Three Days Later
Miami, Florida
James Scott and Darin Mitchell were filled with regrets now that they were watching strongmen bind Grissom to an old-fashioned torture rack with one arm chained upright. Grissom had regained consciousness earlier that morning, but he hadn't said a word about where he was or what he had done.
McKeen, on the other hand, was delighted that Grissom was awake and hadn't hesitated to arrange a way to torture his old nemesis. He wanted information that Grissom had and would do whatever he could to get it.
"You boys seem troubled," McKeen observed as he came into the room, smirked at the silent Grissom being rigged up to a rack, and then looked at James and Darin. "You both know he deserves this."
Neither boy replied and McKeen smirked at Grissom, who was staring silently at the ceiling as if he hadn't heard anything, "Doesn't it sting when people you put blind faith in betray you, Gil?" McKeen crooned mockingly, smirking at the helpless man. "These were two of your students, right?"
"They were," Grissom replied quietly, still looking upward. "It seems they chose to step away from my teachings."
McKeen chuckled, "And you chose to come to me so that your precious little Nicky Stokes would be spared," he laughed mockingly, glaring at Grissom. "It's too bad you're going to die here."
"Better me than others," Grissom replied softly, his expression pained. "I'm assuming this is a stretch rack?"
McKeen smirked and he began to turn the wheel, stretching Grissom's arm, "Where's Jill Adams, Gil?" he asked in a cold voice, his expression murderous. "The trial involving Horatio Caine's disappearance is next month and she's going to testify against me. I want her dead before she reveals my plans…"
Grissom was silent for several minutes, "I heard that your new recruits shot up a Miami hotel owned by her parents and killed a lot of people," he replied softly. "Did you ever consider that they died?"
"Don't play games with me," McKeen snarled, turning the wheel so roughly that a CRACK filled the air.
James and Darin exchanged a look as McKeen suddenly stopped turning the wheel and produced a stolen taser from inside his pocket, "Perhaps you need some shock therapy instead," McKeen said softly.
"Jill Adams is dead," Grissom lied softly, even though Ryan had told him of Jill's marriage during one of their little visits together. "As careless as James and Darin have been, I'm not surprised by her death."
McKeen swore and powered up the taser, "Shock therapy and an epic beating will teach you not to tell lies, Gil," he replied in a cold voice, smirking as he thrust the taser hard into Grissom's side.
Miami-Dade University Hospital - Miami
The hospital was quiet. It was always quiet at that time of day, but Bobby wasn't troubled by it.
"…Hey there, Bobby, it's Bosco. 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. You might want to let your uncle or cop friends know about Flack just in case he tries to visit you…"
Swallowing hard, Robert set the phone back on the portable table and stared up at the ceiling with a troubled expression on his face. Flack had tried calling him, yes, and had mentioned that he might come down for a visit. Never was any sort of problem mentioned and to hear otherwise from his former work partner troubled him deeply.
"Penny for your thoughts?" a gentle voice suddenly asked as footsteps approached.
Robert looked down and was surprised to see his uncle standing there, "Morning," he spoke in a quiet voice, his expression confused. "Aren't you usually at work this time of day?"
"I'm supervising the search from Grissom from a distance considering my past history with McKeen," Horatio replied calmly. "I know Natalia had to work this morning…"
Robert sighed softly, "They took the colostomy out yesterday," he spoke quietly. "I'm still a little weak, but I'm being encouraged to use the bathroom with assistance if I can…"
Horatio nodded, quickly catching his nephew's meaning and helping him out of bed, not letting go until Robert was at the toilet. He helped his nephew finish his business and get back to bed in record time, "Your steps are better," Horatio observed quietly.
Robert, however, didn't look happy, "Donnie's struggling with drinking," he spoke quietly. "Bosco left a message on my phone that Donnie's developed a drinking problem. Donnie phoned the other day saying that he wanted to visit, but I told him I had a lot going on. I…I also know that Rick's missing…"
"He is," Horatio replied quietly. "He hasn't reported to work and has in fact taken a sick leave…"
Robert nodded, "If I keep showing improvement, I should be able to go home within the week," he spoke, switching to a more comfortable subject. "I'm still a long way from being cleared for any sort of work, but being at home will mean better sleep and less nightmares. I won't feel so alone there."
A pleased expression appeared on Horatio's face, "That's great news," he replied, sighing gently and trying to not think about the trial in the distance, a trial that would prove taxing on his emotions.
Jackson Hospital - Miami
"…It's been two days since former Las Vegas Crime Lab Supervisor Doctor Gilbert Grissom was kidnapped while in Miami," a newscaster's voice filled the air as Calleigh opened the door to Dr. Pride's hospital room. "A witness to the crime identified former Las Vegas Police Department Undersheriff Jeffrey McKeen as Grissom's abductor…"
Calleigh froze at seeing the bed empty, but she immediately heard water running and waited for several moments before the door opened. Dr. Pride came out of the bathroom wearing sweats, slippers, and a loose shirt. Her arm was wrapped around an IV pole that had a line embedded in her hand while her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail and her expression was tired. She sighed at Calleigh.
"I haven't gone anywhere," Dr. Pride spoke in a pained voice. "I gave my word I wouldn't."
Calleigh nodded and watched as Dr. Pride quietly returned to bed without offering any further thoughts on her condition or situation, "We finished processing your things and I thought you might like them back," she finally said quietly. "I had an officer from the Crime Lab help me bring your things."
"What's the point of having things if you're going to jail?" Dr. Pride replied softly. "Detective Angell and Detective Flack were left to die and Angell did die because I couldn't do anything to help them…"
Calleigh looked confused, "You were a hostage," she replied softly. "The evidence supports that."
"And if Doctor Grissom dies, what does that make me?" Dr. Pride asked softly, unable to stop herself from crying. "I know I'm headed to jail whenever New York gets here and I deserve it. I'm not going to try and fight or argue against what I did. I plan to plead guilty to everything and take the time I'm given."
Calleigh paused, "You might want to talk to Detective Taylor," she spoke softly. "He's in the hall."
Dr. Pride gave Calleigh a confused look and frowned as Calleigh began to slowly blur into white.
A gentle beeping filled Dr. Pride's ears, "…Whatever was going on dropped her blood pressure," a concerned voice spoke. "She was sitting in a chair out on the balcony, crying her eyes out…"
Dr. Pride opened her eyes and was surprised to find Dr. Stokes and two nurses around her bed, "Hey there, good to see you back with us," Dr. Stokes spoke gently. "You passed out on the balcony."
