The Replacement
Chapter 1
Horatio sat at his desk looking through the job applicants sat on his desk. This is the one thing he hated about his job, replacing members of his team. Natalia had left Miami for Chicago to live with Damien but Horatio promised to keep her job open in case things didn't work out. It had been nearly two months since she left and he had agreed with Natalia to find a replacement. He really didn't want to do this but he was short staffed since Natalia left. As he sifted through the applicants, one caught his eye. He took a closer look at it.
"Found someone interesting H?"
Horatio looked up to see Eric stood in the doorway.
"Hmm maybe, take a look at the name of the people giving the references," Horatio handed the form to Eric.
"Now that's a familiar name if I ever saw one. Are you going to arrange an interview?"
Horatio sat back in his seat, "I think I will, Eric, I think I will."
Eric grinned and gave the form back to his boss, "she looks like a good candidate. She spent three years as a medic in the British Army, I am impressed."
Horatio continued to look through the application form, "she states that her address is only temporary until she finds somewhere else."
Eric frowned slightly, "is that a good thing or not?"
"Well, it depends on the circumstances. I'll call her for to invite her for an interview," Horatio lifted the receiver and looked towards Eric. He in turn lifted his hands in the air and retreated to the door, "I'm gone." Eric knew Horatio liked to do these kinds of calls in peace so he left the office.
Eric went into ballistics to see Calleigh to tell her about the applicant Horatio was about to invite in for an interview. He also told her about the people giving the references.
"Wow, she sounds great. When is he interviewing her?"
Eric shook his head, "I don't know. He ushered me out before he made the call."
Calleigh rolled her eyes and smiled, "typical Horatio, always keeping us guessing."
"Do you think he will hire her?"
"With referees like that, I think so."
Three hours later, the elevator doors opened. A young, brunette lady stepped out into the lobby. She wore smart denim jeans with flat, black strappy sandals. Her white loose t-shirt fitted her figure just right. Her long dark hair went half way down her back with half of it tied up. She approached the reception desk looking rather flustered.
"I'm here to see Lieutenant Horatio Caine. He's expecting me."
"Sure, I'll give him a ring," Paula picked up the receiver and dialled a number. When she replaced the receiver, she looked at the brunette and smiled, "just sign in here and I'll take you through."
Paula took the young brunette past the individual labs on her way to Horatio's office. Eric noticed this and nudged Ryan, who was stood next to him in trace examining some clothing from their crime scene.
"What do you think Ryan?"
"She doesn't look like she's here for an interview."
"Horatio did only call her a few hours ago. She might not have had chance to get changed."
"Anyway, Eric, Suze won't like you eyeing up the new recruit."
"That's if she is the new recruit."
"Well I have a better chance than you, I'm single," Ryan smirked.
Eric returned the smirk, "so you think you have a chance with her? Let's bet on it."
Ryan's face dropped, "Eric, you know my history with gambling."
"C'mon, it's just a little wager. Fifty bucks says you can't get a date with her."
Ryan thought for a moment, "Eric, no. I am not going to get into that game again. It nearly cost me my job last time."
Eric retreated slightly, "fair enough. Tell you what, I'll give you fifty bucks if you get a date with her."
"Really? In that case, that will pay towards our first date."
"First date? You're expecting a second?"
Ryan frowned as Eric laughed, "okay then Wolfe, we will see."
