"Hi sweetie, my name's Olivia. What's your name?" Olivia asked as the olive skinned, brown eyed seven year old stood trembling by the door.
"Jasmine." She said in a whisper.
Olivia smiled gently at the young girl who chewed the nail of her right index finger.
"Jasmine, that's a pretty name. Do you want to come and sit down?" Olivia asked and the girl just looked at her the fear deepening in her eyes. "I won't bite." Olivia said with a gentle smile on her face trying to relax the child. She tapped gently on the seat and slowly Jasmine began to walk up to the couch. Olivia watched as the girl slowly sat down and pushed herself into the corner of the couch as far away from Olivia as she possibly could.
"Do you like Bears Jasmine?" Olivia asked playing with the white teddy in her hand.
The young girl nodded and Olivia passed her the white bear.
"His name's Joey." Olivia said as the little girl held the bear tight, giving the bear a name had just popped into her head because all her children's soft toys had names.
"Joey." The little girl whispered.
"Ok Jasmine, I need to ask you some questions so I can help you is that alright?" She asked keeping her voice soft and gentle.
The little girl nodded very slowly, Olivia knew that the little girl knew what was coming.
"Ok do you remember where you were when you were found?" Olivia asked and the little girl nodded again.
"That's good Jasmine, before you went to the place you were found where were you before that?" Olivia asked and the little girl shrugged.
"Can you remember anything about the place?" Olivia asked.
"It was really dark." Jasmine mumbled.
"Ok was there a window?" Olivia asked.
"No." Jasmine said her voice barely a whisper.
"Ok do you remember anything except for the darkness?" Olivia asked trying to keep the questions as simple as she could.
"There was stairs."
"Did the stairs go up or down?" Olivia asked.
"Down they took me up three stairs." Jasmine said her voice a little stronger.
"Ok, what was the roof like?" Olivia probed as she had an idea where this was going.
"Like this." The little girl said and she made a triangle with her hands.
"Ok sweetie, do you remember anything about the people who came there?" Olivia asked.
"They didn't speak English." She said.
"They didn't? Do you know what language?" Olivia asked.
"No, it wasn't English or Spanish." Jasmine said her voice retreating a little.
"Ok do you remember any names or anything else?" Olivia asked knowing how vital the smallest piece of information could be.
"Bobby. A lot of them said Bobby." Jasmine said a tear dripping down her cheek.
"Ok do you remember anything about Bobby?" Olivia asked.
"Bobby hurt me." She said as more tears dripped down her face. "He said 'you have to be good for Bobby' a lot." The girl said as buckets of tears fell down her face.
"Ok sweetie." Olivia said slowly extending her hand to her.
"I didn't want him to hurt me Olivia." She said sobbing.
Olivia bit her bottom lip. The little girl shifted towards her and Olivia knew this was a small section of the girl showing her trust. She took hold of Jasmine's hand and rubbed her thumb on the back of her hand.
"I don't want to talk anymore." Jasmine sniffed.
"Ok you don't have to if you don't want to." Olivia said softly and the little girl extended her arms to Olivia for a hug. Slowly but surely Olivia took the girl in her arms. Jasmine slowly shifted onto her lap and she slowly rocked her backwards and forwards stroking her hair.
"Ok sweetie." Olivia said softly. "Ok your safe now Jasmine."
She continued to hold the girl as she sobbed. She looked over to the small window and even though she couldn't see them she knew that they could see her. She bit her lip and shook her head knowing that Jasmine would close up if they probed further.
Xxx
Fifteen minutes later Jasmine had calmed down enough to take Olivia's hand and be led out of the room. Olivia passed the little girl over to the uniformed officer and without saying anything she walked away. Not knowing anywhere she could go to kick off she went to the only place she knew she wouldn't be followed and went to the ladies room. Once the door shut she leant against it and slipped to the floor and sobbed. She hadn't expected to take it this hard but she knew that the trauma that Jasmine had endured another three had their story as well as the tens of other children who were still missing.
It took a while for her to regain her composure and after splashing water on her face she went back to the squad room.
"Benson!" The Captain called.
"Yes sir?" She asked heading over to him.
"Are you alright?" He asked rubbing her shoulder.
"Yeah I just needed a minute to pull myself together. It never gets easier." Olivia said.
"I know, are you alright to continue?" He asked her.
"Yes. Goodness yes, I just didn't expect it to be that tough and knowing there's another three to go just made me feel a little upset but I'm fine now. Just give me five in between each one." Olivia explained.
"Ok, well we got the name Bobby again which is something but we need to know more about the location and ask about the vehicle." He said sternly.
"Yes sir." Olivia replied and she went back into the kids' room.
Xxx
Three hours later and they had a lot of information, they didn't know how much was relevant and how much was even accurate but they had something to work with.
"Benson take a break and then we'll sum up all this crap." The Captain said and Olivia nodded.
She couldn't get out of the precinct fast enough. Needing someone to talk to she called Elliot and used the hands free in her car as she went for lunch.
