One Week Later

Miami, Florida

Robert and Natalia's mansion was quiet, but Rick preferred quiet because he was so tired and just wanted to rest. He didn't want to run into his son or his niece and nephews and accidentally get crabby with them; he was grateful that the hospital had allowed him to leave in a cab instead of making him wait for pick up. A flash of the badge, a promise to be careful, and anxiety had helped him manage it.

The anxiety wasn't about going to stay with his former brother-in-law and family, as he really did love and appreciate their kindnesses. The anxiety came from a piece of mail that had come from the higher-ups the day before stating that his competency as head of IAB was going to be examined and he could possibly face demotion, transfer to a different department, or an outright firing. Miami had found out about the kafuffle involving Fred Yokas and they weren't happy with him. They were fully prepared to hand the department to Dr./Detective Emily Speedle should he fail the review that was planned.

A weak sigh escaped Rick's lips as he quietly closed the front door and locked it before stepping out of his shoes and leaning against the wall, exhausted from all the travel. He had one duffel bag containing his medicine and personal things, but it felt like a truckload of lead and his body was petering out fast.

"Rick?"

Rick scoffed at the familiar voice, "The hospital called and told me to expect you in a cab," Robert spoke in a concerned voice as he used crutches to move closer to Rick. "I could have come and got you."

"What, and add fuel to the fire?" Rick replied as he turned around and saw Robert. "Crutches? Already?"

Robert nodded, "Therapy's going better than expected and I should be able to walk without aids by June," he explained in a calm voice, frowning. "I'm also cleared to drive the truck short distances."

Fighting the urge to swear, Rick nodded, "I got a letter from the higher-ups and my competency's being reviewed because of the mess with Fred Yokas," he admitted before he could stop himself. "If it goes south, I could get demoted, transferred, or outright fired. Doctor Speedle would take my place."

Robert's eyes widened in shock, "What?" he replied in a stunned voice. "When did this happen?"

"That's why I told you all not to come visit yesterday," Rick replied tiredly. "I was reading the letter."

Robert nodded, "Can I read it while we eat?" he asked worriedly. "We did some baking yesterday, the kids and I, while Natalia was at work. I was about to eat, but you might as well join me...please?"

"All right," Rick replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "I'm on paid leave til the review anyway."

Robert sighed, "Do you mind if I call my uncle about this?" he asked. "Maybe he can help."

"You might as well even though I think he can't," Rick replied. "He'll find out soon enough anyway because the Chief will tell all the department heads. Did you say something about breakfast?"

Nodding, Robert led Rick into the kitchen, knowing that he had to handle the situation very carefully.

Manhattan, New York

It was early, but Danielle and Maurice Boscorelli were wide awake as they arrived at Angel of Mercy Hospital to take John home. It was a short time until the trial and John was expected to be present there for a good deal of it, so they were determined to have him rest as much as possible beforehand.

When they got to John's room, they found him dressed in socks, jeans, sneakers, a loose t-shirt, and a hoodie, but he was snoozing on his bed with his backpack at his side. To their surprise, Carlos was also in the room and waiting by a wheelchair, a kind expression on his face as he watched John sleep.

"Hey, is our boy ready?" Danielle asked softly, smiling at Carlos. "How's the summer work going, Carlos?"

Carlos sighed as he looked at his friends, "Tommy's classes are done for term, so he's able to help Holly with Kylie more and I'm able to get more shifts," he explained quietly. "I took the IV's out while John was sleeping, but you should also know he was up at five getting dressed and looking out the window…"

Bosco nodded, his expression concerned, "I can hear talking," John spoke in a groggy voice, waking up.

Danielle responded by going over to him and hugging him, "Mom, I thought you'd be getting ready for the award ceremony later?" John asked in a tired, but pleased voice. "What time is it?"

"It's about six a.m. and yes, I will go to the ceremony later," Danielle replied softly. "Ready to go?"

John sighed as he sat up, "I'm so tired," he admitted softly. "I just want to be in bed today."

"Yeah, you're going to be in bed today," Bosco spoke firmly. "Your ma and I have to go to her ceremony later today, but you can stay home. Your grandparents and other family will be at home with you."

John frowned, "Caira?" he asked softly. "She hasn't been around at all this week. Is she okay?"

"She's been on the phone with her brother a lot," Danielle explained gently. "The trial's coming up and her brother's scared about possibly getting forced to testify. He just needs constant reassurance."

John exhaled, "I hope I didn't break Colin," he confessed. "Truth be told, I'm scared about it too."

