Title: Clean Up Man
Author: BJ Jones
Rating: R
Summary: It’s been two years…
***
Chapter One: Two Years Later
Horatio stared at the headstone, Timothy ‘Speed’ Speedle. “Hey, Speed.” He took off his sunglasses and squatted down closer to the grave. “It’s been two years. Two long years, I thought it would have gotten easier but it hasn’t.” He gave up pretense and sat down, not caring if his suit got dirty. “The two months I had with you, was not nearly enough. God, why didn’t I ask in those two months if you had cleaned your gun? Why didn’t you?” Horatio leaned his head back against the headstone. “Yelina and Rick got married six months ago, is it me or is that just wrong? What’s worse is I can actually stand to be in the same room with him without killing him. He’s taking good care of her and of Ray Jr. Eric and Calleigh are dating; and they think they are hiding it. I know your laughing at that, Calleigh’s good for him. Eric’s family as been good for her, she needs that loving support.” Horatio stood up and slipped on his glasses. “They all keep telling me to move on, find someone to love. How can I? The one I love lies here, because I forgot to ask one simple question.” Horatio looked towards the parking lot to see Eric and Calleigh. “I love you.”
He walked away from the grave and headed towards the Hummer. Calleigh gave him a quick hug, he held her to him then stepped back a sad smile on his face.
“H,” Eric hesitated, knowing this day wasn’t an easy one for him, in fact for all of them.
Horatio looked over at him, “we have a call?”
“Yeah, The Residency, Penthouse Suite, maid found the guest dead in the foyer.” Eric informed him as they climbed into the Hummer.
“Officers on the scene?” Horatio asked as he pulled out of the cemetery.
“Frank Tripp is on his way over, said he would meet us at the front lobby.” Calleigh explained. “Ryan is on his way over with Alexx.”
***
Horatio stepped out of the Hummer in front of The Regency. Frank Tripp walked up to him, “Didn’t take you guys long?”
“We were near by,” Horatio stated as he walked into the lobby. “What do we have?”
“Maid found the body about nine this morning,” Frank stated as they entered the elevator. “She called her supervisor, who contacted management. The Hotel Manager then called the police. No one has been in there except the maid. The manager was pretty smart and sealed off the floor.”
Horatio just nodded his eyes focused on the doors. Eric gave a sad smile to Frank, “So your mother-in-law finally leave town?”
“Yeah, thank God.” Frank grinned as he turned to Eric. “The funny thing while I was at the airport, I saw this guy I swear it could have been Spe…” He closed his eyes and sighed.
“Don’t stop on my account,” Horatio stated.
Frank glanced over at Horatio, “I swear it could have been Speed, except in a suit and clean cut and shaved.”
That got a snicker out of Horatio, “If he could have he would have worn his jeans and t-shirt to court.”
Frank laughed as the group exited the elevators. They walked up to the Manager who was on his cell phone agitated. He looked up at the small group a confused expression on his face.
Frank flashed his badge, “Detective Tripp Miami-Dade police, this is Lt. Horatio Caine of the crime lab.”
“But your CSI is already here.” He glanced at the door.
“What?” Horatio looked over at the door, pulling his gun.
“He said he was from the crime lab, had ID and everything.” He clicked his phone shut, “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” Horatio stated nodding for Tripp to go forward, “Please step aside.” Frank and Horatio preceded down the hall guns raised, Calleigh and Eric backed them up. Horatio reached out and opened the door. Frank went in first positioning himself next to the open door, Horatio came in eyes sweeping the room. The body lay out on the front foyer, a large pool of blood surrounding her head. They heard a movement in the back of the suite. Horatio moved forward, checking each room as he went.
“Freeze, Miami-Dade Police!” Horatio yelled. He saw someone slam through another door. He followed the perpetrator through the door and back into the hallway, he glanced to see Calleigh come back through the front entrance. He raised his gun and got a shot off, just as the man slammed through the emergency exit.
Horatio pulled up his radio; “This is Horatio Caine we have a suspect running down the back stairwell.” He followed the man into the stairwell and began his flight down the stairs. He slammed the last door open into a back alleyway, no sign of the suspect.
***
Horatio was fuming by the time he got up to the Penthouse. Eric was questioning the manager. “Eric?”
Eric stepped away, “He doesn’t know who the guy was, and just that he had ID that it looked very real.”
“Name?” Horatio asked.
“No, didn’t look that close. I’m sending him down to the station to do a sketch.” Eric followed Horatio into the Penthouse. “Calleigh found blood on the door, looks like you nicked him. She’s dusting the door and stairwell.”
“Have Ryan go down and search the alley, see if our guy left a blood trail,” Horatio walked into the hotel room. “Eric photos and process the whole suite. We need to know why our guy was in here.”
“Right on it H,” Eric pulled out his camera and set to work.
“Alexx what do we have?” Horatio asked the ME as he studied the woman.
“Gunshot to the back of the head, no exit wound probably a small caliber. I’ll give Calleigh the bullet once I get her back to the lab.” Alexx looked down at the victim.
“She wasn’t dressed for company,” Horatio squatted down. “Flannel pajamas and a hotel robe.”
“You were just getting out of bed weren’t you honey,” Alexx smiled at the woman. “Liver temp still high, no blood levity, estimated time of death around eight in the morning.”
“Killer woke her up,” Horatio looked at the front door then to the back room. “But wait,” Horatio stood up and walked into the dining area, “Breakfast setting for two.”
Alexx stood up as the ambulance crew prepared the body to be transported, “So she did have company.”
“Comfortable enough to be in pajamas with,” Horatio stated. “Alexx, when you get her back to the lab check for sexual activity.”
“I’ll get the report to you early afternoon.” She paused then walked up to him, a hand on his arm. “How are you?”
Horatio looked down, “I’m fine.”
“How about dinner tonight,” Alexx offered.
“No, that’s okay.” Horatio turned and smiled. “Thanks.”
Alexx gave him a pat and followed the body out of the hotel room. She glanced back; Horatio was in full CSI mode.
“Alexx,” Calleigh walked up to the ME.
“Hey Calleigh,” Alexx turned towards the ballistics expert. “Gunshot wound, I’ll get the bullet down to ballistics as soon as I retrieve it.”
“Thanks,” Calleigh smiled as she headed into the hotel room. “Horatio?”
“Calleigh, what did you find?” Horatio turned towards the front door.
“Blood splatter, but no drops.” Calleigh stopped in front of him.
“Prints?” Horatio motioned her to follow him into the suite bedroom.
“More than I want to think about,” She laughed as she set her case down. “I hate hotel bedrooms.”
Horatio smiled, “Our victim had a guest for breakfast. Let’s see if they were here for dinner the night before.”
Calleigh nodded as she went to work on the bedroom. Horatio left the room and found Eric in the suite’s office. “Nice.”
“Yeah,” Eric leaned over a laptop on the desk. “The Penthouse comes with two bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room, study/office and a balcony with a spa. And it’s yours for five grand a night.”
“Expensive taste,” Horatio looked over at the laptop. “Eric, what’s that black substance on the edge.”
Eric flashed his light on it, “I don’t know.” He pulled out a swab, taking a sample.
“Get the laptop down to the lab, see if what she was working on,” Horatio left Eric to finish up.
“Horatio,” Frank Tripp stood in the foyer. “I talked to the manager, it seems our guest has been here for a week. Had the full treatment; spa, room service, town car to go shopping, nothing but the finest.”
“Expensive bill,” Horatio followed Frank back out to the elevator.
“Paid in cash,” Tripp hit the elevator button. “Registered under, get this Jane Smith.”
Horatio stepped into the elevator, “Cameras?”
“Ryan is getting them now,” Tripp answered.
The doors opened to revile Ryan standing there waiting. “Ryan what do you have?” Horatio asked as he stepped out.
“No, blood trail in the alleyway.” Ryan said as they walked down the lobby. “I cataloged a few recent tire treads, but according to one of the bellboys that was taking a smoke he saw no one in the alleyway.”
“He doubled back into the hotel?” Horatio stopped and went up to the front desk. “Excuse me,” He flashed his badge.
“How my I help you,” She smiled at him.
“Has anyone checked out in the past hour?” Horatio asked.
“You think he was a guest?” Ryan looked between Horatio and the young lady.
“He knew the layout of the penthouse and had an escape route,” Horatio explained.
“We had seven guests check out, not uncommon this is our normal check out period.” She looked up from her computer. “Three were automatic check outs, which means they didn’t have to come to the counter.”
“Any of them sudden?” Horatio asked.
“We had one guest cut his stay with us short by two days,” She stated. “He said his business trip had been cut short.”
Horatio smiled, “Do you have his name?”
“Timothy Johnson,” She informed him.
“Thank you,” Horatio wrote down the name. He walked away from the registration desk, “Frank?”
