What happens after a hard day?

25. A Hard Day's Night

"Captain Cragen, Detective Stabler is accused with negligence."

Lieutenant Tucker from Internal Affairs was one of the most undesirable people on earth for every police officer in NYPD. Donald Cragen hated to give answers to him especially when it came to his Detectives.

"There was no negligence in Verona's James case. Detective Stabler, instead, tried to save the little girl putting his own life at stake. He did something really brave and dangerous."

"We know the rest of the story, Captain. The building collapsed, Detective Stabler escaped and came back a year later."

"He was supposed to be dead."

"But he's alive! And now he's suspended."

"I gave him some time off."

"No, you got him suspended. He has that temper… Actually, I'm tired of that Stabler. He's a pain in the ass, don't you think, Captain Cragen?"

"Not bigger than you, Tucker."

"Why you always cover for him? He's a shame for your Unit and the whole Department."

"I don't think that Detective Stabler is a shame. He's not a dirty cop. He doesn't trade drugs or collaborate with criminals. He's doing his best to bring justice and put scumbags in prison. Why you want to stop him?"

"The man is unstable!"

"I'm not answering anything else. I'm done here!"

"Should I ask his partner? Or maybe his beloved wife?"

"Do whatever you want Tucker. You'll find nothing."

It was Olivia's turn to face Tucker.

"So, Detective Benson, I know you're not gonna be frank to me. But, it's my job is to make questions."

"Go on."

"I think that first of all I have to ask you about work ethics. Or moral ethics."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry, I was referring to your inappropriate relationship with your married partner."

"I'm not obliged to answer that."

"I was just curious. But now you have to answer my question because you're in trouble, too."

"I have nothing to hide."

"Well, why Ellen James claims that the investigation for the finding of her daughter was thrown back? You were late. And the thing is that she sues Detective Stabler not you."

"Me and Detective Stabler were arguing about another case and about Ellen's parental abilities."

"Oh, a lovers fight! And?"

"He didn't believe that Ellen James was a good mother and that Verona should move to a foster family. He expressed his view at her and she accused him for the delay. But, we were doing our jobs."

"As always. Detective Benson, as a matter of fact, which was the other case?"

"Jenny Craw, she reported that her neighbor raped her."

"And you did nothing to help her until you found her and her rapist dead."

"There was no evidence to prove rape. I couldn't help her. Why you ask me that?"

"Do you feel responsible for her death?"

"No, there was nothing I could do."

"Yes, you feel guilty. Your eyes betrayed you. Do you think that Verona James could be still alive?"

"Screw you! You have no idea!"

Elliot took a deep breath and then he chuckled waiting for the next question.

"You were mad at Ellen James, that's why you accused her for those attacks."

"I've learnt to suspect everyone. Even you. She fitted for the crimes were committed. Don't get me wrong. It was nothing personal."

"It seems that the perpetrator has something personal against you and ADA Novak. What are you gonna do?"

"I'll wait and see."

"Come on, Stabler. You're the guy who waits and sees."

"You have nothing against me, Tucker."

"Well, why don't you wait and see?"

Elliot got out of Tucker's office where he found Olivia.

"Everything ok?"

"I hate that asshole Tucker."

"Everybody does. I know it's all bullshit."

"Nice to hear that."

"See you tomorrow, it's your day with Ellie."

"Actually, Kathy's throwing a party for Kathleen."

"Great!"

"You're invited with Ellie."

"Thanks, but I have to stay at the precinct. But, Ellie could be at the party and stay there at night."

"That's a good idea. I'll take her from Day Care Center."

"Good. Have fun!"

At night Elliot was glad to see his children together celebrating Kathleen's returning at home. He went to the kitchen to fill his glass with wine.

Kathy followed him.

"You miss Maureen?", she asked him.

"Of course I miss my pumpkin."

"Me too. We talked via skype, but it's not the same."

"I wish she was there, too."

"You know, your mother called."

"Really?"

"She called you again and again! You ignored her."

"Why could I ever do that?"

"Elliot, it's not a joke! She said she wants to see you."

"I'm busy currently."

"Maybe it's serious. You didn't even invite her to your wedding."

"Call me superstitious, I think she's bad luck."

"Bullshit! Look, it's your mother, I'm not interfering. But, I think you know how it feels when your children don't talk to you."

"Ok, Kath. I got your point! I'm a bit tired, I'd better go now."

"You look like hell!"

"I'll come tomorrow to take Ellie."

It was two p.m. when he heard a rap on his door. He momentarily thought that it could be Thorpe. Or maybe a neighbor needs something. He switched on the cop-mode.

"Who is it?"

"It's Olivia."

He saw her through the peep-hole. He opened the door.

"I was just worried about you. I came to check if you're ok."

"Are you insomniac?"

"It was a silly thought to disturb you."

"No you don't disturb."

He grabbed her and kissed her. She tried to avoid him, but she realized that she couldn't resist him.

"Wine?"

"I have to… I have to go.", she said embarrassed.

"Please, Liv. Stay."

"I was just worried. I shouldn't have come."

"I need you."

He put two glasses of wine and they didn't share a word. Then he sat close to her.

He put his glass on the table and put off his t-shirt.

"No.", she uttered.

He kissed her again on the lips and on her neck. That was the breaking point. There were no more inhibitions. Olivia leaned on the couch and let him unbutton her shirt.

That was certainly not a dream, she thought. She felt lost into his arms. She missed his scent and his touch so much.

"I can't live without you.", she whispered in her ear and kissed her once again. She melted.

Then she put her finger on his scars. Every bullet he took. Every stab wound. And he was still alive, kissing and touching her.

They went to the bedroom. Olivia fell on the mattress.

"How can you sleep on there?"

"I can't!"

They were both naked and Elliot was on top of her. When they were over they stood breathless. Then Olivia made her way to the bathroom to wash herself. She realized that Elliot was standing behind her and cupped her breasts.

"Elliot, that was a mistake."

"That was sex between spouses."

She wore her clothes and headed to the doorway.

"You can't fix everything with sex.", she said and left.

And now what? I'm waiting for your reviews!