Two Days Later

Mojave Desert – Outside of Las Vegas, Nevada

Police tape and uniformed officers surrounded the abandoned black van that had been seen by military fighter jets on a routine run and reported. CSI vehicles, police vehicles, and a well-equipped ambulance were parked just outside the tape and every available police officer in Las Vegas was searching for any sign of the two men. The door to the chokey was open and blood littered the cage's walls and a pair of handcuffs hung down from the top.

Trying to not let his anger against Dimitri get the better of him, Horatio stood alongside Grissom, Brass, Warrick, Nick, Greg, Sara, Ecklie, and two paramedics, "That's the van and no sign of Dimitri or Bobby," he mused bitterly.

A shout suddenly echoed across the desert, "Doctor Grissom, we got bloody footprints!" a voice called out.

"Greg, Sara, process the van," Grissom ordered as he followed the voice over to where a state trooper stood.

Horatio followed suit, determined to rescue his nephew even if it meant killing Dimitri in cold blood, as did Brass, Warrick, and Nick. Grissom eyed the footprint and noticed that the blood trail led over a small embankment.

A shot rang out and Horatio took off running alongside the prints without waiting for anyone else, determined that Dimitri would die for what he had done to both Bobby and Adria and also to the badly injured Carlos Nieto.

The driver of the van slumped to the ground dead with wide eyes and Dimitri grinned at Robert, who was standing in one spot shaking anxiously because he was hurt, tired, and bleeding everywhere, "No witnesses," Dimitri said.

Too shaken to speak and too weak to move, Robert watched as his father walked over to him with his gun ready to fire, "Come," Dimitri hissed as he grabbed Robert by the neck and forced him across the sand to a deep, human-sized pit that he had dug long, long ago. "It is a nice grave and I hope you will be very comfortable here…"

Dimitri turned to reload his gun and something inside Robert suddenly snapped and he let out a scream as he shoved his father forward as hard as his weakened body would let him. Swearing anxiously, Dimitri lost his footing and fell into the pit with the gun in hand still locked on safety. He swore in Russian, glaring up at his injured son.

Anxiety filled Robert and as he began to run, Dimitri took the safety off and began firing bullets, but missed because adrenaline was causing his son to run too fast.

The sound of rapid gunfire cause Horatio to freeze in his tracks, giving Grissom, Brass, Nick, and Warrick to catch up to him, "Caine, this isn't your show," Brass snapped.

"I suggest you shut up before I knock you over," Horatio replied coldly. "Dimitri LaRusso is going to die today."

The sight of a body nearby caused Warrick to freeze and Grissom quickly rolled the body over, "This…this is some Russian guy," Grissom said in a confused voice, having seen a photo of Robert on the news. "This isn't him…"

Nick looked around and suddenly saw another set of footprints leading off into the deeper desert, "There's another set of prints here," he said, heartsick about what they were going to find. "Maybe he ran off…"

"Warrick, babysit the body," Grissom ordered as he, Horatio, and Nick followed the new set of prints.

As the three walked alongside the prints, a myriad of sounds filled the air that resembled coughing, puking, and wheezing. The three walked in silence for several minutes and froze as they saw a figure in a bloodstained undershirt, tattered and bloodstained work pants, slowly limping away from them with his arms limp at his side.

"ROBERT!" Horatio shouted as he took off running towards the figure. "GET THE PARAMEDICS NOW!"

Grissom quickly grabbed his radio off his belt and started yelling instructions as he and Nick worked to catch up to Horatio, "Robert, it's Uncle Horatio," Horatio said as he gently moved in front of Robert. "Robert, you're all right."

Robert stopped and immediately clung to his uncle as his legs gave out, "It's okay," Horatio spoke gently as he gently eased his battered, bleeding nephew to the ground and held him close. "Shh, Robert; you're all right."

Gagging sounds came from Robert's mouth and Horatio gently eased his nephew to the ground as Grissom and Nick approached, "Lie flat, all right?" Horatio spoke gently, keeping a hand on his nephew's shoulder.

"It's…so…warm," Robert rasped in a faint voice, too worn out to do anything but lay there. "I'm so tired."

Horatio nodded and quickly moved his nephew's splinted hand so it was resting on his chest, deeply relieved when the paramedics came running across the sand with a backboard and medical supplies, "The paramedics are going to help you now, Bobby," he said in a soothing voice, sighing as Robert whimpered softly. "I'll stay close."

Nick knelt beside Horatio while Grissom got on his radio, "Subject has been found alive, but injured," he reported.

"Rapid, shallow breathing," Horatio heard one of the paramedics say. "Get vitals and do a physical exam."

