Chapter 31 –

Alex sat down, her head full of confusion, he heart full of sadness, desperately trying to keep it together for Katie as she turned and looked at the crest-fallen girl.
"I'm so sorry Katie...I don't know what happened."
Katie swallowed hard as she watched the judge leave the room as Mr Dorset started to walk towards them.
"I do...it's them Alex!"
Alex put her arm around Katie's shoulder once again, pulling the girl to her as Katie's tears began to flow more freely, her eyes glared across at Mr Dorset as he stood in front of the table.
"I'm sorry counselor, we'll try and make the process as quick as possible, I've already spoken to the case worker and she has agreed to meet Katie and yourself in your office in a couple of hours."
Alex nodded as Katie wrapped her arms tighter around Alex's waist.
"Excuse me Mr Dorset but WHY is ACS suddenly interested in this case?"
Dorset shuffled uncomfortably and shifted his gaze to the floor.
"I'm sorry Miss Cabot I'm not at liberty to discuss that."
Dorset quickly picked up his briefcase and almost ran out of the courtroom leaving Katie and Alex alone.
"Come on let's get out of here, I need to go to my office and make some phone calls to find out what is going on."
Alex helped Katie up, wiping the girl's tears away with her thumbs, she quickly gathered up her papers and stuffed them in her briefcase before they walked, still shell shocked, out of the courtroom and back to Alex's office.


Aiden sat in his chair, his robes were still on as he reached into his desk drawer to get a new yellow legal pad out. His judgement had been safe, questionable but certainly safe and it had certainly unnerved both the young girl and the ADA. Reaching across Aiden picked up out his favourite pen as he started to write the coded message. It didn't take long to write, Sealey only wanted to know if he had been successful or not, tearing the paper off he placed it in a blank envelope before sealing it up and hitting the intercom button on his telephone.
"Thomas I need you in here."
Aiden leaned back in his chair as his young legal assistant entered.
"This needs to be delivered straight away Thomas."
Thomas just nodded as Aiden handed him the envelope, he knew what was being asked of him and dutifully he accepted the task.


It didn't take long for Alex and Katie to get to Alex's office, as they entered Alex quickly looked at her assistant who was shocked at how upset her boss looked.
"Linda, I need you to get Judge Petrovsky on the phone NOW!"
"Of course Alex, anything else?"
Alex shook her head as she led Katie into the office and they sat down on the two chairs near her desk.
"It's going to be ok, I'm going to sort this out."
Katie just nodded, unable to bring herself to say anything.
"Alex?"
Alex turned around and saw Linda standing in the doorway, she nodded at the older woman who quickly walked towards her.
"I'm afraid Judge Petrovsky is unable to talk to anyone at the moment."
Alex looked confused at Linda who then continued to explain.
"Judge Petrovsky was taken ill this morning, they rushed her to the hospital and she is currently in the ICU."
"Oh my god! Do they have any idea of what happened?"
"Not at the moment, as soon as I know anything I'll let you know. Is there anything else you need?"
"No...thank you Linda."
As Linda left the room she closed the door behind her, just hearing Katie's voice for the first time.
"Alex...Alex what does this mean?"
"I need to speak to Liv."
Katie nodded and watched an emotional Alex get her cell phone out and explained to Olivia what had happened that morning.


Olivia put the phone down, in the room the three male detectives looked concerned at her as the shock on her face became apparent to them.
"I've got to go and see Alex...they say Katie has got to go back into the system while they check Alex's 'credentials' out."
"That's complete B.S. Liv and you know it. She's a freakin' ADA...you can't let Katie go back they'll get to her again!"
"I know that John but at the moment we have no choice."
Olivia grabbed her jacket and walked out of the room knowing that she had promised to protect Katie and it was one promise that she was definitely going to keep.


Katie looked at Alex, shocked at how pale and upset the woman was, after she had managed to reach out and take a hold of Alex's hands she looked at the woman who had saved her.
"It's ok Alex, you didn't know that was going to happen. You and Olivia have done so much for me in such a short space of time I can't ever thank you enough."
Katie stopped and gave Alex a small smile, before she continued.
"I'll be ok Alex, plus it will only be a week tops, then I'll be back to torment you and Liv again!"
"But...I'm sorry Katie..."
"Don't Alex, I'm strong enough, you told me so enough times, and they won't be stupid enough to do anything again."
Katie bowed her head as the memories from her last time in a group home came flooding back.
"You promise to me that you will ring at least once a day?"
Katie nodded as Alex pulled her into a tight hug.
"And...if anything happens, or if you even THINK you are in trouble you ring me whatever the time ok?"
Alex felt Katie's head nod as she held it tight against her shoulder.
"I love you Katie and I promise that you'll be back home soon."
"I love you too Alex."


