Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, including Tim
Speedle, (sigh), but hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
Rating: R, R, and more R
Pairings: Speed/OC, Speed/Calleigh, Calleigh/?
Summary: The team searches for a serial killer before he strikes again, bringing an old flame back to Miami and destroying Tim's precarious relationship with Calleigh.
A/N: This story just would not leave me alone! I went back and re- read it the other day and decided that I could do better. Therefore, I am reposting the story with corrections, no major changes. This time, I have given a lot more backstory on the fight that broke Tim and Leanna up, among other things.
Chapter 7
Tim opened his sock drawer and pulled out a small red velvet box. Opening the lid, he admired the two rings inside. The wedding bands were made of heavy white gold. Leanna had fallen in love with them because, although they looked plain when you were looking directly at them, small diamonds were mounted in the top and bottom edges of the rings, giving them just the tiniest bit of sparkle.
He remembered how happy she'd been the day they'd bought the rings, how her face would light up when she'd tell people they were getting married. The wedding was scheduled and everything had been going according to plan, until the day Leanna arrived home and found a message on the answering machine from Tom Michaels, an FBI recruiter at Quantico. They wanted her – immediately.
Leanna had taken the test almost a year before Michaels' phone call, a couple of months before Tim had proposed. He had just assumed when she'd agreed to marry him that she'd given up on her dream of getting into the FBI. He was wrong. He remembered her face that day, beaming as she replayed the message over and over.
Tim slid his ring on, relishing the feel of the smooth metal against his finger, stretching his fingers to get used to the weight. Horatio had bought the rest of his teams bands to wear at the club, but Tim had refused, without Leanna's knowledge. He placed the other ring in his pocket, hoping that Leanna wouldn't shove it down his throat when she saw it. He chuckled at the thought, entering the living room and picking up his keys off the kitchen counter.
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Leanna stepped in front of the full-length mirror and studied her reflection. "What on earth possessed me to buy this dress?" she said aloud, a frown set on her features. She smoothed the silky printed fabric with her fingers. Sighing heavily, she lifted the onyx necklace John had given her and examined it. Feeling fairly confident she'd discovered which side the camera and microphone were on, she slid the lariat around her throat and fastened the clasp behind her hair.
"Just a minute," she answered the knock at her door. She found Tim standing on the other side, clean-shaven and very handsome in a black button down shirt and charcoal suit.
Leanna was a vision before him. Auburn curls hung loose across her shoulders, hiding the black spaghetti straps of her dress, which hugged every curve of her body. Tim wet his lips and fought back the overwhelming desire to rid her of the dress altogether. "Wow," he said, "You, uh, look amazing."
Leanna blushed under his intense gaze. "Thanks," she muttered. "I have to get my shoes."
"I thought you looked a little short," he teased. Tim swallowed hard as he watched her sit down on the bed and lean over don the high-heeled black slides, cleavage softly spilling out of the deep v-neck of her slip dress.
"Okay," she stood up, barreling him back to reality. "I'm ready."
"Not exactly," he argued gently, stepping in front of her.
"What are you talking about?" she asked curiously, "Hair's fixed, makeup's done, I'm dressed and I've got the necklace on."
He chuckled lightly. "You're missing the most important piece." Tim slipped his hand into his pants pocket and pulled out her ring, holding it between two fingers in front of her.
Leanna was speechless. Her eyes darted between Tim and the ring. "That can't possibly be..." she stammered.
Tim lifted her left hand gently and slid her wedding ring into place. Leanna held her breath as she watched him. There was so much love in his eyes, she was overcome with emotion, and soft tears began spilling down her cheeks.
"It is," he answered finally, offering her a lop-sided smile. He then captured her left hand with his own, tracing her wedding band with his finger. "This is the way he should be, Lea," he whispered, using their intertwined fingers to wipe her tears.
Leanna rose up slightly on her toes until her face was even with his and brushed her lips softly over his. Tim heard himself moan as he slowly wrapped an arm around her waist, while bringing another up to her hair, then touching his lips to hers again.
Leanna sought to deepen their kiss, tracing the outline of his lips with her tongue. He parted them slightly, caressing her face while they explored one another, tongues touching, tasting, dancing, remembering.
"I love you," he said finally when they'd run out of air.
Leanna nodded and sniffled. "I love you too, Tim."
"Marry me." It wasn't a question, but a gentle demand. "Now that you're here and I know that you love me, I don't think I could live if I lost you again." His voice broke, and Leanna noticed the tears begging for release from his eyes.
