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**

"It was the manner in which all this, and much more, was said -it the apparent heart that went with his request -which allowed me no room for hesitation; and I accordingly obeyed forthwith what I still considered a very singular summons."

From "The Fall of The House Of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe.

Tim turned over to see Emma smiling at him, her wide eyes brimming with happiness. The bruise on her face was just darkening and he winced before lapsing into a smile, moving her curls out of the way. He took her into his arms and pulled her close, relishing the warmth of her as her tiny arms went around his neck. He held her there with his eyes closed, committing her to memory. He'd come so close to losing her last night, that every moment was important.

Pulling away from her gently, he asked, "Sleep okay, kiddo?"

"Yeah," she replied as she looked up at him. "Who's that girl, daddy? Why did she come with us?"

Moving to sit up more, Tim sighed and rubbed his eyes, casting his sights about the room. Furrowing his brow, he stood, looking back to Emma, "Did you see her when you woke up, Emma?"

"No. But I heard someone outside yelling. That's why I woke up. They were being loud," she groused as she got up and scratched her head. "I'm hungry, daddy. When can we eat?"

"In a minute," Tim answered as he crossed over to the window. Snatching back the drapes, his eyes widened at the sight of the scene before him, the familiar yellow police tape billowing in the stiff wind. Leaving the window, he headed for the bathroom, bellowing, "CALLEIGH! CALLEIGH! ARE YOU HERE?" The bathroom door was closed and he calmed himself long enough to rationalize that she may have been taking a shower or getting herself together. Placing his hand on the knob, he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to the door, breathing outwardly, "Forgive me, Cal if I see something I'm not supposed to."

The door opened slowly and as his eyes opened, he saw the empty bathroom, his heart starting to race. He then turned on his heels and stopped at the foot of the bed where Emma sat, obviously bewildered at his frantic actions. Snatching up his wallet, cell and slamming his feet into his shoes he arched a brow, "We'll grab something on the way, kiddo. Grab your shoes, we've gotta go."

Sliding down off the bed and picking up her shoes, Emma began to put them on. Looking over at her father as he gathered everything, she crinkled her brow, "What's the matter, daddy? Why do we have to go?"

"Because Daddy's friend, Calleigh…she's gone." Running his hands through his hair, he sighed, "God…where did she go?" Opening the door, he looked outside, the sounds of the scene filtering through his ears. Glancing at the car, he was confused to see it there, wondering if she'd instead walked to the diner. Turning back inside, his eyes lit on a piece of paper and he went to pick it up reading it rapidly.

Tim,

I've gone across the street to get something to eat for you and the munchkin. I should be back before you wake up but if I'm not- don't flip out. I'll be back soon.

Cal

Crumpling up the paper, he sighed and then pinched the bridge of his nose relaxing. With his voice now calm, he sighed, "C'mon, Em. We can go over to the diner and get something to eat."

Getting her shoes on, Emma walked over to Tim, looking up at him and taking his hand in hers. Giving him a smile as he looked down at her, she chuckled, "Do you like her, daddy? She's pretty."

"She's very pretty," Tim answered as his face colored. Lost in his thoughts for a moment, he shook his head coming back to the thought at hand. "But right now, we have to find the pretty woman. Opening the door, he let her through, "We're going to eat quickly so that we can get to Grandma's okay?"

"Okay. Will Uncle Stevie be there?" Emma asked as Tim closed the door behind them. "He said next time I was there he'd take me to get some toys."

"I'm sure that Stevie will be there." Starting to walk, Tim sunk his hands in his jeans and glanced down at the ground, "You know, I have to leave you for a few days at Grandma's, I don't want you to get hurt, and Daddy's gotta work. You're okay with that, aren't you?"

Looking up at him, Emma frowned some, "You have to go away again?"

"Yes, and I'm only leaving you there to make sure you're not going to get hurt. I'm coming right back to you, sweetie." Seeing her hesitation, he sighed, stopping to kneel, "The bad man isn't coming to get you anymore, Em. He's not coming."

Looking into his eyes, Emma shook her head, "He said he was gonna hurt you, daddy. He said I wouldn't have you anymore."

Bringing her to him and enclosing her within his arms, he sighed, "He's never going to take me away from you, Emma. I won't let him."

Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she laid her head there, "I don't want you to go, daddy. I don't want you working."

"Sweetie, I have to. Someone special needs my help, I can't just leave her…" Spotting something on the ground, he reached down and brought it up, "She wouldn't drop this, would she?"

Spotting a man and a child in the parking lot across the street, Officer Dan Jenkins headed over, adjusting his hat on his head. When he reached them, he nodded and smiled at the little girl and then looked at the man, "Excuse me, sir…I uh, I was wondering if you might have heard anything outside here about a half hour to an hour ago?"

Tim reached for Emma's hand as he stood and frowned, "What happened out here?"

"Man was found shot not long ago outside the restaurant," he said hiking a thumb back over his shoulder. "You didn't happen to hear anything, did ya?"

Squeezing Emma's hand, Tim sighed, "Uh…no. We were asleep. Was there anything else? Casing's, footprint's?" He knew his curiosity was getting the best of him, but he couldn't help it. He needed information, because he held in his hands the key to his deepest fear. "He was the only one?"