"What, so Detective Taylor and Detective Duquesne aren't here?" Dr. Pride asked shakily, trying to make some sense of what had happened. "I…shouldn't you be with your brother? He's still alive…right?"
Dr. Stokes said something to the nurses and they left, "Nick's stable, but he's in ICU and I work in a different department," she replied patiently. "You're my patient and he's not. Hospital rules."
Dr. Pride nodded, still feeling confused and flustered, "A nurse was coming to check you when she saw you faint on the balcony," Dr. Stokes spoke calmly. "What were you even doing out there?"
A sadness suddenly filled Dr. Pride and she turned her head to face the balcony, "I heard on the news that Detective Angell's dead and Flack's on medical leave from work," she spoke quietly. "Angell was one of my bodyguards until the trial and she lived with me, but I had come to see her as a friend."
"Is this a bad time?" a male voice suddenly asked. "I'm from the lab and I need a statement, but…"
Dr. Pride sighed, forced herself to calm, and then turned to see Tim Speedle lingering near the door with a calm looking woman at his side, "I'm Detective Speedle and this is my wife, Doctor or Detective Speedle, whichever you wanna call her," Tim spoke calmly. "Did we come at a bad time?"
"At least I get a kind looking escort," Dr. Pride spoke softly as she slowly sat up.
Tim frowned, "Escort?" he replied in a confused voice. "Um, I'm married…rather happily married."
"You're here to take me to jail," Dr. Pride spoke softly, her ribs aching from sitting up too fast. "I…"
Tim looked taken aback, "For what?" he asked calmly. "You were kidnapped from New York; you didn't leave voluntarily. You kept Nick Stokes alive and took a beating for it. You're not under arrest."
"I'm not?" Dr. Pride asked blankly as she laid back to ease the pain in her ribs.
Dr. Stokes looked alarmed, but she said nothing as Tim grabbed a chair from the wall and planted it near the bed, "Do you want a juice or a milkshake or something?" he asked calmly. "I can imagine you're pretty hungry, but food might not stay down. You know what? I'll just go get you a juice."
Before Dr. Pride could reply, Tim quietly left the room, "He could sense you were scared of him," Emily explained as she sat in the chair beside the bed. "Tim's got a sixth sense about those who have been through prior traumas and he wanted to give you a moment. I'm assuming his sense is right."
"Yes," Dr. Pride replied softly. "I…I'm sorry. It's not something I can help…"
Emily sighed as Dr. Stokes moved into the hallway, "If you want to cry, just do it," she replied.
Unable to hold her emotions in any longer, Dr. Pride looked up at the ceiling and began to cry.
Angel of Mercy Hospital - Manhattan, New York
John sighed shakily as he made his way down the hospital hallway, leaning heavily on his IV pole for support while one arm sat in a sling. He had been helped to dress and eat by a nurse that morning because his nightwatch, Lt. Davis, was sacked out asleep on the couch after giving into exhaustion.
"…What are you doing out of bed?" a stern voice suddenly called to him. "Where's Davis?"
John sighed as he saw his father come out of the elevator wearing jeans, boots, and a t-shirt and an unhappy expression on his face, "I ate breakfast and my blood sugar's fine, but I was just tired of being in bed," he replied softly. "Lieutenant Davis is asleep. He did a footchase before coming over…"
Bosco expression softened, "You just got the tubes out of your chest last night," he replied in a concerned voice. "I know I'm being paranoid about the nightwatch thing, but I care…"
Nodding, John gave him a one armed hug and Bosco sighed, unable to stay mad at him, "All right, you can go to the elevator and then back to bed," Bosco relented firmly. "And I walk with you."
"All right," John replied in a quiet voice. "I just had to make sure I was still human, you know?"
Bosco sighed, "Yeah, I get it," he replied. "It hurts more for you, though, because it was someone who was your friend, someone you thought you could trust. It hurts for me too cause I saw Emily…"
Nausea rocketed through John, "I don't want to talk about her," he spoke anxiously. "Not now."
Bosco nodded and John relaxed, the nausea disappearing along with his anxiety, "I might get a therapy appointment later," John spoke in a tired voice as they reached the elevator. "I'm starting to get tired."
"You know, they might let you outta here soon, but that doesn't mean you get to run a marathon or anything," Bosco spoke as he put an arm around John to support him. "Just go slow and breathe."
As John and Bosco turned and began walking back towards the hospital room, John found his gaze wandering and suddenly stopped in his tracks with his head gazing into one of the rooms. Adam Ross was sitting on a bed in a hospital gown and sweats with a bracelet around his wrist quietly answering questions that a nurse, who was sitting in a chair beside the bed, was asking him. Adam looked tired.
"Adam?" John spoke in a concerned, confused voice as he moved to the door. "Hey there, Adam."
Adam froze at seeing John, "Hey," he spoke softly. "I didn't know you were here…"
"My room's down the hall," John replied worriedly. "You don't look so good. Are you okay?"
Adam sighed anxiously, "I'm not sure," he admitted quietly as the nurse continued writing because John seemed to be getting Adam to open up more. "I helped with your case and I had an absence seizure when I was watching the tape. Sid told me I had a grand mal later that day, but I don't remember…"
John nodded, "Anyway, I decided to admit myself for some tests to see if it really just was PTSD or if there's a bigger problem," Adam explained. "Mac gave me some medical leave and Sinclair's pissed, but I'm protected by the ADA. I'm really grateful you did all that research for me during your study hours…"
"Are you going to be okay?" John asked worriedly, his tiredness gone. "I can stay and talk…"
Adam shrugged, "I've gotta finish being admitted and you look ready to fall over," he replied softly.
John didn't want to leave, but he reluctantly did and nearly crashed into a frantic Davis when they came back to his assigned room, "I fell asleep," Ty apologized. "I'm sorry. It was a long shift…"
"Save it," Bosco growled. "You can go do whatever now. I'll be staying for a while."
Ty fled and Bosco promptly helped John back to bed, "It's getting close to lunch," Bosco said, eyeing the clock above the door before grabbing John's bag off the bed. "You wanna try your shot today?"
"If you can mix it for me," John replied quietly. "I need both hands to do it."
As Bosco mixed the shot, John exhaled, "What's everyone up to today?" he asked tiredly.
"Your ma's doing some EMS classes this morning and Yelina has some summer courses at NYU she's teaching, so Sully's babysitting and Caira and Ray are helping," Bosco explained. "David and Ellie's school has some sort of PD day thing, so all the kids are home. NYPD's being generous with my personal days cause of what happened, but I'll probably have to make it up later in the year when you're better."