Chapter 32 –

Olivia was flustered as she entered the outer office, Linda looked at her sadly before nodding, and Olivia had no response as she quickly opened the door and walked into Alex's office. Her brown eyes instantly focused on Alex who was sitting behind her desk on the phone. Olivia shut the door behind her and quickly moved over to Katie and crouched down by the young girl.
"Hey Katie."
Olivia quickly wrapped her arms around Katie and hugged her tightly.
"Everything is going to be ok, I promise you that I'll sort something out Katie."
"It's fine Liv, really...Alex and I talked, I'll be ok Liv, they'd be really stupid to hurt me again. Liv...they are trying to get you and Alex, to scare you from investigating them...but Liv you have to continue, you have to stop them!"
"Ok sweetie."
Olivia smiled softly and kissed Katie on the top of her head, immensely proud of the strength of character that Katie was showing.
"So who is Alex on the phone to?"
"Judge Petrovsky's assistant."
Olivia looked over as Alex put the phone down and shot Olivia a faint smile.
"Judge Petrovsky had a mild heart attack this morning but she should be fine."
"Do they know what caused it?"
Alex shook her head at Olivia's question and looked down at her notes as she began to speak.
"I think that we can all make an educated guess but we'll never know for sure."
Alex raised her head as a knock at the door interrupted the conversation, seeing her assistant Alex gestured for Linda to enter.
"Alex there's a woman from ACS that is here to see you."
"Ok thanks Linda."
Linda held the door open as a middle-aged woman walked in, Linda closed the door once again as the woman spoke.
"Hello I'm Clare Austin, I've been put in charge of Katie's case."
Alex stood up and walked over to the woman, shaking her hand, before gesturing for her to sit down in the chair next to Katie as Alex moved back behind her desk.
"I appreciate that this is a difficult time for all of you and it is my job to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible."
The social worker turned and looked at Katie who was staring at the floor.
"Katie."
Katie brought her gaze up as Olivia placed her hands reassuringly on the girl's shoulders.
"Katie I know that you are probably scared and worried about leaving Alex but hopefully it won't be for long and I've found you a nice foster home with two other teenage foster girls and Anna who will be your foster parent."
"Is it ok if Katie phones me?"
"Of course Miss Cabot I would completely expect that and as I said earlier I expect Katie will be back with you very soon. Now if nobody has got anymore questions then I'd like to get Katie settled in at the foster home."
Alex just shook her head, knowing that she couldn't stop the inevitable from happening, and watched as Olivia bent down to whisper into Katie's ear.
"I'm not going to leave you alone Katie...Fin, Elliot and I will always be close by."
Olivia moved so that Alex could walk over to say goodbye. Alex held Katie tight to her, unable to stop the tears falling from her eyes.
"Now don't forget your promise...phone me every day and I'll see you soon."
"Of course Alex, I love you..."
Katie pulled away from Alex and slowly walked out of the office with the ACS woman following closely behind her. Olivia instantly put her arms around Alex's waist and held her up as she felt Alex begin to crumble and her tears started to fall against Olivia's neck.
"Don't worry Alex, we're not going to let Katie out of our sight...we're going to keep her under observation day and night until she is back home, with us."


Katie followed Mrs Austin out of the building with the older woman walking close by Katie's side as she led Katie to her car. As they stopped Katie looked around and saw Elliot standing drinking a cup of coffee nearby, he smiled and winked at her as she got into the vehicle, Katie managed to give a quick smile in return before the car drove off. Katie held her bag tightly on her lap as she remembered Olivia's words as she left. Katie allowed herself to breathe a little easier as she realised that Olivia was going to ensure that she was protected at all times.


Tom had made sure that he hadn't been followed as he used the subway and then walked the rest of the way to the imposing office building. His stomach was churning as he waited outside the door, waiting to be summoned in, praying that he would walk back out again. As the door opened Tom was sure that his heart stopped for a second before he plucked up the courage to walk in, he saw Sealey standing by the window looking out and walked towards him. Not one word was exchanged between the two men as Tom handed the envelope over and quickly exited the room.


"So where are you with Sealey?"
Olivia smiled as Alex quickly wiped the tears from her face and walked to sit back behind her desk and looked at her legal pad. Olivia felt heart beat faster as she saw Alex's strength and determination rising once again and Olivia knew at that moment that they would stop this once and for all.


Chapter 33 –

Cragen and Munch watched from a safe distance as Tom walked out of Sealey's office building, Munch looked across at his Captain who nodded as the two of them walked towards the young man.

"Excuse me...we need you to come with us."

Cragen placed a firm hand on the man's shoulder and showed him his badge with the other hand.

"What...why...what did I do?"

"We need you to answer some questions back at the station son...what's your name?"

"Tom...Thomas Briggs."

Cragen kept his hand on the man's shoulder and led him towards the parked car.


Olivia poured herself a cup of coffee from the pot that Alex kept in her office, holding it tightly as she sat down opposite Alex and looked at how tired yet determined her lover was.

"Sealey is powerful...rich and extremely well connected. If he is the head of the Union of Tantalus we need to catch him in the act. Cragen and Munch are keeping an eye on his office to see if anybody of interest shows up but that's a long shot."

"What about his financials?"

"Well now that I am here...do you think that you can sort a warrant out?"

Alex managed a small smile as she pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose.

"I think I can manage that."

Olivia sat back in the chair and sipped her coffee as she watched Alex at work.


Katie didn't say a word as Clare drove her towards Queens, although she had told Alex that she was ok with all that had gone on that day Katie was scared.

"Here we are then Katie."

Clare had stopped the car outside a small house as Katie clung to her bag and gingerly left the car. Without realising Katie had stopped and stared up at the house, looking at the windows.

"Come on Katie I am sure Anne is looking forward to meeting you."

Clare put her hand on Katie's back causing the young girl to flinch at the contact. Immediately the social worker realised the mistake she had made and moved her hand away and smiled at Katie who started to walk towards the front door that had opened with a homely looking woman standing and smiling at her.

"Hi you must be Katie, I'm Anne come on in."

Katie smiled back as she walked past the woman and into the house. Katie turned and looked back at the doorway where Clare was talking to the woman who had introduced herself as Anne.

"Ok then Katie I'll leave you in Anne's capable hands and let you settle in, she has my phone number if you need anything and I'll come and see you in the morning...ok?"

Katie nodded as she carefully looked around the room, trying to take in her surroundings, she vaguely heard the door shut and someone walking back towards her.

"So shall I give you the grand tour then?"

"Thanks."

Anne smiled as she heard Katie speak for the first time and led her to the stairs and up to the small bedroom that she had allocated the young girl.


Sealey took his time in deciphering the note, although it was only short he wanted to ensure that he correctly retrieved the message. Smiling at how well everything had proceeded that morning he opened his drawer and took out the lone folder that was in there. Sealey took out five envelopes, the names on them had been carefully selected, it was now time to issue out the invitations once again, in two night's time the union had a very special meeting to attend.


Katie sat in the bedroom, Anne had left her alone to unpack as the other foster children arrived home from school, Katie sat on the bed, her small bag of clothes still packed. Remembering Olivia's words Katie walked over to the window and peeked out, instantly she spotted Fin sitting in a car opposite and gave him a little wave, feeling a little safer Katie decided to unpack.


