December 24

Manhattan, New York

There was no answer at the door and Emily hadn't answered her phone. McKeen had hidden himself away in the bowels of New York, deeply furious that Stella was alive and well after trying to get rid of her. He, however, also knew that Stella was connected to the LaRusso family and that the LaRusso children were more dangerous than their father, so he had decided to leave Stella alone…for the time being.

"Where is she?" McKeen hissed angrily, dialling her number on his cell as he stood outside her apartment. "I promised to help her with John Boscorelli…"

Cursing when there was no answer, McKeen tried the door and found it unlocked, "Emily?" he called out quietly, frowning when he saw an empty apartment.

McKeen quickly realized that Emily's personal things were gone and fury filled his heart, "She ran," he growled, his expression murderous. "She's going to pay…"

Letting out more curses, McKeen quietly left the apartment and hailed a cab once he got downstairs. He knew Rick was currently a patient at the hospital and to him, Rick was a traitor for giving the feds information about many things. Rick would pay.

Austin, Texas

Derek's condo was a three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow in the residential area of Austin and Emily quickly found herself at home there. Derek had been a perfect gentleman to her since picking her up from the bus and had allowed her a bedroom to herself until they were able to get married in the new year. He had also given her money to decorate the condo for Christmas and had invited his parents to celebrate.

Judge Stokes had been summoned out of town to deal with a situation, but Jillian had agreed to come for the holiday. Derek had invited Nick and his sisters, but he hadn't been able to contact Candace and Maria, Rachel, Emma, and Susannah were very reluctant to visit Derek and his barely-adult girlfriend. Derek was somewhat offended by the lack of support from his sisters, but Emily reassured him her love was real.

Nick, on the other hand, had claimed he needed to work Christmas and couldn't come. In reality, he was scared to bring Parker around Derek due to Derek's shaky mental health and the risk of something happening. Derek felt himself resenting Nick for being a goody-two-shoes and like he was too good to help family out.

"Those are some nice decorations, Em," Emily heard Derek say in a kind voice.

Emily smiled as she looked up from the tree at Derek, but pain suddenly shot through her abdomen and she winced, "Take a break, Em," Derek spoke worriedly. "My mom's coming over to help you cook Christmas stuff since I can't cook well."

"Old injuries flaring up," Emily spoke quietly. "Do I have time for a nap?"

Derek nodded and Emily retreated to the couch, her hands on her sore abdomen as she lay down and went to sleep. A smile filled his face as he turned towards the tree, as he had plans in the new year that included Emily helping him get his children back and punishing Faith Yokas, Greg Sanders, Jenny, and Nick for keeping him from them.

Manhattan, New York

"Bobby, I don't feel right intruding," Rick spoke in an anxious voice as he sat on his hospital bed wearing loose clothes and a winter coat. "Your family is staying there."

Robert sighed patiently, "Rick, you are family," he replied kindly. "Besides, I'm not going to be having you stay on your own on Christmas, especially since you're ill."

"We have to talk about the living situation, actually," Robert spoke quietly. "I don't have any need for the basement suite now that my kids are gone and I know Maggie will want to be upstairs with her brothers. I used the hospital's laptop to…"

A wave of dizziness caused Rick to lower his head, "The doctor warned me that getting too anxious might trigger symptoms," he managed to say weakly.

"Then stop getting anxious," Robert replied simply. "We'll discuss that stuff later, when you're stronger. It's Christmas Eve and it's a time for family."

Rick looked uneasy, "I would ask to visit Mandy's grave, but it would keep you from Natalia and your children," he spoke quietly. "Maggie's first Christmas resurrected."

"It's on the way," Robert replied softly. "I don't mind stopping."

Rick shrugged and silently rose, prompting Robert to gently grab hold of him and guide him over to a wheelchair, "It's supposed to snow later, so we should really get going," Robert spoke gently. "My uncle arranged for an escort from NYPD."

