"Mixed Feelings" – Part III: "Deja Vu"
Title: "Mixed Feelings"
Author: ducainefan
Rating: M (to be safe)
Subject: H/C relationship, E/C friendship
Summary: What happened after Calleigh kissed Eric (on the cheek)? (Spoilers for Season 5's "Just Murdered," "Burned," "Kill Switch" and "Born to Kill" be here!)
Part II Summary: This takes place between "Burned" and "Kill Switch" – filling in the blanks and trying to make this mesh with the Season Finale somehow. Thanks to TPTB, I had to write an entire part just to keep this story in Canon, but I'm determined! (Let me tell you, staying "Canon" on this hasn't been easy, but I think I've figured out a way to make it work. Please let me know what you think.)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters on CSI:MIAMI, nor am I making any money off this - as a matter of fact I don't make much, so please don't sue!
Part III"Yo, Valera, you hear about Ryan?" Dan Cooper asked as he stopped by DNA on his way to the AV lab.
"Yea, I hear he's gone," Maxine Valera responded. She wasn't sure how to feel – Ryan had nearly cost Valera her own job two years ago, but he was very apologetic about the whole situation, and she had to admit that Ryan had been growing on her ever since.
"Heard he messed up big time – gamblin' on the clock," Cooper, who had a knack for having loose lips at all the wrong moments, continued. "Heard he may've even paid off a suspect in a murder investigation."
"I don't believe that," Valera piped in, somewhat defensively. She knew what it was like to be "on the outs," and she also knew first-hand about the rumors that could fly around about a person, too.
"I don't know," Cooper said shaking his head. He and Ryan had gotten into an altercation last year that turned physical, and while Cooper had brushed it off for the most part, he never forgot how Ryan accused him of being the mole. "That guy was so self-righteous last year, and now he's the one gettin' kicked out on his rear. If you ask me, he had it comin' —"
"Ahem." Calleigh cleared her throat, getting their attention. "Why don't we just stick to the job and keep the gossip at a minimum, please?"
Cooper was obviously shaken by Calleigh's appearance, and became nervous. "Yea, sure, whatever," Cooper said quickly. "I – uh, I'll see you guys later." Cooper walked out, and Calleigh gave him a raised eyebrow that let him know she was less than happy.
"Yea, I um … I should get back to that John Doe case," Valera said, moving back to her microscope. Calleigh nodded and turned to leave. "Hey Calleigh," Valera called, and Calleigh turned around. "Is it true that Ryan messed with an investigation?"
Calleigh sighed, folding her arms. "Ryan was … he's gotten himself into a bad situation. But digging deeper won't do any of us any good, OK? Let's just give this some time and see how it all plays out."
"I guess," Valera sighed. "I was just starting to get used to the guy."
"Yea," Calleigh said quietly. "Yea, me too."
---------------------
Horatio stared out the window of his office, the bag containing Ryan's things on his desk. Everything had happened so fast. He was losing a CSI in Ryan Wolfe, and wondered if he was also losing a friend in Eric Delko. It was apparent to Horatio that Eric noticed something was going on between himself and Calleigh, even if he didn't witness the inpromptu kiss. Calleigh had taken Eric aside to explain things, but he wondered if Eric would hold this against him.
Sighing, Horatio pulled out his cell phone. "Calleigh, it's me. Unfortunately, I believe we're going to have to postpone that home-cooked meal we talked about. Call me when you get this."
Snapping his phone shut, Horatio looked at the duffel bag filled with Ryan's belongings. He was intent on delivering them himself, and hopefully finding out exactly what was going on with his youngest CSI. 'Former CSI,' he reminded himself sadly. He couldn't stop worrying about one of his own – even if Ryan wasn't part of the team anymore. Horatio Caine never gave up on the people he cared about.
Deciding to let the situation with Eric settle for a day or so, Horatio grabbed the bag and headed out of the lab toward his Hummer.
----------------------------
Eric Delko drove around the now darkened streets of Miami at around 9:30 p.m., cell phone in hand. He left his badge and his gun back at the house, remembering what happened the last time he did this. He was "toothing" again. Meaningless sex with no responsibility. He never really liked it, but at least it would dull the pain he was feeling — that's what he told himself, anyway.
