Two Days Later

Austin, Texas

The air was warm and the station was quiet as Jenny Wolfe silently stepped into the station pulling the rolling suitcase that Nick had lent her along behind her. She had talked with the Stokes's and Nick had agreed with Greg's suggestion and lent Jenny a suitcase that would be easy for her to use. He hadn't commented on Derek's actions, but Jenny knew that Nick was hurting over it and hadn't pressed it.

Sighing softly, Jenny took a seat on a bench and grabbed a bottle of juice from one of the suitcase's side pockets. The Las Vegas PD had offered her a police escort from Vegas to Austin, but she had refused and had quietly arranged to go first class on a train so she had time to think about all that had gone on.

Since the station was quiet, Jenny didn't expect that anyone from the Stokes family would come and get her from the train because she knew how the family felt about Derek and his behavior. The dinner they had all shared in Vegas at Christmas had been quiet and Jenny had retreated from the Stokes's company as soon as she felt it polite, as she feared that they judged her and her family for how they were.

After arranging to take a holiday from Vegas, Jenny had quietly called her parents and explained the situation. They had been supportive and had promised to keep in touch with her about her uncle's health and when her grandmother's funeral would be. Greg had also promised to keep in touch with her while she was gone, but Nick had remained distant and had left Greg to take her to the station alone.

"I just need a minute and then I have to figure out where the ranch is," Jenny said softly to herself even though she was very tired from travelling and also hungry and knew she would need more time.

As Jenny sat there, however, she got the distinct impression that someone was watching her and it made her feel nervous enough to reach into her borrowed suitcase and extract a special can of mace that Grissom had secretly given her for safety. She slowly stood up and turned with a finger near the trigger with the can raised, frowning when she saw a familiar face standing near a side entrance.

"Nick?" Jenny asked in a confused voice, not lowering the can. "I thought you had work?"

Nick frowned at the mace can, "Where did you get that?" he asked worriedly. "It's police issue."

"Doctor Grissom gave it to me," Jenny replied softly. "Because I was going to be travelling alone."

Nick nodded and Jenny lowered the can, "I'm still not back to full duty yet and with Sofia there, I was given some time off and a special assignment," he replied calmly. "I flew down here yesterday."

Jenny nodded, "My parents asked me to bring you out to the ranch," Nick explained gently. "They get the feeling that you're afraid of them. They don't blame you or the baby for what Derek is."

"Does Greg miss me?" Jenny asked softly, not wanting to talk about her fear of Derek.

Nick sighed, "He's glued himself to the lab til you come back," he replied quietly.

"I know he has feelings for me and I really want to have feelings for him, but I want to explore them after the baby's born," Jenny explained softly, taking her suitcase. "I hope he understands that."

Nick nodded and took the suitcase handle, "You're not supposed to lift heavy stuff," he replied.

Sighing, Jenny silently followed Nick out of the station and hoped that things would turn out okay.


Miami, Florida

"I drove you to and from the center," Warrick wheezed softly as he opened his eyes and saw Derek back at his worktable assembling more weapons. "You said you would show me where Lindsey is…"

Derek scoffed, not looking up from his work, "You actually think I know where she is?" he hissed. "I tricked you so you would break the law to help me. You know that center had a gate camera, right?"

Warrick frowned and made to get up, only to find that his hands were above his head and cuffed to another metal pipe, "What, did you think I was just gonna let you go?" Derek spoke in a dark voice. "I killed and hurt a lot of people at that freaky mental hospital, but I'm not finished with my work."

"What more could you possibly want to do?" Warrick asked coldly. "You've done enough harm."

Derek let out a manic laugh and slammed his hands on the table as he looked up at Warrick, "Why, I've got to still go thank my baby brother for stealing my woman and my baby from me," he replied in a mock amused voice, his eyes cold. "I've also gotta go see if I can get my other kid from Emily Yokas."

Warrick coughed and gagged just as footsteps filled the air, "Stokes, there's a problem," a voice said.

Derek frowned, glaring at Warrick as he got up and moved out of view, "I don't know what went down, but there was a police raid on Ivan's pad and some stuff was seized," a voice said. "Guys were arrested."

Swearing filled the room, "My best tools were at Ivan's!" Derek snapped. "I stole them from Vegas!"

Warrick suddenly coughed anxiously as he felt pain course throughout his body, "I'm sure that you can get more eventually, but Ivan wants us to move to this property he has in the Glades," the voice said.

"The Glades is riddled with bacteria!" Warrick heard Derek growl. "Worse than Bed-Stuy New York!"

Determined to get loose, Warrick tugged against the pipes and the handcuffs quickly broke off of them, allowing him to get free and to his feet. The pipe he was cuffed was on the floor and so he picked it up and silently made his way across the dilapidated structure towards the voices that were now arguing.

Derek swore as Warrick suddenly came into view, "How did you get out?!" he snapped. "Diego!"

"The cuffs are old and the pipes are older," Warrick said in a heavy voice, holding up the pipe he had.

Diego, who was a tall, skinny guy with dark skin wearing jeans, boots, and a golf shirt, looked amused, "Dude, this Vegas guy is good," he mused in an amused voice. "Those cuffs were crap…"

"Derek Stokes, you're under arrest," Warrick breathed anxiously. "It'll be easier if you come quietly."

Derek looked amused, reached into his pocket, and extracted a lethal looking knife that he had stolen from the Vegas Crime Lab that was covered in a case that had Greg Sanders embroidered on it, "I found this in your pocket after my guys and I robbed you that day," he hissed coldly. "It looks expensive."

