February 2007

Manhattan, New York

"Hey, John, thanks for coming to meet with me on one of your busy days," Brendan spoke in a kind voice, smiling as John came into his campus office. "How are you?"

John sighed as he sat down on the other side of Brendan's desk and rested his backpack on his knees, "Mid-terms are happening right now and so I've been trying to balance time for the book finals as well as the proficiences through the NYPD."

Brendan nodded, "Um, I got word from the LVPD and the MDPD that they want to honor you with local awards for the bravery you displayed while you were in Vegas," he explained in a quiet voice. "NYPD also wants to put you in a precinct…"

"I actually was hoping to pursue my Master's degree in the fall," John replied in a nervous voice. "I'm only 18 and I'd like to develop my education a bit before I work in the field full-time. Most places won't hire investigators til they're at least 21."

Brendan nodded, offering a smile, "I saw your application had been submitted and you want to stay in New York as much as possible," he replied calmly. "I know the program in Vegas ended messy, but would you do another one if invited to?"

John frowned, "Not in Las Vegas," he replied softly, his expression troubled.

Brendan suddenly took on an expression of understanding, "You know, you don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable or ready for," he replied softly. "I know you were involved in two hostage situations at the end of last year and one of your fellow hostages ultimately died. I can't pretend I know how you feel…"

"I did all I could and Sofia still died," John replied softly. "McKeen pulled me aside in that warehouse and told me I was free to leave, but I couldn't let myself."

Brendan sighed, "I…I can't shake why I did that and why I let myself pretend to be Ryan instead of telling Sofia the truth," John spoke quietly. "I never even got to process what happened with Horatio Caine before I was kidnapped again…"

"I think that it would benefit you to talk to a campus counselor," Brendan replied quietly. "Police therapists aren't that useful, to be honest. What do you think?"

John sighed heavily, "I thought about talking to Emily Speedle again, but Ryan Wolfe is in worse shape than I am and needs his family helping him right now," he replied quietly. "Besides, I'd have to Skype at home and there's not a lot of privacy there."

Brendan reached into his desk and pulled out a counselor referral form, "Tell you what, take this to Campus Counseling Services and say I thought a few sessions might be a good idea as a pre-requisite for starting your Master's," he said as he filled the form out and handed it to John. "That way you can save face in the public eye."

John nodded and pocketed the form, "Thank you," he replied softly. "Um, I guess I can agree to those awards. I…just don't make it public yet if you can avoid it."

"I can't promise anything," Brendan replied. "Just have a good day, all right?"

Sighing, John grabbed his bag, got up, and left the office, not stopping his walk until he was in a quiet park of Central Park. He sat down on a bench and sighed heavily, wondering how he could implement Brendan's advice into his life and stick to it.

Las Vegas, Nevada

A male orderly in scrubs lay in the middle of the courtyard of the secluded mental health facility, blood on his scrub top that had oozed from several gunshots administered by an unknown hand hours before. Grissom found himself there quickly, but he also found himself uneasy because Colin Jamison was a resident of the facility.

"Grissom."

Grissom looked up and Doc Robbins there with his kit and assistant, David Phillips, "Do you think Colin Jamison might have done this?" he found himself asking softly.

"I have no idea, but I haven't seen him or heard the name since Horatio Caine was rescued," Doc Robbins replied. "Is this the facility where he was remanded to?"

Grissom sighed, "As far as I know, but I didn't keep up with where he was or where any of the students went to after the pilot program ended," he replied. "Ray and I submitted the paperwork we were supposed to and UNLV was through with us."

Doc Robbins nodded and Grissom took a few photos before getting up, taking care to move so the coroners could do their work. While the coroners worked, Grissom walked into the facility and was surprised to see Catherine talking quietly with staff while Nick processed the cordoned off common area just inside the courtyard.

"Catherine, Nick, I called for everyone to respond," Grissom said firmly.

Nick looked at Grissom, "Ray's here, but he's talking to D.B. Russell," he explained in a concerned voice. "Colin's in his room and he doesn't want to see any of us."

Grissom frowned, "If Colin's involved, we need to speak to him," he replied softly.

Paramedics suddenly came into the main area with their supplies sitting on top of an empty gurney, "Wait, what were paramedics doing here?" Grissom asked quizzically.

Catherine walked over to Grissom, "Whoever killed the orderly did it during one of the nightly outdoor meditation sessions that Colin Jamison participates in," she explained in a quiet voice. "The assailants beat Colin into unconsciousness."

Grissom's eyes widened in surprise, "He agreed to talk to Ray because Ray treated him with respect during the pilot project and visited him in the early months of his stay here," Catherine explained quietly. "Colin doesn't trust any of us."

