Authors note: i know this has been posted before but i have had to delete the story as my chapters were posted in the wrong order due to human error on my part as i didn't save them on my computer in the right order. but this has been rectified so hopefully i have got this right this time!

Chapter 1

The phone rang, Horatio awoke with blurry eyes and looked at the clock. 3.21am, who was ringing at this stupid hour of the morning. He turned on the bedside lamp and looked towards Calleigh fast asleep next to him. He was thankful that she was such a deep sleeper. He picked up the receiver, still trying to focus his eyes.

"Horatio Caine?" came a voice on the other end of the receiver.

"Mmm yes, speaking," the tiredness in his voice was quite evident.

"It's Mac Taylor, sorry did I wake you?"

"As a matter fact, yes, yes you did," Horatio was beginning to be more awake, "is there something wrong?"

"Yes, Horatio, I'm afraid so. Your cousin Damien is in hospital on life support. He's been attacked, Natalia was with him but she's okay. Just a few cuts and grazes, she's in hospital right now being checked over. They're going to run sexual assault kit on her and she has requested you to be there."

Horatio couldn't believe what he was hearing, Dammo beaten to a pulp and Natalia in hospital.

"Why has she asked for me?"

"She says that she doesn't know or trust anyone in New York apart from Damien. But he can't be present as he's still in a coma on life support. The only other person she would have present is you. But you need to move quickly, as you know that any evidence that is present on her may deteriorate."

"Okay, I'll get dressed and be on my way," Horatio thanked Mac for ringing him and put the receiver back on the bed stand.

He turned over to Calleigh and nudged her gently.

"Cal, Cal, sweetheart, wake up, I have some bad news."

Calleigh stirred and squinted her eyes in the light.
"What time is it?"

"Nearly half past three. Mac has just rang me from New York, Dammo and Natalia are in hospital. It doesn't look good. I need to go and help Natalia."

"What!" Calleigh was wide awake by this point.

Horatio continued to explain to Calleigh what Mac had told him whilst getting himself dressed.

"I'm coming with you," Calleigh threw off the duvet and stood up.

"What about the twins?"

"We can get Eric and Suze to look after them. They're booked into the childminder so all they have to do is get them ready and take them there. The childminder will take them to kindergarden. Eric can look after the lab."

Horatio was a bit hesitant and Calleigh noticed this. She approached Horatio and wrapped her arms round his waist, "I can stay with Natalia while you see to Dammo. I'm sure you'll be able to help Mac as well. Besides, we haven't had a working vacation since London."

Horatio smiled at remembering their trip to London, "okay, you get yourself ready and pack an overnight bag for us both and I'll give Eric a ring."

Calleigh gave her husband a kiss and got herself sorted as Horatio phoned Eric.