The Stabler Residence
While her father poured his heart out to Rebecca and her mother and sisters mourned and comforted one another, a weary but resolved Lizzie made an important call on her cell. She had been reluctant to speak to this person before, when shame and fear had stayed her hand. But now, she had recovered enough to reach out.
"Hello, Olivia," she said right after the detective's greeting.
From her home, where she had just finished putting away her groceries, Benson paused, and then broke into a wide smile. "Lizzie? Hey, kid, how are---what's happening?"
"I'm pregnant." She was barely audible.
Her smile freezing, the detective stood silently. Did I hear her correctly? Is…there some mistake…?
She hesitated so long that the girl began quickly: "Maybe I should call back---"
"No, no, it's OK, Liz," the detective managed calmly, silent tears pooling in her eyes. "Is…is there anything I can do to help?"
"You already are helping, Olivia. You see…this would be harder, but…but I think of you, it becomes easier. You're a really decent person, and you help people where it really counts. So, I figure that if…this baby gets a good, decent home, with Catholic parents, and turns out to be just a little like you, then…something positive will come out of all this. I'll be able to get through it."
By now Benson's eyes were running streams, but her voice did not betray this. "Thank you, Liz, for the vote of confidence. And, there are plenty of worthy parents who'll raise the baby properly, and I'm sure your priest can refer you to other assistance."
"I know he will. Look, I know that you were---you've been…keeping me in your thoughts since, the beginning. Thanks."
"It's the least I can do." Olivia brushed her hand across her cheeks.
"Well, I'm going to let you go now. Thanks again, Liv."
"You're welcome. Take care." That's the best you can do?!
After they had said their farewells and hang up, the detective did something she had not done since her teen-age engagement1 had dissolved: she raced to her bedroom, fell across the bed and sobbed in grief and outrage.
1 When she was in high school, Olivia became engaged to college student in his twenties. After her mother's violent reaction (and young Benson's self-defense), the marriage plans were cancelled.