Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of CSI: Miami only the original characters Rebecca Castillo and others that may be introduced later in the story. I make no money from this weird hobby and am poor full time student so don't sue.
I apologize how long it took for me to get this chapter uploaded. I had a lot of demands on my time because of classes and I went out of town two weekends in a row. This chapter is very long but I am coming close to wrapping up this story line. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter Four: The Job Offer
As predicted Horatio did not call me back so I assumed I would meet him down in the lobby at 8am. I was able to rise early due to the sufficient amount of sleep I received the night before. Bright eyed and bushy tailed I went down to the hotel restaurant and had my usual breakfast of bagel with coffee. Not knowing what to expect I dressed in kakis pants with a cotton chartreuse blouse both were freshly starched and ironed. I decided on my black ankle boots because they are more practical than what I would normally wear with the light pants. The boots were sturdy and very comfortable. They also looked good.
I spent my breakfast in a leisurely fashion because I had time to kill. I read the local newspaper, the Miami Herald, while I ate and drank my coffee. Bobbi Leah Jones's death was the headline on the front page. The article did not give me any clue as to what happened to this woman. At 8am I then made my way out to the lobby. Horatio had his back to me. He was wearing a dark navy blue suit. I began to sweat just looking at the dark suit he wore. After I walked up to him I tapped him on the shoulder.
"Good Morning Lieutenant." He turned to face me with a hard look on his face. With the dark suit he wore the shirt he sported was royal blue. His eyes were puffy and a bit red but still radiated that brilliant blue. My guess is even when this man is 90 years old his eyes would still be that bright blue. I guessed he did not get much sleep last night he really looked tired. He also got straight to the point.
"Rebecca I need to get you to Human Resources when we get to Headquarters. There is a development in the case in which I need your help." He sighed while he changed his expression into a softer one. I stood there staring at him. "That is if you are prepared to accept my offer of employment today." I looked down a moment because I was taken back.
"Horacio," I remembered to use his first name this time. "Can you share with me what the urgency is of getting me hired so quickly? You do understand I have to finish this semester to graduate." Horatio nodded his head affirming what I said.
"I understand that you will need to go back to Minnesota and finish your courses. The hiring process needs to be started today so I can involve you in the current case. Without the hire I cannot have you involved." Not totally understanding the urgency I still was confused. After all I could just be sent home at this point.
"Is there any way you can elaborate with what you need my help with?" I did a lot of thinking last night and pretty much made up my decision to take the job. The opportunity was too attractive to pass up.
"There was a laptop found at the scene yesterday and I understand you are verse with the new software involving computer forensics." He tilted his head and locked his gaze with mine. I learned this meant Horatio was getting serious real fast. "I spoke with John last night and he updated me with what applications you are most familiar with. Unfortunately the computer experts on my team have yet to be trained to use them." I could not imagine, with how advanced I felt the Miami Dade crime lab was, that they were not up on what was going to be needed to process the laptop.
"Of course I am willing to help however I can. If you need to start the hiring process in order to gain my help that's fine by me." Horatio gave me a small smile.
"I'm glad to hear that Rebecca. Lets get going." I stopped in mid stride.
"I need to go back up to my room and get my laptop. It has loaded on it the applications I use. I also want to grab some reference manuals." He nodded his head.
"I'll wait for you in the Hummer." Horatio then began to walk out of the lobby as I made my way back to the elevators.
After I retrieved my laptop with reference manuals I headed back outside the hotel to the Hummer. Horatio was on the phone as I walked up to the Hummer. I opened the door, set my laptop case on the floor and hauled myself up into the cab. As I reached over to close the door Horatio ended his call. He had the Hummer engine idling so the cab was comfortable. He turned to me, made that intense eye contract of his, and asked me.
"You do remember that we need to finish the conversation from yesterday?" I sigh as I remembered.
"Yes I do. I just want to say that I'm sorry if I disrespected you." He raised an eyebrow.
"Rebecca there was no disrespect. I just need to know that everything is okay between us." I was not exactly sure what he meant by that. My face probably conveyed my confusion so he continued. "I know the job offer is very sudden and I apologize for that," He pauses as per the norm for him. "I hope you don't feel pressure to take the position and I hope you are comfortable enough to work with me." I noticed he said with me instead of for me. For some reason I thought that was a little bit strange. After all he heads the crime lab and I would be working for him.
"I don't know how much of the conversation you heard between John and myself. I just wanted some more insight about you." I dropped eye contact and looked down at my hands. That intense gaze of his was too much for me. "I just wanted to understand you better and John helped me with that." Horatio added.
"You know that you can talk to me about anything?" I sighed. This was the perfect example of his communication style. It comes off as sounding very personal but I have to understand that this is his way. I should not be offended by it or think he is attempting to pry into my personal life. I raised my head making eye contact with him.
"Where I am from, people don't communicate like you do in the workplace." I pressed on. "I realize I need to adjust to your style and with time I should have no problems with it or more importantly any misunderstandings." Now it was his turn to look confused so he asks me.
"Rebecca, can you please elaborate what it is about my communication style that you seem to feel you have to adjust to?" I was kind of surprised that he did not know what I meant. After all he was originally from New York. People from New York do not communicate like he does. Maybe after being in Miami for 13 years he forgot this.
