A/N: Roller-coaster alert!!! This chapter is all over the place as you will soon see. Angst, fun, angst… Then it takes a very unexpected crazy train turn in the end. I just want to thank each and every one of you for all the wonderful reviews and thoughts. You all keep me going, and should I mention smiling! :o) Suzie, thank you for proofing as always my friend, you are the best!

Enjoy the ride,

Here we go…

III

Alexx stood at the hospital while her two dearest friends wavered between life and death. She still couldn't get her mind around the twist of events. First Calleigh poisoned and now Horatio. It was all unimaginable and the world seemed to be falling apart around her.

She sat at Calleigh's bedside and prayed silently. She prayed for a miracle, for the both of them. She understood what Horatio did. She knew he understood the consequences of his actions. How easily he was willing to sacrifice himself… to give his life for another… for the woman he loved was inconceivable. It boggled her mind but she understood and always recognized the kind and self- sacrificing man Horatio Caine was. He was unlike any other. Horatio didn't give it a second thought and Alexx knew he wouldn't. It was that which frightened her so much. She knew the extent the red head would go through to save the love of his life.

She sighed low and slid her hand over Calleigh's. "You're going to be okay baby girl. Horatio made sure of that for you."

Tears flooded her eyes while she stared at Calleigh's pale complexion, hoping that would be true for the red head also, but she was a doctor and knew better than that.

III

Horatio was brought down to ICU where Joe thoroughly examined him and gave him some Morphine to keep him sedated. He surgically removed the scalpel from Horatio's side, then cleaned and stitched the wound, also taking care of the small gash near his temple.

It was late, after hours. The room was dimly lit while Joe stood watching over Horatio. He sat in the chair beside his bed and slowly rubbed his face in total exhaustion. His thoughts a whirlwind while he stared down at the complicated red head amazed at the sacrifice he had made. 'His life for another's.'

Joe wondered for a brief moment if he could ever make such a sacrifice like Horatio just had. He didn't have long to consider it when his phone vibrated pulling him from his thoughts.

"Gannon," he said quietly getting up. He walked a few feet away from the bed.

"Joe its Barney. You were right. It's the antitoxin but… but there's only enough for one Joe. I tried to duplicate it but it's going to take some time. I'm doing all I can," Barney explained sadly. "I think… I think we shouldn't waste anymore time on this Joe. I think you should give Miss Duquesne the dose ASAP."

Joe shook his head in dismay and sighed heavily, "Thanks Barney. I understand. I'll let you know when I decide," Joe said somberly and closed his phone.

All of Joe's emotional thoughts and fatigue finally crashed down on him. He walked back over and slowly sat in the chair at Horatio's bedside. He let his head hang low and rubbed at the back of his neck in a massaging motion.

'Who am I to make a decision on which one of you is going to live?' He shook his head hating himself for the choice he was about to make. 'It makes sense to give the antitoxin to Calleigh. She's been sick for days now and will surely die if I don't… then again, because she's been so ill for days, her body may not be able to recover, and she could die anyway.' Joe let out a frustrated breath.

'You're chances are better,' he thought staring at Horatio's sleeping form. 'You're stronger, and the poison hasn't had the time to compromise all your organs, unlike Calleigh.'

"But I made you a promise, didn't I," Joe quietly admitted aloud.

Horatio groaned low and shifted slightly in the bed making Joe come to attention. He observed him and sighed softly. The compassion in his tone was heartfelt. "Hey, pal… If you can hear me, I want you to know Calleigh is going to be alright. You saved her Horatio. You did it."

Joe whispered and put an affectionate hand on Horatio's shoulder. "But… But you left me in a bad position here pal. I… I have to make a decision and… I have to make it soon," Joe quietly explained feeling torn. His eyes welled and tears began to trickle down his cheek.

Alexx quietly stood in darkness of the doorway, watching, listening, to the compassion in the man's words.

Joe raked a rough hand through his hair in distress and growled, "Damn it Horatio! Don't you die on me! You stubborn son of a bitch, you hang on… You hang on for as long as you can and I promise, we'll come up with something. I promise," he said in a guttural tone when his voice cracked. He took a moment to gather himself and lowly cleared his throat.

