December 23

Manhattan, New York

Sounds of vomiting filled the apartment and Danielle sat on the edge of the tub, silently rubbing her husband's back as Bosco lost the contents of his stomach in the toilet. He hadn't been able to eat much or sleep well in the last 12 hours and he knew that the chemo was taking a very harsh toll on his body.

"I think my stomach's empty," Bosco said in a pained voice as he shuffled away from the toilet and immediately leaned against Danielle for support. "I don't want to go get help this close to Christmas…"

Danielle sighed softly, "Maurice, you can't even keep water down," she replied in a quiet voice.

Bosco sighed when he suddenly heard the front door open, "Bosco?" he heard Carlos call out.

"Did Sully seriously go and get paramedics?" Bosco grumbled even though he didn't move.

Danielle gently put a hand on his shoulder, "My parents are off getting a checkup on their baby," she gently reminded him, looking confused as Carlos hobbled into the bathroom. "How'd you get in?"

"John called and I brought Kylie and Tommy with me since Holly's working," Carlos explained in a concerned voice as noise from the TV filled the air. "John and Tommy turned on a cartoon and Tommy's watching David, Ellie, and Kylie while John's got Michael and Emily in their swings out there."

Bosco nodded and Carlos eased his way into the bathroom, "Holly's an EMS supervisor, so we always have extra stuff around," Carlos explained as he eased a backpack off his back. "You look like crap."

"I'm even throwing up liquids," Bosco spoke quietly. "It'll scare the kids if I go to the hospital."

Carlos gave Bosco a look, "You'll be able to get some rest and get rehydrated at the hospital, Bosco," he said in a quiet, but firm voice. "I know it's two days before Christmas, but you need medical help."

Bosco scoffed and Carlos sat on the edge of the tub, "Let me check your vitals before you start scoffing, okay?" Carlos suggested calmly. "I may not be on the street, but I've kept my proficiencies up."

Nodding, Bosco clung to Danielle as Carlos got his supplies out of the backpack and silently checked Bosco's vitals, "How come you're not working at all anymore?" Bosco finally asked. "You're good."

"Because I couldn't pass the FDNY physical right now," Carlos replied calmly. "I'd be a liability."

Danielle scoffed, "Go be an on-site medic somewhere or teach," she spoke firmly. "Carlos, you've got so much skill and talent that you should at least do part-time work while homeschooling Tommy."

"You're starting to sound like Doc," Carlos commented in a quiet voice. "Blood pressure's low."

Danielle sighed softly, "We were both trained by Doc, remember?" she replied. "How low?"

"You could be anemic," Carlos replied, gazing at Bosco. "You're also really, really dehydrated."

Bosco nodded, "Help me up because sirens and paramedics will freak the kids out," he said softly.

"That will drop your pressure more," Carlos replied firmly. "Paramedics are the best option."

Bosco sighed, "Okay," he said in a resigned voice. "Just try to not scare the kids."

"I'll go call paramedics," Danielle said, standing up. "Maurice, stay here and listen to Carlos, okay?"

As Danielle went into the living room, she saw that Tommy was sitting in a chair doing some homework while David, Ellie, and Kylie sat on the couch watching a Christmas cartoon. Michael and Emily were sitting in their swings and John was in the kitchen, silently putting together a healthy lunch.

"John, I need you to hold down the fort because your dad needs to go to the hospital," Danielle spoke quietly as she approached him in the kitchen. "Your Uncle Carlos says that your dad needs to go."

John looked concerned, but nodded, watching as his mother picked up the phone and dialled 9-1-1.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Greg, these are my parents," Jenny explained in a quiet voice as a nervous looking Greg approached the cafeteria where Jenny was sitting in a wheelchair while Diana and Tommy sat at a table. "Mom, Dad, this is Greg Sanders, a DNA Technician at the Vegas Crime Lab. Greg's been really kind to me."

Greg blushed, but silently sat at the table, "I think we've developed feelings for each other," he admitted quietly, his face reddening as Jenny took his hand. "I don't want to speak for Jenny."

"I've really found a lot of safety in Greg," Jenny spoke softly. "He's got some days off…"

Just then, Emily and Ryan joined them, "Hi Greg," Emily said warmly. "How are you doing?"

"Why do you have days off?" Ryan asked in a concerned voice, having overheard Greg.

Greg sighed, "The higher-ups hired a new CSI and she's training right now," he explained, still very self-conscious about his new disability. "There was an attack on the Crime Lab a few months back that took some of my hearing and I have to wear hearing aids. The LVPD thinks having a hearing impaired CSI in the field is a liability and will bring the lab's reputation down, so I was sent back to the lab for good."

Tommy scowled, "That's discrimination," he said darkly. "Do you need a good lawyer, Mister Sanders?"

"Oh, um, a colleague of mine, Nick Stokes, has his dad working on it," Greg replied nervously.

