24 Hours Later
North Carolina
Dr. Vatelli hadn't allowed anyone near the house where he, Tara Price, and Maritza had been living because Tara wasn't fond of visitors. He went into the nearest town once a month for supplies or he simply had them delivered by boat The woman had developed a paranoia over time that Maurice would find her and want Maritza, but she wasn't overly fond of the child either and didn't do anything but the bare minimum to take care of her. Dr. Vatelli had tried, but Maritza hadn't been responsive to him. The house was also becoming a mess.
The boat dock was the best place to meet McKeen, Ivan, Derek, the boat crew, and their prisoners and Dr. Vatelli sighed quietly as Ivan's boat docked. Ivan immediately came off the boat and tied it up, "Tara is manic, so I don't dare have you to the house," Dr. Vatelli said softly.
"I get eet," Ivan replied quietly. "Ve have had some incidents, so ve need your help."
Dr. Vatelli sighed, "Well, I have supplies at the house," he replied. "I just don't know…"
Ivan suddenly turned and snapped a few phrases in Russian. A moment later, Dr. Pride came off the boat helping a very weak, sick looking Nick walk. McKeen also got off the boat.
"No way," Dr. Vatelli said, glaring at McKeen. "Tara will go ballistic seeing you."
McKeen scoffed, but stayed by the boat, "Ivan, go with them," he ordered coldly. "Stokes, you better not try anything or I'll personally come up to the house and shoot you dead."
"You're an idiot," Dr. Pride hissed. "Nick's too weak to walk, let alone try to escape."
McKeen looked amused, "It's not my fault that Stokes got himself stabbed by an 18 year old girl," he replied in an indignant voice. "Get going and get what you need to done."
Dr. Vatelli's eyes went wide, but he remained silent and instead helped Dr. Pride get Nick moving towards the house while Ivan followed behind, leaving the others at the boat.
Miami, Florida
Dan Cooper had spotted them and had followed them back to the safehouse that Jesse Cardoza had arranged for them, but he hadn't followed them inside. It was bad enough, however, that their living place was no longer a secret and it meant that he had to relocate immediately.
Unsure of how to handle things, however, Rick had taken Lenny to visit Robert at the hospital before Natalia arrived. A uniform was outside the room and gave Rick a look, so Rick gently shooed Lenny inside the room, "Stevens, what is it?" Rick asked coldly. "I'm…"
"You should still be in jail," Officer Stevens hissed coldly. "I don't buy your story."
Rick frowned, "I was undercover doing digging on Bernard Marquez," he hissed coldly, glaring at the officer. "I served time and was nearly killed, but it's done and over with…forever…"
Officer Stevens scoffed, "So Sackheim's dead and you get a pass from all the crap you did to Emily Speedle, to the little girls, and to Lieutenant Caine," he hissed coldly as he got up and backed Rick into the wall. "You don't deserve to wear the badge or even be alive…"
Rick immediately reached for his off-duty gun, but Stevens grabbed his hand before using his forearm to pin Rick to the wall by his throat. Suddenly, Rick felt the hands clawed off of him and he nearly collapsed and closed his eyes to compose himself and gasp for air.
"That's mighty unprofessional behavior," a cold, yet very familiar voice suddenly said.
Stevens swore as he saw Tripp standing there with Robert, who was wearing sweats, his gown, and a hoodie, sitting in a wheelchair, "Detective, I was just…" he stammered anxiously.
Tripp scowled and Stevens used the hesitation to break free before bolting off down another hallway, "Rick, you all right?" Robert asked worriedly. "I wasn't expecting you…"
"Your nephew wanted to visit you," Rick lied anxiously. "He's waiting in your room."
Robert raised an eyebrow, "Don't you have work?" he asked worriedly.
"What are you even doing out of bed?" Rick asked, quickly deflecting the question.
Robert sighed, "I got cleared to start physio-baths to help bring more feeling back to my legs," he replied in a tired voice. "I also tried standing and ended up taking a step, but I'm tired."
Nodding, Rick peered inside the room just in time to see Lenny come out, "Uncle Bobby," Lenny spoke in a quiet voice. "The guy in the uniform got rough with my dad…"
"Well, Detective Tripp will help your dad deal with that as soon as he helps me get back into bed so I can have a nap," Robert replied kindly, sighing. "Rick, please don't go anywhere…"
Rick sighed and watched as Tripp wheeled Robert back into his room and helped him back into the hospital bed. A moment later, Tripp came out into the hallway and Rick sighed irritably.
"Do you need a police escort over to CSI?" Tripp asked quietly, eyeing Rick worriedly.
"We walked over from the nearby apartment complex," Rick replied stiffly. "I'm fine."
Tripp gave Rick a look, but Rick scoffed before looking to Lenny, "We're going to go home now," Rick spoke in a weak voice, his throat aching as he spoke. "Let's go."
"Dad…you're hurt," Lenny spoke nervously. "I think…you should get checked out."
Rick eyed Lenny and sighed irritably, "All right," he replied calmly. "We'll go home and get the car and go over to CSI if you really think I should say something about what happened."
