Title: Love Apart

Disclaimer: Slash. Angst. Violence.

POV: Nick

Chapter Twelve: Within Reach

I glance at Danny. He's gazing out the window. I can tell he's hurt. Who can blame him? He's not alone. I blame myself. Had I not come running when Danny called, I wouldn't have upset Speed. He wouldn't have left. Wouldn't be missing.

Right now we wouldn't be sitting in an office building. I get up and go sit by Danny. I take his hand in mine. In the hall Horatio and Mac are talking with a man in a dark suit.

I close my eyes. Why had things gone this way?

Danny finally made his way into the living room. He had been in the shower for quite some time. I was getting worried.

Horatio follows me out of the kitchen. He places a plate of scrambled eggs on the table.

"Breakfast is ready," he announces.

"What have you guys been doing? You didn't have to make breakfast. I should be the one making breakfast," Danny rambles.

"Shut up and eat, Danny," I say.

He takes a seat. "I'll clean up."

"Nope, I am," I say.

"Nick."

"We struck a deal, Danny," Horatio explains. "Nick wanted to help with breakfast. But he burnt four pieces of toast. I told him that if he wanted to help so badly, he could clean up."

"Oh."

The breakfast is good. I decline any and all help when it comes to cleaning up. Horatio and Danny are discussing forensic tips when the phone rings.

"I got it!"

I pick up the kitchen extension.

"Hello…..Yes, I'm working on the Tim Speedle case…..What? When?...We'll be right there."

I hang-up, dry my hands, and go to pass on the news. I grab the keys and toss them to Danny.

"Get the car ready, we need to go."

He looks at me. "What? Why?"

"No time to really explain. Just go get the car."

"Alright. Can you get my badge and gun?"

"I'll get them when I grab mine," I reply.

Horatio already has his gear. Speed did mention once that H was already to go. A habit that I notice Speed has picked up. I wouldn't be surprised if they both slept with their guns.

Once in the car I direct Danny to where we need to be.

"We found the young man over there," the detective points out. I think he said his name is Goren. "Someone pumped him full of tranquilizers."

"Why did this become a crime scene?" Horatio asks.

"Someone reported shots fired. A fresh pool of blood was found within range of our young man."

"I take it that the blood wasn't from the victim?" Danny asks.

"We rushed a sample of the blood to the lab."

I'm tired of not getting the full truth out of the detective.

"Why did you call us? So far this case has nothing to do with our missing CSI," I remark.

He pulls an evidence bag from his pocket. "We found this. It was on the victim."

I take the bag to check out the object. I wish I hadn't. I know the number on the shiny metal by heart. Danny leans in to look and I move the object out of his range of sight.

"Can you give us a moment?" I ask.

"Of course."

Once alone Danny practically jumps me. "What the hell is it?"

"Erm…"

Danny grabs the bag. All color drains from his face. "It's…it's…"

"Speed's badge," Horatio says.

Why had Speed's badge been left behind? Did he have something to do with this? I give Danny's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"Excuse me," the detective interrupts.

"Yes?" H asks.

"I just received a call. The case has been taken over by the FBI."

"What? Why?" Danny asks.

"Our lab finished the blood test. The blood belongs to your missing CSI."