CSI:Miami Road Trip: Unlucky Number 13

Thanks for the reviews! Hee. :adore:

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Miami, Gables Estates, house, 10pm next day

Lori: *walks in*

Scott: *staring at book*

Lori: *drops suitcase*

Scott: *lifts head* Hey! *stands, runs over* How was Paris?

Lori: It was fine.

Scott: You sure? You look a little bummed out.

Lori: *wraps arms around Scott*

Scott: What happened?

Lori: Nothing.

Scott: *leans back* I don't believe you. What's with the scratch on your chest?

Lori: I got into a scuffle.

Scott: With whom?

Lori: Some co-workers. It's fine, nothing really happened.

Scott: You're sure you're okay.

Lori: *nods* Just a little hungry.

Kitchen

Lori: *opens fridge*

Scott: *steps over*

Lori: *looks around* ...Why do I smell fresh paint?

Scott: Uh...Dominick.

Lori: *looks at Scott* What did Dominick do?

Scott: He set the wall on fire.

Lori: *stares at Scott*

Scott: I put it out.

Lori: ...That kid needs some therapy. *pulls juice from fridge*

Scott: Guess what's coming up.

Lori: *walks over to counter* Uh...the next new moon.

Scott: Our anniversary.

Lori: Wonderful.

Scott: *places hands on Lori's shoulders* You and I are going to the Colorado Mountain Resort.

Lori: *turns around* What the hell is that?

Scott: Paradise. No kids, no parents, no jobs...just you and I alone for 7 whole days.

Lori: And I suppose we're VIP members.

Scott: Of course.

Lori: *nods*

Scott: Think of it as rehab minus dope sickness.

Lori: *smirks* It's becoming more attractive already.

Scott: *smiles*

Lori: *lies head on Scott's chest*

Scott: *wraps arms around Lori*

Lori: *sigh* Never let go.

Scott: *smirks*

Miami Lab, 5 days later

Speed: *looks through microscope*

Katie: *walks over* Have you read the tabloids?

Speed: I don't read tabloids. You want Calleigh.

Katie: *slams magazine onto table*

Speed: *lifts eyes* What's this?

Katie: The latest issue.

Speed: *picks up magazine* ...Former New York CEO's Wife In Lesbian Tryst.

Katie: Did you know Lori was a lesbian?

Speed: *opens magazine* Says here the pictures were taken during a fashion show in Paris.

Katie: Why would Lori allow naked pictures to be taken of her?

Speed: *lifts head* Riley and I need to have a chat. *takes off labcoat*

Katie: *turns around* What are you going to do?

Speed: *snaps off latex gloves, walks away*

Katie: Tim!

Levine's Fashion, 11am

Riley: *drinks coffee*

Speed: *walks in*

Riley: *looks over, smiles* Hey Tim.

Speed: Don't you 'hey Tim' me. Explain this. *throws magazine onto counter*

Riley: *looks at magazine* Seems like Lori got herself into some trouble.

Speed: No. This happened in Paris while she was supposed to be under your watch. I want to know how pictures like these got out and who sold them.

Riley: I have no control over what she does on her personal time.

Speed: These pictures are not of a tryst, they're of a struggle. And I'm betting good money you know who the other women are.

Riley: *picks up magazine* Might be some of my employees but I can't tell for sure.

Speed: Oh that's where I come in. *places picture on counter* One of them was wearing a VIP pass to the fashion show. I think that's the logo of your company.

Riley: *lifts eyes*

Speed: I want the rest of the pictures. Now.

Riley: What exactly do you hope to accomplish? The pictures are already out there.

Speed: I want the originals.

Riley: I'll talk to my girls.

Speed: That's not good enough.

Riley: You must be used to cleaning up Lori's messes.

Speed: This isn't Lori's mess, this is yours. So unless you'd like your employees to be charged with assault and unlawful restraint, I'd suggest you get your ass moving.

Riley: *picks up phone, dials*

Speed: *leans on counter*

Riley: Does she want to press charges?

Speed: Just get me the camera.

Riley: *frowns*

Miami Lab, reception

Tom: *steps off elevator*

Katie: TOM! *runs over, hugs Tom*

Tom: *falls into wall* Oof.

Katie: YOU'RE BACK!

Tom: Hi Katie. *pushes Katie*

Katie: *jumps up and down* You missed SO much! When are you going to take Brook home?

Tom: This evening, hopefully.

Katie: Where's Anni?

Tom: She's still driving back with Tayla.

Katie: You have a nice tan. *walks around Tom* Get out in the sun? How was the Grand Canyon? Did you fall in? I bet Tayla had fun. OH! Did she fall in?

Tom: Nobody fell in.

Katie: Did you and Anni make up?

Tom: Why are you so interested?

Katie: This place has been BORING without you. I haven't heard one dirty joke in the last WEEK.

Tom: I guess I need to get caught up. Hey, is Horatio around?

Katie: Yeah, he's grilling out back. We're having a lab barbeque.