"That belongs to a guy who suffered permanent hearing loss when you and your buddies shot up our lab," Warrick spat, glaring daggers at Derek. "I borrowed it when I decided to come look for you."

Derek and Diego exchanged a look, "I doubt he knows you borrowed it," Derek hissed as he walked over to Warrick and extracted the knife from its case. "So, you're a thief and an accomplice to my crime."

"Derek, we gotta get going," Diego hissed anxiously as he reached into his jeans and pulled out a gun, smirking as he pointed it at Warrick. "You wanna come the easy way or you wanna come the hard way?"

Warrick spat at Diego and Diego responded by firing the gun at Warrick's abdomen, hitting him directly in the ribs, "I guess we'll have to do the hard way," Diego spat, glaring at Warrick as he fell to the floor.


Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab

Irritation filled Sully as he stepped off the elevator on to the Crime Lab floor after getting crappy directions to the police properties from the airport. His rental car was a decent one, thankfully.

A receptionist sat at a desk in the front and loud, angry voices were filtering down the hallway, "…Speedle should have called in if he wanted to take the day off," a woman snapped angrily.

"Well, we're shorthanded because Bobby and Natalia called in," a male voice said. "Call a temp…"

There was a sigh, "I'm not sure how they're getting away with even having a relationship when they work alternating days on the same shift!" the woman snapped. "We weren't allowed to do that!"

Sully froze as Eric and Calleigh came into view, "Are you the temp Horatio called?" Calleigh asked.

"I'm actually looking for Ryan Wolfe," Sully replied in a calm voice. "I know he works here."

Calleigh and Eric exchanged a look, "Are you a bookie?" Eric asked coldly. "I know Wolfe gambles."

"Ryan Wolfe no longer works on our shift because he chose to switch to nights rather than get a psych evaluation that would let him go back to his shift," Calleigh explained coldly. "He's not our problem…"

Sully frowned, but didn't say anything, "We're a bit shorthanded today because three of our CSI's called in for days off and got them," Calleigh said in a cold voice. "If you're not a temp, you need to leave."

"I'm not leaving til I know where I can find Ryan," Sully replied coldly as Horatio came down the hall to see where his other staff had gotten to after three of them had called in to request the day off.

Horatio frowned, "John Sullivan?" he asked quietly, recognizing Sully. "Ryan's not here, I'm afraid."

"Rick Stetler called me about the explosion," Sully explained. "I'm trying to find the hospital Ryan's at."

Horatio nodded, "He's at Miami-Dade Memorial," he replied calmly. "Calleigh, Eric, get back to work."

"What are you going to do about the sickout?" Calleigh asked coldly. "We don't have enough staff."

Horatio sighed and Calleigh walked off, "Nice to meet you, sir," Eric said quietly before leaving.

"I met Eric Delko back when John was kidnapped," Sully said, frowning at Horatio. "He doesn't…"

Horatio nodded, "Since the last time you saw Eric, he was shot in the head and there's a piece of bullet lodged in his brain permanently," he replied patiently. "It affects his memory sometimes."

"How badly off is Ryan?" Sully asked quietly. "Stetler told me his mother was killed."


Miami-Dade University Hospital

Within half an hour, Horatio had led Sully to the hospital in their cars and they quietly went up to Ryan's hospital room. Ryan was lying asleep in bed with a blanket and lumpy hospital gown covering his body while IV's and bandages littered his arms and hands, pillows sat underneath his back, and a bandage was around his messy hair. Machines, tubes, and electrodes were also scattered around the injured man.

Tommy was seated on a couch near the window wearing blue jeans, a sweat shirt, and sneakers and reading a book that rested on his lap, "Lieutenant Caine, hello," he said calmly before eyeing Sully with a confused expression on his face. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm really not comfortable letting strangers in here."

"I'm not a stranger to Ryan," Sully replied patiently. "I helped him out of a bad family situation…"

Tommy frowned and his eyes widened, "Officer Sullivan?" he asked in a confused, scared voice.

Horatio looked confused as Sully studied Tommy, "Yeah, but who are you?" Sully asked softly.

"Mister Sullivan, this is Tommy Wolfe," Horatio explained. "Tommy is Ryan's older brother."

Sully's eyes widened in surprise, "I haven't seen you since you were a teenager," he replied softly.

"That…that was a very long time ago and I'd rather not discuss it, Officer Sullivan," Tommy replied in an uneasy voice, his expression neutral as he sat up. "My mother was killed two days ago and Ryan…"

Sully nodded and Horatio sighed as Ryan twitched and whimpered in his sleep, obviously reacting to the differing levels of noise, "What's…what's going on?" Ryan mumbled groggily, not opening his eyes.

"Officer Sullivan's here to visit you," Horatio spoke quietly. "He came all the way from New York."

Ryan's eyelids fluttered and opened, but closed quickly after he peered at Sully briefly, "It's good of you to come," he said in a groggy, weak voice. "H…did…did they find out how many didn't make it yet?"

"It was between shifts, so there wasn't a lot of staff on site," Horatio replied quietly. "Even so, the death toll is between 50 and 70 individuals. A lot of people died in the explosion and some died after…"

Tears filled Ryan's eyes and he sniffled weakly, but didn't say anything, "Hey, hey, Ryan, why don't I go to the cafeteria and get you something to eat?" Tommy spoke as he stood up. "A milkshake?"

Ryan mumbled a weak reply and drifted off again, "I'm sorry, he only got released from the SICU yesterday and Emily and I have taken turns being here," Tommy spoke quietly. "Tim's spending time with the kids and I know he's been calling in sick simply because he doesn't want to share the…"

Horatio looked thoughtful, "Speed's been spending his days off babysitting?" he asked quietly.

