AN: This is a repost from a story I had previously posted. I discovered a missing chapter and some missing paragraphs. So if it looks familiar to some it's because it is. I also fixed some grammatical and spelling errors, but there are still plenty that I missed. Hope you enjoy! Reviews are welcomed.
The squad room appeared dark and empty when she entered. The only light came from the security lights and a small sliver of sun peering through the tall windows lighting the room. It was unusual for this room to be so quiet. Patrolman bustling about, phones ringing, people chatting by the coffee machine, someone crying, but it was two early for those sounds, instead silence. She walked over to one of the many desks arranged in clusters of two. One desk was hers. Several pictures in simple frames, handwritten notes, and a desk calendar with a phrase of the day were neatly organized around the working space. She removed her coat, sidearm and badge then placed them into a bottom drawer of her desk. Before sitting down she made her way over to the coffee station and prepared a cup of tea. Once finished she returned to her desk and sat down. As she sat they're sipping and swirling her tea the desk adjacent to hers captured her attention. The stark emptiness and cold steel always distracted her these days. When occupied by her former partner the desk was always cluttered with files and case notes. Personal items like the white coffee mug with the words "Best Dad" written in bold black letters, pictures in varying sizes all of the same five children at different stages of life and a lovely blonde women. She smiled to herself as she remembered no matter how much clutter accumulated on the desk the picture of the blonde always made it to the top of the stack. Now the desk stood empty. No mugs or pictures or files or notes, just blank. It had been like this for several months now, but still it captured her attention. She didn't like that it was empty it reminded her of how things once were, difficult at times, but happy and comfortable. Now the empty desk signified the hole left in her heart. She inhaled and on exhalation heaved a large sigh, snapping her from her momentary trance. She put her mug down and started up her computer. Might as well get something accomplished before everyone gets here she thought to herself. As she worked the sun rose higher the squad room became more and more bright. Before long other members of the squad began to arrive.
"Morning Liv." A man with a medium skin tone, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail, average height and weight wearing a three-piece suit smiled and greeted her. "Do you know what your apartment looks like in the sun light? Because you seem to come in and go home when the sun is down."
"Fin have you ever seen yourself in a mirror? Two words fashion consultant." Liv quipped back. Fin smiled and took a seat behind his desk.
"Hey Fin have you heard anything about this new detective the captain spoke about." Olivia asked.
"Rumor going around is some hotshot war vet with an attitude to big to fit in this room." Fin answered.
"Great just what I need, more testosterone." Olivia said.
"I'm sure you can handle it." Fin said with a smirk. From the elevators came two men in suits and ties. One was talking very fast and the other looking agitated and confused. Olivia and Fin stopped what they were doing and listened in on what was being said.
"Captain Levi I know you don't like this, for what reasons you seem determined to forgo, and I don't like it much either. Right now my team is good, adding another is not what I anticipated, but here we are and there is nothing you or I can do about it. Now if at some point you would like to divulge what ever you are hiding I would love to hear it." Captain Cragen said firmly.
"Sorry to have bothered you." Captain Levi said. He turned on his heel and entered the recently opened elevator. Captain Cragen waited till the doors were closed before turning to his squad.
"Fin, Olivia and...Where is Munch?" he asked looking around the room.
"He called me and said he was running late captain. Traffic on the bridge." Fin answered. Captain Cragen was less then pleased to hear this. Today was not the day to try his patience.
"Doesn't he..." Cragen started.
"Know exactly how the captain takes his coffee? Of course. One venti pike place, two cameral pumps, cream and three surges." The missing Munch had just appeared holding four cups of coffee. He handed Cragen his and one to Fin and Olivia.
"Yes that's perfect. Thank You." Cragen said taking the coffee.
"The three of you in my office." They got up, smiles gone, and followed each other into the captain's office.
"We have a new detective joining our squad. One police plaza has assigned this one to us. She comes from major crimes. From her very thin jacket I can gather that she has been on the force for six years, she was pulled off patrol to assist in a special undercover operation after only two years. She spent the next four working the case. The case broke open three weeks ago and was a huge success. Several major crime lords went down as well as many of their underlings. The mayor personally recognized her for the work she did and she instantly became his poster child."
"Sounds like a spy, someone the mayor trusts to relay information to him." Fin said.
"Does this have anything to do with the potential down sizing of the department?" Munch asked. "I know SVU is on the non-priority list."
"I don't know, but it seems strange. Regardless I didn't ask for her, she has been assigned here and there is nothing I can do to change it. Liv you are partnering her for the time being." Cragen paused looking at each one of them then continued. "We have a new case. PS118 called to report a possible child abuse case. Kid fell on the playground. While the nurse was examining him she noticed some strange bruising on his back and buttocks. She suspects there are more signs but didn't want to alarm the child so she stopped looking." Cragen explained. "Fin and Munch the kid was taken to Mercy. Go there and interview him. Olivia you go talk with the school nurse. Find out what it is she saw then interview teachers, friends, janitors who ever."
"Am I working solo?" Olivia asked.
"I'm not sure where this new detective is.1PP said she would report this morning. I will send her to you, after I write her up for being late. Add some padding to this awfully light jacket."
"Call us if you need help Liv." Fin said.
