One Day Later

Miami, Florida

Grissom sighed heavily as he gazed out at the horizon, his heart heavy and his body weak after being switched to radiation treatment. He was also weary of Sara's constant emails that she kept getting shifts and Ecklie was trying to hire her back full-time, as the lab needed the help. She also missed him and wanted to visit him.

As much as I want to see my family, I'm in too much grief to care about anyone visiting me. Grissom thought to himself. His apartment had a gate out on to a patch of beach and it looked inviting, but he didn't feel like doing anything but meditating.

Letting out another sigh, Grissom got up and went inside. He gathered his things, put his shoes on, and went out to the common area to snatch the daily crossword puzzle before going on a much needed walk. He was surprised to find Jesse Cardoza sitting on the couch, silently playing checkers with a tired looking Walter Simmons.

"Oh, hello," Grissom spoke calmly. "Um, I was looking for the crossword…"

Walter grabbed the day's paper off the table and handed it to Grissom, "Did we get more security here?" Grissom asked in a confused voice, eyeing Walter.

"I'm the low-man at the lab and the pay for a Level 1 isn't great, so I take the nightshift so Jesse can sleep," Walter replied warmly. "Walter Simmons, sir."

Grissom nodded and Walter smiled, "I think I've read some of your articles in the biology classes I took," Walter continued. "I heard you were in Miami. Are you…?"

"I'm not teaching," Grissom spoke softly. "I'm currently undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and I just did my first session of radiation yesterday after chemo proved too hard on me. I'd really appreciate it if you didn't drool over me."

Jesse sighed and looked at the ground, but Walter looked concerned, "You look like you're going for a walk," Walter replied. "Did you want some company?"

"I have to drag myself to New York in June to testify in a federal kidnapping case and so I need to build my strength up," Grissom replied softly. "Besides, you look busy."

Walter shook his head, "I don't work today," he replied calmly. "I was gonna go visit my buddy Bobby at the hospital after my shift here. Besides, you look a bit tired."

Grissom studied Walter briefly and decided that the younger man wasn't trying to be pushy or coddle him; he genuinely looked concerned and wanted to be of help.

"I suppose that would be all right," Grissom replied softly, a sigh in his voice.

Walter nodded, "I have to go get ready for work," Jesse spoke as he stood up.

Grissom silently walked out of the apartment building and Walter followed, keeping watch on how Grissom moved and was prepared to help if he faltered in his step.

"Is there a dock around here?" Grissom asked softly. "The sea air helps with nausea."

Walter nodded, "It's not far from here," he replied. "Follow me."

Grissom kept quiet as Walter led him down the road to a nearby dock that was secure, yet close enough to the water that he could smell it, "This was built in case boaters have medical emergencies and Rescue can't get to them by water," Walter explained in a calm voice. "The boat can get here and an ambulance can meet them…"

Instead of listening, however, Grissom was leaning against the fence and silently inhaling the sea air. Walter fell silent and allowed the man his needed peace.

"I should make a video for my kids and for Sara so they don't worry," Grissom spoke in a quiet voice as he pulled out his phone. "Do you mind holding the phone?"

Walter took the phone and set up the video, "I'm not really good at this sort of thing, but I just wanted to say that it's beautiful here and I miss all of you," Grissom spoke in a quiet voice. "Mom, Sara, I hope you two and Danielle and my two Gregs are okay…."

The sound of a boat engine suddenly filled the air and Walter frowned as a boat suddenly sped past the dock and two heavyset men hurled a hooded figure off of the boat and on to the sand, "STOP!" a voice suddenly roared. "Is that…Grissom?!"

Grissom turned as the boat suddenly stopped and McKeen came out on to the deck brandishing a gun, "Well, well, well," McKeen spoke in an amused voice, a manic smirk on his face as he eyed Grissom. "Gil Grissom the failure…in Miami…"

A heavily battered woman suddenly leapt off the side of the boat and landed in a heap on the sand next to Nick. Loud cursing in a foreign language filled the air and one of the men made to leap after her, but McKeen held him back from leaving the boat. He then aimed his gun at the hooded figure while keeping his eyes on Grissom. Others on the boat suddenly appeared and threw two suitcases and a purse on to the sand.

"Why do you want to shoot him, Jeffrey?" Grissom asked coldly.

McKeen swore, hesitated, and trained his gun on Grissom, "I'd honestly make a better hostage than those two," Grissom spoke calmly as he raised his hands in the air.

"I don't buy it," McKeen growled as the boat began to drift. "You're playing games."