Bosco gave John a look, but John merely sighed, "Once I learned that stuff about what he and Caira went through, I couldn't hate him for what he did to me," John explained quietly. "I was once like him; angry, depressed, and headed towards trouble. I wrote an impact statement so he could finish his degree once the hospital he's in and his guardian deem it all right. Anyway, when's the doctor coming to let me out?"

"I take you to the nurse's station and then we get you out," Carlos explained calmly. "Ready?"

Nodding, John slowly sat up and Danielle quickly helped him into the wheelchair before grabbing his bag off the bed. His other things were already at home, as his parents had come to get them yesterday.

The journey to the nurse's station was done in silence and Carlos was quick with getting the at-home care instructions together and giving them to Danielle. Soon enough, they were free to leave.

Miami, Florida

Tim Speedle was early to work that day simply because Horatio would soon be going to New York for the trial and he would be serving as temporary supervisor while the boss was gone. Horatio had asked him to come early so they could go over paperwork and expectations and Tim had calmly agreed.

As Tim approached the desk to sign in, however, he saw a courier standing by the desk looking as if he had already been in the lab for a while, "Timothy Speedle?" the courier asked hopefully.

"Yes?" Tim asked suspiciously, frowning when the courier suddenly produced an envelope. "What…?"

The courier sighed and handed the envelope to Tim before offering a clipboard, "You've been served," he explained in an official voice. "Your wife, Doctor Emily Wolfe Speedle has also been served. Sign here."

Tim complied and only after the courier left the floor did he open the envelope, read the letter, and promptly curse loudly while chucking the letter across the floor, "Speedle!" a voice called out.

Panic filled Tim as he saw Calleigh marching towards him, having seen the entire thing, "I…" he began.

"I'm not mad, but what's with the cursing and anger?" Calleigh asked worriedly as she reached him.

Tim sighed irritably as he collected the envelope and the letter, "I got subpoenaed for the trial in June," he explained in a tired voice. "I was with Horatio the day he got kidnapped, remember?"

Calleigh frowned, "H was gonna have me run the lab while he was gone, but I guess I can't now," Tim explained irritably, his expression pained. "I…I can't do this. Calleigh…I need some time alone."

Without waiting for a response, Tim speedwalked into the nearest bathroom and sank down against the wall just inside the door. He felt squeamish and worthless and didn't want to think about the trial at all.

It was early, but Caira Jamison was wide awake and feeling extremely nervous as she entered the old school building with Yelina at her heels. She had been under a great deal of stress that week because Colin was recounting the events of the previous October and November so someone from Vegas could bring his testimony to New York for the trial. He had phoned several times in fits of heavy anxiety.

As sympathetic and compassion as Caira had wanted to be, she was also very drained by the constant calls and was now being reminded of her violent childhood. She had gone into the foster system from age 13 to age 18 and was trying to sort out her demons with the help of John and his family, but she also wanted John to rest before they talked again. Group therapy was something she was also willing to try simply to know that she wasn't alone in experiencing violent crimes and situations.

Instead of seeking help on her own, Caira had quietly asked Danielle and Bosco for help and they had directed her to the proper resources. Yelina had gallantly offered to walk with her to the meeting closest to the apartment, as none of the adults wanted her walking around the city alone right then.

The sight of a circle of chairs inside of one of the classrooms prompted Caira to pause, "If you don't feel comfortable, we can always go back to the apartment," Yelina spoke softly. "You don't have to do this."

"I want to," Caira replied, sighing as she opened the door and entered the classroom only to find a lean, dark-haired man making some coffee in the corner. "Excuse me, sir? Is this the support group for survivors of violent crimes? I wanted to come to one that wasn't too far from where I'm staying…"

The man turned and both Caira and Yelina were surprised to see Flack standing there, "Detective Flack?" both women said in quiet unison as the three of them stared at each other, all of them surprised.

"Yeah, um, the person who runs the group is running late," Flack spoke quietly, sighing before he helped himself to some fresh coffee. "I have to go back to work today, so I chose this earlier group…"

Caira nodded and quietly found a seat, "Detective Flack, for what it's worth, I'm sorry about Detective Angell," she spoke in a quiet voice. "I….I saw it on the news and read about it in the papers…"

"Thank you," Flack replied softly as he walked over to a chair near the corner and sat while transferring his coffee cup to his non-dominant hand because his dominant one was shaking. "Stupid tremor…"

Caira sighed, "Popping a punching bag helps," she replied softly. "I have one in my apartment."

