{"id":8666,"date":"2017-08-27T21:13:59","date_gmt":"2017-08-28T04:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?page_id=8666"},"modified":"2017-08-27T21:18:41","modified_gmt":"2017-08-28T04:18:41","slug":"chaos-theory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/chaos-theory\/","title":{"rendered":"Chaos Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title:<\/strong> Chaos Theory
\nAuthor:<\/strong> Bj Jones
\nRating<\/strong>: PG-13
\nSummary:<\/strong> A set of random acts brings Speed\u2019s past back to Miami
\nAuthor\u2019s Note:<\/strong> Here is the sequel to Lost and Found<\/a> …<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Chapter 1: Trials and Tribulations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed walked into the break room and headed straight for the coffee pot. He sighed with relief when he took his first sip. It had been a long couple of days. The suspect was now behind bars, and all he had left to do was catalog the evidence. He yawned, his eyes focused on the paper that sat on the break room table, his cup dropped to the floor in shock. It shattered into pieces splashing Speed and the floor with hot liquid.<\/p>\n

Horatio glanced up when he heard the crash. A pale Speed was holding onto the counter, his eyes glued onto the break room table. Horatio pushed the door open and headed straight for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeed? Tim?\u201d Horatio stepped in front of the young man. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed looked up, fear was set deep in his eyes. He blinked at Horatio, and then looked shocked when he saw him. \u201cHoratio?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Horatio laid his hand on Speed\u2019s shoulder. He cocked his head trying to make eye contact with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d He stammered, he stepped away from the counter, but stumbled.<\/p>\n

Horatio grabbed him and helped him to the couch. Eric, Calleigh and Alexx ran into the break room concerned. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Eric demanded as Alexx ran over to Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney?\u201d She felt his forehead. \u201cHe\u2019s in shock.\u201d She glanced up at Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Calleigh asked as she sat next to him on the couch.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked at the break room table, \u201cOh God.\u201d Horatio picked up the newspaper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it say?\u201d Eric asked concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnthony Carmel was just been sentenced to death,\u201d Speed\u2019s voice was soft.<\/p>\n

Horatio read the paper out loud, \u201cAnthony Carmel head of one of New York\u2019s crime family has been sentenced to death by a jury of his peers. Ten years ago he was convicted for murdering witness, Daniel Nelson, who was set to testify against his nephew Louis Carmel for the killing Officer Patrick O\u2019Neil. Fellow witness Joshua O\u2019Malley held his ground and testified against Louis and Anthony Carmel putting both men in prison for murder.\u201d Horatio took a deep breath, his eyes focused on the page. \u201cLast year, US Marshal Gregory Phillips was hired by Anthony Carmel to hunt down and kill Joshua O\u2019Malley. O\u2019Malley was discovered in Tampa, Florida and was executed by the Marshal, who was subsequently tracked down to Miami. He was killed in a shootout with Miami-Dade police officers and US Marshals.\u201d Horatio stopped when he saw Speed start to shake. Calleigh pulled him into her arms holding him close. \u201cJack McCoy of the District Attorney\u2019s office, who convicted both Carmel\u2019s ten years ago had this to say. \u2018The Carmel\u2019s have terrorized this city for decades. Anthony Carmel executed Daniel Nelson without remorse then had Joshua O\u2019Malley hunted down and killed for revenge. I\u2019m pleased with the verdict and sentencing. This city can rest easier knowing Anthony Carmel\u2019s reign over this city is over. His execution will not bring back Daniel Nelson or Joshua O\u2019Malley, but may they rest in piece knowing their killer will be punished.\u2019\u201d Horatio turned the page, \u201cShit!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Alexx looked over a bit surprised by his exclamation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a picture of Danny and Josh,\u201d Horatio looked over at Speed. \u201cDo you want me to continue?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed relaxed in Calleigh\u2019s arms, his head now in her lap as she soothed him by caressing his hair, \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring the trial, US Marshal Sam Gerard was asked how O\u2019Malley had been found. He stated that it was a fluke. Agent Phillips had been vacationing in Tampa and saw O\u2019Malley when he walked into the record store where O\u2019Malley worked. He offered the news to Carmel, who turned around and paid for Phillips to kill O\u2019Malley.\u201d Horatio leaned back in the chair. \u201cNeither the Nelsons nor the O\u2019Malley\u2019s were at the trial. When asked about the sentencing, Liam O\u2019Malley had this to say, \u2018that bastard destroyed my family and I hope he rots in hell.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed snickered, \u201cCan you hear the brogue in that statement.\u201d He pulled away from Calleigh and sat up. \u201cGot to give them credit they really held the story together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get rid of this newspaper, and any others that might be around.\u201d Horatio grabbed the full paper.<\/p>\n

Eric headed for the door, \u201cI\u2019ll check the front reception area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney, you going to be okay?\u201d Alexx asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Speed leaned his head back, \u201cJust a bit of a shock. I mean think about it. Anthony Carmel was convicted and sentenced to death for killing me.\u201d Speed looked up at the ceiling. \u201cYet, I\u2019m not dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoshua O\u2019Malley is dead,\u201d Horatio stated from the table. \u201cTimothy Speedle is very much alive and we plan to keep it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God,\u201d Speed groaned. \u201cHow much you wanna bet Gerard is going to show up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio patted Speed on the shoulder and headed out into the lab. \u201cI\u2019m going to hunt down any more copies. If anyone asks, go with the story, that they borrowed you because of the uncanny resemblance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded as Horatio walked out, he lay his head back down on Calleigh\u2019s lap, \u201cDo you think it will ever fully go away?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh ran her fingers through his hair, \u201cI think it will fade into the background. But right now it\u2019s raw and any little thing will make it seem worse than it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTim,\u201d Alexx smiled at the two on the couch.<\/p>\n

Speed looked up at Alexx a small smile on his face, \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

She kneeled down in front of him, \u201cJust remember if you need to talk to anyone. We\u2019re here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Speed sat up on the couch. \u201cNow if you excuse me ladies I have some evidence to catalog.\u201d He stood up then looked at the mess on the floor. He sighed as he reached for the towels.<\/p>\n

Alexx grabbed his hands, \u201cLet us take care of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded and walked out of the break room, back to the Trace lab. Alexx turned to see Calleigh watching him leave, \u201cCalleigh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d She smiled at the ME. \u201cOh, let me help you with that.\u201d She got up off the couch and started picking up the broken pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Alexx eyebrow rose as she grinned at Calleigh. \u201cSomething you want to mention?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh looked at her confusion on her face, \u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexx grinned, \u201cnothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies,\u201d Horatio popped back into the lab. \u201cWe have a DB downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

\u201cAlexx what do we have?\u201d Horatio looked down at the woman. His eyes took in all the details.<\/p>\n

\u201cBruise along the right cheek,\u201d Alexx felt the back of her head. \u201cThe fall is what killed her. Hit her head on the edge of the table. Fight got out of control, honey?\u201d Alexx looked at the woman then back at Horatio. \u201cDoes she look familiar to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked down at the woman. He shifted and squatted next to her. \u201cNow that you mention it, yeah she does. But from where I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo forced entry, but I did find a purse.\u201d Calleigh set her kit down next to the victim. \u201cHer name is Caroline Mason. She lives a few blocks from here.\u201d She held up the wallet showing the drivers license.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get Eric and Speed over there to check out her place.\u201d He stood up gave the woman another glance then pulled out his phone.<\/p>\n

Calleigh looked over at the woman, \u201cDo we know her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t recognize the name,\u201d Alexx packed up her stuff. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know more when I get her back to the morgue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh looks around the office, \u201cLooks like I\u2019ll be dusting for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio stood next to Yelina as she talked with the victim\u2019s boss, Thomas Jackson. \u201cIt\u2019s not surprising she was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dShe worked late often?\u201d Yelina asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe transferred here about six months ago from our office in New York, very dedicated to her job. She wanted to prove herself in a new city.\u201d Thomas looked over towards the office where Calleigh was finishing up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny enemies?\u201d Yelina looked up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I knew of, but\u2026\u201d Thomas voice hesitated as if he was thinking.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe seemed eager to get out of New York, bad memories she once told me.\u201d Thomas shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know if that helps. I just can\u2019t see who would want to kill her. She\u2019s a very lovely woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny office romances?\u201d Horatio asked as Calleigh walked towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201dNo, she was wearing a ring on her left hand, I assumed she was married or getting married, but she never talked about it.\u201d Thomas answered. \u201cIf you excuse me I need to contact my higher ups.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yelina watched him walk off, \u201cHe mean\u2019s his lawyers.\u201d She turned to Horatio. \u201cSo what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know. She worked late a lot. So it wouldn\u2019t have been hard for someone to know she was by herself.\u201d Horatio turned to Calleigh, \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust this,\u201d Held up an evidence bag with a diamond ring in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be the engagement ring,\u201d Horatio stated as his phone rang. He unclipped it and walked away from the two girls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check with Alexx to see if it was pulled off in a struggle,\u201d Calleigh put it in her kit. She glanced over to Horatio who had a look of concern on his face.<\/p>\n

