Back the Hard Way
*Title: Back the Hard Way
*Author: Farwalk
*Fandom: Law & Order: SVU
*Pairing: Eventually Olivia and Alex
Disclaimer: Don't own them. Law and Order SVU and characters belong to Dick Wolf.
THIRTY-SIX
Having a federal badge had its privileges. She got through TSA quickly, gun still on her, choice of seating and early boarding. Olivia took her seat. Aisle, exit row. More leg room, easy in and out, and she knew what to do if needed. Her luggage was neatly stored above. Files placed on the floor in front of her, neatly organized in the sealed federal pouch. She had called the bureau office the moment she discovered the content. She and Arizona left them where they had found them and waited for the agents.
"The contents are regarding an open case." Agent Tom Hist said has he flipped through the files. "It is my understanding, that you are involved in the case." Olivia did not answer, it was not a question. "Your involvement was not for personnel purposes. Bu yet there is a file with your photo in it." Again not a question. He rummaged through the file and looking up at Olivia from time to time.
"Copies will be made. I am told that you can be trusted to take the file back to New York with you." Hist turned and handed the files to Agent Asher to be copied. "This shouldn't take a minute. He was right. Within minutes, the file was returned in its sealed document file and give back to Olivia.
"We will drive you to the airport." Agent Hist said. It was not an offer it was order.
Olivia dialed Abbie direct. Two rings. "Carmichael." Abbie said without looking up from the document she was reviewing on her desk.
"Benson. On my way back." Olivia said. Still in shock over the file and its contents. "Are you coming to the city or do I need to get to DC after this?"
"I left my car in the city. I will take the next shuttle." Abbie said giving her full attention to the detective. "I will pick you up. The branch gave me your flight number. I will have the situation room ready when we arrive." Abbie stopped to look at her watch. "How are you doing my friend?"
"I am not sure. All I know is things were never what they seemed from the beginning." Olivia leaned back and closed her eyes. "I am not sure if it will ever end." She shut the phone. Her mind drifted to a light sleep.
"You should not be so nervous my friend." The rich Latin voice said. "It is never as it seems, correct?"
"I hadn't expected Benson to get so involved." He nervously paced in front of his host. "She can bring us down."
"She is but one person. A woman. They can be controlled." The well groomed gentleman said has he took a long puff of his Cuban cigar. "I think you worry and make mistakes. This is not safe my friend."
"No, I didn't make any mistakes." He began to get defensive. Realizing losing his cool could get him killed, he took a long breath. "Those idiots that shot up that café are the ones that made a mistake."
There was a long, silent pause. The Latin man took another puff of his cigar, this time he took it from his mouth and blew the smoke over the lighted tip of the cigar. The burning tobacco raised in angry red.
"Perhaps. And they have been dealt with. "He looked a wither one of the armed men beside him. "But we now face a most difficult situation. And I rely on you." He pointed to the nervous American. "You are to clear this."
"It will be difficult." He said wiping his hand over his forehead.
"Yes, but you have done such before. You will do again for me." The Latin man stared at the American. The two armed men flanked each side of the American and walked him towards the glass doors. Across the well landscaped pool stood two more armed men. Between them was another man. They forced him to the ground. Each pulled their gun and shot him in the head. The American flinched at the sound of the gunfire. He understood.
Abbie pulled her car to a stop. Before she killed the engine, she turned to her passenger. "Are you sure about this?"
Olivia just looked out the passenger's window. "I don't think there is a choice." She yanked open the door and climbed out. She was already across the street, when Abbie caught up to her. The continued the walk in silence.
"We will be thereby a l8te hour." Abbie said in code. "Have the place cleared. Only those who really need to be there. You know who that is. Elliot didn't answer. He and Munch had already begun to clear the way for Olivia's arrival.
Olivia took the steps solidly. One by one. Not to hurry, but not to doddle. She reached the door. Adjusting her jacket, she waited for Abbie to catch up. Abbie reached the top of the stairs, and Olivia reached for the bell. Abbie stopped her.
"Are you ready?" Abbie asked.
"Was I reaching for the doorbell?" Olivia said curtly.
"Just wanted to be sure." Abbie said. Olivia leaned into the door well again and pushed the bell. The door opened, just slightly. With a hint of caution, Olivia pushed open the door. She stepped over the threshold, her hand on her holster. Abbie close behind. Standing on the back side of the door was Munch.
