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: That pesky warning still applies.

Chapter 10

Natalia opened her eyes to find Horatio sitting in an armchair positioned in the corner of her room.

"Good morning Natalia, how are you feeling?"

"Hello Horatio and I'm okay."

"I expected to find Calleigh here."

"I ended our relationship and sent her away."

"Why did you do that?"

"How could she still love me after what happened?"

"It's not your fault sweetie and I know Calleigh would understand."

"I can't deal with it right now and don't want her pity."

"I see. I've arranged counselling for you, it is standard procedure after such an incident and your first appointment is at 10am on Monday."

"Thank you."

A nurse and Doctor Tomkins entered the room and after an examination, Natalia was cleared for discharge. The nurse organised a pair of surgical scrubs for Natalia to wear and Horatio drove her home.

-0-

"Will you be all right to stay here?" asked Horatio as he opened the front door.

"I'll be fine. Has Eric been found yet?"

"Let's get you settled first then we'll talk."

Natalia made her way slowly into the living room and gently eased onto the couch.

"Is there anything you need?"

"No thank you Horatio."

The Lieutenant took as seat beside Natalia and told her about Eric's escape. To his surprise, Natalia showed no signs of emotion.

"I'll be fine on my own. I know you need to get back to the Crime Lab and I'd like to take a nap before the funeral."

Standing, Horatio said, "I'll be back at one thirty to pick you up."

"I'll be ready and thanks for bringing me home."

"It was my pleasure, I'll see you soon."

-0-

Calleigh turned on the Hummer engine as Ryan slipped into the passenger seat.

"How's Natalia doing?"

"I don't know Ryan, but Horatio was picking her up from the hospital this morning."

"Oh, I just assumed you would have visited her yesterday."

"I did, but she was fairly upset."

"I can't believe Eric took off to Russia with his father."

"I don't want to discuss Delko, he has caused enough problems."

"Come on Calleigh, to be fair, the guy was not himself."

"It was his responsibility to report his increasing mental health problems to his doctor, so it's entirely all his fault. He was advised to be aware of the possibilities of behavioural changes and he chose to ignore the warning signs. The last comment I'll make on the subject is Eric was informed three weeks ago he needed to have an MRI and he failed to keep the appointment, so again, the blame falls well and truly on his shoulders."

"How do you know all that?"

"His medical file was subpoenaed late yesterday afternoon as part of the internal investigation and I was informed of its contents this morning."

"Crap, I'm sorry Calleigh, I had no idea."

"Don't apologise Ryan, just focus on your job and leave the gossip to the magazines."

"I will."

-0-

Calleigh spotted Natalia exiting the church with Horatio and noticed how slow she was moving. As the pair approached, Natalia avoided eye contact and Calleigh didn't understand why.

"Calleigh," began Horatio. "Can you drive Natalia to the Cabana One Lounge? I need to attend to an urgent matter."

"Sure Horatio."

"I can take a taxi," suggested Natalia as Horatio moved away.

"Fine, have it your way," grumbled Calleigh. "I have to get back to work anyway." She took off for her vehicle without waiting for a response. The tears flowed the instant she pulled into the street. She knew Natalia was struggling emotionally, but her animosity was hard to take.

Immersing herself in work for the remainder of the day, Calleigh arrived home exhausted. She was sound asleep when Natalia called.

"Hi," she answered warily.

"Hello," replied an intoxicated Natalia.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm ... just ... fine ... and drunk."

"Where are you?"

"Home ... I have ... a new ... phone."

Calleigh silently prayed for a breakthrough, "Why did you call?"

"I ... don't ... know."

"Do you need me to come over?"

"No ... I can't ... see you."

Natalia began to sob and Calleigh's heart was crushed, "Why is that?"

"It hurts too much."

Calleigh pressed on, hoping for an answer as to why Natalia had withdrawn from their relationship, "Why does it hurt darlin'?"

"Love ... you ... and I'm ... no good."

"Natalia, I love you with all my heart and you are very good."

"No ... no ... good ... truth ... is ... bad."

"What truth honey?"

"Have to ... go."

The line went dead and Calleigh jumped out of bed. She quickly dressed in jeans and a black sweater then raced to the garage.

Fifteen minutes on, she was grateful traffic was practically non existent as she entered the Crime Lab and walked into the trace lab. Michael Travers was busy testing some fabric.

"Hey Michael."

"Oh evening Calleigh, is there something I can assist you with?" inquired the Englishman.

"I need your help in accessing Ryan's current caseload."

"Oh, that sounds all rather cloak and dagger. I suppose you need me to hack into his files?"

"Precisely and this is purely a need to know situation."

"Got you, just give me five minutes to get in then I'll send the files to the computer in layout room two."

"Thanks Michael, I owe you one."

"Think nothing of it and I'm always glad to help."

Calleigh went to the lab next door and waited until three files appeared on the glass SMARTboard display monitor in front of her. Opening the file titled Boa Vista; she then opened the scene photo file. Gasping audibly at the first picture showing Natalia lying on the floor with her lower body exposed and bloodied. "That fucking bastard," she muttered angrily. "He's going to pay for this."

Bringing up the next photo, she swore again as she viewed the torn shirt. Calleigh had seen enough to understand the extent of Natalia's injuries and the motivation behind her decision making. Closing the folders and erasing all traces of their existence on the computer, Calleigh went home and cried herself to sleep.

-0-