Tom: Excellent. *walks away*

Katie: *follows* How come you always wear black?

Tom: I like black.

Katie: How come you don't wear white?

Tom: I don't like white.

Katie: CLOTHING RACIST!

Tom: Nah, just think of me as the bad cowboy. They always wear black.

Katie: My sister and I rooted for the Cowboys when we were younger.

Tom: I'm more of a Giants fan. *looks at Katie* Don't tell Scotty. *winks*

Katie: *smiles* Your secret is safe with me.

Tom: *rounds corner*

Katie: *following*

Tom: Are you going to do this all day?

Katie: Do what?

Tom: Follow me.

Katie: I'm going to the same place you are.

Tom: The men's room?

Katie: Yeah. You guys always have more toilet paper.

Men's room

Tom: *walks in*

Katie: *steps in*

Tom: *looks back* ...You're going to watch me pee, too?

Katie: Oh no no. I'll turn around and cover my eyes. *turns around, covers face*

Tom: I'll do this later, then. *walks away*

Katie: Wait for me! *runs*

Hallway

Tom: *walking*

Katie: *follows*

Tom: *stops walking*

Katie: *stops*

Tom: Quit following me around like a puppy.

Katie: I'm not a puppy. I'm a woman.

Tom: Normally, I'd be flattered. But...I'm not. You really should get back to work.

Katie: But I'm just waiting on my software to analyze an old tape. It's going to take forever.

Tom: Help Speed process evidence.

Katie: Can't. He's out trying to get naked pictures of Lori.

Tom: *blinks* What?

Katie: Oh, you didn't read the tabloids. *grabs Tom's arm, runs*

Break room

Katie: *picks up magazine*

Tom: *grabs magazine*

Katie: She's in great shape for someone who's had 2 kids.

Tom: When the hell did this happen?

Katie: What'd I tell you? You miss everything when you leave Miami.

Tom: *closes magazine* Does Lori know about this?

Katie: I don't know, I'm not talking to her.

Tom: Why?

Katie: She's a failure for a daughter. I'm going to buddy up with Riley and make for up lost time.

Tom: *nods slowly*

Katie: It's fine, she has Anni as her surrogate mother anyway. Although, wouldn't that make you her surrogate step father or something?

Tom: No.

Katie: Why?

Tom: Too many reasons I don't care to get into. Besides, I'm 'step fathering' enough of Speed's kids.

Katie: What a fantastically weird family dynamic.

Tom: Yeah. *walks away*

Katie: Wait! *runs*

Lab backyard

Horatio: How's the chili, Eric?

Delko: *coughs* A little spicy, H.

Horatio: Only a little? I need this to be 5-alarm by 2pm. I'm not letting Stetler win this year.

Delko: Have you considered maybe the reason he wins is because he injects evil into his chili?

Horatio: That's impossible. Or is it...

Tom: *walks over* H.

Horatio: Ah, Thomas. *lifts spoon* Taste this.

Tom: I don't eat chili.

Horatio: What? Why?

Tom: I get heartburn.

Horatio: Everyone gets heartburn with chili. It's supposed to do that.

Tom: Maybe next time. Listen, I just wanted to know if-

Katie: *runs over* TOM'S BACK! TOM'S BACK! TOM'S BACK!

Tom: *rolls eyes* I wanted to know if I could sign back on this week.

Horatio: I thought Speed was your supervisor.

Tom: He's in the field.

Horatio: Then consider yourself reinstated. Unless you don't try my chili.

Tom: *sigh* Fine. *grabs spoon, eats chili*

Horatio: And?

Tom: You're going to lose.

Horatio: Damn. What if I wave my shades and do a chili dance?

Delko: Is that legal?

Horatio: Dirty dancing's legal, isn't it?

Tom: Please don't dirty dance with the chili. Or Eric.

Delko: Nobody ever wants to dance with me.

Katie: I'LL DANCE WITH YOU! *waves hands, spins in circles* YOU SPIN MY HEAD RIGHT ROUND, RIGHT ROUND!

Delko: Ooh, I love Flo-Rida.

Katie: HA. What a clever name. Rappers these days are so cute with all their bling and fake teeth and arrest warrants.

Horatio: I know what this chili needs. A pile of one-liners. They make EVERYTHING hot, including yours truly. *looks down at chili* You're as hot...*puts on shades* As chili.

Shades drop into bubbling pot

Horatio: ...Damnit. Where are we at, Eric?

Delko: *pulls paper from pocket* Pair #1275.

Tom: Maybe you should get a pair that wrap around your neck with one of those little velvet cords.

Horatio: *looks at Tom* Old people wear those.

Tom: You're not far off.

Horatio: Yeah well you'll get old too.

Katie: It's okay, he'll just turn into Speed.

Tom: ...You don't have to get nasty.

Katie: *smiles*

TBC....................................

 

Thanks for the reviews!

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Miami Lab, backyard, 1:30pm

Horatio: Okay, taste.

Delko: I've had enough chili, H. I'm full.

Horatio: Nonsense.

