Chapter 22

Horatio stood in front of the CSI Headquarter. Four weeks have passed since the accident happened. The whole time his team hindered him to work, in particular his girlfriend and Alexx. But today he was there; it wasn't his trademark to relax and doing nothing. He took a deep breath and entered the Headquarter. On his way to the elevator he met many people who greeted him and asked how he felt. After uncountable handshakes he arrived at the elevator. It felt so good to be there again. In his lab, yes his. He had to smile when the door opened.

"Lieutenant Caine, good to have you back."

"Thanks Lisa."

He set out for his office. The door was closed, but he opened it.

"Hey, never heard of the word knocking?" he was welcomed by Speed who brooded about a file, but didn't look up.

"Oh well, this is still my office and so I entered it. Pretty easy, don't you think?"

By the sound of Horatios' voice Speed glanced up. "H, good to see you're here finally." He jumped up. "Have a seat. I'm so glad that you're here."

"Speed relax. I have vacation till next week. So long you have to keep the flag flying." He couldn't deny himself a grin when he saw Speeds' disappointed face.

"Bummer. How are you doing that?"

"Oh Speed it comes time by time. It took a long time, I had problems too. Something interesting?"

"No not really. Miami has been quiet for the last weeks. I guess they knew that you haven't been there."

"Possible. Ok, I'll leave you and hey Speed, you can do that. I mean the lab is still working, isn't it?"

"Ha, ha you bolster me up H."

"Of course I do that." He stroke off. There was still one person on his list.

"Hey, may I come in?"

"Horatio, good to see you. Sure have a seat. How are you?"

"Fine, as far as I know, but I'm bored, because I have nothing to do."

"You won't change at all, hm? It's time for you to relax a little."

"I'll think about it Yelina."

"Before you leave I have to talk to you."

"Oh, oh doesn't sound good."

"Well can't say that."

"Ok, kick off. I'm all ears."

"It's about your conversation with Stetler a few weeks ago."

"Oh, I forgot that totally."

"That's what I thought."

"Ok. What can I prepare myself for? Shall I let my police badge here immediately?"

"Hold your horses. Let me finish first."

"Sorry."

"Anyway, I have the file here on my desk."

Horatio was surprised. "You?"

"Yes me." She smiled. "Funnily enough there is just one eyewitness, but he insists that he didn't see anything."

"Speed" rushed through his mind.

"So there is nobody who confirms Stetlers' statement. It's his word against yours. I think the case is closed. You had luck this time Horatio, but don't strain it too much."

"Won't happen again Yelina."

"Besides that, everything is fine?"

He all smiles. "Yeah, everything is perfect."

"I'm happy for you Horatio, really."

"Thanks Yelina. For this and for", he nodded to the file, "that."

"Hey Horatio, we're family." He just smiled.

He left the Headquarter, put on his sunglasses and looked afar. Horatio Caine was back in town and he wanted to keep it like that.

tbc

A/N: Hey guys… are you still out there? I guess it's the second last chapter… hope you enjoy it.