Nick frowned and quickly uncapping his water bottle, he moved close and gently started slowly pouring it all over Robert's bruised forehead and face. Robert's breathing suddenly relaxed and Grissom looked slightly amused. One of the paramedics gave Nick a 'what are you doing' look, but Nick remained focused on cooling Robert down.

Angel of Mercy Hospital – Manhattan, New York

Deeply exhausted, Danielle silently left the NICU after spending time with Michael and Emily and learning that they would probably get to come home by the end of the month if they kept progressing. Even though he was supposed to be on medical leave til fall, Maurice was part of the task force organized to search for their missing officer and John was doing what he could to be of help at the house and with Yelina, as Sully was also on the task force.

As Danielle approached the elevator, she suddenly heard talking down the hallway in the ICU area, "…Oh, Brendan, thank you for taking Tommy and Kylie school shopping," she heard Holly say anxiously. "I need…I need to be here."

Frowning, Danielle went down the hallway and saw Brendan standing with Tommy and Kylie while Holly lingered by the door looking exhausted, "At least he's breathing on his own," Brendan encouraged gently. "He'll wake."

"Hey," Danielle spoke softly, giving Holly a gentle hug. "How…How have you guys been doing?"

Brendan silently led Tommy and Kylie out of the unit and Holly sighed tiredly, "Carlos is breathing on his own, but he's still not waking up fully yet," Holly explained softly. "The doctors were able to get the bullet out of his back, but it damaged his lumbar artery and his intestines, so they did a colostomy and repaired the lumbar artery. His thigh also took a bullet, but that one was easy to get out. He's on a heavy, heavy amount of meds right now."

Nodding, Danielle followed Holly into the room and wasn't surprised at the amount of flowers and other gifts that were littering the tables, all of them sent by members of FDNY, NYPD, and the general public because the whole city was hailing Carlos as a hero for taking bullets for a former firefighter. The news had shown up on site fairly quickly and the media had been on alert 24/7 for updates on Robert LaRusso-Caine ever since then.

Carlos lay in bed asleep with an oxygen tube in his nose, a central line in his chest, and IV's littering his arms while a pulse ox-clip sat on the index finger of his left hand and a blood pressure cuff was wrapped around his right arm, both items sending data to machines along with the electrodes that were scattered all over Carlos's chest.

Ty sat in a chair in the corner of the room, having volunteered to be part of the rotation that would come sit with Carlos and Holly as both protection and emotional support. As Danielle was about to greet Ty, a low moan suddenly came from the bed and Holly gasped as she hurried over to the bed, "Carlos?" she asked gently.

Carlos's eyelids fluttered as Ty's phone went off and Ty quickly excused himself, "Holly…" he spoke faintly.

Danielle watched as Carlos's eyes slowly opened, "I can't…feel my legs," Carlos spoke in a groggy voice.

Holly sighed and gently stroked Carlos's cheek, "The bullet in your back damaged your lumbar artery and intestines and it's too soon to tell anything," she replied gently. "Even if it's permanent, we'll get through it together."

"I believe you," Carlos replied groggily, sighing sleepily. "Did they…did they find LaRusso yet?"

There was a silence as Ty came back into the room looking stunned, "They found him and he's injured, but it looks like he's going to be okay," he said in an anxious voice. "Las Vegas PD's phoning everyone on the task force."

Carlos sighed groggily, "Then…I'll manage," he replied groggily. "It…it saved Jimmy AND LaRusso."

Holly kissed his face, "That helps," Carlos mumbled groggily. "I…I'm feeling really, really sleepy right now."

"Get some rest, both of you," Danielle said in a quiet voice as she nodded at Ty. "I'll visit later."

Bed-Stuy Precinct

"…Officer LaRusso was found in the Mojave Desert injured, but alive," Chief Morris announced to the room filled with officers as they all waited for their daily update. "The task force isn't necessary any longer, but NYPD wants to keep patrols on Nieto and Doherty because we don't know where Dimitri LaRusso and his buddies are…"

Bosco sighed as he got up along with the rest of the officers, "Hey, Boscorelli, hold back," he suddenly heard.

Wondering what he had done now, Bosco waited til the room had cleared before approaching Chief Morris, "There's a lady waiting in my office that her husband attacked your wife at some McDonald's in Miami on January 22," Chief Morris said quietly, giving Bosco a look. "Her husband was sentenced to five years in prison at a hearing in June, but he's been behind bars since he was arrested in January. She wants to talk to you about that."