He whispered. "I have to go take care of Calleigh now… but I'll be back in a little while. You hang on pal. Hang on," he whispered and gently patted Horatio's shoulder.

Joe stood from the chair and wiped his teary eyes. He immediately noticed Alexx standing in the darkness of the doorway and froze.

She walked over to him with her own tears streaming and cupped his face with tender hands. "Are you okay Honey?"

Joe nodded without a word, his glassy eyes cast down. The tears still fresh on his face. He was unable to answer feeling the tears choke him.

"Horatio knows you are doing everything you can Joe. He knew you would baby. That's why he asked you to be there for Calleigh. He trusts you Joe. He knows you're a good man."

"Thanks, Alexx," Joe answered lowly.

"Anytime honey," she said, and gave him a gentle hug. "It's alright."

Joe backed off and looked down. "I um… I'm going to give Calleigh the antitoxin now."

Alexx rubbed his arm affectionately. "I understand. I hope you don't mind some company honey."

"No. No in fact, I was going to ask you to be there when I do. I'm sure Calleigh wouldn't mind the support either," he said and gave her one of his famous winks trying to lighten the mood.

Alexx smiled in understanding. "No she wouldn't."

Maria walked in and handed Joe the latest results of Horatio's blood work. He instantly shook his head displeased.

"He's getting worse already," Joe said upset, then looked up at the beeping monitors.

He let out a heavy breath, "Keep an eye on him Maria. I'll be with Calleigh for a little while if you need me."

"Okay Joe," she answered and watched the two of them leave.

III

"Here we go," Joe said anxiously, then carefully administered the antitoxin into Calleigh's IV line.

"Now we sit and wait." Joe exhaled a long breath and looked over at Alexx who nodded.

"Do you think she'll wake up soon Joe?"

Joe swayed his head back and forth. For the first time in his life he was really unsure. The doctor inside of him was logical and understood the probability and statistics of each situation, but his heart… his heart said otherwise. Joe's mind and heart were at war with one another, and it was his heart that kept winning out.

"I'm hoping she will but… I think it's going to take her body some time to recover from the poison. Let's remember it almost had three full days to disrupt her entire body and all her organs too."

"Calleigh will recover," Alexx said confidently, reaching for her hand. "Won't you baby," she said squeezing it affectionately.

"Did you speak with her father?" Joe asked quietly.

Alexx nodded. "He'll be back in the morning… I hope," She said with a gloomy look.

"Yeah, I um, I can understand. I caught him in the stairwell taking a drink. He was trying to calm his nerves. He'll be alright," Joe said with a nod. "I think he'll be back.

"From your mouth to god's ears baby," Alexx said looking back over at Calleigh.

III

Horatio's eyes rolled slowly from side to side while he slept. His breathing quickened and his heart rate sped up. A low moan escaped his lips and his eyes suddenly snapped open with a gasp, he bolted upright.

"Calleigh! Calleigh!"

"Take it easy." Joe soothed easing Horatio's body back down in the bed. "It's just a dream. You're dreaming."

Slowly the pain came seeping back, gathering momentum, until it rocked him with its power, causing him to groan and grimace. His eyes close with the sharp lingering discomfort. His right hand slid up his bare stomach and over to a bandage, where Joe stopped it and gently lowered it back to his side.

"You have a few stitches in there pal, so be careful not to pull on it."

Horatio's pained blue eyes opened again. His voice was dry and gritty from sleep. "How— How's Calleigh?" He asked shakily.

"We gave her the antitoxin Horatio. She… she should be okay," Joe explained softly.

Horatio winced with a groan and shivered uncontrollably. "Should, be," he questioned. His left hand went to his stomach where he could swear someone just stabbed him with a sharp knife.

Joe's brows furrowed observing, seeing the amount of pain he was experiencing. "Hang on… I'll increase the morphine drip," Joe said nodding at Maria.

"No..." Horatio growled. "You said… should be… what does that mean?"

He struggled to keep his words steady while his body trembled. He grimaced and clenched his jaw as another excruciating wave of pain ripped through him.

"Ughh," he moaned low while his head pressed back into the pillow.

"Do it Maria," Joe ordered pointing at the Morphine pump.

