I would just like to say thanks to everyone that reviewed any of my chapters and to those who put me as their favourite story or author. I am really grateful for all the support and to my beta reader Tarhelveteran for all the help . Hope you like the last little bit.

Chapter 8

Three hours later Shannon was curled up on a chair, her head resting on Calleigh's shoulder, when the Doctor came over to them. Eric jumped up from his seat and met him.

"How is he?"

"He's lucky to be alive. His body sustained a lot of damage and he lost a lot of blood, but we managed to remove the bullet and repair his knee. He should be fine. He needs lots of rest and to let his body heal."

"Can we see him?" Shannon asked hopefully.

"Normally I'd say no, but knowing your situation, just a few minutes, then he needs to rest. He is heavily sedated and medicated so he won't be very responsive. You can come back and visit properly tomorrow. Okay?"

Shannon walked slowly into the room behind Calleigh and Eric.

Horatio lay with his eyes shut on the bed. His shoulder had been bandaged, and he had stitches in the cut above his eye and a few other cuts on his chest and stomach. Calleigh leaned over and touched his cheek.

"Horatio? It's Calleigh. Are you awake?"

He tried to open his eyes, but he was just too exhausted and still had anaesthetic in his system, so the best he could manage was to lift his hand slightly.

"It's ok. We'll go now. We just wanted to see you. We'll come back tomorrow." She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.

Horatio finally came round the next day. The first thing he felt was pain. It felt like every part of his body was hurting, and he couldn't think why. He lay still listening to the silence around him, trying to remember why he felt this bad. He went to move his leg, but pain shot out from his knee, making him groan. Then he remembered. The men beating him up, stamping on his knee again and again, the kidnapping he had tried to stop, the young girl Shannon escaping through the window, being shot, then a vague memory of Calleigh, and then nothing.

He slowly opened his eyes. Everything was blurred. His heart started pumping a little faster. Had something happened to his sight? He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and immediately wished he hadn't as his ribs reminded him that at least one of them was broken.

Horatio opened his eyes again. This time his sight was clear, letting him breathe a sigh of relief. He took in the hospital room he was lying in and finally heard the quiet beeping of the monitors attached to him.

Then as he turned his head he saw a sight that made him smile. Calleigh sat asleep in a chair by the window, and Shannon was asleep with her head on her shoulder. He wondered how long they had been there. How long he had been here.

"Sleeping…on...the...job…CSI…Duquene?"

His voice was barely above a croaky whisper, but Calleigh's eyes flew open.

"Horatio." Calleigh's voice dripped with relief as she stood and was at his side in seconds.

"H!"

Shannon had awakened at the sound of Calleigh's voice.

"It's so good to hear your voice. We weren't sure if you were gonna wake up." He could see the tears she was trying to stop from falling. He smiled weakly.

"Good to…see you…too. How long?" Even this short conversation was tiring him.

"Two days. One of the team has been here since you were brought in." Then she looked at Shannon and said

"But Shannon hasn't left your side since we rescued you."

"I'm so glad you're ok. If It hadn't been for you they might have…I might not…"

Shannon couldn't hold back her tears. With a massive effort Horatio lifted his hand and took Shannon's.

"Hey sweetheart…It's the other…way round. I wouldn't be here …if not for…you. Thank you."

Shannon stopped crying and looked into the deep blue eyes staring intently at her. "Okay?"

"Okay." She smiled shyly at him. Calleigh put her hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Shannon, can you go and let the nurse know H is awake? I'll be out in a few seconds."

"Sure. Can I come by and see you later H?"

"Anytime, Shannon, anytime." He squeezed her hand, and she left with a smile. He realised it was the first time he had seen her smile properly since he had known her.

"How's she…doing?" he was feeling weaker and more tired by the second but wanted to talk to Calleigh for just a few more minutes.

"Pretty good, but better know she has spoken to you I think. She refused to leave even after her father came to get her." Calleigh smiled at him. He nodded "She's a good kid."

"How about you? How are you feeling?" Calleigh asked him, the concern evident in her voice.

"Been better" he admitted.

"We were so worried about you. I didn't know if I'd get a chance to tell you how I feel." Calleigh looked down at the floor then took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes. "I am in love with you and have been for a long time, but didn't know how to tell you. Then this happened and I thought you might be…I didn't think I'd be able to tell you at all. Anyway, I'm not very good at this sort of thing, but this is me telling you. I'm sorry if it upsets you, but I had to let you know." She went to leave, but he put his hand over hers and smiled shyly, tilting his head towards her

"Not upset…not with you…anyway."

Calleigh looked confused.

"Upset with…myself…didn't tell you…I feel same…have done long while." His words were slowing and slurring slightly as he fought the exhaustion and pain medication, making him drift back to sleep.

Calleigh beamed at him. He lifted her hand slowly and kissed her palm and graced her with one of his rare full smiles.

"So…any…chance…of…a…date…beautiful?"

"Sure is, Handsome, just as soon as you get yourself better." She leant forward and kissed him softly on the lips. As she stood he yawned.

"I'd better let you get some sleep. You're gonna need all your strength when you get out of here." She winked and turned to leave. Horatio closed his eyes and fell asleep with a soft smile on his face before she had reached the door.

The end.