"We need to know what Colin saw," Grissom argued. "He has to talk to us."

Catherine sighed anxiously, "Let me go see Ray and D.B.," she replied softly.

Grissom nodded and Catherine made her way down the hall, pausing nervously not far from where D.B. and Ray were talking, "How's it going?" she asked softly.

"Colin can't physically come out to talk to you," D.B. spoke quietly, looking apologetic. "He doesn't want to see Grissom, but maybe he'll talk to you."

Catherine nodded and D.B. knocked on the door, "Come in," a faint voice said.

D.B. opened the door and as Catherine entered the room, she saw Colin sitting on the bed in scrubs and sporting bruises on his face, a bandage on his ankle, and bandages visible below his scrub shirt. His forehead was also stitched and bandaged.

"Hi, Colin," Catherine spoke softly. "I heard you witnessed what happened…"

Colin sighed, "Could you please sit and I'll share?" he replied softly. "My neck…"

Catherine quickly found a chair at the desk and noticed a small stack of forensics textbooks on the desk, "UNLV said I could continue my studies distance learning until I was well enough to return to campus," Colin said, seeing her looking at the books. "

Nodding, Catherine sighed, "All right," she replied softly. "Start at the beginning."

"I was outside walking around with that orderly last night when James and Darin suddenly jumped the fence," Colin spoke softly. "I thought they were in jail."

Catherine frowned, "James and Darin who were arrested during the pilot program and had a brief stay in a hospital jail ward?" she asked softly. "As far as I know, they're both supposed to be in jail for trying to kill Greg Sanders. How can they be out?"

Colin gestured to his phone, which was cracked and resting on the bedside table, "I videoed them before they got me," he replied weakly. "It's broken, but…"

Catherine pulled some gloves from her pocket and put them on before taking the phone, "Do you mind if I borrow this?" she asked kindly. "I'll give it back."

Colin shrugged, "Thank you," Catherine replied. "Do you need anything else?"

"Um, does Ryan work with you guys still?" Colin asked quietly. "And John?"

Catherine shook her head, "John went home to finish school and Ryan resigned before going back to Miami," she explained softly. "Why?"

"I knew that Lieutenant Caine wrote a victim impact statement in support of me avoiding jail, but I only just learned that Ryan and John Boscorelli wrote letters to the university and LVPD that I be allowed to continue my studies while recovering," Colin replied softly. "I…I don't want to see Jill or her kid ever again so…"

Catherine frowned, but said nothing, "I don't even know if the kid is mine or Ray Caine's, but I don't want a family," Colin replied. "Mine was too messed up. I asked Ryan Wolfe to make sure Jill was safe and I really hope she's safe and happy."

"I'm sorry," Catherine found herself saying. "I didn't know you went through all that."

Colin nodded as he yawned, "Get some rest," Catherine said as she got up. "Okay?"

Floored by all the information, Catherine left the room and found that D.B. and Ray had left. She went back into the front room and saw that Grissom had vanished.

"Catherine, Grissom had business back at the office," Nick spoke up as he came in from the courtyard. "I took photos and Ray's collecting the evidence..."

Nodding, Catherine sighed and tried to figure out what to do with Colin's information.

Miami, Florida

"Jesse, we found your prints on a note that Rick left behind in Detective Caine's basement," Calleigh spoke in a soft voice as she sat across the table from Jesse in an interview room where Robert was also present. "Can you explain that?"

Jesse sighed and shook his head, "I honestly can't," he replied softly. "It's not safe."

Robert frowned, "What do you mean by that?" he asked sternly. "Not safe?"

"I can't disclose anything more than Rick is safe right now, but if you keep poking around without his permission, that could change," Jesse replied in a calm, but firm voice, his expression serious. "He doesn't want to endanger Natalia or your kids."

Robert froze, "Something happened when he was being held hostage," he realized in an anxious voice. "He remembered something to that effect and disappeared…"

Jesse sighed, "If the lab goes snooping around, it will lead to serious trouble," he insisted, unaware that Horatio was watching them. "Just leave it alone, please."

"What's going on in here?" Horatio asked as he came in. "An interview?"

Calleigh sighed, "Detective Caine found evidence that Jesse helped Sergeant Stetler relocate to an unknown place in Miami and is refusing to give information," she said.

Horatio looked at Jesse expectantly, "I see," he replied softly. "And why is that?"

"If you want your answers, Sergeant Stetler is in his office," Jesse replied simply.

Horatio nodded, "Bobby, isn't Detective Tripp waiting for you?" he asked softly.