Footsteps suddenly echoed down the hallway and Lindsay Monroe-Messer suddenly came into view visibly pregnant, "Detective Monroe-Messer, hello," Robert spoke in a kind voice. "I'm grateful that you could take the time out of your busy life…"

"I ordered a private car since it's safer than a cab and I'm too big to drive," Lindsay replied in a kind voice. "Danny wanted to come, but Mac thought less people was safer in case there are problems. We're not expecting any, but this is New York."

Robert nodded, "Sergeant Stetler, Head of IAB for Miami," Rick spoke softly, sighing as he looked at Lindsay. "Do you know what happened to me down there yet?"

"I think Miami and New York are working on that," Lindsay replied cheerfully.

Rick scoffed, "Delko working hard?" he hissed. "He's not capable of that anymore and he should really knock off being a CSI. His brain injury made him unstable."

"I'd rather not bash Eric behind his back," Robert spoke in a quiet voice. "Ready?"

Rick scoffed, "You're very gracious about Delko after he attacked you at that crime scene," he replied in a concerned voice. "Yes…I want out of this place."

Nodding, Robert began pushing the wheelchair while Lindsay walked alongside them with one hand able to access her weapon if she needed it. Lindsay sensed tension, so she remained quiet until they got outside to the parkade where the rental was hidden.

"I don't know why you're all worried," Rick replied. "I'm quite self-reliant."

Lindsay sighed, "We should really get going," she spoke nervously. "All right?"

Robert got Rick settled in the back before getting in the front with Lindsay, buckling up as she drove out of the parkade and into a quiet street. As she drove, Robert looked around at the area and figured that his uncle didn't want them in the middle of the chaos that New York on Christmas Eve was. The vehicle suddenly came to a stop.

"I hate this light," Lindsay groaned. "It makes Danny irritable…"

Suddenly Lindsay frowned as she caught movement in the rearview mirror out of the corner of her eye. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, drew her gun, and waited.

"A car's behind us," Lindsay spoke anxiously. "We have to wait til it passes."

Robert gave Lindsay a look, "You're heavily pregnant and you're acting like there's gonna be a firefight," he replied sternly. "Let me be the one to do the shooting."

Deeply grateful for Robert's protective personality, Lindsay sighed and froze as the car came to a stop, "Sergeant Stetler, lie down," she asked in an anxious voice.

Rick frowned, as he was deeply confused by Lindsay's order, but laid down on the seat, "Wait…is that Jeffrey McKeen?" Lindsay asked as someone got out of the vehicle that was behind him. "Detective Caine, get on the radio and call for help!"

As Robert reached for the radio, Lindsay put the car into 'Drive' and began driving off, unsurprised when McKeen retreated to his car and followed. Robert stayed on the radio while McKeen chased them through back streets until finally, their chase was forced on to a busier downtown street where people were enjoying Christmas.

Noise filled the air as people screamed, scattered, and began getting on their phones to notify the police about the chase. The chase itself, however, continued all through the city and down to the harbour where Lindsay parked behind a stack of crates after making sure McKeen had lost them. Pain shot through Lindsay's back, but she ignored it and looked at Detective Caine expectantly, "Well?" she asked softly.

Sirens suddenly filled the air, but Lindsay didn't move the vehicle. She suddenly cringed, exhaled, and sighed before placing a hand on her enlarged belly.

"Detective Monroe-Messer?" Robert asked softly. "Are you all right?"

Lindsay exhaled anxiously as footsteps and shouting filled the air, "POLICE!" a voice shouted. "I found Monroe-Messer's vehicle over here! Detective, are you all right?!"

"I…my water broke," Lindsay managed to say breathlessly. "I'm in labor, Detective."

Rick slowly sat up, severely shaken and nauseous from the chase and knowledge that McKeen was loose in New York, "LINDSAY!" an anxious voice suddenly shouted.

Lindsay exhaled anxiously, but managed to undo her belt and get out of the car, as did Robert, "Sergeant Stetler, are you all right?" she asked in a shaky, worried voice.

"Just a little shaky and nauseous from the chase," Rick managed to reply softly.

Lindsay nodded and exhaled anxiously again as Robert helped Rick out of the car, immediately helping him lean against the vehicle, "We're over here!" Lindsay called out anxiously before sighing helplessly. "Do you need an ambulance, Sergeant?"

