The blazing heat of Rio rose with each tense moment as Horatio, Delco, and Riaz circled, fists and knives ready to fight. Delco was relieved that Horatio now held the knife, confident that he would wield the weapon with as much precision as he fired a gun. Horatio never missed.
Time seemed to freeze as Riaz lunged for Horatio, wildly swinging his knife, aiming to kill. Delco almost cheered when Horatio's knife hit home, plunging deep into Riaz. As Delco watched Riaz' body slump to the ground, time returned to normal. Delco quickly moved forward to kick the knife away from Riaz'. He soon realized it wasn't necessary as Riaz' had already breathed his last.
Glancing up at Horatio, Delco felt his heart freeze with terror. Horatio stood, hand clutched tightly to his side, deep crimson flowing through his hand as he attempted to stop the blood flow. Riaz had also hit his mark.
Horatio looked up at Eric, smiling sadly as his legs finally gave out. Groaning in pain when he hit the ground, Horatio kept his hand pressed tightly to his side, knowing it would do little to save him as his body drained itself of blood. In a heartbeat, Eric was by his side, applying pressure with the shirt he had promptly torn from his body.
"H… H you hang in there! I'm going to get you some help so you just hang on ok? H… H stay awake for me, H." Delco was frantic, watching with desperation as Horatio's eyes fluttered open and shut, his breathing becoming more labored. Seized suddenly by a violent cough, Delco pretended not to notice the blood that accompanied it.
A gasping sound caused Delco to wheel his head around, but he didn't release his death grip on Horatio's wound. Yelina stood behind him in her impeccable white gown, hand held to her mouth as she realized Horatio lay dying. Gaining her composure, she moved next to Horatio, taking his hand in hers, trying to control his shaking.
Horatio smiled, unable to speak as he was once again seized by violent coughing. Blood spattered Yelina's dress, but she paid it no mind as she smiled down at Horatio, tenderly stroking back his red locks with her free hand.
Calming after his coughing fit, Horatio again managed a weak smile. "Always loved you Yelina…" He whispered.
Yelina smiled back, tears flowing freely down her face. "I love you too, Horatio… I always will."
And with one last shuttering breath, Horatio Caine was no more.
