Title: Til' Death do us Part
Chapter 12 – Wrong Us - Shall we not Avenge?
"ERIC YOU DON'T KNOW FOR SURE!" Horatio yelled; Eric ignoring him.
Horatio reached the curb just as Eric was taken away in a cab.
"ERIC DON'T DO THIS!" Horatio shouted to Eric.
Eric slammed the backseat with his fist in anger. Instead of giving the cab driver the address for the lab he told them to head for the latest Russian mob crime scene; having remembered the address earlier from Ryan and not caring now if he broke protocol.
"Frank, I think Eric's going after his father…get one of your men to hold him at the lab if comes back. Just tell them Eric is due in court or something…don't tip our hand just yet."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then we have more than Calleigh's disappearance to worry about."
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Jake watched Calleigh finally fall into an unconscious heap and then started to untie her. After that was done he gazed down upon her sleeping form with bad thoughts starting to fill his brain.
"I think you need something else to wear," he said pulling out a black nightgown. "Sure I can help you change," he laughed as he started to undress her.
"Don't worry Eric," Jake laughed as he listened to Calleigh's phone ring once more. "You and I will speak soon enough."
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Eric, finally felt his anger starting to calm a bit as he reasoned inside that he didn't know for sure if it was his father. He was about to give the cab driver further instructions when he remembered another way. He quickly dialed Ryan.
"Hey man what's up?"
"I need your help, Calleigh is missing. Please just listen," Eric rushed. "Her phone is still live. I need you call her number and let it go to voice mail and…"
"And then you'll know at least the area she might be," Ryan said quickly as he rushed for Travers. "Call you right back…just hang tough."
Eric told the cab to just pull over and wait for a bit; he'd pay him extra for doing so. Then he called Horatio.
"Where are you?" Horatio asked in a low tone.
"I'm not at the lab and I'm not going to the scene, if that's what you were wondering," Eric huffed as he leaned his head on the back seat.
"Tell me where you are and…"
"I'm waiting on Ryan," Eric relayed. "Once he triangulates Calleigh's location…"
"Before you go you better call me," Horatio told him. "I am the only one who can get you out of this."
"I will…I got another call…it might be Ryan."
"Eric…" Horatio tried.
Eric hung up and then answered his next call. "Ryan?"
"Nope…try again immigrant!" Jake snided.
"Jake? What the hell…" he said. He quickly pulled his phone away and stared at the number calling: Calleigh Delko.
"Such a shame she changed her calling ID," Jake taunted; wanting to relish in Eric's misery not realizing that the phone was being traced.
"Where is she you son of a bitch!" Eric cursed.
"Oh she's a little tied up right now," Jake smiled; as he looked over at Calleigh. After he had redressed her in the simple black nightgown he had tied each wrist to one of the posts and she was gagged once again; however she was still unconscious.
"I need to speak to her," Eric said weakly.
"Sorry," Jake smiled. "But that won't be possible."
"What do you want?" Eric hissed.
"I have what I want…what do you want?"
"My wife back!" Eric demanded.
"Well I guess we can't always get what we want…oh wait…that wouldn't apply to me…since I got what I want and you don't!" Jake snapped in anger. However, the longer Eric kept Jake on the line the better Ryan was able to pinpoint his location. Hoping to help Eric stop Jake from doing anything really terrible to Calleigh.
"Jake…please…what do you want?" Eric begged in a softer tone.
"What is her life worth to you?" Jake dared.
"Jake…I know you care for Calleigh and I know you wouldn't hurt her…"
"Define hurt," Jake countered.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Eric shouted.
"I want you to be out of her life for good!" Jake shouted back.
"Then take me…please let her go…"
"You're not as much fun," Jake smiled.
"Jake…" Eric started.
Calleigh felt her world slowly coming back to her and felt a sense of panic starting to cover her. She was gagged again and knew things were different. She frantically looked around and noticed her wrists tied to each corner of the bed and she was not wearing her regular clothing; she was dressed in a simple black satin gown. She spied Jake coming back into the room and started to pull against her bonds.
"You know Eric…" Jake started. Calleigh heard Eric's name and tried to yell anything to make Eric hear her. It would be to no avail.
"Jake please…"
"Beg for her all you want immigrant," Jake laughed as he sat down beside Calleigh. "I am going to do what I want for as long as I want and you can't stop me. I guess Calleigh will finally realize how unreliable you really are."
