I know I leave you hanging in the end, but I promise I'll bring the nex chap very soon! Thank you for reading!
..OoO..
The night was calm and silent, the only sound was the waving ocean. Kady wished if she could take a walk out there at the beach, but she wasn't allowed. The stars were sparkling glossily, and as Kady was looking right at them through the sliding glass door – which leaded to a small garden – she sighed. "Still nothing… I wonder if this whole thing makes any sense."
"Hm. If you're not going to be attacked this way, well, I think it does."
"I know, but what the hell Quinn's doing? Where is he? And… okay, I was thinking." Kady opened the door a bit; cool breeze caressed her face, salty scent filled up her nose. She surmounted to the temptation to escape from Guard Horatio and jump into the ocean and she leaned her head against the cool glass. "What if…" She started, but as Horatio stepped next to her she looked up at him. "What if this whole thing is just a catch?"
"A catch?" The man repeated it silently.
"Yes. It's not impossible. I mean we have to calculate it up, right?"
Horatio frowned. "Quinn sure has a plan, and we don't know what will be his next step. So, you might be right, it could be anything. The only thing we knew for sure; he wanted to freak you out."
"And he almost succeeded."
"Almost?"
"I haven't been in the house…"
"And maybe he didn't want you to be there…" Horatio folded his arms, was looking the floor. "He has reasons to kill you. However this case is just too bizarre for me."
"I've told you, something reeks, ha?" Kady was exhausted – although she hadn't been doing anything during the day, waiting and nervousness made her feel tired as hell. She placed a hand in front of her mouth as she gaped; it was midnight, and she wanted nothing else but to have some sleep. She stretched herself and brushed her hair back with her fingers, gave the other one a brief look and shared with him her needs.
"I'll be in the living room and guards are still near the house."
"The queen of England would be envious for my night-watch." She smiled as shifted to the right and walked into the only bedroom in the house; she seized it.
The rest of the night was silent as well, no one tried to brake in neither to approach the house, so the guards had an easy job this time. Although they were on the watch in every minute; a single leaf couldn't quiver without so much as being unnoticed.
Bird chirping woke Kady up. The sun was warming her skin, for a brief minute she thought she's at home, and was waiting to hear Speed's sleepy morning voice. But everything was quiet. Too quiet, actually. Kady sat up and stared at the door if she could see through the wood. The pleasuring feeling which surrounded her a second before was vanished by now, coldness perched into her stomach and made her feel sick. She slowly got up and walked to the door, held her ears to the ground. Gave a quick gaze to the clock to check the time – it was 8:37. "Maybe Horatio is still sleeping?" It should have been evident that he is, but in this situation it was better for expect the worse. She grabbed her gun which was under her pillow – available easily if she would had needed it during the night – and slowly opened the door to step out. She didn't make any noise. The living room was empty, the kitchen as well. Someone had been sleeping on the couch at night, that was obvious, but no one was around now. Kady sneaked to the window and looked out; her guards were still there. Suddenly the sliding glass door opened; Kady turned around right away and ranged the gun at the entrant.
"Calm down, it's just me!" Horatio froze for sec, he almost dropped his coffee cup.
"Oh, Gosh." Kady lowered the gun, and let out a deep sight of relief. "What the hell were you doing out there?"
"Drinking coffee. But why do you have your gun with you? Heard something?"
"No, that's why I have it. I thought something happened."
Horatio nodded. "You can take it away, everything is fine."
"You were too quiet."
"Didn't want to wake you."
"Oh… thank you then…"
"How do you like coffee?" Horatio smiled softly.
"Black…" She perched next to the dining table and was watching the other one.
Horatio seemed tired, he hadn't been sleeping much. His hear was disheveled a bit, shirt unbuttoned at collars and rolled up at sleeves. He always was way too neat; a single fold couldn't be found on his suit – now it was like he let Kady to see the other side of him. However she didn't know him so much, and this idea was strange, it felt that way for her. And to be honest it was exciting and yet charming. She bit her lower lip to stop herself to say a thing but her gaze was talkative enough. Horatio turned towards Kady to give her the cup of coffee, but for a sec he stopped.
