December 1

Desert Palms Hospital – Las Vegas, Nevada

"You don't deserve a wonderful girl for what you did to your father, Ryan James!" Sarah Wolfe screeched anxiously as she came at him with a butcher knife while Jessica lay bleeding on the floor of the home they had just purchased to raise their child in when it was born. "You deserve to die...all of you!"

Ryan did his best to dodge the blows, but Sarah had him on the floor in minutes and was very ready to kill him right then and there even though he was wearing his Patrol uniform. Death would be quick.

Quiet beeping filled Ryan's ears and he opened his eyes to find that he was lying on his hospital bed in sweats, a loose t-shirt, and a hoodie with an IV in one hand, electrodes on his chest, and a pulse-ox clip on his right index finger because he was being released to stay at the hotel with Tim until he was strong enough to fly home. His left arm was still in a cast and sling and he was weak from injuries and therapy, so doctors had merely discharged him with no promises of when he would be able to return to Miami.

Now, as Ryan waited for Tim to come get him, all he wanted to do was go home to Miami and be with his family. He felt like a little kid in the group home again, silently waiting for someone to rescue him from Bernard's controlling ways. It had happened eventually, as after Bernard had been arrested, Ryan had been rescued and taken to Boston by a younger Officer Stetler to live with his Uncle Ron full-time.

A quick look at the clock on the table, however, told him that it would be at least another hour before someone came and got him. With a sigh, Ryan closed his eyes and allowed himself some more rest.

Angel of Mercy Hospital – Manhattan, New York

Bosco frowned as he gazed at the ultrasound scans that hung on the lightboxes in the exam room. He had gotten the day off from Chief Morris for an appointment to see how his body was healing after being tortured in August, but the exam had suddenly taken a turn and an ultrasound had been ordered.

"Officer Boscorelli, have you noticed anything abnormal about your testicles?" Dr. Hawkins, who had done the exam, asked as he sat in a chair across from Bosco. "I know you were attacked in August…"

Bosco sighed, "No," he replied in a confused, concerned voice. "I've just been trying to move on."

"During that part of the exam, I noticed abnormalities and that's why I ordered the ultrasound," Dr. Hawkins explained in a concerned voice. "The ultrasound found some masses down there…"

Bosco paled, shellshocked by the news, "I'd like to get you in for a biopsy right away," Dr. Hawkins said.

"Um, Danielle's working today and her parents are at the apartment with Mikey and Emily; John, David, and Ellie are all in school, so I don't have anyone to drive me home after," Bosco said anxiously.

Dr. Hawkins sighed patiently and Bosco silently got his phone out of his pocket, "You can call whoever you need to in here," he said, quickly getting up. "I'll go arrange the biopsy and come back in a bit."

Bosco nodded and once Dr. Hawkins was gone, he silently dialled a number and struggled to keep from crying as he listened to the phone ring, "Hello?" a tired voice said kindly. "Yelina Sullivan speaking."

"Um, it's Maurice, Yelina," Bosco said in a nervous voice. "Is Sully there? I need to talk to him."

There was a sigh and Bosco heard footsteps, "Sully, I need you or Yelina to get David and Ellie when they're done school," he said when he heard breathing. "Something came up and I'm unable to."

"I thought you took the day off work?" Sully replied worriedly. "Do you want me to call Danielle?"

Bosco scoffed, "No, Danielle is working and doesn't need to be bothered," he snapped. "Can you do it?"

Before Sully could reply, Bosco hung up the phone and sighed, hoping that none of the doctors or nurses he knew were on duty in the ER today because they'd wonder why he was here. After what seemed like an eternity, Dr. Hawkins returned with a gown and to Bosco's horror, Mary Proctor and a supply cart.

"It's gonna be done within the hour," Dr. Hawkins said calmly. "Did you call anyone about it?"

Bosco sighed and shook his head, "I can't," he admitted quietly. "I've already been enough trouble."

Mary gave him a look, but Dr. Hawkins simply handed him the gown, "Mary will help you prep," he said in a quiet voice, having seen Bosco on the news enough to know not to push the cop's buttons.

Bosco nodded, but remained seated and deep in thought as Dr. Hawkins left again, much to Mary's surprise because she was used to his brash personality and outspoken attitude during his visits.

After a few moments, Bosco silently got up and got undressed, putting on the gown without so much as a comment or reaction. Swallowing hard, Bosco sat on the gurney and looked at the floor in silence.

"I need to start an IV, Bosco," Mary spoke calmly, giving him a look. "Is that all right with you?"

Nodding, Bosco silently lay down on the bed and offered his arm while continuing to think.

Brooklyn

Juliana Morrison sighed softly as she entered her condo-like apartment and set the bags of groceries down that she had carried from the corner supermarket. Her past haunted her even now and even moving to New York and taking a job as a professor at NYU didn't make the hurt disappear fully.

Life was simpler back when she worked at the Las Vegas Crime Lab as one of the lab technicians and working alongside humble genius Greg Sanders. Danielle Sullivan had also been a lab tech back then and they had been friends to a point; when Nick Stokes, her crush, had spent a lot of time with Greg and included Danielle, Juliana felt her heart break because she had liked Nick and Danielle knew that.

After seeing Danielle hanging with Nick and Greg, Juliana had become less friendly with Danielle and had decided to do whatever she could to get revenge on her fake friend. What she had done had haunted her ever since and her lack of attention to her work had ended up in her getting fired by Jim Brass.

