Some of the characters and situations in this story belong to Alliance Atlantis, CBS, Anthony Zuicker. Others that strongly resembles any characters from ABC is purely coincidental. The rest are mine. Any spelling errors on this page or any other chapters to follow are all mine.
Spoilers: No spoilers, unless if '10-7' have not aired in some regions.
-0-
The bench was cold. Much like the feelings resonating in her. The hallways were empty now. Hours have passed since the last person left but she could not bring herself to move. It wasn't that she didn't want to leave. She would run out the building if she could. She feared her legs would threaten to buckle the moment she stood. How she wished it did not happen. Nothing she thought of could quench her thirst for an answer. She wasn't certain what caused Hagen to go over the edge, shot himself in the head, and leave his bloody marks all over her beloved gun range. She resented him. She could hear the shuffling of footsteps.
"Calleigh?" the voice called.
Slowly, she lifted her downcast eyes. Then she sighed and lowered them again, tears threatened to flow.
"How are you holding up?" he asked gently.
She didn't know how she felt. For certain, she wasn't happy. She hugged her abdomen in a futile attempt to lessen her shakes. She felt numb, cold and regret. Instantly, her body shuddered and the hairs on her arms stood on its ends. She felt herself being pulled towards a warm source. Close to a warm body. An embrace. Too weak to fight back, she simply closed her eyes and sighed. Emotions raging deep in her, the sadness was overwhelming. A lone tear slid down her cheek, curving around her jaw and slid down onto her chin before plopping onto a pair of black pants. The person did not brush it off. Instead, she felt the embrace tighten and finally, years of her misery overflowed before her very eyes. Sobbing uncontrollably, she clutched tighter onto the collar of her companion. The warm liquid of her own tears running, continuously. They would not stop no matter how much she wanted them to.
"Let the tears flow," Horatio whispered. "Let it all go," he gently patted her shoulders and held her closer.
She was not miserable because Hagen died. No. She won't squander her tears on a dead man. She was miserable because she let herself believe that they had something. A connection. All the times when they dated, he was always rather rough towards her. He was a chauvinist and she rebuked herself. Nothing was worth crying over. Not even over a dead man. Sympathy was what she had built their relationship on, and now when he's gone, she could only blame herself. She has misled him. It was never about love. There never was love between them. Her sobbing eased after several minutes. Horatio dug trough his pocket and took out a blue handkerchief. Grateful, she took it and wiped vigorously on her moist face. She hated being weak but, surprisingly, she felt much better.
"I'm sorry," she managed. "I wasn't expecting a sudden breakdown," a small smile crept to her face.
In return, he took the handkerchief from her and wiped a tear clinging onto her chin.
"It's okay," he replied and smiled warmly, she sniffled.
For a moment, they were silent. Neither knew what to do next. What were the odds that two lonely people would be united under such circumstances? They had both lost someone that day. Yelina was in a plane somewhere heading towards Brazil with Ray Junior and Raymond. Hagen, well he was the one who left Calleigh. Deep inside, emotions stirred and a feeling of awkwardness thickened.
Calleigh couldn't bring herself to stand. Her legs were still numb, deadened. It wasn't always that she was alone with her boss and when she was, she often felt uneasy. Like she was supposed to be somewhere else.
"I better get going," she gulped.
"I'll, uh, take you home, okay?" Horatio spoke.
They stared at each other. They were both entering unfamiliar territory. Calleigh wasn't certain if Horatio was simply trying to help, or if it was just pity he felt. Either way, she knew she couldn't drive in such a state. Her legs would probably betray her and she'd end up in the morgue. She shuddered. She would rather be anywhere else than where Hagen's body is.
"Sure." Calleigh replied, blinking her puffy eyes.
She gathered all her strength and managed quite successfully. She brushed off strands of hair from her face and straightened her clothes. Supporting her back, Horatio stood and led her to his Hummer.
-0-
"What?" Horatio blurted. "Calleigh, don't do this," he pressed the cell phone to his ear.
"I have to Horatio. It's the only choice," Calleigh spoke.
"You always have other choices Calleigh and this--this is not one of them," he spoke firmly.
"I'm sorry. I've already booked my ticket. I'll be leaving in half and hour," she sighed sadly.
"Calleigh, don't. This is not the right way to solving things," he tried harder.
"What is?" she asked firmly and faintly heard him gulp.
"We can't talk about this over the phone. You know that. Calleigh, if you leave, the board will be looking for an excuse to bring this lab down. You're an asset to the lab Calleigh," he spoke in a low voice.
She sighed. Horatio was right. She was not only running away from her past, she was abandoning her friends, ruining what she had worked so arduously for. Yet, she knew she couldn't stay. If she did, every memory of herself being with Hagen would immediately haunt her. Thoughts of an ebbing relationship and how ridiculous it all seemed like now. His ghost would watch her. She would never feel safe and feeling safe, was what she wanted. She has decided.
"I'm not changing my mind Horatio," she spoke after a long pause.
