Complications

A/N: Go and see Chapter 1 for full information…
Okay, last but not least…here comes the last chapter. Hope you like it. Thanks to randomwriting, Speed's girl22 and (of course) speedfanatic05 for reviewing.

Chapter 4

The weekend went by in a hurry after he was introduced to the old neighbours as well as to the new ones. He checked his old hang outs, talked to his old teachers at Columbia University, took walks with Spot. He even met Jennifer, Andy's girlfriend. She was pretty and Tim had to admit that Andy was lucky to have such a nice and cute girl. Monday morning he went to the rehabilitation training and later that afternoon he met Troy and Lisa who both were very excited to talk to a police officer. During the week he was also occupied with the all the other kids his mother brought home to take care of.

The second week was just starting, as his mother told him while eating breakfast, that she met his old teacher from high school.

"He told me about this program. They're looking for volunteers to take care of less good pupils. To do stuff like help them with homework, to prepare for exams, figure out some science projects, you know. I immediately thought of you", she explained and hoped Tim wouldn't be too upset.

"Have you told him about me?" he wanted to know.

"Of course", she answered and his face went down. "Not", she added. "I would never do this. I just thought of it as a great idea."

"I'll think about it, okay?"

Tuesday afternoon Tim found himself back in his old high school. He had talked to Mr. Stevens and agreed to run this program for the next 8 weeks. After the intense training he had done so far each day, he was able to move his left arm and shoulder without any greater pain. Still, he had quite more workouts to do and was pleased for this kind of distraction.

Tim enjoyed himself while working with the kids. He was surprised how well he did, though. He never was a people's person, that's why he liked the job at CSI. A lot of lab work, many things to analyse and no help needed. He was on his own. Still, he had fun with his "job" here. The kids were excited to have a "real" cop around, though at first they didn't believe him. They expected an uniformed police officer, but he quickly explained his role in the crime solving process and the kids literally hung on his lips while he spoke. They asked him constantly about his work in the lab.

On his third week at home he received a phone call from Eric.

"Hey, man. What's up? Forgot your colleagues?"

"Hey, Eric. Sorry, it's kinda busy here since day one."

"And? How you're doing so far?"

"Well, I'm fine. Shoulder's gettin' better by day. And I'm swept up with work, I can tell you."

"Work? You? What kind of work? Have you joined CSI New York?" Eric laughed.

"No. Mom talked me into this high school program, you know. Help poor kids with homework, creating science projects, that kind of work. But it's great. I'm really enjoying this. Gives me some kind of confirmation. Those kids are our future. We have to help them."

"Nice to hear. You're absolutely right."

"So what's up in Miami? Still case overload?"

Eric laughed out loud. "Hell, it was difficult with you here, but without you – it's awful. We've got Henderson from night shift, but he's not as good as you. Don't get me wrong my friend – you're not the only good one in the lab, but Henderson…he's just…don't know. It's different without you here."

"Aww, don't do this to me. I'm pleased to hear but tell me this – are you the only one who thinks this way?" Tim smiled.

"No. H was talking about you yesterday. He said something like 'Let's hope his mother lets him go after those 8 weeks'. Oh, speaking of, how you're getting along with Mom and Dad?" Eric wanted to know.

"I'm still alive", Speed answered. "Sometimes it sucks, but in the end it's good to be home I guess. Dad's not the problem, he's cool. But Mom – well, she cares too much, you know", Tim said and laughed.

"Yeah, I know this feeling, man. Listen, gotta go. H gave me a new assignment. He just said hello to you and so did Calleigh and Alexx. Talk to you soon. Later", Eric said.

"Thanks. Say hello from me too. I'll call you next week. Bye", Tim replied and hung up the phone.