He clicked off his phone and headed for the doors, \u201cI\u2019ve got to meet Eric and Speed at the victim\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh looked over at Yelina, \u201cI wonder what that was about.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

\u201cEric!\u201d Horatio called out as he entered the condo. He pulled his gun as he slowly walked down the hallway. \u201cSpeed? Eric?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here boss,\u201d Eric\u2019s voice called from farther in the condo.<\/p>\n

Horatio put his gun away and walked towards the back of the condo. He stepped into the room, his eyes focused on Speed. Horatio took a glance around the living room. It was simply furnished, a couch and chair near the fireplace. A baby grand piano in the corner covered with photographs. The back wall was covered with bookcases and over flowed with books. He glanced at Eric, who nodded towards Speed.<\/p>\n

Speed stood just inside the balcony door eyes fixed on the ocean. \u201cSpeed?\u201d Horatio approached him.<\/p>\n

Speed cocked his head slightly, indicating he heard him. Horatio stepped up next to him, \u201cTim?\u201d He looked down to see Speed gripping a framed photograph. He reached out, pulling it out of the young man\u2019s hand. He looked at the picture. It was of the victim\u2019s family. The photo was taken during Christmas. The parents stood by the tree while the three kids sat in front. He recognized the victim, as one of the girls she looked about sixteen, and the other two children in the picture were probably siblings. The boy had to be about ten, the other girl maybe thirteen. He glanced up at Speed, shocked to see tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Speed looked at him, \u201cShe\u2019s my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 2: Coincidence?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sam Gerard walked into the Miami crime lab, a scowl on his face. The morning was going fine, that was until he read the article in the New York Times. He really hated reporters. He cursed and threw the paper down when he saw the picture they printed of the two boys. He tried calling Miami but no one was answering. He grabbed his gear and headed out, told his team he would be back in a few days. He swore it was easier to hunt down escaped convicts than deal with Horatio Caine, especially when it came to Tim.<\/p>\n

The moment he had met Joshua O\u2019Malley, he knew the kid was going to break down walls. He was twenty, scared, alone, but determined to do the right thing. He had watched his best friend murdered in front of his eyes, yet stood up knowing full well he could have been next. He stood firm on the stand and never once looked away from the Carmel\u2019s or their attorneys.<\/p>\n

When he had come to him about training to be a CSI, at first he was apprehensive. Then thought what better place to hide a witness but in a police station. He arranged for Josh, now Tim, to finish his degree. He personally set Tim up in Miami, and then walked away, or so he thought. He kept up-to-date on Tim\u2019s life in Miami, his work at the labs, and learned about Horatio Caine. He knew enough that if he ever wanted to move Tim out of Miami, it would prove quite difficult.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarshal Gerard,\u201d Gerard turned to see the lab\u2019s ME walk up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Woods,\u201d Gerard smiled at her.<\/p>\n

Alexx stopped in front of him, hands on her hips. Her eyes bore into his, \u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York Times,\u201d Gerard said. He suddenly realized Caine wouldn\u2019t be the only obstacle.<\/p>\n

She nodded, \u201cThey aren\u2019t here right now. DB downtown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just wait in Horatio\u2019s office,\u201d Gerard smiled as he walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarshal Gerard,\u201d Alexx turned and called after him. Gerard turned back around, \u201cHe\u2019ll disappear way before you remove him.\u201d She turned and walked down the hall.<\/p>\n

Gerard sighed, \u201cDamn every last one of them.\u201d Though he had to admit Tim had a good team. He took a seat in Horatio\u2019s office and waited.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Alexx looked down at the young woman on the table, \u201cTo soon for you to go, sugar.\u201d She began her prep work. Pulled debris out of her hair, scarped under her fingernails, removed her clothes and set them aside for trace.<\/p>\n

As she started her autopsy she looked up to see Horatio walk in looking haggard, \u201cHoratio?\u201d Voices were heard in the hallway, she glanced back at Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis just got seriously complicated,\u201d Horatio walked over and looked at the young woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I just saw Marshal Gerard in the hallway,\u201d Alexx informed him. \u201cBut you weren\u2019t referring to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Caroline Mason here was formally Caroline O\u2019Malley,\u201d Horatio glanced up at the now open doors. Eric was holding Speed back.<\/p>\n

Alexx\u2019s head shot-up, eyes wide in shock, she turned towards Speed, \u201cIt can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed pulled away from Eric, and walked into the room. His eyes on Caroline, he stepped back tears in his eyes. Alexx moved to his side, \u201cHoney, you shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLast time I saw her, she had just graduated with her MBA from Harvard,\u201d Speed eyes were on the body. \u201cShe had gotten a job offer at IBM in New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTim,\u201d Calleigh stood at the morgue door concerned. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed turned and gave her a sad smile, \u201cThe victim\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio turned towards Calleigh, \u201cIs Caroline Mason, formally O\u2019Malley.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh rushed across the room, and pulled Speed into her arms. \u201cCome on, you shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d He pulled away. He took a few steps back. \u201cI need to be here. She\u2019s alone. I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexx rubbed his back, \u201cI\u2019ll take care of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cH,\u201d Eric turned towards Horatio.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked over at him, \u201cI can\u2019t pull him off the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eric stepped closer, his eyes watched as Calleigh and Alexx tried to persuade Speed to leave. \u201cCoincidence that an O\u2019Malley ends up dead the day Carmel is sentenced to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio dropped his head, studying the floor. \u201cI don\u2019t believe in coincidences.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio signaled for everyone\u2019s attention. \u201cOkay, we know this complicates matters in many ways. Calleigh I want you to go with Eric and profile her apartment.\u201d Calleigh nodded her eyes on Speed. \u201cAlexx notify me when you\u2019re finished. Speed\u2026\u201d Speed looked up at him, focused on the job at hand. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with me to my office. Before you say anything, you need to calm down. Once Alexx finishes I\u2019ll need you to work on the trace elements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexx patted Speed on the shoulder; \u201cShe\u2019s safe with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Alexx,\u201d Speed walked up to the body. He caressed her hair, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Caroline.\u201d He leaned over and kissed her forehead, and whispered. \u201cAr dheis D\u00e9 go raibh a hanam.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked away without looking back; Horatio followed him out. Calleigh and Eric turned and looked at Alexx. She sighed as she went back to the autopsy table. She looked down at Caroline, \u201cIrony is a bitch isn\u2019t it sugar. You were so close to your lost brother, and didn\u2019t even know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod, what more can life throw at Tim,\u201d Calleigh shook her head. \u201cI can\u2019t even imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo find out your sister, who you haven\u2019t seen in over ten years, is now one of your cases,\u201d Eric looked up at the ceiling. \u201cDo you think it\u2019s related?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way?\u201d Alexx asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the Carmel\u2019s,\u201d Eric looked between the body and Alexx.<\/p>\n

Calleigh shook her head, \u201cLet’s not jump in front of the evidence.\u201d She patted Eric\u2019s arm, \u201cCome on lets go back to the apartment. Find out if she was seeing anyone.\u201d Eric followed her out.<\/p>\n

