Title: Til' Death do us Part
Chapter 25 - Roots...
Horatio walked up to the holding cell that Alexander Sharova was being kept in and glared at him with an angry face.
Alexander looked up at him with a frown.
"He is your son," Horatio started.
"I dont have a son," Alexander shot back. "That weak man..."
"Weak? He's in the hospital, fighting for his life because of you!" Horatio snapped; telling him what the FBI told him to say; Frank watching with a pensive expression. "Your other two men are dead!" Horatio said pulling out the pictures of Thomas Gravel and Bruno Ramirez; Thomas of course was real as Bruno shot him; but Bruno's was made by the CIA to ensure his safety.
"They were weak," Alexander snided. "My son escaped?"
"Barely," Horatio huffed.
Alexander leaned back and offered only a smile.
"Despite all your hatred, that is a smile of pride right?" Horatio replied.
"If you don't have children you couldn't understand, Detective Caine," Alexander said not looking at him.
"Then I know exactly what you mean." Horatio turned on his heel and left the holding cell, Frank at his side and they left the building and got into the dark police issue GMC vehicle that was waiting.
"Think he bought it?" Frank asked with a frown as he got into the front with FBI Agent Mulder.
"He has no reason not to. A snitch was placed at the scene when the "bodies" were recovered and he'll report back to Alexander that indeed Thomas and Bruno were both killed and then cremated."
"How long is he going away for?"
"For a long time," Mulder smiled as they started back for the lab. "Thanks for the help."
"My regards to Scully," Frank quipped as they got out of the trunk. Horatio looked at him in surprise, to which Frank only smiled. "What? So I like, Sci-Fi..."
Horatio only smiled at his friend and then hurried inside to tell Ryan and Natalia what went down and then send them home to get some much needed rest. It was now time for the healing process to begin.
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Calleigh slowly pulled herself from her sleep to see Eric's body lightly convulsing and his heart monitor starting to beep rapidly.
"Eric?" She asked quickly; feeing his face. "Open your eyes," she whispered.
Eric quickly opened his eyes and looked around frantically. "Fath..."
"He's in jail, Eric, you are safe," she said. "But you're so warmdo you need me to..."
"No, I'm okay," he huffed as he slumped back down. He closed his eyes and squeezed her hand. "I can't believe it's over...I keep seeing that woman's body fall to the ground and then I...killed that man and..."
"You know it was a set up right?"
"I do," he whispered. "But even still, the look in his eyes," he said slowly looking at her with a frown. "I could never..." he barely managed.
"Eric you need to just rest some more," she told him. She felt her own energy starting to drain but didn't want to leave his side. So when Eric finally closed his eyes once more she leaned her head on the edge of his bead and fell asleep.
A few hours later Eric awoke once more and spied Calleigh asleep on the side of his bed and smiled. He knew it wasn't comfortable but she just seemed to belong there. With a wince he very carefully pushed himself up to a seated position; hoping not to wake Calleigh. That didn't work.
"Eric?" She asked with a sleepy voice.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," he frowned.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just need to go and see him. If I wait any longer..."
"Okay, okay...just calm down," she said as she forced herself awake. "Let me get a wheelchair..."
"No...I want to walk..."
"Eric, you were shot and..."
"And the bullet went through. I'll be fine...please?"
"I won't take no for an answer...at least ride up in one?" She half pleaded.
"Okay," he smiled warmly at her. "I love how my wife takes care of me."
"Well someone has to," she teased. She hurried to find a wheelchair and then helped him sit down. She slowly pushed him up to the surgical floor. Eric felt his heart starting to race a bit as they neared Bruno's room.
"I don't think I can do this..." Eric started in a panic.
"You will be fine," Calleigh encouraged. "Trust me he's probably as nervous to actually meet you as well."
Eric slowly pushed himself out of the wheelchair and slowly walked into his brother's room. Bruce Marshall, he read the name tag and sighed. He looked at his brother's sleeping form and turned to leave.
"Don't go..." Bruce said softly; forcing Eric to turn around. Eric quickly turned and looked at his brother's wondering expression. "Please?"
"Are you okay?" Eric asked with a hint of uncertainty, not really knowing what to say or do.
Bruce nodded his head and Eric motioned for Calleigh to bring the wheelchair since there were no other chair's around. Bruce looked up at Calleigh and offered a faint smile.
"This is my wife Calleigh," Eric said proudly.
"Hi Mrs. Delko," Bruce replied.
"Thanks for keeping Eric alive," she whispered happily.
"My little brother saved my life," he winked.
Eric's mind played with the term little brother and he felt himself starting to ease in spite of the strange man before him. "I can come back later...so you can rest," Eric rushed.
"Please stay...I just found you..." Bruce managed.
