Hey Everyone,

Welcome back for another one of my crazy train stories. I added a hyphen in this one. I'm trying something new and I believe it reads better this way. So whenever you see the Hyphen (—) think of it as a pause.

Think of how Horatio talks and pauses sometimes and the other characters as well. We all pause in thought when we talk and I like this better than my … that was just all over the place! LOL

So let me know if it works for you or not. This way I can give the readers what they like!

Don't kill the writer for making you wait so long but instead please remember, life has a way of throwing us a curveball when we least expect it. Sometimes it can throw consecutive curveballs and well— I'm still ducking, bobbing and weaving! But I am here and that's what counts.

So to all: sit back, think Horatio and Calleigh. Get their voices in your head and most of all, Enjoy!

By: HCrazy

Pairing: H/C

Beta: Betty

Rating: M Strong Language, Violence, Fluff as usual, and everything else my muse can come up with. And that's a lot! LOL

Disclaimer: CSI:Miami and the characters belong to CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer. They are not mine but I can keep dreaming.

This is the continuation of the time line. First- Captured, then Heaven and Hell, Head Games, Captured II, License To Kill, Totally Twisted and now, Written In Blood.

Summary: Eric and Calleigh meet Frank at a crime scene in prison. Alexx is examining the body while Horatio is talking to Frank. The prison alarm sounds and a riot breaks out. The prison gates begin to lock as the team makes a run for it. Who will be saved? Who will be trapped? The Cruz brother's are smiling at their captives now as Clavo says, "Hey Red, bet you didn't think you would see me again.

Written In Blood

III

One week had passed and everything was quiet. The investigation into Agnes Malone's death was at a standstill. The trail went cold. It wasn't due to lack of evidence either; they had plenty of it, only it didn't match up to anyone in the database.

The fingerprints they found appeared altered, in some way. The results on the DNA came up inconclusive. Horatio was frustrated and the team discouraged as their lead disappeared.

III

Horatio walked in breathless, inhaling deeply. He headed straight for the fridge, grabbed a bottle of ice-cold water, removed the cap and tossed it into the sink.

He walked into the living room and collapsed down on the couch, lifted the bottle to his lips and guzzled it down, almost finishing it in one extended swallow.

After a long satisfied breath he put the bottle down, letting it rest between his thighs. Exhausted mentally and physically, he allowed his head to drop back against the sofa and closed his eyes….

Calleigh walked in some time later and immediately noticed Horatio fast asleep on the couch. She quietly closed the front door hoping not to wake him.

His dreams were back and in full force. He was on edge and wasn't sleeping well again since their last case and the mysterious text message he received on his cell phone.

She smiled sadly for a moment hoping she could do something more to help him, but in reality was just glad to see him finally getting some sleep. She stared at his adorable and disheveled appearance giving him the once-over.

Horatio's golden red hair was tousled; he was wearing gray jogging pants and a blue T-shirt, with an open water bottle resting against one relaxed leg. He seemed comfortable enough and Calleigh knew he had to be exhausted not to hear her even come in.

Horatio suddenly shifted his legs, stretching them out when Calleigh's eyes widened knowing that bottle of water was going to spill on him. Without a sound she quickly seized the bottle and managed not to wake him. She smiled impressed with herself then put the bottle down on the coffee table behind her.

Calleigh turned around and stared at his peaceful, sleeping form. She sighed softly tilting her head affectionately, wondering exactly when she fell so deeply in love with the redhead.

His low groan interrupted her thoughts and she watched the very tranquil look on his face change into a tense frown. The creases on his forehead became more pronounced, his eyelids fluttered and his breathing increased.

Calleigh shook her head. 'He's dreaming again.'

"Sorry handsome," she whispered, moving in closer towards him then kissed him softly on the lips.

Horatio flinched. His eyes snapped open and he stared at her in a bit of a daze.

"You were dreaming again," she explained, inches from his lips, caressing one loving hand along his cheek.

Horatio blinked the haze from his eyes. His voice, dry, gritty and low. "How— did you find me?"

"I'm a CSI remember," she said with a widening smile.

A low rumble left his throat and a small smile curved his lips. He nodded his head in response. "And a very good one for that matter." He rubbed at his eyes sitting forward just a bit.

"When did you get back?" Calleigh asked, trying to figure out how long he'd been asleep for.

Horatio hummed low again and rested back comfortably against the sofa. "I thought you were a CSI?" he teased lowly as his eyes gave her incredible body a long lingering caress.

Calleigh chuckled and narrowed her eyes on him. "Well…" She took in his lovable appearance and continued, "from the looks of you, I'd say at least 30 minutes or so."

