Title: Silent Witness
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRM
Disclaimer: I think we all know I don't own them and the reasons why. They are owned by various executives, producers, writers and studios that have more lawyers than I want to mess with. I'm not making any money just borrowing them for a bit and promise to return them.
Summary: Horatio questioned the witness, Captain Timothy Speedle.
Editor: The Prof
Warning: Violence
Author’s Note: Slash like all of my stuff – so don’t read and bitch if you don’t like
100 Challenges: au100 CSI Miami
Prompt: #82 - Deaf
Word Count: 7901

~*~

Horatio drove up to the bank, his blue eyes taking in the situation. He parked and walked up to Detective Tripp. The Texan looked over as the Lieutenant approached. He looked flustered and completely frustrated.

“Tripp?” Horatio stepped up to him, head slightly cocked.

“Bank robbery gone bad,” he explained. “Four gunmen came into the bank and opened fired. They held the bank hostage for thirty minutes. When police arrived, they proceeded to move out the back. According to witnesses one of the hostages fought back and took down one of the robbers. Come to find out they had wired the front doors to explode, the hostages state that if the young man hadn’t taken down the robber, the doors would have blown taking out the cops when they came into the bank.”

“Did he disarm the bomb?” Horatio asked a bit surprised.

“I don’t know. He won’t answer any of my questions. As a matter of fact he’s been ignoring all of my inquiries.” Tripp sighed in frustration.

Horatio looked over at a young man sitting on the back of the ambulance. His head was down in his hands, he was completely still not responding to anything going on around him.

“H.” Eric ran up to the small group. “We are collecting evidence left and right. Tell me the new Trace Expert starts today.”

“As a matter of fact he does.” Horatio smiled. “Talk about a nice welcome gift.”

“Thank God.” Eric sighed in relief. “I don’t think I could’ve handled another case with the night shift’s expert, she creeps me out and she’s mean.”

Horatio smiled. “Get everything that you can and I’ll meet you at the lab. I got a witness to talk to.”

“Horatio.” The younger man paused, “I overheard the cops say he took down one of the robbers.”

“That’s what I’m going to find out.” Horatio walked over to the young man. He hadn’t moved from his position, not even responding when the redhead stood in front of him. “Sir?”

Tripp shrugged. “See this is how it’s been for the past half hour.”

Horatio cocked his head slightly then reached out and touched the man’s shoulder. The young man jerked away his eyes darting around taking in his surroundings. He paused then looked up at Horatio.

“I’m Lieutenant Caine; I’m with the Crime Lab.” Horatio slipped off his glasses. “I need to talk to you about what happened.”

The young man smiled then signed.

“He wasn’t ignoring you Tripp, he’s deaf.” Horatio smiled at the young man. “What’s your name?”

The young man signed out his name, and then frowned as he reached back for his wallet but came back empty handed. Horatio grabbed Tripp’s pad and paper. The witness smiled and wrote down a few things then handed it back to Horatio.

The redhead read the note then smiled. “Detective Tripp meet Timothy Speedle, the Lab’s new Trace Expert.”

“Talk about a bad first day.” Tripp shook his head.

~ The Labs ~

“You’re kidding?” Eric stared at Calleigh. “Our new Trace Expert can’t work the case?”

“He’s a material witness and was one of the hostages.” Calleigh handed him the file.

Eric looked it over. “Talk about a bad first day.”

“That’s what Tripp said.” The blonde smiled. “So this case still goes to Diana.”

“Damn.” The young man grumbled, “She really creeps me out.”

“Horatio wants you to pull Speedle’s file.” Ryan ran up to the two CSIs.

“Why?” Eric asked.

“He’s kind of curious how a Trace Expert could not only expertly take down a bank robber, but also defuse a bomb,” the newest CSI pointed out.

The other two looked at him wide eyed. “So he’s the one?”

“Yep.” Ryan nodded. “Horatio is talking with him now. It’s kind of slow considering the translator hasn’t come yet, and they are using lots of pen and paper.”

“I’ll get the file,” Eric stated as he turned and left.

~*~

“Can you understand me?” Horatio asked sitting across from the young man.

Timothy nodded and signed. Then sighed and wrote something down. Horatio looked over at the paper and smiled.

“So you can read lips?” he asked.

He smiled and nodded.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Horatio asked.

Timothy started signing then groaned in frustration. He grabbed the paper and pen, wrote furiously then handed it to the redhead.

The CSI read over the notes. “Hearing aids? I’ll have to check with my CSIs to see if any were found. You can hear fully with them?”

He shrugged and waved his hand a bit.

“Somewhat?” the redhead clarified.

“Lieutenant Caine.” A woman stood in the doorway. “Sorry, I’m late.” She turned towards Tim and signed. “My name is Amanda Games.”

The young man smiled and signed back.

“He says his name is Timothy Speedle, but everyone calls him Speed.”

