Title: Trails and Tribulations
By: Bj Jones
Pairing: gen
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: Here is the sequel to Lost and Found, must read that story to understand what is going on in this one... There will be some returning characters from the first story.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 1: Trials and Tribulations

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

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

"Speed? Tim?" Horatio stepped in front of the young man. "What's wrong?"

Speed looked up, fear was set deep in his eyes. He blinked at Horatio, and then looked shocked when he saw him. "Horatio?"

"Are you okay?" Horatio laid his hand on Speed's shoulder. He cocked his head trying to make eye contact with him.

"I don't know." He stammered, he stepped away from the counter, but stumbled.

Horatio grabbed him and helped him to the couch. Eric, Calleigh and Alexx ran into the break room concerned. "What's going on?" Eric demanded as Alexx ran over to Speed.

"Honey?" She felt his forehead. "He's in shock." She glanced up at Horatio.

"What happened?" Calleigh asked as she sat next to him on the couch.

Horatio looked at the break room table, "Oh God." Horatio picked up the newspaper.

"What does it say?" Eric asked concerned.

"Anthony Carmel was just been sentenced to death," Speed's voice was soft.

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

"What?" Alexx looked over a bit surprised by his exclamation.

"There is a picture of Danny and Josh," Horatio looked over at Speed. "Do you want me to continue?"

Speed relaxed in Calleigh's arms, his head now in her lap as she soothed him by caressing his hair, "Yeah."

"During the trial, US Marshal Sam Gerard was asked how O'Malley had been found. He stated that it was a fluke. Agent Phillips had been vacationing in Tampa and saw O'Malley when he walked into the record store where O'Malley worked. He offered the news to Carmel, who turned around and paid for Phillips to kill O'Malley." Horatio leaned back in the chair. "Neither the Nelsons nor the O'Malley's were at the trial. When asked about the sentencing, Liam O'Malley had this to say, 'that bastard destroyed my family and I hope he rots in hell.'"

Speed snickered, "Can you hear the brogue in that statement." He pulled away from Calleigh and sat up. "Got to give them credit they really held the story together."

"We need to get rid of this newspaper, and any others that might be around." Horatio grabbed the full paper.

Eric headed for the door, "I'll check the front reception area."

"Honey, you going to be okay?" Alexx asked.

"Yeah," Speed leaned his head back, "Just a bit of a shock. I mean think about it. Anthony Carmel was convicted and sentenced to death for killing me." Speed looked up at the ceiling. "Yet, I'm not dead."

"Joshua O'Malley is dead," Horatio stated from the table. "Timothy Speedle is very much alive and we plan to keep it that way."

"Oh God," Speed groaned. "How much you wanna bet Gerard is going to show up?"

Horatio patted Speed on the shoulder and headed out into the lab. "I'm going to hunt down any more copies. If anyone asks, go with the story, that they borrowed you because of the uncanny resemblance."

Speed nodded as Horatio walked out, he lay his head back down on Calleigh's lap, "Do you think it will ever fully go away?"

Calleigh ran her fingers through his hair, "I think it will fade into the background. But right now it's raw and any little thing will make it seem worse than it is."

"Tim," Alexx smiled at the two on the couch.

Speed looked up at Alexx a small smile on his face, "Yes?"

She kneeled down in front of him, "Just remember if you need to talk to anyone. We're here for you."

"Thanks," Speed sat up on the couch. "Now if you excuse me ladies I have some evidence to catalog." He stood up then looked at the mess on the floor. He sighed as he reached for the towels.

Alexx grabbed his hands, "Let us take care of that."

He nodded and walked out of the break room, back to the Trace lab. Alexx turned to see Calleigh watching him leave, "Calleigh?"

"What?" She smiled at the ME. "Oh, let me help you with that." She got up off the couch and started picking up the broken pieces.

"So," Alexx eyebrow rose as she grinned at Calleigh. "Something you want to mention?"

Calleigh looked at her confusion on her face, "Like what?"

Alexx grinned, "nothing."

"Ladies," Horatio popped back into the lab. "We have a DB downtown."

~*~

"Alexx what do we have?" Horatio looked down at the woman. His eyes took in all the details.

"Bruise along the right cheek," Alexx felt the back of her head. "The fall is what killed her. Hit her head on the edge of the table. Fight got out of control, honey?" Alexx looked at the woman then back at Horatio. "Does she look familiar to you?"

Horatio looked down at the woman. He shifted and squatted next to her. "Now that you mention it, yeah she does. But from where I don't know."

"No forced entry, but I did find a purse." Calleigh set her kit down next to the victim. "Her name is Caroline Mason. She lives a few blocks from here." She held up the wallet showing the drivers license.

"I'll get Eric and Speed over there to check out her place." He stood up gave the woman another glance then pulled out his phone.

Calleigh looked over at the woman, "Do we know her?"

"I didn't recognize the name," Alexx packed up her stuff. "I'll let you know more when I get her back to the morgue."

Calleigh looks around the office, "Looks like I'll be dusting for a while."

~*~

Horatio stood next to Yelina as she talked with the victim's boss, Thomas Jackson. "It's not surprising she was here."

"She worked late often?" Yelina asked.

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

"Any enemies?" Yelina looked up at him.

"Not that I knew of, but..." Thomas voice hesitated as if he was thinking.

"What?" Horatio asked.

"She seemed eager to get out of New York, bad memories she once told me." Thomas shrugged. "I don't know if that helps. I just can't see who would want to kill her. She's a very lovely woman."

"Any office romances?" Horatio asked as Calleigh walked towards them.

"No, she was wearing a ring on her left hand, I assumed she was married or getting married, but she never talked about it." Thomas answered. "If you excuse me I need to contact my higher ups."

Yelina watched him walk off, "He mean's his lawyers." She turned to Horatio. "So what do you think?"

"Don't know. She worked late a lot. So it wouldn't have been hard for someone to know she was by herself." Horatio turned to Calleigh, "Anything?"

"Just this," Held up an evidence bag with a diamond ring in it.

"Could be the engagement ring," Horatio stated as his phone rang. He unclipped it and walked away from the two girls.

"I'll check with Alexx to see if it was pulled off in a struggle," Calleigh put it in her kit. She glanced over to Horatio who had a look of concern on his face.

