Two Hours Later
Key West, Miami
Angry Russian flooded Derek's ears as he stood in a circle that included Ivan, Pavel, and several huge muscle guys while an anxious looking Valera hung back, "You are a fool, Derek Stokes!" Ivan snarled angrily. "A stupeed fool."
"You broke ze code!" Pavel snarled as he put on a pair of leather gloves and fished a collapsible baton out of his pants pocket, snarling as he quickly opened it. "Ze code of ze Russian mob eez to newer mees veeth keeds!"
Derek's eyes went wide, "I didn't know the Russian mob had rules about who to hit!" he pled anxiously.
"Cheeldren are ze future and hence, ve do not hurt zem," Ivan hissed. "Pavel..puneesh Derek Stokes."
Pavel grinned and smacked the crap out of Derek with the baton until Derek lay on the floor bruised and bleeding heavily, "Very nice, Pavel," Ivan said in an impressed voice. "You and your prize get out and do not come back until you are cleaned up and can apologize for breaking ze code! If you come back before, I vill kill you straight out."
Ivan and Pavel walked away, leaving Valera alone with Derek, "Get me help," Derek breathed anxiously.
Swallowing hard, Valera looked at the muscle men, "Please, we need your help," she said anxiously.
Cell Block - Miami-Dade Crime Lab/Police Department
Emotionally drained and slightly nauseous, Ryan silently lay down on the metal cot in the cell where he had spent the last two hours in silence. Tripp had repeatedly tried to talk him into calling someone to bail him out, but Ryan had refused to wreck anyone's Saturday plans because he couldn't handle a case that triggered past memories.
Tightness filled Ryan's chest and he suddenly bolted upright and started throwing up because he just felt so awful about what had happened to Adam and what had almost happened to his special needs nephew. Footsteps echoed through the cellblock and Ryan felt his vision becoming hazy and blurred as Tripp entered the cell.
"Ryan," Tripp said in an anxious voice, alarmed that Ryan was throwing up and unresponsive. "Ryan!"
Ryan suddenly felt someone grab his shoulders and shake him, which caused his chest to tighten even more and he went rigid because he knew whoever was shaking him was bigger and could easily kill him. Tripp swore as Ryan began to sputter for air and wheeze uncontrollably, as it told him that Ryan was having a massive panic attack.
Quickly stepping away, Tripp got his phone out to call the morgue and see if Alexx was around to help because he knew Ryan trusted Alexx and would hopefully respond positive to her, as he was just making things worse.
"Eric, Calliegh, can you handle the Finney case?" Horatio asked calmly as he came into the room where Eric, Calliegh, and Greg were working on processing Brendan's evidence. "I need to borrow Greg and Ryan."
Eric frowned, "Ryan's not here," he replied in a confused voice. "Haven't seen him since you called him out."
Horatio frowned, as he fully expected Ryan to return to the lab after leaving the hospital, "Mister Sanders, I need your help on another case because it's one I can't work," he said in a calm voice. "Will you follow me, please?"
Nodding, Greg followed Horatio to the next processing room where there was a box of evidence bags, "There was a child who was attacked at a kindergarten yesterday and there was inappropriate behavior involved," Horatio commented in a somber voice. "I had Ryan talk to the child and he identified Derek Stokes and a woman named Maxine Valera as the ones who attacked him. I need someone objective to process the evidence, Mister Sanders."
Greg nodded even though he hated crimes against children, "Please report to me what you find," Horatio said, frowning as he suddenly saw Alexx come hurrying down the hallway towards the main elevator with a bag of what appeared to be medical supplies while an anxious expression filled her face. "Alexx?"
"Detective Tripp just called me and said there's a prisoner in holding that's having a massive panic attack," Alexx said in an anxious voice as Horatio joined her in the hallway. "I had come in to catch up on old paperwork…"
Deeply concerned, Horatio silently followed Alexx over to the police building and downstairs to the holding cells, shocked when he saw Ryan in the cell gasping for breath and wheezing with his eyes closed while Tripp watched from the door, "Frank, what is Ryan doing down here?" Horatio asked quietly. "He was out on a case…"
Alexx's eyes widened and she went into the cell, sitting down next to Ryan, "Ryan, baby, it's Alexx," she said softly.
"I was out on patrol and I clocked him going 40 miles over the speed limit and swerving, so I pulled him over," Tripp explained in a concerned voice. "He refused to tell me why he was driving that way, so I brought him here and detained him for dangerous driving. He won't let me call anyone to come get him out of here…"
Horatio watched as Alexx gently talked to Ryan, "…I can't tell anyone…" Ryan whimpered in a weak voice.