Tommy nodded, but didn't say anything because the Stokes's were on their way and he wasn't sure what to make of them yet, "I don't care that Greg has to wear hearing aids," Jenny spoke up softly.

As Tommy and Diana talked with Greg and Jenny, Ryan and Emily walked over to the food counter, "I know this is going to sound strange, but I'm wondering how Mom's doing," Ryan spoke quietly.

"I phone her weekly and we have a brief conversation, but she's never eager to talk to me," Emily replied in a quiet voice. "You were good to move her to a nicer place after the last one was attacked."

Ryan sighed, "I haven't talked to her since before I was kidnapped and tortured and I'm wondering if I made the right choice coming to Vegas because it's just uncomfortable being here, but I have no idea why," he explained in a tired voice. "I've also been keeping something important from you."

"What?" Emily replied in a quiet voice, giving Ryan a concerned look. "Is it about your health?"

Ryan shook his head, "Eric and Calleigh went to the Chief and convinced him to order me to have a Psych evaluation before I'll be allowed back to my shift," he explained quietly. "I talked to Stetler about it and he told Horatio. Stetler said if I switched to nights, he could get Eric and Calleigh to back off."

"Eric and Calleigh are questioning your mental fitness?" Emily replied in a concerned voice. "Why?"

Ryan shrugged, "No offense, but Eric and Calleigh never really liked me coming and taking Tim's spot when Tim was shot," he replied quietly. "I think they wanted me to leave after Tim came back."

Emily sighed and gently gave Ryan a hug, "I'm sorry," she replied softly. "You don't deserve that."

"I don't think I need to be here while the Stokes's talk with Tommy, Diana, Jenny, and Greg," Ryan spoke in a quiet voice. "I might go back to the hotel and see if I can get a hold of Mom or just take a nap."

Emily nodded, "I know Horatio wasn't happy about it, but what can he do?" Ryan spoke softly.

Before Emily could reply, Ryan silently left the cafeteria and kept quiet as he left the hospital. He walked over to the nearby bus terminal and waited, fully intending on going back to the Palms and resting.

As Ryan sat on the bench, however, a car suddenly pulled over at the stop and the window rolled down, "Hey there, stranger," Sofia said in a warm voice, smiling at Ryan. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was visiting my niece," Ryan replied as he got up. "I haven't seen you in a couple days."

Sofia gave him an apologetic look, "I've been getting to know my new job," she replied gently. "I got your messages and they helped me get through it all. If you're free, we could go out on a date now."

Ryan smiled, "I'd really like that," he replied in a pleased voice. "I could use some company."

"Get in," Sofia said, opening the passenger door. "We can go someplace really nice."

Nodding, Ryan got into the car and pulled the door shut, buckling up as Sofia took off.

Calle Ocho – Miami, Florida

Warrick sighed softly as he left the InTown Apartment building where he was apartment sitting for Ryan until he got back from Vegas. Ryan had been concerned about the safety of his apartment and had asked Warrick, who was staying in Miami until he found Derek Stokes, to keep it safe for him.

The air was cool and the streets were lined with Christmas decorations, which made walking down the street to the nearby market easy and enjoyable. Since he knew Ryan wouldn't want to come home to a messy apartment, Warrick got only a little bit of food every day and didn't leave any to create a mess.

As Warrick made his way down the street, however, a guy in jeans and a hoodie launched himself out of the bushes and knocked him down on the pavement, "Gimme your money and your credit cards!" the man hissed as he forced Warrick over on to his back and pointed a knife at him. "All of it…or I kill!"

Quickly realizing that the guy looked like an older version of Nick, Warrick frowned, "Come ON!" the man shouted angrily, pointing the knife at Warrick's chin. "I don't have all day! Gimme your stuff!"

"Derek Stokes?" Warrick said in a surprised voice. "What are you doing so out in the open?"

Derek's eyes widened in anger and Warrick used the hesitation as an opportunity to launch Derek off of him and get up, "Dude, that's dirty play!" Derek snapped as he staggered to his feet. "How dare you!"

"How dare you try to rob me!" Warrick snapped as he faced Derek. "Why are you here?"

Derek suddenly tilted his chin and Warrick felt himself being grabbed around the throat from behind with a gun pressed into his back, "How do you know my name?" Derek snarled, fire in his eyes.

"Easy there, Stokes," Warrick heard an amused, accented voice say. "We can take him with us."

Derek looked amused and nodded eagerly, smirking as he followed Clavo into an alley with Warrick bound by Clavo's headlock, "We'll find out who you are one way or another," Derek hissed.

"You know you're wanted, Derek," Warrick hissed as he struggled to breathe. "By the police."

Swearing anxiously, Derek backhanded Warrick into the wall and Warrick promptly passed out cold.

Angel of Mercy Hospital - Manhattan, New York

Bosco sighed tiredly, examining the IV that was resting in his hand as he lay on an exam bed under a blanket, wearing a gown over his sweats that he had only been able to get on because Danielle had helped him change out of his street shirt once they had gotten to the hospital in the ambulance and had also been there when he had gotten a catheter in. He was now in the ER under observation and resting while Danielle called home to check on the kids; he didn't expect it to be a short stay.