"Really? Why?" Horatio rasped dryly preoccupied, looking to the side table for his water bottle. He could swear he had it earlier.

Calleigh smirked, turned and lifted the water bottle then handed it to him. "Because of this handsome."

Horatio's brows knitted. Not only could she finish his sentences but now she could read his mind as well. He gladly took the water bottle and swallowed the rest of the contents, keeping his eyes on her the whole time.

"It's warm," she sassed with one hand on her hip. "Which means you had plenty of time to cool down from your run… not to mention your shirt is dry as well. How's that for a CSI?"

Horatio's brows arched high and the corner of his lips curved up. "Very astute."

"Why thank you handsome." She grinned and then with both her hands, leaned on his thighs, bent and pressed her lips against his. "By the way… hello," she whispered sweetly.

Calleigh's kiss was slow, soft and tantalizing. Horatio was instantly mesmerized and a very low approving hum left his lips.

"Hello, beautiful."

Calleigh laughed and shook her head back and forth at him. He caressed her cheek with his thumb and held her beautiful emerald eyes but the dream flashed in his mind and he blinked distracted.

Calleigh knew that look. She watched the skin tighten at the corner of his eyes and knew he was suddenly a million miles away.

'The dream,' she thought and did the one thing that came to mind. Leaned in and kissed him again, this time lingering, hoping against hope to bring him back to her.

A little at a time she began to pull him from his unpleasant thoughts and bring him to a more peaceful place. Horatio's view of his hellish dream changed and shifted to thoughts of Calleigh.

Soft, full lips pressed against his again and again. Slow, sensual warmth coursed through him as her hands caressed his face and she ran her fingers through his hair.

A low groan left his throat and his tongue slipped between her lips, gentle at first then harder with a need of longing. His hands supported her weight as Horatio directed her down onto his lap effortlessly.

Calleigh's knees dug into the cushions on either side of him, she pressed against his chest with her hands settling down on him and felt just how turned on he was. She drew back from the kiss taking a breath while he stared at her. His crystal blue eyes darkened and a need of hunger now filled his gaze.

"I missed you," she whispered, then moaned as he leaned back in and began kissing and nuzzling lightly along her neckline. She sighed and wrapped her hands around his head, caressing them over his shoulders and down his back.

"Mmmm," he rumbled against her ear and slid his tongue down the side of her neck suckling her sweet skin. "Likewise," he murmured in a silky smooth tone.

Calleigh bit down on her bottom lip with a moan and began to roll her hips against him. She lifted his shirt up and off when he muttered. "I—" he let out a husky breath when her lips lightly brushed against his chest then slowly slid down lower over his pebbling nipple. "I— need a shower."

"Not now," she breathed feeling Horatio's lips and hands roam and caress all over her sensitized body.

"No?" he murmured in question.

"No," she moaned decisively and suckled his neck while her hands slid south.

A very deep groan emanated from Horatio's throat and his head dropped back against the couch in pleasure. Calleigh palmed and stroked his engorged manhood then slowly kissed her way down his body to give it her full attention.

Horatio sucked in a quick breath and pressed his head back against the sofa as warm, soft lips enveloped him. Tiny pulses of electricity tingled within. Pleasure so intense coursed through him right down to his toes.

Calleigh made slow, sweet love to his hard male heat and watched the man she loved come undone.

"Christ!" he gasped through gritted teeth doing his best to hold back.

Calleigh moaned, slid her tongue languidly along his steely length then engulfed him again.

Horatio let out a knowing hiss as both his hands latched onto her head. "Sweet— heart—" he rasped breathlessly, while his fingers sank into her long silky strands, trying to slow her down.

Calleigh moaned in response and caused him more unbearable pleasure. His body tensed and tightened. His hips jerked. Her green eyes gleamed as she moved, yet kept her gaze locked on his the whole time.

Horatio was quickly losing control and gasped suddenly. "Stop. Cal—" His jaw clenched and he quickly pulled her up into his arms and kissed her passionately.

She drew back breathlessly and rasped, "oh god— I need you," then kissed him harder.

With a needy groan Horatio pulled her spandex pants and underwear down in one movement. He lifted her shirt up, slipped off her bra and urgently covered one swollen rose-tipped nipple with his mouth.

"Yes!" she cried in desire again and again. His hands slid leisurely down her sides to her waist. He pulled her in closer and she slowly sank down onto his hard, thick length.

Horatio groaned against her breast and wrapped his hands around her hips attempting to control her seductive movements.