"NO!" Eric shouted as Jake hung up the phone. He once again hit the seat in anger and quickly dialed Ryan's number. "Please…we are out of time."
"Just another minute," Ryan told him.
"We don't have another minute!" Eric snapped in anger. Eric hung up and stared out the window in misery. But just as he was about to go insane his phone rang again. Eric answered it without looking at the number; thinking it was Ryan.
"Where is she?" Eric asked in a panic.
"127 Carlson."
Eric quickly hung up and gave the driver his instructions. "Please hurry."
Calleigh watched Jake's hand start to slowly trace its way over her trapped body. He once again pulled down the gag and smiled. "Jake, please don't do this…" she begged.
"Man you sound like Eric…your husband is pretty pathetic you know," Jake laughed. "How is it you can stand him?"
"You aren't even close to half the man Eric is," she stated in truth.
Jake just ignored her voice and slowly started to move around her; finally climbing on top and straddling her waist with his hips.
"Jake, please don't do this," she begged; as more tears started to mix with mascara; burning her eyes.
"Jake…"
"I always wanted to hear you beg my name," he soothed as he started to roughly kiss her.
Calleigh tried to fight but as he continued with his attack she knew it was useless.
"I love the feel of your body twisting beneath mine," he smiled as he started to grope her meanly.
Calleigh once again tried to twist herself out of his grasp but to no avail; the ropes held her firmly in place.
"Please don't…" she begged in anguish.
Jake, however, ignored her cries and driven on by lustful rage just continued his attack; devouring her lips with painful kisses.
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"Got it!" Ryan said as he tried Eric. "Why isn't he answering?" Ryan tried to call Eric again but got no answer so he dialed Horatio.
"I got the address but he won't answer…" Ryan said quickly. "Here they are…"
"This stays between us…got it?" Horatio said firmly.
"Sure thing boss," Ryan said as he hung up with a frown. And as if on cue, Rick Stetler, their nemesis walked into the room.
"Where's Eric?" Rick asked firmly. "Eddie here has misplaced him."
"Horatio is with him…has something do with forms and such," Ryan's voice trailed off as he hurried to leave. "Like I'm his keeper," he called out; trying to sound annoyed.
Horatio raced through traffic and then heard his phone. He saw Rick's name and cursed. "Rick…"
"Is Eric with you?"
"Yes and we're in an important meeting…what is it?"
"We need to talk when you get back," Rick told him.
"Fine," Horatio huffed as he hung up. "Damn it Eric!"
Eric's heart continued to race at top speed at the thought of Calleigh at Jake's mercy and unable to defend herself. Do what I want for as long as I want… were the words his mind replayed over and over again.
"Please hurry," Eric begged.
Calleigh continued to pull in vain as Jake continued to ravage her captive body. He went to kiss once more only to have her bit his lips in anger.
"Bitch!" He yelled as he slapped her face; causing it to bruise. He stuffed the gag back into her mouth and spat at her. "You'll learn your place."
Calleigh looked up at him in horror. This wasn't the same man she knew from before. Why was he doing this?
Jake just continued his attack; pushing himself back on top of her and starting to meanly fondle her breasts. She cried out under his touch but with a swift hand movement he ripped the black silk to her navel; exposing her breasts to him. He eyed the soft exposed flesh and stared to touch; making her yell out once again in pain and terror.
When Eric arrived, Sharova's tail was gone; his job done. Eric finally reached the location and told the cab driver to stop about a block away. He paid and then exited; rushing toward the now abandoned van. His heart was beating so fast he was sure it would betray him to Jake. He stopped for a minute and then listened. After hearing nothing he made for the door and then slowly started to push it open.
Eric heard faint noises coming form another room and knew he had to arm himself. He picked up a nearby piece of lumber and started for the small dimly lit area before him.
Horatio tried Eric again and cursed. "If you are caught here…" he said as he dialed Frank. "I might have a lead on Calleigh but wait for my call before you make a move."
"Think Eric is there?"
"I'm not sure and I don't want to cause any alarm if he's not. Just keep the guys at bay for a bit."
"Will do," Tripp huffed as he looked at his team. "Still waiting…"
"MOVE!" Horatio yelled at the vehicles in front of him.
Calleigh felt Jake's hand moving further down on her body and screamed into the gag when he started to grope her soft groin flesh; but causing no damage – yet.
