Disclaimer: I do not own CSI:Miami in any shape or form – so no sue me – all you will get is my crappy car. I only own Lexi Morgan, and all my other OC's.
PIXIE
Chapter 1 – Meeting the New Neighbor
Horatio Caine stepped out on his back patio carrying a glass of wine, relaxing on one of his rare days off. Leaning on the railing he looked out over the beach, slowly sipping his wine.
Next door two women stepped out thru the patio doors talking and Horatio couldn't help overhearing their conversation.
"Lexi don't worry, this is a safe neighborhood and he won't find you."
"I'm sorry for being so much trouble Nat," Lexi whispered.
"Hey, I'm happy to be able to help my best friend," Natalia reassured the other woman.
"I don't know how I would have managed without your help," Lexi froze. "Nat, there's a man watching us."
"Huh?" Natalia turned around and spotted her boss leaning on the railing, dressed in jeans and blue polo shirt. "Lexi, don't worry he is okay. That is my boss Lt. Horatio Caine." Raising her voice, Natalia spoke. "Horatio, I never expected to see you here."
The red haired detective turned around and faced the two women. "Miss Boa Vista," Horatio paused. "Why shouldn't I be here? This is my home after all and it is my day off."
"I didn't know that you lived in this building," stammered Natalia.
"Heh," Horatio dipped his chin and chuckled. "So are you my new neighbor?"
"Uh no. I have no manners. Horatio, this is Lexi Morgan, she will be your new neighbor. Lexi, this is Lt. Horatio Caine, my boss."
"Welcome to the neighborhood Miss Morgan," Horatio smiled at the tiny, petite woman with short black hair who he estimated to be in her mid-thirties.
"Nice to meet you Lt. Caine," Lexi whispered.
Horatio's keen eye noticed the healing scars on her face along with the jaw that was wired shut. "It's Horatio, Miss Morgan."
"Excuse me, I need to go inside," Lexi gestured vaguely. "The sun you know." And Lexi turned, fleeing inside her condo.
"I'll see you at work," Natalia said before following her friend inside.
-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-
Monday morning Natalia knocked on Horatio's office door. Horatio looked up from his paperwork and waved for Natalia to enter. "Is there a problem, Miss Boa Vista?"
"I just wanted to apologize for my friend's behaviour."
"No worries. Did Miss Morgan get settled into her place okay?"
"Yes she did," Natalia nodded.
"Have you known Miss Morgan for very long?"
"Since university," Natalia smiled. "We were room mates and we've been best friends from then on." Natalia frowned, looking down at her hands. "It's just that Lexi is nervous around strange men right now."
"It this related to her injuries?"
"Uh huh, Lexi survived a vicious attack three months ago in Denver."
"And what about the person who attacked her?"
"Still at large."
"Was she sexually assaulted?"
"No, her attacker was interrupted by some bystanders who heard her screaming and called 911."
"Was he identified? Arrested?"
"Identified yes, he is Senator's Poole's son Benny. And no he is still free due to his father's lawyers, who got him acquitted and of course he can't be charged for the same crime on account of double jeopardy."
Horatio shook his head in disgust. "I hope that your friend is seeing a good therapist."
"Yes she is, but of course it will take her a while to get over the attack."
"Of course," Horatio's phone rang. "Excuse me."
-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-
That evening Horatio stepped out on his back patio, soft jazz music playing on the sound system in the living room. He noticed his neighbor sitting out on her patio, writing in some kind of journal. Lexi looked up and froze when she saw Horatio standing on his patio.
"Good evening Miss Morgan," Horatio nodded.
"Good evening," Lexi stammered.
Horatio noticed that the tiny woman was shaking from nerves, so he decided to go back inside his condo.
Lexi bit her lip, then said. "Wait Mr. Caine."
Horatio paused waiting.
"You don't have to go inside on my account."
Horatio turned around saying. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about Miss Morgan."
Lexi relaxed, she didn't know why, but somehow she trusted the tall red-head. "Please call me Lexi, Mr. Caine."
"Only if you call me Horatio."
"Okay Horatio," Lexi frowned. "You're not from around here are you?"
"No, I'm from New York originally."
Lexi heaved a heavy sigh. "I suppose that Nat told you about my attack?"
"She mentioned that you are a survivor, and that you were room mates in university."
"Yeah, we became great friends," Lexi smiled at the memories. Horatio heard Lexi's doorbell ring and noticed that she jumped at the sound of the chimes before collecting herself. "Excuse me." Lexi said before heading inside. Within a few minutes, Lexi came back outside with Natalia, who was carrying a take out bag saying. "Have you eaten yet Bug?"
"No, not yet," Lexi replied.
"Good, I brought some soup and iced tea. Oh hi Horatio."
"Miss Boa Vista."