“Yeah,” Tripp answered.
“I want the name of everyone in this hotel,” Horatio looked over the lobby. “Plus I want a man here just in case our guy hasn’t left and is waiting for everything to die down.” He turned to Ryan, “Have Taylor start going through the surveillance tapes, and talk to the bellhops see if anyone left in a hurry.”
“What are you thinking Horatio?” Frank asked.
“Expensive suite paid in cash, a fake name.” Horatio slipped on his glasses as they stepped outside. “I think our guy isn’t the killer but a clean up man. Its for who we don’t know.”
***
Horatio walked into the Autopsy room, just as Alexx was sewing the victim back up. “Anything?”
“Nothing new,” Alexx slipped the sheet over the victim’s head. “I sent the bullet to ballistics, clothes to trace, and I sent a DNA sample to be ran through Codis and her prints to be sent through AFIS.” She handed her report to Horatio.
“Any sexual activity?” Horatio looked it over.
“No,” Alexx leaned against one of the back corners. “As a matter of fact she was still a virgin.”
Horatio looked up in shock, “How old do you think she is?”
“Early twenties at least,” Alexx picked up an envelope off the counter. “She had this around her neck.”
Horatio dumped the contents into his hand, he looked at the crucifix, “What is a good catholic girl doing at The Regency’s Penthouse?”
“Good question,” Alexx smiled at him.
“Thanks,” Horatio walked out of the room and headed up towards the lab.
***
Horatio sat down at his desk and to look over the preliminary reports. He closed the report and leaned back in his chair. This day was turning out to be a bad one. He could feel the headache coming on. If he closed his eyes all he would see was Speed bleeding on the floor, confusion and pain in his eyes. If he tried hard enough he could picture their last night together. Speed’s head thrown back in ecstasy as Horatio moved with-in him. A secret relationship no one knew about, until he broke down at Tim’s apartment.
After the funeral Horatio offered to take care of Speed’s stuff, his parents quickly agreed. They hadn’t spoken to or seen Tim in ten years. His mother handed him the flag, stating she didn’t want a reminder of the bad choices her son made. Horatio clutched onto the flag as if it was a lifeline.
He had entered the quiet apartment the stillness had assaulted his senses. He walked down the hallway, kicked off his shoes and climbed into the bed inhaling Tim’s scent. He woke up to soothing voice his hair being caressed. He opened his eyes to see the soft brown eyes of Alexx. They had come by to see if he needed help with the place. He broke down and told them about his relationship with Speed.
He thought that each day would make it easier to go on, but sometimes it seemed harder. Calleigh tried to push him into getting rid of Speed’s bike, but he couldn’t. He only had two months with him, but it was the best two months of his life. He knew the moment Speed had kissed him; there would be no other.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by yelling coming from the lab. He looked out his windows to see Valera in Ryan’s face. He hurried out of his office and down to the lab. When he entered the DNA lab, Calleigh was standing in between the angry Valera and the shell shocked Ryan.
“What is going on?” Horatio demanded.
“This twerp is playing a nasty trick!” Valera yelled pointing at Ryan.
Horatio looked at Ryan, “I just came into ask about the results from the blood we found at the scene.”
“Not funny!” Valera glared at him.
“Valera,” Horatio tried to calm her down. “What is going on?”
Valera turned towards Horatio, “I ran that blood found at the scene. It, well the name that came up… it’s impossible. And I don’t think it’s funny.”
“What name?” Horatio took the folder she handed him. He opened it up and looked at the name given. His hand gripped the counter keeping him standing. He looked up at Valera, “Are you sure?”
“I ran it five times; the sixth is in the damn machine.” Valera glared at Ryan again.
“Valera, Calleigh collected the blood evidence,” Horatio’s voice was strained.
Calleigh looked between everyone, “What the hell is going on?” She had seen Valera screaming at Ryan and had come into find out what was going on. She had kept quiet and let Horatio deal with the irate DNA Tech.
Valera paled, “It can’t be!”
Calleigh took a step forward and grabbed the folder from Horatio, who looked at her with a stunned expression. She looked down at the sheet; eyes went wide as she dropped the folder.
Ryan picked up the folder, “Timothy Speedle.”
Eric walked into the lab, his nose in a folder. “H, that black substance was fingerprinting powder…” He looked up and surveyed the quiet shell-shocked room. “What did I miss?”
“The blood we found at the scene,” Ryan stammered his mind trying to wrap around the concept.
“The guy that ran off, H nicked him right?” He became concerned at Horatio’s sudden pale face.
“It pulled a match,” Ryan began.
“That’s good, right?” Eric started to become worried. “Tell me it’s not a cop?”
“It’s not a cop,” Calleigh stated. “It’s Tim.”
“That’s not funny,” Eric’s voice became hard.
”It’s not a joke,” Horatio grabbed the folder from Ryan.
“Horatio!” Taylor ran into the room, eyes wide. “I have something you need to see.”
Horatio followed Taylor out of the DNA lab, followed closely by the rest of them. Taylor slid into his chair and turned toward them, “I was going through the tapes from the hotel. First I checked the cameras from the alleyway, nothing. Your runner didn’t exit the hotel that way. So going with your theory that he knew the hotel and possible guest I began scanning all of the floors around that time. I found one possible suspect.” Taylor pulled up the scene. A man slipped into the hallway, his face obscured. He held something over his right upper arm. “Your wounded suspect. He entered the room, and then came out not twenty minutes later, this time in a suit. You see?” He pointed at the man coming out of the same room, carrying bags.
“He’s avoiding the camera’s,” Ryan noticed. “He knew where they were.”
“Except one,” Taylor clicks on his keyboard. “The Manager told me they installed a new one by the taxi service. A woman had been assaulted a week ago, and no one saw anything, come to find out there was a blind spot.” Taylor hit enter. “There’s your suspect getting into a cab, as he gets in he looks up giving us a clear shot.” Taylor hits pause. “Now you know why I wanted you to see this?”
They were all looking at a clean-cut, shaved Timothy Speedle in a suit.
Chapter 2: Clean Up Man
“Miami-Dade Police, I’m with the crime lab,” Speed flashed his ID and badge at the manager. Now there was something he never thought he would say again.
“You guys got here fast,” The manager looked shocked.
Speed smiled, “Would you believe, on my way in to work when they called it in. I was literally a block away.”
“Good for you,” The manager opened the hotel door.
“Thanks,” Speed entered the room. “Can you close the door on your way out?”
The manager nodded as he closed the door, Speed slipped on some gloves and wiped down the door. Speed looked down at the body, “Alice what the hell did you do?” He slipped covers over his shoes, making sure not to leave any shoeprints behind. He eyed the body quickly, “Got you from behind. Didn’t see it coming did you. Of course you were in way over your head weren’t you?”
Speed wondered when exactly he picked up Alexx’s habit of talking to the victims. He glanced over at the table. He grabbed his flashlight studying the glasses carefully looking for fingerprints. He dusted the coffee pot, coffee cups, and glasses. He pulled off two different prints then wiped the dishes down, including the silverware. He glanced into the bedroom, and proceeded to the office/study. He sat at the laptop, pulled out his equipment and plugged it in. He quickly got through her security and went straight for the hard drive. He downloaded all the files onto his portable hard drive; he frowned as he scanned through the files.
“Damn,” Speed tried to follow the trail of the person that was in the hard drive before him. “It’s not here.” He crashed the hard drive, wiped the memory, and then for extra caution ran a magnet over it. He dusted the laptop finding a print on it, pulled it. Then wiped it clean. He moved away from the desk and began searching the area for any files, or discs. He heard the voices before the door opened.
‘They got here fast,’ Speed grabbed his stuff, shoved it into his kit and headed for the back exit next to the second bedroom.
”Freeze, Miami-Dade Police.” Speed smiled softly, it was Horatio.
He got a glimpse of red hair, as he slammed through the back door, and into the hallway. He saw Calleigh enter the hallway from the front, as he slammed his shoulder into the emergency exit. He felt a sharp pain in his right arm. He quickly grabbed it, bunching the shirt around the wound to keep from leaving a blood trail.
He ran down five flights of stairs, hearing Horatio two flights behind him. He quietly opened the door and snuck into the hallway. He ducked away from the cameras and entered his hotel room. He dropped his kit in the entryway and went straight to the bathroom. He pulled his hand away grimacing at the pain. The wound wasn’t deep but he knew it left a blood splatter. He had to get out of the hotel.
He jumped into the shower washing away the blood. Holding a towel to it, he scrounged through his suitcase and pulled the first aid kit. Wrapping it up tightly, he then changed into a suit. He packed his bags and set them by the door. He grabbed his kit and wiped down the hotel room, making sure all blood had been cleaned and every hair picked up. One of the reason he kept it so short now. He dumped drain cleaner down the drains and wiped the bathtub, counters and floor with bleach. It never ceased to amaze him how easy it was for him to clean a crime scene.