Understanding himself to be dismissed because his uncle wanted to look into the situation personally, Robert nodded and quietly left, "Calleigh, there have been reports of robberies in Calle Ocho and I need you to go look into that," Horatio spoke in a quiet voice. "Talk among the officers that respond is that it's Dan, Valera, Ivan Sarnoff, and others who run with McKeen committing the robberies and I can't…"

Calleigh nodded, "Are Speedle or Eric available to take with me?" she asked softly.

"Speedle took a personal day today to look at schools for his children," Horatio spoke quietly, sighing. "Eric or Walter should be around. Please, Calleigh, be careful."

Jesse quietly dismissed himself, but Horatio said nothing to him, "I've been told by the chief that it's not recommended that I go into the field for cases that may involve McKeen or his minions," Horatio spoke softly. "In case they try it again."

Calleigh nodded, "I heard Speedle moved recently," she spoke softly. "I know that James suffered brain damage when he was with Bernard and it can't be easy…"

"James is having trouble adjusting to the move and his parents decided to take him and his siblings to the Family Centre for the day to see if it would help," Horatio spoke quietly. "I would like you to go there and keep an eye for anything unusual…"

Calleigh frowned, "Should I take Eric with me, then?" she asked. "Familiarity?"

"I need to take Walter with me to visit Ryan and Natalia has the day off," Horatio replied softly. "I feel like Jesse should stay as close to Rick as possible."

Calleigh nodded, "I'll check it out," she replied. "I hope Ryan is doing okay."

"So do I," Horatio replied softly before walking off towards the elevators.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"It's very clean here, Gil," Ellen Seville's voice spoke as Grissom sat at his desk in his office at the lab. "Riker's was so dirty and I couldn't hear myself think or feel good."

Grissom sighed calmly, "I'm glad you like it," he replied softly. "Is it helping?"

Just then, Sara came into the office and paused at seeing Grissom on the phone, "Oh, Gil, it's doing wonders for my mind and I'm so glad you arranged it," Sara heard an enthusiastic female voice speak on the other end. "How are you paying for this?"

"You just worry on healing your body and mind, Ellen," Grissom replied gently.

Sara frowned and took a seat on the couch, wondering why Grissom was on the phone with Greg's birth mother, "I have to go for now," Grissom said calmly. "Talk soon."

"Why were you on the phone with Greg's birth mother?" Sara asked softly as she hung up the phone. "I thought you were coming home after shift?"

Grissom sighed, "We got a call-out to a mental hospital and I got called out of that to talk to Ellen," he explained anxiously. "She's adjusting to her new environment."

"Isn't she supposed to be in Riker's Island for dealing drugs?" Sara asked quietly.

Grissom stood up, "I managed to get that sentence commuted to a mental health facility on the grounds that Cathal Finney was a corrupt cop and that he used his power to coerce Ellen into giving up three children under threat of severe harm," he explained in a quiet voice. "I'm working on trying to get a settlement for Greg and his family and I'm also trying to get money for Danielle Boscorelli and Danny Messer…"

"She has no connection to you," Sara spoke softly. "Is this why you've been at the office so much when you're off? First, you engage with Lady Heather and now…"

Grissom scoffed, "That was before we were together and I haven't seen her since the therapy session I had while you were in Miami," he replied crossly. "I had heard about you rescuing Rick Stetler on the news and I was feeling threatened…"

Sara's eyes widened, "So you went to Lady Heather?" she asked in an upset voice.

"We had tea and conversation," Grissom snapped. "That's all. I arranged for Ellen's sentence to be commuted because she wrote Greg in despair and he asked me to."

Sara, however, said nothing and merely folded her arms, "I feel like I'm raising Danielle and Gregory completely on my own," she finally said coldly. "They're really smart, smart enough for daycare, but I'm on my own since your mom's away…"

"I started Victims Assistance because I felt powerless after Cathal and Ellen forced me into giving Greg up for adoption," Grissom spoke calmly. "I felt that if I could help…"

Ecklie suddenly came into the doorway, "Grissom, I thought you were going to keep better tabs on those who were involved in that pilot program so we'd know where to send the settlement money when the schools stop screaming at us," he said sternly. "I just got a call from Catherine that James Scott and Darin Mitchell were involved in the murder of an orderly and the assault of Colin Jamison at a mental hospital…"

Grissom frowned, "Catherine tried to call you, but she called me when you didn't answer her phone," Ecklie spoke sternly. "McKeen still has friends in law enforcement and James and Darin got released. I sent a car over to check on Greg and his family just in case, but those two could be anywhere in the region by now. Colin opened up to Catherine and gave her video he shot of them doing their deed."

Ecklie nodded, stunned that Catherine had managed to get through to Colin Jamison despite his mental issues, "Oh, Grissom, I didn't want to mention this in front of Catherine," he spoke in a low voice. "McKeen also had his friends get Sam Braun's sentence commuted to within city limits with a curfew attached. I don't want Catherine or her kids visiting him because we don't know where McKeen is."

