Wednesday December 19, 08:02
It had been a full house around the breakfast table that morning. Richard and Jess had cooked while Olivia and Alex had taken their sweet time getting up. They all left the condo at the same time. Jess looked at the Alex. "Text me if the verdict comes back."
"I will."
Richard furrowed his brow. "You're going to court to see that?"
"Yes," Jess nodded. "Is that a problem?"
"Why would you want to see that?" he asked.
Jess looked down at the tiled floor of the foyer. "It's not a want." She looked up at her boyfriend. "It's a need. I need to be there. I'm not asking you to understand, I just need you to accept it."
He nodded his head as his expression became softer. "Okay, consider it accepted."
She grinned at him slightly. "Thanks."
Olivia and Alex watched the exchange and then looked at each other. They cocked their heads slightly, which really meant that they would talk privately later.
Alex went to her office. Richard went to his part-time job with the landscaping company. Jess went to Dr. Hendrix's office for an appointment and then she was headed to Computer Crimes to help Morales with something. Olivia headed for the stationhouse.
Manhattan's SVU Squad Room
Wednesday December 19, 08:41
She walked in knowing that she was late. Olivia shed her leather coat on the back of her chair and went for a cup of coffee. When she returned to her desk and sat down and looked over at her partner. "Sorry I'm late."
Elliot looked up from the paperwork he had been pretending to read since she had rolled in. "Don't worry about it, Cragen's not even in yet.
Olivia sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Thank God. Whacha got there?"
The detective picked up the papers "Warren got the DNA back on the condoms we found at Allen's place."
She cocked her head to the right. "I still can't believe he keep the condoms he used when he raped his victims."
"I can't believe he had them pinned to a board in his bedroom," Elliot said with a disgusted look on his face."
"What were the results?" Olivia asked, also looking disgusted.
"What we expected. Each condom had his DNA in it. From the outside of each condom Warner was able to pull enough DNA to match to each of our victims."
"A confession that he was with each victim and now forensics to match, not bad. That plus the rape kit and photos from every victim. Allen isn't going anywhere for a long time." She grinned slightly. "On a much brighter note you will be happy to know that Richard left for work this morning with a full belly."
This time Elliot lowered the papers and sat back slightly in his chair. "He mentioned that he would be staying at your place last night. Thanks, Liv…for feeding him and letting him stay."
She lowered the mug of coffee. "Honestly, I really appreciate that you and Kathy let him stay with us. He and Jess seem to have a really solid relationship and she needs that now more than ever. Al and I have been so preoccupied with work and our own issues we realize he has been the one constant this whole time for her." Olivia gave a half-smile. "He's really stepped up for her. You and Kathy should be proud of him."
Elliot chuckled. "I am…I mean we are. I told him that just the other day. That texting thing really works. He tells me where he is all the time now and even asks for my advice." A grin appeared on his face. "You may be new to this whole parenting thing, but you have a really good handle on it."
The detective rolled her eyes. "Well, that remains to be seen." Worry struck her face as she looked at her partner. "The hearing is only a couple of weeks away. What if I don't get her? I mean, what if Wilkinson doesn't recommend me, or Judge Wong thinks I'm too much of a risk to assume full legal rights and obligations for Jess?"
"That won't happen, Liv." Elliot shook his head as he spoke. "You have completed everything the DCFS has asked of you and passed all of your home visits. You have also been raising Jess for months now; the Judge will be able to see that you are no more of a risk than anyone else. Plus, no one can deny the bond the two of you share. Liv, this is going to happen for you and Jess; just have a little faith."
Olivia sighed. "You're right, I just need to relax." She smiled. "Let me make one phone call and I'll take you out for coffee." She held up the mug, "This is garbage."
He tilted his head slightly. "You're buying this time…seriously."
Olivia had put down the mug and picked up the receiver of the phone on her desk. She looked down at the keypad and gestured with the receiver in her hand as she dialed the number off by heart with the other. "Yes, yes…seriously I'm buying this time."
"I'll believe that when I see it," he muttered and went back to his paperwork. He nodded to the Captain as he strolled through the bullpen for the first time that day.
A familiar voice answered the ringing on the other end of the connection. "Well, well…Liv, as I live and breathe. How are you?"
The southern drawl made her smile immediately. "I am well, Abbie. Not without some drama though. I could really go for one of your infamous tequila nights right about now."
"Do tell…oh and just to be clear those were infamous poker nights. The tequila was just a side note." The A.D.A. waved her free hand in the air as she reminisced with her friend.
"Side note or not, there was always more tequila drank than poker hands played…I digress." Olivia rolled her eyes as she smiled. "You're coming for Christmas dinner right?"
"Of course, I haven't missed one yet. Taking the train into Pen station on the 26th, I'll be at your place by three o'clock at the latest. That reminds me. Have you come up with a gift you think my niece would like? I thought about asking her in one of my lengthy emails to her, but I really want to surprise her."
"Abbie, you could always read my mind. I'm calling mostly to talk to you about Jess's gift. I accidently walked in on her playing that video game Rockband the other day and she was singing. I had never heard her sing before. Ab, she's amazing! She doesn't really think that she is, but believe me, she's great. Al thinks so too. I was wondering if you still have those connections in the music business here in New York?"
The tall, dark-haired women put her mug of coffee down and grinned. Jess had never mentioned that she could sing. Abbie couldn't wait to hear her. "I have kept in contact with a few of my friends in the business. What were you looking for, studio time?"