"You will never, ever lose me," she promised fiercely. "Never again."
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The pounding techno music was overwhelming as they stepped into the club. Tim nodded discreetly at Horatio and led Leanna towards the bar. "We need a drink," he told her. "To blend in."
"White wine," she answered, kissing him quickly. "Stay here," he mouthed, stretching their joined hands out as far as he could, releasing her at the last possible moment from his grasp.
Leanna had caught herself staring at her wedding ring so many times since Tim had slipped it on her finger; she'd completely lost count. It felt so right, she never wanted to take it off. She tore her eyes away from her finger for a moment and began searching the crowd for the other ring – the one possibly belonging to their killer.
"I don't think this is going to work," Tim stepped behind her and spoke into her ear. "I only have eyes for you." Leanna blushed and he kissed her cheek, handing her the wine.
"Well, you two definitely win the Oscar for best newlywed couple," Eric's voice teased. Leanna laughed.
"What?" Tim asked suspiciously.
"Eric," she explained, leaning in close to him, "he says we look good married."
"Hell yeah," he grinned, kissing her softly. "I love you."
Leanna noticed Calleigh staring at them out of the corner of her eye. "She's not taking this very well," Leanna noted seriously. Tim glanced back at Horatio and Calleigh. "No," he sighed. "But she knew I didn't love her."
Leanna smiled weakly and touched his cheek. "That didn't stop her from loving you, though."
Tim shook his head. "I tried to explain things last night. She didn't want to hear any of it."
"She's gonna need some time, Tim. I think in the end, she'll want you to be happy." She noticed Calleigh heading to the restroom and decided to follow. "I'm going to go powder my nose."
Leanna made her way through the crowd, checking faces against the pictures in her head and glancing discreetly for the ring. She pushed open the door of the restroom, resting her purse on the counter top. Leanna pulled her lipstick out of the bag, re-applying the shiny nude color to her lips.
Calleigh stepped out of a stall and glared at Leanna, turning on the faucet and slipping her hands under the water.
"For what it's worth, Calleigh, I'm sorry," Leanna said honestly.
Calleigh laughed bitterly. "You have nothing to be sorry for. He's been yours all along."
Leanna leaned against the counter. "Okay, then I'm sorry that you got hurt."
Calleigh considered her words for a moment. "You'll forgive me if I don't accept the apology, Leanna."
Calleigh made a break for the door, but Leanna stopped her. Calleigh stared up at the taller woman, and gritted her teeth. "Get out of my way."
Leanna crossed her arms. "Not until you believe that I'm sincere."
Calleigh frowned. "You know, Leanna, there's a killer out there, and I'll be damned if I'm going to stand here arguing with you while he gets another couple." Calleigh pushed Leanna aside and stalked out the door.
Calleigh fell into her seat next to Horatio, biting back tears and fighting to regain control of her breathing. "Calleigh?" Horatio questioned. "Are you okay?"
She smiled her best fake smile at Horatio. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking." She jumped when Horatio stroked her cheek with his fingers.
"Calleigh, relax," he encouraged, "I'm supposed to be your husband."
She did as she was told and leaned into Horatio's body. "You're right, Handsome," she drawled, placing a tiny kiss on his nose. "I'm sorry."
A smile tugged at Horatio's lips as she teased him. He whispered into her ear, "Have I told you yet how incredibly beautiful you look tonight?"
Horatio delighted in the way Calleigh's face lit up at the compliment. Her smile was genuine this time and she laughed. "No, but I'm certainly not going to stop you."
He blushed, "Well, then let me say it, my darling, you are simply stunning."
"You confronted her, didn't you?" Tim asked as Leanna returned to his side, a frown creasing her beautiful features.
"Yes," she said irritably.
"And how did that go?" he asked sarcastically.
Leanna took a long sip of her wine. "Not good."
Tim laughed. "You should have taken your own advice and given her some time."
"Hey, Leanna?" Eric's voice startled her. "Check out that guy to your left. Short, black, military style cut - just like in one of those photos. He keeps staring at you."
"I see him," she confirmed. She leaned into Tim's ear. "Potential right behind you, babe."
Tim glanced discreetly over his shoulder, making eye contact with the man in question and titling his head up in acknowledgment. The man raised his glass to Tim and Leanna.
Tim turned back to Leanna, bringing his beer to his lips. "He's got a ring on, Lea."
