November 23, 2006

Home. Robert thought as he stared out the window of the train as it pulled into the quiet Miami train station. Technical problems had forced the train to slow halfway through the route and there was nothing that could be done about it. Now, thankfully, they were going to be just fine.

As Robert got up to wake his sleeping uncle, the train came to a slow stop and he suddenly saw Tripp, Alexx, and Natalia standing on the platform. Robert silently turned to his uncle and gently nudged him awake, as he didn't want to scare or upset his uncle any more than necessary.

"Bobby," Horatio spoke in a tired, groggy voice as he opened his eyes. "I assume it's time?"

Robert sighed, "Yeah, the train just pulled into the station," he replied. "Do you want help up?"

Horatio sighed and slowly sat up, suddenly not wanting to be touched or treated like a cripple, "I'm assuming there are people waiting, so I need to show that I'm stronger than they expect," he spoke in a tired, quiet voice even though every part of his body hurt. "Do you understand?"

Robert sighed quietly, but nodded and silently gathered his bag and the now-empty cooler while he waited for his uncle to stand. Horatio slowly stood up using his free arm to grab on to things for balance, but he didn't speak nor did he fall over. He instead silently left the sleeper cabin.

Swallowing hard, Robert carried the items and found his uncle standing near the departure door with his head down, "You okay?" he asked in a quiet voice. "I know you said not to hover…"

"I could use your help," Horatio spoke softly, his voice tired. "Please."

Nodding, Robert helped Horatio off of the train and kept a gentle hold on his uncle as they met up with Tripp, Alexx, and Natalia, "Horatio," Alexx spoke warmly, smiling at him.

"Alexx, Natalia, Frank, it's good to see all of you," Horatio spoke softly. "I know it's late…"

Natalia sighed patiently, "BJ and Adam are sleeping over with James and Julliet tonight," she explained in a kind voice, smiling at Horatio. "The house is quiet so you can rest."

"Rest sounds lovely," Horatio spoke quietly, suddenly noticing that Natalia looked like she wanted to talk to Bobby alone. "Alexx, Frank, would you help me to whatever car there is?"

As Alexx and Frank led Horatio away into the darkness, Natalia silently hugged Bobby and planted a gentle kiss on his lips, "I can't imagine it'll be too quiet with the way Lindsey fights with her father and Lenny all the time," Robert spoke softly. "Are they still fighting?"

"Rick decided to let Lenny and Lindsey go to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving and they left yesterday," Natalia replied quietly. "Catherine told them that Rick might not be their dad."

Robert frowned and sighed, "Oh, no," he spoke softly. "I'll have to talk to him at home…"

"Bobby, Rick is in the hospital," Natalia spoke softly. "Jackson Memorial."

Robert frowned, "He's anemic and his blood sugar was low," Natalia spoke quietly.

"Thank you for taking care of the paperwork," Robert spoke softly. "You didn't have to…"

Natalia sighed, "He's your family and that makes him mine," she replied in a quiet voice.

"Rick has nobody but me and his children left and his children aren't here," Robert spoke, unaware that Tripp was coming to see what was taking them. "Since Amanda died…"

As Natalia nodded, Tripp cleared his throat, "We have Horatio loaded in your truck, Bobby," he said in a confused voice as he looked at the two. "He's asleep, but are you two coming?"

"Yeah," Robert spoke in a tired voice. "Thanks for coming and meeting us, Frank."

Tripp shrugged, as he didn't have anything better to do that night because Candace was working and his ex had the kids for Thanksgiving. Besides, he wanted to be of help to his friends.

Manhattan, New York

"Charlie, will you see who's at the door?" Emily heard her mother call out in anxious voice.

Emily sighed as she stood in Alex's room, silently dressing him in a sleeper. She had spent the night with her father and stepmother and her sole job was to look after Alex so that everyone else could do other things before dinner, "Mom, I don't know who it is," a voice suddenly said.

Once Alex was dressed, Emily picked him up and carried him into the living room just in time to see Faith let Bill and Jillian Stokes into the house, "Mister and Mrs. Stokes?" Emily asked softly.

"Stokes?" Faith asked in a stern voice as she glared at Emily. "Related to Derek Stokes?"

Emily sighed softly, "They have a right to see Alex too," she replied softly. "I'm his mom…"

"You can't even get your crap together long enough to be his mom!" Faith replied angrily, glaring at Emily. "John and I have custody of Alex right now and you belong in rehab!"

Emily reeled back like she had been slapped and Charlie sighed irritably, "I knew it was a mistake to visit," Charlie grumbled as he pulled his phone out. "I'm gonna call Caroline."

Faith scoffed, but didn't stop Charlie as he ran to his temporary room, "I'm on an outpatient thing and I still hang out with Stella," Emily spoke firmly. "Why isn't that good enough?"

"Really, Detective Yokas, Emily is trying very hard," Jillian spoke firmly. "Be quiet."

Faith glared at Jillian, "I've done some research on your attempt to get permanent custody of your grandson and the hours both you and your husband work would make it very difficult to raise an infant," Jillian spoke before Faith could speak. "Judge Stokes would agree."

"Emily has ample time and resources to dedicate to Alex," Bill replied firmly. "Do you?"

Faith scowled, "Do you think I'm going to let your son be Alex's father?" she asked angrily. "Derek, from what I hear, is nearly 40 years old and he's in no condition to take care of a kid."

"Oh, my wife and I agree with you on that, but Emily is making an effort to do what she needs to do in order to raise her son," Bill replied firmly. "You are the one causing this ruckus."