"What is it? You okay?" He frowned.
"Yeah, yeah I am… just… thank you, I really need some caffeine to stay awake."
Horatio sat down in front of her. "You should go back to sleep."
"No, it's okay." She tasted the warm drink and continued. "I was wondering how long I have to stay here if nothing happens."
"I don't know yet. For a while."
"Then I should go home to get some clothes. I can't wear this for days." She pointed at her t-shirt, which made Horatio following it with eyes; it was a brief moment; he realized he was watching at her décolletage, he blushed a bit – Kady didn't notice it. "We will manage it." He said.
"Thank you."
"Speed called me half an hour ago." Horatio leaned to his arms, he seemed he's thinking about something what he's not telling.
"Is he okay?" Kady was holding her cup, the coffee was too warm to drink, she could take just little sips. "Can I see him?"
"He is alright, although he's worried a bit. But… I don't think that would be a great idea to meet him."
"Great…" She mumbled. At first she didn't want to force it, but as they were sitting there wordlessly for minutes she needed to say something. Couldn't bear the silence. "You think I'm not worried?"
Horatio looked at her, he frowned. "I haven't said anything like this."
"Because I am. I'm just trying to hide it! You know… I had my reasons to come here, and now this shit is happening. I have no one here but Speed. He is my family, he is my brother. I know we are not blood related, but who cares?" Kady was upset, however her voice tone remained calm. "I just want to speak with him…I'm so alone and really need him…"
Horatio sighed silently, for a while he was considering his answer. Finally he nodded. "Alright, I'll call him to come here." His glance was strange, he was scanning the other one as he stood up. "But there is something, you have to know: you're not alone. You are in the team, and don't care if we know you or not, we help you. We are all on your side, okay? Don't forget that." He shoved back his chair and went into the bathroom. Kady lay down to the table and was waiting while Horatio was outside talking with the guarding team. She could do nothing else. As she was trying to empty her mind someone knocked on the door.
"Who the hell…?" She frowned. Kady's fingers closed on the gun's grip – again – and she sneaked to the front door. Okay, it obvious that a criminal wouldn't wait for approval to step in, and he wouldn't even knock, but fearing is better than a shock.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's Duquesne."
The door opened, Calleigh stepped in, the gun got placed back to the table and the two women walked into the kitchen.
"Sorry, I should have called you before I came here." Calleigh said.
"No, it's okay. I'm just too… paranoid."
"Of course you are, a murderer is after you." She accepted the coffee what Kady offered her. "Thank you. Is H here?"
"He's outside. He ahm, he was here all night long."
"He always keeps his promises."
"Yes, I've found it out during the last two weeks."
"And how was your night?"
"Pretty calm, actually. Nothing has happened, but I feel… I don't know, I feel uncomfortable."
"What do you mean?"
"C'mon, just look out! There are guards out there." Kady stepped next to the window. "Okay, you cannot see them right now, but they are there. Because of me. I'm just making troubles… feel like I'm a burden to you guys…" She leaned against the wall.
"It's stupid. You're a great CSI, and hey, you were just unlucky. It could have happened with any of us."
"Yeah… sure…" Kady bit her lip. What Calleigh said was not true at all. It wasn't just hard luck. And the way which the other woman was eyeing her was strange, she felt like a child caught lying. She swallowed hard against her tongue, and to stir toward another line of discussion she asked. "And what brought you here? Is something the matter?"
"Oh, no… or maybe. Depends on the point of view. We found nothing in Speed's house, however we raked over everything. Quinn did not leave a trace, we have nothing."
"In my point of view it's not good."
"But you haven't been attacked as well."
"So far…"
The front door opened and Horatio stepped in. Now the shirt was fully buttoned, sleeves rolled down. He seemed fresh and energetic. "Calleigh." He stepped next to them, and the young CSI repeated her speech. Kady sat down to the table; she was swinging her legs like a child. Horatio told Calleigh to go back to the lab and continue working – he promised he will be there soon as well, after that he called for two cops. They were ordered to take Kady home – she needed some stuff to gather. "When you're back Speed comes over."
