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Calleigh looked up in surprise when a stack of folders were suddenly dropped on the desk in front of her, covering up the report she was working on. “What’s all this?”
 
“Rick is missing,” Yelina said. “Horatio told me to bring these to you. They’re files that Rick didn’t want to leave in his office at night so he brought them home.”
 
“Do you have any idea what happened?” Calleigh asked.
 
“No, we were at Horatio’s place and Rick told me to go wait in the car while he talked with Horatio,” Yelina said. “Then Horatio tells me that Rick got a call from his office and rode back in with Speed. That’s the last time I saw him and his office says he wasn’t in at all yesterday and he didn’t get dispatched to a call.”
 
“Yelina, you don’t think that Horatio had something to do with all this,” Calleigh said.
 
“Of course not,” Yelina replied. “I know that Horatio might not like Rick but he wouldn’t kill anyone unless he had no choice. No, the reason these are here rather than with Horatio is that they deal with him and he didn’t want there to be any question about the validity of the evidence. He asked me to bring them to you.”
 
The blond smiled. “Then I’ll read through and see if there’s anything that can help figure out where Stetler is,” Calleigh said. “Just give me some time, Yelina. I have a ballistics report that needs to be finished.”
********************
 
Warrick woke up abruptly and glanced around frantically for his dragon. Jim was standing by the window in their bedroom wearing a pair of black sleep pants. “Hey, you okay?”
 
“Sorry, Warrick,” Jim sighed. “I was just thinking about Ray Jr. and how he was treated. It makes me so mad that a mother can be so blind to the suffering of her kid when there’s a guy involved.”
 
“Thinking about Ellie?” Warrick asked. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Jim’s waist. “I know you don’t think so but you did everything you could for her. It’s not your fault she turned out the way she did, Jim. She got to make her choices just like everyone else does.”
 
“It’s just so hard, Rick,” Jim said. He turned and tucked his head under his human’s chin. The difference in their height always amused him. “Maybe this is my chance to do something right, to make up for Ellie by helping Horatio with Ray. Gil’s right, we are a big family here and now we’ve had our first kid.”
 
“And only kid unless we decide to adopt,” Warrick smiled. “But Gibbs will have his hands full soon; Flack and Abby will actually be able to have kids.”
 
Brass laughed. “A mini-Abby,” he said. “Thanks, Warrick; you always know how to cheer me up.”
 
“You can thank me over here,” Warrick said pulling Jim towards their bed. “I’d like to feel you before we go to work.”
 
“I can do that,” Jim replied. His eyes took on a soft glow as he leaned down to kiss his human gently.
********************
 
“Horatio!”
 
“Yes ma’am?” Horatio turned and took off his sunglasses.
 
“Did you really tell Yelina to bring me the folders that Rick Stetler was keeping at their house?” Calleigh asked. “Because every single one of them is an IAB report on you and they’re not favorable.”
 
“I suspected as much and that’s why I asked for them to be taken to you,” Horatio said softly. “I believe I was the last one to see Rick before he vanished and I know what position that puts me in.”
 
“Do you have an alibi?” Calleigh looked up at her boss.
 
Horatio smiled. “I do,” he said. “I was with Gil Grissom all afternoon.”
 
“What about Tim?”
 
“He was with us as well,” Horatio said. “Ray is staying with Gil during the day when I have to be at the lab and I was waiting for him to wake up.”
 
“I knew you didn’t have anything to do with this but I had to ask,” Calleigh said. “What do you think happened to him?”
 
“We were arguing on the beach behind my house when his phone rang,” Horatio said. “He took the call and commented that I was lucky he was being called into work otherwise he’d fight me for Ray Jr. That’s the last time I saw him.”
 
“But Yelina said that you told her Stetler rode back into work with Speed,” Calleigh said picking up on one small inconsistency. “And you just told me that Speed was with you all afternoon.”
 
“We had an extra department vehicle at the house,” Horatio said smoothly. “Yelina must have misunderstood me because Rick took that. You know how he and Speed feel about each other. Can you imagine what that cross-town trip would have been like?”
 
Calleigh laughed. “All too well,” she said. “What do you want me to do now?”
 
“Go to Stetler’s office and Yelina’s house,” Horatio said. “See what you can find. If something has happened to him I would focus on his enemies first, the ones that come after me on his top ten hate list, and then others in the department. And if you happen to find a medium sized cast iron pot would you bag it and bring it in as well, please? Ray Jr. described the pot to me as the one Rick used to pour boiling hot water onto him. Yelina and Stetler told me it’s been washed but I’d still like to see what Nick is able to find.”
 
“Absolutely,” Calleigh said. “I’ll take Eric and get to work.”
 
“Thank you,” Horatio smiled. He waited until he was alone before he pulled out his cell phone. “Gil I was right, Calleigh is taking this on as a full case.”
 
“What did you tell her?”
 
“What we talked about,” Horatio replied. “Tell Nick there might be some evidence waiting for him tomorrow and also that I said thank you. I appreciate you two keeping Ray today.”
 
“He’s a community member now,” Gil said. “That means he’s family. Besides, he and Nick are having way too much fun in the kitchen.”
 
Horatio smiled. “Do I want to know?”
 
“I’m sworn to secrecy,” Gil said. “But I think you’ll find out tonight.”
 
“Should I be worried?”
 
“It depends on how you feel about the color blue,” Gil said. “Oops, I have to go.”
 
Horatio clicked his phone closed and wondered what in the world Ray could be cooking that would end up blue. Maybe Jell-O.
********************
 
Gil leaned against the door to the kitchen with a smile. “Ray, your uncle just called and said to tell you hi,” he said. “And wanted to know what you were doing.”
 
“You didn’t tell him, did you?”
 
“No I didn’t,” Gil said. “You have flour on your nose.”
 
“I think we have flour everywhere, Gil,” Nick laughed. “I promise we’ll have it cleaned up before supper tonight.”
 
“I’m going to be in my office,” Gil said. “Don’t have too much fun, Nicky. Ray, keep an eye on him for me.”
 
“Sure,” Ray grinned.
 
Grissom was relieved to see how much more relaxed the young man was around the various members of his community. He knew how easily abuse, especially at a young age, could harm a child for life and was glad that Ray was no longer in that situation. Gil had just settled in at his desk when his cell phone rang. “Grissom.”
 
“Hey Gil, its Gibbs,” the NYDC alpha said. “Danny’s home and safe but we have a puzzle.”
 
“You know CSIs love puzzles,” Gil replied. “Tell me about it.”
 
“The bitch that took Danny told him that she could kill him and rebond Mac to her,” Gibbs said. “According to Mac Mandy says it’s impossible but we were wondering if we could all get together at your community some time next month for a meeting.”
 
“It’s easier for you guys to travel than it is for us,” Gil reasoned. “Sure, I don’t see a problem with that but we have a young boy here with us now.”
 
“How?” Gibbs asked.
 
“That’s the problem we were having,” Gil sighed. “His name is Ray and he’s Horatio’s nephew. His mother flaked out, her boyfriend who was an IAB cop was abusing Ray, so Horatio now has custody.”
 
“Which means the whole community is taking care of him,” Gibbs said. “Why past tense on the boyfriend?”
 
“Because Horatio crushed him,” Gil said. “We’ve got it taken care of but it’s weighing on our minds right now. As to Ray, we’re teaching him about us but taking it slowly because he just found out his uncle is gay. We don’t want to throw him too many puzzles at once.”
 
“Is there somewhere he can go for a couple of nights while we’re talking?”
 
“I think Alexx or Eric’s parents would take him,” Gil replied. “I’ll have to check with Horatio on that. When were you thinking about coming down?”
 
“We’re still working on it but we were thinking the middle of the week would be easier; less crime.”
 
Gil snorted. “Not in Miami, it never closes,” he said. “But let me know a date and I’ll make the arrangements down here with Horatio.”
 
“Thanks Gil,” Gibbs said. “So you really have a kid there, huh?”
 
“Yep,” Gil grinned. “Just wait until Don and Abby have a baby of their own. You get to be Grandpa Gibbs.” He started laughing as the phone was hung up with a snarl. “Guess he doesn’t want to think about it.”

Speed glanced up when a shadow fell over his book. “Hey Gil, what’s up?”
 
“I think tonight would be a good chance for you to try and blend,” Gil said. “I haven’t noticed any of the general temper signs from you but the timing is about right.”
 
“And if I don’t blend?” Speed asked.
 
“Then we try it again another night,” Gil replied. “Alexx is going to take Ray tonight for a sleepover with her children so we wouldn’t have to worry about him seeing anything we can’t explain right now.”
 
“I guess I’m as ready as I’m going to be,” Speed said. “I’ll talk with Eric when he gets home and let him know what’s going on. I take it we’ll be using the beach?”
 
“Yeah, I’ll let everyone know to stay inside tonight,” Gil said. “And I’ll be watching from my house to make sure everything goes all right. I swear I’m learning more about your personal lives as alpha than I ever cared to know.”
 
“The hazards of the job,” Speed said. “Thanks Gil.”
 
“Come over after dinner and Nicky and I’ll run you guys through everything.”
********************
 
When Horatio tapped on the door and walked into Gil’s house he paused in the door to the den and grinned. Nick was sound asleep in one of the recliners and Ray was stretched out on the sofa.
 
“They wore themselves out today,” Gil said. “Alexx called and asked if she could take Ray for the night. I told her it’d be okay because I wanted to be able to use the beach tonight.”
 
“That’s fine,” Horatio said. “How long have they been asleep?”
 
“About an hour,” Gil said. “We promised him we’d wake him up when you got here because he wants to show you what he spent the day working on.”
 
“Then we shouldn’t disappoint him,” Horatio said. He made his way into the living room, smiling at Nick when the human opened his eyes to see who was there. Nick nodded and stretched before going to join Gil in the door. Horatio knelt down and shook Ray’s shoulder gently. “Ray?”
 
Ray’s eyes shot open and he grabbed his uncle in a hug. “You’re home,” he said. “You have to come see what Nick and I made today.”
 
“Did you have fun?” Horatio asked.
 
“I sure did although Gil said no more science experiments in the kitchen,” Ray replied.
 
Horatio turned and looked at Gil. “Something I should know about?” he asked.
 
Gil laughed. “Nothing I didn’t do when I was young,” he replied. “There’s no lasting damage although I didn’t anticipate how hard cleaning baking soda and vinegar off the ceiling would be.”
 
Ray stood by his homemade volcano with a look of pride on his face. “Uncle Nick took pictures too,” he said.
 
“Digital?”
 
“Yep,” Nick replied. “I’ll email them to you. Ray did all the work, I just helped him with the shaping and colors. You’ve got a future CSI on your hands there, H.”
 
“Really?” Ray asked his grin growing.
 
“If you study hard, buddy,” Nick said. “Then I think you’ll do just fine.”
 
Horatio looked at the volcano for a moment and then turned to Gil. “It’s not blue,” he said in an undertone.
 
“Oh yeah, that was the other experiment,” Gil said. He indicated the container on the counter. “Nicky decided it’d be fun to make cupcakes.”
 
“Baking is chemistry,” Nick said by way of explanation. “And I thought it’d be a nice treat for the community when we get together tomorrow night.”
 
Ray held the container out to Horatio, who took one of the treats with a smile. “Thank you, Ray,” he said. “I understand you’re going to a sleepover tonight. Why don’t we go and get your things ready for when Alexx comes to pick you up, okay?”
 
“Sure, can I take my DS with me?” Ray asked.
 
“Why not,” Horatio replied. “Thanks again, Gil, Nick; I really appreciate this.”
 
“Ray is a delight to teach,” Gil said. “And I know Nick agrees with me on that. Give me a call later, Gil, and we can talk.”
 
“You got it,” Horatio said.
 
The young man waited until they were on the beach before asking his uncle a couple of questions. “Uncle Horatio, has mom asked about me?”
 
“Well, Ray, she hasn’t,” Horatio said. “But she had a rough day at work today and I imagine she’s at home asleep. We can give her a call in a couple of days, okay?”
 
“Okay,” Ray said. “Why did she let me come stay with you?”
 
“Ray, you were in a bad place with Stetler and I knew you needed to get away from that,” Horatio replied. He knelt down in front of his nephew. “Your mother loves you and she wants to do what’s best for you and right now that’s letting you live here. But when you want to go home tell me and I will make it happen.”
 
“I don’t want to go back until she promises me that she won’t let another man in the house,” Ray said. “I overheard Gil talking about Stetler and how he vanished. But I don’t want anyone else around.”
 
Horatio bit his lip to keep from laughing. He knew that his young nephew wouldn’t understand the reason his mother wanted to have a man around the house and figured that Ray was going to be with him for a long time. “You have a home here with me and Greg for as long as you want, Ray,” he said. “And I know your mother will let you do what’s best for you, okay?”
 
“Okay,” Ray said. “Is Uncle Greg home?”
 
“I think so,” Horatio said. “Why don’t you run ahead and find out.” He watched his nephew run off and sighed. Horatio knew he hadn’t done anyone any favors when he killed Stetler but he’d be damned if he let another person, and that included Yelina, hurt Ray.
********************
 
“Hey Eric, come here for a minute,” Speed called when he sensed his human in their house.
 
“What’s up?” Eric asked.
 
“It’s time,” Speed replied. “Gil wants me to try and blend tonight.”
 
Eric sat down against his dragon. “But I haven’t seen any mood swings, you haven’t been more possessive of me,” he said. “You’ve just been you, Tim.”
 
“I know and the only thing I can think of is that I wasn’t really inclined towards anger or other severe mood swings before I Changed and that’s having an effect here,” Speed said. “The only thing I’m positive of is that I’ll kill anyone who dares to touch you, Eric.”
 
“I know,” Eric said. “Speed, Calleigh and I pulled the Stetler disappearance.”
 
“And?”
 
“He’s got a lot of dirt on Horatio,” Eric sighed. “I don’t know how much of it is true but did you know that H stays in touch with every child victim even after they grow up and has actually helped a couple of them relocate when they needed to?”
 
“Yeah,” Speed said. “You have to remember that H and I were lovers, Eric. I’ve talked with a couple of those kids. Horatio knows what they lost and he wants to help them as much as he can. And if that’s all Stetler had on him then I’m not worried. Everyone will see Horatio for the kind hearted Lieutenant he is.”
 
Eric smiled and kissed Speed. “I forget how smart you actually are,” he said. “I guess I’m still just kinda jumpy because of everything that’s happened. Yelina came by four separate times while we were working to see what was going on.”
 
“I think she cares more about her missing boyfriend than she does her son,” Speed said. “It’s a good thing Horatio is going for full custody of him even though she’s letting Ray stay here for the summer.”
 
“It could kill their relationship,” Eric pointed out.
 
“Yelina was convinced that Horatio was in love with her and it was only a matter of time before he asked her out,” Speed snorted. “But speaking of Ray, did you hear what he and Nicky did today?”
 
“Yeah,” Eric laughed. “We’re going to have to be careful teaching Ray chemistry and other sciences. He could easily get ahead of his classmates.”
 
“So we home school him,” Speed said. “Or skip him a grade or two.”
 
“It didn’t help your social skills any, Speed,” Horatio said softly from behind the pair. “So I don’t think we’ll do that.”
 
“Don’t you know not to sneak up on people, H?”
 
