Ok, you guys are too kind. Thanks so much for the great reviews, it makes me get the next chapters out quicker...as you can see.
These next few are quite long, so grab a drink and settled down for the long haul! LOL
"Now Horatio, before you go doing anything... Just listen, ok?"
Alexx gently placed her hand over his, stopping him. He looked at her now with intensity and question in his eyes. He tilted his head to her, and waited for her to continue.
This was her chance, she knew it. She knew she would probably not get another, by that look in his eyes. She stood up straight and placed one hand on her hip, never breaking eye contact with him.
"Joe had to splint the ribs, there's one rubbing up against your lung and it's causing you to have breathing problems. The only way he could do this was to immobilize your left arm. Every-time you move it, you risk the chance of knocking it out of place again and puncturing that lung. You have to rest a bit and let that heal properly. You don't want to puncture your lung again, do you?" You do want to get out of here, don't you?" Alexx said, moving her head from side to side. The doctor attitude and reasoning, taking over now.
Horatio gave her a look and coolly grinned, nodding his head. He knew what she was doing.
"Nice try." His voice low but deep.
"Horatio Caine, You must rest! What's it gonna take for you to rest?"
She shook her head now thinking,... well that didn't work, but maybe a softer approach would.
His answer came quick and precise. "You can't be serious? You really don't expect me to stay, ... like this!"
He leaned up showing her and put his right hand out, annoyed now that he could hardly move. He reached over and tried to press the button to raise his bed up. Alexx quickly took over for him when she realized what he was reaching for. She was just as quick with him now.
"Oh yes I do, Horatio! You'll be out of that before you know it, just forget about it now and let your body rest and heal up. Stop being stubborn, and listen for just once to reason, will you?"
Alexx now clearly becoming annoyed with him. He took a breath in and tilted his head to her. His eyes seemed to soften on hers now.
Calleigh was now beginning to wake, hearing voices,... arguing, disagreeing? She wasn't sure, but her eyes remained closed. She lied still now, and listened to them.
"Alexx... I ---."
She quickly cut him off now, seeing his vulnerability. His tone changed now, it was soft, smooth. She had him now and quickly went for the kill.
"Don't Alexx me with those puppy dog eyes; it's not going to work! Not this time, Horatio! You have to listen and let your ribs heal, you have to stop being stubborn, and most of all, you have to stop worrying that girl over there." She nodded her head to where Calleigh laid. Horatio eyebrows went up and he looked over to Calleigh for a moment.
He raised his right hand to his forehead, and rubbed it. He took a deep breath in and winced in pain, his right hand covering his ribs now. He let his head fall back onto the pillow. Alexx shook her head now, not happy with herself.
"Are you ok? She asked softly. "We're just worried about you, honey." She placed her hand on his arm now, softly rubbing it. She gave him a smile. "Please, just rest for a few days... just a few Horatio, that's all we're asking for."
"How's she doing, Alexx?" He looked over to Calleigh's bed. "The last thing I want to do is..." He shook his head now, looking down.
"She's fine, Horatio, Just worried like the rest of us, you know? I really don't think you want to worry her more, right? Besides being exhausted, don't forget, she was injured too and needs to rest. If you go off half cocked, what do you think she's going to do, hmm? Well let me tell you mister, she'll be right by your side."
He took another breath in, listening to Alexx's words. They were all true, he knew she was right, and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt Calleigh. He shook his head now, she was hurt already because of him, he thought about it all now.
He clenched his jaw down and looked away from Alexx. Alexx quickly seeing his concentration knew exactly what he was thinking again, it was his fault. She would not let him think about that for long. She quickly took his mind off it now and put it where it needed to be. On Calleigh. She softened now, and lowered her voice to him.
"Do you have any idea how much she... cares for you? I can't begin to tell you how many very long talks we had, over you, Horatio. She was waiting and waiting, just hoping for a sign, from you. Did you know she followed you to the beach after speed's funeral? She was worried sick about you; she wanted to make sure you were ok. She never said a word about it; she just made sure she was always there, covering your back, just in case you needed her."
"Speed's funeral? I... didn't realize she..." His fingers were reaching and pinching the bridge of his nose. A headache fast approaching again. He took a breath in and tried to clear his head. He looked back up at Alexx.
"I... I... She came to me in the locker room that day,... To show me the ballistics report on speed's gun. She even offered to help me clean out his locker, she seemed so strong to me, but,.. her voice gave way. I couldn't put her through that, I told her no, but thanked her, and then... I couldn't hold back anymore..." Horatio stopped and paused for a while, looking away. Alexx stood waiting, patiently. He shook his head now and continued.