"Calleigh, we need to talk this over," Horatio spoke emphatically and almost begged.
"Horatio let me put it this way. This job requires hard work. It needs a lot of concentration and deep thinking. There are very complicated tasks and you'll need a keen eye for very tiny details. Now, I can only do two of those things. I can work hard and I have a keen eye for details. Besides that, I'm useless to the lab. You have to understand that I can't do this job anymore. Hate it or not Horatio. I'm still leaving. I have to go," the line went dead.
He stared at his cell phone. She was gone. Never to be seen again. Now he was beginning to despise Hagen. For what he did, for all that he had done. Calleigh's leaving was the result of his suicide. He felt a sudden urge to strangle an already dead man. A sudden thought hit him, slowly he leaned his head against the coolness of the doorframe.
Where was she going?
-0-
He spent the whole of that day attempting to reach her. Each time, a monotonous voice would ask him to leave a message. On his tenth try, he literally threw his office phone in rage. He ran his fingers through his hair, hoping it would eradicate the throbbing pain in his skull. He couldn't sit there any longer. Swiftly, he grabbed his coat, swung it over his shoulders and trudged out the door. In the hallway, he bumped into Eric.
"Eric, I need you to do a search. Off the records," he spoke gruffly.
"Okay. What do you need me to do?"
He led him to a room and passed a small piece of paper to him.
"I need you to search this cell phone number. And Eric, I want a location," he frowned and solemnly cursed himself again.
It took him a while to realize he was breathing rapidly. He felt like his throat had closed up. Yet he looked on the bright side. If he died now, it won't be a long ride to the morgue. Settling himself in front of a computer, Eric went straight to work. Tapping on the keyboard in professional habit and clicking as though his life depended on it.
"Found it H," he beamed.
Horatio shuffled across the room and squinted at the screen. A word, large and bold, blinked furiously on the screen.
New Zealand.
"New Zealand?" Eric frowned in confusion.
"Yes. It appears Calleigh, is in New Zealand," his brows rose at the thought.
"Calleigh? She's in New Zealand? I don't get it, did I missed a memo?" he sounded much more distressed.
"Calleigh, uh, she resigned Eric. She left us," his brave expression failed to convince Eric.
"Go after her H. She can't just leave. She's one of the best bullet expert this lab could ever get," he scowled and hoped his boss would agree.
Horatio nodded but said nothing more. He wanted to say how much she meant to everyone. He felt awkward. He always thought Yelina was the only woman he would ever love whole-heartedly. He had fought so hard for her, protected her from Rick and his abusive temperament. He thought he could finally have her. Then, trouble surfaced and the return of his brother brought uncertainty that had vanquished any hope he had left. The minute the plane took off, the thought of spending the rest of his life alone made sorrow and misery surge through his veins. Yet, no tears were shed no matter how deep the gash in his heart was. He would endure it all.
Then he saw Calleigh.
Sitting alone like a helpless wanderer, not knowing where to go next. His heart ached to see her hurt and yet all he could do was watch her. His feet led him to her, his body precedes him and he sat down next to her, his arms moved so gently around her. Tugging her into a tender hug. He hated to admit it but he needed that hug. And Calleigh had given it to him. Time and again, she had rescued him from breaking and once again, he wondered if his heart really belonged to her or his sister-in-law.
There were no doubts that he had a soft spot for his bullet-girl. Everyone did. Her quirkiness was contagious and her attributes were irresistibly charming. Though he wasn't certain when this feeling came, he had no qualms now. He was confident this feeling was real. He wanted to see that blonde walk down the halls and smile at anyone she passes. He needed that more than anyone else. Eric was right. He needed to go after her. Staring at the screen, he grabbed a paper and scribbled the address. Then, he turned to Eric. The younger man smiled and nodded. At least one person was agreeing to his laughable decision. There was no time to pack. He needed to get to New Zealand fast. Brushing past Eric and giving him a confident nod, he made his way to his Hummer. Difficult or not, he needed to get Calleigh back.
It's amazing what one could do when adrenalin was rushing. Within half and hour, Horatio had made reservation for a reasonable hotel situated near Calleigh's residence area, he managed to coax a private jet owner to fly him to New Zealand and, while 3000 feet in the air, he was making another attempt to reach Calleigh's cell phone.
"Pick up Calleigh," he muttered as the hum of engine whirred behind his seat.
"The person you are calling is currently unavailable. Please leave a message after-"
He chided himself again. It all felt like a nightmare. Except, he was wide-awake. He had never dreamt of the day Calleigh would walk away from her job and leave everything that she held dear. He stared out the square window beside him.
New Zealand. It was very unlike Calleigh to go to New Zealand. He hasn't been there but he knew enough of the place and concluded that Calleigh must have made a hasty decision. He also concluded irately that Hagen's suicide had made her leave so abruptly. His despise for Hagen was boiling over. He had never felt hatred for someone so much in his life, with the exception of his mother's killer. So rapt in his reverie, he cursed aloud.
