The Return of Matt Houston - 14/Apart – 17
She felt life slipping away. The wound in her side hurt like hell. She was even starting to hallucinate - she had to be. She was hearing Matt's voice and she knew he wasn't anywhere near. Marty and John probably shipped him back to California, far away from where she needed him to be so there's no way it could actually be him in the flesh. She must have wished it so much that she was imagining it. But yet she couldn't shake the sound of his voice. Was her mind slowly deteriorating, an omen of a long, painful death? Would Matt have to grieve twice for her? No, Matt didn't deserve that. He loved her. Truly. Deeply. Madly. She had to keep her wits about her, fight to the end so she could live out the remaining years of her life with him! Focus on the warm California sun, the days spent riding horses, sleeping late and having brunch at one o'clock in the afternoon. All with Matt.
Oh, but it's so hard to think of all that in the dank cold room. She was bear tired, fatigued, really. And the floor below was anything but comfortable. A bare floor no less. If she could make over to the couch at least she'd be more comfortable.
But that might cause her to lose more blood. And at this point she needed every ounce of it for strength to survive. What if she inched over to the sofa bit by bit, somehow refraining from accelerating her pulse, rest awhile in between attempts? Yes, maybe that would work. It would certainly give her something to do instead of just lying on the damn floor.
It took her two minutes just to rollover to her right side, grimacing in pain as she kept a hand pressed on her left side. The pressure would stop the blood flow – it would also help if she could elevate her torso.
When she accomplished that small feat, she briefly congratulated herself. Then she took a deep breath and started reaching with her right hand, dragging her body on the hard wood floor as she crept closer to the sofa.
She heard Matt's voice again, but this time louder. It had to be real! She stopped and practically held her breath to tune into his words.
"If anyone has seen this woman, knows anything of her whereabouts, please contact Manhattan SVU right away," he stated as he held up an 8 x 10 inch photo.
"Mr. Houston, any chance you'll be putting up a monetary reward?" someone in the press asked. They had done their homework on the formerly well-known businessman/detective and knew he came from money.
Matt glanced at Sgt. Benson a moment before responding.
"If we receive the information we need to save her, I'll write a check for a million dollars."
"A million?" the reported asked.
"Yes. A million... or two. I'll do anything to get my C.J, I mean, my partner back."
The reporters and everyone watching sensed a very interesting back story.
"Were you and Ms. Parsons an item once?" another reporter dared.
Matt thought the question was odd and turned to Olivia.
"The more drama, the more interest. Run with it," she whispered.
"We were everything to each other: best friends, business partners, lovers. Due to some unique circumstances, we've been apart for thirty years, during which time I nearly went crazy missing her. All I want is to have her safe in my arms again. I love C.J. Parsons more than anyone in the whole world."
The reporters busily wrote notes on their memo pads as a multitude of cameras flashed.
"So if you get your partner back, does this mean you'll be a private detective again?" another reporter asked.
Matt took a moment, digesting the question. It sure would be nice to work with her by his side again … if he was thirty years younger.
"First things first. I need to get her back safe and sound. That's my only priority."
She blinked several times, trying to process everything she heard at the same time as melting at his public admission. It sounded like a press conference of some sort, possibly coming from a TV somewhere. Where was a TV? And furthermore, was Matt in New York? If that was the case, she had to hang on! She knew at any moment he could be there! Nothing would stop him!
Matt and Will set up camp so to speak at Manhattan SVU. They would be there as the tip phone lines set up as they waited for hopefully more clues. Marla joined them, wanting to help as much as she could. She felt somewhat responsible for the mess Matt and C.J. were in.
It was a busy scene, with detectives scurrying about the office, phones constantly ringing. It seems everybody and their brother wanted to play some part in reuniting the long-lost lovers. Social media and the TV news were abuzz with the great saga of Matt and C.J. The public attention was a bit overwhelming for some of the over-worked officers, but not Matt. He saw it as a good sign. The more publicity, the more chance Cody and Whitewood would know he was in town. It would only be a matter of time until they'd come after him. The trap was set.
They almost didn't notice a man enter the office. One would think he would've stood out, for it seemed he was the only one standing still.
"Hello?" he called out, hoping someone would acknowledge him. "Is this the SVU office that's looking for C.J. Parsons?"
Amanda pulled the phone away from her ear and looked his way his way briefly.
"Yes it is."
"I'm an old friend of C.J.'s, actually Matt Houston and C.J.'s. Is he here?"
Amanda feverishly scanned the room for someone who was available.
"Ah, hold on a second. Fin, can you get Houston out here? There's someone here to see him."
Matt was in the midst of a deep discussion – actually argument - in Olivia's office. Fin could hear the voices escalating in volume the closer he got to her office.
"I still say you're making a big mistake," stated John.
Matt didn't flinch.
"Of course you do."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You don't like anything I have to say. I could possess the cure for cancer and you still would disagree with me. And you talk about my judgment being clouded? How about you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Jealousy."
"Jealousy?"
"Uh huh. You're jealous of me."
John's eyes grew large as he let out a hearty laugh. "Jealous of you? You've got to be kidding!"
"No I'm not. You and C.J. had a fling once, am I right?"
John was shocked into speechlessness … which spoke volumes.
"I see. So I am right. And you can't stand it, can you? You can't stand that after all this time, C.J. still loves me. And you can't stand it that I know more about how to deal with the goons who took her than you."
Olivia couldn't tell who was about to throw the first punch so she intercepted before it could happen. It seemed like she was doing a lot of that lately.
"Ah, fellas? Can we …"
Too late.
"Why don't we step outside and take care of this once and for all, huh? Find out who the better man is. I'm sure there's a vacant alley somewhere nearby," Matt suggested while working his knuckles. Hard.
Will shook his head.
"Matt, how will this help C.J., huh?'
"It'll get him off my back!" he said with gritted teeth. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think John-boy here was trying to prevent me rescuing her!"
"Oh now you're really reaching!"
Olivia and Will rolled their eyes simultaneously just as Fin interrupted.
"Ah, excuse me … Houston?"
Matt kept a deep stare on his opponent and reluctantly answered Fin.
"What is it?"
"Someone's here to see you."