Before Rick could reply, several officers including Mac and Danny came running, "Lindsay, are you all right?" Danny asked breathlessly. "We heard it on the radio…"

"I'm in labor," Lindsay spoke anxiously, smiling at Danny. "We should go."

Danny glared at Rick and Robert, "You two idiots put my wife in labor with your needing protection," he hissed coldly. "You better pray that they're all right."

Before Robert could reply, Danny hustled Lindsay off, "I think Rick needs to see a paramedic before we go back to the hotel," Robert spoke in a worried voice.

"I'll walk you over to an ambulance," Mac replied, determined to talk to Danny later about his conduct concerning the job that Lindsay had willingly volunteered for.

Las Vegas, Nevada

A Christmas movie was playing on the TV in the suite's common area, but Ryan was paying no attention to it and was instead resting on the couch with his foot propped up while Carlos, James, and Julliet sat on the floor with their eyes glued to the screen.

"Ryan?"

Ryan looked up from the couch and saw Emily standing there with Jesse in her arms, "People from the Crime Lab are here to visit you," Emily spoke in a quiet voice.

"I hope it's not Grissom," Ryan replied softly. "I…I can't handle seeing him."

Emily shook her head, "It's Sara," she replied softly. "Do you wanna see her?"

"As long as I don't have to get up," Ryan replied softly. "Kinda hard with the leg."

Nodding, Emily moved out of view and came back a moment later with Sara, "Hey," Ryan spoke in a tired voice, sighing as he looked at Sara. "How are you?"

"I'm trying to babysit and failing," Ryan replied softly. "Emily was napping and Diana, Tommy, Jason, and Emilio are helping prep the hotel for the Christmas celebrations. Greg's working and Jenny and their kids are in their room resting…"

Nodding, Sara sat down on the couch, "Grissom's working too, but his mom offered to watch Gregory and Danielle so I could have personal time," she spoke in a quiet voice. "You know, you don't have to go back before you're ready…even if they…"

"I don't know if I can go back to that lab at all," Ryan admitted in a quiet voice. "I…only my family knows this, but Sofia and I had many tender moments before the abduction even when she didn't feel well. We hired Doctor Kessler…"

Sara looked intrigued, "Sofia hurt too much to have regular lovemaking, but she still wanted love," Ryan spoke shakily. "I feel guilty that the burden of her last days was placed on John and Doctor Kessler said I was doing everything I could, but…"

"I know the Crime Lab wasn't exactly fair to you during your recovery," Sara replied in an apologetic voice. "You were tortured and you had no control of yourself."

Ryan sighed, "That's what Doctor Kessler has said and she also said I need to use my pain constructively so it doesn't destroy me, but there's too much pain here," he spoke in a tired voice. "I would leave if I knew that Captain Curtis wouldn't be upset."

"You should talk to her," Sara spoke softly. "Tell Captain Curtis how you feel."

Ryan shrugged, "She herself is angry at LVPD and is grieving over losing Sofia," he spoke in a quiet voice. "It wouldn't be right to bring this up to her so soon."

A knock suddenly sounded at the door and Emily went to answer it, deeply surprised when she saw Captain Curtis standing there, "Are Ryan and Carlos in?" she asked.

Nodding, Emily stepped aside to let her in, "Ryan?" Captain Curtis called out.

Sara's eyes widened in surprise, "I should go," she replied. "Take care of yourself."

Once Sara had left, Captain Curtis sat down across from Ryan and smiled at Carlos watching TV before looking at Ryan, "Ryan, sweetie, I'm sorry I've been distant for the past few days," she spoke in an apolgetic voice. "After the funeral, I was harassed by the media and everyone wanted to offer their condolences. It was too much."

"I know how you feel...sort of," Ryan replied softly. "I've mostly hidden out here."

Captain Curtis nodded, "I don't know if I can serve on the department anymore, seeing as they failed to protect you and my daughter," she replied softly. "I'm thinking of transferring to another precinct in a different city when a position opens up. It's just too hard to keep being here and I know it can't be any easier for you."

