Eryn had a hard time placing the sound that had awakened her. Then she realized that it was the alarm clock, letting out a groan at having her dream interrupted. She looked over to see it was 5:00 am. She fell back on the pillow, stretched, and rubbed her eyes. I haven't slept that well for a while. Then again, I always sleep well when I'm down here, she thought.
She got out of bed and went into the bathroom. Eryn washed her face, brushed her teeth and took her corn rolls outs. Then she put her hair up in a ponytail and put on a grey pair of jogging pants and a black tank top.
Grabbing a bottle of Dasani out of the mini bar and her key card, she head to the fitness center. A few other guests were there, who liked their morning runs. She ran eight miles in an hour and a half. When she was finished, she walked over to the desk.
The manager was at the counter and recognized Eryn. "Miss Sheridan, how may I help you?"
"I would like to schedule an appointment for a massage," Eryn stated.
"Actually, Miss Sheridan, there is a massage scheduled for you every day," the manager explained.
Eryn was surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, ma'am, I spoke to the person who arranged them myself," the manager confirmed.
"Thank you very much. Would four o'clock this afternoon be alright?"
The manager looked over the schedule and nodded. "Yes, that will be fine, Miss Sheridan. Also, I can arrange for your breakfast to be sent to your room every morning if you would like?"
"Yes, that would be great. I would like my car ready by 7:30 this morning, if possible."
"That won't be a problem, Miss Sheridan."
Eryn thanked the manager and went back to her room.
She looked at her watch, 6:40 am. Just enough time to take a swim, she thought. Eryn pulled out her black halter bikini, which showed off her hourglass figure nicely, put it on and grabbed one of the cream bath sheets. She walked out to the hotel's pool, aptly named the Infinite Pool because it was 205 feet long.
The sky was blue with a few cotton candy clouds floating by. The sun peaked out from behind one of the clouds. The humidity was still low, but Eryn knew it wouldn't stay that way. It was already getting warm. The bird sang to their heart's content. Eryn took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the ocean carried on the breeze. Eryn took her hair down.
She looked around to see if anyone else was up and found the pool area deserted. She put her towel on a lounger. She knelt down to test the water. Very nice, I won't go into shock when I dive in, she thought. She walked down to the deep end of the pool. Eryn took a breath, taking a few steps back; she dove in and came up about 8 feet out. She swam the length of the pool, turned and swam back to the deep end of the pool.
Eryn looked at her stainless steel eco-drive Citizens watch, 7:00 am, I'd better get moving. Horatio won't let me live it down if I'm late, she thought. She climbed out of the pool, walked over to the lounger where her towel was laying. She toweled off and headed back into her suite.
You're getting very predictable, Eryn, he thought.The man knew her routine every time she came down to Miami. He thought she was just taking a week off from work that is, until he saw her at the airport with that cop. The man made a few phone calls, discovering that Eryn was not down here for a vacation, but for an interview. That thought brought a menacing grin to his face. This time, he thought, you won't be able to hide. I'll find you. His eyes fell on her back. I see, you still have the scars I gave you. I wonder if you still have nightmares, the man thought. He turned and walked back into his suite.
Pulling out a pair of distressed vintage boot-cut jeans and looked through her shirts. If I'm going to be shooting all day, then I'm going to be comfortable, she thought. She chose her dark olive green corset style dress tank top, sterling silver box chain with a trinity knot pendent and studs. Eryn pulled out a black lace bra, panties and socks. Eryn grabbed her clothes and went in to the bathroom.
She quickly showered, the smell of her Bath and Body Chocolate Amber body wash filling the air. Eryn got out, dried off and got dressed. She pulled out her makeup bag. She put on her makeup, her eye shadow, brown eyeliner and mascara pulled out the green in her eyes, a soft pink blush highlighted her high cheekbones and a tinted pink lip-gloss showed off her full lips. Eryn sprayed herself with her Chocolate Amber body spray. Eryn put a highlighting glosser in her hair, along with some curling mousse. I'm going to look like Curly Sue by the time I get to the lab, she thought.She left it down, but threw a clip in her purse just in case she got hot.
