Chapter 7

Horatio ran in the doors and impatiently waited for the elevator. No sooner had the doors opened, he was in and pushing the button for Sloane's floor. He took a deep breath while he strummed his fingers across his holster. It was a small action, and a few colleagues claimed it was a nervous tic. It might have been, but the action served to focus him not rid him of nervous energy.

The doors opened and he immediately saw Barb. "Barb," he said quietly. She looked up and smiled then frowned as she took in his appearance.

"Horatio, are you alright? Is something wrong?" she asked hastily.

"I need to know if anyone has been to see Sloane tonight."

"She hasn't had any visitor's. Visiting hours was over several hours ago."

"Okay, thank you Barb," he said feeling his anxiety lessen somewhat. He started to turn away when he noticed the lab cart. "Barb, did she have any lab work done?"

Barb hesitated. This was a fine line and they both knew it. "Let me rephrase, ok? Was there a new tech on the floor tonight?"

Confused, Barb replied, "Why yes but that's not uncommon Horatio. We are a large hospital and we have people rotating floors all the time, students in training…" her voice trailed off as she saw him focus on the door to Sloane's room.

Turning back to face Barb, Horatio held his finger to his lips and pointed to her desk, and motioned she get behind it. Barb frowned but complied. Once she was safe, Horatio moved slowly toward the door. He paused and unholstered his weapon, and gently pushed the door open.

Horatio turned the light on and sighed inwardly with relief. Sloane was asleep. He moved to the bathroom and found it clear. He quickly looked around the room and zeroed in on the bedside table. A lab tray was sitting there, with his card on its surface and an x marked across his name, with the words "We will have some fun, you and I."

He left everything alone, shut the light off and quietly shut the door. He leaned back against the wall for a moment as he felt the adrenalin drain away. He stood straight and walked over to the desk.

"Barb, you can come out now," he said quietly.

"Lieu.. I mean Horatio, what the blazes is going on?" she asked.

"Barb do you recall anything at all about the unfamiliar lab tech? Was the person male or female? Height? Weight? Hair color?"

The intensity in his voice staved off any further questions. Barb tucked her chin to her chest and crossed her arms in thought. "He was tall, very tall. He was definitely over six foot. He had dark-wavy hair. I thought it was odd and I questioned him. He was polite and said there was a mix up with her lab work. He was sent to retake it if she was awake, otherwise wait until tomorrow morning. He was only in there a minute or two. He looked for me when he came out and shrugged his shoulders."

Horatio put his hand on Barb's shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "Thank you, Ma'am." Unobtrusively, Horatio looked around for cameras. Seeing none, he asked "Barb, do you have security cameras on the floors yet?" She shook her head no.

"We have them on the elevators, the stair wells, and the entrances, but there aren't any on the floors." Horatio smiled with the information. Lowering his voice, "Are you alright? I know I frightened you."

"Yes you did and I'm still shaking," she answered. "Is Sloane in danger?" she asked. The concern was obvious in her voice. Deciding to answer her truthfully, Horatio nodded. "The man left me a message and I need to help her, Barb. She needs protection. Can you help me with that?"

"I don't understand, Horatio."

"Is Sloane well enough to leave the hospital provided she has adequate care and rest?"

"Oh," said Barb and then understanding dawned. "OH, I see." She nodded. 'The doctor was going to talk to you both about her discharge today."

"Another question. Is there a room nearby that we can move Sloane into?"

Without hesitation, Barb nodded.

"Can you and I do this now?" Again, Barb nodded. "Thank you, Barb. You're terrific, you know that?" Barb flushed red with the praise she heard in his voice. "Horatio Caine if you were a few years older or me a few years younger…" Her voice trailed off and she cackled softly when she saw Horatio blush.

"Let's see about getting Sloane moved, shall we," she replied. Horatio gently stopped her, "Barb can we do this without logging it?" Barb frowned. "I suppose so, but it is her for safety we do log it," she stated quietly.

"I understand, Barb. However, since she is getting discharged today would a few hours matter?"

Horatio smiled softly as he watched her think for a moment. She really is a good lady. I must do something for her when Sloane is safe, he thought. Perhaps a good dinner at a good restaurant would fit the ticket? I wonder when the last time she and her husband had a romantic night out.

"Horatio, I am not comfortable with this but I will help you. She is in trouble and a few hours should be alright. Any trouble though and I'm going to blame it on you and say you forced me to!"

Horatio couldn't stop the chuckle as he saw the mischievous glint in her eye. "I believe you would too, dear lady" he said.

"Darn straight I would," she replied cheekily.

Putting his arm around her, "Barb, thank you," he said sincerely. Leaning into him for a moment, Barb nodded. "C'mon Dr. Caine," she said. "Let's get our patient moved."

"Yes Ma'am."

The day was beautiful and promising to be a warm spring day. Looking sideways at Toni, Sloane could sense an underlying edginess within her friend. She also knew it would be pointless to ask as her friend would more than likely not answer. Being concerned Sloane knew she had to try.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong and why you're so nervous?"

Toni looked at her, and shrugged her shoulders. Sloane held her tongue.