"I...I don't know what I'm going to do yet," Ryan admitted softly. "I'm still technically an employee of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, but I'm not sure I can go back to work."

Captain Curtis sighed, "Both Sofia and I know you made a great sacrifice moving out here so that she could be close to me while she had Carlos," she replied in a firm, but gentle voice. "You gave up everything you knew for her and I'm very grateful, but now that she's gone, maybe going back to your roots and your family is a good idea."

Carlos suddenly laid down and fell asleep on the floor, "Oh, looks like Carlos is sleepy," Ryan spoke in a tired voice, as he too was beginning to tire. "So cute."

"It sounds like you could also use a nap, Ryan," Captain Curtis spoke softly.

Ryan nodded and Captain Curtis got up, "Think about what I said," she said softly.

Manhattan, New York

The tree in the apartment had a pile of presents underneath it and the place looked ready for a happy Christmas, but Bosco knew that his happiness would come from helping others. That was why he was sitting at his desk in the precinct, anxiously waiting for Judge Stokes to arrive and say that all the paperwork was done.

A knock sounded on his door and Bosco sighed when he saw Sully come into the room, "Danielle sent me down here to see what you were doing since you're not answering your phone," Sully commented. "Working on Christmas Eve?"

"I'm working on a special project," Bosco replied. "I talked with a federal judge and I'm trying to make life easier for my former partner by helping his wife be able to adopt Maggie and also get her death certificate rescinded. They deserve happiness."

Sully looked confused, "Is that why you've been distant?" he asked softly.

"It's another Christmas and Maritza's still gone," Bosco spoke quietly, his expression somber. "LaRusso's daughter was thought dead and she came back. I keep hoping Maritza will come back, but the case is cold and he's paying for it to stay open..."

Sully sighed, but Bosco scowled, "No pity looks," Bosco hissed darkly.

Before Sully could reply, Judge Stokes came into view holding a briefcase, "Sergeant Boscorelli?" he asked in a brisk voice. "I managed to get the paperwork together."

"Good," Bosco replied calmly. "I know it's the holidays, but he's my former partner…"

Judge Stokes nodded, "I'm glad that little girl can be reunited with her family when there are so many cases where that doesn't happen," he replied softly. "Like yours, Sergeant."

"I try not to think about it, sir," Bosco replied quietly. "Um, anyway, they're staying at the Plaza Hotel in a suite. When they were planning this, Robert told me the details."

Judge Stokes nodded, but said nothing, "I was thinking about seeing if Maggie needs anything and buying it for her," Bosco spoke quietly. "I don't think she has things…"

Swallowing hard, Bosco got up and gathered his coat. Money was tight until after the holidays, but he'd feel bad if he didn't bring presents along for his visit to his friend and his newly reunited family, "Maybe ask the rest of the family if they want to help," Sully chimed in in a quiet voice. "Ellie was friends with Maggie and you know she's been asking questions."

Bosco shrugged, "You're going to all this effort because you're upset about Maritza, but you don't have to do this alone," Sully spoke firmly. "You're internalizing your feelings."

Bosco's radio suddenly came to life, "Boscorelli, you've been requested at Angel of Mercy Hospital," a voice stated. "There was a situation involving Jeffrey McKeen and those involved requested you as protection. Get over to Angel of Mercy ASAP, Boscorelli."

"I'll meet you over at the Plaza as soon as I can," Bosco spoke to Judge Stokes. "Duty calls."

Judge Stokes nodded and Bosco hurried from the room, frowning when he saw a gaggle of uniforms clustered around the TV. Bosco and Sully watched, horrified when they saw footage of a car chase, "…According to witnesses, Jeffrey McKeen was pursuing Detective Monroe-Messer, Sergeant Rick Stetler, and Detective Robert Caine in the footage seen here…"

Sully gasped and Bosco swore, unaware that Judge Stokes was also viewing the footage.

"Because of the shock, we'd rather put your wife through a C-section, Detective Messer. It's safer for her and the baby than a natural delivery."