Faith swore, "That's it, get out!" she replied angrily. "Emily, how dare you invite them!"

"I'm allowed supervised visitation," Emily spoke firmly, holding Alex close. "He's coming too."

Faith scoffed as Charlie came out of his room, "If you take Alex, I'm going to call the police on you for kidnapping," she snapped, glaring at Emily. "I don't care what the court said."

Tears filled Emily's eyes as Faith went for the phone and Charlie got to the phone first, holding it out of Faith's reach, "Mom, knock it off!" he snapped. "He's Emily's kid; not yours!"

"I'll be speaking to my colleagues in New York after Thanksgiving to see if an emergency custody hearing can be arranged," Bill spoke sternly, disgusted with Faith's reaction to Emily wanting to take her son for a visit. "It's clear who the villain in all of this is."

Faith walked over to Emily and took Alex away, "OUT!" she ordered angrily. "NOW!"

Allowing the tears from her eyes to fall down her face, Emily hurried to her room and gathered her already packed overnight bag and purse before returning to the front room, "Emily, come back to our hotel with us and we'll have food at a restaurant," Jillian spoke gently, hugging her.

Sighing, Emily opened the front door and left with the Stokes as Charlie began to yell at Faith.

Boscorelli Apartment

"Maurice?"

Bosco, who was sitting on his bed in sweats and a t-shirt, sighed heavily as Danielle came into view wearing slip-ons, slacks, and a nice shirt, "You're not dressed," she spoke gently.

"I don't get why we have to have company," Bosco grumbled. "It's not my thing right now…"

Danielle sighed, "I know you're hurting cause of Maritza being missing and John being in Vegas, so I asked friends to come to help you feel better," she replied softly. "I can cancel…"

"No," Bosco spoke quietly. "I appreciate that you did that, but I'm just really sad today."

Danielle nodded and joined him on the bed, "People at work have been really nice about my issues, but I can tell they're not happy with my head not being in the game," Bosco spoke softly.

Before Danielle could reply, there was a knock at the door, "Yeah?" Bosco called out softly.

The door opened and Sully poked his head in, "Bosco, Jason Christopher's here to talk to you," he said in a concerned, quiet voice. "You know he just got promoted to being your boss, right?"

"Yeah," Bosco spoke quietly, sighing as he got up. "He's probably here to lay down the law."

Danielle got up and silently followed Bosco into the front room, sighing when she saw that Christopher was lingering near the front door in civvies while David and Ellie watched TV with Ray Jr. and Yelina cooked. Michael, Emily, and Nicolas were down for early naps.

"Boss," Bosco spoke in a numb voice, giving Christopher a look. "You want to talk?"

Jason Christopher sighed, "Let's take a walk," he spoke calmly. "Get a coffee or something."

Bosco sighed, but obediently got his wallet, phone, and winter gear before following Christopher through the building and out the front door. The two walked down the street to the coffee shop on the corner and Bosco immediately felt tension in his chest; was he about to be fired?

"I know what you've been through and there's no shame in getting help," Jason Christopher spoke in a quiet voice, sighing as he looked at Bosco. "Nobody thinks you should be fired, by the way, so stop looking so green. You were raped and you had that child kidnapped and that would mess anyone up a lot; it's not like cops are immune from that trauma. We're human too."

Bosco nodded and Jason Christopher looked at him, "And I get you're mad about NYPD cold casing Maritza, but don't take it out on your underlings," Jason said in an unusually gentle voice. "Detective Taylor's got the file on his desk and you can bet he'll never let it go til it's solved."

"I know," Bosco spoke quietly, a sigh in his voice. "I…I've been trying to keep busy."

Jason Christopher nodded, "I run multiple groups for victims of abuse and you might benefit from going to meetings," he replied in a quiet voice. "They're invitation only."

"Danielle mentioned going to one of those," Bosco replied numbly. "She said it helped."

Before Jason Christopher could reply, his cell went off, "Family?" Bosco asked softly.

"No," Jason Christopher replied quietly. "I run groups today for people who need them and the one today is revolving and until midnight. If you decide you need it, here's the address."

Bosco sighed as Jason Christopher slipped a card into his hand before walking off down the street with his arm out for a cab. Sighing heavily, Bosco studied the card and wondered if he should go to the address on the card for help or bottle his feelings up for the sake of family.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Ryan, I just thought I'd phone you and say that we're home safe," Robert's voice filled the phone that Ryan held as he stood in the kitchen. "Thanks to you and Sofia, we're fine…"

Ryan sighed heavily and hung up the phone as the message ended. He and Sofia had been lying low at home for days and nobody knew but select people that they hadn't actually gone out of town on a vacation. Sofia had been grateful for the staycation, as she had been able to write letters for him, Carlos, and the family, and also record videos in case she didn't live long.

It was still early, so Jenny, Jessica, and Carlos were still asleep and Greg was still at work doing a shift because they were short over the holidays. Sofia was awake and feeling unwell, so Ryan was up making her some mint tea and the tea now appeared ready to put into a mug.

The message from Bobby brought cheer to Ryan's heart as he took the kettle off, turned off the stove, and got some of the tea into a mug. All that he had to worry about now was Sofia's health and whether or not McKeen would find out about him helping Horatio and Robert escape Vegas.

"Ryan?" a quiet voice called out, prompting Ryan to hurry to their bedroom with the mug.

Ryan forced a smile on his face as he entered the bedroom and saw that Sofia was sitting on the edge of the bed wearing sweats and a loose shirt. She looked tired and uncomfortable.