"No, no…nothing like that." Olivia shook her head. "I was thinking of a vocal coach or something like that. She doesn't think she is very good, but I think if someone worked with her she would develop confidence and learn a lot."
Abbie sat back in her chair. "Leave it with me, Liv. I'll call you back when I have all the details just to make sure you and Al are comfortable with it. Now…what drama have you been holding out on me?"
The detective's tone became lower. "We will have lunch on the 27th and I will tell you everything then. Just the two of us, Ab."
"Wow…Liv, this must be some kind of fresh new hell. Call me if you need anything. Need me to bring anything for Christmas dinner or the couple of days I'll be in town?"
"Awww…come on, Abs. It wouldn't be me if it wasn't a fresh new hell type of situation. Just bring yourself…and maybe some of that tequila."
"Are you challenging me to a poker game, Benson?"
Olivia smiled again. "I have the cards; Alex has the chips, just missing the tequila and the southern drawl."
"They're on their way, darlin'." Abbie drew out the sentence and it made both women laugh.
"Can't wait, Abs. See you on the 26th."
"See ya then, Liv."
The detective hung up the phone, a grin still present on her lips. She felt Elliot's eyes on her. She met his gaze. "What?"
"I have three questions…"
She sat back in her chair. "Oh, this should be good."
"One, Jess can sing?" he asked.
Olivia nodded. "Yeah, can you believe it? She's good, El. I hope she will sing for you at some point."
"Next time the kids are playing Rockband I will ask her. I really wanna hear her. Two, she sang for you and Alex. Sooo…what does that mean?" he asked, leaning forward and talking in a lower tone.
"It means she sang for me and Alex," Olivia said with a half-grin.
"Are you and Alex working things out?"
The detective nodded. The grin had morphed into her trade-mark crocked smile. "Yes."
Elliot grinned. "I knew you would."
"Yeah, yeah…whatever…" Olivia rolled her eyes, but the smile stayed in place.
"Three," he leaned in closer and dropped his head slightly. "Did you and Abbie have a thing back in the day?"
"El, you already asked three questions," she pointed out.
"No, this is my third," he said a stupid grin on his face because his partner hadn't answered his question.
"Your first was about Jess signing, your second was what did Jess singing for Alex and I mean and your third was are Al and I working things out. Your fourth question is if Abbie Carmichael and I had a thing back in the day. You said you had three questions, El, and I answered them."
Elliot narrowed his eyes. "You owe me coffee. I say we take this outside."
Cragen's door opened and he stuck his head out. "Who's catching today?"
The grins disappeared from Elliot and Olivia's faces. They looked at their Captain. "We are," they said in unison.
"Warner just called. She's got the body of a man at this address that she says you should take a look at." He stuck his hand out and in it was a piece of paper. Olivia got up and took it from him. "Any word on the Nudds' verdict yet?"
She shook her head. "Not yet."
"When there is, take lost time and get to the courthouse to be with Alex and Jess," Cragen said.
Olivia took the paper from him and looked into his eyes. "How did you know Jess would want to be there?"
He pursed his lips. "Just a hunch. Take the time, Olivia."
"I will. Thanks Cap."
He nodded and went back into his office. Olivia turned, walked back to her desk and put on her coat. She looked at the paper in her hand. "Address is in the Village. Who's driving?"
"I am." Elliot said. "We're picking up coffee on the way, that you're buying, and we are finishing our discussion." He put on his coat.
She grabbed the keys from him as they walked out of the squad room. "I'm driving, we are going straight to the crime scene and we are listening to the radio."
Once they had disappeared through the door of the squad Munch looked across the desks at Fin. "Tell me we don't sound like that?"
"We don't…we always agree to get coffee first and we never agree on a radio station," Fin replied as he looked up from his paperwork.
"Please shoot me if we ever get like that," Munch said as he looked over his glasses at his partner.
"Better idea. If we ever get like that we will put in for new partners," Fin said and cocked his head slightly.
"Deal. You going to Liv's Christmas dinner this year?"
Fin nodded his head. "Yeah, are you?"
"Of course. You wanna car pool?"
"Sounds good. Whose drivin', though? Last time I got in that car of yours it didn't sound so hot."
Munch shook his head. "I'll drive. My car is fine."
"Naw, man. That car, if you can even call it that, is the worst. I'll drive."
"And be forced to listen to that stereo and that bass…I don't think so. I'll pick you up."
Their bickering continued for another five minutes.
Wednesday December 19, 09:56
Elliot had driven, they hadn't stopped for coffee and he hadn't been able to get a straight answer out of his partner about her and Abbie Carmichael. They exited the sedan and walked towards the crime scene tape. With a flash of their IDs they were escorted into a Brownstone. There was no blood anywhere and no signs of a struggle. The detectives made their way into a bedroom where they found Melinda Warner leaning over a naked, corpse on a bed.
Olivia looked at her. "Whatta we got?"
Melinda looked over her shoulder and then turned to face the detectives. She nodded to both of them. "White male, with obvious ligature marks to his neck. That, combined with the petechial hemorrhaging, leads me to believe he died of asphyxia."
The detectives moved closer to the bed and looked closer at the victim. Elliot looked back at the M.E. "He was strangled with a foreign object; those aren't hand prints around his neck."
"I know. My guess is a cord of some kind. I'll know more then I get him back to the morgue."
