Chapter Eight

1x08 - Slaughterhouse

Disclaimer: Neither the CSI: Miami Universe nor any of the Characters in the CSI: Miami Universe belongs to me. No profit is made from this story on my part. No copyright infringement is intended.

Standing in front of the newly installed headstone, Horatio removed his sunglasses and bowed his head respectfully before leaning forward to leave his flowers with the others covering the grave. Senseless and violent crimes such as this always resulted in an abundance of flowers and small gifts, as if Society was trying make amends to the dead for failing them in life.

"Your sister is safe, Luke. You saved her, you know. Your Aunt is planning to adopt her: she'll be well loved and cared for, I promise you that.

Your father was convicted yesterday. Sentencing won't be for another week, but he'll probably get several life sentences for his crimes. He'll be an old man before he gets out, if he ever does, so Erin's truly safe from him now.

And when she's old enough, she'll learn about you, about how you saved her life and tried to protect her little brother. Because of you, she still has a bright future ahead of her. Thank you."

He stood quietly for a moment, the breeze ruffling through his hair, then he took something out of his pocket and placed it carefully on the headstone.

"Rest in peace, son."

Putting his sunglasses back on, he turned and left the cemetery. The dead were at peace, but the living still insisted on killing each other. He had work to do.

Behind him, a small gold badge glinted and glimmered from its perch atop the engraved headstone.

Luke Caplin.

Son. Brother. Hero.

Author's Note: For those who might be concerned, Horatio didn't leave his own badge behind, that would have been unsafe. He left one of the courtesy badges that the Department sometimes gives to children who are involved in cases.