DISCLAIMER: I don't own CSI: Miami or anything else that belongs to CBS, more's the pity. I'm just having a little fun and promise to put everyone back where I found them with no harm done. I no own, you no sue, okay?
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is set in an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. This means that the faces and features may differ slightly from Canon. It does NOT mean that they will act out of character, so if you want to see Horatio dress in drag and do the hula, you're out of luck. This story is set post Season 4… hence the AU. It will contain SPOILERS for all seasons, including season 4 and the finale. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED, DON'T READ.
SLASH WARNING: This story will contain SLASH in later chapters. This is the description and/or discussion of m/m sex. If this offends you, DON'T READ.
FEEDBACK: I crave it. I need it. Please be kind and leave a review! Like it, hate it, tell me why!
PART ONE
Horatio Caine had an eventful morning. Not so much in the way of crime scenes, which was a blessing… but he had an agenda and was working toward it diligently. Every informant, snitch, and suspected gangbanger he could find had received a visit… much to their surprise and dismay.
The fifth punk ended up against the side of the Hummer with Horatio up in his face. "I want to talk to your jefe, Paco, and I'm not going to be patient about it. I know you're running with the Solaras Nuevas." The boy was pale, but still defiant. Horatio got a little closer, using his greater height as an intimidation. "Tell Pacheco he's got four hours."
He let the boy go, watching as he scampered away. Would this work? It had to. There was no other way, now. Riaz had eluded the police in Brazil; as he had known would happen. He had put the word out as far as he was able. Now he would just have to wait.
Sunset saw him on the beach, looking out over the ocean, as he had done many times before when troubled. The day had been more than trying; Eric was beyond fury as well, but there was nothing to be done. Nothing save the steps he was already taking. Calleigh understood… and she was being so quietly sympathetic that Horatio wanted at times to strangle her. Wolfe… Wolfe was Wolfe, quietly capable, but furious on his friends' behalf. And never mind the discovery of the mole. Natalia Boa Vista would have a hard time overcoming the reputation she had earned.
His cell phone sounded and he answered it absently. "Caine."
"You have been very persistent today, Lieutenant Caine," Carlos Pacheco purred menacingly. "You understand my hesitation to meet with you, I am certain. What is it you wish?"
"Not over the phone, Carlos," Horatio replied smoothly. "Name your time and place, I'll be there. No strings, no traps, my word on it."
"You sound so very desperate. Very well. Come to my home, on Star Island. Look behind you." Horatio did so with a frown. An expensive black car was pulling to the curb and it flashed its lights imperiously. "You will be searched and brought to me. Then we will talk." The phone went dead in his hand.
Horatio flipped it closed and trudged up the beach to the waiting car. The search was accomplished with no fuss; thorough and emotionless. Everything was confiscated and placed into a bag, which he was assured would be returned to him on the completion of the meeting. Then it was a not so quick ride over to Star Island, where he was escorted into a modest - for Star Island, anyway - dwelling and out to the deck. It looked like Carlos Pacheco was sitting down to dinner.
Horatio took the indicated seat across from him and waited.
"Some wine, Lieutenant?" Pacheco asked smoothly as he filled another glass. "It is an excellent vintage. Come, you should try it."
Horatio took a sip and regarded the glass steadily. "Very nice," he replied noncommittally. "If we're going to be civilized, I should thank you for the invitation to your home." He raised an eyebrow at his host.
Pacheco snorted. "As I should thank you for so graciously accepting my invitation. I am curious, however. Why should such a respected member of the community, a decorated police office, seek out one such as myself?" He placed his wineglass on the table and steepled his hands before him. "We are not of the same circles, you and I."
Horatio took a deep breath and another sip of the wine before placing his own glass on the table and meeting Pacheco's eye fearlessly. "I need a favor, Carlos, and you are in a unique position to offer your assistance," he said blandly. "Riaz." This word, however, was filled with fury and scorn.
Pacheco sat back, considering, and sipped at his wine again. Caine had come to him… how to be certain this was no trap for his compatriots? "And what do you offer in exchange, Lieutenant?" he asked finally, twirling the stem of the glass in his fingers and keeping his voice politely enquiring. If it was a trick, Caine would not leave alive.
"In return… in return, Carlos, I am offering a golden opportunity for you. I can arrange mishandling of evidence, enough to keep your business running smoothly." The words were ashes in his mouth, but there would have to be a price paid for justice. Riaz didn't deserve to live and Horatio had made a promise to Eric that he intended to keep.
"But you could so easily accomplish this yourself, Caine, unless you are afraid to get your hands dirty," Pacheco snapped, thoroughly insulted now. He could see clearly that the detective was playing him for a fool and said as much. "That you are offering to do so, in exchange for cooperation must be a trick. The answer is no."
Horatio stood and paced a few steps. "I wish it were that simple, Carlos," he said evenly. "The State Department is blocking my travel visa. I can't get to him. You can. I am well aware your… operation… is global." He met Pacheco's gaze, his own eyes burning with rage and pain. "You help me, I help you. Everyone wins."
"Don't beg, Caine, it doesn't become you. Sit." Pacheco considered for a few moments. "Perhaps what you offer isn't enough," he said slowly, obviously considering every word. "Perhaps, perhaps I wish something more - hands on."
H looked at the floor for a moment before again regarding the other man fearlessly.
"Name your price."
(TBC)