November 5, 2006
Private Condo - Las Vegas, Nevada
"It's a private condo and I asked the trainees if they wouldn't mind delivering groceries to you both on a weekly basis until Horatio can go home," Ryan spoke in a quiet voice as he led Robert into the furnished condo. "It's got an accessible bathroom, has three bedrooms, a kitchen, a nice living room/dining area, and it's very secure. My brother's not using it, so he didn't mind…"
Robert nodded, "Tell your brother thank you from both of us," he replied softly. "I should check on…"
Just then, Greg silently came into the condo pushing Horatio, who was now wearing snap-pants, a loose shirt, a cardigan, and slippers, in a wheelchair, "This is very nice," Horatio spoke softly.
"My brother owns it," Ryan explained quietly. "I asked him if you could recover here and he agreed."
Horatio sighed, "Thank you, Ryan," he spoke quietly. "Would it be possible for me to get some rest?"
Greg nodded and silently wheeled Horatio into one of the bedrooms, a room that was decorated with light blue wallpaper and had pictures of the beach on the walls. The bed was simply decorated and there was also a desk with a chair, "Is this okay?" he asked softly. "It doesn't have much."
"It's fine," Horatio spoke in a quiet voice. "It will remind me to keep fighting."
Greg sighed, "Do you want me to help you into bed?" he asked quietly. "I need to talk to you…"
"Is this about whether or not to charge Doctor Pride with raping you?" Horatio asked softly.
Greg sat on the bed, "Conrad Ecklie asked me about it," Horatio explained. "He said…"
"Doctor Pride has a son that I fathered through that rape," Greg replied softly. "If I charge her, will she hold my rights as a father hostage? I only have a DNA match and paperwork saying I'm the father…"
Horatio sighed tiredly and Greg quickly focused his energies on helping Horatio into bed, "I know she drugged you and I don't want to take away from what happened to you," Greg spoke in a sad voice.
"If you want paternal rights, you need to ask for them and not make any promises that you are uncomfortable making," Horatio replied in a quiet, tired voice. "And I want you to stay sober…"
Greg nodded, "Ryan and Sofia don't have a cabinet and that's where we're staying right now," he replied as Ryan came into the room. "I…after I came back to Vegas, I got myself a sponsor."
Ryan frowned, "Greg, you okay?" he asked worriedly. "Your hands are trembling…"
"Oh, ever since the lab explosion, they do that whenever I'm under extreme stress," Greg explained in a quiet voice. "Jenny's been worried about me ever since Doctor Pride was back in Vegas…"
Horatio frowned, but Greg silently got his phone out as he stepped away from the bed, "I might go have lunch with my sponsor," Greg spoke quietly, sending a text. "He's not working til later."
"Thank you both for your help this morning, but I am going to rest," Horatio spoke quietly.
Greg and Ryan quietly left the room, "Is all this stress with Doctor Pride making you want to drink?" Ryan asked in a concerned voice, frowning at Greg. "I didn't realize how badly it's been…"
"We've been kept busy with cases, but I have nightmares about the rape," Greg admitted softly. "I don't want to disturb Jenny or Jessica, so I go for walks and Jenny's usually up by the time I get back. She's a very understanding wife and we started seeing Doctor Kessler so that I could maybe heal from it."
Ryan nodded as Robert came out of his room with a laptop in his hands after putting his things away, "Ryan, Greg, thank you very much for helping us," Robert spoke calmly. "We appreciate it."
"Are you going to be okay on your own?" Ryan asked worriedly. "I can stay a bit…"
Robert nodded, "John Boscorelli and Caira Jamison should show up any minute with groceries and other things we may need," he replied calmly. "Natalia wants to bring the boys out for Thanksgiving, but she's still waiting to hear if her time off is approved. In the meantime, I can use Skype."
"Um, I'm going to take off then so I can meet my sponsor," Greg spoke quietly. "See you later."
Ryan, however, didn't leave and didn't intend to leave until John and Caira showed up. He was about to speak when a buzzing sound filled the apartment, "Hang on," he said, going over to the buzz box.
"It's Caira Jamison," Caira's voice spoke on the intercom. "I have things for the Caines."
Ryan quickly buzzed Caira in and was surprised when she came into the apartment alone and weighed down by bags of groceries, "Where's John at?" he asked in a concerned voice, taking a few bags.