Crinkling his brow, Officer Jenkins shook his head, "No, only one guy. Hey, how you know about all that stuff anyways?" Placing his hand onto the handle of his gun, he eyed Tim, "What's you're name, partner?"

"Tim Speedle, and to answer your question, I'm a crime scene investigator in Miami." Looking around, he sighed, the shoddy police work telling, "You're letting the scene get away from you. You might want to get back there."

Looking back at it and them to him, he nodded with his chin, "We ain't got no crime scene people near here. Think you can take look, tell me what you see?"

Exhaling frustratingly, he nodded, "But only for a few minutes. My daughter and I have to get on the road." Looking past the officer, he asked, "Have you cleared a path to the victim?" When he saw the confusion he sighed, "Never mind. Lead the way, officer."

Turning and walking, Officer Jenkins looked back at Tim, "Most we ever get around here is a bar fight or a fender bender. This…this is something we never see unlike you big city guys." Coming to the tape, he ducked under it and lifted it for them. When the came under he sighed, "No one in the diner saw anything. Hell, Ralph had just finished eating and was heading back to his place."

Tim turned to Emma and knelt, smoothing her curls, "I need you to stand right here, alright, sweetie? Daddy's gotta do something."

Nodding her head, Emma looked up at the heavy set police officer and then back to Tim, "Are you in trouble, daddy?"

"No, but Daddy's going to help. Stand right here." Leaving her there, he moved methodically towards the body, keeping his eyes down. He saw drag marks leading from the body. Bending, he studied the marks and saw two pair of foot prints, then looking along the length, seeing only one. "Two people have been here, one drug the other away." Seeing the ATM, he quirked his brow, "Do you think you could get those tapes?"

Looking towards where he was talking, Officer Jenkins nodded, "Yeah, should be able to." Seeing one of the other officers standing near one of the patrol cars, he called out, "Hey, Roy…get over to the bank and have Mrs. Ensley get you the tape from that ATM machine."

Kneeling down and looking, Officer Jenkins nodded, "Marjorie, the waitress inside found Ralph here. Said she saw a car speeding away. Could be who did this."

"Could be. She didn't get the make and model, did she?" Tim asked, glancing back at Emma. He sighed and shook his head, "We're gonna have to make this quick, my little girl's getting antsy."

Looking back at her, he smiled, "If you want, I can have Jessica take her inside. She don't need to see any of this. Ms. Alma could fix her something to eat."

Sighing heavily, Tim moved to Emma, "Hey, kiddo…you want to go in and get something to eat? It looks like I might be a while here."

Looking around some, Emma nodded her head and then looked back towards the body, "Did the bad man hurt him too, daddy?"

Motioning Jessica over, Jenkins pointed to the little girl, "Do me a favor, Jess, take her inside and have Ms. Alma fix her whatever she wants…oh, and tell her we'll need more coffee out here."

"Sure thing, Dan," Jessica said and went over to where the man and girl was. Bending down, Jessica smiled, "Hi, sweetie, I'm Jessica. Would you like to go inside and get something to eat while your dad is out here? You can have anything you want."

Looking at the police woman and then to her dad and seeing him nod in approval, she nodded herself and then took the ladies hand as it was offered to her. As they began to walk, Emma looked back at him, seeing the smile he gave her.

Tim made sure that she was well in before retaining his focus on the task at hand, nodding in the direction of the ATM, "Is there a place where I can view the tapes?"

"Yeah, I think Pete's got a tv and VCR in the diner office. It'll be the closet to here," Dan said as he looked around more. Taking off his hat and wiping at his brow, he sighed, "I always dreaded something like this happenin'."

"It's never fun when a life is lost," Tim answered back solemnly. He started walking and noticed the odd pattern of foot prints and narrowed his brow. Before they disappeared into drag marks, the prints were off center, almost as if the person were limping. His mind instantly seized on Calleigh and he then stood, "Hey, you mind if I take a break, I need to see if there's someone in the diner?"

"No, go ahead. I'll bring in the tape as soon as Roy get's back with it," Dan said as he looked at Tim. "Tell Ms. Alma you're with us, she'll fix you up with somethin'."

"I just need to check up on something. I won't be long." Stepping past the officer, he made his way to the diner, opening the door swiftly, expecting to see her smiling face. Instead, he was met with a sea of strange faces. Emma was sitting at the bar with her back to him, happily chatting with the waitress. Moving back out, he went back to the officer, anxious now to watch those tapes.

Seeing Roy coming back with the tape, Dan held out his hand as it was handed to him and then headed towards the door. Seeing the CSI coming out, he held it up and arched a brow, "Got what you needed. Pete'll let us use his office."

"Good, let's go," Tim said as he looked over the tape again. Following the officer into the diner, he passed by Emma and winked at her, giving her a small smile. Continuing on until coming to the office, Tim waited as the officer knocked on the door, glancing at his watch.

Waiting, Pete opened the door, looking at Dan and the other man with him, "Pete, I was hoping we could use your tv and VCR…this is uh…Tim Speedle, he's one those crime scene guys."

