{"id":12204,"date":"2018-10-28T23:54:32","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T06:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?page_id=12204"},"modified":"2018-11-02T16:02:28","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T23:02:28","slug":"silent-witness","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/silent-witness\/","title":{"rendered":"Silent Witness"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title<\/strong>: Silent Witness
\n<\/strong>Author<\/strong>: Bj Jones
\n<\/strong>Rating<\/strong>: FRM
\n<\/strong>Summary<\/strong>: Horatio questioned the witness, Captain Timothy Speedle.
\nAuthor\u2019s<\/strong>Note<\/strong>: I was inspired by this idea. I\u2019m not deaf, and I don\u2019t claim to fully understand the world they live in. I hope this is taken as an inspiration it\u2019s supposed to be. To clarify before the story starts \u2013 when you see dialogue with single quotes \u2018\u2019 its conversation in ASL (American Sign Language); Italicized \u2018\u2019 is conversations over tty\/phone\/blackberries.
\n2nd Author’s Note<\/strong>: This is part of series that ties into Supernatural: \u00a0Silent Hunter<\/a> & Silent Healing<\/a><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Horatio drove up to the bank, his blue eyes taking in the situation. He parked and walked up to Detective Tripp. The Texan looked over as the Lieutenant approached. He looked flustered and completely frustrated.<\/p>\n

\u201cTripp?\u201d Horatio stepped up to him, head slightly cocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBank robbery gone bad,\u201d he explained. \u201cFour gunmen came into the bank and opened fired. They held the bank hostage for thirty minutes. When police arrived, they proceeded to move out the back. According to witnesses one of the hostages fought back and took down one of the robbers. Come to find out they had wired the front doors to explode, the hostages state that if the young man hadn\u2019t taken down the robber, the doors would have blown taking out the cops when they came into the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he disarm the bomb?\u201d Horatio asked a bit surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. He won\u2019t answer any of my questions. As a matter of fact he\u2019s been ignoring all of my inquiries.\u201d Tripp sighed in frustration.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked over at a young man sitting on the back of the ambulance. His head was down in his hands, he was completely still not responding to anything going on around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cH.\u201d Eric ran up to the small group. \u201cWe are collecting evidence left and right. Tell me the new Trace Expert starts today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact he does.\u201d Horatio smiled. \u201cTalk about a nice welcome gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God.\u201d Eric sighed in relief. \u201cI don\u2019t think I could\u2019ve handled another case with the night shift\u2019s expert, she creeps me out and she\u2019s mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio smiled. \u201cGet everything that you can and I\u2019ll meet you at the lab. I got a witness to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio.\u201d The younger man paused, \u201cI overheard the cops say he took down one of the robbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m going to find out.\u201d Horatio walked over to the young man. He hadn\u2019t moved from his position, not even responding when the redhead stood in front of him. \u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tripp shrugged. \u201cSee this is how it\u2019s been for the past half hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio cocked his head slightly then reached out and touched the man\u2019s shoulder. The young man jerked away his eyes darting around taking in his surroundings. He paused then looked up at Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Lieutenant Caine; I\u2019m with the Crime Lab.\u201d Horatio slipped off his glasses. \u201cI need to talk to you about what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man smiled then signed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t ignoring you Tripp, he\u2019s deaf.\u201d Horatio smiled at the young man. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man signed out his name, and then frowned as he reached back for his wallet but came back empty handed. Horatio grabbed Tripp\u2019s pad and paper. The witness smiled and wrote down a few things then handed it back to Horatio.<\/p>\n

The redhead read the note then smiled. \u201cDetective Tripp meet Timothy Speedle, the Lab\u2019s new Trace Expert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk about a bad first day.\u201d Tripp shook his head.<\/p>\n

The Labs<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re kidding?\u201d Eric stared at Calleigh. \u201cOur new Trace Expert can\u2019t work the case?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a material witness and was one of the hostages.\u201d Calleigh handed him the file.<\/p>\n

Eric looked it over. \u201cTalk about a bad first day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Tripp said.\u201d The blonde smiled. \u201cSo this case still goes to Diana.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn.\u201d The young man grumbled, \u201cShe really creeps me out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio wants you to pull Speedle\u2019s file.\u201d Ryan ran up to the two CSIs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Eric asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s kind of curious how a Trace Expert could not only expertly take down a bank robber, but also defuse a bomb,\u201d the newest CSI pointed out.<\/p>\n

The other two looked at him wide eyed. \u201cSo he\u2019s the one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d Ryan nodded. \u201cHoratio is talking with him now. It\u2019s kind of slow considering the translator hasn\u2019t come yet, and they are using lots of pen and paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the file,\u201d Eric stated as he turned and left.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you understand me?\u201d Horatio asked sitting across from the young man.<\/p>\n

Timothy nodded and signed. Then sighed and wrote something down. Horatio looked over at the paper and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you can read lips?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

He smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you tell me what happened?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

Timothy started signing then groaned in frustration. He grabbed the paper and pen, wrote furiously then handed it to the redhead.<\/p>\n

The CSI read over the notes. \u201cHearing aids? I\u2019ll have to check with my CSIs to see if any were found. You can hear fully with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shrugged and waved his hand a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomewhat?\u201d the redhead clarified.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Caine.\u201d A woman stood in the doorway. \u201cSorry, I\u2019m late.\u201d She turned towards Tim and signed. \u201cMy name is Amanda Games.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man smiled and signed back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe says his name is Timothy Speedle, but everyone calls him Speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio grinned. \u201cDoes he own the yellow Ducati that was in the bank parking lot?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed smirked and nodded, yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmanda, I appreciate your help. Mr. Speedle stated he lost his hearing aids in the bank.\u201d Horatio looked over at Speed to see him signing to the translator.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe says that he had turned them off early on when a woman behind him had her phone on, the interference was hurting his ears.\u201d She turned back and signed then turned back to Horatio. \u201cHe was at the teller and didn\u2019t know what was happening until he turned and a gunman was in his face screaming at him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get a close look at him?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

