The Eyes Have It
That evening, Horatio and Calleigh lay in his bed, wrapped in each other's arms. Both were quiet as they were separately contemplating returning to work early the next morning, albeit different people than when they left Friday evening. They had finally taken that leap of faith and followed their hearts where love was concerned, now Calleigh wanted to complete the circle and provide a home to two adorable children and it warmed her heart to know Horatio desired to be a part of that home.
Calleigh began to giggle, "I was just thinking Handsome it only took a couple of days for you to prove your love and commitment to me…that could be a record!"
Horatio let out a deep chuckle and replied to her comment, "I admit it Sweetheart I am weak when under your influence, but I still plan to prove my commitment to you!" Then rolling over on top of her he softly added, "I love you." Hesitating for a moment he added, "Cal, please know I am not taking our love lightly…I plan to spend whatever amount of time I have left on this earth with you, and only you and here's my proof…."
It was close to midnight the last time Horatio looked at the clock by their bed then rolled over toward Calleigh until his chest was flush with her back and his arm was around her waist. Calleigh emitted a low moan of pleasure and he smiled to himself and fell asleep.
"Wake up Sweetheart…5:30 and time to get ready for work," Horatio softly said as he gently shook Calleigh to help her wake up.
"Ummm…it can't be time already!"
"Afraid so Sweetheart…c'mon now, the boss doesn't like tardiness!" Horatio said laughing.
Calleigh stood and sleepily made her way to the bathroom and the shower. Horatio had already showered, shaved, dressed and had started the coffee. He waited until the last minute to wake Calleigh to let her get all the rest possible as he knew she would need it to face the adoption board.
After a quick breakfast of bagels, cream cheese and fresh fruit and coffee, Horatio and Calleigh headed to the lab in their own vehicles. Arriving in the employee's garage, Horatio waited for Calleigh to arrive to make sure she had not had car trouble.
Entering the lab, they headed straight to the break room before the rest of the team arrived at 8am. Looking at his watch, Horatio thought they had a good 40 minutes alone.
Calleigh started a pot of coffee and as she was putting it together, Horatio slid his arms around her waist.
"Ummm…love that Handsome." Turning in his arms, she softly kissed him which led to a more passionate kiss and long hug.
"Sweetheart," Horatio growled in a deep, rumble, "I don't know if I will be able to keep my hands off of you when our shift starts. It will be the hardest thing I have ever had to do, believe me."
"Awww…Handsome, that is so sweet, but you know you can always come down to the ballistics lab and help me find something in the vault!" She teased.
They sat at the table with their coffee and enjoyed looking into each other's eyes and talking about their future plans. Horatio glancing at his watch noted it was about time for some of the other CSI's to begin arriving.
Walter was the first to arrive and spoke, but didn't think anything about Horatio and Calleigh being alone in the break room as he was accustomed to their early arrival before anyone else on the team. Walter grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch reading a magazine he had brought with him.
Eric was the next to arrive and when he entered the door to the room, he hesitated a few moments as he noticed who was sitting at the table.
Calleigh saw Eric standing in the door and said, "Good morning Eric."
Horatio looked around and just said his usual greeting, "Eric."
Eric responded with a simple, "H, Cal."
Walter chimed in and began teasing Eric for appearing so glum. "Hey man…party hardy weekend?"
Eric just glanced over at Walter and said, "Yeah, something like that."
Eric began concentrating on brewing his Cuban coffee.
Soon the others filtered in and Horatio got up from the table and announced he would see everyone later he had a meeting at 8. Horatio noticed everyone was distracted by other things except for Calleigh, so he gave her a warm smile and a quick wink.
"I'll have that ballistics report from the shootout Friday on your desk within the hour Handsome."
"Thank you Sweetheart." And with that, Horatio was off to see the Chief of Police with his news.
All but Eric were immune to the endearments as they were often heard. But this time, Eric could feel the electricity between Calleigh and Horatio as they called each other by their pet names, something which he had not felt before.
Horatio knocked on the Chief's door and so began his private conference with the head of the police department.
After hearing all of the Lieutenant's presentation the chief sat silent for several moments, making Horatio feel slightly uneasy for the first time in all the times he had had these private talks with the chief in the past.