Horatio grinned. “Does he own the yellow Ducati that was in the bank parking lot?”

Speed smirked and nodded, yes.

“Amanda, I appreciate your help. Mr. Speedle stated he lost his hearing aids in the bank.” Horatio looked over at Speed to see him signing to the translator.

“He says that he had turned them off early on when a woman behind him had her phone on, the interference was hurting his ears.” She turned back and signed then turned back to Horatio. “He was at the teller and didn’t know what was happening until he turned and a gunman was in his face screaming at him.”

“Did you get a close look at him?” Horatio asked.

Speed shook his head he turned towards Amanda. “They were wearing masks, but he was able to read his lips. They were upset he had been ignoring them.”

“Is that when he hit you?” Horatio pointed towards the bruise forming along Speed’s cheek.

Speed nodded. “They pushed him down onto the floor knocking one of the hearing aids out. He then took out the second for safe keeping, but lost it later during the struggle.”

“I’ll check to see if they were found,” Horatio promised.

Amanda laughed. “He says thanks, they aren’t cheap and his insurance would kill him if he lost another set.”

The redhead smiled. “What happened after he knocked you to the floor?” He watched as the young man signed, his actions were angry and abrupt, he glanced over to Amanda who was signing back, he assumed clarifying.

“He said that they were an organized unit, probably military…”

“How could he tell?” the CSI asked turning back to Speed.

Amanda signed, and then responded. “They were using military hand signals and ranks. He thinks possible ex-Rangers.”

“After they got the money what happened?” Horatio asked. “Did you know they had wired the front doors?”

Speed nodded signing quickly. The interrupter’s eyebrow rose. “He states that he saw the lead man set the device on the door and move towards the back. He knew the police would not see it; so as soon as they were out of sight he moved for the front door to disarm it.”

“You have bomb squad experience?” the redhead asked curiously.

Amanda snorted. “He says, you learn how recognize things that go boom while on patrol in Afghanistan.”

Caine smiled. “I guess you would. When you went to disarm it, is that when you got into a fight with one of the robbers?”

Speed began to sign once again and Horatio sighed a bit in frustration at the length of interview, maybe he should have seen if Eric had found the hearing aids.

“Lieutenant Caine,” Amanda looked over at him.

“Yes,” Horatio looked up.

“Speed was wondering if it would be easier if he wrote it out, or if we find his hearing aids.” She smiled at him.

The CSI pulled out his phone and gave Eric a call down in the labs. After a quick conversation he hung up the phone and smiled. “Well Mr. Speedle, luck will have it Eric has both your hearing aids and he’s bringing them up now.”

He didn’t need a translation to recognize the relief on the young man’s face. It didn’t take long for Eric to show up with the evidence bags.

“I signed and removed them from the evidence, indicating that they were given back to the owner,” Eric said as he walked in. “By the way, he’s not going to be able to work on the case is he?”

“No.” Horatio handed Tim the bags. “But he can work on other cases.”

Speed placed his hearing aids in and turned them on. He looked up at Horatio and smiled. “I missed orientation.”

The redhead gave him a small smile. “We’ll let it pass. What happened with the robber?”

“Like I had said, I waited until they left and approached the doors.”

Horatio noticed that his speech pattern was very clear, a sign of someone who had lost his hearing later in life. Speed tended to talk and sign at the same time, sometimes lapsing into signing.

“I figured if the bomb was too complicated I could just get a sign on the door stating for them to get bomb squad, but it was very simple pipe bomb – all damage no sophistication.” Speed continued, “I glanced up and saw his reflection in the window diving away as he swung at me. At least he was smart not to shoot at the bomb.”

“According to the repots you took him down in a few moves,” Eric said from the sidelines.

“If he was ex-Ranger he should be ashamed,” Tim said. “I easily disarmed then secured him, before taking the threat of the bomb away.”

“You just disarmed him?” Eric asked.

Tim shrugged. “What do I do now?”

Horatio paused. “Why don’t you go home and tomorrow we’ll have a few cases for you to work on, making sure to keep you away from this one.”

Speed stood up. “Is my bike still at the bank?”

“You drive?” Eric asked a bit shocked.

Amanda and Speed rolled their eyes. “When I have my hearing aids in I can hear. It’s a bit like a wind tunnel but it doesn’t stop me. Besides have you ever ridden a bike? You can’t hear worth crap outside your helmet when speeding 80 miles an hour down the highway.”

“80?” Horatio asked smiling.

Speed smirked. “I mean 65.”

“We have your contact information, besides the fact you’ll be in the lab tomorrow,” the redhead stated. “If you remember anything…”

“I’ll call.” Speed moved out of the interrogation room. “One hell of a first day.”

“It could be worse.” Horatio walked with him down the hall.

“How?”

“You could have been shot or taken hostage,” the redhead pointed out.

“Don’t say that.” Speed stepped into the elevator. “Don’t even think it.”

