Captured

by Hcrazy

A deranged couple captures Horatio and The team tries to find him. They want revenge and will stop at nothing to get it. Including taking Calleigh, and they have help,a wolf in the fold. This story is rated T in the early chaps and M there after.

34. Chapter 34

She stared at him now waiting to find out what this was all about. He nodded his head to her and unclipped the photo of the judge. He studied it for a moment before handing it to her.

"This is Judge Joseph Ratner, tell me what you see?"

She took it and her eyes left Horatio's and shifted over to the photo. He watched her closely, wondering, would she see it? He knew she already noticed something earlier when she picked it up off the floor, and that got his attention. He picked up on it up because of her, but could she pick it up now? She tilted her head and gave an "Hmm."

His lips curved up at the corners, knowing she recognized something interesting. He waited, till her eyes left the photo and were back on him.

"So, what do you see?"

Her eyebrows furrowed. "Well not much, to tell you the truth. There is one thing though."

Horatio tilted his head to her and waited.

"No, forget it, it's crazy. It can't be, I think,.. being cooped up in here is making me delirious."

Now he shook his head. "No, nothing you say is crazy, Calleigh. Go ahead, tell me."

She tilted her head to him again and took the photo out of his hand. She stared at it for a while now. She shook her head up and down now, seeing something.

"Ok, well he looks..." She hesitated, unsure again.

"Trust your instincts Cal, you know what you're doing, let them guide you."

Now she took a breath in and nodded to him. Here goes, she thought.

"Ok, he looks... a bit like our perp, Sanchez... I think."

Horatio now instantly grinned and his eyes showed praise, he knew she would figure it out. He nodded to her, proudly.

"That's right; here take a look at this now."

He took out the photo of Joseph Sanchez and handed it to Calleigh. She compared them both, side by side.

"Pay special attention to the eyes."

"Oh my god, how did I not see that. They have exactly the same eyes, Horatio."

"But you did see it; you just didn't trust your instincts, enough."

Horatio now picked up the files and placed the photos back. "Ok, I have an idea; get back to your bed."

"What?" She said, totally confused now, looking at him like he was crazy. He gave her an endearing smile now, just loving her innocents.

"I want to go through the files with you, one at a time, together." His voice soft and smooth.

"Oh, ok, why didn't you just say so?"

He chuckled, "I thought i just did."

She laughed and hopped back on her bed now sitting Chinese style, picking up the files. She waited for him to start, looking over at him.

Horatio knew what he was looking for, but would it be here, in the files. He began reading his file now, and there under case judge was the name he was looking for. Judge Joseph Ratner. He smiled coldly now and clenched his jaw. He shook his head, wondering how he missed that. Calleigh was waiting, getting very impatient now.

"Horatio.. Well?"

His head came up and he looked over to her. "Ok, here we go. What's the one constant you see in almost all these case files? Look closely."

He waited for her to respond. She picked up one and then another and on the third file, she nodded her head to him.

"Do you see what I see? Trust your instincts this time, Calleigh."

Calleigh gave him a questioning look, her eyes dropping again to the file, scanning it. She looked up at him this time, nodded and smiled.

"Got it!" She now said with confidence.

"What did you find?"

"Not what but whom... Who I found, right?"

"Mm-hmm, that's exactly right."

He smiled at her again, so taken in by her. "Ok, let's go through this together. Read to me the name you see under the case judge, on each file." She looked back down and scanned the page, excited now. She was waiting to pounce.

"Hmm... Judge Joseph Ratner." She said with enthusiasm.

"Read the next, Calleigh."

Her eyes scanned the page and sure enough there it was again and again and again.

"Working case judge, Joseph Ratner. Oh my god, Horatio, how did you figure..." He interrupted her.

"You mean WE,.. Calleigh. We figured it out together." He gave her a grin, nodding his head. "Now,... Now we got him for sure."

Horatio's eyes narrowed and he went into deep thought for a moment. Calleigh knew he was thinking and gave him time. She picked up some of the other files and each one had the judges name on it too. Her questions now began building up.

"Horatio, he's on every case I have here."

"Uh-huh, same here."

"Why, why would he get this guy off on so many different counts, so many different times? It just doesn't make sense."

"And since when do criminals make sense, Calleigh?"

Horatio gave Calleigh a small grin and wiggled his eyebrows at her now as he reached for the phone. He dialed a number and waited, his gaze on Calleigh.

"Eric, I need you to run a DNA test on Joseph Sanchez again?"

"H, we did that already and we got him, we don't need..."

"Do it again Eric, and while you're at it, I also want you to run the DNA on the Donna Scott mask too."

"H, what's the Donna Scott case have to do with this?"

"We're about to find out Eric, call me when you have the results."

"Ok H, I'm on it. I'll call you as soon as I have something."

Horatio hung up the phone and looked over to Calleigh. She already knew where this was heading from the look in her eyes. She was leaning almost off her bed, staring at Horatio with her eyes wide.

"Horatio,... You don't think..."

Horatio smiled coolly now, his eyes intense.

"Oh Yes I do! Junior, here has gotten a bunch of free rides... Why is that? Why would a chief... criminal... judge... put his career on the line, for this scum of the earth? I'll tell you why. They're related,.. blood related. Daddy here, is in big trouble now and junior... Junior, is going to pay for every single thing he did. Everything, all of it, everything he has done and gotten away with."

Horatio's eyes narrowed now, his jaw set. Calleigh could see the determination in his face and eyes. He looked like a lion ready for the kill. He wanted this judge badly and up until now he had nothing. He couldn't wait to get the DNA results from Eric and go and confront this bastard. Tasting justice now, Horatio spoke, "I need to get out of here and go talk to this guy."

"Maybe Sanchez said something to Frank, Horatio."

"Hmm. Maybe, but I want to interrogate him myself. I think when he sees and hears what we've got on him, he's going to spill his guts. Guess who's going to be there to pick them up? This time the little snake is not slithering away, this time he's going to jail, for life. I have a nice 6 by 9 cell waiting, all ready for him and... his Daddy!" Horatio said, with menace in his voice. He could taste justice and now nothing would stop him.

The door opened and Frank came walking into the room. "Hey Calleigh, Hey H. How you two doing? I got some news for you, H."

"What have you got, Frank?"

"You were right; there was a body in the van and how the hell did you know that? Alexx is doing the post now so we should know something soon. She said she would be able to identify the body with the dental records."

Horatio looked over at Calleigh and she nodded her head now, sadly. Frank looked at her and then Horatio, wondering what was going on.

"Ok, What? You two gonna let me know what's going on here?" He ran his fingers across his lips. Calleigh spoke first.

"It's most likely, Edward Mathis, Frank. I'm sure we'll be hearing from Alexx soon enough."

"Great, there goes another witness, down the tube."

"Speaking of witnesses, Frank. How's Greenhill doing?"

"Jessop is still with him and so far no problems. The doc gave him a private room like you asked and everything is quiet. His condition is the same; he's still in a coma. You expecting trouble, H?"

"No- no Frank, I Just wanted to check on him and see how things are."

"So now what? We have no witnesses and no evidence. That judge is gonna walk, again."

"Not quite, Frank. Not this time. This time, he's going away for... life." Horatio's eyes sparked fire with such intensity that Frank looked away from him now.

Running two fingers along his lips, Frank asked, "Well how are we supposed to do that, H? We got nothing on him." Frank said, letting out a long breath.

"That's not quite accurate Frank. Eric's working on it as we speak. We'll have the answers soon enough. Now, tell me about Sanchez."

"What do you wanna know, the guy is going down, we have him dead to right. We have the bombing, the materials he used, we have felony assault on two police officers and manslaughter, on Greenhill. What else is there?" Frank said surely.

"WELL... well now, there's always, DNA." Horatio tilted his head. A cold smile on his face now. "Did you book him yet?"

"No, he's still in holding, the DA is working on the case now."

"It's been four days, what is the DA waiting for."

"She said something about getting the paperwork in order. Don't worry H, he's not going anywhere."

"Just keep a close eye on him, Frank. He's gotten away with things before."

"Will do H, but he's not going anywhere. This case is iron clad this time. He's going to pay up, this time."

"Frank, did he do or say anything to you that you can remember?" Calleigh asked now.

"No. He just kept rambling on how he's not going to jail. He said he was not serving a day."

Calleigh chuckled shaking her head. Horatio smiled and spoke.

"Oh really, is that what he said, well he's right. He's not serving a day. He's serving every single day, for the rest of his miserable life." Horatio said with conviction.

The door opened and Joe came walking in now. "Well how are things going in here today?"

Frank was quick with an answer for him. "Well from what I heard, yesterday was a complete...knockout, doc. By the way, thanks doc! Stetler had it coming for a long time now." Frank walked over to Joe and shook his hand.

Joe shook his head. "So, does everyone know what I did yesterday?." Joe returned the hand shake, asking Frank now.

"Just about the whole department...it's slowly making its way around." Frank laughed now.

"Great, some doctor I'm turning out to be." Joe shook his head.

Calleigh laughed a bit and Horatio gave a mischievous grin. Frank smiled at Horatio now, knowing he appreciated what Joe did too.

"Alright, I'll leave you two in good hands, I need to get back." He said good bye.

"Alright Frank, keep us posted."

"Ok, see you all later." Frank left.

Joe went over to Horatio now. "Ok, you ready to take a little break here?" Joe eyed up the files on both Horatio's and Calleigh's beds.

