Chapter 2

A/N: Thank you all for the lovely comments and the welcome back! I promise to do my best when it comes to posting the new chapters but be aware, there may be some time delays. Hang in there and always remember, to have fun. A big thank you to Betty, for proofing and helping me to get the story out to all of you! Enjoy.

Also If you look to the right on fanfic net when reading the story, you can now chose the size text you like and the line spacing as well. It's about time ffnet. Thank you!

Here we go...

III

Calleigh's cell phone rang. She put down the weapon in her hand and pulled the phone from her smart clip.

"Duquesne," she smiled seeing his name.

"Hey," Horatio said with laughter in his tone.

"Hey," she answered with surprise as her brows rose curiously. "You sound… happy."

A low hum left his throat. He completely understood and clued her in. "That's because I'm with Timmy and Paco."

"Ohhh. I see," she chuckled teasingly.

"Do you now," he rumbled low, playfully.

Calleigh smiled happily loving their back and forth banter. She relaxed with a soft sigh and was happy to hear him joking and laughing again too.

"So… how about a late lunch? The boys are asking for you," he winked over at Timmy and Paco who started giggling.

Calleigh smiled at the wonderful laughter coming through the line, but then closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. She let out a soft breath.

"I don't think that would be a good idea right now. I just started processing last night's crime scene. I have my work cut out for me, handsome. There are over fifty rounds of ammo from that automatic weapon."

"I understand," Horatio replied deflated. The sound of laughter calmed. "I'll tell you what. I'll drop the boys off at home then help you work on that."

"No!" she snapped harshly then calmed herself. "I mean… no thank you. Please take them out for lunch Horatio. They sound like they are having a wonderful time with you and vice versa, handsome. Please," she pleaded softly in that low, loving tone Horatio just couldn't say no to.

Calleigh knew Horatio would offer to help her, which is why she didn't want to tell him in the first place, but decided to, so he would understand.

He hummed low in thought, "Um, I could—"

She quickly interrupted, "Please take them, Horatio. Please. It would break their hearts if you didn't now. I'm sure they're looking forward to spending more time with you."

He hesitated. "You, sure…?"

"Positive!" She answered instantly. "It would make me very happy to know you are spending some quality time with them. I'm sure they both miss you."

Horatio hummed low and Calleigh had her answer.

"Well… I've missed them too," he said looking over at Timmy and Paco, who hung over the console quietly waiting for an answer.

"So you'll do it then?" Calleigh asked with hope.

"For you… I'd do anything sweetheart. Yes."

"Great!" Calleigh squealed through the phone in her high pitched tone and Horatio winced then pulled the cell phone back from his ear for a moment. He cautiously returned it with some hesitancy.

"You okay," he chuckled. "You just blew out my eardrum."

Calleigh giggled into the phone and Horatio was sure he heard a distorted "sorry" somewhere in her ecstatic laughter.

He chuckled, "No worries ma'am. I'll live and um, see you in about an hour," he looked over at the boys again and grinned, "Um… Maybe two."

Calleigh squealed again. "That sounds wonderful handsome! You have been working yourself ragged and deserve a little break yourself. Enjoy yourself, Horatio and please tell the boys I said hi. Tell them I owe them one and will make it up to them."

"Will do. I'll talk to you later, sweetheart."

"Yes, you will," Calleigh drawled with a hint of promise in her tone. She chuckled and closed her phone, knowing he was smiling on the other end.

Horatio's grin was ear to ear, he couldn't contain it if he wanted to. He looked down in an attempt to hide his rosy cheeks.

Both the boys began to laugh hysterically in an outburst of amusement.

"For you, I do anything sweetheart," Paco laughed imitating him and fell back on the seat holding his belly.

Timmy joined in with a chuckled, lengthening his words, "Yessss, ma'am."

Horatio smirked. His brows knitted and he shook his head side to side then cleared his throat.

"Calleigh said she was sorry and promised to make it up to the two of you." He met Timmy's eyes first and then Paco's. "As long as you both behave." His voice deepened with his last words and a small smile curved his lips.

Paco sat up straight and locked in his seat belt again. His quick words innocently spoken. "So señor… when are you two going to get married?"

