CSI:Miami Road Trip: Unlucky Number 13

Thanks for the reviews.

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Miami Shores, house, 5 days later

Scott: *crawls under sink, picks up wrench*

Bob: *knocks on counter* Hey, Scotty.

Scott: *slides out* Bob?

Bob: *smiles* How are you?

Scott: *sits up, wipes hands with rag* I'm doing okay. *stands* How are things at the office?

Bob: That's actually what I came here to talk to you about. Do you know a man named Paul Valdez?

Scott: *stares at Bob*

Bob: He came to the office yesterday, says you two met some years ago.

Scott: I've met a lot of people.

Bob: Well, he was looking forward to speaking with you but I told him you were taking a break from the business world. He left me a card to give to you. *places card on counter*

Scott: *looks down at counter*

Bob: Says he has an office for you this time, whatever that means.

Scott: *staring at card*

Bob: Anyway, I need to head to work so I'll see you later.

Scott: Yeah.

Bob: *walks away*

Scott: *picks up card*

Bailey: *runs over* Scotty, you will NOT believe what just happened to me in the parkinglot at Wal-Mart.

Scott: What?

Bailey: A bunch of paparazzi people started taking pictures and asking for comments about you and your recent battle with drugs.

Scott: *frowns* Paparazzi have been asking about me?

Bailey: Yeah, one of them said you were one of Forbes 50 most influential men of Manhattan a few years ago. I told them to go to hell but they followed me all the way h-

Knocking on door is heard

Scott: *looks at door*

Bailey: Uh oh.

Scott: How in the hell did they know you were staying here?

Bailey: I guess it doesn't matter now.

Scott: Call the landlord, I'll be upstairs.

Bailey: *nods, grabs phone*

Gables Estates, house

Lori: *pushing door*

Man: We just want to ask you a few questions about your husband's drug problems.

Lori: NO! Get off my property!

Man: Is it true that he had an affair with an escort last year?

Woman: *pushes microphone through door* Who's the new woman he's living with?

Man: Are you and the kids available for a photo-op?

Lori: GET OUT! I'm calling the police! *slams door, locks it*

Steph: *walks over, rubs eye* Momma, what's going on?

Lori: *walks over to window, shuts drapes* Nothing. Go back to your room and don't come out until I say so.

Steph: *runs upstairs*

Lori: *picks up phone, dials*

Miami Shores, house

Scott: Bailey, give me your keys.

Bailey: What for? This is kind of fun.

Scott: I just got a call from Lori, they're swarming my house. I need your car.

Bailey: To do what? Beat their collective heads into the ground? Won't really make you seem any better.

Scott: I'm not going to touch anyone.

Bailey: *hands over keys* Be careful.

Gables Estates, front gate

Scott: *steps out of car, slams door*

Guy: *looks over*

Scott: *takes off shades* You're supposed to be guarding the entrance to make sure no one gets in who doesn't live here.

Guy: They said they had your permission.

Scott: Why in the hell would I give the paparazzi permission to harrass my wife and children?

Guy: ...I thought you were going through a bitter divorce. Seemed to make sense at the time. I didn't realize they were going to take over the entire place.

Scott: Where's the neighborhood patrol unit?

Guy: Oh no dice, they're on strike. I had to call MDPD.

Hummer speeds through gate, sirens blaring; patrol cars follow

Guy: *smiles* See? There you go.

Scott: *shakes head*

Cul-de-sac

People are seen fighting

Horatio: *turns key, opens Hummer door*

Man1: I called Brad Bozely, you had Finch!

Man2: *grabs Man1 by the collar* Plenty more celebs around here, go find someone else!

Woman: *slams fist into Woman2's face*

Woman2: *throws camera at Man3*

Tom: *walks around patrol car, grabs rifle from trunk*

Horatio: Ladies and gentlemen! Stop what you're doing and look this way please!

People look over

Tom: *steps beside Horatio*

Horatio: None of you are authorized to be on these premises. You have 5 minutes to remove yourselves from the area or you're going to jail.

Man: We were let in.

Horatio: That was a mistake.

Man: We're just after the truth, we have a right to it. There are celebrities all over this neighborhood, it's their fault they put themselves in the public eye.

Horatio: It's time to leave. Let's go.

