Elliot woke up first the next morning, and went to check on Noah. He was still sleeping peacefully like his mother, and he was adorable. Then, he saw that Maureen, Katie, Dickie and Eli were sitting at the table. Lizzie was still asleep. She was a late sleeper these days because she took a few classes later in the day.
"So, today's the day? Mom's got to go to trial for Calvin?", Katie said.
"Yea, apparently there was a ploy to get her grandson by his grandmother, whom he doesn't even know. She wants to take him and raise him.", Elliot said.
"She can't. Vivian gave her rights to us. We are the only family he knows.", Maureen said.
"Yea, well, I think it's more than that, Mo.", Dickie said.
"How's Momma doing with it?", Katie asked.
"She's having a rough time. She had a few flashbacks last night and dreams that scared her. They all dealt with Joe, but instead of Luca, it was Calvin that she had to protect. It scared her. She finally fell asleep around four, so I kissed her and then left her to sleep, while I help get things ready around here.", Elliot said, but he didn't hear Liv behind him.
"You didn't have to do that. Plus, you know I find it difficult when you are not with me.", Liv said, coming up behind her.
"I just wanted to let you sleep. You had a rough night.", El said, and gave her his chair. She smiled and kissed him.
"I know, but you were there to hep me. You made me feel better about everything that happened. You are my hero.", Liv said.
"I love you.", El said.
"Love you more.", Liv said, and kissed him. Then she heard Noah crying, and Maureen went to go get him. Calvin came sleepily into the room moments later.
"Momma, does it have to be today?", Calvin asked.
"I wish we didn't, but yes, it's today, buddy.", Liv aid, hugging him.
"So what's going to happen?", Katie said. Maureen came in with Noah and everyone smiled. Then, he was given breakfast by Liv, and she told the family what the events were of the day.
"Alright, so basically, your dad and I will go to court. I know you guys want to be there, but we don't need you there yet. If it pursues, then we will need you, but as of right now, it's just daddy and I at court with Mr. Barba. Her lawyer has been said to be someone that I am not familiar with and we are going to make sure that we keep Calvin. We will not let her get away with any of this. She won't have you. I won't let her!", Liv said, and got passionate about it. Elliot came behind her and held her shoulders.
"I will be there for you, Liv. We can do this together.", Elliot said, and Liv nodded.
"Then, maybe we can focus more on what the little one wants. We are almost five months, and we need to start concentrating on what this ne wants.", Elliot said.
"I like that.", Liv said, and smiled. She rubbed her stomach and smiled. They got up and headed to their room to change and get ready for whatever came their way.
"How are you feeling?", Elliot asked, after throwing his shirt on. Hs wife was putting her clothes as well and had just walked towards him to grab a jacket.
"I'm….", Liv said, pausing to try to now show the emotion she had been holding back.
"Babe, are you okay?", Elliot said turning to her.
"Yes, I'm fine.", Liv said, but Elliot saw in her eyes what she was trying to hold back.
"Liv, honey, don't hold your feelings from me. Please.", El said, moving towards her. He put his hands on her shoulders and she broke. That did it, she held him close.
"I am so scared, El. God, I could loose him. I just can't.", Liv cried.
"Honey, we won't lose him. This is just her doing whatever she can to get under our skin. Baby, what's really bugging you?", Elliot asked. He pulled her towards the bed as she sat down next to him.
"El, last week it through me, and I began thinking about how I am always working and it's rough when I get caught up in a case. Then, my insecurities about all of this bring me to the townhouse and I get scared again. I don't see Luca or Tess there. I see Calvin and I get scared that Joe or his friend came after Calvin. I can't sleep through this. I don't want to lose him.", Liv cried, and Elliot held her close. She cried into his arms and held tight.
"Liv, sweetheart, listen to me. I know we went through hell last week. But honey, you survived. You made it through that. Calvin is here and protected by everyone. He's ours. I know that she's questioning your parenting skills, but honey, they are perfection. We have bene through this before. We have cases sure and late nights, but that doesn't mean that we never are there for our kids. We always are. Calvin loves you and wants to be with you for ever and that's the most important thing.", Elliot said, kissing her on the forehead.
"Just promise me that I am not going to lose my son.", Olivia said.
"You are not going to lose him. He'll be ours forever.", El said, and kissed her soundly.
"Thank you. Will you be there for me? I know you told the kids that we are going together, but I thought that's trying to appease them. Please say you'll be there, I need you.", Liv said, and looked into those blue eyes that she loved so much.