"I'll hurry, I really will." She smiled at her superior, who responded with that well-known Horatio-glance, which was too complicated to understand for Kady. One thing was sure: if he was looking at her like this, her stomach always made a somersault. And it wasn't good… She just sighed as she realized it's not gonna change for a while, and she walked into the bathroom to recover herself.
..ooOOoo..
About 10:20 Kady was climbing up on the stairs which were leaded to Speed's flat on the 2nd floor. She hated elevators; she never used them when she could choose other options. Two guards were following her. They reached the door; no one would be able to tell something have happened here, everything seemed to be normal. As they stepped in it turned into the opposite way: on the wall there was a huge blurred reddish spot, germicide could be smelled, some furnish were covered with white sheets.
"Just give me five minutes." She asked her guards and started to search for the things she needed. She had been living there for a while, but half of her stuff was still in her bags; she had no time for unpacking them, but she didn't really want to. Her plan was to move out as soon as possible and not to disturb Speed for long. Although he didn't even want to hear about it, he liked the idea of living together.
It really didn't last more than five minutes; Kady gathered everything quickly. There was only one thing she couldn't find: her comb. She was searching it in every little corner when suddenly she found something strange: a picture was lying on the floor, next to the bed. It supposed to be on the bed, she tossed it away by coincidence as lifting up the sheets. It couldn't be noticed easily – the background had the same color as the blanket. She grabbed it curiously to check it; it wasn't her who placed that there. Moreover it wasn't her picture although she was represented on it. With a man. With a tall, handsome and smug man, whose smile was wider than ever. He was hugging the woman, they seemed happy. Kady touched her ring-finger involuntarily and let out a deep sigh. Took a look around, but she was alone – the cops were out in the living room, couldn't see her. Kady creased the picture with anger but didn't throw it away, she took it into her pocket. Didn't care for the comb anymore, just wanted to get back to the safe house. She had no control over these things, and it made her mad.
On the street a lot of people were loafing – it was a beautiful Saturday. But not for everyone. As the young CSI was walking towards the car she couldn't calm down. She almost opened the door when a familiar face showed up on the other side of the street, right in front of her. She had to blink some to be sure she's not hallucinating, and she froze in the middle of the movement of getting into the car. He was just standing there and was smiling; he was like an animal what is waiting for his prey. He changed a lot since they saw each other, but his eyes were the same. Cold, filled with curiosity and hostile.
"Is something the matter?" One of the cops stepped next to Kady, she shifted her attention to him for a sec. When she turned back that man was gone already.
"No… I'm okay." She lied. She lied again. Kady got into the car and sank against the soft interior. As they were heading back to the safe house she took out the picture to throw a glance at it again. A deep sigh broke out from her, she wanted to punch into the seat before of her. She wasn't able to define her feelings; fear, anger or curiosity? Maybe all of them together?
'It can't be going on anymore…' She though.
..ooOOoo..
Tim Speed was sitting on the couch silently, he was stretching his arm. It ached a bit, but day to day he got better and better. His injury wasn't that serious fortunately, but had to take care in some movements. He stood up to get something to drink when the front door opened and Kady stepped in.
"Oh, you're here!" She smiled, than stepped there to give him a brief hug.
"Have you found everything you needed?"
"Ah, yeah, of course. But the house is such a mess."
"I know, I've been there."
"Yeah…" Kady threw her bag into the bedroom and perched to a chair next to the dining table, Speed opted for the other side of it.
"Everything is okay? You're upset." He was eyeing her curiously. "Has something happened?"
Kady crossed her arms in front of her chest, she knew she can't keep her secrets for long. She took a deep breath. "Yes, something has happened."
She felt like a criminal, although she didn't even do anything. But as Speed was looking at her it was like she would be a murder during an interrogation. She slowly pulled out the picture from the pocket and gave it to the man. He had a peep at it and shrugged.
