The Return

Chapter 18

As the men settled in the upholstered chairs, arranged together in the small room, Horatio stared at his father, baffled by what the man could know that was so important. Although aware Daniel Caine surely had his contacts in the world of organized crime, it intrigued him that the old man was willing to help bring someone down, unless he and his organization would benefit from the move.

Making sure the item was still in his pants pocket, Horatio slipped a hand down inside and felt the hard plastic case of a cell phone; Agent Cross's cell phone. After he'd shot Cross, he had taken the phone from the man's coat pocket, thinking it might come in handy proving he was corrupt.

"Gentlemen," Daniel began, "as you know, in my profession, developing the ability to quickly make a judgment of character is beneficial," he chuckled "and always healthier. I've practiced the art for over fifty years now and I think I know who might have tipped the Russians as to Horatio's whereabouts; Special Agent Mack Gower."

Walter looked at the elder Caine in disbelief. "Mack? I've worked with him a few times… he's always seemed on the up and up to me."

"Same here," Frank added. "What makes you so sure it's him?"

Frank glanced over at Horatio who seemed interested in a cell phone in his hands.

"What's your opinion, Horatio?"

Horatio was concentrating on the phone's screen. The same number appeared numerous times in the list of dialed calls. His hesitation on responding to Frank's question caused everyone to turn their attention on him.

Looking up, he handed the phone to Frank and commented, "I've never had a problem with him, but get Travis in A/V to run this number when the day shift comes on at the lab. I suspect it might belong to Cross's connection – as you can see, it's a Miami number."

Frank stared at the screen as he accepted the item, and then focused his attention back on Horatio. "This his phone?"

"It is."

An hour later, after he'd sent Hella to get some rest at a hotel, Horatio lay on the roll-away bed in Calleigh's room, exhausted from their ordeal. He hadn't slept in almost thirty-six hours, except for the few minutes when he drifted off as the doctor tended to his injury. He still couldn't. His ears listened intently to Calleigh's rhythmic breathing. True to a concussion, she wanted to sleep.

The reason he couldn't sleep was due to a combination of several things: suspicions Daniel had about the FBI agent in Miami; the difficult conversation with Calleigh about her needing to go back to Miami and Frank's question which kept repeating over and over in his mind.

"You know how long the Russian's memory can be Horatio. You may never be able to return to the life you had. And what about Calleigh - she loves you and by all appearances, you love her just as deeply. You going to be able to say good-bye and tell her to return to Miami, or are you going to let her join you in a life where you're constantly wondering when the Russian Mob will find you?"

He rubbed his throbbing head, trying to ease the discomfort, at least a bit. The pain medicine the nurse gave him barely cut the pain, perhaps because he refused the full dose. It also didn't help knowing the decision Calleigh had made to stay with him. Living with me would, likely, sign her death warrant even though the FBI Regional Director assured me they would set me up in a new life that would practically guarantee my safety. In my almost thirty years in law enforcement, I've seen what can happen to those in the federal witness protection program. There are no guarantees.

The early morning light, muted by the heavy gray clouds outside the large window, adding to his worried mood. Calleigh woke to find Horatio standing at the room's window deep in thought. She knew what was bothering him.

"Morning… Handsome. Is it snowing?"

Horatio smiled as he turned and walked across the room toward her.

"Good morning Sweetheart. Not at the moment… How are you feeling?" He asked softly as he sat down on the bed next to her, taking her hand in his.

"My head feels a little better… still hurts, but not like it did. Did you get any sleep last night?"

He looked exhausted and she knew he needed sleep to recover from his injury as well. I know he is one of the strongest men I've ever known, but I worry about his health… he just doesn't see the need to take care of himself, ignoring his own injury to help me.

"Some," he smiled as he answered, "I'm glad you feel better. It's a good sign."

Then Horatio's expression immediately grew somber as he lowered his head and stared at her hand in his.

Meekly he added, "Cross… didn't make it. Took the easy way out… but my father has strong suspicions about who Cross's contact is in Miami. He has reason to believe its Mack Gower."

Calleigh's expression turned to shock as she absorbed the news.

Continuing Horatio added, "I know you've worked with Mack on several cases, just as we all have, but Daniel is sure about the connection and um… after I shot Cross in the scuffle, I took his cell phone from his coat pocket. I found a Miami number in the call list. One dialed many times. I gave the phone to Frank so he could call Travis this morning and get the number checked out."