"Um," I gather my thoughts of how I want to present them. "Horacio, at times some of the things you say come across as real personal. The way you use a person's name more than once in a sentence and well, um, that pausing thing you do. The way you word your sentences." I looked out the windscreen then back at him. His attention was on me and he did not move or look away. I continued. "I add it up as cultural differences, personality differences, what ever it may be, I accept it as your communication style." I smile as he tilts his head. "I am not used to your level of compassion after knowing a person for such a short period of time. It normally takes me a long while to get to know someone enough to be that comfortable with him or her." I add. "Besides if I am anything, I am adaptable." It was my hope that he understood what I was conveying. Horatio nodded his head in understanding.
"Okay, Rebecca, I understand." I had to let him know.
"Please don't attempt to change just to make me feel more comfortable. I don't feel that would be appropriate and it is I that will adjust okay?" Horatio then sat forward and put on his seatbelt.
"Not to worry Rebecca, I am glad you can accept who I am." And that was the meat in the nutshell. I did accept him for who he was. Even with his strange quirks and way of communicating.
"I do accept the way you are Horacio, its actually refreshing to know someone of your caliber." Maybe I was actually adapting to his communication style and using it. The thought made me laugh inside. As Horatio pulled out of the parking spot I put my seatbelt on.
We got to headquarters fairly quickly. Even with the traffic the way it was. One had to wonder if anyone used public transportation in Miami. Lots of traffic, too much traffic is how I saw it. Horatio drove in it like a true local. He escorts me to Human Resources right away. I was concerned about how they were going to swing the background investigation part of the hiring process. Without it would I compromise the case by working it without the BI? It was relayed to me that the BCA forwarded the BI done on me when I applied for them. Miami Dade was still going to conduct their own BI, but for now, because of Horatio needing my help with the Bobbi Leah Jones case, they worked around it. HR made sure it was all legal crossing their T's and dotting their I's. The pay offered was impressive for Miami. I didn't know if Horatio had anything to do with that but I felt that he probably had his hand in it. Now I can actually have medical insurance instead of having to use the VA medical center. I have not had medical insurance since 2001. The benefits were good and the pay was fantastic not to mention that I will be working for one of the most advanced labs in the country. It wasn't the BCA but close enough for me. After all the paperwork and HR needs conducted I was now a paid employee and the job interview was over. After I was done with HR I went down to meet Horatio in his office. He was not in there.
With my new ID badge displayed I was able to go wherever I wanted. No one stopped to question me. I finally found Horatio in the layout room with Calleigh and Eric. I quietly entered so not to disturb their conversation. Calleigh was the first to notice me so she looked my way and smiled. After Eric finished his sentence Calleigh spoke.
"Hey Rebecca, welcome to the team, congratulations with getting the job." Eric also looked over at me and said.
"Yea, welcome aboard Rebecca." I smiled at them both while I shifted my weight to my other foot.
"Thanks I appreciate that. I still have to go back to Minnesota and graduate first before this actually becomes permanent but I will be back." Horatio all business as usual states to Calleigh and Eric.
"We'll continue this discussion after I get Rebecca set up okay?" Eric nods his head in acknowledgement and Calleigh responds with.
"Sure thing handsome." Horatio walks over to the door and holds it open for me. I follow him out. While walking over to another lab he asked me.
"Did everything go okay with HR?" I answered him with.
"That it did. I have to admit though the pay was not what I expected. I did do my research after all." He stopped walking and looked at me from the side.
"Is there a problem with the pay?" he tilted his head. "I thought it was a very reasonable amount." I had a feeling he was going to say more but he stopped. So he did have involvement with my salary.
"Oh no, there is no problem with the amount Horatio. Lets just say I was pleasantly surprised okay?" He chuckled softly.
"I'm glad to hear that Rebecca. Last minuet negotiations never go smoothly." And that was all he was going to say about that.
Horatio set me up in the computer lab to work on the laptop that was found at the Bobbi Leah Jones scene. I set up my laptop but was not allowed onto the Miami Dade network servers. However, I was allowed to get my system onto the Internet using my WIFI (wireless internet access card). I did not have a log in or password to gain access to the Miami Dade network servers set up for me yet so in that respect I was dead in the water. Horatio tells me.
"I arranged to get you a log in account but it will take about an hour for it to activate."
He gives me my log in ID along with the generic password to get me set up. I wondered how deep Horatio's knowledge was with network concepts. I had a feeling he knew more that I gave him credit for. In the future I will not assume that this man does not hold any knowledge in any subject. I am sure my speedy new hire status was making some people insane with having to hurry up with the administration aspects. Also with Lieutenant Caine's insistence that things be done right away probably ruffled some feathers. Because I was using the laptop I brought with me from the BCA, I went over with Horatio what I can and what I cannot do with it. I did not want to compromise the case because I used avenues that were not approved by the Miami Dade crime lab.
Horatio logged into the terminal using his account so I could at least get a feel for what was loaded on the machine and how to navigate the network. He took some time to show me the bare bones of the Miami Dade crime lab network along with what software was loaded on the system. I have to admit I was impressed with his knowledge of computers, software and networks. My boss John does not hold that level of knowledge with computers but he is very knowledgeable running his division. It continues to amaze me how versatile Horatio is. While Horatio gave me a tour of the network and system terminal I took notes. I had him log off and attempted to log in using the newly created ID and password. It did not work so Horatio pulls out his cell phone and calls the IT security department.
