We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

DISCLAIMER: We don't own any of the Miami characters and we're NOT making any money off of them!

SEQUEL TO: "Legacy Of Madness"

The rain poured from the tops of the building, providing a cascading image to Horatio as he stared. It seemed as if that was all he was doing now. For days on end, he had begun to stare out into the one window of his room, silent with pondering thoughts. He'd been back in the real world for five days now, the symptoms of withdrawals were starting to lessen, but the overwhelming hunger for heroin had not. He suffered in silence the pull of the drug and kept himself closed, something he knew that Calleigh did not like. The worry was in her touch, and even as he didn't have to look at her to see it, he could feel that with every second that he remained silent, she was thinking that there was something amiss. She didn't know how right she truly was.

The feeling of her hand taking his caught his attention and in what was a small feat, he broke his gaze with the window and averted it to the sheets, unable to face her. As much as she didn't fault him for what he had done, there was still much more that was lying below his surface. Adrienne's image assaulted him in both waking times and in dreams, the fanatical expression of her eyes absent. Instead, he saw the trust, the desire that she held for him in the beginning. His heart hurt to know that she was now dead and unable to give him not only the fix that he'd become obsessed over, but also the physical pleasure that he had experienced with her. There was no doubt that he loved Calleigh, but what he had with Adrienne, although under the guise of deceit, was just as passionate and addictive. He was ashamed that he was falling for the enemy, the woman who told him countless of times that he was worthless, pathetic, a shell of a man. All the things that he'd thought of himself previously before, she'd just given him confirmation.

In the days since he's awoken, Calleigh had remained at Horatio's side, only leaving while he slept to go eat, shower or get a breath of fresh air from outside. He'd seemed to withdrawn from her, barely talking unless he absolutely needed something, but that didn't stop her. As often as she could, she expressed her love for him and how she'd be there, no matter what. She'd even tried to get him to talk about his thoughts but was greeted now with silence.

Getting up from the lounge chair that had been brought in for her, Calleigh stretched and reached for her wallet, "I'm gonna get a soda, Horatio. Do you want anything? Maybe a can of Sprite?"

Shaking his head, he kept his eyes down, his voice quiet, "No thank you." He could feel the tension that was building and he exhaled, returning back to the window. "I'm not thirsty." Trying to move his arm, he asked, "When will I be released?"

"Doctor said once the lab runs your blood tox levels. If there within the norm, then the restraints will be taken off." Pulling out some change, she slipped it into her pocket. "It shouldn't be much longer. Then you can take a shower and shave if you want. Frank brought by your shaving kit from your locker at work."

"That would be nice," he answered back absently. He didn't look at her as she stood before him, his craving beginning to claw at him more. He usually dreamed that the first thing he was going to do when he got out of the hospital was going to score, but he knew that with the seriousness of the situation, he wouldn't be able to. He was much weaker than he'd ever been and Calleigh was going to be right beside him almost twenty four hours a day, he would never find time to get something. That thought kept him quiet too, the absolute disappointment and the cavernous hole that it caused Horatio eating at his very being.

Placing her hand onto his, she gave it a squeeze, "I'll be right back. You sure you don't want anything from the vending machines? My treat."

Deciding to make an effort, Horatio nodded and forced himself to look at her, "A drink…would be nice. It doesn't matter what."

Giving him a smile, Calleigh nodded, happy he was trying, "Okay. I'll be right back." Letting his hand go, Calleigh headed towards the door and opened it. Looking back at him, she then left out, and took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. The days had been long for her as well as the nights, most of them up when he'd awaken with nightmares. She'd been able to help him get back to sleep, but then she'd lay there for hours watching him.

Going to the small waiting area, she went in, heading for the machines. Placing her money in, her cell began to ring and she fished it from her pocket. Seeing it was Tim, Calleigh flipped it open and then made her drink selection, "Checking up on me?"

"You know I am," Tim answered with a knowing grin as he watched Emma at the table. Perusing her work, he smiled lightly and gave her the okay sign and nodded, "I was just wondering, H's pretty much out of the woods with the worst of the withdrawals and Emma wanted to see you. Why not take a few hours to give yourself a break? It will be refreshing and you can go back to him recharged."

