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

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

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

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

"In slightly sinking, the dull tide- As if their tops had feebly given, A void within the filmy Heaven. The waves have now a redder glow- The hours are breathing faint and low- And when, amid no earthly moans, Down, down that town shall settle hence, Hell, rising from a thousand thrones, Shall do it reverence."

From "The City In The Sea" by Edgar Allan Poe

The high humidity of Miami seemed to envelope the compartment as the door was opened and the steps locked into place. Standing slowly with Horatio as he held out is hand for her, she then watched as he gathered there things and took her hand again. Giving him a nod the she was ready, they walked to the front of the plane. Horatio went first and then turned back to her, holding out is hand once again to help her out. Looking around and then taking it, she slowly emerged from the plane.

Staying close to him as they walked, Calleigh slipped on her sunglasses, "You told everyone to stay away for a few days, right?"

"I told them nothing," Horatio answered succinctly. He could feel her grip strengthen and he looked down at her, speaking softly, "No one knows that you're in Miami. I just called to tell them that I was taking a few days, as far as they know, we're still in Las Vegas. You have nothing to worry about."

Satisfied with his answer, they walked slowly towards the small terminal as she looked up at him, "It's not that I don't want to see them, Horatio…I just need a little more time."

"You have all the time you need, Calleigh. No one's rushing you on this." Slowing their progression, he looked to her hesitantly, trying to gauge her demeanor. He had an idea, but he didn't want to scare her away from it. It was clear that Calleigh wasn't ready to see or deal with anyone, and until she was, Horatio wanted to make sure that she was comfortable with where she was. Stopping her completely, he gripped her hand tighter, "Calleigh…I have an idea. How about…how about we go to the Keys for a few days? We both aren't working, and some time alone will probably do you some good. I don't feel like you should be alone right now and seeming as if I don't have a place right now…"

"The Keys sounds okay…but, I need some things from my place, Horatio," she replied softly as she looked up at him. "Uh…how are we gonna get there? Our cars…"

"Have been taken care of, but for right now, I've rented one. We have it for the week." Horatio shook his head and smiled warmly, bringing her closer to him, cupping her face gently, "There's nothing for you to worry about. Just let things…go."

Nodding her head slightly, she whispered, "I'll try…I promise." Looking up at him, she shrugged, "You still have a spare to my place?"

"I haven't let it out of my sight," he answered as he parted from her hesitantly. Diving into his pocket, he pulled the ring of keys out and arched a brow, "It's the only one on this ring that's useable, although I haven't had the chance yet." He started to take it off of the ring but was stopped by her hand on his, gripping it tightly. Looking to her, he implored, "Calleigh? What is it?"

Shaking her head, she took in a deep breath and tilted her head, "You'll need a place to stay when we get back…and the offer is still good. I have the room and you need a place to stay, so keep it."

Taking the keys in his hand fully, he nodded, "Okay, I'll keep it, on one condition." He stared at her and smirked, "You let me do my part, Calleigh. None of this 'I'm your guest' stuff."

"Okay…deal," she replied softly. When they began to walk again, she looked back up at him, "Who's gonna run the lab? Tim will be in Orlando for the rest of the week."

"Mr. Wolfe. He's been handling the day to day, but Jesse's been helping him out. I've been getting reports, and things seem to be going along fine." He gave her a lackadaisical smile and shrugged, "I never knew that Mr. Wolfe would be just the right person for the job, but as I hear it, he's ready for me to come back."

Looking forward again, she sighed, "Maybe you should then, Horatio. I can stay at my place and…rest."

Horatio stopped in his tracks and stared after her as she continued to move. When she finally realized that she was alone, she turned to him, her brow arched questionably. Answering the unspoken query, he shook his head, "You're not going to wiggle yourself out of this. I've got a week and we're taking it. If you don't want to go to the Keys, then we can stay at your place for the week. I'm not leaving your side, Calleigh."

Noticing his change in tone, Calleigh sighed heavily and turned, walking again "Fine…let's go though, I don't want to be at the airport all day."

Horatio followed, curious as to her change, watching her intently. He could tell that she was irritated and he didn't want to provoke more out of her. Coming up beside her, he steered her towards the rental station. Standing in line, he couldn't help but feel the tension in the air and he averted his eyes to the floor, studying it intently. An ominous feeling came over him and he spoke softly, "I'm sorry, Calleigh. I was out of line."

