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**

"She was a maiden of rarest beauty, and not more lovely than full of glee. And evil was the hour when she saw, and loved, and wedded the painter. He, passionate, studious, austere, and having already a bride in his Art; she a maiden of rarest beauty, and not more lovely than full of glee; all light and smiles, and frolicsome as the young fawn; loving and cherishing all things; hating only the Art which was her rival."

From "The Oval Portrait" by Edgar Allan Poe

Looking through the newspaper as she sat on the couch in the break room, Calleigh bit into her apple that she'd brought with her, enjoying her lunch. After having finished processing the rest of the bullets and casings from the day before, she had found a few prints on the casing and had taken then to fingerprinting. Glancing up at the clock on the wall, she went back to reading the article that had caught her attention and didn't even look up as the break room door opened and then closed back.

Taking another bit of the apple, she chewed slowly, her sense coming on full alert as she felt someone watching her. Raising a brow, she could smell the scent of his cologne wafting through the air and smirked. Swallowing, she sighed, "See something interesting, Detective?"

Quirking his brow, Jesse snickered and shook his head as he approached the couch, "I see a lot, a lot that I like." Settling next to her, he eyed her as she ate her apple and then laced his hands in front of him, remembering their night. He'd made good on his promise not to stand her up and they had an enjoyable night. He hadn't expected her to be so responsive to him, but he wasn't complaining. Laughing lightly, he lifted his eyes to her and leaned in, "I'm still thinking of last night. I liked that and I was wondering if you were interested in another date?"

"Well, I guess that will all depend on when you're thinking about," Calleigh replied nonchalantly. Glancing at him, she smirked and raised a brow, "What? You never know, I might be busy when you want to go."

Jesse chuckled and raised his eyes, "Well, I think if we can coordinate we can avoid such problems. I was thinking dinner, maybe dancing…"

"Diner and dancing, huh? Maybe…" she replied as she looked over a newspaper ad. Taking a bite of her apple, she wiped at her mouth and looked up as a knock came to the door. Seeing the desk sergeant come in with a huge basket, Calleigh raised an eyebrow.

"Detective Duquesne, this was just delivered for you. I would have waited til you came for your messages, but, it was starting to smell up the area." Going over and handing it to her, he then turned and left out without another word.

Setting her apple and newspaper aside, Calleigh looked at the fragrant basket that was loaded with vanilla scented goodies. Seeing a card tucked inside, she pulled it out, reading it and sighed, "Another one."

Frowning, Jesse looked to the basket, "Secret admirer, Calleigh? Should I step up my game?"

Crinkling her brow, Calleigh shook her head, "I have no clue. I…I wish I knew who was sending these." Looking back at the note, she sighed, "Okay, tell me what you think about this."

The most natural, and, consequently, the truest and most intense of the human affections are those which arise in the heart as if by electric sympathy. With Love…EAP.

Jesse smirked and then sat back, looking at the basket and then shook his head, "I'd say you have a secret admirer who really loves poetry. He's quoting Edgar Allen Poe." Taking in her questionable brow, he shrugged, "I used to love to read." Holding his hand out, Jesse's expression dropped, "You said another one, how many have you gotten so far?"

"Three…" she breathed out as her eyes roamed over the basket. "All had similar messages with them. The first one was a small teddy bear, then yesterday there were tulips…now today, this."

"Well, right now, it just seems like you have a very devoted secret admirer, if it were constant, then there would be a problem. Have any idea who this person can be? Someone you met, went out with?" Jesse peered at her to get an answer and smiled, "Someone was touched by you."

"I don't know but this is getting annoying not knowing who it is that is sending these things. I mean…this bath stuff, this is the expensive shit. I don't even dare to try to buy it." Crinkling her brow more, she looked at him, "Everything so far has been things I like…I have a collection of teddy bears, my favorite flowers are tulips…and this, most of my stuff is vanilla scented."

"You said most of the things that are being sent are things that you like? What about the Poe quotes, are those your favorite too?" When she shook her head, Jesse exhaled heavily, "Calleigh…this is starting to sound serious. You're sure you have no idea who is sending this?'

"I'm sure." Getting up and taking the basket over to the table, she tilted her head as she looked at it and then looked back at him, "No one I know would be stupid enough to try and pull something like this off. Everyone knows I can't stand crap like this."

"Wait, you don't like getting presents?" Scratching his head, Jesse sighed, "Now that's something new, Calleigh."

"I don't mind getting presents, Jesse…I just hate this secret crap." Looking back at the card again, she shook her head, "I don't even recognize this handwriting."

Jesse raised his hand and gestured towards the basket, "Until this becomes a huge problem, sadly, Calleigh, it just looks as if you have a secret admirer. Sorry…" Glancing up at the door, he saw a familiar face passing by and pointed questionably, "Hey…wasn't that just Speedle? What do you think he's doing here?"

Crinkling her brow, she turned, just missing him and then headed towards the door. Opening it swiftly, she went out into the hall and looked down to see his retreating form. Smiling, she called out, "What, too good to say hello to anyone around here?"

Tim turned to see her and smiled widely, glancing around and then playfully pointed to himself, "Who? Me?" Approaching her slowly, he scratched the back of his head and smirked wildly, "I thought that you were indisposed. You and Cardoza looked as if you were in a detailed conversation. Are you two…an item?"

"Me and Jesse?" Calleigh asked with a smile as she took a few steps forward. "No, we're just good friends'. So when did you get back into town?"

Crossing his arms, he snickered, "About three years ago. I decided to lay low…So…" he said averting his eyes to Jesse as he came to the doorway of the break room. He shook his head and allowed a tuft of air to go, "So…how have you been, Calleigh? It's been a long time."

