Lessons Learned #4 (Story in Progress)

[NV Oracle]

Hey there, ladies. I'm glad that you all liked the parrot as the answering machine. Sometimes they can have really extensive vocabularies, and they have been known to do some really amazing things. My partner in crime has been telling me about her bird, and I'm remembering some of the things that our birds have always done, so hopefully they won't be too far out of character.

In the meantime, though, I'm temporarily off line until my Internet gets restored at home. I am still working on the story the old fashioned way, and I'm making quite a bit of progress, but I wanted to forewarn you that it may be another additional week before I'm able to post anything more for the story. If I'm able to, I'll try to post during the week, but until I get my Internet back up at home, that may not be possible. So, no promises, but I'll try. I'll also try to make it worth everyone's while too, when I do get back up, with a massive update (as in maybe one or even two chapters), we'll see what happens.

Your friend
NV Oracle

[sanne]

Sorry to hear you're having internet-trouble, NV Oracle. Don't worry, we'll wait patiently....well...more or less ;D ;D

Sandra

[margaret1234]

Sorry you are having problems NV. I'm with Sandra, I will wait patiently. Thank you for letting us know because I was wondering where you were with this wonderful story of yours.....missing Stevie and Horatio's relationship.

Margaret

[jessica]

I'm sorry to hear about your Internet problems Oracle, but I do hope that they get solved as soon as possible. *crosses fingers*

Well I think that the ladies and I will just drink some tea, eat some cookies and will wait for the next installment.

Jess

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

hope you get your internet probs sorted soon! i'm missing stevie!
luv
sam
x

[NV Oracle]

Wow! Thank you ladies. Just for that, here's the two next chapters. My Internet is still down at home, but I am able to get access to a computer over at Kinko's, at least for a few minutes. I'm still writing merily away on my story as I have the time at work, so not to worry, no writer's block or anything, just no immediate access to be able to post.

In Chapter 80, Horatio's plans start to take shape for Stevie's day out from the hospital, and he and Calleigh get some alone time. In Chapter 81, their alone time continues, but Calleigh has to remind him about her own father, and she tells him a little bit about what it was like growing up for her. Sandra, 80 is a bit long. I thought I'd forewarn you. Anyway, I hope you like both.

Here we go. Please enjoy.

*******************

Chapter 80

As Horatio pulled out, into the street, Calleigh looked over at him. “Could you run by my place right quick, Handsome. I want to get a change of clothes for tomorrow?”

“Not a problem, ma’am.”

Horatio pulled into the parking lot and parked in Calleigh‘s assigned space, at her directions.

“Do you need me to come in with you?” He asked.

“You can, if you want to, Handsome, or you can just sit here and wait for me. I shouldn’t be long, though.” Calleigh told him.

Horatio pulled the key from the ignition, and opened the driver’s side door. He met up with Calleigh and walked with her up to her door. She unlocked the door, and opened it. She walked in, then turned and watched as Horatio came through the doorway and closed the door behind himself.

“Make yourself to home, Handsome, and I’ll be back as quick as I can.” Calleigh told him as she moved toward the hall.

“Take your time, Beautiful. Just remember that we have dinner waiting in the car, and I think I’m starting to get a little hungry.” Horatio replied.

Calleigh came back to the opening of the hall. She leaned around the corner with an obvious twinkle in her eye. “You think you’re starting to get hungry? In that case, I’ll hurry, Handsome.“ She winked at him, then turned to go back down the hall.

Horatio laughed as she walked away. “That’s no fair, ganging up on me, you know?”

“How do you mean, Horatio?” She asked from her room.

He smiled, remembering his mother. “My Mom used to say the same thing to me, if I admitted to being hungry, and whenever I go over to Alexx’s house for dinner, she, and Jeremy, and the kids will too, if I admit to being hungry.” He chuckled.

Calleigh laughed. “I can see how it might feel that we’re ganging up on you, Handsome.” She walked back into the living room carrying a duffle bag. She set it on the top of the coffee table. “We really do just worry about you, though.”

Horatio stood up, and wrapped his arms around her. “I know, Sweetheart. I know.“ He looked down at her and winked. “How am I supposed to continue to look trim and sexy, if all of you keep trying to stuff me to the gills and then some? I’d be spending all of my free time in the gym. I wouldn’t have any spare time to spend with you, or Stevie, or any body.”

Calleigh looked mock mortified for just a moment, then laughed as she wrapped her arms around him, from under his jacket, and put her head against his chest. “We can’t have that, now, can we?”

They stood like that for several minutes, as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heart beat, and he just stood there taking in the comfort of having her in his arms, and his life.

After a few minutes, he looked down at the bag on the table. “Did you get everything you wanted, Sweetheart?“

She nodded, then looked up at him. “Yup, let’s go.”

Horatio smiled. “Yes, Ma’am.” He picked up the bag, then, with an ‘after you’ wave of his hand, added. “Let’s go.”

Calleigh pulled her key ring out of her pocket as they walked toward the door. As they stepped out on to the porch, she pulled the door closed, and locked it, then, they walked together out to the Hummer.

Horatio put her duffle bag on the back seat, next to the food, then helped her get in on the passenger side. He closed the passenger door, then walked around to the driver’s side and got in. He started the engine, and drove over towards his own house.

Once they got to his house, Horatio turned off the engine, and both he and Calleigh got out of the Hummer. He gave her the duffle bag, then picked up the bag that held their dinner. He walked with her to the front door, and unlocked the door. He pushed it open, then invited her in with an ‘after you’ wave of his hand.