Deep down, Eric knew this was just like any other artificial panacea — drunks had alcohol, junkies had drugs, and he had sex. He also knew that he was dealing with things no better than Ryan had, but he felt like he was out of options. He felt betrayed by two of his best friends. He almost lost it with Calleigh, but was able to put up a good front in the end – enough to get him through the day.
"Where is everybody tonight?" he muttered. Suddenly, someone texted him back. Eric paused for a moment, knowing he may be making a huge mistake. In his mind, he could see the disapproving look H would be giving him if he knew what he was about to do. "The hell with you," he hissed, pushing his thoughts aside and texting the woman back.
Driving to a secluded spot at Bayfront Park by Biscayne Bay, he rendezvoused with the woman — a petite blond. 'Perfect,' he thought, shaking his head.
"Hey there," she said to him with a smile. She looked like she was in her early 20s.
"Hey," Eric replied quietly.
After an awkward silence, the woman approached him, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm Alicia … you got a name?"
"I, uh … Listen, no disrespect, but I was just hopin' to cut to the chase…"
"Hmm … a mystery man … that's alright by me."
She began to kiss him, and they both ended up in the grass. Caught up in the moment, Eric didn't hear the slamming of a car door or see the tall, angry figure approaching them in the darkness. He did, however, feel the jolt when the 6'5"muscle man pulled him off Alicia by the collar.
"Get the hell away from my sister, you son-of-a-bitch!" the man shouted, pushing him against a tree. Eric immediately went for his weapon, which wasn't there.
"Listen," Eric said, partly out of breath, "I'm a cop and this was totally consensual —"
"A cop?" the guy said skeptically, gripping the front of his shirt. "Then let's see your badge, hero."
"I, uh, I don't have it … right now," Eric stammered. "Listen, I —"
"Who the hell do you think you're foolin', mister!" the man shouted. Forming a fist with his right hand, the stranger clocked Eric in the face. "You think you could fool me?"
"Tobby, quit it!" Alicia said, getting up from the ground and fixing her clothing. "I asked him to meet me."
"Do you even know his name?!" Tobby shouted angrily.
"I – no … Tobby, c'mon – don't do this…"
"I promised mom and dad I'd look out for you, and that's what I'm doin'," he said sharply, pressing his weight against Eric. "I gotta keep you away from low-lives like this."
He went to hit Eric again, but this time he was ready. Eric ducked, then planted a punch in Tobby's gut, spinning out of the large man's grasp. He ran toward his vehicle, but Tobby was quickly behind him, and grabbed his shirt, dragging him to the ground. He straddled Eric, who tried to get away. Eric had gotten slower since the shooting, and his right leg still wasn't completely healed. He hadn't really noticed that much until now, when his life seemed to depend on it.
"I'm tellin' the truth man," Eric said desperately. "I'm with the Miami-Dade Crime lab – I'm a CSI."
"What the hell is that?" Tobby asked.
"A crime scene —"
"Forget it you little punk," Tobby said, cutting him off. "I don't care who you are, no one disrespects my sister."
"Tobby stop!" Alicia called, running up to him and placing her hand on his shoulder. "I told you, I asked him out here!"
"I don't give a rats ass how he got here!" her brother replied loudly, staring at Eric. He leaned in and whispered, "You're gonna be made an example of … maybe then my sister will come to her senses…"
"Tobby, no!" Alicia cried, tears in her eyes. "Don't hurt him!" That was the last thing Eric Delko heard before watching Tobby's fist connect with the back of his head — where he had been shot. Suddenly, everything faded.
---------------------
Horatio sighed, getting into the Hummer and starting the engine. He was just returning from his trip to Ryan Wolfe's apartment.