Bosco frowned, "Why?" he asked in a confused voice. "From what Danielle told me, the guy was angry…"

"That guy also gave Miami PD information that led to the arrest of AV Tech Dan Cooper and Doctor Tara Price, " Chief Morris explained calmly. "I believe that Doctor Price was the woman who sexually assaulted you…"

Swallowing hard, Bosco nodded, "Tommy Wolfe got attacked by the Russian mafia in jail and he's not expecting any rewards for the information he gave, but his wife wants to see if Danielle will provide a Victims Impact Statement and written support that could result in rehabilitation or probation," Chief Morris explained quietly.

Bosco gave him a look, "You don't have to decide anything now," Chief Morris said in a quiet voice.

"I'll talk to this lady," Bosco relented, wondering what was going on. "You said she was in your office?"

Chief Morris nodded and led Bosco to his office where Diana Wolfe sat in a chair, "You must be Officer Boscorelli," Diana spoke calmly as Bosco and the Chief took seats. "I suppose your chief told you why I'm here from Miami."

Bosco nodded, "I didn't learn until recently that Tommy's been undergoing counseling while in prison and that he was abused by at least his father," Diana spoke in a quiet voice. "He's been self-medicating for years…"

Wondering what Danielle would think of this development, Bosco silently allowed himself to listen to Diana.

Miami-Dade Correctional Facility

"You didn't have to come with me, either of you," Ryan said, slouching in the front passenger seat of Jesse's car while Emily sat in the back and Jesse sat behind the wheel in the parking lot. "I'm sure there was a bus…"

Jesse scoffed, "You were scrubbing your apartment at four o clock in the morning and I could hear your anxious muttering through the wall," he replied kindly, having been up anyway. "When I got there, you had a headache…"

"I get your point," Ryan replied quietly. "Emily, you have a husband and kids. Are you sure you want to be…?"

Emily sighed, "He's my big brother too, Ry," she replied softly. "It's been a while since I've seen him."

Ryan silently climbed out of the car and kept quiet as he walked into the prison with Emily and Jesse, "Hi, I'm Ryan Wolfe," he said as he approached the desk. "I'm here to visit my brother, Tommy Wolfe," he said calmly. "Our sister, Emily, and a friend, Jesse Cardoza, are also here to visit. I heard he was injured a few days ago…"

The officer nodded silently, "He's in the protective custody unit and you've got permission to visit him there," he replied calmly. "Since you're a cop, I assume you know the drill. Once you're searched, you can see him."

A pat-down search and walk-through the metal detector didn't take long, as the officers were aware of Ryan's cancer and knew that he'd have an access point in his arm. The walk to the protective custody was quiet.

When Ryan, Emily, and Jesse entered the unit, they saw that Tommy was seated on the floor against a wall with his eyes closed and his hands on his crutches. Heavy bruising was on his face and arms and his body was trembling.

"Prisoner Wolfe," the guard said, gazing down at Tommy. "Prisoner Wolfe, your visitors are here."

Tommy let out a sigh and opened his eyes, wincing as he slowly got up with the help of his crutches, "The wall's nice and cold and it helps with the spasms," he explained in a tired voice as he hobbled over to a table and sat.

Ryan nodded and he and Emily joined Tommy at the table while Jesse hung back, not sure what to make of the situation, "I didn't…I didn't think either of you would come," Tommy spoke in a quiet, trembling voice.

"Diana said that you told her and Horatio some stuff about Mom and Dad," Ryan said quietly. "Was it all true?"

Tommy nodded, "After Mom and I moved away from New York to here, I was told never to tell anyone about what Dad had done and Mom ended up doing the same thing to me once a week for a really, really long time," he explained in a shaky voice. "I ended up racing cars just to feel something and it made me a lot of money, yeah, but I hated it simply because Mom kept me close. She finally gave it up when I ended up engaged to Diana…"

"You're talking sexual abuse, aren't you?" Emily spoke quietly. "Tommy, I'm so, so sorry…"

Tommy sighed, "I'm working through it in counseling and that's why I turned to drinking and lost myself in anger a lot," he replied in a quiet, trembling voice. "The morning that I took Emilio to McDonald's for lunch is when I got a phone call from her promising that she'd get out. I slammed the phone down and went for the alcohol; I took Emilio out to lunch by the bus cause I didn't want to drive drunk. I turned into Dad that day and it freaked…"

Ryan frowned as Tommy's eyes suddenly rolled back and he fell backwards on to the floor in violent convulsions, "Tommy!" he said in an anxious voice as he got on the floor next to where his brother lay. "Tommy!"

Jesse glared at the guard, who was busy speaking into his radio ordering an ambulance, and then looked back at Ryan and Emily, who were both kneeling beside a very limp Tommy and confused as to what had just happened.

