'Have you eaten yet this evening, Fiona?' he asked her.

'Not yet, as I wasn't really hungry' she replied. 'But I suppose I'd better find a fast food restaurant before it gets too late. Would you know where the nearest one is?'

'I have a better idea, why don't you let me take you to dinner? he suggested. 'I haven't eaten yet either- the Lab has just wrapped up a difficult case- so I would be honoured if you would join me. Please say you will, it's no fun eating alone!'

She looked startled for a moment. 'Oh goodness, I'm not exactly dressed for dinner, and anyway, why on earth would you want to take a perfect stranger out? You know nothing whatsoever about me, so I could be a total villain for all you know!'

By this time, Horatio was definitely intrigued. Most women in Miami would not only have jumped at the chance he was offering, they would have been hinting at something more than dessert for afterwards! Fiona however, did neither; she just sat looking at him a little anxiously.

'Look, criminalists need to have good instincts, and the little I've learned about you so far means that I'd like to know more. As for you not being dressed for dinner, I think you look very charming as you are, and we won't go anywhere fancy. I know quite a few unpretentious places, where the food is good and the atmosphere more relaxed. Do please say you'll come? he coaxed.

She hesitated a moment longer, then relaxed and acquiesced. 'Well, if you're completely sure about it, then thank you Lieutenant, I'd be happy to accept your invitation.'

He smiled at her. 'Then that's settled, let's go, shall we?' As they walked towards the door, he said 'Please Fiona, do call me Horatio. If I hear Lieutenant all the time, I'll keep thinking I'm still on duty!' They laughed as they left the bar and headed for the parked Hummer. Fiona was very impressed when she saw it.

'Wow, that is some car! You know Horatio; I'm still getting used to people driving on the "wrong" side of the road. I nearly got run over this morning because of it!'

Horatio laughed as he opened the door and helped her into the Hummer's passenger seat. 'Well, we probably have the same trouble if we visit the UK, so I guess it evens itself out in the end. When I was younger, I used to think it'd be a good idea if both countries drove in the middle of each road, but since I became a cop, and then a CSI, I've realised that it wouldn't be practical! Just think of the havoc any major pile- ups would cause to my crime figures!' Fiona giggled appreciatively at this, as he started the Hummer, and they drove to the restaurant in an atmosphere of good- humoured harmony.

Over dinner, they discussed their various hobbies, and both were pleased when it turned out that they both liked some of the same books and music- although Horatio didn't have a lot of free time these days, due to the demanding nature of his job.

Fiona, in her turn, wanted to know about what Horatio did, so he broadly described the sort of thing that would happen at a crime scene, and exactly how much forensic work it took to actually ensure a conviction.

He also- by dint of subtly using his investigative techniques- managed to get her to open up about her earlier life, including the fact that she'd lost her mother five years ago- she said that the disability, by then, had meant that it was more of a blessing than anything else! - and that her father had only survived her by two years. He also learnt that she'd been married for six years, until her husband's death ten months ago. That had surprised him, as she had a naive quality, which was mixed with a hint of uncertainty that rather attracted him, despite everything.

Over coffee, he put forward the idea that had occurred to him earlier. 'Look Fiona, I don't know how you'd feel about it, but I have an unexpected day off tomorrow, so why don't I take you sightseeing? It'd be better than you having to be stuck on the beach with your friend and her new guy all day!'

He waited for the eager acceptance that he knew would come from most women, but all Fiona said was 'Why?'

'Why what?' he replied, confused.

'Why would you want to take me sightseeing? I mean, you've been very kind tonight, but I'm nowhere near the Pin- Up type that you're probably more used to going out with and I'd probably bore you to tears if you had to put up with me and my chatter for a whole day!'

Suddenly, he understood her uncertainty. She obviously had no illusions about herself, so, if her schoolmates had thought her weird, she didn't- by her own admission- have many friends, and the friend she was with looked like she'd turned out to be a bit of a user, she probably couldn't really believe that anyone would like her just for herself, so she was apprehensive in case something went wrong.

'Please Fiona; I'd really like to show you some of my favourite places. I hadn't made any other plans, as I wasn't expecting the day off, so I'm quite free! Maybe we could go out to the Everglades and could find a 'gator or two to show you? Do please say you will?' he said persuasively, with a flash of the elusive Caine grin.

'We...e...ll,' she replied hesitatingly. 'Well, alright, if you're positive about it, then I'm too tempted to be able to say no! Thank you Horatio!'

'It's entirely my pleasure, Fiona! Now, as it's getting rather late, I think we'd better get you back to your hotel. It's just on 10.30, so hopefully your friend will have gotten rid of her "guest". Where are you staying?'

She named a slightly down-market hotel, not far from the beach and he nodded. He knew of it, although it wasn't the type of place he'd been expecting (her friend obviously went for the less expensive places!) and it wasn't fifteen minutes away in the Hummer.

During the drive back to the hotel, Fiona remarked, half-shyly, 'By the way Horatio, if you'd like to shorten my name, you can call me Fi.' 'If you'd like to that is?' she added doubtfully.

They'd reached the hotel by this time and, as Horatio helped her out of the Hummer, he said 'That's nice, I like it and I'd love to if you really don't mind! Now, I'll pick you up here at around 10am tomorrow, if that's okay with you?'

'Perfectly okay, so I'll see you in the morning then, Horatio. Goodnight and thank you so much for tonight, it's been fun!'

He smiled warmly at her. 'Goodnight, Fi, see you tomorrow, don't worry about sunscreen, I'll bring some.' 'Oh and by the way, my friends call me just "H".' Horatio said just before he turned away.

He waited until she'd entered the hotel, before getting back in the Hummer and going home. Feeling refreshed by the encounter, he managed to get a better nights sleep than he had anticipated a scant few hours earlier.