She walked out into the bedroom and looked in the full-length mirror. The neckline of her top gave just a hint of cleavage and the jeans nicely hugged her hips. Both pieces of clothing showed off her figure. Girl, they might ban you from the range, she thought. She put her socks on and pulled out her low-heeled black boots. The shine was a little dull with slight scuffmarks from wear, but they were her favorite boots.
Eryn looked down at her watch. 7:25 am, I guess I'm eating on the run this morning, she thought. She grabbed her purse, key card, carryon bag and car keys. She threw back her two shots of espresso, then grabbed her bagel with honey-nut cream cheese and headed out the door.
Eryn stopped at the front desk to see if she had any messages. The desk clerk said that she had no messages and that her car was waiting for her out front. She thanked the clerk, walked outside and got into her car. Eryn headed to the lab; taking the short cut that Horatio showed her the first she was down here.
When she pulled into the parking lot, Horatio was waiting outside in front of the crime lab building. Eryn parked, grabbed her purse, carryon bag and got out of the car.
Horatio watched Eryn walk up the sidewalk, a light smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but admire her. She's the most beautiful woman in Miami, he thought as his eyes followed the light sway of her hips. Her auburn curls swayed with her movements as deep shades of red reflected the sunlight. His eyes ran up her body to her face, grateful for his sunglasses. He shook his head as he chided himself, trying to remember that in two weeks, he would be her boss. She had a bright smile on her lips as she walked up to him.
"Good morning, Miss Sheridan," Horatio greeted, hoping the blush in his cheeks wasn't too obvious.
"It wasn't intentional, Lieutenant," Eryn began as she pulled her sunglasses down her nose. "And I'm not late."
"No, you're not late," Horatio affirmed.
They walked into the building and went up to the lab. Eryn waited while Horatio went up to his office to get her gun credentials. She watched as people went about their daily business. They've remodeled since I was here two years ago, she thought. The large glass windows let the sunshine pour in, reflecting off the lab doors and walls, creating a rainbow of colors in the halls.
While she was waiting, a man approached her. He was tall with brown hair and brown eyes.
"Excuse me, ma'am, May I help you?" the man asked.
"I'm waiting for Lieutenant Caine," Eryn answered. She looked at his flat badge that hung on his left hip. He's IAB, she said to herself, making a mental note.
"Well, if it's not department business, then you'll have to wait downstairs in the main lobby."
Horatio came out of his office and looked down toward the receptionist's desk. He noticed the man talking the Eryn. This is interesting, he thought. He locked his office and told Calleigh that he would be at the academy firing range taking care of Eryn's firearm qualifications. He walked out of the layout lab and silently came up behind the man.
"Detective Sheridan, are you ready for your firearm qualifications?" Horatio asked.
The man turned around and looked at Horatio. "Detective Sheridan, the Eryn Sheridan?"
Eryn looked at the man. "Detective Eryn Sheridan, expert trace analyst and criminal investigative psychologist," she confirmed extending her hand to him.
The man shook her hand. "Sergeant Rick Stetler, IAB. How do you know Lieutenant Caine?"
"Two year ago, Miss Sheridan was sent down here by her Lieutenant, at my request, from Chicago to assist us with the Pantomime case," Horatio said.
Rick thought for a moment. "Oh, yes, I remember, the serial murder case." He paused as if remembering something else. "She's here to take Wolfe's place."
"Yes, she's here interviewing all week. We have an appointment at the range to do her firearm qualifications."
Rick nodded and walked away. Eryn looked at Horatio, a strange look on her face.
"What wrong, Eryn? I know that look."
"That man always made me uncomfortable," Eryn said, unsure of the purpose of Rick's inquiries.
Horatio smiled. "We'd better get going or we're going to be late," he said as he picked up Eryn's carryon bag.
They walked out of the building and over to the Hummer. Horatio opened the passenger side door and helped her into the seat, putting the bag in the backseat. He came around and climbed into the driver's seat, started the Hummer and pulled out of the parking lot.
Horatio glanced over at Eryn occasionally. She was quietly taking in the passing scenery. It took thirty minutes for them to get to the academy. He pulled into the parking lot. Parking the Hummer, Horatio looked over at Eryn, who already had her game face on.