"I'm… okay," Horatio rasped desperately trying to control the pain and his shivering body.

"Like hell you are," Joe replied putting a firm hand on Horatio's chest, keeping him down. "Just relax and please don't get yourself worked up. It will cause your heart rate to accelerate, which in turn will cause the poison to work faster. Do you understand me?" He asked watching Horatio barely nod.

"Cal…leigh…" Horatio repeated in a slow choppy tone. His teeth chattered and he clenched his jaw tightly, trying to stop them.

"Alright," Joe said holding his pained gaze. He held back trying not to answer him hoping the Morphine would take effect already. "Stay calm," he said softly, with his hand still pressed against Horatio's chest.

"Joe…" Horatio groaned. He pushed wanting an answer as he trembled violently.

Joe exhaled softly and against his better judgment answered. "Horatio… she's… in a coma."

Horatio's half closed lids flew open. "What! How… I thought… you said…"

He began coughing and choking while his whole body shook in pain. The mental anguish was even crueler than the physical pain he was feeling. Just the fact that Calleigh still wasn't well after the antitoxin devastated him, and Horatio's heart rate immediately increased.

"Take it easy man! I said you needed to stay calm," Joe snapped looking up at the monitors. The machines started beeping as Horatio's heart rate accelerated. "Maria, turn it up. I want him sedated now!" Joe yelled.

"I need… I need…" Horatio shook violently unable to continue. His left hand suddenly latched onto Joe's wrist that was still lightly restraining him.

Joe held his pained gaze and nodded, his voice soft, "I know Horatio. I know," he said, understanding the red heads worry. "I think Calleigh's going to be fine, but her body just needs some time to recover from the trauma the poisoned caused."

Horatio fought the Morphine and kept his eyes focused on Joe. His jaw tightened and then finally relaxed when his lids closed against his own stubborn will. His head flopped to the left and his hand slipped off Joe's wrist and slid limply down to his waist.

"He's out," Joe sighed heavily leaning his weight down on the bed railing. He shook his head in distress feeling his own emotions run rampant. "God damn it!" He growled frustrated making Maria Jump. He ran a hand through his hair when Maria pointed towards the door making him turn around.

"Joe," Alexx said softly. Is Horatio okay?"

Upset and worn out, Joe unenthusiastically walked towards her. "Yeah… he's okay for now. He's stable."

Joe massaged the back of his neck. He was clearly exhausted and rattled. He hardly slept in almost three days since this all started and he was still healing himself. His body was sore and achy as he rubbed at his tender midsection.

"We may have something," Alexx said getting Joe's full attention. Just hearing the optimism in Alexx's voice was enough to bring Joe a renewed energy.

"Like what?" He asked curiously.

"Eric is on his way here now. In all the chaos, the poison used on Horatio was logged in as evidence. It was logged in before anyone even realized it. Eric just mentioned it to me in the hopes it might help Barney find a cure for Horatio."

Joe eyes widened and he suddenly gripped both Alexx's arms tightly, holding her gaze, almost shaking her. "Are you sure?" He said loudly, very energized.

Alexx nodded taken back by his response. He was still hanging onto her. "Yes. Eric said there was a fair amount left in the bag."

Joe's smile grew from ear to ear. "This is good!" He clapped his hands together and bellowed, "Hell, this is great!"

Alexx smiled back feeling Joe's optimism affect her. "Do you think it can save Horatio?"

"I know it can," Joe answered confidently and turned back towards Maria. "I'll be down in the lab working with Barney. Call me if anything changes with his vitals."

Maria nodded with a smile. "I will Joe. Good luck," she said feeling her own hearts relief.

His gaze went to Horatio. "You hang on Horatio. Hang on."

Alexx and Joe met up with Eric. He handed Joe the evidence bag and watched Joe cautiously take a small bag out and examined the thick dark fluid.

He nodded. "Eric this will definitely help. Thank you." He carefully put it back in the evidence bag and breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank God." Joe tightly held onto the evidence bag feeling he had to guard it with his life. "Let's get this down to Barney stat."

III

The voices he heard were strangely familiar. Soft yet authoritative, and they seemed to be getting closer. Slowly they became more distinct and Horatio began to wake. The incessant beeping machines made his head ache more as he became aware of his surroundings.

