December 20, 2006

Las Vegas, Nevada

"Greg, are you on your way out?" Greg heard a quiet voice ask as he lingered in the locker room. "I know you're in a hurry, but I have something for you."

Greg sighed as he saw Grissom approach with an envelope in hand, "While I was in New York, I managed to visit Ellen Seville in jail and she asked me to give you some letters she had written recently and some ones she had written when you were younger," he spoke softly. "Before you go, I'd like to give them to you."

Silence filled the locker room as Greg's eyes filled with tears and he took the envelope, "I know you were busy out there, so thank you for taking the time to do this," he spoke softly. "I wrote Ellen, but I wasn't sure if she cared…."

Grissom nodded, "Are you going to the service?" Greg asked as he put the envelope in the backpack he was taking with him. "Everyone from the department…"

"Ryan asked me to not attend," Grissom replied quietly. "He believes that I am partially responsible for what happened to him, John, and Sofia because I was the supervisor in charge of arranging protection. I did my best considering all things"

Greg sighed, "The crappy budget didn't help," he replied softly. "It's not your fault."

Grissom, however, said nothing as Greg left the locker room because he knew that he was partially to blame for what had happened. He silently made his way out of the locker room and down the hallway to his office, almost reaching it when he spotted Catherine in her office, sitting behind her desk while Lenny lay on her couch, silently reading a book. There was no sign of Lindsey or Rick, so Grissom was confused.

"Hey," Grissom spoke in a quiet voice. "Aren't you going to the service?"

Catherine sighed as she looked at him, "No, I'm here doing paperwork and I brought Lenny with me cause he's having some anxiety over what's been going on with Rick," she explained in a quiet voice. "Lindsey's over at a friend's, but will come here later."

"You two will eventually have to figure things out for the sake of your kids," Grissom spoke in a concerned voice. "Having married parents who live so far apart…"

Catherine suddenly looked uneasy, "We're going to sit down and begin divorce proceedings in the new year," she spoke softly. "Somehow, Rick got access to email and he said we can't keep doing this song and dance. The kids will stay here for school and they'll have visits on holidays with Rick if they want to."

"Lindsey hates him," Lenny spoke softly, not looking up. "I…I don't know yet."

Catherine gave Lenny a sympathetic look, "It's okay to not know how you feel about what's been happening," she spoke gently. "Just know that Lindsey and I love you."

Lenny nodded and quietly returned to his book, "I'll be here in case we get any assignments," Grissom spoke quietly. "Let me know if you need anything."

Catherine nodded and Grissom made a beeline for his office, frowning when he saw Sara in there looking less than pleased, "Good to see you back," Sara spoke in a cross voice. "I had no idea you were coming back. You didn't come to the house and I was in the locker room when I overheard you talking to Greg about Ellen…"

"My flight got delayed several hours," Grissom replied in a quiet voice.

Sara sighed, "I was just wondering if your phone was broken when you were in New York since I didn't hear from you," she replied softly. "Your mom didn't hear from you either and we spent time wondering if you were okay…"

"I was really busy," Grissom replied quietly. "Because of Victims Assistance rules, I can't really talk about what all I did. I'm back now, though, and happy to see you."

Sara nodded, although she wasn't sure if she believed him or not, "What are you going to do while everyone else is at the service?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Probably do work paperwork and also look through the unsolved cases Victims Assistance is overseeing," Grissom replied calmly. "There are a few…"

Sara frowned, "I thought we could go home, get the kids, and take them to the park," she spoke in a concerned voice. "We haven't spent a lot of time as a family lately."

"It's been busy because we're shorthanded and training both Ray and the techs," Grissom replied calmly. "When I'm serving my suspension in January, we'll have more time to spend together. As far as me talking to Ellen goes, that was business and it was someone I could help, as Detective Caine won't let me near Rick Stetler."

