December 25

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Did you actually lose all your memories of the attack or is it you just don't want to remember?!"

A knock on his bedroom door jarred Ryan awake, but he didn't get out of bed because he was suffering from a queasy stomach and a headache. He was also still hurting from Catherine's harsh words to him when Greg had shared that he had actually rescued Lindsey from trouble, but couldn't remember anything about where she was. Catherine had actually accused him of faking his severe memory loss.

Grissom and Ecklie had since calmed Catherine down and Rick had been doing his best to try and smooth over the situation, but Ryan had ignored all of them. On top of feeling the sting of such an angry accusation from a person he thought he trusted, he had been asked by his doctor at Desert Palms to undergo a chemo treatment the day before and he had only told Emily, Tim, and Tommy about it because he didn't want to spoil Christmas for any of the kids and have it be all about his illness.

The knock sounded again and Ryan sighed, "Come in," he replied in a tired, slightly groggy voice.

Emily sighed as she opened the door and came into the room, "Hey," she said in a kind voice.

"They want me to do chemo once a week for six more weeks once I get back to Miami," Ryan spoke in a tired voice. "Nobody wants to take chances with this, you know? At least I'll be working nights now."

Nodding, Emily sat on the end of the bed, "Do you feel up to eating?" she asked in a kind voice.

"Maybe," Ryan replied in a tired voice, fighting back a yawn. "I just want to sleep a little more first."

Emily nodded, "It's quiet," Ryan said in a confused voice. "Did the kids open their gifts already?"

"We made a rule that nobody could open gifts til nine," Emily replied. "Do you want to come watch?"

Not wanting to miss a family moment, Ryan shakily climbed out of bed and immediately leaned against Emily for support, "I've got you," she said calmly as she helped him walk out to the living room couch and sit against some pillows in view of the decorated Christmas tree. "Do you want a blanket?"

Ryan's eyes, however, were drooping and he was exhausted from the short trip from the bed to the couch, "You should drink something," he heard Emily say worriedly as he drifted off to sleep.


Angel of Mercy Hospital – Manhattan, New York

The apartment was quiet and while Bosco lounged on the couch after being treated for two days and released with orders to rest, Danielle cleaned up the piles of wrapping paper that had piled up all over the floor from the many presents that had been opened hours before. John was at the table with the laptop his parents had bought him for university while David and Ellie were playing with Legos on the floor; the Legos were David's gift and Ellie had gotten dolls, but she didn't want to play alone.

Because money was tight, Danielle and Bosco had decided to get one gift each for each of the kids, one gift for each other, and one gift for Bosco's mother, Sully, and Yelina. Sully had quietly given the kids money so they could get extra gifts for each other and their parents, so John had gotten his parents gift cards for clothes, a math book for David, doll supplies for Ellie, and toys for Michael and Emily along with baby things for his grandparents that he knew they needed. Michael and Emily had also gotten clothes, but both of them were napping and being watched by Rose in the nursery. Sully was in his and Yelina's bedroom, silently doing his best to make Yelina feel better after they had heard that Ray Junior was alive and potentially in trouble; the stress had made Yelina want to rest as much as possible.

"That housecoat looks good on you, Maurice," Danielle said in a gentle voice as she put the wrapping paper into a garbage bag and the gift boxes into stacks. "When I saw it, I thought of you."

Bosco smiled and held his arm out, prompting Danielle to join him on the couch, "…I wish I was kidding, John, but I'm very serious," they suddenly heard Yelina's quiet voice say. "My bag is in the closet."

A few moments passed and Yelina came out into the living room with a hand on her back looking extremely uncomfortable, "I'm having contractions," she said quietly. "Quite a few of them."

Bosco's eyes widened, "I'm not sure if the weather's really good for going out," he said anxiously.

Yelina exhaled sharply and immediately sat down in a chair, "John, call downstairs to Nietos," Danielle said in an anxious voice as she went over to her stepmother. "Just breathe in and out slowly, Mom."

John hurried to the phone and dialled Nieto's number, "I don't think we can make it to the hospital in time in this weather," Sully said in an anxious voice. "Carlos had better just come upstairs."

Yelina exhaled softly as she stood up, "What, have the baby here?" she asked in a worried voice.

"You wanted a natural delivery," Sully replied, sighing as Danielle helped Yelina into their bedroom.

John hung up the phone, "Uncle Carlos is coming and he called paramedics," he replied anxiously.

Danielle helped Yelina lie down on the bed and closed the door partially to provide some privacy.


Las Vegas, Nevada

Excited chatter filled the suite's living room as James, Julliet, Jason, Emilio, and Jenny all opened their presents while Tim, Diana, and Tommy quietly watched the mess grow while unwrapping the presents they had for themselves. Ryan, however, was back in his bedroom packing his bag while Emily watched.

Catherine's accusation had triggered the Crime Lab into phoning and asking Ryan if he would come in to review the evidence and see if it triggered any memories. Ryan had refused and had politely asked to be left alone, hanging up the phone when they had pressed. He had then decided to go back to Miami.

