Epilogue:

It took a week for the gossip over the A-Team's mysterious escape to die down, and even then, Horatio knew Stetler would just add that to the growing list of suspicious behaviour. Not that there was anything he could do about that, so Horatio was happy to leave the IAB detective to puzzle over how Horatio conducted an escape attempt while sitting next to Colonel Decker. Other than that, things had come together very nicely, as all four of the Mala Noche kingpins that had been arrested at the docks had been charged with enough crimes to ensure that they didn't get out of jail before the next millennium. With the loss of the four main brains, rumours spread over the city that the Noches were pulling out of Miami, and retiring back to Central America, for the moment at least.

If Eric, Ryan and Alexx suspected that their colleagues had had something to do with the A-Team's escape, they said nothing, and Horatio was happy to leave it at that. Hannibal and the others had got away, and no one had got into trouble over it. That was a good enough result for him. The only part of the whole affair that left a sour taste in his mouth was his inability to find anything more concrete to prove the A-Team's innocence. There had to be some evidence somewhere, but if there was, it was classified far above any favour Horatio could pull in.

He was in his office, working through the seemingly never-ending paperwork that threatened to take over his life. When his cell rang, he was almost pleased at the thought of a new crime scene – anything to take him away from paperwork. The caller recognition didn't recognise the number though, so it wasn't Dispatch, or any of his team. He answered with a curt, "Horatio."

"Lieutenant." It was unmistakeably Hannibal's voice. Horatio sat up a little straighter. "We just wanted to let you know that the MPs lost track of us totally in Mississippi, and we're now home and dry, safely back in LA."

"Glad to hear it."

Hannibal's voice became a little diffident, as though he found what he was about to say awkward. "The guys and I wanted to pass on our thanks. You didn't have to help us like that. We do appreciate how risky it was for you."

"I'm only sorry I can't exonerate you."

"It matters more than you'd think to know that there's someone out there who believes us. We'll have to call you as a character witness at our next trial."

Horatio chuckled softly. "We'll prove your innocence one day Hannibal."

"I admire your faith in the justice system kid, but I doubt it's going to happen. You take care of yourself, and if you need us, I'm sure you can work out how to contact us."

"I'll figure it out."

"And for the record, you ever get bored of being a policeman, give me a call. I've always got space in my team for a man who can shoot like you and knows his way around explosives. We'll catch you later Lieutenant." Hannibal hung up before Horatio had a chance to respond. Well, if Stetler ever managed to get a case against him together, it was good to know he had other options, he thought with a wry grin. His cell rang again, and this time it was Dispatch, calling him to a dead body that had been found on the beach. With a sigh, he headed out to the break room to collect any members of his team who weren't already working an active case. Calleigh and Alexx were there, each with a cup of coffee. Much as he hated to interrupt their gossip session, he cleared his throat.

"Ladies, we've got a new scene. Alexx, you're going to be needed for this one."

"Let's just hope it's a bit more straightforward than our last case," Calleigh joked. "I could do without any more excitement."

"Hmm, yes, let's have a case where Horatio doesn't get to be a hero," Alexx smiled. "Maybe even a case where you don't end up fighting a pitched battle against a major gang, with only four other criminals on your side."

"Where would be the fun in that?" he asked, mischief sparkling in his eyes. Still, he found himself hoping that it wasn't the last time he bumped into the A-Team. They did have a way of livening up the city. He sighed and shook his head. Back to the day job, for now at least.

A/N: And so there you have it - the end of Horatio's adventures with the A-Team. Would love to know what everyone thinks of this - am I mad for even dreaming this up? I certainly felt a bit mad writing it! Please review, all comments really do make my day.