"Tim's father and brother are focusing on getting the new family center ready for opening and so they've been asking Tim to help with the kids because Emily owns the center," Tommy explained in a quiet voice. "Detective Caine and his fiancée have also been taking time with the kids."

Horatio nodded, as Robert had confided in him that there were days that BJ and Adam needed their father and soon-to-be stepmother with them to get through the day. Chief Burton wasn't overly happy with Robert's tardiness, but hadn't said anything because the explosion had happened and that had put everyone's priorities into perspective; it made people be grateful for who and what they had.

"Um, anyway, I'm going to get Ryan something to eat," Tommy spoke quietly. "He might eat it later."

Horatio silently watched as Tommy left, "If you need to get back to work, I can stay," Sully said softly.

"I'm curious as to why Yelina didn't come with you?" Horatio asked quietly. "She has family here."

Sully sighed as he got his phone out and opened his photo album to show a photo of himself, Yelina, and Nicolas, "We had a baby on Christmas Day," he explained in a happy voice. "We named him Nicolas."

Horatio's eyes widened and Ryan stirred enough that Sully and Horatio stepped into the hallway, "I was actually hoping to ask you about Ray Junior while I was here," Sully spoke softly. "I know that Ryan got badly tortured trying to find him and I'm very sorry about that, but Yelina would be happy if Ray was…"

"I'm afraid I don't have any information," Horatio replied quietly. "I…I should be getting back to work."

Even though he felt Horatio was hiding something, Sully nodded and silently returned to Ryan's room while Horatio turned and left as fast as he could, burdened with the truths that he couldn't share.


Coconut Grove

"Daddy, how many more pages of school do I have to do?" BJ asked quietly as he looked up from the table where he and Adam were working on homeschool workbooks. "I wanna practice soccer."

Robert sighed, glancing at the microwave clock as he sat at the kitchen counter with a cup of hot chocolate, "Another half an hour until you can be done school for the day, BJ," he replied calmly.

"Daddy, I'm tired," Adam spoke quietly, his expression unhappy. "My tummy hurts too."

Frowning, Robert set his cup down and got up, "Adam threw up in bed last night and I went ahead and let him get in bed with me, Dad," BJ said in a quiet voice. "I got up early and did Adam's sheets."

"When you or your brother get sick, you need to tell me," Robert said softly. "So I can help you."

Adam sighed, "Daddy, when is Natalia coming over?" he asked sadly, holding his tummy.

"Come here," Robert said gently as he walked over to the table. "Why does your tummy hurt?"

BJ suddenly looked guilty, "We were reading the paper yesterday and we saw this really big article about a hospital blowing up," he spoke up apologetically. "There was a picture of the man who hurt Adam…"

Sighing softly, Robert sat at the kitchen table, "Yes, the bad man who hurt Adam at his school is the same person who blew a hospital up and hurt a lot of people," he spoke sadly. "I'm so sorry."

Adam crawled into his father's lap just as the front door opened, "Hello?" Natalia called out.

"Talia, we're in the kitchen," Robert called out calmly. "Adam's not feeling good right now…"

Natalia frowned as she walked into the kitchen, "I just got a call from Callieigh," she replied softly. "Their temp never showed and they need me to go in to help process evidence from a raid that happened."

Robert sighed, clearly unhappy with the turn of events, "Ever since Ryan switched to nights, Eric and Calleigh have been walking around like they owned the lab," he replied softly. "It's not very nice."

"Daddy, my tummy really hurts," Adam said quietly. "Do you have to go to work too?"

Natalia sighed softly, "Okay, I think I'd better run you over to the emergency room," Robert replied softly, giving Natalia a sympathetic look. "I'm thinking of either taking a leave of absence or transferring out of the lab because it's turned into a very nasty work environment since Ryan was tortured."

"You know what?" Natalia said, concerned for Adam. "I think Calleigh and Eric can wait. I'm coming."

BJ gathered his workbooks, "Can you and BJ just hang out here, actually, until I know for sure if it's serious?" Robert asked as he stood and held Adam. "BJ has more schoolwork to do today."

Natalia nodded, "Thank you," Robert spoke softly. "Come on, buddy, we're gonna go."

BJ and Natalia watched as Robert grabbed his keys, wallet, and phone before leaving the house with Adam in his arms, "Natalia, when are you and my daddy gonna get married?" BJ asked quietly.

"The hours of our jobs keep us really busy and people at our work don't like us doing the same things at work, so we haven't had time to talk about it," Natalia replied softly, slightly annoyed that Calleigh had taken it upon herself to ensure that Natalia and Robert saw and interacted as little as possible at work.

BJ nodded, "Your dad said you still have schoolwork to do," Natalia stated. "Do you need help?"

"Mrs. Speedle says I'm doing really well in my work and I should go to a school for gifted kids, but I don't wanna leave my brother," BJ replied quietly. "And I don't wanna go back to a school with other kids like I was before because of what happened during basketball. Mister Speedle's teaching me soccer."

Natalia smiled, "How about you get that work done and I'll make you a snack?" she suggested gently.

As BJ got back to work and Natalia looked for snack food, Natalia's cell phone began to buzz repeatedly.


Calle Ocho

Horatio sighed as he parked his Hummer in front of Speedle's parents house and got out. As he walked up to the front door, he wondered why Speed would call in sick when he never used to do that before.

As Horatio knocked on the door, he heard quiet giggling coming from inside and a gentle sigh, "Sit here and work on your books," he heard Tim say in a quiet voice. "Daddy just has to get the door."