Calleigh moaned and ground out against him, swaying her hips forward then back. A long deep masculine groan left his throat as he tightened his grip on her hips, pulling her forward against him again and again.

"Look at me," he rumbled breathlessly.

Calleigh moaned then cried out as his thumb slid over her swollen pearl adding to her pleasure. First slow and gentle in small circles then with more pressure, building her up, bringing her to the edge with him.

Calleigh tightened around him and cried out as he drove himself up deeper and deeper. Her arms wrapped around his head and she clung to him desperately, feeling every thrust as though he was embedded in her very soul.

With both hands buried in her hair, he directed her to his lips and growled huskily against them, "come for me beautiful."

Calleigh cried out looking into his intense blue eyes. The sexy tone of his whiskey voice and love in his gaze sent her careening.

Horatio began to snap his hips upward, hard, groaning with each thrust, giving her all of him. He held her watery eyes and watched the ecstasy cover her face. Her warm breath came in gasps with each drive of his hips and then he felt her climax, exploding around him.

Heat and wetness covered him. Her soft walls embraced him tightly, again and again, massaging, pulling it from him until he could hold back no more. With a low, long groan against her neck Horatio shattered.

He held her against him as both cried out in ecstasy. Their orgasms first overwhelmed and then devastated them. Horatio's harsh breathing and Calleigh's soft cries filled the room as they both lay exhausted, nestling against one another.

It was a long moment before either one spoke. They just reveled in the moment and let their bodies bask in the aftermath of their lovemaking. Calleigh was in heaven just being in his arms again. The feeling of being one again with the man she loved had her content and completely worn out. She rested her head against his shoulder while her soft moans lingered, still reaching his ears.

Horatio slid a tender hand down over her long silky hair, then lower onto her back caressing her smooth skin.

Calleigh let out a long contented sigh. "Mmmm, that feels wonderful handsome," she rasped in her low southern tone.

Horatio exhaled heavily and whispered low against her hair, "you, beautiful… are amazing."

Calleigh lifted her head and held his loving eyes. She read him like an open book and he smiled knowing it.

"Did it work?" she asked quietly.

A smile instantly curved his lips. "With you… it always does."

Calleigh blessed him with one of her bombshell smiles. "Good," she said lowering her head against his shoulder again. Her arms tightened just a bit hugging him more.

Horatio kissed the top of her head. "I told you Calleigh, you always help me to forget. With you, there's only light."

"I love you," she murmured against his neck. "So much… It's just sometimes, I want to help you so badly but I am never sure how to."

Horatio shifted. His hands cupped her face and he gazed into her sincere green eyes. He smiled softly. "That's because it comes natural. You don't even realize you're helping me but I promise you sweetheart, every day you do." He leaned in and whispered against her lips. "Trust me beautiful, you do."

Calleigh couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. Her cheeks went rosy and she looked down unable to hold his gaze. When she finally looked up, his crystal blue orbs held her captive and she stared.

Instantly she took in his smile. The beautiful smile he would only have for her. It was that smile that had captured her heart many years ago, and she knew it would be that smile that she would keep with her forevermore.

Horatio tenderly slid one strand of hair out of her face and placed it delicately behind her ear. He pressed a feather light kiss against her lips and whispered. "Thank you."

"Anytime handsome," she sighed and rested her head down against his shoulder again. A moment of silence passed when Calleigh exhaled. "You know, I don't want to move right?"

A low deep chuckle left his throat. "I deduced that much beautiful, yes… especially when you put your head back down on me."

Calleigh swatted at him playfully with a giggle.

"Besides, I'm a CSI," he teased. "So, I know things," his voice deepened.

Calleigh sat up against him and held his gaze. "Oh really," she sassed. "So tell me Mr. CSI, what am I thinking right now?"

Horatio grinned letting his tone drop even lower. "You're thinking how much you would love your bed… but you want to shower first."

Calleigh's jaw dropped open and she gasped.

Horatio however continued in a rather sensual, low hypnotizing tone. "Or… or perhaps the lady would just like to take a nice relaxing dip in the Jacuzzi—"

"Horatio!" she cut him off, rose and took his hand in hers.

His brows arched as she tugged.

"Are we going somewhere beautiful?" he questioned getting up.

"You're the CSI, you figure it out," Calleigh laughed pulling on his hand.

Horatio's low laughter had her beaming yet again. She was just glad to see him at ease and laughing once more. Calleigh entwined her fingers with his and led him up the stairs.

III

Horatio came to with a start. He blinked and carefully looked around the dimly lit room realizing where he was. In the comfort of his own bed, and that warm, silky feeling against him had to be the woman of his dreams. Calleigh.

