A/N - Feedback received guys; the rating will change to M for Chapter 37. Thank you to all those who answered. Also, in addition to my (lack of) medical knowledge, my understanding of the US and French justice system is limited to some Googling. I hope you can forgive for any inaccuracies.
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"Hi, this is Arizona Robbins calling on behalf of Callie Torres, may I speak to Detective Gibson please?" After their wonderful date the previous evening, they decided to enjoy their dinner on the pier and address the contents of the voicemail the following day.
"Hi Miss Robbins, thank you for your call, is Miss Torres available to talk?"
She'd correct him on their titles later. She looked over at her person, who had somewhat retreated into herself that morning after a night of tossing and turning. Callie had asked the blonde if she was okay to speak to the detectives on her behalf and accompany her to any interviews and trials. Arizona's initial response was 'if you think I'm not coming with you to everything Calliope Torres, you are sorely mistaken' but settled with 'of course, I'll be with you every step of the way' instead. After explaining the situation to their village that morning, they all agreed to be on a Sofia retainer, although Karev would revoke his promise if there was the chance to get Simon in a room alone.
They had been in their own little world since the attack and, whilst there had been some unavoidable angst, it had also been filled with love, support and trust. It's like they'd almost forgotten the incident that essentially brought them back together. Arizona hated when Callie's normal funny, proud, confident demeanour was replaced with one of self-doubt and defeat, something she had been the cause of in the past. Because of that, she was determined with everything in her that she never would be the reason again. "No she's not, but we want to arrange a meeting with the DA to discuss the results of the case, the sentencing options and what happens now."
"Sure, we can meet at your convenience today, but the morning would be preferable if possible, we have hearing preparation for a trial tomorrow, is that okay?"
Arizona looked back at Callie, she just wanted to envelop her with everything she had. She went into Type-A, Apex predator mode. She protected the things she loved. "We're leaving now."
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The pair entered the station, hand in hand, an hour later after some stalling in the parking lot. Callie's testimony, her injuries, the crime scene and forensic evidence all contributed to Simon pleading guilty without the need for a trial.
The detective led them into a private area where the District Attorney raised and shook both women's hands. "Thank you for meeting me, have a seat Doctors Torres, Robbins." Both surgeons sat, Callie not letting go of Arizona's grip, Arizona tightening hers in response. "I'll cut to the chase if you don't mind, I'm sure you don't want to be here longer than necessary and I'm not keen in wasting two of Seattle's finest surgeons' time when they could be saving, fixing and building lives."
Has he been Googling? Head back in the game Robbins.
"First off, I must stress the final decision is with you, Dr Torres. Whilst we believe our offer is fair, we're also more than happy to proceed with a trial and seek a higher sentence, if that's how you wish to continue." He shuffled some papers round the desk, locating his dictated notes. "I will let you know what the defence offered, some additional information and what our counteroffer was. I'll then give you some time to consult me, your friends, family, anyone you wish, before making the final decision. How does that sound?" Arizona instantly nodded but caught Callie out the corner of her eye looking over at her for reassurance. In response, she raised their hands and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, caressing them softly. She saw her person physically relax and was inwardly thrilled she could be the one to give Callie comfort, even if it wasn't the right time to celebrate.
"Unfortunately, Mr Johnson did have a prior conviction due to domestic violence…"
Callie's eyes widened. Prior conviction? What?! But- but they said he had none… You mean I could have subjected my child to someone who had an assault conviction on their file? I feel sick, I'm going to throw up.
"…it happened three years ago, in France, information of which was not available to our offices at the time of his arrest. It was only after subsequent investigations, whilst he was on bail, that it came to light. We brought him in for further discussions and, under caution, he brought it up without prompting, meaning it would be fair game in court and negotiations." He paused, he was met with one pair of devastated eyes and one pair filled with pure, fiery rage. "I am so, so sorry Dr Torres, he simply slipped through the net." A pale jaw clenched as her hold on Callie's hand tightened further. "For that crime, he received a 12 month prison sentence plus a €20,000 fine. Because of this, he was charged, and pleaded guilty to, a felony for his attack against you." Arizona's ability to hold her anger was starting to give. "There are aspects that potentially rule out the maximum punishment, such as there was no weapon involved and he was not subject to a restraining order." Her ire was increasing after every word. "And whilst the injuries did result in a hospital stay, there were no broken bones or damaged organs." Oh she was incredulous now, but had to remain stoic for Callie's sake. He concluded, "The defence's offer is 20 months and an $3,000 fine. The maximum in these circumstances would be 5 years and $10,000 fine."
Remain calm Robbins, you got this, Callie needs your advocacy. Not a psychopathic, revenge seeking crazy lady. You've already ticked that box.