“I do,” Horatio replied. He smiled at his friends. “But Gil wanted me to tell you its time.”
********************
 
Both Speed and Eric knew what to expect and also knew that the final meeting with Gil was a formality. Eric spent a couple minutes convincing Speed that any of the chemicals or other bacteria that were in the ocean wouldn’t hurt a dragon and it was the safest place for him to be, especially with his scales. Speed grumbled and pointed out that Horatio managed a full Change on the beach safely without problem and he didn’t see why he had to go into the water if he didn’t have to. Eric finally solved the problem by pulling Speed to him and kissing him gently. He let his dragon take the lead in the kiss and started moving them slowly towards the water line. When he thought Speed would notice the wet sand under his feet, Eric slid a hand into Speed’s shorts and wrapped his hand around the hot hardness he found there, swallowing the moan and toppled them both into the shallows.
 
“That was a dirty trick, Delko,” Speed grumbled.
 
“It worked, didn’t it?” Eric grinned. He kissed Speed again. “So get to it, Speedle; I want to see you in true form again.”
 
“Demanding human, aren’t you?” Speed swam out towards where Gil usually sat to think and turned back towards the shore. His sharper eyes could make out Grissom’s outline at the door to his house. Speed took a deep breath and Changed, the water buffering his body and he had to use his wings for balance. He turned when he felt Eric climb up on his back.
 
“You know, if you had an eyebrow I think it would have gone up right there,” Eric laughed. “This is one of the few times I get to be on top, Speed.”
 
Speed used his nose to flip some water back and drenched his human. Eric started laughing so hard he rolled back into the ocean and surfaced with a sputter. “When did you get so playful?” he asked.
 
Speed snorted and Changed back. “When I bonded with you,” he replied. “I don’t feel any different, Eric. I don’t think it worked.”
 
“We’ll have to see what Gil says in the morning,” Eric said. “Right now I just want to spend some time with you.”
 
“After we shower,” Speed said firmly. “I love you but we are not getting into bed with all this crap on us.”
********************
 
Nick came up behind Gil and wrapped his arms around his dragon. “What are you thinking about, Gil?”
 
“The community,” Gil replied. “How we really have become a family. You were right, Nicky.”
 
“I’m always right,” Nick said. He laughed as his dragon spun around and kissed him soundly. “Okay, not always but if it gets that reaction out of you then I’ll keep claiming it.”
 
“You do that, Nicky,” Gil murmured. “You do that.”

 

Horatio followed Speed and Eric into the scene and looked around. Alexx was already taking care of the victim and Frank was off talking with a witness. He slipped off his sunglasses and took a closer look using all his senses; something wasn’t right but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
 
“H,” Eric said softly. “Something’s wrong with Speed.”
 
Speed was standing in the doorway, his eyes moving but neither Eric nor Horatio could see what he was watching. Horatio moved towards Alexx and left Eric to take care of his dragon.

***There was a knock on the door and the young victim went to answer it. She checked through the peephole before opening the door to a man a little over six feet tall with dark brown hair, brown eyes; wearing a gray suit not unlike those Horatio lived in with a white shirt and no tie. The victim had smiled and stepped back; she obviously knew the man and welcomed him into her home. They had supper and then moved to the living room and the sofa where the evening took a romantic turn. The couple moved from the couch down the hall towards the back of the house.***
 
Eric followed his dragon as Speed walked through the scene towards the hallway off to the left. He turned and raised an eyebrow at Horatio who motioned for him to stay with Speed and he’d join them as soon as he could.
 
***The couple was on the bed but there was a man in the bushes outside the window. He slipped the latch and entered the bedroom, striking the man on the head and chasing the victim out and back down the hall. Then he returned and took the man with him, leaving the same way he entered.***
 
“That window,” Speed said, speaking for the first time. “That’s how our killer came and left.”
 
“How do you know, Speed?” Horatio asked from the doorway. “We’re alone; Alexx has gone back to the morgue and Frank is still outside. How do you know?”
 
“Because I just saw it,” Speed replied. “I saw our victim let her boyfriend in last night, they were in here when another guy came in, killed her and took the boyfriend.”
 
“Okay, Speed, okay,” Horatio said. “Let’s get the scene processed as quickly as we can, please. I’ll go and check with Frank about a boyfriend or lover. And then I’m going to call Gil.”
 
Speed turned. “Do you think my talent has manifested?”
 
“I don’t know, Tim,” Horatio said. “I don’t know but it would be a good tool for us if it has.”
 
“I’ll keep an eye on him, H,” Eric said.
 
“Thank you.” Horatio slipped on his sunglasses and made his way out into the sunshine. “Frank, was there a boyfriend?”
 
“The neighbors say there was a car here on a pretty regular basis,” Frank replied. “I got a description of the guy, figured we might want to talk with him about what happened here.”
 
“Yes we do,” Horatio said. “I don’t know exactly what happened in that house, Frank, but we need to find the answers soon.”
********************
 
Gil was reading on his back deck and watching Ray as he swam just past the breaker line. “Horatio, this is an odd time for you to be home,” he said.
 
“I suppose there really is no way to sneak up on another dragon,” Horatio said with a small smile. “Gil, I think Tim’s talent has chosen to poke its head up.”
 
“What’s he got?”
 
“Well, it’s interesting because he said he saw everything from our homicide this morning,” Horatio said. “I got the feeling he was talking about watching it like it was a movie. Is that even possible?”
 
“There are reports of psychics being able to see the impressions left behind by violent acts,” Gil replied. “But I don’t know about this. We might just have to test him over the next few weeks and see what happens. Who was with him when it happened?”
 
“Eric, Alexx and myself,” Horatio sighed. “And Alexx will keep quiet about it. We were lucky that our detective was outside and not with us in the scene when Speed told me what he’d seen.”
 
Gil sighed. “As much as I hate to dump more on Mandy, especially right now, I think I’ll have to give her a call. She’s really good at finding the information we need.”
 
“That she is,” Horatio said. He looked up with a smile. “Did you have a good swim, Ray?”
 
“Yep,” Ray replied. “Gil is going to take me on a field trip in a bit to learn about some bugs out in the glades.”
 
“Why do I think I have an entomologist in the family?” Horatio asked with a fond glance at his nephew. “Go shower and get ready, Ray. I need to talk business with Gil for a minute, okay?”
 
“Sure, I’ll see you tonight, Uncle Horatio.”
 
“He’s such a good kid,” Gil said. “We’re not going anywhere near where you’re thinking so put that thought out of your mind.”
 
Horatio sighed. “I guess I’m just antsy because nothing has been called in yet,” he said. “And I almost wish it were over.”
 
“He’ll be found,” Gil said. “But I don’t want to think about what Yelina’s reaction is going to be. Oh, how is Speed doing on those codes?”
 
“Not good; the only thing they can think of is gang symbols and no one, not even Yelina, is stupid enough to think I’m mixed up with a gang,” Horatio snorted. “We might just have to leave it and hope no one who knows the truth reads it.”
 
“Horatio, when have we ever had that kind of luck?” Gil asked.
********************
 
He was back in the lab when his phone rang. “Caine.”
 
“H, it’s Mac; we’ve got a problem.”
 
“What’s wrong?”
 
“Ryan just Changed and it was to save Lindsay,” Mac said. “We’re going to get things worked out but I just wanted to let you know what was going on.”
 
“So it’s a reverse Eric situation,” Horatio said. “Do you need any help?”
 
Mac sighed and Horatio could almost see him running his hand through his hair. “I don’t think so. These two have become really good friends since they started working together and I’m hoping they’ll understand what’s going on.”
 
“Keep me posted, please,” Horatio said. “I’ll fill Gil in tonight when I get home. He and Ray are out bug collecting at the moment and I don’t want to bother them. The news on our end is that Speed seems to be showing his talent.”
 
“What is it?”
 
Horatio checked to make sure he was alone. “Well, it’s weird, Mac,” he said. “Tim told me he could see what happened at our crime scene like he was watching a movie. Have you ever heard about anything like this before?”
 
“Nope,” Mac said. “But I bet Mandy has. Is someone going to give her a call? She’s already at the library doing research; I bet she’d love one more puzzle to solve.”
 
“Gil said he would,” Horatio said. “Right now we’re trying to find the evidence to back what Speed saw. I think this talent will be a two edge blade.”
 
“Right; he’ll know what happened but no judge or jury will take his word for it,” Mac said. “So you have to find the evidence to prove the case.”
 
“And with him already knowing who did it it could narrow down his view when he’s working,” Horatio said. “I dunno, Mac; maybe it would be easier if we just outlawed the use of talents at work.”
 
Mac laughed. “Like you and Gibbs could turn off your lie radar,” he said. “I’ve got to run; H; Danny and I need to get this done and our newest community members home. I’ll give you a call in a day or so.”
 
“Take care, Mac.” Horatio put his phone down and turned to Speed. “Ryan Changed, Tim.”
 
“That’s great,” Speed grinned.
 
“To save a young woman named Lindsay,” Horatio finished.
 
“Oh boy,” Speed said. “That sounds familiar. Eric and I can go up and talk with them.”
 
“Mac and Gibbs know,” Horatio said. “What do you have for me?”
 
“The victim’s boyfriend was just found in a hotel across town,” Speed replied. “He was stabbed and moved into the room. Eric and I are on our way over to see what evidence our suspect left behind.”
 
“How do you know he was moved?”
 
Speed snorted. “Frank called me,” he said. “He told me there’s little to no blood in the room. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out.”
 
“No it doesn’t,” Horatio smiled. “Find me when you get back, please. I’ll go see what Alexx has found.”

“Alexx, what can you tell me about our victim?” Horatio asked as he tucked his cell phone back into the inner pocket of his black suit jacket.
 
“She was hit in the back of the head with something, Horatio,” Alexx replied. “Whoever did this either got lucky or knew exactly where he needed to aim because there’s only the one blow and nothing in the wound to indicate what it was. Give me some time and I’ll narrow it down for you.”
 
“Thank you, what else?”
 
“She was in good health, fit and too young to die,” Alexx said. “I heard the boyfriend was found. I’ll have more for you later.”
 
Horatio smiled. “You always do, Alexx,” he said.
 
“Now I have a question for you; is Timmy okay?”
 
“He’s going to be fine, Alexx,” Horatio said. “There are certain things that are going to be happening to him now, things that he has to adapt to and it’ll just take time. But we’re watching him and he’ll be fine.”
 
She looked up at him with narrowed eyes. “I think I’m going to finally have to ask for a more detailed explanation of all this, Horatio,” Alexx said. “Because Calleigh and I have both been noticing things and are getting worried. And Sugar, if we’re noticing you can be sure other people are too.”
 
“Let me check with Gil and I’ll get back to you,” Horatio said. “Thank you, Alexx.”
********************
 
“Horatio!”
 
“Yelina,” Horatio said.
 
“They found a body in the glades,” Yelina said. “What if it’s Rick?”
 
“Has a team been sent out?” Horatio asked.
 
“Nick and Warrick went out with one of the detectives,” Yelina replied. “Horatio, I’ve been so sure that he’s still alive and is going to come back to me. What if it is Rick? What if someone killed him and dumped his body out there to rot?”
 
The red dragon sighed. “Then my team will find the answers,” he said. “I’ll check in with them when they get back to the lab. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and see how the DNA samples from my double homicide are coming.”
 
“Will you come with me when the body gets here?” Yelina asked.
 
“If I can,” Horatio said. “If I can.”
********************
 
It had taken some effort on his part but Greg soon had all the things in the DNA lab that he considered essential to his job. That included the extra computer monitor on his main computer so he didn’t have people leaning over his shoulder while he typed up his results; a multi-disc CD player with four speakers spread throughout the lab for optimum sound and pictures hung up around his desk.
 
Horatio paused across the hall and just watched for a moment. No matter how many times he saw it he never tired of watching his human dance around the DNA lab while working on evidence. He’d wondered how Greg could manage to keep every little move in line as he replicated and worked with the DNA but, as he got to know his human, realized that Greg bopped through his whole life, not just around the lab in time to the music. There was a natural rhythm to his walk, his speech, and his movements that spoke of a deeper, underlying music that only he could hear. Horatio found it adorable. He grinned and moved into the lab, only just missing his human’s body as it sashayed past.
 
“Greg,” he said softly.
 
“Hey H,” Greg replied. “I felt you watching me. I’ve got your samples in the analyzer right now and should have something for you in a few hours.”
 
“That’s fine, Greg,” Horatio said. He moved closer to his human and lowered his voice. “And I’d like to watch you tonight, you on our bed lost in pleasure; my collar around your neck marking you as mine.”
 
Greg looked around and saw nothing pressing in the lab. “I think I need to take a break,” he said. “Gil’s office in five minutes?”
 
“Yes.” Horatio smiled and left the DNA lab. He knew it was risky to take the break with his human but, as he was working the case with Speed, he also knew that his fellow dragon would understand.
 
Using his key Horatio unlocked Gil’s office and walked in, shutting the door behind him. He would never get used to the bugs that adorned the walls but it served to keep others out of the lab. All the community members had heard talk about the ‘crazy bugman’ in the lab. Gil just basked in the comments and seemed to take great pride in enhancing that odd-ball reputation as often as he possibly could.
 
“You never saw the dead pig in a jar,” Greg said as he shut and locked the door behind him. “Gil called it Miss Piggy.”
 
“What happened to it?”
 
“He gave it to Catherine when she got promoted to supervisor,” Greg replied. He pulled off his blue t-shirt and eyed his dragon. “What do you do to make yourself look so hot every single day, H?”
 
“You’re biased,” Horatio smirked. He grabbed Greg and pulled him in for a soft kiss. They both knew they had to be careful not to leave any physical signs of sexual activity while they were at work. Greg moaned softly and tilted his head, tongue snaking out to taste his dragon. Horatio tangled his hands in his human’s soft blonde hair and held him in place. “Are you going to re-dye your hair?”
 
“I thought about cutting it,” Greg said. He reached to unbutton Horatio’s lime green shirt. “But then you wouldn’t be able to run your hands through it like you love to do so I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just let it grow longer and then talk with Abby.”
 
Horatio grinned. “If you were the dragon instead of me, Greg, I’d swear you’d bond with Abby,” he said. “Now come here.”
 
The dragons had put a couple of camping pads in the office so they didn’t have to lie on the cold cement floor when they wanted to spend personal time with their human and Horatio only hoped no one ever found the things and ran any tests on them. They also kept a stash of lube in the desk and while Greg finished stripping and settled himself on two of the pads Horatio grabbed one of the tubes and pushed off his suit pants and boxers.
 
Greg moaned as Horatio’s body covered his own, pushing him down into the pads; mouth claiming as two slick fingers worked to spread some of the lube around to enhance their pleasure. “Now, H.”
 
“I love you, Greg,” Horatio whispered as he thrust forward, catching Greg’s cry in his mouth. “Pretend we’re at home, love, and Ray is asleep just down the hall.” He started thrusting, knowing that they didn’t have much time, and that both of them would be needed shortly in the lab. Greg pushed up on his elbows and caught Horatio’s mouth in another kiss, melding it into another and another so he wouldn’t make any noise; the lack of air making both human and dragon light-headed. It was Greg who snaked an arm between them to jerk himself off, the contractions of his ass carrying Horatio into his own climax.
 
“What did Yelina want?” Greg asked when they were getting dressed.
 
“How did you know I spoke with her?”
 
“She asked me where you were,” Greg said. “I refrained from pointing out that I’m not your keeper or a traffic director. So, what’s up?”
 
“I think they found Stetler,” Horatio sighed. “Nicky and Warrick are out there now and we should know soon. She was upset, Greg, and didn’t even ask about Ray.”
 
