CSI:Miami Road Trip #11: We Ain't Comin' Home

Thanks so much for the reviews!

And *coughmwahahahacough*

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

Miami, Kendall, house, 9am

Lori: *running around house* Where's my cell! DAMNIT! *turns around, bumps into Tom*

Tom: *lifts phone*

Lori: *snatches phone* What were you doing, playing 'egg hunt' with my personal effects?

Tom: If you'd stopped and looked around the room, you would have seen it. But then, I'm the detective.

Lori: Thank you.

Tom: You're welcome. We still on for the movie tonight?

Lori: I don't know, I might have to work a late shift. Depends when the boss gets in.

Tom: We've been planning this for 2 weeks. You wanted to see this movie opening night.

Lori: I know but...I might not be able to make it down. It was before I was made assistant manager.

Tom: Lori, you're a waitress who inputs numbers in a laptop. You're not really managing anything.

Lori: *frowns* I realize that. It doesn't change the fact that I have different hours now. We can go some other time.

Tom: If you don't want to go, just tell me.

Lori: I do want to go.

Tom: The movie's at 9. If you make it out before then, call me and I'll pick you up. If you don't call me, I stay here and we go some other time. Deal?

Lori: *smiles* Deal. Hopefully I'll see you tonight. *picks up purse, walks away*

Tom: *sigh*

Café, 10:30am

Lori: *closes cash register, hands over coffee*

Guy: Thanks.

Lori: No problem, have a great morning.

Marie: *runs over* Hey Lori, can we change the TV channel to MTV? I want to see who got kicked off my reality show yesterday.

Lori: Sorry, you know the rules.

Marie: This sucks. Why does the boss always have that damn thing on CNN? Nobody cares that there was a gas leak at the Empire State Building.

Lori: *lifts head* What?

Marie: It's up there.

Lori: *looks at TV*

Marie: That's not even news. My reality show is NEWS.

Lori: *looks down at cash register* Can you do me a favour and get the new receipt rolls from the back?

Marie: Okay. *walks away*

Lori: *grabs remote, turns off TV*

Kendall, house, 11:30pm

Tom: *opens door*

Lori: *walks in, laughing*

Tom: Yeah ha ha. You know how many people out there have the exact same car as me?

Lori: *places hand on Tom's chest* It was adorable watching you trying to break into someone else's car.

Tom: You saw the license plate, why didn't you tell me?

Lori: That wouldn't have been fun. *reaches into purse* Here, let me pay you back for the movie ticket, I-

Tom: No no, that's not necessary.

Lori: I insist.

Tom: *grabs Lori's purse, throws it onto floor* You need all the money you can get right now.

Lori: *looks down at floor* Well...I guess. But if you just broke my cellphone, I'll have to kick your ass.

Tom: Sounds fine to me.

Hallway

Lori: *opens door*

Tom: *walks into second bedroom*

Lori: Tom.

Tom: *turns around, looks over*

Lori: ...I don't want to be alone.

Tom: I'll be in the next room.

Lori: *stares at Tom*

Tom: It's not a good idea.

Lori: Please...just stay with me. At least until I fall asleep.

Tom: *rubs forehead* Okay.

Bedroom, 1:30am

Tom: *leaning on pillow*

Lori: *rolls over, sighs*

Tom: *brushes hair from Lori's face*

Lori: *smirks*

Tom: You're supposed to be falling asleep. *lies head on pillows*

Lori: I will eventually. *snuggles closer*

Tom: If you need a teddy to fall asleep with, you can always go to the department store.

Lori: Stuffed animals aren't people.

Tom: Yes but I'm not going to do this every night. I need sleep too.

Lori: Then sleep.

Tom: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *opens eyes*

Tom: You left Scott. You left your child. It's not my problem and I don't deserve to be used like another drug to help you forget.

Lori: *stares at Tom*

Tom: I'll be your friend but I won't be your replacement family.

Lori: I don't need a replacement. *places hand on Tom's cheek* I need you.

Tom: *grabs Lori's hand*

Lori: *blinks*

Tom: I think you should find your own place to stay.

Lori: I can't go home.

