AN/ Okay here is the next drop on the crazy roller coaster ride. As always, thank you all for the wonderful reviews and a big thank you to my amazing Beta, Angie!
Here we go...
III
After multiple complicated cases over several exhausting hours of surgery, Joe finally took a break and headed for his office. For Joe's safety Horatio had food delivered instead of allowing him to be an open target in the cafeteria.
Joe entered his office collapsing into his chair. He was worn out both physically and mentally. Horatio and Calleigh watched Cathy walk in smiling with a pile of mail in her hand.
"This is just today's Joe," she said. He looked up at her and reached out taking it.
"Thanks Cathy," he replied letting it drop down on the desk.
"Sure Joe. Do you want me to turn on the coffee maker for you?"
He shook his head, "No, I have it, thanks."
She left smiling at Horatio and Calleigh. Joe ran his hands over his tired face while rubbing his blood shot eyes. He opened the first envelope and shook his head, "You two want to go to a medical conference with me," he chuckled.
"As long as your life is in danger, we'll be there," Horatio said, without cracking a smile.
Joe snorted a laugh, "You wouldn't make a very good date, besides people would talk about us Horatio," Joe wiggled his brows at him.
Calleigh chuckled and Horatio turned to her with a mischievous grin, "No, but she would," he said flatly. Calleigh's eyes popped and her smile faded stunned by Horatio's words. She felt the blood rush into her cheeks.
"Yes she certainly would," Joe smiled, seeing her face go bright red. He chuckled opening the next envelope. His smile quickly faded, his eyes focused on the bold letters staring back up at him.
Horatio and Calleigh immediately caught on to the change in Joe's body language. "Joe?" she asked, "Are you okay?"
Joe looked up at her and then his eyes slid over to Horatio. He let the letter fall to the desk. His eyes watered up, clearly showing the flood of emotions coursing through him.
Horatio saw the letter and knew what it was. "Don't touch it again Joe, we might be able to get something off of it." He reached into his pocket and slipped a single glove onto his right hand picking up the letter. Calleigh walked over standing next to Horatio. They're eyes slid over the cut out bold letters silently reading the document.
'I know who you are and what you did, Dr. Gannon. I'm not going to let you get away with it, no matter who is around you. Take as many precautions as you like but know you are a dead man. I can get to you whenever I want.'
"You were right," Calleigh said to Horatio, who nodded,
"I don't want him alone at any time. This guy is watching, waiting, he knows we're here."
Joe looked up at Horatio hearing his words and raked an angry hand through his hair, "This is crazy! I have no idea who this guy is or what the hell he wants."
Calleigh grabbed a bag from her kit helping Horatio. He carefully placed the letter and the envelope in the bag and sealed it carefully.
"I'll get it to the lab right away. Maybe it can help us get this guy," she said, to Horatio who nodded but kept his eyes on the doctor.
Joe suddenly sprang up and began pacing back and forth like a caged animal. He exhaled heavily trying his best to think of something… anything.
"Joe, do you remember anything that can help us, anything at all?" Horatio asked.
Joe stopped and shook his head in anger. "No, I have no idea!" He snapped frustrated.
"All right, why don't you sit down a minute and think about this. I need something Joe. A threat, a phone call, anything out of the ordinary?"
Joe exhaled heavily and began pacing again waving his hands as he spoke, "No, no threats, no calls! Everything's been fine… until today," he said, pausing in thought.
Cathy knocked on the open door, "Joe, sorry to interrupt, Mr. Louis is on the phone—"
"Take a message!" he snapped.
Cathy backed out of his office without another word. Horatio and Calleigh just stared at him.
He let out another frustrated breath and headed over to the coffee maker jabbing the on button. Nothing. He punched it again with the same result. Horatio and Calleigh just watched letting him take out his frustration on the coffee maker.
"C'mon," Joe growled stabbing at the button, "This damn thing is brand new!"
Joe leaned over the coffee maker, trying to figure out what was wrong with it. Horatio's thoughts began to spin. 'It was a new machine and it had worked perfectly this morning.' Joe reached for the lid just as the answer clicked.
"Joe!!!"
Joe started to turn when the coffee machine exploded. A blinding white flash followed by a loud blast erupted near Joe's face.
