We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

"There are some subjects upon which I take pleasure in being minute. The person of the stranger - let me call him by this title, who to all the world was still a stranger - the person of the stranger is one of these subjects. In height he might have been below rather than above the medium size: although there were moments of intense passion when his frame actually expanded and belied the assertion. The light, almost slender symmetry of his figure, promised more of that ready activity which he evinced at the Bridge of Sighs, than of that Herculean strength which he has been known to wield without an effort, upon occasions of more dangerous emergency. With the mouth and chin of a deity - singular, wild, full, liquid eyes, whose shadows varied from pure hazel to intense and brilliant jet - and a profusion of curling, black hair, from which a forehead of unusual breadth gleamed forth at intervals all light and ivory - his were features than which I have seen none more classically regular, except, perhaps, the marble ones of the Emperor Commodus. Yet his countenance was, nevertheless, one of those which all men have seen at some period of their lives, and have never afterwards seen again."

From "The Assignation" by Edgar Allan Poe

Glancing at the clock, he frowned and got up, going to check his cell. It had been almost two hours since his blow up at Horatio, and he was starting to wonder if their fight was going affect the way the two worked together. The frustration had boiled to the point of explosion at Horatio's lack of enthusiasm for finding Calleigh, to the point where he was wondering if he really wanted to find her. His admittance of not wanting to subject her to a potential future of loss was evidence of his hesitation, but not a good enough excuse. Tim could see right through the veiled attempt to throw his true feelings off. Even at his lowest, he could easily see that Horatio was in love with Calleigh. Despite this, he wasn't willing to leave Calleigh in his hands.

Seeing that no one had called, he dialed Horatio's number and then waited, only to get his voice mail. Attempting to stave the anger in his voice, Tim spoke deliberately, "I don't know what kind of stunt this is, but we're supposed to be doing this together. Call me."

Just as he hung up the phone rang again and he answered tersely, "Speedle."

Raising a brow as she drove and took a sip of her latte, Catherine set it back into the cup holder, "Well, good morning to you too, Sunshine. Sound's like someone is in need of a good breakfast and a strong cup of coffee."

Realizing who the voice was, Tim amended as he rubbed his face roughly, "Sorry about that, Catherine. It's been a long morning…hey, you haven't by any chance seen or heard from Horatio have you?"

Turning a corner and heading up towards the hotel they had placed them at, Catherine pursed her lips, "No, not Horatio anyways. Ray did however leave me a message saying him and Horatio were gonna go check something and they'd be in soon, but that I needed to bring you to the lab still."

"The perks of being in charge," Tim muttered as he began to pace. Exhaling, he shook his head, "So you're in charge of babysitting the visitor. I'll be ready in five."

"Good cause I'm almost there. We'll stop on the way to the lab for a bit to eat. I don't know about you, but I'm starved," Catherine chuckled and made another turn. "See ya shortly, Speed."

"Okay," Tim responded as he turned for the door. Hanging up, he left the room and headed down to the lobby. Passing by Horatio's door, he sighed and shook his head woefully, hoping that he wasn't out making a mistake that would cost them the investigation or worst, Calleigh's life.

Just as he entered the lobby, he spotted the petite red head as she entered, pushing her sunglasses onto the crown of her head. Allowing a small smile to come, he gestured above her head to the awaiting SUV and chuckled, "So, being the head honcho allows for special privileges, like unlimited parking. It must be nice."

Shrugging, Catherine smiled, "It has it's perks. So, you ready to get going? I know a great place near the lab that has to die for breakfast burrito's. We can grab a few and then head in."

"Lead the way," Tim replied, gesturing towards the doors. As they walked, he thought about what she had said over the phone and asked, "So, Ray didn't inform you as to what they were going after?"

"No, but knowing him, it's probably something him and Horatio talked about," Catherine said as they headed out to the SUV. Going around and getting in, she strapped herself in and slipped the key in, turning the ignition over, "Anymore word from Mac Taylor or your lab?"

