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Chapter 7

Saturday,

9:45 am

"Oh my god! Did you see that?" Ryan stared wide-eyed at Eric. They'd been moving steadily southward since the discovery of the two trucks. Ten minutes ago, the MDPD helicopter had overflown their position as it moved into its search pattern. Eric had waved a hand at it while griping good-naturedly about the joys of becoming intimately familiar with every aromatic square inch of the Everglades while some people flitted here and there in relative comfort. Ryan hadn't done anything other than grin in agreement as he continued to scan the area around him. He'd known Eric wasn't serious. They'd all been determined to find Calleigh and if that meant slogging through a smelly swamp, well, they'd gone through worst stuff on cases. It beat the hell out of sitting around the lab wondering what was going on.

Eric nodded, at a loss for words. This couldn't be happening. Less than a minute ago, he'd been ecstatic when Horatio had radioed that they had Calleigh in sight and she was alive. He, Ryan and the two SWAT officers had picked up the pace, hurrying towards the helicopter and then all hell had broken loose. All four had ducked for cover when the rifle fire broke out and then the chopper had dropped out of the sky. He and the others had heard the terse voice of Horatio calling out a 'Mayday', followed by 'Shots fired.' There'd been a pause and then the ominous words, 'Pilot hit' and then the helicopter had disappeared from view.

They were too far away to hear much of the crash but Eric took some comfort in the fact that there hadn't been any sort of fireball. It was possible there were survivors. That Horatio might be dead was unthinkable. Considering some of the situations the man had walked away from unscathed, Eric was convinced he was probably part cat. Surely, a helicopter crash wouldn't be enough to kill him.

Despite his fear for his brother-in-law, Eric's biggest worry was Calleigh. Horatio had said she was alive but Eric knew by now, she was probably in rough shape. There was no telling how close she'd been to the crash itself. At the very least, she could well be in shock from seeing the copter going down in front of her. What scared Eric most was that the Burruses were closer to her now than any of the squads. If those bastards didn't kill her outright, they could be facing a hostage situation. From the brothers' history with Calleigh, he knew they'd enjoy hurting her to gain leverage.

Meanwhile, all the teams were converging on the crash site as quickly as they could while Lt. McMillen requested a Medivac copter ASAP. Sgt. Montrose kept everyone from charging headlong, there were bad guys to consider, but they were still moving at a pretty good clip. Eric was feeling the strain. He ran to keep himself in shape but never in full gear through rough terrain. Beside him, Ryan was struggling too, but staying with the group out of sheer willpower. Neither could bear the thought of letting Horatio or Calleigh down.

Reflex had Calleigh diving for the ground at the first sharp report of a rifle. Contact with the ground had nearly caused her to pass out. The reddish-gray haze that obscured her sight had lifted in time to see the helicopter impact the ground not one hundred feet away. She had no memory of how she regained her feet or covered the distance to the crash but it seemed that suddenly she was beside the wreckage. The helicopter had landed more or less upright. One skid had collapsed, canting it to one side, the tail section had broken off on impact, one rotor was twisted and bent while the other was half-buried in the ground. The smell of fuel was strong but, thankfully, no fire.

Calleigh blinked a couple of times as she stared at the side of the helicopter. Her eyesight was beginning to do odd things and she'd discovered earlier that shaking her head to clear it was a good way to knock herself off her feet. Colors seemed more harsh and contrasting and there was halo around the edges that she hadn't noticed before. Slowly, Calleigh made her way around towards the front. The pilot was the first body she saw and it looked like he was dead. He was hanging limp in the harness and the front of his jumpsuit was soaked in blood. She moved a little further over to the passenger side and froze suddenly. There was no mistaking that red hair.

Stumbling to the door, she grabbed the handle and frantically yanked at it, ignoring the fire shooting up and down her left arm. God above, don't let him be dead. She would never forgive herself if Horatio died because of her. The door suddenly popped loose, nearly knocking her down. She scrambled back to the opening, reaching in to check for a pulse and then swore quietly in frustration. Her hands were throbbing painfully, she couldn't feel anything else.

