May 17

NYPD Headquarters – Manhattan, New York

"Don, Sergeant Boscorelli's recommended you be suspended for what you did to Billy Walsh," Mac spoke sternly as he and Flack sat outside of a room where Bosco and the higher-ups were talking about what Flack had done to Billy Walsh two days prior. "What made you go off on Walsh like that?"

Flack shrugged, "Because of you, Walsh might not be held legally responsible for telling Warrick Brown where to find Danielle Boscorelli," Mac spoke sternly, his expression cold. "He aided in an attempted murder, but his lawyer is arguing that you used unnecessary force in apprehending him…"

The door suddenly opened and Bosco came out with Chief Sinclair, Deputy Chief Carver, and Inspector Gerrard, "I can't say that Walsh didn't deserve a beating, but you didn't have the right to apply as much force as you did," Inspector Gerard spoke sternly, gazing at Flack. "I wanted to suspend you for a month, but Sergeant Boscorelli requested a degree of leniency given the circumstances. You're suspended from active duty for two weeks, but you're free to do whatever you please. Give Taylor your badge."

Sighing, Flack removed his badge and gun and handed them to Mac, "If you ever pull something like this again, Detective Flack, it'll be a month no matter what anyone says," Gerrard spoke sternly.

Giving Flack a look, Chief Sinclair, Deputy Chief Carver, Inspector Gerrard, and Bosco all walked off, "You have to be careful, Don," Mac spoke gently. "What are you going to do with your two weeks?"

Flack sighed, "Bobby's getting married in Miami on the 26th and I might go visit him," he spoke quietly.

Mac nodded, "I know we're all upset about what happened to John and to Emily Yokas, but we still have jobs to do," he spoke gently, his expression softening. "Take the three weeks and calm down a bit."

Nodding, Flack eyed his badge wearily and then silently left to begin serving his suspension. He had already packed with the intent of trying to get time off after Walsh was found, so he could leave right away. He could simply go to the airport and get on a plane to Miami; he needed to leave for a while.

Miami, Florida

"…He's resting comfortably at the moment and is showing brief periods of lucidity," Robert heard a soft voice say as he slowly woke and found himself in a hospital room. "I'll keep you posted, Natalia."

Blinking, Robert looked around and sighed tiredly when he saw his uncle lingering at the window, slipping his cell-phone into his pocket. A big basket of flowers sat on the bedside table.

"Uncle Horatio?" Robert called out weakly, gazing at him. "How did I get to the hospital?"

Horatio silently walked over to the bed and sat in a chair, "Frank called 9-1-1 when you had a seizure on the beach," he spoke softly. "You've been here for a couple of days in various degrees of lucidity."

Robert sighed tiredly, "Um, maybe I need to talk to someone," he spoke in a groggy voice. "I…I need more time and help to deal with the stuff about my dad. Felisa…what she said…shook me."

Horatio nodded calmly, "I can go look into it for you," he spoke softly. "Would you like anything?"

"My throat's so dry," Robert spoke in a groggy voice. "And Natalia…she's probably freaked out."

Horatio sighed, "Natalia is not going to leave you over your bad experiences with family violence," he replied in a patient voice just as a nurse came into the room. "How about I get you a smoothie delivered from the cafeteria? I want you to take time before eating food, but I want you to feel less tired."

Robert nodded and Horatio silently rose, offering a smile of reassurance before he left the room and made his way to the desk in the emergency room. Even though Bobby had been put in a private room, he had been left on the Emergency floor because his seizure had been nearly a minute long and Dr. Loman had wanted to keep him under strict observation. Fortunately, the ER was very quiet.

Dr. Loman was nowhere to be seen, but a nurse was at the desk, "Lieutenant Caine, hello," the nurse spoke in a kind voice, recognizing Horatio. "What can I do for you or for your nephew?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Horatio suddenly noticed a badly bruised Rick laying on a gurney in a curtained area, quietly talking to a concerned looking Dr. Higgins, "Rick," Horatio commented softly as he came over to the gurney. "Doctor Higgins, I thought you just worked on the Psych floor?"

"I do extra shifts in other departments sometimes for extra money, Lieutenant," Dr. Higgins replied.

Horatio nodded calmly, "What do you want, Horatio?" Rick asked in a tired, but annoyed voice.

"Are you and Catherine having more trouble?" Horatio asked sternly. "Those bruises look bad."

Rick scoffed, "I'm trying to get charges pressed on Sam Braun for what he and his goons did to me, but Catherine doesn't believe he did it," he spoke in a tired voice. "I worked late last night and we talked."

"That looks like considerably more than talking," Horatio spoke sternly. "Where is she?"