Calleigh stepped over the threshold and moved toward the stairs. “I’ll be right back. Do I put my duffle in your room again?” She asked.

“Yes, ma’am.“ Horatio set the food containers on the table, then turned to look at her. “What do you think you might want to drink with your dinner?”

Calleigh stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “That tea was good that we had the other night. Let’s do that.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.“ He agreed.

As Calleigh took her duffle bag up the stairs, Horatio turned and took their dinners out of the bag and set them on the table. He then walked in to the kitchen and pulled two glasses out of the cabinet. He also went over to the refrigerator and pulled out the pitcher of tea. He walked them out to the dining room, just as Calleigh came down the stairs, and walked into the dining room.

Horatio held out one of the chairs for her. “Your dinner, My Lady.“ He winked at her.

She smiled at him, and walked over to stand in front of the chair. “Thank you, kind sir.” Calleigh laughed as Horatio pushed the chair under the table.

He walked over and sat in his own chair. He poured the tea into both of the glasses, and passed one to Calleigh. The other he kept for himself.

They ate in silence for a moment, then Horatio asked. “I know that Stevie likes to spend time at the mall, but what kinds of stores does he like to go into there?”

Calleigh thought about it for a few minutes. “He actually has several stores scattered throughout the mall. There’s a book store, a music and video store, a comic book store, , a hobby and craft store, as well as the food court, where he normally gets his Smoothie fix satisfied.”

“Ah, yes. The Smoothie fix. Must not forget that.“ Horatio chuckled.

Calleigh also chuckled. “Uh, no.“ She thought for a minute. “The thing is though, that all of the stores are scattered all over the mall, not only from one end to the other, but also on all three floors.”

“Ok.“ Horatio replied thoughtfully. “Do you think he would object too much to going into a Men’s dress clothes store with me?”

Calleigh thought about it for a few minutes. “No, I don‘t think he’d object too seriously. Just remember, though, he’s only 12. Yes, he will understand, to a degree, about dressing to impress. His Dad knew how to do that, too, but at 12, he’s still going to be more comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers than he would be, even in your business casual.” She wanted to remind him.

“I know.“ Horatio replied. “I don’t intend to make him a mini me. I just wanted to sound him out on what he thinks about it.”

“That’s fine.“ She told him. “There again, I think he’s going to surprise you, but you have to keep telling yourself, ‘he’s only 12’.”

They finished their meal, then they walked arm in arm to the living room.

Horatio looked down at her. “What do we want to do, now? A movie? Games?”

Just then, the phone rang.

“Or, I could answer the phone.” Horatio quipped.

Calleigh giggled and nodded, as she walked over to the shelves, as Horatio walked back into the Dining Room and picked up the portable out of its display unit and pressed the ‘on’ button, then put the device to his ear.

“Hello?“

“Horatio? It’s Ty.” Came the voice.

“Hey, Ty. What can I do for you?”

“Well, remember that friend that I said also lived his life from a wheelchair that I wanted to introduce Stevie to?”

“Yes, you said your friend’s name is Dominic Rochelli.”

“That’s right. I also said that he was a point guard for the Miami Heat Wheels, wheelchair basketball team.” Ty reminded him. “I wanted to see if there was a way to maybe get Stevie into one of their games tomorrow?”

Horatio chuckled. “I was going to ask Doctor Fitzgerald tomorrow if it would be possible to get Stevie out of the hospital for a little while. If he says yes, I’ll let you know.”

Ty also chuckled. “That’ll work. The Heat will be the home team, and Dom told me that they would be practicing at the arena before the game. I’ll tell him to be on the lookout for you guys, so that he can meet Stevie, before the game.”

“That’s a great idea. Thanks a lot, Ty.“ Horatio told the man.

“Glad I could help. Let me know how it goes.”

“No problem.” Horatio agreed.

The two men hung up, and Horatio put the phone back into the cradle, and walked back into the living room.

“What did you decide?”

Calleigh turned to him and held up a movie. “I haven’t seen this one in like forever. Do you mind?”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t have the movie in my collection if I had a problem with it. I actually loved the movie.”

The movie was ’Sister Act’.

Calleigh walked toward the DVD player, as Horatio walked into the dining room to retrieve their glasses, then came back into the living room.

The movie easily diverted their attention, and time flew by for both of them. As the ending credits rolled, Calleigh asked.

“Who was that on the phone when the movie started?”

Horatio got up and walked over to the DVD player. “That was Ty Pennington. He was telling me that he had found his friend, Dominic, who plays for the Miami Heat Wheels, as a point guard. Anyway, Ty said that he had told the man about wanting Stevie to meet him and his friends on the team, and that Dom was more than willing to meet the little guy. He had called to ask if it might be possible to shanghai Stevie and get him out of the hospital for a little while tomorrow.“ Horatio explained as he put the DVD back into the package.

Just then Calleigh yawned widely, and attempted to cover the yawn with one hand.

Horatio saw, and walked over to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, Beautiful. Let’s get you to bed.”

Calleigh stepped away from him for just a minute. “You mean to tell me that, after the day you‘ve had, you‘re not?”

He chuckled. “You haven’t asked me that, Beautiful, but, yes, I’m starting to get tired.”

“Ok. That‘s better. Just so long as you’re starting to get there.” Calleigh teased him, as she put her arms around him.

