Chapter 2

Dear Horatio.

I need to take some time off, something has come up and I need to take care of it. I don't know yet how long I'll be gone, but I'm leaving Friday morning and I'll keep you updated, I promise.

Natalia. BV.

Dear Miss Boa Vista.

I hope it is nothing serious, but as you have a lot of vacation save up I see no problem for you to take some time off and fix things. Let me know if you need some help and when you'll be back.

Horatio C.

Horatio, have no doubt that I will on both accounts and thank you for your offer. Natalia.

Text: I'm about to board the plane, see you when I get there :o) Looking forward to see you even if it is under bad circumstances.

Text: I can hardly wait until you get here, I need you. In a way I always do, but especially now. I'm so glad U R gonna be here. Let me know when U land.

Text: I'm here, plane was a little late due to someone getting on it too late. I however just landed, just gonna find my suitcase and then I'm gonna catch a cab to your lab. I trust it you're there or have you started fieldwork after you left?

Text: Me no, you know I'm a lab rat, I'm here. Ahhh that explains why you're late. Just text when you are in the building okay, I'll come down for you.

Natalia got out of the cab with her pink suitcase and walked over to the main entrance of the lab Valera now was working, taking up her phone and texted her to come down. Only one moment later she could see Maxine coming towards her. Her hair bleached with purple stripes, some things never changed.

Natalia smiled at her, she always liked how the other woman changer her hair and how she dressed under the lab coat. At the moment the other woman was wearing a top in the pattern of tiger stripes in black and orange, the cleavage was all other than moderate, and her black pants made it impossible for Natalia to not drool. She however couldn't help but to notice the clear marks around her neck area, but she chose not to comment on that for now.

"And hi to you too," Valera said, even spite the situation she couldn't help but to let a giggle escape her lips seeing the expression in her friend's face.

"Sorry, you just look so great, this lab must be agreeing with you," said Natalia.

"Look perhaps, but…" the other woman stopped, looking away.

"Hey, I'm here," Natalia said, pulling her into her arms, holding her tightly. Valera held onto her, letting her face hide in her shoulder, trying to gather herself before retackting and looking into Natalia's chocolate colored eyes.

"Did I beg for this?" she asked, wanting her honest opinion.

"No, of course not, what makes you think that?" Natalia wanted to know.

"You know how I dress and how I get when I drink," she whispered.

"I like the way you dress, always have, and even so there is no reason to attack you," Natalia answered calmly.

"But maybe if I didn't then…" Valera said.

"You shouldn't think like that, are you done for the day or…?" she asked, feeling it wasn't the wisest idea for her to work right now.

"No, I have an hour left, but I'm not up for working, can you please take me home," Valera said, looking at her friend with pleading eyes. Natalia just nodded and let the other woman walk her to her car. Natalia would be the driver as Valera was clearly in no condition to do just that. She curled up in the passenger seat, and looked out of the window with empty eyes.

Natalia couldn't help but to look at her friend with worried eyes, never before had she seen her like this, it was like all had been sucked from her and all that was left was a scared, insecure woman.

She wished she could take it all away, but she didn't know how or what to do to make her feel better. Instead she focused on driving, after all she didn't think they being run of the road would be the answer and there was very little she could do while driving the car.

"I just feel so dirty and violated, Natalia," Valera said, looking at her best friend with sad and tired eyes.

"I know, but you're not dirty in any way, Maxi," in the softest tone.

"How can you know, nothing like this have ever happened to you," Valera said, her voice sounded frustrated.

"Actually it did, with Nick, when things got bad." Natalia said. Sometimes when he wished to have her and she denied it, he used to force himself on her. Even if she fought him it never did her any good as he was stronger and more powerful than her.

"You really do know," Valera said, looking at her with sympathetic eyes.

Natalia didn't answer; she just let her eyes go back to the movie they were watching. A silly, romantic love movie to get their minds of thins. Now however Natalia's mind slid back to her past with Nick. It hadn't been all bad, but the moments that were really bad.

Valera carefully placed her hand on top of Natalia, looking at her still. She was wondering just how bad her marriage had been back in the days. No doubt so bad that Natalia didn't fall easily in love that much she knew.

In fact in all the years she had known Natalia she could honestly say that she hadn't been with anyone. She had tried to date Ryan, but they'd only gone on a few dates and left it at that. Then there was Jesse that had stood her up, at least that's what Natalia told her. She hadn't shared the whole story, then again Valera hadn't asked afraid of prying. She however knew she was crushed when he did, so she suspected that her friend had more than friendly feelings for him.

Natalia looked on the hand resting on top of hers. Then the woman it belonged to, her hazel eyes filled with pain and confusion. There had to be something she could do, even if they never managed to catch the creep that did this. It was then something came to her mind. Something Valera had said in the letter. She knew she had to ask even if she hated doing so.

"Valera, you said that you showered after…did he use a condom?" Natalia asked.

"No," Valera said, without elaborating on that.

"Then could you have become…" Natalia stopped; afraid he might have left behind more than just some trace.

"I'm not, I'm on birth control and I've seen my doctor to be on the safe side," said Valera. In all honesty she had told her doctor that she had a one night stand and in the confusion forgot to take her pill.

Natalia just nodded, not knowing what else to say, she sighed heavily. Valera looked at her with questioning eyes before saying, "Take me away, please, if not for long, just a little while so I can get some distance, I can't stand being here right now."

"Where do you wish to go?" Natalia wanted to know, not that it would matter as she had more than enough money to take her anywhere.

"Miami, if you don't mind," said Valera, looking at Natalia with pleading eyes.

"I'll book the tickets at once, but what about your work?" Natalia wanted to know.

"I worked up some vacation days and in worst case I can take some sick days," Valera said.

Natalia nodded as she turned on Valera's laptop to book them tickets for first flight out, hopefully it would be some for the same evening.

Text: Horatio, I should be back in Miami tomorrow morning, but I may come in a little later than usual. Hope that is fine. Natalia.

Text: Natalia, that is perfectly okay, take your time. Did you manage to fix thing? Horatio.

Text: Thank you and no, not yet, I'm still working on it.

Text: I see, well let me know if there is anything I can be at help with.

Text: Unless you know how to catch a criminal without any evidence I hardly doubt there is at this point. But thank you for offering.

Text: That does depend on the case, why don't you come into my office once you get in tomorrow.

Text: I will, see you then :o)

Feedback always welcome and very much appreciated :o)