“What are you going to tell her when the summer is up?”
 
“I don’t know but he’s not going back to her,” Horatio said. “Hell, we’ve been teaching him so much that there’s no way he can go back to school and learn anything. I suppose I need to check with the county about home schooling him.”
 
Greg opened the door and looked out. “It’s clear,” he said. “So I guess I’ll see you later when you come by for your DNA samples.”
 
“Until later,” Horatio almost purred.
********************
 
Nick looked over at Warrick. “So you think this is it?”
 
“Body dump in the glades, sure sounds like,” Warrick replied. “I’m just glad we pulled it instead of Calleigh and that new girl. Y’know, Nicky, I really hope there’s not enough left of that bastard to identify.”
 
“Hang on, Stokes.”
 
“Nicky, where are you guys?” Horatio asked.
 
“Just pulling into the scene now,” Nick replied. “I’ll give you a buzz as soon as we get something definite. Have you seen your sister-in-law?”
 
“I have; she already believes that the body is Stetler and is upset about it.”
 
“We could be wrong; this could be some innocent sap who was out fishing and died,” Nick said.
 
Horatio laughed. “I love your attitude, Nick,” he said. “Keep me posted.”
 
“I will.” Nick tucked his phone away and turned to his friend. “So Yelina has already been to the lab about this and we haven’t even started on the crime scene.”
 
“Calleigh did comment they were a lot more fanciful down here,” Warrick grinned. “And I’m starting to believe she’s right. Oh, dude, that’s nasty.”
 
“Looks like we’ll have some work for Greggo when we get back,” Nick said as he looked down at what only vaguely resembled a human torso. “I think the gators have been busy out here.”
 
Warrick sighed. “I think you’re right,” he said. “Well, lets get to work.”

 

Eric followed Frank and Speed into the newest crime scene of their case and looked around. It was a hotel room, just like any other motel room that cost under fifty dollars a night. The body was lying on the bed, still dressed, but missing shoes and socks.
 
“Frank, do we know anything?” Eric asked.
 
“Nope, but now that you guys are in here I’ll go check with the manager and desk clerk to see what they can tell me,” Frank replied. “Hell, hotel like this I doubt they’ll remember anything but maybe I’ll get lucky.”
 
“Bound to happen one of these days,” Eric grinned. He watched the door close and leaned over so only Speed would hear his next words. “What do you see, Tim?”
 
“Our suspect is a male, roughly mid-40s with blond hair, green eyes and a scar running along his left cheek,” Speed replied. “He’s wearing a black t-shirt and jeans with brown cowboy boots and has a gold crest ring on his left ring finger.”
 
“It’s too bad we can’t admit that in court,” Eric sighed. “Because you’d be the perfect witness.”
 
Speed snorted and lifted his camera. “Yeah, sure Delko,” he said. “I’m sure the jury would just lap up that I see our suspects in visions or whatever the hell these things are.”
 
“I think H is worried about you,” Eric said. “This is the most detailed of any of the talents and I think he thinks it could lead to problems.”
 
“And I understand his concern,” Speed said. “We need to talk with everyone tonight and I’m going to try and ignore this crap when I’m working because it’s only going to cause problems in the long run.”
 
“Oh I don’t know, it would be nice to know we have the right person the first time around when questioning suspects,” Eric said.
 
“And what if we don’t have the physical evidence to hold them?” Speed asked. “We can’t detain anyone on my word alone and I doubt H would even want to try. Humans aren’t supposed to know the future.”
 
Eric ran his hand up Speed’s arm. “But you’re not human, Speed,” he said. “And this isn’t the future, this is the past and everyone knows what happens in the past.”
 
“Ha, ha, Delko,” Speed said. “Come on, let’s get to work so we can get back to the lab and see what Horatio’s come up with.”
 
“I think that’s a good idea only I’m dragging you off to the nearest closet,” Eric said. “Because you’re way too tense and that’s not a good thing.”
********************
 
Gil and Ray were working on how to preserve the bugs when Gil’s cell phone rang. He pulled off his glove and picked it up. “What’s wrong, Horatio?”
 
“I think they found him, Gil,” Horatio replied. “We’re waiting on Nicky and Warrick to get back to the lab to know for sure.”
 
“Do you need me to come join you?”
 
“No, Yelina’s here and I don’t think it would be good for Ray,” Horatio said. “She’s so focused on Stetler and her feelings that I don’t know that she’d even notice he was here. I just wanted to let you know.”
 
“Thanks,” Gil said. “I’ll talk to Nicky and find out what’s going on. I’ll call you if he tells me anything important. On a much lighter note, Ray is a natural entomologist.”
 
“Tell him I can’t wait to see his new bug collection,” Horatio said with a smile in his voice. “And that I’ll be home in time for us to cook dinner tonight.”
 
“I will.” Gil flipped the phone closed and looked over at his young student. “Your uncle wants to see your work, Ray.”
 
Ray grinned. “Do you think he’ll like it?”
 
“I do; I think he’ll be very proud,” Gil replied. “I need to talk with Nick for a few minutes, Ray, would you keep an eye on me in case I lose track of things, please?”
 
“Sure Gil,” Ray said. He put down his tools and sat up straighter, obviously pleased to be trusted with such an important task.
 
Gil ruffled Ray’s hair and then focused on the bond he held with Nicky.
 
*What’s up, Gil*
 
*Is it Stetler* Gil asked.
 
*No head, hands or feet left for us to be sure* Nick replied. *This is a mess, Gil; the critters out here really did a number on him. I doubt Alexx will be able to determine a cause of death*
 
*Which lets us off the hook of creating a viable story* Gil said. *That’s one less problem I have to deal with. How close are you guys to going back in*
 
*Half an hour; Alexx has already transported the remains and we’re combing through the grass and, shit*
 
*Nicky* Gil demanded at the shocked tone that echoed down to his bones.
 
*It was a gator, Gil. He just swam by and was huge* Nick said. *Our officer is standing watch with a shot gun so don’t worry, we’re fine. I’ll see you tonight. Love you*
 
*I love you too, Nicky* Gil said. He blinked a few times. “Okay, Ray, where’s our next subject?”
********************
 
Horatio was waiting in the autopsy theater when Alexx arrived with their latest victim. “I don’t know, Horatio,” she said softly. “He’s been mauled and there’s not much left. I think I’m going to have to ask Greg to do most of the work on this one.”
 
“Will you be able to determine cause of death, Alexx?”
 
“It’s hard to say, Horatio, but I’ll do my best,” Alexx replied. “Will you keep Yelina out of here while I’m working? This isn’t something she needs to see. Not until we know for sure.”
 
“I’ll do what I can but she’s upset with me right now,” Horatio said.
 
“Then do I need to have a talk with her?”
 
“It’ll be fine, Alexx,” Horatio smiled. “Would you like me to take the sample to DNA for you?”
 
She looked up at him slyly. “Why not, it’ll save one of my boys the trip and you can see Greg,” she said. “And what about what we talked about earlier?”
 
“It’s a good thing I’m a CSI, Alexx, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to follow that last sentence,” Horatio said. “I’ll have to talk with Gil and the others before I give you an answer but I think it’ll be yes.”
 
“Horatio, I trust you to take care of this team and your family,” Alexx said. “But I’m seeing things that worry me, both as a doctor and a mother and I need to know the truth.”
 
“The truth is that Tim will be fine in a day or two,” Horatio said softly. “This recent event wasn’t something he can initially control but it won’t be hard to learn. I’ve been through it and speak from experience.”
 
“Just promise me you’ll talk with Dr. Grissom tonight, Horatio,” Alexx insisted. “And let me know tomorrow.”
 
“And Calleigh too,” Horatio smiled. “And Calleigh too.”

 

Calleigh and Alexx walked around the light blue house to the beach and paused. “I didn’t know they were all going to be here,” Calleigh said softly.
 
“We all live here, Cal,” Speed replied. “Come on up and join the family.”
 
The two women made their way onto the deck and found not only Horatio, Speed, and Eric but also Gil, Nick, Warrick, Jim, Greg, and Ray Jr. all sitting around finishing up what looked to be a supper meeting. “I’ll ask you again, Horatio,” Alexx said as she sat down. “What exactly is going on here?”
 
“It’s a story that goes back several hundred years,” Nick answered. “Alexx, I know you saw Speed when he made his first Change and we explained a few things then. But you’ve been noticing more so I guess we have to tell you guys everything.”
 
Gil leaned forward. “This isn’t a decision we made lightly,” he said. “And ultimately it was my choice. But I believe that you both are smart ladies who care deeply for you friends at the lab and deserve to know the truth. Horatio, Jim, Speed?”
 
“What’s going on?” Calleigh asked as the four men made their way down onto the beach and separated; going to stand in front of their houses. “Oh my lord!”
 
“Come on, Ray, let’s go climb on Horatio,” Greg said and the pair went running towards the bright red dragon. They climbed up on his back and settled against his neck. “No throwing us off, H,” Greg said.
 
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Horatio rumbled fondly.
 
“You’re cool, Uncle Horatio,” Ray exclaimed.
 
“Ladies, we can’t stay like this long, it’ll call too much attention, but if you want to come down and touch us you can.”
 
“You’re, you’re dragons,” Calleigh stammered.
 
“Yeah,” Warrick said. He took Calleigh’s hand and led her towards the silver dragon. “But they don’t bite. Jim’s a pussy cat.”
 
“Remind me to bite you later,” Jim muttered. He lowered his head and looked at Calleigh. “We’re real.”
 
Alexx made her way towards Speed with Eric. “Look at my baby,” she said. She reached out and ran a hand down his neck. “Timmy, you’re so handsome.”
 
“Greg,” Horatio said softly.
 
“Right, come on Ray.” The pair slid down so Horatio could Change back to human form. Gil did the same and they joined the others around Speed and Jim.
 
“Now you understand why we couldn’t talk about this at the lab,” Horatio said.
 
“All those notes Stetler had,” Calleigh said. “Did he know about this, H?”
 
“We don’t know,” Horatio said. “Come on, let’s move back so they can Change. We were worried about the wording in the notes Stetler had as they do refer to some very secret things about us that he shouldn’t have known.”
 
Gil took the glass of water Nick held out and handed it off to Calleigh. “Come and sit down, Calleigh, I know what a shock this is. I’m the alpha of this community and that means that all the others are under my care and that includes Ray. Now that you and Alexx know the truth you’re also members of the community and have that same care as well.”
 
“Who else knows?” Alexx asked. She sat next to Speed and Eric at the table.
 
“Dr. Al Robbins in Las Vegas is a de facto member as he’s an unchanged dragon,” Gil replied. “I don’t believe anyone else in Miami knows outside of you two.”
 
“Just like everything in this world, Alexx, where’s there’s good there’s evil,” Speed said. “And there are some really nasty folks out there who would like nothing better than to kill all us dragons for money.”
 
“Wait, only four of you went out on the beach,” Calleigh said. “What about Eric and the others?”
 
Nick smiled. “We’re the human bonded,” he said. “It’s the equivalent of marriage when a dragon Changes to save us. Gil and I are together and have been for the longest in this community.”
 
“Followed by Jim and Warrick,” Gil said. “At the time we believed we would remain in Vegas and have the community there but the hunters learned of our location and we were forced to leave. Horatio Changed to save Greg at a convention in Seattle.”
 
“And Timmy to save Eric from the shark,” Alexx said. “I knew I wasn’t seeing things but I just didn’t know how to believe what I had seen.”
 
“We were trying to keep you safe by keeping you out of our world,” Speed said.
 
Warrick looked up. “As far as we can tell the hunters haven’t worked out that we’re here in Miami although we’ve had some people show up that we’ve wondered about,” he said. “And there are other dragons up north in a community and they’re always on the look-out as well.”
 
“Do we know them?” Calleigh asked.
 
“Some of them, yes,” Horatio replied. “Mac Taylor, Jethro Gibbs, Ryan Wolfe and a young man named Don Flack. They’re spread out in two cities but are one community; Gibbs is the alpha up there.”
 
“This is a lot to take in,” Calleigh said. “And if I hadn’t seen it for myself I would’ve said you all were crazy.”
 
“That’s why we decided to Change and show you,” Speed said. “You’re a CSI Calleigh; you’re trained to believe the evidence.”
 
“So what does all this mean?” Alexx asked.
 
“It means that there are times we’re going to be weird,” Speed said.
 
“What do you mean going to be?” Calleigh asked.
 
“Cute, Cal,” Speed snorted. “Look, all dragons have a special gift or talent they can use in addition to the normal five senses. Gil and Nick can talk silently; Horatio can tell if anyone is lying to him.”
 
“That’s nothing new,” Calleigh commented. “Horatio’s always been able to do that.”
 
“True,” Horatio agreed. “But now my senses have sharpened a little.”
 
“Jim can tell if there is danger coming to our community,” Gil said. “But it’s a vague sense connected to a person, not necessarily seeing the future.”
 
“What about you, Timmy?” Alexx asked.
 
“Mine just developed a couple days ago and I’m still trying to figure out all the ins and outs of it,” Speed replied. “But it’s basically I can walk into any crime scene and watch what happened like it was a silent movie.”
 
Alexx and Calleigh glanced at each other. “You mean you can see the attack happen?” Calleigh finally asked.
 
“It’s more than that but like I said, it just developed so it’ll take a few days to settle.”
 
“But Timmy, it’s been months since you saved Eric,” Alexx said. “Shouldn’t have everything happened at once?”
 
Nick leaned forward. “No,” he said. “When a dragon Changes for the first time a bond with his human starts and has to be completed. Then there’s a six month window where things are still settling before a dragon has to do what is called a blend. Then once that is done the talent comes into play. And dragons live a lot longer than humans, even in this day and age. I wouldn’t be surprised to find these guys live roughly 150 to 200 years.”
 
“How do you explain that?” Alexx asked.
 
“We’ll move when they get close to retirement age,” Warrick said. “Probably to Europe where no one really knows us and spend the rest of the time in seclusion. We’ll write about our experiences and leave the books for the next generation of dragons who come along behind us.”
 
“What about kids?” Calleigh asked. She looked around at the stricken faces of her friends. “Well I thought dragons laid eggs.”
 
“Um, Calleigh, that’s only in movies and even then there has to be a female dragon involved,” Nick said. “And that’s not possible because of dragon genetics; only men are dragons, never women.”
 
“Well that’s sexist,” Calleigh snorted. “And you didn’t answer my question.”
 
Gil laughed. “There’s a very good chance that young Ray is an unchanged dragon who will one day find his human,” he said. “And there are two nice young women who have bonded with dragons in the NYDC community and I imagine there will be kids there soon enough.”
 
“Two women?” Warrick asked.
 
“That was the one thing we didn’t get a chance to cover,” Gil replied. “Ryan Changed to save a girl named Lindsay.”
 
“Wait, I thought Ryan was gay,” Calleigh said.
 
“So did he,” Speed said. “But it’s a reverse of what happened with Eric and me. He had never looked at a man before and we had some issues before everything settled down. If Mac calls and says Ryan is having trouble I have no doubt that we’ll be the ones to go up and talk with him.”
 
Eric leaned against Speed. “I look back at that now and wonder how I could have been so stupid,” he said.
 
“I love you too,” Speed said softly, wrapping his arm around his human.
 
Alexx grinned. “I’m so glad you two worked out all your problems,” she said. “It makes me happy to see my baby happy.”
 
“And you’ll kill me if I hurt him again,” Eric said.
 
“There is that,” Alexx agreed.
 