There was a silence and Tim frowned as he opened the door and saw Horatio, "Speed, I was under the impression that you called in sick this morning?" Horatio asked quietly. "Is everything all right?"

"I did call in sick, but I'm fine physically," Tim replied quietly. "I've just had trouble coping and sleeping properly since the explosion. It brings back memories of when I was shot and it's not comfortable…"

Horatio nodded, "Eric and Calleigh think I've been slacking, but they don't seem to get that there are things that still trigger my memories of the shooting," Tim explained. "Do you want to come in?"

Before Horatio could reply, Tim stepped inside and let him come in. James and Julliet were sitting at a plastic table near a bookshelf working on schoolbooks and there were toys all over the place.

"My family is at the community center getting it ready for opening and Emily's having a nap before she goes over there to check on things," Tim explained calmly. "The pregnancy and what happened…"

Horatio nodded, "I'm sorry I lied about being sick, but there are things that are more important than work," Tim spoke quietly, his expression serious. "I know Eric and Calleigh aren't too happy with me."

"I'm on call and Jesse Cardoza is at the lab if they need help," Horatio spoke calmly, concerned for his friend's well-being. "Have you talked with your wife or parents about the issues you're having?"

Tim nodded and sighed, "Being around my family helps, but Eric and Callieigh think I'm just being lazy and careless again like when I was shot," he explained quietly. "Neither of them want to work with me, so I usually get assigned to work with Jesse, Natalia, or your nephew. It's becoming very frustrating."

Horatio nodded and watched as James got up and toddled over to Tim, "Daddy," James said softly.

Tim looked down at James questioningly, "Can we be done?" James asked quietly. "Really tired."

"Yeah, James, you and Julliet can be done," Tim replied softly. "Do you wanna watch a movie?"

Julliet got up from the table and went over to a shelf that had endless movies on it just as Emily came out into the living room wearing dress pants and a loose shirt with her hair in a bun, "You look good in my shirt," Tim commented, recognizing the shirt from his side of the closet. "Feeling better?"

"As well as I'm going to get," Emily replied softly, smiling at Horatio. "Hi there, Horatio."

Horatio's phone suddenly buzzed and he quietly answered it, "The kids have done a lot of schoolwork today and I'm letting them watch a movie," Tim spoke softly, looking at Emily. "Are you going?"

"I might just stay home today," Emily replied softly. "I don't need to be out and about every day."

Tim nodded, "I'd rather stick close to home as long as Derek Stokes is in Miami, to be honest," Emily spoke softly as she went over to the couch and sat. "James, Julliet, Mommy's gonna join you."

Horatio hung up the phone with a distressed expression on his face, "I…I have to go," he said quietly.

Tim frowned, but Horatio left in silence, "What are we watching?" Tim finally asked, gazing at his kids.


Blue River Estates – Everglades, Florida

"Zees eez my humble abode zat ze police do not even know about," Ivan said in a pleased voice as Derek, Clavo, Diego, and several other members of Ivan's gang gathered in a conference room that was decorated with elaborate furniture that Ivan had stolen from everywhere. "Vere iz ze preesoner?"

Clavo scoffed, "Puking in the back of my very expensive van," he scoffed. "Someone's out there."

Ivan looked amused, "Diego shot him in the ribs," Derek spoke in a dark voice. "Stupid fool."

"Derek, I agree that Diego was very stupid," Ivan replied calmly. "Did the bullet go through?"

Derek nodded and wandered over to the books that were on the mantle above a very expensive looking fireplace, "Can I read these?" he asked in an intrigued voice. "Jenny ran away with my child and I'm pretty mad about it because my goody-two-shoes baby brother helped her escape to somewhere."

"I thought you knocked up a girl in New York?" Diego asked hurriedly. "Sackheim's hiding up there."

Ivan swore, "Diego, go get ze preesoner," he barked, his eyes filled with fury. "Now!"

Diego fled the room with two others at his heels, "I gotta send some of the crew up to New York to visit Pavel and also check on zat loser, Sackheim," Ivan said coldly. "Derek Stokes, vy do you not go veeth zem and veeset ze girl you knocked up? You will steel get ze chance to be a fazzer to your kids."

"How do you even know Sackheim's still in New York?" Derek asked. "He could have taken off."

Ivan looked amused and silently strode over to his desk, stroking a phone that sat atop of it, "Zees eez a private line," he explained in an amused voice. "Eeet eez my way of keeping my eye on zat moron."

Derek nodded and went back to examining the books while Ivan dialled a number on the phone, "Dennis Sackheim," Ivan said in a cold voice as he held the receiver against his ear. "It has been a while, yes?"

There was silence, "Who is this?" a confused voice spoke. "You sound Russian, but I don't know…"

"Who eez zees?" Ivan asked, not recognizing the woman's voice. "I am looking for Sackheim."

Quiet talking filled the other end of the line, "This is Dennis Sackheim," a voice said.

"Sackheim," Ivan spoke coldly. "What are you doing up zere? Derek wants hees Emily Yokas."

Dennis scoffed, "I don't know where she is and I don't care," he replied in an irritated voice.

"Oh, you had better care, Sackheim," Ivan replied coldly. "I am breenging some guys up in ze next couple of veeks and ve vill find Emily Yokas for our dear Derek Stokes. I vill zen be so happy to keel you."

There was a gasp, "Kill me for what?!" Dennis replied in a shocked voice. "I've done all that you…!"

"You let Wolfe rescue Lindsey, you freak!" Ivan snapped angrily. "See you in a couple of veeks!"

