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**

"By the dim light of an accidental lamp, tall, antique, worm-eaten, wooden tenements were seen tottering to their fall, in directions so many and capricious, that scarce the semblance of a passage was discernible between them."

From "The Man Of The Crowd" by Edgar Allan Poe

Sitting on the edge of her bed as she brushed her hair, Calleigh listened to the waves as they hit the shore out on the beach, the occasional call of a seagull mixing in with the relaxing sounds. In the week that she'd been there, she hadn't even heard from Horatio, the one time he had called she had been asleep and he didn't want Tim waking her. She had been thinking alot about the red head lieutenant, about their friendship and the path that they had started down.

In some ways, she wondered if it would really work between them. Both being stubborn in what they did, but at the same time, seeking the same thing, justice. Both carried alot of baggage with them, him more then her, but it was something she could overlook. Something she could help him with. What concerned her was if their relationship and bond that they took years to form could handle a change to a higher more intimate level.

The sound of her cell phone ringing caused her to jump slightly and she looked over at the contraption. Seeing the caller ID flashing, she reached over, looking at it and seeing his name. A smile formed and she flipped it open, her voice coming softly, "Hey, Handsome."

"Good morning," he responded, an instant smile coming over his face. He made sure to keep his eyes on the road as he drove, but couldn't help the warmth that he suddenly felt at the sound of her voice. For once, it wasn't laced with fear or dread, instead of happiness and serenity. Turning the wheel, he asked, "So…what are you doing right now? I'm sorry about not calling…things got kinda hectic here."

Moving, Calleigh positioned herself to where she was leaning back against the pillows and headboard as her leg rested up on the mattress, "I figured you were busy and couldn't call...which I understand. I know how it can be there at times."

"Yes, but I really did miss your voice. I should've made time," he responded in an apologetic voice. He steadied his hand on the wheel, even as he fought to remain in the moment, his mind weaving in and out of his memories. His chest radiated the warm feeling and he exhaled lightly as he continued to talk, "So…how's St. Petersburg? Are you relaxing?"

"Yeah. Tim's been making sure of that. He's got a nice place here on the beach, so...at least I can go out and sit down on the shore. Tim's also taken me out and showed me a little of the town, he didn't want me sitting around the house getting bored and worrying."

"That was a good idea, I'm sure you two are having a good time." When did his voice hitch with jealously? Furrowing his brow, he cleared his throat and amended his statement, "What I meant was…it was good of him to do that. It sounds like he's taking care of you."

Smirking, Calleigh ran a hand through her hair, pushing it back, "He's making sure I'm comfortable. He uh...he set me up with a doctor he knows here. I've got an appointment later today so he can check my leg."

"That's good, do you have anything else planned for the rest of the day?" He averted his sights briefly, shaking his head at his tone. He really was trying to be understanding, but it was coming off as possessive and laced with jealousy. He knew he had to lose the tone, or risk losing her before he ever got her. Gratefully, he was nearing the lab and he could talk a bit more comfortable.

Smiling, Calleigh raised a brow, "Horatio...Tim's a friend only, that's it. You know that don't you?"

Busted. Parking the car he got out quickly and locked it, smirking, "Yes, I know that, Calleigh. I'm just really missing you. I wish I could be here for and with you."

"I know you do, Horatio. But, hopefully I'll be back home soon. Has uh…has there been anymore developments since I left?" she asked, having not heard much from Tim about it.

Slowing his footfalls, Horatio sighed heavily shook his head, "There's been nothing, Calleigh. We don't have anything in the form of evidence, and there are no leads. It's very frustrating."

Pursing her lips, she sighed, "What about gifts? Has there been anymore? Has he tried to make contact with the decoy?"

"He's left a few but it's been the same, nothing to chase him with. He's not going to get away with this, he's going to make a mistake…"

Hearing something different in his voice, Calleigh sat up, her brow crinkling, already knowing he was keeping something from her. "What aren't you telling me, Horatio? I can tell you're trying to hide something."

Stopping completely, Horatio closed his eyes and then gazed at the ground, hoping that she wouldn't have asked about the decoy. He already knew that she was going to react badly and practically demand to be returned home, but he couldn't risk it. Still the same he told her, "Morris is dead. He got to her inside your home… Calleigh…"

Clenching her jaw, Calleigh closed her eyes, "I'm coming back, Horatio. I…I can't keep letting people get hurt because of me."

"You're not coming back until this guy is bagged, Calleigh. I can't run the risk of you getting hurt. Just…just be patient, alright. We're doing what we can to get him." His heart began to run a marathon at the thought of her coming back, knowing that if she did, she'd have a target on her back. Turning away from those passing him, he sighed, "Calleigh, please…"

"Horatio, it's me that he wants. If anything I might be able to talk him down," Calleigh stated as she moved to get up. "He's probably not gonna listen unless anything said is from me. He saw you as a threat…and obstacle…"

"He's not going to want to talk if he gets to you, Calleigh. Talking is the last thing he's going to do." Feeling the anger growing, he exhaled heavily and spoke firmly, "I care too much for you to do this, Calleigh. Please…stay in St. Petersburg."

His voice, even though firm with her, had a hint of both fear and concern for her. Closing her eyes, Calleigh took in a shaky breath, "There has to be a way to stop him, Horatio. I…I can't keep doing this. I want to come home."