"Yea, this is Lieutenant Caine, I need Rebecca Castillo's log in activated now." I hear a small voice from the IT security department talk to him. A few minutes pass and the voice said something to Horatio. He nodded his head in my direction as he clicked his phone closed so I attempt to log in again.
Login ID: castillo69
Password: ga1J64lc8M! Then the network asks me to change the password.
New Password:
Verify Password:
The system displays on the screen.
"Your password has been changed and will expire in 30 days." I watch the screen display as the terminal attaches to the servers through the network; a blur of information flashes across the screen. Once the desktop was displayed I bring up the file manager so I can see what servers I have access to and what is on the harddrive. Horatio watched over my shoulder as I brought up the file manager and he stated.
"You have access to all the servers and should not be blocked from any of them." I had to ask him the question just because I did not believe there were 68 other Castillo's working in the crime lab.
"Um. I got to ask you something about my log in." Horatio looked at me as I continued. "Do you happen to know the naming scheme they use to create the ID's?" It surprised me that he looked confused. I don't think he understood my question so I try to clarify. "I don't think there are 68 other Castillo's that work here." He then smiled that smile without teeth as understanding dawned on him.
"Well Rebecca, I don't know the logic of how the Network Administrators create the ID's," he pauses. "The supervisor in that division has a strange sense of humor." He chuckles lightly. "He probably created your ID as castillo69 as payback to my order of urgency with needing your ID created so quickly. I'm sorry I did not notice what it was." I wanted to laugh out loud but I attempted to stifle it making it sound like I snorted.
"I was just wondering. It's really not a problem, just kind of embarrassing I guess." I hope I never piss off that supervisor. From the experience I had from being a Network Administrator myself I know how much power they truly hold. "The ID is fine, I just wanted to know the reason for the choice of it." He nodded his head then told me.
"If there is anything else you need please let me know. I'll be on my cell." I reply.
"Thanks Racio, I think I have enough to get started." My mind was already absorbed in the work that will have to be done. He then left the lab leaving me to my work.
The first thing I did was clone the original harddrive on the laptop. Bit by bit, platter by platter the exact image was replicated onto a harddrive that was the same brand and size as the original. I then arranged for the original laptop to be secured in the evidence locker so I can work on the clone. If I damage the clone with my work I can always reproduce another clone but I can't fix the original.
After setting up the clone harddrive in a workable system I began to run applications that would gather data of where the owner was on the Internet. The application also preserved the original time stamps (very important) and any email messages received and sent even if they were deleted. After that data was retrieved I wanted to run a newer application that enables me to do special specific searches of the harddrive data. I wanted to narrow the search to specific words and phrases. I noticed on the network and on the terminal did not have the application I needed so I looked for any application that was similar to it. Unfortunately I could not find one that was remotely useful for what I needed it to do. Now I knew why Lieutenant Caine broke hiring records to get me involved in this case. Picking up the landline phone in the lab I dialed Horatio's cell number.
"Horatio." He answered. I start with.
"This is Rebecca. I need to use an application that you don't have on your network or loaded on the terminal. However I do have it loaded on my laptop from the BCA. Is there anyway I can utilize my application without compromising the evidence?" I hear his baritone voice tell me.
"I'll be right there." He disconnected the call.
Horatio walked into the lab as I was kneeling underneath the workbench hooking up network cable from the BCA laptop to the wall jack. It was a good thing I did not travel without my network card. Horatio cleared his throat as he had a clear view of my rear end. I looked over my shoulder and noticed him waiting for me to get out from under the workbench. I plugged in the network cable on the wall jack and took note of the label the jack had. As I stood back up I dusted off my knees and told him.
"I hooked up my laptop into your network. I am thinking that I could piggyback my system into the terminal here and use the terminal to actually run the application I need that is on the BCA laptop." Horatio stared at the set up I created while thinking. He gently brushed his thumb against his lower lip. His blue eyes were intense betraying his concentration. I added more information. "I noticed the terminal had PC Anywhere loaded on it. I can use that application to bring up the BCA laptop environment on the lab terminal. That way I can run my application on the terminal to do the work I need. What do you think?" Horatio continued to stare at the computers and caress that lower lip of his with his thumb. Dropping his hand he then bent over and looked underneath the workbench where I had the network cable hooked up. Standing up he informed me.
"Rebecca," The look on his face did not favor my idea. "I cannot have the BCA laptop on the network." Damn, I need to bypass the crime lab network. He locked his gaze with mine as I suddenly got another idea. I got kind of excited by my idea so I spoke rather quickly with my hands gesturing wildly. I did not even give him a chance to finish his thought.
"I know what I can do. Instead I will use WIFI, this will open up my laptop for the terminal. I can then use PC Anywhere to gain access to the BCA laptop so I can run my application on the terminal. Then I don't need the network." I moved forward to disconnect my network card and put back in my WIFI card but Horatio grabbed my upper arm stopping me. Startled that he actually grabbed me I quickly looked up at him.
"Rebecca," He let go of me when looked up at him. The look on my face probably registered shock. "Rebecca, I need you to slow down. Give me a chance to analyze what you are proposing." It was then a man wearing a polo shirt with jeans walked into the lab.
"Excuse me," He interrupted. "I got an unauthorized computer attempting to gain access into the network located in here." Horatio walked up to the BCA laptop and plucked the network cable from its network card. The man scrutinized me. I could tell he was attempting to read my badge. Horatio told him.