Getting her drink from the bottom, she put more money in for Horatio's, "Easier said then done. We're waiting on result from his blood tox level. If they are where they should be he'll be coming out of the restraints today…which means he'll really have to be watched closely. Tim…he's still having the cravings bad."

"Well, when will they be giving the results? You can't spare an hour, maybe two? Emma really wants to see you." Tim was hoping that she would at least relent to taking an hour for herself, but he could tell that she was putting up a formidable fight. "Surely they won't take the restraints off if you're not there, right?"

Reaching for his drink, Calleigh sighed, "They can if he wants them to. At that point he'll have the say so. And as for when…whenever there lab finishes them and the doctor looks them over…could be in a few minutes or a few hours."

Tim shook his head, his sour expression telling of just what he thought of this predicament. His tone was bordering on annoyance when he exasperated, "And when is it going to be about you, Calleigh? If you're worn out, how are you expected to care for him? That's when he could gain the advantage and slip between your fingers. Take some time for yourself, Cal."

Leaning against the machine, Calleigh rolled her eyes, "I will when I can, Tim…okay? Just let me find out what's going to happen first and maybe see if Yelina can come sit with him. Maybe he'll open up to her."

"That's a good idea, but I still say you should do it as soon as possible. You need a break Cal. Almost two weeks dealing with withdrawals, you've got to be barely hanging on." Tim looked to Emma and nodded slowly, exhaling as he put the phone down, "Sorry, kiddo…she's not going to make it."

Getting up and going over to him, Emma Looked up at her dad, "Can you tell her I'll make her chocolate chip pancakes for her if she comes?"

Hearing Emma in the background, Calleigh smiled some and sighed, giving in to the little girl, "Tell her extra chips please."

"You're coming?" Tim asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yes…just let me get hold of Yelina first and get her here. I don't want him being left alone." Pushing off the vending machine, Calleigh started back to the room slowly, "I'll call when I'm on my way, okay?"

"Okay, and maybe we can squeeze a second or two at the park. Wouldn't that be nice, Emma?" Tim smiled and winked at her.

"YEAH!" Emma cheered out and began to jump up and down. "Can Ms. Calleigh swing with us again?"

Stopping and pursing her lips, Calleigh raised a brow, "Remind me to hit you when I get there also. You know I cannot tell her no."

Tim laughed and sat back, rather proud with his manipulation and sighed, "I thought I told you that no one's immune to her. I'll tell her to put in extra chips in your pancakes." Becoming serious, he got up and walked towards the door, "You're doing the right thing, Cal. You need time to recharge."

"I hope so…cause right now he barely says two words to me unless he has to. Maybe this break will help him also."

"It would probably do you both some good. Some time away won't hurt. And we won't keep you long." Tim smirked and then ran his hand through his hair, "It will be good to see you again, Cal."

"Same here, Tim. Look, let me get off of here so I can give her a call. I don't want to do it in front of Horatio. Last thing I need his him having a fit over it." Stopping down from his room, she placed the phone between her ear and shoulder. "As soon as she's here, I'll be on my way."

"Okay, I'll be listening out for you," Tim answered with a smile. "Bye, Calleigh."

"Bye, Tim." Reaching for the phone, Calleigh hung up with him and then looked up Yelina's number. Dialing it, she leaned against the wall, hoping she would answer.

Coming from in the garden, Yelina heard the phone ringing and rushed to pick it up, wondering how long it had been ringing. Having spent the better part of the morning with her son and then in the garden, she tried to preoccupy her time and her thoughts. The news of Horatio's abduction and rescue had found her, and also the news that he was now addicted. The situation drew too many parallels and she found herself pondering past hurts.

Gathering herself, she answered breathlessly, her voice light and optimistic, "Hello?"

Hearing her voice on the other end, Calleigh smiled slightly, "Yelina…hey, it's Calleigh. I didn't catch you at a bad time did I?"

Yelina smiled and relaxed slightly, thankful that it wasn't an urgent call. She had tried to prepare herself for the worst case scenario. "Not at all, I was just in the garden. How are you doing, Calleigh? How's…How's Horatio?"

Biting her lip, Calleigh sighed, "I'm…I'm here. As for Horatio, were awaiting his tox reports to see about getting him out the restraints. That's why I'm calling actually. I was wondering if you might be able to come sit with him while I take a break for a couple hours."