"Has he been awake at all?"

"No Joe. He had a few high fevers during the night but he hasn't regain consciousness yet."

"How's the wound… still oozing?"

"No, it's been fine. I didn't have to change the dressing twice this time."

Something cold and hard, pressed down on Horatio's chest, his eyes finally fluttered open.

Joe smiled down at him while listening to his heart with the stethoscope. "Good Morning."

Horatio blinked the haziness from his orbs as the image of Joe's smiling face cleared. He cleared his dry throat and rasped, "Cal—"

Horatio's eyes suddenly slammed shut and his whole body began to shake uncontrollably. With his left shaky hand he pulled at the blanket trying to cover himself and get warm.

"Easy pal, let me get that for you," Joe said pulling the blanket up to cover Horatio's bare chest. Joe put a gentle hand on his shoulder and explained.

"What you're feeling is the after effects of the poison. It may come and go for a while but I can guarantee it will subside."

Horatio moaned with a nod. His body trembled under the covers and he breathed shakily. "Cal— Calleigh?" He began to cough and choke as Joe held onto him and Maria stood by with a cup of water with a straw.

"Take a sip," Joe said sliding one hand under Horatio's head to help him lift up.

Horatio swallowed with a nod of gratitude. "Thank… you."

"You bet pal," Joe said cheerfully with a wide smile. He smirked, "By the way… You're gonna live."

Horatio's brows went up, then down in realization. "And… Calleigh?"

Joe pursed his lips. "Um… She's hasn't regain consciousness yet but we do expect her to make a full recovery."

"Still… in a coma?" Horatio gasped and his body began to quiver again. His left hand shook hanging onto the top of the blanket.

Joe nodded. "For now… yes. Her vitals are getting better everyday Horatio. We have to have hope." Joe said inclining his head towards Maria. "Start up that Morphine drip again—"

"No," Horatio coughed and shivered. "I'm… I'm…"

"Fine. I know," Joe finished with an affectionate hand on Horatio's chest. "Relax pal, it's just a low dose to help you with the shakes."

"That's what… you always say," Horatio muttered shakily.

Joe grinned instantly while one brow rose. "That's right."

Horatio was doing much better than he thought. With a sly grin Joe leaned down closer to Horatio's ear. "By the way, I um… I just want you to know when this is over and you're better… I'm gonna kick your ass!" Joe stood upright again and bounced on his toes smiling wisely.

Horatio's brows furrowed and he murmured, shuddering, "You're on… doctor."

Joe couldn't help but laugh at Horatio's direct response. Alexx was correct, Joe grinned in thought, 'Horatio was a pitbull.'

"Okay truce," Joe said raising his hands in surrender. "I'll let you slide for now because you really need to get some rest."

Horatio's eyelids became heavy when the Morphine began to kick in. He rasped barely audible, "Chic…ken." Then his lids closed for good.

Joe shook his head and couldn't contain his laughter at the red heads last comment.

III

The next time Horatio awoke it was to the coolness of a compress pressed against his forehead.

Maria smiled down at him speaking softly, "I'm just cooling you down a bit honey. You've been having a few fevers on and off tonight."

"Mmm." A low dry hum was all that came from Horatio's throat. His body was weak from the fevers and completely drained from the events of the last few days. His eyelids closed in a matter of seconds and he was fast asleep again.

III

Drifting closer to consciousness he could hear voices… familiar voices… arguing?

"I don't think this is a good idea right now?" Joe snapped.

"We need to ask him a few questions if we're gonna find this guy doc. It won't take long." Frank answered.

"He's not up to it; can't you see that for yourself?" Joe said looking over at Horatio who was out cold.

"If we don't find Harwood before H comes around we're really gonna have a problem," Eric stated. "When he finds out Calleigh's still in a coma," Eric shook his head, "What do you think he's gonna do! You won't be able to keep him in that bed doc."

Joe's eyes tightened and he put his hands on his hips in a defensive stance. "He's not going anywhere in his present condition."

"You don't know Horatio," Frank muttered.