"Well I'd better go and find a judge to sign this warrant then."

"Do you want me to join you?"

"I'd like that...thanks Liv."

"Come on Alex, we're going to get through this, we'll get this and then we'll go home ok?"

Alex nodded as she took her glasses off and packed her things into the briefcase as she followed Olivia out of her office.


Katie lay on the bed staring at the ceiling, she had given up looking at the time, knowing that sleep wasn't going to come, not that she really wanted to anyway knowing that with sleep the nightmares would also come.


Alex lay there, staring at the ceiling, she could hear Olivia breathing heavily beside her, the painkillers she had taken for her shoulder had sent her into a deep sleep. Knowing that sleep wouldn't come she crawled out of the bed and walked slowly down the hall stopping at Katie's room, a single tear escaped from her eye as she stared in at the empty bed.


Katie rolled over, her eyes fixed on the phone Alex had given her, she could feel the tears roll down her cheeks as her hands shakily picked it up and started to ring the only number that had been programmed into it.


Alex had found her way into the kitchen, standing by the sink she poured herself a glass of water when suddenly she heard her phone start to ring. Immediately Alex walked over to the kitchen counter and picked it up, quickly glancing at the display before she answered.

"Couldn't sleep?"

"I didn't wake you did I?"

"No it's ok Katie I was up."

"So I guess I wasn't the only one that couldn't sleep then?"

"No...it's a little quiet round here at the moment."

"I miss you Alex."

"I miss you too sweetie, is everything ok?"

"Yes, a little strange but ok."

"Couldn't sleep though?"

"No."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Ok."

"Goodnight Alex."

"Goodnight Katie."

Alex heard the line go dead and put the phone back on the counter, feeling slightly more relaxed after speaking to Katie she knew that hopefully she would be able to get a couple of hours sleep.


"So Tom what where you doing at Benjamin Sealey's office?"

Cragen looked at Tom who was tired, the two men had left him to stew in the interview room for a few hours and then woke him up in the early hours of the morning to begin their questioning.

"I had a delivery to make."

"From Judge Simmonds?"

Tom bent his head down, he already knew that he had said too much, but then already the detectives knew more than he had anticipated.

"Tom what was it you delivered?"

"An envelope. I don't know what it contained, I just delivered the note, nothing more."

"Ok Tom, now we can make your life very difficult and very painful or you can help us."

Cragen looked Tom straight in the eye, he saw a small glint in the man's eyes and hoped that there was a spark of humanity in him.

"What do you want to know?"

"The union of tantulas Tom, tell us everything."

Tom bent down and rested his head on the table, internally wrestling with his conscience, but he knew that the time had come, no matter what the consequences were to him, to finally unburden his soul.


Chapter 34 –

"I'm not a fully fledged member of the union, nowhere near the inner circle. Judge Simmonds recruited me about a year ago. I had to prove myself to him and do some rather discreet jobs but it didn't take me long to realise what the union was involved with. I want to let you that I never abused anyone nor have I been involved in any of the secret gatherings. I know that Judge Simmonds is one of the inner circle, he is known as the enforcer."

Tom stopped for a minute and rubbed his eyes and watched as Munch leaned across the table.

"What do you know about Benjamin Sealey?"

"I know that he is the head of the union...that if anyone is found out or speaks out then he makes sure that they are taken care of. Just by being here and talking to you I have already signed my own death certificate, but I have accepted my fate."

"We can protect you Tom."

"With all due respect Captain but surely by now you realise that isn't possible."

Cragen sighed heavily as Tom reached across and took a sip of water before continuing.

"The union specifically targets the most vulnerable children, the ones that are already in the system. They know that these children are the ones that won't speak out and if there is a chance that they will they are then dealt with as Sealey knows that nobody will miss them. The union made a massive mistake when they targeted Katie, they never knew that she would run to you for protection...but they won't make the same mistake twice."

"Are they planning something?"

Tom moved his gaze across to Munch, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"I think that there is a meeting of the inner circle being planned...at the meeting there will be several children for the members to 'enjoy' but I don't know any further details."

Cragen stood up and looked at Tom.

"Come with us."

The three men walked out of the interview and towards Cragen's office, Cragen shut the young man in there and waited as Munch phoned the others to let them know what they had just found out.


Olivia was in a deep sleep, the pain killers had knocked her out cold that was until her cell phone started to ring, it took a minute for her body to register and move to answer it. It didn't take long for Munch to fill her on the details as she lets him know that she'll get to the station as soon as possible. As Olivia put the phone down she realised that she was alone in the bed, quickly Olivia swung her legs out of the bed and walked out of the bedroom. It didn't take long for Olivia to find the blond woman, sitting cradling a cup of tea at the kitchen counter.

"Is everything ok Alex?"

"Hmm, couldn't sleep. What are you doing up?"

"Munch rang, they've got some new information about Sealey and his inner circle, of which Judge Simmonds is one of the members."

Olivia saw Alex purse her lips as she remembered the encounter with the Judge that had caused Katie to be taken away from them.

"I've got to go and see what is going to happen next, do you want to join us?"

Alex nodded and looked at Olivia who had stood behind her and had wrapped her arms around the sitting blond.

"I spoke to Katie...she couldn't sleep either."

"Is she ok?"

"Yes, who's watching her tonight?"

"Fin, and you know he's not going anywhere."

Alex smiled as she knew that Katie would be safe for the rest of the night.


Olivia and Alex walked into the small interview room next to Cragen's office where Munch and Elliot were already waiting for them, Alex took a seat and watched as Cragen entered the room and firmly shut the door behind him.

"It's good to see you Alex, you too Olivia. Ok then has anybody got any ideas on how we can progress this case with this new information?"

Elliot looked around at the others before he voiced his opinion.

"We could send Tom in to see if he could find out some further information about when and where this gathering is occurring?"