"Sure, boys, come on in." Pete said as he stood aside and let them in. Closing the door back, he pointed to the television, "It's over there Dan. I'm just finishin' up this mornings paperwork then I'll be out your hair."

As they filtered into the office, Tim asked, "So…did you hear anything this morning?"

"Nope, can't say I did." Taking his seat behind his desk, Pete shook his head, "Shame though about Ralph. He'd been coming here every mornin' for the past twenty years for his breakfast and mornin' paper."

"Yes, that is sad." A moment of silence fell and Tim nodded anxiously. When the officer slid the tape into the VCR, Tim crossed his arms about himself and leaned back against the desk. Seeing the date on the time stamp, he sighed, "We're going to need to move this up."

Hitting fast forward, Dan watched the screen as the images from the day before moved about quickly on the screen, showing the diner clearly in the background. After a few minutes, they came to just before the shooting and he slowed it down. Watching with Tim, they saw a darken four door sedan pull into the parking lot, the occupant staying inside.

Looking at Tim, he nodded, "That ain't no car I've ever seen around these parts…unless it was a traveler coming through."

"That's no traveler," Tim responded as he focused on the plates. Searching for something to write with, Tim took the numbers down. Looking back up, his brow narrowed, "He never gets out of the car. Move it up more?"

Moving it up more, Dan then slowed it back to normal, seeing a woman come in view of the ATM camera. Raising a brow, he smirked, "Well, hello honey. Who are you?"

"Calleigh," he whispered as he watched her intently. Leaning in more, he saw the door to the car open and him emerge, walking slowly towards her. Tim's heart nearly stopped when he saw him take her from behind, causing her to drop the card. More time passed and he watched in horror as he extended his arm and shot at something, the returned the gun to her head. The scene continued until he had her in the car, Tim's anger boiling at the rough manner in which he handled her. Before long, the car was gone and Tim was on the move, "Thanks for everything, officer. I'll run the plates on that car, but I'm sure that the person who shot your friend is long gone, and he has a hostage."

Watching as he moved fast, Dan followed, "Hey, where are you goin'? We can use the extra help here."

"I need to get in contact with the crime lab in Miami. We've got to find that man," Tim said as he pointed to the television. "When we find him we can bring him here and stand for the murder. Right now, it's important that I get on the road."

Nodding, Dan sighed, "Well, if there's anything we can do to help ya…just let us know."

"You've done enough for me," Tim said as he looked back. He held up the paper and promised, "I'm going to find this guy and he's going to stand for what he's done."

Sitting at the bar and finishing up her eggs, Emma laugh as the waitress brought over a bag and set it next to her. "Daddy will be surprised now."

"I'm sure he will," Sally said as she saw the dark haired man walking towards him and pointed, "And I think that's him there."

Turning in her seat and looking, Emma smiled brightly, "Daddy! Ms. Sally made you some breakfast too. She even put it in a bag like Grammy Alexx does with my lunch sometimes."

Tim went to her and picked her up, taking the bag out of her hand, "She did? I must thank this Ms. Sally." Looking up at the waitress, he smiled, "I can't thank you enough, Ms. Sally. You've made a little girl's day."

"My pleasure. She's a sweet little thing, that's for sure," Sally smiled as she looked at them. "Can I get you somethin' officer? Maybe some hot coffee or a soda…it's on the house."

"Some hot coco perhaps?" he nodded towards Emma and smiled, "It's her favorite."

"Sure thing, comin' right up," she said as she headed back behind the counter.

Looking at Tim, Emma held onto him, "Daddy, did you find your pretty lady friend?"

"No, but I've got some information that will help. We're still going to go to Syracuse, I don't want you near this." Watching the waitress make the coco, he sighed, feeling her eyes on him, "I won't be gone long."

"Promise?" Emma asked, her big brown eyes looking into his. "I'll miss you, daddy."

"I'll miss you, sweetie. But for now, what do you say to a plane ride? We can get to New York faster." He kissed her on the cheek and then nodded, grabbing the hot chocolate. "Ready?"

"Yeah." Holding onto the bag of food for him as he carried her and the hot chocolate, Emma looked around as they headed out the diner, seeing an ambulance loading the man into it. Looking down, she sighed, her heart breaking at the knowledge that her dad would be leaving again.

Getting out the hummer, Jesse looked around at the patrol cars along with a ME van and several unmarks. The address he'd been given to Tim's place in Saint Petersburg had been pretty easy to find, both him and Walter arriving in the early morning hours. Crinkling his eyes as he scanned for someone in charge, he walked to the front of the hulking vehicle, feeling Walter's presence beside him.

Shaking his head, he sighed, "I don't think any of Tim's friends made it out of here alive."

"It's not looking like it. What the hell happened here?" Taking a look at the damage wrought, Walter arched a brow, "It looks like he just laid into them, no hesitation."

Shaking his head, Jesse raised his brow, "This guy is playing for keeps. Speed better stay on his toes with this guy. Last thing we needs is for his daughter to be fatherless." As an officer approached, Jesse adjusted his badge and then held out his hand to him, "Jesse Cardosa, CSI Miami Dade. This is CSI Walter Simmons."