"Does your father know..."

Calleigh started in surprise, "Horatio?"

His head turned slowly towards her, "... you know words like that?"

She felt like laughing and crying and just plain collapsing, and in the end, Calleigh leaned wearily against the opening and stared at him.

Horatio stared back. She was filthy and looked exhausted. Her face was dirt-streaked and flushed and her eyes were fever-bright. He couldn't help the small, lopsided smile that worked its way out. "Madam, you are a sight for sore eyes."

Calleigh gave him a look and then smiled back, "More like a sight, but it's good to see you too." Her voice sounded rough from disuse. Clearing her throat, she automatically glanced back the way she'd come, "Do you think you can move? Because we can't stay here."

The Burruses. Horatio winced as he released the harness. He hurt but, at the moment, it was hard to say how serious it might be. He was suddenly reminded of Rafe and swiveled his head back the other way. He heard Calleigh say quietly, "I think he's gone." Horatio reached across and felt for a pulse. After several long seconds, he took his hand away and let his head hang down, "He saved my life, you know. Even after he was hit the second time, he managed to control the landing."

"I'm sorry."

"Me, too." He turned back towards her and frowned, "You look like hell."

Calleigh arched a tired eyebrow, "Don't you say the sweetest things." She shifted out of the way but continued leaning against the fuselage as he began to climb out of the helicopter. Adrenalin had gotten her this far and now that it was fading, she was left feeling worse than before.

Horatio dug into a pocket and stepped in close to her, "Let me see your hands." He inhaled softly as she shakily extended her wrists. It was no wonder she'd been swearing. Infection had taken a firm hold. The cuffs were covered in blood and gore, her hands, wrists and left arm were swollen and a nasty discharge was oozing from the wound across her forearm. Carefully, he unlocked and removed the handcuffs, tossing them into the helicopter to be retrieved later.

Calleigh squeezed her eyes shut, biting her lip. Horatio was being extremely gentle but it still hurt. Once her hands were free, she couldn't help the slight groan as she gingerly cradled her left arm with her right. The next thing she knew she was flat on the ground. Alarmed, she began to struggle to regain her feet. Her eyes didn't want to focus and that only increased her sense of panic. Then came the reassuring sound of Horatio's quiet voice asking her to calm down. His hand was surprisingly cool against her face as she slowly relaxed.

Horatio frowned as he kept his hand on Calleigh's forehead. As he'd somewhat expected, she was burning with fever. It had scared him when she collapsed so quickly. He'd barely managed to slow her fall although catching her did pinpoint a few more of his own aches and pains. His back had protested both the sudden move and the extra weight and he'd nearly dropped her. As fast as she went down, he was surprised at how quickly she tried to get back up. Worried that that would lead to another fall, he tried to keep her in place. Fortunately, she was cognizant enough to listen to him. He slid his hand around to the side of her face and leaned in a little, "Calleigh? There's a first aid kit in the helicopter. I'm going to get it so just lie still a bit longer, okay?"

He was up and moving before she could formulate a response. Calleigh felt like she was teetering on the edge. It would be so easy to let go and sink into oblivion. She was reeling physically and mentally and giving in was insidiously tempting. It was an increasing sense of urgency that kept her in the here and now. The Burruses had to be getting closer and she couldn't leave Horatio to deal with them alone. He didn't know them like she did. Milo had a nasty, sadistic streak and the thought of what he could do with the both of them was enough to make her literally shudder.

"Calleigh?" Horatio couldn't hide the anxiousness in his voice. He'd returned in time to see her shake and felt a sense of panic. Had her temperature spiked to the point of causing convulsions? He was no doctor but he knew the first aid kit was not nearly adequate to the task and he wasn't sure how much he could do. "Calleigh?" he repeated, smoothing a hand over her hair, "Can you hear me?" He felt a little more hope when her eyes opened and tracked towards him.