"Come on Elliot that is an incredible risky option, Tom is probably already a marked man, if they know he has talked to us then we all know what will happen to him."

"I know that John but why don't we ask Tom and see what he thinks?"

Cragen nodded his head at Elliot's suggestion and walked out to retrieve Tom from his office. A minute later he returned with the young man who slowly sat down in the room, slightly intimidated by all the detectives looking at him.

"Ok then Tom we know that you have given us some great information so far but it doesn't really help us that much...we need to know when that meeting is taking place so that we can catch all of the members there...we want to know if you would be willing to go back to work and see if you can find out those details from Sealey?"

Tom sat there silently, digesting what Cragen had asked of him, he felt Alex's eyes staring at him as he slowly turned to look at her and saw the desperation in them as she spoke.

"Please Tom, I know that we are asking a lot of you, that you will be putting your life on the line, but we haven't got any other choice."

"Ok but think of a good story as to why I never got back to the office."

Olivia turned and looked at Cragen, her mind working overtime.

"Captain I'm sure Fin has still got some good contacts in the Narcotics Unit, how about we get them to fill out some paperwork for Tom that we held him on possession?"

"Sounds good to me Olivia, I'll speak to Fin and see what we can work out."

The rest of the conversation stopped as Alex's phone started to ring, glancing at the display she saw Katie's name flash up, Olivia watched over Alex's shoulder and watched with concern as Alex quickly left the room and walked into Cragen's office to take the call.


"Katie?"

"Hi Alex."

"Is everything ok sweetie?"

"Hmmm...Mrs Austin has just turned up, she told me that she wants me to pack up my stuff...Alex she said I can come back to you!"

Alex didn't know what to say, what Katie had just told her had completely taken her aback but she was also ecstatic.

"I'm not sure what's going on Alex but its good right?"

"Oh its great Katie, I can't wait to see you again! I'm at the precinct with Olivia at the moment, when should I pick you up?"

"Mrs Austin said she'll bring me to you as she wants to speak to you, I'll get her to come to the precinct...I'll see you soon Alex!"

"I can't wait Katie, take care!"

Alex couldn't quite believe what she had just heard, the excitement in Katie's voice was overwhelming and Alex could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. Olivia stood in the doorway, listening in on the conversation, as it finished she walked over to Alex and put her arms around her feeling Alex's tears dropping onto her neck.

"What's happening Alex?"

Alex lifted her head up and looked Olivia in the eye, a smile had crept across her face.

"She's coming home Liv!"


Chapter 35 –

As soon as they reached the floor Katie broke into a run and headed straight towards the SVU bullpen, Mrs Austin tried in vain to keep up with the teenage girl as she spotted Alex standing in Captain Cragen's office.

"Alex!"

Katie shouted out as she ran towards the office and saw Alex turn around, she ran straight into the older woman's arms.

"It's so good to see you again Katie...are you ok?"

Alex kept her arms tightly woven around Katie but edged away slightly so that she could look into Katie's blue eyes.

"A little tired but just relieved to be back with you."

"Did Mrs Austin say anything to you?"

Katie looked at the doorway where the social worker was standing.

"No she said she would explain when we got here."

Alex joined Katie in looking at the woman standing in the doorway. Alex nodded at her as Clare Austin slowly entered the office, shutting the door behind her.

"Miss Cabot...I don't really know how to apologised, the situation with Katie going into foster care should never have occurred. Last night I found out a few things that I shouldn't have...I am taking a big risk here Miss Cabot but I believe that this is in Katie's best interests. Please keep her safe and if you need anything then you know where I am."

Alex blinked the tears out of her eyes and cleared her throat as Mrs Austin left the room.

"Thank you Mrs Austin, you don't know how much this means to me."

Mrs Austin turned and nodded at the ADA before she quickly made her way out of the office leaving Alex and Katie alone. Katie still had her arms wrapped around Alex as the ADA pulled the young girl close to her once again letting her tears cascade down and fall onto Katie's head.


Aiden was concerned, he had tried Tom's cell several times but had no answer, although he trusted the young man he knew that everything that the union did was under intense scrutiny not just from the outside by Sealey as well. Aiden had cleared his schedule for the morning and was pacing around his chambers when he heard a knock at the door, quickly he turned round and saw a dishevelled looking Tom standing there.

"Thomas, my god where have you been?"

Thomas walked in and closed the door behind him, a little concerned as to whether Aiden was angry or genuinely concerned.

"I got arrested on the way back from the delivery...I know I shouldn't have but I made a stop. I got busted for possession and spent the night locked up."

"You should have rung me I am sure I could have cleared up the problem for you."

"I didn't want to arouse any suspicion, in the end they just gave me a caution."

"Well ok. I take it the delivery went ok?"

"Yes."

"Good. I've got a meeting tonight that I need to prepare for, go home and get showered and changed. Get back here by 3pm I'll have another job for you then."

Tom nodded and quickly left, breathing a huge sigh of relief that so far his conversation with the SVU detectives had gone undetected.


Alex and Katie still had a tight hold of one another when they heard a knock on the door, Alex lifted her head and smiled as the door began to open.

"Hey it's good to see you again kiddo."

"You too Liv."

Olivia quickly walked over and joined Alex in hugging the young girl, neither of them wanted to let Katie out of their sight again.

"Have you heard from Tom?"

"Not yet but we don't want to put too much pressure on him and spook him or alert Judge Simmonds."

"What did I miss?"

Katie pulled herself from out of between Alex and Olivia and waited for one of the women to answer, Alex looked at Olivia and watched the detective walk slowly towards Katie.

"We've managed to catch a break in the case, we are looking to shut the union down completely but that means we got to get their leader, Sealey, and we've got to catch him in the act. One of the lower members of the union has agreed to help us, as soon as he knows details of when the group are having their next gathering we'll be there to stop them."

Katie nodded as Olivia turned and walked out of the room, Alex walked over and again put a protective arm around Katie.

"I need to get to the office, come on we can grab some breakfast on the way."

