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Post by jessica on Nov 18, 2008 6:46:00 GMT -10
Lovely chapter Oracle. I do hope it was the last time Stevie has to go through that cleaning. So H wants to have the list? I can understand that, I doubt that the doctor knows everyone.. so H can make a little back up check..so to say. He knows who's real and who's not plus.. he can see if there are connections again to the accident. I know this story is about Stevie and how he gets to know the gang, plus Horatio opening up a bit and you do are doing a fine job at it... but still, I'd love to see more DuCaine scenes or... well moments. I just can't help myself. Jess
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Post by NV Oracle on Nov 22, 2008 20:27:19 GMT -10
Hey, there, ladies.
Margaret, yes it does lead to an interesting avenue to continue the investigation. I don't really want to say too much, except that it's the driving force, and the reason behind Stevie's 'bad luck'. There again, by the end of the story, everything else should be crystal clear (or at least I hope so. LOL)
This little chapter doesn't add anything as far as the mystery is concerned, but it does help move the story along.
Please enjoy. Here we go.
***************
Chapter 69
They moved the gurney right against the bed, and just as Horatio and Ryan started to lift him off the gurney, Stevie asked. “Hold up a minute guys.” He looked over at Dr Fitzgerald. “Dr Fitz, if I asked for a Tylenol, would you be trying to put an IV in me, or could I get a pill and some water?”
“No, Stevie. I meant it when I said that you weren’t going to have the IV put back in. If you need a Tylenol, I’ll go have Andi get you one.”
“I’m sorry, Dr Fitz, but, yes, please.” Stevie replied.
“Nothing for you to be sorry about, Stevie.” Horatio told him.
“Nope. Not a thing, Stevie.” Fitzgerald agreed. He turned to Andi. “One 500 mg pill, please, Andi.”
“Yes, Dr.” She replied, then turned and left the room.
“Dr. Fitz, do I have to get back in bed, like, right away?” The youngster asked.
Fitzgerald smiled. “I take it you’re wanting to sit up for awhile?”
“Hold on a minute, Stevie.” Horatio covered the recliner there in the room with several towels. He sat in the chair, holding another towel as he told Eric. “Do me a favor, Eric, please, and bring him over here.”
“Sure, H.” Eric walked over to the gurney. “Ok, Stevie, whenever you’re ready, Little man.” He told the youngster, as he held his arms open.
Stevie leaned in and wrapped his arms around Eric’s neck. “Yes, please, Mr Eric.”
Eric picked Stevie up off the gurney, and as he turned to put the youngster in Horatio’s lap, in walked Frank Tripp.
“So, this is where all of you disappeared to.” He put his hands on his hips in a good imitation of Horatio. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to tell me something.”
The adults laughed at him. Frank knelt down so that he was eye to eye with Stevie. “Hey, there, Little Man. How’re you feeling?” He held his hand out to the youngster.
“I’m doing a bit better, Mr Frank, thank you.” Stevie’s little hand got swallowed up by the bigger man’s hand. “I’m hoping that this was the last cleansing we’ll have to do. Dr Fitz says that he’s pretty sure it will be, but we’ll see.”
Andi walked in just then. “Here you go, Stevie.” She passed him the one cup, which had the pill in it, and watched as he put the pill into his mouth, then she gave him the other cup which had some water in it.
“Yup, down the hatch, Stevie.” Horatio helped him hold the cup, as the youngster swallowed the pill down.
“Ok, all gone.” Stevie opened his mouth to show the adults that it was, in fact, gone.
Andi traded an amused grin with Horatio. “Ok, little man. You’re going to get sleepy, just go with the flow.”
“I know, Andi, thanks a lot.” Stevie leaned into Horatio.
“You’re going to be just fine, Stevie.” Frank looked up at Horatio. “There was a note on my desk saying that you were wanting a couple of people picked up.” He stood up.
“Yes, I did, Frank.” Horatio confirmed. “Mr Wolfe, before you go back with Frank, please give Dr Fitzgerald the lab’s main fax number.”
“Sure, H. We can do that.”
Then, once you round everybody up, hang on to them until we get there. Eric and I have an errand to run, but we’ll be back as quick as we can.”
“No problem, H. We’re on it.” Frank told him. “We’ll see you back at the lab.”
“Thank you, sirs.”
Ryan and Frank walked out of the room and over to the Nurse’s Station.
Fitzgerald looked up at their approach. “Yes, officers?”
“Yes, Dr. Lt Caine asked us to leave the main fax number for the lab with you, so that, when you have the chance, please fax the current list of available physical therapists to us.” Ryan held out a sticky ‘Post it’ note to the Doctor.
Fitzgerald took the note and put it in Stevie’s file. He wrote on it for just a minute, then looked up.