Ryan, however, was feeling the effects of the last chemo session and was having trouble staying on his feet, "I can't believe I'm being accused of withholding information," he said in a trembling voice.

Emily sighed, gently took Ryan's arm, and sat him on the bed, "Sit before you fall," she said gently.

"I shouldn't have come," Ryan spoke weakly. "It was too soon after the attack, but I wanted…"

Emily nodded, "I've got such a migraine," Ryan said in a pained voice, massaging his forehead.

"Take a rest," Emily said in a kind voice. "I'll let you know when the turkey supper is here."

Ryan crawled back up to the pillows and drifted off to sleep without protest while Emily returned to the living room, "Hey, guys, what did you get for Christmas?" she asked in a gentle voice. "Toys?"

"Lots of puzzles, Mommy!" Julliet spoke up in an excited voice. "James is opening his up."

Emily sat on the floor just as a knock sounded at the door, "Stay there, sis," Tommy said as he got off the couch and walked across the messy floor towards the door. "The dinner I ordered must be early."

When Tommy opened the door, however, he saw an anxious looking Catherine and Brass in the hall, "Excuse me, who are you and what are you doing here?" he asked in a cold, suspicious voice.

"Detective Brass, Las Vegas PD," Brass replied uneasily. "Is Ryan Wolfe here, by chance?"

Tim frowned, quickly recognizing Catherine and Brass as he got up, "You can't talk to him right now," he replied coldly, glaring daggers at Catherine. "It's Christmas and he had chemo yesterday, so he's…"

"He's withholding information about my daughter," Catherine interrupted in an angry voice.

Tim approached the door, "He's resting and you can't talk to him," he replied in a quiet, but firm voice that Brass recognized. "Catherine, does Stetler even know you're here and not at home?"

"I'm on a half shift today," Catherine replied coldly. "Grissom and Sara called in sick and Nick's not allowed back in the field yet, so they needed an active CSI. This is part of my shift today."

Tim sighed and Tommy moved away from the door, "You're not coming in," he said firmly.

There was a pained sigh, "No, it's all right," Ryan spoke shakily as he slowly came into the living room and over to the door. "Let's not do this in front of my nieces and nephews. I know you want to talk."

"Is Uncle Ryan going to jail?" Emilio asked in an anxious voice as he hurried over to his father.

James suddenly started crying, "No jail!" he said in an anxious, sobbing voice. "Noooo!"

Jenny silently glared at Catherine and Brass before getting up and silently going into her bedroom, "Ryan has the right to have someone with him," Emily said in a stern voice. "I know the law very well."

"Mama go jail?" Julliet asked in a worried voice, her eyes wide. "Mama not go to jail."

Emily sighed, "Mommy's just going with Uncle Ryan," she replied softly. "We'll come back later."

Quickly gathering her wallet and Ryan's, Ryan's post-chemo meds, and some bottles of juice, Emily silently helped Ryan walk out of the suite. James continued to sob as he got up and ran to his bedroom; Julliet sat on the floor and started crying, which caused Emilio to suddenly begin crying.

Tommy silently pulled Emilio on to his lap and held him, "Diana, you're a lawyer, can't you do anything?" Tim asked as he picked Julliet up off the floor. "I thought Catherine was doing better emotionally…"

"Enlighten me on the situation and I'll see," Diana replied in a concerned voice. "I'm not really sure."

Tim sighed, "Let me calm my kids down and then I'll explain what I can," he replied quietly.

"Christmas movie, Daddy?" Julliet asked quietly, gazing at him tearfully. "Can we watch one?"

Tim sighed and set Julliet on the couch, "I bet Uncle Tommy will find one for you and Emilio," he replied patiently amidst the sound of James's hysterical sobbing. "I need to go calm your brother down, okay?"

While Tim went to calm James down, Jenny was on the phone with Greg in her bedroom sharing what had happened. She didn't think what happened was right and wanted to help her uncle out somehow.


Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida

Beneath the tree was empty and the living room was quiet, but Horatio found it comfortable simply because he knew he wasn't alone; Robert, Natalia, Adam, BJ, and Flack were all in the kitchen putting together the food for Christmas dinner. The solitude allowed Horatio to rest quietly on the sectional.

He had gotten up and watched everyone open their presents before opening the few that Robert, Natalia, Flack, and the boys had gotten him. He had gotten a few clothes and a few books to replace the ones that had been lost in Derek's attack. Robert had also gotten all of his private photos framed.

As Horatio lay on the couch with a pillow under his back and a blanket over his body, his casted arm ached, but he ignored it. While he rested, he could vaguely hear the sound of the phone ringing.

Soft footsteps filled the room and Horatio suddenly felt a gentle nudge on his shoulder, "Uncle Horatio, there's a Greg Sanders from Las Vegas on the phone," he heard Robert say as he slowly woke up.

"Thank you," Horatio replied, taking the phone in his right hand. "Merry Christmas, Mister Sanders."

There was a heavy silence, "Ryan's in trouble, sir," Greg replied anxiously. "He's been hauled in."

