Arizona finally opened her eyes. Her head was swimming and she felt sick to her stomach. She was lying on a cot in the middle of some dingy room. She tried to raise up, but her hands were duct taped behind her, and her feet were bound too. She started to panic. Were it not for the duct tape across her mouth, she would have thrown up. Everything started blurring, as she lost consciousness again.
A few hours later Arizona heard a door open. She looked to the far corner of the room and saw a man approaching. He was dressed in all black, including a ski mask over his head.
"Good morning," the man said with a thick Irish accent. "Glad to see you awake. Now we can finally get down to business."
He walked over to her and gently pulled the duct tape from her mouth. Arizona stretched her aching jaw. She lifted her body up and swung her legs over the edge of the cot.
"What do you want?" Arizona asked, shakily. The man slowly swept his eyes over her terrified form. "I want what any red blooded bloke would want," he said, as he stepped closer to her. "Money."
Another man soon entered the room, dressed similarly. "Hey, do you want the phone now?" this one asked, with an American accent.
"Yes, I would. Thank you," the other man answered, still staring at Arizona.
"So, here's how this is going to work. I'm going to call your husband, and you are going to demand, oh, something simple. Just five hundred grand from him, and I'll hop on and make the pickup and drop off arrangements. Sounds like a plan?"
Husband? Arizona was so confused and scared, and she was pretty sure whatever they had drugged her with, was still making her loopy. Were they mistaking her for someone else?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Arizona said, as she focused in on the green eyes behind the mask.
"So...you're going to play that game, Arizona?" the guy said.
"I—I'm not playing with you. I'm not married and I don't know why I'm here. I don't know what you want? Did Amelia send you?"
His stance made him look unconvinced. "And you're lying because...?"
"I'm not lying!" Arizona shouted, then quickly lowered her voice. "Who are you? I swear I'm not lying. Just let me go"
"I'm Moe, that's Larry, and Curly is downstairs with a gun, so don't try anything silly, like running away, because we will catch you," he said. "So, now that introductions are out of the way, how about we make you a little more comfy before we call your old man. He quickly pulled out a switchblade, causing Arizona to jump. He placed the blade at the top of her leg and slowly slid the smooth side down the inside of her thigh and down her legs until he reached her ankles. He cut the tape and removed the remnants.
"There, that's better. See, we are making you comfortable, now how about you tell us your husband's number?," he said, Arizona tried to stand up, but he pushed her to the cot again.
Arizona screamed, "Don't you fucking touch me!"
"Not to worry. We can have fun later, but business right now. Tell me your husband's number," he said, pulling out a cell phone.
Arizona wasn't sure what the hell to do or who he expected her to call.
"I don't know who you want me to call," she said again, right as his hand came smacking across her face. Arizona felt as though her head had exploded. All she could feel was the sharp stinging imprint left from his hand. She slowly turned back towards him with daggers in her eyes.
"I hope you got the message. Now stop fucking with me and give me his number!" he shouted, causing her to flinch.
Arizona wasn't sure what to do or say. Maybe he thought she was married to Callie, and that's what this was about. But why would they mistook Callie for a man or her husband? She didn't want Callie to be hurt because of her, but if she didn't give them something, they might kill her.
"I'm sorry," Arizona whispered, "but I don't know who you want me to call," she said, flinching again, anticipating the hit.
Carina and Edwards stood waiting inside Callie's office.
Ever since she had gotten the call from Mark, she hadn't said a word. Callie had simply walked outside and stood facing out toward the back. It wasn't until Mark had called Edwards to explain everything, that they understood Callie's mood. She hadn't moved from that position in over twenty minutes. She could have been a marble statue. One very tense, marble statue.
"Maybe one of us should go check on her," Carina said to Edwards.
"Why, are you volunteering yourself," Edwards answered.
"Um, I'm the newest one to the organization...and I'm pretty sure if I walked over there, she would toss my ass over the balcony," Carina said, gazing over at Callie's still form.
"No, tossing the ass work is something Mark & Alex do. Callie never gets her hands dirty."
"What?!" Carina said, jerking her head back to Edwards. She had to be kidding.
Edwards sighed, "I'll go."
Stephanie walked outside onto the balcony and carefully over to Callie. She stood side by side with her and turned to look at Callie's profile. Callie was wearing a black jeans and a black full sleeve high neck, and even through the black denim jacket, she could see how tense Callie was.
"Torres, I'm sure she's okay. Look, if someone took her, it's to get at you, right? Well, if that's so, they will want to show you they have her. They're not going to hurt her...at least not until they show themselves," Edwards said, turning to look out at the back yard.
Callie didn't say anything, she just continued to stare out. Edwards leaned against the marble railing. A few more moments of silence passed before Edwards heard Callie speak.