A small laugh erupted from Yelina and she crinkled her eyes as she looked to the clock, "I have no problem with going, but is Horatio okay with visitors? He may not want anyone but you with him."

"Yelina, honestly, I don't know. I haven't talked with him about it. But I've been here for two weeks…I just need a break for a little bit." Crinkling her brow, she sighed, "You know, never mind, it's probably a bad idea. I don't want him freaking out on you or anyone else."

Hearing the edge in her voice, Yelina relented, "Calleigh, please, allow me to help. I was just curious as to what Horatio would think. As long as it doesn't make him uncomfortable."

"Right now, it's hard to say what's gonna do that. He'll barely talk to me now…or anyone for that matter. It's like he's drawn back into himself," Calleigh said as she shifted her weight. "I have to practically pull teeth to find out if he wants to eat or have something to drink."

Well, that's not like him in the least bit, Yelina thought as she frowned, "I guess then, he won't mind if I sit with him. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes okay?"

"Okay…thanks Yelina. He's in room three fifty eight." Looking towards the room and seeing the doctor go in, Calleigh pushed off the wall, "Yelina, the doctor's here. I'll see you in a little bit." Hanging up quickly, Calleigh moved faster, going into the room. Catching Horatio's eyes she gave him a small smile and went over, setting the drinks down, "Did Horatio's test come back, Dr. Beckley?"

The doctor glanced over the chart and smiled, "Yes, his test came back, and," he said as he looked to Horatio, "It looks as if we'll get to take the restraints off. He's leveled off, there is no presence of heroin in his system. Now, Mr. Caine, without the restraints, you do realize that you'll have to be careful with your IV. You still require medication, and it's important that you keep them intact."

Staring off into the window, Horatio sighed, "I won't snatch them out. Scout's honor."

Dr. Beckley smirked and nodded, "That's good to know. Now, as for everything else, you seem to be on track for release. Your wounds are healing nicely, but I have to tell you, your body is still going through withdrawals, you will ache, and you'll move quite slow for a while."

Coming to Horatio's other side, she looked down, giving him a small smile and then looked back at the doctor, "Any idea about how much longer he'll have to stay here?"

"He can be released in about three days, I still want to keep an eye on him." Looking to Calleigh directly, he asked, "Have you found a suitable place for him to reside for the duration of his recovery?"

Horatio cringed and sighed, looking to the both of them, "The junkie addict is in the room. She hasn't found a rehab place for me, or have you, Calleigh?" The tone of voice was sharp and he shook his head and laughed mirthlessly, "I guess I don't know much of anything anymore."

Sighing heavily, Calleigh raised a brow at him and took a seat, "I was gonna see if you'd stay with me, Horatio. I can take you to your appointments and all…and no one will mess with you there."

Dr. Beckley cleared his throat roughly and then glanced to Calleigh, "Umm, Ms. Duquesne, can I have a word with you?"

Looking to the doctor, Calleigh breathed out heavily and stood up. Heading for the door, she glanced back at Horatio, "I'll be right back." Going out into the hallway, she turned as the doctor came out as well, closing the door behind him. "Yes?"

Placing the chart under his arm, he pushed his glasses up on his nose and looked to her intently, "Ms. Duquesne, I don't know if you realize the importance of the situation. Mr. Caine is in the throes of a serious addiction. He still craves heroin, and I don't think it would take him much of anything to get his hands on some. I would strongly suggest he enter rehab, just as a precaution."

Crossing her arms about her chest, Calleigh raised a brow, "And I don't think you understand either. I work for the Crime Lab…I know the signs and the risks involved in doing this. I'm on leave indefinitely and I can care for him and make sure he's never alone. If push comes to shove, I can take him down to his beach house in the keys. It's secluded there and no risk of him getting hold of anything."

Arching a brow and shaking his head, he sighed, "Just as long as you know what you're doing. He's in a tenuous stage right now and he's a danger to himself and everyone around him. I would stress, explicitly, that you take him to a facility."

Shaking her head, Calleigh sighed, "No, he'll go crazy there. I've dealt with addicts in my family, I can handle this. As I said…I'm a cop. If push come to shove I'll handcuff him to the bed."

Smirking, Dr. Beckley shook his head, "Well, you've got a different outlook on things, I'll say that. I wish you all the luck, Ms. Duquesne."