"I think I might need the hospital," Sofia spoke softly. "I can't eat or drink anything."

Ryan silently sat next to her, "Did you want to try some mint tea?" he asked gently.

"I heard the phone," Sofia spoke softly, gazing at him. "Did they make it back to Miami?"

Ryan nodded, "Good," Sofia sighed weakly. "I guess I can try the tea since you made it."

Sighing, Ryan helped Sofia drink the tea and helped her lie back down, "That helped," Sofia spoke in a quiet voice, a tired smile on her lips. "I…I put everything in your name so that you and Carlos have it when I die and updated my will recently. McKeen is very determined…"

"Shh," Ryan spoke softly, caressing Sofia's hand. "McKeen's out of state on vacation…"

Sofia nodded and sighed, "Do you need any painkillers?" Ryan asked softly.

"Being off chemo is very hard," Sofia spoke sleepily. "Could you check on Carlos?"

Gently kissing Sofia's hands, Ryan got up and left the mug in the kitchen sink before he went to the nursery where Carlos slept. Carlos was awake and smiled at seeing Ryan standing over him.

"Hey there, buddy," Ryan spoke softly as he picked up the six-month old. "How are you?"

Carlos cooed and smiled, "Do you wanna go visit Mommy?" Ryan asked in a kind voice.

Silence filled the house as Ryan took Carlos into the bedroom he and Sofia shared and saw that Sofia was awake, "Carlos wanted to see his mommy," Ryan spoke softly. "How are you doing?"

"It's his first Thanksgiving and we have nothing ready," Sofia spoke softly. "Can you…?"

Ryan sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed, "We don't need fancy food or decorations, Sofie," he spoke in a quiet voice, watching as Carlos reached for her. "We have each other and Carlos."

Sofia smiled and reached for the small digital camera that sat on the nightstand, turning it on RECORD as she gripped it and turned it to include all three of them, "Happy first Thanksgiving, Carlos Ryan Wolfe!" she and Ryan said in unison. "We love you so, so much!"

"Mama," Carlos spoke in a burble, reaching for Sofia as hard as he could.

Sofia smiled tiredly, "He's six months old and growing like a weed," Ryan spoke quietly.

"Just hold him close to me," Sofia spoke in a sleepy voice. "I don't want to drop him."

Ryan did so, sighing as Sofia silently turned off the camera and set it on the stand before quickly drifting into a sleep, "Oh, Sofia," he whispered softly, watching as Carlos touched her face.

Miami, Florida

The Calle Ocho Family Centre was quiet, but Emily preferred it that way because it allowed her to set up things for the day's event. She had used some of Bernard's money to finance a dinner for those who had nowhere else to go that day or for families who couldn't afford to have their own holiday dinners. She had bought the food and Tony and other culinary students would come to the kitchen to cook, serve, and make sure everyone had enough to eat that day. They would all be granted extra school credit for working the entire day under Anthony's supervision.

Since Horatio was either already home or due home that day, Emily knew that everyone would want to go see him and so she didn't ask for help setting up. Tim was getting Adam, BJ, James, Julliet, and Jesse ready with the help of his mother and Tommy would be over later with his family in tow because he didn't want to deal with Thanksgiving at home.

She had talked to Ryan on the phone the night before and Sofia was too weak from her last chemo to do anything but rest at home.

I know how Sofia must feel right now. Emily thought in a quiet voice as she began the walkthrough to make sure everything was in order. There were times when I was sick that I wondered if I'd die and leave my babies without a mom. Ryan's heart must be broken…

The door opened and Emily turned just in time to see Calleigh come into the centre with a tired looking Kenwall at her heels, "Hi," Emily spoke warmly. "You're a bit early for the dinner."

"Um, Lambchop and I were actually wondering if we could help out somehow," Kenwall spoke in an eager voice, smiling at Emily. "I'm looking for something to do to stay sober today…"

Emily nodded calmly, "Go talk to Anthony," she replied calmly. "He's in the kitchen."

Kenwall nodded and walked off towards the kitchen, "Calleigh, would you like to help me finish setting up?" Emily asked gently. "I still have a few things to do and I can show you around."

Coconut Grove

Horatio sighed tiredly as Robert carefully helped him walk off of the elevator, the two of them upstairs alone while Natalia, Alexx, and Frank all had coffee down in the kitchen. He had quietly asked for Robert to be the only one to help him to his room if he were to stay, as he needed quiet and rest. Natalia had immediately understood and was keeping Alexx and Frank busy.

"The furniture looks new," Horatio spoke in a tired voice, eyeing the bed that was ready for him as he was led into the guest bedroom. "I take it Natalia did a little redecorating…"

Robert sighed as Horatio silently edged away and went over to the bed without any assistance, "I'm surprised Jeffrey McKeen didn't try and stop us from returning to Miami," Horatio spoke in a quiet voice, slowly sitting down on the bed. "I'm sure he's discovered Ryan's ruse by now."

"Jeffrey McKeen as in the Undersheriff of the Las Vegas Police Department?" Robert asked, his expression concerned as he approached the bed. "Did…did Ryan ask you not to say anything?"

Horatio nodded, "He said I could tell you as soon as we were back in Miami just in case McKeen tried anything to stop our departure," he replied weakly. "This is still a very sensitive situation."

Robert gently helped Horatio lie down in bed, "I understand," he replied softly. "Better?"

"Yes, thank you," Horatio spoke in a quiet voice. "Did you get any sleep last night?"

Robert shrugged, "A bit," he replied softly. "Do you need anything right away, Uncle?"

