It had been a week since Nick's arrival at the crime lab. Calleigh was extremely concerned for her friend. Natalia had difficulty functioning at work. Her ability to concentrate on the tasks in front of her had disappeared. Calleigh wanted to help her friend. She found Natalia in DNA where she was leaning over the table with her hands on her forehead.

"Hey Natalia, are you okay?" Calleigh asked with concern. Natalia groaned and peeked at her friend through her fingers.

"I didn't sleep well last night." Natalia informed Calleigh. She sighed and stood straight up. "I'm sorry Cal. I know I'm lacking on my case load. It's just… Nick being back and being nearby is bothering me. What if he tries to hurt me again? I don't think I can go through that again."

Calleigh frowned as she saw the tears develop in Natalia's eyes. One fell down her cheek as Calleigh stood closer to her friend and pulled her close. Natalia wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed tight, not wanting to let her go.

"I have a solution. Come stay with me for a couple of days. It might help you sleep if you know you're surrounded by an armory." Calleigh giggled at the last couple of words as they pulled back from their hug. Natalia found Calleigh's solution optimistic and promising, although she knew her feelings for her friend would never be reciprocated. Calleigh was into men, not women. However, knowing Calleigh was close by would make her feel safe enough to sleep.

"Are you sure?" Natalia asked, hoping Calleigh wouldn't take the offer away.

"I'm positive. Pick up some things and meet me at my house tonight. I'll even cook dinner." Calleigh told her friend. Both women returned to their work with a promising night ahead of them.

That evening Calleigh had dinner prepared. It was a delicious Southern dish her grandmother had taught her to cook. She had the dinner table set and the wine poured. She was dressed in her favorite outfit that she hoped Natalia would like. She often tried to fight the feelings for her friend, but Calleigh found Natalia mesmerizing. Being in her presence made Calleigh feel loved and alive. She wished she could share her feelings with Natalia, but she didn't want to ruin the friendship. What if Natalia found out Calleigh was in love with her and was disgusted? Calleigh couldn't handle the rejection.

She had a jump in her step as she finished setting the table and bringing the food out. She glanced over at the clock and noticed it was half past six. Natalia had left for her house the same time Calleigh left the lab, two hours ago. They had agreed to meet at Calleigh's by six, but Natalia had not arrived yet. Calleigh dialed Natalia's phone, just to see if her friend was running late. She didn't want the food to go cold.

You've reached Natalia's phone. Leave a message the beep! Voicemail! Calleigh tried again with the same response. She paced her dining room trying to decide what to do.

"Screw it! I'll drive over and just make sure everything is alright." Calleigh mumbled to herself as she grabbed her gun, purse, and keys. She was concerned for her friend. Natalia was punctual. Where could she be?

Calleigh sped to Natalia's house and saw that her car was still in the driveway. Calleigh sighed in relief as she pulled in behind Natalia's car and stepped out of her own. She walked up the sidewalk and saw the front door wide open. Uh oh, Calleigh thought.

She withdrew her gun as she approached the door. She quietly pushed it further opened and noticed how Natalia's living room was trashed. Vases were on the floor smashed, a side table knocked over, and pictures on the floor.

"Natalia?" Calleigh yelled. No answer. Damn it! Calleigh searched the entire house and found no Natalia. The only evidence of her friend she could find was some blood on the kitchen floor, a lot of blood. Panic swept through Calleigh as she dialed Horatio's number.