Lenny nodded, "Do you mind if I go with you for safety?" Tripp asked in a quiet voice.
"Whatever," Rick replied stiffly, his anxiety rising. "Let's just get out of here."
Manhattan, New York
"…We extubated him earlier and he immediately fell asleep," John heard a voice say as he felt a hand intertwine with his own. "His vitals are doing better, but he's still very weak…"
The hand felt coarse and unfamiliar, so John jerked his hand out of the grip and his eyes popped open. Immediately, several machines began to whine and he shot into a sitting position.
Bosco's eyes widened as John stared at him wide-eyed briefly before breaking down in shaky sobs. The doctor stepped back and Bosco silently held John in a very gentle embrace.
The sound of footsteps filled the air and John let go of Bosco just in time to see Danielle come into the room, "Mom…." John whispered, his throat aching as he struggled to move his arms.
"You dislocated your shoulder, baby," Danielle replied as she came over to him and gently embraced him before helping him lie back down. "You've got tubes in your lungs, lie down…"
John nodded and gagged, "My throat's sore," he gasped. "Everything hurts…"
Danielle reached for his right hand and held it, "You're okay," she spoke softly. "You are."
"McKeen made a video, but I stole it," John pled in a whisper. "A video of…everything."
Danielle nodded, as Mac had told her about the video and had said that it was secure in evidence, but had also said that John would mention it, "If you want to talk about it, I'm here," she spoke in a quiet, kind voice as she thought about how similar it seemed to her own hostage experience.
"I do, but it hurts to talk," John spoke softly. "Can…can you just sit with me?"
Danielle sighed, "Of course," she spoke softly. "You just try and sleep, all right?"
"You have…errands," John spoke, eyeing her. "Are they far?"
Danielle shook her head, "Just one, but it can wait," she replied gently. "It can wait…"
"I'll be fine til you do it," John replied softly. "I feel like it's important…"
Danielle sighed, "All right," she replied gently. "I'll be back in about an hour."
John sighed and quickly drifted off into a deep sleep. Danielle released his hand and rose.
"I have to go over to Ellen's and check her apartment today," Danielle spoke quietly.
Bosco scowled, "You're not going there without an escort," he replied firmly.
"Maurice, really, why do you think Ty is in the hall?" Danielle stated gently, giving her husband a look as they left the room. "My father and Yelina said the same thing and wanted to come, but I need their help looking after the other kids and Caira since nobody's going back to school this week."
Bosco nodded and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Be careful," he replied. "I love you."
"Love you too," Danielle replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "We'll be back soon."
North Carolina
Dr. Price eyed Dr. Vatelli, Nick, Dr. Pride, and Ivan suspiciously as they entered the house, but didn't move to attack any of them. She didn't want to disturb Maritza, who was upstairs sleeping.
"I…I'm going to be sick," Nick moaned weakly, his body shaking with every step he took.
Ivan swore and made like he was going to strike Nick, but Dr. Pride grabbed his arm, "If you can't behave, Ivan, wait outside," she spoke in a firm voice, glaring daggers at him.
Nick's knees suddenly gave out, but Dr. Pride helped him stay on his feet, "Take him into the kitchen," Dr. Vatelli spoke in an anxious voice. "Ivan, go sit on the front steps."
"McKeen told me to watch Stokes and my ex like a hawk!" Ivan argued emphatically.
Dr. Vatelli scowled and Dr. Price got to her feet, "Do you need help with him?" Dr. Price asked in a concerned voice. "He's not as handsome as my Maurice was, but he looks in need…"
"Tara, Nick's barely aware of where he is," Dr. Vatelli spoke softly. "Do you want to help?"
Dr. Price shrugged and followed Dr. Vatelli into the kitchen, both of them becoming surprised when they saw that Nick was sitting at the kitchen table that had just been delivered that day, "I…I just bought that," Dr. Vatelli grumbled. "The old one had a bit of an accident and…"
"What happened to him?" Dr. Price asked in a concerned voice. "He looks really sick."
Nick coughed, "I…I was stabbed by Derek's wife," he managed to say weakly. "I feel sick."
"There's gingerale in the fridge," Dr. Vatelli spoke anxiously. "Make him drink some."
Dr. Price quickly got a bottle of gingerale out of the fridge and attempted to approach Nick, but he tensed up and gagged, "His brother assaulted him on the boat and he's in shock," Dr. Pride explained in a concerned voice as she lifted Nick's shirt. "His abdomen's not right…"
Dr. Vatelli eyed Nick's body, "Has he gone to the bathroom since he was stabbed?" he asked.
"Not that I know of, but I myself was unconscious for several hours after Derek Stokes turned his rage on me," Dr. Pride spoke anxiously. "Nick…did you manage to go to the bathroom?"
Nick shuddered, but managed to shake his head, "A laxative would kill him, but a colostomy wouldn't," Dr. Vatelli spoke quietly. "Is McKeen going to flip out about it, though?"
Just then, Ivan wandered into the kitchen with his phone in his hand, "McKeen is already screaming to get back," he spoke coldly. "What eez takeeing you so long een here?"