"Thank you. If you could though, doctor…can you recommend a therapist for him to see if we do end up down in the keys? I've got one here lined up already for him, but we'll need one there more then likely," Calleigh said, wanting all the bases covered.

"I'll look up some and give the names to you before Mr. Caine is discharged." Extending his hand, Dr. Beckley smiled warmly, "I do wish Mr. Caine nothing but success, and you to as well. What you're doing for him …it makes the difference."

Smiling some as she shook his hand, Calleigh raised a brow, "He means the world to me. I couldn't let him go through this alone."

"It's going to take love to keep him on the straight and narrow. Good luck to you both," Dr. Beckley responded as he released her hand. Glancing at the door, he smiled, "I'll get back with you on some names."

"Okay. Oh…and can I take the restraints off him now?" she asked as she placed her hand onto the door knob. "I know he'll probably want to shower and shave."

"Yes, I'll have a nurse take them off right now." Gesturing to his room door, he smiled, "Go and see him. I'm sure this will greatly improve upon his demeanor."

"I hope so. Thank you." Giving him a smile, Calleigh opened the door, going back in. Smiling as she walked over to the bed, she took a seat in her chair and reached for his hand, "The nurse will be in here shortly to take the restraints off. Did you want to try to sit up for a little while?"

The sun shone into the window and he sighed, shaking his head, "Sure, why not?" Pulling at the restraints, he winced, and then turned to her, "What are they going to do with me after this? I'm sure you have a better idea other than watching me twenty four hours a day."

"You're coming home with me, Horatio. I've done said I'd help you through all this and I meant it." Reaching for his drink, she opened it and got a straw, placing it in. Leaning to him, she placed it close to him so he could drink, "And if you don't like my place we can always go to yours in the Keys."

Taking a drink, he then shook slightly, closing his eyes slowly. Once the tremors stopped he took in a deep breath and exhaled lightly, "There's nothing in the Keys." No way to score. "I don't even have a phone there."

"Yeah, well…" she replied as she set the can of soda back next to hers and pulled a leg up under her, "wasn't that the idea? Not to have any interruptions…be able to just be you?" Taking in a deep breath, Calleigh looked down, "I uh…I'm gonna head to my place here shortly so I can get a change of clothes. Did you want me to bring you back something? Maybe some books to read…or I can bring the laptop."

"You're leaving? When will you come back?" Horatio asked almost anxiously. He looked to the clock and then back to her, "Are you going to see Tim?"

Unsure how to answer, Calleigh decided to play it safe, "I'm going to my place, get some clothes, check on a few things and then I'm coming back here. I shouldn't be gone more then two hours. And…I thought I'd bring you a few things back. Toothpaste and tooth brush, some undergarments, deodorant…that's why I also wanted to know if you wanted something to read or the laptop."

Smirking, Horatio nodded, "Sure, bring everything. I'll need something to do." Chuckling, he added, "You didn't answer my question."

"I said I was coming back, Horatio," Calleigh replied, trying to steer clear of the question he'd asked about Tim. "Hey, if you want, I can stop on the way back and get a couple DVD's. We can watch them on the laptop."

"Yeah, no problem." The door opened and Horatio smiled as the nurse came through, wearing a smile of her own. As if on reflex, Horatio lifted his arms, "My new best friend. It's about time I get these things off of me."

Coming around the bed to him, Lydia chuckled and began on the restraint, "Now, Mr. Caine I want you taking it easy. You've been in the bed for a long while and it'll take a little bit before you can get up and around by yourself completely." Releasing his arm, she then checked the IV site. "I'll bring a walker in here for you to help you out some…just make sure someone is in here with you if you decide to get out the bed."

"I'm sure that I won't be alone," Horatio responded as he nodded towards Calleigh. "She's probably got someone taking her place when she leaves." Turning to her fully, he smiled and tilted his head, his tone sharp, "Who's coming to babysit?"

Cocking a brow, Calleigh sighed, "You don't need a baby sitter…but Yelina will be stopping by to see you. She's just as worried about you as I am."

"Ah, Yelina. It will be nice to see her. She's gonna be here until you get back?" Horatio rubbed his wrists as they were released and then smiled more, the freedom to move coursing through him. Licking his lips, he chuckled, "Nice to move again."