Finally the Chief spoke, "Horatio…I don't mind telling you that the policy of no fraternization is there for a reason, but I don't think this department could operate without you at the helm. Are you absolutely sure you and Miss Duquesne can keep your relationship strictly professional at ALL times while on duty?"
Horatio's blue eyes bore into the Chief's brown ones and he answered, "We can, Sir. As I said, we have had feelings for each other for years and it has never interfered with our performance on duty and nothing will change in that regard."
"But now you are acting on those feelings Horatio and I must make absolutely sure that things will stay normal. If I approve this relationship, I will be sticking my neck way out for you both, you do realize that?"
"I do, Sir."
"Before I give you my decision, I will need to speak to Miss Duquesne first and get her assurances that this will not cause any change in her professional attitude while on duty. Do you know if her schedule will allow her to come today?"
"She has an appointment at 3:30 this afternoon sir, away from the lab, but any time before that should be fine."
"I will see her in 30 minutes then, if you would please go and tell her to come to my office and you come back with her. I want to speak to both of you together and afterward I might be able to give you my decision since time is of the essence it seems."
"Yes sir…and thank you for your time with this matter." Horatio said before turning for the door.
As the chief watched his Lieutenant leave he shook his head and thought, why does life have to be so complicated.
Horatio went straight to the ballistics lab where he found Calleigh just finishing up her report for him.
"Sweetheart…do you have a few minutes?" Horatio inquired as he tilted his head to the side.
Calleigh looked up from her report and suddenly she could not breathe. "What did the Chief say?" She asked.
"He wants to see us both in just a few minutes in his office Cal."
"Ok, let me just put this evidence away and here is the report I promised you this morning Handsome."
"Thanks Sweetheart."
As Horatio and Calleigh walked toward the elevator, Natalia was approaching and asked Calleigh if she could look at some trace evidence for her because the tests were not conclusive and she wanted to make sure she had done them correctly.
"I will be glad to Nat…let me just take care of some business first and I will be back to the lab in a little while," Calleigh answered her friend.
Natalia just watched with curiosity as Horatio and Calleigh entered the elevator. Gee, I hope Calleigh is not in any trouble, H looked real serious.
Horatio and Calleigh were seated before the Chief and he essentially asked her the same questions as Horatio. There was one bit of information though that Calleigh had not counted on.
"Miss Duquesne, I don't mind telling you, the Lieutenant here drives a hard bargain. He told me that he would resign, if it came to that."
Calleigh spun her head around so fast to look at Horatio it almost made her feel woozy. YOU would do that for ME, Horatio Caine? What a way to prove your commitment to me Horatio! Calleigh thought to herself. But, I would never let you do that…this lab needs you. If anybody needs to leave, it will be me.
Horatio just continued to stare at the front of the Chief's desk, feeling the fire hit him from Calleigh's stare. He dared not look at her face now for he knew he would hear her opinion once they left this office.
The Chief continued, "But thankfully, it will not come to that. Miss Duquesne, I understand you and Horatio are planning to adopt the two North children?"
"Yes Sir we are. I have a meeting with the adoption board this afternoon to allow me to present my reasons to them."
"Well, if you need my endorsement, please feel free to tell them they are welcomed to call me," the Chief replied.
"Thank you Chief, that means a lot to me," Calleigh said in somewhat shock.
"Now to the matter at hand, as I explained to the Lieutenant here, I am going way out on a limb for you both, but your records are sterling and I can't see where this will be a problem…as long as while you are on duty, you keep your relationship professional, understood?"
Calleigh answered, "Yes sir, I will."
Horatio reinforced his assurance that he had promised to the Chief earlier.
"Congratulations to you both and good luck with the adoption. When is the wedding?"
"We are going to the courthouse this week Chief then at a later date I have promised Calleigh we would have a ceremony in her hometown of New Orleans, and a honeymoon." Horatio said smiling at Calleigh.
"I expect you to hold him to that Miss Duquesne," the Chief said smiling at her.
"Oh, I plan to Sir!"
Horatio stood and shook the Chief's hand and Calleigh thanked him.
Once in the hall walking toward the elevator, Calleigh was silent and Horatio was getting a little concerned.
"Cal, are you alright?"
Calleigh turned to him as they stepped on the elevator with tears in her eyes.
"Handsome, I never dreamed you would prove your commitment to me by threatening to quit the lab. I would never let you do that, you know that don't you?"