"Not really, no." Horatio tilted his head to Joe and Calleigh also jumped in on the conversation.

"Joe we're just figuring things out and--." He interrupted her.

"Well what if I told you I'm going to cut that bandage off you and see if you still need it? Would a break interest you then?"

He now looked from Horatio to Calleigh and back. His one eyebrow going up in question to them both. He smiled and chuckled a bit, his dimples showing. Calleigh answered quickly now.

"Of course it would, why didn't you just say so, Joe?" She smiled brightly now. Horatio gave a soft chuckle and nodded to Joe.

The door opened and Maria came walking in now. Calleigh got up and took the files from Horatio and put them on the bedside table. His face looked a bit red, she thought. She put her hand on his head to make sure he was ok but he felt hot. He swallowed and licked his lips, telling her he was fine.

"Want some cold water?"

"No don't give him anything yet, I gonna lay him flat and I don't want him choking." Joe said as he spoke with Maria.

"Oh, ok Joe."

Calleigh gave Horatio a grin, teasingly. "No water for you!" She laughed and he joined her.

"Ok, let's lower you down. I need the truth, Horatio. How's the pain right now, and be honest?" Joe's one eyebrow raising again.

"It's fine. Not bad at all."

"That's because you haven't moved that arm yet, it's all connected. Ok, lets give this a try. Maria give me the scissors." She handed them to him.

"I'm just asking, Horatio, would you like something for the pain." Joe's face serious now.

"No, I'm fine, Joe." Horatio gave him an intense look and Joe put his hand up to him.

"Hey, easy there pal, I had to ask. I'm just asking, ok?"

"Ok, you asked and I answered."

Joe nodded to Horatio now. "Fair is fair, ok, here we go. Try not to move and if you have pain, tell me."

Joe's pager went off; he looked at it and shook his head. His smile quickly faded and he excused himself. "Umm, I need to take this, give me a minute, ok?"

Horatio answered him quickly. "Take as long as you need."

Joe gave him a grin and a nod. He went to the phone on the wall. Maria excused herself and Calleigh sat down next to Horatio and rubbed his right arm. She whispered to him now, not wanting Joe to hear.

"It figures, huh?" Horatio gave a grin.

"Mmm, it's been on this long, a little longer won't make much of a difference, Calleigh."

She tilted her head to him. "You have to be one of the most patience men I know. As a matter of fact, ... you're the only one I know!" She quietly laughed. They heard Joe's voice raise now and their attention went to him and his phone call.

Joe spoke, "You can't put it off for a while, that boy needs you? You're very important to him,.. maybe to important. He's crying out for help Mr. Baldwin, can't you see that? Well let's see, he was high on meth and had powder burns on his neck and right hand. He has a bullet in his neck, how much clearer does it have to be for you! He's your son and he-- He needs his father and-- Wait, WAIT! Mr. Baldwin-- hold on..." Joe growled and slammed the receiver down. He looked down and shook his head in disbelief. He turned toward Horatio and Calleigh now, both of them staring at him.

He shook his head and put his hands up. "I'm sorry for that,... display, I umm..." He put his hand on his hip and looked down to the floor shaking his head in disgust. He was clearly upset.

"Forget it Joe, you alright." Horatio said with caring eyes.

Joe picked up his head surprised. Realizing he really did care. He was trying to remain calm but his jaw muscles kept tightening. Horatio saw it and knew the feeling all too well. Trying to keep ones emotions in check was not an easy thing. Horatio asked now without thinking, helping others was a natural instinct to him.

"Trouble?" His eyes searching Joe's.

Joe snorted a laugh. "That's putting it lightly." Joe said, as he raked a hand through his hair and clenched his jaw tightly.

Calleigh thought how similar his and Horatio's reactions were. She studied him and his reactions. The cop in her always on duty, watching, waiting for the slip up. She quickly caught herself and looked away now, laughing to herself.

Joe picked up the scissors and looked around. "Where's Maria?" He asked, clenching his jaw more now.

Calleigh answered. "She excused herself. Maybe the restroom." She gave him a small grin.

Joe nodded and walked over to the intercom on the wall and punched the button. "I NEED A..." He stopped and took a breath in, trying to calm himself down. "This is Dr. Gannon; I need a nurse in here."

He was quickly answered and Maria came walking into the room, immediately. He said nothing to her and Calleigh backed away from the bed now to give them room. Joe had the scissors in his hand and put them under the bandage to cut. He stopped and straightened, impatiently. His eyes went distant and he frowned.

Horatio could see Joe's thoughts passing behind his troubled eyes. He gave him a moment to collect his thoughts. Joe refocused now and his eyes dropped back down to Horatio.

He scratched his head. "Horatio, can I umm... Can we do this---"

"Go."

Was the one word Horatio said and Joe nodded to him. A small smile of appreciation on his face now for understanding. He was out the door in seconds, scissors in hand still. Maria looking completely dumbfounded now. Calleigh let her know about the call and Maria left the room.

"Wow, he's really upset. I sure hope he can talk some sense into the boys father."

"Hmm, I do too, Calleigh. I do too." Horatio said, as his eyes went distant. Thinking of something from another time, long ago. He closed his eyes for a moment.

Calleigh remained quiet and wandered to the window, looking out. Thinking it was a beautiful sunny day, she smiled. Soon they would both be out of here and in her... bed, she thought, smiling even more now. She chuckled to herself thinking how bad she was to be thinking about that right now. Whatever, she thought. At least they would be together.

Her eyes now caught on a figure running into the parking lot. She moved her head forward more now, trying to get a clearer view. He was in blue scrubs and he looked a lot like... Joe? Alexx came walking into the room now and walked right over to Calleigh, she whispered.

"Is He ok?"

"Huh?"

Calleigh said, not understanding. Until she looked over and saw Horatio fast asleep now. "I think so Alexx, he must really be exhausted. He did feel kind of hot to me." Her face in disbelief.

"Well has Joe been in to see him?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact he just left, and Alexx, am I crazy? Is that him down there?" Calleigh said, pointing out the window.

Alexx looked out now and answered. "Oh yeah, that's him. I'd know that butt anywhere, honey." Alexx chuckled and Calleigh couldn't hold back.

"Oh my god, that car is not stopping, Alexx."

"Just what does that man think he's doing... He better move... Oh my god!"

Now Horatio, listening to them both, was quickly becoming concerned.

"Is he alright?" Horatio asked now. Calleigh quickly turned, seeing him awake.

"Yeah the car stopped. He stood right in front of it, Horatio." Calleigh said.

"That man is crazy, I knew it." Alexx quickly added.

"UH-oh, this is trouble." Calleigh said now. "That must be the father?"

"Whose father?" Alexx asked now.

Horatio shook his head and let a small chuckle slip at the two of them. Calleigh gave him a grin and turned back toward the window.

"I'll tell you everything, hang on-"

"Oh no, why is he shoving Joe like that? Joe's gonna give him--. Maybe not." Alexx said now, as Joe hands stood at his sides and the man got back in the car and drove off. Joe was standing there now still trying to talk some sense into him as he screeched away.

"Calleigh?"

She walked back over to him and told him what happened. He almost laughed with the play by play Alexx and Calleigh just gave him. He felt bad and wished he could help Joe in someway. Maybe help this kid in some way. Remembering his father again. He pushed back the thoughts and focused on Calleigh's words.

Alexx was now saying hello to him and walked away from the window.

"Hey honey, how you feeling?" She felt his head and ran her hand through his hair. She took notice, he did feel hot.

"I'm ok, Alexx. Joe was about to remove this." He pointed to the bandage.

"You're kidding, so soon?"

"Soon..? Alexx this is driving me crazy, I can hardly move and this Hospital---" He sharply took in a breath and closed his eyes as a sharp pain coursed through his ribs.

"Hey, you ok? What was that, Horatio?"

Alexx asked him and Calleigh now came over to his bed. She put her hand on his forehead checking for fever again. He opened his eyes at her touch and gave her a small grin.

"I'm fine, just a bit... sore."

His eyes stood down not looking at her. Alexx however glared at him now. He could feel her eyes on him, he remained quiet.

"Really, well you hardly moved, so how sore are you, Horatio?" Alexx said now, knowing he was lying. He lifted his eyes as he felt her boring into him now.

"Are you ok, Horatio? Maybe Joe should leave that on for now."

Calleigh started as Joe came walking into the room. Maria right behind him now.

"No, I'm fine and it needs to come off."

He stiffened a bit and his voice wavered. Something was wrong, Alexx knew it, Calleigh knew it and now, so did Joe.

"I leave for ten minutes and things go to pot." He said with a laugh, trying to lighten the situation. He looked down at Horatio and knew even if he asked, he would not tell him. He figured he get the X ray and maybe that would tell him something. He put his hand on his hip and gave him a smile.

"So, thanks for um... understanding."

"Not a problem. Things workout, ok?" Horatio's eyebrows went up asking. Joe gave him another grin and nodded.

"Thanks for caring Horatio." Joe press the button on the bed and it began to lower. He told Horatio to hold still now and began cutting away at the bandages. He spoke to him now while working on him and he really didn't answer Horatio's question. Now Horatio pushed on, with more questions.

"How olds the kid?"

Joe gave him a surprised look. "You really care, don't you. Joe said, not questioning, stating.

Now Horatio gave him a surprised look back. "I wouldn't ask if I didn't." Joe nodded again to him, with a sly grin.