Eric looked at him and sat down. "I'm nervous," he frowned. "Plus I have a million questions."
"I didn't know about you before...that's the big one right? If I did then why didn't I contact you?"
"Yeah...something like that," Eric replied.
"Alexander lied to me as well. My mother...as I'm sure you can tell by our similar appearance is Cuban. Alexander told me he always liked Cuban women," he lightly smiled.
"Are you..."
"I am FBI," he offered; just as Calleigh was about to leave. "No one can know I'm your brother..."
"But some already do," Calleigh informed him.
"Yeah Horatio Caine...know him; good man, but that's it right? Your team doesn't?"
"No," Eric frowned. "So I can't tell anyone you're my brother?"
"As long as Alexander Sharova is alive I'm not safe as his son. Bruno Ramirez died and we need to him to believe that as long as he draws breath. Sorry."
"No, it's uh..." Eric said looking away.
"I'll leave you two to catch up. I need to go home and get a few things and then I'll be back."
"Are you sure?" Eric asked quickly; his panic starting to build.
"I love you," she whispered in his ear and then kissed his cheek. "You need to do this without me here. Talk to him Eric, he's just as nervous as you. I can tell that," she finished as she slowly straitened back up. "I'll be back later. By Bruce, I'm glad you're okay."
Eric watched her leave and then turned back to Bruce with a sigh.
"You don't have to be nervous," Bruce mentioned.
"I know," Eric said with a tense smile. "It's just that...well I mean how we met and..."
"I'm sorry if I had to hurt you," Bruce frowned. "When I was told I was to help bring down a cop it was tense but when Alexander mentioned to the group that you were his son; my half-brother...that hit me like a ton of bricks," Bruce stated softly. "And then when you were with us and...trust me it was hard to inflict pain on you...you were so scared and I...I don't know, I guess my big brother instincts took over a bit there and...and I'm sorry."
"I guess knowing now...well it doesn't seem too bad. But I was scared. Stupid right?"
"No way man...I would have been. Considering everything, you were pretty brave."
"That's what Calleigh told me," he smiled.
"She seems like a great gal, lucky guy."
"I am that," Eric said. "You umyou said you hated mewhy did you say that?"
"Part of me at that moment did hate you...not personally but the fact that you were there and things got a lot more tense. Sorry if you took it personally," Bruce frowned.
"Well thanks for telling me," Eric said softly. "You have...are you married?"
"No...comes with the work. I move around too much," he huffed.
"When you are better will you...I mean are you going to be in Miami or"
"You are wondering how long I will stay?"
"Yeah," Eric answered.
"For a bit at least," Bruce said looking up at the ceiling. "Who is your adopted father?"
"He's Russian...he's an Engineer. Pavel...nice guy," Eric smiled. "Very different from Alexander."
"Most fathers are," Bruce replied.
"How did youI mean did you know all the time Alexander was your father or" Eric's voice trailed off.
"I've known for some time," Bruce stated. "My mother...Pauline Marshall, she told me...I guess being the result of a one night stand...she was married to Gary Marshall."
"I guess we have that in common," Eric huffed.
"I think we have a lot more, little brother," he stopped and then laughed. "You know growing up I always wanted a little brother to torment," he said and then looked up at Eric's expression. "Not that way...trust me if I was gonna tie you up as kid it would have been to play like cowboys and Indians or something. I am sorry for hurting you like I had to."
"I know," Eric said looking down.
"Trust me Eric...seeing like that...helpless and hurt and begging for help...well that was hard. I mean it was hard with other cops and such you know...but with youit was really hard."
"I'm sorry," Eric stated.
"Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for. Our lame ass father is the one who should be sorry!" Bruce spat in anger. "Believe me...I wanted to beat the crap outta him for treating you like that...especially the first time. The second was staged...but the first. I am sorry about that."
"Was it you when I was taken in the building? You know when Jake the jerk showed up?"
"Yes," Bruce told him. "What happened to that Jake guy?"
"He uh..." Eric started and then quickly stopped; remembering that it wasn't Ryan that called him. "It was you right...who called me about Calleigh?"
"I was assigned to follow her that day and since I knew it wasn't our guys planning anything I couldn't just let her be taken like that; but I also couldn't get that involved."
"Well you helped save her life," Eric smiled. "Thanks."
"Where is he? Jail?"
"He's dead...he kidnapped Calleigh and tried to rape her and..." his voice trailed off in sorrow as he remembered how and why Jake died. "Horatio shot him and...I was on employment restrictions and...do you know what it's like to suddenly be a regular guy one day and then waiting to be deported like some kind of criminal the next?"
"No. But I imagine it was rough," Bruce stated.
"And then Alexander showed up and....well he took one look at me and then turned his back and left me in the cold. He didn't care...not that he ever did but"
"But you thought that as your son...being in a desperate situation that he would want to help you?"
