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**

There the traveler meets aghast, Sheeted Memories of the past- , Shrouded forms that start and sigh, As they pass the wanderer by- , White-robed forms of friends long given, In agony, to the Earth-and Heaven."

From "Dreamland" by Edgar Allan Poe

Turning over in the bed, a small painful moan fell from Calleigh's lips as her eyes slowly opened. Finding herself still in the hotel room, her eyes took in the area around her, not seeing him. She wondered how long she had been out for, the last thing she remembered being him leaving her there to rest. The headache she felt coming on caused her to close her eyes once more.

A shift in the bed behind her caused Calleigh to tense briefly before she felt a strong arm come around her and hold her close. The touch was unfamiliar and knew it belonged to one Christopher Larken. As his hand skimmed over her bare torso, she realized the only clothes he'd left her with was her lacy bra and panties. Turning up her nose in disgust, Calleigh felt his body press into hers and took in a sudden breath.

Her warmth put a smile on his face as he kept his eyes closed, relishing the scent from the fresh haircut. While he'd been out, he brought some food to cook for her when she woke, and also more things in hopes that she would wear them. Being that she hadn't felt well, he decided to leave that for later, instead slipping in behind her as she slept. He couldn't help but feel exuberance at the turn of events; because of her temporary condition, she had conceded her need to him. At the utterance of his name, his heart bloomed in his chest giving him a since of confidence. If he could get her to understand their relationship, it would make the next step that much easier.

Feeling her tense in his arms, his brow knit and he sighed, moving his hand from her torso to her bare shoulder, he skimmed her skin lightly, smirking at his luck. "How are you feeling, my dear? If you're hungry, I can whip something up for you."

Glaring out across the room, Calleigh remembered what had gotten her here and what she needed to do. Shrugging slightly she breathed out, "Can I just have some soup, please?"

"Soup? I've got so much more, sweetie. I went to the store while you were sleeping and I brought a few things. I know how you love your southern cuisine, I can only try. Would you like for me to cook for you?" Caressing her nape, he kissed it softly, feeling his body awaken for her and grinned, "You're just how I remember, Evie."

Closing her eyes and turning up her nose some, Calleigh wished she was anywhere but there with him. Wanting to try something she had learned, she reopened her eyes and asked, "And how do you remember me, Christopher?"

He continued to touch her and whispered, "Soft, beautiful, responsive." He wanted to touch her even more, but realized that he could be moving too fast, instead, he pulled back. Running his hand through her short strands, he smiled more, "Happy. I could make us happy again, Evie. We can get back what we lost."

Wanting to know more about his life with his deceased wife, Calleigh raised a brow, "What did we loose, Christopher? How were we so happy?"

"We loved each other so much. We did everything together, we completed each other." His hands moved again and he caressed her arms, "We were going to have a baby together, you were three months along when we lost…" Crinkling his brow, he pulled away from her, "I don't want to talk about what we lost. We have so much more to gain, now…do you want something to eat?"

Having not eaten since early that morning, Calleigh nodded slowly, her voice coming softly, "Please…but something lite though. I'm not sure if my stomach can handle too much right now still."

"Something light…Okay, I guess I'll save the southern cuisine for later. How does a chicken salad sound? It won't take me but a minute to get it together." Propping himself on his elbows, his fingers traced up and down her arm and he smiled, "And what would you like for dessert?"

Trying not to make a face, Calleigh raised a brow, "I think the salad will do me fine, Christopher…but thank you for offering." Licking her lips, she took in a deep breath, "Could I get something to drink, please?"

Christopher smiled and rose completely, bending to kiss her softly. Getting up, he glanced back at her and smiled, "It won't take me long, I'll be in the kitchen, okay? Feel free to look around, you'll find that this is far better than our last stop." Slipping on a t shirt, he moved to the door and then stopped, "I trust you, Evie. Don't misunderstand my trust."

Nodding in understanding, she watched him go and then sat up slow. Keeping the sheet pulled close to her body, Calleigh looked around, seeing a shirt he'd laid out for her. Reaching for it, she slipped it on and then buttoned it up the front. Looking for her pants, she breathed out heavily when she didn't see any. Raising a brow, she called out, "Is there any pants for me to wear?"

