Warning: Note, final scene has a glimpse into human trafficking practices. We only hope to shed light on the abuse and its victims.

This week's drink special!

Seattle Side Car

1 oz rum
1 oz triple sec
1 oz Apple cider/juice
1/2 oz lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with sugar, and serve. Substitute apple juice for the apple cider if none is available.

Forgive Me!

Bella sat down in the cushioned chair and glanced around her hotel room. After traveling, losing their luggage and the "incident" in Nordstroms' parking lot, she was surprised how awake she felt.

I really should just order room service, eat and go to bed, she thought. But funny thing, Bella wasn't tired at all.

Her mind wouldn't slow down and she felt jumpy, like she was on edge. She needed to calm down and the four walls staring back at her started to close in. Walking into the bathroom and seeing herself in the mirror, Bella quickly combed through her hair and swiped some color across her plump lips. After giving her reflection a once over, she decided to head down to the bar. She reached for her newly purchased book, grabbed her purse and stuffed her room card into it.

"Maybe a glass of wine and some food will help me fall asleep," she muttered. Turning the knob, Bella quietly entered the hallway. She paused briefly by Edward's door, not even sure what she was hoping to find.

After making her way to the Copperleaf Bar, Bella glanced around for a quiet corner- a place that was private and away from the main area of the bar. She spotted a darkened area with a table placed in front of a massive fireplace. The fire looked warm and inviting as it crackled in the stone setting. The location was too dark for reading, but she couldn't refuse its inviting call.

A server took her order and quickly returned with her favorite glass of chardonnay. She sipped slowly at the wine, relishing its smoothness as it trickled down her throat. She felt warm from the wine and the flames leaping in front of her. She watched the logs crackle and burn, mesmerized as the wood glowed and turned into embers. As her body started to slowly relax, she leaned her head into the soft back of the chair, closing her eyes.

The kiss from earlier replayed over in her mind. Edward's playfulness was on full display as she remembered the pull of his hand when they ran to his car and leaped over the rain puddles.

Why did he jump back from me when our lips met? He almost looked...frightened?

Bella felt a light tap on her shoulder as she tried, unsuccessfully, to answer these questions. Her steak salad had arrived and the server carefully placed it in front of her. But her appetite had disappeared as she thought of Edward's touch, tight grasp and warm lips.

His kisses were proving to be a dangerous concoction, so she decided it was best that he had pulled back. It was just going to complicate things and deep down inside, she knew that her ability to withstand his advances was weak at best.

The salad sat untouched as she once again was lost in thought, eyes glazing as she watched the fire twist and turn in its cage. Bella was startled by a velvet voice that interrupted her daydreaming.

"Hi beautiful. I thought you would like another glass of wine and some company."

Bella knew immediately who was standing behind her, so she steeled herself as her body turned towards the one and only Edward Cullen. Facing him, she looked up into his shocked green eyes and saw his trademark smirk fade.

Edward's hair was a mess from sleeping earlier and he wore a pair of slim fitting Hugo Boss jeans. His tight charcoal gray v-neck sweater hugged and defined his muscles, and Bella knew he had never looked sexier. Seeing him caused heat to move across her stomach and spread slowly like syrup between her thighs, but Bella knew that Edward was on the make for someone to warm his bed. And that someone would not be her. At least not tonight.

"Shit, it's you," Edward blanched, spilling a little of the wine in the glass he was holding.

Bella pushed her chair back, almost hitting Edward, as she stood up and placed her hands on her hips.

"Oh, how charming. That's what every woman's dying to hear." Her cheeks flamed as soon as the words left her mouth, but she wasn't quite done with her rebuke.

"You make me sick. Can't you even give your twisted desires a night off? And what about earlier today when we were standing next to the Ferrari?" She glared at Edward, waiting for his answer.

His eyes were still wide in surprise and his mouth was opened slightly like he was trying to speak. But Mr. Smooth recovered his voice and moved closer to Bella.

"God dammit Bella, what are you doing down here?" She hated to admit it, but it was nice hearing her name come out of his mouth in such a forceful way.

