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**

"That motley drama-oh, be sure, It shall not be forgot! With its Phantom chased for evermore, By a crowd that seize it not, Through a circle that ever returneth in To the self-same spot, And much of Madness, and more of Sin, And Horror the soul of the plot."

From "The Conqueror Worm" by Edgar Allan Poe

The feel of an arm tightening around her waist caused her eyes to flutter open and Calleigh looked out across the still darkened room. Yawning and wondering what time it was, she looked towards the window, seeing the small rays of light coming trough the edges of short stiff curtains. Wondering what the new day was going to hold for her, she also went over everything in her head that they had talked about the night before. From the abuse he endured at the hands of his mother, to his life with Evie, she had seen a part of the madness that most wouldn't. She saw the love and devotion he held for his deceased wife, and the struggle within himself to preserve her memory…a struggle that had brought them to where they were at.

Taking in a deep breath and releasing it, she felt as his fingers began to move over her torso, caressing the skin lightly. Turning up her lip, she couldn't wait for the madness to be over and be back in the arms of the man she truly loved.

Feeling her move more, he smiled, the images of what he wanted, dancing under his lids. Breathing outwardly, he chuckled deeply and moved his fingers over her skin even more, "I see someone's awake. How did you sleep?"

Forcing a smile, Calleigh turned her head some, looking back at him. Whispering, she laid her hand onto his, her fingers drawing circles on the back of his hand, "Better then I have in awhile. I was thinking about going back to sleep for a little longer, I'm enjoying this."

Squinting, Christopher moved his hand upwards, skimming her skin lightly. He enjoyed being this close to her, and judging by the sun filtering through the heavy drapes, they were not in danger of losing any time. Leaning to kiss her neck, he whispered, "We can stay for as long as you like. There's no rush in getting to Nevada."

Closing her eyes, Calleigh thought of something and her eyes opened, "Christopher…what about my ID's and all? I can't drive or anything without them."

Furrowing his brow, Christopher ceased kissing her and lifted, "Why would you need to drive, I can drive."

Turning some onto her back so she could look at him she remained close, "I'm just saying, if you're busy and we need something from the store, I wouldn't be able to go. That or what if you get sick…then what am I supposed to do? I just want us prepared, that's all."

Thinking about it more, he sat up and then looked to her, "You're right, we're going to have to get you some identification. When we get to Nevada, we'll work on it." Settling back down, Christopher took her into his arms again and pulled her close, "Things will work out."

With both his arms around her and her head resting on his shoulder, Calleigh bit her lip and then whispered, "What are we gonna do for money? It costs a lot to live in Nevada. Are…are you thinking about teaching there again?"

"I have money saved up, and if worse comes to worse, I can take a teaching job. We're not going to have to worry about money, Evie. Things are going to work out." Replacing his hands on her bare torso, he began to caress her again and leaned in once more, kissing her lightly. The desire built up inside of him steadily and he smirked, "You won't consider rescinding your decision to wait, will you, Evie?"

Looking into his eyes the best she could, Calleigh frowned slightly, "I wanted us to wait, Christopher…til we're in our home and our bed." Reaching up, her fingers went to his chin and she whispered, "I want our new first time to be one to remember forever."

Disappointed, he felt the tension draw up in his body and then relaxed, exhaling, "Because it is with you, it will be memorable. But I can understand your desires, and I will adhere to them." Skimming her cheek, he smiled, "I love you."

Giving him a smile, she moved up, giving him a kiss before pulling back. Sighing she laid back against him again and whispered, "Tell me about how we usta be, Christopher. I know reading lead to us being intimate, but what else?"

Grinning wildly, Christopher arched a brow and snickered, "Well, in the beginning, we were insatiable, you would do a lot of the provoking, and well…I was happy to oblige. But when we settled into our lives, I was the instigator. We liked it pretty rough, but nothing too extreme."