He turned slightly to the left and was assaulted by the amazing scent of vanilla flowing from her hair and body. He closed his eyes for a moment remembering their night of lovemaking and smiled.

He exhaled softly feeling completely relaxed and at ease. No dreams. His eyes glanced over toward the alarm clock and the bold red numbers that read 4:30 a.m. He lay back again and wondered how long he'd been asleep this time.

Horatio just wasn't sleeping well since Agnes's death and the twenty minute cat naps he did get from time to time left him worse for wear.

The disturbing thought in his mind was Calleigh knew it. The blonde did everything in her power to put him at ease but his little voice inside kept him on edge. That intuitive sense kept warning him something was wrong.

The last thing he remembered was wrestling playfully with Calleigh, on the bed, for top position. His blonde southern belle was a formidable opponent and with a low moan, he smiled happily remembering he lost. His eyes closed and his mind slowly began to drift, picking up where it left off.

The kissing, the touching, playfully rolling around on the bed until she pinned him with both hands and took control. Sexual sensation flooded his brain and a low stifled moan left his lips.

He remembered how her smooth silky hands felt, caressed and glided along his sensitized skin. How her hair cascaded around her face and onto his, as she kissed him, slowly, lovingly. How her soft pliant breasts filled his hands and her heavenly moans when he filled his mouth covering her nipples.

Horatio inhaled deeply and that soft vanilla scent consumed him. He concentrated on the feel of her warm breath that blew lightly against his chest hair, causing a slight tingle, then a very subtle moan left her lips. Calleigh stirred and one arm slid around his midsection.

Horatio smiled again and caressed her arm with his hand.

Calleigh lifted her head sleepily. "You're awake… again?"

"Mm-hmm." A low hum his only response.

"Are you okay? Another dream?" she murmured with concern then caressed her hand up along his neck and face.

"I'm fine, beautiful," he replied, caressing the soft skin on her forearm. "And no, not another dream, not tonight… thanks to you," he whispered.

Calleigh cuddled closer and wrapped her arm around him tighter. Her leg slid deliciously against his then over it languidly. She hummed her pleasure while she snuggled her head into the crook of his neck more.

Horatio smiled for the third time and thought. It was times like this she made him feel like a king. Her king. The way she held him, loved him as she did, wholeheartedly, even in her sleep.

He kept one protective arm around her keeping her close while the fingers of his right hand brushed lightly against her forehead and over her hair.

"Sleep, beautiful," he barely whispered kissing the top of her head.

"You first," she muttered then kissed his neck lingering. She moved lower and her warm open lips pressed against his chest, again and again and again.

A low moan emanated from his throat and his lower loins stirred even further. Her warm breath and the feather light flick of her lukewarm tongue against his nipple had him heady with desire. He wanted to roll her over and pounce.

"Calleigh?" he rasped in a rather gruff tone. "I—"

Her fingers went up to his lips and she covered them gently. "Shhh," she breathed, than trailed slow open-mouth kisses all the way down his body into his red treasure trail.

"Unhh… god," he breathed heavily, "Beautiful….," Horatio moaned aroused and electrified. His breathing immediately picked up, especially when she found his rock hard length.

"Oh my," Calleigh rasped then began to stroke slowly up and down, while she traced her tongue down and around his navel.

Groan after groan left Horatio's lips. His hips lifted. His earlier memories of their night together already had him aroused but this, if she kept this up, he would be rocketing through the roof in no time.

"I barely touched you," she whispered and erotically licked and kissed his inner thigh.

A husky gasp left his throat and he fisted the sheets trying to find control. His words breathlessly strained. "I… was… reminiscing… of you and me earlier, then you woke up."

"I see," she chuckled knowing she owned him, and then moaned moving the sheets down out of the way. "Relax handsome, I'll have you back to sleep in no time."

'No doubt,' Horatio thought as a wave of pleasure rushed through him. He let out another husky breath and groaned. "Yes! If you keep this up—"

Calleigh covered him with her warm mouth, which caused Horatio to choke on his husky words. He groaned and let his head drop back against the pillow in defeat. His hands and fingers threaded into her silky hair and in a matter of minutes he was soaring towards the stars.

Calleigh crawled back up against him and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I don't think you'll have any trouble sleeping now, handsome."

With a deep inhalation of breath and extreme satisfaction surging through him Horatio nodded. "I, I completely agree," he said breathlessly.

Calleigh smiled, hugged him and rested her head back down on his chest. She closed her eyes and murmured sleepily. "Night, handsome."

