"You're sure H said he wanted to see us?" Eric asked while glancing at his watch and noting the time. Ryan nodded, checking his own watch as well out of habit.
"Yeah. H said to be here at 9:00 a.m. Said it was important." He snorted. "Must not be that important because he's almost 10 minutes late…"
"And I do apologize for that Ryan. I had a previous appointment that took longer than expected." Horatio left his perch on the doorframe and closed the door behind him. Eric couldn't help but smirk at the look of mortification that had crossed Ryan's face at being overheard by their supervisor. Horatio didn't seem to think anything of the comment as he seated himself opposite his team.
"Now, gentlemen… I have a matter to discuss with you." He placed a folder on the table and paused a moment before continuing. "I know the loss of Calleigh from the team is still fresh in our minds. But, after a month without a ballistics expert, the time has come to find a replacement."
"We interviewed four candidates last week. None of them were qualified for the position." Eric said.
Horatio nodded, unfazed by Eric's interruption. "And I agree with that assessment, Eric. But I think we also know none of us were exactly interested even if the candidates were qualified." Horatio held up his hand to silence Eric's impending comment. "Ryan… would you mind stepping outside for just a moment?" Ryan nodded and left the room silently, if not a bit too quickly, and closed the door behind him.
Eric spoke out the moment the door closed. "We can't replace her, H… she might---."
"---Come back?" Horatio shook his head. "Eric you know I hope she does as much as you do. But we cannot wait for what might never happen. I need you to be strong about this and set your feelings for Calleigh aside. You are now the most senior member of this team next to myself. And I need you to act accordingly, ok?" Horatio waited for Eric's response, which Eric provided in the form of a dejected sigh and a few nods of his head.
"All right, H. I'll try."
"That's all I ask." Horatio waved Ryan back into the room and waited until he was again seated before continuing. "Now, the reason I wanted to speak with you today. In a few minutes a young woman is going to walk through that door for an interview." Horatio pulled open the folder he had brought and slid two resumes across the table toward his CSI's. "I want all of us to be comfortable with who we bring on this team. I only ask that you treat this interview as objectively as possible. We owe Calleigh that much, don't you think?" Eric and Ryan both nodded and just a few moments later the elevator chimed and Samantha Higgins walked into the lobby.
"Gentlemen. Here she is." Horatio rose and greeted Samantha in the lobby. She wore a form fitting light gray suite with a white collared shirt. Her red hair fell in soft waves down her back, and she'd done her best to conceal the worst of her bruises with a thin layer of makeup.
"Samantha. Are you ready?" Horatio inquired softly.
She took a deep breath. "I don't mind telling you I'm nervous."
Horatio smiled as he gently touched her elbow and led her towards the room where he had left Eric and Ryan. "Don't be. You're going to do just fine."
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Samantha's interview lasted roughly thirty-five minutes. It didn't take Horatio even that long to realize that not only would Samantha be a wonderful addition to his team, but that she had managed to wiggle her way into the favors of both Ryan and Eric in the space of five minutes.
In a way, Samantha reminded Horatio of Calleigh. Both were certainly proof that big things can come in small packages. And how many beautiful young female ballistics experts could there possibly be? Samantha's personality was playful and outgoing, and it was clear her compassion for others was also strong. All were qualities that would help her retain control of her sanity at a job that was both physically and emotionally demanding. Horatio followed his gut on every case he worked at the MDPD Crime Lab. It was a trait he had passed on to his team, and it was a trait Samantha seemed to have as well.
While Samantha was fresh out of the academy, her educational background and intern experience at several of the top crime labs throughout the United States had Horatio confident that she would fit well into the role. While other crime labs wanted experience, Horatio wanted passion. And passion was one thing Samantha packed in abundance.
After a short conversation with his team, Horatio walked back into the lobby where Samantha sat twiddling her thumbs, the look on her face appearing like she was waiting on a guilty murder verdict. She stood abruptly when she saw Horatio coming. "Well?" She asked, looking like she was about ready to explode.
Horatio couldn't help but smile wide as he extended his hand. "Welcome to the team."
Half the lab must have heard Samantha's scream of delight as she bypassed Horatio's outstretched hand and launched herself into his arms. Horatio's arms wrapped around Samantha instinctively. "Thank you! Thank you, you won't be sorry!" She pulled back and without thinking, kissed Horatio soundly on the cheek.
"Well will you look at that…" Ryan nudged Eric from the interrogation room, pointing out the sight of their new team member in Horatio's arms. Their eyes went wide when she kissed him on the cheek, not only because they were surprised by her action, but more so because they noticed their boss's face turn scarlet.
"You ever seen H blush?" Ryan asked the more senior CSI.
Eric shook his head. "Nope. This could get very interesting…"