December 25

Manhattan, New York

It was early, but Rick Stetler found himself awake and in one of the hotel cafes that opened early. He had gotten his personal items back from the lab recently, which included his phone, but the lab had called him late last night, wanting to meet today.

Not wanting to bother anyone else or force them to wake up early on Christmas, Rick had quietly gone downstairs and was now waiting. Soon enough, Mac came in and joined him at the table, "How are you feeling, Sergeant Stetler?" he asked quietly.

"I assume this is serious since you came to me," Rick spoke in a tired voice.

Mac sighed, "Fred Yokas is on the run, but he used a burner phone to phone the lab and indicate that he saw you, as did Maggie," he replied quietly. "NYPD is desperate for answers on what you went through and they want Fred to share what he saw in exchange for less jail time. He said he served as a witness to your torture…"

Shock and horror filled Rick; he knew if Bobby heard of Fred and Maggie witnessing his torture, questions would arise as to why Maggie wasn't rescued sooner. Bobby and Natalia would accuse him of not saving Maggie in favor of rescuing himself. It wouldn't matter if his memory was impaired; they would blame him anyway.

Rick frowned, "I can't remember any of it, so I can't prove or disprove anything," he replied in an upset voice. "If Bobby gets wind of this…"

"I need to talk to Detective Caine since it involves his daughter," Mac said softly.

Rick nodded, suddenly feeling nauseous, "I came to you first to see if you did remember anything since being out of the hospital," Mac spoke quietly. "Since you clearly don't, I'm not sure how useful Fred's information will be since there's nothing to back it up. Maggie may or may not remember, so I don't want to involve her."

Just then, Rick caught sight of Robert and Flack coming into the Plaza lobby sporting outdoor athletic gear, "They're out there," Rick whispered. "If you want to talk…"

Unfortunately for Rick, Robert noticed them and wandered into the cafe with Flack at his heels, "Morning," Robert spoke calmly. "Detective Taylor, what are you…?"

Rick looked at the floor and said nothing, prompting Mac to sigh patiently, "Detective Caine, might I have a moment of your time in the lobby?" Mac asked as he stood up.

Robert nodded and followed Mac into the lobby, but Flack stayed behind because to him, Rick didn't look well, "Shouldn't you be in bed?" Flack asked quietly.

"I'm not the spineless nerd I was in the Academy, Flack," Rick spoke softly. "I…"

Footsteps filled the air, "You look like you belong in bed," a voice commented.

Rick looked up and saw that Robert and Mac had returned, "Detective Taylor updated me on the situation," Robert spoke quietly. "I think it's ridiculous that NYPD wants to rely on Fred Yokas to describe what you can't remember. You were tortured with goodness knows what and it's affected your memory, but you're still recovering."

"I thought you'd think I didn't try to help Maggie," Rick spoke in a trembling voice. "I honestly can't remember any of what happened and if I did see her, I…"

Robert nodded, "I wouldn't think that," he replied firmly. "I think NYPD is being a bunch of idiots, putting their trust in a man who worked for Agent Sackheim…"

"Fred Yokas is the ex to one of New York City's finest cops and they're concerned about how that cop and her family will be impacted," Mac spoke apologetically.

Robert scowled, but said nothing, "I would highly recommend, Detective Caine, that you take your family back to Miami as soon as possible," Mac spoke softly. "I'll fly down once NYPD determines what they want to do, but I would recommend recovering, getting counseling, and doing your best to try and remember."

Sighing heavily, Robert nodded and scoffed as Mac left, "You should get back upstairs," Rick spoke softly. "It's Christmas and I'm sure there are presents…"

"Natalia and I made a rule that there are no presents until after breakfast," Robert replied as he sat at the table. "I could go for some tea. How about you?"

Over at Angel of Mercy Hospital, Carlos yawned softly as he sat in a soft chair at Holly's bedside while Tommy and Kylie slept on a cot and on the couch. They had been resting at home when the call had come in about Holly fainting and Ty and Sasha had come to get them to the hospital. They too had spent the night there.

