Chapter 1

A/N: The story is written in a backward recollection format. The story has alterative chapters of recalling what happened a week ago and what is happening right now.

Thank you for the reviews! Next installment will be up later tonight.

7 days ago…

"Lieutenant Caine!"

"My name is Kevin Rouge and I am with the FBI."

"Mr. Rogue, what can I do for you?" Horatio asked and took of his sunglass.

It was a standoff that looked like a scene right out of a TV crime drama. Kevin Rogue, a fine-looking gentleman, with black tie and suit has just charged into Miami-Dade Police Department with four other guys that look identical in attire right behind him.

It was your typical Monday for CSI Lieutenant Horatio Caine. He was just about to head down to talk to Dr Tom Loman about the new body that was bought in last night. But that has just got interrupted by his new guests.

"Lieutenant Caine, we need one of your witnesses, Laura Day, she is now on the witnesses' protection program and I have been assigned to look after her." Kevin informed Horatio.

"Mr. Rogue, she is my current case's important witness and we are not done talking to her. She knows something that she is not telling me." Horatio said.

"And that is exactly why she is on the program. Lieutenant, she is involved in something bigger than you can understand. We need to take over." Kevin has used his usual no-comprising tone of voice. When he used that tone in the FBI, it meant that there was no space for argument.

But today, that was not going to be the case.

"Mr. Rogue, when you are ready to tell me what this "bigger than you can understand "thing is, you can come back for the girl. Until then, I don't need to show you where the door is." Horatio said and turned around to walk away.

"Lieutenant Cain!"

"I don't think you understand; this is a FBI case. If we have to use force, I will. So please don't make this any harder than it is." Kevin warned.

"Mr. Rogue, this is Miami-Dade Police Department, not FBI Headquarter. If you want to see how many of MY men will stand up against you then be my guest." Horatio said without any hesitation in his voice. Horatio had focused his attention on the agents and faced him without any hint of fear.

Eric noticed the attention around Horatio. Even thou he didn't know the situation; he did know that Horatio need his team behind him.

"H, what's the problem?" Eric stood behind Horatio with his hand on his gun.

Kevin noticed that more people were aware of them. Frank was standing by the door and ready to jump them any second. A few offices had gotten up from their desk and looked toward their direction.

"Hey do you guys drive a black Suburban?" Ryan ran up behind Kevin and asked.

Kevin turned around and said "Yea, why?"

"Cuz, its getting toll right now!" Ryan answered.

Ryan winked at Horatio and Eric.

Eric smiled and understood that Ryan must have called the repo man and had their car tolled.

"What'd!!" Kevin cursed and ran pass Ryan with his keys. The other agents also followed Kevin's pace.

"Caine!! I will be back!" Kevin warned as he pushed open the door.

"And I will be ready." Horatio answered with absolute certainty.

Preview of chapter 2-

7 minutes ago…

Horatio gently rocked Ryan back and forth, like a mother would do to her child. He whispered words of comfort and tried to provide whatever body heat he had.

A tiny tear slide down Horatio's face and dropped on Ryan's forehead. Ryan turned his head and looked up at Horatio. This was a moment of rarity. Ryan never remembered seeming Horatio shed any tears. Not even when Eric was in the Hospital. He was always cool and calmed and most importantly in control of all emotions.

"Am I dying?" Ryan knew it was a stupid question, but he asked anyway. Off-course he was dying.

"Mr. Wolfe, at the end of the day, if we don't hang together, we'll die alone"- Horatio Caine (Sunblock Season 6.6)