Chapter 29
A/N: Thank you all again and again. The reviews have been amazing and very inspiring as I continue with this crazy train story. I thank you all and warn you more trouble will come just when you least expect it! LOL
Betty my friend. I thank you for helping me to keep this story rolling in a very good, grammatical way.
Here we go…
III
Horatio's eyes moved rapidly behind his lids. He muttered incoherently, slowly being pulled from a dream state. Little by little he began to stir. Very low, yet familiar sounds filled his mind. His hearing was the first sense to return.
He recognized the beeping, the whirling sounds, then the voices.
Low. Soft. Caring.
He knew them all too well and struggled to open his eyelids.
A kind woman's voice was the first. "I think he's waking up, doctor."
"That wouldn't surprise me," the male doctor answered sarcastically, moving over Horatio's still unconscious form.
"Should I let Calleigh know?" The nurse asked softly.
Horatio was somewhat aware but hearing that name pulled him from his drug-induced slumber. Fighting to return to consciousness, he groaned. He wanted to talk but all that came out was an incoherent grumble.
He felt a tender hand on his arm. "Easy pal," the man spoke softly, then continued talking to the woman.
"She went on a coffee run and should be back any second," the doctor answered looking down at the waking redhead.
Horatio's eyelids fluttered. He groaned low then inhaled deeply and his eyes finally opened. He blinked a few times clearing the blurriness, then licked his dry lips.
Dr. Joe Gannon placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and leaned down. He smiled. "Welcome back. You still with us, pal?"
Horatio blinked again trying to clear his fuzzy vision. He nodded, barely, and tried to speak but a low rasp came out. He cleared his dry throat, shifted his legs and groaned in pain cradling his ribs. It felt like he had been asleep for a long time.
"Take it easy," Joe gently urged. He looked up at Maria. "Get me 2mgs of Dilaudid and some swabs for his lips."
"Sure Joe," she answered and headed out of the room.
Horatio exhaled and shifted then stilled feeling his whole body rebel. He groaned low, "How… long?"
Joe cocked his head to the side staring at the battered redhead. "Two days, and your partner over there too." Joe gestured to the right and Horatio turned his head to look.
"Paco," he rumbled, and quickly lifted his head. Dizzy and in pain he immediately regretted the movement. His head dropped back down on the pillow and with teeth clenched he groaned, "Is, Paco… all right, Joe?"
Joe nodded and kept one strong hand pressed against Horatio's chest. "Paco's gonna be fine Horatio but if I were you, I wouldn't attempt to lift my head again. You need to take it easy pal."
Horatio blinked trying to find his bearings. His vision still hazy. His voice gritty. Flashes went off in his head and he recalled some of it but was trying to process it all. His brain was slowly working things out. He lifted his right hand up to his forehead and dryly asked, "What happened?"
The door opened and in walked Maria followed by Calleigh, who had a tray of coffees in hand. "He's awake?" She asked with surprise and instantly put the tray down and moved toward Horatio's bedside.
Maria quietly handed the syringe to Joe and went about her business. She picked up an alcohol swab and small square piece of gauze in preparation.
Calleigh smiled. "Hey, handsome." She took his hand in hers. "You gave me quite a scare." She chuckled, "Both you and Paco, together."
Horatio cleared his throat again still fuzzy with the memory. "How… how do you mean?"
"You both passed out on me," she explained with raised brows. "You don't remember?" Her green eyes went to Joe concerned then she saw the needle. She kept the redhead busy knowing he would protest.
"Oh," Horatio answered with a nod, "Sorry, about that."
Calleigh chuckled and placed a tender hand against his cheek. She shook her head back and forth at him. "You just rest and take it slow. I'll be right here with you and Paco."
"Thank you," Horatio answered then hissed feeling the sharp stick in his hip area. He turned his head slightly to the right where Joe stood with a smirk on his face. "A little, warning… would have been nice," the redhead groaned.
Joe chuckled, "A little warning would have given you time to refuse."
Horatio felt the immediate effects of the potent drug. The room began to spin and he closed his eyes turning back towards Calleigh.
"Just relax and let it work," said Joe quietly.
A soft breath left Horatio's lips, "It's not like… I have a choice… doctor."
Joe chuckled then smiled hearing the deepness in his tone when he almost growled, "doctor".
"I'm here Horatio. It's okay. Rest," Calleigh softly breathed.
Horatio slid his left hand onto her forearm and squeezed lightly. "Thank you," he answered lowly feeling exhausted. He grimaced in pain then sighed softly, enjoying Calleigh's loving caress that felt so, so good against his face and forehead. Horatio's eyes slowly began to close. He suddenly tried to lift his head realizing he was once again dozing off.
"No…," said Joe extending the word, ready for him. "Stay down and go back to sleep. Your body needs it. Trust me. You'll feel better once you're well rested."
"Did we… get them Calleigh?" Horatio muttered low.
