A/N: Hey I just want to thank you all for the awesome reviews and comments on the story. I think you'll enjoy this next part as the action begins to heat up slowly. Thanks also for the compliments on my new H and C website, I am glad you all like it. Ok, here we go, sit back , relax and enjoy!
III
Calleigh rolled over and smiled lazily smelling his cologne on her pillow. She reached across the bed to feel him and suddenly lifted her head seeing he wasn't there. She looked around the room and suddenly caught a strong scent of his aftershave. 'He must have just taken a shower,' she thought sitting up on the side of the bed. She looked over at the clock and stretched feeling relaxed and at ease. She grinned thinking, 'Last night was wonderful,' as she stood and grabbed his shirt buttoning it up and heading for the bathroom.
She walked into the kitchen to find him standing at the stove with his back to her. Her eyes lazily ran down his tall strong frame as she smiled. He was wearing her favorite gray suite and sage shirt she loved. She raised a brow as she walked up behind him and covered his eyes.
"Guess who?"
"Hmm, A beautiful blond." His voice smoothly soothed her.
She chuckled, "Good morning handsome, you're up early."
He turned as her hands slid down to his hard chest and they were face to face now. He kissed her lips softly leaning down to her. "Good morning beautiful, did you sleep well?"
She hugged him and looked into his eyes with a wry grin, "What do you think?"
He smiled and nodded, "I think— I hope you did. I actually thought twice about waking you up last night."
She gave him a stare, "Are you kidding? Good thing you did. I would have been so distracted today my shooting would have been off. You wouldn't want to see me all tense and jumpy now, would you?" She said exaggerating her southern tone.
He shook his head and wrapped her up tightly in his arms, "Never sweetheart, never."
She chuckled as he nuzzled her neck, "What are you making, it smells great?"
"Your favorite, French toast. Only I don't know if it will be as good as yours."
Calleigh smiled, "Of course it will," she said sitting down as he pulled out a chair for her. She took a sip of coffee that was already on the table as he put a plate in front of her.
She looked up at him and smiled but it quickly faded as she stood up placing her hand on his forehead, and moving some of his hair away so she could get a better look at it. "What happened to your head, you have a lump there?"
He shook his head, "I'm fine and it's nothing. Last night our perp made a run for it and we sort of bumped heads."
She gave him a look of shock. "Bumped heads? Why didn't you tell me, Horatio?"
"There was nothing to tell, I'm fine and he's under arrest sweetheart. It's just a bump." He said with a small grin seeing her concern.
Calleigh exhaled softly as he guided her back to her seat at the table and then he sat down next to her. "C'mon eat up and let's see if you like them."
She narrowed her eyes on him as he smiled at her and she finally lifted her fork taking a bite. "Mmm, delicious, just like mine, see." She said with a beautiful smile to him.
Calleigh looked around doing the once over as they headed out the door. Horatio walked to the Hummer and opened the door for her as she got in and he closed it. He walked around to the driver's side feeling a bit uneasy and got in. He thought for a moment and then turned to her, "So, are you sure about this today?" He asked softly.
She nodded with a smile, "Yes, I'm positive. I want you by my side Horatio."
He exhaled softly, "Ok, then that's exactly where I'll be."
Her eyes stood locked on his. "Well they are going to find out sooner or later, so what better time for us to flaunt it." She smiled happily seeing his confusion.
Horatio's brows rose, "Flaunt it?" He replied slowly.
She chuckled, "Well with you standing there lets see how many cat calls I get this year. I'm betting none but you never know with the feds."
Horatio looked at her intensely and his voice went deep, "I'll give them catcalls." He said rather earnestly.
Calleigh chuckled, "Just don't shoot anyone today, all right?"
He chuckled at her humor and shook his head as he shifted the Hummer into drive heading for the Trail Glades shooting range.
They arrived at the shooting range 10 minutes later and Horatio showed his ID as he drove up and parked the Hummer. He looked over to Calleigh who was playing with an extra clip in her hand. "So, you ready?"
She exhaled deeply, "As I'll ever be handsome."
He leaned over to her and gave her a soft loving kiss. "I love you and thank you for choosing me today."
She smiled and chuckled, "Today and every day after, ok?"
"Ok, that sounds… promising." He replied softly thinking as she began to get out. He hopped out quickly and gave her a hand knowing all eyes would be on them soon enough. She began walking as he reached for her hand and she stopped to look at him.