They went up stairs and got ready for bed. Calleigh climbed into bed, and rolled over, waiting for Horatio to come out of the in suite Master Bathroom.

After a few minutes, the door opened and Horatio walked into the room. Calleigh noticed, with a thrill, that he came in, dressed in only his pajama shorts, with no shirt, and hoped that it meant that he was becoming comfortable with her being there.

Horatio noticed her candid look. His eyebrows arched as he asked. “What?”

Calleigh smiled. “Not a thing, Handsome. Not a thing.”

Horatio lifted the top sheet and the blanket, then crawled in beside her. He rolled on to his back, and looked over at her. “You sure, Beautiful?”

Calleigh chuckled and nodded. “I’m positive, Horatio Nothing‘s wrong.” She leaned in and kissed him. After a few minutes, she broke the kiss for a lack of air, and laid down beside him. She wrapped herself around him, as she told him. “Sweet dreams, Handsome.”

Horatio returned her hug. “You too, Beautiful, you too.”

Sleep quickly claimed both of them.

****************

Chapter 81

Unfortunately, ‘sweet dreams’ would not stay for Horatio. During the night, his dreams turned into nightmares.

Calleigh woke up to find him tossing and turning under her.

“Dad, no, please, don’t do this.” He mumbled under his breath. From somewhere, he flinched in his sleep, and his entire upper body stiffened. “No, Dad. Stop.” This time, when he flinched, he moaned, very softly, under his breath.

Calleigh sat up and studied him for a minute. She knew she had to wake him up, but she also knew that it had the chance of being exceedingly dangerous. She moved her hands down his sides, and around to his abdomen, several times, as she called out to him, gently. “Horatio? Come on, handsome, wake up, please.“

After repeating this several times, Horatio finally woke up with a start. Every muscle in his upper body, from his arms, to his shoulders, and torso went taught for several seconds, until he registered where he was, and who he was with. He collapsed back down into bed, in relief, with his eyes closed.

Calleigh was pleased to notice that he seemed to relax into her ministrations almost instantly. She knew he would have to break the silence first, and that anything she would ask, would be pointless, because no, obviously, he would not be fine, and asking him would only force him to lie to her. Luckily, she didn’t have long to wait.

He cleared his throat and opened his eyes. “Are you ok?“ He asked her.

“Sweetheart, I’m not the one that just had a nightmare about his father. Yes, I’m fine.” She replied. “Do you need to talk about it?“

Horatio chuckled. “No, but thank you for offering, Beautiful.“ He thought about something for a moment. “I could ask for a little favor, though.“

Calleigh looked puzzled for a moment, not being able to imagine what his ‘favor’ could be. “Sure. What?”

His voice went small. “Could you please just hold me for a minute?” He half expected her to laugh at him.

Calleigh’s heart broke. “Only for as long as you need me, Handsome.“ She straddled his hips, and laid on top of him, as she took him into her arms. She wrapped them around his shoulders.

After a moment, she felt him wrap his in turn around her, as he told her. “I will always need you, Beautiful.” After a minute, he asked. “Are you really sure you want to do this?”

Calleigh kissed him at the temple. “Do what, Handsome?”

“Have a relationship with me. I’m damaged goods, you know.”

Calleigh smiled gently down at him. “Yes, Handsome, I‘m positive I want to have a relationship with you. You’re not any more damaged goods than I am. My father is an alcoholic too, remember?” She let him take that information in. “I remember what it was like to have to walk on eggshells all the time, too. Although mine was never a drug addict, he, unlike Lady Justice was not color blind.”

Horatio’s eyebrows arched into his hair. “Duke’s a bigot?”

“Not any more, but he used to be. He’s learned that if he wants to be in my life, that he has to accept my friends, too, as is, where sits, and that includes Eric, and Alexx. I had to remind him, when he first came to join me, here in Miami, that I was not going to allow him to dictate who my friends were based on the color of their skin.”

“He tried to once before?”

Calleigh nodded. “Ask this Homecoming Queen who her King was, and it wasn’t the King that the school voted for, that’s for sure.”

“I give. Who?”

“Kevin was the sweetest guy. He actually reminded me a lot of you, although I didn’t know your name at the time. He lived for everyone else. Somebody needed help, and he was right there, lending any kind of hand that they needed for however long they needed it. He was smart, gifted, humble, and although, he didn’t think of himself that way, he was, in his own way, a people magnet. No one saw the color of his skin, or his family. No one, that is, except for my Dad. Kevin is black."

“What happened?”