"We got em, Horatio," she said reaching for his hand. She held it lightly. "They're never gonna bother Paco or you, or anyone ever again."
Horatio's eyes opened more in awareness. "You shot them both, right?" He asked feeling very unclear.
"Yep," she said with a nod. "And you know I don't miss."
A small smile curved his lips and he squeezed her hand in affection. "I know sweetheart. So I take it… that means they're both dead."
"You got it, handsome," she gave him a nod and Horatio exhaled heavily.
"One… left…," he mumbled and his eyelids finally closed.
"We'll get him, handsome. Don't you worry," she said knowing he was sleeping again.
"He's out," Joe shared, taking the redhead's pulse. "He remembers some of what happened. This is good."
Calleigh smirked. "In a way… I guess," she said feeling uneasy. "As soon as he can move Joe, you know he's gonna want to finish this."
Joe's eyes narrowed. "I know. I guess I'm gonna have to find a way to keep him down this time." Joe pointed over towards Paco. "And I think I have just the thing." Joe smiled widely, dimples and all.
Calleigh nodded already knowing the good doctor's plan.
III
Paco's scream reverberated in Horatio's mind. He gasped when his eyes snapped open. Flashes went off. Horrible visions that seemed muddled and unclear. Some with Paco, some without. A man dressed in black surrounded by a huge dark cloud. Horatio blinked unable to make out his face but his cold maniacal laughter resounded in his mind.
The redhead exhaled heavily calming. His breathing slowly returned to normal but it took a moment for the heart monitor to register it. The fast steady beep gradually slowed down while he laid still in thought. His eyes stood open on the ceiling as he zoned out trying to make sense of it all.
"Hey honey," Alexx quietly said, pulling the redhead from his thoughts.
"Alexx," he dryly answered with a heavy breath.
Alexx observed him closely. "Are you all right? Dreaming again?"
Horatio moved his head slightly up and down. "Joe… and his pain killers," he said in a gritty tone, annoyed.
Alexx chuckled, "Don't be mad at the doctors honey. You do know we only try to help." She smiled and softly ran a hand over his forearm.
Horatio's lips curved up and he shook his head, looking at the caring M.E
She gestured toward Calleigh, who was fast asleep. "It's good she's getting some sleep."
Horatio nodded. "Yeah. She's been with me… us the whole time from what I hear. Two days?"
"You heard correctly honey and she has the troops outside the door as well." Alexx smiled. "Consider yourself and Paco well protected."
Horatio frowned but came to attention. He pressed the button on the bed to incline a little, then shifted and sat up. "Troops?"
Alexx nodded. "Yeah. Troops. I think she has this place locked down tighter than Fort Knox." She laughed, Horatio didn't.
"You're not laughing," Alexx said with worry, watching him. He was in deep thought again. "Honey, you okay?" She ran a tender hand over his forehead.
Horatio blinked. "Sorry Alexx. I kinda… zoned out there for a moment."
Alexx's eyes narrowed. "Don't even try it sugar," she shook her head side to side with attitude, "I want to know what you're thinking Horatio. I know you too well and your eyes are planning something. What?" she asked quietly.
Horatio lips curved slightly. "Actually Alexx… I wasn't planning anything. Just thinking. My memory… is a bit fuzzy with all that happened."
Alexx studied him for a long moment. "Are you being honest with me, sugar?"
Horatio smiled and answered in a quiet tone, "I am."
Alexx smirked, "You had better be, mister."
Horatio chuckled low. "You have my word Alexx. "I'm not going anywhere."
The M.E. smirked and nodded. "After all these years Horatio Caine, do you actually think you can put one past me?"
The redhead chuckled and that made her smile. "I… guess not, Alexx."
Paco bolted upright and cried out, "No! No! Get away! No me toques!"
Horatio and Alexx watched Calleigh immediately jump up and tend to the frightened boy.
"It's all right honey. You're just having a bad dream." Paco hugged her tightly while she spoke softly, "You're safe Paco, look, Horatio's right over there."
Paco let out a breath and stared at the redhead for a moment in a daze. He blinked a few times then quickly shuffled off the bed and practically ran towards Horatio's bed.
"Honey wait!" Calleigh snapped, watching his IV pole get dragged behind him. She moved rapidly after the boy and grabbed the IV pole keeping it close so the IV line didn't come out of Paco's arm.
Paco looked up at Horatio with the saddest eyes. He rasped, "I stay with you? Sí? Por favor?"
Horatio nodded, "Of course you can Paco." He patted the bed beside him. "You can stay with me for as long as you like, son."
Alexx and Calleigh smiled then the blonde helped Paco up and straightened his IV line. "Be careful not to pull this out Paco," Calleigh explained sweetly. "It's helping you to hydrate again."
