"Hey Frank, come in, how are you doing? We were getting worried about you."
"Thanks, I'm fine Calleigh, Jessop took the worse of it, he's at the hospital now. They said he has a bad concussion. I just stopped home to change quickly, how is H doing, is he up yet?"
"Yes he is, c'mon. Can I get you something Frank? A drink or something to eat?"
"Well, if you know of any tricks, on how to get rid of one doozy of a headache? Maybe we can just replace the whole head, that is, if you have any extras... lying around." He joked, holding his head now.
She brought him into the bedroom and Horatio was sitting up now in the bed. He quickly saw the bandage on Franks forehead and shook his head in disgust. He gave him a concerned look now, tilting his head to him.
"Frank, you... ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine H, just a bad headache."
Calleigh reached for the bottle of Tylenol and poured a glass of water, now walking it over to Frank.
"Here you go, take these; they should help a bit at least, it's just Tylenol."
"Thanks Calleigh." He took the pills and washed them down with the water.
"So, what happened, Frank?" Calleigh now sitting down on the couch, listening.
"I'm still not sure. It happened so quickly. Jessop and I were standing outside in front. The Greenhill's were inside, everything was quiet, no problems, nothing... not even a phone, like you said H."
"They didn't contact anyone..."
"No. No one, Greenhill was scared shirtless and knew that would be a mistake. He told me about this Judge Ratner, H. He's, not tied to tightly H, and he really has it in for you."
Horatio gave Frank a look and Frank caught on, he quickly changed the subject. Calleigh was worried enough about him and this Judge; it would only make her worry more to talk about it.
"Ok, so we were outside talking and Jessop thought he heard something. He walked over to the house, saying something to me about a beeping sound and next thing I knew, he was running and yelling, telling me to get down. If that kid didn't hear that sound, well, we probably wouldn't be talking right now." He said, clearly upset now. Holding his head.
"Ok, sounds like a timing device... Tell me everything, Frank. Did anyone get close to the house when you were outside?"
"No. no one in or out, I'm telling you H, no one knew..."
"Well, someone knew..."
"Yeah... can't argue there." Frank said, now rubbing his head.
"Ok, let me think... Mrs. Greenhill made breakfast for us and we had some coffee, and.."
"Back up, go in steps, Frank...Tell me everything you did and everything they did, including Jessop."
"Right, my heads a bit foggy, right now, let me..."
"Maybe you should take a break right now, Frank?" Calleigh said getting up and grabbing and ice pack for him now. "Here, put this on the back of you're neck, it will help."
"Thanks, Calleigh, I'm fine..." She now rolled her eyes up and walked back to the couch, snuggling with a big pillow, lifting her legs under her. Horatio watched her and smiled. He wanted to be that pillow.
"Really, now where have I heard that before?" She sassed, looking at Horatio now.
Frank laughed now and Horatio shook his head and chuckled.
"You men are all a like, you just don't listen to reason." She stated firmly.
Horatio now looking at the blanket, and Frank looking away from her. She began to laugh now.
"Ok, go ahead... get on with it." She said to Frank now.
"She's tough Frank,... look out."
"Yeah, I can see that. Thank you for the ice pack, umm, nurse ratchet." He chuckled.
"Ok, so we ate and went out side and did our routine check of the place, nothing new. Jessop had the back and I had the front. Everything checked out, H."
"Tell me something. Did you see it?"
"No, Jessop saw it in the flower pot, he saw it, not me."
"Ok, was it there, when you did your morning check?"
Now Frank put his hand to his head, thinking hard, seeing himself in the morning, checking the place out. Horatio knew he was going back and tracing his steps; he quietly waited and looked over to Calleigh. Her eyelids heavy now, she had to be exhausted he thought, especially after...
"No... Dam it! No, it wasn't there... I'm sure!" His fingers softly rolling across his lips now.
Calleigh's eyes, now snapping wide open, at his loud voice.
"Ok, lets go from there, did you go back in the house?"
"NO...wait... that kid... I think..."
"What kid, Frank?"
"Jessop ordered take out for the Greenhill's. That delivery kid, I saw him bending, to pick up something. He was right near the flower pots, H. It has to be, but how the hell would anyone know..."