Speed shook his head he turned towards Amanda. \u201cThey were wearing masks, but he was able to read his lips. They were upset he had been ignoring them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that when he hit you?\u201d Horatio pointed towards the bruise forming along Speed\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Speed nodded. \u201cThey pushed him down onto the floor knocking one of the hearing aids out. He then took out the second for safe keeping, but lost it later during the struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check to see if they were found,\u201d Horatio promised.<\/p>\n

Amanda laughed. \u201cHe says thanks, they aren\u2019t cheap and his insurance would kill him if he lost another set.\u201d<\/p>\n

The redhead smiled. \u201cWhat happened after he knocked you to the floor?\u201d He watched as the young man signed, his actions were angry and abrupt, he glanced over to Amanda who was signing back, he assumed clarifying.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that they were an organized unit, probably military\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could he tell?\u201d the CSI asked turning back to Speed.<\/p>\n

Amanda signed, and then responded. \u201cThey were using military hand signals and ranks. He thinks possible ex-Rangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter they got the money what happened?\u201d Horatio asked. \u201cDid you know they had wired the front doors?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded signing quickly. The interrupter\u2019s eyebrow rose. \u201cHe states that he saw the lead man set the device on the door and move towards the back. He knew the police would not see it; so as soon as they were out of sight he moved for the front door to disarm it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have bomb squad experience?\u201d the redhead asked curiously.<\/p>\n

Amanda snorted. \u201cHe says, you learn how recognize things that go boom while on patrol in Afghanistan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caine smiled. \u201cI guess you would. When you went to disarm it, is that when you got into a fight with one of the robbers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed began to sign once again and Horatio sighed a bit in frustration at the length of interview, maybe he should have seen if Eric had found the hearing aids.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Caine,\u201d Amanda looked over at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Horatio looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeed was wondering if it would be easier if he wrote it out, or if we find his hearing aids.\u201d She smiled at him.<\/p>\n

The CSI pulled out his phone and gave Eric a call down in the labs. After a quick conversation he hung up the phone and smiled. \u201cWell Mr. Speedle, luck will have it Eric has both your hearing aids and he\u2019s bringing them up now.\u201d<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t need a translation to recognize the relief on the young man\u2019s face. It didn\u2019t take long for Eric to show up with the evidence bags.<\/p>\n

\u201cI signed and removed them from the evidence, indicating that they were given back to the owner,\u201d Eric said as he walked in. \u201cBy the way, he\u2019s not going to be able to work on the case is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Horatio handed Tim the bags. \u201cBut he can work on other cases.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed placed his hearing aids in and turned them on. He looked up at Horatio and smiled. \u201cI missed orientation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The redhead gave him a small smile. \u201cWe\u2019ll let it pass. What happened with the robber?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I had said, I waited until they left and approached the doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio noticed that his speech pattern was very clear, a sign of someone who had lost his hearing later in life. Speed tended to talk and sign at the same time, sometimes lapsing into signing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured if the bomb was too complicated I could just get a sign on the door stating for them to get bomb squad, but it was very simple pipe bomb \u2013 all damage no sophistication.\u201d Speed continued, \u201cI glanced up and saw his reflection in the window diving away as he swung at me. At least he was smart not to shoot at the bomb.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the repots you took him down in a few moves,\u201d Eric said from the sidelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he was ex-Ranger he should be ashamed,\u201d Tim said. \u201cI easily disarmed then secured him, before taking the threat of the bomb away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just disarmed him?\u201d Eric asked.<\/p>\n

Tim shrugged. \u201cWhat do I do now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio paused. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go home and tomorrow we\u2019ll have a few cases for you to work on, making sure to keep you away from this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed stood up. \u201cIs my bike still at the bank?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou drive?\u201d Eric asked a bit shocked.<\/p>\n

Amanda and Speed rolled their eyes. \u201cWhen I have my hearing aids in I can hear. It\u2019s a bit like a wind tunnel but it doesn\u2019t stop me. Besides have you ever ridden a bike? You can\u2019t hear worth crap outside your helmet when speeding 80 miles an hour down the highway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c80?\u201d Horatio asked smiling.<\/p>\n

Speed smirked. \u201cI mean 65.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have your contact information, besides the fact you\u2019ll be in the lab tomorrow,\u201d the redhead stated. \u201cIf you remember anything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call.\u201d Speed moved out of the interrogation room. \u201cOne hell of a first day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be worse.\u201d Horatio walked with him down the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have been shot or taken hostage,\u201d the redhead pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that.\u201d Speed stepped into the elevator. \u201cDon\u2019t even think it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio waved as the doors closed, he was going to enjoy working with the new Trace Expert. He looked up to see Calleigh walking up with Ryan.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got something for me?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI pulled our new Trace Expert\u2019s file.\u201d Calleigh held it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Eric asked walking up to the small group.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I know why he was able to disarm the pipe bomb and take down the gunman,\u201d Ryan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRanger?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Calleigh shook her head. \u201cDelta Force.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemind me not to piss him off.\u201d Eric paused, \u201cHow about his hearing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaught in an explosion in Afghanistan, blew his ear drums.\u201d Ryan informed them. \u201cHe\u2019s been in therapy and adjusting back to civilian life for the past two years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio absorbed all the information. So Speed had an interesting background. It made sense the way he carried himself. \u201cEric, do me a favor find his wallet in the evidence and have it for him when he gets in, he might have dropped it by the tellers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill do H.\u201d Eric walked off back to the labs.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Horatio stopped by the labs on his way home, a bit surprised to see Eric still in the layout room. He stepped into the room, quietly and watched the younger man go through the evidence boxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cProblem?\u201d the redhead asked.<\/p>\n