Walter, meanwhile, was reaching for his phone, but McKeen spotted him, "You want me to blast your hand off?" he asked in a cold voice. "What is that other phone?"

Grissom coughed and McKeen eyed him before moving the gun away from Walter, "You wanna be a hostage and save others, Grissom?" McKeen asked. "Prove it."

Walter's eyes widened in shock as Grissom moved down the dock and willingly climbed on to the boat. McKeen swore, slugged Grissom in the head, and as Grissom slumped to the deck, the boat took off at top speed without any hesitation.

Shaking, Walter ended the recording, pocketed Grissom's phone, and ran over to where Dr. Pride was struggling to get the hood off of Nick's head with her bruised, shaking hands, "Hey, my name is Walter Simmons, and I'm a CSI," he said softly.

Dr. Pride didn't reply, so Walter removed the hood and his eyes widened when he saw a semi-conscious Nick Stokes staring back at him with blackened eyes and bruises and cuts on every inch of his pale face, "Walter?!" a voice suddenly called out.

Walter looked up from Nick and saw Jesse standing beside a car parked at the side of the road, "Call 9-1-1 and Horatio NOW!" Walter spoke, his voice full of anxiety.

Manhattan, New York

The chest tubes were now out, but John was still in the hospital to heal from other injuries and the catastrophically low blood sugar that had come out of his encounter with McKeen, Derek Stokes, and Emily Yokas. He was feeling physically better, but emotionally was another story. Fortunately for him, he had a supportive family.

"Look at this sleepin' beauty here," a familiar voice suddenly spoke with a chuckle.

John opened his eyes and was surprised to find his mother and Danny Messer standing at the foot of his bed. Danny was holding a stack of books in his arms.

"I got these for you from the hospital library," Danny spoke in a quiet voice as he set the stack on the portable table. "Those glasses of yours make you look smarter…"

John sighed, "Thanks," he spoke quietly. "They might be a permanent thing."

"I got glasses and they don't make me any less capable," Danny replied in a gentle, but firm voice. "Just take your time recovering from what happened, okay? The trial's coming and you need all your strength for that. I'll be there if I can sneak away…"

Danielle walked over to the side of the bed and sat down just as Stu and Jimmy came into the room, "Jimmy, Stu, it's been a while," she spoke softly. "Here to see John?"

"Actually, I just got promoted to Holly's position temporarily while she's on maternity leave and so I'm your boss for a while," Jimmy spoke calmly. "Stu's higher up on the food chain and since we know you, we wanted to come talk to you."

Danielle frowned and Danny looked concerned, "You never let anyone know you had a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from UNLV," Stu spoke calmly.

"Grissom paid for it back when I was a secretary at the lab and farmed out Warrick, Nick, and Greg to babysit when I had to tend to school," Danielle spoke in a quiet voice, sighing. "He saw my passion for helping others and gave me opportunity."

Jimmy looked amused, but Danielle scoffed, "The day shift in FDNY was the best I could do considering I had kids in school and was a single parent at the time," she explained in a quiet voice. "Now that I'm married and a mother to three more kids, I teach from time to time, but I can't see myself returning to full-time street work."

"Any word on Maritza, by the way?" Jimmy asked in a quieter voice.

Danielle shook her head, "We have to hope that she's still alive, though, simply because it kills Maurice to consider otherwise," she spoke firmly. "Anyway, what do you two want? It's quite unusual for you two to show up here to want to talk to me."

Stu smiled, "Faith put in a request with FDNY after she saw her son's video of you saving her daughter's life," he replied formally. "She wants you to get an award and also be promoted to Lieutenant. Considering what you did, the requirements…"

"Lieutenants have to be at scenes," Danielle replied. "I have several children…"

Jimmy sighed, "It would be a rank of Lieutenant, but you'd be in charge of EMS Instructors and Training programs," he explained. "You wouldn't have to go out on the street except in the case of a very dire emergency because of your situation."

"I…I need to talk to my family about this," Danielle replied quietly. "A lot's going on right now and this is big enough news that we need to discuss this as a family."

John immediately recognized the expression on his mother's face, "Hey, Mom, I was thinking about having a shower," he spoke quietly. "Do you think I could?"

Danielle nodded and Jimmy and Stu exchanged a look, "Just call one of us when you decide," Jimmy spoke softly, recognizing what John was trying to do. "See you."

Once Jimmy and Stu were gone, however, John sighed, "Feel better, Mom?" he asked.

Danielle nodded and Danny looked confused, "So the shower thing…" he began.