Mojave Desert – Outside of Las Vegas, Nevada

"Does the nasal tube feel good?" Horatio asked in a calm voice as he knelt beside Robert, who was strapped to a backboard with a C-collar on while IV lines were being put in place. "I knew the mask would upset you."

Robert sighed softly, "I…I'm tired, Uncle," he spoke faintly. "Why was that guy pouring water on my head?"

"To cool you down so your breathing would stabilize," Nick, who was nearby, replied calmly. "Did it help?"

Unable to nod because of the neck collar, Robert sighed, "Yes," he replied in a faint voice. "Thank you."

Nick nodded and suddenly unclipped his weapon holster, prompting Horatio to turn, "You stupid idiots," Dimitri hissed as he suddenly came into view with his gun in hand. "Bobby, did you really think shoving me into a sand pit would kill me? I've kept you locked up for days and even with the help of those…in New York, you're weak…"

Quickly unclipping his firearm, Horatio got up and looked at Nick and the paramedics, unaware that Grissom was nearby and again on the radio, "Not this time, Dimitri," he said coldly as he stood in front of his nephew.

Dimitri chuckled, "I killed his mother, who was your sister, and I will kill him too, Caine," he replied darkly.

Slowly, Horatio drew his gun and Dimitri quickly drew his, "Today is a very good day to die," Dimitri hissed.

Suddenly, Dimitri turned and ran off a few paces, "Catch me if you can, Caine," he gloated. "You want to."

Knowing that this standoff game with Dimitri would provide the paramedics time to get Robert to an ambulance, Horatio followed. Nick looked at Grissom, who came over to where Robert was laying, trying to calm down.

"Get him out of here and to Desert Palms," Nick hissed in an anxious voice. "Warrick left with the body already and Greg and Sara took off with the van, but Brass, Ecklie, and the uniforms should still be at the ambulance."

Grissom gave Nick a look, "I'll tell you the why later," Nick said firmly as he raised his gun. "Trust me."

Nodding, Grissom watched as Nick took off after Horatio and Dimitri, "Detective Caine, I'm Gil Grissom," he said as the paramedics finished the IV's and lifted the backboard. "I think we've spoken on Skype before about…"

"I remember," Robert replied in a faint voice, cringing as he felt himself go over a mound. "My left shoulder…"

Grissom sighed, "Try not to think about it and just look at me," he replied calmly. "How's life in Miami?"

"BJ is almost 11 and Adam's going…going to be in kindergarten this fall," Robert replied in a faint voice, cringing from the movement of the backboard. "My brother-in-law and his son live with us…but he's away right now."

Grissom nodded and continued to engage Robert in conversation as they made their way to the spot where the police vehicles and ambulance waited, "Wow," Brass said in a stunned voice. "What was all the shooting?"

"Where's Stokes?" Ecklie asked in an irritated voice. "Don't tell me he ran off into the desert with Caine…"

Grissom gave Ecklie a look and Ecklie swore, "What happened in New York that possessed CSI Stokes to go off into the desert with some CSI from Miami and a homicidal Russian?" Brass asked in a confused voice. "Gil?"

Shots suddenly rang out, "Grissom, go with Detective Caine to Desert Palms!" Ecklie snapped, swearing loudly.

Grissom hesitated and then joined Robert and the paramedics in the ambulance, "If Stokes got himself shot trying to play hero, I'm going to kill him myself!" Ecklie growled, glaring at the uniforms. "Follow the shots!"

Dimitri growled as he glared up at Horatio, having been slammed into the ground by the other man and sending both of their guns out of their hands. Shots had filled the air because the safeties were off, but neither were hurt.

"I could snap your neck, Caine," Dimitri growled. "Or I could just do what I did to my son after I knocked Adria out."

Horatio growled as he put a fist against Dimitri's throat, "Try it and see how angry I can get," he hissed darkly.

Dimitri chuckled and Horatio suddenly felt himself launched off of the larger man and on to the sand, "All alone with no one to save you this time, Caine," Dimitri hissed as he lifted Horatio by his throat. "Pathetic fool."

Horatio was powerless, "You will be with your dear sister soon, Caine," Dimitri crooned, strengthening his grip.

As Horatio began to lose consciousness, he vaguely heard footsteps and two shots suddenly rang out. The grip on his throat suddenly went limp and Horatio crashed to the ground hard, gasping for air and trying to stay awake.

Swearing loudly, Nick holstered his weapon and jumped over Dimitri's body to get to Horatio, "Hey, are you all right?" he asked, watching as Horatio lay there gasping for air and massaging his throat. "Dimitri's dead."

Footsteps came running and Nick found himself joined by uniformed officers, "Get Dimitri LaRusso's body out of here!" Nick snapped anxiously as he knelt down next to Horatio. "Tell Brass to get another ambulance…!"

