DISCLAIMER: see chapter one
A/N: Well we've come to the end! I just wanted to thank ALL of you loyal readers out there, your reviews and support through the computer crash and writing in general is what got this story finished!! You've been awesome and with that, (for the last time) on with the story!!
-RaeAnne
CHAPTER TEN
Horatio started to reach for her but she shook her head and took a step forward, her loosened gown drooping.
"The only thing is, I can never be yours, you see this?" she held up her left hand showing her large diamond engagement ring and wedding band, "I am his, totally and forever. No matter if you possessed me physically, I am entwined with him," she pointed to Horatio feeling her heart pound as she tried to muddle her way though this mess.
"What? You are talking crazy. I take you, you belong to me. I am a simple man with simple ideas; it doesn't get much more simple then that. As an officer you should know that possession in nine tenths of the law. As for Caine over there I could care less about him…I'll kill right now, makes no difference to me!" the Glock was cocked and aimed at Horatio in a split second.
"Still wouldn't matter…you could never really be with me at a time when I wouldn't be thinking of him, wanting him…" Calleigh stepped toward Truman, bringing his attention back to her.
Horatio glared at Calleigh, standing still and remaining quiet was what he knew he had to do if he wanted Calleigh to remain alive, but he wasn't liking standing by while she tried to reason with a deranged murderer hell bent on killing her, and him.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Truman yelled.
"Okay, but first tell, why are so set on me? Why me of all the people that you could have stalked did you pick me?" she stepped within feet of him.
"What? Why not you? The woman who walked into my courtroom so arrogant and damn sure of herself, spewing out things about me about my so-called crime! Who wouldn't fantasize about possessing a woman such as that? What man wouldn't want to push her around…lay her out on the ground and …" Truman inched his way closer hand skimming her skirt, skimming her thigh, "then put a gun to her head and watch her life's blood seep into the floor?" he gave a sick grin as he raised his gun to her temple. Calleigh didn't move just stared him down, trying to keep from sucking in a deep breath, and trying to keep from hurling on him.
Horatio watched carefully, he knew it was time for him to move. He carefully moved toward the small table where his gun was. He was quiet and quick, but not fast enough.
"Hold it right there," Truman spun away from Calleigh toward Horatio just as Horatio's hand reached for his gun. "Don't move, think you are so clever? You think that you really got me? You think that you could fool me?" Truman was now yelling, his voice has growing angrier and louder with ever syllable.
Calleigh began to hike the hem of her dress up, quickly, before Truman caught on, she pulled the velcro that held her small 22. to her thigh. She lifted the gun aimed to the middle of his head; with one small breath she cocked the gun.
Truman turned at the sound; he didn't have the chance to react. The bullet hit him straight in the forehead.
Calleigh couldn't move, she just stood shell shocked for a moment, the gun slipped from her hands and she began to waver. She didn't feel, hear, or see anything till she was gently brought to the floor, arms wrapping around her.
"Shh…its over, it's all over, it's okay baby, it's–all—over," Horatio whispered over and over as he held her, her back pressed into his chest, her silent almost choking sobs drowning themselves out into his forearm as she held onto it for dear life.
Miami Herald
Escaped murderer Jackson Dade Truman was killed three weeks ago at the residence of Lt. Horatio Caine lead CSI at the Miami Dade Crime Lab. The Crime Lab has refused to comment on any of the issues pertaining to this matter until their investigation could be completed. Truman had been stalking Duquesne since his escape three months ago. She could not be reached for comment.
Truman had been previously convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and had been awaiting his death sentence to be upheld. Miss Duquesne had testified at the trial.
In a short press release from the Crime Lab Director and Lt. Caine, Caine had this comment, "When people get stimulated, they get territorial. Miss Duquesne was the catalyst in Truman's anger. But it works both ways. Miss Duquesne is a vital member of our crime lab and we were prepared to do anything and everything in our power to keep her safe." This is story is now being revisited as results from that investigation are being released, Duquesne has been absolved from all guilt, but other information pertaining to this case is compelling such as the wedding of Caine and Duquesne it has been found to be a farce, a ploy to bring out Truman…
Horatio closed the paper and folded it before sitting it in the chair next to him. He sighed and shook his head, why did the press print stories so quickly, before they checked their facts…
"Where is Horatio?" Eric asked as he entered Trace. Speed looked up from his computer.
"I don't know, but I got court in twenty, last minute thing…weren't you supposed to be in trial…" Speed checked his watch, "like ten minutes ago?"
"Yeah! That's why I was looking for Horatio, I just got a call that I was re-scheduled for 4:30…I got some stuff to do today, I am sorry if I have a life but this court thing is really getting on my nerves," Eric huffed folding his arms.
"Chill out man, no matter how hot this girl is I am sure you can find another day to squeeze her in. Alexx has got to testify too today. Why don't you ride on over with us, you're up what fifteen minutes after us?" Speed was watching the screen change as she went through looking for a print match on AFIS.
"Yeah, different case though," Eric shrugged.
