TITLE: Law & Order: SVU – "What Was"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: The private lives of two career driven women clash and the memory of what was once between them is re-examined. A/U
PAIRING: Olivia Benson & Alex Cabot
RATING: M for Mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story comes from the imagination and tells the story of how two central characters could have been more than friends. I, along with other Fanfic writers, do so for fun and not for profit. We like to assume the role of a network writer with enough fortitude to write what we would have liked to have seen on television without the restraints of network bosses and sponsors of a homophobic nature. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of creator Dick Wolf, Wolf Films Studio or USA Television.
Author's Note: If you enjoy this tale, please take the time to review. Please note that this takes place in an alternative universe and some liberty has been taken with a deceased TV character.
Chapter 21
Captain Cragen walked out of his office and approached his lead Detectives Stabler, Benson, Munch and Tutuola. They were huddled around the large computer monitors and reviewing the facts of a current case involving the homicide of thirty-six year old Benita Jeffries.
The victim had been found slumped over the steering wheel of her Volvo station wagon by a traffic cop. The vehicle had been stopped at traffic lights beside some road works at seven-forty that morning.
When Officer Randall Feldman from the two-five walked up to the car to investigate why the driver hadn't moved on after four light changes, he discovered the deceased woman with sharp force trauma to the back of her head.
It was now ten-twenty Monday morning and the Detectives were three hours into the case.
"Where are we people and my apologies for being late?" asked Cragen as he positioned himself beside Munch and surveyed the screens.
Fin fielded the first question, "John and me just got back from the vic's parents over in Hillcrest and we got a problem Cap."
"What kind of problem?"
"Our vic is divorced from one Barry Jeffries," Fin typed on the keyboard and brought up a DMV licence on the middle screen. "He is a thirty-seven truck driver with two previous felonies for assault. First incident was a push and shove with a co-worker at his previous place of employment that escalated and ended with Jeffries breaking the other guy's jaw. He received two years imprisonment then spent three years in Sing Sing for beating up some guy in a bar brawl. He used a pool cue on the vic's head and caused a bit of damage."
"So he is our main suspect?" asked Cragen.
"Yes Captain," answered Olivia. "We are waiting for the M.E.'s report, but we are fairly certain the vic was hit by a rock we located at the scene."
Cragen scowled at the news, "The one you located in the gutter a few feet from the vic's car?"
"Yes Cap," replied Elliot. "It looks like the perp picked it up from the pile of rubble left by the road crew, but the problem John was getting to is there is a six year old daughter Molly unaccounted for."
"Crap!" exclaimed Cragen harshly.
Olivia spoke next, "That's why the case was handed over to us. The school informed us she never showed this morning and Mrs Lloyd, the grandmother said Molly had a cold and her mother was on her way to their house. She was due to babysit the child while Benita went to work as a nurse over at Mercy Hospital."
"Okay," began Cragen. "The other three cases are on hold until we find this child. I want every available Detective working the case."
"An Amber Alert is already out on the girl as well as an APB on her father along with his truck and car," explained John.
Olivia added, "Barry Jeffries failed to report for work too. The company he works for is an interstate transportation outfit."
"Great," grumbled Cragen. "This guy has a three hour head start on us. I'll call George and bring him in. We need a profile on this guy as soon as we can. Is Alex up to speed on this?"
Elliot answered, "Yes she is Captain."
"All right, we need to find out as much as we can on the father. Time is against us so we need to move it people."
"Fin and I are headed to his parents over in Brooklyn," advised John.
"And we are going to his workplace to talk to his colleagues and boss," decreed Elliot.
"Right, report back to me as soon as possible," directed Cragen before heading for his office to call the Detectives in the field, back into the Station.
-o-
By midday George Huang had spoken to Barry Jeffries' parents and Benita's family. He was now standing at the back of the bullpen and presenting his profile of the wanted man.
"Jeffries is narcissistic; he had no problem with telling his co-workers about how poorly he treated his ex-wife during their marriage. Their relationship ended when the victim had had enough abuse and that coincides with the suspect's last incarceration."