"Calleigh…please, stay," he practically pleaded. If he couldn't appeal to her practical side, he needed to get to her emotionally with the hopes that she would listen. "Calleigh…I don't know what I would do if I lost you, please, just give me a few more days…"

Remembering how lost he'd been when he had lost both Rachael and Marisol, Calleigh's chin trembled as her emotions came to the forefront. Tears filled her eyes and she breathed out, "I…I'll stay…for you."

Relief crowded him and he opened his eyes and smiled lightly, "Thank you, Calleigh. If we find something, I'll call you- you will be the first to know." Starting to walk again, he quickened his step, anxious to get in with the evidence and sighed, "I'll call you back later, Calleigh…" The air suddenly felt heavy with the words he wanted to speak but he let them hang instead, saying, "Be careful out there, okay?"

Wiping at her eyes, she nodded, "You do the same, Handsome. I…I miss you."

Gripping the phone tightly, Horatio felt his heart race and answered back, "I love you, Calleigh…"

The three words he spoke caused Calleigh's heart to race and a small smile to form. Closing her eyes, tears ran out, running down her cheeks. She didn't know if she was in love with him, but, she knew that she loved him as her best friend and confidant. "I love you too, Handsome. Go nail this bastard so I can come home."

"Yes ma'am," he answered determinedly. Walking into the building, Horatio strode with purpose, intent on finding a killer.

The bustle of this place thrilled him, especially to know that she walked these same halls. Pulling the cap over his eyes, he nodded absently to passer bys as he came up on the desk, seeing him standing there. Just the mere thought of the man sent murderous intentions through him, but in order to assure the arrival of his latest message, he was going to have to calm himself. Placing the package on the desk, he cut his eyes over to him, watching as he collected his messages, the cool demeanor mocking. He scowled as he heard him speak softly, trying to force the images of him and her out of his head, clutching his fists together tightly. This man had held her in his arms, had kissed her soft lips. This man touched what he sought to possess; that alone was worthy of death.

Keeping himself together long enough to talk, he spoke lowly to the desk sergeant, pushing the package forward, "Lieutenant Horatio Caine, it's priority."

Looking at the return address on the package, Officer Lonny Santiago picked up a clip board, making note of the return address and who it was going to. Handing to the man, he pointed to the next line, "If you will just sign here please, sir."

Taking the pen in hand, Christopher scribbled his father's name and then placed the pen back down, nodding, "Here you go, bub." Turning to Horatio, he smirked, "You have a nice day, sir."

Looking at the delivery driver, Horatio gave him a nod and then looked back to his messages. Getting a funny feeling he'd seen the driver somewhere before, he looked back up, seeing that he was gone from the building and out of site. Crinkling his eyes, he then turned to leave, wanting to get to the lab and see if his CSI's had found anything further.

Checking in the package, Officer Santiago raised a brow and called out to the Lieutenant, "Excuse me, Lieutenant…this came for you. Driver said it was a priority."

Walking back to the desk, Horatio took the package, seeing the return address was from one of the smaller labs north of Miami that they sometimes used to help process evidence when they were backlogged. "Thank you," Horatio said as he took it and headed towards the elevators. Feeling a presence coming up beside him, Horatio looked to see Ryan catching up with him, "Morning, Mr. Wolfe."

"Morning, H," Ryan answered back as he glanced to the package in his hands. Crinkling his brow, he asked, "Got something already? You barely stepped through the door. What is it, something from another lab?"

"Yeah. I sent up some samples for analysis a few weeks ago…but, I wasn't expecting them back so soon. Guess they weren't as busy as they said," Horatio replied as they reached the elevator and got on with two other techs. The door closed and they rode in silence to the fist stop. When the techs got off Horatio and Ryan followed, "Has anything been found off those samples we collected from Calleigh's house?"

Ryan shook his head frustratingly and then exhaled as they headed in the right direction. Ryan usually took up the trace lab until either Jesse, or the new guy, Walter showed, giving him time to acclimate himself to the morning and the inner workings of the lab. Horatio's office was perched above the trace lab, overlooking it protectively.

"We're batting a zero on all fronts, H. There's no DNA, no fingerprints, no trace left behind."

Exhaling heavily as they stopped at the doors leading to the corridor of labs, he held it open and arched a brow, "I don't like this, H. This guy…he's clever. He's been able to evade us without a hint of detection."

"No one, Mr. Wolfe, is that good," Horatio replied as he looked around. "He'll screw up somewhere and when he does, we'll be right there to bring him down." Moving towards the steps leading up towards his office, Horatio looked back at Ryan, "Have everyone meet me in the layout room in ten minutes, please."

"You got it, H." Ryan responded as he moved towards the trace lab. Depositing his things, he then turned to go out, heading for fingerprinting. He could tell easily that Horatio was flabbergasted by the turn of events, and he assumed that because of the burgeoning relationship with Calleigh, it was weighing on him even heavier. Pushing into the fingerprinting lab, he gave a nod to Jesse and then hiked his thumb over his shoulder, "H wants us in the layout room in ten minutes. Have you seen Walter this morning?"

"Yeah…I think he's in the break room getting himself a drink." Crinkling his eyes, Jesse nodded with his chin, "H say what he wanted?"

"He didn't, but I have a feeling it has something to do with the ongoing thing with Calleigh. He seems really preoccupied with it." Scratching his head, he sighed, "Have you had any contact with her since she left with Speedle?"