He had run into the landlord on his way in, who told him that he hadn't seen Ryan all evening, which wasn't unusual. He also informed Horatio that Ryan's rent was well overdue. The landlord pointed Horatio to the correct apartment number and let him inside. Horatio put the duffel bag down on the table, leaving a note attached to it. As he began to walk out, he noticed a framed photo on a shelf near the door – it looked Ryan, but much younger, maybe about 16, with an older man. 'Maybe his uncle,' Horatio thought, attempting to piece together the little mystery. Shaking his head, he walked out, wondering what would become of Ryan Wolfe. He almost reminded Horatio of Raymond — well intentioned, but deeply troubled.
Pulling out onto the street, Horatio began to drive home. He took out his cell phone and called one of the few people he still knew he could count on.
"Hey handsome." Hearing Calleigh's voice as she answered the phone gave Horatio a sense of comfort. She had always been able to calm the storms within him.
"Hey sweetheart," he rasped.
"Horatio, what's goin' on?"
"Um … nothing much. I just came from Ryan's place."
There was a lingering silence, and he could feel her searching for the right words to say.
"How's he doin'?" she asked hesitantly.
"I don't know. He wasn't at the apartment. The landlord said he was very behind on his rent, and that he hadn't seen him all day."
"Well, I wouldn't worry too much, Horatio," Calleigh said, trying to comfort him. "He'll be fine - you know Ryan."
"Do I?" he asked "Do any of us?" There was another long pause, and Horatio wondered if he had said too much. "Calleigh? Are you still there?"
"Yea, sorry," she whispered. "I was just … thinking…"
"About?"
"A lot of things … This day, it's been … pretty crazy."
"I know," he rasped. "Just hang in there."
"You know it," she said, but Horatio wasn't convinced.
"Calleigh … about Eric …"
"He knows everything now, Horatio. I had to tell him."
"I see," Horatio said slowly. "How did he take it?"
"Surprisingly well, considering," she said, but he could tell she was holding something back.
"He was angry, wasn't he," Horatio said matter-of-factly. "Angry at me."
"Well, in a manner of speaking," she started, "I would say yes … but the way we left the conversation … I think he's a lot more accepting of the situation than you think."
"I should've told him," Horatio said quietly, more to himself than to Calleigh.
"Horatio, I'm not going to lie to you and tell you he understood this … us. But I know you two will work this out. He respects you too much — he loves you too much."
Horatio's eyes clouded at Calleigh's words. He loved Eric like a brother, and the bond they forged over the last year was special to him, especially in light of his own brother's death.
"Thanks, Calleigh," he rasped. "Don't know what I'd do without you. I —"
Horatio's sentence was cut off by the police scanner in his car. "We have an officer in need of assistance at the northeast corner of Bayfront Park. Copy?"
"Cal, hang on," he said quickly, answering the radio call. "This is Lieutenant Horatio Caine. I'm five minutes from the scene — I'll meet dispatch on the way."
"Copy that," the voice on the radio replied.
"Do we have an ID on the officer?" Horatio replied. He held his breath, almost expecting them to say it was Ryan.
"No ID, lieutenant. Young woman called it in."
"Alright, I'm on my way," Horatio said, then returned to his cell phone conversation. "Calleigh, listen, I have a situation…"
"What's goin' on?"
"Call just came in – there's an officer down at Bayfront Park. I'm headin' over there to check it out."
"I'll back you up," Calleigh said quickly. "See you in 10." She hung up before Horatio could say no. Horatio smirked at Calleigh's slyness, then turned serious, putting on his sirens and heading toward the scene.
-------------------------------------------
Horatio drove the Hummer slowly around the grounds, headlights and fog lights on full blast, looking for signs of a struggle. 'This could just be a prank,' he thought to himself, but something in his gut was telling him that wasn't the case.
Seeing headlights approaching, Horatio stopped his vehicle and got out. He watched as Calleigh pulled up next to him and vacated her Hummer.
"You find anything?" she asked.
"No," he said quietly.
"Could just be a false report," Calleigh said, still looking around suspiciously.
"Could be," Horatio replied, but she could hear the skepticism in his voice. Suddenly, they heard a rustling sound coming from their left. They both drew their weapons.
"Well, lieutenant, think that was just Bambi?" Calleigh whispered.
"Only one way to find out, detective. Cover me."