Olivia looked from the body to Warner. "There are no obvious signs of trauma and nothing in the room to suggest this case should be kicked to us, so why did you call SVU?"
Melinda looked between the partners. "There is an object lodged in the victim's rectum. Due to the tearing and blood, it was forced there before he was killed."
The partners looked at each other. Olivia's cell vibrated and she looked at the screen. "Alex" She looked at Elliot. "I have to take this." He nodded and she left the room. She answered the phone. "Hey, what's up? I'm at a crime scene."
"Jury's back in the Nudds case. I'm going to call Jessie. Can you meet her at the courthouse?" Alex asked.
Olivia nodded. "Yes, I can leave right now. Tell her to meet me inside the doors, before Security."
"Okay. Liv, I'm going to take the rest of the day off to be with her. No matter what the outcome is she is going to need someone."
The detective sighed as she looked around at the CSU techs going over every inch of the house. "Thanks so much, Al. You're right; she is going to need someone."
Alex knew her lover felt guilty about the fact that it couldn't be her who comforted their daughter that day. "Liv, you have a job to do. I'll be with her this time, but the next time she needs someone to lean on it will be you."
"You always know what to say." Olivia said as she closed her eyes.
"I love you; see you in court."
"I love you, too."
They disconnected and Olivia walked back into the bedroom. She looked at Elliot. "Jury is back in the Nudds case. I'm taking lost time for a few hours. Call John and Fin and have them come down here to help you out."
Elliot nodded. "You want me to come with you?"
She shook her head. "Naw, we'll be fine. Alex is taking the rest of the day off to be with Jess. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Okay, if you need the day let me know. Oh, and let me know the verdict."
Olivia nodded. "I will. Thanks, El."
Melinda looked at her. "Olivia, I really hope the basted gets what he deserves and Jess gets some closure."
"Thanks, Melinda. So do I." She nodded to the M.E. and left the brownstone.
Supreme Courthouse
60 Center Street, Manhattan
Wednesday December 19, 10:27
Just as Olivia had instructed Alex to tell her, Jess was waiting inside the courthouse doors, before security. The detective undid her coat as she walked up to her. "Hey."
"Hey," Jess said, relief etched on her face. She threw her arms around Olivia's waist once she was close enough. The taller woman put her arms around the shorter one and held her close.
"We don't have to go in. We can wait outside and Ally can come out and tell us what happened."
Without letting go Jess answered, "No, I need to be in there. I just…I'm really glad you're here."
"No matter what, I will always be here for you. I love you."
The teen buried her face into Olivia. She could smell the faint scent of her perfume and the leather of her coat. She relaxed her grip and opened her eyes. "I love you, too." They let go of each other and walked over to security. Olivia presented her badge and ID. She was allowed to pass through with her service weapon. Jess showed her NYPD issued laminate that proved she worked for Computer Crimes at One Police Plaza; she was allowed to pass through with her laptop. The women walked the short distance to the courtroom and walked in. At the front of the room they saw Alex and Jim.
Alex noticed immediately and walked over to meet them. She looked down at Jess. "Hey, Kid. You're sure you wanna be here?"
Jess nodded. "I'm sure."
Alex nodded and pursed her lips. "Okay." Her features lightened slightly. "I'm taking the rest of the day off and I'm spending it with you."
"Seriously?" Jess asked a smirk played across her lips.
"Yes, seriously." Alex mimicked the smirk. "We can do whatever you want." The smirk faded and her tone became somber. "No matter what the outcome is in a few minutes, it's going to affect you, Jessie. I just want you to know that you won't be alone."
Jess hugged the A.D.A. and she hugged her back. "Thanks, Ally."
Alex looked over Jess's head at Olivia. Her eyes went between the women directly in front of her and Jim Steele ahead of her. Alex caught it and the older woman looked at her. "In a few minutes we will be rid of him, forever."
Olivia pursed her lips and nodded. Jess clung to Alex. "I hope so." Realizing that their daughter had misinterpreted which man Alex was referring to she sighed and closed her eyes. "Livie and I are right here with you."
Nudds was brought into the courtroom by two guards. The people who were in the gallery hushed as he took his seat next to his lawyer. Jess and Alex let go of each other and the blonde returned to her seat, next to Steele. Olivia and Jess sat down in the gallery, directly behind Alex. A few minutes later the jury was brought in and a minute after that Judge Donnelly was announced into the courtroom. She brought the proceeding to order and looked at the jury. "Madam Forewoman, has the jury reached a verdict?"
The woman stood up. "We have your Honour." She handed a piece of paper to the bailiff. He walked over and passed it to the Judge. She looked at it and gave it back to the bailiff, who in turn gave it to the forewoman.
Jess took Olivia's hand in hers as she looked at the forewoman.
"Stand up, Mr. Nudds," Judge Donnelly commanded.
Brian Nudds and his attorney stood.
"On the count of murder of Shelley Carver in the first degree how do you find?" the Judge asked.
"We, the jury, find Brian Nudds guilty."
"On the count of murder of Terence Cozier in the first degree how do you find?"
"We, the jury, find Brian Nudds guilty"
"On the count of felony sexual assault of a minor, Jessica O'Malley, in the first degree how do you find?"
"We, the jury, find Brian Nudds guilty."
Jess exhaled and closed her eyes. Olivia did the same. She bent down slightly and spoke softly. "Its okay, Jessie…just breath. I'm right here."
