One Week Later

Austin, Texas

"...You must be out of your mind if you think I'll be accepting their terms," Emily heard an upset voice speak as she came into the house with grocery bags. "Tell their lawyer thanks, but we want to go to court and prove that we are fit for Jessica…"

A scoff filled the air, followed by a beep, "Derek?" Emily called out anxiously.

Derek sighed as he came into view, "Hey there, babe," he spoke in a tired voice as he took some of the bags from Emily. "My family's lawyer called and said Greg and Jenny want to offer supervised visitation in Vegas if we take parenting classes…"

Emily frowned, "What, they think like my mom?" she asked bitterly. "My mom wouldn't even let me visit Alex unless I went back to rehab. I was clean…"

"Your mom sounds like a real drag," Derek hissed coldly. "That sucks."

Emily sighed, "I love you and I love being here with you, but I miss Alex," she replied in a quiet, somber voice. "I'd do anything to get him back."

Derek gave her a look, "Would you help me get my daughter back?" he asked in an intrigued voice. "We communicate through lawyers, so I have no idea where…"

"Wouldn't your brother in Vegas know?" Emily asked softly. "Nick, right?"

Derek shrugged, "He didn't come to the wedding cause he's always wrapped up with work," he replied softly, a pouty expression on his face. "Neither did Candace."

"I'm sorry," Emily replied softly. "Can I do anything to help?"

Derek nodded, a gleam in his eye, "I can help you get your son back if you help me with my daughter," he said quietly. "It could take some time to hire some help to go find Nick and get the truth out of him, but if you help me…I'll take you to Alex."

"Alex is your son," Emily replied softly. "I'd love for you to meet him, but the only help I know is this cop named McKeen. I helped him beat up this nosy lady…"

Derek looked amused at the mention of McKeen, "I have this card he gave me, but I don't know if he'd talk to me since I left before we could get after John Boscorelli for abandoning our friendship," Emily spoke softly. "He and I were friends, but he moved on to this chick from Vegas and they're very close. He left me alone with my pain…"

"Maybe McKeen will be nice," Derek replied gently, smirking. "Just call him."

Emily nodded and got the card out of her pocket after setting the groceries on a table, sighing as she went over to the phone. She dialed McKeen's number and waited.

Within seconds, McKeen answered and Emily began to speak before she lost courage.


Miami, Florida

"...Another body was found this morning in Calle Ocho in the market park," a voice spoke over the TV that was blaring in the room where Detective Caine was now recuperating after spending two days in SICU and the other five in the ICU.

Robert slept, his battered body kept pain free and at rest through meds, blood bags, and fluids, but Natalia was awake and feeling guilty. She had spent the last week caring for BJ, Maggie, and Adam when they weren't at school and being at the hospital with her husband when they were. She was doing her best, but she felt guilty.

During that same week, a different body had been found in Calle Ocho each night and Horatio had been putting Calleigh, Eric, Walter, Alexx, and Danny through their paces as they struggled to solve this latest string of killings. The MDPD was stretched thin and Natalia was very tempted to ask Flack for more help so she could return to work. Flack usually stayed at night or when she and Horatio couldn't be there.

Ryan hadn't returned to the building since the shooting and Natalia completely understood why he hadn't. The shooting had traumatized everyone and although Jesse and Speed were out of the hospital, they were now at their homes recovering and working on protecting themselves and anyone who was near and dear to them.

The image of Calleigh and Danny working at the scene suddenly appeared on the screen and Natalia turned the TV off, "…Talia?" a groggy voice suddenly spoke.

Natalia turned towards the bed and smiled when she saw Robert awake, "Hi," he spoke in a groggy voice. "It's good to see you, but you look so tired…"

"I've had rest," Natalia replied as she kissed Robert's face. "How do you feel?"

Robert sighed weakly, "I vaguely heard people say they got the bullet out, but it did damage to my lumbar artery and insides," he replied softly. "I'll be here a month?"

