TITLE: Law & Order: SVU – The Fill In
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: Sometimes letting go only takes one step in the right direction.
PAIRING: Olivia Benson & Original Female Character
RATING: M for mature content.
DISCLAIMER: This story is the work of an over imaginative mind and the basic wish of many gay women who watch and enjoy certain television shows, to see a little v-vroom between two female characters. I like to dabble with the subtext and do so for fun and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of Wolf Studio or USA Television. This entertainment does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone with you and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will, hence you have no one to whine to expect yourself – now bugger off!
A/N: Much appreciation to those who have reviewed. If you haven't, please do so and feed the Muse!
Chapter 10
Stepping into her office, Nicole smiled when confronted by a large bouquet of red and white roses on the desk. She reached for the attached card as Olivia spoke behind her.
"They are lovely flowers."
Nicole turned to face the black trousered and orange shirted Detective, "Uhm, they are. I thought maybe you had sent them."
"No, they're not from me. I just assumed you would deem it inappropriate for the workplace."
Smiling, Nicole replied, "That's where you are wrong Olivia."
"I'll note that for future reference." She handed over three files, "Those are more closed cases."
"Thank you and good work." Nicole opened the small envelope and smiled.
"I'll get back to work."
"The roses are from Don Cragen thanking me for keeping such a good eye on the squad and for the home visits."
"I didn't know you were that close to him."
"I am, we actually go back a long way. He was my Captain over at the two-seven when I was assigned there straight out of the Academy. I only just visited him yesterday."
"I saw him last night and he didn't mention you."
"That's because he doesn't want you to know I'm still reporting back to him about the cases you guys are working."
Olivia's right eyebrow rose, "Oh I see."
"Don't worry, I have only told him the good stuff," teased Nicole.
"That is okay then," responded Olivia before laughing.
"I was wondering if you'd like to join me Thursday night at a fund raiser for 1PP."
Screwing up her nose, Olivia replied, "I'm sorry, but Elliot has me booked as babysitter."
"No problem," Nicole replied as her desk phone rang, "Excuse me."
Olivia left the office and returned to her desk.
Five minutes later Casey walked into the bullpen with Elliot.
"Good morning Liv, you ready to head to court?" the ADA asked.
"I'll just grab my coat."
She and Elliot spent the morning giving evidence while Captain Bracken attended to paperwork then had a lunch date with Captain Ross.
-o-
When Nicole left the Stationhouse for the day, she stopped off on her way home and did her weekly grocery shopping.
As she was placing the last item into the pantry, Alex Eames called her phone. "Hey, how is it going?"
"Good thanks and you?"
"I'm fine and how did your coffee date go?"
"I had a nice time. Dianne is really nice and we have a dinner and movie date Saturday night."
"That sounds promising."
"Yeah, so how are you and Olivia doing?"
"Uhm slow, I can't seem to find the right time to actually go out with her."
"Oh, so I gather she won't be your date Thursday night."
"You are correct, I'm riding solo."
"So am I."
"Well, you may as well be my plus one for the evening."
"Okay."
"I'll pick you up at seven thirty.
"See you then."
"Bye."
-o-
Olivia knocked on Elliot's front door with her boot. Her hands were holding two pizza boxes and a tub of ice cream.
The door opened and Elliot greeted her, "Hey Liv. Let me take some of that for you."
"Hello and thanks."
The pair went through into the kitchen and Olivia was greeted by Richard and Elizabeth. She spent the evening watching movies until it was bedtime for the twins and baby Eli didn't wake up for a feeding until Elliot and Kathy returned home.
Olivia was on her way to her apartment when she received a call from John informing her of a child abduction involving a five year old girl and her estranged father.
Turning the car around immediately, she headed for the Station and said goodbye to sleep for the night.
-o-
Nicole rapped on Alex's apartment door and waited.
Momentarily, the brunette dressed in a dark blue sleeveless evening gown, opened the door.
"You look beautiful Alex," commented Nicole.
Alex took inventory of Nicole's attire and smiled, "You, of course are absolutely stunning."
"Yeah yeah, let's get going before you say something silly."
After dinner, Nicole danced with Robert Goren then Danny and just about all the men in attendance.
She was on her way to the table when Alex informed her about her ringing cell. Retrieving her phone, she noted the caller had been Munch, so called him back.
"What's up John?"
"Captain, we have a five year old girl who has been kidnapped by her father."
"I'm on my way." Closing the phone, she turned to Alex, "I'm sorry, but I need to go to the one-six."
"That's fine. I'll talk to you soon."
Collecting her coat, Nicole made it to the Precinct within ten minutes. Entering the Squadroom, she found her four lead Detectives gathered around the large display monitor. As she took off her coat, she enquired, "Okay Detectives, what have we got so far?"
