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**

"If there is any thing on earth I hate, it is a genius. Your geniuses are all arrant asses - the greater the genius the greater the ass - and to this rule there is no exception whatever."

From "The Business Man" by Edgar Allan Poe

Coming up to the revolving doors of the hotel, Tim felt the irritation growing. In what was a futile attempt to gather information, they'd spent hours trying to track down Taylor Davis only to find that she had given bogus information. Now as it neared the evening, Tim was hoping that they would find Horatio in his room. At this point, what he wanted more than anything else were answers, and he could only hope that he would get them from Horatio himself.

Taking a look back at Jesse, Tim entered and then held the door as Jesse walked through. As they both made their way to the concierge, Tim sighed heavily, "We need a break in this. I hope Horatio's got some answers for all of what's been going on."

Walking side by side with Tim, Jesse looked around the lobby and sighed, "He'd better. Taylor's batting zero at this point with me. How can H not know about her? He's always on top of these types of things."

"I think that going through this rough patch with Calleigh's taken him down a notch. He's not been as sharp as he used to be." He sighed and shook his head, "What I want to know is where has he been for two days where we couldn't get in touch with him?"

"It would be nice to know," Jesse rambled as they reached the front desk. Flashing his badge, he smiled at the woman, "Hi, Jesse Cardoza…Tim Speedle, MDPD. Do you have a Horatio Caine registered with this hotel?"

Seeing the badges, Cassidy gave them a saccharine smile and nodded as she began to type, "Hmmm let's see, Horatio Caine. Um…." Frowning, she shook her head and then looked to them, "I'm not seeing him on the active guest list…"

"He's had a room here for a long time, what do you mean he's not on the active guest list?" Tim asked, leaning closer. His anger began to peak and he clenched his fists tightly, "He's here…"

"Sir, it says that he's checked out fully. Did so this afternoon. He paid the bill in full." Cassidy glanced down and then back to the two men, "You just missed him by a couple of hours."

"Did he happen to leave a forwarding address or anything, ma'am?" Jesse asked with a raised brow. "Or was anyone with him…maybe this woman?" Bringing out the photo of Taylor, he showed it to the woman.

Taking the photo in hand, Cassidy narrowed her brow in thought and then shook her head, "I can't be sure. I only dealt with him. I did notice that he looked off, like he was looking behind his shoulder. He seemed very happy."

Raising his brow and then looking up behind the desk, Jesse pointed to the camera's, "Is there any way we could take a look at the hotel security tapes? This woman is wanted for questioning and it's important that we know if she was with him."

"I could, but then we'll need a warrant. We cannot allow our clientele to be subjected to such treatment."

Tim looked to Jesse and shook his head, "This is important."

Pursing his lips, Jesse looked back at the woman, "Ma'am, this is a matter of this man's life or death. But, if you insist on a warrant…we'll be back in a few hours…let's just hope he's still alive then."

"Wait!" Cassidy said as she reached for them. "I …uh…I can let you see about four hour's worth of today without getting into trouble. Would that be okay?"

Looking at Tim and then back to the woman, Jesse gave her a smile, "All we would need to see is when Mr. Caine was checking out…that's all, then we'll be out your hair."

Turning to the bank of screens, she looked up and then nodded to them to come closer, "There's a bank of monitors here and then in the security room. I can get you back to two hours ago." Typing, she shook her head as the tape rewound. Suddenly, she stopped and turned the monitor towards them, "Here he is…"

Watching closely, Jesse saw as Horatio pulled out his credit card to pay the bill and handed it to the woman. When he looked back behind him, Jesse smiled and pointed, "There…so she was with him then. What is she up too? She's got to know who he is."

"I don't know," Tim said as he looked to the screen. He fought to maintain composure as he clenched his teeth, "But he's got some explaining to do."

Continuing to watch, Jesse crinkled his brow as Horatio got his card back along with the receipt and walked away, going over to Taylor with his bag. Seeing him give the woman a kiss and then walk out of frame, Jesse looked at Tim, "This isn't good, Speed. We need to get more on her. She could be setting H up."

