As Kady was lying on the ground there was only one thought in her mind: voice of the sirens. She wanted to hear the sirens. Usually she hated them so much; they were irritating and it augured no good. But now it would bring relief with itself, her life was depending on this voice – and now it couldn't be heard. The man was standing next to her, the moonbeams lighted the wide smile on his face. Brian Quinn ranged the gun at her wondering to shoot again or not. Their glance met and Kady didn't want to break that connection. As long as he's looking in her eyes he won't shoot; it would prove a huge spirit and braveness if he would do it – which he was lack of (maybe he didn't even know how to spell these words). He wasn't that type who could kill people with cold blood and Kady knew it well. Although she was afraid of him. Quinn's insanity could change him in a second, and if he would have shot Kady in the head she would have died right away. But she needed to take this risk. She shifted a bit – painful stabbing pierced into her left side. She stifled a moan, but as a car rushed through the area she let out a deep sigh. A bunch of running footsteps were heading towards them, shouting words filled the air. And yes, the sirens' voice also arrived, and it was the most pleasuring feeling.
A massive body grabbed Quinn and tossed him to the wall of the warehouse, and as he was trying to fight against it he got a kick into his stomach. He collapsed moaning, but no one cared about him. Kady sat up to see the happenings clearly when someone took an arm around her and helped her to stand up. She leaned against the man and let him to walk her away from the criminal. She threw a last glance at Quinn over her shoulders, then she went to a police car which was parking a few meters away.
Cops were scanning the whole area, they rummaged every little corner in search of Quinn's companion, but the dock was clear.
"Ms. Weston, are you injured in some way?" The cop who led on Kady to the car was standing in front of her now and was eyeing her. "The ambulance is here, so if you need medical attendance, please come with me."
"No, no, I'm fine. Just let me take this off…" She started to unbutton her blouse which made the other one surprised a bit, however he stayed in silent. In the next minute Kady was standing there in a black top and was holding her life-saving Kevlar west in her hand. She was looking for the mark of the shot, and she found it in no time. "Man, it was really close…" She stated. Indeed, the bullet was pretty near to the west's edge, and if it had hit her a bit lower, the bullet would be in her body, and by now she wouldn't be alive.
"Long live the Kevlar." She sighed with relief and leaned against the car.
"Yeah." The cop agreed. "So, are you okay?"
"Ah, it will have its own mark, but… everything has a price, ha?" Kady lifted up her top to see the spot where she was shot, but could see nothing on her skin. Later it will be colored with blue and purple, as a nice, wide bloodshot does.
"It takes a while." Horatio stepped next to her, Speed was following him. His features had many expression blended together, the strongest ones were anger and concern. He was holding his gun in one hand. "I'm glad you're in one piece."
"Still angry at me?"
"It doesn't matter right now. Just let's get to the station, okay? I'll take you." And he walked onwards.
"I'm glad you're alright. You took a big risk with this action."
"It was necessary to do."
Horatio shook his head a little indicating he's not totally agree with this statement, but as he didn't remark it. Instead of that he asked."We take Quinn to the police station, want to join?"
"What a question! Of course I want to." Kady was still looking at Speed, but in the end she shifted her attention to her superior. "Ahm, can I be there at the interrogation? Or… in my position it's not good to ask anything, right?"
"I'll figure out till we arrive back." Horatio had a tiny smile before he got into the car, and his eyes were following the woman as she was heading towards Speed's shape. Kady could feel that gaze; she wanted to throw a glimpse back over her shoulders, but in the end she fought the urge to do it.
An hour ago as Kady was sitting on the bed back at the safe house, she was really confused about what to do. She knew well what risks she takes with each decision; nevertheless, they also had their advantages. The way things were doing, she had to take the cards in the table, as Quinn would say. And yes, when she opened the door and stepped out from the bedroom to tell it to Horatio, and to ask his help she recovered herself - it was a way too defenseless feeling and hard to do. But she made it, and now was proud of herself. If she would have been alone she sure would have slapped on her own back in an honorable mention. And as they suspected, that someone will follow the woman if she leaves the house, they had to be aware. Although they were expecting Black to show up, this dénouement was also acceptable.