Rick scoffed, "Catherine had a miscarriage and a hysterectomy that nearly killed her, but I'm not even sure that kid was mine because we hardly had relations in the last few years," he spoke angrily. "I had a cancer scare after Lenny and Lindsey were born and lost a testicle due to a benign tumor. Catherine told me that she was friendly with several cops when she was there. I asked her what she meant by that…"

Horatio blinked, "There was a fight in my lab?" he asked sternly. "Why didn't you report it?"

Rick glared at Horatio, "Catherine wants a separation and possibly more," he spoke shakily. "She doesn't think our marriage can work. I nearly crashed the car driving here because I haven't eaten at all today."

"You have hypoglycemia," Horatio spoke quietly. "You cannot be skipping meals."

Dr. Higgins silently swabbed Rick's arm and hooked up an IV, "I legally have the kids until they're 16 and then they get to go before a judge and decide who they want to live with," Rick spoke tiredly. "Since Bobby's getting married soon, I've been looking for a place for me and the kids. Bobby has a family…"

"I believe Bobby made it clear that you and your children were welcome to stay with him as long as you needed," Horatio spoke quietly. "You already promised him you wouldn't return to that motel."

Dr. Higgins silently covered Rick up with a blanket, "Natalia's doing a good job looking after BJ, Adam, and Lenny," Horatio spoke gently. "I'm not going to have someone on my team who is abusive."

"Catherine's not ready," Rick spoke in a tired voice. "You do what you want with your team."

Horatio nodded silently, "Do you want to press charges?" he asked quietly.

"New York already wrote a legal document saying that she can't be held criminally responsible for any behavior due to the medical condition," Rick spoke quietly. "The document is valid until July."

Horatio sighed, "There's nothing that can be done, but Catherine says she's not going to come back to the lab right now," Rick spoke quietly. "She's got a rental condo out near where Bernard used to live."

"I'm sorry," Horatio spoke quietly, realizing that nothing could be done. "Is there anything I can do?"

Rick shrugged and closed his eyes, emotionally exhausted and Horatio quietly excused himself because he was going to see if something could be done. He quickly stopped by the desk, ordered the smoothie, and then returned to Bobby's room just in time to see him drift into a deep, but relaxed sleep.

Manhattan, New York

"Mom?"

Danielle, who had been putting Michael and Emily in their new walker toys, turned and saw that John was out of bed on the crutches he was using while his thigh healed, "John, did you want to be on the hideabed for a while?" she asked softly. "You were told to take it easy while those wounds heal."

John sighed heavily and immediately sat on the hideabed, "I know it sounds funny, but I've been doing a lot of thinking and I was wondering if I could visit Stella once I'm well enough to leave the house?"

As Michael and Emily began to explore the child-proofed apartment in their walkers, Danielle sat on the end of the hide-a-bed, "Out of all the places you could visit once you're well, you want to visit Stella Bonasera at Riker's Island?" she asked in a curious voice. "Do you mind telling me why?"

"I want to tell her I forgive her," John spoke softly. "I know everyone else and Tommy are far from that and they may never forgive her, but I think I need to forgive her so I can move on from that pain."

Danielle went very quiet just as the door opened and Bosco came in looking tired and irritated, "Maurice, we need to talk," she spoke quietly, gazing at him. "John wants to visit Stella Bonasera."

Bosco frowned, "Stella's in Riker's til sentencing," he replied. "Why do you want to go there?"

"I want to tell her I forgive her," John spoke quietly, wincing as he laid back on the pillows.

Bosco was silent for several moments and nodded, "I'll ask, but they might not let you," he spoke in a concerned voice as he walked over to the hideabed. "I want you to take time to recover first."

Danielle suddenly sighed, "Maurice, I think that I need to go to Las Vegas," she spoke quietly. "John; he just taught me a lesson and I think I need to meet with Warrick's grandmother and John can have his interview out there. I can try and schedule it in about a month so that John has time to heal."

Bosco frowned, but didn't say anything, "I'm going to call out there once I check on Maritza," Danielle spoke quietly, knowing that Bosco had a hard time being around Maritza because it reminded him of what he went through. "John, honey; why don't you take a nap? Your grandparents, Ray, and Nicolas went to a movie or something, so it'll be quiet for a while. Maurice, there's food in the fridge."

"Why are you so upset?" Bosco asked in a concerned voice. "Did something happen?"

Sighing heavily, Danielle walked over to the pile of mail that was sitting on the table and picked up an official looking envelope, "This came from the DCFS in Miami," she spoke quietly. "I opened it."