Blushing some, Calleigh looked away from him and licked her lips, "Oh…I…I didn't know." Clearing her throat, she looked back up at him to seeing him smiling more, "What?"

"I saw the blush," he answered back almost smugly, leaning to nip her neck, "so that means you're surprised." Pulling her into him even more, he whispered in her ear, "It was intense, our love making. We often lost track of time. One time, you marked me and I had to hear it from my students. Needless to say, they never thought me to be prude in anyway after that."

Smiling some, she whispered back to him, "Did you ever mark me?"

Getting a sheepish grin, he nodded, "On occasion. In…certain places. Your back was my canvas."

"My back?" she asked as his hands moved over her skin. "Why there? Is…is that one of your turn-on's?"

"Immensely," he answered with a sort of reverence. He hummed contently as he nuzzled her neck, kissing her softly, "You didn't have any complaints either. It actually turned you on to be taken that way."

Her fingers played in the hair on his arm and Calleigh raised a brow, "What else did we like doing together?" When he pressed into her more and flexed his hips into her, she could feel his erection pressing into her and her pulse began to race. Swallowing hard, she whispered, "Christopher…are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he groaned as he pressed into her further. The sensation of having her in his arms coursed through him and he smiled lazily as he nuzzled her again, "Remembering brings it all back to me. I want…I want you, Evie. I've got to have you."

He started to become more domineering and Calleigh knew she needed to do something to defuse him or she would be taken against her will my him.. Thinking quickly, her hand moved down his torso and she whispered to him, hoping this would work, "Christopher…I'll take the edge off you…but I want to wait til we get home to make love to you." Coming to his erection, she slowly began to stroke it through his boxers, feeling his massive size.

Her hand on his member surged his arousal and he smiled, "Hmmm… Evie…You know exactly how to touch me." Flexing his hips even more into her hand, he growled, "More, Evie."

Biting her lip, Calleigh whispered to him, "Roll onto your back for me, Christopher." When he did as she asked, Calleigh turned onto her side, facing him, her hand once again trailing down his torso. Looking up to his face, she saw his eyes closed and a smile riding his features, "Let me help you relax some." Coming to his boxers again, she slid her hand over the material as it covered his cock and she began a back and forth motion, "Just relax, sweetie."

With his eyes closed, he groaned and then bit his lip, her grip on his cock growing. As she stroked him, he thought of the moments they shared where the passion was overflowing. He could remember her touch, the sound of her voice as she screamed his name in abandon. The memories intensified, and his body began to move in time with her strokes, the friction nearly driving him out of his mind.

"Yes, Evelyn…like that," he admonished.

Her hand continued to move over his covered cock, gripping his with the material. Increasing her grip and the movement of her hand on him, Calleigh leaned over, whispering in his ear, "Cum for me, Christopher…release yourself."

At her voice, Christopher felt himself stiffen even more, the sensation of his arousal cutting through him. Through clenched teeth, he groaned and his body writhed, reaching to touch her. "Yes, Evelyn…Yes…I'm…cumming…"

Keeping her pace steady, she gripped him a little more, and turned her head to look up at him as he began to expel himself in his boxers. With her nose turned up slightly, she watched as his eyes closed tight, lost into ecstasy and calling out Evelyn's name.

Shuddering to completion, Christopher opened his eyes slowly and then smiled, reaching to caress her face, astounded. He chuckled slightly and then leaned to kiss her, whispering, "Thank you."

Giving him a small smile, she whispered back, "It was the least I could do for you. I want you happy and relaxed."

"Mission accomplished," he responded with a wide smile. He glanced down at his now dwindling erection and then back up to her, "Do you…feel the need?" Staring at her, he could see something in her eyes and his brow furrowed as he pulled back, watching her closely. "Evie?"

"I…I can't right now, Christopher," she replied looking down. Biting her lip and glancing back up at her him, she sighed, "Mother nature…you know…"

Sitting up more, Christopher frowned and then questioned, "How long?"