As Ivan slammed the phone down, Diego and the two guys dragged Warrick, who was sporting a battered face and a bloody t-shirt, into the room and dumped him on the floor, "This Las Vegas CSI gave us trouble, boss, so we had to teach him a lesson," Diego spoke coldly. "He still hasn't gotten it."


Mercy Hospital – Coconut Grove

"Well, look who we have here," Alexx said as she came into the hospital room carrying a folder and a chart and saw Robert sitting beside the bed where Adam lay in a hospital gown. "Detective Caine."

Robert smiled, "Doctor Woods, I didn't know you worked here?" he asked softly. "How are you?"

"I work here sometimes when I need a break from the morgue," Alexx replied as she came over to the bed and sat down. "I heard that you were here, so I said I'd take care of your son cause you trust me."

Robert nodded, "My tummy hurts," Adam spoke softly. "I threw up all over my bed last night."

"Well, I can tell you why your tummy hurts," Alexx spoke softly. "You have appendicitis and you'll need an operation right away to have your appendix out, but you'll be sound asleep during the operation."

Robert sighed softly, but Adam nodded, "I got special permission to do the operation," Alexx spoke softly, smiling at Adam warmly. "I don't normally operate on people, but I asked for permission."

Just then, Robert's phone buzzed and he fished it out of his pocket, "Yes?" he said into the phone.

"Detective Caine, we need you to come in," Calleigh's voice said. "Natalia's not answering her…"

Robert growled and let out an irritated sigh, "I'm not able to come in because being a father is more important than being a CSI right now," he replied coldly. "Keep calling and I might not come in again."

"I'm going to write you up to IAB and Lieutenant Caine!" Calleigh replied in a loud warning voice.

Robert scoffed, "Go ahead," he replied before hanging up and putting the phone back in his pocket.

Adam looked worried, but Robert promptly gave him a hug and a kiss, "I phoned Natalia and BJ while we were waiting for Adam's tests and they should be here soon with some clothes and things," Robert said in a quiet voice. "I also phoned my uncle and told him what was going on, but he has to work."

Alexx nodded, "I'll come back very shortly to get Adam upstairs," she spoke gently. "All right?"

Once Alexx was gone, Adam curled himself into a ball, "Daddy, why was that lady on the phone yelling at you?" he asked quietly as footsteps approached the room. "She didn't sound like she likes you."

Robert sighed, but was prevented from speaking by the arrival of Natalia and BJ, both of whom were carrying Adam's things, "Hi," Adam spoke quietly, looking up at them. "I gotta have an operation."

"Adam has appendicitis," Robert spoke softly. "Doctor Woods will be performing the surgery."

BJ sighed and crawled on the bed next to his brother, "It's not gonna hurt," he whispered softly.

"Calleigh phoned me and I'm getting written up," Robert spoke quietly, gazing at Natalia.

Natalia's eyes widened just as a Alexx returned with a nurse, "They're gonna take you upstairs now, buddy, and I can't go with you," Robert said softly. "However, I'll be in your room after it's done."

Adam nodded and smiled when Robert and Natalia both kissed him, "Be brave," BJ said as he got up.

Robert hugged BJ and Natalia while Alexx and the nurse rolled Adam away, "Dad, can I go to the gift shop and get Adam something?" BJ asked softly. "I can use the money you gave me from chores."

"We'll all go and Natalia and I can wait outside for you," Robert replied. "All right?"

BJ nodded and smiled as the three went to the gift shop and he went in to pick something for his brother, "A write-up could result in a suspension," Natalia spoke softly. "Aren't you worried?"

"No," Robert replied quietly. "I only signed a contract with the Crime Lab until April and once Ryan is well enough to return to the team, I'm going to encourage it. I feel like my presence is hindering the team's chemistry and the team doesn't trust me fully because my uncle is in charge of CSI."

Natalia frowned, "Do they think you're going to tell on them to your uncle?" she asked softly.

"Maybe they don't trust the fact that my father was part of the Russian mafia like Warrick Brown?" Robert replied softly. "When I was in the hospital in Vegas, Warrick came by my room and asked me questions about what I knew about the Russian mafia and if there was any reason to be worried…"

Natalia's eyes widened, "Who knows if the CSI's here think the same thing," Robert mused softly.

"Whatever they think, I still love you," Natalia spoke softly, hugging him. "Remember that."

Robert nodded and gently held Natalia, sighing as both of them watched BJ in the gift shop.


Stokes Family Ranch - Austin, Texas

The grounds were quiet and Jenny found herself grateful for it as it meant she could go to a private area and use her phone to call her parents, "…How are you all doing, Mom?" she asked softly as she sat on a haybale in the horse stalls where several horses lingered in stalls. "I…I got to Austin safely."

"That's good, Jenny," Diana spoke quietly. "I hope Bill and Jillian are making you feel welcome there."

Jenny sighed, "Nick somehow got time off and he showed up at the station, but he's not happy being here because looking at me makes him sad over his brother," she replied anxiously. "I don't like making people upset over this, Mom. Derek's the oldest kid in the Stokes family and everyone…"

"Honey, I thought it was made clear at Christmas that Bill and Jillian haven't heard from Derek in a very long time and disowned him long ago for his behavior," Diana spoke softly. "Derek raped you and the Stokes family understands that; they're not going to punish you or an innocent baby over it."

Jenny bit her lip, "Do you know when Grandma's funeral will be yet?" she asked. "I want to come."

"We're thinking of postponing it until spring or even until Derek is caught so nothing will happen to anyone else in the family because of him," Diana replied quietly. "Your Uncle Ryan's in a regular hospital room now, but he'll be in the hospital for at least a week and your father's sitting with him quite a bit."

