Out of Time
Chapter 6
Horatio pulled RJ back when he heard the gunshots erupt from in front of them, and in the darkness, he felt the familiar stickiness that he just couldn't seem to get away from. He got on his knees and searched ground for RJ's gun. When his hands finally touched on it, Horatio pulled RJ to an open room, and closed the door. Inside, he could still hear the bullets ricocheting , and the loud screams of agony as the bullets found their marks in the inky darkness. But his concern was not for the carnage going on out there, but the state of his CSI. He could hear the faint sounds of RJ 's ragged breathing in the stillness of the room.
Reaching out for RJ, he spoke softly, " RJ , if you can hear me, squeeze my hand."
Horatio felt as RJ weakly applied pressure to his hand. Horatio nodded his head and then started to search for his cell phone.
" Good, good job, Robert. Now , I'm going to use your phone to call for back up," Horatio said as he found the phone in his pocket. He heard as RJ had started to cough roughly. What he wouldn't do for a light in this room. In this darkness, he couldn't tell where RJ had been hit. Horatio flipped up the phone and dialed 911.
" 911 what is your emergency?"
" This is Lieutenant Caine, I have a officer down, repeat officer down. Location unknown. We need immediate back up and rescue."
" Sir, if you can just hang on the line, I can trace you," the dispatch returned . Within seconds the dispatch had relayed the information to all available units. " I have notified the rescue and they should be on the way, Lieutenant."
"Thank you," Horatio said as he hung up and dialed another number. He hoped that she would answer.
Calleigh sat under the watchful eye of Agent Micheals thinking of a way to get out. She couldn't sit here when she knew RJ was out there. She was about to say something charming when she heard the gunfire erupt outside the door. Agent Micheals glanced at her then back to the door. He readied his own weapon and tossed Calleigh her 9mm.
" You might need it," he said before he went to the door. He opened it and stepped out, joining the symphony of bullets that bounced off the building in both directions. Calleigh got up and grabbed her mag lite that they had taken from her. Before she could open the door, she heard her cell phone ringing. She read the caller id, feeling a sense of relief as she found that it was RJ.
" RJ, thank God, you're okay..."
"Calleigh, it's me, Horatio," Horatio said softly.
" Ho- Horatio? How did you get RJ's phone?"
" He found me and was getting ready to find you before all of the shooting began. Calleigh, I think that RJ was hit. I can feel his blood on my hands."
Calleigh stood there for a moment lost in her thoughts, RJ had been hit. A plethora of feelings bombarded her as she thought about what losing RJ would do to Tim or worse , her daughter. She vaguely heard Horatio as he continued.
" Calleigh?"
" Huh? Yes, I'm here, Horatio."
" Can you slip out of the room you are in?" Horatio said as the gunfire began to quiet down. He figured that the gunmen were either dead or had fled.
" I think I can," Calleigh said as she twisted the door knob and peeked out. " What room do you think you are in?"
" We were pretty close to the gunfire on both sides."
"So basically the elimination game. Alright, I'm going to hang up now."
"Calleigh , be careful."
Calleigh nodded as if he could see her and folded her phone down. She didn't hear anymore gunfire so she opened the door wider, shining her light into the corridor. On the floor, she saw the bodies of three FBI agents, each filled with bullet wounds. She stepped over them with her gun raised along side the powerful flashlight, hoping that with each step she would find them, and RJ would be okay.
TNR
Tim continued to drive, finally coming up to the waterfront. His thoughts were saturated with his son. Inwardly, he wished that he was a little less like him and more like Robin. Tim was known to be impulsive at times, but his instincts had gotten out of the trouble most of the time. He silently prayed that RJ was safe.
The crackling of the radio jarred him out of his thoughts and he heard as the frantic call of an officer down and rescue was given. Tim glanced over to Eric when he heard the address. He then floored the hulking vehicle and drove to the location, feeling the worst was yet to come.
TNR
Calleigh opened each door she came to , and shined the mag lite inside, each time hoping that it would illuminate RJ and Horatio. She put her hand on the next knob, hearing the sirens in the distance, and smiled. The calvary is here, she thought as she pushed open the door. She shined the light into the room, it landing on Horatio as he knelt over RJ. Calleigh felt tears well up in her eyes as she proceeded through the door.
" Horatio, how is he?"
" I don't know. Shine the light on him so I can see," Horatio said as he held his hand out, while the other one grasped RJ's.
" Is he breathing?" Calleigh asked almost afraid of the answer.