Horatio frowned, but said nothing, "Jenny called me from her family's hotel suite and Catherine and Brass showed up to take him to the Crime Lab for questioning," Greg spoke anxiously. "I told Grissom about my psychic gift and he told Catherine about Ryan possibly knowing where Lindsey is and not being able to remember because of the drugs. Catherine thinks Ryan's lying and she's really angry about it…"

"Mister Sanders, please breathe," Horatio spoke quietly. "Did you have a psychic vision?"

Greg sighed, "Yes and Grissom thought it worth looking into," he replied softly. "Grissom had a meeting about it and Catherine said I was crazy, but she thought Ryan was withholding information on purpose."

"I would like you to contact Doctor Grissom and explain the situation to him," Horatio replied softly, shaken by the fact that Ryan was again in the line of fire. "Will you please do that for me, Greg?"

There was an anxious sigh, "Yes, sir," Greg replied anxiously. "I hope you have a Merry Christmas."

Horatio mumbled a quiet reply before hanging up the phone and closing his eyes, utterly exhausted.


Manhattan, New York

"The paramedics are stuck in the snow and they're trying to get out," Carlos said as he hobbled into Sully and Yelina's bedroom and saw that Yelina was on the bed. "Holly sent supplies with me."

Danielle nodded, "The baby is anxious to come," Yelina spoke anxiously. "Danielle, get your father."

Nodding, Danielle quickly pushed a chair over to the end of the bed for Carlos before leaving the bedroom to get her father. Carlos sat in the chair and set his crutches out of the way before he set the bag of supplies on the bed. Yelina smiled at him encouragingly, but Carlos didn't say anything.

As Sully came into the room with Danielle, Yelina suddenly cringed, "I have to push," she hissed.

Carlos quickly lifted the blanket covering Yelina's legs, "She's crowning," he said anxiously.

Sully's eyes widened and he hurried to Yelina's side, taking her hand while Danielle quickly grabbed the camera off of the nightstand because her parents had both wanted the baby's birth filmed. She quickly pressed the RECORD button, placed the camera back on the dresser aimed towards the bed so that everything would be recorded, and then hurried over to the bed with the towels she had gotten.

"Okay, Yelina, I need you to push as hard as you can," Carlos said in a calm voice. "Now!"

Yelina did as she was told and Sully stroked her arm and hand, "You can do it," he said anxiously.

Again, Yelina kept pushing, "Seems like this baby's wanting out!" Carlos said in an anxious voice. "All right, a gentle push should do it and then I can get it out. Danielle, can you grab me a towel?"

Danielle quickly grabbed Carlos a towel and a baby's cry suddenly filled the air as Carlos extracted a healthy-looking baby that was wailing, "It's a boy," Carlos said in a pleased voice. "He seems healthy."

Sully smiled and kissed Yelina's forehead, "I'm so proud of you," he said in a pleased voice.

Tears filled Yelina's eyes as sirens filled the air and Carlos held up the baby for Sully and Yelina to see, "He's so beautiful," Sully said in a delighted voice. "Carlos, thank you so much for delivering him."

Smiling, Danielle slipped out of the room and saw that Rose was now in the kitchen with Bosco, both of them putting together dinner while John put the extended table together and David and Ellie watched a cartoon movie on television, "I hear crying in there," Rose said excitedly. "Did she have the baby?"

"Yes, a little boy," Danielle replied in a pleased voice. "I think the paramedics are on their way up."

Bosco smiled and suddenly sighed, "Maurice, sit at the table and relax," Rose said in a gentle voice. "I think it's very nice that you want to help me, but you need to take it easy like Doctor Hawkes said."

"Sorry, Ma, you're right," Bosco replied, sighing as he sat at the head of the table. "I'm overdoin' it."

John finished setting the table just as Danielle opened the door and let two paramedics into the apartment with their gurney and supplies, "Carlos delivered the baby," Danielle explained to the paramedics, who she recognized as Louise Hamilton and Taylor Dawes. "He did a really good job."

The door to Sully and Yelina's room opened and Carlos shakily hobbled out to let Hamilton and Dawes in, "Nieto, you're missed on the street, man," Dawes said calmly. "Good job on delivering Sully's kid."

Carlos merely nodded and slowly hobbled to the front door, "I'll grab the supplies later," he replied in a tired voice, physically exhausted from delivering the baby. "I should get back downstairs to my family."

Danielle nodded, "Thank you," she said gently, sighing as Carlos silently hobbled out of the apartment.


Crime Lab – Las Vegas, Nevada

Derek William Stokes, BSc in Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering. Graduated magna cum laude from NYU flashed across the screen along with a picture of Derek and a list of criminal offenses that dated to after he got the degree, "What turned you so bad?" Nick asked softly, deep sorrow in his voice.

Grateful that the lab was mostly empty that day due to it being Christmas, Nick silently got his wallet out and looked at the family picture he had; he remembered everything that happened between him and Derek between Las Vegas and Miami and also at the rave in New York. Derek had been on drugs or alcohol most the time, but during his rare sober times, he had exhibited signs of mental illness and Nick had remembered offering to get him medical help, but Derek had said he wasn't worth saving.