Delko: I have a body to maintain.

Katie: Give some to Tom. He doesn't.

Tom: Hey.

Katie: *jumps onto bench* Eat up, Grey.

Tom: No.

Katie: *lifts spoon* Have some chili.

Tom: I'm not hungry.

Katie: It's good.

Tom: It's not good. That's the whole problem.

Katie: *shoves spoon into Tom's face*

Tom: Ow.

Katie: *smiles* How is it?

Tom: *coughs* Jesus, H, what did you put in there?

Horatio: This plant I found growing behind the lab.

Tom: Ugh, that's disgusting.

Katie: *wipes Tom's cheek*

Tom: *pushes Katie's hand, grabs napkin* You should start over.

Horatio: Why? It's making all these weird noises and changing colors.

Tom: That's exactly why. You want to poison Stetler?

Horatio: ...Overtly or subconsciously?

Tom: Get rid of it.

Katie: You gave Lori a chili recipe before. Can't you make it?

Tom: Uh, that was more of a family recipe, I don't think it's right for this
kind of thing.

Katie: You had an actual family?

Tom: At times.

Katie: You poor thing. *hugs Tom*

Tom: *pushes Katie*

Katie: *grabs Tom's hand* I'm gonna tell you your fortune. Okay...you're
going to live a long life.

Tom: Sure.

Katie: You're going to have 15 more kids.

Tom: Uh...not likely.

Katie: *lifts head* Why?

Tom: Anni can't have more children and I'm sterile.

Katie: Oh. So Tayla and Brook are your last cracks at it, huh.

Tom: In a nutshell.

Katie: You better take care of those kids then.

Tom: *smiles* I plan to.

Horatio: Thomas, there's a pepper I've been saving in the break room. Go get
it for me.

Tom: ...You've been saving a pepper.

Horatio: Yeah. It needs to be chilled before it goes into the chili.

Tom: *stands* You're going to have a crime scene by the end of the day.
*walks away*

Horatio: I'll be the judge of that.

Delko: Actually you won't. *picks up paper* Tripp's judging the chili.

Horatio: Can we bribe him?

Delko: You're still a cop, right?

Break room

Tom: *opens fridge, grabs bag*

Katie: *steps over*

Tom: *turns around* AH!

Katie: *smiles* Hi.

Tom: Katie, you need to stop this.

Katie: Stop what?

Tom: This creepy...crush you have on me.

Katie: *laughs* You think I have a crush on you?

Tom: *stares at Katie*

Katie: We're just havin' fun, Tom.

Tom: You think this is fun for me? Having you follow me around? You're
irritating and inappropriate.

Katie: That's what makes me quirky.

Tom: It's what makes people not want to be around you.

Katie: ...But...you saved my life.

Tom: That's what this is about? You think because I saved your life that I
have feelings for you? I was doing my job. You could have been Speed, Eric,
Calleigh, any of them and I would have done the same.

Katie: I don't believe you.

Tom: Believe it. Not everyone's after something when they do something nice
for you, Katie.

Katie: *lowers head*

Tom: You clearly haven't been hanging around the right people if that's your
impression.

Katie: Do you know how many men have treated me well?

Tom: No.

Katie: *lifts eyes* One.

Tom: Speed's a good guy.

Katie: I'm not talking about him.

Tom: Katie, I don't know what goes on at home but from what I've seen and
heard, he's changed.

Katie: I used to think it was bad when he was hitting me and putting me down.
Now he doesn't pay attention to me at all. How is that better?

Tom: Have you tried making the effort?

Katie: ...It's the man's job.

Tom: No it's not. If you love him and you want more of his attention, you
should do something about it.

Katie: This is why you have Anni and Tim doesn't. She found herself a better
man.

Tom: I appreciate that. But I'm not perfect either.

Katie: Yes you are, you're amazing. *hugs Tom*

Tom: *sigh*

Katie: She's lucky to have you.

Tom: *wraps arm around Katie* Thanks.

Katie: *kisses Tom's cheek*

Tom: *walks away*

Katie: *leans against counter*

Colorado, mountain resort, 7pm

Scott: *turns log over*

Lori: *walks over, sits in chair* I've never had a real fire before.

Scott: *looks back* You haven't?

Lori: *wraps arms around Scott's back* None that didn't involve a garbage can
and dead rats.

Scott: *smiles*

Lori: I didn't think we were actually going to Colorado. I thought it was
just a name.

Scott: *leans back* I guess I can still surprise you.

Lori: *smiles* I guess.

Scott: *kisses Lori's cheek*

Lori: *pours wine* So...I'm curious about you.

Scott: You are?

Lori: Who was taking care of you when your mother was passed out on the couch and your father was chasing tail?

Scott: ...The nanny. Why?

Lori: Was she nice?

Scott: She...was a sweetheart.

Lori: What was her name?

Scott: Rita.

Lori: *hands glass to Scott* So that's where you got your morals.

Scott: *smiles* You could say that.

Lori: I haven't met her. She doesn't still work for your mom?

