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.
Chapter 20
Natalia pulled into Horatio's drive and parked her truck, "Isn't that Yelina's car honey?"
"It is and I didn't know she was going to be here."
"Maybe Horatio finally saw her standing right in front of him."
Tittering, Natalia opened her door, "It's been obvious for years."
"Well, we'll soon find out what's going on baby."
The pair walked up to the front door of the modern house and Calleigh rang the chime.
Horatio opened the door moments later with an ashen face and it was plain to see he had been crying.
"Horatio, are you all right?" asked an alarmed Calleigh.
"Come on in ladies and excuse my appearance."
Realisation dawned with Natalia, "Yelina found Eric, didn't she?"
"That she did and his father."
Calleigh reached for Natalia's hand and followed Horatio into the spacious living area.
Yelina Salas was sitting on the couch dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. The attractive woman stood when she saw the two women, "Calleigh and Natalia, please excuse my intrusion this evening, but I have just gotten back from St Petersburg and it was vital I discuss matters with Horatio."
"There's no need to apologise Yelina," replied Calleigh as she hugged the older woman. "We are aware you were working for Horatio."
Yelina sat down as did the others and Calleigh kept her fingers interlocked with her girlfriend's as Yelina turned to Natalia, "I am truly sorry for what you have been through and I see you have great support."
"Horatio, Alexx, my family and Calleigh have been wonderful."
Horatio stood, "I'll get us all a drink." He left the room and went into the kitchen
"It took until four days ago for Alexander Sharova to be tracked down to a small town outside of St Petersburg. He has been living in Pontonnyy for many years and carrying on business as usual. I was working closely with FBI Special Agent Bruce Sullivan and through his contacts with the underworld, we followed Sharova's trail from when he landed at Pulkovo airport, St Petersburg in May."
Horatio returned with four glasses and a bottle of red wine. He decanted the wine then handed out the glasses before talking a seat beside Yelina.
Yelina drank from her glass and continued, "Once we located Sharova's secluded home, we kept him under surveillance for a day, but he never left the house and there was no sign of Eric. We eventually breached the residence and found Sharova alone inside. When he was detained for questioning on other matters, he informed us Eric had undergone surgery to remove the bullet fragment in Mariinsky Hospital two days after arriving in Pontonnyy."
"But the doctors here said it was too risky to perform surgery," noted Calleigh.
"Both Sharova and Eric were aware of the risk involved," remarked Yelina sadly. "Eric died during the operation."
"How do we know it's not just a ruse by Sharova to protect his son?" asked Natalia calmly.
"Sharova's grief was real plus we viewed the hospital and Coroner's reports."
"Those could have been forgeries paid for by Sharova," reasoned Calleigh.
"That was my thought too and Agent Sullivan organised a court order to have the body exhumed. Sharova agreed and it was Eric in the coffin. I witnessed it for myself to be certain."
"Oh my god," whispered Calleigh before crying.
Natalia pulled Calleigh into her arms, "He deserved to pay for what he did, but not with his life." She looked at Horatio, "I'm sorry it ended this way."
"I am too Natalia, he was family and needed help."
"He wasn't the man we knew and loved and that was not his fault," reflected a serene Natalia. "Thank you for finding Eric Yelina." Leaning back, she stared into Calleigh's eyes, "I love you with all my heart, but I need to be on my own for a little while and make a phone call."
"I understand and I love you too. I'll see you at home."
"Yes you will," promised Natalia before leaning in and kissing her briefly. Standing, she hugged both Yelina and Horatio then let herself out of the house and got into her truck.
Yelina asked Calleigh, "Will Natalia be all right?"
"Yes, she will be calling her Psychiatrist and trying to deal with the news. Talia understands I will have conflicting emotions and is giving me the time and space to work through it."
"You are very fortunate to have found one another."
"Natalia is everything to me and I trust her to do what is best for her. She has come a long way and I'm so proud of her."
"Calleigh is there anything I can do for you?" inquired Horatio.
"Yes, you can call me a cab then not let Yelina get away again."
Horatio grinned crookedly, "That I can do ma'am."
-0-
Calleigh woke when she heard the front door close and the security alarm reset. She turned on the bedside lamp and read the clock display. It was quarter past one.
Natalia entered the bedroom, "Hey honey, I'll just be a minute." She went to the bathroom and prepared for bed. Climbing in beside Calleigh a short time later, she cuddled into her girlfriend.
Calleigh switched off the light and waited.
"I'm fine Cal," whispered Natalia. "This wasn't much of a fourth of July celebration."
"No and I love you."
"Oh, I simply adore you. How are you feeling?"
"I was in shock at first and now I'm just numb."
"I know what you mean, it's so surreal."
"Did it help to talk with Doctor Everett?"
"Yes honey, it really did."
"I'm glad baby, you must be tired?"
"I am Cal and thank you for understanding."
"That's comes with loving you."
"Goodnight honey and we'll talk more in the morning."
"We will, night."
-0-