"Problem solved. I disconnected the unauthorized system from the network." The man looked back at Horatio.
"Can you please tell me what's going on in here and who is this?" He gestures in my direction. My laptop then goes into screen saver mode and the BCA logo began floating around on the screen. The man looked at it with confusion but snapped his attention back to Horatio when he spoke.
"Ben, this is Rebecca Castillo. She is a new member of my team, just hired this morning." Horatio then gestures to me. "Rebecca this is Ben Lennard from the IT department." I stuck out my hand to shake his but he just looked at it. I dropped my hand suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. I shifted my weight to my other foot. When I took a breath to speak Horatio beat me to it.
"Ben, we were attempting to gain access to Rebecca's laptop by use of the terminal. Can this be done without having to go though the network?" Ben really seemed to like being presented with a problem so his attitude lightened up a little bit. Ben walked over to the computers and picked up the WIFI card that was lying on the workbench. He then ejected the BCA's network card and inserted the WIFI card. Moving over to the terminal he brings up PC Anywhere and sets it up connecting it to the BCA laptop through its wireless connection. Ben looks at Horatio totally ignoring me.
"That should do it Lieutenant." Horatio had the grace to look at the floor while he said.
"Thank you Ben. We'll take it from here." Ben leaves the lab without a word or acknowledgment to me. I stood there slowly getting pissed off as I crossed my arms across my chest. My voice lowered and my speech became stilted as I said.
"Tell me Lieutenant," I paused taking a breath. I was too angry to use his first name. "Was that not the same solution I presented to you before Mr. IT came in here?" Horatio took one look at me and knew I was upset. I guess the tone in my voice gave him a clue also to my emotional state.
"Rebecca I understand that you had the solution before Ben came in here. I just needed for Ben to feel secure with what you are attempting to do here." He paused. "Rebecca, do you understand? I understand that you possess the knowledge." He paused. "The relationship between my team and the IT department can be. Um. Somewhat strained." I recognized that he was attempting to calm me down. The fact that I recognized it told me I had a better hold on my emotions. It only mattered to me that he held confidence in my ability. I can deal with Ben's treatment of me later. I lowered my arms to my side and took a deep breath.
"Thanks Horacio, I appreciate your honesty." Horatio then moved toward the door.
"I'll check back later with your progress." He then stepped out of the lab. I am sure he was glad to get out of there. It took a few more moments for me to totally calm down so I could get back to work.
It did not take me long to get into the work. As I ran the search for selected words and phrases I began work on the previous data I compiled of the emails. Apparently Bobbi Leah used the Internet to purchase all sorts of medications. I am sure her toxicology report is going to be very interesting. I also learned that apparently she was very sick with some kind of flu right before she died. She was running a high fever but instead of going in to see the doctor she communicated to him though emails. In the deleted emails that were sent from the system I found one in which the wording and written style did not match what I felt were Bobbi Leah's unique writing style. Although she signed it, I don't think she wrote or sent it. The fact that whoever took the time to make sure the email was deleted off the system clued me in that something was unusual about that email. That email was set-aside for further scrutiny. The plan was to track the ISP of where it was sent and what ISP received it. From that information I can verify who the owners were. The content of the email was in reference to requesting more prescription medicines. The time stamp on the email was two weeks before Bobbi Leah Jones died. Upon further research I found the replies to the suspicious email. They were also deleted in hopes they would not be discovered. I was able to rebuild the data almost perfectly. The application I used was awesome. Miami Dade crime lab needs to purchase this application. They really need it.
I had not even touched my search application's data yet because I was working very hard with the emails getting my reports started and information compiled. I knew it was only a matter of time Horatio would come back to the lab. I wanted to be able to at least present him with some information.
By the time Horatio did come back to the lab I had my reference manuals out and open to the appropriate pages of information I was using. There were print outs all over the workbench in organized piles and I was working on the first report, getting it ready for submission. Because I was typing on the terminal I did not look up when he walked in.
"Rebecca," He attempts to get my attention. "Update me please." I looked up quickly at him and nod my head still typing away.
"Almost done with my report. Un momento por forvor." When I am concentrating heavily I tend to swap between the two languages. Horatio walked over to the workbench and picked up one of my reference manuals. It was the one that belonged to the new software I used to compile data. He started to read through the manual taking special interest in my written notes and post it's I had pasted all through out the manual. I typed up quickly the last of my thoughts and saved the document. After I finished I printed out a copy for him. I told him as I went over to the printer to retrieve the report.
"This first report will include my findings with the examination of the emails. All sent, received and deleted email was checked." I handed him the report as I continued. "I found deleted email that were sent with Bobbi Leah's signature but were not set by her. I also found replies to this email and you will find the information interesting." I could tell Horatio was reading the part about the deleted emails because he has a look of intense concentration. I continued. "Included is the ISP information from both sender and receiver along with who the accounts belong to. I hope this helps gives you enough information to start with." Horatio then looked at me.
"Good job Rebecca." He then put the report into the folder I gave him. "Indeed this information is extremely useful." I smiled wide as I grew more excited. This was just the tip of the iceberg. I have not compiled the harddrive data yet. Getting all excited I tell him.
"I have yet to get to the data on the harddrive. I am confident I will find more useful evidence for you Raci." I subconsciously moved toward the terminal anxious to get back to work. He replied with.