Scott: Dad fired her when I was 14.

Lori: What happened?

Scott: She wanted to report him for sexual harrassment.

Lori: Ugh. I hope she did.

Scott: Oh she did. But nobody wanted to prosecute. Judge's privelage.

Lori: Ass.

Scott: *nods* She packed up, left and I never saw her again.

Lori: That must have been hard.

Scott: *lowers eyes*

Lori: You should find her.

Scott: *shakes head* She moved back to...*scoffs* Venezuela.

Lori: It's a start.

Scott: I wouldn't know where to start.

Lori: *smiles* That's where I come in.

Scott: *lifts eyes* You're going to help me find a woman named Rita Ortiz in South America. That's like trying to find John Smith.

Lori: I can find a zebra among zebras, my good sir.

Scott: You're serious about this.

Lori: This woman's the closest you've had to a mother. I can relate.

Scott: She might be dead.

Lori: How old was she when she left?

Scott: ...30.

Lori: *blinks* Your nanny was only 16 years older than you?

Scott: What were you expecting? A little old maid? My father hired her.

Lori: I see. So she's the same age as my mother.

Scott: ...I guess. Give or take.

Lori: *nods slowly*

Scott: What's that look for?

Lori: Nothing. *smiles* Have some more wine.

Scott: Do you know how amazing you are?

Lori: Oh good, you're already drunk.

Scott: *laughs* I'm serious.

Lori: You'd do the same for me.

Scott: I would. I'd exhaust every resource.

Lori: *smiling, lowers head* It's too bad you couldn't have found me when I needed it. My family sure as hell didn't exhaust every resource. They just had another child.

Scott: *stares at Lori*

Lori: But that's um...that's in the past. *drinks wine*

Scott: *nods*

Lori: *sigh*

TBC...............................

 

Thanks for the reviews!

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Upper East Side, mansion, 10am, 7 days later

Lori: *steps out of cab*

Scott: *shuts door*

Lori: Can't believe you grew up here. It's disgusting. And by disgusting, I mean you people have way too much money.

Scott: *grabs Lori's hand*

Lori: *walks up steps*

Scott: *presses button*

Lori: How was your mother able to keep the place?

Scott: Uh, I helped her out.

Lori: *looks at Scott*

Scott: *looks down at floor*

Doris: *opens door, smiles* Scotty! *hugs Scott*

Scott: Hey Mom.

Doris: *lets go* Hi Lorelai!

Lori: It's Lori.

Doris: Come inside! *runs*

Lori: No alcohol?

Scott: *walks inside*

Living room

Doris: *places tea on table* It's funny you should be in town, I was just telling the girls at the club how well you've been doing.

Scott: Really.

Doris: I'm so glad you got back together with your lovely wife. *sits* I suppose you didn't find anyone at the dating service?

Scott: *blinks*

Lori: *looks at Scott*

Doris: And what of that nice young woman...Annabelle?

Scott: Uh, Anni.

Doris: How is she?

Scott: Couldn't really say. You remember Rita, right?

Doris: Did I meet her at the dating service too?

Scott: No, she was the nanny.

Doris: You were dating the nanny?

Scott: Rita Ortiz. You hired her when I was 2.

Doris: *taps chin* ...Rita...OH yes! You were quite a handful, that's for sure. She was the only one who could handle you.

Lori: Sounds familiar.

Scott: Do you know where she went after Dad fired her?

Doris: I think she went back to South America.

Scott: Did she ever mention where she lived before she got here?

Doris: I'm not sure. But I do know she was here on a Visa.

Lori: So you had paperwork on her.

Doris: Of course, dear. Henry wasn't about to hire some looney. *smiles* Only the best for my Scotty.

Lori: How did you pay her?

Doris: She had a bank account. But Henry took care of all of that.

Scott: Do you still have the files?

Doris: There might be something in the attic. It's been 20 years. Why would you need all of that stuff?

Scott: I'd like to find her.

Doris: What for?

Scott: ...I want to thank her. Maybe give something back.

Doris: *nods* Well have a look upstairs.

Scott: *stands, walks away*

Attic

Lori: *steps over, looks around*

Scott: *pushes papers off box*

Lori: You went to a dating service.

Scott: *opens box* Anni wanted me to spread my wings. It didn't really work out.

Lori: *kneels* She sure did a lot for you.

Scott: We were still separated. I didn't think you'd ever take me back. *pulls papers from box*

Lori: How bad were the dates?

Scott: Well between the feminist and conspiracy theorist, I prefer the way we met. I think Anni even set me up with a man.

Lori: *smirks* You didn't go on that date?

Scott: Uh, no. *flips through papers*

Lori: I would have paid good money to see that.

Scott: *picks up paper* Found it.

Lori: Great, where's the bank?

Scott: The writing's pretty faded but I can see...1 Liberty Plaza. *tilts head* That's...the Royal Bank of Canada building.

Lori: *lifts brow* I thought she was from Venezuela.

Scott: She is.

Lori: Maybe the building used to be something else. Let's go check it out.