“Horatio, I’ll ask again, what does all this mean?” Calleigh asked. “It’s kind of hard to put into the slots in my mind; four of you can Change into dragons and the other four are bonded to you?”
 
“I think Mandy would be the best one to answer those questions,” Horatio said, his face flushing a little. “I’ll give her a call in the morning and see if she can come down for a visit any time soon.”
 
Ray looked over at his uncle. “Will we go surfing again?”
 
“You’ll have to ask your Uncle Greg about that,” Horatio smiled.
 
“Uncle Greg?”
 
“I don’t see why not, we just have to remember the umbrella so Horatio can hide under it again,” Greg replied.
 
“Horatio, can I talk to you alone for a minute,” Alexx asked.
 
“Sure.” He led her down onto the dark beach in front of his house, well away from the noise of the group gathered on Gil’s deck. “What’s up?”
 
“What’s going to happen if Yelina wants Ray back?” Alexx asked.
 
“As much as I doubt she will I’ve got documents filed to fight it,” Horatio replied with a small sigh. “We took him to the doctor the other day and found out that he has been beaten and not just by Stetler. I don’t know if Yelina ever touched him; I doubt it, but if she’s dating then her judgment has been impaired and I will not let him go back to that situation.”
 
Alexx looked back at the deck and saw Ray playing cards with Greg. “He’s certainly accepted everyone here with no problem,” she said. “And he’s a delight when he comes to stay with Peter and me.”
 
“He’s turning into a scientist,” Horatio said. “Gil’s taken him under his wing and is home-schooling him. Ray’s going to be into junior high level classes here soon.”
 
“That’s a good thing. Its possible school was holding him back,” Alexx said. “There are times I don’t think they know what they’re doing with our kids and it’s up to us to make sure the right decisions are made.”
 
“I never expected to be a father, Alexx,” Horatio said. “I’ve known I was gay since high school and was happy to be a doting uncle to Ray. But now that’s Greg’s job and I’m taking over the father position in Ray’s mind. It’s a little daunting but I love him.”
 
“Then there’s the key, Horatio,” Alexx said. “And I’ve seen you take care of so many kids, so many families that I know you won’t make mistakes. You are one of nature’s natural parents and more children should be blessed with men like you.”

 

It was Horatio who picked Mandy up at the airport and took her to the lab for the day. He knew that he was going to need help with Ray but he also wanted to let her work on a couple of small projects that would not only help Speed and Nick get caught up on their case work but help train Mandy as well.
 
“So what all has been happening down here, H?”
 
“Too much,” Horatio sighed. “We’re waiting on a DNA test to find out if Stetler’s been found. We told Alexx and Calleigh the truth about us and Ray wants to know more.”
 
“Hence the email,” Mandy smiled. “Honestly it couldn’t have come at a better time. Mac is acting like an angry father.”
 
“That’s unusual.”
 
“How much do you know about Sam and Dean?”
 
“Just what Mac told Gil,” Horatio said. “It sounds like you really went out on a limb with them. Was it worth it?”
 
She nodded. “I trust them, Horatio. Maybe I’m a young fool but Sam took a chance telling me the truth about what he and his brother do,” Mandy said. “And he was lucky that I’d run across it in my research otherwise I would have believed him mad.”
 
“Now this I didn’t hear about,” Horatio said. “What exactly do these young men do?”
 
Mandy took a deep breath. “They hunt the supernatural,” she said. “Ghosts, demons; pretty much anything that could possibly go bump in the night and hurt humans. It’s not an easy life and they’re likely to be killed young but they do it to help others.”
 
“Is there any chance I could meet them?” Horatio asked.
 
“Because you know if anyone is lying and you could put Mac’s mind at ease,” Mandy said.
 
“That too; I mainly wanted to see if they were crazy.”
 
“Horatio,” Mandy exclaimed.
 
“Sorry kiddo, it just seems a little strange.”
 
“And turning into a dragon isn’t?”
 
“Touché.”
********************
 
Mandy settled in at a computer and started inputting figures from a recent arson fire. Her interest in fire and arson investigation was no secret and it made her happy that her friends encouraged it.
 
“You’re on my computer,” a cold voice said from behind her.
 
“I’m sorry,” Mandy said knowing full well it was a lie because Horatio had told her the computer wasn’t in general use so she wouldn’t be disturbed. She didn’t turn around. “I’ll just be another minute.”
 
“Miss Boa Vista,” Horatio’s calm voice said softly. “I suggest you use the computer in your office and leave Mandy alone.”
 
“Oh, it’s um, it’s being updated and I can’t,” Natalia said.
 
“There are several computers you can use,” Horatio said.
 
“Its okay, H,” Mandy grinned. “I’m done. I’ll go hang with Greggo until its time to go home.”
 
Horatio smiled down at his young friend. “And call your boyfriend.”
 
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Mandy protested as she left the lab.
 
The red dragon watched her leave and turned back to their newest DNA tech. “Two pieces of advice, Miss Boa Vista,” he said not looking at her. “Mandy is a consultant here to help me with a case. Do not bother her again.” He turned slowly and made eye contact. “And do not lie to me again.”
 
“I didn’t.”
 
“Yes you did,” Horatio said. He slipped on his sunglasses. “I don’t appreciate it.”
 
He made his way out of the lab towards the DNA main lab where he knew his human would be working on some samples for Nick. “Greg?”
 
“Hey H,” Greg grinned. “So I got the results back and it’s not Stetler. CODIS kicked back a match to a missing gang member.”
 
“Well that will make Yelina happy although I almost hate to tell her,” Horatio sighed. “It’s just getting her hope up for nothing.”
 
“But what are we without hope?” Greg asked.
 
“In this case happier in the long run,” Horatio replied. “Greg, what do you know about your newest technician?”
 
“Boa Vista, not much,” Greg said. “She came highly recommended by the city and the directors put her in here. I didn’t have a lot of say in the process which kinda made me mad, you know, because I’m supposed to be the supervisor in here and they’re dumping people on me rather than letting me choose my staff and it makes it harder to work out the schedule because she’s only supposed to be working on cold cases and not touching anything fresh but she’s taking up space that we could be using to keep the back log down on current cases.”
 
“I wish we were at home,” Horatio said softly.
 
“Why?”
 
“Because I’d be able to kiss you to shut you up,” Horatio smiled. “I know you hate your job of traffic director but I’m going to go talk with Jim.”
 
“I’ll tell anyone who asks,” Greg said. “But I’m not volunteering the information.”
 
“Thank you.”
********************
 
“Jim,” Horatio said softly. “Can I talk to you outside for a minute?”
 
“Sure,” Jim replied. “What’s up?”
 
The both glanced around to make sure they weren’t overheard. “Do you feel anything?” Horatio asked.
 
“There’s a twinge in there but nothing I can put my finger on,” Jim said. “Why, what’s up?”
 
“The new DNA analyst,” Horatio said with a small sigh. “I put Mandy on an out of the way computer that no one touches to help with a couple of cases and Boa Vista went out of her way to basically tell Mandy to get out of the lab. And then she lied to me about her reasons.”
 
“It sounds to me like she’s been coached on us,” Jim said. “What did Greg say?”
 
“That she was forced on him,” Horatio said. “By the city and the directors. Now what does that say to you?”
 
“There’s someone who wants her here. I wonder why and what they’re planning.”
 
“I don’t know, Jim, I don’t know. But I don’t like it a bit.”
********************
 
Dean looked over when his brother’s cell phone rang. They were on the road heading south to look into reports of a violent spirit in Miami. He was a little disturbed when Sam smiled, dimple showing, and answered.
 
“Hey Amanda, how are you doing?” Sam asked.
 
“Wishing I was 21,” Mandy replied. “My father just found out that I gave you my phone number and I think there’s going to be trouble there. He sent me to some friends in Miami for a few days and, while I don’t mind being on the beach, I do wish I was at home.”
 
“That’s weird,” Sam said. “Because we’re about a day out.”
 
“That is weird. How’d it go with the werewolf?”
 
“Son of a bitch tried to bite Dean,” Sam said. “I only just managed to shoot it.”
 
“Is Dean all right?”
 
“Pissy as hell but fine,” Sam said. “Ouch, Dean! Big brothers, I tell you.”
 
“As bad as fathers,” Mandy laughed. “Tell you what, give me a call when you reach town and finish your hunt. My dad’s friend, Horatio, wants to meet you and promised that, if he likes you, he’ll call dad and tell him to back off.”
 
“Now that’s a request I don’t think I can turn down,” Sam said. “It shouldn’t be more than a day or two so I’ll give you a call. And I think Dean wants to talk to me so I should probably go before he hits me again.”
 
“Take care, Sam.”
 
“I will.” Sam put his phone away and turned to glare at his brother. “Dude, what?”
 
“You told her?” Dean asked. “After all the grief you gave me about Cassie you turn around and tell a perfect stranger what the hell we do?”
 
Sam snorted. “She believed me,” he said feeling a little smug about the fact. He knew that Cassie had broken up with Dean because she thought he was lying about hunting. But he didn’t rub it in because he also knew it was a sore spot with his brother. “And she’s having trouble with her father because of us.”
 
“Why, it’s not like you slept with her.”
 
“Dean, is your mind always in the gutter?” Sam asked. “She’s sixteen; of course her father is going to be touchy about us being around. He’s going to be concerned about our intentions.”
 
“And just what are your intentions, Sammy?”
 
“To be her friend and research partner,” Sam replied. “And we have a dinner date with her once the hunt is over. A friend of her dad’s is going to check us out and make sure we’re suitable to be around Mandy.”
 
“Great,” Dean muttered. “I still think we should run in the opposite direction.”
 
“There’s something going on, Dean,” Sam said. “Something to do with that book and the translation. And don’t you think it’s a little strange that I spend months trying to work out that blessing and she does it in two nights. There’s something she’s not telling us.”
 
“And you just have to know.”
 
“Yes, Dean, I do.”

Jim made his way into the lab and looked around finally spotting his human in the ballistics lab with Calleigh and Nick. “Hey guys, what’s going on?”
 
“Hey Jim,” Nick said. “Greg found a DNA match to the body in the glades and it wasn’t Stetler so we were hoping that Calleigh might be able to do something with the bullet Alexx found.”
 
“What’s up with you?” Warrick asked.
 
“Curiosity more than anything else,” Jim replied. “I’m trying to learn all I can about that new DNA gal, Boa Vista. Have you heard anything?”
 
Nick and Warrick exchanged a look. “Why do I have a feeling that Jim’s getting one of his feelings here?” Nick asked.
 
“Probably because he is,” Warrick sighed. “Tell us about it, Jim.”
 
“Okay, now I’m lost,” Calleigh said.
 
“It’s his talent, remember?” Nick asked. “He can tell if there’s danger or problems coming to our community.”
 
Calleigh grinned. “To tell you the truth, guys, I’m still trying to file away everything I learned that night and some of it might have slipped away,” she said. “But I’ll keep my ear to the ground for you, Jim. What do you want to know?”
 
“Anything I can,” he said. “It’s vague right now which means nothing is going to happen for a while but I’d rather be prepared than caught off guard. I’m going to go check in with the others. I’ll catch you later.”
 
“Bye,” Warrick said with a soft smile.
 
“So we have another problem in the lab,” Nick sighed. “Why does it seem like something is always happening here?”
 
“Because it is,” Calleigh said. “This is Miami after all.”
********************
 
“Manders,” Greg exclaimed when Mandy made her way into the DNA lab. “I’m so glad you’re in town.”
 
“I’m just glad someone is glad to see me,” Mandy grinned. She perched on one of the rolling stools Greg kept around. “What’s going on with you?”
 
“I want to redo my hair but don’t know what I want to do,” Greg said. “And you have such awesome taste I know you’ll be able to help me come up with some totally cool.”
 
“That Horatio can live with,” Mandy said. “Why don’t we bleach it to get rid of the red and purple and then pick out a couple of new colors for you to try?”
 
Greg smiled. “I’ve been wanting to shave the sides too, and maybe do a pattern in there but I’ve got this new position of responsibility and have to look somewhat presentable if I have to go to court,” he said. “Don’t grow up, Mandy, it totally sucks.”
 
“So I’m finding,” Mandy sighed.
 
“Okay, what’s wrong?” Greg asked. He sat down and rolled over to where Mandy was sitting almost sending both of them into the wall and it too a couple of minutes for them to calm down from the giggle attack the action inspired. “Come on, Manders, tell Greggo all about it.”
 
“I met this guy at the library in New York,” Mandy said. “He’s a hunter but not one of our hunters. He goes after the supernatural.”
 
“You’re kidding,” Greg exclaimed. “I’ve read about those guys. They totally rock! And you’ve met one of them? You so have to introduce me.”
 
“Thanks,” Mandy said. “Mac, Jethro and even Horatio are all out of joint over the fact that I gave Sam my email and cell number. I think they believe he’s a hunter hunter and after the communities.”
 
“Has Gibbs or H talked with him yet?”
 
“No, but Sam and his brother are in Miami and we’re going to meet up with them for dinner,” Mandy replied. “Horatio wants to be sure its safe for me to be around them.”
 
“Why wouldn’t it be? It sounds like he was totally honest with you about what he does and that’s more than I can say for most men,” Greg grinned. “Face it, we’re bastards.”
 
Mandy snickered. “No, that’s Gibbs,” she said. “But what am I going to do if they really are hunters, Greggo? What if they’re lying about what they do and all they want is to hurt you guys?”
 
“Hey, I think you have better instincts than that,” Greg said firmly. “You know what to look for, you’re the expert around here, remember? Now come on, let’s get my stuff taken care of so we can go and work on my hair.”
 
“You’re such a girl sometimes,” Mandy smiled.
 
“I’ll get you for that later,” Greg said. “And I think I’ll ask Ray to help. Oh, speaking of; he wants to go surfing again while you’re here. You up for that?”
 
“Definitely.”
********************
 
“So tell me again why we have to go to this dinner when we’re done here,” Dean said as they cleaned their guns. “Why can’t we just kill this son of a bitch and leave town?”
 
“Because Mandy’s in trouble and we’re the reason for it,” Sam replied. “Try taking a little responsibility in your life, Dean. Its one dinner and we’re not going to have to pay for it so relax.”
 
“You think we can convince Mandy we need to go somewhere they serve lobster?”
 
“Oh god, grow up, Dean,” Sam exclaimed. “And focus on the job for once.”
 
“It’s a simple salt and burn, Sammy,” Dean said. “So I’m going to plan out a nice dinner for once.”
 
Sam just rolled his eyes and went back to what he was doing. He just hoped that Dean would keep his mouth shut while they were at dinner so Mandy didn’t get into more trouble than she was already in.
********************
 
Horatio knew he was being followed. He’d gone to the beach for a crime scene and was walking towards the hotel when he first picked up that there was someone behind him. “Tim,” he said softly.
 
“I feel it too,” Speed replied. “Who do you think it is?”
 
“I don’t know,” Horatio said. “But we are going to find out. I want you to turn and go around the block. See if you can spot anyone who seems to be more intent on me than anything else around here.”
 
Speed snorted. “That’s saying something with all the girls in those things they call swimsuits.”
 
“Too true,” Horatio agreed with a smile. “Be careful, Speed. If it’s a hunter or spy.”
 
“I know, H, I know.”
 
The dragons separated, Speed turning like he was going back to the beach and Horatio continued along towards the hotel. He could still feel the eyes boring into his back and worked to stay calm and collected, acting like there was nothing wrong. Horatio ducked around a corner and paused, waiting, until someone followed him into the small alley. Then he pounced and pinned the man to the ground. “I need your help,” the man said.
 