Giving him a smile, Calleigh nodded, "I'm sure it is. Want to try sitting up some?" Standing up, she looked down at him, and took his hand into hers, "She'll keep you company until I get back I'm sure. We both want to see you out of here soon."

"I'm sure you do. It looks like you have something in common." Giving a nod to Lydia, he smiled genuinely, "Thanks, Lydia." When she left out, he turned toward the window, "One obstacle down, one to go. Have fun, Calleigh."

Confused at his sudden change of demeanor, Calleigh crinkled her brow, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Have fun with Tim," Horatio responded as he looked to her directly. He arched a brow and nodded, "It's okay, you need time away from me. I don't blame you, I'd get sick of sticking around here too."

Feeling her temper rising, Calleigh began to gather her things, "You know, Horatio…I wasn't even planning on going to see him. So why are you trying so hard to push me there?" Placing her purse and overnight bag into the chair, she turned back to him, "Why the hell can't you understand I don't want to be with him?"

Unaffected by her outburst, Horatio turned to the window and exhaled, "I never said you wanted to be with him, but you are going to visit, and that's okay, Calleigh." Turning to face her again, he gave her a faded smile, speaking emphatically, "It's okay, Calleigh."

Crinkling her eyes at him,she breathed out, "Gee, thanks for your permission. I'll remember that when I want to go visit Jesse or even Eric." Turning, Calleigh headed for the bathroom, going in and closing the door behind her.

Shaking his head, Horatio continued to watch and sighed heavily, listening to her in the bathroom. It was true, he hadn't said anything about her going to see Tim, but he could instantly tell that it was what she was going to do. Concentrating on the blue skies now, he smiled, hearing the door open again. Looking to the door, he smiled and repositioned himself, "She's in the rest room, she should be out in a minute. How are you, Yelina?"

Coming in and setting her purse down, Yelina took notice that he was no longer restrained and moved to him, leaning down and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Standing back up, she smiled, "I think the question is how are you doing? I see they took the restraints off finally."

"Yeah, I finally get a chance to move around without a problem. Other than that, I'm doing good, getting better each day. You know…Calleigh's in the bathroom, I'm sure she'd love to know that you're here."

"I know…" she replied as she took a seat. "I'll let her finish up. Trying to get her out of here already are we?" she asked with a knowing look.

"Yeah, because sitting around here is like a nightmare." Horatio arched a brow and ten sighed, "Why exactly are you here?"

"Well…" she said as she pushed back a strand of hair, "I was worried about you. I came that first week you were here, but you were still unconscious. Then when you awoke, Calleigh told me about the detox and I thought I'd give you time to be able to recoup from that."

"Yeah, I'm all better now. So you're going to stay as long as she's gone?" Horatio smirked and then shrugged, "She didn't make it hard to read, she wants a break from me."

Looking down at her hands, Yelina adjusted her rings, "Well, she has been here non stop since you arrived. A little time to herself will help her recharge. I know she wants to remain here for you. Apparently she loves you a great deal, Horatio." Looking back up at him, she smiled, "She's good for you, Horatio."

Pondering that thought, he nodded, "Yes, she is, she's good for me, Yelina. But she didn't have to lie about what she wanted to do. I know she's going out to meet Tim, and I'm okay with that. I trust her when she says that she's just his friend, but if she lies….Well, that presents a different problem, doesn't it?"

"Have you thought that maybe she just doesn't want to upset you?" Yelina asked as she tilted her head. "I've seen that jealous streak of yours, Horatio…Ray had that same problem."

Horatio glowered and then shook his head, "This is the exact reason why we split up the first time. I was trying to protect her, to make sure she didn't get upset and she went off her rocker because I was distrustful. She's doing the exact same thing and it's okay? No…it's not okay." Turning away from her, he raised his hand, "And I have a right to be jealous, they are…very close to each other."

Coming out the bathroom, Calleigh saw Yelina sitting in the chair and Horatio turned from her. Taking in a deep breath, Calleigh went over collecting her things, "Yelina…hi."

"Calleigh…" Yelina replied with a smile. Seeing the dark circles under the blonds eyes, she shook her head, "Take as long as you need. I'll keep Horatio company until you get back…right, Horatio?"

"Yes, that's right," Horatio responded with a nod. He looked to Calleigh and gave her a strained smile, "I've already told her to have a good time. I truly wish that she have a good time. She deserves that."