Natalia nodded and sighed, "I'm in it for the long haul, babe," she spoke softly. "I know you might worry I'll leave, but I made a promise when we got married…"

"I never had doubts," Robert replied softly. "You're a very tough chick."

Natalia leaned over the bed and kissed Robert on the lips, relieved when he weakly returned the kiss, "I wish we could do more," Robert spoke in a weak voice. "Soon."

A knocking sound filled the air, "We interrupting something?" a drawl asked.

Robert and Natalia looked over at the door, surprised and pleased to see Tripp and Flack at the door, bags in both of their hands, "Hi," Robert spoke weakly.

"How you feeling, buddy?" Flack spoke in a kind voice. "I brought you smoothies."

Robert exhaled softly, "Better check with my doctor to see if I'm actually allowed to down them yet," he spoke weakly. "Frank, I'm assuming you want a statement?"

"If you're feeling up to it, yeah," Frank replied softly. "Are you?"

Robert sighed weakly, "No and I also heard someone died…" he spoke softly.

"It wasn't anyone we know," Tripp replied calmly. "It was a Mala Noche."

Natalia suddenly yawned, "Talia, go home and sleep," Robert spoke weakly. "Please? I'm pretty sure Donnie came all the way from New York to help."

"Okay," Natalia replied softly, kissing his face. "I'll be back when school's out."

Once Natalia was gone, Flack sat on the couch and Tripp sat near the bed, "All right, Bobby, tell me what you can remember about the shooting," he said softly.


Las Vegas, Nevada

"...No, Rick is staying with Brass and I took Lenny's things over there a few days ago," Grissom heard Catherine say in a quiet voice. "They'll leave when Rick is better…"

Sighing, Grissom came into the conference room and saw that Catherine, Nick, Greg, Sara, Ray, Morgan, Hodges, Henry, and a few other lab techs were in the room, "I'm glad you all were able to drop what you were doing and come in for a meeting…"

Greg sighed and Nick merely looked annoyed, as he had left Parker with a babysitter for the night and he was anxious to get the unfamiliar presence away from his son, "I've decided to move on from CSI and go into victims advocacy and teaching full-time," Grissom announced softly, his expression neutral. "I've already arranged with Ecklie for Catherine to become supervisor and for Hodges to get his Level 1."

Catherine sighed, as she had been told in confidence about what was going to happen and she now felt relief that Lenny was going to be with his father so she would have one less thing to worry about, "You're quitting?" Sara asked softly, frowning.

"I thought I discussed it with you," Grissom replied, realizing that he actually hadn't.

Exchanging a look, Nick and Greg quickly hightailed it out of the room and Catherine, Ray, Hodges, Henry, and the other techs followed. Grissom sat next to Sara.

Sara shook her head, "My heart's just not with this job anymore," Grissom said softly.

"Is your heart with your family or just this other work?" Sara asked softly.

Grissom frowned, "I had tea and conversation with Lady Heather and she helped me realize that I need to follow my passion, which is why I'm leaving," he replied softly. "I dived into the sciences after I lost Greg and I let it rule my life for so long…"

"Lady Heather?" Sara asked coldly, frowning. "Don't you dare blame Greg for you going to Lady Heather for advice when you and I are supposed to be married…"

Grissom sighed, but said nothing, "You haven't been emotionally faithful or open with me in at least six months," Sara spoke coldly. "Do you love me anymore? I haven't seen you spend a lot of time with the kids either in the last six months and even when Ryan was in charge of the students, you ran roughshot over him…"

"Ryan had OCD and struggled with the simplest of instructions, so I had to constantly make sure he wasn't going to screw something up," Grissom replied. "Maybe if he had calmed down and been less overzealous, he and Sofia wouldn't have ended up…"

Sara scoffed, "That was not Ryan's fault and he was a good CSI," she replied in an upset voice, glaring daggers at her husband. "CSI's are only as good as their supervisor and you are the reason he took off out of here without any notice."

