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**

"Affairs being thus miserably situated, I left the place in disgust, and now appeal for aid to all lovers of correct time and fine kraut. Let us proceed in a body to the borough, and restore the ancient order of things in Vondervotteimittiss by ejecting that little fellow from the steeple."

From "The Devi; In The Belfry" by Edgar Allan Poe

Sitting on the couch and staring at a photo of herself along with Tim and Horatio, Calleigh's eyes stayed on the red head, remembering the day like it had been yesterday. It had been taken almost a year before Tim had gotten shot and had left the lab, the time then seeming so much more easier on them all. Even then, she'd had strong feeling for Horatio, but had been to scared to act on them, afraid he wouldn't reciprocate the same way to her. Had she known then he'd felt the same, maybe there lives would have been different…much better even.

The phone ringing brought her out of her thought's and she reached for it, not even looking at the ID to see who it would be. Answering, she looked back at the photo, her heart longing to at least be able to tell him how much she loved him.

"Hello?"

Hoping to get Speed, Jesse's eyes slid shut when he heard her voice, so full of hope and hurt at the same time. Rubbing his face roughly, he asked, "Cal, um…hi, is Speed around?"

Closing her eyes, Calleigh laid the picture down in her lap and then looked towards the hallway, hearing the shower running. "He's in the shower, Jesse. Is…is there any word on Horatio yet?"

"It's the reason why I called, Calleigh. We think we've located him at the abandoned business building. When we canvassed the neighborhood, we got some interesting details, Adrienne's been spotted coming in and out quite regularly even though the building has stood unused for months on end. We think he's there. But Cal…I need to speak to…" Hearing the phone line drop, Jesse arched a brow and questioned, "Cal…Calleigh!"

Dropping the phone onto the couch, Calleigh quickly got up, heading for her room. Going in quickly, she looked around and went to her dresser. Eying her badge as it sat there, she picked it up and then slipped it onto her jeans. Determination was in every move she made now and went to her closet. If Horatio was there then she was going in with them to get him out.

Retrieving her gun and holster, she placed them on and headed out the room. With the sound of the shower making it's way to her, Calleigh looked to the closed door and remembered Tim's conversation from the night before with Jesse on the phone. Heading to his room, she went in, looking around quickly and finding the addresses he'd written down. Memorizing them, she then headed out, determine to get to Horatio.

Stepping out of the shower, Tim took the towel in hand and rubbed his hair furiously, his mind drifting towards what Horatio had dealt with in the past few days. Slowly, he all but paused, his thoughts with the red head, itching to find something on his whereabouts. He didn't think that it was a good idea for Calleigh to go along when he was discovered, but as he was coming to know, holding Calleigh back was a detriment of its own.

Wrapping the towel about his waist, Tim reached for the door and instantly heard the silence, causing him to call out to her, "Calleigh?" Coming out of the bathroom, he saw her bedroom door ajar and went to it, knocking softly as he called again, "Calleigh, are you okay?" Pushing through the door, he saw her gun vault open and then the letter on the bed. Crossing to pick up the letter, Tim sighed and then frowned as his eyes read the arsine words.

"Son of a bitch!" he cursed as he started to move quicker. She was on her way to go and retrieve Horatio, the circumstances unknown.

Driving across town to the address she had written down, Calleigh listened to the radio she'd had installed into her car to monitor any going's on at the PD. Hearing the call for backup to the address she was headed to, she pressed on the gas more, wanting to be there when they went in.

Drumming her fingers on the steering wheel, Calleigh checked her mirrors and then changed lanes and zipping around the morning traffic. She could still hear his voice, his cries of pain and that seemed to push her more. Her determination was like none before, her strength slowly coming back. Seeing the street she needed coming up, Calleigh turned on her turn signal and slowed her vehicle.

The air had become different to him. He hadn't seen much of Adrienne in the past few hours and he was growing worried. The ache that had developed, the hunger that ate at him was now roaring to life and panic had set in. Sweat began to mix in with the streams of blood and his body began to strain with need, his eyes staring at the door. Any minute she would come in with his fix and everything would be as it was supposed to be.

