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!

NOTE: Underlined words/phrases are spoken in Spanish.

Part Two

Pacheco held Horatio's gaze for a long moment before slowly nodding his head. "The price may be too high, Horatio," he said easily as he contemplated his wineglass again. "I will consider your request. Please, enjoy your meal." A flick of his wrist and an elegant setting was placed before Horatio as well. "My cook is very accomplished," he said noncommittally.

Horatio shrugged and turned his attention to his plate, keeping his mind occupied while wondering where the woman had come from. He certainly hadn't seen her when he came in; and his guide through the house had been male. Pacheco finished his own meal and became lost in thought. And when it was empty, Horatio rose, choosing to pace the floor a bit while waiting. He was gazing out at the ocean again when Pacheco cleared his throat.

"This offer intrigues me, Horatio. It begs the question: How far will you go to see Riaz dead?" Pacheco held up a hand to forestall any response Horatio might make. "If the price is too high, you will leave here tonight, and when next we meet, it will be as enemies. If you agree--- then your life will change forever. Think carefully before you answer."

He twirled a cigar around his fingers, carefully no longer looking in Horatio's direction. "What I require from you is this. I am in need of someone who is intimately acquainted with the workings of the crime scene investigators. Who knows what to look for, and how to avoid leaving evidence in the first place. Who can double as an enforcer. And who will be fiercely loyal to my safety and protection. Decide. Now."

It took all of thirty seconds for Horatio to think it over. With a pang of regret, he met Pacheco's level gaze with his own. "Done."

Carlos smiled, a wicked, frightening expression. A gesture brought another man to his side; with a start, Horatio realized he must have been there all along. Had he become so single-minded that he had forgotten his own safety? It seemed he had. But Pacheco wasn't finished.

"Cordero will see that you effectively disappear. You will remain with us, now, as my guest. Give him your keys." Horatio did so with a stab of pain at what he was giving up. The other man left, and Pacheco continued implacably. "Juanita will see you to your room. Weapons will be provided; and if you will get together a list of necessities, she will see that you receive them. Relax, enjoy yourself tonight. Tomorrow you will instruct Cordero in how to avoid detection. In return, he will teach you your duties as enforcer." He waited only until Horatio had nodded acceptance and gave a careless wave of his hand.

Come with me, Juanita said quickly, and Horatio followed the girl through the maze of the house to a lavish bedroom on the eastern side. It is late, you should rest. And for your safety, until he has given the word, you should stay here. It would be a shame for you to get hurt. She gave him a direct gaze, as though assessing him. I will wake you early. Get me a list of what you want, and I'll see that you get it.

"Thank you," he replied evenly. But once she had gone, sleep wouldn't come. He spent most of the night at the window, watching the ocean. One thought kept beating in his mind --- what had he done? But there was no turning back.

Finally, sometime near dawn, he slept.

(TBC)