1Title: Close Call
By: Kasandra
Paring: E/C
Rating: T for sexual innuendos, minor violence.
Summary: Calleigh reflects about Speedle's death after learning Eric had been in the line of duty.
AN: Willow Crest is a real hospital located in South Miami.
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The hot Miami heat was sweltering and Calleigh Duquesne was waiting impatiently in the emergency room of Willow Crest hospital. Her head in her hands, her blonde hair covering them. She replayed the prior hour's events; she was at work, reviewing the latest case when her cell phone rang – it was Horatio. She furrowed her brows, pulse quickening.
"Hello? Horatio?" she asked hoping he couldn't detect the worry in her voice.
"Yes, Calleigh. Eric's been shot. You need to come down to the hospital immediately." Horatio replied.
Calleigh gasped. "I'll be right there." Grabbing her purse, Calleigh ran out the lab to her car.
As she sped along the highway, she recalled when her best friend, Tim Speedle was shot in the line of duty. She recalled how her heart broke over and over again during the twenty-one salute. Calleigh's eyes brimmed with tears at the memory of the American flag draped over his coffin. She couldn't stand the idea of losing Eric as well. His family already lost Marisol – they didn't need another loss.
As she turned the corner into the hospital parking lot, she wondered what happened. Did Eric's gun jam? She knew for certain that after Speed's death, Eric became even more meticulous when it came to cleaning his gun. Perhaps it was just bad luck.
Calleigh hoped she wasn't too late.
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"Calleigh? Calleigh?"
She looked up, her cheeks marred with mascara. "Eric! Oh my god, you're okay!" Calleigh replied, sighing in relief.
Eric gave her a wide smile, "Hey baby." He limped towards her, a dried spot of blood on his shirt.
Calleigh's eyes narrowed to the spot and hiccupped. "What the hell happened?" she asked before, kissing him.
"Fight with a thug. You should see him though, if you think this is bad." he winked. "Bullet grazed my rib cage, and sprained my foot. "I am out of commission for a few weeks."
Calleigh sighed, her heart hurting. "One of these days Delko..." she worried, still sniffling. Eric kissed the top of her head, and looked at her straight in the eye. "That's not today though. Let's go home."
She grabbed his hand, and told him to wait, she'd come around with the car. As they drove home, he asked about their six month old daughter, Carmen Rose.
"Valera volunteered to watch her on her day off." Calleigh replied with a smile. "I think she's using the baby as a hint to Ryan."
"Want to go pick her up then?" Eric questioned as they got off the highway. She shook her head. "I don't get much time with you alone and after today; I want to spend some extra time with you."
He smiled. "All yours baby." She bit her lip and blushed while they were waiting for a red light to pass. "You just wait Delko."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Eric questioned, his curiosity getting to him.
"Just that you will get some extra TLC tonight, that's all." Calleigh smiled. "Now, let's go home."
"That sounds like a good idea." Eric replied. He closed his eyes, knowing that Speed was watching them from above, and he thanked him for protecting his life. Unlike Speed, he was one lucky man and knew that this was too close of a call.
FIN