The teen felt sick inside. She gripped Olivia's hand tighter as the room erupted around them. People from the gallery started talking; the judge ordered them to be quiet. The lawyers on either side of the room stood and started making arguments. It was so loud; Jess couldn't make out what anyone was saying. She turned and looked up at Olivia; her face was pale and her eyes weren't focused. The detective's eyes widened. "Jessie," she whispered as she took the young woman in her arms and cradled her.
Judge Donnelly smacked her gavel on the wooden desk. "That is enough from everyone. The next person who talks out of order will be held in contempt and I will clear this courtroom." The room was silent and Nudds sat down; he was in shock. She looked at Nudds' lawyer. "Mr. Thomas, you first."
"I want the jury polled." He couldn't believe what had just happened. This was a first-degree murder case, which meant life without parole was on the table for sentencing when it came to his client. If even one juror faltered while being polled he might have something to run with.
The Judge looked at the jury. "Juror number one, how did you vote?"
"Guilty," the woman said.
"Juror number two, how did you vote?"
"Guilty" the man replied.
They went through all twelve members of the jury and they all said guilty, unequivocally.
Donnelly looked at Nudds' lawyer after the last juror had spoken and asked. "Is there anything else?"
He shook his head. "No, your Honour."
She turned her attention to Alex and Jim. "Your turn, Counselors."
While both were standing, it was Jim who spoke. "We ask that your Honour consider the maximum penalties for these crimes when it comes to sentencing."
The Judge looked through the paperwork in front of her. "I will take that under advisement. The defendant will be sent back to Sing Sing Maximum Correctional Facility until his sentencing on Friday December 28th at nine AM. The jury is dismissed with our thanks you for your services. Court is adjourned." She smacked her gavel, got up and left. The jury stood and left. Nudds was forcibly picked up out of his seat and walked out of the courtroom by two guards. His attorney came over to Alex and Jim and begged them to speak to the Judge for leniency. They refused. Alex turned and saw Jess buried in Olivia's arms. She packed up her things, put on her coat and walked around to them.
Olivia rocked the young woman in her arms. "He's gone now. It's over, Jessie."
The A.D.A. bent down and spoke to Jess. "I'll take you home now, Kid. We can shut out the world for the rest of the day."
When Jess moved, Olivia let her go and the teen sat up. There wasn't a tear in her eyes. She looked at Alex. "Okay." She stood up slowly and started to walk out of the courtroom. Alex and Olivia followed her. "She's in shock."
"I can see that. How do I snap her out of it?" Alex asked.
The detective shook her head. "You can't. It's like a psychosis. Jess is the only one who can free herself from it."
Alex's eyes widened as she looked from the back of her daughter to her lover. "What do I do with her all day?"
The brunette met her girlfriend's eyes. "Hold her, love her and make sure she eats."
"I can do that."
"I know you can. Al, you love her and she loves you. Just hold her; she will get through this and so will you." They caught up with Jess before the doors to the courthouse and walked outside and down the steps with her. At the foot of 60 Center Street Olivia took her daughter's hand. "I have to go back to work, but I will be home as soon as I can."
Jess nodded. "Okay. I'll see you later."
Olivia hugged her. "I love you, Jessie."
The young woman gripped the sides of Olivia's shirt. Olivia stroked her hair. "You're okay. Ally is going to be with you all day."
Alex hailed Olivia a cab and it stopped in front of them on the street. Jess let go and tuned to Alex. She took the blonde's hand, stood beside her and leaned against her. The detective leaned in and kissed her girlfriend. Alex kissed her back. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Olivia said. She turned and got in the cab.
Once the cab was out of sight Alex spoke. "Let's go home and curl up in front of a fire. I'll read to you and we can forget about the rest of the world."
Jess leaned into Alex harder. "Okay," was all she said. They walked to Alex's SUV and drove home.
154 Sullivan Street
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Wednesday December 19, 11:59
Olivia walked up the steps and into the brownstone for the second time that day. She ran square into her partner as she closed the door.
"Hey, what's the word?"
She smiled slightly. "Guilty, on all counts."
"Liv, that's great news," Elliot said with a smile on his face.
"What's great news?" Munch asked as he and Fin poked their head out from the next room.
"Brian Nudds was found guilty on all counts today," Olivia said, the slight smile still present.
Fin walked out of the room and over to her. "Congrats, Liv." He hugged her.
"Thanks, Fin," she said as they let go.
"I'm really happy for you and Jess," Munch said to Olivia.
"Thanks, John. What's going on here?"
Elliot looked at her. "Come with me I'll fill you in." They walked toward the back of the house; each picking up a pair of latex gloves from a box. "How's Jess?" he asked over his shoulder
"In shock. She didn't cry, El…not a single tear. She didn't say anything. She just wanted to be held." Olivia put on latex gloves as she followed her partner.
Before they entered the bedroom, Elliot turned and looked at Olivia. "You should go home."
She shook her head. "Al is with her. Jess will be fine."
Elliot pulled on latex gloves. "We'll get what we need here and then you are going home."
Olivia grinned and shoved his shoulder with hers. "Okay, Dad."