Horatio's natural instinct was to grab Calleigh and cover her protectively on the floor. "Are you okay?" His hand protecting the back of her head, as he quickly tucked his own feeling the shattered fragments still hitting them. He cautiously lifted his head processing the scene before him, seeing all the debris and smelling the stink of melted plastic. The grey cloud of smoke lifted to reveal Joe's lifeless body.
Calleigh looked over at him dazed and nodded unable to hear a thing. Horatio quickly got to his feet and rushed over to Joe's side. His body was on the floor face down. Horatio gently turned him quickly feeling for a pulse.
Cathy came running in with a shout, "Oh my god, Joe! Joe!"
Horatio turned to her, "Call for a doctor, now!" He turned his attention back to Joe. Calleigh slowly approached fearing what she would see. She looked down still dazed at what just happened.
Joe's face was bruised and bloodied. Horatio patted lightly with a tissue trying to remove the loose shards of glass. There were some small pieces embedded in his face and eyelids. She gasped and covered her mouth.
She kneeled shakily next to Horatio and whispered almost afraid to ask, "Is… is he alive?"
Horatio nodded, "Yes. His pulse is thready though, he needs medical attention immediately."
Joe moaned low as Horatio lowered his ear to his lips listening. Joe groaned again and Horatio gently put a hand on his chest, "Joe, can you hear me?" Horatio quickly shook his head realizing he wouldn't be able to hear anything for a while being that close to the bomb. All his years in the bomb squad taught him practically everything about explosives, and Al, his mentor, taught Horatio the rest. He leaned down and reassured him anyway, keeping a gentle hand on his chest, trying to keep a physical connection with him, "You're going to be fine, Joe. It's all right; you're going to be okay."
Calleigh's eyes welled and she shook her head reaching for Joe's hand softly caressing it, "Joe, you're going to be okay, we're right here with you. We're right here," she blinked, still hearing the ringing in her ears as her head throbbed.
Horatio looked at Calleigh. His eyes scanning over her making sure she was physically okay. Her eyes were glazed over and he knew she was affected by the blast. His own ears still felt full but he was glad to see her concentrating on Joe.
"Joe! What happen?" Dr. Lochner asked, as he jogged into the room with another doctor following him.
"Explosion. Someone planted a bomb in the coffee machine," Horatio said, getting up and out of his way, "his pulse is thready.
Calleigh just stared at Joe caressing his hand.
The doctors bent to examine Joe quickly calling for a gurney, "His pulse does feel thready; let's get him out of here and into the ER."
"Will he be okay?" Calleigh asked still at his side on the floor.
"I don't know, it's too soon to say but I can tell you, Joe is a fighter," Dr. Lochner said.
The gurney quickly arrived with two huge male surgical aides rolling it in. They gently lifted Joe onto the bed and swiftly rushed him to the ER. Horatio shook his head watching them hurry out of Joe's office. He turned back to see Calleigh still sitting on the floor where Joe's body was. Her back was to him as she stared off a million miles away.
Horatio exhaled quietly. He took a few steps toward her and stopped, putting a tender hand on her shoulder. He wanted to soothe her while expressing his feelings of relief that she was ok.
She jumped and quickly closed her eyes a second trying to get her bearings back. Her dazed eyes warily met his in understanding and she reached her hand up to his, accepting his help. He carefully assisted her to her feet and guided her over to the couch.
"Sit down a moment. Are you okay?" He asked gently, kneeling on one knee before her, lifting his hand to softly brush back the hair on her face, keeping his eyes locked on hers.
She nodded slowly, "What… what just happened?" The expression on her face was one of confusion, "We did all we could and we still couldn't help him," she closed her eyes feeling powerless while her head throbbed in pain.
Horatio examined her eyes observing the lost dazed look of confusion in the normally beautiful clear green eyes. "Calleigh… you don't look well. Sit back and relax your head, okay?" He said gently, easing her back on the couch. "Stay here a moment, I'll be right back," he said, walking out of the office. A moment later he walked in with Cathy in tow.
Calleigh had her head back and her eyes closed. Cathy put a hand on her arm. "Calleigh, tell me what you feel, do you have any pain?"
Horatio looked on as Calleigh nodded her head, "I'm fine, rea—" she closed her eyes with a soft moan.
"Hang on a second, let me grab the wheelchair," Cathy said hurrying out.
Horatio sat down next to Calleigh trying to reassure her and himself, "I'm right here sweetheart," he said softly reaching for her hand.