Detective Bridges asked from the rear of the group, "Is there history of him physically abusing the wife?"
"No Detective, his abuse was only verbal and controlling," answered George.
"So why kill the ex after they had been legally divorced for the past years?" enquired Fin.
George nodded, "My opinion is he has had some sort of psychotic episode. By nature, Jeffries is selfish and accustomed to getting his own way. He does not like the word no and is quick to use violence when confronted. He saw his ex-wife as the reason his daughter was being kept from him."
Elliot interrupted and addressed the assembled Detectives, "Jeffries lost access to his child during the divorce based on his criminal record. His boss, David Wheeler told us the man was pretty disturbed and angry at the situation and mentioned it several times during conversations. Part of his parole conditions stipulated there was to be no contact unless authorised by a Family Court Judge and supervised by Child Services. Jeffries has been out of prison for two months and has been simmering over the ex during his time in prison."
George continued, "Jeffries has basically eliminated the obstacle and taken what he believes is rightfully his."
Cragen asked, "Can you give us any leads as to where he may be headed Doc?"
"He is smart enough to know he is wanted by authorities and will disguise himself as well as the child to avoid detection. He won't go anywhere familiar, but will seek out someplace remote to start a new life."
A uniformed male officer walked into the room and handed Cragen a sheet of paper. The Captain read the bulletin and announced, "Okay people, listen up. A man fitting Jeffries's description but with bleached blond hair, has been spotted over on Hudson Street Hoboken using a fake driver's licence to hire a vehicle. The car he rented is fitted with a GPS locater and is being followed by a Jersey police unmarked vehicle. It looks like he is headed towards Observer Highway."
George looked at Cragen, "If Jeffries is trapped he will not hesitate to kill the girl and himself."
"I was afraid you were going to say that," replied Cragen gloomily. "The good news is he has to refuel the vehicle, it is running on empty and traffic is heavy. When he pulls into the gas station, we will make a move to detain him."
"I guess we are on a road trip," commented John as he picked up his portable radio and tuned it into the New Jersey Police frequency.
Elliot and Olivia were doing the same when Cragen said, "Elliot and Olivia you go with John and Fin."
The four Detectives ran out of the room and to their vehicles. Cragen redeployed the others Detectives to outstanding cases and thanked George for his exceptional work. He left the room to seek out Alex down at the Supreme Courthouse at 60 Centre Street.
-o-
Alex turned from the witness and detected Cragen standing by the double doors. Rotating on her heel, she faced Judge Whittaker and said, "Your Honour, the people rest."
The dark haired, mid-fifties Judge picked up his gavel, "In that case, this court is adjourned until two o'clock. The defendant will be remanded into custody until then." He tapped his gavel and rose from his chair.
Alex quickly filed her paperwork into her tan leather portfolio as Don approached. He took five minutes to bring her up to speed on the Jeffries case before asking for an arrest warrant on the suspect. She was happy to oblige as was Judge Whittaker.
-o-
Barry Jeffries made his last mistake of the day when he pulled into the Exxon Gas Station on Newark Street. It had taken him twenty minutes to get there from the Car Rental Company. Traffic was bumper to bumper due to road works, but Jeffries was in no hurry. As he parked beside the bowsers, he was unaware he was being followed by two Squad Cars from NYPD and an unmarked patrol car from New Jersey Police.
The Detectives from the one-six had caught up with Jeffries' vehicle fifteen minutes after leaving the Precinct. The traffic jam had worked in their favour as their sedans travelled along a side road and as they parked beside the officer from NJPD, Elliot nodded to the brown haired man and stepped from the Squad car to observe the suspect's car.
The NJPD officer introduced himself then radioed for backup. The SVU Detectives couldn't believe their luck when Jeffries got out of the red Chevrolet Malibu, filled the gas tank then left Molly in the car to go inside and pay for the gas.
Elliot spoke to the others and told them he and Olivia would casually walk up to the car and grab Molly. They couldn't see her sitting up and assumed she was sleeping on the back seat. John, Fin and Officer Bowden went into the store to arrest Jeffries.