"I'm…here, I'll say," she replied with a slight smile, not quite making it to her eyes. "But, yeah, it's been a really long time, Tim." Nodding to one of the techs as they passed, Calleigh looked back at him, "So, hot stuff, you gonna come back to work with us?"

"Yes, tenuously," he answered as he perused her. He could tell that the years were wearing her thin, the sparkle that used to inhabit her green eyes now dimmed. There was something of a dissatisfaction to her, almost as if she'd had enough of the disappointment that life was continuing to dole out for her. He averted his eyes in hopes that he wasn't caught staring and sighed heavily, "I've got a little girl that means the world to me, so I can't get to fanatical with the lab work. It matters when you have someone to go home to."

Adverting her eyes as she shifted her weight, she nodded, "Yeah, I guess it does." Feeling a bit out of place with him, Calleigh shrugged, "Well, I hope you'll be able to come back here. We've missed you."

"Yeah…I've missed you too." Holding her gaze, he smiled genuinely and nodded, "See you around, Cal."

"I hope so," she smiled back. Watching as he turned and headed back towards Horatio's office, Calleigh released a breath as her eyes stayed with his retreating form. When he disappeared around the corner, she turned, heading back to the break room and saw Jesse watching. Giving him a smirk as she went in, she raised a brow, "What?"

"Ah…nothing," he replied mischievously. He nodded in the direction of the door and smiled, "So…you and Speedle? Did you two…ah…date?"

Releasing a small laugh, Calleigh shook her head, "No, never. Him and Eric usta hang out a lot though and hit the clubs searching for that right girl. He was with one for awhile…up til he left I think. Pam…Patty…something like that I think."

"I see, and that between you two just a second ago…just saying hi to an old friend?" At her incredulous look, Jesse laughed more, "C'mon, Calleigh, you can see this coming a mile away. You liked him at one point."

"Please…" Calleigh replied as she went over and collected the basket she'd received. Moving to the couch and getting her apple, she tossed it into the trash and headed for the door, "I've got to get to fingerprinting."

"Yeah…I'll see you later then, Cal." Watching as she moved out of room, Jesse sighed heavily, "Denial is a terrible thing, Calleigh. The quicker you acknowledge that, the better off you'll be."

Walking through the halls, Calleigh's pager on her cell began to ring and she reach, pulling it out of her pocket. Looking at the screen, she saw she had a call out and huffed, "Figures…right when I want to get busy with lab work." Heading towards the elevators, she flipped open her phone, calling dispatch to see what they had.

Ascending the stairs to Horatio's office, Tim took one last look, spotting her as she walked down the hall the phone to her ear. He could easily surmise that there was a call out, and he knew then that his time was limited. Coming to rest at his door, Tim knocked once and waited for him to acknowledge.

Hanging up his phone as he slipped his jacket on, Horatio looked towards the door. Noting the time, he called out, "Come in." Reaching for his badge and gun as the door opened, he looked over to see Tim walking in, "Speed. How are you doing today?"

"I'm good," he answered back as he eyed the jacket. He stopped at the edge of his desk and stood, shifting his weight, "You got something going on?"

"DB at the College," Horatio replied smoothly as he adjusted his badge and gun. "So, have you given any thought to coming back to the lab then?"

"I have given it much thought, and …I'll do it, but I have to have a modified schedule because of Emma. If you can meet that stipulation, I think we have a deal." Tim gave Horatio a small smile, wondering if the red head even heard him, his silence and demeanor speaking to his preparation for the scene. Crinkling his brow, he pointed to the door, "If you're busy, I can come back so we can discuss this more…"

"No, that's fine, Speed," Horatio said as he finished up. Looking to him, Horatio's hands went to his hips as he thought for a moment and then nodded, "What hours are we looking at, Speed?"

"Basic nine to two," Tim answered directly, keeping his eyes on his former boss. "I need the time in the morning to get Emma to school and pick her up from school. I can pull a few hours after school, but I want to be there at night for her." Thinking to his conversation with Pam, he sighed heavily, "I'm all she has."

"So, Monday thru Friday…nine to two…I think we can swing that for you, Speed. You said you had been doing some consulting, right?" Horatio asked as he came around his desk.

"Yes, I did. A couple of year's in St. Petersburg. I had no desire to go back into the field, so I consulted with their analysts. Why?"

Nodding, he tilted his head, "Just making sure you stayed up with some things. We uh, we've gotten some new equipment that you'll need to get familiar with. I'm sure Mr. Wolfe or Jesse will be able to get you caught up with them. I'll make sure you stay in the lab only."

"I definitely appreciate your understanding in this." Noticing as Horatio started for the door, he moved and followed him, "So…I can start soon?"

Heading out of his office, Horatio glanced back at Tim as he followed, "You'll need to go to human resources and get the paper work filled out and get your ID as well. You can start say…Monday?"

Tim smiled and nodded as he descended, "That's going to work. I can't thank you enough, Horatio." Seeing that the lab was practically empty, he asked, "Mind if I step into the trace lab for a second? I won't touch anything."

"Go right ahead. I've got to head out to this scene." Stopping and turning to him, Horatio gave him a nod and a smile, "I never thought I'd say this, but, welcome back, Speed."

"I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad to be back." Extending his hand, he sighed, "I look forward to working with you again."

Shaking his hand firmly, Horatio smiled more, "Same here, Speed." Releasing his hand, Horatio pointed towards trace, "It's changed a lot since you were here last. If you've got any questions, give me a call later, okay?"