Horatio looked into Calleigh's questioning eyes as she asked, "Do you think word of Cross's death will get back to Miami before we know?"

"I hope not. The regional director said he'll keep the news to himself until we know something."

After breakfast, Calleigh was walking around the room with Horatio's help when a knock on the door stopped them.

"Come in," Horatio called out as he guided Calleigh back to bed.

David Hobbs, the regional director for the FBI walked in followed by Frank and Walter.

"Horatio," David greeted as he reached across the bed and shook hands with the Lieutenant.

"David," Horatio returned cautiously.

The two men had met at a seminar years ago and had developed an acquaintance which still carried through to today. Often, they would call upon the other to help find wanted fugitives.

"Miss Duquesne, they tell me you'll be released in a couple of days, that's good news." The director made eye contact with Horatio before beginning again. "I think it would be a good idea for you to return to Miami when you're able. Lieutenant Caine is to be placed into the federal witness program. He'll be taken to a secret location tonight."

The director's words hit Calleigh hard. She had no idea Horatio would leave so soon. Quickly making eye contact with him, she saw the sadness in his bloodshot eyes before he broke eye contact with her and hung his head.

"Director Hobbs," Calleigh began as she continued to look toward Horatio, "Wherever Horatio goes, I go."

Her statement caused Horatio to look up. I didn't think she'd change her mind; maybe David will be able to talk some sense into her. What kind of life would she have with me? Not the one she deserves, that's for sure.

"That's not a good idea Miss Duquesne. Right now, the Russians have no reason to come after you, but if you stay with…"

She cut him off with the fiercest look she could manage as she focused her attention on the director, "I'm going wherever it is you're sending Horatio and that's final."

Calleigh turned her attention back to Horatio and squeezed his hand, noticing he looked troubled.

"Sweetheart, listen to reason…"

"I'm going with you Horatio… I'm not going to lose you again. Whatever happens, we'll be together."

They had this argument last night and neither was willing to change. He'd finally accepted the fact that she knew the risks involved staying with him and that he'd have to let her decide for herself, knowing there'd be no other choice.

Frank and Walter looked at each other and nodded their heads. Both men knew that once Calleigh Duquesne set her mind to something, good luck to anyone who tried to change it.

After a moment, Calleigh thought about Hella. "What about Hella? What will happen to her?"

"Mrs. Mencken will be moved to another safe house. In fact, she's leaving this morning.

About you going into the program with Lieutenant Caine, I'll have to make arrangements, it will delay his leaving. Perhaps you should take more time to think about it. We can't say how long he'll have to stay in the program. We're going to try to dismantle the Russian mob in Miami, but it may take time… perhaps a couple of years. Are you sure you still want to go with him?"

"Absolutely"

Horatio looked toward the window and sighed.

"You good with this idea Caine?" Hobbs inquired as he looked across at the redhead.

"Not one-hundred percent, but she's fully capable of making her own decisions," he answered as he turned around and looked Hobbs in the eye.

After the director left, Frank told Horatio the news from Travis.

"Your father may be right Horatio. That was Mack's number Cross called. I just won't believe Mack's involved in what happened till I find more substantial evidence that Mack would've been involved in something like this. But, I'll give Travis the phone when I get to the lab."

"Good." After a few moments hesitation, he asked, "When are you leaving for Miami?"

"In a couple of hours."

"You and Walter need to remember that I'm still dead. You can't tell anyone about seeing me… All of this was about Calleigh and the Russians, understand?"

Frank's lips tightened into a straight line as he shook his head that he understood, even though he didn't like the game his friend was about to play.

"It'll be hard to keep the secret," Walter spoke up, "but we'll do it to protect you and Calleigh, H."

Horatio smiled at the young man.

"One of us will call you periodically Francis from a throw-away phone… just to touch base."

Six months later, he walked down the fog shrouded pier in knee-high rubber boots and heavy rain gear to the sound of waves lapping at the support posts and the clanging of rigging hitting against steel on the trawlers all along the way as the boats rocked in their slips. It was a sound that he'd grown accustomed to since he spent most of his time around them. He smiled as he thought about the brown paper bag he carried. It held a special treat for the woman who possessed his heart. As always, he walked being aware of his surroundings as he neared the old pick-up truck waiting for him in the gravel parking lot at the end of the pier. Watching for new people had become as much of a habit for him as breathing.