"Nick needs a colostomy surgery," Dr. Vatelli hissed angrily. "What did you idiots do?!"
Ivan scowled and promptly got on his phone, "McKeen, ve have a problem," he spoke as soon as a voice responded. "Leetle Stokes needs surgery and we need to get going…"
Shouting filled the phone and Ivan excused himself, "I'm going to die," Nick spoke weakly.
"McKeen says do it on the boat," Ivan said as he came back into the kitchen. "Ze surgery."
Dr. Vatelli scowled, but nodded because he knew McKeen would kill someone if he didn't get his way, "I've got supplies, but I can't leave Tara alone," he spoke in a quiet voice.
Ivan scoffed and spoke Russian into the phone for a few minutes before glaring at Dr. Vatelli, "McKeen says to hurry," he spoke coldly. "Get ze surgery done and get heem back to ze boat."
Dr. Price suddenly left the room and returned a few minutes later carrying a rugged looking army cot, "Put him on this," she spoke in a quiet voice. "I don't care if you take it."
Dr. Vatelli nodded as Dr. Price set up the cot, but Nick struggle to stay on the chair as Dr. Vatelli grabbed him, "Noooo," Nick moaned weakly, hating the fact that he was being touched.
Unfortunately, Nick was powerless to keep fighting and he ended up going into a semi-conscious stupor as he was forcibly moved from the chair to the cot, "Prep him," Dr. Vatelli commanded in an anxious voice as he went digging through the kitchen closet for the necessary supplies.
Manhattan, New York
"I don't want to go in," Danielle spoke in a timid voice as she and Ty stood in front of the place that Ellen called her home. "Ellen wanted me to go inside, but I'm not sure I can."
Ty sighed, but nodded because he knew from growing up that even Danielle had limits and that he shouldn't press it, "I'm mad at Grissom for leaving me in charge of Ellen, but I can't hate him cause he has cancer and he helped me be what I am today," Danielle spoke anxiously. "I…"
Tears filled Danielle's eyes and she found herself crying, deeply surprised when Ty gave her a gentle hug, "Thanks," she spoke in a shaky voice as they pulled apart. "The attack on John is still really fresh, but at least I can be there for him. I couldn't be there when Maurice was…"
Ty nodded, as he and Bosco had patched things up, but he couldn't help but still worry simply because it was obvious that Bosco hadn't been the same after being attacked in Miami. As much as Bosco had loved street patrol over the years, he had all too readily accepted being at a desk and he was wary about strangers touching him; he didn't even like giving handshakes often.
"Well, I guess we should go in," Danielle spoke with a sigh. "Let's get it over with…"
Ty, however, wasn't listening because he had spotted something out of the corner of his eye when he was hugging Danielle and he was now watching two people coming closer to the house: they looked familiar, but why would they be coming there? Especially after what they had done.?
"Ty?" Danielle spoke softly, frowning as she turned and saw Ty staring down the road. "What?"
Danielle froze as she suddenly recognized Emily, who looked visibly pregnant, and an anxious looking Charlie holding a phone in his hand, "It's the police!" Charlie exclaimed, suddenly spotting Ty. "Emily, run!"
Emily, however, stood stock still as she stared at Danielle anxiously, "Emily!" Charlie exclaimed, wondering why Emily wasn't running. "You…you're wanted by the cops!"
"I…I don't feel right," Emily spoke in a quiet voice. "Charlie, you need to call…"
Charlie's eyes widened as Emily touched her stomach before collapsing to her knees. Danielle's paramedic instinct quickly kicked in and she ran over to them with Ty at her heels. Charlie stepped back with his phone recording everything while Danielle knelt next to Emily.
"She's not breathing!" Danielle exclaimed as she checked Emily. "Davis, call 9-1-1 NOW!"
Ty obeyed while Danielle quickly began doing CPR, taking care to be gentle because it was obvious that Emily was pregnant and she didn't want to harm the baby or Emily. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived and the paramedics were surprised, but ultimately pleased to see Danielle there and doing the job she had been trained to do. Charlie and Ty, however, looked terrified.
The paramedics quickly got their gear out and joined Danielle in trying to save Emily's life.
Miami, Florida
Grissom's luggage hadn't been hard to gather up and move, but Horatio had firmly insisted that they help Ryan move Grissom to the hospital district instead of leaving him on his own. He cared about Grissom, but he had also been given a heads-up by Tripp about a uniform attacking Rick at the hospital where Robert was at and he knew he needed to speak to Rick about pressing some sort of charges. He had left Calleigh, Tim, and Walter at the lab while bringing Eric and Jesse.
Natalia was off work that day and was at the hospital visiting Robert with BJ, Maggie, and Adam, but she and Emily had arranged for Grissom to have a beach view, ground-floor apartment so he would be comfortable. Grissom had been brought over to the apartment straight from the hospital before sunup and he was now resting and unaware of the team's help.
Now, while Ryan sat in Grissom's apartment to keep an eye on the man while he rested, Horatio found himself lingering at the door to Rick's apartment. He had gotten the address out of a reluctant Ryan and had promised the younger man he would personally make sure all was well.