As Juliana closed the door, she suddenly heard breathing behind her and turned to find Special Agent Dennis Sackheim facing her looking like a transient, "It took forever for me to track you down, you nosy little lab tech, but I did it," Special Agent Sackheim hissed. "I need you to let me stay here a while."

"Why?" Juliana asked in a nervous voice. "And why do you look as if you've been sleeping in alleys?"

Special Agent Sackheim scoffed, "If you don't help me, I'll place an anonymous call to the Las Vegas Crime Lab and tell them it was you that told Edward Addison where Nick Stokes lived," he hissed. "Catherine said that you accessed the Personnel files and told Danielle Sullivan's ex where to find her all because you thought she was banging Nick Stokes AND Greg Sanders. Stokes paid a heavy price for what you did, little girl."

Juliana's eyes widened, "That's what I heard and I was so guilty over it that I didn't pay attention to my work anymore and Brass fired me," she replied in an anxious voice. "Please, don't tell them it was me."

"If you let me hide here, I won't," Special Agent Sackheim said sharply. "Otherwise, you'll do time."

Juliana looked afraid, but Sackheim simply pushed her against the door and locked it, "I kidnapped a CSI named Ryan Wolfe from Miami and dumped his body in Las Vegas with some Russians because he was snooping into the fate of some children I kidnapped," he explained coldly. "Little jerk deserved it."

"You killed a CSI from Miami?" Juliana said in a horrified voice. "Because of what I did to Nick?"

Special Agent Sackheim glared at her, "I didn't kill him so much as torture him to the point where he begged to die," he hissed, taking her groceries. "I need to talk to a guy named John Sullivan."

"I still have to go to work and stuff, but you can hide here," Juliana replied reluctantly.

Special Agent Sackheim nodded and took the groceries, "Not a word about me," he said sternly.

Juliana followed him into the next room and found him looking at some papers on the counter, "You've got a John Boscorelli as an advisee at NYU?" Special Agent Sackheim asked. "He looks like Sullivan."

"That John's 17 and I doubt he's the one you're looking for," Juliana replied anxiously, silently kicking herself for leaving her paperwork everywhere for people to see. "Do you want a drink, Dennis?"

Special Agent Sackheim gave her a look, but nodded, "Please," he replied in a cold, stern tone.

Desert Palms Hospital - Las Vegas, Nevada

"Officer Wolfe?" Ryan heard a kind voice say. "Your ride's here and I have the discharge papers."

Feeling groggy and hungry, Ryan opened his eyes and was surprised to see Rick standing there with Greg, a nurse, and a wheelchair, "Rick?" he asked in a groggy, confused voice. "Greg…I don't get it."

"You'll be staying with my family and I til they let you go home," Rick said gently. "I talked to Speedle and the Las Vegas Police are being absolute dolts about not letting you go home, but they think that if you stick around long enough, you'll remember things. I know you, though, and you probably won't."

Ryan sighed softly, but made no move to sit up simply because he didn't have the energy, "Speedle's staying with us too and he's checking himself out of the hotel and will meet us there," Rick said calmly.

"What do you mean Vegas PD isn't letting me leave?" Ryan asked in a nervous voice. "I'm a prisoner?"

Rick looked apologetic, "Do you need help into the wheelchair?" Greg asked in a worried voice.

"I have no energy, Greg, so help would be very kind," Ryan spoke quietly. "I just need this IV out."

Greg nodded and managed to help Ryan into the wheelchair, "This is just as bad as the foster system," Ryan said in a weak voice, swearing and flinching as the nurse removed the IV and electrodes.

"I know," Rick spoke gently. "Speedle picked up your things last night, but you can call Emily from the house, okay? She knows what's going on and she and the Miami PD will do whatever they can."

Ryan nodded and closed his eyes, too worn out to argue anymore. He heard quiet talking and then felt himself being wheeled through the hospital. Cold air suddenly hit him and his eyes flew wide open.

"You can rest in the backseat," Rick said calmly, gesturing to the car. "It's a rental car."

Ryan sighed and kept quiet as Greg helped him into the backseat and buckled him in, "Thank you," he finally said, resting his head on the back of the seat. "I just feel so helpless and scared, Greg."

"Don't worry about it," Rick said calmly, eavesdropping. "I'll get on the phone with Miami soon."

Ryan nodded, but his mind was on his family and he was frustrated that he couldn't go home.

Miami-Dade Police Department - Miami, Florida

Sighing heavily, Robert stepped off the elevator and into the lab wearing dress pants, a dress shirt, and clean shoes with his badge and gun clipped to his belt and his hair done with gel. He was a little early even after getting BJ and Adam off to Speedles for the day where Rosa, Tony, and an off-duty Natalia would watch them, James, and Julliet, but he appreciated the quiet time.

As Robert waited at the desk to pick up his lab ID, he saw Calleigh coming down the hallway from the area of the lab where the offices were, "Hi there, Detective Caine," she said in a warm voice.

"Robert when we're at the lab, please," Robert said calmly. "Detective Caine is for field work."

Calleigh nodded, "Are you nervous because it's your first day?" she asked in a kind voice.