He clicked off his phone and headed for the doors, "I've got to meet Eric and Speed at the victim's place."

Calleigh looked over at Yelina, "I wonder what that was about."

~*~

"Eric!" Horatio called out as he entered the condo. He pulled his gun as he slowly walked down the hallway. "Speed? Eric?"

"In here boss," Eric's voice called from farther in the condo.

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

Speed stood just inside the balcony door eyes fixed on the ocean. "Speed?" Horatio approached him.

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

Speed looked at him, "She's my sister."

Chapter 2: Coincidence?

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

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

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

"Marshal Gerard," Gerard turned to see the lab's ME walk up to him.

"Mrs. Woods," Gerard smiled at her.

Alexx stopped in front of him, hands on her hips. Her eyes bore into his, "What brings you here?"

"New York Times," Gerard said. He suddenly realized Caine wouldn't be the only obstacle.

She nodded, "They aren't here right now. DB downtown."

"I'll just wait in Horatio's office," Gerard smiled as he walked away.

"Marshal Gerard," Alexx turned and called after him. Gerard turned back around, "He'll disappear way before you remove him." She turned and walked down the hall.

Gerard sighed, "Damn every last one of them." Though he had to admit Tim had a good team. He took a seat in Horatio's office and waited.

~*~
Alexx looked down at the young woman on the table, "To soon for you to go, sugar." She began her prep work. Pulled debris out of her hair, scarped under her fingernails, removed her clothes and set them aside for trace.

As she started her autopsy she looked up to see Horatio walk in looking haggard, "Horatio?" Voices were heard in the hallway, she glanced back at Horatio.

"This just got seriously complicated," Horatio walked over and looked at the young woman.

"Well I just saw Marshal Gerard in the hallway," Alexx informed him. "But you weren't referring to that."

"No, Caroline Mason here was formally Caroline O'Malley," Horatio glanced up at the now open doors. Eric was holding Speed back.

Alexx's head shot-up, eyes wide in shock, she turned towards Speed, "It can't be."

Speed pulled away from Eric, and walked into the room. His eyes on Caroline, he stepped back tears in his eyes. Alexx moved to his side, "Honey, you shouldn't be here."

"Last time I saw her, she had just graduated with her MBA from Harvard," Speed eyes were on the body. "She had gotten a job offer at IBM in New York."

"Tim," Calleigh stood at the morgue door concerned. "What's going on?"

Speed turned and gave her a sad smile, "The victim..."

Horatio turned towards Calleigh, "Is Caroline Mason, formally O'Malley."

Calleigh rushed across the room, and pulled Speed into her arms. "Come on, you shouldn't be here."

"NO!" He pulled away. He took a few steps back. "I need to be here. She's alone. I mean..."

Alexx rubbed his back, "I'll take care of her."

"H," Eric turned towards Horatio.

Horatio looked over at him, "I can't pull him off the case."

Eric stepped closer, his eyes watched as Calleigh and Alexx tried to persuade Speed to leave. "Coincidence that an O'Malley ends up dead the day Carmel is sentenced to death."

Horatio dropped his head, studying the floor. "I don't believe in coincidences."

Horatio signaled for everyone's attention. "Okay, we know this complicates matters in many ways. Calleigh I want you to go with Eric and profile her apartment." Calleigh nodded her eyes on Speed. "Alexx notify me when you're finished. Speed..." Speed looked up at him, focused on the job at hand. "You're coming with me to my office. Before you say anything, you need to calm down. Once Alexx finishes I'll need you to work on the trace elements."

Alexx patted Speed on the shoulder; "She's safe with me."

"Thanks Alexx," Speed walked up to the body. He caressed her hair, "I'm sorry Caroline." He leaned over and kissed her forehead, and whispered. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

He walked away without looking back; Horatio followed him out. Calleigh and Eric turned and looked at Alexx. She sighed as she went back to the autopsy table. She looked down at Caroline, "Irony is a bitch isn't it sugar. You were so close to your lost brother, and didn't even know it."

"God, what more can life throw at Tim," Calleigh shook her head. "I can't even imagine."

"To find out your sister, who you haven't seen in over ten years, is now one of your cases," Eric looked up at the ceiling. "Do you think it's related?"

"In what way?" Alexx asked.

"To the Carmel's," Eric looked between the body and Alexx.

Calleigh shook her head, "Let's not jump in front of the evidence." She patted Eric's arm, "Come on lets go back to the apartment. Find out if she was seeing anyone." Eric followed her out.

Alexx gave a sad smile to the woman on her table, "I know it doesn't mean much. But we love your brother very much." She picked up her scalpel, "He found a home here."

~*~

Horatio walked into his office, stopping short at the door, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too Lt. Caine," Gerard smiled from his seat on the couch.

"Told you he would show up," Speed commented as he walked into the room. "Shall we tell him the news?"

"What news?" Gerard stood up. "There's more than the New York Times?"

Horatio sat behind his desk while Speed slumped into on of the chairs in front of it. Gerard moved from the couch to the chair next to Speed. "What the hell is going on?"

"We had a DB this morning. A woman in her late thirties," Horatio explained, he held his hand up before Gerard could interrupt him. "She was identified as Caroline Mason..."

Gerard slumped back into his chair, "Shit."

"Exactly," Speed bowed his head.

"First the newspaper article and now this," Gerard stood up and reached for Speed. "I'm getting you out of here."

Speed jumped up out of the chair and away from Gerard, "No! There is no proof this is related to anything. I will NOT leave her while she needs me."

"Marshal Gerard sit down," Horatio stood his tone low and deadly. "Speed is right, there is no proof."

"Small coincidence the day Anthony Carmel is convicted an O'Malley is killed," Gerard pointed out.

"I agree, but we do not know all the facts," Horatio motioned them to sit down. "At least wait until we process the evidence."

"I'm not leaving Miami, H." Speed refused to sit down and moved closer to Horatio. "Look, as far as everyone is concerned Joshua O'Malley is dead. Now unless one of us contacted the Carmel's, how the hell would he know where I am?" Speed looked out of Horatio's windows into the lab. "And even if this was revenge, it's not against me it's against the Marshals or maybe even McCoy."