"Always," she said, smiling slightly. He nodded at her, giving her a slight grin, but she could see his brows furrowed with concern as he took out his flashlight. They moved through the darkness toward the sound, and heard it again, along with a low moan this time.
"Miami-Dade Police!" Horatio shouted. "Identify yourself!" The only response they received was another low grunt. Calleigh noticed Horatio's flashlight illuminate something.
"Horatio, look," she said, pointing to a blood trail.
"Let's see where this leads," he said in a low tone. Guns still drawn, they followed the blood for a few yards, when Calleigh suddenly saw a figure lying on the ground just a few feet away. "Horatio —"
"Let's go," he said urgently as they both began to sprint toward the body. Horatio arrived first and knelt down. "Oh no," he said in a low, panicked voice that Calleigh had never heard before. "Eric?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"God," Calleigh rasped, kneeling next to Horatio. "There's more blood … Horatio … his head …"
"Eric," Horatio called again, getting a moan in response. "Eric, can you hear me?"
Calleigh quickly took out her cell phone. "This is CSI Calleigh Duquesne. I need rescue at the northeastern corner of Bayfront Park immediately. We have an injured officer in need of medical attention."
Putting down her cell phone, Calleigh touched the back of Eric's head in an attempt to stop the bleeding. She took out her flashlight, trying to see the extent of the wound. "It doesn't look too deep, I think he just might've reopened his stitches," she said.
"Or someone reopened them for him," Horatio said angrily.
"Damn it," Calleigh hissed, tears stinging her eyes.
Horatio moved closer and gripped Eric's hand. "Hey, pal," he said softly. "Can you hear me?"
"H?" Eric replied in a small voice.
"Hey," Horatio rasped, fighting the flashbacks that were playing through his mind. "Hey, you're gonna be fine, Eric. Just hang in there."
"We're right here," Calleigh reassured him. "Just stay with us."
Eric nodded, swallowing. "Guys … I think …"
"Do you know who did this, Eric?" Horatio asked.
"I – I can't remember," Eric mumbled. "I feel … OK." He motioned to get up, but they both held him back gently.
"Hey, partner, not so fast," Horatio said. "Let's get you checked out first. There's some blood here…"
"My head," he whispered, his hand moving to the back of his skull. Feeling wetness, he pulled his hand in front of him. "Oh man …"
"It's OK," Calleigh said quickly, trying to reassure him. But her own voice was faltering. "Eric, I don't think it's deep. Rescue's on the way, just stay with us."
"Yea, I'll be fine," he said in his own attempt to be strong. "So, uh … Wolfe decided to cut out on this one?"
Horatio and Calleigh glanced at each other, confused. "Eric?" Horatio asked.
"Wolfe — he decide to take the day off or somethin'?"
"Eric, I think you're … just relax," Calleigh said cautiously.
"Oh … I get it," Eric replied slowly. "It's night … Wolfe hates workin' double shifts … Slacker…" Eric said with a small smirk that was soon replaced with a grimace.
Calleigh gave Horatio another glance, and he returned it with a concerned look of his own. When the ambulance finally arrived, Horatio informed them of Eric's previous injury.
"I'll meet you at the hospital," Horatio told one of the EMS workers. As the ambulance pulled away, Horatio and Calleigh walked swiftly back to their vehicles. Horatio went to grab the handle on the driver's side door, but stopped suddenly, staring at his hands. There was blood all over them.
"Hey, you want me to drive?" Calleigh asked gently, noting that Horatio looked slightly shaken up.
"I think," he started, "I'll take you up on that offer."
Calleigh moved into the driver's seat, and Horatio slowly made his way onto the passenger's side. They drove to the hospital, an awkward silence falling between them. It soon became too much for Calleigh to bear.
"Do you think he's forgotten?" she asked.
"What?" Horatio looked up suddenly, her voice dragging him from his thoughts.
"I mean, do you think he's forgotten about what happened today?" she said more pointedly.
"I don't know …"
"I just mean, the way he was talking about Ryan, it sounded like he didn't remember what happened," Calleigh said. "It's just – I can't believe this is happening … again."