Joe shook his head back and forth. "This is a bad idea," he growled looking at Frank and then Eric. "His body is still fighting the poison and it's causing him to have high fevers. I don't know what you expect to get out of him."

"Let us worry about that doc," Eric said with a nod.

Horatio moaned low trying to speak. Not quite understanding why his words turned into mumbled sounds.

"He's waking up," Frank said.

Joe shook his head side to side still upset with them. He walked over towards Horatio's bed and the Morphine pump. He pressed on a button that beeped and immediately stopped the Morphine drip from working.

"Give him a few minutes," Joe glared at Frank and Eric.

Horatio moaned again and Joe nudged him awake. "Hey pal, can you open those blue eyes for me?" He gently shook him.

Horatio slowly opened his eyes, trying to focus and speak. Instead another groan came out and he coughed. His hand slid up to his midsection protectively.

"Easy pal," Joe said, offering him an ice chip. Horatio accepted it and rolled the cold wetness around his mouth gratefully with a nod.

"Horatio, Frank and Eric are here and they need to ask you a few questions. Are you up for a short visit? Do you think you can keep those eyes open for a little while?" Joe asked softly.

"Yes." Horatio rasped.

Eric and Frank moved in when Joe stepped aside, still keeping an eye on Horatio.

"Hey H," Eric said with a small smile, as Frank inclined his head.

"Did you… get him," Horatio dryly asked.

Frank shook his head. "No. We were hoping you could help us maybe figure out where to find him. Did he say anything H?"

Horatio tightened his jaw and shook his head back and forth. "No." He lied.

Frank scratched his head frustrated. "He had to say something."

Horatio's eyes narrowed in thought remembering Harwood's words, but he chose not to share them with Frank and Eric. "He said… it was over," Horatio explained and let his eyes close. "Then he used my phone. It's all a bit fuzzy…."

"It's okay H," Eric replied seeing Horatio's difficulty remembering. "Is there anything you can think of that could help us find him."

Horatio moan low in pain. "No… No I…."

Joe gritted his teeth and intervened. "Okay that's about enough. He's in pain, and of course he's not going to remember anything now. That's the Morphine at work. He's gonna need some time."

Eric and Frank looked at Joe and nodded. "We had to try doc," Eric said. "This guy is still out there."

Horatio let his eyes close feeling his anger build, knowing Eric was correct and Harwood was still out there, a free man. 'Not for long,' he thought. If anyone was going to find Harwood, it was gonna be him. He would have his revenge on the bastard for doing this to Calleigh. He would see to it they all paid. John and Charlie too.

"We'll see you later H," Frank said.

Eric patted Horatio's shoulder. "Hang in there H." He looked over at Joe. "Thanks doc, and um… sorry we had to disturbed him."

Joe nodded with tongue in cheek and arms crossed on his chest. He glared. "Just make sure no one else comes to question him, especially that Stetler guy. I won't allow him in here! Are we clear?"

Eric chuckled with a nod. "Sure doc, we'll make sure." Eric and Frank headed out of the room.

"Stetler guy," Horatio rasped and opened his tired eyes again.

Joe smirked. "Yeah. I don't like that guy."

"That… Makes two of us," Horatio quipped.

Joe walked over to the Morphine pump and hit a button. The machine beeped and Horatio knew what that meant. 'More sleep.'

"How's Calleigh?" He asked feeling guilty and bitter knowing Harwood was still a free man.

Joe blew out a soft breath wishing he could give him some good news for a change.

"Same. No change yet, Horatio." He patted his shoulder tenderly. "Hang in there pal."

Horatio's eyes began to close as he whispered, "Thank you… Joe."

Joe heaved a sigh and watched Horatio sleep for a moment before answering. "I wish you had something to thank me for," he whispered feeling his own guilt tug at him.

III

Horatio's eyes snapped opened suddenly, vivid images of Harwood flashed in his mind. He groaned and shifted in the bed feeling every part of his body ache. He looked over at the clock that read three o'clock, and realized it was still dark outside. He felt stiff, like he had been sleeping forever and attempted to lift his head. With a low groan it flopped back down onto the pillow.

"Damn Morphine," he groaned. Then was greeted by a very unexpected visitor.