While Danielle was gone, a nurse had come by and tried to take blood, but Bosco had refused to let her touch him because memories of what Dr. Price had done came flooding back. The nurse had quietly backed off, as the assault was national news and nobody wanted to trigger any flashbacks in him.

The curtain suddenly opened and Danielle came in with Hawkes, who was wearing scrubs and a lab coat while pushing a supply cart, "A little birdie told me that you were nervous about getting blood drawn, Maurice," Danielle spoke softly, smiling gently at him. "I got permission to take your blood myself."

"I'm Doctor Hawkes and I work here sometimes," Hawkes said kindly. "John talks a lot about you."

Bosco immediately looked confused as he looked at Hawkes, "How do you know John?" he asked.

"I'm a Crime Scene Investigator and an occasional Medical Examiner at the Crime Lab and I've taught him a few things," Hawkes explained calmly. "He said that you only got diagnosed earlier this month?"

Bosco nodded, "I just had my last chemo before the holidays on the 20th," he replied in a tired voice. "I started feeling icky last night and I managed with gingerale, but I can't even keep fluids down now."

"That is an unfortunate side-effect of chemotherapy and it's good that you decided to come in rather than take a risk with your health," Hawkes replied in a kind voice. "You seem dehydrated and according to the set of vitals taken by Paramedic Carlos Nieto, your blood pressure is low and you've got a temp."

Bosco sighed, "Carlos came with us in the ambulance and he's off calling his wife," he replied softly.

Hawkes nodded and Danielle smiled as she handed him two labelled vials that were filled with blood, "There you go, Doctor Hawkes," she said calmly. "That should be enough for the basic tests."

Smiling, Hawkes took the vials and walked off while Danielle sat on the gurney next to Bosco, "I didn't feel anything," Bosco spoke in a tired voice, gazing at his wife. "How'd you do that so quickly?"

"You look tired, sweetie," Danielle replied in a kind voice. "Sleep will help you feel better."

Bosco gave her a look, "Yeah," he spoke in a tired voice. "I think I'll try to get some sleep."

Danielle put an arm around him and Bosco snuggled close to her; the exam bed was large and so both of them could fit rather comfortably. As Bosco drifted off, Danielle gently kissed his sweaty forehead.

Bosco smiled slightly, but stayed asleep because he was comfortably warm, "Danielle," Danielle suddenly heard as Sully came into view looking worried. "I got a call from John just a bit ago…"

"Maurice is stable for now, but he's dehydrated, has low blood pressure, and a bit of a fever, so they might start another IV once the bloodwork's back," Danielle spoke softly. "I left John in charge."

Sully nodded, "Yelina's just getting dressed," he replied. "Do you think they'll admit him?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm staying for as long as I can," Danielle replied firmly. "Maurice is my husband."

Sully looked thoughtful, "I can always call Rose to help at home if Yelina gets tired," he said calmly. "I can send John along later with things you might need if Bosco has to spend the night here…"

Just then, Yelina came into view and frowned at seeing Bosco asleep on an exam bed while Danielle held him, "Maurice finally decided to come in?" she asked in a quiet voice. "He doesn't look very well."

"The kids were surprisingly calm when the ambulance showed up at the apartment," Danielle spoke in a tired voice. "Carlos came with us, but I'm sure he'll need to go back and get his kids from our place."

Yelina nodded, "Is there anything I can get either of you?" she asked quietly. "I know you'll stay."

"Aren't you tired?" Danielle asked quietly. "Your baby's getting bigger, so I imagine you would be."

Yelina smiled, "I'm fine," she replied in a calm voice. "We'll do what we can to help."

"Could you please just go make sure the kids are okay?" Danielle spoke softly. "I'm staying here."

Sully looked concerned, "Danielle, I know that Maurice wants to keep it secret from most of your friends, but you can't take care of him all by yourself all the time," he said calmly. "You need support."

"I'm not the one you have to convince," Danielle replied softly, frowning when Bosco suddenly woke.

Bosco groaned as he slowly sat up, "I'm gonna throw up," he said in an anxious voice. "I need…"

Without warning, Bosco threw up on the floor, barely missing Sully and Yelina, "Crap," Sully said in a concerned voice as he led Yelina away from the puke. "Excuse me, could we get some help here?"

Mary Proctor promptly came over with a clean gown and blanket and helped Danielle pull the curtain so they could help Bosco change in private. A few moments later, the curtain was pulled back and Bosco eyed the puke on the floor warily, "Doctor Hawkes wants you to stay the night," Mary spoke firmly.

"In the ER?" Bosco asked in a groggy voice. "I'm not some mannequin you can put on display."

Mary gave him a look, "It'll be in a private room," she replied calmly. "You need to be observed."

