A/N: Ok the roller-coaster is off and running. I hope you all enjoy the ride! Thank you all as always for the wonderful reviews and comments! Happy reading.
Her heart began to pound against her chest as she went to open the door but stopped herself as instinct took over. She dashed over to her Hummer and opened the back grabbing a pair of gloves out of her kit. She headed back over to his Hummer as she pulled the door open and still couldn't believe her eyes.
'Calm down Calleigh, he's fine and you're panicking. Stay calm and examine the evidence.' She thought to herself as she lifted his wallet and looked it over opening it. His badge was clipped inside and his identification card was under it.
She then picked up his cell phone and opened it seeing three missed calls. She knew two were from her but maybe the other was a clue. Calleigh pressed a key and listened to the first message which consisted of heavy breathing and then a click. The next two messages were from her.
She exhaled and looked around, "Where are you Horatio?" She mumbled feeling uneasy as her instincts told her something was very wrong. She moved to look in the back window and slowly opened the rear door to see a beautiful bouquet of roses, red and white, wrapped with a red and white ribbon and to her surprise, her top shooter pin. She remembered asking Horatio to hold it for her after she had won the competition. There was a small envelope attached to the pin as Calleigh felt her emotions fully hit her like a sudden kick in the stomach. She inhaled deeply trying to calm herself and her overwhelming feeling of doom.
Tears immediately began to sting her eyes and she exhaled and straightened as she opened her phone to dial the team. She made the call and tried her best to stay in check as she slowly began to examine the area looking for any sign of a clue as her eyes scanned the pavement.
She heard the sirens getting louder and knew they would be here at any moment, as she tried to get herself under better control. Her emotions were overwhelming her as she remembered his last words to her, 'When I'm not with you its agony,'
"Damn it Horatio, don't do this to me, give me a sign, a clue, something to go on here." She strained not to cry as she whispered the words shinning her flashlight down on the pavement. "You're ok, you're ok, it's gonna be ok." She repeated to herself quietly trying to convince herself of the words.
Frank and a few squad cars were the first to arrive as Eric pulled up right after them.
Frank walked over to Calleigh as he wiped his dry lips, "I got here as quick as I could, tell me what happened." Frank said as Eric walked up and listened in on the conversation.
Calleigh exhaled heavily and shook her head. "Nothing happened; I mean, I don't know what happened. When I got here he was gone and I found his wallet, keys and cell in the Hummer on the passenger seat."
"Cal is there any sign of a struggle?" Eric asked softly.
She shook her head, "I don't see one but I just started examining the area."
"All right lets tape off this whole area Frank and see if we can figure out what happened here." Eric said as Frank nodded and walked over to the uniformed officers giving them orders.
Eric watched Calleigh as she zoned out for a moment, "Hey Cal, are you ok with this?"
She nodded slowly, "Yeah, I'm ok Eric, I'm just worried Horatio's not. Let's start processing this ok?" She said almost in a daze, still not believing this was real.
"Are you sure Cal, Ryan will be here soon and-"
"I'm fine Eric, thanks." She said firmly as she snapped herself out of it and turned back scanning the Hummer over. She began looking down by the Hummer door again for any signs of evidence.
Ryan and Alexx arrived a bit later as Eric filled Ryan in and Alexx walked right over to a very focused Calleigh. Alexx watched her as she bagged the evidence slowly putting his keys, wallet and cell all in separate bags shaking her head unconsciously.
"Calleigh honey," she called softly as she touched her shoulder and Calleigh jumped.
"Sorry Alexx, my mind was somewhere..." She said shaking her head in disbelief.
Alexx watched Calleigh's eyes well up but she exhaled and quickly got herself under control. "Calleigh, maybe you should let the boys-"
"No, I'm fine, everything's fine, I need to process the scene and get the evidence back to the lab."
"No honey, everything's not fine, including you. Why don't you take what you have back to the lab and let the boys finish up here?" She said softly rubbing her arm, knowing she had to be emotionally dying inside.
"No, I have to stay Alexx, I have to process this myself and make sure we don't miss anything. Thanks really, I know you're trying to help but I have to do this, ok?"
"Okay baby, but I'm not leaving you, all right." It wasn't a question as Alexx held her gaze intently.
Calleigh nodded with a small grin, "All right Alexx." She said softly picking up the beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Alexx's heart broke seeing the roses with the card and pin still attached as Calleigh bagged and tagged them, walking the evidence over to the back of her Hummer. Alexx shook her head and walked over to where Eric was examining the scene.
Eric looked up at a very concerned Alexx as she whispered low, "I'm worried about her, maybe you can talk some sense into her?"