"Look, I don't have time to argue all day with you," Grissom replied in a cross voice as he stepped back. "I'm going to be travelling all over the country to check on people utilizing the Victims Assistance system and I'm also going to be teaching…"

As Grissom stormed out, Sara gazed at the table, her grief over his decision very deep.


Miami, Florida

It appeared they had stumbled on a family dinner, Darin thought as he and James entered the place that William and Victoria Adams owned and saw Jill sitting with an older man and woman in one of the restaurants. It would be an easy robbery after all.

Valera and Dan were usually the ones to do the robberies for supplies, as they used to work in the Crime Lab and they could work quickly, but James and Darin had found themselves tired of being lackeys. They wanted to prove they were capable of more.

"...Where is that husband of yours, Jillian?" William asked coldly as the waitstaff left to fill their orders. "I did say that I wanted both of you to come to lunch today."

Jill sighed, "Tony's still in school and he's helping his class cater the Convocation banquet today," she explained softly. "It'll help him be able to graduate next year."

"And you're still working on being a cop?" William asked quietly. "Even after…"

Jill nodded, "I graduated yesterday from the Criminal Justice program and I might do a Master's in something that will allow me to stay home and care for this baby when it's born," she replied softly, rubbing her stomach. "Besides, I'm not sure what law enforcement agency would hire me after Grissom threw me out of the project. I admit I got a little carried away asking questions, but they gave others a chance…"

"Grissom was an idiot and I'm very glad Ryan Wolfe was able to help Conrad Ecklie give you credit work despite that," William replied softly. "You're a good girl and when the baby is born, put Tony as the father. You were raped and you don't need to live with the shame of that forever by putting 'Unknown father' on that paper."

Jill nodded and frowned as she spotted James and Darin pull weapons out, "Dad," she spoke anxiously, frowning. "There are guys with guns in the lobby…"

William frowned, got up, and quickly got Jill and his wife out of their seats before ushering them into the kitchen, "Stay here with the staff and call 9-1-1," he spoke softly, his expression worried. "See if you can get a hold of your friend…"

"Daddy, James and Darin are crazy," Jill breathed anxiously. "They'll kill…"

The sound of gunfire suddenly filled the air, followed by screaming. William swore and hurried his family through the kitchen and out the back door, "Where did such young boys get such terrible weapons?" he breathed anxiously, out of breath.

Victoria quickly got her phone out of her pocket and dialled 9-1-1 as William ushered them over to a van he kept in the back for emergencies, "Get in and shut up," he hissed as he opened the back. "Jill, please see if you can contact Mister…"

Sounds of shattering glass permeated out of the kitchen and William quickly got behind the wheel once Jill and Victoria were inside with the door closed. As James and Darin came outside, he started the engine and floored it off down the road.


Manhattan, New York

"...Yes, Emily, I'll help you," McKeen spoke in a soft voice as he sat in a chair within the room he had rented with cash. "I just have business to take care of first."

The call ended and McKeen sighed before pocketing his phone and getting up, "You're late," he spoke in a cold voice into the shadow. "For someone who wants to help pop off his ex-wife, you're awfully tardy. What, did you stop for a pizza?"

Ivan scoffed as he came out of the shadows, "Cannolis," he replied coldly.

McKeen sighed, "You should know your ex's schedule by now," he spoke impatiently.

"Yeah," Ivan replied irritably. "After we get this done, can we order a pizza?"

McKeen swore and pointed to the door before grabbing a handgun off of his desk that he had bought from a pawn shop just the day before, "Let's get this done," he hissed.

Ivan produced a piece he had brought with him on his boat and pocketed it again before he followed McKeen out of the room and down the street. They passed several shuttered shops and a diner, but McKeen suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"What's the hold up?" Ivan asked crossly. "Did you suddenly get hungry?"

McKeen, however, silently watched as John served tea to people he recognized as Adam Ross and Lindsay Monroe with a baby in a carrier, "After all that, he's a useless waiter?" he whispered coldly.

