Calleigh woke a bit later and wiggled out of his arms, she was surprised he didn't wake up. She knew he hadn't been sleeping well and was happy now that he was out cold. She grabbed a throw blanket and walked back over to him, eying his lean body up and down once as she covered him. She smiled as she thought she wore him out completely.

She went and took a nice hot shower, letting the water run all over her body, refreshing her now. She came walking out in a towel wrapped around her and walked over to his dresser. She chuckled; he set up a few draws for her, he was so thoughtful she smiled. Clothes, underwear and even teddies. She pulled out a pink G-string and held it up with a smile, thinking he does have great taste. Behind her now she heard a low rumble and turned.

"Mmm, that's a... good choice." He said in a seductively low rumble. He leaned on the bedroom door frame standing in his blue silk boxers.

Her eyes went wide and she blushed and looked away from him. "I... I just thought I'd take a shower and..."

She stopped talking as he walked straight to her with a dangerous look in his eyes. He stopped right in front of her and cupped the back of her head with his hand, pulling her in for a deep searing kiss. When he backed off she was unsteady and still had her eyes closed. "Umm..."

He smiled now as she opened her eyes still dazed. "Mmm, you smell delicious and-"

"Horatio... I think-"

He cut her right off as he covered her lips again and slid his wet tongue all along her neck and bare shoulder.

She tried to speak but her words were coming out in soft moans. "Ahh... Umm... oh… I…"

His hand slipped the towel off so gently she didn't realize it till she heard it hit the floor. She swallowed and looked up at him in shock, as he took a step back and drank her in.

He nodded his head at her. "You... are absolutely beautiful." His eyes crinkled at the edges as he took her beauty in. "And... And, you're all mine." His voice went deep and rumbled. He stepped closer and wrapped her in his arms tight, backing her up with his body right to his bed. He quickly turned her and sat down first, pulling her right down on top of him with a groan.

Her eyes went wide as she was falling down on top of him. "Wait... what are-"

"Shhh, you're mine." He smiled up at her and let the feel of her body cover him, as he closed his eyes for just a moment. Her soft breast crushed against his bare chest, warming him. Her damp hair slid on to his neck and chest causing a chill in him. Her stomach moved with his, breathing in and out as they molded together. Her silky soft legs slid against his thighs as she dragged a sensual bare foot slowly against the inside of his calf. He could feel her warmth through his shorts and closed his eyes as he tightened and swelled. He inhaled her sweetness and opened his eyes.

One arm slid teasingly up and down her curvy soft back as her eyes closed in pleasure. His other slid up her cheek and into her damp hair. His tone dropped low and he spoke in almost a growl. "Kiss me; I need to feel your warmth again. I need all of you." His voice low and demanding sent a sensual shiver coursing right through her.

She leaned down and kissed him, his hands both slid down her body in a long caress. They came back up to her hips and waist then moved gently onto her breasts. She moaned softly and kissed him again, this time he slid his tongue softly against her lips, teasingly. "Mmm, cinnamon… Using my toothpaste again?" He teased and kissed her again.

She broke the kiss and gave him a grin. She ran her fingers through his hair leaning on his chest. "Well… someone's feeling frisky." She smiled.

"Hmm, yes… one look at you… and I am suddenly... very frisky." He said in a low deep tone. "If you only knew what you do to me." His voice captivating her now as well as his words.

She smiled. "Hm, so handsome, just what do I do to you?" She teased him now with her finger as she traced it over his lips lightly.

His lips curved up into a smile. He growled and turned her over quickly holding her gaze. "You make me... lose all control." His brows went up to her and she smiled.

"Mmm, that's nice to know because you have the same effect on me, handsome." She grinned up at him now running her fingertips lightly over his waist and back, teasingly. Making his skin tingle and ache for more contact.

He closed his eyes feeling her soft fingers on his bare back. "Mmm..." He lowered his lips to her neck and gave her soft open mouth kisses all over, making sure to open his lips on her skins and slid them closed as well. He teased her skin with his warm breath and tongue, blowing and licking when closing his lips.

She moan and turned her head to kiss him, but her held her head to the left as she let out a small whimper. He traced warm wet kisses all along her neck, shoulder and collarbone. His head suddenly snapped up as he suddenly felt her hand stroke him. One of his arms caved and he leaned to his right, gasping, feeling her stroke him hard. His body shook above her and she felt him.

She grinned, "Two can play this game handsome." She smiled at him and kiss his lips now still stroking him, making him groan now.

"Uhh... Ohh..."

She slowly slid down under him and he watched her get as far as his chest and stomach. He was leaning on his very shaky arms again now. She licked his nipples and slid as far as she could under him, to his stomach, kissing and licking him teasingly. His arms began to shake more now and she felt him caving. This game was going to crush her she thought with a grin. He would never crush me; she thought now as she continued, just barely making it to his navel. His whole body trembled and shook above her now as his push up position was caving in.

"Calleigh... stop! I'm... Ahhh…" He gasped and quickly rolled to his right onto his back, breathing in deeply.

"Got ya!" She chuckled. Climbing on top of him now. She was on him in a second and she teased the hell out of him now, licking and kissing his nipples.

"You…play dirty… and I-Uhh! Ohh!-" Both his hands move to hold her head as he stared at her with wide eyes. She just nipped gently on his nipple.

She smiled down at him and lifted both her hands to his. She took her fingers and entwined them with his and pressed both his hands down to the bed. "You…have no idea." She said seductively and swiped her tongue over the now very stiff tip.

He gasped and jerked under her. "Ohh…Uhh!" His now very stiff and erect nipple was feeling her warm wet tongue swiping lightly over it. He wanted her whole mouth on it but tried to keep control, beside the fact that Calleigh had both his hands pinned down. His mouth opened as he took a breath in and moan after moan easily came out. She was driving him crazy. The feelings she was causing in him were incredible, he felt himself tighten and grow even more. He let out a long groan feeling himself build and build. "Ughhhh'

She took that as a sign and slid right down to lick around his happy trail, still holding his hands. Her eyes focused on his length as it grew and was almost coming right out under his band. She smiled and slid her tongue just under the band of his boxers and licked his engorged tip, he jerked and grunted, not expecting that. She moaned low to him. "Ooh, I want you." She felt his length pressing against her chest and slid herself up and down against him intentionally. Her eyes went wide as the tip showed and came out past the waistband now. She wasn't sure if it was her movement that pulled them down or he grew even more. All she knew was his length was now past his navel and he was rock hard and ready. She let the bottom of her tongue swipe teasingly across the tip.

"UH!" He sucked in a sharp breath and groaned loud as his fingers tightened around hers. She smiled and slid even lower, right down his length as she began to lick and suck his thigh teasingly. She slid her tongue all along his inner thigh as her fingers slid out of his hands and down to his shorts.

He growled now feeling her so close, his rigid length sticking straight up for her, aching now to feel her warmth. She gently pulled down on both sides of his shorts as she kissed his stomach and slid them down.

She grinned. "Mmm, that looks delicious..." She made eye contact with him and gave him a wicked smile. "I think, its time for you to lose all control, handsome." She didn't give him a chance to respond as she lowered her head and covered him with her warm mouth.

"UHH! UGHH!" He gasped finally feeling her warmth on him. Little did she know he lost control way before that. Just feeling her lips around him now made him struggle and hold back his burning desire.

She licked the underside and heard him breathe hard; she knew his control was slipping already. She took her mouth off him and wrapped her lips around the underside, sliding up and down on him but not taking him into her mouth. "Uhh!" He grunted and tensed, she felt a pull at the sheets and looked up to see one hand grabbing a handful and hanging on tightly. His other hand slid down and into her soft hair, feeling her soft strands between his fingers.

She had him now and took it one step further as she slid up slowly with her lips open and added her tongue along his very large vein there. She doubled his pleasure and he jerked and groaned. "Cal... Uhh! Jeszz... Slow... Uhhh! Uhhhh!" She did it again to him as his breathing went ragged. "Cal!" He gasped out of breath.

She slid up this time and covered him fully again with her hot mouth, he groaned, grunted and lifted up, hanging onto her head. "Cal... Wait... I... Uhh! Uhh! Oh! Jezzs…" He tried to sit up as he was losing it now, he wanted to last and be with her.

She reached one hand up to his chest and pushed him back down, moving her mouth on his length now with purpose. "Ahhh... God!...Cal… lei.gh... Oh! Uhh... Uhh!" Both his hands now fisted and clenched the sheets grabbing handfuls and pulling hard. He pressed his head down harder into the bed.

She covered him with her warm mouth again and used her tongue on him. She was so turned on by him, feeling him this way. He was super hard for her and gave himself to her willingly. She loved having control of him, especially when she pleasured him this way. He closed his eyes and felt her flicking her tongue and then felt her hand right under her mouth, wet, it slid across his jewels and he grunted now. She took her mouth off him and used only her tongue now as his length snapped back with a thud against his stomach. She thought this had to be the hardest she felt him yet as she pressed down against his rigid length with her tongue and licked up every inch as it laid on his stomach now throbbing.

His head shot up and he groaned in need. "Uhh! Ughh! Cal!" She had him right on the edge and she knew it. She kissed, licked and finally sucked on him. He felt her warm mouth cover him and her wet tongue sliding on him, up and down. His eyes squeezed shut and he grunted. "UHHH!" That was it, he felt it take off racing through him now with an unstoppable force. He panted now unable to hold back any longer. "Cal! Yes! I... Oh!… God!" His head fell back on the bed and she felt him tighten and tense up. His body lifted and tightened and she held on to him with her warm mouth. He gasped out of breath now, "Oh God! Cal... Now! Right N-now! Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh! She took him in deeply keeping him covered, making him give her every last drop of passion he had. She moaned as he writhed under her groaning and grunting, riding out his incredible orgasm.

His hands fisted the sheets and he bucked under her as she drained him completely. He grunted as she continued to lick and caress his length. "Uhhh… ahh… hunn" He felt every sensation she gave to him and right now it was all becoming too much. Her hands slid up and down his tense thighs feeling his muscles flex. He jerked a few times feeling her caress his thighs and she eased up finally.

He lifted up on both elbows looking at her. His breathing was still uneven as he spoke. "Ohh god… I did say…" He swallowed hard taking a breath. "I did say… I wanted to feel you… right?" He chuckled and she released him and slid up his warm body hugging him. His length still hard lying on his belly now.

She chuckled and ran her thumb over his lips. "Umm, you said warmth. I think… that was warn… no?" She teased him with a sly grin.

His voice was dry and gravelly now. "Oh Yes, very warm... hot... in fact." He shook his head and grinned as he rolled her over quickly. "You... you want to feel, hot?" He raised his eyebrows to her and began to lower himself down her body.

She chuckled and held onto him with her hands. "Oh god... your voice already has me hot... very hot." She answered him with her eyes closed concentrating on it now. His hands and fingers already caressing her body gently, with his lips joining in now. He came back up giving her teasingly soft kisses on her neck and face. The smell of his cologne flowed over her filling her senses and her need even more.

He deepened his voice even more and went husky. "Mmmm, does it now beautiful…" He leaned in close to her ear and blew lightly. "If my voice has you hot, just think what my warm mouth and tongue are going to do for you." He purred in her ear with his warm breath, as his voice sent a shiver through her body covering her skin with goosebumps.

She felt her core throb and tighten needing him now. "Oh my god, stop it… stop talking… I can't take-" Her breathing was uneven already and her chest heaved. She felt like she was going to explode and he never even touched her there yet. She let her hands slide into his hair and closed her eyes to the sensations she felt.

Both now losing themselves in one another and the moment. This is the place he loved to go with her, he thought with a smile watching her with her eyes closed. Just the two of them and nothing else. Nothing mattered now but being with the woman he loved and showing her how much he loved her. How easy it was for him to forget everything when he was with her, amazed him, but he did, and it felt good. Her presents and spirit made him feel so much, made him feel so good. He felt overwhelmed, like his heart would burst open for her any moment and show all his built up hidden emotions and love. Everything he held back year after year was beginning to come out day after day to her. He thought it would drowned her sometimes. It was so much that he held inside and now finally was just beginning to open up and share it with her. She was beautiful and she made him feel so much. She made him feel everything, whole, complete and most of all, loved. She made him feel like he belonged, he felt like he never felt love before in her arms...ever.

He smiled down at her in awe for a moment, so caught up in her beauty now. He wanted to give her all of him, he loved her so much and spoke softly now seeing her need. Her eyes opened and he held her gaze as he spoke in a low whisper, "Let me love you."

She gave him a tender smile with glassy green eyes staring back.

His eyes so tender now, said so much more to her, as he leaned down and captured her lips in soft loving kisses. Her lips tingled as he kissed her so softly, she closed her eyes feeling his love, savoring every second she had with him. Her hands began to slide down his sides and back and he broke the kiss. One eyebrow went up to her and he barely whispered, "Don't touch... just lie back and let me love you." His eyes sparkled crystal blue at her.

She moaned softly to him as he kissed her softly again. His lips kissed their way to her neck and he blew his warm breath onto her skin, she tingled feeling his warmth cover her. Her mind was reeling from him and his soft caresses and words of love. He was so gentle and his words so loving as her feelings were building and beginning to spill over. She felt her heart racing as he touched her, and the tears welling as he spoke his heart to her. She reached for him and pulled him back to her. She felt his hardness slide against her leg and he let out a soft moan and raised back up to her. Their eyes met again and he saw her tears as she smiled to him and said, "I love you." She caressed his cheek with her hand softly looking deeply into his eyes.

His eyes held her and then crinkled a bit at the corners, he smiled at her, "You're so beautiful... so beautiful." He lowered his lips to her and gave her soft sweet kisses then pulling back easy. His heart was pounding in his chest he wanted to give her all of him. He wanted her to know all of him, everything, he thought, as her loved completely overwhelmed him. He whispered, "Do you have any idea how special you are?" He knew his words were not enough, they were merely words. He had to show her, he needed to show her, and give her his whole heart.

She smiled at him tracing his lips with her fingers, she whispered, "I know how special you make me feel."

She kissed his lips softly as his fingers threaded into her hair. Their kisses were soft and gentle as their tongues slid against each other and soft moans filled the room. Her hands slid up his back and into his hair as she deepened the kiss. He leaned down against her more as he began to go with her and kissed her deeply back. His hands found hers and they slipped into one another's willingly, entwining. He pressed down on her hands and pulled back quickly from her lips, as he held her eyes. His breath heavy with desire now as he growled and leaned back down, covering her mouth with his hard. He kissed her deeply as she tightened her fingers in his and kissed him back with equal fervor. Their kisses growing longer and harder as both began to move faster now.

Calleigh's cell phone rang.

Horatio's head came up and broke the kiss. He took a heavy breath in shaking his head to her.

She closed her eyes hoping it was their imaginations. They looked at each other both in disbelief and Calleigh's phone rang again. Horatio rolled off her as she got up to get it.

With a little sharpness in her voice she answered. "Duquesne. Yes Frank." She rolled her eyes and looked at Horatio shaking her head back and forth.

He smiled at her as his home phone rang now. His brows furrowed in thought a moment moving to get it. He picked up the phone and looked over at her, giving her a grin back. Still not believing this was possible.

"Hello"

"Horatio, please... they shot Ray, we're at 645 groves..."

"Wha-What? Who shot Ray, Yelina? Ok, slow down. Ok, just take an easy; I'm on my way now." He motion to Calleigh who just got similar news from Frank.

They were both dressed and ready in a matter of minutes. They got in the hummer and were there in less than 5 minutes. Calleigh could not believe how fast but controlled Horatio drove. His reactions and judgment was incredible as he swerved and maneuvered around the traffic. He saw Frank and some squad cars already there and the ambulance. He got out and went over to Yelina who was holding a towel to her head, it was spotted with blood.

He tilted his head to her and his eyebrows arched. "How's Ray?"

"The ambulance just loaded him, Horatio, I think he's ok."

He nodded. "What happened, are you ok?"

"Ray took one in the shoulder, I think. They hit me in the head with something... I don't know, it all happened so fast and-"

"Horatio?" Calleigh called out from the ambulance.

"I'll be right back." He walked right over to Calleigh.

"He's up and asking for you." Calleigh said in a concerned tone.

Horatio looked at her with intense eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Calleigh."

He got in the ambulance and sat next to Ray. "Raymond you ok?" He looked at the EMT's working on Ray.

"Hey, big brother… you get-"

"Don't talk Ray, just lie still and let them work, ok?"

He nodded yes. "Yelina?"

"She's ok Ray, just stay calm and you'll be at the hospital in no time, ok?"

"Horatio... It was Park... and the others..." He started coughing.

"Ok Ray, easy, it's ok. We'll get them, I'll get them Ray." Horatio took hold of his hand and looked up at the EMT.