Nodding to them and shaking Jesse's hand, Detective Richard Webber then took a step back, "Something I can help yall with? This is an active crime scene."

Pointing to the men on the ground, Jesse then looked back at the Detective, "One of our co-workers owns the place. He was here with another CSI that's in police protection. The same man that did this could be the same one we're looking for."

"Man?" Webber asked as he looked to them with disbelief. He shook his head and grimaced at the sight of the bodies, "There is no way this is a one man job. I know a few of these boys; they weren't the easiest to get the drop on." Webber sighed heavily at the thought of his late colleagues and exasperated, "These are the boys we called when there was nothing else to do. Five out of the six that are on their backs right now were from SWAT. The other was from the crime lab." Feeling the anger welling, he turned to the house, "I would really love to speak with your friend- he's got a lot of answering to do."

Walking past the two men, Walter surveyed the scene and arched his brow, "There is no way this can be the work of one, unless this is one bad ass." Hearing his phone ringing, he fished it out and answered, keeping his eyes on the scene, "Simmons."

Thankful to hear a familiar voice, Tim glancing over to Emma as she slept peacefully, her body turned towards the window of the airplane. Now that he had some free time, he had some answers to get. "Hey, big guy, where are you guys at? I need a few things, and time is of the importance."

Looking at the other two and pointing back to the Hummer, Walter retreated to it, keeping his voice low, "Man, Speedle, where the hell are you? We made it to your place and it looks like a massacre went on here. Six guys are dead on your driveway, man."

"Six?" Tim questioned as he glanced to Emma. She stirred slightly before returning to her restful state, and Tim focused back on his conversation, "Four of my guys were still breathing when I left. Only two had gone down…what happened?"

"I think our boy that we're looking for went psycho or something," Walter replied as he looked back at the scene. "Jesse is talking to the detective on the case now. They uh…they're wanting to talk to you, man. None of this look's good. They think there was more then one guy involved."

"Surely they don't think that I had anything to do with it, do they?" Running his hands through his hair, Tim sighed heavily and closed his eyes, the images of his friends struggling with Larken coming back to him. In his pursuit to get Calleigh out of there, he hadn't even asked if they were okay. The regret began to tug at him fully as he opened his eyes, "I'll deal with that later, right now… I need you to run a tag. Our professor has Calleigh, and he's gone. He couldn't have gotten out of Florida yet, but the quicker we put out an all points, the better our chances are of catching this lunatic."

"What!' Walter exclaimed, catching Jesse attention. Opening the hummer, Walter reached in for the onboard computer keyboard and tucked the phone between his shoulder and ear, "Okay, give it to me."

Pulling out the slip of paper, Tim read from it clearly "RLT 742. Did you get that, big guy?"

Typing it in, Walter repeated it, "Romeo, Lima, Tango 742…" Waiting, he sighed as he saw Jesse coming, "Jesse is on his way over. What the hell happened? How did this guy get Calleigh?"

Tim rested his head against the head rest of the seat, and sighed heavily, recounting the moment he realized that it was his lack of tenacity that resulted in Calleigh being taken. Cringing, he gripped the phone tighter, "We were in some small town a couple of hours outside of St. Pete's. I was sleeping, she went out to get something to eat for breakfast…He snatched her as she walked to the diner. It was captured on the ATM video." He could feel the anger rising within himself and he clenched his teeth, "He's got a big enough head start, Walter."

"Information just starting to come through now…okay, we're looking for a black 2005 Cadillac CTS Sedan registered to Lakeshore Rentals out of Fort Myers," Walter replied as he typed in more. Getting there phone number, he looked at Jesse as he walked up, "I'll get on with the dealership and see if the car is equipped with GPS. Here…talk to Jesse." Handing him his phone, Walter pointed to Jesse's, "Give me yours…it's Speed. Larken's got Calleigh."

Handing Walter his phone, Jesse put the other to his ear, "Speed, you okay, man?"

At the sound of his old friend's voice, he exhaled heavily. It was weighing on him that Calleigh was now in the sinister clutches of a murderer, a murderer who had stalked her for God only knows how long. Each second that ticked by was a second gone to Calleigh.

"I've had better, Jesse. I'm on my way to New York. I'm going to drop off my little girl at my parents and get in the air- hopefully, with the plate number, we can catch them." Staring at the ceiling, he asked quietly, "My friends…can you tell me what happened to them?"

"All have GSW's…three also had there throats slashed as well," Jesse replied solemnly. "I'm sorry, Speed. We tried to get here as fast as we could."

The brutality of the kills infuriated him and he tried to keep it in check, nearly crushing his phone. Not only did Larken now have Calleigh, but he had taken the lives of his friends. Giving himself a moment, he shook his head and pushed back the emotion, "Ah…um…I told Walter that I'd take care of any questions that the police had for me there. Right now, I'm concentrating on catching them. I've got to stop in New York, then…hopefully there will be word on where they're heading."

"I'll have an APB and BOLO put out for them. Any idea where they might be heading?" Jesse asked as he motioned over the other Detective.