"Sam Braun is free?" Catherine asked, having overheard Ecklie as she came to Grissom's office to hand in some overdue reports. "I come back from visiting my lawyer about my divorce and I hear you say that Sam's out of prison?"

Ecklie scoffed, "Don't go visiting him," he replied in a warning voice.

"I don't even care about visiting him," Catherine replied coldly, her expression angry. "Sam was responsible for what happened to my son and he probably knows where McKeen is, but won't share. I just want my children and my soon to be ex safe."

Ecklie sighed, "Catherine, calm down," he replied quietly. "Arranging protection for Lenny and Lindsey will be easy enough, but arranging protection for Rick falls under Grissom's wheelhouse because he's head of Victims Assistance..."

Catherine sighed heavily, "I'm not sure that Rick trusts Grissom or Vegas," she replied.

"Sort it out on your own time," Ecklie snapped as he left. "Not on county time."

Catherine scoffed and left, leaving Sara and Grissom alone, "I...Sara, can we talk about things later?" Grissom asked softly. "It seems I have work messes to deal with."

Sara sighed, but nodded and silently left, deeply hurt that Grissom was seemingly making time for everything and everyone but her, Gregory, and Danielle.

Miami, Florida

The address Emily had given him was just outside of the downtown core in a gated community that was near a safe area of beach. Horatio found himself surprised at the multi-level condo that was gated and had every amenity that one could ask for.

Thoughts of Sofia filled Horatio's mind as he knocked on the front door after being buzzed in. Talking could be heard through the door as well as television noises.

"Hello, Lieutenant Caine," Diana spoke warmly as she opened the door.

Horatio sighed calmly, "I thought I might visit with Ryan," he replied softly.

Diana looked over Horatio's shoulder and saw Walter lingering on the sidewalk, "Ryan's inside," she explained calmly. "Won't you both come in?"

Horatio and Walter complied and they were led to the living room where Ryan was relaxing on a couch with an arm around Carlos, who was playing with a toy.

"We moved recently to a bigger house since we asked Ryan and Carlos to live with us," Diana explained calmly. "I was in my office working on a case..."

Ryan woke and sighed at seeing Horatio and Walter, "Hi," he spoke softly.

Horatio and Walter sat in chairs, "I'll be in my office if you need anything, Ryan," Diana spoke kindly as she left the room to go back to working on her case.

"How are you feeling, Ryan?" Horatio asked softly, seeing that Ryan was tired.

Ryan sighed, "I'm over the withdrawals and double pnuemonia, but I still have to go to physio for my body and leg," he replied softly. "I heard you visited..."

"I did, but you were asleep when I did," Horatio replied softly. "Ryan, I wanted to show you something that Sofia wrote me shortly before the incident in Vegas."

Ryan nodded and Horatio got the letters out of his jacket, sighing as he handed the letters to Ryan. Ryan silently read the letters and sighed heavily, tears filling his eyes.

"I...Grissom sort of broke me of knowing that I can be a CSI," Ryan finally spoke in a quiet voice, looking up from the letters. "I resigned before Atwater had the chance to fire me for the way I handled finding you. I involved the pilot program students..."

Horatio frowned, "I was angry that Grissom didn't take responsibility for asking me to involve the students," Ryan replied softly. "He simply hung me out to dry."

"Well, I wanted to ask you if you would consider coming back to do work for us in the lab a few hours a week once you're able," Horatio spoke softly. "I won't force you to agree, but I'd like you to know that there options out there now that you're home."

Ryan sighed heavily, "I'll think about it," he replied quietly. "I really will."

Horatio nodded and rose, "I'll let you rest," he replied, sensing that his and Walter's presence was making Ryan uneasy. "You know how to contact me if..."

Ryan nodded and was quiet as Walter and Horatio dismissed themselves. Once he was alone, he gently cuddled Carlos and allowed tears to stream down his pale face.

Calle Ocho Family Centre

Silence greeted Calleigh and Eric as they entered the Family Centre and they quickly noticed James and Julliet asleep on mats in the play area while Emily sat in a beanbag chair with Jesse and a book in her lap. To their amusement, Tim was asleep on another pile of mats, "They look pretty safe to me," Eric spoke in a quiet voice, smiling.

The door to the kitchen suddenly opened and a pregnant waitress with black hair that was streaked blonde came out carrying a basket of chicken tenders and cucumbers. She set the basket on a table and walked over to Tim, Emily, and their kids.

"Your lunch is ready, sir," the waitress spoke softly. "Tony and Anthony cooked it."