"He's 17 and very confused. He's really a good kid, just keeps trying to get his fathers attention. Only he's going about it, in all the wrong ways. This time though, he really hurt himself."

"This time?"

Horatio questioned again. Joe stopped cutting and raised his head to him now meeting his eyes. "You don't miss a beat, do you?"

From over Joe's shoulder Alexx let out a chuckle. "No he doesn't." She answered. He laughed and began with the bandage again. He began explaining things to Horatio now.

"Yes, this time. He tried before but, it was nowhere near as serious. This time though, he was high as a kite and used a gun. He umm, did himself in real good. Shot himself in the neck, near the carotid artery. He almost bled to death this time. Now I have to get the bullet out and it's in a real bad spot, it could paralyze him."

Horatio nodded, listening closely, as Joe removed the top part of the bandage.

Alexx became curious now. "Can't you leave the bullet in? Is he in danger if it moves?"

Joe nodded still working on Horatio. "That's right, he is, you know your stuff Alexx. Right now he has some paralysis on the right side of his face. I'm hoping it resolves itself and we don't have to go in."

"He's only 17, Joe? Why is he doing this to himself?" Calleigh asked the magic question.

The door opened and another nurse told him that Dr. Lockner was on the phone and he sounded upset. He wanted to talk to him right now.

He raised his hands up to Horatio now. "I'm sorry, I have to take this, and it shouldn't take long."

Horatio nodded. "Not a problem Joe." He relaxed as Maria discarded some of the bandages in the trash.

As Joe walked over to the phone he shook his head. "What a day. This should be good. Now I'm about to get my head taking off because of this kids father." Joe took a breath and pick up the phone on the wall.

"Hello." Joe listened as the voice on the other end spoke. They all listened now to his conversation.

"Paul, hang on a second---." He rolled his eyes up to the ceiling, looking up. "That's not how it happened, he's been here before and he had no.. regard for my patients. No she's... Paul, let me at least... No he's Not! Paul, listen hang on a second." Joe hung up the phone and looked over at everyone and quickly away. "I'll be right back." He walked out of the room.

Horatio now processing the information, knew it had to be them he was talking about. He looked over to Calleigh and Alexx now. He was upset; he knew Stetler must have caused some problems for the hospital and Joe. He needed to make things right. He was not about to let Joe get in trouble for this.

"Calleigh?"

"Yes, Horatio."

"Can you hand me that phone please?" He met her eyes and she knew something was wrong.

"You need to wait for Dr. Gannon to come back." Maria, the nurse said.

"Honey, don't move, remember what Joe said." Alexx was afraid he would hurt himself too.

"The only thing moving is my lips, Ladies, I'm fine." He smirked.

"Sure Horatio, here you go. Give me the number; I'll dial it for you." He tilted his head to her and gave her the number, she dialed it.

"Jim? Yes I'm fine, thank you. Yes he was. Lets just say he, ...he has his ways and they are... unrefined. Let's forget about it, I need a favor, Jim. He must have stirred up some trouble overhere and one of the Doctors is paying for it. The doctor is not involved with any of this and he's getting slack already. He's a good man Jim. I don't want him catching any grief over this. Yes, Dr. Joseph Gannon. That's right. He already is. Ok, I appreciate it, That would be great. Sure Jim I'll tell her, and thank you." He hung up.

Now all eyes were on him. Calleigh smiled at Horatio now and opened her mouth to talk but Joe came walking back in. She remained quiet and put the phone back. No one said a word and Joe was clearly pissed off.

He walked back over to Horatio now. "I promise to get this off you sometime today." Joe gave a strained smile.

"I told you, it's not a problem. I'm not your only patient, I know that." Joe nodded and began working on the bandage again.

"So what about the kids father?" Horatio asked, wasting no time in continuing, catching Joe off guard.

"What? His head came up and their eyes met. It took Joe a second to realize. "Oh you mean, Timmy."

Horatio's eyebrows went up at the boys name, he froze a moment, thinking. Tim held a special place in Horatio's heart. Horatio never quite feeling right, with the way things happened that horrible day. His thoughts coming back now, he thought, What a coincidence. Joe continued to talk.

"Well his dad is always off on business, and the kid admires him and looks up to him. The father however is always to busy to spend time or anything for that matter, with the boy. The father won't listen to reason, I tried. He can't see his only son is crying out for help. I'm just afraid it's gonna be to late when he does see."

"What if try?" Horatio asked now, and Joe stopped and gave him a very surprised look. "I am a police officer, and I am sure I could Talk some sense into the man."

"Umm..." Joe took a breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, if-- I can't ask you to do this, Horatio."

"I offered, remember? Besides the father needs a lesson in manners, don't you think?"

Horatio's eyes narrowed on Joe, waiting to see if he would tell him what happened today. Joe gave a good laugh now and looked back down.

"That he does, my friend. That he does!"

Joe shook his head to Horatio. Alexx and Calleigh were whispering in the corner near the door. Horatio caught them and gave a wry grin, letting them know. The door opened at that moment and another doctor came in. Calleigh and Alexx both said hello and he introduced himself. Dr. Paul Lockner.

Joe now clenched his jaw and Horatio noticed. He picked up his head and one more time excused himself. He shook his head now in disgust.

"Horatio-"

"Say no more Joe, go."

Joe walked over to the doctor and they began talking. Everyone could hear.

"Joe something has just come to my attention-"

"Paul, um..don't,.. you think we should discuss this outside?" Joe said nodding his head to the door, trying to be in inconspicuous.

"Well Joe, I think---"

"Paul... I really think we should take this outside."

Joe now trying very hard to get his attention and take this outside. He did not want them to hear the conversation.

"No. We shouldn't, and if you let me get a word out, I will explain myself." The doctors tone demanding now. Joe ran his hand through his hair and shook his head.

"Alright Paul." Joe threw his hands up. "Go ahead."

Joe leaned against the wall now and Dr. Lockner spoke. Joe figuring now,... here it comes.

"I just received a call from the Chief of police, James Burton and all the issues are dropped."

Joe's back came off the wall and his head leaned in more. Did he hear that right? "What? I thought you just said-"

"I did. But now everything is worked out."

"How, Paul?"

Now the doctor shook his head and tilted it towards Horatio.

"Why don't you ask them, Joe?" He smiled. Knowing it was Horatio who called. The chief mentioned his name in the conversation.

Joe was facing Calleigh and Alexx now and saw their smiles. He now turned and looked over to Horatio, tilting his head asking,

"It was you? You did this, right?" Joe's eyes locked onto Horatio now.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Horatio looked away.

"Yes you do. You know exactly what I am talking about. You had the phone just a little while ago. I saw Calleigh putting it back on the side table. How did you know? How did you figure it out?"

Calleigh now laughed and Alexx joined her. She answered Joe now.

"Well, we are CSI's Joe. We should be able to figure out some things." Calleigh laughed and gave him a huge smile. Joe shook his head and looked at them all now.

"You're all unbelievable. Thank you, really! I don't know what to say."

"That's because you already said it, Joe." Horatio easing his discomfort. "Besides we should be thanking you for everything." Horatio tilted his head to him.

Dr. Lockner meet Lieutenant Horatio Caine." Joe introduced them. He shook Horatio's hand.

"Nice to meet you lieutenant and thank you for helping the matter resolve, quietly.

"My pleasure. Joe has been,... very patient with us and he got dragged into something that was not his fault. He tried to remedy the situation. He is an excellent doctor and I am sure a very valued colleague."

"Yes he is lieutenant, yes he is. He patted Joe on the back. "What about the woman officer who was brought in. She was released already?"

Joe's eyes now went wide and he clenched his jaw in distress. This day just keeps getting better, he thought. 'Well Paul, she umm..." He shook his head again now, and laughed.

Calleigh walk over with Alexx now. "Calleigh Duquesne, nice to meet you and this is Dr. Alexx woods." The doctor just looked at Calleigh now.

"So... You're the patient?"

"That would be me, yes." She smiled and drawled the words. That made the doctor smile. Joe jumped in now.

"She also took a nail in her side, Paul. She was lucky it just pierce the skin." Joe rubbed his eyebrow in dread now, knowing it was coming.

Paul eyed Joe up now and said, "So you have a room That's co-ed Joe?"

Now Joe eyes again went wide and he scratched his head again. "I umm.. I umm thought..---."

Horatio finished for him. "Protective custody. Did you see the officers outside?"

"Ah, yes, now I understand. Ok, well I wish you both a speedy recovery. I'll take my leave now as I have a meeting to attend. Talk to you later Joe." They all said good bye to him and he left.

Joe now let out a long breath and let himself collapsed in the chair. He put his head back as his hand slapped onto his forehead. "This day can't end soon enough."

Alexx went over and patted his shoulder now. "He seems like a very nice man, I wouldn't worry about it, Joe." He smiled to her.

"Well besides my friend of 10 yrs, he's also my boss and administrator of the hospital. He got me my residency here and we always worked together since, He's very nice Alexx, Thanks." Joe got up and now went over to Horatio. "Ok, lets get this over with before something else happens, huh."

"Sounds good to me, Joe." Horatio gave him a grin. Joe shook his head to him and smiled now. Teeth, dimples and all.

"Thank you again, Horatio."

Now he returned the nod and Joe cut away the remainder of the bandages. He held Horatio's left arm and told Maria to call for the X ray tech now.

"How about...letting me take a shower?"

"Out of the question. I don't even know yet if this is going back on you! Let me get the X ray first, ok? How you feeling now, any pain."