"Damn it Munch! You pick now to be silent." Abbie shouted at him. Olivia holstered her gun and shook her head.
"Nice to see you my traveling fellow of keeping the city safe." Munch said looking at Olivia. Olivia just rolled her eyes. Her senses were on high alert. Alex was here, somewhere. Olivia wasn't sure she was ready. Three years. Her emotions were flipping like a flag in high wind. She looked done the hall. Moving her eyes only. Abbie touched her left arm. She then tugged on it. Olivia turned and saw a ghost. Her heart racing, blood flowing so loud she couldn't hear anything else. Mechanically her legs began to move, her pace quickening with each step. She stopped. She was face to face with the ghost. They stood there for a moment. Eye looking into eyes. The room around them still. Everyone watching to see what would happen. Alex moved slightly, making room for Olivia to pass and enter the adjacent room. She followed shutting the door behind her. Shutting off the passage to the outside world. Making their world isolated.
Olivia crossed the room and stopped in front of the mantel. It was populated with photos, knick knacks and candles.
Alex stared at Olivia. She didn't care that it was her back. She was in the same room. She began to really look at the woman she loved. Her hair was a little longer. Her body still as firm, perhaps a little softer in places, but still beautiful. Still stood with confidence.
Olivia placed her hand in her pockets. Not know quite what to do with them. Not quite trusting what she would do with them. She must be solid. She must be stone. Despite what her heart was saying, her mind was reminding her that Alex was no longer hers. She raised her chin and turned around. 'Perhaps the tears will stay put.' She told herself. Her eyes once again fell on Alex. She did not allow herself to look. To assess the woman that stood before her. The one she had memorized and held in her dreams for three years. She just stood, stone cold.
"Nice to see you." She told Alex.
"I thought I'd never see you." Alex replied. A smile began to creep across her face. She took a step towards Olivia. Who in turn stepped back.
"Yes, that was obvious." Olivia said with a bit of a bite. "You house is back in order." She added."Well except for these." She throw the FBI document bag on the coffee table. "They were under the floor board in your closet. Seems your wife had friends."
Alex took a moment to respond. The words she heard from the detective were not harmful, but their delivery was. She looked at Olivia, trying to capture some contact, something to hold the detective's attention. She could see that the hurt and anger still made Olivia's eyes turn deep chocolate brown. She'd see it before. She will probably see it again.
"from what I heard it was old girlfriend week for you. First Abbie and then Arizona." She paused. "When do you move on to B?"
"Well, since you're the last A that would be right now." Olivia crossed the room once again. She moved so quickly that when she past Alex, her hair moved from the breeze. Alex turned and followed her. When Olivia reached for the door handle, Alex placed her hand on top to stop her. Neither woman moved. Frozen in time. The flood of feelings . The energy and lust. The stood there and allowed the moment to last.
"Please don't go." Alex pleaded. Olivia raised her head. Alex was just inches from her. Her blue eyes, soft pink lips just seconds from Olivia's own.
"I want my life back." Alex whispered. "I need your help. I want us back."
Olivia's eyes flashed with fire. She reached the door handle and yanked open the door. She walked through the hallway, out the front door and down the block before Elliot could catch her.
"Liv! What the hell was that?" Elliot grabbed her by the arm and turned her around. She pulled her arm free. Her stare burned into him.
"I am giving her what she wants. She wants her life back and she needs my help." Olivia scanned the street.
"And the other?" He asked. Olivia turned and walked into the street. She grabbed the first taxi and was down the block before Elliot could respond. He watched the tail lights drive away and then turned back towards the brownstone.
"I need out. I need freedom." Alex shouted from the top of the brownstones front step.
"No wait Al…Sam!" Liz was reaching for Alex who was starting down the front step. She hadn't expect Elliot to be at the bottom.
"I need to get out of here. I am tired of being locked up." She looked a Elliot with pleading eyes. He opened his arms and she took the invitation.
"She'll be back." He told her has they began to walk back up the stairs. Munch appeared at the door just behind Liz. Elliot looked at him. Munch shook his head in understanding. He opened his phone and began to dial.
"Fin, find him and bring him here like yesterday." He shut his phone and the door behind them.
So there you are. They have been in the same room. I thank all of my new readers for reading. And of course all of the readers who have been with this from the start. Yes, they will be together again very soon.