"Ah nice and warm for me Calleigh," Jake laughed. "I'll bet Eric can't get you this warm!" He laughed as he just continued.
Eric heard his words and immediately felt his anger starting to rise even further than it already was. He reached the final door and peer through and spied Calleigh tied to the bed with Jake on top of her. He saw the bruises; the ripped gown, exposing her upper half; her face smeared with dark make-up, tears and lipstick. But the look of sheer terror on her face told the whole story. Then rage took over.
Just as Jake went to unzip his pants; Eric charged into the room.
"GET OFF HER!" Eric shouted as his body slammed into Jake's; taking them both off Calleigh.
Calleigh tried to blink through her burnt eyes and was thankful Eric was there; but at the same time she worried as Jake was also strong and had a gun.
Eric and Jake slammed into the floor on the side of the bed. Calleigh's heart started to beat faster as she heard Jake taunting Eric with threats and comments about what he did to her.
Jake picked up an object and smashed Eric in the side of the head. Eric used the piece of wood to counter and hit Jake right back on the side of the head. Jake's head snapped to the side and Eric quickly punched him in the lower ribs.
Jake cried out in pain but managed to hit Eric back.
Calleigh tried to see what was going on but when she raised her head; adrenaline pain from Jake's attack kept her down. Eric you have to win…you can't let Jake attack me again, she lamented inside.
Horatio reached the street and raced for the van; praying he would get there in time to stop Eric from doing something stupid and Calleigh being really hurt.
Eric tried to twist himself around to get the gun but Jake pounced on him just as his fingers reached the piece. Jake used the piece of wood to slam Eric's arm. Eric cried out in pain; allowing Jake to reach his piece. Jake punched Eric in the side of the head with the gun; adding another gaping wound to the one he created earlier.
Eric lay on his side breathing hard and felt Jake get off him. "Don't…do…this," Eric breathed as Jake stood up and looked down at Eric with his gun cocked.
"Time to die Delko!" Jake laughed.
NO! Calleigh screamed into the gag.
"Be right there my love…then I'll finish what I started," he smiled. "But first it's time for you to whisper goodbye to your poor immigrant husband. See Eric…told you…when she really needs you…you failed her," he said as his finger started to pull back on the trigger.
Eric watched as Jake pulled back on the trigger and then felt himself crunch up when he heard the shots ring out. He held is breath and closed his eyes; thinking at any second his life was about to end and he would have failed Calleigh. But when nothing happened; he slowly opened his eyes and watched Jake fall to the ground and Horatio's body emerge in his view.
"H?" Eric asked with watery eyes.
"Help Calleigh," Horatio directed as he walked up to Jake; whose still body was now riddled with Horatio's bullets. Eric would be safe. Rick's wrath would turn to Horatio as he planned.
Eric quickly pushed himself up and was at Calleigh's side. He gently covered her upper half and then started to untie her wrists and the gag. When she was free he gathered her up into his arms and let her just cry; covering her with his jacket.
"Is he…" Eric asked slowly.
"He won't bother you again…but you can't be here," Horatio told him. "Take the van and go…if you are found here…"
"But when we get to the hosp…"
"Eric…"
"What will you tell Tripp?"
"Leave that to me. Eric, the time to leave is now," Horatio said calling Tripp.
Eric gently gathered Calleigh into his arms and carried her past Horatio. "Thanks," Eric whispered. Calleigh only offered a sad nod. "I won't be in tomorrow," she managed.
"Don't even think about that," Horatio told her. "Just rest now. You are safe."
"Oh man Calleigh," Eric said as he helped her into the van and closed the door. He got in beside her and just stared at her in misery. She kept her watery gaze on the dash, her mind to tired to talk.
"Calleigh…"
"Eric please…" she said looking at him in sorrow. A dark tear escaped her face and slowly slid down. He gently brushed it away as his own eyes watered once more. But he knew that the police would soon be there and he couldn't. "I'm so sorry…this is all my fault," he lamented in anguish.
"Please…we have to go…."
"Right," he said starting up the van. The ride to the hospital was pure hell for Eric. Calleigh would only offer sad whimpers and he cursed himself each minute they delayed in arriving. He called Ryan en route and told him the story that Horatio had given him.
Eric pulled into the ER parking area and then helped Calleigh onto a nearby stretcher and watched in silent misery as she was wheeled into an ER observation room to be checked over by a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) nurse. The doors closed and he cursed into the air.