"Did you order take out before? Was it the same delivery person, Frank?"
"Yes, we did and no it wasn't the same delivery kid. Dam, how could I have been so..."
"Ok, take a easy, Frank, lets not concentrate on that, lets find out about this delivery kid, ok?"
"So you think he did it?"
"Yes, I think he planted a bomb, but I already know who's behind all of this. C'mon, let's go find our bomber!" Horatio's eyes intense now. He threw off the blankets and began to get up.
"Hold on, Horatio, just where do you think you're going? You can't be serious."
Calleigh quickly getting up now and walking over to the bed. He sat up on the edge now and spoke to her.
"I feel better Calleigh, it's alright." He said, in a soft voice, looking up at her now.
"Here we go again... NO! It's not alright, Horatio! You can hardly move and your ribs are never going to heal like this." Her voice raising with each word now, her eyes glassy.
"Umm, I am going to use... the bathroom. I'll be right back." He excused himself now, and walking out, gave Horatio a questioning look.
Horatio reached out and took her hand in his now, pulling her down to sit next to him. Looking her in the eyes, seeing how upset and worried she was for him. He spoke gently and softly to her now.
"Calleigh, listen to me, ok? I'm ok... I think you know that. My ribs are fine and will take time to heal, but other than that, I'm fine, right?"
She turned her head away from him now. His hand quickly bringing it back up to keep eye contact. Her eyes began welling up now.He sighed and squeezed her hand with his.
"Sweetheart I'm ok, and I'll even make you a promise, ok?" His fingers now moving her hair out of her face.
His eyes embedded on her now and she looked deeply back into his, knowing how easily they could sweep her away. She looked deeper and knew, she knew how, he had to do this, how it was part of who he was.
It was,... who she loved,... Horatio.
There was no denying it, she knew, this is who he was, and this is what he felt he had to do. Make things right again, get the bad guy, put him away, to make the world a safer place. She softened now and took a breath. He saw it, he saw her release the tension now and relax, her shoulder sinking down. She understood and he didn't even finish what he had to say to her. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She pulled back and tilted her head to him.
"Hmm, before you make me forget. What's the promise?" He kissed her again so softly.
"Mmm, ok, I promise you... I will come right back after we see this guy, ok? I'll come back and I'll rest, just like you want me too, ok? Now, umm... I have a request, ok? I want you to get some rest while I'm gone, you're exhausted Calleigh and I need you to umm... be well rested,... For later." His voice low now, his eyebrows going up to her. She smiled and blushed and he pulled her close.
She got up and he followed her now to the bathroom. She pulled out a few towels and a washcloth, putting them on the sink.
"Ok, here you go, all set?"
"Mmm, thank you Calleigh. Thank you for... Understanding."
He pulled her into his arms and held her close again. She rested her head against his chest and sighed, the feeling of closeness to him and the feeling that only Horatio could give to her. Safeness and security, only found in his arms. He rested his chin on her head, playing with her hair.
"Ok, I'll let you get started." She pulled back and smiled to him.
"Hmm, yes.. sounds good." She gave him a questioning look and he slowly pressed his body into hers now, pinning her against the bathroom sink. He gave her a deep wet kiss and pulled back. Looking into her eyes now, seeing her dazed. He whispered.
"Mmm, I love that look. You make me want to..." She placed her finger over his lips, hushing him, he growled.
"Let's go lieutenant... Better get a move on."
As she slowly removed her finger and traced it down his chest, slowly to his stomach and walked out of the bathroom now, chuckling. Listening to him groan now, as she pulled the door closed behind her.
She went out to find Frank sitting on the couch with his head back. She figured she'd let him rest a while.
"So can Horatio come out to play?" He chuckled now.
"I'm glad you're feeling better." She sassed. "Yes, he can and you had better keep an eye on him. He's not, doing to well; I don't think he's up for this yet." She shook her head now, worried.
"I'll keep an eye on him Calleigh, ok?"
"Please Frank, make sure he doesn't overdue it."
"Yeah well with H, that's like trying to hold back a volcano... you can't. It's imminent. I'll get him back here before you know it."