Flack looked surprised, but didn't say anything because more people, including Group Leader Jason Christopher, were arriving. Not wanting to get on Christopher's bad side when he was already on so many people's bad side, Flack sighed made a mental note to talk to Yelina and Caira after the meeting.

Florida Everglades

"…Dude, I'm telling you his hand twitched. He's waking up and he's going to be pissed…"

"Shut up and stay here while I go talk to Miss Susie. She said she was making soup…"

A sense of weakness filled Grissom's body as he slowly woke and found himself staring at an anxious looking James Mitchell, who was lingering at the end of the bed, "Um, hi," James spoke nervously.

Grissom automatically tried to move his left arm to help him sit up, but it didn't budge. He looked down and frowned at seeing his sleeved arm in a makeshift sling resting against his chest, "Um, your arm's broken from McKeen's rack," James spoke nervously. "Miss Suzie says you have cancer…the burns…"

"I do, yes," Grissom replied in a quiet, groggy voice. "Where…am I dead or in a coma?"

James suddenly looked frightened, "No, sir, you're in this weird little house in the Everglades that Miss Suzie and her kid own," he explained nervously. "McKeen had you dumped here to die…"

"And yet I'm not dead," Grissom replied quietly, frowning as Darin and Susie came into the bedroom.

Susie sighed, "It's good to see you awake," she spoke kindly. "My name's Susie Keaton…"

"Keaton?" Grissom replied groggily, frowning. "I remember you and Bob…and your daughter…"

Susie nodded, "I made some soup and you should get your strength up," she offered. "Want any?"

"Before I got sick, I was somewhat of a picky eater, but I need something to help me feel better," Grissom replied in a groggy voice as a wave of nausea suddenly overtook him. "I'm feeling a little…"

Susie immediately retrieved a bucket from the floor and thrust it into Grissom's lap, but Grissom didn't throw up, "He needs a doctor," James spoke anxiously. "Didn't Nick Stokes say his sister was one?"

"Nick Stokes...yeah," Darin replied nervously. "How are we gonna get access to Nick Stokes, though?"

James picked up one of the papers from the pile on the dresser, "The media listed what hospital he's at and one of us can go sneak up on him," he explained. "We can make him take us to his sister..."

"One of us has to stay here to look after him," Darin hissed angrily, gesturing to Grissom.

James sighed, "Get me a disguise and I'll go to Jackson Hospital for Nick," he replied in an anxious voice. "We were left a boat for emergencies and there's a dock right near the hospital district..."

The two left the room and Grissom sighed weakly; as much as he wanted to warn Nick of what was to come, he was barely able to stay awake and speak coherent sentences. Susie looked at him worriedly.

"Do you want to try some soup?" Susie asked in a gentler voice. "It might help you feel better."

Grissom wanted very much to say yes, as he hadn't eaten in a long time and food would no doubt help, but he was too exhausted to say anything more. Instead, he found himself again slipping into blackness as the need for sleep claimed him. Susie frowned and went to get Madison fed before she complained of being hungry. Madison had been kind to Grissom, spending time each day reading to him in hopes that it would help him feel better, and she would want to help him even more now that he was semi-coherent.

Jackson Hospital – Miami

Anxiety filled Ryan as he made his way down the hallway to Nick's hospital room. He had spent the last week in counselling and reflecting on his actions and was now ready to apologize to Nick for behaving unprofessionally around him. Truth be told, Ryan did harbor a small grudge against anything to do with the Las Vegas Crime Lab for Sofia's death, but it wasn't right and he needed to make things right. He had skipped work to do this and fully intended on explaining himself later after the visit was over.

As Ryan entered the hospital room, he was surprised to see Nick awake and staring at the ceiling with a distressed expression on his face, "Um, hi Nick," he spoke softly. "Are you up for a visitor?"

"Hey," Nick spoke softly, gazing at Ryan. "Yeah, I guess. I just ate and I'm kinda down right now."

Ryan nodded and edged his way into the room, grabbing a chair to sit beside the bed as he approached his former colleague, "Parker's with my mom and dad right now, but they'll be by later," Nick spoke in a quiet voice. "People want to send me gifts and stuff, but the sight of all that makes me uncomfortable."

"It doesn't feel real, does it?" Ryan asked. "To be out of the situation you were in?"

Nick sighed, "Now I know kinda how you and Sofia must have felt," he confessed. "It doesn't..."

