A/N: Okay this is it, the last chapter… but not the end of the story so to speak. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and remember, I warned you it was coming. The Cliffy!
Enjoy.
For the last time… Here we go.
III
Horatio's eyes opened and immediately slammed shut with an indiscernible groan. The bright rays of sunlight blanketed the room. A soft chuckle made him force one eye open.
"Good afternoon handsome," she cheerfully said, with one of her megawatt smiles.
Another long groan left his throat as he shifted on the bed. He rubbed at his tired eyes and against his better judgment opened them. He blinked and frowned feeling the unpleasant sensation of a hangover. The throbbing increased when he lifted his head and chose to let it drop right back down.
"Afternoon," he said in a whiskey dry tone. "What time is it?"
"Almost one handsome. Why, you going somewhere?"
Horatio chuckled then frowned feeling the pain in his head. "No. Um… I was just thinking… maybe we could sleep in today."
Calleigh smiled. "Now you're reading my mind," she said kissing his cheek lightly.
"Mmmm." Horatio answered pulling her down on top of him. "I think a congratulations is in order for your amazing win last night."
"Really?" She said beaming then ran a soft hand through his rumpled hair.
"Mmm. Most definitely…." He whispered near her ear and nuzzled on her small earlobe. His arms wrapped around her and slid gently down her back to her rear. He caressed with a low hum. "I think you deserve… a reward," he said wiggling his brows at her.
"That's what you said last night." She smirked still playing with his fiery hair and continued. "And that's exactly what you gave me too."
Horatio's brows arched high. He gave her a crooked grin then licked his lips. "I remember beautiful. Every- little- detail," he said slowly.
Calleigh gasped then narrowed her eyes on him. "And I thought you were drunk!"
Horatio chuckled. "I was um… tipsy."
She held his eyes confused. "Then how in the world did you—"
He quickly placed one finger over her lips shushing her. "A good poker player never reveals his secrets."
Calleigh's eyes widened in disbelief. She gasped stunned. He just used her exact words she had said to Joe last night. She slapped him playfully.
"Horatio Caine… You were eavesdropping!"
Horatio chuckled then grew serious. "I told you, your mine."
Calleigh's head tilted and she stared at him taken aback. The heated look in his darkening blue eyes let her know he meant it.
"I feel like a piece of property," she answered holding his gaze.
"No. Never." He tenderly cupped her cheek and caressed it with the pad of his thumb. "You're just my beautiful southern belle and you're all mine." He paused looking into her bright green eyes then exhaled softly. "I almost lost it last night with the way those men were… ogling you."
She grinned. "So that's what got you so riled up handsome. You were jealous."
Horatio eyes narrowed on her and his hands settled on her derrière. He squeezed and lifted his hips letting her feel his arousal.
Calleigh held his gaze. "You have that animalistic look in your eyes again handsome."
A low hum his only response as he slowly devoured her body with his eyes.
"Horatio," she said attempting to move off him.
He held onto her tightly then quickly rolled over covering her body with his. He pressed his hips against her and groaned. "You're not going anywhere just yet."
"I'm not?" Calleigh sassed playing along, already turned on by his roaming hands and low whiskey tone. She unconsciously chewed on her bottom lip. Horatio leaned down and kissed her softly covering it. She chuckled as he drew back.
"Say your mine," he rumbled low, looking into her lustful eyes.
"And if I don't?" Calleigh teased holding his gaze, "What… are you going to punish me?"
A very wide grin formed on Horatio's face. He bent and trailed kisses along her throat while his fingers caressed down her arms and entwined with hers. With a very low moan he lifted her hands above her head then pressed them down onto the bed pinning her.
Holding her surprised gaze he whispered, "Consider yourself punished."
III
A tall man, dressed sharply in black pants and a white button down short sleeve shirt headed up the walkway. He proceeded to ring the bell then turned and looked all around the very quiet area. The sound of the door being unlocked made him turn back halfway.