"Can Danielle stay with me?" Bosco asked quietly. "I can't sleep without her next to me."

Mary nodded and Bosco painstakingly got off the exam bed, trembling to the point where Danielle grabbed hold of him and guided his dominant hand to the IV pole, "Boscorelli," Mary said worriedly.

"I can make it," Bosco replied in a slightly snappish tone. "I just have to go really slow."

Danielle held tight to Bosco as he shakily followed Mary through the ER, all of them aware that Sully and Yelina were following close behind in case Bosco needed extra help. Fortunately, Bosco managed to get to the room that Mary led them to and managed to sit on the bed before he had to take a rest.

Sully silently lifted Bosco's legs on to the bed for him, "You'll need a couple of extra IV's," Mary said calmly, looking at the chart that Hawkes had given her. "Doctor Hawkes will come visit you soon."

Bosco, however, wasn't listening because he had drifted off as soon as his head had hit the pillow and Danielle silently covered him with every available blanket, "I'll sit with him," she spoke gently.

Mary nodded and left the room, but Sully and Yelina stayed, "What would you like brought to you?" Yelina asked softly as Danielle sat on the bed beside Bosco. "Do you want books and clothes?"

"Just try and keep the kids focused on Christmas," Danielle spoke softly. "Not on their dad's pain."

Sully sighed, "Someone will be back later to give you a break and bring stuff," he said firmly, seeing that his daughter was tired and clearly upset about the situation. "Take it easy, kiddo. I love you."

Not wanting to speak, as she would end up crying, Danielle nodded and silently huddled close to her sleeping husband as her parents left the room, "I'll love you forever, Maurice," she whispered.

Miami, Florida

"I can't believe Donnie and my sons kicked me out of my own house so they could wrap presents," Robert said in an amused voice as he and Natalia walked along the beach that was close to downtown after Natalia had gotten off work and come to visit. "At least you're off and I can spend time with you."

Natalia nodded, grateful that Robert had free time because Horatio had felt well enough to go visit Eric and run private errands on his own while Flack babysat, "I've missed you," she replied softly.

"I don't like that you'll have to go to nights in the New Year because of department policy," Robert spoke in a concerned voice, gazing at her. "I can't work nights because I'm a single parent…"

Natalia sighed, but didn't say anything because she hated having to switch to nights and lose out on spending time with her boyfriend and his sons, "I could go back to Homicide and then you could stay on days," Robert said in a heavy voice even though he knew he couldn't go back to such a risky job.

"You almost got killed in that job, so I'm not going to ask you to do that," Natalia replied softly. "I can't."

Robert sighed and engulfed Natalia in a hug, which she returned, "I want to marry you," he said softly.

Natalia's eyes widened, filled with tears, and she gently kissed him, "I know," she replied quietly.

Smiling, Robert guided Natalia over to a table that was at an outdoor café, "I should tell you something in the meantime," he spoke softly as they sat down. "I changed my will after my father almost killed me and if something should happen to me that I can't come back from, I arranged for you and my uncle to be co-guardians of BJ and Adam and I also arranged for you both to divide my assets equally."

Natalia looked shocked, but she nodded silently, "I'm very aware of who my father was and that he has associates everywhere who know what happened in Las Vegas," Robert spoke quietly. "Painfully aware."

Nodding, Natalia touched Robert's hand and he took her hand, "Talia, I love you and I was hoping you'd consider becoming engaged to me," Robert spoke in a kind voice. "If it's too soon for you, I…"

"It's not too soon and I've wanted our relationship to grow ever since you almost died in Las Vegas, but I knew you weren't ready then," Natalia replied, a smile on her face. "I love you and I love your kids."

Robert smiled, "Would you like to go pick out a ring while we're out?" he asked in a kind voice.

"I trust your judgement, Bobby," Natalia replied in an amused voice. "You had this planned."

Robert nodded, "I was going to save it for tomorrow, but we ended up having some private time today," he admitted with a smile on his face. "While we're here, did you want to eat before we get a ring?"

Natalia chuckled, "We should go shopping for the food for tomorrow and the 25th," she said warmly.

"The boys want to wait until you can be with us to do that," Robert replied. "We can do it as a family."

Natalia smiled, got up, and walked over to Robert, "I love you," she spoke as she gently sat in his lap.

As Robert and Natalia began to kiss, a waiter showed up, "May I help you?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

"Sorry," Robert and Natalia replied in unison as they got up and quickly moved away from the café, chuckling mischievously as they moved down the street towards a shop where they could get a ring.

Crime Lab – Las Vegas, Nevada

"Where is she, Gil?" Ecklie asked in an annoyed voice as he came into Grissom's office and saw Grissom sitting at his desk while Judge Stokes and Jillian Stokes sat on the other side. "Where's Jenny Wolfe?"

Grissom frowned, "I assume she's here, as her parents are in the break room," he replied calmly.