" Very shallow," Horatio said as he moved the light over RJ's body. He saw the huge red spot on his shirt near the left shoulder. " He has a gunshot wound to the chest, Calleigh. He's losing a lot of blood."
Calleigh saw as the blood started to seep from under RJ and let the tears fall. Some years ago, she had seen his father in that same position, except he came out of it with a shoulder hit. This looked far more dangerous than that.
" You called rescue?"
" I did , but Calleigh, I don't know how much longer he has." Horatio said as he heard gunfire erupt above them. More sirens began to filter the scene and Horatio kept his eye on RJ. He saw as he opened his eyes slightly and tried to speak.
" Hor-atio," he said raspily.
" RJ, don't speak," Calleigh said as she knelt down to the other side and grasped his hand. She noticed as his color was quickly draining.
" Tell Jacinda that I am sorry," RJ said before he closed his eyes.
"RJ? RJ? Don't do this..." Calleigh sobbed.
TNR
Maddison and Ray arrived shortly after Tim and the others and found them waiting outside the warehouse with their weapons drawn. Inside they could hear the sporadic sounds of gunfire . Raymond moved ahead of them, going inside first and he signaled for everyone to go in and spread out.
" Everyone, keep in contact," Raymond said as they all parted ways. Raymond Tim and Eric went to the stairwell. Raymond glanced up and then to the CSIs, " I'll take up."
" We'll take down," Tim said as he started to descend.
" Speed,..."
" I know, be careful." Tim replied as he motioned for Eric to follow.
Raymond nodded and started to climb the stairs, with his mother on his mind. No matter what , this was ending tonight.
Tim and Eric reached the bottom of the staircase and clicked on their flashlights with their guns trained in front of them. They could see several bodies as they peppered the corridor as well as several spent casings. Eric nodded to Tim when he saw a door ajar halfway down.
" Wanna check it out?" Eric asked.
" We don't have a choice. Someone's hurt," Tim replied as he moved quickly. They kept their guns ready as they approached the room. Tim kicked the door open and Eric shined the light in, finding Horatio and Calleigh kneeling. Calleigh jumped and turned to look at them, her face stained with tears.
" Tim!"
"Calleigh, Horatio, are you okay?"
" Yes Tim, but RJ..." Calleigh said as she stood up to reveal RJ , lying motionless on the floor.
Tim saw the blood underneath his son and a sob caught in his throat. This couldn't be. The radio crackled to life at his side, reporting that the medics had made it to the scene. Tim barely registered the information , but he answered as if working on autopilot.
" This is Detective Speedle, we are on the bottom floor of the warehouse and we have a seriously wounded officer down here. Hurry!"
Tim knelt down next to his son and took his hand and squeezed it. Nothing. In seconds , the paramedics were making their way into the room, working quickly. There was nothing for Tim to do, but shine the flashlight so they could help him. As they picked up the gurney, Tim stood next to him and continued to hold his hand.
"Son, I'm here. I'm right here, you hold on , okay?" Tim said as he felt the salty streams of his tears.
" Sir, we have to get going, he's lost a lot of blood," the paramedic said as he pushed him aside.
Tim let his hand go and watched as they carried him out the door that was at the very end of the corridor.A second set of paramedics came and started on Horatio. Horatio waved them off as he watched Tim intently.
"Lieutenant, you need to be checked out."
" I'm fine," Horatio said as he stumbled slightly.
" H, you need to go to the hospital," Eric stated as he too kept his eyes on his best friend.
Calleigh walked up beside Tim , unsure of what to say. She placed her hands on his arm and spoke softly, " Go, Tim."
" I have to call Robin," Tim replied absently. He was shocked to the core. Calleigh gazed at his contorted features and felt another round of tears developing. In part, this was her fault, she was his partner, his back up and she wasn't there when he needed her.
" Go," she repeated.
Tim ran down the corridor and burst out of the doors heading for the ambulance. His greatest fear had just been realized.
TNR
The gunfire had ceased and several men were being put in handcuffs outside as Jacinda and Jen walked outside the warehouse. Maddison had joined them a moment later , with Dennis Sackhiem following behind, escorting the General in handcuffs. They watched silently as the Fed loaded the General into the crown victoria and Dennis as he gave instructions to the driver. He then walked back over to them with a pained look on his face.
"Clavo gave us the slip," he stated dourly, " but we did get the General. He will stand trial for his crimes and he will be considered persona non grata. His diplomacy will be revoked."