Shrugging, she sighed and laid back onto her back, "I started yesterday afternoon…so at least four more days. I'm sorry, Christopher…I know you're disappointed…" To keep from laughing at the drama she was creating, Calleigh then turned onto her side, her back to him and a small smile formed at her buying herself more time.

Lying back, Christopher lapsed into a thoughtful silence and closed his eyes, counting. Turning back to her, he placed his hand on her, "Why didn't you tell me? You don't have anything- I haven't brought anything…You're not due." Gripping her shoulder somewhat, his anger scratched at the surface, "Why are you lying to me, Calleigh?"

Caught, she thought about the worst thing she could so tears would form in her eyes and she looked at him, "I…I'm scared, Christopher…I'm scared." Letting the tears fall, she shook her head, "I'm scared of getting hurt again…that you will leave me like the others have."

"What? What are you talking about?" Christopher asked, startled by her tears. Panic gripped him and he grabbed her and brought her close, "Evelyn, you don't have to be afraid. I'm never going to leave you. I'll never hurt you."

Purposely anchoring herself to him, she held him tight and smirked slightly before sniffling, "I'm tired of being hurt…and I know you won't hurt me…but I still have that fear…"

The sudden need to kill whoever hurt her gripped him and he clenched his teeth together, grasping her closer to him. "You don't have to fear, Evie. You're never going to hurt again. I promise you that."

Closing her eyes, she sniffled again, "Y-You're…not mad…at me?"

"No, sweetheart, I'm not mad. I don't want you to fear anything," Christopher assured. Running his hand over her head, he closed his eye, "Don't cry, Evie…please don't cry." After holding her for a moment longer, he parted from her and then caressed her face lovingly, "We won't do anything more until we get to Nevada. You'll feel safer."

Nodding she looked up at him, "Thank you for being so good to me, Christopher. It means so much to me."

He smiled and nodded, cupping her face, "I was born to love and protect you, Evelyn. I'll do it until my last breath, understand?" When she nodded tearfully, he reached with his thumb to rub away the tears and sighed heavily, "Why don't you rest more while I clean up? We can take our time getting back on the road. We only have a few more hours ahead of us anyway."

"Will we see Vegas? I don't think I've been there before…or else I don't' remember it," she replied softly as she looked into his eyes. Giving him a small smile, she raised a brow, "Will we be able to see some of the shows if we're near by?"

"We can go to Vegas whenever we want, we live very close by in a place called Blue Diamond. It's nice, and quiet, and there's a lot of space." He smiled more and started to move, "I have to get cleaned up, but you rest, okay?"

"Okay…don't be long," she replied with a smile. Giving him a parting kiss, she watched as he got up and headed for the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Waiting a few minutes until she head the water going and him in there humming, she reached for the hotel phone and picked it up. Watching the door and listening intently, she dialed the familiar number. Waiting until she heard him pick up, she whispered, "Blue Diamond, Nevada…tonight. I'm fine…but be there." Hanging up, she hated that she couldn't say more, but she also couldn't risk getting caught.

Holding the phone in his hand, Horatio's heart hammered against his chest, the words repeating through his mind. He had been startled to hear her voice, desperate to hear more of it. Blinking several times until he came back to himself, he finally took the breath that he didn't realize he was holding and looked to the phone, dialing absentmindedly. When he finally picked up, he spoke in a detached voice, the feeling of the inevitable pressing upon him.

"Speed, it's going down tonight, Blue Diamond, Nevada. She's going to be there tonight…and so are we."

"What do you mean it's going down tonight?" Tim asked as he walked into the room. After the vague phone call, Tim did not hesitate to go to Horatio's room, wanting to know exactly what was happening. At first, he thought that the older CSI had gotten some information from New York, but as he entered into Horatio's domain, he could see the nervous energy behind the iciness of his blue eyes. Something was telling him that he'd heard this information straight from the source. Coming to rest in front of Horatio, his expression mirrored his confusion, "Did she call you, H? Did you hear from Calleigh?"

