A/N: Thank you everyone for the reviews. If there was a delay, my apologies. I hope this chapter would solve the 'Stetler' problem.
Enjoy.
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Rick Stetler sat himself comfortably in the chair and waited. He checked his watch. 8am. Right on time. The door flung open and a chubby looking man trudged into the room. He took off his black robe and hung it on the stand. He avoided pleasantries and went straight to business.
"What do I owe this pleasure Stetler?" he spoke heartily.
"I am here regarding the complain of a day shift team in the Miami Dade Lab. As you know, these people have left without any prior notice what-so-ever and a letter of resignation is mandatory Your Honour," Rick put on his best authourity facade.
"CSI problems eh? Let me ask, who is the supervisor?" the judge asked.
"Lieutenant Horatio Caine," Rick spoke.
"You're kidding," the judge spoke after a pause. "Caine? You want Lt Caine to resign? Are you out of your mind Stetler? I've done you favours but Lt Caine is not the kind you can just dispose off whenever you like," his voice was strident and adamant.
"You--you know him Your Honour?" Rick stuttered, he can't believe this.
"Of course I know him. I was nearly cheated by a friend of mine. I was blamed for a murder I didn't do and he managed to get me out of the mess. Sorry Stetler but this one, I'll have to pass," the judge spoke as the phone rang, he dismissed his visitor and answered the phone.
Rick stood and hurried out. That wasn't his first. Every judge in the building seemed to know who Horatio was. He clenched his jaw and his hands balled into a fist. He turned down the hallway and decided to take matters into his own hands. He will find a way to bring Horatio and his wonderful, little team down.
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Horatio woke up worried and drenched in sweat. He had a dream last night which turned into a viscid nightmare. He dreamt that he was in the lab with Calleigh, talking about getting married and spending their honeymoon in New Zealand. Then, Rick had appeared out of no where and lunged towards her with a knife. Then he ran out and left Calleigh bleeding on the floor. Horatio had screamed Calleigh's name but was woken up by a bewildered Eric. Horatio woke up hastily. He splashed cold water onto his face and poured himself a cup of coffee. Then, he stepped out into the cool, morning air and sat on the sand. It was only 9:48am. He wondered if he was really going to have to keep this relationship a secret. He could manage but he doubt if he could each time he sees Calleigh walk down the halls. We knew he would be tempted to grab and hug her. But discipline was what he needed. He would refrain himself but he knew, his thoughts would be on her the whole day.
"But of course, that depends if we still have our jobs," he sighed sadly and heard someone approaching.
"H?" it was Ryan.
The younger man sat beside him, unafraid and willing to lend a listening ear.
"What's up?" he asked.
Horatio looked at Ryan. The CSI have proved to be a great friend and a good listener. He decided to see what advise he had to offer.
"Nothing much. How are you coping with the cases?" he started with small talk.
"It's great. Science have always amused me in so many different ways," he smiled sincerely.
"Good. I noticed that you're getting along well with the team," he spoke.
"I try. It was difficult at first. I know how it felt like to lose a close friend. Everyone just needed some time to heal the wound. It took me a whole year to get over the loss of a friend of mine," he replied easily.
"Hmm, you're not getting along well with Rick though," Horatio smiled.
"I think Rick is just trying to do his job and it happens to be busting our asses everytime we screw up. That will definitely make him the bad guy," he chuckled. "Were you two always this fiesty towards each other?" he asked curiously.
"Well," he nearly chuckled. "I try my best to understand him but he always ends up on my list," he frowned.
"Yeah, I noticed. It's a lot like Eric and I. I knew Speedle was his friend and I understand if he feels that way about me," Ryan admitted. "In other words, I'm not his number one fan but despite that, we could get a case done together if we just put our differences aside. Rick is a difficult person to get along with but in the end, it always comes to one thing. The team. If we put our heads together, we can work miracles."
"Hmm, let's just hope Rick is in a happy mood today," Horatio said and sipped his coffee.
Eric came out and announced that Rodney have arrived to help with the packing. They went inside and switched the radio to full blast. It was a much preferred alternative to the silence that falls upon them each time they don't speak. It overcomed the underlying questions surging in their minds and looming around in the cottage. Horatio went into his room and started emptying the closet. Eric and Ryan made their beds and had a quick shower. When they all appeared again, the living room was clean. Rodney sat on the sofa, sipping some juice and smiled at them. They joined him and sat in silence as they waited for the ladies, the radio blared above their heads.