"Cal, you mean more to me than my position. I would not change my thinking about protecting this city. I could join any federal law enforcement agency and still be able to protect the citizens of Miami. I told you I would do anything for you Cal, and I meant it." Horatio reached out and punched the stop button to bring the elevator to a halt, giving them a few more private moments.
Calleigh threw her arms around Horatio and began to weep. "Thank you for being willing to disrupt your life for me. I don't know what to say."
"How about not saying anything and just hold me Sweetheart." They stood holding each other for a few more minutes before Horatio finally restarted the elevator's descent.
Arriving back at the lab, Horatio and Calleigh went their separate ways assuring each other they would try to have lunch together.
Natalia looked up from her microscope and saw Cal walk in the trace lab and it looked like she had been crying.
"Calleigh, is everything ok?" Natalia asked fearing the worst.
Calleigh smiled at her friend and assured her that everything was fine. "What did you need me to look at Nat?" The two women became engrossed with evidence and failed to notice Horatio pausing out in the hall with a smile on his face as he watched them. Stopping by his office briefly, Horatio headed out of the lab and to his Hummer parked in front, next appointment – the adoption board.
He did not have to wait long in an outer office before the woman at the desk informed him to go in as the board was ready. Horatio sat down in the chair facing the panel and thought, this is similar to investigations by IAB…this chair feels like a hot seat. Well, he thought, I am ready to be interrogated.
"Lieutenant Caine, I guess the first information this board would like for you to state is your relationship to Miss Duquesne."
Horatio tried not to squirm in the chair as he looked at each of their faces and answered, "She is my fiancée."
Those on the panel looked a little taken aback as they informed him that they were not aware she was engaged. They inquired as to how long they had been engaged and raised their eyebrows at his reply.
To clarify his answer he added, "Um, we have known each other for ten years, under every circumstance imaginable, I can assure you that we know each other better than most couples do."
One of the ladies asked, "Lieutenant, you are head of the crime lab at MDPD, is that correct?"
"Yes, I am."
"Would that not make you Miss Duquesne's superior?"
Well, there it is - the question I knew would be coming.
"We are colleagues, yes, but Miss Duquesne has been second in command of the lab for a number of years, as she is the senior investigator on the team so, I consider her more my equal even though it is not reflected in rank."
"I see," was the only comment made by the woman asking the question.
"Lieutenant," one of the men on the panel began, "I think this board would be in agreement that your 'involvement' with Miss Duquesne does not reflect the professionalism afforded your position."
"Sir, if I may take the liberty to say, Miami-Dade Police Chief, Thomas Burton has reviewed our case and we have the department's blessing. In fact, he insisted that you call him and he would be glad to speak to you on Miss Duquesne's and my behalf."
He noted the shocked look on each of the board's member's faces and chuckled silently to himself.
The members seeming to want to learn more about his person, after being satisfied with the work situation, began asking questions about Horatio's childhood and early adult life. He did not fully explain all of the facts surrounding his mother's death, knowing that would forever seal their fate of not being awarded the children.
"Lieutenant Caine, you say after you are married that you and Miss Duquesne will reside at your house?"
"That is correct. I have a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on the beach and we thought we would have more room living there as opposed to a condominium."
"We will need to set up a date as to when we can come and examine the environment where the children would reside…if you are awarded them. Would it be convenient to set up a date and time while you are here?"
"That will be fine."
Date and time was set and Horatio was relieved that it would be scheduled after he and Calleigh married at the end of the week. He knew a woman's touch would make the house homier to this group.
"I guess with my being Chairman of this board," one of the men spoke up, "I don't mind telling you it is looking more favorable for you and Miss Duquesne to be awarded Austin and Patty North, but the final decision will not be made for at least a month or maybe a little beyond that as there is much for this board to consider. We will be interviewing Miss Duquesne this afternoon and after that all I can tell you is we will see you on the inspection date, and then you will be contacted when we have made our final decision. Do you have any questions or further comments?"
"No sir, I do not. I thank the board for your time." Upon saying that, Horatio stood and walked toward the door to leave. Beginning to turn the knob, he heard one of the board members say, "Thank you Lieutenant for your service to our city, we appreciate your work."
Turning around, Horatio responded, "You're welcome…I do my best."
As Horatio walked to his Hummer, he was suddenly aware of how drained he was after the session with the board. Looking at his watch, he realized he was just going to make it back to the lab in time to take Calleigh to lunch.