An older woman with slightly graying hair and a cheerful smile opened the door just as the chain lock stopped it in place. "May I help you?" She asked looking at the stranger through the small opening.
He smiled. "I'm hoping you can. I'm looking for a dear friend who used to live here. I was hoping you may know her. Her name is Calleigh Duquesne?"
The woman smiled instantly. "Oh yes! Of course I know Calleigh. She's just one of the loveliest people I have ever known."
"Yes she does have that affect on people. I believe it's her southern charm." He smiled widely showing the white of his teeth.
The older woman nodded. "I just love that southern accent of hers. I didn't realize how much I missed her until now, and that very good looking young man that kept her company. I can't quite remember his name though. It was very uncommon," she said, shaking her head, trying to remember. "He was wonderful and even fixed the plumbing for me."
"You mean the red head right? That's Lieutenant Horatio Caine I believe you are talking about." He gave her a very charming smile.
"Why yes, that's his name. Horatio." She nodded and removed the chain from the door then opened it fully to the polite stranger. "My old age must be catching up with me. I just can't remember things like I used too," she said sadly.
"Well you remembered that just fine ma'am, so I doubt it's your age," he said making her feel better. "I wonder if you could be so kind as to help me. You see I didn't get Calleigh's new address and I would like to surprise her if I can."
The lady looked down for a long moment then met his gaze. "I'm really not supposed to give out her new address. She made sure to stress that to me because she is a police officer. In fact, I'm still forwarding her old mail to her. I have a bit for the postman today."
'Really.' He hummed low with a calculated stare. "I understand," the man said with another smile but looked down sadly. "I wouldn't have inquired but I have been away for some time on business and I never got her notice of a change of address."
"Oh, are you a police officer too?"
He smiled coldly. "No… not quite. I'm a supreme court Judge for the state of Florida."
"Ohh! Well in that case, I don't think Calleigh would mind. I guess it would be okay. "
"That would be just wonderful," he smiled. "You see I have a very special surprise for her and I want it to be…" He looked up and grinned, "Unexpected."
"That sounds wonderful. I'm sure they will be very happy to see you… Um… I'm so sorry young man; I didn't get your name?"
'They.' He hummed low and his smile widened even more. It wasn't intentional but each time she spoke, she gave him more information.
"My name is Joseph," he said offering his hand to her. "Chief Judge, Joseph Ratner, "And yours?" He asked with charisma.
"Oh, I'm just the landlord. Everyone calls me Agnes. "It's a pleasure to meet you Joseph," she said, releasing his hand as he turned fully to face her. She suddenly gasped seeing the scars and mangled skin on his discolored face. He was clearly a burn victim.
"Oh I'm sorry…" she said trying to apologize for her horrible reaction.
"That's quite alright Agnes. That is usually everyone's first reaction when they see it. You see I was in a terrible boating accident… and it was Calleigh and Horatio who saved me."
The older woman covered her mouth and gasped. "Really! Oh my goodness, Thank God they were able to save you." She smiled. "Why don't you come in Joseph and let me find their address for you. Did I mention that Calleigh moved in with him. I think Horatio plans to marry her and I hope they remember to invite me. They do make such a lovely couple."
"Did you say… she moved in with him?
"Why yes. It's only been a few months now, but I'm sure they are very happy together. Perhaps you would like a cup of tea," she said, as he walked into her apartment.
"That sounds wonderful Agnes, thank you," he said with a menacing stare and closed the door behind him.
III
"Hey, you are aware we still have a whole week before we have to officially go back to work?"
"Mm-hmm." He answered low buttoning up his shirt. Then headed for Calleigh and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her rosy lips. His tone was velvety soft. "I think you've been enjoying our little vacation as much as I have huh?"
Calleigh smiled and nodded. "Mm-hmm." She sighed and rested her head on his chest. "We're just going in for a little while right? Paper work only Horatio."
He chuckled hearing her questioning tone. "That's correct sweetheart. And… how about I take you out for a nice lunch on the beach when we're done?"