Placing her purse strap onto her shoulder, Calleigh looked at him, "I'll be back in about two hours and I'll bring you those things. Was there anything else you wanted?"

"No, I think you covered it. " He watched her move to the door and then turned back to the window, staring out of it, "Calleigh…really, take all the time you need. I'm obviously not going anywhere at the moment."

Glancing back at him and seeing him looking at the window again, Calleigh left out silently, unsure of what the future now held for them.

Feeling the tension in the room, Yelina cleared her throat when the door closed and sighed, "What are you doing, Horatio?"

"What do you mean? I'm not doing anything," Horatio countered, averting his eyes. The craving was starting to take over and he cringed lightly, "She's upset because I told her to have a good time."

Raising a brow, Yelina sat back in the chair, "I think she might be more upset about how you're treating her. You barely looked at her, Horatio, and let's not mention your tone. I know you're not feeling well still, but give her a break…she's been at your side day in and day out. Don't assume she's going to see Tim. You could be very wrong on that."

Horatio laughed and then shook his head, the bitter tone to his voice sharp, "I could be wrong, but I'm not. The mere fact that she couldn't answer my question tells me that. And about being considerate, it's what got me into this mess in the first place. I've been considerate to everyone! And what do I get for my troubles? I'm addicted to heroin, and trust me, when it's bad, it's bad." Glaring at Yelina, he smirked, "Apples don't fall to far from the tree, do they, Yelina?"

Crossing her arms over her chest, Yelina knew first hand the ramifications of a recovering addict. Remaining calm, she shrugged, "So what if they do. Can you honestly tell me you want to be an addict? Do you want to throw away everything you've worked so hard for? Or do you want to fight this addiction and get your life back?"

"Of course I don't want to throw everything away, and I don't want to be addicted to heroin, but the sad fact is that I am, Yelina. I am, and there's no denying it. I'm going to crave this for the rest of my life, but by no means am I going to give up." He could feel the tremor coming and sighed, his body stiffening. The episode lasted for a minute, but that was long enough. When the tremor stilled, he turned away completely, his eyes going to the window.

After having gone home to shower, change and gather some things for both herself and Horatio, Calleigh had driven over to Tim's as promised. She still felt bad about not telling the truth to Horatio about where she was going, but, at the same time, she really didn't feel like fighting with him anymore. So much had seemed to change with them and even Calleigh wondered if they would be able to piece their relationship back together.

Coming off the elevator, she made her way to the apartment door and knocked. Hearing Emma's happy and anxious voice coming from inside brought a small smile to her face. When the door was unlocked and opened, she looked up to find Tim smiling back at her, "Hey…I made it."

"Yes, you did and we're both glad to see you." Moving to make room for her to come in, he offered to take her purse and leaned in just as Emma came to greet her, "He didn't give you a hard time about this did he?"

"A sight one," she whispered back and then smiled as she bent down to Emma. Getting a hug from the little girl, Calleigh smiled a little more, "Hey, sweet pea. Don't you look beautiful today."

Giggling, Emma nodded, "Uh huh. Daddy did my pig tails for me."

"Well, look's like daddy did a really good job." Standing back up, Calleigh looked at Tim, "I'm not gonna be able to stay too long."

"I kinda figured that, but we're just glad to get you for however long we can have you. Isn't that right, Emma?" Tim smiled as Emma hung on Calleigh's leg and then laughed at Calleigh's expression, "What?"

"I still owe you a smack, by the way." Running her hand over Emma's head, Calleigh looked down at her, "So, sweetness…is that pancakes I smell?"

"Yep!" Emma replied with a bright smile. "Me and daddy made them special, just like you like them and with extra chocolate chips too. And then daddy let me pour you some orange juice to have with them."

Glancing at Tim, Calleigh looked back down, "Well, I think we need to go eat them before they get cold," Watching as Emma took off for the kitchen, Calleigh sighed, "She's so full of positive energy."

"Yes, she keeps me up even when I want to be down." Meandering their way to the kitchen Tim looked sideways to her and smirked, "So, how much spin control do you have to do when you go back to him?"

Shaking her head, Calleigh went over to the kitchen table and took a seat, "I don't know. Probably a lot. I…I just don't know what to do anymore. One minute he's fine…and the next he's practically biting my head off…and in a nice way sometimes."