Bosco sighed, "Dr. Tara Price wants the baby in Florida and she's petitioning to either have a family member raise her or force you to move there to keep custody of Maritza," Danielle explained in a quiet voice, her expression somber. "If you don't agree to move, you could lose custody of her…"

"And if I do move, I lose this," Bosco spoke in a quiet voice. "I'm not willing to do that,"

Danielle sighed and Bosco silently walked over to her, gently caressing her as they hugged, "I'm not going to give up this family just to appease her," Bosco spoke softly. "I'm not leaving you."

A cry broke through the air and Bosco kissed Danielle before going into Maritza's room because he could see that she was hurt by Tara's actions. Danielle checked to see that John was asleep before going to her bedroom closing the door, and picking up the phone. With a sigh, she dialed Grissom's number.

"Gil Grissom," a quiet voice suddenly spoke on the phone after one ring. "Who is this?"

Danielle sighed, "Gil, it's Danielle," she spoke quietly. "I've reconsidered Conrad's request and I'm willing to meet with Warrick Brown's grandmother and I'd like to arrange John's interview for then too."

There was a silence, "You don't have to," Grissom spoke quietly. "Conrad's willing to…"

"My oldest boy just taught me a lesson in the importance of forgiveness, Gil, and I don't think I'm a very good parent if I don't lead by example," Danielle spoke softly. "Please arrange everything with Conrad."

Las Vegas, Nevada

Sighing, Grissom ended the call and stood up, stretching briefly before he made his way through the lab to the staff room. To his surprise, Nick was already there and resting on the couch with his eyes shut.

"Nick, I told you that you didn't have to come in," Grissom spoke calmly. "You just had chemo today."

Nick sighed, but didn't open his eyes, "My mom came up to help with Parker," he spoke tiredly. "I can't get time off because the bigwigs consider my kidnapping my vacation time all used up."

Grissom sighed, "You're not working alone tonight," he spoke firmly. "Where's everyone else?"

"Ecklie's meeting with Morgan, the lab techs are just changing shifts, and Sara will be in in a few minutes after she feeds Gregory and Danielle," Grissom explained kindly. "Conrad's insisting that we involve the lab techs in field training because we're short-handed. You'll be working with me tonight."

Nick sighed, but continued resting, "Work on waking up and then get some juice," Grissom spoke gently.

As Grissom left the staff room, he noticed Ecklie come out of his office with Morgan, "Grissom, got a minute?" Ecklie called out. "Morgan, go to the staff room and tell Stokes that naptime's over."

Grissom silently went to Ecklie's office, "If you can get Sanders to come back, I'll promote him to Level 2 and let him be in the field providing he works with someone," Ecklie spoke, offering Grissom a paper.

"Ryan Wolfe is coming by the end of the month," Grissom spoke anxiously. "With Sofia."

Ecklie scoffed, "Sofia's also extremely pregnant and I'd rather not risk her and her baby just because we have a shortage," he replied calmly. "Ryan was fired from his lab, I heard, but Horatio Caine is an idiot."

Grissom frowned, "Ryan is going to help with the shortage, but Sanders would be so beneficial in helping train whatever college kids we get from this pilot program," Ecklie explained. "Besides, Stokes isn't exactly at full strength right now and I'd rather have him buddy up if he has to be out in the field."

"Greg might not want to come back," Grissom replied. "He said no the last time you asked."

Ecklie nodded, "That's why you're asking him," he replied. "You have a way with words."

"And you don't want to get your head bit off by the Wolfe family?" Grissom replied calmly.

Ecklie shrugged and shooed Grissom out of his office, not willing to admit that he was intimidated by the family Greg was now a part of. Grissom silently returned to his office and called the Wolfe's number.

Miami, Florida

Even though it was early, Greg was awake and holding a sleeping Jessica while he sat in the living room, silently looking at the family picture that had been taken at the double wedding. Tommy, Diana, Jenny, Jessica, Jason, Emilio, Ryan, Sofia, Tim, Emily, James, Julliet, Jesse, Anthony, Rosa, and Tony were now all a great big family. They hadn't wanted a honeymoon immediately, but they would take one later.

Since Ryan's firing, Greg's workload had doubled and he found himself missing spending time with Jenny and Jessica, but Jenny had told him to just focus on doing his best. Tim, Jesse, Natalia, and Alexx were kind to him, but Calleigh and the retraining Eric treated him as if he were intruding on their lab.

Horatio always made an effort to praise his work, however, and it was that praise that kept Ryan going through each day. The nightmares about Las Vegas had dwindled, but he still felt anxious about it.

As Jessica shifted in his arms, the cordless rang and Greg carefully got it so not to wake her, "Greg Sanders speaking," he spoke in a quiet voice, not wanting to wake the rest of the sleeping household.

