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.

35. Chapter 35

Horatio and Joe now looked at each other. They didn't know where to start. Alexx had a big grin on her face now, just waiting to hear the scoop.

"What could possibly happen in 20 minutes, that's all we were gone for?" Alexx said looking over to Calleigh.

"A lot can happen in 20 minutes, right H?" Frank blurted out now, smiling.

Horatio gave frank a look and turned to Joe, who also got a glare.

Calleigh cleared her throat now and said, "I'm waiting." Looking at Horatio now.

Horatio's eyebrows went up. "It would seem that our young Timmy may have a crush on you." His eyes on hers.

She looked shocked. Alexx let a laugh slip and Frank kept smiling. Joe just rubbed his forehead.

"If this is your idea of a joke--."

"He's not joking, Calleigh. He definitely has a crush on you; there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it." Joe said now, scratching the back of his head.

Calleigh just looked back and forth between Horatio and Joe, now hoping for the punch line. There was none and she snorted a laugh.

"Ok, so now what?"

"He saw you on the news a couple of times now, he recognized Horatio too." Joe said. "We were discussing it when I was checking on him the other day and there you were on TV and well,... Timmy's head over heals for you."

Calleigh took a breath now, her face was turning red and she began to feel hot. She looked at Horatio, her eyes questioning, he knew.

"He umm, saw your name up on the wall, bright kid, thought you might be... southern." Horatio flashed her a quick grin. She gave him a look, tongue in cheek now.

Now Joe continued. "It's really my fault; I should have known better and taken your name down. I still can't believe he noticed it. I just wanted him to meet Horatio with the hopes of it helping him and I umm, well,... it backfired. Sorry Calleigh.

"It's not your fault Joe. You didn't plan it that way, I know that. Ok, so I'll just have to go meet him and talk with him, right?"

"That's the other thing; I wanted to talk with you about Calleigh. I told him he could meet you tomorrow, if you were up to it?"

Calleigh started laughing now. "Well it sure seems you two have this all planned out. I think I'll just go meet him now. No reason to keep him waiting. How old is he, Horatio? She smirked at him, giving him attitude.

Joe was quick with an answer now. "No, I think tomorrow would really be better Calleigh. I put him to bed he was umm...--." Frank cut him off.

"All fired up!" He laughed hard and so did Alexx. "He's probably dreaming of you right now, Calleigh."

"Frank!" Calleigh said, in a high pitched voice. Horatio grinned, he loved how she would become embarrassed sometimes and her voice would get higher and higher.

"I think tomorrow will be fine Calleigh. He's a good kid and, I'll be here.. after all...--."

"Oh you will? Really... you think?" She said with attitude now and placed her hand on her hip.

The phone rang and Calleigh picked it up. It was Eric and he wanted to talk to Horatio.

"It's for you!" She shoved the phone at him now, smiling evilly. "It's Eric."

Horatio took the phone from her with a grin, leaving his eyes on her now.

"Eric? Um-hmm. We do, and Mathis? Ok, here's what I need. I need you to check and see if they knew each other. I'm sure there's a connection here. Oh Yes there is. Well they both have one thing in common, Eric. No, not the bombings. Not what,... Eric. How about,.. like who... who they both have in common. I have a feeling you're going to find a certain judge's name, it's all making sense now. Ok, alright. We will, and... keep me posted."

Calleigh looked at Horatio now and took the phone.

Frank spoke first. "So you think the judge is going after Sanchez now? Maybe we should put him in a separate holding cell for now, H?"

"No. I don't think so, Frank. He's not going after Sanchez."

"What are you talking about, why not, he went after everyone else?"

'Because Sanchez is his son, he's been trying to protect him all this time."

"So he's his... father? The Judge... Ratner?" Frank shook his head, confused.

"That's right. We ran the DNA from Sanchez's house and the DNA on the Donna Scott mask. It a perfect match, father and son, we got them. They shared in the crimes and maybe... Maybe they both can share the same jail cell too. Life without parole sure has a nice ring to it, sounds like justice to me."

"So you want me to pick the Judge up?" Frank asked now.

Horatio tucked his chin, his eyes narrowed, looking down. He lifted his head and looked over to Joe now. "So, when are you releasing me?"

Joe's head cocked to the right now, looking at him. "Your still running a fever, I can't let you go if the infection is active. I need to treat the problem Horatio, which means I need you here."

Calleigh moved in close now to Horatio. "Let Frank pick him up, Horatio. You'll be out soon enough and you can interrogate him then... no?"

Horatio took a breath and shook his head. "I want this animal Calleigh."

"I know, Horatio. You think I don't? Hell, we all do."

He shook his head again and looked at Joe, his eyes asking.

"As soon as I think you're well enough, Horatio. I won't risk your health, just because you want to leave." Joe said seriously.

"Pick him up Frank, and be careful. Bring a couple of officers with you, Keep met posted, I want a call when it's done."

"Will do, H. As soon as we get him, I'll let you know."

"Ok." Horatio nodded to him. Frank said goodbye to everyone and left.

Joe took Horatio's temperature again and it was normal, 98.7 -

"Ok, looking good, no fever now so, the antibiotics must be working."

"That's great, maybe you'll be out of here before you know it, honey." Alexx said.

"Well Joe, if he doesn't have anymore fevers, can he go home then?" Calleigh asked now.

Joe ran his hand through his hair and took a breath. "Yeah. Yes. Only if he has no fever."

Horatio turned toward Calleigh. "Hand me that phone, please."

"Horatio, he said you could go home, not go to MDPD."

"I'm just going to talk to him Calleigh." She shook her head at him upset now, and then handed him the phone.

"Yeah, that's exactly what you said about going to see Sanchez." She gave him a glare.

He dialed and looked up at her. "Frank, I need you to wait until tomorrow, ok? What do mean you can't get a warrant, we have the evidence? Ok, alright, just wait until tomorrow, I'll be with you. Yeah, 11:00am should be fine." He hung up the phone.

"He's having trouble getting a warrant?" Calleigh asked in disbelief.

"It seems... he is. The judge's friends are not going to make this easy for us."

"What if he tries's, Judge Mason?"

Horatio shook his head to her, approving. "Nice call, Calleigh. He'll definitely give us one. Thank you." He gave her a small smile.

She looked at him but gave him a smirk, shaking her head. After a moment she flashed him a small smile. "What are we gonna do with you?"

"Well sugar, when you figure that one out, please be sure to let me know!" Alexx said, with a smile, nodding her head.

Joe's beeper went off and he excused himself and left. Alexx followed shortly after, going home. Calleigh moved to Horatio's bed now and sat with him. She smiled at him and took his hand in hers.

"So what should I tell Eric to pick up for you? You need anything ... special?"

He smiled at her again and reached his hand to her face, his thumb caressing it. "I have everything... 'Special'... I could possible want, right here."

She leaned into his hand and closed her eyes. "Mmm, ok so... that's a no?" She grinned, engrossed in his touch.

"Um-hmm, Just a shirt and a pair of pants, Calleigh." His voice was low now and gravelly.

"If you leave Tomorrow, promise me---." He cut her off.

"Calleigh..." He tilted his head to her. "You know what? Why don't you come with me and keep me company. Would that make you feel better?"

"Keeping you company, Yes. You leaving here tomorrow, no.

"I'm fine, Calleigh. My hand feels better and the fevers gone, everything is fine."

Now she gave him a look. "I wouldn't exactly say that, Horatio. Everything is not fine. Far from it, as a matter of fact."

"Well, everything, will be fine... soon enough, alright?"

"I really don't know what I'm going to do with you, Horatio."

"Well I don't see that as a problem. In fact, why don't you think about it. I have, and I can think of so many THINGS you can... do with ME." His eyebrows wiggled to her now.

She laughed and shook her head. "I give up."

"Oh... don't say that, where would all our fun be?" He chuckled to her.

Joe was in bright and early, Horatio was still sleeping and Calleigh was out cold. He opened the door to the room and almost didn't go in. He wanted to let them both rest. He stood by the door a second looking them both over, almost hoping that Horatio would have fever to keep him here. He took a breath and looked over to Calleigh. She seemed to be resting so soundly, he hated to disturbed either one. He smiled thinking about her, she sure was fiesty.

He walk in quietly and went over to her bed, the TV remote was right next to her face. She must have fallen asleep like that he figured. He innocently put his hand on it to move it out of the way. It took a split second before she had his hand in a vice like grip and with her other hand, pulled him down with his necktie, choking him. His eyes went wide at the strength and dexterity she had, talk about sleeping light. He made a choking sound and Calleigh's eyes suddenly went wide.

"Oh my god... Joe?" Her hand still tightly pulling on his tie, at the base of his neck. She saw him blink a few times as he tried to breath. His face turning red now.

"Cal ... leigh..let..." He choked out the words.

She now released her hands slowly, in shock, staring at him. He straightened up and immediately loosened his neck tie, with a choking sound and a stretch of his neck. His hand began massaging his neck as his breath started to come back to him. He swallowed a few times trying to find his voice, he shook his head in shock.

"Joe,... I'm so sorry,.. I didn't know it was you,..." Her words spoken softly.

He stretched his neck a few times as his hand massage his throat.

"Remind me... NOT... to wake... you suddenly... again." He gave her a grin with a look of pain in it. His neck still suffered her wrath. Now he completely loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first two buttons on his shirt. He took in a much needed deep breath.

"Are you alright? I'm really sorry Joe... Just on edge you know, with everything." She was being sincere and softly gritted her teeth together, feeling badly. "Sorry."

It took him a minute to come around; he shook his head and gave her a grin now. "It's alright..." He rubbed his neck again. "That will teach me a lesson for a long time." He chuckled.

"What are you doing in so early?"

"Early surgery, I just though I'd check on him now. I wanted to make sure he didn't have any more fevers throughout the night. I know he wants out and I figured I could get a jump on things for him... if everything checked out."

She rubbed her forehead with her hand. "I am really sorry, Joe."

"It's ok Calleigh, really, I'm fine." He now removed his tie, slipping it off his neck. Stretching his neck more, he put it in his suite jacket pocket. "I never liked ties much anyway, I always felt them... Confining. He chuckled and she laughed now.

"Yeah, I bet you never thought your own tie could kill you."

His eyes went wide and he shook his head at her. "I didn't! ... besides it's your steel grip that would have done me in. Where on earth did you learn that move?" He smiled. "First you tackled me and then I get choked ny you. Huh, I'm not even safe in the hospital anymore." He gave her a smile.

"Well, when you have brothers and you're the only girl,... you learn to improvise." She giggled.

He shook his head in understanding, his eyes going over to Horatio now, who was wide awake. Joe's eyebrows rose up.

"Horatio?"

Calleigh now turned her body towards him. "You're up? I woke you, I'm sorry." Calleigh shook her head.

"No, you didn't. It's fine."

Joe now went walking over and pick up the thermometer on his bedside table. He held it in his hand as he talked to him. "So, how was your night, any fevers?"

Horatio nodded and Joe leaned down to put the stick into his mouth. A few seconds later and the monitor beeped. "100.1- You been... feeling ok?"

Horatio gave him a look now. "I have been feeling.. fine, and that's not considered fever."

"Relax, I'm sure it nothing, it's early and you just woke up. I have the nurse coming in for a few checks today. I need to make sure before I release you."

"Hmm." Horatio grinned, thinking how it kind of sounded like he was in jail.

Joe's beeper went off and he shook his head. "Alright I'll be back later, that's the OR calling." He said, looking down at his beeper. He began walking out and looked over to Calleigh. "Some mornings, you never know what's going to happen to you." He chuckled, rubbing at his neck looking at her as he left.

She closed her eyes as her face got hot and her color turned crimson red. She chuckled, shaking her head.

Horatio looked over at her with question. "You alright?"

She tried not to laugh. "I'm fine." Her voice shaky with a hint of laughter. She didn't think he saw what happened.

"Real-ly?" His voice deep, but not really a question.

She looked at Horatio now, seriously. Her eyes looking right into his. Complete Silence in the room as the second's past. Horatio's eyebrows went up and his lips curled. A smile beginning to grow on his face now.

"Calleigh,.. remind me, to NEVER wear a necktie around you." He tilted his head to her with a grin.

Her eyes went wide and her face now got even redder than before. She felt the heat rush into her face and covered it with both her hands. She heard him laughed deeply. She looked over to him now. Her voice went very high. "Horatio Caine!"

Eric came in a little while later with a change of clothes for Horatio. He knocked before he opened the door, and then peeked his head in for a look. It was still early.

"Hey, you guys up already? I figured I'd bring them now before I went in, just in case, H."

Calleigh gave Eric a smirk. Horatio saw and turned back toward Eric.

"Thank you, Eric. I appreciate that. Any updates?"

Eric hung the cloths on the hook at the closet. He walked over and dragged a chair to the front of both their beds. He collapsed down into it now. Horatio's thoughts going to work now, he looked over at Calleigh. Eric looked exhausted and kept yawing.

"Eric, what time did you work till yesterday?"

Eric's eyes went wide at the question and he sat up straight, trying to be more alert. "Umm, till about 11, why H?" His face said he was lying. Horatio knew his team all to well.

"Eric?"

All he had to say was his name again, in that tone, the one that said, answer me and don't you lie to me. I already know.

Eric now rubbed his eyes and scratched his head. "I umm, I'm just trying to find something else on the judge, H. We need something solid, just his involvement with Sanchez is not enough."

"It's a start, Eric. That usually leads to a chain reaction. It'll come, it always does."

"I just want to nail this guy, H. I know you're going to MDPD and we just wanted to have something else for you."

"Hmm." Horatio smiled at his young CSI's's determination. He had heart and pushed on, he was proud of him. "Eric tell me what you know about Sanchez. Anything and Everything that comes to mind."

Eric gave him a confused look and his eyes roamed over to Calleigh now. Who sat at attention, listening closely. She saw Eric's confusion and tried to help him focus.

"Eric close your eyes and try to see his file in front of you, then do the same with the computer screen." She smiled at him. He shook his head yes to her and closed his eyes, letting himself relax in the chair. Hoping he could remember and not fall asleep. Horatio smiled over at Calleigh and gave her a nod of gratitude.