"No, none."

"Ok, here we go. This might hurt, so take a deep breath in and let it out, try to relax."

Joe took his arm and straightened it out slowly. Horatio's breath caught as a sharp stabbing pain shot through his ribs and chest. He groaned and closed his eyes trying to bare it. Joe shook his head now seeing his pain.

"Alright don't move that arm, ok? Horatio? You with me?" Horatio didn't answer. "Horatio, hey?"

Joe told Maria to keep that arm still and moved up to check him out. Calleigh and Alexx were quickly at his side. Joe shook him lightly and he didn't wake up. Joe took his pulse and it was fine, just a little slow. He took out his pen light and checked his eyes, he was unconscious. Joe rubbed on his chest with his knuckles and Horatio groaned. Joe took in a much needed breath.

'Hey, what happened to you, Horatio? Joe leaned in close and put a hand on his forehead, he felt very hot. "Stay with me now, ok?"

His eyes drifted half closed and he groaned again. "Joe..." He raised his right hand now and Alexx quickly held on to it.

"You're alright, honey. Just lie still, it will all be over before you know it." His eyes opened more now and he managed a weak smile.

"You know, I should really give him something." Joe said concerned.

"No, I'..m ok. Joe."

"Ok, alright. I understand Horatio."

Maria put some warm soaks on his ribs now to help the tape come off easier. "Alright Horatio, I'm going to take the tape off, ok?"

"Yess, ok."

He opened his eyes to find Alexx and Calleigh on his right side and Joe and Maria on the left. He took in a deep breath and relaxed. Joe took a hold of the tape and pulled, slowly. His left hand laid over the tape while the right one pulled it off. Horatio now shut his eyes tightly and tried to breathe. The pulling beginning to hurt and pain him inside and out. He groaned and went to move his right hand as Joe pulled the next off.

"Keep still, Horatio. Don't move your hands, ok? You want something for the pain now?" Horatio groaned and nodded. Joe took that as a no still.

"Horatio let him give you something; you don't need to feel the pain right now?" His eyes opened to her and she softly caressed his face as Joe pull yet another piece of tape. His eyes quickly slamming shut and he groaned again. "Horatio, ok?" He opened his eyes again and this time nodded a yes to Calleigh.

"Joe wait. He said ok."

Joe looked surprised now and quickly prepared an injection. Same as before he gave him the shot and Calleigh talked to him until he was out.

"He must have been in a lot of pain to say yes, so I doubt his ribs are anywhere near healed. We'll find out soon enough with the X rays."

Joe took off the rest of the tape easily and examined him. He shook his head feeling around, unhappy. The X ray tech came and Joe gave him a hand making sure not to disrupt any of his ribs again. The X rays were done and Joe read them.

"Not to bad at all, I think I can leave the splint off but I defiantly want to bandage his ribs and put his arm in a sling. It will help support the weight and pressure on those ribs. Beside I need that arm still and secure." He turned to Alexx and Calleigh now.

"So what do you two think?"

They looked at one another and in unison said, "Sling." They laughed.

"Ok, sling it is. Maria let's bandage him up and get me another sling. The one that goes over the back and neck, it will give his arm more support.

Joe re-bandaged him up and the rest of the night was quiet. They spoke about Horatio making the phone call and protecting Joe. Alexx got to know more about Joe as Calleigh watched Horatio sleep peacefully. Soon after, Alexx and Joe went home, saying good night.

Calleigh sat by his beside till she dozed off. Maria came in and woke her, she helped her to bed. Nighttime passed and morning came, all was well.

The loud shrilling of the phone woke him and his eyes fluttered open, unfocused. He shook his head just a bit trying to clear the fuzziness. Joe was standing over him.

"Horatio, hey come on, open those baby blues for me."

He shook him just a bit to wake him more. Horatio closed his eyes again. "Open those eyes for me." Horatio took a breath and opened his eyes wide.

"Wha...What happened...I remember you pulling... and...that's it"

Joe shook his head to him. "You passed out on us. When you came around you wanted pain medication."

"Really, I asked...?"

"Yes, you did. Calleigh asked you and you said yes. How you feeling now?"

"Like I have a hangover. Which is why I didn't want the med--." Joe cut him off with a nod.

"You asked this time, Horatio. You were in a lot of pain and believe me, it helped you. You've been running a fever for a while now? You feel anything different? Sick, dizzy...anything out of the ordinary?"

"Yeah, I can feel and see my arm again, that feels different." Horatio gave a chuckle. Joe shook his head to him.

"Ok, just relax and don't move that arm around, ok?" Joe examined him.

"Ok." Horatio looked down now at the sling. It felt good to have his arm free. "So when can I go home?"

Joe stopped now and gave him a look. "Well that didn't take long? Right now I'm not sure, you're running a fever. Well have to wait and see."

"You're not going to keep me here because of a fever?" Joe stopped again now and met his eyes.

"Oh yes I am." He said seriously. "Look, Horatio, it's too soon. You're not ready."

"Oh, I'm ready, alright." Horatio said now with an intense look. Joe stared him down and shook his head.

"Just let me figure out what's causing the fever, ok? Well work it out after that. It could be anything, your lungs, ribs or that hand..." Joe looked at his hand now. "Does your hand hurt? Move your fingers for me."

Horatio lifted his hand and grimaced in pain. He wiggled his fingers and Joe came around to the left side. "It's just sore."

"No, I don't think so,.. look at your fingers."

They were hot-red and swollen. Joe began to take the bandage off his left hand now and gently set it down. He cleaned the wound and quickly realized it was the cause of his fever. He had an infection. Joe gave him some Novocain to numb the hand so he could work on it and clean it up. "I'm going to start you on some antibiotics; they will help clear up the infection and help with the fever."

Horatio looked over to Calleigh's bed. "What time is it?"

"Six in the morning."

"Six?"

"Yes, you're awake early, the pain meds knocked you out so you slept the whole day and night. Calleigh stood up at your bedside just in case you woke up. She's usually awake by now, but Maria told me she had to force her to go to bed last night. She didn't want to leave your side. She's very worried about you,... So... do what your doctor tells you, ok?" Joe said with a smile, still working on his hand.

"Hmm." Horatio grinned at Joe. "How are things with Timmy?"

Joe looked up at him again, this time clearly thinking about something.

"He's ok, thanks Horatio, for asking." Joe went back to his hand, still thinking and Horatio knew he was thinking about something now.

"What's on your mind, Joe?" Horatio asked. Joe just stared at him in awe, wondering how could he know.

"Well, to tell you the truth, I was going to ask you for a favor, if your up to it. Maybe help with the situation."

Horatio nodded yes and spoke. "Bring him in to see me. I was hoping to talk with the young man."

Joe shook his head. "How do you know what I'm gonna say before I do?" Joe asked, shocked again.

"Hmm." Horatio smiled at Joe now and wiggled his eyebrows a bit.

"Ok, but later, and only if you feel better. And I don't know if you should say anything about being a cop?" Joe was nervous, knowing Timmy could break down anytime now.

"I'm just going to talk to him, you're welcome to be here, if you'd like."

"No, no. I think he'll talk to you... Alone. I think,.. I'm not sure,.. he can be tough when it comes to,... opening up."

"Aren't we all?"

"Well, yeah,... I guess we are." Joe raised one eyebrow and gave Horatio a look of surprise. "You see, that's exactly why I want you to talk with him." Joe said, smiling now.

"Consider it done."

"Okay, I'll try to get him in here later and ... I guess we'll see." Joe finished bandaging up Horatio's hand again. "How's that feel?" He patted Horatio's arm and put it back in the sling.

"I don't feel anything. It's numb."

"Good. That's the answer I was looking for. Now get some rest, it's still early. And remember, I don't want you sitting up for to long. The pressure on the ribs will only make things worse, Horatio. I'll be by to check on you both later." Joe looked over at Calleigh and left the room.

Horatio moved his right hand over his ribs now, feeling around. He flinched and took his hand away shaking his head. He was still very sore and achy; this was taking way to long to heal. He looked over toward Calleigh, Admiring his view; his eyes slowly began to close again. It was only minutes as his eyes closed and he was asleep again. Hours passed before he woke.

He felt something cool on his face and then his forehead. He opened his eyes to find Calleigh, with a washcloth, cooling him off. He gave her a small smile, his eyes squinted.

"Good afternoon, sleepy head." She said smiling.

"Afternoon, already? Just what did he give me, yesterday?" He swallowed, trying to moisten his throat.

"No, it's the fever knocking you out now. You have an infection, Horatio."

"I know, I spoke with Joe this morning." He tried to lift his head but was flat on his back, he groaned. "Can you lift me up a bit, Calleigh?"

"Sure, let me get it for you." Calleigh smiled at him and winked now joking. "Hang on." She said.

"I'm hanging." Horatio gave her a chuckle and she smiled bigger. She was hoping the fever would break.

"So, how long have I been out?" He asked, taking a drink from the cup Calleigh handed him.

"Well Joe's been here twice now and he told me you were up this morning. So that would make it six maybe, seven hours. You were going in and out with the fever." Calleigh saw sweat beginning to build on his forehead and neck again. She took the cloth and wiped his head and face, gently.

"Mmm, thank you. That feels good." He said with a soft sigh. "So anything new on the case? What were Alexx's findings?"

"She said the dental records confirmed it was him, Ed Mathis. So that makes three now, right?" Calleigh said wiping the cloth along his neck.