Driving home, he thought back about how this new life had begun. Hobbs asking what area besides police work he had experience in. He'd never thought about it before, but most of his working life had been devoted to a career in law enforcement. He replied that he fished some with his nephew and had become pretty knowledgeable about that, but never entertained any notion that he could make a living at it. To his surprise, they set him up with a new identity as a commercial fisherman in a small coastal Maine community. It was hard work, but he had grown to like it. Overseeing a crew of six men, he loved it when they pulled in large harvests of fish and shellfish; a refreshing change from dealing with criminals. It was pretty lucrative work too. He and his crew had several restaurants on their list of clients and there were always people ready to buy fresh fish at the dock when they arrived most days.

Pulling into the drive and stopping beside a small, Cape Cod styled house, he smiled as he picked up the package from the seat and walked to the back door. As he entered the house, his senses were overwhelmed by the tantalizing aroma of dinner and the sight of her radiant smile as she turned toward him. They'd had to change their appearance, but nothing could change her engaging smile, he thought.

"Hi Sweetheart," he called out as she met him just inside the door.

"Hi Handsome, how was your day? Did you take in a good haul?"

After a warm hug and a lingering tender kiss, Horatio brought his hand around from behind her that held the sack.

"We did. Brought you a little something back from Portland."

He laughed as she quickly opened the sack without looking inside.

Bringing the item up where she could see it, she giggled.

"Oh Horatio, its exactly what I needed!"

The FBI placed Calleigh as a pre-school teacher in the local elementary school, since she had minored in that field for her college degree. She loved it. The school was behind the times, still using overhead projectors in the classroom and the old projector in her room needed a new light, but they hadn't been able to find one in Freeport, the little town they now called home.

Clearing his throat he added, "There's a little something else."

She looked back into the sack and realized there was a slim, flat box standing on its end. Pulling it out, she pulled off the lid and drew in a sharp breath. A solitaire diamond hung on a delicate gold chain.

"Oh Horatio… it's beautiful!"

"Let me have the honor."

He placed his gift around her neck, then after securing the clasp, he leaned down and gently kissed the back of her neck, just below her hairline. His tender action caused her to rest her head back against his chest.

"I love it…"

He whispered, "I wish it could be an engagement ring, but it will have to do for now."

She smiled as she answered, "We are married… just not under our real names."

Horatio grunted. "One day it will be for real... in our own names."

The FBI had set their cover up as being a married couple named Bill and Emily Robinson, originally from Long Island, NY. Immediately after leaving Montana, they'd lived for three months in Portland, Maine before being moved to Freeport so they wouldn't arrive at their destination so close in time with the incident in Montana.

She turned in his embrace, her hand cupped his bearded face as she replied, "You might not physically look like the Horatio I fell in love with years ago, but your heart is still the same."

He chuckled as he responded and slipped off her wig then his fingers brushed through her blond locks. "We had to change our appearance out of safety, but I'm thankful that didn't mean you had to cut your hair."

His hair dyed a light brown, he'd let it grow out to where it was now well below his ears. His face covered in a full beard, kept close to his skin, which was also brown drastically changed his appearance. The only physical characteristic the same were his blue eyes. But, when out in public, he wore brown contact lenses. His look blended in with other men in the fishing community, rugged and seasoned. The colder climate also forced him to wear long sleeve shirts and heavy outer wear that protected his fair skin from the sun. The clothes also contributed to his changed appearance.

Calleigh, out in public, wore a beautiful, natural looking wig, cut in a short bob. The wig made her a brunette, but her eyes were the same beautiful green.

"Let's enjoy the good food I smell, then how about we call it an early night," Horatio asked in a soft voice filled with emotion as he kissed her lips between his words, ending with a deep, powerful kiss that made her legs almost turn to putty. Suddenly, she wanted dessert now.

Calleigh felt her powerful climax begin growing to explosive proportions, then its tentacles raced through her entire body as she called out Horatio's name. A moment later he stiffened in his own climax and then fell into her arms. Their breathing labored, their bodies damp with sweat, neither could muster the strength to move just yet, relishing the wonderful intimacy they shared. Finally, able to roll over and then collapse beside her, he pulled her close as he tenderly kissed her forehead.

