In The Mind's Eye
Disclaimer: This is an AU story that combines The Godfather and Greys Anatomy together. I borrowed these characters, I own nothing.
Chapter Seventeen
The Colonel's Visit
Meeting her wife in the hallway as she stepped outside the office, Callie was concerned. "Where are you going?"
"Upstairs to lie down for a little while," Arizona replied. Brushing her hand across Callie's waist, she moved a little too quickly, almost lost her footing.
Reaching to steady her wife, Callie spoke softly. "Let me help you." Holding onto Arizona's arm, Callie slowly helped her up the stairs.
"Do you want to change?"
"No. I'm comfortable." The blonde replied as she lay her head on the soft pillow. It felt good to rest. Her head had a dull ache.
Watching Arizona close her eyes, Callie moved quietly to the bedroom door. She knew Arizona needed to rest. This was emotionally taxing on both of them. Adding a head injury on top of that, Callie felt the need to leave her wife alone to rest.
"Callie." Arizona called.
"Yes?"
"I'm waiting for us to have that talk."
"Why don't we wait until you feel better," the brunette replied.
"I will feel better when I know who I have married."
Walking back to the side of the bed, Callie gently nudged Arizona over. She didn't want to have the talk, it had the potential to ruin her marriage. Affording her wife the opportunity to have have this conversation, to ask unlimited questions with no restrictions, was a bad idea. If Arizona had knowledge of her affairs, the blonde would be bound for life.
But wasn't Arizona already bound for life? Tied to the mafia? Was there any way out for the blonde doctor? Others in the organization would be vengeful toward Arizona if she tried to leave. Omerta . A code of honor that placed importance on silence. No cooperation with authorities was allowed. If she attempted to talk to authorities, breaking omerta was punishable by death. Unsure of what Callie Torres' wife had learned or had knowledge of, other families in the mafia would be watching. They would be out to silence a straying member of the Torres family. A code of silence must be honored. As the number of mafia informants grow, so has the pressure on tight knit families, especially women, who's loyalties are put to the test. Although it is cruel and sometimes deadly, the legendary code of silence still exists. Not only for mafia members, but their families as well. Just because Arizona didn't swear an oath, didn't make her any less a part of the mafia culture.
Sitting up, Arizona silently looked at Callie. Minutes passed before either of them even knew how to start this conversation. Never taking their eyes off of one another, the mood grew awkward.
"I don't know what to say." As she looked at Arizona, Callie didn't know how to start. Where did she need to begin?
"How about start by telling me the truth."
"It should have been me." The brunette spoke in a deflated tone. She would have given anything for this to have been her in that car and not her wife.
"What?" Clearly confused by what Callie had just said, Arizona wanted more. Some confirmation as to what exactly was going on. She needed answers.
"It should have been me. I should have been in that car. Not you. This should not have happened to you." The brunette repeated.
"Why was I targeted?"
How do you tell someone that the reason they were targeted was because you killed their son? The Brazinis were just settling the score by attempting to kill Arizona. They dared to strike at the heart of what Callie held dear. Not answering the question, Callie looked away from Arizona. How could she look something in the face that was so pure? After all, Callie had blood on her hands.
Seeing that Callie would not look her in the eyes, Arizona's suspicions grew. "Did you do something to cause this?"
Could Callie tell her wife the truth? The truth was complicated. Telling the truth could get a person killed in this business.
"Well?" Arizona would not let this conversation end. She knew Callie had a lot to explain to her. More words than one conversation would hold.
"Callie. Arizona. Daniel and Barbara called. They just landed. They will be here in an hour." Hearing Carlos call up to their bedroom, Callie felt a sense of relief wash over her. Saved. She thought she was spared from this conversation. Attempting to stand, Callie's eyes darted toward the door as Arizona pulled her back down.
"Oh no. You are not leaving this room until I get some answers." Determined to try and understand some things, Arizona fiercely held onto Callie's arm.
"Some of the things that this Family is involved in is illegal." Callie confessed.
"I sort of guessed it was." Arizona knew the Torres Family wasn't snow white, but she wasn't aware they were in as deep in the mafia as they were. "So, tell me. I need to know."