"Just some rest," Horatio replied softly. "And maybe a painkiller…I'm a bit sore."

Robert nodded, "They're in my bag downstairs," he replied, covering him up. "I'll go get them."

As Robert left the room, Horatio closed his eyes, "Marisol, I almost joined you," he spoke in a quiet, tired voice as he allowed his weak body to relax. "Please help me become strong again."

Tiredness racked Robert's brain as he made his way downstairs to the foyer where he dropped his bag after getting inside. He silently retrieved his uncle's prescription and an unused water bottle from the bag and made his way back up to the guest bedroom before anyone noticed him.

As expected, his uncle was asleep and so Robert left the pill and the bottle on the nightstand and retreated to his master bedroom to change clothes. Instead of changing clothes, however, Robert made a beeline for the bed, got under the covers, and closed his eyes. He needed a moment.

After what seemed like an eternity, Bobby felt a hand on his forehead and he groaned, but didn't wake, "Bobby, are you okay?" he heard a quiet, gentle voice ask. "When you didn't come…"

Robert sighed sleepily as he opened his eyes and saw Natalia standing beside the bed, "Hey," he spoke in a tired voice, not moving an inch. "I just needed a moment and I guess I fell asleep…"

"That's okay, baby," Natalia replied gently, smiling at him. "Do you feel better?"

Groaning, Robert slowly sat up in bed, "Alexx and Frank went home to be with their loved ones," Natalia spoke in a quiet voice as she sat next to him. "Emily's holding a community dinner at the family center in Calle Ocho and Tim decided to take BJ and Adam there along with James, Julliet, and Jesse so that we and Horatio could relax. Tim called while you were asleep."

Instead of responding, Robert looked down at the bed and sighed as he felt tears fill his eyes; he was so tired and emotionally worn down from almost losing yet another loved one to pure evil.

"Hey," Natalia spoke softly as she embraced her husband. "It's okay, Bobby. Just let it out."

Grateful for such a caring wife, Bobby accepted the embrace and cried on Natalia's shoulder.

Manhattan, New York

The Sanctuary for Hopeful Healing was a small center in a secluded corner of Manhattan not far from Ground Zero; it had been established after 9/11by a private donor so that survivors, loved ones, and everyone else could have a place to heal from the tragedies of that day.

Bosco found it ironic that he had never actually visited the place himself, but Christopher's words rang true and Bosco knew it enough to text Danielle that he was going to a support meeting at a private place before making his way over to the spot in a cab. Danielle had told him to take his time, as dinner wasn't until that evening and he needed the time to heal.

I've been hurting ever since the rape and part of me hasn't dealt with it at all. Bosco thought sadly as he entered the building and began looking around at the simple décor. He had tried the centre where Dr. Hammerback volunteered, but it was too ritzy and made him uncomfortable, so he had quit going. This place, however, was simple and seemed like it would be welcoming.

Sighing, Bosco made his way into the gymnasium and saw a small table of coffee and snacks set up a small distance away from where a few people were sitting, listening to Jason Christopher speak about trauma. Sighing tiredly, Bosco walked over to the table and got himself a coffee.

Maritza had been missing for months without a trace, Tara had stayed away from police radar, and John was in Las Vegas until December. Sully and Yelina had everything together in that they had both Ray Jr. and Nicolas to keep them busy. They were also a great help to him and Danielle in raising David, Ellie, Michael, and Emily. Danielle was doing her best, but he wasn't.

Bosco closed his eyes as he gripped the cup of coffee; he could remember every bit of what happened in Miami every day since it happened and he hated it. John was gone too, but the comfort was he would be back in December unless he did well on that police exam and got hired on by the Vegas Crime Lab for his heroics. I can't handle losing another kid. Bosco thought.

Keeping a hold on the coffee, Bosco ignored the sudden buzzing coming from his pocket and walked over to the group. He sat down and hoped that he would hear some words of comfort.

Las Vegas, Nevada

C'mon, Dad, pick up. John thought anxiously as he sat in the break room at the Crime Lab, working on lessons in the workbook. I hope he's all right. I better call Mom about him later.

Sighing, John pocketed his phone just as Nick came into the break room drinking a smoothie, "How's the homework?" Nick asked in a tired voice. "Has anyone else clocked in yet?"

"Are you sure you're up for working?" John replied quietly, gazing at Nick. "You had chemo yesterday and you don't look good today. Grissom's gonna be mad if you get sick at work."

Nick sighed, "Since Catherine took a few days to be with her kids, Ecklie made me come in and play it by ear," he replied quietly. "Jenny didn't mind looking after Parker along with Jessica and Greg's cool with it too. Greg's gonna be called in if we absolutely need extra hands…"

John nodded, "Um, do you think Ecklie might let me look in the Missing Child Database if we end up not being needed in the field?" he asked quietly. "Maritza was cold cased this week."

Nick frowned, "We could do that now before anyone notices," he replied quietly, knowing that John's entire family was hurting over Martiza's disappearance. "Archie will hook us up."

Sighing, John nodded and Nick got up, leaving the smoothie in the fridge before he led John to the AV Lab, "Archie must be out," Nick spoke quietly, seeing the lab empty. "It is a holiday…"

"I'll just go ask Grissom when he gets in," John replied softly. "We'll probably be busy."

Before Nick could reply, Sara and Grissom came into the break room, "You're both early," Grissom commented in a quiet voice. "The shifts are a little crazy today cause of Thanksgiving."

"I don't mind being here today," John spoke quietly. "I'm more worried about Nick being here."