"I know. I'm all right, really," she insisted, opening her eyes wider to look at him, "Aren't your ears ringing?" She asked confused.
Horatio gave her a reassuring smile, "They are, but I'm use to it. Bomb squad, remember?"
She barely nodded, "Do you think, Joe will be okay?" She asked, letting her head go back on the couch with another soft moan.
Horatio lifted his hand tenderly stroking Calleigh's forehead trying to ease her pain. "He tried to turn away and maybe that helped but I'm not sure, sweetheart. His eyes…." Horatio sighed, as she squeezed his hand.
"He's gonna be okay. He will," she said, firmly almost willing it.
Cathy arrived with a wheelchair. "Okay your ride has arrived. Let's get her in and I'll take her down to the ER to get checked out."
Horatio delicately lifted Calleigh from the couch and gently placed her in the wheelchair.
"My head," she moaned, closing her eyes lifting her right hand up to the side of her head.
Cathy headed out of the room while Horatio took one more look around and shook his head in disbelief and anger. He followed Cathy to the room where the doctors were working on Joe.
Dr. Lochner came over immediately seeing Calleigh in the wheelchair. "Is she all right?" He asked looking down at Calleigh who nodded.
"She's a bit wobbly and her head hurts. Could easily be a concussion Dr. Lochner," Cathy explained, wheeling Calleigh over towards the vacant bed.
"No, no. I'm fine," Calleigh said, beginning to put up a fight, putting her hand up to them, seeing Cathy push her toward the empty bed.
"I'm just going to take a quick look to make sure, okay?" Dr, Lochner asked as Horatio nodded his approval.
"Thank you, we would appreciate that," he replied softly, helping Calleigh up.
"Horatio, I'm fine, really," she said standing, as her knees buckled and she collapsed right into his arms.
He lifted her with ease, comforting her while reassuring her, "I have you… you're gonna be fine sweetheart," he said, placing her down on the bed.
She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes fighting the sudden wave of pain and nausea.
"Just lie still for a moment and let me examine you," Dr. Lochner said.
Calleigh complied as he leaned over her and checked each of her eyes with the ophthalmoscope. She squinted and closed her eyes.
"Does your head hurt when I do that?" He asked.
"Not really," she said still squinting.
He smiled, looked over at a concerned Horatio then back to Calleigh. "Okay, I want you to follow my finger with only your eyes. Try not to move your head, okay?"
Calleigh nodded while carefully following his finger back and forth. She closed her eyes for a moment hissing, "I'm sure two Tylenol would help get rid of the man with the jackhammer inside my head."
Dr. Lochner laughed and Horatio's worried face broke out into a smile. "I think you just might be right. We'll get you some Tylenol but I want you to lie here for a while and rest. I just want to make sure that you're okay.
"How's Joe?" She asked concerned.
The doctor's expression changed. "He's in stable condition. We won't know about his eyes for a while."
Calleigh exhaled faintly, "It blew up right near his face."
"I know, and he has the best doctors taking care of him. Don't waste your energy on worrying about Joe, you just focus on yourself and get some rest, all right?"
"Thank you, Dr. Lochner," she said with a grateful smile.
Cathy came over and handed her the pills and a cup of water. She swallowed them and laid her head back down with a low groan. She suddenly looked up at Horatio who had a very concerned look on his face.
"Doesn't your head hurt?" She asked baffled in that tone that he loved.
His lips curved up instantly. He reached for her hand and lovingly squeezed it knowing he could have lost her. He swallowed hard fighting back his emotions and whispered, "I'm fine, Calleigh. You just close your eyes for a while like the doctor said, okay. I'll be right here with you, sweetheart."
He ran a tender hand over her forehead soothing her again, and again, whispering, "Just relax, I'm right here," he sighed, watching her close her eyes and finally give in to sleep.
Cathy slid a chair behind Horatio. He turned to her with a nod of thanks. He sat sliding the chair closer to her bed, never once letting go of Calleigh's hand.
III
A little more than an hour had past and Calleigh gradually began to wake. A very soft soothing feeling, calming her, relaxing her, stroking again and again, it was making her feel wonderful. She sighed lightly wondering if she was dreaming. A faint steady beeping sound began to register louder and louder as her eyes fluttered and finally opened.
'Beautiful blue', she thought, staring right into his eyes. She smiled right away.