Ray looked back up at him and swallowed, his breath fading, "Be... care... ful Hora...tio..."

He nodded. "Ray, I don't want you worrying about this, ok? Now listen you have to stop talking, ok. Just rest Ray."

Ray nodded to Horatio and his eyes closed. He looked up at the EMT.

"It's alright he just passed out, lieutenant. The bullet looks like it's in his shoulder area and we have to get the bleeding under control. We have to get moving now, are you coming with him?"

"Umm…" Horatio looked out at Calleigh and Frank. They were talking to Yelina and now Stetler just showed up and went right over to them.

"No, I'm not. I'll meet him at the hospital, Thank you." Horatio got out and closed the doors, patting the door with his hand. He turned and went back over to Yelina.

He listened as Stetler talked. "You're under arrest for attempted murder."

Yelina looked at him like he had three heads. "What?" She snapped back at him and closed her eyes feeling her head throb.

He snorted and went right back at her. "You tried to kill Raymond Caine."

She sighed and nodded. "No I didn't, I tried to save him. What is wrong with you, Stetler? You know me better than that." Yelina threw her hand up in frustration.

He leaned in. "Do I now?" A small smile of satisfaction on his face. "I do remember you having a problem with… your hands and controlling your temper."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm going to the hospital to be with my husband."

"Oh, no you're not! Your coming with me now, forget the hospital… and I'll talk with Ray myself, soon enough." He stepped closer to Yelina as her eyes drifted over to Horatio now.

Horatio stepped in now and gave Stetler a glare. "What are you doing, Rick?" He paused. "I'm taking her to the hospital; do you have a problem with that?" He placed his hands on his hips and stared him down.

"As a matter of fact, I do! She is under arrest Horatio and even you can't change that."

"Rick you know she-"

"What I know Horatio, is she was the only one in the house, she has blood on her hands, no sign of forced entry and a bloody gun. I'll bet if one of your CSI's check her for GSR residue she come up positive."

Horatio shook his head with tongue in cheek, "Rick, this is not the course of action you want to take."

"Really... Well then... watch me." He said menacingly as he called out now loudly. "Mr. Delko, we need you over here now." He turned back to give Horatio a glare. Eric was walking over now. "Mr. Delko, we need you to check her hands for GSR."

Eric looked at Horatio now, "H, what do you-" Stetler cut him off.

"Mr. Delko, don't asked him. Do what I say now and process her hands." Stetler gave Eric a look of anger.

Horatio nodded to Eric now. "Eric, go ahead, do it, check her for GSR." Horatio turned and gave Stetler a look of disgust.

Eric put his kit down and Calleigh and Frank moved over near Horatio, watching now. Eric wiped a swab on her right hand and thumb. He added a drop of liquid to it and it turned purple. Positive for GSR. He looked up at Yelina in shock now and turned left to find Horatio's eyebrows up in dismay himself.

Yelina's mouth hung open as she realized what just happened. "This is wrong! I didn't shoot, Ray." She turned to Horatio. "Horatio, you know I didn't... I would never..."

He nodded to her now. "I know that Yelina, I know, we'll figure it out."

"I'm being set up, this is crazy. Why would I shoot Raymond?"

Stetler smiled at her now. "Set up now. Really... By who? The invisible man, Yelina." He chuckled. "There's no sign of forced entry anywhere in the house. No signs of a struggled or anything for that matter. Just that gun and you...but it was a nice try, anyway."

Yelina now really upset and angry lunged for Rick yelling at him. "You son of a bitch! You just love this, don't you! I'll give you something to smile about!" She swung her arm, but Horatio was quick to move in front of her and stopped her, holding her arms gently.

"Easy, Yelina... It's alright, he's not worth it, it's alright." Horatio got her attention and looked her right in the eye. He nodded to her and saw the tears welling, they began to fall and she looked down.

She whispered to him now. "I didn't do this, Horatio... I-" Her voice cracked and she broke down crying now and moved into him, her face against his shoulder, her hands curled into his chest." She held on to him tightly.

He wrapped one arm around her and tried to sooth her, sitting her down on the back of another ambulance. His voice tense and firm now, "Give me a few minutes here." Calleigh and Frank nodded and moved off. Rick hesitated and then finally moved off but not by much. He watched from a distance as Horatio handed her a hankie and bent down to talk with her. Horatio's finger lifted her head up to see him; his left arm caressed her back.

"Hey, you alright? It's ok... It's gonna be fine, Yelina, We'll figure it out, ok?"

"And Ray... Is he gonna be... ok?"

"He was hit in the shoulder, so he should be fine. Can you tell me what happened, Yelina?" His eyes showing concern as he tilted his head to her.

"We heard a car pull up. Then all hell broke loose. We heard a noise from inside and we both turned, they were already in the house."

"Already in the house… are you sure about that?"

When Ray looked out he just saw the car pull up and turned to tell me. He went down right after that and I went to move to him and someone hit me in the head. It all happened so fast, Horatio. I can't even remember it all, right now. Why would they set me up?"

"I'm not sure Yelina, but we're going to find out, ok?" He nodded, "I don't want you to worry about that right now, ok? Let me handle it."

She shook her head back at him. "What about the GSR on my hand? I didn't pull the trigger, Horatio... I didn't... please tell me-" She was clearly getting upset again.

He caressed her back. "Alright, I know you didn't, I know Yelina. We'll process the place, something will turn up, it always does, ok?"

"Ok, ok Horatio... He's coming back this way now." She spoke with her head down as Stetler came back over. Frank and Calleigh were quick to follow.

He stepped right up to Horatio and looked at Yelina. "You done coddling her now?" He snorted "Can I do my job now?" He turned to her. "Yelina Salas you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Raymond Cain." He gave Horatio a grin. "Hook her up, let's go guys."

Horatio now moved right up to Stetler and stopped them. He looked over to Frank and took a breath. "Frank, could you... could you take her in?" His voice tensed as his jaw set, he was feeling very frustrated now.

Frank wiped his lip and shook his head. "Sure H, I can do that." He moved over to Yelina.

Horatio nodded and looked back at Rick now, he stepped right up in his face with both hands on his hips. "He'll take her down to MDPD, you can meet them there, ok... sergeant?"

Rick took a step back, feeling uncomfortably close to Horatio right now. He nodded. "Fine, as long as she gets there, today!"

Horatio took Yelina by the arm and walked her to Frank's car. "Yelina, I ..." He struggled with his words. Frank and Calleigh followed behind him, as did a leering Stetler.

She knew he was feeling guilty about all this. "It's alright Horatio... I know how it works. I'll be fine; you just find the proof, please."

"Ok, I will, I will... I'll take care of Ray Jr and things, I don't want you worrying. I'll drop by to see you later, ok?" His eyes stood locked on hers.

She nodded to him and gave him another hug. "Horatio, you'll see to Raymond?

"Of course I will."

"Thank you... Horatio. Thank you." She hugged him.

He leaned back. "Ok, alright. Here we go." He opened the back door and she got in, he looked across the car to Frank. "Take care of her, ok?"

"I will, H. She'll be fine, I'll handle things myself."

He nodded, Thank you, Frank."

Horatio looked back down at Yelina with a small nod. He turned and found Calleigh with his eyes; she was talking to one of the officers who were first on the scene. She felt him and turned in his direction. He nodded her over now. She walked over to him and stopped, noticing something on the ground. She bent down and looked at it.

Her eyes immediately looked up for him, she called to him now. "Horatio, have a look at this."

"You find something?"

"Yeah and it's not Rays or Yelina's I'll bet. It looks like government standard equipment to me, I've seen it before." Calleigh said crouching down; Horatio joined her now looking at it. He quickly stood up.

"Hang on a second." He looked around and found him. "Eric, join us a moment." Horatio watched the CSI make his way over.

"H, you get something?"

"I want you process this and tell me what you get off it, ok? ASAP Eric... ok?"

Eric bent down and with gloves on picked up the ear piece and placed it in an evidence bag. "Ok, H, I'm on it."

"Ok, I want you and Ryan to go through that place from top to bottom. Everything counts Eric, every fiber, every print... whatever you find bag it, tag it, and get it back to the lab. Be very Thorough, Eric." He held his gaze.

"Ok, H, I'll keep you posted." Eric walked away.

Calleigh looked at Horatio now. "I'll get my kit and-"

"No. I need... I need you with Yelina, if that's ok with you?" He looked down at the floor.

"Horatio, its fine with me. I'll make sure Stetler handles things by the book. I won't let anything happen and I'll keep you posted, ok?" Calleigh gave him a small smile. "Oh yeah, Eric just gave me this for you. He said it was all set for you." She handed him a new cell phone.

He cleared his throat and nodded to her. She even though to order him a new cell. "Thank you, Calleigh. I um... I'm heading over to the hospital. Call me on my cell if you need to ok?" He wanted to reach out and caress her face.

She nodded. "Ok, Horatio, I'll see you later." She walked past him and went over to Frank's car, she got in.

Horatio watched as Frank pulled away, followed by Stetler and a couple of squad cars. He shook his head looking down now and slipped on his sunglasses, walking over to the hummer. He got in and pulled away, heading for the hospital now. Thoughts of Raymond going through his head, wishing and thinking he should have done something to stop this.

Frank and Calleigh walked with Yelina into the interrogation room. Frank stood standing and Calleigh and Yelina sat down. Calleigh spoke to her and tried to relax her.

"Yelina, are you ok? Would you like something to drink?" Calleigh's eyes were sincere.

"No thank you, Calleigh. I can't believe this… this is crazy. You know I didn't shoot Ray, right? You know I would never-"

"It's ok, just take an easy, we'll figure it all out." Calleigh looked over to Frank.

Frank walked over near the table. "What happened, Yelina? Tell us from the beginning."

She began to tell them the same thing she told Horatio and the other officers. They questioned her as she went along. Behind the glass window was Stetler, listening and watching the interrogation.

"Someone hit me from behind."

Calleigh asked, "So maybe they were in the house already then?"

"I don't know Ray saw them from the window. After I came to is when I called Horatio."

"So you called Horatio on the home phone or cell?" Frank asked now.

"I called him from my cell; you can check the records and see."

Calleigh nodded. "That will help us, Yelina. Is there anything else you can think of-" The door flew open and Stetler burst in cutting Calleigh off.

"Ok, it's my turn now! You haven't said a word about Ray. Why is that Yelina?"

She gave Stetler a glare. "What should I say Stetler, you already think I am guilty. Nothing is going to change that."

"What were you and Ray doing at the house?"

Yelina looked away now and shook her head. Calleigh already knew the answer but Frank wanted to know also now. Yelina remained quiet.

"Ok, let's try this one then. How is it that Raymond Cain is alive?"

Yelina gave him another glare. "Go to hell, Stetler."

"Ok, here's what I think happened. You two were fighting, weren't you? You got into it and he hit you. You got real pissed off at him and first chance you got you grabbed the gun and shot him, right?"

Yelina looked at him and shook her head. "You have no idea what you are talking about!"

Calleigh and Frank both looked surprised as Yelina voice rose up at him.

"Don't I now? Those bruises on your arm there... Well they don't look fresh to me and that one on your neck is. I'd say this is a clear cut case of abuse. I'm just not sure who was abusing who." Stetler nodded his head back and forth, "You both deserve it anyway. I know all about Raymond Cain and I sure know about you, don't I?"

Yelina jumped up and grabbed him. Calleigh and Frank moved quickly before she could swing and connect.

"It's ok Yelina; he's pushing your buttons." Calleigh said, sitting next to her, calming her down.

Frank let go of Stetler now. "She should be put in cuffs and locked in a cell! Maybe I could lose the key too!" Stetler said now walking out of the room.

Yelina was in tears as her head rested in her hand on the table.

Frank looked at Calleigh now. "I'll go get her a drink, I'll be right back. " He left and Calleigh nodded to him.

Calleigh handed Yelina a couple of tissues. "It's alright, we're gonna work it all out, ok?"

"Do you know if Ray is ok, Calleigh?"

"No, not yet. Horatio said he would call as soon as he found out."

Yelina shook her head. "Dam it Ray, I knew this would happen one day."

"Yelina can I asked you a question?" She whispered low now.

She nodded to Calleigh. "Did Ray hit you today or ever for that matter?"

Yelina looked down and nodded to Calleigh. "Yes, he did... he does... sometimes, the..." She clamed up and covered her face with her hands.

Calleigh's eyes went wide in disbelief, she couldn't believe this. She leaned forward and rubbed her back gently. "It's ok, it's alright, Yelina." She said as Frank walked in with a two fresh cups of coffee. He placed one down in front of Yelina and one near Calleigh , then he sat back down.

Two doors swung open and Horatio walked through the emergency room to the front desk. A nurse looked up at him and he flashed his badge.

"I'm looking for Raymond Caine, he was shot."

The nurse nodded to him and called over one of the doctors. A doctor spoke with him now.

"I'm Dr. Young and you are?"

"Horatio Caine, his brother."

"Oh... I'm sorry... I didn't know. He's in emergency surgery now; you can go up to the third floor and wait in the surgical waiting area. His doctor will come out and speak with the family members after it's over."

"Can you tell me his condition?" Horatio asked quietly.

"Let me give a call upstairs for you, hang on a minute."

"I would appreciate that, Thank you."

The doctor made a call and came back over to Horatio. "They said he would be out of surgery in and hour, the doctor said he stabilized him but he's not out of the woods yet. If you go up they will speak to you, just asked for Dr. Randal."

"Ok, thank you, I will." Horatio walked through to the lobby and hit the elevator button. He felt like this was a bad dream and things seemed to be moving in slow motion. He started to blame himself now and was getting angry, he let Ray walk into this, how could he let this happen. He looked up suddenly as the elevator dinged and realized it was his floor. In a bit of a daze he followed the signs to the surgical waiting area. He walked in and spoke to a nurse behind the desk. She told him the doctor was aware of him and would be out to speak with him after the surgery. He turned and saw a few people waiting, sitting looking at the TV. He didn't want to stay here; he turned back to the nurse now.

"I'll just be outside if you need me, ok?"

"Yes that's fine." She smiled at him and he nodded to her and walked out of the room.

He walked down to double doors that said surgical staff only. He watched as the doors swung open and the doctors came out one by one talking to families and relatives of other patients. He paced up and down the hall and stopped looking out the window, wondering how the hell things got this bad. Where time went and what happened.

He began to feel tired and walked over to the row of chairs lined up at the wall. He sat down with a heavy sigh and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs and letting his head rest in both hands. A million thoughts ran though his head now as he rested it in his hands. The doors opened and his head snapped up looking at the doctor, he walked right by him and Horatio's eyes followed him into the waiting room. He knew they would call his name if it was Ray's doctor. Suddenly a very familiar voice called softly to him from the opposite direction.

"Horatio?"

He turned now and stood up immediately seeing Joe… Dr. Gannon. "Joe, how are you?"

He put out his hand to shake it. "I um… I um, owe you some thanks." He said with a small smile looking down. He nodded and met his eyes. "So… thank you."

Joe gave him a strange look now and shook his hand. "I'm fine and no thank you is needed, Horatio." Joe brows furrowed looking around. "What are you doing here?"

Horatio looked down at his fingernail. "Umm, checking in on a patient."

"Who you checking on, I can find out how they're doing for you?" Joe gave him a grin.

Horatio hesitated now and looked down again. He looked back up at Joe and tilted his head. "Raymond Caine is the patient."

Joe's brows furrowed in confusion now, "You mean... Your brother?"

Horatio nodded yes. "Yes, my brother, he was shot... I think they said Dr. Randal was-"

Joe nodded to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Just hang on a minute, sit down, I'll be right back." Joe walked back to the doors and slapped the button with his palm, walking back in.

He came out a few minutes later and Horatio was standing again near the window.

Joe thought he looked tired and just tried to get him to take a break. "Hey, you want to sit down a moment?"

Horatio nodded now thinking this had to be bad, he's trying to get me to sit… again. "No. I'm fine, Joe."

Joe's brow went up and he held Horatio's gaze now. He ran a hand over the back of his neck in a massaging fashion. "Ok, he's… still in surgery. They had some trouble stopping the bleeding; the bullet was wedge between the clavicle bone and the vena cava. He's going to ICU after this so they can keep a close eye on his vitals tonight. He's in serious but stable condition right now; tonight should give us a better idea of how he's doing.

Horatio nodded and looked away, his eyes narrowed thinking about something. "Ok, alright. How long before they move him to the ICU?"

"I'd say enough time for you and me to go grab a cup of coffee. I'll bring you over to the ICU and get you right in to see him afterwards. What do you say?" Joe smiled at him.

Horatio nodded his head and gave a small grin, "Do I look that bad?" His eyebrows went up.