"She's the stalker, of course she's setting him up. We need to find him and quick." As they turned, Tim fished his phone out of his pocket and started dialing, speaking to Jesse, "What do you want to bet that those picture's of them together was done for a purpose?"

Thanking the woman, Jesse began walking with Tim, "To break them up and get him alone…that way Calleigh wouldn't get in her way. She wants all access to H."

"Exactly, and to do what with is anyone's guess," Tim remarked as he pushed out of the door. Finally her voice answered and he frowned, "Calleigh, what are you doing right now?"

Crinkling her brow as she sat at the table, she looked up, "Writing out some checks…why? What's going on?"

Hating to dredge up the pictures, Tim sighed, "I was able to get some information off of those photographs. Calleigh…the woman…it's Horatio's stalker. She's up to something and it's not good."

Rolling her eyes and sighing, Calleigh went back to writing, "Tim, how can you be so sure she's the stalker. If she was don't you think Horatio would realize it? He's with her cause apparently he didn't care enough to try with us…"

Rubbing his eyes roughly, Tim felt the irritation return fully and nearly exploded, "Cal, just take a moment and listen, really listen. The woman, Taylor Davis, she had a thing for Larken, she wrote all kinds of love letters and hung around him. She's out for revenge, and she's got H."

Her hand still and Calleigh closed her eyes. Taking in a breath, she spoke softly, "How do you know this, Tim?"

"I've been talking to Jesse, he did some follow up on her after the questioning. Calleigh, the threat is real, we've not been able to find her with the address she's given, and the college hasn't seen or heard from her in two days. She's got H and she's going to exact her revenge on losing Larken on him."

Listening to what he had to say, she set her pen down and lowered her head some, "Tim…I…" Unable to finish, she shook her head, "I don't know what to do."

"H has checked out of his room, and she was with him, so I think she's taken him somewhere. Jesse and I are going to dig some and see what we can find. Meanwhile, try and think of anything that Larken could've said to you about anything about his life. Places he liked to go…anyone he dealt with. Anything that can help."

"I'll…I'll try to remember." Getting up and pacing, Calleigh rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand as she tried to think, "Uh…you…you might want to have Ryan and Walter go talk to her friends at the college also. Maybe they know something about her that you guys don't."

"That's a good idea, Calleigh." Tim glanced to Jesse and nodded, then returned his focus to Calleigh. He didn't want her worrying incessantly, but he felt she deserved to know. "Cal, just remain calm, okay the idea is to find Horatio."

Taking in a deep breath, Calleigh stopped pacing, "Do you think she was the one that took the photo's and sent them to me?"

"I do. I think it was done to divide and conquer. If you were disgusted by the pictures, the chances of you trying to find him are nil. She's banking on having all the time in the world with him- to make him pay."

"Tim…" tears began to fill her eyes and she fought to keep it together, "she…she tore us apart…"

Clutching the phone, Tim exhaled heavily, "Cal, you need to be strong in this. We're going to find him and bring him home. Be… be strong, Calleigh."

Tears slid down her cheeks and Calleigh tried to remain calm, "Find him, Tim. I…I need to tell him…" More tears began to come and Calleigh's chin trembled, unable to say more.

"We will, Calleigh. When I'm done here, I'm coming over. Try and remain calm, okay?" Tim nodded, "I'll give you a call when we know some thing."

"Okay," she whispered as she wiped at her eyes. As much as she had tried to move on, there was no way she could. Her heart was still with Horatio, and knowing his life was in danger even more, she was scared for him.

Tim closed his eyes as they neared the Hummer and then opened them, grabbing the handle to the door. Slipping in, he assured her, "Calleigh, things are going to work out. Stay near the phone in case there's an emergency call."

Nodding her head, she breathed out, "Okay, Tim…I…I will." Finally getting herself together, Calleigh headed out the kitchen and towards her room, "If I remember anything, I'll call you."

"Okay, and Calleigh, take it easy, alright. Do you need me to call Alexx?"

"No…" Calleigh replied as she went into her room and headed for her closet. "Just…find out what you can…and find Horatio."