"I don't think anything we say right now is going to make a difference Alexx, she needs to work and keep her mind focused on finding H."
"She's worried sick about him, it's written all over her face. I told her to let you work it."
Eric snorted a laugh as he moved his flashlight around the wheels of the Hummer, "You said that to her? Let us work it? Even you know Calleigh better than that Alexx, she would never willingly take herself off the case. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she figures it all out on her own."
Alexx shook her head as they both watched Frank walk over to Calleigh.
"Hey, you come up with anything?" Frank asked as she turned to him.
"No, nothing but maybe we can get some trace or prints off his personal belongings."
Frank nodded, "Anything happen today Calleigh that might have seemed out of the ordinary."
She slowly shook her head as Alexx walked back over to them and listened in. "No Frank, nothing. We went to the lab and I took some target practice as Horatio showed Timmy around. We all went out for lunch after that and we were supposed to meet back here at his place."
Frank nodded, "All right, so far we don't have any witnesses; no one seemed to have seen anything."
Calleigh nodded sadly, "Someone had to see something Frank."
"Well the officers are still checking with the neighbors but so far nothing, Calleigh."
"Hey Calleigh, over here." Eric called out as he lifted a green piece of broken glass off the floor. He bagged it and looked at it curiously.
Calleigh, Alexx and Frank walked over to Eric and Ryan now as Eric held up the bag.
"I found a piece of broken glass near the wheel." Eric said.
"Yeah, there's more here too Eric," Ryan said as he began picking up the small shards of glass and bagging it. "It looks like it could be from a glass bottle, maybe a beer bottle," he said putting his nose to the piece of glass. "Yeah, it smells like beer."
Eric gave him a quick glare and shook his head, not wanting to mention that bit to Calleigh just yet. He watched her eyes narrow quickly and her face go dead serious as it reddened. Eric knew exactly what she was thinking; he was thinking the same thing but knew her first reaction would be one of anger.
She turned to Frank as anger rose in her voice, "Put an APB out on John Hagen now, I want him brought in for questioning."
Frank gave her a look of shock, "Are you kidding. You think John did this? Calleigh I know you have your differences but-"
"Differences! You were there yesterday; did you see what he did Frank? He threatened Horatio and me, then he cut him too. I'd call that more than differences Frank!" She said raising her voice very annoyed and angry.
"Everyone knows what he did Calleigh; I just don't think John would go this far is all I'm saying."
"Well I'm not asking for your opinion detective, just bring him in!" She snapped out angrily at Frank.
They all stared at her as Eric took over trying to be calm and civil without stepping on Franks toes. "Frank we just want to bring him in for questioning, we have enough evidence from yesterday to do that. He did threaten H with the broken beer bottle in front of the whole department. It's our right, no, it's our duty to question him and find out where he was when this happened today."
Frank wiped his lips and nodded, "All right, I'll put out the APB right now and take a ride over to his place myself." He said as Calleigh walked back over to the rear of her Hummer and finished placing the evidence in the bag.
Eric gave Frank a nod, "This is hard on her Frank." He said trying to diffuse the situation.
"Don't you think I know that Eric! Horatio's my friend too, I know she's upset and I don't blame her one damn bit!" He said snapping now as Eric stared at him in shock. "Hey, sorry Eric." Frank said as he shook his head in disbelief, "I guess, it's getting to all of us, huh?"
Eric nodded in understanding, "Yeah Frank, it sure is," Eric patted his
shoulder, "We'll find Horatio, and we'll figure it all out."
Alexx nodded, "Well we better sugar or we're all going to rip each other's heads off.
Eric nodded with a grin, "H always makes it look so easy but it's not, is it?" He sighed heavily.
"No baby, it's not," Alexx said as she shook her head and rubbed his back. "That's why he's the boss. You boys just keep doing what you're doing, remember what Horatio always says."
"Follow the evidence," Eric said as Ryan repeated the words.
"Follow the evidence and eliminate the suspects..."
"Right, just stick to what you know, we'll find him." Alexx said trying to reassure them.
"All right, I'm heading off to pick up John; I'll meet you back at the lab." Frank said as he walked away.
Eric and Ryan acknowledge him and continued to examine the scene as Alexx headed back over to Calleigh.
"I think the boys are almost finished and Frank went to pick up John, did you want to head back now."
"Yeah, that sounds good; I just want to check out his place one more time."
"Do you mind if I keep you company honey?"
"No of course not Alexx." She replied softly looking at her, "I don't mean to be so- I'm just worried, ya know?"
"I know Calleigh, I know, we all are but we have to keep our heads together if we're gonna work this out, right?"