"Hey Liv." Elliot smiled answering the phone.
"Hey baby." She said her voice still soft from talking with the children.
"Is everything alright?" He asked her softly.
"Yeah, it's just tough." She sighed.
"I can imagine what have you been doing all morning?" He asked her.
"Victims." She said summing up everything in one simple word.
"How many?"
"Four, youngest six and eldest eight." She said feeling the tears stinging her eyes.
She quickly pulled over as her vision was becoming impaired.
"Oh Liv." He sighed hearing her sob.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled as she tried to wipe her tears. "I'm fine really." She sniffed.
"No baby you're not, come home." He said feeling desperate.
"I can't leave now, we have some leads and we're going to follow up on those after the boys finish tossing the hotel then we'll see where we can go from there. I just feel like I've lost the ability to put up a wall between myself and the victims. I even held one girl on my lap and rocked her as she cried and when she stopped I didn't want to put her down El." Olivia sighed the kids had really broken her heart.
"Olivia, you're an amazing cop and don't forget it. These kids have been traumatised and the fact that she trusted you enough to sit on your lap and allow you to wrap your arms around her is special, I'm sure at people's touch these girls are jumping out of their skin!" Elliot explained trying to make her feel something other than pain.
"I know, I know, I just ... It's killing me El." She sighed.
"Baby if it gets too much just turn around and come home, no one will think any less of you if you decide to do that." He said softly.
"No one else might but I will, if I can't cope with this El I'm not going to carry on being an SVU detective." She said.
"Now stop it. Do what you got to do and track down those leads and show the rookies how the elite do it alright. Pull yourself together Olivia." He said firmly.
"Alright. Alright." She said.
"Now there's someone else who wants to speak with you." He said and then he was gone.
Olivia heard the phone pass to another hand and braced herself for Munch or Fin.
"Hi Olivia." Cragen said softly.
"Pops how are you?" She asked trying to hide the fact that she had been crying.
"I'm fine how are you is the question?" He said.
"I'm absolutely fine." She lied.
"You never could lie to me Olivia." He laughed. "So how are you really?"
"In emotional pain but I'm coping." She said firmly.
"Well if at any point you're not you come straight back to us as we miss you." He said a smile dancing on his lips.
"I miss you all too Pops." She said her voice starting to crack.
"I'll pass you back to Elliot to say goodbye but we have work to do too." He said.
"Alright bye." She said to him and then the phone went back to Elliot.
"Ok baby remember any worries just come home. I love you." He said softly
"I love you too El." She whispered before clicking the off button the phone.
XXX
Three milkshakes and two bathroom breaks later Olivia and the Brooklyn team were hanging over the white board trying to work out what they had.
"Ok so we still have the name Bobby, we know he was at the hotel what else have we got?" Olivia asked as she played with a marker in her hand.
"Nothing." Thompson said sighing.
"There has got to be something here we can lead up on." Olivia sighed.
"Ok what have you got for me?"
"Kym?" Olivia smiled turning around.
"Olivia! Oh I had heard you were here!" The friends hugged and exchanged a kiss on the cheek.
"How are you?" Olivia asked.
"I'm good. Look at you having a baby! Oh Liv!" Kim smiled and hugged her friend again.
"Yes!" Olivia laughed.
"Goodness how is everyone back at the one six?" She asked.
"Everyone's good."
"Yeah? Munch still full of conspiracy theories? Fin full of gangster and Elliot full of rage?" She asked and Olivia nodded to each question.
"Yup everyone's still the same!" Olivia smiled.
"Oh my God, you're married!" Kym said spotting her ring.
"I am!" Olivia smiled as Kym admired her engagement and wedding ring.
"Who's the lucky man?" She asked. "Anyone I know?"
"Elliot." Olivia said.
"No way! Really? I always knew you two were more than partners!" Kym laughed.
"Well nothing happened between me and Elliot until after he and Kathy were divorced!" Olivia pointed out.
"Oh right! I can't believe it!"
"Girls!" The Captain yelled. "Can you two have your catch up later?" He asked.
"Sorry Cap." Olivia said.
"Yeah sorry so what have you got for me?" Kym asked turning to the board.
"Nothing." Thompson grunted.
"There's got to be something guys, between what you found at the hotel and what the girls said it has got to lead us somewhere. You found pictures, inside and outside of places let's find where these places are and go there." Olivia said trying to raise everyone's spirit.
"Come on Benson you want us to sit and look at pictures and try and find where in Brooklyn they are?" Rowland asked her.
"Have you got a better idea? One of these pictures has to have some sign or something that leads us somewhere!" Olivia said getting frustrated.
"Fine I'm with Benson on this one. Get the pictures and see if you can find out where they are." The Captain said and he marched into his office.
Olivia proceeded to get some pictures when Kym tapped her on the shoulder.
"Why don't we have a catch up tonight?" She smiled.
"Ok, why don't you come to my place that this place is paying for? I've got an apartment and you'll have to bring your own wine of course." She laughed.