"Arizona, the less you know about my affairs, the better off you are. My own mother doesn't know everything. It's best that way."
"If you want to stay married to me, then you better start talking." Her tone was demanding. Arizona meant every word of it. They couldn't go any further if she didn't know everything.
Wishing she could just wake up from this nightmare that was surrounding her, Callie threw her head back. Looking away for a minute, she gathered her thoughts. She would tell Arizona what she wanted to know. But knowing came with a price.
"Loan sharking." Callie knew she had to start somewhere so she might as well begin with this offense. It was one of her least favorites, even though it was a very profitable business.
"Okay, explain that please." Arizona knew what loan sharking was. She just wanted to see exactly how Callie would explain it. How honest and forthcoming she would be about it.
Taking a deep breath, Callie began. "Well, our clientele varies. Some are individuals. Some are small to medium size business. It varies." Appearing satisfied with that answer, Callie smiled.
"That doesn't even begin to explain anything." Looking at Callie, Arizona tilted her head slightly. She knew her wife was just stalling for time.
"Okay." Taking another deep breath, Callie explained further. "Pay on time, or you get issued a pay back."
There. She said it. Callie knew Arizona knew what she meant by that. Her reaction to that sentence was obvious.
"So, you pay people back if they don't pay you on time." The blonde responded.
"Yes." Callie nodded.
Arizona questioned, "How would that work exactly? Let's say, I couldn't pay you back. What would you do to me?"
Callie smiled, "To you? Nothing. Take it all."
Not amused by Callie's answer, Arizona squinted her eyes. "I am serious Callie. Don't patronize me. What would you do if I was just a random person on the street that owed you money and didn't pay it back?"
"Depends on the circumstances." Callie sighed.
Relentless, Arizona pressed further. "Circumstances, such as?"
Blowing out a breath, the brunette gave in. Her answers were not pacifying the blonde. "Let's say that you couldn't pay back and there was a legitimate reason for that. I would be sure it was checked out. If you were telling the truth, I would extend the date."
"And if it wasn't the truth?"
Callie replied honestly. "I would give you an ultimatum to have it paid back by a certain date."
"And if I didn't?"
Throwing her wife a curve, Callie attempted to change the subject. Hopefully, she could head off Arizona's question. "Look, loan sharks come in all colors, races, religions. I'm not the only one to loan people money and expect a payback. The interest rate for borrowing money from me is high. Mainly due to the fact that poor or low-income people are the ones borrowing. They can't do any different. They don't have good credit; some don't have any credit. And then, some businesses just can't get a bank loan. Banks have stopped loaning money with the current economy in trouble."
Not being thrown off by her wife's obvious ways, Arizona persisted. "Again. If I didn't pay it back by that certain date you requested, what happens?"
"Several possibilities. Some of your possessions might be repossessed. Your interest rate would probably increase."
Seeing that Arizona had a hard time believing that was all there was to this loan sharking business, Callie continued.
"Your business might burn to the ground. Clemenza might have your knees broken if you didn't pay back. You would probably be harassed. Watched. Threatened. Fluffy might even go missing."
Bulging eyes stared in disbelief as Arizona silently listened to Callie's explanation. She did want to know, didn't she? "Uh...I don't know..." There really were no words to say. It had all been said. And fluffy? Why the hell take fluffy? What had fluffy ever done?
Seeing her wife rattled by the words she had just heard, Callie continued. "Most people who deal with us know what we expect. They know. They understand. Remember, I didn't start this business. I inherited it. And, I am trying my best to step away from it. I haven't even loaned that much money in the past year. That's the truth."
Taking in her wife's words, the blonde tried to gauge if Callie was telling her the truth. Was she?
"I promise, I am doing my best to make this family legitimate. I told you that before you married me. It just takes time." Callie conceded.
"What else?" Arizona didn't know if she wanted to hear any more. But she would listen, because she needed to know.
"There's money laundering," Callie continued. "The rising financial markets makes money laundering easier than ever. Countries with bank-secrecy laws are directly connected to countries with bank-reporting laws. Making it possible to deposit money in one country and then have it transferred to any other country. Ready to use."