Horatio waved as the doors closed, he was going to enjoy working with the new Trace Expert. He looked up to see Calleigh walking up with Ryan.

“You got something for me?” he asked.

“I pulled our new Trace Expert’s file.” Calleigh held it up.

“And?” Eric asked walking up to the small group.

“Now I know why he was able to disarm the pipe bomb and take down the gunman,” Ryan said.

“Ranger?” Horatio asked.

“No,” Calleigh shook her head. “Delta Force.”

“Remind me not to piss him off.” Eric paused, “How about his hearing?”

“Caught in an explosion in Afghanistan, blew his ear drums.” Ryan informed them. “He’s been in therapy and adjusting back to civilian life for the past two years.”

Horatio absorbed all the information. So Speed had an interesting background. It made sense the way he carried himself. “Eric, do me a favor find his wallet in the evidence and have it for him when he gets in, he might have dropped it by the tellers.”

“Will do H.” Eric walked off back to the labs.

~*~

Horatio stopped by the labs on his way home, a bit surprised to see Eric still in the layout room. He stepped into the room, quietly and watched the younger man go through the evidence boxes.

“Problem?” the redhead asked.

Eric looked up, clearly frustrated. “I’ve gone through these boxes three times, and I still haven’t found his wallet.”

“Did you go through the inventory list?” Horatio asked stepping up to the table.

“Twice,” Eric said. “I even sent Ryan back to the scene to look. It’s not here.”

“If we don’t have it, and it’s not at the scene…” Horatio turned and pulled his cell phone. “I need a unit at 1324 Henderson Way.”

”I’m coming with, hell if I’m waiting another six months for the department to hire another Trace Expert,” Eric grumbled as he followed the redhead out.

~ 1324 Henderson Way ~

Horatio pulled up behind the two squad cars and jumped out of the vehicle. He pulled his gun and moved up the driveway with Eric backing him up. The commotion from inside had them moving quickly into the house.

“Put your weapon down!” the young cop yelled. “Don’t make me repeat it.”

Horatio looked between the uniforms and the occupant. He sighed and lowered his weapon. “Officers lower your weapon.”

“He hasn’t followed …”

“He’s deaf!” Horatio informed him as he walked up towards Speed. He came around to the side making sure the soldier caught sight of him.

Speed looked over at him. He shrugged and handed him his weapon. A few jerky hand movements got the point across. Horatio looked over at the sprawled out intruder; same outfit as the one Speed had taken down at the bank. The young man’s wallet was in his hand.

“Did you kill him?” Horatio asked.

Speed shook his head, signing a bit more. He paused and pointed to the weapon. Horatio checked the chamber, it was full. “So you didn’t get a shot off?”

The soldier shook his head no, and then pointed at the gunman and the gun lying near by. “But he got a shot off?”

Speed nodded, yes.

Eric walked up to Horatio. “I called an ambulance; I saw blood in the hallway.”

Horatio stepped closer to Speed giving him a once over, noticing now the blood soaking into his black jeans. “Are you shot?”

The young man shrugged.

“Where are your hearing aids?” the redhead asked.

Speed pointed towards the bedroom. Eric moved down the hallway as Horatio took care of the witness. The brunette sat down on the couch leaning back, head tilted back. He sighed and stared at the ceiling.

Horatio moved over to the uniforms. “When the ambulance gets here I want you to escort the intruder to the hospital. Make sure he’s okay then book him.”

“Lieutenant Caine…I…” The officer hesitated.

“It’s okay.” Horatio gave him an assuring smile. “You handled yourself well in a tough situation.”

The paramedics walked into the apartment. One moved towards Speed on the couch, the second to the gunman. Eric came back into the room carrying a small container. Speed looked up and over at him and held out his hand.

With his aids back in he surveyed the situation. He sighed as the paramedic treated the graze on his leg.

“He’ll need stitches.”

“I don’t want to go to the hospital,” Speed said.

“You’re going.” Horatio made sure the young man heard and saw him. “Eric will pack you a bag and you’re staying at my place for extra security.”

The soldier smiled at him, and signed while talking. “I’m a decorated trained soldier…”

“And you’re my Trace Expert.” Horatio glared at him. “I like to make sure my employees are safe.”

“Did I mention the night shift girl creeps me out?” Eric added. “I don’t want to work with her anymore. So no losing our new Trace person so soon, it took them six months to hire you.”

Speed just stared at Eric then turned back to Horatio and signed something. Horatio frowned as the paramedic laughed. The deaf man grinned at him.

The paramedic grinned and answered. “Yeah he can be whiney.”

“HEY!” The Cuban huffed and walked out muttering.

Horatio smiled at the young man. “Off to the hospital, do not argue with me.”

Speed muttered as he leaned against one of the paramedics. “God you’re worse than my old CO.”

“Maybe I should call him find out how much trouble you are?” The redhead’s smile faded. “Speed?”

“He died six months ago in a car bombing in Iraq.”