Nick scowled, but Grissom sighed, "If you feel sick, Nick, you can go home," Grissom said.

"I'm fine," Nick replied quietly. "When is everyone else supposed to get in?"

Sara sighed and took a seat at the table, "I hope it's not busy tonight because I'd like to go home early if I can and be with Gregory and Danielle," she spoke quietly. "I miss them already…"

"You can if we end up being slow," Grissom replied calmly. "And if Ecklie doesn't catch you…"

Just then, Ecklie walked into the room with Morgan and a nervous looking Hodges, "Most of day-shift called in sick, so I am grateful that you could all make it," he said in a calm, but slightly annoyed voice. "I assume Sanders, Jamison, Danville, and Kimoyah are coming?"

"I don't know what Tyler and Kimoyah are doing, but I know Caira will get here when she gets here because transit sucks today," John replied calmly. "Her roommate is busy today."

Ecklie sighed, but nodded because he knew that Caira was staying at Catherine's and Catherine was visiting Sam Braun with her children. Ecklie also knew that McKeen's people had probably figured out that Horatio and Detective Caine were long gone and that Ryan had helped with it.

Before Ecklie could speak, however, Caira and Kimoyah came into the staff room, "Good morning," Grissom spoke calmly. "Thank you for giving up your Thanksgivings to be here."

"I don't have anywhere else to be today," Caira spoke quietly. "Kimoyah gave me a ride."

Ecklie nodded, "All we need is Danville to show," he replied. "Sanders is on call, but…"

"Tyler went to the correctional facility to visit James and Darin," Kimoyah spoke quietly. "He was friends with them before they were stupid and he feels they need a friend…"

Ecklie swore, "We don't need anyone else being stupid!" he hissed. "Phone Danville now…"

"Conrad, has anyone found the guys responsible for Lieutenant Caine's abduction and torture yet?" Sara asked quietly. "The testimonies of Jill Adams and Andrea Pride should have led…"

Ecklie sighed, "It's a complicated situation given that Mobley was fired right after news got out about Boscorelli's heroics," he replied, ignoring John. "The media crucified him to the public and Sheriff Atwater is doing what he can to communicate with New York about Andrea Pride."

"I heard Sanders had a kid with her," Hodges spoke up. "Back when she worked here?"

Grissom sighed, "Greg would not appreciate the lab gossiping about him," he replied.

"No, Greg wouldn't," a voice replied as Greg walked into the room, having overheard the conversation about his past with Dr. Pride. "I let New York know my decision a week ago."

Grissom frowned at Greg, "Jenny and I talked and I've arranged for Matthew to come spend some time with us after Thanksgiving is over," Greg replied firmly, seemingly irritated to be the topic of gossip. "His mother is staying with friends and she has things she needs to do…"

"Did you press charges?" Sara asked quietly, giving Greg a look. "I wish you would."

Greg sighed and immediately went for his stash of coffee, "It's going to be up for discussion after the holiday," he replied softly. "I shared what I wanted and it's not in my hands."

"Isn't an extra kid not what you need right now?" Hodges asked. "With the custody thing…"

Greg sighed and Nick frowned, "Derek's still pushing that?" Nick asked worriedly.

"His parents don't talk to him anymore and so Derek's looking for a lawyer to continue the case in the new year," Greg replied irritably, glaring at Nick. "You know he's not competent."

Nick scoffed, "His diabetes was out of control when he did what he did," he replied angrily.

"Do you think I'm not capable of being a father to Jessica because I lost some of my hearing?" Greg replied angrily, ready to knock Nick out. "I love Jenny and I want to adopt Jessica."

Nick sighed, "You've got a former dominatrix as a therapist and you're a recovering alcoholic," he replied in an angry voice, glaring at Greg. "I don't think you'll be successful at…"

Greg suddenly snapped and he lunged at Nick, sending them and Greg's coffee to the floor in a huge mess, "WOAH!" Grissom shouted as he pulled Greg off of Nick. "Greg!"

Ecklie scoffed, "Stokes, what do you mean by trashing Sanders's past when yours isn't exactly squeaky clean either?!" he snapped angrily. "Get up and go outside to cool off!"

As Grissom talked quietly to the hurt Greg, Nick stormed out of the building and pulled his phone out. He needed to phone Derek and find out why he still wanted custody of Jessica.

Manhattan, New York

The sky was gray and the air was cold by the time Bosco left the center, but he was feeling emotionally better after listening to some of the meeting. It wasn't far from the center to the apartment, so he decided to walk, save a little money, and decompress from his emotions.

The route took Bosco right past the cemetery where Doc was buried and as Bosco passed the cemetery, he noticed a lone figure sitting on the bench in front of Doc's grave. Bosco quickly recognized the figure as Carlos and it appeared that Carlos was talking softly to the headstone.

"It feels like forever since you died," Carlos was saying quietly. "So much has happened…"

Bosco frowned as Carlos cringed and massaged his forehead, "It's cold and I can't stay out here too long, but nobody deserves to spend Thanksgiving alone," Carlos spoke softly, his hand trembling as he touched the headstone. "I…I know you'd remind me of how blessed I am, but I haven't felt blessed lately. FDNY won't even let me be an EMS Instructor because of the brain damage that Dimitri and Bernard gave me. Holly…she's been getting crap from people at work that think she could do better than me. Doc, I feel like I'm in a never-ending nightmare…"

Carlos paused and suddenly gagged, prompting Bosco to hurry into the cemetery, "You all right, Carlos?" Bosco asked in a concerned voice. "What are you doing out at Doc's grave?"