"So you and Bug have been talking," Natalia smiled at her boss and best friend.
"Bug?" Horatio looked curious.
"You know, 'Cute as a Bug'," explained Natalia with a smirk.
"Geez Nat," Lexi groaned.
"On account of your height?"
"Uh huh, Nat started calling me that in university and it stuck."
Horatio dipped his chin and quirked a slight smile.
"Come on, let's eat before our soup gets cold," said Nat.
"Enjoy your dinner ladies," said Horatio, before stepping inside to answer his phone.
-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-
Two nights later Horatio arrived home and saw two male Jehovah Witnesses canvassing his neighborhood.
"Good evening sir," the two men greeted Horatio, as he stopped by his front door.
"Can I help you gentlemen? Horatio stood, placing his hands on his hips, flashing his badge and sidearm.
"My name is Aaron and this is Matt, would you be interested in hearing about the word of Jehovah?"
"Sorry gentlemen, I would not," Horatio replied.
"Have a good evening sir," and the two men talked down the hallway. Horatio watched as they knocked on one of his neighbor's doors, before turning around to unlock his door. He started to step inside when he heard car tires squeal slightly, turning around he saw Natalia hurrying up the walkway and then ringing Lexi's doorbell.
"Bug, its Nat. Let me in."
"What's wrong?"
"Something spooked Bug, she gets panic attacks."
"Does Lexi require medical attention?"
"No."
"Okay," Horatio nodded. "But call me if you need any assistance."
"I will," replied Natalia, as Lexi unlocked her door.
Stepping inside and shutting the door, Natalia saw Lexi was panicking, breathing fast, almost hyperventilating. "It's alright, you're safe," Natalia sat her friend down on the couch, setting down beside her, rubbing her back and shoulders, trying to calm her down. Eventually Lexi slowly calmed down, her breathing returning to normal.
"What happened sweetie? What triggered this attack?"
"He's found me Nat. He knows where I live."
"Did you see him Bug?"
"No, but someone was here when I was out for my appointment."
"Is there anything missing or out of place?" Natalia looked around the living room.
"No, but I know someone has been in here and then there were two strange men knocking on my door."
"Do you know what they wanted?"
"No, I looked thru the peep hole and I wouldn't open the door. That's when I called you. What am I going to do? I can't keep moving."
"Bug, do you mind if I call my boss?"
"Lt. Caine?"
"Uh huh."
"I don't know Nat. What if he doesn't believe me?"
"Believe me; Horatio will not think that way."
"But what if he is working?"
"I know for a fact that he is home right now. So, is it okay if I call him?" Natalia gazed at her friend.
"Okay," Lexi shrugged. "If you think that will be a good idea."
"Believe me, if anyone can find evidence of a break in, Horatio can," Natalia reassured her friend as she reached for her purse and pulled out her cell phone.
"Caine."
"Hi Horatio, can you come next to Lexi's?"
"I am on my way."
Both women looked up when the doorbell rang, "That will be Horatio," Natalia said, going to the door. "Thanks for coming Horatio."
"How can I help?"
"Lexi is positive that someone was in here while she was out. And also she says that there were two men knocking on her door earlier," Natalia explained.
"Is something missing?"
"No, but I am positive that someone was here," Lexi looked up at Horatio.
"Do you have any objections to me looking around your place?"
"Go ahead," Lexi nodded, giving her permission.
Removing a small mag-light from his pocket, Horatio started looking around the condo. "Am I correct in assuming that you probably cleaned before unpacking your belongings?"
"Nat and I wiped everything down when I was moving in."
"Um-hmm, you don't have a security system."
"No I don't. Some one is supposed to come by next week," Lexi frowned. "Did you find something?"
"It looks like someone picked up your knickknacks and your books, looked at them before replacing them. I can see where the light layer of dust was disturbed. But there are no fingerprints."
"Gloves," said Natalia.
"Uh huh," Horatio nodded.
"Those two men. Could it been them?" Lexi asked.
"The two men were from the Jehovah Witnesses."
"Are you sure?"
"I am, because I was talking to them myself."
"Oh god, Nat. What am I going to do? What if this person comes back?"
"First thing I would do is get the locks changed," suggested Horatio.
"But I would have to wait until tomorrow to call and then there will probably be a couple of days before anyone can come."
"Horatio, you must have some contacts? Someone who won't charge Lexi an arm and a leg," Natalia spoke up.
"I do," Horatio nodded. "Lexi, do you want me to call Peggy Donovan?"
"Do you think that the locks could be changed tonight?"
"Peggy's company is a 24 hours operation."
"Then please make the call."
Horatio opened his cell phone and after scrolling thru his contact list, he dialed a number and spoke briefly with someone. Snapping the phone shut, he looked at Lexi. "Okay, a locksmith will stop by sometime this evening to change the locks, and they will also look around and advise you what kind of security system is best suited to your needs."