Tom: This rifle's going through the bushes so unless anyone wants a bean bag up their ass, I suggest they crawl the hell out!

People start climbing out of trees and bushes

Horatio: *walks away*

Tom: I love this job.

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

 

Thanks for the reviews.

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Miami lab, ballistics, 3pm

Anni: *takes gun apart*

Tom: *walks over* Hey. You get that crap out of my gun yet?

Anni: Sorry, I got jammed up with a triple homicide. It's on the back counter. What did you get in there, anyway?

Tom: *walks over to counter* Ah it fell out of my holster when I was responding to a traffic accident and it got covered in wiper fluid and kitty litter.

Anni: The cleaning stuff's over here, you may help yourself.

Tom: *picks up gun, steps up to table*

Anni: How'd the paparazzi fest go?

Tom: It was almost a riot.

Anni: Wow.

Tom: Yeah, they even broke two of Lori's windows so they could get a picture of Steph.

Anni: *looks at Tom* Are they okay?

Tom: Lori's pissed, no surprise there. Steph's fine. I think I heard one of them say on the way back to the station that they were trying to prove that Steph belonged to the escort Scott allegedly slept with.

Anni: *lifts brow* Interesting story.

Tom: I confiscated the cameras and film. I mean, it's not like Steph was on the street playing, she was in her bedroom and they climbed a tree to get the photos.

Anni: That's sick.

Tom: And quite the fishing expedition. I was there right after Steph was born, believe me, she's Lori's.

Anni: *nods, fiddles with gun*

Tom: *picks up rag* Why now? Scott's been in the public eye for the last 6 years, give or take. I've never seen a paparazzi crowd so interested in some former CEO.

Anni: *smirks* He wasn't just 'some CEO'. He owns the top investment company in the world, one that's American. And there's a cheque in the hands of many foundations with his name on it. Not to mention he's something of a hero in the eyes of a lot of people.

Tom: You're saying he's a symbol of American power and freedom.

Anni: *shrugs*

Tom: *laughs* Come on, that's ridiculous. This is Scotty we're talking about.

Anni: I'm not saying I necessarily believe it. But people love to watch golden idols crash and burn, especially now with all the allegations and rumors.

Tom: *shakes head* He's not an idol, he's not a hero, he's just a guy. A good guy who made a mistake, I mean haven't we all? This celebrity gossip bullshit is designed to make all those losers who don't have a life feel better about themselves.

Anni: Maybe so but it sells a lot of magazines and makes money.

Tom: *nods*

Anni: *picks up screwdriver*

Tom: Alright. Scott, I guess I get. But Steph? Lori? Why should they have any part of it?

Anni: Part of the shark's diet, I suppose.

Tom: Ugh. Remind me never to become famous.

Anni: If anyone's going to be famous, it's me.

Tom: *looks at Anni*

Anni: *smiles*

Tom: Of course. What was I thinking? *leans over, kisses Anni's cheek*

Anni: *smiling*

Tom: *walks away*

Miami Shores, house, bedroom

Bailey: *knocks on door, steps in* Scotty?

Scott: Mister Finch is currently not available.

Bailey: *shuts door* Thought you could use some lunch so I picked up some sandwiches.

Scott: *uncovers eyes, lifts head*

Bailey: Turkey club.

Scott: *sits up*

Bailey: *walks over, sits*

Scott: *takes sandwich*

Bailey: I don't care what all those people say about you. They can go to hell.

Scott: *nods*

Bailey: Hey, you want to go hang out outside? I need to get my tan back. *stands*

Scott: Sure.

Backyard, pool

Bailey: *sits on chair*

Scott: Mind if I go for a swim? Wouldn't hurt to blow off some steam.

Bailey: *smiles* Be my guest.

Scott: *pulls off shirt*

Bailey: *drops sandwich*

Scott: *walks around pool*

Bailey: *lies back in chair* I think I'm going to like it here.

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

 

Thanks for the reviews!

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Condo, bedroom, 11pm

Katie: *crawls into bed*

Speed: *stares at wall*

Katie: ...You awake?

Speed: Yes.

Katie: *smiles* You're talking to me again.

Speed: *staring at wall*

Katie: Tim...come on, look at me.

Speed: *sits up*

Katie: I really am sorry. I feel terrible about what happened.

Speed: *nods*

Katie: What can I do to make it up to you?