"No, That makes four, with Donna Scott, and who knows how many others." His eyes in deep thought, squinting.

"Does he really think he's going to get away with all this? Calleigh said, shaking her head.

"Yes. Yes he does. He thinks he untouchable, but we,.. We know different, don't we?" Horatio said with conviction, looking up at Calleigh now. His eyes met hers and she smiled at him, trying to lighten him up.

"Yes we certainly do, handsome. We also know something else don't we?" Calleigh said to him with a evil grin.

Horatio's eyebrows furrowed in thought, then he shook his head. "Eric got the DNA results, didn't he? It's a match, right?" He saw the smile creeping upon her face. He knew the answer.

"It's a match alright, perfect. You were right, father and son." Calleigh said in delight. Horatio turned his head and shook it.

"We got him, ...DNA, never lies?" Horatio smiled coldly. "Let's see how untouchable he thinks he is Now."

His eyes narrowed and fixed down on the bed. Calleigh saw the thoughts passing behind his eyes, she knew what was coming next. She shook her head.

"Horatio-- Don't even think about it. There's no way you--."

She stopped as he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. His eyes were intense, blazing with fire.

Calleigh now cocked her head to the side a bit and stared him down. She was not backing down this time, she was not going to let him hurt himself again and she wanted him to know it. She shook her head at him now and tried to find the right words. She pushed her anger aside and spoke to him.

"Please- please don't do this." Her eyes softened on him.

He blinked a few times, his eyes seemed to lighten. He looked away from her taking a slow breath in. He shook his head now and gave a snort. "I have to do this, I wish you could understand that."

"No, you don't! Not right now, give it a few days, Horatio. We don't even have all the evidence together yet."

"Well then I'll just have to make sure that we get it together, won't I." His face now looked flushed and sweat was rolling off his forehead. His neck and chest covered with perspiration.

She saw his face and knew the determination he had, especially for this case. She also saw how sweaty he was getting by the second and began to worry. She took the washcloth and rinsed it again in cool water. She went back to him and began to cool him off some with it. She did not look at his eyes when she spoke.

"Horatio please, just a couple more days. You know you have an infection and fever, you have to rest. You're body needs to heal, it's can't take much more of this. Just what are you trying to do?" Her voice rose a bit and he looked up at her.

"I'm trying to catch a killer." He said, in a low whisper.

He relaxed his head back and closed his eyes, as her hand wiped the sweat off his forehead and face. She muttered something under her breath now.

"You're gonna be the death of me."

His eyes opened and fixed on her, questioningly. "Please don't say that." He whispered as he reached for her hand.

She stopped wiping now and sat down on the bed next to him. He stared at her, his eyes searching hers. She shook her head at him. "Well, if you keep worrying me like this..."

He held her hand in his, looking down at their hands together. Now he shook his head. "I don't mean to worry you Calleigh--."

"Then stop this. Let Eric and Frank take him in and..."

She stopped talking as he shook his head no. "Why not, Horatio? Why do you have to be so... pig headed all the time? How do you expect to get better if you don't rest?" She slid her hand away from his now, angry with him.

He looked at her and swallowed hard. "One day at a time." He gave her a small grin.

She took the washcloth and got up, she flung it in the basin. Her face was red and her lips pursed. She turned to look at him, with one hand on her hip now and the other explaining. His face showed surprise at how angry she was.

"You have a fever and a bad infection! You have broken ribs and a punctured lung! Wait, I left out the concussion, is there anything else? One day at a time, huh? I don't think that's going to work right now, how about you? She was steaming.

His eyes opened wide at her outburst and he opened his mouth to talk. "Calleigh I -- I ."

The door opened and Alexx and Frank came in. Horatio's eyes were still on Calleigh, but her eyes now moved to the door. He followed hers.

"Hey Calleigh, hey H. So when are you two getting out?" Frank asked the worst question he could.

Calleigh looked back to Horatio and with attitude said, "Why don't you ask him. He seems to have all the answers." Calleigh huffed.

Horatio just stared at her for a moment. Alexx took one look at Calleigh and knew something was wrong. Franks eyes went wide now.

"Calleigh honey, what's wrong?" Alexx asked.

"You need to ask him, ok? I need some air." Calleigh headed for the door.

"Calleigh, wait I --." Horatio called to her but she left, the door slowly closing behind her. He looked over to Alexx and she followed Calleigh out the door now.

"Horatio, what happened?" Frank asked.

He just shook his head now in disgust. "Frank stay with them, make sure they're safe."

"Ok, H. I'll be back." Frank left and now he was alone.

A moment passed as he tried to figure out what just happened. He was soaked with sweat and felt hot, confused. He flung the sheets off and slowly sat forward, moving his legs off the side of the bed. He sat up leaning his weight on his right arm, perspiration beginning to bead again. He slowly slid off the bed all his weight leaning on his right arm. He stood straight up now, as a wave of dizziness hit him. He staggered and grabbed for the chair near his bed.

He leaned his weight on the chair and shook his head a bit, trying to clear the dizziness. Slowly finding his bearings, he took a breath and let go, he headed for the closet. He pulled his pants off the hanger with one hand and flung them over to the bed. Then he grabbed his button down shirt and did the same, sweating profusely now with all the effort. He tried to bend and gasped in pain. His right hand quickly cradled his broken ribs and he leaned on the closet now. He took a deep breath in trying to fight back the blackness that was threatening to overtake him now. He wouldn't let that happen and he cursed himself.

He slowly made his way back to the chair and gently lowered himself into it with a shaky right arm. He let his head fall back on the chair now and rested a moment. His thoughts crazy now as Calleigh and then the Judge came to mind. He gathered enough strength to push himself up with one very shaky arm. His body swayed and he cursed himself again. He took a moment and managed to get his pants on, without falling over. Sweat now pouring off him, he just wanted to lie down now and rest his very, achy body. He was hoping they would not come back anytime soon. He picked up his shirt now and just looked at it, thinking, this was going to be fun. He had to take his arm out of the sling to get it on and he knew that would be a big problem. He managed to slip it on the right arm before the door opened. Horatio's head shot up quickly, to quickly, as yet another way of dizziness hit him. It was Joe, and he froze at the door in shocked.

"What the HELL -- Horatio!"

He was very surprised as his eyes went wide and his legs took off to get to a swaying Horatio. He went running over to Horatio and grabbed him.

"Hang on,-- just hang on a second,-- I got you."

He practically carried him back to his bed before Horatio knew what hit him. He was not cognizant, as Joe laid his head back onto the pillow and picked up both his legs, placing them gently on the bed. Horatio groaned in pain, he was still dazed.

Joe now took a second to catch his breath before he went around to the left side to examine him. His breathing was uneven and he was soaked with sweat. Joe also noticed his body felt hot to his touch, he placed his hand on his head. It felt like he was burning up. Joe leaned over to the beside table and picked up the thermometer. He stuck it in his mouth and held it for him, shaking his head, wondering where Calleigh was. Horatio's eyes began to flutter open and he saw Joe over him now. He blinked a few times trying to clear his head. Then he focused and realization hit him...hard. Joe took the thermometer out of his mouth and read it out loud, 103.5 Joe flung the thermometer back on the table.

Horatio jumped, his eyes opened wide. "What the..Ahhhhh.." He tried to get up and groaned in pain when he realized he was back in the bed. Joe quickly held onto his shoulders, keeping him down.

"Stay down,-- hold still! You're burning up. What did you think you were doing, Horatio?"

Horatio let out a low groan. "Going.. home. What did it-- look like?"

Joe raised an eyebrow to him, ticked off now. "Well it looked to me like you were about to fall on your face,.. and then you nearly did!" Anger in Joe's voice now.

"I'm going home, I have to get to the lab---."

"What Lab? You have a very high fever, which is why you can't even stand up, Which is why also, you are probably not making much sense right now. Just in case you haven't noticed this fact yet, let me point it out to you now." Joe was pissed. "You could have just fell and cracked you're head open. That fever's getting to you." Joe looked around the room and back to Horatio. "Where's Calleigh?"

"Calleigh,... Cal...leigh, I went... She went.. to get some fresh air. She's with Alexx and Frank,... I think."

Horatio swallowed and let his head fall back, he felt hot and exhausted. His whole body ached and it hurt just to breathe. He closed his eyes and all he could do was think of her. She was mad at him, she was right to be, he knew it. He opened his eyes looking at Joe now.

"Ok, just lay there will you, I need to get you some Tylenol. Don't move!" Joe said walking out of the room, worried about his fever.

Horatio lifted up a bit to make himself more comfortable and Joe walked back in.

"You're not trying to run out on me again, are you? Here take these, it's just Tylenol." Joe poured him some water and handed it to him. Horatio gave Joe a glance and took the pills with the water.

"Thank you, now can I go..."

"You're welcome, and no you can't!" Joe now said in disbelief, not quite sure if he was ok. He was acting strangely. "You alright Horatio, that fevers got you good now huh? Joe sank into the chair next to his bed. "Stay down please, I already had my morning workout today." He laughed, trying to lighten him up.

Horatio did not laugh and in fact gave him a confused look. The door opened and Alexx came walking in now. She said hello to Joe and gave Horatio a glare. She looked back at Joe now. He nodded his head to her, "He's burning up now. We have to keep a close eyes on him." Then Joe excused himself and left. He knew she was going to talk with him. She walked over to Horatio now, seeing his pants on and his shirt on the floor near the bed. Her eyes roamed over to find an open closet door and his shoes still in it. She shook her head at him now.