His smooth voice dropped incredibly low as it vibrated over her. "Calleigh, I just wanted to wish you good luck before we go inside." He said holding her gaze as he gave her another soft kiss.
She smiled and blushed looking down, "Thank you, Horatio. Now c'mon before I jump you in the parking lot."
"All right tiger, after you," he chuckled following her through the Miami Trail Glade shooting range doors.
They walked inside and Calleigh went up to the desk smiling at the man sitting there.
"Hey Peter, how are you doing? Are you competing this year?"
"Nope, only pro's like yourself Calleigh. Are you signing up for the sniping round as well?"
"Oh no, just the practical pistol, you know me, just a plain Jane with her Lady Smith." She said in her southern tone as he checked out her gun and clip, making sure everything was in order.
"That's an understatement if I've ever heard one, right bullet girl?" A man eves dropping said walking up to her and Horatio. He was big and muscular wearing a gray uniform and gave Calleigh a huge smile as he walked up to her and hugged her tightly. He smiled as he let go and looked at Horatio with a raised eyebrow.
"Hey Todd, this is Lieutenant Horatio Caine, any chance you know each other?"
He nodded as Horatio gave him an intense look and then he put his hand out to him. "Any friend of Calleigh's is a friend of mine, nice to meet you Lieutenant."
Horatio shook his hand and nodded, "Horatio, like wise."
He turned back to Calleigh chuckling, "Well Horatio, are you ready to see your girl whip my ass once again?"
Horatio's brows went up at that line wondering, 'how the hell he knew,' then he nodded, "Yes, I am." He chuckled low as Calleigh laughed.
Todd laughed loudly, "All right guys I'll see you later," he said as he walked away.
Horatio leaned down near her ear whispering, "Was it something I said?" he chuckled low.
"I don't think so handsome, I think maybe it's the ridiculous smile I have on my face." She said turning even redder as Horatio smiled at her.
"It's quite a beautiful smile though," he whispered low and smiled, "Are you alright?"
"Um-hmm, I'm just really happy that you're with me." She said smiling as she wrapped her arm in his. "So do you want to come with me to check out the range?"
"Mm-hmm, let's go." He said as he walked with her, ushering her along as she held his arm. They walked outside to the firing range where Calleigh was quickly greeted by the range master.
"Ms. Calleigh Duquesne, a pleasure as usual."
"Hey Bill, how's everything today?"
"Everything's fine Calleigh, thank you. How are you feeling today? Do you know you have two new competitors against you this year?
"Calleigh shrugged and chuckled, "Good I need some real competition this year." She said drawling her words.
"Oooh, hey guys, Duquesne is full of spunk today, look out!"
Horatio looked down to the floor holding back an approaching grin.
"Ok BG, here's your belt, clips, and goggles. Pick a lane and take a few practice rounds if you like, but I'm sure you won't need it, good luck anyway."
Calleigh smiled taking the belt and goggles. She handed the extra clips to Horatio and she walked up to the range officer in charge of the lanes. He directed her to the appropriate area pointing, "Pick your lane, its shooters choice."
She nodded saying, "Thank you," as she walked away with Horatio and checked out her surroundings and the main targets. She looked around again and hummed a low, "Uh-oh"
"What?" Horatio asked looking around trying to find what she just saw.
"Remember those two; I heard he was good, I guess we'll find out today, huh?"
"Yes, how could I ever forget," he grinned at her. "I think I would be very happy if you…" Horatio leaned down and put his lips to her ear whispering, "If you would kick his ass, beautiful."
"I think that can be arranged, handsome." She said with a grin looking down as she slipped on the protective glasses.
"All right I think I'll give you some space now." Horatio said as he backed up and watched her.
She wrapped the gun belt around her small waist and tightened it, letting it hang low off her hips. She adjusted it so she felt comfortable and slipped the clips into the slots on the belt. She turned back and gave him a nod, "Ok, let's see if I'm on today."
Horatio smiled admiring her as he crossed his arms on his chest thinking, 'Beautiful, you're always on.'
Calleigh walked into the lane and relaxed her body as she closed her eyes in concentration and took in a deep breath letting it out slowly. She opened her eyes slowly now, in complete focus on her target that stood 15 feet away.
She exhaled heavily and suddenly pulled her gun, taking aim and firing rapidly. She emptied her gun into the target and her thumb quickly slid on the release switch as she let the clip drop to the floor and smoothly slid another in as quickly as she could. She began firing rapidly again until her gun was empty.
Horatio watched her in awe as he realized how quickly she just did that. 'Damn my girl is good,' he thought as she turned to him with a grin.