"What's with this? It's an old one, why are you still keeping it?"
"It's not mine. I've found it on my bed."
"Hm?"
"I think… okay, I'll tell you something but you have to promise me one thing!" Kady's voice sounded serious.
"Yeah?"
"You won't kill me!"
Speed smirked. "Okay."
"No, I mean it! Or at least you won't shout…"
"Ah, all right, I promise!" Speed placed one hand to his chest over his heart.
"This case with Quinn, uhm, I think it's just made up. There's a backseat driver, I'm sure."
The man seemed confused. "Okay, let's say you're right. But what is it for?"
"I don't really know yet. He wants something from me."
"From you." Ironic toned words came from Speed.
"Yess!" Kady started to be impatient. "I know how ridiculous it is, and maybe it's not even true, but it's not impossible."
"No, it's not. However, there are no reasons to treat you this way. At least I don't know a single person who would have." Speed shrugged again – pain perched into his shoulder therefore, so he leaned down to the table. "Wait!" He said. "You-you do?"
Kady looked at the floor and shifted nervously, but nodded. "You do as well." She thrummed on the table. "Thaddeus Black."
"He is in jail."
"Not anymore."
"What are you talkin' about?"
"I saw him… today."
Speed stood up. "What?"
"He was nearby when I went back to your place. He was following me."
"And you just let him walk away?"
"I could do nothing!" Kady clenched her fist. "It was only a second, or less. But you can be sure that this" she pointed to the picture what was lying on the table "is from him. He is after me!" She slowly stood up as well and stepped next to the other.
"But how could you not know that he escaped?" It was evident to ask, that's why Kady was afraid, that Speed will do it.
"Actually… I knew."
"Oh, c'mon. You-are-just-kidding me!"
"I'm sorry! I really am, but how should I have told you about this? We've been talking through phone calls all the time!"
Speed chuckled with anger. "Hm, I don't know. Like: hey, Speed, how was your day? Oh, and guess what! My ex escaped from jail!"
"Yeah, thank you for you understanding! And you promised you won't shout with me anyway…"
"Come ooon~…"
"It's not something you can tell that easily. Remember, I wanted to meet you a month ago, and you said you're visiting me."
"I've told you I couldn't because of work. But we agreed to meet this week, right? That's another thing that you came earlier. And episodically you got a job."
"Because I didn't want to wait for you!"
"Great. So, I'm the bad guy, right? Everything is my fault!"
Kady sighed and counted to 5 before she answered. Her voice sounded calm. "That's why I didn't want to tell you anything."
"You would be mad as well if you were me." Speed started to walk in circles in the living room.
"The point is" Kady was following him with eyes as continued "I'm sure Black made up this whole case with Quinn."
"It's just getting better and better…" Speed sighed. "Why would he do such a thing?"
"I don't know yet. I think I should talk with him."
"Yeah! And if you do you could give him your gun as well to make his way easier to kill you."
"You think you're funny?"
"I think you're out-of-you-mind!" Speed emphasized his few last words.
"Maybe I am, but do you have a better idea? Hm? What should I do? Sitting here and waiting for a miracle is enough? He will find me."
Speed stopped as the door opened. For a brief moment they thought Horatio came back, but the entrant was Eric Delko. Kady folded her arms again, tried to seem calm, but it was a totally abortive trying.
"Did I interrupt something?"
"Why are you asking if you already know the answer?" Speed leaned against the wall, he didn't look at his colleague. Eric made a face, didn't respond to the sour reflection.
"Frank sent me to give this to you." He gave Kady a file, he was eyeing her. It had some documents in it which had to be signed, so she grabbed a pen. While she was reading the papers Eric looked around in the house and Speed was standing still next to the window. No one said a word for a few minutes, Eric seemed to feel uncomfortable in this stressful situation. Kady finished and gave back the file to him, and he was in a hurry to leave the house. "Please, just don't kill each other, okay?" He said smirking and left.