Katie didn't need to be asked twice as her tired head lent against Alex's shoulder as they walked out of Cragen's office.


Sealey quickly surveyed the office, once he was assured that he was alone he went and sat down at the desk. He reached up to his neck and undone the necklace, holding onto the key attached to the chain he undone the bottom drawer and brought out the brown manila file that was in there. The final preparations were underway and Sealey wanted to ensure that everything was in place that the right girls were going to be there. Sealey looked at the four pictures, they were good, but not perfect, they were missing something...no make that someone. Sealey took a deep breath, the one that he really wanted to be there, the one that he wanted everyone to see...now that was going to be difficult to arrange but if he could pull it off...nobody would question his position as the head of the union.


Chapter 36 –

Alex opened the door to her office, it was only 7am and Linda her assistant had yet to arrive, she flicked the lights on and watched as Katie wandered over and curled up on the sofa.

"Are you ok?"

Katie nodded as she tucked her legs up, wrapped her hands around the cup of tea Alex passed to her.

"Well I've got some files I need to read through if..."

"It's ok Alex, I'll just sit here."

Alex smiled as she walked around and sat down at her desk, heaving a heavy sigh as she saw the amount of paperwork that had gathered on her desk, Alex put her glasses on and started to prioritise what was there.

Katie sat on the small sofa sipping the warm tea, her eyes were focused on the working ADA, although she was struggling to keep her eyes open a sudden knock at the door quickly caused them to open wide again.

At the unexpected sound Alex quickly raised her gaze and saw a familiar face.

"Liz!"

"Morning Alex and hello Katie, I was hoping to find the both of you here."

Judge Donnelly walked into Alex's office, quickly closing the door behind her she sauntered over to the sofa where Katie was sitting.

"May I?"

"Of course Judge Donnelly."

"Oh please Katie call me Liz."

Katie managed a small smile as the older woman sat down beside her.

"So Alex, I hear that everything with Katie is sorted out now?"

"I think so, it was all a little strange to be honest Liz. Hang on, how did you hear about it?"

Alex started to move her chair backwards, the tiredness was catching up on her and she didn't know who to trust anymore.

"It's ok Alexandra, I spent some time with an old friend last night, a social worker, a Mrs Austin...I believe you have met."

Alex moved back in her seat, her fingers pushed her glasses back towards her eyes as she stared hard at her mentor.

"So it was you."

"Yes Alexandra, I know I made many mistakes before and let's just say I'm trying to atone for them. So is everything ok Katie?"

Liz shifted along the sofa, gradually edging closer to the young girl..

"Yes thank you, just a bit tired...I didn't sleep much last night."

"Of course."

Liz looked at Katie, her heart ached as she knew that she was in part responsible for the abuse Katie had suffered, slowly she put her arm around the girl and felt a single tear escape as Katie moved her head onto Liz's arm.


Aiden wasn't surprised to see the courier, he signed for the delivery and shut himself in his chambers, ensuring that he wasn't going to be disturbed before he tore open the package. TO anybody else it wouldn't have made any sense but to members of the union and Aiden specifically it was his orders, the preparations Sealey wanted him to undertake for the gathering the following evening. Aiden shook his head in disbelief as he unravelled the code, Sealey couldn't be serious, this was going to be the hardest task he had ever been given.


Tom hadn't needed to be told twice, as soon as he left the Chambers he walked towards the subway so he could get home and have a shower, he immediately spotted the instantly recognisable Detective Munch who was following him at a safe distance. Tom had a sleep, showered and had some food before it was time for him to go back to work. At precisely 3pm he knocked on Judge Simmond's door and waited for the response.

"Come in."

Aiden looked up from the ruling that he was in the process of writing and smiled at his young protégé.

"Ah good to see that you are in better form now Tom. I take it that you are ready for your next assignment?"

Tom nodded as his boss gestured for him to walk nearer to the desk.

"Ok, you have got to understand that this is not only incredibly urgent but also highly sensitive. Because of these constraints you will have all the resources available to you."

Tom nodded once again as Aiden pushed a folder over to him, he noted the latex gloves that Aiden was wearing as he picked up and opened the folder.

"Are you serious?"

"As always Tom. I know that this is going to be difficult, but you haven't let me down yet and I trust you to manage this task."

"Thank you Sir."

Tom took the file and placed it into his messenger bag, he wanted out of the room as soon as possible and the wave of Aiden's hand quickly dismissed him.


Olivia and Elliot were pacing around the squad room, neither able to concentrate on any other cases when the shrill ringing of the phone on Elliot's desk caught their attention.

"Stabler."

"I've got some information for you."

"Ok Tom, where do you want to meet?"

"New York Public Library."

"Ok we'll be there in twenty."

Elliot put the phone down and looked across at his partner who was already putting her jacket on to leave.


Olivia was the first to spot him, tapping Elliot on the shoulder she pointed out the figure as they quickly walked over to Tom.

"Good afternoon Tom, so what have you got for us?"

Tom instantly jumped at the sound and turned and looked at Olivia.

"The gathering is scheduled for tomorrow evening, I've got to deliver a girl to them by 10pm tomorrow."

"Where is the gathering being held?"

"A warehouse in Hunter's Point."

"And who is the girl?"

Tom reached into the book he was sitting and reading, slowly he reached over to Elliot and passed him a photo and grimaced as the make detective took a large intake of breath.

"You have got to be kidding me."

"Elliot, what is it?"

Elliot unclasped his hands and showed the photo to Olivia.

"No...no...we can't let this happen. Elliot I won't let this happen...she's been through too much already!"

"I know Liv, Tom go home we'll be in contact soon."

"What about the girl?"

"Do you know who that girl is Tom?"

Tom gulped as Elliot leaned in close so that their noses were practically touching each other.

"Yes...yes of course I do...it's Katie Robins."


Chapter 37 –

Alex put her pen down and looked over at the sofa.

"I've got to get this over to Judge Bradley."

Alex looked at Liz who was reading through a file that was delicately balanced on her left knee.

"Ok Alex."

"What about..."

Judge Donnelly raised her hand and instantly stopped Alex in her tracks.

"She's fine Alexandra, look she's sleeping and lord knows she needs it. I'm not going to move an inch, it won't take you long to catch Walter and be back here."

Alex nodded as she moved over to the sofa and managed a soft smile as she looked at Katie who had rested her head on Liz's right arm and was sleeping peacefully at last.

"Ok but if she wakes up phone me."

Liz rolled her eyes and focused her gaze back onto the file.

"Goodbye Alexandra."


Liv didn't stop to speak and Elliot knew better than to try and stop her, he stopped briefly to glance at Tom who nodded and then he ran to catch his partner up.

"Liv wait up!"

Olivia sighed as she turned her head and saw Elliot running towards her, knowing that her partner wouldn't stop until he caught her up so she reluctantly stopped.

"I'll drive."

Olivia nodded as the two of them quickly got into the car and sped towards Alex's office.


Elliot and Olivia were taking two steps at a time knowing that it would be quicker than waiting for the elevator. In their haste neither detective saw the tired looking blond ADA walking in front of them as they passed her.

"Liv...Elliot?"

Olivia instantly stopped in her tracks, the voice sending shivers down her spine, as she turned her heart skipped a beat as she saw the lone figure of her lover standing there.

"Where's Katie?"

"Asleep in my office why?"

Olivia turned and looked at Elliot, he instantly acknowledged her anxious look and sprinted up the stairs towards Alex's office.

"Liv, you're scaring me, what's going on?"

"Sealey's gathering is tomorrow night and he wants Katie!"

"Oh god!"

Olivia quickly leapt down the stairs and grabbed a hold of Alex who looked as though she was about to collapse.

"It's ok Alex, come on let's get to your office."

"I...I left her with Liz."

Olivia's eyes relaxed slightly as they quickly walked up the last few steps and reached the corridor that Alex's office was on.

"I'm sure she's fine. Tom has orders to Katie to the gathering and we won't let him."

Alex nodded as she saw Elliot turn and put his finger to his lips. Olivia wrapped her arm around Alex's waist and felt her lover relax slightly as they passed Elliot and saw Katie still sound asleep on the sofa with Liz.

"What's this Alex?"

Liz put her glasses down on her file and looked sternly at the two SVU detectives but then she felt Katie beginning to stir. Alex also immediately noticed the change in the young girl and moved away from Olivia and crouched down in front of a slow waking Katie.

"Hey sleepyhead."

"hmm."

Katie slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes to try and wake herself up. Katie opened her eyes and was surprised to see Olivia and Elliot standing there, immediately she looked at Alex for reassurance.

"What's going on Alex?"

Alex stood up and gestured for Katie to move along so that the young girl was sandwiched between the over-protective ADA and the guilt-ridden judge, all three looked at the two detectives waiting for answers.

Elliot looked at Olivia and knew that the response would be best coming from him.

"We've just met with our informant. Sealey is planning an important meeting tomorrow evening where it is expected that the members of the inner circle of the union will be present. We believe that there will be several young girls present and according to our informant, Sealey wants Katie there too."

Katie looked at Alex, then Olivia, before turning back to Alex who had grabbed a hold of the girl's hands.

"It's ok Katie, we are going to keep you safe."

Katie nodded and looked at Olivia who had walked over and crouched down in front of Alex and Katie.

"I'm going to arrange somewhere safe for us to stay tonight, we're going to work this out so that we stop them for good tomorrow ok?"

Alex nodded as she held tight onto Katie, she glanced over to Elliot who looked back at Olivia before speaking.

"I'm going to call Fin and get him to meet me at the library, I'll have another chat with Tom then catch you up later with any developments."

"Thanks El. I'll phone you when I know where we will be staying."

"Ok I'll speak to you later."

Elliot quickly got out his cell phone and was talking to Fin as he shut the door behind him.

"Well I guess I'd better leave you to it. Take care Katie and I'm sure I'll see you soon. Detective Benson, Alexandra, I'll speak to you soon."

Liz got up off the sofa as she spoke, managing a smile as looked at Katie.

"Thank you Liz for being my pillow!"

"You're welcome Katie."

Liz smiled and nodded at Alex and Olivia before she exited the office. Olivia was still kneeling down on the floor, she quickly brought her gaze up to Alex.

"I'm going to sort out somewhere safe for us to stay tonight, and then we'll talk."

"Ok, use my phone."

Olivia nodded and went to stand up but a glance at Katie stopped her as she bent towards the girl.

"You're going to be safe Katie, I promise you."


Chapter 38 –

Olivia put the phone down and turned back towards Alex.

"Are you ready for another night in the crib?"

"Cragen want us at the precinct?"

Olivia nodded as she turned to look out of the small office window. Alex looked at Katie who was also looking concerned at the detective. Alex let her fingers slip from Katie's hand as she got up and walked behind Olivia.

"Are you ok?"

Alex put her hand on Olivia's shoulder as Olivia let her head rest against the soft hand.

"Liv? Talk to me."

Alex moved so that she stood in front of the detective, her back to the window, staring deep into her lover's hazelnut eyes she could see the tears building up.

"Liv...it's ok."

Alex wrapped her arms around Olivia and held her as Olivia buried her head into the nape of Alex's neck. Alex felt the tears dropping against her skin as everything caught up with Olivia.

"I'm sorry Alex."

"Don't be silly Liv you have nothing to apologise for. It's going to be ok...we're all going to be fine."

Olivia managed to lift her head up and smiled as Alex wiped the tears away from her face.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"You ok?"

Olivia jumped slightly as she felt another arm wrap around her waist joining Alex's. Turning Olivia soon smiled as she saw Katie looking concerned at not just her but Alex too.

"We're fine, now we'd better get to the precinct before Cragen sends out a search party for us."