"I did occasional shifts at the New York Crime Lab to give my family a few extra bucks when BJ and Maggie were in school and I could get a sitter for Adam, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with the lab," Robert replied in a quiet voice, sighing because it still hurt to talk about Maggie. "Donnie Flack at NYPD knew my situation, so he talked Detective Taylor into giving me some work and I alternated days…"

Calleigh looked confused, "Amanda got a hysterectomy after Adam was born because she didn't want more children and she often wasn't home during the days, so I usually asked trusted friends to look after Adam when I worked," Robert explained quietly. "Amanda did a lot of things married people shouldn't ought to do, but it was a very bad situation and she said she'd kill herself if I ever left with the kids…"

"I'm sorry," Calleigh apologized gently. "I'm guessing your sons are why you transferred to the lab?"

Robert nodded, "I've had too many close calls working in Homicide," he replied calmly. "I've got the education and a bit of experience, so I think it's best for now. BJ and Adam are at Rosa Speedle's during the day because BJ doesn't want to go back to public school and Adam is not going back to school."

"Did Derek Stokes actually touch him?" Calleigh asked in a worried voice. "Nobody said anything."

Robert shook his head, "No," he spoke quietly. "It upset Adam quite a bit, though, and he's asked to talk to someone, but I'm not sure who I could get that he'd feel comfortable talking to about it. I asked Natalia to look into child psychologists, but Adam doesn't trust very many people to begin with…"

"Did you ask Emily?" Calleigh asked softly. "She might be able to help Adam out for a little while."

Before Robert could reply, Horatio came down the hallway holding a lab coat and a lab ID, "There he is," Horatio said in a warm voice, smiling at his nephew. "Ready to take on being a Level 2 CSI, Bobby?"

"Yes, sir," Robert spoke in a nervous voice, his confidence failing him. "I hope I do a good job."

Horatio grinned, "Mac Taylor and Donald Flack certainly think you did a good job," he replied calmly.

Robert looked surprised, but quickly recovered, "There's a staff meeting in about half an hour so you can meet everyone, but Calleigh is going to show you around until then," Horatio said calmly. "All right?"

Trusting that Calleigh would do a good job playing tour guide, Horatio silently returned the way he came and went into Emily's office where Emily was seated at her desk, "Emily, I know you're busy trying to contact LVPD about Ryan, but do you have a moment to take on a counselling session?" he asked softly.

"Of course, Horatio," Emily replied as Horatio closed the door. "Are you having a hard time today?"

Horatio nodded and sighed as he sat down, "I'm not fond of Christmas anyway, but it's only harder knowing that Marisol and I will never get one," he spoke softly. "I laid awake last night in thought."

"Can I ask what you thought about exactly?" Emily asked in a concerned voice. "Or is it personal?"

New York Crime Lab – Manhattan, New York

Sully sighed as he came into the Crime Lab and looked around, having gone there after remembering that this was one of John's co-op days where he did schoolwork at the lab. He didn't know the layout, as Bosco or Danielle usually drove him here or to NYU because of what had happened to Ryan Wolfe.

"Can I help you?" Sully suddenly heard a kind, familiar voice call out. "Hi there, Sully. How are you?"

Sully turned and saw that Mac was sitting behind his desk in his office, "Detective Taylor," he said kindly.

Mac got up and walked over to Sully, "I was actually looking for John because Bosco called me and sounded weird on the phone," Sully explained quietly. "I was wondering if John knew what was up."

"Is Danielle working today?" Mac asked in a concerned voice. "She might know more than John."

Sully nodded, "Danielle's working until two," he replied calmly. "Is John doing testing today?"

"No, he's learning about collecting evidence and filling out reports from Danny," Mac replied calmly. "I'll walk you over there because he keeps his cell off in the lab and this is obviously very important."

Sully sighed and followed Mac through the lab, deeply intrigued when he saw Flack lingering outside of a room where John and Danny were working at a table with 'dummy evidence' while various papers and pieces of lab equipment surrounded their workspace. Both of them were wearing lab coats and goggles.

"Just thought I'd come by and peek at your protégé'," Flack said, gazing at Mac and Sully. "Hey Sully."

Sully smiled and Mac knocked on the window, prompting John to look up and speak to Danny briefly before coming out, "John, what's your dad up to today?" Sully asked quietly. "He phoned me at the apartment and asked me to pick up David and Ellie from school today because he couldn't…"

John suddenly looked very somber, "Dad said he was gonna tell Mom, but I guess he didn't," he replied.

Sully frowned, "Um, Dad's over at Angel of Mercy and said he was gonna see someone over there today for a checkup because he's been feeling uncomfortable in personal areas of his body and wondered if Doctor Price did more damage than he thought," John explained quietly. "I overheard him on the phone making the appointment last night and he made me swear not to tell you or Mom just in case."

Flack looked worried, but Mac remained calm, "Did you want to go over to the hospital with your grandfather to see what's going on, John?" Mac asked calmly. "Danny will understand if you do."

"Mom's working til two and then she was gonna go do paperwork at the FDNY Headquarters with Aunt Grace," John explained in a nervous voice. "Dad would want me to keep working even if he's…sick."

John's voice quivered, "I think you should go be there for your dad, John," Mac spoke quietly.

"He's been through enough and now he might be sick," John spoke in a quavering voice as he silently removed his lab coat and goggles. "I'm glad that Doctor Price got time. I thought she'd get off…"

Mac silently took the lab coat and goggles, "Flack will escort you over there so you don't waste time in traffic," he said calmly. "Call me when you know something and I'll arrange accommodations for you."