John nodded, "Do you think I'll get better?" he asked softly, unsure of the answer. "I'm not sure."
"I think you'll get there," Bosco replied as he capped the loaded needle. "You ready for this?"
John quietly adjusted his clothes before taking the needle and gently injecting it into his thigh.
Jackson Hospital - Miami, Florida
"…Nick's breathing on his own, but he's still not awake and I'm worried for him," Tim heard an anxious woman speak as he waited in the cafeteria line for Dr. Pride's smoothie. "How are we supposed to tell him about Derek and about his old boss? What was Gil Grissom even thinking?!"
Tim turned just in time to see Jillian Stokes start weeping while holding a cell phone. Jillian noticed him, but remained on the phone for a few more moments. Once the call ended, Jillian walked over to him.
"You're one of the CSI's on my son's case," Jillian spoke quietly. "I've forgotten your name…."
Tim sighed, "Detective Tim Speedle, ma'am," he replied patiently. "I'm involved, yes."
"Well, Nick's breathing on his own, but isn't awake yet," Jillian explained in a concerned, slightly emotional voice. "Derek's had some complications and they found a brain tumor inside of him that could explain why he did what he did. He's being medicated right now, but surgery's tricky cause of his diabetes. Both my sons are in here and it's very stressful to deal with. My husband's at our hotel with Parker. We brought him along so he could be close to Nick. I'm sorry if I'm rambling…"
Tim shook his head, "It's useful information," he replied, knowing that there was no way to get anything credible out of Derek due to the brain tumor. "You said Nick was breathing on his own now?"
"Yes," Jillian replied in a calmer voice. "Do you need pictures of his injuries?"
Tim sighed, "We got them at the scene when he was found," he replied calmly as a cafeteria worker suddenly came over to him holding a large chocolate smoothie in a takeout cup. "Oh, thank you."
The cafeteria worker nodded and walked away, "I guess you CSI's don't get a lot of time to eat," Jillian spoke in a sympathetic voice. "Whenever Nicky's working, he eats so unhealthy…"
"I…I should get back to what I was doing," Tim spoke nervously, wondering if Dr. Pride was doing okay with Emily's presence or if the two women were uncomfortable around each other. "Nice to…"
Jillian suddenly looked very concerned, "That woman, Doctor Pride, she's in this hospital too," she realized in a concerned voice. "Doctor Grissom's phone caught footage of that woman jumping from the boat and trying to keep Nick safe. I didn't even think she'd still be in the hospital after three days…"
Tim said nothing because he very much wanted to protect her right to privacy, "Speed?" a voice suddenly called out from behind Tim. "I wasn't aware you were here today."
Turning towards the voice, Tim was surprised to see Horatio coming into the cafeteria with Robert, who was using a walker to move, "Oh, hey Horatio, Detective Caine," Tim spoke warmly. "How are you?"
Jillian drew back at the sight of Horatio, as she had seen his case on the news and wasn't sure what to say that wouldn't make him uncomfortable. She ended up exiting quietly so not to risk it.
"Oh, Mrs. Stokes must have been very busy with her sons," Horatio commented, deeply relieved that Jillian had left without asking him questions about his experience. "What are you doing here?"
Tim exhaled, "Doctor Pride is on a different floor and Calleigh asked me and Emily to come interview her, but she got anxious," he explained. "She's got some injuries, so Doctor Stokes admitted her and I thought this would help her be more comfortable answering questions about the situation."
"And chocolate helps with headaches and anxiety," Robert commented calmly, smiling timidly.
Tim nodded, "It's good to see you walking," he replied. "Natalia mentions it at work…"
Robert continued to smile although Tim could see a hint of sadness in his face, "I hope to be home with my family soon enough," he said calmly. "I asked my uncle to bring me down here so I could pick what I wanted to eat rather than having it delivered. I think we're gonna go sit, but it's good to see you, Tim."
Tim nodded and quietly excused himself, knowing that Horatio had needed the time in the cafeteria as much as his nephew did. Once Speed was out of sight, the two Caines sat down at a nearby table.
"I'm concerned about you going up to New York by yourself, Uncle," Robert spoke worriedly, frowning.
Horatio sighed, "As am I, but there's not really a choice," he replied softly. "Doctor Pride, Pavel, and Anya will all be testifying as to their roles and I need to be there to share my experiences…"
"You're still having nightmares," Robert spoke firmly. "If I can speed up my recovery and come with…"
Horatio exhaled, "We'll see how things go, Robert," he spoke weakly, his resolve crumbling because arguing about the upcoming trial was triggering anxiety. "Look, can we stop discussing this for now?"
Robert nodded, his expression concerned, "Of course," he replied gently. "Just take some breaths."
Swallowing hard, Horatio nodded and obeyed, "You know me too well," he replied quietly.
Eric hoped he had been seeing things, but it was troublesome even if he hadn't. He had been on a day off and was doing some shopping for his parents when he had spotted Lenny Stetler getting some groceries that looked reasonably healthy for diabetics. He looked well cared for, but very scared.
Deeply concerned for the young man who, along with his father, had been missing for the last several days, Eric silently followed him through the shop. When Lenny approached the checkout, he approached the young man and Lenny immediately froze, "Officer Delko," he spoke in a nervous voice. "Hi…"
"Hi Lenny," Eric replied in a concerned voice. "Are you getting groceries for you and your dad?"
Lenny nodded, but didn't talk until he had paid for the groceries, "Yes sir," he replied softly, stuffing the change into his jeans pocket. "I…I should get back. He asked me not to dawdle."
"Do you want a ride home?" Eric asked quietly, concerned for the preteen. "Is it far away?"
Shaking his head, Lenny quickly left and Eric quickly got his groceries, paid, and then got in the car to see if he could spot Lenny. A few blocks later, Eric spotted Lenny walking quickly with his head down and hands clutching the grocery bags tightly. The young man looked nervous as if he didn't want to be seen.
Instead of alerting Lenny to his presence, Eric silently tailed him and slowed when he saw Lenny use a key to get into a condo. He waited until Lenny was inside before parking and getting out.
Eric silently went up to the door and knocked, determined to get to the bottom of things. A moment passed and then the door opened, revealing Lenny, "Um, Dad, it's Officer Delko," Lenny called inside.
"You might as well let him in," a tired voice filled the air. "It's not going to do any harm now."
Lenny stepped aside and Eric came in, waiting until Lenny had closed the door to move deeper into the house. To his surprise, Walter Simmons was sitting on one couch while Rick sat on another holding a wrapped icepack to his neck, "What's going on?" Eric asked suspiciously. "Walter, what…?"