"Um-hum. He's coming over here," she said through her smile.
"Hi," the man extended his hand to Tim. "I'm James."
"Tim, and this is my wife Leanna." Tim wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
"You guys local?" James asked uneasily.
Tim didn't particularly care for the way James was clearing undressing Leanna with his eyes, and tightened his grip on her waist. "No, you?"
"Yeah," James responded. "I'm a photographer." He handed Tim a business card. "I specialize in nudes, but not that kinky stuff they put out in those men's magazines. Tasteful, beautiful stuff," he explained. He leaned in close to Tim's ear. "Your wife is gorgeous, man, I'd really like to shoot her. How long are you guys in town?"
"Couple more days," Tim answered vaguely.
"That's an interesting ring," Leanna noted, staring at James' hand, hoping to get a better look at it.
James looked down. "Oh, thank you." He took it off and handed it to her. "It's very intricate. My grandfather was a jewelry maker in Ireland. He hand-crafted this ring for himself and a matching one for my grandmother when they got married."
Leanna examined the ring, holding it as close as possible to the camera around her neck. She heard Eric sigh heavily in her ear, followed by the dreaded words, "It's not a match."
"It's beautiful." Leanna handed the ring back to him. Tim got Leanna's unspoken message.
"Well, we'll keep the photo thing in mind, man." Tim turned back to his beer.
Horatio and Calleigh held their breath, watching the scene unfold before them. "Damn," Calleigh sighed, inhaling sharply and turning to Horatio. "It's not a match."
Horatio stroked her cheek affectionately. "That's okay, Beautiful. We've got a long night ahead of us."
They headed out of the club hours later, just moments before the bouncer had to throw everyone out. Tim and Leanna had left fifteen minutes before, surrendering her earpiece to Eric on the way to their cab. "Calleigh," Eric called into her ear, "look straight ahead."
"Um-hum," she whispered quietly. A tall man with shaggy blonde hair approached them. "I'm sorry," he smiled brightly. "I've been watching the two of you all night, and I knew I'd just kick myself in the morning if I didn't say hello."
"Well, hello, then," Calleigh said playfully.
"Hi," he said nervously. "I'm Vincent."
Horatio extended his hand to Vincent, who shook it firmly. Horatio felt a solid band on Vincent's right hand. "I'm Horatio, and this is my beautiful wife Calleigh."
"Yes, she is," Vincent agreed. "May I ask, are you two newlyweds?"
Calleigh beamed at Horatio. "Why yes, as a matter of fact. How did you know that?"
Vincent tapped the side of his head with his right hand. "I have a sixth- sense about these things."
"Wow, what a cool ring!" Calleigh exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like that."
Vincent extended his hand to her. "Yeah, isn't it great? It's an antique - I don't know the whole story behind it, but it's a hell of a conversation starter."
"It's a match!" Eric nearly screamed in Calleigh's ear. "That's him, Cal!"
Calleigh grinned. "Well, then let's start a conversation, Vincent." Horatio stepped behind him, removing his handcuffs from his belt. Calleigh continued as Horatio captured Vincent's wrists. "It goes a little something like this - you are under arrest for the murders of Stacy & Brian Jerrod, James & Lori Andrews, Steve & Dianna Van Pelt and Max & Lucy Davidson. You have the right to remain silent."
"What is this?" Vincent exclaimed, struggling against Horatio's firm grasp. "Why are you handcuffing me?"
"You should have left the ring at home, Vincent. As I was saying, you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
Calleigh continued mirandizing Vincent as Horatio hauled him outside and into a waiting patrol car.
Horatio tossed Vincent into the car, shutting the door and tapping the hood. He turned to Calleigh, lifting her into his arms. "We got him!" he exclaimed, twirling her around.
"Horatio!" she laughed, "Put me down!"
He sat her gently back on the pavement and captured her face in his hands. He planted a firm kiss squarely on her lips.
"H?" Eric had jumped out of the van with Valera, Hagen and Yelina in tow, and now stared at his boss in confusion.
Horatio whipped around, joy spreading across his face. He grabbed Eric and hugged him tight. "I'd kiss you too, but honestly, I don't like you that much!"
"Thank God for that," Eric said, pulling away from Horatio.
Valera laughed as Horatio kissed Calleigh again, this time lingering just a tiny bit longer. Then he kissed her forehead. "We got him, Cal," he said against her smooth skin, holding her tight against him.
Calleigh pulled away from him and gazed into his blue eyes. "Yes, we did," she said brightly.