"Greg, it's Grissom," Grissom spoke quietly. "I was just calling to see how you're doing."

Greg sighed, "I got married a few days ago and I'm working to adopt Jenny's daughter," he replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "If Ecklie's trying to push you into getting me to come back…"

"Ecklie has paperwork to make you a CSI Level 2 and allow field work if you come back, but that's not why I'm calling," Grissom replied quietly. "Nick updated his will recently and if something happens to him, he asked that you and Jenny take care of Parker for him. I was a witness to what he signed…"

Greg frowned as Jessica woke, having heard gentle voices. He put the speakerphone on and set the cordless on the table so he could cuddle Jessica better, "Nick updated his will?" he asked. "Why?"

Grissom sighed softly, "Nick recently got diagnosed with cancer that popped up cause of all the drugs in his system during his kidnapping," he explained softly. "He's doing chemotherapy right now."

Greg's heart sank, "Nick's still working, but Ecklie won't let him work by himself," Grissom explained in a concerned voice. "I know you have a good job out there with Lieutenant Caine, but you're needed…"

"Um, Jessica's awake," Greg spoke shakily. "I have to make sure she's happy…"

There was a click, but Greg didn't move from the couch and didn't hear Jenny come out. Jenny had woken up and found Greg and Jessica gone; she had assumed that they were in the living room.

"Greg, who was calling this early?" Jenny asked softly, seeing Greg's expression. "Honey?"

Greg sighed, "That was Grissom asking me again if I wanted to come back and he said I'd be promoted to Level 2," he explained softly, smiling at the happy looking Jessica. "Um, Nick's got cancer apparently and he can't work alone. I'm not sure what to do or say because I'm really, really conflicted…"

Jenny paused and Greg sighed, "Things have been tense for me since Ryan was fired and Bobby got sick," he explained softly. "When my contract's up here, I don't know if I want to renew it."

Nodding, Jenny joined Greg on the couch and took Jessica to feed her, "Grissom said that Nick left us Parker if something happens," Greg spoke quietly. "I almost want to go back…because it's so bad."

Jenny sighed, "If you want to go, we'll go with you," she replied softly. "We're a family and we'd miss you too much. Before we do this, let my mom talk to Ecklie to make sure you get what he promised."

Greg nodded and sighed tiredly as Jenny fed Jessica, wondering how he was going to tell Horatio.

Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab

The Crime Lab was quiet, as the nightshift was just getting off and the day shift was just starting, but Calleigh found herself grateful for the quiet as it meant she could relax in the lounge. Since Horatio was busy helping his recovering nephew, Eric's retraining fell to her and it was somewhat challenging.

As Calleigh sat there, silently planning her work day, Tim came into the lounge, "Hey," he said softly.

"You're in early," Calleigh spoke kindly, smiling at him. "I thought you came in after the kids…?"

Tim sighed, "Emily had an appointment and asked me to drive her," he replied gently, shrugging.

Calleigh nodded, "I've got to train Walter today anyway, since Bobby's still in the hospital and will be on sick leave for at least a few days," Tim explained. "He's very enthusiastic about working dayshift."

The sound of footsteps suddenly filled the air, "Calleigh, got a minute?" Tripp suddenly called out.

Frowning, Calleigh walked into the hallway and saw Tripp standing there looking anxious, "I've got a domestic battery victim wanting to file formal charges that I need help on," Tripp explained.

Calleigh gave Tripp a look, but nodded, "I'll show you," Tripp spoke in an anxious voice.

Deeply confused, Calleigh followed Tripp to the foyer and was shocked to see Rick sitting on a couch sporting bruises, "I sent the secretary on a break," Rick spoke coldly. "I requested you personally."

Calleigh silently joined Rick on the couch, "Horatio caught me getting treatment at the ER and I took off when nobody was looking," Rick spoke quietly. "I…I don't know what else to do but this."

Nodding, Calleigh watched Rick sigh warily, "New York wrote a legal document saying that she can't be held criminally responsible for any behavior due to the medical condition," Rick spoke quietly. "The document is valid until July, but I re-read it and I can ask for an order of protection for me and the kids if there's enough evidence to back it up. This latest round was within 48 hours, so it's enough..."

Calleigh nodded, "Documented evidence," she spoke softly. "I'll have to photograph and document…"

Rick nodded and sighed irritably, "If it can be done discreetly, I would appreciate it," he replied softly.

"Would you like to give a statement or be processed first?" Calleigh asked in a quiet voice.

Rick sighed, "I'd like the photographs done quickly and quietly," he spoke tonelessly.

