Chapter 21

A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone. Thank you all for your understanding and your very kind words! Thank you to Margaret for helping me proof once again. I appreciate you my friend! I aprreciate and value you all!!! Enjoy!

Here we go....

III

A little while later Maria returned and took Calleigh for her blood test and sonogram. Joe walked in to find Horatio alone sitting up in the bed reading the newspaper.

"You're still awake," Joe said with a grin. "I thought that spitfire blonde would have done you in by now," he teased.

Horatio's low hum turned into a chuckle. Only Joe had no clue what torture Horatio had endured in that blondes very effective hands.

"Still awake," Horatio answered looking up at him.

Joe held his gaze for a long moment and Horatio spoke knowingly.

"Stop worrying Joe."

Joe shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe how easily Horatio read him. He pulled up a chair, leaned in closer and whispered, "I know you said we wouldn't talk of it but… That phone call you got from Frank—"

"You'd make a good detective Joe," Horatio smiled with a nod. "It was harmless. Frank was just giving me a heads up that I would be having a visitor sometime soon. Something I already knew."

Joe's brow arched with worry. "Who?" He asked nervously.

"You don't want to know," Horatio replied, his lips slightly curving upward. He clearly wasn't concerned at all.

"Oh no," Joe groaned, "Not… Not that Stetler guy!"

"Oh yes," Horatio chuckled his response.

Joe exhaled and plowed his fingers through his hair with a grimace. Horatio knew it was a sign of Joe's frustration and worry.

"Relax Joe, and remember what I said. Let's not discuss this anymore alright."

Joe nodded releasing a long breath. "I know. I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"No apology necessary. And everything is fine Joe."

Joe shook his head back and forth. "I have to give you credit man. You're a cool cat under pressure."

Horatio grinned at his description. "What pressure," he laughed.

Joe nodded his head with a laugh that was full of concern. A knock on the door made him turn his attention in that direction.

"Horatio, Doctor," Sergeant Rick Stetler greeted, in a very serious tone looking them both over.

Joe's eyes widened and he stood up immediately as Horatio's low calm tone flowed over the room.

"Rick," Horatio answered. "Something I can do for you?"

Stetler nodded and entered the room. "As a matter of fact there is Horatio. I would like to speak with the both of you," he said, looking over at Joe, who huffed and crossed his arms on his chest clearly annoyed.

Horatio held Stetler's darkening gaze when he turned his attention back towards him. Stetler took a seat near Horatio's bedside and opened the file in his hands.

"It seems someone attacked and abused John Hagen last night. I just have a few questions and then you doctor… can go." He glanced over at Joe, who stood across from him on the opposite side of Horatio's bed.

Horatio made brief eye contact with Joe, than nodded in approval. He made sure Stetler believed he had control of the conversation; but it was all part of Horatio's plan.

"Dr. Gannon, I need you to confirm Lieutenant Caine's whereabouts yesterday and last night."

Joe's one brow rose high. "You want me to confirm— Are you serious?"

Stetler nodded. "Yes. When was the last time you came in to check on Lieutenant Caine last night?"

Joe exhaled, "After Midnight. Check his chart, and feel free to speak with the nurses too!"

"I'll do that, thank you doctor." He looked down at the open file in his hands. "Tell me what time you left the hospital last night Joe?"

"Dr. Gannon," Joe corrected him with a low growl. "After 1 am I believe. Why?" He snapped.

Stetler ignored his question and continued. "Can someone confirm that for you doctor? Who was the last person to see you last night?"

Joe gritted his teeth feeling his anger build. "That would be Calleigh Duquesne and the nurses."

Stetler quipped, "How convenient."

Joe shifted and his brows knitted. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing really doctor," Stetler smirked.

Joe's jaw flexed and his eyes flashed with anger. Horatio knew Joe was reaching his breaking point with Stetler's accusations and rightfully so. He finally spoke up.

"Rick. I think you're about done with Dr. Gannon," Horatio said glaring at him.

"As a matter of fact Horatio, I am." Stetler replied smugly then looked over at Joe and smiled callously. "You… can go."

Joe gnashed his teeth together as he barely held himself at bay. He snapped out. "I think I'll stay." He pulled a chair over near the bedside and sat down with arms crossed over his chest, almost daring Stetler to make him leave.

Stetler chuckled and wrote something down in the file. He looked up and over towards Horatio.

"This isn't personal Horatio."

"Really. You could have fooled me Rick."

"You do know this doesn't look very good for you?"

"Excuse me," Horatio replied smoothly.

"You are aware of what happened to Hagen. Yes?"

"I saw it on the news. It's been on all day so… yes I am aware." Horatio answered holding his cynical gaze.