Horatio's arm was resting on her pillow above her head. His hand and fingers gently stroking and caressing her forehead and face.
"Hi beautiful," he leaned in closer purring the words softly.
She beamed, "Hi handsome." She blinked suddenly hearing that steady beeping again and realization set in. She quickly moved to sit up, "I'm in bed!"
Horatio chuckled, "Not for long." His hands supported her back helping her to sit up. "Go easy now, okay?"
She looked at him bewildered but moved slower. She lowered her legs over the side of the bed and relaxed again letting her eyes close for a moment.
She murmured, "How long have I been out?"
"Just a little over an hour. Not long at all. How do you feel?" He asked.
She lifted her head back up. "I, I feel better. The ringing is gone and my head doesn't hurt as much."
"As much?" Alexx said, walking over to stand in front of Calleigh. "Well honey, I think you need to let me take a look at those eyes of yours."
"Alexx?" Calleigh questioned, taken aback that she was there. "I feel fine but can someone please tell me how Joe is?"
"Joe's going to be fine, Calleigh," Horatio replied, putting a tender hand on her shoulder. "He's stable and resting right over there." Horatio pointed to the other bed in the room.
Calleigh turned back to see and heard the steady beeping sound again. It was one of Joe's monitors.
"Baby let me have a quick look at your eyes and make sure you are alright."
Calleigh turned around facing forward again. Horatio took a step back giving Alexx some room.
"I'm fine, Alexx," Calleigh sighed.
"Un-huh. I know honey but why don't you let me be the judge of that," she said, clicking on her pen light. She examined Calleigh's eyes and pupils, making sure she didn't have a concussion. Alexx hummed and nodded, "Yep, your eyes say you're okay but how does you head feel?"
Calleigh sighed heavily, "Fine, really."
Alexx put her hand on her hip as Dr. Lochner entered the room.
"Awake so soon. How are you feeling?" He asked pulling out his pen light.
"Better, thank you, Dr. Lochner."
"You're welcome. Now lets just take a quick look at those green eyes of yours to make sure, okay?" He said examining Calleigh all over again.
She sighed and looked over at Alexx and Horatio, seeing both of them grin at her. 'Pull yourself together, Calleigh," she berated herself and straightened as he examined her.
"Okay, I would still like for you to take it easy the rest of the day," he said, looking over at Horatio.
Calleigh looked over at Horatio who nodded to the doctor and then at her. "She's done for the day doctor, and thank you."
He nodded and headed over to Joe's bedside.
Calleigh tilted her head at Horatio, "But I'm fine now."
"Yes, I can see that, and I want you to go home and get some rest. Alexx is going to drop you off."
"Horatio," Calleigh blurted out upset.
Alexx gave them a moment as she headed over to talk with Dr. Lochner about Joe.
He took a step closer, "Sweetheart, I want you to go home and get some rest, please. Can you do that for me?" He asked thoughtfully.
She looked up and rolled her eyes finding it very difficult to say no to this man. She let her shoulders sag in defeat. "I'd rather stay here with you," she said concerned. "Are you coming home tonight?"
He shook his head, "No. I'm going to stay here with Joe for the night. I want to make sure no other attempts are made on his life."
"Then I'm staying too," she said supportively, holding his soft eyes.
Horatio sighed affectionately, "Calleigh, I… I would feel better knowing you are getting some rest at home in your bed."
She squeezed his hand almost pleading, "I'll rest here. I promise."
Horatio held her beautiful green eyes and melted. He exhaled and shook his head back and forth. "Alexx, is going to have my hide for this."
Calleigh chuckled and gave him a beautiful smile lifting her hand to his cheek affectionately. She whispered, "Thank you."
He leaned into her soft hand wanting to embrace her knowing she was okay. He realized what a close call that was today and how quickly his life could have changed without her. He stared at her in thought, 'God, those emerald eyes, and southern tone could make me move mountains.'
Calleigh knew his need for closeness right now, she felt it too and put both her hands on his waist pulling him closer feeling some resistance. Both her hands cupped his face soothing him and he leaned his forehead against hers with a soft sigh of relief.
Calleigh smiled and whispered, "I know this isn't the place and we're on the job but I can't wait to hold you again. I can't wait to feel your arms protectively around me, holding me like you always do. You're my guardian angel and the love of my life.