"I…I'm all right," Horatio rasped anxiously even though he wasn't. "I…I do not need an ambulance. Thank you."

Nick scowled as Horatio shakily sat up massaging his throat, but made no effort to stand, "You're as stubborn as I was at the airport," he replied in a stern Texan drawl. "Why won't you let anyone take care of you?"

Horatio sighed and winced as he tried to swallow, "Because there are those who believe they are meant to take care of everyone and forget that they too are human and feel pain," he replied weakly. "It's a trait we share."

Taken aback at how well Horatio could read him, Nick looked to a uniform, "Get another bus," he ordered.

Miami-Dade Police Department/Crime Lab – Miami, Florida

Emotionally drained and tired from looking after three kids while waiting for news, Natalia silently sat down in the break room filled with gratitude that Alexx had come over to babysit the boys so she could go into work and see what needed to be done. She loved BJ and Adam like they were her own and Lenny had been a comfort, but she wanted to know what was happening to the man she was falling in love with even if it was news nobody wanted.

Footsteps approached and Natalia frowned as Calleigh came into the room, "I just got a call from Vegas PD," Callieigh said as she eyed the exhausted Natalia. "They found Detective Caine alive and injured in the desert."

Natalia's eyes widened, "The desert?" she asked in a shocked voice. "What was he doing in the desert?"

"Vegas PD won't provide details yet," Calliegh replied softly. "The whole department's going nuts right now."

Natalia nodded, "Alexx offered to watch the boys so I could come help," she replied in an anxious voice.

"There's not much that can be done at this point," Callieigh replied softly. "I thought you'd want to know…"

Natalia looked confused, "It's not like your and Detective Caine's relationship is that big of a secret around here, but everyone's turning a blind eye because it's not affecting your work," Callieigh said in a gentle, reassuring voice.

"We haven't done anything intimate or inappropriate," Natalia replied softly. "We just enjoy each other."

Callieigh nodded as Eric came into the break room, all three of them relieved to finally have good news.

Jackson Memorial Hospital

Ryan sighed as he sat beside the gurney where Tommy lay unconscious with a mask over his face and a clean hospital gown that showed a few of the electrodes, which were sending data to a heart monitor, that had been placed on his chest. Tommy's leg was resting on a pillow and partially hidden by a blanket while his hands, sporting an IV and a pulse-ox clip respectively, rested limply on his lap. A uniformed prison guard stood near the door, as it was prison policy and even if an inmate in protective custody was sick or injured, policy had to be followed.

"Prisoner Wolfe hasn't been eating or sleeping normally since the attack," the guard stated softly, gazing at Ryan because Ryan was clearly angry and demanded answers. "Since he's been moved to protective custody, he's not been spending any of his account for commissary food and barely eats his meals. He spends a lot of time asleep during the day to the point where the guards have to wake him for meals and he won't go in the rec yard."

Ryan gave the guard a look, "Tommy nearly got killed by the Russians," he replied sharply. "Does that mean anything or is he going to have to spend the next five years fighting for his life in that cesspool prison?"

"Your sister and Officer Cardoza are in conversation with the prison about that, Officer Wolfe," the guard replied.

Ryan nodded, "Sorry for getting snappy," he apologized, shaken. "He looked like crap in there today."

"Mental health rehabilitation might be a possibility," the guard replied. "Can't make any promises, though."

Ryan sighed, "I'd like him admitted to a different hospital for that if it works out because I had some mental health rehab not too long ago and I'd like Tommy treated by my doctor," he said, taking Tommy's hand in his own.

"You're listed as medical proxy and next of kin in his records, did you know that?" the guard asked quietly.

Ryan nodded, "He didn't think his marriage would survive," he replied calmly. "I offered to help him out."

Tommy's hand suddenly twitched inside of Ryan's and Ryan smiled as Tommy's eyes opened slowly, "You're in the hospital," Ryan spoke slowly, seeing that his brother was confused. "The guards called an ambulance."

A muffled sigh filled the mask and Tommy drifted back to sleep, prompting Ryan to keep a hold of his hand.

Las Vegas Crime Lab – Las Vegas, Nevada

"Nick, I need your weapon," Nick heard as he sat at a table used for examining evidence, silently writing something on a pad of paper as photos of his assault and his trashed house laid scattered on the table along with a thermometer that looked as if it had been used recently and was still flashing red, indicating a high temperature.

Nick shrugged, "I left it in the ballistics lab," he replied calmly. "I'm kinda busy here writing my statement out…"

There was a silence, "Ecklie's freaking out," Grissom said as he approached the table. "What did you tell him?"