The young boy bobbed his head up and down at Calleigh. "Muchas gracias, Calleigh," Paco answered then unexpectedly snuggled against Horatio. The redhead's brows arched high in surprise. Then Paco threw his right arm over Horatio's midsection causing the redhead to stiffen and groan.
"Easy on the ribs, Paco," Calleigh said with wide eyes on Horatio who was clearly in pain.
Paco lifted his head to look at Horatio who was grimacing and quickly apologized, "Oh, pardóname. So sorry, Oratio."
Horatio let out a soft chuckle and with his right arm pulled Paco in closer against him, "No worries, son. I'm gonna live."
Paco smiled and sat up again. He held the redhead's blue eyes then gave him a big hug. This time, tenderly. Paco drew back and Horatio tilted his head at the boy in question. Paco smiled. "I love when you call me son. Muchas gracias Oratio."
"De nada, hijo." Horatio gave him a wink.
Paco smiled and laughed then looked at the IV in Horatio's arm. "I have one just like you," Paco explained lifting his arm to show the redhead.
"That's right Paco. It's vitamins to help us get stronger and feel better," Horatio explained softly, watching the young boy's eyes examine him.
Paco leaned in and whispered something near Horatio's ear. "Señor… I have a bad dream."
Horatio nodded and answered softly. "I know. I… I have them too Paco." He looked up at the blonde and his eyes crinkled a bit. "Sometimes when you talk about it… you feel better."
Calleigh smiled, hearing Horatio's words. The ones she always said to him.
"I don't know Oratio. I don't think talking about it will make me feel better. I feel…" Paco held Horatio's eyes for a long moment. "Scared. Very scared."
"I understand, son," Horatio replied in a whispery soft tone, his head tilted.
"You feel scared too?" Paco asked immediately.
"Yes. Sometimes I feel scared and confused also." He gave the boy a small smile. "We're only human, Paco."
Paco swallowed hard and barely whispered, "The bad man… he had no ear."
Horatio's brows rose high. Calleigh grabbed a chair and Alexx moved in beside her, all interested in the description of Paco's monster.
Horatio didn't want to push the boy but knew this was his chance to get some kind of description of the man. He eased Paco on.
"He was missing an ear, Paco?" Horatio questioned showing interest.
"Sí," Paco whispered back, looking around the room, like the monster could hear him. He slowly slid closer to Horatio and his small hand tightly latched onto Horatio's fingers.
Horatio's jaw set, seeing and feeling the boys fear. "No one's going to hurt you anymore, Paco. You understand me son? I won't let him. You're safe here Paco."
Paco nodded and swallowed. "I don't… feel safe, Oratio." Paco frowned and rubbed at his belly. "I feel sick and I keep seeing him in here," Paco explained, putting his fingers against his head. Tears filled the young boy's eyes and Horatio pulled him in against his chest cradling the back of his head in his hand.
"Okay. It's okay Paco." The redhead shook his head and looked at Calleigh who also had tears in her eyes. She could only guess as to what this monster did to the boy and her mind wasn't envisioning good things. She caught Horatio's enraged look, watched the heart monitor increase and decided to change the subject.
"Hey Paco, why don't you tell me about that banana boat you wanted."
Paco exhaled and drew back. He smiled and wiped at his teary eyes.
"Vanilla, Calleigh, and chocolate, and a scoop of strawberry too. Timmy says all the flavors make it taste better but I think it taste great with any flavor! I love them all!" He smiled then smirked looking up, "Um… I think Timmy say, peanuts, walnuts, syrup, cherries." Paco scratched his head, "Wait there's more… I can't remember it's so much. Um… oh yes, pineapples, sprinkles… I like the rainbow color." Paco bobbed his head. "There… I think that is all of it. Yes, I am sure now."
Calleigh smiled and leaned over towards the boy. "Honey, you forgot the whipped cream."
"Oohhhhhh, Demonios!" Paco nodded. "Sí! The whipped cream, how can I forget this? Timmy put it all over my face and nose!" Paco laughed and sat back near Horatio.
"Timmy gave you a cream pie face," Horatio chuckled low, picturing it.
Paco turned and look at him strangely. His head cocked to the side. "A cream pie face?" He asked slowly in his broken English.
Horatio nodded and smiled. "I'm gonna have to show you exactly what that is so you can get Timmy back. Okay?"
Paco grinned sideways. "Sí. Please show me. I like to get Timmy back. Especially when he doesn't know I can." Paco laughed and laughed. "Whipped cream in the face," he said again and again rubbing his small hands together evilly, making everyone laugh.
The door slowly opened and in walked Timmy followed by Frank.
"Paco! Timmy cried out seeing him for the first time again. The boy ran for Horatio's bedside.
"Timmy!" Paco cried out, shot up on his feet, still on Horatio's bed. He hugged Timmy so tightly and muttered, "Timmy, my best friend!"
"Easy," Calleigh warned but the boys were too caught up to hear her.