Alexx gave a sad smile to the woman on her table, \u201cI know it doesn\u2019t mean much. But we love your brother very much.\u201d She picked up her scalpel, \u201cHe found a home here.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio walked into his office, stopping short at the door, \u201cWhat the hell are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello to you too Lt. Caine,\u201d Gerard smiled from his seat on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cTold you he would show up,\u201d Speed commented as he walked into the room. \u201cShall we tell him the news?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat news?\u201d Gerard stood up. \u201cThere\u2019s more than the New York Times?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio sat behind his desk while Speed slumped into on of the chairs in front of it. Gerard moved from the couch to the chair next to Speed. \u201cWhat the hell is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a DB this morning. A woman in her late thirties,\u201d Horatio explained, he held his hand up before Gerard could interrupt him. \u201cShe was identified as Caroline Mason\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard slumped back into his chair, \u201cShit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Speed bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst the newspaper article and now this,\u201d Gerard stood up and reached for Speed. \u201cI\u2019m getting you out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed jumped up out of the chair and away from Gerard, \u201cNo! There is no proof this is related to anything. I will NOT leave her while she needs me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarshal Gerard sit down,\u201d Horatio stood his tone low and deadly. \u201cSpeed is right, there is no proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmall coincidence the day Anthony Carmel is convicted an O\u2019Malley is killed,\u201d Gerard pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree, but we do not know all the facts,\u201d Horatio motioned them to sit down. \u201cAt least wait until we process the evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving Miami, H.\u201d Speed refused to sit down and moved closer to Horatio. \u201cLook, as far as everyone is concerned Joshua O\u2019Malley is dead. Now unless one of us contacted the Carmel\u2019s, how the hell would he know where I am?\u201d Speed looked out of Horatio\u2019s windows into the lab. \u201cAnd even if this was revenge, it\u2019s not against me it\u2019s against the Marshals or maybe even McCoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard looked at Speed, \u201cYou have a point.\u201d He then turned to Horatio, \u201cthis is the deal. I want full protection on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do my job with Marshals on my ass,\u201d Speed turned and glared. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you think that would be obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard glared at him, \u201cDo you not care about your safety?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t even know if there is something to worry about.\u201d Speed glared back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would rather be safe than sorry,\u201d Gerard slumped back into his chair.<\/p>\n

Horatio watched the two men argue, \u201cThis is how we are going to do this.\u201d He held up his hand before they began arguing with him. \u201cGerard, no Marshals.\u201d Speed smirked, \u201cSpeed you will have a member of the team with you at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s new how?\u201d Speed remarked sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Horatio eyed the young man, \u201cTim.\u201d Speed jerked his head up and looked at Horatio. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine the emotions going through you right now. But everything we do is because we care for you.\u201d Horatio paused, \u201cI don\u2019t want to attend another funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio smiled at him, \u201cNo need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Gerard stood up and headed for the door. \u201cNo guards, but I\u2019m not leaving Miami until I know he’s safe.\u201d He turned and looked at the two men. \u201cAnd if for one moment I think the gig is up, he\u2019s out of here.\u201d He pointed to Speed before he left the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I hate him,\u201d Speed looked over at Horatio. \u201cI\u2019m going to see if Alexx has anything for trace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeed?\u201d Horatio watched him head for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to do something, H.\u201d Speed didn\u2019t look back. Horatio could feel and see the tension in him as Speed walked out the door and down the hall.<\/p>\n

Horatio sat back down and eyed the telephone in disgust. This wasn\u2019t going to be an easy call, none of them ever were. He pulled up the personnel file from Caroline\u2019s office and searched through her contact information.<\/p>\n

He picked up the phone and dialed the number.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hello,\u2019 a woman\u2019s voice warm and soft.<\/p>\n

Horatio closed his eyes gathering his strength, \u201cMrs. O\u2019Malley?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, may I ask who this is?\u2019 The voice became guarded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Horatio Caine,\u201d He paused. His eyes looked out his office window; he could see Speed walking towards the Morgue.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry I don\u2019t recognize that name, do I know you?\u2019 Her voice was curious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Mrs. O\u2019Malley this isn\u2019t an easy call for me to make.\u201d Horatio voice became soothing and soft. \u201cI\u2019m a criminalist in Miami-Dade, Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Does this have something to do with Caroline?\u2019 The voice became panicked<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to inform you that your daughter Caroline was found this morning.\u201d Horatio heard the scream as the phone dropped.<\/p>\n

\u2018Who is this?\u2019 A strong male voice got on the line.<\/p>\n

Horatio straightened surprised how familiar it sounded, \u201cMr. O\u2019Malley. This is Horatio Caine of the Miami-Dade Police Department\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018What is going on?\u2019 He demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour daughter Caroline was founded murdered this morning in her office.\u201d Horatio listened to the soft sobs in the background. \u201cI\u2019ll need you and your wife to fly out to Miami. I\u2019m sorry for your loss, and just want you to know that I\u2019m doing everything in my power to find out who did this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Are you sure?\u2019 The strong voice was now weak.<\/p>\n

\u201cA co-worker identified her,\u201d Horatio looked back out the window to see Speed looking up at him. \u201cLet me give you my cell number. You can call me anytime. I\u2019ll arrange for an officer to pick you up at the airport and bring you over to the station.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll get the next flight out,\u2019 He could hear the tears in the man\u2019s voice. \u2018Thank you for calling us. And Mr. Caine\u2026find the bastard that did this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Horatio promised.<\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note:<\/p>\n

Ar dheis D\u00e9 go raibh a hanam – May you rest in peace (Gaelic)<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 3: Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed pulled out into the traffic, hair flying in the wind as he tried to calm his shattered nerves. He sped in and out of traffic and cars, navigating the streets with ease. The feel of the engine between his legs and the wind in his hair calmed him. He glanced in the mirror and smiled, a Hummer was not far behind him. He grinned as he gunned the engine and soared off into the night.<\/p>\n

He parked by the pier, and listened to the ocean waves splashing against the shore. His thoughts drifted, they were conflicted with emotion. He felt pain for loosing his sister, but he had been gone for so long that he didn\u2019t even know her. Is that how they felt when they were told he was \u2018dead\u2019. He longed to see his parents. He longed to speak with his mom in her native tongue. He longed to hear his dad tell him the tales of Ireland.<\/p>\n

He was going to be with in reaching distance but he won\u2019t be able to reach out.<\/p>\n

He had been living as Timothy Speedle for over ten years. His new family was an odd mix of people, and each of them loved him. Even if he had the chance he wasn\u2019t sure if he could go back to being an O\u2019Malley, or if he wanted too. He glanced back at the parked Hummer. He knew they cared, and worried. He just wished that they didn\u2019t have to. His death affected them deeply, which in turn affected him. He knew his death still haunted Horatio, because he still work up in a cold sweat at night from the pain in Horatio\u2019s eyes as he had watched him die.<\/p>\n

He clicked open his cell phone, and dialed the number.<\/p>\n

\u2018Caine,\u2019 Horatio\u2019s voice filtered through the phone.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a little obvious,\u201d Speed laughed.<\/p>\n

\u2018What? A Hummer isn\u2019t conspicuous?\u2019 He could hear the humor in Horatio\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Speed glanced over at the Hummer. \u201cI\u2019m heading home. Call Eric, since I know he\u2019s already there and tell him to order a few pizza\u2019s.\u201d He smiled as he shut his phone. He could see Horatio laughing from his bike. He started up the engine and let it roar to life. He had good friends that would go to the ends of the earth to protect him, as he would for them.<\/p>\n

Speed pulled up to his apartment, eyeing the black town car sitting at the curb. He turned off the engine, and dismounted. He wandered over to the town car and knocked on the window. The window rolled down to show Gerard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well come in,\u201d Speed leaned against the car. \u201cThere\u2019s pizza and beer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard rolled his eyes, \u201cFine.\u201d He rolled the window back up and stepped out of the car.<\/p>\n

The two walked up the walkway and were met half way there by Horatio. \u201cAlexx sends her love, but her boy\u2019s got a cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give her a call,\u201d Speed responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have room for all of us?\u201d Gerard commented as they stepped in front of Speed\u2019s apartment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can sleep in your car,\u201d Speed grinned as he opened his door. He could hear Calleigh and Eric arguing in the kitchen. He walked, in stole the just opened beer out of Eric\u2019s hand, and slid in next to Calleigh. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, what?\u201d Eric asked as he grabbed a second beer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo surveillance cameras around my apartment building.\u201d He took a swig of beer. \u201cAnd no extra guns in my house.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Calleigh and Eric glared at him. He just smiled as he grabbed some dishes and set them on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen fine, one of us is staying.\u201d Eric opened the pizza boxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I vote for Calleigh, she doesn\u2019t snore.\u201d Speed teased the Cuban.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they always like this?\u201d Gerard watched the three bicker.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Horatio smiled at the three CSI\u2019s. \u201cYou\u2019re telling me your team isn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, I was trying to forget them. I\u2019m considering myself on vacation.\u201d Gerard shrugged then grabbed a plate and some pizza.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice vacation, hanging out in front of my apartment,\u201d Speed walked by into the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought some movies,\u201d Calleigh curdled up next to Speed on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Which ones?\u201d Eric took the floor next to the coffee table.<\/p>\n