“I was chosen as the Homecoming Queen, and this boy, Brian, was chosen as the King. Brian and I did not get along, mainly because he was a football jock who thought he was better than everyone else, and he thought he was going to get to have his way with me, only because I would not date him otherwise. Even though it was tradition, I refused to go to the Prom with him. I couldn’t stand him. Anyway, I asked Kevin if he’d go to the Prom with me, and to my delight he said that he would. Both of my parents assumed that I would go with Brian to the Prom, even though they both knew that I couldn’t stand him, so, when Kevin came knocking on the door that night, and my Dad answered it, needless to say, he freaked. I asked him why he was getting so upset, and I told him that I had made it perfectly clear that I couldn’t stand Brian, and that I was not going to go to the Prom with him. Dad basically told me that if I didn’t agree to go with Brian that he’d beat me, and that no daughter of his would be caught out to a function with that boy. I realized that Kevin was becoming embarrassed by the argument, and he said that if it was ok, that he’d catch up with me at the Prom. I told him, of course it was ok, and I watched him leave. I ran upstairs to my room and got some of my things ready. I packed up as much as I could carry, and moved toward my bedroom door, just as my father came in. He had his belt off, and I knew what he had on his mind. Well, I, in turn had my gun in my hand. I had purchased it, and it was mine to take. He started to walk towards me, and I pulled the hammer back, and raised it. I told him that he had beaten me for the last time, and that I would not allow him to dictate to me who I could and could not date, and that he should be happy that I was interested in a boy like Kevin, who would do anything for any body, instead of a jerk like Brian, who only did things for himself. Dad in turn told me that if he found out that I met up with that boy at the Prom that I was not welcome at the house for any reason. I told him that I wasn’t coming back, so I didn’t feel it was a problem, and I didn’t go back. I stayed with a friend who lived, there in Darnell for the last few weeks of school, then, when we graduated I left town, intending to never go back. I went to college at Tulane, and then went to work at the New Orleans Police Department, which is where you and I met.”

Horatio ran his hands up and down her arms. “Good girl. That sounds like something you would do. I’m proud of you, Sweetheart.”

She chuckled. “Later, Dad came to Miami, with his hat in his hand, trying to mend the fences. I told him that we could try to be father and daughter, again, but that if he so much as attempted to tell me what to do, or how to go about it, that he’d be out on his ear so fast it’d make his head spin. I just didn’t plan on having to ‘rescue’ him out every bar in town every time I turn around.”

Horatio thought about that for a minute. “You know, there may be a way around that, too.”

Calleigh chuckled sarcastically. “Yeah, it’s called leaving him there.”

Horatio chuckled as well. “There is that as a last resort, but what I was thinking was that a problem shared is a problem halved. If you will let me, I’ll pick him up when you can’t, and maybe, between the two of us, we can talk some sense into him.”

Calleigh’s eyes went wide at his offer. “Horatio I can’t ask you…….“

“You’re not. I’m offering, remember. I certainly don’t mind or I wouldn’t have. Just think on it a bit, and let me know, ok?”

She looked down at him, and smiled as she laid on top of him and gave him a hug. “I promise, Horatio. I will.” Calleigh sat up and caught him in mid yawn. “Do you think you might be able to go back to sleep, now?”

Horatio chuckled and attempted to hide his yawn behind his hand. “I should be able to, Mom.”

Calleigh chuckled too, as she replied. “I hope so, otherwise we’re going to have a little boy whose going to get the short end of the stick.” She leaned in and gave him a kiss, then rolled off of him, so that she could resume her place laying at his side.

“That’s not going to happen, Sweetheart. Stevie’s not going to get the short end of the stick. If Dr Fitzgerald says it’s ok, Stevie’s going to get the adventure of a lifetime, tomorrow.”

“’The Adventure of a lifetime’, huh? That’s a pretty bold claim, there, bub.“ Calleigh teased.

Horatio chuckled. “I have some pretty big plans, Sweetheart. Hopefully he will thoroughly enjoy himself tomorrow.”

“I’m sure he will, Handsome. The time you spend with him, is the highlight of his days.“

That bashful smile made a quick appearance, as Horatio looked away for just a minute. He turned back to look at Calleigh. “That’s the general idea, Sweetheart. We‘re going to do everything in our power to make the day all about him. We’re going to do whatever he wants to do, even if we have to carry him from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be necessary, Handsome, but you may have to help push him some.” Calleigh told him. “Come on. Let’s get you back under the covers.” She pulled the top sheet and the blanket up and over both of them. “Try to get some more sleep, please, Handsome.”

“Yes, ma’am. You too.” He told her.

Sleep reclaimed Calleigh just a bit sooner than it reclaimed Horatio.

*****************

Ok. Please let me know what you think. The next chapter will be the start of Stevie's adventure out of the hospital.

Your friend
NV Oracle

[sanne]

Those were 2 great chaps, NV Oracle. I loved the "ordinary life" as you wrote it in chap 80. And I haven't seen that movie in ages either, but yes, I thought it was a funny one
Chap 81 was sweet and they both showed how vulnerable they are within themselves and that was so lovely and well written.

Can't wait to "see" Stevie's face when H and his "partners-in-crime" are going to drag him out of that hospital and into an exciting day......

Sandra

[michelle]

Oh my, they are two great chapters,
You had me gripped with his nightmare, and how she revealed her own bad childhood memorries.

[jessica]

Wow Oracle, these were two terrific chapters. So sweet and sensitive. I liked them a lot. Can't wait for the Adventure to begin and many more DuCaine scenes..hehe....sorry for that, but I just can't help myself. ;D

Jess

[margaret1234]

Well the wait was worth it...two wonderful chapters NV. So Horatio and Calleigh know so much about each other now......and have such understanding beyween them. How nice of Horatio to offer to help Calleigh with her father when he could shun him for what he has put Calleigh through in the past. But, this is the measure of the man and we expect no less from our hero. Can't wait for the next chapter and Stevie's day out.

Margaret

[pinkyster]

Oh my, so glad to see you post again. I hope you get your comp problems fixed quickly, I know how much of a drag it can be. Great two chapters. So the big day is coming for little Stevie, he is going to be so excited. So nice to see Calleigh comfort Horatio and his poor nightmares.