Looking down to her hands that are placed in her lap, Arizona nodded her head. She knew Callie was involved in illegal things. Operations that her father had tried to tell her about. He said the FBI were aware and had been monitoring the Torres' as well as other families in the mafia.
"Money laundering happens in almost every country in the world Arizona. This family is not the only family that does it. As I have said, I am trying to step away from this lifestyle, but I am tied to it. And, that takes time to get away from this lifestyle."
Callie knew this wouldn't set well with her wife, but it was the least of the crimes that she had committed. Sure, she would like to quit. This life was already set in place before she arrived on scene. While Callie was a small child, these activities were going on. Now she just held the reins. Allowing this entire operation to continue, while looking for a way out. If there were a way out of this entire mess.
Meeting her wife's eyes, Arizona asked. "Where does all of this dirty money come from?"
"Payoffs, politicians, embezzlement, extorsion, drugs. People with a lot of money typically hire financial experts to handle the laundering process. It's complex. The whole idea is to make it impossible for authorities to trace the dirty money while it's cleaned." Callie held nothing back it seemed. She was coming clean wasn't she.
"Wait. Did you just say drugs? You...Oh my God!... I don't..." Stumbling over her words, Arizona was trying to process that piece of information. How could Callie be involved in drugs?
"Papa is strongly against drugs. However, there are some areas of certain drugs that unfortunately I am involved with. Being in the commission, a certain amount of drug trafficking takes place. It isn't something I am proud of, but it is something that I get sucked into. Arizona, every time I try to get out, they pull me back in." Callie knew this was going to be bad. She never took her eyes off of Arizona.
Staring intently, Callie saw the obvious agonizing torment the blonde was in. She understood it very well. Callie lay her head down every night feeling the same way. She wanted out, but it was hard to break the bonds that held her so tight.
"My head hurts." The truth can make your head spin. Hearing all of this, would make anyone's head start to spin. Factoring in a head lac, Arizona felt she needed some medicine to relieve this dull ache that had suddenly intensified.
"Stay here and I will go and get you something. You want water to drink?"
"Yes." Holding her head, Arizona pushed back against the soft pillows.
Coming back in the room, Callie helped Arizona sit up to take her medicine. Pushing her hair away from her face, Callie smiled. She loved this woman. She would do anything to keep her here. After telling Arizona everything, would she still want to stay?
Arizona still wasn't giving up on the quest for knowledge. "You haven't answered my question Callie. Why was I the target?"
Thinking of an explanation for Arizona, Callie decided to go with the truth. It always worked out better if you just told the truth.
"One of the families wanted us to enter a narcotics trade with them. Papa refused. Because of his refusal, over a year ago, they tried to assassinate my father."
"Oh my God!" Arizona was shocked.
"The war within the Five Families is still ongoing. One family in particular continues to stir trouble for us with the other Families. They tried to assassinate him, hoping I would comply and join in. I could offer them political protection. I did not comply with their wishes, so they sent me a message, by attempting to kill you."
That was the truth, wasn't it? Well, most of it. Just one tiny bit remained locked away. Keeping it from Arizona was a must for Callie. Arizona would not understand that she had ordered Brazini's son to be killed. Nor would the blonde agree to the plan Callie had in place to take care of the Brazinis and other heads of the five families. Ridding herself and her family of the bad blood once and for all. It was a kill or be killed situation. Callie knew that was too much for her wife to comprehend.
"Callie, could you come down here and help me for a minute?" Hearing her mother's voice, Callie released a breath she did not realize she was holding. For now, this conversation was over.
"You okay while I go downstairs?" Callie asked.
"Yes." Looking toward the television, Arizona stared into space. Taking everything in, she was somewhat overwhelmed.
"Hey." Pulling Arizona's face to meet hers, Callie held her wife's face in her hands. "You and the baby are safe. No one will ever hurt either of you ever again. I promise. Do you believe me?"
Arizona had already answered that question once before. Remember? Callie had asked her that very same question over a year ago, the night Arizona stormed in for answers. Do you believe me? The question tossed around Arizona's mind as she looked at her wife. Did she believe her? Well, that depended on what you were asking if she believed. At this moment, she wasn't sure what she believed exactly. She did know that Callie would try her best to keep her and their baby safe. That she believed.