Joe nodded, "No, but you… look like you could use a cup of coffee… and a friend." His brows arched up.

Horatio exhaled and nodded to him. "Ok, ok that would be fine Joe, Thank you. " Um, just give me a minute please; I need to make a phone call first."

"Sure, not a problem. I'll be right in there when you're ready." Joe walked into the waiting room giving Horatio some privacy.

Horatio opened his phone and called Calleigh. His voice was low and soft. "Hey, it's me."

"Hi, how's Ray doing?" She thought he sounded tired.

"Um... Um, they got the bullet out and are moving him to the ICU. They had a problem stopping the bleeding but tonight should give us a better idea of how he doing."

She heard the hesitation in his voice, he sounded so tense and tired she thought. "Hey, are you, ok?" She asked softly.

A small grin formed on his lips and he took a breath in. Her voice calming his nerves and insides a bit. "I'm fine, Calleigh, thank you." He paused a moment. "How is Yelina holding up?"

She smiled as she heard the tenseness ease from his voice. "She strong Horatio, she's doing fine and Frank and I have not left her side. Should I tell her about Raymond condition, she asked me earlier?"

He took another breath in, she heard it. "Um... tell her he's stable and... and, I'm staying with him."

Calleigh's eyes went wide. "Ok, I'll tell her. Do you mean your staying at the hospital tonight?"

His voice went very low now. "Yes, just in case Calleigh, I need to be here. You understand, sweetheart?"

She smiled. "Of course I do, Horatio. I understand... I can… keep you company and-"

"No. No, I'm fine sweetheart, you go home and get some rest tonight. I'll give you a call later, ok?"

She sighed softly. "Ok, Horatio, and eat something… will you please?"

He smiled now, "Yes, I will mother hubbert. I ran into our favorite doctor and he offered to buy me a cup of coffee."

"Joe! That's great Horatio. I forgot all about him being there, is he taking care of Raymond?"

"No, but he's helping me out with him, and that makes me feel a hell of a lot better. I trust Joe."

She smiled and nodded. "I know, I do too and just knowing you're not alone... I mean, you're with Joe. Well that makes me feel a whole lot better too." She tried to correct her words, and he knew.

He chuckled, "I know what you mean and thank you Calleigh, for holding down the fort and helping me out with Yelina. I feel better knowing you're with her."

She smiled and chuckled a bit as he used her words the same way. "Anytime, you know that. So, call me later and let me know how things are, ok?"

He nodded with a small grin and now a lighter heart. "Ok, talk to you later sweetheart."

Her smile grew wider, "Ok, bye Horatio."

She hung up and he closed his phone, feeling a pleasant sensation wash over him. With a bit of a grin now he nodded knowing it was because of her. She had this effect over him and he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but he knew he like it very much. He took a breath in and walked to the waiting room door to see Joe holding a little girl. He watched and waited with a small grin now.

Joe spoke softly to her. "Hey, that sure is a great bag you have there."

"It's called a purse, Joe." She giggled and shrugged.

His eyes opened wide to her. "Oh wow, a purse huh. See, I didn't know that Caitlin, you sure are smart." He smiled at her and cocked his head.

"So grandpa's going to be ok, doctor Joe?" She played with the stethoscope around his neck.

He nodded and smiled at her. "Yes, your grandpa is a very strong man and he is gonna be fine honey."

She smiled and shook her head. "That's because you take care of him Joe, you make grandpa all better and we can go to the park again on the swings and play. Grandpa's heart will be good again now."

Joe nodded again. "That's right, Grandpa's heart will beat real well now and he'll feel all better." Joe smiled at her and she gave him a hug. She tilted her head and smiled again, now past Joe this time. Joe turned to see what had her so happy. It was Horatio who smiled back at her now, he looked down shyly for a moment and then back up.

Joe put her down now and she just looked up at Horatio.

"Ok Catlin, I'll see you in a bit and then you can see your grandpa, ok?"

"Ok, Joe I'll be right here waiting." She said still looking up at Horatio, she tilted her head and smiled at him again. "Are you waiting for someone too?" She asked now.

Horatio smiled and shook his head. "Mm-hmm, I am." He smiled and crouched down to her size.

She tilted her head to him, "So who are you waiting for?"

His brows went up in surprise. "My brother, Ray." He said low.

"Does his heart beat to fast too?" She nodded her head up and down.

He smiled at her. "No, it doesn't."

She placed one hand on her hip and pursed her lips tight. "Well… if Joe is taking care of him, he is going to be like new." She nodded her head up and down to him.

Horatio smiled again and nodded, she was very cute, he thought. "That's right, because Joe is-"

"A GREAT DOCTOR!" She said loudly and proud as she cut him off. Her mother stood up now and Joe smiled at her and told her Horatio was a friend. She nodded to Joe and smiled at Horatio as she sat back down watching her daughter.

"That's right, he is." Horatio smiled.

"I hope Ray is better soon… Um... umm" She turned and looked at Joe and then her mom. She turned back to Horatio and put her small hand up. "One minute ok?"

He nodded to her with a grin and his eyes went up to Joe's, who was grinning widely, "Ok." He said to her softly.

She went over to Joe and her mom. Calling them down to her size and whispered something. Joe moved closer in now as she whispered.

"I don't know his name?" She said to them and they both started laughing.

She looked at them strangely with wide eyes. Joe leaned down to her and whispered back in her ear and she lit up brightly with a huge smile. She skipped right back over to Horatio again now and smiled widely. "I hope Ray is better soon, Ho-ra-tio." She said with a huge smile.

He smiled and tilted his head to her and spoke in a very soft voice, "Why thank you, Catlin. That is very kind of you."

"Your welcome, Horatio." She smiled again and giggled a bit.

He just tilted his head to her and thought of Calleigh for a moment. He smiled to her. Joe nodded to him and Catlin looked. She looked back at Horatio now and moved right in front of him.

"I really like your name, Horatio."

"Thank you. I really like your name too, Catlin, it's very sweet, just like you."

Joe took a few steps closer. "Ok, we need to get going now Catlin."

"Ok Joe." She smiled at him.

She looked back at Horatio now and her forehead wrinkled in thought. "Can I give you a hug?" She asked him and his eyebrows rose in surprise.

He looked up at Joe and then her mother, who didn't seem to mind at all. He swallowed and before he could answer her she rammed her little body into him and hugged him tightly. His eyebrows stood up this time as she held onto him tight. He gave her a small easy hug back and she giggled. "I have a secret to tell you, ok?"

"Um, I... Umm..." He wasn't sure what this was about.

She leaned her mouth to his ear and covered her mouth with her hand, whispering something to him. His eyes opened wide and he looked surprised again. She backed off and smiled at him. She placed her little hand on his cheek and smiled. "You're a good man, I can tell... you're like my grandpa, you feel like he does." She smiled and nodded her head. "You'll see what I said is true, your heart told me so."

His brows furrowed and he gave her a small grin and looked down shyly.

Catlin went and sat back by her mom on the chair. She said goodbye now. "Goodbye Horatio. Bye Joe... see you both later." She smiled and looked in her purse.

Horatio stood up now and looked at Joe, dumbfounded. They said goodbye and walked to the elevators together.

Joe chuckled, "She's a great little girl."

"She sure is, and very smart too." Horatio said with a smile.

"So, are you gonna share?" Joe asked, as they both stepped into the elevator.

Horatio grinned now, "Share what?"

"C'mon, what did she whisper to you? What was the big secret?"

Horatio looked down and then nodded. "She said Ray didn't want me to worry. She said he would be fine and I shouldn't be mad at him." Horatio brows furrowed again.

"Why would you be mad at him?" Joe asked now.

"That's just it, I'm not."

"Yeah well, let's remember she's just a baby... but a very smart one at that." Joe smirked.

"I agree… she is very smart and… caring." He nodded. "How old is she?

"She's only 7 years old, but um, Catlin had a bad accident a while back and since then, she kind of... knows things. We don't know how but she just does."

Horatio looked at Joe now perplexed. "What kind of accident?"

Joe sighed. "Drunk driver killed her father and put her in a coma. Thank god her mom was ok, but Catlin was in a coma for 2 weeks before she woke up again."

Horatio thought for a moment and nodded again. "I'm glad she's ok."

"Yep, that's for sure." Joe said with a smile. "So, you eat anything today? The food won't kill you here, I eat it all the time." He chuckled.

"Well that's good to know, doctor. Thank you." Horatio teased him back. "No, I'm just gonna grab a cup of coffee." He nodded to Joe and went to the register. Joe nodded at the cashier and they were both told to walk on through.

Horatio gave Joe a look. "Free coffee Joe?" They sat down at a round table near the window.

"Don't worry about it, I'm buying pal." He smiled. "Here take this it's yours." Joe put a sandwich down in front of Horatio. His head swayed back and forth as he spoke. "And I don't want to hear about it, so just eat it will you." Joe chuckled.

Horatio looked at the sandwich and back up at Joe. He took in a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He took a sip of his coffee and unwrapped the sandwich. "So, what do you have?" He asked in a deep voice.

"Same as you, Philly cheese steak… loaded. I hope you like it." Joe laughed taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"As a matter of fact I do, thank you Joe." Horatio grinned. They both ate and talked now feeling very comfortable with one another.

"Your welcome. Now tell me how your ribs are doing? Anymore pain or discomfort?"

Horatio smiled, "Much better... Doctor. Thank you."

Joe gave him a smirk. "Well I am your doctor so don't expect me not to ask." He chuckled, "So, how's Calleigh doing?"

Horatio's eyebrows went up, "She's fine, thank you." He tilted his head at him unsure of the question.

Joe sensed his aloofness now. Maybe he didn't exactly word that right, he thought to himself, I'm an idiot. He tried to fix it. "I mean, you two belong together, you know. Calleigh's crazy about you man." He reassured Horatio with just a few words.

Horatio smiled at him and nodded. "Well... were working on it." Then he smiled again thinking of her and the wonderful morning they had together. His smile grew and his eyes went distant.

Joe saw his face relax as his eyes crinkled around the edges. He smiled. "Yeah, tell me about it, job conflict, right? I have the same problem dating another doctor." He laughed. "Actually, I have a problem dating anyone for that matter." He really laughed now and Horatio shook his head and smiled in understanding.

"I understand and wish you luck, my friend."

Joe laughed, "I need all the luck I can get pal."

Horatio's phone rang now and he answered it, looking up at Joe. "Yes I am. Oh, yes doctor. Ok, I'll be right up."

"Dr. Randal" Joe asked.

Horatio nodded, "He wants to talk with me, I'm gonna head back up. Thanks for everything Joe." Horatio put his hand out to shake Joe's hand. Joe grabbed it and shook it, hanging on to him.

"Hang on, I'm coming with you. I'm done and I need to get back anyway." Joe smiled.

Horatio nodded. "I'm ok Joe, you don't need to-"

"I know that, Horatio. Let's go, its fine." Joe hit the elevator button and up they went.

Joe stood with Horatio now as they walked up to Dr. Randal. He introduced Horatio and told the doctor he was a friend.

Horatio remained quiet and waited for the doctor to explain things.

"Mr. Caine, your brother is in serious condition. We're having some problems stopping the bleeding, he was hit in an artery and it's causing some complications. We were able to get the bullet out but now we have to keep a close eye on him because the bleeding can just start up again and again. It has already; we're still working on him now."

Horatio nodded. "I understand. What are his... chances?"

The doctor looked at Joe and back to Horatio. "It's touch and go... he's very unstable and anything could happen. Only time will tell."

Horatio swallowed, thinking about Ray now. His guilt eating at him, he should have done something to help his little brother. "Doctor, I'm going to need that bullet you extracted."

The doctor looked at him shocked. "Excuse me?" He thought maybe Horatio was in shock or something.

Joe jumped in now. "Dave this is Lieutenant Horatio Caine, with the Miami Dade police department."

"Oh... why didn't you say so? Sure no problem, I'll make sure to give it to you myself, lieutenant."

"That would be greatly appreciate, thank you doctor."

"One more thing, lieutenant. Um..." He looked at Joe again and then back to Horatio. He hesitated. "Did you know your brother is a user?"

Horatio's eyebrows went up and he looked down. He clenched his jaw and nodded. "Yes, I know… in the past he has, but not since then." Horatio looked at the doctor questioningly.

He nodded looking down. "I'm afraid he has, lieutenant. He has track marks on both arms that are old and new. This is… part of the problem; this is why he's bleeding more, do you understand?"

Horatio nodded. "I understand. The drugs cause the blood to thin even more." He looked down nodding.

"Exactly. I'm also waiting on a toxicology report, it will tell us some more. I'll be in touch as soon as I have something to tell you. I'm sorry I don't have better news for you."

Horatio met his eyes. "Thank you doctor, you can call me anytime." Horatio handed him his card. "I'll be right here if you need me." His eyes went distant and looked away.

The doctor nodded and said goodbye.

Joe patted Horatio on the back now. "Hey, you alright? Want to sit down a second."

Horatio's eyes came back up to Joe. "No thank you Joe, and yes, I'm fine."

Joe nodded seeing his pain and stubbornness. "Ok listen, I have an idea, come with me?"

"Hold on, where are we going?" Horatio gave him a look not moving now.

"To my office, I'll make sure Dave can reach you over there if he needs too. You're gonna be here a while, Horatio. You can relax and make some phone calls in private. C'mon." Joe put an arm on Horatio's shoulder pulling him to move. He finally did and they went to Joe's office together.

"Ok, make yourself comfortable, I'll be back in a bit. Use the phone, use the couch, and get some rest if you can. Call me if you need anything, I'm only doing rounds now."

Horatio nodded, "Ok Joe, Thank you very much… I appreciate it."

"Forget it Horatio; I'll see you in a bit" Joe left with a smile, in shock he actually got him to his office. With a little luck maybe who would sit down on the couch too. Joe chuckled to himself thinking, that couch could put anyone to sleep. He smiled as he slapped the button on the wall and walked through the open doors.

Horatio walked over to the window and looked out in a daze now, taking in a deep breath. He reached into his pocket and took out his phone. He turned and walked over to the couch and sat down, leaning forward. He flipped open his phone and pressed on a key.

"Eric"

"H, how's Ray?"

Horatio frowned, thinking again. "They're trying to stabilize him. He's still in surgery, Eric. He paused. "Eric, what have you got for me?"

"Nothing H. Nothing at all, the place is coming up clean. We didn't find trace or epithelia's. Not even any fibers. Everything matches with Yelina's and Ray's DNA."

"Ok, ok, I want you and Mr. Wolf to take that place apart, you understand me? Go back to the house and check it again."

"H, we checked for hours and-"

"Do it again Eric. Take that place apart, I want anything and everything. Bag it, tag it and get it back to the lab." His voice firm.

"Ok, H, we'll do it again. I'll keep you posted."

"Ok Eric."

Horatio closed his phone and rubbed his forehead. No prints, no trace... the feds must have cleaned the place up. Things we're not looking good right now for Yelina, he thought with a grimace.

He opened the phone and pressed another key.

"Duquesne"

"Calleigh"

"Horatio, how's Ray?" She heard him take a breath in.

"Ray is um... He's unstable at the moment. They're having a problem stopping the bleeding." He paused. "How's Yelina doing?"

"She's holding up, Horatio. She'll be ok. We sent for her phone records already. Maybe they will turn up something. They will show that she called you right when it happened. Maybe help us in another way too, well see. She said she was having an argument with Ray and that's when she heard the car pull up. But she still has no memory of what happened and how they got in the house."

"Ok, ok. Was the gun processed yet?"

"No, I'm going over to the lab after we finish up here. I'll process it and check it out myself."

"I would really appreciate that Calleigh, thank you. Why don't we let Frank finish up the paper work so you can get started, ok? Let's get that gun processed, the sooner the better, alright?"

"Ok, I'll go and do it right now then. I'll call you as soon as I know something."

"Ok, and thank you, Calleigh. Thank you very much."

She was worried about him, he sounded exhausted. "Hey, are you ok? You sound... tired, Horatio?"

"I'm fine sweetheart, thank you for asking. I'll talk to you in a little bit."

"Ok, bye." She felt sad now. Sad for Ray, hoping he would pull through and sad because she wasn't by Horatio's side when he needed her most. She pursed her lips and nodded, more determined than even to get him some evidence.

She hung up and he closed his phone and sat back on the couch with a sigh. He ran his hands over his face trying to wipe away his exhaustion. He took in a deep breath and let it out slow, closing his eyes for a moment. He melted right into the couch and found it was quite comfortable, as he rested his head back for just a moment with his cell phone still on his lap. His eyes heavy and tired stood closed and he drifted off to sleep.

A little while later Joe walked in quietly and checked on him. He was glad to see him resting finally. Realizing how quiet it was now because it was Saturday. No phones ringing and no patients waiting as silence filled the room. Suddenly his phone rang and Joe jumped as Horatio flipped it open in a second.