Despite everything that Derek had done, Nick still wanted to help his brother, but didn't know how to do it because Derek was a criminal in the eyes of his parents and the law. Besides, nobody had been around Derek long enough to properly judge if he had a legitimate mental illness or was just pretending to.

"Hey Nick, what are you doing at work today?" Nick suddenly heard Greg ask in a quiet voice.

Nick turned his head and saw Greg lingering in the doorway, "I thought you were with your parents?" Greg asked quietly. "I know they decided to stay here for Christmas, but I thought you were off?"

"I'm just doing research," Nick replied in a quiet voice. "I thought I'd get a little insight on Derek."

Greg frowned, but moved into the room, "He went to university somehow," Nick mused softly.

"Have you talked to anyone since you've been back to work?" Greg asked in a worried voice.

Nick shrugged, "Between rehab, work, and setting up a living area at your place, I haven't had a lot of time," he replied quietly. "I took a room at the far end of the house so Jenny wouldn't get scared."

"Dude, you're not Derek and she understands that," Greg said calmly. "I get why you don't want to live alone anymore, but you have got to stop being scared of Jenny. What happened wasn't your fault."

Nick sighed, but didn't say anything, "My parents are at the house making it nice," he replied softly.

"…What do you think you're doing bringing Ryan in as if he's under arrest?" Grissom's angry voice suddenly filtered through the hallway. "Greg called me and told me that you went to The Palms?!"

Greg froze and Nick frowned, quickly saving his work and logging off the computer before hauling himself up with his crutches, "What's goin' on?" Nick asked in a concerned voice. "C'mon."

Swallowing hard, Greg followed Nick towards the sound of Grissom's unusually angry voice and they were shocked to see Grissom, Catherine, and an uneasy looking Brass standing outside of an interview room while a very pale, trembling Ryan sat at a table inside the room with Emily seated beside him.

Nick frowned and Greg turned pale, "I caused this," Greg said anxiously. "This is my fault."

"Grissom said you had some sort of psychic thing?" Catherine scoffed, glaring at him. "Really, Greg, I know you're struggling with your hearing loss, but to fake being psychic and spreading lies to Grissom…"

Greg frowned and Nick gave him a look, "I wasn't faking it," he said finally. "It's from my Nana Olaf."

Grissom sighed softly, "Are you still on your anti-depressants or did you go off them when I told you what Greg had told me about Lindsey?" he asked firmly, gazing at Catherine. "Tell me the truth."

"That's none of your business," Catherine snapped, her expression angry. "That's between me and…"

Sighing heavily, Greg silently pushed past them and went into the interview room, "I am so sorry this happened," he apologized as he walked over to the table. "Ryan, I had a psychic vision about it."

"I honestly can't remember anything about what happened to me and I am not faking it," Ryan replied in a nervous voice, his body trembling. "Greg, I just had another chemo session yesterday, man…"

Greg looked alarmed, "Get up," he said in a concerned voice. "I'll take you guys back to The Palms."

Emily sighed, "Won't that get you in trouble?" she asked in a concerned voice. "You don't have to."

"I want to," Greg replied as he helped Ryan up. "I really don't care if I get into trouble over it."

Emily silently got up and followed Greg and Ryan from the room, "Grissom, I'm taking Ryan and Emily back to The Palms," Greg said firmly. "There's not anything to hold him and this is ridiculous."

Catherine glared at him, "Fire me if you want, but we're leaving," Greg replied firmly. "See you."

"Okay," Grissom replied in a calm voice. "I'm not going to fire you. Use this as your meal break."

Greg nodded and helped Ryan walk out, "Does Rick even know you're here, Catherine?" Emily asked in a confused, concerned voice. "It's Christmas Day and I thought you'd be at home with your family today."

Catherine's scowl deepened, "Don't pretend you don't know that Rick went back to Florida yesterday and took Lenny with him," she snapped. "He said I need to let Lindsey go, but because of Ryan…"

"Emily, why don't you go with Greg and Ryan?" Grissom cut in. "Nick, I can talk to Catherine with Brass."

Nick nodded and left with Emily, "Let's go in here and chat," Grissom said in a cautious, but calm voice.


Miami, Florida

"I wish you could have come, but I understand that you don't want your dad to be alone at Christmas," Eric said into his cell-phone as he sat in his Hummer on the side of a road that led to Robert's house after Robert had invited him to come and cheer Horatio up. "Will I see you tomorrow for breakfast?"

Calleigh responded in such a way that Eric smiled and chuckled mischievously, but his smile suddenly faded when he saw a tired looking Rick slowly walk down the street wearing sunglasses, shoes, dress pants, and a dress shirt with a protective arm around a very scared looking Lenny while the other arm was pulling a small suitcase and balancing a child-size backpack. They both looked exhausted.

Deeply concerned, Eric said a quick goodbye and rolled his window down, "Stetler!" he called out.