He went on now, confessing all his feelings for Calleigh, to Alexx.
He knew he could trust her, he always did. She was a very trust worthy friend, who he thought of as family. She was always caring and thoughtful, quick to help, with anything he had ever asked her for. She always had her ear ready and waiting, just in case he needed to talk to her about something.
She knew Horatio well and the few times he did open up to her, surprised her. His mother's death, his brother's and Speeds. Now, he was about to surprise her again. He swallowed hard, his eyes showing doubt.
"I crossed the line, Alexx. Maybe... maybe I never should have, but I..."
His eyes now met with Alexx, he quickly looked down, fiddling with the sheet between his fingers. "But I... I needed her. I needed to feel her,... light, her strength,.. Her SPIRIT. I hugged her, for the first time. I hugged her so tightly, and I didn't want to let go,... EVER." His eyebrows rose with the word.
"She hugged me back and it just,... overwhelmed me. It all just felt so,... RIGHT. Her hug that day,... held me together,... as a man. I lost speed,... I lost Ray, I was a mess. I was ready to give up and just..." He snorted and shook his head.
"I don't think she even realized how she helped me that day. I somehow managed to tell her,... But,... I don't think she got the Gist of it. I just knew,... it was true." He took a deep breath in now.
"You managed to tell her what, Horatio? What was true?" Alexx asked, softly. He met her eyes again and this time gave a small smile.
"I.." He paused a moment, taking another deep breath in. "I... I simply told her,... She Saved Me."
Horatio smiled now, remembering the sweetest moment in his life. "And, that Alexx,... That,.. is the truth." Alexx smiled back at him. He tilted his head, and look over to Calleigh's bed now.
"After that, she never said anything to me about it, and I realized after, it was... inappropriate of me. I thought it must have made her uncomfortable and I didn't want to ruin the one very special thing we had,... our friendship. I didn't think, she could have feelings for me... not... after I ..." He shook his head. "Why didn't she say something or..." He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair, repeating the words again. "Why didn't she---." Alexx now cut him off.
"Why didn't you?" She quickly shot back at him. He smiled and nodded his head to her, realizing. Touche.
"How could she care about me, I just don't see---." Alexx cut him off again. Now shaking her head at him, and putting her hand up to stop him.
"How could you care about her?"
"It's... different, she's... she's" He looked down now and smiled, he closed his eyes for a moment thinking. "She's... Perfect, in every-way. She's beautiful, inside and out. She's intelligent; she's very spirited and bouncy." He smiled more now. "She's loving and... tender." His voice a low whisper now, as his face turned red, he looked away shyly from Alexx.
"You're in Love with her, aren't you?"
Alexx smiled at him and crossed her arms, across her chest now. She knew that look. His eyes never came up to meet hers, but his eyebrows rose and she noticed a very slight nod. A slight hum, came from his throat, she heard it. So did Calleigh.
"Hmm."
Alexx smiled to him and softly said, "I'll bet a years salary, she says the same things about you honey, and more. Believe it or not Horatio, that girl is also very,... in love with you!"
Calleigh now having a hard time keeping quiet, she wanted to jump up and scream just how very much she did love him. Thinking to herself now, that Alexx was dead on.
"I just, I... never want to hurt her, Alexx. I couldn't live with myself, I couldn't even protect her like I---."
"Stop right there. Then don't hurt her, Horatio. It's not your fault some madman went after her. And don't punish her because of it! That will hurt her! If you push her away now, after all this time, after all you have both been through, you'll not only hurt her, but you will break her heart and her spirit. The spirit that YOU, grew to love! Now that you finally have her, you're afraid of losing her. Just give it some time, honey, you'll feel better when this case is over, trust me. Just take your time, she understands. Look how long she has waited for you already. She wants to be with YOU! Can't you see that now? The bottom line is, you are both ok and together now. Isn't that what really matters, Horatio?"
"Yes. Yes it is. I just... I---."
"Give yourself time sugar, it took you both long enough to finally let each other know. You both have to adjust to your feelings, although, I really don't see that as a problem." Alexx laughed now. "What the heck took you both so long anyway?"
Now Horatio smiled and gave her a nod. "Thank you, Alexx... for everything, always."
"Anytime for you baby, anytime." She grabbed his hand tightly and squeezed, he responded by gently squeezing back.
"What I really want to know is... Just how high of a fever did you have, when you finally..." Alexx laughed now.
"Alexx! He nodded to her. "That...That was not planned. I would never have taken adv---." She cut him off again.
