Stay With You

Disclaimer: I know absolutely nothing about physical therapy, so bear with me...

Chapter 10

" Alright lieutenant, just once more," the therapist said as Horatio lifted the five pound weight. He felt the stress of the weight as he lifted it above his head, but despite the pain running down, he was determined to get this. He slowly brought the weight back to it's resting position , then let his therapist take it. " Break time. Stretch it out, lieutenant."

Horatio did as he was told and felt his muscles respond better. He wiped the sweat of his brow and moved his arm slowly in a clock wise motion, noticing that his range of motion was better. As he took a swig from the water bottle he thought of the best way to breach the subject of him returning back to work.

"Matt," Horatio started as he screwed the top of the water bottle closed, " Do you think that it's too early for me to return back to work?"

Matt looked at Horatio and smiled. He knew that this moment was coming, " I was just discussing that with my colleague. It's been four weeks, lieutenant and you've progressed fairly well. I am satisfied that you have made it to your peak range of motion. But , I want to stress that therapy doesn't end once you leave here. You've got to keep with it if you want to regain your full potential."

" I understand, Matt."

" Good, I'll be releasing you after today's session, but I want you to continue to wear the sling for protective purposes, for one more week. Afterwards, you should be as good as new."

Horatio felt his face flush with happiness, this was what he had been waiting for.

" Thanks, Matt. I appreciate everything that you have done for me."

" Not a problem," Matt said returning to his side, " now , we have almost thirty minutes left , you want to work some more?"

" Sure," Horatio said as he heard his cell phone ringing on the bench. He looked at Matt who nodded his head , then walked to retrieve it. He glanced at the caller id and saw that it was Calleigh. " Hi."

" Horatio, there's something going on here at the lab," Calleigh said trying to keep herself calm.

Horatio's smile dropped as he let his glance drop as well, " What do you mean, Calleigh?"

" The mayor ordered an independent investigation of the lab, and they are in trace at this moment. Tim's doing his best, but he's looking overwhelmed," Calleigh said as she stood at the doorway of the trace lab. Tim was answering questions that were coming from everywhere.

" He did what?"

" Ordered an independent investigation. Something's not right about this."

" You're right, Calleigh. And I think I know why," Horatio said as he turned to Matt who was already signing his discharge papers. " I'll be there within twenty minutes. Love you."

" Love you, Horatio. Bye."

Horatio flipped his phone down and walked back to Matt. Matt smiled and handed him the paperwork, " Just released and already getting back to work?"

" Yes, Matt. This city never closes," Horatio said as slipped on the sling and took the paper work. " Thanks for everything ,Matt."

He left the therapy office quickly, pulling the keys out to his Hummer. Getting inside, he slipped on his sunglasses and pointed it in the direction of the crime lab. It felt good to be going back there.

S/S

Tim breathed deeply as the last of the independent technicians walked out of the door, leaving him alone in his element. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was just a little past one. He smiled to himself and pushed the door open, meeting Delko in the hallway.

" So, how did it go?" Eric asked glancing over at his friend. " Are we in trouble?"

" No, Delko we are not in trouble. Matter of fact, some of those techs didn't have any idea why this was necessary. They couldn't find anything wrong. Mainly they just inquired about the equipment."

" So how did this come about? Something or someone had to have happened."

" I don't know, Delko, but I don't think we have anything to worry about," Tim said as he glanced at his watch again.

"How is she?" Eric asked as they stopped at the elevator.

" She was fine this morning, sleeping peacefully, but I have this feeling that all is not well with her."

" Is she going to be okay for Saturday?"

" I'm sure she will. If we have to bring the wedding up to the hospital, we will," Tim quipped easily.

" Okay then, tell her I said hello," Eric said as he walked off to the break room. He never gets any work done when he goes in there, Tim thought humorously. He then got onto the elevator, and made his way down to the garage. In minutes , he was on his way to the hospital.

S/S

Sam glanced at the tv absently then back to the phone, willing it to ring. She then nervously watched the clock , feeling intense pressure building up in her chest. She had to remember to stay calm. As she breathed in slower and deeper, she felt the heaviness drift away. Then without notice, the phone rang, startling her. She answered it, feeling the hint of pressure as it lingered.

" Hello?"

" Hi, beautiful. So you finally got up?" she heard him ask.

She smiled brightly and began to twirl a strand of hair around her finger, " It's one twenty, Tim. I would've thought that you would've called before now."

" Going through some things at work. But no big deal. How are you feeling?"

" Better, ready to get out of this bed , I know that. The doctor came in and told me about my tests this morning," Sam said as she closed her eyes.

" Well?"

" I think it would be better if you heard it from the doctor, Tim. It sounds involved."

" Is it serious?"

Sam heard the hint of fear in his voice and shook her head, " Not really. I just have to watch what I do from now on."

" That's kinda vague, Sam."

"Well when you get up here I'll have the doctor explain it to you," Sam chided. "Have you eaten?"

" No, have you?"

" If you can call what they served me a meal, I guess the answer is yes."

" So sarcastic ," Tim said grinning,"I'll grab something before I get there."

" I learned from the best. Hurry up and get here, Tim. I miss you."

" I miss you, honey and I love you."

" Love you back," Sam said as she smiled. She hung up the phone and continued to smile. No matter what kind of heart disease she had, she knew it was all better because she had him with her.

TBC...

A/N: sorry so short, it was getting late. I'll post more later...