'It is good to see you awake again Wachabe,' The words spoken in a soft broken English as Red Cloud stood standing at the foot of his bed.

Horatio swallowed the dryness in his throat and lifted just a bit on his elbows. He grimaced feeling the stitches pull at his side.

"Are you real this time?" He stared unsure wondering just how much Morphine Joe gave him.

Red Cloud smiled. 'I am as real as last time. I am glad to see you remember.'

"How could I forget," Horatio's eyes widened, "I thought I was losing my mind."

Red Cloud laughed. 'Your will is powerful. Your heart, strong and vibrant, but your mind…'

"What about my mind?" Horatio questioned and hit a button on the bed to sit up more.

He reached for the cup of water on the table and shakily took a sip. The aches and pains almost bearable, probably from the Morphine drip.

'Your mind is easily overcome with anger, and guilt. You must learn to control it.'

Horatio's brows rose. "I wish I could," he mumbled as his body began to tremble.

'You can. You will,' Red Cloud answered slowly. 'Remember what I told you. Think with your heart not with your anger. The decision you are thinking of making is not a wise one Wachabe.'

Horatio tilted his head in disbelief and stared at the man. "What decision," he rasped dismissively.

Red Cloud held his gaze for a long moment. 'You do not fool me Wachabe. I know what you do. I see how you use your words to avoid things you'd rather not discuss. I know what you are planning. You… are not ready.'

Horatio's cheek twitched. "Live to fight another day. Isn't that what you said, because I can't stop thinking about it." Horatio didn't bother to hide the rage that lingered deep inside him.

'Yes. Live to fight another day… when you are well, and capable of winning the battle.'

"I'm fine," Horatio growled low, but his tightening eyes gave away the waves of pain he was experiencing.

'If you believe that… you are a fool. I see you are still too weak to fight, and the poison still remains in your system. It affects you more than you know.' Red cloud held his narrowing gaze and pointed to his heart and head. 'You have much hatred and vengeance in your heart Wachabe.'

"You're damn right I do," Horatio muttered feeling enraged.

'This is not like you. Look at how angry you are Wachabe. You are letting your hatred control you and you must not. You must not do this today. You must not leave here.'

Horatio's gaze narrowed and he exhaled as a wave of pain tore through him. "How do you know what I'm thinking," he asked amazed at the man.

Red Cloud smiled. 'It is not difficult. Your anger burns bright in your fiery eyes and your curt tone tells me you have lost your way. The Great Spirit also understands this and guides me to help you.'

"Really. So what is the Great Spirit saying now?" Horatio replied sarcastically. "Calleigh's still in a coma," he growled low, full of bitterness. He knew she was suffering because of him and his guilt gnawed at him.

Red Clouds eyes flashed amber. 'We see you doing something very foolish Wachabe. We see you giving into your anger. We see Freespirit without you. Alone. Is this what you wish for her?'

"That's not going to happen," Horatio answered tersely. He sat up with a groan and carefully slid his legs off the side of the bed, feeling pain radiate throughout his entire body. He closed his eyes trying to suppress it and exhaled softly, "How is she Red Cloud?"

'She sleeps still, but soon she will wake and expect you to be there at her side, where you belong. Will you be there Wachabe?'

Horatio grimaced in pain. "Count on it."

'Then you must lay back down and rest. You must give your body time to recover and heal if you wish to fight the evil one.'

"I don't think so," Horatio replied gritting his teeth. He tugged on the IV line and pulled it out of his arm. "I'll rest when this is over," he groaned, suddenly pushing off the bed standing… on very unsteady feet.

'Wachabe, you are stubborn as a mule!' Red Cloud snapped frustrated. 'You almost died to save the one you love… yet you take the risk of dying again with no need. I do not understand your actions.'

Horatio nodded. "You said yourself he's great evil and I… I completely agree." Horatio clenched his jaw and cradled his injured side with his arm.

'I also said you must choose your path wisely. I told you when the time comes you must choose with your heart, not your anger. You must hear me Wachabe. I can not protect you.'

"I hear you fine Red Cloud." Horatio's tone softened, "And I am grateful for all your help but… This is something I have to do on my own."

'Today is not the day to fight Wachabe. You risk much. Free spirit would be disappointed in you.'