Calleigh sighed now, her body beginning to feel the exhaustion. She couldn't wait to put her head down and sleep.
"Yeah well, just wait till Alexx finds out, I'll bet, she's gonna go berserk."
He laughed now and Calleigh just sighed again, putting her hands to her head, thinking about it now. She gave him a look and walked back to the bedroom. She sat on the bed waiting for him; she laid back now relaxing her legs, hanging off the bed. She closed her eyes only for a moment.
She felt something on her, warm... on her neck and she moved a bit. Then she felt it again on her neck and moving up to her face and lips... Her eyes shot open. It was Horatio, he was leaning over her giving her soft kisses. A smile now growing on her face.
She sat up looking at him now; his pants were on, but open at his waist and his belt hanging. His fingers now buttoning his shirt up, that was hanging out of his pants. He smiled down to her and she got up.
"Mmm, that smell, I love how you smell." She said to him, with her eyes closed, concentrating on it. He gave her a chuckled.
"Where's Frank?"
"Outside on the couch... Resting." She said, yawing now to him.
His heart now CAPTURED by her, his mind telling him to go to work and his heart telling him to hold her close and never let her go.
He wanted to hold her close and let her sleep in his arms, but now he was leaving. His mind trying to figure this all out, his heart telling him to stay, pulling him closer to her. He shook his head for a moment trying to clear his thoughts.
He tucked his shirt in, buttoned his pants and closed his belt. He walked over to his bag and pulled out his badge and ID, hesitating now. No gun, he stood up now and placed his badge on his belt and pocketed his ID. His hands going to his hips, now looking at Calleigh, tilting his head. She smiled at him now, leaning her arms back on the bed.
"You look good, handsome and you smell,... even better." She smiled.
"My gun?"
"Oh, right... Stetler took it... Evidence."
Horatio shook his head now and his jaw set. Calleigh saw him getting upset now and quickly tried to lighting the situation.
"I'll get you my back up, hold on a second." She jumped up and went into her closet. She pulled out a metal box and unlocked it. He watched her as she took out her back up gun and slipped a clip into it, then checking the chamber.
"Ok, here you go, lock and loaded. Take good care of him, he's... one of my favorites." Her smile bigger now.
"Hmm, thank you Calleigh, I will take care of... Him." He chuckled.
She watched as he was adjusting his holster and placing the gun in it now. She hugged him, arms fully around him and reaching together at his back. He grunted a moment and she loosened her hold just a bit, smiling up at him. He put his arms around her and pulled her in more, tightly.
"Go easy, please. Be careful, ok?"
"Mmm, yes Ma'ma. Now, I um,... I'm gonna need... my phone." He said, with a grin to her.
"Oh my, I forgot all about it, hold on a minute." She went to the draw of the night table and took it out. She walked back over to him and handed it to him.
"Safe and sound, and now you can even call me, right?" She wrapped both arms around his neck now.
"Of course I will, you don't have to worry, I promise to keep you updated."
"If you know what's good for you... you had better." She smiled, raising her eyebrows to him and fixing his collar. I could... come with you..."
"No, you're on Vacation... Remember?"
He smiled at her now and she looked down.
"So, you didn't think I knew, did you? How long, did you take?"
Now her head spinning, she was not ready for this, she was not sure what to say, and she didn't want to lie to him.
"Hmm, As long as I need. I even cleared it with the Chief; he was more than happy to help me. " She gave him a satisfied look.
"The chief Calleigh, just how much time did you ask for?"
Calleigh now realizing she gave Horatio way to much information in that sentence. She knew how quickly he could put things together. Of course he would know...
"He told me to let him know, Horatio... I do have plenty of time built up, you know."
"Ok, alright, we'll talk more about this later." She nodded her hear, no to him now.
"There is nothing to talk about, it's my vacation time to do as I like. Right now, there's nothing more I'd like,... than to be, with... you. Now she was getting upset again. " If you don't want me to..."
"No, That's not... That's not what I meant, Calleigh. Of course I want,... to be with you, I just don't want you,... wasting you time on..." Franks phone began to ring.
