Disclaimer: I own nothing by my own characters.
A/N: I hope for this to be a fun story more than anything. Takes place in and around present day. Let me know what you think.
CHAPTER 1
Lt. Olivia Benson was on the phone in her office and let out a loud sigh. Even after all of these years, these cases never got any easier, but this one was going to be more than difficult to prove. Had it not been for a pleading phone call from her old friend Rebecca Hendrix, she would have recommended to ADA Barba that they just suggest counseling for everyone involved.
"Olivia, it's a third degree criminal sexual act," Rebecca said when Olivia gave a silent protest to the case. Olivia rolled her eyes at the former police officer's knowledge of the laws.
"Rebecca, we're looking at sexual misconduct at most, a misdemeanor. And you and I both know these cases are nearly impossible to prove. I'm not saying it's not worth it; I 'm just saying sometimes the process can be traumatic, as well."
"Liv, please, just talk to her. If you and your ADA don't find her credible, then you can drop it. Of course, you can be the one to tell Judge Ramsey that his daughter's sexual assault isn't worth the time of the SVU."
"Judge Ramsey?" Olivia's tone changed from supportive to angry. "You're just now telling me this?" Olivia was pissed that Rebecca kept this information from her until now.
"So, you'll meet with her?" Olivia could hear Rebecca smirking through the phone.
"Yes. Barba and I will meet with her. But no promises," Olivia finally compromised.
Olivia hung up the phone and sighed. He said she said cases were hard to prove in general and often turned complicated for everyone involved.
Of course, this case didn't involve just anyone; it involved the 16-year-old daughter of a judge, who also happened to be a patient of Rebecca. Barba was not going to be happy.
#
"No." Barba's reply was simple and exactly what Olivia expected.
"Listen, I wouldn't normally ask, but it's Judge Ramsey's daughter. I'm just afraid if we blow this off..." Olivia didn't need to finish her sentence because Barba knew exactly where it was going and rolled his eyes.
"If we don't at least investigate, we're going to have a Judge questioning why. Fine. But, seriously, Liv, two 16-year-olds having sex? I mean, if we started locking up everyone who's ever done that, we may as well turn the schools into jails."
"I know. But, if there was any coercion, hopefully, we'll find out."
"And we have reason to believe there may have been?" Barba asked.
"Her therapist called me after the Judge and his wife talked to her. She met with Jessica again and got her to open up. She didn't specifically say it, but Dr. Hendrix believes she may be holding something back."
"Wait, her doctor called you? Not her parents?" Barba was confused.
"Yes. We went through academy together. She said to expect a call from Judge Ramsey today."
"And you trust Dr. Hendrix?" Olivia did, mostly. She and Hendrix often disagreed and butted heads over the years, but she did believe she wanted what was best for victims.
Olivia nodded. "I do."
"Okay, well, call Judge Ramsey before he calls you, as a sign of good faith, and get them in here."
#
After meeting with Jessica Ramsey and her parents, Barba followed Olivia back to her office.
"Well?" Olivia asked.
Barba sighed and shook his head. "It's not ideal, but she seems credible. There was definitely sexual contact, that may or may not have been consensual, but by the letter of the law, it may not matter. Have your detectives go talk to Jacob and let's hear his side of the story."
They walked out of the office.
"Carisi. Rollins. Go talk to Jacob Blackley and see what he has to say," Olivia told her detectives.
"We're on it, Lieutenant. " Carisi and Rollins grabbed their jackets and headed out the door.
"Let me know if you get anything," Barba said before leaving the squad room.
#
Two hours later, Carisi and Rollins returned from talking to Jacob and headed into Olivia's office.
"How did it go?"
"He didn't deny they were in a relationship, but his version is a lot more PG-13 than R-rated," Carisi explained. "He claims she was the one always coming on to him and that the few times there was any sexual, uh, touching, it was Jessica who instigated it. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure where the harm is in two teenagers feeling each other up every now and then."
Carisi's last comment got an eye roll out of both Olivia and Rollins.
"Well, according to the law, for a third degree criminal sexual act, or even sexual misconduct, if they are under 17, it doesn't matter their age or if it's consensual," Olivia explained. "Don't get me wrong; I agree with what you're saying, but her parents and doctor believe she was forced. We need to find out if there is any validity to that."
Olivia paused, thinking of their next move. "Go back to Jessica and see if we can get any proof of a sexual relationship. See if the Judge will give you access to her phone and computer without a warrant and see what you can dig up. I'll talk to Barba, but we're probably not going to be able to get a warrant for his phone or computer until we have at least something to back up her story."
Carisi and Rollins nodded and headed back out. Olivia had just sat back down when she heard a knock on her door and Fin came in.
"You got a visitor, Liv." Olivia looked up to see Fin standing there with Casey Novak.
"Good to see you, Casey," Fin said before leaving the two women alone.
"Casey!" Olivia was surprised to see their old ADA. She got up to give her a hug before sitting back down. "To what do I owe the pleasure? You miss SVU? I thought you left the DA's office."
"I did. Started working at a law firm downtown. Mostly corporate bullshit."
Olivia laughed, still not sure why her old friend was in her office.
"It's funny you mention SVU though, Olivia. I am actually here about an SVU case." Olivia gave her a confused look.
"Jacob Blackley's dad has retained me as his attorney. I understand your detectives talked to him today?"
"Wow. You work quick. I don't understand, though. Why exactly are you representing Jacob? I mean, nevermind the fact that he may have raped our victim, what does this have to do with corporate bullshit?"
"His dad is a client of mine. He knows I used to work SVU, so when Jacob called him..."
"...he called you for help." Olivia finished Casey's sentence.
Casey nodded. "Listen, Liv, I don't want to be here doing this any more than you want me here doing this. But, he's my client, and honestly, Jacob is a good kid."
"Casey, how many times have we heard someone is a good kid? You know as well as I do that teenagers keep things from their parents."
"Don't I ever," Casey grinned. "The fact of the matter is, his father is a good client, and I will be making sure Jacob has the best possible defense."
"Okay, well, you know where to find Barba."
"Yes, I called him on my way over. I just wanted to stop in and see you first. It's been a while," Casey smiled and picked up a picture of Noah on her desk. "He's getting so big, Olivia. How is he?"
"He's really good, Case. We both are."
"Good." Casey got up to leave. "I guess I'll see you in court. Oh, and from now on, no one talks to Jacob without me present." They both smiled as Casey left the squad room.
Yep, this case definitely just got more difficult, Olivia thought. Casey was not only a good attorney, one of the best Olivia had worked with, but she knew her way inside and out of how the SVU squad worked. If there was ever an unfair advantage, Casey Novak sure had it.
