A/N Okay Okay...so I know I NEVER post anymore. That's about to change...My goal is at least 2 chapters per month. It's my New Year's Resolution. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! I'm 14! WOOT! Hope you enjoy.

They were not prepared for the sight that followed next.

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And neither was she.

The blowing leaves crackled in the wind, that being the only movement in the desolate area of the Everglades. The anticipation almost condensed into the heavy droplets of rain, sure to fall from the quickly approaching storm clouds. The wind whistled quietly, cold air rushing raising goose bumps on cold skin. The scene began to play out like the climax of an action movie, but without a prewritten finale.

The heavy crunching disturbed the stillness and the steady movement radiated danger. It seemed as if time held its breath as a force of anger and hope met head on.

The epitome of filth came into view with a familiar form slung over one shoulder. The blonde hair of a motionless, exhausted body fluttered in the breeze, faint red droplets streaking the ends. The kidnapper stopped moving and dropped her roughly to the ground. There was a sharp intake of breath from the CSIs as an audible thud and small whimper was heard.

Horatio, Eric, and Ryan stood farther away, in a semicircle, guns drawn. Horatio dominated in the middle, flanked by determined friends, Eric and Ryan. A mix of shock and horror lay in their eyes, belying their sombre and emotionless faces.

Hagen stood directly opposite the Lieutenant, decked in complete body armour leaving only his cruel eyes exposed. But when he spoke, no amount of Kevlar could mask the gratingly familiar rasp.

Meanwhile, Calleigh slowly moved from how she laid spread eagled, the solid, dusty ground absorbing most of the shock. As she struggled to lift herself into a sitting position, Horatio's forcedly calm voice caressed her ears and she stared unblinking, not believing at her three heroes. A rush of hope tingled throughout her body as Eric's familiar face stared hard into her kidnapper's masked face. Ryan repeated his boss' message, pleading for Hagen to let her go.

A bark of laughter was Hagen's response to their foolish pleas.

The guns never leaving his face, he reached down and hauled Calleigh up, standing her in front of him gun to her head.

"You think I risked all this just to give up when you ask, Lieutenant?" Hagen sneered.

"I'm not going to ask again. Let her go!" Horatio ordered.

Hagen's menacing eyes scanned the CSIs until Eric's eyes met his.

"You love her don't you? I can see it in your eyes. I'm going to make you watch her suffer. It's better than killing her anyway."

Eric's grip tightened on his gun and Horatio blew a warning breath, telling his colleague to reign in his temper. Hagen laughed evilly and Calleigh took advantage of this by elbowing him in the chest. He turned slightly off balance but his iron grip on her arm never faltered and instead, this only enraged him, causing him to whirl her around and punch her from the side.

When her back was turned, the three men could see thick lines of red etching her white tank.

But the fight was about to get worse.

Calleigh's mind willed her exhausted body to recover but the mental and physical exertion began to overwhelm her and her seemingly permanent spirit appeared to be broken. The heroic men watched with worried eyes, as she appeared to be on the verge of getting up.

"I'm going to wait 10 seconds for Caine and Wolfe to start moving and get out of here," Hagen directed, "if you don't, your precious Calleigh will pay the consequences. Delko, stay where you are."

"We're not leaving, Hagen."

A shot echoed, mirroring the shock imprinted in bright green eyes.

A/N REVIEW AND MAKE A 14 YEAR OLD's BIRTHDAY. More SOON I Promise!!!!