Tripp, Horatio knew, had been told to leave by Rick once they had gotten to the apartment, but Tripp had simply pretended to leave before returning with his plain car. All of the CSI's knew he was there, but they weren't discussing it. Horatio, however, was relieved he had chosen to stay.
"…Dad, I made you a sandwich," Lenny's anxious voice suddenly filled the air. "Dad?"
Horatio's eyes widened as a retching sound suddenly filled the air, "Rick?" he called out.
There was whispering and the door suddenly opened, revealing Rick standing there with bad bruising on his neck, "What?" he asked crossly. "I told Tripp to get lost and I'll tell you too…"
"Frank told me about the incident at the hospital, Rick," Horatio replied calmly, frowning.
Rick scoffed, "Nobody's going to go to bat for me," he replied coldly. "Lenny and I are moving."
Lenny suddenly came over to the door, "Dad?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"Lenny, go pack some clothes," Rick spoke anxiously. "We need to go hide somewhere?"
Horatio's eyes narrowed, "Hide from who?" he asked in a concerned voice.
Rick sighed irritably, "I homeschool Lenny in my office and we went to lunch today, but Dan Cooper spotted us and followed," he replied softly. "He knows where we are and I know he's going to tell Bernard's associates. I'm sure they're already on their way here with Nick Stokes."
"Derek Stokes, Ivan Sarnoff, and Jeffrey McKeen were associates of Bernard Marquez?" Horatio asked in a surprised voice, his expression concerned. "Rick, why didn't you tell anyone?"
Rick scoffed, "You and your precious CSI's hate my guts, but I have a son to think about," he replied in an upset voice. "If you get in the way, you'll be endangering members of your team. I already compensated Speedle's brother for protecting Lenny from what Sackheim wanted…"
"So Tony Speedle rescued Lenny from Sackheim?" Horatio asked sternly.
Rick nodded, "I met Tony while undercover and shared my dilemma, but I did not ask him to go rescue Lenny himself," he hissed. "Tony put his health at risk to do it. Wolfe's the same way…"
Horatio raised an eyebrow, "Protecting Jill Adams because she's due to testify in New York in June," Rick hissed. "Tony Speedle and Ryan Wolfe have no regard for their own safety…"
"I…I told Ryan not to do that on his own anymore," Horatio replied, deeply surprised.
Rick scoffed and closed the door in Horatio's face, prompting Horatio to quietly return to Grissom's apartment. He knocked on the door, fully expecting Ryan to still be there.
There was quiet shuffling and the door opened to reveal a groggy looking Grissom, "Doctor Grissom, is Ryan still here?" Horatio asked in a concerned voice. "Did I wake you?"
Grissom stepped aside to let Horatio in, "Ryan caught me as I was waking up and said he had to run a personal errand," Grissom spoke weakly. "I…I really don't need a babysitter now that I'm out of the hospital. I have what I need and I know how to better manage this now."
"Doctor Grissom, I'm afraid you might be in danger seeing as one of my former employees, Dan Cooper, knows of this location and he is connected to dangerous people," Horatio replied softly.
Grissom sighed, "Wasn't Dan Cooper involved in your kidnapping?" he asked quietly, sighing. "I know I'm supposed to testify in your hearing next month, but I don't know how well that will…"
"You got subpoenaed?" Horatio asked softly, concerned. "I thought Ryan had investigated that."
Grissom nodded as Horatio came inside, "I was Ryan's supervisor and I took a lot of heat for events last fall and winter," Grissom replied. "I left Sara to protect her from my trouble. I don't think she knows that I'm testifying as to what our lab did to investigate your kidnapping."
Horatio nodded and silently got his phone out, "I think I'll phone Ryan and make sure he isn't in trouble," he spoke as he dialled the number. "I don't want your sacrifices to be in vain."
"Wolfe," a quiet, tired voice spoke after one ring. "Horatio, I didn't know you had this…"
Horatio sighed, "Ryan, Doctor Grissom said you left to run an errand," he spoke softly. "I believe we already discussed the Jill Adams situation and I told you to involve the rest of us…"
"Um, Tim and I are actually at a family function," Ryan replied quietly. "The news of McKeen's posse' escaping New York with hostages frightened Jill enough that she pushed up her and Tony's wedding. We, Emily, Jill's parents, and the Speedles are over at the courthouse…"
Horatio's eyes widened, as he hadn't expected Jill to hear of McKeen's movements so quickly, "All right, Ryan," he replied calmly. "I expect a full report once you and Tim are done."
There was a click and Horatio sighed, "It seems that McKeen's movements frightened Jill Adams enough into accelerating her wedding plans to Tony Speedle and I think that's for the best, as it will keep them both out of trouble," he commented softly. "It will also help you worry less."
Grissom nodded and quickly sank into a nearby chair, "Oh, I still have plenty of worries," he spoke in a tired voice. "I have to get my strength up, though, so I can go testify…"
"Or you can tell Ryan the truth about the responsibility you put on yourself and let him decide whether or not he wants to share about what he did for the investigation," Horatio replied.