“I’ll get that faxed over as quickly as I can.” Fitzgerald promised.
“Thanks a lot, Doc.” Ryan told him.
Frank nodded his thanks as well, then followed Ryan down the hall to the elevator.
Back in Stevie’s room, the youngster looked up at his mother.
“Did you get the chance to grab something to eat, Mom?”
“Yes, I did, Stevie. I made myself a couple of eggs, some toast, a little bowl of cream of wheat and some fruit.”
“Ok. I’m glad that you’re taking care of yourself, Mom.” Stevie told her. “You know I worry about you and you know Dad would get mad if he thought you weren’t taking care of yourself.”
She sighed. “I know, Stevie. You and your Dad have always been my men and have always taken very good care of me.”
“Well, I’m not able to do the job the same way I used to, and you’ve lost Dad, but think of it this way, Mom, you’ve gained 4 other men who can help take care of you. Well, 3 and a half, really.”
Jessica looked at her son, confused. “Where are you getting three and a half, Stevie?”
The youngster poked Horatio in the chest. “Him. He’s the half. Although I think Aunt Calleigh is willing to share, he actually belongs to her, then you’ve got Mr Frank, Mr Ryan, and Mr Eric.”
Calleigh laughed. “No, I’m not willing to share. You can’t have him. He’s mine.”
Stevie also laughed. “Aunt Calleigh, don’t you know you’re supposed to share?”
Laughter filled the room as someone knocked on the door. They looked over at the door and found an older man and woman standing in the doorway.
“Grandma! Grandpa!” Stevie exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“We saw the story on the news and remembered your Mom had said that she was going to try to get tickets for you to go see the Trotters.”
“Yeah, well, that was a bust.” Stevie grumbled.
“So we see.” Grandma commented. “What happened, Stevie?”
The youngster went on to explain what happened to his Grandparents and made quick introductions.
Grandma and Grandpa looked at each other, concerned, as the enormity of the situation very quickly made itself known.
“Are you going to be ok, Stevie?” His Grandfather asked.
Stevie yawned widely for a minute, then looked up at the older man. “Try not to worry, Grandpa. I‘m going to be fine. Once Dr Fitz releases me to get back in the pool and the gym, I’m going to be back in shape as quick as I can. The only bad part about all of this, is that, of course, Dr Fitz doesn’t think it’s a good idea for me to be seen without a shirt on by anybody.”
The older man looked his grandson over. “Would not be a good idea. No.”
Stevie shook his head as he yawned widely again. “Uh, no.”
Horatio hugged the little boy. “Listen, partner, how about if I put you in bed, that way you can go to sleep when you need to, ok?”
“Ok, H. I know you and Mr Eric have something you need to go take care of before you go back to the lab. I‘d also prefer it if you go get something to eat too.”
Calleigh and Alexx laughed, as Horatio stood up, holding the boy in his arms. At the women’s laughter, his eyebrow climbed into his hair. He stood there for a moment, then looked at the boy in his arms. “Exactly what makes you think I didn’t eat anything for breakfast this morning.”
Stevie giggled. “I’m sorry, H. It’s just that, sometimes, Aunt Calleigh complains about how it seems like you hardly ever eat anything. You can’t be doing that all the time. You have to learn to start eating more regularly. You do know that it doesn’t work like you want it to, when you go without eating sometimes, don’t you?”
Horatio looked down at the floor for several minutes. When he looked back up, he could easily read the worry on the expressive 12 year old face. He hugged the youngster to him, as he told Stevie. “I know that I should, Stevie, but sometimes, I get busy, and I forget to eat. Luckily, I have you, and Aunt Calleigh, and Dr Alexx, and the team to remind me.” Horatio chuckled. “Aunt Calleigh is my witness, I actually ate something this morning, and quite a bit too, for me. We had French Toast, and fruit, and coffee, before we picked up Mom.”
“That‘s true, Stevie. He’s innocent, this time.” Calleigh agreed.
“Ok, Aunt Calleigh.” Stevie replied, as Horatio laid him on the bed. Horatio started to step away from the bed, but Stevie grabbed the older man’s arm. “You do realize that we wouldn’t tease and nag you, unless we loved you and wanted to keep you around, don’t you?”
Horatio smiled, gently, down at the youngster. “I know, Stevie. Don’t worry. I’m not mad, Partner.” He stood up. “Now, I want you go try to get some sleep, ok?”
“Ok, H.” Stevie turned his head, and closed his eyes.
Horatio walked over to his duffle bag, and pulled out the things he would need for his shower. “Calleigh, could you do me a favor, and when I ask for it, would you please pass me my suit?”
“Sure thing, Handsome.” She replied.
“Thank you, Ma’am.” He walked into the bathroom, and closed the door behind himself.