"I'll get my stuff together," John replied in a quiet, quavering voice. "Thank you, Detective Taylor."

As John went into the lab room, Sully sighed heavily and looked somberly at the ground.

Las Vegas, Nevada

"…Speedle, if you drop him on the floor, I'm grounding you to the lab for a month…"

There was a sigh and Ryan suddenly felt himself being laid on something soft, "It shouldn't be this easy to carry a full grown guy ANYWHERE, Speedle," he heard Rick snap. "Has Ryan not been eating?"

Ryan suddenly felt a blanket being draped over him and heard footsteps leave the room, but he was too tired to open his eyes to see what was going on, "…I don't think they fed Ryan at all on that plane because he mentioned several times not being able to remember food," he heard Tim say quietly.

Plane? Ryan thought in a confused voice as he opened his eyes and found himself tucked into a bed in a bedroom he didn't recognize. Ignoring the trembling in his body, Ryan used his good arm to get out of bed and hang on to the wall as he moved towards the door so he could get answers from Rick and Tim.

"Was I on a plane?" Ryan asked as he staggered out into the hall and saw Rick and Tim talking quietly.

Tim looked concerned and Rick sighed, "I want to see what evidence there is," Ryan said in a shaky voice, his anger growing. "I want to see what's so…important that I'm being held hostage in Nevada."

Just then, Catherine came into view and froze at seeing Ryan, "You need to eat and sleep and while you are doing those things, Catherine can see if you can take a little field trip to the crime lab and look over the evidence later on," Rick said in an anxious voice. "Right now, you need to go back to bed, okay?"

Tears filled Ryan's eyes and he felt Tim pull him into an embrace, "I miss my sister, my brother, and who I call my family," Ryan spoke in a faint, sad voice. "I just want to go home and be able to remember."

Tim nodded and silently helped Ryan back to his temporary bed, "Tim, I don't get what's going on and I don't like that people think it's better to lie to me than help me fill in the blanks," Ryan said softly.

"I know, but it's not like they're telling me much either," Tim replied calmly. "They said I'm free to go back to Miami at any time, but I promised Emily I wouldn't come home til I could bring you with me."

Ryan sighed and laid back against the pillows, "By the way, you're in I think what used to be Lindsey Stetler's bedroom," Tim spoke quietly. "Stetler mentioned it and said that they packed her stuff away into storage because you almost died trying to save her and that would have hurt him even more."

"If I had any strength or energy, I'd insist on staying somewhere else, but I don't," Ryan replied softly.

Tim nodded, "I'll see if I can't get you something," he replied calmly. "Just try and get some rest."

Even though he wanted to argue that he wouldn't get any rest, Ryan quickly found himself falling asleep and Tim silently left the door open as he walked out of the bedroom. Lenny was sitting on the couch playing a videogame on a gaming system, Catherine was in the kitchen making several different foods for lunch, and from what Tim could see, Rick was in the backyard on a cordless phone looking angry.

"Rick's fighting with Ecklie, so I wouldn't go out there," Catherine spoke quietly. "It's quite the battle."

Tim frowned, "Ecklie thinks Ryan should just keep a low profile for a while and Rick thinks Ryan has a right to look at the evidence to see if it might trigger memories," Catherine explained quietly. "Rick's threatening to sue the department if Ryan's kept in Vegas much longer and Ecklie's freaking out."

"And what do you think, Catherine?" Tim asked quietly, shocked by how Rick was defending Ryan.

Catherine sighed, "I'd personally like to give Ryan some sort of award for what he tried to do for Lindsey and for that other kid he was looking for and I'd love nothing more than to shoot Dennis Sackheim in the head," she replied quietly so Lenny wouldn't overhear. "I know Ryan's upset and I'm sorry for that."

"Where'd you stash his computer?" Tim asked quietly. "I should check in with Emily."

Catherine pointed to the kitchen table, "Maybe I should give her time to calm down because she's pretty angry that Ryan's being forced to stay in Vegas," Tim said quietly. "When I told her what was happening, I've never heard her swear so much nor have I seen Horatio get that angry. Since Horatio is our supervisor, I included him on the call and Horatio broke his desk with his fist when I told him."

"You're welcome to lunch when it's ready," Catherine said in an encouraging voice, deeply shocked.

Tim sighed, but sat at the kitchen table and logged in, deciding to prepare Skype for a call later on.

The school campus was quiet, but Greg silently looked around to see if he could get a sense of what he was getting himself into. He had spent a lot of time visiting Ryan and sharing his fears about accepting his disability and Ryan had encouraged him to confide in Grissom, but Greg hadn't been able to and had only decided to check out the school for the deaf himself after reasoning that it might help him.

Letting out a sigh, Greg sat down on a bench and was so lost in thought that he didn't see or hear someone approach, "Are you Greg Sanders?" he suddenly heard a kind voice ask curiously.

Greg looked up nervously, confused when he saw a blonde woman standing over him, "Yes," he replied, signing as he spoke because he knew it would be considered courteous. "How did you know about me?"

"My name is Doctor Gilbert and Doctor Grissom told me about you," Dr. Gilbert replied, sitting down as she signed. "He said you might come by, but he wasn't going to force you before you were ready to."