"My mom has never been one to like praise or accolades," John replied in a quiet, tired voice. "I read about how Mom saved Emily Yokas's life in the paper and I knew she would hate the attention. The mention of a promotion and award made her…"

Danny frowned, "As much as your family's been in the news…" he replied softly.

"My former husband was a police Lieutenant and did despicable things and if I accept more responsibility in my career, I'm afraid I'll turn into him," Danielle spoke in a quiet voice, her expression sad. "Obsessed with power, abusive, controlling, angry…"

Danny looked concerned, "I know we just barely found out that we share a mother, but as your brother, I don't think you're any of those things," he replied calmly.

Danielle shrugged, "We're not getting into that discussion right now, but we will talk about it during our weekly sibling bonding time," she spoke in a firm voice.

Danny nodded, "Thanks for the books, Detective Messer," John spoke softly.

"No problem," Danny replied calmly. "Hey, my break's over, but I'll be back…"

Danielle let out a sigh of relief as Danny left the room without pressing for more information, "I'm sorry about that, Mom," John spoke softly. "If I had known…"

"You can't always be the hero for everyone, honey," Danielle spoke in a kind voice as she patted his arm reassuringly. "I'll probably find a meeting to go to later if there's time, but I'm content sitting here for right now. We'll need a family council, I guess."

John nodded and sighed weakly, "I'm tired already," he spoke softly. "It sucks."

Danielle nodded, "Get some rest, kiddo," she replied softly. "I'll be here."

Miami, Florida

The sight of a battered Nick Stokes laying on a gurney unconscious and intubated truly frightened Horatio because it reminded of him where he had been at just months earlier. Everyone from both shifts was now either on scene or on their way there.

Bags lay scattered across the sand, as did blood, and Walter and Jesse were talking to Tripp about what had happened. Uniforms who were not assigned to the scene were out looking for the boat that now held Grissom and the Coast Guard was preparing.

Tim, Eric, Ryan, and Calleigh, were all photographing and collecting evidence from the sand and from Nick. News crews were also on the scene; it was utter chaos.

Sighing quietly, Horatio looked away from Nick and as he analyzed the scene, he noticed a woman sitting quietly with a female police officer near the vehicles, her head down as the officer tried to engage her in conversation. As much as he didn't want to know who the woman was, Horatio immediately recognized her as Dr. Andrea Pride; she had been the one to medicate him at LaRusso Farm in Las Vegas.

"Horatio?"

Horatio looked away from Dr. Pride and saw Calleigh standing next to him with a purse in her gloved hands, "This purse has identification in it belonging to Doctor Andrea Pride and she went missing from New York two days ago," she explained.

"I remember," Horatio replied. "It was after Detective Angell was murdered…"

Calleigh nodded and Horatio looked over to Dr. Pride, "She's being watched by a female officer and I don't think she'd be comfortable talking to a male officer," he spoke quietly. "I especially don't think she'd be altogether comfortable around me."

Loud sirens suddenly filled the air as the ambulance took off with a very weak Nick inside and another Hummer pulled up to the scene. A moment later, Emily got out of the vehicle wearing white shoes, dress pants, and a dress shirt with a badge and gun on her belt. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she looked very firm.

"Did you call Emily to help?" Horatio asked quizzically. "I don't think I did."

Calleigh shook her head and watched as Emily made her way over to Jesse, Walter, and Tripp, but Horatio walked over to them, "As Deputy Head of IAB, it's my job to know what happened this morning and so I'll need statements from Mister Simmons and Detective Cardoza," Horatio heard Emily say formally. "Detective Tripp, thank you so much for talking to them. Do you mind if I have a copy of your notes?"

Tripp nodded, "Doctor Speedle, where is Sergeant Stetler?" Horatio asked softly, frowning because he was confused. "I know IAB has to be involved, however…"

"Sergeant Stetler took some sick days," Emily replied in an official voice. "The chief has asked me to talk with Walter and Jesse about the situation and…."

Walter's eyes filled with tears, "Doctor Grissom gave himself to them as a hostage so that lady and the dude from Vegas wouldn't be shot," he said softly. "He's a hero."

"Why don't we go for a walk, Mister Simmons?" Emily suggested. "And talk?"

As Walter and Emily walked away from the scene, Horatio eyed Jesse, "Be honest with me, Jesse, did you help Rick go underground?" he asked in a stern voice.

"No, but given the work he was involved in, I'm not surprised he did," Jesse replied.