"Yes. Yes doctor... ok, I'm on my way." He was up and walking out at a brisk pace. Joe looked at him in disbelief and wondered if Horatio even saw him standing there. He shook his head and was right on his heels.

"Horatio this way is shorter." He stopped and followed Joe to the ICU room.

Joe stopped him as he saw them shocking Ray with the paddles. Horatio's jaw set and he looked on in a daze.

Joe spoke to him, "Give them a minute ok? Let them work on him."

Horatio nodded. There were machines beeping and a loud alarm going off. They final shut down the alarm and worked on Ray with effort. Horatio walked in and stood out of the way but tried to be close to Ray. His mind reeling right now, thinking. 'C'mon Raymond, don't do this to me. Yelina and Ray Jr. need you... I need you...'

Joe moved in and joined the effort now giving orders and directions. Horatio snapped out of it when he heard a loud popping sound, he heard Joe speak, right after they shocked Ray again.

"Dave we got him back; let's give him something to clot that blood now."

"Nice work Joe, good call we'll get that Vitamin k right into his system." Dr. Randal said now turning towards Horatio. He nodded. "We're going to give him a blood clotting agent to help thicken his blood, it will help keep him stable. His vitals are all good now. I'll call you if he has any other issues tonight, ok?"

Horatio nodded. "Yes. Thank you."

The doctor left and the nurses moved away from Ray. Horatio took this moment to move in closer to Ray. He looked down at him and shook his head; he saw his arms... needle tracks marks all over. His stomach tightened and twisted as the guilt wrenched at his gut. He took a hold of Ray's hand and spoke to him low, leaning down near his ear.

"Ray... hey Ray... open your eyes for me. C'mon Raymond, you can do this."

Nothing, Ray didn't respond at all.

Joe saw Horatio's grief and tried to ease it. "Horatio, he's out of it, he's not going to hear you right now. We just hit him hard with a bunch of drugs." Joe saw the look in Horatio's eyes; he looked lost, he thought. He was becoming worried for him, he knew he was shaken up by all this, anyone would be.

Horatio continued to talk low to him. "Ray listen, I know you can hear me, so fight and don't you give up. I'll be right here when you wake up Ray, right here."

Joe ran a hand over his mouth and down his chin moving around to Horatio's back now. He placed a gentle hand on his back and spoke low. "Hey, you need to come with me now Horatio. C'mon… it's alright… let him rest."

Horatio let go of Rays hand and stood up nodding. He looked at Joe and back down to Ray. He followed Joe out of the room and into the hall.

Joe nodded as one eyebrow went up, "I'm sorry but there's no way you can stay with him right now. He coded and… hospital policy is strict with codes. Umm, you understand?"

Horatio nodded looking down at the floor. "I do, Joe. Its fine, I'll just wait right here."

Joe looked at him with a confused look now. "Umm… you're going to wait right here… in the hall… all night?"

Horatio nodded. "I am." His eyes locked onto Joe's.

Joe realized at that moment that's exactly what he meant. He shook his head in awe. He knew he would wait outside the ICU now no matter how long it took. He shook his head again now and put a hand on his shoulder. "Horatio you can wait in my office, it's two seconds from here… and it has a place to sit too." He pointed out.

He nodded, "Thank you, but this is fine, I need to be close right now."

Joe placed one hand on his hip and scratched his head in disbelief. "Horatio I understand that... but standing in the hall all night… its not going to help when Ray wakes up tomorrow and needs you man. C'mon don't make me drag you there pal, its two seconds away, you'll be just down the hall." Joe patted his shoulder again waiting for his answer.

Horatio grinned at him and nodded. "Ok, alright… thank you Joe. I need to stay close right now, you know?"

He patted his back as they began walking back to Joe's office. "I know, I understand." Joe walked him back in now and nodded to him. "You look exhausted pal, you been here all day and need to get some rest. I'll give you a blanket and you can lie down and take a nap."

Horatio chuckled and both hands went to his hips. "Mother hubbert, that won't be necessary, but thank you anyway."

Joe laughed and his smile grew as his dimples showed. He put one palm up to Horatio. "Ok, just stay put and relax if you can, I'm gonna go check him out, ok?"

"I would appreciate that, Joe."

"I'll come back and let you know, ok?"

Horatio nodded. "Ok."

Joe left and Horatio sank right down on the couch. He did feel completely exhausted now and felt like he needed to sleep. He rubbed at his face trying to rouse himself but his body fought him. He sat back and closed his eyes for just a moment and was out cold again.

Joe came back to find him sound asleep. He smiled as he grabbed the blanket and covered him gently with it. He stared a moment at him and made a conscious decision, nodding. He walked out of his office and opened his cell phone, he pressed a button.

"Duquesne."

"Calleigh... its Joe."

"Hey Joe, is everything alright?" She sounded nervous now.

He hesitated. "Yeah… sorry to worry you, I just... I thought." He took a breath in." I don't want to overstep my bounds here, but I think he needs... um, a friend right now. I actually got him to take a rest in my office; he's out cold right now Calleigh."

Her eyes widened. "Really, he is?" She shook her head, he has to be exhausted, she thought. "Ok, Joe, I'll come by in a little bit, hopefully I can talk some sense into him and make him come home a while."

"Umm, I don't... I don't think that's going to happened, Calleigh. His brother coded on us about an hour ago, it's touch and go with him. Horatio wanted to stay in the room with him, but when someone codes we can't let them. He's going through a lot right now and I didn't know if he told you or not. Anyway, I thought you should know. He's probable going to kill me for telling you all this too."

"Don't worry, Joe, I won't say a word. I'll be there as soon as possible, ok?"

"Ok, Calleigh and thanks."

"For what?"

"Not telling on me." Joe chuckled and said goodbye.

Calleigh showed up 20 minutes later and found Joe asleep in his front office. It was after 11pm and she quietly walked in and Joe's eyes opened up. He smiled at her and took his feet down off the desk.

She smiled. "Good to see you Joe. Thank you again for calling." She gave him a hug and kiss on his cheek.

"It's always good to see you, Calleigh. C'mon, he inside, I'll give you two some time alone, ok?" His mind reeled from her scent, she smelled great, he thought.

"Thanks Joe, you're a gem."

She smiled at him and went in to find Horatio sleeping quietly on Joe's couch. She pulled up a chair close to him and sat down watching him sleep. He looked peaceful and comfortable; she almost wanted to snuggle with him. She saw him move just a bit and his eyes opened to find hers. He blinked a few times and sat right up on the couch.

"Is everything alright?" He looked around for Joe.

"Everything is fine, Horatio. You look exhausted, why don't you come home and get some rest. You can come back afterwards?"

He smiled at Calleigh and looked down, leaning forward now rubbing his face. "I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving just yet, Calleigh. I need to be with Ray right now, I hope you can understand that."

"Of course I do Horatio; I'm just worried about you. I had to try, right?" She smiled.

"I'm fine, sweetheart." He lifted his head up and she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. He smiled.

"I'd say good morning but it's not 12 am yet." She teased him. "You look tired, Horatio." She ran her hand down across his cheek.

He closed his eyes to her soothing touch. "I rested some, Joe was nice enough to lend me his couch and I see to call you too."

Her eyebrows went up, she was surprised. "Joe didn't call me and-"

He chuckled, "Sweetheart, you're a terrible liar." He caressed her face with the back of his fingers. She closed her eyes feeling him.

"He was worried about you too, you know?" She said softly in Joe's defense.

"Yes, I know. It's fine Calleigh, my lips are sealed. Where is our good doctor anyway?"

"I don't know." she said with a grin.

There was a knock and Joe came in, out of breath. "He's awake, Horatio... I don't know for how long but I wanted to give you a chance to talk to him."

Horatio was up in a flash as he walked quickly behind Joe, with Calleigh keeping up. They went into the room and Calleigh stood back near the door watching, as Joe kept an eye on the monitors.

Horatio held his hand and leaned down, calling to him. "Ray, hey Raymond… c'mon open those eyes for me." He felt his hand move in his now.

Ray groaned and his eyes fluttered open. He looked at Horatio and groaned. "Big... broth... er..."

"Hey Ray, you keep fighting, ok? You hang in there, everything's gonna work out, ok?"

"Hora...tio, I... I messed up... again..." His eyes closed now.

Horatio whispered to him, "Hey Ray, You didn't mess up, you did good Ray. Ray? You with me still... Ray?"

"Hora... Did... you get E-mail th-"

"I got it Ray, you got them this time, they're gonna pay Ray, but I need you to hang on, ok? I still need your help Ray."

"Help... Yelina... and Ray Jr. Please... Big...brother... Take care… of them…"

"You know I will Ray, but you have to fight and hang on for them, ok? They need you… I… I need you."

"Yelina... should have... married... you..."

Horatio looked shocked and nodded. "Don't say that, Ray. She loves you, so you have to fight."

"No, she loves you... big ...brother... she told... me and-"

"No Ray, listen-"

"Horatio... I know... I know... you love her..."

Horatio nodded no. "Yes, she my sister-in-law Ray... that's it Ray, as a sister."

"You're lying... to me..." Ray spoke loud now.

Horatio held his eyes with his. "No Ray, I'm not. I... I... love someone else."

"Who?" Ray snapped back.

Horatio nodded now. "Ray listen, do you know who shot you? Did you see-"

"You're changing... the subject... Horatio, who… do you love?"

Horatio took a deep breath and looked down and back up at him. "Ray, you don't know her..."

"Name...big brother...your lying... to me… I know… you"

"Her name is..." He took a breath and turned in her direction, his eyes went back to Ray. "Her name is, Calleigh."

Ray's eyes opened more and he nodded. "She... called...us. I remember her, calling… to help us."

Horatio grinned. "That's right Ray, she called and you spoke with her. Yelina loves you Raymond... you understand that?"

He nodded, "You think... she still can... after everything..."

"I know she still does, Ray. She's worried sick about you, so you have to hang in there, ok?"

"Ok... big... brother."

"Who shot you, Ray?"

"I saw... Yelina get hit... or something, she fell and a man... I remember... in the house... but how...we didn't..." He started choking.

"Alright, easy, Ray." Horatio looked over to Joe.

Joe came over and lifted his bed a bit; it helped and stopped the choking. He looked at Horatio and nodded. "He has to rest now."

Horatio nodded. "Ok, Ray... Rest up and hang in there ok? I'll see you in a little while again, ok?" Horatio went to straighten and Ray held onto his hand.

"It was the feds... I can't... remember...big...br..."

Horatio nodded no to him. "Forget it now Ray... rest ok, we'll figure it out when your better."

He groaned and his eyes went wide. "I can't... he keeps coming after me..." He gripped Horatio's hand tight now. Joe and Calleigh saw.

Horatio moved in closer to him trying to calm him. "Its ok Ray, no ones gonna hurt you." He whispered holding his gaze.

"It's him… It's him Horat... io... Its dad... he's after me again..." His eyes went wide again and he groaned.

Horatio eyes went wide now in disbelief and he nodded no to Ray. He took a breath in and his jaw set. "Ray… Raymond, it's ok, he's not gonna hurt you..." This can't be happening, Horatio thought now. Hoping it was the drugs.

Calleigh listen closely now. She heard Horatio call out dad a few times now and wondered what it was all about.

Ray snapped back now loud with wide eyes. "He will! Just like he did… before..."

Horatio leaned in to him more. "No Ray, I won't let him." He held his gaze but inside Horatio was beginning to break down, little by little now.

Ray looked at him with wide crazy eyes now. He shook his head no back and forth. "But he'll... hurt...you... you again!"

Horatio's eyes went wide again and he knew Joe and Calleigh heard all of this. He took another breath and tried to control his almost overflowing emotions now. They were threatening to spill over at any moment.

"Ray, I want you to listen to me, ok? Listen to me Ray. He held his gaze. "He's gone Ray, and he's never gonna hurt anyone ever again. You understand… He's gone, it's all over Raymond." Horatio nodded trying his best to reassure him.

Ray shook his head now. "Why... why Horatio... why didn't ... you help... mom?"

Horatio's eyebrows went up and he gasped as he turned away. He held his breath and tried to hold it together as a flash of a memory appeared in front of his eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment willing it away. It didn't work, and he found himself back in that house now.

Everything Ray was saying now was coming to a head right in front of his eyes. Images assaulting him in his head. He was seeing his father angry and his mother... being beaten to death. A little at a time now the images grew more and more in his minds eye. He grabbed his father to get him off of Ray and was grabbed and thrown against the wall like a rag doll.

He shook his head trying to clear it and stop this now. He took a shaky breath in and swallowed; he closed his eyes and opened them again and again, it wasn't working. It always worked and he couldn't understand why it wasn't right now. More images now as he saw his mother murdered... on the floor... in his house. He wanted to cry out but shut his eyes tightly again and opened them, willing it away with all his might. He was back in the room. His whole body shook as he tried to get control of himself. He took a few breaths in, calming himself now.

He turned back to Ray and his voice strained now, so low and shaky. "Ray, I... tried... I..." His head moved back and forth not wanting to remember this.

Horatio's voice cracked and he quickly turned away again exhaling a breath. Calleigh moved closer when she saw him shake. She saw him close his eyes tightly and clench down. She kept her distance but was very worried and wanted to help him. His right hand rubbed his forehead a moment as he tried to get control of his emotions.

"Big... brother... why?" Ray said again. "Why did... you let him..."

Horatio still turned away now nodded his head back and forth, as he hung his head low. He let out a heavy breath now like he got kicked in the stomach. "Don't Ray, don't do this now... Raymond…... please." He barely whispered.

"Why...did you... save me! Why... YOU let him... MOM! why didn't..." Ray was getting loud now and began to choke again.

Horatio nodded and his breathing increased, his face was red and veins were bulging from his neck. He hung his head and shook it no back and forth, his eyes closed as he fought his emotions and the demons. His voice caught in his throat as he tried to continue.

"I'm... I'm sorry... Ray... I tried... I…" He kept nodding no back and forth.

Horatio was visibly shaking now as he continued to shake his head with his eyes closed. Joe could clearly see he was upset. Calleigh could see and hear it. They both stood in shock wondering what exactly happened.

Joe thought it was enough now, he knew Horatio needed a break here, he looked about ready to breakdown. He stepped closer and injected some medication into Ray's IV.

Horatio turned and saw Ray's eyes. "I'm right he-" He lowered his head and took a breath in, struggling just to talk. He talked through clenched teeth, "I'm right here, Ray. I... I won't.. Let anything happen... to you." Horatio voice cracked as he watched Ray's eyes close, he took a breath and let his head hang for a moment, still holding onto his brother's hand.

Joe nodded over to Calleigh, they made eye contact. They gave him a moment to gather himself. Calleigh moved behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder, his head came up and turned halfway to her and back down. He swallowed hard and took a deep breath in.

She softly called to him. "Horatio?"

He didn't answer, he just closed his eyes and let his head hang low. She softly rubbed his shoulder and back.

Joe moved closer to him now. "Horatio, c'mon. He needs to rest and we need to let him."

Horatio turned halfway to Joe now. He took a deep breath in and said, "I'm gonna stay with him now."

"You know I can't let you do that. Look, he's final stabilized, his stats are good, he's alright. He's gonna be fine, I'm sure of it." Joe patted him on the back and Calleigh moved away. "C'mon Pal, let's go."

Horatio's brows furrowed in thought. He stood up now and leaned down and kissed Ray on the forehead. He whispered near his ear, "Raymond, I love you." He placed his hand down gently and gave him one last look with glassy eyes. He turned and walked out with very shaky legs now. Calleigh stood at his side as Joe led them back to his office. As soon as they were there Joe took control and was firm. "Alright, sit down and relax for a while will you."

Horatio looked at him and nodded, he felt about ready to fall down now. He sat down on the couch leaning forward with both arms resting on his knees. His eyes down on the floor, his mind a million miles away now.

"Horatio, you alright? You want to talk about it?" Joe walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Horatio looked up at him and then back down, he nodded no. "I'm fine, Joe." His eyes stood down.

Joe watched him. "Ok, just relax for a bit." He walked over to Calleigh. "Calleigh, I'll be right back, ok? You two gonna be ok here?"

She nodded. "We'll be fine Joe. Maybe I can get him to close his eyes again for a bit."

"Ok, I'll be right back." Joe left, giving them some time and space.

Calleigh pulled the chair over right in front of him. She sat down and lowered her head to see him. "Horatio, hey, it's ok." She raised her hand and caressed his hair back. He closed his eyes feeling her on him. She felt him shiver a moment and slid her hand to his face, cupping it. He lifted his head up and his sad eyes met hers. She was shocked to see how hurt and sad he looked. His eyes that were always bright and beautifully blue, change to dark and sad. The feeling in them almost gone she thought, looking at him now. His eyes were dull and so very sad.