"Ok, he's 37, Hispanic, brown eyes, black hair, 6'0, no... 6'1. He drives a red ford mustang, he lives at 715 main street . Alias, Freddy Gonzales. No Siblings that we know of yet. His mother is Juanita Sanchez, his father is Carlos Sanchez. His biological father as we now know to be Judge Joseph Ratner. A criminal court judge, who happens to be a murderer. He lives in---."

"Wait, the Sanchez's, their alive?" Horatio asked.

Eric blinked a few times and looked at Horatio. "Yeah, I know the father, Carlos is deceased but I-- the mother is still alive, I'm sure of it."

"Ok, what was the father's cause of death, Eric?"

"Umm, I think it said something about a car accident. Yeah he died in a car accident, H. Why?"

"When was this, Eric?"

"A few years ago, I have to check it on the computer, I don't remember the date. I'll look into more when I get in today."

"Ok, here's what I want you to do, Eric. Look into it... and find out what you can, quietly. You understand?"

"I understand, H."

"Ok, I'm also going to need an address and history on Mrs. Sanchez. Tell Mr. Wolf to find out all he can and let me know, ok? Can you do that for me, Eric?"

"Your dam straight I can, H. I can do that ASAP!" He got up with new vigor in him now. His eyes lit up and his voice was excited now. "Ok, so I call you as soon as I have something, H. Should I call your room here or ..."

"Call Calleigh's cell, she'll be with me. You'll get me either way, if I'm still here, but I doubt that."

"So,... Is Frank going along with you two then, H?" Eric hesitated.

Horatio chuckled now. "Yes he is, Eric. Well be fine, thank you."

Eric laughed now and Calleigh joined him.

"See I'm not the only one worried about you!" She sharply said to Horatio now.

"Eric?"

"Yeah, H?"

"I'm still waiting for an answer?" Horatio's eyes drilled into Eric's now and he looked down.

"What time did you go home?"

"Maybe 3- 3:30, I kinda lost track of time, H. Ya know?" Eric scratched his head again.

"I do, Eric. I'll see to it you get your overtime without----."

"No, H... I mean... It's fine, I don't care about the overtime." Eric was hiding something, Horatio was sure of it now.

Horatio tilted his head to him now. "Eric, What is it? What's going on?" Horatio's eyes narrowed on him now. Eric remained quiet and shook his head.

"No H, really everything fine. Let's just forget the overtime thing, though... ok?" He hesitated again but Horatio didn't want to push him. He would find out in his own way, sooner or later. He'd let it go, for now.

"Alright Eric."

"Yeah, ok H... So I'll talk to you both later." He practically ran out of the room. They both looked at one another now.

"What was that all about?"

"I don't know Calleigh, but I plan on finding out."

"So we're just going to MDPD, right?"

Horatio looked away from her now. "Well, maybe we can go talk to Mrs. Sanchez too. Find out how she fits into all this and if she even has contact with them. I wonder if the Judge still talks to her."

"Horatio." She glared at him now. "First off, you're on sick leave, second I'm on vacation. If they find out what we're doing, we're both going to be suspended without pay!"

"Good. We'll use our time wisely." He wiggled his eyebrows to her.

"This is not funny; I'm worried sick about you. You're supposed to go home and rest, you can't be running all over god's green earth to catch this guy."

"Watch me!" His eyes intense now, Pure determination coming through.

She knew it was no use right now. She had to pick her battles wisely, and she would.

Alexx came walking in now with some coffees for them. "Good morning to you both. How about a perk me up?"

"Oh Alexx, I just love you more and more each day." Calleigh said as she hopped off her bed and let out a groan holding her side now.

"Hey, honey you ok?" Alexx quickly helped her straightened and sat her down in the chair. "Here sit down, let me see it."

"I'm fine, Alexx. Just got up to quickly is all."

"Well what the heck are you thinking, hopping off the bed like that. You're not the Easter bunny, Calleigh."

Calleigh let her head go back on the chair and started laughing now, holding her side. Alexx looked at her like she was nuts. "I'm ok, Alexx, really! You just... you just caught me off guard with that statement." She looked over to Horatio now who just stared at her.

"Horatio, I'm fine."

"Mmm, I can see that. Maybe---." She cut him right off now.

"Don't you even say it! I mean it! Don't think it either."

She saw him take a breath and swallow his words. She took a sip of her coffee now as Alexx went around to hand Horatio his.

"Thank you, Alexx."

"You welcome sugar. So how are You feeling this morning. I heard you had a little fever."

Horatio's head snapped up in disbelief. He swallowed his coffee and spoke, "Where did you hear that?"

"Oh, let's just say I have my ways, shall we." She winked to Calleigh.

"Hmm." He took another mouthful now and looked over to Calleigh.

"Think they would let me take a shower now?"

"We can ask, after your finished. Relax for now and drink your coffee."

Maria the nurse came walking in now. "How are you feeling today? I have to check your temperature again, ok?"

"Um-hmm. I'm fine, thank you, Maria. Any chance I could take a shower now?" Calleigh gave him a look and shook her head.

Maria answered him. "What's your hurry? Dr. Gannon has to take the bandages off you.. before you can do that." Maria looked at his coffee cup. "Wait, is that hot coffee?"

"Yes it is."

"Ok, I come back in a few minutes. Don't drink anything else, ok?"

"Ok." He put the coffee down now and looked around to his bedside table.

"What are you looking for, honey." Alexx asked.

"My ice water."

"Horatio!" Calleigh blurted out, almost choking on her coffee. Alexx laughed and shook her head.

He chuckled now and they all had a laugh together. It sure felt good for the moment. He let his head fall back and relaxed a moment, he was getting out of here and he was happy about that. They both knew this and smiled at his comfort and relief.

Horatio picked up his head and looked at Alexx, curious now. "Don't you have to... go to work?"

"Huh! You trying to get rid of me, Horatio Caine?"

"No, not at all, I just... worry about you. I don't want you taken any slack for this."

"Relax, I told them I would be in later, it's not a problem. Besides everyone knows better than to give me, a hard time."

"Now that's the truth!" Calleigh added with a laugh.

Maria came back in and took his temperature. Alexx walked over and looked over her shoulder, winking down at Horatio.

"Ok 99.0 - Looks good so far. Dr. Gannon said to tell you he would be in shortly, he had another emergency."

"He seems to have a lot of those." Calleigh said, joking. Maria laughed and smile at her.

"Tell me something Maria, is he married?" Alexx asked now, curious. "I don't mean to be nosy but that man seems like he lives here."

"Dr. Gannon,... Married,... Ha! Oh yes... he's married... to his job! That's about the only thing he's married to! He's a great guy, don't get me wrong, but he needs a diversion."

Maria leaned on the chair now feeling comfortable with them. "We set him up a few times and the ladies really loved him, he treats them great but he always has to run off to work. They lose patience with him and he kind of buries himself in the job. I don't know if that makes sense or not to you, I guess you have to... have an understanding of it all to know."

Alexx looked at Horatio and then Calleigh. "Oh no baby, I can completely understand that. I have been dealing with something of a, ... similar nature myself. Now finally though... after three years, I think we managed to- umm,... Knock some sense into a certain couple I know." She smiled and looked back to Maria.

Calleigh now blushing and closing her eyes, Alexx just laughed. Horatio shook his head to her now and gave her a small grin.

"I see." Maria answered, with a smile to Alexx, understanding now.

"Mmm... Nicely put Alexx?" Horatio said in a low tone.

Another nurse walked in now, hearing Maria talking about Dr. Gannon. "Maria, can I rob that pulse ox monitor."

"Sure Cathy go ahead and take it, he's going home anyway."

She gave Horatio a seductive smile now. "That's... too bad." She smiled to him. He looked down, shyly for a moment.

"She's going home too? Joe's going to be upset he didn't get that date with her." Maria's eyes went wide now and she shook her head at the other nurse. "What's the matter, you know how much he likes her and all, I thoug----."

"Cathy I need to speak with you...outside...now!" Maria dragged Cathy by the arm out of the room and the pulse ox machine with them, dragging along. The door closed behind them and two very loud voices were talking.

Alexx took one look at Calleigh, who was redder than a red bell pepper and wouldn't make eye contact. She looked over to Horatio who had some kind of idea anyway what was going on. Horatio raised his eyebrows to Alexx now and grinned.

He was thinking how beautiful Calleigh was and any man would be crazy not to try and be with her. He looked over to her now and tilted his head. He knew she was completely embarrassed by all this, beside her color was growing brighter by the second.

"Well, that was an interesting conversation." Alexx blurted out, laughing.

"I would expect no less." Horatio said now, seriously. As the voices outside the door grew louder. Alexx went over and put her ear to it now listening.

She looked up and said, "Cat fight."

Calleigh laughed a bit and took a breath, Horatio eyes still on her. She looked over to him now and held his gaze a moment before she looked away again.

"I would expect no less from him or any other man for that matter. He does have... excellent taste." His eyes crinkled with a smile.

Calleigh looked up at him now, very embarrassed still. His thoughtfulness amazed her though.

"Horatio." Calleigh said embarrassed.

"Hmm? Well let's see, you're beautiful and caring, you have a great sense of humor and that's... That's just the tip of the iceberg. I just can't wait.. to find out all the rest." He smiled to her now being sincere.

She tilted her head thinking how sweet he was and he was all hers. If that other nurse came back in here and looked at him like that again, there would surely be a cat-fight... She smiled to him now able to keep eye contact.

"SSshhh, wait there's another voice..." Alexx still had her ear to the door. Alexx's eyes went wide and she moved away from the door now. Maria came back in the room now. She was smiling, but nervous.

"I'm sorry about that, um... Cathy...she umm... she didn't know you two were... and item."

Horatio's eyebrows went up now. "I didn't realize... you knew we were?"

"Oh, it obvious,.. to me... I mean. I spent a lot of time with the both of you and I picked right up on it. Woman's intuition I guess, but Calleigh never left your side and I had to drag her to bed half the nights. It seemed like a lot more, than just friendship. Actually, I never really have seen two people closer in a way. The day your vitals went up, when all she did was hold your hand and talk to you, I was amazed. I've never seen anything like it and neither did Joe. I guess some of us really do find our soul mates... It's beautiful to see that." She smiled. "Can you do me a favor? Please don't say anything to Dr. Gannon about this, he would kill Cathy and me, for sure."

"Of course not... no problem." Horatio said now, completely in shock from the impact of her words.

"Calleigh, I'm sorry you had to hear that, I hope you can forgive us. We're just always trying to set Joe up and find him Mrs. Right." Maria smiled at her now. "We all thought, maybe you were her. But now we know you're taken."

"It's ok, I understand. It wasn't your fault Maria. I also wanted to say thanks for helping me with everything since I've been here. You definitely made my life easier. So thank you very much and no hard feelings at all."

"Thanks Calleigh, I appreciate it. Besides you two were a pleasure."

The door opened and Joe walked in. "Well I'm surprised you're still in bed." He stopped and looked at everyone. "Is everything ok in here?"

"Oh yes Joe, everything is fine." Alexx walked over to him and put her arm around him walking him toward Horatio. "So how was your morning, sugar?" She laughed and Joe gave her a curious look.

"Ok... I...guess. Maria give me a hand with him?" Joe looked at Alexx, strangely.

"Sure Dr. Gannon." She smiled. Joe now felt as if he was left out of the joke.

"Ok, so I hear you want to take a shower, huh?" He said, as he leaned down toward Horatio and felt the bandages.

"You heard right."

"Ok, let me get this off you and off you go. Maria stay with him and call me when he's done so I can re-bandage him up."

Horatio's eyes went up and he shook his head. "I'm fine and Maria doesn't have to stay with me... Re-bandage what up?"

"You ribs! You didn't think that was coming off for good, did you? You need the tape and the bandages, Horatio. You're about to find out why." Joe started to cut the bandage off now; he finished with the bandages and ran his hand along the tape. Horatio groaned a bit.

"That's what I'm talking about; you're going to be sore for a while. The ace bandages act as extra protection for your ribs and chest, Besides the sling you'll be wearing."

"I think, I'll be fine with out the sling, Joe."

"You do, huh. Ok, talk to me after your shower. Well see what you think then, ok?" Joe's eyebrow went up.

Horatio narrowed his eyes and shook his head at Joe. "Ok, sounds fair."

"Calleigh, keep an eye on him, will you?"

"Of course I will Joe."

"And so will I baby!" Alexx said, with a chuckle.

"Ok, if you need me, I'll be on the floor. Maria let me know when he's done, ok." Joe headed for the door.

"Yes Dr. Gannon."

Horatio was already moving to get up. Calleigh quickly came around as did Alexx.

"Ladies, I'm fine." He gave them a reassuring smile now and stood up, taking a breath in. He felt a bit lightheaded but it quickly passed and he was ok.

"I'm coming with you." Calleigh said now, as he made his way to the bathroom and shower.

"No your not, I'm fine, really."

"Good because then you won't mind." She gave him a fake smile. He shook his head at her and opened the door. "I'll get your things and put them in there for you, ok?"

"Um-hm, sounds good, thank you."

Maria stood making his bed now. "Horatio, leave that door unlock, ok?"

"Ok, Maria." He smiled at Calleigh now.

"Be careful Horatio." Calleigh said seriously.

He just smiled at her and nodded. "I'll be right out." He pulled the door closed.

Immediately inside, he leaned on the sink and caught his breath, his ribs were killing him. He walked over to the shower and turned on the water. He dropped his pants and got in. The hot water hitting his achy body now did wonders on relaxing him. It felt great running along on his weary skin and he just leaned his right arm on the wall absorbing in the feeling for a while.

He opened his eyes and began to wash his bone tired body. Going gently on the ribs and chest, letting the hot water run on the back of his neck, alleviating his tense muscles there. He began washing his hair and lifted his left arm, forgetting for a moment. A sharp stabbing pain shot through him, he grabbed his ribs and leaned his body against the wall, trying to breathe now. He took little shallow breaths trying to get the pain to subside.

What was feeling wonderful to him one minute now began to takes it's toll the next. He rinsed himself off and wrapped a towel around his waist, getting out now. He leaned his weight on the sink again, holding on. There was a soft knock, his attention went to the door.