"Sofia and I were actually kept in separate areas, but she wasn't alone," Ryan replied gently. "John Boscorelli was with Sofia and made her think I was there so she wouldn't be upset or scared."

Nick nodded, "I remember John saying that," he replied. "That was a good of him to do."

"I...I'd like to apologize for acting unprofessional during our last encounter," Ryan spoke shakily.

Nick looked surprised, "Dude, you weren't," he replied softly. "You're still grieving a lot..."

"I had a panic attack in the hall and got a reprimand from Calleigh for skipping out on the rest of my shift after visiting you," Ryan confessed softly, sighing. "I should have been more professional in my conduct."

Before Nick, who was taken aback by Ryan's apology, could reply, Alexx came into the room having been asked to check on Nick because his regular doctor was sick, "Alexx," Ryan spoke in a warm voice.

Alexx promptly hugged Ryan and kissed the top of his head, "I've missed you so much, baby," she spoke in a warm, motherly voice. "I heard you were back doing half-shifts at the lab?"

Ryan nodded, "Do you need me to leave so you can examine Nick?" he asked uncertainly.

"No, man, you can stay," Nick replied in a calm voice, considerably calmed by Ryan's presence.

Offering another nod, Ryan moved out of the way, "Your regular doctor's in sick and so I was assigned to help you today," Alexx explained to Nick as she showed him the chart in her hand. "Is that all right?"

"Yeah," Nick replied softly as a youthful looking man wearing sunglasses and dressed in orderly clothes and a black tuque came into the room. "Hey, um, I didn't call for an orderly or anything..."

The orderly, however, wasn't listening and looked around briefly before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a knife, his expression dark as he faced Nick, Ryan, and Alex, "Stokes, you gotta take me to your doctor sister, man," the voice spoke, causing Nick to frown. "Doctor Grissom's dying..."

Nick quickly recognized the voice and frowned, "James Scott from Vegas?" he asked in a confused voice, frowning at the mention of Grissom. "Wait, man, what do you mean Grissom's dying?!"

James whipped off his sunglasses and threw them at the bed, "Get me your sister!" he whimpered.

"She's not working today," Nick replied anxiously, raising his hands. "Where's Grissom at, James?"

James trembled, "Dude, if I don't get a doctor, he'll die," he replied as he broke into tears. "I need one!"

Alexx paused and moved away from the bed, but Ryan grabbed her arm, "Alexx..." he began anxiously.

"If you're so insistent on trying to protect people, Wolfe, why don't you join your friend?" James asked in a cold voice, his expression dark as he raised the knife. "It's obvious that Stokes can't move..."

Nick began reaching for the portable table because it held his phone, but James scowled, "You call the cops and Grissom dies," James hissed angrily. "Do you really want to be responsible for that when he saved your life, Stokes? He gave himself up for you and he's got burns from cancer treatment..."

"What?" Nick replied in a shaking voice, suddenly feeling as if he had been dropped in ice water.

James scoffed and Alexx moved forward, "Ryan, honey, just let me go with him," she said softly.

"You're not going alone," Ryan spoke anxiously as he moved forward. "Where's Grissom at?"

James sighed anxiously and gestured out the door, "We're going for a walk and I'll take you there by boat," he replied, putting the knife away. "Do anything dumb and I'll just let him die..."

"I'll have to get supplies on the way out," Alexx spoke in a quiet voice. "So I can help Doctor Grissom."

James suddenly glared at Nick, "If you stop us from leaving, he dies," he hissed. "Remember that."

Nick froze, an expression of anxious terror on his face as he watched James leave with Alexx and Ryan in tow. Not wanting anything to happen to Grissom, Nick silently grabbed his phone and simply held it while keeping an eye on the clock. After what seemed like an eternity, the roar of a boat motor filled the air indicating that James had gotten what he needed and was now on his way back to Grissom.

Ignoring the shaking in his hands, Nick dialed 9-1-1 and prayed someone would answer quickly.

Manhattan, New York

Every step was slow and closely monitored, but John eventually made it back to the family apartment. The first thing he noticed as he went inside was that it was quiet; only his grandfather was in the kitchen feeding Nicolas in the high chair. A diabetic-friendly breakfast plate, however, sat on the kitchen counter.

John didn't hesitate; he had already taken his shot at the hospital and he was quite hungry. He silently set his shoes and bag aside before going over to the counter. Sully, however, was faster and got the plate from the counter, "Table," Sully spoke gently. "It's been all measured out."