"I got days off cause of the thing with Grissom and Jesse asked me to visit with Sergeant Stetler and his son," Walter replied calmly. "You must have spotted Lenny shopping for groceries, right?"
Eric nodded as Lenny came into the living room with a cup of green tea, "Thanks kiddo," Rick spoke in a quiet voice, ruffling Lenny's hair as he set the cup on the coffee table. "Did you finish your homework?"
"It's done and in the packet for Doctor Speedle to deliver to the school," Lenny replied quietly.
Eric froze, "Emily, she knows about this?" he replied in a confused voice. "She knows you're here?"
"Of course she does," Rick replied quietly. "She's the IAB deputy and the department therapist. On days where she needs to be the therapist, she hands the IAB work to someone else so there's no conflict."
Eric nodded as Rick sighed weakly before commandeering the cup of green tea from the table, "I heard talk there was an incident between you and a uniform," Eric spoke worriedly. "You didn't file a report, but Detective Tripp did. If you gave a statement, Officer Stevens would be suspended without pay."
"My cover's blown and I'm not risking my son just so some beat cop can get a slap on the wrist for trying to choke me," Rick replied in a weak voice. "McKeen took down a stronghold like Gil Grissom with just words and if we ever met again, I'm sure I'd be dead. He'd kill me because of my disloyalty…"
Lenny sat down on the couch next to Rick and Rick sighed, "Watch who you tell that I'm here," Rick replied in a tired voice, giving Eric and Walter a look. "Bernard was quite adept at making sure I stayed in line using whatever means he felt were necessary regardless of how it damaged my dignity…"
Walter looked ready to puke, but Eric frowned, "Sexually?" he asked, quickly connecting the dots.
"Bernard was very sociopathic," Rick replied quietly. "Anyways, I'm not feeling well. Can you go?"
Eric frowned as Rick's cell-phone, which was on the table, suddenly buzzed, "Leave it," Rick hissed anxiously. "If I don't answer it, Cooper won't be able to track me. He's been calling once a day since…"
"Dan Cooper's trying to find you?" Eric asked worriedly. "Stetler, you need some help...you and Lenny."
Rick scoffed, "Bobby's not that forgiving," he snapped. "Just...just mind your own business, Delko."
"Forgiving of what?" Eric asked in a confused voice. "I know he's still in hospital, but he'll be out soon because he's taking steps and he's got a big enough house. You can't deal with this by yourself..."
Rick swore, "I dealt with finding my children by myself, Delko!" he replied angrily as he suddenly felt a migraine and an anxiety attack coming on with a vengeance. "I went through the worst years of my life trying to be a cop and pay lip service to the FBI just to get my children back alive! GET OUT!"
Before anyone could reply, Rick got up and marched off to the bathroom, promptly slamming the door as hard as he could, "His blood sugar's low cause you freaked him out," Lenny spoke quietly. "He's gone through a lot for Lindsey and me...to help us...and he knows he's not liked by other cops. He also blames himself for my cousin, Maggie, and he shouldn't. I don't think my Uncle Bobby does either..."
"You're pretty smart for 13," Walter spoke softly, offering Lenny a smile. "I'm gonna hang out here..."
Lenny nodded, "My dad thinks so too," he replied calmly. "Officer Delko, can you please just go? My dad's been having a really hard time since that cop in uniform tried to choke him at the hospital."
Eric shook his head as vomiting filled the air, "I want to help," he replied in a concerned voice.
Walter rose from his chair, a nervous expression on his face as silence suddenly filled the air. Lenny silently wandered over to the bathroom and knocked, "Dad?" Lenny asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"
Eric frowned as Lenny opened the door and went inside. Faint wheezing could be heard.
Walter silently went over to the door, "Lenny, it looks bad and your dad needs a hospital," he said in a concerned voice, seeing that Rick was semi-conscious, shivering, and struggling to breathe. "I know your dad wants you two to be safe, but this is an actual emergency and I am an adult. Will you let me help?"
Lenny nodded, "Go get some things and your dad's things," Walter instructed. "All of it."
"It's only two suitcases," Lenny replied as he moved out of the bathroom. "The rest is at my uncle's. My dad just left it and we took what we could carry. It won't take long to pack..."
Eric frowned at Walter before dialling 9-1-1 with his cell-phone while Lenny hurried off to pack.
Jackson Memorial Hospital - Miami
"...Nicky?"
A sense of weakness shot through Nick's body as he slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring at what appeared to be a tiled ceiling, "Nicky?" a concerned voice repeated. "Nicky, sweetheart..."
Nick turned his head and was shocked to see his mother's kind face staring at him with a pleased smile on her face, "Mom?" he spoke in a weak voice. "I...where am I? I'm...I'm not on the boat anymore..."
"You're at Jackson Memorial in Miami," Jillian replied softly. "You've been here about four days now."
Nick exhaled weakly, "I...I heard Grissom and McKeen yelling at each other," he spoke shakily, trying to recall what had happened before he woke. "What...what is Grissom even doing...in...Miami?"
The machines began to react to Nick's anxiety and Jillian gently touched Nick's face, "Nicky, calm down," she spoke gently, but firmly. "You've been through a lot and you just need to relax..."
As Nick struggled to relax, Dr. Loman came into the room and froze at seeing Nick's fearful expression, "It's all right, Mister Stokes, you're in a safe place," Dr. Loman spoke calmly. "Deep breath if you can."
Nick obeyed and the machine responded accordingly, "You were stabbed in the gut, beaten, and have other injuries, but you'll recover in time as long as you don't push it," Dr. Loman explained, walking over to the bed with Nick's chart in hand. "You're in a private ICU room at your family's insistence."
Tears filled Nick's eyes, "I...I have a kid," he spoke shakily. "And I thought I heard Grissom and McKeen."
A heavy silence filled the room and Nick's expression suddenly turned fearful as he realized that it had actually happened; he had heard Grissom and McKeen fighting and they weren't here now.
"Doctor Grissom exchanged himself for your freedom from what the MDPD and the media have been saying," Dr. Loman spoke quietly. "He was here undergoing medical treatment, according to his wife..."
Nick's eyes widened in shock, "Sara's babysitting Parker in Vegas," he spoke in a faint, shaky voice.
"Parker's with your father at where we're staying," Jillian replied softly. "He's safe and misses you."
Nick sighed weakly as squeaks suddenly filled the air, "Oh, I didn't think you'd be awake!" an anxious, familiar voice suddenly filled the room. "I...I asked Calleigh if I could be the one to come by..."