"This time, you know," Speed started "I really would like to kill you."
"Oh, honey, you are not the only one!" Kady smiled softly and stepped next to Speed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Black."
"Sometimes I don't get you. You are behaving strange when it's about him. And this is just too impossible to be true."
"It is. And that's why I want to ask you to trust in me." Kady looked up at him.
"Is there anything else you're not telling?" Honest question which needed an honest answer.
She hesitated a bit, but she didn't want to lie anymore. "There is. There is something and uhm, I'm not gonna tell you right now."
Speed chuckled and shook his head, he was unable to decide which is better: to laugh or to cry. "Okay, okay… Do as you please, I don't care." He went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. Kady flung down to the coach. She was mad at herself, mad at Speed and mad at Thaddeus Black, she was mad at everyone and everything.
"I… I need some fresh air. I'll take a walk, okay?" Speed asked, but without waiting for the answer he stepped out from the house and vanished.
Kady was left alone. She had time for think about things, although the only one she wanted to think was just some food – she realized she's starving. She asked one of her guards to order her something.
All day long she was by herself; about 6 o'clock she wanted to run away without looking back, she felt like she's unable to bear with these feelings. She was in a huge trouble, and Speed hasn't returned, that meant he's still angry. He had every right to be, but was rough to hurt him. Kady was lying on the couch cursing herself when the Lieutenant arrived. 'Of course Guard Horatio is back!' Kady sighed. Being alone was pleasuring, she was afraid of those scanning eyes. And yes, his glance found Kady's and she knew exactly what he's going to ask.
"No, I don't want to talk about it, thank you." She said ironic and closed her eyes. "I don't need anyone to tell me what a disaster I am."
"You are not a disaster. Speed will understand you."
"I dunno why I came to Miami. I just make things more difficult."
"You said, he is your family. That's why you are here, and he knows it. Although he is angry right now."
Kady sat up and let her superior to perch next to her. He sank against the soft pillows. "And you haven't told me everything last time. So I also supposed be angry." He sounded disappointed.
"I haven't known about Black's plans. I can just guess about it even right now. I knew I should have warned you. He might have arranged that murder case with Quinn as he wants to catch me and to perish me."
"What happened, is the past now, we can't change it. You were afraid, you did not know what to do, so I accept that. I'm not happy about it, but as I can see it's not the world's end. I give you a second chance, but with one condition: from now on you'll be honest with me, okay?"
Kady nodded. These words were like a knife stabbing her heart. "I'll be. And I'm sorry. I'm a hurricane which just comes and destroys everything."
"Okay, with two conditions: finish cursing yourself all the time." Horatio smiled softly which made Kady blush.
"Okay…" She answered as looking at him.
He shifted but kept his eyes on her. "There is something in you which I don't understand." He said in a pleasuring tone.
"Hm, what?"
"I don't know. I'm curious about it… and about you. You're strange, but not in the bad way, if you know what I mean."
Kady stifled a smile, it hit out everything else from her mind for a second. "Well, thank you. I take it as a compliment… if you know what I mean." She spoke in a fluent way, she crossed her fingers on her knees. Horatio shifted again, he seemed surprised a bit. "That's what I'm talking about." He said smirking.
The two of them were chatting for over an hour in an amiable style. They have been speaking about unimportant stuffs; Kady needed to calm down, she didn't want to hear about Quinn or Black or anyone. Deep in her soul she hoped that Speed returns, but he hasn't showed up. She tried to forget about her situation, she was just enjoying her company during dinner, and about 8 o'clock she felt tired – she went into her bedroom to have some rest. But as she was lying on her bed sleeping was the last thing she could do. When she closed her eyes a picture appeared in front of her – a picture about herself in Black's arms. Kady grabbed the photo what she still had in her pocket and tore into pieces. As the little whits were falling down to the floor she noticed something; the photo had two layers.