"I'm sorry this plane can't go any faster Sir but you insisted," the old man in the cockpit spoke above the engine's roar.
"Pardon me. I wasn't directing it to you," he apologized. Solemnly he added, "I was directing it at a certain red-head in this plane".
-0-
The landing strip came into view beyond the flocculent clouds. As they descended, Horatio managed to get a panoramic view of New Zealand. Fairly busy with cars and people. Beyond that, he marvelled at mountains coated with snow. The greenery of its forests and small streams from cascading waterfalls was breathtaking. His astonishment to Calleigh's decision was slowly ebbing. Instead, it was replaced by delight of stepping foot on such a beautiful country.
A gust of warm air greeted them as the plane door opened. A large board situated against a tall building read, 'Welcome to Auckland'
"If you need to get somewhere fast Sir, I suggest you rent a car," the pilot spoke and tipped his cap.
"Thank you," he said and stuffed a hundred dollar bill into the man's hand.
Renting a car was not an issue to him. The roads were. Though they were well marked with names and directions, he was not quite certain he could find this house Calleigh lives in. He decided it best that he hailed a cab instead.
"What is your destination Sir?" the driver asked politely.
Horatio passed the driver a small piece of paper with Calleigh's address written almost illegibly on it.
"Oh Sir. It's a 3-hour drive to Opononi. Are you sure you'd rather take a cab?" he asked uncertain.
"Yes, I'm not very familiar with the roads here," he admitted.
"Well, I'll need to get gas first then," the driver spoke and drove to a nearby gas station.
The drive to Opononi was smooth, otherwise quiet. All he knew was that he was in the North part of New Zealand. Occasionally, a strip of sandy beach would peek between gaps where the bristly trees did not cover. As the ride progresses, the air gradually thicken with salt and seawater.
"I would presume you are not here on vacation Sir?" the driver asked and glanced up at the rear-view mirror.
"Um, no. I'm here to meet someone. A friend of mine," he spoke.
"Ah. A woman?" he grinned.
Horatio looked at his shoes, fiddled with his sunglasses, anything to wish that the driver would dismiss that question. He seemed to have read his intentions right off his face.
"Sir?" the driver prompted on.
"Uh, yes. She is my, uh, colleague," he said conscientiously.
The driver nodded and turned his focus to the road. The road was fairly busy. It reminded him very fondly of home. He even missed the sounds and sight. It could probably explain why Calleigh chose to come here. It was a lot similar to Miami. The sweltering heat and the beach was unmistakably familiar. The only things missing were her friends.
"And me?" he asked himself blatantly and chuckled.
-0-
Three hours have never ticked by any slower than it did. His eyes were drooping, body slouching into the seat and the trees were fading into a blur. For the umpteenth time, he contemplated on calling her again. He didn't want to come without her knowledge. In truth, he was sure she wouldn't answer his call. She didn't answer all the other calls he made. Why would she bother answering him now?
"We are here Sir," the driver spoke loud enough to startle him.
Straightening in his seat, he peered out the window and stared at the large house situated downhill. Surrounded by shrubs and grass was a three-story house facing the sea and the beach just a few miles away.
"Wow," he sighed.
The driver chuckled and turned to face his passenger. Horatio could finally see the man's full visage instead of only his eyes in the mirror. He was tan with light brown hair. He had noticed the man's eyes were of azure shades, like his own. His strong arms grasped the passenger seat beside him and he stared directly at his passenger.
"Welcome to Opononi Sir. Beautiful place. This woman you're meeting has good taste," he smiled and nodded towards the beach house before them.
"Yes, she does. Thank you," he spoke and placed a fifty dollar bill on the driver's palm. "Keep the change," he smiled and left the car.
The stones crunched under his shoes and dust filled the air as the taxi drove off. The heat was made bearable by the cool breeze blowing by. Cautiously, he followed the sandy path leading towards the house. From there, he inspected it. Well-situated and designed, the building looked enough to house a family of six. He paused. Is there a family of six?
"What if I'm intruding her privacy?" he asked himself aloud.
Gentle breeze rustled the leaves.
"I came here uninvited didn't I?" he asked again.
"Yes, you did," a voice answered him.
He turned and almost lost his balance.
"Calleigh," he spoke in utter astonishment.
"What are you doing here Horatio? Don't you know the reason people go overseas is probably to get away from work and everything else related to it?" she spoke and walked up to a dishevelled Horatio.
He looked scruffy. His shirt was not tucked in, he had shed his coat off due to the heat, the sleeves were rolled up to his elbow and his hair was ruffled and tousled by the wind. In all his haste to meet her, he had neglected his own appearance.
Calleigh regarded him, head to toe. He looked as though he had been attacked by an angry mob. Of course, he would have looked much worst after she had dealt with him. Realizing she was noticing his dishevelment, he gently folded his jacket over his arm, ran his fingers through his auburn hair, brushed off any creases on his white, button-down shirt, and stood there staring at her.
"You were in a rush huh?" she smirked.