"Shouldn't you be at the hospital with Detective Caine and his uncle?" Nick asked in a quieter voice.

Grissom eyed the photos on the table, "Ecklie wanted to know why I went after Dimitri and that Caine guy and ended up killing Dimitri," Nick finally said quietly. "I wanted to help someone since I couldn't help myself."

"You told Ecklie?" Grissom asked in a surprised voice, watching as Nick sighed. "About the attack?"

Nick nodded, "He said it makes sense because Catherine sent in a resignation and left Vegas after that without any explanation and I suddenly took three sick days," he replied, his voice shaking. "Ecklie also apologized…"

"Brass relieved me at the hospital and I brought Lieutenant Caine's and Detective Caine's clothes over for processing along with photos of both of their injuries," Grissom said calmly, eyeing Nick's shaking hands.

There was a silence and Grissom silently moved the paper out of reach and plucked the pen out of Nick's hand, "You know, Greg said something very interesting happened at JFK because your mind was on this and it produced symptoms of PTSD," he said in a quiet voice. "Your blood pressure and blood sugar dropped and you vomited."

Nick silently moved to clean up the photos, but Grissom stopped him, "I need these for processing because Lieutenant Caine asked me to help you find closure," Grissom said calmly. "Go take a seat in the break room."

Numb with shock, Nick silently got up and retreated down the hallway, frowning as he suddenly felt nauseous, "Hey, Nick, we could use your help processing the stuff from…" Warrick trailed off. "Are you okay?"

Without warning, Nick turned and threw up in the trash can before promptly sinking to the floor semi-conscious, emotionally and physically spent by what happened in the desert, "…He's really warm," he suddenly heard Warrick say as footsteps approached. "He was out in the desert for a long time and drove back here on his own…"

Grissom, who had been alerted by the vomiting noise, gave Warrick a look, "He poured his entire water bottle on Detective Caine's head to cool him down and then provided diversion when Dimitri showed up again," he replied.

"Heatstroke?" Warrick asked curiously, watching as Grissom rolled Nick on his side. "I'll call 9-1-1…"

Noise filled the hallways as people, including Greg, poked their heads out into the hallways and saw Grissom kneeling over Nick, "Greg, get some ice and a fan," Grissom said in a calm voice. "This isn't a show, people!"

There was a heavy silence and Greg quickly came running with a portable fan and some cold water bottles that were kept in the portable fridgde, "Gave his water to Detective Caine and then went running through the desert after Lieutenant Caine and Dimitri LaRusso," Grissom explained. "I think that and shooting cause the heatstroke."

Greg's eyes went wide as Grissom plugged in the fan, popped open the water bottles, and gently poured some on Nick's neck and face just like Nick had done for Detective Caine in the desert, "I saw a thermometer on the table that read 104," Grissom said calmly. "I think Nick knew he was in trouble, but Ecklie wanted answers…"

"He wanted to help," Greg finished softly as Warrick went to the door. "Did Warrick call for paramedics?"

Nick let out a faint groan, "What…it's cold," he spoke in a faint voice even though his eyes didn't open.

"Just relax, Nick," Grissom said calmly, continuing to administer water as he could hear sirens approaching.

Desert Palms Hospital

Ignoring the aching in his neck and ribs, Horatio silently sat up on the exam bed he had been relegated to after being sent to the hospital in an ambulance. His clothes and weapon had been taken by the Vegas CSI's for processing and he had been given a hospital gown and scrub pants to rest in after his ribs had been taped up. He was also wearing a nasal tube because his oxygen levels had been compromised when Dimitri had choked him as well as an IV in his arm to hydrate him because it hurt too much to drink and swallow any actual liquids.

"You should be resting, Lieutenant Caine," Brass, who had been sent over to keep an eye on the Caines for the time being, said from the doorway as he looked at the tired Lieutenant. "I hear your nephew's still in surgery."

Horatio sighed tiredly, but didn't lie back down, "Broken left arm and wrist, severely dislocated left shoulder, intestinal damage from that cage thing, pneumothroaxes in both lungs, hypothermia, hypovolemic shock from blood loss, dehydration, malnutrition, multiple cuts and bruises all over his body and face, and a stress fracture that goes from his left knee straight down to his toes that was an old injury re-damaged by the torture, and some definite hearing loss from being in close proximity of gunshots without protection," he said tiredly. "Dimitri…"

"Dimitri killed your sister, didn't he?" Brass asked quietly. "Detective Caine's mother, correct?"

Horatio nodded, "We lost both of our guns in the struggle and Dimitri's got about 100 pounds on me," he replied.