The water turned off a few minutes later, and the door opened again.
Calleigh was right there, and held his suit out to him. “Here you go, Handsome.”
“Thank you, Beautiful.” He took it from her, and closed he door. After a few additional minutes, he came out of the bathroom and put everything away.
Horatio turned and looked over at the bed. Stevie was sound asleep, so he turned to Jessica. “Jessica, do you think Stevie is old enough to handle having a pet?”
Jessica looked confused. “What kind of pet?”
“I have this friend who has a parrot who’s extremely social and I wanted to introduce him to Stevie. Charlie has had Marty for a long time, and they‘re always doing tricks and performing for kids in various locations, hospitals, schools, fairs, etc.”
Jessica thought about it for a minute, then told the red head. “He’s never had a pet before, but, yes, I am fairly certain that he can handle the responsibility of having one.”
“I think so, too, Handsome. He‘s ready for the responsibility.” Calleigh agreed.
“Alrighty then. Let me work on it.” Horatio told them. As he moved toward the door, Horatio added. “Calleigh, we’ll meet you and Alexx back at the lab. Eric and I have an errand to run, then we’ll catch back up with everyone back at the lab.” Horatio motioned for Eric to come with him.
“We’ll see you back at the lab, boys. Please be careful.” Alexx told them.
Horatio and Eric looked at each other for a moment, then both turned back to Alexx. “Yes, Mom.” They replied at the same time, as they both ducked around the door at the sound of laughter.
Eric helped Horatio as he carried his suit travel case, and his duffle bag, out to the Hummer.
****************
Please let me know what you think.
Your friend NV Oracle
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Post by sanne on Nov 22, 2008 23:58:18 GMT -10
Very nice chap. Well written. Now.....what are they going to do and.....who will be waiting for them back at the lab....... Sandra
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Post by gonsy on Nov 23, 2008 2:22:57 GMT -10
Hey NV Oracle, great chapter pal! I've enjoyed it! Very sweet! This little boy is really amazing...Waiting for next chapter! Gonsy
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Post by jessica on Nov 23, 2008 4:26:55 GMT -10
Lovely chapter Oracle. They really are one big family and I can totally understand Calleigh in not willing to share this man. I wouldn't do it either. ;D
Jess
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Post by margaret1234 on Nov 23, 2008 4:39:59 GMT -10
Lovely chapter again NV. As Jess has said......one big happy family all concerned about each other. Love this story. Wouldn't you all have liked to sit in Horatio's lap? ;D
Margaret
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Post by NV Oracle on Nov 29, 2008 12:18:36 GMT -10
Hey, there, ladies. Yes, Margaret, I would have LOVED to have sat in H's lap. I get to live vicariously through Stevie. LOL
Here's the next chapter. Eric and Horatio have to go over to the car dealer's to check on the progress of the van.
It's also a bit long, Sandra.
Please enjoy. Here we go.
*********************
Chapter 70
Eric and Horatio made their way over to the car lot and walked in to the show room.
Miguel stood off in a corner with a man and a woman. He noticed when Eric and Horatio walked in. He motioned for them to wait in an out of the way spot and went back to his conversation with the man and woman. After a few minutes another young man in a suit and tie joined them and Miguel included him in their conversation. He then shook the man’s and the woman’s hands, then nodded to the young salesman, then made his way over to where Eric and Horatio waited. He shook Horatio’s and Eric’s hands as he told the men.
“Thanks for coming by gentlemen.”
“No problem, Miguel. What was it you needed to talk to us about?”
Miguel led them around to the garage where the work was being done. “We wanted to show you a couple of ideas that we’re working on and we also wanted your input on a couple of ideas.” They walked in to the garage and up to the first work station they came to.
“Carlos and Jose are working on a computer/game system for Stevie in the back.”
The men stopped at another table.
“Hector and Paco, here are working on the new GPS and the Street Tracker system.”
Horatio nodded. “I would also suggest, if it’s possible that there be a way for the boy to be able to enter an address from his place in back. You know, in a situation where if he needs to give Mom directions to a friend’s house or something of this nature.”
“That’s actually a good idea, Lt.” Miguel looked over at the two younger men. “It can be done, can’t it?”
Paco nodded. “Yes, sir, it can. It will just need a longer section of cable to feed into the back of the van.”
“Ok, thank you, Paco.” Miguel moved Horatio and Eric to another table. “We also wanted your opinion on the paint scheme.” He looked down at the paperwork on the table. “We also wanted to know what you thought would be a good ‘name’ for the van.”
Horatio looked confused. “A name? You mean something like ‘Stevie’s Mean machine’?”
Miguel nodded. “What do you guys think?”
“How about ‘Stevie’s Wheels?” Eric suggested.