Grissom scoffed, "You know as well as I do, Lieutenant Caine, that the Wolfe Family has already been dragged through the mud in New York and I have no desire to bring more scrutiny on to Ryan or his family," he replied firmly, his expression serious. "I'm very much aware of Ryan's past because I had to investigate it before I hired him, but it can stay safely in the past."
"Are you well enough to testify?" Horatio repeated in a firm voice. "You don't look it."
Grissom gave Horatio a look as he retreated to a chair and sat down, "I'm stronger than I look," he spoke in a quiet, tired voice. "I'm simply letting Ryan mother-hen me as much as he has been because I want him to stop feeling guilty about Sofia. It's our unspoken agreement."
Horatio nodded, "I'll let you get some rest," he replied, sensing Grissom's need to be alone.
Before Grissom could reply, Horatio left simply because he didn't want to engage in more conversation about the hearing in New York. It was hard enough for him to think about it.
As Horatio made his way out of the building, he spotted Rick driving a car containing himself and Lenny out of the parking lot. Tripp was watching from his car, looking slightly annoyed.
Ryan sighed as he pocketed the phone and made his way back inside the courthouse. He had hurriedly excused himself when Horatio had called and he knew he was in for a lecture later. Jill, however, had phoned him early that morning and had asked him to come witness her and Tony's wedding because she felt safer with him around. Her close relatives also felt safer with him there.
What Ryan hadn't known, though, was Tim and Emily had taken lunch breaks and brought their kids to the wedding. Diana was still in Vegas visiting Jenny and Tommy hadn't wanted Jason or Emilio to go anywhere, as he needed help babysitting Carlos that day since Ryan was busy.
Ever since the word got out about McKeen's escape from New York, Tommy had been on edge and hadn't left the house. Ryan had done his best to be there for his family, but even he couldn't really understand what Tommy had been through in prison and before they reconciled.
"Ryan?"
Ryan turned to see Tim, Emily, William and Victoria Adams, and the other Speedles except for Jill and Tony coming out of the courthouse, "Sorry, I had a call," he apologized softly.
"We got plenty of photos and everyone is on our way to the Family Centre for the reception, but I have to head back to work," Tim explained softly. "Are you on duty today too? I forget…"
Ryan shook his head, "I was just hanging with Doctor Grissom," he replied quietly. "I should really get either back there or home, though. My brother isn't doing well…"
Tim frowned, but waited til everyone else passed before he spoke, "Why?" he asked softly.
"I don't know, but I think it has something to do with McKeen's escape from New York," Ryan replied quietly, pasting a smile on his face as Jill and Tony came out in wedding clothes.
Tim nodded and they moved aside so Jill and Tony could pass by them, "You should let H know what's going on with your brother," he spoke quietly. "If McKeen tries to find him…"
Just then, Jill came over to them, "Officer Wolfe?" she asked softly. "Can we talk?"
Tim silently moved away to give them privacy, "Thank you," Jill spoke anxiously as she touched her growing belly. "With McKeen and his cronies loose, I thought it best to secure my life."
Ryan nodded and sighed as Jill walked off with Tony towards the waiting well-wishers.
Manhattan, New York
Danielle sat alone in the waiting room, her thoughts on how she had helped Emily even though she would have been perfectly justified in not doing so. It was horrible to think that she could have left Emily to suffer, but part of her thought of it when she and Ty had first spotted Emily and Charlie, but her heart and Maurice's attachment to the Yokas kids wouldn't let her do it.
Upon reaching the hospital, Emily had been whisked away and Ty had decided to take Charlie to call his mother. Danielle had stayed close to the action and was waiting to see what the outcome would be. She didn't know where Emily had come from, but she was conflicted because while Emily had hurt John, she also appeared very pregnant, scared, and in a state of confusion.
Nearly two hours had passed before Danielle finally decided to text Maurice and tell him what was going on, as he and John were probably wondering where she was. As she was opening her purse, however, Carlos came into the waiting room wearing scrub pants, a loose shirt, and a sweater with a badge on his pocket and a stethoscope around his neck.
"Uh, hey," Carlos spoke nervously. "Do you know if Emily's mom is here yet?"
Danielle looked surprised, "What are you doing here, Carlos?" she asked quietly.
Carlos sighed, "Detective Taylor pulled some strings and got me registered for casual Nursing shifts throughout the summer at hospitals around the city," he replied nervously. "Caira and Christine Whitney testified that I kept a cool head and should be allowed to resume my duties as a paramedic, but I don't want to do that anymore. It reminds me too much of what happened…"
Danielle nodded, deeply impressed with Caira's kindness towards Carlos even though she didn't know him or his family very well, "Holly's still on bed rest?" she asked in a worried voice.
"Yeah, but Tommy and Kylie help her out when I'm not there," Carlos replied in a calmer voice as he sat down next to Danielle. "We're hoping to make it to June so it will be full-term and then once it's born, we're done. I don't think I could father any more because of the drugs used…"
Carlos exhaled softly, "Um, anyway, no word on Faith?" he asked nervously, calming himself.