"Ryan," Nick spoke in a faint voice, eyeing his friend and former colleague as he came over to the bed and lingered at a safe distance. "I heard you quit and swore never to go back to being a CSI..."
Ryan nodded, "I...Horatio offered me work and I don't want Carlos to starve because of what happened to me and Sofia," he replied softly. "I'm living with my brother and his family right now, but I want to contribute..."
"Ryan, I hope you're not rushing things because you feel you have to," Nick spoke weakly. "I...I'm..."
Ryan sighed patiently, "I'm not doing full shifts yet," he replied gently. "The most I've done is eight..."
Nick nodded as he suddenly found himself fighting sleep and Ryan paused, "I can come back another time," Ryan spoke quietly. "You...you should get some rest..."
Swallowing hard, Ryan slipped into the hallway as Nick drifted off. Dr. Loman, however, followed him and caught up to him as he reached the elevator trying to keep himself from crying.
"Officer Wolfe, there's no shame in how you feel," Dr. Loman spoke calmly. "I know that was hard..."
Ryan nodded and exhaled, "I'm sorry...it's still hard to see people lying helpless in the hospital because it reminds me of how Sofia was before she died," he admitted shakily. "I hope I didn't offend..."
Suddenly, Ryan's phone buzzed and he answered it, frowning when he heard Natalia's voice.
Miami-Dade University Hospital - Miami
"I think, given how fast you're healing and that your home is handicap accessible, you could reasonably go home tomorrow," Robert heard his doctor say as he calmly checked Robert's healing incisions. "I don't want you walking unassisted until you're further along in your therapy, but you're healing nicely."
Robert sighed, deeply surprised when the doctor didn't put clean bandages on the healing incisions before putting his gown back in place, "The takedown went very well and you're wealthy enough to pay for home care if you need it," the doctor explained calmly. "I'll arrange for your discharge tomorrow morning and then I want you to stick to using your wheelchair as much as possible and only walking with assistance..."
The ringing of a cell suddenly prompted Robert to frown and Horatio answered it for him, seeing that his nephew was busy, "Detective Caine is busy," Horatio said, frowning when he heard Natalia's voice. "What? Natalia...all right...I'll let Bobby know. You just go see what's going on. Don't worry about work."
Robert frowned as Horatio hung up the phone, "It seems that Eric unwittingly came across where Rick and Lenny have been hiding and he's currently on his way here with them because Rick had a combination of a diabetic episode and panic attack," Horatio spoke worriedly. "I..."
"Doctor, is there a chance that I could be discharged today?" Robert spoke in a quiet, but firm voice. "It seems I need to attend to some family matters and I'll take it easy, but I need to be there...involved."
The doctor nodded, "I can arrange it within the next couple of hours," he promised, seeing that Robert was determined to go attend to whatever matters needed his attention. "I'll get started on the papers..."
Robert waited until the doctor had left before sitting up, "I don't know what the heck has been going on with Rick since we got back from New York, but it ends today," he spoke in a firm voice, gazing at his uncle. "I don't care what I have to say or do, but I'm going to convince them to move back into my house because whatever's happened clearly tells me that they need the support of their family..."
Horatio silently went to Robert's bag of clothes to get him a shirt, as he too was determined to help.
"...He's a Type 2 diabetic and he's been having issues with anxiety due to a stalker named Dan Cooper," Horatio heard Eric explain as he silently lingered outside the trauma room in the emergency unit of the hospital where Rick had just been brought. "He's got a 13 year old son..."
Eric suddenly paused as he spotted Horatio lingering out in the hallway and he came out of the chaos, "H, I saw Lenny Stetler at the market and followed him home," he explained anxiously. "He and Rick have been living in a Victims Assistance condo. Dan Cooper's been trying to stalk them using phone triangulation. Walter and Jesse and Emily are involved in trying to protect them, but..."
Horatio's eyes widened slightly, "Walter, Jesse, and Emily?" he replied, deeply shocked. "How?"
"Walter's been playing bodyguard during his days off," Eric replied. "He's on his way with Lenny. The staff just got Stetler into a gown and they're working him up. He might have to be admitted."
Horatio nodded, a concerned expression on his face because he didn't like that he had been left out of the loop where Rick's problems were concerned, "Lieutenant?" an anxious voice suddenly spoke.
Eric frowned at seeing Walter come into view with an anxious looking Lenny in tow, "It seems I've been kept out of the loop on your off-day activities, Walter," Horatio spoke, turning to look at Walter and Lenny calmly. "I already had to lecture Ryan about doing off the books work and now it seems..."
"I helped coach the youth basketball group that Lenny played in last year and so Sergeant Stetler trusted me," Walter replied, not offering an apology. "Rick...he's upset over Maggie cause he couldn't..."
Horatio sighed heavily, realizing that Rick hadn't taken Bobby at his word that everything was fine between them and had fled in fear of being a burden and a danger. Rick, Horatio realized, was still reeling over the Fred Yokas situation and hadn't had a chance to really work through any of it.
The talking suddenly quieted and Horatio watched as the gurney was raised, revealing a shaken, slightly awake Rick sporting an oxygen mask and a frightened expression on his face. Horatio silently wandered into the trauma room and Rick's expression softened as Horatio approached his bedside.
"Rick, you're at Miami-Dade University Hospital," Horatio spoke softly. "Walter called an ambulance because you had some serious health issues. Lenny is outside with him and he's fine."
Rick exhaled weakly and drifted into a sleep, as he was much too weak and tired to even bother trying to fight with Horatio. The medical staff continued their work and Horatio noticed Rick's clothes on a nearby chair along with his wallet. He silently took the items with him as he left the noisy trauma room.
"Lenny, can you hold on to these for your dad?" Horatio asked, passing Lenny's Rick's wallet and clothes.
Lenny nodded and accepted the items. He then quietly retreated to a row of seats to sit down, the attention of so many males making him nervous. He didn't think any one of them would hurt him like Jeffrey McKeen and Sam Braun did, but he was better off being out of the way and quiet.
Eric frowned, "Why's he so quiet and shy?" he asked worriedly. "I don't understand..."
Horatio swallowed hard, as Eric's memory still had a few gaps in it and he knew that it wasn't Eric's fault he forgot things, "Um, Eric, Jeffrey McKeen molested Lenny Stetler in Vegas last year and that was one of the reasons why Catherine gave custody of Lenny to Rick," he explained quietly. "Rick has been helping Lenny get therapy and they were living with Bobby and Natalia until recently..."