Scott: And do what? We can't just ask for someone's bank information.

Lori: That's where I come in.

Scott: Lori...

Lori: C'mon, it'll be fun. *grabs Scott's arm*

1 Liberty Plaza, street, 12:20pm

Lori: *walks down steps*

Scott: How did you do that?

Lori: *smiles* I'm just that good.

Scott: Apparently. *takes papers from Lori* So she was born in Canada.

Lori: Venezuelan woman marries a Canadian stock broker and voila, something to work with. Now, I wasn't able to get an address either way, you know how banks are. But I do know she still has an active account with the bank. Thing is, there's an RBC in Venezuela too.

Scott: Now what?

Lori: We back track. She had a work Visa. Your father should have kept the information stored so she could stay in the country. Did you find any of that in the box?

Scott: Just some pay stubs.

Lori: Where would your father have kept important documents?

Scott: Uh...he had a security deposit box but all of that went to my mother when he died.

Lori: So she has the key.

Scott: *nods*

Bank of America, 150 Broadway, 4pm

Lori: *looks around*

Scott: *opens box*

Lori: *looks down* Jewelry, paper, stacks of cash...and your mother never opened this.

Scott: I don't think she knew about it.

Lori: *picks up photo* ...Wedding picture.

Scott: *looks over*

Lori: Didn't think your dad was sentimental. *tilts head* He looked a lot like you.

Scott: Yeah. *looks back at box, goes through papers*

Lori: Your mom was pretty.

Scott: *picks up paper* Here it is.

Lori: *looks over*

Scott: United States Department of State Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Lori: Awesome. Does it have her former address?

Scott: Place of Birth, Toronto, Ontario. Former address...the Shangri-LA Toronto. Unit 40.

Lori: *smiles* Excellent.

Scott: That doesn't necessarily mean she returned to Canada. She used to talk about Venezuela all the time and how beautiful it was and how she wished she could go back one day.

Lori: Look here, on the page. It lists her father's address. Same building. Maybe he knows where she is.

Scott: If he's alive.

Lori: Your parents are still alive. What the hell do you have against Canada? They might be a little nerdy but that's no excuse.

Scott: I just don't want to get my hopes up, that's all.

Lori: *grabs Scott's arm* C'mon, we're off to the land of maple syrup and...what else do they have there? Leaves?

Scott: *sigh*

Toronto Pearson International Airport, 6pm

Lori: Have you been here before?

Scott: Uh, once. APL depends on international clients so we used to travel to our global branches. Bob loved it here.

Lori: Well yeah, he could actually get married here.

Scott: *walks away*

Lori: *follows*

Outside, street

Scott: *opens cab door*

Lori: *walks over* How do you do that so fast?

Scott: You have your talents, I have mine.

Lori: *gets into cab*

Scott: *sits in cab, shuts door* Shangri-LA, please.

Cab Driver: *nods*

Lori: *looks outside* We don't have to stay here overnight, do we?

Scott: Why?

Lori: *points out window* Look! That guy just picked trash up off the street! This place is SO backwards.

Scott: *grabs map from backseat* It might be best to stay overnight, especially if she's still here.

Lori: Who?

Scott: *looks at Lori* Rita.

Lori: Oh yeah. LOOK! BANK OF AMERICA! WE'RE HOME!

Scott: Shh.

Lori: Oops.

Scott: *rubs ear*

Lori: What are you looking at?

Scott: A map. *places glasses on*

Lori: *takes glasses*

Scott: *looks at Lori*

Lori: Don't wear those.

Scott: I need them to read.

Lori: I'll read for you. *grabs map* Okay, what are you looking for?

Scott: The condo.

Lori: Shangri-LA. *places finger on map* Okay...isn't there some kind of phone that can do this for us? Paper's so 20th century.

Scott: May I please have the map back?

Lori: No. I'm helping. *tilts head* York...East York...York Mills...North York...York University...seems like this city has a bit of a crush.

Scott: Lori, I'd like to see the map now.

Lori: Manhattan Park? Really big crush.

Scott: I want the map.

Lori: Get your own map.

Scott: That is my map.

Lori: Get a new one.

Scott: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *puts glasses on* Wow, you barely have a prescription.

Scott: *takes glasses* I would appreciate it if I could see my map now.

Lori: It doesn't have your name on it.

Scott: *sighs, rubs eyes*

TBC..............................

 

Thanks for the reviews! Hee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shangri-LA Toronto, lobby, 8am

Lori: *looks at panel* Ortiz...Ortiz..

Scott: *looks at watch* Maybe we should come back at a more convenient time.

Lori: Nonsense. The rest of the world is up. Ah! R. Ortiz. *presses button*

Scott: Lori, you should have waited. That looks like an old tag. She's p-

Voice: Can I help you?

Scott: *looks at panel*

Lori: *smiles* Hi. My name's Lori Finch, I-

Voice: Finch?

Lori: Yeah. I'm Scott Finch's wife.