He watched as she blinked a couple of times and swallowed painfully, her voice more hoarse than before, "Can't stay, they're coming."

"I know, sweetheart", Horatio reached for the water bottle he'd brought along with the kit. He slid a hand under her head and lifted slightly, "I've got water here. Take a drink." He held the bottle steady for her until she was done and then recapped it. Horatio eyed her critically, "Think you can sit up?"

Calleigh nodded, gritting her teeth as he helped her up and keeping her head lowered until the dizziness eased. Finally, she looked over at him, "You need to get out of here. They'll kill you to get to me."

As she somewhat expected, he shook his head, "I won't leave you." Horatio opened up the first aid kit and began pulling out packets of antibiotic, gauze pads and self-sticking wrap. He scooted closer, "Keep watch and let me see your arm."

Calleigh stiffened as he began applying the ointment. He was being as careful as he could but her arm was hypersensitive right now. Blinking a few times to clear her watering eyes, she tried focusing on the far tree line. Her vision, if anything, was growing worse. She was about to tell Horatio that when she caught a glint of light.

Horatio considered their options as he did what he could with the infected wounds. His cell was still working. He'd already contacted Lt. McMillen while he was back in the helicopter. He hadn't been sure how aware Calleigh was of her surroundings and he didn't want to upset her with his assessment of their situation. It wasn't good. She looked to be about at the end of her rope and he was in no condition to carry her. The Burruses should be arriving any time now and all he had was his pistol and Rafe's against their rifles. The undergrowth negated some of the difference in range but it also meant they could flank him and he wouldn't know until it was too late. He didn't think Calleigh was capable of holding a pistol much less aiming one at the moment.

The sound of a rifle shot happened at the same time that Calleigh grabbed a fistful of Horatio's coverall and yanked him down. She was almost fast enough as a line of fire erupted across his back below his shoulder blade and his upper right arm exploded in agony. His exclamation of pain was mirrored by a weaker one from Calleigh. She'd gotten him down by the most expeditious method of locking her arm and throwing herself down first. He'd landed on top of her.

Despite the pain, Horatio kept himself moving, rolling off of Calleigh as he awkwardly drew his pistol with his left hand. Bracing his elbow on the ground, he squeezed off three quick rounds in the direction of that first shot. Hoping that bought them a little time, he twisted his head around to check on Calleigh. She was curled on her side, hugging her bad arm. The bandage he'd put on was soaked with blood and fluid. It was apparent the wound had broken open. "Calleigh?" he rasped and then cleared his throat, "Calleigh? Can you move?"

She slowly opened her eyes and managed a short nod. Before she could say anything, two more bullets whizzed overhead, one striking the helicopter and the other disappearing into the underbrush. Calleigh flattened herself further while Horatio answered with a couple shots of his own. He turned back towards her, trying not to wince, "Can you get behind the copter?"

"Think so," Calleigh wasn't sure if she was lying or not although she planned on giving it her best shot. Her head was spinning as she regarded him with worry. She hadn't missed how he was holding himself or that he was shooting with his left hand, "How bad?"

Horatio almost smiled. Despite everything, he still couldn't get much past her, "Won't be arm-wrestling anyone for a while." At the look she gave him, he relented, "It hurts like hell and I'm regretting every meal I've eaten since last Thursday."

Calleigh stared at him for a long moment before her body suddenly sagged and her eyes drifted shut. Her voice was barely audible, "Oh god, Horatio, I'm so sorry."

Flinching as another shot hit the copter, Horatio looked anxiously towards the blonde, "Calleigh?"

Milo ducked and spun towards the sound of the rifle going off behind him. "You jackass! What the hell are you doing?" He'd taken one step back towards Ray Don when three shots rang out. He and his brothers dove for the ground as one whizzed through the leaves overhead. Milo glared angrily at his youngest brother, "God damn you! We could have been on top of them before they knew we were there!"

Ray Don glared back, "I had a shot! I don't give a flying f_k about your damn stupid revenge! I want this over! The rest of the cops'll be here soon. We need to get out while we can!"