Timmy hugged him back with strength causing Paco to hiss in pain.
"You okay Paco?" Timmy asked with concern letting go, seeing his eyes close tightly.
"Sí," Paco nodded then smiled letting out a breath. "It is nothing. Dr. Joe make us better and give us vitamins with the IV needle." Paco showed Timmy the needle in his arm lifting it up. "Oratio has one too."
"Ewww," Timmy answered looking Paco over, seeing the cuts and bruises on the small boy. Timmy tried to hide the tears building in his eyes. The boy felt responsible. "I'm sorry Paco. I didn't mean to let them take you. I tried to stop them."
Paco waved his hand dismissively. "I know Timmy. It's okay. Not your fault. I see you fight the man who was bigger than you. I see you tried to save me but then someone hit me and the lights go out. Boom," Paco explained snapping his fingers while talking rapidly.
"I'm so happy to see you again Paco. I was worried sick," Timmy said, finding Horatio's observing eyes on him.
Timmy looked down and sighed, "Sorry, Horatio," Timmy explained lowly, "I didn't mean to worry you or anyone else. I just wanted to help find Paco."
Horatio nodded. "That's okay Timmy. I'm just glad you're safe son."
Timmy smiled and blinked then turned toward Paco. "Hey, I brought a game for you," Timmy said pulling out his small portable playstation. "Want to play? I have Mario Brothers, the one you love."
Paco immediately nodded excited. "Sí! Yes. Thank you, Timmy. You're my best friend. I love Mario." Paco laughed, shrugged and turned towards Horatio. "I mean… I love the game, not Mario."
"I know what you mean Paco," Horatio said with a grin. They all began laughing, knowing exactly what little Paco meant.
The door opened and Joe walked in the room. "Oh, so this is the room where the party's at."
Timmy smiled and Paco's brows arched high in confusion. "Party?"
"I want you back in your bed mister," Joe said pointing at Paco, who was still comfortable in Horatio's bed.
Paco nodded and looked at Horatio then smirked, "Sí. Okay Dr. Joe but Timmy can stay with me, yes?"
Joe grinned. "Well yeah. Who else is going to help you eat the pizza when it gets here?"
Paco's grin went ear to ear. "Pizza! Oh I love pizza and I'm hungry too! I feel like I can eat the whole pizza pie."
"Good. Because I ordered four of them," Joe answered making his way toward Paco. He lifted the boy up off Horatio's bed, careful of his IV and brought him back over to his own. Timmy pushed the IV pole with a smile.
"Four pies Dr. Joe?" Paco asked with wide eyes, sitting down on his bed. "I don't know if I'm that hungry!"
Joe began to laugh and so did everyone else. Paco looked over at Horatio and shrugged, "What did I say?"
Horatio shook his head and chuckled, bracing his ribs.
"How you doing, H? Frank asked seeing his pain. The Texan watched the boys play for a moment. Horatio was observing them as well.
Horatio exhaled softly, "Seeing them together again. Safe. e… Now… I feel betterfine Frank. Thank you." Horatio eyed up the big Texan. "But… shouldn't you be home resting?"
Franked scoffed, "Not a chance H, besides, I'm keeping an eye on Timmy while Jessop recovers."
"Right," Joe extended the word interrupting, giving Frank a stare. "I hope you're taking it easy."
Frank looked down with a grin. "Yeah…, sure doc."
Joe shook his head and looked at Horatio. "And how are you feeling?"
Horatio let out a soft breath, "I'm… okay, Joe."
"What's new," Joe crossed his arms on his chest. "Of course you are." He looked from Frank to Horatio and chuckled. "You guys are crazy."
Frank gestured toward the boys with his head. "How's Paco doing, doc?"
"Paco's gonna be fine after some rest and… therapy. The kid's tough. Somehow he survived when clearly he shouldn't have." Joe pointed, "That kid has a few angels watching over him," Joe said, looking at Horatio and then Calleigh.
Horatio nodded. "Indeed he does."
Frank kept his tone down. "Paco tell you anything, H?"
Horatio looked over at the boys who seemed oblivious then turned back toward Frank. He quietly explained, "He started to talk about the man who took him but stopped. He's clearly frightened and traumatized. I don't know what happened yet… but I can't wait to get my hands on this guy," Horatio growled low.
Joe's brow went up and he glanced at Calleigh.
The boys were laughing and then suddenly quiet as Timmy questioned Paco. Paco kept his eyes on the game but was talking not aware anyone was listening.
"The bad man from the hospital take me. He hit me with a belt again and again but he no know I was still awake. He stuffed me in a suitcase then buried me in the dirt. I think…, he think he kill me. But Horatio and Calleigh saved me."
Timmy blinked in shock and remained quiet. His mouth parted in disbelief. He swallowed hard and slowly looked over at Horatio and saw all eyes on them. The boy was clearly stunned.
Horatio waved him over for a moment and whispered in his ear.