Gerard looked at Speed, "You have a point." He then turned to Horatio, "this is the deal. I want full protection on him."

"I can't do my job with Marshals on my ass," Speed turned and glared. "And don't you think that would be obvious?"

Gerard glared at him, "Do you not care about your safety?"

"We don't even know if there is something to worry about." Speed glared back.

"I would rather be safe than sorry," Gerard slumped back into his chair.

Horatio watched the two men argue, "This is how we are going to do this." He held up his hand before they began arguing with him. "Gerard, no Marshals." Speed smirked, "Speed you will have a member of the team with you at all times."

"And that's new how?" Speed remarked sarcastically.

Horatio eyed the young man, "Tim." Speed jerked his head up and looked at Horatio. "I can't imagine the emotions going through you right now. But everything we do is because we care for you." Horatio paused, "I don't want to attend another funeral."

Speed nodded, "I'm sorry."

Horatio smiled at him, "No need."

"Fine," Gerard stood up and headed for the door. "No guards, but I'm not leaving Miami until I know he's safe." He turned and looked at the two men. "And if for one moment I think the gig is up, he's out of here." He pointed to Speed before he left the office.

"Sometimes I hate him," Speed looked over at Horatio. "I'm going to see if Alexx has anything for trace."

"Speed?" Horatio watched him head for the door.

"I need to do something, H." Speed didn't look back. Horatio could feel and see the tension in him as Speed walked out the door and down the hall.

Horatio sat back down and eyed the telephone in disgust. This wasn't going to be an easy call, none of them ever were. He pulled up the personnel file from Caroline's office and searched through her contact information.

He picked up the phone and dialed the number.

'Hello,' a woman's voice warm and soft.

Horatio closed his eyes gathering his strength, "Mrs. O'Malley?"

'Yes, may I ask who this is?' The voice became guarded.

"My name is Horatio Caine," He paused. His eyes looked out his office window; he could see Speed walking towards the Morgue.

'I'm sorry I don't recognize that name, do I know you?' Her voice was curious.

"I'm sorry Mrs. O'Malley this isn't an easy call for me to make." Horatio voice became soothing and soft. "I'm a criminalist in Miami-Dade, Florida."

'Does this have something to do with Caroline?' The voice became panicked

"I'm sorry to inform you that your daughter Caroline was found this morning." Horatio heard the scream as the phone dropped.

'Who is this?' A strong male voice got on the line.

Horatio straightened surprised how familiar it sounded, "Mr. O'Malley. This is Horatio Caine of the Miami-Dade Police Department..."

'What is going on?' He demanded.

"Your daughter Caroline was founded murdered this morning in her office." Horatio listened to the soft sobs in the background. "I'll need you and your wife to fly out to Miami. I'm sorry for your loss, and just want you to know that I'm doing everything in my power to find out who did this."

'Are you sure?' The strong voice was now weak.

"A co-worker identified her," Horatio looked back out the window to see Speed looking up at him. "Let me give you my cell number. You can call me anytime. I'll arrange for an officer to pick you up at the airport and bring you over to the station."

'We'll get the next flight out,' He could hear the tears in the man's voice. 'Thank you for calling us. And Mr. Caine...find the bastard that did this.'

"I will," Horatio promised.


Author's Note:

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam - May you rest in peace (Gaelic)

 

Chapter 3: Protection

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

He parked by the pier, and listened to the ocean waves splashing against the shore. His thoughts drifted, they were conflicted with emotion. He felt pain for loosing his sister, but he had been gone for so long that he didn't even know her. Is that how they felt when they were told he was 'dead'. He longed to see his parents. He longed to speak with his mom in her native tongue. He longed to hear his dad tell him the tales of Ireland.
He was going to be with in reaching distance but he won't be able to reach out.

He had been living as Timothy Speedle for over ten years. His new family was an odd mix of people, and each of them loved him. Even if he had the chance he wasn't sure if he could go back to being an O'Malley, or if he wanted too. He glanced back at the parked Hummer. He knew they cared, and worried. He just wished that they didn't have to. His death affected them deeply, which in turn affected him. He knew his death still haunted Horatio, because he still work up in a cold sweat at night from the pain in Horatio's eyes as he had watched him die.

He clicked open his cell phone, and dialed the number.

'Caine,' Horatio's voice filtered through the phone.

"You're a little obvious," Speed laughed.

'What? A Hummer isn't conspicuous?' He could hear the humor in Horatio's voice.

"Not really," Speed glanced over at the Hummer. "I'm heading home. Call Eric, since I know he's already there and tell him to order a few pizza's." He smiled as he shut his phone. He could see Horatio laughing from his bike. He started up the engine and let it roar to life. He had good friends that would go to the ends of the earth to protect him, as he would for them.

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

"You might as well come in," Speed leaned against the car. "There's pizza and beer."

Gerard rolled his eyes, "Fine." He rolled the window back up and stepped out of the car.

The two walked up the walkway and were met half way there by Horatio. "Alexx sends her love, but her boy's got a cold."

"I'll give her a call," Speed responded.

"You have room for all of us?" Gerard commented as they stepped in front of Speed's apartment.

"You can sleep in your car," Speed grinned as he opened his door. He could hear Calleigh and Eric arguing in the kitchen. He walked, in stole the just opened beer out of Eric's hand, and slid in next to Calleigh. "No."

"No, what?" Eric asked as he grabbed a second beer.

"No surveillance cameras around my apartment building." He took a swig of beer. "And no extra guns in my house."

Both Calleigh and Eric glared at him. He just smiled as he grabbed some dishes and set them on the table.

"Then fine, one of us is staying." Eric opened the pizza boxes.

"Then I vote for Calleigh, she doesn't snore." Speed teased the Cuban.

"Are they always like this?" Gerard watched the three bicker.

"Yeah," Horatio smiled at the three CSI's. "You're telling me your team isn't?"

"Please, I was trying to forget them. I'm considering myself on vacation." Gerard shrugged then grabbed a plate and some pizza.

"Nice vacation, hanging out in front of my apartment," Speed walked by into the living room.

"I brought some movies," Calleigh curdled up next to Speed on the couch.

"Really? Which ones?" Eric took the floor next to the coffee table.

