"Frank?..."
"We found files… on, you and Calleigh H. They must have been following you both because there's pictures and locations. A wholelot of personal information in them. We think this was going on forquite a while. I don't think they could have planned this on theirown. Someone was definitely giving information to them, Personal Information…on you H."
"What else Frank?
"Well the files we found,… well, they're… legal documents,… all yourpersonal information… that only the department has. Horatio they're police documents, they got the actual files right from our department. How could they do that? How would they be able to get their hands on something like this? Frank asked in dismay, looking down again.
Horatio's eyes narrowed on Frank, he knew he was STILL holding back.
Calleigh suddenly answered, "Because this was an inside job, we were set up; it has to be a cop or someone in the department. We'll figure it out, we have some evidence." She yawned, stretching.
Horatio eyebrows went up and he spoke. "Calleigh, what evidence are we talking about here?"
"Eric didn't find the phone but he found a bullet. I'll get something off that, you can bet on it." She said surely.
"Plus, Alexx is probably doing the post right now and I know we are going to get some information from that too. Do you doubt me gentleman?" She asked them in her southern voice smiling.
They both just stared at her in awe and waited for her to finish talking.
Horatio smiled at her and he contemplated her perseverance. He loved how she would never give in and never give up. She was a strong willed woman and it was one of her best qualities. He loved her fiestiness. 'Once Calleigh Duquesne gets a hold of something, there was no letting go.' He knew and smiled.
Calleigh's phone rang, it was Alexx, she opened it. "Hello, you have good news for us, I hope? Really, that is good news. What's his TOD, really, ok and the cause? A bullet to head you say, hmmm, interesting. Anything else that you…. So it was gasoline, he was still ALIVE you said? Oh my God. Ok, Alexx, alright, you keep checking and I let Horatio know. We'll see you later and thanks Alexx."
"So? Frank asked quickly, "Did Claudia kill him or what?"
She looked at Horatio and pulled her chair over more closely to his bed now. She sat down.
"Alex said it's definitely Jay Seavers body, DNA don't lie. Ok, Alex found a gunshot wound to the head. Definitely close range. She said he was burned alive first and then shot, so whoever did this was not taking any chances and also sending a message. He was doused with gasoline, it was all over him she said. She found some skin under his nails and she's getting it to trace now. The time of death was yesterday morning between 6am and 7am, she wanted to call and let you know what she found so far. She said, she knew you'd be waiting impatiently to hear. That you would be very interested in the results." Calleigh smiled at him.
"I am interested. Interested to know WHY the boat didn't blow up? Something's on that boat Calleigh and if I am right, they will try to destroy it a second time. He continued, "Frank lets get some cars over there and make sure the scene is secure."
Calleigh smiled, seeing that look in Horatio's eyes.
"I need to talk with Eric, Calleigh. Do you know what he found so far?" He asked her now.
"Ok, let me see. He found the bullet, a few cans of gasoline, some fibers and dirt. He also found some of … your… things. They probably took them when they kidnapped you."
"What else, Calleigh?" Horatio knew she was trying to protect him.
"Hmm, well, they found… the baton Horatio, Eric is processing it today. I'm sure well learn something from the ID number, who knows maybe even get some prints."
"Prints? We know it was Claudia and Jay." He said blinking his eyes a few times, looking curiously at her.
"Well, yeah, but I meant maybe the person who they got it from, remember Horatio?" She asked, becoming concerned now.
He put his hand to his forehead again and groaned low. His forehead now resting in his hand, he rubbed gently near his hairline.
"Horatio, you ok? Maybe we should…" He took his hand away and sat up more.
"I need to talk with Eric Calleigh." His tone deeper now.
She began dialing his number, he picked up. "Delko. Hey, Horatio needs to talk with you ok, hold on. She handed Horatio the phone and their hands touched, she smiled.
"Eric, you didn't find the phone? Ok, here's what I want you to do, go back to the boat and check it again. Eric I need you to do this again, listen to me, it's there. Eric, Eric.. listen,… Wait, did you check the gasoline tanks, what about the one on the boat? Ok, it's ok, don't worry about it, just go do it as soon as you can, ok? Forget about diving right now, his phone is on that boat, it was supposed to blow up and something stopped it. Ok, let me know as soon as you can, and Eric, watch your back, they may still try to destroy it. Ok, good thinking, I'll tell him to meet you over there. Alright, ok and Eric… good job." His hand was back on his head now and his face was flushed.
Calleigh watched Horatio closely now, he was not doing well, she could tell.
"Frank you are going to be needed at the scene, just in case Eric has another problem with the coast guard."
"Ok, H, no problem. I get…" Franks phone rang now.
"Tripp. Yeah, ok. Give me a location. WHAT! When? Is the fire department there? I'm on my way. What do you mean forg…. What happened to the cars securing the scene? What the hell happened over there, did anybody listen to me? Do you know what secure the scene means you blockhead! If you did, I wouldn't have to come there now, would I? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm on my way, you can tell me all about it when I get there." He took a deep breath rubbing his neck, looking at Horatio now.