Shaking his head and looking away, Jesse sighed, "I don't think anyone has. Hell, I've heard about eight different rumors as to where she's held up at."

"Eight different ones, huh? I guess they don't want the information leaking out." Glancing at his watch, he moved towards the door, "Make sure you and Simmons are in the layout room in ten. He looks like he means business."

"Horatio always does," Jesse replied as he got up from his chair and unbuttoned his lab coat. Going over and hanging it up, he then went in search of Walter.

Up in his office, Horatio sighed as he walked over to his desk and sat his messages and the package down. Taking a seat in his chair, he reached over, turning on his computer and his eyes ran across a picture of the team. Reaching for it, he gazed down at it, seeing smile and green eyes that were full of light. Staring at it for a brief moment, he placed it back and then focused on the package in front of him.

Reaching into his pocket and pulling out his pocket knife, Horatio ran the blade over the taped lid of the box. When he could get it open, he then closed the blasé back and slipped it back into his pocket. Noticing a folded piece of paper on top, his eyes crinkled as he pulled it out and opened it.

"She's mine… And the curse which I invoked of Him and of her, a saint in Helusion should I prove traitorous to that promise, involved a penalty the exceeding great horror of which will not permit me to make record of it here. EAP"

Clenching his jaw, Horatio stood up and reached for his desk drawer. Opening it, he pulled out a pair of gloves and slipped then on. Reaching into the box, he pushed back the colored tissue paper to reveal a picture taken years before of Calleigh standing with Tim on one side and Horatio on the other. Across the glass in red was written:

"She's mine..."

Pursing his lips, Horatio stared at the photo, his temper flaring as his jaw clenched. Placing the photo back inside along with the note, Horatio picked up the box, heading for the door. Even if they could find one clue with this new evidence, it would make them one step further in finding Calleigh's stalker.

Sitting in layout, Walter looked to his watch and crinkled his brow, glancing in the direction of Ryan. Usually when the boss said move, he did, but he was working against the grain with new cases coming in everyday, and then focusing his attention on Calleigh's stalker as well. Things were wound very tightly for them all.

"Hey, Ryan, I thought you said H was coming in ten minutes. I've got a lot that I need to get done, you know? Where is he?"

"I don't…" Ryan started but was interrupted as the door opened and Horatio can in holding the box he had gotten earlier.

Coming to the table, Horatio placed it down and raised a brow as he looked up at the others, "Ladies and Gentlemen…our stalker is now sending gifts to the lab. Ryan, I need you to process everything, the box, tissue paper, picture…I want to know if this guy left us anything. A hair, eppy, anything. Walter, I need you to gather all the cards that have come with each gift, including this ones. They all seemed to be wrapped around quotes by Edgar Allan Poe. See if there is anything in common with them."

Looking to Jesse, Horatio's hands went to his hips, "Jesse, I want you to look into people that Calleigh has arrested, see if any have a background in literature or anything along those lines."

Jesse nodded and offered, "I'll also go over some notes of hers, see if she's talked to someone with that background. Who knows where this guy came from, you know? There's a fine line between lust and insanity."

Crinkling his brow, Horatio pointed to him, "Do a background check on Professor Christopher Larken. He's over at Miami U in there English Department. He was also Jessica Martin's professor."

"I'll start with him first," Jesse responded dutifully. Holding Horatio's stare he nodded, knowing he would have had contact with her, "Hey, H…have you talked to Calleigh? Do you have any idea where she's at?"

"Calleigh is fine and in a safe house outside Miami," Horatio said as he looked around at the others. "She…she want to come home, so let's get her back, folks."

Perceiving emotion behind his words, Jesse sighed and then looked to his colleagues before moving into action. Now that they had some kind of direction, time was of the essence.

Ryan took up the box and moved out of the layout room, heading for trace. If there was something to find, he was going to find it, and hopefully nail this guy.

Pulling into his drive, Horatio shut off the Hummer and stared at his darkened house. All day he and the team had been at it, taking two new scene's and also working the evidence that had came in from Calleigh's stalker. After Ryan had found a partial, Horatio had hoped they would be able to place a name and face to the unknown stalker, but, as luck would have it, nothing came up in the system.

Breathing out heavily, he pulled the keys from the ignition and opened the door. Slipping out the vehicle, he closed and locked it up and then headed up to his door. The crisp night air awakened him some and he unlocked his door, going in and turning on the front lights. Locking up the door behind him, he shrugged off his jacket as he walked into the living room, laying it across the back of the couch before heading to the kitchen. Going in, he headed straight for the refrigerator and pulled himself out a beer.

Crackling it open, he took a long drink, something he usually didn't do unless the stress and pressure from the job was getting to him. Closing his eyes as he swallowed, he leaned back against the counter and leaned his head back. Images of her smile came to him and he sighed, the need to hear her voice again taking over. Looking to the clock on the stove, he saw it wasn't all that late and knew she'd probably still be up.

Walking out to the living room, he set his beer down on the small end table and unbuttoned the sleeve cuffs. Once done, he started on the front buttons, going down as far as he could and then pulling the shirt from his pants. Finishing up, he shed it, laying it with the jacket and then headed to the patio doors. Opening them, he went out, pulling his cell from his pocket with one hand as his other held onto his beer.