"Do you believe in karma?" Callie asked.
Edwards shook her head. "Callie, you know I'm too logical for that."
"Yeah, that's what I used to think. But now, I'm not so sure. It's like every sin I ever committed is coming back on me tenfold, but it's using the only woman I've ever wanted to make a life with. That I've ever fallen in love with-the only one…" Callie fought against the lump in her throat, "….that has to be karma."
Callie's world was crumbling right before her eyes. This was all happening because of her. Arizona hadn't done a damn thing wrong—this was all her. And Amelia, or whoever this was, had Callie right where they wanted her. She would do or give up anything for Arizona. For the first time in her life, Callie felt the cold sting of defeat and heartache.
BUT Callie knew it wasn't in her nature to go down without a fight. Whoever had the balls to do this...didn't realize what they had done. They had unleashed the demon within her, and there wasn't a single place the culprit could hide.
And just like that, a switch got flipped inside of Callie. She turned around and marched back inside her office.
"Get every contact we have on the streets, and see if they've seen Amelia. Tell them I'll offer a generous reward for whoever has the correct location," Callie said to Carina. "Edwards, get the tracking kit in case anyone calls and touch base with Mark and make sure he has questioned everyone near the spot of Arizona's disappearance."
"What's taking so long?" the American asked, walking closer to Arizona. "Why won't she give you the number?"
The Irishman continued to stare at her. He walked over to a desk and pulled out a small piece of paper. He walked back over to Arizona and held a black and white photo of her inside Oysters. "Is this not you?" he said in a sarcastic tone.
Arizona looked up from the photo. "Yes, but I'm not married."
"Right, and I suppose you're going to tell me your husband's not a wealthy banker. You know, I didn't want to do this the hard way, but you leave me no choice," he said, pulling out his blade. Arizona knew she had to think quickly.
"Wait! Wait...I, um...think about it. If I were some rich man's wife, why would I be working in a restaurant? Look at the photo, I'm addressing a guest," Arizona said.
The two men exchanged quick glances, and then looked down at the photo. The American scratched his head, as the Irishman kneeled down beside her.
"This photo could have been taken before you married him," he said.
"I'm not married! I only have a girlfriend, and her name is Callie Torres," Arizona yelled, feeling her options running out.
"What the fu—who did she say?" the American asked.
"Bullshyte," the Irishman said, standing up.
So...they had heard of Callie.
"Callie Torres. I'm her girlfriend," Arizona announced, as the tables began to turn on this whole twisted deal.
The Irishman stumbled back in fear a little, as the American started looking all pale.
"The owner of the Torres empire?! Shit man, what the fuck did you get me into?!" the American shouted at the other man.
"Keep your fucking voice down! And besides, she's lying," the Irishman said, staring at Arizona.
"I can give you her number if you don't believe me," Arizona said.
"Fine. I'll call your bluff," he said, opening the cell phone. "What's the number?" Arizona gave it to him and he dialed. As soon as it started ringing, he roughly grabbed her chin and got within an inch of her face. "If you're lying to me, I will slowly cut you inch by inch until you bleed to death. Got me?"
Arizona swallowed and began to shake. She wished she could close her eyes and disappear. Even though the phone was next to his ear, she could hear it ringing. 'Please Callie, pick up the phone,' Arizona prayed.
Callie was in the middle of dialing another contact when her phone began to ring. She didn't recognize the number, but perhaps Carina had gotten through to someone who had some information. She answered it.
"Yes?"
"Is this Callie Torres?" a muffled voice asked.
"Yes. Who's this?" She asked, before the phone went dead. Callie felt a cold chill travel up her spine. He quickly snapped her fingers at Edwards, who had fallen asleep on the couch. Edwards hopped up and rushed over to Callie's desk.
"Pull the last number back up and track it. That motherfucker just called me. I know it's whoever has Arizona," Callie stated.
Edwards grabbed the phone. "Okay, but you have to get him to talk for at least twenty seconds." Callie nodded.
"Well?" the American asked in a worried tone, looking at the other man, who slowly lowered the phone from his ear. "Was it her?!"
The Irishman subtly nodded his head in fear.
The American threw his hands up in the air. "Oh great! Just fucking perfect! Oh man, I didn't sign up for this! I didn't sign up to fuck with the woman who owns New York, Jesus Christ, man!"
"Calm the fuck down and let me think!" the other hollered back.
"I'm not going to calm down! Get that rat bastard who set this up on the phone and find out what the hell she's been trying to pull," the American screamed.
She? Arizona wondered….
"Why don't you shut the fuck up and let me-," the Irishman said, before his phone started ringing. All three of them stared at it.
"Should we answer it," the American asked in a frightened tone.
The Irishman slowly brought the phone back up to his ear and clicked the talk button.