"Please talk to me, let me help you, let me at least be a shoulder for you to lean on." She almost begged.

He snorted a laugh and she looked at him confused. His voice was down right cold now. "The last thing you need is me leaning on you, trust me on this one."

She felt hurt now and cocked her head to the right. "Horatio, what's that supposed to mean?"

He spoke through clenched teeth. "It means... I won't pull you down with me... I won't." He nodded his head and wouldn't make eye contact with her.

Like hell she thought now, she was going to help him if it was the last thing she did. "What happened with your dad, Horatio?" She spoke soft again.

His head snapped up and his eyes locked onto hers. He nodded no to her and kept nodding. "Don't Calleigh... No… you don't-"

"Well then tell me, I heard what Ray said Horatio. I know that you dream. Why won't you share your feelings with me, I thought we were past this, I thought-"

He nodded no again shaking his head back and forth over and over to her. "I did... I do share my feelings with you... all my feelings Calleigh." He took a breath and looked down. He looked back up at her with tears in his eyes now. "This... This is something totally different… and I don't expect anyone to understand it. This is not..." His voice cracked and he shook. He looked away from the beautiful green eyes that sincerely wanted to help him. His breathing went uneven now and he let his head hang low. Her head tilted seeing him shake right in front of her. Something was very wrong, she knew. She never seen Horatio like this and wasn't sure what to do now. Push forward or let the man be. She wanted to hold him and tell him it would all be ok, but she didn't even know what was wrong to begin with.

She tried again as she lifted her hand to his face and gently cupped it. He swallowed hard trying to hold it together in front of her. He took in a deep breath as his body shook and she felt him tremble in her hands. Tears now welled in her eyes as she felt him shake again. "Oh my god… Horatio... please. Say something to me... anything. I need to know your ok?"

His head sank more in her hands and she held onto him still. She felt him shake again as he lifted his head a bit. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her and worry her. "I'm... I'm ok… Calleigh." He spoke through clenched teeth and a very shaky voice. She lifted his head to hers and met his eyes.

"No, you're not..." She said back softly as he turned away and lowered his head again. She heard him exhale deeply. She leaned into him closer now and wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt him limp at first but then she felt him move in closer to her. Slowly she felt him slide his hands around her as he inch even closer. She felt his breathing increase more, but his head now rested against her chest and now she finally felt him hold her, his grip tightening around her waist. His whole body shook in her arms and she just hung onto him, not letting him go now. She felt him tense and pant against her. 'Was he crying, she thought as she felt his breathing go uneven again? Her heart was breaking for him.

She whispered to him. "Horatio?"

"Please Cal... leigh, just..." He took in a shaky breath and buried his head in her chest as his emotions began to overwhelm him. He held her even tighter as he fought to control the overwhelming tears filling his eyes.

She held him closely now making sure he knew she was with him in this. "Ssh, ok. Its ok, Horatio. You don't have to talk about it; just try to relax, ok?" She spoke so softly to him, just trying to sooth him now.

He took in a deep shaky breath. "I promise... later... I'll talk to you... later. I' don't think… I can... do this now... It's too much... too much…" His mouth opened to say something else but he took in another deep breath nodding his head again.

"Ok, Horatio. I understand, just relax for me now. You don't have to do anything now but relax, ok?" She felt his heartbeat pounding against her chest. "Just relax, ok?"

He breathed the word to her. "Ok." As he took another deep breath in.

She pushed him back now on the couch gently, "Lay back, relax yourself. Just rest now."

He struggled at first with her and nodded no but quickly gave in as she moved with him. She lied facing him and softly caressed his face. He was having a hard time keeping eye contact with her. She softly caressed his cheeks and told him it was ok as she held him. She whispered low now feeling the need to tell him. "I love you." She felt him relax and hold her closer as he calmed on her. His breathing becoming even again and steady, as his eyes slowly closed. She stroked his hair and helped him to relax and fall back to sleep. She watched him sleep now. He was totally exhausted, mentally and physically and she knew it, she wondered again what this was all about.

A little while passed and Joe walked in and was glad to see him lying on the couch. Calleigh gently got up now and covered him with the blanket. She walked over to Joe and they both walked out to the front office.

"Sit down, make yourself comfortable. Oh, don't take the blue cup that was for him."

Calleigh looked at him curiously, "Ok, how's the red?" She gave him a look, annoyed now.

Joe became defensive with her glare. "It's fine and it's yours. Look, I had to think of something and that was the best I could come up with. It was just a low dose Valium to help calm his nerves. I'm glad to see he didn't need it; you seem to have a very calming effect on him. That's good."

She nodded. "Yeah well, if he found out about that he would have both our heads."

Joe put both hands up to her now in surrender. "I know, I know. He's going through hell now and I just thought some rest would help him."

"Thanks Joe, I know you're trying to help and I- we appreciate it very much. She gave him a small grin.

He rose and eyebrow to her. "How are you holding up Calleigh?"

"I'm fine Joe." She gave a phony smile and he knew it.

"Can I ask you a question?"

She hesitated now and shook her head, "Mm-hmm."

"What happened with his father? I mean… is his brother delusional? He's using again and I don't think Horatio knew that. He is also on a lot of drugs right now too."

Her eye went wider hearing that. She sighed frustrated not knowing. "I wish I knew, Joe. I don't think Ray is delusional; Horatio sometimes has nightmares too. He calls out dad, so I know something happened but he just hasn't shared it with me yet." Since she met Joe she had a special relationship with him. She always found it easy to talk to him and he never pushed her. That made it even easier for her to open up sometimes.

Joe shook his head seeing she felt badly about that. He tried to comfort her now. "Yeah well, don't go getting upset over it. Horatio has a hard time talking about it himself. You already know that, Right?"

She smiled now and shook her head. "Yeah... right. I'll get him to talk to me sooner or later."

Joe laughed now and smiled at her. "I'm sure you will, Calleigh. You already seem to have, um... affected him." His grin went wide as his dimples showed.

She smiled and looked down trying not to blush. Joe stared at her and thought again how lucky Horatio was to have such a beautiful loving woman. Calleigh was one in a million; Joe thought, now taking a sip of his coffee. Calleigh's cell phone rang and she fumble with it trying not to wake Horatio. She opened it quickly and whispered.

"Duquesne."

"Calleigh, it Alexx, honey. I was worried about you two. Any news on Ray?"

"He coded earlier Alexx, but they stabilized him now and think he'll be ok."

"Thank god. How's Horatio holding up?"

"Not to good, Alexx. He's exhausted and we actually got him to take a nap in Joe's office."

"Joe's office, honey?" She said very surprised.

"Yeah, he's been here all day and he final said yes and sat down. Joe's been a big help, Alexx."

"Thank god for Joe. I'm glad he looking out for Horatio, it makes me feel better for one."

"Alexx... could you- do you know anything about Horatio's dad? Ray said a few things to him and he seems to be very upset now. Do you know anything?"

"Calleigh honey, I think maybe you should talk to Horatio about that, ok?"

"I tried, Alexx. He won't talk... he keeps clamming up on me and a few times now he had... nightmares and called out dad. Can you tell me anything about it? I just want to help him, ya know? He's really upset and I never seen him like this, I'm worried about him."

"I know baby but..." Alex took a breath and Calleigh heard it. "Honey, has he told you about his mother?"

Calleigh whispered low now, "No, why?"

"Honey you have to get him to open up to you, I know it's hard but... he needs to tell you this not me. Listen ok, his... childhood wasn't the best. He had... some problems. His mother was killed Calleigh... by his... father."

Calleigh's eyes went wide now in total shock. "Oh my god! Alexx he didn't-This is what Ray was talking about then." Joe's brows rose as Calleigh's voice did.

"I know and there are other things involved here that I feel he should talk to you about honey." Alexx said softly.

"Worst than that you mean?" She said in disbelief again, shaking her head back and forth. "What could be worse than that!"

Alexx shook her head. "Baby... that man's been through hell... and I mean hell... literally."

Calleigh's mouth remained open in shock and disbelief. "He didn't tell me anything about his childhood... We mainly discussed... our relationship... our feelings. Oh my god... I can't believe this."

"Its Good you talked about your feelings because talking about the past isn't going to help matters. It could make them worst. Let him be happy, like he is with you. It's been a long time coming and he's final accepting things and relaxing... just a bit anyway. She chuckled.

"Maybe I shouldn't say anything?"

"No, no honey... he needs to open up to you, it's nothing your doing. Give him time, remember what I said about taking your time and letting him take his. He'll open up to you... I know he will."

"Thanks Alexx. I- sorry to put you on the spot, I would never want to hurt my friendship with you."

"Baby, I know that. Same goes here, ok?"

She smiled. "Ok, I got it."

"Call me if you need anything, ok? And tell Joe, thank you!"

"I will Alexx and thank you again." Calleigh hung up.

"Alexx said thank you Joe."

He tilted his head to her, "For what?"

Calleigh smiled. "For everything."

"Care to share anything?" He asked curiously.

Calleigh thought about that for a moment. She didn't mind talking to Joe about her but this was Horatio's business and she knew it wasn't her place to say anything. "Um, it sounds like Ray stirred up an old wound. I really don't know too much Joe and I rather speak with Horatio about it."

"I understand Calleigh, no problem. Ok, so you take the couch... and I'll take the lounge." He smiled at her. "If he wakes up he has to get past us first, right?" Joe chuckled.

Calleigh laughed, "Right."

She laid back and they chit chatted for a while until her eyes began to close. She final fell asleep and Joe got up and gently laid his jacket over her upper body. He watched her sleep for a moment and smiled. She was absolutely beautiful and her love so deep for Horatio, it touched Joe's heart.

Being a doctor and all he really didn't believe in angels but he could swear she was one. He walked back over to the door and peeked in on Horatio, he was still out cold. He walked back over to his lounge chair and made himself comfortable, he drifted off in minutes.

A few hours passed and Horatio eyes snapped open, he sat up looking around, his breathing uneven. He quickly remembered he was in Joe's office, as the low light beamed in from the cracked door. He got up and stretched his legs and walked out to the front office, seeing the time, four in the morning. He saw Joe lying in the lounge chair and shook his head, thinking he stayed with him. He turned and went to walk out and saw Calleigh on the couch. He walked closer and pursed his lips tightly feeling guilty she was here and not home sleeping peacefully in her own bed. He tilted his head as he watched her sleep, her beauty taking all his troubles away for the moment. Her hair off her shoulders and her head raised on the arm of the couch. He quickly realized the suit jacket belonged to Joe and smiled, he lifted it up just a bit to cover her bare neck and her eyes opened.

She looked at him with wide eyes now and he quickly placed his finger over his lips, and nodded his head over to where Joe laid. She understood and sat up slowly, not speaking. Her eyes quickly searching his and questioning him. He knew and nodded his head to her and put out his hand. She took it and lifted up and Horatio took the jacket and walked over to Joe and gently covered him with it. He went back to Calleigh and took her hand, leading her back into Joe's office. He led her over to the couch and sat down, tugging on her hand to come with him. She did willingly and he pulled her in close wrapping his arm around her as she cuddled into his side and rested her head on his shoulder. She felt him take a deep relaxing breath and sink into the couch more. She smiled laying on him thinking, this is my Horatio.

She whispered to him now. "Are you ok?"

"Hmm, yes I fine Calleigh." He stroked her hair and she rested her head back down on him. "Thank you for coming tonight, I'm sure you would rather... your own bed." He whispered back very low.

"You don't have to thank me, Horatio. I wanted to come and be with you, I was hoping maybe I could help... in some way."

"You did exactly that, sweetheart. Thank you." He turned and kissed the top of her head.

"I would only rather my own bed if you were in it with me." She turned and smiled at him and he grinned. "Besides my favorite pillow is right here and that is where I want to lay my head, remember?"

"I do... I remember sweetheart." He took another deep breath in.

She lifted up on her knees beside him and he turned his head to her. "Horatio... do you want to talk about it?" She asked softly.

His eyes quickly dropped from her gaze now. "Umm, I'd... rather not right now... It's a long story and... and umm-" She cut him off seeing him struggle with the question.

"Ok, it's alright, whenever you're ready I'm here, ok?" She smiled at him as his eyes came back up to hers in awe now. Her understanding and consideration amazing him. Her patience and love knew no bounds he thought, as she smiled at him and held his gaze. She tilted her head as he held her gaze with his eyes, his right hand came up and caressed her face softly. He leaned in and gave her the softest kiss on her lips and pulled back, a little shocked he just did that.

She knew and leaned back into him. She gave him soft kisses on his forehead, cheeks and then lips. He felt her pull back and leaned into her kiss more as his hand now cupped the back of her head and his tongue pushed against her lips. Her lips opened to him more as he probed and kissed her deeply. She pulled back again needing to breathe now and he noticed and broke off. She tilted her head to him in question and he shook his head, knowing.

"Sorry... I" He looked down feeling guilty now.

Her hand immediately cupped his cheek and she pulled him back to her. "It's alright, Horatio, I just needed to breathe." She said knowing what he thought.

"Oh, I thought-"

"I know what you thought." She chuckled and leaned into him more closely. God this felt so good she thought and if it helped him well then that's all that matter.

He took a deep breath again feeling her against him, getting comfortable now. She noticed again, feeling him relax more, she smiled leaning on his shoulder. It felt great to have her so close to him, he thought. She helped him so much, if she only knew he thought feeling her warmth ease him now. He wanted to tell her what she did for him and how she helped him. He wanted to tell her just how much he loved her. He closed his eyes and could see her face right in front of his, when she told him before she loved him. He swallowed hard, ready to try now.

His voice a low whisper now, "You... you um... Make it… All go away..."

She rested her head still and gave him time to say what was on his mind. He was speaking freely now and she didn't push him, she let him talk, holding him tightly.

"Nothing ever... made it go away... before... You know?" There was hesitation in his voice. She noticed and wanted to say the right thing to him, but she didn't know what that was.

She tried anyway now. "I'm glad I was able to help you." She whispered.

He turned to her resting head on his shoulder and kissed her forehead. He spoke very low to her. "You did more than... just help me, Calleigh." He paused. "You... I... You make me... feel whole... again. You make me... You make me... forget." His voice wavered a bit and she heard it. "I don't know... how or why... but I know when I'm with you... I know it's just... you and me... together... everything else is gone. I never...felt this way before and now... I... "He took a breath in and she lifted her head up and looked at him. He looked down away from her eyes. "I... I... can forget...with you." His voice barely audible now to her cracked. "I do... I... want to tell you... I... know... I... I..." He was struggling hard again to talk and she knew it.

Calleigh sat up more now and leaned into him, the light was dim and she could hardly make out his face, but she noticed his eyes, they were glassy. She raised her finger to his lips now, "Ssh, its ok, Horatio... Don't push it... its ok." She softly ran her finger over his lips now hoping to calm him again and make him forget. "I understand."

"Calleigh I-"

She cut him off as she leaned into him and softly kissed his lips, sliding her finger away now as she replaced it with her mouth. She kissed his top lip and bottom lip softly; she let the tip of her tongue slid up both his lips. He opened his mouth and brushed his tongue softly against hers. He took a deep breath in as he fully kissed her deep now, his breath strained and Calleigh heard him moan. It wasn't a moan she heard before. This was a desperate moan of need as he pulled her over on him still kissing her deeply. She went willingly with him but one knee slipped down in between his and she straddled his leg. It was dark and she heard him groan, she thought her knee caught him in the wrong place and pulled back.

His hands quickly released her head feeling her pull against him. He swallowed and looked into her eyes, needing her close now. His breathing was heavy and he looked at her with question. The moonlight coming in was dim and the almost closed door didn't help for light. He searched her eyes best he could.

She whispered moving closer to his ear. "I thought I... hurt you with my knee... are you-"

He let out a soft whimper as he crushed his mouth against hers now desperately, she kiss him back realizing now he was fine and he was in need. He was kissing her hard and it seemed he couldn't get close enough as he held her head with both hands, pulling her into him more now. His breathing was loud as he opened his mouth over hers and kissed and licked her lips.

Oh my god, she thought... as he devoured her with his mouth. She went along with him kissing him back deeply and trying to satisfy his need for closeness. She felt one hand slid down her back and cup her ass. He grabbed her ass and pulled her against him closer. Her knee now did come into contact with his hardness and he grabbed her behind the thigh and rubbed himself hard against her leg.