"I'm sure there's not that much of a change. I'm sure I'll be fine." Tim watched as Horatio began to walk off and headed for the trace lab, smirking, "It's like riding a bike." Turning the corner, he arched a brow at the corridor, looking on both sides of them. With the addition of the enormous windows, the façade of the labs were totally different. Looking for the signs, he finally found trace and pushed in, stopping in his tracks. The entire lab had been redone, and unfortunately for him, his trace lab hadn't been spared. Sighing heavily, he muttered to himself as he ran a hand through his hair, "I should've never left."

Carrying some samples, Walter ambled into trace, noticing a new face there. Crinkling his brow when he saw the visitor's pass, he raised a brow, "Uh, excuse me. You're not supposed to be in here. This area is for authorized personnel only, sir."

As if he hadn't heard his statement, Tim turned to faced him with a crinkled brow, "Hey…can you tell me where the Mass Spec is? It's not where it's supposed to be…" Walking away from him, he perused his surroundings, "The computer is…where exactly? And there should be a desk around here somewhere…"

Moving quickly, Walter moved in front of the man, "Hey, you can't be in here. You're gonna have to leave, sir."

Side stepping the big man, Tim furrowed his brow, mumbling as he walked, "H was right…things have changed. I'll need all of Monday just to know where everything is…"

"Sir," Walter said as he grabbed hold of the man's arm, stopping him from moving forward anymore. "I've asked you twice now to leave this area. Don't make me have to arrest you?"

Stopping, Tim looked to his arm and then to him, his expression filled with disbelief, "Really? You're seriously thinking about arresting me? This is going to be cute. How long have you been working here, ah…" he said as he peered at the white lab coat, "W Simmons? Apparently, not long."

"Sir, visitors are not allowed in the labs. You need to leave," Walter stated firmly as he looked at the man.

Pulling his arm away from him, Tim glowered at him, "At the risk of sounding like I'm eighty five, when you were squatting with your high school friends, trying out your, "game", I was here, polishing off the greatest solve rate in Miami. This lab wasn't the best in Miami for no reason." Walking away from him, he sighed, "And when the hell did they get white lab coats?"

Quirking a brow, Walter began to follow him, "Sir…who the hell are you?"

Going through the lab, Tim sighed irritably, shaking his head, "Why are the pipettes over there?" Turning his head towards Simmons, he waved him off, "Tim Speedle, CSI level three. You're standing in what …used to be my trace lab. Nice to meet you by the way."

Stopping, a smile formed on Walter's face and he pointed to him, "Hey, you're the one Calleigh and Delko talk about sometimes. But uh…I have to ask, why are you here? You know visitors aren't allowed in any of the labs. If someone catches you in here, my ass…"

"Your ass will still be workable," Tim responded with a sigh. "I start work on Monday, H said it would be alright if I came in here if I didn't touch anything…I didn't touch, so…it's okay." Shaking his head, he sighed heavily, "Just how long have you been working here, Simmons?"

"Well, on day shift…about four months now. Before that I was on the night shift though. Walter Simmons by the way," he said as he extended his hand out to Tim.

Taking his hand, Tim nodded as he shook it firmly, "Night shift, huh? No offense intended, but why did they pull from night shift? Oh…Speedle…but friends call me Speed. Never…call me Tim."

Nodding with a smile, Walter moved over to the table and set the samples down, "Well, Speed, H needed some help here when Delko was in the hospital…so, I volunteered and liked it so much so I stayed. I uh, I'm an art thief specialist and I was on the force for a little while."

Tim gave him the once over and snickered, "You were on the force for a while. Interesting…So…art thief specialist. There's gotta be a big demand for that. What was your major, Art History?"

Hearing a slight bit of sarcasm in his voice, Walter leaned back against the table and crossed his arms over his chest, "Well, lets see, I did major in art history but I minored in chemistry also." Smirking, he sighed, "And yes, there is a demand for an art specialist."

"Glad to hear it, Walter." Glancing to the samples, he nodded, "So…whatcha working on, Walter?"

"Samples from a scene we took yesterday morning." Moving some, he shrugged, "Being Jesse and Wolfe are out with Calleigh and Horatio, I thought I'd get it going."

"Determination, that's a good thing," Tim responded cheekily as he started again around the room. Narrowing his brow, he exasperated, "Seriously…where is everything?"

Smirking, Walter sighed as he shook his head, "Seriously, this is everything. They made a lot of changes, for the better though. We're able to get better results and conduct tests that we couldn't five years ago."

"Well, isn't that just great." Shaking his head, he rested a hand on his hip as he looked around again. "Well…looks like I will need a tour on Monday."

Shrugging, Walter offered up, "Well, I'm here at eight, if you want, I can show you around. They upgraded just about every lab a couple years ago. It's made things a lot easier though."

"I'm sure," Tim responded as he looked to Walter. "I'll be here at seven thirty, I wasn't planning on being here so early, now I have to find someone to watch Emma… Hey…can you make it nine. I simply just can't leave my little girl."

"Nine is good as long as I don't get a call out, man," Walter smiled. "In the meantime though, you might want to get a regular badge, otherwise people will be riding your ass around here."

"Don't worry, I've got that covered, Walter." Looking to his watch, Tim smiled and clasped Walter's shoulder, "Well, big guy, I've gotta get going. See you at nine, Monday morning."

Smiling more, Walter chuckled, "I'll be here. Hey, it was nice meeting you. I know Calleigh and Eric have both spoke highly of you around here."

Stopping, Tim turned to him and quirked his brow, "Really…Highly, huh?" Smirking he shook his head, "See you on Monday, Walter."

"See ya, Speed," Walter nodded with his chin as the older man left out. Shaking his head, Walter sighed, "This is gonna be interesting."