When the door finally opened, he looked up to see her entering, her expression darkened. Immediately, he looked to her hands and felt a relief to see the syringe already filled. He smiled widely and relaxed, feeling his breathing coming back under control.

"Adrienne…you're back, thank god. I was starting to worry."

Closing the door behind her, Adrienne went over, placing her purse down and then turning back to him. Reaching for the fold up chair, she pulled it to her and took a seat, looking at him, "And just why would you be worrying about me, Lieutenant? I'm the one that's gonna kill you."

"You have something for me, something that I need," Horatio responded, his eyes dancing over her. She had the syringe hidden and he leaned to see, his anxiousness taking over, "I really need it, Adrienne."

"The great Lieutenant Horatio Caine, the now junkie, need's a fix to be able to get by." Shaking her head, she let out a tuff of air, "No wonder blonde went and found her someone else to fuck. Probably saw right through you…just like everyone else has. She saw how weak you really are."

"Yes, I'm weak and pathetic, and I need a fix. Are you going to give it to me?" Horatio had grown impatient, his body demanding the euphoria that she had provided so easily before. Seeing her eyebrow rise, he amended himself, "I'm sorry, Adrienne. I just really need it. You've been gone for so long."

"Yes, I have. I've been preparing for my departure this afternoon," she replied as she got up and went over towards him. "This is our last time together, Horatio…in a matter of a few hours, you'll be dead…and I'll have gotten away with your murder."

Ignoring the tone of her statements, Horatio nodded almost gratefully, "It will be done. I wouldn't suffer anymore." Licking his lips, he implored, "Please, Adrienne. Let me have it."

Bending down to him, she gave him a kiss on his cheek and then whispered, "This will be your last one, Horatio."

Pulling up to the building, Calleigh double checked the address and then parked her car. Getting out, she looked around, not seeing any of the units coming just yet. The more that she looked at the building, the stronger her gut instincts said Horatio was in here being held. Going around the side of the building, she saw the alley and looked back behind her before pulling her gun. Making her way down slowly, her eyes searched the area, seeing no one. A van parked there caught her attention and she raised her gun more.

Approaching, she couldn't see anyone inside and moved closer. Reaching for the door, she quickly pulled it open, taking aim but finding it empty. Sighing heavily, she turned back to see the door behind her ajar and crinkled her brow. Knowing she should wait for backup, Calleigh also knew Horatio didn't have much time and gently pushed it open, "Miami Dade PD."

Horatio's eyes slid shut as the wave surged through him and smiled, the feeling of it rushing through his veins causing him to laugh. His heart started to thump more and as he heard a familiar voice calling out, his brow knit, the feeling of his heart accelerating causing him to gasp deeply. "Adrienne… wh- what did you…Adrienne…"

Running her hand over his cheek, Adrienne smiled as she looked into his blood shot eyes, "Aw, did I give you too much? Just let it run through your system and it'll all be over soon." Hearing a noise, Adrienne stood back up, looking towards the door.

Moving through the building slowly, Calleigh began to clear the rooms, finding no one in sight. Reaching the back, she found closed door and heard voice coming from inside. Gripping her gun and taking a deep breath, Calleigh moved forward quickly, slamming herself into the door and busting it open, "MDPD! GET YOUR HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!"

Horatio tried to focus on the door, seeing the blond hair and hearing her voice, his eyes slowly blinking. His heart beat rapidly in his chest and he felt as if each breath was going to be his last. Gripping the chair, he glanced to Adrienne and called to her, seeing the intent in her eyes. He didn't want to see her die, but there was a resignation in her now that scared him. As she moved, he screamed out, "ADRIENNE NO!"

The sight of the blonde woman seemed to infuriate Adrienne and before she knew it, she dropped the needle, lunging at the other woman. Yelling out, Adrienne didn't seem to care as the gun was trained her and two shots rang out. Stopping suddenly, Adrienne stumbled back a step before going down to her knees. Placing her hand onto her chest and seeing the blood there, her body seemed to crumple, landing face down on the floor.