"Well, how long?"
His brows arched and he nodded, "I'd say you did that in under 10 seconds."
"All right, I forgot to ask for the stop watch, so would you mind?"
"Not at all, you let me know when you're ready again."
"Cease Fire!" One of the range officers yelled as a few shooters walked out to their targets.
Calleigh gave Horatio a look, "You coming handsome?" She said as she began the walk out.
Horatio was quick to join in stride next to her as they reached the target.
Calleigh exhaled, "I'm off." She said resting her hand on the butt of her gun.
Horatio's brows arched high and stood there. "Off? You call that off. You're dead on except for one shot and that was your first practice round of the day."
She chuckled, "Well I want them all dead on," she replied as a range officer came over and took down her target.
He examined it closely, "This is some very nice shooting BG," he said as he looked over the target and put a new one up.
Calleigh ducked her head feeling hot in the face suddenly. She really did love her nickname but sometimes it was hard not to get embarrassed. "Thank you," She answered low as he nodded and began to walk away with a grin.
He mumbled, "BG is going to kick some major ass today guys, I hope you're all ready."
Calleigh quickly squeezed her eyes shut as she heard moans and groans coming from the other male competitors. She began to walk back to her lane as Horatio mumbled, "No cat calls yet."
Calleigh smiled widely and shook her head reaching her lane. She checked her gun and replaced the empty clip with a full one.
Horatio took that as his cue to step back. He did so finding his place near the wall once again.
Calleigh slipped on her protective glasses as she turned to him. "This is for accuracy mainly, but would you mind timing me anyway."
He stepped closer and nodded, "Mm-hmm, ready when you're."
"Start when I pull my gun and end it when I holster it, ok?"
"Ok, got it."
She turned back looking at her target and exhaled slowly. Her right hand stood ready at her sidearm as she wiggled her fingers as if she was in an old western shootout. She pulled her gun, took aim, and fired off two shots to the body and one to the head. She shot the last bullet and smoothly slid her gun into her holster calling time.
Horatio's eyes were on his watch as he said lowly in awe, "1.62 seconds." He looked up at her with wide eyes as she smirked.
"I'm off again, my time last year was 1.56 seconds."
Horatio walked up to her and spoke quietly, "Maybe I need to give you some space here?"
"No, it's not you, I can feel it, I'm not— I just need to concentrate more." She said unsure.
He nodded with a grin, "Mm-hmm, go ahead, I'll go find the team and meet you back here."
She grinned and nodded, "All right but I'll come find you, don't worry."
"Ok, see you in a bit," he said walking away and turning his head looking over his shoulder to watch her walk back into her lane.
The range officers and other competitors eyed him up curiously as he walked away, leaving Calleigh to concentrate on the task at hand.
III
Horatio walked back inside to a huge crowd of people as he looked for one of his familiar faces.
"Hey H, over here," Eric called out to him waving him over.
Horatio nodded and made his way over to the group. "Alexx, Eric, did the two of you just get here?"
"No, we've been looking for you for a while now." Alexx said as Ryan came over and said Hello to Horatio.
"Hey H, where's Calleigh?"
Eric laughed, "Do you hear that rapid gunfire Ryan? That's where she is." He said laughing as they all joined in.
"This place is getting crowed quickly; maybe we should go find our seats outside?" Alexx asked looking at Horatio.
"Ok, that's fine, sounds like a good idea."
"Hey did you see the prize the winner gets this year? It over here, c'mon you have to see this it's huge."
They all walked and followed Ryan to a glass display case that stood in the center of the room. There was a plaque next to it in gold that read "Top Shooter 2007" The Gun was sparkling bright in a case that laid opened for everyone to see. It was a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun and it was huge. Model 1911 PC action, Full caliber 45. ACP, barrel length 5 inches long, stainless steel, two tone with black hand grips. It came with two full magazines, fire casings, fired case and adjustable laser light.
Horatio wondered how her petite hand would handle this huge monster and he held back a chuckle, knowing it wouldn't be a problem for her.
"Damn, that has to be at least a thousand dollars," Ryan said as Eric shook his head in agreement.
"I'll bet it's more than that." Eric said looking it over with admiration. "It's a beauty."
'Boys and their toys,' Alexx thought as she commented with a laugh, "Who cares about the gun, it's all about the bragging rights, isn't that right Horatio?" She said turning to him as he read the plaque over again.