Sitting opposite from her, he sighed and shook his head, staring at her hands, the concern running deeply, "Calleigh, are you sure you know what you're doing? Addicts are unpredictable and sometimes uncontrollable. As much as Horatio is my friend, if he hurts you in any way…"

"Tim…I'll be fine. I've dealt with addicts before and know what to expect. And if push comes to shove, I guess those self defense class we had to take will have paid off then." Reaching for the glass of juice, she sighed, "I don't think he trusts me though."

"You still think that he's hyper jealous of our friendship?" Tim took his glass of juice in hand as Emma grabbed her cup and smiled, "Two hands, baby." Refocusing, he tilted his head slightly, "Short of forcing it down his throat, I don't know what you can do to assure him, Calleigh. He's gotta come to his own conclusions."

Taking in a deep breath, Calleigh shook her head, "Before I left, he kept telling me I was coming over here to visit and that it was okay. I never said I was coming over here to him…he just…assumed."

"It's because of what Adrienne did to him. He automatically thinks that it has something to do with me if you're not around him. But Cal, he was jealous before all this happened, it's just something that's inside of him apparently." Reaching for her hand, he asked, "Does that make you love him any less?"

Gazing down at the table, Calleigh whispered, "No…it doesn't." Looking back at him, she sighed, "I just wish I'd never pushed him away like I did. We might not have had to go through all this then."

"You were reacting to a situation, Calleigh. You couldn't have predicted how this would turn out if you tried." Running his hands through his hair, he exhaled lightly, "I think this is all too overwhelming for you, Calleigh. I know you love him, but it might be a good idea to let someone handle his recovery. Be there for him, but…don't put yourself in the line of fire."

Looking back up at him as she reached for her fork, Calleigh sighed, "I don't know, Tim. I…I was thinking about taking him down to his place in the Keys for awhile. It's secluded there and he wouldn't have the access to things like he does here."

Tim stared at her before shaking his head, his voice lowering despite the strength of his words, "And he will be alone with you. What happens if he gets to the point that he's violent, Cal? You said so yourself, the only means of communication is a cell phone. And you're in seclusion…I don't like it, Calleigh." Looking to Emma as she ate obliviously, he cleared his throat and focused on Calleigh, "I know you're going to do what you want in this situation, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm not for it. He can find just as much help here."

Cutting a piece of pancake off with her fork, she released a breath and glanced at him, "He won't be violent with me, Tim. He's not like that, we both know that. He'd rather hurt himself them anyone else." Taking a bite, she clewed slowly and then added, "I'll take my gun and cuffs with me though…just in case."

Seeing her determination, Tim gave up the battle and arched his brow as he started to cut his pancake, "You know what you're doing, Calleigh. Just know that even though I don't agree with it, you can count on me for support." Taking a bite, he narrowed his brow and chewed thoroughly before swallowing, "If you keep this up, kiddo, you're gonna cook better than your old man."

Giggling some, Emma shifted back and forth in her chair, "No, you will always cook better, daddy. I'm still learning."

Tim laughed and then looked to Calleigh and nudged her with his foot, seeing her melancholy, "Cheer up, Cal. Things are going to work out."

Nodding and giving him a small smile as she cut another piece, Calleigh glanced at Emma seeing her smiled and then to Tim, "I hope so. If not…I don't know what I'll do."

"You'll always have us, Calleigh. Isn't that right, Emma?" Tim turned to look at Emma and then her plate, hi expression turning, "Emma…that's too much syrup! The pancakes are swimming in it!"

Looking at her dad, Emma gave him puppy dog eyes, "I didn't mean to put this much. It just happened when I poured it, daddy." Taking another bite, she gave him a smile, "I'll make sure I eat it all."

"There's no way you're eating all that syrup, just eat the pancakes and we'll toss it out." Shaking his head, he smiled and reached to ruffle her hair, "Don't worry, your Uncle did the same thing for years over his pancakes. Granny and Grandpa weren't too happy with him."

Watching the two of them, Calleigh wondered if one day she'd be able to experience the same with a child of her own. Taking another bite of her food, her thoughts went to Horatio and what he was doing at that moment. Deciding to tell him where she'd been when she got back, Calleigh knew she was in for an uphill battle, but, she was prepared to stick with it and with Horatio.