"I already know that Sidle's left early to go baby shopping, Grissom," Ecklie replied in a mock annoyed voice, giving Grissom a look. "If you don't tell me where she is, I can't talk to her about the case."

Grissom sighed, "Did you try the staff areas?" he suggested calmly. "There are couches in there."

Ecklie frowned, "Staff areas are for staff," he replied crossly. "What would she be doing in there?"

"Would you please excuse me a moment?" Grissom said, smiling at the Stokes's as he stood up.

Ignoring Ecklie's glare, Grissom led him through the hallways and into the room that the staff used to rest when they were on nights. Greg was sitting on the couch reading a magazine while a pillow sat in his lap that Jenny was sleeping on with Greg's lab coat over her clothes. She looked peaceful.

"Pregnant women need lots of rest," Grissom observed quietly. "She's comfortable with Greg."

Ecklie nodded, deeply mystified, "Is Nick moving things into your guys's new place?" Grissom asked.

Greg nodded and looked at Ecklie, "Nick doesn't want to live on his own anymore, so I invited him to move in with me and I also invited Jenny so that she could stay somewhere safe until the baby's born," Greg explained calmly. "She's not allowed to fly and her parents are worried about her going home."

"I hope you got some help for Nick?" Grissom asked quizzically. "His leg is still in a cast."

Greg nodded, "I hired movers," he replied in a calm voice. "I have the money to hire movers."

Grissom nodded, "We're working on arranging schedules so that one of us can be there with her all the time," Greg continued in a quiet voice. "Her dad's really wealthy and he's going to be paying for whatever she needs until she and the baby are able to go home. Derek did some really bad things…"

Jenny suddenly stirred and sat up, "Oh, sorry, I got tired," she apologized, gazing at Grissom and Ecklie.

"You're cleared in terms of Lieutenant Caine's property, Miss Wolfe," Ecklie said calmly. "However, I would like to know if you could help us, New York, and Miami in terms of our investigation into Derek Stokes and where he might be hiding. This mess has been going on for quite a while now."

Jenny was very quiet and Greg quickly sat up, "I know where he was when I ran away, but Derek isn't one to stay in one place for long," she finally spoke quietly. "He's very much into the party scene."

"Any information would be useful," Ecklie spoke quietly. "Even if it was where you stayed."

Jenny sighed softly, "That, I can tell you," she replied. "Do I have to go sit in an office?"

"No," Grissom spoke before Ecklie could speak. "I can talk to you about it here."

Greg sighed and got up, "I'm going to keep your parents company," he said calmly. "Okay?"

Jenny nodded and Greg left the room, giving Ecklie and Grissom opportunity to sit down in chairs, "Tell us whatever you can remember with as much detail as possible, please," Ecklie spoke in a calm voice.

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

The Crime Lab was quiet, but Horatio sat alone in the privacy of his office after taking a cab to the police properties and calling Eric, quietly asking for a meeting in his office. Horatio only had the use of one arm and was only capable of very limited movement for the time being, but he wanted to understand.

Calleigh, despite her openness when it came to cases, wouldn't give him the answers he sought simply because she was very good at keeping secrets when she wanted to. Eric, however, was now incapable of lying and couldn't even pretend to deceive because that part of his brain had been damaged by the bullet that got him in the head. Eric was now painfully honest even if it got him and others in trouble.

As footsteps echoed through the quiet air, Horatio sighed softly and raised an eyebrow when Eric came into the doorway, "You should be at your nephew's resting," Eric commented as he came into the office.

"I heard about you and Calleigh going to Chief Burton, Eric," Horatio explained. "Can you tell me why?"

Eric sighed, "We all know that Wolfe's memory hasn't been that good since he was found in Las Vegas and that could be a liability," he explained in a concerned voice. "I had to take a full battery of tests and a psych eval before I was cleared to work again, but Wolfe hasn't done that. I think he needs to."

"Mister Wolfe's recovery is ongoing and has not yet reached the point where a psychiatric evaluation is necessary," Horatio spoke quietly. "He is still undergoing cancer treatments along with continuing to recover from the attack, so your concerns have no merit. I have spoken to IAB about the situation, however, as well as Mister Wolfe and he has agreed to transfer to night shift in the New Year."

Eric looked concerned, but didn't say anything, "If you and Calleigh had concerns, you could have come to me instead of going behind my back to the Chief," Horatio spoke. "I thought we had more trust…"

"I'm sorry, H," Eric replied in a tone that indicated he was ashamed. "I should have come to you."

Horatio nodded as the phone rang, "Horatio," he said softly, answering it with his right hand.

"Lieutenant Caine, it's good to hear from you," Grissom said calmly. "How are you feeling?"

As holding the phone was proving hard on his recovering body, Horatio quickly set the receiver on the desk, pressed the speaker button, and then hung the receiver up, "I'm hanging in there as well as one can after being beaten and having their house destroyed by an SUV," he replied in a tired voice.

"Well, I have information that may help lift your mood," Grissom replied calmly. "Jenny Wolfe was able to give us information that might lead to Derek Stokes or at least lead us to his accomplices."