"Sir…"
"Uh that's my wife and I…"
"But your head is bleeding," the young ER doctor noted. "Were you two…"
"She was attacked by a potential rapist tonight," Eric said in dread. "I need to be with her."
"Lori is one of our best SANE nurses…she'll check her over and then you can go and see her. Can I treat that cut?" He offered.
"Okay," Eric replied numbly as he just followed after him. But his body went through the motions of walking after the doctor, his mind and heart were in the room with Calleigh.
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"Horatio?" Frank asked walking up to him and gazing upon Jake's body. "What happened? Is Calleigh okay?"
"She's at the hospital and Eric is going to meet her there," Horatio told him directly.
"Right," Frank said as he headed toward his men.
Horatio looked at Jake and huffed. "What a waste."
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"Calleigh Delko, I'm Lori Parsons," the female nurse said touching her arm. "I just need to…"
"I wasn't raped," Calleigh said in haste. "He never…uh he never…got the chance…Eric my…husband…he came and…"
"Does it hurt anywhere?" Lori asked softly.
"Yes," Calleigh cried. Lori offered the younger woman her arms and Calleigh just held on and cried. A few minutes later she pulled herself back up and allowed Lori to tend to her eyes. She tended to the bruise on her cheek and then examined her pelvic area; spying the marks that Jake's hand had done. "I need to examine you okay?" She said softly.
Calleigh numbly nodded her head and allowed Lori to help her lie down and then remove the rest of her ripped clothing and start the examination. Tears flowed from her eyes as Lori; although very gentle; had to examine her private areas. After what seemed like a small eternity it was over.
"There…all done," Lori smiled. "Are you well enough to leave tonight?"
"Yes, I just want to go home," Calleigh whispered.
"Okay good," Lori smiled. "So I am going to give you some temporary clothing to wear home. Do you want me to call your husband?"
"Yes please," Calleigh answered.
Eric nervously paced the waiting area. The doctor had fixed his head wound and dismissed him.
Eric spied Lori walking toward him and felt his heart starting to race a bit faster.
"Eric Delko?" Lori asked.
"My wife…how is she?"
"She's okay…she's asking for you," Lori smiled.
"Was she…um was she…" Eric tried.
"She was not raped," Lori told him.
"Oh thank goodness," Eric huffed as he followed after Lori.
"But there was some vaginal bruising. So she will feel some discomfort for a few days but physically she'll be fine," Lori told Eric. As she continued, Eric felt his stomach starting to churn and it took everything in him not to want to throw up right there. But Calleigh needed him to be strong; and so despite his own personal anguish, he'd have to push it aside so he would be the person she leaned on for love and support.
She showed him the room. "Take your time. You can leave anytime she's ready. I'll have the forms ready just before you leave."
Eric stood before the door, locked in tormented eternity. He slowly turned the door handle and then pushed it open. He spied Calleigh sitting on the small bed, dressed in temporary hospital clothing and his heart sank. She lifted her face to gaze at him and his eyes instantly watered as he looked at her bruised cheek. "Oh god Calleigh…are you okay?"
"I'm okay," she whispered.
Eric walked toward her and just stood before her in numb silence. He took her hand and held it in silence. He knew he had to be strong for her; but her anguished appearance made him turn to mush inside. He kneeled down before her and rested his head on her legs and then he cried. "I'm so sorry…" his voice trailed off.
Calleigh touched his head and he slowly lifted his face to look at her. "Please don't hate me."
"Eric…" she started in a soft tone. "You saved me."
"But Jake…he…he hurt you…"
"Didn't hurt what won't heal," she said.
Eric pushed himself up and offered his jacket and wrapped her up in his. He kissed her cheek and whispered, "I love you," before they left.
He wrapped his arm around her and felt her body starting to tremble. Just as they reached the ER entrance, Horatio rushed up to them, giving Calleigh a small hug. He took Eric aside while Lori helped Calleigh filled out her forms.
"How did you know where she was?"
"Ryan called me," Eric said; his eyes not leaving Calleigh.
"Eric, Ryan didn't call you," Horatio said quickly; forcing Eric's eyes back to his.
"What? If not Ryan then…you think…who? It wasn't Alexander, I know his voice."
"Or the tail," Horatio frowned. "Or maybe we just got lucky."