Fury filled Danny's heart as he made his way into the emergency room. He had been forced to leave Lindsay upstairs for a C-section because the trauma of the car chase had triggered her labor and Danny found himself angry at LaRusso and Stetler.

"…The doctor just wants to keep him on a drip for a couple hours," a voice said.

Danny moved towards the voice and stopped when he saw Robert and Flack talking outside of a curtained off area, "Hey, Danno, where's Lindsay?" Flack suddenly asked in a concerned voice, noticing him. "Mac's in talking to Stetler."

"Lindsay's having a C-Section and she's in there because you and that idiot relative of yours just had to have an escort!" Danny snapped, his expression angry. "I don't know why you just had to have Lindsay of all people you could have asked…"

Robert sighed, "Lindsay was the one assigned," he replied patiently. "Chill out, Messer. I honestly have been through the mill these past few days and I can't…"

Danny scoffed, "The mill's being the subject of every news story in New York?" he asked in a cold voice. "All that attention isn't enough? You have to endanger my wife and my kid for some guy who's related to your dead wife?! Maybe the rumors are…"

"If you even mention my mother and my past, I will clock you in the jaw," Robert hissed, glaring at Danny as he cut him off. "I know you've heard the rumors from the old farts who are retired or who are close to it, but don't even mention it."

Flack's eyes widened in surprise, as Bobby had rarely condoned violence even when he was a street cop, "I don't need to hear from another person that I lack awareness," Robert hissed coldly. "I've heard it all over the media that I should have been more aware that my daughter wasn't actually dead instead of running off to Miami…"

Danny looked taken aback, "When I was a kid, I heard rumors about your old man from Louie and his friends," he said anxiously. "Don't turn into a violent scumbag like him. You endangered Lindsay and my kid and you're acting like he was…"

"Danny, that's enough!" Mac spoke sternly, having overheard enough of Danny and Robert through the curtain while talking to Rick that he ended the interview and came out to intervene. "Lindsay volunteered for the assignment! Stop attacking Detective Caine and Sergeant Stetler for what happened! It's not anyone's fault!"

Danny glared at Robert before stalking off, "I heard the rumors too, but I also know that you are not your father," Mac spoke quietly. "I'm sorry about Danny."

Robert sighed, "I don't know much about what Dimitri was up to in New York, but he must have done some terrible things if the cops know him so well," he replied softly, a troubled expression on his face. "I admit, I'm feeling a high level of anxiety right now because of my daughter's return and McKeen trying to chase us all over the city."

"We've got every available unit out looking for McKeen and I'll arrange protection for your family," Mac explained calmly. "You and your family might want to consider getting out of New York as quickly and discreetly as possible after Christmas."

Robert nodded as footsteps filled the air, "Bobby," a concerned voice called out.

Mac and Robert turned just in time to see Bosco and Sully come into view, "We saw the news and thought we'd come to offer protection," Bosco spoke worriedly.

"I don't know how long Rick will need to be here for," Robert spoke softly. "I…"

The curtain flew open, revealing Rick standing there wearing his gown over his pants with his hand clinging to his IV pole, "Messer's right," he hissed coldly. "I'm an idiot and I shouldn't have even asked for help. I caused whatever happened down there…"

"You still don't remember, do you?" Robert asked softly. "About what happened."

Rick sighed and shook his head, "Catherine heard what happened and managed to call before you showed up," he replied softly. "She said it would be better if we weren't together anymore because she has aspirations and I could hurt them. She also said that we'd work out an amicable visitation over the summer, but nothing til then."

"That's why you filed," Robert concluded. "Because of what she said."

Rick nodded and gestured to the IV, "If I keep this in, do you think we can get out of here?" he asked irritably. "I can't take any more of being in the public eye today."

"I'll go charm the nurses," Sully spoke up, seeing that Rick was at his wits-end.

In the upper-class area of New York, Stella entered the large building that Pavel and Anya owned together. She had enjoyed lunch with Horatio at the Plaza and while he rested in their suite, she was going to help with the Christmas Eve rush.

Pavel was at the main counter, a smile on his face while clad in a nice suit, "Stella, senk you for comeeng," he spoke warmly. "Anya eez not feeling well and Mama eez veeth her. Eet eez Chreesmas Eve, zo, and ze store has been wery, wery busy."