Horatio now pulled her close and held her. She hugged him back and he softly leaned down and kissed her.
"Hey, we going anytime today?" Frank yelled from outside now.
"Yes, be right there, Frank."
"Yep, alright." Frank groaned.
"Calleigh, I'll,... see you a little while?" He asked, tilting his head to her, making sure she was not angry at him. "I'll call you and let you know what we find, ok?"
"Ok, Horatio, please be careful, and don't forget your promise to come right back. I'll be... waiting." She said, raising her eyebrows to him, up and down now. She leaned on her toes and gave him a kiss, he returned it and they walked out of the bedroom to Frank.
"Mmm, ... Ok, we'll... see you in a bit, Calleigh." He smiled to her.
"Thanks again for the Tylenol Calleigh, it really helped. We'll see you later."
Calleigh walked them to the door and watched them get into Franks car. Horatio having trouble just trying to get in. She shook her head, very concerned for him. Why did he have to be so stubborn, she thought. Then she answered her own question... Because he's Horatio.
She smiled now and they pulled away, Horatio looking back at Calleigh now. She gave him a smile and slowly closed the door, the officer's still standing guard.
"You doing alright, H?"
"Yes, Frank... Fine, thank you. You have an address on this kid yet?"
"Yep, just got call a few minutes ago, his place is just a few minutes away. Supposedly Freddy Gonzales is not working today, so maybe we'll catch him at home. I'd loved, to get my hands on that dirt bag."
Horatio took a breath and smiled. "That makes, two of us, Frank."
"Ok, Its right up here, 149 Drew street. Looks pretty quiet here, want me to pull up in front?"
"No, lets pull over and park it here, we don't want to spook him if he is home."
Frank parked the car and they got out. They slowly walked up to the house, checking the area.
"No car in the driveway, looks like he's not home."
"Do you remember the car he was driving?"
"Yep, red ford mustang."
Horatio walked up to the door and leaned over, looking into the window now. His hand now removing his gun and holding it ready. Frank had his gun in his hand and gave Horatio a nod.
"Ready?" Horatio nodded back, ready and waiting, gun aimed at the door.
Frank, rang the bell a few times, there was no answer. Horatio now began to walk off to the side of the house. Frank went around the other side, both men meeting in the back.
"Ah, that's welcoming, wouldn't you say, Frank?" Horatio spotting the sliding door ajar. One hand on his hip, his eyes scanning.
"Yep, I definitely would, how stupid can this guy be, to leave his door open like that?"
"Lucky for us... Very stupid." Horatio pulled on the door and they both entered.
Guns drawn now, they checked out the place.
"It looks like no ones home."
"Yes well, it also looks like we found our bomber." Horatio now holding up some wires, showing Frank.
"So that's it then."
No... This is just the triggering switch, everything else is laid out right here, he just has to put it together." Horatio now picking up a small box, with a counter on it.
"So he used a timer, it wasn't set off manually, It was on a time delay,... or... maybe not." Now his eyes discovering a remote, tilting his head, thinking.
They checked around the house and found a gun and some ammunition. Horatio was now near the front door, Frank standing off to the side. Horatio heard a sound and looked up, the door opened. The kid looked shocked to see someone just standing there and his eyes moved and he saw Frank and bolted.
"Hold it! POLICE! MDPD, Freeze!"
The kid was out the door faster than he came in, Frank was quickly on the move. Horatio now going out the back door, gun in hand, hoping Frank would lead him there.
"I said hold it!" Frank now running out of steam, chasing him around the side of the house. The kid looked back at Frank while running and when he turned around he ran headstrong, right into Horatio. Horatio's gun dropping as he took him down in almost a bear hug, holding on.
The kid struggling and thrashing against Horatio now, caught him with a few blows, knocking the air out of him. Horatio quickly, trying to gain some kind of control, flipped the kid on his stomach and pulled his arms behind his back. Telling him now to stay still, leaning his knee into his back. Frank quickly came over and cuffed him, yanking him off the floor and out of Horatio's hands. Still trying to catch his breath.
"Get your hands off me man." Frank quickly letting go now, letting him drop to the ground, face first.