" Glad to hear that, Sackhiem, but his lunatic son is still on the loose," Maddison said as she glanced inside the building. She noticed that Raymond had not come out yet.
" We will find him and try him as well."
" Not before we do," Maddison said as she turned to go back inside. Sackhiem stared after her and shook his head. She was an exact carbon copy of Horatio Caine.
As Sackhiem took his leave, Jacinda saw her mother and Delko as they came out of a side door , following a gurney that held Lieutenant Caine. She ran over to her and gave her a hug then smiled down to Horatio. He had a long trail of blood down the side of his head, but other than that he looked none the worse for wear. As they loaded Horatio onto the ambulance, Jacinda turned to her mother, sensing that something was afoot.
" Where's RJ?" she asked lightly.
Calleigh dropped her head and looked at the blood that was on her. She didn't have the heart to tell her, but she had to .
" Jacinda, RJ's gone to the hospital."
" Hospital? For what?"
" He was shot..."
"Shot?" Jacinda replied almost in a whisper. " Is he okay?"
" He lost a lot of blood, Jacinda. It doesn't look good," Calleigh said as she moved to comfort her daughter. She once felt that same dread that she saw in her eyes.
" I've got to go," Jacinda returned monotone as she started walking to a Hummer.
" Jacinda, wait!" Calleigh called out to her. Jacinda ignored her and jumped in, revving the engine and peeling away. Calleigh gazed at the Hummer as the taillights disappeared into the darkness. She didn't feel the need to go after her, she would've rather let her have her time with him, because she didn't know if it would be their last.
" Drop your gun and turn around," Raymond heard from behind him as he entered an office. He did as he was told and turned to face a young , balding man. He instantly knew that he was standing in front of Clavo Cruz. " What do we have here?"
"Clavo." Raymond acknowledged with his hands held up slightly. " So, are you happy with the mayhem?"
Clavo laughed out loud and walked up to him, standing inches from Raymond's face with the gun still trained on him, " You are just like your Uncle. So self assured ."
" Well thanks, Clavo." Raymond said as he smirked.
" You wouldn't be so smug if you knew what I have done to him,... and your mother."
Raymond cringed at the thought of his mother who was still lying in the morgue , but he maintained his composure and spoke through clenched teeth, " I know that you killed her, Clavo and you used that gun."
" Smart man, too bad you won't live to tell anyone. After I kill you, I'm going to go after that new Lieutenant, what's her name..."
"Caine," Maddison said as she stepped into the office with her gun raised. She glanced over to Raymond who smiled slightly , then retrained her focus on Clavo. This man had caused so much pain to everyone she held dear to her. " Now , be a good boy and drop your gun , Clavo."
" Now how much fun would that be?" Clavo said as he turned his sights from Raymond to Maddison. Raymond took the moment and grabbed Clavo from behind and tried to wrestle the gun from his hand.
Maddison kept her eyes on them and her gun ready. As they struggled to the ground, Maddison heard a gunshot and saw as both of them stopped struggling. She ran to Raymond and saw as he opened his eyes and looked up at her. He was okay. She smiled through her tears and helped him up. They both looked down on Clavo as he closed his eyes for the last time. She looked at Raymond and grabbed him by his waist They embraced for a moment then made their way out to the front of the warehouse.
Outside, they met with the rest of the team as the night shift started to filter in to the warehouse. Maddison spoke to them in a hushed tone, she had not heard the status of Horatio's whereabouts.
" Did anyone find Horatio?"
" Yeah, he's on his way to the hospital," Eric quietly.
Maddison let a relieved breath escape as she surveyed them. She was missing three CSIs. "Where are RJ , Speed and Jacinda?"
" They are on their way to the hospital as well, Maddison." Calleigh responded sorrowfully.
" Are they okay?" Raymond asked , knowing that something was up.
" Speed and Jacinda are, but RJ..."
" What happened to RJ, Calleigh?" Maddison prodded.
" He got shot in the shootout, hit in the chest. He lost consciousness before the paramedics arrived. It doesn't look good," Calleigh said.
" Let's go," Maddison said as she turned to the Hummer. She glanced back as the coroners were pulling covered gurneys out of the building and sighed heavily. Many people had lost their lives here, but she hoped that one life would be spared.