Tom: You don't want to go home. I get it, Lori. It's painful spending every hour of every day in the house that reminds you of what you lost. It's lonely. Some days you don't know if you'll make it, if you'll be driving one day and decide to just...cut into oncoming traffic and hope it kills you. But that's life and you need to deal with it. Properly.

Lori: *inches closer* I know how you feel about me, Tom. *sigh* The way you look at me, the way you treat me.

Tom: *closes eyes*

Lori: You're a different man than the one I first met. *kisses Tom's cheek*

Tom: *swallows*

Lori: You try to hide it but I can see it.

Tom: Lori, stop.

Lori: We understand each other more than anyone else.

Tom: I have to go. *sits up*

Lori: *sits up, grabs Tom*

Tom: Let go of me.

Lori: *grips Tom's cheek, crawls into his lap*

Tom: *lowers head* Lori-

Lori: *kisses Tom*

Tom: *grabs Lori's shoulder*

Lori: *runs hand through Tom's hair*

Tom: *pushes Lori*

Lori: *falls onto bed*

Tom: *stands*

Lori: *stares at Tom*

Tom: This isn't right and you know it.

Lori: *stands, walks over* Since when have you ever cared what's right?

Tom: You said it yourself, I'm not the same person.

Lori: *stares at Tom*

Tom: At least not entirely.

Lori: *lowers head* Yeah...well, I would have regretted this anyway.

Tom: Everything will work out for you, Lori. You just need to give it time.

Lori: What about you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tom: *smiles* I don't know. Maybe with a real family. Couple of kids running around the front yard, barbeque with friends in the back...a loving wife. I screwed it all up with Karen and Jaime and I almost destroyed myself. But I got a second chance. I don't want to blow it by watching my life pass me by.

Lori: ...I never thought I'd hear you say that.

Tom: I never thought I'd be alive today. I have you to thank for that.

Lori: *smirks*

Tom: Get some rest. *walks away*

Lori: *stares at door*

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

 

Hi, ImissSpeed! It's great to see you back.

Thanks oodles for the reviews!

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

Miami PD, 9am, 2 months later

Tom: *writing*

Lori: *runs over, sits*

Tom: *flips page*

Lori: *looks around*

Tom: I can't help but notice there's a beautiful young woman sitting at my desk. It's a nice change from all the hookers and bikers.

Lori: You haven't called me all week.

Tom: I've been busy all week.

Lori: Doing what?

Tom: I have this strange duty to uphold the law and serve the people. I know, insane.

Lori: *frowns* You blew me off yesterday.

Tom: Did I.

Lori: Yes. We were supposed to meet at the restaurant downtown and you never showed.

Tom: Maybe that's because our dinner date thing isn't until tonight at 7.

Lori: *blinks* ...It is?

Tom: *points to calendar*

Lori: ...Oops.

Tom: And I thought I was disorganized.

Lori: Sorry, I've been a bit out of it this week. I had to study for some exams and I'm kind of nervous...I mean, the only ones I've ever really taken have been pregnancy, drug and HIV tests.

Tom: ...And you're worried about checking off multiple choice boxes at some university.

Lori: This depends on me actually using my head. I don't know if I'll remember everything.

Tom: You'll do fine.

Josh: *walks over* Tom, CSI needs that casefile from the causeway murd-...Lori?

Lori: *lifts head, smiles* Uncle Josh.

Josh: *looks at Tom*

Tom: *writing*

Josh: Tom.

Tom: Yeah.

Josh: The casefile.

Tom: Right. *reaches over, grabs file* Causeway murder?

Josh: That's the one.

Tom: *hands over folder* Knock yourself out.

Josh: Lori dear, a word.

Lori: *nods*

Josh: *walks away*

Lori: See you later.

Tom: Yeah.

Lori: *stands, walks away*

Hallway

Lori: *walks over*

Josh: *places hands in pockets* I think it's time you sold your house. I can't keep helping you out, I've got 2 kids to look after.

Lori: Just...I need a little more time. Please.

Josh: I'm sorry, honey.

Lori: *scratches head*

Josh: Maybe you should talk to Scott. He might be able to sell it for you and cover the costs while it's on the market.

Lori: No. That would suggest I can't take care of myself.