Ivan frowned as McKeen took his gun out of his jacket, "Dude, we can't," Ivan said.

The sight of a police car prompted McKeen to duck into a nearby alley and Ivan followed, "Emily's problem was with John Boscorelli," McKeen hissed. "That little punk humiliated me twice and I'd love nothing better than to pop him off…"

"We gotta find Andrea and that Angell chick," Ivan hissed. "Save the bullets."

McKeen glared at Ivan, "The hearings over the Horatio Caine kidnapping begin next month and John Boscorelli is the reason Horatio is not dead," he hissed coldly.

"Yeah, but Monroe-Messer's a cop," Ivan reasoned softly. "We only have so many…"

McKeen scoffed, "I can't stop you, but if we attack Boscorelli in broad daylight, we won't get anything else done," Ivan reasoned. "We should come back at night."

"And if he's not here?" McKeen asked coldly. "Should I kill you instead?"

Ivan sighed, "Just wait unti ze dark," he replied softly. "It's safer…"

Scoffing, McKeen nodded and reluctantly continued following after Ivan until they reached a tall apartment building, "I cloned her key," Ivan smirked. "Stalking."

McKeen smirked and allowed Ivan to take him to the apartment, but he was confused when he found it empty, "We must wait," Ivan said calmly. "She and her guard…"

"Wait, Angell is her guard?" McKeen reasoned. "So we'll just hide out here?"

Ivan shrugged and McKeen sighed, realizing that he had no other choice but to wait.


Las Vegas, Nevada

Grissom must have gone to bed. Sara thought as she came into the house and found it quiet. Betty had recently moved into the house next door and so it was just the two of them with the twins most of the time. Between day-care and friends, it had worked.

After the argument at the lab, Sara had left and had driven around the city, making stops at the grocery store and park before finally coming home, hoping to talk it out.

As Sara went into the kitchen, however, she found a note sitting on the dishwasher counter.

Sara,

I had my mom come over and watch the kids because I wasn't sure what time you'd get home. I'm not sure where my head is at these days, but it's clear that we've grown apart and need space from each other. I'll be on the road quite a bit doing advocacy and teaching work, so I thought it best to take my stuff and live out of suitcases…

Tears filled Sara's eyes as she hurried to the nursery and found Betty sitting in the rocking chair while Gregory and Danielle slept in their cribs, "Grissom left," Sara spoke and signed in an upset voice, her expression upset. "Why?"

"I don't know, but he said he couldn't stay and needed to go do what he was passionate about doing," Betty mouthed as she signed back. "I'm so sorry, Sara."

Sara nodded and Betty got up, "I have to teach, but I can visit later," Betty signed.

Shrugging, Sara waited until Betty had left the house before she got on the phone and began phoning people she knew would help her. She didn't know what she needed at that moment except for comfort and she knew that her former colleagues could help.

Once a text with a brief explanation had been sent to her group of friends, Sara silently went to the master bedroom. All of Grissom's things were gone and the closet was completely devoid of his clothes. It was as if he had never been there at all.

Brass's cell phone buzzed as he led Rick and Lenny to the gate after helping them get through security quickly with his badge. As Rick talked to the gate agent and checked himself and Lenny in, Brass checked his phone and sighed at seeing Sara's text.

"What's wrong?" Rick asked, looking at him. "Catherine throwing a fit?"

Brass shook his head, "Sara just sent a group text that her husband left her and I'm going to go over there as soon as you and Lenny are on the plane," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I'm not surprised, to be honest. They've been fighting a lot lately."

Rick nodded, his expression tired, "I know how she must feel," he replied softly. "If you think she needs someone to talk to, you can give her my email address. I know a thing or two about handing being screwed over by a spouse."

"You and your son are all ready to go, sir," the flight clerk said cheerily.

Sighing heavily, Rick nodded and took his bag from Brass, "Thanks for your help in all of this, Jim," he spoke softly. "I'll call when we get back to Miami…"

Nodding, Brass watched as Rick led Lenny through the gate before turning and quickly returning to his car. He used his siren to quickly get through the traffic on the route to Sara's and was unsurprised to find Nick and Greg already there.