"None," Tim answered with a huff. It was irritating him that he had no solution for the problem at hand and he shook his head, "Is there anything there that could possibly point the way? Have we checked into Larken's background?"

"Ryan and Frank are doing that right now," Jesse replied as the other detective came to rest next to him. "Hang on a minute, Speed." Pulling the phone away, Jesse looked at the man, "I just got word the suspect now has one of our CSI hostage and is on the move. Walter has the information on the vehicle…we need to get a BOLO and APB out on it asap."

Seeing him nod and head off and start barking out orders, Jesse placed the phone back, "When you get back, call me, Speed. I'm gonna need to know every move you make from here on out. As soon as we have a lead on the vehicle, I'll let you know." Running a hand through his hair, he sighed, "Dammit, H is gonna have a shit fit over this."

"Don't remind me. I told him that I would be able to keep her safe," Tim responded quietly. His thoughts shifted quickly and he asked, "How is he?"

Raising his brow as Walter walked over to the other detective giving him information, Jesse shook his head, "A little crispy around the edges and some cracked ribs, but the doctors think he'll be okay. They kept him because of the concussion and smoke inhalation. There's not much left of his place and was lucky to get out."

"He was really lucky. Some didn't fare out so well." Tim realized his tone was acidic, but he couldn't help it. Six of his best friends had met their end at the hand of one man, the one man who seemed to be a step ahead of them. He couldn't figure out how he had caught up so fast to them; he'd left no information with his friends, and their stop had been spur of the moment. There was no way he could've known their next move.

Bringing himself out of his thoughts, he arched a brow, "Any word on when they are going to let him go?"

"In the next day or two," Jesse replied. Running a hand through is hair, he sighed, "Speed, you know if you need someone with you out there I'd be more the willing to help. Calleigh means a lot to all of us."

"For right now, I think it's best, Jesse. All our efforts are concentrated on getting background information- there's no need to spread us thin. If I need anything else, I'll give you a call." Seeing her starting to stir once more, he sighed, "Look, I'll give you a call once I'm finished in Syracuse."

"Alright…and Speed…take care and watch your ass out there, man," Jesse said as he closed the door to the Hummer.

"I will. Oh and Jesse, don't tell Horatio. I don't think he needs to know anything right now." He knew he was courting the Lieutenant's wrath, but he thought it was better for him if he didn't know at the moment.

Raising a brow, Jesse shook his head, "You know, that's just asking for trouble, don't you? I'll…I'll hold off as long as I can, but he's gonna have to know, Speed."

"I know, but…just give me a few days to at least get on this bastards' trail. The last thing I need is Horatio rampaging through the lower forty eight."

Smirking, Jesse started to head towards the others, "Yeah, well, I think H will be doing that anyways once he finds out. You know how he is. Plus…this is Calleigh we're talking about."

"Yeah, Calleigh." His thoughts drifted and he sighed heavily, memories from years ago assaulting him. There had been a reason why he left and never contacted anyone, especially her, but now, he couldn't validate that reason. Running his hand through his hair quickly, he banished the memories and spoke quickly, "I'll call you when I'm done in Syracuse."

"Alright…keep safe, Speed." Ending the call, Jesse came over to the others, listening to what was going on.

Hanging up, he looked to see her surfacing and smiled lightly. Moving her hair out of her eyes, he sighed and whispered, "How are you doing, kiddo?"

Blinking slowly, Emma looked up at him, "Are we there yet, daddy? I want to take me shoes off. My foot's hurting."

"Your foot?" he questioned as he glanced downward. Arching a brow, he continued, "You want me to take a look at it, see what it is?"

"The bad man took my shoes before we left Grammy Alexx's. Then he gave them back and said for me to wear them," she replied as she lifted her right foot and pulled off her tenny shoe and then did the same with the other.

Tim took the shoes in hand and then patted his lap, "Put them there, I'll take a look at them." When she turned her body to place her feet in his lap he peered at the soft skin and saw the angry red area, marking the beginnings of a blister. "I wonder what's doing this." Slipping his hand into one of her shoes, he felt around and felt something protruding from the padding. His brow furrowed and he looked to Emma, "Did you see what he did with your shoes?"

Shaking her head as she watched him, Emma then looked up at him, "No. He wouldn't let me. He turned around so I couldn't see."

Pulling at the padding, he slipped it out and then reached for the protrusion, his brow knit in concentration. Finally able to get it out, he looked at it and turned it around in his palm unsure of what exactly it was. Handing her the shoes back, he smirked to cover his concern, "How about you get a piggy back ride for the rest of the way. Sounds good?"

Smiling and nodding, Emma moved her feet back in front of her, "Sounds good. Daddy, will you be able to read to me tonight?"

Holding the device in his hand, Tim nodded, "Yes, and then you can tell me your story. I missed that."

Leaning over onto him, her head rested on his shoulder, "Daddy, don't let the bad man hurt you like he said he would."

