Natalia Boa Vista watched the blonde woman from across the street still sitting in a silver Ford Escort. The man who'd picked her up had gotten out with her only to walk in a different direction keeping Natalia's nerves on guard. She witnessed a younger white male take the keys from Nikki Love and drive away in the pickup but didn't pursue - Horatio's orders were clear to stay on the woman.

Natalia pulled away from the curb as Nikki proceeded to walk across the street just a little way from where they'd formally stopped. She walked slowly as if she hadn't a care in the world or anything to do. Boa Vista finally realized it was no use staying in the car as Nikki continued to walk straight and very slowly making it difficult to tail her in a vehicle without attracting some obvious attention.

She parked the car in a parking lot of a small diner and hurried back to the street to find Nikki. She hadn't gone far just a few shops down from where she'd been. Natalia didn't bother gaining speed as she figured she was a good enough distance away to keep herself hidden. Nikki Love however had known all along Horatio would send a tail after her; she'd expected him to at least send someone who couldn't be recognized as a CSI though.

Nikki stopped at a street merchant and purchased a bottle of water allowing her to sneak a glance back at the CSI pretending not to watch. She was at least in a light blue dress and sandals - not too obvious - but this only made Nikki smile. Who are you dressing to impress at the lab? Nikki then continued to walk down the streets going almost a full twelve blocks before turning to see if the CSI was still there - she was.

Not at all aggravated and actually enjoying some time out and about away from the chaos that was her life Nikki stopped and sat down watching the CSI closely. Natalia Boa Vista almost froze as she met the gaze of her suspect but decided she could throw her off by simply walking past her. Just as Natalia was about to pass the small table Nikki slid out a chair in front of her path.

Surprised she looked at a smirking Nikki and raised an eyebrow. "I've got all the time in the world to waste yours Miss Boa Vista." Natalia was lost for words as she looked the relaxed woman over. "Would you like something ma'am," Nikki's waiter asked coming over to the table. "I'd like the garden salad with lemon dressing and a strawberry daiquiri," Nikki smiled handing over a menu. "And for you," the waiter looked expectantly at Natalia. "Nothing thanks," she managed as she took a seat.

Both women remained silent as Nikki flipped through a complimentary magazine and Natalia texted Horatio. I've been found out; I think she knew this whole time. Natalia placed her phone back into her purse and studied Nikki's features. For such a violent person she doesn't look all that tough. "Here you are ma'am," the waiter returned with Nikki's meal and drink. "Thanks," she smiled and took a sip of her daiquiri studying Natalia just as hard.

Natalia almost jumped when her phone vibrated and finally ended the staring contest between the two. "Lieutenant Caine probably wants you back at the lab now that this idea fell through." Nikki waved between the two of them before taking a nice size bite of her salad. Natalia retrieved her phone and looked at the screen. Come back. Thank you and be careful. H.

"Well I guess this road trip is over," Natalia stood quickly. "Glad I could get you out of work," Nikki grinned. "Next time tell your boss to send that handsome CSI Wolfe my way. I might make it worth his while," Nikki laughed taking another bite. "Horatio or Ryan's?" Natalia asked defensively. "Who's to say," Love replied darkly enjoying the anger swelling up in the CSI's features.

"I don't know what you're up to but we're going to figure it out," Natalia threatened. "Don't take too long," Nikki said flatly and returned her attention to her magazine and drink. Natalia turned and walked away finally walking at a speed she was used to. She made me follow her all this way for that? I wish I could prove she killed Mendez; I hate this woman. Nikki glanced back at the CSI storming away and let out a little chuckle. Her smile faded as her phone rang and his name appeared on the screen.

Nikki answered the phone and gave her location before the other line hung up. Only minutes later a new car pulled up to the scene, a red Camaro and one of her least favorite people inside. Why'd he have to send Vinnie Baldwin? Nikki took the last sip of her drink and placed a crisp fifty dollar bill under the glass. That should make the waiter's day. "Well hello there trouble maker," Vinnie grinned leaning over to open her door. "I'm not handicapped or incapable of opening my own door," she snarled back at him. "Well hello to you too Nikki."

"So the boss says I'm to take you to the warehouse and leave you there; everything alright?" Vinnie always had a way of sounding sincere but Nikki knew all too well what kind of a monster this man really was. On most occasions he only played himself up to a woman in Nikki's position to gain knowledge of what he wasn't being told. "Nothing important," she replied throwing her phone out the window as they turned the corner.

"Was it about Mendez," Vinnie chuckled. Nikki held back her shiver as the memories came flooding back. Vinnie thought it best not to slap the woman he'd grown to hate as his boss had become highly fond of her over the years. He almost couldn't help himself though as her sickening little smirk played across her lips. "Calm down Vinnie your knuckles are going white," she mocked in false concern. Vinnie gave the steering wheel a good hard squeeze and gritted his teeth before relaxing back into his usual laid back state.

"I'd watch yourself Nikki," he warned as he leaned roughly across her and again opened her door. Her expression held no fear as she pushed passed him and headed into the warehouse not looking back. You deserved that bullet more than Mendez. Nikki forced her nerves to relax and her heart and breathing to slow. Even after all these years she couldn't help not getting worked up over this group's threats towards her - she never let them see however.

Walking into the warehouse she was almost surprised to find it empty. She headed towards the small assortment of couches that served as seating before on her previous trips to this masked graveyard. In the center on top a single coffee table sat another throw away cell and a written note from him. She pulled out her pack of smokes from her purse and lit one before picking up the sheet of paper and reading it silently to herself.

Dearest,

With all the commotion its best if we lay low for a while. I'll come for you after I get some business handled. Until then stay here, up the stairs to your left I've had everything you'll need readied and waiting.

Love,

M.V.

Nikki took her lighter and held it to the letter burning the page slowly and watching it turn to ash on the wooden coffee table's surface. She then finished her cigarette and headed upstairs to see just what waited for her. Her hand held tightly to her purse strap hoping he hadn't gotten tired of her and decided to have a hit man waiting for her. Thankfully no such thing was waiting but her nerves still didn't die away even once she stepped into the steaming shower.