She giggled as she glanced over at Gerard. \u201cWell I didn\u2019t know he was going to be here, but I thought they were fitting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard eyebrow rose, \u201cShould I be worried?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh giggled again. \u201cYeah, she giggled twice.\u201d Speed and Eric exclaimed.<\/p>\n

She smacked both of them, \u201cI got The Fugitive and US Marshals.\u201d She giggled even harder.<\/p>\n

\u201cEric, how much as she had to drink?\u201d Speed laughed. He couldn\u2019t help her laughter was contagious.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe hasn\u2019t even finished her one beer,\u201d Eric snickered.<\/p>\n

Horatio sat down in the lazy boy chair eyeing Calleigh suspiciously, \u201cWhy don\u2019t we start with The Fugitive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on. Can\u2019t we watch something else?\u201d Gerard grabbed a chair from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about the CSI show?\u201d They all turned and glared at him, \u201cOr not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh put on the DVD and curled up next to Speed. Horatio noticed the two on the couch and glanced at Eric, who shrugged and smirked back.<\/p>\n

Speed pulled Calleigh closer to him, enjoying her warmth. He would later mourn the loss of his sister; deal with the sight of his parents and knew she would be by his side. He settled down and enjoyed the movie and company.<\/p>\n

Gerard got comfortable and watched over the small family. It was his job to protect them. Horatio\u2019s team may protect Tim, but someone needed to protect them. What they didn\u2019t realize is that Tim would be destroyed if he lost a member of his family, so he would make sure that wouldn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 4: The O\u2019Malley\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yelina waited by the terminal with uneasiness. She was glad Horatio had trusted her with the O\u2019Malley\u2019s, but then again she was the only detective that new the truth behind Tim\u2019s death. She couldn\u2019t even fathom what the O\u2019Malley\u2019s were feeling. To loose one son to such a horrible fate, then to be called and told their daughter had been murdered. She didn\u2019t know what she would do if something happened to Ray Jr. The one thing she feared the most was him deciding to follow the family tradition and become a cop.<\/p>\n

Rumors were flying around the station, about how much the victim looked like Tim, almost as if they could be related. Frank Tripp was there at the shootout with Phillips. She could tell he had a thousand questions he wanted to ask Horatio, but didn\u2019t. Instead they all had watched as Alexx worked feverishly to save Tim, they listened as Horatio begged Tim to hold on. They just stood there as a rescue helicopter came down, and along with the US Marshal, packed Tim up and left. She had no idea what happened, but for days afterwards Horatio and his team were quiet and withdrawn. She couldn\u2019t comprehend their emotions, to mourn the loss of their friend a second time. Not to even know if he was alive or dead. She had always liked Tim, easy to talk to, friendly in his way. But there was a close bond between the CSI team, one that was broken with Tim\u2019s death, only to be revived and shattered once again.<\/p>\n

When she walked into work that Monday morning to hear the buzz around the station that Tim Speedle was down in the labs she stopped short. She hurried along to Horatio\u2019s office, barged in demanding an explanation. He just pulled her up to the window and pointed out his window. The lab was welcoming Tim back into their mists. She could see the emotions on his face; tears had run down her cheeks. She like everyone else wouldn\u2019t let him out of her sight. Even had him over for dinner, she found it humorous how shy he was around her. Though dinner was a bust, considering Rick wouldn\u2019t stop pestering him, and with Horatio ready to kill Rick there just wasn\u2019t a nice warm atmosphere. Though it kept Ray Jr. and Tim entertained. Through out the year she would find herself just watching him work at a crime scene, or in the lab. She never had him over for dinner again, but instead brought him homemade dishes. He would smile and thank her, telling her she didn\u2019t have to, but she did. He was home; Horatio had all of his kids around him and that made him happy.<\/p>\n

And now she stood waiting for his parents, to take them over to the station to identify their daughter’s body. Not knowing that their son would be less than a hundred yards away. She sighed again as she glanced at her watch. She looked up to see an older couple heading her way. She knew under no doubt they were Tim\u2019s parents. She stood in shock for a few minutes; he looked like his father but had his mothers coloring. This was not going to help the rumor mill.<\/p>\n

Yelina stepped up to them, \u201cMr. and Mrs. O\u2019Malley?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. O\u2019Malley looked up at Yelina with tired and red-rimmed eyes, \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Detective Yelina Salas,\u201d Yelina gave her a small smile. \u201cI\u2019m here to take you to the station.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Maria and this is my husband Liam,\u201d She held out her hand to Yelina.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss,\u201d Yelina took her hand giving it a compassionate squeeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Maria pulled a tissue out of her purse. \u201cIt\u2019s been a difficult year.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio was not looking forward to talking with the O\u2019Malley\u2019s. He stood in the reception area waiting for Yelina to return. Eric sat in one of the chairs, the tension rolling off of him. He would be the first to admit he was curious to meet Speed\u2019s parents, but not in this way.<\/p>\n

\u201cEric calm down,\u201d Horatio slightly scolded the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry H,\u201d Eric stopped his foot from tapping. \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust think about this,\u201d Horatio turned slightly and looked at him. \u201cHow do you think Speed feels?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dTo be so close yet so far away,\u201d Eric sighed.<\/p>\n

Horatio heard the elevator ding; he turned towards the entrance and took a deep breath. Eric moved to stand behind him. Neither was prepared for their first sight of the O\u2019Malley\u2019s. Horatio heard Eric audibly gasp, and watched out of the corner of his eye as Eric composed himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. and Mrs. O\u2019Malley,\u201d Horatio stepped forward his hand stretched out.<\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant Caine,\u201d Maria took his hand. \u201cCall me Maria.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaria, I\u2019m truly sorry for you loss,\u201d Horatio eyes showed his compassion.<\/p>\n

\u201dAny word on the investigation,\u201d Liam asked.<\/p>\n

Eric blinked the resemblance was remarkable, \u201cWe\u2019re still processing the evidence Mr. O\u2019Malley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiam,\u201d Liam gave a sad smile. One Horatio sees daily on his trace expert.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind Lt. Caine,\u201d Maria asked. \u201cCould we see Caroline?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded as he stepped back, \u201cFollow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio locked eyes with Eric. Eric nodded as he realized that they would be passing by the Trace lab. Eric gave a slight nod to the O\u2019Malley\u2019s as he left the lobby. Eric briskly walked down to the lab in a controlled frantic search for Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalleigh!\u201d He called out to the ballistics expert.<\/p>\n

She turned and smiled, \u201cEric, haven\u2019t seen you all day. I was going over the victims address book it seems that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Speed?\u201d He looked around the lab.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d She watched his frantic search. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe O\u2019Malley\u2019s are here and Horatio is taking them to see the body.\u201d Eric explained eyes darting around the lab looking for the missing CSI.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll search the bullpen,\u201d Calleigh ran off towards the offices upstairs.<\/p>\n

Eric continued his search through the labs, but no one had seen Speed. He walked down to the morgue and slipped into the room quietly not to disturb the O\u2019Malley\u2019s.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Alexx stood next to Horatio as the parents said goodbye to their child. She had tears in her eyes, watching them. She glanced at Horatio as Maria spoke softly in Italian to Caroline. Liam stood behind his wife, gazing lovingly at his daughter. He whispered an Irish blessing and prayer. He pulled his wife into his arms holding her tight as she cried.<\/p>\n

Alexx closed the drawer as Horatio led them out of the room. She looked up to see Speed standing in the observation room. Calleigh walked up behind him, and pulled him away from the windows. Alexx sighed; she pulled out her cleaning materials and began scrubbing down the morgue. She needed to be occupied; she ignored the tears as they fell.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Calleigh and Speed walked down the hallway in silence. Speed fidgeted with the files in his hands, his eyes on the floor not really paying attention to where they were going. Calleigh looked up to see Eric coming around the corner. His eyes went wide as he glanced behind him. Calleigh gasped and quickly grabbed Speed pulling him into a nearby room. Startled Speed yelped and dropped the folder papers flying everywhere. Eric grinned; laughing slightly as he retrieved the papers from the floor, looked around quickly opened the door and handed them to a still shocked Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalleigh?\u201d Speed grabbed the papers from Eric.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d She smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do realize we are in the girl’s bathroom?\u201d Speed looked around the room.<\/p>\n