"I will, Calleigh, I promise." Hanging up, he turned to Jesse and arched his brow, "We need to find H, and quick."

Already having his cell out, Jesse dialed Ryan's number and pulled out, "Any idea on where to start looking then, Speed? We've hit the places we had." Hearing Ryan pick up, Jesse spoke firmly, "Ryan…I need you and Walter to get some information for us on Taylor Davis. Try the college and talking to anyone she might be friends with. We need to know any addresses or places she likes to go."

"Maybe we need to look into her records deeper. See if we can get a warrant for her school records. She can't be that much of a ghost." Tim felt the frustration coming and shook his head, "I knew that this wasn't right."

Nodding, Jesse raised a brow, "Ryan, also try to get a warrant for her school records. We have proof she lied to us about current residence, phone numbers…also, there is reason to believe she's the one that's been stalking H and is wanted for questioning."

Watching Jesse end the call, Tim then turned his attention towards the street, noticing a bar. Getting an idea, he placed a hand over Jesse's shoulder, "Pull over, Jesse."

Slowing the Hummer and pulling over at the curb, Jesse crinkled his brow, "Why did you want me to pull over, Speed?"

"What do you do when you've just broken up with a girl? Notice how far it is from the hotel, he could've easily walked here to walk it off, knowing that he was coming here to get drunk. Maybe someone's seen him- and her."

Looking towards the bar, Jesse nodded, "Lord no how many times I've done that myself." Shutting off the vehicle, Jesse grabbed the photos, "Let's see what we can find out then."

Getting out, Tim walked around the Hummer to the sidewalk and looked around, then advanced on the establishment. Entering, he noticed the calm demeanor of the place and smirked, "Yes, this is definitely H's speed." Nodding towards the bar, he said, "Let's try the bartender first."

"Sounds like a plan." Walking with him, Jesse scanned the bar for any signs of Horatio there. Seeing he wasn't, Jesse nodded to the bartender, getting his attention and produced his badge when he came to them and placed the photo's onto the bar, "MDPD…I needed to know if you might have seen either of these people in here in the last couple days or so."

Smirking, at the boldness, Joey shook his head, pointing to one, "I will never forget this guy, he put back a good many drinks. I've never seen anything like that before. And he managed to walk out of here…well, sort of."

"Sort of? What do you mean by sort of?" Picking up the other photo, Jesse held it up, getting frustrated, "Did he happen to leave with this woman?"

Taking the photograph, Joey smirked and nodded his head, "I had to stop Red from drinking himself to death, cutie here took over. She offered to buy him a drink, they took it somewhere else." Joey shook his head and whistled, "She's a sweet piece, they looked as if they were getting friendly."

Tim exhaled heavily and then looked to Jesse before refocusing on the burly bartender, "You wouldn't happen to know where they were headed from there, would you?"

Gesturing as he reached for another glass to clean, he smirked, "There's only one other bar on this side, with the way that he was walking, I'm sure they didn't get far. The bar's called The Sandbar, it's a couple of blocks from here."

Glancing at Tim and then back to the bartender, Jesse collected the photos, "Hey, can you remember is the woman was already here when this man arrived or did she come in afterwards?"

"I'm not really sure," Joey responded as he wrinkled his brow and shook his head, "but I think she came in afterwards, but waited to approach him. It almost seemed as if she knew him already, but I'm sure Red didn't know her. At first, he barely acknowledged her."

Nodding, Jesse sighed, "Alright, thanks for ya time. Oh…" he said pulling out a card, "if you can think of anything else with these two, please give us a call."

"No problem." Joey chuckled and shook his head as they started off, reaching for the card.

As they both made for the door, Tim glanced to Jesse, "You think that it was luck of the draw that Davis happened upon H?"

"Doubt it. If she knew where Calleigh's lives then I think she's been watching since they returned. Either way, we need to find where she's at now. We don't know how dangerous she really is." Exiting out the bar, Jesse pulled out the key's, "We'll check the Sandbar next. You know of any place H like's to go that he might take her to?"

"Not really, I don't know much about that. That's something Calleigh may know." Going for the Hummer, Tim looked down the way, "Hey, didn't he say the bar was named Sandbar? There it is right there." Pointing, he smirked, "They just walked down the street."