"Lighten up Horatio, I'm joking with you." Alexx said, giving him a mischievous look.
He let out a small chuckled. "Hmm, I'll bet."
Just then Calleigh let out a giggle. Horatio and Alexx now quickly turned toward her bed. She sat up on the edge now, she was smiling, brightly. Horatio's eyes went wide, he was speechless for a moment. His mouth remained open and he choked out his next words, in shock.
"Go...ood morn.. ing..." He said, now trying to clear his throat, wondering just how long she had been awake for. Knowing it had to be a while from the look of that bombshell smile she was giving him.
She didn't answer him; she just stared at him for a moment smiling, and then easily slid off her bed. Her eyes locked on his now as she walked over to him. She leaned down and kissed him smack on the lips. He was taken back a moment, his eyes blinking and searching hers now. She must have heard.. a lot, he thought now.
"Good morning, handsome." Her smile grew even bigger, her face got red as she blushed.
Alexx now realizing Calleigh must have heard the conversation figured she'd give the two of them some much needed time and space.
"I think, I'll go get us some coffees, ok?"
Calleigh and Horatio were so absorbed in each other at the moment, they didn't answer her. "Ok, I'll take that as a yes." She answered herself, laughing now.
"That would be great, thanks Alexx." Calleigh said now, sitting on Horatio's bed, now holding his hand in hers. Horatio swallowed hard now and tried to compose himself.
"Alexx..?"
She cut him off quickly. "I'll be right back, honey." She said, leaving Horatio to fend for himself now.
Alexx quickly walked out of the room now smiling brightly. Well just maybe her conversation with Horatio paid off. It sure looked like it did and he didn't complain or mention the bandage or going home again. Alexx laughed now to herself thinking, maybe, just maybe now, he would listen. She knew she had the trump card ... it was Calleigh. She smiled all the way to the cafeteria and back.
"So, are you feeling better, Horatio?"
"Better yes, thank you. Confined though, one arm only,... is going to take some getting use to."
"You have my arms to help too, you know? I'll be right here for you, for whatever you need. Please let me...help you, Horatio?"
He smiled now to her, her compassion and caring overwhelmed him. He shook his head to her now.
"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way, Calleigh. I would...miss you too much." His right hand softly caressed her face. She leaned in and whispered near his ear.
"I love you..." She moved in closer and gave him a hug. His smile now growing, as he hugged her with his right arm. He softly whispered back to her now.
"And I love you, sweetheart." He held her for a while before his ribs caused him to let go.
She lean back and smiled brightly to him. "I was wondering when you'd give in to those ribs?"
"Hmm, I didn't want to, trust me." He raised his eyebrows to her. "If I could hold you forever, without letting go, Calleigh,... I would." His voice softly hypnotizing her.
She gave him one of her best smiles now and moved in to hug him again. He was the most caring and sweetest man she had ever known, the only man she ever wanted to know, for that matter. "I just can't get enough of you, Horatio Caine." She kissed his cheek now and gently released him.
"Well, I just hope you feel the same way in a few months from now." He grinned.
"Ha! I can assure you, that I will not only feel the same way in a few months, but I will feel the same way for the rest of... our lifetime, together!"
His eyes now narrowed and crinkled, he gave her a big smile, a real smile. That statement was more then he could ever ask for. She validated everything he wanted to ask her in one swift sentence. She did it again to him, she overwhelmed him and he just stared at her for a moment in amazement. She tried to read his eyes but she didn't know this new look he was giving her. Her eyes now showing confusion in them. He smiled to her again.
"Calleigh... A lifetime with you is more than I could ever ask for, it's more than I'll ever deserve. You're the best thing that could of ever happened to me and I am honored you would even want a man like me."
"Horatio, don't say that. A man like you is exactly what I want. You're all I EVER wanted, and there is only one in the world, YOU! Besides you're the best thing that ever happened to me and I am so happy now I can finally tell you, and show you how much you mean to me." He ran his fingers through her hair and curled his fingers around the back of her neck, he pulled her in for a soft kiss.
"Thank you Beautiful."
"Humm, thank you for what, Horatio?"
"Thank you for ... Saving me." He smiled to her and kiss her softly again. His blue eyes speaking a million words to her now, they were filled with love.
The door opened and Alexx walked back in the room. "So everything ok in here?"
Calleigh answered with a huge smile. "Yes, everything is...Great!" She smiled at Horatio.
"Horatio, you...ok?" He chuckled.
"Yes Alexx, never better, never better. And, thank you Alexx." He smiled to her now.