Horatio eyes widened and he cleared the sudden dryness in his throat. He slipped on his sunglasses, hoping to hide his surprise.

Timmy began laughing and had to turn away to get a hold of his emotions.

"Here we go," Horatio said heading for Fridays.

III

Horatio ordered a round of appetizers and soft drinks. Timmy and Paco had no trouble scoffing them down in an instant. They talked, ate and laughed together.

Horatio was very happy to see Timmy and Paco get along so well. It was as if they were family, especially with the way Paco kept looking to Timmy for answers. Just like a little brother would do.

It made Horatio's heart swell and he knew if he did anything worthwhile in life, it was to give Paco a second chance here in Miami. The good life as Paco liked to call it.

Horatio's eyes slid over onto Timmy, who was laughing as he bit into a mozzarella stick then pulled, showing Paco how long it would stretch before it finally broke.

Paco laughed and was quick to try, only it was a bit hot as Paco yelled, "Muy Caliente! Mierda, shit!"

Timmy laughed and handed Paco his soda. "Drink and you'll feel better."

Paco gulped it down and smiled with a long sound of relief. "Ahhhhhh."

"Better?" Horatio asked with a grin.

"SÍ. Much better. Timmy is always helping me… as you know," Paco chuckled and then let out a long belch.

Timmy sunk in his chair but couldn't control his laughter as he cried out, "Paco!"

Horatio shook his head at the young boy, who smirked with knitted brows.

"What I do? In Columbia that means the food is good. Is that not so here?" Paco asked innocently.

"I guess, you can say that, but it is polite to say excuse me and cover your mouth," Horatio explained quietly with the tilt of his head, nonchalantly scanning the area.

Paco nodded. "Ohh. Okay." He inhaled deeply, and then belched again, only this time it was long-winded.

"Oh my god!" Timmy murmured in horror holding back even more laughter. "Paco," he said through gritted teeth.

Horatio's brows arched and his eyes fixed on the small boy.

Paco's eyes grew wide and he shrugged innocently with hands out. "Excuse me?" He said nervously looking at Horatio for approval. Paco's words were spoken in more of a question than statement. Then the young boy covered his mouth.

Timmy let out a loud laugh as he slapped his hand against his forehead in disbelief. "Oh brother."

"Did I do it right?" Paco asked looking over at Timmy.

"Um…" Timmy looked towards Horatio for help.

"You're certainly… getting there, son," Horatio said with a bit of laughter in his tone.

"SÍ señor," Paco smiled and reached for another mozzarella stick. "Watch this Oratio," he said in his thick Spanish accent as he bit into the fried mozzarella stick then stretched it as far as his short arm would allow. The cheese was hanging out as Paco's eyes widened and with a full mouth he garbled, "Now, what?"

Timmy and Horatio both burst out in laughter.

III

Horatio made sure the boys had their desert but it was getting late. He felt bad but had to end his time with them, after all he had work to do and he did still want to help Calleigh out.

He dropped Paco off first with a promise to see him again real soon then walked him to his front door, when Paco gave him another unexpected hug, thanking him for such a wonderful and fun time.

"Muchas gracias Oratio," Paco said in his thick Spanish accent laughing.

"Anytime Paco," Horatio replied in his soft affectionate tone with a tender smile.

"Hasta la vista, Timmy!" Paco shouted from the porch.

Timmy waved with one arm out the window. "See you tomorrow, Paco."

With a smile Horatio headed back up the walkway and got into the Hummer. He headed for Timmy's home, where he was now living with his aunt.

"Thanks for everything, Horatio," Timmy said, feeling braver now that they were alone.

"My pleasure," Horatio quietly answered. "I wanted to tell you sooner but I didn't want Paco to get the wrong idea," he explained finding Timmy's big brown eyes. "I'm proud of you son, first for sticking up for Paco and second for knowing when to let it go."

Timmy shrugged and looked down shyly. "It was nothing."

"Actually it was very courageous and smart. Three against two and I don't think Paco would have done very well with his size and all. Those boys were all your size. You may not realize it but what you did today was special. Special to me and I know, special for Paco too. I saw the way that young man looked at you. He was proud Timmy… Just like I am now. You should be too, son."