Calleigh grinned, "Yes doctor." She answered as Alexx began walking back with her to Horatio's house.
Once inside Calleigh carefully looked around trying to see if anything was out of place. She noticed the answering machine was now blinking and went over to listen to the messages as she hit play.
"Hey Horatio, its Jon and it's after six, where are you? I'm just checking in to make sure your dinner plans were still a go. I tried your cell and left a message there too just in case, let me know if there's a problem. I have the best table like you asked for and that special surprise you especially wanted for Calleigh. Let me know pal, I'm waiting and expecting to see some of that hot and heavy dancing you two do so well together, call me." The machine beeped and that was the end of the message as it clicked off. Silence filled the room as Calleigh shook her head feeling even more upset.
Calleigh's heart felt like it was crumbling to pieces. She nodded as she processed the full picture of what he must have had planned. Flowers and dinner, dancing to follow and a nice romantic evening for the two of them together. 'Oh my god, Horatio, please, please be all right.' She thought as she moved to the couch and collapsed down covering her face with both hands as she shook her head back and forth in dismay.
Alexx remained quiet as she sat down next to her and gently rubbed her back comforting her. "It's gonna be ok honey, were gonna find him. Don't you go giving up on me now baby."
Calleigh shook her head feeling overwhelmed and crushed as the tears began to fall and her body began to tremble. She tried to fight the negative thoughts but Horatio would never leave without a phone call or note or something, she thought. His wallet, cell and keys were all left behind and she knew someone was leaving a message for them.
The message was loud & clear that he wouldn't be back; it was there with all his personal items left on the front seat. She shook her head and let the tears come as all his beautiful words flooded her brain. She finally began to sob as Alexx rubbed her back gently trying to comfort her.
A few minutes passed when his phone rang and Calleigh jumped up to get it. "Hello?" She answered anxiously.
"Hello, I am trying to reach Horatio Caine, I am confirming his reservations."
"Is this the restaurant again?"
"No, this is the Setai Hotel in South Beach. Mr. Caine made reservations for the night and we were just calling to confirm, is he home?"
Calleigh pursed her lips fighting the tears once again as she softly answered, "No he's not... home. Please cancel the reservation for him, thank you." She said as her voice cracked and she covered her mouth with her hand. She gently placed the phone back in the cradle and shook her head.
Alexx looked at her unsure, "Honey what is it?"
Calleigh just shook her head as she strained to get the words out, "He made special plans for us tonight, I had no idea Alexx. First the flowers, then the restaurant and now the hotel. God I feel like he's just going to walk right through that door at any moment, how is this even possible?"
"Honey, why don't you sit down for a minute and try to relax, just for a minute Calleigh, ok?"
She shook her head no. "I have to start processing the evidence and I want to get back to the lab and talk to John."
Alexx was stewing herself at the mention of his name. "Fine, but I'm driving honey, ok?"
"All right Alexx, I would appreciate that right now, thanks." She said looking around one last time before they both left Horatio's house.
III
A short while later Alexx and Calleigh arrived at the lab, as Calleigh got right to work processing Horatio's personal belongings. She slid on a pair of gloves as she started on his wallet and slowly began to examine it for any kind of trace. She opened it and found his gold shield staring right at her as she began to mumble to herself, "Stay in control Calleigh, you have to be strong here, he needs you." She told herself over and over again, as she slowly pulled out a recent picture of the two of them sitting closely together, having dinner at the restaurant.
Her head tilted as she stared at the photo desperately wishing this was all a very bad dream. He was smiling one of his gorgeous smiles and she noticed how his head was resting against hers and his hand rested on hers on the table. She smiled as she noticed his right arm draped around her keeping her close against him but his fingers lay open gently on her arm.
She swallowed hard as his voice played repeatedly in her head. His beautiful words and his incredible soothing tone were actually calming her emotions right now. She wondered if she could really hear him or if this was all her imagination. She closed her eyes for a moment wishing, hoping he could hear her, 'Please be ok Horatio, I need you.' She opened the now empty wallet and began to dust for prints.
Eric came walking in with Alexx and Ryan. "Calleigh, Frank just brought John in, they're in interrogation room one. Ryan can finish that up for you, ok?"
Calleigh looked up with fire in her eyes as she nodded and removed her lab coat. "Ok, I was just dusting for prints."
Ryan moved in and nodded, "I got it Cal, go ahead, I'll take care of this."
She exhaled heavily and nodded, "Ryan..."
"I know Cal; I got it, go ahead."
She walked out as Alexx quickly spoke, "Honey are you going to be ok for this?"