Door buzzes

Lori: *stands straight, grabs door* Easy as pie.

Scott: This was a bad idea. We're bothering her.

Lori: No we're not. She buzzed us in.

Scott: Yeah, probably to tell us to take a hike.

Lori: *grabs Scott* Move it.

7th floor, unit 40

Lori: *knocks on door*

Rita: *opens door*

Lori: *smiles* Hi. Rita Ortiz?

Rita: *looks at Scott*

Scott: *stares at Rita*

Rita: ...You look so much like your father.

Scott: Fortunately, that's where the similarities end.

Rita: *smirks* Come inside, please.

Lori: *walks in*

Scott: *steps in*

Rita: *shuts door*

Scott: *looks around* You have a lovely home.

Rita: Thank you.

Lori: I guess you didn't return to Venezuela.

Rita: Would you like some tea?

Scott: Please.

Lori: *picks up change from bowl* Hey, check it out. Canadian money. *smiles* Someone gave me these cute little bills in Colombia and I thought they were fake.

Scott: Put the money down.

Lori: Oh Scott, you're so uptight.

Rita: What brings you here?

Scott: I never got to say a proper goodbye before you left.

Rita: *smirks, pours tea* I didn't think you cared all that much. You were always up to something else.

Lori: Oooh, do tell.

Rita: One time I caught Scott setting a brush fire outside the city. *looks at Lori* He use to break curfew and I'd have to go find him.

Lori: *smiles* Interesting.

Scott: I didn't deliberately set that fire.

Rita: Sure, it was the illegal fireworks.

Lori: *lifts brows*

Scott: *clears throat* I've grown up a lot since then.

Rita: *walks into living room, places tea on table*

Lori: *sits*

Rita: *sits* How are your parents?

Lori: Henry bit the dust, finally.

Scott: *sits*

Rita: What happened?

Lori: I jammed an ice pick th-

Scott: *places hand on Lori's arm* He kidnapped Lori and didn't make it out.

Rita: I see. Well that certainly sounds like the old dog. I don't know how he ever made judge, he broke more laws than I could count. How's your mother?

Scott: She's doing well.

Rita: So she's not drinking.

Scott: She's...happier.

Rita: *nods*

Scott: ...You look good.

Rita: Thank you. I try to keep healthy. *smiles* You've grown into a handsome young man.

Lori: You should see his body.

Scott: Lori.

Lori: What?

Rita: What have you been up to all these years?

Lori: He was the CEO for the number 1 global investment firm on the planet. You know, APL Financial. He was one of those big successful investor guys.

Rita: *smiles* I'm so happy to hear that. That's wonderful.

Scott: I'm actually taking some time off at the moment to be with my family.

Rita: You have children?

Scott: Two. Stephanie and Dominick.

Rita: *laughs* Wow. That's...well that's amazing. Really. It seems like you've done well for yourself.

Lori: We're hoping for baby number 3 soon.

Scott: *looks at Lori* We are?

Lori: *smiling*

Rita: Where did you guys meet?

Lori: Rehab.

Rita: *blinks* ...Rehab? *looks at Scott*

Scott: It wasn't always smooth sailing.

Rita: How did that happen?

Scott: Long story.

Lori: He told me he was there for PTSD but it was actually a slight cocaine addiction. There was a mental health facility attached to the building so I believed him for about 6 years until he relapsed and started shooting up valium.

Rita: *stares at Scott*

Scott: ...Thank you, Lori for your...elegant way of putting things.

Lori: It was awful. He lost custody of the kids, his job, his condo, everything. He even had his suicide note written up.

Scott: *lowers head* Stop talking, Lori.

Lori: You should have seen him a few months ago. He cheated on me with my father's ex-wife and when she broke up with him, he started hacking at himself with pruning shears and tried to hang himself. It was messed up.

Rita: *staring*

Scott: *lifts eyes*

Rita: ...I see.

Lori: But he's okay now. *smiles, hugs Scott's arm*

Rita: *nods slowly*

Scott: I'm...happy now.

Rita: I hope so. Sounds like you've had a rough ride.

Lori: Oh that's nothing. You should have seen what happened to him in Texas.

Scott: Well, enough about me. *squeezes Lori's hand* How have you been since you left?

Rita: Things have been great, for the most part. But you have to understand Scott...it wasn't my choice to leave. Your father pushed me out.

Scott: I know. I don't blame you for anything.

Lori: Yeah, you weren't what messed him up. It was n-

Scott: Not your fault.

Lori: Ow, Scott, stop squeezing my hand.

Rita: I can't help but feel some responsibility. Your parents weren't exactly very good to you.

Scott: It's okay. My actions are my own, it's not any one person's fault, not even my parents'.

Lori: What about terrorists?

Scott: *sigh*

Rita: *smirks* Your wife is delightful.

Scott: *smiles* I love her to death. *slaps Lori's leg*

Lori: Ow.

Rita: I'm glad you stopped by. It's always nice to see familiar faces.

Scott: *nods* Likewise. I uh...I wanted to thank you for everything you did. You had a larger impact on me than you think--for the better.