"Hey, you alright in there?" Calleigh asked now.

"Yeah, fine. I just need my--."

"Ready and waiting, Horatio. Is it ok... to bring them in?"

He forced himself to stand straight now and took a breath. "It's fine Calleigh, C'mon in."

She opened the door now to see him with a towel in his hand, trying to towel dry his hair. She put the hangers on the back of the bathroom door now and put out her hand to him. She pushed all her lustful thoughts aside now.

"You ok? Her eyes looking very concerned.

"I'm fine... but sore, a little slow moving ...right now. So,.. give me a few minutes, ok?"

"Let me help you?"

"Let me get my pants on and... I'm all yours, ok?" He gave her a small smile, but he knew she read the pain in his eyes.

She smiled at him now, hearing his words. "Ok, come on out when your done and I'll give you a hand." She went back out.

He put his shorts on and then grabbed his pants off the hanger. Putting them on as well, he zipped up and buttoned, looking for his belt. He had to sit down now before he fell down and that way, they would not let him go home at all. He opened the door now and walked out to the chair.

Calleigh took one look at his chest and ribs and gritted her teeth, feeling his pain.

Alexx shook her head now. "Baby you got a lot of healing to do."

He gave her a look and gingerly sat down in the chair. "Calleigh, I left my shirt in the bathroom."

"I got it don't worry, they have to bandage you up again, remember." She said as she took the towel and gently towel dried his hair for him. Alexx gave a smile now and went to get his shirt.

"Here you go honey, I'll put it on the door for now till Joe is done. How about some water, or something to drink Horatio."

"I'm fine Alexx, thanks." His eyes could not hide his pain.

"Coffee Calleigh? I'm going to get three, ok?" Alexx asked now.

"Yeah, Alexx that would be great, thanks."

"I'll be right back, honey." Alexx left and Maria now watching Calleigh and Horatio, excused herself.

"I'm going to get a few things to bandages those ribs again, you'll be ok, Calleigh?"

She smiled at Maria now. "Sure, thanks, Maria." Maria was quickly out the door.

"You ok, Horatio. You're awfully quiet?" Calleigh said, running her fingers through his still damp hair. She Straighten it.

He closed his eyes feeling her hands in his hair, he was totally relaxed in her hands. It felt good he thought. No, it felt great! She stood in front of him now and gently ran her fingers through his hair. She looked down at him, as he looked up at her.

He lifted his hands and slid them slowly around her waist. He gently pulled her in closer, leaning his weary head on her stomach now. He sighed softly, letting her know how relaxed she made him feel.

She smiled, knowing already. "Feels good, huh?"

"Feels great, Calleigh. I can get use to this, if you don't get tired of it."

"Tired. Me? Never handsome, never!" She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. He lifted his head off her stomach and looked back up at her. She leaned down and gave him a soft kiss. Barely touching his lips, she moaned so softly to him. He smiled at her and held her close again.

"Mmm, I miss you, your smell, your touch,... your kiss..." His voice was low but gravelly. She closed her eyes and listened to his words and that voice. He snuggled her closer, holding onto her.

"If you keep talking to me like this, I am going to com-bust, right here in your arms. Did I ever tell you what your voice does to me?"

He looked up at her surprised now, almost shy and questioning. "My voice,.. does what to you?"

She smiled down to him now. "It melts me and... It does everything to me... It's a conversation for another time, trust me on this." She closed her eyes, relaxing.

He grinned at her. "Ok, I will, but, I won't forget this and you will tell me at a later date, right?"

"You bet, handsome... You bet." She giggled just a bit.

Maria came back with a knock on the door and Calleigh smiled. Horatio let his hands slide off her as she back out of his embrace. He lifted his head, looking up at her now, smiling. Just thinking now about that statement, his voice. Hmm, interesting, could be very interesting. He would filed that one away for a later date.

"Dr. Gannon should be in any moment now."

"Thanks Maria. Should I make him sit back on the bed or is the chair ok?"

The door opened and in came Joe. "Well you look, umm, refreshed. How you feeling?" Joe walked over and patted Horatio's bed. "I need you in the bed."

Horatio nodded now and slowly got up from the chair, it was clear he was in pain. He could not hide it. Calleigh quickly helped him and Joe now went over and gave him a hand too.

"Maria how long since his last dose?"

"Almost two hours now, should I get another--."

"Yep, go get it, right now." They helped Horatio back into the bed now. He groaned in pain as he laid back. "Horatio, I have to tell you I think this is a bad idea, you leaving like this. A couple more days and you'll be feeling a hell of a lot better. What do you say?"

"Not.. a chance, doc. I'm outta here...today." He laid his head back and closed his eyes a moment.

Joe looked at Calleigh and shook his head. "Will you try to talk some sense into him, please?"

Calleigh looked at Horatio, who just gave her a soft gently look of love. She shook her head. "Not today Joe, He's going, either way we cut it. I'll make sure that he rests. That, I can promise!"

Horatio gave her a weak smile now and shook his head, thanking her.

Joe took a breath in and let it out, shaking his head. "Alright, can I give you a little something for the pain, it's just to bandage you up?"

"No, I'll take some Tylenol, if that's ok with you?"

"Tylenol?" Joe rubbed his head. "Fine I'll give you three for now. It should help a little.

Alexx walked back into the room now and Joe gave her a nod, Horatio saw her respond. Joe was pulling out all the stops now, knowing Horatio was not doing well. Maria came walking in after her and Joe sent her right back out for the Tylenol.

He sat Horatio up and checked his ribs, sliding his hand across his ribs. Horatio shifted and groaned, lowly. Joe gave him a look, "They need more time, this is to soon."

"I'm fine, Joe." Horatio said leaning his weight on his right arm.

Joe lifted his left arm and Horatio took in a sharp breath and stiffened on the bed. "You're wearing the sling. I don't care if I have to fight you to do it."

Horatio shook his head to him now. "Ok, alright, I'll wear it. You were right, it helps."

Joe looked at him like he had three heads. "You will?... I mean that's right, you will, you need to!" Joe looked back up to Alexx now who came closer to Horatio's bedside.

Maria came back in and handed Horatio the Tylenol and a cup of water. He took them and tried to relax a bit. Sitting up like this was, uncomfortable for him. His weight all on his right arm, leaning down into the bed.

"Ok, I'm gonna tape you up some more. We need to give those ribs some more support. I'll put the ace bandages over it, for extra protection." Joe kept his eyes on Horatio, making sure he was aware of everything.

Horatio shook his head to him now. "Ok, you're the doctor."

Now Joe gave him a nod. "Now... you just figured that out? You're original." Joe chuckled. "Ok, slide your legs over, let them hang, you'll be more comfortable. Lean on your right arm and we'll take care of the left. If the pains to much, tell me, ok?"

Horatio nodded and moved over, off the side of the bed. Joe began Taping him up. His hands were causing Horatio even more pain. He started at his spine and tightly came around the front. He slid his hand over the tape to make sure it was smooth. Horatio's head went back and he clenched his teeth, closing his eyes now. Joe shook his head and stopped now.

"Hey, you ready for a pain killer yet?"

Horatio's eyes came up to him now, with intensity. "No, no pain... killers. Not today."

"I'm trying to help you here. You're not making this easy."

"I know that, Joe. Lets just get this over with, ok?"

"Alright, Horatio."

Joe took the bandages and went around his whole midsection, securing them with some tape. It almost look like a cast. Horatio was getting weaker by the minute and his color was going pale now. His breathing changed and became uneven. Joe had to get him to lay down a while. He needed to rest and regain some strength, if he was going to leave at all.

"Give me his shirt." Joe looked over to Alexx. She went to the door and took it off the hanger, handing it to Joe now. He looked down meeting Horatio's pain ridden eyes. "You ok? I need to get your shirt on before the sling, ok?"

Horatio nodded now and took a breath in. "Ok,... sounds... good."

Joe and Maria slipped the shirt onto his right arm, as they both helped him to keep his balance. Then Joe lifted Horatio's left arm to put it in the sleeve. Horatio froze now and let out a groan. His whole body tensed and Joe quickly grabbed a hold of him under both arms. Maria had his back, supporting him.

"Alright, Alright...that's about enough for now. Slip that back off his arm, we'll deal with it later. He needs to lay down, and take a break right now."

Horatio quickly lifted his head now and tried to move forward, resisting. He groaned out again as just the little movement, cause sharp shooting pains all through him. Now he froze, and tried not to move at all.

"Easy Horatio, listen to Joe, ok?" Calleigh softly said now.

Horatio shook his head to Calleigh now and let Joe and Maria, lower him back on the bed. He groaned in pain and his right arm cradled his ribs. He closed his eyes and grinded his teeth together. Just trying to bare the pain.

"Maria give me 5mgs of Dilaudid."

"I said no---Ahh." Horatio's words cut short as he lost his breath to the pain.

Joe just looked at him now. "You need it, will you trust me, dam it. With my luck, it won't even knock you out. You'll rest, and in a little while, you'll be better. Give it to me Maria."

"Horatio, sugar, listen to Joe, he's trying to make you more comfortable." Alexx said.

Horatio looked over to Calleigh. "Will you call Frank and tell him, there's been a slight... de..lay?" He took another breath.

"Don't worry, Horatio, I'll take care of it. Take it, ok?" She smiled to him and now he shook his head to Joe.

"Ok, you win... and I had better not wake up... and find out it's... tomorrow."

"Trust me this time, ok. I'll have you out of here mid afternoon. Now just relax yourself best you can, and let the med do the rest, ok?"

"Ok."

Joe gave him the shot and he slowly began to feel himself relax. Horatio blinked a few times now, trying to keep his eyes open.

"Don't, Don't fight it Horatio, let it work, go with it and relax. Close your eyes and relax." Joe nodded to Calleigh now and moved away.

Calleigh came around his bedside and sat down, he watched her with heavy eyes now. "Hey, just close your eyes and rest, Horatio. I'll be right here." She took her hand and Caressed his face softly, going to his head and through his hair. She felt him relax and kept on running her fingers though his hair, till his eyes final closed for good now. He was asleep.

Joe spoke with Alexx and Calleigh now and told them both how important it was for him to rest and convalesce.

A few hours passed now and Horatio's eyes shot open, he sat up quickly, grabbing hold of his ribs. "Wh..at happened?" Came out in a gasp.

"Hey, relax you're fine, you just rested a while, that's all." Calleigh said to him.

"I'm going home."

"Yes you are, Joe said it was fine. He explained everything to me and Alexx about your recovery." Calleigh smiled now.

Alexx called for Joe and Calleigh grabbed his shirt.

Joe came in and smiled to him now. "See, a lot better than before, right? I told you to trust me. Let's get that shirt and sling on. I am going to give you more Tylenol also and I want you to take your time when you sit and stand up, ok?"

"Ok, Thank you." Horatio smiled over to Calleigh now, gratitude in his eyes.

Joe got his shirt on and the sling. The pain was much better now and Horatio stood up and even began to button his shirt. Calleigh helped him finish. The sling was a big help he realized. He looked over at Frank now.

"Frank, you got that warrant?"

"I do, H. Judge Mason can't wait to talk to you. He called this one real juicy."

"I'll bet he did, Frank." Calleigh button him up just the way he liked it, two open on top. He smiled at her and thanked her. She smiled back.

"Ok, I want you to take an easy, Horatio. These are some meds for the infection and some pain killers if it gets bad. I want you back here in three days."

Horatio looked at him now. "Three days? You really thi--."

"Three days, no more Horatio. I mean it, I'll come find you if I have to." Joe stared him down now. Calleigh let out a laughed and Alexx had to join in.

"You want his address now, Joe?" Alexx teased, laughing.

Horatio put out his right hand to Joe now. "Doctor, I'd like to thank---."

"Don't go getting all formal on me now,... Lieutenant." Joe laughed and shook his hand. "Go easy, Horatio. Ladies you take care of him and thank you both for all your help." Joe leaned in now and gave Alexx and Calleigh a hug.

Horatio could not believe the feeling going through him as Joe hugged Calleigh. He tried to push it down but it lingered for sometime now. Maria came with a wheelchair. Horatio stopped her now.

"Joe, could I stop and see Timmy for a moment."

"Umm, that's not possible, Horatio. His father took him out AMA this morning. I'm not sure what that mans intentions are."

"Is Timmy in danger, Joe. The bullet?"

"Anything can happened, he's been have bouts of black outs from the position of it in his neck. The father didn't want to hear it."

"You have an address, Joe?"

"That's... personal information and.."

"Joe, I want to help him."

"I know you do but,... you didn't get this from me."

"Of course not." Horatio smiled and thanked him again. They left now.

Alexx helped them get Horatio in the hummer now. Calleigh drove and Frank rode in the back.

"I'm heading off to work, I'll call you later Calleigh. Let me know if you need anything, ok?"

"Ok, Alexx thanks." She said good bye and left.

Calleigh looked over to Horatio now. "So where to handsome?" She smiled seeing one of her favorite's shirts on him. It was the sage one that looked great and matched his blue eyes somehow. He turned his head and looked at her smiling now.

"Let's go to court, shall we?" His eyebrows rose to her now and he slipped on his sunglasses.

"By all means." She pulled away.

"You sure you're up to this, H? We can do it another day, he's not going anywhere."

"I'm fine Frank, Thanks. Besides, I'll feel a whole lot better when I know he's finally behind bars."

"Ok, just making sure, H."

"Not a problem, Frank. He nodded his head.

Horatio slipped deep into thought now, and let his mind process everything. Calleigh smiled, seeing him this way. She already could tell he was in deep thought. The ride was quiet and Frank made small talk but Horatio was in his own world now.

They arrived at the courthouse and parked right in front. Calleigh came around quickly but Frank already had Horatio's door open. He slipped out and held onto his ribs with his right hand, bracing them. Quickly now learning which way felt better to move. They walked inside and into the elevator. He remained quiet, Calleigh kept looking at him and he knew it. His breathing was somewhat uneven, he seemed to be struggling.

"You alright, Horatio?"

"Hmm, I'll let you know after this is over, ok?" He took a breath in and let it out. Frank was keeping a close eye on him too now. He unexpectedly smiled fully at Calleigh and she could have fainted.