Brass sighed as he got out and approached the door, "Hello?!" he called out.

The door opened and Brass entered, surprised to see Sara, Nick, and Greg sitting in the living room with no sight of the kids, "Hi," he spoke quietly. "Are you okay?"

"Grissom left and took his things," Sara replied numbly. "I thought we were enough."

Greg sighed heavily, "I'm sorry, Sara," he spoke softly. "I can't believe he left…"

"Are you okay for money and stuff?" Nick asked in a concerned voice.

Sara shrugged, "I'm honestly not sure," she admitted quietly. "I hope so, but I'm a little worried about you two being in the same space without wanting to fight…"

"We're here to help a friend," Nick replied calmly. "Don't worry about us."

Nodding in agreement, Jim took a seat to listen to what Sara needed help with.


Miami, Florida

Blood and bodies of staff who hadn't been able to get away decorated the new hotel and casino and Natalia couldn't help but feel horrified as she watched Calleigh, Eric, Tim, Danny, Walter, and Jesse process the scene while uniforms stood by.

"Natalia…"

Natalia turned to see Horatio standing there looking worried, "I'm sorry to call you away from the limited personal time you have before the boys get out of school, but I need Victims Assistance on hand for this," Horatio replied softly.

It was then that Natalia noticed that Horatio looked pained, "I'm also recusing myself from the case because I know the daughter of the owners and I already consulted with the chief and the department psychologist," he said softly. "They agreed it would be best given the circumstances behind how I know her. Speed will be lead on this."

Just then, Tim walked over to them, "Tony just texted me and said that he's here, but Ryan's also here," he replied softly. "Ryan's talking to the girl and her parents…"

Horatio frowned, "Ryan is?" he asked quietly. "Did Ryan re-join the department?"

"No, the girl called him," Tim replied calmly. "I was about to go ask what was up."

Horatio nodded and watched Tim walk over to where Ryan was talking with Jill and her parents, "Jill Adams was one of the people involved in my abduction and torture and although we aren't prohibited from communicating, I admit I find myself uncomfortable with the idea of doing so even on a case," he admitted softly.

"The chief has no idea, does he?" Natalia asked softly. "You only told Emily."

Horatio sighed, a guilty expression on his face as Tim returned, "Uniforms pulled the Adamses over as they were fleeing the shooting," Tim spoke anxiously. "Jill recognized the shooters as James Scott and Darin Mitchell. Do those names…?"

"More of those who were involved in my abduction and torture, Speed," Horatio replied in a somber voice. "I would like you and Natalia to oversee helping Ryan and the Adamses. I can't be involved with them or any of this. I'll be back at the lab."

A look of understanding crossed Tim's face and he went back to where Ryan was, prompting Natalia to follow. Horatio quietly went to his Hummer and got his phone out, "Doctor Speedle, I'd like a session," he spoke in a quiet voice. "Right away."

Unknown to Horatio, Jill had noticed him and was watching with a mixed expression of guilt and concern on her face. She wanted to make amends with Horatio for helping put him through purgatory, but she also knew that he wanted nothing to do with her.


Manhattan, New York

The trial was soon and Dr. Pride felt heavy as she followed Detective Angell down the hallway to the apartment that they would share until the trial. They had gone to the court for a walkthrough on what the trial would involve, as Dr. Pride had never been through that sort of thing before; she had divorced Ivan through a private law firm.

Angell frowned when Dr. Pride suddenly stopped just short of the door, "Someone's inside," Dr. Pride spoke anxiously. "I can hear talking and breathing in there…"

An uneasy expression crossed Angell's face and she drew her weapon before unlocking the door, "Stay here" she whispered anxiously before kicking the door in.

Shouting filled the air and Dr. Pride swore as Ivan suddenly tore out into the hallway without stopping to look at her. She also heard a loud clanging sound.

