A/N- Hey ya'll! So, so sorry that I've been off the grid for the last three years. High school. :) Well, I thought about re- editing the chapters one by one in 'Just Because I'm Off Duty...' but I had a better idea- I'm just going to start new. I'll try to keep all the major events in, and I'm hoping that this version will be a thousand times better! Well, here goes nothing.
Just Because I'm Off Duty
Chapter One: Crabby Calleigh On a Goose Chase
Two doubles, no leads, and five-plus hours of cataloging evidence and filing reports. The worn out blond had only gotten a mere four hours of sleep last night, while the rest had been spent contemplating her and Eric's little spat that had occurred over a, besides their shouting, lovely dinner at Calleigh's favorite pub.
"Well, gee, I don't know Cal! What!? Do you honestly want me to say that I'm sorry about helping him? He's my FATHER!"
"That's not what I said and you know it. Don't go putting words in my mouth, Delko!" Was she really that mad at him? Maybe, but then, everyone starring at her and Eric sure didn't help her fueling rage.
"I'm leaving. Sorry, but…God Cal! I just can't deal with this now." Don't say it Duquesne. Come on girl, keep it together.
"Can't deal with…me, Eric? Is that what you were going to say? That you can't deal with me right now?!" Shit, Duquesne, there goes 'keeping it in'… and keeping it quiet. Sigh
"Calleigh…"
"No, Eric. I need to figure this out, by myself." Way to go, Cal. Just push away the only guy you've ever loved. Congratulations, you've just succeeded in making sure you're going to die alone…
He hesitated then grabbed his jacket and left. He walked out and she followed. Of course, they didn't end up spending the night together like they usually did after dinner. No sir, he went back to his apartment, and she to her condo- no doubt to hit a few and clean out his side of the amour, and his cabinet in the bathroom, and his side of the bed, and-
"Miss Duquesne. …Miss Duquesne?" Good god, when did he get here?
"Oh, hi Horatio, what can I do for you?" Don't forget to smile Calleigh. Big smile, big smile.
"There's a…there's a young lady here to see you. She wouldn't give me her name; just told me that she was here for you." A young lady? A young lad—oh god!
"Alright thank you, Lieutenant. I'll be down in a minute." Oh I'm going to need a hell lot more than a minute…
"That's quite all right Calleigh, I see that you pulled a double and a 50- plus shooting today. You may go home after you're through with your anonymous visitor if you wish; if not then I'll see you at Marty's Pub. We'll be at our usual table."
"Hey Paula, Lieutenant Caine told me there was someone here to see me?" Clink Clank Clink Clank, Paula's ball-point pen clanked against the counter rhythmically; like it was in step with the old quartz clock stationed on her desk.
"Paula?" Good lord, I don't have time for this; I've got to go write up my reports and catalog Ryan's stupid evidence because he can't do it himself, and then I have to talk to Eric about last—Calleigh. Calleigh?
"Huh? Oh sorry Paula, could you repeat that?" The receptionist sighed and repeated what she'd stated only seconds before. Natalia, why's she with Nat? This little name-less visitor had better be important or I swear to the high heavens I will blow my top.
"Thanks, Paula; CSI Boa Vista hasn't left has she?" Paula shook her head and pointed to the trace lab.
"Thanks again, Paula, I'll catch up with Natalia."
Chit-chat later Duquesne, you're on a mission. Got it- mission. You talk to this girl, sort whatever it is out, then you can go home and soak in a long, hot bath.
"Hey Nat, Paula told me you kidnapped my visitor? She in the bathroom?"
"Hey Cal, yeah she looked a little scared so I brought her in here. But uhm, no, Alexx actually came up to give me her findings on our Jane Doe and she took the little girl to the break room to give her some juice. Horatio didn't tell you?" UGH god!
"Is this 'make Calleigh go on a human hunt' day?" I'm usually pretty calm and refrained but I am just so tired and crabby; not to mention confused.
"Sorry Cal, just think- at least you have tomorrow off."
"Yeah, thanks Nat, sorry I blew up on you. I'll see ya later alright. Well if you need me, I'll be in the break room." The break room; X marks the spot.
a/n- Hey everyone, hope you like the revised version so far :) let me know if this chapter was too long or too short, thanks for everyone pushing me to continue/ revise my stories :) Comment, like, favorite, follow- whatever you do, just click something ;) Oh, and a special thanks goes to Nonna99! More to come hopefully