After 4 weeks Tim was allowed to remove the sling which he gladly did. Still, he had to be careful with his moves and his training wasn't over. Being able to work with both hands now, he threw himself into the science project. He was willing to kick the project of another high school out of the contest. So he and the kids gave 110 to solve the problem they were asked to do so in order to win this battle. During his "free" time he spent the days with Andy and Jennifer as well with his Dad at work in one of the restaurants and with his Mom at the social service office. Even Tim had to admit that he really enjoyed it, and day by day, his relationship with Susan got better. She realized that Tim was a loner and he needed his space. Tim on the other hand, was happy to see his mother working with all the kids who weren't as lucky as he and Andy was. Those kids experienced so many bad things at a young age, they really deserved a better future, and Susan was trying to give it to them. But by doing this to those kids she also tried to give it to Tim and Andy. Which was difficult to understand for Tim at first. But after those weeks at the social service he got a better view into her everyday work. He understood her intentions better now, but still refused to be treated like one of those little kids. He wasn't one of them. Neither was Andy. Tim talked with his mother about that one evening and after both of them agreed to try the best they could to walk in each others shoes, they went out for dinner with the rest of the family, Troy and Lisa included.

Time went by and on his seventh week at home Tim called Horatio at work on Friday morning.

"Caine."

"H. It's Speed."

"Hey! Good to hear from you after all. Since you didn't call that much."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I was busy."

"So, why are you calling? Everything's okay?"

"Sure. Listen, I wanted to ask you to do me a favour?" Tim said.

"Shoot", Horatio answered, curious to hear Tim's request.

"Um, I…I wanted to ask for another two weeks of free-time", he said and waited for his boss to answer.

At first Horatio was stunned, thinking of Speed's protest to go home.

"Why's that? Do you have any problems back home?"

"Speaking of, yeah I've got a problem. A big problem", Tim said.

"Serious problem?"

"Kind of. See, I'm running this high school program…", he tried to explain.

"Yes, I know. Eric told me. What's the problem?" Horatio answered.

"Well, the contest for the science project is in about 2 weeks and we're almost done with it. But I would like to see those kids win, so…I need more time to finish the computer simulation we created so far. That's why I ask you for some off-time. I understand that it is unusual and if there's a problem with, then I'm coming back next week."

Horatio sighed. "I don't know how to explain this to you. There's a problem indeed. We can't afford to let you stay back home for two more weeks, Speed. Crimes don't stop. The case load is…well, huge. I 'm terribly sorry, …", Horatio said quietly.

Tim couldn't think of something to say. He was positive he could convince his boss to honor his request, but now it seemed he was too optimistic. He sighed, too. "Well, then I'm coming back to work on Monday" he replied and was about to hang up.

"Hey! Let me finish, okay? I'm terribly sorry that I have to go to work without your music playing aloud in the whole lab for the next two weeks. I'm afraid to admit that, but something's missing without you here", Horatio said while he was smiling. "And I wasn't joking about that we can not afford to let you stay from work. Night shift has to work a little bit harder, but it's okay. Henderson will be annoyed. And I guess Eric's happy to be the no. 1 – at least for the next 2 weeks. Tell you what, I'm giving you this extra time. You deserve it; you're a good man, Speed."

"Oh, I…well, I don't know what to say…thanks, H. I'm really appreciating this", Tim said honestly.

"And Speed?"

"Yeah?"

"Go win this contest, you hear me? Don't you dare to come back to work without the 1st prize! Understand that?"

Tim had to laugh. "Yes, Sir. I completely understand. We're doing the best we can. Thanks, H."

"You're welcome. See you in two weeks. Bye."
"Bye."

Satisfied ,Tim hung up and went outside to help his father to clean the swimming pool. Andy was already in the now empty pool and scrubbing the walls. Arthur handed him some more cleaner and said: "And? Guess they are happy to have you stay away for two more weeks."

"Yeah, Dad. Sad thing. They don't want me back in Miami. I'm shocked", Tim said as he approached them then he held his heart in a mock gesture.

"Shocked? Doesn't look like it," Andy said down in the pool. "Now come down and take one of the brooms. I want to go out with Jen tonight."

"Oh, big date? I'm still trying to figure out why she's with you", Tim said and climbed into the pool after he put off his socks and shoes. "She's too good for you."

"Yeah, whatever. Stop rambling around. You're trying to steal away from work here, I noticed. Now, who's the CSI in the family, bro?" he laughed.

"Dream on, boy. Dream on. She's still too good for you."
"Hey you two. Stop it. Or do you want to get a free shower?" Arthur said and held up the hose. "Let's move, boys."

The three of them worked while telling jokes the rest of the time they cleaned.