She giggled as she glanced over at Gerard. "Well I didn't know he was going to be here, but I thought they were fitting."

Gerard eyebrow rose, "Should I be worried?"

Calleigh giggled again. "Yeah, she giggled twice." Speed and Eric exclaimed.

She smacked both of them, "I got The Fugitive and US Marshals." She giggled even harder.

"Eric, how much as she had to drink?" Speed laughed. He couldn't help her laughter was contagious.

"She hasn't even finished her one beer," Eric snickered.

Horatio sat down in the lazy boy chair eyeing Calleigh suspiciously, "Why don't we start with The Fugitive."

"Oh come on. Can't we watch something else?" Gerard grabbed a chair from the kitchen.

"How about the CSI show?" They all turned and glared at him, "Or not."

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

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

Gerard got comfortable and watched over the small family. It was his job to protect them. Horatio's team may protect Tim, but someone needed to protect them. What they didn't realize is that Tim would be destroyed if he lost a member of his family, so he would make sure that wouldn't happen.


Chapter 4: The O'Malley's

Yelina waited by the terminal with uneasiness. She was glad Horatio had trusted her with the O'Malley's, but then again she was the only detective that new the truth behind Tim's death. She couldn't even fathom what the O'Malley's were feeling. To loose one son to such a horrible fate, then to be called and told their daughter had been murdered. She didn't know what she would do if something happened to Ray Jr. The one thing she feared the most was him deciding to follow the family tradition and become a cop.

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

When she walked into work that Monday morning to hear the buzz around the station that Tim Speedle was down in the labs she stopped short. She hurried along to Horatio's office, barged in demanding an explanation. He just pulled her up to the window and pointed out his window. The lab was welcoming Tim back into their mists. She could see the emotions on his face; tears had run down her cheeks. She like everyone else wouldn't let him out of her sight. Even had him over for dinner, she found it humorous how shy he was around her. Though dinner was a bust, considering Rick wouldn't stop pestering him, and with Horatio ready to kill Rick there just wasn't a nice warm atmosphere. Though it kept Ray Jr. and Tim entertained. Through out the year she would find herself just watching him work at a crime scene, or in the lab. She never had him over for dinner again, but instead brought him homemade dishes. He would smile and thank her, telling her she didn't have to, but she did. He was home; Horatio had all of his kids around him and that made him happy.

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

Yelina stepped up to them, "Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley?"

Mrs. O'Malley looked up at Yelina with tired and red-rimmed eyes, "Yes?"
"I'm Detective Yelina Salas," Yelina gave her a small smile. "I'm here to take you to the station."

"Call me Maria and this is my husband Liam," She held out her hand to Yelina.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Yelina took her hand giving it a compassionate squeeze.

"Thank you," Maria pulled a tissue out of her purse. "It's been a difficult year."

~*~

Horatio was not looking forward to talking with the O'Malley's. He stood in the reception area waiting for Yelina to return. Eric sat in one of the chairs, the tension rolling off of him. He would be the first to admit he was curious to meet Speed's parents, but not in this way.

"Eric calm down," Horatio slightly scolded the young man.

"Sorry H," Eric stopped his foot from tapping. "It's just..."

"Just think about this," Horatio turned slightly and looked at him. "How do you think Speed feels?"

"To be so close yet so far away," Eric sighed.

Horatio heard the elevator ding; he turned towards the entrance and took a deep breath. Eric moved to stand behind him. Neither was prepared for their first sight of the O'Malley's. Horatio heard Eric audibly gasp, and watched out of the corner of his eye as Eric composed himself.

"Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley," Horatio stepped forward his hand stretched out.

"Lieutenant Caine," Maria took his hand. "Call me Maria."

"Maria, I'm truly sorry for you loss," Horatio eyes showed his compassion.

"Any word on the investigation," Liam asked.

Eric blinked the resemblance was remarkable, "We're still processing the evidence Mr. O'Malley."

"Liam," Liam gave a sad smile. One Horatio sees daily on his trace expert.

"If you don't mind Lt. Caine," Maria asked. "Could we see Caroline?"

Horatio nodded as he stepped back, "Follow me."

Horatio locked eyes with Eric. Eric nodded as he realized that they would be passing by the Trace lab. Eric gave a slight nod to the O'Malley's as he left the lobby. Eric briskly walked down to the lab in a controlled frantic search for Speed.

"Calleigh!" He called out to the ballistics expert.

She turned and smiled, "Eric, haven't seen you all day. I was going over the victims address book it seems that..."

"Have you seen Speed?" He looked around the lab.

"No," She watched his frantic search. "Why?"

"The O'Malley's are here and Horatio is taking them to see the body." Eric explained eyes darting around the lab looking for the missing CSI.

"I'll search the bullpen," Calleigh ran off towards the offices upstairs.

Eric continued his search through the labs, but no one had seen Speed. He walked down to the morgue and slipped into the room quietly not to disturb the O'Malley's.

~*~

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

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

~*~

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

"Calleigh?" Speed grabbed the papers from Eric.

"Yes," She smiled at him.

"You do realize we are in the girl's bathroom?" Speed looked around the room.

Calleigh glanced around then looked at the floor, "It was the closest room."

He reached for the door but Calleigh got between him and the door, "You can't go out there."

Speed looked down at her, "Why?"

"Because Horatio is escorting your parents..." Calleigh stopped mid sentence as she looked up into his eyes.

Speed gave her a soft smile, "You've been by my side through this whole nightmare. Have I thanked you for that?"

Calleigh smiled back, "It's nothing really."

"It's not nothing to me," Speed whispered as he leaned forward.

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

"Is Horatio in his office?" Calleigh asked not at all self-conscious.

"No, he took them to one of the interrogations room," Yelina answered. "He had to close the blinds. They are getting a lot of second looks."

"Why?" Calleigh asked.

"Cause I look a lot like my dad," Speed answered. "Now if you two ladies would excuse me; I have to get back to work." Speed opened the door and walked down the hall ignoring a uniformed cop question glance as he came out of the girl's restroom.

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

~*~

Horatio set a cup of tea in front of Maria, and then sat across the table from them. "I know this is difficult, but do you know anyone who might want to hurt Caroline."