"NYPD, I found Ivan Sarnoff and Jeffrey McKeen in my apartment!" Angell yelled.

Dr. Pride shakily entered the apartment and found that while the bedroom doors were still locked, there was a mess on the carpet and in the kitchen. Angell was holding her radio, a radio she had worn since moving in with Dr. Pride in case there were issues.

"We can't stay here," Angell explained anxiously. "This is now a crime scene…"

Dr. Pride nodded, "Where's McKeen?" she asked worriedly. "I just saw Ivan."

"Down the fire escape," Angell replied as she ushered her out of the apartment. "We'll go wait for the CSI's to get here and then go to a hotel. We're not safe here…"


Miami, Florida

"Horatio, we need to talk," the voice of Chief Burton filled Horatio's ears as he made his way through the lab and to Emily's office for a session. "I got a call…"

Horatio, however, continued walking, "Let me guess, someone from the scene called and said I left?" he asked calmly. "If you remember, I am allowed to request a therapy session with Counseling Services whenever I need it as part of my recovery."

Chief Burton stopped and Horatio turned to face him, "The owners of the hotel that got shot up are the parents of someone who was involved in my abduction and torture," Horatio spoke coldly. "It also turns out that the shooters were also involved…"

"I…I didn't know," Chief Burton apologized. "Do you or your nephew need…?"

Horatio sighed, "Detective Flack is with Bobby right now and I am going to talk with Doctor Speedle," he replied softly. "I left Speed in charge of the investigation."

"All right," Chief Burton replied. "If you need to go home after your session…"

Horatio nodded and continued to Emily's office, relieved when she was already there and waiting with tea, "Hi," he spoke softly, closing the door as he entered. "I…I showed up at the scene and found that the owners were the parents of Jill Adams, a girl who was involved in my torture. I…I don't know how to feel about that…"

"I don't know Jill well, but she did marry my brother-in-law a few months ago," Emily spoke in a concerned voice. "Would you feel more comfortable with…?"

Horatio shook his head, "I trust you," he replied softly. "Please remain my counselor."

Emily nodded, "The shooters were identified by Miss Adams as Darin Mitchell and James Scott," Horatio spoke softly. "Those two took an active hand in my torture and also tried to murder Greg Sanders at the same time. Jill Adams was also involved, but she gave evidence against the higher-ups involved and was allowed to resume her schooling after a debriefing, but it appears that Ryan managed to get her to Miami…"

"Ryan?" Emily replied in a confused voice, frowning. "How did Ryan…?"

Horatio sighed, "I don't know, but Ryan showed up at the scene at Jill's request," he replied in a confused voice. "I had no idea that Ryan was doing that kind of work…"

"Neither did I," Emily admitted softly. "Maybe that's why McKeen took him."

Horatio nodded, his expression glum, "I need to get Ryan back into the MDPD, then, for his own safety," he spoke worriedly. "I did make the offer to him before…"

Emily nodded, but said nothing, "I…I also need to come to terms about my nephew being injured, I guess," Horatio replied softly. "I…I worry about him a lot. The doctors aren't sure if he'll walk again and that could end his policing career…"

The mood in the room sobered considerably as Horatio began to talk about his injured nephew, but Emily patiently listened simply because she knew he needed to talk.


Nearly two hours later, Horatio left the office feeling considerably better after sharing his thoughts and concerns about Ryan, the situation at the scene, and the upcoming trial in New York. He knew he would need to find Ryan and talk about him coming back to the lab even if it was part-time, as it was still too dangerous for him to be doing police work on his own even if Gil Grissom had asked him to do it.

As Horatio left the offices area, however, he spotted Rick chatting with Jesse while Lenny sat quietly on a row of chairs, "Rick?" he asked quietly. "What's up?"

"I just got back from Vegas with custody of my son," Rick replied in a stern voice, giving Horatio a look. "Is Doctor Speedle available? Lenny wants to see her."

