A/N: I just have to say that I am amazed at the loyalty you all have for Horatio and Calleigh. It's absolutely wonderful! I love it! Thank you all for the incredible feedback and comments of concern, and let me reassure you that Horatio and Calleigh will always be together. Have faith in our bullet girl and Joe too, of course. Things will soon come to a head and true feelings will be revealed. Thank you Angie, as always my Great Friend and Beta.
Enjoy...
And take a deep breath.
III
Joe turned and glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. It read 4:00am in bright red numbers. Joe groaned feeling uneasy, something wasn't quite right. He blinked trying to clear the fog from his brain.
"Joe…"
Startled he sat up quickly to find Calleigh standing there. His brows furrowed looking around the dimly lit room confused.
"Calleigh?" He questioned hoarsely.
She gave him a reassuring smile that made his lips curve up. He grinned staring at her completely entranced by her splendor. Her blonde hair cascading and flowing, her gorgeous green eyes, sparkling, twinkling playfully at him, her beautiful smile plus she had a body to die for. His eyes relaxed embracing and appreciating all her beauty eventually finding their way back up to hers.
She chewed on her bottom lip and her eyes cast downward. She stepped closer to the bed and sat down beside him. "Joe…" she whispered again holding his questioning eyes as her hand found his.
Joe's eyes widened and he swallowed feeling his throat constrict. He ran his left hand through his hair trying to stop his rampant thoughts of what he wanted to do to her. He turned to the left looking at the clock again hoping to clear his mind. Calleigh's tender hand slid against his cheek turning him slowly back towards her. She held his eyes letting her right hand caress and map the features of his face.
Joe let out a heavy breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Her soft hands caused every part of his being to surge, making him grow hot with desire. He closed his eyes trying his best to fight for control but was lost when her intoxicating vanilla scent enveloped him fully. He whispered shakily, "There's something… I think you should know."
She nodded, her eyes expectant. His blue eyes lost in the depths of her shining emeralds.
"I don't think…" he exhaled, taking in a quick breath, "Calleigh… I don't think we—"
She quickly hushed him with a tender finger against his lips. "Sssh," she lightly exhaled, holding his wavering eyes. She leaned in cupping his face with her right hand as her luscious lips brushed all along his cheek.
Joe gasped and felt his whole body go tense. Her warm lips so soft, sliding against his skin, her silky hands caressing and covering him, her incredible fragrance… 'Oh god,' he thought, beginning to feel her hands roam all over him.
He swallowed hard, his breathing increased by the second, her hands and lips driving him insane. He quickly grabbed her wrists stopping her, making her gasp as he held her questioning eyes.
"I don't think…" he whispered affectionately shaking his head from side to side, "that I've ever wanted a woman more in my entire life, than I want you right now." He released her hands and cupped the back of her head, pressing his lips to hers in a mind-blowing kiss.
She moaned when their lips fused and a long sigh escaped him. 'Finally. Relief.' He drew her closer into his arms kissing her passionately as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.
Joe was lost.
Her hands sensually roamed and unbuttoned his pajama top urging him on. His hands lifted her shirt away and caressed her silky smooth skin, his eyes drinking in her perfection. Their kisses becoming more heated by the second, he pulled her straight on top of him, letting her feel his engorged hardness that was aching for her.
Their breathing sounds and soft moans of pleasure filled the room. She opened his shirt out to the sides and his expert fingers removed her bra. They both moaned in satisfaction, skin on heated skin as both sighed in pleasure. His hands roamed and slid to her rear squeezing slightly. She sat up and began a slow roll with her hips grinding against him.
"Oh God!" he gasped, hanging on to her hips, feeling himself build and build, and they both still had clothes that needed to be removed.
She placed her hands on his muscular chest and slowly gyrated forward and back giving him just a taste of what was to come.
"Ohh… Calleigh," he breathed raggedly, lifting his hands to her beautiful soft breast. Caressing and kneading, then sitting up quickly to make slow sweet love to her beautiful breast.
"Yes, Joe…Ohhh," she moaned heavily, running her hands through his chestnut hair.