Stetler held his steely blue eyes for a long moment. "You don't look all that sick to me Horatio. In fact, I'm betting you had something to do with this."

"Betting Rick?" Horatio smiled coldly.

"I'm glad you find this amusing Horatio, but I don't."

"Well… I hope you have something to back up that last statement Sergeant." Horatio glowered, using his sergeant's title to annoy him.

"Not yet… but I'm working on it Horatio. It's a very strange coincidence that Harwood and Hagen were both at the same mental hospital, don't you think?"

"No." Horatio answered flatly. "That's where they both belonged."

Stetler smirked. "Don't you think they could have conspired against you Horatio? Against you and Miss Duquesne? I mean it was the two of you who put them both away."

Horatio's eyes narrowed on Rick. "You obviously haven't read the report Rick. It was in fact, Charlie Berenger and Christopher Harwood that conspired against us. Hagen however… checked out. He was questioned and he came up clean. Hagen had nothing to do with it. I suggest you try reading the report."

Anger radiated off Stetler as he stared at Horatio in disbelief. Stetler looked down and shuffled some papers that were in the file. "It would seem… someone forgot to put that report on my desk!"

Horatio hummed deeply. "So it would seem." A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Joe held back his chuckle and gave Stetler a smirk, thinking, 'Idiot!'

"When will you be released from the hospital Horatio?" Stetler sneered.

"Tomorrow."

"Really… and Miss Duquesne?"

Joe interrupted. "If all her tests come back satisfactory, she can go home tomorrow as well."

Stetler gave Joe a pessimistic glare. "Tell me doctor, what exactly are his injuries?"

Joe tucked his chin and rose. Now Stetler was in his field… The medical field! With an almost inaudible chuckle, Joe picked up the clipboard at the foot of Horatio's bed, then scanned over the first page and began speaking in a rather arrogant tone.

"Let's see… where to start?" He rolled his eyes being a complete smart-ass, and then stared at Stetler mocking him.

"Joe…" Horatio lowly warned, hearing his clear sarcasm.

Joe gave him a quick glance as one brow rose high and he ignored him. He continued speaking.

"Well… Lieutenant Caine has two cracked ribs, a concussion, a contusion— that required stitches and, he was recently shot in the upper left quadrant." Joe flipped the page and walked over towards Stetler.

Joe was on a roll as his voice oozed with contempt. "Oh, I um, left something out! The poison is still in his system! Here are the latest blood results if you'd like to confirm them for me!" He growled and shoved the clipboard at Stetler who dropped the file he was holding onto.

"Smuck!" Joe exhaled lowly unable to contain his anger.

Stetler glared at him and held onto the clipboard, he also managed to pick up the file. He stared stonily at Joe for a long moment. "That does sound like a bit much doctor. I'm sure it would be easy for you to fabricate some of Lieutenant Caine's Injuries."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Joe snarled loudly getting in Stetler's face.

"If the shoe fits…" Stetler let his words trail off but held Joe's furious gaze.

"Joe. Why don't you take a break?" Horatio said trying to diffuse the situation. Joe was clearly ready to take Stetler's head off.

"Before you go doctor… I have just one more question." Stetler said with a cruel smile. "Miss Duquesne's injuries?"

Joe's jaw shifted, as well as Horatio's. They were both getting agitated now.

"Miss Duquesne is lucky to be alive." Joe looked back at Horatio. "If Lieutenant Caine hadn't found the cure for her... she wouldn't be here today. Her injuries are mild but her body and organs suffered severe trauma. Miss Duquesne will require some time off to recover and convalesce."

"How long?" Stetler snapped out uncaring.

Joe's lips curved upwards. He looked over at Horatio, grinned, and replied "Same as Lieutenant Caine here."

Stetler frowned annoyed with Joe's response. "And just how long would that be doctor?"

Joe leaned into Stetler and growled, "As long as I say. Now why don't you get your sorry ass out of here before I throw it out!" Joe's eyes shot daggers at him.

Stetler glared. "This interview isn't over doctor." He shoved the clipboard back at Joe.

"Oh yes it is!" Joe said gripping it tightly, holding himself back from taking a swing at the smug son of a bitch. He nodded. "While you're at it… why don't you go find some real criminals?"

Stetler looked back at Horatio in surprise and then Joe. He began to walk out. He stopped and turned back looking from one man to another. "IAB is looking into this case Horatio. It's not over… not by a long shot."

"Thanks for the newsflash Rick." Horatio said with clear amusement in his tone.

Rick shook his head when Joe continued.

"Why don't you just try asking the man who attacked him Sergeant?"