He nodded with a grin, "That's exactly right but that gun is about fifteen hundred dollars or more and don't forget the nice size check that comes with first place. I think our bullet girl is going to love it though."
Ryan gave him a smirk. "Well you seem pretty sure of yourself H, how do you know she'll even win?"
Horatio tilted his head to him and narrowed his eyes, "I've seen her shoot." He said as Alexx laughed shaking her head at Ryan.
"Ryan baby, have you ever seen that girl shoot?" Alex chuckled and smiled suddenly looking past Ryan now.
"Hey ya'll, how is everyone doing?" Calleigh smiled as her southern tone went soft greeting everyone.
Horatio looked at her as she talked with the others. Her hair was pulled back neatly into a ponytail and her red lips glistened beautifully. She had on a black spandex, sleeveless tank top that just reached her navel, with black matching spandex pants with a red design on the upper thigh. She wore white sketchers that the black spandex pants hung over. She turned to Ryan and Horatio could do nothing but stand there as his eyes soaked in every single delectable inch of her. He loved watching the way her gun belt hung low on her right hip. Her soft creamy skin showed to the naked eye but just barley from the pants being low cut and her top being short cut.
He sighed softly as his eyes slid up her body from behind.
Alexx was looking at him but Horatio was momentarily caught in the Calleigh trance. Alexx walked over to him and nudged him with her shoulder, "You're staring, honey."
"Huh?" He blinked a few times wondering what just happened and where he went as he swallowed hard. "Umm," he looked at Alexx a bit taken back now and embarrassed by his behavior.
"Forget it sugar, you're secret's safe with me." She teased as Horatio looked down shyly and smiled nodding.
Calleigh turned and wondered what was going on as she gave Alexx a look.
Alexx was quick to cover up for him. "Ok, we were just going to find our seats before you came over." She said as Horatio lifted his head.
Calleigh nodded, "Ok, well you better find them quickly; this place is really filling up."
"Ok baby, were going and this is for luck, even though you don't need it." She gave Calleigh a tight hug as Eric and Ryan wished her luck as well.
"Go get em' Cal," Eric said as Ryan joined in, "Yeah, go get em' bullet girl!"
Calleigh thanked them looking down shyly and blushing deeply. Her face ears and neck all turned red as Horatio watched her embarrassment spread.
Horatio waved them on and told them he would see them in a bit. He stood by Calleigh's side as she gathered herself and looked over the prize in the glass display.
"Do you think you'll have trouble shooting that monster?" He asked with a chuckle.
She turned to him with a wide grin, "Now handsome, me have trouble, with that little ol gun." She said in her southern drawl with complete confidence.
An announcement came over the PA as the competitors were called outside. They both listened as Horatio gazed into her eyes. He leaned in just a bit and whispered, "Good luck beautiful, may the angels make you precise and swift."
She tilted her head to him and smiled thinking how sweet he was. "You're allowed to wait on the course with me, if you want too."
He hesitated unsure, "Umm, I don't want too ruin—"
"C'mon," she said grabbing his elbow and walking him outside with her again. She smiled back up at him. "Stay with me, ok?" She whispered low. "Let a girl, have some fun, will you?"
Horatio held her eyes confused, "What fun are you talking about?"
The loud PA was on again as the shooters were introduced one at a time and the people in the stands began to applaud.
She leaned up near his ear speaking loud enough for him to hear. "Let me show you off, ok. It feels great to have you right here next to me, and I want everyone to know that too."
Horatio's brows arched up high, as he held her green eyes in awe of this beautiful blond in front of him. His mouth opened just as her name was announced.
"Calleigh, Bullet Girl, Duquesne, number four."
The crowd cheered as a few whistled and Horatio looked over to see Eric was one of them. He turned back to Calleigh and nodded, "Go get em bullet girl, show them how it's done."
She smiled and nodded as she affectionately slid her hand up and down his arm. "Yes sir Lieutenant," she said smiling as he held onto her hand gently. She slowly began to walk away as their hands slowly slid against one another and finally drifted apart.
Horatio contemplated her words as he stood there in awe still. 'She's happy and wants everyone to know that we're together. She's really happy with me,' he thought, as a smile formed on his face and he looked up to see her standing in line. He exhaled softly feeling ecstatic now that she had just said that to him. He felt proud to be with her too and from her words just now, she felt the same way he did and she didn't care who found out anymore. He smiled and quickly got a grip on himself remembering where he was.