Now as she was walking, Kady held a hand on her waist to soothe the mild pain caused by the shot. In the car she and Speed were in total silence, even the radio did not let out a sound. She was squirming; wanted to say something, to explain things again and to make the man trust her and not be in a paddy, to make clear everything – although she couldn't. She must not say a word, must let Speed to think through things by himself. Was rough, but needed. And as Kady wasn't a patient type, and couldn't really bear with this situation, it was hell for her. Finally she sighed and closed her eyes.
At the station pretty much people were hovering around – like if it wasn't in the middle of the night. Life doesn't stop, criminals don't sleep – cops have to work night and day!
The first thing of all was to get a huge cup of coffee, the second was to get some snacks and when it was done, Kady was ready to start the interrogation. (Of course she had eaten everything before stepping into the room – only the coffee was with her).
"Hello again, pussycat." Quinn had some serious injuries now, like swollen eyebrows, cracked lips and so on. He tried to escape at the dock, but as it could be seen on the enclosed figure, he failed. However his voice remained fluent and casual, his eyes uncovered his anger.
"You really thought you can kill me that easily?" Kady sat down in front of him. There also was a guard standing there except them, and of course Frank Tripp and Guard Horatio could not miss. A little crowd clustered in there.
"I didn't want to kill you." Quinn shrugged.
"Oh, yeah. That explains why you did shot me."
"I've told you, I have a message."
"From…?"
"From your beloved old friend, Thaddeus Black."
"And tell me, why doesn't he come here himself, hm? Why does he use you in his little games?"
Quinn smirked – not in the casual way, but in the freaky way. "For you it's just a game, but for him it means a bit more. It's his life, and he wants to save it."
Kady chuckled surprised. "He's late, isn't he? But, not so much, just a few… years, I think." She lifted up her eyebrows questioning. "What the hell does he want from me?"
"His life, as I said."
"And what do you want me to do? Call Voldemort and ask him to make some horcruxes? Or what?" Kady felt she's getting upset, she lifted up her hands from the table and stretched her fingers to calm down. "Huh, okay. Forget these rebuses and speak clearly."
Frank leaned on the table with two hands, he was watching Quinn motionless. "Come on, dumbass."
Brian Quinn shifted, licked his lower lop before answering. "You lend him in prison, and he wants revenge. And if he wants it, he'll get it."
Horatio stepped closer and was watching the man curiously. He was standing so close to him, and Quinn seemed to be frustrated because of it.
"He wants revenge, hm? Then we will wait for him to come. But I can tell you one thing, my friend; he's going to get nothing else, but a few more years in jail or a bullet into his head, should the occasion arise."
Quinn smirked again like he would have known something he's not telling. But his eyes were cold and unspeakable, so anything was on his mind, remained his secret.
"What's he planning to do?" Kady looked right into Quinn's eyes.
"Don't worry, you'll see."
"If you're not speaking" Horatio started "you'll regret it. This is your only chance."
"For what? You wouldn't release me nowise, or if you would after all, Black would kill me. No, I have no chance, but I wouldn't speak even if I would have. That is called comradeship, which, young lady" He glanced Kady "you don't really know about as I've heard."
She clenched her fists and wanted to stand up, but stayed at her place and said nothing. But there was no even time to do it, someone appeared at the window which fronted to the corridor and was eyeing the team. Rick Statler had a tired expression, although he seemed excited. Horatio nodded and beckoned to Kady to follow him, then stepped out from the room. Frank took over the interrogation.
"You never sleep, hm?" Horatio smiled at the other man ironic.
"I've been here about paper works and it drawn out. But I'm glad to see your little company here." Statler smiled back. "And I've heard about your action, Miss Weston. You know, news wings the air pretty fast in here."
"Yeah, I can imagine…" She deeply sighed. "And you'd like to…?"
"To ask about the sequels."
"As you can see we have nothing yet." Horatio answered. "That's why you got out us from the interrogation?"