"Um, the sheriff wanted to see John and Ecklie," Caira spoke quietly. "John asked me not to tell."
Miami-Dade Memorial Hospital – Miami, Florida
"…She came here because Officer Duquesne asked her to visit and keep her company, but she suddenly threw up and fainted at the elevators," Emily heard a voice say. "I think she had a panic attack."
Emily sighed tiredly as she opened her eyes and found herself flat with Dr. Loman and Natalia hovering over her, "What am I doing?" she asked in a tired voice. "Why am I lying flat?"
Dr. Loman quickly raised the gurney and Emily could see that she was in a trauma room, "You fainted at the elevators on our way to see Eric," Natalia spoke softly. "Calleigh called and Tim had the van…?"
"And you offered to drive me because it's your day off," Emily spoke softly. "I…I don't know…"
Natalia sighed, "I think you panicked about seeing Eric because it reminded you of your past," she spoke in a concerned voice. "What he did at the lab…it freaked everyone out pretty badly."
"I don't know if the surgery helped with his aggression," Emily spoke softly. "That day at the lab…it brought up so many things and that's why I haven't gone in even though my office has been cleared."
Natalia nodded, "Stetler gave you some sick leave," she replied softly. "How are you feeling?"
"I know I need to get back to work," Emily spoke softly. "I…I think I can handle it now."
Dr. Loman sighed, "Do you want me to page Dr. Higgins?" he asked softly. "Before you go?"
"Calleigh sounded insistent on the phone," Emily spoke softly. "I know she's close with Eric."
Dr. Loman sighed, but nodded, "Take it slow," he replied gently. "If you feel faint again…"
Emily nodded and sat up, "I'll schedule an appointment with Doctor Higgins after I see what Calleigh wants," she replied softly, getting off the gurney. "I'll also look into stress management."
Before Dr. Loman or Natalia could reply, Emily silently left and made her way up to the room where Calleigh asked her to meet. She paused in the doorway when she saw that Eric was awake, sporting bandages around his head, and silently working with rehab tools while Calleigh watched quietly.
Swallowing hard, Emily silently entered the room, "Um, hi," Eric said softly, looking at her nervously.
"I asked you to come because Eric wanted to talk to you," Calleigh spoke quietly.
Emily nodded, but didn't speak, "I…I haven't been feeling well for a while and I wanted to apologize for taking it out on you," Eric spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "I know it doesn't change what I did and Stetler suspended me without pay. I…I want to fix what I sent the department about you."
"It's been handled," Emily replied softly. "Eric, I don't want you to worry about it anymore, all right?"
Eric nodded and sighed before drifting off to sleep, allowing Emily to silently leave the room, "Why didn't you tell him about the lab techs taking advantage of him?" Calleigh asked as she followed her.
"What good would it do Eric to know that?" Emily replied softly. "He needs to heal right now."
Calliegh sighed, but nodded, "You look a little pale," she observed. "Are you all right?"
Manhattan, New York
"Oh, Little Brendan's going to look exactly like his daddy when he grows up," Holly spoke in a kind voice as she, Danielle, Kim, Carlos, Grace, and Brendan sat around a table in Central Park, watching as Grace held baby Brendan on her lap. "I'm glad we were able to get together today."
Danielle nodded, "Maurice has the day off and just wants to be home with Michael and Emily, so he told me to go and enjoy my time with friends," she replied softly. "I might put them into a day program next year, though, and do some shifts so we can pay for David's meds and Emily's hearing aids…"
"Any word on Maritza, Danielle?" Brendan asked in a concerned voice. "Did they find her?"
Danielle shook her head, "Don't bring it up publicly to Maurice because it still hurts him to think about her being kidnapped," she replied softly. "We talk about it at home, but not publicly."
Carlos sighed tiredly, "Grace, are you going back out on the street at some point?" Holly asked.
"I honestly don't know," Grace admitted softly. "There were complications in having the baby and I like teaching classes at EMS. Teaching's more of a set schedule and it gives me more time."
Kim looked at Carlos, "What about you, Carlos?" she asked softly. "What are you up to?"
"I'm helping Tommy with his online college courses," Carlos lied, not wanting to share that he wouldn't be working for FDNY on the street anymore. "And his rehabilitation."
Grace nodded and sighed happily, frowning as a ragged looking woman suddenly approached the group, "Any of you people named Finney?" the woman asked, her expression tired.