They were approaching the neighborhood park when Toni announced in a matter of fact voice, "I want you to get me out of here – somewhere I can go and die. I prefer it be sooner, too. My life is hell and I see absolutely no point in continuing this farce called life. It is nothing but pain and anguish!"

Sloane was shocked, hurt, angry and utterly confused. She stopped walking, thankful for the sunglasses covering her eyes. She watched her friend who was so caught up in herself she didn't notice Sloane had stopped.

Finally, Toni stopped and Sloane hurried to catch up to her.

"How dare you ask me to help you die," she replied angrily. "HOW DARE YOU! You know my sister committed suicide and you dare ask this of me? What of Ciera? Or is she just part of the life you call a farce?"

Toni whipped around and slapped Sloane. "Don't you dare use Ciera against me! You said you would always be here to help me. Some help you are. You're just like the rest. All words and hot air and empty promises. You don't know the meaning of the word friend."

Sloane found herself standing at two graves. "Where were you when I needed you?" a disembodied voice asked. Whipping her head around, seeing no one, Sloane hung her head and wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm sorry, so sorry. I was hurt and angry," she whispered, her voice raw with emotion.

Sloane woke slowly, the vestiges of her memory-like dream hanging over her like a deep and heavy fog. Sitting up slowly she reached for the ever present water pitcher. As she drank she looked around the room, noticing it was different. Hearing a groan, she looked to her right and saw the red headed lieutenant sleeping, albeit uncomfortably in the chair beside her bed. He is so much like Henry. He genuinely cares for his fellow man, yet it is easy to see his job is beginning to take its toll, she mused to herself. She frowned suddenly as she had a flash of him becoming dark, out of reach, untouchable.

Shaking her head, she watched him sleep for a few minutes then let her thoughts drift back to the dream and the feeling someone had been in her room during the night. Why am I in a different room? Maybe it wasn't my imagination after all. Oh God, please not again. No! Stop it, girl. You have someone in your corner now. You have someone who believes you. You aren't alone. That's been the problem in the past, don't make it so now. Sloane calmed herself then looked to her right once more, hearing Horatio groan.

Eric was troubled. He had a distinct feeling they were dealing with a professional – someone who knew about forensics and acted accordingly. It was frustrating. Unless they could find something at the dump sites or on the victims, they had little hope of getting this guy. He scrubbed his face as he looked at the clock on the wall. He sighed as he shut his locker door. He needed a pick-me-up and a cup of cubano coffee was calling his name.

Sitting at the table he tried to sort his feelings on the case. The locks had been jimmied and Calleigh was working the tool marks. The motel records were being subpoenaed. The M.E. reports should be coming down the horn soon. It was a matter of waiting right now.

His thoughts soon drifted to his brother-in-law. Horatio had changed. He first noticed the change when Speed was lost. Hell, he thought, I changed too. God knows my reckless behavior almost cost me my career, the lab's reputation, but it was H's reputation that was really on the line. He quietly stood by me and supported me. The next change came when he thought he solved his brother's murder only to find later, he was on the FBI payroll and H had to evacuate Raymond, Yelina and Ray Jr. out of the country.

The thought of Mari brought a flood of bittersweet memories. Her innocence and gentle teasing-like ways. The first time he had to explain the marijuana to H and then their subsequent meeting, whirlwind romance and marriage and her death. He had always suspected his brother-in-law asked Marisol to marry him because Marisol wanted to experience everything life had to offer, including marriage. Horatio never hinted as much, instead giving everything he had to making his sister happy and for that he was thankful. The toll on his friend, brother-in-law and mentor though, was huge. Eric frowned as he and others had noticed Horatio's distance from them. In many ways, he had become more brutal and less forgiving. There were no more jokes or smiles for that matter. The passion for justice he once exhibited was dwindling as was his compassion.

Then again, he thought as he considered the past few days. I haven't seen H looking as weary as he has been lately. This woman seems to have reached him in a way the rest of us can't. Was it the way he found her or is there something more?

The ring of his phone startled him. Looking at the name scrolling across the screen, he frowned.

"Yeah? He answered. "You got your dates screwed up, Greaves. I'm not on call tonight. Give it a rest. I know what you're doing. Your situation is your own fault, not mine." Eric smiled as he heard a string of expletives explode from the other end of the phone. Ending the connection, Eric finished his coffee and made his way to the lab.

While Sloane was bathing, Horatio went to his truck and got his kit. He had, after many years, realized the need as lab supervisor and his own dedication dictated he be available. His only concern was photographing the room and getting fingerprints as the volume of people in and out of her room would render much of the information useless. Add the fact, at this point in time, he was literally searching for a needle in the haystack. His attention was primarily on the nightstand, the bedside table, the arms of the bed and the door handles. He took pictures, dusted for prints and bagged his business card. Looking around the room, he had the sudden inspiration to check the small closet. Satisfied, he took everything back out to his truck.