TNR
The rest of the team had entered on to the floor to see both Tim and Jacinda seated next to each other with a look of worry. They had taken RJ straight into surgery when they got here and all that was left was to wait. Jacinda looked into her mother's eyes and felt a big tear roll down as Calleigh moved to comfort her. She knew how it felt to not know if the man she loved wasn't going to make it. She glanced at Tim to see that he was barely hanging on and she reached out for his hand, grasping it. She would be their anchor if they needed her. The door burst open once more and a frantic Robin came through with Mallory who Tim noticed had also been crying. Tim got up and received them both in a hug and held them tightly. Calleigh observed as they retreated to a corner to themselves.
" Timothy, what has happened to Robert?" Robin asked with a mix of anger and sadness. All this time she had been worried about his well being and now sitting in front of him, she could barely register that it was her son that was in the trouble.
" He was involved in a shoot out," Tim said plainly.
" Is he going to be okay?" Mallory asked tearfully. She was too young to remember what had happened to her father so this was her first experience of what could happen to a CSI.
" I don't know Mallory, they haven't said. But he's going to be okay."
" How do you know, Tim? How do you know that he's not dead already?" Robin asked as the tears started to roll.
" Robin, you can't think like that," Tim countered softly.
" But how can you sit there and say that he's going to be okay? He's been shot, Tim. Shot," Robin replied as her voice escalated. Several pairs of eyes glanced over to them then quickly adverted. The tension in the waiting room was high already, but Robin's outburst seemed to thicken it.
"Robin, lower your voice," Tim commanded, feeling his anger rise.
" I will not! It's your fault he's in there! He always followed you to that godforsaken lab. He always talked about doing what you did. He wanted to be just like you!" Robin said as she got louder. " Now he's just like you. He's in there fighting for his life, because of this ridiculous job!"
Tim glanced at her in fury. She knew how much he had loved this job, and it's value in his life. For her to disregard that was unacceptable. He did feel a slight twinge of guilt for all those years he let his son accompany him to the lab, but he knew from the moment he saw him come into this world, that RJ would do something great. And being a CSI was an accomplishment.
" Robin, RJ knew the dangers of this job, but he didn't care. He loved doing what he did. He loved helping others. Shouldn't that matter?"
" No, what matters is that my son is dying, Timothy," Robin returned with venom in her voice, " and if anything happens to him, I will never forgive you. Never."
Tim stared at her for a moment then got up and walked out of the waiting room. He had to get away from her, from the situation. Angrily, he kicked the door and started to pace. She didn't realize that he was hurting too. Through the tears, he saw Calleigh as she slipped out of the waiting room and approached him. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder and faced him, her eyes speaking volumes.
" Tim, she's just angry," Calleigh spoke quietly.
" She's not the only one, Cal. But I didn't put the gun in his hand. He chose this for himself."
" I know, Tim. He's just like you, once you get something in that nogging of yours, it's almost as good as done," Calleigh returned with a smile. " He's going to be okay."
Tim glanced down at her, feeling somewhat whole again. He always knew that he could count on her to be there. He smiled at her and pulled her into a hug. How he missed this from her.
" Thanks, Cal."
A door opened from their left and they broke their embrace quickly to see a doctor walking into the waiting room. Tim and Calleigh followed and stood behind him as he spoke to the room.
" Who's family?" the doctor asked as he scanned the room. Tim walked from behind him and Robin quickly walked up to him.
"We are," Tim said.
" The bullet nicked an artery and he lost a lot of blood,..."
"Is he okay?" Robin asked tearfully.
The doctor paused a moment to gather himself, it had been a hard surgery, " He lapsed into a coma shortly after surgery."
Robin gasped as she stared at the doctor and then started to cry. Tim reached out to her, but she rebuffed him and continued , " When can I see him?"
" No one can see him tonight," the doctor said to the room. " But he will be moved to ICU and visiting hours will be strictly adhered to. One every hour."
The team took this news hard and Jacinda felt a cry reach inside of her. He was in a coma. Robin looked to her husband in disgust as she turned and walked out of the waiting room. Instantly, another doctor opened the door and came in with a chart.
" Who's here for Horatio Caine?" the doctor asked as they all raised their hands. The doctor chuckled to himself as he read the chart. " Well , Mr. Caine has a mid grade concussion and some bruising on his abdomen, but other than that, he is fine. His old injuries were not disturbed. He is a strong man. We are going to keep him overnight , just to make sure he's okay."
The tension in the room eased slightly with the news of Horatio and Maddison felt her worry slide some. Horatio was finally okay. She then looked at Tim who was still reeling at the news of his son. He would need all of their support.
TBC...
A/N: the epilogue is next...