Brass nodded and Horatio suddenly frowned when he saw Grissom follow a gurney into the ER containing an unconscious Nick, "…He collapsed at the lab from heatstroke," Grissom's voice said. "Take care of him."

"I guess his little jaunt through the desert did him in?" Brass asked as Grissom came over to them.

Grissom nodded, "I…I would like to do what I can to help since he did save my life and kill my nephew's very abusive father," Horatio spoke in a tired voice. "Whenever we can go back to Miami, I'd like a police escort."

"You want Nick?" Grissom asked in a confused voice. "I don't understand your reasoning, Lieutenant."

Horatio sighed, "The Miami PD has a very talented psychologist who has had her fair share of traumatic experiences and I think your CSI could benefit from talking to her," he replied calmly. "Her name is Emily Speedle."

Grissom's eyes widened, "You mean Emily Wolfe?" he asked, deeply surprised. "She took her husband's name?"

Horatio nodded calmly and suddenly laid back down, his broken ribs starting to hurt from sitting up, "Hasn't anyone given you anything for pain?" Grissom asked in a worried voice. "You look like you're in pain."

"Compared to Robert, my pain is very minimal and I am managing," Horatio replied quietly as he closed his eyes and took very slow breaths that were staggered because his throat hurt. "Save your ministrations for him."

Brass sighed, but Grissom silently went over to a nurse and had a hushed, brief conversation while Brass listened to Horatio cough before slowly turning on his side, placing a hand on the cold bedrail for relief. A few moments passed and Brass watched as Grissom returned with the nurse and a fully stocked medication cart.

"Lieutenant Caine, this nurse is going to fix your pillows and give you some pain meds," Grissom said calmly.

Horatio managed a weak nod and whimpered as he felt himself being lifted and rested atop a cold pillow, "Please inform me when my nephew is out of surgery," he rasped as the nurse prepped a syringe. "I'm his medical proxy."

"I'll hang around and wait for information," Brass said calmly, watching as Horatio was given the pain medication and subsequently relaxed into a very deep sleep.

Grissom nodded and left the area to go see how Nick was doing and if he was feeling up to a conversation.

Bed-Stuy Precinct – New York

Danielle sighed as she stood outside the interview room where Diana Wolfe sat alone, silently sipping from a glass of water, "You called me over here because Tommy Wolfe's wife flew up from Miami and wants me to provide a written statement supporting a sentence of probation for him?" she asked sharply, gazing at Bosco crossly.

Bosco nodded, "While you were coming over here, Chief Morris got a call from the correctional facility in Miami where Tommy Wolfe's doing his time and Tommy Wolfe's been hospitalized after having a seizure related to hypoglycemia brought on by PTSD," he explained in a quiet voice. "Some very bad things happened in Tommy's past that he's only started dealing with through prison counseling. Tommy's brother, Ryan, and his sister, Emily, are doing what they can to get Tommy into in-patient psychiatric care, but your statement would help a lot."

"Maurice, the guy was drunk when he shoved me," Danielle replied softly. "And they want to release him?"

Bosco sighed, "You were raised by Sully, but I was raised by an alcoholic, abusive father and I can tell you that people use alcohol to numb pain or anger," he said quietly. "Alcohol impairs judgment and according to Tommy Wolfe's wife, Tommy dealt with heavy abuse from both of his parents for many years and he didn't tell any of his family until recently. He hasn't even told his kids yet and I'm not sure he can get better from this in prison."

Danielle sighed, "You can't compare Edward to Tommy," Bosco continued quietly. "Edward was insane and I really don't think he had a conscience after what he did to you, John, Ellie, and Kylie Nieto. His lack of a conscience made it easy for him to manipulate Catherine Willows into helping him attack and rape Nick Stokes for helping you."

"Nick always was a quiet guy, but Edward changed him," Danielle spoke softly. "You said he was at your ma's bar?"

Bosco nodded, "I'll talk to Diana Wolfe," Danielle said, tears filling her eyes. "Those Vegas CSI's taught me compassion and how to forgive very painful things. I guess I need to practice a little of what they taught me."

Sighing, Bosco followed Danielle into the interview room, watching silently as the two women began to talk.

Jackson Memorial Hospital – Miami, Florida

Emily sighed as Natalia came down the hallway, "I got your page," Natalia said softly. "New business?"

"I need you to look up my family's file in the Victims' Assistance database and compare it to any police or medical reports you can find on Tommy for the last 10 to 15 years," Emily replied as she gazed through the window.