"I told Holly I was going for a walk," Carlos replied in a pained voice. "And now I feel sick."

Bosco quickly helped Carlos to his feet, "I thought you were on medicine for whatever's going on?" he asked in a concerned voice. "Your hand was trembling as you touched Doc's grave."

"The medicine's not working and I'm on the waitlist for an MRI, but that takes a while to schedule," Carlos spoke in a weak voice. "Holly does a lot of her administrative work from home so that Tommy can study at the library. I haven't been out much since it got really cold."

Bosco frowned as Carlos faltered a bit, "You need to go to the ER?" he asked worriedly.

"On Thanksgiving?" Carlos replied bitterly. "What are you even doing out here today?"

Bosco sighed, "I was going to a therapy group cause I'm sad," he admitted, wondering if his confession would inspire Carlos to get help. "You don't look well at all, Nieto."

"My head hurts a lot and the cold's making it worse," Carlos replied stiffly. "I need to go."

Bosco, however, continued to hold tight to Carlos, "Dude, at least go to a free clinic for some pain medication to get you through the day," he replied anxiously. "You're not well."

Carlos didn't reply, so Bosco marched him out of the cemetery and down the street to where he knew there was a medical facility. The facility was surprisingly quiet and Bosco found himself grateful for the quiet as he helped Carlos to the reception desk where a middle-aged nurse sat.

"Hey, my friend's got some illness related to brain damage," Bosco spoke in a concerned voice.

The nurse frowned as she looked at Carlos, "You're Carlos Nieto from the news?" she asked softly, having seen how badly he was tortured on the news. "You got brain damage from that?"

Carlos suddenly vomited on the floor, the pain and nausea becoming too much, "Let me help you get him into an exam room," the nurse spoke in a worried voice as she got up. "Come on."

Bosco found himself suddenly grateful for the strength he had as he pretty much carried Carlos to the exam room. Once they were in the exam room, Carlos managed to make it to the exam bed by himself and curled in a ball on top of the bed with his eyes closed and head down. The nurse quickly left, alarmed at the physical symptoms and hoping that she could get a doctor quickly.

"Nieto, hang in there," Bosco spoke worriedly, shocked at how unwell Carlos seemed to be.

Carlos sighed weakly, "Danielle said not to bother you with my problems cause you were hurting enough, so maybe you should go," he spoke weakly without opening his eyes. "She and Sully have been good about coming downstairs and keeping an eye on the kids when Holly has to take me to the emergency room in the middle of the night cause I have a seizure or whatever…"

Bosco frowned, as Danielle had gotten up several times in the middle of the night since John had gone off to Vegas and he hadn't seen her until morning. He had always heard a phone, but had ignored it in favor of sleep. Now, as Carlos spoke, he knew what Danielle had been doing and that Sully must have done it too; Sully had been known to keep very odd hours sometimes.

The door opened and Hawkes came into the room with the nurse and a cart of medical supplies, "Sergeant Boscorelli, I didn't expect to see you here on Thanksgiving," he said pleasantly.

"Um, Carlos Nieto's a friend of mine and he's not well," Bosco replied, gesturing to the bed. "John, David, and Ellie see Carlos as an uncle to them and Danielle is a good friend of his."

Hawkes nodded and walked over to the bed, "He…he got some brain damage from all that torture Dimitri LaRusso and Bernard Marquez put him through down in Miami," Bosco spoke in a concerned voice. "I...I don't know how bad it's been, but I think Danielle has an idea."

"Carlos, I'm Doctor Hawkes," Hawkes spoke gently. "Do you think you can sit up?"

Carlos groaned, "No," he spoke weakly. "I feel nauseous when I'm up…vertigo."

Hawkes nodded, "All right," he replied calmly. "The nurse is going to check your vitals."

While the nurse worked, Bosco got his phone out and texted Danielle because he felt Danielle and Sully should know what was happening so that they could let Carlos's family know.

I was walking home from Christopher's support group and I ran into Carlos at the cemetery where Doc's buried. Carlos got sick and so I took him to a nearby clinic, but he's having problems like vertigo. He said that you and Sully have been helping him out a lot – Maurice.

Danielle sighed as she looked at the text; she had been getting napkins and plasticware out of the closet for the dinner when she had gotten the text. She now figured that Bosco knew about all the times she had gone to watch Tommy and Kylie when Holly needed to care for Carlos away from the house. Her father had seen her leave one night, so she had told him what was going on and he had gone down to their apartment himself a few times so that everyone else could get some rest.

"Aunt Danielle?" Danielle suddenly heard a voice ask. "Do you need help?"

Danielle looked up from her phone and saw that Tommy and Kylie had just arrived, "Oh, Tommy, Kylie, where's your mother?" she asked softly. "Who let you two in?"

Sully sighed, "I did," he replied calmly. "They said Holly's waiting for Carlos to get home."

Nodding, Danielle sighed, "Tommy, Kylie, can you please get the plastic stuff out?" she asked.

Sully gave Danielle a concerned look as they moved away from the closet, "Maurice came across Carlos at Doc's grave and Carlos got sick enough that Maurice took him to a clinic," Danielle spoke in a quiet, concerned voice. "I don't want to worry the kids at all…"

"Crap," Sully replied worriedly. "If you go downstairs, the kids are gonna know something's…"

There was a knock at the door and Danielle answered it, sighing when she saw Holly there, "Hey, Bosco texted me," Holly spoke quietly, her expression somber. "I need to thank him…"

Tommy shooed Kylie over to the table with the plasticware and went over to his mother, "Mom?" he asked quietly, seeing his mother's expression. "Did Dad have an issue?"