She smiled and said in a loud voice, "Thank you lord!... Now who wants coffee?" She laughed, and handed one to Calleigh and one to Horatio. Her phone rang.
"Hello, Hi Ryan, no baby it's just unplugged, we'll plug it back in now. Is everything ok? Yes she is right here, hold on."
Alexx now handed the phone to Calleigh. "Ryan needs to talk to you for a minute, honey."
Calleigh took the phone and walked over to the window, looking out, still smiling. "Hey Ryan, what's up? No, no he didn't, why? Well where is he now and please don't tell me..." Calleigh let out a big sigh, shaking her head now. "Ok Ryan, thanks for the heads up, I really appreciate it. I'll talk to you... No, no thank you, you don't have to do that, we're fine, really. I will, ok, just keep your head about you; don't let him get to you. He's ok. Yeah, I'll tell him. Ok, thanks again Ryan.
Calleigh closed the phone now and handed it back to Alexx. Horatio now giving her a questioning look, but Alexx already spoke.
"What was that all about, honey?" Calleigh not sure of what to say yet.
"Umm, nothing really...Ryan was just updating... He wanted to check on us."
"Stetler,.. Right? Horatio asked now, his eyes narrowing. Calleigh having a hard time keeping eye contact with him now. Alexx now beginning to realize what just happened.
"Now Horatio, it's nothing really. Don't go getting all bother over nothing." Calleigh now walked over to the side table and plugged the telephone line back into the phone. She was looking very bothered.
"Well, that's a nice...trick." Horatio said, sarcastically.
"Yeah, well you needed your rest, and with that ringing every two minutes, you were not going to get it. Right Alexx?"
"That's right, honey, that is true."
"So is he on his way here or..." Horatio started but the phone rang now. He quickly reached over for it but Calleigh grabbed it before he could. She gave him a glare and said hello. He nodded to Alexx and she just smiled at him now.
"Yes it is. Yes, it was off the hook, that's right, he's resting, he was sedated. No, I am not. No, I was not. I DON'T KNOW WHEN! You know, don't you have anything better to do than harass us. "What did you say? You know that's not true... YOU, can Shove your statement up---." Horatio now quickly pressed the receiver down and hung up. He took a breath in, glad he cut her off, before she could finish her sentence. He now gave her a look and put his hand out for the phone. She handed it to him and he left it off. Alexx now sitting down in the chair, waiting to find out what happened.
"Want to tell me what that was all about?" His eyes narrowed on her now.
"You were right, it was Stetler."
"I already figured that out Calleigh. What did he want?"
"You know what he wants, Horatio. To harass us, isn't that his job, why can't he just..."
"Calleigh...?" Horatio now impatient. Calleigh sighed to him and took a breath.
" He wants his statement, he wants me to go in and give it. I'm not giving him..." She stopped herself now.
"Take an easy, honey. Don't let that snake get you all upset like this." Alexx said now.
"Calleigh, did you give Frank your statement?"
"No Horatio, I was in here, remember." She said, annoyed now.
"Yes, I do, I just didn't know if Frank was here when I was asleep. Listen to me Calleigh, I'll call Frank and see if he can take them for us, ok?" She gave him a sad smile, not meaning to be angry with him now.
"Yes, that would be fine, Horatio."
"Ok, it'll be fine, ok?" She nodded to him now. He reached for the phone and groaned in pain. Calleigh picked it up for him and placed it in his lap.
"You ok?"
"Yes, fine."
He began dialing Frank. Frank explained to Horatio that Stetler (IAB) was investigating the case now, so all statements had to go through him now.
"Great, just great. Ok, thanks Frank. Ok, see you later." Horatio hung up.
"Now what? Alexx asked.
"IAB, took the case over, somehow. I really need to get out of this place." Horatio shook his head now. "Things are getting out of hand and I have to..."
"Forget it sugar, you're nowhere near recovered, not even close. You're not going anywhere." Alexx said, surely.
"Horatio, you can't be serious?" Calleigh said right after Alexx.
Now he took in a deep breath and picked up the phone again, he began dialing.
"Eric, yes, yes fine, thank you." He sighed a moment. "Eric wait listen, I need a favor. I know, I know about Stetler and the trouble he's causing. I need you to come here, pick up Calleigh and bring her in so she can give her statement. I want you to stay with her and not take you're eyes off her, Eric. You understand?"
As Horatio was talking to Eric, Ryan came in the room and started yelling something to Eric. Horatio had a hard time making it out because Eric was now telling Ryan to calm down. Horatio just listened now as Ryan talked calmly to Eric.