"Put Arizona on the phone now," Callie growled out.
"I don't know what-"
"Put her on the fucking phone!" Callie yelled, squeezing her iphone tighter. After a few moments of silence, she heard some background noise and then the sweetest voice in the world.
"Callie?" Arizona asked.
"Baby, are you okay?" Callie asked, closing her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
"Yes, I think so. Callie, I'm scared," Arizona whispered to her.
"I know, I know baby. But listen to me, no one is going to hurt you. Say okay if there are less than five men."
"Okay," Arizona said.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I love you and I'll find you. Put him back on," Callie requested. When she heard the man breathing through the line again, Callie closed her eyes.
"Now that you know who I am, know that I won't be contacting the police. The best you can hope for is to let her go, leave town as fast as you can, and pray I can't find you. But if you make this even more difficult...you're dead. I WILL find you and no amount of negotiating or money is going to keep me from torturing you and making your life a living hell. Pass that message along to whoever you're working with," Callie said, and hung up the phone.
"Got him. He's about three hours northwest of here, at this address," Edwards said, writing it down.
Callie called Mark. "I got Arizona's location. Tell Henry to get the plane ready, and call Ben. I might need his help. Have a car waiting for us when we get there. I'm sending you the address now...she's only about forty minutes from you, but hang tight until we get there."
"You got it, Callie. See you in a bit," Mark said, before he hung up the phone.
Callie turned to Carina, "We leave in five minutes. I have one more important call to make before we leave,get ready by then," Callie said, as she walked out of the office.
Carina took a deep breath. Why was she going?
The one with the Irish accent quickly stepped away from Arizona, and left the room. The other one followed after him, asking him what Callie had said. When they closed the door, Arizona felt her whole body shake. She had been that close to death. But Callie said they wouldn't hurt her and that she would find her. She laid back down on the cot and stared at the ceiling. She remembered the intimate photos of Callie & Penny she had seen before she was kidnapped. She tried to remember those photos, but something about Callie & Penny's embrace didn't felt right. It looked like Callie was caught off guard. Unlike Penny, Callie's expressions were that of shock and annoyance. But why was Callie alone with a naked Penny? Arizona felt a headache creep over face and settle low on her temples. She won't jump to a conclusion. Not until she has heard Callie's version.
She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten or drunk anything, but she was sure nothing would go down anyway. Her stomach couldn't handle it.
Arizona heard shouting, but she could only make out certain words. Whoever the Irishman was talking to, he was screaming at, telling the person that they had backstabbed him. He mentioned something about Callie and there not being a banker, and they had been set up.
Arizona closed her eyes, so she could concentrate on hearing the rest of what the Irishman was saying. "I took the gag off because I wanted the phone number—I don't care what you told me not to do—-I can't run off this place in 30 minutes—Come on what about our money?—get your ass here! Hello? Hello?!" she heard him yell. Then it sounded as though he smashed something. A few minutes later, the two of them rushed back in.
"I say we just drop her off at the closest stop, and get the hell out of here. We were obviously set up. I mean, that's Callie Torres's girlfriend, dude! What the fuck, nobody messes with her!" the American shouted.
The Irishman grabbed him by the shirt. "You're getting excited again. Shut up!"
The American finally calmed down. He sat on Arizona's cot and placed his head in his hands. If Arizona didn't despise them so much, she'd actually feel a little sorry for him at least. He obviously had gotten in way over his head, when he thought it would be a simple cash reward. But now Arizona was even more confused. So...someone had set these guys up into thinking they were kidnapping a banker's wife? Who would go through all that trouble? Arizona could think of one person, but for Derek's sake, she hoped it wasn't his sister.
Derek was asleep when Charles came into his room and handed him the phone.
"Sir, I think you'll want to take this call."
Derek quickly sat up on his bed. "Thank you," he said to Charles, before the young man walked out.
Derek put the phone to his ear. "Amelia?"
"Hey Derek! Word around town is that you were looking for me? What's up?"
"Where the HELL are you?
"I'm somewhere."
"I just got word that Arizona was missing. Please, PLEASE tell me that has nothing to do with you."
"That has nothing to do with me," Amelia answered flatly.
"Are you telling me the truth? I can only protect you if you are honest with me."
"I'm telling you the truth, Derek. I didn't even know she was missing. Callie must be a wreck, huh?" Amelia said.
"I'm sure Torres thinks you are behind this," Derek sighed. "I'll meet you in a safe place so we can figure out what our next step will be. I've already warned her about targeting you."
"Maybe Arizona ran away. I wouldn't blame her, Callie's a little crazy," Amelia said with a laugh.
"It's not funny. She didn't run away, and she doesn't deserve this. If it weren't for our disagreement regarding you, I'd be out there helping Callie look for her."