Before Sara could reply, the phone rang and Grissom answered it, prompting Sara to leave the office so he could work; she hated it, but Grissom was a true workaholic and didn't seem to see anything wrong with putting work before his young family.

Manhattan, New York

"You're unusually quiet," Rick spoke in a tired voice as he looked at Robert, who was lingering near the window of the hospital room. "Did something happen?"

Robert sighed as he turned back to the bed and saw that Rick was awake, "The guy who killed Maggie is alive and her grave was dug up," he spoke softly. "I'm going to meet Fred Yokas whenever someone comes to sit with you. How are you feeling?"

Rick frowned and sighed, "I'd say I don't feel good, but you seem to be having a much worse day," he replied softy. "I…I rented a laptop from the library cart."

Nodding, Robert took a seat beside the bed to listen, "What I've done has made news across the country even though I can't remember all of it," he spoke softly. "Lenny and Lindsey sent me emails, but they're scared of me. I told Catherine that in the new year, we need to initiate divorce proceedings. I can't keep doing this drama anymore."

Just then, a calm looking male doctor came into the room holding a chart, "Morning, Sergeant," he said calmly. "Once we get you stabilized, you can be released."

"I thought you were doing better?" Robert asked worriedly. "What else is wrong?"

Rick sighed heavily, "I've got Type Two diabetes," he spoke quietly. "They think it was triggered through the torture I've been through over the years taking a toll…"

"Are you going to need insulin?" Robert asked worriedly. "How can I help?"

Rick looked at Robert tiredly before looking at the doctor, "He's family," he said.

"Rick's not bad enough to need insulin, but if he doesn't start getting proper rest, exercise, and meals, he might eventually need it," the doctor replied quietly.

Robert nodded, "When I first got the diagnosis, I decided to let go of my marriage and then focus on simplifying things when I get home," Rick said softly. "Hence, the hiring of the deputy. Doctor Speedle will be able to help ease my stress at work."

"Rick, you're welcome to stay at our house even though your kids are in Vegas," Robert spoke quietly, concern in his face. "I brought you clothes the other day, but you were asleep and so they're still in the bag. I bet you'd feel better with a shower."

Rick sighed tiredly, "You don't have time for that and I'm not allowed to use the bathroom without assistance," he spoke groggily. "I…I'll be fine…I think."

Robert, however, proceeded to grab some clean clothes from the bags he had brought and put them in the bathroom. He then helped Rick out of bed, into the bathroom, and helped him into the shower after removing his gown. Rick didn't argue as he was cleaned up, dressed in clean clothes, and helped back to the safety of his bed.

"Thank you," Rick spoke in a trembling voice. "I…I don't mean to be trouble."

Robert sighed, "You're not," he replied softly. "Did you want something to eat?"

Rick silently closed his eyes to sleep, "Hey," a voice suddenly spoke. "Am I early?"

Robert looked up and was surprised to see Sully with John, "I heard you needed some help today and Caira offered to babysit for Mikey and Emily while David and Ellie are at school and my parents are at work," John spoke quietly. "She needs the money."

"Yelina took Nicolas to see Santa and Ray Junior's in school," Sully commented.

Robert smiled as he stood up, "Thank you," he spoke softly. "John, are you sure?"

"Sergeant Stetler did try to help me when I was in trouble, so why can't I help him now?" John asked in a quiet voice, giving Robert a look. "I really don't mind."

Nodding, Robert gathered his personal things and left the room, his body trembling as he made his way downstairs to the atrium. He went outside, quietly hailed a taxi, and made his way to the cafe where the group would meet before visiting Fred Yokas.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Soft, somber music filled the church as pallbearers, including Tim, Tommy, Hodges, and Nick, carried Sofia's casket to the front of the church where a priest and two photos of Sofia sat. Ryan sat in the front row of the church in a wheelchair while Emily, Diana, Greg, Morgan, Captain Curtis, Ecklie, and several others from the Crime Lab sat. Uniformed officers and others sat in rows further back.