Oh my god she thought, that smile... that voice... those cloths... and his sunglasses. It's a good thing Frank was with them. She smiled again, trying to think of anything else.

"Frank, have two officers wait outside and give me a minute before you come in, ok?"

Frank looked at him now and nodded. "Sorry not this time, H. I'm going in there with you."

Horatio smiled and shook his head in understanding. "Ok, alright Frank." He nodded and looked over to Calleigh. "I need you to wait, before coming in there, ok?"

Her eyes went wide now. "No, it's not ok, Horatio."

"Frank, give me a minute."

"Sure H." Frank walked away and gave them some space.

"Calleigh, listen to me. I don't... Just do this for me, I'll explain it all later to you, please, ok?" He put his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.

"Ok, but Frank is going with you, right?"

Horatio smiled at her again and nodded. "Yes, you have my word." Again his voice and smile blew her away. He pulled her quickly from her daze. "Ok, you ready,... let's go."

They arrived outside the Judges chambers and Frank knocked and opened the door. The judge was sitting behind his desk talking to a colleague. He looked up at Frank and then his eyes drifted over to Horatio. A cold smile now appeared on the judges face.

"Judge Joseph Ratner, we have a warrant for you arrest." Frank slapped it down on his desk.

The judges friend now excused himself and left. The judge looked down at the warrant and his eyes came back up to Frank and Horatio.

"Well, well, well, Lieutenant. I heard you were injured... in an explosion, you back on duty so soon?" He smiled coldly. "You have to be careful now days, all sorts of sickos out there. Don't you agree?"

"Hmm, out there and... in here, your honor." Horatio smiled looking down over his sunglasses, he moved forward more toward his desk. His right hand moved, finding that comfortable place on his hip.

"Yes well,.. if I recall, they caught the people responsible, didn't they?" He stood up now.

"Well,.." Horatio tilted his head and continued. "Well,... One got away, but he just didn't know when.. to.. Quit, and now, ... Now.. he's going to pay,... a lot sooner than he thinks."

The judge walked around his desk, coming closer to Horatio now, shaking his head. "It's a pity when innocent people you love get hurt, don't you think... lieutenant?"

Calleigh was at the door trying to listen in, it was muffled but she could make most of it out. Her eyes scanning, making sure everything was ok."

Horatio shifted his stance now and clenched his jaw tightly. He took his sunglasses off and narrowed his eyes on the judge. He was barely containing himself.

"I think,...some people are just cowards,... judge. They're to afraid to confront the real problem, and sometimes even send someone else to take care of their dirty work. So they settle for second best, and that doesn't usually work out now, does it,... your honor?" Horatio leaned in a bit now. "Me,.. well, I think life in prison or the death penalty should be given in cases like that. Don't you agree... Your honor?" A cold smile flashed on Horatio's face.

Frank wiped his lips nervously, getting inpatient with this cat and mouse game, they were both playing.

The Judge moved closer and leaned right into Horatio now. He pushed down on his bad arm, holding him closely, so as not to cause a scene. He got real close to his ear now. "This looks like it hurts; I told you I wouldn't forget you,.. lieutenant. You can't touch me, but you don't seem to understand that yet. I think, you'll have a much better understanding of that soon. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself."

He let go now and Horatio gasped, as his knees buckled under him, he swayed a moment but quickly regained his footing, leaning on the desk.

Frank went to move in on the judge but Horatio stopped him. "It's alright Frank, I'm fine. Besides, he's just looking for a reaction,... right judge?"

Horatio smiled again at him. "Speaking of reaction, why don't you read your warrant, judge. I think you'll come to find, it's not what you think." The intensity in Horatio's voice and eyes filling the room.

Calleigh was ready to break down the door now after seeing that, she was wondering what the hell Frank was waiting for.

The Judge picked it up and read it, his eyes now went wide. He glared at Horatio and moved again to come around the desk, but this time Frank moved in front of Horatio now.

"What the hell is this? You don't really think, this is going to stick, do you? Where is Joseph now, lieutenant?"

"Where you'll be joining him shortly,... your honor."

Horatio turned his head in Frank's direction and his eyebrows rose up.

"Well Frank,... I'd say that was a reaction, wouldn't you?" He smiled coldly, his eyes drilling into the judged now, full of satisfaction.

The Judge made a move now for Horatio, and Frank stepped in front of Horatio and grabbed him. He waved calling the officers outside in now. He leaned the judge over the desk now and handcuffed him, the officers helping to hold him. "Hold still, or I'll charge you with resisting arrest." Frank said sarcastically. "Oh.. your honor."

Horatio moved right next to the judge now and leaned down toward the desk. Tilting his head at him, looking at him sideways. He bounced on his toes and settled. "Well now... how's that for a reaction? I think you've been... TOUCHED, your honor. And... And, I think you're about to have a... Better Under-Standing of that now." He smiled. "OH, by the way...You're Under Arrest. Take him!" He gritted his teeth as his hand moved to his hip now, watching as they led him away.

Calleigh came over to him now and stood beside him.

"You're gonna paid for this lieutenant! This is not going to hold up,... you got nothing!... NOTHING!" The judge just glared at him and Frank dragged him away.

"I saw that. I can't believe he did that to you. Are you alright?" She rubbed his arm.

Horatio smiled, "I... I 'm fine." He smiled at her now. "Thank you Calleigh, for... understanding."

She smiled at him. C'mon, let's get you out of here." He slipped his sunglasses back on and they walked out to the hummer together as Frank came over to the truck.

"Well you got him, H. I didn't realize he had your arm, sorry about that. He thinks he's some real bad ass. I guess he's about to find out he's not huh, if he even lasts that long in there."

"Not a problem, Frank. I'm fine and he just gave us more evidence to charge him with."

"I going to P.D. now to book this scum, I'll let you know how it goes. Go home and get some rest, will you. See you later, Calleigh."

Horatio nodded to Frank now. "Thank You, Frank. I appreciate your help."

Frank nodded now and waved his hand as he walked away. Calleigh opened the door for Horatio now.

"Lieutenant." She put her hand out and he chuckled getting in.

"Thank you, ma'am."

She climbed in now and looked over at him. "So, I bet you feel better... right about now, huh?" She was all smiles.

"Hmm, yes I do. But I'll feel even better, once he's booked and arraigned. And then, I'll feel even better, when he's behind bars for good."

"Yeah well, I'll feel better once you're in my bed!" She smiled and blushed, with a bit of a giggle. "Horatio wait... that came out all wrong." Her voice rose up high.

He turned to her quickly, with a look of disbelief. He grinned and just watched her as she got redder. He loved that smile and that giggle, it was pure Calleigh.

"Mmm, I can't argue with that statement." His voice went low and deep. seductive.

"I meant resting, Horatio! Once you're resting, in- the- bed..."

Her voice shaky now and she fumble her words. He smiled at how easily she got rattled with him. He wanted to reach over and pull her to him for a kiss, but,.. he had a sling in the way right now. He made a mental note, to make it up to her later.

Calleigh's phone rang now. She answered it. "Hey Ryan, what's up? Yeah he's right here, hold on." She handed Horatio the phone.

"Mr. Wolf? I'm fine thank you. You heard right. Yes, at Calleigh's, same as before. You did,... you do,... really?" Horatio looked over to Calleigh for a moment. She was aware of the sound of his voice. She gave him a sly grin now. "Mr. Wolf, go ahead, give me the address."

Calleigh's head now turned and her eyes glared at him. His eyebrows went up to her now and he tilted his head. He looked away now and repeated the address out loud.

"25 Clandeway, ok I got. No, no Mr. Wolf. Yes, I'll be sure to tell her that. Yes, I will. Thank you." Horatio closed the phone. It took a second for her to speak.

"Horatio Caine, I am taking you home! Do you hear me?"

"Umm, yes I do." His eyebrows went up and he shook his head. "My hearing is fine, Calleigh." He grinned. "Mr. Wolf just gave us the address on Mrs. Sanchez. I only want to speak with her, Calleigh."

She turned and glared at him now. "Horatio, let Ryan or Eric speak with her, will you? You really need to rest today."

"We're halfway there, and I know you're just as curious as me, to talk with her. Don't tell me you're not. She can put the nail in the coffin for us, Calleigh."

"Yeah, only if she talks, Horatio. Chances are, she won't"

"Well how would we know, if we don't try?" Let's go see if she'll talk to us, what do you say?"

"You know... Arghhh. I'm taking you home right after, no matter what. Are we clear mister?" He chuckled a bit.

"Yes Ma'am, we are clear!" He joked, she didn't laugh. "Really Calleigh, I promise after this, I'm all yours to do, what you'd like with me."

Now she gave him a look. "So you're making me a promise...right? You're going to rest no matter what, right?"

He tilted his head to her and gave her his best puppy dogs eyes. "Yes, I promise!"

"Fine, let's go see Mrs. Sanchez." Calleigh pressed down hard on the gas now and Horatio's head went back. He let out a chuckle thinking how feisty she was, under it all. She was smiling now.

They pulled up in front of the house and got out. Horatio looked around, examining the area with his eyes. Calleigh joined him and they walked together to the front door, she rang the bell. A moment passed and she looked at him, she rang it again. Not feeling very patient at the moment.

The sound of the door being unlocked was now heard and he raised his eyebrows up at her. The door opened now and a Hispanic woman asked, "Can I help you." With a thick accent.

"Yes are you Mrs. Sanchez?"

She nodded to him, "Yes, is everything ok? Who are you?"

"Miami Dade Police, Ma'am. We were hoping to ask you a few questions.

She looked at Calleigh and then Horatio. Calleigh took out her badge and showed it to her, she thought the woman looked scared. She nodded her head and stood aside for them to enter now.

"Come in, please."

As they passed her she stuck her head out again and looked around. Horatio and Calleigh looked at one another, seeing this. Something wasn't right here.

She led them to the living room and asked them to sit down. Calleigh took a seat across from her now and Horatio stood, examining the place with his eyes. Well kept, clean... he thought. Nothing very expensive, she seemed very conservative. A car outside backfired and she jumped, startled and looked around.

"It's just a car, backfiring. Are you alright?" Calleigh said, reassuring her.

"Yes, yes I am fine." Her voice shaky, her eyes not keeping contact.

Mrs. Sanchez when was the last time you saw or spoke with your son?"

She looked at one, then the other. "It's been years. Is this about little Joe?"

"Yes and no." Horatio answered now. "So you have had no contact with him or Joe senior?"

Her eyes went wide now and she looked away. "I think you had better go, now."

Horatio pinched the bridge of his nose and let go. This woman was very afraid of something... or someone, he thought. "Mrs. Sanchez, we can protect you. You don't have to be afraid anymore. Let us help you?"

"No! No, no one can protect me,... from him."

"From who, Ma'am?"

She looked at Horatio now and shook her head. "From Joseph... senior."

"You mean Joseph Sanchez, right." Calleigh asked.

"No, I mean Joseph... Ratner." She said the name slow, scared. "He's a criminal judge now." She looked down and shook her head.

"Has he threatened you, Mrs. Sanchez? Have you spoken with him lately?" Horatio now questioning.

"You had better go... Please, just go!"

"Ma'am calm down, it's ok---."

"It's not ok! He'll kill me if he knows I am talking with you. He'll... kill you too." She said the words in a whisper.

"He's not going to kill anyone, anymore, ever again... He's in jail as we speak."

She lifted her head and looked at Horatio. She swallowed hard. "He's... in Jail? But he said no one could get him, he said---."

"I know what he said, but he was wrong, Mrs. Sanchez. He is, going to pay for what he did, everything, all of it."

Calleigh spoke to her now. "You can talk to us, you can tell us, ok?"

She shook her head now. "He's... going to pay? For everything..."

Horatio shook his head. "That's right, everything. So you can talk to us, you can tell us."

She nodded slowly. "He,... he... when I was younger...he beat me and raped me. I called the police, but they were no help. He would come home and beat me and then chain me up. He made me pregnant and then threaten to kill the baby. Then he took him away from me, my little Joe. I know if my little Joe stayed with him, it would be bad. I fought him and told him I would go to the police again. He almost killed me then. He broke my hands and fingers and told me if I ever went to the police again, he would kill me for sure. Then he went away and I didn't see him anymore,... until I... got married." She began to cry now. Calleigh got up and moved over to her side.

"It's ok, Mrs. Sanchez, it's ok."

"He killed your husband, ...didn't he?" Horatio said low now.

She shook her head yes as Calleigh held her. "Shh, it's ok, you're safe now, and he's not going to hurt you anymore."

Calleigh looked up at Horatio, while holding her. She noticed marks on her hands and arms, they looked like burn marks. Horatio read Calleigh and came closer and looked at her hands and nodded. The marks left on her were very familiar to him. He clenched his jaw tightly and straighten up. His insides feeling sick at the thought of it, he knew if he looked, there would be more on her.

"Mrs. Sanchez, I... I seemed to notice these marks on your hands and arms. Can you tell me what they are?"

She looked at Horatio and then moved her hands away, so he could not see. She shook her head. "I tried to leave, to escape him, he told me he would punish me. He burned me with...something... a machine."

Horatio knew what she was talking about all to well; he had the same marks on his chest and ribs. He clenched his teeth together now, trying to hold back his anger. Calleigh already recognized the marks and knew he would also.

He tilted his head to her now and spoke softly. Mrs. Sanchez, how would you like to move from here?"

"Senor, I have little money, I can not move."

"Ma'am, that won't be a problem. You let me worry about that, ok?"

"Senor, money is always a problem. Everybody wants money."

Horatio smiled at her. "Hmm, Well, I don't want you to think about that, ok?"

She nodded now and looked at Calleigh in disbelief. "Does the senor know what he is saying?"

Horatio chuckled a bit as he asked Calleigh for her phone. He walked away from them now making a call. Calleigh answered her now.

"Yes, he does. He knows exactly what he's saying and doing, Mrs. Sanchez. We're going to help you, ok?"

"Why now, do you want to help me, I don't understand."