"I have no doubt that you will find more on that system Rebecca." He moved toward the door. "Don't forget to take a lunch break." I looked at my watch and noticed it was 11:30am. On queue my stomach growled. I looked down at my abdomen in horror.
"Geeze. You had to wake the beast with the mention of lunch." Horatio chuckled.
"Now is a good time to take that break Rebecca." I was already tapping away on the keyboard setting up the next automated sequence. That way I can leave the terminal working while I went to the break room to grab something to eat. I planned to eat from the wheel of death but I was not going to tell Horatio that. I mumbled to him while looking at the monitor.
"I'll take a break right after I set this up." I did not hear him leave the lab.
After I set up my automated sequence I locked down the terminal and stepped out of the lab. I took a few moments to remember which way it was to the break room. As I walked down the hall I saw Calleigh walking in my direction.
"Rebecca, I was just coming to get you. Eric just got back with Chinese and there is more than enough to share." I was elated that I would be eating real food.
"Thanks Calleigh, you just saved me from having to eat from the wheel of death." She giggles as we both head toward the break room.
"Oh we can't have you eating from the wheel of death on your first day as an Miami Dade crime lab employee." My stomach growled loudly answering her.
In the break room several people were setting up to serve themselves Chinese food. I joined in on the fun helping myself to several of the contents in Chinese containers. Several of the other CSI's congratulated me on getting hired. I took a seat and began eating the delicious Chinese food. Detective Frank Tripp took a seat next to me.
"When are you actually going to move down here?" He looked at me as I ate my General Tao chicken.
"I am thinking early June. There is a lot I have to get done in Minnesota." I smile. "Like graduate and get the degree." After taking a drink of his soda Frank asked me.
"You have any idea where you would want to live?" I grimace thinking about that particular problem.
"I think that might be a tough one for me. I need to find a place that will lease for at least six months to cover the probation period. You know, in case I don't make the probation period." Frank interrupted.
"You don't have to worry about the probation. You'll make it though. Horatio wouldn't have hired you if he did not think you could do the job." I nodded my head in acknowledgment.
"Thanks Frank, I appreciate the vote of confidence but you never know what could happen." I continue. "I also have to find a place that will accepts pets. I want to bring my parrots down here. I don't think I could go six months without them." Frank looked at me somewhat confused.
"You have parrots? Parrots in Minnesota?" I laughed lightly.
"Yea Frank, I have two parrots. People in Minnesota do own parrots. Not all of us have Eskimo dogs as pets." Ryan overheard our conversation and chimed in asking Frank.
"Why would you think that no one would have parrots up in Minnesota?" Frank gets a disgusted look on his face.
"It's not like the climate up there is friendly for a tropical exotic pet smartass." Ryan shakes his head.
"I bet people in Canada own parrots too." Oh Lord, here we go again. Frank getting his feathers ruffled. Sorry about the reference to birds. I try to defuse the argument.
"Take it easy Ryan, give Frank a break you would not believe how little people know about parrots. I have spent a lot of time educating people about them." Ryan nodded his head smiling.
"I guess your right Rebecca cuz Frank doesn't know shit about parrots." I think that is the first time I ever heard Ryan swear. Frank busted out laughing.
"Your right about that Wolf." I laughed too. Before I could ask Ryan what he knew about parrots Frank interjected.
"Back to what I was gonna tell ya about finding a place to live." My attention went back to Frank.
"You got information on where I can rent that would allow my birds?" Frank informed me.
"My aunt has a condo in Hialeah that is not being used. She went back to Texas and does not plan on returning soon. She wants to lease out the place but would prefer just to have someone live in it. She left the place furnished." He added. "After your done here I can take you out there and let you look at it." How interesting. A furnished condo that someone wants to rent out was attractive. This could be a lucky break for me if it all works out but I have no idea where Hialeah is and the price of the rent is going to probably kill me.
"And you think your Aunt would not mind my birds?" I did not have the nerve to ask about the price of rent yet.
"I don't think she'd mind. I can always ask her though. To be honest she has been on my ass about helping her find someone to live in it for her. So you would be kinda doin' me a favor as well." This is sounding too good to be true so I finally ask.
"What is she asking for rent? I have to tell you that I pay mortgage on a townhouse I own in Minnesota. My plan at this point is to keep my house incase I end up moving back." Frank frowned.
"So you plan on maintaining two households?" The thought made my head spin.
"I guess I am not ready to part with my home in Minnesota yet. Its not like the housing market is doing well anyway." I did not want to think of the logistics of having to sell my home in Minnesota to buy one in Miami. Not yet anyway. Frank informs me.
"Last time I talked to her I think she wanted $600 a month but I think I could get her to come down on that." Wow. That was cheap. Up here in Minnesota rent is about $700 to $800 for a one-bedroom apartment in a crappy part of town. Rent is almost as much as a mortgage payment.
"You know Frank, you peaked my interest." I smile because if this works out my housing situation will be taken care of for at least the first 6 months I am down in Miami. "If I get the work done by a decent hour then I'll take you up on your offer to see the place." Horatio walked up to us. I did not even see him enter the break room.
"Frank," He gained his attention. "Are you talking about the condo in Hialeah your aunt has?" Frank nodded his head yes.
"I think Rebecca might like the place. It will be big enough for her and her birds." Horatio told Frank.