Calleigh gave her a smirk as her feistiness resurfaced and she almost growled, "I'm going to be fine Alexx." She said as she followed Eric into the interrogation room.
Alexx walked into the viewing room as she looked through the glass and listened in on the interrogation. "I sure hope so baby." She mumbled looking through the glass.
She watched as Eric walked in and Calleigh followed closely behind. They each took a seat at the table across from John as Frank stood behind John leaning on the wall.
Calleigh narrowed her eyes on John as he snorted a laugh. "I thought Horatio wasn't pressing charges, so much for all his honor and bullshit. Now you all get to see the real beast, huh."
Calleigh's eyes tightened as Eric asked right out, "Where were you between four and five o'clock today?"
John gave him a frown, "What? What the hell is this about now?"
"Answer the question detective," Frank said from behind him as John turned in his chair looking at him in shock.
"I was home, why?"
Calleigh remained silent and watched for any signs of weaknesses. She suddenly narrowed her eyes again as she growled, "You're lying."
John glared at her, "I was home. Prove me wrong!"
"Can anyone confirm or corroborate that story for you John?" Eric asked as Calleigh clenched her right fist under the table.
He shook his head, "I don't know, go ask my neighbors if they saw me or my car there. Now, I'm not answering another question until you tell me why you brought me in here today."
Eric started, "We brought you in for questioning because you threatened Lieutenant Caine yesterday, you threatened them both and everyone heard it. Lieutenant Caine disappeared today between four and five pm and you're our number one suspect!"
John gave Eric a stare of shock, "Suspect! Me a suspect! I threatened him yeah and her too." He nodded toward Calleigh, "I was pissed off and they made a fool of me, I was angry damn it!" He slammed his fist down on the table.
"Like you are right now, right John?" Eric snapped back. "Lose control and there's no telling what you'll do, right?"
"No, that's not true, I was just angry yesterday. I handled it wrong I know that! Look, it's no secret I can't stand Horatio but I didn't kidnap him damn it. Do you really think I'm that stupid?"
"No one said anything about a kidnapping John." Calleigh retorted quickly as her eyes shot bullets at him.
"You know what I mean Calleigh, you said he disappeared, that sounds like a kidnapping to me."
"Empty your pockets detective." She ordered now.
"What, why, I didn't do anything!"
"So you have nothing to hide, if that's the truth. Now empty them or Frank will do it for you!" Eric said raising his voice.
John exhaled heavily and stood up emptying everything from his pockets turning them inside out for them to see. "I have nothing for you, I'm telling you, it wasn't me."
Calleigh reached out and pulled some of his items over to her examining them closely as she opened a small piece of paper and smiled. "So you say you were home between four and five today, right?"
John nodded and glared at her. "That's right! Prove otherwise."
"Fine, we just did John and you made it easy. This is a receipt from the ATM you used near my house at 4:33 pm today. Do you want to explain this to the judge or would you rather tell us now?" She said angrily holding the small piece of paper up at him.
He shook his head, "I... I didn't do it; I'm telling you the truth."
"You just lied to our face and now were supposed to believe you." Eric snapped back.
Calleigh eyes narrowed on him, "What did you do to him John?"
"Look, I didn't kidnap Horatio, I'm telling you. I know how this looks but I didn't do it."
"Well you don't seem all that upset over it either detective!" Eric barked.
"No I'm not upset, it was bound to happen. In fact, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy." He grinned at Calleigh. "I didn't kidnap him but don't expect me to lose any sleep over it either. He had it coming to him that two faced prick! Step on enough toes and it's gonna happen sooner or later."
Calleigh stood up suddenly as her chair went sliding back across the room. Alexx thought for sure she would lose it now. Eric was ready as he stayed in his seat and watched her. Frank just stood up straight and was ready for anything.
"Step on whose toes John?" She snapped back.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head annoyed, "I don't know who, I'm just saying." He looked over at Eric, "C'mon Delko, you know what I'm saying, you know it's true."
Eric snapped back now, "No John, I don't! You threatened him with a broken glass bottle in front of the whole department. Then you cut him with it, we all saw the same thing John!"
Calleigh put her hands on the table and leaned towards him angrily, "Where were you John, I want an answer or I'll throw you in the holding cell and leave you there all night!"
He snarled, "You can't do that, you don't have shit on me!"
"Wrong, I have this!" She said holding up the small piece of paper. "This confirms that you are lying through your teeth and the DA will hold you for it too!"
John felt his pressure rising as his face reddened and he growled shaking his head at her, "You- I was at your place, all right! I followed you today, not him! You came home and I was there waiting, I remained until you left and when I saw you pull into his complex, I left and went home, all right! That's where the fuck I was!" He said yelling now.