Moving the hummer down to the next bar, Jesse then parked it and they got out. Heading towards the door, he raised a brow, "Maybe we'll have better luck here."

"Yeah, because unless Walter and Ryan found something out, we've hit a brick wall." Opening the door, they both entered and then Tim gestured to the bar, "Keep your fingers crossed."

"Fingers and toes," Jesse added as they walked to the bar. Flashing his badge to the waitress there, he gave her a smile, "Excuse me, I was wondering if you were working two days ago and might remember these two people." Showing her the photo's, he added, "The man might have already been a little drunk."

Furrowing her brow, Mindy shook her head, "Um…no I don't remember them, but I was working another section, you can ask Chastity, she was working the far back, she may have seen them." Taking another look at the photo of the woman, she smiled with a new found recognition, "Now that I'm thinking about it… She does look familiar."

Furrowing his brow, Jesse tilted his head, "You've seen her here before then?"

"Oh yeah, for sure. She's been a regular for a while now. She usually sits back there," Mindy said as she pointed to the back. She smiled as she looked to the both of them, "She's really nice, tips like nothing else. But this says Taylor Davis, her name's not Taylor."

Tim glanced at Jesse and then back to Mindy, "What's her name then?"

"Um…Adrienne...Adrienne McIntyre. She's a student of the university."

"Adrienne McIntyre…" Jesse said and pulled out his cell, "She wouldn't have by chance paid with a credit card at any time would she?"

"I think she did. Ask Chastity, she worked that area two days ago." Pointing to the brunette walking through towards the back she smiled and winked, "Gird your loins, boys, Chastity bites. Good luck."

"Good to know," Jesse replied and then turned with Tim. Sighing as they began to walk, he whispered, "Of all times to have to come here."

"I know what you mean, that's why you're gonna talk to her." Coming up on her, Tim grinned and pushed Jesse forward, "Good luck, Tiger."

Glaring back at Tim, Jesse turned back and watched as Chastity finished up and headed towards them. Pulling his badge, he gave her a smile, "Excuse me…Chastity?"

Catching his eyes, Chastity smirked and then licked her lips as she arched her brow, "Well, my, my, how delish. What can I do for you cutie? I hope there's a lot…"

"Uh…actually…" Jesse said showing her the badge, "I was hoping we could talk to you about two customers that were here the other day. Your friend, Mindy said you'd be able to help us."

"Us? There's an us?" Chastity responded, her eyes lighting. When he hiked his thumb back at the dark haired man, her eyebrows rose, "Mmm, double the fun, double the pleasure." Laughing, Chastity took him by the arm and then pulled him aside, "I tell you what, get me his number and I'll tell you anything you need to know, dimples."

Looking back at Tim and smirking, Jesse nodded, "I'll do you one better…I'll introduce you to him. Now uh…I was wondering…do you know these two or maybe have seen them in here?"

Taking a look at the photos, Chastity nodded, "I know her really good, Adrienne. She's a nice tipper, him…Not so much, but come to think about it, he did come in with her. He went for the bar first before Adrienne pulled him to her spot. She never brings guys here, so I thought he was special, although, it wasn't the man she'd told me about. Although Red was quite a looker even though he was plastered."

"Buy chance, did she happen to pay with a credit card?" Jesse asked, hoping to get then a good sold lead.

"She sure did, and left me a hefty tip too. I love it when she comes in." Biting her lip, she gestured towards the other dark haired man and narrowed her brow seductively, "Now that I've been a good girl, introduce me."

"Get me the credit card receipt and I will," Jesse smiled and cocked a brow at her. "It's very important."

Sighing and rolling her eyes, she moved, "Sure, no problem. I'll be right back." Catching the others eyes, she winked as she walked toward the bar, swaying her hips enticingly. Usually, she'd play her games, but with this one, she could see that they wouldn't work. Getting the receipts, she returned and handed them to him, "My manager is pretty pissed, but I told her that it's for a good cause. Now…"

Taking the receipts and pulling out his cell, Jesse grinned at Tim, "Hey Speed…meet Chastity…keep her company for a minute please."