His hands slid down and popped the button on her jeans. He rolled her onto her back, sliding them off, underwear and all. He stilled in awe, staring at her exquisite nude body sprawled out before him on his bed. He shook his head from side to side breathing heavily, his eyes caressing every swell and curve of her gorgeous body. He exhaled huskily, "You're absolutely beautiful."
She pushed at his pajama pants helping him to slide them down with his boxers, his eyes never leaving hers as he discarded the items. He slowly leaned down and kissed her flat stomach, working his way up her gorgeous body to her lips. He adjusted and settled his body against hers, feeling her wetness envelope him as he slid against her.
"Mmmm," she moaned seizing his blue eyes, feeling him slide against her warm silky center.
She leaned in and gently began kissing his powerfully built chest and sliding her tongue lower over his rock hard nipples.
Joe gasped in ecstasy, "Uhh Calleigh… ohh God!"
He held her eyes and kissed her lips gently one last time whispering, "Are you sure?"
Her hands slid down his back to his rear and squeezed trying to pull him into her. Her moan was the only answer he needed as he pressed himself against her slick opening. He held her glassy eyes and with one palm cupping her cheek he kissed her… leisurely pushing forward burying himself inside her.
They both cried out in pleasure. Joe feeling the instant sensations and the incredible sensuality overwhelming him as his orgasm built. Their bodies began to rhythmically move together as one.
"God!" He exhaled forcefully, feeling her warm softness all around him. His hips rolled against her pelvis as he pushed deeper.
"Joe, Joe, Joe," she chanted and moaned. His lips went to the nape of her neck. Her mouth slacked open and her hands gradually slid down his back to his firm bottom, pressing him into her more.
Joe groaned feeling her hands grab and knead his ass. His lustful eyes met her burning emeralds. He watched her head tip back as her mouth opened in pleasure moaning his name again and again.
He clenched his jaw trying to go slower feeling her warm softness tighten around him. Calleigh moaned grabbing on to his ass tighter whimpering and writhing. "Uh God, Joe," she cried, lifting her hips against him. Joe felt her heat and closed his eyes feeling her hot liquid fire coat him. He deliberately pulled back and slid forward again, easing into her slower, closing his eyes to the amazing sensations coursing through him.
She lifted her head, her lips brushing against his chest, latching onto his nipple, gently biting sending jolts of pleasure to his groin.
"Ughhh God! Unnhhh!" he hissed trying to hold back. His hips began to helplessly thrust as she squirmed and writhed under him. Her nails clawed at his back and his hips began to snap against her. He watched her chest heave and her breast bounce with each movement of his hips.
Her hands slid down lower pulling at his backside crying out her pleasure. "Oh, ohhh Joe… Ohhhhhhhh!
"Yes! Ughhh, Yes!" He panted and groaned feeling her come all around him, sending delicious shockwaves directly up his shaft. He felt himself tighten in response, and threw his head back with a shout, "Oh yeah… Ughh… Calleigh… I'm gonna— Ughhhhhhhhh! He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a long groan plunging deeply one last time into her feeling himself explode….
Joe's eyes gradually opened to a growing wetness on his face. He exhaled heavily trying to catch his breath bellowing, "Gus! Stop it Gus! Jesus! Down boy. Settle!" He chased the whimpering dog off the bed and wiped his slimy face off with a groan.
He sat up a bit trying to catch his breath realizing that it was all just a dream. He blinked back his disbelief, 'It seemed so real.' He shifted uncomfortably in bed realizing he was hard as a rock and still very aroused. He heard footsteps coming down the hall. He quickly adjusted the blankets trying to cover up, hoping it wasn't Calleigh.
His door creaked a bit at first when Horatio lightly pushed, opening it more letting the light from the hall come in.
"Joe, you okay?" He asked concerned.
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine," Joe sighed, shaking his head. "Umm… sorry about that. Dreams, you know."
Horatio nodded, "No worries. Go back to sleep, it's still early."
Joe nodded, Horatio backed out pulling the door closed. He looked over at the clock, 5:45 am. He let his body drop back down on the bed with a heavy breath, his eyes focused on the dream catcher above him and he shook his head.
'God, what a dream… and we were in my bed together,' he wondered in amazement, closing his eyes trying to revive it. Pictures flashed in his mind for only a moment. He groaned frustrated, feeling his still very rock hard arousal as he muttered, "Cold shower, Joe."