Stepping out into the unbearable heat, Horatio, slipped out of the jacket and folded it once, laying it on the passenger seat of the Hummer. Having been in Miami for years, he had become adjusted to the roasting heat, doing everything that he knew to stay cool. There were some days, however that nothing was helping and as he shut the door, he surmised fully that this was one of those days. Walking steadily towards the back of the Hummer, he collected his kit and then slammed the hatch back down, taking a look at the scene. The campus was teeming with students and faculty alike, but the concentration was where the yellow tape was strung and fluttering on the stiff, heated breeze that was blowing. Had they been closer to the ocean, the breeze might've felt refreshing, but as it was, it only made the heat just that more suffocating.

Wiping his brow, Horatio walked steadily towards the tape, seeing the uniform standing guard stoically. Giving him a nod, he passed under the tape and found who he was looking for, a small smile coming on his face. He watched as she moved slowly around the body and then stopped, as if studying something intently. For years, they walked the line, but now, Horatio was starting to believe that if he just stepped out on faith, he could at least have a chance with her.

Approaching, he set his kit down and spoke softly, placing his hands on his hips as he looked down at her, "Looks like we have a huge audience. How are you doing, Calleigh?"

Snapping a picture, Calleigh looked up at him through her sunglasses and smiled, "I'd be better if someone would turn down this heat some." Standing back up, she looked around, "You'd figure in this heat people would want to stay inside where it's cool."

"Curious minds," he replied gently as he moved around to the opposite side of the body, glancing down at it, "What do we have here?"

"Her name is Jessica Martin. I found her school ID in her purse. She's got some ligature marks around her neck and there aren't any wounds visible…I'm thinking possible strangulation," Calleigh stated as she looked over at the red head.

Peering closely, his brow furrowed, seeing the dark line running the length of her side, "It looks like lividity has set in, she was moved. So," he said as he looked to the campus, "We are in search of a crime scene. Who found the body?"

"A couple student's on there way to class. They reported it to campus security." Looking over and seeing the ME arriving, she then looked back down at the girl, "Tom's here, maybe he can see something we can't."

Horatio nodded and then looked to Calleigh, taking a deep breath before letting it out, "Has Frank started the canvassing?"

"Yeah and Ryan is over at the guidance office seeing if she was in the dorms here. If so, he's gonna go talk to her roommate." Wiping at her brow, she looked up towards the sun, "This heat is doing nothing for her though." Looking back at him, she then bent down, closing her kit, "I'm gonna find out her schedule and talk to her teachers, see if maybe she had any problems with any of the other students."

Horatio nodded and then watched as she stood slowly, her attention now focused on her task. Looking to the ground, he shifted his weight and scratched lightly at his temple willing himself to speak. It was just the two of them for a moment and he didn't know when that would occur again. Building up the courage, he cleared his throat.

"Um…Calleigh, can I talk to you for a second?" His voice was filled with uncertainty and his gaze lingered on her seconds longer than what it should have. He usually wasn't this unflappable, but then again, he never attempted to ask out a colleague. "Um…this is….this is kind of hard for me…Ah…How long have we known each other, Calleigh?"

Thinking for a moment, Calleigh then smiled as she shifted her kit from one hand to the other, "Almost ten years. Hard to believe it's been that long."

"Yes…it is." Feeling the anxious feelings coming over him, he finally looked up to her and smiled, taking a step towards her, "And in all our years together…I've felt something, but I…I never had a chance." Flustered, he took a deep breath and just said it, "Calleigh, will you have dinner with me tonight? I mean, we don't have to go anywhere fancy, I just wanted to spend some time with you…away from the lab."

Taken back by his admission and then his question to her, Calleigh licked her dry lips and looked down. At one time, she had feeling for the red head Lieutenant, but, she had pushed them down, knowing nothing would ever come of them, but now, she had a chance to see if there was anything still there. A small smile formed and she breathed out before looking back up at him, "Uh…okay. What time?"

Horatio did a double take, astonished that she would agree to it and then gave her a smile, "How does eight sound? Just to make sure we get the preliminaries done on this case."

"Eight it is then. Oh, do uh…do you think you could give me a ride home afterwards? I rode in with Natalia this morning being my car's been acting up some," she replied as she pushed back a strand of her long blond hair.

Watching as she flipped her hair back, he licked his lips, his thoughts treading on other things. Shaking himself out of it, he nodded, "Meet me at my office and we'll go from there, sound good?"

"Sound's good." Backing away, she nodded back towards the building, "I'll be inside seeing what I can find out."

Taking a look back at Tom arriving at the body, Horatio smiled, "I'll be right behind you."

Heading towards the entrance to the building, Calleigh thought about what had just happened and smiled to herself. For a few years, they had constantly flirted back and forth with each other, and then something had changed. She wasn't sure when it happened or how, but for the last three years they had seemed to grow apart, hardly speaking with each other or working scenes together. Horatio had even distanced himself from the team and at one point seemed to be on a death wish mission.

Going into the building, Calleigh looked around spotting some offices and headed over towards them. Going in the first one she came to, she smiled at the woman that sat at the desk, "Excuse me, ma'am. I was hoping you could help me. I'm with the Crime Lab and I needed to find out the schedule of a student here."

Giving the young woman a nice smile, Gail Larson tilted her head, "I'm sorry ma'am, but we cannot just disperse student records on a whim. There are privacy matters to consider." Pushing her glasses up on her nose, her smile dropped somewhat and sighed, "There is a listing posted on the bulletin board that is available to all of the students- it shows their major."

