this is the final chap for this story. thank you all for your support. i would appreciate some feedback on the story as a whole, especially if you think that there is any where i can improve on (i have taken on board what LA Calleigh said about spacing so thanks for that Cal, much appreciated). i do have another sequel to this one if everyone wants to read it plus a few other stories not connected to this series.
F&F Chapter 11
"Horatio, thanks for the invite," Stetler sat in the chair, "look everyone, I know you're not impressed with me being here but Horatio insisted. I just want to say I'm sorry to you all for everything. I know it's too little too late but I know I was wrong and handled things badly," he was ready to bolt for the door.
There was a deadly silence for a few moments until Horatio broke it.
"This one's for you," Horatio handed Stetler a glass of champagne, "first of all I'd like to thank everyone for coming. It has been a very eventful past four or five months and we have all been affected in one way or another. Even more recently, our friends from across the pond have been affected. Also, new friends that have unintentionally been involved," he gestured towards Suze, "but now this is all over, we can go back to some sort of normality, if that at all possible in our lab."
Everyone giggled. Horatio continued to Stetler, "Rick, good luck in whatever happens to you. I have to admit, if you do leave, it will be very quiet without you breathing down my neck every five minutes."
Horatio looked towards Alexx and Natalia, "I know that neither of you haven't been directly affected but your support has been fantastic and Ryan, I don't know what that trash can did to you but it took one hell of a beating from you. Let's just hope we don't get billed for it," he then turned to Hugh and Anna, "I know you two were supposed to be on vacation and I do feel bad that you've spent a lot of time helping us. So tomorrow myself and Calleigh will take you to see the sites' seeing as it's your last full day here," Horatio looked up towards everyone in general, "Thank you all for your support." Horatio looked at Calleigh, "and especially thank you to Calleigh. You have been amazing." Calleigh blushed slightly.
Horatio raised his glass, "cheers everyone."
"Cheers," everyone repeated.
"Now lets order some food, I'm starving," Horatio sat down.
Stetler turned to Alexx to talk to her, "are Horatio and Calleigh seeing each other off the clock then?"
Alexx laughed, "honey, you're the only one who doesn't know, until now."
"When did this happen?"
"In London."
"But that's about five months ago. How did they keep that one quiet?"
"They didn't, Calleigh was acting strange when she got back so I did my own little investigation and found out that they were dating. Once I found out, the news spread like wild fire around the lab."
"How come I didn't know? I never missed anything in that lab."
"You obviously didn't open your eyes or ears wide enough," Alexx giggled.
Stetler thought to himself that Alexx was right, he was so self absorbed in trying to wind the whole team up that he hadn't noticed what was going on around him. Although, in hind-sight, he should have noticed the clues around him. The looks they gave each other, the way they acted towards each other and the way they spoke to each other. He was too wrapped up in himself to notice the small things.
After they had all finished their meals, Stetler stood up, "right, I'll have to go now. I have a lot of work to do."
Horatio stood up and put his hand out to shake Stetler's hand. Stetler shook his hand, "thanks for inviting me."
"No problem Rick. Have a safe trip home."
Stetler said his goodbyes, gave Horatio some money towards the meal and left the restaurant.
Calleigh turned to Horatio, "so Stetler IS human after all."
Everyone laughed as Horatio sat down. Frank put some money in the middle of the table.
"Right guys, I'm off. I promised the missus that I wouldn't stay out too late. Alexx, do you still want a ride home?"
Alexx nodded, "that would be great Frank. Thanks."
Ryan took his wallet out to put in his contribution, "me and Natalia are going out after this, so if anyone else wants to join us then that's fine."
"I'm sure me and Suze can join you both."
Suze looked at Eric, "that's fine but I can't stay out too late because I have a morning shift at the bar."
So the four of them said goodbye to everyone and left, shortly followed by Frank and Alexx.
Hugh sat back in his chair, "you know what? While I've been here, I've felt I little lost being surrounded by all of these C.S.I's but tonight has been great. No lab, no dead bodies and no bloody rare skin conditions that I can't pronounce."
Anna giggled, "I'm sorry sweetie, at least tomorrow we can relax without thinking about those things." Anna leant over to Hugh and put her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him towards her to kiss him, "I think we need to get back to the hotel. I'm very tired; it's been a busy day."
Horatio stood up and took the money off the table, "I'll go settle the bill then get you both back to the hotel."
Outside the hotel Calleigh hugged Anna, "make sure you're both up nice bright and early. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."
"Don't worry Calleigh; I'll make sure we're up," Anna quipped as she looked towards her husband.
Anna followed Hugh into the hotel. Horatio and Calleigh walked back to the hummer. When they got there, Horatio pulled Calleigh closer to him and wrapped his arms around her, "right then gorgeous, what have we got planned?" Horatio had a cheeky grin across his face. Calleigh loved this cheeky grin of his as she knew exactly what he was thinking. She put on hand round his neck and the other on his chest, "well sexy, I do have some house work to do," she teased.
Horatio's face dropped, "at this time of the evening?" Then he realized that she was winding him up. "I take it we're off to yours then?"
Calleigh kissed Horatio on his lips, "sounds like a plan."
Horatio opened the hummer door and Calleigh got in, then Horatio went round to the driver's side, got in and drove to Calleigh's apartment for the night.
The End