Greg sighed, "When the shooting at the Crime Lab happened, I was shot in the leg and I also got glass in my ears that I didn't know about," he explained, gazing at her. "By the time it was found by a doctor, I had suffered enough permanent hearing loss to require hearing aids and I was dependent on alcohol because I was in constant pain. I stopped drinking on Halloween night, but I'm still really scared."

Dr. Gilbert nodded, "I'm assuming you know about the whole Ryan Wolfe case?" Greg asked softly.

"Everyone does," Dr. Gilbert replied quietly. "Doctor Grissom mentioned that you two are friends."

Greg nodded, "I came back to help my friend, but I'm ready to leave again because all the department will let me do is be in the lab because of my hearing aids," he replied quietly. "One of the CSI's hit my car and flipped it on Thanksgiving and I'm okay, but I wonder if he did it purposely cause he hates me."

Dr. Gilbert frowned, "Warrick was suspended for what he did, but he left and Nick was asked to come back for lab duty because he can't do field work with his leg in a cast," Greg spoke quietly, tears filling his eyes. "Nick knows what I've been through, but it's so hard to be around him after the shooting because dayshift thinks I should have saved him and I just feel so guilty even looking at the guy."

"And you're having trouble accepting your hearing loss yourself," Dr. Gilbert replied compassionately.

Greg sighed, "All that you're feeling is normal for someone who loses one of their senses, Greg," Dr. Gilbert explained in a kind voice, smiling at him. "There are resources here to help you adjust."

"Signing and speech classes, right?" Greg asked quietly. "Grissom's been helping me learn…"

Dr. Gilbert nodded and stood up, prompting Greg to stand up, "I can take you on a tour of the campus and show you what courses we offer," she said in a kind voice. "I just have an appointment first."

Greg nodded, "I can come back later," he replied calmly. "Thank you for meeting me, Doctor Gilbert."

Feeling better about his new life, Greg silently left, but his smile faded when he saw Grissom and Sara come on to campus through a different entrance and head for Dr. Gilbert. What were they doing there?

Greg's confidence faded and he quickly got behind the wheel of his car, buckled up, and drove in silence through the streets of Las Vegas. Grissom and Sara had each other and their baby; Nick and Catherine had reconciled and now that Nick was in the lab, who needed him? He felt alone and very useless.

After what seemed like an eternity, Greg got to his destination and found himself in tears as he got up and walked up the stairs of the familiar mansion. He knocked on the door with a shaking hand.

The door opened, revealing a curious looking Lady Heather, "Gregory," she said gently. "Come in."

Greg nodded, but continued to cry, "Um, do you have time for a talk and some of that…that really nice tea you make, Miss Kessler?" he asked tearfully. "I'm just feeling so worthless, useless, and alone."

An expression of compassion crossed Lady Heather's face and she gently touched Greg's face, gently brushing tears off his cheeks. She then let him go and led him to the safety of her private office that was elaborately decorated and had a small kitchenette in the corner along with a stocked minifridge.

"Please, Gregory, sit and release your weariness," Lady Heather spoke gently. "I will make the tea."

Greg sat at the table and watched as Lady Heather made the tea and brought it over to the table along with some cups. Lady Heather silently poured the tea into cups and then sat to allow the tea to steep.

"Speak when you are ready for as long as you need to," Lady Heather spoke in a soothing voice.

Manhattan, New York

"Why do you look worried?" Holly asked softly as she and Danielle entered the FDNY building and sat on a bench in the foyer to wait for Grace to see them. "You haven't been doing anything but your job."

Danielle sighed, "I just don't want to get busted for keeping my cell on me," she replied anxiously.

"Grace isn't Walsh and she won't shove you like he did," Holly replied in a concerned voice.

Danielle rubbed her face, "I guess the FDNY rumor mill still works," she said in an upset voice.

Holly sighed softly, "My ex was a lot like Walsh," she spoke softly. "Did you ever press charges?"

"I filed a report," Danielle spoke softly. "I just don't know if Walsh has ever changed or not."

Holly nodded, but was kept from replying by Grace's arrival, "Danielle, I got a call from a Mac Taylor that Bosco's at Angel of Mercy, so I'm pulling you off active duty for today," Grace said in a worried voice.

"Maybe Bosco's just visiting Brendan," Danielle said softly even though she was feeling concerned.

Grace sighed, "Brendan was released this morning and we're staying with his mom, Danielle," she replied in a kind voice. "That's why I didn't come in early today. His mom's looking after him and I'm going home for the day at lunch time so I can spend time with him and so I can have a nap. I'm taking a lot more naps these days."

"I had no idea Maurice was at the hospital," Danielle said softly. "I thought he was working."

Holly looked sympathetic, "I can take you over there," she replied gently. "Carlos and Tommy went on a field trip to the Met for homeschool purposes and Kylie's in school and you shouldn't be alone."

Danielle sighed, but nodded and left with Holly. The drive over to the hospital was quiet because Holly was focusing on the winter road and Danielle was deep in thought as to why Maurice had lied to her.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Holly parked the rig and the two went in the emergency entrance to the desk where a bored looking, youthful girl popping bubblegum sat, "Excuse me, I'm looking for a patient," Danielle lied. "We brought him in hours ago and I think he might have left something in the rig."

"What's the patient's name?" the bubblegum popper asked in a bored voice. "We have patients."

Danielle sighed, "Maurice Boscorelli," she replied firmly, annoyed at this bored looking diva.