The foursome turned around collectively and stared at her dressed in a halter neck black evening gown and three inch high heels.
"Nice dress Captain," muttered a bug eyed John.
"It was an enjoyable evening, now let's get down to business and find this little girl."
Olivia gawked at Nicole while John ran through the case, informing her that the perp was thirty-five year old Steven Grant. His daughter was named Sophie and had been taken from her bedroom. An Amber alert had been issued as well as a BOLO on the father and his car.
Ten minutes later, Nicole excused herself and went to the lockers in the bathroom. Changing into a spare pair of jeans, tee-shirt, sweater and boots, she returned to the others.
Olivia took one look at her when she appeared and swallowed down hard on her desire. She chewed on her bottom lip and ignored her need to tell Nicole how wonderful she had looked in the dress that emphasised her firm rounded breasts.
Nicole noted the strange look on Olivia's face and smirked. There was no doubt left from the dilated pupils that Olivia was sexually aroused. She knew it was the result of her dress, but for practicality it wasn't suitable attire. Attaching her shield to her belt, Nicole moved to John's desk, "Has the mother been helpful on possible whereabouts?"
"She was hysterical during interview and had to be sedated Cap," he responded. "George was still at her home when Fin and I left to return here."
Everyone turned when FBI Psychiatrist and Profiler George Huang entered the room and handed Nicole a book before saying, "The mother showed me a photo album of vacation snaps taken last year before the marriage started to break down. Grant will more than likely look to hide somewhere familiar and where he spent happy times with the daughter."
"So you think he's taken Sophie to this holiday house?" enquired Nicole as she opened the book of photos.
"It's my first choice. The place is remote, quiet and full of joyful memories. Plus it's fully stocked with supplies. Grant isn't acting out of spite or hatred. He doesn't want to hurt his child or exact revenge against Tanya, the wife."
Fin asked, "What makes you say that Doc?"
"Grant ended the relationship with his wife because he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour two weeks ago. The man was given six weeks to live. He told his wife he didn't want to burden her with his death or put his child through seeing her father waste away. He is panicked and upset and my guess is he just wants to spend some quality time with Sophie while he can still function."
There was a brief silence before Olivia asked, "So why snatch the child? Why not just ask to take her for a vacation?"
"Olivia," replied the softly spoken doctor. "I would suggest the advancing tumour is causing his irrational actions."
"Do we have an address on the house?" questioned Nicole hurriedly.
"Yes it's 2926 Beach Drive, Merrick over on Long Island," answered George.
Nicole headed for her office, "Good work Doc. I will organise the local uniform backup and an arrest warrant."
"Captain," began George. "Grant's brother owns a gun and it is missing from his house."
"Crap!" exclaimed Nicole, none too pleased with the news.
"I still don't believe his daughter is in any danger," added George. "I think he intends using it on himself."
"Either way, he is dangerous," voiced Nicole before entering her office.
She returned moments later, "George, you ride with me. I just need to grab my service weapon from the locker room. I'll meet you all downstairs."
An hour later, four blue and white patrol cars and three unmarked squad cars came to an abrupt halt at the top of the roadway leading into the property owned by Steven Grant's parents.
The officers alighted from their vehicles and assembled in front of Nicole's vehicle. After swift introductions, Nicole conducted a condensed briefing then gave instructions and delegated assignments to each person. George was to stay with her and speak directly to Grant in an effort to have him hand over his daughter safely.
Elliot and Olivia located Grant sitting in the living room moments later after a stealth reconnaissance of the house. Grant was nursing the sleeping child on his lap while he quietly sang her a lullaby and gently stroked her light brown hair.
The front door was unlocked and they had no problem gaining access to the hallway. Nicole ordered everyone to standby while she and George made first contact.
"I will go in first George," Nicole calmly told the doctor.
"Okay," replied the black haired, five foot five Asian-American. "But I will send you the dry cleaning bill if you get shot and ruin my outfit."
Nicole looked at him and smiled, "Only a gay man would be concerned about his looks at a time like this."
"Actually, I was just trying to ease the tension and ignore the fact I'm nervous about the possibility of having the wrong profile of the perp and ending up having you and myself killed in the process."
"Doc, you are not filling me with confidence here. How sure are you about his mental state?"
"Ninety nine percent certain," replied George confidently.
"That's good enough for me my friend." She un-holstered her 9mm and pointed it forward. Entering the living room, she coolly said, "Mr Grant, it's the police."
The brown haired man with a two day growth beard looked up from his child and looked towards her, "It's okay, I'm not going to hurt her."
Nicole stepped closer with her gun trained on Grant, "I know that sir, but I need to know where the gun is before I can lower my weapon."
She watched him closely while she waited for his reply.
"It is in the blue bag in the back of my car," replied the serene man. He returned his attention to his child and continued to caress her hair.