"Of course I'll be there honey. I'll be right next to you. I promised on our wedding day that we would faced challenges together, and this is one of those challenges. We will make it through.", Elliot said. Liv nodded and continued getting ready. A few minutes later, they met Barba at the courthouse, where Clarabelle was waiting.
"Liv, you okay?", Barba asked.
"I guess, just scared", Liv said, Elliot put his hand on her shoulder.
"I know that this is stressful, but you have nothing to worry about.", Barba said.
"Then why are we here, eh? I mean, she obviously wants something.", Liv said, walking over to the wall. Elliot moved towards her and let her lean on him.
"My guess, it's because Judge Linden ordered a courtesy hearing to cover her basis for you adopting Calvin.", Barba said. Liv nodded and then, she started to get nervous again, this time, she even felt more nervous.
"Can you promise me I am not going to lose my son?", Liv asked him, and looked him dead in the eye.
"I promise you.", Barba said, and then they all turned to see Clarabelle Drecker walk into the room.
"Sergeant Benson-Stabler", she said, as she walked into the court room.
"Jeez, cold much", Liv said, and Elliot kissed her.
"Hey, we are okay. Just remember you saved his life.", El said, and Liv nodded. Then, they walked in with Bare and sat at the prosecution side of the court rom.
"So, we are here to discuss Calvin Benson-Stabler and where he belongs", Judge Linden stated.
"Yes, because I deserve to know my grandson.", Clarabelle stated.
"You are Calvin Benson-Stabler's legal grandmother?", Judge Linden asked.
"I am, your honor.", Clarabelle said.
"We've provided DNA evidence and the father's birth certificate to prove that he is indeed David Drecker. His mother Vivian Arliss gave birth to him.", her lawyer claimed.
"The fact that they are related is not grounds for removal of the adoption.", Barba said.
"We believe that it is, considering the fact that my client was never notified of his existence until recently.", the lawyer replied.
"The state did a year long and extensive search.", Judge Linden stated.
"Vivian also told me that there was no father in his life and she didn't even know his parents. She had only met them once, but with the drinking and the pills, it was very unclear to her.", Olivia stated. Elliot nodded.
"I will regret every moment that I didn't get to spend with my son because he was off doing his own thing. When he was gone too long, I hired Private investigators to make sure that he was okay. The last one was too late. Thank God, I found Calvin. I want to make amends and be there for him, the way that I was not with David. He was always an attacker and wanted everything right then and there. I told him to not go after Vivian, but he's a cowboy android anyway. Now, I would like to get to know my grandson", Clarabelle said. Liv huffed and began to feel the anger in her rising. Elliot put a hand on her shoulder.
"Let her say her peace.", El said, and Liv looked at him and nodded. She didn't want to but she knew that this was not the place and the time.
"Hold on, he's a teenage boy. He an make his own decisions. Right now, he knows that his mother abandoned him, yet again, and he was stuck with his grandfather who abused him. He came to me.", Liv said, getting emotional.
"Mrs. Benson-Stabler, I would like to hear what she has to say. I granted this hearing in regards to the best interest of the child.", Judge Linden said.
"I know I messed up. But I have clear reservations about what Sergeant Benson and her husband have done to Calvin. My private investigator found Calvin during the investigation of child abuse.", Clarabelle stated.
"That investigation is closed.", Liv said, standing up.
"Your honor, this has no affect on Calvin's adoption or the validity of it.", Barba said.
"I understand that there were bruises." Clarabelle stated.
"The bruises were there because I saved Calvin from almost being hit by a cab. I love my son, and would never do anything to hurt him.", Olivia stated.
"I can concur with my wife's statemnts. I was watching when it happened. She grabbed his arm to save his life. She was shaking and scared after and has had a hard time dealing with this.", Elliot said.
"Fine. If you truly love him the way that you say that you do, you would not deny him a relationship with his grandmother, the only blood relative that he has. I may not be able to vacate the adoption, your honor, but I want to be apart of his life, for his sake.", Clarabelle said. Olivia looked at her, and sat down.
"Oh God, please, don't let her take my little boy.", Liv cried, and Elliot sat down next to her.
"Honey, sh, it's okay. He's ours.", El said, and held his wife.
"Okay, Calvin Benson-Stabler will live permanently with Sergeant benson-Stabler and her husband, but Mrs. Drecker will have visitation with Calvin, while one of you is there.", Judge Linden said.
"What?", Liv said, looking towards Barba.
"She can come and visit Calvin, Liv. The judge thinks that it's a good idea for them to get to know each other.", Barba said. Then they got up to leave. Liv's head was still spinning.