"He's not going to have the chance," Tim promised as he caressed her chocolate curls. He smiled at her closeness, rueful that he was going to have to leave her yet again. Letting a slow breath out, he took her tiny hand in his and chuckled, "Okay, when I get back, you have to tell me what you want to do. Anything you want, it's yours- kinda. Nothing crazy."

"I just want us to go to Disney World…just you and me," she replied as she looked up at him. Giving him a small smile, she laid her head back onto him, "I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, sweetie. Rest, we've got maybe another hour until we get to Grandma's." When she nodded and rested against him, he placed his hand on her head gently and relaxed. In his other hand, he gripped the device, mindful that time was a luxury that he didn't have. Once he said his goodbyes to his daughter, he knew his next stop.

Glaring at the cell phone that sat on the tray next to the uneaten tray of food, Horatio felt himself getting angry. He'd spent most of his day in and out of consciousness because of the drugs , and now that he was up he knew that Calleigh had never called. He would've thought that they had already arrived in Syracuse and that she would have time to call, but that didn't seem to be the situation.

Snatching up the phone, he flipped it up again, knowing that it would be the same as it had been twenty minutes ago; mockingly silent. Deciding to get some answers, he dialed his number, in hopes that he wasn't interrupting anything. As the line continued to ring, fuzzy images began to appear and he was reminded on how he landed in the hospital. Having been faced with that amount of brutality set his fear for Calleigh anew, and a sudden urgency took root in him, the need to hear her voice becoming overwhelming. When there was no answer, he slammed the cover of the phone down, taking a moment to breathe. Calleigh hadn't called, and Speed wasn't answering his phone, something was wrong.

After calming somewhat, he dialed another number and waited for him to answer. It took all he had to reign in his fury as he heard the familiar sound of his voice as it answered. Bitingly, he asked, "Mind telling me what's going on? I haven't heard from Calleigh…is everything alright?"

Cringing at the sound of his voice, Jesse looked up from the computer in the trace lab and rubbed his eyes. After getting back late from Saint Petersburg, him and the others had been doing everything they could do get a lead on Calleigh and her abductor. Clearing his throat, Jesse rubbed his hand roughly over his face, "H…we're still working on finding Larken. We got a lead though on his car…at least what he's driving and a plate number."

"Yes, that's good, but you didn't answer my question. Is everything alright? Why hasn't Calleigh called?" Horatio closed his eyes, hoping to hear that they were somewhere near, "Please tell me that they're okay."

"Speed called me earlier from Syracuse. He's gonna leave his daughter there with his parents," Jesse said as he closed his eyes, hoping Horatio wouldn't ask anymore questions.

"Have they gotten there then? And it's not like Calleigh to not call. I keep calling both of their cells and I'm getting nothing. Something's going on, Jesse, and I want to know what it is." Horatio's voice timbered with ferocity and he sat up, garnering a wave of pain, "Something's up, Jesse. I would like to know what it is."

Sighing heavily, Jesse looked at Walter as he walked into the lab, "There uh…there's been a development, H. Just…stay calm. Last thing we need…"

"The last thing I need is someone dictating on how to feel. What is going on, Jesse?" When he didn't answer, Horatio demanded, "Detective Cardoza…"

Pulling the phone away from his ear and cringing, Jesse looked up to see Walter snickering at him and scowled. Placing the phone back, he licked his lips, "H, there was a problem at the motel where Speed and Calleigh stayed." Pushing out a tuff of air, he sighed, "Calleigh was taken this morning by Larken."

Horatio felt all of the blood drain from his face as he sat, bewildered by the words. His eyes slid shut and he exhaled heavily, the words now running through his mind along with the images of Calleigh's petrified face. Gaining the ability to talk, he asked, "How long…"

Glancing up at the clock, Jesse sighed, "Fourteen hours now, H. We've got a BOLO and APB out on them both along with full descriptions of the car and them."

Placing a hand over his eyes, Horatio rubbed heavily and sighed, "Did it ever dawn on anybody that in fourteen hours, he could've ditched the car? He's probably altered their appearance! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THEY ARE?" His anger was all consuming and it was taking all of his being to remain where he sat, his grip on the phone increasing. But even as the anger was flowing through him, on the same course, so was despair and he felt it hitting him like a crushing wave. A maniac had Calleigh, and he was unable to do anything about it. "She's been gone for fourteen hours…Fourteen hours, Jesse. There's no telling what he's doing to her."

Pulling the phone back slightly as Horatio ranted, Jesse sighed before placing it back to his ear, "Horatio, were doing all we can with what we have. We got lucky with the car information…in some ways. An ATM in the town where they were staying caught everything…including him killing a man as Calleigh tried to get away. He also killed six of Speed's friend in Saint Pete's."

"He's killed seven people, and you feel like we're lucky?" Horatio couldn't believe what he was hearing and sighed heavily. Pushing the covers away, he groused, "I'm going to sign myself out of here and then I'm going to find her."

"H…Just wait, okay. Let me hear back from Speed first. He's going to New York City and gonna see a Mac Taylor there. He found what look's like a GPS in Emma's shoe, which could be how he found them." Running a hand through his hair, he shook his head, "We're doing all we can, H. You know that."