As Carlos closed his eyes to try and nap, as he had throughout the night, he suddenly heard a gasp, "Carlos?" a weak voice suddenly spoke. "Carlos…"

Carlos opened his eyes and was surprised to see Holly awake, "What happened?" Holly asked in a weak voice, gazing at him. "I was out on duty and…"

"It's Christmas Day, Holly," Carlos replied softly. "You're at Angel of Mercy."

Holly frowned as Carlos pressed the Nurse's Call button, "I fainted," she said softly.

Carlos nodded as a nurse came into the room with a supply cart, "Why did I faint?" Holly asked in an anxious voice. "The kids…Carlos…how did you get here?"

"Ty and Sasha brought me and the kids here," Carlos replied softly. "They're asleep."

The nurse smiled at Holly, "You're being very well cared for, Mrs. Nieto," she explained in a kind voice. "Doctor Patel has been informed and is on her way to the hospital now. I've given you fluids and we'll be getting a monitor in here soon…"

"A monitor?" Holly asked groggily. "What's wrong with me that I need a…?"

Carlos sighed, "You're pregnant," he replied softly. "I guess the last time we…"

"Back near the end of September," Holly replied softly. "No wonder I've been tired."

Carlos nodded and yawned, "The kids know," he replied softly. "They're happy."

It was then that Holly noticed Tommy sleeping on a cot while Kylie slept on the couch, "When you're feeling better, you can come home," Carlos spoke softly. "Because of all the miscarriages, you were here overnight and are high risk."

Holly sighed weakly, "Carlos, you need rest too," she replied anxiously.

"The nurses brought me a soft chair around midnight," Carlos replied gently. "Ty and Sasha are around, but I'd love to catch a nap with you before the kids wake up."

Holly nodded and closed her eyes, sighing as she felt Carlos's hand lock with hers.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Emily's eyes opened and she sighed as she checked the clock and found that it was very early in the morning. Tim was in the bed next to her, but he was awake. Jesse was in the adjoining room, sleeping in a crib while James and Julliet were in beds.

"Hi," Emily spoke softly, looking at Tim. "Are you having a bad night?"

Tim sighed, "I don't like traveling much," he replied quietly. "Not since we married."

"I don't like being here either, to be honest," Emily replied softly. "I remember what life was like before everything happened and Mom and Dad would cart us here when they needed to make deals with Sam Braun or other shady people. We were usually left on our own while Mom and Dad did business. I've never been fond of Vegas…"

A light suddenly went on in the living room and a door opened, "…Thanks so much for taking them in til later," a quiet voice said. "This whole thing is making me need meetings and Brass is my sponsor. Jenny needs the rest and she knows they're here.."

Emily and Tim exchanged a look and got out of bed, reaching the door just in time to see Greg set Jessica in the large crib where Carlos and Matthew were already sleeping, "Jenny will be here later on, but I'll be back in a few hours," Greg spoke softly.

Ryan, who was sitting on his bed, nodded, "I'm not sleeping anyway; I might as well babysit," he replied groggily, frowning when Tim and Emily came out. "Hi…"

"Hi Tim, hi Emily," Greg spoke nervously. "I'm just dropping Matthew and Jessica off with Ryan while I go to AA with Brass. The last little while has been stressful, busy, and sleepless because we're short help and really overworked…"

Ryan sighed, "I'm not sleeping, so I offered to babysit," he explained softly. "I napped, yes, but I'm not able to sleep seriously. Babysitting will keep me busy."

"We're up since the kids will be up soon and want to open presents," Emily spoke in a kind voice. "Since you can't lift infants yet, we'll take care of the messy parts."

Greg looked relieved and quickly left, "The lab's riding Greg pretty hard," Ryan spoke quietly. "He's in the lab and in the field as often as they can use him…"

"And the custody case is in the new year, right?" Tim asked softly.

Ryan shrugged, "Jenny hasn't said anything about it," he replied softly. "I might go out later, though, since there are GA meetings here too, and to visit Doctor Kessler."