"Oops." Frank said now, with a small chuckle.
Horatio now bent over, holding his ribs, coughing. Looking over at Frank, shaking his head.
"You ok?"
"No man, I think you broke my nose... get me off..."
"Shut up, stupid! I'm not talking to you!"
"Horatio?" Fanks asked.
Frank moved closer to him, watching the suspect thrash on the floor, warning him not to move. He put his hand on Horatio's back and patted it, his eyes asking Horatio again.
"I'm... Ok, Frank. Lets get a car for him, alright?" Horatio now standing straight up again, holding his ribs, taking a few deep breaths.
"Ok, H. Why don't you go sit in the car, I'll get things straighten out here, ok?" Frank bent down and picked up Horatio's gun, handing it to him.
"Thanks Frank. I'm gonna give Eric and Ryan a call. I need them to process this place."
"Ok, H."
Frank pulled the perp up and began walking him to the car out front. Horatio stopped him a moment.
"Who put you up to this, son?"
"I got nothin to say to you!"
"It will go easier on you if you talk to us. Do you know what you get for attempted murder... on a police officer?"
"Hey man... I didn't try to kill no cop, just that other Judge."
"Who put you up to it?" Frank now questioned, harshly.
"No way, man... I'm not saying a word, I'm safe, you can't touch me."
"Safe? Really,... well let me give you, an idea, of just how safe you are. Have you heard of some little thing called the death penalty? Well that's what we have here in Florida, that's what you're going to get, if you don't start talking. So talk!" Horatio now with his hand on his hip and the other cradling his ribs.
"I ain't going to jail man, you'll see. I ain't gettin no death penalty, either"
"Really. We'll, all the evidence inside says... YOU ARE!"
"Yeah, un-huh well see. like I said, I ain't saying nothin man, so piss off!" Frank slapped him in the back of his head now.
"Stupid, takes on a whole new meaning with you!"
"Hey man, that's police brutality, you can't hit me."
"Really? Oh dam, my hand must have slipped, sometimes it has a mind of its own."
He pulled on his arms and dragged him to the car. He opened the back door for him and when the perp bent to get in, frank slapped his head into the roof of the car, dazing the perp now. His head springing back.
"Oops, there it goes again."
He now just shoved him in and slammed the door shut, leaning on the car door now. His arms crossed over his chest, watching Horatio, he could tell he was in pain. Now he just had to figure out a way to get him to sit down and relax for minute. Before figuring out a way to get him back home, to Calleigh's
Horatio opened his phone and dialed Eric.
"Delko."
"Eric, I need you and Mr. Wolf to come over to 149 drew street and process a crime scene."
"H, where are you? You're supposed to be..."
"Eric I need this done ASAP, we found our bomber. There's material and trigger switches, It could be the break we need.
"Ok, H, I'll get Ryan, we'll be right over. Are you alone, H?" Should I..."
"No Eric, Frank is with me and we're--- finee. Horatio gasped as he felt a sharp pain run through his ribs now. Eric heard it, he knew, he tried to reassure him. "We're just... waiting on a squad car.. now."
"Ok, H, We'll see you in a bit." Eric said with hesitation.
A moment later Franks phone rang. Horatio grinning now, knowing that was Eric. Well he thought to himself. He was very lucky to have such a caring team, they always managed to come through for one another. He smiled thinking about it and Calleigh came to mind. He looked down at his phone and now over to Frank. He pressed a button and was dialing Calleigh.
"Duquesne."
"Calleigh, its me, we got him. We got the bomber. Just waiting on a squad car now.. to pick him up."
"That's great, Horatio. Is he talking yet?"
"No, but I think that will change, once we get him to the lab. Once he sees the evidence against him, he'll cooperate." Calleigh, now with hesitation in her voice.
"So you're... going back to the... lab?" She said softly.
"No Calleigh, I'm not. Frank is, he's going to bring me back as soon as the squad car gets here. So I'll um,.. see you soon."
Now Calleigh thinking, something had to be wrong... Horatio not going back to the lab? She questioned him just a bit.
"Are you ok, Horatio? Did everything..." He cut her off and knew what she was doing, he laughed a bit inside to himself now.
