The Return

Chapter 21

Jack, being his most trusted worker was the first to speak up as all the men, himself included, stared at the dead man.

"What do we do Cap'n… get him out and continue with our work?"

Horatio looked around into the faces of each man, trying to determine if any of them could have been involved. They all looked shaken… more surprisingly, the new man seemed worse than the others. That piqued Horatio's interest.

Finally Horatio spoke up, "We'll have to consider today a washout I'm afraid. Jack, get on the radio and notify the sheriff's department we're returning to port with a dead body. Has anyone touched anything?"

Everyone shook their head no. "Let's keep it that way," Horatio added. "There could be evidence to help the investigators find out who did this." He thought he'd better stay with the body just to make sure.

Calleigh had just stood to go wash the water-based paint off her hands, after an hour of art with the children, when Suzanne walked in the room. The expression on her friend's face instantly told her something was not right.

"Hey… you've missed all the fun," Calleigh called out cheerfully to her friend hoping the woman's face would brighten, but it didn't. She rinsed off the paint and was drying her hands when Suzanne asked,

"Emily… could your assistant take over for you?"

Calleigh felt concerned now. "I… I guess so." Calleigh looked down at the woman who still sat on the low stool surrounded by the children.

Her assistant, Miss Shaw, a retired teacher who loved volunteering in the lower grades answered, "I'll be fine. You go do what you need to."

Calleigh followed Suzanne out into the hallway. "What's going on Suzanne?"

Suzanne took her friend's hand in hers and softly answered, "Honey, Bill's boat is returning to port. One of his men called the sheriff's department requesting assistance… they're coming in with a body. John's on his way to meet them with some of his deputies now."

Suddenly Calleigh couldn't breathe. No - it can't possibly be him… it has to be one of the others. Attempting to regain her composure, with her hand still over her mouth, she squeezed her eyes closed.

"Bill didn't call it in?" Calleigh finally whispered after dropping her hand.

Suzanne reluctantly answered, "No… Jack did."

"I want to be there when they come in… would you…"

"I'll explain everything to the principal. You go on."

Calleigh squeezed her friend's hand and whispered, "Thanks."

Suzanne called out to Calleigh as she watched her walk away, "I'll check with you later." I really hate for her to go alone, but John will be there.

The wind was strong for midday. The sky was overcast, as most days were on the coast of Maine. Calleigh stood on the pier, wrapped in a heavy coat with a hood pulled over her head, watching the sea gulls frolicking in the wind currents as they competed for bait Mr. Thompson was tossing in the air for them. She'd often seen him at the dock feeding the birds, much like elderly people do in parks with the pigeons, only the fishermen didn't like their boats covered in the bird's droppings.

She tightened the collar of the coat around her throat as her eyes scanned the horizon for a glimpse of The Second Time Around, Horatio's boat. She had called his cell several times, never receiving an answer which added to her apprehension. After a minute or two she finally saw the outline of the boat further out. As the boat drew closer to port, John and a couple of the deputies joined her on the pier.

John spoke up, "I'm sure Bill's alright. Jack would've mentioned it if he wasn't."

Calleigh gave him a faint smile and nodded. She wouldn't be convinced until she saw him though. No one knew the dangers they potentially faced.

It took the boat twenty minutes before it was close enough to see those on deck. Calleigh frantically searched the cockpit for a glimpse of Horatio, but she only saw Jack at the wheel.

Horatio had seen Calleigh standing on the pier as they approached. I didn't expect her to be down here. I hope she's alright. He walked around the center structure of the boat, still able to see the net where the man's body was resting, and waved to her.

Calleigh felt her body sag with relief when she saw Horatio, managing a smile and wave in return, while fighting to keep the tears contained that were welling in her eyes.

Once the boat came to a stop against the pier and the lines were secure, John and his deputies boarded the boat, walking toward Bill to get the details.

"What do we have, Bill," John spoke up after shaking hands with his friend.

"My crew was extending the nets when they noticed a body in one. No one has touched the net or the body, so whatever evidence that may have been left should still be preserved."