Normally Calleigh was a very private person but the secret they had been keeping was beginning to take its toll on her. She seemed very happy that they decided it was time to stop sneaking around; in fact, she seemed almost giddy today. Her bright smile seemed unending and her rosy cheeks brightened her beautiful smile even more.
"The first round up is the 25 yard rapid fire." The range master announced into the Mic and across the PA, pulling Horatio from his thoughts.
The first competitor was called as Horatio leaned back on the fence and made himself comfortable.
The big man, agent Kyle Reed walked over to Horatio and said hello. "Lieutenant Caine."
Horatio looked at him and nodded, "Agent Reed."
"Yes, I didn't know if you remembered me sir."
Horatio held his eyes for a moment, "I remember you and your partner."
"Yeah well, he's not my partner anymore and between you and me, I hope Calleigh makes him eat his own…" Agent Reed saw the look on Horatio's face as he finished with, "Bullets."
Horatio nodded as agent Reed laughed a bit, thinking the same exact thing. "All right sir, I'll leave you to watch the competition."
"Horatio, call me Horatio." He replied letting his guard down and relaxing a bit, remembering how this man stood up for Calleigh. He also remembered his chauvinistic partner who he wanted to put through a wall.
"Yes sir, I mean, Horatio." He smiled and shook his head feeling nervous. "Kyle, you can call me Kyle."
Horatio almost laughed aloud seeing the man's nervousness. "Ok Kyle, you take care." He said as he nodded his head and looked back over to where Calleigh was now sitting with the other competitors.
"Horatio can I ask you a question about… Calleigh?"
Horatio instantly went back on alert now as he turned and faced Kyle with the most intense ice, cold glare. His guard went right back up to full attention.
Kyle looked down. "Do you know if she's involved with someone or has a boyfriend? I asked her out a while ago and she said she was involved with someone."
Horatio began to feel jealous and felt himself simmer inside. He let Kyle talk as the man gave him more information each time he spoke. The longer he kept him talking the more Horatio found out. "When did you ask her out, Kyle?" He asked sarcastically.
The agent looked away from the intensity in Horatio's eyes again. "Umm, about a month ago, I guess, ya know, at the hospital sir."
"Well Kyle," Horatio said with almost venom in his voice, "I think you're going to have to take it up with Ms. Duquesne herself."
"When I asked her at the hospital she said she was in love, but she meant to say involved I think. I just thought that maybe you being her boss would know, I guess. She's a great girl and has a beautiful personality, besides a killer body."
Horatio clenched his jaw and slowly slid on his sunglasses hiding the fire blazing in his eyes now. His posture changed and his hands went to his hips as his anger radiated right off him and onto the agent before him. "In love huh, is that what she said back then?"
Kyle nodded yes, as he felt Horatio's anger now and shook his head in regret. "Horatio, I'm sorry if I said anything wrong, I just think so highly of her and well, to tell you the truth, I have had a crush on her for some time now. I was hoping to be the lucky guy in her life one day maybe, that's all. I didn't mean to cross any bounds if I did, I'm sorry, it's just, Calleigh's a great girl." He smiled looking down.
Horatio couldn't focus as the young mans words hit him hard and he realized he was the lucky guy in Calleigh's life. Everything he said was the truth, Calleigh was a great person, beautiful and a killer body too. His jealously was getting the best of him as he tried to lighten up a bit while he removed his glasses. "Kyle, I'm sorry to inform you that Calleigh is… involved."
Kyle cocked his head to the side in defeat sighing softly, "Damn."
Horatio's brows went up to him as Kyle held his eyes seeing something he wasn't sure of. He blinked a few times looking at Horatio, as Horatio finally nodded to him trying to quietly get his point across that they are a couple.
Sudden Kyle's eyes flew open and he covered his mouth dragging his hand across his chin. "Oh shit, you mean- so you two— oh shit, I had no idea sir, I'm sorry, ummm,"
"Relax, its fine." Horatio said in a low reassuring tone, not feeling threatened by him anymore.
Kyle looked at him with surprise suddenly realizing everything now, "So that's why she was looking at you like that."
"Excuse me?"
"At the hospital, she would look your way and stare. I saw her a few times but I just thought work related, being cautious and all that. Oh boy, was I wrong." He said in a low chuckle.
"Yes you certainly were." Horatio said in a very serious tone.
Kyle nodded, "So you're the lucky guy, she already said she loved you back then. I'm glad for you both sir, Horatio." He said correcting himself.
Competitor 3 was called as agent Dan Brooks came walking over and slapped Kyle right on the back hard.
"Hey Kyle, you after bullet girl again?"