"I'm a Finney," Brendan replied in a quiet voice, smiling at the woman. "How can I…?"
Brendan was suddenly cut off as the woman suddenly pulled a knife and lunged at him, sending him, her, and the chair he was hitting on to the ground, "Your worthless carcass is the reason I lost all three of my babies!" she shouted, holding the knife to Brendan's face. "Say good night, Cathal!"
Quickly realizing that the woman was Ellen Seville, Danielle grabbed Ellen and dragged her backwards off Brendan, but Brendan had already been cut up and stabbed in the shoulder, "GET OFF!" Ellen screamed as she fought against Danielle. "Who do you think you are stopping me from killing Cathal?"
"I….I'm Danielle," Danielle spoke shakily, watching as Carlos called 9-1-1 while Kim, Grace, and Holly struggled to help Brendan. "I'm the daughter you wanted to get rid of…"
Ellen's eyes widened in shock and she forced herself out of Danielle's grip, her eyes growing even bigger as she stared at the younger version of herself, "So, you're the worthless brat that John wouldn't let me abort?!" Ellen asked, a slur in her voice. "You look exactly like I did at that age…"
Sirens filled the air and Ellen tried to run, but Danielle grabbed hold of her, "Stay," she hissed coldly.
Police Department – Las Vegas, Nevada
"John Boscorelli?"
John, who had been sitting alone in the foyer of the city's police headquarters after being summoned for an 'official' meeting, looked up and saw a calm looking secretary, "Yes, ma'am?" he asked softly.
"Sheriff Atwater is ready for you now," the secretary replied softly. "If you'll follow me…"
John rose, silently straightened his tie, and silently followed the secretary down the hallway and into a room where Sheriff Atwater, Former Sheriff Mobley, Ecklie, Grissom, Ray Langston, Nick, and Jo Danville sat, "John, I don't know if you know Rory Atwater," Ecklie spoke calmly. "After your kidnapping, there was a bit of a shakeup and Sheriff Atwater was appointed."
"Pleased to meet you, sir," John replied in a quiet, polite voice. "I…I was called to come here…"
Sheriff Atwater smiled and gestured to an empty chair, "Have a seat, please," he spoke calmly.
John quickly sat down and Ecklie smirked at John's suit, "You're smart," Ecklie commented in an amused voice. "Not many trainees would dress up when they're summoned for a meeting."
"Conrad, really, don't scare him," Ray Langston spoke sternly. "This is a good meeting."
Grissom smiled, "John, you've officially been recommended for the national police exam," he replied in a quiet voice. "It's your decision whether or not you want to take it, but between your grades, your role in the rescue of Lieutenant Caine, and your conduct, you very much deserve this opportunity."
John frowned, "How…how was my conduct exemplary enough to earn this?" he asked quietly.
"You might want to ask your roommate," Grissom spoke wisely, giving Nick a calm look.
John looked at Nick quizzically, "You've been really helpful to me around the house and good at looking after Parker when I had work or chemo," Nick explained quietly. "You deserve it."
"Um, all right," John replied quietly, sighing. "Do I have to take this test today? I was on my way over to visit Lieutenant Caine when I got this call. Caira went without me, but she knows about this…"
Sheriff Atwater looked amused, "Isn't today one of your days off?" he asked in a kind voice.
"I'm going to be there so that Detective Caine can go out and have some respite time," John replied in a quiet, but firm voice. "I've got my homework and if there are any study materials for this exam…"
Ecklie scoffed, "Don't you have leisure time?" he asked in an annoyed voice. "Innocent fun?"
Grissom shot a warning look at Ecklie, "Conrad, shut up," he replied in a stern voice. "Now."
Ecklie glared at Grissom, "Did you just tell me to shut up?" he asked in a cross voice.
"Boscorelli, the study materials can be found at the desk and I'll have Grissom give you a date for the exam," Sheriff Atwater spoke, cutting both Ecklie and Grissom off. "Enjoy the rest of your day."
Nodding, John got up and silently went to the desk, sighing when he found a package at the desk with his name on it. A few moments later, Nick came out to the desk looking concerned.