Horatio chuckled and fiddled with his coat. Quickly, his expression changed and he looked at her, humourless. Calleigh rolled her eyes and walked down the path towards the beach house. Turning back, she gestured for him to follow. Now he was invited.
-0-
"You didn't give me two weeks notice," he spoke hoarsely.
"I wasn't going to Horatio. I was planning to leave without anyone knowing. I just decided to let you know since you were my boss," she sighed, exasperated.
"Half an hour before you leave Calleigh?" he spoke sternly and tilted his head. "You need to get back to Miami and resign following protocol. Even so, I am not letting you quit," he spoke stressing his words and sipped the cooling orange juice.
"So you just came here to make me go back?" she asked and folded her arms in protest.
"That. And to make you believe that if you quit Calleigh, you will regret it. This job has put your skills to good use. Don't throw it all away," he spoke and bore his eyes into hers.
He wanted her to understand that her job was unlike any other. It was unique and challenging. Being a gun and bullet expert was the field Calleigh flourished in most. Her skills had made her capable of detecting the gun simply from a bullet. Besides, finding a replacement as experienced as Calleigh would be hard enough. His trust always had no limits when he leaves evidence in her care. She was--is a good CSI.
"Put yourself in my shoes Horatio. What would you do if someone killed himself, shot himself in the head, right in front of you?" she emphasized her last words and folded her arms tighter around her abdomen.
"I would pay my final respect to him. And I'll continue with my job. Knowing John, I'm certain he wouldn't have wanted you to quit," he spoke and stared at the glass of orange juice.
Calleigh scoffed and sat in the armchair across him.
"What makes you think I quit because he killed himself?" she enquired.
Horatio's brows rose at her harsh tones.
"Weren't you two, involved?" he asked uncertain of where the conversation is heading.
"We were," she muttered. "I'm not going back Horatio. But you are," she looked at him and stood abruptly.
"You're going back right now," she insisted and crossed her arms again.
Horatio looked at her unsmiling face. She seemed displeased about something but what problems she was experiencing, he couldn't fathom from her solemn face. Slowly, he rose and towered over her, one head taller.
"I'm not leaving without you," he spoke firmly.
Calleigh fixed him with an incredulous stare. That sounded awfully familiar to something a soap-opera actor would say. Horatio frowned as his words gradually sink in.
"What I mean is," he writhed. "I will only return to Miami if you agree to come along," he continued more conscientiously and fixed his gaze on a small fireplace in front of him.
"Don't be ridiculous," she rolled her eyes at him. "All the hotels are probably full. It's February and people flock here for vacation," she explained seriously.
"You don't have to worry about me. You think about our conversation. Don't make any rash decision Calleigh," he advised. "You know how to reach me when you've made up your mind," he spoke and saw himself to the door.
Calleigh stood in the middle of the spacious living room. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her temple and padded out into the patio. The Sun was already setting. The sky was a mix of red and orange. Further out at sea, a lone sailboat bobbed gently on the calm sea. The entire atmosphere was a stark contrast to the underlying questions surging in her mind. She wanted to forget everything that happened. She wanted to be that sailboat, and sail to the ends of the earth. Being far away from Hagen was what she wanted. Far away from worries was what she needed. She felt the breeze caress her cheeks, her eyes closed. Alone, she stood till the Sun disappeared.
-0-
Temperature rising, waves crashing and birds singing. Horatio felt like his whole atmosphere was part of a cliché, but it wasn't. It was real. Calleigh knew her month. February has proved to be warm and the beaches have been packed with beach goers. Calmly, he strolled down the pavement. Opononi appear to be a simple town, though as beautiful as its mainland, Auckland. The tress was like clones of the ones lining the streets in Miami. He admired the beach from afar, knowing that if he strayed too close, he might be tempted to swim. Hands stuffed in his pocket, he wondered where to go. His first thought was to explore the beaches and interact with the locals but he considered again. That was not his first intention when he came here but Calleigh had yet to call him. He paused and pondered on returning back to his lodge.
"Hey Whero," someone called.
A cab pulled over on the side of the pavement. Horatio slipped his sunglasses off and tilted his head.
"This is a surprise," Horatio spoke and smiled at the taxi driver who had drove him yesterday. "Who is Whero?" he asked, confused.
The younger man chuckled.
"It's you. 'Whero' means 'Red' in the native tongue," he explained.
"Ah. I didn't really introduced myself," Horatio spoke and extended his hand. "Horatio Caine," he said.
The driver nodded and they shook hands.
"Rodney Rotorua," he beamed and noticed the raised eyebrows on Horatio's face.
"Rotorua?" Horatio tilted his head.
"Oh, it's a town in Auckland. I guess my parents really loved that place. I moved to live in Opononi permanently," he pointed out.
Horatio nodded and made a mental note to ask him more about Rotorua and the wonders of New Zealand.
"Would it be okay if I continue calling you 'Whero'? It seem to fit you so well," he chuckled.
"I think it fits me too," Horatio smiled. "Where were you heading," he asked.