310 Central Park West
Residence of A.D.A. Cabot, Detective Benson and Jessica O'Malley
Wednesday December 19, 11:47
Jess had texted Richard from Alex's SUV as they drove home. She told him the verdicts and that she would see him tomorrow. She wanted to be alone. There were very few words exchanged between the two women on their way home. Once inside, Alex changed out of her skirt suit and into yoga pants and a sweatshirt. Jess changed into sleep pants and an NYPD baby-doll t-shirt. She grabbed her book off the nightstand and walked out, barefoot, into the living room. Alex has started a fire and was putting some bigger pieces of wood on it. The teenager put her book down on the coffee table, took the cushions off the back of the sectional couch and grabbed the blanket off the chair. The blonde turned and walked over to the couch. She lay down first and Jess curled up beside her.
The taller woman expected the teen to face her and cuddle up to her; instead she put her back to Alex and forced her to spoon her. The teen also brought the blanket with her; she pulled it over both of them. The A.D.A. put her arm around her daughter and held her. Jess took Alex's hand in hers and pulled around her tighter and started to cry.
Alex started to rock as she spoke. "It's okay, Jessie. I'm right here. You're not alone. Let it out."
She didn't even know why she was crying. Jess couldn't stop once she had started. The young woman was so confused. She should be happy. Her attacker had been found guilty, not only of attacking her but also of murdering her friends. Why didn't she feel happy? Why did she feel so sick inside? Jess cried until she had nothing left to give. To Alex's credit she rocked them until the crying had subsided. She whispered in Jess's ear.
"Can I put more wood on the fire?"
The shorter woman nodded but didn't speak. Alex got up carefully and put more logs on the fire. On her way back she looked down at Jess. "Can I get you something to eat?"
Jess shook her head.
Although Alex remembered what Olivia had said about getting Jess to eat, she really didn't think the kid was ready. The A.D.A. picked up the book on the coffee table and snuck back in behind Jess and under the blanket. Alex opened up the book to the dog-eared page and started to read. The younger woman shifted onto her back and closed her eyes. When Jess's breathing became deeper, Alex stopped reading. She closed the book and set it down on the couch, above her head. She nuzzled into her daughter, put her arm over her and fell asleep, mid-day, in front of the fire.
Olivia arrived home shortly before 6PM. It was a miracle. Well, okay, maybe not a miracle so much as the guys from the squad telling her to go home. She walked into the condo quietly, took off her boots, shed her leather coat and placed it on the oversized chair in the living room. The fire had almost burned out, so she placed two small logs on it to try to keep it going. She walked back to the couch and smiled. The two people she loved most in the world were sound asleep. If she hadn't loved Alex already, she would have fallen for her right then and there as she cradled their daughter in her arms.
Jess inhaled deeply and exhaled. She did this twice more and then her eyes fluttered open slowly. Before she even focused on Olivia she knew it was her standing there. The edges of Jess's mouth tugged up in a slight smile. "Livie," she whispered.
"Yes, baby…it's me. Stay asleep," the detective coxed softly as she bent down beside the couch.
Jess's eyes remained open, although they were lazy. "I want to be up. How was work?" she asked in a lazy tone still waking up.
"It was work." A small grin played across Olivia's lips. "El and the guys say hi." She put her hand on her daughter's head and stroked it gently.
"They made you come home early, didn't they?" Jess asked, slightly more alert. Olivia's hands were cold from being outside but felt good on her head.
Olivia nodded. "Yeah. Did you and Al eat anything?"
"No, I'm not hungry."
"I'm going to make us dinner. What would you like?" she asked quietly, trying not to wake her lover.
"I told you. I'm not hungry. Just make whatever you and Ally want," Jess spoke quietly but was totally awake now.
The taller brunette cocked her head as her eyes widened slightly. "You have to eat something. Whatever I make, you will eat some of it."
Jess didn't say anything but when Olivia leaned over and kissed her cheek the younger woman kissed her back. Alex spoke, startling both women. "Would you like some help?"
Olivia looked over the teenager at her girlfriend. "Sorry to wake you. No, I think I can handle this. You stay here."
As if to second the thought, Jess looked up slightly at Alex. "Will you read more to me?"
Alex smiled. "Of course." She grabbed the book from the couch and started to read. Olivia headed for the kitchen and made dinner. The women ate in the living room by the fire. Jess cleared the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. When she came back to the living room Olivia and Alex were curled up together on the couch. The detective motioned for her to come and sit by her. Jess obliged and curled up next to Olivia. She nuzzled her side and then looked at the fire. "Why aren't there any Christmas decorations around here?"
The A.D.A. and her detective looked at each other. It was December 19th and they hadn't even gotten a tree yet. Yikes! Alex looked down at Jess's head. "You know, you're right. We should decorate tomorrow when I get home from work."
"Do you actually have decorations?" Jess asked in a disbelieving tone as she pulled Olivia's hand around her and held it.
Alex rolled her eyes and looked into the fire. "Yes. Is that so hard to believe?"
"No…I'm just giving you a hard time," Jess said in a slightly apologetic tone. "I'd really like it if we could decorate tomorrow."
"Is there anything you want, Jessie? Anything you and your mom used to do?" Olivia was curious about the young woman sitting with her and her lover. It was on rare occasion that Jess talked about her mother and Olivia wanted to honour any traditions that they may have had. This would be their first Christmas as a family and both she and Alex wanted to be wonderful for their daughter.
Jess played with Olivia's fingers. "We always had a real tree and Santa always brought the same thing for me every year."
The detective chuckled. "What did Santa bring you?"
"Two tickets to a Broadway show." Jess's tone became lower and her words faltered slightly as if she was trying to stifle her emotions. "My mom loved the theater. S…she couldn't afford to go as much as she liked but she al..ways managed to be able to make it once a year. It was my favorite thing we did together."
