Note: I only own Doctor Mike and the story, nothing else. Thank you to all of you who read and the ones who reviewed and a big thank you to Celine for being my co-writer!! I hope you will like this chapter who is dedicated to fowlgirl19who had the idea to have Stetler in the story!!
Stetler's freak-out, and Natalia's Hot Date
So far the day was going very good for the CSI's. They still had so little of a lead on the criminal but Calleigh was able to visit the lab and to spend time with Eric. Celine and Ryan were in love like they had never been before, the dispute was forgotten, and Natalia had a hot date for lunch and hopefully for supper also if all goes well. Seems like the day had started good and they were hoping for more good news to come.
It was that particular day Rick Stetler decided to stuff his nose in the lab given that he had heard about Calleigh being hurt and it has been the third CSI to get hurt based on the same suspect and cases.
No one liked Rick because he was just so rude and ignorant and was IAB. He did not like Horatio because he took his job as lieutenant and is now testing his work. Horatio was not being intimidated by him and he had no affect whatsoever on the red hair man and would do as he pleased if Rick liked it or not.
Rick barged into the lab looking for Horatio to tell him what he thinks of the situation. He had decided he would go for the red hair man's office believing he would be in there but he was wrong, Horatio was helping Natalia in the lab.
"Horatio" barked Stelter. "Care to inform me why your CSI's can not keep themselves out of the hospital or out of danger or at least catch the guy doing it all?"
"Rick, my CSI's are doing the best they can and you know as well as I do, that what happened was pure chance on the guilty one and all could not have been prevented. We are doing everything we can to catch the person responsible. We have one person so far and he is not out until we find and interrogate the other. So if you would please, with all my respect, let us handle it the way we always do and everything will be just fine," Horatio said to Rick.
It was at that moment Eric chose to walk in with Calleigh. She wanted to come to the lab and say hi to Horatio and tell him the follow-ups of the hospital.
"You two are well aware about the new rule in the lab," Stetler barked at Eric and Calleigh. "Now you will think about this policy. If this goes any further, I will have to transfer one of you to the night crew" he continued.
Before Eric or Calleigh could open their mouth, Stetler barked again "And where is CSI Wolfe and CSI Wetherly. They are late and they also know about the rule. Horatio your team better smart 'n' up or I will have to change some things around with the night crew."
"Rick, for the last time; would you please leave us to do our work. You breathing down our neck about a policy being well respected are going to slow things down. CSI Delko and CSI Duquesne is not an item, he simply went and brought Calleigh from the hospital to the lab. CSI Delko was the only one available and he offered. As for CSI Wolfe and CSI Wetherly they are not an item either, I have given them some time off together because of the incident that occurred over her house and she need someone to be there for bodyguard and since CSI Wolfe has experience as a bodyguard, I thought he would do best. Now if you would please let us work, Rick, we have some important things to do but to listen to your non sense," Horatio said in a tone that meant end of discussion. "That is not one of them."
Stetler angrily walked out saying "I'm keeping an eye on your team Horatio".
"And my team is doing just fine, Rick. I thank you for your visit. When I'll need your opinion on how to run my team I will give you a call, now if you will excuse me Rick I have important evidence to process as soon as possible. So have yourself a good day Rick, it was…interesting to see you again."
Rick was so mad. He didn't like Horatio talking to him that way but knew it was best not to argue with the red haired man.
Once Rick had left, Horatio left a chuckle slip out and it crept its way through everyone else in the room.
"Thank you, Horatio, for covering for me" Calleigh said.
"Anytime Miss Duquesne, anytime." Horatio said.
Later that day, Horatio managed to find Eric without Calleigh. She was busy talking with Natalia so she wouldn't miss her before she left for her lunch date. So, Horatio took advantage of that moment to have Eric in his office alone.
"Eric, there is something I would like to discuss with you. It will only take a moment, could you please come to my office?"
"Sure H, I'll be right there I'm just going to inform Calleigh incase Natalia leaves and she can't find me."
Once Eric was in Horatio's office, Horatio decided to speak first.
"Eric, I am not asking if you and Calleigh are together, it is none of my concern. I am just informing you to remain professional at work and leave any personal relations away from work so it does not interfere with work. I am aware as much as you about the new rule and what I do not know will not hurt me neither Rick. Now you may pass the message to Calleigh and no worries about Rick, you have my word if he asks again, you and Calleigh aren't happening. You simply work well together and make a strong team, which is the reason you are most of the time paired together. I believe I made myself clear, Eric. Understood?"
"Understood H and um… Thanks" Eric replied.
"Not a problem sir, not a problem. What you do outside of this building on your personal time, Eric, does not involve my knowing. Now go enjoy your time with Mrs. Duquesne before she has to go back in the hospital. I have extra staff from the night crew if I need some help," Horatio said smiling at Eric.
Meanwhile in the break room, Natalia was taking every advice she could from Calleigh. She was so nervous to go see Doctor Mike she was afraid to look like a fool in front of him. Calleigh was so excited for Natalia and told her to be herself and everything would go well.
"Calleigh it's crazy but every time I look at him, I get butterflies in my stomach. He is just so... I don't know. It's crazy I never felt like this before about any of the guys I've dated but he has some special effect on me."
"Well he is very gorgeous, and everything will be fine. Good luck and you better fill me and Celine in on every detail."
Natalia nodded and called Doctor Mike and informed him she could make it for lunch and he offered to pick her up at the lab.
Natalia informed him she would be waiting at the doors for him. She then walked over to the main doors to wait for her date, to meet her.
While walking to the doors, she was letting her mind get the best of her.
I wonder if we're going to hit it off…I wonder if he's a good kisser…oh, what it would feel like to be kissed by him…I'd let him exanimate me anytime he wants…it's not every day you see a damn hot doctor like that around. Exam away, Doctor, I am all yours.
On his way to pick her up, Doctor Mike was also briefly lost in thought…
That smile on her face is so gorgeous. She is a damn sexy and smart woman I cannot believe a woman like her is single and I actually asked her out, twice. I wonder how those lips taste. I hope she will give me a chance to kiss her. What would I give to have her on my examination table…I can't have her in my office and let her leave NOT letting her go before I get to see EVRYTHING on her, ha-ha…a hot and bright girl like that is a keeper. If only she knew what effect she has on me… I have to make the best impression… I am sure something will happen!!
How did lunch go? Will they hit it off like they're hoping to? Will she end up on his examination room so they can "discover" each other? Will he get a taste of her soft sweet lips? Keep reading and you will eventually find out!! Please read and review.