As Olivia and Elliot approached the Malibu, John, Fin and Bowden walked up to Jeffries at the counter with drawn weapons.
John took the lead, "Jeffries, NYPD and NJPD. Put your hands in the air where we can see them and turn around."
The man dropped his wallet and turned heel. He grinned at the two seasoned Detectives and patrol officer and spruiked, "You are too late."
Fin moved in and handcuffed him then frisked him and located a switchblade knife in the rear pocket of his trousers. Fin passed it to John using the tip of his pen and the older detective dropped it into the plastic evidence envelope he withdrew from his jacket.
Outside, Olivia answered her radio and Fin told her Jeffries was in custody.
Elliot ran the rest of the distance to the Malibu, opened the back door and looked inside. He turned to Olivia with tears in his eyes and quietly uttered, "Oh shit." Leaning in, he checked for a pulse on the lifeless and bloodied body. "The bastard's killed her. The god damn fucker has killed her."
Olivia reached for her cell phone and called Fin and gave him the bad news. She then called the M.E.'s office, CSU and Cragen. "We have Jeffries in custody Captain, but the girl is deceased. He must have killed her before he left the car rental."
Cragen's voice was low, "Damn it."
"Munch and Fin are on their way back to the stationhouse now."
"Okay Liv, you and Elliot stay there until Warner and Siper arrive."
"Yes Sir," replied Olivia emotionally. She closed her phone and neared Elliot.
He was visibly upset and shaking his head. "Don't look Liv. There is no need for you to see her."
She trusted his judgement and didn't go any closer to the car. For her partner to want to keep her from viewing the girl, she knew it had to be bad.
The two Detectives watched as Fin and John hauled Jeffries to their motor vehicle. Elliot walked over to speak to them once the perp was in the back seat. He returned to Olivia as John and Fin drove off and headed back to the one-six.
Olivia went to the trunk of their vehicle and retrieved a roll of police crime scene tape. She busied herself with cordoning off the immediate area while Elliot stood by silently and waited.
Olivia returned the tape to the car then sat in the front seat. She knew there was a soundless rage going on inside her partner and he preferred to deal with it on his own terms. As a father of five, the cases involving children affected him greatly as they did Olivia. While she waited, she remembered the conversation she had with Elliot ten years ago. When a child had been abused, she had made the comment that she didn't know why people thought it was worthwhile having kids. Elliot had laughed at her and told her she was someone who definitely wanted children. When she had asked why, he had replied it was because she wanted to love them every day.
Having discussed having children with Alex, Olivia now had a deeper understanding of the pain and conflict Elliot went through when they dealt with the death of a child. Her own thoughts turned to the anger at the senseless actions of Jeffries, but she refused to begin and try to make sense of it all. During the past ten years, she had lost count of the number of times a child had been a murder victim.
Tears sprang to her eyes as she alighted from the vehicle and went inside to ensure the console operator was closing down the station. He was and Officer Bowden had the situation under control.
Olivia asked the twenty-something, sandy haired employee a series of questions and took notes. The Police Officer spoke with her and the six foot black haired man took up position with his vehicle at the entrance to the Gas Station. He directed traffic away from the scene and Olivia returned to Elliot. She handed him a cup of coffee and grimaced.
"Thanks Liv." He looked to her with eyes filled with a sadness that she understood and didn't question. She began to move away when Elliot reached out to her, "It's okay, you can stay."
She nodded in silent acknowledgement. The partners stood side by side and several feet away from the sedan. Neither Detective spoke.
-o-
The Medical Examiner's van arrived fifty minutes later and the CSU pulled up beside them a minute after that. The mood remained sombre as each person carried out their tasks.
Olivia and Elliot didn't ask any questions of Doctor Melinda Warner until the motionless body of Molly Jeffries was placed inside a body bag and gently lifted onto a gurney. The M.E.'s Assistant wheeled the tiny form to the rear of the van and loaded the gurney inside.