"Well Mr. Cullen, I am, or was, having a peaceful evening by the fire and enjoying a glass of wine. However, I've had enough fun for one night." As Bella started to leave and walk past Edward, he gently took hold of her arm, stopping her.

"Wait. Don't go. I just got down here and I'll be all by myself." Edward looked in Bella's eyes searching for her answer and whispered softly, imploring, "Please stay."

She looked back at him, pulling her arm from his grip and was struck by a thought. "Edward, why can't you be by yourself?"

"What do you mean?" Edward look confused.

"Oh forget it." She decided that Edward was probably a lost cause. "Since you're the only one left in the bar, have a great party for one. I'll see you in the morning...oh, and you can take care of my bill."

Edward watched her hips gently sway as she walked out of the bar with her head held high. He sat down in the chair she had warmed, pushed her plate away and downed his scotch. He pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and his fingers fumbled as they made a "lifeline" call.

"Hello," Edward heard a scratchy voice answer and try to speak.

"Hey Jazz."

"Cullen?" Jasper was trying to wake from his slumber. "Do you have any idea what time it is here? This better be an emergency."

"Well, I'm basically fucked. I really screwed up this time. Does that qualify?"

"Whoa, slow down buddy. What the hell are you talking about?" The tone of Edward's voice told Jasper that he better wake up and help his friend. He was pretty sure that Edward's "screw up" revolved around a particular woman.

"It's Bella. I don't know where to start, man. Let's just say I never seem to get it right with her. It's so damned frustrating."

"You know why it's frustrating, right? It really doesn't take much to figure it out." Jasper paused and waited for Edward's response.

"Listen, why do you think I'm calling you? I'm at the end of my rope with her. Tell me what I can't seem to get, Jazz. Why's she under my skin?"

"For being so smart Edward, you really are a stupid son of a bitch. It's plain and simple. She matters to you and that's why you care. She means more to you than just a fuck. Seems that she's got you by the balls."

"Okay, say you're right," Edward agreed with Jasper's assessment, sounding almost defeated. "Now what?"

"Give me the rundown of what happened. I have an idea, but let's hear it."

Edward began telling Jasper about his day with Bella, relaying how he touched her as she slept on his shoulder during the flight, and caught a glimpse of her dream. Jasper rode his ass hard for touching her and invading her privacy.

"You deliberately sought to trespass into her mind. I thought we went over this. No touching!"

"I tried to stop, really I did. But I heard her muttering my name. Hell, I had to know."

"She was speaking your name in her sleep?"

"Yes, in a sad sort of way." Edward shared the dream that he heard in her thoughts, but conveniently left out the part where Charlie warned Bella about him.

"Well Cullen, looks like you're getting under her skin, too. Wonder if she's used to being around players like you?" Jasper laughed at this jab, but Edward couldn't deny its truth. He was the Prince of the Players.

"Don't think she's used to being around anyone like me. Here's a little something I failed to mention. She's a virgin."

"Virgin? Holy shit. God, you sure know how to pick 'em Cullen."

"Hey, I didn't pick her," Edward replied.

"Like hell you didn't. She was hand chosen for this assignment by your sorry ass. Now she's kickin' it." Jasper quietly laughed before he continued.

"You've royally screwed the pooch, buddy. And if you keep this up, it's the only thing you'll be screwing."

Jasper heard Edward groan in frustration.

"Alright, Cullen. I'm going to ease up and lay it out straight for you. You gotta go back to square one."

"Wait, don't you want to hear what else happened?"

"Did the day get better, or worse, after the flight?"

"Worse. She just left the hotel bar and I'm sitting in the seventh circle of hell." Edward stared at the roaring fire as he spoke.

"You're almost hopeless. You need the Cliff Notes' version of, "Dating for Dummies." A real relationship doesn't start with an orgasm two hours after you meet."

"Is there really a book like that?" Edward was half hoping that Jasper was serious.