Calleigh glanced around then looked at the floor, \u201cIt was the closest room.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached for the door but Calleigh got between him and the door, \u201cYou can\u2019t go out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed looked down at her, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Horatio is escorting your parents\u2026\u201d Calleigh stopped mid sentence as she looked up into his eyes.<\/p>\n

Speed gave her a soft smile, \u201cYou\u2019ve been by my side through this whole nightmare. Have I thanked you for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh smiled back, \u201cIt\u2019s nothing really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not nothing to me,\u201d Speed whispered as he leaned forward.<\/p>\n

A bang on the door startled them as it pushed Calleigh into Speed who stumbled back. Yelina walked into the restroom, stopping short at the sight. Her eyebrow rose as she looked at the two.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Horatio in his office?\u201d Calleigh asked not at all self-conscious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he took them to one of the interrogations room,\u201d Yelina answered. \u201cHe had to close the blinds. They are getting a lot of second looks.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCause I look a lot like my dad,\u201d Speed answered. \u201cNow if you two ladies would excuse me; I have to get back to work.\u201d Speed opened the door and walked down the hall ignoring a uniformed cop question glance as he came out of the girl\u2019s restroom.<\/p>\n

Calleigh followed him out, getting a double take from the same uniformed cop. She glared at him as she walked towards the interrogation rooms. Yelina just laughed, the cop looked at the bathroom door, shook his head and walked away.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio set a cup of tea in front of Maria, and then sat across the table from them. \u201cI know this is difficult, but do you know anyone who might want to hurt Caroline.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Maria gave him a tight smile. \u201cShe was well liked, lots of friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid she ever mention anyone that she might have been arguing with?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe got along with everyone at her work,\u201d Maria shrugged. \u201cLast I talked to her, she didn\u2019t mention anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was that?\u201d Horatio rested his arms on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of days ago,\u201d Maria began to cry. \u201cShe was happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe got a message from her on our answering machine,\u201d Liam added. \u201cIt was the night before you called.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio noticed Liam seemed hesitant with the information, \u201cDo you have it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maria glanced over at Liam, who nodded. She pulled it out of her purse and handed it to Horatio. He smiled as he took the tape, \u201cThank you. I\u2019m going to have one of our guys look this over it might help us establish a timeline.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaroline\u2019s boss at work mentioned that she wanted desperately to get out of New York,\u201d Horatio paused. \u201cDo you know why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaroline lost one of her best friends on 9\/11,\u201d Liam looked down at his hands. \u201cWhen she got the opportunity to come to Miami she felt it would be a good idea. Sometimes it was difficult for her to look out her office window and not see the towers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded in understanding, he got up and opened the door motioning for Calleigh. \u201cMaria, Liam this is Calleigh Duquesne, she\u2019s a member of my team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh walked into the room a smile on her face. Horatio barely noticed her hesitant step. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I have a small question.\u201d She stated as Horatio handed her the tape.<\/p>\n

Maria smiled at her, \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas Caroline seeing anyone?\u201d Calleigh asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe mentioned a boyfriend,\u201d Liam commented, \u201cA Shawn Williamson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where Shawn is?\u201d Horatio turned towards them.<\/p>\n

Maria shrugged, \u201cShe met him here in Miami. We\u2019ve never met him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calleigh smiled as she headed for the door, \u201cThank you for the information. I\u2019m sorry for your loss. We\u2019re doing all that we can to find out what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam patted his wife\u2019s hand and looked over at Horatio, \u201cYou have to understand. We buried our son, exactly one year ago. You have no idea what it\u2019s like to lose two of your children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio gave a tight smile, resisting the urge to go hunt Speed down and drag him into the room. He glanced at the calendar and realized it was October 23rd<\/sup>. They day Josh O\u2019Malley died. Irony was really a bitch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise you,\u201d Horatio voice was strong. \u201cI will find out who did this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam nodded and took Maria\u2019s hand as they walked out of the conference room. Horatio watched them as they walked to the elevator. Yelina nodded to him and followed the couple out. Horatio looked over at Eric who stepped out of the observation room. Neither said anything as they head back down to the lab. There was nothing to say.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 5: Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gerard sat across from Horatio, \u201cThis is not a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat part exactly?\u201d Horatio asked sipping his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo protection, the O\u2019Malley\u2019s less than a hundred yards from their son, Tim working the case. The list is endless.\u201d Gerard pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cTim is in the AV lab surrounded by cops and CSI\u2019s,\u201d Horatio eyed him. \u201cThe O\u2019Malley\u2019s have gone to their hotel, and I can\u2019t take Tim off the case because there is no real reason to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard rubbed his temples, \u201cSome stranger met with Louis Carmel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up at him, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLouis Carmel had a visitor, and no one recognizes him.\u201d Gerard explained. \u201cHe came, talked for a few minutes, then left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo idea who he is?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a clue,\u201d Gerard shrugged. \u201cNow do you understand why I\u2019m worried? There are too many open variables. We have an O\u2019Malley in the morgue, an unknown man meeting with Louis Carmel. Then to top it off we have a newspaper article that printed their damn picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio stood up and looked down at Gerard, \u201cWe need to listen to the evidence. Speed is already going through the ringer on this. I will not make it worse on him by jumping to conclusions. Have you seen him? He\u2019s not sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard Eric and Calleigh talking. He woke up twice with nightmares.\u201d Gerard leaned back as he looked up at Horatio. \u201cI worry okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all do,\u201d Horatio smiled. \u201cI have to go talk with Yelina, why don\u2019t you see how Speed is doing in the AV lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard smiled as he stood up, \u201cI can take the hint. I know when I\u2019m not wanted.\u201d Gerard threw his coffee cup away and walked down into the labs.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio stepped up to Yelina, \u201cGot anything for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and smiled, \u201cNo one at work knows who the boyfriend\/fianc\u00e9e is or was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we have a fianc\u00e9e that hasn\u2019t reported her missing,\u201d Horatio looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Yelina.\u201d
\n\u201cHoratio?\u201d Yelina stopped him as he began to walk away. \u201cHow\u2019s Tim doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as expected,\u201d Horatio answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive him my love,\u201d Yelina turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio found Eric and Calleigh in the Trace lab, \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re running prints as we speak,\u201d Eric looked up from the microscope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m running the serial number of the diamond to see what jewelry store it came from,\u201d Calleigh stated. \u201cBesides that nothing much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about her apartment?\u201d Horatio leaned against the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo pictures of a boyfriend,\u201d Calleigh stated. \u201cNo journals, no letters, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce again a few prints,\u201d Eric added. \u201cWe\u2019re running them. So far our biggest lead might be that phone call.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you pull her phone records?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, should be faxed over at any moment,\u201d Eric informed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know what you find,\u201d Horatio left the Trace lab.<\/p>\n

Eric turned towards Calleigh, \u201cHow\u2019s Tim?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdgy,\u201d She answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Eric grinned at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what?\u201d She gave him a confused look.<\/p>\n

Eric eyebrow rose, \u201cYou have no idea do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d Calleigh asked truly confused.<\/p>\n

Eric grinned, \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Speed sat down at the AV lab and placed the tape into the machine. He stared at the equipment for about five minutes before he took a deep breath and hit play.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey mom, you won\u2019t believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like\u2026 Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties\u2026\u201d Speed stopped the tape.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Gerard stepped into the room. \u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed spun in his chair and looked at the US Marshal, \u201cWhat are you doing in here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio refused to let me follow him around,\u201d Gerard grinned as he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re bugging me, why?\u201d Speed turned back to the equipment.<\/p>\n

\u201cCause I like you,\u201d Gerard smirked. \u201cWhat do we have?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy sister\u2019s voice,\u201d Speed smiled. \u201cI hadn\u2019t heard it in ten years. I forgot what it had sounded like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard nodded; there was nothing he could say.<\/p>\n