"That piece of shit is on his way there now, Eric..."
"What, who Ryan?"
"Stetler, who else. He said he was going to... "
"Ryan! Just wait a minute, ok?" Eric now realized Horatio was still on the phone and tried to shut Ryan up.
"H, you still there?"
"I'm here Eric. Please explain what's going on, there."
"H, I'm gonna come over there now and ... and, I explain when I see you, ok?"
"Eric you don't..." Eric cut him off now. "Ok, see you in a bit, H. Bye." Eric hung up now.
Horatio now holding the phone to his ear lowered it and stared at the handle. He took a deep breath in, knowing he had to get out of this hospital soon, or one of his team members would surely kill Rick Stetler. He hung up the phone now, shaking his head. Calleigh was livered, but Horatio didn't realize it yet, he was still thinking about Stetler.
"Ok, lets get something clear. I am not a baby, so please don't treat me like one. Ask me first before you go making plans for me. By the way, I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here with you and you can call Eric back and tell him so!"
Horatio had a look of shock on his face, his eyebrows raised up and he realized what he did and what she meant. He was unprepared for her attack and was now also at a lost for words. She was losing patience with him now.
"Well?" She crossed her arms across her chest.
His eyebrows went up again, now. as his mind searched for the right words.
"I, I was just trying to, protect you. I didn't think you..." He paused, tilting his head now. He took a deep breath and let it out. "You're right. I should have asked you first, Calleigh." In the softest voice he said, "I'm sorry."
She shook her head now and realized the whole reason she was so mad...Rick Stetler. Here she is taking it out on the man she loves. It wasn't his fault, it was Ricks. Hell. She thought now, I am just trying to protect him too, I am just as guilty as he is. She sighed and she gave him a small smile now.
"I'm sorry too, Horatio. I..know It's not your fault, it's Stetler's." Her voice soft at first then filled with venom as she said his name.
Horatio gave her a nod of understanding and tilted his head to her now as his lips curved up a bit.
Alexx let out a breath, happy now. The tension in the room could have killed someone.
The door opened and Joe came in, the room silent now. Joe looked concerned now. Horatio was awake, maybe he was being difficult, he thought.
"Ok, everyone alright in here? It seems a bit quiet to me, right now."
"You should have come in about 5 minutes ago, it was not quiet at all." Calleigh laughed, and Alexx agreed with her, nodding her head.
"So, how are you feeling, the pain any better at all?"
Horatio's eyes narrowed at Joe now. "Just how long does this need to be on for?" His head nodded down to the left, at the bandages.
Joe now opened his mouth to talk and looked at him in awe, nodding his head. "You're doing it again. He said to Horatio now.
Horatio's eyebrows rose up to Joe. "Doing what again?"
"Answering my question with one of your own." Joe shook his head in disbelief and Horatio's lips curved up a bit. "When you answer my question, I'll answer yours." Joe said, surely. "So,... I'm waiting..."
"I'm fine, no pain." Horatio said simply. He now tilted his head to Joe. "Now it's your turn, doctor." Horatio said back, sharply.
"Well, at least a week, if those ribs are going to heal properly. Horatio's eyebrow rose up and now he stretched his neck and tucked his chin. His eyes never leaving Joe's.
"That's not going to happen. There is no way---." The door swung open wide now, and everyone was startled, all eyes on it.
Joe was the first to talk and he was not happy at all. Especially when he saw who it was and knew of his disregard for his patients.
"Just what the hell do you think you're doing coming in here like that, you're in a hospital?" Joe glared at Rick Stetler now.
Calleigh gasped and glared, while Alexx moved in front of her now. Horatio moved, sitting up more but staying very calm now.
"What are you doing here, Rick?"
"Working the case, Horatio. I need statements from the two of you, now! IAB is taking over this case now and all information goes through me, understand?" Rick crossed his arms on his chest.
"Why is IAB, getting involved in this case, Rick? Can't find anything better to do with your time?"
"Real Cute Horatio. No, there are to many coincidences going on in this case and I was told to look into it now. Now you both need to come with me."
"Rick we're not---."
Joe cut Horatio off now, moving to where Rick was. He stood in front of him now and crossed his arms over his chest also. Joe was looking him right in the eyes.
"They're both, not-going-anywhere. Just who do you think you are, coming in here and giving orders? They are my patients, who I am caring for, You have no say in the matter." Joe stared him down.
"Really doctor, step aside now and---."