Horatio nodded and got his phone out of his pocket, "As much as I don't want to call Las Vegas, I should inform Catherine of what's happened," he spoke anxiously. "After that, I need to phone New York about Doctor Pride and let them know she's alive."

Jesse nodded and headed back to the scene, but Calleigh found herself walking over to where the female officer and Dr. Pride were. The female officer, whose tag read Reyes, immediately moved towards Calleigh, leaving Dr. Pride where she was sitting.

"Officer Reyes, what's the problem?" Calleigh asked in a concerned voice.

Officer Reyes looked concerned, "She won't engage in conversation and she's not even acknowledging my presence," she explained softly. "I don't know what to do."

Calleigh nodded, her expression concerned, "Ma'am?" she asked softly. "I'm…"

Without warning, Dr. Pride suddenly passed out and nearly fell off the chair, but was caught by Officer Reyes. Calleigh immediately got on her radio and called it in.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Sara found herself deeply confused as she went into the Crime Lab with Betty, Gregory, and Danielle in tow. She had been working nights as a favor to Catherine until Nick was found, but she had been promised that she would never work days.

What surprised her even more was that Greg, Ray, Brass, Hodges, Henry, Morgan, and other techs were in the conference room along with Sheriff Liston, Ecklie, and an anxious looking Catherine, "Sara, have a seat," Catherine spoke in a quiet voice.

Sara signed to Betty as she spoke, "I'll stand," she replied softly. "What's this about?"

"I just got off the phone with Horatio Caine in Miami," Catherine spoke in a solemn voice. "Grissom's been taken hostage by Jeffrey McKeen and a bunch of other goons who dumped Nick and Dr. Pride on a beach near the hospital district in Miami…"

Sara's eyes widened in shock and Ecklie swore, "Grissom's in Miami?" he snapped.

"He didn't feel safe here," Sara spoke softly, signing as she spoke so Betty would understand. "He wanted to get treatment for his Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in peace."

Catherine frowned, as did Brass, Ray, and Hodges, "Um, a Walter Simmons of the Miami Crime Lab got a video of the incident and they'll analyze it, but Walter also gave a statement that Grissom offered himself to protect Nick and a Doctor Pride…"

Greg looked sick, "Nick was found?" he asked anxiously. "Is he alive?"

Betty suddenly let out a cry and fled the room, having understood everything that Sara was signing about her son, "We don't have a lot of information about Grissom yet, unfortunately," Catherine spoke anxiously as Danielle and Gregory suddenly woke

Sara exhaled anxiously and Greg looked sick, "That's all we have for now," Catherine spoke in a quiet voice. "Greg, I know that Grissom means a lot to you and if you…"

"I'll be back for shift tonight," Greg replied softly. "Nick…Nick would want that."

Sara, however, sighed heavily, "I need to take my kids home and talk to Betty," she spoke in a stressed voice, her expression sad. "This is not what I needed to hear."

Manhattan, New York

"…We're just getting word of a situation developing in Miami where Doctor Gil Grissom, formerly of the Las Vegas Crime Lab, was taken hostage by Jeffrey McKeen, Ivan Sarnoff, Derek Stokes, and the crew that kidnapped Nick Stokes two days ago…" Danielle heard a voice say as she came back to John's room from the hospital cafeteria after getting herself some lunch. "Hostages Nick Stokes and…"

Frowning, Danielle entered the room and was surprised to see John watching the TV with a horrified expression on his face. On the screen, several CSI's were working on a patch of beach that had been roped off by police tape and ignoring the reporters.

"I heard some uniforms talking in the hall and woke just as they left, but I heard them talking about some thing down in Miami," John spoke softly. "I decided to turn the TV on and this was all over the news. Something bad happened to Uncle Gil…"

Danielle continued watching the news as she sat in the chair beside the bed, frowning when one of the CSI's came into view and headed towards a Hummer, "Officer Wolfe, how do you feel about Gil Grissom being kidnapped considering he was responsible for your wife's death in Las Vegas?" one of the reporters suddenly called out.

Ryan suddenly paused, "He wasn't," he replied tersely. "Get out of my face NOW!"

John frowned, "Uncle Gil's being blamed for Sofia's death?" he asked softly.

"Apparently," Danielle replied in a concerned voice. "I had no idea…"

The picture suddenly went back to the newsroom and Danielle sighed, "A report has just come in that Officer Wolfe may have broken the video camera," a reporter said.

"He doesn't need questions like that," John spoke in a worried voice.

