December 22
Miami-Dade Crime Lab - Miami, Florida
Shaking hands, pounding heart, nerves threatening to trigger vomiting.
Multiple emotions filled Rick's mind as he slowly stepped off the elevator on to the Crime Lab's main floor with the help of a cane for his healing leg. His shoulder was still in a sling, but was healing. He wore a dark suit without a tie, as he currently lacked the co-ordination needed to tie a tie properly.
As he walked down the hallway towards the stairwell that led up to Horatio's office, Rick could see various CSIs looking at him and probably wondering what he was doing there at time of the night, for it was past midnight. Determined to keep his façade as a heartless IAB sergeant, he ignored them.
Gritting his teeth, Rick slowly moved up the stairs and was concerned at seeing another man in Horatio's office, but he silently entered, "Rick," Horatio greeted Rick in a calm voice. "Rick, this is Gil Grissom."
"I'm the Head of the Victims' Assistance Network," Gil explained, rising from his chair to greet Rick. "It's an organization that assists abused people and their families through any sort of circumstances."
Rick nodded and closed his eyes to block out the pain that was suddenly searing through his shoulder and leg from walking too much, "Perhaps we should all sit down," Horatio spoke up suddenly.
The three men sat and Rick sighed deeply, "Lieutenant Caine briefed me on the connection you have to Catherine and Lindsey," Gil stated calmly. "Victims' Assistance has been aware of the situation for a long time, but getting anyone into Brazil to search or getting information from Brazil has been difficult."
"Catherine's going to be in Bellevue for a long time," Rick replied coldly, having been in contact with Catherine via email since he was able to use his computer again. "She can't have Lindsey with her."
Gil nodded and Rick sighed, "I haven't always been a decent cop and I used to be friends with Bernard Marquez because he's been well-known to the police for a long time," Rick explained softly, fully expecting to be arrested and/or fired by the time he was finished with his story. "Anyway, Bernard was worried that I would throw him in jail for his illegal behavior, so he did some investigating into my life and found out about Catherine and Lindsey. He then sent some friends of his from Brazil to Miami since Lindsey was visiting me that week and I was almost killed when Memmo took Lindsey from me."
"Memmo?" Gil replied in a confused voice. "Ray mentioned a Memmo Fierro from his last trip to Brazil and said that he was a dangerous drug lord. I have my suspicions as to why Ray was in Brazil, but…"
Horatio frowned, "Raymond's been dead several years," he spoke up gently. "I'm sure you didn't…"
"Lieutenant Caine, what I'm about to tell you may come as a shock," Gil stated calmly, figuring that since Ray was becoming a loose cannon that it was best to tell Horatio. "Ray is alive, but not doing very well."
Horatio's eyes widened and shock washed over him as a heavy wave, "Excuse me?" he asked softly.
Manhattan, New York
As the microwave clock switched to 5:00, Danielle sighed as she continued searching for the cheapest flight from New York to Miami for early January on the computer that they had invested in not long after their wedding so the kids could type homework essays. She was tired, but not tired enough to sleep.
Out of the corner of her eye, Danielle saw the decorated tree in the far end of the kitchen and sighed at knowing that there were only a few presents under it because of finances. She and Maurice had enough money to feed the family, clothe them, cover school fees, and take care of the car and Danielle couldn't help but feel bad that she hadn't been able to pay Emily Wolfe for counseling John over Skype.
"Mom, what are you doing up?" John's voice suddenly spoke up from behind her. "It's five a.m.."
Danielle sighed and turned to face John, "I'm looking for a good flight to Miami for January," she replied in a tired voice, sighing as she saw John's blood sugar kit in his hand. "Up to check your sugar?"
"It's a little better than it's been," John replied tiredly. "I haven't gotten sick in nearly 24 hours."
Danielle nodded, "Maybe before Maurice goes to work this afternoon, we can all go for a walk to Central Park," she replied calmly. "You seem to be doing better and David and Ellie are off school."
"Maurice works every day," John commented softly. "Is he ever going to get a day off?"
Danielle chuckled, "He'll get Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, but he'll be taking a lot of time off in January to come with your grandfather, David, Ellie, you, and I to Miami," she explained gently. "After I book a flight for all of us, I've got to figure out a place where all of us can stay for a long time."
"Miss Wolfe's counseling is helping a bit," John replied softly. "Can I help make breakfast?"
Danielle smiled, "Oatmeal, eggs, and perhaps a bit of whole wheat toast will be a good breakfast for this morning," she replied in a calm voice. "If you'd like to start making it, I wouldn't object to that."
Nodding, John silently walked into the kitchen and looked for what he needed to be of help while Danielle returned her gaze to the computer. She was determined to let everyone else sleep late.
Coconut Grove - Miami, Florida
A soft knock at the door prompted Bobby to look up from the book he had been reading to try and lull himself back to sleep after having a brief nightmare about Amanda. Sighing, he set the book on the coffee table, got up, and silently walked over to the door. He opened it and was surprised to see Frank Tripp standing on the stoop looking dressed for work. Bobby frowned, but didn't say anything.
"I know it's been a few days, but I have to get information from you about the events that led up to Detective Hagen's suicide," Frank explained quietly, frowning at the bandage on Bobby's head before taking a breath. "Your uncle said that I could take care of it to avoid a conflict of interest."
Bobby nodded, "BJ and Adam are upstairs asleep," he replied softly. "Do you want some coffee?"
"That would be good," Frank replied as he came into the house and quietly closed the door. "Where do you want to do this? I know you've had a rough few days sitting at a desk, but I gotta get this done."