“I realize how badly this will date me.” Horatio admitted. “But what about ‘the Stevie-mobile’?”
Miguel and Eric looked over at the red head, confused.
Horatio chuckled. “Never mind.”
“Actually, H. I like the sound of that.” Eric agreed.
“I do, too.” Miguel added. “The question becomes, which paint scheme you think he’ll like on the outside, flames, sunset, graffiti, or animal stripes?”
“Well, what if we put graffiti letters over sunset or fire colors, in other words, red, orange, and yellow?”
“That actually sounds like a good idea. What do you think, Miguel?” Horatio and Eric both looked over at the man.
“I think it’ll work, but let’s ask the man who’s going to do it.” Miguel turned to another man. “What do you think, Rafael?”
“About what, boss?”
Miguel pulled a sheet of paper towards himself, and drew the side view of the van, then turned to the younger man. “What they’re thinking, is to paint the words ‘the Stevie-mobile’ in a graffiti style in front of a Miami sunset. What do you think?” He drew what he was talking about.
“I think that’s a great idea, boss. We’ll get right on it.”
Miguel, Horatio and Eric continued to discuss other aspects of refurbishing the van.
In the meantime, Carlos and Jose moved over to the table where Hector and Paco worked. All four men looked over to observe Horatio and Eric both of whom had turned, so that they were facing away from them.
“Quien se cree este tipo que es?” Jose asked. “Que piensa que puede llegar, tronar los dedos, y que se haga lo que él quiera?” Who is this guy anyway? That thinks he can just walk in here, snap his fingers, and get something done?
“Que quieres decir, Jose?” Hector asked. What do you mean, Jose?
“Tengan cuidado muchachos. Ambos hablan Español.” Paco warned them. Be careful, guys. They both know Spanish.
“Ese tipo no, miralo, problablemente no sabe la diferencia entre el español y el Griego.” Jose argued. Not this guy. Look at him, he probably doesn’t know Spanish from Greek.
“El no es tan estúpido, José.” Paco continued to argue. “El es un Teniente de la Policia.” He isn’t that stupid, Jose. The man’s a Lt with the Police Dept.
“Y? Eso no significa nada.” Jose pointed out. So? That doesn’t mean anything.
“Que te hace pensar que no sabe hablar o entender el espanol?” Paco asked. “La mayoria de los Americanos, en especial en esta parte del pais aprenden Espanol en la escuela, algunos desde muy pequenos, para poder ayudarnos cuando llegamos aqui por primera vez.” What makes you think he won’t speak or understand Spanish? Most Americans, especially in this part of the country are taught in school how to speak Spanish, some at very young ages, so that they can help us when we first come here.
“Es una broma, verdad, Paco?” Carlos asked, incredulous. “Se parece a Ronald McDonald, solo le falta una pelota roja en la punta de la nariz.” You’re kidding, right, Paco? He looks like Ronald McDonald. All he needs is a red ball for the end of his nose.
Hector added. “Mi madre dice que también se parece a Howdy Doody.” My Mother told me that he also looks like Howdy Doody.
“No puedo creerlo.” Paco was exasperated with his friends. “No tienen remedio, Aunque no conocia al Teniente Caine, yo se que es un hombre de honor. Ha ayudado a nuestra comunidad en el pasado, y eso incluye aprender a hablar Español. El respeta nuetras costumbres, aunque no esté de acuerdo con ellas, y debemos respetarlo también. Además, no me gustaria hacerlo enojar, he oido que es muy duro cuando necesita serlo.” I don’t believe this. You guys are hopeless. Although I’ve never met Lt Caine before, I know that he’s an honorable man. He’s helped our community in the past, and that included learning to speak Spanish. He respects our ways, even if he may not agree with them, and we should respect him too. Besides, I wouldn’t want to make him mad at me, I hear the Lt can be very tough when he needs to be.
When the others scoffed their disbelief, Paco went on to explain.
“Podrian hacerme caso por favor!” Paco begged. “Yo se de los que estoy hablando.” Paco saw that, although they were listening, they weren’t completely believing, either. “Ok, se acuerdan, el año pasado cuando el Sr López perdió su tienda? Bueno, yo vivo cerca de ahí, y tomo varios dias limpiar ese desastre. El dia que el Sr López salió del Hospital, el teniente Caine fue a recogerlo y lo llevó a la tienda. Ellos dos y otro mas se quedaron para ayudar a limpiar y el teniente trajo un nuevo letrero para el frente de la tienda. El ayudo mucho al Sr López, De verdad le importa.” Will you guys please listen to me! I know what I’m talking about. Ok. Do you remember last year when Mr Lopez lost his store? Well, I live near there, and it took days to clean up that mess. On the day that Mr Lopez was bring released from the hospital, Lt Caine went to get him and bring him back to the store. Both of these men and another man stayed to help clean up and Lt Caine brought out a replacement sign for the front of the store, above the window. He helped Mr Lopez out a lot. He really does care.