"Why don't you invite Doctor Kessler here?" Tim asked softly. "So you don't…"

Ryan looked uncertain, "Because Greg might get in trouble if he's seen having Christmas dinner with a sex therapist who has been involved in past LVPD cases," he explained worriedly. "I don't mind getting a cab to and from her place. Besides, I am really needing a meeting; I almost sat down at the slots last night and played…"

Sighing, Ryan gazed over at the crib, "Stetler made me promise not to gamble anymore because he didn't want me turning out like Dad," he spoke quietly. "Dad…"

Emily sighed, "Is dead," she replied softly. "Thank God for small miracles."

Ryan looked surprised, but before he could respond, James came running out of his and Julliet's room, "CHRISTMAS!" he shouted eagerly, a smile on his face.

Lights flashed on and Emily smiled, "Yes, James, it's Christmas, but we have to wait for everyone else to get up before we open presents," she spoke softly. "Okay?"

"We're up," Tommy spoke in an amused voice as he came out of his bedroom with Diana and Emilo at his side. "Emilio woke us up. Where are Greg and Jen? I see…"

Ryan sighed, "Jenny's asleep in their room and Greg went to a meeting," he replied in a tired voice as Julliet came toddling out of her room. "I'm babysitting."

"Let the infants sleep," Emily spoke softly. "We might as well open gifts and we can also save Greg's, Jenny's, and Jason's for when they get up. Is Jason asleep too?"

Tommy sighed, "Let's have breakfast first," he replied calmly. "Give them time."

Emily nodded and Tommy went over to the phone, "I'll order it," he said softly.

Manhattan, New York

"It's CHRISTMAS, Mom and Dad!" Bosco heard voices shout. "Presents!"

Bosco sighed as he opened his eyes and saw the other side of the bed empty, prompting him to get up, "Dani," he called out as he put a robe on over his sweats and NYPD t-shirt. "David, Ellie, don't be so loud. You'll wake everyone."

The chatter continued and Bosco wandered out into the living room to find Danielle making breakfast while Caira sat with Yelina, Ellie, Nicolas, and David on the couch, "My John and Ray Junior like to sleep," Yelina was saying. "But Nicky was hungry."

"Where's our John at?" Bosco asked worriedly. "Is he still sleeping or what?"

Yelina sighed, "He was up quite early this morning, but wouldn't say why," she said. "I was up feeding Nicky and someone was yelling at him on his phone."

Bosco frowned and looked at Danielle, who looked equally concerned and the two of them went to John's bedroom door, which was closed. Bosco opened it and found John laying on his bed, silently staring at the ceiling while holding the phone.

"Yelina said you were up early on your phone and the person on the other end was yelling at you," Bosco said. "Who was the call with?"

John sighed, "Detective Yokas called and accused me of helping Emily pack up and leave town, but I haven't seen Emily in a while," he explained softly. "She's gone."

"Emily left?!" Bosco asked in a shocked voice. "Does Faith know where she is?"

John slowly sat up, "Faith screamed at me that Emily called her this morning from Austin, Texas," he explained quietly. "Faith figured I had something to do with making Emily leave and asked me why I couldn't have helped her get back on track."

Danielle looked concerned and Bosco scoffed, "It's not your job to help Emily get over her problems," he said in an irritated voice. "She already asked you to do something you weren't ready to do. Did she tell Faith that it was cause of you?"

"She must have because Faith said it would have been better for me to marry Emily, as then she could have stayed out of trouble," John replied. "As if I could have stopped that. All the yelling reminded me of my conversations with McKeen and the other idiots I had to talk to while Ryan was being tortured and Sofia lay dying."

Danielle frowned, but John sighed, "McKeen gave me the chance to get away, but I chose not to take it," he spoke softly. "Am I really weak or just crazy? I had an out, but I didn't want Sofia to die alone and I didn't want them to murder Ryan. I hung up and stared out the window for a long time before going back to bed."

"I'm sorry that Faith triggered all those things in you," Danielle spoke in an apologetic voice. "I'll be calling her later to talk about it, all right?"

John nodded, "And no, you're not weak or crazy," Danielle said. "Compassionate."

"Everyone's getting up so we can do presents," Bosco said. "You up for that?"

John shrugged, "I guess," he replied softly, yawning. "My sugar's high…"

"Then we'll wait to eat breakfast," Danielle replied. "Did you take insulin?"