Horatio came around and opened the door for Eryn, helping her out. She opened the passenger door and unzipped her carryon bag. Eryn removed what looked like a large black leather cd case and zipped the bag up. She turned around as Horatio stepped forward, turning Eryn so she was hid from view. Eryn removed her sunglasses.
Horatio took his sunglasses off, giving her a soft smile. Eryn lowered her gaze as she felt a blush rise in her cheeks. Horatio gently put a finger under her chin and brought her face back up to look at him.
"You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear, his breath causing Eryn to shiver slightly.
"Horatio," she said knowing the uncertainty in her voice would give her away.
Horatio looked into her eyes. "What's wrong?"
Eryn looked away, embarrassed. "Horatio, it wasn't my intention to …"
He turned her face back, seeing the embarrassment in her eyes. "Eryn, there's no need to feel embarrassed." Horatio gave her a smile, reassuring her that everything was all right. "Let's get these gun qualifications done."
Eryn smiled mischievously. "Are you going to get some practice in?"
"Since I'm here, I might as well," Horatio said. "Care to place a wager?"
"A wager?" Eryn mused, stepping closer to Horatio, her lips not quite touching his. "You lost the last one, Lieutenant."
Eryn quickly stepped back as Horatio dipped his head to brush his lips against hers. Giving him a Chester shire grin, Eryn turned and began walking away. He caught up with her in a few long strides. That might have not been the best idea, he thought.
They walked into the building that housed the department firing range. As they walked in, the acidic smell of gunpowder hit Eryn's nose. I knew I always liked that smell., she thought, smiling. The muffled sound of gunfire came from the 3200 square foot room that held the range.
Eryn followed Horatio. After asking around, he found the range supervisor.
"Sergeant Eddie Williams," Horatio greeted a middle-aged black man that reminded Eryn of Morgan Freeman.
"Lieutenant Caine, how are you doing? It's been a while," the sergeant replied.
"Yes, it has. This Detective Eryn Sheridan. She's transferring down here from Chicago and needs to get her firearm qualifications done, so that they're up-to-date."
"Detective Sheridan," Eddie greeted, extending his hand to Eryn.
"Sir." Eryn replied, shaking Eddie's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"So, you need to update your qualifications and have them transferred to MDPD."
"Yes, sir," Eryn affirmed, handing the Sergeant the folder containing her credentials.
"Well, everything seems to be in order. May I see your gun case, Detective?"
Eryn handed Eddie her gun case. Inside, securely held, was her handgun and two loaded clips.
"SIG-Sauer P229 and in excellent condition. I also noticed that you're ranking is a four-position Expert Marksman for rifle. Did you want to update that as well?" Sergeant Williams asked.
"Yes I would. Thank you, sir."
Horatio listened to the exchange. Eryn knelt down and pulled a hair clip out of her purse. He watched her twist her hair and put it into the clip. His eyes slowly followed her neck until they came to her shoulders. Then he noticed a few light scars peeking out from under the back of her tank. Where did those scars come from, he wondered. He had never noticed them before. Then again, he usually didn't see her in a tank top or anything else for that matter, showing off her shoulders and back.
"Okay, then, here's your SIG," Williams said, handing Eryn handgun back to her. He walked over to the gun cage, grabbed two boxes of 9mm rounds. He got everything that Eryn needed for her firearms quals.
He handed both Horatio and Eryn a pair of safety glasses and earplugs. They walked into the range room. Sergeant Williams walked them down the last two lanes. After they got setup, Williams began Eryn's firearm qualifications.
About two hours later, Sergeant Williams finished the paperwork for the tests, had Eryn sign in the necessary places. He went back into the gun cage, grabbed two more boxes of 9mm round.
"Detective, I thank that you've set a new range record," Williams said.
"Thank you, sir. I do make an effort to schedule time at the range."
Just then, an officer came up to Williams. "Everything is ready for Lieutenant Caine and Detective Sheridan."
Horatio looked at Eddie. "Eddie, what did you do?"
"I thought some good healthy competition would be nice," Eddie confessed.
Eryn noticed that all of the officers that were there were off duty and in street clothes.
From the group of officers that had gathered to watch, one of them spoke up. "I've got two-fifty that the Lieutenant can send the Detective packing."
Horatio looked at Eryn and smiled. "So, how about that wager?"