"If that does not work out let me know okay?" Calleigh walked up to us.
"Excuse me," she touches Horatio lightly on the forearm. "I need to talk to you for a moment." Frank lets him know.
"No problem Horatio. I'll let you know if it falls through." With that said Horatio stepped away to speak with Calleigh. I ask Frank.
"What time were you thinking of taking me over to the condo?" Frank was well aware of how unstable the hours of a CSI can be so he took out his notepad and wrote his cell number on it, ripped off the piece of paper and handed it to me.
"Call me when you are done with your work. Hopefully you'll be out of here before dark." He chuckles. Realizing I needed to get back to work I stand up.
"Thanks Frank, I really appreciate this." I took the piece of paper and shoved it into my pocket. "Hopefully this will work out because if it does my housing situation will be taken care of. One less thing I would have to worry about." I gesture toward the doorway of the break room. "I better get back to work." He looks at his watch.
"I guess it's that time. Call me when you're done." I nod my head.
"You bet." I then walk out of the break room and head back to the computer lab.
While walking back to the computer lab I was formulating my next move on data retrieval. I knew there were video files on the harddrive so I wanted my next step to tackle the job of extracting them and take a look at them. They did not take up a lot of harddrive space so I knew that meant there were not a lot of them on there. Curiosity got the best of me wondering what the video files did contain.
Using PC Anywhere to link the lab terminal to my laptop enabled me to dissect the video files using an application on the laptop. The first few were boring videos of Bobbi Leah doing mundane things or videos of her and her friends at parties. Her boyfriend or companion Danny Jet was a star of several of the videos as well. Then I found one video that disturbed me. The file was named "My Deep Thoughts." I opened the file and watched what appeared to be a video diary of Bobbi Leah Jones's personal thoughts. It starts out with her smiling talking to the video camera looking pretty.
"I am such in a good mood I could just dance and scream." Bobbi Leah then danced around in circles squealing. "Finally after all this time he asked me out. Danny Jet asked me out!" She then babbled on about how excited she was by this. Her excitement was almost contagious. Bobbi Leah looked so happy.
The next few entries were about her personal thoughts of her dating Danny Jet. She really liked this guy and gushed about how wonderful he was to her. I kept track of the dates in the lower right hand corner of the video. It was several months into her video diary when I started to notice a change in her. Bobbi Leah confesses while looking doped up on camera.
"Hi." She stares into the camera. "I am feeling soooo good tonight. For once I can't feel the pain." Even though her speech was understandable it was slightly slurred. "Danny taught me how to stop the pain. I can't believe its this easy." She wobbles a bit adjusting so she is still in the frame while giggling. "Danny is gonna feel so good tonight." She let us know. The picture then goes to black before the next segment begins.
The next few entries were even more disturbing. I wondered what her tox report is going to come back with. I had the feeling that it was going to have all sorts of interesting chemicals in it. As I continued to watch the video entries I started to feel real bad for Bobbi Leah. She actually starts out as a naïve girl but as I continued to watch it would seem this Danny Jet turned her into something ugly by corrupting her. She totally let this guy do anything he wanted with her. Her confessions started making me sick as I watched her deteriorate more and more. I brought my hand up to my throat in shock as I watched her talk about how she wanted to have Danny's baby and that she would do anything for him. I felt totally involved in this woman's life through watching the video diary.
So involved in watching the video I did not hear Horatio enter the lab. He said my name but I did not hear him. Moving closer to me he said my name again and when I did finally look at him I was surprised how close to me he was standing.
"Are you okay?" He asked me in a low voice. Swallowing became hard and my mouth was dry due to how upset I was. I reached for the keyboard and stopped the video from continuing to run. Bobbi Leah's pale face froze on the monitor.
"I, um," I needed a moment to get myself together and my voice sounded foreign to me. "Do me a favor and watch this video. Um. I'll be right back." I needed some space and suddenly I needed privacy. I started up the video from the beginning and then walked out of the lab. I could feel Horatio's eyes following me as I walked out to go to the restroom.
Once inside the restroom I washed my face. Using cold water I hoped this would help me get myself in order. Taking several deep breaths I realized that in this job I am going to need to develop a thicker skin. Deeply troubled by Bobbi Leah's video diary I knew I needed to remain objective so I can do my job. The deep breathing helped, as did my inner dialog telling myself to get a grip. After several more minuets I felt in control enough to go back to the lab.
I walked back into the lab. Horatio looked at me intensely while slightly tilting his head.
"Rebecca." He asks me. "Are you okay?" I kept eye contact with him feeling a bit stronger.
"Better." I reply. I attempted to school my features more seriously as I continued to look at him. "Did you watch the video diary?" I inquired. He shifted his footing, almost swaying, and the look on his face was of concern.
"Rebecca." His eyes flicked to the monitor then back to me. "This is what I want you to do. Burn me a copy of the video and I will take care of the contents on it okay?" I dropped my gaze and stood there for a moment before replying.
"I, um, appreciate what you are trying to do Raci, but I can, I can continue with examining the video." I raise my gaze to meet his and I noticed that he did not look convinced. "I should finish this myself. I really have to finish this myself." Once again Horatio tilts his head and looks intensely at me. I continued. "I have to get through this. You understand?" I took a small step toward the terminal hoping he would take the hint to move away from it and let me resume working. Instead he stood solid not moving an inch.
