Reinforcements from the Family
Was this for real or some sick joke?
Did the killer have his cell phone number?
The number was listed as restricted.
Still at the top of the lane Horatio pulled a U-turn and sped back in the direction of the lab, while hitting Frank Tripp's number, he told the detective to stay there. He had something Frank needed to see. And in the meantime, to send out a patrol car to park across the street from his home. He would explain when he got to the lab, and to his wife when he got home. However coincidental, or lucky, Dade Elementary kindergarten teachers had a workshop that day. Aimee's likening for sleeping late had wore off on Kyle and Horatio knew that Kyle would still be solid asleep by the time he got back home. He didn't intend to be gone long.
Both Frank Tripp and Ryan Wolfe's eyes got big when they read the words of the text on Horatio's phone. Ryan immediately took the phone and said he would try to trace where the text came from. Horatio's next call was to brother-in-law, Andy. Andy ran his own private guard company in Miami. He and his guards were not only built like gladiators with arms like tree trunks and could kick serious ass without breaking a sweat but they were licensed to carry concealed weapons. Andy said he and two of his best bodyguards were going to Horatio's immediately. And till the killer was caught, Andy was moving in. Horatio didn't object. But asked Andy not to call his sister. Horatio wanted to talk to his wife first. His brother-in-law agreed. Aimee hadn't noticed the presence of the patrol car outside her home when she got up with her daughter at around seven. Kyle was still sound sleep. But the moment she saw Horatio she knew something was wrong. Horatio kissed her and took Faith into his arms, knowing the effects of what he was about to say. She went pale and her knees got weak. She sat down on a chair next to the kitchen table.
"W-what's gonna happen now?" She stammered.
Horatio told her there was a police car stationed outside and there would be one there twenty-four seven till this was over. He informed her that her brother and two of employees were on the way out and Andy was moving in till then. Two bodyguards would be with her and Faith every moment. Andy would be accompanying Kyle to school and his other activities. Aimee agreed. As much as she wanted their son locked up, safe in the house, she knew he didn't deserve that. At six-year-old he didn't need to knew the reality but deserved to live like every other child, not a prisoner. With his uncle going everywhere with him he would think it was a treat.
Thank goodness of the innocence of a child.
Kyle was excited that Uncle Andy was moving in. He didn't know why and if they could have, Horatio and Aimee were going to keep it that way. The two other bodyguards, Elliott and Steven would be living in a house across the street. When Kyle saw that Elliott and Steven went everywhere with mom and Faith, he asked what was going on. Tragically even the kids at his school knew there was a murderer going around that police were having trouble catching because they couldn't figure out who he was.
"Is this 'cause of him?" Kyle asked.
Normally they would lie but looking at each other, both adults nodded.
"So uncle Andy, Elliott and Steven can keep us safe when you're at work, daddy? Until you catch him?" Kyle asked. "'Cause you keep us safe when you're home. When you're here, we don't need anyone else."
The fact that his son still had this confidence eased any guilt Horatio was starting to feel.
"Kyle, daddy and I want you to go to school, play with your friends and play soccer, have fun and not worry 'bout anything, okay?" Aimee told the boy. "And I promise, me and sissy will have fun and be okay, too."
Kyle nodded and gave each parent a big hug. Both dad and mom prayed that Kyle would come through this period without any more trauma.