"There probably is one. Might try Googling it. Hey, I wasn't going to tell you until tomorrow, but TAT has agreed to let me join you and Bella, or Agent Swan. I'm going to be on that conference call tomorrow morning, too...mostly to listen and get up to speed with everything. I'll be flying out to Seattle tomorrow afternoon. I might even arrive in time to tuck you into bed."

"Jazz, that's fucking awesome. I was ready to go nuclear if TAT said no." Edward couldn't contain the relief he felt. Though Edward didn't realize it, Jasper had been his conscience of sorts since their teen years.

"Man, the Volturi's are a bad bunch. I had trouble falling asleep tonight just thinking over what I read about them. TAT gave me a good summary of their operations. It's scary and sick shit."

"I think this assignment really reaches over into Bangkok, so it makes sense that you're here working with us. We'll need some CIA help, too. Should be interesting having the agencies work together. You know, oil and vinegar." Edward knew that the two agencies tried to keep each other at arm's length.

"I know egos from both sides need to be laid aside to get this case cracked." Jasper knew his next suggestion might be really hard for Edward. "Also we need to get you and Bella working together as a team, or something bad could happen to the innocent victims or to one of you. I have a feeling that the Volturi's are a shoot first ask questions later bunch."

"Like you said earlier Jazz, we're kind of back to square one. What should I do to mend things with Bella?" Edward hoped there was something he could do.

"Here's what I think. First step, you'll need to become friends and then build on that. You said she just left the bar before you called. Right?"

"Yes, I said something really stupid to her. Actually I was a complete ass."

"Edward, did you just confess to being an ass?" Jasper asked, shaking his head in disbelief. . "There's hope for you yet."

"Funny one." Edward was starting to get impatient and wanted Jasper to just tell him how to fix everything with Bella. "So what should I do now?"

"If I were in your shoes, and thank God I have more sense than that, I'd call her right now and ask her to come back down to the bar. Tell her you want to apologize. She'll probably faint, but it's your best chance... And don't use your cell phone. Use the phone from the bar and call her room directly."

Edward had an unfamiliar feeling hit his stomach. It was fluttering and next thing he knew his palms started to sweat.

"Jazz, I'm not sure I can do it. I think I should just text her and plan on seeing her in the morning. We can talk tomorrow."

"Nope. Tonight. Pull those balls out of their pockets and get on the damn phone. You can't call me this late and then just chicken out. You'll need a fresh start before tomorrow's call. I'm hanging up and expect to get a text from you later with the words, "thumbs up." If not I'm going to kick your ass when I get to Seattle."

"You're right," Edward replied and sighed. "I need to do this. Hey Jazz, thanks."

"Oh shut the fuck up Cullen and call her. Night, dude. And don't forget to text me."

After getting off the phone with Jasper, Edward walked back up to the bar. A call to Bella required more than one scotch.

Liquid encouragement. That's what I've need.

The bartender watched Edward place his empty highball and Bella's full glass of wine, minus a couple drops he spilled, down on the bar.

"Looks like I'll need another scotch and make it a double."

"Sorry things didn't work out as you hoped with that hottie." Edward was not comfortable discussing his mistake with this stranger. He'd never really felt this type of humiliation before.

The bartender reached for Bella's wine glass, but Edward stilled his hand.

"Leave the glass and don't count me out just yet."

"That's great man, but there's not another soul in the bar. Everyone else has left." The bartender became uncomfortable when Edward gave him a mischievous smile.

"Can you hand me the bar phone? I need to call someone's room here at the hotel."

"Sure." The bartender handed him the house phone and sighed in relief.

After downing the double scotch, Edward set down his drink and looked at the bartender.

"Wish me luck."

Edward watched the bartender move to the back of the bar, giving him some much need privacy for his call. Edward was relieved because he didn't want someone overhearing his conversation with Bella. These strange feelings of performance anxiety were totally new to him.

Bella quickly made the short walk back to her room from the bar. She tried to stop the tears from falling but it was no use. After she was safely in her room, the flood gates came bursting open.

Damn him. I'm not going to let some manwhore get the better of me. I'm a professional and it's time he treated me like one.