Speed: Nothing, Katie.

Katie: Alright, I get it. You want me to move out.

Speed: No, I want you to stop doing stupid things and grow up.

Katie: But you used to love my antics.

Speed: We're both too old for that crap and you know it.

Katie: *nods*

Speed: *turns out light, lies down*

Katie: ...So we're not breaking up?

Speed: I thought you were seeing other people.

Katie: *blinks* No.

Speed: Then why were you going after Carter?

Katie: Because I'm an idiot.

Speed: *sits up* We should go on a date.

Katie: *lifts brow* Um...not sure if you remember but we did that before.

Speed: No, I mean to freshen things up. It'll be like we just met.

Katie: Except we didn't.

Speed: Alright, look at it this way. You fell in love with the jackass Speed from years ago. It's only fair that you should give the new Speed a chance.

Katie: *nods slowly*

Speed: Maybe we can...start over.

Katie: *smiles* It's worth a shot.

Speed: *nods*

Katie: You're paying. *lies down*

Speed: Of course.

Miami Shores, house, bedroom midnight

Scott: *staring at laptop*

Bailey: *steps in* Is that you typing like you're being chased?

Scott: I'm just catching up on some e-mails.

Bailey: From who? Your dealer?

Scott: *lifts eyes* Clients.

Bailey: Oh. I thought you weren't working.

Scott: I'm not.

Bailey: *sits on bed* Go to sleep.

Scott: I'm almost finished.

Bailey: Why can't you be a normal guy and surf for porn?

Scott: Maybe you got here too late.

Bailey: *laughs*

Scott: *smiles, closes laptop* Alright, get off my bed and sleep in your own.

Bailey: *smiling* What if I want to stay?

Scott: *stands, walks over* Then I guess we got a problem. *sits on bed* You know me, Bailey.

Bailey: You might be holding onto something you'll never get back.

Scott: I'm going to get Lori back.

Bailey: What if you can't? This could get obsessive, Scott.

Scott: *shakes head*

Bailey: *sits up, wraps arms around Scott's waist* Lori's spent your entire relationship pushing you away. You really think that if you didn't have kids, she'd have lasted this long with you?

Scott: When we're happy, we're...amazing together. There's a lot of love.

Bailey: Look, I know I was pulling for you both but-

Scott: I can't let her go.

Bailey: *kisses Scott's neck* Maybe it's time you did.

Scott: You need to leave.

Bailey: *nibbles Scott's ear*

Scott: *stands* Not interested, Bailey.

Bailey: You're just prolonging the inevitable.

Scott: Which is what?

Bailey: Loneliness.

Scott: *stares at Bailey*

Bailey: Why do you think I'm here? I filled the void with a bottle for so many years.

Scott: *lowers head*

Bailey: *stands, steps closer* There's got to be a reason we're both here. Together.

Scott: To get our lives back, nothing more.

Bailey: *sigh* Don't you think you could have a different life? A new slate.

Scott: With my family, yes.

Bailey: I feel like I'm talking to a wall. Goodnight, Scott. *walks away*

Scott: *nods*

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

 

Thanks so much for the reviews!

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Miami-Dade Elementary, 3:58pm, 5 days later

Scott: *leans against counter*

Secretary: *lifts head* May I help you?

Scott: *smiles* Good afternoon, I'm Stephanie Finch's father. I'm here to pick her up.

Secretary: *gasp* You're the guy they were talking about on MSNBC this morning!

Scott: Um...I'm not sure that's accurate.

Secretary: You're the CEO guy who slept with an escort and had her put in jail to keep her quiet. Yeah yeah, you're addicted to crystal meth and heroin. It was a segment on how filthy rich executives exploit the system and use their influence on American citizens to propagate their own immoral behaviour.

Scott: May I see my daughter now?

Secretary: Oh she's such a sweet child, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Scott: *looks down at watch* Your expeditiousness in the matter would be appreciated.

Secretary: Right. *picks up phone, dials*

Scott: Thank you.

5 minutes later

Steph: *walks in, adjusts backpack*

Scott: *turns around*

Steph: *smiles* Daddy! *runs over, hugs Scott*

Scott: *smiles* Ready to go home?

Steph: Yup.

Scott: Great. *grabs Steph's hand* The car's out front.