Horatio walked back out and looked around the quiet apartment. He strolled over to the couch and smiled watching Calleigh sleep. He pulled up the throw blanket a little more covering her shoulder as he bent and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well beautiful," he murmured.
His notebook dinged. He quickly turned and headed over to the table shutting the volume off.
His eyes scanned the incoming message.
Lonewolf1: Hey anybody still up at this time?"
Horatio smiled as his fingers moved along the keys.
Justice4all: "Yes and may I ask what you're doing up at this hour young man?" Horatio's brows furrowed.
Lonewolf1: "Hey, you're up, cool. :o) I couldn't sleep, no big deal."
Justice4all: "Why not? Is everything okay son?"
Timmy smiled seeing the word knowing for sure it was Horatio. He excitedly hit the keys.
Lonewolf1: "Yeah, it's fine, really. I just couldn't sleep tonight, that's all."
Justice4all: I understand but you have school in a few hours and you need your rest."
Timmy chuckled hitting the keys.
Lonewolf1: "I know. You're right."
Horatio smiled nodding to himself.
Justice4all: All right son, I'll give you a call tomorrow. Go to bed and get some sleep."
Lonewolf1: "Okie Dokie. Oh and Paco says Hi too."
Justice4all: "No names online, okay?"
Lonewolf1: "Shit! Sorry, I didn't realize that. It won't happen again. Sorry, I screwed up again!"
Horatio sighed softly shaking his head.
Justice4all: "No worries and you didn't screw up. What did I tell you about that?"
Timmy chuckled.
Lonewolf1: I know. I know! Oop's. :o) Hahahahaha
Justice4all: Oop's indeed, young man. Now… Get to bed!" :o)
Timmy laughed hitting the keyboard with his hand.
Lonewolf1: "Night, night J4all. Have a good night."
Justice4all: "You too son, get some sleep and we'll talk later. Good night."
Lonewolf1: "Later. Bye. :O)
Horatio smiled and watched Timmy's name disappear from the AOL sign in screen. He leaned back in the chair stretching and yawning, closing his eyes for a moment.
He exhaled quietly and looked back over at Calleigh sound asleep. A tiny smile grew on his lips as he studied her sleeping form. He turned back around and quickly noticed the message now on screen.
'IamEvil666, would like to enter a private chat room. Accept or Decline, click ok to accept and cancel to decline.'
Horatio sat up more in the chair his eyes narrowed on the screen. He leaned forward and brought the cursor down clicking ok.
'You are now in private chartroom with IamEvil666.'
IamEvil666: "So Lieutenant, you've finally come to your senses and decided to open a dialogue with me again. How nice."
Horatio waited not responding. This was really beginning to bother him. How did this guy know who he was? How did he know he was a Lieutenant and how did he get his screen name? That very familiar feeling in the pit of Horatio's gut kicked in, his instinct warning him. He shook his head not liking this at all. He turned and quickly looked back to make sure Calleigh was still asleep.
IamEvil666: "You've been a very busy boy, haven't you?"
'Who the hell is this guy?' Horatio wondered annoyed hitting the keys.
Justice4all: "And just how would you know how busy I have been?"
IamEvil666: Ah now, that is my little secret, Lieutenant. One that you're going to have to figure out."
Justice4all: "Why don't you man-up and stop playing these childish games?"
IamEvil666: "Ah, but I like games, Lieutenant. They are… quite fun!"
Justice4all: "Well you must be a child then. Only children play games and I don't have time for your immature behavior. Do your parents know what you've been up too?"
IamEvil666: "I can assure you Lieutenant… I AM NOT A CHILD. I can also assure you my parents have been dead for quite a while."
Horatio smiled coldly at the words. Finally a break, a slip up no doubt. 'So your parents are dead?' he thought, knowing he just got the first bit of information out of this psycho since they have been communicating for almost 2 weeks now. He slipped up and was probably pissed off now. Horatio smiled coldly. He hit the keys typing as he mumbled, "Let's see what else I can get out of you tonight."
Justice4all: "Are you sure you're not a child because you act just like one. These games are getting old, so why don't we just call it a day kid."
IamEvil666: I told you I am NOT a kid! I do… however enjoy certain… games. Ever play chess Lieutenant?"