He grabbed his bags, ignoring the pain and left the room. Avoiding the cameras he walked to the far elevator and proceeded to the lobby. He walked through the lobby, not hurriedly, didn’t want to cause attention. He asked the bellhop to get him a taxi, and proceeded outside. The taxi driver took his bags and he prepared to slip into the backseat. He watched a young man walk into the hotel. He was carrying a kit, ‘must be my replacement.’ Looked young, but then again he was too at one point.
***
Speed entered the rented condo, at the marina. He dropped the bags in the living room, slipped off the suit coat, grimacing at the pain in his arm. He walked into the study and slumped into the chair clicking on the computer.
He leaned his head back trying not to think about the consequence that will be coming from this morning screw-up. He knew when they would run the blood his name would come up, and he knew that Horatio Caine would stop at nothing to hunt him down.
He closed his eyes remembering the intense look in Horatio’s eyes as they had made love. That night when he kissed him for the first time, he expected to end up in the hospital with a broken jaw, not in Horatio’s bed. Now his nights were filled with nightmares, with Horatio’s pain filled eyes, as he watched Speed die.
When he woke up in the hospital he thought everything was going to be okay. When he saw Haris instead of Horatio his world shattered. He had been in a Swiss hospital for six weeks recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The lengths they would go to, to recruit someone.
He logged into the computer, downloading any new pertinent information. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the secure number. He hooked the phone up to the laptop, and settled in.
“Speedy,” Haris’ face entered the screen.
“How many times have I told you not to call me that?” Speed growled at the man.
“Two hundred at last count,” Haris smirked. “How did it go?”
“Badly,” Speed hooked up the portable hard drive to the laptop. “Didn’t have time to search the room thoroughly.”
”What happened?” Haris voice became concerned.
“Horatio Caine,” Speed typed into the computer sending the downloaded files to Haris. “He interrupted my search.”
“Where you seen?” Haris asked.
“No, but I will be identified,” Speed hit enter. “You should be getting what I could get off the laptop.”
“How?” Haris looked over at his own computer as the files downloaded.
“H shot me,” Speed leaned back in his chair. “Blood splatter on the wall. I kept it from dripping and leaving a blood trail and cleaned up the hotel room of all traces of blood. But they only need a drop.”
“Damn it, you’re supposed to be invisible,” Haris glared at him.
“And who the hell’s idea was it to send me to Miami!” Speed glared back. “And by the way I’m fine.”
Haris sighed, “Did you find the disc?”
“No,” Speed said. “Told you I was interrupted. It’s probably at the lab, locked in evidence. If it was even there.”
“Did you find out who killed her?” Haris asked.
“Haven’t run the prints I picked up. I did wipe the place down which should stall them.” Speed commented. “Believe me once my name pops up on Codis they will be focused on finding me.”
Haris looked at him, “You’re not thinking of contacting Caine?”
“And what? Explain how the CIA recruits new agents by shooting them,” Speed stood up.
“You’re still sore about that?” Haris laughed.
Speed turned and glared at the computer, “You shot me Haris, to pull me into this little organization of yours. You didn’t ask you took. I left Horatio behind, a man I loved and still do.”
“I needed you,” Haris voice was soft. “You’re good at what you do. You have saved thousands of lives. Helped catch how many assassins, terrorists. We all make sacrifices.”
“The difference is that you chose to make it. I didn’t,” Speed yelled as he slumped back into the chair. “Look I understand that what I, we do is important…it’s just being here in Miami, and seeing him.”
“Don’t do anything stupid,” Haris demanded.
“I won’t jeopardize the organization,” Speed sighed. “I’ll have to lie low for a while, until I can get back into that room. Hopefully they didn’t find the disc, but then they wouldn’t be the team I know if they didn’t.”
“Can you get into the lab?” Haris asked.
“You’re kidding right?” Speed looked at him in horror. “I can’t sneak into the crime lab.”
“Why not?” Haris gave him a look.
“Let’s see, its full of cops, techs, and people who knew me.” Speed mocked.
“Night shift?” Haris pointed out.
Speed rubbed his forehead, “I’ll get back to you.”
“You know what’s at stake,” Haris voice was firm.
“Yes, I do.” Speed signed off and closed the laptop.
***
Speed stood on the balcony looking out over the Miami marina. He was having a hard time believing he was back in Miami. Two years was a long time, long enough to change a man. He wondered if Horatio would even like the man he had become. He had done things, seen things that has made him hard and cold. There were times at night he would closes his eyes, and dream of Horatio’s arms around him protecting him from the harsh reality he was living.
Speed closed the sliding glass door with a sigh. He didn’t have time to dwell on the past; he had to find Alice’s killer and the missing disc. He sat down at the computer pulling up the files that he had downloaded. He painstakingly went through her files, hard drive and email looking for the missing files.
They had called him and told him to fly to Miami and check into the Regency. It seemed Alice had fled and was living the high life. Walking through the airport he had spotted Frank Tripp, he quickly ducked down and away from the detective and his family. He should have known from that moment, it was a bad idea for him to come back to Miami.
He checked in and proceeded to scout out the hotel. He made sure his room was next to the emergency stairwell, and mapped out all of the cameras. He tapped into the hotel frequency and had listened on his scanner for anything suspicious. In the two days he was there, Alice seemed to be living the high life.
At seven in the morning he heard the order for room service to be delivered to the Penthouse. The order was for bake goods, orange juice and coffee. Speed had looked at the scanner Alice didn’t drink coffee. Two hours later, the maid found Alice’s body.
He grabbed his gear and proceeded to the Penthouse. He had a short window before the police and CSI’s show up. He calculated that the room service arrived around seven thirty, the maid at nine, an hour and a half. Speed and followed the killers path in the computer, it had taken him about forty-five minutes.
Finding nothing the killer then would have begun searching the suite. The maid entered at nine, seeing the body screamed and called her supervisor. Rule one in this game is not to get caught, rule two is not to leave witness, and rule three is not to get caught. The killer slipped out the same way Speed had, through the second door and probably down the stairwell.
Speed leaned back in his chair staring at the computer screen. There were two options; one the disc wasn’t in the suite, but then where is it? Two, it’s locked up in evidence at the lab. Either option wasn’t good. He closed the laptop and walked into the kitchen to fix some coffee. He read through Alice’s file, she was a secretary at the Agency, twenty-three, devoted Catholic. Her profile really didn’t fit, the crime. Speed was hard pressed to seeing her pressured into stealing top-secret information.
But then again appearances can be deceiving.
Chapter 3: The Dead Has Spoken
Horatio sat at his desk staring at a rare picture of just him and Speed. It was taken at a crime scene, both occupants unaware someone was photographing them. Speed was relaxed a slight smile on his face, he was explaining a piece of evidence he had found to Horatio. Horatio had his hands on his hips, glasses firmly in place. When he saw it in the newspaper, he called up the photographer and asked for a copy.
He was numb; the shock of yesterday still hadn’t worn off. The idea that Speed was alive had shocked him to the core. He had so many questions running through his head. The first being, where the hell has he been? The second, why?
He pulled up the file folder and looked over the evidence they had so far. The victim still hadn’t been identified. They had blood of a dead CSI at the crime scene. No prints on the dining table, dishes or silverware, laptop, desk, and only prints found on the doors were the maid and manager. All the prints from the stairwell came back pretty useless, they were either workers of the hotel or not in AFIS.
He paused and looked up at the knock at his door, “Come in.” He sounded tired even to himself.
Eric walked in with Calleigh, “We got a lead. Well sort of,” Eric commented.
Horatio stood up, “What?”
“A hotel guest,” Eric handed Horatio the list. “Checked in one day before the murder, supposed to check out in two days, but the maid discovered this morning that all of his stuff was gone.”
Horatio looked at the guest’s name, “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Eric Caine,” Calleigh smiled. “Not very original.”
“He must have loved the irony,” Eric rolled his eyes. “What do you want to do?”
“See if Mr. Caine left anything behind,” Horatio headed for the door.
***
Horatio walked into the hotel room and looked around, it was clean, too clean. Eric walked in behind him and set his kit down. “Did the maid already clean?”
“She cleaned yesterday morning,” Calleigh commented as she walked in. “But when she came in today and noticed everything gone she called the manager.”
“Did she ID our guy?” Horatio asked as he walked over to the desk.
“Yeah,” Calleigh walked into the bathroom. “She said that was the man she saw when she cleaned the room yesterday morning.”
“There isn’t a speck of dirt in here,” Eric flashed his light over the dresser. “This is the problem when hunting for a CSI, they know what not to leave behind.”
“That’s for sure,” Calleigh stepped out of the bathroom. “It’s been wiped down with bleach and the towels are gone.”