"Just what did you think you were doing?"

"Leaving." His answer swift and to the point.

"Just how do you plan on leaving? You need to be able to walk first." She glared at him now. Her hand went to his forehead. "You're burning up! I take it you know this already...and you still want to leave?"

"It's just an infection, it's not a big deal. I need to get to the lab." Sweat began to build on his face and neck again.

"Oh, well, excuse me- I didn't know you had a Doctors degree." Her eyes narrowed on him now. "Just an infection...oh I see. So 103 temperature is not a big deal right, Horatio? Forget about the lab, Horatio. If it was Calleigh, would you let her go home like that?"

"Alexx, I --."

"Don't Alexx me; I don't want to hear it. You said you would rest, you said you would listen to reason. What happened?" A little DNA got you rattled, you need to run off and do it yourself now. Let Eric and Ryan work on things, Horatio. You taught them and you know they can handle it. Frank is right outside, tell him what to do, you know he'll take care of it. You know you can Depend on us,... don't you? What am I missing here, please tell me?"

"I have to ..lab.. do this... myself Alexx." His words not coming out right. Alexx looked at him unsure.

"Whoa, yourself Horatio? What happened to team work? That's what YOU taught us, remember. You would never let any one of us go off alone on a case, but we're supposed to let you? Sick and injured no less. That sounds a lot like,... hypocrisy to me, don't you think?"

"It's not like that, Alexx." Horatio shook his head now. He was in pain, hot and pissed off he upset Calleigh. He tried to focus but his brain kept telling him he was wrong.

"Really, then you tell me what's it like, Horatio?" There was a knock and Joe came in.

"Sorry but I have to check him out again. I just gave him some Tylenol 10 minutes ago and I need to recheck his temperature now. I'm hoping it went down some.

"Sure honey, no problem, go ahead." She said, as she looked back to Horatio, who was now shaking his head. She knew something here was not quite right. He was not himself right now.

Joe picked up the thermometer and nodded to Horatio now.

"Open up." Horatio gave him a look and opened.

Joe put it in his mouth and held it there waiting. Alexx walked around to where Joe was and leaned over to see the numbers increasing. She shook her head at him and he now let his head fall back on the pillow. It beeped when it finished reading. Joe scratched his head and looked down to Horatio.

" It's 103.0... a little better anyway."

"Better? What was it before, Joe?" Alexx asked, now glaring at Horatio again. Knowing he didn't tell her the truth about it.

"It was 103.5. The Tylenol should work fine now and I'll keep checking for the next few hours and see if it goes back up. He's still burning up so I'm going to play it safe and make Maria come in and cool him off some. Just holler if you need me."

"I'm fine, Joe!" Horatio blurted out now

"I would love to agree with you Horatio, but you are not fine, trust me. I know you feel extremely hot right now, and exhausted, so don't fight it, you can't it's fever. Just sit back and let us take care of you." Joe smiled at him and cocked his head to the right. "We're not that bad, are we?" Horatio nodded no to him but said nothing.

"Joe leave Maria alone, I'll take care of it, ok?"

"You sure Alexx, I don't--."

"I'm sure Joe and Thank you." Alexx said as he was leaving. She now turned toward Horatio and gave him a dirty look. He knew what was coming.

"So, 103.5... It's not that bad, huh? You knew how high it was and you didn't say anything to me about it when I asked. Since when do you lie to me mister?" Alexx pointed her finger at him.

"I... I didn't lie, Alexx." He paused a moment. "I just didn't tell." Just the corner of his lips curved up, she could swear he flashed a little half smile at her now. She glared at him now, with her hand on her hip.

"Horatio Caine! I think this fever has you delirious, this is not funny. That is the only excuse I want to hear from you! You got that girl outside on the verge of a breakdown. You better make things right, mister. She doesn't deserve this."

Alexx went into the bathroom with the basin now and filled it with cold water. Horatio now thinking she was right. What the hell was wrong with him, how could he upset Calleigh like that. Now he brought his hand to his forehead and held it there, thinking about it all. He snorted, thinking, maybe delirious indeed. Alexx gave him a look and shook her head to him questioningly.

"Horatio, really, are you ok? Please be straight with me." His face beet red now and sweat pouring down onto his neck and chest.

Now his eyes locked with hers and he shook his head.

"I umm,..." He took a breath in, letting his head fall back onto the pillow. He blinked a few times trying to clear his thoughts. "I'm Hot... I ..." He closed his eyes.

Alexx quickly went to him and put the cold washcloth on his forehead. "Sshs, alright just relax, rest. You'll feel better in a bit."

She now went to the door and called Calleigh in the room. "Stay with him honey, I'll be right back." Alex went to get some ice packs and towels.

Calleigh took one look at him and wondered what happened. How did he have pants on now? She sat in the chair next to his bedside and softly rubbed along his arm. Her eyes immediately went wide. He felt like he was on fire.

His eyes now feeling her touch, opened half way. "Cal..liegh... I ..have to tell.."

She stood over him and placed her hand on his face. "It's ok, close your eyes, rest Horatio, I'm right here."

Alexx came walking back in with a basin full of ice packs and towels. "Give me a hand with these honey. We need to get his fever down."

"How high is his fever, Alexx?"

Alexx looked at her. "It was 103 when Joe came in but I think it's higher now. I'll asked Maria to recheck it now, just to make sure. You wiped him down ok?"

"Ok, Alexx." Calleigh said, as she started on his head and face and worked her way down.

Alexx brought Maria back in the room and they recheck his temperature. It went up again, 103.5. Maria went to tell the doctor as Alexx and Calleigh tried to cool him off.

Calleigh put an ice pack on each side of his neck and Alexx put some on his chest.

He groaned now and his eyes opened. "Cal..." His voice tired and raspy. "Cal..leigh, I'm ...sorry, ..I ... don..didn't ..me--."

She placed her hand on his face calming him. "Shss, I 'm right here, it's ok. Rest, it's ok, Horatio."

He closed his eyes against her hand, resting now. "Cal.. forg..ive... eme..."

She smiled down to him and back up to Alexx. "Horatio it's alright, of course I forgive you. Now rest, ok?"

His eyes barely opened and he nodded into her hand. She softly caressed his check and face until he hushed.

"Listen to me honey, I think he was delirious, and I'm not even joking. He definitely was not himself when he was talking to me." Alexx gave her a small smile. "He'll be fine once the fever breaks."

"He doesn't make it easy Alexx. I just want him better."

"No he doesn't honey, I know, just hang in there. He'll be better before we know it and then we'll be wishing he would leave us alone." Alexx laughed and Calleigh smiled and nodded her head.

"Well,.. I don't know about... That." Calleigh said, raising her eyebrows to Alexx. Alexx laughed. "I don't ever want him to,.. leave me alone, Alexx." She smiled.

"I know baby, it was just a figure of speech." Alexx chuckled.

Joe came walking in with Maria now. "How's he doing?"

Alexx nodded to him, "Not good Joe."

"Alright let me see that hand. Maybe I need to drain it again, or maybe another antibiotic."

He unwrapped his hand and saw the swelling and pus building up again. He cleaned it out and re-bandaged it. He gave IV antibiotics this time to help with the infection. Horatio was in and out through the day. Alexx and Calleigh kept cooling him off as the day went on. The fever final broke that night and he slept through to the next day.

He felt his face being wiped down and slowly began to wake. Alexx was over him now as his eyes came into focus.

"Welcome back, sugar. You scared the hell out of me...us. How you feeling?"

Horatio's eyes roamed around a moment before coming back to Alexx. "Cal.. did I ..."

"Hold on sugar, here drink some of this." She gave him some water. "Calleigh's right there, look she sleeping, she was up the night watching over you."

Alexx smiled at him now and he nodded to her. He drank some water and she put it back down on the table.

He took a deep breath in now and blinked his eyes. "What happened, Alexx? I remember talking to Cal and she left me---."

"It was your fever, Horatio. Everything else is fine, she's right there and she would not leave you, ok."

"I remember Joe helping me into the bed--."

"Now that's true. You got yourself dressed and you were ready to leave. I don't know how or where you thought you were going, but you were definitely going." Alexx chuckled. "Thank goodness Joe came in and found you when he did. You're fever went up to 104.0 so you were pretty out of it for a while. I'm just glad to have you back Horatio."

"Thank you Alexx, as always."

"Your welcome sugar, now just rest like you're supposed too, ok?"

"Hmm. Yes doctor. I promise to behave."

Horatio closed his eyes again and quickly fell into a deep sleep once again. He woke two hours later to find Calleigh, Alexx and Frank in the room. He heard them talking.

"So the doc said by the end of the week, Calleigh? That's great, he'll be thrilled I'm sure." Frank said.

"Yeah well he wants out now, so I'm not sure how thrilled he is going to be."

"Listen honey, his fever is gone and he's a lot better now. Joe said we need to wait and see. Let's just see how he is when he wakes up. Try not to worry, I'm sure it was the fever talking--."

Horatio cleared his throat and Alexx stopped talking. They all looked over to see him awake now. Alexx held back a laugh and smiled.

"Speak of the devil. How you feeling, honey?"

"I'm feeling better, a lot better. Thank you."

She walked over and placed her hand on his forehead. "Well you definitely feel,... cooler too." Alexx said.

Calleigh just waited and didn't say anything yet. He looked at her but Frank starting talking.

"Hey H, you look like hell, you sure you feel better? If you ask me, I think you're just pushing for more time off."

