Autobot Angel

Chapter 12: Fan Girl

Speed blinked down at the little girl, not quite sure what to do. The girl was looking up with adoring eyes that reminded the CSI of a puppy. Calleigh, bless her heart, saved him.

"Jessica, don't you remember the fire?"

The girl, Jessica, turned to look up at Calleigh. "Did that mean fire hurt Speedy?"

Delko was busy trying not to laugh. Speed glared at him over Jessica's head. My friend.

"Could be worse," Prowl remarked thoughtfully.

Speed turned his glare on Prowl.

Prowl smirked. "You could have found twins."

Alexx knelt to look at Jessica. "Yes, Jessica. Timmy has to rest up for a few days."

Jessica's parents looked on, torn between shock at their daughter's nickname for her rescuer and amusement at the young man's friends. April stepped forward. "Thank you so much for helping Jessica."

Speed kept back a blush. "It was my pleasure ma'am."

Jessica looked up at him again. "Can I come play with you when you're all better, Speedy?"

"Honey!" April reprimanded. "Why do you keep calling him 'Speedy'? Alexx told you his name was Tim."

Jessica turned to her mother. "But Mommy, he told me his name was Speed and Alexx said they all have a different name for him. So, I thought maybe I could call him Speedy, after my turtle."

April was horrified. Speed stared, face rapidly turning crimson. Delko slipped out and the group heard him start to laugh in the hallway. Alexx pressed a hand to her mouth to hide her own laughter. Horatio worked to suppress a small smile tugging at his lips. Calleigh started giggling in the corner. The new ghost, knowing Jessica couldn't hear him, was doubled over with laughter. Prowl alone kept a straight face, though his eyes were dancing.

Don slipped past his stunned wife and picked up Jessica. "Come on, Jessica. I think it's past someone's bedtime."

"But Daddy, I want to talk to Speedy some more."

"No, sweetheart. Daddy needs to talk to you." He walked out, Jessica pouting in his grasp. April blinked, looking after father and daughter.

"I'm terribly sorry about that Mr…"

"Speedle. Don't worry about it ma'am." Speed managed a smile. "I think I can handle a little girl."

April nodded, though she was still flushing. "I hope you recover soon, Mr. Speedle." She slipped out and after a few moments Delko reappeared, still wheezing with laughter.

"Man, I hope I never get any fan girls."

Speed started. "You…heard that?"

Delko grinned. "Met Wheeljack right before he and Prowl hauled you an' Jessica outta that fire."

Speed turned to look at the new ghost. Wheeljack… "H, didn't you say one of the fallen Autobots…"

"Yes, Speedle. I must admit, this turn of events is interesting."

Alexx tilted her head. "How so, Horatio?"

Horatio allowed a smile. "I'm wondering how many ghosts will appear before this case is over."

Prowl rubbed his chin. "He has a point, Speed. Wheeljack's appearance might be a coincidence but if any more Autobots show up…"

"Cross that bridge when you come to it, Prowl," Wheeljack advised. I want to know what 'case' this guy is talking about."

"Come on then. I'll bring you up to date while they chit-chat."

The two ghosts slipped away and Speed turned his attention back to his colleagues. They were discussing what security precautions might be needed.

"Why not ask Turner?" Speed proposed.

Horatio looked thoughtful. "He might have some ideas."

Eric scoffed. "Come on, Speed. You really want to trust a guy who lost a witness?"

"Even if he failed, he still knows more about protecting people in this kind of situation than we do," Speed pointed out.

Calleigh nodded. "Eric, we came awfully close to losing both of you tonight. I think we need all the help we can get."

"Then it's settled," Horatio remarked. "Now, let's let Speed get some sleep, guys."

Alexx opened her mouth and Horatio lifted a hand. "Alexx, you can stay with him tonight. We'll work out shifts tomorrow."

Speed started to protest but the team gave him a set of 'don't even think about it' looks. The CSI sighed and gave in gracefully.

Alexx looked up as the two ghosts came in. "Shh…"

"Right."

Wheeljack eyed Speed. "I'll make sure the rest of the team is safe." He left and Alexx smiled as Prowl assumed a watch-dog position. Protecting, even in death.

"Good night, Timmy."

A/N: Maybe a bit slow, but it would be corny if all the action hit at once. Besides, I could not resist the idea of Speed coming face to face with a fan girl. :-) Anyway, Please Read and Review. Next chapter: Speed gets a 'package'