"It's a date handsome." She said kissing him on the lips again, giving him the once over. "You look good, as always," she smiled and ran her hands slowly down his chest.
He looked down with a beautiful boyish grin. "May I say you look as beautiful as ever sweetheart."
Calleigh laughed and drew back. Her eyes wandered down toward his tenting pants.
"I think we better get out of here soon as possible handsome."
Horatio chuckled feeling his lower loins stir. He hummed low, "I um… see your point."
"I thought you might," Calleigh chuckled over her shoulder heading out of the bedroom.
III
Horatio looked over at the smiling blonde bombshell next to him. He turned back toward the road but felt the need to touch her. With another quick glance, he ran his hand down over her silky soft hair, causing her to close her eyes and hum her pleasure. She turned towards him and smiled.
"You better not keep that up handsome. I'm liable to put my head down on your lap like I always do and—"
"And fall asleep," softly he finished causing her to laugh.
She hummed her agreement. "I don't know what it is but your hands in my hair just, just… relax me. Soothe me. I love when you do that." She said finding his eyes locked on her. She turned away with a chuckle.
His voice a low soft timber. "I love it too sweetheart. It relaxes me and I enjoy putting you to sleep like that."
Calleigh turned toward him again. "If you keep talking in this tone handsome, so help me, I swear I'll take you home and handcuff you to our bed. I'll never let you go."
That had Horatio laughing deeply. "That sounds… interesting… but, we wouldn't get anything done beautiful."
"Ohh, we'd get plenty done," she giggled whole heartedly.
Horatio pulled into his usual parking spot and shut the engine off. He looked over at her and stared in awe. Seeing her smiling and so happy made his heart swell. He cupped the back of her head, letting his fingers curl into her hair and pulled her towards his lips whispering, "I love you." He sealed his words with a loving kiss.
A loud knock on the glass window of the Hummer caused them to quickly pull apart. Calleigh's eyes widened when she saw Frank standing there grinning.
"I know a good make out area if you two are interested," he bellowed through the closed window.
Horatio adjusted and sat back in his seat with a small smile and nodded. "Thanks for the tip Frank."
"Anytime H," the big Texan laughed as he walked away.
"Oh my god," Calleigh groaned and raked a hand through her hair. "What are we going to do Horatio? I mean look at us, we're like two kids making out in the car."
He exhaled softly in thought. "I'll let you know when I figure it out. In the meantime… Where were we…?" He leaned in and kissed her again.
III
The moment Horatio and Calleigh walked into the building they were stopped by Alexx.
"You two had better just turn around and go back home! There is no way I am letting either one of you in this building today." She swayed her head back and forth with attitude and crossed her arms on her chest.
Calleigh smiled and gave the medical examiner a gentle hug. She chuckled, "We're just here to catch up on some paper work. Don't worry Alexx; I'm not leaving his side for a second."
Alexx laughed. Well I'm glad to see you have him under control honey."
Horatio chuckled low. "So I take it, it's okay to keep walking then?"
Alexx gave him a smirk and laughed. "Just as long as you walk directly to your office and don't overdo it honey."
"Yes ma'am," Horatio answered quietly. He and Calleigh continued to make their way toward his office.
A few hours had passed. Horatio was sitting comfortably behind his desk looking down at a file. Calleigh was seated in the cushioned chair near the front of his desk. She yawned and put down the file stretching.
"How about some more coffee?" She asked sweetly. "I for one could use another jolt of caffeine."
Horatio nodded and stood up. Calleigh put her hand up stopping him.
"I'll go get it. I need to stretch my legs handsome." She gave him a bombshell smile.
"Thank you." He replied with the tilt of his head and a small grin, watching her hips sway side to side. "Hurry back," he whispered in that low seductive tone as Calleigh chuckled looking back over her shoulder at him.
A short while passed when Calleigh returned with two coffees in hand. She put them down on his desk and let herself collapse down into the chair.
"I hate to say it… but I'm exhausted," she said, lifting the coffee cup to her lips. "Hopefully this helps."