“We aren’t going to get anything here,” Horatio walked out into the hallway, he looked up to see the camera and behind it the emergency stairs.
Eric looked up at the camera, “I have one question?”
Horatio glanced his way, “What?”
“Who’s in the grave?” Eric looked between the two. “If this is really Speed, who the hell did we bury, two years ago?”
***
“I’m going to get a warrant to have the body exhumed,” Horatio stated as they walked up the steps to the station. He grabbed his ringing phone, “Caine.”
‘I’m a bit surprised you have the same number,’ a voice from the past.
Eric and Calleigh looked back as Horatio stopped mid-step. “Speed?”
‘There is no reason to exhume the body, cause you and I both know I’m not in it.’ Speed answered.
“Then who is?” Horatio wanted to know, who had been talking to these past years.
‘No one,’ Speed informed him.
“What’s going on?” Horatio asked a bit shocked.
‘H, let it go. This is way out of your league. Please just walk away,’ Speed pleaded.
“You know I can’t do that,” Horatio turned away from Eric and Calleigh and walked down the stairs.
‘This can get ugly fast, and I don’t want you in the middle of it.’ Speed voice cracked.
“What have you gotten yourself into?” Horatio asked concerned.
Speed gave a slight laugh, ‘I can’t tell you.’ Speed hesitated his voice now thick with emotion. ‘I’m sorry.’
“Tim?” Horatio looked down at the phone, he had hung up. “DAMN!”
Calleigh and Eric looked over at Horatio with concern in their eyes. He ignored them as he walked into the building. It was one thing to see Speed’s picture, but to hear his voice.
“Horatio,” Ryan walked up a small smile on his face. He stopped short when Horatio turned towards him.
“Yes, Ryan?” Horatio tried to calm down.
“I got a hit on the victims prints,” Ryan handed him the folder. “An Alice Larson, after coming up bust on AFIS I ran it through every possible program I could find, and then some.”
Horatio looked at the folder, “Thanks Ryan.” Horatio walked down the hallway towards his office.
Ryan turned to Eric and Calleigh, “I missed something didn’t I?”
Calleigh gave him a smile, “I’m sorry. We haven’t taken any consideration of what this means to you.”
Ryan smiled back with a small shrug, “I didn’t know him. He was your friend and co-worker.”
“Horatio just got a phone call,” Eric looked around to make sure no one was near by.
“From him?” Ryan asked a bit shocked that Tim would actually call.
“He knows we would have found out.” Calleigh looked at Eric. “He knew he left blood behind, so why deny it?”
“But why not tell us what’s going on?” Eric voice was angry.
“Maybe because he can’t,” Ryan stated calmly. “Alice Carson worked for the CIA.”
***
‘Tim,’ Haris voice was tight over the phone.
“What now?” Speed rolled his eyes as he walked down the hallway. He was heading back to the hotel.
‘I just got a call from security,’ Haris was definitely pissed.
“And what does that have to do with me?” Speed hit the elevator button.
‘Someone in Miami just ran Alice’s prints through our system,’ Haris growled out.
“And this is my fault?” Speed entered the elevator. “They probably printed her at the morgue.”
‘Your problem is they know too much,’ Haris voice was cold.
“They know nothing,” Speed stopped the elevator in-between floors. “They know she worked for the CIA, that’s it.”
‘They know you are still alive,’ Haris pointed out.
“What do you want me to do?” Speed growled. “You sent me here. You must have realized that there could be a possibility I would be seen.”
‘I want that disc found,’ Haris exclaimed. ‘And I don’t care what you do to find it.’
“Haris, I’m not a field agent.” Speed paced inside the elevator. “I’m your clean up guy.”
’Then clean up your own mess,’ Haris hung up the phone.
Speed hit the elevator wall, took a deep breath and started up the elevator. This mission just got worse by the each passing second. He knew he shouldn’t have called Horatio, but he needed to make sure they didn’t dig up his grave. Timothy Speedle needed to stay dead.
He walked into the back of the hotel through the shipping docks. Instead of taking the elevator he hauled himself up twenty flights of stairs. Even as good of shape he was in now that was not an easy climb with his gear. He entered the hallway, careful of the camera. He set his thick case down and stood on it as he reached for the back of the camera, putting the scrambler on the back he proceeded down the hallway and into the suite.
The bloodstain was still prevalent in the foyer as he walked back to the office. He set his gear down on the table and began his search. He about screamed in frustration when after four hours of searching he came up with nothing.
“Okay, Alice what the hell did you do with that disc?” He sat down on the bed and looked around. “All your stuff is now at the lab, so if it was in there. Damn! How the hell am I supposed to get in there?”
Speed stopped and looked at the closet door. He stood up and slowly opened the door, behind the laundry bag was the room safe. He grabbed his gear, dusted the door pulling off two different prints. He pulled out a small drill, and set out to get the safe open.
“I was never good at this,” Speed laughed two hours later when he finally got it open. He looked through the opened door. He pulled out an envelope looking it over he set aside. He then pulled out the black jewelry case. Inside laid a diamond necklace, he pulled up the casing to look underneath, empty. He sighed as he grabbed his gear and headed out the backdoor of the suite.
He opened the door and came face to face with Horatio Caine.
Chapter 4: Confrontations
Horatio sat in his office and stared at the folder: Alice Larson, Secretary Level IV, Central Intelligence Agency. He leaned back in his chair this case just became a volatile situation. He quickly got up and walked down to the lab.
“Eric,” Horatio walked into the Trace lab.
”Yeah,” Eric glanced at the door.
“Have you gone through the victim’s stuff?” Horatio walked up to the table.
“Not yet, I was still going through what we found at the suite,” Eric looked at him.
“This is what I want you to do, grab Calleigh and Ryan go through everything,” Horatio headed for the door. “Also, what news on the laptop?”
”Whoever wiped it, did a good job,” Eric commented. “They are having a hard time to pull anything off of it.”
Horatio gave him a small grin, “We’ve got to be careful, thorough going through everything. Our victim had something she wasn’t supposed to have.”
“H?” Eric paused, hesitant. “Why do you think?”
”I have no idea,” Horatio turned away. “But he wouldn’t have unless there were extreme circumstances.”
“I’ll go get Calleigh and Ryan,” Eric left Horatio in the trace lab, knowing it was one of his spots to think.
Horatio left the Trace lab a few minutes later and head down back to his office. He walked into see Rick waiting for him.
“Horatio,” Rick greeted.
“What do you want?” Horatio walked by and sat at his desk.
“And here I thought we were actually getting along,” Rick sat down in front of the desk.
“Rick, it’s been a rough couple of days,” Horatio looked at him. “What do you want?”
“Warning,” Rick leaned forward. “The higher ups got a call, back off.”
Horatio eyes narrowed, “What?”
“Warning bells went off when you ran the victim’s prints,” Rick leaned back in his chair. “Someone is not happy that your CSI hacked into their system to run the victim’s prints.”
“Ryan hacked into the CIA computer to check for prints?” Horatio smiled.
Rick glared at him, “Well then a bigwig at the CIA called the bigwig here and basically said back off or else.”
“Or else what?” Horatio asked.
“I don’t think we want to know,” Rick pointed out. “Look your taking this case a little personal, I don’t know why…”
“Speed’s alive,” Horatio told him.
Rick sat there stunned, “Horatio? I know his death…”
“I’m not loosing it,” Horatio glared at him. “The perp at the scene…”
”The one that was in the suite, claimed to be CSI…” Rick paused, everything clicking into place. “How?”
“Blood evidence came back,” Horatio explained, simply.
“Oh God,” Rick leaned back in his chair. “Has he contacted anyone? Does he know what’s going on?”
“He called me, told me to back off.” Horatio slightly smiled.
“This is bad, Horatio.” Rick stood up and began pacing. “Look, you’ve got orders to back off. If this CIA related that means Speedle is in thick.”
“I think they are searching for something,” Horatio watched Rick pace the room.
“You think we have it?” Rick sat back down.
“Possibly, he didn’t have time to search the suite before we got there,” Horatio leaned back in his chair.
“So if we have it, they will want it. Which means?” Rick thought out.
“We are already in the middle of it,” Horatio eyebrow rose.
***
Horatio walked back into the layout room a few hours later, “I sense frustration.”
“Nothing,” Ryan looked up at Horatio. “We have her clothes, toiletries, Harlequin romance novel, IPod, and her bible.”
“I checked the IPod for any download files, but she only used it for music,” Eric informed Horatio before he could ask.
“Nothing unusual in the Bible or the book, no notes or hidden papers,” Calleigh explained. “What ever she has it’s not here.”
“What about from the scene?” Horatio asked.
“Nothing,” Eric shrugged. “If she had something either it wasn’t on her, or the killer took off with it.”
“Officially we’ve been pulled off the case,” Horatio told them.