Rick froze, glared at Eric briefly, and then led Lenny over to the Hummer, "I thought you were in Vegas on leave?" Eric asked in a quiet, but curious voice. "What are you doing back and where is Catherine?"

"Lenny and I got back to Miami yesterday and Catherine is still in Vegas," Rick replied quietly. "We spent the night at an airport hotel because we were both tired and now we're walking to McDonald's…"

Eric frowned, "Do you want a ride over to Bobby's?" he asked softly. "I'm on my way over there."

Rick sighed and nodded reluctantly, "Lenny, climb in the back of Officer Delko's car, please," he spoke quietly. "I'll put these in the back and then join you. When we get to your uncle's, you can rest."

Lenny quietly obeyed and Rick loaded the bags into the back before getting in the back, both of them keeping silent as Eric drove to Robert's house in Coconut Grove. Once Eric was parked in front of the house, Rick unloaded Lenny and the bags and silently followed Eric to the front door.

Eric silently pressed the doorbell and the door opened, revealing a pleasant looking Robert, "Rick?" Robert asked in a concerned voice, immediately noticing his brother-in-law. "What are you…?"

Rick sighed and quickly ushered Lenny into the house with Eric at his heels, "BJ and Adam are having naps and my uncle is in his room," Bobby said quietly. "Natalia went back home to get more food and Flack's out on a walk. Detective Flack actually came down because Natalia told him I needed help."

"Can we talk alone?" Rick asked, not removing his sunglasses. "Our things are in Delko's car."

Bobby nodded, sensing that something was wrong, "Yeah, let's go out back," he replied softly.

"Lenny, you can go downstairs for a nap if you want," Rick said gently. "Officer Delko will guard you."

Lenny nodded and looked up at Eric questioningly while Rick and Robert silently made their way through the kitchen and out to the garden, "Where's Catherine?" Robert asked in a concerned voice. "Rick?"

Rick silently sat on a chair, "Catherine and I had a disagreement," he replied quietly. "In short, we got information that Ryan helped Lindsey escape and was tortured because of it to the point where his memory of all of it is gone. Catherine accused Ryan of faking memory loss and we argued about it, as there is no tangible evidence that Lindsey is alive. Catherine got very aggressive during the fight."

Robert's eyes widened as Rick removed the sunglasses, revealing multicolored bruises around his eye, "The airport staff saw my eye and let me wear the shades once we were through security," Rick spoke quietly. "Catherine threw a hair dryer at my face and there are bruises under my clothes, however…"

"Catherine went off her meds, didn't she?" Robert asked in a dismayed voice. "I know she's your wife and Lenny's mother, Rick, but she's not welcome at my house as long as she's being so abusive."

Rick nodded, "You should see a doctor about the bruises," Robert commented softly. "They look bad."

"It's Christmas Day," Rick replied, putting the shades back on. "The whole fight freaked Lenny out and we flew back last night. I didn't want to bother anyone, so we slept in this little hotel near the airport."

Robert frowned, "I still have primary custody of Lenny, so I figured it was safer to come back to Miami," Rick explained softly. "Catherine is beyond angry, but I have to think of my son and our safety."

"Rick, you should go to the emergency room," Robert said quietly. "I can drive you over there."

Rick sighed softly, but nodded and got up, "You've got guests," he spoke in a nervous voice.

"They're fine," Robert replied firmly as he and Rick went back inside and Robert grabbed the keys to his truck, his wallet, his badge, and his phone before ushering Rick into the living room where the suitcase and backpack now sat while Eric and Lenny watched TV. "Delko, I'm gonna go run an errand with Rick."

Eric frowned, but nodded and Lenny stayed quiet, "When Natalia and Donnie come back, tell them where I went," Robert said in a quiet voice as he grabbed Rick's suitcase because it would give Rick something to wear besides a suit or a hospital gown. "We should be back by suppertime, I hope."

Before Eric could reply, Robert ushered Rick outside to his truck just as Natalia came back over and saw Rick lingering there in sunglasses, "Sergeant Stetler," Natalia said softly. "I thought you were in Vegas?"

Rick silently eased his way over to the passenger door and Robert quietly whispered in Natalia's ear a brief explanation of what was going on, prompting Natalia to nod, "I'll see you at supper," she finally said in a quiet voice, her concern for Stetler high. "I'll take care of the kids while you're gone. I love you"

Robert gently kissed Natalia, "Thank you," he replied before loading the bag in the back. "Love you."


Manhattan, New York

"…He's very healthy and looks like both of us," Sully's voice spoke over the speaker phone.

Danielle smiled, "I'm so happy for you, Mom and Dad," she replied. "Have you thought of a name?"

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, "I'll get it," John said as he hurried over to the front door.

"We were thinking about Nicolas," Yelina spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "Because it is Christmas and because, Danielle, you spoke of your friend in Las Vegas who got you and your kids to safety."

Bosco smiled, "If it weren't for that Stokes guy, I wouldn't be married to the most beautiful chick in Manhattan right now," he replied in a pleased voice. "John, who's at the door?"