Hearing the phone ringing, Tim snatched it up quickly as he glanced in the direction of her room, remembering that she had been resting. The day had gone by pretty well, he and Calleigh had spent the majority of it out and then had come home for a quiet dinner. It had taken him a long time to get her to agree to go out with him, but once he did, he could see a bit of the old Calleigh coming back. Their conversation had been enjoyable and for once, he found himself truly engaged in what she was saying and studying her as she spoke. There was something there that wasn't before, and as he thought about it now, he chuckled slightly, shrugging it off.

Answering the phone, he smiled more, "Hello, Horatio. How are you doing this evening?"

The sound of his voice answering instead of hers threw him off some and Horatio's brow rose. Taking in a deep breath, he tried to shrug it off, "Tired, Speed. How about you? Everything going alright there?" Taking a seat in one of the loungers, Horatio put his feet up and kicked off his shoes.

"Everything's great here," Tim responded as he heard her moving around in her room. The sound of Horatio's voice was different, strained and aloof at the same time. There was obviously something conflicting within him. Still the same, he asked, "How's the case coming?"

Taking a drink, Horatio then set it down on the deck beside him and sighed, "Still nothing. I did however get a gift from the bastard today. It was a framed picture of you, me and Calleigh from a few years ago…before you left. I think it might have been one she had at her house. We found her prints and a partial but was unable to ID it."

The sound of frustration was evident and Tim sighed heavily, "He's not going to stop until he has her, you know that, H. She's where she needs to be right now." Hearing more movement, he looked up to see her emerging out of the room, a small smile on her face. Noticing that she was moving slowly, he pulled the phone down and asked, "You feeling okay, Calleigh?"

"Leg's hurting. I hit it on the side of the bed," she replied as she walked slowly with her crutches. Seeing him on the phone, she nodded with her head, "Emma?"

"Horatio. I'm sure you're going to want to talk to him." Getting up, he watched her sit down slowly. "Do you need anything, Calleigh?"

"A drink and one of those pain killers the doctor gave me today. I don't feel like being knocked out with the others," she replied as she set the crutches aside. When he handed her the phone, she smiled, "Thanks, Tim."

Placing the phone to her ear as Tim headed towards the kitchen, Calleigh smiled more, "Hey, Handsome."

Relief surged through him as he sat up some, a smile coming easily. To hear her voice soothed his weariness and he found himself chuckling, "Hello beautiful. It's nice to hear your voice after a long day- how are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. I hit my leg on the side of the bed and it's hurting some, so Tim's getting my meds for me. I went to the doctor and he said it looked like it was healing nicely and I should be able to start putting more weight on it soon."

"That's great, Calleigh. Sounds like you're coming along. So…you've seen a lot of St. Petersburg? Is it some place you'd want to go in the future, if not under these dire circumstances?" He frowned as he considered the question himself and sighed as he rubbed his eyes, "I-I'm sorry, Calleigh. Blame it on my exhaustion…"

Smiling some, Calleigh placed her leg up on the couch, "How about next time I come here you come with me then?"

"That sounds like a great idea. I think we could find a few things to get into." He exhaled and relaxed even more, the idea of spending time away with her taking root. Not willing to press his luck, he asked, "So, other than the doctor, where did you go today?"

Taking the pill when Tim came back along with the drink, she mouthed a thank you and watched as he grabbed his cell phone and headed out onto the patio. Taking it first, she swallowed the meds down and then sighed, "Well, Tim took me shopping some. I needed to get a few things that I didn't have with me. Then we had a nice dinner here. You want to hear something funny…Tim can actually cook pretty well."

"Is that right?" Horatio asked as he glanced away. He thought of the conversation he'd had over dinner with her and exhaled lightly, "So, he does pretty decent, huh?"

Hearing a hint of jealousy in his voice, Calleigh shrugged, "Yeah…but I'm sure you could have done much better."

"Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to show you. I'm still looking forward to it. That and a few other things." Smiling more, he looked towards the surf and smiled, "What else would you like to do, Calleigh? Our next date should be something you'd like to do."

Thinking for a moment Calleigh smiled, "I just want to spend time with you, Horatio. This week has seemed to drag out without being able to see you. Just being able to do that would mean more to me then going out somewhere."

Running his hand through his hair, he smiled more, his tone decisive. There were a few things that he wanted to do with her, but he wanted to hear where her thoughts were, "So, spending the night together without doing anything?"

Smirking, Calleigh chuckled, "Now Lieutenant…I think we'd have to see what all happened then. Kinda…play it by ear."

"That's an idea that I can work with." Listening to the waves, he sighed heavily, "I miss you, Calleigh. I want you back here…with me."

Seeing Tim walking down the steps of the deck, Calleigh then closed her eyes, "I miss you too, Handsome. I want to come back home…I want to come back to you."

The despondency in her voice pulled at his heart and he sighed, "I'm working on it sweetheart. I'm working on it." Hearing something from his right, his attention snapped to it, his narrowing his eyes. She continued to talk as he focused, letting it go when the noise seemed to stop. Refocusing, he smiled, catching the tail end of her remark, "So, the weather's just right for you then? Low humidity?"

"Well, it's not as high as Miami's that's for sure. And defiantly not as hot. I can see why Tim likes it here," she replied as she took another drink. Swallowing, she laughed, "I was thinking about getting a bathing suit while I'm here and working on my tan. Lord knows I haven't been able to do that in forever."