“Esto suena a que Paco tiene un Papacito Chulo.” Jose teased, as he poked Carlos and Hector both. That sounds like Paco has a ‘Papi chulo’.
The three men laughed as Paco scowled at them. He threw up his hands in the air, then walked away, disgusted.
Horatio, Miguel, and Eric had heard the entire conversation.
“I’ll be right back.” Horatio told them.
“Be careful, H.” Eric warned him.
Horatio winked at him. “I’m always careful, Eric.”
“Uh huh.” Eric replied sarcastically, as he watched Horatio walk over to the three Hispanic men.
“Caballeros, me parece que debieran escuchar a su joven amigo.” Horatio pointed towards Paco, and continued in Spanish. “Como referencia para el futuro, la próxima vez que deseen hablar a espaldas de alguien, asegurense que no entienda lo que están diciendo.” He pinched a lock of his own hair and held it up. “Por cierto, esto es color de cabello es peirrojo, y sí, es mi color natural. Puedo conceder que ya me han llamado Howdy Doody antes, Ronald McDonald es nuevo, aun para mi.” The steel doors dropped behind his blue eyes, and his voice dropped into the ‘Danger Zone’. “Si ustedes tres ‘hombrecitos’ desean hacer algun otro comentario inteligente, agradeceria que lo dirigieran directamente hacia mi, Nos entendemos jovenes?” Gentlemen. You may want to listen to your young friend. For future reference, when you want to talk about someone behind their back, you may want to make absolutely certain that they don’t understand what you’re saying. By the way, this is ginger red, and yes, it’s my natural color. I’ll admit to being referred to as Howdy Doody before, but the Ronald McDonald is a new one, even for me. Should the three of you ‘men’ fell so inclined to make any more snappy comments, I’d greatly appreciate it, if you’d make them directly to me. Do we understand each other?
Jose, Hector, and Carlos each in turn, quickly picked their jaws up off the floor, then replied. “Si….señor……entendemos.” Yes…..sir…..We do.
“Gracias.” Horatio walked back toward Eric, when Miguel took his place in front of the men. Thank you.
“I want the three of you to drop what you’re doing and go inside. Find Fernando, Angelo, and Diego and have them come out here. I will also only say this one time. If you ever think about embarrassing me like that again, all three of you will find yourselves out of jobs. Now get out of here, before I change my mind.”
Miguel walked back over toward Horatio and Eric. “I don’t believe they did that. I truly am quite embarrassed and very sorry that happened.”
Horatio quirked a grin. “It’s alright, Miguel. You would be surprised by the number of people who assume that I don’t understand, much less speak the language.”
Miguel chuckled. “I can only imagine.” Miguel walked over to Horatio and patted him heavily on the shoulder.
Eric, who had been standing slightly behind Horatio, noticed that the red head visibly flinched from it. Before he had the chance to say anything to Horatio, Miguel maneuvered them toward the door.
The three men noticed Det Montoya laying on the floor, working on the underside of the van.
“Is there a problem, Det?” Horatio asked.
The man quickly blinked back to the here and now. “No, sir. There’s nothing wrong.”
“That’s good.” Horatio commented, then turned to Miguel. “How’s he doing Miguel? Any problems?”
“Not a one, Lt. In fact, if I though I had a chance, I’d try to spirit him away. He definitely knows his cars.
“That’s good.”
“How’s the boy doing, Lt? Is he doing any better?” Montoya asked.
“He’s doing a little better. The Dr removed him from the Critical List just this morning, actually.”
“That’s good to hear.” Montoya observed.
“Yes, it is.” Horatio agreed then walked over toward the younger man. “Paco?”
“Si, Señor?” The younger man looked up from his work. Yes, sir?
“Nos hemos visto antes?” Horatio asked. Have we met somewhere before?
“No lo creo Teniente, Creo que recodaria a alguien como usted.” Paco told the man. I don’t think so, Lt. I think I would remember someone like you.
Horatio’s eyebrow climbed into his hair. “No hablamos cuando estuvimos trabajando en La Tienda?” We didn’t talk when we were working at that Tienda?
“No, señor, estabamos muy ocupados ayundando al Señor López.” No, sir. We were too busy helping Señor Lopez clean up the mess.
Horatio cracked a grin. “Así es, mi joven amigo, así es.” His mind instantly supplied the surprised expression on Mr Lopez’s face when he, Eric, and Frank brought out the new sign. “Tu familia y tu llevan mucho tiempo aqui?” That we were, young man, that we were. Have you and your family been here long?