"Meet you at Hummer in five," Speed gave the thumbs up as Eric headed out.
"Anyone heard from Calleigh recently? I tried to get a hold of her but she wasn't answering her phone," Alexx said as they arrived at the courthouse, the three heading towards the steps.
"Na, Horatio said he checked in on her this morning, she was doing good he said. She should be back to work in no time. I am just glad that the whole mess is over and done with!" Eric stated holding the door open for Alexx.
"Detectives Delko, Speedle…Mrs. Woods?" a court officer approached them as then walked into the main hall.
"Yes?" all three answered.
"Lt Caine, asked that you come with me to Judge Cassidy's chambers."
Speed looked to the others who shrugged then nodded.
"So, what is this all about?" Eric asked as they neared the door of the Judge's chambers.
"I'm not at liberty to say," the officer replied.
"Ohhh, he's going all James Bond on us," Speed muttered dryly.
"Enough," Alexx answered pushing through the door.
"There you guys are, we've been waiting," Calleigh smiled as Speed and Eric followed Alexx in. They skidded to a halt.
"Hey, um mind explaining why we are all here, we've all got court?" Eric thumbed toward the hall.
"No you don't," Judge Cassidy answered.
All eyes fell on Horatio and Calleigh who stood by the desk of the judge.
"Well, we thought that you might want to be here for this…" Calleigh smiled.
Calleigh stood dressed in a pale cream skirt suit, hands holding a single deep blue tulip soft baby's breath surrounding it, Horatio next to her in his best black pin stripe suit, blue dress shirt; open at the neck.
"Umm, are you two doing what I think you are doing?" Alexx asked with a large smile.
Horatio couldn't hold back a grin, hands on his hips head dipped towards the floor, Calleigh smiled and nodded.
"That's great! That's awesome!" Tim gripped Horatio's hand Eric doing the same.
"I told you! I told you!" Alexx laughed feeling tears spring to her eyes as she pulled Calleigh close.
"Yeah ya did," Calleigh swatted at her own tears.
"Shall we?" the judge interrupted.
"Yes," Horatio nodded.
"I Horatio take you Calleigh to be my wife…."
"And I Calleigh, take you Horatio to be my husband…"
Love rose from the ashes of tragedy, forever was found in a single moment. Horatio with utmost tenderness pulled Calleigh close, she looked up into his face, love, adoring love was there lighting it up. Their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss.
"Whoo hoo!" Eric and Tim yelled tossing shredded tissue at the bride a groom. Alexx grabbed a tissue from the box Eric and Tim had been plucking their confetti from and dried her tears.
"Hey um I don't mean to throw a damper on things here, but isn't it a conflict you being Calleigh's boss and you two being married?" Tim asked hands in his pockets.
They sat at a picnic table behind the court house, ice cream cake from the near by Dairy Queen lending a some what festive mood to the 'reception'; never mind that it was an Elmo decorated cake with the words "Happy Birthday" scraped off and replaced with "Horatio and Calleigh Caine…Congratulations!"
"Yes, but because the actual wedding happened with full knowledge of the department, and the fact that Calleigh was only on leave not fired, filing the few legal documents to finalize the marriage creates our loophole. Normally this type of thing would be frowned on and result in the transferring of one or both parties. But—I have a guarantee that, that wont be happening," Horatio answered with a smile, arm around Calleigh, leaning over and placing a kiss on her neck.
"Okay, okay we got it H, lets keep the public affection to a minimum shall we?" Eric groaned, tiring of watching his boss and co-worker make out like teens for the last half hour.
"Okay, well I am going to take my wife home, and after we have packed we are going on our honeymoon, we'll see you guys in two weeks," Horatio stood pulling Calleigh with him.
"Well that's quick," Tim folded his arms.
"Yes, it is." Calleigh grinned feeling contented wrapped in his arms, head resting on his chest.
"Tim, I want you to keep a eye on things, I am leaving you in charge, don't let me down. Eric keep tabs on the new guys in Trace and DNA….Alexx keep an eye on them" Horatio pointed too the two men.
"What?" they echoed. Alexx just laughed.
"Have a good time!" Alexx grinned waving them off.
"Take good care of Horatio!" Calleigh called turning back.
"Right back at you!" Alexx smiled.
Calleigh winked and she and Horatio climbed in the Hummer.
"So do you want to tell the paper…or should I?" Horatio turned to Calleigh his dark sunglasses hiding his eyes, but not his gorgeous smirk.
"Aww, I think you should tell them Honey," Calleigh's voice was thick, rich and sultry, 'Honey' rolling off her tongue just as sweet and sticky as the substance its self.
"Mmmm" he replied liking the feeling of her hand on his thigh.
"Let's go Handsome," she laughed leaning back in her seat flipping down her visor as they drove off into the Miami sunset.
Miami Herald
The paper has received news that Lt. Horatio Caine and the now Mrs. Calleigh Caine were married in a private ceremonyMonday night.
It seems that this story of terror, murder and deceit has come to an end, and a happy ending at that.