Josh: I'm sure he wouldn't feel that way, Lori. Someone in your position can't possibly continue to afford that house. Especially now that you're taking some courses.

Lori: *angry sigh* I hate this. I hate always having to start over again at the bottom.

Josh: We've all been there. I worked a hair salon in Manhattan for 2 years before I could even afford my own place. I basically couch-surfed the whole time.

Lori: ...Would you mind if I couch-surfed at your place for a little bit?

Josh: *stares at Lori*

Lori: They turned off my water and electricity.

Josh: *sigh*

Lori: I can help keep an eye on Ethan and Cait. I'll even buy my own food so you don't have another mouth to feed and I can do some of the household duties.

Josh: *crosses arms* I don't know...

Lori: *smiles* Did I ever tell you you're my favourite Speedle?

Josh: *smirks* I'm not sure your father would appreciate that.

Lori: C'mon...please? For your favourite niece?

Josh: Alright, fine. But if I find you aren't pulling your weight around, I won't be as understanding of your situation.

Lori: *nods*

Josh: And there's one other condition to staying at my place.

Lori: Okay, anything.

Josh: You're going to call Scott and talk about what's going to happen with that house.

Lori: *frowns*

Josh: Lori...

Lori: ...Yes sir.

Josh: The fourth bedroom's yours. *walks away*

Lori: *crosses arms* Damn.

Coral Gables, house, 5pm

Lori: *typing on laptop*

Cait: *walks over, sits*

Lori: *opens book, reads*

Cait: *leans on table, stares at Lori*

Lori: *looks back at laptop, types*

Cait: *staring at Lori*

Lori: What.

Cait: What's it like to be hardcore high?

Lori: *lifts eyes* Feels like your dad kicking your ass.

Cait: Can I see your arms?

Lori: No you may not.

Cait: All my friends say drugs are fun.

Lori: Your friends are jackasses.

Cait: Watcha doin'?

Lori: Studying.

Cait: For what?

Lori: An exam.

Cait: An exam for what?

Lori: Business management course.

Cait: Why?

Lori: *closes laptop* Okay, what's with 20 questions?

Cait: *shrugs*

Lori: You need a hobby.

Cait: I have hobbies. *smiles* I'm a cheerleader.

Lori: Wow. *slides book over, reads* You got any boyfriends?

Cait: *smiling* Yeah. *smile fades* But Daddy doesn't like him. He's got an eyebrow ring. *smiles* Isn't that cool?

Lori: *reading* Mhm, real dangerous.

Cait: Where'd you get that scar on your chest?

Lori: I lost a fight with a broken beer bottle.

Cait: What happened?

Lori: I was at a bar in Tennessee a long time ago and some guy got fresh with me, I kicked his ass, he swiped me with a broken bottle and then we all got arrested.

Cait: *smiles* COOL.

Lori: No, not cool. Illegal. *closes book* Cait, it's not like you see in the movies.

Cait: Anything's better than my stupid boring life.

Lori: When I was your age, I would have killed for boring. Ethan! Get washed up for dinner!

Cait: He's not gonna listen to you. He's always too busy playing on his stupid hand-held video games.

Lori: *stands* Then I'll just have to persuade him.

Kitchen, 7pm

Cait: *drinks soda*

Ethan: *picking at food*

Lori: Eat your dinner.

Ethan: It sucks.

Lori: You haven't even tasted it.

Ethan: You suck. Ergo, it sucks.

Lori: *narrows eyes, places hands on hips* How the hell does he even know a word like 'ergo'.

Ethan: I read books.

Lori: *frowns* You're like 8.

Ethan: 9.

Lori: Is he always like this?

Cait: *nods*

Lori: Ethan, eat your potatoes.

Ethan: Get bent.

Lori: Cait, what time is it?

Cait: 7:04.

Lori: What! *looks at watch* Shit! Are y'all goin' to be okay here tonight until your dad gets home?

Ethan: We survived before without you.

Lori: Great. *grabs purse, runs*

Cait: She's so cool.

Ethan: She's a turd.

Cait: *slaps Ethan* Shut up.