Rick smirked. "Because he's scared to death and not himself right now… they think… he may have had a breakdown of some sort."

"Some sort," Horatio repeated with a cold grin.

Stetler nodded. "IAB is looking into it and be assured; we will get to the bottom of it."

Horatio couldn't help the wry grin that spread across his face thinking, 'Bottom of it,' as in John's ass.

"No doubt," he said as Stetler walked out of the room.

Joe exhaled heavily and raked a hand through his hair. "I can't stand that guy!!!"

"And it's very noticeable," Horatio grinned. "By the way… Nice work doctor. You handled yourself very well. I especially liked the murmured smuck comment." Horatio chuckled and gave Joe a wink teasing him.

Joe smirked. "Copycat!"

Horatio's low laughter filled the room as Joe headed for the door.

"I'll be back in a bit," Joe said, in a bit of a strained tone. "I… I need a drink!"

Horatio chuckled and lifted the newspaper up once again.

Not more than a minute passed when the inevitable arrived.

"Was that Sergeant Stetler?" The sweet southern sound of Calleigh's questioning voice filled the room.

Horatio's brows arched high and he slowly lowered the paper once again. This time he folded it and let it rest on his lap as he held her questioning gaze. He nodded with a lopsided grin.

"Yes, it was Stetler."

Calleigh held his mischievous eyes for a moment waiting for an explanation that never came.

"What did he want?" She asked walking over towards the bed.

Horatio's eyes narrowed in thought. "Well… what does he always want?"

Calleigh let out a heavy breath with one hand on her hip. "He always wants to cause trouble!"

Horatio nodded again but this time with a widening smile. "Ditto!"

III

The next morning, Joe examined them both thoroughly. He checked and rechecked all their test results to make sure they were both well enough to go home. He released them and gave them both orders to rest, at home, with no strenuous activities. He made sure to stress, strenuous. Frank was kind enough to chauffeur them home. He left the appreciative couple, knowing they needed some alone time for themselves.

Horatio opened the door and stepped back to let Calleigh walk in first. She smiled instantly seeing and smelling the beautiful bouquet of red roses in the center of the table. Calleigh turned towards him just as he stepped up behind her and planted a very soft kiss against his lips.

"Thank you Handsome. They are beautiful and smell wonderful."

Horatio nodded and looked down with a shy smile. Calleigh wasted no time and coiled both arms high around his neck. She pressed her lips against his and kissed him. Her parted lips tugged at his bottom lip first, then top. Her tongue flicked out teasingly, softly against his and a low male groan of need rumbled in his throat.

Horatio moaned his pleasure. He hungrily returned the kiss pulling her body in closer against his, needing to be one.

Calleigh drew back taking a breath. "It feels so good to be home. I can't wait to take a shower."

'Home,' sounded wonderful coming from her lips. "Mmmm... Sounds good, maybe I'll join you beautiful."

"Joe said no strenuous activity Horatio." She reminded him with a wicked smile, as her hands slid lower towards his belt buckle. Calleigh wasted no time.

"Well…" He exhaled heavily watching her fingers effortlessly work his belt buckle open. "I guess you'll have to make sure I don't… strain myself," he groaned, as she tugged on the belt, pulling him forward just a bit.

Calleigh giggled and slowly ran her lips along his neck, breathing her warm breath against him, turning him on even more.

"Well handsome," she whispered, looking down at his already tented pants. "I think you're straining already!" She gently ran her hand down, then up over his hardening length.

Horatio groaned in pleasure letting his eyes close to the sensations that filled him. Her fingers worked on his pants button, while her lips suckled along the pulse at his neck.

"Kiss me, Horatio." Sweet and sensual, her low southern tone worked his senses like a master musician with an instrument. She strummed through his heart and soul and left him aching for her.

Hungry blue eyes met with lustful green, and with a low growl he buried both his hands in her silky hair, than pulled her in for a mind-blowing kiss.

The bell rang!

Calleigh moaned and they both continued to kiss deeply, hungrily, completely immersed in each other. Horatio groaned as her hand snaked inside his pants, and the bell rang again.

He drew back breathing heavily with a moan as Calleigh clung to him gasping out of breath. "No… No don't stop… it's our imagination!"

Horatio couldn't help but chuckle when the bell rang a third and final time. "Our imaginations can be persistent sweetheart.

"No, no…" She said sadly as he zippered up and buttoned his pants quickly, trying to look somewhat decent.

He straightened and let out a breath, then caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers.

"I'll get rid of them beautiful. Then we'll… shower," he said with a beautiful smile.

Calleigh sighed heavily and let herself collapse right down onto the soft welcoming couch. She exhaled a long breath in annoyance and felt the soft cushions relax and soothe her body.