Ryan wheezed and Alexx gently rubbed his back, "Can't…breathe," he said in a breathless voice.
As Alexx did her best to calm him, Ryan went white and still, "He's not breathing," Alexx said anxiously.
"Frank, call for paramedics," Horatio ordered as he entered the cell and helped Alexx lower Ryan to the floor.
Alexx initiated CPR and Horatio gently patted Ryan's face, "Ryan, come on," he said in a worried voice. "Ryan."
There was a sputter and Ryan suddenly gasped, but didn't wake while continuing to gasp for air, "Come on, Ryan, open your eyes," Horatio said in a concerned voice, gently patting Ryan's face. "Come on, it's all right…"
"…Horatio…" Ryan breathed as he opened his eyes and looked disoriented. "What…happened?"
Horatio sighed patiently, "I'm not sure, but you had a panic attack and stopped breathing, so I asked Detective Tripp to call for paramedics," he explained patiently, seeing that Ryan was confused and shaky. "Just relax."
Too exhausted to argue, Ryan closed his eyes and continued to breathe slowly, "Alexx, stay with him," Horatio said as he stood up and walked out of the cell to Tripp. "There was a case this morning involving a child that was assaulted at his school yesterday by Derek Stokes and Maxine Valera and I had Ryan talk to the child."
Tripp's eyes widened, "Maxine Valera from DNA?" he asked in a stunned voice. "Who was the kid?"
Horatio looked grim, "Robert's son, Adam," he replied quietly. "Valera suggested hurting James Speedle."
Tripp looked angry, "Robert is at Miami-Dade with his sons right now," Horatio said calmly. "Natalia is taking care of the Boscorellis today, as Danielle Boscorelli decided to come to Miami to support her husband."
"When I get a chance, I'll stop by and see if he needs anything," Tripp replied in a concerned voice. "Paramedics should be here in five to ten. If I had known Wolfe was doing a child case, I wouldn't have…"
Horatio sighed, "Please don't blame yourself, Frank," he replied calmly. "There's more to this than we see."
Hilton Miami Downtown
"Is there anything else you need before I go and let you guys relax?" Natalia asked softly as she went into the hotel room with Danielle and Bosco and watched them put their suitcases against the wall. "I have some time."
Bosco sighed, "Do…do they have support groups for people who have been assaulted?" he asked quietly. "I'm just having a really hard time being here and I don't want to have a panic attack in court. I know it's the weekend…"
"There's Refuge House and that's always open, but I could also see if the police department counselor has time to talk to you today or tomorrow so you're okay when you go to court on Monday," Natalia offered quietly.
Bosco sighed, "Can the department counselor prescribe anxiety meds?" he asked in a worried voice.
Natalia nodded, "I haven't been sleeping well since Halloween and I've been using over the counter stuff, but I still feel anxious during the day," Bosco explained quietly. "I don't need to have a panic attack while I'm on the job."
"Would you like me to put in a call to Detective Speedle, then?" Natalia asked softly. "She's the counselor."
Bosco nodded and yawned, "I can see if she'll come talk to you here or somewhere neutral after you've had some rest and something to eat," Natalia offered, seeing that Bosco was tired. "You look like you could use some rest."
"Is that Refuge House place near here?" Bosco asked quietly. "I might get some more literature…"
Natalia nodded, "I know Detective Speedle volunteers time there sometimes," she replied softly. "I can arrange it."
"Thanks," Bosco replied calmly, relieved that she wasn't judging him for having anxiety. "I appreciate it."
Offering a smile of reassurance, Natalia went to the door, "I'll call your room when it's set up," she replied gently.
Once Natalia was gone, Bosco took his shoes and winter jacket off, "If you want, Dani, you can go shopping or check out the hotel," he said in a tired voice. "I just wanna get some sleep and try and forget why I'm here."
"This trip is about you and you need support," Danielle replied softly as Bosco sat on the bed. "I'm fine."
Bosco silently got up and tenderly hugged Danielle and Danielle gently caressed his face, "I love you," he said softly, his voice tired. "I think a nap would help me a lot because I need to catch up on my lost sleep."
"Would you like company, Maurice?" Danielle asked softly, watching as he got into the king-size bed.
Bosco nodded as he lay down and Danielle silently got into bed, gently rubbing his back as he drifted off.
Miami-Dade Memorial Hospital
"The kit was negative, then?" Rick asked quietly as he sat in a chair near the bed where Adam slept with an IV in his arm and bandages under his pajamas while Robert sat on the edge of the bed close to Adam and BJ and Lenny slept on the couch, both of them tired after being woken up early. "Did he identify Derek Stokes?"