Jenny was in an adjoining room looking after Carlos, Jessica, Matthew, James, Julliet, Jesse, and Emilio with Jason's help. The funeral itself would be short and there would be a wake after, but Ryan wasn't sure if he wanted to actually attend or just hide.

Ryan managed to speak about his love for Sofia to the congregation and then immediately wheeled himself out of the chapel, unable to sit through another moment of the service. He had used the wheelchair that day because he was feeling lightheaded from his trip to visit Dr. Alwick the other day and needed to take it easy.

As Ryan settled himself in the foyer, he was unaware that he had been followed and flinched when he felt the wheelchair brake being set, "It's all right," a soothing voice spoke. "It's just me. I saw you leave and I sensed you were overwhelmed."

Ryan looked up and was relieved to see Lady Heather standing over him, completely clad in a modest black outfit, "Doctor Kessler, I never thought to thank you for sitting with Sofia and for visiting us at our home when she was sick," he spoke softly. "Your words and what you did to bring us comfort…it helped make things easier."

"Your niece felt that my services might help you both," Lady Heather replied softly.

Ryan nodded and sniffled, "I don't even want to be here today, but it's expected and I could barely make it through my stupid little speech," he spoke in a trembling voice.

Lady Heather moved Ryan over to some chairs and sat down next to him, "You haven't eaten today," she observed softly. "You're suffering from many things…"

"I couldn't," Ryan spoke softly, sighing. "I would have thrown it up."

Lady Heather nodded, her expression calm, "You made our time before the kidnapping better because you taught us how to be intimate without causing pain," Ryan spoke softly, his eyes filling with tears. "I need help not feeling pain.."

Lady Heather gently placed her hands on Ryan's face and began to stroke it gently, prompting Ryan to close his eyes. A few moments later, she suddenly stopped.

"The service is over," Lady Heather spoke softly. "I know you don't want to put the mask back on, but I can help you more later if you wish. Shall I stay for the meal?"

Ryan nodded and sighed as Emily came over to them, "Hey," she said warmly.

Lady Heather smiled and Ryan sighed, "I…I'm sorry, I just needed some air," he spoke in a quiet voice. "Doctor Kessler decided to sit and talk with me."

"It's all right," Emily replied softly. "Doctor Kessler, will you stay for the meal?"

Lady Heather nodded, "Yes," she replied softly. "I suppose I should find a seat."

As Lady Heather got up and sauntered away, Emily sat down, "I made sure Grissom, Ecklie, and the higher-ups didn't come, but there are a lot of LVPD officers who want to offer their condolences to you," she spoke softly. "Are you feeling up to that?"

"I don't know," Ryan admitted softly. "I thought about this day, but I didn't expect to have to deal with this before Christmas. I risked my life and family to help Horatio and I wasn't protected by the LVPD. John was the only comfort to Sofia…"

Tears filled Ryan's eyes and he began to cry quietly, prompting Emily to hug him.

Manhattan, New York

Warrant in hand, Mac silently led Jo, Robert, and Horatio up to the front door of Fred Yokas's house. It hadn't been hard to get a warrant and Mac felt it necessary.

"Fred Yokas, open up!" Mac commanded sharply. "We have a warrant to search!"

The door opened, revealing Caroline, "A warrant?" she asked crossly. "Why?"

"Open the door or be charged with obstruction," Mac replied sternly. "Fred Yokas invited Detective Caine here and I secured a warrant to search the premises."

Scowling, Caroline opened the door and hurried inside. The sounds of swearing, screaming, and crying suddenly filled the air and Mac quickly drew his gun.

"Stay behind me!" Mac snapped, leading the group into the front room just as a SNAP filled the air. "Jo, get your gun out! That came from the kitchen!"

The group moved into the kitchen just in time to see Caroline shove Charlie into a wall while a whimpering sound came from the closet, "HANDS UP!" Mac roared, aiming his gun at Caroline. "Where's Fred and why are you being so violent?!"