Just then, Bosco came into the room still in his uniform and he sighed at seeing the news was on, "Man, news travels fast," he spoke anxiously. "Detective Flack was supposed to come do watch today since he's healed up, but he's AWOL right now and there's rumor that he's been bar-hopping a lot. I took him off the schedule and told Taylor not to let him come over here. I'm not gonna let some grieving drunk…"

"Flack's been drinking?" John asked quizzically. "Over Detective Angell's death?"

Bosco nodded, "Word gets around," he replied irritably. "I'd fire him or at least suspend him, but Taylor won't let me. He says Flack is grieving and to give him a chance to straighten up, but I don't have to let him be around my family."

An uneasy expression crossed John's face and he slowly pulled himself out of bed, keeping quiet as he went to the bathroom without assistance even though his walk was unsteady, "What's gotten into him?" Bosco asked sourly as the bathroom door closed.

"I'm not sure," Danielle replied softly. "We just found out Grissom was kidnapped by McKeen in Miami and they were close. Hearing about Flack may have been too much."

Bosco frowned as the sound of retching suddenly filled the bathroom and he opened the door just in time to see John sink to his knees on the verge of passing out.

Cursing loudly, Danielle pushed the call button and turned the television off.

Miami, Florida

"Ryan, you shouldn't have broken the camera," Calleigh spoke in a concerned voice as she led Ryan into the hospital through the emergency room entrance after Horatio had sent them both to the hospital. "Now, go see your counselor and I'll get the evidence from both Nick and Doctor Pride. I'll tell Horatio you helped me."

Ryan sighed, "I let my emotions get the better of me," he replied softly. "Am I fired?"

"No, but you'll probably have to talk to Horatio about what happened because we need to be above that kind of behavior at scenes," Calleigh replied. "Go on upstairs."

Before Ryan could leave, Dr. Stokes came over to them holding a large bag, "Calleigh, Ryan, here are Nick's clothes and effects," she spoke softly. "He's up in surgery because he's already got a colostomy. They want to see what damage was done."

Calleigh took the bag, "What about the other patient?" she asked softly. "Doctor Pride? She fainted at the scene and I understood this was the hospital she was brought to."

Dr. Stokes suddenly looked concerned, "She wouldn't let me touch her," she replied in a concerned voice. "I helped with Nick and then approached her, but…"

Calleigh nodded, a concerned expression on her face, "Ryan, can you take Nick's stuff and phone Horatio?" she asked softly. "You might get a reprimand, but…"

"I'll take it," Ryan replied nervously. "Calleigh, go easy. I think rape might have been involved and that's why Doctor Pride doesn't want to be touched right now."

Calleigh gave Ryan a concerned look, "Did McKeen…?" she asked softly.

"Along with a lot of other stuff, yeah," Ryan answered softly. "I don't want to talk about it, but it's why I don't like being touched anymore…"

Calleigh nodded, her expression neutral, "If you want to take Nick's things to the lab, Ryan, I can stay here and try to get through to Doctor Pride," she spoke softly as she handed the keys to Ryan. "I'm sure Horatio will want to talk to you anyway. I think a woman should handle this. Take the Hummer and I can find my way back myself."

It was then that Ryan noticed the look in Calleigh's eyes, "Who did it?" he asked.

"Hagen," Calleigh replied softly, sighing. "I'd rather not get into it right now."

Ryan nodded and took the bag, "I'll get this back to the lab and call my therapist for a session once it's logged," he replied softly. "Good luck with Doctor Pride."

Once Ryan had left with the evidence, Calleigh followed Dr. Stokes to an exam room that was out of the way of the action. Dr. Pride was sitting on the bed looking lost.

Dr. Stokes and Calleigh didn't speak when they came into the room, "Doctor Pride, I'm Calleigh Duquesne from the Miami-Dade Crime Lab," Calleigh spoke softly.

"I suppose you need to examine me because I fainted," Dr. Pride spoke softly.

Dr. Stokes nodded, "Stokes," Dr. Pride read off of Dr. Stokes's work ID tag.

"Nick's my baby brother," Dr. Stokes replied softly. "He's up in surgery."

Dr. Pride's eyes filled with tears, "I didn't give him the colostomy," she spoke in a tired voice. "I wish I could remember who did, but I was kept rather busy after we left the stop and I'm in so much pain right now. Derek and Ivan each took turns…"

Letting out a sigh, Dr. Pride laid down, "If you want to examine me, you can," she spoke in a quiet voice. "I know you need the evidence to help find Gil Grissom."

"If you're not comfortable…" Calleigh spoke in a concerned voice.