"I know," Horatio said quietly. "We have to find out who did this."
"First, I want to make sure Eric's alright," Calleigh said. "Whoever did that to him had to leave something behind, the way they walloped him."
"The night crew's working on it right now," Horatio said.
"Jake will probably be on the case …" Calleigh said matter-of-factly.
"Yes, probably," Horatio said, arching an eyebrow. "Have you two …"
"I haven't told him about us," she said quickly. "I'm not sure what to say. I don't really know … if I can trust him."
"I agree," Horatio said coolly. Another awkward silence fell over them. "So … um, how long were you two together?" Horatio asked, nearly stumbling over his words.
"Let's not get into this right now," Calleigh sighed.
"Do you think it's going to be a problem if you two —"
"It's not going to be a problem," she snapped. "We're professionals, and we've worked together before."
"Yes," Horatio said, an edge in his voice. "I remember that … I believe you got shot."
"Listen, it's fine," she said curtly, pulling quickly into a parking spot at the hospital.
"Is it?" Horatio asked.
"Well, you have your secrets, and I have mine, I suppose," she said, a bit more harshly than she had intended. Sighing, she closed her eyes, a tear escaping. "I'm sorry," she apologized, looking at him. "I just … I hope Eric's OK."
"I understand," Horatio said, grasping her hand. "Let's see how he's doing, OK?"
"Yea," she said, fighting tears. They both got out of the Hummer and headed toward the ER.
-------------------------------
"Talk to me," Horatio said to the doctor as both he and Calleigh stood outside just outside Eric's room.
"I think he's going to be fine, but what you said about the possible memory loss concerns me," Dr. Brian Tullo replied, flipping through Eric's chart. He was slim, and looked to be about 50 years old, with thinning gray hair. "It seems Detective Delko was initially diagnosed with retrograde amnesia back in February, which can happen with an injury that penetrates the skull and damages the brain itself," Dr. Tullo continued. "With this incident, it's not the stitches I'm worried about – we've taken care of those. What I am concerned about is the blow he took to that area of his brain."
Horatio and Calleigh looked at each other. "What are you saying?" Calleigh asked hesitantly.
"I'm not worried about any major damage, detective. The jolt didn't seem to affect the bullet still lodged in his brain," he explained, pointing to the MRI, "but it might've complicated his condition. There's another form of amnesia — anterograde amnesia — where the patient finds it difficult to recall ongoing events — day-to-day things — after suffering a head injury."
"Are you sure about that?" Calleigh questioned. "I mean, he's a CSI and —"
"I understand that this kind of diagnosis could seriously impair his ability to do his job," Dr. Tullo continued. "I'm not convinced of this, it may just be a one-time event. But I want to see him in a week to check his progress."
"That shouldn't be a problem, doctor," Horatio said. "Can we see him now?"
"I don't see any reason why not. He was actually asking for you, lieutenant."
"Thank you," Horatio replied, walking toward Eric's bedside. When Calleigh followed, he stopped. "Just give a minute with him, OK?" he asked, his eyes imploring her to understand.
She raised an eyebrow, looking at him. She knew he wanted to talk to Eric alone, to see how much he remembered. "OK," she said quietly. "I'll be outside."
"Thank you," Horatio nodded, taking her hand and giving it a quick squeeze before releasing it just as suddenly. She watched as he pulled up a chair next to Eric's bedside, then left the two to give them some privacy.
"Hey H," Eric rasped, a smile on his face.
"How do you feel?"
"Like I have the worst hang-over headache in the world," he said, chuckling.
Horatio gave him a small smile. "Do you remember what happened, Eric?"
He shook his head, looking dazed and confused. "No, I … I tried to think … Last thing I remember is bein' at the crime scene … and Calleigh …"
"Wait, what crime scene, Eric?"
"The house – the arson," he said, flashing to the moment he had with Calleigh. A sudden panic grew in his eyes. "H – H that guy was lyin'. There was no smoke residue on the glass." Eric began to sit up.