With her gun trained on Adrienne, Calleigh watched as she went down and approached cautiously. Kneeling down and checking for a pulse, she found none and got back up, looking over towards Horatio. Holstering her gun and going to him, she came to his side, her heart nearly jumping out of her chest, "Horatio…"

Horatio's eyes were set on Adrienne's now still form, his chest heaving rapidly from the heavy breaths he was taken. He couldn't believe that Adrienne was gone, his way of getting what he needed leaving with her. A touch brought his eyes from her body and directed it to a face he thought he'd never see again and an unimaginable pain followed, threatening to tear a hole in his chest.

Wincing and then groaning loudly he shook his head, bowing over, "No…this can't be happening…"

Kneeling down next to him, Calleigh saw the slip ties that she'd used to bind him and reached into her back pocket, bringing out her pocket knife. Opening it, she went for the first one, "Just hang on please, Horatio. Back up and help is on the way. I'm gonna get you out of here."

Horatio could barely breathe and his head lulled back as his eye began to roll in the back of his head. Pain like he'd never felt before enveloped him and he grasped hold of the arms of the chair his body beginning to tremble.

Clenching his teeth together, he managed, "C- Calleigh…"

Looking up from what she was doing, Calleigh saw he was in distress and began to move faster. "Hanging on, Horatio. You hear me…hang on, fight this. Don't you dare give up." Her hands began to tremble as she worked, getting one arm free and then the leg on the same side. Moving to his other side, she glanced up at him, "Horatio…talk to me…please…"

His body didn't want to cooperate with his mind and he could feel the darkness coming over him. There was no control over anything and as his body began to seize more he then fell slumped over her.

Getting his arm released, Calleigh looked up, seeing his eyes closed and him slumped to the side, Reaching up, she felt for a pulse, not finding one. Everything seemed to come to a standstill, and Calleigh's heart felt as if it had been crushed. Feeling the panic begin to set in, she moved quickly, getting his leg free.

"Horatio…please…wake up…" she pleaded with him as she dropped the knife to the floor and stood up. Needing to get him out the chair, she moved in front of him and leaned down, hooking her arms under his. Lifting him the best she could, she kicked at the wheelchair, getting it out the way and then went down to the floor with his body. Getting up, she pushed her hair out of her eyes and moved to his side. Leaning down and listening for a heartbeat, she then clasped her hands together, placing them on his chest and starting CPR.

"Horatio…hang on for me…you fight this…don't leave me…"

Jesse moved stealthily through the corridor with his side arm drawn and backed up by Walter. When he got the call from Speed about Calleigh, he and Walter sped to the scene in hopes of finding her waiting for them. His heart had dropped when he saw her car parked and empty and the door to the building open, knowing that she was in there. The worry tripled when he thought about her mind set, wondering that if she were put up against Horatio's captor she would be able to handle herself carefully.

Hearing a muffled voice, Jesse motioned to Walter to cover him and he extended his firearm as he moved slowly toward the door. The voice was mired in despair and fear as well as determination and as Jesse moved through the doorway, he could see why. On the floor, Calleigh was in the middle of doing CPR, her exertions seemingly for nil. His body was limp and his eyes were rolling in the back of his head, the sight startling Jesse. Snapping himself out of it, he approached Calleigh's side and then touched her shoulder, ready to take over for her.

"Cal…I've got it. Get rescue here!"

Breathing heavily, Calleigh shook her head and moved as he took over the chest compressions. Moving to Horatio's head, she cleared his mouth better, and looked to Jesse, "She dosed him…"

"Do you know with what?" Jesse asked, working on the chest compressions. He concentrated on his work, his eyes drifting towards Horatio's face and the lack of animation. Fear superposed itself over him and he worked harder, keeping the blood flowing to his heart.