"Thought that...obviously in error," Eric sighed heavily. "But it's done now and...he can't hurt us right?"
"Not for a long time. And when or if he ever gets out he'll be monitored."
"That guy Thomas...has he always been an ass?" Eric asked.
"More than you know," Bruce sighed. "Good riddance. You were lucky though...I've seen some of the things he did to other cops...it was bad."
"Yeah well I think I'll be seeing him in my nightmares for a bit yet," Eric sighed. "Do you ever have nightmares?"
"Almost every night," Bruce admitted. "But I just work past them and...you are lucky you have such a great wife, makes things easier when you have a rough day. Does she make you do laundry?"
"Yes," Eric smiled. "But I don't mind...she tosses in a few sexy items and then its okay," he lightly laughed.
"Well you are lucky."
"So I guess you know about my Immigration problems. How come you don't have the same issue?"
"I was born here. My mother, although Cuban had me in Tennessee and both her and dad are American's. Alexander was on some assignment and met her. But she made sure I wouldn't have to face...well what you are...sorry"
"It's okay," Eric smiled. "Calleigh came to my rescue and married me in time so that I wouldn't be deported."
"Man she must love you a lot to do that. Never had a woman go out on a limb for me," Bruce replied. "Does she have any single friends?" He teased.
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Calleigh hurried home to change and shower. The past few days had been such a roller coaster of emotions for both of them. Horatio called and told her that only himself and them knowno one else on the team would and the files would be sealed by the CIA; even Frank or other members of the MDPD wouldnt be able to access them; Bruce Marshall's identity would be safe. As she walked around their place she thought of what Eric must have been thinking as he sat talking to his brother.
He needed time to get to know him and she owed him that. She looked at the clock and decided to go into work; finish a few things; get the three of them lunch and then head back.
"I love you Eric," she whispered as she left their home. "Never forget that."
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"I just wish I could tell everyone I have a brother, but I know it's not possible," Eric stated in sorrow. "It seems like I just found you and...are you an only child?"
"That I know of," he frowned. "Unless dad has seed planted all over this great country. And that is possible. Who knows...maybe some in Cuba or even Russia?"
Eric looked past his brother and just stared out the window in wonder. "Why do you think he hates me so much?"
"Trust me if he were to find out I was his kid, I'm sure I'd get the same treatment," Bruce told him; making Eric look back at his face. "Alexander Sharova isn't the kind of guy that loves anything...other than himself and his plan for world domination."
"I just didn't understand...what he made me do" Eric looked away; not wanting to show his emotions to his brother.
"Well you were just a means to an end...sorry if that's harsh but in his mind it was true," Bruce stated. "So enough of the heavy talk...unless you have any other heavy questions?" Bruce asked lightly.
"I have lots," Eric said looking down. "Are you happy you have a brother?"
"I was kinda nervous when I found out...didn't know what kinda guy you were," Bruce started. "And to be honest; our first meeting wasn't exactly what I had planned," he continued; making Eric lightly laugh. "But yeah I think it's cool...you?"
"I was scared at first...but nowI just want to get to know you and...well that is if you want to and...just yeah it's great."
Bruce smiled at Eric. "My little brother...still sounds funny because you are not a little guy."
"Thanks," Eric said wryly. "Neither are you?"
"Got good genes," Bruce replied. "So do you like sports?"
Eric leaned back in the wheelchair and for the first time; felt himself starting to ease around this strange man; this man, his older half-brother. As he listed to Bruce talk about things he felt a strange calm starting to settle upon him and for once he was happy that something good came from something so strained. They casually talked about work; Bruce telling him what it's like to work for the FBI and Agent Mulder, to which Eric laughed. And Eric told him what it's like to be a CSI and how he and Calleigh met and where they live. They talked about sports and growing up. Bruce talked about Tennessee and Eric about Florida. It was only when the doctor came to check on Bruce did they finally realize that had been talking since early morning.
Eric pushed himself back and let the doctor look at his brother.
"You better not go far," Bruce teased.
"Nope...I'll stay right here," Eric smiled as he pulled out his phone and called Horatio.
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"Hey how's Eric?" Natalia asked as she and Ryan hurried up to Calleigh at the lab. "We heard he's on life support?"
"That's the story that was told in case Alexander got wind of what actually happened. And the inside man," she started; knowing she wasn't able to tell them it was Eric's half brother as the FBI told her she couldnt. "Well he's okay too, but Alexander thinks he's dead. It was the only way to protect both of them."
"Man I'm glad they got him," Ryan sighed. "Now it's back to business as usual?"
"For the most part," Calleigh said as she looked up and noticed Horatio talking to Rick. "But some things, well they are still the same."
