Chapter 7
At the hospital, Horatio walked through the corridor with Danny.
"So why are we here Horatio?"
"Because I've got to ask Natalia some questions and Mac wants you there in case there is something you can use in the investigation from her answers," Horatio walked past Damien's room and stopped. He looked through the window at his cousin. He looked closely at Damien's face and noticed his eyes flickering. He rushed into the room whilst calling to Danny to get the doctor.
Damien's eyes slowly opened. He winced in pain as he tried removing the oxygen mask. Horatio gently removed the mask for him.
"Let me do that, Dammo. You need to rest."
Damien's eyes slowly looked towards Horatio, "where am I?" His voice was quiet and raspy.
"You're in hospital. You and Natalia were attacked near Broadway."
Damien started to panic, "Natalia, is she…"
"She's fine. She's very shaken up but she's okay. Calleigh is with her."
Damien relaxed a bit more, much to the relief of his cousin. The door opened and the doctors came rushing in and ushered Horatio outside. Danny waited with him.
"Did he say anything to you?"
"Nothing to do with the case. I think he's more concerned about Natalia."
The doctors came back out of the room and headed straight towards Horatio.
"How is he?"
"He seems to be doing okay. He's responsive and alert as to what's going on around him. He's still in a lot of pain and I have explained to him about his injuries and what treatments he may need."
"Can we go in and see him?"
"Yes you can but try not to ask too many questions, the stress of trying to remember what happened may not do his mental recovery any good at this particular stage of his recovery."
"Thank you for everything," Horatio was relieved that Damien was at least awake. He knew this would help Natalia's state of mind.
Horatio and Danny entered the room. Horatio sat by Damien's side, "Dammo, how are you feeling?"
"Sore, aching, I feel like a truck has run over my head," Damien tried to smile but it hurt him too much and flinched.
"With your injuries I'm not surprised," Danny stood a little closer.
"Horatio, who's that?"
"That is Danny Messer from the New York crime lab. He's on the team investigating your case," Horatio gestured towards Danny.
Damien closed his eyes, "did they hurt Natalia?"
"She has a few cuts and bruises from the attack and is concussed but she's fine."
Damien gulped, "did they… you know…"
"No they didn't Dammo, she has been processed and the sexual assault kit came back as negative for rape."
This news relieved Damien, "I should never have taken her down there."
"Dammo, why did you go down there?"