Her eyes went wide, and she thought this couldn't happen here. He kissed her hungrily and dropped his other hand to her hip now sliding her against him. She gasped and a soft moan escaped her lips. He quickly covered her mouth and muffled her moan. He placed both his hands on her ass and lifted her, leaning her down on the couch now. He stood with her and laid on top of her, off to the side with one leg of his over hers, his breathing very heavy now. His hands slid under her shirt and bra, caressing and feeling her. His mouth licked up her neck and sucked on her lower lip, shoving his tongue back in her mouth. He was different right now she thought, and in great need to feel close to her. He was not as gentle with her, but her mind spun as he awakened every fiber of her being.

She was beginning to lose her train of thought as his fingers found her top button on her jeans. She quickly pressed one hand to his chest as she felt her button pop and her zipper sliding down. Her logic saying no but her body screaming yes.

He was moving way to fast for her as she pushed against him again and he kissed her even harder, breathing erratic, like a wild man now. She felt his hand slide down and in and she pushed her hands against him harder, now trying to break the kiss too. He tighten his leg over hers, holding hers open as his fingers found her moist heat. She expelled a heavy breath and moaned right into his mouth. His left hand found hers and he entwined her fingers up in his, holding her now. He undulated against her thigh and hip and groaned into her mouth. She felt his fingers slide against her and then he slipped one in and she could have screamed. She thrashed her head away now breathing heavy and pushed against him with her hand. He moved his finger in deeper and her mouth opened as she felt him reach her pleasure zone. She tried to calm her breathing and tried to speak, she whispered. "Hor..atio.. stop... stop... oh my..." Her own body was betraying her as her pleasure grew from what he was doing to her.

His fingers stopped suddenly, he took a breath in and relaxed his hand that was holding hers tightly. He suddenly felt her fist pressing against his chest. His senses coming back to him now quickly. His eyes went wide as he realized what was happening and what he was doing laying above her like this.

He leaned over on her, more to her face and whispered, "Calleigh... I'm... I'm sorry... I... don't..."

She placed one finger over his lip. "Ssh, did you forget where we are?" He felt so good in her, where his fingers still were, she thought, catching her breath now. Hoping he would move them again.

He was taken back and froze in shock. He whispered. "Um... I... just wanted to be... be close... to feel you... Jesus Calleigh...I'm so sorry... I-"

She cupped his cheek with her hand hearing his regret. She smiled knowing her would never hurt her this way and she felt bad that she stopped him. "Ok, alright relax, I'm fine... Are you ok?"

He exhaled. "Yes... Don't worry about me... I don't deserve-"

She cut him right off. "Hey, we got carried away is all... we're alright Horatio."

He whispered low, surprised now. "We are?"

She chuckled low, "Yes. Now either finish or get your hand out of my jeans."

His eyes went wide but it was not like she could see, but she knew as he stilled and didn't move a muscle. After a long pause he spoke again, whispering, "Calleigh... are you sure yo-"

She kissed him quickly and he returned the kiss, easy now, gently. He felt her tighten around his finger and began to move it again now. He moved in deeper and slid against her pleasure spot, she let out a soft moan and he covered her mouth with his. She tested him and backed off and he let her and waited for her this time.

He moved his mouth next to her ear now, "Are you ok?"

"Ye...yes...Your fingers... I" He could barely see but he saw her mouth open and she breathed a very warm soft "Oooh." right onto his face.

That just drove him nuts as he pressed himself hard against her hip now. She felt him against her; he was hard as a rock. He began to move his finger gently against her and she moaned again. He leaned down, his mouth over her ear now and whispered huskily right into it. "I need you... Calleigh... I want to feel you."

Her eyes went wide as she shook against him and bit down hard on her lip. His voice right in her ear and his words making her even hotter. She held back the scream building deep inside her. Instead low stifled moans were coming from her lips now. He leaned back up and kissed her, hungrily. His hips pressed and his finger slid deeper.

He groaned low into her mouth and slid his mouth back over to her ear. Licking it and now whispering again to her. "Ohh, you're so wet and hot..." His voice rumbled and she shook with pleasure. His voice driving her insane now as she tried to stifled her moans.

He felt her left hand grab his and the next thing he felt was warm wetness sliding all around. She started to licked and sucked on his fingers. He thought he was going to explode right in his pants now against her leg, feeling her warm wetness around all his fingers. He worked his finger deeper now and slid his wet thumb over her swollen nub. She bit down on three of his fingers and bucked against his hand. He was losing himself in her as he told her what he wanted. He felt more hot wetness now and whispered again to her. His voice and words undoing her totally now, so sexy and husky. "Yes, that's it... come for me... I need to feel you... I need you." His voice rumbled in her ear again and she began to undulate against his hand. Her moans stifled by his fingers now as she bit and licked at him wildly. He thought he would die soon if he didn't feel her warmth around him.

He pressed and slid, undulating against her; he felt her close and lifted to kiss her right over his fingers. She moaned and bucked under him as she whimpered with his fingers still in her mouth and his tongue running all over them and hers. She was coming all over him now and clenching his finger tightly, he felt her pulsing against his fingers and he felt her fire spill and soak his fingers and hand. He pulled back and moved in a second finger now against her pulsing core. She moaned and he kissed her deeply. She pulled back and he waited for her as she moaned again, breathing hard but low, "Oh... my ...god..." Her whole body shook under him.

He growled and moved to her ear again, shoving his mouth right up against it. "Sshhh, you have to be quiet." He licked at her ear lobe and traced his tongue all against it. "Now… I want you to come for me again." He said demandingly and it sent her over into euphoria. She bit down on her lip and held in her cries of pleasure as he pulled back and shoved his fingers to the hilt, moving them, sliding them against her. She moaned "Ohhh…Ohhhh God…Uhhhhhhhh." He felt how swollen her nub was again and knew one swipe and she was done. He put his mouth to her ear again and spoke. "Whisper... and tell me what you want?" He slid his ear over to her mouth and listened.

She moaned with warm breath on him and licked it. In a low whimper she said, "I want to feel you inside of me." Everything stopped now. She wondered what just happened as she stilled.

He froze for a moment and then his hand moved and slammed his fingers deeper. She almost let out a scream but buried her face in his shirt. He grabbed her jeans with his left hand shoving them down with her underwear and pulled at his belt buckle. Her eyes opened wide as she realized this was going to happen right here as he pulled her shoe off quickly, getting her pants off one leg now. Her mind spun and she thought of this morning. Next time they would really have to finish the task, this was not good. Her mind screamed, 'You're in Joe's office.' as her hands helped him undress her.

She began to panic now and he knew, calming himself. He leaned up and kissed her, "Relax, we just have to be quiet, ok?" He kissed her ear and neck seducing her more as his fingers still worked in her. He felt her hands join his and shoved his pants down as he rose up to slide them down.

She ran her hands along his ass and up under his shirt along his back. "Uhhh…" He groaned low and slid his fingers out of her sliding his now very wet hand along his hard length. He stifled another groan and settled his hips against her, laying on top of her now. He leaned down and kissed her covering her mouth as he pushed his hips forward and slid his hard length into her hot core. They moaned in unison and kissed quieting their cries of pleasure. He pulled back slow and groaned, feeling her tight around him. Then he thrusted himself inside her deeply. She cried out unable to hold back this time and he quickly covered her mouth with his, now moving slower into her.

He whispered to her again, "Ssh... easy sweetheart... easy. Ohh! uhh..." He groaned now in pleasure.

She whispered back moaning. "Ahhh, I'm trying... but… Oh! your... not... Uhh! Making it... easy... Ahhh!" She bit down now on her lip.

"Calleigh Ssh, relax… control your… breathing and UHH! He groaned loud now and felt her contract around him as more groans slipped from his mouth. "Ughh… god… your... Uhhh!"

"You Ssh! ... See... It's... not easy...is... Ohhh! mmmuhhygod…" She pressed her lips together as small whimpers came out now.

He stilled for a moment and whispered to her. "Ok here, lean into my chest, it will soften the sound." He unbuttoned three buttons on his shirt.

She whispered back. "Ok... I'll try." She reached up and unbuttoned more leaning into him now. He moved into her deep again and she crushed her lips to his chest and sucked on him hard. Her moans definitely lower now as his just got louder.

"Uhh! Shit! Ohhhh!… Cal…. Leigh!!!" His breathing erratic now as he felt her warm wet mouth suck on his skin.

He shook his head and started to move again pressing deep into her. He felt her bite down and moan and he groaned now feeling her grabbed his hardness as she tightened around him even more. He leaned down more on her and buried his head in her hair, right near her ear. "Ughhh…" He groaned lowly as he began to slide himself out and then ram himself back all the way in, feeling all of her.

She sucked harder on his chest and he tensed and tightened his muscles drilling deeper into her. His voice rumbled in her ear. "Oh god...Calleigh...Ohh… Ugghhh…" He stood deep in her and rocked slow staying deep but still moving in her.

She bucked under him, her hands dug into his back and she exploded all over him. "Ohhh Hora…Yes…yes… Ohhhhhhmmmh" She moaned into his chest sucking and biting, her hands squeezing his biceps and then her nails digging into his butt cheeks and back. He felt her tighten so tight he though she would crush him. Then he felt her wetness, a lot of it all over him. He thrusted and slid easily now into her even deeper, he felt her core pulsing and tightening on his hardness, her heat so hot on him, he drove deep to the hilt and stilled. He groaned leaning into her hair. "Yes Cal… Ughhhhhhhh!" He Pulse deep inside of her and filled her up as his climax overpowered him. His whole body shuddered on top of her and she felt him go weak.

She let go of his chest with her mouth and tried to breathe. He let out a small groan again and tensed as she released him with her lips.

Her body trembled under him now and he kissed her softly. His breathing still heavy as he whispered near her ear. "I... love... you. I love you, sweetheart." He took a breath in. "You um... You ok?" He asked softly still out of breath. His voice a bit shaky now.

She held on to him still with her hands wrapped around his waist. "Um-hmm… Yes... I think, are you?"

"Mmm, yes...sweetheart, thank you... I needed to..."

"I know Horatio. I… realized that a bit late... sorry."

He gently lifted off of her and moved to sit up. "I'm the one who needs to apologize... I never meant to-"

"Hey I know that so forget it now. No one needs to apologize; we both had our fill, right?"

"Mmm, yes... in more than one way." He chuckled low and heard her gasp.

She whispered sitting up now next to him. She whispered scolding. "You're very bad!"

"Mmm, you still haven't seen anything yet."

She chuckled low. "I've seen enough to know." She snapped back. "I need to use the bathroom, I'll be right back."

"Wait, I'll go with you."

"I'm fine and I don't want to wake Joe up."

He whispered. "So we'll go quietly together."

He stood and took her hand. They walked out quietly through the front office into the hall. They both used the bathroom one at a time and freshened up.

Horatio went to button up his shirt again and saw Calleigh's love bites. They felt wonderful in the heat of the moment, he thought with a smile. Now when he saw them he would think of her, he smiled again and hoped his jacket would hide one. He had several hickeys on his chest and one very noticeable one on his neck. He came out and they walked back to Joe's office, she noticed his neck and her eyes went wide.

"Oh my god, I did that? I'm sorry, Horatio." She stopped him and softly traced her fingers over it.

"It's alright Calleigh, heat of the moment, my fault...besides it felt great." He chuckled" I'd picked the wrong place to um... let go."

She smiled at him and ran her hand softly across his cheek. "Where-ever you decide to let go, I'll be right beside you handsome." She leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips.

He smiled and nodded at her. "Mmm, I owe you and apology; I'm usually not that... rough. I'm sorry… I never… I just needed to feel you close and well I... I guess I got carried away. I'm sorry sweetheart." He held her gaze.

She shook her head at him and pointed her finger. "Ok, one more apology from you tonight and your toast. You got that lieutenant?"

He raised his eyebrows to her and grinned. "Yes ma'am, I got it." He reached for her and pulled her in for a hug. She adjusted his collar over the hickey.

They walked quiet through the front office and Joe was still sleeping. Horatio sat down on the end of the couch and called Calleigh over.

"Come here." He whispered and she sat next to him leaning her head on his shoulder. He gave her a soft kiss. "Thank you, sweetheart for-"

"Stop thanking me, ok? I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be." She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss. He took a breath and hugged her tighter.

"Put you head down, rest for a while on me."

She whispered. "What about you?"

"I'm fine, I rested a while already. Maybe I'll fall back to sleep with you on me now." He leaned her down onto him as Calleigh slid down the couch and rested her head on his lap now. Horatio quickly began to stroke her soft hair and forehead softly. He let her hair slide through his fingers, feeling the soft silkiness of it. It calmed him more and relaxed him, feeling her closeness and softness all over him.

She sighed contented now, also happy feeling him close to her and caressing her. She whispered. "Mmmm, you're going to put me right back to sleep."

"Mmm, good, I want you to rest." He caressed her face as she snuggled closer into him. He continued for minutes and finally felt her breathing even out, she fell asleep. His eyes were slowly closing again as the soft stroking of her hair completely relaxed him and made him drift off again. They slept together the rest of the night like this.

Joe woke up at six in the morning to find Calleigh gone. He sat up and realized his jacket was covering him. A grin grew on his face as he got up and walked quietly into his office. He peeked his head in to see Calleigh laying across his couch with her head on Horatio lap. They were both out cold and Calleigh was covered with the blanket Joe gave to Horatio. He smiled fully now and pulled the door closed quietly. He stretched and decided it was time to check on Ray, and began walking the path to the ICU.

Joe checked Ray's vitals and everything was looking good. He spoke with his nurse who said he had a quiet night and slept soundly. The bleeding stopped and Ray's color even looked much better now. Joe leaned over him and listened to his heart and lungs.

Ray's eyes fluttered open now feeling him touch him and he spoke. "Hor..at.." He coughed a few times and Joe helped him take a sip of water. He nodded to Joe and spoke again. "Horatio... was... he here? I thought... I rememeber..." Ray zoned out as Joe nodded to him now.

"Ray, can you hear me? I'm Dr. Joe Gannon. Joe examined his eyes.

Ray nodded now. "I hear you fine."

"Yes. Horatio was here, he was with you. Listen I need you to rest and stay in the bed, ok? You need to rest."

"Ok doc, thank you. Umm..."

Joe knew his next words now. "I'll let Horatio know you're awake, he'll be glad to hear it and see you."

Ray looked at him strangely. "You mean you'll call him for me?"

"Yeah, in a manner of speaking. He's down the hall and wouldn't leave you last night. He was worried sick about you."

"You mean he stood... for me?"

Joe nodded and smiled. "Yes. That exactly what I mean. I'll be back in a few minutes with him, ok?"

Ray nodded now. "Ok doc, thanks."

Joe nodded to him and left, heading back to his office with good news for Horatio. He was happy now that Ray pulled through and Horatio would be too. He knew as he quietly opened his office door now.

Horatio's eyes opened quickly and Joe walked right over to him. He whispered low, "I have some good news for you, your brother is awake and he's going to be just fine." Joe smiled. "Umm… Just like little Catlin said, remember?

Horatio's brows went up and he nodded at Joe. "That's great news, Joe. Thank you... for everything, especially taking care of him and yes I remember what she said.

"It's my pleasure Horatio. I'm glad to have helped."

Calleigh mumbled something and opened her eyes looking up at Horatio now. She smiled to him. "Good morning handsome." She turned a bit and saw Joe now; she quickly made a move to get up. Horatio's smile grew knowing she was a bit embarrassed.

Joe smiled thinking how happy she was even when she first woke up. He smiled at her with his dimples. "Good morning, Calleigh... thanks for giving me back my jacket." Joe said with laughter in his voice.

She chuckled, "You need to be thanking Horatio, he covered you, not me." Calleigh laughed now.

Joe looked shocked and laughed. "Of course, I should have known. Thank you, Horatio." He nodded with a grin.

Horatio nodded with a sly smile and got up. "Ray's awake, Calleigh. I'm gonna head over there ok? Why don't you rest more?"

"Nope, I'm right behind you." She smiled and Joe chuckled now. He began walking out and Horatio and Calleigh follow in step behind him.

Horatio walked in to a smiling Ray. "Hey big brother..." He looked Horatio up and down now. "You look like hell, what happened to you?" He gave a chuckle.

Horatio's brows furrowed and then a small grin appeared on his face. He snorted a laugh, "You happened to me, Ray. How you feeling?"

He smiled again. "Not that bad, not bad at all, thanks to the good doc here." Ray tilted his head toward Joe.

"Good. That's great news." Horatio nodded. You up for a few questions? Can you tell me who shot you?"

Ray nodded. "Yeah, it was one of the feds, I know his face and voice."

"Ok, good. I'll get a few books in here for you to look at. I need you to pick him out for me, ok?"

"He's one of the dirty feds too Horatio. He's in the photos and video. I just can't remember his name."

"Alright, it's ok; you let me worry about that, ok Ray?"

"No, not this time big brother, I need to take a stand now."