Eric's eyes widened, "Ecklie is off contacting the Chief of MDPD so he can organize SWAT to conduct a raid on the location Jenny gave us," Grissom explained calmly. "The raid may happen on Christmas."

"It's not how many wanted to spend their Christmas, I'm sure," Horatio spoke tiredly. "However…"

Grissom paused, "Miami-Dade SWAT will execute the operation," Ecklie spoke up. "I'll be speaking with the appropriate people and if your people find Derek Stokes, I want him locked away until a trial…"

"Derek Stokes is elusive," Horatio replied tiredly. "He doesn't strike me as easy to apprehend."

There was a sigh, "Lieutenant Caine, you should be recovering from your attack," Ecklie said in a calm, slightly patronizing voice. "Go home and enjoy your leave. I'll keep you up to speed about things."

The phone clicked and Eric shut it off, "You should really rest, H," he said in a concerned voice.

"I should visit Marisol first, Eric," Horatio replied as he stood up. "Would you please drive me there?"

Eric nodded and sighed, taking great care to help Horatio leave the office and secure it.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Ryan, we really do need to get up," Ryan heard a gentle voice say. "I have to get ready for work."

Ryan sighed softly as he opened his eyes and smiled, seeing that Sofia was in bed next to him after they had come to her house for their date. They had shared a meal of whatever was in her fridge and then Ryan had shared about what happened to him before, as Sofia hadn't heard much about it.

By the time Ryan had explained everything, he was emotionally drained and tired, so Sofia had invited him to bed for some relaxation. They had shared some fun and then had both fallen asleep for a while.

"You looked so comfortable," Sofia spoke gently, smiling at Ryan as she got up. "I hated to wake you."

Ryan smiled, but got out of bed and found himself gazing at the scars on his torso and arm, "I wish I could remember how my body got like this," he spoke quietly. "I hope the scars didn't disgust you."

"No," Sofia replied in a kind voice, smiling at him as she stroked his chest and kissed him gently.

Ryan quickly dressed and waited as Sofia showered and dressed, "Did you want to come meet my family before you go to work?" he asked quietly. "I've told them great things about how you've helped me."

Sofia blushed, "That would be lovely, Ryan," she replied gently. "I would love to meet your family."

Ryan silently waited for Sofia to gather her things and then sat in the passenger seat while she drove them to The Palms in what seemed like no time at all. Soon enough, they were at the suite.

As Ryan opened the door to his family's suite, he was pleased and surprised to see Emily sitting on the couch, watching as Tim decorated a Christmas tree that was in the corner of the room while Jason and Emilio sat on the floor with James, Julliet, and a pile of books, toys, and simple puzzles for kids.

"Emily, Tim, this is Sofia Curtis, the lady I told you about," Ryan said calmly. "Sofia, this is my sister, Emily, and her husband Tim. The kids are theirs and my big brother's…Why aren't you out?"

Tim sighed, "I saw all I needed to see of Vegas when I was here last month," he replied calmly.

"The kids would get overstimulated by all the lights and noise," Emily spoke gently, sighing patiently as James suddenly got up and wandered over to Ryan and Sofia, eyeing Sofia carefully. "James…"

Ryan silently picked James up, "James, this is Sofia," he said calmly. "Sofia is Uncle Ryan's friend."

James looked scared and Ryan sighed, "Hi James," Sofia spoke gently. "It's nice to meet you."

Almost immediately, James wriggled out of Ryan's arms and went over to Emily, "Don't take it personally, Sofia," Ryan spoke calmly. "James reacts that way to every stranger on the street; he goes away from them and over to the nearest familiar face he can find. He's got bad stranger anxiety."

Sofia nodded, "You're welcome to join us for Christmas dinner if you're free," Emily spoke gently as she watched James get on to the couch and curl into a ball. "We're just having something delivered here."

"I'll see what my schedule is," Sofia replied in a quiet voice. "Ryan, thank you for a lovely time."

Ryan nodded and shared a hug with Sofia before she left, "You slept with her," Emily said quietly.

"It was pleasant," Ryan replied in a calm voice. "I think we both needed it, you know?"

Emily smiled, but didn't say anything, "Tommy and Diana are at the Crime Lab with Jenny, but they said they'd bring back supper," she finally said calmly. "Nick Stokes is moving things into the place that Jenny will share with him and Greg until the baby's born since she can't fly and Tommy wants her safe…"

Ryan nodded, "I hope she's safe here," he spoke quietly. "Um, I think I'm going to have a rest."

Emily nodded, but she looked concerned as Ryan silently went to his bedroom and shut the door, "What's going on?" Tim asked quietly. "Ryan's told you something that's obviously upsetting you."

"I'm not sure you want to be involved in the situation, but I'll share and let you decide for yourself," Emily replied in a quiet voice, wanting to help Ryan. "Eric and Calleigh went to Chief Burton and requested that Ryan have a psych eval before being allowed back on his shift and the Chief agreed."

