Author's note: This is my take on Fin's reaction to finding Kathleen Stabler at the drug den. He does not know about the dark elements Elliot's past, including the aspects revealed in "Ripped."
A while back my son Ken landed in a jam--which turned out to be no big deal--and Elliot made some remark about me not knowing my son. That got to me, partially because there was a kernel of truth to his comment. But also because, as usual, Elliot seemed to be giving off his usual vibes: I'm the only properly normal guy in the squad because I got married and have children. So I reminded him of the one chink in his bourgeoisie armor: his daughter Kathleen's DUI. Seeing that I had gotten under his skin, I upped the ante and mentioned her possibly using other drugs. He then looked liked he was going to hit me, so I made a smirking comment about her "swinging from a pole."
It took a few guys to hold both of us back.
All right, I was out of line. But at the time, I honestly didn't think that Kathleen would go any farther than a DUI. And after her eventual arrest and sentencing to community service, I figured things weren't going to get any worse for her or her father, who reconciled with his wife. (Of course.)
Boy, was I wrong.
Months later, I found myself accompanying Elliot as he searched for his daughter at an abandoned building used as a dope hangout. I volunteered because as a former narc I know how to handle certain potential situations. Moreover, one of our own was in danger; I could do no less for a fellow cop, even one that needled me as much as Elliot.
So, as a result of our hunt, I'm treated to a scene I never imagined. Kathleen Stabler, daughter of Detective Elliot Stabler, was lying stoned and unconscious in her brassiere and panties under some guy in briefs. Worse, she had OD'd. I don't want to imagine what Elliot was feeling has he lifted his half-naked daughter--and a sheet--to take her to a hospital for detox.
As for me, I stayed behind and called a unit to arrest "lover-boy" for criminal trespassing and possibly other charges, pending his tox screen. After the uniforms had done their job, I returned to the house. En route, I really felt bad for Elliot. It's never good when any kid gets into drugs--I've seen firsthand many times--but I think my colleague is in for a really hard time. From the way he tells it, he came from a solid middle-class family and, after fighting in Desert Storm--which was probably his first reality check--he returned to repeat the cycle. Yeah, the marriage went south for a while, but he was still there for his kids. Sure, he's seen some real sick stuff here at SVU and on the battlefield, and he's made his share of referrals, but how's Mr. All-American going to emotionally handle his own child doing drugs (man, I hope and pray she survives!), sleeping around (I doubt this was the first guy she's been with), and facing criminal trespassing charges? (And this is coming after her DUI conviction!! A 'hanging judge' is not going to look kindly at that!)
Whatever happens, we're all going to be there--I'm going to be there--for Elliot and his family. Because that's what we do at the NYPD, and if the situation was reversed, I know that Elliot would do the same for me.