Stella nodded, "What would you like me to do?" she asked quietly.

"I have arranged for some of ze clothes to be delieevered to ze missions for ze homeless," Pavel explained cheerfully, his accent fading. "Ze heads of ze missions are coming to take delivery and I must oversee zat. I need you to go to ze public area of ze store and keep an eye on ze resident doctor while she offers ze medical care."

Stella smiled, "Offering free medical care on Christmas Eve?" she asked softly.

"I am not my fazzer and I use ze LaRusso money for good," Pavel replied calmly, smiling at her. "Doctor Pride got permission to offer her services under supervision and I put her to vork. She eez going through a very hard time at ze moment."

Stella nodded, "I vill show you to ze public area," Pavel said, standing up. "Come."

The walk to the public area was short and Stella was surprised when she saw Dr. Pride, Hawkes, Sid, several other doctors, and several paramedics, including Holly and Jacob, using medical supplies to care for a crowd that had gathered. Detective Angell and a few other people, including Ty and Flack, that Stella knew to be cops, were lingering, all of them dressed in plainclothes.

"I asked ze police to dress in normal clothes so ze homeless do not feel intimidated, but zere eez safety," Pavel explained softly. "I vill be back een a little while."

Pavel left and Stella walked over to Flack and Angell, "Hi," she spoke softly.

"Where's your man at, Stella?" Flack spoke kindly. "I thought he'd be here…"

Stella sighed, "Horatio's taking a nap, but we'll meet up later," she replied quietly, her expression troubled as she suddenly noticed some of the other plainclothes giving her dirty looks as if she didn't belong free. "Pavel asked me to come keep an eye on this."

"Don't mind them," Flack spoke, noticing the looks. "They just want to be home…"

Stella sighed, but dropped the issue and instead went over to where the paramedics were working, "I know I let Danielle have the day off, but I'm wondering if I should call her in," Holly was speaking. "I've been feeling nauseous and tired all day."

Jacob looked worried, "Sit down for a minute, boss," he replied worriedly.

Holly sat down on a chair and sighed tiredly, "I'm sorry, I've been pulling so many hours since Carlos isn't able to work yet and FDNY's saying he might not ever be able to go back," she spoke anxiously. "Tommy's done finals, so he babysits Kylie, grocery shops, and looks after the house. I'm just so tired…"

Jacob frowned, "Didn't he euthanize Bernard Marquez while Dimitri LaRusso held a gun to his head and pumped him full of drugs?" he asked worriedly. "Why are…?"

"The recovery's slow, but Carlos is trying his best," Holly wept softly. "He really…"

Without warning, Holly passed out on the floor, "Holly!" Ty called out anxiously as he hurried over to his friend. "Someone get a gurney! Doctor Pride, please…"

Noise filled the air as Dr. Pride gathered supplies and hurried over to where Holly lay, "I'm going to call Danielle to see if she can come in to help us finish this day out," Jacob said as he took out his phone. "I know it's Christmas Eve, but we need help."

Las Vegas, Nevada

"You don't have to leave the room, Ryan," Ryan heard a concerned voice say as he hobbled off the elevator and saw Tommy, Diana, and several hotel employees decorating for Christmas and setting up the buffets. "I can order you food."

Ryan sighed tiredly as he approached his brother, "Sara and Captain Curtis came to visit and I need some air," he spoke quietly. "Captain Curtis is wanting to leave Vegas when she can get a transfer and she told me to take Carlos and go back to Miami…"

Tommy looked surprised and quickly ushered Ryan over to a soft chair that was in a quiet social area so they could sit, "I'm almost worried Grissom's going to show up with a date I need to be back to work since it seems to be the day that LVPD has chosen to visit," Ryan spoke anxiously. "I…I don't want to see Grissom at all."

"I get that," Tommy replied quietly. "He was your supervisor and didn't do everything he could to keep you safe after you put your neck on the line looking for Horatio Caine. I heard the excuses of budget, but that was a federal investigation."