Robert nodded and sighed, "And Maxine Valera," he replied softly. "Adam was very lucky, considering…"
"I'm sorry I didn't know Mandy was abusive," Rick replied quietly. "How bad was Adam hurt by Derek?"
Robert swallowed hard, "Bruised spleen and broken ribs, so Doctor Loman wants Adam to stay for observation," he said in a tired voice. "Bosco was coming in today and we were gonna go to the range, but I'll have to cancel."
"If you need a break, you can still meet up with Officer Boscorelli," Rick said calmly. "I can watch the boys."
Robert shook his head, "Adam wants me to stay close, so I will," he replied softly. "He's five and doesn't get this."
"I sent uniforms over to Speedle's to tell him what happened," Rick said calmly. "Speedle needs to know."
Robert nodded, "I was a little surprised that Uncle Horatio asked Ryan to talk to Adam about what happened because I thought Ryan was still on light duty," he said in a confused voice. "Adam let him do the exam…"
Rick frowned, "Wait, Horatio asked Ryan to talk to Adam and to do a rape exam on him?" he asked sternly.
"Yeah, I guess it's cause Ryan's good with kids," Robert replied calmly. "You sound angry, Rick…"
Rick sighed, "I'm not allowed to discuss people's personal lives without their permission, but your uncle will be hearing about this lapse in judgement," he said in an upset voice. "How long will Adam sleep for?"
"Doctor Loman taped his ribs and gave him medicine so he wouldn't hurt," Robert replied, shrugging. "I'm not working this weekend, so I am just going to be with my kids. This whole thing has me thinking hard…"
Rick perked up, but didn't speak, "I'm thinking of transferring to a desk or CSI full-time and I'm definitely thinking of homeschooling Adam for the rest of the year," Robert spoke softly. "I have a call into the principal of the kindergarten center and I'll be going there Monday, withdrawing Adam, and cutting off my financial support."
Adam suddenly shifted and woke coughing, "Daddy, my throat's dry," he spoke in a tired voice.
Nodding, Robert adjusted the bed and helped Adam drink from the cup that Dr. Loman had left behind in case he got thirsty while under observation, "Thank you," Adam spoke in a sleepy voice as he closed his eyes again.
"You're welcome, buddy," Robert replied softly, sadness in his voice as he stroked Adam's hair.
Rick sighed patiently, "Lenny and I don't have to go visit Catherine today," he said in a worried voice.
"Rick, I'll be all right," Robert replied in a tired voice. "Catherine's expecting to see you and Lenny."
Sighing, Rick nodded, "I'll let Lenny sleep for a bit," he said calmly. "He's just a kid, after all."
Speedle Residence - Calle Ocho
"Timothy?"
Tim, who had gotten up early because James woke up crying from a bad dream that he couldn't explain, looked up from the book that he and James were reading in the playroom and saw his father in the doorway, "Timothy, there are police officers at the door who want to talk to you," Anthony said in a worried voice. "They look upset."
"Adam got hurt by the bad man at school," James said quietly, looking up from the book. "I screamed."
Tim frowned and set the book aside, lifting James into his arms as he stood up, "We're gonna go talk to police officers, okay?" he asked softly, gazing at James with the realization that James was communicating with him.
James nodded and Tim silently carried him out to the living room where a somber looking Horatio and Tripp were standing in the doorway, "Speed, I think we should sit down," Horatio said in a quiet voice. "James is up early…"
Nodding, Tim sat down and planted James on his lap while Tripp and Horatio took chairs, "Julliet sleeps in on Saturday and Emily sleeps more because the pregnancy makes her tired," he explained. "Should I wake Emily?"
"Speed, Adam woke Robert up this morning and told him that there was a bad man at his school yesterday who hurt him and also tried to hurt James," Horatio spoke quietly. "Ryan talked with Adam and Adam identified the man as Derek Stokes and also confirmed that Maxine Valera was there too. Adam said that Valera told Derek to hurt James because he wouldn't be able to communicate his need for help. Derek snatched Adam and Valera followed them to the bathroom. Adam kicked Derek and Derek threw him before leaving with Valera…"
Tim frowned, "Adam got hurt by the bad man, Daddy," James said, gazing up at Tim. "Bad lady made me scream."
Anger filled Tim and he silently kissed James's forehead, "James, can you go wake Mommy up?" he asked softly.
Nodding, James got off of Tim's lap and left the living room, "What, Valera thought it would be funny to attack James cause he's got some special needs?" Tim growled, clearly angry. "Have you caught either of them?"
"We have uniforms out looking for both of them," Tripp replied, shocked to see Tim so angry. "Settle down."
Tim sighed tiredly, "Can you send an officer over to my restaurant to check on Tony?" Anthony asked softly. "He lives alone and now that Derek Stokes is running loose, I worry about his safety. I don't want him being hurt."
"I'll radio it in," Tripp said as a tired looking Emily came into the living room. "Good morning."
Emily sighed tiredly, "Emily, we're pulling James out of that school because something bad happened to Adam yesterday and it almost happened to James," Tim said in a concerned voice. "I had James wake you up."
Nodding, Emily sat on the couch, "Adam woke Robert up this morning and told him that there was a bad man at his school yesterday who hurt him and also tried to hurt James," Horatio repeated softly. "Ryan talked with Adam and Adam identified the man as Derek Stokes and also confirmed that Maxine Valera was there too. Adam said that Valera told Derek to hurt James because he wouldn't be able to communicate his need for help. Derek snatched Adam and Valera followed them to the bathroom. Adam kicked Derek and Derek threw him before leaving with Valera…"
"How badly was Adam hurt?" Emily asked in a worried voice, shaken by the news. "As badly as James was when..?"
Horatio sighed softly, "I believe Adam has broken ribs and a bruised spleen," he replied. "No other damage, but Adam admitted that Derek did pull his pants down before running away. Robert is at the hospital now."
"I've had reservations about James going to public kindergarten anyway, as he is special needs because of what Bernard did to him," Emily said softly. "I've been trying to figure out how I can get him out of there…"
Emily sighed tiredly, "James got sleepy and scared, so he's in our bed with a book," she said, gazing at Tim.
Tim nodded, "Um, there's something else you should know," Horatio spoke softly. "Ryan had a bad reaction to questioning Adam and performing a rape kit on him. Frank caught him driving 40 over the speed limit and swerving, so Ryan was temporarily detained for dangerous driving. He had a panic attack and got sick in holding."
Emily looked angry, but didn't speak, "Ryan didn't want anyone called to come get him out, but he had a panic attack and ended up puking and quit breathing for a little bit," Tripp spoke up. "He's with Doctor Woods…"
"Where?" Emily asked in a concerned voice, shaken that Ryan was hiding something. "I want to talk to him."
Horatio sighed, "Alexx forced Ryan to go to the hospital," he explained softly. "I believe it was Dade Memorial."
"I'll go," Tim offered softly, gently stroking Emily's face. "You go back to bed and rest. You and the baby…"
Sighing, Emily got her phone out of her pocket and silently dialled Ryan's cell, "I'll call him," she said softly.
Miami-Dade Memorial Hospital
"I'm really okay, Alexx," Ryan said as he sat on the edge of the gurney where he had laid during the ambulance ride to the hospital. "I got a little sick, but I'm feeling a lot better and I'd like to go home and enjoy my Saturday."
Alexx sighed softly, "You threw up and stopped breathing, baby," she replied gently. "It was pretty scary."
"I didn't mean to scare anyone, Alexx, but I just didn't like being in there," Ryan lied. "I'm claustrophobic."
Alexx nodded calmly, "Okay," she replied calmly, giving in. "I'll let you leave if I can drive you home."
"Alright," Ryan replied calmly as he slowly got off the gurney. "I'm probably just gonna rest today."
Giving Ryan a compassionate look, Alexx took his arm and guided him outside, "Thank you," he said quietly.
Alexx smiled as they left the hospital and walked down the path towards the parking structure. Suddenly, a limo came tearing down the street and pulled to a stop, "Please, help!" an anxious voice came through a window that was rolled down just a small bit. "Please, my boyfriend's hurt and needs medical help!"
"I guess I could look at him," Alexx replied in a concerned voice as she approached the limo. "Where is he?"
The van door opened and strong hands suddenly grabbed hold of both Alexx and Ryan, pulling them inside the vehicle before they could react. Two muscle men sat on either side of Derek while Valera sat on the other side of the limo looking scared, "This is Doctor Woods," Valera said in an anxious voice. "And this is Ryan Wolfe…"
"Oh, an eencenteeve for Doctor Voods to clean Derek Stokes up," one of the musclemen said. "A hostage."
The limo sped off as Ryan's cell-phone began to buzz in his pocket, but he didn't answer it, "Why do you not answer ze phone?" one of the henchmen asked in a curious voice as he leaned forward and snatched the phone out of Ryan's pocket, eyeing it as it continued to ring. "Who is Speedle and why are zey phoneening you?"
"It's a girl," Ryan lied anxiously, hoping the Russians would leave it alone. "They always call."
The musclemen chuckled and began talking in Russian, "He's a cop," Derek hissed, seeing Ryan's badge.
Silence filled the limo, "He's a cop just like my baby brother and I bet he knows where Nick is," Derek hissed.
"Stop obsessing over your brother," Valera hissed anxiously. "Do you want Ivan to kill you like he did Dan?"
The limo slowly came to a stop, "Come on, you peeg," the musclemen said. "Time for a lesson."
Ryan didn't move, so the musclemen dragged him from the limo and into a warehouse that had old furniture and tools scattered around, "Take it easy on him!" Alexx said anxiously. "He's been through chemo and surgery!"
"Ryan's got cancer?" Valera asked in a horrified voice, watching as the musclemen threw Ryan to the ground.
Alexx nodded, "What do you need me to do?" she asked anxiously. "Please…Ryan's been through enough."
"Patch up Derek Stokes," one of the musclemen snapped as he went through Ryan's phone. "Hmm…Drizlav…"
The other muscleman looked at his partner, "Vat, Igor?" he asked in an annoyed voice. "Vat eez on ze phone?"
"A number belonging to Dimitri's boy, Bobby," Igor replied in an amused voice. "Ze boy keeled hees fazzer…"
Ryan's eyes went wide, but as he opened his mouth to speak, Drizlav touched the healing surgical scar on his throat, "I seenk zat ve should let Bobby know zat ve remember vat he deed," Drizlav said in a cold voice.
"You may clean Derek up over here," Igor snapped, pointing to an area where opened boxes were. "Supplies."
Not wanting Ryan to get hurt, Alexx led Derek over to the area while Valera followed them, deeply terrified.
"…Excuse me, I was wondering if you could tell me where my husband is," Rick heard an anxious voice ask.
Rick sighed and silently got up to stretch his legs because Robert had fallen asleep along with everyone else, "…Why won't anyone give me a straight answer?" he heard the same anxious voice say. "I'm worried…"
Wondering what was going on, Rick stepped out of the exam room and saw an anxious looking woman with a guy wearing winter clothes and another woman at the reception desk, "Maybe we should just go check in at a hotel somewhere so you can eat and rest," Ty was saying in a worried voice. "Sasha can stay here…"
"Excuse me, can I help you, ma'am?" Rick asked quietly. "I'm Sergeant Rick Stetler of the Miami-Dade Police."
Grace's eyes went wide, "Please, I got a call that Brendan was here," she said anxiously. "I can't seem to…"
Just then, Dr. Loman came by, "Excuse me, this lady is asking about Sergeant Brendan Finney," Rick said firmly.
"I'm Grace Finney, Brendan's wife," Grace spoke anxiously. "I got a call that he was found alive…"
Ty and Sasha exchanged a look as Dr. Loman checked his charts, "Ah," he said calmly. "Sergeant Finney was brought in, stabilized, and rushed to surgery around dawn, but I haven't heard anything from upstairs…"
Grace nodded and sniffled quietly, "Ty, Sasha, you guys should go," she said anxiously. "I…I want to stay…"
"No, Grace, we care about Brendan too and we'll stay here with you," Sasha replied in a concerned voice, giving Grace a reassuring hug. "Brendan rode in the squad car with me when everyone else refused to talk to me…"
Ty sighed and looked slightly guilty, but didn't say anything, "I can take you upstairs and see if we can find anything out," Dr. Loman said calmly, noting that Grace was very upset. "If you three will just follow me to the elevator…"
"Sergeant Stetler, thank you for your help," Grace said softly as she, Ty, and Sasha followed Dr. Loman away.
Deeply shaken by being given any sort of gratitude, Rick returned to the exam room and saw that Robert's phone was buzzing on the table, but Robert was too deep in sleep to hear it. Rick silently picked the phone up and saw that Ryan was calling Robert, "Ryan?" Rick asked as he answered the phone. "Ryan, how are you feeling?"
There was some muttering, "Reecky Stetler," a cold Russian accent said. "Bernard's whipping boy. Ze dirty cop."
Rick frowned as Robert stirred, "Who is this?" Rick asked in a confused. "Why are you calling on Ryan's phone?"
Robert frowned groggily, but Rick held up a hand to keep him quiet, "Ve hawe Ryan and a Doctor Voods patching up Derek Stokes because he broke the rules of ze mob," the voice said. "Reecky, can you breeng us money?"
Swallowing hard, Rick got a pen and memo pad out of his pocket along with his phone and wrote something on it before handing it to Robert. I need to borrow your phone and walk Lenny up to visit Catherine. Take my phone and tell Horatio to come to Room 321 in Recovery as soon as he can. Catherine will be there with Lenny. Keep it quiet, but Ryan and Doctor Woods are being held by Russians somewhere who want me to communicate with them.
"I can bring you money in a legal way," Rick said as he silently woke Lenny and gave his son a look to be quiet as they left the room and silently moved to the elevators. "Just tell me what I need to do to get you your money."
Quiet murmuring filled the phone as Rick led Lenny into Catherine's room, seeing that she was awake and sitting in her wheelchair. Rick motioned for her to be quiet and sent Lenny over to her. He then wrote on the whiteboard.
Keep it quiet, but Ryan and Doctor Woods are being held by Russians somewhere. They want me to communicate with them. I told Robert to send Horatio to your room and I need you to keep our son safe while I deal with this.
Catherine's eyes widened, but she nodded and quickly put Lenny in her lap, "Go to ze bank downtown, as I know you bank zere, and weethdraw ze extra money you find zere," the voice ordered. "Call Ryan back eet eez done."
The call ended, "Rick, what the heck is going on?" Catherine asked anxiously. "You can't actually…?"
"Two members of CSI are in trouble and I don't think they meant to call me, but I answered Robert's phone," Rick said in an anxious voice. "Lenny, stay with your mom no matter what. Catherine, I have to go to the bank downtown and then I'm not sure what's going to happen after I call them back. I love you and our son."
Catherine nodded and held Lenny close, "Be strong for me and for Lenny, Cat," Rick said as he left the room.
As Rick went back through the ER, however, he saw Horatio and Tim come in, "I can't talk," he snapped.
Tim frowned when he noticed that Rick was sweating, "Stetler, you all right?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"Mind your business, Speedle!" Rick snapped, needing to leave. "I sent Lenny upstairs to Catherine…"
Horatio frowned and noticed that Rick was carrying Robert's phone in a shaking hand, "Rick?" he asked quietly.
"I can't talk about it, Horatio," Rick said in a pained, anxious voice. "I left notes with Bobby and Catherine."
Swallowing hard, Rick silently left the ER, "Speed, go see if you can get anything out of Robert," Horatio hissed.
Bewildered, Speed nodded and Horatio silently went outside, frowning when he saw Rick fumbling with trembling hands just to open the door to his car, "Rick, has something happened?" Horatio asked in a concerned voice.
"For the sake of CSI Wolfe and Doctor Woods, I'm better off not saying a word," Rick replied anxiously.
Horatio frowned and opened the car door for Rick, "Are you fit to drive?" he asked in a worried voice.
"I alone have to pay for what I did while undercover," Rick said in a trembling voice. "It's my burden."
Horatio gave Rick a look, "It's Gil Grissom's burden because he ordered you undercover," he replied. "Keys."
Realizing that Horatio was going to get involved whether or not his help was welcome, Rick silently handed the keys over, "There's a bank downtown that I go to sometimes and money will be there," Rick explained as he swapped sides with Horatio and got into the passenger seat while Horatio got behind the wheel. "I'm supposed to withdraw the extra money and then call Ryan's cell again. I don't know what will happen once I have the money."
Nodding, Horatio put the car into gear and silently drove off while Rick stared at the phone sick to his stomach.
Miami-Dade Crime Lab/Police Department
"CSI Delko?" Eric heard an anxious voice call out as he and Calliegh worked on processing Brendan's uniform and the evidence found at the beach in the room that they had been working in since getting the clothes.
Eric gave Calleigh a look and frowned when he heard soft rock coming from the other evidence room, "What's up, Greg?" he asked in a kind voice as he went into the other room and saw Greg waving his hands in conjunction with the to some rock music that was playing over the radio while working on the evidence from Adam. "Greg?"
"Um, sorry, the music helps me concentrate," Greg replied as he turned the music down. "Anxious habit."
Eric nodded and Greg handed him a report, "The rape kit was negative, but those clothes that Detective Caine gave police have Derek Stokes's prints on them," Greg explained quietly. "Specifically on the waistband of his pants, his shirt, and his underwear. It backs up Adam's story that Derek was going to touch him, but ended up running…"
"Traces of cocaine?" Eric asked, eyeballing the report carefully. "Derek must have been high when he did this."
Greg nodded and sighed, "I think Derek is looking for Nicky, but Nicky's not here anymore," he said anxiously.
Eric nodded and returned the report to Greg just as Natalia came down the hallway with Emily, both deep in conversation with each other, "…Yes, I have time to go over there this afternoon, but I have to find out why Ryan's not taking my calls," he heard Emily say in an anxious voice. "He's OCD and when the phone rings, he answers it…"
"Maybe check with Diana?" Natalia spoke softly. "Or is she helping Jason prepare for court on Monday?"
Emily sighed and noticed Eric, "Eric, have you seen Ryan?" she asked in a worried voice. "He's not taking my calls and I was told he was with Alexx, but I can't seem to find her either. It's not like Ryan to ignore my calls."
"Emily, you gotta stay calm and take care of yourself because you've got a baby inside you," Eric said softly.
Emily gave him a look and sighed, prompting Natalia to look surprised, "Tim's obviously excited enough to tell people," Emily said in an amused voice. "Tim's parents are with the kids and I came to look for Ryan…"
"Maybe he went to visit Bosco and Danielle and I didn't know about it," Natalia mused as Greg came out of the evidence room to see what was going on. "Ryan knows about the case and maybe he went to offer support…"
Greg's eyes widened, "Danielle?" he asked in a shocked voice. "I thought she moved back to New York?"
"You know Danielle?" Natalia asked in a surprised voice, eyeing Greg. "How do you know her?"
Greg sighed, "She used to work for the lab in Vegas and me, Warrick, and Nicky were like her brothers and uncles to her kids," he explained in a quiet voice, smiling as he remembered the past. "Nicky helped her and her kids get out of Vegas…"
Suddenly remembering what Nick had told him, Greg went quiet and looked at the floor, "Um, I'd love to see her and her husband," Greg said in a quieter voice. "She sent the lab an invite to her wedding, but we couldn't…"
"You can come with me when I go visit them in a while if you want," Natalia offered softly. "I don't mind."
Emily sighed, "Is there any food in the break room?" she asked softly. "I didn't eat breakfast yet."
"There should be," Eric replied calmly, sighing as Emily silently disappeared into the break room.
Greg frowned worriedly, but looked at Natalia, "Did you need info on Adam Caine while you're here?" he asked quietly. "Grissom said I should talk to you if I got any funky cases because you'd be able to help…"
Realizing that Greg wanted her to see the evidence on Adam, Natalia nodded and followed him into the room as Eric watched; he knew what happened to Adam Caine would affect them all because they were family.
Downtown Miami
Horatio silently parked the car beside a meter and Rick got out, not saying a word as he silently disappeared into the bank. As Horatio waited, he was surprised to see Bosco and Danielle walking down the sidewalk holding hands and looking tired, but relaxed. Danielle and Bosco quickly spotted him and walked over to the parked car.
"Lieutenant Caine, right?" Danielle asked in a kind voice. "Maurice had a nap and now we're on a walk."
Bosco sighed tiredly, "Are you coming to the hearing on Monday?" he asked quietly. "I'm hoping to talk to Emily Speedle today and maybe get on some anxiety meds so I'm calm for court. Do you think that'd be okay?"
"If it helps you be able to get through court, I don't see why it wouldn't be," Horatio replied calmly.
Danielle sighed and squeezed Bosco's hand, "Natalia took us from the airport to the hotel and said she'd set something up with Emily and call the room when she did, so we're going to head back to the hotel after we get something to eat," she said in a kind, worried voice. "Maurice, this is exactly why I wanted to be with you."
Horatio looked past them to see Rick come out of the bank carrying a metal briefcase that presumably held a large sum of money. Rick silently gripped the case as he pulled Robert's cell-phone out of his pocket and dialled Ryan's number, sighing as he said a few words on the phone, listened for a few moments, and put the phone away again.
As Rick walked towards the car a masked man all in black suddenly came running down the sidewalk and lunged at the case, but Rick dodged him only to get a gun waved in his face, "STOP!" Horatio ordered as he jumped out of the car with his own weapon drawn. "Back away from Sergeant Stetler or I'll put bullets in your brain."
Bosco quickly pulled Danielle behind him as they moved back, "Ricky vas Bernard's vhipping boy and now he's gonna get what he's owed for turning his back on Bernard," the masked guy growled, cocking his gun. "Drizlav said he vouldn't be able to handle ze drop without getting the police involved and he sent me to follow Ricky."
Before Rick could react, the masked man grabbed the case and belted Rick hard in the arm and chest, sending the sergeant to the sidewalk and then he fired two rounds each into Rick's leg and abdomen. Bosco roared and lunged at the masked guy, knocking them both to the ground. Horatio quickly got between them and shot the gunman.
"Sergeant Stetler!" Danielle exclaimed, her paramedic training kicking in as she came to his side and quickly unbuttoned his shirt. "I'm a paramedic back in New York and I'm gonna check your wounds, all right?"
Rick exhaled sharply as Horatio knelt and checked his leg wounds, "Officer Boscorelli, please call 9-1-1 and ask my CSI's to come here immediately!" Horatio ordered as he passed Bosco his phone. "Entrance and exit wounds."
"Lieutenant Caine, he's wearing Kevlar," Danielle said in a mystified voice as she saw the vest. "It caught it."
Rick let out a gasp of pain, "Been wearing it since Cat and I were stabbed," he said softly. "That case hurt…"
"I'm gonna do a physical check, all right?" Danielle said calmly. "Just take slow breaths and stay awake."
Rick nodded and exhaled sharply, ignoring the pain rocketing through his body as Danielle checked him.
Miami-Dade Memorial Hospital
"You can sit with Brendan for a while because you're his wife and close friends, but take it easy," Dr. Loman said as he led Grace, Ty, and Sasha into the SICU. "Sergeant Finney had some serious injuries and was drugged with a very high level of amphetamines, so he's on medication and he's on a vent to make his healing process easier."
Brendan was lying on a gurney in the middle of the room unconscious with a tube down his throat that connected to a ventilator and a bandage around his head that was holding a secure gauze pad in place on his forehead. Bruises decorated parts of his face and right arm while his left arm sat in a shoulder sling and IV's sat in his right arm alongside the bruises along with a pulse-ox clip on his right index finger. A gown that had tubes, bandages, and a central line under it covered his body and a blanket covered him from his waist down to his casted ankles.
Ty gaped at the damage done, as he couldn't believe that Brendan had survived such a severe beating, but Grace silently sat in the chair beside the right side of the bed, "Pneumoxthoraxes in both lungs, a forehead wound, dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, severe bruising, bacterial exposure, a bullet wound in his abdomen, malnutrition, dehydration, enough intestinal damage to need a colostomy, bruised kidneys, lost a bit of his liver, and broken ankles that required surgery. His heart is strong and he's also got a cath in to monitor urine output…"
"Was he sexually assaulted?" Ty asked, immediately thinking of Bosco. "A colleague of mine was a while back…"
Dr. Loman shook his head, "No, but the injuries and drugs may have a long-term effect on his fertility," he replied.
"That doesn't matter," Grace replied in a firm voice. "Is Brendan going to suffer any brain damage?"
Dr. Loman shrugged, "Tough to say right now," he replied calmly. "Familiar things at his bedside might help…"
Nodding, Grace reached into her purse and pulled out a couple of framed photos she had gotten from her bag at the airport, sighing as she set them up on the portable table beside the bed where Brendan could see them whenever he woke up, "Please, Brendan, come back to us," she whispered, taking his hand. "We need you."
Warehouse District
Alexx sighed as she finished cleaning and patching up Derek's face, "That's all I can do for him," she said in a scared voice, gazing at the guy who was standing near Ryan and Valera. "Are you going to let us go now or what?"
Drizlav scoffed and glared at Ryan, "You can go, Doctor Voods," he said calmly. "Zis one has to stay veeth us."
"Why?" Alexx asked in a cold voice as she set the used supplies aside. "I told you that Ryan has cancer and…"
Igor scoffed, "Drizlav sent a guy to meet Reecky at the bank and ve are set to get a payday," he replied coldly, glaring at Ryan menacingly. "Call Reecky again and ask vere he eez at veeth ze money. I am getting bored."
Drizlav scoffed, but dialled the number, "Reecky, vere eez ze money?!" he snapped coldly into the phone.
There was a silence, "Wolfe, get on ze phone!" Drizlav howled anxiously. "Tell Reecky to talk to me!"
Ryan didn't move, however, and Drizlav backhanded him to the floor and began to kick him hard enough to elicit pained screams, "I suggest you stop kicking Ryan," Horatio's cold voice said. "He's not the one you want."
"I knew Reecky vould come running to you, Caine!" Drizlav howled. "He vas too weak to handle a seemple job!"
Derek swore, his eyes wide, "I have your money and I have Rick," Horatio spoke coldly. "Where are they?"
"Don't trust any police or Crime Scene Investigators!" Derek howled. "They're all as shady as Nicolas!"
Drizlav suddenly looked intrigued, "And vere does Neecolas live, Derek Stokes?" he asked in an awed voice.
"Las Vegas," Derek scoffed coldly. "I bet he ran back there to his precious house and his precious lab!"
Drizlav chuckled coldly, "Caine, I vill giwe you back your Doctor Woods, but Wolfe eez going to be taken back to Ivan," he said in a cold voice. "Zat eez all I am giving you and you are lucky to get zat much. I do not care zat you seenk he has any eelness."
"Ryan Wolfe is a CSI who is suffering from cancer!" Horatio shouted angrily. "He needs to keep on his treatment!"
Instead of responding, Drizlav ended the call and threw the phone on the ground before stomping on it, "Ve vill take Doctor Voods back to ze cops and zen ve vill take Ryan to Ivan," he said in a cold voice, gazing at Igor. "Ivan vill make ze final call based on vat ve hawe learned and decide vezzer or not zees Neecolas Stokes eez vorth going all ze vay to Las Vegas vith Ryan."
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