"Easy, easy, partner," Horatio said, putting his hands on Eric's shoulders and gently guiding him back down. "It's alright – You told me that — we wrapped up that case today."
"That's weird," Eric said, a puzzled look on his face.
"What's the last thing you remember?"
"Calleigh," he said, blushing slightly. "She cut her finger on the glass, and I was removing it when I noticed how clean it was …"
"OK, OK that's not bad," Horatio reassured him.
"So what? I'm only missing half the day? Just great," Eric said, worry beginning to creep in. "The judge is gonna have a field day with this one."
"I don't think so," Calleigh replied, entering the room with a blond woman about her height. "I believe we may've found who did this."
"I told you, I didn't do it, I just called it in," the woman said. She was a little banged up herself.
"Who's this?" Horatio asked, standing up.
"This," Calleigh said, looking down at her pad, "is Alicia Bender. Says she took her brother into the hospital after smashing him over the head with tree branch."
"What's the connection?" Eric asked, still looking confused. "Do I know her?"
"Apparently, you met her for an … intimate … rendezvous," Calleigh said, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"I went to a hooker?" Eric said, panicking again.
"Hey, bud, I ain't no street walker — you were toothing! You texted me!" she shouted. "This is what I get for savin' your life."
"Saving it from who?" Horatio said, putting his hands on his hips.
"My brother," she replied quietly. "He's always buttin' in — always tryin' to protect me …"
"So you knocked him out as he was attacking Eric," Horatio said, beginning to put the pieces together. "Then what?"
"They were both unconscious. I was afraid I just killed my brother, you know? So I panicked — brought my car over to Tobby —"
"That's your brother?" Horatio said.
"Yea," she replied. "I got the car to him and dragged him into the passenger's side…"
"He's a big guy, how'd you manage that?" Calleigh asked, skeptical.
"I don't know … adrenaline I guess," she said. "I just dragged him into the car and took him to the hospital."
"Leaving my officer to die," Horatio said grimly, his stare piercing through her.
"I – I didn't know what to do," Alicia stammered. "He said he was a cop, and it didn't look good for me — two guys down and me the last one standin'… I called it in, didn't I?"
"Yes you did," Calleigh said, "from a phone right here in the ER, no less. One of the nurses' aides ID'd you."
Alicia looked away, biting her lip. "Is he gonna be alright?" she asked, looking up at Horatio.
"I hope so … for your brother's sake," Horatio said.
"Hey, I'm right here, guys," Eric interrupted. "And I'm gonna be fine. I feel fine. The doctor even said I could be released tonight."
"That's great!" Alicia said. "So my brother's off the hook?"
"Not exactly," Horatio said grimly. "Here's what I want to do," he continued, looking at Calleigh. "Let's go question Tobby and find out exactly went on."
"That won't be necessary, lieutenant," a man's voice said from the doorway.
"Jake?" Calleigh said.
"At your service," he said, smiling. He made his way over to Calleigh, and before she had the opportunity to say anything else, he embraced her, kissing her on the cheek.
Eric looked up, and suddenly saw a memory flash before him.
'Why him and not me?'
Eric shook his head as another memory hit him.
'You two got somethin' goin' on, Calleigh?'
'Eric, I – I don't know what to say…'
"Eric?" Calleigh asked, concerned. Eric looked up, shaking his head. Seeing Jake holding her intimately, Eric instantly became jealous, and attempted to put the flashes of memory together.
"I, uh … I think I'm starting to see everything very clearly," Eric replied, a sharp tone etched in his voice.
Calleigh glanced at Horatio, who looked down at Eric. But he could tell the CSI's gaze was fixed elsewhere.
"Hey man," Jake said, easing his hold on Calleigh. "Glad to see you're still among the livin'."
"You bet I am," Eric said, his brows furrowed.
While Horatio was concerned with Eric, he was becoming distracted by the view of Jake with his arms around Calleigh. His own face began mirror Eric's jealous gaze as he turned sideways, hands on hips, staring at the homicide detective intently.
"How about we keep this professional, gentlemen," Horatio said, nodding toward Jake.
"Oh, sorry lieutenant," he said, releasing Calleigh from his grasp. "You know me and Cal go way back, right?"