Paco smiled and nodded as he switched to English. “Yes, sir. My parents were ‘Dry Foot’ers and my brothers and sisters and I were all born here.”
Horatio nodded as he pulled out one of his business cards and tentatively offered it to the Cuban young man. “Here is one of my cards. If you or your family need help with anything, please, give me a call.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Paco put the card in his pocket.
When Eric walked past, he cracked a grin at the younger man and nodded slightly, then followed Horatio and Miguel out to the Hummer.
“Thanks for coming by, gentlemen. We’ll get started straight away.”
Horatio and Eric climbed into the Hummer.
“If you have any other questions, or need any other help, don’t hesitate to call, ok, Miguel?”
“Don’t worry, we’ll let you know.” Miguel promised.
“Bye.” Horatio replied. He and Eric waved as they drove off.
After they had been driving for awhile, Eric started chuckling, then broke into laughter.
Horatio looked over at the younger man in confusion.
“You should have seen those guys’ faces, H, when you started off in Spanish. It was priceless!”
Horatio smirked for a moment, then he chuckled as well. “It was kind of funny, wasn’t it?”
Eric nodded, with a grin. “Yes, it was.”
“Yeah, well. I couldn’t resist, listening to them behind my back, and Paco doing everything to defend me, even though he had never met me. Then when they said what they did to him, I couldn’t let it go on anymore.”
“I know, H. That’s you, though. You wouldn’t have let it go on too much more.”
“Let’s head back to the lab.”
******************
Please let me know what you think.
Your friend NV Oracle
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Post by Hcrazy on Nov 29, 2008 13:04:00 GMT -10
I loved it! Stevie's Mobile sounds great and the colors are awesome with the sunset. I can picture it in my mind. You did a wonderful job describing it. I also loved how Horatio unexpectedly dropped the bomb on those Spanish guys! Hahaha LMAO Never cross Horatio and never assume! We all know what assume really means and now so do those Dudes! Hahaha Love it all, especially the humor! Great job! HCrazy ;D
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Post by margaret1234 on Nov 29, 2008 13:17:43 GMT -10
Yes, the humour was very good. I absolutely love it when Horatio puts people in their place. He does that very well. Great chapter NV.
Margaret
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Post by sanne on Nov 30, 2008 0:29:37 GMT -10
Thnx for the warning again, NV Oracle. I loved this chap, especially the part in Spanish (even though I don't understand a word, I was very grateful for the explanation in English ;D). H is a pro putting people back in their place. No-one does that quite like him. Very curious what they will find back at the lab. Sandra
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Post by gonsy on Nov 30, 2008 10:02:20 GMT -10
Hey Nv Oracle, good job, nice chapter! Gonsy
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Post by jessica on Dec 5, 2008 3:46:14 GMT -10
This was awesome of H. Stupid men...they should know better than talking behind somebody's back. I'm sure the vehicle will look perfect and Stevie will like it a lot. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Jess
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Post by NV Oracle on Dec 11, 2008 17:37:41 GMT -10
Thanks again, Ladies. I had hoped to successfully recreate H's ability to put people back in their places, so well. Horatio is such a master at that.
So, what do H and Eric find when they get back to the lab? This chapter, at least part of it. LOL
The other part is for all you DuCaine'rs that have asked for more H and C time. LOL
Hope you like. Here we go. Please enjoy. This one is also a bit long, Sandra
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Chapter 71
In the meantime, Paula was working at the Reception Desk, sorting through some paper work intended for Lt Caine.
Ryan walked up. “Hey there, Paula. Do I have any messages?”
She looked up. “Oh, hey, there, Ryan.“ She turned to her message log. “Nope, sorry. No messages.”
He nodded. “That’s fine. Has a fax come in for the boss from a Dr Fitzgerald.”
The fax machine started to print something.
Ryan and Paula shared a mutual smile.
“Speak of the devil.” Ryan snarked.
The fax machine finished printing the transmission, and Paula pulled the three pages out of the ‘Out’ tray, and handed them to Ryan.
Ryan read the top page, then looked up at Paula. “This is it. Thanks a lot, Paula.” As he walked away, to make his way to the break room, he read the list of physical therapists that Dr Fitzgerald had send. One of the names leapt out at him. “So, that’s where you’ve been keeping yourself, you rotten bum.” He commented to the list. “You have just made things a hundred times easier. Wait until I show H.” He went into the break room, knowing that the decision of which therapist to choose had just been made infinitely easier.
Horatio pulled the Hummer into the parking lot, and parked in his assigned space. He and Eric got out of the vehicle, as Eric asked out loud. “Well, I wonder what has happened?”
As they walked toward the crime lab building, Horatio corrected the sentiment. “I’m just hoping the fax has come in from Dr Fitzgerald. Depending on how many names will be on that list, there’s going to be a lot of research to do.”