"Downtown. Maybe I can give you a little tour of this place. No extra charge," he spoke.
With that, they headed downtown. Opononi was undeniably wonderful. Everywhere was a bustle of people and activity. Ice-cream parlours lined the streets and beaches. Fishing boats bobbing away towards open sea. He was clueless how a busy town could still maintain its natural beauty.
"What do you think of Opononi so far?" Rodney asked and glanced up at the rear-view mirror every so often.
"I think, I haven't seen enough to know how it's like. Perhaps by the end of the week, I could. But so far, Opononi has been great," Horatio spoke and Rodney beamed.
"I'm very proud of my country," he spoke and smiled again.
Horatio looked out the window and sighed.
"I can see why," he nodded.
They passed by decent homes and massive forested areas with giant trees. Then, they slowed down to a stop beside a large sign saying 'Hokianga Harbour'.
"You will love this place Whero. It has one of the best view of the open sea," he chirped happily.
They alighted and Rodney led the way. Seagulls hovered above them and ship sirens could be heard from afar. People everywhere and small food stalls line the long and wide boardwalk. Finally reaching the end of the harbour, Horatio suppressed a breathless sigh.
"Amazing isn't it? When the sun sets, the best view would be right here" Rodney spoke proudly.
Horatio nodded and leaned on the railing, admiring the vast sea reaching far into the horizon. He stored that information in case he would like to bring Calleigh there someday. Then, his cell phone rang.
"Horatio, I've made up my mind," the familiar voice rang in his ear.
A pause. Rodney tilted his head.
"What is it Calleigh?" he finally asked.
"I'm staying," she spoke sternly. "I am not going back to Miami. I can't. It feels right to be here where no one knows me. Having said that, you need to go," she spoke in a strident voice.
Horatio held back a gulp and shot Rodney an incredulous look.
"Calleigh, Hagen's death does not mark the end of your career. I know because I've noticed. Hagen was slipping away and it was entirely nobody's fault. Do you hear me? If you choose to continue with this Calleigh, no one--and I mean not a single person will benefit," he spoke and gripped the railing tighter.
"I will benefit from this," she spoke and from her voice, he knew she had been crying again.
She hung up.
-0-
"How did you get here in ten minutes?" she asked stunned to see Horatio at her doorstep.
"I had help," he spoke, slipped his sunglasses off and brushed past her. "Have you any idea how wrong the situation is. Never mind the lab or the reputation. What matters is your passion. And as far as I know, it's bullets and guns. Or have you disowned that as well?" he spoke.
"I haven't disowned anything-"
"But you are going to, seeing as you are not too keen on returning," he interrupted.
Calleigh opened her mouth to protest when the phone rang, distracting their conversation.
"Hello," she blurted through the phone.
"Yes, this is Calleigh Duquesne," she said and her brows slowly furrowed into a frown.
"Well, okay. Is there any way that you could retrieve it for me? There are some very important possessions in there," she spoke with a hint of frustration.
"Alright. It'll take a while but I'll be there," she said and placed the receiver down.
Sighing, she grabbed her keys and headed for the door.
"I don't need an explanation to know they lost your luggage," Horatio spoke and she turned to face him.
"It's not lost. It's--misplaced," she insisted.
They stepped outside the warm air and Rodney greeted them.
"Calleigh, meet Rodney. The taxi driver," Horatio introduced them.
The driver eyed Calleigh before smiling at Horatio.
"Oh good. A taxi. Could I get a ride to the airport?" Calleigh asked.
He nodded.
"Thank you," she smiled.
"I'm following," Horatio spoke.
Calleigh rolled her eyes and ignored him. Within minutes, they were all on the road towards the airport.
-0-
Rodney didn't know what was wrong but the air felt different. Besides the musty, salty atmosphere, he swears he could feel static. It was like a persistent thunder and he feared for his well being, occasionally looking at the rear-view mirror.
"You didn't have to come along, you know," she spoke.
"I wanted to," he insisted.
"Why? Afraid I would run away?" she smirked wryly.
"Would you?" he looked at her.
"I told you I'm staying," she sighed.
"I believe that decision was made hastily," he spoke.
"I had the whole night to think about it," she fought back.
"My point exactly," he spoke huskily.
"What do you want?" her voiced grew louder.
"Your return to Miami," he reminded her and smiled gently.
"And my return to being a CSI," she added and frowned at him.
"Really? Excellent," he poke slyly.
"No Horatio. That's what you want. What I want is peace and I want to feel safe again," she sulked and looked away.
He paused and thought for a moment. It was apparent that she was traumatized but running away is not the solution.
"You think by being here, you will regain that safety you long for?" he asked.
"Anywhere is a better place, Horatio," she answered.
"Do you feel safe?" he asked, earnestly curious.
She turned and faced him. Her eyes bore no sign of sadness or anger. Her face was pale and impassive. He received no reply and the rest of the ride went smoothly, thick with tension.
-0-
"I'm sorry Ma'am but we are currently facing some complications with the luggage machine," the receptionist told her.