Again, Bobby nodded and led Frank into the kitchen and Bobby started the coffee maker before joining his partner at the table, not saying anything as Frank got a tape recorder out of his jacket pocket and pressed PLAY, "Uncle Horatio was kind of protective and wanted me to rest for a few days before I talked to anyone," he replied softly. "That morning, I had driven Rick home after I went to a meeting for abused spouses the night before and ended up coming across Ryan Wolfe. Rick had fallen asleep in his office and he needed help getting home after he had been working the entire night."
"You found Wolfe and were the one who called it in?" Frank asked softly. "That makes sense."
Bobby sighed, "I had helped Rick lie down and I was thinking about cleaning his house when Hagen showed up and shot Rick before ordering me to come with him," he explained softly, remembering how emotionlessly Hagen had shot Rick without any care for his life. "I went with Hagen to spare Rick and I guess Rick managed to call the ambulance even though he was basically bleeding to death and alone."
"Yeah," Frank replied calmly. "Where exactly did Hagen make you drive him in the Hummer he used?"
Bobby blinked, "I think it was stolen from the MDPD and he cut the brakes," he replied softly. "Hagen mentioned it when I was driving him to the Glades. He wanted to know why you were training me instead of him and I told him I didn't know, but he said that my uncle didn't trust him at all."
Very sure that Bobby didn't know about Hagen being Ray's partner not long before Ray died, Frank sighed heavily, "Just before help arrived, I sped up and was going to stop right before the water to try and knock Hagen out, but the brakes failed," Bobby continued softly, sighing. "I was really lucky."
"You're crazy, kid," Frank replied, smiling at his partner as he turned the recorder off. "How are you?"
Bobby shrugged, "I hardly hurt at all anymore, but the stitches twinge once in a while," he replied in a tired voice, standing as the coffee bubbled loudly. "Do you want anything in your coffee, Frank?"
"Just black, thanks," Frank replied calmly. "Have you thought about going to a therapist yet?"
Bobby silently got mugs from the cupboard and poured coffee into both before adding flavoured cream from a nearby cow-shaped creamer to his own, "I'm trying to find a good one," he replied softly.
Frank nodded as Bobby carried the mugs to the table, making a note to mention Bobby to Emily Wolfe, as Emily was a qualified counselor and had worked with cops before, so she knew what to expect.
Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab
Exhausted and hurting from going up and down the stairs to Horatio's office to talk with Horatio and Victims Assistance about his connection to Catherine and Lindsey, Rick found himself leaning against one of the glass windows in the lab's lobby. He could feel the rising sun on his back and it was warm.
"I'm in no shape to drive home," Rick murmured in a pained voice as he slowly sank to the floor and slowly rested his head back against the window, grateful that nobody had come on duty just yet.
His cell-phone buzzed and the elevator dinged, but Rick paid no mind to either of the noises and gently massaged the bandaged parts of his healing leg before closing his eyes. Footsteps walked by and there was a gasp before Rick suddenly felt a hand on his face. Startled, Rick started to hyperventilate.
"It's okay," Alexx's voice said in a calming tone. "It's just me, Doctor Woods."
Rick opened his eyes, but didn't say anything, "Whoa!" he suddenly heard Ryan Wolfe gasp as more footsteps neared him. "Sergeant Stetler, are you okay? Alexx, why is he on the cold floor?"
"Wolfe, what are you doing here?" Rick asked groggily, ignoring the tightness in his chest.
Ryan blinked, "I'm working until noon to cover Speedle's morning since Speedle's doing me a favor and Eric is off today," he replied in a concerned voice. "I came in a bit early to see what needed doing."
"I had some early morning work," Rick replied shakily, not wanting to open up about his meeting with Horatio and Victims Assistance concerning Catherine and Lindsay as pain suddenly gripped his body.
Alexx frowned as Rick cringed and swallowed hard, "Please, help me up," Rick finally whispered.
Taking great care not to jostle Rick, Alexx and Ryan carefully helped Rick stand and walk over to a row of padded seats on the other side of the window, "I thought you were on medical leave til after Christmas?" Ryan asked, having heard bits of Rick's condition through the usual lab gossip.
"I'm working half-shifts at my request," Rick replied heavily, unable to focus because of the pain.
Alexx sat down next to him, "Do you have painkillers?" she asked softly. "You're in pain."
"I just need a moment," Rick replied stiffly, closing his eyes to block out the trembling and pain that coursed through his body because of all the walking he had done. "Go…go do your jobs."
Before Alexx or Ryan could reply, Rick's phone vibrated again and Rick promptly threw up on the floor just inches away from Ryan's shoes, "Pain," Rick hissed, closing his eyes. "Everything hurts."
"Ryan, honey, go call for some paramedics and see if you can find Horatio," Alexx said in a concerned voice, wondering why Rick had been at the lab that early when he should be at home and in bed.
Nodding, Ryan moved over to the reception desk and quickly got on the phone while Alexx checked Rick's pulse and heart rate. Rick was aware of what was happening, but was in too much pain to care.
Miami Cancer Center
"Mommy?" James asked softly as he toddled into the treatment room and saw his mother laying in a chair with an IV in one arm while a blanket covered her capris, sandals, and t-shirt. "Mommy?"
Emily opened her eyes and smiled at James, "Hey there, Jamie," she replied gently. "Why aren't you in the waiting area coloring with Uncle Eric? Him and Marisol are out there with Julliet, aren't they?"
"Miss you," James replied softly, approaching the chair just as Marisol came into the treatment room.
Emily sighed as Marisol picked James up, "Sorry," Marisol said apologetically. "He got away from us."
"It's okay," Emily replied in a tired voice. "I brought them because Ryan is working this morning and I didn't want to trouble Anthony and Rosa. I appreciate you and Eric being here to help me out."
Marisol nodded, "Speedle's waiting outside," she commented softly. "He's worried about you."
"I know," Emily replied softly, wanting to sleep again. "This is my last treatment in this round and then I can rest over Christmas. Doctor Loman wanted me to do one more this round just as a precaution."