"No, not since yesterday, and we still haven't heard anything from the last location they were at. It seems that things are at a standstill, and in all things considered, that isn't necessarily good." Fastening his seat belt, he stared out at the ordinary buildings that were muted by the sun, shaking his head lightly. The questions mixed in his head and as he turned towards Catherine, he frowned, "Why can't he see that working against each other isn't the best idea?"

Pulling out and checking her mirrors, Catherine glanced over at Tim and shrugged, "Depends on who you're talking about really. If it's Horatio…well, you know how he works."

"Yes, I do, but his way isn't always the right way," Tim countered as he met her eyes. He could see in her expression, her support of Horatio's methods, conceding that so far, they had worked. But he also knew that once Horatio ceased to believe in what he was after, it ceased to matter to him. He just didn't want Calleigh to be pushed into the discarded pile.

Looking out as she drove, Catherine sighed, "Look, Speed. I've known Horatio for awhile now, even worked a few cases with him. If he thought he was endangering anyone he'd back off. That man cares more about the victims then his own life."

"Yeah, sure," Tim replied sarcastically. Turning to the window more, he gave a mirthless chuckle and shook his head, "The almighty Horatio Caine would rather spite himself than his victims. What happens when that's not the correct course of action?"

"Then people can say at least he tried and gave his all for that person…" Catherine responded as she looked over at him. Taking a gamble, Catherine looked back at the road, "I take it you two aren't seeing eye to eye over this thing with Calleigh."

"You can say that. He's going to save her just to leave her with me, because he feels as if he's not the right man for her. After all she's been through, she's going to need some one she trusts, someone she loves to help her deal," Tim said as he looked to her, smirking, "and trust me when I say it, it's not me."

Raising a brow in surprise, Catherine glanced at him as a small smile formed, "Horatio and Calleigh? You mean there an item?"

Realizing that he might have said a bit much, he sighed, "That doesn't need to get out, but yeah, I think there's something there. Thing is, he thinks that because of his past losses, he thinks Calleigh is better off without him. He's going to destroy her if he does that."

Nodding, Catherine pulled up to a red light, stopping the vehicle, "Speed, if there is one thing I've learned with men like Horatio…it's that they are devoted more then they let on. And if what you say is true, it could be that he thinks she'll be safer without him even to the point of distancing himself from her to keep her safe. But on the other hand…it could also bring him closer to her, especially with her in danger now."

The light changed and Catherine stepped on the gas again and continued, "Honestly, Speed, how many men do you know would put everything on the line for one person like Horatio is doing? He's put his career and even his life out there to get her back. He might surprise you and realize him and Calleigh need each other."

"Maybe, I just don't want Calleigh to get hurt. She's been through enough as I hear it." Considering what Catherine said, he ran a hand through his head, "If I knew I stood a chance, I would take it, but I know that Calleigh sees me as just a friend."

Smirking, Catherine looked over at him and then back out, "Never hurts to plant that bug in the ear, Speed, especially if things don't work out with her and Horatio."

"If things don't work out- I don't want to be somebody's rebound," Tim responded calmly. "Besides, she deserves better than that."

"Then make sure you're there for her as a friend and a shoulder to lean on," Catherine replied as she turned into the small parking lot of the fast food place. Pulling into a spot, she shut off the engine and turned to him, "You're a good guy, Tim…not many people I know would leave there child behind to help out a friend like you have. I'm sure that's gonna mean a lot to Calleigh."

Mulling it over, Tim smiled lightly, thinking of their short time together, the three of them. Emma was shy, but that didn't stop Calleigh from trying to interact with the little girl. He watched them together and for a second, saw his future- that was until Calleigh was taken. Laughing lightly, he shrugged his shoulders, "Who knows what the future will bring. Whatever comes, however, I just want Calleigh happy."

Patting his thigh, Catherine smiled, "I'm sure you will. Now, I hope you are hungry, cause I'm buying." Opening her door and getting out, she walked to the back of the vehicle, meeting him there, "And before you say it, this is my town…my treat."