Horatio paused, “I’m sorry.”

“He was a good soldier, died doing what he loved doing.” The soldier nodded in respect and headed for the ambulance.

~ Next Day ~

“What information do we have?” Horatio asked his team.

“They are professionals,” Ryan said as he handed the folder to the Lieutenant.

“Both ex-military. We get their records?” the redhead asked reading the folders.

“Classified.” Eric sighed. “We’ve been going around in circles with the military. It’s as if they don’t exist.”

“Yet we have two in our holding cells.” Horatio sighed. “Evidence?”

“No fingerprints, DNA, nothing. If it wasn’t for the fact Mr. Speedle had taken one of them down at the scene there would be no way to connect him to the scene.” Eric sighed in frustration.

“We know they are military, what else do we know?” Caine asked.

“They are or were a unit, there is a distinct comradeship between them. It screams ‘we’ve been through hell and back together’,” Speed said from the sidelines. “But don’t mind me, I’m not here.”

“No, you’re not.” Horatio looked over at the young man. “You’re supposed to be home resting.”

“I’m not taking my second day off for a bullet wound.” He huffed and limped into the Trace Lab. “Besides it’s just a scratch,” he said as he closed the door in their faces.

The team blinked at the closed door, watching through the glass wall as the new lab tech got to work.

“He’s stubborn.” Calleigh blinked.

“It’s more of a scratch? It took ten stitches to close the wound.” Horatio added, “Check to see if they were in the same unit.”

“H?” Ryan turned towards the Lieutenant. “If they are part of a unit, do you think Mr. Speedle is in jeopardy of the others coming after him?”

“Which is why we have him under protection,” Horatio pointed out. “But it also means they could try and do something to help their teammates. I’ll make sure there’s extra security on the prisoners.”

“I don’t think we need to worry too much about our Trace Expert,” Calleigh added. “If he’s ex-Delta Force, and already took two down…”

“But a sniper rifle can end things pretty quickly,” Eric pointed out.

“Good point,” she agreed. “Let’s just make sure we keep him out of trouble, cause I agree with Eric, I really don’t want to wait another six months for the department to hire a new guy.”

Horatio shook his head and walked away from his team. He glanced towards the Trace Lab and watched the young man work. He was a bit of a mystery, didn’t talk much, very quiet, but then he lived in a world of silence. He was handsome, and clearly had a body that was compact and probably very deadly. The redhead sighed and admonished himself – he was off limits.

~*~

“How did you decide on the military?” Horatio asked making sure he was in front of the younger man.

He noticed that as long as you were in front of Speed and he had his hearing aids in he could hear the speaker easily. If the speaker was off to the side it took him a bit longer to figure out what was being said, and if someone was behind him, he had to turn towards the person to hear them.

“Andrew and I wanted out of Syracuse and to see the world.” Speed shrugged. “It sounded like a good idea. Beside they would pay for college.”

“Is he still in the military? Your friend?” The redhead set down a simple meal on the table.

Speed looked down; Horatio could hear the shuddering breath. “No, he was killed in Afghanistan the same day I lost my hearing.”

“I’m sorry.” The older man sat down, he tapped Speed’s hands to get him to look at him. “It must have been hard recovering and mourning.”

“The silence was welcomed at that time.” Speed gave him a half smile. “But he died doing what we do best, protecting others.”

“Do you want to talk…?”

“Not really,” the soldier snapped.

“I’m sorry.” Horatio sat back and picked up his fork.

Speed ran a hand through his hair. “No, I’m sorry; I just get a lot of… ‘ahhh poor man what happened to you over there’? You would be amazed at what crap people will say especially if they think you can’t hear them.”

“You can’t understand unless you’ve been there.” Horatio looked over at him. “I can’t understand combat and war, but I do know the loss of a team mate and friend.”

The soldier nodded his head. “I read about your brother…” He grinned at the older man’s shocked look. “I researched the lab out. Wanted to know who I would be working for.”

“I’m not really surprised.” Horatio shook his head. “You don’t walking into a situation without knowing the layout.”

“It’s ingrained,” Speed shrugged. “You know I don’t have to stay here…”

“We’ve had this argument a few times, and turning away from me doesn’t mean you win.” Horatio eyed him.

The deaf man grinned. “Caught that did you?”

“Yes,” the redhead smiled. “Amanda mentioned that a way for someone who’s deaf to end an argument or signal they were done is to turn their back so they can’t see the person they are talking to.”

Speed nodded, “That drove me nuts when I was trying to recoup and learn how to live being deaf. There was this one instructor…” He paused, his hands absently signing out the rest of what he was saying.

“Okay I missed half of that,” Horatio grinned.

“He was an ass, and when I didn’t agree with what he was saying he would turn his back on me signaling he was right and the conversation was over,” Speed repeated. “Until I smacked him in the back of the head when he turned and glared I told him to face me like a man or to fuck off. I didn’t care about his games or attitudes and if he kept them up next time he’d be flat on the ground.”