Olivia reached down and ruffled Katie's hair and watched as Alex reached across and put her arm on the girl's shoulder before she spoke.

"Cone on then, it sounds like we've another comfy night in the crib in front of us!"

Katie rolled her eyes as Olivia led the way out of the office.


Elliot soon saw Fin waiting for him outside the library and quickly walked over to meet his friend.

"He's over at the deli."

"Has he seen you?"

"Nah, thought I'd wait for you before I made my introductions."

"Cheers Fin."

Elliot followed Fin over to the deli and found Tom sitting with a cup of coffee and muffin in front of him.

"Hey there Tommy boy, glad you didn't go far."

"Sorry to disappoint you Detective but I didn't want you chasing me all around the city and drawing unwanted attention to the both of us."

"Kid's got a brain Elliot, there may be hope for him yet."

"Yeah well I'm not going to rush into putting at the top of the class just yet. Right then Tommy you are going to come with us back to the station and we're going to see if we can work a plan out."

Tom nodded, he knew better than to argue with the two make detectives, and right then he had no idea on how he was going to deliver the goods to Sealey.


Katie sat silent in the back of the car, Alex was driving as Olivia's shoulder was still in a sling and the young girl started to stare at the two figures who had done so much for her in such a short space of time. Katie put her head in her hands, she knew that Olivia was struggling with what was going to happen next and that was why she had broken down in Alex's office, after all that she had been through and all the help that the women had given her Katie knew that she had to make this easier for everyone.

"I'll do it."

"What?"

Alex knew that she couldn't turn around but the tone of her voice sent shivers down Katie's spine.

"I'll go to the gathering."

The words came out as a whisper, Katie's throat had dried out as she looked at Alex.

"Not a chance."

"No way in hell."

Katie sunk further into the seat as first Alex and then Olivia shouted at her, she put her head in her hands the world around was spinning around and she wanted to get off more than anything in the world. All she wanted to do was break free from the hold that the union had over not just her but Alex and Olivia too, she thought that this was the one thing she could do that would finally release her.


Chapter 39 –

Alex drove the rest of the way even more aggressively than she had started out, she checked the mirror and saw Katie sitting in the back with her head in her hands, as she parked the car outside the precinct she glanced across at Olivia and saw the same protective look.

"Ok we're here Katie."

Alex turned around as Olivia unbuckled her seat belt and turned around, they quickly turned and looked at each other realising that their protective anger had had the wrong effect on Katie.

"Katie we're sorry...we didn't mean to upset you."

Alex lent back and touched Katie's head.

"Are we going in?"

Alex sighed as Katie spoke, she quickly moved her head away and watched as Katie brought her head up.

"Katie we only want to protect you, keep you safe."

Olivia spoke softly hoping to get through to Katie.

"I just want all of this to stop, do you understand?"

"Of course we do sweetie and that's what we are going to do, Alex and I we will stop this but we can't let you put yourself in danger."

"But this won't stop. He'll still have this hold over me...you and Alex. You said you need to catch him in the act, only then will I be free. That's all I want, I want to go...I want to be home, wherever that may be."

Katie looked at Alex and Olivia as she finished, wiping the tears away from her eyes she didn't wait for a response as she quickly got out of the car.

"Oh crap!"

"Come on Liv, we'd better catch up with her."

By the time the two women exited the car Katie had already run up the stairs and into the station house.

"Hey Katie, everything ok?"

Munch was surprised to see Katie run into the squad room, especially alone, he saw the tears streaming down her face as Katie ignored him and sprinted up the stairs and into the crib.

"John?"

"Upstairs Liv, she looked a little upset can I help?"

"We're fine thanks, can you let the Captain know where we are?"

"Of course."

Munch shook his head as he watched the two women run up the stairs and follow Katie into the crib.

Alex followed Olivia into the room, shutting the door behind them, they saw Katie on one of the bottom cots laying flat on her stomach with her head buried into the pillow. Olivia stood still and let Alex go over to Katie, knowing that Alex needed to be the one to speak to the young girl. Katie had heard the door open and then close again, she knew that in all probability it was going to be Alex and Olivia so she buried her head deeper into the pillow. Alex walked over and sat on the edge of the small cot near Katie's shoulder.

"Can we talk?"

Alex put her hand on Katie's back, she could feel the sobbing as Katie stayed silent.

"You know there is nothing more I want to do this minute than to go home, curl up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate and watch a movie. I'm sorry Katie I shouldn't have shouted at you...but you know that you'll always have a home with us, no matter what happens, hey I'll even let you choose the movie when we get home!"

Alex moved her hand as she felt Katie's body shift. Katie sat up and looked over at Olivia, the detective smiled at the girl and walked over to sit down next to her.

"Sweetie, your home is our home."

Katie smiled as Olivia put her arm around her and hugged her.

"Right I'm going to go and speak to everyone and sort out how we are going to get you home."

"Thanks Olivia."

"No problem kiddo."

Olivia kissed Katie on the head before she reached across and kissed Alex softly on the lips.

"I'll just be downstairs if you need me."

Alex nodded as Olivia stood up and walked out of the room.

"I'm sorry Alex."

"Me too Katie."

"Can we stay up here for a bit?"

"Of course."

Katie laid back down on the small bed, she shuffled along and Alex gladly took off her heels and laid down next to Katie.

"Alex...I meant what I said earlier...I'll do it."

Alex sighed as she turned and looked into Katie's eyes, she reached across and stroked her hair.

"And sweetie I meant what I said earlier...no way in hell."


"You're locking me up?"

"We just need to know where you are while we talk to our Captain and let's just say I don't completely trust you Tommy boy."

Elliot firmly shut the door of the lockup and walked into the squad room as Olivia was walking down the stairs.

"Hey Liv, what are you doing here?"

"This is our 'safe' house for the night."

Elliot smiled as Olivia joined him at the desks.

"Right you lot, my office now!"

The four detectives looked at each other before quickly filing into Cragen's office, they weren't surprised to see how tired and stressed their captain looked.

"We've got Tom locked up at the moment until we decide what we're going to do with him."

Elliot looked at Olivia as he finished.

"Alex and Katie are up in the crib."

"Ok so what's the plan for tomorrow evening?"

Cragen looked around at his detectives, waiting until Elliot finally started to speak.

"We put a wire on Tom, send him along to tell Sealey that couldn't get Katie but he has arranged everything else. We wait until the gathering has been going for about ten, fifteen minutes then we bust them wide open."

"We'll need a video feed on Tom as well, I want to make sure that when we bust them we've got them banged to rights. I must say I'm a little concerned about what will happen when Tom doesn't deliver Katie."

"You're thinking that Sealey might call the gathering off Captain?"

"Exactly Elliot. This is the best shot we've got at shutting them down and I don't want us to blow it."

"Captain you can't seriously be thinking about giving them Katie?"

"Of course not Elliot, I'm just saying that we'd better give Tom a pretty good excuse for Sealey."

"She said she'd do it."

All four men turned and looked shocked at Olivia.

"Of course Alex and I said no but..."

The room stayed silent as the detectives all reformulated the plan in their heads with nobody wanting to say out loud what they really wanted to happen.


Chapter 40 –

"Right let's just stop and think...we are NOT going to do this...we can't put Katie at risk."

Cragen looked at the four detectives and saw the same relieved look creep across their faces.

"Elliot go and bring Tom in, Olivia go and get Alex I want her input on this."

The partners nodded at each other as they quickly departed their captain's office.


Olivia gently knocked on the door to the crib before opening it and quietly walking in, smiling as she neared the cot where she saw Alex and Katie laying next to each other. Alex had heard the footsteps approaching and opened her eyes as Olivia crouched down.

"Hey beautiful, everything ok?"

"I thought you were asleep."

"Come on Liv, you know how uncomfortable these things are."

"True, very true."

Olivia stifled a giggle as Alex tried to stretch out her arms without disturbing Katie who had fallen asleep.

"So did you come up here to watch me sleep or..."

"Cragen would like your advice."

"Ok, shall we leave her here?"

Olivia looked over Alex's shoulder at Katie who was sound asleep.

"Might as well, she knows we won't be far away."

Alex nodded as she held out her hand as Olivia helped her up off of the cot. Once standing Alex quickly moved towards Olivia and wrapped her arms around her waist with Olivia immediately responding to the contact as she bent in, capturing Alex's lips with her own.

"I can't wait until this is all over and we can be at home."

"That makes two of us Liv."

The two women whispered to each other, neither wanting the contact between them to stop but both knowing that for the moment their jobs took precedent.


Katie suddenly sat up with sweat pouring down her back, her breathing was fast and shallow as the vividness of the nightmare replayed in her mind. Immediately Katie turned around and her breathing slowed as she realised that she was in the safety of the crib but then Katie stood up, she remembered that she had not been alone in the room, Alex had been laying down with her but now she was nowhere to be seen. Rationally Katie knew that Alex wouldn't be far away and that she was safe but Katie was still scared from the nightmare that had just woken her so all rational thoughts had been banished from her mind. Quickly Katie opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony, looking down she spotted Alex standing in Cragen's office with a worried look on her face. Katie looked at the clock on the wall above her head, it had just gone 2am, no wonder the squad room was empty. Katie wandered back into the crib and put her trainers on, she grabbed her shoulder bag and crept down the stairs. Katie stopped outside the office and listened into the conversation.

"You know what we expect of you Tom?"

Tom looked Alex, the tall ADA scared him as he looked at the floor and nodded his head.

"If we don't get the information the deal will be off the table and I will take great delight in seeing you rot in jail."

Katie felt a shiver travel down her spine as Alex threatened the man, she vaguely recognised him from somewhere, it was then that she realised that he had been at the group home several times, he hadn't abused her but had been in the room at same time as others had been hurting her. Katie didn't want to stop around any longer, she didn't want anybody to see her, quickly and quietly she slipped out of the squad room and out into the dark night.

"Ok Tom so we will be able to hear and see everything, all you've got to do is carry on as normal and we will raid the gathering once we have the evidence that we need."

"Are you going to be following me?"

Tom looked at Cragen as he finished talking.

"Yes but at a very discreet distance, trust me you won't see us, the surveillance equipment means that we don't need to be that close."

Tom nodded as he shifted uncomfortably around the room, staring at everyone in turn before he finally plucked up the courage to speak once again.

"So I can leave?"

Cragen nodded as Tom quickly grabbed his coat and headed out of the door.

"Ok Fin and Elliot you can take the first shift."

The detectives nodded as they took the monitoring equipment and went to follow Tom out of the building.

"I'm going to go and check on Katie."

Alex didn't look at anyone as she turned and walked out of Cragen's office, dragging her exhausted body across the room and up the stairs. Alex stood in the room, frozen still, a second later she managed to reach up and take her glasses off but her vision hadn't failed her, the room was empty, instinctively she turned around and shouted.

"Liv!"

Olivia, John and the captain were still in the office going through the notes they had made from the meeting when all three heard Alex's painful cry, Olivia instantly bolted towards her lover with the two men following close behind.

"She's gone!"

Olivia looked up towards the stairs and saw Alex running down, her heart ached as she saw the worry and tears in Alex's eyes as she walked towards her.

"Maybe she just went to the toilet?"

Cragen didn't want to panic unnecessarily as he tried to find a logical explanation for Katie's disappearance.

"I'll go and check...Alex, sweetie, wait here."

Olivia led Alex to her desk and sat her down in the chair before she ran off to see if there was any sign of the young girl.

Katie had walked a little way away from the precinct, even though it was the middle of the night there were too many cops around for her to wait without one of them noticing her. Instead she took a gamble, although it was a calculated one, she headed south deciding that Tom would head in that direction towards the subway. The young girl breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the man walking nervously down the street, she waited until he passed her before she started to follow him and made her move.

"Excuse me...I think that you are looking for me?"