Activating her radio mike, Nicole transmitted, "Detective Tutuola, can you check that information out?"
"Right on it Cap," he replied.
Moments later, Fin was on the radio, "I've got it Captain and it's not loaded."
"Thank you Detective."
Grant turned to Nicole again and asked, "I guess you need to take Sophie now?"
"No sir, not yet, let's leave her sleep a little longer. We don't need to scare her."
His brown eyes filled with tears, "Thank you."
"Mr Grant, my name is Nicole Bracken and I need for you to show me your two hands, can you do that for me?"
He moved the hand that was behind his daughter around to the front, "I don't have any weapons on me."
"Thank you for following my instructions," she stated while still covering the man with her gun. "Sir, how long has Sophie been asleep?"
"About four hours. I tired her out from playing in the sand pit. I wasn't aiming on hurting her. I was going to call Tanya in the morning to tell her to come pick Sophie up. I don't understand why I took her from the house."
Nicole called George into the room, "Steve, this is my friend George Huang, he is a doctor and is going to talk to you about your behaviour."
"Okay."
"Is it all right if one of my Detectives comes in and takes Sophie?" enquired the Captain in an even tone.
"Yes, it's fine."
Nicole spoke into the radio mike, "Elliot and Olivia you are up."
The two Detectives appeared from the back of the house and Elliot moved to the front of the couch.
"My name is Elliot and my partner Olivia and I are going to take real good care of your little girl."
Grant looked up and focused on Elliot's blue eyes and saw the genuine compassion, "Thank you."
Elliot tenderly cradled the child in his arms then straightened up. Sophie stirred a little but didn't wake.
Nicole spoke, "You can say goodbye to her Steve."
He stood and gently kissed his child on the forehead, "It's okay sweetie, sleep my baby. Daddy loves you."
He sat back down when Sophie settled and snuggled into Elliot's chest.
"Elliot, you and Olivia take her home to her mother," directed Nicole in between trying to swallow down her feelings of sorrow for Grant and his situation. "Steve, I need to pat you down to make sure you and everyone else here is out of harm's way."
As he got to his feet again Nicole holstered her Glock and moved in.
Frisking him thoroughly, she was satisfied no one's safety was in jeopardy.
Elliot and Olivia departed and George sat down beside Steve on the couch.
Nicole took up position opposite them and spoke into her mike, "Stand down everyone, the situation is under control."
Grant whispered to them, "I guess I will go to prison now?"
"I will do all I feasibly can to ensure that doesn't happened," promised Nicole.
"I just wanted to have some happiness with Sophie before I go."
"You can spend more time with her Steve, I guarantee you that, but you have to agree to spend every moment you have left with your family."
"I promise," replied Grant sombrely.
"George, I will leave you two alone to talk," Nicole suggested before exiting the room and joining the four unis, Fin and John outside on the porch.
"Thank you for your assistance Officers, we will take it from here," she said.
"You are welcome Captain," replied the senior officer.
They left and Nicole turned to her Detectives, "Poor bastard, I feel so sorry for him."
"Yeah, it's a tough one," agreed Fin. "Do you want me to call Casey and have her meet us at the Station?"
Looking at her watch, Nicole answered, "No, it's twelve-thirty, let her sleep a little longer and call her thirty minutes after we leave here."
"No problem Captain."
-o-
After returning to the one-six, Steve Grant was processed, taken to the interview room adjacent to the Captain's office and given a cup of tea.
Fin entered the room and handed him a plate of Nicole's home baked cookies. He sat with him while the others waited for Casey to arrive.
It was three ten when she entered the squad room, "Good morning everyone."
"Morning," came the collective reply.
"So what do we have?" asked Casey as she sat on the edge of Olivia's desk.
John brought her up to speed then George added his assessment.
Casey filed through the case folder, "So basically he took her from her bed and drove her an hour away after stealing his brother's gun?"
"That's about it in a nutshell," answered John.
"He'll be booked with one count of kidnapping in the second degree and possession of a weapon in the fourth degree," announced Casey to the stunned group.
The Detectives looked at each other and Nicole spoke up, "John, can you please go move Grant to Interrogation Room two. Counsellor, can you step into my office please?"
Casey followed Nicole into her office and George commented, "That is not right."
Elliot replied, "No it's not and I have the feeling Casey is about to be told just that."
Nicole closed the door, "Casey, this is not a criminal case. Didn't you hear what George said?" She sat on the corner of her desk and faced the Senior ADA.
Casey grimaced, "I heard every word, but my boss is hard on any crime involving children and will expect me to push for full charges."
"This is your case not Liz Donnelly's. Cut the man some slack and show some compassion."
"It's not up to me; Liz will want him prosecuted to the full extent of the law."