Olivia turned her head and looked at her girlfriend; a small grin found its way onto her lips. Alex nodded and winked at her. The detective turned, leaned down slightly and kissed Jess on the top of her head. "Would you like to get a real Christmas tree this year?"
The teenager turned and gazed up at her. "Can we?" She looked to Alex making sure she was asking them both.
"Absolutely." Alex said with a smile on her face.
When Jess's gaze fell back on her, Olivia's grin had become wider. She nodded.
"Can we go with the Stablers on Sunday?"
"Where are they going?" Olivia asked.
A grin had appeared on Jess's lips. "To a tree farm; you cut down your own Christmas tree there. They also have a huge hill you tube down and sleigh rides with horses."
It occurred to Alex that not only would Olivia probably not be able to go, but Elliot would have to stay in the city and work the case they had caught today as well. "You really wanna go, Jessie?"
She shrugged. "It could be kindda cool."
"Admit it…you wanna go tubing down the hill," Alex coaxed. She and Kathy would probably end up taking all the kids, which was fine with her. It would be nice for Jess to get out of the city for a day and just be a kid.
The grin morphed into an all-out smile. "Okay, okay…yeah that sounds like it would be a blast!"
"Then we'll go. I'll call Kathy in the morning and we'll figure out a plan." Alex smiled at her.
"Sweet! I can't wait. You and Livie HAVE to go tubing, too."
Olivia's heart dropped. She bit her bottom lip. "Jess, I'm not sure I'll be able to go. El and I just caught this new case today…we'll probably have to work on Sunday."
Seeing the sadness in Olivia's dark eyes and hearing it in her tone made Jess lean into her, resting her head on the detective's chest. "Its okay, Livie. I understand. Ally and I will pick us out a great tree, okay?"
Olivia rubbed her back. "I have all the faith in the world you two will come back with the best Christmas tree, ever."
They sat on the couch for a few hours, moving and changing positions every time someone got up to stoke the fire. No matter how they were positioned on the couch most of the time they were touching each other or at least within arm's length. The older women asked Jess about her mother and the teen was forthcoming with details and stories. Jess asked about each of their mothers and was given many stories about Alex's but only two about Olivia's. There was something about the way the detective spoke about her mother which led Jess to believe here was a story there, but she wasn't about to push Olivia that night. Eventually it was time to turn in for the night. They said goodnight to each other; Jess went to her room and Olivia and Alex went to theirs.
Once in bed, in the darkness of their room, Alex took her lover in her arms and held her tight. "Don't feel bad about not being able to come to the tree farm. Jess understands."
Olivia nuzzled her. "I know she understands…I'm disappointed I can't go, though. It's going to be fun and I really want to go there with you two."
"There will be other fun day trips you will be able to do with us. You have a job to do here in the city, Liv. I know you want to catch whoever murdered your victim." Alex ran her fingers along her girlfriend's arm as she spoke.
"You're right. I do." Olivia drew tiny patterns over Alex's pale flat stomach. "I just wish I could do both."
Alex chuckled softly. "Okay, Superwoman, when you have figured out how to take over the world, let me know."
Olivia started to tickle Alex's stomach. "Don't sass me, Counselor…or you'll find yourself in contempt."
Manhattan's SVU Squad Room
Thursday December 20th, 10:36
Fin and Munch were out canvassing the neighborhood of the latest victim. Elliot was running down their victims agenda for the last week and Olivia was running the usual background on the victim. The phone on her desk rang and she answered it without a thought. "Benson, Special Victims Unit."
"Liv, it's Casey."
"Case, hi," Olivia said as she put down some paperwork and concentrated completely on the phone call. "How are you doing?"
Casey knew the question was sincere. "I'm…fine. I guess?" she stammered. "Uhh…can you meet me for coffee?"
The brunette nodded. "Sure. When and where?"
"20 minutes at our place." The reporter bit her side of her mouth out of nervousness.
"You got it. I'll be there."
The strawberry blonde closed her eyes. "Liv, just you…okay?"
Olivia looked across the desks at her partner, who was listening to her end of the conversation. "Not a problem…just me. See you soon."
The detective hung up, without breaking eye contact with her partner. "I meant what I said; I'm going to meet her alone."
"She's my dart partner…I'm going with you," Elliot said grabbing car keys out of his desk.
"This isn't funny, Elliot," Olivia said standing up.
Elliot stood and put his palms on his desk. "You think I think this is funny?" he asked narrowing his eyes at her. "Casey is my friend. She was attacked a few days ago and I want to see how she is doing."
"And when I see her I will send your regards," Olivia said grabbing her leather jacket off the back of her chair.
"My regards aren't enough for me; I want to see her with my own eyes," he said, starting to get annoyed.
The brunette slipped the jacket on as her eyes widened. "First of all, this isn't about you. It's about Casey. Secondly, I have two eyes and years of training." She put her palms on the desk and leaned forward slightly. "So, Partner…is it that you don't trust my eyes or my instinct?"
He sighed and closed his eyes. The detective opened them. "Neither. I fucked up; Liv…we all did by letting Casey get attacked. I just…" he bit the side of his mouth and then let it go. "I just want to see her. Apologize to her. Help her if I can."
Olivia eased back on her heels and removed her hands from her desk. "I know," she said softly. "I feel terrible about the whole thing. Look, we have to trust Case, and she asked me to come alone. I will let her know that you are concerned about her."