Restaurant, 7:30pm

Lori: *runs over* I'm so sorry! I'm here! *sits in booth* I totally lost track of time, I was at my uncle's place and I was studying and then I had to make his kids dinner and th-

Tom: I ordered your drink.

Lori: *looks at drink* What is it?

Tom: Water.

Lori: Oh. Thanks. *grabs water, drinks*

Tom: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *places glass on table* Whew.

Tom: *drinks beer*

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

 

Thanks so much for the reviews.

:devil:

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

Manhattan, 2 weeks later, street

Lori: *frowning* I can't believe you dragged me here.

Josh: I gave you 2 weeks, I even posted his number on the fridge. I figured this was the only way to persuade you into talking to him.

Lori: Either that or you just wanted to come back to your old haunts.

Josh: First thing's first. I'm going to take you to the salon where I used to work and we're going to pretty you up. Work, exams and stuffing you into my carry-on make for a very tired-looking Lori.

Lori: Funny.

Josh: *grabs Lori's arm* In case it doesn't go well, you need to look like he's missing something. We'll fix up this hair real nice and get you some makeup on that beautiful face of yours.

Lori: I don't like makeup. It makes me itch.

Josh: Itch for a good cause. Oh and no no, these clothes won't do. What are your measurements?

Lori: *looks at Josh*

Josh: I'll take an educated guess. Something in whites will suit you.

Lori: *laughs* I don't do white.

Josh: You do now. I will not allow you to walk around this city in some black leather catwoman suit. OH a highlight of light gold or bronze, especially in the accessories and trim will go perfectly with your skin tone and keep in time with the spring colours, giving you a warm look.

Lori: *stares at Josh*

Josh: How 'bout it?

Lori: ...I suddenly miss my dad.

Josh: Why would you want to go shopping with that sour puss?

Lori: *rolls eyes*

Salon, 2 hours later

Lori: *frowning*

Josh: *smiles* Beautiful! I love the wavy layered look. And it's so nice to see your hair with a bit more dimension and it's a lot closer to your natural colour now. *looks at Woman* Doesn't she just look bright and clean?

Woman: *nods*

Josh: And your eyes POP with that makeup.

Lori: You sure you want to stay a cop?

Josh: It's simple yet elegant. You look like a spring flower!

Lori: I feel like a dork. A fake dork.

Josh: You need to stop brooding. Black is great for two things; looking thin and going to a funeral, both of which don't apply to you at the moment. Now, I called APL Manhattan, apparently Scott's at the office. *grabs Lori's hand* Let's go.

Street, near Empire State Building

Lori: *looks up*

Josh: Go on in.

Lori: I...don't think so. *turns around*

Josh: *grabs Lori* Lori, that house needs to be sold. That's why you're here.

Lori: I can't talk to him.

Josh: Why not?

Lori: Too nervous.

Josh: What helps you curb the nerves?

Lori: Cocaine.

Josh: *nods slowly* Um...okay well that's not an option, honey.

Lori: *sighs, holds stomach*

Josh: There you go, breathe.

Lori: *frowns*

Josh: Just trying to help. Ooh what if he has little Stephanie up there with him?

Lori: Ugh. *sits on ground*

Josh: I guess that doesn't help. Look, think of him as a client you need to score money out of.

Lori: *lifts head*

Josh: Or OH what if he started sleeping with the CEO and now she's taking care of Stephanie?

Lori: *frowns, stands* It's on. *walks into building*

Josh: *smiles* Yes! YOU GO GET 'EM, GIRL!

79th floor

Lori: *looks around, opens door*

People are seen walking around; photocopiers beeping

Lori: *steps in*

Woman: *walks past, stops* Excuse me, ma'am? Can I help you?

Lori: *looks at Woman* Um...yeah. I'm looking for Scott Finch.

Woman: *grabs folder from desk* Do you have an appointment?

Lori: No.

Woman: Name. *clicks pen*

Lori: Uh...Lori Finch.

Woman: *lifts eyes* Are you related to him?

Lori: I'm his wife.

Woman: *stares at Lori* ...You're legal, right?

Lori: *frowns*

Woman: Sorry, lots of girls come around here claiming to be of some relation to him in order to get some cash. We've actually had to post security outside the office.