"Ecklie and Grissom started shouting at each other over Ecklie's comment," Nick spoke in a worried voice, watching as John studied the package. "I don't remember if Ecklie was here on 9/11…"
John sighed and put his backpack on all the way before picking up the box, "It's not your fault that I was assaulted then," he spoke in a quiet voice. "Conrad Ecklie and my mother had their issues and she always suspected that it was someone in the department who told Edward where we were, but nothing could ever be proven. Between the crap with Warrick and that, she doesn't like being out here."
Nick frowned, but said nothing, "Anyway, I should get going so I can make the bus," John said.
"It's on my way home," Nick spoke quietly. "I've been cleared to drive, so I can take you."
John nodded and silently followed Nick out of the building, unnerved by Ecklie's words because it made him wonder if Ecklie had told Edward about their location just to spite their family.
Braun Residence
"Jill Adams and her parents were not at the Camino Hotel, Mister Braun," a voice spoke from the shadows, prompting Sam to look up from the paperwork he was completing. "They are missing."
Sam raised an eyebrow as Undersheriff Jeffrey McKeen came into view wearing a suit with a badge and gun clipped to his belt with an envelope in his hand, "I asked Atwater if I could deliver your paperwork," McKeen said in a cold voice. "After the fiasco with Colin Jamison, there was a shakeup and Mobley decided to take a different position rather than admit that Jamison flew under his radar."
"Colin Jamison is in psychiatric care and inaccessible," Sam replied irritably. "What do you want?"
McKeen scoffed, "Ryan and Sofia Wolfe the one Jill Adams turned to for help in trying to escape responsibility for helping you," he hissed. "They probably helped her disappear with her parents."
"Trying to be a saint after you helped the Russians make the bomb that blew up the Camino?" Sam replied in an amused voice, giving McKeen a look. "I already knew that Jill Adams tattled and I am sure she and her parents are on the run. I'm not the idiot who sent two Russians to Lieutenant Caine's hospital room to try and murder him and had to deal with his nephew. That is Dimitri LaRusso's son."
McKeen paled, "What, did someone tattle?" he hissed. "Horatio Caine should be dead by now…"
"Sarnoff's too much of a coward and Anya LaRusso is too much of a lady for either of them to be the masterminds," Sam replied in an amused voice, a cold smirk on his face. "You're mad at Horatio Caine because you felt he was too lenient on Warrick Brown after all of the crap he pulled over the years."
McKeen scoffed, "Ivan was needing money for his habits and I don't spend much," he hissed. "It was the perfect opportunity to deal with Caine and appeal a habit-loving, trash-talker at the same time."
Sam sighed, "And now that you've failed, what do you want from me?" he asked coldly.
"I want you to fix it!" McKeen hissed, his expression angry. "I can make things very, very hard for you, Braun! I can make it look like you intended to kill Horatio Caine and that you murdered Jill Adams!"
Sam sighed irritably, "I will think of something," he promised. "Now, leave me to think."
Swearing, McKeen stormed out of the office and Sam sighed heavily as he looked at the tape recorder in his hand. He finally had evidence that nailed McKeen as the mastermind behind Horatio Caine's kidnapping and torture, but he wasn't sure that anyone in the department would believe him.
Slipping the tape into his pocket, Sam silently retreated into his bedroom, locked the door, and waited until he saw McKeen's car drive off his property before grabbing the phone. His aged hands trembled as he dialed a number, pressed the speaker, and held the phone to his ear, praying that someone would answer.
"This is Ryan Wolfe," a voice spoke in a quiet tone. "Who may I ask is calling?"
Sam sighed heavily, "This is Sam Braun," he replied in a quiet voice. "I need a favor from you."
Private Condo
The smell of cooking filled the apartment because Caira had decided to cook for Lieutenant Caine and Detective Caine so they would have one less thing to worry about that day. Horatio was sleeping and Detective Caine had decided to take a nap, so Ryan found himself alone in the living room and waiting for John while Caira cooked in the kitchen. Ryan, however, was being kept plenty busy.
"I was responsible for your life being saved and now I need your help," Sam spoke in a quiet voice.
Ryan sighed, "What do you need?" he asked in a quiet voice, not wanting anyone to overhear them.
"I have evidence that proves I was not the mastermind behind Lieutenant Caine's abduction and torture," Sam spoke quietly. "It was always so, but I had no way to prove it until today."