She wanted to laugh him out the room but refrained, their offer was less than half of what the maximum was. Alas, she couldn't bite her tongue any longer at that thought. "Mr Young, whilst we appreciate there was no weapon involved, there was his foot, and whilst there were no broken ribs, they were certainly cracked, which means they were not fully intact."
There was a moment's pause whilst the DA contemplated his reply, but before he could speak, a timid voice broke the silence. "H- he had a- a prior conviction and I- I invited him into m- my home. I- I could have introduced him to Sof- Sofia at som- some point." Callie was stuttering between words, and she made no attempt to wipe away the tears.
That pulled Arizona out of her enraged state immediately. Yes, what Callie said was technically true, and it sent a shiver down her spine, but for Callie to blame herself? For her to think she could ever purposefully put her child in harm's way? Oh hell no was Arizona Robbins going to accept that. She pulled Callie into her arms and let her head rest on her clavicle, quietly offering her words of reassurance as she softly wiped away those tears of guilt. After some gentle consoling, Arizona took her by the upper arms, ducked her head so she was eye-level and ensured her words bore into Callie's soul. "You listen to me Calliope Iphegenia, this is not your fault you hear me? None of this is your fault. You and I know you would never, ever put Sofia in harm's way, you would never risk our child's safety if there was the most minute hint it was possible. I will tell you that every day for the rest of our lives if I have to but trust me, trust me, Calliope, you have nothing to feel guilty about. You're a great mum, a wonderful, loving, caring mum who would do everything and anything to protect her mija. I need you to look me in the eye and tell me you know that Callie, because if you don't, I will kick your ass all the way to Seattle Pres and back."
That earnt a small smile from the brunette, mum guilt is real. She looked into those blue eyes and saw nothing but devotion and sincerity. Everything Arizona said Callie was, Arizona was too. So if she genuinely believed her words, then Callie couldn't doubt herself either.
The DA allowed them some time to process the offer and words of comfort before continuing. "We countered 3 years and 6 months with a fine of $8,000."
That was more like it, if Arizona wasn't able to break both his kneecaps in the plea deal then it'll do. She wanted the maximum (and a visit from Carlos) but it wasn't her decision, and she would support Callie in whatever she decided.
"I erm, that sounds okay I guess."
"Dr Torres I will be straight with you." The DA continued. "This being his second conviction leaves us with more room for negotiation. We are more than happy to draw the line with our counteroffer. If they reject it, there are other reputational damages that we can raise-"
The blonde scoffed. "-you mean more than beating up a woman?"
He nodded and focused on Callie. "We know from your testimony he got angry when you mentioned Dr Robbins, whilst there is the potential he could have reacted the same way if you had mentioned Dr Sloan, this could be conducive of a hate crime. In addition, it wouldn't look good that his attack was on a well-respected medical professional who served in the Peace Corps and has a young child, albeit not at home at the time of the attack."
Arizona turned to Callie but couldn't get a read, which was unnerving. Nevertheless, they were good points. Attention returned to the DA, "May we have a minute please?"
"Of course, take your time, there will be an officer just outside the door. When you're ready, let him know and I'll come back to discuss the final process." He smiled as he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Both let out a huge breath once they were alone, Arizona turned to Callie. "Calliope, I will support you in whatever you decide. If you want to agree with their offer, I'm there, if you want to agree with the DA's proposal, I'm there, if you want the maximum, I'm there." Their meeting had, understandably, been tense, there was a lot to digest. "Alternatively, I'm happy to agree to zero prison time and just advise your dad where he lives and works." The last option resulted in a chuckle, with the underlining feeling that it was a genuine option.
"Erm, I mean, I just want it over with, I'm fine with the DA's offer. What's your opinion?"
"I'd leave him in a room with me, Owen, Alex and Bailey."
"Bailey?"
"We might be the brawn, but that woman would have him moving out of state." It was true, she may have been five foot nothing, but Bailey scared half the hospital, intelligent, well-respected professionals, she would be the fear of god into a neanderthal.
They afforded a laugh, but the brunette's confidence really had taken a hit with the earlier conviction revelation, she was doubting herself and it broke the blonde's heart. "Seriously Arizona, what do you think?"
Arizona knew she wanted the maximum, even though that didn't feel enough, but she wasn't a DA, she didn't know in the nuances. What she did know if that jury trials are unpredictable and all it took was one to be a potential homophobe and he'd walk or have a mistrial. In addition, the thought of seeing Callie vulnerable and alone in the witness stand, open to cross examination, made her skin crawl.
That image made her up her mind. "Honestly Calliope, I want what you want, but, if you truly want my opinion, I'd go with what the DA's office have proposed. Both are higher than the middle and I don't see any reason why he wouldn't accept it. I don't want you to have to suffer a trial and re-live the attack and whatever rubbish his attorney may throw at you." The very thought of someone accusing Callie or dismissing her testimony made her want to find a brick. "Plus it wouldn't look good for the court cameras to see me fly across the room when I charge at him." She winked and pulled Callie in closely, she was only half joking, she had already grabbed him by the neck after all.