"H…"
"Here comes Calleigh…we'll talk more about this later," Horatio said quickly as Calleigh walked back to them.
"Calleigh," Horatio said in concern.
"Thanks for helping us as always."
"I'll drive you both home," he said quickly.
"Am I fired for this or something?" Eric asked in haste. "What if Rick finds out?"
"Tripp's report is going to say that Ryan was able to track down Calleigh's location by her cell phone and then he called me, which is in fact the truth. I got there in time to save Calleigh from being raped and killed and Jake's death will be on me. I had just dropped of Eric; who had been delivering his report, when he got the call and rushed for the ER to be with his wife. Now let's go."
Eric helped Calleigh into the back seat and then got in beside her. He gently put is arm around her; letting her head rest on his shoulder.
They reached home in silence and Eric could only follow her inside in misery. "Let me get you…"
"I just want to shower…alone," she said in anguish.
"Uh okay…" Eric said in remorse. He looked at her with an uncertain gaze. "I don't know what to do," he lamented. "Please…Calleigh…tell me what to do…tell me how to help you…"
"I just want to clean Jake off me…"
Eric stood transfixed in time; watching her leave and then disappear into the bathroom. He walked a bit closer and then heard her sag to the floor and start to cry.
"Calleigh?" Eric asked in misery.
Calleigh's body sagged against the door and she wrapped her knees to her chest, buried her head in the clothing and just cried.
Eric's eyes watered as he listened in torment to her cries and soft curses. After what seemed like a small eternity, he heard the water start up. He hurried to the bedroom and got a pair of soft pajama's and gently opened the door and put them on the counter and then left.
He went about putting a few things away and then making some tea for her to drink when her shower was done.
Calleigh stood under the water, trying to rid her mind of Jake's ugly attack. But try as she might she could not get his words, his touches, his breath out of her mind.
"Oh Eric…" she cried as she continued to wash all the sweat, dirt and Jake off her. She knew Eric would punish himself for this but she hoped he would be able to pull himself back to reality and not delve into miserable despair.
She finally finished the shower and then spied the night clothes that Eric had left for her. She smiled in spite of the pain and slowly got dressed. She sat down on the toilet seat and let out a small gasp of pain; the pain that Jake's mean hands had inflicted. Finally she pulled the door open to see Eric waiting for her. She noticed his strained expression and she knew he was just trying to put on a brave face for her; inside he was just as much a mess as her.
"Want something to eat?" Eric asked quickly.
"I just want to rest," she told him.
"Calleigh what I said earlier," he rushed in haste. "About if something happened to you…"
She looked at his face and knew if she didn't address it now, he'd blame himself forever more. "Eric, this wasn't your fault."
"But what you said…I didn't think and you were right. I am just so sorry…I just can't believe this," he rushed. "Please don't hate me."
"Eric, I don't hate you," Calleigh smiled. "Please don't continue to beat yourself up over this."
"You can't tell me that because I just can't help it," he frowned. "He hurt you…"
"I'm okay…you saved me," she smiled lightly. "I owe you my life. Please…let's just go and rest, okay?"
"But Calleigh…"
"Eric you told me that when I asked you to marry me I saved your life. Tonight you returned the favor. You have nothing to be angry over…"
Eric held her in his arms; feeling her body trembling and her heart racing. "Whatever you want just tell me okay?" She asked softly.
"Let's just go and rest, please?" She asked softly. "We can talk more tomorrow. Okay?"
"Okay," he replied. Eric gently helped her into the bedroom, his heart breaking as he watched her wince in pain as she tried to lay down. Eric lay down and then helped Calleigh to settle into his embrace. Eric listened to her soft cries and just let her express anger and frustration. He tenderly stroked her head and kissed her cheek.
"I love you," he whispered. "Please forgive me."
"I love you Eric," she whispered back. "I do forgive you. Jake is out of our life now…for good."
Calleigh closed her eyes and allowed her husband's strong but gentle arms to hold her safe and lovingly. She loved him; Jake's ugly actions just cemented that love in her head and her heart. In a battle to the death, Eric won; and she knew that no matter what may come, Eric would never let her down. She just hoped she could do the same. Eric still had a few battles to fight, especially with his father, Alexander still watching. She knew they would have another run in with him, she just didn't know to what extent it would change their future – forever!
A/N: More to come if that's okay! Thanks!