“What?!” Eric exclaimed.
“Higher ups got a call from Langley, back off was the official word.” Horatio looked over at them. “Unofficially I’m going to go check out the hotel again.”
“You think it’s still there?” Ryan asked. “We went through that place, with a fine tooth comb.”
Horatio opened the door, “Never hurts to comb again.”
***
Horatio walked through the lobby towards the elevator. He smiled at a woman with her child, the child smiled shyly back. He stepped into the elevator and pressed the Penthouse floor. As he stepped off the elevator his senses went into full alert. Someone was in the penthouse, and his gut was telling him who that someone was. He stood in front of the back door and waited. His patience paid off, the back door opened to reveal Speed standing in the entrance. Speed stopped short and looked at Horatio.
Horatio hauled back his fist and hit Speed in the jaw, causing the young man to stumble back into the suite his gear stumbling to the ground.
“Okay, I deserve that,” Speed held his sore jaw. He looked up into Horatio’s blue eyes. Horatio reached for him, but instead of hitting Speed again he pulled the man into his arms and kissed him hard. Speed groaned at the contact partially from the pain in his jaw, the other from the pleasure that rocked through his body. Speed grabbed Horatio suit coat and pulled him closer opening his mouth under Horatio’s assault. Horatio groaned as he slammed Speed into the wall, his hands slipping under the man’s shirt. Speed’s head fell back against the wall a moan ripped out of his throat as Horatio’s mouth trailed a path down his neck.
Wanting nothing more than to have Horatio take him against the wall, but knowing they shouldn’t. He pulled Horatio’s head away from his neck, but couldn’t resist devouring his mouth, tasting all that he could. He pulled away, eliciting a growl from Horatio, “H?”
Horatio pulled back eyes blazing with lust, “You have some serious explaining to do.”
Speed pushed himself away from the wall, “I know. What are you doing here?”
“Same thing I guess you are,” Horatio looked around the suite. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
Speed shook his head, “No. I take it you didn’t find anything suspicious in nature in her things.”
“Any ideas?” Horatio asked hands on his hips.
“Stashed it some place else,” Speed thought out loud. “Something isn’t right about this, but I don’t know what.”
“A secretary stealing information,” Horatio commented.
Speed smiled, “I take it you got a call?”
“I was told under no uncertain terms to back off,” Horatio grinned.
“Yet, here you are.” Speed eyed him.
“I don’t like being told what I can or cannot do,” Horatio looked at him. “Speed?”
Speed closed his eyes his breathing hitched, “Not here.”
Horatio’s hand reached out and stroked the side of Speed’s face, “I miss the beard.”
“I’m less conspicuous this way,” Speed leaned into the caress. “Of course it means I have to shave about four times a day.”
Horatio laughed, “I’m not sure about the hair either.” His hand slid into the short-cropped hair.
“I’ve missed you,” Speed picked up his gear. His eyes full conveying emotion he just couldn’t speak.
“What can you tell me?” Horatio asked.
Speed stepped up to him, “Tonight.”
Horatio watched Speed step out of the suite and disappear.
Chapter 5: A Lover’s Tale
Horatio slipped behind the wheel of the Hummer. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back onto the headrest. His cell phone broke him out of his thoughts, “Caine.”
‘I really don’t think it’s wise for you to be still investigating,’ the voice was cold.
“Who is this?” Horatio demanded.
‘You’re a smart man Lieutenant Caine you know who this is. Leave this alone.’ It was a warning.
“Are you threatening me?” Horatio demanded.
A small laugh, ‘We don’t threaten, Lieutenant Caine.’
“The citizens of Miami count on my to make sure their city streets are safe,” Horatio looked out the window. Looking for any thing suspicious.
‘The citizens of Miami are perfectly safe,’ the caller was calm. ‘Leave us alone and we will be out of your precious city. Do you not trust us.’
“You’ve given me no reason why I should.” Horatio asked.
‘Well you should after all you practically trained him.’ The phone went dead.
Horatio tossed the phone into the front seat, and started up the Hummer. He looked around then pulled out of the driveway and headed back to the lab. There was nothing they could do; this case was out of their hands.
He pulled up to the lab to see Eric, Calleigh and Ryan sitting on the front steps. He parked the vehicle and walked up to them. “Problem?”
“Yeah,” Eric growled. “Some suits showed up and collected all the evidence.”
Horatio watched as two men in dark suits carried boxes of sealed evidence to a waiting SUV. He caught the eyes of one of them; the suit smirked as he closed the back door of the SUV. He nodded to the group, climbed into the vehicle. They watched as it drove out the parking lot.
“Go home, get some sleep.” Horatio looked at them. “Tomorrow we come back here and do what we do best.”
“Catch the bad guys,” Calleigh stood up. “I just got this feeling that one of them just got away.”
Ryan looked at the team as he stood up, “Think of it this way.” They all looked at him. “You know who’s working the case, and you trust him. Let him do what he’s supposed to do. We might not know why or who did this, but we do know that justice, maybe in their terms, will be served.” Ryan shrugged and walked towards his car.
“He’s right,” Eric sighed as he got up off the ground. “I’m going home, Calleigh can I give you a lift?”
Horatio rolled his eyes, “Do you two honestly think I don’t know?”
“No,” Calleigh smiled. “But it’s fun to pretend.”
Horatio waved as the two walked off to Eric’s vehicle. He looked up at the building, and then decided to head home.
***
Horatio pulled up into his driveway, he had moved here a little over a year ago. He had needed a fresh start away from all the memories. He got out of the vehicle and looked around. He didn’t notice any strange cars, he wondered if he had imagined the whole episode that afternoon.
He entered the darkened house, threw his keys on the side table, and walked into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water, grabbed some aspirins that had been sitting on the counter from the night before.
“It’s a nice place,” Speed called out from the darkened living room.
Horatio dropped the water onto the floor and reached for his gun, “Damn it, don’t sneak up on me like that.”
“Sorry,” He shrugged as he entered the kitchen. “The place, it fits you.”
“I couldn’t stay at the other place,” Horatio cleaned up the water and threw the rag into the sink.
“I can’t believe you kept my bike,” Speed leaned against the counter.
“I kept a few things,” Horatio shrugged as he stood in the middle of the kitchen.
“I take it you told Calleigh and Eric about us?” Speed asked.
“They found me asleep in your bed,” Horatio gave him a sad smile. “Sort of had to tell them.”
“My parents?” Speed wondered. “Did they even show up?”
“Yeah,” Horatio looked at him shocked. “Why wouldn’t they?”
“Because they never forgave me for leaving Syracuse. I made too many bad choices or at least that’s what they said. For one I preferred men, bad choice. I ran away after Greg died another bad choice. Stayed in Miami bad choice. Took a career as a cop even if it was CSI, bad choice. And of course I died a really bad choice.” Speed’s voice was riddled with sarcasm. “I’m actually surprised they did.”
“They gave me your flag,” Horatio walked out of the kitchen into the study. The flag was encased in a wooden frame a picture of Speed next to it with his badge. “They said they didn’t want a reminder of your bad choices.”
Speed reached out and touched his badge, “The irony is that I didn’t have a choice.”
Horatio stepped up behind him, his arms slipping around Speed, pulling him close. Horatio buried his head into Speed’s neck. “I wouldn’t have left you if I had a choice.” Speed’s voice was thick with emotion. He turned in Horatio arms, “Kiss me.”
Horatio claimed his lips with passion. His hand slid into the now short-cropped hair deepening the kiss. He pulled Speed out of the office and towards the master bedroom. Speed pulled off Horatio’s suit coat and tie leaving them in the hallway. Horatio shoved Speed onto the bed eyeing him with a predatory gleam. He straddled him, his hands unbuttoning Speed’s shirt, removing it completely and throwing it off to the side. Horatio bent down kissing Speed breathless, he grabbed Speeds hands as they tried to slip into Horatio’s pants. He pulled them over Speed’s head giving him a feral grin. Speed felt the cold metal and heard the click at the same time.
“I really should have seen that coming,” Speed pulled on his wrists. He was handcuffed to the bed frame.
Horatio sat back straddling Speed’s hips. His shirt was an open, pants loose, “Now we are going to talk.”
Speed eyed him from his position, “I’m at your mercy.”
“Whom do you work for?” Horatio asked getting straight to the point.
“A small group inside the CIA,” Speed answered honestly. “Don’t ask any more I can’t tell you.”
“What do you do?” Horatio hands caressed Speed’s exposed chest.
“I’m their clean up guy. If something happens to one of our own I find out who did it. When we eliminate a threat I make sure the scene is wiped clean.” Speed explained his voice hitching as Horatio ran his hands down his stomach. “I make sure the agents that are behind enemy lines stay hidden.”
“Why?” Horatio eyes bore into him.