Timmy smiled and his face reddened. "Aww, c'mon Horatio… you're embarrassing me."

"I know and I'm sorry, but I just wanted you to know how I felt son. You did a wonderful thing today Timmy."

"Thanks," Timmy said with a half smile. "I guess."

Horatio let out a soft breath through his nose. "You, guess?"

Timmy laughed. "Alright, okay… I did a good deed!"

"That's more like it," Horatio said with a grin, then looked down at him over his sunglasses.

"Now let's get serious. Where's your bodyguard, son? I know he's supposed to be with you all the time." Horatio gave Timmy a stare. "You give him the slip today?"

Timmy shook his head and stuttered looking down. "No. We— I— had a half day today— and well— I sorta forgot to tell him, ya know."

Horatio nodded. "Timmy, he's with you for a reason son. Please make sure he has your schedule at all times."

Timmy exhaled heavily. "Do you know what it's like to be followed around all the time Horatio? It's frigging annoying! I hate it and my friends make fun of me and…" He let his words trail off as Horatio gave him a serious glance.

"I understand Timmy, but it's for your own safety. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time your father showed up. This won't last forever son, I promise, but try to deal with it in a more positive manner please."

"I tried! I did Horatio, and he— Hank caught Kelly and me— well— you know," Timmy whined flustered. His face reddened as he looked away embarrassed.

Horatio held back his grin unsure what to say. "Um…. I'm sorry about that."

"Yeah, me too! Kelly wanted to kill me and she didn't talk to me for days! I kept apologizing and all… but girls! Ughh! You don't know!" Timmy flung his hands in the air helplessly.

Horatio couldn't help but chuckle with an exaggerated, "Ohh, yes I do."

Timmy's head snapped towards him. "You making fun of me?"

"No Timmy," Horatio answered seriously. "What I meant was, I do understand son. I have um… been in your shoes a few times and um… well…" Now it was Horatio's face that turned bright red.

Timmy smiled and suddenly began to laugh. "I guess you do know, huh!"

"Most definitely son." Horatio nodded, "Most definitely."

They shared an understanding laugh together just as Horatio pulled up in front of Timmy's home.

"You call me if you want to talk or need anything okay?"

"I will Horatio," he said with a nod. Then leaned in and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks."

Horatio swallowed and held the young boy's eyes. "Anytime Timmy. You know that."

"I know," Timmy answered getting out of the Hummer. "Oh shit," he mumbled seeing Hank, his bodyguard heading for him.

A plain clothes officer walked up towards the Hummer and growled at Timmy.

"Nice of you to let me know you had a half day!"

Timmy looked down remorseful. "Sorry Hank. I should have told you, I know."

"Yeah, you should have, you punk!" he snapped getting in Timmy's face. "How the heck am I supposed to babysit you when you keep me in the dark?"

"I know. I know. I'm sorry Hank," Timmy repeated then shrugged, looking over at Horatio who was making his way around the Hummer.

"Go inside Timmy. Go ahead son. Let me talk to Hank here. I'll see you soon." Horatio said in a low even tone.

The plain clothes officer turned towards Horatio with attitude. "I know who you are Lieutenant, but the boy should have let me know he had a half day. He is always doing shit like this and it's beginning to piss me off. The kid has no respect. No wonder his father beat the shit out of him all the time. You'd think he would have learned by now."

Horatio's eyes narrowed and anger quickly built. He removed his sunglasses and held the man's gaze with steely blue eyes.

"You're dismissed officer," he said in a quiet, calm tone.

"What!" he barked. "What the hell do you mean… I'm dismissed! I just told you—"

Horatio took a step closer invading the man's space and in a low threatening tone repeated, "You're dismissed. If you have any problems with my order you can take it up with the chief." With hands on hips he growled low, "Now get out of my sight."

The officer just stared at Horatio in shock then walked over toward the unmarked car and peeled away like a madman.

Horatio exhaled heavily and shook his head back and forth in disgust. He may have been calm on the outside, but inside he was furious. The officer was supposed to be there to protect and help Timmy, not judge him. Just the way he spoke to him was degrading enough, to Horatio it was just another form of abuse and Timmy didn't deserve that. The boy had been through enough and the guilt he carried was punishment in itself.