"He's with Bosco and they'll be along," Holly replied softly. "Did you check your grades?"

Tommy nodded, "Um, Aunt Danielle, did I tell you I switched my major up right before classes began?" he asked softly, giving her a look. "I decided to do a dual LPN and therapy degree."

Danielle smiled, "Pre-med would be a lot of money and time and it would take me away from home too often," Tommy spoke quietly, sighing. "Mom works and Kylie has school. Dad needs someone to help him…"

Nodding, Danielle gave Tommy a gentle hug, "It's okay," she spoke gently. "I get it…"

Sighing, Tommy went to help Kylie set the tables that Ray Jr. had set up for their company that was on the way, "Tommy wouldn't let us pay for his education," Holly spoke quietly.

Danielle replied by giving Holly a gentle hug, "It's okay," she replied softly. "It'll be okay."

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Stay away from Jenny and Jessica, Derek," Nick hissed. "You know she doesn't love you."

Those words echoed in Nick's mind as he walked back into the lab after cooling off and calling Derek, "…I appreciate you inviting me over to the lab for dinner and so I could give an extra class to the students I have left," Ray Langston's voice spoke. "This looks good."

"Ecklie generously ordered a catered meal for those who had to work the holiday," Grissom's voice said in a pleasant tone. "If we don't get a case, we might as well keep a little busy."

Nick paused as Greg suddenly came out of the bathroom with his phone, "Um," he said softly.

"Look, I told Jenny what happened and I know you had feelings for her," Greg spoke softly, his expression somber and concerned as he looked at Nick. "We almost didn't get married because Jenny was in love with you at one point. She said that her time in Austin changed her feelings."

Nick frowned, "Jenny said I reminded her too much of bad choices she made," he replied.

"It's not your fault you and Derek look so much alike, but you're right," Greg replied quietly.

Nick sighed as he and Greg moved into the locker room, "Jenny said she couldn't trust me because brothers stick together," Nick spoke quietly. "She's been really cold to me since.'

"She agreed to watch Parker for you," Greg reminded him. "She and I have been seeing Doctor Kessler since you moved out and she's got trust issues that stem back years. I also told her about me being adopted and having Danielle and some guy named Danny Messer as my birth siblings."

Nick's eyes widened in surprise, "You're related to Danielle?" he replied. "What happened?"

"I…I have to go to New York at some point after the holiday to get Matthew for visitation and I hope I have time to visit with both Danielle and Danny Messer about that," Greg spoke quietly. "I also want to talk to John Sullivan, as he's the one who protected my mom from big trouble. I also want to see if I can find my birth mom..."

Before Nick could reply, Grissom came into the locker room, "I heard you two talking and I thought I'd come see if you've both cooled down," Grissom said firmly. "That was…"

"We're fine," Greg spoke up quietly, feeling less hostile towards Nick. "I apologize."

Grissom nodded, "We're having dinner before we get call-outs and then Langston is going to hold an impromptu class for the students," he replied calmly. "Why don't you two join us?"

Nick and Greg exchanged a look and nodded, sharing a fist-bump as they left the locker room.

Jackson Memorial Hospital - Miami, Florida

"Sergeant Stetler?"

Rick, who had spent most of the day sleeping simply because he didn't have energy to do anything else without help, opened his eyes and was surprised to see Dr. Loman at the foot of his bed with Robert. Robert was carrying a bag of supplies and a bag of outside food.

"Bobby, I meant to meet you at the station," Rick spoke quietly. "Then I got sick."

Robert nodded calmly, "What are you even doing here?" Rick asked. "It's Thanksgiving…"

"Uncle Horatio's having a rest and Natalia's having a little rest at home since the Speedles are looking after BJ and Adam til later," Robert spoke gently. "We're family, Rick."

Dr. Loman sighed as he picked up Rick's chart and hooked a sheet to it, "Your bloodwork's still not stable and your chemo's been suspended for now," he said in a quiet voice. "You're anemic and your blood sugar dropped because you haven't been eating. You're at risk for diabetes…"

"I don't have an appetite most the time," Rick admitted softly. "The chemo makes me so sick."

Dr. Loman looked at the bag of food in Robert's hands, "Maybe your family can help," he said.

Robert quickly unpacked the food on the portable table, "You told Natalia about my drinking last Thanksgiving, didn't you?" he asked weakly. "Amanda's dead and I'm being a burden…"

"Rick, please shut up," Robert spoke in a firm voice. "You are not a burden to me, Natalia, or the kids. I know Catherine and your kids have been making life hard for you and I'm sorry for that."

Rick sighed, "I'm thinking of asking for a divorce," he replied softly. "I can't keep doing this."

Dr. Loman quietly left the room as Robert prepared a plastic plate of food for his brother-in-law.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"I know it's not catered food, Sam, but it's pretty good anyway," Catherine spoke in an apologetic voice as Sam, Lindsey, and Lenny came into the dining room of the safehouse and saw the table set with plates, cutlery, cups, and food. "I haven't done this big a meal in a while."

Sam nodded and sat at the table with Lindsey and Lenny, "So, Lindsey, Lenny, what have you been doing with your mother during your visit?" he asked in a calm voice. "It's been a while…"

"Mommy took us to Circus, Circus and we played games and we also did some shopping cause we need new clothes," Lindsey spoke enthusiastically. "We also got to go bowling."