The older man chuckled, “And?”

“He ended up flat on the ground; even though I was medically discharged I’m still a soldier. Sometimes in the clinic they would forget that…I lost my hearing not my training.” Speed said adding in the sign language. “And I still have it now.”

“I know, but just think of it as protecting my lab’s assets,” Horatio pointed out.

“Oh yes the dread six months to get a Trace Expert,” the young man shook his head. “Even deaf I’ve heard that tale, that and I’ve met the night shift gal.” He shivered. “I’ve seen combat and she scares me.”

Horatio laughed out loud, pulling a chuckle from his guest. The two settled into an easy silence just enjoying the company.

~ Week later - Lab ~

“Horatio we have a serious problem.” Eric ran up to the Lieutenant.

“What’s the problem?” He turned taking off his glasses.

“Our two bank robbers are out on bail,” the CSI said. “Some fancy attorney got a Judge to set bail, stating they weren’t a flight risk.”

“Was the fact that one of them attacked one of our witnesses, not mentioned?” Horatio turned and move down the hall towards the Trace Lab.

“When Jackson brought that up the attorney stated it was a provoked attacked, that Speed was excessively violent due to his military training.” Eric followed him down the hall. “The way the defense attorney was going on about it, it sounded like he was going to press charges against Speed for assault.”

The redhead stopped. “And Jackson. What does the DA have to say about this?”

“Having a screaming fit as we speak, she’s pulling no stops to get them back into custody,” Eric sighed. “What are we gong to do?”

“We are going to make sure there is enough evidence to put them away.” Horatio looked towards the lab. “I’m going to make sure our witness is well protected.”

“He’s kinda cute if you go that way.” The Cuban grinned at the scowl the redhead was giving him. “Oh come on H. You’ve been checking him out since you laid eyes on him. He’s got that ‘scruffy I can kill you with my bare hands look’.”

“Eric don’t you have something to process?” Horatio’s eyes narrowed at him.

“No.” He smiled sweetly. “But if you’re going to go tell soldier boy that he has to be under police protection more because they are out, I so want to see this.”

“Eric…”

The young man held his hands up in surrender. “On second thought I think Calleigh needs help with something.”

Horatio shook his head and entered the Trace Lab. He tapped the table and made sure he was in the deaf man’s sight. “Speed…”

Speed looked up and sighed. “Already know.”

“Jackson called you?” the Lieutenant asked.

“No, read yours and Eric’s lips.” He grinned at the redhead.

Horatio blushed lightly. “That’s eavesdropping.”

“Arrest me,” Speed smiled at him. “So does this mean I can’t go home now?”

Hands on hip, head tilted slightly he looked over at the soldier. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”

He sighed and went back to work. “I’ll get these results to you when I’m done.”

“I’ll be in my office.” He moved towards the door and turned back, watching him work. Horatio couldn’t deny it, Eric was right, he was attracted to Speed, but knew he couldn’t act on it, ever. He sighed and left the lab, heading back to his office.

~*~

Horatio looked up at the knock on his door. He glanced at his watch, not realizing how late it was. Most everyone should be heading home by now. “Ryan how can I help you?”

“You have to see this,” he said as he flipped on the television.

The day shift supervisor got up and moved to better view the screen. “Has there been another robbery?”

“No, it’s a special news report.” Ryan looked behind down at the lab. “It’s on Speed.”

“What?” Horatio glanced down then at the TV.

A news correspondent came on the screen; he was walking through a National Cemetery, the camera sweeping over the rows of perfect white stones, indicating fallen soldiers.

‘In the news today we hear reports of soldier atrocities. How the soldiers over in Afghanistan and Iraq are going over the edge, losing control and becoming more murderer than soldier. The news is full of stories about units wiping out villages or torturing captured soldiers. No one talks anymore about the heroism of the soldiers. The comradeship they have for each other, their willingness to die for their fellow teammates for this country.’

Clips of soldiers mingling in a base in Afghanistan came onto the screen. It took Horatio a moment to recognize Speed; he looked quite different from the scruffy Trace Expert they all knew. He was in his desert camouflage, short cropped hair, he looked like he needed to shave, then he always looked like he needed to shave. He was talking to a crew of men, must be his team.

‘Captain Timothy Speedle and his unit were transferred to Afghanistan six months after September 11th. They’ve been here for a year. They come from all walks of life. Captain Speedle or Speed to his friends is from New York along with his Lieutenant Andrew Thompson. Two friends who joined up and moved up the ranks, making the grade to be Delta Force, and now they are together here thousands of miles away from Syracuse. Sergeant Robert Nelson, a Texan cowboy. Dr. Thomas Phillips got his medical degree in Georgetown, Washington DC. Private Gregory Alexander is from a small fishing village in Maine. Bradley Young grew up in the streets of Chicago. Paul Maine hailed from Santa Monica, California. Jack Lane was an army brat, his father a Ranger before him. Samuel Gonzalez survived the street gangs of Los Angeles and worked to become Delta to show his own son that he can be somebody. Jason Henries is studying to be an engineer; he has a wife and baby girl back in Georgia. William Lee the son of an immigrant from China, who believes in fighting for freedom, and Turner Cox a farm boy from Kansas.’