Horatio cleared his throat and opened the door. His brows arched high in surprise.

"Alexx?" He said running a hand through his hair.

She smiled and walked right in past him with a huge bag in her arms. "I thought I would surprise you both with an early lunch. I got your favorite baby," she said looking over at Calleigh.

'Alexx?' Calleigh's mouth remained open, part in horror and part surprise. "Oh… Um, thanks Alexx," she said, and gave Horatio a pouty glance as she slouched more in disappointment.

He smiled instantly in understanding. Their shower would have to wait.

Alexx stared at the both of them suspiciously. They kept looking at one another.

"Okay… what's going on here? You two are doing it again. I can tell something is up."

Horatio remained quiet. Unwilling to tell her what was up a few minutes ago. Calleigh chuckled, thinking about it and then rose to join Alexx.

"Everything is fine Alexx," she said sweetly. "Thank you so much for thinking of us. You are a godsend."

Alexx wasn't satisfied with their answers and after a minute shook her head in understanding. She smirked and put one hand on her hip looking from one to the other. Horatio was a bit disheveled. Calleigh's cheeks were flushed. Alexx held back her grin.

"I just wanted to drop this off for you two love birds. I hope you both enjoy it." She headed for the door as Calleigh and Horatio both attempted to stop her.

"Alexx…" Calleigh said walking after her. "Wait! Stay and eat with us."

She looked over at Horatio who nodded in agreement. "We would enjoy your company Alexx."

Alexx shook her head and raised a hand in a stopping motion. She turned towards Calleigh. "Baby its okay really. I have to get home and feed my own family too. You both enjoy the food and your time off," she smiled knowingly.

Calleigh's cheeks went rosy and she laughed quietly. She whispered to Alexx near the door. "Was it that obvious?"

Alexx smirked and then chuckled. "Baby I don't think either of you could hide it. It's understandable." She gave Calleigh a tight hug, then backed off and waved at Horatio.

"You two go easy, and please get some rest. Doctor's orders."

"We will," they both answered in unison making Alexx laugh.

Calleigh watched her leave from the doorway, and then closed the door. She let herself collapse back against it with a heavy breath. Her gaze immediately locked with his.

"Alexx knew… she interrupted us." Calleigh said shaking her head in disbelief.

"And…" Horatio said, heading for her with mesmerizing blue eyes. He stood before her, his hands caressed her arms. He lowered his head and wisped his lips against hers slowly, sipping kisses, taking his time.

"And…. And…" Calleigh murmured, entranced by his soothing touch, tone and his tender kisses. "What… about… lunch?" She barely breathed the words as he continued to pepper soft tantalizing kisses against her throat.

A long hum of approval came from Horatio's throat. "It can wait." He laced his fingers in Calleigh's and led her towards the bedroom.

"C'mon beautiful… before that bell rings again!

They kissed, caressed, and laughed, heading down the hall when the unimaginable happened.

"Nooooo!" Calleigh growled and in despair, let herself collapse against the wall where she wanted to bang her head.

"Horatio," Calleigh sighed completely discouraged.

The bell rang again making her groan angrily.

He gave her a small smile. "Hang in there," he whispered kissing her forehead. "I'll go see who it is, and get rid of them."

"No," she exhaled heavily. "I'll do it," She said with a grin, looking down on him. "Besides…" She headed for the door and turned back towards him. "I think you need a few more minutes to get that…" She pointed at his groin, "Gun under control handsome."

With hands on hips, Horatio looked down. He cleared his throat and gave her one of his beautiful boyish grins.

Calleigh chuckled. She quickly yanked the door open with the intent to send who ever it was packing. Immediately her eyes went wide as saucers. Calleigh was mortified and with clear shock and horror in her southern tone she exclaimed…

"Daddy?!"

III

The bathroom was dimly lit. Beautiful candles burned and flickered all around, scenting the air with a wonderful rose-vanilla aroma.

Horatio and Calleigh were relaxed in the marble Jacuzzi. Calleigh sat behind Horatio, who was slouched down resting comfortably against her soft body.

"This feels incredible," she sighed in content, rubbing the large soapy sponge along his shoulder and chest.

A long deep hum of approval was his response as he exhaled a slow deep breath in relaxation. "I couldn't agree more beautiful."

"I thought he'd never leave," she drawled, squeezing the sponge out onto Horatio's chest as the warm water covered him.

"Mmmm."

Horatio languidly slid his hand along her leg in the water. "I told you we'd have our time together beautiful." He said in that low relaxed, whiskey tone she loved.

Calleigh smiled and wrapped both arms around him. Her cheek was against his.