With a contented sigh he smiled, pulled her in closer and closed his eyes. "Sleep with the angels beautiful."

III

The alarm clock blared and Horatio's eyes snapped open with unease.

"Damn!" Calleigh groaned, reached across him and quickly slammed one hand down on the snooze button.

Horatio chuckled low and rubbed at his eyes. "That will teach it."

Calleigh gave him a stare and sassed, "I was trying to shut it off before it woke you."

"You were awake?" he questioned surprised.

She nodded with a smile. "Yep. I was watching you sleep handsome, and I was enjoying myself immensely until that thing went off!"

Horatio took in her slumberous appearance and smiled. No matter how he cut it she was beautiful, especially when she was angry, especially in the mornings, especially when he was buried deep inside her, making love to her, in the throes of passion. The grin on his face widened.

"Want to share handsome?" she questioned on her side, with her head propped on one hand. Her fingers on the other brushed through the hair on his chest.

'If she only knew what she does to me.' Horatio's brows arched. She was reading him again.

"Well?" she questioned again poking him with a finger.

"Um, I was thinking—"

"Of last night, right?" she cut him off. "I know that smile."

"Nope. I was thinking of how beautiful you are sweetheart."

Calleigh gave him a megawatt smile and hugged him, snuggling in closer. She whispered near his ear, "It was a good night, wasn't it?"

"It was amazing Calleigh. Thank you."

"No dreams?" she asked quietly.

"No. No dreams." He pressed a light kiss against her lips and the alarm clock blared again.

"I'm going to throw that thing out the window!"

Horatio rolled over and shut it off muttering in his sleep- roughened tone. "Then we would never get to work on time sweetheart."

Calleigh sighed softly spooning against his back, hugging him from behind. "As long as we get to stay in bed together handsome, I don't care."

A low rumble left Horatio's lips; he turned and faced her, pulling her in closer, kissing her lips. "I think we need a vacation."

Calleigh's eyes widened. "Yes! That's exactly what we need," she said excitedly holding his gaze.

Horatio smiled at her reaction. His tone dropped low. "How's a weekend getaway sound to you beautiful?"

Calleigh sat up and held onto his hands. "Seriously? You mean it?"

"Of course I mean it," Horatio replied quietly with knitted brows. He tilted his head confused with her question then sat up leaning back against the headboard. His eyes asking a silent question.

Calleigh answered lowly looking down at his hands. "I just think you've been working too hard. I also think it would do us some good to just get away from it all for a while Horatio." She chewed on her lip a bit trying to explain gently.

He held her gaze for a long moment in thought and swallowed hard. "Are… Are, we okay, Calleigh?" he barely whispered.

She gasped stunned. Her eyes widened. "Oh my god, Horatio! Of course we are. How could you ask a question like that?"

Horatio Caine was a smart man; in fact his IQ was off the charts. He was a true genius but… when it came to affairs of the heart and the one true love of his life, he didn't think with his brain. He thought with his heart, with all his love and compassion. He was sensitive and fallible and could sometimes misjudge, like now.

"That's not what I meant. I mean…" Calleigh shook her head back and forth attempting to explain, wondering how things just got so mixed-up.

"I just feel like you need a break, Horatio. You're not sleeping and I'm worried about you…." She closed her eyes, upset with herself and let her words trail off knowing she blew it. Everything she said was just coming out wrong. How in the world did they go from having such a wonderful night and morning, to this she wondered?

Horatio's eyes cast downward sadly. He nodded in realization. "I'm sorry Calleigh," he said quietly, feeling guilty about keeping her awake at night and worrying her during the day.

Calleigh watched him draw back and knew he was feeling guilty once again. She grew angry.

"No! Don't you dare," she said firmly. "Horatio Caine you look at me!" She moved in closer towards him and lifted his chin, looking into his apologetic eyes.

"I love you! Do you hear me?" She placed both her hands on his arms tightly. Her tone softened. "Never doubt that please. I'm so sorry if I gave you doubt just now but that wasn't my intention."

Calleigh kept her eyes locked on his trying to get through to the redhead. "I'm concerned because you haven't been sleeping at all and your mind is, well it's busy. You seem so on edge lately, you're hardly eating and I feel like if you don't get a break…." Again she let her words trail off but Horatio finished for her, this time in understanding.

"I'll burn out," he added soberly.

She swayed her head side to side and gave him a small smile. "Something like that," she whispered holding his sad blue eyes.

"Please understand I'm just worried about you handsome." She affectionately cupped his face while gazing into his irresistible blue eyes. "I want to take you away from all the crime, misery and pain, even for just a short while."

