"Caine."
"Horatio?" came the voice on the other end, "Horatio it's Hartford."
"Lieutenant Hartford, this is a surprise. How can I help you?" Asked Horatio coolly.
"Horatio...you remember Miranda Marlynn." It wasn't so much of a question, as it was a statement to jog Horatio's memory.
"Marlynn...yes, how could I forget. What about her Hart?" Horatio sounded eager, her knew about the young woman's past. He also knew that the only time Hart would call asking about her would be if anything were to go wrong.
"There's been another "situation" Horatio." Hart's voice was a little shaky, and it was clear now to Horatio why his friend had called.
"Hart...you know my offer still stands with Officer Marlynn." Horatio's voice was deep and sincere as it often was in a time of need.
"I know Horatio...but, I've told you how Miranda is. She wont like the idea, but I have no other choice, she's causing far to much harm to herself, and soon to the force no doubt." In that instant Hartford had made his decision, and the tone of his voice had made it clear to Horatio.
"Hartford, if you'll excuse me...I have a plane ticket to purchase."
On the other end, Lieutenant Hartford gave a slight smile, "Thank you Horatio."
"Not a problem." He replied.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The faint beeping and humming of the machines that had kept her alive and breathing slightly woke Miranda in her bed. Opening her eyes, she slowly looked around and let out a low groan as she remembered where exactly she was. She hated hospitals, for a 25 year old she had become far to familiar with the facility...she knew nearly all of the nurses and doctors by name, it was sick actually. This wasn't the life she had pictured when she first entered the world of law enforcement. Sure, she knew there would be risks, but her past was ridiculous.
Slamming her head back down on her pillow she started to nod off again, she didn't even want to know how doped up on pain-killers she was...she was almost asleep when there was a knock at her door, Lieutenant Hartford entered with a sympathetic smile; Miranda hated when people pitied her.
"Miranda, you're up. Good. How are you feeling?" Hartford was fiddling with the buttons on his suit, and failing to make eye contact with the young woman. Miranda could tell he was nervous about something...rolling her eyes she spoke.
"What is it Hart?" she asked sounding slightly annoyed; her voice weak.
Lieutenant Hartford looked up quickly at her question. "What? what do you mean? What's with all the accusations?" He spoke so fast his words were slurred together.
Miranda raised an eyebrow, "Hart. What do you want? Are you here to tell me you told me so?
If so just say it. You were right ok? I should have taken some time off after the last incident. I didn't, Jensen's killer finally found me, and now I'm laying here, hooked up to machines." Miranda's tone was cold and harsh, but lieutenant Hartford understood.
"No. no of course I'm not here to tell you I told you so." Hart replied, this time making eye contact as he spoke.
"You just did Hart." Miranda smirked. "You know...the department should really consider just renting me a room here." Hart knew that Miranda was trying to make light of the situation, but he didn't laugh. Noticing that Hart was looking very serious Miranda took the smile off her face, "Hart?" She too was looking very serious now.
"Miranda, we have to talk. I have a friend from Miami on his way, he left early last night.
He should be here shortly." Almost on cue, Miranda looked up to see a middle aged, red headed man standing in the door way. His hands on his belt; his badge and gun revealed.
Hartford turned his head to see Horatio standing behind him.
Hartford introduced the man immediately. "Ah, Miranda. This is Lieutenant Horatio Caine from Miami Dade P.D."
Lieutenant Caine stepped into the room and smiled as he nodded and greeted Miranda. "Officer Marlynn I presume. How are you feeling ma'am?"
Miranda didn't reply, she looked from Hart to the other lieutenant and back to Hart...waiting for an explanation. "Something tells me you're friend here didn't fly all the way from Miami just to sign the get-well-soon card." Miranda's voice resumed its cold. harsh tone.
Lieutenant Hartford came closer to her bedside and took a seat. "Miranda...I have some news for you...you got you're promotion you wanted. As of today you're in criminalistics, CSI level 1. ...There's just been a slight altercation."
Miranda looked at her boss curiously..."Altercation?"
Hartford looked down at the hospital floor, "Yes. You...ah, you've been transferred to Miami Dade P.D."
Miranda looked at lieutenant Hartford in disbelief..."WHAT!"
Hartford knew what her reaction would be like, he immediately jumped in before she could say another word. "Miranda, you cant stay here. Jensen's killer has it in for you, after three years he's tracked you down; he knows your routine, where you live, what you do, your real name. It's just not safe."
"Hart! I don't believe this! You cant just..." Miranda was cut off my her boss.
"Miranda, the papers are filed and my decision is final. It has been a pleasure both knowing and working with you. Good bye Miss Marlynn, and best of luck." With that, Lieutenant Hart stood up from his chair and removed himself from the room. Leaving Miranda speechless and in disbelief, with her new boss. Miranda watched as Hartford left...she then turned her attention to Lieutenant Caine, who was still standing near the doorway. He looked up at her sheepishly, he could tell she was devastated and confused about what had just happened. Plus the drugs running through her veins and killing her pain more than likely didn't help her understand any better or make any thing any clearer.
"Officer Marlynn, you've had a rough 48 hours...please, get some rest. You're going to need it." Lieutenant Caine tried his best to sound comforting, but he had the feeling he wasn't exactly wanted at the moment.
Miranda didn't say anything to her new boss, she just stared at him...scanning him, trying to read him...but it was hard. Miranda had the feeling that this Horatio Caine was not one to be easily understood. However, she could tell that he looked like a man who could take charge and stay calm in almost any situation...maybe he was what she needed; someone with superior leadership skills...someone who would understand...
Horatio finally broke the awkward silence. "The doctors say you should be able to leave in a few days, we'll fly to Miami as soon as you're discharged."
Miranda realized that there was nothing she could do, if she wanted to keep her job, she would have to move to Miami whether she liked it or not...still in shock of the events that had made up her life for the last 48 hours, she lay in her hospital bed feeling helpless.
"Right..." Miranda replied quietly.
With a faint smile, Horatio Caine nodded and slowly turned to leave the room. Leaving Miranda alone...the sound of the beeping and humming of the machines that had kept her alive and breathing become noticeable once again as did the painkillers...her body felt numb, her head dizzy...for the first time Miranda was curious about her gunshot wounds. As she slowly tried to sit up in her bed, pain shot through out her entire body...becoming overcome with the pain, Miranda laid back down and placed her head on her pillow...with the drugs kicking in, she passed out in no time.