Marisol sighed, "Is there anything I can do?" she asked softly. "How much longer is your treatment?"
"It's almost done and I would love to be able to do some Christmas shopping for James and Julliet," Emily replied tiredly. "I got Ryan a few new clothes for work, but children's toys are more expensive."
James perked up at the mention of toys and Emily yawed softly just as a nurse came in, "You're all done, Miss Wolfe," the nurse explained gently as she disconnected the machine. "How are you feeling?"
"Ready to go," Emily replied softly, sighing as she got out of the chair, folded the blanket, and set it neatly on the chair before smiling at Marisol and James. "Perhaps we can go for a walk in the park?"
James beamed, but Marisol nodded, understanding that walks in the park had helped Emily throw off the after-effects of chemotherapy better than rest had. With all the stress, a walk would be good.
Boscorelli Apartment – New York, New York
"What smells so good?" Bosco asked as he came out of the master bedroom and saw John at the stove while Danielle slept on the couch with a printout in her hand. "John, what are you cooking over there?"
John sighed as he turned the stove off, "Eggs and toast," he replied tiredly. "Mom's having a nap."
Bosco nodded and raised an eyebrow at seeing that the table was set, "Are you feeling all right this morning, John?" he asked in a concerned voice as he wandered into the kitchen. "You don't…"
"You, Mom, David, Ellie, and Grandpa have been so kind helping me," John replied softly. "It's one of the first days in a long time that I'm actually feeling good. I just want a quiet Christmas holiday."
Sighing, Bosco nodded, "You could always sleep in since you don't work til later," John commented softly, self-conscious that Bosco was hanging around to keep an eye on him. "I've got this."
"I actually wanted to know if you've got any ideas for Christmas shopping for your ma, David, Ellie, and your grandpa," Bosco commented in a quieter voice. "You've been sick, so I know you haven't been able to do your shopping. I was just wondering if you wanted to go Christmas shopping with me today?"
John was quiet for a moment and shrugged, "I gotta work this afternoon, so we could go once the stores open and then meet your mom, David, and Ellie for lunch somewhere," Bosco offered in a gentle voice.
"Yeah, I guess we could do that," John replied softly, pleased that Bosco was trying to reach out to him.
Bosco nodded, "Go take your insulin," he stated calmly. "I can watch your cooking for a minute."
John nodded and silently walked off to his room just as Danielle opened her eyes, "Maurice, I'm going to go by a counseling center today," she said in a soft voice. "Faith suggested it a long time ago, but…"
"I'll leave David and Ellie with Sully since I'm going Christmas shopping with John," Bosco replied in a calm, reassuring voice. "Sully didn't have anything planned today, I don't think, so it'll be fine."
Danielle nodded, "The place Faith recommended is a women's counseling center and since what happened is connected to Major Cases, she offered to go with me and kinda help me do what I need to," she explained softly. "I kinda wish it was Kim going with me, but Kim and Jimmy are on holiday."
"It's good that you're going," Bosco replied softly. "I'm really proud of you for going, sweetheart."
Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab - Miami, Florida
"How are you feeling, Sergeant?" Ryan asked softly as he came down the hallway and saw that Alexx and two paramedics were sitting on the bench beside Rick, who was holding a mask against his face while trying to ignore the gurney that the paramedics had brought. "Horatio's talking to the chief."
Rick nodded and sighed, "Doctor Woods and the paramedics want me to go to the hospital, but I can't," he replied, pushing the mask off his face. "I'm in a lot of trouble and I don't want the lab involved."
"In a lot of trouble?" Ryan asked in a concerned voice. "Stetler, what are you talking about?"
Before Rick could reply, his cell-phone buzzed and promptly fell out of his pocket to the hard floor, nearly breaking it. Ryan quickly picked it up and saw that there were texts from Clavo Cruz, Ramon, Cruz, and Bernard Marquez and that there were also several calls from both Clavo and Ramon Cruz.
"Mister Wolfe, what do you have there?" Horatio asked softly as he suddenly came up behind Ryan.
Ryan frowned and Rick moaned, doubling over as pain again shot through his aching body, "Just leave it alone," he hissed in a pained voice, wanting to either throw up again or pass out. "I can't walk away."
Instead of returning the phone to Rick, however, Ryan handed it to Horatio, "Rick, let me handle this for you," he said firmly, having a better understanding of Rick's situation since the meeting. "I either want you to go to the hospital or to go home and rest. The chief gave you an extended medical leave."
"I just want to go home," Rick replied groggily. "I brought my car today, but I can't drive like this."
Even though he felt uneasy about sending Rick home alone, Horatio nodded, "I'll send a patrol car over to make sure it's safe first," he replied calmly. "In the meantime, let Alexx and the paramedics help."
"Ryan, stay," Rick said as Ryan was about to walk away with Horatio. "I want to talk to you."
Ryan nodded and sat down next to Rick, "Don't make your mother force you to do anything that you're not comfortable with," Rick whispered in a pained voice. "I know you haven't had it easy, but you or your sister don't owe your mother or brother anything. Are you planning to visit that uncle of yours?"
"I'm going to invite Uncle Ron for Christmas dinner and I already okayed it with Mister and Mrs. Speedle," Ryan replied quietly. "He wants to get to know Emily, James, and Julliet better."
Rick nodded, sighing as he felt someone giving him an IV, "Just remember that you don't owe those rich snots who threw you in the system anything," he replied softly. "Neither you or your sister do."
"I never really thanked you for doing what you did," Ryan replied softly. "It wasn't ideal, but…"
Rick sighed heavily, "You and your sister couldn't stay together after what happened, but I tried to give both of you the best deal I could," he replied softly. "I may have just been new to policing, but I knew that the entire situation was messed up. I know that she got counseling, but did you ever?"
