This time he knew something was up. One minute she was chatting happily away, the next hanging up her phone with a solemn look. She dashed away with the lame excuse of "I've got some errands to run." What could possibly be so important to leave in the middle of a triple homicide investigation? He was instantly worried.
Calleigh sighed as she climbed into her county-issued Hummer. She could not even count the number of times she had left a crime scene or the lab to pick up her drunken father. He promised to stop. I should have known better than to expect him to keep his word! She silently reprimanded herself as she drove to pick him up. If I had a penny for every time he has promised me, I would be very rich indeed! She sighed as she drew closer to her destination, knowing that every time she did this, she bottled up more and more emotion. Eventually she would have to let it out. What she needed was someone to listen when she finally did burst. She stepped out of the car and headed into the bar.
"Horatio?"
"Come in Eric." Eric shuffled into the office, not knowing what to say. "Now, what seems to be the problem?"
"H, I'm worried about Cal. This is the third time this week she has received a phone call and left work!"
Horatio sighed. He knew this time would come but still hadn't the slightest inkling of how to handle it. He thought for a moment and then decided for a safe route. "And just why does that worry you? I'm sure you have left work for some emergency or another?"
Eric was taken aback. "But never this often, H! Today, she looked totally dejected! There is something you're not telling me." He glared at his boss, anger building. Why is he keeping this a secret? I'm her friend for goodness sake!
Horatio sighed again. "Eric…" he warned. But he just kept on talking.
"If something is wrong, I want to know about it. I want to help!"
"Listen. Eric, I mean it! Calleigh is having non-work related problems. If she has not told you yet, I think it is wise to not say anything." When Eric seemed to grow angrier, he added "She will come around when the time arises. Until then, let it be."
Eric gave Horatio one last glare and said over his shoulder as he walked out, "Fine. I have tests to run." He walked around the corner and headed to Trace, resolving to talk to Calleigh later on.
"Thank you again, Emma. I don't know what I would do without you!" Calleigh said to the young bartender. "Don't take it personally, but I really hope this is the last I've seen of this bar. Well, at least under these circumstances." She gently grasped her fathers arm and helped him to his feet. "Come on Dad, let's get you home!"
"See you around Cal!" Emma called at the retreating daughter and father. Her response was a wave over Calleigh's shoulder. Emma chuckled to herself, "That man!"
Once safely in her car, Calleigh turned to her father. "What have I told you Dad? They'll never let you back into court with a hangover! You are risking your client's case!" All her dad did was mumble something unintelligently and close his eyes. Calleigh sighed. "Alright. I'll let you off with a warning again. Now let's get you home."
An hour later found Calleigh scrambling to catch up on her work. She was growing frustrated and was ready to go home. She jumped as a voice called her name. "Calleigh? Are you okay?" She spun around about to yell at whoever it was for interrupting her, but stopped when she saw him. He had a truly worried look in his eyes.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." She said softly. "But Eric, What's wrong with you?" She watched as he realized what face he was making and quickly wiped it away.
"Yes Cal. I was just worried about you." He confessed. "I mean, you ran out of here pretty fast. I wouldn't be a worried if you didn't do this as often as you do!" He looked down at his feet, anxiously waiting her reply. When none came, he looked up and was shocked. In the couple of years he had worked with her, Eric had never seen Calleigh show any weakness, and that, along with other elements, had given him great respect for her. She never cried; she was strong. Yet, as he watched, Calleigh sat down and put her head in her hands. He saw her take a trembling gasp before she looked up, eyes on the verge of leaking. "Oh Cal!"
"It's not as bad as it looks. It's my dad. He…he was drunk again." Eric just looked at her. "Eric. He was drunk! Again! He promised me! It's just like… just like…"
"Just like what Cal?" Eric prompted gently.
"Just like when I was a kid." She whispered. Then she did something that startled even her; she pulled Eric closer and hugged him, sobbing into his shoulder.
"It's alright Calleigh, its okay." He said holding her, comforting her. He knew she must be in bad shape to let her guard down this much. "How about we go for coffee after shift and talk?" Calleigh looked up and nodded. She pulled away, wiping away tears furiously.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me! I just…" She started.
Eric cut her off. "Don't be Cal. We're friends; that's why I'm here." He reached down and helped her pack away the case files spread over her desk. When they finished, they clocked out and headed out. Calleigh finally had someone to talk to.