"No," Maria gave him a tight smile. "She was well liked, lots of friends."

"Did she ever mention anyone that she might have been arguing with?" Horatio asked.

"She got along with everyone at her work," Maria shrugged. "Last I talked to her, she didn't mention anything."

"When was that?" Horatio rested his arms on the table.

"A couple of days ago," Maria began to cry. "She was happy."

"We got a message from her on our answering machine," Liam added. "It was the night before you called."

Horatio noticed Liam seemed hesitant with the information, "Do you have it?"

Maria glanced over at Liam, who nodded. She pulled it out of her purse and handed it to Horatio. He smiled as he took the tape, "Thank you. I'm going to have one of our guys look this over it might help us establish a timeline."

"Caroline's boss at work mentioned that she wanted desperately to get out of New York," Horatio paused. "Do you know why?"

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

Horatio nodded in understanding, he got up and opened the door motioning for Calleigh. "Maria, Liam this is Calleigh Duquesne, she's a member of my team."

Calleigh walked into the room a smile on her face. Horatio barely noticed her hesitant step. "If you don't mind, I have a small question." She stated as Horatio handed her the tape.

Maria smiled at her, "Yes?"

"Was Caroline seeing anyone?" Calleigh asked.

"She mentioned a boyfriend," Liam commented, "A Shawn Williamson."

"Do you know where Shawn is?" Horatio turned towards them.

Maria shrugged, "She met him here in Miami. We've never met him."

Calleigh smiled as she headed for the door, "Thank you for the information. I'm sorry for your loss. We're doing all that we can to find out what happened."

Liam patted his wife's hand and looked over at Horatio, "You have to understand. We buried our son, exactly one year ago. You have no idea what it's like to lose two of your children."

Horatio gave a tight smile, resisting the urge to go hunt Speed down and drag him into the room. He glanced at the calendar and realized it was October 23rd. They day Josh O'Malley died. Irony was really a bitch.

"I promise you," Horatio voice was strong. "I will find out who did this."

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

 

Chapter 5: Evidence

Gerard sat across from Horatio, "This is not a good idea."

"What part exactly?" Horatio asked sipping his coffee.

"No protection, the O'Malley's less than a hundred yards from their son, Tim working the case. The list is endless." Gerard pointed out.

"Tim is in the AV lab surrounded by cops and CSI's," Horatio eyed him. "The O'Malley's have gone to their hotel, and I can't take Tim off the case because there is no real reason to."

Gerard rubbed his temples, "Some stranger met with Louis Carmel."

Horatio looked up at him, "What?"

"Louis Carmel had a visitor, and no one recognizes him." Gerard explained. "He came, talked for a few minutes, then left."

"No idea who he is?" Horatio asked.

"Not a clue," Gerard shrugged. "Now do you understand why I'm worried? There are too many open variables. We have an O'Malley in the morgue, an unknown man meeting with Louis Carmel. Then to top it off we have a newspaper article that printed their damn picture."

Horatio stood up and looked down at Gerard, "We need to listen to the evidence. Speed is already going through the ringer on this. I will not make it worse on him by jumping to conclusions. Have you seen him? He's not sleeping."

"I heard Eric and Calleigh talking. He woke up twice with nightmares." Gerard leaned back as he looked up at Horatio. "I worry okay."

"We all do," Horatio smiled. "I have to go talk with Yelina, why don't you see how Speed is doing in the AV lab."

Gerard smiled as he stood up, "I can take the hint. I know when I'm not wanted." Gerard threw his coffee cup away and walked down into the labs.

~*~

Horatio stepped up to Yelina, "Got anything for me."

She turned and smiled, "No one at work knows who the boyfriend/fiancée is or was."

"So we have a fiancée that hasn't reported her missing," Horatio looked thoughtful.
"Thanks, Yelina."

"Horatio?" Yelina stopped him as he began to walk away. "How's Tim doing?"

"As well as expected," Horatio answered.

"Give him my love," Yelina turned and walked away.

~*~

Horatio found Eric and Calleigh in the Trace lab, "Anything?"

"We're running prints as we speak," Eric looked up from the microscope.

"I'm running the serial number of the diamond to see what jewelry store it came from," Calleigh stated. "Besides that nothing much."

"How about her apartment?" Horatio leaned against the counter.

"No pictures of a boyfriend," Calleigh stated. "No journals, no letters, nothing."

"Once again a few prints," Eric added. "We're running them. So far our biggest lead might be that phone call."

"Did you pull her phone records?" Horatio asked.

"Yeah, should be faxed over at any moment," Eric informed him.

"Let me know what you find," Horatio left the Trace lab.

Eric turned towards Calleigh, "How's Tim?"

"Edgy," She answered.

"So," Eric grinned at her.

"So what?" She gave him a confused look.

Eric eyebrow rose, "You have no idea do you?"

"About what?" Calleigh asked truly confused.

Eric grinned, "Nothing."

~*~

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

"Hey mom, you won't believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like... Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties..." Speed stopped the tape.

"Hey," Gerard stepped into the room. "How's it going?"

Speed spun in his chair and looked at the US Marshal, "What are you doing in here?"

"Horatio refused to let me follow him around," Gerard grinned as he sat down.

"So you're bugging me, why?" Speed turned back to the equipment.

"Cause I like you," Gerard smirked. "What do we have?"

"My sister's voice," Speed smiled. "I hadn't heard it in ten years. I forgot what it had sounded like."

Gerard nodded; there was nothing he could say.

Speed sighed, "We might have a problem. Listen to this 'Hey mom, you won't believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like... Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties...'" Speed stopped the tape.

"You think she saw you?" Gerard looked between the equipment and Speed.

"I don't know," Speed shrugged.

"But you do ride a bike," Gerard pointed out.

"Yeah, and so do a lot of other guys," Speed hit the button again. "Hey mom, you won't believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like... Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties..." The tape crackled then a second voice entered a bit faded. "You made this so much easier for me"

"Who the hell was that?" Gerard leaned closer to listen to the tape again.

Speed dulled the static, and brought up the second voice to the forefront. "'You made this so much easier for me.' Could be our killer."

Gerard leaned back, "Can we get anything out of the background?"