Tim smiled and got up, "Thanks," he replied quietly. "James, Julliet, lunch time."

Julliet got up, but James remained asleep. Tim gently picked James up off the mat and he woke, "It's time for lunch, buddy," he spoke softly, spotting Eric and Calleigh.

"Horatio said you were here today and he sent us to make sure you and your family were doing okay," Calleigh spoke up nervously. "You and Emily seem okay."

Jesse suddenly yawned and fell asleep, so Emily set the book aside and got up with him in her arms, "I can eat something now that Jesse's asleep," she spoke as she put Jesse in his carrier. "We've been having some late nights lately cause of the move."

"Where did y'all move, anyway?" Calleigh asked softly, smiling at Emily.

Emily sighed, "Not far from Tim's parents," she replied calmly. "It's got a yard..."

Eric watched as Tim sat at the table with James on his lap while Julliet sat beside them, "James seems very attached to Speedle," he observed quietly. "How old is he?"

"Nearly five," Emily replied patiently. "He's been having trouble adjusting to the move and we're doing what we can to help him. He'll also need a special school..."

Tears filled Emily's eyes, but she brushed them away and looked at the waitress, "Jill, are you wanting help setting up the area you and Tony are using for the wedding?" she asked in a concerned voice. "It's just a few days away and you need help..."

"I think my mother is coming over here after she and my father oversee the shift change at the casino," Jill replied nervously. "They just opened a few weeks ago and there are kinks to work out. I need to run to class later, anyway, so it can wait..."

Calleigh paused, as she suddenly wondered if this Jill was the same Jill who was involved in keeping after Horatio during his time as a captive in Vegas and had testified in court against Jeffrey McKeen, "I need to get ready for class," Jill said softly, suddenly noticing Calleigh studying her. "I already told Anthony and Tony..."

Emily nodded and Jill quickly retreated into the kitchen. Eric suddenly retreated to the bathroom and Emily sighed, "You can tell Horatio that we're fine and that he's also welcome to visit the center if he'd like," she spoke softly. "In fact...he should."

Calleigh nodded, "How's Ryan doing?" she asked softly. "I heard he was released."

"He and Carlos are staying with Tommy and Diana right now," Emily explained in a quiet voice, her expression concerned. "He almost died again..."

Calleigh looked worried, "Do you think he might like a Southern meal?" she asked softly. "I can make him something and see that it gets over to Tommy's."

"That's very kind of you to offer," Emily replied softly. "Thank you."

Just then, Eric returned from the bathroom after discreetly taking medication to stabilize his moods, "Would you both like some lunch?" Emily asked gently.

"While we're here, we're wondering if you heard anything about robberies in this area?" Eric asked quietly. "We heard that McKeen and his crew might be around..."

Emily nodded, "There has been talk among the merchants who supply fresh stuff to the restaurant," she replied softly. "Nothing of any real value is taken; just food, supplies, and whatever's in the registers after closing. I can't help but wonder if they're just reminding Horatio that they're still here. That's just me talking, however..."

Eric looked serious, "Do you have a list of the places hit?" he asked softly. "Horatio just sent us here without anything. It would help if we knew who to talk to..."

While Emily and Eric talked, as Calleigh wanted Eric to practice field investigations on his own and re-develop diplomatic skills, Calleigh wandered over to the table where Tim was eating with James and Julliet, "Hi," she said in a cheery voice.

"Hey Calleigh," Tim spoke warmly. "I know what Horatio told you, but..."

Calleigh nodded, "He also told me the truth," she replied softly. "It's all right."

Tim sighed, but Eric returned before he could respond, "We gotta go," Eric said.

"See ya," Tim replied softly, waving as Eric and Calleigh left the family centre.

Manhattan, New York

The diner was quiet and empty, but John was there and quietly sitting in a corner booth while he used his laptop to work on the recently created social media page so Christine could have some customers. Facebook and social media in general was a new thing, but he knew that Christine needed promotion to help the business grow.

"I wish I had more for you to do today," Christine spoke in a warm voice as she came out of the kitchen with two green teas and set them on the table. "It's a bit slow."

John sighed, "School's done for the day, Caira's still in class til late, and my family's busy with their own stuff," he explained softly. "My advisor says that NYPD wants to put me in a precinct and that LVPD and MDPD want to give me bravery awards..."

Christine smiled, but she looked concerned that John wasn't excited, "My dad's in a precinct and he'd be proud of me, but I'm a bit young to start in a precinct," John spoke anxiously. "I also have issues I need to work out with what happened..."

"I did hear about Sofia Wolfe's death and I'm sorry," Christine replied softly.