"I went for the two sessions the court ordered and then I didn't want to go anymore," Ryan replied softly, giving Rick a look. "I became a cop so I could stop monsters like the one that hurt us."
Before Rick could reply, Horatio came back down the hallway holding his phone and looking rather disturbed, "Rick, I just got a call from a patrol that I sent over to your house and it's not safe to go there," he explained softly. "Apparently, your windows and door have been severely damaged."
"A warning," Rick mumbled in a pained voice as he closed his eyes. "To keep me in line."
Horatio frowned and silently pulled Ryan away, "Mister Wolfe, did Clavo or Ramon ever mention anything about Sergeant Stetler when they tried to kidnap you?" he asked in a hushed voice.
"No," Ryan replied, having only heard about how Bernard wanted to kill him by the two brothers.
Horatio nodded, reflecting on what Rick had said about Bernard's control over Lindsey's safety and how if Rick stepped out of line, Lindsey could wind up dead. Before Horatio could ask Ryan how he could help Rick, however, Natalia came off the elevator and looked concerned at seeing the situation before her.
"Miss Boa Vista," Horatio replied calmly, giving Natalia a smile as Rick broke into a coughing fit.
Natalia frowned, "Is there something going on with Sergeant Stetler?" she asked in a worried voice.
"There is, but I can't discuss it," Horatio replied softly. "It's in the hands of the appropriate authorities."
Natalia gave Horatio a look, "Would you like me to bring it up to Victims Assistance?" she asked softly.
"Excuse me?" Horatio asked, his eyebrow raising as his eyes widened. "You know about it?"
Natalia nodded, "I'm one of the heads of it," she replied softly. "I can make some calls if you'd like."
Horatio nodded and looked at Alexx and the paramedics, "The paramedics gave Sergeant Stetler some pain medication," Alexx explained softly, gazing up at Horatio. "He needs somewhere quiet to rest."
"I can take him to Mister and Mrs. Speedle's," Ryan spoke up shakily, feeling a need to help protect the one who had saved him from foster care as a child. "They have a large home and won't turn him away."
Horatio looked mystified, but nodded, "I'll help you get Sergeant Stetler out to your car, baby," Alexx said, choosing not to mention that she had overheard the conversation between Rick and Ryan.
There was silence as Ryan and Alexx helped Rick stand, "Where am I going?" Rick asked groggily.
Natalia looked at Horatio as Alexx, Ryan, and the paramedics helped Rick into the elevator, "I talked with a Gil Grissom this morning about Sergeant Stetler," Horatio explained softly. "I suggest you do too."
Emotionally drained from talking about his hostage experience and Hagen's suicide, Bobby locked everything up and returned to his master bedroom on the second floor with the book that Natalia had shown him. He laid in bed and was about to open his book when there was a knock at his door.
"Yes?" Bobby asked softly, smiling when he looked up and saw BJ standing at the door in his pajamas.
BJ silently walked over to the bed, "Is your head hurting, Daddy?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"No, buddy, it's not," Bobby replied softly. "The bandage is there to protect the stitches."
BJ nodded, "Can we get a tree today, Daddy?" he asked softly. "Maggie always loved the tree."
"Yeah, BJ, we can get a tree," Bobby replied softly, feeling a lump in his throat as he thought about how it would be the first Christmas since Maggie and Amanda died. "I guess it's time we woke up, huh?"
BJ shrugged, "It's only five," he replied quietly. "I had a bad dream about you being kidnapped."
"Ah," Bobby replied in a tired voice, fighting back a yawn. "Come in here and we'll both sleep a bit."
BJ nodded and scrambled under the covers and a moment later, Adam silently came into the room and joined them, too tired to speak. Within minutes, both BJ and Adam were asleep, but Bobby remained awake and silently reading his book while planning how the rest of the day would work out for them.
As Bobby lay there, the phone on his bedside table buzzed and he quickly picked it up. He frowned at seeing a message from his uncle that said Rick had taken ill with pain, but that Ryan Wolfe of the Crime Lab was taking Rick to his current place of living for a medication-induced rest until he felt a lot better.
"Oh, Rick, you shouldn't even be back to work yet," Bobby whispered in a soft voice as he texted his uncle back and asked why Rick hadn't been allowed to return to his house and rest comfortably there.
There was silence and the phone buzzed again, causing Bobby to frown when he read that Rick's house had been broken into and vandalized. I sent CSI Duquesne and Officer Jessop to have a look at Rick's place, but I'll send you the address of where Rick is staying, but don't visit him today. Bobby sighed at the text and set the phone back on the table, determined to keep his boys occupied with happy things that day and visit Rick later on, as it was their first Christmas by themselves and he wanted it to be fun.
The door had been smashed in off of its hinges, Calleigh noticed as she entered the house with covers over her shoes and gloves on her hands so not to contaminate the scene. While she carried her CSI kit into the house and set it down on an untouched table, Jessop silently lingered near the front door.
Rick's living room was completely trashed and the only pieces of furniture left unturned were the couch and the small television. The pillows on the couch had been slashed, the books had been thrown off the shelves, and the front mirror had been smashed while all the doors and windows had been damaged.
A note was pinned to the top of the plush couch with a knife and Calleigh nervously approached it, recognizing that the note had been stained with drops of blood as she lifted the knife and bagged it before removing the note from the top of the couch. Her eyes narrowed as she read the note.
Ricky,
Consider this a warning. We'll do this to you next time if you don't stop trying to run and hide.
Clavo and Ramon
Frowning, Calleigh quickly bagged the note and turned to Jessop, but before she could tell him to call the MDPD, she spotted a car drive up and park in front of Rick's house. Her and Jessop looked stunned as a man and Natalia got out of the car and came up to the house, pausing at the open door.