Eying Jesse with a scowl, Tim felt her hand on his arm and then looked to Chastity and smiled a bit uneasily, "Um…hi, Chastity."

"Hey, cutie. So, are you on duty too or can you have a little fun?" she asked with a glint in her eyes.

Scratching his head, he looked for Jesse but couldn't see him, retaining his focus on the woman in front of him. There was nothing wrong with her in the least bit, she was attractive with long brown hair and smoldering eyes and a smile to die for. Shifting his weight, he relaxed slightly and shook his head, "Nah, I'm just trailing along, but I'm kinda into something right now. Give me your number and I'll get back with you."

Raising her brow, she smirked, "Only if you promise to come back later and have a drink with me."

"Um…later? Sure… What time do you get off?" Tim asked, slipping his hands in his pockets. He smiled and gestured to her name tag, "Nice name, Chastity."

Laughing some, she shrugged, "My mom thought so." Pulling out her pen and writing her number down, she handed him the paper, "I get off at nine…Speed was it?"

"Yeah, actually it's Tim. My friends call me Speed." Taking the paper, Tim grinned and then held the paper up, "I'll give you a call as soon as I'm done. You want to meet here or…"

"Here is fine…then we'll see what happens," she said as she smiled more and looked over to where Jesse was. Seeing him on the phone, she nodded towards him, "Will he be with you?"

"Ah…I don't think so, why?" he asked as he gave a quick glance to Jesse.

"Just making sure. You know what they say, two's company…three's a crowd," she whispered. "Until then…Speed, don't forget about me. I'm sure I can brighten your night up for ya."

Straightening up, he answered back, "I will not forget about you. I'll call." Watching as Jesse came back, he nodded, "So, got what we need?"

"Yeah." Holding up the receipts, Jesse looked at Chastity, "Is there anyway you can make a copy of these for me? You might be saving a life."

"Well, since you say it that way," Chastity responded with a wink and a smile, "I'll go and get the copies. Be right back." Walking past Tim she smiled more, "See you later, Speed."

Tim nodded and then cleared his throat, looking to Jesse, "What?"

Snickering some, Jesse sighed, "See you later? What, you two have a date or something?"

"Drinks, that's it. Because she's been so helpful," Tim explained as he gestured to the door, "Now, can we go, or do you want to set up a second date?"

"No…but I'd like to get those copies…and I'm sure she'll love seeing you again," Jesse smiled as Chastity headed back towards them. "Speak of the devil…"

Chastity handed over the copies and then allowed her eyes to rove over Tim, a knowing smile coming over her, "Here you go, Champ. Hope this helps."

"Uh, I'm sure it will. Thank you, Chastity, you've been a great help." Looking to Tim, Jesse hit his arm, "Come on, Speed. We need to get back to the lab."

Tim nodded and started walking, glancing back, "See you later, Chastity."

"Yes you will, Speed," she called out after him, giving him a wink.

Snickering, Jesse whispered, "You're really gonna meet her tonight?"

"What, it's the least I can do. She was helpful." Listening to the light snickers, he shook his head, "It's just drinks, that's it."

"Uh huh…I remember all those times we both went to just have drinks with girls…and I remember where we ended up with them." Shaking his head, Jesse sighed as they left out, "Well, make sure you have a few in your wallet man."

"It's not even going there, Cardoza. Now, let's get your head in the game and get back to the lab. I wonder what we can find on Adrienne McIntyre."

Smiling, Jesse pulled out the keys, "Already got Walter on it. He should have something by the time we get back to the lab."

"Finally, a lead in the right direction," Tim answered as he got in. "Hopefully we can get a lead as to where she's at, and where she's holding Horatio."

Getting in and starting the vehicle, Jesse slipped on his seat belt, "No kidding. Hopefully it'll pan out though. Last thing I want is another dead end."

"That's the last thing we need." Silence fell between them and he turned towards the window, staring out. His thoughts quickly turned to Horatio and wondering what he was going through and sighed heavily. In light of this new information, there was now a renewed sense to find him.