"Let's go back to your office, and we can talk about this, honey.", El said.
"I'm not sure what to think right now.", Liv said.
"Come on, Liv, let's just go back to the office and talk this through.", El said, and they headed to the office. The others were there and El weakly smiled at them. They knew that something happened at family court. Liv's face said it all.
"So, now that we are here, are you okay with this?", El asked.
"My first instinct is NO, hell NO. We need to protect Calvin from strangers.", Liv said.
"Okay, I understand that you want to protect him. That's our job, honey, as parents.", El said.
"But, El, is my instinct right. I mean, am I preventing Calvin from having a relationship with the only living blood relative that he has, with his only connection to his father?", Liv said, getting teary-eyed.
"Liv, this is natural for this feeling to be there. You've always told me to trust my instincts.", El said.
"I know, but I just…. I am so confused right now. I used to be so sure that I knew exactly what was best for Calvin. Yes he was not raised by me, but we always a special connection. Now, he's in high school, and he may nt need his mom around, and I am not sure of things, and I'm questioning myself at every turn of his life, if I should be there.", Liv cried. Elliot moved closer and hugged her.
"Honey, we always connect with our kids. That's what makes us parents. That's what gives them the moral compass to know what's right and what's wrong. Honey, you can trust your instincts because that's all we have. Honey, I love you and I will do whatever you want. Between you and me and the kids, Calvin would have the most amazing family. Just tell me what you want.", Elliot said.
"Thank you, for trusting me, because right now, I don't even trust myself.", Liv said, leaning into him.
"I love you, Liv, I trust you. I know that you'll find it in your heart to do the right thing.", Elliot said.
"that's what I am afraid of.", Liv said, chuckling.
"I know", El said. Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Let's deal with this case and then we can deal with this at home.", El said. Liv nodded and held his hand.
"Hey boss, you know someone named Shakir Wilkins. Liv and El look at each other.
"Yea, isn't he like an American Hero?", Elliot said.
"Not anymore." Sonny claims and he shows her the video of Carla being taken away, shouting at the cameras that he is not a role model, he is a rapist. Liv is shocked at the video.
"Let's find the girl and see what she knows.", Liv said, and Sonny is on it.
"Okay, Fin and Amanda head to the Orion Bay and see what happened in the stars eyes. Then get the security footage. Dodds, and Nick speak with Shakir. See what he knows.", Liv said.
"But wait, isn't he the perp?", Nick said.
"Possibly. But still, she called him out. We need to see what he knows first.", Liv said, and they nodded.
"I'll go with Sonny when he finds the girl, honey.", El said, and she nodded. Then, she moved back to her office.
In the room, Carisi takes Elliot with him speak with Carla, the woman who outcried rape.
"Can you tell us what happened.", Elliot said.
"I don't know. It was Memorial Day weekend at the summer kick off, 3 months ago.", Carla said.
"What happened?", Carisi said.
"I drove Shakir back to the city and he invited her to his hotel. I had one drink, one, with Shakir. The next thing that I remember, I was in his room, naked and sore.", Carla said.
"Did you go to the doctor?", Elliot asked.
"No, I was scared to.", Carla said.
"So, why did you confront him today?", Carisi asked.
"I confronted him because here was a problem with his car and then I was told to get him back to the hotel.", Carla said.
"It was a trigger.", Elliot said.
"I guess, now I am worried that I could lose my job.", Carla said. Elliot sighed.
"Wait, what do you mean?", Carisi said, not quite getting it. Then, Carla explains that Shakir is the face of Orion Bay and it is like peeing on Mt, Rushmore. She said Mr. Bauer said it back then that nothing good can come from this. When Elliot presses on this comment, Carla admits she told Bauer about the rape, who suggested she was confused or that her feelings were hurt because Shakir didn't sent flowers. He said if she kept the conversation between them, he would recommend a bonus any time her name came up. Carisi was shocked. Elliot asks if she can prove that, and Carla says last week she got $5,000.
"I never got that much, but I knew that this was hush money because of what happened. They want me to keep quiet.", Carla said. Carisi and Elliot asked her to wait for a second while they talk to their boss. Elliot walks out and goes to Liv. He hugs her and then Carisi and Elliot explain to her what happened.
"So, we've got someone who was given money to be quiet over rape. That sounds like a normal week.", Liv said, jokingly.
"Fine, Amanda and Fin go speak with Orion Bay Headquarters and see what they know.", Liv said. They nodded. When they got there, Orion Bauer and his daughter Cordelia are waiting for them.