Horatio exhaled, "So you like to play chess." Yet another interesting fact.
Justice4all: "Why do you ask?"
IamEvil666: "Because like chess, Lieutenant, this game I play is one of strategy and patience. I am lining up my opposition and when the time is right…."
Horatio felt apprehensive. His intuition kicking in again, his senses warning him. 'No definitely not a child,' he thought.
Justice4all: "When the time is right, what? Is that suppose to frighten me because I am laughing at your empty online threats?"
IamEvil666: "When the time is right… I will strike! I will attack in the darkness of night like God does, without warning! I will come take your miserable life from you and you will not be the wiser."
'Okay Horatio, now you pissed him off.' His fingers moved along the keys.
Justice4all: "So now you think you're God?" 'Wow.'
IamEvil666: "You will soon come to realize, I am a God… You will soon come to realize your mistakes with me and I assure you, you will suffer before you die. Yours will be a slow painful death, Lieutenant.
"Very slow... Very Painful."
Horatio nodded at the screen, 'Really.'
Justice4all: "Death threats now. And just what mistakes would that be? Did I arrest you? Did you read about me in the paper? Why not be a man and face me then?"
IamEvil666: "Because I am not a man, I am the devil's son…" There was a long pause as Horatio stared at the blinking cursor knowing he made him slip up again. "Very, very good Lieutenant, you have me off tonight. I congratulate you. I have already said too much, and I know this game you're playing with me. But I assure you… it is one you will lose!"
Justice4all: "Ah, empty threats again. I see… so you are the devil's son, a God and now a coward too. What else?" Horatio smirked at his words.
IamEvil666: "Nothing I do is empty! Everything I say has meaning as you will soon find out! COWARD? Hardly... Really Horatio, you know me so much better than that!"
Horatio's eyes tightened, 'Son of a bitch.' He punched the keys.
Justice4all: "Then meet me like a man and let's finish this once and for all?"
IamEvil666: "All in good time, Lieutenant Caine. All in good time!"
Horatio clenched his jaw seeing his name on the screen. He waited not responding.
IamEvil666: "Still think I'm a child Lieutenant?"
Horatio's jaw clenched.
Justice4all: "No. But I still think you're a coward!"
"IamEvil666: "I assure you that will all change. Finish taking care of Dr. Gannon. Make sure you are careful Lieutenant, I wouldn't want anything to happen to you before I have my day."
Horatio's jaw flexed tightening again and again at his words. 'How the hell does he know about Joe?'
Justice4all: "So… you've been following me?"
IamEvil666: "Is that what you think, Lieutenant? Really I am much smarter than that. Oh and that pretty blonde thing you have staying with you… very nice catch indeed."
Horatio could hear the smug son of a bitch laughing as he quickly stabbed at the keys.
Justice4all: "You obviously have a problem with me, so tell me where to meet you and you have my word I will come alone?"
IamEvil666: "See how well I know you, Lieutenant? Do you see? I mention a few things about… oh, someone you care about and it has you rattled now, doesn't it?
Horatio growled low. The son of a bitch was right but how?
IamEvil666: "Well tonight certainly has been… fun. I'm sure you found out a few things about me but it will do you no good, just like the traces you have tried to put on my computer. It will have you searching all over the world, Lieutenant, and we both know I am much closer than that. I hate to say it but all this chit chat has me rather tired and I must get some rest now. Until next time, Lieutenant."
Horatio nodded at the screen mumbling, "Next time, next time." He stared at the screen with narrowing eyes, pinching his lower lip in deep thought.
He heard the shower go on down the hall and turned a moment listening. He got up and headed down the hall to make sure everything was okay, peaking in Joe's bedroom not seeing him in the bed anymore. Gus's ears went up, he lifted his head looking at Horatio and then put it back down groaning. His eyes and ears remained on Horatio as he guarded the bathroom door in Joe's bedroom. Horatio grinned and turned walking back out.
Calleigh was now sitting up on the couch rubbing at her eyes. Horatio's eyes went straight to the computer screen and back to her. He walked in front of her and smiled.
"Why didn't you wake me," she rasped faintly, looking at her watch.
"It was your turn to sleep." He smiled, "Speaking of sleep, you looked comfortable. Did you sleep well?"
