"You let her go back?" Eric practically screams at Horatio, jaw clenched tight.
"She's got unfiltered access to them. Even has a written record of Esteban's movement. She's keeping in touch about what she's doing and where they're going." Horatio tries to reason.
"And so that's worth her being exposed to them? What if they hurt her? You know Calleigh would risk it all if that meant getting the perp! And from the looks of things, she's definitely too deep. He was in her house, fussing over her."
"If they wanted to hurt her, they would've done so already. Apparently Esteban is obsessed with her to the point where removing her will do more harm than good. Last thing I need is for her to disappear because they feel the pressure. Calleigh's got a good leash on him. We need to build evidence and she'll help us do that."
"But her safety isn't guaranteed. What happens if they catch her?"
Horatio could only stare back.
Later that day, Eric walked right into the house as if he owned it, incensed over his recent discovery with Horatio. The staff was kind enough to at least show him where the two were despite his obvious anger. Coming into what he assumes is the living room, he spies the top of both their heads. His stomach lurches at the two of them cuddled together watching the news. Her giggle filled the room a second later interrupting his thoughts.
"I told you I didn't want to go. The team is going out that night. I'm not missing it. Ryan is finally Level 3, I'm going to be there to celebrate." came Calleigh's lilt.
"Alright alright, fine. But you're still coming after. I'll wait for you." the deeper voice replied.
"One day we're going to be separated for a long time, you know. How are you going to survive that?" she quips
"Why would we be separated?"
"When you get arrested." she says with a guffaw and it's Eric's turn to chuckle.
"And that'll be a lot sooner than you think Navarro." he interjected. The two turn, surprised.
"Hey!" came Calleigh's happy smile. Neither seemed rattled by his impromptu appearance but he can see that she was genuine in her happiness.
"Can I talk to you, alone?" he doesn't look at her, but is grilling Esteban, daring him to object. The other man says nothing as he gets up, but does give Calleigh a pointed look. She smiles softly at him before gesturing Eric to her.
"I'm assuming Horatio told you."
"And by the lack of surprise on Esteban's face, I'm sure he's aware we know." she nodded before looking out the way Esteban left.
"He knows I told you guys we're together, but not…"
Eric nodded, understanding her immediately. "Good, how are you holding up? And how did this all happen?'' She looked back through the hallway and stood up. She drags him outside into the backyard. Leading him to a bench that overlooked an ornate fountain, she goes quiet.
"I was jogging, he's always approached me but this time it was different. The air felt thick with tension. He spoke about how he's been wanting to pursue me and won't answer to no."
"He threatened you?"
"Indirectly yea. He won't hurt me directly either…"
"So he's holding our lives over your head." he wasn't asking a question at all.
Nodding she responds "And your careers. It was rough going at first, you know? But we managed to settle."
His eyes turn soft, getting up he hugs her tightly and while she tenses at first, she eventually relaxes at his words. "We'll find a way to get you out of this. Safely, for all of us."
Stepping out his hold, she herself is teary eyed before she blinks them away. She smiled at him, the relief showing brightly. But still he had to ask.
"I asked you if he was hurting you. Calleigh, que-" her eyes widen in fright as she puts her finger to her lips. With a quick glance, she checks to make sure Esteban wasn't snooping.
"Sorry" Eric apologizes with a look and she nods, before continuing, " you understood what I meant by that… right?"
She gives him a small smile. " I understand Eric, trust me. I understand. And no, he hasn't 'hurt' me. He's gentle with me, backs off when I ask. If he gets too emotional, I can calm him down. It's honestly very scary how he can get from so angry to so… not."
Eric studies her as she answers, she wasn't biting her lip but he can see the frantic storm behind her eyes and he calls her out on it.
"Calleigh, if you got with him due to coercion, anything that happens after is non consensual." she flinches when he says it but nods her head absentmindedly.
"I know that, trust me. I know. I'm good Eric, I promise. This is all too much, but I promise you he isn't hurting me."
Eric goes to grab her chin and she jumps in fear. He watched as she backed up and looked down the hall. Stepping back to him, she grabs him by the waist and rests her head on his chest. It was a familiar position for them, for when she wasn't ready to talk but wanted assurance physically. He squeezed her tightly before dropping a kiss to her head.
Breaking away, she bids him a farewell and he feels better about leaving this time. The air was still heavy, but he wasn't anywhere near as worried as he had been before. Hearing it from her mouth will always be better than hearing it second hand. Feeling like he was being watched, he turns to see Esteban glaring at him from the top floor balcony. With a wave from the killer, Eric hops back into his car and heads home.