"I believe you would do your best to keep us safe." Arizona answered honestly. Living with Callie, she knew her wife's rules for security were strict. Sometimes down right suffocating. Yet, Arizona now could see why they were in place. Did that make them any easier to comply with? Not really.
"You rest and I will come and let you know when your parents are here." Kissing her wife on the lips, the kiss grew needy. Callie wanted to know that everything with her and Arizona would withstand the information she had just learned and the questions that she was certain Arizona would throw her way after today. She needed to know that the Robbins' would not interfere with her marriage.
As the kiss deepened, Arizona pulled Callie on top of her. She did love her wife. That was the truth. In a world of secrecy, that was the truth. She wanted to know more about Callie's affairs. She needed to know more. Would that change her perception of her wife? Maybe. Could love withstand the mafia? Arizona didn't know for sure. All she knew was that right now, this moment, she relished the way her wife made her feel.
Breaking apart, Callie glided her hands over Arizona's arms. "I better get down there before she comes up here looking for me." Walking out the door, the brunette gave a wink.
When Callie entered the bedroom a little while later, she noted that the blonde's eyes were closed. By the looks of it, Arizona had apparently dozed off to sleep.
Hearing Callie call her, she opened her eyes. "They will be here in fifteen minutes. You want me to help you change?"
"That would be great Callie."
Watching her wife undress, Callie could see her expanding belly. A bump. A significant bump. Their baby was growing inside.
"All set?" Callie pulled Arizona up from the bench at the end of their bed. Wrapping her arms around her wife's waist Callie smiled at her. "I love you Arizona." Callie needed to hear her wife say it back. She needed to know that they were okay.
Stormy eyes that held back emotion, looked at her wife. This was the most honest conversation they had shared. The spoken words weighed on her mind. And some lingering questions remained.
"Me too." Arizona spoke softly.
Watching her wife lean down a place a kiss on her belly Arizona smiled. "I love you too," Callie said to the tiny life that they had both wanted and would forever share.
Walking downstairs, they were met with some very excited parents.
"Oh my baby!" Barbara wrapped Arizona in a tight hug. This was her only daughter. She loved Arizona so much. Moving to let her husband greet their child, Barbara reached for Callie.
"Callie honey. It is good to see you."
"You too Barbara." Callie replied. She really did like Arizona's mother.
"Baby girl. You look.." the Colonel stared as he greeted at his daughter, "You look good. A little banged up, but good." He smiled his crooked smile. Arizona was the light of his life, the shining star in his crown.
"Thanks daddy. I told you. I am fine." Pointing to her head and face, she continued, "This will all heal, just may take a little time." Hugging her father, she took in the scent of the man that she loved dearly. He was always a source of strength for her.
Glancing over to Callie, the Colonel knew he had to say something to the brunette. "Callie." There was no elaborate hello. No, how are you doing? Daniel Robbins offered a simple calling of Callie's name and felt that would suffice.
Returning the sentiment, Callie responded, "Colonel." The first time Callie had met him, she called him Daniel. Quickly correcting the brunette, he said he preferred to be called Colonel, much to his wife's dismay.
"Well, dinner will be ready shortly. Colonel, let me show you around." Carlos was good at giving tours of the property. The two men walked outside as Carlos pointed at various places around his yard. You could always leave it to Carlos to replace the awkward tension in the room with warmth and kindness. It was a trait he hadn't always had. For some reason, the older he got, the more polished he became.
While the guys were outside looking around, the ladies all sat in the living room catching up. Laughter filled the room as all four ladies carried on multiple conversations. Looking from the outside, one would think this was the way it always was. The laughter, the smiles, were all genuine.
Sitting at the large table a while later, Arizona and Callie sat across from the Robbins. The laughter continued well into dinner. Carlos was a great story teller. Even the Colonel had to laugh on occasion as he listened to the banter flowing around the dinner table.
"Tell them the joke that one of the doctors told you last week Arizona. The one about the captain and the red coat." Carlos said. He loved the joke, and he told it wherever he went.