Jenny nodded even though nobody was around, "Do you know how far along you are?" Diana asked.

"At least five months, but I'm not sure," Jenny replied quietly. "They really weren't able to tell."

Diana sighed, "Stay in Austin only as long as you feel comfortable being there, okay?" she replied in a concerned voice. "When you get tired of it, you can go back to Vegas, but it's not safe for you here."

"I know, but I worry about you all," Jenny spoke quietly. "I don't even know what the baby is…"

Diana chuckled, "Sweetheart, we will love your baby no matter what it is," she replied in a kind voice. "I know I can't be there to help you, but you can ask Jillian Stokes for help since she did have seven kids."

"I'm just nervous to ask for help cause what if she thinks I can't raise my kid?" Jenny asked quietly.

Diana sighed softly, "Mommy?" Emilio's voice filled the phone. "Can I say hi to Jenny?"

"Hi Emilio," Jenny said warmly. "How are you doing? Are you listening to Mom, Dad, and Jason?"

Emilio sighed, "I miss you, Jen-Jen," he said quietly. "Mom and Dad said you're gonna have a baby."

"Yeah, I am, so you're gonna be an uncle," Jenny replied gently, suddenly feeling tired. "Hey, Emilio, I'm starting to feel tired, so I'm gonna go for now. I'll call again after a while, okay? Love you guys."

After hearing her mother and little brother send their love, Jenny put the phone away and left the horse stalls. The walk back to the house was quiet and upon going inside, she found that the house was quiet.

Sighing softly, Jenny went into the family room and lay down on the couch, figuring that nobody would mind if she had a little nap. As she closed her eyes, her mind suddenly flashed back to months earlier.

One night several months ago, shortly after she and Derek had gotten together, Jenny had been resting in the room that Ivan had given her for as long as she needed. She had taken the room simply because she was on the run for assaulting Tony and she thought her parents would turn her in if she went home.

However, as Jenny had slept that night, a drunk and high Derek had burst into her room and had invited himself into her bed. At first, Jenny had asked him to stop, but Derek had ignored it and it had been a horrible enough experience that she had passed out by the end of it.

When Derek had found out she was pregnant with his child, he had gone on a celebration all over the underworld of Miami that included blowing up Anthony Speedle's restaurant with the intention of robbing it and robbing Lieutenant Caine and nearly killing him in the process. He had bragged that they would get married and live in luxury, but Jenny had fled after learning how he had gotten his wealth.

Even though the hospital in Vegas had helped her get physically healthy, Jenny knew that she was not okay emotionally and still had bad dreams about what happened. The couch was comfortable, but the memories stopped her from getting a proper nap because it was sleeping deeply that made her remember and feel like Derek was on top of her again. The thought of Derek made her heart hurt.

Jenny felt tears on her cheeks, but she couldn't stop them because it had been a really long time since she had had a good cry. She had been careful to hide her emotions at work and at her temporary home, but she knew it wasn't healthy to do that. At the moment, it felt safe enough to cry in her sleep.

The front door opened just then and Jillian and Nick came in hauling bags of groceries and things that Jillian had bought from a maternity store for Jenny since she knew the girl had very little with her and couldn't go home to Florida to get more. Nick had joked with his mom about her buying out the store and Jillian had let him do it, as she hadn't heard Nick joke in a long time and it showed he was healing.

"Will you help me with dinner, Nicky?" Jillian asked kindly. "All of your sisters are coming over tonight."

Nick nodded, "Before you do that, would you figure out where Jenny got to so I can show her these clothes?" Jillian asked softly. "I promised her mother that she'd be well taken care of out here."

Out of the corner of his eye, Nick could see a moving pile on the family room sofa and he figured that Jenny was taking a nap. He silently went into the family room and frowned when he saw that Jenny was shuddering and crying in her sleep, "S-stop," Jenny whispered in a faint voice. "Get…get off me."

"Jenny?" Nick asked, disturbed that Jenny was having a nightmare about Derek. "You all right?"

There was a faint gasp and Jenny woke, "Oh, I'm sorry," she spoke shakily, quickly sitting upright.

"You all right?" Nick asked quietly even though he knew she wasn't. "How was your walk?"

Jenny shrugged, but didn't say anything because she was feeling tired and slightly nauseous from the nightmare, "Um, my mom bought you a bunch of maternity stuff and she bought groceries to make a nice supper tonight since all my sisters are coming," Nick spoke quietly. "They wanna meet you."

"I'm actually not feeling that great, so do I have to?" Jenny spoke softly. "I'd rather not be paraded around in front of your sisters when I'm not feeling well. I keep having bad dreams about Derek."

Nick frowned and sat in a chair, "You really don't look good," he spoke softly. "How long has this…?"

"What, you think Greg and I have sex when I talk with him in the middle of the night?" Jenny asked in an unusually shaky voice. "I have small anxiety attacks sometimes and he talks me through them."

Nick looked concerned, "I'm not going to blame the baby for what happened, so I have to blame myself for not being strong enough and for not dealing with what I did," Jenny explained in a trembling voice. "The Speedles didn't press charges, but I ran away. I have to take responsibility for this baby alone."

"What, you think it's your fault that Derek raped you?" Nick asked quietly. "It's not."

Jenny scoffed and started crying, her body trembling as she did so, "Take some deep breaths," Nick spoke quietly, concerned for Jenny's health. "It's not good for the baby for you to be panicking."

"I don't know what to do about it," Jenny spoke quietly. "I'm scared because he killed my grandmother and hurt my uncle pretty badly. He's still in Miami and I really don't know if we'll ever be safe."