Rating: R, R, and more R
Pairings: Speed/OC, Speed/Calleigh, Calleigh/?
Summary: The team searches for a serial killer before he strikes again, bringing an old flame back to Miami and destroying Tim's precarious relationship with Calleigh.
A/N: This story just would not leave me alone! I went back and re- read it the other day and decided that I could do better. Therefore, I am reposting the story with corrections, no major changes. This time, I have given a lot more backstory on the fight that broke Tim and Leanna up, among other things.
Chapter 7
Tim opened his sock drawer and pulled out a small red velvet box. Opening the lid, he admired the two rings inside. The wedding bands were made of heavy white gold. Leanna had fallen in love with them because, although they looked plain when you were looking directly at them, small diamonds were mounted in the top and bottom edges of the rings, giving them just the tiniest bit of sparkle.
He remembered how happy she'd been the day they'd bought the rings, how her face would light up when she'd tell people they were getting married. The wedding was scheduled and everything had been going according to plan, until the day Leanna arrived home and found a message on the answering machine from Tom Michaels, an FBI recruiter at Quantico. They wanted her – immediately.
Leanna had taken the test almost a year before Michaels' phone call, a couple of months before Tim had proposed. He had just assumed when she'd agreed to marry him that she'd given up on her dream of getting into the FBI. He was wrong. He remembered her face that day, beaming as she replayed the message over and over.
Tim slid his ring on, relishing the feel of the smooth metal against his finger, stretching his fingers to get used to the weight. Horatio had bought the rest of his teams bands to wear at the club, but Tim had refused, without Leanna's knowledge. He placed the other ring in his pocket, hoping that Leanna wouldn't shove it down his throat when she saw it. He chuckled at the thought, entering the living room and picking up his keys off the kitchen counter.
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Leanna stepped in front of the full-length mirror and studied her reflection. "What on earth possessed me to buy this dress?" she said aloud, a frown set on her features. She smoothed the silky printed fabric with her fingers. Sighing heavily, she lifted the onyx necklace John had given her and examined it. Feeling fairly confident she'd discovered which side the camera and microphone were on, she slid the lariat around her throat and fastened the clasp behind her hair.
"Just a minute," she answered the knock at her door. She found Tim standing on the other side, clean-shaven and very handsome in a black button down shirt and charcoal suit.
Leanna was a vision before him. Auburn curls hung loose across her shoulders, hiding the black spaghetti straps of her dress, which hugged every curve of her body. Tim wet his lips and fought back the overwhelming desire to rid her of the dress altogether. "Wow," he said, "You, uh, look amazing."
Leanna blushed under his intense gaze. "Thanks," she muttered. "I have to get my shoes."
"I thought you looked a little short," he teased. Tim swallowed hard as he watched her sit down on the bed and lean over don the high-heeled black slides, cleavage softly spilling out of the deep v-neck of her slip dress.
"Okay," she stood up, barreling him back to reality. "I'm ready."
"Not exactly," he argued gently, stepping in front of her.
"What are you talking about?" she asked curiously, "Hair's fixed, makeup's done, I'm dressed and I've got the necklace on."
He chuckled lightly. "You're missing the most important piece." Tim slipped his hand into his pants pocket and pulled out her ring, holding it between two fingers in front of her.
Leanna was speechless. Her eyes darted between Tim and the ring. "That can't possibly be..." she stammered.
Tim lifted her left hand gently and slid her wedding ring into place. Leanna held her breath as she watched him. There was so much love in his eyes, she was overcome with emotion, and soft tears began spilling down her cheeks.
"It is," he answered finally, offering her a lop-sided smile. He then captured her left hand with his own, tracing her wedding band with his finger. "This is the way he should be, Lea," he whispered, using their intertwined fingers to wipe her tears.
Leanna rose up slightly on her toes until her face was even with his and brushed her lips softly over his. Tim heard himself moan as he slowly wrapped an arm around her waist, while bringing another up to her hair, then touching his lips to hers again.
Leanna sought to deepen their kiss, tracing the outline of his lips with her tongue. He parted them slightly, caressing her face while they explored one another, tongues touching, tasting, dancing, remembering.
"I love you," he said finally when they'd run out of air.
Leanna nodded and sniffled. "I love you too, Tim."
"Marry me." It wasn't a question, but a gentle demand. "Now that you're here and I know that you love me, I don't think I could live if I lost you again." His voice broke, and Leanna noticed the tears begging for release from his eyes.