Ryan's eyes went wide, "If you meet me at my home, I can pass the evidence along to you and you can pass it along to your superiors," Sam spoke softly. "He is a law enforcement official, however, and this may prove problematic for everyone involved. If you do not wish to involve yourself, I completely…"
"I'll drop by as soon as I can get away," Ryan replied softly. "Just stay out of sight, all right?"
There was a click and Ryan sighed heavily, quickly ending the call and saving the recording that had been running during the call. It was one of the features on the phone he had been given for the duration of Horatio's case in case evidence came in unexpectedly and he was away from the lab.
I need John to show up so I can get this over to the AV Lab. Ryan thought anxiously. He knew there was no way he was going over to Sam Braun's house alone because then it would look like he was engaging in gambling. Grissom would want to know about Sam's attempt to force him to help.
Just then, Caira came out of the kitchen, "Officer Wolfe, should I make you up a plate?" she asked.
"Um, I'm going to get going once John gets here," Ryan replied nervously. "Things to do."
Caira nodded, "I found some plates and stuff in the cupboards in drawers," she said in a kind voice.
"Tommy won't mind if they're used as long as the dishes are done after," Ryan replied softly.
Caira sighed, "When I'm done here, do you think Sofia needs any help?" she asked worriedly.
"Sofia's at home today resting since she had a treatment yesterday," Ryan replied, his mind suddenly off of Sam Braun and on his sick wife. "Captain Curtis is over there keeping an eye on Carlos."
Caira nodded, "Is it working?" she asked in a concerned voice. "I know you don't like to…"
"We don't know yet," Ryan admitted quietly. "It will take her life eventually, but we'd at least like Carlos to develop some memories of Sofia. I would appreciate some discretion about it…"
Caira sighed, "I don't gossip about people," she replied gently. "I should check on the food."
As Caira returned to the kitchen, Ryan silently got his phone out and sent a copy of the recorded call directly to Grissom because he wouldn't leave until John got there and the evidence was important.
Miami-Dade Memorial Hospital – Miami, Florida
"…I most definitely did not say that to Eric," Dr. Higgins spoke in a stunned voice as she and Emily sat in the safety of her office discussing Emily's visit to Eric and Calleigh. "As I told the department, I told Eric that you were right to be careful with him because people with brain injuries need time and lots of detailed help in their recoveries. Eric's mind processed that as me saying you were too detailed."
Emily nodded and sighed, "Eric was manipulated by a lab tech and it's a very messy situation because he's blaming himself now," she spoke softly. "I want to be able to help him so that he's back on his game by the time Horatio returns, but he listens to very few people besides Horatio."
"I think you did by simply being willing to face him and it shows a lot about your own ability to forgive," Dr. Higgins replied gently. "You've got a very forgiving heart and that's a good thing."
Emily looked thoughtful, "My father was a very hateful person, as was my mother, and I didn't want to become what they were when they died," she spoke quietly. "I also forgave Bernard because along with his heart problem, he was a sociopath and I don't know if anyone offered him help for it."
"You can't help everyone or expect yourself to be able to," Dr. Higgins spoke quietly.
Emily exhaled softly, "I'm trying to understand that about myself," she said in a tired voice.
"And it's good that you want to," Dr. Higgins replied encouragingly. "That's why you're here…"
Emily nodded, "I'd better get going because my ride home is probably wondering where I went," she spoke in a relieved voice as she stood up. "Thank you so much for letting me just drop in, Shannon."
"Oh, anything for a fellow psychologist," Dr. Higgins replied, smiling. "Take care, will you?"
Emily silently left the floor and made her way downstairs on the elevator to find an area where she could text Natalia. As she stepped into the hallway just outside the ER, however, she heard voices.
"Are you okay to drive?" Natalia's voice asked softly. "You had a treatment today, right?"
Rick sighed tiredly, "I will get a cab," he replied softly. "I have to meet with my lawyer."
Emily frowned, but stayed put, "Catherine is dead serious about revisiting the child custody agreement in the new year and she's also wanting me to compare my DNA to that of our children," Rick spoke in a weary voice. "I don't want to do it because I raised those children. My name's on the certificates…"
"You should do it," Emily spoke anxiously, coming out of hiding. "I think I know what she's doing."
Rick looked at Emily curiously, "If Catherine can prove that you aren't the biological father, she might have an easier time of getting custody," Emily spoke quietly. "Were there other possibilities?"
