CHAPTER 49: KENWALL

After a couple of days, it seemed as if waters had finally calmed down. No one had heard from Stetler, no compromising photo was circulating and Calleigh had had no news from Berkeley. She would have liked an encounter, however, to have the opportunity to give him a piece of her mind, but alas, no such luck.

What was starting to really disturb the Southern belle, however, was the lessening frequency of Horatio's visit to her domain. It was not as if he were avoiding her, on the contrary, he still brought her coffee and asked her face to face about her progress on cases they were working together, but their encounters had a distinct professional quality about them that she was starting to find irritating.

Moreover, as soon as he had the opportunity Horatio had made her work with Flavia and Eric.

It was close to Christmas and Flavia couldn't be happier; probably for this reason, she didn't mind at all working with Delko, in spite of their previous disagreements.

-What are you guys doing for Christmas?-, she had asked while the three of them were heading to their next crime scene.

-I still don't know… I mean, we don't have to go to the Lab, swing shift is covering this year, but we're still on duty call… this means I'm not flying back to Louisiana, that's for sure... what about you, Eric?-, Calleigh addressed the driving coworker, who so far had said very little.

-Don't have the slightest idea…-, he muttered gloomily. Ignoring his tone, Flavia pressed on.

-Well, why don't we do something together? We could go out to a nice restaurant, or enjoy a quiet homemade meal at our place. -, she proposed.

-Does Horatio know about your plan or you don't want him to have a say in the matter?-, Calleigh couldn't refrain from asking, laughter in her every word.

-Well, that was my whole point… besides, he's a bit grumpy these days, I wasn't really able to openly approach him about this kind of things…-, Flavia confessed from the backseat. Calleigh turned towards her, a questioning look in her green eyes.

-Hey Calleigh, what did you do to piss him off? Wasn't it all a bed of roses?-, Eric asked cheekily. Repressing the urge to smack him, for she wasn't really looking forward to crashing into another car, Calleigh took a deep breath before answering.

-I've got a feeling Horatio is determined to maintain his distance, what with Stetler… and you. -, she replied, looking Eric so intensely that the Cuban felt in need to defend himself.

-It was just an innocent question, Calleigh. –

-No, it wasn't, Eric, and you know it. If you must know, there's nothing going on between me and Horatio, apart from deep friendship and respect. -, Calleigh said forcefully, her tone conveying the depth of her feelings. Much to my displeasure…

-I happened to spend a lot of time at his place, but mainly because I was visiting Flavia, that's not everyday I manage to make a good female friend, or have you noticed me going out with other female friends since the day we met?-, she pressed on. Eric remained quiet, deep in thoughts; now that she was mentioning it, she didn't have a lot of friends outside the Lab. That's logical, dummy, she's not from Miami! She's been here less than a year, you can't expect her to have so many acquaintances, his inner voice reasoned.

-I'm sorry if I started spending less time with you and Tim, but you must admit you're not great company when it comes to shopping…-, Calleigh joked, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

-Listen, Eric, I really didn't want to interfere this much with your friendship with Cal and Tim, but I too don't have many female friends, mainly boys back in New York, and often a bit crazy or of the supernatural kind, so imagine my surprise when I could relate this well with a human girl… it was just too good to be true! As for my relationship with Tim, which I won't deny is making me very happy, it just sort of happened… and that Stetler guy just added fuel to the fire. -, Flavia piped up. It seemed like a good time to come clean with Delko.

-Okay, okay, you win… I admit I've been a bit… jealous, like I was being left behind. -, the Cuban stated in a small voice.

-Oh, c'mon, Eric, you're still the hottest guy in the Lab, that should count for something, right?-, Flavia joked. Eric burst out laughing.

-Really? And what about Speed? Or Horatio?-, he replied merrily.

-They don't count, since I'm a partisan…-, the girl defended herself, happy she had managed to break through Eric's though exterior.

-Gosh, you're so easy to corrupt, Eric… all it takes is a compliment by a pretty girl…-, Calleigh joked, earning a swat from Eric.

The light bickering did not cease until they reached their destination.

*

-Hey, Cal, you got a match on the bullet?-, Flavia asked Calleigh, trotting to catch up with her friend. The blonde slowed her pace to facilitate the process.