"It's all right. Let him talk. See if you can get him to describe the guy but don't push him Timmy. He's afraid." Timmy nodded feeling proud that Horatio entrusted him then went back over toward Paco.
"Hey you want some water?" Timmy asked Paco who nodded.
"Sí. Okay." Paco quickly emptied the cup and put it on the table then began to play the game again. "I love Mario," he giggled, "But the turtle keeps killing me."
"So it was the same man from the hospital Paco?" Timmy asked low.
Paco stopped playing for a moment and looked up. "Sí. The monster." His eyes opened wide and he moved in closer to Timmy, "Only this time… I see him up close. He missing one ear." Paco closed his eyes and shook his head back and forth. "I don't like to talk about him. I can still see him here," he said, hitting his head.
"You know Paco, if you can see him, maybe you can help Horatio and the cops catch him. The bad man."
"You mean the monster," Paco corrected Timmy. "How can I help?" Paco asked curiously.
"Tell us what he looked like. What was he wearing? How did he talk?" Timmy explained quietly.
Paco shook his head getting upset. "He looked like a monster! I say again and again. Muy malo!" Paco growled angrily. "He talk bad. He curse and said bad things to me. He talk bad about my tía and tío and then about… Oratio," Paco voice cracked and his eyes filled with tears as he looked up at Timmy. "He make a trap and say he gonna kill Oratio. I don't want Oratio to die!"
Horatio shook his head in concern hearing enough. "Calleigh," he quickly called, knowing she would comfort the boy.
The blonde was already up and on her way toward the boys. She sat on the edge of the bed near Paco and gave him a gentle hug. "It's all right honey. No one's going to hurt your aunt or uncle and surely not Horatio."
Paco shook his head back and forth repeatedly. "The bad man will. He say so. He say if I say anything, he will kill you all. I no want you to die," his voice cracked again and he hugged Calleigh as the tears began to stream down his face.
"Damn it," Horatio mumbled under his breath gritting his teeth. "I want this bastard Frank."
"So do I, H. We're gonna get him," Frank said, putting a hand on Horatio's shoulder, trying to ease the angry red head.
Calleigh hugged Paco and did her best to soothe him. Joe walked over seeing the hurt look on Timmy's face.
"Hey kiddo, want to help me get the pizzas? They should be here any minute."
"Okay Joe," Timmy quietly answered getting up.
"You come back Timmy?" Paco asked with urgency letting go of Calleigh.
Timmy answered softly, "Yeah Paco. I'll be right back. I'm just going to get our food," Timmy grinned at the boy.
Paco sniffed and nodded. "Okay Timmy." The small boy wiped his nose and Calleigh handed him a tissue.
"Are you all right honey?" Calleigh softly asked.
Paco nodded. "Paco all right. I Just… just scared the monster come back. He say he will too."
Calleigh bit down on her lip feeling badly for the boy. "Paco, the monster can't get you here. You're safe."
"No. No. The monster say he can find me anywhere. My aunt and uncle too, and even Oratio. He say no one can stop him. He say the cops help him and that is how he come all the way back here."
Horatio listened intently. They all did, even Joe and Timmy stopped and turned. Paco was saying more and more. It was just a matter of time before he gave this monster up.
"All the way back here from where, honey?" Calleigh softy asked.
Paco frowned and answered annoyed as if they should know, "It's the bad man! The monster!" He looked over at Horatio with wide eyes and whispered, "He come back here all the way from Colombia."
Horatio's eyes narrowed then widen in recognition. 'Colombia!'
The redhead's jaw set and his heart began to race faster and faster. He felt his anger rising up. Building to insurmountable portions . He finally knew exactly who Paco's monster was. His heart monitor alarm went off and Joe immediately looked up at the numbers then at Horatio who looked enraged.
Dumbfounded Joe asked Horatio, "What's going on here? You okay?"
Horatio put one hand up, "I'm fine Joe," he replied rather abruptly.
Joe's eyes went back to the monitor then to Horatio again. "That's not what the numbers say, pal. Your heartrate's at 140 and climbing." He observed the redhead and continued, "Horatio… your face is beet red. Something just happen here?"
Calleigh looked over in concern and confusion still not catching on. After all… the monster was supposed to be dead!
Horatio nodded slowly at Joe. "It did."
"Colombia?" Calleigh repeated quietly then gasped and shook her head slowly in recognition. "Paco are you sure honey? He's… dead."
Paco shook his head. "The bad man. The monster who take Horatio in Colombia is alive!"
Calleigh exhaled, "That can't be… we saw the boat explode. He was on it. He's dead."
Paco shook his head side to side upset. "No. No! I see him. I see him! He hurt me! He's alive! It's him… only now he's a monster. He look different now. No ear! His face. His neck all… muy malo!" Paco looked away and shook his head very upsetdistressed. He quietly murmured, "The monster's alive."