"Eddie Willows was her man on the side, but he died several years ago," Rick replied quietly. "Even if they're not biologically mine, I am listed as the father on the certificates and I have the authority to grant visitation or shared custody until they are 16 unless Catherine can prove I am unfit."
Emily nodded, "Or unless they tell me they want to be with her and sign an affidavit to that effect," Rick spoke in a quieter voice, his expression somber. "Things are somewhat strained at the moment and it's not fair to Natalia and her sons for us to put them in the middle. I should move to a motel…"
Natalia looked concerned, but didn't get a chance to speak because Rick silently left the hospital.
Manhattan, New York
The precinct was full of activity, but Danielle ignored it as she sat in a quiet room with Carlos, Holly, and Kim. Brendan had been taken off to the hospital and Grace had taken Little Brendan in the ambulance with them. Ellen had been arrested and now was in a holding cell not very far away.
"So that was your mom?" Carlos asked in a surprised voice. "She looked like you, but older…"
Danielle sighed tiredly, "I never knew my mom growing up, so I always saw Maggie Davis as a mom figure," she replied in a tired voice. "My dad worked very hard to be a good parent, so it was enough."
"I know how you feel," Carlos spoke softly. "I try to reach out to my mom, but…it's never enough."
Holly gave Carlos a sympathetic look, "After what I went through with Bernard, my birth mother called and asked if I was damaged," Carlos admitted softly. "She had seen footage on the news of Dimitri torturing me and Bernard…I guess the footage was stolen from the Crime Lab by an AV guy."
"Have you told the Crime Lab about that?" Danielle asked in a concerned voice. "That was a…"
Carlos sighed, "Lieutenant Caine was looking into it," he replied softly. "Investigating his techs."
Before anyone could reply, Flack came into the room, "Detective Taylor's trying to talk to Ellen, but she won't talk to him," he explained in a concerned voice. "He also sent Hawkes to the scene…"
"I have nothing else to say to her," Danielle spoke in a firm voice. "I don't know whether or not she's telling the truth about giving me and Danny up for adoption to our fathers because Brendan's father made her or what, but she has issues. What she said to me in the park…she didn't want me at all."
Flack sighed, "All right," he replied calmly. "Can each of you tell me what happened at the park?"
"Jimmy's gonna freak," Kim spoke anxiously. "We were having a bit of a reunion day."
Flack frowned, deeply confused, "We all used to work pretty close to each other," Kim explained in an upset voice. "It's not often that we get together anymore, but we managed to today. It was warm…"
"Holly, I'm getting a headache," Carlos spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "I'm sorry, but this whole…"
Holly nodded and looked at Flack questioningly, "Can Carlos have his prescription?" she asked softly.
Flack's eyes narrowed as Carlos took a prescription bottle out of his pocket, "It's an anti-convulsant," Carlos spoke in a quiet voice, a sigh in his voice. "I, um, received an anonymous deposit in my bank with a note that they knew about my need for it and to go ahead and buy it," Carlos explained softly. "The teller said that it was a deposit made from a branch of the bank in Nevada, but I don't…"
Danielle suddenly looked surprised, "I know John has an account at that bank," she replied softly.
"Tommy must have told him," Carlos spoke in a quiet voice. "Danielle, I'll pay him back…"
Flack looked shocked and Danielle sighed, "You and John can discuss that amongst yourselves when he comes home after finals in December," she replied softly. "Detective Flack, we were all sitting in the park when Ellen approached us and asked if any of us were a Finney. Brendan said he was a Finney and Ellen pulled at a knife on him before lunging at him. She called him Cathal and stabbed Brendan in the shoulder. I pulled her off and when I told her who I was, she said very cruel things to me…"
Before Flack could reply, Danielle got up, "I really don't wish to talk about it further right now," she said in a firm, but annoyed voice. "Can we please just go and you can come visit me later about this?"
Flack looked surprised at Danielle's sudden anger, but Danielle silently left the room instead of sharing.
Las Vegas, Nevada
"I got your evidence and sent it over to Archie, but I wanted to talk to you anyway," Grissom spoke in a quiet voice as Ryan came into the office. "Did you go over to Sam Braun's on your way back here?"
Ryan shook his head, "I thought I'd clear it with you first," he replied. "Because of what Braun is."