"Everything is fine, Calleigh. Eric and Ryan are coming to process the scene and we have the bomber."
"Ok, Horatio... I'm... glad you caught him."
"Me too Calleigh, so,.. I'll um,... I'll,... See you in a bit."
"Ok, ok Horatio, bye."
He closed the phone and closed his eyes. He noticed a feeling going through him, warm, something different, something special. It was Calleigh, he knew. She just completely relaxed him and soothed his pains. She was healing him without even knowing it, her words, her voice, so softly going through him, soothing. He took a breath and walked over to the car now and stood there with Frank. Frank moving over now and watching the perp, Horatio turned, his back now leaning against the front door.
"You want to try again with this clown, H?"
Horatio turning to the right to look at him a moment. The perp yelling an carrying on in the back seat now. Horatio shook his head and Frank yelled at the perp.
"Hey stupid, if you don't stop yelling, I am going to personally come in there and gag you! Now shut up!"
"No, Frank, he's not going to say anything right now, not till he talks to his lawyer, who in turn needs to talk with a certain judge, i'll bet."
Frank's fingers rubbing along his mouth now, realizing what H, was talking about.
"We're gonna get him, H. This guy is gonna talk, trust me."
"Frank, lets keep our heads on, ok? This guy is just the messenger, we want the chief, the brains behind it all, the primary. We'll get him, I know."
Horatio now looking at the red mustang in the driveway. He frowned.
"Does he have the keys on him?" Horatio nodding to the car, his eyes very intense, concentrating.
"Yeah, hold on, I'll get em. I just love it, when you get that look in your eye."
Horatio chuckled.
Frank put his hand on the door handle, and Horatio turned now toward Frank and the back door. The squad car just pulling up now, siren whaling, followed by a hummer, Eric and Ryan now arriving too.
Frank pulled up on the door handle and the perp, using his two feet, kicked it out with all his might, sending Frank flying back-wards off balance, onto the ground. Horatio now moving toward the door and the perp. The door now swinging out fully, catching Horatio in the midsection, as he took the brunt of it's impact. He went down hard, with a grunt, slamming against the car now, sliding down to the ground.
Eric and Ryan seeing what happened, Ryan now jumping out of the moving hummer to help. The perp now wiggling out of the car and started to run as Ryan tackled him to the ground. He flipped him over and punched him in the face a few times, yelling at him as a hand grabbed his, now stopping him.
"Ryan! Ryan!... calm down, you got him, you got him." Eric now helping out Horatio as Frank tried to calm Ryan down.
"You piece of shit, I should beat----."
"I got him Ryan!" Frank pulled Gonzales up and shoved him at the officers.
"Get this dirt-bag out of our sight, before he really gets hurt."
The two officers now shoving him in the back of their squad car now and slamming the door shut.
"H, are you ok, can you get up?"
Eric asking, squatting in front of Horatio, holding his right arm, trying to give him support.
"Hmm, Yea...h, I, um,... I think so." He groaned.
"Lean on me, H." Eric said calling to the others." Ryan! Frank! Give me a hand."
Ryan was quick to help, holding him under his other arm, supporting his weight now with Eric. Frank opened the car door now, so Horatio could get in. Horatio groaned now, finding it very hard to move and breathe. His ribs were killing him and trying to get into the car was not working.
"Let's get him in the hummer, I think, he'll be more comfortable." Eric said.
"He's not looking real good, maybe we ought to get him checked out at the hospital." Frank added.
"No...no .. hos...pital... I'm fine." He grunted and gasped now, holding his ribs.
"You don't look fine, H. Maybe we can get Alexx to check him out?" Ryan now helping him to the hummer.
They got him into the front seat of the hummer as Horatio slouched low in the seat, now in severe pain. He started to cough again and held his ribs as his body ached.
"I think we should call an ambulance." Frank said now, looking at Horatio.
"NO! He quickly answered Frank, from the hummer. "I'... Said...I'm fine. I don't need an ambulance, I need a bed... to rest it off. Just take me back to...Cal...lieghs...pla--."
His breath caught now, his eyes closing and his head going back. His hands cradling his ribs, he was almost gasping for air.