Meeting his eyes with the younger man's, Horatio nodded, "Calleigh called my cell. She said they were heading for Blue Diamond tonight and she was fine, but wanted us there. Then she hung up. She was whispering so I don't think he knows she called."

"Did she sound like she was distressed? Where do you think he was?" Tim asked as he began to pace. Now that they knew for sure that she was okay, the anticipation grew between the two of them. Running a hand through his hair, he exasperated, "Do we know anything about Blue Diamond?"

"Blue Diamond is where Evelyn Larken's house is that Ray and I went to. There's a lot of open terrain out there so were gonna have to be careful," Horatio said as he opened his cell. Finding Ray's number, he hit send and placed the phone to his ear, "We're gonna have to be ready for when they arrive."

Hearing Ray pick up, Horatio raised his brow, "Ray, it's on for tonight. Blue Diamond. Calleigh just contacted me and said they'd be arriving."

Stopping in mid action, Ray arched a brow, "Did you happen to glean an arrival time?"

"All she said was tonight, where at and that she was fine and then hung up. Ray, with or without you guys, Speed and I will be there," Horatio stated firmly as he went over to his bag and knelt down. Bringing out the gun Catherine had issued him, he carried it to the table where the cleaning kit was. "Can I count on you?"

"We'll be there," Ray confirmed as he looked up from his work. He shook his head, "Blue Diamond's going to present a problem. The land surrounding it…is vast. If he ran with her…"

Setting the gun down, Horatio looked over towards Tim, "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that…but if it does, do you have access to a chopper or all terrain vehicles?"

"I can get some," Ray responded with a wide smile. He stood and then moved towards the door, "Are you averse to going on a steak out?"

Smirking, Horatio raised a brow, "Nope. Speed and I will be ready within the hour. Can you get someone to pick us up and bring us to the lab?"

"It's done, I can have someone there within the hour." Ray was on the move, heading towards Catherine's office, walking swiftly, "Will you need anything else?"

"Yeah…vests. This guy plays for keeps. You might also want to get your best sniper out there as well. If he uses Calleigh as a shield a sniper might be the only way to get her out unharmed," Horatio replied as he began to disassemble his gun.

"We've got that covered, anything else?" Ray asked smugly. Stopping at Catherine's door, he knocked on it and gestured to the phone, smiling, "Any additional firepower, or are you okay with what you have?"

"I'll make a visit to your gun vault when we get there if you don't mind," Horatio said as Tim pulled his piece from the back of his pants and took a seat in the opposite chair. "See you in an hour."

"An hour," Ray responded with a nod. He took in a deep breath and let it out, knocking on her doorjamb before entering. From this moment on, he knew that all bets were off.

Watching Horatio clean his gun, Tim exhaled heavily as he glanced to his own piece, remembering their time on the range earlier. He hadn't used a weapon in so long, he wasn't sure that he would be able to hit the target, but he had surprised himself. Despite that, however, he still didn't feel comfortable with it. Silence encased them for long moments before Tim ventured to speak, "Ah…H… I don't know if I'm good enough. What if something happens…"

Looking over at him as he began cleaning the barrel of his gun, Horatio then looked back at what he was doing, "Speed, you were right on target today…but if you feel more comfortable holding back with some of the others, you won't be looked down on. I want you to feel comfortable when we go in."

Already feeling like he let him down, Tim nodded, his tone sarcastic, "Yeah, I'm sure things will be much better in the back." Getting up, he moved to the window, shaking his head, "What exactly did I think I was doing here? What did I think would happen when he finally decided to show up?"

Turning and looking over at him, Horatio continued his cleaning, "Speed, you came for Calleigh…that's what is important. We'll need all the help we can get. You're a good man…and you're still a good shot. Don't count yourself out on this."