"I don't think you understand ma'am. The student in question was found murdered outside earlier and it's important that we find out her class schedule so we can do a proper investigation," Calleigh stated, her southern accent kicking in. "I don't think she'd have a problem with a privacy issue now."

Gail's eyes knit in disbelief and she gasped, "Oh my…yes….anything to help, ma'am. What is the student's name?" With her hands at the ready, she waited for the name, her heart dropping at the thought of one of their student's being killed.

"Jessica Martin. We found her ID in her purse and know for sure she was a student here," Calleigh replied and looked over, seeing another woman walk in. Looking back at the woman, Calleigh watched as she typed away on the computer.

Typing feverishly, Gail sighed sadly, "Jessica Denise Martin. She was an English major in her third year. The professor for her required English was Marcus Dean and she also had a public speaking course…Maybe I should print this out for you." Looking to the blond, she smiled as she then looked past her, "Ah…Mr. Larken, how are you doing today?"

Christopher Larken looked towards the familiar voice and stopped in his tracks, pushing his glasses up on his nose as he stared at the registrar, allowing a faint smile, "Ah…hi, Miss Larson. And…and how are you today?"

"I've been better, sir."

Turning some and seeing the man, Calleigh gave him a small smile and a nod before looking back at the secretary. Making a mental note of the man's name, Calleigh then smiled as the woman handed her the printout, "Thank you, ma'am."

A small sigh escaped her lips and she shook her head, regrettably, "It's always a sad day when one of our students are struck down. If there is anything we can do, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, ma'am, I appreciate it." Looking over the list of classes and the professor's names, she came upon one that caught her eye. Looking up and over at the man, she took a step towards him, "Excuse me, you said you're Mr. Larken? Professor Larken, that is?"

"Ah…yes…um…. I am indeed Professor Larken. What can I do for you?" he asked as he kept his eyes down. He only ventured to look at her for a split second before looking back down, smiling, "I'm a bit busy at the moment, I've got a class to get to."

"I'm Calleigh Duquesne with the Crime Lab." Showing him the printout, she raised a brow, "You had Jessica Martin as a student in your second period class. I was hoping I could have a word with you about her."

"Ah… Jessica Martin…" the professor thought for a minute before taking a deep breath and looking down, "Yes! Ms. Martin was an excellent student, she really stood out to me." His brow crinkled almost immediately, "You're from the crime lab…is there something wrong with Ms. Martin?"

Looking up at the man and noticing he wouldn't look at her, Calleigh became suspicious and pursed her lips before speaking, "Ms. Martin was found murdered earlier. You wouldn't happen to know if she was having problems with one of the other students in class or maybe with a staff member from here, would you?"

"I cannot speak for what happens out side of my class room, but inside, Ms. Martin was…perfection. She was an excellent student, and she was well liked." He steadied his gaze on the young woman and smiled, "She was going to be in public relations when she graduated. One more year to go…It's sad."

"It is. Do you know if Ms. Martin maybe had a boyfriend or someone she was seeing?" Calleigh asked, taking in his gaze.

"Yes, she had a boyfriend, and he was none too nice. Richard Saulston, he's an athlete and very cocky if you ask me. I never saw for myself anything, but she used to come into class crying to herself, and that boyfriend of hers would always be waiting for her after lunch."

Setting her kit down and pulling out her notepad, Calleigh made note of the boyfriends name and then looked back at the professor, "Do you know if he lives here on campus, sir?"

"I don't know. As I said, I have no idea what went on away from my class," the professor said as he started walking. Giving a wave to the register, he then looked back at the woman, smiling, "If I can be of any additional help, you know where to find me. I do apologize, but I have to get to class." Moving away from her, he limped lightly, his leg becoming stiff from standing in one place too long.

Watching him as he left out, Calleigh then picked her kit back up and followed. Going out to the hallway, she watched as he walked down the hall in the direction of his classroom. Feeling a presence next to her, she smiled, "I got her schedule. That was her English Professor…said Jessica had a boyfriend and wasn't all that friendly with Jessica at times."

Horatio nodded and then looked to her, "I guess we need to make a visit to the boyfriend. What do you think about the professor?"

Turning and looking at Horatio, Calleigh shook her head, keeping her voice low, "I don't know. He wouldn't hardly keep eye contact…like he was nervous to even look at me. Unfortunately, he had a class to get to and I didn't have anything to hold him on."

"Do you think he could've done this? I saw him as he came out, he seems to have a limp. There had to be a certain amount of strength applied in strangling someone." Horatio kept her gaze and spoke gently, "He could've been nervous…the sight of a badge can make someone uneasy, even if they hadn't done anything."

"True. I don't know…just something about him. He did say Jessica was a great student of his and was liked by the others in the class." Shaking her head, she sighed, "I'm gonna follow up though. Until then, there are three other teachers on here that need to be interviewed."

"Want some help with that?" Horatio asked as he moved to take her kit. Smiling, he nodded, "Lead the way."

"Thanks," Calleigh replied with a light smile. Looking at the paper in hand, she then looked up at the hallway numbers and pointed the way to one of Jessica's classes, hoping that between them both, they'd be able to get o the bottom of this case and find out what had happened to the coed.

Taking her seat as he pulled out her chair for her, Calleigh smiled as she sat down and then he went around to his seat. Placing their drink orders, Calleigh set her purse aside and folded her hands as she rested them on the table. Looking over at the red head Lieutenant, she realized that they had shared a meal in almost two years, the last time being lunch and it had been interrupted by a call out to a scene.

Tilting her head slightly, she looked down at her hands, a slight smirk gracing her lips, "You know, it's been years since we've eaten together. I think the last time was over Chinese food."