Dr. Pride sighed weakly, "I haven't been comfortable for several days," she replied in a weak voice. "And I need to rest before New York sends someone down for me."

By the time Ryan returned to the lab after taking the long way at the speed limit, everyone else was back. He quickly gathered the appropriate paperwork and secluded himself in one of the evidence rooms to log it and process it. It was his way of calming down and he made sure he was in a coat and gloves before starting his work.

"Ryan?"

Ryan didn't look up from his work because he recognized the voice, "Ryan, what happened at the beach?" Emily asked in a concerned voice. "The camera…"

"I don't blame Grissom for what happened to Sofia and I can't believe there are people who do," Ryan replied, looking up at his sister. "I snapped, grabbed the camera, and threw it in the sand. Horatio sent me to the hospital with Calleigh to get evidence and I may have cost myself work. I just couldn't let such a horrible question pass…"

Emily sighed, "Ryan, it hasn't been that long since she died and you're allowed to be angry," she spoke calmly. "I hope you're going to make a counseling appointment."

"I'll phone when this stuff is logged," Ryan replied. "It's Nick Stokes's clothes…"

Emily nodded and left Ryan to it, quickly making a beeline for the staff lounge to get a quick snack. She was tired from carrying Rick's load and keeping the secret of where he and his son were hiding, but she was bound by her promise to him.

Manhattan, New York

John was now back in his hospital bed and resting, drained from the vomiting he had done over hearing about Grissom and Flack. Danielle was sitting with him and she had shuttered visitors for the rest of the day except the police that were assigned to do guard duty at the door. She had also asked for the rest of the family to stay home.

Bosco had waited until his shift was officially over before going home and he was pleased to see that Caira was resting on the hideabed while helping David and Ellie with their homework. Sully was helping Ray with his homework while Michael, Emily, and Nicolas played quietly together on the floor surrounded by toys.

"Bosco, dinner's done, but the leftovers are in the fridge," Sully commented as he spotted Bosco. "Danielle also called and told us that John had a setback tonight. He's gonna be on strict bedrest and observation for the next few days…"

Bosco fought the urge to swear, as he knew why John had suffered a setback and now that he was off the clock, he was going to handle it, "Hey, Sully, do you mind getting the kids to bed?" he asked in a quiet voice. "I'm going for a walk tonight."

Sully, however, could immediately tell what Bosco was up to and gave him a look. Bosco, however, didn't pay attention to it, "Can we come?" Ellie asked hopefully.

"Not tonight, pumpkin, but I've got the day off tomorrow and I'll take you and Ellie to the park, all right?" Bosco spoke calmly. "You two keep busy with Caira."

As Bosco left the apartment, he suddenly heard footsteps, "Bosco," Sully warned in a stern voice. "It's not like the trouble with Don Flack is a secret. Danielle told me."

"I'm not going to beat him up," Bosco growled. "I'm going to find him and sober him up with a cold shower and a lecture about how people like John look up to him."

Sully sighed, "When's the last time you were out on the street at night by yourself, Bosco?" he asked sternly. "What's going to happen if you're out there and get triggered? I think I should come with you for safety and in case you're triggered."

Bosco scoffed, but didn't argue, "What are you gonna tell Yelina?" he asked.

"Don't worry about Yelina," Sully replied. "She's always bugging me to walk more."

Bosco nodded and didn't argue when Sully followed him outside, "I might start at my ma's bar because she'll know where Flack's been hanging," he replied. "Taxi!"

A cab came quickly and the ride to Rose's bar was silent, but Sully was grateful that Bosco had allowed him to come along instead of arguing. As the taxi moved through the streets, Bosco suddenly noticed a figure in jeans, a tee, and a hoodie.

"Stop the car," Bosco growled, swearing as the cab stopped. "It's Flack."

The cab stopped and Bosco launched himself at the car as Flack turned to look at him, "What do youuu want, Boscorelli?" Flack slurred. "I'm offff the clock, Sarge…"

Bosco scowled, but managed to wrestle Flack into the cab, "Get going," he snapped.

The cab driver looked slightly frightened, but continued driving to Rose's bar. Once they were there, Sully paid and the two of them hustled Flack into the bar.

"Maurice, what's this?" Rose asked as she came out from behind the bar. "Who…?"

Bosco scoffed, "This idiot's bleedin'," he growled, seeing Flack's bloody nose, a gash on his face, and his bruises. "He must have been in a fight. Ma, got a first aid kit?"

Rose sighed, "I'm ffffine," Flack slurred even though he was ready to pass out.