Nodding, John got up and followed his parents into the living room only to see that his grandfather and Ray Junior were now up and holding Michael and Emily. Caira got up off the couch, walked over to John, and gently embraced him with a smile.

Sully smiled, "Do you mind if we give our gifts first?" he asked kindly. "Yelina and I are taking the boys to visit Bobby later on so Maggie can get to know them."

Bosco shrugged and Sully quickly produced two keys, which he gave to Caira and John, "We bought the place next door to us while John was in Vegas and once we realized Caira was coming to New York for a while, we decided to make it into two studio apartments. You two will have your own spaces when you need it, but…"

Sully walked over to a large piece of carboard aside that had been blocking off the area and moved it, revealing two doors, "When you want to be here, you can be," he replied patiently. "They're rent free, but Yelina and I expect good grades."

John looked surprised, "Th..thank you," he managed to say in a nervous voice.

Caira, on the other hand, gave Sully and Yelina gentle hugs because she wanted a place to sleep and veg, but she wanted to be close to trusted people when she needed the reassurance. John suddenly yawned, clearly drained from Faith's call.

"It's a bit early," John apologized, sighing. "I'm okay to open presents."

Caira looked at John questioningly, but Danielle simply let it go and nodded calmly.

Over at the Plaza Hotel, Robert, Natalia, BJ, Maggie, Adam, Rick, Horatio, and Stella were all seated in the living room, all of them ready to open the many presents and stockings that sat under the tree. Robert had brought Rick back to the room after sharing tea, promising that Mac's information didn't change anything.

"I think the kids should start first," Robert spoke kindly, smiling at the kids.

BJ and Adam scrambled to the presents, but Maggie went slowly because she was tired and told to take it easy by doctors. Soon enough, the floor was decorated with torn wrapping paper and BJ held a robe, slippers, and a new Discman on his lap; Maggie had pajamas, a robe, and slippers; and Adam had a robe, slippers, and new math books. All three of the kids had also gotten stuffed puppies and chapter books.

Natalia got up and retrieved the small gifts she had gotten for Robert, Stella, and Horatio. She handed them out before retrieving the ones she bought for Rick.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Rick spoke quietly. "I…"

Natalia sighed patiently and promptly helped Rick open his gifts since he couldn't use one of his hands, revealing a new pair of shoes, a carry-on suitcase filled with a few clothes and toiletries, and a new wallet, "This…this wasn't necessary," Rick said.

Offering a smile, Natalia picked her own presents out from under the tree before going to sit beside Robert. Stella opened her presents and smiled, seeing that she got a new coat from Robert and Natalia and a nice necklace from Horatio. As Stella gave Horatio a gentle kiss on the cheek, Natalia and Robert opened their gifts and found robes, slippers, and books; one of their favorite couple activities was reading books.

Maggie suddenly yawned and laid down on her robe, "How about you kids go back to bed while I arrange for breakfast?" Robert spoke kindly. "If anyone else…"

"A rest sounds great," Rick replied as he slowly stood up. "If you'll excuse me."

Stella looked at Horatio before looking at Robert, "Horatio and I can arrange for breakfast if you two wanted to spend time with your kids," she offered gently.

"Can we cuddle in your bed, Mommy and Daddy?" Adam asked quietly

Robert nodded, got up, and gently scooped Maggie up off the floor while Natalia picked Adam up, "I'm going to my bed, if that's okay," BJ spoke softly.

Nodding, Robert and Natalia brought Maggie and Adam to their bed and snuggled in with them, "Daddy, why does Uncle Rick look so sad?" Maggie asked softly.

Robert hesitated, "Is it cause I saw him crying and screaming?" Maggie asked softly.

Natalia frowned, realizing that Maggie had seen Rick, but Rick hadn't seen Maggie or couldn't remember seeing her, "Pumpkin, do you think you could talk to the police officers about what you saw?" Robert asked softly. "It will help your Uncle Rick."

Maggie nodded and yawned, "After a nap?" she asked sleepily.

Robert smiled and kissed her forehead, "After a nap," he promised gently.