"When will it be fixed?" she asked and noticed the panic rise in the woman's facade.
"Unfortunately, the mechanic is out on vacation and we hardly have anyone else qualified enough to fix this problem," she nearly shrieked.
"Ma'am, calm down," Horatio appeared suddenly beside Calleigh who nearly skyrocketed into the ceiling. "May I have a look at the problem?" he asked.
The receptionist grew uncertain and pursed her lips.
"I assure you, I won't do anything that might jeopardize the problem," he spoke and the woman nodded.
She led them to the control room. They passed rooms filled with small screens showing different areas of the airport, a meeting room filled with chairs, a small canteen and finally to the luggage room. Everything was not activated and luggages were still on the conveyer belt.
"We don't know what the problem is," she admitted.
Horatio took a while and inspected the sophisticated machine. Everything appeared to be fine but something was definitely amiss. It might be a wire. Perhaps a loose bolt, false mechanisms or a body part somewhere causing the breakdown.
Shedding his jacket off and rolling his sleeves, he requested for a crank. Diligently, the receptionist went into a room and came out with the tool. Horatio went instantly to work. Opening a small hatchet, his speculation for the cause of the breakdown was confirmed. He cranked a loose bolt and tightened several others. The machine was poorly maintained. Then, he sprayed oil onto the rusty mechanisms. Within an hour, Horatio had already gotten the machine fully operating again. The receptionist literally cheered and hugged Horatio despite his oil-stained clothes and greasy arms.
"Thank you so much Sir!" she shrieked and hurried to the luggage collection area in the main lobby.
Calleigh crossed her arms across her abdomen, a habit Horatio find most endearing. She was surprised that he could manage to fix it but she wasn't going to admit to that. Although, seeing his bare arms and white shirt all stained and messy was quite a scrumptious sight.
"Beginner's luck," she commented with a smirk.
Horatio chuckled and left for the lobby after her.
The luggages were moving smoothly and people were relieved to be able to retrieve their bags. Horatio and Calleigh stood among them and searched for Calleigh's red luggage. Sure enough, her red bag came around towards them. Horatio swiped it up before Calleigh had the chance.
"We have your luggage," he spoke triumphantly.
"You are all greasy and oily. Give the bag to me," she spoke.
"Let me," he insisted and walked towards the exit where Rodney stood waiting.
-0-
"I wish that you would stop telling me to go back each time we meet," she blurted at him the next day.
"I'm sorry but I can't fulfil that wish," he spoke. "I have come here with one intention only and that is to bring you back to Miami," he continued firmly and placed his hands on his hips.
Calleigh scoffed and dropped into her sofa. Then, Horatio's cell phone rang.
It was Rodney
"Okay. Calm down. Tell me where you are?" he asked calmly. "Big tree? Are you lost? Just stay there, I'm coming," he said sternly.
"What happened to Rodney?" Calleigh asked.
"He's in the woods somewhere. He was talking about a Big Tree. Do you know where that is?" he asked her seriously.
"I've heard of an old tree in the Kauri forest. He's in there?" she asked frantically.
"He's been robbed and he said his leg was broken," Horatio spoke. "Let's go. We haven't got much time," he stood and headed out the door.
They rushed out and hitchhiked the first car they spotted.
"That forest is big. There are two big trees in there and they are both very old. The Tane Mahuta and the Te Matua Ngahere. Both easy to find if you know your way," the woman behind the wheel spoke.
"Will there be signboards showing us the way?" Calleigh asked from the back seat.
"Of course, but some of them have been stolen by some hopeless kids. If you're lucky, there'll be a guider there," she smiled and stared at them.
"Ah. I remember my first Honeymoon. I never really thought of New Zealand but it seems like you two are having fun," she chuckled.
The two started to protest but the woman made a sharp right, Calleigh was instantly thrown into Horatio's lap. The woman chuckled again. Calleigh managed to return to her seating position. Clearing his throat, Horatio crossed his legs and tapped his fingers nervously.
-0-
"Those trees are quite deep in the forest. If you follow the tracks, it'll lead you to them," the traveller spoke.
Horatio and Calleigh nodded and follow the tracks. As the hike progressed on, they felt the elevation increased.
"How did Rodney get robbed of his cab and end up in here?" Calleigh spoke and swatted at the mosquitoes.
"I'm not sure. I didn't question him on that. What matters now is that we find him," he spoke and increased his pace.
They were persistent. Underlying their brave facade, both were concerned for the man's safety. Being in a vast jungle like that could be fatal, especially if cuts and wounds were involved.
Rustling could be heard up ahead. Horatio quickened his pace and called out his name. Insects were the least of Calleigh's problem now. Her focus lies solely on Rodney and his injuries.
Finally they reached him in a small clearing under the shades of tall, bristly trees.
"Rodney, are you okay?" Horatio spoke and rushed to his aid.
"My leg," he slurred. "I can't feel it," he added.