They walk into the building, and stepped up to the elevators. Horatio pressed the call button.
Eric asked. “You mean if anybody has any kind of criminal record?”
“That too, but also if anybody has any kind of connection to Stevie’s bad luck, or the robbery.”
They rode the elevator up, and when it got to their level, they stepped off the elevator, and moved toward the Reception Desk, just as Ryan walked out of the break room.
“H! Eric!” He hurried over to the red head. “I’m glad you two are back. Look at this, H. I’ve got the best candidate for Stevie’s new physical therapist.” He passed the list to Horatio
Horatio shared an amused grin with Eric as he briefly looked down at the list. He looked over at Ryan. “Slow down, Mr Wolfe.” Horatio pointed to the list. “I take it this name is special for some reason.”
“It is, H.” Ryan confirmed. “I got the fax from Paula so that I could get started running backgrounds on everyone when I noticed Ernie’s name on the list. Ernie is a friend of mine from College. We‘ve known each other for a long time.”
“Very good. It sounds like we have our man.” Horatio looked over at Eric, who nodded, then turned back to Ryan. “Do me a favor, please, Mr Wolfe, and call him.”
Ryan pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number, then put the device to his ear. After a moment, the phone was answered on the other end.
Ernie noticed that his Caller ID displayed ‘Ryan’. “Hey, Ry. What’s up?”
“Not much. Exactly when were you going to tell me you worked at University Medical Center?”
Ernie’s confusion could easily be heard. “I didn‘t realize it was important that you knew.”
“Sorry about that, buddy. I have this young friend who is in need of your help.”
“Ok. Which young friend, and what kind of help?”
“I’ll tell you what, you rotten bum, can you come by the lab, let’s say around 2:30pm?”
“Let’s make it 3pm.” Ernie suggested instead.
Ryan looked at Horatio. “3pm?”
Horatio nodded.
Ryan turned back to his phone. “Sure. 3’s fine. We’ll see you then.”
“Yup. Bye.”
Both young men hung up, then Ryan turned to Horatio.
“He said he’ll be by around 3.”
“That’s fine. Thank you, Mr Wolfe. I’m going to want you to make the initial introductions.”
Ryan nodded. “No problem, H.”
“Thank you, sir.” Horatio replied, as the three men went their separate ways.
Horatio went up to his office. After he signed off on some of the case files in his ‘In’ box, he accessed his computer. He logged in to the AFIS database and, and entered in Ernie‘s information, then pressed ‘Enter’. After a few seconds, the screen displayed ‘No Information Available.’
Ok, so, no criminal record, or at least not one where he’s been caught at anything. He thought.
He also accessed IBIS and repeated his search. This time, they system displayed the information for 4 firearms. The list of firearms registered to the younger man surprised him. All were antiques, 2 old west style and 2 18th Century muzzleloaders.
Horatio made a mental note to ask the man about them. He logged off his computer, and stood up. He grabbed his jacket, and walked toward the door of his office. As he left, he locked the door behind him, and as he walked down the stairs, he put his jacket back on. He walked over to Reception, and asked. “Paula, have you seen Calleigh recently?”
Paula thought for a moment, then told him. “The last I saw of her, she said she was going to be in the Testing Range for awhile.”
Suddenly, the sound of gunfire was heard.
Horatio smiled at Paula. “I think I’ve just found her, Paula. Thank you, Ma’am.” He walked around to the door of the Ballistics lab, and went in, then into the Testing Range. He stopped just inside the door, and leaned against the door jam, and folded his arms across his chest.
When she was done, Calleigh took off both her eye, and ear protection. “Hey, Handsome. Did you need something?”
“Only my daily dose of you.” He walked over to her, and leaned in, wordlessly asking for a kiss.
Calleigh was more than happy to oblige him, and stood on her tiptoes.
They broke the kiss quickly, remembering where they were.
Once he had his breath back, he asked. “I was also wondering, if perhaps I could interest you in some lunch. There’s a new sandwich place just down the block, and I was thinking we might check it out.”
“That sounds like a good idea, Handsome. Give me just a minute, and we’ll get out of here.” She told him.
The new restaurant was within walking distance, and as they made their way towards it, Horatio told her. “I got the list of Physical Therapists from Dr Fitzgerald.“
She looked up at him, and noticed the quirk of a grin. “Ok?”
He chuckled. “Apparently, one of Mr Wolfe’s friends is a PT over at the hospital. He’s coming over at 3 o’clock, and I was wondering if you wanted to be there for the interview?”
They arrived at the restaurant, and Horatio opened the door, letting her go in first.
“Absolutely.” She walked in, and Horatio followed her.
They stood in line, and placed their order, when it became their turn. Horatio paid for their meal, and they sat at a table overlooking the patio out front.