A mix between a whimper and a sob suddenly filled the air and Caroline swore, "Nice going, Charlie," she hissed coldly. "You just had to have compassion on that brat…"

Robert suddenly froze, "I recognize that cry," he spoke in a shaking voice. "But…"

"Daddy?" a quiet voice spoke, the tears suddenly fading. "Daddy?"

Horatio's eyes went wide as a battered Maggie suddenly came out of the closet wearing clothes that were too small for her while her hair sat limp around her shoulders, "Maggie," Robert breathed anxiously. "I…I thought she died…"

"Fred dragged her here!" Caroline snapped. "That dumb FBI agent made him!"

Mac scowled, "Agent Sackheim was killed a long time ago!" he snapped. "You and Fred should have come forward when you heard that Sackheim had been killed!"

"Sackheim said the FBI was watching us!" Caroline snapped angrily.

Robert, meanwhile, walked over to Maggie and was unsurprised when she clung to him, "Mister Fred said you died like Mommy," Maggie whimpered softly.

"I thought you died, my angel," Robert spoke softly. "I'm so, so relieved…"

Maggie coughed and Robert quickly removed his coat and covered her up before scooping her into his arms, "I'm pressing charges," he spoke in a cold voice.

Horatio came over to Maggie, "Hi, sweetheart," he spoke softly. "Your dad and I are gonna take you away from here and to the hospital, all right? Mac, do you mind?"

Caroline swore again, but Robert quickly removed Maggie from the house and was shocked to see more uniformed police and an ambulance gathered outside, "Hey, Bobby, Mac requested backup and medical help here right before you all came over," Flack spoke in a concerned voice, frowning as he saw Robert carrying something.

Robert uncovered Maggie's head, prompting Flack's eyes to widen, "She's alive?!" he breathed in an anxious voice. "I thought she was dead; she was here the whole time?!"

"I just want to get her looked at and out of here," Robert spoke anxiously.

Flack led them over to the ambulance where Danielle and Holly were working, "Ladies, I've got a surprise for you," he said worriedly. "Maggie LaRusso-Caine."

Danielle and Holly gaped at Maggie, both of them shocked that the little girl once thought dead was alive, "You just sit here under my coat, sweetie," Robert spoke gently as he got in and laid her on the gurney. "How are you feeling?"

Maggie yawned and coughed as Flack approached the ambulance, "Jo wants to come and process Maggie," Flack spoke softly. "She also wants to know what happened."

"Don't we all," Robert replied softly. "I'd like to get Maggie to a hospital right now."

Flack nodded as Horatio came to the ambulance with a crime kit, "I convinced Detective Danville to let me do the processing and a CSI will meet us there to witness it," Horatio spoke quietly. "Maggie, I'm going to come with you and your dad."

Maggie nodded and yawned, "Go to sleep, angel," Robert spoke softly. "It's okay."

"Okay," Maggie replied in a tired voice, sighing as she closed her eyes to sleep.

Robert sighed and Horatio and Flack climbed into the ambulance, "Mac and Jo will handle things here and they'll dispatch Lindsay to the hospital," Flack explained.

"Uncle Horatio, will you please call Natalia and explain this?" Robert asked softly.

Horatio nodded as the doors closed and the ambulance pulled away from the curb.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"I know I said we'd go school shopping, but we just need to stop by here and offer condolences to Officer Wolfe and his family," Catherine spoke in a concerned voice as she led Lenny and Lindsey into the church. "Just be respectful, all right?"

The church gymnasium was crowded with people, tables, and food and Catherine immediately ushered her twins over to the main table where Ryan was feeding Carlos while Captain Curtis, Tim, Emily, Tommy, Diana, Jason, Jenny, Greg, Matthew, Jessica, James, Julliet, Jesse, and Emilio ate, "Ryan, hi," Catherine spoke softly.

