A/N: See the intro for standard stuff. Running late today. Sorry. I hope you enjoy. Please R&R.

TenFour: Glad to see you still hanging in there and reviewing. Things get better. Promise.

Annabel opened her eyes as the plane bounced to a landing. Back in Miami. Terrific, she though sarcastically. Even as mentally exhausted as she felt, Annabel was glad she had been there for Elie. Annabel just shook her head. She still didn't get the rest of it at all.

The plane taxied up to the terminal and Annabel gathered her stuff into her tote. It stopped moving and Annabel waited for most of the other passengers to deplane before she pulled her bag out of the overhead compartment. She walked slowly off the plane.

It had been cool in New York when she left, but she knew Miami wouldn't be. Annabel got off the gangway, stopped, took off her sweater and tucked it into her bag. She picked up her pace a little as she wove her way through the terminal. If Calleigh hadn't been waiting for her, Annabel would have continued to drag her feet. The trip to New York had thickened her melancholy mood.

Annabel bumped her bag onto the escalator and rode it down to baggage claim. She stared at the treads below her feet. As the escalator cleared the ceiling she looked at the bottom. Horatio was waiting there. Annabel closed her eyes and bit her lip. The escalator leveled out, and Annabel felt him take her arm and guide her off. He dropped his hand and stood in front of her. Annabel took several breaths before looking up at him, tears in the corners of her eyes.

"You aren't Calleigh."

Horatio smiled and dipped his head. He looked at Annabel through his lashes. "No. I'm not. Is it alright?"

Annabel bit her lip again, trying not to totally break down. "Is it?"

Horatio looked down and then met Annabel's gaze. "I'd still like to shake you hard for that little stunt you pulled, but I understand why you did it."

"I'm sorry, Horatio."

Horatio gave her a half-smile. He reached up and brushed away the tear trickling down her cheek. "We both know that isn't entirely true."

Annabel's smile mirrored his. "I'm sorry you were worried about me."

"I'm sure this won't be the last time I worry about you." Horatio reached out and touched her cheek again briefly.

"So. You've decided you're gonna put up with me."

Horatio gave her a warm smile. "I've decided my life is pretty dull without you around."

Annabel huffed and shook her head, her lips twisted into a wry smile. "You may regret that decision."

"Time will tell. I don't think so, though. That and Calleigh threatened to do ballistics tests on me."

Annabel's eyes widened. Horatio smiled mischievously at her. Annabel closed her eyes and shook her head. "She did not. That's a mean thing to say about Calleigh."

He reached out and brushed his fingers against the short hair over her ear. Annabel shook her head. "You managed to get a haircut."

"I told you it was getting long." She gave a little frown. "You don't like it."

Horatio gave it a very careful perusal. "It's very tough looking."

Annabel rolled her eyes. "Now, you're just being silly."

"I liked your mop top." Horatio took Annabel's bag in one hand and her hand in the other and started leading her out of the terminal.

"I didn't. So it's gone. You are not starting an argument over my hair."

"No. That would be silly."

"I don't suppose you like your hair either."

"I've never given it much though."

"Ro always wanted my curls and I always wanted her red hair."

Horatio glanced over at her. "Your hair isn't all black. It has some red to it."

Annabel raised her eyebrows. "You've studied my hair color?" she asked incredulously.

"That is my job. Studying details."

"Hmm. I'm not your job."

"No. You'd be my passion."

Annabel stopped dead in her tracks. Horatio turned and looked down at her, his eyes sparkling. Annabel locked her gaze with his. "You really mean that."

"Why do you always seem surprised? Do you really think you're that unlovable?"

Annabel shook her head. "Well, no. It's not that. Never mind." She started walking again.

"Now, who's being silly, Bella?" Horatio stopped a minute. "Do you even know where you're going?"

Annabel stopped and turned around. "Not a clue," she admitted.

"I'm parked over there." Horatio pointed a little to the left.

"Mmm. So you are."

"Let's go home, Annabel." Horatio led her to where he'd parked.

He loaded Annabel's bag in the back and climbed in next to her. Annabel stifled a yawn. Horatio looked over at Annabel. He took in the dark circles under her eyes and slight pallor her skin held. He gave himself a mental kick. He really should have talked to her before she left for New York. He reached over and wove his fingers through hers.

"How is Elie?"

"Not too terrific. But she's going to Oma and Opa's. It's probably a good thing. Oma will dote on her. It's what she needs." Annabel shook her head.

Horatio let go of Annabel's hand and pulled out of the parking garage. "What?"

"I come to find out that Elie and Roger had a long standing affair. And Julia knew about it. And she was okay with it. I still can't understand it."

Horatio shrugged. "It worked for them."

"I couldn't do it. I'm not the sharing type."

"That's good to know. Neither am I."

Annabel smiled. "Good. Just so that's clear."

"Completely." They lapsed into silence. Annabel stared out the window for a bit.

"I begin to wonder how well I know my sister at all. We talked about stuff, but I never knew about Roger. I mean I knew who Roger was. He was Elie's publicist. I'd met him several times. But we never talked about him being...I'd never noticed her or him... I just don't know Horatio. It's frustrating. How could I have missed so much?"

"Bella, you aren't her. You'll never know everything about her."

"But I'm trained to notice things. Trained to put the pieces together. Trained to interpret the evidence."

"Sometimes we don't see the things staring us right in the face. Sometimes we don't want to see."

The distance in Horatio's tone made Annabel look over at him. His face betrayed nothing as he concentrated on the traffic. Annabel turned back toward the side window. They lapsed into silence again.

"Did you want to go to your place?"

Annabel nodded. "I've got to. I have things I need at home." Annabel flashed Horatio a false smile. "I get to go back to desk sitting tomorrow."

"Only for a couple of more days."

"A couple too many."

"I think you'll survive."

"Of course I will. Doesn't make any easier."

"I'll drop you by your place."

"Are you staying?"

"Tell you what. Let's go out for breakfast in the morning. I'll let you get some sleep tonight."

"I'd like it better if you came home with me."

"But you wouldn't get any sleep, Bella."

"I don't need sleep. Just large amounts of caffeine."

"I promise to come by first thing in the morning. Then we'll have plenty of time for breakfast."

Annabel flashed him a wicked smile. "Because I'll be well rested and very hungry in the morning."

Annabel swore Horatio blushed just slightly. "You're trouble," he said.

Annabel grinned. "Pure and simple. But you love me anyway," she teased.

"Don't ever forget that," said Horatio seriously. Annabel just smiled and settled into her seat.

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