Lori: Popular guy.

Woman: Hot, young, rich popular guy. One of New York's most eligible bachelors.

Lori: Um...except he's married and has a child.

Woman: Some girls aren't picky. Besides, he's an American hero. Chicks dig that.

Lori: *shakes head*

Woman: Of course you understand I'll need to see some ID.

Lori: *pulls out wallet, hands it over*

Woman: *opens wallet, looks down*

Lori: Satisfied? There are even pictures there of us.

Woman: *nods* Yeah. *hands over wallet* He should be getting out of a meeting in a minute, would you mind waiting in his office?

Lori: Not at all.

Woman: This way. *walks away*

Lori: *rolls eyes*

Large office

Lori: *looks around*

Woman: He should be here in a bit.

Lori: Thanks.

Woman: *walks away*

Lori: *looks under desk* No stiletto prints, that's a good sign. *walks over to corner of room* Ugh, he has alcohol. Not fair. *picks up bottle, sniffs* Hey, whiskey. *smiles* My kind of drink.

Scott: *walks in, shuts door*

Lori: *jumps, shoves lid onto bottle*

Scott: What can I do for you?

Lori: *turns around*

Scott: *smiles* Lori.

Lori: *staring at Scott*

Scott: *steps forward*

Lori: *steps back*

Scott: *smile fades*

Lori: *looks down at floor* ...Sell the house. I can't keep it.

Scott: *lifts brow*

Lori: That's it. Have a nice life. *walks over to door*

Scott: You came all the way here to tell me to sell the house?

Lori: *stops, looks over*

Scott: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *shuts door, turns around*

Scott: *extends hand* Why don't you have a seat.

Lori: *walks around Scott, grabs chair*

Scott: *stares at door*

Lori: *sits*

Scott: *turns around, walks over to chair, sits*

Lori: *crosses arms* The city shut off the water and electrical and I received my final notice for payment so you have to sell it or take over the deed or they'll repo it. *reaches into pocket* I have the keys here, you can mail them to whomever's selling it if you choose to go that way. *drops keys into Scott's lap*

Scott: *looks down*

Lori: Well it's been fun. I'll be getting back to Miami now. *stands*

Scott: *lifts head*

Lori: *opens door*

Scott: Lori.

Lori: *looks back* Did I miss anything?

Scott: *stands, laughs* How about the entire conversation. *walks over, closes door*

Lori: *frowns* Fine. How are you.

Scott: I'm well. You?

Lori: Annoyed.

Scott: Of course.

Lori: And by the way, the getup wasn't my idea. *looks down* My uncle thought I needed to impress you or some nonsense. It's not really me.

Scott: You could be wearing a paper bag and it wouldn't matter. You'd still be Lori to me.

Lori: *stares at Scott*

Scott: Other than annoyed, how have you been?

Lori: You mean have I stabbed anyone lately?

Scott: *tilts head*

Lori: I've been taking my meds. Faithfully.

Door opens

Bob: Hey Finch, the board room's ready f-

Scott: Not now.

Bob: But you s-

Scott: *slams door shut, staring at Lori*

Lori: *staring at Scott*

Scott: Why don't we get some lunch.

Lori: ...I thought you had a meeting or someth-

Scott: It's not important. *opens door* C'mon. *walks away*

Lori: *lifts brows* ...Okay.

Heartland Brewery Empire State Building

Lori: *sips water*

Scott: Stephanie's doing well.

Lori: *nods*

Scott: She asks about you a lot. Y'know, when is she coming home, how come Mommy isn't tucking me in, stuff like that.

Lori: What do you tell her?

Scott: *looks down at glass*

Lori: ...Where is she?

Scott: A daycare centre in Brooklyn.

Lori: You live in Brooklyn?

Scott: Yeah.

Lori: *nods slowly*

Scott: Is that a problem?

Lori: What? No. No, of course not. I guess I just didn't expect you to move out there, that's all.

Scott: We're in a nice neighborhood.

Lori: I'm sure.

Scott: She'll be starting kindergarten next year so I've been mulling through the school system and I'm thinking of starting her up at St. Peter's.

Lori: *lifts brow* It's a Catholic school?