Nick sighed softly, "That's why Greg suggested you come here," he replied. "So you would be. There's excellent security here and the ranch is also equipped with a gate and very high-tech alarms."

Jenny nodded just as Jillian came into the family room with the shopping bags, "There you are, dear girl," Jillian said warmly as she sat on the couch next to her. "You look a bit shaky. Are you all right?"

"Just a bit tired," Jenny lied, not wanting to worry Nick's mother. "The air's different here."

Nick raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, "I promised your mother that I'd look after you during your visit," Jillian spoke in a kind voice. "She mentioned that you didn't have a lot, so I went shopping."

As Jillian began showing the maternity clothes to Jenny, Nick silently watched and grieved over the situation because he knew his brother was truly gone and was obviously not done destroying lives.


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

"…That sounds fine, Catherine," Rick said, slouching in his chair as he sat behind the desk in his IAB office, doing paperwork while enjoying a brief call with his wife. "We can go out for dinner tonight and that will be better anyway, as Bobby's up at the hospital because Adam's got appendicitis. He called me while he and Boa Vista were watching BJ get something from the gift shop. It's a terrible thing…"

Catherine offered a reply that prompted Rick to smile, "I know," he replied in an amused voice, sighing as she gently reminded him to look into the ongoing investigation on Lindsey. "I'll take care of it…"

Suddenly spotting Calleigh in the hallway, Rick murmured a sweet goodbye and hung up, "Duquesne, you're a bit early for your scheduled appointment, but come in," he said formally. "What's the issue?"

"I want to write Detective Caine up for insubordination," Calleigh explained in a firm voice.

Rick raised an eyebrow, "What exactly has Detective Caine done to earn a write-up so early in his career at the Lab?" he asked in a confused voice. "I've gotten nothing but positive comments about him."

"The lab is shorthanded because Speedle, Boa Vista, and Detective Caine all called in sick today and we haven't gotten any relief," Calleigh replied coldly. "I phoned Boa Vista to come in, but she hasn't shown up and when I phoned Detective Caine, he ordered me not to call him again or he'd basically quit."

Rick's eyes widened, not surprised that Bobby had lost his cool over the fact that CSI was trying to drag him away from his family during Adam's illness, "I'm thinking being in charge during Lieutenant Caine's medical leave got the best of you," he said in a firm voice. "Ever since the mess with Detective Hagen…"

"My request has nothing to do with that," Calleigh replied in a shocked voice. "It's insubordination."

Rick sighed patiently, "And your complaints against Speedle, Cardoza, Boa Vista, and Wolfe really don't have any merit with me either, but I told Wolfe to switch to the nightshift so he could get away from the crap that you and Delko were giving him," he replied firmly. "Wolfe, however, was involved in that very serious explosion caused by Derek Stokes and the lack of cohesion on the team is very concerning to not only me, but also to Lieutenant Caine. I also notice that you're not visiting the department counselor."

Calleigh shrugged, "I know you can't have kids after all the abuse Hagen put you through, but it's inappropriate to hate the department counselor just because she is pregnant," Rick said softly. "I think your anger and poor attitude has less to do with your dislike of people and more to do with the post-traumatic stress disorder from what happened with Detective Hagen. I'm concerned, Duquesne."

"You were the responding officer to that call," Calleigh spoke quietly. "You could have…"

Rick scoffed, "I don't force abuse survivors to counseling," he replied in a firm voice. "I do think, however, that I have to give you an ultimatum; either get counseling or I will suspend you."

"You didn't suspend Ryan for not getting counseling," Calleigh replied. "Why single me out?"

Rick sighed, "Wolfe is still recovering from injuries he received in the explosion, but he'll be ordered to counseling before he's cleared to return to work in the field or even in the lab," he explained. "I do not want to be the bad guy, Duquesne. You have a week to arrange for counseling. You're dismissed."

Stunned speechless, Calleigh silently rose from the chair and silently left the quiet IAB office.


Miami-Dade University Hospital

A faint moan prompted Sully to look up from his phone as he waited for a text back from Yelina as to how she, Nicolas, and the rest of the family were doing. Ryan was stirring and crying at the same time.

Concerned that Ryan might hurt himself, Sully got up from the couch, grabbed a chair, and planted himself at Ryan's bedside, "Ryan," Sully spoke softly as he touched Ryan's fingers. "It's okay."

"Sully," Ryan spoke in a weak voice as he opened his eyes. "What…what are you doing in Miami?"

Sully sighed gently, "Rick Stetler called and told me what happened," he replied in a soft voice. "I sent your brother home to get some rest and I said I'd stay for a while. I'm just here for a few days."

"I tried so hard to save her," Ryan spoke in a weak voice. "We fell and it was just so loud…"

Sully nodded and Ryan swallowed hard before sniffling, "It hurts to cry, so I'll stop," Ryan spoke in a weak, groggy voice as he looked at Sully. "I'm so tired and I wish I could have been a better kid…"

"You weren't a bad kid, Ryan," Sully spoke quietly. "You had it very, very hard growing up."

Ryan sighed weakly and coughed, "I feel like crap," he spoke groggily. "Is…is there water?"

Sully hit the nurse's call button, "I know about the group home, but where did you go after that exactly?" he asked even though Rick had told him. "I remember Rick drove you wherever."

"I went to live with my Uncle Ron in Boston," Ryan spoke weakly. "I stayed there a long time and then he moved to Miami and I went with him since there was nothing else. He moved into a condo…"

Sully nodded just as a nurse came in, "Could…could I have water, please?" Ryan asked weakly, wincing as he turned his head to look at the nurse. "I'm just so tired and thirsty and I really feel like crap."