John looked blankly at his friend. Why would he think like that? The average citizen would have been all over the scene.

"Oh, ok – thanks," John answered. Then he asked, "Have you or any of your crew seen the man before?"

Horatio looked beyond his friend for a second before answering.

"I have… but not on my boat, or around the docks." John's interest increased with Bill's answer. Horatio pulled in a deep breath and let it out as he looked down at the deck. Lifting his eyes back to his friend, he explained, "After Emily and I left the bar the other night, when we met you and Suzanne, the guy brushed past us as he entered."

John hesitated a minute then asked, "So you don't know his name, or anything right?"

"No," Horatio answered truthfully. But, I suspect he's Russian.

"Thanks Bill, I'll go check on what my men have found. You can leave, but I may need to ask you more questions later. I'll also speak to each of your crew."

Horatio nodded his head, understanding the formal procedure.

Stepping on the pier, Calleigh greeted him with a strong hug.

Leaning back slightly in their embrace, Horatio inquired, "How did you know about this? Plus – how can you be away from school?"

She gave him a warm smile as she answered, "Suzanne told me. She and Miss Shaw are covering for me. I was so afraid something had happened to you, I just had to come."

He pulled her close and whispered, "I'm so sorry you have to live like this."

They stayed locked in the embrace for several minutes before Horatio loosened his hold on her and said,

"C'mon, I need a new cell phone."

"What happened to your phone? I tried to call you several times…"

"I dropped it and the screen shattered." No need to tell her what really happened… it would only upset her.

As they walked toward the parking lot, he explained how they found the dead man on the boat.

Later that night, after they'd eaten dinner, Horatio went back to searching the email from Frank. Looking through the large file of pictures he suddenly stopped. He stared at the familiar face on the screen before him. This is the dead man. He read the name below the photo, Vladimir Ivanov. Then he read the man's file, it was very impressive he thought. Seems Vladimir was working his way up the chain in the Bratva. His type is usually the ones they send out to do the footwork, but who killed him… and why?

Calleigh stopped momentarily and leaned on the frame of the archway, studying Horatio. I wonder if he's found the dead man.

"Hey," she softly called as she walked toward the chair, "recognize anyone yet?"

Horatio looked up and smiled before asking, "Shower feel good?"

She settled on the oversized arm of the recliner beside him as she pulled her long, slightly damp hair to one side.

"It did."

Horatio turned his phone so she could clearly see the screen.

"To answer your question, yes, I did. It's the man from the bar the other night. He's Vladimir Ivanov. Now, he's dead."

Calleigh stared at the picture and whispered, "They may have found us." She was now concerned. Why would I ever second guess Horatio's keen intuition of people?

Horatio grimaced realizing she was right.

"I'll contact the FBI agent in charge for this region tomorrow. The boat will still be tied up in the investigation so, I'll have time. But, I want you to be more cautious now - even at school."

"Did Frank send a picture of who they suspect Diedra answered to?"

"He did."

Horatio pulled the image up and Calleigh noticed the name.

"Andrew Kunis. He even looks as evil as Frank warned, but his name doesn't really sound Russian."

Horatio explained, "His file states that he's an American citizen. Parents were Russian immigrants; seems he became influenced by greed – the good old American way."

The next morning, Horatio kept his appointment with John to answer more questions about the investigation into Ivanov's murder. Then the next thing on his list was to drive down to Portland and meet with the FBI's regional director.

After meeting with John and a sheriff's investigator, he made the twenty-minute drive down to Portland to discuss Ivanov with Regional Director Anthony Deaver. Approaching the city limits of the larger city, Horatio glanced in the rear view mirror at the traffic behind him. He was in the car Calleigh usually drove to school, but this morning she said it was such a beautiful day; she'd walk to her school. At first he attempted to persuade her to drive, only to be rebuffed by her sharp tone as she reminded him that the school was less than a ten minute walk away. She promised to be careful and pay close attention to her surroundings, but that her route was through a nice section of town and she felt comfortable walking. With his mind concentrating on meeting with Deaver, Horatio failed to notice the large, dark sedan a few cars back, or that it was following him into town, at an inconspicuous distance of course.