Horatio gave the man an intense look remembering his words.
"Lieutenant," he nodded towards Horatio.
Hey Kyle let me give you a piece of advice, when I am done today, bullet girl is going to be begging me for it and I plan on giving it to her real good too." He raised his brows at his friend. "I can even talk to her for you afterwards and maybe w—"
Kyle's eyes went wide as he grabbed his friend's shirt and dragged him away from Horatio as quickly as he could, saying, "Will you excuse us sir!"
Horatio clenched his jaw and both hands went to his hips again. His low simmer went immediately to boiling over as he slipped his sunglasses back on trying to hide his rage. He wanted to throttle that arrogant, self-absorbed, son of a bitch. His ego had to be crushed and Horatio knew now that it would be Calleigh who crushed it.
"Competitor 4, Bullet Girl," was called as she turned back and gave Horatio a look of confidence raising her brows to him. She walked into her lane as one range officer stood ready behind her with the timer and another stood with a clipboard in his hand.
Horatio stepped closer as he watched her prepare herself. He watched the range officers greet her and wish her luck, as they stood ready now.
"Shooter Ready?" One of the range officers called aloud.
Calleigh readied herself and exhaled deeply as she pulled her gun and fired off 16 rounds, in less than 10 seconds. She holstered her gun and inhaled as the range officers brought back her targets.
Her results came across the PA, as the range officers discussed her results with her. "14 of 16 in the vital zone and dead on bullseye. Time, 9.21 seconds, new time record now set for the 25 yard rapid fire by Calleigh Duquesne, Bullet Girl."
The crowd cheered as Horatio clapped and smiled feeling very proud of her. She came walking out and over to him as he gave her a tender smile of pride. His crystal blue eyes said it all as she looked deeply into them for as long as she could before looking away.
She blushed and ducked her head as she became embarrassed with his look. She giggled low feeling that sudden burst of heat rush into her cheeks.
His tone was extremely low and sexy as he said, "Congratulations is in order, I'd say. That was some very impressive shooting, sweetheart."
She almost bit down on her lip hearing that voice so low and smooth. It rocked her senses and made her tingle all over. She kept her eyes down still feeling the heat in her now rosy cheeks.
"Thanks, but that's just the first round, handsome. We still have plenty to go and that agent Brooks is pretty good. He's in second place right now with a 13 of 16 and a time of, 9.64, we have to keep an eye on him.
Horatio leaned down speaking low, "Good, keep him there for me, will ya." He said with a wry grin as Calleigh gave him a questioning look.
"Lieutenant Caine and Officer Duquesne," Chief Burton said with a smile furrowing his brows thinking about their last names. He looked at Calleigh, "So you already set a new record today and it's only the first round. What are you going to do in the second round?"
Calleigh smiled and in her best southern tone drawled her words softly, "Well, I guess you'll just have to stick around and see for yourself Chief. I'm just full of surprises," she said with a chuckle looking at Horatio. "Gentleman if you will both excuse me for a moment," she said walking away and headed back inside the building.
Horatio watched her walk away as the Chief watched him with a wide grin. "Lieutenant, I do believe you have your hands full."
Horatio turned back to him, "Huh?"
The Chief chuckled low, "That southern bell has you smitten, doesn't she."
Horatio smiled and looked down shyly with a slight nod and an arch of his brow. "Indeed she does Chief." He admitted quietly.
"Listen, why don't you join me when she heads into the second round, I saved you an open seat."
Horatio looked over to the VIP area and saw some familiar faces. He chuckled, "Feeling confined with all the brass up there sir?"
"To say the least Horatio, which is why I figured you could come suffer with me. You could actually make it bearable for me, what do you say Lieutenant?"
Horatio watched Calleigh come through the doors and sway her hips towards them. He looked back to the Chief, "Sorry Jim, I'm going to have to decline right now. I umm, I'm going to stay down here, front seat, so to speak, she asked me herself." He said looking down.
"Well why the hell didn't you say so. Here I am trying to brown nose you and get some bearable company. Ok, so I'll see you in a bit Horatio, let me go see who else I can bribe in the mean time."
"Good luck Jim," he mumbled low as Calleigh returned.
"Hey, everything ok with the Chief?"
"Everything is fine sweetheart; he was just trying to convince me to sit with him and the other brass."
"Oh, well you can go ahead Horatio, I don't mind, really." She said with a small smile.
He tilted his head to her and held her eyes knowing how important this was to her. "I'm staying right here sweetheart, an earthquake couldn't move me right now." He said softly holding her sparkling emerald eyes.
