A/N: Real life is throwing everything it possibly can at me right now, but I am still going forward. Horatio and Calleigh and all of you are my inspiration. I thank you all. I will do my best to keep posting but if things slow down please be patient with me, as you all always are anyway. :o)
Thank you all for the wonderful reviews and words of praise. Thank you all for making it more fun by sharing your thoughts and ideas as well. I am glad you are all enjoying it so far... But I warn you all... trouble is a coming! LOL
III
Joe made good on his word and immediately moved Calleigh, Alexx, Eric and Ryan to a private room, where Horatio would be transferred once he was deemed stable. The group sat quietly waiting; discussing the ordeal in Horatio's hospital room.
It was late, after two in the morning, when Joe and a few nurses finally wheeled Horatio's bed into the dimly lit room. They hooked Horatio back up to the monitors, took his vitals and left him to rest.
Ryan, Eric and Alexx all stood on the left side of the bed and Calleigh sat at the right, holding his hand.
Horatio's arms rested on top of the blanket that was pulled half way up over his torso. He was sedated and feeling no pain.
Calleigh found something to be positive about. 'At least he wasn't suffering anymore.'
A few minutes passed and the only sound that filled the room was the low beep of the heart monitor. Everyone stared at the quiescent redhead, still in disbelief at what had transpired at the prison.
Calleigh sighed. "Why don't you all head home," she said looking at her exhausted friends. "I'm gonna stay the night. If anything happens, I'll call you."
Alexx gave her a grin and whispered, "Not a chance honey."
"And you guys?" Calleigh questioned finding Ryan's gaze, she continued, "Ryan why don't you take Eric home, he needs to get some rest as well. I'll see you both tomorrow."
Ryan looked over at Alexx who gave him a nod. "Go ahead baby. I'll stay with Calleigh."
Eric exhaled annoyed. "Hey, did anyone even think to ask me. Maybe I want to stay."
Calleigh let out a soft breath and her tone softened.
"Eric, you should really go home and get some rest. You've had a rough day. Horatio's stable and Frank is…" She paused biting down on her lip, "in the best place he can be right now."
"That's right honey," Alexx added. "Joe and the ICU will keep a close watch on Frank. He's in good hands."
Eric stood up and groaned a bit feeling sore.
"Sorry," he said looking at Calleigh and then Alexx. "I'm just…." He shook his head. "I want to do something to help, ya know."
Calleigh rose and walked over toward him. So did Alexx. "We know Eric. This is not your fault," Calleigh answered quietly, giving him a comforting hug.
"We feel the same way baby," Alexx added, with another embrace.
Ryan chuckled low, "Hey, I hope you're not expecting a hug from me."
Everyone laughed low and Calleigh nodded, grateful for the comic relief Ryan just shared.
Getting serious again Ryan patted Eric on the shoulder. "How about you and I help, by going home and getting some rest, so we can be here tomorrow if they need us."
Ryan smirked. "And I'm sure you would like to talk to Clavo and Ramón too, right. I think the warden is going to have them back in their miserable cells by then."
Eric's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I'd like to do more than talk to them," he said intensely. "Those—"
Ryan patted him on the back. "Good. Hold that thought until tomorrow, and let me drive you home."
"All right," Eric answered with a nod.
He looked at Alexx and then Calleigh. "Thanks," he said with an appreciative nod. "I'll talk to you first thing in the morning."
"I'll be here," said Calleigh with a small smile.
Ryan opened the door and they headed out.
It wasn't long before Calleigh started on Alexx. "Okay… and you're staying with me because?"
Alexx gave her half a smirk and half a stare, as her hand rested on her hip. "Because I feel like it."
"Go home Alexx and get some sleep. I'm sure the kids want their mommy."
"Baby the kids are fast asleep." She grinned as her head moved side to side, matter of factly.
Calleigh chuckled low when Alexx's phone rang. "And your husband?"
Alexx quietly answered the phone and headed out of the dimly lit room.
Calleigh walked back over towards Horatio's bed and stared, at the sleeping redhead.
Horatio's head was slightly propped up, his red hair rumpled. There was a small gauze bandage above his swollen right eye, where a dark bruise covered the area. His face seemed relaxed and almost serene. It was still hard to imagine what had occurred today. Her eyes slid lower. Calleigh saw more bruising on his arms then the white bandages wrapped around both of Horatio's wrists, knowing they were from the cuffs that kept him restrained. She exhaled and could only imagine what his back looked like.