Waiting had never been Horatio's forte – especially now. Stretching his arm out so he could check the time on his watch, he let out an exasperated huff realizing he'd been waiting over thirty-minutes and hadn't been called back to the man's office yet. Then he began to mentally consider the young woman's reaction when he asked to see Director Deaver. She had hesitated and then told him to take a seat while she went to check if he was available. She hadn't returned. As he looked out the office door, he only saw a couple of agents working at their desks. Something's not right. There should be more agents. Then he saw the receptionist approaching from down the hall and stood.

"Sorry it's taken so long," she said as she walked into the small room, "but we've had a change in staff in the last month and everything is still in turmoil. The Director will see you now."

Horatio followed her down the hall toward two wooden doors marked with door plates that read, Regional Director. She opened one of the doors and held it while he passed her for him to enter. An unfamiliar man stood from his chair behind a massive desk with a hand outstretched to greet him.

"Mr. Robinson, Paul Whittle."

Horatio shook the man's hand confused by the new face.

"Um… I expected Tony Deaver. Is he here?"

"You didn't know that he was transferred last month? I assumed the responsibilities of this region shortly after. Have a seat, please."

In his gut, Horatio knew this was not going to turn out well, but he explained what had happened.

Calleigh realized that the walk to work this morning had given her new vigor to face her young students. Why haven't I done this more often? It was almost lunch before she finally had time to sit for a short time. The children were on a play break outside with Miss Shaw giving her time to savor the quietness in the room. As she looked around at the decorated walls covered with colorful posters of cartoon characters and animals in the shape of letters, she felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of possibly having to leave Freeport and her children - children she would greatly miss.

Having never considered a life away from guns and forensics, her time here had made her realize that she loved teaching children just as much. Maybe Ivanov was not here because of us. There are a great many foreigners in the fishing industry in this area… but we do have to use precaution in our situation. Perhaps Horatio will find out more in his meeting with the director.

"I'm sorry Bill, I wish I could spare a man to look into this situation over your way, but we've suffered major cutbacks and it just isn't possible. If something more were to happen, contact me," he handed Horatio a card containing his information. "Until then, my hands are tied."

Horatio looked down at the card in his hand and began clenching his jaw, attempting to control his temper.

Raising his head, his eyes fixed on the tall man standing behind the desk, signaling that their meeting was evidently finished.

Horatio stood and responded, "I knew the witness protection program had its' flaws, but I now understand why so many people who enter it don't survive."

"Mr. Robinson…"

Horatio cut him off with a glare that would make the most evil criminal wither in retreat before responding,

"I hope for your sake that nothing happens to my fiancée because if I'm still living, you'll be the one I'll come for."

Shocked by Horatio's words, Whittle sputtered, "Are you threatening me? Because if…"

Horatio's lips turned up in a cynical smile before snarling in an almost breathless whisper, "Take it any way you want… but just remember what I said."

With that, Horatio turned and briskly walked to the door, throwing it open so hard that it bounced off the wall behind him and then disappeared from view.

Horatio walked out of the federal building, slipping on his sunglasses to help with the bright afternoon sun, attempting to calm down as he headed for his car. The dark sedan had stopped down the block among other cars, its' occupants watching. When Horatio pulled out of the parking lot, the car down the street eased out into traffic, at a safe distance behind him.

After merging into traffic on the Interstate, headed back to Freeport, something told him to look in his rearview mirror and when he did, he saw a large black car swiftly gaining on him. Accelerating as well, he changed lanes and saw the car do the same. A plus was that the traffic had thinned, allowing for more maneuverability. The sedan pulled along beside Horatio while they were both approaching eighty-five miles an hour and then suddenly drifted over and slammed into the side of his car. Horatio never lost control, but he knew his car was no match in speed against the larger car; instead, he quickly determined that his only option was to out-think the other driver.