Speed sighed, \u201cWe might have a problem. Listen to this \u2018Hey mom, you won\u2019t believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like\u2026 Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties\u2026\u2019\u201d Speed stopped the tape.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she saw you?\u201d Gerard looked between the equipment and Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Speed shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you do ride a bike,\u201d Gerard pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and so do a lot of other guys,\u201d Speed hit the button again. \u201cHey mom, you won\u2019t believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like\u2026 Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties\u2026\u201d The tape crackled then a second voice entered a bit faded. \u201cYou made this so much easier for me\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho the hell was that?\u201d Gerard leaned closer to listen to the tape again.<\/p>\n

Speed dulled the static, and brought up the second voice to the forefront. \u201c\u2019You made this so much easier for me.\u2019 Could be our killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard leaned back, \u201cCan we get anything out of the background?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a recording off a cell phone,\u201d Speed stated. \u201cThe fact alone that my parents still use a tape recording answering machine should tell you how far behind the times they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerard smiled, \u201cNow don\u2019t be mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo top it off we\u2019re talking a cell phone, there could be a lot of interference.\u201d Speed lowered both voices and pulled the background noise up. A ding and wush sound, \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d He played it again. \u201cThat\u2019s right before the male voice comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cElevator?\u201d Gerard asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaroline was found in her office,\u201d Speed speculated.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes the building have security cameras?\u201d Gerard asked. \u201cIf there\u2019s a picture of the guy then I can fax it over to our guys and see if the description matches the unknown visitor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnknown visitor?\u201d Speed asked as he looked over at Gerard.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone stopped by to see Louis Carmel, no one knows who it is.\u201d Gerard explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, so your thinking this guy talks to Louis, then what? Flies to Miami in the off chance my sister knows I\u2019m here?\u201d Speed commented. \u201cWe don\u2019t even know who she\u2019s referring to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLouis could have sent him to just take your sister out, and now that he\u2019s heard her conversation, he knows you’re still around.\u201d Gerard stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe could have been referring to an old boyfriend for all we know.\u201d Speed glared back at Gerard.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil we know for sure, you\u2019re under 24\/7 surveillance.\u201d Gerard glared back.<\/p>\n

Speed laughed, \u201cI\u2019ve been under 24\/7 surveillance since I rose from the dead.\u201d He glanced out of the window to see Horatio heading their way.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, how\u2019s it going in here?\u201d Horatio stepped into the room. \u201cEric just handed me Caroline\u2019s phone records, she called her parents at eleven fifteen pm. Time of death was around midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we may have possibly have a recording of the killer,\u201d Speed played back the whole tape for Horatio, \u201c\u2019 Hey mom, you won\u2019t believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like\u2026 Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties\u2026You made this so much easier for me.\u2019 Now if you listen to the back ground you get his.\u201d Speed played back the ding and wush sound. \u201cSounds like the elevator at her office. So I\u2019m thinking killer follows her from the lobby to her office?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, Speed, could be the voice of our missing boyfriend.\u201d Horatio glanced out the window to see Eric come down the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cH,\u201d Eric walked into the room. \u201cWe got a match on one of the prints, a Shawn Williamson, bartender.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dWhere does he tend bar?\u201d Speed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBiker Boys, a new hot club for those kids with fancy bikes,\u201d Eric looked down at the folder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd before you ask,\u201d Speed looked over at Gerard. \u201cI\u2019ve never been there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have Caroline stating she saw someone on a bike, possibly where her fianc\u00e9e worked.\u201d Horatio looked over at Eric. \u201cTake Calleigh go to the bar, ask around. I\u2019ll get Yelina to bring Mr. Williamson in. Maybe he can tell us who she saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 6: Chaos Theory<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Calleigh and Speed watched from behind the mirror, as Horatio and Yelina entered the interrogation room. Shawn Williamson watched the two carefully. He sat straight in the chair, and was picking at his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cNervous habit,\u201d Speed pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow what could he be nervous about,\u201d Calleigh glanced sideways at Speed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care if your innocent, being interrogated by Horatio can make anyone nervous.\u201d Speed grinned at her.<\/p>\n

~*~
\n\u201cMr. Williamson,\u201d Horatio walked over to the window as Yelina sat down across from the suspect.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Shawn smiled at Yelina then glanced at Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know a Caroline Mason?\u201d Yelina asked.<\/p>\n

\u201dHave you found her?\u201d Shawn looked between the detectives.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was missing?\u201d Horatio turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t spoken to her since a couple of nights ago,\u201d He stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went two days without speaking to your fianc\u00e9e?\u201d Yelina asked a confused look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cFianc\u00e9e? No, Caroline and I dated. It wouldn\u2019t be uncommon for us not to speak for a few days. Odd work schedules and all,\u201d Shawn shrugged. \u201cIs she okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was killed two days ago,\u201d Horatio walked towards the table. \u201cSomeone hit her, she fell and hit her head on the table, killing her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God,\u201d He looked down at the file thrown at him, pictures of Caroline dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou work at Biker Boys?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, bartender.\u201d Shawn glanced over, \u201cHow did you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you on Tuesday night?\u201d Yelina asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think I had anything to do with this?\u201d Shawn looked up at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fingerprints were at her work, at her home\u2026\u201d Horatio opened the file folder showing the pictures of evidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was my girlfriend,\u201d Shawn explained.<\/p>\n

Yelina cocked her head, \u201cSee that\u2019s funny, we were told she had a fianc\u00e9e.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked about it, but nothing was set,\u201d Shawn shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen explain this?\u201d Horatio held up a small bag with a diamond ring in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like one she wore all the time,\u201d Shawn looked down.<\/p>\n

\u201cShawn, did you know they register diamonds? Especially one\u2019s this large?\u201d Horatio walked over to his side of the table. \u201cThis one is registered in your name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just got engaged,\u201d Shawn looked up. \u201cBut it wasn\u2019t really set, I hadn\u2019t even met her parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Shawn glanced between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what happened that night?\u201d Horatio leaned onto the table next to him. \u201cShe see an old flame, you two fight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Shawn began to get agitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have witnesses that place her at Biker Boys. They said she was talking to a blond biker.\u201d Horatio straightened up and walked back around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two fight?\u201d Yelina asked. \u201cShe storm off but instead of heading home she went to her office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe left because she had work to do,\u201d Bitterness entered his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe blew you off for paperwork?\u201d Yelina voice was smooth. \u201cSo you followed her back to the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to talk with her, I hated leaving things unfinished.\u201d Shawn explained. \u201cI got to the office and she was talking on her cell phone about the damn biker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you got angry,\u201d Yelina pushed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s always working, never had time for me,\u201d Shawn spat out. \u201cBut it\u2019s not like you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell us then what was it like?\u201d Horatio stood by the window hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe argued, she took off her ring and threw it at me. I struck out. I didn\u2019t mean to hit her, she fell\u2026\u201d Tears began to form. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dSo you left,\u201d Yelina finished for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an accident,\u201d Shawn pleaded.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked over at the mirror, \u201cOne last question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d He sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer family\u2026\u201d Horatio looked over at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about them?\u201d Shawn looked confused. \u201cI never met any of her family. All I know is her parents live in Boston, her sister is an Museum person of some sort, and her brother died last year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow what?\u201d Shawn asked completely confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer brother, how did he die?\u201d Horatio knew he was pushing it, but they had to make sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe mentioned something about a car accident. Look I never met them, we were planning on going to Boston around Christmas.\u201d Shawn\u2019s voice became soft.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut instead she\u2019s going home in a coffin,\u201d Horatio nodded for the officers to come into the room.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