Horatio exhaled and swayed slightly trying to get his footing. He nodded. "You're right, I know. Calleigh would be upset… but in the end, she would understand."

'This time you are wrong. I warned you about your ego. You do not know what you think you do. Free spirit would not understand the risk you take. The choice you make Wachabe will have consequence.'

"I'm sure it will," he whispered.

Then very Carefully Horatio walked over to the closet and slowly retrieved his clothes. He turned with a groan to find Red Cloud gone. He stood unsteadily in thought for a moment thinking about Calleigh and then Red Clouds words.

'Consequences.' Then he very slowly dressed.

III

The vibration of Joe's phone pulled him from his slumber. He sat up and looked over to see Alexx out cold. Calleigh was still sleeping with no change in her status and he removed his hand that was covering hers. He rose and headed for the door, then opened his phone.

"Gannon," he answered quietly rubbing at his itchy stubble.

"Brave Eagle," Red Cloud spoke in a sleep roughened tone.

"Red Cloud… is everything okay. It's three in the morning," Joe said taken back by the phone call.

"No, it is not alright. Wachabe is going to leave and go after the evil one today. You must stop him now, he is not ready."

Joe exhaled tiredly and dragged a hand over his face. He rubbed at his eyes and leaned against the wall without concern.

He heaved a tired sigh, "Red Cloud, I can assure you Horatio isn't going anywhere. He's incapacitated and still sedated. Go back to sleep."

"Brave Eagle I see him and you are wrong. Please go and check for me and yourself. You will find what I say is true. Red Cloud sighed softly, "It may… already be too late."

Joe straightened hearing Red Clouds worried tone. Red Cloud was not one to panic and he was always aware of things. Joe really didn't know how but he knew Red Cloud was wise and always gave the Great Spirit credit for his so called intuition. Joe shook his head. Something was wrong and crazy thoughts began to flood Joe's brain.

'There's just no way he could possibly get himself out of bed right now, let alone leave the hospital.' Joe began walking rather quickly as he headed for Horatio's room.

"Okay Red Cloud, I'm going to check in on him now. I'll call you back," Joe said and snapped the phone shut picking up his pace.

Joe walked down the hall towards Horatio's room and was instantly relieve to see the cop sitting beside the door. 'I forgot all about him,' he smiled feeling better already.

"Doctor," the officer said standing up.

"Everything okay in here tonight?" Joe Asked.

"Yep, it's been quiet all night doc. Just like we like it." He grinned.

"I hear you," Joe replied and gently pushed the door open. He entered the dimly lit room and his eyes widened instantly on the empty hospital bed.

"Son of a bitch!" He growled in shock then turned toward the bathroom door that was closed. He angrily headed for it with intent to kill.

"You had better be in there Horatio or so help me…" Joe pushed open the door to find the bathroom empty.

With tongue in cheek Joe turned and scanned the empty hospital room. He saw the dripping IV line laying on the floor, Horatio's gown and the empty bed. His eyes sparked fire and his nostrils flared.

"When this is over Horatio… I swear… I'll kill you myself!" He rumbled angrily and stormed out of the room.

"He's gone!" Joe snapped at the officer. "How the hell did he get past you?"

The officer pushed open the door to Horatio's room and looked inside, which just infuriated Joe more.

"He's not in there!" Joe growled, "What? Do you think I just somehow missed noticing, a debilitated, six foot one red head!"

The officer stared at Joe dumbfounded. "I just went for a cup of coffee doc… not five minutes ago. He was in here, I swear! I checked in on him myself."

Joe's eyes widened. "Did you say five minutes ago?" He asked already heading down the hall in a slow jog.

"Yeah doc," The officer answered, wondering how Horatio even got himself out of bed.

"Call security… tell them, tell them…. "Joe shook his head and threw his hands up in the air not knowing what to say. He leaned against the door to the stairway and bellowed, "Tell them to stop any red heads trying to leave!"

Joe shoved open the door and sprinted down the stairs, running as fast as he could. Trying to convince himself he panted out of breath.

"Five minutes! Five minutes… in his weakened condition… how far could he get!"

TBC….

I am going into hiding now! Hahaha

So who knows where Horatio is going?