Title: CSI: Miami - Realisations

Author: D M Harper

Summary: Sometimes the things you really need in your life are right under your nose. A/U

Pairing: Calleigh Duquesne & Natalia Boa Vista

Rating: M for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of CSI: Miami they belong to creators Anna Donahue, Carol Mendelsohn & Anthony E. Zuiker. I only use them for the purposes of entertainment and do so for no financial gain. I do stake a claim on all original characters that make an appearance in this story. No copyright infringement is intended towards CBS Paramount Network Television or Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

Author's Note: Previous warning is still current.

Chapter 9

"Is it possible to take a shower?" inquired Natalia as the nurse finished her observations.

"It is. I'll just get you a fresh towel and gown. How's the pain level?"

"Not too bad, I'm just sore and uncomfortable."

"That should ease off over the next couple of days."

"Yes I know." Natalia gingerly swung her legs over the side of the bed and placed her feet on the floor. Pain ripped through her upper thighs and genital area when she stood and her eyes brimmed with tears.

The nurse grabbed her arm, "Move at your pace Natalia and it will get easier each time." She helped the patient to the shower before collecting a gown and towel.

When Natalia was left on her own, she let the tears flow. Looking down, she took in the deep bruising to her thighs and started to tremble. Moments later, she started to vomit. Retching up bile, she clung to the hand rail and waited for the convulsions to halt.

Once the regurgitation stopped, Natalia gently washed every inch of her body except her head and hair. After drying, she donned the new gown and disposed of the towel and soiled gown in the laundry bin.

Settling back into bed, Natalia closed her eyes and tried to think about anything other than what Eric had done to her. She failed miserably as images of the man standing over her flashed behind her eyelids. Her eyes flew open when the vision of Eric laying on top of her and thrusting into her invaded her mind. The weight of shame fell heavily upon her shoulders and she curled up into a foetal position and bawled into the pillow.

-0-

Calleigh entered the hospital room and her heart sank at the sight of a sleeping Natalia scrunched up in the bed. As she approached, the bruises on Natalia's skin were more pronounced. The marks on her upper arms were obviously made by fingers gripping her forcibly and the dark discolouration on her cheek resembled a hand print.

Tears fell from green eyes as Calleigh looked at Natalia's swollen and lacerated lips, "Oh baby, I'm so sorry he did this to you."

Natalia opened her eyes, glared at the blonde and snarled, "Still convinced Eric isn't dangerous?"

"Oh god Talia, I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you. I tried to call you back last night to apologise, but my phone battery was flat and I didn't have my charger with me. I called again this morning, but your phone was turned off."

"It wasn't turned off; it was shattered when Eric knocked me to the floor. Most to it ended up embedded in my ass."

Calleigh reached for Natalia's hand, "Oh baby."

Natalia pulled away, "Don't Calleigh and I'm not your baby."

Stunned by the reaction, Calleigh asked, "Natalia, what are you saying?"

"Eric assaulted me because he was looking for you and I refused to tell him you were at your father's. Because of what he did, I can't be with you."

"You're not making any sense honey. I love you and it breaks my heart to know you've been injured trying to protect me."

"I told you I would defend you, but you deserve better than me, so please just leave."

"Please Talia think about what you are saying."

"I have and I'm not worthy of your love, it's over."

"You've been through a traumatic experience and not thinking straight. I love you and won't lose you without a fight."

"Go Calleigh, I'm damaged goods and too weak to defend myself."

"Baby, that's nonsense."

Natalia struggled to sit up and Calleigh reached out to help.

"Don't touch me," directed Natalia as she once again drew back and started to cry.

"Why are you frightened of me?"

"I'm not; I just don't want to be touched."

"Okay."

"I need to use the bathroom and I'd like you to leave."

Without another word, Calleigh left the room and her heart crumbled.

-0-

Lieutenant Caine pulled his Hummer in behind the group of police patrol cars and jumped out of the vehicle. Frank was standing beside three officers and a man wearing dark blue coveralls. As Horatio approached, Frank turned and shook his head.

"Delko left four hours ago aboard a private jet Horatio. We'll never be able to track him down; he's got too much of a head start."

"Damn it Frank."

"He had to have had help. He couldn't have pulled this off on his own."

"Alexander Sharova," sneered Horatio in response.

"I thought Delko's old man was in hiding from the Russian Mafia?"

"So did I Frank, but I know Eric has kept in contact with him?" Horatio's cell rang and he detached it from his belt, "Excuse me gentlemen." He opened it and answered, "Lieutenant Caine speaking."

"Ah Lieutenant Caine, I suspect by now you have discovered my son is no longer in Miami?"

"Sharova, where is Eric?"

"He is safe and sound with me Lieutenant."

"Where are you taking him?"

"My son is a very sick man and requires medical treatment. I am taking him home with me where he will be well taken care of."

"Sharova, your son has some serious charges to answer to and will never be able to enter this country again without being arrested. Your actions have made him a fugitive."

"I am well aware of the consequences Lieutenant and considering what he has done, I doubt he would ever be forgiven and on that note, I bid you farewell."

Horatio shut his cell, "Sharova is flying Eric to Russia."

"Jesus, how far are you willing to take this Horatio?"

"Frank, with Sharova's connections I doubt we'll ever find either of them. So, I guess Eric is gone for good."

"I seriously doubt that will be any comfort to Natalia."

"I'm sure it won't, but I do intend on bringing the matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities."

"Good to hear, I'll give you a hand with the paperwork."

-0-