10

Next Steps

"Hey, either of you know where H was going in such a hurry couple hours ago?" Cooper launched himself backwards into one if the easy chairs in the break room.

"Didn't know he had" replied Calleigh, "I was with Alex. Are you starting more rumours?"

"What you mean 'rumours'?" Cooper feigned hurt feelings, "There's always - well, mostly- a grain of truth"

"A mustard grain" grinned Alexx

"Wouldn't put it as large as that, Alexx.." replied Calleigh

"OK, OK, but it's true that Frank went into H's office, had a file with him. H read it and they went off together. That was almost two hours ago. Ask Hannah on reception if you don't believe me."

"You and Hannah close are you?" teased Calleigh

"You know you're the only one for me, Calleigh. Hey, look, he's back"

All three watched as Horatio came towards the break room and opened the door, "Calleigh, my office, please"

The three looked at each other, as Calleigh put her coffee down and followed Horatio.

He shut the door behind her as she entered his office.

"OK, Calleigh, now I know the contents of part of Wolfe's letter, I've no idea what he said to you. However, I thought it only fair to warn you - Ryan will be returning to work in a day or two."

"But the charges…"she began.

"Were false. Fabricated by David and, I suspect Sean, to put pressure on Ryan so he'd go along with their plans. Frank contacted Boston and there were no drugs, no arrest. They were counting on the fact that Ryan's memories are a bit hazy around that time," Calleigh gasped as she realised the implications, "How is he? Where is he now?" she asked.

"He isn't too good, we left him with his uncle"

"What if I…"

"I don't think he'd want you to see him as he is right now, Calleigh. His OCD is clearly causing problems, he's stressed and hasn't been eating or sleeping…need I go on?" She shook her head, "Just let Ron help him through this, soon as he's ready, I'm sure Ryan will contact us." He paused, " One thing concerns me, Calleigh. He said he couldn't face you - was it something he said in the 'private' part of the letter?"

"He said - he said he had er, feelings for me, but he only told me because he thought he was never going to see me again"

"And would this cause you problems - working with him again? Would it be better if he were transferred to the night shift?"

"Wouldn't that be a bit harsh? He's going to have difficulties settling back anyway. Having to learn how to get along with different people could be more than he can cope with at this moment in time. Think about it Horatio, he's been betrayed by his own family. I think he could do with some friends and support."

"I was rather hoping - or rather more expecting- you'd say that. He really does need friends Calleigh"

"Well, that settles it. You want to talk to Alexx, or should I?" Horatio just smiled, "OK, guess it's down to me" As she left Horatio's office, she smiled. She'd missed that goofy grin more than she ever thought she could, she'd missed him being around, she wanted him back in her life. She noticed Alexx heading back to the morgue, "Hey Alexx, you heard the latest gossip?" she visualised Cooper's wars flapping to catch this one.

"What?"

"Ryan's coming back" she was bubbling - did she give too much away, Alexx was notorious for picking things up.

"Tell me more" Alexx linked arms and dragged Calleigh towards the elevator

"I'll give you the low-down when we get somewhere quieter"

When they got to Alexx's office, she sat Calleigh down and ordered, "Spill", and Calleigh related the full story to the point she left Horatio's office. Alexx was also horrified at the actions of Ryan's family, but then said "So, I was right about Ryan, how he felt about you"

"You knew and you didn't say anything!"

"I suspected, there's a deal of difference. Anyway, for a trained observer you're remarkably unobservant. Point is sweetie, how do you feel about him?"

"I don't know Alexx, not really. I've missed him, I suppose I've felt a bit guilty how I treated him when he first transferred here, and, yes, there have been times when I've felt attracted to him."

"But" Alexx prompted

"But office relationships and all that, and he is younger than me"

"Listen to old granny grey. If it was the other way round, would you have any concerns?"

"Of course not"

"So why should it make any difference now? You have a couple of days, why not go to see him?"

"Horatio doesn't think it's a good idea."

"Call his uncle, just say you'd like to see Ryan alone before he comes back to work, that you need to clear the air between you, to make things easier for him. Let Ryan make the decision."

"I suppose. But I don't know…"

"Ever hear of a directory? Stop making difficulties where there aren't any. Just do it. You owe it to both of you."

Calleigh smiled, "You're right"