"Remind me of that when you visit Miami again," Tim answered back with a grin. Following her into the diner, he decided on one thing for sure, he was going to work towards Calleigh's happiness, no matter the outcome of his feelings.

Watching out the window at the passing landscape, Calleigh opened her bottle of water and took a drink. For most of the morning they had been driving, only stopping once for gas and to use the restroom. He had watched her carefully, standing guard at the restroom door until she reemerged and not letting her speak to anyone. She had wondered if he had done the same with his late wife, making sure she had no contact with anyone that seemed a threat.

Placing the cap back onto the bottle, she set it next to her and glanced to him as he drove. For the most part, he was a handsome older man, his dark hair streaked with very little gray. This body was trim as if he worked out and from what she had seen when they were in a hotel room, he carried no scars or identifying marks. Deciding to learn more about her abductor, Calleigh cleared her throat and broke the silence between them.

"Christopher, why do you limp after standing still for too long? Were you hurt?" she asked and turned to him some, wanting to get to know his motives more.

Smiling, he glanced to her, "You've forgotten…I got this right before we got married. We went out on a date, and a couple of guys were giving us a hard time and well….I kinda got into it with them. One of them was smart and grabbed a crowbar, pulverized my knee cap. It was a very long hospital stay."

Sighing and looking out, she bit her lip and shrugged as she looked down then, "I guess there is a lot I don't remember." Looking back over at him, she tilted her head to the side some, "You don't mind me asking about the past do you? I want to remember."

"Oh, not at all. If we're going to be together, I want you to try and remember things. What do you want to know, Evie?" His smile widened at the conversation, glad to have established a solid communication line. He had assumed that he was going to have to fight her, this was a nice surprise.

"Well, I'd like to remember how we met. Did we hit it off right away or did I play hard to get?" Calleigh asked as she reached for her water bottle again. "I feel a little bad about having to ask."

"You shouldn't, you've been through so much ,dear," Christopher answered lightly. He laughed and nodded, "You did play hard to get. It was…interesting to say the least. But ultimately, you said that it was my patience and charm that won out. I think you were mostly put off that I was a professor, you always told me you were intimidated by that."

Smiling some, Calleigh looked down, trying to play everything off, "Well, I think I can understand why. I might have been afraid that I wouldn't hold your interest."

"Evelyn, you're gorgeous, I was the one afraid that I couldn't hold your interest. I was just a teacher, you were…you were special." Laughing, he shot a glance over to her, "Evie, you don't remember? You were such a brilliant writer…you had a huge following. I was kind of upset that no one came to help you even though you saved so many jobs at that publishing house. You were working on your second book…" Becoming quiet, Christopher's brow furrowed and he shook his head swiftly, "I don't want to talk about it, I have you now, and that's what matters."

"I understand, Christopher…and it's okay if you don't," Calleigh replied softly, understanding his wife's death had been traumatic for him. Licking her lips, she sighed, "Will we be stopping again tonight? I want to change my bandage and make sure the infection isn't getting worse."

A look of worry crossed over his face and he nodded, "Yes, we'll stop. I hope I haven't been neglecting your leg, Evie. I don't want anything to happen to you." Not seeing any exits, he gripped the wheel, "As soon as we find a place to stop, we will. I want you to be okay."

"I know," she replied and then took a drink of her water. Turning back forward she sighed as she looked out, "Too bad we couldn't have flown. It would have been quicker getting there."

Becoming agitated, he responded harshly, "I know…I KNOW! I wasn't thinking ahead. We're stuck in the car because of me!" Cringing, he bit out, "You always know what's right, right Evelyn? RIGHT!"

Surprised at his sudden outburst, Calleigh lowered her eyes and shook her head, "No…I don't…and I don't claim I do. I just…I want to get there, that's all." Turning her back to him, a small smile formed as she leaned against the seat, "I'm sorry."

Easing up some, he sighed and relaxed his hands, "I'm sorry, Evie. I shouldn't have yelled at you." Running a hand through his hair, he frowned, "The next big city, we'll fly. I want to get you there too. Once we get home, we can start planning."