"Excuse me, this is an active crime scene," Calleigh said sternly, giving Natalia and Gil a look.
Natalia nodded, "Lieutenant Caine authorized me to come here with my fellow head of Victims Assistance," she replied calmly. "We're an underground organization that helps people…"
"Stetler's house was just vandalized," Calleigh replied softly. "There's nothing for you to do."
Instead of leaving, however, Gil silently walked across the living room, using great care to avoid the damaged areas and he stopped at the doorway to Rick's bedroom. Calleigh's eyes widened as Gil silently entered the bedroom and came out a moment later holding a large duffel bag in one hand and a smaller bag in the other. Jessop moved to stop him, but Natalia silently got between Jessop and Gil.
"I'm here with Sergeant Stetler's and Lieutenant Caine's permission," Gil replied calmly. "Natalia."
Natalia silently moved aside, "Where is Sergeant Stetler, anyway?" Calleigh asked worriedly.
"He's safe and it's safer that I don't tell you," Natalia replied softly. "Do you understand?"
Deeply mystified, both Calleigh and Jessop nodded, "So, some men named Clavo and Ramon were here," Calleigh commented, showing the bagged note. "Maybe it was Clavo and Ramon Cruz?"
Natalia frowned, as she remembered that Jenny Wolfe had said she worked at Club Cruz, but promises had been made to keep their meeting secret, "Although we can detain Clavo and Ramon Cruz for the break and enter, their immunity prevents us from charging them," Gil stated in a tone of disgust.
"I wonder if at least Ramon Cruz is connected to Jenessa Williams's murder?" Calleigh asked in an intrigued voice, remembering that Ramon's prints had been found on Jenessa's clothing and the gun.
Natalia raised an eyebrow, "Lieutenant Caine is going to Club Cruz over that anyway, isn't he?" she asked, remembering Horatio's desire to see if the Cruz brothers could answer for the murder.
"Yes," Calleigh replied softly. "He was planning to go over there this morning and try to talk to them."
Club Cruz – Coral Gables – Miami, Florida
Anya Boa Vista silently entered the club where she had been told to meet the owners for an interview and saw a younger girl, who was dressed in dress pants and a pink shirt with pink boots to match, silently gathering empty shot glasses from tables that looked as if they needed to be cleaned.
"Hi, I'm looking for Clavo or Ramon Cruz," Anya said in a nervous voice. "Where can I find them?"
Jenny, who had been working all night and was just gathering the glasses up for the dishwasher before she went back to her empty apartment, sighed, "They're in the back office," she replied softly as she pulled a small walkie talkie off her belt and held it to her mouth. "Clavo, Ramon, you're needed."
There was silence and then Clavo came out into the bar wearing boots, jeans, and a striped shirt, "Jenny, you're cleared to go home," he said in a gruff voice. "Ramon's out for the day, so I'll talk to this girl."
"Of course," Jenny replied nervously, wondering if the girl was Jenessa's replacement. "See you."
Clavo nodded and Jenny silently left the club, frowning as a Hummer with 'Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab' written on the doors parked at the curb. Horatio silently got out and walked up to the front door and terrified, Jenny stepped over to a row of plants near the dirty entrance door.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Clavo or Ramon Cruz," Horatio said calmly. "Where can I find them?"
Jenny sighed, "Ramon's not here, but Clavo's here and busy," she replied stiffly. "Who are you?"
"Well, well, Lieutenant Caine," Clavo said as he came outside. "What brings you to my club?"
Horatio sighed, "Ramon's prints were found on a gun used to kill a girl named Jenessa Williams," he replied stiffly, glaring at Clavo as he removed his sunglasses. "Any idea where I can find him?"
Clavo's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything, "Or perhaps you can tell me your reasons behind trying to kidnap Ryan Wolfe?" Horatio asked coldly. "What does Bernard Marquez want with him?"
"Since that stupid ex-wife of his won't come, he wanted to talk to Ryan!" Clavo hissed, giving Horatio a death glare and ignoring the fact that Jenny had quietly left in terror. "Bernard's heart is bad!"
Horatio frowned, "Bad?" he replied in a concerned voice. "What do you mean by bad?"
"He's on medicine for it and wanted to talk to Emily!" Clavo shouted. "She didn't come, though!"
Sensing that Emily had known and stayed away because of her previous experience, Horatio scowled, "I don't blame her," he replied coldly. "What you and your friends did to her was extremely horrific."
"Ah," Clavo replied coldly, scowling at Horatio. "Well, I wish I could stay and chat, but I can't."
Scoffing, Clavo went back inside the club and Horatio made a note to find and talk to Emily.
Manhattan, New York
Swallowing hard, Danielle silently entered the small corner café where she had agreed to meet Faith before walking to the nearby counseling center. Faith was sitting at the counter enjoying a cup of coffee, so Danielle silently sat on a stool next to her and gazed at the detective, unsure of what to say.
"I'm grateful you agreed to help me," Danielle spoke softly. "I didn't go for counseling last time because I was so overwhelmed with being pregnant with Ellie. This last time in the cabin, though, was different."
Faith nodded, but didn't say anything, "I honestly thought I was going to die this time," Danielle said softly, grateful that she was bundled up. "I know this is not how you pictured spending the holidays…"
"John's working til Christmas Eve and Emily's looking after Charlie since Carolyn didn't want to keep him after Fred died," Faith replied in a concerned voice. "How about you? How are you and your family?"
Danielle sighed, "John just got over a bout of the flu and pneumonia that he got because his school has been treating him badly ever since the Catherine Willows incident," she explained softly. "David's being such a big help to all of us, Ellie's as sweet and kind as she ever was even with what happened to her."