In the kitchen, he smiled as he pulled the chicken out and placed it in the pan, listening to it sizzle. Turning it, he called out, "I have everything laid out for you, Evie. I thought you'd like to relax tonight, since we're staying in."

Looking towards the small kitchenette, Calleigh then looked back, "All I found was a shirt…there's no pants or anything."

"I put them away, just in case you felt as if you wanted to take a chance and run." Flipping the chicken, he shook his head, "I may love you, Evie, but I'm not stupid. You can run tonight, if you want to run with just a shirt and underwear and as I hear it, it's going to be quite chilly." He turned to listen for her reply and sighed, hating the game they still had to play. She had agreed to be complacent, but he could tell that there was still some hesitancy. "Evie?"

Gently pulling at the bandage on her leg to look at her wound, she cringed as the tape pulled at her skin. Not hearing him call out to her, she took off the bandage, seeing for herself the wound and the stitches. Feeling the area, she felt a little heat in it and noticed a slight redness. Shaking her head, she mumbled, "Shit…now what?"

Going to investigate, concern wafted through him. Finding her on the bed, he sighed and came to her side, placing his hand on hers gently, "It's infected, Evie. I cleaned it the best way I know how, but if you desire, I can take you to a clinic tomorrow." Regret filled him and he sighed, "I'm sorry that I had to resort to that…You were getting close to the red head, I didn't like it." Silence fell between them and he shook his head, "If only he got to his car first, you would've never gotten hurt."

Looking at him and tilting her head, she shook her head, hoping to convince him, "Horatio is only my friend. I told him so. We've been friends for ten years, he's no threat."

"Don't. Don't do that, Evie. Don't try and deny, I saw you and him. You were in his arms, he kissed you." Letting go of her hand he stood completely and moved towards the kitchen, his tone now lacking warmth, "Your dinner will be ready soon. I'll call you when it's done."

"Chris…" Calleigh said softly as she watched him. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

Stopping in mid stride, he turned and flexed his fingers, speaking through clenched teeth, "You're not like that, Evie. You don't seek others. We love each other, and only each other." Turning to her, his eyes set in a glare, "He touched what wasn't his…."

"And I told him he couldn't ever again," Calleigh replied in a soft voice, hoping he'd listen. "If I had wanted him, I would have had him years ago…but that never happened, and it's not going to happen."

Approaching her, he stared into her eyes and searched for the truth, his fury calming. Relaxing now, he exhaled and reached to cup her face lovingly, "You'll have to forgive me, I know you're not used to me being this jealous, it's just…We were so close. You only had eyes for me." Smiling, he laughed, "We couldn't get enough of each other, my students used to tell me that I was the luckiest guy. I must say…I have to concur." His fingers danced over her face, taking in her expression, "I love you so much, Evie. I was devastated when I lost you, but that doesn't matter now…I have you back."

Realizing he'd all but gone mad with is wife's death, Calleigh nodded gently and whispered, "Just don't hurt me anymore, Christopher…I…I don't like being mean to you when you're like that either."

"I won't, Evie. I won't hurt you anymore," he answered as he stared into her eyes. He could hear her laugh in his mind and he closed his eyes, bringing her closer, "It will be just as it were before, sweetie."

Swallowing and hesitantly reaching up, she placed her hand onto his and whispered, "Just give me a little time, to get to know you again…that's all I ask, Christopher."

"That's all we have," he answered with a smile. Relishing her touch, he sighed as if he'd been relieved of a great pain. Opening his eyes, he tilted his head, locking gazes with her, "When we get back to Nevada, we can try again."

"But where will we stay when we get there? All our things are in Miami," she said, trying to get as much information as she could.

Christopher laughed and kissed her lightly, "You forgot about our house, well…your house at first. You had it before we got married, we stayed there for a few months."

Realizing that would probably be all she could get, Calleigh gave him a small smile and nodded, "I guess I did forget…I'm sorry." Looking back at her leg, she sighed, "Do we have some antibiotic ointment? It might help some with this wound."