Elliot asked, "So Doc, time of death?"
"Around three hours ago Elliot, the car was not the murder sight. She was deceased long before being placed on the rear seat."
Captain Judith Siper and her team moved in and took over the scene. Elliot handed Warner the sealed bag containing the knife. John had handed it to him prior to leaving the scene. No one spoke and it remained eerily quiet as the Crime Scene Techs processed the vehicle.
The silence was broken by Olivia's phone sounding with Alex's ringtone. She walked away from the others before answering. "Hello," she said despondently.
"Hi honey, how are you and Elliot doing?"
"Okay."
"I will be at the Station when you get back, I love you."
"I love you too and thank you for checking on us."
Alex's voice choked with sentiment, "Comes with the territory."
"I'll see you soon Alex."
"Bye honey."
Olivia returned her phone to her belt and rejoined Elliot, "That was Alex asking if we were all right."
Elliot gave her a crooked half smile, "She really has left the Ice Queen persona well and truly behind."
"Yes she has," agreed Olivia proudly. "You want another coffee?"
"No thanks Liv. I guess it's time to head back and try to locate the murder site."
"Yep, I was thinking he may have used his truck when he picked her up."
"You may be right. If he did, it will have to be close to the car rental place on Hudson. There is no way he could have gone unseen if he was carrying her around the neighbourhood."
Captain Siper approached them, "We located a large duffle bag in the trunk. There is blood inside along with duct tape."
"Jesus Christ, he must have walked around with her in the bag," fumed Elliot in disbelief.
"That would be my guess," agreed Siper.
Olivia's cell phone rang with Cragen's tune, "Yes Captain?"
"Liv, the local guys located Jeffries truck over at Frank Sinatra Park. Is Captain Siper there with you?"
"Yes Sir."
"Good, put her on."
Olivia handed the cell over, "It's Captain Cragen for you, and they have located the truck."
"Thanks Olivia," Siper replied. "Hello Don ... yes ... we are just about done here ... yes ... I will let you know ... of course this case has priority ... bye."
Olivia took back her phone, "I gather we are on our way to the truck?"
"Yep, give me two minutes to finish up here," answered Siper.
Elliot tossed Olivia the car keys, "You drive while I call Kathy."
-o-
Olivia found Alex standing next to Cragen in the Observation Room watching George Huang interview Jeffries. She silently stood beside the Bureau Chief and was delighted when she lowered a hand and squeezed her left hand gently. Olivia's eyes darted to Alex's and she smiled in gratitude.
"How is Elliot holding up?" asked Cragen with genuine concern.
"He is doing okay," replied Olivia. "I'm glad he is on leave as of Friday, he needs the break."
Cragen smiled at her, "Speaking of breaks Liv, you are due to rotate out to Computer Crimes for a month in two weeks' time."
"All right Captain."
Cragen patted his Detective on the shoulder, "Jeffries made a full confession to Fin and Munch."
Olivia lowered her head, "Did Captain Siper call you with the news regard his truck."
"Yes, we know it was the kill site," replied Cragen solemnly.
Alex leaned into Olivia and said, "There are no deals on offer on this one, the bastard gets a needle."
Olivia nodded her head slightly, "How strong is the confession? I don't see a lawyer hanging around."
Cragen answered, "He waived his right to counsel and everything is on tape along with his signed statement."
"Good," uttered Olivia softly. "Are you getting in a replacement for El Captain?"
"No, not unless the workload increases. I will be teaming up with you."
"I look forward to it." She observed George writing down notes on a yellow legal pad and concentrated on what Jeffries was saying. She wasn't surprised when the topic turned to why he killed his daughter. Olivia's stomach turned at his reply to George's question.
"That bitch Benita got full custody of my kid. She took away something that belonged to me."
"But why murder your own daughter if you wanted her back with you?" asked George in his even clipped tone.
"Because the little bitch wouldn't stop crying and whining, just like her mother," replied Jeffries furiously.
"And why did you kill your ex-wife?"
"Nobody takes what is mine away from me and gets away with it ... nobody."
