Seized

A file lay open upon a polished oak desk. A drink was set beside it. Photos of the subject were spread out across the surface. Him alone, him with a dark haired woman, him with his team, him with a blonde. A hand reached out and picked up the typed notes.

The heading: Caine, H. Lt.

-----

Horatio straightened his burgundy tie for the fourth time since putting it on. He stared into his hall mirror casting a critical eye at the man that stared back. He sighed at the age lines and ran a hand through his hair; at least there were no greys yet. Brushing a speck of white from the sleeve of his black suit jacket, he picked up his keys from the table. His hand hovered for moment over the small black box that sat innocently beside the keys, before he forced himself to pick it up and pocket it. Horatio squared his shoulders, striding calmly and confidently to his front door, pulling it shut quickly behind him.

He re-entered ten minutes later, yanked open a drawer on the same little table, retrieved two tickets, and sprinted back the way he'd came.

-----

Calleigh hummed quietly to herself as she applied a coat of lip-gloss. Glancing at the clock, she frowned slightly. He was late. He was never late. She was about to call him when her buzzer sounded. She let out a relieved sigh when she saw Horatio looking up at the camera. She pressed the button to let him in. While he was on his way up, she grabbed her shawl from the back of the couch. After giving herself the once over in the mirror, she picked up her clutch bag. As if on cue there was a knock at her door.

"You know, you could use your key," she said, opening the door.

He studied her for a moment as she stood framed in the doorway. She wore a flowing pale green gown that hugged her curves and enhanced her eyes. Her golden hair was up in an elegant French twist, a few artful wisps trailing down to frame her face. A single emerald on a gold chain graced her neck with matching gold studs twinkling from her ears. He sighed in appreciation

"Hmm, but that would be ordinary and I want tonight to be special. A real date," he said, leaning in for a kiss. "You look incredible."

"Well you said dress up so I did. Oh, and you don't clean up too bad yourself," she said, running a thumb across his lips to wipe away the gloss that had transferred. She leaned back when he tried to kiss her again. "You're late." The faint blush that ran up his neck surprised her.

"I forgot something. I had to go back and get these." He reached into his pocket and handed her the tickets.

Turning them sideways so she could read them, she gasped, "Oh my god how did you get these?"

He just smiled and ducked his head. "We'd better get going." He held out his arm. "Shall we?"

Smiling again, she pulled the door shut behind her and slipped her arm through his, linking their fingers. "Ready when you are, handsome."

-----

Calleigh re-linked her arm with Horatio's as they crossed the tarmac to the cruise terminal. A small cruise ship awaited them, festooned with lights. The sign at the base of the old-fashioned gangplank announced that it was the departure point for the Kelsey Harwood Memorial Starlight Cruise. They waited in line with a lot of other well-dressed couples as their tickets were checked and they were ushered aboard.

Calleigh leaned against the railing, watching the Miami lights as the ship sailed along the coast. It was a perfect night for stargazing; no moon, and this far away from the coast the stars shone like a million diamonds. Calleigh mused how appropriate it was considering their host was a jewellery designer, a very exclusive designer with a clientele that included most of Miami's elite. She had no idea how Horatio had gotten tickets to this event, and truth be told she felt a little out of place amongst the glittering people. She felt a warm hand on her back and took the offered glass of champagne. She slipped her free arm around Horatio as he put his arm across her shoulders. They stood for a moment silently watching their city from afar.

Horatio was spellbound by the moment. He dropped his hand to his pocket, leaning down to whisper a question in her ear. A bell clanged and strident voice requested that they take their seats in the banquet hall for dinner. Both jumped a little and shared a sheepish smile. Horatio put his arm back around her and they strolled inside.

The hall was decked with flowers, predominantly oriental lilies. Round tables were arranged around the dance floor and stage, with a band that was softly playing popular music. There were several large photos displayed at the entrance. Calleigh studied them while Horatio looked for their table on the seating plan. Several of the photos were obviously studio shots of a very pretty brunette, Kelsey Harwood. But the photo that struck her the most was that of her and another woman. It was obviously taken without their knowledge; they had their arms around one other, their faces a hair's breadth apart. It was an intimate moment that spoke volumes about the love they had for each other. Calleigh sighed and thanked the lord for what she had with Horatio. Life was too short.

To Calleigh's relief, they were seated away from the 'celebrities' at a table with the more down-to-earth Mayor and his wife along with a very pleasant couple from Nepal. The husband, she learned during their meal, was the owner of a very successful chain of Nepalese restaurants and also owned a firm that organised climbing holidays in his home country. His wife was shy and softly spoken but eloquent when pressed on a subject. It was, on the whole, very pleasant company. Even if the Mayor was given to the odd crass comment on Miami's finest.

Two small fast boats pulled along side the ship.

After the dessert, there was a call for quiet. A young woman walked to the stage. Calleigh recognised her from the photo outside.

The woman began speaking. "Ladies and Gentlemen I would like very much to thank you all for coming this evening and donating so generously."

Ladders were thrown down and masked men climbed up on to the liner guns visible on their backs.

"As you know six months ago Kelsey lost her fight with breast cancer." Her voice cracked and she paused to compose herself.

The door to the bridge crashed open. The masked men forced the captain and crew out. One man went to work with the ship's controls. The crew were bound gagged and left in a locked cabin.