Jen

[Dr. Anna McBreadle]

i couldn't help but laugh at the 'sister act' dvd! i just can't imagine horatio watching let alone owning such a classic film! loving the DuCaine moments. they make such a sweet couple, i could see it playing out in my head.
great 2 chaps NV!
luv
sam
x

[gonsy]

Nice chapters NV Oracle!

Gonsy

[NV Oracle]

Hey, there, Ladies. My Internet is back up and running, Thank goodness. I was experiencing some serious withdrawal. LOL Unfortunately RL had decided to throw me several serious curve balls as well, but I think things are back on an even keel, meaning on an even level.

I was able to work on my story while I was away, and I do have two chapters for you. They're both on the long side, Sandra, so I thought I'd let you know.

The gang takes little Stevie out for the day.

Please enjoy. Here we go.

******************

Chapter 82

The alarm went off just when it was supposed to the next morning. They very quickly did their normal morning routine, then got into the Hummer, and made their way over to pick up Jessica, then they met up with Ryan, Eric, Alexx and Frank over at the lab.

Oscar also caught up with them out in the parking lot.

“Hey, there, Oscar. Thanks a lot to you and the grave shift team, for agreeing to work part of this for us today. Do me a favor, please, and be sure to thank Don and the swing shift team, as well, for us, too.”

The younger man smiled, and shook his head. “Not a problem, H. We’re glad to do it for you.” He held his hand out to the red head.

Horatio chuckled. “Well, just to let you know? You’re really making the day of a young friend of ours who’s stuck in the hospital.”

The younger Hispanic man chuckled. “Like I said, it’s not a problem, Horatio. Go and have a good time. Give our regards to your young friend.”

Horatio patted the Hispanic man on the upper arm. “Thanks again.” He looked around at the team. “Ok, gang. Are we ready to go?”

“Yup.” Eric agreed. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

The team all walked up to the Hummer.

“Ok, here’s what we’re going to do.” Horatio began. “Alexx, you, and Calleigh, go up to the hospital, and tell Stevie that you’re taking Jessica out for the day. He’s probably going to be eager for her to get out and about with you, but wait there until we come in.”

“What are you going to do?” Alexx asked.

Horatio chuckled. “We’re going to ask Dr Fitzgerald if we can get the kid out of the hospital for a little while. If he says no, then we have to come up with a plan ‘B’, but if he says yes, then we have a green light to get everyone in 2.7, as Stevie would measure it, seconds of mischief.“

Everyone chuckled with him.

“Let’s go do this.” Horatio suggested.

They made their way to the hospital. Alexx, Calleigh and Jessica take one elevator up to Stevie’s floor, and get off. They walked down the hall, and into the youngster’s room.

“Hey, there, ladies.” Stevie greeted them. “What’s up?”

“Well, Stevie.“ Alexx told him. “We were thinking that we’d try to get Mom out for a little 2.7 seconds of mischief.”

Stevie giggled. “You ladies certainly don’t need my permission for something like that. Go, scram. Get lost, and have some fun.”

In the meantime, Horatio, Ryan, Eric, and Frank caught the next elevator car, and brought it up to his floor. They got off, and walked down the hall, passed Stevie’s room, and approached the Nurse’s Station. Dr Fitzgerald saw their approach out of the corner of his eye and looked up. “Good morning, gentlemen. You look like you‘re on a mission. What’s up?”

“Good morning, Dr Fitzgerald.” Eric greeted him, as he hung his sunglasses from the front of his shirt.

“We are on a mission, sir……“ Ryan added, as he hung his like that too.

“We were wondering, if….” Frank took his off and put them in his inner coat pocket.

Horatio took his off, but kept them in his hands. “We were wondering if we could get Stevie out of the hospital for the day?“ Horatio looked up hopefully at the doctor.

Fitzgerald looked down at the youngster’s chart, fighting not to laugh at the Lt’s hopeful expression. “Well, let’s see.” He flipped through several pages, then looked up at the officers. “Ok. His WBC count is high enough that he won’t get sick, just from casual contact, but, as you all have pointed out at one time, or another, he has no energy. One or the other of you will have to take turns doing a lot of the pushing of his wheelchair.“

The men shared a satisfied look, then Horatio looked up at the doctor. “That’s not going to be a problem, Dr Fitzgerald. When do we have to have him back by?”

Fitzgerald chuckled. “Well, let‘s say by about 5pm or so, but I think he’s probably going to want to come back long before then.”

“Don’t worry, Dr Fitzgerald. We’ll bring him back when we think he’s ready to come back, if it‘s before then.” Eric promised.

“That’s fine, thank you, Detective Delko. Have fun.”

Horatio hung his glasses around his neck, under his shirt collar. “We will. Thanks again, Dr Fitzgerald.”

Fitzgerald watched the officers walk away, and he softly replied. “Have fun, gang.”

The men walked into Stevie’s room.

“Hey there, Partner.“ Horatio greeted him. “How are you doing today?“

“Hey, H. I’m doing pretty good.”

“That’s good, Stevie. What would you say if I said that Dr Fitzgerald would let us take you out for a little while today?”

“Oh, cool! I’d say let’s go!” Stevie’s little eyes lit up. “Let me get a quick shower and we’ll get out of here. Would you be willing to give me a hand, H?”

The adults laughed at the little guy’s enthusiasm.

Horatio nodded. “Sure, Stevie. I can help you with your shower.”

“Thanks a lot, H.” Stevie directed the older man on what exactly he needed help with.

They got Stevie in and out of the shower in record time. Horatio and Eric helped to dry him off, and to get him into a pair of jeans, a polo shirt, and sneakers.