"Hi," Ryan spoke softly, sighing as he looked at Catherine, Lenny, and Lindsey.

Catherine smiled sadly, "How are you holding up?" she asked worriedly.

"I don't know yet," Ryan replied softly. "I…I have to figure so much out."

Catherine nodded and Ryan shakily got to his feet, sighing as he gave Catherine a hug, "Thank you for taking time to stop by," he spoke softly. "It means a lot."

"We're going to stay for a bit, so maybe we can visit later?" Catherine replied softly.

Nodding, Ryan slowly sat back down and picked at his food while Catherine led her children to the buffet tables, "Uncle Ryan, I'm bored," James spoke quietly.

Tim gave James a look, but Ryan sighed patiently, "After we're done eating and we go back to the hotel, we can watch a Christmas movie, okay?" Ryan spoke softly.

James nodded, "Hey, James, why don't you and your dad go get some brownies from the buffet?" Emily spoke in a kind voice. "Tim, please take him over there."

Once that was handled, Emily focused on Ryan, but Ryan remained picking at his food.

Manhattan, New York

The hospital was in chaos because the arrival of Maggie LaRusso-Caine, a little girl who everyone thought dead, had invited the presence of police, paramedics, and media who wanted the story. Instead of being overjoyed at the news, however, Rick found himself sitting on the window seat in his hospital room, staring at the snow that was now falling outside. He had lost all track of time and all feeling in his heart.

"Rick?"

Rick sighed tiredly, "Whoever you are, go away and let me be irritated in peace," he spoke in a cold voice. "My sister…she's not who I thought she was."

Footsteps echoed across the floor, "I'm guessing the word got up here," Sully spoke in a quiet, concerned voice. "It's cold near the window and you'll get sick."

"I thought Amanda was just schizophrenic, but she was also a sociopath because she just let some dude kill her and take her child," Rick spoke softly. "She just let it…"

Sully sighed, "Nobody knows what happened yet, but I know that Caroline Yokas has been arrested and Charlie Yokas is being babysat by a social worker til his mother can get him," he explained. "Maggie's downstairs with Bobby, Yelina, and Horatio…"

"I'm only a reminder of his pain," Rick spoke quietly. "I need to move from his house when I get home and get a condo. It'll be easier on everyone if I just go away."

Sully looked concerned, "Bobby's not going to turn his back on you just because his daughter's alive," he replied quietly. "In fact, he asked me to see if you want to visit Maggie now that she's on the Peds floor. Detective Taylor's visiting with the media."

Rick gave Sully a look, "They want me to see her?" he asked softly.

Sully nodded and Rick shakily stood up, "If she sees me in a wheelchair, she'll get upset," Rick spoke quietly as he clung to his IV stand. "Just walk beside me."

It didn't take long for the two to get to the pediatric ward and Rick froze when he saw that Robert was in Maggie's room, quietly talking to her while she rested. Several cops, including Horatio and Flack, were lingering in the hallway and chatting. Horatio and Flack looked at Rick and Sully.

"I..I heard that my niece wants to see me," Rick spoke in a quiet voice.

Horatio looked concerned, "Should you be walking around?" he asked worriedly.

Rick ignored Horatio and entered the hospital room, sighing as Maggie looked at him before smiling, "Uncle Rick!" she said in an excited voice. "I'm happy to see you."

"How are you, sweetie?" Rick asked softly as he sat down beside her bed.

Maggie sighed, "Daddy said we live in Florida now," she replied softly. "Why?"

"It's warmer," Rick replied quietly, lying through his teeth so that Maggie wouldn't get upset when she didn't need to. "Your dad never did like the cold much."

Maggie nodded, "Daddy also said he got married and that the lady will want oto be my mommy," she spoke in a quiet voice. "What if the lady doesn't like me?"