"Yes, well I'm going to further things along." Taking his time, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and winced in pain, his ribs screaming at his action. Breathing outwardly, he cringed and stood, a small cry coming from him. Steadying himself, he breathed heavily, "I'm going to intercept Speed in New York and then we'll go from there. You and Walter keep at the details, I want to know some background information before I leave New York."

"Ryan and Frank are already working on that. H…we'll find them and get Calleigh back," Jesse said firmly, his intentions true to the southern blond. "As of right now we know Larken had a blade of some sort and at least two guns with a silencer being no shots were heard at either scene. And H…Ryan did find out Larken took off from the college on sick leave. Left his car there along with another note for us."

"A note? What does it say?" Horatio asked, leaning against the bed.

Motioning for Walter to bring over the paper that Ryan had collected, he raised a brow, as he started to read.

"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…EAP"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Horatio sighed and shook his head, "Another Edgar Allan Poe quote. Okay…get that to QD and download the text to my laptop, I'm going to come by before I leave, I can work on the meaning behind the notes on my way to New York. There's something to those notes, Jesse, if not, he wouldn't be sending them."

"H, are you sure you're okay to be traveling? I know how cracked ribs feel…if you want I'll go to New York so you can recover," Jesse offered up, hoping he'd accept the offer.

"No, you stay here, I'll be fine," Horatio said as he sighed. He was going to have to wrap himself tightly to brace against the pain, but he knew he was going to be dealing with a degree of blinding pain. It couldn't stop him, however, Calleigh was in the clutches of a mad man, and he couldn't let her down. "If I see that it's getting to be too much, I'll slack off, but I have to do this, Jesse, for Calleigh."

Nodding, Jesse looked down, his own thought's going to Calleigh. Closing his eyes, he sighed, "I understand, H. Just let me know what you need us to do and I'll make sure it happens." Looking back up, he pursed his lips and raised a brow, "Do uh…do you need anything from here? Change of clothes, back-up weapon?"

"All of the above. I was told that my home was burned to the ground, so whatever I have at the lab is what I have to deal with right now." Reminded of Calleigh's offer to stay in her home hit him like a ton of bricks and he let out as shaky breath, "I'll swing by there to pick them up once I'm done here."

"I'll send Walter over to pick you up then. He's been going at it since last night and needs a break from here," Jesse said as he looked over at the younger man and smirked. "I'll have him on his way in a few. That'll give you time to tell off a few of the hospital staff."

The door opened and Horatio was faced with one of the nurses on staff and smirked deviously, "And the first victim walks through the door. Tell Walter to come right up, I'm sure after I'm done, they're going to want me gone."

"Will do, H. See ya here soon." Hanging up with him, Jesse looked at Walter and raised a brow, "Our fearless leader needs a ride here to get some of his things."

"Our fearless leader needs to learn when to sit it out. Doesn't he have a couple of cracked ribs? That cannot feel good walking around with," Walter said as he shook his head. Already seeing Jesse's expression he shook his head and waved him off, "I'll go and pick up our fearless leader. Call me if something comes up from trace."

"I will. And hey…thanks, Walter," Jesse said giving him a tired smile.

"Don't mention it. After this is all over, I think we're all going to sleep for four days straight. I know I am." Walter chuckled as he walked out, stopping to turn to Jesse, "We're gonna find her, Jesse. Everything's going to be alright."

"I hope so, Walter…cause right now, it's not looking good for Calleigh," Jesse replied, sadness in his voice that they couldn't do more.

"Positive thinking, my man, positive thinking." Walter gave him a smile before leaving, his feet carrying him further than what his brain wanted to. He knew he had to push himself, for the sake of his friends, and Calleigh, knowing that every moment that passed she was one further step away.

The peacefulness that she felt was like none other. The sun was shinning, a gentle breeze was blowing off the water helping to sooth the heat of the sun and a gentle whisper was in her ear. Smiling to herself, she knew that smooth voice, the voice she had grown to love to hear, the voice she craved. To her, nothing could be better then this.

The feel of his hands taking hers in his caused a content sigh to fall from her lips, the strength she felt in them like no other, yet they held certain gentleness to them. Soft whispers of love wisped by her ear as she let him move her, caress her as she relaxed, her eyes closed. His fingers traced her jaw as she laid back, a cool breeze hitting her and making the feel of the sun on her skin bearable. A soft kiss came to her cheek and she smiled some, the feel of his lips on her skin, warm and soft. Moving slightly, she sighed, his name falling from her lips, "Horatio…"

The sudden sting of a slap stung at her cheek and her eyes shot open, not seeing the man she called for, but the blue grey eyes of the man that had stalked her, taken her from the life she knew. Coming to her senses and realizing where she was, she began to struggle, finding her hands tied in front of her along with her ankles.

"Get away from me…" she said as she struggled more, trying to loosen her binds.

At the sound of his name whispered on her voice, the anger flared and he couldn't help but react to it with violence. Even though he'd been taken care of, she still harbored hope that he was coming to get her…unless.

Peering at her accusingly, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Is the red head still alive?" When she refused to speak, he slapped her again and asked again, his voice growing in rancor, "I said, is he still alive? ANSWER ME!"

