A/N: See Intro for standard stuff. I hope you're enjoying. Please R&R.
123: You love it? Thank you. OneLove: I am so glad you are enjoying this. Favourite story ever. Wow. Thank you so much. I'm afraid though that all good things must come to an end. But I'm sure that with very little prodding, I could come up with another installment. Just ask.
Annabel was heading toward the trace lab when Calleigh caught up with her. They fell in step together. Annabel glanced at the blonde.
"I already got your report on the gun. That was quick."
Calleigh smiled. "I aim to please." Annabel rolled her eyes. "I was wondering how long it would take you to come down and check up on Horatio. Actually, we have a pool going."
Annabel raised an eyebrow at Calleigh. "You're kidding right?" Annabel shook her head and grinned. "Never mind. I know the answer to that. And I don't want to know who won, either. Just make sure Eric doesn't stiff you. Actually, I am down here on business. Oddly enough, Horatio is not the only reason I come down to the labs. I do have a job that depends on getting information from other people around here."
"He's in his office like a good boy," stated Calleigh.
Annabel visibly relaxed. "Thanks." She sighed. "I really was coming down to trace to see what Ryan had for me. But thanks for letting me know."
"Not a problem. Turn about is fair play. He had me check on you, so the least I can do is let you know what he's up to. So, you two are headed out to Chicago tonight."
"Yes. God and the folks here in Miami willing." Annabel bit her lip. "Sorry. Just being a worrywart." Annabel took deep breath. "We're flying into O'Hare and spending the night near there. Then driving up to Holland in the morning. See Elie, Oma and Opa. Tracey's wedding is on Friday back in Chicagoland. Continue partying with the family Saturday and Sunday. Then..." Annabel shrugged. "Do the tourist thing with Horatio around Chicago."
Calleigh gave Annabel a warm smile. "And love absolutely every minute of it."
Annabel blushed and grinned widely. "Yea. I can't help it. I have gotten so absolutely pathetic." They stopped outside the trace lab.
Calleigh smiled. "I think it's really cute. I am happy for you two. Horatio..." Calleigh shook her head. "He's different. Still very serious. Still dedicated. Still a man I wouldn't want to cross, but different. You're good for him, Annie."
"We're good for each other." Annabel looked at Ryan bent over a worktable in the trace lab. "Thanks, Calleigh. I did come down to talk to Ryan. Really. One more thing for me to finish up before I go." Annabel started to open the door then let it close. "Calleigh?" The blonde turned back. Annabel raised her eyebrows. "Have you?"
Calleigh frowned and shook her head. "No."
"Chicken. Maybe I should talk to him." teased Annabel. She ducked into the trace lab before Calleigh could comment. Ryan looked up.
"Hey, Annie," he said. There was a knock on the glass. Ryan and Annabel looked over. Calleigh smiled and flipped Annabel off. Ryan looked shocked. Annabel burst out laughing. He turned to Annabel. "What did you say to her?"
Annabel flashed him an innocent look. "Oh, nothing."
"Uh. Huh." Ryan motioned Annabel over to the worktable. "Here's what I found." He bent over and adjusted the microscope. He stood up and motioned for Annabel to take a look. She did.
"And this means? Remember, I'm not the lab rat."
Ryan grinned at her. "What nothing's rubbed off on you from being around, H?"
"Not the point. You all do the analysis. I cross that with the investigating part. So..."
"The sample on the left is fibers found on the victim. The fibers on the right came from Jennifer Jennings office."
"Okay. But Jennings'll just claim that Sara Armbruster had been in her office. That's what she's been claiming all along."
Ryan started shaking his head. "Dan's run the security tapes from the office. The place had cameras watching almost every square inch. Sara wasn't on any of them."
Annabel grinned at Ryan. "Great. I guess I get to go pick up Jennifer and we'll have another little chat. Good job, Ryan. Let's lock this down tight. See what else you can get me."
"Will do." Annabel nodded and headed out of the lab. She pulled her cell out of her pocket and dialed a number. She was moving down the hall quickly, concentrating on her call. She snapped the phone shut just on time to crash right into Horatio. He reached out to steady her. Annabel smiled up at him and smoothed a hand over his jacket.
"Sorry."
Horatio smiled down at Annabel. "It's alright. In a hurry?"
Annabel nodded. "Ryan handed me some new info on the Armbruster case. I'm off to bring in Jennifer Jennings. Maybe even wrap things up."
"Good. I know leaving a case hanging was bothering you."
"And now I can go on vacation with it closed. Ryan is going to see what else he can come up with, but I pretty sure we can get it set. I have enough to force her to give us a swab. I'm sure Valera will match it up with the DNA found on the victim. Nicely tied up." Annabel started down the hall again. "In a few hours we will be winging our way to Chicago. You stay out of trouble." Annabel wagged a finger at Horatio.
"Don't I always?"
"Don't you never. Be good, Lieutenant."
Horatio smiled at her. "I'll see you later, Detective. Good luck."
Annabel gave him a cheery wave, turned and hurried away. Horatio watched her until she turned the corner and was gone. Horatio continued on his way, smiling and shaking his head.
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Annabel was giddy for a different reason as they settled themselves in their seats. She kept fidgeting. Horatio picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"So, we're on our way."
Annabel nodded. She glanced over at Horatio. "You really aren't nervous?"
Horatio's eyes twinkled at her. "Why should I be, Bella?"
"Because I'm nervous."
"Relax. Your family won't eat me."
Annabel laughed. "You don't know my family. And it's not just them. You're going home with me. There are so many things I want to show you. And I want you to like them. It means a lot to me."
"I'm sure I'll enjoy where ever I am."
Annabel met Horatio's eyes. "How can you be so sure?"
Horatio reached out ran his hand over Annabel's cheek. "I'll be with you, Annabel."
Annabel leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, a smile on her face. "Good. Because my family will eat you alive."
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Finis