Horatio smiled and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his desk. He held her gaze. "If you want to head home—"
"Not a chance handsome… unless of course, you are coming with me." She grinned mischievously.
Horatio exhaled softly. He felt his own body's weariness too. The poison had done a job on the both of them. It was taking a bit longer for them to recover fully and the last thing he wanted was Calleigh pushing herself. "Let me finish up on this file and we'll head home alright?"
"Deal,' Calleigh smiled widely, unable to believe he gave in so easily.
A soft knock on the door made them both look as Eric walked in.
"Um, I'm sorry to interrupt but we just got a call out and I wanted to give you a heads up H."
"Okay," Horatio said curiously. "What have you got Eric?"
He looked at Calleigh then back at Horatio. He hesitated. "Um… it's in the neighborhood…."
Horatio frowned knowing something was wrong with the way Eric was acting. He was holding back and from the looks he kept giving Horatio, it had something to do with Calleigh.
"Okay, out with it," she ordered staring at Eric. "I'm not stupid, what's going on?" She said crossing her arms on her chest.
Eric looked towards Horatio who gave a very subtle nod.
"We just got a call they found a DB over at Calleigh's old apartment complex."
Calleigh rose from her chair immediately and tilted her head at Eric. "My building," she said slowly in disbelief.
"Yeah," Eric answered with a nod.
"Did they say who the victim was Eric?" Horatio asked standing.
"No H. Just that the postman found the dead body. I'm gonna head over there now."
"Okay Eric," Horatio said with a nod. "Let me know what you find.
Eric turned and gave Calleigh a reassuring nod. "I'll let you both know what I find ASAP." He turned and left the office.
Horatio exhaled inwardly feeling that alarm go off in his head. His intuition was warning him again. Something was wrong.
Intense blue eyes met concerned pools of green. "You want to go check it out?"
She immediately nodded with concern. "Please."
"Let's go," Horatio said pulling his jacket off the back of the chair.
III
Horatio pulled up to the crime scene, his thoughts reeling. Against his better judgment he turned towards Calleigh. "I'll go." He said holding her gaze. "You can stay here—"
Calleigh was already out the door.
"Okay…" Horatio murmured quietly moving in step beside her.
"Oh no. No…" Calleigh whispered as they headed up the very familiar walkway towards her landlords front door. She shook her head back and forth upset.
"Calleigh," Horatio said lowly, seeing her reaction. "Maybe you should—"
"Horatio, I'm fine." She snapped at him then grew quiet when she overheard the familiar voice of Alexx, giving the cause of death.
"Blunt force trauma. I'd say late sixties… possibly early seventies. Rigamortis set in. She's been dead a while; I'll get a liver temp to determine time of death. Poor baby probably didn't even see it coming."
Calleigh's heart sank, her eyes closed. She covered her mouth doing her best to hold her grief at bay.
Horatio gently took her by the arm and led her away from the doorway to a quiet area nearby.
He held her grief stricken eyes and this time took charge. His words were spoken firmly but with compassion. "Stay here. Just for now. Let me go and check it out okay." It wasn't a question and Calleigh knew it.
She exhaled heavily, nodded then took a seat on the small stone wall near the flowerbed. "It's Agnes, Horatio," she whispered. "Why would someone want to hurt her," she asked, as tears welled in her sad green eyes.
"I don't know sweetheart but I promise you, we'll find out. We'll get whoever did this Calleigh."
She nodded and bit down on her lower lip then grabbed his hand and squeezed tightly letting go. "I'm okay. Go ahead," she said gesturing with her head.
"Hang in there sweetheart. I'll be right back." Horatio held her gaze for a moment longer and then walked away.
Alexx was kneeling next to the body when Horatio walked in and surveyed the area. There was blood everywhere. The walls, the ceiling and a huge puddle on the floor near the body. He stood with hands on hips looking around, processing the scene with incisive eyes. It only took a moment for Alexx to notice him.
"What have we got?" He asked with the tilt of his head, looking down at the mangled and disfigured bloody body.