"What you are doing is harboring a criminal, protecting his interests.", Rollins said.
"Okay, well if that's true, then why don't you try to get the information.", Bauer said.
"Can we do this in private?", Fin asks, and Cordelia explains that while she is his daughter first, she is also his attorney. "Fine, tell us about the 5000 dollars that you paid to Carla?", Rollins asked.
"Well, that money was just to take care of her. They are one big happy Orion Bay family after all.", Orion explains.
"Look when she came to us, she said that she didn't remember the details, maybe you can fill us in", Fin said.
"Okay, well she's a good kid. She got drunk and he didn't want hard feelings so this is what happen. We don't really see what the problem is.", Cordelia said.
"It's covering up a rape.", Fin replied and Bauer didn't like that. But then, he takes one look at his daughter and nods.
"SHe's probably unstable and I am wondering why didn't she go to the police instead of us.", Cordelia said.
"She has now.", Rollins said. Bauer then states Shakir is like a son to him and he would not do something like this. He suggests he talk to him, but Rollins cautions him not to, saying it is an official police investigation and any conversation could look like conspiracy.
"Conspiracy? He's done nothing wrong!", Cordelia states and the two detectives leave.
Fin and Rollins report back to Olivia and the team. They tell her what the two heads of Orion Bay said.
"He's hiding something. They all are. I felt it when we talked.", Amanda stated.
"Well, it's up to us to figure it out, right.", Liv said. Just then, the phone rang. It was another case coming in.
"Jeez, what really is going on in this city!", Elliot said.
"Okay, guys, something else happened. We've got another case. So, Rollins and Fin with Nick will head up the Orion Bay case and Elliot, myself and Dodds will work on the new case. Carisi will be our research guy. Hopefully both cases will calm down soon enough and we can all go home.", Liv said, and the others nodded.
"Here we go again, baby. You ready?", Liv asked, turning to her husband.
"As long as your my partner, I'm always ready.", Liv said.
"So, what do we have?", Dodds asked.
"Well, a nanny called in a missing kid when she put him to bed the night before. She said that she knew that the mother had a few friends over and maybe that this was one of them.", Liv said.
"So, let's talk to the nanny and then the parents.", Elliot said. At the parent's apartment, the nanny said that she arrived at the apartment that morning and finds the door open. Theo was gone.
"Any father in the picture?", Elliot asks.
"No, it doesn't look like it.", Liv said, and sighs.
"Honey, what is it?", El said.
"Missing kid cases always get to me, and now that I am pregnant, they get to me even more.", Liv said.
"We'll find this kid Liv, don't you worry. We will be fine.", EL said and kissed her. Then, they went to speak with the mother.
"What happened last night?", Dodds asked someone.
"Obviously, someone was having a party.", CSU technician said, as she shows them the drug paraphernalia left around from Nadine's party.
Liv and Elliot speak with the mother. She said that her son, Theo, was right there sleeping; she came to check on him about every hour or so. She comments that his floor rug is missing and it was there last night. Liv writes these pieces of information down and tells the mother that is helpful, then asks when was the last time she saw Theo. Nadine states at about 2:00 or 2:30 and Kat was still there but she didn't do this, she was in bed with her.
"Um, whose Kat?", Elliot asks.
"My partner.", Nadine states and Elliot and Liv look at each other.
Olivia understands and heads to the other room. Dodds is speaking with Kat, who explains she was with Nadine all night; they looked in on Theo together around 2 and he was sound asleep.
"He was sleeping. We did check on him.", Kat said, getting emotional.
"And you are Nadine's partner, correct.", Liv states. She adds they are friends and says she knows all this looks bad but Nadine is a good mother.
"Sergeant Benson, you have to understand. Do you have kids? I mean, with Theo, he has always slept through the night when I have company over.", Nadine said.
"Yes, I do have children, and I am married, but let's focus on the case here. How many people did you have over last night?", Liv asks Nadine.
"I guess about 15016. I mean, we all were close friends.", Nadine said.
"And you're sure they all left when you all went to sleep?", Elliot asks.
"Of course. as far as I know. We had some friends that brought others.", Nadine said.
"Listen, anyone of these people could have taken him. Can you think of any that may have had interested in her or Theo?", Dodds asks.
"No, I don't think so. No.", Nadine said, and Kat came in and hugged Nadine. Then, CSU comes over and said that he found blood on a table. But Nadine catches it and is begging them to tell her what is that. Liv moves her out of the room, letting the detectives do their work. blood on a table with his black light. Nadine freaks out and asks what is that, and Rollins moves Nadine to step out, suggesting they let the detectives work.