With each mention they flashed a picture of the soldier. It was like seeing a new light on Speed, watching him interact with his fellow soldiers. This was the man he was. No, Horatio corrected himself, is.

‘Two years ago I was with them. I wanted to see what the soldiers were like. If the news reports were true, that they were going over the edge. What I found was completely different.’ The reporter paused. ‘Instead I saw soldiers who fought and died to save a handful of people, myself included. These men are heroes, but I bet not one of you know who they are. Not one has heard their story. Why? Because it wasn’t news worthy. Why you ask again? There was no controversy, just soldiers doing their job, like they do every day.’

The images showed soldiers milling around the camps, talking, exchanging goodies, showing pictures of loved ones. Horatio smiled at a laughing Speed, it was something they didn’t see at the lab.

‘It was a day like any other.’ The reporter’s voice came over the images of two humvees in a caravan driving down a desert road. ‘Just patrolling the areas, making sure things were quiet. In truth I was a bit bored. As a journalist out in the ‘field’ you’re looking for some excitement. I was soon to get it.’

The two men were entranced by what they saw. The humvees pulled into a small town, parking just at the edge, near some houses. They watched Speed and his friend walk up to a small woman. They saw the situation before the commentary came on; two trucks pulling around the far side of town, the distinct sound of rapid gunfire. Horatio watched Speed turn his head, then turn and yell back at the humvees motioning them to move. One blew up in front of their eyes. The soldiers scrambled to take cover.

Horatio watched in horror as Speed’s friend moved to protect the young woman and her child only to be shot down. The other soldiers were pulling Speed away, as he screamed to get to his fallen friend. The woman motioned she would take care of him.

‘Delta Force’s motto is ‘leave no man behind’. It killed every man on that unit to leave Lieutenant Thompson.’

The next scenes were pure chaos; hearing the rapid gunfire as the soldiers entered a gunfight, radio transmission asking for back-up, screams of wounded men, and the strong voice of their Captain telling them to move back. The sound of the helicopter was heard before the sight of two Black Hawks and two Firebirds entered the screen. The reporter and cameraman were struggling to help a wounded soldier, determined to get him to the chopper.

‘I’m not sure where he came from, but he showed up out of nowhere. Captain Speedle took the arm of the wounded soldier and began to get us all to the chopper. He stopped suddenly and looked around, before he turned towards us and pushed us to the ground. The shock wave slammed into us throwing him on top of us.’

The camera once again came into focus. By this time soldiers from the Black Hawk spilled out and were getting everyone into the chopper. The camera focused on Speed. His helmet was gone, and he was disorientated. As everyone got into the Black Hawk the camera once again turned to Speed, focusing on his dirty, sweat covered face. His eyes were unfocused, and when he turned his head, blood could be seen flowing from his ears.

‘Almost half their unit was injured or dead. Lieutenant Andrew Thompson’s body was recovered the next day. The young woman had hid the body from the insurgents. She had stated that he died to save her and her son; she could at least protect his body and soul. They lost two others besides the Lieutenant, Privates Jack Lane and Jason Henries both sent home to be buried with honor. Their family was told they died in battle, but not that they died saving lives. Paul Maine lost his leg from a bullet that shattered his knee. He spent a year in rehab learning to walk again with a prosthetic. Today he teaches self defense classes in California. Captain Speedle lost his hearing. The blast was so hard that it ripped off his helmet, causing a severe concussion, blew his ear drums and broke ribs. He was in rehab for over a year adjusting back to civilian life, and learning to communicate in a world of silence. Today he works in Miami-Dade, Florida in the Crime Lab – still helping people.’

The picture turned back to the reporter. He was standing next to the three graves of the fallen men. ‘Not one of these men have been given the honor they deserve. And if you ask them if they deserve it they will tell you no, they are soldiers and this is what they do. I would have died if it hadn’t been for Captain Speedle putting his body between us and that grenade. I owe him my life, along with my cameraman, and now Lieutenant Cox.’

Horatio turned and looked down at the Trace Lab to see Speed looking over to the AV Lab. He shifted slightly to see that the same program was running on all of the AV TV’s, and it looked as if the whole lab was watching. He watched as the young man quickly finished what he was doing and headed out of the lab. Horatio grabbed his coat and left, not wanting the soldier to leave without him. The news had just announced where their witness worked, to the world including the bank robbers.

He stopped Speed at the door. The soldier looked at him, his eyes full of old pain and memories. Horatio moved him towards the Hummer. The two rode back home in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

~ Horatio’s Home ~

Speed walked into the house, dropping his bag.