"You will never, ever lose me," she promised fiercely. "Never again."
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The pounding techno music was overwhelming as they stepped into the club. Tim nodded discreetly at Horatio and led Leanna towards the bar. "We need a drink," he told her. "To blend in."
"White wine," she answered, kissing him quickly. "Stay here," he mouthed, stretching their joined hands out as far as he could, releasing her at the last possible moment from his grasp.
Leanna had caught herself staring at her wedding ring so many times since Tim had slipped it on her finger; she'd completely lost count. It felt so right, she never wanted to take it off. She tore her eyes away from her finger for a moment and began searching the crowd for the other ring – the one possibly belonging to their killer.
"I don't think this is going to work," Tim stepped behind her and spoke into her ear. "I only have eyes for you." Leanna blushed and he kissed her cheek, handing her the wine.
"Well, you two definitely win the Oscar for best newlywed couple," Eric's voice teased. Leanna laughed.
"What?" Tim asked suspiciously.
"Eric," she explained, leaning in close to him, "he says we look good married."
"Hell yeah," he grinned, kissing her softly. "I love you."
Leanna noticed Calleigh staring at them out of the corner of her eye. "She's not taking this very well," Leanna noted seriously. Tim glanced back at Horatio and Calleigh. "No," he sighed. "But she knew I didn't love her."
Leanna smiled weakly and touched his cheek. "That didn't stop her from loving you, though."
Tim shook his head. "I tried to explain things last night. She didn't want to hear any of it."
"She's gonna need some time, Tim. I think in the end, she'll want you to be happy." She noticed Calleigh heading to the restroom and decided to follow. "I'm going to go powder my nose."
Leanna made her way through the crowd, checking faces against the pictures in her head and glancing discreetly for the ring. She pushed open the door of the restroom, resting her purse on the counter top. Leanna pulled her lipstick out of the bag, re-applying the shiny nude color to her lips.
Calleigh stepped out of a stall and glared at Leanna, turning on the faucet and slipping her hands under the water.
"For what it's worth, Calleigh, I'm sorry," Leanna said honestly.
Calleigh laughed bitterly. "You have nothing to be sorry for. He's been yours all along."
Leanna leaned against the counter. "Okay, then I'm sorry that you got hurt."
Calleigh considered her words for a moment. "You'll forgive me if I don't accept the apology, Leanna."
Calleigh made a break for the door, but Leanna stopped her. Calleigh stared up at the taller woman, and gritted her teeth. "Get out of my way."
Leanna crossed her arms. "Not until you believe that I'm sincere."
Calleigh frowned. "You know, Leanna, there's a killer out there, and I'll be damned if I'm going to stand here arguing with you while he gets another couple." Calleigh pushed Leanna aside and stalked out the door.
Calleigh fell into her seat next to Horatio, biting back tears and fighting to regain control of her breathing. "Calleigh?" Horatio questioned. "Are you okay?"
She smiled her best fake smile at Horatio. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking." She jumped when Horatio stroked her cheek with his fingers.
"Calleigh, relax," he encouraged, "I'm supposed to be your husband."
She did as she was told and leaned into Horatio's body. "You're right, Handsome," she drawled, placing a tiny kiss on his nose. "I'm sorry."
A smile tugged at Horatio's lips as she teased him. He whispered into her ear, "Have I told you yet how incredibly beautiful you look tonight?"
Horatio delighted in the way Calleigh's face lit up at the compliment. Her smile was genuine this time and she laughed. "No, but I'm certainly not going to stop you."
He blushed, "Well, then let me say it, my darling, you are simply stunning."
"You confronted her, didn't you?" Tim asked as Leanna returned to his side, a frown creasing her beautiful features.
"Yes," she said irritably.
"And how did that go?" he asked sarcastically.
Leanna took a long sip of her wine. "Not good."
Tim laughed. "You should have taken your own advice and given her some time."
"Hey, Leanna?" Eric's voice startled her. "Check out that guy to your left. Short, black, military style cut - just like in one of those photos. He keeps staring at you."
"I see him," she confirmed. She leaned into Tim's ear. "Potential right behind you, babe."
Tim glanced discreetly over his shoulder, making eye contact with the man in question and titling his head up in acknowledgment. The man raised his glass to Tim and Leanna.
Tim turned back to Leanna, bringing his beer to his lips. "He's got a ring on, Lea."
"Um-hum. He's coming over here," she said through her smile.