Calleigh's voice softened to the point of soothing him. The love concern and consideration all clear in her tone, her emotions apparent in her glassy green eyes.

"I love you Horatio, and have dreamed of being with you for so long. Please don't think it has anything to do with us. It doesn't. You make me so happy." She smiled beautifully.

"I've never been this happy before or this much in love with anyone… ever." She kissed his lips softly, still holding his face between her hands.

A small smile curved his lips as he stared into her hypnotic emerald eyes. Her words, genuine and heartfelt. He exhaled softly. "So— we're okay," he said quietly, but there was a lilt of question in it.

"Of course we are handsome," she instantly replied with a smile. "I know that wasn't a question— right," she sassed.

Horatio immediately looked down as the most beautiful boyish grin appeared on his face. Calleigh had her answer and Horatio's embarrassment showed in his rosy cheeks. She read him perfectly.

She was amazing, he thought lifting his gaze, looking back into her loving eyes. His tone wrapped around her like a silky scarf.

"Good to know," he said lowly then entwined his fingers with hers. "Because, beautiful, I don't know what I would do without you in my life." He sealed his words with a tender kiss.

Calleigh tilted her head to one side and held his sincere blue eyes. "I'm so sorry Horatio. My words just came out wrong." She shook her head back and forth still upset she hurt him.

"Handsome, I do hope you believe me. There is nowhere I'd rather be then right here in your loving arms— forever Horatio," she whispered against his lips then kissed him softly lingering.

'Forever. Mmmm,' Horatio thought, with eyes closed as she kissed him. Only Calleigh couldn't feel the joy in his heart as it skipped a beat with her beautiful affirmation. After a long, sweet, lingering kiss she drew back. They both smiled.

"C'mon handsome," Calleigh drawled tugging on his hand. "If we don't get a move on, we're gonna be late for work."

Horatio nodded in agreement, grinned then got off the bed with her, feeling much better about things.

She led him into the bathroom, turned on the shower and gave him a glance while unbuttoning her nightshirt. She shrugged and in an adorably sweet tone drawled. "I figured we'd save time this way."

Horatio's brows rose. "And— water," he added in a low sensual tone watching her strip. With hands on hips and a low rumble from his throat he exhaled softly. "I think— we're gonna be late anyway beautiful."

Calleigh began to giggle as she reached one arm out and pulled him into the luxurious shower stall with her.

III

"See you in a bit handsome," she said, leaning over towards the redhead.

Horatio gave her a soft kiss and reminded. "Watch your back beautiful."

That got Calleigh's attention. She hesitated and her hand came off the door handle. She held his sincere blue eyes searching them carefully.

"Did you get another message or threat?"

Horatio shook his head back and forth answering quietly. "No."

Calleigh scrutinized him carefully. She took notice of his eyes and the dark circles underneath them. It was no secret he wasn't sleeping well and it began to show more and more with each passing day.

"You're not lying to me again— are you Horatio?" Her eyes slid side to side, studying him, looking for any signs of dishonesty.

He sighed softly aware of her doubt. A tinge of hurt clearly expressed on his face as he frowned. "No. I'm not lying… not this time sweetheart."

Calleigh scooted closer towards him, realizing how her words had wounded him again. Twice in one day. She lifted her hand to his face and palmed it tenderly.

"I know you're just trying to protect me. I'm sorry if I just hurt you again, it's just— you're so hard to read sometimes and I can feel you on edge. It's like you're waiting for something to happen and I'm worried you won't keep me in the loop this time handsome."

He nodded. She read him perfectly— again, he thought with a small curve of his lips. His tone was silky soft and low.

"I made a promise to you Calleigh— and this time, I intend to keep it." With his right hand he gently brushed back her hair and caressed her face with his thumb.

"You'll know if and when he contacts me again. You have my word sweetheart. No more secrets."

Calleigh smiled and softly pressed her lips against his. "Thank you Horatio."

He let out a soft breath. "I'm sorry I led you to— mistrust me. I don't blame you one bit and I must admit— I completely understand where you are coming from."

"I don't mistrust you Horatio." She gave him an apologetic look and in her softest tone shared, "I worry about you."

Horatio held her striking emerald eyes as his silky tone flowed over her. "I'm fine sweetheart. Please don't worry about me." He slid his hand over hers.

Calleigh smiled with a bit of a smirk. "In your own words handsome, that's not possible."

Horatio chuckled low. "My ballistics expert is using my words against me. What is the world coming to?"