Calleigh could not hold her tongue anymore now. "If you know what's good for you, you'll leave now." She tensed and her eyes glared like they could kill. Horatio now became worried of what she might do and gave her an intense look and nod saying, "Don't Calleigh."
"Is that a threat, Duquesne? Are you now threatening me? Rick laughed.
Horatio now moved to get up, knowing Calleigh would not let him get away with that. Alexx quickly called out as Calleigh moved past her.
"Calleigh!...No! ...Joe!"
"Cal.." Horatio started but was too late. Joe now turned right into her and held her, moving her slowly back towards Alexx.
"WWhoaa... Easy Calleigh, don't let him get the best of you, he's not worth it." Joe said, holding her and looking into her eyes now.
Horatio smiled, hearing the exact words he would have used. Joe just said it first. He closely watched as Joe's hands caressed, Calleigh's arms now and how he kept eye contact with her. He felt somewhat uncomfortable about it but knew Joe was just trying to help. He thought about it and let it slide from his mind as the situation at hand needed to be dealt with.
"Get out, Rick...right now. Horatio said, getting himself up and over, sitting on the edge of the bed. Alexx now moved to stop him.
"Honey, don't do it, you'll be sorry, please trust me. He's not worth it!" Horatio was now clenching his jaw down at Rick, shaking his head.
The door opened again and Eric came in, completely out of breath. He saw Joe holding Calleigh now.
"Hey, Get your hands off her..."
"Eric, it's ok, he's helping her. Alexx quickly said.
"Here, make sure she,... Stays put! I'll take care of this." Joe said to Eric now.
"Rick well have the statements to you by morning." Horatio said, trying to defuse the situation.
"No, you'll both give them to me now!" He walked toward Horatio now, who was beginning to turn hot red in the face. His blood now beginning to boil, he took a breath.
Joe went over in front of Horatio now, right up to Rick.
"Get Out... Right now." Stetler looked past Joe and at Horatio.
"You throwing me out, doctor? I need to know then, when are you releasing them? By the way, doctor, he's not looking so good now."
Horatio face suddenly went pale now and his breathing became uneven and strained.
"What's the matter Horatio, you worried I'll find something on you like we did your brother Ray?"
Horatio was up in a second now and Alexx was trying to hold him back. Eric now holding on to Calleigh, as she struggled to break free now to.
Joe now shoved Rick back, with both hands pushing into his chest.
"OUT...Dam It! NOW!" He shoved him back again.
"Watch yourself doctor, you'll be brought up on charges. Assault on a police office..."
Finally, Joe had enough. He raised his arm and punched Rick square in the face. Rick went down hard. Now on the floor and Joe standing over him, ready. The room now completely quiet, all eyes wide, they were all in shock.
"Well I figured if you're going to charge me, I may as well get my best shot in now,.. officer." Joe laughed in Stetler's face now. "How do you like it? It's no fun, is it? Now get your dum ass out of my hospital room. You come back and so help me..." Stetler got up and now faced Joe.
"Is that a threat? You threating me, doctor?"
"Yeah... I am." Joe said, nodding his head to Stetler now.
"You're going to be sorry you did that, doctor. I will be back!" Stetler said now, backing out of the room.
"Yeah well, I'm already sorry,... sorry I just didn't do it sooner!" Joe said loudly, as Rick went out the door. He took a deep breath in and turned around, facing everyone now. All eyes were on him now staring.
Eric couldn't hold back anymore. "Nice punch doc! Remind me not to piss you off." Eric laughed and Joe grinned.
"Eric." Horatio said, silencing him.
"It's about time someone shut him up, Horatio." Now he gave Alexx a look and nodded.
"Joe... Thank you! Thank You very much!" Calleigh said with a huff.
Now Joe scratched his head knowing it was wrong but feeling better he did it. He walked over to Horatio's bed. He was still sitting up on the side of it, leaning on his right arm, balancing himself. Joe looked him in the eyes now, knowing what he did was wrong. Horatio already knew also, that Joe regretted it.
"So,... you think he'll... bring me up on charges?" He asked Horatio now.
"You should not, have raised your hands to him."
"Well, it's a little late for that, don't you think?"
"Hmm,... It was a very nice.. punch." Horatio grinned now to Joe. Joe smiled back now.
"Don't worry about any charges, Joe."
"Well he can charge me, I know that much, I did hit him."
"Really, well... I didn't see it." Horatio said now, and looked over to Calleigh. "Did you?" He gave her a grin.
Now she smiled brightly to him and then looked over to Joe.
"Nope! I didn't see anything." Calleigh chuckled, and looked to Eric.
"See what?" Eric said now looking over to Alexx.