Calleigh now took a deep breath in and sighed, she looked over to Horatio and back to Mrs. Sanchez. She felt terrible for this woman and wanted to help her in some way. But her question just now was eating at Calleigh, what could she say, nothing could make this right now. She spoke softly and held her hand trying to comfort her.

"We didn't know, Mrs. Sanchez. If we did, we would have helped you a long time ago."

Horatio watched Calleigh as she spoke to Mrs. Sanchez. He watched as her hands softly moved to hold hers and comfort her. He watched and heard as she spoke low, and soft, trying to sooth her pain. He nodded to himself hearing, her honesty and compassion. She overwhelmed him with her caring and openness. He knew she had to be feeling exactly what he was... Sick to his stomach. But even though Calleigh handled herself like a pro, she managed to give Mrs. Sanchez hope. And that meant everything. He admired her for a moment longer and walked back over now.

"Ok a police car is going to be here in a little while. You're going to go with them. So you may want to get something's together for yourself, ok?"

"Where am I going?"

Horatio smiled at her. "Somewhere safe, somewhere nice. He won't harm you ever again. You're going to get a new start in life, a new beginning, ok?"

She smiled at Calleigh and leaned forward to look up at him for a moment... then she smiled. "Your eyes tell me to believe you, to trust in your words. I believe you, senor. I will do what you say."

Horatio shook his head. "Ok, good,... good." He smiled and looked down now, shyly, as Calleigh smiled at him.

Mrs. Sanchez got up and went to pack. Calleigh got up and went over to Horatio. "Hey, you doing ok?"

"Hmm, I'm doing fine, Calleigh. Thank you."

"How are you doing?"

"You know me handsome, I'm fine." She smiled but not fully.

"I do." His eyes still searching hers, as Calleigh looked down now. Unable to keep eye contact with him. She knew he read her like a book.

She whispered to him now, "She's really been through the ringer. I can't believe no one helped her, after all this time, Horatio."

"Well just believe we're going to help her now, ok sweetheart?" He cupped her face with his hand and softly let his thumb caress her cheek. "I think, I may know of a way to make Mrs. Sanchez happy again." He wiggled his eyebrows to her.

"What are you up to?"

"I'll tell you later, let's get her out of here, ok?"

"Yep, sounds good."

The Police car came and picked Mrs. Sanchez up and took her to a safe house.

Horatio and Calleigh were back in the hummer heading home now. "She likes you, you know?"

"Hmm, she likes you too."

Calleigh's's phone rang and she looked down at it. She looked over to Horatio and shook her head. "Something's telling me not to pick this up."

He looked back at her now. "Why not, who is it?"

"Frank."

"Answer it Calleigh, he may have something for us."

She nodded to him and opened it. "Hey Frank."

"Hey Calleigh, is H still with you?"

"Yes he is,... why?" Horatio gave her a look now. She looked away.

"I..need to talk to him a minute... Hello... Calleigh?"

"I'm still here, Frank. Hold on!" She shook her head now and handed Horatio the phone. "He needs to talk to you."

Horatio took it and gave her a reassuring nod. She turned away quickly now, knowing something was up.

"Frank?"

"H, sorry to bother you but, I thought you'd want to know a couple of my guys picked up young Timmy. He's here.

"What. What for Frank?"

"Well, it seems he got into it with his father. That's what he told me anyway. He don't look to good, H. Looks like his father...May have umm, knocked him around a bit."

"Really? Where's his father now Frank?"

"We have an APB out on him but Timmy said he left for another trip to Seattle. The kid said he would be gone for 2 weeks. Sorry about this H, I just thought you may want to know."

"How is he now, Frank?"

"Well he wouldn't let us take him to the hospital and he won't press charges. He umm, he's kinda down in the dumps H."

"I can understand that. You know what Frank, umm... give me...give me a minute." He said, looking over at Calleigh now. " I'll call you right back."

"Ok, H."

Calleigh pulled the hummer over now and gave him a dirty look. He closed the phone and looked at her. Silence between them now as their eyes spoke. Calleigh didn't last long.

"Fine. Just tell me where we are heading now?"

"Calleigh I -."

"Forget it, Horatio, ok. Is Timmy ok? What's the story?"

"Timmy's not ok. Frank said he doesn't look good and his father... may have... hit him. I need to talk to him Calleigh."

"His father hit him?"

"I don't know the whole story yet, but yes, that's what Frank said."

"Ok, so MDPD?"

"No, Umm... I don't think that would be a wise decision right now, we're umm, not exactly on steady ground with Stetler. I was thinking more in the lines of my place, we're close and I don't want to bring him to yours."

"You sure you're up to this, Horatio?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Calleigh. I just don't want to see anything bad happen to this kid. He's a good kid, you'll recognized it right away. Unless I was totally off in the hospital." His brow furrowed in thought. He quietly thought about it for a moment.

"You... Off... Ha, ha... Don't make me laughed Horatio. Ok, so call Frank back and tell him to meet us at you're place." She smiled.

He looked at Calleigh and smiled. "Right, Frank." He nodded. "Calleigh I... I'm grateful, thank you."

"Yeah well, when you can't move a muscle tomorrow, at least you'll know why. You're staying in bed when I finally get you there. Do you hear me?"

He chuckled. "Mm-hmm, I do."

Horatio opened the phone and called Frank. "Frank, can you bring him to my place?"

"Sure, H. How long you want me to wait?"

"You can leave now Frank, we're almost there. Frank, lets keep this quiet and between us, ok?"

"Yeah, I got you, H. I'll see you in a little while."

Horatio closed the phone now and relaxed his head back for a second. Calleigh gave him a quick glance and remained quiet. Calleigh pulled up to his place and turned the engine off.

"Hey, you ok?" She ran her hand over his forehead and hair.

He picked his head up and looked at her. "Mm-hmm, C'mon."

She got out and went around to his side. He was already sliding his achy body out.

"Lean on me ok?" She wrapped her arm around his waist on his left, helping him.

"I'm ok, Calleigh."

"You're exhausted and you should be resting. Don't get me started again, ok? Lets just get you inside and down. Maybe you can rest before they get here."

Horatio took out his keys and opened the door. Once inside he walked right over to the couch and gingerly sat down, with a groan.

"Ok, just put you're head back for a few minutes...ok?"

"Mmm, I'm fine." His hand went to his head.

"Yes, I know that already, you said it twice now."

She smiled at him and now went around the back of the couch. She placed her hand on his hand and drew it down, he closed his eyes. She slowly rubbed his temples and began to run her fingers through his hair. He let out a relaxing sigh, as his body sank more into the couch.

"Cal...leigh... Cal... this... you have to... stop..."

"Sshh, just relax for a moment, will you." She whispered softly.

She continued and before she knew it, he was out cold. She quietly moved away and went over to the patio. She opened the doors to let some fresh air in. She walk outside for a moment and took in the beautiful view of the blue ocean. She took in a deep breath and relaxed. She remembered her dream and vaguely remember Horatio having a patio. She smiled as she went back inside now thinking about it.

She made a pot of coffee and tidy up a bit. She walked around now, remembering the last time she was here, processing the place. She turned around and stared at him, watching him sleep. She still couldn't believe they were finally together. How it all happened and the way it happened. She smiled and almost laughed now, thinking about him finding her underwear.

There was a soft knock on the door, her eyes went wide and she moved quickly to it. She didn't want Horatio to wake up yet. She opened the door and put her finger to her lip. Frank was standing behind Timmy, he nodded understanding her. Timmy however was in shock to see her, his mouth hung open.

"Come in, lets go out on the patio."

They both walked in and Calleigh directed them over to the patio, she gave Horatio a quick glance. He was still out, his head relaxed back on the couch, his right arm laying across his midsection. She went out on to the patio now.

"How's he doing, Calleigh. Is he ok?"

"Yeah, he just fell asleep, he needs to rest a bit." She smiled to Timmy now and put out her hand. "Calleigh Duquesne, nice to meet you."

Timmy's mouth hung open and he just stared at her. Frank put a hand on his shoulder snapping him out of his daze. "Timmy take a breath, she don't bite." Frank gave Calleigh a grin.

Timmy put his hand out and shook hers, his eyes wide still.

Frank shook his head now, "Calleigh, I'm going to grab some take out and bring it back, ok?"

"Sure Frank, that would be great, I need to get something into him today."

"Ok, I'll be right back. Timmy, you going to be ok here for a while?" Timmy stared up at Frank now in shock again."

"Here a while...me...umm... if it's...ok, with-."

Calleigh chuckled. "It's fine, Timmy. Go ahead Frank, we'll be fine."

Frank nodded at Calleigh and patted Timmy's shoulder. "Ok, bucko...I'll see you in bit."

"Ok, Frank, thanks!" Timmy said now excited, loosening up just a bit. Frank left and quietly closed the door on his way out.

"Would you like a drink or something, Timmy?"

"Umm, no...no thank you, Ms. Duquesne." Timmy was a gentleman.

Calleigh laughed a bit now as she realized exactly what Horatio saw in him.

"Timmy, lets make a deal ok? I won't call you Mr. Baldwin, if you don't call me Ms. Duquesne. Just call me Calleigh, ok?"

Timmy's eyes went wide. "Ok, Calleigh!" He gave her a huge smile now.

She chuckled. "Ok, Timmy." She felt herself almost blushing at this young man. "Here, have a seat." There was a small table with three chairs. She sat down across from him.

"It sure is beautiful here, Calleigh." Timmy looked out at the beach and ocean. "Nice crib you got here,... sweet spot too."

"To bad it's not mine. It's Horatio's...crib." She smiled.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't realize, I just thought it was yours."

"Don't be,... I wish it was too." She laughed and he joined her.

"Timmy why did your dad take you out of the hospital?" Calleigh saw his eyes go flat and he looked down now.

"My dad had to go on another trip and he told me he was going to take me with him. Then Dr. Gannon told him I couldn't because of the black outs I been having. Well my dad freaked and told Joe he was crazy, and he couldn't tell him what to do. He didn't even listen to what Dr. Gannon was saying. Dad doesn't like Dr. Gannon much, ya know."

"Why is that, you think?"

"Well my dad don't like being told what to do, by anyone, especially Joe. Joe already had it out with him a few times, over me. It was... my fault and I ... I..." Timmy scratched his head now and began to clam up. He looked back up at Calleigh now. "So how's Horatio doing, is he going to be ok?"

Calleigh smiled now, but knew he was avoiding the problem. She needed to give him some time to relax and get to know her. "Horatio's going to be fine Timmy, thanks for asking."

"He... he really cares...you know. I mean he was the only person to..." He stopped and clammed up again, his eyes looked down.

"Yes, I do know, he cares a lot about you." Calleigh tried but didn't want to push him.

He looked up at her again and smiled, this time his eyes full of light. "He told you that?"

"Um-hmm, In fact, he wanted me to meet you the next day in the hospital. She grinned and Timmy's smile grew.

"Yeah, he told me that too." Timmy's smile grew. "Calleigh, would it be ok to have a drink now?"

"Of course Timmy, what would you like?"

"Water.. I can get it myself, you don't have to get up, ok?" Timmy smiled at her now, excited.

"Ok, go straight on in to the kitchen, you'll see the fridge."

"Ok, be right back." He walked passed her and into the kitchen. He mumbled to himself quietly. 'Shit... I forgot to asked her' He went back out to her. "Can I get you one too?" He leaned out the doorway, she smiled.

"Sure Timmy, sounds good." She watched him disappear back out of view.

Timmy call out now "Hey Calleigh, something smells like it died in here." He grabbed two bottles of water and went back outside.

"That would be the milk I just dumped down the drain, Timmy." She shook her head and laughed. She figured that would have easily woke Horatio up now, and she was right.

Horatio rubbed his eyes now and wondered how long he had been asleep. He could swear he just heard Timmy's voice. He looked around for Calleigh and felt a cool breeze on his face. He looked over at the patio doors that were open. He heard voices clearly talking. He took his time and got up, slowly making his way over now. He stopped as he heard Timmy question Calleigh.

"So how long have you been a CSI now?"

Calleigh smiled and tilted her head to him. Horatio must have told him that. "Well Timmy, about 4 years now and counting."

"So you like doing that, I mean how did you get started in the field?"

"Oh... am I detecting interest in you young man?" Her southernness coming out in the words.

"Well, I think I would like it, maybe. Horatio has been doing it for 10 years and he still likes it. He's really smart. I think... I like the idea of being smarter than the criminals. Yeah, that its!"

Calleigh laughed now and Horatio just closed his eyes and absorbed her laughter.

"Well Timmy, Horatio is smart, very smart actually. He's...dedicated and compassionate, and definitely smarter than the criminals. It takes a lot of hard work to become a CSI, education is very important."

"Yeah, I can understand that but what other jobs can give you such satisfaction in life,... I think that's... what I'd like to do. I'm still not sure though...but, look at Joe, he also has a great job and gets to help sick people all the time. I want to do something that makes me happy. I want to do something that matters... like you and Horatio."

"Well it all depends on what you want in life. What you want from life and what you would like back in return. Then you just go out and find a way to make it happen. Sometimes we don't all get what we want and sometimes... sometimes we do." She smiled, thinking about Horatio and her.

"Are you married?" Timmy stared at her in awe now. Horatio stiffened.

She stiffened a bit but quickly recovered and smiled at him. "Timmy I -." She tilted her head and her eyes said sorry. He knew right away.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to... Dam, I knew it, of course you are, but you don't wear your ring, right? I mean how could you not be married. Sometimes I'm a real idiot." Horatio almost laughed out loud.

"No you're not! Don't say that! You happen to be very perceptive, and in my book, that makes you smart, not stupid!"

Timmy's smile grew again and now he stared at her, going deeper into his daze.

"What is it, Timmy?" Calleigh asked now curious.

"Well... he's really lucky to have you, I just hope he treats you right, like... like... like the beautiful person you are."

Calleigh tilted her head now and blushed, trying to control herembarrassment. Timmy was a sweetheart. "Actually Timmy, I'm the one who's lucky, to have him."

"No way, he's lucky, trust me, I know! So... you're not married... Calleigh?" Timmy beamed.

"No, I'm not-but...lets just say, I am...taken. He's a wonderful man and yes, he treats me... wonderful, even better than that." Calleigh giggled a bit. Horatio ached to hold her now.