“Raymond.”

Speed turned the corner just in time to see Horatio haul a familiar man to his feet and punch him hard enough to knock him back to the ground again. “H!” Speed called, jumping in-between them. “You’re glowing, calm down.”
 
“He betrayed his family,” Horatio growled. “And now he has the nerve to come back and ask for my help. After everything I did, all the pieces I picked up and put back together he just waltzes back in.”
 
“Horatio, go back to the Hummer and take a deep breath,” Speed said. “I’ll deal with this, I promise, and he’ll leave. I don’t know what’s going on but he’s not going to take what’s yours. Go call Gil and let him know what’s been happening and that he needs to close ranks at the house.”
 
The red dragon looked down at his brother. “My family is everything to me, Raymond,” he said softly. “But things have changed since you left and I don’t think you’re going to like what’s happened.”
 
Speed sighed. “You want to tell me what’s going on here?” he asked the younger Caine. “Because right now you’re lucky your brother didn’t kill you.”
 
“Horatio would never hurt me,” Raymond said.
 
“The old H wouldn’t hurt you,” Speed said. “But now I wouldn’t bet on it. And you’d better tell me the truth because I’m guessing no one knows that you’re here and I’m really good at hiding corpses if I have to.”
 
“I had to leave,” Raymond said. “I was made as a narc and they were going to kill me. I didn’t have any other choice but to vanish. But someone in my agency leaked that I’m still alive and the gang wants to finish the job. I need money to get out of the country and I wanted to take my family with me.”
 
“If all you want is money then you can be on a plane in an hour,” Speed snarled. “But you will never have custody of Ray again. He’s Horatio’s son now and there’s no way in hell you’re taking him away from that.”
 
“What? Is Yelina okay?” Raymond asked.
 
“She’s fine,” Speed replied. “I’ll even take you to her if you want but you will not be allowed to Ray. He’s just come out of his shell and I’m not going to let anyone push him back into it again. If you even try to come near him I will kill you; forget about what Horatio might do.”
 
“Why won’t Horatio talk to me?”
 
“You abandoned your wife and son,” Speed replied. “You also abandoned a young woman named Suzie, remember her? She had your daughter, Madison. We only found out about her too late to do anything, she had cancer. Suzie killed herself rather than live without her daughter. How many lives do you plan to destroy, Raymond?”
 
A small noise made Raymond turn and he found himself staring into the deep blue eyes he thought he knew so well; Horatio’s eyes, eyes that had been so caring his whole life. Now they were cold but with an amber glow behind them. Horatio folded his arms across his chest. “Do you know what happened to your son because you ran, Raymond?” he asked.
 
“What could happen to him? He was with his mother.”
 
“Wrong answer,” Horatio replied. He held out an envelope. “Yelina is at the police station working but she’ll be home around four. I suggest you attempt to make things right between you and then get out of town. I never want to see you again.”
********************
 
Mandy found Horatio on the beach after she helped Greg with his hair. He had to stay in the house while they waited for the dye to set and then they were going to style it and set up a mock date for him and Horatio; Mandy was going to take Ray to Gil’s for supper and a slumber party. “So, do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly.
 
“What?”
 
“Whatever has you in such a horrible mood that you’re going to ruin Greg’s surprise,” Mandy said with a small smile. “Nothing can shock me, Horatio. You don’t know everything about me but I’ve lived through a lot more than you guys all think I have.”
 
“My brother came back today,” Horatio said. “We were told he died years ago, killed in the line of duty. Yelina went to pieces but held on for Ray. And Ray had problems at school with kids picking on him, telling him that because his father was a dirty cop Ray was evil as well. And then there was Suzie. She was a drug addict whose real mistake was sleeping with my brother. Suzie was too ashamed to come and talk with me when her daughter, Raymond’s daughter, was sick with cancer. When Maddie died Suzie killed herself. The note said she didn’t want to live without her princess. I had them buried in the family plot close into Raymond’s empty grave. And then he comes waltzing back today obviously expecting everything to be fine.”
 
“He’s lucky you didn’t kill him,” Mandy said. “A dragon, especially an alpha or beta, can be quite lethal when protecting a hatchling from danger. Young Ray is yours now and you’ll react to danger around him as equally as you would a threat to Greggo.”
 
“My family has always been everything to me, Mandy,” Horatio sighed. “And now I had a chance of having it back and all I could think about was killing him.”
 
“I seem to recall a quote from a book I read not long ago that said we have to make a decision and make another because we cannot make a decision for an action that has already happened,” Mandy said.
 
Horatio snorted. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
 
“Okay, fine; what it actually said was make a decision, make another, remake one past you cannot,” Mandy said. “Just don’t tell anyone I’m a closet Star Wars fan, please.”
 
“I won’t,” Horatio said. “I told Raymond to go and talk with his wife. Do you think that was the right choice to make?”
 
“I think it was the only one you could make,” she said. “Now you need to go see to your human and send Ray out here. He and I have a hot date at Gil’s for scrabble and supper.”
********************
 
Horatio made his way into the kitchen and paused in the doorway. His human was dancing around cooking dinner but what drew Horatio’s attention was his hair. Greg’s hair was shorter, shaved at the sides with a small dragon above his left ear. The spikes were blond and red, a red that mirrored his scale color. “Greg,” he growled.
 
“Hey H,” Greg smiled. “Ray’s gone for the evening and I know you had a hard day at work so I made your favorite but it’ll reheat just fine. I have plans for you.”
 
“Your hair,” Horatio said. He was across the kitchen in three strides and had his human flush against his body. “What did you guys do?”
 
“Do you like it?” Greg asked.
 
“I love it,” Horatio replied with a smile. He ran his hands through the dyed spikes. “But I don’t love the gel you use in it.”
 
“Then we’ll just have to go shower,” Greg said. He leaned in and captured Horatio’s lips with his own. “We have all night.”
 
The red dragon made short work of his human’s shorts and spun Greg around so his weight was braced on the kitchen counter. He leaned in and started kissing Greg’s neck, sucking gently until there was a faint mark, as he undid his own slacks and stepped out of them. With a soft laugh he took the lube Greg pulled from one of the drawers and used it to slick his erection and then slid slowly into his human’s body. “I need you so bad, Greg,” he whispered as he started to thrust. “I need you.”
 
“I’m here, H,” Greg replied. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m never going to leave you.”
********************
 
Sam looked around the dark cemetery. “Are you sure this is where he’s buried?” he asked. “Because this looks awfully, well, deserted.”
 
“Sam, it’s a graveyard,” Dean replied. “Yes I’m sure and do you really want an audience while we’re doing this?”
 
“Of course not, but something’s not right,” Sam said.
 
“Sure, psychic-boy,” Dean said. “Get your ass in gear and move. I want to be done with this before anyone comes by and wonders what the hell we’re doing out here in the middle of the night.”
 
The younger Winchester bit back the retort that was on the tip of his tongue and picked up his shovel. He knew they had to dig up, salt and burn the corpse to stop the haunting but the hairs on the back of his neck were standing up. There was something seriously wrong with the whole situation and he needed to make Dean understand what was going on because it could be dangerous for them to get near the grave.
 
But neither of them noticed the symbol carved on the headstone.
********************
 
Greg moaned as Horatio plunged home again. They’d left the kitchen, detoured through the living room and office and were now in their bed and it seemed that his dragon wasn’t going to be sleeping any time soon. Greg thrust back against Horatio as much as he could in the rather awkward position they’d landed in, earning a growl from his dragon. Horatio’s thrusts were becoming more and more erratic and Greg reached around to stroke his own cock, determined to come with his dragon.
 
Once they were both panting Horatio rolled Greg over and looked down into his eyes. “Did I hurt you?” he asked.
 
“Of course not,” Greg replied with a smile. “But I think I need to sleep to recover a little. There’s still the bathroom and the back deck to go.”
 
Horatio laughed and buried his face in against Greg’s neck. “What would I do without you, Greg?” he asked.
 
“Wither away and die,” Greg replied. “And if your so-called brother shows up here looking for Ray he’s going to have to go through me to get him. My nephew isn’t going anywhere with that bastard.”
 
“Thank you, Greg,” Horatio whispered. They settled against each other and drifted off to sleep.
********************
 
Mandy had just put down the last tile in the word dissent when her cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” she said. “Hello?”
 
“Mandy? Hey, it’s Sam.”
 
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
 
“Dean and I kinda got caught and are in jail,” he replied. “Do you think you could help us out by calling a friend of ours? He’s out of state and the people here won’t let us make a long distance call.”
 
“Sam, don’t worry,” Mandy said. “I’ll be there in an hour and we’ll get this sorted out. I have some friends in high places in this city. Just relax and don’t do anything stupid.”
 
He snorted. “That would be Dean,” Sam said. “Just hurry, Mandy, I don’t know how long they’ll keep us here.”
 
“Not long if I have anything to do with it,” Mandy promised. She closed her phone with a sigh. “As if you guys didn’t have enough reasons,” she muttered.
 
“What is it, princess?” Nick asked.
 
“I’ll explain when we get home,” Mandy replied. She opened her phone again and dialed a familiar number. “H, it’s Mandy. I know you were planning to stay in tonight but I kinda need a favor and fast.”

Horatio looked at the arrest report and then over at Mandy. “They were digging up a grave?” he asked.
 
“Oh boy,” Mandy replied. “H, I told you what they do. I’m sure there’s a perfectly good reason for them to be out there like they were. Please talk to them before passing judgment.”
 
“I will,” Horatio said. “But I want you to go in and talk with them first. Let them know I’m here to help and that I will know if they lie to me.”
 
“Okay. Oh, and H; we’ve kinda been acting like Mac is my father,” Mandy said. “So if you could go along with it…”
 
“He certainly acts like it,” Horatio grinned. “That won’t be a problem, sweetie. Now go on and talk with them. I’ll meet you guys in the interrogation room, okay?”
 
“Thanks, H,” Mandy said. “I owe you one.”
 
“I’m just doing my job,” Horatio replied. He slipped on his sunglasses and made his way down the hall. He wasn’t sure what was going on with Mandy and the two young men she had befriended but Horatio was more than willing to help out anyone his friends cared about.
 
“Horatio.”
 
“Yes, Yelina?”
 
“Ray’s back,” she said. “He wants me to leave with him and go to South America.”
 
“What do you want to do?” Horatio asked.
 
“I don’t know,” she replied. “I mean, I’ve got my work and my mother is here but I’ve missed Ray so much and the thought of having him back makes me so happy.”
 
“Then you should do what your heart is telling you, Yelina,” Horatio said. “Did Raymond tell you that he also spoke with me?”
 
“He said you gave him the money to leave,” she said. “And that you were going to keep Ray Jr.”
 
“That’s true,” Horatio sighed. “Yelina, I took Ray to the doctor the other day and found out that he was badly abused over the past year. The lieutenant in me finds that punishable; the uncle unforgivable. I know you didn’t actually touch him but you did bring the men into your home and, from what I understand, didn’t listen to Ray when he tried to tell you what was going on.”
 
She sighed. “Maybe you’re right, Horatio,” she said. “Maybe Ray and I need a chance to get away together, alone, for a while and try to rebuild what we had. And I do feel better knowing that Ray Jr. is with you. I know you’ll keep him safe.”
 
“I will, Yelina,” Horatio said. “Tell you what, why don’t you take a leave of absence from the department and go to Brazil with Raymond? That way you’re not severing all ties with Miami and you’ll have something to come back to if things don’t work out.”
 
“Thanks, Horatio,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
 
“My family is everything to me, Yelina,” he said. “And we’re only a phone call away.”
********************
 
Mandy walked into the holding cell and found Sam sitting on the bench with his face buried in his hands. Dean was pacing around the room. Both looked over when the door shut behind her. “Mandy,” Sam smiled.
 
“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “But as I told you I have friends here in Miami, some are friends of my father’s, and I think we can get this worked out if you keep two things in mind.”
 
“Your dad’s a cop?” Dean asked.
 
“Yes, well, a crime scene investigator,” Mandy replied. “But he holds the rank of detective. Now, I got in touch with a Lieutenant Horatio Caine of the crime lab but he has a lot of influence here. Also I believe Detective Jim Brass will be in the room as well. But you guys have to tell the truth to them or they can’t help you. And Horatio will know if you’re lying.”
 
“Wait, Horatio; isn’t that the guy we were going to go out to dinner with?” Sam asked.
 
“Yep,” Mandy said. “Look, guys, I know you probably don’t like cops because hunters have to break a lot of laws but H and Jim can get you out of this if you trust me, trust them and tell the truth. There’s more to both of these guys than meets the eye.”
 
Sam and Dean looked at each other and shrugged at the same time. “It’s not like we’ve got a lot of choices here, Dean,” Sam said. “And I don’t think Mandy would lie to us about this. What’s the worst that could happen?”
 
“Oh, I don’t know, Sammy; we could end up in jail,” Dean replied. “I don’t see why we can’t just make up some sob story about why we were out there in the first place and get the hell out of here.”
 
Mandy sighed. “It won’t work, Dean,” she said. “And if you’re going to be like this I think it might be a good idea if Sam goes to talk with Horatio and Jim and you wait here. The truth is the only thing that will get you out of this. Now, I’m going to find the officer waiting to take you to the interrogation room and you guys decide what you’re going to do. Because we can’t help you if you lie.”
 
Dean stared at the door. “Are you sure she’s human?” he asked. “And why the hell is she going on about the truth like that?”
 
“I don’t know, Dean,” Sam said. “But yes, I’m sure she’s human; she’s just mature for her age. Look, I trust her and I’m not getting any bad feelings about this. Yeah, maybe we could lie our way out of this but if her dad’s a cop then he knows cops down here and they might have heard about us already. You know as well as I do that he doesn’t exactly like the fact that Mandy’s befriended us.”
 
“So why make more trouble for the kid?” Dean snorted. “Fine, Sammy, do whatever you have to do to get us out of here so we can finish the job, go to that dinner and then get the hell out of here.”
********************
 
Jim looked over at Horatio. “So what is it about these guys?” he asked. “Why is Mandy so dead set on defending them like this?”
 
“I don’t know, Jim,” Horatio replied. “I haven’t had a chance to call Mac and ask him about them, and I probably should, but with everything that’s happened over the past couple of days I’m feeling a little back-logged.”
 
“It’s a simple enough charge,” Jim said as he flipped through the folder. “I don’t see why it can’t be brought down to a fine and we can get them outta here. I’m willing to go off of the whole ‘any friend of Mandy’s is a friend of mine’ premise until I actually get a chance to meet them.”
 
“Thanks,” Mandy said softly as she slipped into the room. “H, I think Sammy is willing to work with you but his brother is another story. They’ll be here in a minute. Sam’s the taller of the pair with brown hair and Dean’s the older so I don’t know how much Sam’ll follow his lead in this.”
 
“Do they know about us?” Horatio asked.
 
“Not yet,” Mandy said. “But I’ve been debating telling them as they’re good at keeping secrets. I’m just waiting to hear back from Abby on a couple of things before I do. Gibbs got shot, again, but he was in true form protecting his human. The NYDC community is more or less in a lockdown until they figure out what to do about the dirt bag hunting them.”
 
Horatio and Jim glanced at each other. “Hunting?” Jim asked.
 
“Donnie figured it out,” Mandy replied. “They think the guy might actually be a hunter. Having Gibbs Change like he did certainly threw a wrench in the gears but Tony’s alive so I say that’s all that matters in the long run.”
 