Crossing her arms across her chest as they stood there, Calleigh pursed her lips but wouldn't look at him. Noticing the ladies room nearby, she got out of line and started walking towards it, "I'll be back…"

"Calleigh…wait!" he called after her. She ignored him and kept walking, the anger apparent in each step. Sighing to himself, he ran his hand through his hair, "Great job." Looking up to see the clerk motioning him over, he stepped closer and pulled his wallet, "Reservations for Horatio Caine."

Going into the restroom, Calleigh went in, pushing the sunglasses off and to the top of her head. Leaning with both hands onto the counter, she closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down some. She knew Horatio's intentions were good, but something inside her had clicked and suddenly she felt as if she was put into a tailspin. Reopening her eyes, she slipped the purse he'd gotten her off her shoulder and opened it, bringing out a bottle of prescription pills. Opening it and taking one, she quickly swallowed it, cringing at the taste.

Closing the bottle back, she placed it back it and then looked up, seeing herself in the mirror. Her hair was still somewhat of a mess from the haircut Larken had given her and she clenched her jaw. Remembering a rubber band she'd found, Calleigh quickly pulled her hair back the best she could and then fished the rubber band from her jeans pocket.

Finishing his transaction, Horatio took the key in hand and gave a small smile to the clerk and nodded, glancing away from her. Centering his gaze on the direction that she'd gone in, his brow furrowed and he sighed heavily. The time it had taken for him to make the transaction had been surmountable, and she should've been out by now. Concern filled him and he strode towards the bathrooms, hoping that she was okay.

Finishing up in the bathroom, Calleigh washed her hands and looked back up in the mirror, satisfied for now with her hair. Reaching for a towel, she dried off her hands, tossing it then into the trash. Slipping the small purse back onto her shoulder, she left out, nearly bumping into Horatio. Taking a deep breath, she sighed, "Checking up on me?"

Startled to run into her, he stumbled, "Ah…um…I was just coming to see if you were okay. You were a bit…upset when you walked away from me." Noticing that she'd pulled her hair back, he asked, "Are you okay?"

Looking around some, Calleigh crinkled her brow and shook her head, "No…no I'm not." Looking back up at him, she bit the inside of her lip before speaking again, "Would you mind if we make a stop on the way to my place? There's something I need to do."

"Not at all, where are we going?" Horatio asked, gesturing the way towards the exit. Her entire demeanor had changed completely and he arched a brow, "I noticed that you pulled your hair back, did you want to get it fixed?"

"Yeah…I can't stand looking at it like this," she replied as she slid her glasses back down over her eyes. Keeping her eyes forward, she exhaled, "It's Kranz Salon over on West Fillmore Avenue."

"West Fillmore," he replied as he opened the door. Taking the lead, he steered her towards the luxury sedan and disengaged the lock. Trying to make small talk, he asked, "So…any ideas on how you're going to get it done?"

Stopping at the trunk while he got the two small bags in, Calleigh shrugged, "I'll probably just have then even it out so I can try to grow it back out."

"How…how short are you going to get it?" Slamming the trunk down, he looked to her, quirking a brow, "It's…kinda…different seeing you with short hair."

"I'm just gonna have them fix it the best they can without taking too much more off." Finally looking at him, she sighed, "It took me years to grow my hair that long."

"Sounds good," he answered back as he walked towards the passenger door. Opening it, he smiled, "Let's get going, I don't know about you, but I can stand to eat."

Sliding in the opened door, Calleigh got situated and then he closed the door for her. Putting on her seat belt as he went around to the driver's side and got in, she looked down, biting her lip and then spoke softly, "I'm sorry for snapping like that in there, Horatio. I know you mean well."

Settling, Horatio placed his hands on the steering wheel and shook his head, "I know better. I shouldn't have demanded anything of you. You've been through so much, it was disrespectful and insensitive of me."

Lifting her head and looking at him, she hesitantly reached for his hand, placing hers on his, "Thank you for caring, Horatio."

"Always, sweetheart." A faint smile came and he nodded, "What do you say to a hair cut? I'm paying."

