Stabler residence, 12:45PM

Elizabeth lay curled up on her bed, tears streaming from her closed eyes. Never had she felt so dejected. It was bad enough that she had been ruthlessly violated in body and mind. Now her parents downstairs were arguing because she had become so upset during her meeting with the detectives.

Why couldn't I be braver?! Other women go on talk shows or write articles about their…rapes. But I can't even answer a simple question without crying! I'm crying right now! Oh, I'm a bigger baby than Eli!

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Kathy disdainfully watched her husband walk to the refrigerator. "Drinking isn't going to help her, Elliot," she said sharply.

Jerking and slamming drawers, he retorted: "I'm trying to make a sandwich; is that all right with you?!"

"So you're stress-eating now." She sighed exasperatedly, hands on her hips.

Grabbing a container of mustard, he turned to face her, closing the door with his foot. "I need to eat something before I go to Manhatten. I told you I was gonna take leave."

She was silent for a few minutes while he assembled his lunch. As he sat down to eat, she said calmly, "While you're gone, I'm going to call for a rape counselor for our daughter."

In response, he stopped chewing for a few seconds, but then he simply nodded and resumed eating.

Meanwhile, at One Police Plaza, the four detectives met to share information.

"Well, so far we know that the vics are either elderly women or substitutions for them," said Goren, writing on the huge dry board. "And they all subscribe to the same newsletter. Now, since the perp was expecting the subscribers whenever he came knocking, I'd say we're looking for someone with access to a list." He turned to his colleagues after he finished writing 'LIST' followed by a long dash.

"I agree," Logan said as the others nodded with him. "But since Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. DuBois didn't buy their subscriptions from any salesperson, that's one less angle to look at."

"Well, I kind of figured that, too," Eames said. "Mrs. Maynard received her subscription as a gift from her goddaughter, who was turned onto the idea by a resident at the nursing home where she works. Meanwhile, Mrs. Banks, Veronica's foster mother, purchased her subscription online after reading a copy in her doctor's waiting room."

"Say, how did your vics obtain their subscriptions?" Goren asked, gesturing to Falacci and Logan.

"Mrs. Perkins' son 'gave' it to her as a 'pacifier,' to quote her," Nola said. "And Mrs. DuBois' neighbor recommended to her, so she purchased a subscription by mail."

"OK, so much for the 'hacker theory,'" Bobby said, ready to move on. "But it definitely appears to be someone with access to subscriber information."

"But that could anyone in the publisher's subscription department, billing department, customer service department!" Mike exclaimed. "What do we do, ask if they have someone with one blue and one brown eye?!"

"If the company utilizes photo ID's, yes," replied Goren.

"There may be another option," Falacci said thoughtfully. "My cousin spent part of the '90's doing telephone surveys at night. His company's clients included publishers of newspapers and magazines who apparently wanted to know how to keep their readers happy."

"So why did they have 'em bothered at night?" Mike couldn't resist.

"Well, some subscribers were apparently willing to give their opinions," replied his partner, smirking at the quip. "They were also willing to give their names and addresses for verification purposes."

"That's one reason I always hung up," sighed Eames. "I mean, how do you know who's legit and who's planning a robbery or scam?"

"Well, according to my cousin, the information is supposed to be kept confidential and used for marketing purposes only," Nola said. "Of course, if a sick perv is on the payroll…"

"Provided the company utilized telephone market researchers," Goren said, nodding. "Of course, there's only one way to find out." He moved to his desk to make a phone call.

The 16th Precinct, 1:50PM

"Hello, Elliot," Captain Cragen greeted from the coffee pot in the bullpen.

Stabler, who had just entered the currently empty room, moved to soberly shake his superior's hand. "We need to talk," he monotoned.

Understanding, Don nodded and motioned his officer to follow him.

A minute later, seated behind a closed door, Cragen listened sympathetically as Elliot slowly said: "I need to take a leave of absence from the job, Cap. I haven't tapped into my vacation time yet, so…"

"Take as much time as needed, Elliot," Don said with a paternal nod. "And you and your family will be in everyone's thoughts and prayers."

"That means a lot, Captain," the detective said with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. But…but I need something else…" Elliot bowed his head and sighed.

Concerned, Cragen walked from behind his desk to sit beside his officer. "What is it, Elliot? Whatever it is, I'll pull whatever strings and call in every favor I have!"

"I…I want a transfer…to a desk job, preferably in Staten Island."