"Has she been in for counseling?" Faith asked softly. "After what Ellie's been thought, she…"
Danielle nodded, "After the incident, Emily Wolfe talked to her a little bit and she's also been Skype counseling with John to try and help him remember what happened," she explained softly. "He remembers bits and pieces, but not everything he needs to. I'm scared about January, Faith."
"Let's just focus on today," Faith replied softly as she stood up and set her cup down. "Ready?"
Nodding, Danielle silently followed Faith from the café and towards the women's counseling center.
As it turned out, Sully did have plans and those plans involved a certain Colombian detective from Miami who had been sent by Victims Assistance to New York to check the progress John had made with the help of Emily Wolfe's Skype counseling sessions. Since Sully and Yelina had exchanged addresses and had been writing since they had met on Halloween, they had agreed to meet each other for a visit.
However, Sully had also wanted Bosco and John to have some bonding time together, as he knew that John was still struggling to accept Bosco as a father figure, and had agreed to hang out with David and Ellie until lunch time. Ray Jr. had come with his mother, as he was curious about her new friend.
And so it was that Sully found himself and Yelina walking around Central Park with David, Ellie, and Ray Jr. for company, "It's very cold here," Yelina commented as she sipped from the cup of hot chocolate that Sully had bought her from a vendor. "How on earth do you and your family manage in the cold?"
"It takes some getting used to," Sully replied with a chuckle, smiling at her as they sat on a bench to watch David, Ellie, and Ray Jr. play on the playground structure. "How long are you here for?"
Yelina sighed, "I hope to meet with John sometime today and I want to be back in Miami by tomorrow because Ray Junior and I are going to spend Christmas with Bobby and his sons, as is Horatio," she explained in a somber voice. "It's Bobby's first Christmas without his wife and daughter, you know."
"I remember," Sully replied solemnly, remembering Bobby's panic attack at the double funeral.
Before Yelina could reply, David, Ellie, and Ray Jr. came over to the bench, "Mom, I'm cold," Ray Jr. complained as he sat on the bench next to his mother. "Is there anything to eat in New York?"
"There's a restaurant just across the street from the park near the Plaza," Sully replied gently.
Ray Jr. nodded and offered Sully a smile, "We promised not to eat until Dad and John got here," David spoke up, his teeth chattering. "They were gonna do some Christmas shopping and then come here."
"Are you okay, David?" Sully asked in a worried voice. "It's not that cold right now."
David nodded, suddenly wondering if Edward would try and contact him again because of the initial contact in Miami, "I'm fine," he replied shakily, horrified that he would turn into Edward someday because of his mistake and because he physically resembled the man. "Do I look like Edward?"
"You've got his hair color, but you look more like your mom," Sully replied calmly. "You're nothing like Edward and don't go thinking that, okay? Not every kid has to turn out like their biological father."
Ray Jr. paused at that, but didn't say anything, "You're right, Grandpa," David said softly.
"Grandpa Sully, can we get some more hot chocolate?" Ellie suddenly asked in a happy voice.
Amused that Ellie found such pleasure in simple things even though something terrible had happened to her, Sully nodded and smiled when she gave him a hug, "There's a hot chocolate cart just over there," Yelina said, pointing to a cart she could see not far from the playground. "Let's go get some."
Miami, Florida
Refreshed from a walk in the park with James, Julliet, Eric, and Marisol, Emily entered the Speedle's house with James and Julliet and was surprised to see Ryan and Rosa talking in the kitchen while a large pot of tea sat on the stove, "Emily, I better tell you that I brought Sergeant Stetler here to rest," Ryan spoke up nervously as he gazed at his sister. "He was in a lot of pain and his house was trashed."
"I see," Emily replied calmly, well aware that Stetler had helped them both when they were younger and was sorry that he hadn't been able to do more. "Did someone call the police about Stetler's home?"
Ryan nodded and Emily silently put James and Julliet in the small play area that Anthony and Rosa had put together for the children as an early Christmas present, "I guess I should talk to Sergeant Stetler when he's feeling better," she commented softly. "I know it's not expected, but I am a counselor."
"You're also a wonderful woman with a good heart," Rosa spoke softly, seeing that Emily was tired. "I think that you should rest while you wait for Sergeant Stetler to wake up from his sleep, all right?"
As Rosa was the closest thing she ever had to a mother and just wanted to help, Emily nodded and settled herself on the couch so she could watch her children, "If Detective Salas calls, I'll take it into my room," she said in a calm voice, hoping Yelina would be able to see how John was progressing.
"Do you think Anthony will be angry at me for caring so much about Sergeant Stetler?" Ryan asked softly, feeling like he was a broken teenager again as he looked at Rosa. "He…he helped us."
Rosa sighed gently and gave Ryan a hug, "You dear boy," she replied softly, gently sitting Ryan on one of the kitchen chairs as she released him. "Anthony will be proud because you have such a good heart."
Just then, Emily's phone buzzed and she sighed heavily as she checked it and saw that Horatio was trying to get a hold of her, "I need to rest," she whispered, setting the phone on the table. "This can wait."
Rosa smiled and turned her attention to the tea while Ryan watched the kids and Emily fell asleep.
Manhattan, New York
The diner-style restaurant where the group had agreed to meet at was actually in the midst of a department store and Sully and Yelina settled David, Ellie, and Ray Jr. at one booth while they took another booth to keep an eye on them. Strangely enough, Bosco and John were not there.
Soon enough, however, Bosco and John, who was carrying two large shopping bags filled with wrapped presents in his arms and his backpack on his back, came into the restaurant, "Sorry, I wanted to get these wrapped before I took them home," John said in an apologetic voice, his eyes widening slightly as he spotted Yelina sitting across a table from Sully. "Oops, was I supposed to meet with you today?"
"It's all right, John, Detective Salas doesn't look angry," Bosco whispered gently. "Just relax."