“Now I really do have to give Mac a call,” Horatio said. “Jim, will you call Gil and fill him in, please? I know he’ll want to call Gibbs and see if there’s anything we can do to help them out.”
 
“Sure, Horatio,” Jim said. He left the room just as Sam and Dean were brought in.
 
Horatio nodded to the officer. “Thank you,” he said. “Will you wait outside, please?”
 
Mandy pulled out a chair and sat down across from Sam and Dean. Horatio stood behind her and studied the young men. They didn’t look anything like he had been expecting. Both were young, much younger than he’d originally thought, and he could see why Mac would be worried as they were both attractive as hell. And they looked back at him with certain defiance in their eyes that he’d seen far too many times from gang members. “Gentlemen,” he said softly, “my officers tell me you were found in a local cemetery digging up a grave tonight. Will you please tell me what you were doing out there and why you felt the need to do this?”
 
“Okay, this is going to sound crazy,” Sam started, ignoring a glare from his brother, “but there’s a spirit here in Miami that’s hurting people. We worked out who it is and the only way to stop it, him, permanently is to salt and burn his bones.”
 
“So you went out there tonight to open his grave and burn him,” Horatio said. “What happened?”
 
“We’re not sure,” Sam said. “One minute we’re digging and the next we’re on the ground with our hands cuffed. I didn’t like how the place felt though.”
 
Horatio stared at them for a moment. “I appreciate you telling me the truth,” he said. “Mandy, what do you think?”
 
“It sounds like there might be more research to do,” she said. “Can you pull the strings to get them out of here, H?”
 
Jim ducked back into the room. “Gil’s on the phone, Horatio,” he said. “It sounds like there’s going to be a trip in our future. Now what’s going on here?”
 
“Sam and Dean were just explaining what they were doing,” Horatio said. “And I think we need to not only get them out of here but help them out as best we can.”
 
“Okay, I’ll go see what their bail is set at,” Jim said. “I think we can probably cover it with no problem but you know the judge will want a guarantee.”
 
Horatio smiled. “I think we can manage that,” he said. “If these young men don’t mind staying on the beach for the next few days while they do their research.”
 
“What?” Dean asked speaking for the first time.
 
Mandy looked up at Horatio with a grin. “Do you mean that, H?”
 
“I don’t have the space but Jim does and so do Tim and Gil,” Horatio replied. “And then you can help them out too. All I ask is that you don’t involve my nephew in your research. I know you’re helping him with a class, Mandy, but I don’t want him to know that there are evil things in the world.”
 
Sam and Dean watched the red-haired lieutenant leave before turning back to Mandy. “Okay, what the hell just happened here?” Dean demanded.
 
“Jim and Horatio are going to post bail for you,” Mandy said. “And then you’ll come home with us. They live on the beach and, as they have to be able to assure the judge you’ll be here for your hearing, you’ll be a guest for a couple of days. But unless I’m very much mistaken you’ll have a couple of guards the next time you go out to the cemetery.”
********************
 
Gil looked over at Nick. “Will you go get Tim, Eric, Greg and Warrick please?” he asked. “We need to have a meeting as soon as Jim and Horatio get home.”
 
“Is there anything wrong?” Ray asked.
 
“I don’t know, Ray,” Gil replied. “But everything is fine here. It’s Mac and Jethro we need to talk to and make sure they’re okay.”
 
Ray yawned. “Do I have to stay up for the meeting?” he asked.
 
“No, not if you’re sleepy,” Gil replied. “We made up the guest room for you, Ray. You can go on up whenever you want.”
 
“Will you tell Uncle Horatio where I am?” Ray asked.
 
“Sure I will,” Gil said. “Good night.”
 
*Gil* Nick asked.
 
*Mandy told Jim that Gibbs was shot* Gil replied. *I’m going to call him here in a minute but if they need help then I want to be able to send a pair up as soon as possible*
 
*Okay* Nick said. *What about Mandy and her friends*
 
*I don’t know* Gil said. *They hadn’t been brought in while Jim was still in the room. I suppose we’ll find out as soon as they know something*
 
Nick snorted. *Do you ever feel like a military commander, Gil*
 
*I definitely feel like there’s more I could be doing* Gil said. *But I was never in the military so I don’t know about that. But if there is a war starting up with the hunters I suppose that’s as good an analogy as we’re going to get*
 
*At least Gibbs and Mac have served* Nick commented. *And maybe Jim; I’ve never been too sure about that*
 
*I don’t know if he did or not* Gil said. *We should ask. But other than him I don’t think anyone in our community has military service time*
 
*Do you think we’ll be going to war with the hunters* Nick asked.
 
*I really don’t know, Nicky my boy* Gil replied. *I really just don’t know*

 

Gil stood on his deck and watched the waves as they washed up on the beach. He wanted to be out in the water where he’d be able to think; think about everything that was happening in not only his community but NYDC as well and what it meant for all of them. But he couldn’t do it. Not with two young strangers coming to stay with them for a couple of days at the very least. Gil trusted Mandy’s judgment in most matters but he had to agree with Mac that she was acting very strange about the two young men. He sighed, maybe she was just finally coming out of the shell she wrapped herself in all the time and they all just had to accept it no matter how they felt.
 
“Hey,” Nick said softly coming up behind his dragon. “What are you thinking about?”
 
“The interwoven-ness of the communities,” Gil replied. “How much of this world is actually connected and how we need to work extra hard to help each other no matter how much Gibbs and I hate going into each other’s territory.”
 
“What is it Mac’s so fond of saying; everything’s connected?” Nick said. He wrapped his arms around Gil’s waist and rested his chin on Gil’s right shoulder. “I like it, Gil. I like knowing that there’s that connection with another community. That we have other resources to draw on and that will be there if we need them. Just like we’re here if they need us.”
 
“Historically, Nicky, what are the chances of communities linking like we have?” Gil asked.
 
“Not good,” Nick said. “There’s always been the problem of alphas fighting if they get into another territory. I don’t know why you and Gibbs just tend to piss each other off but I have a theory.”
 
Gil smirked. “Is it backed up by evidence?”
 
“Not everything has to be backed up by the evidence, Gil,” Nick replied with a fond smile. “At least not everything in our community. I think that, deep down, you and Gibbs respect the other, respect the fact that you’re moving into another dragon’s territory and that means that we’re able to work closer with them for the first time in history. And that also means we have a lot more resources than the hunters are anticipating.”
 
“That’s true,” Gil said. “I should ask Mandy how she’s doing on reading through everything we got from Peyton and if there’s anything we can use to our advantage.”
 
“Hey Gil,” Greg said softly, “Doc Robbins in on the phone and wants to talk with you.”
 
“There’s a call I wasn’t expecting,” Gil said. “Nicky, will you keep an eye out for our guests, please?”
 
“Sure,” Nick replied.
 
Gil made his way through the house and into his office where he had an extension of the house phone. “Albert?”
 
“Gil,” Doc Robbins said, “how have you been?”
 
“Way to busy to tell you about it over the phone,” Gil replied. “What can I do for you?”
 
“An old friend just got in touch with me,” Al said. “And he had a name of a young man who has been studying not only dragons but hunters in detail for some time. I thought I’d pass it on to you so you can tap into the new resource.”
 
“Anything you have would be great at this point,” Gil sighed. “Because we’re kind of floating right now and have actually just learned that there is more than one type of hunter out there. I’m starting to think that we might have to start referring to our hunters with a capital ‘H’ just to distinguish.”
 
“Other hunters?”

“Yeah, of ghosts of all things,” Gil said with a small laugh. “I didn’t want to believe it but Horatio interviewed them and said they’re telling the truth so now we get to try and work that information into our world-view.”
 
Al snorted. “I’m impressed, Gil. I never thought I’d see the day that you believe something without supporting evidence.”
 
“Have you been talking with Nicky?”
 
“Not recently,” Al replied. “Why?”
 
“Because he just said something very similar when we were talking about how our community has networked so closely with the NYDC community.”
 
“Well you do have a reputation, Gil,” Al said. “Now my other question is do you still think I should move out to Miami? I’ve been thinking its time to retire and let David take over here. He’s found the confidence that’s been missing for a while and I’m thinking I could turn everything over within the next six months to a year.”
 
“We’d love to have you here, Al,” Gil said. “And not just for your knowledge of the dragon world.”
 
“It’s nice to know I’m so loved,” Robbins laughed. “Gil, I’ve got to go, a body just came in. Here, let me give you that name and a location.”
********************
 
Nick was waiting out on the front porch when Horatio’s Hummer pulled into the driveway next door and four people got out. Nick grinned and walked over. “Hey Mandy,” he said. “Jim and Rick had to head up north to help Gibbs and they were wondering if you’d stay at their place until they get back.”
 
“Of course,” Mandy said with a smile. “Nick this is Dean and Sam Winchester; guys this is Nick Stokes.”
 
“It’s nice to meet you,” Nick smiled. “Come on in and have something to drink and we’ll work out where you’re sleeping.”
 
Sam frowned a little at that, wondering exactly what they had walked into but a glance at Mandy showed that she was perfectly relaxed so he shoved the thought to the back of his mind and followed them into the only house with lights on.
 
“H, Ray’s in the guest room,” Nick said. “And Greggo was around here somewhere.”
 
“Thanks, Nick,” Horatio replied. “I’ll go ahead and take Ray home. Have Gil give me a call if he needs anything and send Greg along if you see him, please.”
 
“See you in the morning, H,” Mandy said. “Come on, guys, the kitchen is this way. Nicky, is there anything we need to leave alone?”
 
“Not that I know of,” Nick said. “Gil’s on the phone but if you guys want to wait for him out on the back deck I don’t think he’ll be too much longer. Al called.”
 
“What did he need?” Mandy asked.
 
“I don’t know,” Nick replied. “But I’m hoping it’s not bad news. We’ve got enough going on as it is. Have you had a chance to talk with Sam and Dean yet?”
 
“Nope,” Mandy said. “I could start tonight, I suppose, but I think we’re all tired and should get some sleep.”
 
“True,” Nick agreed. “Jim said he left the sliding door open for you. Make sure you lock everything up before you go to bed.”
 
Mandy made a face that Nick couldn’t see because he was behind her but Sam did notice and tried not to laugh. He had no idea what was going on or why he was even there but the men seemed nice enough, even if they did talk in circles. It just meant that there was a secret of some sort and it sounded like Mandy would be filling in the blanks as soon as she could. Dean, on the other hand, was too busy rummaging through the fridge to pay much attention to the conversation around him; trusting Sam to keep him safe.
 
Gil paused in the door to the kitchen and studied the two young men closely. He could see that there was still an innocence about them but it was well hidden; something that was buried deep and not admitted to no matter what. He could also see that they were both far older than their years, something that happened to kids who were forced to grow up too fast. It was the same look Mandy had most of the time and Gil thought that could be one reason that she felt she could trust them no matter what. That was something to talk about with the others at any rate. “Nicky,” Gil said softly, “I need to make some phone calls. Is everything under control?”
 
“Horatio and Greg are at home with Ray,” Nick replied. “Speed and Eric went home a while ago, I’m still waiting for Jim to call and let us know they got to DC safely and Mandy agreed to watch Jim’s house.”
 
“Good,” Gil said. “Mandy, I’ll need to talk with you in the morning if you can find the time.”
 
“Of course, Gil,” Mandy smiled. “I’m most likely going to be spending the day helping Sam and Dean with their research but I’ll sneak over before breakfast.”
 
“Thank you,” Gil said.
********************
 
Dean waited until he was sure they were alone in the strange house before turning on his brother. “Do you want to tell me just what the hell is going on here?” he demanded in a hiss. “Because all I see are a bunch of men walking around talking in code and it’s really making me uncomfortable.”
 
“I don’t know, Dean,” Sam said. “I really don’t but I think Mandy will be filling us in as soon as she can.”
 
“So what, you think they’re holding her here against her will or something because, man, I gotta tell you I do not want to be here right now.”
 
“We can’t just walk out on her, Dean,” Sam said. “What if she is in trouble? Could you live with yourself if we just up and walked away without trying to do anything to help her?”
 
“No,” Dean sighed. He sank down onto the bed. “But I am not leaving this house again until I get some answers.”
 
“That’s fair enough,” Sam said with a small smile. “We can talk with Mandy in the morning and find out what’s going on and see if we can help her in any way.”
 
“And we need to figure out what happened at the bone yard,” Dean added.
 
“Yeah, that too.”

 

Mandy decided to sit on the back deck and watch the waves after everyone had gone to sleep. It was weird but she wasn’t tired, her mind was working overtime and she knew that there was a lot to process. She was also waiting for a call from Abby to let her know if this Ari character really was a hunter because, if he was, it meant new books to index and add to her collection. There were times she thought that she could just make a living as a community researcher and historian but, as she wouldn’t be paid for the job, didn’t know how she’d actually live.
 
“Hey,” a soft voice said from behind her, “can I join you?”
 
“Sure,” Mandy said. “Is Dean asleep?”
 
“Like a log,” Sam said as he sat down in the deck chair next to Mandy. “I think he’s more than a little freaked out by the guys here because he knows they’re talking circles around us. This isn’t a cult, is it?”
 
She snorted. “No, not even close,” Mandy said. “I was going to wait until morning to start telling you what’s going on here but maybe its better if Dean hears it from you because he’s likely not to believe me.”
 
“Is this like the whole we hunt ghosts and demons for a living conversation we had in New York?” Sam asked.
 
“It is,” Mandy replied. “And, like you said, it’s a little hard to believe. Huh, I’m not sure where to begin, actually, as this is the first time I’ve had this conversation with someone who hasn’t Changed or been linked to a Change.”
 
“Change?”
 
“There’s another world, Sam,” Mandy said. “And it’s even more hidden than the one you live in. I’m going to ask you to put aside all your thoughts of what’s real and what’s not and just listen for a minute, please.”
 
“Mandy, I’ve seen ghosts, demons, vampires, werewolves; hell, you name it and if it’s evil I’ve probably at least heard of it,” Sam snorted. “I think my version of what’s real and what’s not is a lot looser than most people would think.”
 
Mandy smiled. “How do you feel about dragons, Sam?”
 
“I’ve seen them in a few movies, usually roasting human villages and eating people,” Sam said. “But I don’t really have an opinion on them one way or another.”
 
“What if I were to tell you that they’re real?”
 
Sam’s mind flashed back to the strange book in Latin in New York. “The book,” he said softly.
 
“I knew exactly what it said, Sam,” Mandy said. “But one of my jobs is to keep the dragon world hidden from everyone so I’ve become very good at lying about it. And there are evil people in our world, they’re known as hunters.”
 
“So when you heard me mention hunters to Dean,” Sam said the light clicking on in his head. “No wonder your eyes were so big before your father showed up. You didn’t know if we were evil or not.”
 
“It wasn’t so much if you were evil, it was more I didn’t know if you were in New York to slaughter my family or not,” Mandy said. “Dragons are very real, Sam. There are four of them here. This is a dragon community where they live with their humans.”
 
“Okay, so if this is all supposed to be a secret, why tell me about it?” Sam asked. “Why not just lie to me and say that this is a cult or something because with the way those guys were talking both Dean and I would be more than willing to believe it.”
 
“But then you’d take off and place yourself in more danger than you already are,” Mandy said. “Sam, one thing I’ve learned is how to recognize dragons once they’re Changed. But there are times when a human will just know a guy is a dragon regardless of if he’s Changed to true form or not.”
 