Out in the main area, Horatio put on the overcoat he had brought, "Stella would you mind going and ordering breakfast for everyone?" he asked softly. "I need to pay a visit to the hospital and have a conversation with Danny Messer. Apparently, he got into it with Robert after Lindsay Messer went into labor during a chase involving…"

Stella looked surprised, "Danny got after Bobby for that?" she asked worriedly.

Horatio nodded, "Bobby explained it to me," he replied. "Will you be all right?"

Stella nodded, "See you soon," she replied, knowing Danny deserved chastising.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Entranced was a small, fancy restaurant that wasn't overly cheap, but Sara was simply grateful that Grissom was making time for them. They had gotten the day off, left their kids with Grissom's mother, and were here to enjoy a light meal before having Christmas presents and dinner at home with all of their family.

"It's nice to be able to finally spend time alone with you after everything that's happened," Sara spoke in a kind voice as she reached for Grissom's hand. "I…"

Grissom, however, wasn't listening because he had just noticed Ryan Wolfe sitting with Lady Heather in a quiet corner of the restaurant that was reserved for wealthier couples. Tim and Emily were at another table, not far from where Ryan was.

"Isn't that Ryan Wolfe with Lady Heather?" Grissom asked softly, deeply worried.

Sara looked and nodded, "Perhaps they're friends?" she replied, deeply puzzled as to why Grissom suddenly seemed upset. "You seem awfully upset over it considering you were over at her place quite a bit before we became serious."

Grissom sighed, "Atwater doesn't stop being sheriff until the end of December and he's determined to get Ryan off the payroll because he's upset over McKeen killing Sofia and needs someone to blame," he explained in a quiet voice. "His case is that Ryan endangered the students by involving them in the search for Horatio Caine and he's trying to get the city to back him and Ecklie's support, but Ecklie's not backing him. I tried to speak in Ryan's defense, but Atwater threatened my job…"

Sara frowned, "And what does this have to do with Lady Heather?" she asked softly.

"Lady Heather has a questionable reputation to some in the department and if Ryan were seen with her, it might strengthen Atwater's case," Grissom explained in a concerned voice. "Atwater was friends with McKeen before McKeen went crazy and they viewed Ryan as problematic because of his past issued with Miami PD…"

Sara scoffed, "Everyone has a past, Grissom," she hissed. "Even you and me."

"I fought tooth and nail to get Ryan hired so that Sofia would come back," Grissom replied in a raised voice, seemingly irritated that they were discussing this. "She knew Ryan was prepared to give up everything for her and asked me to make sure he had something to do that would equal his talent. Now that Sofia's dead, I'm worn out and tired of trying to be everything to everyone. What I say may not be enough to help."

Ryan, who was listening to Grissom speak, suddenly looked very sad while Tim and Emily, who could also overhear it, looked upset, "I'm suddenly missing Gregory and Danielle and we should really see if Big Greg wants to hang out today," Sara spoke in a quiet voice, her appetite gone. "Ryan just heard everything you said, Gil."

Grissom swore quietly and looked over in Ryan's direction, "Gil, don't," Sara spoke in a concerned voice. "It's Christmas. You and Ryan should arrange a time to talk."

"If he comes over here, I'm going to punch him in the face," Ryan breathed in a quiet, but anxious voice as he watched Grissom from afar. "I…I'll happily serve the time."

Lady Heather looked concerned and understanding at the same time, "I…I spent time in juvenile hall and in a group home as a teen, so I know the system," Ryan spoke in a quiet voice. "Every day I spend in Vegas without Sofia feels like being in jail again."

Just then, Emily walked past the table and over to where Grissom and Sara were sitting. There were several moments of quiet conversation before Emily returned to her table, "I…I got a ride here because I can't drive yet," Ryan stammered softly.

Lady Heather nodded and gently placed a hand over Ryan's, "You're trembling with anxiety," she observed softly. "Or are the withdrawals still haunting you?"

"A little of both," Ryan spoke softly. "That's why I only ordered water."

Unable to watch Ryan bury himself further, Grissom got up and left the restaurant without ordering. Sara looked at Ryan briefly before getting up and following.

Manhattan, New York

"She's beautiful," Danny spoke in a quiet voice as he sat on the bed with Lindsay, both of them watching a video that Danny had shot of Lucy, who was in NICU.