Ryan quickly, but gently dropped the lever down on the seat and reclined Horatio now. Trying to make him more comfortable, he now noticed the blood on his lips.
"H, you sure you're ok? We can take you..."
"Take me b...ack ..to...Cal..." He gasped the words out.
"Ok, H we're going back."
Ryan told Eric and Frank about the blood and Eric agreed to drive him back to Calleigh's with Frank. Ryan stood behind to get the processing started and to make sure Alexx would meet them at Calleigh's.
"Hey, H, you still with us?"
"Um-hmm, I'm ok, lets not worry Cal..leigh about this...ok guys?" He coughed again and groaned in pain.
"Alright H, don't worry about it, just relax right now, ok?" Horatio nodded his head this time.
"Frank, what the hell happened back there? How did he get the car door open?"
"He didn't, I went to open it up and bozo pulled a fast one on me, using his feet. Before that, he tried to mow H down, but H took him down instead. That Son of a bitch, just wouldn't give up, I knew I should have..."
"Frank---." Horatio gasped.
"Alright H. Alright.. Are You ok?"
"Yes, fine."
"Ok, here we are. Let me come around before you try to get--- Wait, H."
Horatio already opened his door and began to slide out. Frank now grabbing him and Eric taking his other arm as Horatio almost collapsed.
"Easy, H... We got you... almost there, alright...H?" They we're practically carrying him now. Both men had their arms around his back, lifting him in unison, up the stairs now and to the front door. Eric rang the bell and Calleigh answered smiling now. Not expecting this, her smile quickly faded. He look terrible.
"Oh my god... What happened?" Her hand went to her mouth in shock.
"Just help us get him in Calleigh, we'll tell you in a second."
"Here, bring him in here." She pulled the bed covers down all the way. Taking another look at him, her heart sank.
"He's bleeding, do you two know this?" They laid him down and he groaned in pain now.
"Yeah, Alexx is on the way, he wouldn't let us take him back to the hospital..."
"No, I'm...f ...i.ne, ju..s t gi..ve m..e..." He was coughing again, now more blood showing on his lips.
"Just what the hell happened?" Calleigh clearly upset now, looking at Frank. Horatio hearing her voice, he knew she was upset.
"Cal... I'm... ok." He tried to give her a smile, it didn't work, his face wrinkled in pain now.
"Ssh Horatio, don't talk, ok? Just lay there, don't move." She quickly retrieved the basin and washcloth, gently laying one on his head now.
"It's his ribs, Calleigh." Frank said, looking down at Horatio. She glared at Frank now.
"So, one of you better start talking..."
She pulled off his side holster now and he groaned in pain. She wiped the blood from his lips and began unbuttoning his shirt.
"Well first, the suspect ran right into him, and then, he kicked the car door opened with his feet, catching us off guard. He sent me flying and as the door sung out, it um, it umm,... caught H in his midsection, he took the rest of the impact."
"I spoke to him, he seemed fine. I can't believe this. Eric can you get me some cold water for him."
"He was at first, it wasn't till we tried to get the suspect out of the car. That's when he kicked the door open."
"Well did you get him at least?"
"Oh, yeah... We got him, and Ryan rearranged his face. I had to drag him off the suspect. They had just pulled up when all hell broke loose and saw what had happened"
"Thank god, they were there to help."
Calleigh now opening his shirt to the sides, gasped in disbelief. Frank hissed out a breath and starting rubbing his head, in shock.
"Horatio, try not to move, ok?"
"Hmm..." His eyes closed.
She rang out the wash cloth and covered the new blue-black area on his ribs. They were swollen and bruised badly. She gently laid the cloth on him and he flinched, groaning in pain. His hand quickly covering hers now as he groaned. Calleigh ran her hand over his forehead and through his hair.
"Just try to relax, ok? I know it hurts." Tears, beginning to well now in her eyes.
"Here the water Calleigh."
"Thanks Eric." She helped him lift his head and gave him some. The bell rang.
"That'll be Alexx, hopefully." Eric said. "I'll get it Calleigh."
"Maybe you should give him some of the pain killers, Calleigh?" Frank stated.