Grissom nodded and sighed, "You were late for work a few nights ago, not long after the bombing," he spoke in a quiet, concerned voice as he stared at Ryan. "I was on a case, but Catherine made note of it."
Ryan sighed irritably and closed the door to Grissom's office before sat down because he didn't want anyone overhearing this conversation, "Given your past, I have to ask," Grissom spoke firmly, noticing that Ryan was suddenly sweating. "Since Sofia had the night off and was at home with your son, were you out gambling? Warrick had problems with this in the past and he nearly got fired over it…"
"I'm not Warrick," Ryan replied softly. "I was running an errand that not a lot should know about."
Grissom frowned, "I'm not a lot of people, Ryan," he spoke firmly. "I'm your boss, but…"
"I was at McCarran Airport with William, Victoria, and Jill Adams," Ryan replied quietly. "After the bombing, Jill asked me for help off the record and apologized for not being able to tell me sooner."
Grissom looked thoughtful, "Tommy's got businesses in Miami he needs help with," Ryan spoke quietly, sighing. "I made some calls and a night flight to Miami was available, so I took them to the airport and Sara can vouch for me if you don't believe me. Sara's got the authority of an advocate."
"She does, yes," Grissom replied quietly. "Ryan, why don't you want anyone to know?"
Ryan sighed, "Sam Braun told me in confidence that he thinks there's someone in the department who might have floated the idea of Horatio's kidnapping to Ivan Sarnoff," he replied. "Loose lips…"
"Sink ships," Grissom spoke quietly. "Did you want me to send Sara with you to Sam Braun's?"
Ryan nodded, "Maybe if you offered Sam protection through the Victims Assistance network, he might be willing to share who actually planned the attack," he spoke softly. "I…I can't do this by myself."
"Take Sara with you to his house and offer him help," Grissom replied. "I'll authorize it."
Ryan, however, didn't move, "I'm not sure I want Horatio still in Vegas if we're found out," he spoke in a concerned voice, his expression worried. "I know he can't fly, but is there another way…?"
"He needs at least another week, if not more," Grissom replied quietly. "That's what I'm told."
Ryan nodded, "I didn't get a chance to really talk with Horatio before John showed up and Caira was already there, so I left," he said in a tired voice. "Sam phoned while I was over there, so…"
"Sara should be in the break room or the locker room," Grissom said calmly. "Go involve her."
Nodding, Ryan got up and silently left the office, leaving Grissom alone. Instead of getting back to work, however, Grissom got up and grabbed a weathered file from a stack on top of his cabinet before leaving his office. He walked through the hallways until he came across Greg, who was processing proficiencies in the evidence processing room, "Greg, got a sec?" Grissom asked quietly.
"I was just reviewing the mid-term proficiencies," Greg spoke quietly, looking at him. "What's up?"
Grissom sighed, "I need to talk to you about something serious," he replied softly, showing the folder.
"ChildSafe DNA Registry?" Greg asked in a confused voice. "Are you wanting to get Gregory and Danielle registered on a Child Safe Site? If you have their DNA, I can help you with that."
Grissom, however, opened the folder, "I developed the registry as a Master's project and this couple let me enter their son's DNA into my project because they had just adopted him and wanted options," he spoke softly. "They weren't sure if they wanted to keep the child."
"I hate that some parents treat adoption like it's temporary," Greg spoke softly. "I really do."
Grissom sighed, "The DNA was discovered when a lab in New York was investigating whether or not a paramedic and crime scene investigator out there were related," he replied. "The search also triggered information about a kid that was growing up in California…a kid named Gregory."
"What?" Greg replied in a confused voice, frowning at Grissom. "I'm an only child, Gris, and I was certainly not adopted. I was born Gregory Hojem Sanders and my parents are in California."
Grissom showed Greg the folder and Greg frowned, "According to this, your birth mother's name is Ellen Seville of New York," he spoke softly. "Your DNA was put into my project by a couple named Sanders and witnessed by both a NYPD officer named John Sullivan and Ellen…"
"You're LYING," Greg replied in an anxious voice as he grabbed the folder. "I…you have to be!"
Before Grissom could reply, Greg swore, burst into tears, and sank to his knees still holding the folder.
Boscorelli Apartment – Manhattan, New York
Bosco sighed softly, but his eyes were big as he watched Danielle pour herself a cup of hot tea, "You walked out of a police interview?" he asked in a surprised voice. "I thought you were at the park!"