Natalia looked through the window and watched as the uniformed prison guard and Ryan talked while Tommy lay in bed asleep, "Ryan hasn't left his bedside since getting here," Emily spoke quietly. "I've been at the prison with Jesse talking with the warden and medical staff to see if we can't get Tommy released to in-patient psychiatric care at Miami-Dade University Hospital for an indefinite stay. He's got high levels of untreated PTSD messing him up."

A faint coughing sound muffled by an oxygen mask suddenly filled the air and both Natalia and Emily silently watched as Tommy ripped the mask off with shaking hands and gasped for air as if he had been drowning or held under water. Alarmed, Natalia and Emily entered the room and watched as Ryan quickly grabbed a cup of juice that had been left by a nurse off of the portable table, "Tommy, it's Ryan," Ryan said calmly. "You're all right."

"…Ryan?" Tommy asked faintly as his breathing slowed and the machine blipped. "I thought you were Mom…"

Ryan frowned, but didn't say anything as Tommy opened his eyes, "Who's she?" Tommy asked, eyeing Natalia warily. "I thought Mom pimpng me out to yuppie chicks ended when I got engaged to Diana…"

"Excuse me?" Emily asked in a surprised voice, eyeing Tommy with shock. "What are you talking about?"

Tommy sighed wearily, "I lived with Mom alone for a really long time and she kept making money off me any way she could and I'm not telling you any more right now because I don't want any more charges," he replied tiredly.

"I'm Natalia Boa Vista, a Crime Scene Investigator and Co-Founder of Victims Assistance," Natalia explained.

Tommy frowned and began to cough again, "Here, have some juice," Ryan said quickly, offering him the cup.

"My…hands are weak," Tommy replied in a shaky voice through coughs. "Ryan…please…help me out."

Ryan nodded and helped Tommy drink some of the juice before pressing the nurse's call button, "Maybe they can get you a nasal tube," he said in an encouraging voice. "Victims Assistance helps abused people, Tommy."

Tommy slowly finished the juice, "Can…can I keep this from my wife and kids if I agree to talk to you or to the cops or whoever I need to about this stuff?" he asked in a tired voice as he struggled to stay awake. "I…"

Just then, a nurse came in having heard the call button, "Can…can my brother get a nasal tube instead, please?" Ryan asked calmly, stunned by what he had heard. "I think the mask is too tough. He's…he's claustrophobic."

The nurse nodded and silently put a nasal tube in, "There you go, sir," she said, noting that Tommy hated touch.

"Thank you," Ryan spoke up calmly, watching as Tommy froze at being touched. "Thank you for your help."

Nodding, the nurse left and deeply shaken, Tommy slowly closed his eyes and drifted back into a deep sleep.

Desert Palms Hospital – Las Vegas, Nevada

"…Sergeant Stetler, your brother-in-law sustained moderately serious injuries, but he's going to eventually be all right," Grissom said in a calming voice as he held the phone to his ear while sitting on the windowsill of Nick's hospital room holding vigil. "Our meeting might have to take place somewhere else at a later date."

Grissom listened as Rick replied saying that he couldn't stay in New York forever because he had work and a young son needing his attention, yet he couldn't leave Catherine to her own devices simply because she was still traumatized over her time in Boston, "I'll see what I can arrange," he finally said in a calm voice. "See you later."

Sighing, Grissom hung up the phone and pocketed it as he stood up, "…Gris?" a faint voice spoke.

Grissom looked down at the bed and saw that Nick was slowly waking up, his breathing slow because of the fan that was running straight on his face and neck, "Why do I feel weird?" Nick asked weakly as he struggled to wake.

"You poured all your water all over Detective Caine to cool him down and then you chased after Lieutenant Caine and Dimitri LaRusso even though it was like 110 degrees," Grissom replied calmly. "You drove yourself back to the lab and ended up taking your temperature before Ecklie made you come and talk to him about the shooting…"

Nick sighed sleepily, but didn't open his eyes, "I felt weird when I got back," he spoke in a faint voice.

"You collapsed at the lab with heatstroke," Grissom replied calmly, frowning as Nick's eyelids fluttered. "Breathe."

Nick exhaled and slowly relaxed, attempting to grab the blanket with a shaking hand, "Just take it easy," Grissom said as he adjusted the blanket so it covered more of Nick's body and then adjusted the fan a bit. "Better?"

"Yeah," Nick replied in a faint voice, turning his face away from the fan. "Did that crazy Russian die?"

Grissom sighed and took a seat, "His body's in the morgue," he said calmly. "You saved Lieutenant Caine."

"He helped me out when I got sick at JFK," Nick spoke in a weak voice. "He got me something to eat."

Grissom frowned, giving Nick a look as the younger man slowly drifted back to sleep because he was now comfortable enough to rest and allow the cool environment to let his temperature continue dropping.

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