Eric nodded, a nagging feeling that he had forgotten that information at the back of his mind. As he processed that and wondered what else he might have forgotten about the Stetler's situation, Natalia came into view, "I called Ryan to cover for me and he says he'll take the rest of my shift."
"That's fine," Horatio replied in a concerned voice. "Did you send the kids to Rosa's today?"
Natalia nodded, "Lenny's over there," Walter said, pointing to the chairs. "He's upset."
Turning, Natalia walked over to Lenny and sat next to him while Walter suddenly got on his phone and moved away from the group. He needed to phone Emily and tell her that Rick had now been hospitalized after trying to care for himself and Lenny enough to keep out of sight of McKeen.
Lenny looked at Natalia worriedly, "Are you mad at my dad?" he asked softly. "He's scared you are."
Natalia looked taken aback, "No, Bobby and I have been worried about you and your dad," she replied in a concerned voice. "Lenny, can you tell me why your dad decided to take you and go into hiding?"
"Yeah," Lenny replied softly, nodding because he knew he and his dad now needed help.
Manhattan, New York
"Jo?"
Jo, who had been on her way out to grab a bite of lunch from a street vendor, turned to see Mac coming towards her, "Have you seen Flack lately?" Mac asked quietly. "I just got off the phone with a Tim Speedle in Miami about Doctor Pride. She's in the hospital and he convinced her to let one of us come get information about what happened before she returns to New York. Since he and Angell..."
"I think Flack called in sick today," Jo replied in a concerned voice. "This isn't the first time."
Mac sighed, "I'm beginning to think Sergeant Boscorelli might be right about Flack needing some help," he admitted in a quiet voice. "I might have to have a conversation with him about it..."
Jo nodded, "Hey, where's Adam today?" she asked worriedly. "Lindsay said he's out sick..."
"Jo, Adam's situation is very unique and he's handling it the best he can," Mac replied in a quiet, concerned voice. "I might go down to Miami myself to talk to Doctor Pride because she trusts so few and I don't doubt that Angell's death, plus whatever happened on the way, hurt her badly..."
A sympathetic expression filled Jo's face as she got into the elevator and was surprised when Mac followed, "I'm hungry too," he admitted calmly, fully intending to sneak over to the hospital and make sure that Adam was doing okay and that his need for privacy was being fully respected.
Grissom was broken and unconscious, but he hadn't given anything away during the torture despite having his arm broken on a rack, being tased, and being beaten with weapons. His unconscious, battered form now lay on the floor of Ivan's basement. James Scott and Darin Mitchell felt sick about it.
"Well, boys, learned your lesson yet?" McKeen asked in a cold voice as he came down the stairs and saw James and Darin staring at Grissom's limp form. "Grissom's a weak fool and you two begged me to do this because you chose to go on a killing spree when you thought I wasn't watching..."
His angry expression deepening, McKeen walked over to Grissom's already injured left arm and stomped on his hand, smirking when a CRACK echoed through the air, "Do not forget that I am ALWAYS watching and I am quite angry with the mess you made!" he shouted angrily. "I think you both need a vacation and I want you to spend it getting what's left of this pathetic loser out of my sight as fast as you can."
"What are we supposed to do with him?" James asked anxiously. "We don't know this area!"
McKeen scoffed, "Didn't stop you from running amok in it," he replied coldly. "I'm sending you off to the Everglades to hide for a while. Ray Caine's mistress and his illegitimate daughter are hiding down there and have been since Bob Keaton was murdered a couple years ago. Or at least that's what Ray told me when he got drunk enough. They're in a cabin with all necessary amenities..."
"Why do we have to go?" Darin whined. "We haven't gotten to try all the clubs in Miami yet!"
McKeen swore and backhanded Darin, sending him to the floor in a heap, "I will turn you in if you don't!" he snapped in an angry voice. "I will go arrange for someone to take the three of you there!"
As McKeen stormed from the room, James quickly helped Darin to his feet, deeply shaken.
Jackson Hospital - Miami
"…You really aren't in any condition to make that kind of a decision…" Tim heard a concerned voice speak as he approached Dr. Pride's hospital room, smoothie in hand. "You're still injured."
Tim entered the room just in time to see an anxious Dr. Stokes settle Dr. Pride back in bed while Emily watched worriedly, "I'm planning to plead guilty," Dr. Pride spoke shakily. "I'm a criminal…"
"You were a kidnapping victim just like Nick was," Dr. Stokes argued worriedly, her expression concerned as she sat on the bed with her. "You were beaten, starved, raped, and goodness knows what else…"
Dr. Pride sighed tiredly, "It would allow Horatio Caine to sleep at night and I know what I did was wrong," she replied in a tired voice, struggling not to cry. "Detective Speedle, I want you to arrest me."
"Um, I'd get fired for arresting someone who wasn't medically cleared for that," Tim lied softly as he put the smoothie on the table. "And Horatio…he doesn't like people assuming things about him."
Dr. Pride shrugged, although she didn't speak because pain from her broken ribs was overwhelming her yet again. She was also experiencing a flashback of what had happened between New York and Miami.
Fortunately, Dr. Stokes and Emily realized what was happening and Emily removed herself and Tim from the room immediately, "She's having a flashback," Emily spoke softly. "Like…like I used to…"
Tim sighed softly and silently embraced her, "This whole case is absolutely draining me, but we have to be strong for Doctor Grissom," Emily spoke anxiously. "Ryan…Ryan cares about him deeply and I know he's upset about Doctor Grissom being missing. He booked extra therapy appointments since…"
Suddenly, Tim's phone rang and he answered it, "Speedle," he said calmly, frowning when he heard Horatio on the phone. "Hey there, H. I'm not having a lot of luck interviewing Doctor Pride…"
"Speed, just leave it for now," Horatio replied softly. "I need you and your wife to report to me immediately. Rick just got brought into the ER and I need to talk to both of you about what's been happening."
Manhattan, New York
Adam was asleep, or that's what it looked like to Mac as he came to the door and saw Adam laying in a freshly made hospital bed with his back to the door and a blanket over him. He gently rapped on the door and waited. Adam could be asleep or he could simply be not feeling up to visitors.
"Come in," a tired voice spoke, prompting Mac to suddenly be concerned even more.
Mac entered the room and walked around the bed, surprised to see that Adam was awake, but looking very groggy, "Mac," Adam spoke weakly. "I…I didn't expect you to actually come visit me here."
"How are the tests going?" Mac asked as he grabbed a chair and planted himself beside the bed.
Adam sighed, "They did a neuro exam earlier and took some blood," he replied. "They also did a spinal tap not too long ago and that's why I'm on my side. I…nobody else knows about this, do they?"