"I'm sure he gives you everything, the world, right? I mean, c'mon how could he not, I would buy you everything, anything you ever wanted!"

"Well Timmy, sometimes all the money and gifts in the world don't matter. Sometimes love is all a person wants. I have that with him, he does give me everything,... he gives me his heart! To me that is the world, that is everything."

Horatio was overwhelmed by her words, he didn't mean to ease drop this way. But she was right, he thought, she definitely had his heart. He loved hearing her talking and laughing with Timmy now.

Timmy now just stared at Calleigh in awe and sighed, loudly. "Aww, you are so perfect, in every way. I know your taken and I'll say it again, he is one lucky dude. Any chance you know of a duplicate of you?" Timmy now rested his chin on his palm and sulked.

"Sorry, only one I know of, and this one's in... love." She drawled the words out in her southern voice.

"Unh, just my luck!" Timmy laughed now and Calleigh joined him.

"I wonder where Frank is?" Calleigh thought out loud.

"Yeah, tell me about it, I'm starving."

"Hang on, lets see where he is." Calleigh opened her cell and dialed Frank.

"Hey, you get lost or something, we have growling stomachs over here. Ok, ok see you in a bit."

"He's on his way back with pizza, sound good to you?"

"Umm, sounds great to my belly." Timmy giggled. "Hey, you from Texas?"

Calleigh laughed fully now. "Close ... Louisiana. Why?"

"I knew you had a southern accent, I knew it!"

"Ok, what about you, you have a girlfriend, a job? Just what does Timmy Baldwin do?"

"Nope, no girlfriend and... my dad keeps me from working. So I guess, I don't do much, I want to go with my dad sometimes, but he doesn't seem to... want me around. I told him I would really like to go... but he always..." Timmy looked away now and stopped talking.

He clammed up again and this time Calleigh pushed. "What is it, Timmy? He always does what?"

Timmy got up now from his chair and looked at her, then down to the floor. He walked over to the railing leaning on it, looking out. "It sure is beautiful and peaceful up here."

She didn't want to push him further, and let the subject go. "Yes it is, I can stay out here alllll... day." She leaned back stretching, comfortably in the chair, taking in a deep breath.

"Hm-em." Horatio cleared his throat and walked out onto the patio. He eyed up Calleigh now and nodded. "You umm, let me sleep."

"I'm guilty...as charged. I definitely did, besides Timmy and I were having a great conversation. Isn't that right Timmy?"

Timmy turned around now to see Horatio, he smiled at him.

"Yeah, we were, it's true Horatio. She's great! But...taken. I- know... I know."

Timmy rolled his eyes and Calleigh laughed. "Hey Horatio, you feeling better now?

Horatio looked at them and smiled, he sat down in one of the chairs. "I'm feeling fine, Timmy, thank you." He smiled up at Calleigh. "So, what about you, how are you feeling?"

"Oh, I'm ok, my neck don't hurt so much anymore. I think it's getting better."

"That's good, Timmy. I'm glad to hear it."

Calleigh wanted to give them some time alone now, hoping Timmy would talk to Horatio.

"Hey, how about some nice coffee?"

Horatio nodded, "Sounds good, thank you."

"Timmy?" Calleigh asked.

"Oh, no thank you Calleigh. I don't like... coffee much."

"Ok, I'll go make a pot, be right back." She passed by Horatio and slid her hand over his shoulder, walking by. He lifted his to hers and covered it for a quick touch of affection.

Timmy turned and quickly walked toward Horatio and whispered. Looking after Calleigh, making sure she was out of hearing range. His eyes were bright and wide as he beamed to Horatio.

"Horatio, she's... amazing. She's fun, easy to talk to and... and really interesting. I had a really great time just talking to her."

"I glad you did Timmy. You're right, Calleigh is very easy to talk to, she... makes you feel at ease."

"Yeah, yeah! That it, exactly!" Timmy eyes narrowed on Horatio and he stared, realizing. "Just like you do, for me. Hey, maybe you two ought to get together, you're both alike." Timmy laughed.

Horatio's eyebrows went up, Young Timmy was closer than he thought.

"So, what happened today?"

Timmy sighed now. "Aw, What always happens...My dad happened. He's a real jerkof... sorry. But I get so...mad. He makes me a promise and then ruins it all the time. He's just mad because Joe told him off in the hospital. I told him he was wrong to treat Joe that way, and well... that was that. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut. It less painful that way, I never learn... He'll be gone for two weeks now, so I guess... I should be happy to get a break."

"What does that mean exactly, Timmy. He raised his hands to you?"

Timmy laughed sarcastically. "Are you kidding me... raised his hands? Yeah... his hands, and anything else he can grab hold of at the moment. Usually he just rips my own belt off of me." Timmy smiled and raised one eyebrow at him. "I learned quickly, so I stopped wearing my belt. Can't you tell." He pulled up his pants and laughed. Horatio did not.

"How long has this been going on for?"

"Since I was kid, as far back as I can remember. It was...different then... he wasn't so...angry."

"How, how was it different, Timmy?" Horatio's eyes narrowed as he listened, remembering his own past.

"It.. it was my fault, Horatio... I always seem to push his buttons. He's ...-."

"Do you know why he's so angry, Timmy?"

"No, I don't know. It's always business related. He's always pissed off someone got more stock them him or he didn't get the buyers he wanted. With him it could be anything...name it. Today it was Joe. My dad can't stand him because Joe stood up for me. See... my fault... again." Timmy shrugged now and shook his head, looking down.

"No Timmy, none of this is You're Fault. Do you understand me son? This is your dads fault, he needs to face his responsibility instead of running away from it. This is not your fault ...Are you listening to me, Timmy?"

Timmy lifted his head up and snapped a bit at Horatio. "Yeah.! Yes, I'm listening, Horatio. You just don't get it... I know you want to help me but---." Timmy stopped his sentence short and looked at Horatio now. His eyes went wide.

"But it hopeless...right. Go ahead, say it Timmy... it was, what you were going to say, right?"

Timmy sighed a breath, "Horatio... I ... I'm sorry I didn't mean to... I ...I don't know...I'm confused... ok?"

"No. Not ok. Now, sit down."

Timmy slumped down in the chair now and sighed again, rubbing at his shoulder.

Horatio's eyes bore into him, he leaned forward. "Let me hear you say it."

Timmy's looked at him confused. "Huh?

"I want to hear you say the words, Timmy. You said you've been to how many therapist? I know they told you, taught you. You know this is not your fault, it's you're fathers. Say the words they taught you, Timmy."

"How do you know what they taught me? What makes you the expert?" Timmy now narrowed his eyes again at Horatio, with anger now.

Horatio voice was soft and low. "Timmy it's ok, look at me. You can do this."

"Horatio... I-." Timmy shook his head no. "I can't!... You don't know, ... you don't, Horatio."

"You can't say it, can you?"

"FINE!... You want to hear the truth! It's all my Fuckin Fault! You happy now!"

Timmy covered his face with both hands and slid them to his head. His eyes came up and met Horatio's. Timmy saw no anger there, he saw question...concern. He didn't want to do this, not with Horatio. He panicked now and stood up suddenly. He looked away from Horatio, "I... I'm ...sorry...I ...Horatio ... I better go." He quickly headed for the door.

"Wait, wait! Timmy!" Horatio was slow moving and barely grabbed hold of his arm. He groaned as his body quickly turned with Timmy's momentum. "Hang on...a sec..."

"Shit... Horatio, look I even manage to hurt you and your trying to help me... still! I'm a screw up, face it! I did a long time ago, my old man told me so."

Calleigh's attention was now on the patio, listening to the conversation as things got loud.

"Timmy, listen to me son, I do get it." Horatio took a breath and shook his head. "I know.. what you're going through. I've... I've been there myself. Trust me son. I'm asking you... to trust me. Can you do that?"

Timmy looked at him confused now. "What? You? you?... You get it? You mean you know, really?"

Horatio shook his head. "That's what I mean, Timmy, I know..." He took another breath in. "I know, but this can't happen right now, it's a long story and I umm..." Horatio gave a glance inside, Timmy understood.

"It's ok, Horatio, I understand, I don't like to talk about it either, especially when others are around. Maybe when we're alone, sometime."

"That would be fine, Timmy." Horatio stood up from the chair now and let go of Timmy's arm.

Timmy walked over to the railing again , his head down, feeling badly. Horatio followed him.

"Horatio, I'm sorry for that..."

"Outburst?"

"How do you do that? I feel like you're in my head. You know exactly what I'm gonna say."

Horatio chuckled. "Bad habit Timmy, sorry."

"This is your home and I shouldn't talk like that,... I'm really very sorry. I know you're still disappointed in me, right? That's why you're looking at me... like that."

"No. Actually, I'm looking at you like this because, I am very proud of you. You took responsibility and admitted you were wrong. Only a real man can do that, Timmy."

Timmy smiled, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Thanks Horatio, thanks for everything. Thanks for caring and being...a friend.

Calleigh smiled, still listening, tears welled in her eyes.

"Always, Timmy... I'll always be your friend. Here, I want you to take this, ok." Horatio handed him his card. "You call me anytime, day or night, ok?" Horatio patted Timmy on the back lightly. "You ok, kiddo?"

"Yeah, I am... thanks to you. I'm ok." Timmy smiled back up at him. "Thanks Horatio...really. Where the heck is Frank, I'm starving here."

Horatio chuckled. "I'm sure he'll be here soon."

Calleigh opened the door for Frank and he brought the food to the patio. They ate outside together talking about the job. Timmy was very interested in it and Horatio was more than happy to discuss it with him. Timmy grew on Frank as well as Calleigh. They both liked him very much and wanted to help in anyway they could.

After dinner, Frank took Timmy home, but before he left, Horatio planned a day for them to get together. After they were gone Horatio got comfortable on the couch again. Calleigh cleaned up and closed the patio doors. She saw how comfortable he was and didn't want to disturb him. He already knew and moved to get up.

"So you ready to go?" He asked.

"I am if, you are."

"Let me grab a few things and we'll leave, ok?"

"Sure, I'll give you a hand." They walked into the bedroom and both froze. It was still a mess and he had a quick flashback. He swayed a moment and Calleigh put her hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, you ok? They should have clean it up by now. I would have myself if I realized it earlier."

"Not a big deal." He moved to the closet and pulled out some cloths, then went to the draws and pulled out some undershorts and T shirts. "Hmm, just how long am I staying?" He looked over to Calleigh.

"However long, you'd like!" She grinned.

"Mmm, this should be fine, I can always make the trip back. Ok, lets go."

They got into the hummer and drove back to Calleigh's place.

"You can take some Tylenol now and rest."

"The Tylenol sounds good."

"And the resting?"

"Hmm, that sounds good to, beautiful." He smiled at her. "Did I say,.. Thank you yet?"

"For what, Horatio?"

"For everything, Calleigh. For everything."

He looked out the window now and remained quiet. After a moment he let his head fall back and relax.

She smiled, pulling the hummer into her spot. "Ok, home sweet home." She looked over at him now, he seemed exhausted. "Horatio?"

"Hmm, I'm up. My mind is saying go... but my body does... not want to move."

"Ok, stay put."

Calleigh hopped out and went around to his door, she opened it for him. "Here, use your right arm and hold on to the strap above." She wrapped her arms around his waist now and helped him out. He slid out into her arms, with a groan.

"I got you."

"Yes, I can see that. Give me a minute." He straightened up now and shook his head, trying to clear the fuzziness he felt. "Ok, I'm ok."

They walked to the front door; she tucked her arm under his right side and helped him. Calleigh put her key in and opened it; she did not stop and kicked the door shut behind her. He laughed now still leaning on her.

"Nice move."

She laughed now and walked him right into the bedroom. She led him to the bed and stopped.

"Let me use the bathroom. I'm ok, now." He walked over to the bathroom and went in, she pulled the door closed and waited for him.

Once inside he leaned on the bathroom sink, holding himself up and seeing himself in the mirror for the first time. He had dark circles under his eyes and his face look drained. He looked down and immediately caught a whiff of Vanilla. His eyebrows furrowed.

Something that he identify as Calleigh, he smiled now seeing it. The label read 'Warm vanilla sugar body splash' His smile grew as he now figured out what that incredible smell and taste was on her silky smooth skin. His thoughts kicking in for a moment, thinking she tasted great and now he knew why. He picked up the bottle and brought it to his nose, smelling it.

"Mmm." He let a groan slip and Calleigh heard.

"You ok in there, Horatio?"

His head snapped up and he was brought out of his daze. He chuckled now.

"Yeah,.. fine, I'll... be right out."

He read the label again 'Bath and Body works' he smiled and locked it away for later use. He took one more sniff before placing it back on the sink. His thoughts assaulting him now, of the last time they were together and he couldn't get enough of her. A warm feeling rising in him now, he nodded and shook away the thoughts.

He finished up in the bathroom and opened the door. He leaned on the door frame, standing there in front of her. He smelled her instantly and his thoughts started running away again. This has to stop, he quickly thought to himself now.

"Hey, you feeling, ok? Your face looks... flushed suddenly."

He smiled and looked away from her. "I'm fine, Calleigh, just thinking."

Now she gave him a look. "Thinking of what? She smiled at him, feeling something was up.

"Mmm, You..and..me... Us." He took a breath in and reached for her face, lifting her chin up, he gave her the softest kiss on the lips. "Mmm, I sure miss that." His eyes opened slowly.

"I miss you too." She was instantly caught in his trance. Her eyes closed, feeling him so close to her. His fingers started caressing her face as his voice soothed her. She snapped out of her revere.

"Ok, I have to get you to bed, before..." She laughed.

"Mmm, I... agree." He took her hand and kissed it.

She took him over to the bed and he sat down.

"You really need to get some rest, ok? I'll get the Tylenol for you and then you can lie down. I'll be right back."

She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water and came back. She walked into the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet and took out the Tylenol. She walked back over to the bed where he was still sitting on the edge but leaning on his right arm now. Another minute and she thought he would fall over.

"Here you go, take these."

She handed him the pills, and then the water. He handed the bottle back to her and she put it down on the night table.

"Ok, let's go, lay back."