"It's in the bathroom, Evie. If you would like, I'll help you clean and dress it." A pang of regret hit and he pulled away completely. He was ashamed that he resorted to violence. "That is if you want me to."

"How about you finish our dinner and I'll get this cleaned up…then we can eat and maybe you can tell me what you were doing while I was gone? I would like to know what I missed with you," she said, her voice staying soft and calming.

He nodded and sighed, "I think I should get back to the chicken. I'll call you when it's done."

"Okay…" she said as she watched him head back to the kitchenette. Breathing out, she shook her head and then moved her leg off the bed. Standing, she limped to the bathroom, closing the door behind her and saw the ointment and a bad of bandaging supplies on the counter. Smirking, she picked up the ointment and looked at the wall, thinking to herself, And more bread crumbs will be left.

Moving quickly in the kitchen, he soon had two plates of salad with steaming chicken waiting for her. Making sure to have everything to perfection, he then called out to her, "Evie! Dinner's ready!"

Finishing up in the bathroom and moving around to make sure there wasn't a glare on the wall Calleigh then turned the water in the sink on and opened the door slightly, "I'll be out in a minute. I'm almost done in here."

"Okay…" he answered back as he went back into the kitchen. Grabbing the wine glasses, he then pulled the wine out of the freezer, smiling deeply. If all went right, they would enjoy a nice evening together.

After settling for the evening, Tim found himself with idle time. Not wanting to waste his time staring at the walls, he instead decided to take in the night air of Vegas hoping that the attempt would help clear his brain. For more than forty eight hours, he kept himself on the go, following leads and wondering what Calleigh could've been going through. He'd never been through a hostage situation, but he'd seen plenty end the wrong way. Time was ticking against them, and every second past the twenty four hour mark was crucial.

Unable to find peace in the room, he then strode to the balcony and opened the doors, stepping out. The gleaming lights of the vibrant city below him gleamed and as alluring as it was, it didn't put a dent in the despair he was feeling. Glancing towards his right, he saw him standing, his stance one of reflection. Thinking to leave him to himself, he turned to go back in but stopping, instead, heading towards him. The worst the older CSI could do was tell him to mind his business.

Standing a few feet away from him, Tim cleared his throat and asked, "You okay, H?"

Keeping his eyes out on the darkened city, Horatio didn't move or even flinch as Tim spoke, making his presence known. Blinking slowly, he found his voice, the sound of it foreign to him, "Have you ever felt like everyone that you try love or care for seems to get hurt or taken from you?"

Casting his sights outward, he sighed lightly. Silently, he watched the lights flicker and then shook his head, "I've experienced loss, but I'm sure you're not speaking on that exactly."

Keeping his eyes on the city below them, Horatio sighed and shifted his weight some, "Everyone I've loved…cared for I've lost to violence. My mother, brother, Marisol…now possibly Calleigh." Shaking his head, he looked down, "Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth trying to love or care anymore."

"Not worth trying? Horatio…out there, there is a woman who loves you even despite what's gone on in your life. Calleigh's worth every ounce of love you can muster up, she's worth your sacrifice." Shifting his weight, he shook his head, "Don't do this to yourself, Horatio. You've had tragedies in your life, but Calleigh…she can make it right for you. Just don't give up on her."

Clenching his jaw, Horatio looked back up at the city again, "She deserves better then me, Speed. She deserves a life where she won't have to watch her back at all times." Taking in a deep breath and releasing it, he placed his hands onto his hips, "When we find her, you two will be going back alone. I'm gonna take some time to myself."

Leaning against the railing, Tim sighed heavily, "You and I both know that when we find Calleigh, she's not going anywhere without you. Calleigh's special, H. You have one chance at happiness in this world, H. Take it."

Turning to Tim, Horatio dropped his gaze and then moved past him, going to the door. Stopping and taking in a deep breath, he spoke again, "Take care of her while I'm gone, Speed." With that, Horatio went back inside, closing the door behind him and heading for his room.

Staring after him, Tim felt his anger rising but then quelled it, knowing that what lain ahead was going to require strongent focus, and in order to get Calleigh safely back, he would give no less.