Eric looked up, clearly frustrated. \u201cI\u2019ve gone through these boxes three times, and I still haven\u2019t found his wallet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you go through the inventory list?\u201d Horatio asked stepping up to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwice,\u201d Eric said. \u201cI even sent Ryan back to the scene to look. It\u2019s not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we don\u2019t have it, and it\u2019s not at the scene\u2026\u201d Horatio turned and pulled his cell phone. \u201cI need a unit at 1324 Henderson Way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dI\u2019m coming with, hell if I\u2019m waiting another six months for the department to hire another Trace Expert,\u201d Eric grumbled as he followed the redhead out.<\/p>\n

1324 Henderson Way\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio pulled up behind the two squad cars and jumped out of the vehicle. He pulled his gun and moved up the driveway with Eric backing him up. The commotion from inside had them moving quickly into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut your weapon down!\u201d the young cop yelled. \u201cDon\u2019t make me repeat it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked between the uniforms and the occupant. He sighed and lowered his weapon. \u201cOfficers lower your weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t followed \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s deaf!\u201d Horatio informed him as he walked up towards Speed. He came around to the side making sure the soldier caught sight of him.<\/p>\n

Speed looked over at him. He shrugged and handed him his weapon. A few jerky hand movements got the point across. Horatio looked over at the sprawled out intruder; same outfit as the one Speed had taken down at the bank. The young man\u2019s wallet was in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you kill him?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

Speed shook his head, signing a bit more. He paused and pointed to the weapon. Horatio checked the chamber, it was full. \u201cSo you didn\u2019t get a shot off?\u201d<\/p>\n

The soldier shook his head no, and then pointed at the gunman and the gun lying near by. \u201cBut he got a shot off?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded, yes.<\/p>\n

Eric walked up to Horatio. \u201cI called an ambulance; I saw blood in the hallway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio stepped closer to Speed giving him a once over, noticing now the blood soaking into his black jeans. \u201cAre you shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are your hearing aids?\u201d the redhead asked.<\/p>\n

Speed pointed towards the bedroom. Eric moved down the hallway as Horatio took care of the witness. The brunette sat down on the couch leaning back, head tilted back. He sighed and stared at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

Horatio moved over to the uniforms. \u201cWhen the ambulance gets here I want you to escort the intruder to the hospital. Make sure he\u2019s okay then book him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Caine\u2026I\u2026\u201d The officer hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d Horatio gave him an assuring smile. \u201cYou handled yourself well in a tough situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The paramedics walked into the apartment. One moved towards Speed on the couch, the second to the gunman. Eric came back into the room carrying a small container. Speed looked up and over at him and held out his hand.<\/p>\n

With his aids back in he surveyed the situation. He sighed as the paramedic treated the graze on his leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll need stitches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to go to the hospital,\u201d Speed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going.\u201d Horatio made sure the young man heard and saw him. \u201cEric will pack you a bag and you\u2019re staying at my place for extra security.\u201d<\/p>\n

The soldier smiled at him, and signed while talking. \u201cI\u2019m a decorated trained soldier\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re my Trace Expert.\u201d Horatio glared at him. \u201cI like to make sure my employees are safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I mention the night shift girl creeps me out?\u201d Eric added. \u201cI don\u2019t want to work with her anymore. So no losing our new Trace person so soon, it took them six months to hire you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed just stared at Eric then turned back to Horatio and signed something. Horatio frowned as the paramedic laughed. The deaf man grinned at him.<\/p>\n

The paramedic grinned and answered. \u201cYeah he can be whiney.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHEY!\u201d The Cuban huffed and walked out muttering.<\/p>\n

Horatio smiled at the young man. \u201cOff to the hospital, do not argue with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed muttered as he leaned against one of the paramedics. \u201cGod you\u2019re worse than my old CO.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should call him find out how much trouble you are?\u201d The redhead\u2019s smile faded. \u201cSpeed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe died six months ago in a car bombing in Iraq.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio paused, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a good soldier, died doing what he loved doing.\u201d The soldier nodded in respect and headed for the ambulance.<\/p>\n

Next Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat information do we have?\u201d Horatio asked his team.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are professionals,\u201d Ryan said as he handed the folder to the Lieutenant.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth ex-military. We get their records?\u201d the redhead asked reading the folders.<\/p>\n

\u201cClassified.\u201d Eric sighed. \u201cWe\u2019ve been going around in circles with the military. It\u2019s as if they don\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYet we have two in our holding cells.\u201d Horatio sighed. \u201cEvidence?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo fingerprints, DNA, nothing. If it wasn\u2019t for the fact Mr. Speedle had taken one of them down at the scene there would be no way to connect him to the scene.\u201d Eric sighed in frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know they are military, what else do we know?\u201d Caine asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are or were a unit, there is a distinct comradeship between them. It screams \u2018we\u2019ve been through hell and back together\u2019,\u201d Speed said from the sidelines. \u201cBut don\u2019t mind me, I\u2019m not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not.\u201d Horatio looked over at the young man. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be home resting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not taking my second day off for a bullet wound.\u201d He huffed and limped into the Trace Lab. \u201cBesides it\u2019s just a scratch,\u201d he said as he closed the door in their faces.<\/p>\n

