CHAPTER 50: A QUIET NIGHT OUT
As much as Calleigh would have liked to forget all about Horatio and his coldness towards her, she couldn't, even if the preparations for her evening out with her father was absorbing much of her free time.
She had gone out shopping with Flavia, her idea, really, to take her mind off the redheaded Lieutenant. They ended up talking about him, of course, but in between a new suit for Calleigh and a pair of Converse for Flavia it was almost bearable. Almost.
Finally, Sunday arrived. Calleigh had asked to leave early, her wish promptly granted by her boss. It was as if he was watching over her from afar, granting her every wish and spoiling her as much as he could, but keeping in the shadows. Was he fearing to get burned? Or to burn her? She couldn't decide, maybe it was a bit of both. But no, knowing Horatio, he was merely trying to protect her from gossip and IAB. Damaging their relationship in the process. Or lack thereof…
As she showered, she couldn't take her mind off of Horatio. The caress of the warm water reminded her of his comforting embrace, its roar the low rumble of his chest… her insides ached for him, she wanted to be filled, completely, utterly filled by him, mind and body. She adhered with her back to the cold tiles of the shower, ignoring the almost painful contrast of warmth and coolness. Her right hand descended to the abdomen on its own accord, coming to rest on her blonde curls. Almost absentmindedly, she started stroking herself; she desperately needed the release. She thought about Horatio, of course, imagining her hand running through his red locks…
When she realized what she was doing, she stopped. Ashamed, she quickly finished her shower, carefully removing the excess of shampoo from the hair. She took her time in drying her body and her hair, carefully applying vanilla cream over her tights and arms. She resisted the urge of resuming her previous ministrations, concentrating on ample and vigorous circular movements instead. She took her time even in deciding what to wear, even if she already knew what to look for in her wardrobe. She just didn't want to think about him.
Black tight pants, simple green low cut top and a short jacket, she carefully applied soft makeup and even curled her hair some, she was that desperate to find something to occupy her mind with.
When her father arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't have to fake cheerfulness around her father, he just inspired her happiness, when sober, that is.
He took her to a fancy restaurant in a central area of Miami. They chit chatted while waiting for their food to arrive, then they both attacked the courses with a vengeance; they had mutually agreed on no wine. It was an enjoyable evening.
Around eleven o'clock, it was time to leave. Duke took care of the bill, while his daughter stepped outside to enjoy some fresh air. She strolled leisurely around the building, her mind still focused on the light conversation with her father. The noise of broken twigs caught her attention; she turned sharply towards the parking lot, a small patch of land lit by only one street lamp, just in time to catch a glimpse of yellow eyes.
Crap! That's their modus operandi!
Without further delay, she ran back to the restaurant, from where her father was just emerging; seeing her approach him fast, he wondered, surprised: -Lambchop, did you forget something?-
Before even thinking about replying, Calleigh took Duke by the arm and walked briskly towards the inside of the place.
-We've been followed. -, she simply stated, hoping her father would catch on her meaning.
-What? Who…?-, he stuttered. Calleigh didn't bother answering, she just led him towards the toilets, frantically fishing her bag for her phone.
A loud bang resonated from the entrance, immediately followed by shouts and exclamations of surprise. Instinctively, Calleigh's arms flew up to protect her head from flying debris. She speed up, toilets ahoy. She threw the men's toilet door open, then pushed her father inside, a hand on his mouth.
-Be quiet. -, she whispered, fumbling with her phone. Duke nodded, eyes wide with shock. More terrifying than the sound of shattered glass and snarls, the shacking of the floor under heavy footfalls had the man whimpering with fear.
-Shh, don't make a noise!-, Calleigh admonished gently, then her attention shifted to the voice on the other end of the line.
-Caine. –
-Horatio, it's me, Cal. We're under attack. -, she whispered on the phone.
-Where are you?-, in spite of her own labored breath and the thundering of her heart, she could make out the worry in his voice. She gave him the address and a brief description of the situation.
-You hang in there, I'll be there soon. Be careful. -, was all he said before disconnecting the communication.
Sighing, Calleigh shut the phone. She turned towards her father.
-Don't worry, Horatio's on his way. He'll help us. –
Duke nodded, not trusting his vocal cords. Her daughter hugged him, trying to comfort him even if she herself was sick with worry. They crouched under the washbowl, their breath the only sound in the small room. It didn't take long, however, for Calleigh to realize that the heavy footfalls were approaching their hiding spot.
-C'mon. -, she whispered, pushing her father up; she dragged him to the inner share of the toilet, closing the door behind them.
-They're after us. -, Duke realized with a start; Calleigh barely heard him, she was looking around frantically for an escape. Her eyes fell upon the ceiling: the wall that separated the men's toilet from the women's one did not reach the ceiling, leaving an open space which connected the two rooms. If only it were big enough for her to slip through it…
Two werewolves burst into the room, effectively breaking down the door. Well, making it explode would be more accurate, for the power of the blows they dealt was enough to disintegrate it, making wooden splinters fall on the floor. Two loud sniffs lead them in front of the smaller door behind which their prey hid. The biggest of them pierced it, then proceeded to rip it open; the enclosed space was too small for even one of them to enter; for this reason, they morphed in their human form, not caring if they were naked.
What met the two bald brutes was not what they had been expecting. A trembling middle aged man was crouched on the floor in the little space between the wall and the WC, hands raised as if that could protect him.
-Where's the woman? I swear I could smell her perfume…-, one of them growled, examining the hole with quick eyes.
-What do you want from her?-, Duke replied bravely, lowering his arms to look the aggressors in the eye. The other one, obviously less patient than the first who had spoken, stepped menacingly towards him, pushing Kenwall up.
-We make the questions, is that clear?-, he growled, then, for more emphasis, slammed Duke hard against the wall. –Now, where has that bitch gone?-
-I… I don't know…-, Duke panted, the blow seemed to have squeezed all the air out of his lungs. –We split. -, he added.
-He's lying!-, the other werewolf replied. His companion turned towards him, annoyed. –Do shut up, I know he's lying! Now, let's see if that little blondie comes out when she hears her old man screaming…-
***CONTINUES***
Poor Calleigh, I have no mercy on that woman! So, who's curious to know what's gonna happen to her?