Bella pulled out her cell phone and called Rose, hoping she was still awake. It was a little after one a.m. on the East Coast, but Bella knew that Rose was a consummate night owl.

She's probably not even home yet. Hope she answers.

"Bella?"

"Hi Rose," said Bella, unsuccessfully concealing the teary rasp in her voice.

"Are you crying, Bella? Is everything okay?" Rose had rarely seen Bella sad, let alone crying. Instantly, she began thinking the worst.

"Oh Rose, it's Edward. There's just so much tension between us. I'm not sure how to handle his mood swings."

"I'm over at someone's house. Let me go into the other room. Hold on a minute, Bella."

Bella heard Rose making some muffled comments. She's probably over at Professor McCarty's house. I'm probably interrupting...something.

"Okay, I'm back."

"Did I call at a bad time?"

"It's okay. I'm over at Emmett's and we just finished having a little Mergers and Acquisitions time," Rose said and chuckled. Bella found herself joining in.

"See you already made me laugh. I knew you would give me a lift. And what's up with Emmett? Oh wait, you just answered that question." Both of them laughed at Bella's implied comment. Bella let out a deep breath and felt her tension ease.

"Edward Cullen isn't a good fit for someone like you, Bella. Emmett got to know him during those couple of soccer seasons on the Hill. He said that Edward's a total player and cocky as hell. I think he's used to having women fawn over him."

"And they do." Bella remembered the flight from earlier in the day. "You should've seen the flight attendant this morning. She practically unbuttoned her blouse for him."

"I think you need to be careful, Bella. Try to keep everything on a professional level and hearing how much he's upsetting you isn't good either. In fact, it's fucking dangerous."

"I know. What do you think I should do? It's hard talking to him. And after he kissed me today, I'm feeling so confused."

"Wait – he kissed you?" Rose was hoping that Edward would get serious now that the assignment was underway.

"As crazy as this sounds, I wanted him to kiss me. But after our lips met, he pulled away from me and had this strange look in his eye, like he was freaking out. Then when I was eating dinner at the hotel bar tonight, he was there, too. Looking for a quick pick-up. He was in total player mode." She skimmed over the details for Rose, but it was hard to explain it when she didn't understand exactly it herself.

I still can't believe he thought I was someone else. But that look of surprise gave him away. Bastard.

"You need to talk to him, no matter how hard it is. Tell him that you want to work together as a team and that teamwork requires a mutual respect for one another. And if that doesn't work, you can always wear a burka."

Rose hoped for Bella's sake that Edward would open up and really talk to her, but she wasn't really counting on it. Especially after Emmett's less than flattering account of how Edward treated his conquests. Emmett couldn't even call them dates.

"We have a conference call in the morning. I'll go earlier than we planned, lock the door and pull out my gun. Bet he'll listen then." Bella started laughing as she pictured the scene. She could see Edward's face with his eyes bugging out.

"Too funny. The ultimate power play. Knowing him, it would probably just turn him on."

"Great! Now I'm back to wearing a burka."

The room phone started to ring, causing Bella to jump back on the bed, the loud ringing echoing off the walls.

"Yeah, someone's calling my room. Hold on."

o.o.o

Bella picked up the receiver wondering who was calling so late. "Hello?"

"Hi, Ms. Swan. This is Agent Cullen."

"Hold on just a minute, okay?" She looked over the phone's base and finally found the mute button.

o.o.o

"Rose, it's Edward. What should I do?"

"Listen to what he says and try to be civil. I'll stay on my cell and wait. Now see what the boy wants."

o.o.o

"Hi. Thanks for holding."

"No problem. I was wondering if you might come back down to the bar. I was…"

Bella didn't wait for him to finish. "Wait, what is this some type of booty call?"

Edward was getting flustered because he never thought that making amends would be so damn hard.

"For God's sake, give me a little credit. I wanted to talk to you, apologize actually."

"Apologize? For what, exactly?" Bella started to mentally list all of the different transgressions that Edward had committed.