She smiled and nodded. "I did. Thanks. This couch is very comfortable especially with my favorite pillow."
Horatio looked down with a shy smile. His head lifted hearing the water go off, he looked down the hallway.
"He's up early, huh." She said stretching with a purr.
Horatio nodded, "Yes. I think he was having some trouble sleeping earlier. I went to check on him.
Calleigh sat up more holding his gaze. "Was everything all right?"
"Yes, he said he had a dream. He was fine and I believe he went back to bed again. I did hear him yell at the dog though."
Calleigh's forehead wrinkled. "Now why would he yell at Gus?"
"Good morning," Joe said walking out rubbing a towel over his damp hair. "You two get any sleep?"
Calleigh nodded with a smile. "I did. Your couch is very comfortable I might add."
Joe chuckled, "You could have slept in the guest-room, it has a bed ya know."
Calleigh smirked, "I'm supposed to be protecting you and I think that would be a little difficult from the bed in your guest room."
Joe smirked back with a grin. "Oh, and sleeping on the couch qualifies?"
Calleigh narrowed her eyes and gave him a glare. Horatio looked down and chuckled.
"I need coffee," she yawned covering her mouth.
"Coming right up," Joe said, heading into the kitchen. He walked over to the coffee pot and stopped before touching it. He looked up to find Horatio's eyes on him. Calleigh looked through the archway hearing silence realizing Joe's hesitation. She stood up heading for the kitchen and Joe.
"I can make the coffee, Joe," she said with a smile standing next to him.
Joe snorted a laugh feeling like an idiot. "Umm… no that's all right Calleigh, I have it," he said, as they both reached for the coffee filter Joe's hand covered Calleigh's. They both looked at each other for a moment. Joe guiltily removed his hand.
He swallowed low, "Sorry."
Calleigh chuckled and nudged him playfully with her hand. "Get out of the way doctor and watch how it's done."
He grinned looking over at Horatio. "Is she always this cheerful in the morning?"
Horatio nodded. "As a matter of fact, she is. She's a morning person."
Calleigh opened the lid and put the filter in looking up at Horatio. She grinned and looked back down counting scoops. Joe moved in close behind her looking over her shoulder.
She chuckled, "What are you doing?"
His smile went wide, dimples forming as he turned to her, "I'm watching how it's done." He said with arched brows.
Calleigh begun laughing as Joe chuckled. Horatio smiled hearing their banter and walked over to the PC on the table quickly shutting it down. His phone chirped and he lifted it to his ear.
"Horatio. Umm… its okay just try to calm down Ms. Ross. Tell me what happened," he said concerned.
Calleigh and Joe looked over hearing the name and Horatio's tone. They both knew that was Timmy's Aunt Jenna, Ms. Ross.
"Did he hurt you? What about Timmy? Okay… okay, sit tight, I'm on my way," he said closing his phone in frustration.
Calleigh walked over to him alarmed, "Is Timmy okay?"
Horatio shook his head. "I don't know his father apparently dragged him out of the house. It seems he also assaulted, Ms. Ross. Umm, I'm going to head over there, I'll be back as soon as I can. I'll call Eric or Ryan to cover just in case."
She spoke softly putting a hand on his shoulder knowing he was upset. "Horatio, we're fine. The two officers are outside and I'm in here. You don't need to worry. Just go and make sure Timmy and Ms. Ross are all right. Call me when you can," she said concerned following him to the front door.
He exhaled quietly looking into her loving eyes, knowing how selfless and caring she was. She always understood, especially when it came to the job. He was lucky to have her and he had this incredible urge to just palm her cheek and kiss her softly. "I will… and thank you," he replied.
He turned and gave Joe a stern talking to, "Joe, do as she says okay? No arguments."
Joe nodded. "Of course Horatio, I will. Be careful and remember Mr. Baldwin is a loaded gun waiting to go off."
Horatio nodded looking from Joe back to Calleigh. He exited quickly thinking of Mr. Baldwin. 'That man is really testing my patience.'
Calleigh closed the door and bolted the locks mumbling. "Never a dull moment."
"Huh?" Joe said hearing her.
She chuckled, "Nothing Joe."
He nodded putting a hand on his hip. "So, what would you like for breakfast?"
"World Peace," she said smiling at him.