Ryan sighed wearily and suddenly frowned, "Grissom?" he asked softly.

Tommy turned and frowned when he saw Grissom, Sara, and an older woman come into the hotel with a stroller holding two infants, "They must be here for the Christmas Eve buffet," he spoke softly. "Do you want me to ask them to leave?"

"No, I'll just stay hidden," Ryan replied softly. "They're customers."

Tommy nodded and walked over to the Grissom family, "Welcome to the Wolfe Trails Hotel," he spoke in a calm voice. "Are you here for the Christmas Eve buffet?"

"I heard it's a good one," Grissom replied calmly. "How are you doing?"

Tommy sighed patiently, "Well enough considering all things," he replied calmly, quickly gesturing towards the food court area. "The buffet is still being set up, but you and your family are welcome to be seated anywhere you like. Pricing is reasonable…"

"I honestly tried everything I could to protect Ryan, Sofia, and John Boscorelli," Grissom spoke in an apologetic voice, his expression somber. "I'm facing a month-long suspension in January for it even though I tried hard to make them feel safe."

Tommy nodded, as he had heard that, "And the sheriff's getting replaced," he replied in a calm voice. "I also heard about how a student from the pilot project had a hand in Horatio Caine's kidnapping. How on earth did nobody notice what was happening?"

"Colin Jamison had some severe mental issues and issues with depression," a voice suddenly spoke softly. "He should have never been allowed into that program."

Tommy turned to see Ryan lingering there on his crutches, "I thought the pilot program itself was a good idea, but there should have been better background checks on the applicants," Ryan spoke tersely. "Two of the applicants are now in jail awaiting trial, one is in a mental institution, and everyone else was left deeply scarred."

"The LVPD is trying to come up with a solution to compensate those affected by what happened, but it's difficult," Grissom replied softly. "We can't find half the kids."

Ryan shrugged, "Maybe they don't want to relive it," he replied softly. "I sure don't."

"The trial for Horatio Caine's kidnapping isn't until May, but the trial for McKeen doesn't have a date as of yet," Grissom spoke apologetically. "He's still missing and the new sheriff will be responsible for deciding if it actually happens at all…"

Ryan paled and Grissom sighed, "LVPD is debating about cold casing it because of budgetary reasons," Grissom apologized. "I'm trying to keep it open through Victims Assistance funding, but the funding is needed elsewhere too. I might apply for grants to keep the investigation going, but without McKeen…there is not much of a case."

"Enjoy your dinner," Ryan said coldly as he turned away. "All of you."

Manhattan, New York

The sounds of the television greeted Robert as he and Rick came into the suite after being dropped off by Bosco and Sully. Natalia was sitting on the living room couch with Adam and Maggie on either side of her while BJ sat next to Maggie.

Without saying hello, Robert helped Rick into the common room and helped him sit in a chair, "Hey," Natalia spoke warmly. "I heard about what happened and…"

It was then that Natalia noticed that Robert's eyes had a sadness in them, but he also looked as if he didn't want to upset the kids. A knock suddenly sounded at the door.

Robert quickly answered the door and was surprised to find Bosco, Horatio, Sully, Yelina, Ray Jr., Nicolas and Judge Stokes there, "Can we come in?" Bosco asked softly.

Nodding, Robert stepped aside and watched as everyone came in, "Oh good, Natalia and all the children are here," Horatio spoke softly. "We need to have a chat."

Natalia quickly turned off the TV and came over to the front area with BJ, Maggie, and Adam in tow as Sully closed the door, "Danielle and the kids would have come, but Danielle had to go to work and John and Caira are babysitting," Bosco said.

"You're Federal Judge Stokes," Natalia spoke anxiously, looking at Judge Stokes.

Judge Stokes nodded before holding out a folder, "I am and these papers are for you, Mrs. Caine," he replied softly. "You'll find everything in perfect order."

Natalia took the folder and opened it, her eyes growing big as she read the paperwork, "These allow me to legally adopt Maggie," she spoke softly. "How did you…?"

Robert smiled at the papers, but confusion quickly took over, "We had planned to get a hearing for that in the new year," he spoke softly. "How'd this happen so fast?"

