Finding Redemption
The plane touched down at JFK as Shiela Newman's thoughts wandered back to the last time she was in New York. Fifteen years ago, she found out she was pregnant with her first, and only child and the father, at that time, was married. Needless to say, she panicked, packed up and left. Thankfully, it wasn't difficult for her to forget the hurt and bitterness of her past when she looked over in the seat next to her and saw her handsome son sitting there. The love she felt for him more than made up for all the bad feelings surrounding his conception. He was a good student and a very responsible young man, which made her so proud. But, she hadn't told him exactly who his father was and wasn't really sure if it would be a good idea for him to know. Only time would tell.
The cab stopped in front of their new brownstone. They unpacked the remainder of their belongings, since everything else had already been moved ahead of time. After Sheila hugged her son goodbye she headed off for her new job with the Special Victim's Unit. The first person she ran into was a surprise for her since it was her old college roommate, Olivia Benson. They hugged when they saw one another and Olivia was excited when she informed her friend that she was hired there. They chatted as they walked toward Captain Don Cragen's office. Shiela hadn't seen him since she was a teenager. They embraced as they greeted one another, visiting for awhile before they got down to the business of getting her papers in order for her to begin work. The captain was pleased with her resume'. "Eight years, Texas Ranger. Six years, DCI, very impressive." He was glad she ended up in his unit. Having been experienced in digital criminal investigations she would be an asset to the department. She was issued a badge and handgun, like all the other detectives, and was told that her first week would be working with John Munch and Odafin Tutuola. Olivia introduced Shiela to her partner, Elliot Stabler, then to her two trainees, Munch and Fin. Captain Cragen informed her that she wouldn't be getting a partner, which was logical, since most of her work would be done via computer. He shook her hand and said, "Welcome to Special Victims."
At the same time, Arthur Branch at the district attorney's office had just received word about SVU's new employee. He had known Shiela for most of her life and also knew of the reason she had left years before. Even though he was aware of her history, he never broke her confidence by telling a soul about it. He walked down the hallway to Jack McCoy's office room number 1012. Arthur cracked open the door and asked Jack if the depositions were ready yet. He told Arthur he was almost finished with them. Branch began to close the door when he remembered that he'd better break the news to Jack as soon as possible before someone else did. "Oh, by the way," he said, "your old ghosts have come back to haunt you." "What's that supposed to mean?" Jack shot Arthur a look. "Shiela's back in town." "Come again!" His eyes got wide. He didn't know what to say. He was in shock. Arthur said, "I think it's time to bury all your hatchets, and not in anyone's scalp. It might help you get over other things, too." Branch was referring to Jack's past with Claire Kinkaid.
As Shiela was walking in the front door of her new home, she could smell something cooking. Brian, being the resourceful kid that he was, had already started making their dinner so they could celebrate their first night in the Big Apple. He had gotten used to being the child of a single mom. While they were eating, the phone rang. "Hello stranger," came the voice on the other end of the line. Shiela's heart sank when she heard him. "Oh, my God. Jack?" She responded nervously, "how did you get this number?" "I'm the D.A., I can find out anything." "Still the same Irish smart ass I remember. So, how are you?" "Fine. The reason I'm calling is that I need to come over and see you. We need to talk." "I don't know if that's a good idea. I just flew in early this morning." "It's just to talk. No ulterior motives, I promise." "Ok, ok, you win, McCoy. C'mon over." He double checked to make sure her address was correct and finished up work so he could leave his office at One Hogan Place.