Taking a deep breath to relax, John watched as Sully moved over to David, Ellie, and Ray Jr.'s table before he silently sat at the table across from Yelina and watched as his stepfather joined him. They had discussed this meeting that morning at breakfast, John thought, but he had forgotten about it.
"Mom had an appointment this morning," John commented softly. "She sent my stepdad instead."
Yelina nodded, "This isn't a formal interview and I'm here on behalf of Emily Wolfe," she replied in a calm, reassuring voice. "She wants to know how the Skype counseling sessions are helping you and if you're going to be ready for January and that you'll have face to face sessions while you're in Miami."
"The sessions are helping me to be calmer during the day and at night, but I'm still not remembering everything about what happened," John replied softly. "It's also easier for me to tolerate people giving me hugs and coming near me, but I still don't like being in small spaces or restrained in any way."
Bosco frowned, but didn't say anything, "How is Miss Wolfe doing?" John asked softly, remembering that Emily had told him about her cancer during his recovery. "Is she feeling a lot better?"
"Yes," Yelina replied gently. "She says that you should just relax and enjoy the holidays."
John nodded and brushed his hair off his forehead, "I'll try to," he said in a sincere voice.
"Good," Yelina replied calmly before she looked at Bosco. "Make sure your whole family does."
Before Bosco could reply, Yelina smiled at John and got up from the table, quickly joining Sully, Ray Jr., David, and Ellie at the other table, "You okay, John?" Bosco asked softly. "That wasn't easy, was it?"
Shaking his head, John reached for a menu that was in the small holder at the table and began to silently look through it, unaware that Sully and Yelina had seen their entire exchange, "I think I need a haircut," John commented softly, hinting that he would talk about his feelings, but not at that moment.
Understanding that John wasn't ready to talk about his meeting with Yelina, Bosco silently picked up another menu and silently checked it. He also made a mental note to ask Sully about his date later on.
Miami-Dade Crime Lab – Miami, Florida
"H, I got finished helping Marisol," Eric reported as he came into the lab where Horatio and Calleigh were silently processing the evidence from Stetler's house. "What's going on here, guys?"
Horatio sighed heavily, "Sergeant Stetler's house was vandalized by Clavo and Ramon Cruz," he explained in a somber voice, looking up at Eric from his work. "Mister Wolfe has been temporarily assigned to protect him and Speed is currently examining the background of Jenessa Williams to see if there are any loopholes in which we might be able to detain the Cruz brothers for both incidents."
"Well, the firearm used to kill Jenessa Williams was not registered, but it only allows us to detain Ramon for 12 hours because his prints were on it," Calleigh spoke up in an unhappy voice. "He won't come in, though, and we can't exactly go to the Baracan Consulate and demand that they hand him over."
Horatio sighed, but before he could reply, footsteps came down the hallway and he was surprised to see a uniformed officer with General Cruz, Clavo, and Ramon tailing after him, "General Cruz, what can I do for you and your sons?" Horatio asked in a suspicious voice. "I am quite surprised to see you here."
"My sons told me that they attacked one of your officers in an attempt to please a man who I see as nothing more than a criminal," General Cruz replied sternly. "I have no trust with Bernard Marquez because of his repeated attempts to influence my sons to help him get back in touch with an ex. We Cruzes are a proud family and if there was a reason Marquez's ex left him, it should be left alone."
Horatio nodded, but said nothing, "I have brought Clavo and Ramon to apologize," General Cruz stated.
"I guess this wouldn't be a good time to bring up the fact that we found an unregistered firearm with Ramon's prints on it, would it?" Horatio asked softly. "As I recall, that is grounds for a 12-hour detainment and I know it's close to Christmas, but I would hope you would honor the law, General."
Ramon's eyes widened and he gave his father a pleading look, but General Cruz nodded, "I do respect the law and will allow the 12 hour detainment," he replied calmly. "Ramon, I will see you in 12 hours."
Before anyone could reply, Tim came out of the lab where he and Dan Cooper had been working, "Horatio, we're done processing Jenessa's clothes," Tim reported. "The DNA belongs to Ramon."
"Jenessa, that girl who used to work at your club and who was a diplomat in training?" General Cruz asked in a dangerous tone as he glared at Ramon. "Are they telling me that you killed that girl?"
Ramon's eyes widened, but he didn't say anything, "Lieutenant Caine, Jenessa Williams was a student at the university and she was studying political science and international relations," General Cruz explained curtly. "She had begun working at Clavo's club to earn money for school and had been asking to interview me about Baracas as part of an assignment she had to study different governments and relations between countries."
There was a tense silence and General Cruz sighed heavily, "You have my permission to arrest Ramon for that poor girl's murder if you have the evidence, Lieutenant Caine," General Cruz stated sharply. "I was actually planning on granting Miss Williams a tour of the Embassy and an interview after Christmas."
"As you wish, General," Horatio replied, careful to keep a neutral facial expression as two uniformed officers came over to them and cuffed Ramon. "I do want law and order to be present in Miami."
General Cruz nodded and Clavo scowled as the officers led Ramon away, "Again, I apologize on behalf of my sons about the attack on your man, Lieutenant," General Cruz said softly. "Clavo, come!"
Scowling at Horatio and Tim, Clavo nodded and silently followed his father back to the elevator, "Oh, Speed, I was trying to get in touch with Emily, but she hasn't returned my call," Horatio commented in a concerned voice as he looked at his friend. "You were with her today and I wonder if she is all right."
"Emily had the last of her treatments today and it wore her out," Tim replied softly. "We took a walk in the park with James, Julliet, Eric, and Marisol before Emily took the kids back to my parents for a rest."
Horatio nodded, "Speed, did Emily ever discuss her ex-husband with you?" he asked quietly.