Horatio nodded and Lenny silently got up, not speaking as he wandered back to the offices, "Everyone else is still at the scene, I take it," Horatio spoke firmly.

"I'm doing work for an underground organization that isn't Victims Assistance, but has a similar mandate," Jesse replied quietly. "If you're going to ask about Ryan, I have no idea what he was doing. Natalia doesn't know either and she's co-head…"

Horatio frowned, "Natalia doesn't know?" he asked in a confused voice.

Jesse shook his head and footsteps suddenly prompted Horatio to turn. He was mystified to see Calleigh lingering outside of one of the interview rooms.

"Calleigh," Horatio spoke quietly as he approached her and saw that she was watching Ryan talk with William, Victoria, and Jill in the interview room.

Calleigh sighed, "Jill trusts Ryan, as do her parents," she spoke softly.

Nodding, Horatio entered the interview room, realizing that he had no choice but to face Jill personally, "Hi, Horatio," Ryan spoke softly. "I guess you want me to explain."

"Is this why you and Sofia were taken?" Horatio asked. "You protected Jill?"

Ryan sighed anxiously, "After I spoke against McKeen to the police, I was beaten by some of his associates and I went to Ryan for help," Jill spoke up in a concerned voice, her expression fearful. "He paid for my parents and I to come here and start over…"

Horatio nodded, unsure of what to say, "James Scott and Darin Mitchell saw me and started shooting," Jill continued anxiously. "My father got us away in an old van…"

"Ryan, can I see you in the hall for a moment?" Horatio asked quietly. "Please?"

Ryan got up and followed Horatio into the hallway, "If you're going to say refer them to Grissom, I don't trust that Grissom would handle it right," Ryan spoke firmly.

"I was actually going to offer another invitation for you to come back to the lab so you have protection from future attacks," Horatio replied in a calm voice. "What happened to you, Sofia, and John Boscorelli happened because Gil Grissom was a poor supervisor and he'll have to live with that forever, but you don't have to."

Ryan sighed, "I'm not sure everyone would welcome me back," he replied softly.

"I don't want you to worry about that," Horatio replied firmly. "Please?"

Ryan looked reluctant, but nodded, "Good," Horatio replied in a calm voice.


Manhattan, New York

The hotel suite was large, but in a safe part of New York and Dr. Pride sighed heavily as she watched Detective Angell and Mac talk quietly near the door. CSI's and police were over at the apartment and both McKeen and Ivan were still very much on the loose, so they were stuck for now. Suddenly, Mac motioned for her to join them.

"I'm not under arrest, am I?" Dr. Pride asked nervously as she joined them.

Mac shook his head, "No, but you and Detective Angell will be here for the time being until we get some idea of where McKeen and Sarnoff are," he replied softly. "I'll have uniforms in the hotel and everything in and out will be screened."

Angell and Dr. Pride exchanged a look, but they knew that Mac was doing all he could to ensure their safety. They would have to make the best of things for now.


Manhattan, New York

"Miss Simms, I'm waiting," McKeen hissed into the phone as he sat at his laptop in his temporary apartment on a chat with Derek Stokes and Emily Yokas. "You worked for the Crime Lab after Stokes relocated and I need his new address immediately."

Wendy Simms, who had quietly left Vegas after Sofia's funeral, quietly shared the information she had gotten from the lab directory before she had been terminated for her proven participation in the incident. McKeen set the phone down and typed the address to Derek, "Your work has been most helpful," he finally said coldly.

"You said you'd get me Hodges if I did this," Wendy replied in a pleading voice.

McKeen sighed, "I'll talk to my contacts," he lied, having no intention of actually helping Wendy any further now that he didn't need her. "I'll be in touch."

Before Wendy could reply, McKeen ended the call and continued chatting with Derek online even though he couldn't care less about any of them. Ivan was still out on the streets and the police were now hunting them both, so it would be a lot harder to return to the diner where John Boscorelli worked. However, McKeen still wanted to do it.


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