-Yeah, that's why I was headed to your brother's office. We're looking for the gun of a cop, he has reported it stolen two days ago. -, she replied, handing Flavia her report.

-Hey, Lambchop!-

Calleigh spun around upon hearing the almost shouted nickname. –Dad!-, she exclaimed, surprised. A handsome middle aged man approached the two girls quickly, beaming at the shortest one.

-Hey, how's my Lambochop doing?-, he asked jovially, hugging Calleigh tightly, almost lifting her from the ground.

-I'm good, Dad. What are you doing here?-, Calleigh replied once she had regained her breath. Their smiles were so bright, Flavia felt the sudden need for her brother's shades.

-Oh, sorry, were are my manners? Dad, may I introduce you to my friend and coworker Flavia Caine? Flavia, this is my father, Kenwall Duquesne. -, the young woman exclaimed, turning towards her friend.

Flavia smiled at the man, holding out her hand. –It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. –

-Likewise, Miss, and please, call me Duke. -, the man replied charmingly, shaking hands with the girl. Flavia could see were Calleigh got her good looks, well, partially. Kenwall's green-brown eyes glistened with love for his little girl, his brownish curls shone under the Miami sun which filtered through the windows of the corridor. He was well dressed, nicely shaved and perfectly polite, the picture of Southern charm.

-So, you didn't answer my question…-, Calleigh pressed on, smiling at her father. He beamed.

-Well, Lambchop, I'm here to personally invite you to dinner, my treat. I'm celebrating. -, he answered cryptically. Calleigh raised a eyebrow, smile never leaving her face.

-And what might you be celebrating?-, she wondered. Her father grinned.

-I happen to have won my first lawsuit since my reintegration. -, he replied proudly. Calleigh's eyes widened in shock, her smile matching her father's.

-That's fantastic, Dad! Oh my God, I'm so happy for you!-, the blonde exclaimed, throwing her arms around her father; he chuckled embarrassed, but promptly returned the embrace. –Name a place and the time. –

-How about this Sunday? I'll give you the details later this week. –

-Perfect, it's settled then. Sorry, I gotta go now, we're in the middle of a case right now… I'll call you later today, okay?-

-Sure, have a nice day, Lambchop. Flavia, it's been a pleasure, I hope we'll meet again. –

-Sure thing, Duke. Goodbye. –

*

The good news held Calleigh's mind away from thoughts of Horatio only for the seven minutes it took both her and Flavia to reach the Lieutenant's office. Luckily for her, it was her friend who knocked, opened the door and then closed it; however, she couldn't talk in her place.

She briefly explained the situation. Horatio nodded his head, already thinking ahead.

-Okay, I'll make a couple of calls. If not me, I'm sure Frank will convince Officer Darnell to talk to you. -, he stated, already reaching for the phone. Calleigh spoke in spite of her better judgment.

-Aren't you going to supervise the interview?-, she asked, a little taken aback by her boss's behavior.

-I trust you with politics, Calleigh. -, he replied, not fully looking the woman in the eye. Sensing a dismissal, the two girls quietly left the office.

-Either he's stress or in need to get laid. -, Flavia muttered. Calleigh turned to her, shocked.

-Excuse me?-, she squeaked.

-Hey, he didn't even glance at us, and conversation? To the minimum… he's being Mr. Grumpy Bear these days… why don't you talk some sense into him?-, the girl proposed. It was possible, Calleigh was even more shocked, almost affronted.

-Why me?-, she wanted to know.

-Because… you're the sensible one? And, let's face it, he's got a soft spot for you…-, Flavia winked at her friend knowingly, a small smile playing on her lips.

Suddenly, Calleigh snapped. She didn't know why, if it had to do with something Flavia had said of for the cold treatment on her brother's part, she just snapped.

-Like hell he does!-, she barked, sprinting towards Ballistics and leaving a dumbstruck Flavia behind.

-Now what did I say? Gosh, I hope they do some horizontal mambo soon…-, she muttered gloomily.

***CONTINUES***

Guys, the upcoming chapters are gonna be… different, and cool I hope… so stay tuned, and please, tell me what you think!! Love, Eli