\u201cChaos theory,\u201d Calleigh commented as they watched Shawn be handcuffed and escorted away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Speed turned towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cRandom acts that have nothing to do with each other, but make them each look more important than they are.\u201d She opened the door as the two headed down the hallway. \u201cA strange man shows up at sing sing to see Louis Carmel, on the same day the jury comes back with a death penalty for Anthony. The day the article is published Caroline Mason, who recently moved to Miami, was found dead. She then happened to have left a message on her mom\u2019s phone about someone from her past.\u201d Calleigh paused and turned towards Speed. \u201cIn reality, the strange guy was Louis\u2019s new lawyer. Caroline moved to Miami over six months ago to get away from the bad memories of 9\/11. She saw someone that reminded her of an old flame called her mom for a good laugh. Her boyfriend was jealous of her hours at work, and the two fought. None of them interacted with each other, but if you put them side by side it tells another story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed smiled at her, \u201cAnd the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d She looked up at him and grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cGerard gets to go home,\u201d He grinned as they continued down the hallway.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it was her boyfriend?\u201d Maria O\u2019Malley asked Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t intentional,\u201d He took her hand. \u201cThey fought and he struck her. She lost her balance and she hit her head on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens now?\u201d Liam asked his arm around his wife.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe will be tried for Manslaughter, and serve a minimum of ten years.\u201d Horatio explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Lt. Caine,\u201d Maria gave him a watery smile. \u201cYou have no idea how much it means that someone took the time to find out what happened, and tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio bowed his head then looked back up with a small smile, \u201cIt\u2019s my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave us closure,\u201d Liam shook Horatio\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you heading back to Boston?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaroline is going to be buried next to her brother in New Jersey,\u201d Maria informed him. \u201cWe\u2019ve already made arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be here a few more days to pack up her apartment,\u201d Liam put his arm around his wife as they turned to leave. \u201cOnce again, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio watched them leave. He looked back up at the station. Speed was standing by one of the windows watching his parents get into a cab, never to see them again. Speed turned from the window, Horatio watched as the cab pulled away.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Chapter 7: Reunion and Family<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gerard got out of the car and glared at Horatio, \u201cThis is NOT a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio walked around the car, turned and looked at Gerard. \u201cI don\u2019t care.\u201d He grinned as Gerard glared at him as he walked to the second vehicle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d Speed commented as he stepped out of the vehicle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the right thing to do,\u201d Horatio walked up to the building. Gerard leaned up against the Hummer arms crossed and fumed. The team ignored him. He rolled his eyes; dealing with Horatio Caine was like dealing with a Hurricane. You don\u2019t, you just board up your windows and pray he just leaves you alone.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Horatio smiled at Maria O\u2019Malley when she opened the door, \u201cMrs. O\u2019Malley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLt. Caine,\u201d She smiled at him. \u201cAnd I told you call me Maria. What brings you by?\u201d
\nHoratio walked into the condo, maneuvering around the boxes. \u201cI just wanted to see how you were doing before you left for Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is very kind of you,\u201d Maria lead him into the living room.<\/p>\n

He recognized the piano that still sat in the corner, \u201cDid Caroline play?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d She said with pride. \u201cAll my children did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio\u2019s eyebrows went up, \u2018really, I\u2019ll have to use that against Speed\u2019 he thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made sure our children had a well rounded education,\u201d Liam stated as he walked into the room. Horatio was floored at how much Speed really looked like him especially when Mr. O\u2019Malley wore jeans and a sweater.<\/p>\n

\u201cMusic, books, and sports,\u201d Maria added. \u201cGod sometimes I felt like a taxi service more than a mom.\u201d She laughed as she remembered the good days. \u201cI had to take Caroline to ballet, Julia to band, Josh to soccer. Then there were church events, school events, community, it\u2026 it was priceless.\u201d She finished with tears in her eyes. \u201cNow all we have left is Julia, our first grandbaby is due in a few months. Caroline had been so excited to be an Aunt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked down, \u201cI can\u2019t imagine what you have gone through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been difficult,\u201d Liam looked out the tall window. \u201cMiami is a beautiful city. Maybe we should retire here,\u201d He grinned at Maria who rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

Horatio tried not to laugh at the imagined expression on Gerard\u2019s face. \u201cWell for me, Miami has always been home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Lt. Caine, I\u2019m being a terrible host,\u201d Maria wiped her tears. \u201cCould I get you something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually I\u2019ve brought something for you,\u201d Horatio knew just talking to them, that he was doing the right thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done so much,\u201d Liam looked at him quizzically.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope this will give you the closure you need,\u201d He walked towards the hall and motioned with his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Maria stopped mid-sentence as Speed stepped into the room.<\/p>\n

Speed gave them a hesitant smile, \u201cMomma.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maria sobbed as she threw herself at her son, \u201cJoshua.\u201d Speed caught her, tears running down his face. Liam stood in shock as he watched his wife hold their son. He wiped his own tears as he took the last steps and pulled them both into his arms.<\/p>\n

Alexx looked over at Calleigh with tears in her eyes, who gave a watery smile back. Horatio stepped over to the two girls pulling them into his arms, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d They nodded and left the O\u2019Malley family to get reacquainted. Eric took one more look back and smiled at the reunited family.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Maria held her son\u2019s face between her hands. \u201cJosh, look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Speed grinned, then looked over at Liam, \u201cDad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d Liam pulled his boy into his arms. \u201cYou look good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed smiled, \u201cIt\u2019s the ocean air.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam stepped back to take a really good look. He noticed the differences; he had grown, filled out. His hair was longer and he looked scruffy not clean cut as before. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, how?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLast year, when Phillips discovered me, the Marshals pulled me out of Miami,\u201d He started to explain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been here the whole time?\u201d Maria asked her mind full of questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cBasically,\u201d Speed sat down on the couch. \u201cI work with Horatio. I\u2019m a CSI.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam smiled with pride, and then wondered. \u201cDid you? I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I helped with the investigation into Caroline\u2019s murder.\u201d He gave them a sad smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must have been a shock to you,\u201d Maria patted his knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlightly,\u201d He looked down at his hands. \u201cI listened to the message, she sounded so much older, more mature than I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maria took his hand, \u201cHo li ha mancati il mio figlio\u201d (I have missed you my son. – Italian) <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHo li ha mancati momma. Ho ha mancato i nostri colloqui, pranzi la domenica. Spiacente per causarvi questo dolore.\u201d Speed answered back once again speaking in his mothers tongue. (I have missed you momma. I have missed our talks, dinner on Sundays. Sorry for causing you this pain – Italian)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJoshua,\u201d Maria made him look at her. \u201cYou\u2019ve made me so proud. You stood for what was right. You demanded justice for that cop, and for Danny. You inspire me to be a better person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou kept your language,\u201d Liam smiled at him. \u201cDo you still speak Gaelic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCronaim thu athair,\u201d Speed looked over at his dad. \u201cUnfortunately there is not much use for Gaelic in Miami. It\u2019s easier to find ways to practice my Italian. I will go shopping in little Italy, pick up books and newspapers in Italian to keep up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was always the first to admit, Gaelic is a dying language.\u201d Liam smiled at his son. \u201cBut you lost your accent my boy.\u201d (<\/em>I miss you father – Gaelic)<\/em><\/p>\n

Speed laughed at the old argument, \u201cI lost it before I went to New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you were explainin\u2019 how you are still here with us,\u201d Liam gestured between the three of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhillips had located me, the guards at the prison overheard the Carmel\u2019s talking so the US Marshals pulled me out of Miami.\u201d Speed voice dropped he hated that day. \u201cThey set up an operation where I would be \u2018killed\u2019. Three weeks later Phillips showed up at the safe house, I barely got out in time. I went to Horatio; he was the only one I trusted. With his help, and Marshal Gerard we were able to catch Phillips. It was Marshal Gerard that fixed so I could stay here in Miami.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow where you able to stay, if they killed you?\u201d Liam wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGerard explained that it was a sting operation to catch Phillips. Then he arranged for Joshua O\u2019Malley to be killed so the Carmel\u2019s would think Phillips had gotten to me.\u201d Speed looked away from his parents, \u201cT\u00e1 br\u00f3n orm athair, m\u00e1thair. I didn\u2019t want to put you through that pain, but I had a life here with good friends. It was a chance to finally put everything behind me and move on with my life, without fear.\u201d (I\u2019m sorry father, mother \u2013 Gaelic)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew,\u201d Maria gave him a sad smile.<\/p>\n