John nodded, "McKeen gave me the chance to leave that warehouse alone, but I didn't take it," he explained softly. "And I pretended to be Ryan Wolfe because Sofia was asking where he was and she was too sick to know that he wasn't there..."

Christine looked thoughtful, "The media never said that," she spoke softly, sitting.

"Because Catherine wouldn't let Grissom or Ecklie release that detail to the media even though it's in the police reports," John replied quietly. "There was a tape, but the sound was so choppy that nobody knows what was said outside of the lab..."

Christine sighed, "Before I went to Vegas, I worked for Detective Taylor part time and he didn't let me do everything, but I learned enough to know how to hold my own at a scene," John spoke softly. "He referred me to the pilot project and reassured me that the second best lab in the country would be the best place for me to learn the job..."

John exhaled anxiously, "I'm sorry, you don't need to hear how angry I am at Grissom for letting things get so out of control," he apologized. "I've been through a lot."

"You were kidnapped twice," Christine reasoned gently. "You're allowed to be angry, especially since one of the other hostages died. You chose to have compassion and that's not a bad thing. I'm sure Ryan was very grateful for your help with Sofia..."

John sighed, "I can't help but wonder, though, if I'm doing enough to be a good person," he spoke quietly. "I've thought of writing Ryan and Horatio dozens of times. I really haven't even spoken to Mac much since I got home from Vegas..."

"Mac Taylor?" Christine asked softly, smiling. "I haven't heard that name in a while."

John suddenly realized that Christine somehow knew Mac, "Um, he might be on social media," he replied. "I'm on there anyway and I could look..."

Christine nodded and John offered her the laptop, "Perhaps you could invest in some self-care?" she asked in a kind voice as she logged into Facebook and looked Mac up.

John nodded, "I found him," Christine replied softly as she clicked 'Add Friend.'

Las Vegas, Nevada

The sight of Sara sitting in the corner with Gregory and Danielle, both of whom were over-developed for their age, prompted Greg to stop in his tracks. He had come to the daycare to enroll Matthew and Jessica so that Jenny could have a break for rest and online classes and was satisfied that they would be all right. Sara, however, looked tired and there seemed to be no sign of Grissom anywhere: was he at the lab again?

"Sara?"

Sara looked up and was surprised to see Greg there, "Hey," she spoke softly.

"I didn't know your kids were old enough for daycare?" Greg asked kindly.

Sara sighed, "Grissom's mother is travelling and Grissom works nights, so it's not all the time," she replied softly. "It's only when I have things to do while Grissom works, but he seems to be working more and more. He also does other work..."

"I asked him to put my birth mother in a mental health facility," Greg admitted softly, his expression worried. "We write, but her letters stress me out. I'm hoping the facility will help and I hope the condition we offered Derek's lawyer will also help us..."

Greg sighed, "Jenny and I talked and we, through our lawyer, decided to offer Derek and Emily supervised visitation on the condition that they complete parenting classes," he explained softly. "If they do them, they'd come to Vegas to visit..."

Sara frowned, "Greg, did you ask Grissom to phone your birth mother weekly to check how things are going?" she asked softly. "Grissom implied that you did..."

"No, I keep in touch with Ellen through letters," Greg replied in a confused, concerned voice. "I phone Danielle sometimes, but Danny doesn't keep in touch very much and I get that. He didn't seem overly keen on the fact that he had extra siblings and Doctor Kessler advised me to take the communication slowly..."

Sara nodded, realizing that Grissom was keeping in touch with people like Ellen Seville and Lady Heather because he wanted to and not for business. Greg sighed.

"Now that the kids are enrolled, I should get home," Greg replied in a patient voice.

Again, Sara nodded and gathered Gregory and Danielle before leaving the daycare in silence. She loaded the vehicle and then drove back to her home in silence.

Manhattan, New York

Carlos sighed heavily as he sat down on a chair in the exam room, his hand holding tight to a cane that he now used after progressing enough in rehabilitation to ditch the wheelchair. Holly was off the street and serving as an instructor for EMS while Tommy and Kylie were in school and she was home when they were all home.

Dr. Pride offered a reassuring smile as she sat down across from him, "The tumors weren't cancerous, but I want you to keep going to rehab," she explained in a quiet voice. "Don't worry about work or anything else. Just focus on you.."

Carlos nodded as he let out a relieved sigh, "Thank you," he replied softly.

Dr. Pride nodded and helped Carlos get up, "I wish you were taking on more patients besides me because you really are skilled," he spoke softly. "You're a good doctor."

"Thank you, but I also acted in breach of the law and I have to face the consequences for that," Dr. Pride replied as she opened the door and found Holly sitting in a chair, her pregnancy beginning to show. "You should tell your wife the good news."