“What?”
 
“You’ll have to learn the language but true form is roughly twenty feet long with wings, scales, talons and a tail,” Mandy smiled. “And a Change is when a dragon goes from human form to true form. And Sam, you’re a dragon. I’m positive about that.”
 
“How?” Sam asked.
 
“How am I sure? How can you be a dragon and not know about it? How can I be so calm when telling you this?” Mandy asked.
 
“All of the above,” Sam replied.
 
She nodded. “In short most families have lost this lore so the majority of those who are dragons have no clue and an even smaller group actually Changes to true form,” Mandy started. “I’ve lived my whole life around dragons in some form or another and have learned that remaining calm is the best way to convince people of the truth. And I just know. I can’t explain it but usually it means that you and I will bond when you do Change for the first time.”
 
“Bond?”
 
“The bond is both physical and mental,” Mandy said. “And yes, there is sex involved. A dragon Changes for the first time to save his human from death and that’s when the bond is formed. The sex finishes it and they’re bonded for life.”
 
A noise behind them caught Mandy’s attention and she turned around. “You might as well join us, Dean,” she said. “How much of the conversation did you hear?”
 
“Enough to know that you’re crazy,” Dean said as he sat down next to his brother.
 
“Dean, you hunt and kill the evil things that go bump in the night,” Mandy said with a sigh. “Don’t you think it’s a little hypocritical to sit there and tell me that I’m crazy?”
 
“Demons are one thing,” Dean said. “Huge scaly beasts is another. And there’s no way in hell that Sammy’s one no matter what world you’re talking about.”
 
“Look out into the water,” Mandy said calmly.
 
“What?”
 
“Fine, come on then, the water’s warm even at this time of the night,” Mandy said. She stood and made her way down to the water’s edge. “And no sharks will come around with Gil in the water so we’re safe.”
 
Sam looked at Dean and shrugged. “We may as well,” he said. “It’s been a while since we got a chance to swim in the ocean and it doesn’t look like she’s going out past those rocks.”
 
“Whatever, Sammy,” Dean said. But he pulled off his t-shirt and followed his brother down to the water and waded in after him. It was cooler than he thought it was going to be but not uncomfortably so and he was soon swimming, the rocks further out than they had looked from shore.
 
Mandy crawled out of the water and up onto the black rock. “You guys can come up is you want,” she said. “Dean, you saw the book I was reading in New York. It had some information on dragons that I needed for a project I was working on. The dragon hunters are around and I’m trying to work out a way to find out who they are before they have a chance to attack and kill my friends.”
 
Sam perched next to her on the rocks and frowned down at the texture under his bare legs. “What kind of rock is this?” he asked.
 
“I’m not sure,” Mandy replied. “Dean, come on up.”
 
Dean climbed onto one of the smaller rocks and looked up at Mandy. “I just don’t know how you expect me to believe all of this,” he said. “And there’s no way you can prove it.”
 
Gil raised his head and opened his eye to look at the young man sitting on his leg. “Can’t she?” he asked, his fangs glinting in the moonlight.

Both Gil and Mandy started laughing as Dean jerked back, overcompensated and landed in the water. He surfaced with a glare. “That’s not funny.”
 
“Actually it kinda is,” Sam said. He moved carefully to Gil’s right foreleg and looked closer at the scaled face. “So everything in that book was true.”
 
“What book?” Gil asked. He lowered his head. “You can come back up, Dean. I don’t bite.”
 
“I’m fine right here,” Dean said treading water.
 
“Why are you out here in the water tonight, Gil?” Mandy asked. “I thought you were going to stay by the phone until Jim or Warrick called from DC to let you know what’s happened.”
 
“Nicky’s got the phone next to him,” Gil replied with a snort that swamped Dean. “I wanted to think through our options if the Hunters are going to be making problems for us.”
 
“Don’t look at us,” Sam said as he sat back down on Gil’s back. “Dean and I won’t do anything to hurt you. We’re not stupid.”
 
“He means our hunters, Sammy,” Mandy said. “Although I would be interested to find out if any of the demon hunters double as dragon hunters. Do you think it’d be possible to find that out?”
 
Dean sputtered. “There’s no way in hell we’re getting in touch with any of those sons of bitches,” he said. “Not after what they wanted to do to Sammy the last time we were there.”
 
“But now you have some powerful friends on your side,” Gil said looking down into the water. He sighed, picked Dean up daintily in his mouth and set the now totally still human on his scaled back. “I told you I don’t bite. You were starting to shiver, Dean. It’d be rude of me to make you catch cold.”
 
“Can we go back to dry land now?” Dean asked.
 
“Are you gonna be able to swim?” Sam snorted.
 
“Hey, you try getting picked up by those pearly whites and see how well you take it,” Dean snapped. “Okay, fine, I’ll admit that there are dragons around but there’s no way in hell my brother is one.”
 
Gil started to the shore, using his wings for balance as his talons caught the sandy bottom. “There, now no one has to swim. Go shower and get dressed and bring them back over, Mandy,” he said. “We can continue this conversation in the living room.”
 
“Go on and get washed up guys,” Mandy said. “Jim and Warrick have two showers and pretty good water pressure. I’ll wash at Gil’s house. Just come on in whenever you get cleaned up.”
 
The community pair watched the brothers as they made their way across the beach to the white house. “What do you think, Gil?” Mandy finally asked.
 
“I think Sam’s willing to believe you,” he replied as he wrapped a towel around her shoulders. “But Dean is another matter. Do you know what happened to them? What forced them into the life they lead?”
 
“No,” Mandy sighed. “But if I can get Sammy on his own I’ll ask him.”
 
“Do you think the pair of you will bond?”
 
“Who knows?” Mandy said. “Nicky picked you out as a dragon and you guys bonded. Speed knew about H and they didn’t. It seems that being able to spot dragons isn’t an automatic qualifier to bonding.”
 
“We’ll make a scientist of you yet,” Gil grinned. “Come on, let’s go get cleaned up and see if Nicky has any news.”
********************
 
Mandy was in and out of the shower in less time than Gil had thought was possible for a woman but, then again, Mandy wasn’t exactly like most of them women he had known. He made a mental note to call and check to see how Sara was doing with her treatments and held out a mug of tea. “I think I forgot to tell you,” Gil said, “we’ve found another historian. He knows about the Hunters.”
 
“Who and how?” Mandy asked. She pulled her knees up and sipped her tea.
 
“Adam Ross up in New York and via Al Robbins and a friend of his,” Gil replied. “I called Mac and told him. It sounds like things are pretty wild up there right now.”
 
“I know,” Mandy sighed. “Gibbs wants me to come home and help out. Mac’s told Stella the truth and now this. Do you think things will ever settle down?”
 
“I would doubt it,” Nick said. He kissed Gil on the top of the head and settled down next to his dragon. “Jim just called. They’re on their way to a warehouse to kill Ari and someone will call when it’s all over and done with.”
 
“Everything but the shouting,” Mandy grinned. “I imagine Gibbs is in a pretty good mood right now.”
 
Nick and Gil glanced at each other. “Don’t you mean bad?”
 
“I said bad meaning good,” Mandy said. “Haven’t either of you watched the movie Clue?”
 
“I have,” Nick said cautiously, feeling like he was walking into a trap.
 
“It’s the whole no meaning yes conversation between Colonel Mustard and Wadsworth,” Mandy explained. “When I say Jethro is in a pretty good mood I merely mean he’s worked up his temper and is likely ready to kill someone.”
 
“So why not just say that in the first place?” Gil asked.
 
“Where would the fun in that be?”
 
“Sometimes I wonder how sane you are, Mandy,” Nick said shaking his head. “Where are your friends?”
 
“Most likely fighting with each other at Jim’s place,” Mandy said. “I should probably go check and make sure they haven’t hurt each other. I’ll be right back.”
 
Nick watched her go and then turned back to Gil. “How much of that did you follow?” he asked.
 
“Most likely less than you as I haven’t seen the movie,” Gil replied. “Is it suitable for children?”
 
“If you’re asking can you watch it with Ray the answer is yes,” Nick said. “I’ll see about digging up a copy. It might actually be a good teaching experience because the movie is based off the board game so you have to try and work out who killed who with what where.”
 
“Now you sound like Mandy,” Gil snorted.
********************
 
It was silent when Mandy stepped into Jim’s house but it was a charged silence. Mandy shuddered, turned and ran right into Dean. “Can I help you?” she asked.
 
“I want to know what the hell is going on here,” Dean said his voice low and dangerous.
 
“Just what we’ve told you, Dean,” Mandy replied.
 
“I think you’re lying,” Dean said. “I think you j
just want Sam for yourself.”
 
“If he Changes to save me then I’d be happy,” Mandy said trying not to roll her eyes. “But the last thing I’m looking for is a casual boyfriend. I know my dragon is out there somewhere and the last thing I want is to have something like the whole Speed situation happen. I’m content to wait.”
 
“Now see, I don’t believe that,” Dean said stepping closer. “Every time I turn around I find you. In New York, here, on the phone or email with Sammy. I think you want more than you’re telling me, sweetheart.”
 
Mandy snorted a sound she’d picked up from the dragons although it made her nose wrinkle whenever she used it. “Pay back the bail money and leave if that’s what you want, Dean,” she said. “We’re not keeping you here. I’m trying to help you both but if you’re too paranoid to realize it then leave. I really don’t care.”
 
She slipped past him in a move he’d never seen before and made her way back out onto the beach. Speed, who’d been on his way to check in with Gil noticed the shadow against the deck and paused. “Amanda?”
 
“Hey Tim,” she said. “Why are you still up?”
 
He sat down next to her. “I don’t think any of us will really be able to sleep until we hear from Jim and Rick,” he said. “What’s up with you?”
 
“Just some bad memories,” she replied. “I’ll be all right.”
 
“Mandy, don’t make me tell Horatio.”
 
She laughed and it turned into a sob. “You fight dirty,” Mandy managed to say. “I’ll be fine, Tim, honestly. I just need some time alone.”
 
“All right,” he said. “But you’re not going to be alone by yourself. Come on; let’s head back to Gil’s place. I have a feeling the others will be turning up soon.”
********************
 
Mandy joined her friend at Gil’s house but refused to go inside, insisting that she needed to be alone. She wasn’t at all surprised when Horatio joined her in the cool sand just off the deck. “Why is it so hard, H?”
 
“What’s that sweetie?”
 
“Trying to help people.”
 
“Because most people don’t want help unless they ask for it,” he said with a sigh. “Are they still here?”
 
“I don’t know,” Mandy said. “I told them to leave if they wanted. I have the money to pay you back for the bail but it’s in New York.”
 
He pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry about that,” Horatio said softly. “Money is the last thing I want you worrying about. Didn’t you hear the news? There are a lot of new books and binders waiting for you at your apartment.”
 
“So he was a hunter then.”
 
“It’s looking that way,” Horatio said. “Adam is going to skim through some of the books near the door but Gibbs wanted you told that everything is going to your apartment.”
 
Mandy snickered and leaned against the red dragon. “If this keeps up I’m going to need a bigger place,” she said. “Because there’s no way we’re putting any of this into storage.”

When Horatio had to go inside Nick showed up not a minute later with a cell phone in his hand. He sat down next to Mandy and handed it to her.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Mandy, thank god. I need your help. I’m in Washington DC and there are tons of boxes full of books and binders and Gibbs told me that he wants an answer now but I don’t even know where I should start looking.”
 
She snickered. “Adam, take a deep breath for me,” Mandy said. “That’s better; now, you can stand up to Gibbs.”
 
“No I can’t, he’s worse than Mac and those eyes just bore through you and there’s no way to tell him no,” Adam said. “Even if you were here it’ll take weeks to go through all this and I tried to tell him that but he just growled at me. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I agreed to come down here and look around. This is crazy; no one can have answers in a minute.”
 
Mandy put a hand over the phone. “Nicky, could you let Gil know I need to talk with him, please?” she asked. “Adam, I’ll give Jethro a call and tell him to back off. Just talk with Tony or Don or even Abby about getting those boxes to New York and my apartment. And I definitely want to spend some time with you to find out what you know about dragons and history.”
 
“My focus has always been on the hunters but I’ll be happy to talk it out with you,” Adam said. “Thanks Mandy.”
 
“You’re more than welcome,” she grinned. “You got thrown into this and are still figuring things out. For now just keep Tony or Donnie between you and Jethro and you’ll be fine.”
 
She closed the phone and handed it back to Nick. “I’m really glad there’s only one horribly pissy dragon in the communities,” Mandy said. “It seems that Gibbs has gone on a tear and is terrorizing Adam Ross.”
 
“Isn’t that the lab tech we just found out about?” Nick asked.
 
“Yep,” Mandy replied. “Somehow I don’t think it matters to Gibbs. Hey Gil, I think I need to head north again. Jethro is making problems and may scare away a valuable friend.”
 
Gil snickered. “I think things have calmed down enough that I can let you go back as long as you can get someone to pick you up at the airport,” he said. “I just spoke with Gibbs and he said Jim and Warrick are on their way home so we could technically kill two birds with one stone.”
 
“Yes, well, I’ve left some books for Ray to read and they should answer his questions,” Mandy said. “And I’ve also left him my email address but from the sounds of things I’m going to be buried in boxes when I get home so I don’t know that I’ll be able to answer questions as quickly as normal.”
 
“Whenever you can, kiddo,” Gil said. “Have you ever considered going out for an evening and just having fun?”
 
“I do,” Mandy said. She stood and brushed sand off her jeans. “I go to the library and do research when I’m not at the lab. I’ll just go and pack my things, Gil. Thanks.”
 
Nick watched their young friend go before turning to his dragon. “Is it sad to think that she never had a childhood?” he asked. “Or that she’s turning into us?”
 
“I don’t know what to think, Nicky my boy,” Gil said. He pulled Nick in next to him and kissed him gently. “I really don’t.”
********************
 
Jim and Warrick’s house had a decidedly empty feel to it when Mandy made her way back in through the kitchen sliding glass door. She sighed and her shoulders slumped a little more. Mandy had hoped that Sam would be able to convince Dean to stay but it looked like the older, and more stubborn brother, had finally won and they’d left. Her cell phone was on the counter and she picked it up to call DC but it rang before she could flip it open to dial.
 
“Bonnibel,” she said, trying to sound as normal as possible as she recognized the number on the display.
 
“Hey, it’s me,” Sam said. “Look, I don’t have a lot of time. Dean’s getting gas and food and I told him I had to go to the bathroom. I’m sorry, Mandy.”
 
“What for?” she asked.
 
“You did us a huge favor, paid our bail and we ran out on you because Dean’s too damn stubborn to see what’s in front of his face,” Sam said. “I tried to tell him we needed to stay and work it out but he insisted.”
 
“Don’t worry about it,” Mandy said. “H has connections here, I’m sure everything will just disappear before you know it. And I have money saved up. I’ll pay him back for what he did.”
 
“Can I, can I still call you?” Sam asked. “Because I believe what you’re telling me and I want to learn more. I just can’t let Dean know I’m doing it.”
 
“Sure,” Mandy said. “I normally have my phone with me. Just be careful out there. I wasn’t able to teach you what to look out for. If I can pick you out as a dragon there are Hunters who probably can too.”
 
“I thought you couldn’t tell unchanged dragons from Changed,” Sam said. “At least that’s what you told me in one of your emails.”
 
She sighed. “You can’t, normally,” Mandy said. “I’ll find the information for you. You’d better go before your brother starts wondering what happened to you.”
 