Walter kept his distance as so not to hinder, instead walking towards the downed body. Seeing the syringe, he fished in his pocket and brought out a glove, picking it up gently. Peering at it, he saw the filth and sighed, shaking his head, "This looks like heroin guys. That stuff is potent."

Giving Horatio breath's as Jesse paused the compressions, Calleigh then sat back up as he started them again, "How long to rescue?"

The sounds of the sirens grew and Walter cocked his head, "I think they're knocking on the door. I'll go and lead them in."

Jesse continued and then paused to allow Calleigh to breath for the older man. They had been at it for at least ten minutes and just as it was apparent that they were losing him, the room burst with energy as the medics rushed inside, pushing a gurney. Jesse reluctantly moved away from his old friend and watched as he was tended to.

Being brought and lifted back from Horatio's body, Tears began to fill Calleigh's eyes as she watched them begin to work on him. Feeling arms come around her, she turned, seeing Tim there and buried her head into his shoulder. Her body shook as she began to cry more, the outlook for Horatio not looking good.

Tim held on to her as he stared at the sight before him, unsure if he could believe what he was seeing. Horatio's body was littered with opened wounds, and was frail. His eyes were sunken in and ringed with dark circles and the luster to his vividly red hair was gone, his skin looking paler than he'd ever seen it. Horatio was at death's door and it seemed as if there was nothing that could be done.

As the gurney passed, Tim held her tighter, "He's going to be okay, Cal. He's strong."

Turning her head to look towards them, Calleigh heart sank at the sight of the breathing tube and them forcing air into his body and another medic straddled his body, continuing the compressions. Shaking her head at the sight, she turned, unable to take anymore.

Standing outside the as the medics rushed the gurney towards the door, Frank then went in, looking to Tim holding Calleigh, "I've got a car out front waiting if you two need a ride to the hospital."

"Thanks, but I'll take her in my car. We'll see you there," Tim answered back as he nodded. Looking down at Calleigh, he sighed, "Are you going to be okay?"

Taking in a shaky breath, Calleigh lifted her head, her voice hitching, "I…I have…to be there…"

Raising a brow, Jesse came over to them, "Calleigh, I'm gonna need your weapon for processing. Then you can go be with Horatio." When she handed him her gun, Jesse looked to Tim, "I've got to stay here…keep me informed?"

Tim nodded and then took Calleigh back into his arms, "Yeah, I'll give you a call if anything changes." Feeling Calleigh's need to leave, he looked to the body on the floor and then to Calleigh, "I'm tired of not getting any answers."

"You two go on and get out of here. We can talk to Calleigh later," Jesse said and then looked back at Adrienne's body. Shaking his head, he sighed, "As far as I'm concerned, she got what she deserved."

Tim led her out of the room and down the now lit corridors, alive with the arrival of many uniforms. He could tell that Calleigh was tensed and uncomfortable and he quickened his pace a bit more finally making it outside. As he spied the ambulance and Horatio being loaded, he felt Calleigh leave his arms and called out to her, "Calleigh!"

Moving quickly through the uniforms and to the ambulance, Calleigh reached it as they loaded him in. Watching as they got him hooked up to the monitors, tears streaked her cheeks as she called out to him, "Fight this, Horatio…I love you…fight this."

Tim approached her from behind and pulled her back slowly, allowing the medics to finish loading. Grabbing her and wrapping his arms around her tightly, he whispered in her ear, "He heard you, Calleigh. He heard you."

Watching as they worked to get him breathing, Calleigh let Tim hold onto her, needing his strength now more then ever. When they closed the doors, she released a small sob, the outlook not looking good for Horatio. As the ambulance began to pull out with there sirens going, Calleigh's eyes remained on it until it turned the corner, going out of her sights. Turning to Tim, her arms went around him, her worst fears coming to the forefront. Closing her eyes as she held onto him, Calleigh broke down in his arms, unsure if she'd ever be able to tell Horatio that she loved him again.

The End…

**Watch for the sequel…"Broken Man"