"I'll also need your clothes for processing," Calleigh spoke quietly. "Do you have spare…?"

Rick swallowed hard, "In my locker," he spoke quietly as he stood up. "Where do I go?"

"Follow me," Calleigh spoke quietly, standing up. "Detective Tripp, would you mind…?"

Tripp nodded and followed Calleigh and Rick into the quiet lab to get to work before the rest of shift came on and knew what was happening. Calleigh knew she had to handle this professionally.

Manhattan, New York

"David, what are you doing?" Ellie, who was out at recess with David and Kylie, asked as she watched David put his backpack on. "We're not supposed to have our bags at recess…."

David sighed and coughed, "I don't feel good so I'm gonna go home," he spoke shakily. "I…"

Kylie frowned worriedly, as she thought David was cute and was upset whenever he got sick, "Did you tell Mrs. Davis?" she asked softly. "She knows that you get sick and she'll get mad if you run."

"John's hurt, so I gotta be tough," David replied softly, a wheeze in his voice. "I'm the next oldest."

Ellie sighed, "Mom said you have to tell someone when you're sick," she replied worriedly.

"Then I'll have to go to the hospital," David spoke quietly. "I don't wanna go there."

Ellie gave David a look and led him over to the steps where Ms. Davis was watching the kids, "Ms. Davis, David doesn't feel good," she spoke softly. "He's all wheezy when he talks."

Ms. Davis frowned at David, "Let's get you inside to the nurse and I'll see if your grandparents are still here," she spoke calmly as she led David and Ellie inside. "They came in to talk to me today…"

David nodded and allowed Ms. Davis and Ellie to take him to the nurse, "Mrs. Doherty, I have a student who needs some help," Ms. Davis said as she entered the infirmary. "Davis, this is Nurse Doherty…"

"Hi Aunt Kim," David spoke in a tired voice, seeing Kim. "I don't feel good. It's hard to breathe."

Kim nodded, "Come sit down and let's see if your inhaler works," she instructed gently as Ms. Davis left the room to see if Sully and Yelina were still there with Ray and Nicolas. "It'll be okay."

"David's sad cause John was shot," Ellie explained softly. "I'm sad about it too."

Kim nodded and sighed as David got his inhaler out and used it before shaking his head, "I don't wanna go in the ambulance," he said quietly. "Hospitals are scary and I don't wanna go sit in one."

"Hospitals also help people when they're sick, kiddo," Kim spoke gently. "It's necessary."

David sighed and lay down on the cot as Ms. Davis suddenly returned with Sully, who sighed when he saw David, "Your inhaler not working, kiddo?" Sully asked softly. "The weather's changing…"

"I don't wanna go stay in the hospital," David spoke in a tired voice. "It's scary."

Sully sighed, "I'm afraid we have to take you there," he spoke calmly. "Can you walk?"

David groaned, but sat up, "Uncle Warrick was killed and John got hurt," he whined. "I don't wanna see anyone else hurt or sick. I don't get why Uncle Warrick had to die or why John got shot."

Sully froze at David's words, as David didn't know that Warrick had tried to kill his parents and that's why he died, "C'mon," he spoke gently, lifting David into his arms. "I'll get you out to the car."

David sighed tiredly, but let his grandpa carry him while Ellie followed, "Mrs. Davis, can I come?" she asked softly, worried about both of her big brothers. "I'm really worried about David."

Ms. Davis looked at Sully, as both knew that Ellie didn't like to be alone at school ever since her kidnapping, "Ellie, honey, can you stay at school today and stay close to Kylie?" Sully asked softly.

"I can give Ellie and Kylie a ride home after school, Sully," Kim offered, having followed after them.

Sully nodded, "Okay, Grandpa," Ellie replied quietly, stopping near Kim. "I promise I'll be good."

"John, what's going on?" Yelina asked as she suddenly came into view with Ray Jr. and Nicolas.

Sully sighed, "David's not feeling good and I think his asthma's acting up, so we need to take him to the emergency room and I'll call Bosco and Danielle about it after he's being seen by someone there," he explained in a tired voice. "I'm sorry, Ray, I know I said we'd go downtown…"

Ray Jr. shrugged, "Is David okay?" he asked quietly, having grown used to having David as a friend.

"I hope so," Sully replied in a concerned voice as they left the school with David in tow.

Miami-Dade Crime Lab/Police Department – Miami, Florida

Rick flinched as a flash went off and Calleigh sighed as she set the camera down on the table, having photographed various injuries all over Rick's body, "I've photographed everything," she spoke softly.

Nodding, Rick silently ducked behind a screen where his spare set of clothes was waiting, ignoring the trembling in his tired body as he dressed. His hypoglycemia was acting up again, which meant he needed to sit down and eat or drink something before he shared about Catherine with Calleigh.