Joe walked over to her and whispered low, "You know, that can easily be arranged for you. I just happen to know the perfect place for peace and quiet."
Calleigh smiled. "Really? But not world peace, huh?" She shook her head disappointed but quickly grinned at Joe.
He snorted a laugh slapping his hand on the side of his thigh, "C'mon Gus, lets go make Calleigh some breakfast."
III
Horatio pulled up in front of Ms. Ross's house to see two squad cars and Frank. He got out and headed over to Frank who was trying to calmly extract information from the frenzied Ms. Ross.
Horatio walked over and remained quiet, listening to her describe the horrific attack on Timmy and herself. Frank nodded and gave Horatio a look when she suddenly stopped talking.
"Mr. Baldwin was here about 20 minutes ago. That's when everything went south she said," Frank repeated.
Horatio nodded and looked her over. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying and she had a dark bruise on her right cheek.
"Are you okay?" Horatio asked sympathetically, seeing her tremble uncontrollably.
She nodded. "Yes. To be honest, I feel better now that you are here, but I am very worried for Timmy," her voice went low and shaky. "He's crazy! He just pushed his way in here without warning and when Timmy ran…" She shook her head back and forth as the tears began to slide down her cheeks. "I never saw Timmy so scared in all my life. He was terrified."
Horatio nodded. "It's going to be okay, Jenna. We're going to find Timmy, everything will be fine." Horatio said trying to comfort her.
She shook her head back and forth, "He's an animal! He hit Timmy and just dragged him out of here. Timmy kept saying no and he just beat him down and hauled him off anyway."
Frank snapped, "He hurt the kid again?"
"Yes! Timmy went to run up the stairs when he burst through the door. Sam grabbed his foot and yanked him down the stairs. Timmy yelled and I think his head hit the stairs. Then he tried to fight him off and Sam just flung Timmy right into the wall like a rag-doll. How can he keep getting away with this! I want to press charges; I want this animal put away!" She turned to Horatio, "Please, please help him. Help us," she begged trying to control her tears.
Horatio sighed, "It's all right, were going to help, Jenna. We're going to get Timmy back and put Mr. Baldwin where he belongs."
She nodded covering her mouth with her hand and began to sob. Horatio moved closer as she hugged him and buried her face in his shoulder sobbing. "We had no idea he was back. I keep seeing Timmy's face over and over again. He was terrified and that animal knew it."
"Ssh, it's okay, Jenna. It's okay," he soothed.
Frank shook his head. "I have an APB out on them. She said he was driving a Lexus SUV with tinted windows. Something will turn up."
"Jenna, do you have any idea where he may have taken Timmy?"
She lifted her head from Horatio's shoulder. Her eyes slid back and forth in thought. "I don't know, maybe the house, but he knows you'll go there to check."
Horatio held her eyes. "Sweetheart I want you to go to the hospital and let them check you out?"
She shook her head. "No, I have to be here for Timmy, just in case he comes back home. I'm all right; he just slapped me when I tried to stop him. I'm okay Horatio, thanks."
"All right, I want you to rest now and if Timmy makes contact with you call me right away, okay?"
"Yes, of course." She looked up expectantly, her eyes desperate. "Do you think he'll call me?"
"I think the first chance he gets he's going to try and call for help."
She closed her eyes shaking her head again upset. "I let him take him. I tried, I did but—"
"No stop blaming yourself. This is not your fault. You fought for Timmy without regard to your own safety."
"Please find him. Please Horatio," she pleaded. He's such a good young man and if Sam only loved him and cared…"
"Jenna, we'll find him. I want you to go with this officer, okay? She'll take your statement and stay with you for now. I'll check in with you later."
She held onto Horatio's hands. "Thank you Horatio. Thank you both," she said looking at Frank.
Horatio nodded as the officer led her back inside the house.
"What do you want to do H?" Frank asked.
"I want to find this kid and I want to find him fast. Then…" Horatio growled, "Then, I want to put this bastard away once and for all." He slipped his sunglasses back on trying his best to hide his raging anger.
TBC….
So did you think that was a dream or did you know?
Timmy's back... sort of, and so is his father, sort of. LOL
More fun to come and I warn you. You must have faith in Calleigh and Joe too.