Horatio nodded no now. "This... This is not the time or place Ray. Trust me ok, I'll-"

"NO. Uh-uh, Horatio. This is my problem and I don't need big brother to rescue me again."

Horatio's eyebrows went up in surprise and he looked down. Without looking up he spoke in a very low tone. "Could you both give us a few minutes?"

Joe looked at Calleigh and nodded. Calleigh answered Horatio now. "Sure, we'll be outside if you need us."

"Thank you." Horatio said softly.

Calleigh and Joe walked outside now to the nurse's station. Joe grabbed a chart and looked in it and Calleigh turned around to see Horatio pull a chair up next to Ray now. She watched him and his movements. She hoped he would be ok and Ray wouldn't bring up the past again. She was watching and saw Horatio take a deep breath and shake his head no. Joe pulled her out of her focus now.

"Hey, they doing ok in there?" Joe walked around to the side of Calleigh.

"Huh..? Oh... Yeah, I think. Things seem to be fine from here anyway."

"They'll be fine Calleigh. Horatio will talk some sense into his brother."

"I sure hope so Joe. Ray can be... a rebel at times I know."

"Well, he's not going anywhere soon so, I'm sure Horatio can talk some sense into him." They both looked to the room now.

Horatio stood up facing Ray. "Ray, tell me what happened?"

"I told you, I saw Yelina fall down and-"

"No, I mean with you... How did you get involved in all this?"

"I guess I'm just lucky, Horatio." he snorted a laugh.

Horatio gave him a look now and place his hands on his hips. "Luck make those tracks marks on your arms, Ray? You had a brand new start, what happened. How did you-"

"Don't start with me big brother. You know what it's like once your in... your in."

"Yes I do, which is why I told you and begged you not to go undercover Ray."

"Yeah well, I could think for myself. I don't need you telling me what to do... then and now, Horatio."

"What about Yelina and Ray Jr.? What about them Ray? Don't they matter to you?"

"You know they do but... but I... got caught up..." Ray looked away from Horatio now.

"Is that how you stumbled onto the feds, buying drugs for yourself?"

Ray looked back over to Horatio now and nodded. "Big brother always has the answers huh? Nothing changes right, Horatio?"

Horatio looked away now and shook his head. "Ray, talk to me, tell me what happened? Was that you with the camera?"

"No, it wasn't. A friend gave me the film and pictures. I told him I knew what to do with them."

Horatio gave Ray another intense look now as his mind worked this all out. His eyes narrowed on Ray, waiting now." And just what was that, Ray?"

"Don't give me that look, Horatio. I'm not one of your perps.

Horatio tilted his head at him now and spoke in a low intense voice. "Your not… Ray?" He nodded his head as his eyes moved side to side, looking into Rays eyes, realizing the truth now. Tell me something Ray, did you try to blackmail agent Park?"

Ray sat up more and got loud now. "He's dirty, Horatio... You saw the proof yourself. He's going down."

"Answer my question, Raymond?" Horatio's eyes narrowed on him, knowing the answer already.

"What if I did... so what? He had it coming, after the way he treated me when I worked for him. They owe me... They owe me big-time."

Horatio shook his head no from side to side slowly. "You tried to blackmail the feds, Raymond. How did you think they would react, did you think they would let you get away with that? You knew what kind of people you were dealing with, Ray. You know what they're capable of. They wouldn't let you get away with that, you knew this but you did it anyway?" Horatio's eyes narrowed again, another thought now crossing his mind.

"Big brother has all the answers. That's right Horatio, I blacked mailed them... so what... I had it coming to me, their all dirty cops anyway."

Horatio eyes narrowed on him and he nodded now and walked to the window. Calleigh watched him shake his head and let it hang. He turned and walked back over to Ray now. He placed both hands on his hips and gave him a look.

He nodded his head up and down now. "I got it all now Raymond. So you decided to not only blackmail them, you decided after you got your money... Or...or was it drugs Raymond?" Horatio's jaw set and he nodded as Ray looked away. "You decided to turn them in too... right Raymond? You had the money but you went another step further... didn't you?" It just wasn't enough... was it?

Ray just looked at Horatio in shock now. How could he know this... how? He stared at him for a moment.

Horatio saw his look of shock and guilt and knew he hit pay dirt. "Did you ever... once stop to think they would go after your family? Did you Raymond... or was the money and drugs so important that it never even crossed your mind?"

"I was doing it for my family, I wanted them to be comfortable and have everything they wanted."

Horatio nodded. "Don't Raymond." Horatio nodded with tongue in cheek now, angry. "I... I wish that were true, Raymond. I wish it were true." He shook his head at him.

"How come Yelina's not here?" Ray asked now with a sharp attitude.

Horatio tilted his head at him and spoke through clenched teeth now, "Yelina can't be here Ray, because she's in a holding cell at MDPD."

Ray gave him a two headed look. "What are you talking about? Why?"

"Because they think she shot you. The feds set her up... the feds set you both up, Raymond." Did you really think there wouldn't be any consequences after what you did to them?" Horatio shook his head again now, clearly displeased and pissed-off.

"You're gonna get her out, right?"

Horatio shook his head. His eyes bore into Ray now as his voice went rough. "I'm trying Raymond... the evidence is against her right now."

"But she didn't do anything, I did." He sat up more.

Horatio nodded, "That's right... and guess who's paying for your mistake... Yelina and Ray Jr." Horatio looked down and then back at Ray. "Give me something Raymond... anything."

"I saw the fed shoot me. Doesn't that matter at all?" His eyes went wide and he put his hands out.

"No. They have a gun with her prints and she had GSR on her hand. They set her up and you were under the influence of drugs, do you think they are going to take your word? Things don't look to good right now Ray."

"Where's Ray Jr?" He snapped back at him.

"He's safe, I took care of that."

Ray nodded and his voice went soft. "Horatio... I didn't... I didn't mean for this to happen... I didn't-"

Horatio nodded and exhaled. "I know that, Ray. I know, but you didn't try and make it right, either."

Ray nodded no, upset now. "Horatio, help Yelina, get her out of there."

Horatio nodded now. "I will Ray... I will. You um... rest, do what Joe says, ok? I'll come back later and check up on you, ok?"

"Forget me, just help Yelina and Ray Jr."

"Ok, Ray... Ok. Horatio nodded to him.

"Horatio... Thanks... for staying with me last night. Thanks for caring... still."

Horatio gave him a small grin looking down. "I'll always care, Ray... always."

Ray reached for Horatio's hand and held it a moment. He squeezed it and Horatio returned the gesture, nodding in understanding. "I'm putting some police protection on you and I'll see you later, ok?"

"Yeah, thanks again, big brother." Ray let go and Horatio turned to walk out.

Both Calleigh and Joe turned around at the same time with a chuckle. "Busted" Calleigh chuckled.

Joe asked Calleigh looking down now, "Do you think he saw us?"

Calleigh chuckled, "Knowing Horatio, that would be a yes, he has eyes behind his head."

Joe let his hand fall and slap against his leg. "Nice of you to share that with me now, Calleigh." He said shaking his head.

She chuckled again now laughing a bit. "Anytime Joe... anytime."

He looked at her with a huge smile and his pearly whites. His blue eyes crinkling at her. She smiled and looked away feeling hot in the face. Horatio saved her now.

"Joe, I'll be back a little later but just so you know, I'm sending over a few officers. I'm placing him under police protection."

"Ok, Horatio. I know where to find you if I have to."

Horatio nodded and placed his hands on his hips. He looked down. "Joe, um... thank you... for everything. I appreciate it." Horatio put his hand out to Joe and Joe shook it.

"You're welcome... and anytime, Horatio. I mean that."

Horatio nodded. "I know you do, Joe. Thank you again."

"Ok, you two go home and get some real sleep." Joe smiled.

Calleigh smiled back and gave Joe a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Joe, very much. Talk to you soon." Her voice was soft as Horatio watched the exchange and felt a slight bit of jealously go through him.

"Bye Calleigh, take care." Joe said, as he watched Horatio and Calleigh walk out of the ICU together.

Calleigh scanned his face now waiting for the elevator. He gave her a sly grin and raised an eyebrow. She looked down right away with a huge grin as the elevator doors opened. He chuckled and let her go in front of him into the elevator now. He bounced on his toes for just a second and she looked up at him.

He chuckled, "You and Joe would make terrible spies."

She gasped and her eyes went wide one moment and squeezed shut the next. She felt very hot in the face now as she looked back to him.

"Sorry, we... I..." She bit her lip and gave him a sad look, nodding. She said innocently, "Maybe I can... make up for it?" She grinned now, moving toward him and shoved him back against the elevator wall. They hit the wall with a "Umphh" as Horatio wrapped his arms around her in shock.

"Calleigh yo-"

"Shut up and kiss me." She leaned up and rubbed herself against him.

Horatio's eyebrows went up in surprise and he gave her a gorgeous smile now. "Mmm, Yes ma'am." The doors closed just as Calleigh leaned up on her tip toes and kissed him.

The elevator dinged now and he had to rip Calleigh off him as she chuckled. He nodded and adjusted his jacket, trying to cover up the bulge in his pants. She grinned and stepped out. He walked close behind her using her for cover.

He cleared his throat and mumbled to her. "You're going to pay for that."

Her smile widened. "Is that a promise?" She chuckled back.

He nodded, "Sweetheart, that's a guarantee." He slipped his sunglasses on and smiled.

once outside he was all business again. Horatio opened his cell and spoke with Frank about protective custody for Ray. Frank set it up and Horatio dialed Eric to check on any progress.

"Eric?"

"H, hey how's Ray?"

"He's going to be fine, Eric. Thank you. You come up with anything yet at the house?"

"H, we've been over that place twice now and keep coming up empty. If it was someone else, they knew how to clean up and cover their tracks. Listen I'm just getting started on the phone records, I'll keep you posted, ok?"

"Alright Eric, thank you." Horatio closed his phone and took a breath in. Calleigh watched him closely and tilted her head to him. His eyes came back quickly to hers and he took another breath in.

Calleigh spoke to him softly now. "Did Eric find anything that could help us get Yelina released?"

Horatio looked down and nodded. His voice tense and low. "No." His eyes still looking down narrowed and slid back and forth. Calleigh gave him a moment now knowing he was thinking, sorting something out in his mind. His eyes came back up to Calleigh now. He tilted his head and spoke softly.

"Did Yelina say anything that may help her, Calleigh?"

Calleigh shook her head no and looked down taking a breath in.

Horatio adjust his head and eyes on her now. Her name rolled off his tongue softly. "Calleigh? What is it, what's wrong?"

Her eyes came back up to him and she nodded. "Nothing, everythings fine, Horatio." She gave him a half smile... A phony half smile and he knew it.

"Calleigh, talk to me. I know that look and it's not working, sweetheart." He held her gaze now.

"She said they were arguing right before it all happened. She said it to Frank and me... Stetler was listening too. That might hurt her case, it makes her look guilty. All the evidence points to her, Horatio."

"I know, but Ray just told me one of the Feds shot him. So I should at least be able to get her out on bail for now, as long as I talk to the right judge."

"What are we going to do?" Calleigh asked him concerned. His brows arched and he gave her a small grin, thinking she said we.

He stepped closer to her and slid her hair off one shoulder. His hand came up and he gently held her chin with two fingers as he angled his mouth to hers and softly kissed her. "Mmm, We... we are going to find the truth. She smiled now and looked down.

"First thing I need to do is talk to Yelina again. Hopefully I can get her release under my supervision." He nodded to Calleigh now, "I'll follow you to MDPD, ok?"

Calleigh nodded no. "Horatio I'm going back to the lab to go over the evidence. Maybe I can come up with something... find something for her." She wouldn't make eye contact now.

His brows went up and his forehead wrinkled. "What are you not telling me?"

"I think... I just think you need to speak with Yelina alone." She held his gaze now.

He nodded and swallowed. "Ok, alright, so... I'll catch up with you later then. I may want to head back over to that house and recheck It."

"Ok, just let me know and I'll meet you there, ok?" She smiled.

He nodded, "Ok, so later then." He gave her a small grin.

"Ok, I'll talk to you in a little while." She answered and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. He walked her to her hummer and watched her pull away. Now thinking about Yelina and what Calleigh was not telling him. He walked over to his hummer started the engine and drove away, now heading towards MDPD.

He walked in and found Frank. "Frank, I need to speak with Yelina."

"Ok, H. We let her stay in the interrogation room. A lot more comfortable in there."

Horatio nodded, "Thank you, Frank."

Horatio followed Frank into the room and saw Yelina sitting forward in the chair with her head in her hands.

He softly spoke now. "Yelina?"

Her eyes came up… tired... shocked...a glint of hope now seeing Horatio here. "Yelina, you ok?"

"Yes. How is Ray?"

"He's gonna be fine, Yelina. What about you?" Yelina looked at Frank and he nodded to Horatio and left them alone.

"I'm ok, Horatio. Any chance of getting me out of here?" She asked with tears in her eyes now.

"Slight, but yes, I'm going to try... so hang in there a little longer, ok? We're going to figure this out; I have a call out to a judge now."

She nodded. "Ok."

Horatio pulled a chair up to hers and sat down in front of her. She immediately grabbed his hands and held them tightly. "Horatio, you know I didn't shot Ray, right?"

He tilted his head to her and nodded, his eyes locked with her. "Of course I know that, Yelina."

"Then why is everyone treating me like I did?"

Horatio took a breath in and looked down. "Evidence... The evidence is saying you did, but... I have an idea and I don't want you to worry right now, ok?"

"Horatio... don't go putting yourself in danger for us. What Ray did... Ray did. We shouldn't have to pay. You shouldn't have to pay or put yourself at risk for us."

"It's alright, just try to relax till I get you out of here, ok?"

She nodded now and looked down, holding back tears. "Ok." She squeezed his hands. He looked down at her hands and notice a bruise on her arm. He scanned her over once now with his eyes, finding bruises... everywhere. He looked at her questioningly. Something clicked in his head... Calleigh, she knew.

He took a breath and lifted his eyes back to hers. He spoke low and soft now. "Yelina, what is that on your arms?"

She remained silent and looked away from him. He shifted slightly in his chair as he lowered his head and tilted to find her eyes again. She let go of his hands now. His eyes narrowed on her. He spoke her name firmly. "Yelina...?"

"It's nothing, Horatio, we got into a shoving match and... and, then the feds came." She looked away.

"Yelina, those are older than yesterday. You want to tell me what happened, please." He was being stern with her.

She turned away from him and he looked up and out to see Stetler smiling back at him. He gave him a cold smile and set his jaw.

"Horatio... I'm sorry you got involved in all this again. You sent us away for a fresh start and..."

He tilted his head to her. "And what? What are you not telling me?"

"Here we are again." She nodded her head upset now. "Raymond Caine only cares about himself, Horatio. He didn't change at all, after everything you did to help him and us. He actually became worst. You did so much to help us and now here we are again, and you are helping us, again. Where does it end? Will Ray ever change or learn for that matter?"

Horatio nodded, "I wish I had the answer to that, I wish-"

She nodded again. "No matter what he does you still care, don't you?"

Horatio swallowed hard now and held her eyes. "He's my brother, Yelina... my family, of course I care. I'll always care... about all of you."

She snorted a cold laugh now and mumbled under her breath, "If you only knew..." She turned her head away from him.

Horatio caught it easily and his soft blue eyes went intense on her now. He spoke in barely a whisper, "If I only knew what, Yelina?" He held her firmly with his eyes now.

"Umm... Nothing... I just..." She looked down and he nodded no now, shaking his head back and forth. He didn't want to hear the words, but knew in his heart they were true.

"Yelina?" His eyes searched hers.

Her eyes went hard and cold, she was upset but clearly angry now. "It was an accident... he didn't mean- sometimes he loses control." She threw back her head and her hair swayed to the side.

He held her gaze and looked down nodding in disbelief. He clenched his teeth together and now stood up quickly in his chair. The chair went sliding backward across the room and Yelina stared at him. She maybe once saw Horatio lose his temper and it was not good.

He was tightening his jaw as Yelina watched and knew he was very upset now. His hands went to his hips and he set his jaw tightly as his cheek twitched. He spoke through clenched teeth now. "An accident... really." It wasn't a question; he was furious now and his emotions were written all over his face. He nodded at her, his eyes fixed on hers. "Sometimes he loses control? Why didn't you mention this-"

"What Horatio, come crying to you again... First Stetler and now Ray. You helped us, I couldn't... I didn't want to put you through that then or now. Just let it go, we're fine."

Horatio nodded no. "I don't think so, Yelina."