Jessica reached into the closet and also pulled out one of the youngster’s jackets. “Please take your jacket, Stevie.”

“Ok, Mom.“ He took it from her and put it on. “Does that mean we’re ready to go?“ He looked up at all the adults.

“Yup.” Ryan confirmed.

“Let’s roll.” Eric agreed.

They walked down to the elevator. It took two trips for the entire team to make it down stairs.

Stevie wheeled himself out the front doors of the hospital and stopped in his tracks. “Uh, H? Is that monster yours?”

Horatio looked surprised, then glanced between Stevie and the Hummer. He chuckled and told the youngster. “Well, Stevie, the ‘monster’, as you called it, really belongs to the county, but, yes, they let me drive it.”

“Yeah, well. All that means is that my adventure out is going to be stopped, long before I’m ready for it to be.” The boy replied dejectedly.

The team traded concerned looks, then Horatio knelt next to the boy’s wheelchair.

“Why do you say that, Partner?”

Stevie pointed toward the Hummer frustratingly. “Look at that thing, H. It’s massive. I’m never going to get in there by myself.”

Horatio looked confused. “Who said anything about you getting in there by yourself? I’m always helping Aunt Calleigh and Dr Alexx into the Hummer.”

“He’s always teasing me about getting in, too, Stevie. He’s always asking if I need a ladder to get into the Hummer.“ Ryan added.

They laughed.

“You guys shouldn’t have to lug me around like a sack of apples everywhere today. You should be out having fun too.“ Stevie pointed out.

“We will be, Stevie.“ Horatio told him.

“Yeah, Stevie. We like spending time with you. We’ll be having plenty of fun.” Eric agreed.

“Yeah. You’re like our little brother, Stevie. You’ve been stuck in this hospital for the last several days. You haven’t felt good. Something bad happened that shouldn’t have, and you’ve been a real trooper in getting it taken care of. We want to treat you to a day out of the hospital, to go and do the kinds of things you like to do, as well as one or maybe even two new things, then, tomorrow, we’re going to jump in with you, with both feet first, into your rehab. Push may come to shove with your rehab, but we’re not going to let you get hurt any more.” Ryan added his two cents worth.

“Stevie, the Hummer is big enough that I’m not sure that anyone like you, who’s in a wheelchair, would not need some help to get into it, so it’s not a problem, ok?” Horatio asked. “I don’t mind helping you get in, and I’m sure that your ’brothers’ would be willing to help stow your chair in the back, ok?”

Stevie giggled, and nodded, then thought about it for a minute. “Ok, H. Let’s get this show on the road.” The youngster rolled himself over, next to the Hummer, as Horatio opened the passenger door. He looked down at Stevie. “You ready, sir?”

Stevie nodded. “Yes, sir, sir.” He smiled up at the older man, as he held his arms out.

Horatio picked Stevie up out of his chair. Eric and Ryan backed up the chair, and turned it towards the trunk of the Hummer.

Stevie immediately wrapped his arms around the older man’s neck. Once Horatio had sat the youngster in the passenger seat, Stevie asked. “Hey, H, why do you have your shades like that?”

Horatio grinned at the youngster. “Well, Stevie, when I very first started working as a police officer, in New York, sometimes when I had to make an arrest, and I wore my glasses hooked on to the pocket of my uniform shirt, or into the ‘vee’ of my shirt, they would get broken or stolen, so I had to think of a way to keep my shades, without having to by new ones all the time.” Horatio chuckled.

“That makes sense.“ Stevie pointed out, as he took Horatio’s shades from around the older man’s neck and put them on his own face.

“Hey, you. Give those back.“ Horatio exclaimed.

Stevie looked around for just a minute, with his arms folded across his chest as Calleigh, Alexx, and Jessica smiled at the youngster’s antics, and Eric, Ryan, and Frank laughed out loud.

Stevie took the glasses off his face, carefully, and handed them to the older man. “Here you go, H.”

Horatio took them from him. “Thank you kindly, sir.” He smiled and winked at the youngster.

Stevie smiled and looked down at the ground, as Horatio turned to the others.

“Ok, gang. First, we’re headed over to Miami Sports. Then, we’ll see from there.“ Horatio turned to the women. “We‘ll meet you there?”

Alexx chuckled. “Yes, you will, Honey. Be careful.”

“Yes, ma’am.“ He pecked her on the cheek, and smiled at her.

Alexx smiled back, and shook her head at him, as he put his glasses on, then smirked at her from behind them.

“Ok, gang. Let‘s go.”

The women got into one Hummer, as the men joined Stevie in the first Hummer, with Horatio in the driver’s seat.

******************

Chapter 83 on the next post down.

Your friend
NV Oracle

[NV Oracle]

Chapter 83

They arrived at the store, and Horatio pulled in to a space, and parked.

“Wait a minute, H? What are we doing here?” The youngster asked as he waved his hand, indicating the sporting goods store.

Horatio winked at the youngster. “You’ll see, Partner. You’ll see.” He replied as he walked around the Hummer and opened the door.

Stevie chuckled. “You mean that I’ll see that you’re a lunatic? This is something that we already knew.” He teased the man.

Eric and Ryan chuckled and shook their heads as they got out of the back seats of the Hummer, and got Stevie’s chair out of the back.

Horatio looked mock hurt. “Me? A lunatic?“ He winked at Stevie as he picked up the youngster out of the Hummer’s seat. “My feelings is hurt, Stevie.“ He put the boy into his chair.