Lenny, however, said nothing because he missed Miami, his father, and being around people who weren't so uppity. He loved his mother dearly, but he and Lindsey didn't get along and he felt like he was in the middle as far as Lindsey and their father fighting was concerned. He also was uncomfortable around Sam and always had been because Sam had attacked his father.

"Once they let me out of here, I'd love to show you three the restaurants and family-friendly things in my casinos," Sam said grandly. "I'll also show you the site for the Eclipse since it will eventually be yours. I'm getting older and when I'm gone, your mom will own it…"

Catherine looked surprised, "You rewrote your will?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"Who knows what McKeen will do when he gets back from holidaying in the islands?" Sam replied in a calm, but somber tone. "I also want to give you some money so you can do good for the kids if you want to eventually have them here, but we'll discuss that after dinner."

Catherine nodded and took her seat, wondering how Rick would feel about that information.

Manhattan, New York

It was nearly three by the time Bosco and Carlos returned to the apartment building, as Hawkes had made Carlos rest while receiving IV fluids due to low blood pressure. Hawkes had also given Carlos prescription pain medication and had promised to see if he could fast-track the MRI appointment because the level of pain and severity of symptoms proved something was wrong and it would become worse if it wasn't checked. Bosco had quietly paid for the appointment.

As the two men entered the apartment, they saw that the extra tables had been added to the dining table to make one long table for everyone. The head of the table was empty and Danielle, Sully, Yelina, an empty seat, Holly, and Tommy were on one side while Rose, Danny, Lindsay, Ty, and Sasha sat on the other side. Brendan, Grace, their son, and Mac had also been invited to dinner, but Mac was spending time with Stella because she was nervous about being out and had nobody to spend Thanksgiving with and Brendan and Grace were with Brendan's mom.

The kids table was at the very end of the larger table and Ray Jr., David, Ellie, Kylie, Michael, Emily, and Nicolas all sat there. Everyone looked at Bosco and Carlos curiously, but didn't say anything because they knew of Bosco's struggles and Carlos's illness and didn't want to create tension or cause hurt. It was a hard enough situation without negative feelings rising up.

Carlos silently made his way over to the empty seat and quickly sat, hoping that the dose of pain meds would get him through dinner. Holly gently took his hand while Bosco made his way over to the counter, picked up the turkey, and brought it over to the table along with the knives.

"Were you sick again, Daddy?" Kylie asked softly, noticing that Carlos looked tired.

Carlos sighed, "Daddy got a little sick today, but Uncle Bosco took Daddy to a doctor and Doctor Hawkes gave me some medicine," he replied softly. "He's also going to see if I can't go get a picture of my head taken sooner. Anyway, this food looks so good; why don't we eat?"

Bosco quietly cut the turkey, "Sully, can you say grace?" he asked in a quiet voice, figuring some sort of prayer would help them all at least get through the day. "You know grace, right?"

"Yeah, I can offer a prayer," Sully replied, sighing as he stood up and folded his arms to pray.

"Stella, I know you'd disapprove, but I invited Bill and Jillian Stokes to Thanksgiving and my mom went ballistic," Emily's voice filled Stella's phone. "My mom kicked us all out and so we're eating at their hotel and then I'm going home. She's going to try and keep Alex from me…"

Sighing heavily, Stella turned the answering machine off and looked at Mac helplessly, "I told her that involving herself in Derek's family was not a good idea," she spoke softly. "I tried."

"She's 18 and out of the center, so she is free to make her own decisions," Mac replied in a concerned voice. "You're not legally bound to work with her anymore if you don't want to."

Stella shrugged, "If I abandon Emily and then she goes back to drugs, I'll feel responsible," she explained in a concerned voice. "Until I'm travel approved, I really don't have any other plans."

Mac raised an eyebrow, "I'm curious," he replied softly. "You want to take a vacation?"

"Well, I'd like to catch up with an old friend, but I don't want to go to soon because he's still recovering," Stella explained quietly. "He stayed with me when he was up here before…"

Mac frowned, "It's Horatio Caine, isn't it?" he asked quietly. "He stayed with you back then?"

Stella nodded, "We met a long time ago back when he worked in New York and we had a thing," she admitted quietly, giving Mac a sad smile. "When Horatio's sister was killed, Agent Sackheim approached me and said if I went helped him, he'd help me catch Dimitri LaRusso. At that point, Horatio decided to go to Miami with Bobby for a fresh start and so he ended our relationship."

Mac nodded, stunned by Stella's revelation, "I wasn't ready to be involved with a man who had a child and so I'm partially at fault for the breakup," Stella spoke quietly. And Horatio was offered a good job and both he and Bobby were hurting over the loss of Adria and needed a change."

"You're worried that Horatio won't think the same of you because of your PTSD," Mac reasoned in a quiet voice, sighing at Stella's facial expression. "Do you want me to pull some strings?"

Stella shrugged, "I shouldn't go until Christmas at least and I sent emails, but I have no idea if he'll respond," she replied softly. "If he wants to talk, maybe I'll see about getting permission."

"If Horatio wants to talk, what could it hurt to see where it goes?" Mac asked in a kind voice.

Stella sighed and turned her attention to the takeout food, plates, cutlery, and cups that were on the table, "I'll see if he responds," she replied softly. "As for Emily Yokas, I'm not sure."

"If you're uncomfortable with helping someone with unstable behavior, I can always get someone else to mentor her while you focus on helping Pavel," Mac spoke quietly."

Stella shrugged and took a seat at the table, prompting Mac to join her so that they could eat.

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