He stretched his neck and tucked his chin as his tongue pushed out his bottom lip. His eyes could have burned a hole right through her, he was full of anger now. His own brother being abusive now... how was this possible he thought and then his father flashed in his minds eye. Not again he hoped. No he wouldn't believe Raymond capable of that, no... not after everything they both went through. His mind screamed now... RAYMOND!

Horatio's phone rang. He opened it. "Caine." He said tensely.

"Lieutenant Caine, this is judge Mason." Horatio took a breath in and tried to relax. "I got your request for a release of Yelina Salas, under your supervision. Is this correct?"

"Yes, your honor it is."

"Her husband said she didn't shoot him, correct?"

"Yes. They were set up... and I plan on proving it, your honor."

"Ok, Horatio, you know I trust you but keep a close eye on her, ok?"

"Ok, judge I will, you have my word. I appreciate your help and thank you for expediting her release."

"Ok, Horatio, good luck and be careful."

"Judge Mason... Thank you." He hung up the phone. He gave her a small smile and reached for her hand. "C'mon, let's get you out of here."

She gave him a smile and tears slid down her face. "Horatio-"

"Ssh, we'll talk in the car, ok. Here take this and don't say a word till we're out of here, ok?" He handed her his hankie.

She nodded now to him. "Ok."

Frank came over to them both. "We just got the call a few minutes ago. I would have told you myself."

"Thank you Frank, I'll touch base with you later."

"HOLD ON!" Stetler yelled now.

Horatio turned around and glared at him, not in the mood for this right now.

Stetler walked up to them. "Just where do you think she's going?"

Horatio tilted his head and his eyes sparked fire at him. Stetler stopped where he was in place now, seeing his look. "She coming with me. Speak to Judge Mason if you have a problem, Rick."

"I didn't get a call-" Frank cut him off now.

"We just got the call a few minutes ago, so it's legit, she free under H's supervision."

"You did it again, Horatio. Managed to pull another trick from your magic bag. This is such bull."

Horatio's jaw set and he walked dangerously close up to Rick now. He held his eyes searching in a threatening manor. Frank wiped his lips getting nervous now. He spoke deeply and with an intimidating tone.

"Rick... so sorry to burst your bubble." Horatio smiled coldly now at him and turned. He started to walk away and smiled. "Bye Rick." Just a hint of laugher in his voice as he took Yelina with him out of the station.

Rick stood there dumbfounded... in more than one way.

They got into the hummer and Horatio started the engine and pulled away. He looked over at her and back to the road. "You ok?"

"Yes, but where are we going?

"Your going somewhere safe, trust me, ok?"

"You know I do, Horatio. Thank you so much for believing me."

"Always." He nodded to her and opened his phone; he was a man on a mission now.

"Duquesne."

"Calleigh, meet me out front in five minutes, ok?"

"Sure, is everything-"

"I'll see you in a few minutes, ok?"

"Ok." She hung up.

A few moments later Horatio pulled up in front of CSI- headquarters. Calleigh was waiting and walked to the curb.

He got out and then she saw Yelina get out.

"Calleigh, I need you to keep her here with you until I get back, ok?"

Calleigh nodded yes. "Sure no problem. Where are you going?"

Horatio looked down and then back up to her. "Umm... some unfinished business I need to tend to."

Calleigh searched his eyes. He looked down.

Yelina knew right away. "Your going to see Ray, aren't you?" She snapped out at him.

Calleigh looked at Yelina and then him, she knew why he was upset.

She held his gaze and Horatio nodded. "I'll be back in-"

"No, wait you can't... Horatio listen to me-"

"Yelina go inside with Calleigh now, ok... go." Yelina gave him a glare and moved in front of him.

Horatio stopped and looked into her eyes waiting for her to move.

She nodded no to him. "This isn't going to help the situation, Horatio. You think your going to make a difference?"

He spoke low and deep. "Yes." He stepped around her now talking. "Calleigh bring her inside and call me if there are any problems, ok?" He opened the door with his hand and Yelina moved to it and pushed it closed.

She threw her hands up in the air, frustrated now. "Wait... Please... Horatio... I didn't mean for this to-"

Looking down now he nodded. "I know that, and it's never going to happen again, trust me. I'll take care of this. Go inside with Calleigh now, please."

"Calleigh please talk to him?" Yelina begged her now. Calleigh looked at Horatio and he gave her a nod.

He tilted his head at her and softly spoke her name now. "Yelina."

She moved away from his door and began walking to the building very upset.

Calleigh walked over to him for a moment watching Yelina walk.

He got in the hummer and looked at her now. He nodded his head. "Keep a close eye on her for me, will you?"

She smiled and nodded. "Of course I will. She'll be fine Horatio."

He slipped on his sunglasses and smiled at her now. "You knew... didn't you?"

Calleigh looked down not knowing what to say. She nodded. "I didn't think it was my place to tell you. She told me in confidence and I knew once you saw the bruises you would figure it all out. I'm sorry Horatio."

"No, don't be sweetheart, I understand. You're right and I would have done the same thing." He let out a breath.

She smiled at him. "Go easy, ok?"

He smiled at her, "Always. See you later." He pulled away and Calleigh walked to the doors and held it open as Yelina went in and she followed.

He drove to the hospital thinking now, all his memories flashing and assaulting his mind. How could Ray do this? How could he treat her this way? He had to straighten him out, he thought with clenched teeth.

He walked into the hospital and right to Ray's room. He acknowledged two officers standing guard. He opened the door and went in. Ray was sitting up watching TV.

"Hey, I didn't expect to see you back here so soon."

Horatio nodded and took off his sunglasses. "Neither did I Raymond." He placed his hands on his hips and stared at him with disdain.

Ray knew something was up and Horatio looked pissed. "What's wrong… is Yelina alright?" Ray sat up more seeing his eyes.

Horatio gave him a cold smile. "You know Ray, its funny you should ask that. Why don't you tell me if Yelina's alright?" Horatio held his gaze with intense eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean, Horatio?" Ray was getting defensive now.

Horatio's eyes narrowed, "Oh I think you know exactly what it means, Raymond." His voice flat and to the point.

Ray shook his head and laughed. "Oh, here we go again, my righteous brother is here again to save the day. What happened she go crying to you about me? "

Horatio shifted his jaw getting more pissed by the second. His lips went tight and up as his face showed anger. He shook his head upset now and walked closer to his bedside. His head tilted and his eyebrows went up, "Raymond…" He exhaled trying to calm himself. "Ray, she didn't say a word to me about it, I had to drag it out of her. It was pretty easy to see with the bruises all over her. What the hell's the matter with you? What happened? I thought we-"

Ray sat up on the side of the bed now and spoke with menace. "Don't come in here with all you're righteous preaching to me. Who the hell do you think you are anyway, my father? Ray eyes locked on Horatio's as his head snapped up in shock. Ray snorted a cold laugh. "Oh no of course not… You killed him! He said getting loud now.

Horatio's eyes narrowed on him and he looked down. His voice went very low. "What happened to you? I know you're using again, but…" Horatio shook his head back and forth in disgust. "You had another chance, a brand new start for you and you're family-"

"Yeah, well I guess I take after my father!" He said with attitude.

Horatio nodded no, as his eyes went sad now. He spoke softly. "Don't say that Ray, don't." He exhaled and walked over to the window looking out.

Ray got off the bed. He knew how to push Horatio's buttons. He knew his weakness. "I'm my fathers son what can I say. He said in a loud tone. "All the drugs he did must have really fucked me up, don't you think Horatio?"

Horatio jaw set tightly and he shook his head again still looking out the window. His anger building by the second as he kept control and spoke in a very calm voice. "Alright, that's enough Raymond." He said it firmly.

Ray walked right up behind him now angry. "Oh is it! Big brother said it's enough!" He leaned in closer. "What's the matter Horatio can't stand to hear the fucking truth?"

Horatio clenched his teeth and closed his eyes a moment letting it pass.

Joe was just getting to the door when he heard Ray being loud; he looked at the two cops guarding the door and they just looked away. He waited a moment as the two cops watched him.

"Hey… I'm fucking talking to you! What's the matter; you got nothing to say now!" Ray waited a moment and started up again. "Good… you can listen then! Yelina… Yeah I hit her, she brought it on herself, she doesn't know when to shut up!

Horatio turned and narrowed his eyes on him. He spoke dangerously low. "Raymond, I'm only going to say this once. If I find out you lift your hands again to her, I'll take care of you myself, then I'll arrest you. You get all that Raymond?" His eyes searched Rays back and forth making sure he got the message.

Ray's eyes went wide now. "Just who the hell do you think you are? You need to mind your fucking business!" Ray pointed his finger in Horatio's face. "This is my family, not yours!"

Horatio spoke through clenched teeth now, "Raymond…" He took a breath trying to calm himself. "This is the drugs talking Ray, not you."

Ray's eyes went wide at Horatio and he shoved him back against the wall. Horatio's eyebrows arched in surprise and he left his hands down at his sides.

Joe picked that moment to open the door. His eyes went wide. They were both unaware of him in their heated discussion.

Ray was furious with both hands shoved into Horatio's chest now. "Fuck you!" He yelled in his face, staring into his eyes. "No, it's me talking and it's you who can't face the truth! You still don't fucking get it!" He shoved him harder into the wall and Horatio grunted. Still letting his hands remain at his sides.

Horatio clenched his teeth and kept himself under control, knowing it was the drugs. He would never pick his hands up to his baby brother, ever. He placed both hands on Ray's forearms hanging on to him now. He searched his eyes and thought, maybe Raymond was to far gone.

Ray shoved him again and again. "Why! Why didn't you save her! You could have saved her... but you saved me instead! I fucking wanna know why!" He yelled and fisted both hands into Horatio's shirt grabbing it.

Horatio's eyes went wide at his words and then he noticed Joe and he tried to calm Raymond down now. "Ray… Raymon-"

He shoved him again. "Tell me why? TELL ME!" He yelled in a cry.

Horatio nodded. "Raymond calm-"

"No! NO, you're gonna tell me. Fucking tell me now! You could have saved her, she could still be here." His voice cracked. "Why did you let him kill her? Why did you save me? Why did you kill our father?" Tears welled in Rays eyes as his voice kept cracking now.

Horatio's eyes looked down now as the images hit him hard again. Ray squeezed his hands into the material of his shirt, grabbing it. Trying to coax him and get a rise out of him but it was no use. Horatio would never lift his hands to hurt him, he knew this already.

Horatio's voice was barely a whisper now. "She was gone Ray… It… it was too late to save her."

"Liar! You're fucking lying. You knew about dad and the drugs and that's why he killed our mother. He found out! It's because of you! He killed her because she was sticking up for you! She was trying to save you from another beaten and he took it out on her instead. She always loved you more. You were the good son; remember how dad would upset her and use you to do it." Ray calmed down a bit as his voice cracked even more, remembering now.

Horatio relaxed a bit and let his hands slid off of Ray arms and go limp at his sides. He clenched his teeth, knowing his pain, feeling his own as the memories began flashing right in front of his eyes. He locked onto Rays eyes and spoke low.

"No Ray, she loved you. God, she loved you." He whispered low, trying to hold himself together. "You made her proud when you came home with the best score in the whole school and the science award to go with it. She knew how hard you worked on that and bought you the telescope you wanted so bad, remember? She loved you Raymond very much." Horatio's eyes welled now as Rays hands loosened on his shirt.

Ray lowered his head and took a deep breath. He lifted his head up looking right back into his brother's eyes. His voice cracked as the tears started to stream down his face. His voice low and shaky now. "Horatio… it...it was all my fault… I… You saved me... when you could have saved her." He clenched his fists into Horatio's shirt again, hanging on now as he began to shake and cry.

Horatio nodded and held his gaze now, tilting his head to him tenderly. His thoughts catching up with him now realizing, Ray blamed himself and couldn't live with the guilt of it, all these years, just like him. He lifted both hands to Ray's shoulders and held him at arms length. He tilted his head to him more as he whispered low, "Is that what you think? Ray... Raymond, it wasn't your fault, and I know how much you loved her. It was the drugs Ray, he was to far gone. I don't think anyone could have stopped him-" Horatio voice caught.

Ray let his head hang and lifted it back up. "You did, you stopped him and saved me." Ray took in a shaky breath. "I lost track of all the times you saved me from him." He shook his head again and again as the tears streamed down his cheeks. "Help me Horatio…" He sobbed now griping his shirt. "I don't… I don't want… to be... like him. I don't... want… to end... up like him. Please, help me… Help me, Horatio." He cried out to him shaking.

Horatio saw the guilt and the anger and all the pain in Ray's eyes. He was overwhelmed and pulled him suddenly in tight against him, hugging him, clenching his own jaw fighting back the full blown release that was ripping at him too. His right hand cupped the back of his head and he rubbed his back with his left hand. Tears slowly slid down Horatio's face as he held his brother crying.

"It's alright Raymond; it's going to be alright. You could never be like him… never Ray, so put it out of your mind. We're going to help you, I promise... I promise you Ray, you're going to be fine. Horatio looked up and now noticed Joe was gone, his lips curved up just a bit.

Joe walked down the hall and wiped his watery eyes going back to his office now thinking... Little Catlin was right about everything. Horatio was mad and Ray was going to be fine. Joe smiled and opened the door to his office. He went in grabbed his jacket and was heading home for a shower and some much needed sleep in his own bed.

Ray hung on to his shirt with his hands still gripping it. He slowly released him calming himself down and stopped crying now. Horatio handed him his hankie and Ray smiled at him. His breathing was still uneven as Horatio walked him back over to the bed. He helped him into bed and covered him with the blanket.

"Ok, Ray, lets get you back to bed, you need all the rest you can get." Horatio tilted his head and waited for Ray to look up at him. How's the shoulder feeling?"

"Not too bad, thanks. You know they're giving me pain killers right?"

"I know but Joe said it would be a low dose."

"Yeah, it's low. I can feel the pain and these shakes... They really suck."

Horatio took a breath in and tilted his head at him, his eyes tender now. "You sure you're ok? How about some water?" Horatio poured him a cup of water and handed it to him.

Ray smiled now. "Yeah, I'm ok and… thank you, Horatio. Thanks for helping me-"

Horatio spoke softly. "No need for that Ray, you're my brother… never forget that. I'll always be here for you. Always…I mean that. "

Ray nodded, "I know you do, Horatio. I know."

"So what about you? You ok?"

Horatio smiled and both hands went to his hips. "Yeah, I am Ray." He tilted his head and nodded. "I am now... thank you." He smiled and looked down. "Ok listen, I'm sure the feds are up to something, I just don't know what yet. I'm going to be keeping you some company tonight, just in case."

Ray nodded. "Well that will be just like old times, remember. You sleeping in my room with the chair tucked under the door knob. I don't think that will work here." He chuckled.

Horatio's eyes came up and he nodded now as his lips curved up at the corners. He chuckled. "Definitely not, besides how would the pretty nurses get in to see you?" He raised an eyebrow in jest.

Ray smiled and nodded going serious now. "So you think they will show up here?"

Horatio's eyes went distant and he stared down thinking about something. He lifted his head back up. "Ray, I have an idea, someone who may be able to help. I'll um, I'll be back in a little while, ok?"

"Ok, be careful big brother and watch your back."

Horatio nodded. "Ok, I'll see you in a little while. You hang in there." Horatio walked to the door and turned back to Ray. Call me... if you want to, ok? Ray nodded and Horatio opened the door and left.

"Um, Lieutenant, is everything ok?" One of the officers asked.

Horatio's brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed on the young officer.

The officer saw his look and got nervous. "Um, um, I figured you yelled at the doctor or something. He looked upset…" He leaned closer to Horatio and whispered. "He looked like he was crying sir."

Horatio nodded to him. "Actually, officer Drake, What I think you saw was a very tired doctor rubbing his eyes from lack of sleep, right?" Horatio held his gaze firmly.

The officer started to nod no and Horatio's eyebrows went up and the office quickly nodded yes now. "Sir, yes sir."

Horatio nodded. "Ok so you both know the doctor and nurses right?"

They nodded in unison.

"Ok, no one, and I mean no one goes in there without my ok. You both got that? No Fed or agents of any kind, I don't care what they tell you. You call me ASAP. You both understand?"

"Yes sir we do." Officer Drake said now.

"Ok, I'll be back in a little while, keep a close eye on things gentleman, thank you."

Horatio walked away slipping his sunglasses back on with a small grin. He took out his cell phone and dialed a number the moment he walked out of the hospital.

"It's Horatio Caine, I um... I have something you want. I'm going to need to meet with you. Ok, that's fine, I'll see you there." He closed his phone walking to the hummer.

TBC...

Ok its another long one, so let me know what you think? I love reviews and thank you!

I updated my bio page so you guys can see what's next and in progress. I have upcoming stories listed and small summaries to go with them. They are just teasers and I think they do a good job of just that! LOL Enjoy!