"Okay, I think that will do for now." The FBI Psychiatrist stood up from the table and entered the Observation Room.
"What's your opinion Doc?" asked Cragen as he switched off the intercom.
"Your perp is perfectly sane and fully cognitive of his actions and planning. He shows no remorse and is clinically self-absorbed."
"So no Public Defender has any hope of pleading insanity?" asked the Captain.
"No, Jeffries is competent."
"Thanks Doc, appreciate your work."
"Welcome Captain, I will just go type up my report." George addressed Olivia, "Detective, can I have a word with you at fifteen hundred hours?"
"I'll be there." Olivia knew it was routine procedure for her to be interviewed before being assessed for transfer to One Police Plaza.
Cragen stepped out of the room, spoke to the uni standing outside the Interrogation Room and had Jeffries escorted to a holding cell to await arraignment.
Olivia walked Alex out of the room and into the bullpen. Reaching down, Alex clutched Olivia's hand again to reassure her and let her know she was right there for her.
Olivia clutched back, "I need to finish up the paperwork and thank you."
Letting go, Alex walked out of the room and left Olivia at her desk. Olivia watched her wife leave before focusing on her computer screen and concluding her DD5.
-o-
Tapping on George's office door at the Federal Plaza, Olivia waited. The door opened and the handsome Asian-American greeted her, "Hello Olivia, come on in and take a seat."
She sat in the nearest armchair and asked, "Has this got to do with my temporary assignment to the Computer Crime Unit?"
"Yes, as you know, the Department keeps a close eye on all the SVU Detectives. Avoiding burnout is their number one priority and as such, you are due evaluation."
"Well, I can save us a bit of time; nothing has changed since last time."
George took his seat behind the wooden desk and laughed as he opened her file, "I don't think that is a true statement. In the past two years, how many homicides have you dealt with?"
"A few," replied Olivia sheepishly.
"To be precise, you have investigated sixty-five murders. Some of those were double homicides as well as four committed by a serial killer."
"I don't keep a tally Doc," said the Detective honestly.
"I'm glad to hear that. Of the sixty-five, how many have involved children?"
Olivia grimaced, "Too many George."
"There have been twenty-two."
"Shit! I had no idea it was that many," replied a stunned Olivia. "I guess things have changed."
"Liv, I'm not going to rehash your life for the last two years, but you have has some significant changes. You have discovered family, been stabbed, assaulted, suspended, been promoted and shot a perp."
Olivia smiled, "Yeah, I have been rather busy."
George laughed at her humour, "You could say that."
"Doc, seriously I'm in a good place right now. I have never been this content in my entire life. My life is filled with love and that compensates for the crap that we wade through with sex crimes."
"So your wife gives you good support at home?"
Olivia tittered at her friend because he knew the answer to the question, "Sorry for laughing Doc, but I'm still getting used to the fact I'm married and yes, Alex is my sounding board at home. She is a great listener and is extremely supportive."
Smiling, George replied, "That would appear to be correct. I have never seen you smile so much these past four months."
"I know that when I get home tonight my wife will be there for me and I can talk to her about today and this god awful case. Alex allows me to vent and cry while understanding how I feel. There is no need for me to harbour my feelings, Alex is my outlet and I am very grateful for that."
George made several notes in the file, "Liv, I am recommending you not take up the assignment at One Police Plaza."
Olivia's brows rose in surprise, "You're not."
"I don't think you need it, you are coping just fine and are well adjusted."
Olivia stood and replied, "Thank you George. I know El will be relieved not to be stuck with some know it all from Narcotics or Homicide."
George chuckled at her statement, "You are welcome and so is Elliot."
-o-
Alex arrived home after seven and was met at the door by a smiling Olivia.
"Hello baby," she said taking Alex's portfolio from her left shoulder.
"Hi, dinner smells really good."
Kissing her on the neck, Olivia breathed in her perfume, "So do you sweetie."
Alex laughed, "I need a shower; it's been a long day."