As they ate their lunch, Horatio pulled out the printout from IBIS and passed it across the table. “What do you make of this, Cal?“
Calleigh wiped her hands on her napkin, then picked up the printout. “Ok. That‘s an interesting group of weapons.“ She looked up at the red head. “This was the only thing you found?“
Horatio nodded. “That was all. What do you suppose it means?“
She shrugged. “I’m not sure, Handsome.“ Calleigh thought she heard giggling from behind him. She attempted to ignore the giggling, as she told him. “If he’s keeping them just as collector’s pieces, then you’d think he wouldn’t fire them, but why register them officially if you had no intention of firing them?“
Her musings were cut short by the ringing of his cell phone.
Horatio put down his sandwich and wiped his hands on his napkin, then quickly pulled out his cell phone. He looked at the Caller ID. “It’s Frank.” He opened his phone with his thumb and put the device to his ear. “Hey, there, Francis. What have you got for me?“
“I’m bringing in those kids that worked you over.“
“Very good. I’ll be back momentarily.“ Horatio closed his phone. He looked over at Calleigh. “I hate to cut this short, Beautiful, but we have to go back.“
Calleigh nodded. “No problem, Handsome.“ Again, she thought she heard giggling. Again, she ignored it, as she told him. “Let’s get lunch to go and we can finish it back at the lab.“
Calleigh got up and went to the counter. She asked for a ‘to go’ bag and the young man behind the counter gave her one. As she turned to walk back to their table, she saw two young women sitting at the table directly behind Horatio. They were signing back and forth like crazy. With the direction they were signing, as well as some of the signs that they were using that Calleigh understood, it was easy to see that Horatio was the subject of conversation.
Calleigh sat down at their table, with a grin.
“What’s so funny?“ He asked.
“I’ll tell you later, Handsome.“ She replied. This time, there was no mistaking the giggling. They packed their lunches away and Horatio cleaned up the table and tossed their trash in the garbage.
Horatio picked up the bag, and his soda, and walked toward the door. He stopped and looked over his shoulder when he sensed that she wasn’t behind him.
Calleigh had stopped at the table where the two women were sitting. She sat her soda cup on the table. [You’re right, ladies. He is a hunk, and yes, that’s part of the reason I call him ‘Handsome’.] She signed to the two women.
Horatio watched their interactions. As it occurred to him that he was the subject of the conversation, he slowly became uncomfortable with the obviously candid, interested looks that were being sent his direction.
The women laughed at his embarrassment.
[That’s the other reason.] Calleigh admitted as she chuckled. [He’s just so cute when he’s embarrassed, or uncomfortable, like that.]
[Yes, he is. What’s his name?]
[Horatio Caine.] Calleigh admitted.
[Lt Horatio Caine? With the police dept? That Lt Caine?]
Calleigh smiled. [Yes, ma’am, that Lt Caine.]
[So, that’s what he looks like. He’s so much more handsome in person.]
[Yes, he is.] Calleigh agreed. [I’m sorry, ladies, we have to get back to the lab.]
[Ok. It was nice to have met you.]
[You, too. Take Care.] Calleigh replied as she picked up her soda and made her way back over to Horatio.
He held the door open for her, and as Calleigh walked out ahead of him, he asked.
“You ‘overheard’ them?“
Calleigh nodded. “One of my neighbors is deaf and her teenage daughter is teaching me sign language.“
Horatio nodded. “I see. When did you realize they were talking about us?”
She chuckled. “When I got up to get the bag, I saw them signing back and forth. Before that, though, I heard giggling every time I called you ‘Handsome‘.”
Horatio chuckled. “Here I thought I was loosing what was left of my mind.“
They laughed together as they climbed the short set of stairs in front of the lab, then walked into the building.
“Do you mind if I observe?“ She asked as they stepped into the elevator.
He shook his head. “Nope. In fact, if you think of anything I need to ask, text me, or call me.“
“Sure.“
He raced up the stairs and put his soda and lunch on his desk. He then retraced his steps, down the stairs, to catch up with Calleigh. “Here’s what’s left of your lunch, Beautiful.“
She took the bag from him. “Thank you, Handsome.“ She quickly moved to put her lunch on her desk in the Ballistics lab, then went back to Interrogation.
**************
Please let me know what you think.
Your friend NV Oracle
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Post by sanne on Dec 11, 2008 20:40:11 GMT -10
Wonderful....now let's see what this guy has to say about the firearms..........Can't wait for that part.......as I'm pretty sure Calleigh's gonna play a part in it.... ;D Sandra
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Post by margaret1234 on Dec 12, 2008 7:20:12 GMT -10
Yet another wonderful chapter NV. Now of course we are interested in how that interview will go and the meeting with the therapist.
Margaret
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