They arrived with the help of another taxi. Calleigh had insisted that Rodney stayed with the men while she packed with Alexx. They made their way to the cottage and found them sipping juice and telling funny stories of the girls they have hooked up with when they were young.
"I once had a crush on this girl from camp. I was in the boy's camp and she was obviously in the girl's camp. So it was a kind of lore that if you liked someone, you meet them at the rock up the hill. It was called 'Kissing Rock' but us guys called it 'The Make-Out Rock'," they laughed as Ryan continued. "So I met her and she was this gorgeous blonde, no offense H, and I kissed her then I felt this sharp pain on my lips and it was actually her braces!" they laughed again as Ryan blushed.
"You cut your lip on her braces?" Eric laughed.
"Well yeah and I didn't know till she pointed out that my lip was bleeding. So she cried and told me not to meet her anymore and ran back to her camp," Ryan spoke and managed a sad smile.
They all laughed again as the women walked in with lugagges.
"All set?" Calleigh spoke as the laughing died.
Horatio nodded and so did the rest. He switched off the radio and everyone stared at him, as if expecting a speech.
"Whatever happens, we'll have to stick together," he spoke simply and everyone thought it was perfect.
They got up and left for the rented car.
-0-
He looked at himself in the mirror and smirked. He would love to see the look on Horatio's face now. He ran a hand through his bushy hair and gingerly picked up the envelope on his bed. He had finally found a way to bring that red-headed lieutenant down. Along with his team. He nodded in content.
"Score," he sneered as he walked towards his car and drove towards the police-station.
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Horatio lifted his arm and draped it around Calleigh as she rested her head on the crook of his neck. The group had generously offered them the privacy of the back seat. She sighed and snuggled into his chest. It was a new feeling for Horatio, being in such close contact with a person. Especially with someone you loved. He remembered his final hug with Yelina. It was a sad depart. Watching her leave with his brother, never knowning if he would see his sister-in-law again. He realised, at that very moment while he hugged his bullet-girl, that he wanted to see Yelina again but only because he missed her like a brother to a sister. He wondered how Ray Juniour was and if he and Raymond were getting along well. Then he thought of Suzie and Madison, Raymond's other family that practically no one knew about. His family. He loved them. Now, he wondered if he would have a new addition to the family. Calleigh. He smiled. Someday, she would be his family. He could feel how small she was and she was enjoying the fact that he liked to cuddle.
"Horatio?" Calleigh murmured.
"Hmm?" he ran a finger slowly down the length of her forearm.
"What do yousuppose Rick is going to do to the team?" she spoke quietly.
"I don't know," he replied to ease the troubled sound of her voice.
"Horatio," she squirmed and pulled her face back to look at him, so close. "I don't want to lose you," she entreated and placed a gentle hand on his chest.
Horatio looked at her and tried to register what she had just said. Her eyes gleamed, expressing her feelings so lucidly. He thought of all the other things she could have said but yet, those six words hit him like an anvil. His voice trembled as he spoke.
"I don't want to lose you too," he managed and gulped.
"What if Rick decides to fire us?" tears welled in her eyes as guilt overcomed her senses. "I'm so sorry," she gulped.
"Hey, Rick is not the one making that decision. And this--this is not your fault," he spoke and pulled her into a bear hug. "We'll see what happens okay," he whispered and kissed thecrown of her head.
She fell asleep in his embrace, her mind peaceful and calm as the drive progressed on towards the airport.
-0-
"Amy," Rick greeted the woman behind the reception counter. "Have Horatio or anyone from his team left a message?" he asked.
"No," she replied curtly, she too, had a grudge against the IAB agent.
"Thanks," he nodded and walked away.
Rick walked down the halls, thinking howwonderful it would be if Horatio was not around to annoy him. He turned and walked till he reached the entrance door but didn't exit. Instead, he leaned against the wall and waited. He could wait all day because he knew, the wait would be worth while. Each time a car parked outside, he would jerk to see who alighted from the car. When it wasn't them, he would wait again.