Giving him a faint smile, Calleigh nodded, "Okay." Moving her hand back as he started the car, Calleigh sat back, feeling odd butterflies in her stomach. She knew questions would be asked eventually from Horatio and others, questions she'd have to have the answers to. Staring out the window as they pulled out, she hoped that she'd eventually be able to answer the questions even she was asking herself.

Tim glanced anxiously out of the taxi's window as the car slowly turned into the familiar neighborhood of his childhood, thankful that he was finally there. After an interesting two days in Las Vegas where Calleigh completely shut down on him, he was ready to have some time away from everything. Allowing his thoughts to wander, he frowned at the memory of being told that Calleigh wouldn't be receiving visitors, even as he was told that he would be welcomed. Despite his many tries, he was unsuccessful in his attempt and left the hospital. Horatio had explained what was going on, but he was still hurt. He wanted a chance to talk to her. Shaking himself, he banished the thoughts and centered on what mattered the most. Yes, Calleigh was safe, but what mattered to him right now was getting to his little girl.

The cab came to a stop at the curb and Tim smiled widely as he reached for his wallet. Pulling a few bills out, he opened the door and looked back at the cabbie and nodded, "Thanks and keep the change." Getting out, he pulled his bag out and then closed the door, his eyes never leaving the home in front of him. His heart hammered inside of his chest and as the cab pulled away from him, he started towards the door.

Sitting at the kitchen table with her coloring book and crayons, Emma busied herself with a picture she was doing for her father. Coloring the grass, she smiled and asked, "Granny, when daddy comes tomorrow can I help fix him dinner so he can see me cook with you?"

Watching Emma color, Miranda took a sip of tea and placed the cup down gently, smiling, "Of course you can sweetie. Your Daddy's going to be so surprised that you are cooking. You can help him when you two get home."

"Yeah…" she giggled as she reached for another color, "and I can show him what a big girl I am now. He'll be surprised." The doorbell rang causing Emma to look up at her grandmother and then she went back to coloring, "Mail lady granny."

Taking a look at the clock above the stove, she nodded and stood, "I think it is, you want to come with me, kiddo?"

"No…" she said as she started coloring the tree. "I want to finish this for daddy."

"Okay, I'll be right back, Emma. Keep coloring nicely, alright?" Leaving the kitchen, Miranda laughed lightly as the door bell rang more, causing her brow to furrow, "Patience is a virtue." Finally reaching the door, she looked out, her eyes going wide at who was standing there. Opening the door, she exclaimed, "Tim! Oh my goodness…You're here!"

Tim gave her a lopsided smile and then opened his arms for her, "I got an earlier flight, I thought that it would be a nice surprise for Emma."

Moving to him, she hugged his tightly and smiled even more, "Oh she's gonna be so happy to see you." Pulling back but keeping hold of him, she looked up at him, taking him in, "We've all missed you."

"I've missed you," Tim answered as she ran her hand through his hair. He laughed and shook his head slightly, "It's been too long, Mom. Where is Emma?"

"She's in the kitchen coloring. She thought you were the mail lady," Miranda smiled as she moved back and let him come inside. Whispering, she pointed, "Go on in there and see her."

Humming to the music on the radio that Miranda had on for them, Emma continued to color, finishing up the tree she'd been working on. Smiling and looking at it, she then looked back to the colors, getting another and began coloring in the birds. Concentrating on what she was doing, she didn't even hear as someone came into the kitchen behind her.

Watching her color, he smirked and then spoke up, "That looks like a very nice tree. Someone special must be getting that picture."

Turning quickly in her chair, Emma smile grew from ear to ear as she dropped the crayon and jumped down from the chair, running over to him, "DADDY!"

Scooping her up into his arms, Tim held her close as he took in a deep breath and then let it out, smiling more. He couldn't think about letting her go, but she began to squirm and he pulled her away, "You haven't seen me for a while and now you want to get out of my arms. You must have something you want to me to see."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Emma nodded, "Uh huh…" Running her hands over her hair, she smiled more, "Do you like it daddy? Granny said it made me more beautiful."

Taking in her long brown hair, he nodded, "Indeed…you are beautiful. But the hair is just a plus. It looks good, kiddo." Leaning in to touch his forehead to hers, he smirked, "I loved the curls too."

Smiling more, she giggled, "I know. But it's still curls when I take a bath, just not as bad and not a lot of icky tangles."