Fortunately, Calleigh also noticed that something was wrong and she quickly helped the shaky looking Rick sit down on a chair once he was dressed, "I left the emergency room against medical advice because Horatio was snooping around," Rick spoke irritably. "Doctor Higgins is probably upset."

Calleigh silently sat down across from him close to the camera, quickly putting the evidence into a secure file on the computer and stashing the camera safely away, "I know that asking for help with domestic abuse isn't an easy thing, but you're doing the right thing by asking," she replied softly.

Rick sighed, "Lenny and I are still at Bobby's for now," he spoke quietly. "They might let Lindsey out of the hospital by fall, so I have to figure something out. I'll have sole custody until they're 16…"

"For now, you should eat and then we can talk about what happened," Calleigh explained gently. "I think there's food in the staff room and I can go get you some if you want to stay here…"

Rick slowly got up and followed Calleigh from the room, ignoring the looks he was getting from curious lab personnel. Only Greg and Natalia were in the staff room, both of them talking quietly at the table, but they froze at the sight of Rick and Calleigh; were they going to be accused of slacking off?

"What are you two staring at?" Rick asked sternly, sitting on the couch. "I'm not an exhibit."

Natalia paused at the sight of the bruises, "I'm inspecting the lab," Rick lied, looking away from Natalia and Greg because he didn't want them to ask any questions. "Duquesne's showing me around."

Calleigh silently retrieved a bottle of apple juice from the fridge and opened it before handing it to Rick, who murmured a quiet thank you, "She hurt you again, didn't she?" Greg asked softly. "Catherine?"

Rick drank some juice silently, prompting Greg to hurriedly get up and leave the room because he feared he offended Stetler and was angry that Catherine didn't keep her word to behave herself in Miami.

Natalia, however, sighed calmly, "Did you need the help of Victims Assistance?" she asked softly. "It provides counseling, funding for housing, and police protection for those who may need it…"

Finishing the juice, Rick dropped the bottle in the recycling bin, "Do you know how it would look to people if the head of IAB needed help to deal with domestic violence?" he asked tiredly. "The entire PD would lose what little respect they have for me. I…I'm scared to ask for what I know I need."

Sighing heavily, Rick silently got up and left the lounge, holding in his anxiety as he made his way to Emily's office, "I'm sorry to pull you away from your kids, Detective," he spoke quietly. "I…"

Emily shrugged, "I'm here if anyone needs to talk," she replied softly. "Come in, please."

"I'm glad you were able to take my appointment at the last minute," Rick said as he closed the door and took a seat on the counseling couch. "I escaped the ER, but I just feel like I'm drowning right now."

Emily nodded, "Did Catherine do that to you?" she asked quietly. "You don't look well."

Rick nodded and sighed, "Catherine lives over where Bernard used to live and I just got Duquesne to help me get an Order of Protection started," he explained quietly. "The baby that Catherine lost wasn't even mine and Catherine just told me when she got back to Miami. She cheated on me in Vegas."

Emily frowned, "I'm sorry, Rick," she spoke softly. "I….I'm sorry that happened to you."

"It was bad enough before when she slept with Eddie Willows while I was working night security in Vegas when the kids were little, but now?!" Rick replied softly, his voice tired. "She told me that she was bored and lonely in Vegas, so she started getting friendly with this detective named Vartann…"

Rick sighed softly, "The baby she lost…it wasn't mine," he spoke sadly. "Back when she cheated on me with Eddie, the kids got kidnapped shortly after and that's why I agreed to the undercover job, but I don't know what to do now. She's talking about returning to Vegas and trying to get her job back…"

"I sincerely doubt that she could given what she did," Emily replied in a concerned voice, having read the news about Catherine attacking Sara Sidle-Grissom and trying to run off with her infant daughter.

Rick shrugged, "I honestly think you should go back to the hospital and see if Lenny can spend extra time over with my in-laws," Emily spoke gently. "How did you even get over here since you didn't drive?"

"I got a cab," Rick replied quietly, sighing. "No, I don't feel that well, but if I don't work, I don't get paid."

Emily sighed, "And if you end up in hospital cause you're running yourself ragged, who will be there for your kids?" she asked sternly, giving him a look. "Sergeant, you have to take care of yourself."

Rick's cell-phone suddenly rang and Rick looked at the number before answering it, flinching when he heard Catherine's voice, "I decided to leave, Rick," Catherine's voice spoke quietly. "I think it's best if we have a little time apart and if I'm away from the kids. I'm at the airport with my things right now…"

"Where are you going?" Rick asked quietly, stunned that this was happening. "Vegas?"