"Baby you know you're not supposed to be working the field yet. Joe hasn't cleared you. If the higher ups find out you'll be in certain trouble."
"She's… a friend." Horatio answered quietly then corrected himself. "Was…" he let out a soft breath. "Do you have a positive ID Alexx," he asked, shaking his head back and forth in dismay. He noticed the blue birthstone ring on the dead woman's finger and had seen it many times before when she was alive. He knew it was Agnes.
"Agnes Malone, 67 years old, widowed. Looks like blunt force trauma Horatio. The bastard that did this was an animal. He must have been enraged. He almost took her head off."
Horatio sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose answering lowly. "She used to be Calleigh's Landlord. We've known her for quite a while. She was a very sweet lady."
Alexx gave him a look of shock. "I'm so sorry honey… I had no idea."
"No sign of forced entry H," Eric said, while Ryan snapped pictures of the crime scene. "The postman said the teapot was whistling nonstop, that's what got his attention. He also said she was outside every afternoon to pick up her mail and when she didn't show… well."
Eric paused watching Horatio's eyes examine the room. "We have the murder weapon bagged and tagged. It was an iron poker… I found a few prints on it and in here as well. I'll go door to door to see if anyone saw anything out of the ordinary."
"Thank you Eric," Horatio said feeling miserable. He looked around more carefully and remembered the many times he was there, in the woman's apartment. Fond memories flashed in his mind until Alexx pulled him from his thoughts.
"Horatio, does Calleigh know?" She asked with worry. "What I don't understand is why someone would want to kill an innocent 67 year old woman?"
"I'll never understand why Alexx. But I can tell you one thing I do know. We're sure as hell going to find out," he said placing his hands on his hips again.
"H, it looks like someone may have rummaged through her mail. I have some that's open and other letters that seem untouched. Maybe someone was looking for something." Ryan said snapping off more pictures.
"Yes and maybe they found it Mr. Wolfe," Horatio said slipping on a pair of gloves, looking the evidence over.
Alexx stood up. "I'll be able to tell you more once we get her to post honey." She turned and saw Calleigh standing near the doorway and walked over towards her. Horatio carefully kept a discreet eye on Calleigh as well.
"I'm sorry baby," Alexx said giving Calleigh a tender hug. "I'm going to post ASAP Calleigh. We'll get the bastard that did this."
"Thanks Alexx," she said feeling none the better, especially when Eric walked by her with the bloody iron poker in hand. Calleigh's stomach churned and she turned away.
The medical assistances carefully lifted the body and put it on the gurney. One zippered the body bag as the other looked down at the floor. "What's that," he said pointing to an envelope submerged in the blood pool.
"Don't touch anything!" Ryan said and stopped them immediately. He snapped a few pictures of it and lifted the bloody envelope. He looked it over trying to make out the writing as his eyes went wide.
Horatio easily caught the young man's reaction and discreetly headed for him.
"What have you got Mr. Wolfe?" He asked lowly, knowing it was something that disturbed his youngest CSI.
Ryan looked up at Horatio and swallowed. "Um… It's… It looks like a letter addressed to Calleigh… here at this address… but it looks like someone put a forwarding address over it H."
Horatio took the letter and carefully looked it over recognizing Agnes handwriting. His eyes narrowed. "Mrs. Malone was probably planning on giving it to the postman when she was attacked. She has been forwarding Calleigh's old mail to us since she moved in to my place."
A flash went off in Horatio's mind. He was envisioning the crime, seeing Agnes head for the door with the mail in hand when she was suddenly hit in the head from behind.
"H, you think someone may be after Calleigh? This doesn't look good."
Horatio clenched his jaw and gave Ryan a very intense look. As if someone had to tell him that. Ryan shook his head as recognition set in a bit late. He mumbled, "Stupid… comment, sorry H."
"See if you can get any prints off that envelope Mr. Wolfe and go over this place with a fine tooth comb understood?"
"Understood H," Ryan said still feeling guilty.