Horatio swallowed hard holding her soft eyes and nodded in understanding. His eyes carefully surveyed the large room, seeing only three people in the room, and at the moment they were all focused on Joe. He moved in closer giving her a shy smile. His left arm wrapped around her and his right hand went to the back of her head, gently resting her head against his chest.
Calleigh sighed; her arms automatically wrapped around his waist holding him closely feeling him tighten his hold. She closed her eyes reveling in the moment.
He kissed the top of her head whispering, "Good?"
"Mmmm, yes, very good," she replied, with her eyes closed relaxing against him.
Alexx turned and froze stunned. Horatio usually was not one to express his feelings in front of others and this was a first. She was amazed to see the effect Calleigh had on him and vice versa. She also knew this was different, they both had a close call today and thank god no one was killed.
She crossed her arms across her chest admiring the two lovebirds and smirked.
Horatio reluctantly released Calleigh and took a step back lifting his head to see Alexx smiling at him. His cheeks went rosy and he lowered his eyes to the floor shyly. Calleigh turned seeing Alexx's expression and realized why he quickly reacted that way.
She turned back looking at him, seeing the most beautiful boyish grin on his face and smiled with a chuckle.
Alexx walked over unable to wipe the smile from her face seeing Horatio Caine completely caught off guard. She turned her attention back to Calleigh.
"So are you ready to head home yet honey?"
Calleigh smiled. "Nope, I'm staying, but thanks anyway, Alexx."
Alexx turned back to Horatio shaking her head from side to side. "Baby, she's got you wrapped around her finger."
Horatio's brow's arched and he nodded making Calleigh laugh. Their eyes met again and locked on each other speaking in their own loving way.
Alexx threw up her hands up in defeat, "Okay, I can see I am not needed here anymore. I'm heading home and I'll see you both tomorrow." She turned toward Calleigh, "You behave yourself honey," then toward Horatio with a grin, "Do I need to repeat myself?" She said wiggling her finger back and forth at him.
Horatio shook his head side to side with a grin, "No ma'am."
"Good, then I will say good night to you both."
"Good night, Alexx," Calleigh smiled.
"Drive safe, and thank you again," Horatio added, walking her to the door.
III
Joe felt himself drifting in and out of consciousness. His body felt heavy as lead when he tried to move. He could hear voices but they seemed foggy and muddled. He moaned low trying to move his head and quickly gritted his teeth in pain.
"Joe… Joe can you hear me?" Dr. Lochner asked, putting a tender hand on Joe's shoulder.
Joe turned his head in the direction of the voice and suddenly raised his right hand to his eyes. He quickly felt the bandage covering his eyes and part of his forehead. He groaned low, "Mm, I…I hear you, Paul."
"Okay Joe, just relax, we bandaged your eyes. They took some damage from the blast and we need to keep them covered for a while to preserve the retina."
"Joe let his hand drop back to his chest. He nodded slightly, suddenly remembering with a groan, "Calleigh and Horatio?"
"They're fine Joe, and right here with you okay?"
Joe swallowed hard licking his lips with another nod."
Calleigh reached for his arm and gently let her hand rest on the top of his forearm. "Would you like some water, Joe? She asked as he turned to the sound of her soft voice.
"Calleigh?" He questioned in his sleep roughened voice.
She carefully caressed his arm, "Right here Joe, right here." She picked up the cup with the straw as the doctor raised the bed for him. "Okay Joe, the straw is right in front of you," she said holding it for him as he leaned forward and took a small sip.
He licked his lips, "Thank you."
"Sure, no problem," she said feeling terrible for him.
"Paul, what about the retina, was it permanently damage from the blast?" Joe questioned.
"We won't know for a little while longer Joe. You have ocular injuries in both eyes and the blast burned both your retina. That's why we're keeping your eyes bandaged for now. I'll let you know what the MRI results show as soon as I get it."
Joe sighed and shifted with a wince clenching his white teeth together. His right hand fisted the blanket.
"Joe, are you all right? Where's your pain Joe?" Dr. Lochner asked looking him over.
"I'm fine," Joe said slowly through gritted teeth.
Dr. Lochner was firm, "Don't play games with me, Joe. I'll send you for every test I can think of. Let's go Gannon, out with it!"
Joe's jaw flexed repeatedly. Calleigh and Horatio both looked on concerned. He slowly released the blanket and exhaled gently, "I'm fine, Paul."