"Ms. Swan, I would rather discuss this with you in person, face to face, so you'll know I mean it." Edward wasn't sure that she believed he was serious. He wanted her to look into his eyes and see the truth behind his words.

Bella waited, mulling over what she should say. "Okay. I'll come down, but give me a minute. And order me another glass of wine. I think I'm going to need it."

"I kept your glass in hopes that you would agree to come down. But I'll order you another one. The chill's probably worn off." Edward was grateful that she was willing to give him a second chance tonight. "Thanks, Ms. Swan."

o.o.o

Bella hung up the receiver and picked up her cell phone, hoping that Rose was still hanging on the line.

"Rose, you there?"

"Yep, so what the fuck was that about?"

"You're never going to believe it. He wants to apologize. Not sure what he's sorry about, but the list is long in my book."

"Bella, you're kidding? I thought I heard you say booty call. Naturally I was thinking he just wanted in your pants."

"I'm going to meet him back at the bar. It's neutral ground. I'll call tomorrow with all the details. I'm kind of nervous."

"Good luck, Bella. And be strong."

"Thanks, Rose. I will."

Even though Edward's back was briefly faced away from the bar's entrance, he knew she had arrived. He saw the bartender's eyes land on something behind him, and heard his thoughts as he watched the man's face form a slow and knowing smile.

Oh shit, she's here. And from what he's thinking, she's looks hot.

He clutched her new glass of wine along with his club soda. He was already feeling the effects of his scotch and knew that he needed his wits about him. The chance of him regretting something increased with every drop of booze he consumed. Edward hoped his switch to club soda would prevent his mind from falling into the gutter.

Turning slowly, he faced the gorgeous woman walking his way. His breath caught as her long, lean legs stretched out beneath her short skirt. Closing his eyes briefly, he steadied his resolve.

Bella walked towards Edward contemplating his intentions and hoping he had been sincere on the phone. She just didn't have the strength left to deal with his wanton ways. She decided to leave the second he crossed the line with her. But when she approached him and looked into his deep and piercing green eyes, that line started to blur.

I can do this. Steeling herself, she stopped in front of Edward.

"Hello, Ms. Swan. Thanks for agreeing to meet me. I have a chardonnay for you." Edward handed the glass to Bella.

"Thank you." Bella slowly sipped the sweet liquid, her eyes never leaving his.

"There's a place to sit over by the pool table. Is that okay with you?" Edward searched her face looking for approval.

"Lead the way." Bella watched his jeans stretch across his nicely toned ass as she followed him to the built-in L-shaped couch surrounded by small cocktail tables. As Bella sat down, Edward glanced at her legs and watched her skirt inch up.

Fighting the urge to reach over and snake his hand up her creamy thighs, he refocused his eyes on her face. Dammit, I can do this. Just focus above the neck.

Warily, he sat down and ran his fingers through his hair. Bella hated to admit it but she loved to see him pull at his hair. It caused her mind to wander. Uncrossing her legs, she stretched them out hoping to relieve some of the heat between them.

Keeping his eyes away from her outstretched limbs, Edward knew that he needed to open his mouth and start the conversation. So he took one more sip and cleared his throat.

"How's the wine?" Edward asked, stalling.

"It's fine, thanks." Bella answered pointedly but didn't continue the conversation. She wanted Edward to bear the burden of the discussion.

"I want to do something I'm not very experienced at," he began.

Bella looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Oh really, Mr. Cullen. I'm surprised…"

Edward interrupted her before she finished her sentence.

"Hey, can we drop the "Mr." and "Ms." shit just for tonight? Tomorrow we can go back to our roles as boss and assistant, whatever you want. But for now, can this conversation be just between you and me?"

Bella hesitated with her answer. Calling him "Edward" seemed too personal and she wasn't sure how she would react hearing her name fall from his lips. But she decided she could handle it for one night.

"Okay, I guess we can drop the pretense, but just for tonight. Then tomorrow, it's back to Mr. Cullen for you," she laughed nervously.