As John opened the door to reveal Mac standing there with a Tupperware bowl filled with his contribution to the dinner, Danielle and Bosco shared a deep kiss, "I'm sorry I won't be making it back for dinner, but I'm going to stay with Yelina and Nicolas," Sully said. "You guys should probably eat."

Mac smiled, "Your grandmother had her baby, I take it?" he asked, smiling at John. "A boy?"

"Yes," John replied in a pleased voice. "They named him Nicolas after Uncle Nick in Las Vegas."

A wail suddenly filled the air, "It seems Nicolas is hungry," Yelina said. "We love you all. Bye."

There was a click and Danielle hung up the phone, "Detective Taylor, I'm glad the snow didn't stop you from getting here," she said in a kind voice, looking surprised as Mac held out his bowl. "Thank you."

Mac smiled, "I thought I'd bring something," he replied in a kind voice. "I hope you don't mind?"

Danielle opened it and set it with the other food while Rose came out of the nursery with Michael and Emily in her arms, "David, Ellie, get off the Nintendo!" Bosco called out. "John, did you take insulin?"

"Yes, I took my insulin," John replied, taking a chair at the table. "And it's been long enough."

Soon enough, everyone was in their seats at the table and Bosco smiled as he got up to carve the turkey.


Mercy Hospital – Miami, Florida

Nearly 45 minutes had passed since arriving at the hospital and Rick was lying on exam bed in sweats from his suitcase and a hospital gown with his eyes closed. He had shared that during the argument; Catherine had shoved him into the wall and had also hit his wrist with a hairdryer when he had phoned a cab to come get him, Lenny, and their bags. Needless to say, a complete physical had been done, x-rays had been taken, and he was being urged by nurses and Dr. Montoyan to file an abuse report.

The door opened, but Rick kept his eyes closed simply because he was nervous that his brother-in-law had overruled his desire to keep the police out of the situation, "Rick," a quiet voice spoke.

Rick sighed and opened his eyes, surprised when he saw that Robert was alone, "Doctor Montoyan and the nurses on duty said that you're not filing a report," Robert spoke softly. "May I ask why?"

"You can overrule it because you're an officer of the law," Rick replied with a tired scoff.

Robert looked thoughtful, but didn't say anything, "Catherine needs mental health help, not a stint in jail," Rick continued in a tired voice. "I was in prison because that idiot Sackheim wouldn't let me drop my cover and I can't even imagine Catherine being there despite all of the problems we've had."

"Do you really think Lindsey's still alive?" Robert asked quietly. "I heard about what Greg said…"

Rick shrugged, "I'm not sure, but I'm not going to accuse Ryan of faking memory loss because I myself know what Dennis Sackheim is capable of," he replied softly, sighing as his cell-phone went off.

"I'll get it," Robert said, taking the phone and holding it to his ear. "Hello, Detective Caine speaking."

There was a silence, "I was looking for Sergeant Stetler," Grissom's voice spoke. "Where is he?"

"I'm afraid that Sergeant Stetler isn't available, Doctor Grissom," Robert replied firmly.

Grissom sighed, "It's good to hear from you, Detective Caine," he replied. "Where is Rick at?"

"Rick's in a hospital bed not far from where I'm standing," Robert replied firmly. "Apparently, the disagreement he and Catherine had over the Lindsey thing turned somewhat physical and rough."

There was swearing on the other end and Rick sighed, "I'll talk to Doctor Grissom outside, Rick, all right?" Robert said, seeing that his brother-in-law was in distress. "I have some things to say…"

"Catherine actually had a meltdown at the Crime Lab and ended up passing out," Grissom explained in a concerned voice. "She cursed out Greg and Ryan and demanded that Ryan be held responsible for whatever happened to Lindsey if he did see her. She also said some very nasty things about Greg before passing out and I got her in an ambulance. She's at Desert Palms right now getting her medication."

Robert sighed and Rick, who could hear Grissom, closed his eyes to compose himself, "Just keep Catherine in Las Vegas for a little while so I can straighten my mind out," Rick finally spoke.

"I can do that," Grissom replied calmly. "I'm sorry to bother you with this over Christmas, Sergeant."

There was a click and Rick opened his eyes just as Dr. Montoyan came in with a folder, "Your x-rays," he said in a calm voice. "Fortunately for you, nothing is broken, but you still have very visible bruises…"

Rick sighed wearily, "And they are very painful," he replied softly. "Am I going to be admitted?"

"Unless you feel you want IV fluids, no," Dr. Montoyan replied. "However, I would like you to consider filing a police report against whoever did this to you and also attending domestic violence counseling."

Rick swallowed hard, "I'll consider it," he replied quietly. "If I don't need fluids, can I leave?"

Dr. Montoyan nodded, stunned speechless by Rick's anxiety, "Catherine isn't a bad person," Rick said as he shed his hospital gown and went for his shirt. "We had a daughter kidnapped several years ago and there's talk of her possibly being alive, but it's very complicated. We're all under a lot of stress…"

"I'll get you some prescription pain and anxiety meds to take home," Dr. Montoyan said. "Just hang on."