“Okay,” Sam said. “I’m really sorry, Mandy. I’ll find a way to pay you back.”
 
“You don’t have to,” Mandy said. “Bye.”
********************
 
Sam stared down at his phone for a moment after the call was ended. He’d never heard a good-bye sound so final before and wondered if he was doing the right thing letting Dean drag him away in the middle of the night like a common criminal. He snorted, it was fitting because they really were common criminals no matter what Dean said, but he was worried about Mandy.
 
“Sammy,” Dean’s voice called from the other side of the door. “Let’s go.”
 
“I don’t know about this, Dean,” Sam said. “I think we should go back to the beach and talk things out with Lieutenant Caine rather than just running away like we’re scared.”
 
“I’m not scared of anything,” Dean snapped, ignoring Sam’s muttered ‘rats’ and stalked back towards the black 1967 Impala. “Now let’s go salt and burn that son of a bitch and get the hell out of town. I don’t want any cops finding us this time so I hope you managed to work out what happened.”
 
“And when was I supposed to do that, Dean?” Sam asked. “It’s not like I’ve had a chance to look at any notes or check the laptop for information.”
 
“That’s because you were too busy chatting with your girlfriend,” Dean replied. “You’ve got until we get to the cemetery to work it out, Sam.”
 
Sam bit his tongue so hard he could taste blood but it stopped the flow of words that wanted to flow out. He jumped a little when his phone lit up with a text message. It was from Mandy and simply said “check the headstone.”
********************
 
Gil looked up when Horatio’s phone rang. He’d insisted on each member of the community getting different ring tones as he was sick of the synchronized head movement towards the belt any time a phone rang. It was all he could do not to laugh when he recognized the song Horatio’s phone had set for its default. Gil was positive that Greg had gotten a hold of his dragon’s phone and changed a few things around and, based on the look on Horatio face, the dragon hadn’t known about it. A quick glance at Greg, trying to look innocent confirmed the hypothesis.
 
“That was Calleigh,” Horatio said. “They’ve found another body, or what’s left of one in the glades and they need a team out there. She’s on her way but would appreciate some help.”
 
“I’ll go,” Speed said. “Me and Eric; it’s not like we’re going to get any sleep tonight anyway and we’re off tomorrow.”
 
“Thank you,” Horatio said.
 
“Guys, if it is…”
 
“We know,” Speed said.
 
Horatio looked over at his friend. “It’s possible enough time has passed that they won’t be able to determine COD if it is Stetler, Gil,” he said. “But maybe it’s a good thing Yelina’s gone with Raymond. Now we won’t have to deal with her anguish or hurting her if it is.”
 
“You still want to hurt him, don’t you?” Gil asked.
 
“If only for what he did to his son,” Horatio replied. “It’s inexcusable to hurt a child and that it’s my own nephew makes it ten times worse.”
 
“I know,” Gil said. “But look how much he’s opened up just being here with you and Greg. It’s like he’s a different child.”
 
“You’ve played a large part in that,” Horatio said. “I was thinking, Gil. If I’m a dragon then there’s the small chance that Raymond could be as well. What are we going to do if he Changes because there’s no way he’s going to be able to stay clean. That’s why I didn’t want Yelina to just up and leave her job and family behind. She has to have something to come back to when he vanishes again.”
 
“I don’t know, H,” Gil said. “Why don’t we make a trip to see Chrysalis and ask him about this? Greg will be able to answer the phone if it rings and Nicky will take care of Mandy.”
 
“Okay,” Horatio sighed. “I’ll see you there.”
********************
 
“She wouldn’t even say my name, Dean,” Sam exclaimed as the lights of Miami faded in the mirrors. “She worked out what the hell was wrong for us even after you treated her like shit, walked out on her and stuck her with a bail bill.”
 
“Oh come on, Sam,” Dean said. “Can’t you see what’s in front of you? Those guys have loads of money. There’s no way in hell they’ll make her pay them back for this. She’s got them eating out of her hand.”
 
“That’s not the point, Dean,” Sam said.
 
“Then what is Sam because I’m not seeing your fascination with this chick.”
 
“That’s rich considering that you’re the one who noticed her first and wanted to use her,” Sam snapped. “The only thing that stopped you was that I told you she was underage and even you’re not that desperate for sex.”
 
“What stopped me is that she’s a bigger freak for books than you are,” Dean snapped back. “And then I find out that she’s just a freak surrounded by freaks trying to tell me who my family is.”
 
“Amanda is not a freak, Dean,” Sam said. “She’s a scared young woman who’s been hurt bad by someone in the past and you’re using that to your advantage. There’s no way in hell she’s going to want to talk with me again.”
 
“Oh don’t tell me you believe all that shit, Sammy,” Dean said. “You’re not a dragon or whatever the hell that was in the ocean. There’s no way you can be.”
 
“Why not?” Sam asked with a huff. “I’m already a freak having visions, you said so yourself. So why not this too? Maybe that’s why the Yellow-eyed demon wants me, because he knows what I could become.”
 
Dean pulled off to the side of the road and turned to look at his brother. “Just shut your mouth, Sam,” he snarled. “We don’t know why the hell that son of a bitch decided to kill mom and Jess but we’re going to find out when we hunt the bastard down and send him back to hell for good. Then we’ll wipe out every evil thing we come across and that’ll be that.”
 
“You have it all planned out, don’t you,” Sam said. “The rest of our stupid lives down to the last detail until we meet up with something more powerful than us. Just keep driving and hunting, maybe meet up with Dad for a day or two and then keep moving. Don’t you ever think I want something else, Dean? That maybe when this thing is dead to go back to school and finish my degree.”
 
“And be normal?” Dean spat the word. “To hell with that, Sam. No lawyer has a criminal record like you do so there’s no chance there.”
 
“And it’s just how you want it,” Sam said.
 
“I never wanted any of this for you, Sammy,” Dean said. “But this is what we’ve got so we have to make the best of it. Is it fair, no. Is it what I wanted my baby brother to have to do with his life when he’s so smart he could run the country some day? Hell no. But those choices are gone, Sam. They went up in flames just like mom and Jessica. And this is all we have left.”
 
“We have to go back, Dean,” Sam said. “We have to make things right with Mandy.”
 
“I’m not going back there again,” Dean said. “Not until I work out what kills those things.”
 
Sam was out of the car before Dean knew what was happening. “Don’t you leave me, Sammy,” Dean snarled.
 
“I won’t leave you, Dean,” Sam said. He punched his brother hard on the left cheek bone and Dean fell over from sheer surprise. “But I’ll be damned if I let you hurt anyone in Miami. They’re humans, Dean. We don’t kill humans.”
 
“Didn’t you see that thing in the water, Sam?” Dean picked himself up with as much dignity as he could muster. “There’s no way in hell that thing was human.”
 
“And according to Mandy there’s a damn good chance I could turn into one of them,” Sam snarled. “Are you going to kill me, Dean? Shoot me down like I’m nothing more than a wild animal?”
 
“You’re not one of them, Sam. I don’t know how many times I have to say it. Now get in the car.”
 
“Not until you promise me you won’t try to hurt any of Mandy’s friends.”
 
“Damn it, Sammy; get in the car.”
 
“No.” Sam crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at his brother.
 
Dean grumbled to himself for a minute before he tackled his younger, albeit taller, brother and took him to the ground. They tussled for a few minutes until Sam was pinned on his back. “I said get in the car.”
 
“You’re not my father, Dean,” Sam said. “And it’s a perfectly reasonable request. I don’t want you to hurt my friend.”
 
“Fine, but this had better be the last time I hear about it,” Dean snapped. “Now get in the car.”
********************
 
Horatio settled onto his rock with a small sigh. Gil arrived a moment later and stood behind him. After a moment Chrysalis’s white head popped up from behind the rocks. “Horatio, Gil,” he rumbled. “What brings you to me tonight?”
 
“A quick question, Chrysalis,” Horatio said. “We recently learned that my brother is still alive. There’s a chance he could Change. But he’s, not an evil person, but a criminal. He wouldn’t stay hidden.”
 
“A sad moment for you and your community,” Chrysalis said, bowing his head. “In that instance only a blood family member may hunt down and kill the other dragon. That is to ensure that it is done in the most humane manner possible.”
 
“No one else?” Gil asked.
 
“No one,” Chrysalis replied gravely. “Only blood can do this by our lore.”
 
The red dragon sighed. “Somehow I knew that was going to be the answer.”

Speed looked around as Eric drove them out into the Glades to meet up with Calleigh and Alexx. “It’s him,” he sighed. “I didn’t think anyone would ever find him out here.”
 
“Well, we knew it had to happen,” Eric said. He reached over and took Speed’s hand. “But the body has been out here for a while, Tim. No one is going to be able to determine a COD on him now.”
 
“I know,” Speed said. “And I know you’re right but it still makes me nervous because it’s always possible that some very awkward questions could be asked about how Stetler ended up out here.”
 
“And Horatio will be able to answer them,” Eric said. He kissed Speed’s hand. “And then the case will be closed and no one will have to worry about it again.”
 
“So you think we should just be ready to blame a gang of some sort?” Speed asked. “Because that’s not going to fly with anyone who sees the files that Stetler had on Horatio. There’s no one in Miami who would ever believe that H would be involved with a gang of any kind.”
 
Eric pulled the Hummer to a stop and turned it off. “I suppose we just have to work the case like we don’t know what’s going on then,” he said. “And leave the overall reports to Calleigh.”
 
“True, then we won’t have to lie in court if it ever goes that far,” Speed agreed.
********************
 
Horatio made his way through the glass walls of the lab towards the DNA lab. He hadn’t gotten much sleep after returning from Pax Draconis. He’d just held Greg through the night and watched his young human sleep and through about what Chrysalis had told him. Deep down Horatio doubted that he’d be able to kill his brother unless Raymond was threatening someone close to the community or Yelina. He paused just outside in a side hall and watched the wonderful sight in the DNA lab.
 
Greg was in his lab alone bent over the table working on an open computer tower. He had his lab coat off and his black jeans were pulled tight over his ass. Greg was wearing a deep red, almost purple button down dress shirt that Horatio recognized as one of his own, with the sleeves rolled up and the top two buttons undone. His pendant was dangling forward a little, catching the light just right and glittering. Horatio could feel his cock swelling as Greg started swaying his hips and ass back in forth in time to the music he no doubt had playing.
 
The young human turned his head a little and met his dragon’s eye with a smirk. He’d felt Horatio approaching the lab and knew how much Horatio liked to stand in the hallway and watch him work. And it didn’t hurt that he was wearing one of his dragon’s shirts either.
 
He felt a hand slide over his ass and straightened up quickly. Greg knew that it wasn’t Horatio as his dragon was always careful about personal space at the lab so no one would suspect their relationship. “Don’t do that,” Greg said.
 
“What?” Natalia Boa Vista asked. “I wanted to see if you needed any help on your cases. I’m waiting for my latest run to finish and have some free time.”
 
“I’m fine, thanks,” Greg said as calmly as he could, especially with the emotions he could feel coming from his dragon along their bond. He moved across the room and it was all he could do not to growl as the woman followed him.
 
“Greg, I need to talk with you, now,” Horatio said coldly from the door to the lab. He’d slipped his sunglasses on because he knew his eyes would be glowing.
 
“Be right there,” Greg said. He slipped around the woman who was eying him like a piece of cake and past Horatio. “Gil’s office?” he whispered.
 
“Meet you there,” Horatio replied. “Miss Boa Vista. You are supposed to be working on cold cases. I suggest that you stay in your lab and do your work.”
 
“Why don’t you like me, Horatio?” she asked.
 
“I dislike anyone who lies to me continuously,” he said. “Good day, Miss Boa Vista.”
********************
 
Greg had spread out two of the mats on the floor and dug out some lube by the time Horatio arrived. His dragon locked the office door and turned, eyes glowing even behind the dark sunglasses. “I’m going to kill her,” Horatio hissed as he slipped off his suit jacket and started to unbutton his shirt. “She dared to touch you.”
 
“I’m yours, H,” Greg whispered. He crossed the room and ran his hands along Horatio’s bare chest. “I’m not interested in anyone else. Now take me, please. I want to feel you inside me.”
 
Horatio growled and pulled Greg over to the mat and they fell together in a tangle. Horatio claimed Greg’s lips with his own, tongue forcing its way into his human’s mouth taking total control of the kiss. Greg relaxed under the attack and wormed his hands between them to unzip his jeans, cursing in his head that he’d worn such tight pants. With Horatio’s help, however, they were able to get the offending denim down far enough without breaking their kiss.
 
“On your knees, Greg,” Horatio growled. He picked up the lube and rubbed it along his erection. When his human was on his hands and knees, head down on his arms, Horatio lunged forward and pushed into Greg’s ass. The dragon growled and started moving. Greg moved back against him as best he could, muffling his moans against his arms. Horatio reached around and grabbed Greg’s leaking erection and started stroking it. Greg’s scream was only just bitten off as he came over Horatio’s hand. The dragon growled again, thrust forward and climaxed. He moved his weight to the side and the pair rolled onto their sides still joined together.
 
“Hot, H,” Greg panted as he moved back, grinding against his dragon. “Why don’t we just stay here the rest of the day?”
 
“I wish we could,” Horatio said kissing Greg’s neck gently. “I really wish we could but I need you to run the DNA from the victim in the Glades so we can close that case.”
 
Greg twisted his head around. “It sounds like you already know who it is.”
 
Horatio kissed his human and pulled back. Greg flopped onto his back and grinned up at the red dragon as Horatio dug out a towel to clean them up. “We do,” he said. “Speed called me as they were on their way back in from the crime scene and confirmed it’s who we thought it was.”
 
“So what’s the report going to say?”
 
“I don’t know, Greg,” Horatio replied. “I don’t know.”
********************
 
Nick and Warrick walked up to the hotel room and both grinned when they saw Jim Brass standing just outside the crime scene. “Hey Jim,” Nick said. “What are we looking at?”
 
“The victim is a young girl,” Jim replied. “We didn’t find any ID but there isn’t a purse in plain view either so there could be something in there.”
 
“Okay, we’ll see what we can find,” Nick said.
 
Warrick winked at his dragon and followed Nick into the crime scene. Jim moved into the doorway and watched the team. “So Nicky, did Gil say anything before you left this morning?” he asked.
 
“No, but he was on the phone so there might be something going on that we’ll hear about tonight,” Nick said.
 
“What about those young guys?” Jim asked.
 
“They left,” Nick said. “Just before you guys got home. Truthfully I was a little surprised when Rick showed up at the lab for his shift this morning. I thought you guys would be taking the day off.”
 
Jim snorted. “We slept on the plane,” he said. “And I feel sorry for Jethro because there’s a mess brewing up there that involves the feds and a notebook full of blackmail material from the hunter’s place.”
 
“But nothing that will have any effect on us, yet,” Warrick added. “Hey, here’s a purse under the bed.” He took some pictures and then pulled it out. “It looks like someone went through it but I can’t tell if there’s anything missing.”
 
“Any ID?” Jim asked.
 
“Yeah, and it’s from Vegas,” Warrick said. “So who’s going to call?”
 
“I will,” Jim said. “You guys focus on the crime scene and let me know what’s going on.”
 
“Don’t tell me you’re taking off?” Nick said.
 
“Not on your life,” Jim grinned. “I’m just going down the hall so I’ll have a better reception on the cell phone. There’s no way in hell I’d leave the two of you alone when there’s a hunter threat around.”
 
“Just checking,” Nick grinned.

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