"Bella, I've been trying to figure you out since we met. I can read people pretty well but with you I'm getting nothing. It's so frustrating." Edward's words were minced with emotions.

"Well, I like to keep you guessing."

"And that you do Bella. But still waters run deep." Edward whispered the last part but Bella heard him clearly.

"Wait, I came down here to hear an apology," Bella paused before she uttered his name..."Edward."

Edward gasped as Bella slowly let his name roll off her tongue. Adjusting his position on the couch, he was determined to suppress his desires for her.

"Sorry, I got sidetracked." He sighed and took a deep drink from his glass, watching her while he swallowed.

Bella huffed and was about to respond but decided against it when she looked into his eyes. Despite the sparkle and hint of lust in them, she saw a quiet loneliness that touched her deeply.

Her father had taught her to embrace silence. He believed it allowed the deep thoughts of the heart to well up and flow out, so she waited for him speak.

"Bella, I'm sorry for being such a jerk to you. I'm wondering, if could we start from scratch?"

As the plea left his lips, Bella knew he meant what he said. The sincere look in his eyes confirmed his words, but she needed more. She wanted him to confess his transgressions, and offering a vague admission of guilt simply wouldn't cut it.

"To accept your apology and start from scratch, I'll need you to list your offenses."

Bella stopped speaking and looked deep into his eyes before she continued. "I want to hear you say them out loud."

Edward swallowed hard and his palms started perspiring. He remembered Bella slapping his face at Café St. Ex after he pressed her against the wall and kissed her passionately. Yeah, she was pretty pissed then.

"Well, I probably shouldn't have kissed you the night of your graduation from The Academy. I'm sorry Bella. And tonight…" Edward looked down at his drink and paused before continuing. "I was an ass."

"Yes, you were." Bella replied, surprised by his frank confession.

"Edward, I've been concerned about all the tension between us and we need all our wits about us in Forks. So I'm willing to start fresh and focus on working as a team. But you'll be on probation for awhile."

"I understand. And the word team. I like the sound of that. Let's shake on it, okay? Here's to teamwork."

Reaching his hand across the couch to Bella, Edward smiled as she placed her hand in his for a business like handshake. An intense jolt sparked between them as their palms connected. They pulled away quickly from the shock they both felt at the contact.

"What the fuck was that?" Edward blurted out before he could stop himself.

"I don't know but I felt it before, when we were in TAT's office." Bella rubbed her hands together as she pondered their electric touch.

"Must be some weird kind of static electricity that forms when we're together," Edward said snickering.

His laugh made Bella smile but when she saw that old familiar look of lust twinkling in his eyes, she knew the conversation was heading into dangerous territory.

She spoke up quickly. "Listen Edward, the wine's made me sleepy, so I'm going to head back to my room."

"Let me settle our bill and I'll walk you back."

"I think we've had enough togetherness for one night." Bella wanted to avoid an awkward "good night" at her door. "But thanks anyway. Night," she said pausing… "Edward."

Edward watched Bella rise off the couch and knew she was right. It was best that he didn't escort her but he couldn't suppress the disappointment he felt in having her leave so soon.

"Sure. I guess I'll see you in my room around 7:30 a.m."

While she started to walk away, Edward called out to her. He wanted to say her name one more time before their greetings went back to the stuffy "Mr. and Ms. FBI agent."

"Bella." Edward waited until as she had turned to face him. "Sleep well. I really enjoyed talking with you tonight. Thanks."

"You're welcome, Edward. I enjoyed it, too."

His smile lingered as she disappeared from his sight. Edward hoped to God that he could restrain his hunger for her. It was uncharted territory for him but he knew it was his only chance with her, and he'd be damned if he was going to screw it up.

After taking care of the bill, he made his way down the hallway, but paused when he reached Bella's room.

His hand softly pressed against her door, remembering their touch from just a few minutes ago. It took all of his willpower to retreat back into his room.

"Until tomorrow, Bella," he whispered.

