Chapter 11

When Mac arrived at work, he looked for Jake.

"Danny, where's Jake?"

"He's in the break room with Sheldon."

"Thanks. Jake, can I see you in my office for a moment please?"

"Sure Mac. I'll be right there."

Walking into his office he sat down.

"What is it Mac?"

"I need to know if you would do me a favour?"

"Umm. Sure, what is it?"

"I would like to know if you could maybe spend some time with Macalleigh. Calleigh and I think it would be good for her to talk to an outsider. Someone who can understand her pain."

Jake was shocked. He wasn't sure what to say. Out of anything Mac could have asked him. He wasn't expecting that.

"I'm not sure Mac. She may not want my help. She may not be ready."

"I know that Jake. But would you be willing to try?"

"Sure. How do you want me to approach her?"

"By being honest. I've already given her a little background on you. So she won't be to upset when you talk with her."

"Okay. I'll stop by this afternoon. I'll see if I can't get her to come for a walk or something."

"I really appriciate this Jake. I just want my daughter back.

"I know Mac. I'll keep you informed."

Leaving Mac's office. Jake hoped he wasn't making a mistake. The last thing he wanted was Macalleigh upset with him, or her father.

Meanwhile...

"Macalleigh, phone for you love."

"Okay mom. I'll be right there."

"Hello."

"Hi Macalleigh, how are you?"

"I'm fine. Who's this?"

"It's Jake. We met briefly yesterday."

Macalleigh remembered him now. She also remembered her dads conversation from last night.

"I remember. What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you would like to a walk this afternoon. I was hoping we could maybe talk about what you are going through."

Macalleigh didn't really want to talk about Horatio's death. But then she remembered her fathers words.."It may just take an outsider to help you angel. Please think about it."

"Ummm...I'm really not sure. I have alot to do with Nicholas today."

Jake knew she was making excuses, for he did the same thing when people tried to reach out to him. God he hated the pain he could hear within her voice.

"Okay then. If you change your mind you can call me on your cell. 222-751-3341."

Writing down his number Macalleigh said...

"Sure. Thanks, bye."

"Who was that angel?"

"It was Jake, daddy's new CSI. He wanted to know if I'd take a walk with him and talk."

"Oh that was nice of him. He's a very nice man. Daddy told me all about his wife. It must be very hard to lose someone that was your world, your life."

Macalleigh teared up again.

"Aww, I didn't mean to make you cry love. I think daddy is right, it may be good for you to talk to Jake."

Knowing her mom was right. She picked up the phone and called him.

"Hello."

"Jake is Macalleigh. I was wondering if we could still take that walk?"

"Sure. I'll pick you up in an hour."

Hanging up the phone, Jake looked over at the picture of him and his wife. Whispering to her, he said...

"I guess you were right Isabella. I was meant to stay around to help others."

Grabbing his jacket from the locker room, he headed out to pick up Macalleigh.