Calleigh's eyes widen as she inspected his left leg. It had been stabbed. Twice. Deep gashes directly underneath his knee. Horatio stared at Rodney's leg then turned to face her. Concerns written all over his blanch face. His big brother mode was one. Then placing Rodney's head gently on a pile of large leaves, he stripped off his coat, then his shirt. Leaving only a white singlet on. Then, tearing a strip off his shirt, he wrapped the large piece around the bleeding leg. The strip of cloth was used to tie above the wounded area, so tightly that Rodney nearly screamed in agony.
Standing up, he donned on his jacket and scanned the surroundings.
"Calleigh, I need you to collect the thickest branch you can find. I think about an arm's length should do. Four should be enough," he spoke calmly.
Without speaking, Calleigh went to scour the area. She found several strong branches and quickly carried them back to where Rodney was lying. His face had lost some colour but he was still conscious. Horatio returned with some vines. He took two of the branches and started tying them together to form a longer one. His movements were fast and surprisingly professional like. His eyes shifted occasionally to look at Rodney. Then, he picked up the other two and repeated the steps. After which, he shed his jacket off and placed it open with the four tied branches on it. Then he buttoned up his jacket.
It was a hand-made stretcher. Cleverly made and essentially needed in their situation.
"That wouldn't really support him," Calleigh spoke and shed her own sweater off.
Grateful, he took her sweater and buttoned it around the branches. With their stretcher completed, they contemplated on how to lift Rodney without worsening his wounds.
"I'll carry his legs and support his back," Horatio said.
"I'll carry his head and support his back as well. That way, it'll be more stable," she voiced her thoughts.
Horatio smiled suddenly. They made an excellent team. Together, they scrupulously carried the injured man into the hand-made stretcher. Rodney wasn't that heavy which made their work less difficult. He moaned and frowned. He was losing his consciousness fast and blood was already seeping through Horatio's tattered shirt.
"Hang in there Rodney," he spoke gently and lifted his end up.
Calleigh did the same on the other end and they meticulously made their way back to the main road.
-0-
"I'm really sorry for all the trouble Whero and Miss Duquesne," Rodney spoke apologetically.
He had been sleeping in the hospital bed for 2 days. Blood had been pumped into his veins and his colour was slowly returning.
"It's okay Rodney. We're just glad you're okay," Calleigh spoke and patted his arm.
"How are you holding up?" Horatio asked.
"Like I've been stabbed," he laughed and flinched.
They both smiled sadly at his bandaged leg.
"Have you thought of filing a police report?" Calleigh asked.
"Well, of course. The police can't do much really. The men were wearing ski masks when they attacked me," he spoke.
They both nodded. If they were back home, they could have done everything in their power to catch the suspects. But they weren't and it bothered them a great deal to just sit and watch him suffer. When he was finally sleeping, they both took their leave.
"I hate to be the one to tell him that his legs won't be fully healed," she sighed as they walked down the hallway.
"He'll find out soon enough," Horatio spoke sadly. "Till then, he'll be okay in a few weeks," he said.
Calleigh looked at his intense expression.
"Are you still wanting me to return?" she asked.
Horatio pursed his lips and wondered for a while. That was his initial intention but now, something was stopping him from pursuing that intention any longer.
"Maybe," he replied.
And that was that.
-0-
Rodney had been healing very rapidly and the doctors were surprised to learn that his legs would be completely healed. He could even play soccer if he wanted.
"I'm glad he's getting well really fast," Calleigh beamed at Horatio.
They had visited Rodney that afternoon and he was smiling very happily and told them what the doctors had told him.
"Yes, well there are miracles," he spoke and admired the view from Calleigh's patio.
Quietly, they both soak in the sun and salt. The weather had been mercilessly warm for the last few days but that day, was a perfect time to hit the beach.
"What are you thinking?" Calleigh asked her words carried by the wind.
Horatio leaned on the wooden railing and contemplated his answer.
"I was thinking," he paused. "About how wonderful the little things in life really is," he replied, surprising Calleigh.
"What's this? Lieutenant Horatio Caine is actually a nature lover?" she smiled wryly.
Horatio chuckled and admired the sea.
"I have always loved nature," he spoke. "It's not everyday that I have the luxury of enjoying what they have to offer," he added.
"What have been taking up most of your time?" she asked without looking at him.
"Work," he replied earnestly. "Personal live," he added softly.
Calleigh's features softened as she sat in her wooden chair.
"Not anymore," she spoke and Horatio turned to face her.
"It appears so," he said and smiled.
The breeze played with their hair. It was a tempting sight. The beach was just a few miles away and the weather, so perfect.
"Do you want to hit the beach?" Calleigh was the first to succumb to her temptations.
Horatio chuckled and searched her expression for any indication to prove that she was jesting.
"Okay?" he asked more than replying.
Happily, Calleigh bounced out of her chair and into her room. Minutes later, she emerged wearing a swimming suit with a translucent green cloth tied around her waist.
-0-
"Calleigh, I am not wearing this," he warned.
Calleigh laughed and shoved the beach shorts into Horatio's hands.