"I do understand." Horatio responded. "Sometimes a person needs to know when they have had enough. There is no shame with realizing this." Even though I am as green as a new CSI can be I know that most criminalists do posses a weakness with dealing with a type of evidence. A co-worker back at the BCA hated to deal with anything involving the nose. For some reason everything about the nose really grossed him out. So far I was able to handle most aspects of my job but then again I am still very inexperienced. Understanding what Horatio was trying to tell me I did not believe this advice needed to be taken in reference to the Bobbi Leah video diary. I share with Horatio.
"I know that I am very new and I admit the video upsets me but I feel strongly that I need to finish what I started. I will learn to cope with dealing with its content okay?" Horatio took a step back from the terminal nodding his head in approval.
"Okay Rebecca," He kept eye contact with me. "Your tenacity is admirable but I don't expect you to present as a seasoned criminalist. If you need help with the video don't hesitate to ask okay?" I give him a small smile.
"I promise I will let you know if I can't handle it." I move closer to the terminal. "Thank you." I tell him. Horatio begins moving toward the lab doorway.
"I'll check on your progress later." I nod my head acknowledging him. He then walks out the door.
I continued to examine the video diary. The contents were indeed disturbing but I kept reminding myself that what I am doing is speaking for the victim. People who cannot speak for themselves need someone to speak for them. This concept is what got me into forensics in the first place. I received great satisfaction from helping someone who was unable to help themselves. Being a voice for the victim is what I feel is the most important part of what I do. Bobbi Leah Jones needed someone to speak for her because the events surrounding her death were suspicious. To be able to do my job effectively was important so I had to put my emotions on the back burner to be able to accomplish this.
The report was completed a couple hours later. It was my suggestion from the evidence of the video diary that Bobbi Leah Jones had chemical addiction issues. I also stated that Bobbi Leah admitted to the stop of using protection so she could get pregnant. She wanted to have Danny Jet's baby very badly. The date on that admission was a couple of months back so it was possible that she could have been pregnant at the time of her death. Just as I was getting printed report together Horatio entered the lab.
"Do you have anything for me Rebecca?" He asked me. I hand him the folder containing the report.
"Right here Lieutenant." He took the folder from me while keeping eye contact. For once he did not comment on my lack of using his first name.
"Lets see what you got here." Horatio opened the folder and commenced to read my report findings. So intent was his reading of it I began to squirm. Did I put too much into the report? Maybe it was not written correctly. I shifted my weight while looking around the lab waiting for Horatio to comment. Finally as I was growing more uncomfortable he looked up from reading the report.
"Good job Rebecca," He closed the file. "The suggestion to have Bobbi Leah tested for possible pregnancy was already conducted." I raised an eyebrow wondering at this information. Maybe running pregnancy tests for female decedents was standard procedure here. "The test came back negative. However Alexx did find evidence of an abortion." I looked down. I could not keep eye contact with him after hearing that.
"Oh," I replied. "Um, I was under the impression that Bobbi Leah wanted to have a baby very badly." I told him. Thinking back my assessment of the video diary I noticed that one entry she was very upbeat and happy and the next day Bobbi Leigh was downright depressed so much that the two video entries were like night and day. I hold out my hand for the folder Horatio was holding. He hands it to me. I find my write up about what I felt was a significant mood change and showed it to him.
"At these entries I noticed that her mood was drastically different the next day." Standing right next to Horatio I pointed out the entry I was talking about. "This makes me wonder if the abortion took place during this time. I also find it odd that she did not talk about being pregnant or having the abortion." I looked at Horatio thinking hard. A thought occurred to me. What if entries were deleted out? Who would be savvy enough to be able to delete entries and change the dates on the video? I suddenly grew serious.
"Horacio." I said in a soft voice. This got his attention right away and he looked right at me.
"What is it Rebecca?" I could see wheels turning inside his head. His blue eyes radiated intelligence. Locking my gaze with his I explain.
"What do you think about the possibility of someone tampering with the video diary?" Horatio tilts his head thinking as I continue.
"Something is not right between those two video entries. My gut tells me something is wrong with the video." I move away from him to get closer to the terminal so I could queue up the first entry. Horatio moves in unison with me to also get closer to the terminal. He was standing right behind me a little too close for my comfort.
"Start the video a few days before the discrepancy please." He ordered. My hands danced across the keyboard as I did what he asked. He was able to look over my shoulder at the monitor because of our height differences. However him standing so close behind me caused me to subconsciously move to the right to create more distance between us. He looked right at me when I moved away but did not comment. His attention went right back to the monitor.
Suddenly I forgot all about my discomfort in reference to Horatio when I saw it. If you were not looking directly at the monitor you would of missed it. As I stared at the monitor I saw a slight flash of black in the middle of Bobbi Leah's sentence. I moved back in front of the monitor and keyed back up the sequence. If one were not looking for something nothing would have been noticed. It occurred during one of the video entries not between dates.
"Did you see that?" I asked Horatio.
"I did." He replied softly as I replayed the entry.
"There." I told him as I quickly froze the video. "You see that black flash? I think something has been deleted or changed at that spot." I moved to my right again so he could move in closer to the monitor and inspect what I had displayed on it.