-0-
The taxi stopped right by the curb as everyone got out and stretched their backs. It would be a dreary day ahead and the worst was yet to come. Horatio went to the boot and passed everyone their luggages. Luckily, there weren't many. They trudged up the steps and was quickly surrounded by men in uniforms. Each of them were taken by the arm and led into the interrogation room on the second floor. Wise enough, Rick had chosen the one which was rarely used. There were six chairs and one was already occupied. Rick sneered and swivelled in his chair, much like a child spinning around instead of a grown man. He gestured towards the chairs and they all sat quietly, anticipating the worst. Three policemen marched in and took their positions. One by either corner of the wall and one by the door. Horatio slipped his sunglasses off and his eyes gleamed. He had not lost his ability to intimidate people during interrogation.
"So, mind telling me why everyone suddenly decided to run off?" Rick started foolishly.
"Running away would be an understatement Stetler. We just went overseas," Horatio spoke, commencing the fight for his team.
"Went overseas? C'mon Horatio. You know better than that. You went there to get one of your CSIs who had ran away," his voice was unusually convivial, then his tone changed. "Your team has gotten quite a number of complaints. From suspects, families of victim. Some even said you did not allow them to collect the victim's personal belongings. Now I don't know about you but I think that's being a little heartless," he spoke, taunting Horatio.
"Hey, we needed those things," Eric blurted angrily. "It's not like we used them for own personal use-"
"Stay out of this Eric," Rick snapped but Horatio fought back.
"You do not--talk to my team like that. If you want to find trouble Rick, you start with me. Are we understood?" Horatio looked him.
"Sure," Rick looked at him. "Whatever."
"It was not about being heartless. We needed the items to assist us in the investigation and it worked," Horatio spoke firmly. "The problem now is not about our cases Rick. So get on with it," Horatio nearly blurted but eyed him coldly instead.
"Whoa, relax Horatio. I have this--" he slipped a letter out of his jacket and slid it across the table. "Letter and it says there that your letter of resignation would be the first thing I need to see on my table tomorrow morning," he sneered.
Horatio smiled easily. He didn't know what it was but Rick have never succeeded in threatening him. Each time, Horatio would become blasé very easily by Rick's little ruse of trying to get to his team and complaining to the board of every single thing they did. His voice was like a clown's cackle and his expression always reminded him of a man entertaining a baby. He stifled a chuckle as the thought hit him. He took the envelope and slipped out a red piece of paper. He red it with ease and some level of humour. He found everything hilarious and amusing. He squinted at the signature at the bottom.
"Greenhill?" he thought for a while. "That sounds familiar."
Just then, two more officers entered. One was from the board, the other was someone Horatio didn't recognize. Probably another agent.
"You can take them now," Rick spoke.
"That won't be necessary," Horatio countered and everyone looked at him.
"It won't?" Rick spoke in a mocking voice.
"Nope. You see Rick. I--am a CSI. And you can't fool a CSI," his eye-brows rose with amusement.
"What, are you talking about?" Rick asked, eyes shifting.
"Mhhm. You know very well what I'm talking about," Horatio pushed harder.
"Horatio, can you explain?" Rick stuttered.
"Explain this Rick," Horatio lifted the letter in front of Rick's face.
"Am I supposed to be amused by this?" Rick joked.
"Why, don't you be amused by this fake signature you have at the bottom right--here," Horatio pointed at the signature.
Rick stared at the signature and shifted his glance directly at Horatio who smiled and lowered the paper.
"Whoops," Horatio grinned. "Didn't see that coming didn't you Rick," he finished with hostility.
"Fake? C'mon Horatio. Look at him, his coming up with ridiculous excuses," Rick turned to the two men who stared at him.
One of the men took the letter and squinted at the signature.
"What's wrong with it?" the taller one asked, squinting at the paper.
"Gentlemen, I think we all know, with the exception of Rick here, that Greenhill signs his name with a capital letter 'G'," Horatio leaned in his chair and smiled at Calleigh who beamed back at him.
The shorter man took the paper and looked at the signature. He lowered it and shot Rick an incredulous stare.
"You forged a judge's signature?" his voice held a tinge of surprise. "Mr Stetler, you do know that by law, you have commited a felony-"
"Wha? A felony? I didn't forge it," everyone stared at him, unconvinced. "I swear. I didn't forge the thing."
"Well then, perhaps we should get the assistance of Judge Greenhill himself," Horatio took out his cellphone and pretended to dial a number.
Rick stared at the phone and hesitated.
"Wait," Rick spoke, Horatio shot him a stolid stare. "I--I forged it but it was only because-"
"Rick Stetler, you are under arrest for fraudulent," the large officers surrounded Rick as the shorter man spoke, they picked him off the chair with ease. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney-"
Rick was brought away. He sneaked a last, spiteful look at the group and got dragged through the door and down the gloomy hallway.
Everyone sat in silence as the door slowly closed with a soft thud. Then, they turned to face Horatio who had rested his arm on the back of Calleigh chair, much more at ease than earlier that day.
"How did you know?" Calleigh was the first to break the silence.
"I did a case on Greenhill once. He wasn't the murderer but he was a suspect," Horatio smiled.
Calleigh jumped and hugged him. Everyone got up and embraced one another. It was a huge sigh of relieve to still have their jobs and it was all thanks to Horatio. He had a memory the size of an elephant as far as anyone knew. Calleigh was beaming and so were Eric and Ryan. Alexx thanked Horatio with a tight bear hug.
"Bless you sweety," she whispered into his ears and released him.
The tall agent who was in the room earlier entered and cleared his throat. The group stared at him curiously.
"You do realize that there will be some cut backs on your salary. Every trip overseas should be given the green card by the head supervisor. Besides that, you're all free to go," he smiled warmly and left.
They walked in a line, hands wrapped around each other's waist. Smiles plastered on their faces as they left the building. It was a wonderful day to celebrate their return to the lab.
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Five months later...
"Hey Ted, I heard you'll be on parole tomorrow," his tall cell-mate asked him.
"Yeah, freedom at last," he grinned.
"Listen," the man spoke in a low voice. "I need to ask you a favour-"
"Whoa Rick. I'm on parole, you can't just-"
"No Ted. Just this once. C'mon, you owe me. Remember what almost happened last month," Rick whispered.
There were rumours that Ted was a man of his words and Rick was testing him.
"Hey, look. I know you saved my life but you can't just go around asking if someone will do you a favour. What is so important anyway?" Ted asked as he climbed onto the top bunk.
"I need this guy finished off," Rick spoke as he slipped a magazine picture under the man's mattress. "If you have the time, take a good look. He's got a girl and if you can get to her, it'll be better," he spoke with much rancour in his voice.
"I haven't agreed to do this favour for you Rick so don't get excited," Ted muttered and rollled onto his side.
Midnight came swiftly. Ted tossed in his bed, sweat trickled down his muscular neck as he murmured in his sleep. It was another bad dream but one he couldn't escape. He woke up with a vengeance and cursed out loud. He hopped off the bed spryly and went to the sink. The cooling water ran down the length of his back, his singlet drenched and clung onto his skin.
He turned to look at his sleeping cell-mate. Then, he searched for the picture under his mattress. Slipping it out, he looked at it under the dim light outside his cell.
"A red-headed man?" he chuckled at himself and shot Rick a disgruntled look.
He looked at the magazine cutting again and read the small article by the side. The wry smile on his face disappeared.
Lieutenant Horatio Caine.
That name rang a bell somehow. His muscles tensed as he shoved the paper back under his mattress. He dropped onto the wooden chair by the wall and stayed that way till dawn.
-0-
"Stay out of trouble Ted. I don't want to see your face again until your parole is up," the officer behind the counter snickered as the belongings were passed through the small hole at the bottom.
"Sure thing Ron," Ted grinned and slipped on his watch.
The rest, he placed them in a paper bag and followed another officer to the front gate. This was the beginning of a new chapter for Ted. Freedom was his at last. He waved at the rest of the cell-mates as the gate creaked open. He stepped out and felt a wave of happiness hit him.
"Hey Ted," a person called him.
He turned and saw Rick looking through the fence.
"Geez, why do you always have to spoil my moment?" Ted frowned and spread his arms out.
"Sorry about that but have you-"
"Yeah, I've seen the picture. It's with me right now. What do you want me to do with him?" Ted asked.
"Anything you wish but make it painful. I wanted to pass you a picture of his girl. Her name is Calleigh Duquesne," Rick slipped another magazine cut-out though the fence.
"Whoa, Calleigh Duquesne? That hot blonde? Dang, how did he get a chick like that?" Ted chuckled and stared at the picture.
"You know her?"
"Sure I know her. I know him too. Darn cop busted me for a hundred grams of pot," he spoke like it was a pointless matter. "They're still in Miami Dade?" he asked and stuffed the picture into his pocket.
"They have to be. Ted, you're not going to disappoint me are you?" Rick almost begged.
"I'll try not to. Relax Rick, I know Caine's work. His weaknesses are my strengths," Ted hit his chest, tough and solid.
Someone yelled from the inside and Rick pulled away from the fence.
"Get him Ted. Just get him," and he walked off calmly.
-0-
Calleigh moved down the aisle and looked at the shelves of mozarella cheese.
"I think a packet should be enough," she spoke seemingly to the air.
Horatio came around the corner carrying a bottle of milk and ice-cream. He placed them into the trolley.
"You're the one baking," he spoke and slipped a hand around her waist.
"Aren't you going to help? It'll be fun," she shoved him away gently. "And messy," she wriggled her fingers.
"Let's take two packets," he spoke and winked.
Horatio went ahead to look at rows of pudding. Calleigh walked slowly down the aisle of confectionery products. Then, she bumped into another trolley.
"Oh, sorry," she spoke and looked up to face a burly man.
He smirked and looked down at her.
'My fault Ma'am. Nice day for shopping isn't it," he ran a finger down a few packets of baking powder.
"Yeah, you're baking too?" she asked and thought it was a sillly question. "I'm sorry but I hardly meet anyone who enjoy baking as much as I do," she smiled.
"Well, I bake when I'm depressed," he chuckled.
"Calleigh, I think we should have pudding too," Horatio spoke as he came back.
"Oh, sure," she spoke.
"Who were you talking to?" he asked and looked around.
"I was talk-" she turned but no one was there. "There was a guy here just now and he was buying some things for baking," she frowned, confused.
"Hmm, well could we have pudding?" he showed her a packet of pudding.
Calleigh laughed at his pleading expression. He looked like a little boy asking if he could have candy. She nodded and he happily placed the pudding into the trolley. They did their grocery shopping and headed towards Horatio's home. Calleigh still remembered the first time she stepped into his home. It was nothing like she had imagined. It was the day after they had returned to Miami. He thought it would be a good idea if he showed her his home. It was a mere five minute ride from the lab. They had stopped in front of a two-storey house. Inside surprised her most. It was very simply decorated but it was all Horatio. Soft orange walls which she found utterly ironic with regards to his hair. The sofa's were large and comfortable. The kitchen was very obviously frequently used. Horatio cooked his own meals. She had smiled at the thought and went on exploring. There were three bedrooms. Two were the guestrooms. She had stopped in front of the third bedroom.
"What's wrong?" he had asked.
"You don't mind if I go into your room?" she asked.
"No," he smiled softly and took her hand in his.
He led her in and she was shocked to find that it was not sphisticated at all but the opposite. It was normal with very little wall space as most of it was covered with either paintings or pictures of himself with his family or his friends. She had a new respect for the man she loved. They had walked back downstairs and prepared dinner together.
Calleigh smiled. It was hard to believe that just five months earlier, they had declared their love for each other. Her smile widened at the thought of their first kiss on the ferris wheel.
She placed the groceries onto the kitchen counter as Horatio went to change into more comfortble clothes. It was a humid eighty degrees that day and the fan was on full blast. She went into the living room and switched the CD player on. Softly, a classical music played. She went back to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients.
"So, what do we do first?" Horatio rolled his sleeves and clapped his hands together, a sure sign he was eager to start.
Calleigh eyed him and laugh.
"Well, you can make the sauce and I'll grate the cheese," she pointed out.
Horatio went straight to work diligently. He cooked the sautée garlic and onion with olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and after a few minutes, added all the necessary ingredients. Calleigh took a bowl and grated the cheese, eyeing him surreptitiously. The tip of his tounge poking out from his lips as he frowned in concentration. His hands moved at amazing speed.
"Have you cooked pizza before Horatio?" she asked and there was a short pause.
"Not with company I haven't," she could hear his smile and continued grating the cheese.
When there was enough to build a mountain on the pizza, Calleigh stopped and went to look at the sauce. It smelled delicious. Horatio lifted the wooden spoon and offerered a taste. She slowly licked the tip of the spoon and smacked her lips.
"Wonderful," she smiled.
"Amazing," he smiled at her and turned back to his sauce.
The sauce was done so they moved on to the dough.
"This is where it gets messy," Calleigh smiled.
Calleigh sprinkled yeast and sugar over a cup of warm water. Horatio heated water, vegetable oil and salt until it became warm. Then, the yeast was stirred in. Gradually, the liquid turned into a moist sticky batter. Calleigh added a little bit more water and added in more flour to form it into a soft dough.
Horatio disposed off the wooden spoon. It was useless now. He dug his hands into the dough and began kneading it.
"Is it soft?" Calleigh asked from behind him.
"Feel it yourself," Horatio smiled and let her under his arm and stand in front of him.
Calleigh poked the dough and left tiny little holes in it.
"It's perfect but you'll have to knead it for at least another five minutes or so. Do you need any help?" she asked and turned around to face him, so close.
"If you want to," Horatio caught his breath at the sight of her eyes, they were beautiful.
"Oh well, I'd rather-"
"I mean stay--and help me," he stopped her and pinned her with his elbows.
"Oh, okay," she smiled and turned around.
Horatio took this opportunity to move slightly closer, close enough to breath in the scent of her hair. He didn't know he could feel so much love simply from kneading dough. He pushed the thought away.
"When do we have to stop?" he asked as their fingers entangled around each other.
"Until it becomes smooth and elastic," she replied easily, obviously not affected by the closure of their body.
"Mhhm, that will be forever," Horatio smiled and rested his chin on her head.
Calleigh chuckled. It took a while for the dough to smoothen. Horatio was too distracted. When it was finally done, Calleigh ducked under his arms and returned with a bowl of vegetable oil. She smothered it over the dough and told him he could wash his hands and let the dough rest for fifteen minutes.
"So, do you cook pizza often at home?" he striked up a conversation.
"I do make pizza but not often. I usually bake it when I'm in the mood for something greasy and filled with toppings. It's the ultimate junk food to satisfy your junk bone!" she smiled.
"Junk bone?" he tilted his head.
"Yeah, everyone has a junk bone," she chuckled and played with her fingers.
Horatio felt a sudden urge to run and kiss her. He could easily see the child in her. It was an amazing feeling. How did she ever make him feel like he did. He realized she brought out a whole new and different side of him. The side that wants to express his emotions and make his presence known. The side that wants to smile and just laugh whenever he wants. He loved this new side of his and he grinned.
"What's so funny?" she looked at him.
"Hmm," he stood up and walked up towards her stool.
He stared down at her with eyes displaying such enormous emotions for one woman. He lowered his head and kissed her gently. He felt her arms draped slowly around his neck and as he pulled back, her expression softened. She supressed a sigh and opened her eyes to meet his. He smiled and pulled away further. She didn't let him go.
"Calleigh, we're supposed to be baking," he shook a finger at her teasingly.
"But-"
He shook his head and smiled at the thought of her wanting more. She made a little pout face that made him laugh. They went to check on their dough.
"Perfect. Now, it's time to assemble our pizza," she took the dough and went to the lagoon.
Horatio stood beside her and watched her. She cut the dough into two equal pieces and then she passed one half to Horatio. She rolled the other half on a lightly floured surface and Horatio rolled out the other. Then, when both was flattened, they placed them in a pan and spread the sauce into the crust.
"Mm, looks delicious already," Horatio smiled and nudged her.
"Don't go drooling yet. The best is yet to come," she grinned and nudged him back.
She took the bowl of cheese and scattered them over the pizza. Horatio eyed her and his eyes gleamed. He took a handful and did the same. Oh, that was the best part! When that was done with, the rest of the topping was added. After which, more cheese was added.
"Are we eating pizza or cheese?" Horatio chuckled and Calleigh stifled a sudden outburst of laughter.
Then, the edge of the dough was folded and the crust was made. It was then placed in the oven, to be baked for another fifteen minutes. They looked at each other and went to the living room to watch television.
The phone rang and Horatio picked it up.
"My pager was off. Mhhm, I'll be right there. Is Alexx at the scene? Okay, I'll get Calleigh," he hung up.
"Who was that?" Calleigh asked from the living room.
"Eric. We've got another DB," he looked at her.
"Oh but Horatio, the pizza-"
"Do you want to wait till the timer goes off?" he asked and paused on his way to the bedroom.
"I'll wait. It's only four more minutes," she nodded.
Horatio emerged minutes later in his usual work clothes but looking at least a few years younger. She saw him to the door and received a quick kiss. She sighed happily and closed the door. She checked the timer and went back to the living room, unaware of the stranger outside.
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Another chapter done. Reviews would be much appreciated.