Nodding, John sat at the table and promptly began to eat once the plate and cutlery were in front of him, "I'll walk David, Ellie, and Ray to school this morning," Danielle spoke in a calm voice, sighing.

Bosco nodded and Danielle moved off to wake them up, "Mom, do you want me to come to your award ceremony today?" John spoke nervously in the midst of eating. "I...can..."

Danielle turned from the bedrooms and walked over to him, gently giving him a hug from behind, "Kiddo, you don't have to pretend to be brave just for me," she replied gently. "It's too soon for you..."

A weak sigh escaped John's lips, "Yeah," he admitted shakily. "I don't wanna go out right now, not even to the mailbox downstairs. I just want to sleep and chat with Caira and maybe watch TV..."

"Caira and Yelina are still out," Sully spoke calmly. "But they'll be home before lunch, I think."

John nodded and turned his attention back to his food in silence. He knew Caira and Yelina had gone to a meeting for people involved in violent situations, as Caira had told him, and he supported her needing it.

Miami, Florida

"Speed?"

The sound of someone knocking on the door filled the air and Tim looked up from the sink. It had taken an eternity for him to stop blocking the door with his body and move to the sink, but he had done it. He didn't, however, want to leave the safety of the bathroom because he was still too anxious.

"Speed," the voice repeated, only it was closer. "Speed, Calleigh told me what happened..."

Tim sighed as he turned and saw Horatio a few feet away, looking concerned, "I got subpoenaed," he admitted in an upset voice. "They're going to rip me apart on the stand and blame me for..."

"No, Speed, because it wasn't your fault," Horatio interrupted softly. "It just happened."

Tim shrugged and Horatio sighed, "I know you're not up for work today, but we have a problem and I need everyone on their A-game right now," Horatio explained. "There was an incident at Jackson Hospital. James Scott from the Vegas case snuck in dressed as an orderly, took Ryan and Alexx hostage, threatened Nick Stokes, and then took off in a boat. The Chief wants all hands on deck for this..."

"Ryan...what was he doing at Jackson Hospital?" Tim asked worriedly, frowning. "He called in sick..."

Horatio sighed, "It might have been his code for needing a counselling session and not wanting to alert anyone to it, so I'll let it slide," he replied calmly. "Once we look into this Speed, I'll release you if you need to go home. At any rate, I'll speak to Calleigh and ask her to oversee the lab while you're away."

Tim nodded and composed himself before following Horatio out of the bathroom, not speaking as he and Horatio went to the elevator and saw Walter, Jesse, Calleigh, and Eric there, "I called Natalia and Bobby to let them know what's happened," Jesse spoke quietly. "Just in case we need help."

"I think Bobby and Natalia are quite busy today, Jesse," Horatio replied simply, not wanting to share that Robert had phoned him not too long ago, sharing that Rick had just been released from the hospital and was currently battling a competency review that forced him on paid leave. "We'll have to manage..."

Emily suddenly came down the hallway looking official and concerned, "Ah, Emily..." Horatio began.

"I'm afraid I can't help you with whatever you need, Lieutenant Caine," Emily spoke in an unusually official voice as she looked at Calleigh. "Chief Burton received your request to have Calleigh Duquesne lead the lab while you're away in New York and he wants her assessed by IAB before he approves it."

Horatio and Calleigh frowned, "Did Rick put you up to this, Emily?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"Lieutenant, Sergeant Stetler is on paid suspension pending a competency review and I am temporarily in charge of Internal Affairs for MDPD," Emily spoke in a formal voice, ignoring the gasps that came from everyone except for Tim because he already knew about it. "Until I assess Duquesne, she is not to act in a supervisory role for your lab. The official letter about it is on your desk, but since I saw you leaving..."

Eric scoffed, "Isn't that a conflict of interest considering you served Calleigh and I once at a bar?" he asked in a confused voice, frowning at Emily. "What makes you think you can just come play cop?"

"I am a fully qualified police officer," Emily replied firmly, her expression stern. "And you are out of line, Officer Delko."

Horatio quickly stepped between Eric and Emily, as he knew Emily had the authority to suspend Eric if she had cause and Eric was bordering on providing cause with his attitude, "Eric, why don't you stay here?" he suggested in a concerned voice. "Calleigh, why don't you go with Doctor Speedle?"

"Horatio, we need people to go to the scene," Calleigh replied in a concerned voice, frowning.

Horatio sighed, "Nick Stokes is not going to benefit from Eric's volatility and you should get the assessment out of the way as soon as possible," he replied firmly. "Speed, Walter, with me. Jesse, I want you to get in touch with Las Vegas because Nick mentioned Doctor Grissom and the doctor has a wife..."