"It could be a coincidence," Horatio said feeling otherwise. His tone changed. He was clearly irritated and asked curtly, "Anyone talk to the postman?"
"Yeah H. That would be me," Eric said stepping beside Horatio. "A Mr. Richard Goodman. He's clean and pretty shaken up too. He knew the victim for almost six years now. Said she would meet him out front each day to collect her mail and give him correspondence as well. I processed him just to be sure."
"Good work Eric." Horatio said with a nod. "I know the man. He's a good guy"
Horatio exhaled and made his way toward the door. He examined the lock carefully and the wood frame. Nothing broke. No forced entry. He began to replay the crime in his head and walked towards the kitchen. His eyes went to the stove and he saw the burnt tea kettle, then they slowly slid over towards two short tea cups. His eyes narrowed. 'It was someone she knew. She was making tea for two…'
Horatio let out a long deep breath and scanned the kitchen again with his eyes. They stopped on the wall caddy where Agnes kept her keys, mail and other correspondence. Horatio checked it to find it empty, then realized she must have come into the kitchen, turned on the stove to make tea, and remembered she had mail for the postman. He nodded in thought, seeing it all happen in his mind's eye.
That's why Ryan found the mail, but the letter under her body still didn't quite make sense. His jaw clenched, he was concerned. Very concerned for Calleigh's safety.
Horatio headed back into the living room and over towards Calleigh. He held her glassy gaze. "C'mon. Why don't we let Eric and Ryan finish processing the scene." He said leading her out of the apartment.
They headed for the hummer and it was very clear they were both rattled and in deep thought. Horatio's mind reeled with questions. 'What the hell's going on here? Why was that envelope on the floor under her body? Was it a message from Agnes… or the killer? And who is he after… Calleigh?' He exhaled nosily in frustration and shook his head.
Calleigh raked a rough hand through her hair, her own thoughts a whirlwind. She got in the Hummer and slammed the door shut.
"Are you going to tell me anything Horatio?"
"What?" He questioned taken aback. He was so caught up with his own thoughts and worries that he completely zoned out. "I'm so sorry Calleigh," he said softly reaching for her hand. "I was just—"
"Processing, I know," she answered cutting him off.
She exhaled heavily and her voice cracked. "Why would someone kill Agnes!" It wasn't a question; it was an outburst of emotion. Pain, hurt and frustration coursed through her. Horatio held onto her hands and did his best to comfort her.
"I don't know why someone would kill her Calleigh. I'm very sorry." He paused giving her a moment. "I think we should focus on the evidence. Let's focus on getting this guy. Let's focus on justice for Agnes."
She nodded and bit down on her lower lip. Horatio saw it tremble. She was fighting her emotions and trying to tough it out. It wasn't working.
"C'mere," he whispered pulling her into his arms. His hands slid and caressed along her back attempting to soothe her. "I'm so sorry sweetheart. I'm sorry," he whispered again and again, feeling wetness against his neck. He felt her shaking in his arms and knew she was crying. Horatio just held onto her doing his best to comfort her in any way he could.
A moment passed when his cell phone chirped. Calleigh went to pull back but he hung onto her.
"I'll check it later. No worries."
"I'm okay," she said drawing back. She swallowed and gave him a nod then ran her hands through her hair straightening it. She wiped at her eyes and face as Horatio's heart broke for her.
She suddenly turned towards him and gave him a small smile. "I'm alright, really," she said covering his hand with hers. "Thank you Horatio."
He nodded but then his blue eyes narrowed. "Thank me after we get this son of a bitch."
Calleigh's eyes flashed with anger as she inclined her head in agreement. "Now that sounds like a plan."
Horatio started the Hummer and turned towards Calleigh. "I'll take you home okay?"
"Yeah," she said in thought. "But tomorrow I'm going into work. I'm working this case Horatio," she said with pure determination in her tone.
Horatio didn't even bother to dispute, instead he agreed whole heartily. He would be by her side until this case was finished and the killer faced justice.
"I'll call the chief and Joe, make sure they clear us for field duty."