Just then, footsteps filled the hallway and Rick looked up to see Natalia, who had BJ and Adam with her, talking to Horatio while peering into Maggie's room. All of them looked shocked, but happy, "Natalia's pretty nice," Rick spoke in a kind tone.

"My mommy wasn't nice to me, so I hope this lady is," Maggie spoke sleepily.

Rick nodded, his expression kind even though hearing about Amanda being abusive hurt. Thankfully, Natalia came into the room with BJ and Adam right then.

"Maggie!" BJ and Adam spoke excitedly as they hurried over to the bed.

Rick silently got up and slipped out of the room when Maggie focused on her brothers and Natalia. He didn't stop walking until he was back in his hospital room and he got into bed, determined to feign sleep so that he could think about Amanda by himself.

Back in Maggie's room, Natalia found herself smiling at the little girl and hoping that it would be an easy process to adopt her like it was to adopt BJ and Adam, "Are you my mommy now?" Maggie asked softly, gazing at Natalia. "You're very pretty."

Natalia chuckled and Maggie quickly grabbed her hand before yawning, "Go to sleep," Natalia spoke gently, giving her hand a squeeze. "I promise you we'll stay."

Unknown to them, Sully had silently left to first check on Rick and then to check on Danielle, as he knew Maggie being found would remind her that Maritza hadn't been.

Danielle, where are you? I checked with the ER and they said you left.

Sighing, Danielle looked at her phone and quietly typed a response as Holly drove towards Bosco's precinct. They had spent a considerable amount of time at the hospital to make sure Maggie was okay and admitted before leaving, but the word had gotten out quickly among law enforcement and Danielle was worried about her husband's feelings. Maggie being found had reminded them of what they didn't have.

"Danielle, do you want me to stick around?" Holly asked in a concerned voice.

Quickly realizing that they were at the precinct, Danielle pocketed her phone and sighed, "You've got lots of others to oversee," she spoke in a concerned voice.

"Carlos is at his rehab appointment with Dr. Pride and Tommy is with them," Holly replied in a concerned voice. "You look as if you could use a friend right now."

Danielle nodded, "I'm happy that Bobby's got his daughter back, but it's a reminder that Maritza's still missing and Maurice is still very broken by her disappearance," she explained in a concerned voice. "I'm sure he's heard about Maggie by now…"

Holly nodded, "Maybe just hang out?" Danielle suggested. "Til I talk to him?"

Without waiting for a response, Danielle went into the precinct and noticed that a lot of the officers on-duty were gathered around the television, watching Mac and other NYPD officials talk about Maggie's re-appearance. She quickly found Maurice's office and saw that he was sitting at his desk, quietly listening to the radio.

"Maurice, hey," Danielle spoke worriedly as she came to his side. "How…?"

Bosco suddenly started crying and Danielle immediately pulled him into a hug, knowing that he was hurting over Maritza still being lost while Maggie had been miraculously found, "How…how is it that she's still lost?" he whispered.

Danielle kissed his forehead, "I'm sorry," she whispered softly. "I love you."

Bosco nodded and exhaled, "John and Caira are babysitting Mikey and Emily and they'll look after David and Ellie if they get home before Yelina and Nicky do," Danielle spoke in a kind voice. "Did you want to go somewhere and talk?"

"I'm not gonna get any more work done here," Bosco muttered in a tired voice as he got up and grabbed his winter coat. "Missing Persons is too cheap to keep the case open and I'm happy for LaRusso. It's just hard knowing we can't have a miracle…"

Danielle helped Bosco put on his coat and held him as they walked to the front desk and he signed out before they left quietly. The ambulance was no longer there.

"Holly must have gotten a call," Danielle spoke softly. "Feel like walking?"

Bosco shrugged and the two set off down the street, holding hands as they walked, "Did you wanna go hang out at a club?" Danielle asked softly. "One with food?"

"I actually wouldn't mind just being somewhere quiet with you," Bosco replied softly.

