Author's Note: Ray and Neela aren't together as a couple, but they ARE room mates remember? After not seeing her at home and finding out she wasn't showing up for work, he obviously got worried.
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone but Kali and Rosie!
The mystery behind a CSI and their sunglasses was solved for me today. Calleigh had put hers on when she and Eric picked me up, after we arrived at the new hotel and she took them off, I noticed faint tear streaks around her eyes. But I pretended not to notice. Now I'm lying in bed and it's about two in the morning. The CSI and I barely said anything to each other all day so I was starting to feel lonely. Out in the hall, Calleigh's cell phone rings.
I peek out into the hall and quietly follow Calleigh as she stumbles to the kitchen where she left it.
"Duquesne," she yawns, picking it up.
The person on the other line says something long, Calleigh only replies with "mmhmms" every once in a while. But she is clearly now awake to the fullest extent. The conversation continues and when she hangs up, Calleigh looks pained. I step back into my room and get into bed again before she sees I'm up. She peeks in my room and thinking that I'm asleep, comes in and starts stroking my hair before turning and abruptly leaving. Anxiety overtakes me and I feel like I'll never fall asleep. But I obviously do because the next thing I know, sunlight is pouring in through my window and Calleigh is sitting on the edge of my bed fully dressed.
"What happened last night?" I ask immediately waking up.
"They found the man who kidnapped Neela, he's dead," she says in a barely audible voice.
"And Neela?" I demand, fear gripping my heart.
"She's at the hospital, it doesn't look good," Calleigh answers, gently placing a hand on my shoulder.
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In the dark Hummer I sniffle and fight with tears. Calleigh wordlessly hands me her lovely Chanel sunglasses and I put them on and feel much better. We pull into County's parking garage and I don't know what to do with myself. Calleigh takes a risk and grabs my hand in hers. I let myself be led into the elevators and nervously shift my weight from one foot to the other. The doors slide open and we step out, I spot Susan and rush over to her, hurling myself into her arms.
"Kali, oh honey, are you okay? Are you okay?" she murmurs, gripping me tightly.
"Yes, yes I am! Where is she?" I start to sob, sinking further into the warm embrace.
Susan pushes the sunglasses up onto my head and clasps my face in her hands, "She's upstairs, room 267. I can't take you though, half the staff is already up there."
"It's okay, I'll go with the detective," I murmur, wiping my wet face. I walk back to Calleigh and we get back into the elevators.
The ride up seems longer and I grasp Calleigh's hand instinctively. She holds on tightly and I pull the glasses back onto my face. We stroll out and wander the second floor until finally coming in front of 267. I push open the door and pull Calleigh in with me, the room is brightly lit, Ray, John (with Rose in his arms,) Sam, Luka and Abby are all surrounding the bed. They all look at me when I step in, Calleigh starts to pull away but I hold tightly to her hand. Pushing through the "crowd," I see Neela, her face is bruised, her arm broken, and lots of scratches and such all over her. She's so damaged, I bring both hands to my mouth to cover a scream. Everyone rushes to me at that point and I'm smothered in sobs and hugs. After what seems like forever, we've all calmed down and I ask the obvious, "Is she gonna be okay?" They all nod, and I beam a smile and slip into the hall. Calleigh's leaning against the wall and stands up straighter when she sees me.
"Neela's gonna be okay," I beam.
"That's great sweetie, I gotta go to the crime scene now, I wont see you again so give me a hug that'll last forever," she smiles, her accent thicker than ever.
I wrap her in a hug and she lifts me off the ground, but only for a moment (considering we're about the same size.) But I get her point, and hold her tighter, only letting go after she does.
"Maybe we'll see each other again someday, you never know. Plus we'll still talk," I wink, swiping at tears. She pulls out a business card and hands to me, I slip it in my pocket and hand the sunglasses back.
She refuses them, "Keep them, and keep in touch." And walks off.
"Thank you Calleigh, thank you for saving us!" I call out to her, she raises a hand in reply, not looking back.