Going into his room and closing the door behind him, Horatio looked around the darkened room and went over to the small table. Picking up the bottle of whisky that Catherine had given him, he carried it over to the window and took a seat in the chair there. Unscrewing the cap, he set it aside and then placed the bottle to his lips. Taking a long drink, he scowled as the liquid burned down his throat and into his stomach. Sitting back and looking up into the night sky, he whispered, "I'll find you Calleigh…I'll find you."

Mist settled over the city and Detective Clive Oldham moved with his men towards the door of the hotel room. After having received a call from the NYPD crime lab supervisor and being informed of a missing and abducted CSI he had gathered a team together to try to intercept. Motioning to one of his men, he then nodded as the officer moved into place beside the closed door. Knocking lightly, he then called out, "Maid Service."

Waiting a minute and getting no reply, the officer slipped the key into the door lock, opening it as the others rushed forward and into the room. Following them in with his gun pulled, Clive looked around, the other officers finding the place empty. Sighing, he pulled out his phone and dialed the number he'd been given to call.

Answering the phone, Horatio shook his head, surprised at the unknown number. Groggily, he answered the phone, "Caine."

Looking around as a few of the men moved out the room, Clive began to look around more, "Uh, yes sir, this is Detective Clive Oldham with the Meridian, Mississippi Police Department. A Detective Mac Taylor gave me your number and explained to me the situation with your CSI, sir."

"Detective," Horatio responded as he moved slowly, wincing. Not only was he still nursing cracked ribs, but he was also nursing a mild hangover. Rubbing his eyes, images of the night before and his solitary drinking rushing back to him. His mouth felt like cotton, but the phone call took precedence at the moment. "Go ahead, Detective, I'm listening."

"We checked out the hotels in the area Detective Taylor said they had a location on…we found one he stayed at last night. Used his name when he checked in even. I hate to say it, when we got into the room it was empty." Nodding as one of his detectives came in with a kit, Clive kept looking around, "Look's like it was left clean, sir."

"I see," Horatio responded as he rubbed his face again. He sighed heavily and asked, "Has the scene been thoroughly processed?"

"My guys are just coming in right now to start," Clive replied and shook his head. "From what I can see though, they didn't leave anything behind."

"It may seem that way, but look deeper. The CSI that we're looking for has been known to leave invisible clues as to their next step. So look deeper." Getting up slowly, he winced, the pain in his chest and side now beginning to wear on him. It was a constant reminder, however, how important it was to get to Calleigh. Refocusing, he sighed, "Call me the instant you got something, alright?"

"Sure thing, Lieutenant." Closing his phone, Clive turned around, looking to his investigator and raised a brow, "Hope you ready to earn your money this morning. Miami says there girl likes to leave invisible clues."

Picking up the phone, he dialed his number and waited for the gruff reply, knowing he was courting his ire for waking him this early. To his surprise, he answered clearly, almost as if he'd not been sleep. Arching a brow, he asked, "Speed? I hope I didn't wake you."

"No, actually, I've been up for a while now. Just getting confirmation from the lab concerning the samples we sent them from Georgia. Solidifying what we know; that was Calleigh's hair, but most of it was cut and not pulled. Out of all of that, there were a only a couple of strands with a follicular tag."

"Which means he either cut it while she was unconscious or threatened her in some way," Horatio replied as he pondered it. Shaking his head and sighing, he moved over to the window, looking out to see the sun starting to come up, "I just got a call from the Meridian Mississippi police. The found the hotel they were staying at, but they were already gone. They are processing the room right now."

"We're always a step behind this guy, Horatio. And we're sitting here with nothing to do but twiddle our thumbs." Taking a seat on his bed, he put his head in his hand and rubbed his hair roughly. This was wearing on him, the anticipation of news of Calleigh's whereabouts, being away from home, and mostly being away from his daughter, all of these put together was pushing him to the limit. Keeping his eyes closed, he exhaled heavily, "Do we know where they're headed once they get here?"

"Not as of yet. Ray and Catherine are checking into where him and his wife had lived here, and relatives they may have in the area…the whole nine yards." Licking his lips, Horatio walked back over to the bed and sat down, "We'll find them Speed…one way or another we'll find them and bring Calleigh home."