"Sergeant Boscorelli had several conversations with me," Judge Stokes replied in a kind voice, a smile on his face. "If you're not ready, I completely…"

Natalia looked at Maggie, "Is it okay if I adopt you and become your mom?" she asked in a cautious voice, knowing Maggie could very well refuse her request.

Maggie looked surprised, "You want to be my mommy?" she asked softly.

Natalia nodded and Maggie gave her a giant hug, "I'll sign the papers," she spoke in a pleased voice, offering one hand while one kept hold of Maggie. "May I?"

Judge Stokes held up his briefcase and waited while Natalia signed the papers, smiling when Robert also signed. Once they were done, he signed the papers.

"Bosco, how did you pull this off?" Robert asked, gazing at his former partner in deep astonishment over this miracle. "It's Christmas Eve and you are very busy…"

Bosco sighed, "Just enjoy it," he replied calmly. "Consider it a Christmas miracle."

Robert, however, immediately sensed that Bosco had done this in repayment for keeping Maritza's cold case open. He also knew that Bosco wouldn't want it mentioned, so he nodded and smiled, "Thank you," he replied softly.

Bosco nodded, "We need an updated family photo," Robert spoke excitedly.

"Is Uncle Rick gonna be in it?" BJ asked quietly. "He's still in the living room."

Maggie looked quizzically at Rick, who suddenly looked uncomfortable, "I…this is for your family," he spoke in a shaky voice. "I am the brother of your late wife."

"And the uncle to our children," Robert replied firmly. "You're family, Rick."

Rick sighed, but joined Horatio, Robert, Natalia, BJ, Maggie, Adam, Yelina, Ray Jr., Nicolas, and Sully in front of the tree. Robert handed Bosco his cellphone and camera, "Bosco, would you do the honors, please?" he asked in a kind voice.

Bosco nodded and took photos as Judge Stokes finalized the signed paperwork. He then handed a copy to Robert and Natalia before leaving the hotel room.

"Merry Christmas to all of you," Bosco said calmly. "We might visit tomorrow too and bring stuff. Maybe the kids can have a playdate…"

Robert smiled and nodded, but the smile faded once Bosco had gone, "This has been a very long day and I think you all could use a break," he said in a quiet voice. "Natalia, why don't you take the kids downstairs and get them new clothes?"

Natalia looked surprised, but didn't say anything, "Aunt Yelina, why don't you and Sully go with them and Maggie can get to know Ray Jr. and Nicolas?" Robert said.

Yelina looked concerned, but she hid it well and nodded calmly. Rick quietly retreated to a bedroom that looked unclaimed, as he was exhausted and desired a rest.

"We're going to go shopping," Natalia spoke calmly. "Come on, everyone."

Quiet settled over the suite once they left and Robert sighed heavily, "Bobby, something's happened," Horatio observed softly. "I didn't come to the hospital with you to get Rick because I was helping Sergeant Boscorelli…what happened?"

"Detective Monroe-Messer ended up needing a C-Section and Danny Messer made it his personal mission to scream at me for 'forcing' his wife to be our safety escort," Robert spoke in a subdued voice. "He accused me of being attention seeking and trying to endanger Lindsay and his unborn child. He also brought up the rumors about my mother, the past, and how such an effort is being made for a dead woman's…"

Horatio's eyes widened in shock and anger, "Did Mac hear about this?" he asked.

"After Messer said he heard rumors about my father from his big brother and the Tanglewood Boys, he said I was turning into a violent scumbag like my father was," Robert spoke, tears filling his eyes. "Mac yelled at Danny to stop it…"

Horatio exhaled, clearly irritated with Danny's comments and now concerned that Robert's anxiety would get the better of him, "Bobby, you are not your father and what Danny Messer said was incredibly inappropriate," he spoke firmly. "I want you to go lay down and rest while everyone is shopping. You are clearly not okay."

Robert exhaled softly, but nodded and retreated to his room because he really was tired and a rest would help. Horatio made sure that Robert was in bed before he sat down in the common area and began to think of what he would say to Danny.

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