She smiled and looked down as her cheeks grew rosy red again. She whispered low, "Thanks handsome, you're terrific."
He held her eyes deeply not wavering as he replied, "Anytime beautiful."
"Round Two is about to begin please find your seats." The range officer said over the PA.
"Ok, I'm off again, its elimination time. This is going to be fun, see you in a bit." She said smiling.
"Good luck, and I'll be right here waiting for you."
She smiled and walked back over to the group of shooters as the range officers handed them each a full clip of ammunition. This was an elimination round and the two lowest scores were eliminated from the contest.
Horatio looked around and watched the range officers change the targets out in the field. They set up three moving targets now; each one was 25m away. The first one to the left was called a gravity turner, and it would turn as the shooter fired at it. The second was a pepper popper target and it would pop up unexpectedly as the shooter was timed for accuracy and reaction time. The third was a swinger target that would swing back and forth continually, making it difficult to hit accurately.
Horatio watched Calleigh as the first competitor was called. The crowd applauded as the excitement began. The rules were that each competitor was given one clip that consisted of eight rounds of ammunition. It was to be used on all three targets and each shooter was timed for reaction and measured for accuracy. The gravity turner and swinger had to be hit at least three times and the pepper pop up had to be hit twice, so that left the shooters with no room for error.
The first shooter stood ready with his hand at his sidearm. The range office called out, "Shooter ready?"
He nodded as he pulled his gun and fired first at the swinging target hitting it three times. Then he took aim on the turning target and hit it twice, as the pop up target went off. He quickly took aim shifting and hit it once, and then fired again twice as it dropped back down missing it altogether. He fired again but was out of ammo and the range officer yelled, "Time! Weapon down."
The shooter ranted on and cursed a few times, as the range officers gave him his score and it wasn't good. He walked out sighing heavily as the next shooter walked by him. He did well hitting the targets but ran out of time before he ever made it to the pop up target.
The next shooter was called as Horatio watched him closely. "Agent Daniel Brooks, Iceman" He turned and gave Horatio a glance as he walked down and into the lane. He took his stance and readied himself. He hit the swinger three times and the turner three times as the pop up went off. He hit it twice as it fell back down and time was called.
The range officers announced his score and time, "Iceman scores a perfect 8 out of 8 on the targets, time is 5.64 seconds.
The crowd cheered and Horatio now knew it was going to be a battle as Calleigh stood up and gave him a reassuring nod.
Calleigh was called as she took her stance and readied herself. Horatio exhaled as he realized he was holding his breath.
"Shooter ready?"
Calleigh gave a nod and pulled her weapon with lightning speed hitting the turner three times, then the pop up twice then the swinger three times, as she quickly re-holstered her gun.
"Time!" The range officer yelled, as Calleigh exhaled and walked over to the official with the clipboard.
Horatio was peeking as he moved in closer again and he knew for sure her time was faster but he didn't know if she hit her marks.
"Bullet Girl scores a perfect 8 out of 8 with a new time record of, 4.99 seconds."
"Yes!" Horatio exclaimed and quickly composed himself. He looked around with a small chuckle hoping no one heard him.
The crowd applauded and cheered as she came walking out and back over to Horatio. She gave him a bombshell smile as he grinned at her and lowly said, "Off, huh."
"Yeah, well I was in the beginning." She chuckled as her beautiful green eyes shined and sparkled at him with love.
He held her sparkling gaze and became so immersed in her beauty, that he tenderly lifted his right hand to her chin and placed a very gentle kiss on her lips. He backed off with a small smile still locked in a trance with her.
Calleigh blinked a few times as her eyes went wide and she whispered, "Umm, were in a, um, public place..."
His eyes suddenly widened as he realized what he just did. He looked down then back to her, holding her gaze unsure as he hesitated, "Umm, I didn't just do that, did I?" He questioned in disbelief.
Calleigh suddenly smiled and began to giggle, "Oh yes you did handsome," she said looking into his now worried eyes. "Hey, we said we were gonna let people know right? What better place to do it than right here and now."
He exhaled softly, "I'm very sorry sweetheart, I don't know what just came over me. You smiled and… your beauty overwhelmed me and I just… you looked so…" He exhaled again softly and whispered, "Are they still staring at us?"
Calleigh lifted her head and looked around with a very bright smile. "Un-huh, yes they certainly are." She chuckled.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry sweetheart." He said in the softest, smoothest tone with true sincerity.