Danny nodded and Lindsay sighed tiredly as she wiggled her toes, "I can feel my toes again, but that also means I can feel pain," she spoke softly. "Can you get a nurse?"

"All right," Danny replied softly, kissing Lindsay's head. "I'll be right back."

Danny slowly got up and wandered into the hallway, hoping that someone was at the nurse's station who could help, "Danny Messer, might I have a word?" a voice asked.

Frowning, Danny turned and saw Horatio, who had taken a side elevator, step out of the shadows, "Lieutenant Caine?" he asked softly. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you got aggressive with my nephew after McKeen chased Lindsay, Bobby, and Rick Stetler through the streets of New York," Horatio spoke coldly, his expression angry. "You mentioned Bobby's father and compared…"

Danny sighed heavily, "Yeah, I was upset," he replied softly. "Over-anxious…"

"You need to watch your words or else you will not be in this business forever," Horatio spoke in a cold voice. "Believe it or not, words can do great damage."

Danny frowned, but said nothing, "I know you've got your hands full, but an apology would do wonders in improving your reputation," Horatio spoke as he fished a card out of his jacket. "Here's his card. I'm assuming Lindsay and the baby are okay?"

"Baby's a little early, but she's fine," Danny replied. "Lindsay's recovering."

Horatio nodded, his expression upset, "So you lashed out for no reason," he stated. "You brought up things you have no idea about and damaged his self-worth."

"I guess I did," Danny replied softly. "I…I'd like to apologize…what I said."

Horatio shoved the card into his hand, "Bobby is at the Plaza Hotel," he replied in a cold voice, sighing before he turned away. "I'm not the one who needs the apology."

As Horatio left, Danny silently stared at the card in his hand before going to the desk to fetch a nurse. Once Lindsay was asleep, he'd try to make things right.

"I'm sorry to bother you on Christmas, Detective," Robert spoke in a kind voice as he opened the door and saw Mac standing in the hallway. "Maggie remembered…"

Mac nodded and Flack came into view holding a garbage bag that appeared to be full, "I brought Flack with me to distract your sons so that we could talk without interruption," he explained. "Where's Rick Stetler?"

"Rick's resting," Robert replied softly. "We had breakfast and he went back to bed."

Mac nodded again as he and Flack came in and Robert shut the door, "BJ, Adam, your Uncle Donnie's here to play videogames with you," Robert called out.

"And I brought presents," Flack commented, grinning. "For all three of them."

BJ and Adam came running and Flack opened the bag, handing them two gifts each before guiding them into the 'kids' room. Mac watched as Flack set the remaining gifts on Maggie's bed before tossing the bag in the trash, "C'mon," Robert said.

Robert led Mac into the living room as the sound of a racing game filled the suite, "Maggie, Detective Taylor is here to talk to you," he said. "About Uncle Rick."

Natalia, who had been reading a book with Maggie, closed the book and set it on the table while continuing to hold Maggie close, "Now, Maggie, I have to record this so the people at the Crime Lab can use it to help your uncle," Mac explained as he took a tape recorder out, pressed PLAY, and set it on the table. "Is that all right?"

Maggie nodded, "Yes," she replied softly. "I was in the little closet one day and Mister Fred said to come with him because he wanted to teach me what happened to bad people. He took me into the basement and Uncle Rick was lying on a table…"

Mac nodded, "How long was it before you were found?" he asked quietly.

"December 16," Maggie spoke softly. "It was dark outside."

Robert and Natalia exchanged a look, "Mister Fred put a lot of needles into Uncle Rick and they made Uncle Rick sleep," Maggie spoke quietly. "He also puked and flopped around on the table before falling on the floor. Like a fish…"

"Seizures," Mac murmured softly. "That would explain the memory loss."

Maggie sighed, "Some guys came downstairs and took Uncle Rick away while Uncle Rick was still flopping around," she spoke quietly. "I was put back in the closet."

Mac nodded and Maggie sighed tiredly, tears filling her eyes, "Is Uncle Rick gonna be okay?" she asked softly. "He sleeps a lot and he doesn't talk like he used to."