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Tripp worked with Agent Mulder to help close the file on Alexander Sharova. Derek Corrigan was still resting in an undisclosed location and would be fine. He had already given approval to close Alexander's case; protecting the identity of Bruce Marshall; the FBI sealing his file and giving him leave before assigning his next case.
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Eric watched the doctor change Bruce's dressing and then felt his own side starting to lightly throb. But he didn't want to say anything; didn't want to appear weak in his brother's eyes. He watched Bruce being treated and wondered what it would have been like to grow up together. He hoped Bruce's next assignment would be local so that they could at least have him over and get to know him a bit better.
Eric quickly pushed himself up; heading for the bathroom. But doing so, he made himself dizzy and started to falter.
"Eric?" Bruce looked up just as Eric started to lightly sway.
"I'm...ok...ay..." he said before he crashed to the floor.
"Eric!" Bruce exclaimed. "Help him!"
"Not it's..." Eric said breathing hard. "I'm just dizzy," he said as he allowed an orderly help him back into the wheelchair.
"You got up to fast young man," the doctor frowned. "How is your side?"
"Sore," Eric huffed. "But I have to go to the bathroom."
The doctor nodded to the orderly who started to push Eric.
"I'm..."
"Stay in that chair young man," the doctor ordered.
Eric slumped back into the chair as he was wheeled into the large handicapped washroom and then left alone. He offered a mild sigh and then went about his business. After he was done he just stared at himself in the mirror. He only offered a frown before splashing cold water on his face and then slowly making his way back into the room to see his brother.
"You okay?" Bruce asked in concern.
"Yeah...just stood up to fast," Eric offered sheepishly. "You?"
"Ah just another nice scar," he smiled. "So tell me about the team you work with? Any hot chicks you can introduce me to?"
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"Give Eric our best and this other guy," Natalia started. "Glad he was there...do you know if he's single?" She smiled.
"Don't know much," Calleigh replied. "But I'll let you know if I can," she winked.
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Eric and Bruce continued talking through the morning and lunch break. Eric got a text from Calleigh that she was giving him the time with his brother and that she would do a few things and join them for dinner.
Eric waited for Bruce to exit the bathroom and just stared into the empty room before him; his mind racing with a million more questions for his new half brother. Horatio had stopped by to make sure both of them were okay and told Eric to rest and come in the day after. He told him about his trip to see Alexander in jail, who was apparently not concerned when Horatio told him that Eric was fighting for his life. He felt his eyes water and just as Bruce exited the bathroom; Eric quickly brushed away a single tear, not wanting to show himself weepy or wimpy in front of his new family member.
"You okay?" Bruce asked in concern as he noticed Eric's sad expression.
"Yeah...Horatio told Alexander I was in the ICU but he said he didn't care."
"He probably doesn't," Bruce sighed as he slowly walked back to the bed and sat down facing Eric. "If you are still wondering if he could care even if you are dying...he doesn't."
"I know," Eric sighed heavily. "I just wish...I don't know..." he said looking away. He quickly looked back with a force smile. "Okay so that was lame. I mean I just met my big brother and already I'm..."
"Being yourself? Is there something wrong with that? Eric I'm not going to judge you as weak, so put that thought out of your head," Bruce said firmly. Calleigh rounded the corner and heard them still talking and stopped.
"I know but..."
"Eric," Bruce warned with a slight smile.
"I just..."
Bruce squeezed Eric's knee making him laugh. "H-hey...how did you know..."
"I'm ticklish there...so I figured my little brother had to be also," he smiled as he did it again.
"No-not fair..." Eric laughed. "I'm in a wheelchair."
Calleigh smiled as she listened to the two of them and was happy that this terrible ordeal had a happy outcome for both of them. She quickly rounded the corner to see Bruce give Eric's knee another squeeze and Eric try to defend himself while laughing.
"Just wait until I'm better...then I'll offer to wrestle you," Bruce warned.
"I'm not that wimpy," Eric shot back.
They both looked up to see Calleigh standing in the doorway. "Eric, the ER doctor wondered what happened to you...they issued an Amber Alert," she teased.
"Tell that guy he'll have to deal with Eric's big brother," Bruce said firmly.
"Well that's what I did tell them," she smiled as she sat down. "I brought dinner."
Eric gave Calleigh a hug and kiss and then helped her set up a table for all of them to eat. In no time they were all talking, laughing and enjoying their take out; three friends just talking after a hard days' work. Anyone passing by wouldnt have been able to guess they just took on a major criminal figurehead and lived to tell the tale.
Calleigh watched Eric and Bruce talk and knew things would be different for Eric once again. He had come so far and faced so much in the past few weeks. But with the rough stuff behind them the future was actually looking brighter than they could ever have imagined.