Title: His Last Case

Disclaimer: Violence. Slash.

POV: Delko

Chapter Eight: Crying Red
Wednesday Afternoon- 3:19pm

"Come on, Delko, time to go," Frank says.

I find it hard, and a little painful, to slip my shirt on. Yet, I manage.

"Hey, is the food here as bad as people say it is?"

"Don't ask me," I say coming out of the bathroom. "I didn't eat any of it."

He arches his eyebrows. "Are you telling me you haven't eaten since Monday morning?"

"Don't go acting like my mother, Frank."

"Eric."

"Frank, let it go. I haven't had an appetite."

"Because of Speed?"

I say nothing.

"Look, I'm sure he's okay."

"How am can you be so sure?"

We walk down the hall. I'm so happy to be out. I would be happier if Speed was taking me home. Then again, if Speed was taking me home I wouldn't be in the hospital in the first place.

"I figure, if whoever kidnapped Speed killed him, he'd want us to know. Logic says Speed is still alive."

I hope that Frank is right. I keep reliving the attack, over and over. If I hadn't looked toward the cop. If I had only drawn my gun quicker. "If" is the middle word in life.

"Horatio wants you staying with me," Frank says.

"I don't need a babysitter."

Frank sighs. "Threats were made on the day shift. Everyone has been paired up."

"Oh, alright."

I have never been to Frank's house. Or does he have an apartment? Most of my time was spent between the lab and Speed's place. I had been to Alexx's for a dinner party; partied at Calleigh's for New Year's.

"We'll grab a bite and then swing pass you place."

"I'm not hungry. But if you missed lunch, feel free to grab something."

We stop by Frank's unmarked cop car.

"Eric, you're eating."

"Let it be, Frank."

"How do you think Horatio would take this?"

"You going to tattle on me?"

"I just might."

We drive along in silence. As usual, my mind wonders. I think of Speed. He was part of Horatio's team when I joined. Something about him caught my eye. For months, even a few years, I kept my distance. I was happy being his friend.

I made the first move one night. We had gone to a recently opened club. I danced with the ladies. Speed just sat there. As a joke I dragged him onto the dance floor to dance with me. The boy had rhythm. He greatly enjoyed dancing with me. He really got into it.

Later, at his car, I confronted him. Of course, he denied everything. So what did I do? I pushed him against the car, placing my hands on either side of him. He continued denying it. So I kissed him. He kissed back.

Our relationship started that night. It was Tim's idea to keep things quiet at work. But Calleigh stumbled across us in the locker room after a terrible case. She said she knew from the way I held him while he cried on my shoulder that we were more than friends.

Now I was aware Horatio knew of us. How would Speed feel?

"Earth to Eric."

"Hm?"

"We're at your place."

I look at the large, brick apartment complex in front of me. "How did you know where to go?"

"Cop car." He points to the computer.

"Oh, right."

Frank eyes me. "Are you sure you're well enough to be released?"

"Just lost in my thoughts. Nothing more."

I find myself a little uncomfortable having Frank accompany me to my place. He says it's for my safety. My side burns in pain. I don't let Frank know. My weakness might get me placed on leave. No way was I sitting out while Speed was missing.

I unlock my door. I'm about to invite Frank in when he puts up a hand.

"Don't worry; I'll just stay here at the door."

I enter my apartment. It feels empty. The living room is neat. I check the fridge; nothing has spoiled yet. Hanging off the back of a chair in the dining room is Speed's sweater. I pick it up. It still smells like him.

I put it on. On the middle of the table is a stack of photos. Our last "date". It was a day of excitement. Horseback riding. Scuba diving. One-on-one basketball. I slowly flip through the pictures. It only makes my heart ache more.

"Where are you, Timmy?" I mumble.

I close my eyes to remember. His touch. His voice. The way his eyes sparkle when he figures out a case. I wipe away a tear.

I place the pictures back on the table. As I walk down the short hallway to my bedroom an odd smell comes to me. A smell I know well but can't place.

I open my bedroom door.

My heart stops.

After a few seconds I find my voice. "Frank!" I yell. "Frank!

"What?" He comes running to the room.

"Call Horatio."

"Why?"

I point to the bed.

"Is that…."

"Yes, it's Speed's shirt. The one he was wearing on Monday."

"And…"

"It's covered in blood."