Horatio felt his anger intensify. The man He was seeing red and wanted to rip this monster to shreds with his bare hands. With gritted teeth he exhaled and threw the sheets off, then slowly moved toward the edge of the bed.
Joe's brows rose in disbelief. His face revealed his shock. "What the hell are you doing?" Joe asked stunned quickly stopping the redhead. "Horatio! Are you okay man?"
"Where's my clothes?" The redhead growled in a harsh tone, completely ignoring Joe.
Alexx was up in a heartbeat and Calleigh as well. Frank immediately backed up clearing out of the way, knowing this was gonna be good.
Joe put a hand on Horatio's shoulder. "Get back in that bed now, damn it."
"It's the judge. He's alive," Horatio growled at Joe, then found Frank's eyes.
"I don't care if it's Christ himself," Joe answered harshly, keeping Horatio down with one strong hand on his shoulder.
Horatio glared at Joe. "You don't understand—"
"Like hell I don't! You're my patient and in my care. That means you're my responsibility. It's my Job to make sure you get the correct medical treatment and care. There's not a chance in hell I'm releasing you!"
AAlexx blinked in shock watching the two go at it. She turned towards Horatio. "It can't be the judge." She paused, " Sugar, he was on the boat that blew up. HHe's dead Horatio. We all saw it. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this."
Horatio looked over at Paco who was still wiping his eyes. "Paco knows what he's talking about Alexx. He also met him in Colombia if you recall. If Paco says he's alive. He's alive."
Paco bobbed his head up and down then stretched and reached for Calleigh's hand. He tucked his hand in hers and whispered, "Es verdad. It's true. He's alive. I just afraid to say so."
Calleigh held his frightened eyes. "We believe you Paco. And your aunt and uncle are safe honey, and so is everyone here. I promise everything will be fine."
"I don't think so," Paco answered quietly, watching the redhead get even more irate.
"I need my clothes," Horatio rumbled quietly but slowly grabbed onto Joe's wrist, that was still firmly placed on his shoulder keeping him on the bed.. He held the doctor's eyes and with an intentionally firm gripstrength, r, removed his hand from his shoulder.
Joe pulled his hand away angrily then snapped, "Where the hell are you going? What do you plan to do in your present condition, Horatio?"
Horatio's eyes narrowed on the doctor. "End this once and for all."
Joe exhaled deeply, completely frustrated with the redhead then ran a rough hand through his hair. He growled, "I'm not letting you leave here!" He stood in front of Horatio with his arms crossed on his chest.
Horatio's brows arched high and he scoffed, "Really? I like to see you stop me."
"Here we go," Alexx shook her head.
Calleigh raked a hand through her hair upset. The blonde knew it was only a matter of time before Horatio left the hospital. Only no one was paying attention to little Paco, who was listening in very closely and panicking.
"Please don't do this," Joe asked nicelypolitely, trying to calm down a bit. "You're not well."
Horatio blew out a breath, also attempting to find control. He softened, "Joe… I appreciate your concernhelp but I have to do this." Heoratio looked over at the tall Texan. "Let me have my clothes, Frank. My clothes please."
Paco's eyes widened and he shook his head in dismay. He immediately got off the bed with his IV pole dragging his IV pole behind him uncaring. Calleigh gasped and ran after him only to realize he was heading straight for Horatio's bed.
Fear filled the small boy's eyes aswhen he reached Horatio. He stood between his legs and stared up at the redhead who was sitting on the edge of the bed looking down at him with question.
Paco exhaled heavily, "You cannot go!. You promised to stay with me! You say… you no leave me Oratio!" Paco pleaded with teary eyes holding onto Horatio's hand then very unexpectedly, he wrapped both arms around Horatio's waist and hugged tightlyhim hard.
Realizing what he just did in front Paco and how he acted, Horatio sighed and gently put his arms around the terrified boy. He lowered his head and spoke quietly, "Paco, you can stay here. You'll be safe son. I promise if—"
"No!" Paco shouted and backed away from him. "You promise not to leave me!" He cried out upset, "You promise!"
Horatio stared hurt and stunnedspeechless at the small terrified boy.
Paco shouted in fear and trepidation, "The monster gonna come get me!. Please Horatio! Please!" The boy's voice cracked as he cried and the tears streamed down his cheeks." He flung himself at Horatio and held onto the redhead for dear life not letting go. He was sobbing uncontrollably, "No leave me. No leave me, please!."
Horatio couldn't take another second of the boy's pain and feardistress. He frowned in sorrow and guilt wrapping his arms around him tenderly. "Easy Paco," Horatio quietly soothed the boy. "I'm… I'm not going anywhere son, all right. I'll stay here with you like I promised. Okay PacoPaco?."
Paco was sobbing hysterically against Horatio's chest. He drew back sniffling, breathing unevenly, wiping at his swollen eyes, looking up at the redhead. "You… stay? Sí? You… promise?"