"We were, but then Ellen Seville stabbed Finney and the day went to crap," Danielle replied in an irritated voice. "I lost my temper and walked out on Detective Flack and everyone probably…"
Danielle sighed heavily and turned the stove off as the tea began to boil, "Mikey and Emily are having naps and Sully and Yelina took Nicky for a walk, so we have time to talk about this," Bosco said gently.
"Ellen shouted that she wished she had killed me," Danielle admitted quietly, tears filling her eyes.
Bosco frowned as he walked over to her and gently put his arms around her, "Well, if she had killed you, I wouldn't have a smokin' hot wife today," he spoke in a soothing voice. "I love you."
"You always know what to say to make me feel better," Danielle spoke softly, turning to face him.
Bosco sighed as the phone rang, "Let the machine get it," he spoke softly, gently stroking her cheek.
The machine clicked, "Um, Mrs. Boscorelli, it's Detective Flack," a voice said. "I collected statements from the others involved in the incident and they all gave me major heck for being insensitive to the situation between you and Ellen Seville. I'd like to apologize, as I wasn't aware of any of it…"
Danielle silently gave Bosco a gentle kiss, pointedly ignoring the terrible attempt at an apology.
Sam Braun's Residence - Las Vegas, Nevada
Sam Braun sighed anxiously, his hand trembling as he handed the tape from his conversation with McKeen over to Ryan's gloved hand. Ryan quickly put it in an evidence bag and sealed it.
"Now that I've given over the evidence, what can you offer me?" Sam asked in a worried voice.
Ryan sighed and gestured to Sara, "Sara is an advocate for Victims Assistance and the group can offer you both protection and help to deal with whoever planned the entire Lieutenant Caine situation," he replied in a concerned voice. "If you and Ivan Sarnoff were coerced into doing the dirty work…"
Sam chuckled darkly, "I'm too old to go to prison," he replied softly. "If I am to be punished, I'd prefer to have my movements restricted to Las Vegas and I am certainly willing to work as an informant. I'd also like to be allowed to visit Catherine and my grandchildren for the Thanksgiving holidays…"
"Those children are in the custody of their father and visitation is up to him," Ryan replied in a firm, but kind voice, giving Sam a look. "Don't use us as pawns in Catherine and Stetler's issues…"
Sam looked amused, "They're not even sure who the father really is," he replied calmly. "Catherine put Rick's name on the certificate because she wasn't sure and he said he'd raise the kids as his own."
Ryan frowned and Sara sighed, able to finally understand why Rick Stetler acted like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, "Catherine had flings with Eddie Willows whenever she got bored with Rick," Sam spoke in a bored voice. "He worked security at my casinos for those kids and when they were kidnapped, Catherine and Rick had a big fight and he took off…"
"Are you willing to let us relocate you to a safehouse until we process the tape?" Sara asked softly.
Sam sighed, "If I were to say that the instigator was a cop, would it make a difference?" he asked.
"You're saying a cop instigated the whole thing against Lieutenant Caine?" Sara asked softly.
Sam nodded, "Whatever you do, please do not let Catherine know about this because then she and my grandchildren would be in danger," he spoke softly, his expression somber. "I do care about them."
Ryan, however, didn't say anything because he knew that Sam had been angry enough to beat the crap out of Rick over the kids, "Can you stay somewhere besides your house for now?" Sara asked softly.
"I own several hotels," Sam replied in a quiet voice. "Staying at one of them would work."
Sara nodded, "I'll go make sure the coast is clear and we'll personally escort you to whichever hotel you wish to take refuge at," Ryan spoke in a concerned voice. "You taking your limo would be too…"
"Obvious," Sam replied in an amused voice, smirking at Ryan. "You're very astute, Ryan Wolfe."
Nodding, Ryan pocketed the evidence before going outside to where his car was parked. He silently looked around the area and sighed when nobody seemed to be around, not even the yard staff.
As Ryan returned to the house, he failed to notice the small camera hidden in the bushes that was transmitting back to an office within the seedy part of Vegas. Jeffrey McKeen scowled and swore, gripping his laptop as he took a sniff of cocaine he had stolen from evidence. Ryan had visited Sam Braun and knew what was up; he also probably knew who the mastermind behind Horatio's abduction was and was investigating. I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Wolfe. McKeen thought darkly.
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