Once the doctor was gone, Rick got up and put his sweatshirt on, "I just want Catherine to get some help and I'm going to talk to the department counselor in the New Year," he stated. "That's all I want."

Robert nodded and kept quiet as Dr. Montoyan returned with a folder of information and a bag of meds to take for pain and anxiety. Rick nodded his thanks and left with his brother-in-law at his heels.

The ride back to the house in Coconut Grove was short and silent, "We're back," Robert announced in a calm voice as he and Rick walked through the house and saw that Flack, Natalia, Horatio, Lenny, BJ, Eric, and Adam were all watching television. "I'm thinking it's about time we ate Christmas dinner."

"Uncle Rick, what happened to your eye?" BJ asked quietly, his eyes wide. "Did you get beat up?"

Rick sighed patiently, "Yes, but we can discuss it after supper," he replied quietly. "All right?"

Eric silently turned off the TV and everyone filed into the rarely used dining room for supper because there were too many people to use the kitchen table. The table was filled with foods that people wouldn't normally eat for Christmas, but it would be enough for everyone and that was fine.

Robert sat at the head of the table and Natalia sat at his left while Horatio sat on his right; Adam sat next to Natalia in a booster seat while BJ sat next to Horatio and Eric. Rick sat at the far end of the table with Lenny on his left and Flack on his right while all of the food sat in the middle of the massive table.

Quiet talking filled the dining room as everyone helped themselves to the food that was available.


The Palms – Las Vegas, Nevada

A large dining room table holding plates, cups, and silverware sat in the middle of the suite just out of the way of the couch and television while a portable buffet table of food sat nearby. Tommy had wanted everyone to be comfortable and so he had paid for a catered Christmas dinner to add to that comfort. He had also paid The Palms staff to send up dishes that they needed for a large holiday gathering.

While Tommy had made the arrangements and set the table, Tim, Diana, James, Julliet, Emilio, Jenny, and Jason had taken naps in their respective rooms. Emily and Ryan were on their way back to the suite with Greg and from what Tommy knew, Greg had defied his superiors to get Ryan out of a bad situation.

Satisfied that everything was nice, Tommy took a seat on the couch and relaxed because there was very little do to until Ryan and Emily got back, everyone woke up, and the rest of the guests arrived.

After a few minutes, the suite door opened and Greg came in helping an exhausted Ryan walk while Emily came in behind them, "I may or may not have a job after today," Greg said anxiously as he helped Ryan sit on the couch. "Catherine ended up in a rage and I got Ryan and Emily the heck out of there."

Tommy looked slightly amused, "I like you, Greg," he replied calmly. "You're a very good person and I honestly wish you'd marry Jenny yourself so my grandkid could grow up with a responsible father."

Greg's eyes widened, "Um, we're not really even dating," he replied anxiously. "I just want Jenny and her baby to be safe, so that's why I offered to take them in. As far as romance, she also has a say in it."

"Oh, Greg, I wish you'd consider it because you seem so nice," Tommy spoke in a kind voice, much to the amusement of Emily and Ryan. "Jenny's my oldest and she just really needs someone nice."

Greg silently sat in a chair, "I've just been a crap father and I worry that I'll be a terrible grandfather," Tommy spoke quietly, his doubts resurfacing. "I shouldn't discuss this on Christmas, but…"

Just then, Tim came into the living room with James and Julliet and the twins immediately made a beeline for Emily, who knelt on the floor and let them kiss her, "Oh, my little ones," she said softly.

After a few moments, Emily got up and there was a knock at the door, "I'll start waking people up," she said in a calm voice. "Tim, will you get the door and get our kiddos to the table since I can't lift them?"

Tim quickly got the door and smiled as Judge Stokes, Jillian, and Nick came inside, but James eyed Nick warily, "Julie, is dat bad man from school?" James asked quietly. "Bad man really scared me."

Julliet shrugged, her eyes on Nick, "Daddy, is that the lab lady's friend?" she finally asked worriedly.

Nick froze, as he suddenly realized that James and Julliet were afraid of him, "No, Julliet, that isn't Valera's friend," Tim replied, quickly intervening. "The bad man's name is Derek; that's Nick."

"I need my puzzles," James said in a quiet voice, his head down. "Please, Daddy, my puzzles."

Tim sighed as Diana, Emilio, and Jason came into the front room, "We're gonna eat dinner really soon, kiddo, but you can play with your puzzles after," he said firmly. "Will you and Julliet go sit down?"

James eyed the visible cast on Nick's leg, "What's that band-aid on his leg?" he asked quietly.

"This is a cast," Nick explained in a quiet voice. "The bad man you don't like broke my leg a while ago."

Judge Stokes gave Nick a look, but didn't speak, "I'm sowwy," James spoke quietly. "Does it hurt?"

Tim cleared his throat, prompting James and Julliet to go over to the table and climb into the booster seats that sat in their chairs, "Jenny's just using the bathroom," Diana said in a sympathetic voice.