"I just don't want to be a hindrance, I don't want to get Calleigh killed." He faced the window completely and sighed, "I'll freeze. It's happened before, it's going to happen again. I don't want Calleigh to pay for my mistakes."

Getting up and going over, Horatio stood beside him looking out, "Speed, you're not a hindrance…and we're going to do everything possible to keep her safe, take every precaution. But like I said, if you're more comfortable in the rear, I'll understand and I'm sure Calleigh will as well."

Tim nodded and then turned from the window, going back to the table. Taking a seat, he slipped out the piece that had been given to him and placed it on the table. Staring at it, he grimaced and then stood suddenly, heading for the door, "I shouldn't have come."

"Speed…" Horatio said firmly, his voice stopping the younger man. Going over to him, his brow crinkled, "Speed, you have a daughter that you need to think about…it's understandable if you're nervous. I'm nervous too, but Calleigh need's us. I'm going in, but if you hold back, there is nothing wrong with it. Don't beat yourself up over this. It's not worth it, Larken's not worth it."

"I was supposed to protect her," Tim answered back softly. His logic warred with his desire and he growled, shaking his head, "And I couldn't even do that right. I shouldn't be here. I'm…I'm sorry…" Completing his trek to the door, Tim placed hand on the knob and then paused, breathing out heavily, "If it matters, tell…tell Calleigh that I'm sorry for failing her."

Not allowing Horatio a moment of reply, Tim moved swiftly, exiting and closing the door tightly behind him. Standing for a moment in the corridor, he ran his hand through his hair before starting for his own room. He was a liability, and one that he didn't want costing a good friend's life.

Watching as the door closed, Horatio ran a hand through his hair and sighed, knowing the decision to stand down was Tim's. Shaking his head, he sat back down at the table and picked his gun back up. Looking at it, his thought's went to Calleigh, his Bullet Girl and he hoped and prayed that before the night was over with he'd have her back in his arms.

Sitting in the passenger seat and looking out, Calleigh yawned and stretched some, the sundress he tad gotten for her pulling tight across her breasts. Since leaving the last city, they had been on the road non-stop, closing the distance between them and Blue Diamond. The landscape had changed for the most part. Gone were the lush green fields of the Midwest, now replaced with high desert. Her thought's kept returning to the call she had made earlier that morning. Even thought it had been brief so not to tip off Larken, she still wished she could have talked to Horatio more.

Feeling his hand cover hers, Calleigh looked over at Christopher, giving him a smile and sighed, "It's weird how much the land changes. Yesterday it was a combination of greens and yellows…today, well rocks, brush's and mountains."

Returning her smile, Christopher nodded, "It's astounding what kind of insight one can garner from a road trip. You see the essence of this country, undiluted. I was thinking, once we get settled and have a baby, maybe we can take a road trip, you know…like a family. What do you think?" The smile that she wore warmed his heart, feeling that there was a connection being made. He could tell with her touch that she was evolving into the wife he missed.

Turning from her, but keeping his hand on hers, he shifted the conversation and smiled, "So…when we have a baby, what do you want, a girl or a boy?"

Licking her lips and then biting her bottom lip, Calleigh knew she wouldn't be around long enough for him to even see her completely nude and smiled. Looking back at him, she shrugged, "Either really…as long as it's healthy and happy."

With his eyes on the road, Christopher nodded, "Yeah, well I've always wanted a son. I want to hold him in my arms, teach him when he grows up how to be a man, how to love…" Turning to Calleigh, he smiled, "The world needs more of those types of men, right?"

Thinking about Horatio and what a wonderful man he was, Calleigh sighed as she gazed out at the mountains in the far off distance, "Oh yes, it does. Strong, smart, caring…and cannot forget handsome." Looking back at him and tilting her head, she turned more to him, "What time do you think we'll get in tonight?"