There was a sigh, "I still have the house and I'll be okay for a while," Catherine replied softly. "Sam…"

"Please don't mention Sam Braun to me," Rick replied firmly. "He nearly killed me and you don't seem to care."

Catherine sighed and ended the call. Rick swore and silently pocketed his cell-phone.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Gil, I just got a call from a Diana Wolfe in Miami," Ecklie said as he came into Grissom's office and saw him sitting on the couch with Sara, silently looking at a phone. "She's an attorney and she says that Sanders is agreeing to come back as long as he gets to work in the field like I promised…"

Grissom looked both surprised and relieved, "That'll take the burden off of Nick," he replied calmly.

Ecklie, however, didn't look pleased, "Sheriff Atwater got a call from the local ACLU and they demanded that Catherine be allowed back to work here or else we'll get sued," he said grimly. "Atwater doesn't want to get sued or have any more bad press to top the Warrick thing, so he agreed and…."

Sara frowned, "Catherine's coming back?!" she asked angrily. "After what she did to Danielle and I?"

"I don't like it any more than you do," Ecklie replied grimly. "Atwater's desperate, though, to improve the reputation of the LVPD because the whole Warrick mess damaged it pretty badly and both NYPD and the media have been sympathetic to Catherine because she had a medical emergency…"

Sara shook her head, "I'd like to transfer to days," she replied. "I don't want to work with her."

Ecklie rolled his eyes, "I'll ask, but the answer will probably be no," he replied quietly. "I'm sorry."

"I couldn't even get maternity leave and now I have to work with Catherine?!" Sara snapped.

Ecklie sighed, "Warrick Brown did some serious damage to this department's reputation and Atwater and I are trying to do damage control," he replied irritably. "Not everyone is going to be happy with the decisions. The pilot program applicants have been dropping like flies because schools are concerned with the risks to the students, but we still have a good crop. Interviews will begin next month."

Sara sighed irritably, but didn't say anything as Ecklie left the room, "She'll be heavily supervised," Grissom promised softly, realizing he had no choice. "You don't have to do cases with her."

"I'll see you in the staff room," Sara replied as she got up. "I'll give Nick his wake-up call."

Grissom composed himself and sighed as he got up and went into the staff room where Sara, Morgan, Nick, Hodges, Henry, Archie, and the other lab techs were all gathered along with Ecklie, "Our staff shortage is going to decrease," he explained softly. "The sheriff has ordered us to take Catherine back on staff and I don't know when she's coming, but she'll be back and we'll be expected to make it work."

Murmurs filled the room and Grissom sighed heavily, "Greg Sanders will also be returning as a Level 2 within the next month," he explained. "Ryan Wolfe from Miami will also be joining the team then."

Nick frowned, "Greg's returning?" he asked in a concerned voice. "Did you tell him, Grissom?"

"Yes, I did," Grissom replied firmly. "Ecklie also wants Greg to help with the pilot program and Greg will most likely be bringing his new family. Apparently, he's gotten married to his girlfriend there."

Nick sighed, but nodded and wondered what he and Parker were going to do for a home now that Greg was coming back with Jenny and Jessica. He was happy that Greg had stepped up to care for them, but he was also worried about himself and Parker; he couldn't afford to live in a motel with him long-term.

Manhattan, New York

The sight of David laying on a gurney with a bronchodilator in his mouth made Danielle feel both sad and old, but she approached him with a brave face. Sully, who had stayed with David while Yelina had taken Ray and Nicolas home to rest, sighed and rose from the chair he had been sitting on.

"Hey there, kiddo," Danielle spoke gently as she sat on the bed and put an arm around David.

Sully gave Danielle a look, "David's upset about Warrick Brown and John," he explained softly.

Danielle nodded and sighed as David removed the device from his mouth, "I don't wanna stay here alone," David spoke in a tired voice, clinging to his mother. "I hate hospitals so much, Mom."

"The doctor wants David to stay overnight at least," Sully cut in, his voice firm.

Danielle sighed, "Then he'll stay overnight and I'll stay with him," she replied softly. "I need to be there for the kids that I'm actually allowed to be a mother to. Maurice can handle things at home."

Sully frowned, "More issues with Maritza?" he asked, sensing why Danielle was upset.

"Yeah, but I don't wanna talk about it now," Danielle spoke softly. "David, are you hungry or thirsty?"

David sighed sleepily in response and Sully watched Danielle hug him, sorrow in her eyes.