Gables Estates, house

Steph: *runs in, drops backpack onto floor*

Scott: *picks up backpack*

Lori: *walks downstairs* Oh good, just the man I wanted to see.

Scott: *smiles*

Lori: The hot tub's acting up again, I think something's wrong with the jets.

Scott: *smile fades* The hot tub.

Lori: Yeah, in the bedroom. Could you take a look?

Scott: *nods* Sure. *walks away*

Lori: *turns around*

Master bathroom

Scott: *shines flashlight underneath tub*

Lori: *leans against door frame* Find out what the problem is?

Scott: Yeah, it looks like the air pump in the back has separated from the connector. I just need the tool box and it'll be as good as new.

Lori: Perfect, just the thing I brought you. *slams tool box onto floor*

Scott: *opens box, grabs tools* It's a little weird for this thing to become separated.

Lori: Must be wear and tear.

Scott: *looks at Lori* It's 3 years old.

Lori: I use it a lot.

Scott: *looks back at tub, reaches under*

Lori: Maybe it's not meant for two people.

Scott: Uh...no, it's not.

Lori: Right.

Scott: *crawls out* Finished.

Lori: That's it?

Scott: Should be. *turns on tub*

Jets roar

Lori: *smiles* I love that sound.

Scott: *grabs towel, wipes hands*

Lori: HEY. *yanks towel away* Those are clean.

Scott: *looks down at towel* ...Yeah, that's why I was using it.

Lori: Your hands are dirty, Finch. Go wipe them at home.

Scott: You're welcome.

Lori: *turns around* Great, now I have another load of laundry to do. *walks away*

Scott: *stares at door*

Living room

Dominick: *jumping on couch*

Lori: *walks past* Stop it or you'll break your head open.

Dominick: *frowns, sits on couch*

Scott: *walks over, sits*

Dominick: I hate Mommy.

Scott: No you don't.

Dominick: *crosses arms* I do today.

Scott: *smirks* Why's that?

Dominick: She's being mean.

Scott: *nods* She's mean out of love.

Dominick: *looks at Scott*

Scott: You'll understand someday.

Lori: *walks over* Your car's getting oil all over my driveway. Park it on the street.

Scott: I apologize.

Lori: Why are you still here? I'm having people over tonight.

Scott: *lifts brows* People? What people?

Lori: Some of Riley's clients. She's having a party and wanted to use the house so get out before someone sees you and thinks you're dealing dope.

Scott: I never actually dealt an-

Lori: You know what, between that and the other garbage the media has been spreading around, I'd rather not have to defend you all night. So just do me a favour and leave.

Scott: *stares at Lori*

Lori: What are you waiting for? People are going to be here in an hour.

Scott: Maybe the kids and I could hang out in the guest house f-

Lori: No. The kids are going to my parents' house.

Scott: I could watch them, Lori.

Lori: Plans were already made 3 days ago.

Scott: What if I drove them to your parents' place? It would save you a lot of time.

Lori: Fine, just go. *walks away*

Scott: *stands* Lori.

Lori: *stops, looks back*

Scott: *walks over* ...Do you believe all that stuff? From the magazines and television.

Lori: *stares at Scott* The only thing I know for sure...is that you gave up.

Scott: *nods*

Lori: *walks away*

Scott: *sigh*

Inside car, road

Steph: Daddy, how come we can't stay with you for the night?

Scott: Plans were already made.

Steph: But I wanna stay with you.

Scott: Maybe next time.

Steph: *looks back at Dominick*

Dominick: *frowns*

Steph: Daddy, we don't wanna go.

Scott: That's not up for negotiation.

Steph: *leans back in seat* Can you stay then? With us at Grama and Grampa's house.

Scott: I might be able to visit for a little while, sure.

Steph: Good.

Dominick: Kick Grama out.

Scott: Oh Dominick. Stop that.

Dominick: She's a bitch.

Steph: *looks back* DOM! Momma said to stop saying that word.

Dominick: Bitch bitch bitch.

Steph: *frowns* DADDY! Dom's got a potty mouth!

Scott: I hear that.

Dominick: *cackles*

Scott: *looks into rearview mirror* You want to eat soap for dinner?

Dominick: *blinks*

Scott: *looks out window* Didn't think so.

Steph: *wags finger* You're a naughty boy, Dommy.

Dominick: *sticks out tongue*

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