"Okay. Let's see...if I remember correctly there was a notorious pirate captain standing on the deck of his ship, when an enemy warship comes into view. The captain yells to his first mate, "Bring me my Red coat!" The man brings the coat, and the two ships engage in a huge battle. The captain leads his men to a glorious victory.
Later, one of the crew asks the captain, "Sir, why did you ask for your Red coat?" The captain says, "By wearing my red coat, if I'm shot in battle, the color will hide that I've been wounded, and our men will keep fighting courageously."
The next day, a shout comes down from the crow's nest. "Sir! On the horizon, I see what looks like the entire enemy fleet bearing down on us!" The captain turns to his first mate and says, "Uhhh...Bring me my BROWN PANTS!"
Laughing at the joke, the Colonel looked at his daughter. Then, looked around the table. Everyone was talking. The laughter was abundant. The warmth shown in the room was not a farce. Seeing Callie press a small kiss on the back of Arizona's hand, the Colonel couldn't help but see the apparent happiness of the couple.
"Every week, Arizona has a new joke that she has heard at the hospital. That's the first thing we do; exchange jokes." Laughing, Carlos looked around the table. He really wished his daughter and the Robbins' could have a friendly relationship, like he and Carmela had with Arizona.
"She was always good at telling jokes," the Colonel smiled, throwing Arizona a wink.
He could see that the Torres had accepted his daughter. The obvious affection between Arizona and Carlos was hard to miss. This was no longer just his family. The Torres' were a family with Arizona. If he wanted to be a part of this, a part of his grandchild's life, he would have to bend. But how much bending can a man do? You can't give up your principles. You have to maintain the morals that you have been raised with. The morals that you have taught your child. The Colonel couldn't say he approved of Arizona's marriage, but seeing her happy made him happy. However, he had worried if Arizona was unhappy, and just wasn't telling him.
Finishing the family dinner, Carlos suggested everyone moving into the living room. "Why don't we all go in the living room and continue to visit."
Standing, the Colonel pulled Carlos to the side. "I would like to talk with you if I may for a moment. In private."
"Sure. Let's go in Callie's office." Leading the way, Carlos said, "Callie, why don't you join us in your office for a minute."
As the office door closed, Arizona led her mother into the living room. Watching the door, she paid no attention to her mother's conversation with Carmela. She's not interested in what they were saying. She just wanted to know what was going on behind that office door.
"Have a seat. Can I get you a drink? Scotch or.." Carlos asked, pouring himself a drink.
"No thanks. I'm fine." The Colonel replied.
Sitting on the sofa next to Arizona's father, Carlos motioned for Callie to pull up a chair. The brunette wasn't sure exactly what was about to take place. Keeping her distance from the grey-haired man that she knew despised her, Callie moved her chair closer to Carlos' side. After all, family sticks together. Right?
The old Colonel began his spill, "As you both are aware, I was not happy with this marriage."
Agreeing, Carlos nodded his head. "Yes, I am aware. Yes."
"I am concerned about Arizona's safety." Speaking very matter of fact, the Colonel decided not to dance around the subject. Hit it straight and head on was always his motto. It had served him well over the years. Why change now?
"She is very safe and well protected." Callie injected. She knew that this was a very bad error on their security's part. However, her wife was probably one of the most well-guarded women in the state of New York. Other mafia wives typically drove themselves and some went out without security tagging along.
Disagreeing, the colonel continued. "She was almost killed. I don't think you are doing a very good job of keeping her safe. Do you even know who did this? Is there an investigation going on?"
Stopping Callie before she spoke, Carlos intervened. "Let's look at this for a minute Colonel Robbins. Arizona was in a very bad accident. Thankfully, she is going to be okay. It will take some time, but Arizona will bounce back. The reason this happened was because she was alone. To be honest, Arizona never goes out alone. She as well as Callie are always chauffeured every where they go."
Moving to change positions, the elder Torres continued. "As far as an investigation is concerned, there will be one. I will be sure the perpetrators will be brought to justice. No crime ever goes unpunished Colonel. Justice will be served."