"I offered to stay last night because I knew that they were having a party. I was concerned for Theo.", Gloria tells Elliot.
"Do you remember what time this was?", Elliot asked.
"9ish. I tucked Theo in bed and returned this morning at 7:30. The door was opened. I have been with this family ever since Theo was born.", Gloria said.
"We will find him.", Elliot said, and moved towards his wife. She sighed and had a team meeting before talking with any of them again.
"So the boy was taken maybe or ran out, but we definitely need to find him. The mother is worried and so is the nanny. Dodds go back to the precinct, and with Carisi you guys look into the files of these parents, see what you can find out.", Liv said, and he leaves.
"Baby, I'm just worried. I mean, is this what I am doing? Leaving Noah and the kids with a nanny while I go out and do my job?", Liv said, sitting down.
"No, we are there for our kids. Liv, sweetheart, don't focus so much on the affects of this case on us. It's not us. It's them. I know that may sound wrong but we can take on every case and look at our selves differently. IT will drive us crazy.", Elliot said. He walked over to her and knelt down by her.
"I just hope Rollins an Fin are having more luck with their case then we are. I mean, where do we go?", Liv asked, and sighed.
"We find the boy.", El said, and Liv nodded.
With Rollins and Fin, they are trying to clean up the case that deals with the basketball player. Shakir is playing basketball with some kids for his summer youth program and Fin and Rollins question him. He thinks Carla has emotional problems and does not want to press charges, but they inform him it is about her accusation of rape. He says she has emotional problems and hope she gets the help she needs. He has only known her about a year. Rollins asks about Memorial day and going back to the hotel, and Shakir says his town car overheated and she drove him back to the city. They had a drink at the bar and a bite to eat and she left. Rollins explains the rape accusation and Shakir says that did not happen and thinks this is a shakedown. He is going through a divorce now and there is a custody battle and she knows about it.
"She wants to blame someone but that never happened. I am the one that should be filing a police report. I was assaulted in that elevator.", Shakir explains.
"Okay, are you filing that report?", Fin asks.
"I guess I need to talk with my lawyer. Now, I need to get back to these kids.", Shakir said, and turns and heads back to what he was doing.
"Hey Shakir, how long you in town for, man?", Fin asks.
"Just this week. I got a few more gigs that I need to do.", Shakir said.
"Just tell us where you are going if you leave, eh?", Rollins said. Shakir agrees.
"Okay, let's recap here. So we got a girl who claims rape and assault, and we have a hot shot basketball player, who also claims assault but has no idea about the rape. Sounds to me like someone is hiding something.", Fin said.
"Yea, and I bet it's like a shakedown. I mean think about it. She can't remember any details. This guy has been in the public eye for 20 years now. He hasn't had a single bad thing thrown at him, and now all of sudden this comes out.", Nick said. Amanda's phone goes off and it's a friend from the Atlanta PD. Shakir was seen on the news and some girl came in reporting her rape.
"Well, maybe something did. Another one just popped up. But it's in Atlanta.", Amanda said.
"Okay, let's talk to Liv and see if we can go down and get her statement. I am sure that this will be allowed since it's on the exact same case.", Nick said. Amanda nods. They all head back to the precinct.
"Okay, Liv, so now we have not one but two complaints about Shakir. The second came in today from Atlanta. I was going to head down and take her statement. Can I take Nick?", Rollins asked.
"Yes, please. Go, so we can get this guy off the street.", Liv said, and walked in her office.
"El, Dodds, where are we on Theo's case?", Liv asked.
"Well, Nadine is here now to speak with us.", Dodds said. Liv nods and heads into the interrogation room.
"Hey partner, let's go!", Liv said, and winks. Elliot smiles and follows her in there. They want to talk to her about those involved in Theo's life.
"It's just my ex wife, myself, Gloria, and Kat. Fran, my ex, and I raised him since he was a baby until we divorced two years ago. He's a sperm donor baby.", Nadine answers.
"Okay, tell me about Fran.", Liv said.
"Well, Fran is a top surgeon who doesn't officially have custody and is at the hospital all the time. It is hard to work around her schedule. She was not at the party and I have been calling her and she is not answering. She's gonna blame me, I know it. I mean the whole night was a blur all I remember now is that there was some man who that she didn't know was taking a lot of pictures on his phone. He asked about Theo.", Nadine said.
