Chapter 2
Elliot didn't need to phone Olivia back to ask her exactly where she was. As soon as he came out of the main entrance he saw the crowd standing around what must be his partner and her mystery girl. Edging his way through the spectators he broke through to the clearing where Olivia knelt beside the still form, whispering words only she could hear. If indeed she was even hearing them. From this distance Elliot couldn't even tell whether the girl was alive, only the mere fact that Olivia was still talking to her reassured him that she was. He reached down and gently tapped Olivia's shoulder, not wanting to startle her or the girl.
"Olivia…"
"Elliot. We need to get her inside, away from everyone watching. She isn't talking but I can tell she's listening. She knows what's going on – or at least she knows I'm trying to help."
"How do you want to work this?"
"Get this crowd away from us for a start. I've told them to stay back but I don't want to scare her by shouting anymore."
"No bother Liv. Right everyone, this is not a show. Everyone back off now – go about your business. This is a police matter now."
At Elliot's command the crowd began to disperse, curiosity finally overcome by their need to concentrate on their own individual lives. He crouched down beside them but, as he came closer, the girl began to cry. She didn't cry the hysterical tears of the angry, or the panicked tears of the scared. Instead her eyes just filled with tears which spilled out over her eyelashes whilst the rest of her remained in the same position as before, her heaving chest the only other sign of her emotion.
Olivia automatically pulled the girl into her arms, her eyes searching for any hint as to what was going on. As she failed to find any answers she looked up to Elliot, her eyes asking the question she knew he too was wondering. He shook his head and shrugged, as confused as she. The tears faded as quickly as they had appeared and, though Olivia still held her in her arms she could feel the gulf between them as the girl shrank much further inside her head.
"Elliot we need to get her up."
"It's alright Liv. I'm on it."
Leaning forward he helped Olivia stand and supported the girl as they both lifted her from the ground. She made no effort to support her own weight and, having no other alternative; Elliot picked her up as if she were his own child. He began walking towards the front entrance to their building, stopping only to make sure Olivia was following.
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