"Yeah," he allowed as he finally looked up and out. Shaking his head, he stood and went to the window, staring out at the beginning of a new day. With the oncoming of the sun, he felt optimistic about finding her. Retaining the information, he asked, "What time are you going to be ready to go in?"

"Catherine is coming at seven thirty to pick us up, so we still have about two hours. Why don't you try to get a little rest, Speed? Calleigh's gonna need us to be at one hundred percent and a lack of sleep isn't gonna help."

"Oh, don't worry about me, I'm fine. What about you? Are you still insisting on leaving her once you find her? Is that what's pushing you today, Horatio?" Tim couldn't help but allow a furious tone to come, remembering sharply what he requested of them. Laughing without mirth, he began to pace once again, "Just exactly what do you think Calleigh's going to do, or think about your intentions?"

"Speed…" Horatio said, his voice giving the other man warning, "That will be between myself and Calleigh."

More anger infused his words and he felt himself losing control, "Actually, you made it about me when you requested that I escort her home. What the hell am I supposed to do with her once you've discarded her?"

Clenching his jaw, Horatio temper flared, "If this bothers you so much Speed then maybe you shouldn't be here. Go home to your daughter, I'll find Calleigh without you." Closing his phone, Horatio clenched his jaw before reaching for the bottle of whiskey next to his bed. Staring at it, his anger peeked and he threw it harshly at the wall, the glass bottle shattering on impact and the brown liquid running down the wall.

Frustrated with the actions of his boss, he bolted towards the door, and then out, heading straight for his. Pounding on the door, he didn't care that it was early in the morning, what was fueling him had no concern for outwardly appearances. When the door didn't recede to his fist, he bellowed out, "Open the goddamned door, Horatio!"

Turning his head and cocking a brow at the door, Horatio got up, going over and throwing the lock. Opening it, he walked over to the table, tossing his phone down onto it, "Now what, Speed? Didn't understand that I can do this myself?"

Surveying the scene, he arched a brow as he closed the door, catching the scent of alcohol. Smirking, he scratched his head, his voice holding a sarcastic tone, "Yeah, you're real steady on your feet. Did you drown your sorrows enough last night?" He stared at him in heated silence unable to comprehend what he was going through, "You're everywhere with this, H. first you want me to take her home without you, now you're sending me away- what exactly do you want, Horatio?"

Without a word of warning, Horatio lashed out, moving fast and pushing Tim back into the wall behind him. Pinning him there with one arm across his throat and the other gripping his tee shirt, Horatio growled, "BACK OFF SPEED! JUST BACK OFF!"

Laughing, Tim looked to him and tilted his head slightly, seeing the furor set within the deep recesses of his eyes. He could see that Horatio was on edge."Finally, a reaction from you. What, you don't like it when you're intentions are questioned? Just why are you out here trying to save her if you're going to leave her the first chance you get?"

Pushing off him, Horatio walked away, running a hand through his hair and then turned back glaring at the man, "I don't think that's any of your fucking concern."

"When it's about a friend of mine, someone I care about, it is my fucking concern. Why do you think that I dropped everything to take her to St. Pete's? I risked my daughter's life for Calleigh…why, because she's fucking worth it, Horatio. If you can't see how special she is, maybe you should be the one going home! When she's found, she's going to need someone who's there to support her, not ready to discard her at the first chance."

A small smile formed and Horatio ran both hands through his hair, "Then maybe she'd be better off with someone like you then. I've seen how you look at her…or will you do her like Eric did and leave her high and dry?"

Tim glared at him and shook his head, starting for the door, "No, I won't. I think she's been abandoned enough. Go home, Horatio. Don't give her hope for something that's not going to happen."

Watching as the younger man left out the room, slamming the door behind him, Horatio shook his head and then glared over at the table as his cell phone began to ring. Walking over and opening it without even looking at the ID, he growled, "Caine."

Hearing the tension in his voice, Ray arched a brow and held the phone away for a second before answering, "Lieutenant Caine, I trust everything's okay this morning?"