"What time did I get home?" She questioned angrily clenching her teeth and glaring at him.
"You got home just about four and you left just before five."
Her eyes narrowed on him now, he was right. "Fine, what did I have in my hand?"
John stood up and put his hands down on the table leaning in towards her as Frank put a hand on his shoulder. "You had your duffel bag with you, it was red and black- bitch! I told you I didn't do it! See what you get for being a bitch and for screwing with me!"
"That's enough John!" Eric yelled shutting him up as Calleigh started talking and Frank squeezed his hand on Johns shoulder.
"Put him in the holding cell until the prints come back on the glass bottle." She said coolly
"I told you the truth and this is what I get for it! You fucking bitch, you'll pay too."
Calleigh's eyes suddenly narrowed as she spat back, "I'll pay too John? Are you making good on another threat?"
John shook his head and nodded, "You're pissing me off on purpose and making me say these things. I... I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"How did you mean it John, is Horatio paying now?" Eric said standing up now looking at him convinced he was guilty.
All of a sudden John lost it as he roared, "I hope he's fucking paying! The prick deserves everything he gets and more! So do you- bitch! You both fucking deserve each other!"
Frank's hand tightened as the 6 foot 4 man squeezed down on John's shoulder, "Sit down! That's enough!" He barked as he shoved him back down into the chair.
Calleigh smiled and gave him a smirk as she drawled, "You lied through your teeth, detective. Now you can get good and comfortable in the holding cell."
"You fucking bitch, see what happens when you screw people over!"
Calleigh glared fiercely as her tone stayed even and calm. "You know what John, I didn't screw you over, I told you the truth from the start. It's not my fault a grown man like you can't handle a little rejection!" She said driving the dagger home as she turned and calmly swayed her hips out of the room.
"You fucking Bitch!!!" John cursed, yelling and jumped up lunging as Frank and Eric grabbed a hold of him trying to get him back under control.
Alexx quickly pulled Calleigh into the viewing room. "Honey are you trying to get yourself dismissed from the case. You know you can't hold him."
Calleigh watched through the glass as John ranted and raved on like a wild man. "I know he's lying still, only I don't know about what. If he was at my place how could he have done anything to Horatio. We'll see, I'm going to head back over to Ryan in trace and check on the prints Alexx."
"All right honey, I'm with you." She said sternly following right on her heels.
Calleigh and Alexx walked into trace as Ryan looked up with a smile at her.
Calleigh eyes widened, "You got something, a print?" She asked hopefully.
Ryan nodded, "I got a clear print and he's in the system too."
Calleigh's eyes widened more, "It's not John?" She asked unsure.
Ryan shook his head, "No, his name is Johnny Colmes and he has a record for aggravated assault on a police officer. He was arrested and is on parole for good behavior with special circumstances. As long as he sees his parole officer daily and doesn't touch any more alcohol but I think Johnny is going back in now, huh." He gave Calleigh a grin.
Eric came walking in the room, "What's up, what have you got?"
"We got a hit on a print and the suspect has a record for aggravated assault on a police officer." Ryan said handing Eric the printout of the suspect's rap sheet.
"I'll get Frank and we'll go pick him up. I'll let Hagen know he checks out."
"Let him stew!" Calleigh barked, "Let him worry a bit and see what it feels like to be locked up, that's where he deserves to be after yesterday."
Eric shook his head, "You know we can't do that Cal."
She smirked and shook her head, "I know no such thing! They could be working together, we don't know anything yet."
Eric nodded, "John checks out Cal, he has a legit alibi but well hold him just until we get this guys story straight, all right?" Eric put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Were gonna find him Cal, were gonna find H." She gave him a small nod looking down feeling like her world was crumbling down all around her. "I'll go tell Frank and we'll bring him in, I'll see you all in a little while." Eric said as he turned and left.
Calleigh exhaled heavily staring at the computer screen trying to figure out why this alcoholic would go after Horatio. 'Johnny Comes, 6'2- lbs, He's a big boy and he's on parole already with 3 DWI's.' She thought as Alexx looked at the screen next to her.
"You ok honey, c'mon why don't we go grab a cup of coffee?"
"I have to go over this again, somethings not right here Alexx. This guys an alcoholic and all his crimes are misdemeanors, this doesn't make sense."
Alexx exhaled, "All right honey, how about I bring one back for you?"
Calleigh gave her a small smile as she slipped on a pair of gloves and nodded, "That would be great, thank you Alexx."