Horatio knelt down, so that he was more or less eye to eye with the youngster. He winked at Stevie again, and grinned. “I was the one who warned them that it took a certain amount of craziness to work at the lab.“ He laughed.

Stevie laughed as well. “So, that’s your secret, H?” Stevie thought about it for a minute. When he looked up at the men, you could see the twinkle in his eyes. “You, my friend, are completely certifiable, and, no, it’s not a surprise. Lead on MacDuff.”

The guys make it across the parking lot and up to the front door, just as the women pulled up.

They hurried to join the guys at the front of the store. “Sorry about that, boys.“ Calleigh told them. “I took a little wrong turn, but, we’re here. Did we miss anything?”

Stevie’s little eyes lit up. “Only H telling us something that we already knew.”

Calleigh looked from Stevie to Horatio and back again. She also noticed Stevie’s mischievous grin, as well as Horatio’s embarrassed one. “Like what, Stevie?”

Stevie laughed. “Like the fact that he’s crazy.”

“Oh, is that all?” Calleigh teased. She walked over to Horatio and wrapped her arms around his torso. She hugged Horatio as she told Stevie. “Well, Stevie, that’s something I’ve known about him for a very long time.”

Horatio looked puzzled. “Excuse me?”

All three women laughed at his indignation. Alexx came up on his other side and hugged him as well. “Do you remember during the Sandoval case, Yelina came in to get some paperwork on another case and she asked you about it and she asked you to be careful. What was your response to that?”

Horatio thought about it for a minute, then he laughed, and looked down at Stevie. He winked at the youngster, as he replied. “I told her that if I did that, I thought it would take all the fun out of it.“

Every one laughed at that.

“That sounds like something you would say, H.” Stevie teased him, as Eric pushed him through the doors and into the store.

The others followed, and as they cleared the door, looked around eyes wide in wonder. They all also heard the bell that went off when they came in.

An unseen, young female called out. “I’ll be right with you.”

Horatio called out to her. “You’re ok, Beth. Take your time.”

A teenage female head popped up, seemingly out of nowhere, with strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes, and sun kissed bronzed skin, in other words, a Miami born baby, if ever there was one. Her eyes went wide as she saw the group. “Hey, Mom, look who’s here.”

An older woman came around a male swimsuit rack. She resembled the girl, but where the girl had strawberry blonde hair, the older woman had hair that was more blonde, than strawberry. “Hey, there, Horatio. Charlie said to expect you.” The woman turned to her daughter. “Do me a favor, Beth, and go tell your Daddy that he’s here“

“Ok, Momma.“ As the girl walked off, though, she called out. “Marty, you’re in for it, now. Get down here. Uncle H wants to talk to you.”

“Help, H. Trouble. [Squawk] Help, police.” After a minute, a multicolored bird flew down from a perch somewhere nearby.

Horatio held his arm out in front of himself, and patted it with the other hand. “Come on, Marty, you’re not in trouble. I just want you to meet some one.”

Suddenly, the bird landed on Horatio’s arm. As he settled, the bird repeated “Trouble. [Squawk] H. Help.” Then the bird let out a long peal of laughter, which the humans had no difficulty joining in on.

“This, gang, in case you can’t figure it out, is Marty.” Horatio explained.

The older woman walked up just then. “How’ve you been Horatio. It’s been a long time.”

“I know, Morgan, and I’m really sorry, but work keeps me busy.”

“I know, Horatio. I was only teasing you.“ She told him, as she patted him on the back.

Horatio turned to the team. “This is my team, my family, from work.” Horatio made the introductions. Just as he got to Stevie, Beth reappeared with her father in tow.

“Hey, H. I see you found Marty.” Charlie is a tall man with light auburn hair that actually looked more brown than auburn.

“Yes, I did, Charlie. I wanted to introduce him to my friend, Stevie.“ Horatio pointedly indicated the youngster in the wheelchair.

Charlie bent down and shook the youngsters hand. “Hey, there, Stevie. It’s nice to meet you.”

Stevie returned the handshake. “Hey, Charlie. I hope we’re not interrupting anything, are we?”

Charlie chuckled. “Good heaven’s, no. We’re just in between customers at the moment.“ He stood and offered his arm to the parrot. “Come here, Marty.“

Marty hopped from Horatio’s arm to Charlie’s.

“Say Hello, Marty.” He told the bird.

“Hello. [Squawk] Hello.“ The bird replied, obediently.

“Good boy, Marty.” Charlie told him, as he gave the bird a seed.

“Charlie, I know I’m kind of small, but could I hold Marty for a little while?” Stevie asked.

Charlie attempted to ignore the ‘Scored’ looks being passed by the team, and turned directly to Stevie. “You’re not that small, Stevie. Sure you can hold him for awhile.“ The man told him. “Just hold out your arm, straight, like that.”

Stevie held his arm out. “Like this?“ He had it out perfectly.

“Just like that, Stevie. You’re a natural born bird wrangler.” Charlie told him. “Now, Marty is just going to walk from my arm to yours, ok?”

When Stevie nodded, Charlie told him. “Ok,” He turned to Marty, and said. “Go on, Marty, but remember, he’s a little person. Be gentle, ok?”

“Little person. Ok. Ok. [Squawk] [Squawk] Be gentle.” Marty walked from Charlie’s arm to Stevie’s.