The bubblegum popper sifted through some paperwork, "The guy's up having surgery," she replied.

Confusion filled Danielle and she hurried off to the elevators without saying thank you or waiting for Holly. She got in and got off on the surgical floor, frowning when she reached the waiting room and found her father and John there; her father was thinking and John was silently working on homework.

"Care to fill me in?" Danielle asked in a confused, stern voice. "Detective Taylor called Grace."

John swallowed hard, "Dad's been feeling kinda uncomfortable in his personal area for a while and he came in for an appointment, but they told us when we got here that he was having a biopsy," he replied in a nervous voice. "I overheard him on the phone making the appointment and he sounded scared."

Danielle sighed, finding that she was more scared than angry, "I have to write down all the stuff I did at the lab today for my advisor," John said, returning to his work. "Ms. Morrison will get upset if I don't…"

"Is that the name of your campus advisor who's letting you study like crazy?" Danielle asked quietly.

John nodded, "Yeah, her name is Juliana Morrison and she's been with the Law Department for a while and she's been real patient with my workaholic tendencies," he replied. "I just like the work…"

Danielle paled slightly, "I don't believe I've ever met your advisor," she replied. "Does she have a card?"

Nodding, John got into his backpack and pulled out the business card that his advisor had given him in case he had questions about his work. Danielle took it and frowned when she saw the picture on it.

"John, I need you to do me a favor and let me request another advisor for you," Danielle said firmly.

John looked up from his work, deeply surprised, "I don't ask a lot of you, but since you're only 17, I have the right to some say in your education right now," Danielle replied firmly. "Do you trust me, son?"

"Always," John replied in a surprised voice. "I don't get it, though. Why are you acting all weird?"

Danielle sighed, "I just need to step out and make a call, okay?" she said softly. "Just trust me, kiddo."

Before John or Sully could reply, Danielle silently stepped out into the hall, got her phone out, and ignored the shaking in her hands as she dialled a familiar number, "Las Vegas Police," a voice said.

"I need to talk to Jim Brass right away," Danielle replied anxiously. "Tell him it's Danielle."

There was a silence, "Detective Brass," a male voice said. "Danielle, is it really you after all these years?"

"Jim, Juliana Morrison's in New York," Danielle spoke anxiously. "I need you to tell Grissom."

A gasp filled the phone, "The same Juliana Morrison that used to work in the lab?" Brass asked quietly.

"The same one who thought I was sleeping with Nick and told Edward where I lived because she wanted Nick for herself," Danielle spoke anxiously. "Edward's dead, but why is Juliana here? She's dangerous."

Brass sighed heavily, "Greg told me what happened to Nick after Nick helped me and the kids run away and I'm just so sad by it, Jim," Danielle spoke anxiously. "Please, I need you to tell Grissom about this, but don't tell Nick or Greg what's going on. I'm scared she's going to try and come after us."

"I'll talk to Grissom," Brass replied in a comforting voice, confused by what Danielle meant. "Hang in there and don't make it obvious to Juliana that you know she's there. Just protect your family."

Danielle hung up the cell-phone and sighed heavily; once she found out what was going on with Maurice's health, she would call NYU for a meeting with the program dean to arrange another advisor for John immediately. She didn't trust Juliana and it was her right to have full say over John's schooling.

Letting out a sigh, Danielle returned to the waiting room, "Dad, why don't you and John go home since I'm here and I'm not going anywhere til I know something?" she suggested in a kind voice, smiling at both of them as if nothing was wrong. "John, I'd like you to not talk to Ms. Morrison anymore…"

"Ms. Morrison's got a copy of my notes," John replied quietly. "But I won't talk to her anymore."

Danielle nodded and Sully sighed as he got up, "You shouldn't be alone," Sully said worriedly.

"You need to spend time with Mom and also keep Emily and Michael company so John can study and rest," Danielle replied firmly. "David and Ellie also need to be picked up from school later on."

Even though he wanted to argue, Sully waited for John to pack his books up and then led him out.

Miami, Florida

The sight of Clavo standing outside of the former Club Cruz with Emily while people wearing vests and hard hats worked on clearing furniture and poles out of the building prompted Horatio to frown. He quickly got out of his Hummer and was surprised to see his team among those helping out.

"…I filed the paperwork with the City, so you have no right to be here," Emily growled darkly.

Clavo looked angry, "This is my club," he snapped. "Or do I need to remind you Bernie founded it?"

"Bernard left the building and the club to me in his will, which includes everything inside, for me to do with what I please," Emily snapped coldly. "Miami has enough trashy clubs, so Club Cruz is done."

Clavo's eyes went wide and he took a step back when he saw Horatio, "You're on private property, Mister Cruz, so I suggest you leave before I arrest you for trespassing," Horatio spoke firmly.

Swearing loudly, Clavo walked off and got into a nearby car, continuing to swear as he took off, "Thank you, Horatio," Emily spoke calmly, smiling at him. "I hope you don't mind I borrowed your staff."

"We don't have any active cases, so it's fine until we do," Horatio replied calmly. "Can I have a tour?"

Nodding, Emily quickly got herself and Horatio vests and hard hats before leading him inside the building where her missing niece once worked. The garish looking furniture and stripper poles had been cleared out and Jesse and Eric were silently taking apart the stage while Robert was pulling up carpet with the help of a happy looking Walter. At the other end of the club, Anthony Speedle was poring over a set of blueprints while a tired looking Tommy and Jason were putting pieces of tape all over the area.