"It's a recording off a cell phone," Speed stated. "The fact alone that my parents still use a tape recording answering machine should tell you how far behind the times they are."

Gerard smiled, "Now don't be mean."

"To top it off we're talking a cell phone, there could be a lot of interference." Speed lowered both voices and pulled the background noise up. A ding and wush sound, "Did you hear that?" He played it again. "That's right before the male voice comes in."

"Elevator?" Gerard asked.

"Caroline was found in her office," Speed speculated.

"Does the building have security cameras?" Gerard asked. "If there's a picture of the guy then I can fax it over to our guys and see if the description matches the unknown visitor."

"Unknown visitor?" Speed asked as he looked over at Gerard.

"Someone stopped by to see Louis Carmel, no one knows who it is." Gerard explained.

"What, so your thinking this guy talks to Louis, then what? Flies to Miami in the off chance my sister knows I'm here?" Speed commented. "We don't even know who she's referring to."

"Louis could have sent him to just take your sister out, and now that he's heard her conversation, he knows you're still around." Gerard stated.

"She could have been referring to an old boyfriend for all we know." Speed glared back at Gerard.

"Until we know for sure, you're under 24/7 surveillance." Gerard glared back.

Speed laughed, "I've been under 24/7 surveillance since I rose from the dead." He glanced out of the window to see Horatio heading their way.

"Hey, how's it going in here?" Horatio stepped into the room. "Eric just handed me Caroline's phone records, she called her parents at eleven fifteen pm. Time of death was around midnight."

"Then we may have possibly have a recording of the killer," Speed played back the whole tape for Horatio, "' Hey mom, you won't believe this, but I saw this guy. He was on a bike and it was amazing how much he looked like... Well he looked exactly how I would imagine him in his thirties...You made this so much easier for me.' Now if you listen to the back ground you get his." Speed played back the ding and wush sound. "Sounds like the elevator at her office. So I'm thinking killer follows her from the lobby to her office?"

"That, Speed, could be the voice of our missing boyfriend." Horatio glanced out the window to see Eric come down the hallway.

"H," Eric walked into the room. "We got a match on one of the prints, a Shawn Williamson, bartender."

"Where does he tend bar?" Speed asked.

"Biker Boys, a new hot club for those kids with fancy bikes," Eric looked down at the folder.

"And before you ask," Speed looked over at Gerard. "I've never been there."

"We have Caroline stating she saw someone on a bike, possibly where her fiancée worked." Horatio looked over at Eric. "Take Calleigh go to the bar, ask around. I'll get Yelina to bring Mr. Williamson in. Maybe he can tell us who she saw."

 

Chapter 6: Chaos Theory

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

"Nervous habit," Speed pointed out.

"Now what could he be nervous about," Calleigh glanced sideways at Speed.

"I don't care if your innocent, being interrogated by Horatio can make anyone nervous." Speed grinned at her.

~*~

"Mr. Williamson," Horatio walked over to the window as Yelina sat down across from the suspect.

"Yes," Shawn smiled at Yelina then glanced at Horatio.

"Do you know a Caroline Mason?" Yelina asked.

"Have you found her?" Shawn looked between the detectives.

"She was missing?" Horatio turned around.

"I hadn't spoken to her since a couple of nights ago," He stated.

"You went two days without speaking to your fiancée?" Yelina asked a confused look on her face.

"Fiancée? No, Caroline and I dated. It wouldn't be uncommon for us not to speak for a few days. Odd work schedules and all," Shawn shrugged. "Is she okay?"

"She was killed two days ago," Horatio walked towards the table. "Someone hit her, she fell and hit her head on the table, killing her."

"Oh God," He looked down at the file thrown at him, pictures of Caroline dead.

"You work at Biker Boys?" Horatio asked.

"Yeah, bartender." Shawn glanced over, "How did you know that?"

"Where were you on Tuesday night?" Yelina asked.

"You don't think I had anything to do with this?" Shawn looked up at her.
"You're fingerprints were at her work, at her home..." Horatio opened the file folder showing the pictures of evidence.

"She was my girlfriend," Shawn explained.

Yelina cocked her head, "See that's funny, we were told she had a fiancée."

"We talked about it, but nothing was set," Shawn shrugged.

"Then explain this?" Horatio held up a small bag with a diamond ring in it.

"Looks like one she wore all the time," Shawn looked down.

"Shawn, did you know they register diamonds? Especially one's this large?" Horatio walked over to his side of the table. "This one is registered in your name."

"We just got engaged," Shawn looked up. "But it wasn't really set, I hadn't even met her parents."

"Why?" Horatio asked.

"I don't know," Shawn glanced between them.

"Tell me what happened that night?" Horatio leaned onto the table next to him. "She see an old flame, you two fight?"

"I don't know," Shawn began to get agitated.

"We have witnesses that place her at Biker Boys. They said she was talking to a blond biker." Horatio straightened up and walked back around the table.

"You two fight?" Yelina asked. "She storm off but instead of heading home she went to her office."

"She left because she had work to do," Bitterness entered his voice.

"She blew you off for paperwork?" Yelina voice was smooth. "So you followed her back to the office."

"I wanted to talk with her, I hated leaving things unfinished." Shawn explained. "I got to the office and she was talking on her cell phone about the damn biker."

"So you got angry," Yelina pushed.

"She's always working, never had time for me," Shawn spat out. "But it's not like you think."

"Tell us then what was it like?" Horatio stood by the window hands on his hips.

"We argued, she took off her ring and threw it at me. I struck out. I didn't mean to hit her, she fell..." Tears began to form. "I didn't know what to do."

"So you left," Yelina finished for him.

"It was an accident," Shawn pleaded.

Horatio looked over at the mirror, "One last question."

"What?" He sniffed.

"Her family..." Horatio looked over at him.

"What about them?" Shawn looked confused. "I never met any of her family. All I know is her parents live in Boston, her sister is an Museum person of some sort, and her brother died last year."

"How?" Horatio asked.

"How what?" Shawn asked completely confused.

"Her brother, how did he die?" Horatio knew he was pushing it, but they had to make sure.

"She mentioned something about a car accident. Look I never met them, we were planning on going to Boston around Christmas." Shawn's voice became soft.