"Uncle Rick's going to be fine, pumpkin," Robert replied even though he wasn't sure if it was true. "He got hurt during the time he was missing and he also has a condition called Type Two diabetes that will require some medicine. It'll just take time…"

Robert trailed off and sighed, "I think Uncle Donnie brought you some presents," he spoke in a kind voice. "Why don't you go see if they're on your bed?"

Maggie nodded, smiling as she climbed off the couch and ran to the 'kids' room.

Mac stopped the recorder and pocketed it, "I'll be increasing the hunt for Fred Yokas," he spoke quietly. "I'd also like Maggie to look at some photos to see if she recognizes any of the men who might have helped. We have a list of associates connected to Jeffrey McKeen and if she can identify any of the other players…"

"If you need us to bring her to a precinct…" Robert spoke quietly.

Mac rose, "I'll bring a photo book by tomorrow," he replied. "Enjoy your holiday."

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Wolfe Trails Hotel and Casino was busy with people and groups enjoying the Christmas Day buffet by the time Brass and Greg got back. Brass could sense Greg's anxiety about facing his family so quickly, so he pulled Greg into the coffee shop and they sat at a table, "Did the meetings help?" Brass asked in a concerned voice.

Greg sighed heavily, "They help because they'll motivate me to keep going to work and being a husband and father," he spoke quietly. "I'm overwhelmed, though, because Derek's parents have suddenly decided to support Derek's fight for custody."

"Did you ask Nicky for help in trying to reason with Derek?" Brass asked softly.

Greg shook his head, "Nick's in remission right now, but he's very busy with work and trying to raise Parker," he replied softly. "Besides, it's his brother…"

Brass nodded, "Jenny's been so supportive," Greg spoke softly. "I…"

Greg suddenly trailed off as he spotted Tim and Emily come into the hotel without Ryan, "Tim and Emily are back," he spoke softly. "I don't see Ryan, though."

"I wasn't aware Ryan was able to go anywhere," Brass spoke worriedly.

Greg sighed as Tommy came into view and began talking to Tim and Emily before spotting them in the coffee shop. Tim quietly came over to the coffee shop.

"Wasn't Ryan with you guys?" Greg asked worriedly. "Where is he?"

Tim sighed, "Things at the restaurant got ugly because Grissom saw Ryan with Doctor Kessler," he explained softly. "Ryan and Doctor Kessler went somewhere."

Greg frowned, "Atwater's trying to get Ryan fired," Tim finished softly.

"Is that why Atwater keeps dropping by the lab and having shouting matches with Grissom and Ecklie?" Greg asked softly. "I asked what was up, but told to back off."

Brass sighed heavily, "What a Christmas for Ryan," he muttered irritably.

"Do you know where they went?" Greg asked softly. "I think you do."

Tim sighed, "Ryan is currently at a therapy session," he replied. "Keep it quiet."

Brass nodded, quickly raising his hand for a barista so he could order a coffee.

Rory Atwater smirked from behind his video camera as he watched Ryan Wolfe step out of Lady Heather's car and follow her into what used to be the fetish club. It was no longer a club, but Rory Atwater was determined to get Ryan out of the LVPD. The video footage of him going to Doctor Kessler's might be enough to tip the scales.

Ryan, meanwhile, had noticed Atwater following him, but simply didn't care because he was emotionally over being part of the department. He knew that Atwater was trying to fire him over the Horatio Caine case, but none of that mattered anymore.

What mattered now was his sanity and now that Sofia was gone, he needed intimacy of a different sort to help him hold on to what little he had left. That need was on his mind as he sat in a couch in Doctor Kessler's office, resting his aching casted leg.

"I know you're seeking intimacy; the same type I taught you to give Sofia," Lady Heather spoke softly as she sat next to him on the couch. "You're in great pain."

Ryan nodded, his mind and heart broken over recent events and over Grissom's words at the restaurant. Lady Heather gently placed her hand on Ryan's pale cheek.

"You can stay for as long as you like and I will help you," Lady Heather promised.

Exhaling softly, Ryan closed his eyes and allowed himself to be lost in her touch. He needed to give into his need so that she could help him figure out what to do next.

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