Calleigh let out a heavy-hearted breath. Too many thoughts ran through her mind as she studied the complicated redhead.
"I hope you're not dreaming, Handsome," she said quietly, wondering if he was resting as peacefully as he seemed.
"Somehow… I don't think this is the vacation you had in mind, huh." She reached for his hand and entwined her fingers with his, lightly caressing his skin with her thumb.
The door opened and Alexx walked back in. "Well honey it looks like you are going to get your wish."
"Is everything okay Alexx?" Calleigh asked turning to look at her friend.
"Bryan's running a high fever and my husband is ready to call in the troops! Me," she chuckled. "Such drama."
Calleigh couldn't help but smile. She waved her hand. "Go Alexx. I'm fine."
"I know that baby. I just wanted to keep you both company. Promise to call me if anything changes, okay Calleigh?"
"Of course, Alexx. You get home safe."
Alexx smiled and headed for Horatio's bedside. She bent and very softly kissed his cheek.
"You hang in there honey," she whispered with a light brush of her hand against his forearm.
Calleigh watched with gratitude. She knew how close Alexx was with Horatio. Their relationship had always been special even before she had worked there. Alexx loved Horatio and vice versa.
Alexx smiled and ran a tender hand over Horatio's forehead. "See you tomorrow baby," she quietly said to him then headed for the door.
"I hope Bryan feels better soon." Calleigh said lowly.
Alexx smirked. "Bryan's going to have a miraculous recovery when I tell him he is not going to school tomorrow and in turn, not playing in the football game."
Calleigh laughed quietly. "Bye, Alexx."
"See you in a few hours honey," Alexx whispered and closed the door behind her.
With a soft breath, Calleigh walked over towards the window and stared out at the night lights of Miami. She wondered what Horatio thought of each time he looked out at the city.
'His city.'
Recognition set in immediately as her thoughts of the day, from morning until present, rolled through her head.
'The morning started out great,' she smiled in thought remembering their lovemaking. His tone was so soft, smooth and sensual. His heavy breathing, the way he huskily breathed her name whenever he was close. The way his fingers softly threaded through her long silky hair and then tightened, excited her, made her feel amazing, to know she made him lose control.
Calleigh blinked wishing she could just go back to that moment. Seeing him happy, in a state of pure passion and hunger thrilled her to the core.
'Horatio was a giver.'
Yes, she thought with a smile, he was a giver indeed. He always put her needs first, especially when it came to making love, or dinner, or just something so trivial as running a bath after one of her long exhausting days. He always put her first and just had a way of making her feel very special and thoroughly loved. She had never felt loved, not like the way Horatio loved her. Completely. With heart and soul.
She blinked in thought.
'I think you and I need a vacation,' he said this morning, in that sexy tone she loved so very much.
Calleigh sighed and slowly walked back over to his bedside. She quietly moved the chair closer towards his bed and reached for his hand.
"I'm here Handsome," she lowly whispered then squeezed his hand slightly hoping for a response. When none came Calleigh let her head rest back against the chair and closed her eyes.
The door opened gradually and Calleigh's eyes snapped opened. With all of Horatio's edginess lately, she was feeling the same way too. She knew the redhead's instincts were usually dead on. She stood quickly with hand on gun and let out a breath of relief when Joe walked in.
He saw her defensive stance. Hand on her sidearm. "Were you expecting someone else?" He questioned with one raised brow.
Calleigh exhaled, "No, but with the way things have been lately, it wouldn't surprise me. I'd rather be safe than sorry," she said letting her tired body collapse back down in the chair.
"You are aware of the two officers outside the door," Joe quietly reminded then walked over to the opposite side of the bed and checked Horatio's vitals. He found Calleigh's eyes upon him.
He smiled. "He's doing fine sweetheart. His vitals are strong and stable. They're almost back in the normal range. This is good."
Calleigh nodded and whispered, "And… Frank? Any change, Joe?"
Joe shook his head and let out a soft breath. "No. He's still on shaky ground, Calleigh."