Jillian looked sympathetic, "I know how she feels," she replied softly. "I went through it seven times."

Diana ushered Emilio over to the table and sat him down with James and Julliet while Tommy silently sat near the head of the table, "Nicky was my little surprise," Jillian said warmly, smiling at her youngest.

"Okay, so Diana can sit on my left with Emilio," Tommy spoke nervously. "Jen, Jason, you can sit wherever you'd like. Emily and Tim obviously should sit with their kids; Ryan, where do you…?"

Ryan sighed from his spot on the couch, "I really have no appetite after my field trip to the Crime Lab," he confessed quietly. "If you don't mind, Tommy, I'm just going to have some water or juice."

"What field trip?" Judge Stokes asked in a concerned voice, his expression upset. "Nicolas…"

Nick frowned, "Catherine and Brass stopped by here, I guess," he replied in a worried voice.

"Ryan, your hands are shaking," Greg observed in a worried voice. "How unwell are you?"

Ryan sighed, "Get the kids eating or they'll get really cranky," he said in a firm voice. "Please."

Diana, Jason, Emilio, Nick Bill, Jillian, Tim, and Emily all took seats at the table as Jenny came out and she immediately sat in the empty seat next to her mother. Greg, however, remained seated in the chair.

"I'm just gonna sit with Ryan," Greg said quietly. "I'll wait til others have eaten and then I'll eat."


In another part of Las Vegas, Grissom entered the safety of his condo and saw that Sara had prepared a simple, yet elegant Christmas dinner for both of them that included soy turkey, yams, potatoes, stuffing, and other small items and was sitting at the table in wait, "Hey," Grissom said in a kind voice.

"I hope you got Ryan out of there," Sara said in a concerned voice. "Why'd Catherine detain him?"

Grissom sighed, "Anxiety over Lindsey," he replied softly. "I'm not sure if Greg is actually psychic or not, but I really don't think Ryan is faking memory loss. If he helped Lindsey, he really can't remember it."

"What about the whole thing with Warrick?" Sara asked quietly. "Do you think he's in danger?"

Grissom shrugged as he sat at the table and gazed longingly at Sara's stomach, "Just think; next Christmas, there will be four of us," he said fondly. "I'm so happy we created such beauty."

Sara smiled, "I'm glad we could spend a quiet Christmas together," she spoke in a kind voice.

"Me too," Grissom said softly as he picked Sara's hand up and gently kissed it. "Me too."


Unknown Location – Miami, Florida

"…Clavo, did you bring me some good eats?" Warrick heard a Texan voice hiss. "I'm workin' hard here."

Warrick opened his eyes and saw that Derek was seated at a large table surrounded by tools, expensive looking parts, and tons of papers, "I can't believe you're using your Chemistry degree to make crafts," Clavo said in an amused voice as he set several containers on the table. "I got Chinese takeout."

"These are not crafts," Derek hissed darkly. "I've been doing research on Jenny's family using that computer we have in here. I have no idea why Ivan won't let us bring this CSI freak over to him yet."

Clavo shrugged, "Jenny went to Nicolas in Vegas and took my baby with her and Emily Yokas is in New York hiding with my other baby," Derek hissed coldly. "I've got at least two kids out of my reach."

"What makes you think you could be a dad?" Warrick snapped, glaring at Derek. "You're an addict."

Clavo's eyes widened as Derek stopped what he was doing, got up, and walked over to where Warrick was sitting handcuffed to pipes, "If you had women who were keeping your kids from you, who would you blame?" Derek hissed, his anger growing as he glared at Warrick. "You don't blame the mothers."

Warrick coughed and Derek reared back and swore before slapping him, "Pregnant women are so easily influenced by their FAMILIES!" Derek roared in an angry voice. "Therefore, their families must pay!"

Swearing loudly, Derek continued to thrash Warrick with his fists until Warrick was bleeding and thought he would pass out from pain, "And you said the Crime Lab you work for is a family," Derek hissed in a cold, unforgiving voice. "If you Vegas idiots are so close, how come nobody is here looking for you?"

"Because I'm on leave," Warrick replied in a pained voice. "I can do whatever I want on leave."

Derek looked amused, "You can do whatever you want and yet you were walking the streets of a poor Cuban neighborhood when I mugged you?" he asked in a mocking tone. "Can you not tell the truth?"

"You nearly killed my friend, Nick," Warrick relented coldly. "Did you think I wasn't gonna find you?"

Derek scoffed, "You stalked me because of poor wittle Nicky?" he hissed coldly. "You idiot."

"Did you have something to do with those missing kids and with Ryan Wolfe's torture?" Warrick breathed, quickly tiring from intense pain. "You seem to know a lot more than anyone expected."

Derek's eyes widened and he broke out in manic laughter, "That wasn't me," he said in an amused voice, his eyes twinkling. "That was all Special Agent Dennis Sackheim and he's long gone from Miami."

Warrick cringed, "And soon, it will be you who is long, long gone from Miami, Warrick Brown," Derek promised coldly.


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