"Nobody but Sid and I and Chief Sinclair," Mac replied reassuringly. "If it is epilepsy, I already talked to Sinclair. Your job will be safe and concessions will be made for your health. If it's not, we'll work with that too."
Adam nodded, "Lindsay was there for the seizure," he replied. "I'm scared…she might see me as a freak."
"I doubt that," Mac replied calmly. "Whether you have actual epilepsy or just severe PTSD, you also have friends who will stand by you in your illness. Family, Adam, doesn't always mean blood relatives…"
It was apparent to Mac that Adam was fighting sleep simply because he was there and so he decided to excuse himself, "Why don't you rest for now?" Mac suggested. "I'll come by later. Bring you supper?"
Sighing, Adam drifted off and Mac quietly excused himself. He moved down the hallway to John's hospital room, poked his head in, and saw that while John was asleep, Bosco was wide awake. The off-duty sergeant had rearranged the furniture and had moved the easychair beside the bed.
"Hey there, Detective Taylor," Bosco spoke calmly. "Don't worry about being quiet. I talked John into taking some pain medication after he had lunch and he won't be awake for hours now."
Mac nodded, "Danielle's working, but she's in a mood cause Faith recommended her for an award over what she did for Emily Yokas," Bosco explained. "I don't know if Dani will come til later tonight…"
"I heard that your wife is getting an award," Mac replied calmly. "You must be very proud of her."
Bosco sighed, "We're all proud of Danielle, but she's mad that she saved the life of the girl who raped John," he explained quietly. "She'll accept the award, but she doesn't have to be happy about it."
Mac sighed, "Um, I was wondering," he said, changing the subject. "Have you seen Flack lately?"
"He's taking sick days and filed the proper paperwork," Bosco replied quietly, his expression serious as he eyed Mac suspiciously. "I hope he's getting help, but I won't be surprised if he's gone off the deep end."
Mac shrugged and silently left as Bosco turned his attention to a book that he had brought with him, clearly not wanting to talk anymore about Flack. Uneasiness filled Mac as he left the floor via the elevator after a short walk, something that followed him as he made his way to the main lobby.
As most main lobbies in New York buildings, the hospital's main lobby was busy and Mac simply allowed himself a period of silence as he made his way to the exit. When he was just about to the exit that would lead outside, something out of the corner of his eye suddenly caught his attention and he paused.
Retired NYPD cop John Sullivan was walking alongside a drained looking, trembling Flack, who was sporting a hospital housecoat, a gown, sunglasses, sweats, slippers, and walking with one arm on Sully's while the other was clinging to an IV pole that had a bag on it, "…It'll get better after your body adjusts to not having it," Sully said quietly. "You absolutely did the right thing by asking for my help…"
Mac's eyes widened in shock as the two ambled off down a hallway that was marked 'Behavioral Health Unit.' He was stunned and concerned that Flack was in the hospital for what appeared to be alcohol withdrawals and mental health issues; Flack was his friend and he needed to be supportive.
Unable to simply leave and forget what he had just seen, Mac went down the same hallway and found himself in an in-patient unit. He quickly spotted Sully and Flack sitting on a couch in a hospital room and reluctantly made himself visible to them. Sully sighed, but Flack silently retreated to the bed with the help of his IV pole, "Don?" Mac asked in a concerned voice. "I didn't know you were here."
Flack sighed as he removed his sunglasses and set them on the table where his phone already sat on a charger, "I've been here for about a day and a half and it's being privately funded by Victims Assistance," he explained quietly. "Officer Sullivan left me a card after he and Boscorelli did an intervention and once I sobered up, I realized that I wasn't okay. I got messed up from the attack that killed Jess…"
Mac nodded and Flack sighed, "John Sullivan's an advocate, so he was able to make arrangements here for me even though Gil Grissom's missing," Flack explained with a sigh. "I'll be working Christmas probably, but I managed to file the paperwork for sick leave right now. Sergeant Boscorelli hates my guts, as does Boscorelli Junior, and I don't blame them. I did and said some things that were out of line…"
"John doesn't hate you," Mac replied quietly. "And I bet Sergeant Boscorelli doesn't even know you're here either, but I'm not going to tell him. You're entitled to privacy while you're here, Don."
Flack shrugged, "Doesn't mean I'll have a job when I get out," he replied as he laid down. "I'm tired."
"I'll bring you some supper later, all right?" Sully replied. "I should get going home anyway."
Flack nodded and closed his eyes as Sully left with Mac at his heels. Sully left in a hurry, so Mac didn't have a chance to talk to him. However, Mac knew that this situation between Bosco and Flack could not go on forever and he fully intended to talk to Flack once Flack was well enough to have a conversation.
Jackson Memorial Hospital – Miami, Florida
"…He'll need to be here for a few days so his blood sugar can be brought up…"
"…After he's released from here, he and his son will be moving back in with us and I'll personally ensure that he gets the rest that he needs. I'm on medical leave from the PD right now, so I can guarantee…"
Soft beeping filled his ears and Rick opened his eyes, deeply surprised to see himself staring at what looked like a tiled ceiling. He felt like absolute crap and he figured he was in a hospital room.
"Dad!" Lenny's anxious voice suddenly filled the air. "Uncle Bobby, Dad's awake!"
Rick suddenly found Robert standing over him holding a walker, "You're walking," he managed to say.
"And you and Lenny are moving back in," Robert replied firmly. "I've been made aware of everything."
Rick scoffed, "I'm hardly in any shape to argue with you over that," he replied weakly. "I'm sorry."
A chair was suddenly pushed into view and Robert sat, "We already went over this at Christmas, Rick," he explained in a firm voice. "I do not blame you for Maggie. You were injured and there's no way, from what I heard, that you could have possibly done anything different. You were a victim…"
"She's afraid of me, Bobby," Rick replied softly. "I can see it in her eyes when she looks at me."
Robert scowled, "She's concerned about you," he corrected gently. "She's asked both Natalia and I if you're sick or sad because you don't enjoy talking or hugging or anything that you used to…"
"Probably both," Rick replied in a groggy voice. "What exactly happened to me anyway?"
Robert sighed, "Anxiety attack combined with dangerously low blood sugar," he replied gently.
Rick exhaled weakly, "Dan Cooper's been trying to stalk me," he admitted quietly. "Lenny…"
"He's going back to our house with Natalia," Robert replied calmly. "She got the day off."
In the hallway, Horatio stood with Tim, Emily, Jesse, and Walter, all of them watching as Natalia and Lenny talked quietly several feet away. A moment passed and then Natalia led Lenny over to them.