Calleigh moistened her lips then gnawed down on her bottom lip momentarily in thought. Her green eyes dull, and full of emotion.
"I'll um… be right back, okay?" Joe said heading for the door.
Calleigh shrugged. "Okay."
Joe returned minutes later with two coffees in hand. He gave her a sideways grin, and handed her a steaming cup.
"Mind some company," he asked lowly pulling a chair up beside her.
Calleigh couldn't help but smile.
"Joe it's after three in the morning and you looked exhausted. Thank you, but go home. I'm fine."
Joe smiled widely. His beautiful dimples and white teeth fully in view. He was still in scrubs, and had a five o'clock shadow that he rubbed at.
"Is that a yes or no," he chuckled low. "You do know that this is my home away from home. I sleep here most nights, and tonight… is showing promise."
Calleigh laughed. "I guess… it's a yes then."
Joe's deep laughter coursed through her.
"Good, because there was no way you were getting rid of me anyway," he finished with one of his famous winks and lifted one leg to rest on the other, getting comfortable in his chair.
Calleigh felt lighter already. She found herself smiling again until Horatio let out a low groan. Her face lost all expression.
Joe was up in a heartbeat. He frowned looking down at the redhead.
"There's no way he is coming out of it this soon. It's… it's impossible!"
Horatio eyes fluttered and he moaned low again. Calleigh realized he was dreaming. She caressed his arm talking softly to him.
"It's okay Horatio, you're in the hospital. You're dreaming. Rest Handsome, everything is alright. I'm right here," she whispered trying to soothe him.
Horatio calmed and Joe gave Calleigh a stare. He returned to his chair and lifted his cup to his lips taking another sip.
"The bond you two have is quite astounding. You calm him even though he sleeps. How is that possible?" he asked shaking his head back and forth, taking another gulp of coffee.
Calleigh shrugged and kept one hand on Horatio's forearm. "I don't know Joe. I'm just glad I can help him sometimes," she said sadly.
Joe frowned reading her sadness and cocked his head to one side. "You two… all right?"
"Yeah," Calleigh nodded instantly. "Things just haven't been that great since our last case. His dreams are back, and now with this incident today, I'm sure his dreams are going to get even worse." She whispered in dismay, "If that's even possible."
Joe relaxed back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other again. "I had hoped Red Cloud helped him with the dreams."
"Oh, he did, Joe. Horatio was doing great, except for every once in a while. But now," Calleigh shook her head upset. "My neighbor was killed and someone's idea of a sick joke was to text Horatio the words, 'I'm Alive'… which in turn reads, 'I am evil.'"
Joe froze knowing the case well. He knew the Marine, Harwood was dead. "That is sick! Do you know who did it?"
"No. And it has Horatio on edge. That's when his dreams began to come back more and more."
"I can understand that," Joe said shaking his head in disbelief, looking over at Horatio.
"Now this happened today and I can't seem to figure out if the Cruz brothers are behind it all. Is it connected? I mean, I know they set this riot up today, and the crime scene and all but…."
Joe held her gaze. He could see she was thinking. Processing. "But what?" he wondered.
"But it just doesn't make sense Joe. How could they kill Agnes, she's not involved in this at all, then again, they could have sent the text message."
"From Jail?" Joe blurted out.
"You'd be surprised what you can do from prison these days."
"Yeah but you're telling me they knew the facts of your case. From prison? I mean to text him the exact words… I just don't see it, Calleigh."
"That's why you're a doctor," she teased with a smile. "What we do, is get inside the criminals' heads and think like them."
Joe shook his head back and forth. His tone dropped low, "That doesn't sound healthy."
"It's not." Calleigh smirked, "But it works!"
"Are you gonna talk to these guys… who did this today?" Joe corrected himself. "Interrogate them, I mean?"
Calleigh grinned again hearing Joe's correction. "Yes. Most definitely."
"So you'll have some kind of idea how involved they are in this, and the other case as well, right."
"Something like that," Calleigh answered seeing Joe's demeanor change.
Joe rubbed at his jaw in thought. His eyes moved side to side. "Anyone check on that… nut job lately? You know that guy, John. Who was after you both?"
Joe shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He didn't like what he was hearing and began to worry for the both of them.