"Lung or ribs, Joe? I saw that breath just now, so you either have pain in your lungs or ribs." Dr. Lochner said, pulling the sheet down to Joe's waist as he began feeling around his ribs.
Joe gasped and winced gritting his teeth and fisted the sheets once again.
"Ribs it is," Dr. Lochner said, as he easily palpitated Joe's side.
Joe's right hand slid over feeling along his sore ribs as Dr. Lochner chuckled, "You still want to play doctor after what you've been through?"
Joe chuckled wisely, "Well you can never be sure of the doctors around here."
Calleigh laughed as Joe turned to her smiling, "You liked that one huh?"
She rubbed his arm again knowing this had to be hard, "Yes, I did. And I'm glad you still have your sense of humor."
Joe nodded, "Yeah, well stick around for 24 hours when they take this off, I may not be laughing at all then."
Calleigh bit down on her lip looking up at the doctor who shook his head back and forth, "Now Joe, don't go getting negative on me now, it's not like you."
"Just get this bandage off me so I can see the light of day again, all right, Paul?"
"We will Joe, we will," he said, patting Joe's shoulder in a sign of affection.
Joe exhaled heavily letting his head rest back against the pillow, "That's one cup of coffee I don't think I'll ever forget."
Calleigh squeezed his arm slightly, "Yeah, that's understandable," she said. The door opened as Eric and Ryan walked in.
Joe was more aware and alert of his surroundings listening to every sound he heard. He could hear Horatio's foot steps and the low tone he used to speak with his team.
"Be thorough. I want his office gone over with a fine tooth comb, you understand?"
"Yeah H, we got it," Ryan said, with a nod.
"You two were lucky, and I heard Calleigh was a bit dazed," Eric said, looking over to her.
She overheard Eric's comment and tenderly patted Joe's forearm again, "Excuse me a minute, okay Joe?"
"Sure Calleigh, I'm fine."
She walked over and joined them with a nod at Eric.
"Check his entire office. Check everything and be careful. The bomb squad went over it but this guy has some… imagination to use the coffee maker. He also seems to know Joe's routine so it's my guess he has been watching him for a while now. He's lucky to be alive and I would like to keep it that way gentleman, so let's be quick but thorough." Horatio reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out an evidence bag handing it to Eric, "Make sure this is checked for prints, DNA and fibers."
Eric took the bag and looked at it holding it up, "You found this in his office, H?"
"No, it was delivered with his mail today. It's a death threat and the perpetrator glued the letters to the page, which is why I am hoping for some kind of lead on this. Let's hope he was careless."
"Okay H, we'll take care of it," Eric said, looking Calleigh over again, "So you okay, I heard you all had a close call."
"I'm fine Eric, just a bump on the head," she smiled.
Eric grinned at her with a nod, "I'm glad you're all right, Calleigh." He looked back at Horatio, "Okay we have everything we need let's go get to work," Eric said, as he and Ryan began to leave.
"Keep me posted gentleman."
"Will do H," Ryan said as they left.
Calleigh tilted her head in thought, "Hey, I'm going to go give them a hand. Joe has a pretty big office."
Horatio shook his head side to side, "No, absolutely not," he said flatly. His hands went to his hips and his eyes held hers, "You're going to sit down and rest like you promised me you would. You're still dealing with the effects of the blast. I can see it in your eyes."
"Horatio I'm fine, it's just a bump," she said softly.
"Well bump or not you're staying right here with me, understood?"
Calleigh sighed and gave him a smirk, "Yes sir, Lieutenant," she said, turning as she headed back over to Joe's bedside.
Horatio shook his head. He hated it when she called him by title and he knew she was on to him once again. He was trying to protect her and the only way he could do that was to keep her within eye sight. For Horatio's peace of mind he needed to know she was really okay. Step by agonizing step he made his way over to Joe's bedside as she looked up at him.
"How are you doing, Joe?" Horatio asked in a soft tone.
"I'm okay Horatio and I'm just glad the both of you are too.
Horatio looked at Calleigh and nodded, "Me to Joe," he said with a bashful smile at her. "You feel up to answering a few questions for us?"
Joe nodded, "Yeah, I feel fine, I just can't see right now."
Calleigh shook her head feeling guilty, seeing the white gauze covering his eyes and hoping that Joe would be all right.