"Not a lot, but I know he sent her a letter," Tim replied in a concerned voice. "You should talk to her."
As Tim walked off, Horatio sighed and put his shades on, determined to see how Stetler was and to make sure that there was no way anyone would be able to link Stetler to his current hiding place.
Manhattan, New York
Still slightly nervous from his meeting with Yelina, John silently entered the apartment and went straight to the computer. As he sat, he logged into Skype, put on the headset, and clicked on Emily Wolfe's number; a memory had been triggered by his discussion with Yelina and he needed to share it.
There were two rings and then a click, "Hello?" Emily's tired voice spoke up as a screen loaded, revealing a tired looking Emily in what appeared to be her bedroom. "Ah, John, how are you doing today?"
"I'm fine, Miss Wolfe," John replied softly, seeing that she looked tired. "I-I remembered something."
Emily nodded, but didn't say anything, "When I was talking with Detective Salas today, I started thinking about the past and I started thinking about Sergeant Stetler's advice," John spoke softly. "I was kinda a rebel when my family and I lived in Miami and he caught me loitering in a dangerous area one day when I should have been in school. He took me to the police station and talked to me about the importance of responsibility and how I needed to stay close to my family. I guess his advice really helped me a lot."
"Hmmm," Emily replied calmly, Rick's comments making sense to her in light of his unique situation.
John blinked, "Anyway, after we talked, Sergeant Stetler offered to give me a ride home and explain things to Mom," he continued softly, grateful that his mother was out and that his stepfather, Detective Salas, his siblings, and Ray. Jr. were over at his grandfather's apartment. "As we were heading there, Sergeant Stetler was carjacked by Clavo and Ramon Cruz and those two had their fun with me."
Emily frowned and sighed heavily, suddenly realizing that Stetler had probably been forced to work under the thumbs of the Cruz brothers under threat of that incident being revealed along with a great load of humiliation, "Stetler tried to stop it, but they knocked him out," John replied as the apartment door opened and Danielle came in with Faith. "I didn't want it to happen again when I was there…"
"Sergeant Stetler is all right, John," Emily replied calmly, noticing Danielle and Faith in the background, but choosing not to mention their presence and distract John. "Do you remember anything else?"
John swallowed hard and nodded, "Clavo and Ramon said they'd sick a worse man on me if they ever caught me again," he replied in a nervous voice. "They said that the man's name was Stewart Otis."
As John exhaled sharply, Emily nodded, "I hope you'll give me permission to discuss this with the Miami-Dade Police Department and Crime Lab because it will help us protect you in January," she explained in a calm, but concerned voice. "For now, though, I think you should relax. Thank you for telling me what you could remember, as it means you're getting better and are learning to trust people again."
"You're welcome," John replied softly, frowning as Danielle came up behind him and hugged him.
Emily smiled and quickly ended the call, "Hey," Danielle commented softly. "Where is everyone?"
"Over at Grandpa Sully's," John replied, turning to face her. "Oh, hi there, Detective Yokas."
Faith smiled, but didn't say anything, "I came here to phone Miss Wolfe over the computer because she said that whenever I remembered something important, I needed to contact her as soon as possible," John explained softly as he stood up. "I told Maurice what I was doing and he said it was okay."
"Okay," Danielle replied calmly. "Faith, thanks so much for making sure I got back here safely."
Faith nodded, "If you want to go caroling in the next couple of days, I'll bring Emily and Charlie by and we can all go together," she replied calmly, wanting to make things right between their families.
"Thanks," Danielle replied in a grateful voice, smiling at Faith as she quietly left the apartment.
John sighed and Danielle smiled at him, "Hey, let's go over to your grandpa's apartment and talk a bit about the next few days," Danielle said in a gentle voice. "Detective Yokas thought it would be fun if we went caroling with her, Emily, and Charlie and I also think it would help us be able to enjoy Christmas."
Shocked that Faith had suddenly decided to be nice to them, John left the apartment with his mother.
Miami, Florida
Letting out a tired sigh after her small nap and unexpected Skype session with John, Emily silently left her room and saw that Rosa was alone in the kitchen, "Ryan is working and James and Julliet are down for a nap," Rosa explained calmly as Emily wandered into the kitchen. "You didn't get enough sleep."
"I got enough for now," Emily replied softly, taking a seat at the counter. "Thank you for caring."
Rosa nodded, but before she could reply, another door opened and Rick came into the kitchen area a moment later looking slightly tired, but determined, "Thank you for putting up with me, Mrs. Speedle, but I should really be going," he said in a nervous voice, leaning heavily on his cane. "Where's Ryan?"
"Ryan is working at the restaurant with Anthony this afternoon, Sergeant," Rosa replied calmly.
Rick nodded and sighed, "I got a few hours' sleep thanks to the paramedics and Doctor Woods helping me this morning and it's enough for me to find a hotel," he commented softly. "I can't go home."
"Ryan said he wanted you to stay here tonight," Rosa spoke softly. "He thinks very highly of you."
Rick scoffed and shook his head, "I told him to take care of himself and that I was only doing what I could for him," he replied in a groggy voice, ignoring the pain radiating throughout his body. "I sent Emily to a kind foster family after I got her out of juvie and the best I could do for Ryan was the same."
"Thank you, Rick," Emily replied softly, sighing at him. "Why are you in such a hurry to leave, though?"
Rick sighed heavily, "I've left my personal issues in the hands of Victims Assistance," he replied calmly.
Emily nodded, but didn't say anything, "However, I feel that I would be amiss if I didn't offer information about the current employment openings that the police department has before I left," Rick said in a tired voice. "The department and Crime Lab is in need of a psychologist for both personnel and anyone that may be interviewed there. Call the MDPD if you're interested."
Before Emily could reply, Rick silently left the house in search of somewhere safe to continue resting.
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