"Jake," Calleigh hissed, pushing him back a bit.
"So I've heard," Horatio said, his gaze turning to Eric. "So, what do we have, Detective Berkeley?"
"Well, funny you should ask," he said. "Just interviewed the Incredible Hulk over there in 5C — he definitely is on some sort of narcotic. Might be junkie."
"Takes one to know one," Eric said sharply.
"Eric," Horatio whispered in a warning tone, wondering what had gotten into his CSI. "Just relax, OK?"
"Yea, sure, H. I'm relaxed." He continued to stare at Jake, who was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"So uh … what's with him?"
"He's having some … trouble," Calleigh started, not wanting to give Jake anything that might put Eric's career in jeopardy.
"Trouble? Does he have another screw lose up there or somethin'? Heard about that court case a few days ago …"
"Hey, screw you, man!" Eric shouted, bolting up. Horatio held him back.
"Easy, easy," Horatio said, calming him down. He turned to Jake. "Jake, all I want you to worry about is Mr. Bender in 5C, OK?"
"Whatever you say, lieutenant," Jake replied. "See you later, Cal?"
"Sure," she said tersely, watching as he smirked at her before leaving. She heaved a sigh relief, then turned back to Horatio. "You want me to go back to the scene?"
"No," Horatio said. "I think you should follow up with Mr. Berkeley, make sure he dots the I's and crosses the T's."
"Horatio —"
"I thought you said this wasn't going to a problem," he said, looking at her intently. She was surprised to see a flash of jealousy in his gaze.
"It won't be," she sighed. "Eric, listen, just rest. You're gonna be fine, OK?"
"Thanks Cal," he said sadly.
Calleigh looked at Horatio again, arching an eyebrow before heading after Jake. Horatio turned back toward Eric, sitting down.
"Now what was that all about?" he asked.
"I don't know H … I think I'm … remembering…"
"Oh?" he said, concern growing on his face.
"Yea … when I saw Jake with Calleigh … I don't know. Somethin' hit me, somethin' clicked. I went up to Cal today, I think, to ask her … to ask her something …"
"OK," Horatio said, urging him to continue.
"I think she was tellin' me about this guy she's been seeing …" he said slowly. "I can't … I don't remember names … but when I saw Jake — I knew it was him."
Looking down, Horatio tried to hide the pained expression on his face. He knew he had to explain everything – he couldn't let Eric believe a lie.
"H, I'm sorry, it's just — I think I'm really startin' to fall for Calleigh, you know?"
He laughed in response, still looking down. "I think I do, Eric," he said, looking up, tears in his eyes. But Eric's gaze was still focused on the doorway.
"I mean … that guy … he's a low-life. I don't like him, and he's definitely no good for her, H."
"I couldn't agree more," Horatio cautiously. "Listen, Eric…"
"H … I just, can I just be alone?"
"Eric I —"
"No, it's fine. I'm gonna work this out. Just … I just need to be alone, OK?"
"Eric, you don't understand —"
"Ahem," a deep voice interrupted.
"Doctor?" Horatio said suddenly.
"I think you should listen to the young man, lieutenant. If he wants to be alone, let him be."
"But —"Horatio started.
"Can I get outta here, doc?" Eric interrupted.
"I don't see why not," Dr. Tullo said.
Eric quickly bolted up and gathered his clothes. "Listen H, thanks for havin' my back, but I gotta work this thing out for myself, OK?" Eric walked out the door, and Horatio moved to go after him, but Dr. Tullo blocked his path.
"Lieutenant, I think you should take his advice, let him be."
"But I can't," Horatio said in a pained voice. "I can't let him go on believing a lie…"
"Whatever he's remembered – or hasn't remembered — it may be critical to allow his body to work itself through this. It could even be dangerous to reveal things to him too quickly, especially if they impacted him emotionally."
"Doctor's orders?" Horatio asked, his brows furrowed.
"You could say that," Dr. Tullo replied. "Give him a week or so, and we'll see where we are. That OK, lieutenant?"
"For now," he said, walking out the door