Swallowing hard, Horatio grinned, feeling a surge of pleasure at the thought of her in a bathing suit, stretched out underneath the rays of the sun. Readjusting in his seat, he chuckled, "Now that would be something to see. Even though it's not as hot, you still have to be careful. Don't want to burn."

Biting her bottom lip as she smiled, Calleigh quirked a brow, "Too bad you ain't here to put some sun tan lotion on me then. I'm sure you wouldn't mind helping me with that, now would you?"

"Not in the least bit," he replied as his voice seemed to deepen. He rubbed his hand over his face to clear his thoughts, sure that she didn't want to know what he wanted to do with her, and allowed a small laugh, "I'd say that would be an eye opening experience."

"Could be…considering I prefer to sunbathe topless," Calleigh replied nonchalantly. Taking another drink and hearing silence on the other end, she laughed, "You still there, Handsome?"

"Um…ah…yeah, I- I am here, Calleigh." He readjusted his seating again and smiled crookedly, "So…you…ah…sunbathe topless?"

"When I can I do. I've got a girlfriend that has a private residence on South Miami Beach. It's a little remote and the neighbors aren't on top of each other. I go there when she's not too busy. Other then that, tanning bed's when I just have a day off."

Horatio imagined oiling her down and watching as her body tanned, then caressing the sun kissed skin, relishing in the heat and softness that it would posses. Smirking more, he licked his lips and sighed lightly, "You have to let me know when you plan on going to your girlfriend's house, or," he said as he looked at his own privacy hedges, "you can come here. I've got privacy hedges all around my backyard, it's just right for your needs. That is…if you would like."

Blushing slightly and relieved that Tim wasn't in there to see, Calleigh licked her lips, "Oh…I think I could do that. And uh, would you be joining me in the sun?"

"I will, but I'll need some protection too. I tend to burn easy," Horatio responded, hearing her tone. Hearing another sound, he arched his brow and decided that he should check it out and exhaled irritably, "Calleigh, I'll have to call you back. I need to check on something. Will you be up still?"

"Yeah. Is everything okay, Horatio?" she asked, wondering what was going on.

"Everything's fine, I'm outside and I heard something. I'm just going to check it out. I'll call you right back, alright?"

"Okay. Be careful, Handsome." Saying her goodbyes to him, Calleigh ended the call and set the phone down, not liking the fact that she couldn't be there with him now.

Christopher moved closer, listening as he hung up the phone quickly. The conversation was informative, if not fury inducing, having to listen to him speak to her as if he already had her. Apparently, he hadn't heeded his warning, just as he thought he wouldn't. Cringing, he clenched his fist , clutching the weapon tightly as he replayed the words that he'd spoken about her, ready to pounce on him , but remembering that it all required finesse.

Hearing him move closer, he steadied his arm and stepped out, catching the surprise in his eyes as he kept himself in the shadows. Raising the gun, he saw the side of his face and struck down, hitting him close to the temple. As he crumpled to the ground, he smiled widely and then bent, whispering into his ear, "I know where she's at. She's going to be mine, and there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing at all." Standing, he glanced into his home and smirked devilishly, devising a plan that was fail proof. Bending down, he pulled his body up and began to drag it across the patio and back into the house, huffing at the exertion. Kicking him in the ribs, he heard him groan and then moved on, scouring the home for something to complete his plan.

Groaning as he was drug, Horatio tried opening his eyes, the pain at his temple seeming to move through his head and neck. A swift kick came and Horatio's body crumpled up into a fetal position as he gasped for breath. A sound in the room caused him to try to open his eyes but the light was too much. Closing them back tight, he tried again, catching a glimpse of someone walking past him, the form seeming to limp somewhat.

The sound of cabinets in the kitchen opening and slamming shut was next to catch his attention as he lay on the floor. Lifting his head slightly, he tried to focus his vision on the figure coming towards him, the black leather shoes and the now noticeable limp being seen more. Another kick came and he groaned once more as he held his midsection.

Carrying two bottles of liquor, he smiled as he kneeled at the red head's head, whispering into his ear, "Didn't anyone ever tell you that drinkings bad for you? It can lead to all sorts of little…accidents." Opening one bottle, he poured it around him and then stood, emptying the contents out in the surrounding area. With the other bottle, he walked around, dousing everything in sight and then reached into his pocket to pull out a lighter. Flicking the flame, he tossed it into the liquor laden couch and watched the flames catch quickly, smiling as the heat began to grow. Coming back to him, he pulled his head up by his hair and smirked, "She's mine now, and I know exactly where and …how to get her. One more stop and I'm on my way." Kneeing him in the face, he let his hair go and watched as he tumbled onto his back, unconscious. As he slipped through the patio door, he smiled as he looked back satisfied. There was no way that he was going to resurface in time enough to avoid the flames.

Watching as she glanced up at the clock again, Tim narrowed his brow at her, seeing the obvious worry in her eyes. After her phone conversation with Horatio, she was buoyant even happy, the brightness full in her eyes. There was something about her smile that was starting to affect him and he had felt an odd sensation of warmth in the face of her joy. Now, however, the worry seemed to encroach upon her happiness, sucking it out of her harshly. Coming to the table, he cleared his throat as he sat down, resting his hands out in front of him, looking to Calleigh as he spoke softly.

"Calleigh, what's up? A few minutes ago, you were happy as a little ray of sun, now something's got you petrified. What has happened?"

Glancing to the clock again, Calleigh sighed heavily, "Horatio should have called me back by now, Tim. He said he heard something and was gonna check and call me right back. That's was almost a half hour ago." Reaching for her drink, the minutes seemed to drag by and she shook her head, "I don't like this. Something's not right."

"Maybe…maybe someone came by and he's chatting with them, or he went to take a shower to relax. I'm sure things are okay, Calleigh. Just give him a few minutes more. He'll call back and apologize for making you wait." Tim reached to rub her arm to offer assurance, smiling as she turned to him. "He's probably getting settled in."

"Maybe." Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, she looked at him, "How's Emma doing? I saw that you called her when you went outside."

"She's still sad, she cried almost the entire time we were on the phone, but she's okay. I got her to laugh the last few minutes." Tim ran his hands through his hair and shook his head, "This has been hard on us, but she knows that I love her."

"I'm sorry I'm keeping you two apart, Tim. If they could just find the guy…" she said and then shook her head as she looked away.

Coming to face her, he bent and turned her to face him completely. Tilting his head, he sighed and frowned, trying to find the right words. "Cal, as much as this hurts us, it's making us that much stronger. We're going to be okay, and what matters is that you're safe. So…don't blame yourself, alright?" Hearing his phone ringing, he sighed and then stood, slipping his hand in his pocket. Pulling it out, his brow knit in confusion, glancing to Calleigh, "It's Emma…We just got off of the phone with each other. I wonder what's wrong." Flipping it up, he exhaled, "Emma…"

Holding the phone tight to her ear as she starred at the man, tears flowed freely as her body trembled, "D-Daddy…"

Tim's heart seized in his chest as he gripped the phone, easily hearing the fear in her voice. Trying to gather himself, he stumbled, "Ah…Emma…baby, what's wrong? Where's Alexx?"

Seeing the blade as the man brought it up to eye level, her eyes widened and she shook more. Staying back, huddled against the seat she was in, her voice became shaky, "D-Daddy…a…a man…he says I have to go with him…"

"A man? Emma…where's Alexx?" The color drained from his face as he listened to her, the fear in his own heart taking root. A stranger was in the house with them, and it was very evident that his daughter was scared. Forgetting that Calleigh was even there, he moved wearily, the risk of him falling to his knees becoming great. When he was able to talk, he breathed out, "What does the bad man have in his hands, sweetie?"

Tears cascaded down her face and Emma's eyes remained on the gleaming knife. "A knife…" she replied, her voice small and terrified. "Daddy…help me…"

Tim glanced to Calleigh, the anger welling as he closed his eyes. He had to remain calm for her, to show her things were going to be okay. "I'm coming, sweetie. Just be a good little gi-…."

"A good little girl?" he asked sinisterly, grinning at her. Twisting the knife around in his hand, he laughed, "What I do to your daughter depends on what you say in the next two minutes. Are you still in St. Petersburg?"

"You bastard…if you lay a hand on my girl, I will…"

"You'll what?" Christopher asked as he pulled the little girl closer. Placing the blade by her neck, he coaxed, "Tell Daddy what I'm doing now… TELL HIM!"

Fear encased Emma as she stood as still as she could. The blade at her neck was cold as she closed her eyes tight, scared too death. Her chin trembled as she shook, "D-Daddy…he put his knife at my neck…I'm scared, daddy…"

"NO! DON'T…EMMA!" Tim screamed as he stood. He looked to Calleigh, the fear now evident in his eyes and his heart hammering in his ears. The emotion welled and he didn't know what to do. Hearing her cry out more, he pleaded, "No…no…no…I'll do anything you want me to do…"

Smirking, he nodded, "Now we're talking… Now, are you in St. Petersburg?"

"Yes."

"Is …she with you?"

"Yes…"

"Good…good. Well, let me tell you what we're going to do. We're going to make a trade, your kid for my perfection. It's an even trade, I think. You want your little girl back, and I…well…I just want her."

Running a hand through his hair nervously, he looked to Calleigh, "He's got my little girl, Cal."

Calleigh's blood ran cold at the thought of her stalker having Emma. Looking at Tim, Calleigh could see the fear in his eyes for his daughter and nodded slowly, "W-Whatever he wants, Tim…he'll have it."

Nodding, he refocused, and gathered himself, "Whatever you want…"

"I'm coming to St. Petersburg, and I'm bringing your daughter. No smart stuff, or I'll slice her up and toss her along the way." The thought of being one step closer to her, he smiled, "You'll give me the address, and when I get there, no police…if I see any…"

"No police…you got it. Just…just don't hurt her." Tim glanced to Calleigh again, a tear escaping from his eyes, "Let me speak back to her, please?"

Hesitating, Christopher placed the phone to her ear and slipped the knife away, "Quick little miss…"

When he placed the phone back to her ear, Emma cried, "Daddy…don't let him hurt me…"

"I won't let him, baby. You just be a good girl for me, okay?" Tim could hear that she was calming some and sighed, "We'll be together soon, sweetie. Don't worry…"

"As long as you do what you're supposed to, she's going to be just fine. I'll see you in four hours, Speedle." Hanging up the phone quickly, Christopher laughed, glancing to where he tied the unconscious family together, "I think you have permission to leave, little miss. But I warn you…no smart stuff…"

Looking over to where Alexx and her children were, Emma sniffled as her tears continued to fall, "Please don't hurt them. I…I'll be good."