Leaving Bangkok

After taking her place by the window, the girl was buckled into her seat by the kind uniformed woman. She watched the ground go by as the plane taxied along the runway, a tear falling in silent realization that she would never see her family again. She was startled as the plane left the earth and the force pushed her back into her seat. She gazed out her window and witnessed her city slowly fade from view.

The girl relaxed and settled in as the plane cut through the cloudless skies. She wondered if people were going to be kinder in her new country. Even the blonde haired man was treating everyone differently. He appeared to be more at ease as he watched over them.

However, when she rose from her seat and headed toward the bathroom the blonde man grabbed her arm and gave her a menacing look. She realized he was putting on a charade for the people sitting around them and that his wickedness was lurking just below the surface.

After returning to her seat, the woman wearing the blue uniform served them a large meal. With her hungry belly now full, the girl couldn't fight the urge to sleep. The kind woman noticed her yawning and brought her a soft blanket and a pillow. The girl cuddled up against the window, letting the plane's buzzing engines lull her to sleep.

As the plane made its descent into Mexico, the girl was nudged awake. Even though no one told her, she knew that they were preparing to land. When she looked out her window, she saw that the plane was flying low over a large city. She could even see the buildings and streets below.

The plane touched down with a noticeable bump that concerned none of the experienced travelers around her but left her frightened and panic stricken for a few moments. That fear was quickly replaced with anxiety when she realized that she would have to leave the safety of plane. It was a place filled with smiling faces that brought her food and comfort.

The plane came to a stop in front of the terminal, and the blond man lead the girls to the back of a long line. It took them hours to snake their way through the large building. After producing all their identification papers, they walked in a huddled group to the exit door. They were greeted by two dark, stocky men bearing blank expressions. The girls were whisked out of the building into a white van where two frightened girls were being guarded by a burly man. The new girls were beautiful even in their frazzled state. One of them was blonde, and close to the girl's age; the other had brown hair and was very young and wide-eyed.

Their eyes were red and swollen as tears streaked down their dusty cheeks. A red hand print was visible across the brown haired girl's cheek. After all the girls were secured into the van, the driver pulled away from the curb and into the airport traffic.

As the van sped up, the brown haired girl spoke to the blonde one in a strange accent. The blonde girl's eyes widened and she shook her head violently. But before she could finish her protest, the brown haired girl grabbed the door handle, pushed it open wide and flung herself out of the moving van. The men couldn't react quickly enough to prevent her from falling out.

The other girls watched in horror as the brunette hit the pavement. Miraculously, she roused herself from her fall and limped away from the traffic. The blonde man yelled for the driver to stop the van. As the brakes screeched, the sudden motion hurled the girls forward and then slammed them back again. The blonde man jumped out the door before the vehicle had completely stopped. The limping girl saw him running towards her and darted into the street.

The girls watched as the brunette ran into the path of a large bus. The brave girl's body flew through the air and crumbled as it hit the ground.

The blonde girl screamed, but quickly fell silent as one of the men muzzled her mouth with his hand. After running back to the van, the blonde man yelled at the driver while he slammed his door.

Hours later, they stopped in front of a cement block building with a bright blue door. The girl was still dazed after witnessing the death of the brown haired girl, but she willed herself to climb out of the van and follow the blonde man.

As the girls were led through the cheerfully painted door, she realized that her dark future was waiting inside for her.

Their captors ushered the girls into an open courtyard, and the girl noticed a large platform surrounded by several cameras set up on stands. The blonde man approached the blonde girl and ran his hands down the side of her face. She shook her head as she retrieved a photo of a small boy from her pocket. He grabbed the photo and ripped it, letting the pieces flutter to the ground.

Another man pushed the remaining girls into an open room off the courtyard. He pulled a curtain closed to cut off the view of the blonde man and girl. But the noises that enveloped the room left little doubt to the cruel act taking place.

The girl felt bile rise in her throat. Instinctively, she bent over the potted plant and vomited into it. Slumping to the floor with a thud, she injured her knees as they hit the hard tile. The pain was an agonizing reminder that she was in a place worse than hell.

A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn