Life Goes On
Authors Note: Please Note in my universe John Munch DID pass his sergeant's exam, lieutenant's exam and Captain's exam. ALSO it John's name was left as a suggestion. The department just happened to take it.
Three
My first serious case included a hostage situation where two of my best detectives where inside. I couldn't help but wonder about the conspiracy of the situation. An ex-partner had been killed, my A.D.A had been seriously injured and my immediate ex-partner and his partner where currently the ones being hostages.
I had walked away from the building that held my two detectives and was taking a breath. I knew I couldn't leave the site but I also knew where I wanted to be and it certainly wasn't there or the station house.
"Munch?" I wanted to know how Don had handled cases like these. I didn't want to do it.
"Yeah Stabler?" I finally manage to get out. Olivia hasn't left Casey's side since she was injured. She offered to come down to the hostage situation but I said no. That she should stay with Casey.
"Benton wants to speak with you." I groan. Derek Benton the one person who was able to make my life the living hell that it was. I had gone to high school with him, then a few years back I had ended up arresting him on a rape case with Cassidy.
"Fine," I finally bark out the lack of sleep starting to get to me. I had had about three hours sleep since finding out that Fin and Thomas where both hostages. George stood beside me waiting to give me prompts so I could get the two out safely, which was our main concern for the time being.
I took a deep breath before taking the microphone that connected us to Benton. I knew I couldn't screw this up because otherwise I'd have two dead detectives and nobody wanted that. Well I sure as hell didn't anyway.
"Derek," I stated in what I hoped was a calm way. It was the only way I could get through this phone call. Staying calm and collective. I'd been through hostage situations before and knew that was how Don handled phone calls with the captor.
"Captain Munch. So nice to hear from you again, what has it been? Four years now?" His voice sent chills down my spine. Someone who used to be a friend in high-school was now out to get me.
"Four years." I responded not letting my feelings in my voice. I couldn't for the sake of Fin and Thomas, "what do you think you're going to get out of this Derek?" George nodded at the question and I was glad that I thought of it. Maybe I would get some insight, something that I could grab a hold of.
"Well my main goal now is to make your life a living hell John, how am I doing so far?" I pause for a few moments and then respond.
"I'd actually say you're doing quite well. Normally I'd tell you I already have that position filled in my life but you've so far beaten them. Congratulations on the promotion Derek." I'm still calm although I want sarcasm in that last sentence. I want to put other emotions in, but I can't. I know I can't.
"I'm quite glad that my goal is working successfully then John. But shouldn't I be the one congratulating you?" Derek inquired and I blinked for a few moments.
"You already have Derek. Remember the note?" I pause for a few moments and then start talking again, "can I talk to Detective Tutuola? He can pass the phone back to you immediately afterwards, I swear." I needed to talk to Fin and make sure that everything was alright.
"You have five minutes John. Then you'll have to pass it back." George looked at me slightly concerned, but I knew Don would have done the same thing.
"Alright," I agreed and officers around me looked at there watches. This had to go well.
"John," Fin's voice came through the microphone and Elliot and I immediately shared a look. It didn't sound like the Fin we knew.
"Fin, you alright?" It was the automatic question again and I was starting to hate it but I had to know. Something was going on.
"Yeah, Thomas is fine as well." He had added that part on and I sighed in relief.
"Well stay alright; I don't think Don would be too happy to see you so soon." I could hear a hollow laugh and that warmed me. Elliot snorted behind me while Huang gave a small smile.
"Yeah don't think he would be either. Cap…" I closed my eyes, Fin's voice had grown slightly nervous and that scared me, something that I wouldn't admit anywhere else, "he's got a gun pointing at Thomas. I have to give the phone back now."
"Right. I mean it though Fin, don't go joining Don," All laughter had gone from my voice as I heard the phone be passed back.
"So Captain, you've heard your partner- sorry ex-partners voice. Happy now?" I closed my eyes willing the calmness I had earlier to come back.
"Thank you for giving me that opportunity, Derek." The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. It's almost as though I'm on automatic pilot. Like the government or something is controlling me.
"You're welcome. Now I really have to go. Catch you later John," He hangs up before I can protest and I nearly wince. I should of stopped him. Done something. I turn to the nearest officer.
"How do we get them out?" I demand. This has to end, like it should have ended an hour ago. Why hadn't it? Why couldn't they get Fin and Thomas out?
"How…" The officer started to repeat and I nearly looked around for the nearest poll. Fortunately, or unfortunately there wasn't any in sight.
"How do we get them out?" I growled out again. I felt Elliot's hand on my back and I wondered if I had the energy to shrug it off.
"Captain," Elliot started and I silenced him with a simple glare. I was going to get them out.
"Look there are two of MY detectives in there and legally or illegally I'm going to try and get them out." I informed the officer not blinking.
"John," Elliot tried again and I put a hand up to stop him from talking. Something that I would never think of doing, but it was getting to me. I knew that.
"Leave it, Stabler." I growled out, hoping that I wouldn't have to argue with him.
"No," I whirled around to face him. For a few moments my mind was wondering what to say, if I could say anything. However my pride and anger got the better of me.
"Are you disobeying an order Stabler?" I asked my voice cold. Elliot's face looked guilty but he nodded his head. Suddenly the situation had vanished it was just Elliot and I.
"Yes I am, Captain" his voice was almost as cold as mine. Yet we didn't care. I glared at him and he glared back, "you're letting your emotions get in the way of the situation. If we where at the station I'd tell you to go on the roof. But we're not so I'm going to tell you to sit in the car and calm down." I stared at him for a few moments then without saying a word I stormed off, heading towards my car.
I hate admitting I'm wrong. That's one thing everyone in the SVU team has in common. It was even harder to admit that I'm wrong now that I'm Captain. Just like trying to say I'm sorry.
"Why did you die Don?" I whispered while closing my eyes, "I need your help. I can't handle this on my own." No answer came but I didn't expect it so I wasn't surprised. I would have been more surprised if I had an answer.
However I was on my own. I only wished the government had a how to guide. The only time I've ever wanted something from the actual government.
I took a deep breath while slowly opening my eyes. I realized then that I had calmed down. Something that I hadn't thought was possible ten minutes earlier. I took a deep breath before getting out of the car and returning to the scene.
"Did I miss anything?"
Two hours later the scene was resolved with only two injures. One was to Benton and the other was mine when he shot me in the leg coming out. Fin had been the one to shoot Benton but that didn't matter. My two detectives where safe and unharmed. That was all that mattered.