"Um, Doctor Speedle, will you still come talk to me even though Dad and I are gonna move back in with my Uncle Bobby and Aunt Natalia?" Lenny asked softly, gazing nervously at Emily. "I still need to talk."
Emily nodded, "Of course I will, Lenny," she promised softly. "For right now, though, I want you to go with your aunt and spend some time with her and your cousins, all right? Your dad needs to rest."
"Horatio, I need to take some sick days," Natalia spoke calmly. "Just til Rick gets out of the hospital."
Horatio nodded calmly, "Of course, Natalia," he replied calmly. "See you in a few days."
Once Natalia and Lenny had left, Emily sighed, "Lieutenant Caine, I'm sorry that Jesse, Walter, and I had to keep you in the dark," she spoke apologetically. "When Grissom disappeared, we had to rely on a secondary organization that I've been using Bernard's money to fund in order to help the Stetlers. Ever since Sofia's death, Doctor Grissom has been taking a lot of heat and threats and so he asked Jesse and I to dually fund a secondary organization in case Victims' Assistance suddenly became unavailable."
Concern filled Horatio's face, "Is Ryan aware of this?" he asked softly. "That sounds dangerous, Emily."
"No, H, he's not," Tim spoke up softly, sighing. "Ryan actually went and visited Nick Stokes today briefly and then ended up having a panic attack so bad he went home. He called as I was coming here and he was going to cover for Natalia, but he ended up not being able to. Do you want me to call him?"
Horatio's eyes narrowed, "Ryan was visiting Nick Stokes?" he asked softly. "Why?"
"He said Calleigh asked him to interview Nick," Tim replied worriedly. "She and Eric are at CSI."
A dark expression crossed Horatio's face as he realized that Eric and Calleigh had given Ryan a sensitive assignment on purpose. He had arranged his CSI's in such a way to keep Ryan away from Nick because any reminders of Las Vegas could trigger Ryan and he wanted Ryan's return to be successful.
"Walter, I'd like you to hang around and guard Rick's room," Horatio spoke in an unusually firm voice as he looked at the group present. "Speed, Jesse, I'd like you back to the lab as soon as possible please."
Tim kissed Emily before leaving in a hurry with Jesse at his heels while Walter retrieved a chair from nearby and planted himself outside of Rick's hospital room. Horatio nodded his assent as he moved away and Emily followed, only stopping when they both got to the atrium further down the hallway.
"Before you ask, Emily, you're not in for a reprimand," Horatio replied softly as he sat on a couch. "I was in the cafeteria with my nephew earlier and we got to discussing the trial. I had some bad anxiety…"
Nodding, Emily joined Horatio on the couch, "I'm listening," she replied in a patient, reassuring voice.
"Every day that passes is one day closer to the trial and I'm literally dreading having to talk what happened to me at LaRusso Ranch," Horatio replied softly, his expression somber. "McKeen's still in the wind and even though I've been told that those who worked with him will testify, I'm terrified…"
Emily sighed, "It's perfectly normal to be terrified," she explained softly. "You went through something absolutely horrible and now you're going to have to talk about it in court. I don't blame you for being scared about the trial. If it will help, I can prescribe you some sleeping medication to help you with…"
"I'm cautious about medication," Horatio admitted softly, sighing. "It will make me feel vulnerable."
Emily nodded, "If you don't want medication to help with the anxiety, we can increase our sessions and talk it out," she offered, completely understanding Horatio's reluctance to let himself feel vulnerable.
"I think I'd like that," Horatio replied kindly. "Could we talk a bit more right now?"
Emily nodded and listened attentively as Horatio began to speak about his more recent anxieties.
Deep in the Florida Everglades
Suzie Barnham-Keaton was making a late lunch that day, as she and Madison had gotten up late and Madison was still tired. Between being in remission and the stress that McKeen had put them under, she tired easily and so Suzie had forgone the morning's schoolwork; she had sent Madison back to bed.
A knock suddenly sounded at the door and Suzie froze; only one person knew that she was here, but Ray had been killed last year in Vegas. Before she could move out of the kitchen, the door opened and a strongman that Suzie didn't recognize came into the house, "Who are you?" she asked anxiously.
The strongman, however, didn't reply and merely watched as James and Darin carried a stretcher holding an unconscious, battered Grissom into the living room, "Who's that?" Suzie asked softly.
Letting out a dark chuckle, the strongman left and briefly returned with a couple of suitcases. He threw the suitcases on the carpet before leaving in a hurry, slamming the door behind him as he left.
"Ma'am, do you have a bed for Doctor Grissom?" James asked nervously, gazing at Suzie anxiously. "He's sick and he's got some weird burns on his chest, but McKeen tortured him on a rack…"
Suzie frowned as she looked down at Grissom and noticed the radiation burns on his chest. She realized that the man, who she now recognized from the news as being Gil Grissom from Las Vegas, was obviously undergoing treatment for cancer. He looked much like Madison did when she was sick.
"He can have my bed," Suzie replied softly. "Did you guys want to carry him and help me settle him?"
Even though they wanted to wash their hands of Grissom and run, both boys nodded and carried the stretcher into the bedroom where Suzie led them. The bedroom was simply decorated and neither boy took the time to focus on much beside moving Grissom from the stretcher to the double bed.
As Suzie tucked him into bed, Grissom let out a weak groan, but didn't wake, "What exactly happened to him?" she asked in a concerned voice, frowning at the boys. "You said something about McKeen?"
"Yeah," James replied anxiously, tears filling his eyes. "McKeen said he knows where Ray hid you and that you could take care of Doctor Grissom. McKeen's mad at us cause we killed a few people in Miami…"
Darin scoffed, "Dude, we also shot up a hotel," he replied anxiously. "McKeen wants us dead for that!"
"Why don't you kids stay here for a bit?" Suzie suggested nervously. "We have only one phone, but we have a TV and books and you can help me look after Doctor Grissom. He needs lots of care…"
James frowned, "Is he sick?" he asked worriedly. "Is that why he has those burns on his chest?"
"Those are radiation burns," Suzie explained quietly. "Doctor Grissom was probably undergoing…"
James and Darin exchanged an anxious look, "Cancer treatment," they spoke in anxious unison.
Suzie gave both boys a look as she left the room to find the first-aid supplies, "Dude, what have we done?!" James spoke anxiously, watching Grissom take slow, shallow breaths. "He's got cancer…."
"We'll think of a plan to get us out of this," Darin promised even though he didn't know how.
Please read and review!