Disclaimer: I do not own anything from CSI: Miami, wouldn't want to!

As Frank was driving back to the lab anger was sweeping over him. The detective was livid, so he pulled over to try to get control, really wanting to hit something or someone. He settled for pounding his steering wheel a couple of times. 'I just can't believe what happened! That nobody bothered to look for Ryan! If Calliegh or Eric were missing, it would have been first priority to find them. Ryan would have worked his butt off trying to help any way he could. Damn!! Shows me they don't think of him as part of their team. I hope they can fix that big mistake, if it's not too late. Ryan better be okay, he better not die because of them!' After all those thoughts running through his mind he felt exhausted. He continued on his way wondering how long it would take for the "team" to ask about Ryan.

Back at the hospital Horatio's thoughts were not much better. 'Ryan just has to be okay! There's so much I have to make up to him.' He got up to stretch and started pacing. It had been about two hours since he arrived and still no word.

Nurse Michaels found Horatio a half hour later standing by a bank of windows, worry etched on his face. "Lieutenant?" H lost in thought didn't seem to hear her, so she gently put her hand on his arm to get his attention, "Lieutenant Caine?"

He finally looked at the nurse,"Any news?"

"Yes, his surgery is going to take longer than they first thought. He's doing fine so far, but they still have to get the bleeding under control. You should probably get something to eat, it will probably be a while before I know more. The cafeteria is just two floors down and I'll page you if there's any news."

"Thank you, but I'll just wait here. I don't think I could eat at this time." He went and sat once again to wait, guilt weighing heavily upon his mind.

Calliegh and Eric had left the lab before Frank got back. Intent on having a good evening they decided to get take-out and head to Call's place. It wasn't too long before their minds wandered back to what happened earlier that day. "I can't believe how Horatio up and left this afternoon, he just got to the lab and just ran back out! He didn't even let us know what as happening!" complained Eric.

"I know, it's just not like H to leave so abruptly, it must have been someone close to him that was in trouble."

"What makes you think that Call?"

"Well he did ask the person on the phone 'how is he?', weren't you paying attention?"

"No, I was too upset and focused on what should be done about Wolfe. I still can't believe what he did!"

"I can't either, Eric. But I wonder if H had a valid point. He said he knew why Ryan did it. Maybe we should have let him explain the circumstances. Did you see how hurt Ryan looked when we wanted him to leave the lab?"

"Yeah Calliegh, but I was so angry I couldn't help it."

"Me too, but now I feel kinda bad. Maybe tomorrow we could corner Ryan and hear him out?"

"Okay Call we could try and give him a break. I mean Horatio already knew about it and I trust his judgment about situations."

"We'll get to the bottom of it with Ryan tomorrow. Let's just enjoy tonight."

Meanwhile Horatio was getting impatient only being able to wait. He had a terrible headache from the many agonizing thoughts going through his guilt ridden mind. After another hour and a half he noticed a doctor heading his direction. He stood up and met him at the desk.

"Are you here for Ryan Wolfe?" After a nod from Horatio he continued, "I'm Doctor Spenser."

The lieutenant introduced himself and asked, "How is he doing?"

The doctor led H back to the chairs, "Why don't you have a seat, please."

After they both were sitting Dr. Spenser took a deep breath and began to tell how Ryan was doing.

"The surgery was successful. We were able to repair the small tears to his liver and spleen, but he lost a lot of blood. If we hadn't caught it when we did...He's been put on a ventilator to help heal his lung which had to be re-inflated, also to keep his airways open. It seems Mr. Wolfe suffered from some strangulation which has caused some swelling around his throat. We also set four broken ribs." The doctor paused taking a deep breath there was still more to tell.

Horatio was worried he knew there was something else to add. "What is it, is Ryan going to be all right?"

"We had to start him on antibiotics for an infection he developed. His left kidney is bruised so we'll be monitoring his fluid output. Right now he's in a coma, but he should make a complete recovery," summed up Dr. Spencer. "He's in recovery and in about twenty minutes we'll be moving him to SICU."

After listening to the growing list of his CSI's injuries he asked, "Can I please stay with him? He needs to know he's not alone. He doesn't have anybody else here."

"I can make arrangements so you can stay with him, since you're listed as his next of kin. I'll tell the nurse to bring you up to his room once he's settled. If you have any questions, please have me paged."

"Thank you doctor."

Half an hour later found a very worried Horatio standing next to Ryan. He had called Frank to update him. He also called Alexx, who gave him a piece of her mind for not letting her know sooner! He convinced her to wait until the next day to visit assuring her he would be staying by Ryan's side.

When he first walked into Ryan's room he barely recognized the young man who was pale and still, hooked up to so many machines that seemed to dwarf his size. He stared horrified at all the bruises and cuts on Ryan's chest and arms and gasped when he saw the red irritated mark encircling his neck. He looked so fragile and young. "Ryan...I'm so sorry, please be alright!" He gently took Ryan's hand in his own and gave it a squeeze hoping to get a response but getting none. "Ryan I'm going to help you any way I can! I'm not leaving your side until you are better." He placed his other hand on Ryan's forehead running his fingers through his hair. He could feel the heat radiating off him and was worried.