By the time Susan came home, the pool was cleaned and filled with water while the others were busy to prepare the barbeque. "Hey. What are you doing?" she asked stunned.

Arthur went towards her and kissed her on the forehead. "Nice to see you too, Susan. And to answer your question. We are preparing the grill in order to get something to eat since we're starving."

"Yeah, Mom. Look at the pool. We did some excellent work here, so we deserve it", Andy said.

"Indeed, the pool looks great. But didn't you have a date with Jennifer tonight?" Susan replied.

"I called her and invited her to come here."

"Good thinking", Susan answered.

"And who's idea was that!" Tim said as he turned around. "Both, the barbeque AND calling Jen? I can't hear you…"

"Okay, it was yours, alright?"

The evening went by and everybody enjoyed themselves.

14 weeks after his accident and 10 weeks after he left for NYC Tim Speedle sat his foot on ground at the Miami Dade Police Headquarter. At first nobody seemed to notice him and so he made his way to Horatio's office. It was early on Monday morning and usually Speed wouldn't be here at this time, but he needed to talk to Horatio in private.

Horatio was wrapped up with paperwork and didn't look up as Speed entered the office.

Tim placed a news article on top of the files in front of Horatio. Confused Horatio stopped, looked at the article and then at Speed who stood smiling in front of his desk. Horatio jumped out of his chair to greet and hug him. "Speed! Welcome back, you look good", he stated and stepped back.

"Thanks. I'm feeling fine. It's good to be back."

Horatio took the article which was titled: "Jefferson High School wins 1st Prize at Science Contest" and read it, then smiled. "I told you not to come back without 1st prize. Congratulations!"

"Well, thank you. It was fantastic. The kids were…great, absolutely amazing. They gave me this", Speed said and held up a handmade badge. "We talked a lot about police work, you know. And I told them about you and that you're a role model for me. The kids wanted to thank you so…this is for you." He gave him the present.

"I don't know what to say…wow. I've got an decoration! Thank you" he shook hands with Tim.

"You're welcome. So, any assignments?" Speed wanted to know.

"First day at work, it's always the same", he laughed. "By the end of this week you wish you were back home in NYC, my friend. Okay, let's go to the break room to meet the others. We've got plenty work to do."

With that the two of them walked down the corridor, still talking about the science project.

Once there, Eric padded Tim on the shoulder and smiled. "You're back. Man, you're in serious trouble here. You owe me one. I've handled all your latest paperwork. And I took care of your house. And the mail."
"Oh come on, Delko. It's not that I ordered you to do this. You practically pushed yourself into. But thanks anyway. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Then Speed was hugged and kissed by Calleigh. "Look who's back. I don't believe it. It was so quiet and peaceful here. Guess the good times are over", she drawled and hugged him again. "It's great to have you back."

Alexx appeared in the doorway and stepped into the room. "Hey, sweetheart. You look great. Any problems with the shoulder?"

"Only when the weather changes. At first I thought Dr. White was joking. But now…I know better. I should work for the weather channel", he explained. "Dr. Michaels in NYC did a good job. Although my hand's still a bit tingly and goes numb from time to time, but I can live with that since it's the left one. He's going to mail you the paperwork."

"Okay, folks. Let's go and catch some bad guys", Horatio said and handed out the assignments. "Calleigh, a dead body at a warehouse. John's already there. He said there are at least 10 casings waiting for you."

"I'm on my way. See you", she said and went away.

"Eric, Speed. I've got an burglary at Coconut Grove. Be prepared. It's the home of an so called movie-star. News people all around. Watch your tongues." Both of them nodded and set off.

Horatio went to see a perp they got last week in the interrogation room.

Everybody was happy to be complete at last.

Speed was riding shotgun and was lost in thoughts as Eric drove. His family was back in NYC, but right now he was at home, even if it was different now. He had made his peace with his parents and was willing to give it a try. His words to Andy were the same as the ones he said to his mother when he said goodbye to her: "I hope we can start to make things up, even if it will take quite some time. I've learned that you are important to me."

Yes, indeed they were important to him. But this family here in Miami was also important to him and he couldn't think of a better way. Maybe the ordeal he had suffered was meant to be. He didn't know. At least he had made the first step into the right direction. That was all that mattered.

The end