"Well Frank,... I'm not asking you." Horatio said now bluntly.

Alexx, Calleigh and Frank all just stared at him now, hoping he was not serious. Horatio knew and let them sweat it out for a moment before he let his lips curl up into a small grin.

"Dam H, you had me there, I thought you were serious." Frank said, wiping his forehead.

Alexx laughed and Calleigh smiled shaking her head at him. They were both glad to see him joke again.

"So I was that bad huh?"

"Yeah you were, honey and let me tell you now. You better never do that again. You could have really hurt yourself, Horatio."

He shook his head to her. "I understand, Doctor." He tilted his head to Calleigh, looking at her. She was being awfully quiet. "Calleigh, you ok?"

"You're asking me? I'm fine, Horatio." Her smile was forced, he knew it. She looked away quickly.

"I'm going to the cafeteria to get some coffees, Frank why don't you give me a hand?"

"Sure Alexx, lead the way."

"We'll be right back, ok Calleigh?"

"Oh, Yes , of course Alexx. I'll be right here." She smiled to Alexx now. Alexx nodded and they both left.

Horatio pressed the button on his bed and lifted it up more. The sound made Calleigh turn back toward him.

"Calleigh, I umm, I'm sorry." His puppy dog eyes asking for forgiveness.

"Forget it, Horatio, it's alright."

"I didn't realized what I was doing Cal, I hope you can forgive me. I would never hurt you, ever. You know that, right" His blue eyes down, sad.

"Of course I do Horatio. I know, you did have a very high fever and I'm just happy you are better now. I'm sorry too, I should have had more patience."

Horatio chuckled. "You're an angel Calleigh, but I don't think god has enough patience for me."

Now she laughed and went to him, she gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. He wrapped his right arm around her and hugged her back.

"Mmm, you smell wonderful, I miss you."

Calleigh blushed and he gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Caressing her face with his right hand and thumb. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. Reveling in his touch and the feel of his fingers on her face. He watched her sink into him and enjoy his touch, he smiled at her. She opened her eyes now.

"What are you smiling at, handsome?" She took his hand to her lips and kissed it.

"You beautiful,... you. Thank you for understanding, Calleigh."

"Ok, enough already and trust me, you owe me handsome. You're gonna make it all up to me." She smiled mischievously.

"Mmm, yes I certainly am beautiful. So, why don't you let me start with a nice dinner reservation when this is all over and umm---."

The door opened and Joe walked in. They both looked surprised and laughed a bit. He gave them a big smile and scratched his eyebrow.

"I can come back if you both like?" Joe chuckled.

Calleigh blushed now and looked away. Horatio had a hard time keeping a straight face.

"So I can see you're feeling better." Joe said to Horatio now. "The whole idea is to cool him off Calleigh, not make him hotter!"

Joe laughed now and so did Horatio. Calleigh had to cover her mouth to help with her giggle. The door open again and Alexx and Frank were back. They handed Calleigh a coffee and waited for Joe to finish with Horatio to give him his.

"So, you feel like a little company in a while?"

"Yes, absolutely. That would be fine, Joe."

"Ok, I'll umm, let you know Horatio." Joe took his temperature and it read 100.1. "I want you to take an easy ok, you still have a little fever. I don't want this going up again."

"Well I'm just lying here. It doesn't get easier than that, right?"

"Yeah, ok?" Joe said with a smirk and a chuckle. I'll be back in a bit.

"So, what was that about?" Calleigh asked now.

"Joe's going to bring the kid in to see me. He thought maybe it could help."

"Are you up to that honey, you know teenagers, they can be stubborn." Alexx added now.

"Adults can be too. Especially a certain lieutenant we know, right?" Frank said now making everyone laugh.

"I'll be fine and so will he. Now we have another problem."

"Like what, Horatio?" Calleigh asked.

"Like what to do with the three of you."

Alexx laughed. "I think we're being thrown out,.. No I know we are."

"Cafeteria sounds good. I need some real food and I'll even bring you back something, Ok?" Calleigh said.

Horatio looked over to Frank. "Can you keep an eye on them for a while?"

"You bet H, no problem."

Calleigh Shot Horatio a glare and shook her head. "If you didn't have fever i swear--."

"Thanks Frank. It shouldn't be to long at all." Horatio grinned at her.

"Ok, so well see you in a bit then H. Ladies?" Frank put out his hand, leading to the door. Alexx went and Calleigh waited.

"I'll be right there." Calleigh said waiting for them to leave the room. She moved back over to Horatio and sat down next to him. "I need another hug before I go handsome."

"Mmm, not a problem beautiful." She leaned in and he hugged her, sliding his hand around into her silky hair. He softly whispered in her ear. "Calleigh, hurry back." In a very smooth seductive voice.

She smiled, as chills ran through her. "I planned on it already." She answered with her eyebrows going up. Now she whispered in his ear and grabbed his earlobe between her lips. "Umm, I'll.. miss.. you." He took in a sharp breath, startled. She leaned in and kissed his lips and got up to leave, heading for the door. He watched her strut with a soft groan in his throat and an ache in his groin.

Joe saw them leave and came back to check on Horatio. He also wanted to see if he was up to talking with Timmy now. He said yes and Joe brought Timmy in now and introduced him to Horatio. He quickly took his leave, saying he had to see some other patients. Timmy and Horatio were alone.

Horatio study the 17 year old with his eyes as did Timmy. The corner of Horatio's lips went up just a bit as he realized he was being analyzed too. Timmy was nearly 6 feet tall and had brown eyes. He was slim but muscular. His jeans were hanging low on his waist and the band of his underwear showed. 'Calvin Klein' He had a blue hospital scrub shirt on. Most likely given to him from Joe, Horatio thought. He had a big piece of gauze covering the right side of his neck, it was taped all around. He walked over to the window with his head down. Both hands were in his pockets, making his jeans drop even more. Horatio spoke.

"That's a nice shirt you have there. How do I go about getting one?" Horatio tilted his head.

Timmy looked at his shirt and pulled it forward with two fingers. Horatio caught the small grin on his face as he thought about it.

"Dr. Gannon gave it to me. There was no way I was wearing a hospital gown." He stared out the window.

"That's understandable, me either." Horatio said, showing him his pants. "Now all I need is a shirt." His chest bare still. His eyes on the boys back. Timmy turned around to look.

"So what happened to you? You don't look to good, no offense." He quickly added.

Horatio thought about that one for a moment, pinching his bottom lip. "I went right, instead of left."

"You mean a car accident?" He turned toward Horatio now.

Horatio let out a chuckle. "No, I ... I was in the wrong place, at the wrong time." He shook his head.

"Yeah, like me, being here right now."

Timmy crossed his arms on his chest and leaned more on the right leg. Horatio quickly noticed his defensive posture. He knew it was coming and he was right. He remained quiet, not wanting to push the boy. His eyes scanning Timmy's face. Timmy let out a long sigh now.

"Ok, so why am I here? You another therapist or shrink?" Venom in the boys voice.

Horatio's eyebrows rose up. "No. No therapist Timmy, that's for sure." He nodded to him.

"Then What? What's going on, who are you?"

Horatio thought about it now and had no choice. He didn't want to start out by lying to the boy. Maybe this would gain his trust more if he told the truth. "I'm a CSI."

Timmy's brows furrowed and he leaned his head forward. "A, C S I... What's a CSI?"

"Crime scene investigator."

"Oh yeah, you go to the crime scenes and..."

Timmy cocked his head to the right and narrowed his eyes on Horatio. "You're a cop! A cop, just great. It was the first time I did Meth and the last. This is about the Meth, right? My father had nothing to do with it and I'm not going to do it again, so can I go now, officer?" He said upset now.

Horatio study his posture and his words, careful now of what he would say next. He had to gain some kind of trust and it wasn't looking good so far.

"No one's keeping you here, Timmy. You can leave whenever you want." His voice calm, cool.

Timmy looked at him dumbfounded. "Well that's a miracle in itself." He started walking toward the door now and suddenly stopped. He turned toward Horatio, slowly, putting his hands in his pockets again, his eyes soften. Horatio noticed right away his whole demeanor changed. His heart leaped, hoping so much for him to stop and he did.

"So...why... why did Joe bring me here?"

"To see if you needed,.. a friend." Horatio held his gaze and Timmy's wavered. He looked down and shook his head.

"You.-- A cop -- My friend? Let me get this straight. You want to be my friend?" He gave the words meaning and laughed.

Horatio stood on track and pressed on. "Well that's up to you, Timmy." Horatio direct and right to the point.

Timmy now stared at him, his eyes far away. "My dad put you up to this? No wait, of course not, why would he. He doesn't even care what happens to me. So why would you? Is it money you want?"

Horatio shook his head. "No, I don't know your dad and I don't want your money. "It's because I care." Horatio took a breath in and paused. "I care because... I was 17 once too. I met a police officer named Al and he helped me find direction and it changed my life."

"You don't get it. When god made my dad, he broke the mole. Only one bastard like him in the world and I have to be his son. He's cold hearted and ruthless. Nothing matters to him but his money and possessions. Baldwin enterprises. That's his true love. His business. Do you know what he did when they told him I was shot? He went to the ballgame on a business meeting. Do you know where he is now? HA! He's heading to Chicago, another BIG business meeting. He don't care...Hell, he probably wishes I succeeded."

Timmy now pacing the room, shaking his head. "It's hopeless, Horatio... Don't waste your time on me." Timmy voice shaky, low, sincere. He headed for the door now.