Calleigh felt very loved. I've never known such a considerate lover... making sure my needs are met before his.

"I love you Calleigh… I love you so much."

She snuggled closer and softly replied, "I'm glad." She looked at him with eyes full of love and added, "I love you Horatio. Then she giggled before adding, "I definitely love your beard! It tickles!"

He laughed and squeezed her tight. She has been such an important part of my new life. I would have been miserable without her with me.

The radio alarm automatically turned on at five-thirty a.m. Calleigh sleepily reached over and lowered the volume then pulled the cover back over her and returned to the warmth of Horatio's side.

She heard him sluggishly respond in a ragged voice, "It can't possibly be time to get up."

Opening her mouth to reply, she stopped when she heard a weather bulletin break in. High seas predicted for the coast between Portland and the Canadian border; Seas three to five feet. Red flags are out along the beach warning people to stay out of the water.

She looked back at Horatio. His eyes had closed and his breathing signaled that he'd gone back to sleep.

Squeezing his arm softly she said, "Hey sleepyhead… looks like you won't be going out today… rough seas."

His eyes partially opened before turning on his side to face her.

She added, "Unlike me, I have to go out in the storm."

"Stay home with me," he responded, his voice heavy with sleep.

She grinned and playfully hit his shoulder, "You know I can't do that. It is Friday though… we'll enjoy our night out tonight, if the weather's not too bad."

"Hmm… won't top last night," he smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling as he commented.

"Oh I don't know about that… maybe when we get home?"

Playfully he swatted her bottom and laughed as he jokingly replied, "You're going to be the death of me!"

Her smile faded.

"I've got to get ready for school," she answered sadly as she pushed out of his embrace.

She slid out from under the heavy cover and padded toward the bathroom before closing the door behind her. Horatio rolled over on his back wishing he could take back the comment. Whenever the word death was mentioned, it put her in a somber mood.

That night they sat at a table in their favorite local haunt watching couples on the dance floor while each nursed a cold beer. The band tonight was good. They were one of the best country bands around and everyone seemed to feel the same since the place was packed.

A man and woman approached their table and greeted, "Hey, sorry about being late, Bill..." looked over at Calleigh and added, "Emily. I had a full day on my shift." Horatio stood and shook hands with John and smiled and gave his wife Suzanne a friendly hug before she and Calleigh became ensconced in conversation.

John and Suzanne Rumo was a couple they had gotten to know in Freeport and often got together with them to eat out, or to enjoy a drink. Suzanne taught at the same school as Calleigh and John was a local deputy.

"Not late at all John," Horatio answered. "You've just missed some fantastic tunes from the band – they're good tonight."

After an enjoyable evening with their friends, eating and dancing, Horatio and Calleigh bid them good-bye with a promise to go to the movies with them next Saturday. As they walked out, a tall, athletic man entered the bar brushing past. Horatio hesitated a moment and watched as the stranger approached the bar. He felt a sudden uneasiness wash over him. He'd never seen the man here before, but after a minute, he continued following Calleigh out the door.

As he drove back to their house, Horatio commented to Calleigh, "Did you notice the stranger coming in as we left?"

"I did, but unless we see him again, we can't suspect every new person we meet Handsome."

Horatio didn't feel as confident.

"I think I'll stop at Joe's Quick Mart and pick up a phone. We need to check in with Frank tomorrow."

After breakfast, Horatio dialed Frank's cell phone number.

"Tripp," he answered.

"It's me," Horatio replied, "How are things there?"

Even though they felt secure talking on a phone which would be destroyed after their conversation, they never mentioned names.

"Good to hear from you. Work's same old, same old. Someone from your past is not doing well though; she's in the usual hospital… doesn't look good."

Horatio grew silent; he knew who Frank was referring to, Miriam Humphries.

"Thanks. I'll check on that."

After they ended the call, Horatio sat in silence for several minutes, and then dialed another number.

When a familiar voice picked up at the other end, Horatio stated, "We need to go to Miami – tomorrow. It's an emergency."

"I'll have to set it up. It's short notice, but I can probably swing it. Be at the C terminal in the private section of Portland International by seven in the morning."

Horatio ended the call.

Calleigh walked in and asked, "What did Frank know?"

Then she saw the sadness in Horatio's eyes.

TBC…