Tim frowned, but didn't say anything, "Ryan talked to Stetler and Stetler recommended that he switch to nights and said that that might be enough to get Chief Burton to back off," Emily spoke softly. "So, Ryan said he'd do it and I'm sure Horatio knows by now. I know Eric and Calleigh are your friends…"

"They're colleagues," Tim replied gently. "I don't associate with them outside of work very much, if at all, and that's the way we'd all prefer to keep it. They seem to think that I should invest all of my time in my job while you spend more time at home. I view this whole marriage and parenthood thing as a team effort and I know you love counseling. I'm not going to make you be a frumpy little housewife."

Emily looked surprised, but didn't say anything, "Go swim, Mama?" James suddenly spoke up.

"You want to go for a swim?" Emily asked calmly, smiling as she gazed at her children. "All right."

Tim sighed softly, but helped Emily up from the couch, "Jason, Emilio, work on the tree unless you wanna come swimming," he said in a quiet voice, watching as Emily led the twins into the bedroom.

Angel of Mercy - Manhattan, New York

"It feels good to be able to walk again even if I have to wear walking casts," Brendan said in a cheerful voice as he followed Grace across the floor of the ER towards the exit. "How are my babies doing?"

Grace smiled, "We're fine," she replied in a calm voice. "Just take it easy with the walking, all right?"

Before Brendan could reply, he spotted Ty come into the ER wearing his winter uniform and talking to John, who was wearing winter gear and carrying two bags while wearing a backpack, "…My mom said my dad was moved to a general patient room," John said as he looked at Ty. "I think I know the way."

Ty nodded, "Just take me up to the floor and I'll go to the room myself," John spoke nervously.

Brendan frowned and silently watched as John led Ty to the elevators, "Is Bosco here?" he asked softly.

Grace frowned and helped Brendan follow John and Ty to the elevators, "Davis?" Brendan asked softly.

"My dad doesn't want people to know, but I think he's full of crap and I'm tired of keeping secrets," John spoke before Ty could say anything. "My dad's got Stage 2 testicular cancer and he had surgery for it, but he's here because he's reacting to his last chemo treatment. Doctor Hawkes admitted him."

Ty looked grim and Grace silently hugged John, "Is there anything we can do?" Brendan asked softly.

"I think my mom would appreciate a visit," John spoke quietly. "She's been here for a while."

Grace nodded and she and Brendan joined Ty and John in the elevator and rode upstairs with them, keeping quiet as they got off on the right floor and walked down the hallway, "Mom?" John said as he led them into the room and saw that his mother was sitting on the window while his father slept in bed sporting three extra IV's. "I brought the stuff you asked me to and I ran into Uncle Brendan and…"

"Your dad will be grateful for his stuff when he wakes, kiddo," Danielle replied as she got up and walked over to them. "Ty, thank you so much for using your supper to come and bring John over here."

Ty nodded and Grace gave Danielle a hug, "Mom, why don't you get something from the cafeteria?" John spoke up quietly. "I can stay with Dad for a while and Grandpa ordered Uncle Ty to stay with me."

"We can walk you to the cafeteria," Brendan offered kindly. "It's not far from here and I'm hungry."

Nodding, Danielle let Brendan and Grace lead her from the hospital room while Ty watched John unpack the bags, "You didn't have to come down here," Ty said calmly. "I could have brought the stuff myself."

"…Davis, why are you being so loud?" Bosco suddenly moaned. "I'm trying to get a little sleep."

Ty froze as Bosco opened his eyes, "I brought you clean clothes and stuff, Dad," John said calmly.

Bosco sighed tiredly, "Good," he replied quietly. "Did you bring me one of those smoothie things?"

John nodded and produced a thermos, "Yeah," he replied in a quiet voice. "You up for strawberry?"

Nodding, Bosco slowly moved the bed controls so he was more upright and John uncapped the thermos and helped him drink, smiling when his father managed to finish it, "Did your mom go for supper?" Bosco asked in a tired voice, feeling better because of the smoothie. "I worry about her, you know?"

As Bosco and John talked, Ty made himself comfortable in a nearby chair and just silently listened in.

Miami, Florida

"…The dude couldn't handle your driving, Clavo!" Warrick heard an angry voice shout in his ear.

Feeling extremely dizzy, Warrick opened his eyes and found that he was handcuffed to some pipes in a barely lit room that was cold, "Ivan said we should rough the dude up before bringing him to Key West," he heard a rougher voice say. "We can trade the dude to Memmo's trafficking ring for some nice drugs."

"Oh, I wanna talk to him," Derek hissed as he came into the room. "He mentioned my baby brother."

Warrick hissed in pain as he felt a hand grab his hair, "Officer Warrick Brown of the Las Vegas Crime Lab," Derek hissed as he glared daggers at Warrick. "So…Warrick, you work with Nicky in Vegas…"

"I have nothing to say to you, Derek Stokes," Warrick replied coldly. "You're a criminal and you took part in the kidnapping and torture of Ryan Wolfe. You helped Dennis Sackheim beat the crap out of a CSI…."