Moving towards them, he bent to survey them and shook his head, "They've ceased to be useful to me, besides, it's time to go. We have a road trip to take." Going back to her, he pulled her up roughly and shook her, "I don't like children, keep that in mind, little miss."

Emma's eyes grew wide and she nodded hesitantly. When he grabbed her wrist and began to pull her behind him, Emma looked back at Alexx and then others, unsure if she'd ever see them again.

His body hurt, the last thing he remembered was seeing a man limp and hearing his voice…a voice he knew he had heard somewhere before. The heavy smell of smoke caused him to cough and gasp as the pain tore though his ribs and midsection. Loud popping and a searing heat seemed to be coming from all around him and Horatio slowly opened his eyes to see flame's licking at all that was around him. Coughing more, a painful groan emerged from deep with him and he began to pull himself up to his hands and knees. Crinkling his eyes for a way out, he saw a clear path leading to the patio door.

Crawling, he journey seemed to be slow, the fire moving through his home. The smoke was thick and dark, the fumes from the furniture and melting plastic's in the house filling his lungs. Coughing as his breathing became harder, he finally reached the door, pulling himself out onto the deck.

Coming up from the beach, Marta saw the house on fire and quickly pulled out her cell to dial. She watched as the flames licked from every window of the home and sighed heavily, having known the occupant. Each morning, they managed to meet as they were going in to their respective jobs, and even though she could see a firmness in his actions, she had also seen the kindness that he could possess through his interactions with others in the neighborhood. As she moved closer to the home, she silently prayed that he hadn't been home, and was saddened that he was about to be homeless.

Through the thick black smoke, she saw his body coming out on the deck, coughing violently as he tried to bring himself up to sit. Rushing to him, she pulled on him more to get him away from the crackling flames, the worry set on her face, "Mr. Caine! I didn't know you were in there…Are you okay? Mr. Caine?"

Coughing as she helped him move further away from the house, he then collapsed onto the grass, his arms going around his ribcage. "C-Call…911…" Looking back up his place, he flinched as he tried to breath, the task seemingly unbearable.

Kneeling by him, she nodded, "Yes sir, I have. They should be on their way." Looking back to the house, she asked, "Is there anyone else in the home?"

Coughing, he shook his head and then breathed out, "I…I was the only one." The sound of sirens in the distance could be heard and he remembered his cell phone was in his pocket. Cringing in pain as he pulled it out, he flipped it open knowing he had to warn them. Hitting send once more, her number came up and he coughed as he placed the device to his ear.

The sound of her phone ringing caused Calleigh to jump and she looked at Tim. Picking it up and seeing his name on the ID, she quickly opened it, "Horatio…"

Hearing her voice, relief shot through him and he gasped for air to speak, it only coming out in little rasps, "Calleigh…he…he knows. He…knows." Dissolving into fits of coughing, the phone fell away and he gasped for air, turning away from the phone.

Watching as he dropped the phone, Marta picked it up and spoke hesitantly, "Hello?"

Fear ran through Calleigh as she looked at Tim as she spoke, "This is CSI Duquesne, who is this? Where is Lieutenant Caine?"

"He's hurt pretty badly, there's been a fire at his place," Marta responded as she watched the flames take over the home. Shaking her head, she continued, "I'm his neighbor, Marta, we see each other each morning. I think his home is pretty much done for."

"Okay, Marta…how's his breathing? Is he having problems with his breathing and can you see any physical injuries to him?" Calleigh asked as she moved the phone away and then spoke to Tim, "Get on the phone with Jesse and get him over to Horatio's. This guy hit there…he set Horatio's place on fire and he's hurt."

Tim nodded and moved, the feeling of being overwhelmed hitting him. Not only was he worried about his own daughter, but now his friend and mentor was in danger. Pulling out his phone, he dialed the number quickly, talking rapidly as soon as he heard the older CSI speak. Looking to Calleigh, he saw her staring off, hearing the voice on the other end. "Calleigh!"

Blinking at his raised voiced, she looked to him and then heard the woman's voice on the other end and the concern with it. Licking her lips, she closed her eyes, trying to focus, "I…I'm here, Marta. Uh…" Placing her fingers to her temple, she thought of what to do, "Uh, Marta, if you can, I need you to move Lieutenant Caine onto his side. It'll help him with his breathing."

Marta did what she was supposed to, grabbing on to the red head and moving him slowly on his side. When he groaned and gasped in pain, she apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. She said for me to help you breathe better." Checking him out, she frowned at the amount of blood coming from his head wound and shook head, "He's got a lot of blood coming from his head, both on the side and from his nose. It could be broken."

A tear slide down her cheek at hearing he was bleeding and Calleigh took in a shaky breath, "Is…is there anything you can place over the head wound, Marta?" The sounds of sirens in the background caught her attention and she asked, "Is help arriving?"

"Yes ma'am. I called them as soon as I saw the fire." Looking around, she then ripped at his shirt and wrapped it around his head, hoping to stave the bleeding. Once she was finished, she sat flat and held his head in her lap, looking down at him, "You're going to be okay, Mr. Caine. Ma'am… I wrapped his shirt around his head. But I don't know if he's hurt anywhere else."