Looking his polar opposite in the eyes, the Colonel nodded, "I agree. No crime ever goes unpunished." He knew what he meant. The crimes the Torres' were responsible for would one day come back to haunt them. However long that took? So far, there wasn't much evidence linking Callie to much of anything. The brunette knew very well how to cover her tracks. Would she always be that lucky? The Colonel hoped not.
"I want to be kept up to date on this investigation. Maybe even speak to the lead agent personally." Knowing full well that this would probably hit a dead end because it was most likely a mob hit, the older man pushed anyway.
"I will get you his number. He is a friend of mine." Carlos said.
As silence took over the room, the colonel added one last request. It was an honest request. "I want to be sure we have an understanding before I leave tonight. Arizona is my heart. You understand that. You have three daughters."
Nodding in agreement, Carlos responded, "Yes."
"I don't want Arizona tangled up in anything illegal. Make no mistake about it, I expect my daughter's reputation to remain unblemished. If any harm should befall her, I am holding you both personally responsible. Do you understand?"
"Yes. I understand. And I can assure you that Arizona is not involved in anything illegal. Your daughter's reputation will be preserved. I promise you that. Arizona will be looked after and will have an even stronger security presence. I give you my word." Carlos answered.
Looking at the brunette that his daughter had fallen for, the Colonel addressed Callie. "I want to speak to Arizona alone. Tomorrow morning. You're not what I would have picked for her. I didn't want my daughter to marry you. I don't like your lifestyle. You are the opposite of what I raised Arizona to be."
Deciding to go with what he had really wanted to say, Colonel Robbins finished his remarks with a word of warning. "I want her to come home. As her father, I am concerned about my daughter remaining in this marriage. It's too dangerous. I don't think she'll agree to come home, but I sure as hell am going to suggest it. So, prepare yourself."
Seeing that his words jabbed at Callie, he squinted his eyes a little more. He wasn't a man to feel threatened. Sure. They could have him killed. He wasn't a fool, but this was his daughter. His child. He wasn't going down without a fight.
"If she stays, I will have to assume she is happy and I will have to respect her wishes. But, if she wants to leave..." Looking at Carlos and then back to Callie, he finished, "I will be walking out of here tomorrow morning with my daughter."
"Anything else." Callie responded. Taking orders from the elder Robbins wasn't something Callie appreciated. She really did understand as a parent where he was coming from. As a wife, that was an entirely different story.
Shaking his head, the Colonel stood. Carlos and Callie rose quickly as well. Extending his hand, Carlos wanted to seal the deal by shaking hands. The significance of a handshake was more than just a greeting. It represented the mutual agreement and promise between two people.
Shaking hands, the two men ended their conversation on friendly terms. Neither particularly trusted one another. However, both had the blonde's best interest at heart.
Reaching out to shake the Colonel's hand, Callie was less subtle than her father. With a handshake that was used to establish dominance, the brunette shook the Colonel's hand, keeping her own palm facing down, while his palm faced up. It's called a submissive handshake. One that has desire to take control. To mark their territory. It was mean to demonstrate her authority. That was a handshake that the Colonel knew very well. Callie Torres meant to show him that she was in control.
Eyeing the brunette, he wouldn't be outdone. Stepping forward with his left foot, he invaded Callie's personal space. This tactic allowed the Colonel to straighten the handshake.
Seeing that the Colonel was taking control of the situation, Callie broke the handshake and smiled a tight smile. There was no love lost between the two. Neither like one another. Both silently wished the other didn't exist.
"Let's see what the ladies are doing." Opening the door for Arizona's father, Carlos gave Callie the look. It was the same look she used daily. The icy cold stare. The look that said, I know what you just did, and I don't like it at all.
Glancing at her father, Callie walked on ahead to sit next to her wife on the sofa. As twenty minutes passed, the Robbins' announced their departure. "It's late. We need to be heading over to our hotel Barbara."
"Awe Daddy, why don't you two spend the night. Please?" Arizona didn't see her parents often. Not knowing exactly what went on in the meeting, left her with concern. The trio seemed happy when they emerged. However, looks can be deceiving. After all, she still had some unfinished business with her wife. She had one more question that she hadn't asked. One question that she needed the answer to. Yet, she was smiling as if nothing were wrong. So yes, looks can be very deceiving.