Horatio nodded feeling so much remorse. He held the young boy's teary eyes then gently wiped his tears away with his thumb and replied quietly, "Sí. I won't leave you son."
Paco sobbed and flung himself against Horatio again, who groaned but wrapped the boy up in his strong arms. this time. Heoratio ran a tender hand over the boy's hair again and again, soothing quietly, "It's all right Paco. I'm so sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to son."
Paco quietly nodded with understanding just happy to hold onto him. He sniffed looking up at Horatio, "You angry. I see. I know. Paco's knows." He nodded his head up and down. "Paco angry too but I'm okay… as long as you stay here with me." His brown eyes pleaded and melted the redhead.
Horatio nodded and held the boy, comforting him. "I'm not leaving you Paco," he quietly reassured the boy.
Joe nodded took a step back and grinned at Calleigh and Alexx. It seems little Paco took care of the matter quite nicely.
Horatio was staying after all.
"I think Paco needs… to rest a bit," Joe shared with a look at Horatio.
"I stay with OHoratio. Okay Dr. Joe. Please?" Paco pleaded.
Timmy made his way back over towards Paco's bed. He picked up the game.
Joe nodded. "Okay Paco, but only if you get some rest all rightokay? You've been through a lot, little man. Your body's stressed and you need to rest."
"Sí Dr. Joe," Paco said sniffing, wiping at his nose. Joe helped him back onto Horatio's bed and gently tussled his hair. "Muchas gracias, Dr. Joe."
"You're welcome, Paco." Joe visually examined the traumatized boy. "You feeling okayall right, kiddo?"
"Sí," Paco bobbed his head up and down. "My heart stopped banging against my chest when Horatio say he no leave me. He stay with me." Paco explained lookingHe looked over at the redhead and held onto his hand.
"Good," Joe answered, with a raised brow and ann unpleasant look at HoratioHoratio who looked down guiltily. "You just lay here and relax kiddo and we'll make sure you don't get upset anymore."
Alexx smirked knowing Joe was purposely adding to Horatio's guilt but it was with only the best intentions of keeping the redhead safe and out of harm's waywell.
"Maybe you want to play the game some more later," Timmy asked handing it back to Paco.
"Thank you Timmy," Paco answered and held tightly onto the game. He moved in closer toward Horatio and laid his head down on the pillow.
Horatio leaned over toward Paco's ear, "You still hungry for that pizza?"
Paco smiled slightlygrinned and looked up at him. "Sí. If you are?"
Joe put one hand on Timmy's shoulder. "C'mon. You can help me carry everything. It seems like things are finally under control here." They both headed out of the room.
Paco shifted in the bed then moved in closer toward Horatio. He laid his head against his shoulder and mumbled, "You promise not to leave me right?"
Horatio sighed softly and with one hand nudged Paco in closer. "I promise Paco. I'm so sorry for upsetting you, son."
Paco remained quiet but his small body shook against Horatio, who frowned knowing he was the cause. Calleigh moved closer and with her eyes asked the silent question.
"He's trembling," the redhead barely whispered into her ear when she bent getting closer. She bit on her lip and shook her head watching Paco slowly doze off with one arm wrapped around Horatio's arm. He was clinging to him, exhausted and afraid.
Frank yawned and Alexx smirked. "There's an empty bed right over there, Detective Tripp."
Frank looked down then towards Horatio. "Looks like you got your hands full, H."
Horatio slightly inclined his head in a yes.
"It's okay," Calleigh said, seeing the redhead's guilt. "Paco's going to be fine as long as you stay with him."
Horatio exhaled a breath not knowing where to begin. "I want to contact the feds and check on Mrs. Sanchez, Calleigh. Let them know the judge is still alive and we may need their help. I also want to make sure Paco's aunt and uncle are safe. It is their jurisdiction and last time we dealt with Ratner, the feds helped out quite a bit." He paused and held her gaze. "You need to watch your back… please," his eyes shifted toward Alexx and then Frank. "With this guy on the loose, everyone's a target."
"I'm on it Horatio," she answered lowly. "Agent Cole will be more than happy to hear from us again, I'm sure," she walked away opening her phone.
The door flung open with a bang and everyone came to attention. Paco shot up frightened, his heart banging against his ribcage. He heldgrabbed onto HoratioHoratio tightly.
Calleigh's hand instantly went to her sidearm and Frank pulled his weapon as well. They all released a breath seeing Paco's uncle.
"Mr. Vega," Horatio questioned in surprise looking at the infuriatedangry man.
"Tío," Paco's let out a breath of relief but his smile quickly faded.
His uncle stormed toward Horatio, pointed and growled, "I have had enough of you señor! You cause Paco nothing but trouble. You cause us all nothing but trouble. He is lucky to be alive!"