Scott: Yeah.

Lori: *leans back in booth* What's wrong with a public school?

Scott: Nothing.

Lori: So why aren't you putting her in a public school?

Scott: You have a problem with Catholic schools?

Lori: I don't want my child being whipped by some crazy flying nun.

Scott: *smiles, looks down at plate*

Lori: What's so funny?

Scott: Why don't you just get it all off your chest.

Lori: You're doing it all wrong.

Scott: *nods*

Lori: What next? You going to push her to be some big-wig data analyst someday?

Scott: She'll be free to choose her own path.

Lori: Then put her in a public school. I don't want her brainwashed.

Scott: *sigh* Okay. Why don't we discuss it when the time comes for her to actually start school. I'm sure we'll be able to find some middle ground.

Lori: Fine.

Scott: I'm glad that you have concerns about her and that you want to have some input into her life.

Lori: ...You don't mind?

Scott: I want you to be involved.

Lori: I'm not sure if you realize this but you come off pretty arrogant sometimes.

Scott: *lifts brow* Arrogant.

Lori: Yeah. This whole...high and mighty single dad wants his poor crazed wife to be involved with their child crap. Just because the decisions come from your mouth doesn't mean they're perfect or even right.

Scott: I'm...sorry if I offended you.

Lori: You didn't exactly fight very hard to keep me around. You couldn't wait to get back to New York and raise her how you think she should be raised.

Scott: *lifts brows* Lori, you could be sitting in a jail cell right now for what you did. You're lucky the judge was sympathetic and agreed not to throw away the key if I took Steph to New York.

Lori: I wasn't responsible for my actions.

Scott: You were responsible for managing your condition and you chose not to take your medication which makes you completely responsible for everything you did. You should appreciate the fact that you have any kind of contact with her at all.

Lori: *rolls eyes* There's that high and mighty arrogance again.

Scott: It's the truth. But Lori doesn't want to hear the truth. She wants to feel sorry for herself and it's the rest of the world's fault when something doesn't go her way.

Lori: *frowning*

Scott: *throws money on table*

Lori: *staring at Scott*

Scott: I'll take care of the house. *stands, walks away*

Lori: *looks down at table*

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

 

And that...*puts on shades* is the question of the century.

Thanks so much for the reviews, gals! I love reading y'alls insights.

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

Miami Lab, 4pm

Anni: *runs down hallway, tilts head into trace lab* Tim.

Speed: *staring through microscope*

Anni: Have you heard from Katie lately?

Speed: We work different shifts, I haven't spoken to her in over a month.

Anni: I stopped by her house, her car's gone and I called her cell and at first it just rang and rang but now it's only going straight to voice mail. I must have left her 10 messages.

Speed: Maybe she's at a guy's house.

Anni: No.

Speed: Well then I don't know what to tell you. She probably went partying.

Anni: For a week?

Speed: *lifts head*

Anni: *stares at Speed*

Speed: Katie has a GPS system in her car, we could attempt to activate it with her insurance company's anti-theft department. We can try to locate her that way.

Anni: *slides laptop over*

Brooklyn, brownstone, 5pm

Lori: *knocks on door*

Scott: *opens door* ...I should have guessed.

Lori: Wow, your place smells great. Is that chicken? *walks in*

Scott: ...Make yourself at home. *closes door, turns around*

Lori: *looks around* You own all 4 floors or do you share?

Scott: I own them. How did you find out where I live?

Lori: *picks up toy dinosaur* I followed you and your pricey, eco-friendly 4-door sedan.

Scott: *sigh* Of course you did.

Lori: You still drive like a maniac.

Scott: Would you care to stay for dinner?

Lori: I thought you'd never ask. *steps into doorway, stares blankly*

Living room

Steph: *dressing Barbies*

Lori: *stares at Steph*

Scott: *walks over, places hand on Lori's shoulder*

Lori: ...

Scott: *whispers* Go say hi.

Lori: Does she um...*wipes eye* does she hate me?

Scott: No.

Lori: *looks at Scott*

Scott: *nods*

Lori: *walks away*

Scott: *leans in doorway*

Steph: *picks up dress, places finger on chin* Hmm...