Statler made a face, his eyes were filled with arrogance. He wasn't looking at the man but Kady, his words was addressed to her as well. "I have an eye on you, don't forget it." Then he walked away. Kady was just looking at the way he left and shrugged miscredited.
"What the heck was that?" She asked.
"Don't care about him." The other said, and as Kady wanted to go back into the interrogation room he stopped her. "I think you should go home and have a sleep."
"I want to be here."
"I know, but you need some rest. Today was rough, go home." He gave her that deep glance, which always made her weak, in some ways. These times she always felt something that was totally forbidden, accordingly she tried to bury it deep in her mind. She sighed again and finally nodded. "All right. But, hey, can I move out from the safe house tomorrow?"
"I think you should stay there. I think you and Speed shouldn't go back to that flat for a while, someone could brake in again. The safe house has an alarm at least."
"You think it could happen again?"
"I don't know. That's why we have to be watchful."
"Hm… okay, okay." Kady crossed her arms in front of her chest and started to walk. "We'll meet tomorrow."
As she was heading towards the elevator she met with Speed who was waiting for her. They went home together, Speed stayed with her at the safe house during night. They didn't speak much, but now it was calm silent between them, not frustrated and ratty.
The next few days were calm as well, although Kady felt nervous a bit. Quinn didn't say a thing, he was just buggering around till charge was brought against him. As he tried to kill a CSI, he couldn't expect any good. And as he stayed in silent the occurrences seemed to be stopped for a brief period, and during the time being Kady could respire a bit. However life was going on and she had to get back to work again. And it kept her busy which was a really pleasuring feeling – even she was thinking on his situation all days long. Speed moved into the same house as her, but as there was only one bedroom he had to seize the couch. Kady offered him the room actually, but he didn't even want to hear about it.
Four days had passed by and nothing happened. Black didn't show up, Quinn said nothing, and Kady could concentrate on her work properly. The next day's morning Kady just got back from a crime scene with Calleigh when someone grabbed her attention – Mr. Handsome, who was injured in the gunfire a couple of days ago, when Quinn escaped – was coming out from the police station's front door. He was lame in one leg a little bit, but no wonder as he got a serious shot. His glance met Kady's, and with a wide smile he set off to catch the two women. Calleigh raised her eyebrows questioning, but Kady had no time for answer.
"Hello, ladies." The man greeted them.
"Hello" They said almost at once, and Kady continued. "How are you? I mean you leg."
"It's okay, thank you. Still hurts a bit, actually. And you? Haven't seen you for a while around here."
"Uhm, yeah, you know, things were complicated, had a lot of… work."
"I see. I'm Arthur, anyway. Arthur Constantine. Last time I had no chance to introduce myself." His smile was amazingly charming, he was like a guy from a model magazine. And yes, his eyes were sparkling as he shook hands with the woman.
"I'm Kady… Weston… And she's my colleague, Calleigh Duquesne."
"Nice to meet you. I think we've seen each other a couple of times, haven't we? At the scenes." She smiled as well and the man nodded. "Okay, I bring the evidences inside, meet you later." She swung the box in her hand a bit and left.
"So" Arthur started turning towards Kady again "you are a CSI."
"The newest one."
"Oh, really? And how's the job?"
"I got in trouble at the very beginning. The gunfire the other day was its result." She twitched her lips.
Arthur chuckled. "So you had a memorable debut."
"Oh, c'mon." Kady laughed as well. "I always do something… khm, memorable… But now, I'm sorry, I really had to go. I have a lot of works. I don't want my superior to get angry at me."
"Of course. Can I invite you for a cup of coffee sometime? I know a really great place. It's called as… oh, gosh, some - some cat…"
"No, don't even mention that cafeteria!" Kady's tone was like if she snapped at him, and it caused a very funny expression on Arthur's face.
"Uhh, okay…"
"I… I hate cats. That's why."
"All right, no cats. When will you be free?"
Kady shifted. "I haven't even accepted your invitation."
"And you haven't even refused it." A wide, beautiful smile again. This guy really knew how to take a woman off her legs. "So, today's afternoon?"
Kady smiled surrendering herself and sighed. "At five. Let's meet here."