"Hi," the man extended his hand to Tim. "I'm James."
"Tim, and this is my wife Leanna." Tim wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
"You guys local?" James asked uneasily.
Tim didn't particularly care for the way James was clearing undressing Leanna with his eyes, and tightened his grip on her waist. "No, you?"
"Yeah," James responded. "I'm a photographer." He handed Tim a business card. "I specialize in nudes, but not that kinky stuff they put out in those men's magazines. Tasteful, beautiful stuff," he explained. He leaned in close to Tim's ear. "Your wife is gorgeous, man, I'd really like to shoot her. How long are you guys in town?"
"Couple more days," Tim answered vaguely.
"That's an interesting ring," Leanna noted, staring at James' hand, hoping to get a better look at it.
James looked down. "Oh, thank you." He took it off and handed it to her. "It's very intricate. My grandfather was a jewelry maker in Ireland. He hand-crafted this ring for himself and a matching one for my grandmother when they got married."
Leanna examined the ring, holding it as close as possible to the camera around her neck. She heard Eric sigh heavily in her ear, followed by the dreaded words, "It's not a match."
"It's beautiful." Leanna handed the ring back to him. Tim got Leanna's unspoken message.
"Well, we'll keep the photo thing in mind, man." Tim turned back to his beer.
Horatio and Calleigh held their breath, watching the scene unfold before them. "Damn," Calleigh sighed, inhaling sharply and turning to Horatio. "It's not a match."
Horatio stroked her cheek affectionately. "That's okay, Beautiful. We've got a long night ahead of us."
They headed out of the club hours later, just moments before the bouncer had to throw everyone out. Tim and Leanna had left fifteen minutes before, surrendering her earpiece to Eric on the way to their cab. "Calleigh," Eric called into her ear, "look straight ahead."
"Um-hum," she whispered quietly. A tall man with shaggy blonde hair approached them. "I'm sorry," he smiled brightly. "I've been watching the two of you all night, and I knew I'd just kick myself in the morning if I didn't say hello."
"Well, hello, then," Calleigh said playfully.
"Hi," he said nervously. "I'm Vincent."
Horatio extended his hand to Vincent, who shook it firmly. Horatio felt a solid band on Vincent's right hand. "I'm Horatio, and this is my beautiful wife Calleigh."
"Yes, she is," Vincent agreed. "May I ask, are you two newlyweds?"
Calleigh beamed at Horatio. "Why yes, as a matter of fact. How did you know that?"
Vincent tapped the side of his head with his right hand. "I have a sixth- sense about these things."
"Wow, what a cool ring!" Calleigh exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like that."
Vincent extended his hand to her. "Yeah, isn't it great? It's an antique - I don't know the whole story behind it, but it's a hell of a conversation starter."
"It's a match!" Eric nearly screamed in Calleigh's ear. "That's him, Cal!"
Calleigh grinned. "Well, then let's start a conversation, Vincent." Horatio stepped behind him, removing his handcuffs from his belt. Calleigh continued as Horatio captured Vincent's wrists. "It goes a little something like this - you are under arrest for the murders of Stacy & Brian Jerrod, James & Lori Andrews, Steve & Dianna Van Pelt and Max & Lucy Davidson. You have the right to remain silent."
"What is this?" Vincent exclaimed, struggling against Horatio's firm grasp. "Why are you handcuffing me?"
"You should have left the ring at home, Vincent. As I was saying, you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
Calleigh continued mirandizing Vincent as Horatio hauled him outside and into a waiting patrol car.
Horatio tossed Vincent into the car, shutting the door and tapping the hood. He turned to Calleigh, lifting her into his arms. "We got him!" he exclaimed, twirling her around.
"Horatio!" she laughed, "Put me down!"
He sat her gently back on the pavement and captured her face in his hands. He planted a firm kiss squarely on her lips.
"H?" Eric had jumped out of the van with Valera, Hagen and Yelina in tow, and now stared at his boss in confusion.
Horatio whipped around, joy spreading across his face. He grabbed Eric and hugged him tight. "I'd kiss you too, but honestly, I don't like you that much!"
"Thank God for that," Eric said, pulling away from Horatio.
Valera laughed as Horatio kissed Calleigh again, this time lingering just a tiny bit longer. Then he kissed her forehead. "We got him, Cal," he said against her smooth skin, holding her tight against him.
Calleigh pulled away from him and gazed into his blue eyes. "Yes, we did," she said brightly.