Rita: *smiles*

Scott: If there's anything you need...don't hesitate to call. *places business card onto table*

Rita: Thank you.

Scott: *nods*

Hotel, 7pm

Lori: *walks in, throws purse* Well that was exciting! I like Rita, she's great.

Scott: *walks in, shuts door*

Lori: That space needle thing was a bit boring.

Scott: CN Tower.

Lori: That's not a tower, it's a toothpick.

Scott: *sits on bed*

Lori: *crawls onto bed, wraps arms around Scott's waist* You weren't going to tell her any of the bad stuff, were you.

Scott: Was it necessary?

Lori: It's just as necessary as the good stuff. Don't lie to the woman.

Scott: I wasn't going to lie. I was just going to...leave some things out.

Lori: *smiles* Too bad I was there, huh.

Scott: *sigh* I didn't want her to think she was a failure.

Lori: You said it yourself, it wasn't her fault.

Scott: Still.

Lori: *smiles* She thought I was delightful. Nobody ever thinks I'm delightful.

Scott: *smirks*

Lori: *kisses Scott's cheek* Okay. *leans back* I am going to freshen up. Then we are going to make a baby.

Scott: I thought we talked about this.

Lori: We did. I want one, you don't, blaa dee blaa blaa. Well too bad buster because it's the only way you're gettin' any.

Scott: Then I guess I'm not 'getting any'.

Lori: What? *grabs Scott's shoulders* What planet are you from?

Scott: The one where logic applies. We need to commit to what we already have.

Lori: So we're just capped off at two. What if we're destined to create the next President of the United States? Would you deny the American people their saviour?

Scott: ...The President's a politician, not a saviour.

Lori: What if your parents had said "Nah, let's not have another child"? I'd still be a crackhead and I wouldn't even know that 'Cum Rights' is the shareholder who is entitled to forthcoming, already-declared rights and not something else.

Scott: *smirks*

Lori: Not to mention there'd be no Steph and Dom. I mean, okay, we could do without Dom some days but Steph is a cutie! And AND! Bob wouldn't have his best buddy in the whole wide world. He might still be wearing cheap hawaiian shirts and working in a storage closet on the 79th floor of the Empire State Building.

Scott: Alright, I get your point.

Lori: Besides, it might level off some of those abortions I had. *bites nails*

Scott: You really want this.

Lori: Yes.

Scott: *stares at Lori*

Lori: But I don't want to do it if you don't.

Scott: ...I don't.

Lori: So you understand my position but you still aren't down with the idea.

Scott: I'm sorry.

Lori: What if I got you drunk first?

Scott: *frowns*

Lori: ...High?

Scott: I'm going to order some room service. Do you want anything?

Lori: Ask if they have babies.

Scott: *rolls eyes*

TBC................................

 

Thanks for the review! Heehee!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miami, condo, 11am

Speed: How was Canada?

Lori: *bounces Dominick on knee* Nerdy.

Anni: Steph, can you take Brook to the bathroom please?

Steph: Okie dokie. *grabs Brook's hand* Let's go, Brookie. *walks away*

Anni: *places juice pitcher onto table* Scott found his nanny?

Lori: Yeah, she was really nice. I liked her.

Dominick: *grabs cookie*

Lori: I keep telling Scott we should get one but he keeps saying we don't need it.

Speed: You don't. *picks up glass, drinks*

Lori: It wouldn't hurt. Besides, I'm hoping to get pregnant.

Speed: *chokes on juice*

Anni: *looks at Lori*

Speed: Excuse me?

Lori: I want another baby.

Speed: You have a baby.

Dominick: I'm not a baby. *munches cookie*

Anni: *smirks*

Speed: Why in the hell do you want another one?

Lori: You've had 6.

Speed: This isn't about me.

Lori: I don't see why it would be a bad thing. Scott and I are still married, I have a stable job and a large home, Steph and Dom are far enough apart...what's the problem? Am I a bad mother?

Speed: No. No, you aren't. It just seems like something you should really think about.

Lori: *looks at Anni* Do you think it's a bad idea?

Anni: What does Scott think?

Lori: He doesn't want another child.

Anni: *sits* Why is it so important to you?

Lori: I don't know. *shrugs* Maybe then Scott wouldn't go back to work and abandon me again.

Speed: You think a baby's going to stop him from returning to work.

Lori: *lowers eyes*

Speed: I don't think that's a good reason to bring another life into this world. It seems selfish.

Anni: I agree.

Lori: *runs hand through Dominick's hair* Fine. *looks at Dominick* What the hell is in your hair?

Dominick: *giggles*

Lori: Who gave you gum?

Dominick: Daddy.

Lori: Ugh. That's gross. Go upstairs and wash your hands. I'm going to take care of your hair later.

Dominick: *jumps down, runs upstairs*

Anni: Just talk to Scott about it.

Lori: I did. As far as he's concerned, the conversation is over. He won't even sleep in the same bed as me now.