"Ryan convinced the prison to let Tommy participate in some work release," Emily explained calmly, seeing that Horatio looked surprised and confused over Tommy's presence. "Tommy's very upset over Jenny's recent behavior and we've both talked to Ryan, who agreed that Tommy needed distracting."

Horatio nodded and looked surprised as Frank came over to them, "Calleigh's bringing over food, but you should really be sitting down if you absolutely have to be in here," Frank said, gazing at Emily.

"When all the chemicals start being used, I'll leave," Emily replied kindly. "I want the crap floors taken out and the crappy wallpaper replaced so this is a family-friendly environment. Anthony wants to run a bit of a diner in here, so I'm giving him leeway over that and there's also going to be activity areas…"

Frank sighed and moved off again, knowing that Emily was stubborn, "I wish Ryan was here to help with this, but I can't seem to knock some sense into Las Vegas PD," Emily spoke softly, letting out a yawn.

Horatio sighed, "Why don't you have a seat and I'll phone Tim to see how things are going?" he suggested kindly, smiling when Emily sat in a nearby chair and allowed herself a moment of quiet.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Ryan sighed softly as he accepted the last of the chicken vegetable soup in the bowl that Catherine had made for him along with a couple of biscuits, "If you can keep that down, maybe you can have a bigger meal for supper," Tim spoke gently, moving the tray off the bed. "It'll get easier to eat eventually."

"Stetler still on the phone?" Ryan asked in a tired voice. "Has he found out why I'm a prisoner here?"

Tim sighed and shrugged, "Stetler's still on the phone with that whackjob, Ecklie, and it's not something you need to obsess over because you need to focus on getting your strength back," he replied calmly. "I know you're angry, confused, and frustrated, but you're not in the clear as far as the cancer goes yet."

"I know," Ryan replied in a tired voice. "I think I have to go to the bathroom from all the fluids."

Tim nodded and Ryan tried to move before sighing, "Can you please help me, Tim?" Ryan asked softly, deeply frustrated that he couldn't even get out of bed by himself. "Between my arm and the therapy…"

"Don't get frustrated," Tim replied gently as he helped Ryan out of bed. "You've been through a lot."

Ryan sighed as he was helped to the bathroom and managed to get his pants and boxers down without help before sitting on the toilet per medical orders. He did his business quickly enough and put his pants back on, sighing as Tim helped him up, "Do you think Catherine might get mad if I sat in the living room for a bit?" Ryan asked softly. "I'm exhausted, but I just hate being alone in that little bedroom I'm in."

Tim nodded and helped Ryan to the living room, sighing when he saw Lenny at the table working on schoolwork, "Mommy went to the store to get you vitamins, Uncle Ryan," Lenny said quietly.

"I'll pay your mom and dad back for all they're doing to help me," Ryan said in a tired voice as he was helped on to the oversized couch. "That goes for you too, Tim. I'll pay you and Emily back for…"

Tim gave Ryan a look, "For what?" he asked in a quiet voice. "You're acting like this is your fault."

"I can't remember anything after Alexx was let go, so maybe it was," Ryan replied in a tired voice, his arm and weak body beginning to ache enough to make him lie down. "I might have a nap here."

Tim sighed, but covered him with a blanket that was on top of the couch, "Multiple people have told you that trying to force the memories will only make you sick," he replied firmly. "I know it's upsetting."

Ryan nodded and Tim silently fixed a pillow behind his head just as a knock sounded at the door, "Great, that must be the LVPD come to arrest me for getting out of bed," Ryan said in a tired, defeated voice.

Lenny's eyes widened and he ran out to the backyard, returning a moment later with Rick, who was holding the cordless phone and looking mad, "Uncle Ryan says the cops are here to arrest him for being out of bed," Lenny said in a worried voice as Rick marched to the door. "Are they gonna arrest him?"

Rick scowled as he opened the door and was surprised when he saw Nick standing there on crutches wearing a backpack, "CSI Stokes?" he asked in a quiet, confused voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd come by and visit Ryan," Nick replied kindly. "I brought him a few things and Cat…"

Rick smiled, figuring Catherine had wanted to help Ryan feel comfortable despite being forced to stay in Nevada against his will, "Come in," he said calmly, figuring Nick's visit would cheer Ryan up a bit.

Nodding, Nick hobbled into the house and smiled at Ryan, who was lying on the couch, as he took a seat in a kitchen chair facing Ryan, "Nick Stokes, right?" Ryan asked quietly. "You're looking better."

"Thank you," Nick said as he set his crutches aside and took his backpack off. "I brought you stuff."

Ryan looked surprised, "I'm only in the lab, but I talked Grissom into lending out a few of his books and I also brought you some magazines from my house since I heard that you like to read," Nick explained kindly, setting the bag on the floor. "I also brought you some toiletries since you're lookin' scruffy…"

Rick's eyes widened and Lenny went back to the table, but Ryan didn't seem the least bit offended by Nick's remark. Tim silently picked up the bag and brought it over to the couch for Ryan to look at.

Ryan, however, actually smiled, "Thank you," he replied in a tired, pleased voice. "Really, thank you."

"For what?" Nick asked in a confused voice, wondering why Ryan was smiling when he was hurt.