Carlos went to Holly and Dr. Pride took the chart with her as she went down the hallway. The chart, with Carlos's permission, would now be submitted as evidence as to her fitness as a physician. The trial for her would be in May as far as she knew.

"Doktor Pride?" a feminine Russian accent suddenly spoke. "How are you?"

Dr. Pride turned and saw a very pregnant Anya coming off the elevator, "Anya, how are you doing?" she asked in a worried voice. "You look a bit tired..."

Anya sighed, "I vas just here to see how ze baby is," she replied softly. "I am going to get a cab to Pavel's warehouse and then go to see Mama. How are you doing?"

Before Dr. Pride could reply, Detective Angell came into view, "Ready?" she asked.

"Could we do a favor for Anya first?" Dr. Pride asked in a worried voice.

Detective Angell hesitated briefly, but eventually nodded and offered a smile.

"It's not our fault that Colin Jamison knows how to fight!" James Scott whined as he followed an irritated looking Ivan into the large common area within a luxury apartment in the industrial district of New York where Clavo was smoking a cigar. "I thought we'd kill him too!"

Ivan scoffed, "You idiots weren't even supposed to kill that orderly!" he snapped, his expression angry as he looked at James. "You were supposed to grab Colin for torture and you messed up! It's a good thing you two were able to fly out as fast as you did!"

"Colin's weak," James hissed coldly. "Can I have a cigar too?"

McKeen scoffed as he suddenly strode into the room holding Darin Mitchell by his shirt collar and threw him on the carpet, "We're done in Vegas for now because of what you did!" he hissed coldly. "You probably left your prints all over the place!"

"I thought you were mad at some chick from New York!" Darin hissed. "What were we even doing in Las Vegas? I thought you wanted to kidnap someone from here to force some jag in Miami to come out of hiding! What exactly are we doing?!"

McKeen swore, "You two are going to put on disguises and go over to Pavel LaRusso's company posing as customers," he hissed coldly. "You'll wait until his back is turned and then you'll grab him. I want him back here alive at any cost."

"And what is the purpose of kidnapping Pavel LaRusso?" James asked. "He's..."

McKeen glared at him, "He's told the police I was behind the kidnapping and torture of Horatio Caine," he hissed coldly. "I'm wanted for multiple gruesome offenses against Horatio and I'm also wanted for Sofia Wolfe's death. Pavel was on my side until it meant losing everything his daddy gave him. Anya's just as bad, however..."

Ivan quickly retrieved nice suits, wigs, and sunglasses from a closet in the corner of the room and James and Darin quickly disguised themselves. McKeen gave them the address on a slip of paper and waved them off, a menacing expression on his face. They grabbed two lethal looking weapons and a few smoke bombs before leaving the safety of the building, as they would need to get away without being followed.

"What are you doing?" John heard a quiet voice ask as he came out of his studio apartment/bedroom after taking his blankets to the single bed that was in there.

John sighed as he saw his mother come into the house with David, Ellie, and Ray Jr. in tow. His grandmother was still at work and his grandfather had been babysitting Michael, Emily, and Nicolas, but all of them were currently having a nap.

"I'm moving some things into the studio apartment," John replied in a quiet voice, his expression calm. "I decided to do that because I need time for self-care and time to process certain things. David's getting older and I know he'd be happy with his own room. I'll hang with the family still, but I also will want some personal space."

Danielle smiled, "I think that's a good idea," she replied calmly. "I'm glad you're actually taking time for yourself. That's why your grandpa gave you that studio."

"I like having my own room," Ellie spoke softly. "It lets me think a lot."

David sighed, "If Maritza comes back, I'll have to share with Mikey," he said softly.

"David, I know you miss Maritza, but don't talk like that in front of your dad because it hurts him to think about her a lot," Danielle spoke gently. "Need help, John?"

John sighed, "Actually, I'm a little tired, so I might go have a nap," he replied softly.

"David, Ellie, Ray, do your homework," Danielle instructed softly as John silently went into his studio apartment and closed the door so he could rest in quiet.

"You seem deestracted," Stella heard a quiet voice speak as she sat at a table in the main warehouse, silently going over the budget for the rest of the year. "Vat ees it?"

Stella looked up to see Pavel lingering with a clipboard in hand, "Oh, sorry, I know these need to get done," she replied softly. "I was just thinking about Horatio down in Miami. We spent Christmas together, but then he had to go home and back to work..."

Pavel nodded, but before he could reply, the doors opened and Dr. Pride came into the warehouse helping Anya walk while Detective Angell trailed behind, "Anya, you should be resting," Pavel spoke worriedly. "How vas ze appointment for ze baby?"

"The baby's growing quite well," Anya replied softly. "How's the business?"