"Yeah, I remember that," he responded gently, staring at her delicate hands. It always amazed him how soft her hands looked, considering what she handled from day to day. Lifting his eyes to hers, he smiled more, "This time, I don't believe we'll be interrupted." Taking a chance, he placed his hands on the table and then reached for hers, enclosing them within his. He looked to see her smiling lightly, the sparkle in her green eyes luring him away from anxiety, "I have some serious atoning to do for the past few years. I shouldn't have distanced myself from you…"

Taking in a deep breath, she released it slowly and looked at their hands, "Why did you, Horatio? After Tim was shot and then left…it was like you changed completely, like you didn't want to be around any of us at times."

Horatio's brow crinkled as he struggled to come to terms with it himself, exhaling heavily as he shook his head, "I didn't want to be faced with losing anything else. I pulled myself away from everyone, everything, because I felt as if I couldn't protect…Speed was shot….because of me… He could've died."

Shaking her head, Calleigh's voice became soft, "Tim was shot because his gun malfunctioned. That had nothing to do with you, Horatio…and had you not been there with him, he might not be alive now."

"I still felt like I failed him…and you." Horatio sighed and squeezed her hands within his, "I didn't feel as if I could be what you needed."

Crinkling her brow, Calleigh tilted her head more, catching his eyes, "That's not true, Horatio." Giving him a small smile, she shrugged, "I don't think a day's gone by that I haven't needed you."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Horatio asked as he stroked her hand with his thumb. "I guess we were so preoccupied in our own world to see what we've had."

"We've both been through a lot these past few years…we've both changed as well." The waiter arrived back at their table with their drinks and both sat back as they were placed down in front of them. Already knowing what they wanted, they placed there meal orders and then were left alone again. Reaching for her glass of wine, Calleigh held hers up to him, "So…to not holding back anymore and reconnecting?"

"To reconnecting," Horatio said as he smiled, lifting his glass, "and definitely to not holding back." Touching her glass, he kept his eyes on her as he sipped the wine, placing it down and smiled widely, "So…what have you been up to the past few years?"

Smiling brightly, Calleigh chuckled and set her drink down, "Oh you mean besides getting shot at, nearly run down, kidnapped, oh…let's not forget the best one, having an escapee after me, other then that, nothing really."

Hearing her dangerous exploits, Horatio sighed, knowing that to some degree, he could've been there more for her. He glanced to see her smile and it warmed him to his very core, the old and familiar feelings bubbling up to the surface. With a light sigh, he answered, "You're a strong woman, Calleigh. You survived them, but I hope it's the last you'll see if that type of strife. If you allow me in, of course."

Looking down some and licking her lips, she then looked back at him, "You know Eric and I had been seeing each other. Granted with the investigation and all, we put everything on a back burner…and now he's in Puerto Rico and I haven't even heard from him." Looking back down, her brow furrowed and she sighed, "I'm not gonna lie, Horatio, I still have feelings for him…I'm just not sure him and I should be together."

Nodding with an understanding, he released her hands and centered his focus on her, "You know, even after a painful break up, we still retain our feelings. Just because it didn't work out, doesn't mean that the feelings disappear. It's going to take you working through them on your own." An awkward feeling fell over them and Horatio sat back, and asked, "So, how are you liking the new edition to the day shift?"

Smiling at the change of subject, Calleigh reached for her glass again, "Which one, Walter or Jesse?"

"Well, both. Granted, Jesse's been here before, but he's been gone so long, it's like he's brand new and Walter…" Horatio shook his head and chuckled, "Walter's a whole new thing altogether."

"Well, at least they both know there stuff," Calleigh replied and then took a sip of her drink. Setting it back as she swallowed, she looked back at him, "I saw Tim at the lab today. Is he gonna be coming back?"

Studying his glass, he sighed and then took a drink, putting the glass back down, "Yes, he starts back Monday. But he's going to be strictly lab only; it was his request. And he's got a certain schedule he's working to accommodate his daughter."

Noticing something there, Calleigh raised a brow and looked at him, "What's going on, Horatio? From the sounds of it, you're not so sure about him coming back."

"No…it's nothing. Speed's an asset to the lab, and I welcome him back openly. It's just that…he's changed. He's not the same Speed we knew." He looked up to her and smiled lightly, "It would be nice to have him back in again won't it?"

"Yeah, I think it will be. He was the one to always figure out things that we never thought about." A small chuckle erupted and Calleigh snickered, "You know, him and Ryan will more then likely butt heads."

"Yes, most more than likely," Horatio admitted with a slight frown. He shook his head the thoughts of having to deal with that running through his mind, "I hope that Speed being in the lab mostly will hinder their…encounters. If I can keep Mr. Wolfe busy, they won't have time for it."

"Well, you know, you could always move Ryan over to fingerprinting and impressions. He seems to excel there anyways. And with Eric being gone now, we do need someone there," Calleigh stated, a slight smile on her lips.

Horatio nodded and chuckled, "Leave it up to you to stay a step ahead of the game. I think moving Mr. Wolfe is a great idea, one I'm sure he won't mind." Looking away from her, he saw the waiter coming and leaned in, "Dinner's arrived, I hope you're hungry."

"Famished actually," she replied as the waiter came to them and set her plate down first and then his. Reaching for her napkin, she placed it in her lap and looked at the plate, "Oh this smells divine."

"Eat to your heart's desire," Horatio replied, looking at his plate. He took in the meal on his plate and realized that he wasn't going to eat even half of it, slipping his fork in and pulling it out. Hovering over his lips, he smiled at Calleigh's tenacious attention to her plate, finally taking the fork in his mouth. As they ate, he could feel the easy rapport that had been missing and knew that just as before, they would function better as friends. When it seemed that she was nearly done, he chuckled and shook his head, "I have no idea where you put all that."