Horatio already began speaking. "What now... Frank?"
"Umm, Horatio I've got some bad news…"
"It's too late, right? They blew up the boat."
"Well, ummm, yeah, I guess we can say that now."
Horatio sighed now. "Well Frank it was just a matter of time, they were going to get to it one way or another. They're cleaning their mess up."
Calleigh was already dialing Eric.
"You know who's doing this, don't you?" Frank asked Horatio.
"No, I don't know for sure, that's why we needed to find that phone, it holds the key."
"Eric you have to get over there now and see what the fire destroyed. Maybe there's still a chance to preserve something. Ok, alright Eric, I'll tell him."
"He's heading right over there now Horatio. He said he'd call us with an update, he was angry with himself."
"Ok, I have to get over there as well and see what the hell happened. I'll let you know if we find anything. Sorry Horatio, we should have had it covered." Frank was upset.
"It's not your fault Frank. They're making sure to cover all their tracks. Someone, knows our procedures real well."
"You keep saying they Horatio, who …."
"Just a hunch Frank, now get out of here and don't forget to call me with an update."
"What a morning this is turning out to be, see you later Calleigh." And he put his hand up to Horatio and left the room.
"Well I would really like to say good morning to you but…." She smiled to him, trying to make light of the situation.
"What are you doing up so early anyway, you are still taking the pains meds, right?"
"Calleigh, I'm fine."
"You don't look fine, your face is flushed and your perspiring. Do you have a fever?" She put her hand to his forehead and it was cool to her touch.
"I don't have a fever Calleigh, I'm fine...really." He chuckled now.
"Ok, but I think you should maybe try to get some rest again."
Horatio admired her, and smile. She just wouldn't give up, even on him, he thought.
"Calleigh." He spoke in a low soft voice now, getting her attention.
"Listen I wanted to talk to… You, ok?" He said sincerely.
"Of course, anything." She sat on the edge of her chair and gave him all of her attention, she became nervous, wondering what he wanted to talk with her about.
"I want you to go home and get some rest; you've been here for days and…" He saw her move away and he stopped talking. His eyebrows Furrowed, with question.
She moved back into her chair and withdrew from him, her smile instantly gone now.
"You want me to go home, Horatio? Why?.. Well, I mean if you want me to go, then of course, I'll leave!" She looked away from him now, hurt by his words.
"No no,... wait Cal,... that's.. not..not, what I meant. I mean,... it is what I meant,.. but,... that's not how I meant it." He shook his head, trying to figure out what he had just said. He started again.
"I don't"… He shook his head again. "I do,.. want you to go home and get some rest. I'm worried about you Calleigh, you been through hell and…"
She was smiling at him now, one of her big bright smiles and she laughed. "Sorry Horatio, I just never heard you… stutter before." She joked and blushed now.
He smiled back at her now, realizing how he must of just sounded, he didn't quite understand what he just said himself. "Whew, I thought I was in trouble with you again, I didn't mean to...offend you." He wiped his forehead in jest, giving her a smile.
They both were smiling at one another, their eyes locked. Horatio patted the bed with his hand, gesturing for her to come closer. She sat next to him now and he took her hand in his.
"So, are.. you.. ok, Calleigh? I mean with everything that happened--." She cut him off.
"I'm fine Horatio, really. I feel fine,… back ache but fine." She smiled at him, joking.
"I um, wanted to…." He tried to sit up more using his left arm and groaned, it was no help.
"You ok?" Calleigh said concerned.
"Yes, I'm…ok." He smiled, while he softly held her hand again and intertwined his fingers in hers. He looked at their hands now together, examining them. Feels right, he thought, a perfect fit, he squeezed tighter.
She smiled and looked down, shyly. Loving the feeling of his hand holding hers, it was not a dream this time. She was ecstatic inside.
"Mmm." He saw her smile and brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. And said, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For everything Calleigh." She looked into his deep blue eyes now, holding his gaze.
"Horatio?" She asked softly.
"Yes." He was looking down, at their hands joined together.
"Was it true? Did you really come to my house that night?"
"Hmm." He smiled again, looking down, now thinking. "It's true Calleigh, I.. I needed to see you.. and….."
Joe came walking in the room, smiling and saying good morning to the both of them. Calleigh started to get up quickly and let go of Horatio's hand. He looked at her questioningly, and saw her face turning red. He smiled and looked over to Joe.
"So how you feeling today Horatio?"
"Fine, thank you."
"Ok, let's have a look, shall we?" Joe lowered his bed a bit and Horatio began unbuttoning his pajama top. This had been the normal routine for the last few days and Horatio was getting use to it. He was becoming more irritated each day, he wanted to go home,… not get use to this.
"Ok, your gonna feel some pressure, let me know if you feel any pain, ok?"