Horatio stared at the man stunned, at a loss for words. He was right… after all. Horatio let out a breath and began, "I'm sorry I—"
"No more sorrys! Do you understand me!" The man threw his hands in the air. "Enough!" He shouted and moved towards Paco. "You're coming with me, sobrino and we are leaving here now. This people don't care about you or us!"
Paco eyes grew wide as saucers. "No Tío. Por favor! I stay with Horatio. He save me."
"No, Paco! He almost got you killed! You're coming with me now!" The uncle yelled and grabbed onto Paco's wrists making the small boy cry out in pain.
Horatio's blue eyes narrowed. "Mr. Vega," Horatio rumbled low with warning then glared watching the older man release Paco's wrists. "Paco's just been through a very traumatizing event. He's needs medical care and supervision. You'll be endangering the boy if you take him out of here against medical advice."
The door opened and Joe walked in with Timmy laughing. They immediately stopped seeing the seriousness of the situation.
The older man pointed at Horatio. Stabbing his finger at him with anger. "This is your fault! Your doing, gringo! You will pay for this and the suffering you have caused since we came here."
"Tío?" Paco growled upset shaking his head, still clinging to Horatio. "Oratio helped us! He saved us and took us here to Miami… the good life."
The older man snorted a laugh, "The good life! Do you hear yourself Paco! He almost got you killed, sobrino! Again!"
Paco shook his head refusing to hear his uncle and growled, "Tío, you always say how much you like the house and the car and how we live here, so differently from Colombia. Such a better life. You always say it is because Horatio is a good man that we have this. Now when there is trouble you say this and blame him! Why?"
The uncle stared at Paco. "You don't understand, sorbrino," he answered, softening a bit."
"Es verdad," Paco answered. "It's true and you know this."
"Sí sorbrino. Es verdad but we almost lost you again because of this man! I cannot live this way anymore, even if it means we go back to Colombia."
Paco's eyes grew widerwent wide as saucers. "Que!" Paco shouted very upset. Afraid. "No! Never! I never go back there! I hate it," Paco yelled, growled and then hugged Horatio tightly, crying to him, "Please don't make me go back! Please!" Paco sobbed.
"Easy son," Horatio did his best to soothe the traumatized boy.
"He is not your son!" The uncle growled immediately then turned towards Joe. "You're his doctor síi? I want my nephew moved into another room away from this man. I want this done immediately. If you do not do as I wish I will take my nephew out of this hospital!"
Joe nodded. "That won't be necessary. I'll get Paco another room and we'll make sure he's all right. The boy needs medical care and needs to be monitored. He's been through a lot."
"I'm not going! No, Dr. Joe," Paco shouted clinging to Horatio. "Please!" With both hands on Horatio's face he turned his head and held his sorrowful blue eyes. "You promised you'd stay with me.!" " Oratio!"
The redhead swallowed hard feeling so much guilt. Paco was close to a breakdown and his uncle was right. The boy was in danger being around him. Horatio exhaled softly, "I'm sorry Paco but your uncle is your caretaker and I have to do as he asks. I can't go against him, son. He only has your best interests at heart."
Paco began crying hard. He held onto Horatio's hand while his small body trembled again.
Horatio whispered near Paco's ear, "It's gonna be okay Paco. Believe me, please son. It's for the best."
Tears filled Timmy's eyes. He shook his head and walked over towards the window. Calleigh knew he was upset and tried to comfort him. Alexx and Frank moved towards them as Mr. Vega stormed out of the room followed by Joe, who turned back for a moment and shook his head at Horatio. Compassion filled his tone,
"I'm… I'm sorry. I have to do as he asks. He's the boy's uncle."
"I understand Joe. It's all right," HoratioHoratio answered, said as Paco shoved him and pulled away furiously.
"It's not all right! You promised! You promised me, Oratio…" Paco shouted and blinked feeling strangely. His tone softened and Paco's voice faded, "You never… break your promise…." The boy frowned and a painful moan left his lips. He lifted a hand against his head then his eyes rolled back and the boy began to shake violently.
"Paco!" Horatio called nervously. "Son," Heoratio gasped and held onto the boy's trembling body. He looked like he was having a seizure. "Call Joe!" He snapped.
Calleigh was already out the door as she shouted for Joe.
"Give him to me," Alexx said, and laid Paco down on the bed..
Joe came flying back into the room followed by Maria and Cathy. They quickly moved Paco to his bed and Joe examined him.
"He's seizing," Joe said confused. "Give me 4mgs Dilantin stat." He turned the boy on his side while Maria headed out of the room.
Horatio shook his head in shock, hoping, praying, Paco would be okay. Calleigh, Alexx, Frank and Timmy all looked on in disbelief.
TBC….
So did you know who the monster was? LOL
Ahh, more excitement and we still have more to go!
Poor Paco. Poor Timmy.
Poor Horatio, who is so full of guilt and anger.
So… I wonder what the judge will do next?