Lori: *steps over, kneels* ...Stephanie.

Steph: *looks at Lori*

Lori: *smiles*

Steph: *wide-eyed, smiles* MOMMA! *runs over, hugs Lori*

Lori: *wraps arms around Steph*

Steph: *hugging Lori*

Lori: *sighs, closes eyes*

Steph: *sits in Lori's lap*

Lori: *strokes Steph's head*

Scott: *walks over, sits*

Lori: *looks at Scott*

Scott: *smiles*

Lori: *hugs Steph tighter*

Steph: Momma, yer skishin' me.

Lori: *looks down*

Scott: I think she means 'squishing'.

Lori: *smirks*

Steph: *looks up* Momma, are ya stayin'?

Lori: ...

Scott: Stephanie, let's get you washed up for dinner. *grabs Steph's hand*

Steph: *latches onto Lori* NO!

Lori: It's okay Scott, I can take her.

Scott: You sure?

Lori: *nods* Yeah. That is if it's okay with you.

Scott: It's fine.

Lori: *stands, shifts Steph into arms*

Steph: *wraps arms around Lori's neck*

Lori: *sigh*

Scott: *stands*

Lori: *walks away*

Upstairs, bathroom

Lori: *sits on toilet seat*

Steph: *climbs up onto stool, dunks hands into bubbles*

Lori: *staring at Steph*

Steph: Dunka dunka dunka! *splashes water, giggles*

Lori: *smiles*

Steph: *waves hands through bubbles*

Scott: *steps over* Do I hear splashing?

Steph: *looks at Scott, smile fades*

Scott: *stares at Steph* I thought I said no water out of the sink.

Steph: *lowers head*

Lori: *stands, hands towel to Steph*

Steph: *dabs hands on towel*

Scott: Now downstairs, dinner's on.

Steph: *jumps down from stool, runs*

Scott: *looks back*

Steph: *runs back, grabs Lori's hand* Momma, c'mon!

Lori: I'm a comin'! *runs*

Scott: *smiles*

Miami, highway

Speed: *opens car door*

Anni: Windows aren't broken.

Speed: *kneels, shines flashlight into car* No sign of blood or hair...glove compartment's open. *looks down* Got a cellphone here. It's dead.

Anni: Explains why I got her voicemail.

Speed: *lifts seat* 9mm gun.

Anni: She keeps a gun under her seat?

Speed: Yeah in case of invading 'Wubbas'.

Anni: *looks around* Highway traffic's pretty busy most times of the day between the commuters and tourists. Wouldn't somebody have seen something?

Speed: There's no sign of a struggle. *stands* No vehicular damage...had to have been something commonly seen enough on the highway not to stir any real interest.

Anni: *looks at Speed*

Speed: Something like stopping to help someone with a flat tire or...a traffic stop.

Anni: *lifts brows* You think Katie was abducted by a cop?

Speed: Or someone posing as one.

Anni: We'll need more evidence before we go down that route.

Speed: *walks around car*

Anni: *follows*

Speed: Two sets of tracks. Katie's an an unknown vehicle. Get the tape measure and camera. I'll call Horatio.

Anni: Right.

A/V Lab

Anni: *walks in, sits* You got my measurements in there?

Speed: *smirks*

Anni: *smiles, rolls eyes* The wheelbase measurements.

Speed: Yeah, I have it entered as 110.5.

Anni: So what kind of vehicle are we looking for?

Speed: I have it narrowed down to 3 possibles. The '97-present Pontiac Grand Prix, '05 Buick LaCrosse or the 2000-present Chevrolet Impala.

Anni: That's not 3 possibles, that's like 30 possibles.

Horatio: *leaning on wall, arms crossed* What vehicles do the PD use?

Speed: *looks back* Impala.

Horatio: What else do we have?

Anni: Katie's wallet and registration were at the edge of the opened glove compartment and the only reason she would do that is if she were stopped by the police. Not to mention there was no visible struggle at the scene so she exited the vehicle willingly.

Horatio: *nods* Okay. Speed, find the list of officers that were scheduled to patrol that stretch of highway within our timeline and process their vehicles. Anni, I need you in trace.

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