Nicole was tired and emotionally drained and couldn't believe the stand Casey was taking, "Oh for fuck's sake, your boss has offered better deals to fucking double murderers. This is not about fucking justice, it's about a dying man desperate to find some happiness in saying goodbye to his five your old daughter who, by the way, he won't see grow up. Just charge him with the gun possession as a class "A" misdemeanour and ask for a fine for the poor man. He will be dead before his case even gets to court."
Casey's hackles were up from the dressing down, "You aren't my boss Nicole and it's not your decision."
"No I'm not, but if you want to be hated by everyone here then go right ahead and jump on Liz's blatant personal bandwagon. It's no secret she is seeking a judgeship and being tough on criminal acts perpetrated against children is her agenda."
"Nicole, I am not saying I don't agree with you, I do, but I have to appease Liz or face suspension or censure."
"Casey, Steven Grant did not hurt his daughter, he played in a sand pit with her for Christ's sake. He showed her nothing but unconditional love and your boss will want to sentence him to a death behind bars. He has a month to live at best, even Liz is not that cold hearted."
"You don't know her like I do Nicole, and yes she can be that cold hearted."
"Do the right thing Counsellor and stand up to her. If you cop any flak from Liz, leave it to me. I have got enough dirt on her to shut her up and get her off your ass. The man needs to be with his family, don't put him through shit just because of politics."
"Okay, but don't whine to me when Liz turns up here baying for your blood."
"Thank you, I appreciate your cooperation. Let's get Steve Grant home to his wife and daughter where he belongs."
The two women exited the office to find George, John, Elliot and Olivia wiping their eyes and trying to look busy.
-o-
At five minutes past five Steve Grant left the one-six with the understanding he would make himself available to the court later that morning to answer to one charge of possessing a weapon not registered to him.
Nicole had offered to pay the fine and took everyone to breakfast at the diner down the street. She bought Casey an extra serving of bacon in an attempt to smooth over their earlier conflict.
Casey took a bite of food then asked, "So, just how much dirt do you have on my boss?"
"Let's just say I have a lifetime supply of favours owing from her," answered Nicole cryptically.
Everyone laughed and Fin confessed, "That woman scares me."
"Seriously, thanks for your help George and Casey," said Nicole.
George smiled, "Thank you for doing the right thing."
Smiling at the group gathered around the table, Nicole replied, "You people make it easy."
Once the food was devoured, the group returned to the Precinct and George left for home while Casey went to her office.
Nicole made her way to the bathroom and was delighted to find Olivia waiting for her when she exited the stall.
"Hi," she said in greeting.
"Hello," replied Olivia huskily.
"Is there something I can help you with?" asked the Captain while washing her hands.
"Yes, my place seven o'clock for dinner tonight."
Nicole smirked, "But I thought you had dinner with your brother?"
"I've decided not to go. I want to see you instead."
Smiling broadly, Nicole brushed past Olivia, "And I want to see you, all of you."
Olivia stood there for a few seconds, trying to regain control over her raging desire while Nicole returned to her office.
At 10:00 Nicole attended Grant's hearing and thanked Casey again after she asked for a five hundred dollar fine on behalf of the people.
They both checked their emotions when Tanya and Sophie hugged Steve as he approached them, his brother and parents in the gallery.
Nicole walked over to them once they went outside and handed Steve an envelope.
He looked at her and protested, "We can't take this."
"Yes you can. There are also eight tickets to Disneyland in there along with accommodation reservations. Go have a good time with your family and forget about the real world."
His eyes misted over with tears, "Captain Bracken, I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything, just enjoy." She walked away to find Casey leering at her and smiling.
"That was extremely generous of you," she said when Nicole joined her.
"Sometimes shitty things happen to nice people and it gets to me."
"You're a good person Nicole and I'm honoured to have you as a friend."
"Right back at you Counsellor."
"Do you need a lift back to the Station?"
"No thanks, I'd like to walk and I have a stop to make."
"I'll see you back there."
"Bye." Nicole flipped up the collar on her overcoat and departed the building.
-o-
Elliot looked up as Nicole walked through the doorway, "How'd it go Cap?"
"He received a five hundred dollar fine with no conviction recorded."
"That's good news."
"Where is everyone on their caseloads?" enquired Nicole.
"We are all caught up Captain," answered John.
Nicole checked her watch, "Good, now you can all go home."
"ALL RIGHT," shouted Fin enthusiastically.
"Get some sleep and I will see you all on Monday," added Nicole.
John started to clean up his desk, "Thanks Captain."
Elliot swiftly grabbed his coat and commented, "See ya." He flew out the door without looking back.
Olivia tidied up her desk before standing and saying throatily, "I will see you later Captain."
"Indeed you will Detective Benson, bye."
-o-