Entering the lab, Horatio headed straight to the ballistics lab, hoping Calleigh had not given up on him. Stopping at the door to the lab, he saw her bent over looking at evidence through the microscope.
"Knock, knock." Horatio softly said.
Calleigh turned and smiled, "Handsome…where have you been all morning?"
"I had a meeting Sweetheart, remember?"
"Where, and may I ask what it was about too?"
"Later, Sweetheart…how about some lunch?"
"You are a mysterious man, Horatio Caine…but I love you! I am famished, so, I will take you up on your offer."
They had a pleasant lunch at a little café near the park, not far from the lab. Then they enjoyed a stroll in the park before heading back to the lab.
Arriving back at work, Horatio headed to his office and the paperwork from the day that he knew had already accumulated on his desk. As he read and signed the forms before him, he could not help but to start feeling a little apprehensive about his meeting with Eric later. He thought it would be best if they talked outside of the lab so, he thought he would think of some reason for he, and Eric to take a drive.
Suddenly, Horatio heard his phone alerting him to a call.
"Caine," he abruptly answered noticing it was Frank calling.
"Horatio, we have a DB in South Beach for you, a young man, average looking, but he had a piece of paper waded in his hand with your address on it."
"My home address…what would he be doing with that?"
"Beats me," Frank responded, "knew you would want to come have a look."
"I do," Horatio said with an inquisitive reply.
Walking down to the lab, he saw Eric and asked if he would ride with him to a DB in South Beach.
As they were leaving the lab parking lot in Horatio's Hummer, Horatio took the opportunity to begin explaining about his relationship with Calleigh.
"H, I am fine with it man. She broke up with me a few months ago and I guess she was right, I don't present myself as being much of a stable guy. I won't lie to you though, I rode past her condo last Friday night and ran the plates on a car parked in her drive and found out it was yours. It hurt me at the moment, but I have gotten better with it, really I have."
Horatio was not surprised Eric had a strange car checked out that was at Calleigh's and he himself had been on the losing end of a relationship so, he knew how Eric felt.
"Well, I don't mind admitting to you that out of meeting with the Chief, then the adoption board, I was more apprehensive about speaking to you Eric, because I never want to do anything to damage our friendship, we are still brothers as far as I am concerned. I also wanted to say I will always love Marisol, but I have realized that I need someone to share my life with Eric."
"H, I think you have waited far too long to start living your life, Mari would have wanted you to find someone to love. By the way, you could never ruin our bond man…I still got your back," and Eric reached over and patted Horatio's shoulder.
"Thanks Eric, your understanding means more to me than you will ever know."
"When is the big day H?"
"This Friday afternoon at my house, and we would like the team to be with us, then a couple of months from now I want us to go to New Orleans so we can have a proper ceremony to include her family and friends and of course we want our lab family to be included there as well."
"Wow…I don't think any of us will pass up a trip to New Orleans! We'll plan to take you and Calleigh out Friday night to dinner and drinks to celebrate afterward H. I really am happy for both of you, and I know the team will be too. In fact, you won't find any of them surprised that you and Cal are together."
"We'll discuss particulars about Friday with Calleigh tomorrow when she is back in the lab," Horatio replied, then added grinning, "We are that obvious huh?"
Eric shook his head and laughed, "Yeah."
"And, I will cover for you Saturday H…at least that will give you the next day off."
"Thank you Eric, I appreciate that and I will cover Sunday."
Arriving at the scene, Horatio approached Frank who was standing over the body of a young man sprawled on the parking lot in the rear of an apartment building.
"Any ID on him Frank?"
"Nothing H, not one thing."
"Someone wanted to make it look like a robbery Horatio, but I'd put my money on hired hit myself. Robbery turned murder does not usually leave the victim dead from a gunshot wound to the head," Frank commented.
Horatio pulled on his gloves and kneeled down, to examine the head wound. "I would have to agree my friend. I don't think this was random."
"Eric, process the body for evidence please."
"Has Tom been notified?" Horatio turned and asked Frank.
"On his way with the meat wagon H," he answered. Frank then handed Horatio the paper found waded in the victim's closed fist. Looking at the paper for a moment, Horatio thought, what is going on here?
Anthony Antero arrived at the Miami Federal Detention Center to visit a particular inmate later that afternoon, after he eliminated a potential leak.