"Baby, nothing happened here. I didn't see a thing! Alexx smiled at Joe now and Joe gave the nod to everyone.
"Thank you, all." Joe smiled. "It's nice to have... friends."
"No baby, thank you! You put on a hell of a show! I do have to tell you, Joe honey, Ooh wee, ...you clocked him so good! You put him right on his ass! I loved every minute of it! Alexx laughed now. Horatio shook his head, as his lips curled up a bit.
"Hey you ok, your colors off. Just, where were you going anyway?"
"I'm fine, I just had some trouble getting up, is all. I'm... ok."
"Ok but back into bed, let's go... that goes for the both of you! You too Calleigh, just in case he come's in here with reinforcements." He helped Horatio lay back down now and Alexx fixed his pillows. Horatio winced in pain and took a deep breath. Joe gave him a look.
"I'm fine." Joe nodded to him now. His hands now examining his ribs and the bandages. Horatio's breathing a bit uneven now.
"Does the bandage feel to tight for you, can you breathe ok, Horatio?" Joe asked now, tugging on the bottom of it. Calleigh walked over with Eric now.
"No, it's not to tight and I can breathe fine, Joe. Just winded from lying down again." Horatio put his head back on the pillows now.
"Good, ok, your turn." Joe turned to Calleigh now and smiled.
"I just woke up and..."
"I didn't say you had to go to sleep, I said I needed you in the bed." She smirked at him now and Horatio chuckled. She looked over to him now.
"What about the files, we're gonna continue, right?"
"Yes Calleigh, of course we are. Eric, give her a few of those, will you?"
"Sure, H. No problem. So, you two come up with anything yet?"
Horatio nodded to him now. "Not yet, Eric, but we will." Eric smiled, knowing how patient, H could be.
"I know you will, H! Ok, I'll make sure to bring a couple of forms later for you both. I'll see you both later. Bye Alexx, bye doc." Eric left now, relieved things worked out ok. Thinking how the doc punched Stetler in the face. He smiled all the way back to HQ, telling Ryan all about it and he even called Frank to tell him about it too.
"Alexx you really need to go home and get some rest, ok?" Calleigh said now. "Horatio tell her to go home and rest, she's been here all night with us." Horatio was now searching Alexx's eyes.
"Alexx?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were both ok, Horatio." She smiled to him and he nodded.
"Thank you, Alexx." He said so sincerely, and she knew just how much he meant it. She could have cried, her eyes welled up. She knew he was sincere and grateful. She nodded back to him now. "Alexx, go ahead, go home and get some rest, ok?" His eyes so soft, full of gratitude for her.
"Ok Horatio, I will, but you two please, behave? Promise me... now?"
Calleigh looked over at Horatio and he looked back.
In unison they both said, "We promise!" They laughed, Joe joined them now.
"Ok, Joe you call me if anything and you,.. Calleigh, same goes for you!"
"Ok, Alexx we will." She went to Horatio and took his hand, gently squeezing it. "You rest now, ok honey? I'll be back to check on you both later."
"Thank you, Alexx." Horatio answered and squeezed back. She smiled back and let go now, saying goodbye.
Joe now put his arm around Alexx. "C'mon, I'll walk you out. These two need some time alone anyway." Joe joked, as he opened the door for Alexx and they walked out together.
Calleigh sighed and smiled, thinking what a great guy Joe was.
Horatio caught her now. "You like him." It was not a question to her, but a feeling he had each time she looked at him. Her eyes went wide at his words now.
"You don't, Horatio?" She got him at his own game. Asking another question and avoiding the answer. He chuckled as he realized what she just did.
"No, I do...like him very much. He has... He has a way, Calleigh."
"Yeah he does, doesn't he?" She laughed. "I think, he's a great doctor and we're lucky to have him on the case. He's really caring and if you could have seen how he handled Stetler before, well... you got to see it today, anyway!"
"Yes I did and I also got to see you, didn't I?" Horatio eyes intense on her now. She looked away, her smile fading.
"You don't understand, Horatio. He's been pushing my buttons from the start and I have had enough!" Her voice raised a bit. "How do you do it? How do you have patience with him? He's so... Obnoxious, I can't stomach him."
"Well, I can see I'm gonna have to keep you away from him." Horatio laughed now, lightening up. Seeing how easily Calleigh was getting upset, with all this Stetler talk.
"He said things about you that... That were not very nice."
"They're just words, Calleigh. He's trying to get a reaction from you and it's working... Still. Don't you see how..." She cut him off.