"You're right." Elliot backed off his desk and put the car keys back. Olivia walked around their desks and as she passed him he took her arm gently. "I do trust you, Liv."
She smiled at him as she looked into his blue eyes. "I know you do. I just have to remind you sometimes. I'll let you know how she is."
He chuckled slightly. "Thanks." She nodded to him. Elliot let her go and she walked out of the squad room.
The Java Bean
Thursday December 20th, 11:00
Casey saw the detective as soon as she walked through the door. They made eye contact and she made her way over to the reporter. Olivia sat down. "How are you?"
"You already asked me that," Casey said, hugging the mug of coffee she had ordered.
The brunette sighed. "You're right…I'm sorry." Olivia's eyes welled up with tears. "Casey, I'm really sorry. I should have been there…we all should have been there…I…"
Casey took one hand off the mug and held it up; palm up. "Liv, stop. I know. No one could have foreseen what happened to me. Please," she implored her friend. "don't blame yourself and tell the guys the same."
Olivia pursed her lips and nodded. "What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to apologize to you...and Alex."
A waitress came over and looked at a stunned Olivia. "What can I get for you, Detective Benson?" She said with a smile.
"Uh…coffee…black. Thanks, Flo; and please call me Olivia," she added with a grin on her face.
"That's it?" Flo shook her head. "I'm bringing you both the special today." She smiled at both women.
They looked back at her, small grins on their faces. "Thanks, Flo," they said in unison.
She nodded, turned and walked back to the small cut-out in the wall where she could talk to the cook.
Olivia looked back at Casey. "What the hell do you have to apologize for?"
The reporter's brow rose slightly as she looked into the detective's chocolate eyes. "I called Jess. I talked to her about everything and I stayed at your place. I know she is your daughter…Alex's, too. I should have called you. I should have at least asked you and Alex if I could talk to Jess and stay over. I'm really sorry."
"Don't apologize, Case; there's no need." Olivia sighed and tried to collect her thoughts as Flo came by with her coffee and set it on the table. The waitress looked between the women. "Food will be done soon." They nodded and she left them. The detective continued. "Somehow you and Jess found each other and became friends." She smiled slightly as she said the next sentence. "She brought you back into my life and I am forever grateful to her for that." The smile disappeared. "You two share many things. Now, through no fault of your own, you have both been attacked and sexually assaulted. I wish that was something I could have saved both of you from…but I couldn't." Olivia extended her hand across the table and Casey took it. "I'm not upset you spoke to Jess or that you stayed over. Believe me, neither is Alex. You have both been through something that not many people would understand."
Casey squeezed the detective's hand. "She's just a kid, Liv. I shouldn't have put so much on her."
The brunette gave a half-smile. "You'd be surprised how much she can take. Plus, I don't think she really feels as if you put anything on her. I think she wants to help you. She looks up to you, Case. Jess trusts you. She's had a lot of therapy to get to a point where she can talk about what happened to her. In some ways, I think it's a good thing that you went to her, and that she talked to you."
"Maybe." Casey shrugged. "Jess really helped me." Her eyes fell to the table. "She knew what I needed even before I did. She knew what I needed to hear, how I was going to feel." She fell silent for a moment; lost in her thoughts.
Olivia looked kindly at her. "Hey, Casey."
The reporter looked back at Olivia. "Sorry. Look…she is still your kid and I really should have cleared it with you or Alex. I'm sorry about that. Please let Alex know."
"I really appreciate that you respect who I am in Jess's life; Alex as well. Please don't feel that you ever have to clear talking to her about anything with me or Al. You and Jess are friends and I trust you both." Olivia smiled.
"Thanks, Liv," Casey said matching her smile. The women withdrew their hands.
"So where have you been for the past few days?" the detective asked already knowing the answer.
"At my parent's place; I can't go back to mine."
The brunette nodded. "I can appreciate that. Have you started looking for a new place?"
"I'm trying, but there isn't much out there. I'd like to buy something but I can't find anything decent," Casey said in a slightly withdrawn tone.
"Well, what do you consider 'decent'?"
"Order's up, girls," Flo announced, sidling up to the table and setting two plates down in front of them.
They both looked up and smiled. "Thanks," Olivia said.
"You're the best, Flo," Casey added.
The waitress smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah…that's why they pay me the big bucks around here. Enjoy the grub." She turned and left.
Casey looked at Olivia. "What do I consider decent? Well…something with at least one bedroom, although I would like a den. A place in a good area; in a building with a good super. My building has a great super and I'm really gonna miss that."
The detective had picked up half of the sandwich on the plate and taken a bite. She swallowed and looked at Casey. "I think I may be able to help you, depending on how much you are willing to spend."
"Really?" Casey swallowed her first bite. "Do you know of a place that's for sale?"
Olivia smiled. "As a matter of fact, I do. It has everything you want, including the great Super."
"Shut up!" Casey said smiling. "Where is this magical place?"
"Remember my old place?" Olivia said with her crooked trade-mark smile.
After lunch the detective took the reporter over to her old building. They met with Dillon. Casey looked over the paperwork and took it to the bank while Olivia went back to the precinct. By the end of the day all the paperwork was signed and Casey had taken immediate possession of the one bedroom plus den in Olivia's old building.