"It shouldn't be long," Christopher responded, glancing at his watch. The wistfulness in her voice grabbed his attention and he arched a brow, maintaining his sights on the road, "So you think our son will be handsome, strong and caring?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't he be? He'd had a wonderful man as his father," Calleigh replied, picturing the red head with the cobalt blue eyes. Blushing some, she looking down, "Maybe he'll have your eyes."

"Maybe," he answered as he looked to her. Her smile and the color of her cheeks had him curious and he narrowed his brow, asking, "What are you thinking, Evelyn? You're blushing…"

Looking back at him but keeping the smile, she shrugged, "I don't know. I guess talking about a baby does that to me." Getting an idea, she unbuckled her seat belt and moved over closer to him, "That and thinking about making our son of course."

Seeing her advances, he smirked and chanced a glance to her, "Evelyn…what are you…um…What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to be closer to you." Sitting in the middle of the seat, she placed her forearm up on his shoulder and her fingers ran through his hair, "Chris…would you read to me again tonight when we go to bed. I slept so well last night when you did that."

Her touch was distracting and his eyes briefly slid shut as he breathed out heavily, his thoughts jumbling. As her fingers weaved through his hair, he imagined her body, crushing against his as his hands roamed. Smirking, he opened his eyes and answered, "Anything for you, Evie. Anything."

Staying where she was at, Calleigh looked back out the window, "Christopher, when we get home I was wondering, is there any wine in the house? I thought maybe we could have a glass to unwind from this trip."

"Wine? Um…we'll have to go out and get some things. It's been a very long time since we've lived in Nevada. So…we have a shopping trip to make." Turning to her, he asked, "Red or white?"

Thinking for a minute, she smiled and leaned into him, whispering in his ear, "Red. I want to celebrate us coming home."

The seductive tone couldn't be ignored and he smiled lazily as he licked his lips. Repositioning himself, he cleared his throat and gripped the wheel with one hand as he reached over to touch her leg with the other. Caressing it through the material, his hand searched for the hem, aching to feel her skin under his touch. "Evelyn…"

Placing her hand onto his, she whispered again, "Not while you're driving, sweetie. You don't need to be distracted so much." Turning her head and seeing the book on the back seat, she reached for it and brought it up front. Running her finger over the cover she smiled, "Can I read while you drive?"

He chanced a glance at her, watching as she ran a finger over her cover, sure that he was going to have a coronary as he drove, the mischievous grin inching over her lips causing him to reposition himself again. Nodding swiftly, he answered breathlessly, "S-sure. You can read while I drive."

Opening the book to the contents pages, she went down the list at what was listed and found one. Going to the page, she set the book down onto her thighs and began to read.

"Romance, who loves to nod and sing, With drowsy head and folded wing, Among the green leaves as they shake, Far down within some shadowy lake, To me a painted paroquet, Hath been-a most familiar bird- Taught me my alphabet to say- To lisp my very earliest word, While in the wild wood I did lie, A child-with a most knowing eye.

Of late, eternal Condor years, So shake the very Heaven on high, With tumult as they thunder by, I have no time for idle cares, Though gazing on the unquiet sky. And when an hour with calmer wings, Its down upon my spirit flings-That little time with lyre and rhyme, To while away-forbidden things! My heart would feel to be a crime, Unless it trembled with the strings."

Raising her brow, Calleigh's eyes stayed on the page and then she spoke softy, "Wow…"

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Christopher asked, dividing his sights to the road and her. He could tell that she was taken by the words and he smiled, hoping that it was having the desired effect. Reaching for her again, he smirked, "Now you know why reading this before we were intimate works."

"But he wrote of death too didn't he? I don't see where that would be a turn on," she said as she looked over at him, wanting more insight.

"The layman's term of death is what frightens most away, through Poe's eyes, through his understanding, he shows that death is just nature's answer to life. Death is beautiful and it's nothing to fear, especially if you've lived your life to the fullest." Centering his thoughts on Evelyn, he sighed, "Death is unavoidable, a true constant."