"Thank you," she answered quietly.
III
Once home Calleigh headed straight into the bedroom. Horatio watched her curiously and after a few minutes went in to make sure she was okay. His brows arched high as he watched her pull her special gun case open and proceed to clean her back up gun. It was clear she was angry and very upset as she slapped an empty magazine back in.
He lowly cleared his throat leaning on the door frame. "How about a nice cup of tea?"
She didn't answer; in fact she didn't even know he was standing there. He shifted with concern. "Calleigh," he said louder this time and she lifted her head to him. "Are you okay," he asked seeing the clear irritation in her angry eyes and face.
"I'm fine," she said coldly.
He tilted his head with affection and walked towards her. "No you're not," he said seeing her pain, witnessing her anguish and sorrow. He felt it too.
"Yes I am!" She snapped out harshly. "Don't tell me how I feel!"
Horatio brows arched high and he held her angry gaze. A moment of silence went by as their eyes silently spoke and Calleigh let out a soft breath mellowing. She collapsed down on the bed and shook her head back and forth.
"I can't… I can't believe this," she said so disheartened. I feel like I have to do something Horatio! Anything! Help me," she barely whispered, letting her head drop into her hands.
Horatio sat down next to her. He wrapped his arms around Calleigh comforting her once again. "I know sweetheart. I know," he whispered, sliding his hand along her silky hair.
"We'll do this together alright. We'll start tomorrow Calleigh," he said as she drew back with fresh tears on her cheeks. Horatio held her glassy green eyes and with the lightest touch of his thumbs wiped her tears away. "Hang in there beautiful," he whispered and kissed her forehead.
She let out a long breath. "I'm trying. God knows I'm trying." She coiled her arms around his neck and rested her head against his chest. She sighed feeling safe, feeling protected in his strong embrace. Somehow just being in his arms always seemed to make her feel better.
Horatio let out a low contented moan absorbing her need for closeness. Calleigh was one tough lady. So tough that sometimes he thought she was made of steel… but not today. Now she had a need to be close with him and he felt it too as they embraced and just held one another.
"Hey," he whispered against her ear. "How about I make you a nice cup of decaff tea and put you to bed."
Calleigh drew back and exhaled softly. "That sounds wonderful handsome," she lifted a tender palm to his cheek and smiled. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. Thank you so much for understanding Horatio."
With one hand he cupped her face and caressed the silky skin on her cheek. "No worries beautiful." He leaned in and kissed her softly. "Get changed and I'll go make that tea for you." He rose as Calleigh looked up at him and managed a small smile.
Horatio headed out into the kitchen feeling somewhat better. He lifted the tea kettle and filled it with water then put it on the stove. 'What can I do to make her feel better,' he wondered in thought leaning against the counter.
He took out a small mug and put the teabag in it, then leaned on the counter again in deep thought. 'This was probably the last thing Agnes did before she was killed. Why would someone kill her?' His eyes narrowed and his thoughts wandered for a while. He suddenly blinked when he felt a gentle hand slide along his back.
"You zoning out on me again handsome," she asked observing him.
"No… um…" The sound of the tea kettle whistling filled the room as she chuckled.
"You want me to make the tea?"
"Huh?" He turned back towards the stove with realization and shut it. "Sorry about that." He said pouring the water into the cup. "I guess I was zoning out again."
"Yes, you have been doing that a lot lately handsome," she said sitting on the couch.
Horatio gave her a look and brought the cup to her. "I thought you were going to lie down."
"After the tea," she said patting the couch next to her. "You're not going to have anything?"
He sat and shook his head. "I'm fine."
Calleigh chuckled. "We really have to work on getting you to eat more… and drink more for that matter."
Horatio smiled. "Not like the other night at Joe's huh."
"No," Calleigh chuckled. "I didn't mean liquor but you were very cute. You have to be one of the most affectionate… drunks I know."
Horatio began laughing and Calleigh chuckled then took a sip of her tea.