In the other room, Carisi spoke with Kat. She told him about the party and the guy. Then, she said that she made sure he was gone and took a Quick Ride. Carisi asks her about the story that Nadine told Liv and El, and she confirmed it. She said that the Quick Ride guy was Kevin Dorsey.
Carisi told Dodds and they looked it up. They found that they have a drop off address. Carisi heads there while Dodds lets Liv and El know about the nanny.
"The nanny, Gloria, is a Mexican national, green card, no record, and has worked for the family for the last six years. She used her metro card last night at 9:45 and swiped again at 6:30 this morning.", Dodds explains.
"Do we have street camera photos and surveillance to confirm, but Dodds said that they couldn't find her.
"Anything on Theo walking out?", Elliot asks, letting Liv sit in his seat.
"Well, we did look at the information that was given to us by the security team and there was a lot of people going in and out of the apartment, but no sight of Theo. There are a couple blind spots at the service entrance and two side streets; TARU is going through the footage. The neighbors didn't hear or see anything but complained of the noise from the party.", Dodds said, and knew that he had failed.
"You didn't fail, we just have to look harder.", Liv said, and he nodded. Elliot smiled, because he knew that she was feeling what other people felt and it was the reason that he fell in love with her.
"I love you", he whispered in her ear. She smiled and held his hand. The look in her eyes told him that she felt the same way.
With Carisi, he meets with Kevin Dorsey at the apartment. He notes that he is a licensed private detective and was hired to follow Nadine and her son.
"Who hired you?", Carisi asks.
"Fran did. She said that she is suing for custody because Nadine isn't a good mother.", he told Carisi. He notifies Olivia and she tells Dodds and Elliot to go and get Fran and bring her here. When Fran enters, Nadine comes running out and asks where was Theo. They begin to argue and the detectives separate them and move them to separate rooms. Carisi tells Liv they've found nothing at Fran's apartment. Liv sighs and tries to think about the different places that Theo could be.
Meanwhile with the other case, Rollins and Nick are down there in Atlanta. Rollins introduces Nick to Sam Reynolds the captain here, and Nick nods his head. Captain Sam Reynolds asks Rollins if she is going to see her mom. She says no, then asks him to tell her about the victim. He is not sure she is one, she claims Shakir raped her 6 months ago and there was no outcry and no physical evidence. They are not pursuing. Rollins asked why he called her, and he thought she may wanted to know and maybe he just wanted an excuse. She asks if he is separated again, and he says this time it is for good. His little girl is in college and asks her if she is up for a beer later. She asks for a rain check and explains she has to catch the 5 o'clock back to New York. She adds they work her hard up there. He suggests next time. She asks if the deputy chief is in, and he explains she just missed him, he said he knew she was coming and he extends his regards.
"Seems like you two were close?", Nick said.
"Yea, well, we were the family that got the perps off the street. But trust me, NY is better.", Amanda states.
When they get to the area where the girl is, they head in. Rollins and Nick with Macie-Lynn who says she was Shakir's stylist on a shoot. She was thrilled to meet him at first. He invited her to his hotel and they had some wine. The next thing she remembers she was in his bed, naked. She says he raped her like the other girl said./ She didn't tell anyone, it is a small town and people talk. She called Mr. Bauer and he told her the same thing the captain said. This was that no good can come from making a complaint. Rollins asks if Bauer offered any other help, and she says he didn't want any hard feeling so if she let it go, he would see that he got a bonus. She supports her family and her daddy lost his job and she needed the money.
"Same as Carla", Nick said. Amanda nods.
"Well, can we arrest him yet?", Nick asks.
"Let's gather a bit more, then we can shoot him down.", Amanda said.
"I'm calling Barba to see if he can meet with Shakir's friends Bauer and Cordelia.", Nick said, and Amanda nods. With Barba, Bauer is denying the facts about giving her 5 grand but she had no memory of what happened. It was the same story Carla told. Barba reminds him he hadn't heard Carla's story yet and Macie-Lynn was 6 months ago. When Bauer says he may have the time line confused, Cordelia jumps in and says he runs a multi-million dollar company getting hundreds of emails and phone calls and they can't expect him to remember who said what and when. Barba then asks Bauer if he would remember of somebody else came to him about Shakir, and when Bauer asks how is that, Barba explains that Bauer is looking at witness bribery and to think hard. Bauer glares at him and when Cordelia tries to cut the interview short, Bauer stops her and said there was a gold digger, a black girl who works in retail and he did not believe a word she said.