The team blinked at the closed door, watching through the glass wall as the new lab tech got to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s stubborn.\u201d Calleigh blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more of a scratch? It took ten stitches to close the wound.\u201d Horatio added, \u201cCheck to see if they were in the same unit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cH?\u201d Ryan turned towards the Lieutenant. \u201cIf they are part of a unit, do you think Mr. Speedle is in jeopardy of the others coming after him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is why we have him under protection,\u201d Horatio pointed out. \u201cBut it also means they could try and do something to help their teammates. I\u2019ll make sure there\u2019s extra security on the prisoners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we need to worry too much about our Trace Expert,\u201d Calleigh added. \u201cIf he\u2019s ex-Delta Force, and already took two down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut a sniper rifle can end things pretty quickly,\u201d Eric pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood point,\u201d she agreed. \u201cLet\u2019s just make sure we keep him out of trouble, cause I agree with Eric, I really don\u2019t want to wait another six months for the department to hire a new guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head and walked away from his team. He glanced towards the Trace Lab and watched the young man work. He was a bit of a mystery, didn\u2019t talk much, very quiet, but then he lived in a world of silence. He was handsome, and clearly had a body that was compact and probably very deadly. The redhead sighed and admonished himself \u2013 he was off limits.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you decide on the military?\u201d Horatio asked making sure he was in front of the younger man.<\/p>\n

He noticed that as long as you were in front of Speed and he had his hearing aids in he could hear the speaker easily. If the speaker was off to the side it took him a bit longer to figure out what was being said, and if someone was behind him, he had to turn towards the person to hear them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAndrew and I wanted out of Syracuse and to see the world.\u201d Speed shrugged. \u201cIt sounded like a good idea. Beside they would pay for college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he still in the military? Your friend?\u201d The redhead set down a simple meal on the table.<\/p>\n

Speed looked down; Horatio could hear the shuddering breath. \u201cNo, he was killed in Afghanistan the same day I lost my hearing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d The older man sat down, he tapped Speed\u2019s hands to get him to look at him. \u201cIt must have been hard recovering and mourning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe silence was welcomed at that time.\u201d Speed gave him a half smile. \u201cBut he died doing what we do best, protecting others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to talk\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d the soldier snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Horatio sat back and picked up his fork.<\/p>\n

Speed ran a hand through his hair. \u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry; I just get a lot of\u2026 \u2018ahhh poor man what happened to you over there\u2019? You would be amazed at what crap people will say especially if they think you can\u2019t hear them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t understand unless you\u2019ve been there.\u201d Horatio looked over at him. \u201cI can\u2019t understand combat and war, but I do know the loss of a team mate and friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

The soldier nodded his head. \u201cI read about your brother\u2026\u201d He grinned at the older man\u2019s shocked look. \u201cI researched the lab out. Wanted to know who I would be working for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really surprised.\u201d Horatio shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t walking into a situation without knowing the layout.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ingrained,\u201d Speed shrugged. \u201cYou know I don\u2019t have to stay here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had this argument a few times, and turning away from me doesn\u2019t mean you win.\u201d Horatio eyed him.<\/p>\n

The deaf man grinned. \u201cCaught that did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the redhead smiled. \u201cAmanda mentioned that a way for someone who\u2019s deaf to end an argument or signal they were done is to turn their back so they can\u2019t see the person they are talking to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded, \u201cThat drove me nuts when I was trying to recoup and learn how to live being deaf. There was this one instructor\u2026\u201d He paused, his hands absently signing out the rest of what he was saying.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay I missed half of that,\u201d Horatio grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was an ass, and when I didn\u2019t agree with what he was saying he would turn his back on me signaling he was right and the conversation was over,\u201d Speed repeated. \u201cUntil I smacked him in the back of the head when he turned and glared I told him to face me like a man or to fuck off. I didn\u2019t care about his games or attitudes and if he kept them up next time he\u2019d be flat on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older man chuckled, \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ended up flat on the ground; even though I was medically discharged I\u2019m still a soldier. Sometimes in the clinic they would forget that\u2026I lost my hearing not my training.\u201d Speed said adding in the sign language. \u201cAnd I still have it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but just think of it as protecting my lab\u2019s assets,\u201d Horatio pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes the dread six months to get a Trace Expert,\u201d the young man shook his head. \u201cEven deaf I\u2019ve heard that tale, that and I\u2019ve met the night shift gal.\u201d He shivered. \u201cI\u2019ve seen combat and she scares me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio laughed out loud, pulling a chuckle from his guest. The two settled into an easy silence just enjoying the company.<\/p>\n

Week later – Lab\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio we have a serious problem.\u201d Eric ran up to the Lieutenant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the problem?\u201d He turned taking off his glasses.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur two bank robbers are out on bail,\u201d the CSI said. \u201cSome fancy attorney got a Judge to set bail, stating they weren\u2019t a flight risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas the fact that one of them attacked one of our witnesses, not mentioned?\u201d Horatio turned and move down the hall towards the Trace Lab.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Jackson brought that up the attorney stated it was a provoked attacked, that Speed was excessively violent due to his military training.\u201d Eric followed him down the hall. \u201cThe way the defense attorney was going on about it, it sounded like he was going to press charges against Speed for assault.\u201d<\/p>\n

The redhead stopped. \u201cAnd Jackson. What does the DA have to say about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving a screaming fit as we speak, she\u2019s pulling no stops to get them back into custody,\u201d Eric sighed. \u201cWhat are we gong to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are going to make sure there is enough evidence to put them away.\u201d Horatio looked towards the lab. \u201cI\u2019m going to make sure our witness is well protected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s kinda cute if you go that way.\u201d The Cuban grinned at the scowl the redhead was giving him. \u201cOh come on H. You\u2019ve been checking him out since you laid eyes on him. He\u2019s got that \u2018scruffy I can kill you with my bare hands look\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEric don\u2019t you have something to process?\u201d Horatio\u2019s eyes narrowed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d He smiled sweetly. \u201cBut if you\u2019re going to go tell soldier boy that he has to be under police protection more because they are out, I so want to see this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEric\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man held his hands up in surrender. \u201cOn second thought I think Calleigh needs help with something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head and entered the Trace Lab. He tapped the table and made sure he was in the deaf man\u2019s sight. \u201cSpeed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed looked up and sighed. \u201cAlready know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJackson called you?\u201d the Lieutenant asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, read yours and Eric\u2019s lips.\u201d He grinned at the redhead.<\/p>\n

Horatio blushed lightly. \u201cThat\u2019s eavesdropping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArrest me,\u201d Speed smiled at him. \u201cSo does this mean I can\u2019t go home now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hands on hip, head tilted slightly he looked over at the soldier. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a very good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed and went back to work. \u201cI\u2019ll get these results to you when I\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be in my office.\u201d He moved towards the door and turned back, watching him work. Horatio couldn\u2019t deny it, Eric was right, he was attracted to Speed, but knew he couldn\u2019t act on it, ever. He sighed and left the lab, heading back to his office.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up at the knock on his door. He glanced at his watch, not realizing how late it was. Most everyone should be heading home by now. \u201cRyan how can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to see this,\u201d he said as he flipped on the television.<\/p>\n

The day shift supervisor got up and moved to better view the screen. \u201cHas there been another robbery?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s a special news report.\u201d Ryan looked behind down at the lab. \u201cIt\u2019s on Speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Horatio glanced down then at the TV.<\/p>\n

A news correspondent came on the screen; he was walking through a National Cemetery, the camera sweeping over the rows of perfect white stones, indicating fallen soldiers.<\/p>\n

\u2018In the news today we hear reports of soldier atrocities. How the soldiers over in Afghanistan and Iraq are going over the edge, losing control and becoming more murderer than soldier. The news is full of stories about units wiping out villages or torturing captured soldiers. No one talks anymore about the heroism of the soldiers. The comradeship they have for each other, their willingness to die for their fellow teammates for this country.\u2019<\/p>\n

Clips of soldiers mingling in a base in Afghanistan came onto the screen. It took Horatio a moment to recognize Speed; he looked quite different from the scruffy Trace Expert they all knew. He was in his desert camouflage, short cropped hair, he looked like he needed to shave, then he always looked like he needed to shave. He was talking to a crew of men, must be his team.<\/p>\n

\u2018Captain Timothy Speedle and his unit were transferred to Afghanistan six months after September 11th. They\u2019ve been here for a year. They come from all walks of life. Captain Speedle or Speed to his friends is from New York along with his Lieutenant Andrew Thompson. Two friends who joined up and moved up the ranks, making the grade to be Delta Force, and now they are together here thousands of miles away from Syracuse. Sergeant Robert Nelson, a Texan cowboy. Dr. Thomas Phillips got his medical degree in Georgetown, Washington DC. Private Gregory Alexander is from a small fishing village in Maine. Bradley Young grew up in the streets of Chicago. Paul Maine hailed from Santa Monica, California. Jack Lane was an army brat, his father a Ranger before him. Samuel Gonzalez survived the street gangs of Los Angeles and worked to become Delta to show his own son that he can be somebody. Jason Henries is studying to be an engineer; he has a wife and baby girl back in Georgia. William Lee the son of an immigrant from China, who believes in fighting for freedom, and Turner Cox a farm boy from Kansas.\u2019<\/p>\n

With each mention they flashed a picture of the soldier. It was like seeing a new light on Speed, watching him interact with his fellow soldiers. This was the man he was. No, Horatio corrected himself, is.<\/p>\n

\u2018Two years ago I was with them. I wanted to see what the soldiers were like. If the news reports were true, that they were going over the edge. What I found was completely different.\u2019 The reporter paused. \u2018Instead I saw soldiers who fought and died to save a handful of people, myself included. These men are heroes, but I bet not one of you know who they are. Not one has heard their story. Why? Because it wasn\u2019t news worthy. Why you ask again? There was no controversy, just soldiers doing their job, like they do every day.\u2019<\/p>\n

The images showed soldiers milling around the camps, talking, exchanging goodies, showing pictures of loved ones. Horatio smiled at a laughing Speed, it was something they didn\u2019t see at the lab.<\/p>\n

\u2018It was a day like any other.\u2019 The reporter\u2019s voice came over the images of two humvees in a caravan driving down a desert road. \u2018Just patrolling the areas, making sure things were quiet. In truth I was a bit bored. As a journalist out in the \u2018field\u2019 you\u2019re looking for some excitement. I was soon to get it.\u2019<\/p>\n

The two men were entranced by what they saw. The humvees pulled into a small town, parking just at the edge, near some houses. They watched Speed and his friend walk up to a small woman. They saw the situation before the commentary came on; two trucks pulling around the far side of town, the distinct sound of rapid gunfire. Horatio watched Speed turn his head, then turn and yell back at the humvees motioning them to move. One blew up in front of their eyes. The soldiers scrambled to take cover.<\/p>\n

Horatio watched in horror as Speed\u2019s friend moved to protect the young woman and her child only to be shot down. The other soldiers were pulling Speed away, as he screamed to get to his fallen friend. The woman motioned she would take care of him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Delta Force\u2019s motto is \u2018leave no man behind\u2019<\/em>. It killed every man on that unit to leave Lieutenant Thompson.\u2019<\/p>\n

The next scenes were pure chaos; hearing the rapid gunfire as the soldiers entered a gunfight, radio transmission asking for back-up, screams of wounded men, and the strong voice of their Captain telling them to move back. The sound of the helicopter was heard before the sight of two Black Hawks and two Firebirds entered the screen. The reporter and cameraman were struggling to help a wounded soldier, determined to get him to the chopper.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure where he came from, but he showed up out of nowhere. Captain Speedle took the arm of the wounded soldier and began to get us all to the chopper. He stopped suddenly and looked around, before he turned towards us and pushed us to the ground. The shock wave slammed into us throwing him on top of us.\u2019<\/p>\n

The camera once again came into focus. By this time soldiers from the Black Hawk spilled out and were getting everyone into the chopper. The camera focused on Speed. His helmet was gone, and he was disorientated. As everyone got into the Black Hawk the camera once again turned to Speed, focusing on his dirty, sweat covered face. His eyes were unfocused, and when he turned his head, blood could be seen flowing from his ears.<\/p>\n

\u2018Almost half their unit was injured or dead. Lieutenant Andrew Thompson\u2019s body was recovered the next day. The young woman had hid the body from the insurgents. She had stated that he died to save her and her son; she could at least protect his body and soul. They lost two others besides the Lieutenant, Privates Jack Lane and Jason Henries both sent home to be buried with honor. Their family was told they died in battle, but not that they died saving lives. Paul Maine lost his leg from a bullet that shattered his knee. He spent a year in rehab learning to walk again with a prosthetic. Today he teaches self defense classes in California. Captain Speedle lost his hearing. The blast was so hard that it ripped off his helmet, causing a severe concussion, blew his ear drums and broke ribs. He was in rehab for over a year adjusting back to civilian life, and learning to communicate in a world of silence. Today he works in Miami-Dade, Florida in the Crime Lab \u2013 still helping people.\u2019<\/p>\n

The picture turned back to the reporter. He was standing next to the three graves of the fallen men. \u2018Not one of these men have been given the honor they deserve. And if you ask them if they deserve it they will tell you no, they are soldiers and this is what they do. I would have died if it hadn\u2019t been for Captain Speedle putting his body between us and that grenade. I owe him my life, along with my cameraman, and now Lieutenant Cox.\u2019<\/p>\n

Horatio turned and looked down at the Trace Lab to see Speed looking over to the AV Lab. He shifted slightly to see that the same program was running on all of the AV TV\u2019s, and it looked as if the whole lab was watching. He watched as the young man quickly finished what he was doing and headed out of the lab. Horatio grabbed his coat and left, not wanting the soldier to leave without him. The news had just announced where their witness worked, to the world including the bank robbers.<\/p>\n

He stopped Speed at the door. The soldier looked at him, his eyes full of old pain and memories. Horatio moved him towards the Hummer. The two rode back home in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.<\/p>\n

Horatio\u2019s Home\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed walked into the house, dropping his bag.<\/p>\n

The soldier moved into the living room, pacing slightly. It was obvious he wasn\u2019t sure what to do. Horatio watched him carefully. Underneath the agitated lab tech was a trained soldier who could kill him with his bare hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked over at the soldier and shook his head. \u201cYou are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Andrew is.\u201d He moved towards the back of the house. \u201cHe died protecting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved that reporter and your team,\u201d Horatio pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d His eyes flashed. \u201cI stepped between them not to save them, but to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio grabbed his arm; Speed reacting instantly to shove him up against the wall. The two stared at each other intently, and then he took Horatio\u2019s mouth into a deep hard kiss. The redhead was lost in the sensation, the warm tongue slipping into his mouth. He moaned and pushed back against the younger man, pinning him to the opposite wall. Speed deepened the kiss as he rubbed his hard erection against Horatio. Twin moans echoed in the room, the brunette tiled his head back as Horatio nibbled on his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cBed…\u201d Tim breathed and then stumbled as Horatio pulled away from him. \u201cHoratio?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t do this.\u201d The Lieutenant panted. \u201cI\u2019m your boss\u2026 if anyone were to find out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck that, we can get around that and you know it.\u201d Speed reached out to him.<\/p>\n

The older man pulled back. \u201cIt\u2019s not just that. Your military background\u2026 and you know how the cops feel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed stared at him. \u201cDon\u2019t hide behind my military background. Andrew and I were lovers since we were sixteen. So fuck the military, and the cops. If you don\u2019t want to be with me just say it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head, \u201cIt\u2019s not that. I \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The soldier pushed past him and towards his room. Horatio sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He need to make Speed understand it was for his own safety. He paused when the man in question walked back out with his bags.<\/p>\n

\u201cTim \u2026 they are still out there.\u201d Horatio placed his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

Speed\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cI\u2019m a trained decorated soldier. I\u2019ve killed men in the name of Freedom. If those assholes want to come after me, let them.\u201d He reached up and pulled the redhead into a deep kiss. \u201cI\u2019m willing and able to enter a relationship with you. When you\u2019re ready, call me.\u201d He opened the door, turned, and looked back. \u201cBut H, I won\u2019t wait forever.\u201d And with that he closed the door softly behind him.<\/p>\n

Horatio leaned up against the wall; he couldn\u2019t help thinking he just let the best thing he could have walk out his front door.<\/p>\n

Lab\u2019s: A Few days later<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay what the hell is your problem?\u201d Eric glared at the Trace Expert, and then stepped away from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something I can help you with?\u201d Speed eyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re grouchy and irritable\u2026\u201d The Cuban placed the file down next to him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing!\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Eric leaned against the table. \u201cI know soldiers are known for hiding their emotions\u2026\u201d The younger man backed away from the growling soldier.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust leave it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes this have to do with Horatio being as cranky and irritable\u2026?\u201d Eric\u2019s eyebrow went up at Speed\u2019s snort. \u201cSo, it is sexual frustration. Come on jump him, get it over with\u2026 what\u2019s he been doing running around the house in a towel\u2026?\u201d He dived for cover as the box of gloves flew towards his head. He looked up over the table. \u201cYou can put someone\u2019s eye out with that \u2026\u201d He ducked again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the fuck?\u201d Eric stood up. \u201cHe didn\u2019t? Tell me he didn\u2019t turn you down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed\u2019s eyebrow rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe idiot.\u201d The Cuban growled. \u201cIt\u2019s not really his fault. He had a bad situation, got accused of harassment from a lab tech\u2026 I shouldn\u2019t be telling you this\u201d He ran a hand through his hair. \u201cHe\u2019s been skittish about \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The lights went out, throwing the lab into darkness. A sharp piercing sound echoed in the halls. Speed cringed in pain, his hands over his ears as he fell to his knees. He pulled out his hearing aids and stashed them in the drawer. He wasn\u2019t about to lose them again. He moved across the floor to one of the cabinets and pulled it open. A small locked box was on the bottom, quickly unlocking it he pulled out his Glock 9. He might be a lab tech but he wasn\u2019t unarmed.<\/p>\n

He scooted around the edge of the table and looked around. He turned slightly, looking towards Eric. The Cuban pointed upwards. Speed looked to see Horatio\u2019s blinds moving. He motioned for Eric to stay put and moved out of the lab towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

He eased under the stairs, waiting. Steps came into view. He could tell Horatio was first, by the suit pants and then army boots. Speed grinned and pulled a small knife from out of his own boot, and when the invader stepped into front of his line of sight he lashed out, slicing his calf muscle. He watched as the robber stumbled and fell. Horatio moved out of his way only to be grabbed by a second gunman.<\/p>\n

Speed saw the flash from the muzzle and hit the floor rolling away from the shooter. He crouched low behind some filing cabinets. Captain Timothy Speedle was very thankful he had gone back to his old drill sergeant to do training after the accident, learning how to let his other senses take control when he couldn\u2019t hear the enemy.<\/p>\n

He used the glass walls to see if he could locate the rest of the attackers. He knew one was still with Horatio, one was down, which left two at least uncounted for. Speed eased up, using the cabinets to stay hidden as he peaked around the corner. Nothing.<\/p>\n

He eased out of his hiding place, eyes sweeping the area. The soldier let his senses take over. He eased down the hallway, towards the evidence hold. If they were going to risk invading the lab, he knew they would not leave without destroying the evidence.<\/p>\n

The air around him shifted. He bent back, barely avoiding the blow that was aimed for his head. Speed raised his gun, getting a shot off before diving for cover. With his back to the wall he regrouped before coming back around, gun drawn. With two shots he took out the attacker. He kicked away the gun and stood over him gun drawn. The enemy looked up at him.<\/p>\n

Speed smiled at him and gave him a universal hand gesture that made it clear his view point. The robber responded by sneering at him, the soldier smirked as he brought his foot down knocking the guy out.<\/p>\n

Two down, two to go.<\/p>\n

Speed moved quickly down the halls wondering why the hell he had no back up. Shouldn\u2019t there be cops roaming this place by now? He turned the corner and came to a stop. The gunman held a gun to Horatio\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

The former Delta Force cocked his head trying to read the robbers lips. He turned and looked at Horatio realizing he was speaking. Speed\u2019s eyes went wide; he hit his knees and turned gun raised. He fired two quick shots watching as the third man fell. He turned back quickly to see Horatio dealing with the last one. He sagged with relief as the redhead walked up to him.<\/p>\n

Emotion ran rampant between them. He could see it in Horatio\u2019s eyes, the want and need, but there was still hesitation. Speed just handed him the gun, turned, and walked away. He would wait until Horatio was ready, in the mean time he had evidence to run.<\/p>\n

A Week Later\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed sighed as he sipped his beer. The forced week off hadn\u2019t been pleasant. He had been grilled, questioned, grilled some more about why he did what, when and where. He explained his actions to the Feds, IAB, the military police, and even the DA. Hell he didn\u2019t kill any of them, just wounded them. They should be happy. It wasn\u2019t his fault that Miami-Dade\u2019s finest didn\u2019t get there quick enough. It\u2019s not like he could hear the warning over the PA system.<\/p>\n

He was cleared by IAB and was returning to work on Monday. At least he could get back to work. Now he just had to figure out how to get past Horatio\u2019s fear.<\/p>\n

Eric had stopped by and explained the whole sordid tale. A lab tech who made it obvious she wanted Horatio, when the lieutenant refused she accused him of harassment. The questions and accusations almost cost him his job, and the lab\u2019s reputation suffered. It was IAB that found out she had a past reputation from previous labs; this wasn\u2019t the first time she had done this, more like the fifth. Everything she accused Horatio of just fell apart; she left the lab with her tail between her legs. But the damage had been done.<\/p>\n

Speed set the beer down and sighed again. Patience was his strong suit. He would just wait it out, or jump Horatio in the supply closet.<\/p>\n

He looked over at the flashing bulb above his door. He got up; turning on his hearing aids so he heard the knock at the door. Curious at who would stop by he opened the door and stood surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio?\u201d Speed stepped back and let the older man in.<\/p>\n

Horatio waited till Speed closed the door and turned to face him. He smiled and carefully signed out what he wanted to say.<\/p>\n

Tim smiled and pulled him into his arms, kissing him soft and tender. \u201cBut you\u2019re my idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d Horatio looked at him. \u201cMy own fears got in the way, and I hid behind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed held a finger over his mouth. \u201cI know about what happened…\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u201cI used that as an excuse. Falling for you was so easy, and it scared me.\u201d The older man held him close. \u201cI hid\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed shut him up by giving him a deep kiss. He pulled back and took Horatio\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019re here now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The redhead smiled and followed the soldier back to his bedroom. \u201cI don\u2019t plan on leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, but as a fair warning.\u201d He grinned. \u201cI\u2019m a good tracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio laughed as he was pulled into the bedroom. Their laughter soon melted into soft moans and loving whispers.<\/p>\n

Monday<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio looked down at the Trace Lab and smiled. Speed had his back turned to Eric, though the Cuban looked as if he was still chatting away. It was good to see the lab take Speed back into their midst with no problems. A few still held him in awe, and a few feared him, but most just saw him as Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaine.\u201d He answered his phone.<\/p>\n

\u2018I hear you have Captain Timothy \u2018Speed\u2019 Speedle working for you.\u2019<\/em>A voice asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is this?\u201d Horatio demanded.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sergeant Gregory Hanson.\u2019\u00a0<\/em>The tone was filled with humor. \u2018I was his drill sergeant.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant what can I do for you?\u201d the Lieutenant asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Just a friendly warning.\u2019\u00a0<\/em>The sergeant\u2019s tone turned serious. \u2018Tim\u2019s a good man, a hell of a soldier, would do anything for his fellow man and expect little in return\u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s a trouble magnet. I don\u2019t know how he does it, but he\u2019ll find a spec of trouble in the middle of friggin\u2019 nowhere.\u2019<\/em> He paused. \u2018You think I\u2019m kidding? He found two terrorist cells in Kansas. Fucking Kansas.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Horatio stopped snickering. \u201cSo the whole \u2018getting caught in a bank robbery on your first day of work\u2019 is normal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughter echoed down the phone. \u2018Good luck.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

Horatio stared at the phone. He looked down at Speed. The soldier looked up and smiled, giving him a small wave. How much trouble could he get in to?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Silent Witness Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRM Summary: Horatio questioned the witness, Captain Timothy Speedle. Author\u2019sNote: I was inspired by this idea. I\u2019m not deaf, and I don\u2019t claim to fully understand the world they live in. I hope this is taken as an inspiration it\u2019s supposed to be. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":11411,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-12204","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2Da1M-3aQ","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12208,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/silent-healing\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":0},"title":"Silent Healing","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"October 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Silent Healing Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRM Summary: After the demon destroys Dean\u2019s hearing \u2013 he\u2019s sent to rehab to relearn how to live in a world of silence Author\u2019sNote: I was inspired by this idea. I\u2019m not deaf, and I don\u2019t claim to fully understand the world they\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12206,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/silent-hunter\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":1},"title":"Silent Hunter","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"October 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Silent Hunter Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: The demon takes Dean\u2019s hearing \u2013 will he continue to hunt? Author\u2019sNote: I was inspired by this idea. I\u2019m not deaf, and I don\u2019t claim to fully understand the world they live in. I hope this is taken as an inspiration\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 1 comment","block_context":{"text":"With 1 comment","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/silent-hunter\/#comments"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12265,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/crossovers\/one-more-victim\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":2},"title":"One More Victim","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"November 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: One More Victim Rating: FRM Author: Timothy Quinn Author's Notes: Told from Speed's PoV. There was someone else in Horatio's life. 2nd Author's Notes: Okay so here it is - I wrote Goodnight Nick ... This was my other's half's revenge. \u00a0From that a series was born. Series: Goodnight\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8593,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/homecoming\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":3},"title":"Homecoming","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"August 19, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Homecoming Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRM Summary: He was coming home Author's Note: This is one of the holiday bunnies bob pounced on me\u2026 Inspired by the song 'The Snow Came Down \u2013 Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Christmas Attic)' \u00a0 *** The snow fell softly from the sky, blanketing the train\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10767,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/ncis-navel-criminal-investigation\/the-redhead\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":4},"title":"The Redhead","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"May 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: The Redhead Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary: Gibbs' wonder who\u2019s the red head is\u2026 Series: Redhead Returns and The Redhead's Husband *** Tony sighed as he lowered the camera; he looked at the young Marine with his own eyes, instead of the camera lens. \u201cDoesn\u2019t look old enough\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10771,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/ncis-navel-criminal-investigation\/the-redheads-husband\/","url_meta":{"origin":12204,"position":5},"title":"The Redhead’s Husband","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"May 5, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: The Redhead's Husband Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary:Gibbs investigates Rick's MIA status Series: The Redhead and The Redhead Returns *** \u201cI\u2019m sorry, boss.\u201d Tony stepped back out of his arms wiping his eyes. \u201cI normally don\u2019t lose it like that.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s okay Tony,\u201d Gibbs walked into the kitchen\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12204\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}