"But instead she's going home in a coffin," Horatio nodded for the officers to come into the room.

~*~

"Chaos theory," Calleigh commented as they watched Shawn be handcuffed and escorted away.

"What?" Speed turned towards her.

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

Speed smiled at her, "And the most important thing."

"What is that?" She looked up at him and grinned.

"Gerard gets to go home," He grinned as they continued down the hallway.

~*~

"So it was her boyfriend?" Maria O'Malley asked Horatio.

"It wasn't intentional," He took her hand. "They fought and he struck her. She lost her balance and she hit her head on the table."

"What happens now?" Liam asked his arm around his wife.

"He will be tried for Manslaughter, and serve a minimum of ten years." Horatio explained.

"Thank you, Lt. Caine," Maria gave him a watery smile. "You have no idea how much it means that someone took the time to find out what happened, and tell us."

Horatio bowed his head then looked back up with a small smile, "It's my job."

"You gave us closure," Liam shook Horatio's hand.

"Are you heading back to Boston?" Horatio asked.

"Caroline is going to be buried next to her brother in New Jersey," Maria informed him. "We've already made arrangements."

"We'll be here a few more days to pack up her apartment," Liam put his arm around his wife as they turned to leave. "Once again, thank you."

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

Chapter 7: Reunion and Family

Gerard got out of the car and glared at Horatio, "This is NOT a good idea."

Horatio walked around the car, turned and looked at Gerard. "I don't care." He grinned as Gerard glared at him as he walked to the second vehicle.

"He's right," Speed commented as he stepped out of the vehicle.

"It's the right thing to do," Horatio walked up to the building. Gerard leaned up against the Hummer arms crossed and fumed. The team ignored him. He rolled his eyes; dealing with Horatio Caine was like dealing with a Hurricane. You don't, you just board up your windows and pray he just leaves you alone.

~*~

Horatio smiled at Maria O'Malley when she opened the door, "Mrs. O'Malley."

"Lt. Caine," She smiled at him. "And I told you call me Maria. What brings you by?"

Horatio walked into the condo, maneuvering around the boxes. "I just wanted to see how you were doing before you left for Boston."

"That is very kind of you," Maria lead him into the living room.

He recognized the piano that still sat in the corner, "Did Caroline play?"

"Yes," She said with pride. "All my children did."

Horatio's eyebrows went up, 'really, I'll have to use that against Speed' he thought.

"We made sure our children had a well rounded education," Liam stated as he walked into the room. Horatio was floored at how much Speed really looked like him especially when Mr. O'Malley wore jeans and a sweater.

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

Horatio looked down, "I can't imagine what you have gone through."

"It's been difficult," Liam looked out the tall window. "Miami is a beautiful city. Maybe we should retire here," He grinned at Maria who rolled her eyes.

Horatio tried not to laugh at the imagined expression on Gerard's face. "Well for me, Miami has always been home."

"I'm sorry Lt. Caine, I'm being a terrible host," Maria wiped her tears. "Could I get you something?"

"Actually I've brought something for you," Horatio knew just talking to them, that he was doing the right thing.

"You've done so much," Liam looked at him quizzically.

"I hope this will give you the closure you need," He walked towards the hall and motioned with his hand.

"But..." Maria stopped mid-sentence as Speed stepped into the room.

Speed gave them a hesitant smile, "Momma."

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

Alexx looked over at Calleigh with tears in her eyes, who gave a watery smile back. Horatio stepped over to the two girls pulling them into his arms, "Let's go." They nodded and left the O'Malley family to get reacquainted. Eric took one more look back and smiled at the reunited family.

~*~

Maria held her son's face between her hands. "Josh, look at you."

"Mom," Speed grinned, then looked over at Liam, "Dad."

"Son," Liam pulled his boy into his arms. "You look good."

Speed smiled, "It's the ocean air."

Liam stepped back to take a really good look. He noticed the differences; he had grown, filled out. His hair was longer and he looked scruffy not clean cut as before. "I don't understand, how?"

"Last year, when Phillips discovered me, the Marshals pulled me out of Miami," He started to explain.

"You've been here the whole time?" Maria asked her mind full of questions.

"Basically," Speed sat down on the couch. "I work with Horatio. I'm a CSI."

Liam smiled with pride, and then wondered. "Did you? I mean..."

"Yes, I helped with the investigation into Caroline's murder." He gave them a sad smile.

"That must have been a shock to you," Maria patted his knee.

"Slightly," He looked down at his hands. "I listened to the message, she sounded so much older, more mature than I remember."

Maria took his hand, "Ho li ha mancati il mio figlio" (I have missed you my son. - Italian)


"Ho li ha mancati momma. Ho ha mancato i nostri colloqui, pranzi la domenica. Spiacente per causarvi questo dolore." Speed answered back once again speaking in his mothers tongue. (I have missed you momma. I have missed our talks, dinner on Sundays. Sorry for causing you this pain - Italian)

"Joshua," Maria made him look at her. "You've made me so proud. You stood for what was right. You demanded justice for that cop, and for Danny. You inspire me to be a better person."

"You kept your language," Liam smiled at him. "Do you still speak Gaelic?"

"Cronaim thu athair," Speed looked over at his dad. "Unfortunately there is not much use for Gaelic in Miami. It's easier to find ways to practice my Italian. I will go shopping in little Italy, pick up books and newspapers in Italian to keep up."

"I was always the first to admit, Gaelic is a dying language." Liam smiled at his son. "But you lost your accent my boy." (I miss you father - Gaelic)

Speed laughed at the old argument, "I lost it before I went to New York."

"So you were explainin' how you are still here with us," Liam gestured between the three of them.

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

"How where you able to stay, if they killed you?" Liam wondered.

"Gerard explained that it was a sting operation to catch Phillips. Then he arranged for Joshua O'Malley to be killed so the Carmel's would think Phillips had gotten to me." Speed looked away from his parents, "Tá brón orm athair, máthair. I didn't want to put you through that pain, but I had a life here with good friends. It was a chance to finally put everything behind me and move on with my life, without fear." (I'm sorry father, mother – Gaelic)

"I knew," Maria gave him a sad smile.

Liam looked at her shocked, "What?"