"I've had better," Horatio replied gruffly and went over, getting his watch and seeing the time. "I didn't think you got in til Catherine did. Has there been a development?"

"Indeed," Ray responded as he grinned at the report in front of him. Picking it up, he read it over again, "We've had analysts going over real estate holdings in the Las Vegas area and we happened upon an Evelyn Connor. She has a home just outside the city limits. Care to chance who Evelyn is?"

"Larken's dead wife. Do you have an address, Ray?" Horatio asked as he went back over to the table and opened the file. Reaching for his pen, he asked, "Can we get out there today?"

"I have that address, and we can go as soon as Catherine goes to pick you and your colleague up." Repositioning his glasses, Ray read off the address, "1120 San Andros Boulevard. According to the listing, its still under Evelyn Connor, our suspect's name isn't on any of the paperwork, but because he's a widow, if I'm not mistaken, her property becomes his." Furrowing his brow, he asked, "I'm fairly new to the procedures of the law, but don't we need a warrant if we're going to search this location?"

"We're not gonna search it…just scout it out. They left Mississippi sometime this morning and still have at least two days before they get here. We can at least see what were up against out there,' Horatio replied. "Remembering what had occurred earlier, Horatio raised a brow, "Ray, do me a favor and don't say anything about this to Speed. Matter of fact, don't tell Catherine yet either. If you could, just pick me up and I'll send Tim with Catherine to the lab."

Concerned, Ray interjected, "Lieutenant, I don't keep anything from my supervisor. I have to let her know as soon as she comes in." Knowing the importance of this case, he thought it over and relented, "Perhaps, she will be accepting of me taking some initiative. I'll leave her a message and then swing by to pick you up."

"Thank you, Ray. And if she gives you trouble, tell her to talk to me. I'll explain everything then," Horatio replied as he closed the file back. Heading towards the door, he locked it and sighed, "How long til you get here?"

"I can be there within a half an hour, if that's alright with you?"

Going over to the small bag he's brought with him, Horatio flinched and groaned as he lifted it, "Yeah, I'll be ready. I'll meet you in the lobby."

"Sound's good. Maybe afterwards, we can meet up with your colleague and have breakfast and share what we've found." Ray smiled as he stood and stretched, grabbing his cup of coffee. Taking a sip, he then started out of the A/V lab and nodded to the lab techs that were coming in. "I'll see you in about a half an hour."

"Thanks, Ray," Horatio replied and then closed his cell. Tossing it onto the bed, he walked over placing his bag there. Pulling out a pair of jeans and a white button shirt, he then headed to the bathroom to finish getting ready.

With a few minutes to spare, Horatio came off the elevator and headed for the busy lobby of the hotel. Bells and ringing of a few of the slot machines that he passed filtered through the area. Coming to the set of door, Horatio nodded to Ray as he met him there and extended his hand, "Thanks again for this, Ray."

Taking the red head's hand, Ray shook it sternly and smiled, "No problem, anything to help out." As they started walking, he glanced to him and asked, "So you had a run in with your suspect, you must have really made him angry."

"In more ways then one," Horatio replied as they walked out to the park SUV. "He took out Calleigh's vehicle along with him and had another bomb planted in another one of my CSI's vehicles. If she see's you as a romantic threat to her, he tries to eliminate the so called competition."

"He's replacing his late wife with your CSI. There are so many problems that arise with that. He's bound to be unpredictable, phasing from bouts of memory lapses, even to violence, depending on the situation. If your CSI isn't complying along the means of his fantasy, then I stand to believe that he will- force her to. It can be very dangerous for her." Ray disengaged the locks and opened the door, slipping under the wheel. Starting the SUV, he waited until Horatio was settled before pulling off, frowning, "You said he's already altered her appearance?"

"We found blond hair in the trash can at the motel he had them stay at in Georgia. We sent what we collected and my lab confirmed it was hers…and that it was cut," Horatio said as he placed his seatbelt on.