"Take him upstairs," Rose ordered. "I don't want him bleedin' all over my bar."

Bosco and Sully obeyed and deposited Flack on to the couch after hauling him up the back steps. A moment later, Rose came up and handed the first aid kit to Sully.

It didn't take long for Sully to patch Flack's injuries, but Flack fell asleep in the process and Bosco scoffed, "So much for the cold shower," he hissed angrily.

"Maurice, do you want me to call someone?" Rose asked worriedly.

Bosco sighed, "I'm not going to sleep tonight anyway, so I'll stay here with him and lecture him in the morning," he replied firmly. "You might as well go home."

Sully looked uneasy and promptly pulled out his phone, "I'll phone Yelina and with Ray and Caira's help, she can handle the younger ones," he replied firmly. "I'm going to stay here with you and we'll both have a word with Flack in the morning."

Bosco sighed, but didn't argue because he knew that Sully was only trying to help.

Miami, Florida

The sun was down, but not all was quiet in Miami.

After making sure her official duties at work were done, Emily left the Hummer at work and took her personal car to the nearest big-box store. She bought a great deal of food and other supplies using cash so that nobody would know that she bought it.

Once her car was filled with supplies, she drove to a quiet neighborhood that had small condos and was close to schools and parks. She parked her car in front of one of the condos and gathered the bags of supplies before going to the door and knocking.

The door opened and Rick sighed, "Hi," he spoke quietly. "Did anyone follow you?"

Emily shook her head as she came into the house and spotted the swelling and bruises on Rick's neck, "Your neck looks worse," she spoke in a concerned voice.

"I've been in hiding since Cooper followed us and I don't want to risk Lenny for a quick trip to the hospital," Rick replied weakly. "I heard about Grissom on the news and it makes me want to go out even less. I'm sure Catherine's freaking out about Grissom right now; I don't need her worrying about me or about our son."

Emily sighed, but put the bags of supplies on the table, "This should last you for a few days and give you enough time to figure out what you and Lenny are going to do long-term," she explained in a concerned voice. "I know you're nervous that McKeen and Ivan might come looking for you because of your past undercover work…"

"I did a lot of investigating and reporting back to the FBI, but it was the only way to get my kids back," Rick replied softly. "I hadn't counted on Lindsey not being my biological daughter and her rejecting me once she found out Eddie was her father."

Emily sighed and Rick looked embarrassed, "Sorry," he replied. "It's still fresh."

"How is Lenny holding up with all this?" Emily asked in a concerned voice.

Rick sighed, "Lenny's doing as well as he can considering all things that have happened recently," he replied quietly. "I wish I could have him around his cousins more, but I feel like it's my fault Maggie wasn't saved as quickly. I couldn't remember seeing her at Fred's until recently and that may have ruined her life."

"You can't keep blaming yourself," Emily replied softly. "You were drugged."

Just then, Lenny came out of his bedroom having heard Emily's voice. He was holding a small notebook in his hand and looking somewhat nervous.

"Hi, Doctor Speedle," Lenny spoke quietly. "Is it our time to talk yet?"

Rick looked concerned, "Yes," he replied softly. "I'm going to take a shower and do some reading in my room while you two talk. Talk for however long you want."

Emily smiled at Lenny as Rick disappeared into his private bedroom and shut the door, "I've been keeping a journal of my feelings like you said to," Lenny spoke softly.

Nodding, Emily looked thoughtful, "Why don't you tell me about it?" she asked, pleased that Lenny had responded to her counsel to keep a journal of his feelings instead of resorting to self-harming when things got tough. "I'm listening."

Elsewhere in Miami, in the midst of the luxury that Ivan Sarnoff's house was, James Scott and Darin Mitchell were waiting anxiously. They had been called by McKeen and told to be at the hideout for a special meeting with a special guest; they were also told to be sober and not to do anything that would get the police's attention.

Even though they wanted to go clubbing, get drunk, and find a way to get back in touch with the elusive Jill Adams, the two obeyed. They fixed themselves meals from Ivan's kitchen and spent time eating them while they waited for McKeen's visit.

"…I've got a headache, McKeen," a gruff voice hissed. "I need to lie down."

There was a scoff, "Can you wait until we show James and Darin our special guest?" McKeen asked sharply. "I know you haven't been feeling well…oh, go on and rest."

A moment passed and then McKeen came into the kitchen, unsurprised to see the food out, "Boys, I hear you've been busy since I've been away," McKeen said tersely.