A moment later, he was on his back, his eyes round with fear. Milo had him pinned with Enos' knife across his throat, "You didn't spend sixteen years in a box! I want what's due me, you hear? She dies when I say so!" He pulled back, picked up Ray Don's rifle and shoved it at his brother, "Here. You're so fond of shooting. Keep 'em pinned while Budge and me circle 'round from the sides. I don't care if you kill the cop but Duquesne better be alive when I get to her. Give us five minutes." Not bothering to look at Ray Don again, he gestured to Budge and the two men split up and disappeared into the brush.

Muttering angrily, Ray Don fired two more shots towards the copter and ducked when two shots answered his. He needed better cover. Whoever was shooting back was getting closer. Snapping off another round, he scrambled to the side and got behind a tree. Feeling a little safer, Ray Don took aim again. The only thing he could see clearly was the helicopter, Duquesne and the man had dropped out of his sight after that first shot. He shook his head angrily. Dammit, he'd could've sworn he'd hit the guy. Dropping his sights slightly, Ray Don started firing towards the area just in front of the copter. Chances were that the underbrush in his way would stop most of the bullets but, according to his high and mighty brother, all he was supposed to do was keep their attention. He would do just that and when four minutes was up, Milo and Budge were on their own. He'd be out of here so fast, the dust wouldn't catch up with him for a week. The cops would only catch two of them.

Milo made his way quickly through the undergrowth, swinging wide so he could come at them from the side. He was still angry. What the hell he'd done to deserve a brother like Ray Don, he didn't know. As the baby of the family, he'd been coddled way too much. Milo had done his best to counter that, taking every opportunity to beat some backbone into the wimp but it was obvious now, that in his long absence, Ray Don had backslid. That was something else he owed Duquesne for. Keeping an eye on his surroundings, he allowed himself a few moments to indulge in plans of retribution. Budge had been right when he'd said they were running out of time. His original plans for days of humiliating, dehumanizing gang rape and sodomy were long gone. Still, if they could grab her quickly enough, he could probably salvage something.

All he needed was a bit of a head start and the cops wouldn't be able to track them. Duquesne was light enough to carry and Budge could hide their trail. Once they'd lost themselves in the 'Glades and had some breathing space, it wouldn't be hard to break enough bones to immobilize her. He and Budge could each take a quick run at the little bitch and then he'd bleed her enough to attract whatever was handy - gator, bear or buzzard, he didn't much care so long as it killed her eventually. Ray Don could go wherever the hell he wanted, Milo was done with him.

Sgt. Montrose signaled a halt and Eric stopped, bending over to take deep breaths with his hands on his knees. He needed the break almost as much as he didn't want one. They had to get to Calleigh and Horatio. Beside him, Ryan was bent over as well, taking great lungfuls of air. Even Sgt. Price was panting. They'd been moving relentlessly towards the site of the downed helicopter, all the while knowing the Burrus brothers would get there first. At least, Horatio and Calleigh were alive, not in great shape but still alive. It had been incentive to keep pushing on. McMillen had passed along the conversation he'd had with the CSI lieutenant to the squad leaders and Montrose had filled them all in.

All the squads were converging as quickly as they could, hoping that Horatio could hold off the brothers long enough for help to reach him. Eric felt Ryan give him a nudge and looked up to Montrose signaling them to come over. Straightening up, he forced himself into a jog to join up with the SWAT officers. Montrose had one of his maps out. He started speaking as soon as they got close, "We should be pretty close to the site. We'll be coming in from the north. Alpha and Charlie squads are almost in position to the east and Delta is coming up from the south." He looked around, his gaze briefly resting on Eric and Ryan, "Watch your lines. Hopefully, we can take these guys and secure the area without shooting but if they resist, we don't need anyone hit by friendly fire."

The loud report of a rifle shot interrupted whatever else Montrose was going to say. "Damn," was all that Price got out before three more shots were heard.