"Pumpkin, we rather stay at the hotel. We will be stopping by in the morning." It was one thing to visit, but another to spend the night. Although they were on decent terms, the Colonel wouldn't be caught spending the night in the Callie and Arizona's home. He refused to stay overnight on the Torres property. He had standards. And Callie's family, didn't quite meet his standards.
"Okay. How about you guys coming over for breakfast in the morning?" Arizona wanted to spend as much time with her folks as possible.
"That would be perfect dear. Wouldn't it, Daniel?" Barbara was seldom one to take over a conversation, but in this instance she did.
"Sounds like a plan." He said with a smile.
Seeing her parents out, her father gives her a tight hug. "Tomorrow I want to talk to you alone."
Pulling back to see his face, Arizona asked, "Is everything okay? Did you have an argument in the office with..."
"No sweetie, I just want to spend some time alone with you. Your mother and I do. Without the Torres around. They understand that. There's no problem. Everything is fine."
"Okay. I will see you two in the morning." Kissing her parents, Arizona turned to go into the kitchen. It had been a good night. A little awkward, but mostly good. Saying goodnight to her in laws and her wife, Arizona journeyed up the stairs to her bedroom.
Not long after retiring to their bedroom, the blonde was joined by her wife. "That went well I thought." Callie said as she changed her clothes.
"It did. Anything interesting happen in the office that I should know about?" Arizona was still so curious over what transpired in Callie's office with Carlos and Daniel.
Shaking her head, Callie said, "Not really."
"Let me put it another way. What was said in there?" Arizona was not going to sleep tonight until she heard what the office conversation was about.
"Your father just wants to be sure you are safe and protected. What any father would want for their child. That's all."
"So, you are all on good terms then." Arizona asked, "No one argued?"
"No arguing." Callie replied, climbing into the king size bed she shared with her wife.
Nodding, Arizona reached for the remote control. Before turning the television on, she looked over at Callie. "One more question."
"Okay. What? Flipping onto her side, she pulled Arizona close to her. Their noses almost touching.
"Wasn't a son of one of the Families' killed last week? What was his name? Brazini I think. Yea, the paper said..."
"Junior Brazini" Callie interrupted. Clearly the blonde had done her homework, Callie thought. Arizona may have been quiet, but she was no fool.
"Yes. That was it. Junior." She was relieved that Callie had filled in the name. For the life of her, she couldn't remember the name.
Pulling back just a little, she studied Arizona. "What about him?" Callie asked. With a straight face, she silently held a breath.
"His father is the head of one of the five families, correct?
"He is." Affirming her wife's question, Callie nodded.
Callie had not changed expression. The brunette was purposely keeping a straight face. Arizona knew her wife's facial expressions well. She already knew the answer to her question, but she needed to ask.
"Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the Brazini's are the family behind all of this. Last week their son was murdered. I read they think it was a mafia hit. Now this week, I am targeted. They did this to me. But why?"
She could see where this was leading. And for the brunette, it didn't look promising at all. "Arizona..."
Arizona wouldn't be derailed in this interrogation. While her wife was downstairs helping Carmela get ready of her parent's arrival, the blonde took advantage of that time. Arizona had done some internet searching of her own.
"There is more to it than just drugs. I heard you say the word payback over the speakerphone." Arizona wasn't sure she was on the right track. However, there was something was missing in this equation. Callie was holding back a piece to this ongoing war between the families.
Taking a deep breath, Arizona asked a question that had been burning on her mind since dinner. It was far fetched, Arizona thought, yet she asked anyway. "Are they paying you back because you had Junior Brazini killed?"
Gazing into the crystal blue eyes that she loved so much, Callie had a decision to make. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt how she should answer this.
Opening her mouth to speak, she began to divulge the answer. "Arizona, I..."
"The truth is hard. The truth is awkward and very often the truth hurts. People think they want the truth, but do they really? The truth is painful. Deep down nobody want to hear it, especially when it hits close to home. Sometimes we tell the truth because it is all we have to give. Sometimes we tell the truth because we need to say it out loud to hear it for ourselves. And sometimes we tell the truth because we just can't help ourselves. Sometimes, we tell them because we owe them at least that much."