"We haven't done anything illegal except try to find Jill Adams for you, but it's like she disappeared," James replied worriedly. "We haven't been able to find her, but we do know that Colin Jamison is still in Vegas. We could go end him if you like."

McKeen scoffed, "Colin Jamison is useless," he replied coldly. "Follow me, please."

James and Darin exchanged a look, but obediently followed McKeen out to the dock where Ivan's boat waited, tied securely to the dock with a rope. They were stunned to see Gil Grissom laying unconscious on the deck, bleeding from a head wound.

"Doctor Grissom," James and Darin spoke in unison, their eyes wide with horror.

McKeen smirked, "He gave himself willingly in exchange for Nick Stokes and Doctor Pride, but I don't buy that at all," he hissed coldly. "I knocked him out cold because I was tired of hearing his lies, but I want you two to search him for wires and devices."

James and Darin exchanged another look, "Search him with what?" Darin asked.

"Do whatever you want to him," McKeen hissed. "Just don't permanently damage him because he's getting shipped to where Ray Caine has his lady and brat hiding. I would recommend torturing him on Ivan's rack if you can't find any wires…"

James paled, "Ivan's got a torture rack?" he asked nervously. "Why?"

"Let's get started," Darin spoke anxiously. "If he's wearing wires, we're screwed."

James nodded and reluctantly got on the boat with Darin, fighting nausea as they searched Grissom, "He's really pale and has bags under his eyes," Darin observed, scoffing as he found a wallet. "He doesn't have his LVPD ID on him at all…"

McKeen looked annoyed, "I guess we do need the rack," he replied. "Bring him inside and dump him in the basement. When he wakes, I will question him."

Manhattan, New York

"Bosco."

Yawning, Bosco opened his eyes and found that he had fallen asleep in a chair sometime during the night. Sully was standing beside the chair and Flack was gone.

"Flack's in the bathroom and I ordered him not to run away," Sully replied. "You passed out at about one a.m. and I just decided to let you sleep the rest of the night."

Bosco sighed, but quickly got serious and stood up as Flack came out of the bathroom, freezing in his tracks when he saw Bosco there, "Uh, hi Sergeant," Flack said groggily, frowning. "Where exactly am I and what am I doing up here? I vaguely remember…"

"We caught you stumbling down the street last night drunk out of your mind," Bosco spoke in a stern voice. "I don't care what Mac Taylor says; you are clearly out of control and set John back in his recovery. You aren't fit to wear your badge."

Flack's eyes widened in shock, "Did I hurt him?" he asked worriedly. "John?"

"Not physically," Bosco replied sharply. "It's not like your irresponsibility is a big secret, though, and he heard some of the hallway patrol talking about it at the same time he learned that Doctor Grissom was kidnapped in Miami. It was too much for him and he threw up quite a bit. You and your crap set him back in his recovery."

Flack gave Bosco a look, "Angell was murdered right in front of my eyes and the kid doesn't know what it's like to see something like that!" he snapped angrily.

Sully sighed, "He does," he replied softly. "Ever hear of Doc Parker from FDNY?"

"That highly respected paramedic who was beheaded a couple years back," Flack replied in a groggy voice. "John's a smart kid, but he doesn't know what it's like to lose someone close to him. What's happened to him over the last couple years is awful, but it's not like he was emotionally invested in the people who died…"

Bosco's eyes widened in anger and he lunged at Flack, pinning him against the wall quite swiftly, "He was close to Doc, he was close to Warrick Brown, he was close to Sofia Wolfe, and he cared about everyone who died where he was involved," he growled coldly. "He may have even cared when his biological father was killed."

Flack struggled to get free, but Bosco held him tight, "Now that I've adopted John and he's taken my name, it's my right as his father to protect him from people like you who don't care about anything but destroying themselves," Bosco snarled, his expression murderous. "You are not to go near him again while he is in the hospital and if you don't start cleaning yourself up, I will go over Taylor's head and talk to Internal Affairs about having you suspended or fired. Do you understand me?!"

Flack swore, shoved Bosco off of him, and promptly bolted from the room, "I don't think I got through to him," Bosco sighed as he pulled his phone out. "I need to phone LaRusso in Miami to make sure that Flack doesn't go to him. They're best buddies."

"You tried, Bosco," Sully replied in a sad voice. "If someone doesn't think they're wrong…"

Bosco sighed as LaRusso's voicemail came on the line, "Hey there, Bobby, it's Bosco," he spoke in a concerned voice. "You should know that there's been some problems with Don Flack lately and he might try to lean on you for support. He's been drinking a lot lately and it's gotten pretty bad…"

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