Ryan looked up and Alexx snorted a laugh, "Relax baby, I'll bring you back one too."
He smiled, "You're a life saver Alexx."
Alexx chuckled, "I wouldn't go that far baby, I work on dead people."
Ryan chuckled and looked over to Calleigh who was looking down already in deep thought, holding Horatio's gold badge in her hand. She didn't hear anything at the moment except her own thoughts hoping Horatio was all right.
IIIFrank and Eric returned about 20 minuets later with the suspect leading him into the interrogation room. Eric walked down to trace and found Ryan and Calleigh working while Alexx sat by closely watching.
"Hey, we got him and he's in the interrogation room with Frank." Eric said as they all listened intently.
Calleigh snapped off her gloves, "What are we waiting for, let's go." She said moving toward Eric."
He exhaled, "Are you sure Cal, Ryan and I can interrogate him."
She smirked walking right by Eric. "Are you coming Delko." She said holding the door open for him.
He bowed his head to her, "All right, I'm coming." He replied as Alexx and Ryan followed going into the viewing room.
Calleigh and Eric walked into the interrogation room as Eric took a seat across from the suspect while Calleigh chose to stand this time.
Eric looked at the printout before him, "Johnny Comes, arrested for 3 DWI's and assault on a police officer."
The suspect rolled his eyes sitting back in the chair and laughed, "Tell me something I don't know." He said wisely looking Calleigh over up and down with a small grin.
His eyes narrowed as she quickly realized this guy was going to be trouble. They didn't even ask him a question yet and he was already being a smartass.
"So why did you assault the police officer Johnny?" Eric asked inquiringly.
"I'm sure that's all in my file, right? I mean I've been through this already, so why are you asking me again?" He grinned.
Eric nodded, "Was it because you were drunk?"
He laughed now and cocked his head to the side, "Yeah, I guess that's as good a reason as any, right? You're the cop. You figure it out. If I had known you were gonna read me a bedtime story I would have brought my pillow." He chuckled.
Eric's eyes narrowed as Calleigh snapped out, "Where were you today between 4 pm and 5 pm?" She glared as she crossed her arms on her chest.
He began laughing, "You're kidding me, right?"
Her emerald eyes burned brightly as she stared stonily at him, "Do I look like I'm kidding." She said frostily.
"Hey stupid, the only one laughing here is you; now answer her question before things get ugly around here." Frank barked out slapping him lightly in the back of the head.
He turned and looked at Frank, "Hey man that's police brutality."
Frank put his hands on his hips, "You keep it up smartass and I promise you you'll find out soon enough exactly what police brutality is! Now shut up and answer her question!"
The suspect turned back to Calleigh and Eric and shook his head, "I was home with my grandmother."
"Come again." Calleigh said glaring with narrowing eyes.
He threw his hands up, "What? I said I was home, are you deaf as well as dumb? I know you are a pretty blond so that answers that question." He laughed as Frank belted him in the back of the head again.
"That's it!" Frank said hearing enough of his smart-ass remarks.
"Frank, it's all right. Let me show him how dumb I am." She said shrewdly, as she nodded to Frank. Calleigh sat down glaring at him from across the table.
"Try again Johnny, you weren't home with grandma, were you?"
He shook his head, "Man, I said I was home, all right!"
"No, it's not all right. We have proof that says otherwise scumbag," Eric snapped losing his patience now.
"Let's go Johnny, spill it or this dumb blond is going to lock you in jail and throw away the key. And before you come up with another smartass remark, I think you should know I have your parole officer's number on speed dial. I'm sure he would love a call right about now, don't you think?" She stared and gave him a cold smile. "We found broken glass with your prints from your beer bottle at the crime scene. We know you were there, now either tell us about it or I can send you right to jail for breaking parole with special circumstances."
He put his hands up, "All right take it easy, I'll tell you, all right?"
Calleigh nodded, "We're waiting!"
"I got lucky and found a few beers near the beach, so I walked around to the parking lot area and found myself a nice quiet spot to enjoy them. I didn't do anything wrong, I swear."
"Then why do you look so worried right now?" Eric asked noticing his shaky hands.
"Because I'm not supposed to be drinking man, I can go back in the joint for it."
"And you didn't attack anybody after you had your fill." Eric asked.
"Attack, hell no man, I was feeling too good to…." He let his words trail off.
"What did you see while you were there?" Calleigh asked knowing he was still holding back.
"Nothing, I didn't see nothing, I was just enjoying my beer and minding my own business."
"All right, I guess we'll just have to call your parole officer now and—" Calleigh started as he interrupted her nervously putting his hands up pleading now.