"What was the last case you and Dr. Ted Nolan worked on together and how many others were involved in it?" Horatio asked.
"Um, I work with Ted all the time, Horatio. To be completely honest I'd have to get my files and go through them.
Dr. Lochner overheard and walked over, "I'll get the files for you Lieutenant."
"I would appreciate that very much, thank you," Horatio said, in thought as he continued, "Could I also ask for your employee files as well."
Dr. Lochner nodded not comprehending this request, "I don't understand Lieutenant? You think one of our employee's may be responsible for this?"
"Well, it would help if I could compare some of them and see if they have anything in common that may give us a lead on this. You do have personal files on everyone I assume?"
"Of course. Let me get them together for you and I'll return shortly."
"Thank you Doctor," Horatio said as Joe groaned.
"So now you have to look into my background because of all of this?"
Horatio turned back to Joe with furrowing brows, "Yes, Joe."
Calleigh chuckled, "Why, are you keeping some deep dark secret that you don't want us to find out about?"
Joe chuckled, "Oh yeah, I'm really the psycho who killed 3 people in downtown Miami a few years back."
Calleigh laughed, as Horatio's voice deepened, "No, you're not."
Joe turned to the left towards Horatio's voice, "And just how would you know if I was?" He teased.
Horatio smiled coolly, "Because you're talking about the sniper killer and I already caught him."
Joe remained quiet dumbfounded.
Calleigh chuckled, "I beg to differ handsome."
Horatio grinned as the humor in his voice reached Joe's ears. "Let me rephrase that, Joe. Calleigh caught the sniper."
Joe turned to his right, "You did? I mean alone?"
She smiled at Horatio, "No, I had a lot of help. Teamwork and the whole Swat team if I remember correctly."
"Swat?" Joe asked confused, Calleigh chuckled looking over at Horatio.
"That's right Joe, she worked with the Swat team for the day and they even tried to steal her away from me," he said, looking into her sparkling green eyes watching her blush and smile.
"Swat tried to take her away, but why?" Joe asked, turning his head right to left trying to keep up with both of them.
"Because bullet girl is a great shot, in fact she is the city's top shooter for many years now. They wanted her on their team but um, between you and me that's not going to happen," he chuckled.
Calleigh gave Horatio a wry smirk as she narrowed her eyes on him.
Horatio quickly cleared his throat rephrasing, "I mean… not unless it is something she chooses to do one day," he said as his voice softened.
Joe's forehead wrinkled hearing them, trying to figure out what exactly was going on.
Calleigh chuckled and shook her head at Horatio, "Not a chance handsome but it's always nice to know I'm wanted." She grinned, and Horatio ducked his head thinking, 'If she only knew how wanted she was.'
Joe sat up more, "Okay, so this is really interesting. So why did he kill all those people? There was no explanation in the paper about it? It only said that you caught the guy and he was a marine."
Calleigh sighed, "He was an ex marine and he loved his job sniping. He picked those poor innocent people because it was a challenge for him," she shook her head remembering, "Nothing other than that Joe. He killed them because it made him feel powerful and in control. It made him God."
Joe exhaled confused, "You're telling me he killed those people for no reason at all. I don't understand how a marine could do something so…."
"Evil?" Horatio said finishing for him. "He was pure evil and he enjoyed death."
Joe remained quiet in thought. Horatio's words repeating in his head.
"Do you believe in evil, Joe?" Horatio asked.
Joe nodded his head reaching his right hand to his chest feeling around, "Yes I do," he said, feeling around his neck realizing his chain was missing.
"Joe, what's wrong?" Calleigh asked seeing his hand search all around his neck and chest.
"My chain… I'm— I just happen to have a gold horn and it seems to be missing at the moment. Maybe the blast?" He said sadly.
Calleigh looked on the small side table to see his gold chain and horn still very much intact as she picked it up, "Its right here Joe, do you want me to help you put it back on?"
"It's okay Calleigh, I can do it," he said, feeling uncomfortable in front of Horatio with all the attention Calleigh was giving to him.
"I don't mind Joe, really it's okay," she said so sweetly that Joe couldn't help the growing smile on his face. Even with the bandage Joe had a beautiful smile and Calleigh missed seeing those baby blues.