"Hmm."

He looked up at her now as his right arm snaked around her waists and pulled her closer. He rested his head on her stomach and held her close.

"I just had to,.. feel you close again."

His leaned his face against her stomach, he could smell her delicious vanilla scent. He closed his eyes as he felt her run her fingers through his hair and softly up and down his shoulders and back.

"Mmm, that... feels... great."

"Ok, let me get your shoes and you can lie down, ok?"

"Mm-hmm."

He kicked off his shoes in a second and she was helping him to lay back. She fixed the pillows under his head, making sure he was comfortable. She grabbed a throw blanket and covered him. She moved away a moment and he grabbed her hand.

"Where are you going so fast?"

She smiled at him now and sat beside him. "I'm not going anywhere, handsome."

She began to run her hand softly over his forehead and hair. His eyes closed now and she felt him instantly relax under her touch. She smiled and watched as he quickly fell into a deep sleep. The lines in his face disappearing now as his body completely relaxed itself. She leaned over him and gave him a soft kiss.

"Sleep well, Handsome." She whispered above him.

She left the bedroom and went into the kitchen to make some tea for herself. She then joined him in the bedroom, and sat in the recliner there. She put her head back and she quickly fell asleep now too.

Her eyes suddenly opened and she sat up, looking at Horatio now. She thought she heard him, but he seemed to be sound asleep still. She looked over at the clock and it read 7:15pm. Her eyes went wide; she couldn't believe what time it was. She felt like she just closed her eyes a minute ago. Her cell phone rang now and she jumped and then rushed to open it. Her back was to Horatio now and she was near the door talking quietly.

"Hello. Oh, hey Ryan. No, I'm awake. What, that can't be, are you sure? How? We do have the evidence. How is this possible? Frank knows? Tell him no. I said no, he's exhausted. Tell him not to say anything yet and that goes for you and Eric as well. This man has been through hell, literally. He just went to sleep a little while ago, he needs some time to recuperate. No, he's exhausted and needs to rest now. There's no way I am telling him this right now! Please tell me this is a mistake or tell me I'm still dreaming. I know I'm not, Ryan! Ok... call me if anything changes." She closed the phone and shook her head, taking in a much needed breath.

"Calleigh?" His voice was low and gravelly. Her eyes went wide in shock. Now her mind kicked in, he didn't hear that, did he?" She put on her best smile and turned around facing him now.

"Horatio, you just wake up? Sorry if,.. I was talking to loud."

"No.." His eyes searched hers. She shook her head now, knowing the look, knowing he heard.

"Horatio, how much... of that... did you hear?"

"I heard all of it Calleigh. What happened?"

He moved to sit up now and groaned, his right hand went to his ribs.

"Wait, let me help you." Calleigh helped him to sit up now, resting his back on the pillows. It was obvious he was in pain. "Maybe you should just stay down. Joe said it was better if you didn't sit up too much."

"Calleigh, tell me what happened?" His voice was low and soft.

She sat down next to him now. She blinked hers eyes a few times and gritted her teeth. "Horatio...I'm worry about you..." She shook her head.

He took her hand now in his. "It's alright Calleigh,.. talk to me."

"Just remember you promised me, ok?" Tears welled up in her eyes now. She knew the reaction he would have.

He looked at her worried now, seeing her eyes. He knew it took a lot to upset her. "Calleigh, what is it, what's wrong?"

"He's out. The judge was released on bail. He's out, Horatio."

Horatio's eyes narrowed and he looked shocked at her. "What, that's impossible. How?" His jaw set tightly now. He moved to get up and groaned in pain again.

"Stay there, ok. I don't know all the details yet. Ryan just called to tell us. He said something about there not being enough evidence."

"What? Who's was the judge at his arraignment? Do you know? Let me have your phone please."

She handed him the phone now and he dialed Frank.

"Frank? Tell me what happened. Accessory to commit murder is not enough to hold him? How about fraud? How about murder, with his print on the mask? I can't believe they released this animal. Who was the judge, Frank?" Yes, there's the problem. Ok, let me make a few calls. Frank hang on, you still have Mrs. Sanchez in protective custody, right? Ok, make sure Frank. He'll go after her again. Yes, We will Frank. Keep me posted."

Calleigh looked at him now. He sat up more and took a breath in. He looked at her and she knew what he was thinking.

"Horatio, you're staying right here, Right? It's already late and there's nothing we can do right now."

He took another breath in and nodded to her. "There's always something we can do, Calleigh. But yes to answer your question. I'm not going anywhere right now, ok?"

He watched as she took a breath in and relaxed down onto the bed next to him. His eyes questioning hers again. She answered him now sharply.

"I'm worried sick about you and I knew you would want to run off and... make this right.

He nodded to her. "You thought right. Tomorrow's a new day, well get him for sure."

She gave him a glare now. "You promised me, you said you'd rest."

"And I will, I didn't say I was going any place yet. Let's get the facts and go from there, alright? I don't want to worry you Calleigh, ok?" He gave her a small smile now and took her hand in his. "Well get him. If it's the last thing I do, I'll get him." His eyes were intense.

"I know!" She said, surely. "That's what worries me about you. You don't quit... Ever!"

"Hmm, one of my... downfalls, sorry." He smiled at her again and she softened just a bit.

The bell rang. Calleigh got up to get the door. It was Alexx checking up on them.

"Hey Alexx."

"Hi honey, you hear the news yet?"

"Yes and he knows about it too."

"Uh-oh, do I want to know how he's taking it?"

"You're about to fine out for yourself. Do I have to say anything more?"

"No baby, I already know. Let's go see if we can talk some sense into him now, huh."

Calleigh nodded to Alexx now and they walked back to the bedroom. Horatio was on the phone again.

"I understand that, but the evidence is all there. Yes, judge... I do -- But -- if you let him walk, he's not going to stick around. What's to stop him from leaving? No, I don't -- Yes I understand that... but he's involved--. That shouldn't't matter, you can't-- Judge, he killed a young woman and had his clerk bury the body for him. Then he went after his own friend, judge Greenhill. He's in a coma and his wife is dead, not to mention the young officer that was almost killed. You know him don't you judge, I believe he's a friend of yours. No, I'm not -- I just don't think you are getting the big picture here and-- No, I --- You can't just... Judge, listen to me for a moment. I know--- I understand that---." Horatio's eyebrows went up and he shook his head. He now stared down at the phone in his hand and let out a breath.

"Well he didn't sound like he was going to be much help." Alexx said now. How you feeling, sugar?"

"I'm fine, Alexx. Thank you."

"Horatio who was that?" Calleigh asked now.

"That was judge Griffin, and I don't think he's going to help us."

"Yeah well, after you gave him the big picture quote, what makes you think he would?" Alexx said now.

Horatio nodded at her and shook his head. "Did it... sound that bad?"

They both nodded to him and Calleigh spoke. "Yes it did, and I am sure judge Griffin feels the same way."

"Well, judge Griffin doesn't know what Judge Ratner's capable of. Let's hope he doesn't find out anytime soon."

Alexx went over to Horatio now and took the phone out of his hand. She gave him a look and handed it to Calleigh.

"Ok, lay back and let me check your bandages."

"I'm fine Alexx, really." He slid down a bit and put his head back on the pillows.

"Did you get any rest toady?"

Horatio looked at Calleigh now. "Yeah , he slept for three hours or so. He just woke up a little while ago Alexx, the phone woke him." Calleigh said, annoyed.

"Good at least he got some sleep anyway." She looked at him now. "You feeling pain or discomfort anywhere, sugar?" She felt around on the bandages and checked him out.

"No, just sore Alexx. I'm feeling better since I rested."

"Good, because you're going to rest more now anyway, right?"

"Hmm, it would... seem so." He looked from Alexx to Calleigh. They both stood with their arms crossed, staring at him.

"How about something to eat?" Calleigh asked him now. "Alexx brought Chinese, your favorite."

"Sure, sounds good. Thank you Alexx." He sat up a bit and moved to get up.

"Whoa, where you going? Stay put, dinner can come to you." Alexx said quickly.

"I can manage to eat at the table Alexx."

"And we can manage to give you dinner in bed, Horatio."

"I'll be right back, just stay there, ok?"

He shook his head yes now. "Ok, I'm staying." He smiled at them both.

Calleigh went out and made bowls for Horatio , Alexx and herself. She returned with them and set him up with a table over him. They all ate and spoke about the case more. Soon after Horatio began to get tired and his eyes got heavy. Calleigh cleaned up and removed the table. He moved to get up again and Alexx stopped him.

"Honey just rest, where are you going now?"

"I going to the bathroom, if that's ok with you two? Then I am going to get changed, if you both would allow me to do that?" His eyebrows remained raised.

Alexx laughed and shook her head. "Of course it's fine. We're just worried about you Horatio. Can we give you a hand with something?"

"Yeah let me get changed and you can help me with the sling and removing my shirt."

"Ok, take your time, Honey."

Calleigh moved to help him get up now, he groaned.

"You alright?"

Yeah, just sore and stiff, from laying here to long."

She helped him up and he made his way to the bathroom. She went back to retrieve his pajamas now and gave him just the bottoms. They waited now for him to come out. He came out a bit later with his pajamas on and his shirt hanging out and open. He walked over to Calleigh now and she led him to the bed.

"Sit down, Horatio."

She helped him slip out of the right arm and then Alexx began to undo the sling, being careful to hold his arm in place. They slipped off the left arm with just a few groans from him.

"You know what, I think it would be better if we left the shirt off all together. You can put it back on tomorrow but why cause yourself more pain now?"

"That sounds very, sensible." He nodded yes to her.

"Let's give him some more Tylenol and he can go to sleep then. You look exhausted, Horatio, are you sure you're ok?"

"Yes fine, thank you both for all your help."

He took the pills and lied back down in the bed. Calleigh covered him with the sheet and blanket and fixed his pillows. He closed his eyes for a moment as she ran her hand though his hair. He loved when she did that, it completely relaxed him. He took a breath in and let himself relax under her gently touch. It took only minutes again before he was out. Calleigh and Alexx both left the bedroom now to let him sleep and they went outside.

"It's good he resting, Calleigh."

"Yeah well, I think he's resting so tomorrow he can get back out there. I don't know how to make him stay put, Alexx."

"Yeah well, I known him for almost 10 years now and he's never stayed put. Don't beat yourself up, Calleigh, he's a tough one to tame. Sometimes I think he's un-tamable, you know?"

"Tell me about it. He just worries me Alexx, he doesn't know when to quit. He had me take him from the court house to Mrs. Sanchez's. Then to his place, so he could talk to Timmy. He won't relax and rest."

"Sounds like someone else I know." Alexx smiled now at her.

Calleigh shook her head and smiled back. "I guess so, I never thought about it that way."

"Mm-hmm, of course you didn't sugar. Now just remember, he's not either and if he chooses to go tomorrow, be gently with him. Gently always works with Horatio. Now that's the one thing I do know after 10 years, honey. Call me if you need to, ok Calleigh... for anything. I'll call you tomorrow morning and check on the both of you.

"Ok, Alexx thanks for everything. I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you so much. Talk to you tomorrow, good night."

Alexx left and Calleigh cleaned up and changed for bed. She was exhausted as well, but sat with him for a while before she finally went to bed. The night was quiet and Calleigh was the first to wake. She went to the bathroom and checked on him. He was sound asleep, she quietly unplugged the bedroom telephone and left her cell in the kitchen. She noticed his head move back and forth, he was dreaming. She walked over and gently placed her hand on his head, comforting him, he relaxed again. Now his eyes began to open slowly, he saw her and focused.

"Morning handsome, how'd you sleep."

"Good Morning. I slept fine, thank you Calleigh. He squinted his eyes trying to open them more now. What time is it?"

"It's Eleven in the morning, why?"

"Eleven already? Anything new yet?" He said, trying to sit himself up. He froze in place and groaned, wincing. He tired to move again quickly and closed his eyes, clenching down now. Calleigh was quick to help him sit up and fixed the pillows behind him.

"Move slow and easy, like Joe said, ok?"

"Yeah, Thanks. My bodies just stiff, I need to get up and move around."

"Oh really, so you think that's the problem then. How about you're body is exhausted and has been through hell. Does that ring a bell by any chance, Horatio?" Calleigh sassed. "How about you need to rest and relax, not get up and move around. Is this sounding vaguely familiar to you?" She huffed at him now and crossed her arms.

He gave her a lopsided grin and shook his head, tilting it to her now.

"Ok, you win. Guilty."

Calleigh put her forearm to her forehead like she was going to faint, making fun of him. "Oh my,... I suddenly feel lightheaded. I can't believe YOU... agreed with Me."

She smiled at him and sat down next to him now. He lifted his right arm so she could get close and let it rest across her lap. He crossed his legs at the ankles, and shook his top foot back and forth. He looked at her and narrowed his eyes now. She looked at him questioning.

"I didn't agree with you,... I just gave in to you."

Her eyes went wide now and she pursed her lips together. "If you weren't injured, you would so pay for that statement, Horatio Caine."

"Hmm, really, is that a threat detective?" He smiled at her.

"No that's a promise. When you're well, expect to pay for that one. I'll get you when you least expect it." She smiled but narrowed her eyes back at him.

"Ooh, I am so looking forward to that. Tell me,... what would you do? He wiggled his brows to her, smiling.

"Smile now all you want, but you'll be paying later."

"So... can I make it up to you now or am I already sentenced?" He ran his fingers along her arm.

"Hmm, let me see,... nope your guilty, as charged and sentenced to pay... when I think the time is... right. But tell me anyway, how would you make it up to me?"

"Oh no, not a chance, unless of course you are willing to,... forget it all."

"Nope, I guess we're both stubborn, lieutenant." She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss and got up.

He also moved now to get up.

"Just where do you think you're going?"

"Umm, bathroom, if that's ok with my jailer?" He sat up now on the side of the bed.

"Jailer! Ooh, that's number two now, you're on a roll. I promise, you'll pay for that to." She helped him up.

He laughed now and she just looked at him. His hair was disheveled and he had that morning shadow she loved. He looked just like a lost hurt puppy and she wanted to hug him so tightly. She held herself back and watched him walk into the bathroom.