"What the…?" She mumbled, and gathered them together. For the third try she could separated the layers, and a handwritten text could be seen. As the photo was in pieces Kady had to join them – it was like a puzzle. About a minute later she finished: the text was an address. An address she should go to, but what would wait for her there? The answer was easy as hell: Thaddeus Black. She clenched her fist and bit her lip as she was catching her thoughts, she didn't know what to do. The right thing would be tell it to Guard Horatio, and let him help to figure out the next step. The less-right thing is sneaking out from the house, and go straight into the mouth of the unknown. She had to think twice before acting, lot of things was depending on this choice. Because yes, she had a choice, but she could screw up everything utterly by taking the wrong way. But finally she made up her mind, she was sure what she has to do.
..ooOOoo..
The night was calm and the air felt fresh, pleasuring cool breeze was surrounding the beach. Ocean's waving could be heard as always, and it was truly relaxing now. Like it was giving strength to those, who really needed it right now; Kady joined the club when she silently climbed out through the window. As a ghost she was sneaking away – the guards were still nearby, but she knew where to round them to remain unnoticed. Her dark shadow was following her during the way, the stars were gazing her. They were sitting on their dark, silky pillow, sparkling as little pieces of the royal Moon. They knew where the woman was heading but they kept it as a secret, they gave light to her all way long. Half an hour was enough for Kady to reach the address which was written on the back of the photo. She was as nervous as she never had been before and was waiting impatiently. She was alone on the dock next to a warehouse and could do nothing else but hoping that Black really will show up. But as she knew him too well, she was sure he will. The question was: what is going to happen with her?
Silent and darkness annoyed her, she was walking in circles to snoop around the place. She had her gun with her of course and she checked it in almost every minute by touching it through the clothes - it was stuck under her belt covered with her blouse. Minutes were flying away in an achingly slow speed, Kady lost her sense of time. When she started to believe that no one will come after her she wanted to turn and go back to the safe house, but all at once a tall shaped person stepped out from the back of the warehouse. Kady petrified with fear, she didn't take a move. The man's face couldn't be seen as he was clever enough to stay in the covering of the dark shadows. For a few seconds they were just standing there watching each other. Finally the man broke the silence between them.
"I was sure you'll come. Your thoughts can be found out so easily, my dear." He sounded the words with keenly sharpness as if it would be enough to defeat the other one. But Kady didn't even quivered, although she would have liked to. She tensed her whole body and gave a fading smile to him.
"So, it's you, ha?" She asked airily.
"Oh, tell me you missed me."
"Hm, of course I did, I've been thinking about you a lot. Especially with my gun in my hand."
The man giggled with bated breath, and it was freaky. It couldn't be figured out what's in his mind right now. "You're so rude to me, but why? Did I hurt you?" He asked. "Because I think you were the one who offended me." His shape took a step closer, however he was still in the shadowed part of the precincts.
"What do you want?" Kady started to round him slowly. "Why did you send me that photo?"
"I thought it's obvious. You new friends couldn't guess it?"
"It has nothing to do with the team, or with anyone. Just me…"
"Yes, you are right, I'm sorry. Okay, let's put the cards in the table. I have a message for you." As the silver moonbeams plummeted on the man's arm something glinted sharply.
"Oh yeah?" Kady asked just to keep up the conversation. Actually she wanted to find the best spot where she can see him clearly from, she was prepared for gunfight.
"No rushed moves, pussycat." The man said seeing she's reaching for something behind her back. "Don't try to mess with me."
"I've told you once" Kady was speaking leisurely "I'm not your pussycat."
All of sudden she whipped out the gun, aimed and shot. The target was the other's hand which he was holding his weapon with. Kady underrated him, he was waiting for this movement and he jumped away before she could pull the trigger. Another gunfire could be heard, and another one. Kady hided behind a wide column to be safe, but as the man was almost invisible she couldn't really do anything. After a brief moment of waiting she started to round the warehouse to surprise him from the back. As she was sneaking, echoing footsteps hit her ears. She turned back right away, however it was too late. Shooting's voice shocked the calm air, a body's whop on the ground and everything turned into blank unbroken silence again.