"Horatio, you are not going to the beach wearing that pants and jacket," she fought back.
"I will look ridiculous in this. I won't wear it," he insisted.
Calleigh sat on the cushion of the beachwear store. Her sigh visibly revealed her frustration towards Horatio's persistence. Horatio looked at her and suppressed a sigh, remorsefully.
"Alright. But if it doesn't suit me-"
"It will now try it on and don't change before you show me," she spoke and laughed as the dressing-room door closed.
The trip to the beach was almost instant as it was only a few miles from the store. Calleigh had brought along a few blankets and two bottles of plain water. Horatio was carrying along the large umbrella they had bought. He was vividly dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and dark blue beach shorts. He felt awkward but it was sealed deep within him. Spreading a large towel on the sand, Calleigh got ready to hit the beach.
"Are you going to just sit there?" she asked him as she stood up from her towel
"You're not asking me to swim. Are you?" he spoke and glanced at her from the top of his sunglasses.
"Horatio, what is the purpose of people going to the beach?" she threw her hand in the air.
Horatio calmly folded his legs underneath him and stared at her, motionless. Finally, she gives in to his stubbornness and decided it best not to force him to do something he doesn't want to.
The water was, as always, rough but very cooling compared to the stinging heat of the day. She swam into deeper waters, the level reaching slightly over her collarbone. From afar, Horatio admired her. What a sight she was. Her hair clinging onto her face, the orange sunlight bouncing off her now slightly bronze shoulders and her swimming suit which almost appeared to have shrunk under the salty water. He seemed to find that all amusing and he quietly watched her under the helpful protection of his sunglasses.
"Me and my wilful mind," he heard himself murmuring.
Calleigh's head emerged from the waves and she waved at the red head on the beach. He could see her smiling and she could tell he was dying to join her. She laughed to herself and continued free styling till her thighs ached and begged her to rest. Reluctantly, she stood and walked up the beach. She ran her fingers through her damp hair and giggled. From afar, Horatio gulped and sneaked a glance at the ethereal sight of the woman approaching him.
"Finished?" he smirked and gave her a dry towel.
"Dream on Lieutenant," she drawled and dabbed her neck.
He sat and stared dead ahead. Debating with his mind whether to stare at her or not. He looked down and saw water dripping between her feet, making tiny little holes in the golden sand. He looked away and gulped. She was taking a sit right beside him and his body stiffen instantly. Other women who passed by wearing bikinis and bearing tanned almost brown skin, he ignored. Calleigh who's dainty, petite body was sitting beside him, and he didn't know how to react.
"Horatio?" she nudged him.
"Hmm?" he blinked.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing. Just admiring the view," he lied and smiled.
She nodded and he let out a long sigh. They sat there in comfortable silence.
"How long do you intend to stay here?" he spoke, his voice seemingly sliced the silence between them.
"Till the sun sets. It's a great view from here," she spoke and wrapped the green towel around her.
It was unusually chilly and the towel was already wet. The breeze was already picking up and the sun was blocked by large, white clouds.
"You want to watch the sun set?" he asked.
"Well, yes. I didn't know you were bothered by such a simple event that happens everyday. The sunsets and it's beautiful. I would recommend it to anyone still breathing," she spoke softly and teasingly slapped his knee.
He smiled and gingerly slipped his shirt around her shoulders. She turned and noticed he was wearing a black shirt. Her mouth dropped and she smiled.
"Horatio, don't tell me you've been wearing that underneath all this while?" she blurted.
Horatio chuckled and stared at the sea. He wondered which was the best place to watch the sunset, the harbour or the beach. His mind couldn't choose and it was slowly resting. The breeze was so gentle; he swore he could fall asleep if he lied down. But he wouldn't. His eyes were drooping. His legs were stretched before him and he was leaning with his hands on the towel. He shouldn't. His head was starting to fall sideways and his elbows were beginning to buckle. He can't.
"Horatio, it's sunset," Calleigh whispered and gently shook him.
His eyes shot opened and he stared straight ahead. Sure enough, there it was, the glorious sunset. The wonder of it all. The colours reflecting off the sea and mirrored the sky, like the shades of autumn leaves. The birds soaring into the perpetual horizon and two people, witnessing the incredible change of colours and shades. An unbelievable sight and one so breathless, it felt like a rule to remain silent and be awed. Till finally, there was no more.
"I had a great time today," Calleigh smiled as they walked up the steps to the front porch.
"I'm glad you did," he spoke earnestly.
Silence.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow? Or are you going back to Miami?" she asked.
He smiled at the floor and shook his head. Calleigh knew his answer. He won't go back unless she comes along. "Well, he can wait all he wants," she thought.
"Goodnight Calleigh," he spoke.
"Goodnight Horatio," she hesitated and gently brushed specks of sand from his Hawaiian shirt.
Turning, she unlocked the door and went inside. Slowly she closes it, sneaking one last glance to the redhead on her porch.
-0-
First chapter completed. I hope you people enjoyed it.