"I'm on it," Jesse promised, nodding as Horatio left with Speed and Walter in tow.

Calleigh eyed Emily uncertainly while Eric stalked off to sulk and Jesse went off to call Vegas, "I guess it's just you and me now, Detective Speedle," she spoke in a quiet, but respectful voice. "I hope I pass."

Manhattan, New York

"That uniform looks hot on you," Bosco spoke in an amused voice, a grin on his face as he watched Danielle straighten her FDNY dress uniform as the two walked down the hallway of the FDNY Headquarters Building to the office where the award presentation would take place. "If we weren't in a public building..."

Danielle sighed anxiously, "Maurice, I don't want to do this," she spoke softly. "The award...I can't..."

Bosco frowned, "We can sneak off," he replied softly. "I know you're angry about it..."

"I'm starting to feel like I did back when I was in the cabin with Edward, Maurice," Danielle spoke in a concerned, quiet voice as she paled. "I was forced to play a part to appease the demands of others..."

Completely understanding where his wife was coming from, as Tara had forced the same thing out of him while taking advantage of him, Bosco nodded and led his wife out of sight to a bench where they both sat, "I don't know why Faith insisted on the pomp and circumstance for this," Danielle spoke in an upset voice, exhaling angrily. "Her daughter helped Jeffrey McKeen almost kill John..is this her way of trying to make peace? Emily got out of going to jail because she's mentally unstable and pregnant..."

"She's under Faith's guardianship for the rest of her life, though," Bosco replied calmly. "That's something more than I thought would happen. I thought she'd get to go free like she did before."

Danielle exhaled softly and then stood, "We should get this over with," she spoke quietly, sighing.

Bosco nodded and rose, staying close to his wife as they walked off to the appointed room and entered, expecting a crowd. What they found, however, was Mac, Danny, Jason Christopher, Jimmy, Reed, a photographer that Danielle didn't know, and the FDNY Commissioner, all of whom were in dressy clothes, "Mrs. Boscorelli, it's nice of you to join us," the FDNY Commissioner spoke calmly.

Danielle nodded, "Bosco phoned and said you didn't want a massive crowd, so I asked Detective Taylor to make arrangements for a smaller gathering," Jimmy explained calmly. "I'm acting Lieutenant over your crew, so I'll present the award, the Commissioner's here for a photo op, Reed Garrett was brought by Mac to do a short interview, and..."

"I know we just barely found out we were brother and sister, Danielle, but I thought you might want a big brother's support today," Danny spoke up as he approached Danielle. "Lindsay wants to invite you and your family over for supper tonight to celebrate. You've got a big family, but we have room..."

Danielle sighed, "Danny, John just got out of the hospital today and I don't want him out and about just yet," she replied in a kind voice, offering a smile. "Why don't you three come over to our apartment? You're also welcome to join us, Detective Taylor. John and Caira would love to see you."

Danny nodded, but Mac shook his head, "I have plans, but I'll visit another day," he promised, not wanting to say that he was going to visit Flack to discuss the Dr. Pride situation, as Miami had put her under house arrest at a doctor's urging and she was being visited and supervised by MDPD personnel.

"Right, we all have duties to attend to, so let's get this done," the Commissioner spoke up formally.

The ceremony went rather quickly and when the presentation of the award was complete, Danielle gave a short interview to Reed, posed for a photo with Jimmy and the Commissioner, and then everyone left as quickly as they had come, including Danielle and Bosco. Danny walked off with Danielle and Bosco to plan their evening, Jimmy, Jason Christopher, and the Commissioner quickly went back to work, but Mac silently stole off on his own in the privacy of his vehicle to visit Flack. Having the day off helped.

Flack was home, as he had promised, and his place smelled of cleaning fluids and spray, but Mac didn't comment because he wasn't going to judge Flack's attempt to make his life more tolerable. Flack himself was seated on the couch, wearing slacks, a loose shirt, and watching the news while eating a bowl of yogurt and drinking some apple juice, "Don," Mac spoke as he entered the apartment through the door using the spare key he had gotten from Sully. "I thought I'd visit and return your spare key."

Sighing, Flack set the food on the table and turned off the news, "I signed up for nightshifts for a while so you and your team can have a break from me," he explained softly. "Boscorelli thought it might be best too and signed off on the paperwork. I caused a lot of hurt with my behavior...including to Bobby."