The soldier moved into the living room, pacing slightly. It was obvious he wasn’t sure what to do. Horatio watched him carefully. Underneath the agitated lab tech was a trained soldier who could kill him with his bare hands.

“I’m not a hero.”

Horatio looked over at the soldier and shook his head. “You are.”

“No, Andrew is.” He moved towards the back of the house. “He died protecting…”

“You saved that reporter and your team,” Horatio pointed out.

“No.” His eyes flashed. “I stepped between them not to save them, but to…”

Horatio grabbed his arm; Speed reacting instantly to shove him up against the wall. The two stared at each other intently, and then he took Horatio’s mouth into a deep hard kiss. The redhead was lost in the sensation, the warm tongue slipping into his mouth. He moaned and pushed back against the younger man, pinning him to the opposite wall. Speed deepened the kiss as he rubbed his hard erection against Horatio. Twin moans echoed in the room, the brunette tiled his head back as Horatio nibbled on his neck.

“Bed...” Tim breathed and then stumbled as Horatio pulled away from him. “Horatio?”

“We can’t do this.” The Lieutenant panted. “I’m your boss… if anyone were to find out…”

“Fuck that, we can get around that and you know it.” Speed reached out to him.

The older man pulled back. “It’s not just that. Your military background… and you know how the cops feel…”

Speed stared at him. “Don’t hide behind my military background. Andrew and I were lovers since we were sixteen. So fuck the military, and the cops. If you don’t want to be with me just say it.”

Horatio shook his head, “It’s not that. I …”

The soldier pushed past him and towards his room. Horatio sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He need to make Speed understand it was for his own safety. He paused when the man in question walked back out with his bags.

“Tim … they are still out there.” Horatio placed his hands on his hips.

Speed’s eyes narrowed. “I’m a trained decorated soldier. I’ve killed men in the name of Freedom. If those assholes want to come after me, let them.” He reached up and pulled the redhead into a deep kiss. “I’m willing and able to enter a relationship with you. When you’re ready, call me.” He opened the door, turned, and looked back. “But H, I won’t wait forever.” And with that he closed the door softly behind him.

Horatio leaned up against the wall; he couldn’t help thinking he just let the best thing he could have walk out his front door.

~ Lab’s: A Few days later ~

“Okay what the hell is your problem?” Eric glared at the Trace Expert, and then stepped away from him.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Speed eyed him.

“You’re grouchy and irritable…” The Cuban placed the file down next to him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” he snapped.

“Okay.” Eric leaned against the table. “I know soldiers are known for hiding their emotions…” The younger man backed away from the growling soldier.

“Just leave it.”

“Does this have to do with Horatio being as cranky and irritable…?” Eric’s eyebrow went up at Speed’s snort. “So, it is sexual frustration. Come on jump him, get it over with… what’s he been doing running around the house in a towel…?” He dived for cover as the box of gloves flew towards his head. He looked up over the table. “You can put someone’s eye out with that …” He ducked again.

“What the fuck?” Eric stood up. “He didn’t? Tell me he didn’t turn you down?”

Speed’s eyebrow rose.

“The idiot.” The Cuban growled. “It’s not really his fault. He had a bad situation, got accused of harassment from a lab tech… I shouldn’t be telling you this” He ran a hand through his hair. “He’s been skittish about …”

The lights went out, throwing the lab into darkness. A sharp piercing sound echoed in the halls. Speed cringed in pain, his hands over his ears as he fell to his knees. He pulled out his hearing aids and stashed them in the drawer. He wasn’t about to lose them again. He moved across the floor to one of the cabinets and pulled it open. A small locked box was on the bottom, quickly unlocking it he pulled out his Glock 9. He might be a lab tech but he wasn’t unarmed.

He scooted around the edge of the table and looked around. He turned slightly, looking towards Eric. The Cuban pointed upwards. Speed looked to see Horatio’s blinds moving. He motioned for Eric to stay put and moved out of the lab towards the stairs.

He eased under the stairs, waiting. Steps came into view. He could tell Horatio was first, by the suit pants and then army boots. Speed grinned and pulled a small knife from out of his own boot, and when the invader stepped into front of his line of sight he lashed out, slicing his calf muscle. He watched as the robber stumbled and fell. Horatio moved out of his way only to be grabbed by a second gunman.

Speed saw the flash from the muzzle and hit the floor rolling away from the shooter. He crouched low behind some filing cabinets. Captain Timothy Speedle was very thankful he had gone back to his old drill sergeant to do training after the accident, learning how to let his other senses take control when he couldn’t hear the enemy.

He used the glass walls to see if he could locate the rest of the attackers. He knew one was still with Horatio, one was down, which left two at least uncounted for. Speed eased up, using the cabinets to stay hidden as he peaked around the corner. Nothing.