"Can't wait." He said and got off into a police car which was nearby. Kady was watching him as he drove away and finally continued her way into the building.
"Who was that buffoon?" As Kady stepped into the lab Speed asked her point blank. He didn't even look up from the microscope.
"He is not a buffoon, okay? He has a name, Arthur."
Speed grinned. "Arthur." Replied in a satirical tone.
Kady just rolled her eyes and started to work. Half an hour passed by as the three of them – Calleigh was there as well – was working in silent. Kady wrote her report about a bloody knife, almost finished it when Calleigh threw a glance at it.
"You miswrote that."
"Hm?"
"There." She pointed at the mistake. Her voice was empty and cold. She grabbed some files and was about to leave, but waited for Kady to revise her report, and as she finished Calleigh took the paper. "I'll take it to H."
When the door closed after her Kady turned towards Speed. "She doesn't like me." She stated.
"No, she really doesn't." Honest and simple answer. Kady surprised, and the man looked at her leaning to the table. "She just doesn't give her trust easily. Calleigh is the type who you have to prove that she can trust in you. That's all. It's not like she would hate you."
"Sometimes she is so kind, sometimes she's almost gruff. I don't get her."
"Give her more time to get to like you." Speed was smiling softly. "If she'll know you better she will relent. And, sorry for saying that, but this case with Black and Quinn is not the best way to start a friendship…"
Kady deeply sighed. "Yeah…"
"But, don't worry, you have Arthur." Speed sounded the name ironically again, Kady made a face hearing it. "That guy is a playboy."
"He's handsome."
"Ah, I don't get women…"
"You don't even have to. And don't worry, I'm not gonna date him. I really don't need anyone right now, so, you can calm down."
"You haven't even had anyone after that bastard, right?" Speed asked.
"No, I haven't."
"Life doesn't stop. Bad things can happen, but you have to go on."
"Just don't talk about it, please. Okay?"
"We have to. You said that there is something that you still haven't told me. I really don't want to force it, I just want to help."
"I know, I know. But not now, okay? I need to finish this analysis now."
..ooOOoo..
Eric and Kady were leaving the police station together at 16:48, they were talking about work. The man offered a ride home, but Kady refused it, she was waiting for Arthur. She wanted to have some fresh air, so she said goodbye to the others and just left the building with Eric – who was heading home. About 10 minutes after Arthur arrived, and it surprised Kady.
"You're early!" She said smiling.
"I wanted to get here first. Ahm, I am so sorry, but could we let this lie off? I have some thing I had to arrange, and I totally forgot about them. But tomorrow is my day off, we could make it up. I am really sorry, it's so awkward."
"Oh, no, don't worry, its okay."
"I wanted to call you earlier, but I don't have you phone number."
"Hm, tricky." Kady chuckled.
"Right?" Arthur smirked.
They exchanged their numbers and after Arthur gabbled another apology he rushed away. Kady felt disappointed. She couldn't do anything else but go home, however no one was waiting her. As Kady supposed to spend his evening with Mr. Handsome Speed decided to visit his parents and sleep over their place. "I'll give you the chance to have a good night, if things would turn that way… I don't want to disturb your beautiful company." He said grinning before Kady left. She was just shook her head smiling hearing these words, and didn't even want to catch Speed's mentality.
But now the rest of the evening and the night was free. As she arrived home she made some dinner and perched at the couch to watch television. Her guards were gone – although it was better to stay at the safe house, guards seemed to be unnecessary. However she wasn't alone, Speed was always with her, and now she was enjoying being just herself, actually. She was watching a comedy and was totally at ease when someone rang the bell. Curiosity and not a little fear hitched her stomach as she stepped there to open up. Her gun was with her as well. Every time someone called her name, knocked, or something like this she was afraid that she's going to be attacked, she had to be aware round the clock. But not now.
"Oh, it's you!" She stated when her glance met Horatio's. "Come in." Kady had only shorts and a t-shirt on her, a thin silk robe was over her shoulders.
"Sorry for disturbing you" The man started "I couldn't reach you. You're phone is turned off."