"No, no, wait! All right I'll tell you, I'll tell you what I saw but you have to help me, ok?"
Calleigh nodded as Eric barked out, "Start talking!"
"All right, all right! I… I saw this guy get jumped not far from where I was."
Calleigh's heart dropped at his words, her heart began to race as her thoughts strayed. "What guy, describe him." She said calmly barely able to hold herself together.
"Umm, some guy, he got out of a silver truck, I think."
"What do you mean you think, tell us what the hell you saw and start from the beginning!" Eric yelled, making the suspect sit up straight and focus.
He put his hands up nervously, "All right man, just calm down you're making me more nervous! I saw him get out of the truck, like I said, and then these guys jumped him." He shook his head back and forth, "He didn't stand a chance they moved too quickly and came out of nowhere. I ducked back behind a car and then one of them looked my way. Man I thought these guys were gonna kill me, it was clear they meant business, they hit him hard and yelled dragging him away."
A million thoughts raced through Calleigh's mind as Eric asked, "The man that was attacked, what did he look like, what was he wearing, how tall was he?"
"I don't know, I don't know what he looked like, shorter than me and I think… yeah he had a blue shirt on and black or blue pants, I guess. I don't know man I was pretty lit, I'm trying here."
Eric looked at Calleigh who was in deep thought and she suddenly lifted her head up, "What color hair did he have?" She asked quickly knowing how Horatio's red hair always stood out.
He shook his head looking down, "I don't know, I don't know what color hair he had."
Eric had enough as he thought even more about Horatio being hurt or even killed. "Stop fucking around with us! Do you want to go back to jail? Answer her question!" Eric shouted at him now.
"I'm trying but I didn't see his hair man."
"Wait, you saw his shirt and pants but not his face and hair! Think for a second, what did you see? You had to see his hair!" He shouted now out of anger and frustration.
"I don't know what he looked like and I didn't see his hair! They covered his head with a black hood, all right! I don't know what color hair he had, I only saw the black hood."
Calleigh almost gasped as she exhaled heavily. "How many men did you see Johnny?"
"Three big guys, maybe four, I don't know."
"What do you mean maybe four?" Eric snapped out.
"There was another car but the person didn't get out and the windows were tinted, I couldn't see in. I'll bet he was the boss because he just parked there and never got out of the car, it was like he was the look out or something."
"Ok, how many men jumped him?" Calleigh asked calmly.
"Three and they hit him in the head with something too."
"What did these men look like Johnny, what were they wearing?"
"Maybe a little better dress than me, nothing fancy, jeans and cut off t-shirts. I wasn't looking for a description; I was ducking behind a car.
Calleigh shook her head trying to focus as her mind began to picture it all happening to him. She pulled herself out of her haze, "Ok Johnny, how many cars?"
"Umm two, one beat up black van, with different color fenders and a beautiful silver Mercedes. They put the man in the van and they drove off tires screeching and all."
"Think now Johnny, is there anyway you saw the plates?"
He nodded, "I remember just a few letters because it spelled hat at the end on the silver car but I was drinking, like I said, I'm not sure."
"Anything else you can remember? She asked hoping for more.
He shook his head, "No, I don't think so." He said unsure as Eric stood up quickly banging his hand down on the table making the suspect jump.
"Well you better think hard and be sure or your ass is going back to prison! You got that Johnny?" Eric yelled in frustration.
The suspect jumped up yelling back now, "I'm fucking trying here! Why don't you give me a badge and a gun and I can do your job for you!"
Frank clamped onto Johnny's shoulders and slammed him back down in the chair. "Try that again and next time you'll be landing on your ass, you got that Stupid!"
Calleigh shook her head and slid the pen and pad towards him, "Start writing and don't leave anything out, write down everything you can remember, even if you don't think it matters. Do you understand me?" She said angrily.
He nodded, "You're not gonna call my parole officer, right? You'll help me out, right? I told you what you wanted to know, I cooperated."
"Just write and we'll see what can be done." She said as she got up and walked out of the room.
Frank shook his head at Eric as he stood standing behind the suspect. They were both worried about Calleigh and how she was taking this.
Ryan and Alexx quickly made their way out and blocked her path as she stopped, looking up annoyed.
"Are you ok, Cal?" Ryan asked concerned.
"You know, I wish everyone would stop asking me that! I'm fine! She almost growled as she shook her head and walk away quickly.
"Shessh, I was just worried about her Alexx." Ryan said shaking his head in disbelief.
"I know baby, we all are and she's just worried about Horatio, she doesn't mean it." Alexx replied as she rubbed his shoulder. "I'll catch up with you later Ryan." She said as she quickly went after Calleigh.