Mac looked surprised, "You should tell Boscorelli about what you've been going through," he replied.

"He said enough during the intervention he and John Sullivan staged for me when I showed up at Rose Boscorelli's bar," Flack spoke quietly. "I was out of control, out of line, and I have to simply accept that I'm a screw up and just live with it. Boscorelli's been through too much to put up with my crap."

Mac frowned, "Or maybe you just need a special duty assignment," he replied calmly, sitting in a chair to give Flack some space. "Miami's told me that Doctor Pride was released from the hospital, but she's under house arrest protection until someone from New York can come and take the responsibility."

A distressed expression crossed Flack's face, "I doubt anyone would want me near that case considering Jess was killed and it wasn't a secret we were dating," he said softly. "I...I think it would be a very..."

"In having a relationship with Detective Angell, you also developed a relationship with Doctor Pride and I doubt she's comfortable with anyone in Miami right now considering her interactions with Lieutenant Caine while in Vegas last year," Mac explained softly. "Whatever happened recently didn't help."

Flack sighed, "Boscorelli's gonna fire me if I take off," he replied. "I...and Miami's not fond of me."

"I'll talk to Sergeant Boscorelli," Mac promised calmly. "Don, please, this is important."

Flack finally nodded, "On my dime?" he asked quietly, sighing. "I'll also get a hotel."

"I'll help you get everything sorted," Mac replied in a kind voice, offering Flack a smile.

Jackson Hospital – Miami, Florida

Nick Stokes was resting on a couch in the hallway with scrub pants, slippers, and a housecoat keeping him warm with the gown, but he looked anything but comfortable. He was still very much in shock about James showing up, mentioning that Grissom was dying, and then taking off with Alexx and Ryan. His own body, his own weakness, had made him unable to help. His only company was a loaded IV pole.

The sight of Horatio, Speed, and Jesse coming down the hallway caused Nick to sigh. Uniforms had shown up and cordoned off the room after medical staff had moved him outside and made sure he was comfortable, "Hi," Nick spoke softly as the three approached him. "It's been a really long day."

"I can imagine," Horatio spoke calmly. "Speed, Jesse, can you process the room, please?"

Tim and Jesse nodded and silently went into the room while Horatio joined Nick on the couch, "I'm not sure what to say," Nick spoke shakily. "He told me that if I called for help, Grissom would die and Grissom handed himself to McKeen for me. I don't want Grissom to die...but I just let them go..."

"You aren't well," Horatio spoke gently, giving Nick a kind look. "To try and stop them would have hurt you or even gotten you killed. When I was held prisoner in Vegas, I wanted very much to fight back against those who hurt me, but I wasn't in the best shape and knew it would get me killed faster."

Nick looked surprised, but didn't say anything, "James Scott...I didn't know he stayed in Miami after helping Darin Mitchell shoot up that hotel," he finally spoke tiredly. "I...I watch the news a lot at night when I'm up with insomnia. What Warrick did when he was alive...Did you hear about Derek?"

Horatio shook his head, his expression concerned, "I don't know how Derek got here, but he was found unconscious and they found he had low blood sugar and a pretty serious brain tumor," Nick spoke in a hollow voice. "It may have explained his violent personality..."

"I heard your mother mention Derek in the cafeteria and I was confused," Horatio admitted. "I..."

Nick sighed, "He's not doing well," he replied softly, sighing. "Between the diabetes and tumor, he's on a vent and my parents told me cause I begged them to. I...it's so hard...I should hate the guy's guts..."

"I know how you feel," Horatio spoke gently, sighing. "When it comes to brothers..."

Nick nodded and yawned tiredly, a hand on his abdomen because it was beginning to ache from sitting up for so long, "Hey, you okay?" Horatio asked in a concerned voice, frowning at Nick worriedly.

"I'm just not used to sitting up," Nick spoke quietly, closing his eyes. "I'm starting to hurt..."

Horatio quickly got off the couch and lifted Nick's legs so he could lie down, "Why don't you try to get some rest?" he suggested in a concerned voice. "I'll go see a nurse about getting you another bed."

Nick sighed and closed his eyes wearily while Horatio went off in search of the nurse's station.

"Dad?"

Rick, who had gone straight to bed after breakfast and medicine, groaned sleepily as he laid in the master bedroom of the basement suite in Bobby and Natalia's home, "Yeah?" he asked groggily.

"Doctor Speedle is on the phone," Lenny's voice spoke in a quiet voice. "Are you awake?"

Groaning, Rick woke and slowly sat up, "Yeah," he replied, sighing as he took the phone. "Hello?"