"Yes," Calleigh said slowly, studying the doctor intently. Her brow rose slightly. "Hagen's still in the four wall padded cell, if that's what you're getting at doctor."
Joe nodded his head and exhaled a breath of relief then looked down at his cup trying to hide his strange behavior.
"Oh, I guess that's good to know right. He tilted his head innocently trying to dismiss it. "At least we know it's not him."
Calleigh slowly nodded and smiled reading Joe easily. "I know, Joe."
"Excuse me," Joe said, sitting up straight, coming to attention.
"I know what you did for me… for us. Horatio and I." She paused, waiting for him to deny it then continued when he didn't.
"I know you helped him… take care of a certain, hangnail," she grinned, "He told me about it."
Joe's brows arched high and he stuttered in disbelief. "He… he, told you!"
Calleigh couldn't help but laugh. She caught him off guard and he immediately gave himself away. Like most people always did. 'It always works,' she thought to herself.
"Not willingly of course," she grinned. "I sort of figured it out and once I confronted him, well… he caved." Calleigh held Joe's wide eyes for a moment. "Thank you Joe," she said seriously. "I never had the chance."
Joe blinked back his shock. "You're, welcome," he said slowly, nervously running a hand through his hair. "Horatio told me never to speak of it again, so…."
"That's just Horatio trying to protect you. In fact I still can't believe he let you help him."
Joe swayed his head side to side. "Well… I didn't give him much of a choice." He grinned and looked over at the sleeping redhead. "He ain't all that tough, you know. He puts up a good front, but I am learning about him."
"I can see that," Calleigh said with a wide smile followed by a long yawn. She covered her mouth. "Excuse me."
"Hey, I know you're tired, so why don't you get some rest." Joe gestured his head to the side.
"Who do you think that empty bed is for over there? I had a feeling you would be staying, keeping him company."
Calleigh chuckled. "You're a sweetheart Joe but I'm fine."
"Do you and Horatio practice that line," he chuckled then rose to his feet.
"If you're not going to take the bed at least rest in the recliner." He put his hands in hers and tugged. "C'mon, Please. Don't make me drag you Calleigh," he laughed low.
Calleigh giggled quietly and shook her head. Joe pulled over the recliner and she stared at him waiting for his next move.
Joe just smiled and reached for her hands again. "Um, this is where you sit down in it," he said patiently.
Calleigh, in her sweetest tone teased. "You mean you're not going to lift me up doctor and put me in the chair," she smiled widely trying to hold back her laughter.
"Smart aleck," he barely whispered then growled, "Get in the chair."
Calleigh sat down with a sigh then yawned again. "Oh my, I'm sorry Joe."
"I didn't think I was that boring." He gave her a smile. "I think Horatio's not the only one who hasn't been sleeping well, huh."
"I guess I didn't get much sleep last night," she said reclining back in the chair.
"Why not?" Joe questioned and grabbed a blanket. He opened it and laid it over her.
Calleigh suddenly grinned and her checks went rosy thinking about their late night lovemaking. She wasn't about to share it with Joe either.
"Um, one of those nights, you know."
Joe nodded. "I do."
He paused and pulled the blanket up covering her. He held her sparkling eyes for a moment then squeezed her hand tight in affection, speaking softly.
"If you ever need to talk Calleigh, I'll always be here."
Calleigh beamed him a smile. "Thank you Joe. You really are very sweet," she said yawning again.
Joe lifted a hand in a dismissive manner and chuckled. "Okay. I can see I'm putting you to sleep." He grinned and quietly urged, "Go rest sweetheart. "I'll be right here on watch."
Joe turned and walked back towards Horatio's bed when Calleigh whispered.
"Call me if he wakes, okay Joe?"
"Of course Calleigh, but sleep well because he won't be waking for a while. He's heavily sedated," Joe explained, checking Horatio's vitals again.
It wasn't long before Calleigh's eyes closed.
The only sound in the room was the steady beep of the heart monitor.
Joe silently walked back over towards the other chair, sat and gazed at Calleigh with a smile. He let out a soft breath taking in her beauty, appreciating her for the amazing woman she was.
'Horatio was a lucky man. Very lucky,' he thought then rested his head back against the chair.
TBC...
Okay so onward we go. Horatio will soon wake and the roller-coaster will begin again! Yeahhhhhhhhh!