As he sat waiting for the nurse to allow him back into Sloane's room, he closely watched the comings and goings around him. He watched the lab personnel come and go, always checking the person's chart first. In fact, everyone checked the chart first. Recalling what Barb had earlier said, he was now sure Sloane's torturer had found her and let everyone know it. The lack of following protocol, the catching of Barb's eye as he left Sloane's room and his marked business card spoke of arrogance and that somehow, a gauntlet had been thrown down. Well, it's been picked up you sick bastard. You won't win this one. All of this speaks of experience and you may have had your fun before, but you have never encountered me and I WILL stop you, he thought angrily.

"Lieutenant?"

Horatio looked up and saw the nurse nodding at him. He smiled his thanks, took a moment to compose himself and went into Sloane's room. Now they would wait for the Dr. and the orders releasing her from the hospital.

He quietly walked into the room and sat down. He could see Sloane was pensive and had noticed it when he woke earlier. He would ask, but first they needed to get her away from here. He was going to pull out all the stops. While others hadn't believed her, he had never seen the reason not too, and last night's little stunt verified everything as far as he was concerned. Once the evidence was at the lab they would have a good long talk and in the privacy of his office.

The door opened and Horatio cleared his voice, rousing Sloane from her thoughts.

The doctor approached the bed and asked a few questions, then took Sloane's vitals once more. Writing a few things in her chart, the doctor smiled as he looked at her. "How would you feel about going home?"

Sloane smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Suddenly her face fell as she realized as she had no home here. "Does it make a difference if I don't have a home?" she asked quietly. The doctor frowned and before he was able to reply, Horatio spoke up, "Doctor, may we have a moment please?" The doctor nodded and stepped outside.

"Sloane, I think you know me well enough. I am not going to hurt you. I have a home with an extra bedroom. It is yours for as long as you need." Horatio watched her closely.

"Why? Why do you offer me this, Horatio? You hardly know me. I can't prove a thing I have said and for all you know I'm some sort of nut case and could hurt you while you sleep."

Horatio was thinking best how to reply when he heard her quiet voice reply, "He found me didn't he? I wasn't dreaming last night."

Taking her hand, he decided honesty would serve well here. "Yes, he left a note in your other room. Sloane, if I have a hope of catching this guy, then you and I need to discuss everything you can remember – before, during and after your time with him." Horatio winced as he couldn't bring himself to say 'torture'.

"You have taken a chance with me," he said quietly. "Don't stop now. The more you tell me the better equipped I become. I won't let you down," he vowed.

Sloane didn't know what to say. What could she say? She nodded. Horatio squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You're going to survive this, Sloane." Once again all she could do is nod.

Forty five minutes later, Horatio was walking inside to fetch Sloane. She and the nurse were waiting inside as he brought his truck to the entrance. He picked up the bag the hospital was sending home with her and her meager bag of belongings which included a dirty tee shirt, underthings, a coin purse and her laptop.

Opening the passenger door, Horatio stiffened. They were being watched. He grinned to himself as he helped Sloane inside. Walking around to the driver's side, Horatio climbed in. He looked around for a moment, and then checked to make sure Sloane was buckled up.

"You feel him, don't you?" she asked. "It's okay, you don't have to answer. I know you do," she said quietly. He could feel her trembles across the cab.

"Look at me," he stated. When she finally looked over, she gasped with the utter determination and the stark power she saw in his eyes. "We will get through this. We will get this guy. You will be free. You will have a future," he stated with conviction. Sloane continued to look at him and not once did his eyes waiver.

Henry, he is the one you spoke of isn't he? You said I would get help from the most unlikely place and that I must tell this person everything so that we both survive. You said I would know by virtue of the eyes. I didn't understand, but I think I do now. This man's eyes are the windows to his soul when he chooses to lower his armor. Oh Henry, how I miss you!

Sloane nodded and said somewhat shakily, "I believe you."

Horatio smiled and nodded. The transformation was so quick, Sloane wasn't even sure it had happened. He started his vehicle and pulled out, the first stop being the lab.

He had watched them leave the hospital without as much as a care. He didn't care where they had gone. He would always find his other. Always.

Had the Red not seen his invitation and the revealing of himself? Unbelievable! Did he not see with whom he was playing? Pity, the Watcher thought sullenly. His fist slowly closed in rage with the thought that perhaps the message had been seen and ignored! Death, he vowed, would not be easy. Shaking himself out of his Blue, he went to the Haven, his sanctum.

He was sitting in His rightful place. He leaned his head back as the colors consumed him, their energies enveloping him, leading him down a merry road. This was life at its fullest. They had shown him the one and destiny decreed their oneness. The Red had an unusual glow surrounding him and he would enjoy conquering it, diminishing its light and then bringing it into himself.

The colors were fantastic. They were swirling and whirling, almost elastic. His senses were alive! Those beneath him were enthusiastic and were paying homage with this magic. They were showing him his spiritualty with the visual reality. Blood and carnage were his grail, his elixir of life and his destiny. The voices were an ode to his supremacy. He basked and reveled in them.

He listened as the colors spoke. He laughed. Soon, he thought. Soon we shall have two. One shall be mine, the other - another conquered to pay him tribute, gifting to him his color and his voice. SOON!