"Oh, the batters again, I think. Sorry."
They walked into the living room, but Horatio didn't want to sit down. He seemed tired and maybe fretful, although he tried to hide it, and to be calm. Kady folded her arms in front of her chest. "So?"
"I just wanted to tell you, that someone tried to contact Quinn from outside the jail. We don't know who that person might be, but I have a sure guess."
Kady deeply sighed. "Yes, not difficult to figure out."
"Although we can do nothing."
"But we know that Black needs Quinn, if he tries to contact him even now."
"Have to wait for him to take the next step."
"There has to be something we can do."
"But there isn't." Horatio's tone was poorly grim, but he realized it and continued. "I'm sorry, I just have a long and really bad day."
"Then let's not talk about work." Kady caught his glance. "Can I get you a coffee? You look like you need it."
"Okay, thank you." Horatio smiled and followed the other one into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter. "Are you alone?"
"Yeah, Speed is at his parent's place." She started to make two cups of coffee, and as she was fussing around she stayed in silent.
"I see." The man was gazing her with those steely blue eyes, and it made her feel uncomfortable a bit. She felt like he could induce her to make anything with only one brief look. She shifted and draw across the robe on her.
"I'll have a calm night at least." Kady smiled and gave Horatio his drink. "You know Speed is a bit unpredictable these days. Sometimes he's angry, sometimes he's worried, sometimes he's just… normal."
"I understand him, actually." The man took a sip of the coffee, he seemed enjoying it.
"That's great, that there is someone who does, because I cannot."
"Things will straighten out soon, you'll see." Glances met, and Kady had to turn towards the window, she couldn't beer with the steely blue eye's gaze. She cleared her throat as the other one stepped next to her, and couldn't help but smile.
"You know," She started "when I'm alone I really feel safe, and if nothing would threaten me. When I was young I preferred to be alone, I believed that no one can hurt me, if there's no one around. In the face of I wasn't lonely."
Horatio smiled as she threw a glance at him, and she blushed a bit. "Don't even listen to me, I speak too much and about irrelevant things. Sorry…" She smiled back. Horatio poorly shook his head.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I like when you're talking about yourself." After these words left his lips he closed his eyes for a moment and continued in a flustered way. "I mean I just would like to know you better as we are colleagues now."
"Uhum, yes, of course." Kady nodded, than gave him a wide smile, which was saying: 'aah, yeah, of course you do…' It was ironic and coincident, which made the man shifting nervously. And that feeling started to surmount Kady again, so she gently scratched her own neck, and took the empty cup from Horatio.
"Thank you for the coffee." He said and twitched his lips. "I really needed it."
There was something in the air which they could entirely feel, but tried to pretend they don't. Although they knew that both of them have the same thing on their mind, not talking about and ignoring it was the very best way. Horatio shifted in embarrassment, and squared his shoulders.
"I-I should go now. I really should…"
"Okay." Kady said below her breath and nodded, still smiling.
They headed towards the tiny aisle. Horatio stopped, but didn't open the door. Kady was standing next to him. None of them said a word for a few moments, they were just glancing each other. The man's look was so telling, and Kady felt that well known feeling which surrounded her every time when she met this gaze. Deep in her soul there was something really old but so new right now. Temptation. Temptation for something she musn't do, and as this feeling rushed over her she couldn't bear Horatio's glance.
"Would you quit it with that look?" She aksed.
Horatio's expression became soft as he sighed. "I just can't. I've told you there is something in you what is… attracts me."
"You shouldn't say anything like that to me. Especially not now…" Kady tried to avoid his glance, but failed.
"Why? What is it now?"
"Nothing. Just…" Kady barely chuckled and leaned against the wall with one shoulder. "Just go."
A brief silent passed by and with undetectable moves Horatio stepped closer to her. "You really want me to go?" His voice was low, and filled with curiosity. With real curiosity.
"Does it matter?"
"It shouldn't matter, but for me it does. Now it does."
"Please don't do this. It would be better for both of us."
"How do you know?"
"I just do. It's totally not fair…"
"No." Horatio nodded slowly. "But who cares?"