"Agent Gerard told me you were safe," Maria took her son's hand. "I knew he meant you were safe from harm." She turned to Liam, "I didn't say anything, and I figured the less people who knew the better."

Liam nodded upset but understood, "Since I know we can't call you Joshua, what should we call you?"

"Timothy Speedle is who I am now," Speed answered. "But, everyone calls me Speed."

"Speed?" Liam smiled. "I take it you still ride motorcycles."

"Yeah," Speed laughed.

"Is there someone special in your life?" Maria asked, smiling.

"No, well I don't know," He blushed. "There's been someone who's been by my side through all of this. We've been friends for years, and now it looks like maybe it could be more."

"Is she at the lab?" Liam asked, a smile on his face. He was just happy to see his son alive and living a good life.

"Calleigh Duquesne," He answered a shy smile on his face.

"The young southern woman, long blonde hair?" Maria smiled. "She seemed very nice and pleasant."

"Two minutes back in your life and you see grandkids," Speed gave her a warm smile.

"You're point? Oh, you're going to be an uncle," She grinned as pulled up her purse. "Julia is seven months; they don't know what it's going to be yet. She married a lawyer out of DC, and she works as an Archivist at one of the Smithsonian's." She pulled up a wedding picture of Julia and her husband. "This is their wedding, Caroline is next to her." She smiled sadly at the picture, and then dug into her purse again, "And this is the ultrasound."

Speed took both of the pictures, "She was beautiful."

"Son," Liam's voice was serious. "I have one question." Speed looked up locking eyes with his father. "Are you happy?"

"Yes," Speed smiled. "I am. I love my job. But most important I've got good friends that care about me. They're my family."

"Then we're happy," Liam stood and pulled his son to him. "So, Miami is it a good town to retire to, Timothy, Tim or should we call you Speed?"

"Speed is fine, Mr. O'Malley," Speed held onto his father.

"Liam," he pulled back. "And this is my wife Maria."

"Welcome to Miami," Speed smiled at the two of them.

~*~

Speed sat on his couch; his parents had flown to New Jersey that morning for Caroline's funeral. He had said goodbye on the phone but couldn't see them off.

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

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

"I really shouldn't be surprised," Speed smiled at his family standing at his door.

Calleigh handed him the pizza, while Eric went straight for the fridge with the beer. Horatio handed him a bottle of good old Irish whisky, "We figured we would toast Caroline and send her off in good spirits."

"Thank you," Speed took the bottle. "And not just for being here tonight, but for yesterday and for everything."

Horatio laid a hand on his shoulder, "Your welcome." Horatio walked into the house, "Make sure Calleigh doesn't have anything to drink."

"Hey," Calleigh turned and glared at him. "I resent that comment."

"Last thing I need is a giggling ballistics expert in court tomorrow," Horatio smiled at the blond.

She giggled, and then started laughing, "I brought a movie."

"Oh God tell me it's not some sappy lifetime movie," Speed yelled towards them. "My life is one as it is."

Alexx laughed as she walked into the room, "How you doing honey?"

He thought about it, "I'm doing good."

"What about..." Her head motions towards a laughing Calleigh.

"We'll see what happens," Speed closed the door and followed her into the kitchen.

"What movie?" Horatio demanded, eyeing her suspiciously.

She grinned, "I rented the first season of CSI." Collective groans went through the room. "What? It will be fun, we can mock them."

"We're making a new rule," Speed announced as he grabbed Eric's beer. "Calleigh doesn't pick any more movies."

"Fine," She took a piece of pizza, "be that way," and headed for the living room.

Eric grabbed a second beer and head for the living room. "What's this?" He held up framed photo that was on the coffee table.

Speed sat down next to Calleigh, gave her a quick smile, and then looked at the photo. "It was Caroline's."

"Isn't that the one you found when we searched the apartment?" Eric asked.

"Yeah," Speed picked up the picture. "Momma gave it to me, before they left." He got up and set it next to a picture already on the bookshelf. The one of the team at the July 4th picnic, the one Speed carried with him when he was on the run. "Now I have all my family in one place. Síochán leat."

"What?" Alexx asked. It was the second time she heard him speak a different language.

"It's Gaelic 'Peace be with you'." Speed smiled at the group.

"I heard you say something to her in the autopsy room," Alexx commented. "Was that Gaelic also?"

"Yes," Speed sat back down on the couch.

"You speak Gaelic?" Eric looked at his friend.

"Not fluently," Speed took a sip of his beer. "My grandmother spoke it fluently so we were raised with it around the house."

"I heard your mother speak Italian to Caroline," Horatio commented. "Do you also speak Italian?"

"That I speak more fluently," He smiled. "I've kept up with it. It was a way of staying in touch with my family."

"And do you still play the piano?" Horatio grinned.

Speed coughed up his beer, "Exactly what did they tell you?" Eyeing Horatio suspiciously.

"Not much," Horatio grinned, settling back in his chair. "Eric put in the disc let's see how badly they butcher forensics."

Speed sat on the couch glaring at Horatio. Eric laughed as he got up and slipped the disc into the DVD player.

Calleigh leaned over to Speed, "Say something in Italian."

Speed turned towards her. His brown eyes bore into her blue, "Penso che siate bei." (I think you are beautiful - Italian)

"What did you say?" She demanded caught up in the emotion between them.

"Figure it out," Speed smiled. He leaned back against the couch, and turned towards the TV.

Calleigh huffed, then settled into his side to watch the program. "They didn't just do that?" She exclaimed watching the screen.

"I've seen at least three mistakes in the first five minutes," Eric complained.

"Children settle down," Horatio called from his chair. "Okay, that was just bad. No CSI can spot evidence from that distance."

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

~*~



Author's Note: Translation's

Ho li ha mancati il mio figlio - I have missed you my son. (Italian)

Ho li ha mancati momma. Ho ha mancato i nostri colloqui, pranzi la domenica. Spiacente per causarvi questo dolore - I have missed you momma. I have missed our talks, dinner on Sundays. Sorry for causing you this pain (Italian)

Cronaim thu athair - I miss you father (Gaelic)

Tá brón orm athair, máthair - I'm sorry father, mother (Gaelic)

Penso che siate bei - I think you are beautiful (Italian)