Danielle nodded, "We could go home and have a nap," she said in a gentle voice.

Bosco looked relieved at the idea of being in the apartment and so he hailed a cab, remaining quiet during the ride home. It didn't take long for them to get up to the apartment and when they arrived, all was quiet and John and Caira were sitting on the couch, watching a Christmas movie, "Hey," Danielle called out in a kind voice.

"Mom, Mikey and Emily are napping," John spoke quietly, frowning when he saw the tired expression on his father's face. "Isn't Dad supposed to be at work?"

Bosco shrugged and stalked off into the master bedroom, "Maggie LaRusso was found alive today, John," Danielle spoke in a concerned voice. "Turn the news on."

John did as he was told and frowned at seeing Mac on the screen, "…The FBI has been informed and we hope that they will cooperate with the investigation into Agent Sackheim's reasoning for holding Maggie LaRusso hostage for so long without informing law enforcement," Mac spoke somberly as Robert came into view.

Anxious talking and photo flashes filled the screen as Robert sighed, "My name is Robert LaRusso-Caine and I would simply like to thank Detective Taylor and the NYPD for discovering that my daughter is alive," he spoke softly. "Thank you."

Danielle sighed, "LaRusso's new wife will probably want to adopt her since she adopted BJ and Adam right after they got married," Bosco spoke in a concerned voice, having come out to get some tea. "Most judges are on holidays, but I should see if I can get a judge to sign off on it so they don't have to wait…"

"How do you know that, Dad?" John asked in a confused voice, ignoring the news.

Bosco sighed as he made a beeline for the phone, "I kept in touch with my partner after he left New York and so did your ma," he replied calmly. "Through email."

Night fell and dinner was served shortly after sunset, but Rick didn't eat it because he was so disturbed by Maggie's comments about Amanda. He instead sat by the window, silently wondering what more he could have done to help Amanda with her health.

The door opened and Mac came into the room, "Hello, Detective Taylor," Rick spoke in a quiet voice as he turned and saw Mac. "Are you here to discuss the case?"

Mac shrugged, "I heard that you visited your long-lost niece earlier," he observed quietly. "She's in surprisingly good shape for someone who was held prisoner."

Rick sighed, but said nothing, "Deep bruises, dehydration, malnutrition, and a small amount of bacterial pneumonia," Mac commented. "Along with healed fractures."

"I already knew my sister was violent," Rick replied softly. "Like our parents…"

Mac looked concerned, "When I visited Maggie, she asked me if Natalia was nice because her mother was mean to her," Rick spoke softly. "I said Natalia was nice and did my best to look calm for Maggie's sake, but I was breaking. From what I've been told, I was raped and tortured before I killed someone…but I can't remember it."

"What happened to you beyond your control doesn't automatically mean you're a violent person," Mac replied quietly, frowning at the disturbed expression on Rick's face. "You've been through something terrible and everyone understands that."

Rick shrugged, "I'm sure Horatio's priming the MDPD to label me as violent enough to lose my job over this," he hissed tiredly. "I saw his face when I went to visit Maggie; he was disgusted that I dare try to have a connection to what little…"

Pain shot through Rick's body and he forced himself back to his bed before cursing loudly, "What's going on in here?" Robert asked as he suddenly entered the room with BJ and Adam and tow. "Rick, Natalia's staying with Maggie and I'm taking the boys back to the hotel so my uncle and Stella can babysit. I'll come back…"

"Good night, Uncle Rick," Adam spoke in a quiet voice. "I hope you feel better."

Rick forced a smile on his face, "Night, buddy," he spoke softly. "Thank you."

BJ gave Rick a hug, as did Robert, "I'll be back before you know it," Robert spoke in a reassuring voice. "Just enjoy your dinner and I'll bring you some books, all right?"

Once Robert and his sons were gone, Rick silently ate and then pushed the tray away, "Running won't help and I bet you wouldn't get very far before you passed out," Mac observed, taking a seat beside the bed. "You're trembling and you look anxious."