Calleigh stood up and with gentle fingers, wrapped the long chain around his neck attaching the open latch and locking it in place. She slid the small horn around front barley grazing her fingers across his bare chest and let it rest there.
"There ya go," she said, sitting back down with a smile.
Joe was mesmerized by her soft fingers and her vanilla scented fragrance. He felt her close, feeling her warm breath cover him, making his skin tingle. He took a breath in trying to remember how to form words, "Umm, thanks, Calleigh," he said, shakily lifting his right hand up and feeling the horn with his fingers, "This is my protection, always will be," he said low.
Calleigh recognized the sad tone of his voice as her curiosity peaked. "You mean because the horn is said to ward off bad omens, right?"
Joe nodded with a smile, "Yeah and it was a gift from a very special person."
Calleigh smiled while Horatio listened quietly. "Ah, a girlfriend." She chuckled. Horatio looked on and hoped his face was not showing all the jealously he felt coursing through him.
"Um, no… my mother. My mother gave it to me when I was just a boy and she… well she always said it would protect me from harm."
Calleigh looked at Horatio, their eyes speaking volumes. Joe's voice was strained when he spoke of his mother and it was also very hesitant. Instinct told them both there was more to the story.
"That's a beautiful gift Joe. One you'll never forget," Calleigh said, rubbing his arm softly.
"No, um, I won't ever forget," he said reverently sliding the horn back and forth with his fingers. "You asked me if I believe in evil Horatio, and well," Joe exhaled heavily, "you're about to find out why."
Horatio eyes tightened in thought as Calleigh shrugged and shook her head not knowing what Joe was talking about.
"Joe, would this be pertaining to the case at all?" Horatio asked with a gentle ease.
"No Horatio, it has nothing to do with it but once you look into my past, you'll understand why I feel the way I do."
"Want to talk about it?" Horatio asked gently.
Joe snorted a laugh, "No, I don't. I don't want to think about it, I don't want to remember it, and I sure as hell don't want to talk about it."
Horatio's bows arched, "Okay," he said hesitantly, hearing Joe's reluctant tone.
"Sorry, it's just something that is personal and… and…."
Horatio put a tender hand on Joe's shoulder, "I understand Joe, more than you could ever know," his brow arched remembering the pain from his own past, something that he didn't like to talk about either.
The door opened as Dr. Lochner came walking back in with the files in his hand and a woman doctor following him. He handed the files to Horatio as the woman doctor went right to Joe's bedside. She looked Calleigh over and then right back to Joe as she reached for his left hand and held it.
"It's me Joe, Jenny. I just found out and came as soon as I could. Are you okay, do you need anything?"
"No Jenny, I'm fine, thank you."
Calleigh gave her a smile and reached out her hand. "I'm Calleigh Duquesne and this is Lieutenant Horatio Caine. We're with the Miami Dade Police Department. It's nice to meet you.
She smiled and shook her hand. "Dr. Jenny Bartlet, nice to meet you also," she said, looking back at Joe worried. "Is he in danger still? Do you know who did this to him?"
"Hey Jenny, take it easy, I'm okay and they are working on it." Joe said, confidently making Calleigh smile.
The woman doctor ran a tender hand over Joe's forehead. "I was worried sick about you and you act as if everything is fine."
Joe's voice went low as he gently squeezed her hand, "Sweetheart, everything will be fine."
Calleigh's womanly instincts kicked in, 'Were they a couple?' She let her eyes roam over the tall slim brunette. She was about 5'7 without the heels, long wavy brown hair and a very nice shape. Calleigh blinked and realized that was her cue as she stood up. "Excuse me a moment," she said giving the two of them some time alone as she headed for Horatio and the doctor.
"This should help you out Lieutenant. If you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask."
"I will and thank you, Dr. Lochner for all of your help."
"Joe, Jenny, I'll be back in a little while, okay?"
"Sure Paul. As you can see I am in very good hands… all around," he chuckled, embarrassed he just said that.
"Yes, I can see that for sure my friend. Just make sure you get some rest, Joe."
"Thanks Paul. I will," he replied, hearing him leave.
Horatio handed Calleigh some of the files. "Why don't we sit over here so we can compare notes as we go?"
"Okay," Calleigh said walking over to the long oval table. She put the files down and opened the first one. A Dr. Ted Nolan. She watched Horatio sit down beside her as he opened, Dr. Joseph Gannon's file.
TBC…..