I do not own CSI: Miami :(
Horatio led his new CSI throughout the lab, stopping at different stations, and turning to face her to explain the purpose of each one. Melissa had assumed a serious, focused expression, and drunk in every word he said, taking in everything with her eyes.
Just as they were coming up to the fingerprint lab, Eric Delko rushed out, a computer printout clutched in his hands. "H!" he called to them, coming to a halt in front of them. He noticed Melissa and gave her a smile. She was pretty. But then he glanced back at Horatio and apologized for the interruption.
"No problem, Eric. I'd like you to meet someone." He gestured to the girl standing next to him, who had his undivided attention. "Melissa," he said to her, "this is Eric Delko, CSI, who specializes in fingerprints and drug identification." She nodded and smiled at the man, whom she realized she would be working with. "Eric," Horatio directed to him, "This is Melissa Hawkins, our new CSI. She specializes in explosives."
Eric stretched out his hand, surprised and curious of this new CSI. He had heard rumors of a new CSI, but didn't give them much thought. Why hadn't Horatio told them? He shrugged this question off as he shook Melissa's hand. She had pretty black hair, and wonderful, wide, gray eyes. "Nice to meet you, Melissa. Welcome to the team," he enthused genuinely. He was quite happy for a new team member, and Horatio had said she specialized in explosives, so he knew she was very intelligent. And besides, Horatio wouldn't hire anyone without knowing for sure of his or her capabilities.
Melissa accepted his hand and shook it, smiling at Eric. "Thank you. I'm really glad to be here." Although Eric could see the warmth in her smile, she radiated a sort of security wall, giving off the message that she didn't want to be messed with. This gave him an immediate respect and like for the woman. She was obviously one who didn't get pushed around.
He was about to hand Horatio the paper he held, the real reason he came out, when he noticed the big dog standing next to Melissa, eyeing him apprehensively. He took in the ID tag, and the visitors tag. He looked up, surprised, only to catch Melissa's eyes, which took on a hard stare, daring him to say anything about her.
Unsure how this would unfold, Eric snuck a glance at his boss, who gave him a stare that he could read perfectly. He wasn't to say a word now. He was a CSI, so god knows he put the pieces together quickly; the intent concentration on whomever spoke, the slight lisp, and now, the dog. It was clear: Melissa Hawkins, the new recruit, was deaf.
"Uh, H, I got a hit on the print we recovered off the gun," he said, handing his boss the papers. "A one Ronald Batlyn."
As Horatio read through the man's priors, including assault and battery, and second-degree murder, Eric tried to recover from his double take. He turned to Melissa, who was eyeing him. "So, have you met any of the other team members?" he asked, making light conversation.
Melissa answered him politely, if not unsure, "No, you're the first." She smiled uncertainly, which Eric caught right away.
"Don't worry," he reassured her. "You'll like the rest of the team; they're great." He grinned a lop sided smile in Melissa's direction. "And if they don't treat you right, they'll have to answer to me, alright?" Eric joked, sticking a thumb at himself for emphasis.
Melissa laughed at his cockiness, and Eric had to join in. Her laugh was contagious, and clear and ringing as a silver glass. He liked her already.
Horatio watched on from beside them, smiling to himself. He knew this would work out.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Much appreciated! More to come!