"So there was a third girl, according to Bauer.", Nick is notified and he notifies Amanda
"We need to get back and help with this case. I've got a hankering to get back. I just don't like it here. It reminds me to much of what happened.", Amanda said, and went inward.
"I know, let's go. We can go.", Nick said, and Amanda smiles. When they get back, they head to the third victim's shop. At the Sharkwear Flagship Store, Rollins and Fin with Nick speak with Tiana about Shakir and she is reluctant to talk. She said Bauer explained that Shakir is the golden goose and a role model for the community and they all have their jobs because of her. She is on the store manager track here. Rollins asks if he told her that after she went to him and explains Bauer sent them here. Rollins adds that from personal experience, pretending something didn't happen doesn't make it go away.
"So the golden goose gets away with yet another unthinkable stunt.", Amanda explains.
"How could I say no to what he was offering me.", the girl claims and Amanda looks saddened for her.
"We'll get him for what he has done to you, we promise. He has been playing this game way too much.", Amanda said, and the girl nodded and thanked her.
Amanda and Fin tell Barba what had transpired and he says that a meeting with Shakir and his lawyer is about to take place. Fin said that he had to get back and make the notes that were needed, but Amanda decided to stay. Just then, Rita Calhoun walks in with Shakir in Barba's office. Barba and Amanda share a look and welcome them.
"What are we doing here now?", Calhoun asks.
"Oh, we just wanted you guys to be aware that we met with Tiana and she told us her story.", Amanda states.
"What story? The one where she kept her underwear?", Shakir explains.
"Yes, she did and they had semen on them. We also found some on her dress.", Amanda states and Shakir curses under his breath. But Rita isn't backing down yet.
"Oh that's better than an autograph don't you think, Rita?", Barba said.
"When was this rape taking place, allegedly?", Rita asks.
"It was when Shakir was in her store for a March Madness event.", Barba said.
"I was everywhere for that. Dude, 16 cities, 16 days. I don't remember her.", Shakir said.
"Well there was a selfie with her.", Rollins said, and shows Shakir a selfie that Tiana took with him and his cutout in the Sharkwear flagship store, where she is also wearing the dress.
"Okay, Tiana met him. Big deal.", Rita Calhoun comments.
"But she claims that it was more than just a meeting. We're going to need a DNA sample.", Rollins said. When Calhoun begins to object, Shakir stops her and admits he was in a bad place, he had just lost his marriage and he and his wife separated on New Years and he has been dating since. Barba asks if Shakir "dated " Tiana, and he replies that they hooked up, one time after hours in a dressing room. It was her idea. Rollins raises her voice and counters that is not her story, saying Tiana told her he drugged her and woke up the next morning in t he store, her dress stained. Calhoun questions that Tiana says this now, 5 months later , and she just happened to save the panties, adding this is well-times blackmail. Shakir states she is lying about the rape. Rollins counters with the examples of Carla and Macie-Lynn, who all say Shakir bought them a drink, and, as Rollins begins to yell at Shakir, adding the next thing they remember they were naked and had been violated. He shouts back that they are lying. Barba asks about what - that Tiana is lying about being raped but he did have sex with her and the other two are lying about everything? Shakir replies that he does not know what is going on here but Carla and the other one – Rollins reminds him it is Macie-Lynn – that he may have had sex with them also. Calhoun adds that if he did, it was consensual, asking Shakir isn't that right? He says yes, absolutely. He comments so he wasn't all warm and cuddly afterwards, he likes sleeping alone. Spending the night and spooning is not part of the Shakir Wilkins experience. Rollins glares at him. She asks if he has a prescription for Ambien or Xanax? He says of course he does, he can't sleep most nights because his wife is trying to take his son. This is why he could not admit to the sex; she will crucify him with it in the custody battle. Barba tells him he has bigger problems than a custody battle.
When Rollins gets back, Nick is there and Amanda fills him in. Nick and Fin is surprised that Barba is going forward, with no rape kits or outcry at the time. But, Rollins tells the guys to give it a rest. She didn't want to believe it either but they have 3 consistent stories and there is no evidence the women compared notes. Fin counters they may be after money, they already got it from Bauer. Rollins reminds them it was to keep quiet about being assaulted. Liv, who was in her office, hears the conversation and asks if they want an outcry witness, Bauer is their guy. Nick chuckles and says good luck if they think Bauer will tank Shakir, predicting health problems. But Liv sticks to her guns and states they have him on witness bribery charges. And that gives them leverage. In the meantime, she tells them to vet the three complainants with money issues, personal histories, and any previous false accusations. They go and finish the case.