"I do believe you are correct." His concentration was betrayed by the tic sound heard from one sucking their teeth. "Burn me a copy of this video file and I will get it to AV for analysis." What? Why was my work being taken away from me? I could just as easily complete what he needs done with the file. Suddenly I was upset. Horatio watched my reaction very closely. He was too close in my opinion.
"Lieutenant Caine." My voice dropped low because I was angry and I needed to keep control. "Why can I not finish the work with this video?" My hand gestured outward and I almost touched him. He looked down at my hand, probably wondering what I was going to do with it. I quickly dropped it to my side and sighed. I really overstepped my bounds by questioning his authority. Horatio shifted his right foot behind him and changed his position so that he was standing sideways to me.
"Rebecca." He looked sideways at me. "AV has the equipment needed to break down the video diary. They need to work this for me now." I was a little bit surprised he did not reprimand me for challenging him. I took a step back increasing the distance between us more.
"I'm sorry I meant no disrespect. Of course you would want the AV department to work this." I looked at my hands. They seemed more interesting suddenly.
"Rebecca." He told me. "You have done a lot today. Let some of the other team members help out okay?" I looked up at him.
"I feel that I should probably finish what I started here but I understand that you probably want the AV department to analyze the video. I overstepped my bounds. I should not challenge how you want the job done. I'm sorry." I quickly moved over to the terminal and proceeded to create a copy of the video diary on a CD for him. I hand him the burned copy of the video diary. Horatio gave me a small smile that showed no teeth. I can't help but think that smile looked like a smirk.
"You did an excellent job today Rebecca there is no need to apologize okay?" He put the CD in with the folder that contained my report. "We will continue tomorrow with the rest of the computer okay?" I nodded my head in agreement. "Why don't you secure the rest of your work then wait for me in my office." I moved toward the workbench to begin putting things away.
"Sure Horacio," I turned to look at him. "Thank you, I appreciate all that you done for me today." He nodded his head then walked out of the computer lab.
After I gathered up my papers, put away my laptop and logged off the terminal. I made sure that all was secure before I left the computer lab. I worked my way over to Horatio's office and started climbing up the stairway. I was suddenly exhausted because it has been an eventful day. I carried my laptop case with me up those stairs and it seemed heavier than normal. Looking up into the glass cage that I called his office I noticed that he was not in there. After I entered his office I left the door open and took a seat on the ugly green couch.
It was only several minuets later that Horatio entered his office. He set some files on his desk then moved to take a seat across from me instead of taking a seat behind his desk.
"With the current evidence we have on the Bobbi Leah case we're close to closing it." I looked at him with surprise.
"This quickly?" I responded then smiled slowly. "You really have one kick ass team." Horatio chuckled at my description of his team. He actually showed teeth when he smiled.
"One of which you are now part of Rebecca." Continuing he added. "AV is working up the video diary and I believe this information might be a huge help to us." He walked over to his desk and retrieved what looked like plane tickets. He walked back over to me and handed them to me. "I extended your stay here in Miami until Sunday evening. This will give you a couple of days to enjoy our city and get a feel for Miami." I took the ticket from him and put it in my laptop case.
"That's right, I was suppose to fly out tonight." I wonder how he swung an extension with my hotel bill and plane ticket? Maybe it's best not to wonder about things and let it go.
"I will drive you to the airport Sunday evening okay?" He let me know. Horatio then adds. "What do you think you are going to do with your two days?" If I could get as much of the scouting done before I left I probably would only need to come down one more time before I moved.
"I think I will take Frank up on his offer to show me his aunt's place. It's still early enough where this could be done." I thought for a moment. I probably should explore Miami and get to know my way around the city. I just realized I did not have a car. "After that's taken care of I probably will just relax enjoy some of the weather." I was not confident enough to use public transportation.
"Call me if you need anything." He stood up to move behind his desk. "If you want to explore any part of the city just let me know okay?" I stood up and bent over to pick up my laptop case.
"I look forward to working here on a permanent basis Lieutenant Caine, I mean Horacio." I smiled at my mistake with calling him by his title.
"Rebecca," he paused "We all look forward to your becoming an addition to this team." I held out my hand so I could shake his. He responded by taking my hand in his and shaking it. He held it for a moment before he released my hand.
"I'll keep in touch with my progress of getting down here." He smiled "In fact I have quite the list of people I need to keep in contact with." Horatio adds.
"Don't forget to call me if you need anything before Sunday evening okay?" I nod my head in agreement.
"You bet Horatio and thank you for everything." I walked out of his office with a huge smile on my face and made my way to the break room with a spring in my step. I was no longer feeling exhausted.
After I walked into to the break room I pulled out my cell and piece of paper Frank gave me and dialed his number.
"Tripp" He answered. He probably did not recognize my cell number.
"Frank, its Rebecca." His tone changed once he knew who the caller was.
"Hi Rebecca did Horatio cut you loose yet?" That is such a strange reference but funny.
"Yep he did. Are you still up for showing me your aunt's place?" I hear clicking of a keyboard in the background.
"I'm almost done here. Where should I pick you up?" I let him know.
"I'm in the break room at headquarters. Can you meet me here?" Papers shuffling could now be heard.
"Don't eat from the wheel of death we'll stop at my favorite Tex Mex joint for burgers okay?" Um. I don't think I ate a hamburger in a long while. My mouth watered at the thought.
"Sure thing Frank. Burger sounds great. I'll see you when you get here." I took out one of my reference manuals and commenced to read while I waited for Frank.