Wiping her mouth with her napkin, she reached for her wine, "It's called having a southern mother that liked to fix a full course meal all the time." Taking a drink, she set it back and gave him s smile, "But, I am full now, thank you for asking me here with you."

"Sure, I thought it was time we broke the ice again," Horatio answered back, raising his hand. Bringing the waiter over, he requested to make their remnants to go and then looked to Calleigh, determined not to speak about the case that they had started. He had questions, but he was going to let them go until the right time.

When the waiter cleared the table of their plates, Calleigh held her wine glass looking at him, "I've really enjoyed tonight, handsome. Next time though…why don't you let me cook?"

Horatio's eyes lit at the connotation of another dinner and smiled, nodding slowly, "I think I'll take you up on that. I don't think that I've had your cooking yet."

"Well, it's not as good as my mom's, but, it's southern and good," she replied with a smile. Taking one last drink, she set the glass back down, "About earlier, Horatio…" Seeing him getting ready to interrupt, Calleigh raised a brow, "let me explain. Yes I have feeling for Eric…but I honestly don't think that there is anything there for us anymore. Too much has happened for there to be."

Horatio nodded and gave her a warm smile as his eyes remained on the table. A small chuckle emitted and he exhaled lightly, "No one gets to tell you how to let go. You do that your own way, and I can understand that, and I respect it. If you need time, that's what you'll get. No worries, okay?" Glancing at his watch, his brows raised and he looked to her, "Time's flying by, we should get going. I hope you've enjoyed tonight."

Nodding her head, her smile grew some, "I have." The waiter returned with what was left of there meals in carry home bags along with the check and Horatio stood up. Doing the same, Calleigh got her purse, slipping it over her shoulder, "Well, I guess we've got our lunch for tomorrow also now."

"Yes, we do," he responded as he pulled his wallet. Pulling out a couple of bills, he smiled, "So, when can I look forward to your home cooking? The thought of it has me anxious."

Pushing her hair back behind her, Calleigh chuckled and his enthusiasm, "Well…are you busy Sunday evening? That'll give me time to hit the store and get what I'll need."

"Sunday's fine. Do I need to bring anything?" Horatio asked as they began to move through the restaurant. He fell back behind her and placed his hand at the small of her back, leaning in to whisper into her ear, "I cannot remember the last time I've enjoyed an evening like this. I hope this is the beginning of something new."

Blushing slightly as his warm breath tickled at her skin, Calleigh smiled shyly and nodded, "That would be nice." Stopping for him to pay the bill, Calleigh smiled to herself, happy that she had decided to take him up on his dinner offer. When he was finished paying, they headed out to his car, "I've had a wonderful time tonight, Horatio…thank you."

"The thanks should be all yours. It's been a long time since I've felt the way I do now." Silence pierced between them as they reached the car and he opened the door for her, allowing her to sit. For a second, he was unable to take his eyes away from her body, the thoughts running concurrently with his desires. Shaking himself, he closed the door and crossed to the driver's side, sliding in effortlessly and starting the car. After the nice dinner and conversation, he wasn't ready to descend into awkward silence on the way back to her house and so he looked to her and gave her a smile, "I have an idea on another date. Let's go to the firing range and test ourselves. And I'll even put up a friendly wager. How does that sound?"

Remembering the times when years ago they would sneak off to the range to get rid of frustrations and also settle up with a bet or two, Calleigh laughed lightly and nodded, "A friendly wager, huh? And exactly what type of wager are we talking about? I mean, the last time you did that I think I took a hundred from you…in one shot."

"Well, obviously something that won't hurt my pockets as much. More along the lines of if I win, I get to take you out on a more romantic date." He chanced a glance to her, hoping that he hadn't offended her and held his breath, waiting.

Thinking about it, she looked over at him, "And if I win?"

"What would you like of me, sweetheart?" Horatio answered gently, relieved that she didn't shoot the idea down completely. He arched a brow and added, "Monetary wagers are kept under a hundred this time."

Smirking, she turned to him some, "How about if I win, you get to cook for me. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like we have a wager then. You'll have to tell me what you like, in case you happen to lose." Horatio continued to drive, taking the route from memory. It was as if all of those years of distance between them were drifting away and they were now treading on familiar ground. Once he made his way to her home, he shut off the engine and then crossed the car to open the door for her, taking her hand to help her out of the car. He couldn't help the feelings that were now surging through him as he pulled her closer, cupping her cheek. Gazing into her eyes, he sighed and leaned closer, "Calleigh…I've wanted to do this for so long…"

Lightening brightened up the darkened Miami night with the approaching storm and Calleigh allowed the intimate contact with him. Her heart seemed to beat faster as he closed the distance between then, her eyes closing as well, waiting for the kiss she thought he'd be delivering to her.

Seeing that she was ready, Horatio advanced further, practically feeling her heart beating through her chest. He smiled faintly before closing his eyes and averting slightly to kiss her on her cheek, holding her close. When he pulled back, he smiled down at her and whispered as he caressed her cheek, "I want this to be right, Calleigh. No mistakes."

Slowly opening her eyes and looking at him, Calleigh nodded and whispered, "I understand." Reaching up and slipping her arms around his neck, she smiled as he pulled her closer to him, her head resting against his shoulder, "I've missed you, Handsome."

Relishing her warmth, Horatio whispered back to her, "I've missed you too, Calleigh."