Horatio held back tears in his angry eyes. He could have cried for the boy. It was something about the way he said his name. He was being sincere, open, and honest. Horatio could sense it, this was not the sign of a bad kid; it was a sign of a lost one. An abused one, a mistreated one. It was a sign of being unloved. Horatio held his anger in check and clenched down, trying to stifle it away somewhere. There was no way he was going to let him leave now. He knew how to help. Now he just had to find a way to make him stay.

"Without Hope, we have nothing, Timmy."

The boy stopped, shuffled his feet and looked at the floor. Horatio continued, "I'm not wasting my time on you, Timmy. I'm sharing my time, with you."

Now Timmy swallowed hard and stood still in place. His hands pressed into both pockets on his jeans. He stared at the floor. His voice now low, trembling, "You mean.. that, Horatio? No disrespect or anything,... but I had a lot of broking promises, ya know. He was holding back tears, his voice cracking now.

Something about the way he said his name, again, so soft and open. Horatio's gut twisted for this boy.

"I do. I mean it Timmy. I mean it." Horatio shook his head yes now as Timmy's eyes met his. Tears ready to fall but Timmy wouldn't let go... Not yet. He looked away now and walked back to the window. Horatio heart skipped a beat in relief, he took a breath in.

"So what happened to you, when you were seventeen?" Horatio's eyes went wide; this was not the time to tell him. He looked away from Timmy now in deep thought. Timmy looked up at the TV and saw him... On the news. He looked back now over at Horatio and back to the TV, baffled. Timmy now realizing who he was.

"You're that cop! You're him. I knew you looked familiar." Timmy staring at Horatio now, sounding excited.

Horatio thanked the good lord for the change in topic now. He gave Timmy a grin. "Yep, that's me."

"You get the bad guys yet? I heard three of them were killed now and they don't know who else is involved. Is that true, Horatio?"

Horatio smiled now, seeing his excitement, seeing his smile for the first time. In his heart he knew he could help Timmy, if he'd let him.

"Some of it, Timmy. We can't discuss the case because it's ongoing."

Timmy nodded to him. "Ok, I get it, that's cool. So how long you a CSI, Horatio?" Timmy's eyes suddenly full of light now. Horatio tilted his head, listening, enjoying. Seeing him smile now was a reward of it's own.

"Almost 10 yrs Timmy."

"Wait, wait. You know that lady cop... What was her name... Du-Caine. She was hurt too, right? Is she ok?"

Horatio laughed at the way he said her name. He put Caine in it.

"Yes she was hurt and yes she is going to be fine."

Horatio looked at him with question now. Why is he asking about Calleigh and how did he know so much about the case. The answer was coming.

Timmy now tucked his hands in his pockets and looked down near Horatio. "She's beautiful; I've never seen a woman so beautiful." His eyes stood down, shyly.

Horatio smile went from ear to ear now. He had a crush on Calleigh.

"Yes, she is beautiful Timmy."

"Her long blond hair and that rack... did you see that rack?" Timmy now beginning to get carried away, had no idea.

Horatio trying to stay calm, knowing every word was true. He took a breath in and Timmy started again.

"So you know her well? Is she married? She's probably married... A woman like that. Guys are probably lining up and falling at her feet. Besides being beautiful she has a killer body. Did you she her butt? She has got to have the most beautiful, tightest----"

"Timmy!" Horatio cut him right off, with no more patience's left.

Timmy put his head down. "Sorry... I got.. carried away." Timmy paced the room again, peaking up at Horatio now.

"Hmm. That's an understatement."

"Well?" He asked now, still excited.

Horatio eyebrows rose again. "Well what?"

"Is she married?" The boy was beginning to grow on Horatio now.

Horatio took a breath and cradled his ribs, thinking.

"Timmy, I umm..."

"C'MON Horatio, she hot. You don't think so, i know you do, right? Everybody does, including the three geezers in my room and,.. and... even Joe."

Horatio remained quiet now, this was getting interesting.

"Joe agreed with me about her being beautiful and hot. He said her beauty wasn't only her looks. I think he liked her too,.. no, I know he did. c'mon, how could you not? Even the old geezers were getting wood, they wouldn't shut up about her and her---."

"Timmy!" Horatio closed his eyes for a moment, trying to stay in control.

"Ok, alright. Just kill a kids fantasy why don't you." He laughed now and smiled at Horatio. He walked past his bed and saw the names up on the wall. He read them quietly to himself now. 'Horatio Caine' bed B 'Calleigh Duquesne' bed A. His eyes suddenly going wide, he spun to Horatio now. Horatio's eyebrows rose in question.

"Did you know that says Calleigh Duquesne? Oh my god... she's your,... roommate? You didn't say anything to me. You let me go on like that, and now I find out this is her room. "Holy shit! You're one lucky son of a bitc--."

"Timmy!"

"But Horatio I only want to meet her and-- So that's how to spell her name? He scratch his head, is that southern, maybe?." Timmy's smile grew. The door opened and Joe came walking in.

"So how are you two getting along?"

Horatio gave Joe a look. Timmy now went full force in front of him grabbing both his arms, shaking them.

"Dr. Gannon... Joe! Did you know she was staying in this room? How come you didn't tell me?" Joe now closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Shaking his head. God he forgot about Calleigh... how he wished this day would be over.

"Umm, Timmy, we ought to get you back now. I'm sure Lieutenant Caine is tired and---"

"Can I meet her... please! I promise just a few minutes. I can't believe she's here in the same hospital as me. IN THIS VERY ROOM!"

"Ok, time to get you back, buddy." His smile faded now and he looked at Horatio.

"Timmy, let me see how she's feeling and if alls well, you can meet her tomorrow, Ok?"

"YES!" He jammed his elbow down into his hip. Ecstatic now. Horatio laughed and Joe lead him out of the room. At the door Timmy stopped and turned.

"Horatio?"

"Yes Timmy?"

He looked down to the floor now. A moment passed. Then he picked his head up high and looked Horatio right in the eyes.

"Horatio... Thanks! Thanks for being... MY friend." His eyes began to well up and he looked down.

"No Timmy, thank you, For letting ME be YOUR FRIEND." Horatio heart ached a moment before he let himself enjoy the smile growing on Timmy's face. "I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

He smiled at Horatio now. "Ok, see you tomorrow. I hope you feel better."

Joe put an arm around Timmy now and led him out. As they were walking out the door Horatio heard Timmy quietly say something. In a low voice he said, "Without hope, we have nothing."

The door closed behind them now and Horatio let his head dropped back. He took a couple of breaths in and out now. He closed his eyes and thought about Timmy. He was bright, real quick on picking things up. A talent of it's own. He was interested in investigations. Maybe, just maybe he could help him find his way. A small smile crept up on Horatio's face now, thinking about it. First things first though. He wanted to meet his father.

Joe walked Timmy back to his room now and Calleigh, Alexx and Frank were heading their way. Joe knew this would be trouble if Timmy saw her. He held him tightly now and Timmy's eyes went wide in shock.

"It's her, IT"S HER!...Joe."

"Take an easy, Timmy. Don't make a scene here; remember it's a classified case."

Joe leaned Timmy on the wall as Calleigh, Alexx and Frank passed. Timmy's eyes were wide in shock and his mouth hung open, looking at her. Calleigh gave Joe and the young man a bombshell smile and Timmy nearly fell over. Joe grabbed him, holding him up. Frank looked over and laughed now, seeing the kid lean past Joe as his head and eyes followed on Calleigh's butt all the way down the hall.

"Oh Man... Joe... She's beautiful... even more in person."

"Alright Timmy, take an easy, lets get you back to your room before you pass out on me." Joe chuckled. "Timmy did Horatio tell you who she is?"

"Yes he said she's a CSI. He wouldn't tell me if she was married though. But I just saw her hands and she didn't have a ring on, JOE!" Timmy said with enthusiasm. I told him I thought she was so hot and how I loved her butt. I think he got annoyed with me. I told him we all felt the same."

"What did you tell him,... Timmy?" Joe's eyes went wide, listening.

Timmy eyes looking around now. "What's wrong, Joe? I just told him that we said, she had the tightest ass this side of Miami! " Timmy laughed, almost giggling. Joe looked at him shocked.

"Timmy,.. you didn't say that? Please tell me you didn't say that?"

"Ok, he cut me off right before I could say,... ASS."

Joe now slapped his forehead with his hand and put his head down. "This is not good, not good. Not good, I'll be back in a while, ok Timmy?"

"Ok, Joe. I'm going to sleep so I can dream about her! Night Joe." Joe walked out of the room and headed on down to Horatio. What could he possibly say? He shook his head and pushed the door open now, walking in.

Calleigh was sitting next to Horatio on the bed and Alexx was in one of the chairs. Frank stood talking to Horatio.

"I'm telling you H, ask Joe, this kid nearly passed out. He went all gaga seeing Calleigh."

"Frank, I'm sure you're mistaken." Calleigh answered, turning red. Now Joe jumped in.

"Actually he's not mistaken. I had to put him to bed just now."

Calleigh's eyes went wide. "What? Is he ok, maybe I should go see him and----"

"NO!" Joe and Horatio said in unison, loudly.

Calleigh jumped, startled. She looked at Horatio and Joe. She narrowed her eyes on them and put both her hands on her hips.

"Ok, spill it guys."

TBC...

Ok, I want to hear what you think? Please review.

Thanks!