Turning back, she looked at him, her brow furrowed, "Planning? Planning what if I can ask?"

"Our family, of course. You were pregnant…we were going to have a baby."

Calleigh's eyes grew wide and her lips parted as she stared at him. Shaking her head, she breathed out, "A…a baby…"

"Yes, you were so excited- we both were." Noticing that she was less than receptive, he pulled over to the side of the road and threw the car in park, turning to her, "You- you don't want to have a baby? You don't want to have my baby?"

Thinking quickly, Calleigh shook her head, "It's…it's not that. I just thought…" Closing her eyes, she tried to steady herself some, "I just thought we were gonna take it slow, get to know each other again…so we could work up to that eventually."

His eyes roamed over her, to search for any instances of hesitation and he sighed heavily, relaxing again. Rubbing his face roughly, he shook his head, "I didn't think you needed time. You were so happy… I …I must've been …wrong." Starting off again, his eyes remained fixed on the darkened road before him, his mind locking in place. She wasn't interested in having a baby with him.

Reading over a report, Tim glanced up to see Horatio entering into the lab with Ray, watching as they talked among themselves. For hours, they had been out of the lab, leaving Tim to look over the evidence sent over from Miami. In that span of time, Tim had rethought his stance on everything, including what he'd said to Horatio that morning and decided to let things fall where they may.

Standing, he approached them, giving a slight nod to Ray as he cleared his throat, "Ah…Horatio, can I speak with you for a minute?"

Glancing to Ray and seeing his nod as he walked off, Horatio turned to Tim and raised his brow, "What is it, Speed?"

Shifting his weight, Tim averted his eyes downward before lifting them to address Horatio, "I know that this may not be the time, but I think that we need to sort this out, Calleigh's survival may depend on it."

Seeing one of the labs empty, Horatio pointed to it silently and began to walk. All morning he'd been going over in his head what Tim had said and pondering over his feelings for Calleigh. Going in and closing the door behind him, Horatio crossed his arms over his chest the best he could and looked at his trace expert, "I'm listening."

"I recognize that what I said this morning was none of my business, but I just wanted to emphasize the importance of putting Calleigh's case first. I saw that you were losing your edge, we can't afford that right now." Scratching his head, he sighed heavily, "Look, I care for Calleigh too, but I know that she doesn't consider me in that way, but it still remains to be said, I'll do anything to make sure that she's happy."

"Duly noted," Horatio said and then shifted his weight. Scratching his temple with one finger, Horatio sighed, "Meridian PD called while Ray and I were out…Calleigh left behind another message. He's taken her to Evelyn Larken's house. She owned it before they were married. Ray and I went and scouted it."

"And what did you find?" Tim responded, noting the change of subject. It was keenly obvious that he'd gotten the message and he could tell by the determination that he exuded that he wasn't going to stop until Calleigh was found. "Was it anything we could use?"

"No unfortunately. There was no one there…place looked deserted when I looked in one of the windows. What little furniture is there was covered with sheets. But, apparently Larken has someone coming and keeping it up outside." Moving over to one of the lab stools, Horatio sat down, "Behind the house though…we might have a problem. It's rocky and wooded. Ray said that area gets snow in the winter and we'll be looking at some rough terrain if he get's away from us and takes her there."

"Well, let's make sure that he doesn't get that chance. Did Meridian have anything else?" Without much more information, they were running the risk of sitting around with nothing to do but wait for the inevitable.

"A few prints…and some women's clothes they found in the trash. The lead detective said there was no tear's or rips…but, they were dirty." Looking up at him finally, Horatio raised a brow, "Mac's still tracking them and will let us know when they stop again."

"And so far, they haven't?" Tim asked, irritably. "When was the last time they stopped?"

Shifting some on the stool, Horatio licked his lips, "About an hour ago. Mac said it was long enough to gas up and maybe get food. From the route that they look like they are taking, it was enough for Mac to call the major cities along the way and made sure the BOLO's were in place for the vehicle."