Eryn simple smiled. "Double or nothing, I can put a round through his last bullet hole, officer."
Horatio looked at the officer. The officer smiled. "I've got you covered, Lieutenant. I don't think she's that good."
Eryn raised an eyebrow, picked up her gun, replaced the empty clip with a full one, hit the slide release and chambered one round. Horatio did the same. Eddie had the targets put up, set them at fifty feet and stepped back.
"Head shots and heart shots, best score wins. Eryn you win the wager if you can put your last round in the Lieutenant's last bullet hole."
Eryn nodded. Eddie gave the signal to begin firing. Eryn and Horatio began to fire, shot for shot. The group watched the Lieutenant and the Detective mirror each other's movements. In less than a minute, the gunfire stopped. Eddie brought up the targets and tallied up the scores. He looked at Horatio, then at Eryn. He recounted. Eddie laid the targets on top of one another. The bullet holes lined up perfectly. Wow, they're good, he thought.
"Well, we have a tie, ladies and gentlemen," Sergeant Williams announced.
Eryn took a closer look at the targets. "Actually, sir, right here," she said, pointing a bullet hole that Eddie had missed on Horatio's target. "The Lieutenant won by this round."
"Well, I'll be. You're right, Detective," Eddie said, seeing the hole he missed. "The Lieutenant won by two points."
After the noise of oh's and whistles died down, Eddie re-hung Horatio's target and set it again, at fifty feet. A man nudged the officer who had placed the bet.
"Man, you'd better get ready to pay up."
"No way, man. She's good, but I don't think she's that good."
"You're turn, Detective Sheridan," Horatio said, stepping back.
Eryn stepped up to the lane that Horatio had been using. Horatio watched as Eryn focused on the target in front of her. Eryn brought her SIG up; sighted in on Horatio last head shot on the target and took a breath.
She blocked the noise from the group, focusing all her attention on her heartbeat. Horatio heard her let out her breath slowly. Eryn squeezed the trigger in between the beats.
The report sounded in the room and the bullet flew from the barrel leaving a trail of blue gray smoke. Keeping an eye on the target, everyone noticed that there wasn't a new bullet hole. The older officers simple nodded and said congratulations.
Eddie brought the target up and examined it closely. With pliers in hand, he walked down the lane to the back wall. He dug out Eryn's bullet. Sure enough, there was the Lieutenant's bullet. He dug it out and walked back up the lane.
"Detective Sheridan, you are good." Eddie complimented as he set down the pair of bullets he dug out of wall.
The officer, who suggested the bet, looked very sheepish. He pulled out his wallet and pulled out five one hundred dollar bills. He walked over Eryn and handed her the money.
"Double or nothing ma'am," the officer said.
Eryn took the money. "What's your name, officer?"
"Dave Conley," the man answered.
"How long have you been in the department?"
"I just finished my second year, ma'am."
"Keep up the good work."
"Ma'am, may I ask, who taught you how to do that?"
Eryn had packed up her gun and clips. She picked up the case, walked up to Horatio and gave the money to him. She looked back at Officer Conley.
"Lieutenant Caine taught me," Eryn answered, walking out of the range room and outside.
Eryn thanked Sergeant Williams. Everyone watched her walk out. Horatio thanked Sergeant Williams and walked outside. He saw Eryn leaning against the Hummer, waiting.
Horatio and Eryn walked around to the passenger side of the Hummer. Eryn put her gun case back in her carryon. She turned around and looked at Horatio. Horatio reached up and carefully took off her sunglasses. He tucked a stray curl that had fallen out the clip, behind her ear.
"You know you're a show off, right?"
"Me, a show off?" Eryn teased her eyes a shade darker and sparkling with mischief.
Horatio had been watching Eryn all morning. Taking in her movements, how she cradled her gun in her hands, how her hands and arms reacted to the recoil, her voice as her accent gave her words their own flavor. He knew they were going to need some time alone to talk about things. There's nothing else on the agenda to day, tomorrow I'm off. I think I'll call that favor in with Michelson, he thought
Eryn watched as Horatio made a decision about something. He gave her a warm smile, took her by the hand, closed the back passenger door, opened the front passenger door and helped her in. He handed her sunglasses back and closed the door. He walked around and got into the Hummer, started it and headed back to the lab.