Speed closed his eyes, and then opened them to see the pain behind Horatio’s blue. “I had no choice. When I woke up my first thought was did we find the boy? But when I turned my head I saw Haris and not you I knew my life as I knew it was over.”
“Who’s Haris?” Horatio leaned back on his knees.
“Someone I met when I traveled Europe,” Speed shifted under Horatio. “What my parents refused to admit or even understand was that my world stopped when Greg died. He was not just my best friend but also my lover. It was my idea to go on the snowmobile. He didn’t want to go, he really didn’t like them. I was the one with the need for speed.” Speed gave an ironic grin. “Hence the nickname.”
“So you took off,” Horatio eyes showed compassion.
“I took off to Europe,” Speed eyes took a distant look. “We had always talked about going, but after the accident it was pointless. So I went and explored, trying to come to terms with his death. That’s when I met Haris.”
“Where?” Horatio asked.
“Italy,” Speed shifted his hands. “He noticed I spoke fluent Italian and was intrigued. He thought I was a native at first, especially with my coloring. He was amazed at my ability to blend into my surroundings. Learn the language, culture to the point I could have been a native. After a while he found out that I also spoke Spanish and French. So he switched to Arabic refusing to speak to me except in that language. Once I figured it out, he switched to Hebrew.”
”Wait,” Horatio looked at him shocked. “You speak five languages?”
“Actually a dozen now,” Speed gave a shy smile.
“Where you ever planning on telling me this?” Horatio glared at him.
”It never came up,” Speed responded.
“Go on,” Horatio gestured.
“Haris helped me, in a way he saved me.” Speed tried to explain. “He showed me life goes on, that Greg wouldn’t want me wasting my life. After a year had gone by I knew I had to do something with my life so I came back to the States. My flight landed in Miami, and I remembered Greg’s uncle lived in the city. I went to go see him just to talk. I had no idea he worked in the lab, he introduced me to Megan and that’s when I knew being a CSI would be my way of doing something. Went back to school finished my biology degree and moved to Miami.”
“So why all of the sudden was he back?” Horatio wondered. “Did you know what he did when you first met him?”
“I had no idea at that time he worked for the CIA,” Speed answered. “It wasn’t until a few years later that he contacted me, he offered me a job working at Langley. I refused I liked Miami and told him that. Every once in a while I would get a call from him offering me the same job and each time I refused. It wasn’t until 9/11 that he started pushing me to accept a position. He showed up in Miami asking me to look over some photos, an agent had been murdered he wanted a CSI’s perspective.”
“They don’t have CSI at Langley?” Horatio smirked.
“I guess not,” Speed laughed slightly. “I noticed in the photo that the drapery cord was missing from the drapes. I pointed that out to Haris and he looked shock. None of the other agents working the case noticed that. By that alone they figured it wasn’t a hit on the agent but an actual murder. An assassin wouldn’t use something from the room that would be noticeably missing. But in an act of passion, the killer grabs whatever they can get their hands on.”
“Good catch,” Horatio stated with pride.
“But it sealed my fate,” Speed closed his eyes. “He became relentless in recruiting me. By that time I had fallen in love with you and no way in hell was I leaving.” Speed grinned, “I had plans to get you into bed. Little did I know they would actually work.”
Horatio laughed, “I couldn’t resist you.”
“The vacation I was going on,” Speed began.
“The one I called you off of, when the boat crashed into the bridge.” Horatio closed his eyes memories assaulted him.
“I was on my way to Langley to look over some photos,” Speed voice became soft. “I called him and told him a case came up and you needed me, that I would take a flight out later that night or the next day depending on the case. I had no idea Haris was going to go to such great lengths to recruit me into the program. After 9/11 his department grew, we’ve got agents deep behind enemy lines, so deep it’s blurred. There is a war going on and it’s not just being fought in Iraq, but in major cities through out the world, agent against agent. Agents were being found and killed and he wanted me to figure out how.”
“So they killed you?” Horatio voice was thick.
“The shot was real, very real.” Speed muttered. “Hurt like hell. I woke up a week later in a hospital. I was pissed when I found out what he did, but I couldn’t do anything. It took six weeks for me to heal from that wound. By the time I was able to move without fainting I found out I was in Switzerland with no passport. Timothy Speedle had already been buried, and a replacement had been found. I couldn’t go back home and Haris knew it.”
“Alice?” Horatio asked.
“Stole secret files concerning location of agents,” Speed told him. “Now you know why we have to get them back.”
”You think the buyer killed her?” Horatio wondered.
“No,” Speed mind raced. “This case hasn’t been right since the moment they called and told me to go to Miami.”
Horatio looked down at the man handcuffed to his bed, “And your gun?”
Speed smiled a sad smile, “Did you even notice it wasn’t mine?”
Horatio eyebrows knitted together, “What?”
“They switched my gun,” Speed sighed. “Haris knew everything, ironically except about us. He knew about Dispo Day and my very bad habit of not cleaning my gun. When it jammed at the scene I looked down, yes, a bad mistake, but that’s when I noticed it wasn’t mine. I looked up and felt woozy everything blurred the next thing I knew I was down on the floor you were kneeling over me telling me to hold on. I tried to tell you something was wrong, but I couldn’t.”
“The gun wasn’t yours?” Horatio looked up away from the Speed. “We didn’t even question.”
Speed gave him a sad smile, “Haris knew you wouldn’t. That’s why it worked. If he had known about you he probably would have changed plans, figuring you would have known I cleaned my gun regularly.”
“But I never asked if you did,” Horatio looked back down at him.
“No you didn’t,” Speed shrugged. “But I didn’t see it as a bad thing, I figured you trusted me to have learned my lesson. It must have been hell on you. Wondering if you had just asked.”
“I’m sorry,” Horatio reached out to caress his cheek.
“It’s not your fault, nor is it mine.” Speed leaned into the caress. “Please lets just forget for tonight that any of this has happened.”
Horatio slipped his hands down Speed’s chest, “First I need to relearn this body.”
Speed’s eyes watched as Horatio glided his hands over his chest. Horatio stopped at as scar just to the side and above the left nipple. He looked at Speed who acknowledged the silent question, gunshot wound to the chest. Horatio caressed Speed’s stomach, fingers slipping into the top of his pants sliding to the back. Horatio stopped at the feel of a long scar on the hip.
“Knife wound,” Speed answered his voice breathless.
Horatio sighed but kept on his exploration. He undid Speed’s belt and pants, his hands then gliding down jean-covered legs, he reached over and slipped off Speed’s shoes and socks. He gave Speed a grin and pulled off the jeans taking his boxer briefs with them. Horatio’s hands traveled back up the body stopping on Speed’s right thigh he looked back up at Speed.
“Gunshot,” Speed answered, eyes closed as Horatio stepped off the bed and removed the rest of his clothing. “Your analysis?” He asked with a slight moan as Horatio re-straddled him.
“You’re leaner, but in a good way. Stronger muscles,” Horatio’s hands racked over tight hard nipples. “I don’t like the new wounds.”
“Comes with the job,” Speed hissed jerking his hips into Horatio. “Want to un-handcuff me now?”
Horatio laid his body on top of Speed, “I kind of like you this way.”
Speed kissed him, his legs wrapping around Horatio’s waist holding him to his body. Speed dropped his head into this pillow, “I want to touch you.”
Horatio reached over to his nightstand pulled the key out, un-handcuffed him and threw the cuffs and keys onto the floor. Speed grabbed a hold of the red hair and pulled Horatio into a deep kiss. “Love me.” He moaned into Horatio’s ear.
And Horatio did.
***
Horatio woke up to an empty bed; he sat up quickly scanning the room. He saw Speed’s shoes still on the floor next to his shirt. He pulled on a pair of sweat pants and padded back down the hallway towards the living room. He noticed the open patio door and stepped out into the cool night air. Speed sat on the back porch steps, wearing only his jeans. Horatio sat behind him wrapping his arms around the young man.
“I’m not sure about the tattoo,” Horatio whispered into his ear.
Speed smiled, “I got it to cover the scar from the exit wound.” Speed turned in Horatio’s arms slightly. “It’s a Celtic design, an eternity knot.”
“It’s beautifully done,” Horatio traced the pattern with his finger. “But isn’t it distinct enough to identify you?”
“No one except you has seen me with out my shirt,” Speed leaned back in his arms.
“I feel privileged,” Horatio rested his chin on Speed’s shoulder.
“H,” Speed’s voice became serious. “I want you to find someone…”
“No,” Horatio arms gripped Speed tighter.
“H, you deserve to be loved full time. Someone who will be there when you come home…” Speed voice was tight with emotion.
Horatio stood up; he quickly pulled Speed up off the stairs and into his arms. Gripping the young mans chin Horatio forced him to look into his eyes. “I was ready to live my life without you. I lived two years without you.” Speed tried to pull away, but Horatio held onto him. “I now have you back. Hell if you think I’m going to give you up.”