"And that's good for us both." Glancing to the table, he nodded, "So, what are you working on, kiddo?"

"A picture for you!" she replied happily and then leaned in, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Giggling, she continued to hold onto him, "And granny is gonna let me help cook dinner for you."

"You're going to help cook dinner?"Looking behind him as his mother came in the kitchen, he asked her, "Mom…you're going to let help cook?" He turned to Emma and tickled her, "And what do you plan on cooking sweetheart?"

Laughing as she wiggled in his arms, Emma laughed, "La…Lasagna…"

"Now that sounds delicious, will Granddad be in here as well, or is it just girls night in the kitchen?"

"Just us girls," Miranda replied with a smile as she leaned against the counter. "Your father and brother both are closing the restaurant tonight and doing inventory before the truck arrives tomorrow."

Crinkling her brow, Emma touched Tim's cheek, "You got a sunburn, daddy."

Placing his hand over hers, he smiled, "It was hot there and way too much sun, but it was worth it."

"Does it hurt?" Emma asked as she continued to study him.

"Emma, why don't you get your coloring book and crayons cleaned up and you can help me get dinner going. I'm sure your daddy wants to rest some before we eat," Miranda said softly with a smile.

"Okay." Giving Tim another kiss, Emma smiled, "I love you, daddy."

"I love you, sweetheart. I'll see you in a few minutes."When she was out of the room, Tim looked to his mother, "I'd say that she was excited. How has she been doing?"

"She was missing you…" Miranda started as she went over to pull out the pasta dough she had resting. "But, other then that she was wonderful, Tim. Everyone has fallen in love with her and her manners. You've done a really good job with her."

"Thanks," Tim answered as he looked towards the door, "She's really awesome. I really miss her when she's not around, she makes life worth it, you know?" Watching his mother now, he sighed heavily, "I didn't tell you this yet, but…I'm filing for full custody. Pam's pretty much out of the picture, and I couldn't see putting her through all that again."

Kneading out the pasta dough, Miranda then reached for the flour, "Well, I think it'll be for the best, Tim. She needs stability in her life and she has that with you. But, what are you gonna do when Emma ask to see Pam? It could happen, you know?"

"If Emma asks to see Pam," Tim amended as he threw his mother a sideways glance. Watching the dough more, he shook his head, "She knows that Pam doesn't want anything to do with her and right now, she's not interested in seeing her. If that time comes, however, I won't stop her. She deserves to know her mother, even if she's…" Stopping himself, he caught his mother's sharp gaze and held up his hands, warding her off, "I'll be good, she is the mother of my child."

With a lite dusting of flour on the counter top, Miranda once again began to work the dough, "Tim, if you need any help with the custody, you know you can call your father and I and we'll be there to help you in way we can."

"Thanks, but I don't think I'll need anything but support. I'm sure Emma would second that as well." Tim shifted his weight and he shook his head as he gestured to the flour, "You sure you don't want any help in here? Your partner's putting up her things."

Smiling, Miranda shook her head and looked over at him, "No, I've got it, son. Why don't you and Emma go find something to do or go and rest up some? I can tell you're about run into the ground."

Smiling more as she leaned in accepting his kiss, Miranda continued at her task, "I will. Now go have fun for a change."

"Fun? What's that?" Tim asked with an arched brow. Chuckling, he turned and started out of the kitchen, heading for the stair case. Before he could reach it, he saw her barreling down and frowned, calling out, "Whoa…put on the breaks! Where are you rushing off too?"

"To see you!" Emma giggled as she met him at the bottom and jumped up into his arms. Laughing as he caught her, Emma held on tight, "Where are you going, daddy?"

"Up to see you. Granny kicked me out of the kitchen so I wanted to spend some time with you. So…what do you want to do?" Holding her close he started back down the stairs and smiled as she bounced in his arms, "Did you want to color more?"

"No…can we go outside and play, daddy? You can watch me ride Max!" Emma replied as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Tim laughed and then nodded, "Alright, we'll go outside. We'll see how Max is feeling before we strap him down." Gesturing to his back he asked, "You want a ride?"

"YEAH!" Emma exclaimed and began to move, trying to get around to his back. "Daddy, can you read to me tonight? Granny got me some new books."