It also brought back his own childhood memories of the beatings and abuse he experienced as a child. He could still hear his father's words reiterate in his head again and again.

'I'm doing this because I love you,' he growled each time the belt connected with Horatio's bare back.

Horatio shook his head and with a forced breath from his nose opened his cell phone and pressed a button.

"Frank, it's me. I think we're gonna need a new bodyguard for Timmy Baldwin. I just dismissed Officer Jensen."

Horatio turned and headed for Timmy's front door when it opened.

"What happened?" Timmy asked popping his head out looking around for Hank. Horatio smirked and walked into the house.

"Well son… I think it's time for a new bodyguard, and I think I know just the man for the job."

Timmy smiled. "You!" he said excitedly.

Horatio shook his head back and forth. "Not me son but someone you can trust to always do the right thing. His name is Officer Jessop. He's a good man, Timmy. I think you'll like him, okay?"

"Uh- huh. If you say so." Timmy shrugged and looked down sadly. "Sorry, if I caused a problem Horatio."

"You didn't Timmy. No worries son."

"I trust you," Timmy said lowly then continued with hesitation, "You know… you're the only one that never let me down Horatio. You always believe in me."

Timmy paused and nervously chewed on the inside of his lip. Horatio understood all too well and remained quiet; giving the young man the time he needed to gather his emotions. It wasn't easy for Timmy to share his feelings, especially after keeping them bottled up for so long. He let out a weary breath. "So I know if you do something Horatio, you have a real good reason for it," he finished, finding Horatio's eyes again and this time held them, seeing the compassion and concern in his blue eyes.

Horatio nodded. "That's right Timmy and thank you for your trust son," he answered softly then roughly messed the young boy's hair.

Timmy smiled and the sparkle in those big brown eyes of his lit the room and quelled the anger in Horatio's heart. The bell rang suddenly and Timmy headed for the door with Horatio following directly behind him. He opened the door to find Frank standing there.

"Hey Timmy. H."

"Frank," Horatio answered while Timmy inclined his head and smiled.

"Jessop is on his way over here H. I just thought I would keep Timmy some company in the meantime."

"Thank you Frank." Horatio replied.

"C'mon in Frank. Aunt Jenna's still at work," Timmy said opening the door all the way when the phone rang. Timmy turned and ran, making a mad dash for it.

"I know," Frank chuckled knowing Timmy didn't hear a word but Horatio did.

Horatio chuckled low and closed the door behind Frank. They both watched Timmy grab the cordless handset. "Hello!" he huffed out of breath. A wide smile grew on his face and he flung himself down on the couch. "Hey Kelly, you're not going to believe what a great day I had and… with who!"

Frank gave Horatio a curious gaze.

Horatio shyly looked down and quietly answered. "I took Timmy and Paco out for lunch. They— We… had a good time."

"I can tell," Frank said with a grin gesturing over towards Timmy who was still beaming. "So what happened to Hank? I thought he was getting alone fine with Timmy."

"Not from what I witnessed today and if it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate it if you could take a look at that officer's log… without stepping on anyone's toes of course," Horatio said with a tilt of his head knowing this was Frank's territory he was treading in.

"No problem H. I'll take a look at it when I get back to the office." Frank paused. "Hank is known to sometimes get carried away H. He needs an attitude adjustment but overall I thought he was a good officer."

Horatio nodded. "Well Frank, I'll agree he needs an attitude adjustment. I didn't like his behavior at all. He said something rather harsh to the boy and I just don't think he's the right man for the job," Horatio explained respectfully. I want someone I can trust who's not going to belittle the boy. I think he's been through enough."

The big Texan nodded. "I agree and understand H. Timmy will be fine with Jessop, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you Frank," Horatio said and gave Timmy a wave.

"See you later son," Horatio said as Frank walked him out. "I'll talk to you later Frank."

"Later H," the big Texan said closing the front door.

III

Calleigh's phone chirped and with an annoyed groan she looked down at it.

'Code 31. Dead body at the Florida correctional facility.'

TBC….

Now the roller-coaster will begin, and just when you think it will all be over…. Well, you'll see!

Thank you all for your patience and for reading, of course! More fun to come.