Having Arizona's unconditional support made her a snippet braver. She knew from the day it happened she wasn't in this alone. After the crash, Arizona's interest and support of her had waivered, and she was still getting used to having it back. "Okay, let's settle for the DA's offer, if they refuse, we can revisit it?"
"Of course my love-"
Oop, that term of endearment just slipped out, not the time Robbins, try to keep a clear head. You've said you loved her, surely my love is just an extension, I mean… wait, she's looking at you!
"…I'll go let the officer know we're ready to talk to Mr Young."
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They returned home from the station, emotionally drained from the morning's events. Callie had excused herself, seeking brief respite to catch up on some sleep and process everything. It took all of Arizona's might not to offer (beg) to join her, but she knew it wasn't appropriate and the brunette just needed some space. She'd have no exterior motive, she just wanted to hold her, but it could have been perceived that way. She checked the clock; they still had a couple of hours before they had to collect Sofia from school. She decided she'd cook her family dinner, they could potentially toast to the beginning of the end and the beginning of the rest of their lives. The realisation that there'd probably be next to nothing in the cupboards made her wince. But when she opened each and every one, they were fully stocked, as was the fridge. Her person had clearly done a recent shop. The thought of Callie doing a food shop, something so domestic, for their home brought all the warmth and comfort she had craved since, well, the divorce. This is everything she wanted.
Her happy daze was interrupted by the buzzing of a phone, she made her way to the key bowl next to the front door and swiped right without looking at the caller ID. She didn't even get the chance to introduce herself. "Arizona, I have been speaking to Calliope, she told me about the agreement…"
Oh crap, Carlos. Is he not happy with the agreement? Is he sure the sentence he would have inflicted have been more severe? I mean it would have been, but justice system n' all right? Oh god wait, does he think I agreed to it and it was too lenient? No no no, I've already survived a hit threat(ish), I can't another one!
"…She also told me about your… visit… to Mr Johnson's workplace."
Okay well he's either going to be thrilled I turned to violence or pissed off I took away his thunder. Hopefully the former but make a note of high-rise buildings close by.
"I also had an associate of mine discuss the event with Dr Hunt."
God he really is everywhere, how did I survive the cheating and affair?! And Africa! And wait, how did he know about Owen?!
"He gave me a very detailed breakdown of what happened in Mr Johnson's place of work."
"Car- Mr Torres, I- err…"
"I am proud of you Arizona." There went her legs, again, she grabbed onto the side to steady herself. "You once told me you protect the things you love. Whilst you clearly lost your way on several occasions, I believe you care-"
Love, I love her.
"-for my daughter a great deal. I know my Calliope is not a believer of violence, threats or what she sees as 'revenge', but I am, especially when my mija has been hurt."
"I- I couldn't help it, the thought of her laying on the floor, crawled into the foetal position…" she drifted off, she wanted to rid herself of the image. "…I- I had no choice."
There was a brief silence, Arizona had absolutely no idea what Carlos Torres' mindset was. He said he was proud of her, but it may have also reignited the desire for his type of justice. "My Calliope loves you Arizona, she never stopped. It appears you have changed since the divorce, your support for me daughter has been unconditional. I'm pleased you are a member of my family."
She could feel herself welling up. Family. "I love her too Mr Torres, I'll never jeopardise or make her think differently again. I promise you; you have my word. My family mean everything to me."
"I'm pleased to hear it. I'll be in touch shortly to arrange a visit so I can see my nieta."
Clearly not waiting for a response, Carlos ended the call. Arizona was shattered as she placed the phone back onto the side, the emotional rollercoaster that had been that day started to take its toll. However, the family dinner was more important, so she started to get cracking.
After another hour or so, she saw Callie make her way down the stairs, the metaphorical dark cloud lifted from her shoulders. Sure, they hadn't got confirmation if the deal had been agreed or not, but they knew what they were fighting. The prosecution stuff was ending, the emotional and physical damage was healing and they were moving forward. Knowing how draining the day must have been, Cristina offered to pick Sofia up from school and, as usual, spoil her at the arcade. If she brought home another 6 foot stuffed toy…
"So, shall I grab Sof from Yang's and we can all enjoy family dinner I've expertly prepared?" Dimples. "Just need to put it in the oven and boil the vegetables later-" She wasn't able to finish her sentence, as they met at the bottom of the stairs, Callie pulled her in for a soft, but passionate kiss. After both decided breathing was important, Arizona linked her arms around her person's neck and placed a chaste kiss on the lips she would never tire of exploring.
Callie smiled and winked. "Sounds wonderful, my love."
She'd heard her.
Pop go the dimples. "Awesome."