The nurse nodded and quickly got Ryan some water, "The doctor said that once you were more alert, you needed to start eating," she explained as she brought the water to the bed. "I'll help you."

Ryan accepted the water and sighed tiredly, "You'll start to feel better once you get eating and drinking regularly," the nurse spoke gently. "Get some rest and I'll see about getting you something to eat."

Once the nurse was gone, Ryan looked at Sully, "Do you know who did it?" he asked weakly.

Sully sighed and nodded, "Rick said he saw Derek Stokes plant the bomb," he replied quietly.

Ryan remained quiet for a moment and then sighed, "He raped my niece and got her pregnant, but she ran away from him," he spoke in a tired voice. "He's angry and he hurt me and killed my mother…"

Sully nodded and Ryan sighed deeply, "Tommy said they're not having the funeral for a while," Ryan spoke in a faint voice, the effort of drinking water and crying tiring him. "How long are you staying?"

"A few days," Sully replied calmly. "Yelina and I had a baby at Christmas and I miss them a lot."

Ryan's eyes narrowed and Sully got his phone out, smiling as he showed photos of him, Yelina, and Nicolas, "I…I was engaged and going to be a dad a long time ago," Ryan spoke in a quiet voice.

Sully frowned, "What happened?" he asked in a concerned voice, pleased to see Ryan open up.

"Um, my mom murdered my fiancé and the baby she was carrying," Ryan spoke in a faint voice.

Sully's eyes widened, "You should try and get some more rest, okay?" he finally suggested.

"That's a good idea," Ryan spoke groggily as his eyes drooped. "Thanks for being here."


Mercy Hospital – Coconut Grove

"…Adam did very well and he'll need to be here for about a week before he can go home, but I want him to take it easy for six weeks," Alexx spoke softly as she led Robert, Natalia, and BJ down the hallway to the Pediatric room where Adam had been put after briefly waking in Recovery. "Here's his room."

Robert smiled as he came into the room and saw that Adam was asleep in bed sporting an IV in one arm and a clip on one finger, "He's a little small for his age," Alexx spoke quietly. "It's a little concerning."

"Adam was born premature," Robert explained quietly. "There were times I wasn't sure he would make it, but I'm very glad he was a fighter like his daddy and pulled through. I'm doing my best with him."

Alexx nodded and watched as he silently slid on to the bed beside Adam and gently held him, "Mom didn't care that Adam almost died," BJ commented softly. "She left me and Maggie alone when Dad was at work or at the hospital and went looking for the hookers and drinks. I called Uncle Donnie a lot."

Natalia looked stunned, but Robert said nothing because he knew that he had done his best as a parent despite Amanda and that Flack had saved him from losing his kids to the system, "Hey, Adam, it's Daddy," Robert finally spoke, gently stroking Adam's hair. "I heard you did really, really well."

"…Daddy, I'm sleepy," Adam spoke groggily. "Can you stay with me while I sleep?"

BJ silently moved into the room and settled on the couch, "When are you lovebirds getting married?" Alexx asked quietly as Natalia joined him on the couch. "You seem like a lovely little family."

"I'm not sure if I'm staying in the lab after April and I don't know how fancy of a wedding Natalia wants…" Robert spoke in an uncertain voice, looking at Natalia. "She deserves a fancy one."

Alexx smiled and Natalia looked surprised, "I'm fine with simple," Natalia replied in a kind voice, smiling at him. "Just thank you; thank you for thinking I'm worth a fancy wedding. It means a lot to me."

Robert spoke something in Spanish and Natalia blushed, "I'm fine with a ceremony in the yard or even on the beach behind the house," she said in an amused voice. "With family, friends, and good food."

"That sounds perfect," Robert replied, smiling. "When Adam's better, we can plan something."

Alexx sighed, "Don't be too quick to leave the lab, Bobby," she said. "You still have friends there."

Robert sighed, but didn't say anything, "I'll check back in a little while," Alexx said as she left.


Brooklyn, New York

"…I'm marked for death by Ivan, Juliana!" Dennis's voice echoed through the air. "Where are you!?"

There was a sigh and Lindsey Stetler inched closer to the closet door to better hear what was being said by her captor, as he was obviously on the phone. She had wandered into New York nearly three months ago after wandering on desolate roads from her captivity in Miami and had been swiftly recaptured by Sackheim, who had recognized her. Ryan Wolfe had helped her escape from Miami, but he had gotten badly beaten for doing so.

Ever since Dennis Sackheim had recaptured her, Lindsey had been forced to sleep on the floor in a very small closet when he was around. When Sackheim had been out, Lindsey had snuck out and had stolen food and the man had simply ignored her, as he figured she was too young and naïve to run away.

The closet door was jerked open and Sackheim glared at Lindsey, "Go eat whatever you want from the fridge, kid," he said in a stern voice. "I gotta go and get some rest for the big show in a few days."

Before Lindsey could reply, Sackheim stalked off to his room and Lindsey slunk out of the closet and saw that Juliana was gone. Snores filled the apartment and Lindsey silently made her way towards the door, knowing that neither adult was smart enough to keep it locked. A bit of money sat out on a table and Lindsey took it, trembling anxiously as she grabbed a coat from the open, very full coat closet.

Lindsey missed her father, her mother, and her twin brother; she hadn't seen them in a few years and didn't know where they were, but she had her ID from her old school and she wanted to find them.

Quickly making sure her little wallet was with her, Lindsey silently opened the door and slipped out.


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