"Good," Horatio asked watching her close her eyes to the warmth and flavor.
"Wonderful," she said smiling at him.
Horatio moved in closer and let his left arm rest along the couch behind her. He slid his hand against her silky hair as his fingers played with her satiny strands. Soon his hand was buried in her hair and his fingers massaging her scalp gently.
Calleigh moaned low. "You keep this up and you're going to put me to sleep."
"Good. You said you were tired."
She let out another soft breath and rested her head against his shoulder. "What kind of evidence do we have to go on," she said completely catching Horatio off guard.
He frowned. "Why don't we talk about this tomorrow," he said lowly.
"Why?" She questioned curiously. "I want to talk about it now."
"I just thought… You already had a rough day sweetheart, you're tired, why discuss it again."
"Because I want to know the facts Horatio," she said with narrowing eyes on him. "Why do I feel like you are keeping something from me already?"
Horatio tilted his head feeling her anger. He understood where she was coming from especially after all the times he did hide the truth from her.
"I'm not," he said quietly feeling hurt. "Mr. Wolfe found an envelope with your name on it, but it was addressed to your old apartment. It looks like Agnes wrote over it. I believe she meant to forward it to our current address here," he explained.
"My name," she said with question. "I'm sure she has a lot of mail she has to forward for other people too." She held his blue intense eyes and knew exactly what he was thinking. "Horatio, before you get yourself worked up about this one let's consider that okay?"
"Okay, he said quietly. "But Calleigh… the envelope was found under her body, which means—"
"She was trying to tell us something." She said cutting him off. "Maybe warn us."
"Yes or, or the killer is trying to tell us something... But why."
Calleigh eyes narrowed. "It was written out to me, correct?"
"Yes."
Calleigh hesitated in realization. "So that means… he's after me?"
Horatio remained quiet but his jaw clench again and again. "We don't know that yet." He said with tightening blue eyes.
"But you think it, don't you? I can see it in your eyes Horatio."
Horatio exhaled through his nose in frustration. "No Calleigh… I… I don't know what to think just yet. It could go either way. Let's wait for the evidence."
"Either way as in what? He's after me or…?" She held his gaze and watched him look down. That's when recognition set it and she blurted out in shock. "Or he's after you! Oh my god!"
He turned towards Calleigh trying to reassure her but didn't know exactly what to say. "Calleigh… let's wait to see what the evidence shows."
She snapped out angrily. "What more does it have to show Horatio? He's clearly after one of us, and in my book, that's both of us!"
Horatio nodded. She was absolutely correct and he admired her determination and strength.
His cell phone chirped with another text message causing them both to pause. "Excuse me," he muttered, then with a long drawn out breath, pulled it from his pocket and opened it.
Calleigh sighed softly and rested her head against his chest again. Her eyes focused on the small screen that read…
"I AM EVIL."
Calleigh immediately gasped and bolted upright. "That's impossible!"
Horatio pressed the arrow button down to see the second message.
It read, "Hello Lieutenant."
Horatio blinked back his shock. Anger burned in his soul, so did concern. He knew Calleigh wasn't safe with him.
He quietly murmured, "I think it's safe to say… he's after me."
The End….
Okay folks, that all she wrote! :o)
I thank each and every one of you for hanging in there with me through this long story. Don't kill the writer for the cliffy… or I will never come out of hiding. Hahaha
Yes, of course I will be writing more. Yes, the next story will be, "Written In Blood." I will be taking a bit of a break and I promise to update you all when I can. For now I may go ahead and try to give you an excerpt from each upcoming story. Just to hold you all over. LOL
I will also be updating my sites. So, thank you all again, my very loyal friends. It has been fun! Remember that Roller-Coaster is still off course!
A very special thank you goes to Margaret for helping me see the story through and finally finishing it. Thank you so much my friend, I couldn't have done it without you!
I also like to thank Angie and Suzie as well for helping me to proof throughout the story. I am lucky to have so many wonderful friends and beta's who put up with all my mistakes and very lengthy chapters!
Take care everyone.