Derek's eyes widened, "Ryan Wolfe was making Memmo mad by looking into where little Raymond Caine and Lindsey Willows-Stetler are," he hissed coldly. "He even saw them and Memmo didn't like that, so Sackheim cooked something up that would obliterate Wolfe's memories of his experience…"

"You forgot that the little girl escaped because Wolfe helped her," Clavo hissed. "That 11 year old brat!"

Derek sighed and nodded, "Are you going to look for her?" he asked quietly. "She's just a kid…"

"Derek, you almost molested a cop's kid and you're worried about the girl?" Clavo asked in surprise.

Derek shrugged, "This guy works with Nick and I want to know what he knows," he hissed darkly.

Clavo nodded and released Warrick's hair, "I wonder if that's where Jenny went with my money and that jewelry of Horatio Caine's that suddenly went missing," Derek snarled. "Nick's such a do-gooder."

Clavo's eyebrows raised, "You think she ran off to Las Vegas?" he asked in a shocked voice.

Crime Lab – Las Vegas, Nevada

Silence and work were Greg's company now that Jenny and her parents had left and Grissom was busy with other things, but he didn't mind it. The silence allowed him to catch up on some neglected work.

As Greg worked, he suddenly felt uneasy as if he could sense someone planning something very, very bad. He knew that he would be seen as insane if he admitted to having inherited psychic powers from his Nana Olaf; people thought him crazy enough simply because he had to rely on aids to hear properly.

However, the feelings of unease grew and Greg suddenly felt his eyes closing and his mind slipping into an involuntary, trance-like state. He suddenly saw images in his mind of Warrick being tortured by a guy he didn't know and Derek Stokes and while they tortured him, they spoke of children and of Jenny.

Greg was so lost in his psychic vision that he didn't notice that he was sweating profusely and his entire body was trembling violently from it. He didn't have psychic visions often and his powers were usually limited to fast processing speed when it came to work, but every so often, it would be much more.

A hand suddenly brushed against Greg's arm as he felt his legs sink slightly, "Greg?" a voice asked.

Greg suddenly felt the vision fade and he closed his eyes as his head tilted forward, "I'm all right," he managed to say in a weak voice even though he was feeling very close to fainting. "Just a minute."

"I thought Ecklie gave you time off so Sofia could train?" Greg heard Grissom ask as he felt himself being guided across the floor and sat down on something soft. "You might be having a low sugar reaction."

Greg sighed groggily as he opened his eyes, "Shouldn't you and Sara be at home planning that wedding you wanna have on New Year's Eve?" he asked, unable to help his ability to read Grissom's mind.

Grissom froze on his way to get his jar of grasshoppers off a shelf, "How do you know about that, Greg?" he asked in a shocked voice, giving Greg a look. "Sara and I haven't told anyone that we're doing that."

Greg swallowed hard, "My Nana Olaf has a gift for knowing things people think and knowing what's going to happen before it happens," he replied nervously. "I…I sort of inherited that from her."

Grissom raised an eyebrow, but silently came back with the jar, "That's called being a psychic, Greg," he replied, offering him the jar. "Eat a few of these and just sit for a few minutes. It'll help you."

Greg ate a few of the grasshoppers and sighed, "Yeah, it is," he replied quietly. "It helps me be really quick at processing evidence and doing good in the lab, but what happened was a psychic vision."

"A psychic vision?" Grissom asked in a concerned voice, sitting on his desk. "What do you mean?"

Greg sighed quietly, "I can see when things are happening sometimes and to a degree, I can also sense when things are going to happen," he explained in a quiet voice. "I…I saw Warrick…in the vision I had."

"Warrick's still on leave because of the accident," Grissom replied. "Nobody knows where he is."

A concerned expression crossed Greg's face, "Warrick, I think, is in Miami," he said slowly.

Grissom frowned, as nobody but him knew that, "I could see him being beaten up and this guy that looked like Nick yelling at him along with some other guy," Greg spoke quietly. "They were angry."

An uneasy silence filled the room as Grissom nodded, "They were talking about how Ryan rescued a girl and that's why Agent Sackheim had to drug him," Greg said softly. "The girl was 11…she got away."

"So…Ryan rescued a child, but we might not be able to find her because he can't remember anything about what happened to him," Grissom mused in a concerned voice. "Did they say the girl's name?"

Greg suddenly looked uneasy, "They were talking about two kids," he spoke shakily. "Trafficking."

Grissom paled, but didn't say anything, "Is your gift a voluntary thing?" he finally asked quietly.

Greg sighed, "They mentioned Lindsey and a kid named Raymond," he said in a quiet voice.

"Lindsey Stetler," Grissom said, his eyes widening. "Ryan saved her and got tortured for it."

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