Pavel smiled, but he was cut off by the sound of tires squealing. Angell drew her gun, unsure of what was happening, but feeling uneasy about the sudden noise.

The doors to the warehouse suddenly burst open and the disguised James and Darin burst in with a backup guy at their heels, as McKeen didn't trust them to execute plans successfully without supervision, "NYPD!" Angell shouted, aiming her gun at them. "I'm Detective Angell of the NYPD and you'd better stop or I'll shoot!"

Without warning, James, Darin, and their third started shooting their weapons everywhere, prompting Pavel to pull Anya to the floor. As he ran for the phone, one of the bullets hit him in the stomach and he collapsed to the floor. Angell fired at the third and immediately downed him before shooting at James and Darin.

"Dude, there's a cop here!" James shouted over the shooting. "Let's go!"

Darin swore, pulled the smoke devices out of his pocket, and threw them at the group to keep them from following. As the place filled with smoke, he and James escaped.

Dr. Pride quickly checked Anya, but she shakily managed to get up and screamed when she saw that Pavel was injured. Stella hurried over to Pavel, as did Dr. Pride and Anya, "I'll call 9-1-1," Stella spoke anxiously, pulling her cell out. "And the lab."

Dr. Pride, meanwhile had unbuttoned Pavel's shirt and saw that he had been hit in the stomach. She quickly took off her jacket and began to do what she could for him.

Nearly two hours later, crime scene tape blocked off the building from public entry and police, paramedics, and CSI's were everywhere. Clavo's residence wasn't far from there and so McKeen found himself watching the scene on television with disgust.

Once James and Darin had returned without the third man and bleeding from bullets, McKeen and Ivan had rushed them down to the docks where Clavo's yacht waited in hiding. Clavo had reluctantly packed and had summoned a medic to join them.

"What happened there?!" McKeen asked coldly as he turned to the seats where James and Darin were seated, both of them sporting bandages that covered bullet wounds.

James sighed, "Pavel wasn't alone is what happened," he replied shakily. "That Doctor Pride lady was there and his super pregnant sister was also hanging around..."

"And Detective Angell from NYPD!" Darin whined. "And some curly haired chick!"

McKeen's eyes narrowed, as he realized that Stella Bonasera must have been there, "Detective Angell?" he asked in a cold voice. "That name sounds very familiar..."

James responded by groaning and laying on the seat, the pain medication he was given finally taking effect. Ivan came into the cabin looking somewhat relieved.

"The captain can take the yacht to Miami," Ivan spoke. "Clavo misses home."

McKeen nodded, "I want this Detective Angell dealt with," he hissed angrily.

"I got guys who can do it," Ivan promised anxiously. "But I'm sure Dan and Valera and the guys down south want to be included. We're drawing too much attention to ourselves right now and we need to go quiet. Why not wait until the trials?"

McKeen sighed heavily, "Kidnapping the LaRusso brat has clearly failed and we need to go to Miami to regroup," he snapped coldly, scowling. "Tell the captain to set sail."

"I...I vas very fortunate zat eet vas not worse," Pavel spoke weakly as he lay in a hospital bed, several hours after the shooting with bandages covering his wounds.

Mac, who had followed the ambulance to the hospital, nodded calmly, "It's a good thing Doctor Pride was there and was able to help," he replied simply. "You..."

"She helped me and I am very glad zat Anya was not hurt," Pavel replied weakly. "I recognized ze boys from Vegas and I am sure zat Jeffrey McKeen sent zem to punish me for talking to ze police about Horatio Caine. I am feeling scared for my life."

Mac nodded and Pavel sighed, "Anya is resting with Mama now, but zey are scared for me and vant me to contact Bobby een Miami for help," Pavel spoke quietly, the pain medication beginning to make him sleepy. "I would not mind, but I am sure zat Horatio Caine remembers vat ve did and he vould probably razzer see us dead."

"I'm not sure Lieutenant Caine is a vengeful man," Mac replied simply.

Pavel sighed weakly, "You may reach out to zem if you weesh," he replied sleepily.

Mac sighed and left the room so Pavel could rest, cursing only when the door was closed and the uniform guarding the door could hear him, "Detective, I know I may have breached condition to save Pavel, but I accept that," Dr. Pride's voice spoke.

"How long have you been there?" Mac asked as he turned to see Dr. Pride sitting with Detective Angell on a row of plastic chairs. "Did you get checked out by anyone?"

Dr. Pride sighed, "I'm physically fine, but I'm sure they were not expecting me or anyone else to be there," she spoke softly. "McKeen wants Pavel LaRusso dead."

Mac made a mental note to contact Detective Caine as soon as possible about the situation.

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