“But what type of relationship is this? I stop by between assignments. Sneak in the middle of night, a long visit over the weekend?” Speed tried to reason with him.
“That’s more than I would have had,” Horatio kissed him hard. He pulled back eyes bearing into Speed’s “If I only have one night, or a weekend with you that’s all I need.”
“But is it enough?” Speed eyes were sorrowful. “I want you to be happy.”
”Knowing you’re alive is more than enough to make me happy,” Horatio whispered softly.
“You don’t know the things I’ve done, the things I’ve seen. I’m not the same man I was two years ago.” Speed once again tried to pull out of the strong arms.
Horatio pulled him closer turning him until Speed was pushed against the glass door. “I know who you are, better than you know yourself.”
Speed rested his head onto Horatio’s shoulder, “I hate this.”
“I know so do I,” Horatio ran his hand through the short black hair. “Tim, the time I have with you will be cherished, there is no room in my heart for anyone other than you.”
Speed lifted his head; he stole a kiss and eased out between Horatio and the wall. He held out his hand towards Horatio, “I’ll be gone in the morning I don’t want to waste any of the time I have with you freezing my ass off in your backyard.”
“We wouldn’t want to do that,” Horatio smiled as he took Speed’s hand. “After all it’s a really nice ass.”
Speed laughed as they walked back into the home. The lovers brought each other to the peak of pleasure. At dawn Speed dressed silently as he watched Horatio sleep. He soothed the red hair back kissing him on the temple, whispered his love and slipped out into the early morning light.
Horatio watched him leave.
Chapter 6: Inside Man
Speed set the envelope down on the table; it was from the hotel stationary. Speed had run the prints from the scene; all of them were Alice’s except one smear on the laptop. The killer must have been wearing gloves, except, as Speed knows it’s very difficult to use a laptop mouse pad with gloves on. The print wasn’t very good, but he had at least a few ridges if he was lucky would get a hit.
He laid out the letter next to the envelope quickly scanning the contents. He sat back in his chair head aching, it confirmed his suspicions it was someone on the inside.
“Haris,” He held the letter in his hands. “It’s an inside job.”
‘Who?’ Haris asked voice hard.
“Alice’s boss,” Speed answered as he pulled open the desk drawer and pulled out his gun. “He owns a warehouse down by the wharf. I’m going to go check it out.”
‘Careful, like you said you’re not a field agent,’ Haris pointed out.
“I’m just going to look around, take some photos, and then let you do what you need to do.” Speed said, and then clicked the phone off.
Speed climbed into the truck and headed for the warehouse. It was registered to a Samuel King, who happened to be Frank King’s brother, who just happened to be Alice Larson’s boss. Frank’s file stated that he had been working for the CIA for fifteen years. He moved up the ranks and became Head of the Department on Terrorism just five years ago. Three years ago agents started disappearing, two years ago Haris brought Speed in to figure out who and why. Two weeks ago Alice Larson disappeared with the disc of who and where agents were located. Two days ago she ended up dead.
Speed pulled into the empty warehouse lot parking his vehicle towards the back out of sight from anyone who would be driving by. He grabbed his camera and kit, and started to search around the perimeter before heading into the warehouse. He noticed new tire treads by the shipping docks, and a fresh oil leak. He took photos and collected a sample of the oil. He could send it to the labs at Langley find out what type of oil used maybe identify the vehicle. He entered the building from a back side entrance.
It was a typical abandoned warehouse, debris on the ground, empty offices in one corner. Except for one minor detail, there were modern working computers in the abandoned offices. Speed took photos and pulled on his gloves. He quickly checked around him and sat down at the computers. He hacked into the hard drives to search for the missing files. Instead of missing files he found bank records. Bank transfers from known terrorists fronts. He pulled out his own discs and began transferring all the files onto the disc.
A noise alerted him to someone’s presences in the building, he shut down the monitor and let the computer keep transferring the files. He pulled his gun and silently exited the office. He kept low and behind some crates eyes darting between the front and back doors. A figure entered the front door silent, his position indicating he was carrying a gun and surveying the land.
Speed growled low in his throat when he recognized the figure, “Horatio.” He stood up and raised his own gun. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Horatio looked stunned to see Speed standing there pointing a gun at him. “I followed a lead. You?”
“You were supposed to stop working on this case,” Speed lowered the weapon putting in at his lower back sitting it on the waistband of his jeans.
“An idea popped into my head so I followed it, which led me here.” Horatio holstered his weapon. He stepped closer to Speed, “What did you find?”
“A letter from Alice stating why she had stolen the disc,” Speed turned back towards the office. “You?”
“The disc,” Horatio smiled as Speed turned on his heel.
“Where? Wait she mailed it to herself!” Speed frowned sighing deeply. “Really should have seen that.”
“Yes, you should have,” A voice came out from the shadows. “Now if you don’t mind Lieutenant Caine, I’ll take that disc.”
Horatio recognized the man, “You’re the suit that collected all the evidence.”
“Horatio meet Frank King,” Speed looked at the older man.
“Give me the disc,” King pointed the weapon at Horatio.
Horatio looked over at Speed question in his eyes. Speed nodded. Horatio reached into his jacket pocket and handed it out to King. A shot rang out; both men flinched as the body fell. Behind him stood an older gentleman in his fifties, graying hair, with piercing gray eyes. He stood about five eleven with a good build.
“Haris,” Speed sighed in relief.
“Didn’t I tell you to be careful,” Haris holstered his gun. He looked over at Horatio then back at Speed. “Not a good idea.”
“He found the disc,” Speed stepped forward taking the disc from Horatio, then handed it to Haris. “So King convinced Alice to steal the information and when he showed up in Miami she didn’t have it. Knowing I would be on the case soon, he killed her and waited for me to find it, so he could take it.”
“Well it’s amazing what you can get a woman to do when she’s sleeping with you.” Haris smirked as the placed the disc into his pocket.
Horatio paused then pulled his gun, “Put down your weapon.” Haris countered by pulling his.
“Speedy, tell your guard dog, I’m one of the good guys.” Haris demanded.
“Speed,” Horatio eye’s never left Haris, but his voice held urgency. “Alexx discovered that Alice was still a virgin during the autopsy.”
Haris eyes narrowed at Horatio, shifting quickly the gun was now pointing at Speed, “You going to risk your lover?”
Horatio’s gripped his gun harder, “Killing him will only make matters worse.”
Haris smirked, “actually it would make it easier. Of course you will have to die also.”
“So you can finish framing me for your crimes,” Speed voice was calm. Haris looked at him startled, “How many scenes that I cleaned up were yours?” Speed asked. “It was a good set up, I mean really. You kill the agent, and then leave just enough evidence behind so I would implicate a terrorist agent. Of course you worked hard to make sure all the signs didn’t lead to you, but to me. How much money did you filter into my accounts to make it look like it was me who was selling out the agents, and then cleaning up my own crimes?”
“What are you babbling about,” Haris began to get nervous.
Speed stayed calm, “I figured it out six months in. The crimes had a pattern a small one but a pattern nonetheless. You would visit the agent, then two weeks later they were found dead, and I was always with in an hours calling distance of each of the murders.” Speed paused, “Which worked for you two fold. One I cleaned up your mess, and two you could point out that I was always within the vicinity.”
“Speedy,” Haris looked at him a plastered smile on his face. “I wouldn’t do that to you. I brought you in, so you could help me find out who was killing them.”
“No, you brought me to do your dirty work,” Speed growled. “You destroyed my life so I could be your scapegoat.” Speed stepped up to him, ignored the gun and pulled the disc out of his pocket. “You really thought you had me fooled. Big mistake, sending me back to Miami. You counted on me to contact Horatio. So after killing me you could explain that I had killed King and Alice. But that is where you went wrong, think Haris. I let Tripp see me at the airport,” Horatio stayed silent listening to the men. “Horatio shooting me played out better than me leaving behind my fingerprints. I purposely looked up at the camera near the taxi stand.”
“Doesn’t matter, as far as the evidence says. You came back to Miami to convince your lover to come with you. I found the two of you after killing King, and we fought. Both of you were killed.” Haris smirked. “Your accounts will tell the story, you left a paper trail a mile long.”
Speed laughed then glanced over at the computers, “The paper trail that I’m sending to Langley as we speak?”
Haris frowned then turned his gun towards Horatio who pulled his up, “If I had known about you when I took him, I would have done things differently.”
“Oh really in what way,” Horatio demanded.
“I would have killed you when I had a chance,” Haris felt the cold steal of a gun muzzle against his temple.
“Don’t think for one second I wouldn’t pull the trigger,” Speed voice was low and deadly. “In this business the suits don’t really care for trials. You taught me that.”
Haris looked at him out of the corner of his eye, “You were always more trouble than you were worth.”