Alexx walked into trace and she slowly walked over to Calleigh who was punching the keys on the computer pretty hard, as she typed in the last three letters HAT, hitting the search key.
Calleigh turned and gave Alexx a small smile, "Are you following me again?"
"Uh-huh, I sure am honey and don't even try that, I have it under control attitude with me, it's not going to work baby."
Calleigh exhaled and let her shoulders sag, "I'm trying Alexx, god knows I'm trying but…." She shook her head letting her words trail off.
"I know baby but you are human and you have feelings too."
Calleigh put her hand up, "Don't, I have to be strong now, Horatio needs me Alexx."
She nodded, "I know honey, were gonna find him baby and at least we have somewhere to start now, right." She said as the computer beeped. "You got a match already?"
Calleigh shook her head as she hit another key, "We have about 20 matches, all with those letters on the plates. Now we have to figure out who's who." She said hitting another key, "First we use the process of elimination and we concentrate on anyone who has a record or a history of any criminal activity." She hit another key, "Ok, so were down to 15 now, lets see everyone who lives in Miami," she said hitting yet another key.
"Ok, now were down to 10," she said concentrating on the screen and all the names in front of her. Calleigh hit the print button with a heavy sigh hoping one of the names would stick out or be someone she knew of.
Alexx's cell went off and they both jumped startled by the loud shrill as it echoed throughout the lab.
Alexx opened it, "Hello, oh hi honey, no mommy has to stay at work sweetie but I promise to read to you tomorrow night, ok? Ok, yes, I love you too, bye honey." She hung up with a smile.
Calleigh exhaled, "Listen, why don't you go home and be with your family, your little one wants her mommy and it's getting late."
Alexx chuckled, "The little one always wants her mommy to read her bedtime stories and daddy can read to her tonight. She'll be fine, now tell me what you found?"
"Well, we have a list of names to start going through but I think I'm going to grab a cup of coffee first to re-energize my mind."
"Ah, now that sounds like a plan honey, c'mon," Alexx, said grabbing her under the arm and walking her out the door.
They walked down to the break room together and Alexx held the door as Calleigh walked through it still looking at the printout.
"Honey have a seat, I'll make the coffee." Alexx said as Calleigh nodded and sat down on the edge of the couch still immersed in the printout.
The door open as Eric walked in with Frank. "Hey thanks Alexx, were going to need all the coffee we can get." He said as he walked over to Calleigh. "Franks going to release John now and drive him home."
Calleigh hummed without even looking up at him, "Um-hmm."
Eric looked over to Alexx questioningly, "That's the DMV printout she is looking over."
"Hey that was quick, why didn't you say so sooner, move over," he said as he sat down next to her looking it over as well.
Calleigh's eyes slid to the left on him as he smiled, "At least we have a few things to go on now, right?"
She nodded, "Yeah but how do we figure out which one of these names is behind this Eric, there's just too many?"
"One at a time Cal, just like H would say, right?"
Calleigh sighed softly and nodded as she felt her emotions hit her again. 'That's exactly what Horatio would say and she could hear his voice all too clearly right now.'
"Ok, coffee's up. Would you like a cup too Frank?"
"No thanks Alexx, I'm gonna head out and if you guys need me for anything else tonight just call, all right?"
"Thanks Frank, Eric said as he stood up and walked over to him."
Calleigh stood up and walked over as well, feeling badly about snapping at him. Her voice softened as she looked up at the big man. "Thanks Frank, for everything and I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier."
He grinned, "No problem, its understandable Calleigh. We're all under a lot of stress right now."
"So we'll call you if anything else comes up Frank, see you later." Eric said as they all said goodnight.
Frank walked out as Alexx handed Calleigh and Eric a fresh cup of coffee each. They both sat down looking over the paper and the names on it. Alexx joined them sitting across on the other couch.
"Calleigh is there anything that happened out of the ordinary, anything you can think of at all?" Eric asked cautiously.
She shook her head looking down at her cup. "No, the only thing is the hang ups he has been getting but that's been going on for sometime now."
"Did he get any today?"
"I'm sure he did, they come like clock work and we just keep thinking someone wants to annoy him. They don't talk and the number is out of area, he checked already."
"Yeah, well we can check again, right? Maybe the phone company can help us out too, I have a friend there." Eric said as Calleigh nodded and Ryan flew through the door.
"I found another print, a partial and it's not Johnny Comes this time." Ryan said out of breath.
"Well who is it?" Eric asked impatiently.
TBC...
Ok, so do I have you all spinning Roundy round yet?