Glaring at the man, Calleigh spoke through clenched teeth, "You'll never kill him…but he will kill you."

Her answer brought her another strike on the cheek and his anger peaked as he grabbed her and shook her, bellowing, "If he comes to get you, he'll die! I took out six of your boyfriend's friends, you don't think one isn't going to be easy for me to dispatch? You better hope that he doesn't find us." An intense feeling overcame him and he ran a hand through his hair, his voice now calm, "I'll just be ready for him, that's it, I'll be ready for him." He smiled at her through the haze of hatred and placed his hand on the dashboard trunk latch, "You pull anything, and I'll kill you, and then go back for your red headed prick of a boyfriend."

Standing her own ground the best she could, Calleigh stared at the man, "Go to hell you bastard. You'll never own me…ever. No matter what you do or say…I'll always love someone else."

Fighting the desire to strike her again, he instead wagged his finger at her, "You're not going to do that to me, sweetie. I love you too much to hit you again." Centering himself, he put his hands on the steering wheel and took a deep breath, letting it ease out of his body. He blinked slowly and smiled, "I'll be right back, Evie."

"And it's Calleigh, you bastard," she spat back at him as she started to struggle again. Lifting up some from the laid back car seat, Calleigh yelled out as loud as she could, "HELP!"

Panic gripped him and he moved fast, slapping his hand on her mouth. Glowering at her, he shook his head, "NO! NO! NO! Shut up! Don't make me hurt you, Evie. Be quiet so I won't hurt you." Pressing down harder, he closed his eyes, hoping that she would start to quiet. He could feel her struggling under his hand and his brow furrowed, "I don't want to hurt you, Evie. Be quiet long enough for me to get a room."

Unable to breath, Calleigh could feel as her body began to give in under him. Fear ran through her, unsure if the others would be able to find her in time. Slowly, the need for air became too great and her eyes began to close and her body stilled as she blacked out.

Assessing her, he shook his head and sighed heavily, "Couldn't be avoided, sweetie. I'll be right back." Getting out, he slipped the key out of the ignition and then slammed the door, locking it. Dusk was approaching and he was thankful for the dark tint that hid her binds from view. To the random citizen, it looked as if she was simply resting. Taking a look back at the car, he smiled and pushed the strands of his dark hair back, straightening himself. They were going to stop for the evening, and then get back on the road in the morning, hopefully staying a step ahead of his pursuers.

Crossing the street, he entered into the small office, taking a short glance at the appearance and smiled happily. Placing his wallet down, he regarded the manager with a nod and asked, "Vacancy for one?"

Gail Delores smiled as she sat behind the desk, watching the small tv. Quitman, Georgia was a small and quiet little town with signs of the olde South all around them. Plantation homes still stood with current residence inhabiting them, the land surrounding them now dotted with newer homes. The main strip consisted of a little grocery store that had been built back in the sixties along with a laundry mat and a little fast food joint that served everything from fried chicken to Chinese food. All in all, it was the perfect place to get lost in the laid back style of the South.

The sound of the rickety screen door opening caught her attention and she looked to see and middle aged man walk in. His grayish blue eyes caught hers and she rose from her chair and came to the desk. At his inquiry, Gail smiled brightly and pulled out a log book, "Of course, sugar. I've got a single cottage towards the back…will that work for ya?"

Giving her a responding smile, he nodded, "That will be just fine, ma'am. And, no matter what, I wish not to be disturbed. I just need a place to rest tonight and I'll be getting back on the road again." He glanced around again, gesturing to the clock, "What time does the restaurant close tonight?"

Looking up at it, she then opened the log in book, "It'll be open for another two hours. And, if you decide to eat there, I recommend there chicken friend streak sandwich with the fixin's. It's simply delish." Turning and reaching back for a key, she then began to write in the log, "Okay, name sir?"

"Curtis Lawson," he replied as he pulled out several bills. He noticed her line of sight and smiled, "How much will the room be?"

"With tax…thirty seven fifty eight." Writing his name into the log, she then turned it to him, "Just sign here. Now…there are fresh towels in there already and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Signing his name, he gave her a warm grin and shook his head, "I don't think that I'll need anything else, but just the same, thank you. What should I do if no one's up here in the morning?"

"Oh…there a slot next to the door, just drop the key in there, honey," she replied as she took the money he gave her and went to the small lock box. Opening it, she got his change and took it back to him, holding her hand out with it, "And there's a do not disturb sign on the back of the cottage door if you should decide to stay til the ten o'clock check out time."

"Thank you," he answered back as he took the money. Folding it neatly, he swung the key on his index finger and tilted his head towards her, "Have a good evening, ma'am." Leaving, he went back to the car and unlocked it, slipping in under the wheel. Looking to her, he sighed, moving a stray strand of blonde hair away from her eyes, "We've got the night, sweetie. No one's going to bother us." He let his fingers linger on her skin and sighed with contentment. Things were falling into place easily, but he still had a few precautions to take.

Driving the car to the back, he parked at the cottage and took a moment to breathe, "We're not going to be disturbed and that's good because I have to make some minor adjustments."