"Okay, I will get dinner ready while you get freshened up," suggested Olivia. "Do you want your bag in the living room or the study?"
"You can leave it at the door," replied Alex while moving towards the bathroom. "I'm done for the day honey."
Olivia discussed the day's events over dinner and Alex informed her Jeffries was scheduled to be arraigned at eleven in the morning. He was being charged with two counts of first degree murder and one of felony kidnapping.
Detecting the hint of sadness in Alex's blue eyes, Olivia said, "I hate these cases too baby. They are the ones that really break my heart." She stood and collected the dishes.
"Do you mind if I go to bed?" Alex asked as she rose from her chair.
"No sweetie, go ahead. I'll be there shortly."
The sadness followed Alex down the hallway and into the bathroom. Olivia's heart was heavy and she quickly finished in the kitchen.
-o-
The bedroom was dark except for the moonlight shining through the window when Olivia entered and quietly slipped into bed. Alex was lying on her right side and curled up in a foetal position with her eyes closed.
From her breathing, Olivia could tell she wasn't asleep, but didn't want to disturb her. Placing her hand gently on the blonde's hip, she snuggled into her back. She felt the slight shaking of Alex's body and realised she was crying. Kissing her on the back on the head, Olivia asked, "Do you want to talk baby?"
Alex's shoulders shrugged, "When I interviewed Jeffries, he was so cold and unrelenting with his replies. He feels he was fully justified in what he did. I just don't understand how he can be so callous. For fuck's sake, he slit his own child's throat from ear to ear and it means nothing to him. That tiny little girl was nothing more than his possession."
Olivia slowly rocked her lover, trying to afford her some comfort. Alex wept softly for seven minutes before speaking again.
"She was such a pretty child and he killed her. I wanted to hit him and wipe the self-satisfied look off his face. Fin actually had to hold me back."
Olivia stroked her fingers through the back of Alex's hair, "You didn't do anything wrong and it's your passion for the victims that makes you such an extraordinary prosecutor. I'm very proud of you Alex."
Alex rolled over and faced her, "If anyone ever hurts our children, I swear, I will kill them with my own bare hands."
Olivia smiled, "You will have to push past me first darling."
Wiping tears away, Alex snuggled into Olivia's chest and gained control, "Thank you for understanding."
"That's part of the deal with being married Alex," she replied before changing the subject. "I had my Psych assessment today with George."
"Oh, how did you go?"
"He's recommending I not take up temporary assignment with the Computer Crime Unit. George said I was well adjusted and didn't need the break."
"And how do you feel about that?"
"Good and relieved, it means I'm content and you are the reason why."
Alex leaned back and looked at Olivia, "We make a good team at work and at home."
"We do sweetie," replied Olivia as her cell phone rang. "It's Elliot. He probably wants to talk about today." She reached behind herself and picked up her phone, "Hey El, what's up partner?"
"I just wanted to know if you are free to talk. Kathy took the twins to the movies and Eli is having a sleep over at his grandparents'."
Olivia knew her friend was still affected by the Jeffries' case and he needed to deal with it. Over the years, Elliot still refused to disclose detailed information about the horrors of some of their cases with Kathy. It was something he only felt comfortable discussing with his fellow Detectives, especially Olivia.
"I am right here for you El," she sat up against the headboard and Alex nestled into her right hip.
Elliot poured out his heart and Olivia listened while Alex drew tiny circles along her hip with her manicured fingernails.
By nine, Elliot had offloaded his deepest feelings, felt slightly better, and was ready for bed.
Olivia placed her phone on the bedside table and inched down the mattress.
Alex wrapped her right arm around her, "Is Elliot okay?"
"Yes baby, he just needed to let go of his demons."
Alex kissed the underside of Olivia's right breast, "I enjoy listening to you when you are all serious and full of concern. You get this tiny tremor in your voice and it melts my heart."
Olivia sighed deeply and cupped Alex's head, "I love you and am thoroughly enjoying what you are doing."
The tragic circumstances of the day were forgotten about for an hour as the couple lost themselves in the ecstasy of their love making.
-o-