”You wanted the best and you got it. Too bad you make a terrible criminal.” Speed pushed the gun farther into his temple.
“Speed?” Horatio looked between the two men. “Don’t become him.”
“But you already are like me,” Haris smirked. “Have you told him about those agents you killed, how about that town that was destroyed because of you.”
Speed stepped back a slight smile on his face, “I’m nothing like you.”
“But I am,” King’s voice ringed out right before the shot. Haris fell dead to the ground a look of shock on his face.
“Tim,” King turned towards Speed and Horatio. “Lieutenant I’m sorry for the deception but we’ve been after him for months. We were finally able to set him up when he sent Tim to Miami.”
“And Alice?” Horatio holstered his weapon.
“Unfortunately, he got to her before we did.” King’s voice dropped. “Her family will be notified that she died for her country and she’ll get a star on the wall.”
Speed turned to Horatio eyes full of emotion, “I didn’t use you.”
Horatio looked at him a small smile on his face, “I know.”
“He’s right though,” King looked at the two men. “If we had known about the relationship we would have done things differently.”
“In what way?” Horatio eyed the agent.
“I would recruited both of you,” He smiled and walked towards the back of the warehouse. “Tim you’ve got five minutes before the cops and the rest of the CSI’s show up.” He stopped and turned towards Horatio, “Lieutenant, as far as Miami-Dade police are concerned Alice Larson was killed because of a lover’s spat. She wouldn’t put out until he married her.” He walked out of the warehouse leaving the two men alone.
“He did kill her,” Speed shrugged.
“Now what?” Horatio stepped closer to him.
“I disappear,” Speed slipped into Horatio’s arms. “And you solved the case.”
“Will I see you again?” Horatio buried his head into Speed’s neck and shoulder.
Speed lifted his head up devouring the redhead’s mouth. Horatio opened his mouth under the assault, moaning in need as Speed memorized every inch with his tongue. He pulled back gasping for air, “Yes, I promise.”
“Tim,” King’s voice called out. “We have to leave now!”
Horatio looked up, he could hear the sirens in the distance, “I love you.”
“And I you,” Speed kissed him, then turned and walked away.
***
Horatio watched as Calleigh and Eric entered the warehouse guns raised. He motioned for them that everything was fine. They ran up to him, Alexx and Ryan a few feet behind them.
“H?” Eric looked around the warehouse.
Horatio looked down at the body, “Alice’s killer.” He looked back at the team. “Lover’s spat. CIA didn’t want the embarrassment of a department head being caught in a lovers quarrel.”
The three CSI’s and ME looked at him nodded and began processing the scene for appearance’s sake. Horatio wandered into the office, Speed’s camera and kit lay on the floor. He squatted down and handled the items. He knew they would have to disappear. He flipped on the computer and looked at the screen. The box on the screen had told him the last of the transfers were completed, and memory wipe was in now in process. He watched as each screen disappeared taking away any traces of Speed being in Miami.
The team walked out into the now busy warehouse lot. Horatio looked around at the chaos in the lot, “What is going on?”
“We were told there was a bomb threat in the area, that a CSI was being held hostage.” Ryan answered. “That got everyone here.”
Fire department was on the street, cop cars were scattered through out the lot and on the street blocking anyone from coming into the area. The coroners van parked near the front doors as the ambulance crew rolled out Haris.
He sighed and slipped on his glasses. He looked over at the three CSI’s. “Can you guys take care of this?” He waved his hand around.
Calleigh laid her hand on his arm, “Go home and rest. We’ll call if we need you.”
Ryan shooed Horatio towards his Hummer, “I see I’m not wanted.” He smiled at them. He stopped then turned back towards them. “How about you three come over on Saturday, we can barbeque.”
“That would be great H,” Eric smiled at him. “Now go get some rest. Tomorrow we’ve got to get back to what we do best.”
“Catch the bad guys,” Ryan finished smiling at the redhead.
Horatio waved as he walked through the crowded lot, dodging cops and rescue. He noticed the media had gotten wind of a possible hostage situation and was now camped at the lot’s gates. He shook his head as he walked to his Hummer.
The explosion rocked the warehouse lot.
Chapter 7: A New Life
‘We are gathered here today to lay to rest, Lieutenant Horatio Caine. A man who was dedicated not only to his job, but to his city.’
The priest stood over the mahogany casket speaking words of comfort. Words that weren’t helping the distraught loved ones.
Yelina sat graveside tears streaming down her face, Rick held her hand trying to give his wife comfort. Ray Jr. sat at the other side his face stoic, much like a Caine. Calleigh, Eric, Ryan and Alexx stood behind the family as they tried to come to terms with their grief, it was only two years earlier they had stood in this very spot when they buried a fallen comrade. Susie and Madison stood off to the side, not wanting to impose on the family but paying their respects to a man that gave them a better life.
The flag was presented to Yelina who cried harder as she took it from the Police Captain. Rick helped her stand and walk away from the grave sight. The reports had been held back at a distance, a police blockade forcing them to give the family space and respect. The mourners filed out slowly heading back to the waiting town cars, cop cars, and departmental CSI Hummers. Only three CSI’s and one ME stood and watched as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
They were still there when the Priest gave them a small nod and headed towards the waiting car. The four friends turned to look at the grave sight that laid to the right.
Timothy ‘Speed’ Speedle
Born: June 24, 1973
Died: September 23, 2004
A Fallen Comrade
Eric looked at everyone, “Do you think?”
Calleigh ran her hand along the new gravestone.
Horatio Caine
Born: April 7, 1960
Died: September 25, 2006
Miami’s Guardian Angel
“I don’t know,” Alexx answered. “But for Tim’s sake I hope so.”
“Their not here,” Ryan commented looking between the two graves. “They’re together somewhere, we might not know where but we don’t need to know. They’re happy and that’s what is important right?”
Alexx looked at him, “Your right.”
“Besides did you hear the rumors around the lab?” Calleigh stood up. She took a deep breath a smile forming on her face. “Valera just got a job offer to the FBI labs in DC, she’s already gone.” Her smile became bigger. “Taylor just got offered a visual/audio specialist job at Langley.”
Eric grinned at the blond, “Really?”
“Sudden don’t you think?” She tilted her head and looked between the two stones. “The life they knew is gone. All we can do is wish them luck with the new one they will be living.”
They left the cemetery with a smile on their face; the two lovers had been reunited.
***
“I can’t believe they blew up my Hummer,” Horatio sat outside on the balcony looking over the Swiss countryside.
“Hey at least you didn’t get shot,” Speed handed him a cup of coffee. “Cold?”
“Hell yeah,” Horatio curled farther into the blankets.
“You’ll get used to it Miami boy,” Speed grinned at him.
“No I won’t,” Horatio glared back at the dark haired New Yorker. “It’s wrong to be this cold.”
“At least you’re not in Siberia,” A voice called from the room.
“I’m not speaking to you, King.” Horatio sipped his coffee.
“Did I not say I was going to recruit you?” He looked between the two men.
“No,” Horatio looked at him. “You said you would have recruited me.”
King shrugged, “Not much of a difference. I’m here because I have some files I want you two to look over. It seems someone’s decided that they could siphon money off one of our accounts, find out who.” He walked back into the room and out the door.
An agent looked over at King as he walked out of the suite, “How long before Caine takes your job?”
King smiled, “One year training, and a couple in the field. No more than five years if not sooner.”
Speed watched him leave the suite; he turned back to Horatio and held out his hand. Horatio took it and let himself be pulled into the warm suite. Speed held onto his hand as he pulled Horatio into the master bedroom. The room was warm from the lit fire in the fireplace. He grinned at Horatio slipping his cold hands under the sweater. He laughed at Horatio’s yelp. Horatio sought revenge by pulling the young man towards him and slipping his cold hands into the back of Speed’s pants. Speed glared but it was lost as he began laughing.
“So how long before you take King’s job?” Speed asked as he slipped off Horatio’s sweater.
“Two years tops,” Horatio grinned backing Speed toward the bed. “Then I plan on recruiting three new employees.”
“I hope you have different recruiting methods, though shooting Eric could be fun.” Speed ground his hips into Horatio as the man laughed slightly.
Horatio pushed him down into the bed. He looked down at the flushed younger man. His brown eyes were dark almost black with lust. His short hair tasseled and much to Horatio’s enjoyment a five o’clock shadow. He didn’t like leaving his family behind, but he knew Rick would take care of them, including Susie and Madison. Horatio smiled getting a warm smile in return. Horatio’s life was now focused on this one man, and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He leaned over and kissed him softly enjoying the soft lips, with the rough texture of the beard. He laughed as Speed slipped his now warm hands down his chest finding that one spot only he knew about, and began to tickle him.
The two men laughed and loved through out the night and for the rest of their lives.