"Um-hm." Horatio look over at Calleigh and smiled, letting her know he was ok.
Calleigh watched Joe move his hands from Horatio's chest to his ribs and back. He slid his hands to where the bruises were and pressed softly. Horatio seemed ok and hardly moved.
"Good! So far so good. Ok, a few more now, the broken ones. Take a small breath in Horatio." Joe pressed on the left side of the ribcage. Horatio flinched and groaned in pain. He moved in the bed now and let his head drop back down onto the pillow.
"You ok, Horatio?" Calleigh asked now, looking over to Joe worried.
"Ummm." Was all that came out of his mouth. Joe was quickly becoming concerned, his pain should not be this bad, he thought.
"Were almost done, ok? Hang in there." Joe said, reassuring him and her now.
"Ok, were going to the chest now. Take another small breath in and relax."
"That's easy for you to say!" Calleigh snapped at Joe, seeing the pain Horatio was in.
Horatio grabbed his ribs and tried not to laugh. Joe smiled back to Horatio and said, "She's a feisty one huh?" Shaking his head, smiling.
"Mm-hmm." Horatio answered with a small chuckle.
Joe pressed on the left side of his chest and Horatio groaned and made a grab for his hand.
"Whoa, it's ok. Take an easy. Breathe Horatio, breathe. Sorry I,…didn't think I pressed that hard." Joe had a worried look on his face now.
Horatio shook his head, "You didn't." He groaned.
It took a moment but now Joe gave him a glare, realizing. "Your not taking your pain killers, are you?" Joe asked, annoyed now.
Horatio looked away and didn't meet his eyes.
Joe went to the bottom of the bed and grabbed his chart off the railing. He snorted, shaking his head, "Well, it's ONLY been 8 hours since your last dose." He said sarcastically.
"How do you expect me to send you home when you're not taking your meds and giving your body enough time to heal and rest?"
"Horatio?" Calleigh questioned him now. "I asked you,… you said you were!
"No Cal,...What I said was, I was fine." He tilted his head to her. She gave him a glare now. "Calleigh, I was feeling better, the pain just started now. It wasn't this bad. The meds keep knocking me out. I need to have a clear mind right now; I need to be able to focus, you know this."
"You need to rest and heal up Horatio."
Joe walked over to the wall and pressed the button, "Maria get me 4 mg of Dilaudid, stat." He let go and walked back to the bedside.
"Wait, I don't need that right now, I just…"
"Really, you want to be the doctor for a while here. Let me know, because I would never, try to tell you, how to do your job…Lieutenant! Joe was upset now.
"I am not trying to tell you…"
"Then let me do my job and help you. You're in pain and don't need to be. Sleep it off while you can. Officers are outside and inside as well, why are you not willing to rest?" Joe looked over to Calleigh.
Horatio was frustrated now and knew Joe was right. Looking down and fiddling with the sheet he said, "I have a job to do. I have to find out who's doing this and I'm just trying to keep my mind clear…those drugs are not helping. I need to be sharp and I can't be, with those."
"You know….. you have to be one of the most stubborn patients I ever known! I do understand what you are saying but… but, your ribs are broken and your chest is crushed. Should I go on about the pneumonia and your MRI results?" Joe had his hand on his hip now, with his head tilted, looking at Horatio.
"Horatio, please just take the meds. I promise I'll be right here." Calleigh said.
He couldn't say no to her. He shook his head yes to her, and then looked over to Joe.
"Can we make it a lower dose?"
"Yes, we can, but If you want to go home tomorrow, I would get all the rest I could, today." Joe leaned down near his ear, "Women have a way with words, don't they?" He whispered, smiling to Horatio now. Happy that Calleigh convinced him.
"Ah Maria, nice of you to join us. STAT, takes on a whole new meaning." He joked.
She handed him the needle and he gave Horatio the shot. "It's a low dose ok. I'll be back later to check on you….Behave!"
He left smiling now with Maria. "See you in a bit Calleigh, try and get some rest yourself."
"Ok, thanks Joe!" She smiled and went back over to Horatio now. She sat in the chair and took hold of his hand.
He lookedat her and said, "So much for our little talk."
"We have plenty of time to talk Horatio, rest now, ok? Please!"
"Ok, Cal. What time is it?"
"Horatio! …
"What?.. I just want to know the time." He said innocently, with puppy dog eyes to her.
It's 8:15 Horatio, you got a hot date or something?" She laughed and so did he now.
"Nope,… My hot date is right here!" And he held up her hand that was holding his. His eyes slowly began to close.
"What am I going to do with you Horatio?" Calleigh asked, smiling.
"Hmm,.. Well,… I can think of a number of things…." He said seductively low and chuckled deeply.
"Horatio Caine!"
She called out but his eyes had already closed and his lips were curled up into a small smile. He fell asleep.
She smiled and cuddled into the chair with his hand in hers still and fell asleep that way.
TBC...