Ryan sighed, "For treating me normal and not like some victim," he replied in a sleepy voice.

"You treated me the same way when I needed help in Miami," Nick replied reassuringly. "Remember?"

Ryan nodded and gave into exhaustion, sighing as he closed his eyes, "I'm not very good company right now, I'm afraid," he spoke quietly. "I'll look at the stuff later, Nick. Thank you for bringing it to me."

As Ryan slept, Nick got up and looked at Rick, "Cat brought me up to speed about the situation and I'd like to do something," Nick spoke in an earnest voice. "Ryan helped me, so I want to help him now."

Angel of Mercy Hospital – Manhattan, New York

"Are you here for Maurice Boscorelli, ma'am?" Danielle heard a voice ask as she sat on the couch.

Danielle looked up from the magazine she was looking through and saw a man in scrubs near the doorway, "I'm his wife, Danielle Boscorelli," she explained, standing up and setting the magazine on the table before walking over to him. "I was called at my work with FDNY and told he was having a biopsy."

"My name is Doctor Hawkins, Mrs. Boscorelli," Dr. Hawkins replied calmly. "And yes, he was."

Danielle nodded, but didn't say anything, "The biopsy found tumors and we took a couple for testing," Dr. Hawkins replied in a quiet voice. "The tests revealed that it's at Stage 2, but it's very treatable."

"Did you take the whole testicle, then?" Danielle asked quietly. "Please…don't sugarcoat it for me."

Dr. Hawkins sighed, "I took both because there were tumors in both," he explained quietly. "I discussed the possibility of that with him prior to the surgery and he wasn't happy about it, but he understood."

"Is the surgery over?" Danielle asked quietly. "Do you think I could sit with him in the recovery room?"

Dr. Hawkins nodded, "Normally, I'd say no, but you work for FDNY and you have proper medical training to be of help to the nurses if Maurice should need anything," he replied calmly. "Just follow me, please."

Sighing, Danielle silently followed Dr. Hawkins down the hall and silently put a surgical coat on over her uniform before following him inside. Bosco was laying on a gurney with a gown and blanket covering his body, but Danielle could see a catheter bag and IV's and a tube in his nose. A clip was on Bosco's left index finger and a blood pressure cuff was around his arm, both sending data to machines.

Danielle silently grabbed a soft chair and put it next to her husband's bedside, swallowing hard as she gently reached out and took his right hand in her own, "Maurice's clothes and personal things are under the bed in a small tub since your son thought he'd want them," Dr. Hawkins said in a quiet voice.

"…mmm, Dani," Bosco suddenly mumbled as his hand twitched. "Dani, your hand is soft…"

Bosco sighed sleepily as he opened his eyes and smiled at seeing Danielle, "Hey," he said groggily.

"Hey," Danielle spoke in a kind voice, gently squeezing his hand. "How are you feeling, Maurice?"

It was then that Bosco noticed Dr. Hawkins, "How bad is it?" Bosco asked in a faint, groggy voice.

"I took both testicles because tumors were in both and tests revealed that it's Stage 2, but it's very treatable, Officer Boscorelli," Dr. Hawkins replied calmly. "We'll discuss treatment options after you've rested a while and you're in a regular room. I'll be back to check on you in a few hours, all right?"

Bosco silently watched as Dr. Hawkins left the room, "Cancer," he said groggily. "I had a feeling."

"You're not going to go through this alone, Maurice," Danielle replied softly. "I love you."

Bosco gazed at her, his eyes drooping from tiredness, "I love you too, Dani," he replied sleepily.

As Bosco drifted off back to sleep, Danielle gently lifted his right hand to her lips and gently kissed it.

Miami-Dade International Airport – Miami, Florida

Ignoring the steady stream of passengers who were making their way through the terminal from various gates, Warrick took a seat at a table near an airport food kiosk in the main terminal and set his satchel on the table. He silently got a folder out of the satchel where he had stored photocopied paperwork.

Warrick didn't blame Greg for Nick getting hurt and he hadn't meant to hit Greg's car at all; he was simply trying to behave erratically enough to warrant a suspension from work. He had secretly photocopied everything he could from the lab shooting and Ryan's case and had come to Miami alone without anyone's knowledge to see what he could find out about Derek Stokes and Dennis Sackheim.

Since the plane carrying Ryan had come from Miami, Warrick figured that the best place to start his private investigation would be Miami. He knew from the tox and bloodwork reports that Ryan might never be able to remember any of his torture or who tortured him even if the LVPD thought he would.

Warrick knew that the LVPD wanted to keep Ryan in the state with the hope he'd remember something about his torture of his attacker, but he felt it would only put stress on Ryan. He hadn't run his plans by Grissom, Ecklie, or even Nick simply because he knew that they would try and stop him from leaving.

Sighing heavily, Warrick opened the folder and looked at the background information that Vegas had managed to find on Derek Stokes; Derek had graduated high school and had managed to get college and university credentials in courses that gave him the knowledge how to do and make dangerous things. He was also on the run from Riker's in New York after participating in the torture of Nick in that very city.

Warrick knew that Derek Stokes and Dennis Sackheim couldn't have abducted Ryan alone and he also knew that they had probably done many terrible crimes with their associates that needed attention.

Please read and review!

This is the end of this story, but the sequel 'Moving Forward, Looking Backward' will be posted soon!