Calleigh laughed and in that moment realized how much she missed their back and forth banter. It felt good, especially to see him smiling and hear that amazing low laughter of his that gave her goosebumps all over.

Calleigh looked down at the dashboard and checked the time. "You had better get a move on if you want to make it on time handsome."

"I'll call you when I'm done."

"Good luck qualifying," she said, sliding out of the Hummer. "Not like you need it." She smiled looking back over her shoulder.

"Thank you— bullet girl," he rumbled low looking down over his sunglasses, admiring her backside as she walked towards the lab.

Horatio's brows went up and down and he grinned. Then with a newfound energy pulled away and headed for the firing range.

Every few years the officers had to qualify to stay active on the police force and at CSI. It was an easy test for him as Horatio was an expert shooter. He made quick work of it and was on the road again, heading back for the lab and his beautiful blonde ballistics expert.

Horatio was in deep thought thinking again about Agnes's death and those unknown fingerprints. He thought of Stuart Otis, and how the psycho and child molester, cut off and mangled the skin on his fingertips so the cops couldn't match his prints and catch him. It didn't work of course. The team eventually discovered his very twisted demeanor and put him away for life.

'Why Agnes? And how did she fit into the puzzle?' Horatio wondered in frustration. 'To send a message to Calleigh or me?'

Well he thought he had his answer when that mysterious text message was sent to his phone but it never happened again. 'Was the messenger hanging back and waiting for the right time? Or was the text message just a hoax? How could it be?' Horatio wondered. 'Who knew about the text messages? Harwood, Charlie and John.'

Hagen came to mind but Horatio quickly shook his head dismissing that thought. Last he checked John was in a four- wall padded cell, restrained and on heavy doses of Lithium. He just wasn't capable. Charlie was dead, and so was Harwood.

Then Stuart Otis came to mind and Horatio's eyes narrowed in thought. He could have shared his fingerprint scheme with another inmate. Maybe convinced someone else to do his dirty work, using his signature… but again Agnes's death just didn't make sense.

And the more Horatio thought of all the criminals he put away, the more paranoid he became. He quickly realized he was finding a way to match every single convict he had ever locked up, to the crime.

Horatio exhaled a frustrated breath and stopped at the red light. 'So many unanswered questions,' he thought, and looked around scanning the area with suspicion then shook his head in disgust.

'Calleigh was right,' he agreed, in mental exhaustion. He was on edge, just waiting for this psycho to make a move— a call, another threat— anything! Horatio felt it consuming his every thought.

With a heavy breath he tried to focus on something else and did. Horatio saw the familiar school at his left. He made a quick diversion and turned, not exactly knowing what made him turn in that direction, but he was happy he did when he pulled up and saw little Paco getting shoved around by a much bigger boy— a group of bigger boys to be exact.

Little Paco was surrounded and the boys kept pushing and shoving him back and forth laughing.

Horatio was just about to get out of the Hummer when another boy suddenly came running out of the school and to Paco's rescue.

A sudden grin formed on Horatio's face when he realized it was Timmy. Horatio's head tilted down and he stared intently over his sunglasses, watching the scene unfold in front of him.

"Get off him!" Timmy growled and shoved one of the bigger boys back and flat onto his ass.

"I can fight my own battles!" Paco responded angrily, as his Spanish accent thickened.

"You weren't doing so good… ya spic!" another boy goaded.

Paco ran off with his mouth in Spanish, cursing and yelling at the bigger boy. "Cállate! Hijo de Puta!"

Timmy held onto Paco as he struggled to go after the bigger boy. "Easy Paco," Timmy said trying to calm the small boy down. "He's just trying to provoke you."

"You a spic lover too Timmy!" the boy said having no mercy. He turned towards his friends and laughed. "I bet that's why his father left him."

Timmy's eyes narrowed and he was on him in a moment's notice. He took him down to the ground and grabbed his shirt with both hands yelling, "you take that back! You don't know anything about my father!"

Paco was right beside him yelling and urging him on. "You show him Timmy. Kick his ass! Kick his ass!"

Horatio's hand went to the door handle and stopped. Timmy unexpectedly calmed and shook his head at the boy.

"He's not worth it Paco. Look at him, he's a chicken! He's scared."

Paco stared up at Timmy as he rose to his feet. "You loco! Muy loco, Timmy!" Paco exclaimed in disbelief causing Horatio to grin.

"Yeah Paco, tell me about it," Timmy said, looking at the group of boys. "You guys better not bother him again. Anybody does… and I'll kick your asses! All of you!" Timmy growled.

"We didn't know— he was your friend Timmy," one of the boys replied nervously.