Now she plopped down onto the bed, she grabbed his pillow and stuck her nose into it. She took a deep breath and sighed, smelling him. She loved that smell, that Horatio scent that was purely him. She heard the water go on now and quickly put the pillow back and got off the bed. She grabbed a towel for him from the closet and knock on the bathroom door now.

"Knock Knock... Maid service."

"It's open, Ma'am."

She smiled and raised her eyebrows thinking now. She opened the door to see him rinsing the mouthwash out. He splash some water on his face and neck and ran his hand along his neck. She was beginning to have some very nasty thoughts right now. The water trickling down his neck to his chest was not helping the matter. She figured she would make this quick, and put the towel down on the sink for him.

"Just wanted to give you a fresh towel." She drawled her words.

He shut the water off now and placed his hand right on top of hers, holding it. She looked at him.

"So You're the maid? HIs eyes roamed up and down her body. "Well you,... don't seem to have on the right attire for the job today ma'am."

He pulled her closer to him now and she laughed, until he trapped her between the sink and himself. He put both his arms on the sink counter on each side of her. She raised her brows to him.

"You need to get back to bed and rest."

She leaned her arms back on the counter, not touching him. Her eyes followed the droplets trickling down his skin. Her mind telling her to stop them with her tongue. He saw her eyes on him and wondered now, he knew he had her. He leaned in, getting closer and move her hair off her neck slowly. He took a deep breath and inhaled her scent, and then tasted her softly, with his lips and tongue. She gasped, as he slid his tongue along her shoulder, and softly sucked at the nape of her neck.

She moaned softly. "Oooh."

"Mmm. I'm sorry... I... couldn't resist." He said as he backed off just a bit. He smiled mischievously.

"Well as good as that felt, I'm afraid this isn't going much further." She smiled sadly at him. "You need to rest!

"Yes ma'am,.. but I do have another problem."

"What other problem? Calleigh asked seriously.

"Well you... have to see for yourself." His eyes roamed down his body and hers followed. Then hers went wide and he smiled. "So you umm... see my problem now?"

"Oh, I definitely... see you're problem now. Now the question is, what do you intent to do with this... big problem?" She chuckled.

He laughed now and leaned more on the counter top, trying to rest his tired body. She felt him against her but knew he was tired from standing that way.

"Ok, as much as I would like to continue this, it's not going too happened and you really need to get back in bed."

"Mmm." He shook his head to her, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. "Yes ma'am."

"Let's go."

She let him towel off and helped him back into bed. He groaned lying back against the headboard, still sitting up.

"You ok, better now?" She sat down next to him.

"Yes, much, thank you."

She smiled now and shook her head. He looked at her, wondering what she was thinking now.

"What?"

"And you're... big problem?" She laughed and blushed.

"Big problem is now a small mishap, but he's hanging on for better days."

"Oh is he now? Well you just tell big problem to take a break for a while, his daddy needs to rest and get better first."

"Well maybe you should tell him yourself, he's at it again. It seems he's... only a big problem when he sees you. Which of course is going to be a HUGE problem,... because I don't plan on taking my eyes off you anytime soon, beautiful."

She smiled at him. "Well, you're right!... that is a big problem!" She laughed.

The phone rang and Calleigh picked it up. "Hey Frank. Yep about 1- 1:30 is fine. Ok, great see you then."

Horatio's eyes asked the question and she nodded to him, knowing.

"Frank is going to pick me up; we're going to see Mrs. Sanchez."

"When did this come about?"

"Oh about an hour ago, Ryan found something very interesting on one of her photos that were taking when she was in the hospital. A distinctive mark on her back. I'm going to talk with her and have a look."

"I'll get ready."

"No you won't, you'll lay there and get better."

"Calleigh, I --."

"Don't Calleigh me today, ok? I did everything you wanted yesterday. You were supposed to go home and rest. You gave me you're word and this is not something I can't handle alone. I know you trust me, right?"

His eyebrows furrowed at her. "Of course I trust you. Right now I just want to get this animal. You know that. I need to --."

"No, what you need is rest, Horatio. And so help me, if I have to cuff you to the bed today, I will." Her face was serious, her tone firm. He shook his head at her. "I want to get him too and this could really help us, let me see what I can find out. This is not a big deal and, I'll be back before you know it. Alexx is coming over to keep you company."

"I don't need a babysitter, Calleigh."

"Good, because Alexx is a doctor, not a babysitter. C'mon Horatio don't make me feel worse than I do. It's hard enough just trying to keep you down. Besides If Stetler finds out you're interviewing witnesses and getting involved in all this, he'll blow the case for us. I know you don't want that, right? Anyway I have some interesting photos for you to look at when Alexx arrives.

"What photos?"

"Mrs. Sanchez's, photos that were taken at the hospital, when she was assaulted. Ryan is sending them over for us. Maybe you can find something on them."

Horatio shook his head now and push himself up more, sitting still. He winched in pain again and his right hand moved to his ribs. He closed his eyes as he let out a breath and let his body slid down a bit.

Calleigh shook her head at him. "This is what I mean; you're in pain just sitting there. Please understand, I just care... please?"

She sat next to him and ran her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes under her touch and let out another breath.

"I do understand, Calleigh. It's... It's very hard for me to sit here and... do nothing, I'm not use to this. I do know you care and I'm grateful for all you have done for me." He took a breath now and she smiled at him, softly caressing his face. "And if you keep this up, you're going to put me right back to sleep."

"Good. You really need the rest Horatio, and I would hardly say you have been sitting back doing nothing. You've been involved in this from the get go and you haven't let up at all."

"Hmm." He gave her a small smile.

The bell rang and it was Alexx. She came in and checked on Horatio and helped him get back into the sling. She handed Calleigh an envelope and asked how thing were. Horatio watched as Calleigh slipped on her gun holster and clipped her badge into place. He smiled, admiring her, knowing the feeling. She walked back over to him and handed him the pictures that were in the envelope.

He slowly moved to sit up again and groaned in pain, but did, none the less. Alexx gave him a look and then she looked at Calleigh. Horatio's eyes were already working on the photos.

"Calleigh, has he had any pain killers?"

"No Alexx, just Tylenol every 4 or 5 hours."

"Ok honey, do me a favor and give them to me, ok?"

"Sure Alexx."

Calleigh could see Horatio was caught up now with the photos. She went and got the pain killers and brought in a bottle of water. She placed them on the side table with a nod to Alexx now.

"Calleigh, did you see these yet? This is the mark you are talking about, right?" She sat next to him again and leaned in to see the photo. She nodded her head to him. He closed his eyes for a moment at her closeness, his mind concentrating on her sent, she smelled wonderful. He shook his head a bit trying to clear his thoughts.

"Well that was quick. Yep that's it Horatio. Ryan sent a few over on the computer."

"Ok, ok... check her out and see what you find; maybe we have another way to get the good judge. It's a long shot, but it's possible. Did we get anything off him when he was taken in?"

"I have to ask, Eric and Ryan about that, they didn't say."

"He definitely had a ring on, Calleigh. Call Eric and find out if they processed it yet."

"Ok Horatio. What if we get a warrant for his home too? I was thinking maybe judge Mason again?"

"Hmm, that sounds about right, but first let's find out all we can and see what we have to work with."

Horatio looked at the rest of the pictures. The marks and bruises on this woman were sickening. He took a breath in and shook his head thinking. How in the world did he slip though our hands? Look what he did to this woman, and where was the justice? He shook his head and gritted his teeth, he would make sure there was justice now.

His eyes came back up to Calleigh's, they narrowed. "Go get us something solid, Calleigh. Let's put this animal where he belongs for good. Let's end this now."

"I'm sure gonna try, Horatio. I'll talk to her again and see if there's anything else she can help us with."

"Ok, alright. Good luck."

He shifted his position and groaned, his eyes closed and tightened. He tried to breathe normally. Alexx now stepped over to him.

"Ok, I'm giving you 2 pain killers to take now."

"No, I'm taking the Tylenol and--."

"It's not helping...as you're noticing now. You're bodies paying for all you're running around, when you should have been home resting! So, just take them and rest, ok Horatio?" She said angry with him.

"No, no pain killers Alexx, I'm fine. They knock me out and I can't think straight."

"Good, you need to rest anyway and you also need to stop thinking for a while. This case has been hard enough for you both, so why not just take a break from it."

"You know I can't do that."

"What I know is you're going to end up back in the hospital, so just keep being thick headed, Horatio."

She glared at him now and he looked over at Calleigh. She gave him that look. She was talking to him again with just her eyes. He nodded to her and shifted his weight again and now winced in pain holding his ribs.

"Alright, that's it! Lie back, now!" Alexx demanded, as Calleigh moved to his right side.

"Help him lay flat Calleigh, I'll gets the pills and water."

"You ok, just let yourself slid back down, Horatio. I got you." Calleigh said, softly to him. His eyes showing the amount of pain he was in.

"Horatio, listen I think she's right, why not just take the pain killers, they will help? Please,..." She said it softly and gently to him. He looked into her eyes and they were saying so much more.

He shook his head at Calleigh now and gave her a small smile, he looked over to Alexx. She now held the pills in her hand, looking back at him.

"You two... are really teaming up on me today. I'm... I umm,..."

"Please..?" Calleigh softly said again to him now, knowing she had him.

He tilted his head to her and with soft eyes nodded yes.

"I really think they will help you. You'll feel better and have less pain Horatio." She smiled at him and ran her fingers though his hair.

"Ok,...ok." He looked over to Alexx, she handed him two and helped him lift his head. Calleigh helped him with the water. He took them and they helped him get comfortable.

"How long, before--."

"Twenty minutes the most sugar; you should be comfortable by then."

"You mean I should be out cold by then."

"That too!" Alexx said flatly, with a smile.

Horatio watched as Alexx put the bottle back down on the side table.

Calleigh's fingers now really doing a job on relaxing him. His eyes went back to hers and she smiled at him. "Thank you." She said.

He gave her a wry grin and let his eyes close for a moment. "Looks like you win...again."

She laughed. "Well, I wouldn't worry about it, I'm not counting."

"Hmm, zero for two. My count is not looking too good."

"Yeah but I'm batting a thousand." She nudged him.

Horatio chuckled, "I thought you weren't counting?"

Calleigh laughed again and watched as his eyes slowly drifted closed. Her fingers still threading gently though his hair. She leaned down and gave him a soft kiss on his forehead. She whispered near his ear, "Sleep with the angels." She smiled and got up, thinking about the time he said it to her. How beautiful she thought that statement was, even more so coming from him.

Alexx looked over to her and smiled. "Baby, I swear all the time I've known him and I've never seen him so happy. Just what is it you have, I'd like to know?"

Calleigh chuckled. "Yeah well, I think it's temporary, but I'll let you know if I figure it out."

Alexx shook her head and smiled. The bell rang and Alexx now walked Calleigh to the front door. They greeted Frank and Calleigh now said goodbye.

"I'll be back in just a little while, call me if anything, ok?"

"He'll be fine; you just go do what you do best, honey. I'll take care of him. Get some evidence to put this guy away for good."

"I'll do my best Alexx."

"See you later, Alexx." Frank said, as they walked down the steps and to the car.

Alexx watched them leave, talking to herself. "I know you will Calleigh, you go and get that bastard." Alexx closed the door.

Horatio's eyes opened and focused on Calleigh now, she was across the room walking toward him. He blinked a few times, trying to clear his vision. As she came closer his eyes widened. He leaned forward and blinked now rubbing at his eyes, not believing what he was seeing.

She had on a red baby-doll in silk and lace, with a bow-tie front. Matching G-string panties and red open toe stilettos. He rubbed his forehead and watched her move closer; his eyes roamed the length of her body, from head to toe. His mouth was opened in disbelief, he licked his lips and swallowed hard. He reminded himself to breathe but shook his head, still in shock.

The baby-doll hung open in the middle, showing off her stomach, it was in clear view as she walked toward him. He wondered what would happened if he undid that bow-tie, between her breast. His eyes trailed to her breasts, that were covered only halfway, as the lace ran across the middle and up to an angle. They were perfectly rounded and her nipples were concealed under that lace, he knew as they grew taut right in front of him.

His eyes roamed lower to catch a quick glimpse of her G string as she walked. Now she stopped at the side of the bed and smiled at him. She turned now to give him the full view and slowly turned back. He took another breath in and watched as she lifted one leg on the bed right beside him. She bent over, down to her shoe to give him a side view now and looked at him.

His mouth suddenly went dry and his eyes couldn't get any wider. He suddenly let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Trying now to just breathe normally and slow down his pounding heartbeat. He couldn't take his eyes off her, he swallowed hard again and moistened his lips.

She slowly leaned over him and ran her hands slowly down his chest to his stomach and lower. His body stiffened under her touch and he froze in shock. She looked at him and smiled, deviously. She moved one leg over him slowly, to straddle him and then settled herself down on top of him hard. He gasped at the feeling of her grinding down on top of his hardness. He took another sharp breath in and now reached his hands to hold onto her waist.

He let his eyes roam her beautiful body as he felt her hands begin to roam his. He closed his eyes feeling her hands sliding all over him and opened them as he took in her wonderful vanilla scent. She smiled at him now as his eyes opened again. Her eyes talking to him now, taking him lower on her body. He quickly followed her eyes with his. They stopped on the bow-tie, between her breasts. He took a breath in and licked his lips again. His eyes went back up to hers now and locked. He reached his hand up, and slowly... his two fingers gently pulled on the silk bow-tie.

"Calleigh!"

He gasped out her name and awoke suddenly, sitting up, now gasping for air. He shook his head and tried to clear his fuzziness, rubbing at his eyes with his right hand. His right hand moved quickly to cradled his injured ribs. His mind was reeling and it took him a minute to realize what happened. He suddenly heard her voice and turned in her direction. His vision clearing, he blinked a few times, he could see her now.

"Horatio, are you ok? You're just dreaming, it ok, it's nothing but a dream." She reached out to him and tried to get him to lie back down.

He jumped at her touch and looked at her in shock. She watched him and quickly became concerned.

TBC...

Ok, this is the first part of the last Chapter. The next to follow soon. Please review and let me know what ya think.