With the other case, Liv just sits back down in her office, when Dodds and Elliot return. She smiles when her husband walks in, and rubs her stomach. He comes over and gives her a quick peck and then they fill in her in on what is going on with the other case. Elliot said that he spoke with Fran, who explains why she hired the PI. Then, Dodds mentions that they don't know if Theo's disappearance had anything to do with the party. Liv lets them know that sometimes sometimes happen from non-custodial parents and they will be going through al her records and the photos and says if there is anything Fran wants to tell her, now would be the time.
"I know, Liv, but when we told Fran this, she was mad and angry with us for suggesting that we took Theo. She said that her fight is in court.", Elliot said.
"Yea, then she said that she hasn't seem him in two weeks, per Nadine's orders.", Dodds mentions. Liv is shocked. She couldn't imagine someone keeping her son away from her.
"Did she say anything about why Nadine won't let her see Theo?", Liv asks.
"Yes, she said that after she and Nadine separated she tried to get visitation. She tried her hardest, but was told that under New York law "A non-adoptive and non- biologic caretaker is not define as a parent." We know that the laws have changed and Fran now knows this as well. She said that this is why she has a good shot.", Elliot explains.
"Oh and she said that there was enough evidence for joint custody. She was planning on moving to Ibiza with Theo.", Dodds said.
"Wow, so, now, we find the kid. We have to. Who else can we think of that has taken him?", Liv asks.
"Liv, I know that you are working this Theo case, and we just got a hit on his location. He's at a hotel with Gloria.", Carisi said.
"Let's go. Call everyone.", Liv states. They all head out.
"Honey, please be careful, okay.", Elliot said.
"I know, I will stay in the back. Love you.", Liv said.
"I love you too.", Elliot said. Soon, they found Theo and he was wanting to stay with Gloria. Liv was shocked and they took him back to the precinct. Liv felt sorry for the little boy, because he didn't want to be with his mother. She wondered if Noah was going to do the same thing when he was older. Once they get the mother and the ex-wife on board with what happened and they are told that because of what has happened, things are not going to be the same. Liv watches as the boy is taken to child services and wonders what she is doing to Noah, if she is driving him away too.
"What is it, Liv, you've been pretty quiet?", El said.
"I just keep thinking about Noah. Will he resent me because he is with Lucy all the time now. Will he be taken away from me? I can't let that happen.", Liv said, tearing up.
"Honey, he won't do that.I promise you. Noah loves you. He knows that Lucy is there because we all work and he knows that if you could, you would be there. Plus, we have to focus on everything that this baby wants to. Trust me, he won't resent you.", Elliot said, and kissed her. Liv smiled and they headed to her office.
With Rollins and Fin, they were just finishing up there case as well. It turns out that Bauer paid off the girls and on the stand they lied because things were done. This was in their contract. Bauer said that he was complying to not serve jail time. After the trial, Shakir is let go, and Barba states that he tried. Rollins understands and they head back to the precinct.
"So, basically we got one case good, and the other turned out not too good.", Rollins told Liv.
"yea, but we did good. We got him to realize what he has done." Liv said.
"I guess.", Amanda said before she walked out.
"You know, El, I just hope that Noah doesn't hate me and that whatever we go through, we do it together." Liv said, holding him close in the office.
"You can count on it.", Elliot said, and then kissed her passionately.
When they got home, they all sat around and talked about the cases that they had dealt with. Maureen said she had heard that things were crazy. Liv nods, but is glad to be home.
"I just want to relax. But now,I am so concerned with Noah and Calvin and the baby that I don't think I can.", Liv said.
"Just take it easy. Let me do things for you.", Elliot said, and kissed her head. Liv nodded and kissed him back. Then, she closed her eyes, and Elliot rubbed her shoulders.
"You are safe with me, always.", Elliot said, and kissed her forehead.
Author's Note: Okay, what dd you think. I finished the chapter off there, because I wanted the meeting between Clarabelle and Calvin to be next chapter. So, reviews please. I hope you liked the way I spilt the team up fr the two cases. Up next, we see the meeting with grandma, and Calvin feeling uneasy. Then, we also see an TV show become a part of an SVU investigation. Then, we see the communications between Clarabelle and Olivia and Elliot. We also see another visit from Clarabelle and Calvin reveals how he really feels about her coming over. This will be the final case before Olivia goes on maternity leave. We see Dodds reminding her of that, and we also see who he's going to pick. Remember to post your reviews. EO forever!