"He's accelerating in his fantasy." Turning to see an incredulous expression on his face, he smirked and then retained his sights on the road ahead of him. "Let me explain, Lieutenant. With most people who suffer from this type of post traumatic stress disorder, there's an order, a method to their madness. They continue as if they're ticking items off of a list. In altering her and fashioning her into his late wife's image, he's going to continue down the list. If she doesn't comply, he's going to force her into submission to complete the order."

"But if she does comply to keep him at bay…" Horatio said as he turned his head and stared off.

"He will see that as acceptance, and treat her as he would've treated his late wife. All he wants was what he couldn't have, his happiness manifested. He's going to seek to rekindle what he lost, a life with his beloved wife, no matter how disillusioned the idea is. If they reach this level of acceptance to each other, he will not give her up. He'll die to protect or…"

"Kill anyone that get's in his way with her," Horatio finished for him. Pursing his lips as and sliding on his sunglasses, Horatio sighed, "Ray, where can I get a gun around here? I'm gonna need to me armed when this all goes down."

Thinking, he shrugged, "The only place I can tell you is a pawn shop, but you're going to have to wait twenty four hours for the paper work to come back. Other than that, I'd say ask Catherine." He looked to Horatio curiously, "Do you feel as if it's going to come down to that?"

"This man took out six of Speed's friends, a MDPD Undercover posing as Calleigh, he's also got to me, burned down my place and then went after Speed's daughter in which he abducted her. He's playing for keeps…and I'm not letting him have Calleigh for some sick twisted mind game he's playing with himself."

Listening intently, Ray nodded and sighed, "Well…it seems as if the determination has been made. When we get back to the lab, I'll talk to Nick and see if he can procure you a weapon." Silence cloaked them as the ride continued, the landscape of casinos and buildings giving way to homes. After a while, Ray cleared his throat and glanced to see Horatio lost in thought. Venturing to relieve the silent tension, he asked, "Do you mind if I make an assessment, Horatio?"

Looking back at him, Horatio nodded and then looked back forward and reached for the cup of coffee Ray had brought for him, "Go ahead."

"Don't allow your losses to predicate your actions, if you act out of fear for the future, you'll end up losing out on everything. We make mistakes for a reason, Horatio. The thing is not to continue to revisit these mistakes." Keeping his eyes on the road, Ray concluded, "We've all seen sorrow, Horatio, but we all don't allow it to hinder us. Don't allow your past ghost to hinder your future."

Remaining quiet, Horatio looked back out at the passing scenery as it turned into high desert. Ray's words had hit him and Horatio pondered over them in his head. For so long he'd kept people at bay, and the few he had let into his life had been taken from him in one form or another. He had promised Calleigh she would be safe and yet she had slipped through his fingers and into the hands of a killer.

Shifting some in his seat to take some of the pressure off his sore ribs, Horatio finally broke the silence of the cab, "Ray…I have to get her back."

Ray smiled and turned the SUV onto San Andros and nodded, "I think we're on the right road then." Stopping in front of the intended property, he put the truck in park and stared past Horatio towards the home, pointing, "Looks as if it's been kept up, but abandoned, do you think the late Evelyn Larken has family?"

"I'm not sure. Jesse was looking into that when I talked to him last night," Horatio replied as he stared up at the house. Crinkling his eyes, he reached for the door handle, "I'll be back, Ray."

"Wait…where are you going?" Ray asked as he held his hand out to stop him. He narrowed his brow, looking to the home, "What are you planning to do?"

"Just looking around. As you said, the place look's abandoned…people might think maybe the home owner might want to sell," Horatio replied with the raise of a brow.

"Horatio, if you find anything detrimental to the case, you can't use it. We don't have a warrant, abandoned or not." Following the red head out of the SUV, he rounded the back of the vehicle, hesitant to follow him to the edge of the property. "If we get caught out here…."

"I'm a tourist and looking for a place to buy out here," Horatio replied as she took off his badge and slid it into his pocket. Walking up the inclined hill, he glanced back at Ray, "I'm just looking, that's all."

"Looking, that's all," Ray parroted to himself. Reluctantly, he followed Horatio up the hill and watched as he continued to move almost fluidly. Astonished, Ray shook his head and followed, hopeful that he could keep the visitor out of trouble.