He eased out of his hiding place, eyes sweeping the area. The soldier let his senses take over. He eased down the hallway, towards the evidence hold. If they were going to risk invading the lab, he knew they would not leave without destroying the evidence.

The air around him shifted. He bent back, barely avoiding the blow that was aimed for his head. Speed raised his gun, getting a shot off before diving for cover. With his back to the wall he regrouped before coming back around, gun drawn. With two shots he took out the attacker. He kicked away the gun and stood over him gun drawn. The enemy looked up at him.

Speed smiled at him and gave him a universal hand gesture that made it clear his view point. The robber responded by sneering at him, the soldier smirked as he brought his foot down knocking the guy out.

Two down, two to go.

Speed moved quickly down the halls wondering why the hell he had no back up. Shouldn’t there be cops roaming this place by now? He turned the corner and came to a stop. The gunman held a gun to Horatio’s head.

The ex-Delta Force cocked his head trying to read the robbers lips. He turned and looked at Horatio realizing he was speaking. Speed’s eyes went wide; he hit his knees and turned gun raised. He fired two quick shots watching as the third man fell. He turned back quickly to see Horatio dealing with the last one. He sagged with relief as the redhead walked up to him.

Emotion ran rampant between them. He could see it in Horatio’s eyes, the want and need, but there was still hesitation. Speed just handed him the gun, turned, and walked away. He would wait until Horatio was ready, in the mean time he had evidence to run.

~ A Week Later ~

Speed sighed as he sipped his beer. The forced week off hadn’t been pleasant. He had been grilled, questioned, grilled some more about why he did what, when and where. He explained his actions to the Feds, IAB, the military police, and even the DA. Hell he didn’t kill any of them, just wounded them. They should be happy. It wasn’t his fault that Miami-Dade’s finest didn’t get there quick enough. It’s not like he could hear the warning over the PA system.

He was cleared by IAB and was returning to work on Monday. At least he could get back to work. Now he just had to figure out how to get past Horatio’s fear.

Eric had stopped by and explained the whole sordid tale. A lab tech who made it obvious she wanted Horatio, when the lieutenant refused she accused him of harassment. The questions and accusations almost cost him his job, and the lab’s reputation suffered. It was IAB that found out she had a past reputation from previous labs; this wasn’t the first time she had done this, more like the fifth. Everything she accused Horatio of just fell apart; she left the lab with her tail between her legs. But the damage had been done.

Speed set the beer down and sighed again. Patience was his strong suit. He would just wait it out, or jump Horatio in the supply closet.

He looked over at the flashing bulb above his door. He got up; turning on his hearing aids so he heard the knock at the door. Curious at who would stop by he opened the door and stood surprised.

“Horatio?” Speed stepped back and let the older man in.

Horatio waited till Speed closed the door and turned to face him. He smiled and carefully signed out what he wanted to say.

Tim smiled and pulled him into his arms, kissing him soft and tender. “But you’re my idiot.”

“I’m sorry…” Horatio looked at him. “My own fears got in the way, and I hid behind them.”

Speed held a finger over his mouth. “I know about what happened...”

He shook his head. “I used that as an excuse. Falling for you was so easy, and it scared me.” The older man held him close. “I hid…”

Speed shut him up by giving him a deep kiss. He pulled back and took Horatio’s hand. “You’re here now.”

The redhead smiled and followed the soldier back to his bedroom. “I don’t plan on leaving.”

“That’s good, but as a fair warning.” He grinned. “I’m a good tracker.”

Horatio laughed as he was pulled into the bedroom. Their laughter soon melted into soft moans and loving whispers.

~ Monday ~

Horatio looked down at the Trace Lab and smiled. Speed had his back turned to Eric, though the Cuban looked as if he was still chatting away. It was good to see the lab take Speed back into their midst with no problems. A few still held him in awe, and a few feared him, but most just saw him as Speed.

“Caine.” He answered his phone.

‘I hear you have Captain Timothy ‘Speed’ Speedle working for you.’ A voice asked.

“Who is this?” Horatio demanded.

‘Sergeant Gregory Hanson.’ The tone was filled with humor. ‘I was his drill sergeant.’

“Sergeant what can I do for you?” the Lieutenant asked.

‘Just a friendly warning.’ The sergeant’s tone turned serious. ‘Tim’s a good man, a hell of a soldier, would do anything for his fellow man and expect little in return…’

“But?” Horatio asked.

‘He’s a trouble magnet. I don’t know how he does it, but he’ll find a spec of trouble in the middle of friggin’ nowhere.’ He paused. ‘You think I’m kidding? He found two terrorist cells in Kansas. Fucking Kansas.’

Horatio stopped snickering. “So the whole ‘getting caught in a bank robbery on your first day of work’ is normal?”

Laughter echoed down the phone. ‘Good luck.’

Horatio stared at the phone. He looked down at Speed. The soldier looked up and smiled, giving him a small wave. How much trouble could he get in to?