"I just want Alexx to take a look before I give him anything, Frank."
"Good, idea."
Alexx came walking into the room with her medical kit in hand.
"Ok, tell me what happened, I just got the half-ass version from Ryan."
She looked over at Frank and Eric. She moved over to the bed now and Calleigh walked around to the other side, Giving her room.
"What can I do to help Alexx?" Calleigh now feeling very guilty for letting him go in the first place.
"Let me have a look at him and we'll see, honey."
Frank now explaining what happened to Alexx. She took one look at his ribs and shook her head now, her eyes coming up to meet Calleigh's.
"Horatio, honey,... you with us?"
"Hmm.. Y..es." His eyes half opened. He groaned.
"Ok, just relax, like you're doing, I'm going to feel around, ok?"
"Hm, need ... to check the car...Fra..nk." Horatio now remembering he wanted that car searched.
"Ok honey, listen. Stop talking ok, Frank has it under control. Don't you Frank?" She gave him a glare.
She took one of the cloths from Calleigh and wiped some dried blood off his lips again.
"Oh yeah,.. We got it H, don't worry about it. Ryan's checking it all out now." Frank looking at Eric dumbfounded now.
Alexx began to examine him and removed the cloth that Calleigh had on his ribs now. She gasped and her hand went to her mouth in shock. She was shaking her head now, looking over at Frank and Eric. She slowly palpated the area and he groaned in pain and grabbed her hand. His stomach muscles tensing now, his head pressing back into the pillow.
"Alright, it's alright Horatio." Calleigh gave her a questioning look and Alex shook her head and looked over to Eric now.
"I think we need to get him to the hospital." Alexx said to Eric now. Horatio mumbled something, groaning now.
"You want me to call for an ambulance Alexx?" Eric asked her.
"Yeah, I think he has..."
Horatio now beginning to move, trying to get up. Calleigh placed her hand on his shoulders and tried to calm him now. Alexx helped her.
"Horatio, just lay still."
"No... no... Hos.. I'm...he started coughing now."
"Alright, easy, no hospital, ok? Just relax like you were doing, ok?" She lifted his head a bit to help the coughing. Her eyes wide looking over at Eric again.
"Calleigh did you give him anything yet?"
"No Alexx. I was waiting for you, to be sure."
"Ok sweetheart." Alexx looked in her bag and pulled out a syringe and a bottle of medication.
"Jus...t let m..e r..est a bit, I'm... fin..." Alexx now putting her hand on his head, softly caressing it.
"You're fine. Just relax, go ahead, rest Horatio."
Alexx went over to Eric and Frank while Calleigh stood with him, holding his hand.
Alexx whispered something and Frank answered.
"I thought he has an appointment tomorrow, right?"
Yes, he does, but if he's bleeding, we should get him there today, don't you think Frank?"
"No...no no... hospi...tal No...morrow" Alexx went back over to him to calm him down now.
"Horatio, listen to me. First I need to lay still, ok? Now, I know you don't want to go to the hospital but you could be bleeding internally again. I don't want to take that chance with you honey, you understand me?"
"No hosp...ital Ale-lexx. Just let me rest, tom--morrw, I go... promi..se tha...t. Re..st, ok?" He was short of breath and in pain, trying to convince her now. Gasping each word out.
"Alright Horatio, stop talking now and rest, like you just promised, ok?"
"Hmm." He nodded his head and opened his eyes more now, Calleigh in his view. He gave her a small smile and closed his eyes, relaxing now. She started to softly rub his hand with hers.
Alexx now preparing an injection to give to him. She pulled out an alcohol wipe and opened it. She made quick work of it, as she pulled his pants down off his hip area, and quickly wiped and stuck him. His eyes shot open and his hand went to grab for the needle but Alexx had it. Calming him now, just letting him know, it was for pain. His eyes now slowly closing and his breathing becoming even again, the medication quickly knocking him out.
"Ok, someone want to tell me how this happened in the first place?" Alexx now fuming, looking over at Frank and Eric. Frank and Eric looking down now. Calleigh shaking her head and tears now in her eyes.
"It's my fault. I should never have let him go..."