Amelia scoffed. "Derek, I'm sure it's nothing. And when Arizona turns up, Callie will probably be so glad to have her back, that none of this will matter," Amelia said, as if she were bored with the whole situation.
Derek exhaled. "Obviously Amy, you've never been in love. I would have ripped down the fucking walls of every building and house searching for Meredith if something like this happened. And then, anyone responsible would no longer be breathing. You don't think Callie feels the same? Trust me, she does, and this is going to get worse before it gets better, I'm afraid."
On the plane with Callie were Carina, Alex and her friend, Ben Warren. Callie had told Carina that Ben was a ex-Navy SEAL, who cashed in big checks with bounty hunting. Callie had employed him several times over the years. He was a trustworthy guy who could kill a man with his bare hands, and proudly bragged about that fact. Callie had said that they don't need Ben but it's better to be safe than sorry. There was another woman on the plane that Carina didn't recognise, who was staring daggers at Callie.
The five of them stepped off the small plane and into the vehicle that was waiting for them. Carina glanced over at Callie. She seemed calm, but Carina couldn't be sure. Callie never really showed much emotion. At least not to her, but Carina was freaking out. She felt constricted in the bullet proof vest she was wearing that the woman who was staring daggers had provided to all of them. The same woman and Ben & Alex were also holding guns in their hands.
"Stop the car," Carina whispered. They all ignored her. "Stop the car, I'm going to be sick," Carina yelled, as she opened her car door. Alex slammed on the brakes. Carina hopped out and vomited on the ground. She quickly wiped her mouth, and got back into the car.
"Sorry," she whispered to Callie. But Callie said nothing. She just stared forward through the windshield.
A few minutes later, they pulled up to an abandoned house, hidden from the street. Mark was there, waiting. They all got out of the vehicles and separated, surrounding the house.
The American was leaning against the wall, now that his nerves weren't so frazzled. But the Irishman was pacing back and forth, checking his phone every few minutes, to make sure it was still working. Apparently the person who had given them this false information had not called back, nor had they shown up.
Arizona ignored the rumbling in her stomach, as she thought about dying in a place like this. Death had never crossed her mind much, but now it seemed to be surrounding her. She just couldn't believe this had happened—or was happening. Things like this just didn't seem to happen in real life. People didn't just kidnap you off the street. She had read about it, seen it in movies or in the news, but it still seemed very distant from her life. One thing was sure though, she can not lead her life like this. Her train of thought was interrupted by someone yelling downstairs. She jumped and screamed when she heard a gunshot.
"Go see what that was!" the Irishman screamed at the American.
The American went flying out of the door right before she heard another gun shot.
"Callie!" Arizona shrieked, hopping up from the cot and running for the door. The Irishman grabbed her around the waist and held her tightly against his chest. She felt his breath quicken and the cold metal tip of a gun press against her temple. Arizona shut her eyes tightly, praying that she would make it out of here alive. "Oh God," she said, as she heard the door fling open.
A second later, Callie came through the door. She saw the man holding the gun to Arizona's head. Arizona's eyes were closed.
"Arizona?" Callie said, keeping her gaze on the man.
Arizona's watery eyes immediately opened and her heart skipped a beat. Callie had Alex on one side and a black man on the other, aiming a gun at the Irishman.
"Drop it!" the man holding her yelled. Callie kept her gaze trained firmly on Arizona, while the other guys stood to the side of Callie, aiming their guns in the kidnapper's direction.
"I mean it, or I'll put a bullet through her fucking head!" he warned in an Irish accent.
Callie slowly looked to her side, "Lower your guns," Callie said to the two guys by her side, as she kept her eyes on the culprit and Arizona. They all obeyed.
"Arizona?" Callie asked.
"Y-yes?" she choked out.
"I love you," Callie said, steadying her hand and motioning with her eyes for Arizona to stay still.
"I—I lo-ove you too," Arizona said, shaking uncontrollably.
"You trust me?"
As soon as Arizona mumbled yes, she saw Callie quickly turn around and another woman replacing Arizona's line of sight. A woman who looked just like Callie, a woman who Arizona quickly placed from the pictures she had seen a few days before, as Aria, Callie's sister.
It all happened in an instant, the said woman quickly raised the gun she was holding, as a loud pop sounded throughout the large room, and in an instant, something whizzed past Arizona's head. Arizona squeezed her eyes shut as a wet, warm liquid was splattered against the side of her face and neck. The man behind her released her and she heard a thump.
Everything seemed to slow down. Arizona couldn't hear anything, as her body wilted to the hardwood floor. She couldn't catch her breath. She felt arms wrap around her. She wasn't sure if it was Callie or not, but she wasn't going to open her eyes to find out.
