December 25

Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida

With a heavy heart over the fact that it was the first Christmas since Maggie's and Amanda's deaths, Bobby silently came down the stairs and into the living room where a very tall and elegantly decorated tree sat with several presents underneath it for the three of them, other family, and many friends.

The fireplace was unit, but three stockings hung over the mantle while two stockings sat on the cement hearth, unfilled and untouched while the three were filled to the top. Swallowing hard, Bobby wrapped his robe tighter around his old pajamas and scuffed the floor with his fluffy brown slippers before retreating to the couch where his unfinished book waited; that and a warm blanket and hot cocoa.

As Bobby sat, however, there was a knock at the door and, with a sigh, he made his way over to the door. He opened it to find his uncle standing on the doorstep in slacks, a dress shirt, boots, and a blazer with sunglasses on his face while a large red sack was in his hands and a smile was on his face.

"Hi, Uncle Horatio," Bobby commented as he stepped aside to let his uncle into the house.

Horatio came inside, closed the door, whipped his shades off, and set the sack down, "I didn't expect anyone else to be up until later," Bobby commented softly as he gazed at the bag. "What's that?"

"Just a few presents," Horatio replied gently, gazing at his nephew. "How long did you sleep for?"

Bobby sighed, "I went to bed at eleven and woke up at two and read until just a few minutes ago," he replied in a tired voice, gazing at the clock over the fireplace and realizing that it was only five. "I'm just having trouble with the sleeping thing and I know that's not good. Maybe I need to talk to someone."

"That might be a good idea," Horatio replied calmly. "For now, though, why don't you try and get some more sleep? I can hold the fort down and you don't even have to go upstairs. You can sleep down here."

Bobby shrugged, but obediently retreated to the couch, quickly downing his cup of cocoa before he nestled under the covers, "It'll be all right, Bobby," Horatio said softly. "Close your eyes and sleep."

As Bobby drifted off into a much needed slumber, Horatio picked up his sack and went into the kitchen.


Calle Ocho

Tripp's eyes widened as he skimmed the list of needy families who would be benefiting from the MDPD Toy Drive and also from the dry goods drive that the Crime Lab held; the next names on his list were Ryan Wolfe, Emily Wolfe, James Wolfe, and Julliet Wolfe and their address was not far from where he was and it also was listed in Tim Speedle's file as the address to go to if an emergency ever arose.

Silently reminding himself to stay professional and not make any derogatory comments, Tripp found the house, parked at the curb, and put his Santa beard on before getting out. He quietly got the large, beautifully wrapped box out of the backseat that had been labelled accordingly and walked up to the front door. Swallowing hard, Tripp silently knocked on the door three times and silently waited.

A moment later, the door opened and Tim stood there in sweats and a t-shirt, "Tripp?" he asked softly.

"The Wolfes were on the recipients list, Speedle," Tripp replied calmly. "Do you wanna give me a hand?"

Tim nodded and allowed Tripp into the house, revealing that the tree had been put up and decorated and that there were several decorations out, "I'm not sure what time Emily, James, or Julliet will be up," Tim commented as he helped Tripp open the box and put the presents under the tree. "Ryan and my dad are already gone since my dad's restaurant opens every Christmas Day to feed the homeless."

"There's stuff for the adults too," Tripp replied calmly. "I didn't know you lived here too."

Tim shook his head, "I don't," he replied calmly. "I spent last night here to help my family out."

"Is there something I should know?" Tripp asked in a sly voice, giving Tim a mischievous grin.

Tim smiled, "No, not yet," he replied calmly, sighing tiredly. "We're taking things really slow."

Tripp nodded, but as he began pulling the other packages out of the box, a door opened and James, who was wearing lightning bolt patterned pajamas that he had opened last night with his mother's help, came slowly toddling into the living room, "Santa?" James asked softly, squinting up at Tripp.

There was a silence and James immediately clung to Tim's leg, prompting Tim to pick him up and Frank to pull his beard down, "It's just Uncle Frank, James," Tim spoke softly, smiling tenderly at James.

"Uncle Frank?" James asked in a quiet voice, his thumb in his mouth. "You're Santa?"

Frank chuckled quietly, "I'm just one of his helpers," he replied gently. "Merry Christmas."

James nodded and waved as Frank set the other packages under the tree and silently left the house without looking back, "Mama tired," James spoke softly, gazing up at Tim. "Can we play outside?"

"Let's check on your mom first, kiddo," Tim replied softly, picking James up as he wandered to the room that Emily had been given by his mother next to a room for the kids. "Emily, it's Tim; are you okay?"

There was a sigh through the open door, "I've got a bit of a headache and sensitivity to light, so I'm just going to stay in bed for a while longer," Emily's tired voice spoke. "James, honey, go on back to bed."

Tim, however, silently returned James to his bed, smiled at the sight of Julliet sleeping soundly in hers, and then returned to Emily's room, "Emily, it's Tim," he said in a calm voice as he entered the room.

A small lamp suddenly clicked on, revealing Emily in bed looking very tired, "I'm tired and I feel very weak, but I don't want to ruin Christmas," she commented softly, covering her eyes with her hand as she peered up in the direction of his voice. "I'm just hoping the kids have a wonderful Christmas."

"They will and you will too," Tim replied softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Do you need anything?'"

Emily shook her head and turned the light off, "I just need a little more rest," she replied softly.

"I'll make you some herbal tea," Tim said softly as he left the room and closed the door behind him.


Manhattan, New York

"John, what are you doing up?" a quiet voice asked as a door suddenly opened from nearby.

Frowning, John turned, but didn't get up from the window seat, "David, Mom and Maurice said we're not supposed to be up until six," he commented, gazing at David as he stood there in his pajamas.

"We can be up, but we just can't make noise," David replied, a grin on his face. "Let's get Ellie up."

John shook his head just as another door opened and Ellie came out in her pajamas holding a small blanket that she had gotten while in the Miami hospital, "Hey," he said in a quieter voice.

Yawning, Ellie quietly went over to the couch and huddled there in her blanket, "I'll unfold the hideabed and we can all lay there til Mom and Maurice get up," John commented, getting off the window seat and going over to the couch. "I'm thinking that Ellie's really tired and we all need some more sleep."

Ellie silently crawled off the couch and waited as John quietly set up the hideabed before planting herself in the middle of the bed with her blanket. David got in on Ellie's right side and John climbed in on the other side, deeply surprised when Ellie draped her blanket over the three of them before sighing.

The three of them lay awake for what seemed like an eternity and David's eyes wandered over to the Christmas tree and the small pile of presents underneath, "Do you have nightmares still?" Ellie asked softly, gazing at John with worried eyes. "You used to cry a lot and walk around really late at night."

"I'm getting better," John replied softly, smiling at Ellie. "Are you and David ready to sleep now?"

Ellie nodded and John sighed, "Are you scared to go back to Miami?" David suddenly asked.

"I did something that I can't remember doing," John replied softly, suddenly feeling very tired. "Miss Wolfe has been helping me by talking to me, but I wish that you guys didn't have to go back."

David's eyes narrowed, "I'm not scared, but I'm scared for you," he replied softly. "We'll be okay."

"I know," John replied softly, chuckling quietly as Ellie suddenly fell asleep. "Let's get to sleep."

David nodded and smiled before closing his eyes, leaving John alone to work at falling asleep.


Calle Ocho

The restaurant was quiet and for it, Rick was grateful and kept silent as he entered the building and took a seat in a booth near the back of the restaurant. He knew from talking with Ryan that the restaurant would start serving Christmas dinner to homeless people around noon, but it was quiet for breakfast.

"Hello, what can I get for you?" the gentle voice of Anthony Speedle suddenly filled the small area.

Swallowing hard, Rick looked up from his menu and saw Anthony Speedle standing at his booth, "Ah, Sergeant Stetler, Merry Christmas," Anthony said in a pleasant voice. "What can I get for you?"

"Please tell Ryan to give this to Chief Burton for me," Rick said as he offered Anthony an envelope. "It contains my resignation and explanation as to why I left. I want him to keep an eye on Bobby for me."

Before Anthony could reply, Ryan came out in shoes, slacks, and a sweater to ask Anthony a question and frowned at seeing Rick there, "Ryan, what are you doing here?" he asked in an anxious voice.

"I'm helping Mister Speedle with his annual dinner for the homeless," Ryan replied in a concerned voice.

Rick nodded and offered the envelope to Ryan, "I'm resigning and moving to Brazil," he explained in an anxious voice, not surprised when Ryan didn't take the envelope. "I've left instructions for everyone."

"Do you realize how stupid that is?" Ryan asked in a shocked voice, anger suddenly in his eyes. "Once you set foot in Brazil, you'll be killed. Do you honestly think that Lindsay would want you dead?"

Rick's eyes widened in shock and Ryan chose that moment to show the ID that he always kept under his shirt when out and about, "I'm an officer in Victims Assistance," Ryan explained. "I heard about her."

Before Anthony or Rick could reply, the sound of tires came down the street and for a moment, there was absolute silence. Without warning, gunfire erupted from the street and the front windows, light fixtures, and anything glass shattered and Rick immediately shoved Ryan and Anthony to the floor.

"Rick!" Ryan yelled, looking up towards Stetler just as several more bullets came flying into the restaurant and hit Rick directly in the chest, sending the shellshocked sergeant to the floor.

As tires squealed and the car took off, Anthony and Ryan scrambled to their feet, "I'm calling 9-1-1!" Anthony shouted in an anxious voice as Ryan knelt at Rick's side. "This is a horrible time for this!"

Nodding, Ryan unbuttoned Rick's shirt and gasped at seeing the bulletproof vest overtop of a white undershirt, "I think the vest caught most the bullets," Rick gasped softly, trying to ignore the pain he was feeling from falling and the trauma from being shot at and showered in glass. "Is anyone else hurt?"

"No," Ryan replied in an anxious voice, quickly unholstering his radio. "Just lie as still as you can."


The sound of a ringing phone woke Bobby and he laid there for a moment before slowly sitting up and realizing that someone had covered him with a blanket. He saw that there were more shoes by the door and that there were extra presents under the tree, but he saw no sign of his two sons or his uncle.

Letting out a sigh, Bobby laid back against the couch and was surprised when his uncle came into the living room holding the cordless phone, "Bobby, I just received a call from the Miami-Dade Police Department that there was an attack at the Speedle Family Restaurant in Calle Ocho," Horatio explained in a quiet voice. "Units are responding to the scene, but Mister Wolfe thought we should know…"

Still feeling slightly groggy, Bobby nodded, "Rick was at the restaurant at the time of the attack," Horatio continued in a concerned voice, frowning at Bobby. "Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and someone from the police department will make sure that Rick is all right and safe for the rest of the…"

"Rick was supposed to come over this afternoon for dinner," Bobby interrupted in a tired voice.

Horatio nodded and Bobby sat up a little straighter, "I don't know if I should go over there or not," Bobby said in an anxious voice, suddenly feeling ready to be sick. "I just don't have the energy."

"I know," Horatio replied gently, sitting down next to Bobby. "I expected this day to be hard for you."

Bobby nodded and hugged himself, "What are BJ and Adam up to?" he asked in a tired voice, wanting nothing more to do than nestle back under the covers and sleep til noon. "It's really quiet in here."

"Yelina and Ray Junior came over while you were sleeping and they are making cookies and watching Christmas cartoons in the kitchen with the boys," Horatio replied calmly. "Do you think you got enough sleep?"

Shaking his head, Bobby placed a hand over his eyes to hide tears that threatened to fall, "I'm sick of not getting enough sleep," he said in a tired voice. "Ever since Maggie died, I've been running on fumes and I thought things would get better after we moved, but then Hagen had to go and kidnap me."

Soft sobs escaped Bobby's lips and he sighed and sniffled at the same time, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Don't apologize, Bobby," Horatio replied gently, placing a hand on Bobby's shoulder. "Breathe."

Sniffling, Bobby nodded, "What time is it?" he asked in a tired voice. "I have things to take care of."

Horatio nodded and was silent as Bobby got up and silently went upstairs. Wondering what Bobby had to do so early and didn't want his sons to know about, Horatio got up and went into the kitchen.

"Where's Daddy?" BJ asked as he gazed at Horatio from the counter where he was placing cookies on a tray while watching the small TV that was on the opposite counter. "Is he still sleeping on the couch?"

Horatio shrugged, "Your father went upstairs for a while," he replied calmly, noticing that Adam was sitting at the table silently coloring folded up pieces of paper. "What are you doing, Adam?"

"Making Christmas cards for Daddy," Adam replied softly without looking up. "Cause he's sad."

Horatio nodded, "That's very kind of you, Adam," he replied softly. "Do you want any help?"

"Nope," Adam replied calmly. "Can the Christmas food go into the oven yet?"

Horatio gazed at Yelina, who was in the process of stuffing a very large turkey while keeping an eye on BJ and Adam, "Bobby has everything," Yelina stated softly. "He must have been busy shopping."

"Daddy took us out shopping and caroling yesterday!" BJ piped up. "It was so much fun!"

Nodding, Horatio silently made his way into the food room to gather what he needed to help cook, pleased that Bobby was doing whatever he could to get through the holidays without being reckless.


"Sorry to disrupt your holidays, Delko, but you're the only CSI who would answer the page the PD sent out," Detective Tripp said in an apologetic voice as Eric entered the restaurant with Jessop at his side.

Eric shrugged, "Mari's off visiting members of her support group and we'll go to Mami and Papi's for dinner later," he replied in a reassuring voice, frowning at the damage that had been done. "Wow."

"Yeah, wow," Tripp replied gruffly. "The Speedles were going to host their annual Christmas dinner for the homeless today at noon, but they can't do that until we finish our investigation into the attack."

Eric nodded and frowned when he saw Anthony Speedle come out of the kitchen looking rather distressed, "Ah," Anthony said in an anxious voice. "The paramedics and police are both here."

"Was anyone hurt?" Eric asked in a concerned voice. "Dispatch did say there was a shooting."

Anthony frowned, "Sergeant Stetler took several bullets to the chest and Mister Wolfe suffered some cuts from the glass, but fortunately, nobody was killed," he replied in a worried voice. "I am grateful that I invested in a great deal of insurance in the restaurant over the years so that everything will be okay."

"Stetler and Wolfe are here?" Eric asked, giving Tripp a look. "Why are those two here?"

Anthony frowned, "Officer Delko, my restaurant needs to be ready by noon," he replied, not wanting to reveal Rick and Ryan's business. "I already phoned Rosa and Tim and told them not to come by."

The bullets are still in Stetler's vest, Delko," Tripp commented. "Where's Duquesne to look at em?"

"With her father," Eric replied in a distressed voice as he wandered into the kitchen and saw paramedics examining Rick, who was sitting on a kitchen chair in a suit with a bloodstained vest in his hands. "Hey."

Ryan, who was standing near the sink with a cloth pressed against his head, gasped, "Delko?" he asked in a shocked voice, walking over to the group. "Delko, what are you doing at the restaurant?"

"Dispatch reported a shooting and I was the only CSI who answered the call," Eric replied calmly.

Ryan nodded and looked at Rick, "Sergeant Stetler, Delko's here for the vest," he said gently.

Instead of snapping, however, Rick silently picked up the vest and held it out, "Take it and go," he replied in a stiff voice, not looking up at Eric or Ryan. "I don't need an audience in here."

"Delko, come on," Ryan said anxiously, shunting Eric out of the kitchen. "I'll brief you."

Eric glared at Ryan, "Someone needs to talk to Stetler," he snapped. "About what happened."

"And someone will, Delko," Ryan replied in an unusually cold voice, ignoring the fact that Tripp, Jessop, and Anthony were all giving him confused looks. "You're here to investigate the crime scene, right?"

Eric's eyes widened in shock as Ryan turned and went back into the kitchen, "Delko, let's get to work so Mister Speedle can have his restaurant back," Tripp barked, shocked that Ryan had gotten angry.


Manhattan, New York

Letting out a tired sigh, Bosco opened his eyes and was surprised to see that Danielle was still asleep beside him, as if she didn't care it was Christmas morning. He gently kissed her cheek and she grunted.

"Merry Christmas, Maurice," Danielle said in a tired voice. "I'll be up to wake the kids in a minute."

Bosco sighed and gently stroked her face, "I'll wake the kids," he replied. "You just sleep, sweetie."

Danielle sighed and Bosco quickly and quietly got out of bed, careful to not make any noise as he left the master bedroom. He was surprised to see David and Ellie asleep on the hideabed, but not John.

Concerned that John might have decided to go for a walk out in the cold, Bosco silently walked across the apartment and sighed, deeply relieved when he saw John's shoes were still there, "Maurice, what are you doing?" Bosco suddenly heard John ask in a quiet voice as the bathroom door opened.

"Making sure your shoes were still here," Bosco replied calmly as he turned to face John.

John nodded and held up his diabetes backpack, "I was checking my blood sugar," he replied softly. "It's okay, but I should probably eat something within the next half hour if I want it to stay good."

"I'll make you something," Bosco replied calmly. "Why don't you go peek in your stocking?"

John shrugged and silently walked back over to the hideabed, "I think I'll wait til David and Ellie are up," he said in a quiet voice, carefully sitting on the hideabed. "We always opened gifts together before."

"Why don't you rest a bit til breakfast is ready, then?" Bosco asked gently. "It won't take long."

John frowned, "I might," he replied, suddenly feeling troubled by the fact that he had come so close to losing his life earlier that year and almost didn't get to enjoy another Christmas. "It's really cold."

Before Bosco could ask John why he sounded so distant, the computer flashed on and Bosco frowned at seeing the envelope symbol on the screen, "Hang on," he said in a gruff voice, approaching the computer as if it were a bomb because he really didn't like computers. "I think I have an email."

Nodding, John got back into the bed while Bosco clicked on the message and after it loaded, he was surprised to see it was an offer from LaRusso concerning accommodations in January while their family was in Miami so they could save a little money. Bosco sighed, deeply grateful and shocked that LaRusso was offering a place to stay because nobody knew how long they would have to stay in Miami for.

"Wow," Bosco murmured softly, smiling when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Morning."

Danielle smiled and put her arms around Bosco, "LaRusso emailed me and offered us a place to stay while we're in Miami," Bosco explained calmly. "It's really nice of him, but I don't know…"

"Maurice, if you want us to stay with LaRusso's family, it's fine," Danielle replied gently.

Bosco sighed and nodded, "It would save us a lot of money on renting a house or hotel room," he commented gruffly. "Anyway, do you think we should wake the kids up for presents and food?"

Danielle turned and saw that John was still asleep in the hideabed, but David and Ellie were slowly starting to wake up, "John hasn't slept so well in a while," she replied softly. "Once David and Ellie are awake, they can play with their stockings until John wakes up. Do you want me to finish breakfast?"

"Thanks," Bosco replied as Danielle wandered into the kitchen. "I'll email LaRusso right away, then."


Calle Ocho – Miami, Florida

Colorfully wrapped paper littered the floor underneath the small, heavily decorated tree and Emily and Rosa sat on the couch, silently watching as James and Julliet played with the toys that had been secretly donated by the PD. Tim silently worked at cooking breakfast at the stove without speaking because as much as he wanted to act like the children's father, he knew that Emily might not appreciate it.

Emily, however, looked over at Tim and sighed as she got up to join James and Julliet on the floor, "Tim, why don't you come and join the kids and I?" she asked softly, carefully plunking herself on the floor between James and Julliet so she could see their toys better. "We don't have to eat right now."

Tim paused for a moment and then silently turned the stove off before he went over and joined Emily, James, and Julliet on the floor, "Marisol's coming over today and I'm going to ask her to watch James and Julliet so Rosa can go to the restaurant and I can visit Bernard," Emily spoke softly, gazing up at Tim and Rosa calmly. "I don't want to do it, but I feel the need to forgive my tormentor while I can."

For a moment, there was silence and Emily sighed, "Tim, will you come with me?" she asked softly.

"Yes," Tim replied in a gentle, but firm voice. "Mom, did Dad say what the damages were?"

Rosa nodded, "Broken windows," she replied calmly as she got up to finish making the breakfast that Tim had started out of shyness. "We've got insurance, so it will be all right. Please don't worry."

Tim nodded and frowned as James suddenly yawned, "Oh, poor James," Emily commented softly, sighing as James laid down on the tree runner amidst all the wrapping paper. "Julliet, honey?"

"Yes Mommy?" Julliet asked in a quiet voice, gazing at her mom and Tim. "I'm so tired."

Emily nodded and gently pulled James and Jullet into her lap, "I know you both are," she replied in a gentle voice, knowing that she needed to look into vitamins for them after Christmas. "I'm sorry."

"Emily, I can take care of the kids," Rosa cut in gently. "You should get ready for your day."

Swallowing hard, Emily slowly moved James and Julliet to the couch and got up with help from Tim, "Thank you, Mrs. Speedle," she commented softly as she walked down the hallway to her room.

Once Emily had gone into her room, Tim silently took a seat at the dining room table and pulled his off-duty weapon from the holster on his belt. He silently disassembled it before setting the pieces on the table and pulling the small gun cleaning kit out from his pocket that he had been holding on to ever since Emily had told him about Bernard's letter. Now, Tim wasn't normally one to use his off-duty gun, but in case Bernard tried to hurt Emily, he wanted the gun to do its job without any problems.


The restaurant had been gone over and was now being cleaned up, but neither Eric nor Ryan were leaving the restaurant even though Tripp had said they could go so he could talk to Anthony. Eric was curious about why Ryan and Stetler were there and Ryan wanted to make sure that Rick was okay.

"Mister Speedle, could you possibly phone a cab for me?" Rick asked in a gruff voice as he slowly came out of the kitchen with his suit coat over one shoulder. "I'm going back to my hotel for a long rest."

Ryan frowned, "Lieutenant Caine was under the impression that you were going to your brother-in-law's for Christmas dinner and asked me to drive you there," he replied worriedly. "Did you not want that?"

"I'm not endangering my brother-in-law's life just so I can attend some depressing holiday gathering and remember that it's the first Christmas since my sister was killed," Rick said in a tired voice, glaring at Tripp as he came back into the restaurant. "I don't want to talk about this incident any more today."

Tripp sighed, but didn't say anything, "You know the PD will want information about the attack from both you and Mister Speedle," Eric stated in a concerned voice, wondering why Rick was limping.

As Ryan opened his mouth to express his concern, Rick felt his left leg collapsing beneath him and tumbled to the half-tiled, half carpeted floor, "I heard something snap when I fell after being shot," Rick stammered in an anxious voice, realizing that the paramedics were long gone. "I-I think it's…."

"Broken," Ryan and Eric finished together in grim voices, stopping as they looked at each other.

Tripp swore under his breath and Eric looked at him sharply, "Wolfe and I will run Stetler to the Emergency Room," he said in a firm voice, knowing Tripp needed to interview Anthony right away.

"Sergeant Stetler, is there anyone you want me to call about your injury?" Officer Jessop asked in a nervous voice, frustrated that he hadn't been able to act faster. "Your brother-in-law, maybe?"

Shaking his head, Rick fought hard to keep from screaming as Ryan and Eric carefully helped him off of the floor. Anthony frowned at Tripp and Jessop as Eric and Ryan helped Stetler leave the restaurant.

"Now, Mister Speedle, I know it's been a rough day for you, but we really need to talk about what happened," Detective Tripp said in a concerned drawl as Jessop turned to looking out to the street.


Manhattan, New York

Sully smiled as he re-read the letter that Yelina had sent him through special post so that he could have part of her with him for Christmas, "Grandpa Sully, is that your love letter from Detective Salas?" David asked in a sly voice as he peeked over his grandfather's shoulder as Sully sat in Bosco's easy chair.

"It's a letter from Detective Salas, yes," Sully replied, giving David a look as he came around the chair.

David grinned as he started jumping around, "Grandpa Sully's in love!" he crowed, grinning at his mother, Maurice, and Ellie as they sat at the table putting together a puzzle that Bosco and Danielle had gotten the kids for Christmas in hopes of keeping them from too much TV. "Grandpa's in love!"

"Do you have to yell it across the apartment?" John, who had put the hideabed back into a couch and was now resting on the couch with a book he had gotten for Christmas, asked gruffly. "Too noisy."

David looked surprised, but nodded, "Sorry," he replied softly, gazing at John. "Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine," John replied hastily as he silently closed his book, stood, and retreated into the safety of the bedroom that he shared with David before anyone could come and ask him what was bothering him.

Bosco and Danielle exchanged a worried look, but Sully stood and put the letter into his pocket, "John ate a good breakfast, right?" Sully, who had come after breakfast, asked in a concerned voice.

"Yeah," Bosco and Danielle replied in unison, wondering why John was suddenly acting so moody.

David was quiet for a moment and sighed, "John's freaked out because Emily Yokas hugged him when we were caroling with Auntie Faith and Emily last night," he spoke up, knowing John would be mad that he had been spying on him and Emily even though their mother had asked him to keep an eye on things.

"When was this?" Danielle asked in a concerned voice. "We caroled and then went to that diner…"

Swallowing hard, David looked pleadingly at Sully, "I phoned you after Mom and Dad went to sleep!" he hissed anxiously, suddenly feeling scared of being a tattletale. "You tell them the rest of the story!"

"David was tailing John last night because John was nervous that Emily wanted to walk with him by themselves," Sully explained as David ran into his and John's room. "I guess they reached the diner ahead of us by a bit and David saw Emily give John a hug to thank him for being so nice about walking with her. David said that John looked uncomfortable, but he was really good about hiding it."

Danielle nodded and sighed, "The close contact thing is something we're working on every day, but John's still nervous about hugging people who are not family," she explained softly, remembering when he had tried and been unable to hug Holly when they had seen her and Tommy two days ago.

"I've noticed," Bosco replied softly, wondering if talking about his abusive childhood with his new family would help them be able to let go of barriers. "Maybe I should talk about my childhood to you all."

Before Danielle or Sully could reply, the bedroom door opened and John came out into the living room wearing a hoodie over his sweater and looking calmer, "Hey," John said in a quiet voice as he went over to David and hugged him. "I'm sorry I got so mad at you, David. I didn't mean to make you upset."

"John, David, sit down for a minute," Bosco said gently. "I want to talk to everyone for a bit."

Sully looked surprised, but didn't say anything as John and David sat down at the table, "With all that\s gone on, I think I should share that I understand more about the situation than everyone thinks," Bosco spoke in a somber, yet calm voice. "I didn't have the best childhood and I'd like to talk about it."


Marquez Mansion - Coral Gables – Miami, Florida

"Mister Marquez, you have a visitor," Bernard suddenly heard Dr. Price's voice say gently.

Bernard sighed and opened his eyes to see Dr. Price standing in the doorway with an outdoor coat over her lab coat, "I just let myself in, Mister Marquez, and I'm sorry to wake you," Dr. Price continued in an anxious voice. "I saw a cab pulling up as I was coming to your door, so do you want me to let them in?"

"Thank you," Bernard replied, too groggy from resting to get up without falling. "I can't move yet."

Dr. Price nodded and left the room at a brisk pace. Several moments later, she returned with Emily and Tim following slowly behind her. Bernard frowned at seeing Tim there, but didn't say anything.

"I'll get your medicine ready," Dr. Price said hastily as she hurried from the quiet resting room.

Bernard sighed and gestured to the couch that sat across from his chair, so Emily and Tim both took a seat on it, "Well, I see you brought a man with you," he commented gruffly. "A wise move for you."

"I read your letter multiple times and thought a lot about it before I made the decision to come," Emily replied, determined to keep Tim's identity secret and out of the conversation. "How long do you have?"

Bernard scoffed, "It depends on my heart," he replied gruffly. "I told you that I'm dying, right?"

"Yes, Barney, you did," Emily replied calmly, struggling to keep her emotions under control.

Bernard's eyes widened slightly, "It's Bernard, Miss Wolfe," he replied coolly as he reached over to a table next to his chair and picked up a folder. "Anyway, does your boyfriend really need to be here?"

"Tell me what you wanted to tell me or we can go," Emily replied in a stern voice. "Please."

Bernard sighed and opened the folder, "Since I'm dying, I thought it wise to get my affairs in order and I've decided to leave everything of mine to you and the children," he explained in a tired voice, ignoring her wide-eyed reaction. "You'll take ownership of my club, my mansion, and all of my money."

"I thought you were friends with Clavo and Ramon Cruz?" Emily asked, suddenly feeling uneasy.

As Dr. Price came into the room holding a large cup filled with pills and a glass of water, Bernard chuckled, "Ah, thank you, Doctor Price," he said in a tired voice, accepting the pills and cup as she offered both items to him. "You see, Emily, I'm on medicine and I have a home care attendant."

Emily nodded, but didn't say anything, "Thank you very much for your help, Doctor," Bernard said in a tired voice after downing the pills and half the water in the glass. "Have a Merry Christmas."

Dr. Price nodded and left the room, "Ramon Cruz is in prison and Clavo's too stupid to handle my property or money responsibly," Bernard said once the door was closed. "All Clavo cares about is the club he runs, the girls he hires to work there, and hanging on to his daddy's diplomatic immunity. I mean, when Jenessa Williams was killed, he fired Jenny Wolfe and hired an Anya Boa Vista…"

Emily's eyes widened at the mention of her niece and the name Boa Vista, but she kept quiet, "Anyway, Clavo's busy keeping tabs on Edward Addison and what's left of Ray Caine," Bernard said as he handed the paper to Emily. "Keep that in your files. When the time of my death comes, you'll know."

Before Emily or Tim could reply, Bernard gestured towards the door, "I'll contact you when I want to talk some more, Emily," Bernard said in a tired voice as Emily and Tim stood. "Enjoy the rest of your day."

"I forgive you, Bernard," Emily spoke softly as she left the room with Tim. "I don't hate you."

Letting out a deep sigh, Bernard sighed and silently closed his eyes to digest her words in his mind.


Manhattan, New York

A brisk knock at the door prompted Danielle to turn away from the oven where she had just put the stuffed turkey just in time to see Bosco peek through the keyhole, "It's Detective Taylor," he said in an anxious voice as he unlocked the door and opened it. "Detective Taylor, what can we do for you?"

Mac silently entered the apartment and looked towards the closed bedroom doors, "John and David are in their rooms enjoying their Christmas presents and Ellie's playing with her presents in her room," Bosco explained in a concerned voice, not noticing that Sully, who had been reading a book that Danielle had gotten him, had set it aside and had stood up. "Are you here just to wish us Merry Christmas?"

"NYPD got a call from Bellevue Hospital this morning that Catherine Willows attempted suicide last night," Mac explained in a serious voice. "According to what she told us after regaining consciousness, a Rick Stetler from Miami was going to visit her over Christmas, but he changed his mind and she also started blaming John Sullivan for the disappearance of someone she referred to as Lenny Rick Willows-Stetler and thinks that Rick didn't want to come see her because he was preoccupied with John's personal safety. Catherine has been placed in the psych ward for observation and is being medicated."

Sully paled slightly, but didn't say anything, "John doesn't know a Lenny Stetler and if Rick Stetler didn't want to come here, he probably has had enough of New York for a while," Danielle cut in as she walked over to the door. "The newspapers were full of things about Catherine Willows hurting Stetler and…"

"We know why Rick Stetler left New York in the first place," Mac cut in sharply. "He went to Miami to salvage the promising career he damaged with his actions in the Wolfe case, but our primary concern now is Catherine and what she's told us. I want to know if John has ever been told anything."

Danielle sighed, "Rick didn't talk to him for very long because of what Clavo and Ramon Cruz did and I want to thank you for bringing that up, you arrogant moron!" she shouted, her eyes blazing as the bedroom door opened and John poked his head out. "I want you to get out of our apartment."

"Mom, what's going on?" John asked softly, nervous at seeing Mac standing there. "Sir?"

Mac sighed, "I thought he hadn't been told anything, but Catherine insisted that John would know and it's my job to follow up," he replied in an apologetic voice. "Maybe Catherine is hallucinating."

"Stetler didn't tell me much about his personal life, sir," John spoke up softly, struggling to keep control of his emotions. "He just said that I should make wise choices so I could have a good future."

Mac nodded, "I'm sorry to have bothered you," he said, moving back out into the hallway.

As Danielle closed the door, Sully moved towards it, "I forgot some things," he said in a hasty voice, struggling to maintain his composure as he left the apartment to go back to his own apartment.

John sighed and retreated to his room for a nap as Danielle and Bosco exchanged a concerned look.

With the door to his apartment closed and locked, Sully silently hurried over to a small portable, fireproof filling cabinet where he kept information that he didn't want anyone else seeing.

Ignoring his shaking hands, he pulled out a folder that was labelled 'Wolfe Case' and immediately went for the phone. Rick Stetler had been new to the job when the case had happened, Sully remembered as he dialled the number for Victims Assistance, but he had insisted on being a help at the cost of success and Sully felt obligated to try and help Rick now that he knew a bit more about the younger man.

There was silence and Sully sighed as Natalia's voice came on the line, "Natalia, it's John Sullivan Senior from New York," Sully said in an anxious voice. "I heard some additional information about Stetler."


Emergency Room - Miami-Dade University Hospital – Miami, Florida

Bobby's eyes went wide as he hurried into the Emergency Room and saw Eric and Ryan talking to a female doctor in blue scrubs outside of what appeared to be an exam room. He had just finished emailing Bosco and was going to set aside a spare room for the family when his uncle had explained about Rick's injuries and, thinking of Amanda, Bobby had chosen to come be there for Rick.

"Excuse me, I'm Detective Robert Caine," Bobby said formally as he approached the group and was shocked to see that Rick was laying asleep on a gurney in a gown and sweats with his left ankle in a cast and propped up on a pillow while a mask was on his face and electrodes were on his chest.

Alexx, who had taken a shift at the emergency room for half the day to help with the month's bills, nodded calmly, "I'm Doctor Woods," she replied calmly. "You're Rick Stetler's brother-in-law?"

Bobby nodded, "He was injured when he was shot in his bulletproof vest," Ryan spoke up softly.

Eric suddenly frowned as he saw Rick's cell-phone vibrate on the portable table and also saw Rick painstakingly reach for it. The four watched as Rick talked on the phone for a few moments before his eyes widened and he nearly dropped the phone in the course of his body tensing up suddenly.

Inside the exam room, Rick was trying to control his emotions as he listened to a man named Gil Grissom tell him that Catherine had attempted suicide the night before and had blamed John Sullivan for him not being able to look for Lindsey or Lenny or even come visit her. I've turned the information about Lindsey over to Victims Assistance, but I can't even talk about Lenny without revealing who was responsible because nobody would believe it. Rick thought silently as he silently hung up the phone.

Well aware that Ryan, Eric, and Bobby were all talking about him with each other and with Dr. Woods, Rick decided to close his eyes and try to block out the world around him for a few moments of rest.


Club Cruz

Tony Speedle sighed heavily as he entered the address he had found in the paper where he had spent so much time looking for a job because he wanted to have the same success that his brother, Tim, who was 13 years his senior, was having according to their parents. Problem was, Tony thought, he was broke.

"Is someone here?" Tony, who had risked his very freedom by coming out into public when he knew that being seen by the wrong person could get him arrested, called out anxiously. "I need some help."

There was silence and Clavo, who had been in the back drinking and brooding about the fact that Ramon was in prison and his parents were visiting him, came out into the common area, "What do you want?" Clavo asked in a sharp voice, frowning at Tony suspiciously. "Don't you work for the Crime Lab?"

"No, that would be my brother, Saint Timothy," Tony replied coolly. "I'm Anthony Speedle Junior."

Clavo's eyebrows raised and he looked surprised, "Yeah, whaddya want?" he asked suspiciously.

"I kidnapped a cop's son several months ago and I stashed him out of sight, but I need an alibi to keep the cop from suspecting me," Tony replied anxiously, praying that his parents or Tim wouldn't choose to try and call him at that moment. "I was in Vegas near the beginning of the year and I got suspected of killing someone by a broad named Catherine Willows, so I kidnapped her son and beat her up."

Clavo swallowed hard at the mention of Catherine Willows, but he didn't say anything because he and Ramon had kidnapped her and Rick Stetler's daughter to keep Rick in line, "I stole some car from Vegas and forced the kid here, but I guess Willows called her husband about me," Anthony ranted in an anxious voice. "Anyway, I'm sure it won't be long until her cop husband finds and asks me about it…"

"Dude, I'm not hiring right now," Clavo replied, wondering if he was being set up. "Thanks anyway."

Tony's eyes widened in horror and he quickly whisked a gun out from under his shirt, "Whoa!" Clavo exclaimed anxiously, quickly shooting his hands into the air. "Put the gun away, dude!"

"SHUT UP!" Tony screamed anxiously, his body shaking uncontrollably as he quickly cocked the gun and aimed it at Clavo. "My own parents didn't want me, Timothy hates me, and now you hate me!"

Clavo's eyes widened as Tony quickly shot at a table near him, "Get outta here now or I'll phone the cops!" Clavo yelled anxiously, gripping the chair as if he would pick it up and throw it at Tony.

"Whatever," Tony hissed as he backed away and stuffed the gun in his pocket as he left the club.

Clavo immediately vomited on the floor, wiped his mouth, and then scurried back into the safety of his office where the phone was. Ignoring the shaking throughout his entire body, he quickly picked up the receiver and dialled the number of the Miami-Dade Police Department to report what had happened.


Coconut Grove

Wrapping paper was scattered across the rug and Yelina sat on the couch, amused by the children's happiness while Horatio silently lingered near the kitchen door with a mug of coffee in his worn hands.

As Horatio stood there watching his family, he felt his cell-phone vibrating in his pocket and quickly slipped into the kitchen to answer it, "Lieutenant Caine, here," he said in a soft voice as he answered the phone and heard an anxious voice on the other end explain about Clavo Cruz calling to not only report a break-in, but also that he had been threatened with a gun by someone who was related to Tim Speedle.

"All right, Jessop, just breathe and explain what happened," Horatio said calmly, making a mental note to visit both Tim and his parents and explain what he had heard about Speed's brother. "Slowly."

The conversation ended seconds later and Horatio sighed heavily before returning to the living room with the thought in mind that he needed to pull Speed aside after the holidays and ask about the younger brother that Speed had never really talked about. For now, though, it was still the holidays.


Calle Ocho

A feeling of tense silence filled the Speedle home as Ryan entered and saw that opened and unopened presents were under the tree, yet nobody was around. An easily spotted note on the counter caused Ryan to realize that Rosa, Emily, Tim, and Marisol had taken James and Julliet for a walk in the area.

As Ryan sat on the floor near the tree to see what he had gotten for Christmas, he felt his cell-phone vibrating as it had while he had been helping Eric and Bobby with Stetler and immediately, he cursed out loud at the expectations his family seemed to have of him at Christmas time. Since Eric had gone home and Bobby was staying with Rick until he was released, Ryan was completely on his own with the issue.

Why wasn't I good enough when I had nothing? Ryan thought sadly, ignoring the vibrating cell-phone in his pocket as he sat there, reflecting on his family and how their treatment of him had hurt his growth into adulthood.


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