"Davis took Charlie to go call her, but I have no idea where they are now," Danielle replied.
Carlos nodded as Faith suddenly came into the waiting room with an anxious looking Charlie, Jo, and Mac, "Where's Emily?" Charlie spoke tearfully. "My mom freaked out when…"
Danielle sighed as she got up, "I haven't heard anything," she replied quietly.
"Charlie said he filmed you saving Emily's life, Mrs. Boscorelli," Mac spoke up calmly.
Faith looked surprised, as she had heard that from Charlie, but didn't believe that Danielle would help the person who nearly killed John, "Faith, there's something you should know," Danielle spoke in a nervous voice. "Emily appeared several months pregnant…"
"Las Vegas determined that the person who married Derek Stokes and your daughter is not a priest, so the marriage wasn't real," Jo spoke up. "I know this news is difficult to hear."
Faith sighed heavily and Danielle looked uneasy, "Tell John not to feel guilty over this and not to feel as if he should have done more than he wanted to," Mac spoke softly, eyeing Danielle.
"This isn't John's fault," Faith interrupted. "Emily made her own choices…"
Danielle sighed, "I'd like to get back over to Angel of Mercy," she replied firmly. "I was checking Ellen Seville's house at her request and I'm sure Maurice and John wonder…"
"I can give you a ride," Jo offered. "I need your side of the story anyway."
Danielle looked reluctant, but nodded, "Thanks," she replied in a tired voice.
Angel of Mercy Hospital – Manhattan
"Sergeant Boscorelli?"
Bosco, who had been watching John sleep since Danielle and Ty had left, looked up from his adopted son's sleeping form and was surprised to see Caira lingering there on crutches wearing sweats, a loose shirt with a hoodie, and a sneaker on one foot, "How'd you get here?" he asked.
"Mrs. Sullivan put the babies down for naps before taking a rest and Mr. Sullivan took Ray, David, and Ellie to the park," Caira spoke softly. "I found these in the coat closet."
Bosco sighed, "So nobody knows where you are?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"I left a note," Caira replied quietly. "I couldn't go any longer without seeing him."
Bosco looked concerned, "If you wanted to visit John, you could have told someone and they could have brought you," he said in a worried voice. "How much was your cab fare?"
"I…I walked," Caira spoke in a nervous voice. "It was kind of hard on these…"
Bosco looked worried as Caira looked uneasy, "What's up?" he asked quietly, suddenly feeling like something wasn't right with the girl. "Your behavior and demeanor's very strange…"
"My brother's being assessed to see whether or not he's competent to face charges for what happened to Lieutenant Caine and he thinks he's going to jail," Caira spoke quietly. "He's very paranoid and he's worried DB will simply let him go. I think he might have a mental illness…"
Bosco nodded, "Colin wants me to come take over his care because DB's wife is trying to push DB to make Colin a ward of the state, but I can't handle that responsibility," Caira spoke in an anxious voice. "I told him that and Colin's worried he'll be left to fend for himself."
"What did this DB guy say?" Bosco asked softly. "I'm sure you talked to him."
Caira nodded, "DB says he's not going to give up on helping Colin get well and DB has never lied to me before, but Colin doesn't understand how to trust," she spoke worriedly. "We were both badly abused and he never got help because he was of age by the time anyone did anything about it and the system sucks. I got counseling because I was 13 and still a minor…"
Bosco nodded as John suddenly stirred, "…voices," John mumbled weakly. "Who's there?"
Caira silently hobbled over to the bed and sat down beside it, "Hey," she spoke gently.
John's eyes opened and he peered at Caira, "You're blurry," he spoke groggy. "Caira?"
"Just close your eyes," Caira replied softly, touching his hand. "Do you feel that?"
John exhaled, "Yes," he spoke weakly. "Can you stay a while?"
Without looking at Bosco, Caira sighed, "Yes," she replied in a firm voice. "You can sleep."
"We're going to have a conversation about this later," Bosco spoke calmly, but firmly.
Las Vegas, Nevada
"…I like Greg a lot, but he's on edge more than usual," Greg heard Jillian's voice speak as he lay in bed, trying to catch up on sleep he had missed while working doubles to cover Nick's shifts.
There was a sigh, "Greg is covering Nick's shifts and has been working a lot, but Greg is a good man," Jenny's voice replied calmly. "I love him and I'm so grateful that he's part of me."
"Maybe it would have been better if you would have taken Nick up on his offer because Greg needs to be here for you and your kids more," Jillian replied. "Being at work all of the time and not having a proper place for you or for the kids isn't the way I want things to be…"
Anger filled Greg as he got out of bed and stormed into the common area, his fury growing when he saw that Jillian was feeding Jessica while Jenny was cuddling Matthew, "Get out," he hissed.
Jenny looked confused and Jillian's eyes widened, "Excuse me?" Jillian asked, deeply shocked.
"I was trying to sleep and I heard you trashing me to Jenny!" Greg snapped, his calmness gone.