"I'm not." Calleigh replied with a bright smile that was widening even more. His brows furrowed for a moment wondering what she was thinking.
"I'm not sorry at all handsome, in fact, I couldn't be happier than I am right now," she said, coiling her arms around his neck and kissing him smack on the lips. She broke off and began giggling seeing his look of total shock as catcalls came from the crowd.
Horatio grinned and groaned low, "Oh, you will pay for that sweetheart."
She nodded smiling brightly, "Un-huh, I was hoping you'd say something like that Lieutenant." She said turning and swaying her sexy hips back over to the group of competitors.
Horatio swallowed hard and lifted his head up looking at the crowd; he quickly lowered his head and shook it in disbelief feeling very hot in the face. His right hand went into his jacket pocket and he took out his sunglasses slipping them on, hoping they could hide him right now. He exhaled again as his hands went to his hips and Calleigh glanced over at him. He shook his head back and forth at her and then lowered his head as a grin turned into a smile and he chuckled.
Alexx, Eric and Ryan remained with their mouths hanging open in shock. They looked at one another as Alexx finally commented.
"Well it's about damn time baby."
Eric looked at Alexx and Ryan whispered, "I didn't think they wanted everyone to know. The whole department is here and the brass too, Alexx."
She chuckled, "Relax baby, they're not doing anything illegal."
Eric chuckled, "Not yet anyway…"
Alexx slapped him playfully on the back sitting between the two of them. "Don't let your mind wander too much Eric Delko."
"Did you see the way she kissed him back Alexx? How could we not wonder— I mean wander?" He said beginning to laugh as Alexx and Ryan joined him.
III
The next few rounds went by and Calleigh was doing great. Federal agent Brooks was running a close second right behind her and Swat sniper agent AJ Thorp was running third. It came down to the three of them and the last stage of the shootout.
Stage five was the last round of the practical pistol course and one of the rangers handed Calleigh a black ranger hat that she gladly put on to help keep the suns glare down. This course consisted of three different tests with a possible earned extra point at the end. The stage consisted of 16 plate targets that were located beyond a barricade opening. The officer had to shoot from a standing position and could use the barricade for support. On the fire command, the competitor has been instructed to move to the barricade opening and engage their targets.
The first target was located on the lower left side of the course. It was eight red plates that were 25 feet out in distance. The second target was eight white plates located on the right side of the course, they were set up at a high distance. The last target was a moving swinger and it was 30 feet out in distance. The extra point target was two falling blue plates that had to be shot while in midair.
The competitor was given three fully loaded clips consisting of eight rounds in each, totaling 24 rounds all together. This was a precision stage with a time limit of 5 minutes and the swinger had to be hit at least three times.
Calleigh was in the number one spot and was allowed to pick her place, she chose to go second. Agent Brooks was first and swat's agent Thorp was last.
Agent Brooks took his place, as the range officer called out, "Shooter ready?"
He turned and gave Calleigh a smirk knowing she picked her place strategically. He walked into the barricade opening and pulled his gun, taking aim and firing. He shot down the eight red plates and shifted his stance reloading another clip as the old one fell to the floor. He began shooting rapidly and missing the plates to the high right and had to reload another clip again, finally taking out the eight white plates. He shifted his stance and took aim on the swinging target, slowing down his rapid firing, trying for accuracy now. He shot three times before his gun clicked instead of firing off. It was empty as he reached for another clip but didn't find one. He re-holstered his weapon with a very loud profanity that everyone heard. "Fuck!"
The range master call out, "Time! Shooter out of ammo!"
"No shit!" Agent Brooks yelled back now shaking his head in disgust. "I can't believe I lost count, fuck! Fuck!"
The range officers gave him a look and a warning about his behavior and use of profanity. He walked out of the course mumbling to himself as Calleigh fingered her extra clips. He gave her a look and shook his head looking back down and walking away. He huffed as he sat down with his other opponent shaking his head in disgust.
Horatio grinned feeling satisfaction, he was very sure of his bullet girl all along. He was ecstatic inside knowing she was going to win, and make this fed eat his own words as well. He bounced on his toes as her name was called and she gave him a glance that was full of assurance and certainty. She walked with such poise as she smiled and headed for the barricade opening.
He sighed softly feeling so proud of her and feeling overwhelmed with love as the ranger called out.
"Shooter Ready?"
Calleigh nodded and walked into the barricade opening.
TBC….
Ok, so the fun begins. Let me know what ya think and thanks as always for reading!