"It's better to go through withdrawals alone," Rick spoke in a pained voice, exhaling anxiously as he spoke. "I started feeling bad when I was visiting with Maggie and I'm feeling worse now. I don't want Bobby freaking out, but I need a nurse right…"

Mac frowned as Rick vomited on the dinner tray and he quickly pressed the nurse's call button. Kim, who was working a double shift that day while Jimmy stayed with the kids, came quickly, "I'm having withdrawals," Rick spoke in a pained voice.

"Detective Taylor, would you mind helping me out?" Kim asked in a concerned voice as she got Rick off the bed and took the bedclothes, Rick's clothes, and moved Rick away from the mess. "We're a bit short staffed cause of holidays and the flu."

Mac nodded and helped Rick into some of the clean clothes that Robert had left behind while Kim cleaned the mess and redressed the bed. Once Rick was back in bed, Kim checked his vitals, "I'll get you something for how you're feeling, but I'd highly suggest you just stay in bed and rest tonight. Do you have anyone staying the night?"

"Supposedly," Rick replied in a weak voice, drained from vomiting and being moved around while Kim cleaned. "I…I'm going to rest now. I feel nauseous and shaky."

Mac looked concerned, "You act as if you've gone through this before," he spoke.

"Being drugged against my will isn't anything new," Rick replied softly, sighing as he suddenly felt sleepy. "Look, I'm tired. I'd rather not revisit the past tonight."

As Rick drifted off to sleep, Mac's phone buzzed and he stepped out in the hallway to answer it so Rick could rest undisturbed, "Taylor," he spoke, answering the phone.

"Fred Yokas is in the wind," Flack's voice filled the phone. "And untraceable."

Mac sighed heavily, "Did you talk with Detective Yokas and Emily Yokas?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I'm sure they're aware of the happenings from the news…"

"Detective Yokas and Captain Miller have both been interviewed and Charlie Yokas is now in their custody," Flack explained. "Caroline Yokas has been booked, but won't tell us anything about where her husband might be. Emily Yokas told her mother that she'd be spending the day in NA meetings and cops aren't allowed to disrupt those."

Mac exhaled softly, "I'll phone Emily and leave a message on her voicemail that NYPD needs to talk to her about the current situation," he spoke quietly. "Bye."

Bus Station

Emily Yokas's phone buzzed and she checked it, feeling very anxious as she sat down with a packed bag and backpack, "Mac Taylor," she murmured anxiously. "No way."

Swallowing hard, Emily put the phone in her purse and sighed anxiously. She had been emailing Derek Stokes for weeks and he had been released from his halfway house, been granted enough money from his family trust to live comfortably, and now wanted her to come visit and help him get his daughter and his son back to him.

In their conversations, Derek had confided that he had had a daughter with another woman, but that the woman and his younger brother, Nick, were doing everything they could to keep her away from him. Emily had told him that her mother had acquired full custody of Alex through the courts and she needed his help.

Emily did feel guilty about leaving Alex behind, but her mother had insisted that she visit only for short times and with supervision. Not too long ago, however, Faith had told her that her father was alive, but was in trouble along with Caroline and that Charlie would be staying at the house; she was worried about Charlie being exposed to a bad influence and had suggested that the visits with Alex be postponed for a time.

Angry that her mother was now deliberately trying to push her out of Alex's life, Emily had simply said she'd be in NA meetings all day and had quickly bought a bus ticket to Austin, Texas. She would go, set up a life with Derek, and then return to New York with him to claim Alex back. She would show her mother that she was capable.

"The bus to Austin, Texas is now arriving," a voice suddenly boomed over the intercom that was right near where Emily was sitting. "The bus to Austin…"

Smiling, Emily gathered her things and walked over to where the bus would park, "Soon, Derek, we'll be together and happy," she spoke in a voice filled with hope.

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