"I see how I want to..." He cut her off.
"Calleigh."
Horatio now took a breath in, his eyes blinking, thinking. A flash now going off again in his head. He closed his eyes now and concentrated.
A memory, a thought...
"Horatio... You ok?"
"Yes, I'm fine, give me a minute, I'm just trying to figure something out."
She watched him struggle as he squeezed his eyes tightly together. Trying so hard to remember... He lifted his head and reached over for the files. Seeing her watching him now. Concern clearly in her eyes, he gave her a grin.
"I'm ok, I just can't remember where I've seen him before." He held up the file to her and the picture now. "He look familiar to you, at all?" Calleigh study it a moment and reached out for the file now. Horatio gave it to her, she looked closely now. Nodding her head to him.
"No, not at all. I don't think I ever saw him before. Are you sure, maybe you've seen just another picture, along the way?" Horatio shook his head.
"No, there's something... Something I'm missing. "I know him,... I just can't remember from where."
"Ok, well don't force it, it will come to you, Horatio." He smiled at her now. "Why don't you start with another file and maybe get your mind off him. That's how it usually works for me. When I least expect it, it comes to me. When I'm not thinking about it, it grabs me all of a sudden." She smiled to him again. He nodded to her now.
"Your right, I need a break from this file." He put it under the others and picked up the next one. He opened it now.
The tag read,
Chief Criminal Judge, Joseph Ratner.
DOB: 3/16/58
Hair color: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height 6'0
Horatio scanned through his file now, reading about his schooling and all his jobs. Nothing standing out to him, everything seemed to be in order. His law school, years attending, graduating, private practice and then working for the city.
Never married and no children. The judge was not just rich, but rolling in it. A mansion here in Miami and another one in Maui. Cars, lots of them, a Rolls Royce, Mercedes, BMW's and lots more. Two boats and a yacht. Horatio now thinking, why a man like that would kill. He has everything he could possible dream of and it still wasn't enough, he had to kill. Ok, maybe it was an accident, but why cover it up and plant evidence, against your friend, who shared the same woman. He killed Donna Scott and planned on setting up judge Greenhill, to take the fall. He set up Ed Mathis and was allowing him to also take the fall for him, but all the while knowing he could get him out.
He thought and planned things out, Claudia and Jay, he let others get hurt and killed for him. A man like that is evil. A man like that has a lot more going on then meets the eye. Horatio now determined to get to the bottom of it all. He flipped over another page and began reading, nothing interesting, nothing wrong. It was all to right, Horatio though now and quickly realized, he must have set up his own file. He shifted in the bed a bit and something fell out of the file and onto the floor. He watched as it glided to the floor. He looked over to see it was a picture that must have slipped from the file. Calleigh quick to respond, hopped off her bed and picked it up for him now.
"You dropped something, handsome." She glanced at it and handed it to him. He took it from her hand now and also gave a quick glance. He saw it was judge Ratner and began to place it back in the file where it belonged. He looked back up to her now.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome. I'm batting a zero, how are you doing?" She sat on his bed now and he slid over, making more room for her.
"Well, same as you, maybe worse." He chuckled.
"How about a little break, Horatio." She smiled brightly to him now.
"What do you have in mind?" He said with mischief in his voice.
"Well, I have to show you, ok?"
Now his eyebrows went up, wondering, what she had up her sleeve. He gave her another grin. She leaned in and kissed him softly; placing her hand on his head and moving it back onto the pillows.
"Mmm, show me more, by all means."
She relaxed him now and she knew it. He also was tired again and it felt good to just rest his tired eyes and brain for a moment. She rested her head on his shoulder near his neck now. Her warm breath against his skin, teased him. How he wished he was back home with her. She softly stroked his hair and he just completely turned to mush now, relaxing totally. She shifted and one of the files fell off the bed.
"Shit."
"It's fine Calleigh."
"No, it's not that, I was just so comfortable, on you."
She sat back up and slid off the bed, picking up the file and things that fell out of it. She placed the papers back in and pick up the photo, glancing at it again. She tilted her head a moment and placed it back in now. She handed it to Horatio, who opened it and clipped the photo back to where it belonged.
Suddenly his mind flashed again, his eyes now going distant; Calleigh knew he was thinking again. She waited and watched him. He closed his eyes and concentrated, taking in a deep breath. She waited and remained quiet. Now his eyes shot open and she asked him.
"You remember, don't you?"
TBC...
Review please... Tell me what you think about Stetler? LOL
Did you guys like the chapter with the underwear? My crazy humor couldn't resist. Please tell me what you think.