"It's hard to understand how they could drive almost across the entire country without being spotted? Do you think that they could've changed cars?" Tim shook his head exasperated, "No one's seen them?"

"No one…and there is that possibility of a different vehicle that we don't know about," Horatio stated as he rubbed the back of his neck. "But, we know Calleigh is still alive and with him…and leaving a trail for us."

"And that is what counts." Tim replied as he sighed heavily. Arching a brow, he asked, "Why do you think that he hasn't flown?"

"Probably because he knows we'll have the airways watching for them…that, or a fear of flying," Horatio said as he tilted his head some. "We know he's afraid of loosing Calleigh like he did his wife, which means he's gonna try to keep her with him as long as he can."

"And that he's going to be extremely cautious, that could be why he's not been seen with her." Glancing at a report, he sighed heavily, "I just hope she's okay."

"Calleigh's strong…and smart. She's also took some seminars in on hostage situations and how to get through them. More then likely, she might just be playing along until we can get to her."

"You have to wonder though, Horatio, what will she do if he tries to…" Unable to finish the sentence, he shook his head and tried to focus on something else. He didn't want to think about the ramifications if Calleigh refused Larken. "It's encouraging that there is little to no violence in these locations."

Standing up, Horatio looked at Tim and held out his hand to him. When the younger man raised his brow in question, Horatio tilted his head, "Truce?"

"Truce," Tim said as he took his hand. Shaking it sternly, he added, "Just don't give up on her."

Nodding slightly, Horatio breathed out, "I'm not."

Knocking on the door and peeking her head in, Catherine looked at them both, "Horatio, just found out Evelyn Larken has an aunt living over in Carson City. Ray's trying to get in touch with her now."

Horatio looked to Tim and smiled, "I think we need to take a trip to Carson City. What about you, Speed?"

"I'm up for getting out of this lab, since I missed out on the first field trip." Looking to Catherine, "You got a vehicle you can loan out?"

"Loan, no…but I can drive you guys if you want. Besides, you'll need me there with you to talk to her," Catherine said as she opened the door more for them. As they walked out into the hall and they hall began to walk, she looked over at Tim, "Hey, meant to ask you, how'd you like that breakfast this morning?"

"Breakfast was fine, thanks," Tim replied as he inclined his head towards her. He could read her intentions in her eyes and added, "It was a very eye opening experience. Thanks again."

"No problem," she smiled as they walked. Heading to her office, she went in, grabbing her purse, keys and sidearm. Nodding to Horatio she raised a brow, "When we get back I'll see about getting you two armed. Can't have you both getting hurt on my shift."

Horatio nodded in response as he glanced to Tim, seeing him wince. Leaning towards him, he spoke softly, "It's necessary, Speed. Things can go downhill quickly, especially when we are dealing with someone as unpredictable as Larken."

"I understand, it's just that, I'm not familiar with these…I don't know if I'll be able…" Tim struggled as his eyes roamed over the lab uneasily. He was in an unfamiliar setting without the luxury of having time to prepare for this. It had been almost five years since he'd fired a weapon, he doubted if he could even hit a target. It made him hesitant, but he knew he had to for Calleigh. Steeling himself, he sighed, "I'll do it, for Calleigh."

Watching the two of them, Catherine's brow crinkled and she pointed to them with her keys, "Is there a problem?"

Instead of letting Horatio answer for him, Tim spoke up and explained, "About five years ago, I was involved in a shootout, one that nearly took my life. After I recuperated, I decided that I'd had enough and I moved away from Miami and the job. I went to St. Petersburg, did a few consultations, but I never picked up a gun again. Now…I'm faced with having to use one again." Stopping to see her expression, he added, "I prefer not to, but I know the situation and the importance of everyone staying alive, so it's not about what I want."

"Okay, well, we can get you outfitted and then let you both hit the range for a few hours," she replied as she looked up at him. "That way you'll be familiar at least…and a little more comfortable."