"You did good, Marta. If…if you could, can you place the phone to his ear for me, please," Calleigh asked as Tim talked on his cell to Jesse, giving out orders to check on Alexx and then get to Horatio's.

Placing the phone at his ear, she smiled, "Mr. Caine, she wants to speak to you. Can you?"

Horatio nodded and blinked slowly, the need to hear her voice becoming great. When he felt the phone near his ear, he exhaled heavily, "Cal….Calleigh..."

"This isn't how I wanted you calling me back, Handsome. Tim's on the phone with Jesse…help will be there shortly. I want you to rest, okay…can you do that for me?" she asked as more tears began to fall, knowing this could be the last time she'd hear his voice.

"Calleigh…you have to leave…he's coming for you," Horatio managed, his brow crinkling. He opened his eyes to see Marta and shook his head, turning it to cough roughly. When he finished, he motioned for her to bring it back, speaking once again, "Calleigh...leave…now…"

Wanting more then anything to do as he asked, she shook her head, "I…I can't, Horatio. He has Tim's daughter…he'll hurt her if I don't go with him."

"What? No…Calleigh…leave. He's coming…" Unable to talk from coughing, he pushed the phone away, groaning as he coughed violently. He felt himself dwindling, the darkness that was now enveloping him welcoming him. Succumbing to the darkness, Horatio closed his eyes, holding on to the hope that she would run.

Hearing loud voices coming now from the background and then Marta's voice, Calleigh frowned, "Marta…has help gotten there?"

"Yes, the paramedics are helping him," Marta responded as she moved . She watched as they worked with him and bit her lip anxiously, "Will you be at the hospital for him?"

"No…" Calleigh replied softly as Tim hung up. Closing her eyes she tried to keep from breaking down, the tears slipping from under her closed lids, "I can't. Please…if you can, tell him…tell him…I'll always think about him…where I am."

Marta nodded and moved along with the now mobile gurney, "I'll tell him. He'll call you when he's stable, I'm sure. Thank you for helping, Ma'am."

Closing her phone and ending the call, Calleigh looked up at Tim as he stood next to her. Shaking her head, she looked away, "All of this is my fault…I've placed your daughter in danger…Alexx, Horatio…"

Staring at the table, Tim sighed heavily, his brows drawn together, "We knew what we were getting into, Calleigh. We knew the danger, but Emma…She didn't." Looking up to her, their eyes connected and he spoke, his tone firm, "I think I have a way of getting you away from him and saving Emma. Just go with me on this, alright? Trust me…"

"Tim, I cannot place you and her in any more danger. I'm what he wants…I'll go with him." Reaching for her crutches, she stood up, placing them under her arms. "I need to go get ready."

Coming closer, Tim grasped her by her waist and pulled her closer to him. Whispering in her ear, he vowed, "I can't let you do that, Calleigh. You're important to too many people, myself included. We can beat this guy at his own medicine and still get Emma. You have to trust me, Calleigh. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

Shaking her head, more tears began to fall and her eyes closed as she held onto him, "I trust you, Tim."

"Good, because I have an idea. If I can help it, he's going to leave here empty handed." Squeezing her more, he sighed, "I'm not losing anyone tonight."

Taking in a shaky breath, Calleigh continued to let him hold and comfort her. Her thought's went to Horatio and she spoke softly, "He hurt, Horatio, Tim. His neighbor found him, said he was bleeding from his head…and the house was fully engulfed."

Tim exhaled shakily and then pulled gently away from her, moving her hair away from her eyes, "Calleigh, Horatio's strong. He would want you to do what you could to survive. So…that's what I'm proposing, Calleigh. We fight to survive, okay?"

Nodding, she sniffled and then asked, "What are you wanting to do?"

In a first, Tim smirked and then glanced out towards the beach, "He's expecting you…and me…but he's not expecting my friends. I have a couple of plainclothes cops that owe me a couple. I can give them a call, and when he comes, we…subdue and then…we…leave." Seeing her hesitation, he sighed, "Cal, it's going to work. He can't get his hands on you….we'll never see you again and that's not acceptable."

"But how will we get Emma away from him? What if he doesn't bring her here, Tim? Then what?" she asked as she looked up at him.

"It's supposed to be a trade for a trade, Calleigh. He wants you bad enough to trade the one piece of leverage he has. He's going to bring her, and he's going to use her as a human shield. That's why when they get here, before he even sees us, Emma's going to have to be out of his hands." Tim studied the palm trees, settling with the plan decisively, "There's no other way, this is going to work and then…we run."

"Why not just have your friends arrest him then? They can get him here on kidnapping and he's wanted him Miami for murder, attempted murder and who knows what else. The charges would stick," she said as she settled on her crutches again.

"It could be seen as entrapment, Calleigh. And besides, if he saw police action, he'd bail and kill…he'd kill Emma. I just can't risk it. He'll have to be subdued enough for us to get away, and we'd think about the rest later." Starting for the land line, he sighed, "I've got three friends I need to get in touch with. Calleigh, get your bags ready and when you're done, I'll put them in the car. As soon as this goes down, we'll need to move fast."

"O-Okay." Starting for her room, Calleigh turned back, looking towards his form as he went for the phone, "Tim…thank you for all you're doing."

Stopping in mid stride, he smirked, "Don't mention it, Cal." If he could help it, this night would not end in tragedy.