"Mmmm, you feel so good," she said hugging him tightly. Something in her mind clicked and she thought of all Horatio had done to save her. She still couldn't believe what had happened and how he sacrificed himself. Her thoughts consumed her. She leaned her chin down on his shoulder and whispered, "Do you know how much I love you?"

Horatio's sensual hum vibrated low. "Please… tell me."

Calleigh chuckled and shifted in the warm water sliding out from behind him. She cupped his face in her hands and held his soft pools of blue.

"I'd rather show you," she whispered against his lips and then kissed him lovingly.

"Mmm… Round two," Horatio hummed against her luscious lips.

She peppered his mouth with soft sweet kisses then drew back. She sighed heavily this time and stared into his beautiful crystal blue eyes… Only this time she was a thousand miles away. An unwanted memory entered her mind and it was apparent.

Horatio could read her. He could see the distance in her dulling eyes. His head tilted just a bit in question.

"Something on your mind beautiful?"

Calleigh blinked in realization being pulled from her thoughts. "No." She said immediately. Almost defensively in that rising tone that clearly gave her away. She was lying and he knew it. He knew her all too well.

Horatio stared into her green eyes that suddenly grew sad. No words were needed as his questioning gaze echoed his early thoughts.

This wasn't supposed to happen now, she thought. They just made love and she wanted nothing more than to hold him close and cuddle. She needed to feel his body against hers.

Calleigh looked down at the water and shook her head knowing he deserved an answer.

"I… I just…" She let her words trail off.

He watched Calleigh struggle with her thoughts and waited patiently.

"Horatio…" she started again almost fighting herself. "I want to share something with you, but…" She stared into his soft compassionate eyes.

"But… I'm afraid how to… what you would think. I mean… I really want to tell you everything. I want to share everything with you. No more hiding," she said, letting out a long lingering breath.

"Okay," he answered, holding her apprehensive gaze. He knew what this was about, or so he thought he did.

Calleigh moved in closer and rested her head on his damp chest. She whispered, "Today, when I saw the news about John… It really got to me." She paused and bit down on her lip nervously then continued. "I have been meaning to tell you something for a while now but I guess… No, I know I keep chickening out. No more. No more," she said surely.

"Today, I am going to share my deepest darkest secret with you, just like you have shared yours with me. It's time, no matter how painful the memory." She lifted her head and held his questioning eyes.

"Calleigh—"

"Sssh." She cut him off and pressed her index finger against his lips, then kissed him lightly and rose from the Jacuzzi.

"Stay here," she said stepping out and wrapping herself in a towel.

Horatio nodded confused and watched her leave the steamy bathroom. Things were perfect and he wondered what brought on the sudden change in her.

A few minutes went by when she returned in her terrycloth bathrobe. She held her hand out to him giving him his bathrobe as well.

"Trust me," she said.

"Always," he answered in a voice soft as silk.

Horatio stood and slipped on his robe. Calleigh took his hand and let him out of the room and into the den. She stood in the doorway and rose on her tiptoes kissing his lips once again. She let out a nervous breath and gave him a small smile.

"I thought I could do this but…" she bit down on her lip. "It may be easier this way. I hope you can understand," she breathed heavily. She pointed to the desk where a book laid. "That's my journal. It's set on the page where I would like you to read it." She swallowed hard unable to look into his eyes.

"Calleigh you don't hav—"

She covered his lips again with her finger. "Yes I do handsome. I have to do this. It's time you knew the truth."

Horatio's brows arched high. He nodded. "Are you sure?"

"I am." She smiled and caressed his face lovingly. I have never been more certain. "Take your time," she explained as she turned and walked away. "I think… I'm going to go for a walk."

Horatio watched her slowly walk away, unsure if he should go after her and stop her. She seemed so sure of herself. He let out a short breath and turned back in the direction of the desk. He headed for it and stared at the floral book sitting near the edge. It was clearly one of Calleigh's journals. His curiosity peeked as a small red marker ribbon stuck out of the book. He opened it to the page it was set on and then with a breath, sat down and lifted the book into his hands.

Horatio let his eyes scan over her words. His heart quickened in anticipation… he knew he was about to find out the truth. As he began to read the words, her soft sweet southern voice resounded in his head…

'I don't know what I was thinking tonight. I have been such a fool to trust him. Here I am a police officer and I didn't even see it coming. How could I have been so blind? It still doesn't seem real but… the scars and pain is a reminder it was.'

Horatio took a breath. 'Scars? Pain?' His jaw muscles clenched repeatedly.

TBC…

How is your jaw muscles now??? LOL

I am going into hiding! Ha!