Trading glances with Horatio, Tim nodded, "Thanks. It will definitely make things better. I have a feeling I need more practice than a little bit." Following Catherine out to her SUV, Tim asked, "So, this Aunt, was she close to Larken's wife? Is she the only relative that's left?"

"I believe so…she was the only one we could find," Catherine said as they reached the vehicle. Looking at them both she shook her head, "Hopefully she'll be able to fill us in on what Larken's been up to since Evelyn's death."

"It's our only hope to get some insight on just who Larken is and how he interacted with her family," Horatio responded almost wearily. He waited for her to unlock the doors and then slipped into the passenger side, settling in. Almost every second of his thought process was given to Calleigh, what she may have been going through at the moment, how Larken was treating her, if she was scared. It was his hope that they were getting closer to being prepared for their arrival.

"Yeah, but what if she's no help whatsoever? She's the last attempt," Tim interjected stonily, "if she's no help, then we're back where we've started from."

"Has anyone talked to the staff at the University he worked at down there? At least we'd know how he interacts with others that aren't threatening." Catherine started the vehicle and began to back out, "Plus, maybe he interacted with one person there and they would have some insight into him and the way he thinks."

"Everyone that we spoke to said that he was the consummate professor, all of his students love him. He hasn't had any reports of inappropriate behavior, and aside from a few days absence when his wife died, he hasn't been away from the university." Horatio sighed heavily and shook his head as he turned to Catherine, "According to everyone else, there's no reason for him to have done what he's done."

"None other than the break from reality that his wife's death caused," Tim groused as he watched the landscape pass by. "It's amazing how people can seem so normal without giving so much as a hint as to what's going on underneath."

"Well, depending on the devotion he had to his wife…in some ways, I can see it happening. I mean, if he's this protective with Calleigh, what was he like with his real wife?" Catherine pondered out loud.

Pondering on the question, Tim spoke up, "I think his preoccupation with Calleigh's well being is to prohibit anything from happening to her- to stop anything from taking her away again. I have a feeling that he was protective over his wife, but not overly so. I mean, he wasn't going to let anyone push her around, but I'm pretty sure she was allowed her simple freedoms."

Catherine's phone began to ring and she reached for it, looking at the ID, "It's Ray." Opening it, she pressed speaker, "Yeah Ray, what's up?"

Looking at the computer scene, Ray smirked, "Dug up more information on Evelyn. Seems she was a writer…a very good writer. Pulled a publishing company out the hole. Not only that, but, I ran across an article, she also helped with a few gallery openings for a Rebecca Miller. Now I did some checking, Mrs. Miller resides there in Carson City also, might want to stop in and have a chat with her also, see what she knows."

"Two leads, not bad for the first day out," Tim chuckled as he glanced up at Catherine. Furrowing his brow, he asked, "Catherine, do you think it would be possible that we spilt this up? You and Horatio can go to the Aunt, I'll take the artist. It'll save time."

"Yeah, I can drop you off. You've got my cell number anyways." Looking back forward as she drove, Catherine smiled, "Thanks Ray, we'll be back sometime this afternoon."

"Alright. Drive careful," Ray responded before hanging up.

Once the cab was silent again, Horatio turned to Tim, "Any reason why you want to talk to the artist and not the aunt, Speed?"

Tim chuckled and grinned mischievously, "I dunno, maybe it's because I feel like the aunt's a dead end, or maybe it's because the artist could be hot." Taking in their combined expressions, he laughed, "Either one works for me."

"It'll be your luck that the artist is married…happily or either a lesbian," Catherine teased as she glanced in the rear view.

"You say that as if it matters, Catherine," Tim answered with a wicked grin. Arching his brow, he snickered, "Besides, I'm just going there to talk."

"Uh huh," Catherine snickered as she got onto the highway. Merging into the traffic, she glanced back again, "Just no coming back with some weird art sculpture, Speed."

"No need to worry about that, Catherine. I'm just after information." Now that time was running against them, that was all he desired.