In Need of Help

Eric knew Calleigh was afraid. Now that Jake was going to be back in Miami in 48 hours, even if he was in jail she was still worried he could get to her, or worse, get to Chloe. She was afraid for herself but terrified for Chloe. Everyone knew now what Jake was capable of. If he could do this to her, Calleigh told what would he do to an innocent child who could in no way defend herself, a child he blamed for keeping the woman he was obsessed with away from him?

The last thing she wanted was for her fear to spell over to her child but Calleigh found herself panicking when Chloe was out of her sight for two minutes. She didn't even like for the child to go as far as the backyard, even though the yard was enclosed by a privacy fence and the back of their home was surrounded by other houses. She knew Chloe didn't deserve to coped up in the house so Calleigh would swallow her fear and let the girl play outside. Calleigh would stay out on the deck and watch her. She hadn't even really wanted for Chloe to take the trip to the zoo the day before but she forced herself to say 'yes' knowing Pavel and Chlordina would protect Chloe as much as she and Eric would and her daughter deserved a day out of the house. She literally breathed a sigh of relief when the three came back. She enjoyed listening to Chloe talk about the animals. She laughed till her sides hurt watching how animated the girl was at imitating the elephants.

"Daddy said he would take me to da zoo again on Saturday. He wants to see da tigers and jaguars, too," Chloe said. Looking up at her mother she asked, "will you come wit me dis time, mommy?"

Calleigh could tell by the concern in daughter's eyes and voice that even if she hadn't wanted the girl to know of her stress Chloe knew something was not right. Calleigh smiled softly.

"Sure, baby."

Calleigh needed to talk to Eric tonight. She knew she needed some help with dealing with the aftermath of what happened to her. Jake Berkley hadn't killed her and she'd be damned if she was going to allow him to destroy her life, the family she had with Eric and her career. She was determined to start going out again and feel fine with her daughter wanting to play in their own backyard. She had made an appointment with a therapist outside of the department for Thursday, the day after Jake was to be returned to Miami.

She snuggled into Eric that night as they lay together in bed. Eric kissed her head. He was glad Calleigh had decided to get some help not only for herself but for the sake of their family. Still, he loved her no matter what.

"I have an appointment for 11:00 but your parents are busy," she told Eric. "I don't want to put Chloe at the daycare center for such a short time."

"Don't worry, querida. I'll talk to H. I'm sure he won't mind if you bring her by the lab. I'm sure someone will be able to look after her. I'm sure if he can, uncle H will make himself available."

Horatio was pleased to hear that his CSI was getting professional help to deal with the trauma of her accident. And just as Eric thought Horatio made himself available to watch his goddaughter.

"Sure. Have her bring Chloe in. I'll take my lunch then, I'll watch her."

"Thanks, H. Oh, by the way, you're probably going to hear a lot about the new exhibit at the zoo. She's completely fascinated by it."

Horatio smiled. "Lookin' forward to it."