"Thank you Horatio. I'm sorry for being so much trouble," Lexi whispered.
"It is not a problem," Horatio smiled at his neighbor.
"Thank you Lieutenant," said Natalia.
"Will you ladies be okay now?"
"Yes, I'll stay with Bug until the locksmith gets here."
-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-
Saturday evening Lexi looked up as Horatio stepped out onto his patio. "Good evening Horatio," Lexi whispered and smiled.
"Good evening Lexi," Horatio smiled at his petite neighbor.
"Do you want to join me?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I am," Lexi stood up and unlocked her side of the patio gate and Horatio stepped thru the open gate. "Do you want a glass of wine?"
Horatio noticed that Lexi was drinking a glass of lemonade. "I'll have what you are having."
Lexi stepped inside and returned a few moments later with a pitcher of lemonade and a glass for Horatio, which Lexi filled before setting the glass in front of Horatio, ice cubes clinking.
"Thank you," Horatio smiled before taking a long drink of ice cold lemonade.
"So, busy day?"
"It always is," Horatio chuckled, then gestured towards Lexi's living room. "Did Peg's security company get finished with installing the system?"
"They did," Lexi smiled. "Thanks again for your help."
"Glad that I could help," Horatio studied Lexi's face overtly.
"You have some questions? Go ahead and ask them, I don't mind."
"How much longer will you jaw have to be wired shut?"
"Two and half months at least," Lexi touched her jaw line. "My jaw was shattered, so they had to do reconstructive surgery."
"What did he hit you with?" Horatio frowned.
"I was slammed into the corner of a concrete wall. And then he used a steak knife to slice my face," Lexi replied, lost in memories.
"I'm sorry Lexi," Horatio reached across the table, gently touching her hand.
"I'm just sorry that his father's lawyers got him off, that he was never brought to justice," answered Lexi. "And I can't help wondering if he is abusing some other woman."
"You know that I am here to help you if you need it."
"Thank you Horatio," Lexi smiled.
"So what did you major in university?"
"I started in English, then switched to Library Sciences with a minor in biology," Lexi smiled as Horatio looked curious. "I'm a librarian now, but I resigned my job after I was injured."
"Ah, I see," Horatio murmured.
"I will be looking for a new job once I get the go ahead from my therapist."
"As a librarian?"
"I'm not sure yet," Lexi frowned. "I still have problems dealing with men that I don't know, and I'm not sure if I will ever be comfortable dealing with those situations again. So right now I am writing a book about my experiences."
"I'm sure that you will be okay."
"All I can do is take it a day at a time."
"Um hmm," Horatio nodded.
"And Nat has been a really big help," Lexi smiled.
"And what about your family?"
"My mom is still back in Denver, she lives with her sister. My dad has been gone for ten years now and my older sister six years ago. I call my mom once a week and find out what has been happening with her and my aunt."
"Why didn't you stay in the area and be closer to your family?"
"Too many memories and also Senator Poole made it impossible for me to stay. So as soon as I was able to travel, I contacted Nat and she helped to relocate to Miami."
"Miss Boa Vista is a good friend."
"Oh, Nat is the best," Lexi smiled. "And she doesn't treat me as a victim. She understands because of her own experiences."
"Yes I know."
"I'm glad that she talked me into moving here," Lexi sighed, looking at the sunset over the water. "Living here at the beach is very relaxing."
"That it is," agreed Horatio.
-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-miami-
Early one morning the following week, Horatio got a callout to a scene on the beach in front of his building. He frowned as he looked at the dead woman with short blonde hair lying face down in the sand. "Who called it in, Detective Berkeley?"
"That couple standing over there," Detective Jake Berkeley indicated an older couple standing off to one side. "They live down the street and they walk every morning on the beach before the crowd hits the beach."
"Did they see anybody else? Or any vehicles?"
"Didn't see a thing."
"Talk about an early start to our day," Alexx said as she walked across the sand to where they were standing.
"Morning Alexx," Horatio greeted the attractive black woman, who knelt down and started examining the body. And Ryan and Natalia who had been behind Alexx, started processing the scene.
"I can tell that this is a secondary crime scene, we have double lividity," reported Alexx, indicating the woman's back.
"Any I.D. in her pockets?" Horatio asked.
"I haven't found any yet."
"I'm going to canvass the neighbors before they all leave for work," Detective Berkeley stated before walking towards his car.
"It looks like her hair has been hacked off," Ryan remarked as he photographed the scene.
"I'm gonna turn you over now sweetie," Alexx crooned to the body. "Horatio, she's just a kid."
They all stared at the mutilated face and the vicious stab wounds in the chest area.
"My god," Natalia breathed. "He's here."