"But what if you haven't lived life to the fullest…what if it was taken from you. That's a fear that so many have, that there lives will end prematurely," she said, looking over at him. "I know that's a fear I have, that my life will end before it's meant to be."

"The idea then, is to live life to the fullest. Make no exceptions, take nothing for granted, not even the next breath in your body." Smiling at her, he expounded more, "You see something, a goal, spare no expense in obtaining it. That's what life is all about, the pursuit."

Smiling at him, she nodded, "I'll remember that. You know, you're pretty smart, you know that? Until now, I don't think I would have understood the meaning of his writing."

"The answer is there, if one chooses to see it," he answered gently. Reaching for her face, he caressed it softly. "Beauty is everywhere if one chooses to see it."

Blushing some, she whispered, "You say the sweetest things."

"I speak the truth." Laughing lightly, he traded glances with her and the road, exhaling as he quipped his brow, "You know, I'm going to grow addicted to your blushing- it's so alluring."

Her cheeks flushed again and she giggled, "I thought you were already addicted."

"You've caught me red handed, Evie. I've been addicted to everything about you, the blushing is just the added bonus." Tracing his fingers across her forehead, he moved the small strands of blond hair away from her face and smiled, "You're going to love living in Nevada. You're not going to have to worry about anything else."

"That will be nice," she replied softly. Closing the book and placing back into the back, she turned back around and fixed her dress around her legs, "Do you like me wearing dresses for you? Is that why I have so many?"

"Yes, I love you in dresses. I mean, I love you in anything…but dresses." Christopher paused and rubbed his chin roughly, "You in dresses…gives another meaning to heaven on Earth. Do you like wearing them?"

Raising a brow, she placed her arm back up onto his shoulder, "It's something new for me, but I can get usta them. I guess I got usta wearing slacks in Miami."

Relishing the feel of her touch, Christopher smiled lightly, "If you want, I'll buy you a few pair, since you like them so much."

"I'd like that. Them and maybe some jean's. Hey, do we have a garden area at home?" she asked as her fingers went to his hair, keeping him content.

"It's pretty hard to garden in Nevada, but I'm sure that we can give it a go." Arching his brow and giving her a dubious look, he snickered and shook his head, "So…we have a green thumb now?"

Laughing some, Calleigh shrugged, "I thought it be nice for us to have a go at one. We could ask around and see what grows best there. We could also grow some fresh herbs, there pretty easy."

"That sounds great actually. Something we can both do. As soon as we get home, I'll look up some thing's on the internet, so we know what the battle plan is." His mood was lifting even more at their talk of the future and he laughed faintly, feeling her questing fingers on his scalp, "I never would've guessed I could have this again. This is perfection."

"And the best is still yet to come," Calleigh replied, knowing that Horatio would do everything he could to come through for her and get her out of there. Smiling more, she looked out the window, seeing this journey coming to an end soon

***Poetry Calleigh read to Christopher was from "Romance" by Edgar Allan Poe.

The hours seemed to pass slowly and Horatio didn't know what to do to fill his time. From experience, he knew he should stay busy to keep his mind off of Calleigh and the millions of ways tonight could go wrong, but he couldn't help but run the scenarios. He tried to think of the success of the operation, but there was something hindering him. The pieces weren't all together.

As he went over the plan in his mind, he sat still on the stool, barely hearing or paying attention to the action surrounding him. Catherine had taken control of the situation, issuing orders and gathering the teams together to prepare. That was a role that usually went to him, and considering how anxious he was, he wished he had something to occupy his mind and time. Unfortunately, he had time to think of what they were facing as the day raced to an end and also the absence of an important member of this team.

Walking by the layout room, Ray stopped, seeing Horatio sitting there and staring out. Since his arrival, he had noticed that Speed was absent and that Horatio hadn't acknowledged where the trace expert was. Furrowing his brow, Ray gently knocked on the door frame and went in, getting Horatio's attention, "Everything okay, Horatio?"

