A/N: I know it has been a while since I have updated this story and I am truly sorry. I am going to try to balance my time the best I can between all my stories which tends to be difficult at times with having to balance it with work. As I wrote this chapter I had to put myself in a defense attorney's shoes which is beyond impossible for me. I want to thank everyone who reads my stories and allows me this out let from what I have to see and deal with on a daily basis. You guys are truly amazing.

"Detective Benson I just need to clarify a few things and then we can get you off the witness stand and off to work. I more than understand how valuable your time is." Langen said as he stood and slowly walked toward Olivia.

"Please take all the time you need." Olivia answered with a smile on her face.

"So you entered into Dwyer Electronics without a search warrant correct?"

"Yes we did."

"So therefore the search and sub sequential seizure of the evidence you obtained was done illegally."

"No sir it was not. The search was done under exigent circumstances."

"What was your exigent circumstances?"

"The exigent circumstances, or emergency situation as it is also known as, was the fact that I had probable cause to believe that the victim was being kept in the store."

"What was your probable cause?" Langen asked

"Objection" Danielson said jumping to her feet "Asked and answered."

"Overruled." The judge said "It has been asked and answered so move on Langen."

"Yes your honor." Langen answered before turning back to Olivia "Once my client requested an attorney you stopped talking to him?"

"I did."

"But you forcefully removed his shoe did you not?"

"I did." Olivia answered with a smile "The supreme court has ruled that we can use force within reason to secure evidence that could be lost."

Langen opened his mouth and then quickly closed it. He had been against Olivia several times before and each time she always left him stumbling for words.

"You believed that the evidence would have been lost?"

"Yes I did."

"Why is that?"

"Because the evidence was located on the bottom of his shoe, the more he walked the more evidence we would lose."

"And breaking my clients nose was what?"

"Using the minimal amount of force needed to gain positive control of the situation."

"You don't see it as excessive force?"

"Objection your honor." Danielson said jumping to her feet

"I'll withdraw the question." Langen said before Danielson could continue. He knew once a question or answer was out there no matter how many times a juror was instructed to disregard that someone on the board would remember. All it took was one person to have doubts to have someone walk away scot free and one was all he needed. "Once you rescued Maria you took her to the hospital?"

"I did."

"That was Mercy correct?"

"Yes it was." Olivia answered turning her head to the side wondering what game he was playing this time.

"Was she medically cleared that night?"

"She was."

"And then she was placed in ACS right?"

"Actually no." Olivia answered realizing where he was trying to take this line of questioning.

"If she wasn't placed in ACS where was she placed?"

"She was placed in my care for protection."

"So you have had custody of Maria since the day you rescued her?"

"Yes and No."

"I'm sorry either you did or you didn't."

"She was placed in my care for protection but the court has appointed ADA Alexandra Cabot as her guardian ad lidem."

"But she still remained with you twenty four hours a day seven days a week."

"Yes she does."

"For protection?" Langen asked as he looked back at Richard "I'm confused thought detective. I thought you said you arrested the man who was attacking Maria. If that was so why did she remain in protective custody for so long?"

"We were afraid that the clients he serviced would retaliate against her and her life was still in danger."

"Was that the case Detective Benson?"

"Possibly."

"It's a yes or a no detective which one is it."

"We are currently working a case that may be related to this case as well that does put Maria's life in danger."

"But you haven't verified it have you?"

"Not at the moment no."

"How long have you been working this case?"

"We have been working it with the Homicide division for the last three months."

"And you have yet to make a connection." Langen said looking at each of the juror's as he spoke.

"These things can take time to make connections." Olivia pointed out "It's very rare that all the evidence just falls into our laps and a crime is solved in a matter of days."

"But you solved this crime that you claim my client did within hours."

"We were lucky."

"Or you have the wrong man." Langen stated as he walked back to the defense table "The defense has no further questions."

"Redirect" Danielson said jumping to her feet.

The judge simply nodded for her to continue.

"You stated that she has been in protective custody."

"She has."

"Over a case that may or may not be related to this one?"

"Correct."

"Will you please tell the court what the case is that may be related to this one?"

"Objection" Langen said jumping to his feet "How is this relevant to the case?"

"Your honor he brought up the case that may be related the court has the right to know how it could be related."

"As much as I hate to admit it Danielson is right. You did bring up the face that she was still in protective custody. The court does have a right to know. Ms. Danielson you may continue but get to your destination and get there quickly."

"Yes your honor and thank you." Danielson said as she turned back to Olivia "Will you please tell the court what case it was that may be related to this case."

"With the help of the consulate we were able to not only locate but bring Maria's mother here. We placed them in a hotel when we believed she was safe but apparently we were wrong. Approximately three months ago I received a call stating that there had been a shooting at The Warrick Hotel and my presence was requested."

"Why was it requested?"

"Two men entered into the room her and her mother was staying at and opened fired. Maria's mother, Beatrice, did not."

"You believe that they are connected?"

"I do but we haven't been able to connect it though."

"Thank you detective, I have no further questions." Danielson said as she returned her seat with a smile of triumph on her face.