Eric followed Natalia and Calleigh down the hall to Horatio's office. The blinds were all drawn so they could talk in private, and Eric had an intensive sense of dread rummaging around in his stomach. He hoped this would be quick and painless, but he kind of doubted it. Ryan was a good guy, but he wasn't very forgiving, and Frank was , well, just Frank.

They entered the office together and with one glance Eric noticed that Natalia had become pale and was shaking slightly. He was standing behind her, and with no one being able to see what he was doing he touched her back to reassure her. He heard Natalia take a deep shaky breath.

Horatio was sitting behind his desk in order to have a good visual of all the members of his team, and he nodded slightly at Calleigh, who cleared her throat.

"We've called y'all in here because the last couple of days have been crazy to say the least, and Horatio and I have now decided on the best course of action to take over the next couple of weeks.

I know that some were surprised to see Natalia here this morning, but please understand that she is still a member of the team and will be even more so in a couple of weeks time.

Horatio has decided to add her to our team as a CSI – in – training, and since Natalia has been getting all the theoretical work done over the last year, she need to just complete the practical training to become a CSI. I'll be her direct supervisor for the time being. Now I realise this may come as a shock, but after talking to Monica West and doing some research, Horatio and I have come to the conclusion that this is the best way out of out current under staffing problem. For now, I'm asking everyone to accept our decision as it is, and try to work together as effectively as possible. Now, Horatio would like to add something. Thank you."

The silence was deafening. Eric thought Frank didn't look neither upset nor surprised and wondered what he knew that no one else knew. Eric made a mental note to dig very deep into Natalia's mystery as soon as possible.

Ryan on the other hand looked visibly malcontent. He didn't say anything, but Eric saw those dark eyes of his just glimmer with anger. Ryan would definitely be the most difficult to win back over.

Horatio stood up.

"I know some think I seemed distracted lately, and I admit that with my wedding to Marisol I've been around less. Maybe I've failed to act on some things that I should have acted on, " he paused and smiled at Natalia, much to Ryan's chagrin,

" but I'm still asking you to help me out with some more things before I can settle back into the old routine. As you all know, " Horatio's face contracted with pain," Marisol's death has not resulted in any arrest. I've decided to take some time off, to settle some personal business and to grieve my wife. For reasons that I don't wish to become public yet, Eric is coming with me."

He gave the younger man a sad smile, and Eric just nodded agreement. The less the others knew, the better.

Horatio continued:

"I hope you will all respect my decisions and also accept Calleigh as your new interim supervisor until I come back. I'll be in my office today to clear some paper work, in case someone wishes to talk to me in private. For now, you can all go back to work. Thank you."

He tilted his head and looked at all his team.

He knew things wouldn't be easy for Natalia, but he was sure she'd get through the next couple of week just fine. After all, he knew she was a strong woman, and if he'd interpreted things right, Eric was already on his way of mending his friendship with Natalia.

Horatio knew that both Calleigh and Frank were seasoned professionals, and would turn to work as a way of rebuilding trust at first. Things would quieten down by themselves after a while, and Horatio was hoping that Calleigh calm and trustworthy demeanor would guide Natalia on her rocky rode ahead. Ryan was another matter. He looked absolutely livid with anger, but kept it to himself. Horatio was hoping Ryan would come and see him later, the you man had quite a temper and was not always able to contain himself.

Calleigh opened the door to Horatio's office and everyone understood the order to leave without words being exchanged. She made a sign to Natalia to stay, and Eric really hoped he'd have time to talk with Natalia before he and H left for Brazil later that day.

He shot Calleigh a worried look, but the petite blond gave him a reassuring smile and closed to door on him with a decisive movement.

Eric sighed and walked back down to the lab.

As he arrived he found Ryan there, infuriated.