Jillian scoffed, "You work all hours and you live in a hotel!" she replied angrily as Diana, who had been stirred from sleep by Greg's yelling. "I'm beginning to think clearing the way for you to adopt Jessica was a mistake! You're a workaholic who doesn't even have a proper house! Not only that, but you're a recovering alcoholic who lives in close proximity to a bar!"
Diana scowled at Jillian and Greg suddenly felt numb. He silently returned to his and Jenny's room, gathered his wallet and phone, put some travelling clothes on, and went out into the foyer.
"Um, I'm going to go for a walk," Greg spoke quietly. "I need to clear my head."
Jenny looked horrified and Diana looked angry, but Greg silently turned and left the suite before anyone could speak, "Jillian, I want you and Bill to leave," Jenny spoke softly. "As soon as you can. I don't need anyone trying to say Nick would be better for me than my own husband is."
"We can't leave until we know what's happened to Nick and Derek," Jillian replied angrily.
Diana sighed, "If you can't leave, then I'll ask you and your husband not to bother Jenny anymore," she replied in a firm voice. "Go back to the suite you and your husband have."
"Jessica is my grandchild and Derek's daughter and I have a right to see her!" Jillian cried.
Diana scowled, "My husband and I both own this hotel, though, and I am telling you to go back to your suite before I have you and Bill ejected from the premises," she replied firmly.
Giving Jenny an angry look, Diana set the jar of baby food down and silently left the suite, "Greg can't have gotten far," Jenny spoke worriedly. "Would you mind if I went and looked for him?"
Diana smiled as Jenny got her things and left the suite to look for Greg. Fortunately for Jenny, Greg hadn't gotten far and he was crying near the elevator as he was waiting for it to come.
"Greg, don't listen to Jillian," Jenny spoke in a concerned voice as she hugged him. "Please."
Greg sighed softly and accepted the hug, "I hate that they still compare me to Nick and say he'd be better for you and Jessica," he admitted softly. "I have lots and lots of flaws…"
"Nick reminds me of my past, but you are my present and future, Gregory Hojem Sanders," Jenny replied in a compassionate voice, kissing him. "You are a pleasant present."
Warmth filled Greg as he returned the kiss and allowed himself to bask in Jenny's warmth even if it was just for a moment. He was exhausted, but having her around made everything easier.
Manhattan, New York
"Maurice, what is Caira doing here?" Caira heard a concerned, familiar voice ask as she lay asleep in the chair next to John's bed. "If she took a taxi, please reimburse her…"
Caira opened her eyes and was surprised to see Danielle back and talking with Bosco, "She hobbled here on her crutches while Yelina and the babies napped," Bosco replied in a concerned voice as he turned to look at her. "Next time you want to visit, just ask for a ride."
"I'm sorry I worried you, Sergeant Boscorelli," Caira replied softly. "Are you upset?"
Bosco looked taken aback, but Danielle remained calm as she walked over to Caira, "Maurice is not angry with you," she explained gently. "He and I are concerned because you hobbled here on your crutches instead of taking a cab or asking for a ride. You're still recovering from your own injury and you need to take it as easy as possible. You wanting to be self-reliant like this even if it's dangerous is not a good way of coping with what happened. Do you understand that?"
Caira looked surprised and tears filled her eyes, "You're so much like Doctor Grissom, it's scary," she replied in a shaky voice. "I…I'm having nightmares about what happened…"
Danielle nodded and gave Caira a hug before drying her tears with her sleeve. It was then that Caira noticed that John's bed was empty and she immediately gave Bosco a panicked look.
"John went to get his eyes checked cause he's been having vision issues," Bosco replied calmly, sighing. "Stuff like that is more complicated for a diabetic and he's worried about it."
Caira nodded, "He knows you came here and he's grateful, but he also wants you to rest," Bosco spoke in a gentle, but firm voice. "I think it's time you came back to the apartment and rested. I am heading home anyway while Danielle stays with John. Do you want a ride back?"
Swallowing hard, Caira sighed, "I am a bit tired," she replied softly, shaking as she stood up.
Danielle nodded and watched as Bosco led Caira from the room in silence. A few moments later, Danielle suddenly felt her phone vibrating in her pocket and so she got it out and checked it.
Mom,
The hospital ophthalmologist says I need glasses at least temporarily because of my injuries affecting my vision. I know you're busy, but can you please come be with me?
John
Without hesitation, Danielle pocketed her phone and quickly made her way to the hospital's ophthalmology department. She found John sitting in the waiting area in his wheelchair looking tired and irritated, "Hey," Danielle spoke softly. "I got your text about you needing glasses…"
John sighed and Danielle sat next to him, unsurprised when he started crying softly. She gently hugged him and said nothing while he cried, as she knew he needed to get his emotions out.
Miami, Florida
Jill and Tony's reception was now in full swing at The Family Centre, but Emily found herself at the Crime Lab/Police Department because she had gotten a text from a member of the department needing an emergency counselling session. She hadn't hesitated to go the department and had left her children at the party with Anthony and Rosa so that there wouldn't be any distractions around. Tim and Ryan were both busy with work, so they couldn't babysit.