Residence of A.D.A. Cabot, Detective Benson and Jessica O'Malley
310 Central Park West
Thursday December 20th, 20:22
Jess and Richard had brought up a few boxes that contained Christmas decorations from the storage locker in the basement of the condo building. They had spent an hour together afterwards before Alex made it home. The couple spent some much-needed time in the hot tub and lying together in Jess's bed. Once the Alex arrived home Richard left for the night. Alex and Jess made dinner and the teen put on the Christmas playlist she had made on Olivia's iPod that day. After dinner they opened up the boxes and started taking out the decorations. It didn't take long before the condo had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Garland hung from every flat surface: the fireplace mantel, the buffet near the dining room table, the top of the small bar and bookshelves in the living room, the rack that held the pots and pans above the island in the kitchen, even above the mirror in the bathroom off Jess's bedroom. Wherever there was an outlet they placed tiny clear lights in the garland so that it lit up at night. From every garland they hung small red and silver Christmas balls.
By the time they were done and had put the empty boxes back in the storage locker they were exhausted. Jess built a fire. Alex shut off every light in the place and plugged in all the lights in the garlands they had just hung. The pair lay down on the couch. Jess was on her stomach but angled herself up on one elbow to be able to see Alex's face. "Did you and your family have any traditions at Christmas?"
The A.D.A. craned her neck up to see if Jess was looking at her. When she saw that she was, Alex rolled from her back onto her side and supported her head in her hand. She smiled at her daughter. "Yes, a few."
"What where they?" Jess asked, grinning like a child.
It always amazed Alex how strong Jess could be one minute and how child-like she could be the next. "When I was a child we would go upstate to a tree farm much like we are doing on the weekend. My family would pick out a tree and my father would cut it down. As we got older, my brother would help him. We would drag it back to the lodge and have hot chocolate by the fire inside the building. When we got it home the kids would decorate it while mom cooked dinner and dad watched us." Alex had looked away, smiling at the memory and shook her head slightly at it. "It was one of the only times I ever remember him just sitting and listening to us; watching us." She looked back at Jess and pursed her lips. "He was a Superior Court Judge; he worked a lot." The smiled returned to her face. "On Christmas Eve we would watch old home movies and my father would read T'was the Night before Christmas to us. The kids would have to go to bed after that. The next morning we would wake up early and open our stockings first. Then the wrapped gifts and then the kids would make breakfast."
Jess grinned. "I like those traditions. Are Uncle Mike and his family, Aunt Julie and her family and Uncle Dennis coming to Christmas dinner?"
"No, I don't think so. We'll see them in the New Year. Liv and I thought we would keep it low-key this year. Is that okay?" Alex asked. Jess had met her bothers, sister and their families once. It had been a good experience all around but overwhelming as well. Her siblings were supportive of her life with Olivia and Jess. They accepted them into the Cabot family and Jess and Olivia accepted the Cabot's into their lives.
"Yeah," Jess nodded. "I understand. I like seeing them, though. It's funny to see how much y'all are alike."
Alex started to laugh. "You've been talking to your Aunt Abbie recently, haven't you?"
The teen's face took on a pink hue from embarrassment. "Maybe. We mostly email each other, though. She cracks me up. I can't wait for her to come back to New York." Jess's tone changed and she looked down at the couch. "Does Livie have a family?"
"Hey," Alex said as she put a finger under her daughter's chin and lifted it up so that their eyes met. "Liv has us; we are her family."
"I know; that's not what I meant…you know what I mean," Jess said begging with her tone and eyes for Alex to answer one of the biggest and scariest questions she had about the detective.
Alex sighed and dropped her hand to the couch. "I do know what you mean. You know that I'm not the person you should be asking about this."
"She never talks about anyone else…I'm s..scared to ask. What happened to them?" Tears formed in Jess's eyes.
The A.D.A. put her hand on Jess's cheek. "Don't be scared to ask Liv anything; but know that she will tell you about her family when she is ready."
Jess blinked and to her credit she managed to hold back the tears. "She doesn't trust me."
"It isn't true and you know it. I would say that she trusts you more than anyone else. The truth is I think she is scared, too. Her family isn't something she talks to many people about. There will be a right time and place, Jessie. Just give her time."
"Okay." Jess nodded.
The sound of a key in the lock startled them out of their discussion. Olivia opened the door and found herself in the middle of a Christmas dream. She looked around and her eyes finally settled on the two pare staring at her from the couch. "So…Christmas arrived," she said with her trademark smile on her lips.
"Damn right!" Jess said. "Get in here."
Olivia shed her leather jacket and boots. She tore into the living room and vaulted over the couch. She landed on a giggling tall blonde who she pinned to the upholstery. "Merry Christmas, my love." Alex tilted her head up and came within less than an inch of her girlfriend's lips. "Merry Christmas." Olivia bowed her head and her lips. They kissed gently.
Jess cleared her throat. They stopped kissing and looked at her. "Oh, please…don't stop on my account."
The taller brunette grinned, leapt off of her girlfriend and dove after her daughter. Jess laughed and wrestled back. The pair wrestled for a few minutes before Olivia gave up. The smaller woman had her pinned on her stomach, with a knee in her back. "I give…I GIVE!" she cried laughing.
The teen was laughing so hard she could barely get off the woman under her. "Okay, OKAY," she said finally, getting up and landing on the couch behind her. Olivia sat up, looked at her and smiled. "Merry Christmas, Kid."
"Merry Christmas, Livie," she said and leapt into the detective's arms. Jess fell against her chest as Olivia sat back and put her arms around her daughter. She met Alex's eyes and they grinned at each other.