Miami, Florida

This is Lieutenant Horatio Caine, Bobby's uncle. Bobby had a very bad seizure a few days ago and he's currently recovering at Miami-Dade Memorial. He's in the ward just off of the Emergency Room…

Irritated that the taxi wouldn't go faster, Detective Flack swore and pocketed his phone. He had flown to Miami and had tried for an hour to get a hold of Bobby with no response. As Flack had been looking into a hotel, however, he had gotten a text from Horatio and now, he was on his way to the hospital.

Soon enough, the taxi arrived at the emergency entrance and after paying the driver, Flack got his suitcase and made his way into the emergency room. Nobody took notice of him, so he silently made his way to the area Horatio had described, using the signs on the walls to get where he needed to go.

Flack entered the room just in time to see Horatio help Robert drink some water, "Hey," Flack said.

"Donnie, hey," Robert spoke in a tired voice. "I…I didn't know you were coming…"

Flack sighed, "I, uh, beat up a guy who helped Warrick Brown almost kill some people and I got a three week suspension, so I decided to visit," he replied quietly. "Your uncle mentioned that you weren't…"

Just then, a nervous looking Greg came into the room after calling Horatio and asking to talk to him about something important, "Bobby, why don't you two visit?" Horatio suggested. "Excuse me."

Horatio left the room with Greg and Flack set his suitcase against the wall before taking the chair beside the bed, "You don't look well," Flack commented softly. "Your uncle said you had a bad seizure."

Robert sighed groggily, "Donnie, this woman named Felisa showed up at the lab a few days ago and said she was my dad's wife and that her and her kids wanted his body," he explained in a tired voice. "She told me I looked like my dad. I freaked out and left in the middle of shift to cry at the beach…"

"I saw Pavel in New York and I was curious about the last name," Flack replied softly. "He said that Ray Caine had attacked him during a party and then left drug evidence. I was wondering if…"

Robert sighed tiredly, "Oh, my family life is so screwed up," he breathed in a tired voice. "I'm supposed to be getting married on the 26th and I'm stuck in hospital because I ended up having a breakdown…"

Flack nodded, "Donnie, I think I have PTSD from that whole kidnapping nightmare my dad put me through," Robert spoke in a pained voice, his expression tired. "I lost my daughter and my father and it's bringing back old memories of everything. It's wearing me down and I don't know how to deal…"

"By asking for help from your friends and your family," Flack replied gently. "We care about you."

Out in the hallway, Horatio and Greg had moved down to the foyer and were now sitting at a table with cups of coffee and snacks from a vending machine, "I'm grateful for all that you've done for me, Lieutenant Caine," Greg spoke quietly, gazing at Horatio. "But I need to go back to Vegas."

Horatio frowned, his expression concerned, "I got a call from Grissom this morning that Nick Stokes, one of my colleagues, developed cancer because of all the junk that was forced into his system when he was kidnapped and tortured in three different states," Greg explained anxiously. "Anyway, Grissom told me that Nick changed his will to leave Jenny and I legal guardians to his son if he didn't survive…"

"I'm sorry to hear about Nick," Horatio replied softly, shocked and angered that Nick had already been through so much and had to go through more. "Is this move going to be permanent or temporary?"

Greg sighed softly, "The crime lab wants me to help oversee the pilot project as well as be a Level 2 in the field," he explained worriedly. "Jenny says she'll come and bring Jessica, but I'm scared…"

"What happened in the desert was not your fault, Greg," Horatio replied quietly. "Warrick Brown made some very poor choices which included trying to hurt people he claimed were his friends…"

Greg nodded, "That's pretty much what Detective Speedle has been saying every time I go to see her," he explained in a tired voice. "Jenny's mom is going to help me with the transition to make sure that I don't get screwed out of what the crime lab is promising," he explained. "Diana's a lawyer."

"Miami did have some candidates for that pilot program, but they all pulled out due to what happened with Warrick," Horatio mused quietly. "If you're needed for that, you'll be there til the new year…"

Greg sighed, "I know that your staff is short with Ryan leaving and I'm sorry…" he began softly.

"Mister Wolfe made his choice and he needs to learn to live with it," Horatio replied quietly. "You are going to back Vegas to support your friend and I commend you for that because Nick needs all the friends he can get right now."

Greg nodded, "I honestly don't know when I'll be back, but I will," he promised anxiously.

"Your job at the lab will always be there for you when you are able to return," Horatio replied.

Just below the partially open window, Ray Caine sat in a clump of bushes silently eavesdropping on the conversation. He had returned to Miami rather quietly and was now bent on revenge against Horatio for the loss of his easy access to prisons and for the loss of Ray Jr. His police gear was now gone and Ray Jr. had disappeared without a trace.

Ray had been stalking Horatio for days without being caught, but planned to do much more to him later on.

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