"I have the great pleasure in announcing that the money raised today and from other fundraising events has enabled a clinic to be set up to treat suffers from all backgrounds in a pleasant and dignified environment."

The men made their way through the ship, locking any stray personnel into cabins; they headed towards the banquet hall.

"I hope that you will continue to support the Kelsey Harwood Clinic in the future and I thank you making its existence possible." There was applause as she left the stage.

When the coffee was served and the tables cleared, the band began to play again. Horatio stood and held out a hand, "Ms Duquesne, would you care to dance?"

"Why Mr Caine I would love to." She stood and let him lead her to the dance floor. She couldn't help noticing when he pulled her close to him that he was shaking a little. "Are you okay, handsome?" she whispered in his ear.

He gave a little laugh and sighed, "Better than ever. Better than ever." He pulled back a little so he could see her. "Cal." He reached out and stroked her cheek. "Cal I…" he began again. She thought she saw flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Could we maybe get some air?"

A blast of automatic gunfire elicited screams from some of the guests. A second blast silenced the band. A sudden hush descended on the room.

"You will all do as instructed and there will be no deaths! Move the centre of the room and sit on the floor.

Very few people moved.

The man fired once into the ceiling. "Now!"

The guests hurried to the dance floor. Calleigh sat down and reached up to tug Horatio down beside her. He glanced around and counted twelve gunmen in the room. Knowing there was nothing he could do, he allowed Calleigh to pull him down. He wrapped his arms around her and they exchanged worried looks.

"You will listen carefully! A man will come around with a bag. Place your wallets and purses inside."

Horatio reluctantly handed over his wallet.

The bag was thrust at Calleigh. "My purse is on the table," she said, avoiding eye contact.

The man just grunted and moved onto the next couple. Most people were sensible and handed over their property without a fight. Some were snatched forcibly and one man was struck with the butt of gun until his wife reached into his pocket and handed over his wallet.

There was a crash that startled everyone. The leader had yanked the tablecloth from one of the tables near the door. A crony placed a laptop and a satellite phone in front of him. Sitting down, he the leader sent another man to collect purses from the tables. The bags and wallets were emptied onto the table and the three men began going through the contents.

"What are they doing?" Calleigh whispered.

"I'm not sure. I don't think this is a simple robbery. They seem to be looking for something in particular," Horatio replied quietly.

The thieves were making two neat stacks of all guest ID cards. The leader was tapping in names on the laptop as they were handed to him.

He looked up when he wasn't handed any more. "That it?"

"Yeah."

He addressed the email then tapped sendand sat back, waiting.

After five long minutes the phone rang. "Yeah boss, you get the list? ...Yeah ok, women first." He sorted through the pile of ID cards, picking out the ones he was told to. He placed them aside and then did the same for the men. At the last name, he paused. "You sure about this one Boss? He ain't gonna have nothing. … Yeah hang on." He looked over at the cowering guests and checked the card in front of him. "Yeah some blonde… Okay. … Whatever, we're on schedule. I'll call again when we're home and dry." He clicked the phone off and handed it to the man on his left.

Picking up his selected ID cards, he threaded his way through the tables. "When I call your name, you will stand." He paused and held up the first card. "Sijan Gurung."

The Nepalese gentleman from their table stood slowly.

"Madeline Engles."

The woman who had spoken on stage earlier climbed shakily to her feet.

He continued to read names. Each person was studied to ensure they matched the picture on their ID. Eventually, eleven people were standing and one card remained.

"Horatio Caine."

Calleigh gasped and clutched his hand tightly. Horatio gave her a reassuring smile as he peeled her hand from his and stood.

"Those of you who are standing will walk to the exit."

When the guests hesitated, he brandished his handgun at them. "Move!"

Horatio reached a hand and cupped Calleigh's cheek. "I'll be ok," he whispered. He was pushed away from her and he stumbled towards the exit. He looked back at her intently, just before he was shoved through the door, as if memorising her image. Then he was gone.

Most of the gunmen left also, leaving two to guard the now closed door. After ten minutes, they looked at their watches and walked out. Sounds of the door being barred echoed through the room. Inside the banquet room, the remaining guests sat stunned, alone, and frightened.

The captives were pushed out onto the deck, separated into two groups, and forced to climb down the ladders to the waiting craft. Once aboard, they were directed into the hold. Horatio was last. A plastic cup was thrust into his hand and he was told to drink. There was little light to see what the liquid was, but it was thick and overly sweet. Horatio assumed it was a sedative and would have spat it out had a gun not been pressed into his neck. His hands were then roughly pulled behind his back and secured with a plastic tie. He was kicked into the dark of the hold. He tripped over a pair of legs, colliding with the bulkhead. Feeling dizzy, he eased himself down and sat with his back to the wall.

He could hear someone groaning. A woman was weeping nearby, but he couldn't see her to offer any comfort. He felt the boat's engines growl to life and was thrown back slightly by the sudden forward momentum.

The sedative in his system was playing tricks on him. They travelled for what seemed like hours. The vibration and bumps as the craft hit waves made Horatio feel nauseous. His limbs felt like dead weights and his head was lolling to the side. A small part of his brain screamed at him to stay awake. The sedative was too strong. His eyes disobeyed. Horatio drifted off.