“You’re ok, Marty. You’re a good boy.“ Stevie told the bird. “Do you think he’d let me pet him, Charlie?”

“Sure.“ Charlie told the youngster. “He likes to be either petted down the body, or from his head, down his back.”

Stevie started petting the bird from his head down his back, and Marty leaned into the contact. “Wow, you weren’t kidding about him liking to be petted there, Charlie. What kinds of tricks does he know?”

Charlie chuckled. “Well, Stevie, there is this trick that we’ve been working on, that I had in mind from the team. Let’s see if we can get Marty to do it. Hold your hand out at him like a gun, and tell him ‘stick em up, Marty’, and see what he does.”

Stevie laughed. “Ok.” He held his hand out to the bird in the shape of a gun, and said. “Stick em up, Marty.” He poked Marty in the chest with his finger.

Suddenly, Marty squawked. “Help, police. Help H.”, as he lifted his wings away from his body.

Stevie and the team, including Horatio, roared with laughter.

After a moment, even Marty joined in.

Once the laughter died down, Stevie looked over at Marty, then looked up at Charlie. “What sorts of things do these guys eat, Charlie?”

Charlie traded looks quickly with Horatio, then turned back to Stevie. “Well, Stevie, mostly they eat bird seed, but they also like pieces of fruit, like apples, or bananas….”

“Apple [Squawk] Apple.” Marty repeated.

Stevie chuckled. “Yes, apple, you silly boy.” He looked up at Charlie with a serious expression. “Someone one told me that you have to work with them all day, every day. Is that true, Charlie?”

“Well, not quite true, Stevie. Yes, you have to work with them, but the time depends on the bird, and what you’re trying to get out of the bird. You see, when I first got Marty, I had the time to put in to working with him.”

Stevie grumbles. “Yeah, well, that still puts me out of the running.”

“Why do you say that, Stevie?”

The youngster sighed. “Well, even if I weren’t in the hospital, I go to school for eight hours a day, and then, there’s my therapy.“ He explained, dejectedly.

“Hold on a minute, Stevie.“ Charlie replied quickly. “I have this friend who has a pair of young birds. I can work with them for you, and when you get out of the hospital, we can see if you have the time, and the patience to work with them. These two, Bonnie and Clyde, have been hand raised, so they’re at the point where you can start training them, and they do need some basic socialization skills that I can get them started on. How does that sound?”

Stevie looked briefly up at his mother. When she nodded, he turned back to the older man. “That would be great, Charlie, but I don‘t want to create any more extra work for you. Am I?”

Charlie was quick to shake his head. “Not in the least, Stevie. This friend and I had already talked about me working with the two birds, so it’s not a problem, ok?“

“Ok. Thanks a lot, Charlie.“ Stevie put his hand out to the older man, and Charlie shook it.

As Charlie stood up, he replied. “You’re more than welcome, Stevie.“ But he also traded quick knowing looks with Horatio. “Are you guys just going to loiter, or did you really have a reason for gracing my establishment with your presence?” Charlie asked the entire group this question.

Horatio chuckled. “Actually, Charlie. I really did have a specific reason for coming in today.”

When Charlie looked over at him, Horatio explained. “We need weightlifting gloves, especially for Stevie, but probably for me too, please.”

“No problem, H. What size do you think you wear?”

Horatio looked down at his own hand for a moment, then looked back up Charlie. “No idea, Charlie.” He lowered his hand. “Why don’t we work on Stevie first, though.”

Stevie looked up in surprise. “Why do I need weightlifting gloves, H?”

“You actually need them for two reasons, Stevie. You‘ll need them to protect your hands when you are maneuvering your wheelchair, but you will definitely need them when we restart your physical therapy.”

“Yeah, we will, won’t we?” Stevie asked, tongue in cheek.

Through a process of trial and error, Charlie was able to find gloves that fit all four of the guys, Stevie, Horatio, Eric, and Ryan. “Did you need anything else for your physical therapy, Stevie?”

“No, thank you, Charlie. I think we have everything.” He held his hand out to the older man. “Thank you very much, for all your help.”

“You‘re more than welcome, Stevie. Good luck and take care, ok?” Charlie shook the youngster’s hand.

“That’s the general idea.“ Stevie told him.

The team also said good-bye to Charlie and his family.

As they all started to move toward the door, though, Stevie asked. “Mom, can I have one of my pairs of gloves now? H was right. My hands aren’t getting as roughed up as they would normally.”

Jessica chuckled. “Of course, sweetheart. Here you go.” She dug into the bag, and pulled out one of the pairs of gloves for him.

Stevie took the package, opened it, and removed the pair of gloves. “Ok, thank you, Mom.” He pulled the gloves on, as Eric drove him toward the Hummer.

“You’re welcome, Stevie.”

Everyone gathered around the Hummer.

Stevie asked. “You guys weren’t going to follow us all over town were you?”

“No, Stevie, we weren’t.” Alexx told the youngster. “I wasn’t kidding when I told you that we were taking Mom for 2.7 seconds of mischief, Baby.”

“Oh, ok, then.” Stevie chuckled.

“Just make sure you’re at you-know-where at the appointed time.” Horatio cautioned.

Calleigh chuckled as well. “Not to worry, Handsome. We promise to be there at the right time.”

“That would be greatly appreciated, Beautiful.“ He smiled at her.

The ladies got into their vehicle and drove off, as the guys got into the Hummer, and Horatio drove off.

**********************

Please let me know what you think

Your friend
NV Oracle