"Well now you know— don't you!" Timmy snapped. "Why don't you guys pick on someone your own size? He's a lot smaller than you."

One of the boys stepped up. "We were just messing around Timmy. We weren't gonna hurt him or anything like that. We were just having some fun."

"I show you some fun!" Paco growled in his thick Spanish accent moving toward the bigger boys again. Timmy grabbed onto his shirt holding him back. "I can beat him Timmy. I can."

"No Paco. He's not worth it," Timmy said looking at the three of them. "Now say you're sorry to him."

The boys all looked at one another until Timmy repeated his words in a threatening tone. "Say it!" he snapped loudly.

They huffed and groaned mumbling together, "sorry, Paco." "Yeah, me too." "Sorry for calling you a spic," the third boy said looking down.

Paco grinned sideways. He didn't know what he was smiling about but whatever it was, he sure felt great! He looked up at Timmy with admiration.

"Now beat it!" Timmy snapped giving them all a hard stare.

The boys turned and walked away mumbling to one another unhappily. "I told you not to bother him!" one said as the other answered. "Just shut up! We look like a bunch of idiots!" The third grumbled. "You're the jerk that mentioned his father. You're lucky he didn't kick all our asses!"

Timmy chuckled watching Paco jumped around wildly pumping his fists in the air laughing.

"You sure showed them Timmy! I bet you could have beaten them all up! I bet we could have taken the three of them. You and me," Paco stated, pointing at Timmy and then he pressed his hand against his own chest. He was going on and on, faster and faster until he began to ramble his words in Spanish again. "Muchas gracias, Timmy! You're my best friend. Mi amigo."

Timmy shook his head, picked up Paco's backpack and handed it to him. "Alright, enough…" he laughed. "I can't keep up with you when you talk so fast in Spanish." He chuckled. "C'mon, let's go home Paco."

"Si," Paco said continuing to ramble on excitedly. "I bet you could have beat them all up without any help—"

Horatio cleared his throat making them both turn around. He looked down at them over his sunglasses. "Gentlemen," he said with a curved grin.

They both stopped talking and stared at him with clear surprise.

"Señor! Ay dios! Oratio!" Paco shouted happily and flung himself into Horatio's arms embracing him.

Horatio groaned as the small boy nearly tackled him down to the floor.

"I missed you— A lot!" Paco exclaimed.

Timmy smiled but shyly looked on watching Paco hug and squeeze Horatio tightly… unashamed.

"I missed you too Paco," Horatio answered as his very attentive eyes slid towards Timmy. "I missed you both," Horatio replied, ruffling Timmy's hair with an affectionate hand.

Timmy smiled with delight and his big brown eyes sparkled with pure joy.

"What do you say; I give you gentlemen a ride home?"

"Really!" Paco shouted happily. "That would be so cool! We get to roll in the police Hummer! Vroom, vroom."

Horatio grinned hearing Paco's new lingo. He was a fast learner Horatio knew all too well. Paco had a certain gift when it came to learning and taking care of himself.

Timmy paused unsure. His hands went into his pockets and he shrugged. "I'm sure you have a lot better things to do than lug us around town."

Horatio shook his head no and placed a tender hand on Timmy's back, nudging him forward towards the SUV.

"Nope. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than with the two of you," Horatio answered making both the boys smile. "C'mon. Hop in," he said, opening the front door then back. "Let's roll," he said giving Timmy a grin and Paco a wink.

Paco giggled and climbed in the back while Timmy slid into the front seat. "This is so cool!" Paco said again and again, as he leaned forward between the seats looking at Horatio and Timmy. "Can we put the sirens on?"

"Sit back and put your seat belt on young man," Horatio said, turning back towards Paco.

"Si, señor," he said in a lighting quick response, making quick work of the seatbelt. "All done!" he replied adjusting in his seat. "Now we can put the sirens on?"

Horatio turned towards Timmy who was already locked in. "He always talk this fast?"

Timmy smiled a crooked grin. "Yep... And he doesn't shut up either… ever!"

Paco laughed loudly then began to giggle. "Si, mi abuela says the same thing too! She say, I never give her peace. She say, I talk so much she can't think straight." Paco's brows knitted in thought and he continued. "But I don't know how that could be possible. "I have learned a lot here in the American escuela (school) but not about that!"

Horatio chuckled as they pulled away. He nonchalantly flipped on the sirens and glanced over at Timmy who smiled and shook his head knowing Paco would flip out.

"Ay caramba!" Paco shouted from the backseat excitedly. "Yes!"

TBC...

I am Listening... :D