Their eyes met again, and Kady's stomach made a somersault. She heard her blood drumming in her ears, her heart was near to jump out from her chest and run away. She wanted to touch the man badly, to caress his naked skin on the neck. She tried to fought against it, although she felt she's going to loose.
"Actually, I don't." She answered, and finally yielded to the temptation; and as she felt the warmness of his body with the same movement she pulled Horatio closer. They pressed their body together. Kady was running her fingers into the red, soft hair and Horatio let out a deep sight. It was like adding oil to the fire, Kady's skin was burning from desire. She saw thirst in the blue eyes as well, the other's gaze told her 'there's no stoppage.'
Horatio leaned closer to Kady but was aware enough not to let their lips meet, it was within an ace however. A disappointed sight broke out from her as Horatio shifted. She cuddled him hard not to let him move away, and it made him smile. No, he didn't wanted to leave her, he has other plans. He gave her a long kiss on the neck, than another one, and yes, another one; his warm tongue left wet marks on her skin. He made his way up to Kady's ear with achingly slow movements; he gently bit it, and the woman couldn't help but moan. Horatio could feel the impatience in her and as he faced her again he smiled. Kady didn't want to wait anymore, she couldn't wait. She looked straight into his eyes and finally kissed him. His lips were so soft, and so warm, and she could hear his breathing is picking up.
No, it shouldn't have happened, and they both knew they'll regret this. But they were too weak to surmount to this temptation, they wanted each other so bad. There was no need for words. Desire was the only important thing, and to let it drive them crazy - this time they let themselves not to care about the world. They didn't even know each other too well, and it was the most attractive among everything. Forbidden fruit always tastes better, than the one you can get easily.
Kady moaned, and Horatio slid his hands to her hips, caressing her, than he got lower. Kady knew what's his planning; she hugged his neck and wrapped her legs around him as he lifted her up. Horatio brought her into the bedroom and laid her down to the bed gently. Kady didn't let him to stand up. She pulled him back when he tried to, and rolled over him; the man was watching at her smirking. Kady licked his lips and kissed him passionately. Started to unbutton her lover's shirt, her hands were caressing his naked chest. She wanted to tear it off right away, but fought the urge to do it – she didn't want to rush anything. She wanted this to be taken as long as it could be. Horatio was moaning softly as she shifted on him; she perched at the most responsive part of his body. Kady's chocolate brown eyes were sparkling, and her touch was like silk as her hands were sliding down on his chest. Horatio opened his mouth to say something so Kady placed a finger over his lips, than she gave him another kiss to keep him in silence. She didn't want to hear a single word from the man, however telling her to stop was the last thing on Horatio's mind right now. He sat up – Kady was still in his lap. He palmed her breasts through her shirt, was messaging them and she was gasping at pleasure. Now it was her who took possession of the other one; her lips had long left his lips, and made its way, left a wet trail down on his neck. They were lost in ecstasy.
Horatio took off Kady's shirt and threw it away during her fingers were working on his zipper. In record time their quivering hands managed to get their clothes discarded from the bodies. Tongues met again, Horatio covered his lover's body with his own, they sank against the soft sheets. They discovered every inch of each other; warm touches, caresses and kisses everywhere. Kady felt like melting in Horatio's arm. She wrapped her legs around the other's waist and with a deep and long moan Horatio started moving in his slow rhythm which she followed easily. Groans and gasps filled up the tiny room. Kady whispered his name into his neck, cuddled him hard, and as he moved faster and faster she completely lost in temptation. She clenched even her toes when she reached her peak. Horatio kissed her hard on her lips – it was powerful, and they felt as if they drown and melt in their own embrace. The man's body stiffened, he groaned into their kiss. They were short of breath, and as Horatio stopped moving he lowered his head down to Kady's shoulders. Once he regained his strength he shifted and rolled next to Kady, who cuddled up to him. She gave a kiss on his arm as he clasped her, but said nothing, and Horatio brushed back her hair to see her eyes clearly. Pretty quick sleep claimed the two lovers, and now the only sound was the ocean, which could be heard through the half-opened window.