The next time the sedan slammed into the side of his car, Horatio was ready. He jerked the wheel hard to the left attempting to change the momentum of the impact. Slamming his car into the side of the sedan caused the other driver to suddenly brake, giving Horatio's car no resistance. The maneuver caused Horatio's car to go airborne then, just as quickly slam back to the pavement on the passenger side. The subsequent violent rolls caused the car to leave the highway and go down a grassy embankment before it came to a rest upside down. The dark sedan kept going.

Calleigh gathered her things after classes let out and pulled the door to her classroom closed before she turned and walked down the hall, running into her friend Suzanne.

"Emily, why don't you let me take you home? It's been a long day, surely you're tired."

Calleigh smiled, "I agree; it has been a long day, but the walk will do me good. Thanks anyway." she replied before walking out the double doors at the end of the hall with her tote bag in one hand.

As she walked, she passed several houses where their owners were out in the yard enjoying the sunny afternoon. This is so different from Miami. It's almost like a Norman Rockwell painting. Tree lined streets; children riding their bicycles on the sidewalk or playing in the yard. It reminds me of the small town I grew up in, in Louisiana – it feels like home. Absorbed in her surroundings Calleigh failed to notice the white van slowly following her.

Turning into their driveway, Calleigh walked to the side door with her keys in her hand and began unlocking the door while balancing the mail in her other. The door opened, but she never stepped inside. A moist cloth suddenly covered her mouth and she felt strong hands grab her arms, pinning them to her body. Then everything went black. The van screeched to a halt in the driveway as the big man picked up Calleigh's limp body and placed her inside, then jumping in himself; he pulled the sliding door closed. The vehicle backed out of the drive and sped away. Her bag's contents and the mail lay scattered on the ground.

John Rumo had received a call from a state trooper about a bad wreck just a few miles from Freeport, but within his jurisdiction of Madison County on I-95. They'd told him the man involved, Bill Robinson, had requested they call. Stopping his patrol car, he got out and shook his head in disbelief as he looked over at the mangled car, still on its roof. As he continued on toward the paramedics, relieved to see his friend talking with the men. He came to a stop beside the gurney,

"What in the hell happened Bill?"

Horatio looked up and saw his friend's concerned expression. "I'm ok… just shaken a bit." Despite the paramedic's protests, Horatio slowly sat up and swung his legs off the side of the gurney.

"Would you be able to take me home?"

John rubbed his chin reacting to Bill's request. "Don't you think you'd better get checked out…" he looked at one of the emergency personnel for reinforcement.

"That's what we told him he needed to do," a middle-aged paramedic spoke up, "But, he insists he's fine."

"Nothing broken… I need to get home as fast as possible," Horatio's tone almost pleading.

"Ah… what's the big hurry Bill?"

Horatio couldn't explain the situation to the deputy, not yet.

"I just need to go home."

As the patrol car entered Freeport, John looked over at his friend, "You sure you're going to be alright? You took a tremendous amount of g-forces in that wreck my friend."

"I'll be sore for a few days, that's all."

John let out an exasperated chuckle then answered, "It'll be longer than that."

Horatio was not concerned about his pain - only worried about Calleigh.

The car pulled in the drive and the two men got out. Then, Horatio noticed the side door to the house ajar and Calleigh's bag, along with the mail scattered on the ground. He walked toward the door at a fast pace and as he went, pulled the Sig Sauer automatic from inside his coat. Bill having a gun surprised John.

"What's going on here?" John asked as he drew his weapon and followed behind his friend now fearing something was terribly wrong.

John watched Bill slowly push the door open with his head tilted to the right as he held the gun in his hand at eye level. Moving in a crouched stance, his friend entered the house quickly, sweeping the gun from side to side just as a police officer would do.

Who in the hell is this guy? John thought as he watched from behind.

Horatio began moving through the house, calling Emily's name, with John backing him up. After they had searched the entire house, with no sign of Calleigh, Horatio's initial fear that she'd been kidnapped, now appeared true.

John spoke up, "Who are you, Bill? You entered this house like a well-trained law enforcement officer would."

Horatio's frightened eyes met his friend's. He now knew he had to explain everything, if they were to ever find Calleigh.

TBC…