Chapter 6

Four hours later….

"A lot of the trace is pretty standard. So far, nothing stands out, but there is a lot left to go through so there is still a chance we'll find something." Eric said as he rummaged through the fridge for something to eat.

"I got shoe prints. Size eleven, the most sold style of Nike in Miami. No real wear on the print, so either they are pretty new or barely worn." Calleigh took a sip out of her water bottle. "Also, I had no hits in AFIS for the prints. Horatio, please tell me you found something."

"There were no missing person reports for a Danny that matched her description."

"Damn it!" Calleigh rarely swore, but when she did, you knew she was upset.

"Let me finish." Horatio laughed. "I did some fishing. I put her picture through our face recognition program. Got a hit. According to the yearbook at Eastridge High School, Coalville, Virginia, she's Taylor Emmery, class of 2008. She's barely fifteen." He set the report on the table.

"God, she's just a baby. I'm gonna to hit trace again." Eric got up and returned to work.

"She's a runaway. That's why she won't talk." Calleigh felt a tug on her heartstrings.

"It gets worse. After I got her name, I found her missing persons report. It was filed by her stepfather, Dennis Emmery. I want to hold off on contacting him. We need to get her to talk about herself so we can protect her. The recognition system spouted out seven other aliases in the last six years. And there may be even more. I need you to find out everything before that. Calleigh, I'm taking you off this case and putting you on bullets from the latest gang shooting."

"No way!"

"167 casings and counting."

"I want this case! Please, Horatio!"

"I need her to stay with you. If she goes into foster care or a group home, she has the opportunity to run. We can't have that. We also run the risk of her shutting down or lashing out. Plus, she already trusts you."

"Have Natalia take her! She was married, she has to know what kids needs better than I do."

"Marriage doesn't install a children's manual, Calleigh. Besides, I asked her, but it looks like she already met our girl. She was wandering the halls, after sneaking out of the interrogation room."

"What happened?"

"Well, I believe Natalia said 'she's a heinous bitch and she wouldn't be surprised she burns in hell'."

"I guess that means she won't babysit." Calleigh rolled her eyes.

Horatio gave her one of his looks.

"Alright." Calleigh resigned holding her hands up in surrender.

"Get outta here. Get her home, and maybe some cloths. I called Miami-Dade High and told them she would be a temporary attendant until this is figured out. That way she's not alone while you're at work. This means you're on the Mommy Gig. Take her to school, pick her up, help with homework, PTA, sports, and whatever else she needs you to do. They will call you directly if she doesn't show up for class."

"This is ridiculous." Calleigh said under her breath.

"What's that?"

"Nothing." Calleigh sighed again and left the room.

Calleigh made her way to the interrogation room that was housing Danny, or Taylor; whoever she was. She opened the door to see her asleep. Her knees pulled up to her chest with her arms wrapped around them and her head on the table. She looked at the young girl sitting there and couldn't help but smile. She looked like Tim now that she though about it. She was tall and lean with dark hair. She had his facial expressions and, what first drew her, she has his somewhat cynical attitude. If only he could see you. She found herself wondering again if he even knew about her.

Calleigh walked over to the table. She put her hand on Danny's shoulder and gently shook her. She responded by gasping and practically jumping out of her skin. Her body hit the ground and she winced and cried out in pain. She held her arms out in front of her defensively and leaned back against the wall while she regained her senses.

"Miss Duquesne," She released a giant breath, "I'm sorry, I…I overreacted."

"No, it's my fault. I should've known better. You've had a very traumatic day."

"Just a little." She held up her thumb and index finger about an inch apart.

"Horatio is sending you home with me. You'll be staying with me until further notice. But I need to know one thing…What should I call you, Danny, or Taylor?" Calleigh gave her a cool look.

She froze. Her breathing sped up. She looked at Calleigh. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I knew you'd send me back. You don't care, no one ever has!"

"I'm not sending you back. Yet."

"Have you called him?"

"No."

"I'm Danny."

"Then who's Taylor?"

"Someone I won't be in a few months. She's the latest identity I was given."

"Did you have many of those?"

"I think we should get going."

"We will talk about this."

"Why the fuck do you care?"

"Because…" She took a deep breath, "You're right, we should go. We have some shopping to do. You are going to school tomorrow."

"Little blonde CSI say what?"

"I need you to be in a controlled area while I'm at work; if for no other reason than to keep you from upsetting my co-workers."

"She told you about that huh?" Danny smiled smugly. Calleigh did not look amused. "Fine." Danny rolled her eyes and walked out the door.