Chapter 1:
Olivia sat in her office later than normal on a relatively easy Thursday evening. She had sent her team home a few hours prior and had taken the opportunity of a quiet precinct to complete the mounds of paperwork that has accrued over the last few weeks. Lucy had taken Noah with her to visit her parents for the night to allow Liv the time she needed to knock everything out in one night.
As she made her way back through the precinct after refilling her coffee mug movement at the door caught her eye as a young woman followed by, from what Olivia could tell, a 13 or 14 year old young man. "Can I help you?" Olivia asked as she walked up to the two. The young woman smiled while the boy looked at his shoes. She could tell he had seen better days by the way his clothing fit and how he carried himself as the two of them greeted her. "I'm sorry. We got lost trying to find an address and when we passed the police station I figured someone could help." They young woman said rambling as she pulled out a notebook with an address listed and showed it to Olivia. "I know where this is and can take you over there if you would like. It is actually a friend of mines building and it's not too far from here." Olivia said as she smiled at the two. "That would be amazing but we don't want to impose." The woman said as she looked at the boy again. "It's no problem." Olivia said smiling as she ushered them towards her office for her to grab her things.
"Jacob why don't you grab you something from the vending machine" The woman said as handed the boy some cash and he eagerly went towards the sodas. "My name is Susan Fields. I am a social worker from upstate." Susan said as she went to shake Olivia's hand. "Olivia Benson. I am the Lieutenant here." Olivia said as she returned the shake. "What brings you to the city Ms. Fields?" Olivia asked intrigued with the backstory. "Jacob is new to our care. His mother recently passed away, We were provided his father's information and after some digging we were able to hopefully locate him. We are here to meet him and allow the two to meet each other for the first time." Susan said as Olivia processed everything she told her. "I wanted to come alone on this trip but the court directed me to bring Jacob with me and if his father is willing to be a part of his life I have been instructed that he is able to stay with him for a trial period while we figure everything out on our end since he has no other family that are able to take him." Susan finished as Jacob walked back to the two of them not saying a word as he reached them.
Olivia watched Jacob for a few minutes as she finished gathering her things. She watched that he rarely smiled or made any visual emotion and only said a few select words during the visit. As she was gathering her things she received a text and smiled as she answered it. "Dinner? My place?" "I'm on my last call but will be in your area. I'll order pizza delivery on the way.." As she made her way out of her office she noticed Jacob standing by himself outside her office while he waited for Susan. "Hey Jacob. Ms. Fields told me you are having a rough bit. Want to talk about it?" Olivia asked already knowing he wouldn't answer her. "No ma'am. Thank you though." He replied softly surprising both of them that he actually answered. "You are a tough young man Jacob. If you ever need anything don't be afraid to call me anytime." She told him as she gave him her card and her personal cell phone number. "Thank you. Ms. Benson?" "Yes?" "Call me Jake." He replied with a soft smile and went to fist bump her.
As the three of them made it out to Susan's car they agreed that Olivia would ride with them and then take a cab home later once everything was settled. Olivia had a gut feeling about Jake and that she would need to stick around a bit with him tonight if he stayed in the city. They made their way through the city towards their destination and Olivia could sense Jacob's anxiety and nervousness from the backseat. She couldn't begin to understand what he was feeling or going through at this moment. He was a kid who had lost so much already and be uprooted from his home and brought to the city. She grew up in the city and loved every bit of it but knew it could be a bit overwhelming for some. They made it to their destination and as they got out of the car she noticed Jacob stand closer to her than she expected. She was glad the young man felt comfortable with her.
"Thank you Ms. Benson." Susan said as she grabbed a file folder and a small duffel bag from the trunk. "It's not a problem. How about I help you with the bags and make sure you made it okay?" Olivia asked and Susan smiled as she showed Olivia the only bag they had was the duffel. "Will you walk with us?" Jacob asked to Olivia and Susan smiled and nodded at them. "You will need to know the apartment number in order to be let in the building. This is one of the nicer areas in town." Olivia stated as they walked up to the buzzer. "Uhh do they have the names listed? I am unsure of the exact apartment number." Susan said as she opened the file in her hand before giving the name she was looking for. "Do you see a BARBA?" Susan said and Olivia stopped and looked between her and Jacob.
"Is there a problem?" Susan asked concerned with Olivia's reaction to the name. "No.. umm.. it's just.. I know the man you are looking for. He is a good friend of mine." She replied as she smiled at Jacob. "I'll buzz us up. He's not expecting you is he?" Olivia asked Susan and Jacob. Jake shrugged his shoulders and Susan shook her head. "I couldn't locate the exact apartment number to send a letter and there was no phone number or employer listed for me to contact him through there." Susan said getting annoyed that they were still on the street. "You wouldn't. He.. he's a private person. I'll let him explain it to you." Olivia said as she entered the resident code to gain access to the building. They made it to Barba's door and she uncharastically knocked not knowing if she should open the door with her key or not in this situation. "Liv? Why didn't you just open the door?" Barba asked as he opened the door and went to kiss her without realizing she wasn't alone. "Umm.. Raf.. This is Ms. Fields and she is needing to speak with you." Olivia stated as he saw Susan and Jacob with Olivia. "Jake and I will be in the kitchen while you two talk." Oliva stated as she lead Jacob away from the other two adults.