Liam looked at her shocked, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgent Gerard told me you were safe,\u201d Maria took her son\u2019s hand. \u201cI knew he meant you were safe from harm.\u201d She turned to Liam, \u201cI didn\u2019t say anything, and I figured the less people who knew the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam nodded upset but understood, \u201cSince I know we can\u2019t call you Joshua, what should we call you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTimothy Speedle is who I am now,\u201d Speed answered. \u201cBut, everyone calls me Speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeed?\u201d Liam smiled. \u201cI take it you still ride motorcycles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Speed laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there someone special in your life?\u201d Maria asked, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, well I don\u2019t know,\u201d He blushed. \u201cThere\u2019s been someone who\u2019s been by my side through all of this. We\u2019ve been friends for years, and now it looks like maybe it could be more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she at the lab?\u201d Liam asked, a smile on his face. He was just happy to see his son alive and living a good life.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalleigh Duquesne,\u201d He answered a shy smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe young southern woman, long blonde hair?\u201d Maria smiled. \u201cShe seemed very nice and pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo minutes back in your life and you see grandkids,\u201d Speed gave her a warm smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re point? Oh, you\u2019re going to be an uncle,\u201d She grinned as pulled up her purse. \u201cJulia is seven months; they don\u2019t know what it\u2019s going to be yet. She married a lawyer out of DC, and she works as an Archivist at one of the Smithsonian\u2019s.\u201d She pulled up a wedding picture of Julia and her husband. \u201cThis is their wedding, Caroline is next to her.\u201d She smiled sadly at the picture, and then dug into her purse again, \u201cAnd this is the ultrasound.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed took both of the pictures, \u201cShe was beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d Liam\u2019s voice was serious. \u201cI have one question.\u201d Speed looked up locking eyes with his father. \u201cAre you happy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Speed smiled. \u201cI am. I love my job. But most important I\u2019ve got good friends that care about me. They\u2019re my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019re happy,\u201d Liam stood and pulled his son to him. \u201cSo, Miami is it a good town to retire to, Timothy, Tim or should we call you Speed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeed is fine, Mr. O\u2019Malley,\u201d Speed held onto his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiam,\u201d he pulled back. \u201cAnd this is my wife Maria.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to Miami,\u201d Speed smiled at the two of them.<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

Speed sat on his couch; his parents had flown to New Jersey that morning for Caroline\u2019s funeral. He had said goodbye on the phone but couldn\u2019t see them off.<\/p>\n

Gerard gave him a look, but told him to stay safe and flew back to Chicago with a firm warning. To not do anything to make him come back to Miami, Alexx Wood scared him. Speed had just laughed<\/p>\n

He held the picture in his hands, bittersweet memories surfacing in his mind. He was startled at the knock at the door. He set the picture down on the table and went to the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really shouldn\u2019t be surprised,\u201d Speed smiled at his family standing at his door.<\/p>\n

Calleigh handed him the pizza, while Eric went straight for the fridge with the beer. Horatio handed him a bottle of good old Irish whisky, \u201cWe figured we would toast Caroline and send her off in good spirits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Speed took the bottle. \u201cAnd not just for being here tonight, but for yesterday and for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio laid a hand on his shoulder, \u201cYour welcome.\u201d Horatio walked into the house, \u201cMake sure Calleigh doesn\u2019t have anything to drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Calleigh turned and glared at him. \u201cI resent that comment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLast thing I need is a giggling ballistics expert in court tomorrow,\u201d Horatio smiled at the blond.<\/p>\n

She giggled, and then started laughing, \u201cI brought a movie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God tell me it\u2019s not some sappy lifetime movie,\u201d Speed yelled towards them. \u201cMy life is one as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexx laughed as she walked into the room, \u201cHow you doing honey?\u201d<\/p>\n

He thought about it, \u201cI\u2019m doing good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about\u2026\u201d Her head motions towards a laughing Calleigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see what happens,\u201d Speed closed the door and followed her into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat movie?\u201d Horatio demanded, eyeing her suspiciously.<\/p>\n

She grinned, \u201cI rented the first season of CSI.\u201d Collective groans went through the room. \u201cWhat? It will be fun, we can mock them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re making a new rule,\u201d Speed announced as he grabbed Eric\u2019s beer. \u201cCalleigh doesn\u2019t pick any more movies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d She took a piece of pizza, \u201cbe that way,\u201d and headed for the living room.<\/p>\n

Eric grabbed a second beer and head for the living room. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d He held up framed photo that was on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

Speed sat down next to Calleigh, gave her a quick smile, and then looked at the photo. \u201cIt was Caroline\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that the one you found when we searched the apartment?\u201d Eric asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Speed picked up the picture. \u201cMomma gave it to me, before they left.\u201d He got up and set it next to a picture already on the bookshelf. The one of the team at the July 4th<\/sup> picnic, the one Speed carried with him when he was on the run. \u201cNow I have all my family in one place. <\/strong>S\u00edoch\u00e1n leat.<\/strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Alexx asked. It was the second time she heard him speak a different language.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Gaelic \u2018Peace be with you\u2019.\u201d Speed smiled at the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you say something to her in the autopsy room,\u201d Alexx commented. \u201cWas that Gaelic also?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Speed sat back down on the couch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou speak Gaelic?\u201d Eric looked at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot fluently,\u201d Speed took a sip of his beer. \u201cMy grandmother spoke it fluently so we were raised with it around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard your mother speak Italian to Caroline,\u201d Horatio commented. \u201cDo you also speak Italian?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I speak more fluently,\u201d He smiled. \u201cI\u2019ve kept up with it. It was a way of staying in touch with my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd do you still play the piano?\u201d Horatio grinned.<\/p>\n

Speed coughed up his beer, \u201cExactly what did they tell you?\u201d Eyeing Horatio suspiciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d Horatio grinned, settling back in his chair. \u201cEric put in the disc let’s see how badly they butcher forensics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed sat on the couch glaring at Horatio. Eric laughed as he got up and slipped the disc into the DVD player.<\/p>\n

Calleigh leaned over to Speed, \u201cSay something in Italian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed turned towards her. His brown eyes bore into her blue, \u201cPenso che siate bei.\u201d (I think you are beautiful – Italian)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d She demanded caught up in the emotion between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cFigure it out,\u201d Speed smiled. He leaned back against the couch, and turned towards the TV.<\/p>\n

Calleigh huffed, then settled into his side to watch the program. \u201cThey didn\u2019t just do that?\u201d She exclaimed watching the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen at least three mistakes in the first five minutes,” Eric complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren settle down,\u201d Horatio called from his chair. \u201cOkay, that was just bad. No CSI can spot evidence from that distance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughter filled the living room as they settled in and watched the show. Speed slipped his arm around Calleigh pulling her closer to him. Alexx grinned over at Horatio who smiled at the couple. Eric rolled his eyes, and rested against the couch. Speed looked at his family and smiled.<\/p>\n

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

Title: Chaos Theory Author: Bj Jones Rating: PG-13 Summary: A set of random acts brings Speed\u2019s past back to Miami Author\u2019s Note: Here is the sequel to Lost and Found … *** Chapter 1: Trials and Tribulations Speed walked into the break room and headed straight for the coffee pot. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7655,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-8666","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2Da1M-2fM","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10252,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/stolen-dance\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":0},"title":"Stolen Dance","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"March 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: A Stolen Dance Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRT Summary: Horatio takes Speed dancing *** The awards banquet was boring, stuffy, and full of pompous asses. Speed sighed as he leaned up against the wall. Once again Horatio was overlooked for his work in the community and in the lab,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8296,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/hunter-and-prey\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":1},"title":"Hunter and Prey","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Hunter and Prey Author: Bj Jones Rating: PG-13 Summary: Who is the hunter and who is the prey? Author\u2019s Note: \u2018I Am Loco\u2019 from the CSI Miami soundtrack inspired this fic. *** At night the view from the roof of the Police station is breathtaking. The lights from the\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9036,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/wake-up-call\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":2},"title":"Wake-Up Call","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"September 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Wake Up Call Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary: Horatio gets a wake up call *** Horatio tossed and turned, sleep evading him once again. He sighed as he rolled over and looked at the clock it was two in the morning. He rolled back onto his back and\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8088,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/angel-wings\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":3},"title":"Angel Wings","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"June 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Angel Wings Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: The same wings that had protected him were embracing him ~*~ \"What do you mean the body disappeared?\" Horatio looked around the hallway as he pulled Alexx to the side. \"Where's Speed?\" \"I don't know.\" She whispered harshly. \"I was preparing\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10230,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/interrogation\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":4},"title":"Interrogation","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"March 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Interrogation Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Horatio teases Speed all day \u2013 Speed in revenge interrogates him \u00a0 *** Speed glared at Horatio as he slipped off towards his office. The man was driving him insane. Speed growled deep in his throat; he was going to seek revenge,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8300,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/birthday-boy\/","url_meta":{"origin":8666,"position":5},"title":"Birthday Boy","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Birthday Boy Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRM Summary: It's Horatio's birthday and his lovers have made plans. Series: Secret Admirer *** Horatio walked into the bedroom and stopped short at the doorway. He looked at his two lovers, they were talking quietly on the bed grinning, conspiring. He smiled\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\/8666","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=8666"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8666\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}