Anni: He's not sleeping in your room?

Lori: No. Well, yes. But he sleeps on the couch in the bedroom.

Speed: Maybe he just needs some space.

Lori: Space from what? I'm a pleasure to be around, especially in bed.

Anni: Actually, that's not true.

Lori: *looks at Anni*

Anni: He finds you bossy.

Lori: *frowns* Bossy.

Anni: Mhm. *sips tea*

Lori: *looks at Speed* I'm not bossy.

Speed: I wouldn't know.

Anni: That's just what he told me.

Lori: Why didn't he tell me this?

Anni: Maybe he doesn't want to hurt your feelings.

Lori: Oh but confiding in his lover about his wife is no biggie.

Anni: He mentioned it in passing.

Lori: When, before you two were about to do the deed?

Anni: I'm not going to dignify that with an answer.

Lori: *looks at Speed* And you married this homewrecker.

Speed: Lori...

Lori: She thinks I'm bossy? She won't let Tom talk to me. I haven't even SEEN him in a month. I don't find it fair, especially for Stephanie. He'd been there for her since she was born and now he's just suddenly gone.

Anni: She'll live.

Lori: *frowning*

Gables Estates, house, bedroom, 9pm

Scott: *steps into bathroom*

Lori: *walks in* You think I'm bossy?

Scott: *looks at Lori* What?

Lori: Anni said you said I was bossy. I'm not bossy. TELL ME I'M NOT BOSSY!

Scott: You're sort of proving her point, my dear.

Lori: *crosses arms* You two spoke about me when you were together.

Scott: Yes.

Lori: Why.

Scott: We talked about a lot of things, you came up some of the time.

Lori: So you do think I'm bossy.

Scott: You can be.

Lori: I thought you liked that.

Scott: *smirks* Do you like to be bossed around?

Lori: Depends. *smiles*

Scott: It'd be nice if you...relaxed a little.

Lori: But you won't know what to do in the bedroom if I don't direct you.

Scott: *laughs*

Lori: What's so funny?

Scott: Lori, I don't need direction. Believe me.

Lori: You don't?

Scott: No, sweetie.

Lori: Oh.

Scott: *walks away*

Lori: *turns around* I don't want a baby anymore.

Scott: Sure you don't.

Lori: I really don't. I spoke to my father and he said it was selfish.

Scott: Why did he think it was selfish?

Lori: I wanted to do it so you wouldn't leave me for work again.

Scott: *looks at Lori* ...I'm not going to leave you for work, with or without an extra mouth to feed.

Lori: You did before.

Scott: *sigh* My job entailed unacceptable hours sometimes, yes.

Lori: Here we go.

Scott: What?

Lori: You pull out the bureaucratic diplomacy stuff everytime.

Scott: It's the truth.

Lori: Why can't you just admit you left me holding the bag?

Scott: Alright, I did. I should have been here more, I should have been more supportive, and I should have been a better father to the children. But instead, I worked ridiculous hours and started abusing prescription medication. I was wrong in every way.

Lori: Thank you.

Scott: *wraps arms around Lori*

Lori: I'm going to try and be a little less bossy.

Scott: A little?

Lori: *smirks*

Scott: *kisses Lori's forehead*

Lori: Okay. *steps back* I need to head out.

Scott: *looks at watch* Where? It's kind of late.

Lori: Riley has a thing at a nightclub downtown, I said I'd make an appearance.

Scott: *nods*

Lori: So I should um, get dressed. *walks away*

Miami Lab, 10pm

Tom: *staring at file*

Katie: I'm going to take off.

Tom: Yeah.

Katie: See you tomorrow.

Tom: *nods*

10 minutes later

Tom: *writing*

Lori: *steps over, leans in doorway* Detective Grey.

Tom: *lifts head*

Lori: *smiles*

Tom: *stares at Lori*

Lori: Don't mind the outfit. I told Scott I was going to a club.

Tom: ...How did you get in here?

Lori: Paula's cool about it.

Tom: *nods*

Lori: *steps in* What are you workin' on?

Tom: Paperwork.

Lori: How was the vacation?

Tom: Tayla had a lot of fun.

Lori: That's good. She's a sweet kid.

Tom: *closes folder* You know Anni would be pissed that you're here.

Lori: What's she going to do? Have me arrested?

Tom: *stands, walks over* It was good to see you. You should go home.

Lori: *smiles* We could always go to a club for a couple hours.

Tom: *laughs* No, I don't think that's going to happen.

Lori: *places hands on Tom's chest* Just once dance.

Tom: That wouldn't be appropriate. *takes Lori's hands* Go home.

Lori: *looks down at Tom's hands* ...This isn't fair. Who is she to dictate who you can and can't see?

Tom: It wasn't an order, it was a suggestion. But I intend to commit to our marriage.

Lori: Wow. *sigh* Doesn't seem like anything can go my way lately.

Tom: Are you okay?

Lori: *lifts eyes* Peachy. See you around. *steps back, walks away*

Tom: *looks at doorway*

TBC................................