Looking up to see Ray standing there, he nodded and retained his gaze to the window, the images running through his mind again. "Yeah…things are…okay. What's going on?"

"Catherine's gone to meet with SWAT. We got that aerial map of the Larken's place so they can see where the best place will be to bunker down." Taking a seat, Ray looked at Horatio and then down at his own hands, "Horatio, if you don't mind me asking, where's Speed? I thought he was going to be here for this."

At the mention of his name, Horatio sighed heavily, his shoulders slumped slightly, "He's not going to be involved. He doesn't feel as if he's comfortable enough to be effective. He's afraid he's going to get Calleigh killed."

Nodding slightly, Ray raised a brow and then looked over at Horatio, "Well, maybe it's for the best then, Horatio. If Speed doesn't think he's ready for this, then maybe he should sit it out. It's not good going into something like this if your not confident in yourself."

"Yeah, you're right, Ray, but…I can't help but think of how wrong he is. He was spot on at the range and he's survived a face off with Larken… He's more than ready for this." Horatio ran his hand through his hair and sighed heavily, "I don't know why he's feeling like he won't be able to do this. We need as much support as we can get- Calleigh needs as much support as she can get."

"But he's also a single father who's little girl needs him also," Ray pointed out. "That could be another reason…he's thinking about her welfare."

Horatio glanced to Ray and nodded, "Again, you're right. He's doing the right thing."

Leaning forward onto the table some, Ray smiled, "Don't worry, Horatio. We've got our best on this…plus we've got you also."

With a chuckle, Horatio stood and smiled at him, "That might not be such a great idea either. I'm emotionally involved, I might be just as much as a hindrance as Speed. The difference is that I can't allow Larken even one more night with Calleigh."

"None of us can." Standing with him, Ray sighed, "Horatio…can I ask you a personal question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"I see no need to keep anything secret. What do you want to know?"

Rubbing his chin, Ray chuckled some, "Well uh…are you and Calleigh involved? Is that why you're so emotionally involved?"

Chuckling lightly, Horatio raised a brow as he scratched it, glancing at the doctor. He'd never said the words aloud, never even thought they pertained to him, but his heart knew and in light of what they were about to face, it was important now more than ever.

"Well…I'm… I'm in love with her. I'm not so sure of her feelings, however. No matter what, I'm committed to getting her away from Larken."

"Then I say we get her back," Ray relied as they began to walk out the room. Coming into the hallway he sighed, "We'll be heading out in about an hour. Why don't you do down and get a vest and anything else you think you'll need."

Taking a glance at his watch, Horatio nodded and then started out of the door. Lifting his eyes, he was surprised to see him standing there as if awaiting the moment. Crinkling his eyes, he shook his head, "Speed? What are you doing here?"

Approaching, Tim scratched the back of his head and sighed, "I decided that I needed to let fear go and save a friend." He hitched a thumb over his shoulder, "Getting fitted for a vest?"

Nodding, Horatio took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly, "Yeah. You want to go with me down there? I think everyone is gonna be wearing one until Larken is in custody."

"I think I'm going to need one if I'm going to be on the front line of this." Taking in Horatio's puzzled expression, Tim explained, "I talked to her before I came down here. I told her that I loved her, and that I'd see her soon. I just couldn't do this without telling her."

Placing a hand on Tim's shoulder, Horatio gave him a nod, "I'll personally make sure her dad makes it there."

"And she'll personally hold you responsible, and believe me, she's stubborn when she wants to be." Extending his hand, his expression turned grim, "Ready to get Calleigh back?"

Shaking his hand, Horatio smiled, "More then ready. Come on, let's go get ready to take this bastard down." As they began to walk, Horatio started to fill in Tim on what would be happening and what new information was coming in to them. Even with everything going on, his mind still remained on her and what they would be facing once they had her back.