"New books, that's great. Which one is your favorite?" he asked as she settled behind him. Making sure that she was settled safely, he jostled her and glanced back, "Hold on tightly, kiddo."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Emma laughed as he bounced her around as they headed for the back door. Once outside, she squealed happily as he began to run around the backyard with her on his back. Holding tight, Emma laughed continued to laugh, calling out to Tim, "Go, daddy, go!"

Her enthusiasm propelled him more and he ran faster and then stopping. Feeling her grip tighten, he puffed, "Hold on!" Turning in a full circle, he could hear her laughing incessantly, the sound lifting his heart even more. When he finished turning, he stumbled and laughed, gaining just enough balance to sit in the soft grass. Her arms released him and she laughed as she laid back on the grass, with Tim keeping his eyes closed tightly. When the world stopped spinning, he asked, "How'd you like that ride?"

Smiling brightly as she laid in the grass, she then sat up, leaning against him, "I really like it, daddy." Looking up at him, she sighed, "You're not gonna go away again are you?"

"No, baby, I'm not going away again, I'm going to stay with you, always, Emma." Looking to her, he smiled and touched the tip of her nose, "You're stuck with me, kiddo."

Giggling, she crinkled her nose some, "Good, I don't want you to go away again." Getting up on her knees, she wrapped her arms around him, "I missed you a lot."

"I missed you, Emma. A lot." Running his hand through her now straightened locks, he smirked and then looked down at her, "You were busy though, learning to cook, getting pretty, and…" The sound of barking pulled his attention and he smiled wider, "Making new friends. Here comes Max."

Looking over at the massive dog trotting over towards them, she laughed and turned in his arms, clapping to him, "Come here, Max. Come see daddy."

Tim grinned as the huge Bull Mastiff came to rest and reached out to pet him, chuckling, "Looks like Max gained a bit of weight. How's it goin' Max?" Hearing Emma laughing, he looked to the dog who moved from his hand to her, bending to lick at her face. Pushing him away playfully, Tim scowled good naturedly, "Back off, boy…She's mine."

Laughing, Emma petted the large black dog and lifted his ear, whispering, "Want to give me a ride, Max? Like you did when grandpa was out here?"

When the dog barked, Tim laughed, "I guess that meant yes." Getting up, he reached for Emma and pulled her up into his arms. Staring at the dog, he arched a brow, "Careful, Maxie, precious cargo."

Holding onto Max's fur as Tim put her onto the massive dog's back, she laughed and then petted his head, 'Good, Max. You're the best dog in the whole world." When Tim started walking with them, Emma looked up at him, "Daddy, can I have a pony with my dog too?"

"A pony? Emma, I can barely wrap my mind around getting a dog. Can we wait for the talk of a pony?" He saw her disappointment and then sighed, scratching his head, "Maybe…maybe I can look into getting you riding lessons. What about that?"

"Really?" she asked as she perked up again. Seeing his smile and nod, Emma smiled more, "Thank you, daddy…thank you." Leaning to him, she hugged him as Max stopped and looked back at them.

"You're welcome, sweetie. Now…how fast does Max go with you on his back?" Tim glared at the dog and then looked to Emma, "He doesn't go too fast does he?"

Petting his head again, Emma shook her head, "No, grandpa said walk only, so that's what we do, walk." When they began to walk again, Emma laid onto Max's neck, giving him a hug, "Daddy, I want a dog like Max."

"A dog like Max? I think…we can arrange that. But we have to work together to train him." Tim walked beside them around the yard and smiled at the lazy gait the dog was taking, as if he knew that it was best to keep the pace slow. Reaching to rub Max behind the ears, he thought more, "He would be a great guard dog."

"And we could teach him out to get the ball and play with me," Emma said as she petted Max more. "He could even sleep in my bed with me at night and I could give him a bath with me."

"Sweetheart, we can't give the dog a bath with you, and sleeping in your bed is questionable." Thinking about it more, he smiled, "When we get home, we'll go and find a dog like Max."

Beaming with happiness, Emma looked up at Tim smiling from ear to ear, "Thank you, daddy." Hugging Max one more time, Emma slid off him and gave him a hug around his neck and then turned to Tim, hugging him, "I love you…"

"I love you, Emma." Bringing her closer he sighed and closed his eyes, thankful that he was finally there with her.