Gripping the wheel, he cringed strongly, his fury becoming too much for him to bear. He began to shake almost uncontrollably as he watched her pull herself to him, allowing him to touch her. He'd only seen the red head once or twice and never thought that he would be a part of her life to care much about him, but now he was seeing that the red head was going to be an obstacle. Trying to focus on something other than his murderous intentions, he reached for the bottle of chloroform and smirked evilly, knowing that when the time came, he was going to show her his full might.

Looking up as another bolt of lightening rain across the night sky, Calleigh then looked up at him, "Look's like we're in for a storm tonight. Did uh…did you want to come in for some coffee before heading home?"

"As much as I want to," he responded regrettably as he moved a stray strand of hair away from her eyes. He stared into her eyes and smiled, "We both have work, and this could lead to something…else entirely. I will take a rain check."

"Okay," Calleigh replied, understanding fully his position on the matter. Tilting her head, she smiled up at him, "Walk me to my door at least then?"

"Certainly." Releasing her from his arms, he took her hand and led her to the door, stopping as she reached into her bag to get her keys. Watching her open the door, he allowed his eyes to drink her in and sighed lightly at the potential that was to come. When she had it opened, he grasped her arm and pulled her closer, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. Parting from her, he smirked, "Just a reminder. Good night, Calleigh. Lock up, okay?"

"I will," she whispered as she gazed up into his eyes, still stunned at the kiss he'd just given her. Reaching up and touching his chin, she sighed, "Be careful going home, okay?"

"I will," he parroted as he smiled at her touch. Almost unable to break his gaze with her, he sighed, threading his fingers through her hair, "This has been a wonderful evening."

"I've enjoyed it. Thank you again," she replied, loving the time they were sharing.

His anger boiled over and he felt compelled to approach them, dispatching the haughty red head and taking her for himself. Closing his eyes against the undeniable fury, he held on to the wheel of the car, feeling the leather giving way under his hand. Twice, the red head had touched what was his, twice he saw her sparkling green eyes lifted in adoration, seeing the obvious attraction there. Twice he saw her slipping from his tenuous grasp.

"She doesn't want him," he whispered through clenched teeth. He began to hit the dash board his eyes beginning to screw close. When they did, he saw her in his arms forcing him to open them quickly. He needed to feel her in his arms, to hear her voice. He needed to have her there with him. Calming himself, he looked to her car and then to the sky, knowing that after he left, she would come back out to roll the windows up. That thought brought him more peace and he settled, keeping his eyes from the couple on the stoop.

The sounds of thunder rolled closer and Horatio looked up and sighed heavily, seeing the streaks of lightening illuminating the sky. Looking back down at her, he smiled, "This weather's good for a few things, maybe soon we can explore them."

"Maybe…" Calleigh replied with a knowing smile. The temperature seemed to drop around them and a slight breeze began to blow with the oncoming storm. Sighing, Calleigh whispered, "You better get going before this storm hits."

"I'll be alright. Will you be okay?" Horatio asked stepping out of her embrace. The absence of her heat caused him to shiver somewhat and he sighed, "I should be going though. See you tomorrow, Calleigh."

"Yes you will, Handsome." Giving him a bright smiled, she moved over the threshold of her door, "Night, Horatio."

"Night, Calleigh, take care." Walking back to his car, Horatio took a parting glance at her and smiled, giving her a wave. Getting in, he waited until her door was closed before pulling off, the memories of their night together running through his mind.

Closing the door behind her, Calleigh smiled and then carried her food to the kitchen. Placing the container into the refrigerator, she heard as the rain started to fall, the downpour coming fast and quick. Remembering she had left her window cracked open because of the Miami heat, Calleigh silently cursed herself for not remembering sooner. Placing her purse down and grabbing her keys, she headed out to her car. Opening the door, she quickly got in, closing the door slightly and turning the car on. Putting the windows up fully, she then got out, closing the door and hitting the automatic locks.

The rain had him prepared, already near the car door, crouched and waiting. Through the pelting rain and darkness, he saw her emerge out of her home, leaving the door slightly ajar. When she opened the door quickly to the car and rolled the windows up, he moved closer, making sure to keep quiet. As she stood and turned to go back in, he pounced moving swiftly, the cloth with the chloroform already in his hand. He had to subdue her to leave his message and be able to get away without her detecting who it could be.

Holding the cloth to her face, he felt her strength as she struggled, only to weaken under the chemical's fumes. As she began to move fluidly, he took in her scent and smiled at the perfection he now had in his hands, trying to remember his focus. Speaking, he whispered in her ear "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream. You'll know who I am soon enough, my beauty, but for right now, I'll leave you with a thought." She struggled less and less and he couldn't help his giddiness, "You're mine. You're always going to be mine, and anyone who stands in my way will be dealt with."

Struggling as hard as she could, Calleigh tried to remain conscious, the familiar smell of the chloroform starting to take it's effect on her. Slowly, her movements became sluggish, and with his voice in her ear, she tried to yell, but nothing came. Her body gave in to the sedative and darkness began to take over as her eyes closed as she went limp in his arms.

Noticing that she was totally unconscious, he heaved her into his arms and moved her to the door, dragging his weight. The task was hard but he wasn't about to leave her out in the rain. Coming to her stoop, he negotiated the two steps and pulled the door open, backing himself in. Dragging her across the threshold, he huffed as he placed her down on the floor and then stood, staring at her quietly. He was tempted to see her, curious as to how she would look unclothed, but he knew he didn't have the time. That would have to wait for his next encounter. He hoped that she had heard his warning in her ear, reluctant to have to exercise his fury on her potential suitors.

Moving away from her, he turned off the lights and then closed the door tightly, shuffling his way back to his car.