Ryan looked at the SWAT officers, "Those were pistol shots. That's gotta be Horatio."

Montrose stood up quickly, tucking the map away. He pointed to Eric, "Delko, you stick with me and Wolfe, stay close to Price. If we tell you to do something, you do it, no questions. Got it?" The two CSIs nodded and Montrose turned and gestured towards the sounds of firing, "Move it, gentlemen. It's time for the cavalry to arrive."

"Calleigh?" Horatio repeated anxiously. Dammit, had she passed out again? Gritting his teeth, he began the painful process of crawling over to her. He was going to have to do something about the blood loss and soon, he was starting to get light-headed. Another series of shots rang out and Horatio flinched as a bullet slammed into the earth about five feet away. The brothers were getting smarter about where they were aiming. He fired back to let them know he was still around and continued his slow journey to Calleigh's side. Finally, he was crouched alongside, panting from the effort. His right arm was hanging uselessly by his side.

She was still on her side and it looked like she was out cold. Grimacing, Horatio put the pistol down in front of him and reached out to put a hand on her forehead, then swore quietly. He hadn't thought it would be possible but she felt hotter than before. Horatio slid his hand around to the side of her face and patted her cheek, "Calleigh? Sweetheart? C'mon, you need to wake up." He sucked in a breath as she started to move a little, "That's it. C'mon, Cal, no sleeping on the job. We've got things to do and people to see." Horatio felt a surge of relief when her eyes began to flutter open. He gave her a smile when she finally focused on him, "Hello again."

Calleigh blinked a little and frowned, "What happened?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. She cringed as another barrage of shots passed overhead.

"It's okay, " Horatio soothed, "Most of the shots haven't even been close these last few times. I don't know why... " He froze suddenly in alarm. Son of a bitch, how could he be so dense? It was a diversion...

"Horatio," Calleigh's voice, low and tense, broke into his thoughts. She was looking past him, her face suddenly paler.

"Don't move." A man's voice sounded behind him, moving closer, "Now show me your hands, nice and easy."

Horatio closed his eyes briefly as he extended his left hand out to his side. He started to give Calleigh a look of apology and his eyes widened in surprise. She'd reached forward and grabbed his pistol. She gave him a quick look as she firmed up her grip and he gave the barest of nods. Silently, he mouthed, "One... two..." On three, he threw himself to the side as Calleigh raised the pistol and fired twice. It hurt like hell when he landed and for a moment, he fought to remain conscious. Finally, Horatio turned his head to look back and saw the body of a large man stretched out on the ground, arms flung wide. Even fever-ridden, Calleigh's aim was deadly.

He looked over at her and she was staring at the body, the pistol resting in a limp hand. With an effort, Horatio pushed himself up into a sitting position. He started to say something to her when a giant, unseen fist slammed into his chest, knocking him backwards. He had just enough time to wonder what the hell had happened when the blinding pain hit. Horatio mercifully passed out.

NO! Calleigh wasn't sure if she screamed out loud or not as she stared at Horatio. Her senses seemed to be failing. The last thing she'd heard was the deafeningly loud report of a rifle behind her and now everything was silent. Horror-stricken, she stared at the growing bloodstain across his chest and then spun back towards the shooter, extending the pistol as she turned. It would be her death. She no longer cared.

Dizzy from the sudden move, Calleigh blinked in confusion. Milo Burrus had dropped his rifle and was stumbling sideways as if the world had suddenly tipped. Her vision was going in and out of focus giving him a rippling effect and nauseating her at the same time. She turned her head the other way in time to see an ominously dark figure rushing towards her and Horatio. Her hand came up and she squeezed the trigger. The pistol jumped but she still couldn't hear anything. The figure suddenly disappeared. She scanned the rest of the clearing and saw with dread that more and more dark-clad beings were appearing. She kept the pistol tracking back and forth, knowing there were too many but determined to keep Death at bay for as long as possible. They'd have to take her first before she'd let them get to Horatio.