As Emily approached the offices, she was surprised to see Horatio waiting quietly for her. She quickly opened the office and let him come inside, closing the door before either spoke.
"I have the paperwork for New York on my desk and I meant to get to it today, but Jill and Tony decided to get married in a hurry, so I didn't have time," Emily explained as she sat down at her desk. "If you're here for that, I can have it done up in a hurry."
Horatio looked surprised at the mention of a wedding, "Well, that explains where Speed was, but I knew Ryan was there," he replied calmly. "I take it this is because of Nick Stokes?"
Emily nodded, "Jill and Tony felt it was safer to marry now," she replied softly as she picked up the paperwork. "Since this involved cross-jurisdictions, this is considered a federal case…"
Horatio sighed, "I'm not worried about your ability to get the paperwork in on time, but I would like a therapy session," he replied softly. "I visited Doctor Grissom today to alert him to the fact that Dan Cooper knows where the safehouse in the hospital district is. Dan Cooper…"
"Sergeant Stetler sent me a text saying he was taking the rest of the day off for personal reasons, but wouldn't say why," Emily spoke in a concerned voice. "That must be why."
Horatio nodded, "There was an incident earlier today, but I don't have all the details," he replied in a concerned voice. "Anyway, when I was visiting Doctor Grissom, he told me he's been subpoenaed to testify next month in New York and I'm not sure he's well enough to do so. I don't see how it's his responsibility when he did everything he could to be of help."
Emily paused, unsure of what to say, as Grissom hadn't specifically asked her for counselling and hadn't said much at all to her since his arrival in Miami. She could tell, however, that recent events had taken their toll on him and he probably would benefit from someone to talk to.
"Any reminders of what happened are unsettling to me and I don't like being reminded of what happened, but that's not going to hold up in court," Horatio spoke with a sigh, his expression troubled. "I don't have nightmares as often, but Bobby being injured didn't help with the anxiety I feel sometimes when I'm working alone at scenes. That's why I've been cutting back."
Emily nodded and quickly got Horatio's file out of her drawer, "He was going to go with me before he got shot because he has other business there, but we talked when he was lucid and we'll take care of that business of his later in the year when he's well. The decision, however, reminds me that I'll truly be alone in the end," Horatio said. "Like I was for a while…"
Horatio suddenly looked uneasy and closed his eyes, "I thought I was going to die on that farm in Vegas and I was accepting it, but then John showed up," he replied softly. "He's going to have to testify too despite the fact that he was nearly killed by McKeen and several others recently and I'm not able to wrap my mind around the fact that he helped me. Why did he do that when he didn't have to? He could have escaped by himself and been fine, but he took me with him…"
"That's something you're going to have to ask John, but the point is that he helped you and you're here because he helped you," Emily replied. "Do you think you're superhuman and shouldn't feel emotions associated with what you've been through? Those emotions are normal and you're taking steps to deal with them so they won't cripple your ability to function."
Horatio looked thoughtful, "Grissom seems very determined to protect your family in general, Emily," he spoke softly. "He said that the Wolfe Family has been dragged through the mud enough in New York and that's why he's testifying and not wanting to involve Ryan. I told Doctor Grissom that Ryan should be given the choice as to whether or not he testifies."
"I didn't think he was aware of it, but I guess Ryan's background needed to be investigated because of his move to Vegas PD," Emily spoke in a quiet voice. "I hope it's not offensive."
Horatio shook his head, "This has actually been quite helpful," he replied quietly. "I won't have you in New York, but you've given me the courage to open up to Stella and on the stand…"
Emily smiled, "And how are things going with Stella?" she asked in a kind voice.
"We email and we call when we're not busy with our work," Horatio replied in a lighter voice, a small smile appearing on his lips. "I'll be staying with her when I go to New York because it will be less expensive and I'll have someone to comfort me. This trial will be very rough."
Emily nodded as Horatio's beeper went off, "Ah, work," he said as he checked it. "Excuse me."
A quiet settled over the office as Horatio left and Emily quickly made a few more notes in Horatio's file before putting it away. She then got on her computer to check the nation-wide police alert site because Dr. Stokes was fretting over Nick enough that she had been in for a session about it the other day, but nobody knew when or if the young man would be okay.
North Carolina
"So what are we supposed to do with him now?" Derek growled as he watched Dr. Pride and Dr. Vatelli settle a sedated Nick in a corner of the cargo hold after operating on him.
McKeen scoffed as Dr. Vatelli quickly left the cargo hold, "Do nothing," Dr. Vatelli hissed, glaring daggers at Derek. "Nick has just had surgery and needs rest. Leave him alone."
Derek growled and looked like he wanted to fight, but McKeen shot him a look and led Dr. Vatelli back to the dock, "Keep it quiet," McKeen hissed as he got back on the boat.
As the boat pulled away from the dock, Dr. Vatelli swallowed hard. He had been in deep danger ever since getting involved in Horatio Caine and Maritza Boscorelli's kidnappings, but it was no longer a thrill for him. He just wanted to cut all ties with everyone and go back to the simplicity of practicing medicine; all he had to do was find a way to make that happen safely.
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