"Sergeant Stetler, this is Doctor Speedle," Emily spoke calmly. "I got you assigned to a therapist for your assessment. Her name is Doctor Shannon Higgins and she's a colleague of mine, so she'll treat you fairly..."

Rick sighed, "Maybe I should just quit," he replied tiredly. "Nothing came of the statement I gave about being choked at the hospital and we all know every department hates me. I have a kid to think about and support, so maybe I should just go back to doing security at a casino or the bars. It's less pay..."

Lenny sat on the edge of the bed, listening intently as his father spoke on the phone. His heart hurt because he knew his father wasn't being treated well by MDPD, "Rick, I know it doesn't look good for you, but I'm finding all the loopholes I can to give you as fair a chance as possible," Emily spoke on the phone in a concerned voice. "I managed to already find one because you're on paid leave..."

"I appreciate that more that you'll ever know, too," Rick replied softly. "Still, quitting might be easier."

A sigh filled the phone, "Just give the assessment a fair shot and I'll do my best to at least keep you within the department even if you lose your position," Emily spoke quietly. "Doctor Higgins will call you soon about appointments, all right? I'll try and advocate for you with the Chief in the meantime."

"Thanks," Rick replied, his tone resigned because he figured it wouldn't help. "See you later."

Before Emily could reply, Rick ended the call, "You should take that back upstairs to your aunt and uncle," Rick spoke in a quiet voice, handing the phone back to Lenny. "Don't tell them what you heard, okay?"

Lenny took the phone and silently moved out of the room, but Rick was prevented from going back to sleep because his cell, which was on the bedside table, suddenly rang, "Hello?" he said, answering it.

"Rick, help..." Ryan spoke in a shaky whisper. "They have Alexx and I in some sort of...AH!"

There was a crash, "Who's this?" a rough voice suddenly asked. "Someone named Rick?"

"Rick Stetler," Rick spoke in a quiet voice, frowning. "I heard Ryan Wolfe on the phone, did I not?"

A chuckle filled the phone, "I heard Catherine complain about you enough," the voice replied. "I know from her chatty nature that you used to work with Jim Brass and Gil Grissom. Do you miss them?"

"Who are you?" Rick asked in a groggy voice, his eyes narrowing. "Why did Ryan call me?"

Panicked yelling suddenly filled the phone, followed by a thump, "Ryan!" Alexx's voice suddenly yelled.

"Come to Highway Marker 142 near the Glades," the voice replied. "And I'll let you see Ryan and Gil, but you better not bring any of your little CSI friends with you. I'll be there until sundown..."

The call ended and Rick stared at the phone before slowly getting out of bed and getting into appropriate street clothes that covered his past scars. He pocketed his phone and wallet before slipping his off-duty weapon into his pants. He was exhausted, but he had to protect Ryan, Gil, and Dr. Woods simply because he had nothing to lose. Lenny was safe with relatives and his job was on the verge of vanishing.

Taking great care to be quiet, Rick went upstairs and the house was very quiet. He could hear talking upstairs, so he assumed that everyone was up there doing day-to-day things, which helped him a lot. He silently got the keys to his rattletrap car off the hook and slipped outside to make a quick getaway.

As Rick dragged himself to his car, got in, and took off, he didn't notice that Lenny was sitting in the hallway upstairs and had seen his car leave. Lenny felt deeply unsettled, as he had a feeling that his dad was in trouble, "Hey Uncle Bobby, my dad just left in his car," he spoke in an uneasy, quiet voice.

Almost immediately, Natalia came into view and frowned when she saw Lenny looking out the window with a worried expression on his face, "I just saw my dad's car take off," Lenny explained worriedly.

Natalia's concern grew when she saw that Rick's car wasn't in the driveway and she quickly led Lenny back to the upstairs playroom where Robert was sitting on the couch, watching BJ, Maggie, and Adam play with various toys, "Bobby, Rick's car is gone and Lenny saw him leave," she spoke worriedly.

"What?" Robert replied in a concerned voice, frowning. "Rick...he was sleeping down in his and Lenny's suite."

Lenny sighed, "I heard his cell ring as I was coming back up," he spoke worriedly. "Is he okay?"

"Come sit with me," Robert spoke, patting the couch. "Natalia, can you phone my uncle?"

Lenny sat as Natalia got her phone out and quickly dialed Horatio's private number simply because they didn't yet know if it was safe to involve more than their inner circle. What exactly was Rick up to?

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