"She was a cop?!" said Cragen, astounded. "How the hell did she end up on the sidewalk?"
"That's what I came here to find out. Apparently, your detectives are better at being smart-asses than doing their job."
"We just caught the case last night, Tucker," steamed Liv.
"I'm sorry. I just though you were two of the best detectives in Manhattan."
"Oh, come on! You know this case can't be solved in a day!" shouted Elliot.
"Enough! Tucker, have 1PP send over her case file, and we'll see what we can get from there."
"It's classified!"
"Not any more. If you want us to help, you're going to have to send over the case file!" demanded Cragen.
"Fine. But the next time I check in, you two better have a lead or I'm handing this over to 1PP."
"Hey, Liv, sorry about earlier. I..."
"Just drop it," said Olivia stirring her coffee and tossing the straw into the trash.
"Please. Liv, you look like you haven't slept in months."
"El," she said, finally gazing up into his softening irises, "I'm fine." Offering him an awkward smile, she returned to her desk as Much and Fin strolled in.
"Find anything?" Elliot asked.
"Yeah, about a half dozen cigarettes. You know, tape doesn't stop people from littering on the crime scene," said Munch.
"What did you expect from Munch?" snickered Fin, "I found a receipt for a coffee shop about a block away. It had our victims name on it, so we followed up."
"Yes, and it led to nada!" began Munch, "The description the cashier gave us sounded like an exact description of Tucker! Can you believe that? And you guys wonder why I am so skeptical."
"It's possible," replied Olivia, "You missed it. Tucker showed up. Turns out our victim was an undercover operation gone wrong."
"You're joking," said Fin. She shook her head. "Next time 1PP comes after any one of us, be sure to bring this up."
"Case file just arrived," said Cragen, holding the manila folder above his shoulder. Handing it to Olivia, she started vigorously flipping the pages.
"Cap, the last time anyone saw this woman, it was with Tucker. I had the coffee shop manager send over the video surveillance from three weeks ago."
"That would be expected since he was her case leader," explained Cragen, "but pull him in for interrogation. See how he likes to be on the other side of the table. And tread lightly. Someone could be setting him up."
"Will do, Cap!" said Fin saluting him.
"Olivia, you and Elliot should head down to tech. Morales said he unlocked the phone."
"I did get it unlocked, but I haven't looked on it yet. Figure I better call you two before I do anything."
"Thanks, Morales. Click on her phone log first," said Olivia pointing.
"Numbers from a burner. Probably 1PP trying to get in touch with her. But it appears she answered. Talked for nearly 15 minutes," said Morales, taken aback. Olivia returned his distorted features.
"That's not possible. How did she pick up these phone calls? She would have been dead by this time."
"Why did these last few calls last for over an hour?" Elliot said, stating the obvious.
"I'll try and find who bought these phones, but don't hold your breathe."
"What about her photos?"Elliot pointed to a notification that a collage had been made with some of her more recent photos. One showed a picture of her chained to a beam of some sort. Aside from a skimpy bra, she was naked. Her hair matted in front of her face shielded her eyes from the flash that was no doubt on. The pictures all appeared to be the same except taken from different angles.
"Add to my list of things to do. I'll try to find a location where these photos were taken."
"Thanks," said Elliot grumpily.
As Olivia and Elliot were arriving back at the bullpen, they saw Fin and Munch leading Tucker to an interrogation room.
"You two, I want you to interrogate," said Cragen.
"C'mon, Cap, Munch and I got this one."
"No. I want Olivia and Elliot to take this one." Giving him an apologetic glance, Liv followed Elliot into the bleak room.
"Good to see Manhattan's finest."
"Where were you yesterday, Tucker?" asked Elliot stooping down until he level with his face.
"Right to the point. Okay. Unsurprisingly, I was at my office. Obviously, you can check that," smirked Tucker.
"What was your relationship with the victim?"
"I was her case leader, detective. We weren't involved."
"When was the last time you saw her?" Olivia said, trying to catch a hint of a lie.
"About three weeks ago when I was prepping her before going under."
"Do you always prep at a coffee shop?"
"Oh my God! She was new to the undercover op, so I decided to make her feel as comfortable as possible before we fell out of touch."
"So you sent in a new recruit to an extensive sex-trafficking ring, knowing full well that you were dealing with professionals?"
"Oh please, Olivia, we were running out of time."
"Why?"
"Two 16 year old girls had been snatched and sold. That was the last time I had contact with Narcissa."
"Why didn't you make a bust?"
"You don't understand. This group is just a small fry. The girls were sold to the major players. Narcissa was meant to go to, but I guess they killed her before she got the chance."
"Do you think they made her for a cop because she was inexperienced?"
"Do not turn this on me!" shouted Tucker, rising to the height of Olivia.
"So is that a yes?"
"I would like to speak to Don."
"I'm sure you would," said Olivia getting into his face. A tapping of glass broke her eye contact.
"Liv, El, I can take it from here," said Cragen, standing in the door way.
"By the way, detective," Olivia turned around, "that was a very tantalizing performance." She started forward, but Elliot grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
"I could kill him!" she said, yanking her wrist out of Elliot's grasp.
"What the hell happened?" asked Fin.
"Tucker, of course. Never met a bigger dick than..." Elliot was cut off.
"Olivia," motioned Cragen.
"Cap, you know Olivia would never..."
"Stay out of it , Elliot. She's not in trouble."
"What is it?" she asked.
"As much as I resent you, detective, I have to admit, you're one of the best at undercovers."
"Let me guess. You need a new cop to get you information on the ring," said Olivia.
"Yes, you think you can handle it?"
"Of course I can," she snapped, offended.
"Elliot will be there as well," said Cragen.
"Wait, I did not approve this!" Tucker stuttered.
"Either Elliot is there or Olivia will not be doing this."
"Captain, I.."
"No! We already have one cop down, and we can't just send backup. Do you trust Elliot?"
"Yes, of course!" she said, confused.
"Olivia, do you trust him unconditionally?"
"Yes, why do you keep asking?" Olivia complained.
"I'll talk to him."
"Keep me up to date," said Tucker, exiting the room.
"Cap, I don't need Elliot with me. I'm capable of taking care of myself."
"This is nonnegotiable. I'm not losing you."
"Fine," she said, moodily walking out.
"Elliot," Cragen rotated his hand, "We need to talk."