A/N: I apologise for the delay. The reviews have been really kind and they have played a part in inspiring me to continue writing a good story. Thanks to those who still stay true and for not getting bored easily.

Enjoy.

-0-

Ted eyed the Hummer as it backed down the driveway and drove away. Without the muscle getting in the way, it was easier to get to the girl. He had worked out the plan painstakingly and he prayed that it'll work or else he would have to go to extreme measures. If all plans failed, Lt Horatio Caine's pretty lady will not return to him--alive.

He crouched down low among the bushes and peeked through the small slit of the window's curtain covertly. He could see the blonde woman watching television, unbeknown and helpless. He couldn't help but grin. This was to be an easy task for him. Casually, he walked to the front porch and scanned the neigbourhood. Everything was calm and nothing stirred. Then, he spryly climbed the pipe up to the second floor as reserved as he could. Once on the roof of the porch, he went to the nearest window and climbed in.

-0-

Calleigh jerked at the faint thud coming from upstairs. She muted the television and stayed still, taking in any foreign sounds. She stood up slowly. Turning to the coffee table, she took out a box from underneath and opened it. Inside, there was a gun and two loaded magazines. She pursed her lips. Horatio had told her of all his secret hiding places and she had found that utterly ridiculous. Now as she stood in the still living room, she was grateful as ever. She loaded the gun and held it close. There was shuffling from upstairs and the floorboards creaked. Calleigh grew wary and stood at the foot of the staircase. Certain that it was clear of danger, she climbed upstairs. It was very gloomy and the dim light streaming down from the window across the hallway barely lit up the place. All the doors were closed. She knew she had to go on instincts. She fused in with the gloom of her surroundings and crept towards one of the doors. Another sound.

It was the second guestroom.

She took her stance in front of the door and pointed her gun straight at it. Then, holding her breath, she kicked it open but fell prey to the attackers trap. A big man thrust himself towards her with a force of an ox and hit her ribs hard. They fell backwards and nearly went down the stairs. The impact failed knock her out. She struggled but the pressure on her ribs seemed to rip her open. A rough hand covered her mouth and they were still for a moment. Then, the man slapped her unconscious and lifted her over his shoulders like a stack of hay.

Mission accomplished.

-0-

"Lieutenant," an officer greeted him.

"What do we have here?" he asked and slipped his sunglasses off.

"It looks like a man have killed himself sir," the young man spoke and led him into the abandoned building.

The dilapidated house seemed to shudder as he stepped in. There were no staircases leading to the second floor but the victim had apparently found a way to hang himself from the high ceiling. The walls were blackened like they were covered in soot. He took his time and surveyed the room. No weapons. No ladder. Immediately, he knew someone must have been in there. He looked at the floor. Large white marks indicated where the other person have walked. It led from the door to the spot underneath the victim, and then back out again. There were no second shoe-print nor any drag-marks. The man was carried. He inspected the victim. Baggy trousers and stained clothes with a football cap on. He looked like a mere begger on the streets.

"Now how did that happened?" a voice spoke.

"Alexx, when can we get that body down?" Horatio asked and turned to face her.

"I've gotten some help from the ME's office," she smiled and two men carrying a ladder entered.

They set out to work. The rope suspended from the ceiling was cut off and the body was scrupulously lowered onto the floor. Alexx kneeled down beside it.

"Horatio," she called.

"Hmm?" he looked at the ceiling.

"You might want to see this," her voice lowered.

Horatio looked at her, and then the body.

"Is that what I think it is?" he spoke after a long pause.

"I'm afraid so," she nodded.

He clenched his jaw and slipped on his latex gloves. He searched the pockets. Everything was empty until his fingers brushed against something hard in the back-pocket. He took it out. It was a tape-recorder. He hit the play button.

"Lieutenant Horatio Caine. How are you? I would like to presume that you remembered me. You know I'd get hurt if you don't. Okay, I'm sorry for the little decoy but you are just so predictable. Stay that way and everything will go as planned Caine. You see, I've got you a little treat," there was a pause and a soft, muffled voice came. "Hey Caine, bet you want to get here fast don't you. Your girl is waiting and she don't have much time. Don't you sweetheart? Be a hero Caine and come save her. I'll be waiting," his chuckle could never be anymore hateful.

The tape ended. Horatio stared at it for a moment but his rage got the better of him. He cursed out loud but a warm hand stopped him from going any further.

"Horatio?" Alexx spoke.

"He has Calleigh," he snarled.

"You know him?" she asked.

"He sounds familiar but I-," his breathing became shallow. "I can't-" he struggled

"Let's get back to the lab okay sweety," Alexx wrapped an assuring arm around his shoulders and led him out.

-0-

"Eric, tell me you've got a hit," Horatio spoke from the doorframe.

Tyler and Eric turned to face him. His face contorted in distress and his frown deepend as he waited for their reply. Eric started to answer but Tyler stopped him.

"We are--going to match the voice Horatio. We just need a few more time," he smiled and Horatio nodded, walking out slowly.

"Why didn't you tell him we didn't get a match?" Eric frowned.

"Eric, did you see the look on his face? Honestly, it scares me to see him like that," Tyler spoke grimly and turned back to the computer.

"But how are we going to find this guy? You just told H-"

"Relax alright. I've got this under control. I just need you, to go there and talk to Horatio. He needs help right now," Tyler spoke and ignored Eric when he started to protest.

As the CSI left, Tyler took out his cellphone and dialed a number.

"Hey, yeah it's me. Listen, do you still have the tape recording of prisoners admitted there between 2004 to 2005?" he spoke. "I need it for this high-profile case and all I can say is, it's very important and I need it asap."

He nodded and hung up. It was the only way to confirm who the man on the tape was. If Horatio could identify him, it would make the task faster but without a name, Tyler couldn't do anything.

-0-

"Hey H," Eric called and stepped beside his boss.

"Hey," came the soft reply.

"You okay?" Eric looked at his boss solemnly.

He was shocked to see the expression on the face of a man he had come to admire and respect. Horatio's eyes were downcasted and showing no signs of life. A needle seemingly pricking his heart again and again. The silent confidence and the enormous pride that always exuded off him was gone and he looked more lost than ever. He stood there in the emptiness of the hallway, overlooking the full-length window. Seemingly oblivious to the words Eric had to say.

"H, we will find her. You know that."

"Hmm, how's the search?" Horatio asked, his eyes blinking.

"We're progressing," Eric retorted, a renewed sense of hope washed over him as a flicker of life returned to his friend.

"Good. That's--good," Horatio nodded.

"Can I get you anything? Coffee or-? Anything?" Eric tried his best but it was futile.

Horatio shook his head and went to sit on the bench opposite the window. Just then, Eric's pager beeped loudly and echoed through the walls. He checked it and walked slowly away, turning around to sneak a last glance at his boss. They needed to make this right.

-0-

"Hey Eric, how's H?" Ryan spoke as Eric entered the room.

"Not too good I'm afraid. Tell me you've found something Tyler," he said breathlessly.

"Well, I've got good news and bad," Tyler faced the CSIs who eyed him curiously.

"Bad news first," Eric frowned.

"We have three-thousand tapes of prisoners from the year 04 to 05," Tyler looked around with contrition.

"What's the good news?" Ryan asked.

"We have, three-thousand tapes of prisoners from 04 to 05," he looked at them, there was a brief pause as they registered his words.

"That's the good news?" Ryan blinked.

"Well, yeah. Compared to the year 02 to 03, we're lucky. I mean, there were over five-thousand tapes back-"

"Ty, let's just run the tapes," Eric rubbed his face in frustration.

"Sure, take a seat gentlemen because it'll be a long ride," Tyler smiled and they obeyed.

Just then, Horatio quietly stepped into the room. They all stared at him.

"Ted. That's his first name," he fiddled with his sunglasses.

"That'll help," he smiled, the search began.

-0-

The knife glistened under the orange light streaming down from the large, dirty window. She squinted and slowly opened her eyes.

"Hey there sugar. Sleep tight? Well, wake up because it's time for your treatment," Ted sneered and sat on a low stool.

Calleigh eyed him and looked around her. She was in an abandoned warehouse. It was dirty, dusty and very big. She could see flights of staircases leading to some unknown places. She shifted in her position and realized her hands were restrained.

"Oh, sorry about that baby," Ted smiled and went towards her, pointing the knife.

She gulped but the knife went behind her back and she felt the tape around her wrists loosened.

"There you go," Ted winked at her and went back to his stool.

"Where am I?" she spoke.

"Somewhere," came the curt reply.

She regarded the man. Muscular, shaved head, beady eyes and thin lips. He could easily bring her down if she decided to fight back. He had a tattoo of a number of some kind on his right forearm. His body jerked slightly as he sliced on a piece of branch, woodchips gathered between his heavy boots.

"What do you want from me?" she eyed the silver of the knife.

"From you? Well, I just need you to be a good girl and listen to me. Your boyfriend will come after you soon," he spoke.

"What do you want from him?" she asked.

"Lady, this is not interrogation time so just keep quiet," he paused for a while and when she didn't answer, he continued his work.

The light pouring down from the window slowly became alongated. She estimated it was around late noon. Ted stood up from his stool after hours of chipping wood. He kneeled down by a large duffel bag and took out two packets of sandwhiches. He tossed her one and smiled when she caught it.

"Look, I'm not going to do anything to you. I could but I won't. So there's nothing to be scared about," he spoke and took a chunk out of the sandwhich.

"You kidnapped me and expect me to not be afraid? What are you, a monk disguised as a convict?" she frowned.

Ted looked at her and grinned.

"Not a monk. I am a convict but so what. I'm doing this for a reason and--" he stopped her from speaking. "And I'm not going to tell you what. Eat your sandwhich. I've got work to do," he chewed and watched as she ate hers slowly.

-0-

"His name is Ted Reiner. Caught for possesion of drugs and-"

"Sexual assault," Horatio finished Eric's sentence.

"Yes. His on parole for two weeks."

"Anything else?" Horatio asked.

"We, uh, still don't know where he is," Ryan said.

"Not necessarily," Alexx stood at the door and looked at them. "I was told there was a mail for Horatio," she held up a small package.

Horatio took it with trembling hands. He looked around the table, at his friends, and opened the package. Inside, was another tape recorder. He pressed the play button.

"Hey H. That's what they call you eh? Okay, now that I seem to have gotten your utmost attention, I think it's time we met. Yeah, Calleigh here is getting a little restless. No wires, no cops, alone. Meet me under the bridge at 6pm sharp and don't bring a car. No guns. Just bring yourself. I know, rules are rules and if you don't abide by them, a knife will slit across this pretty neck," there was a muffled gasp. "And Horatio--don't be late," the tape ended with an dreadful click.

"Horatio, you're not thinking of going there yourself, are you?" Alexx held his shoulder.

"I have to," he replied calmly. "He'll kill her."

"We don't know that for sure," Eric was the only one they could count on. "Calleigh is still alive and he didn't ask for a ransom. This is personal," he finished thoughtfully.

"Yes, it's personal but why would he take Calleigh? Not me?" Horatio appeared utterly lost.

"It could be another one of his decoy. We have to get a vest strapped on you quick," Eric looked at Horatio who nodded quietly back.

-0-

Horatio looked at himself in the mirror. The dim light of the restroom made him look pale. His stomach churned nervously as the thought of meeting the kidnapper sunk in. Whatever this man had in store, it can't possibly be harmless. It had to be something more. This involved Calleigh and made the matters even more dreadful to think of. He shook his head and sighed deeply. At such a dire situation, he recalled a distant poem his mother taught him.

All people have abilities with weaknesses and strengths,
They build them up and over time increase them by great lengths.
But there is a power from within, more troublesome than any mess,
With power and strength great enough to shut out happiness.
A veil of discomfort, a wave of rejection, a voice that drags you down,
A sleepless malice in disguise, like a terrorist dressed as a clown.
When released from within its owner it affects his friends and neighbours,
It wears them out and wears them down, like painful endless labours.
Yet still inside there is hope for all to withstand this treacherous power,
A vast energy, a radiant spell, an evil banishing shower.
It brings love and peace, the warmth of fleece, with joy to fill our hearts,
A never-ending happiness that spreads throughout our parts.
It's confidence that empowers us to achieve our lifetime goals,
Our hopes and dreams, or so it seems, to fill the gaps within our souls.

The poem, he repeated and felt his strength grew. Word by word he memorized and made his mind clear. A smile blossomed and coloured his stolid features. He stared at himself again in the mirror. A new Horatio, one that will seize the day no matter what. With his heart filled with love and his mind cleared of troubles except for a single mission, he stepped out of the gloominess and into the light of the hallways.

Whatever it takes, he will get Calleigh back.

Again.

-0-

He felt like being in a cowboy scene. Under the bridge was stillness and silence. Only the breeze seemed to howl in his ear and tousled his hair. The vest hugged his body but his head was bare. He blinked awkwardly, his sunglasses was no where to be seen. In the distance, he could make out a figure. Walking slowly towards him under the shade of the bridge. Like a mosaic, the person slowly became clear as it drew nearer

"Calleigh," he called out loud.

"Don't make a move Horatio," a voice boomed from somewhere.

Horatio stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Calleigh. His eyes travelled down from her frightened eyes to the speaker strapped around her abdomen. Smart. A wire might have caused frequency and the cover might have been blown.

"Where are you Ted?" Horatio spoke loud enough to make the speaker cackle.

"Where am I? You don't want to know about me. Look at that girl in front of you. Follow her" Horatio frowned and looked at Calleigh.

She nodded slowly and turned around. He followed, making sure he was a good five steps behind.

She led him to a large abandoned warehouse a few minutes away from the bridge.

"Can't have anyone follow you H," the speaker cackled again.

He was about to speak when Calleigh disappeared into the darkness of the entrance. Just then, a figure jumped out of the nearby bushes and lunged at him with fury. The man yelled out a battle-cry and threw himself onto Horatio. They fell back and wrestled in the tall grass.

"Hey H," Ted sneered and pointed the tip of the knife at the delicate skin on his neck.

"Ted," Horatio scoffed and pushed him away, causing a thin snag on his neck.

They scrambled to their feet. Horatio pressed his palm to his neck and felt the warm trickle of blood. It wasn't deep. He clenched his teeth.

"Didn't expect this did you," Ted snide and grinned.

"I expected nothing and everything Ted," came the reply.

Ted attacked clumsily and missed Horatio's abdomen. Horatio grabbed Ted by the arm and neck and forced him down onto the grass. He balled his fist and punched the burly man. Ted yelled and grabbed Horatio by the neck. All blood restricted and his brain was going into a stupor state. The snag burned fiercely as his skin got pulled. With his knee, he jabbed the man's stomach and the clutch loosened. He pushed his palm onto Ted's chin and pushed his head back in an agonizing position.

"Arrrgh!" Ted snarled.

"Big mistake Ted," Horatio pushed his head back harder. "Big mistake."

With his other free hand, he gave a strong, viscious blow to Ted's jaw. Sending him into unconsciousness.

Horatio stood up hastily and ran towards the entrance but a figure stopped him. He fell backwards.

"Calleigh!" Horatio breathed a sigh and ran to catch her in his arms.

She fell into his embrace as her knees buckled.

"Oh Horatio," she sobbed and clutched his shirt.

"Shh, it's okay. It's over now."

"Yargh!" Ted screamed and pointed a gun at Horatio.

"No!" Calleigh screamed.

Horatio pushed her away and attacked Ted with vigour. They fought with the gun dangerously being flung around in the air. Ted forced the gun down and pointed it towards Horatio's chest. Horatio fought back and then, a loud bang echoed around them. Calleigh covered her mouth in shock.

"Oh Horatio," she stared at Ted's opened eyes but her kidnapper slowly fell to the ground.

Horatio turned around, holding the gun to his stomach and letting it fall to the ground. His hands were bloodied and his face contorted in disgust as he moved away from the body lying at his feet. Calleigh hugged him then faced him, keeping her hands on his sweaty neck.

"You okay?" she asked.

He gave no reply. Instead, he leaned forward and kissed her. With all of his heart and with all that he could offer. He solemnly thanked God for such luck. For keeping his loved one alive and safe. He dared not raise his hands for fear he might smother her with the man's blood. He felt the hands on his back tighten and clutched his jacket. He backed away.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" he asked and looked into her eyes.

"I'm fine. No, he said he won't hurt me and he didn't," she smiled sadly.

They turned around and walked away, hands wrapped around each other. In the distant, the howling of police sirens grew louder. Two Hummers came into view from the stretch of empty tar and grass. They stopped and the team stepped out, running towards their friends and embracing each other.

-0-

Horatio stepped out of the Hummer. Slipped his jacket and sunglasses on and locked the car's door. He entered the building and was happily greeted by anyone he passed by. He walked down the busy hallways and stopped in his tracks, admiring the woman in his office. He stepped in and she stood up. They embraced and kissed. Both a form of their usual greeting.

"So, what have you got in mind that you couldn't tell me last night?" Calleigh smiled and eyed him as he leaned back on the table.

"Mhhm, I've done a lot of thinking and I thought, why not just make it simple. We can have it by the beach, white tents, at sunset," his expression became distant and dreamy.

"Alright Horatio. Don't tempt me. That sounds perfect," she smiled and leaned forward. "What about guests?"

"Well that is Eric's job. Of course, the team and close friends are invited," he smiled and sat in the empty chair beside her.

"Hmm, I can't wait to head back to New Zealand," Calleigh sighed.

"I wonder how Rodney is doing," Horatio rested his arms on her chair as she leaned into his shoulder.

"I'm sure he's fine but for now, I think we should get back to work. We can discuss this later" she stood up but Horatio held her wrist.

She looked at him and smiled softly. She leaned forward and planted a nice, long kiss before setting off.

-0-

"H, I've already delivered the invitation to those on the list. I have some other guests in mind that you might want to consider adding to the list too," Eric spoke as they walked down the hallway to the Hummer.

"Hmm?" Horatio looked at Eric.

"Yeah, uhm, Yelina," Eric looked at his boss who stopped dead in his tracks.

"Yelina?" he repeated.

"Well apparently, she received news from one of her colleagues here that you were getting married and she, uh, just returned yesterday."

"By herself?" Horatio asked.

"Uhm, with Ray Juniour."

"Alright. I'll, uh, I'll need to talk to her first," Horatio spoke, uncertain.

"H, you're sure?" Eric asked.

"Uh, yah. It's probably a good idea to talk to her about this matter. Thank you Eric," Horatio smiled and walked away.

Horatio sat in his Hummer and stayed there for a while. He pondered deeply. Yelina and Ray Jnr was back. His family was back in Miami. He cursed himself. He should have thought of this sooner. He should have known Yelina would get news from her friends here. Apparently, her friends knew that they once had feelings for each other. He started the engine. Whatever it was, it would have to be discussed later. He needed to concentrate on his job.

Though he doubt he could.

-0-

Chapter 5 completed finally. As always, reviews would be much appreciated.