"Yeah, send me a text with the address I'll come over about seven pick up some pizza on the way. You still eat plain pepperoni?"
"Yeah! Can't believe you remember!" Olivia laughed.
"Ok I'll see you at seven." Kym smiled before turning around and leaving.
Olivia sat down at her desk with a handful of photo's and slowly went through them one by one eyeing every corner for something that would help them.
A good hour passed with everyone in silence scanning the pictures. Olivia had gone to the toilet four times and everyone had laughed at her talking with her stomach.
"I've got something!" Jefferson yelled and everyone rushed over to him.
"What?" Olivia asked scanning the picture.
"Here look the sign." Jefferson said pulling a magnifying glass from the drawer.
"Church Avenue and East second street." Olivia said reading the sign.
"Ok so that house is this one where there are men coming out carrying something." Rowland said.
"Get Greyleck on the phone because this picture has a house number." Jefferson said.
"We need a warrant." Olivia said.
Xxx
After gaining the warrant the four of them made their way over to the house.
"Right you two round the back and me and Benson will go through the front." Jefferson said and the other two nodded.
The two of them slowly walked up the steps. Olivia felt the adrenaline pump through her body as they reached the door. Jefferson gave her a curt nod.
"We have a warrant to search these premises!" He yelled as he banged on the door.
"There's movement." Olivia said.
"Ok." Jefferson took a step back and rammed his foot into the weak point on the door.
Olivia followed him inside her gun now held close to her chest. They first came across the living room door.
"Clear." Jefferson whispered as they met Rowland and Thompson.
"As is the kitchen." Thompson said.
"Benson and I will go upstairs. You two stay down here." Jefferson said and Olivia followed him up the stairs.
The stairs creaked with every step and then Olivia grabbed Jefferson by the arm.
"Shh." She said as she listened closely.
There was a voice and banging in the distance.
"The attic." Olivia said running past Jefferson.
"Benson!" He yelled rushing after her.
Olivia found the stairs to the attic and she rushed up them. When she arrived at the top she slowly opened the door.
"Oh my God." She gasped placing one hand on her mouth and nose.
"What the ..." Jefferson said as he found a switch for the light.
They could hear something going on downstairs but the scene in front of them had them paralysed to the spot.
"We need buses and yes that's plural to my location this is Detective Olivia Benson Manhattan SVU shield 4015 we have fifteen casualties." She said into her radio.
Jefferson had rushed to the girl closest to him. Olivia couldn't move. She just stared at the naked, broken children around her.
"Olivia, don't stand there and help!" Jefferson cried out as he moved to the next child and started to untie her hands. Olivia went to the other side and began to untie the girls hands and legs.
"You're ok now girls, you're safe." Olivia whispered as she moved on to the next child.
"Where the hell are these ambulances?" Jefferson said.
"Call CSU now. We need this place searched from top to bottom." Olivia said.
Just then four paramedics ran into the room.
They passed blankets over and Olivia helped those who could stand and wrapped blankets around them.
"You're safe now, we're going to help you." She whispered.
More paramedics came in and they slowly took out the girls. Once they all had been taken out Olivia fell to her knees and sobbed.
"Olivia." Jefferson said putting his arm around her.
"Oh my God." Olivia managed to say through her sobs.
"I know." He said blinking back his own tears.
Just as they started to stand up CSU arrived and they had to move out of the way. Olivia and Jefferson went downstairs to find no sign of Rowland and Thompson. They both walked to the car and rather than getting into it Olivia punched the bonnet.
"Olivia..."
"Don't!" Olivia said her teeth clasped shut.
"Ok! Ok." Jefferson said stepping away from her.
Slowly Olivia calmed down enough to get into the car. They made their way back to the precinct and Olivia was pointed to the cribs. Once the door was shut she was again allowed her temper to get the better of her. She punched the locker before turning to sit down on one of the cots. She placed her head in her hands and didn't hold back on the sobs. The sobs weren't for her but for the girls, all under the age of eleven beaten and raped.
"Olivia?" Jefferson said coming into the cribs.
She said nothing and she didn't even look at him as she continued to sob quietly.
"Olivia." He said softly sitting beside her.
He gently put his arm around her shoulders and she placed her head on his shoulder. He stroked the side of her face as she cried. As her cry slowly subsided she pulled away from Jefferson and gave him a weak smile.
"Thanks, I needed that." Olivia said a nervous laugh coming with her comment.
"It's alright, I expected a punch!" He laughed.
"I'm just ... I keep telling myself not to ask why, why these girls? Why these men? What possesses them to commit these vicious crimes because I know if I keep asking why I am going to go insane but when you see something like this how can you not ask why?" Olivia sniffed.
"I know. I mean you've been in this job a lot longer than me and I am sure you have seen and heard worse things than I ever have, I'm sure you've seen worse than what you've seen today but you're pregnant and your hormones are everywhere so I am not surprised at how upset you got, I mean I cried once all the girls were taken from that hell hole, but whilst we were on the stairs the creeps tried to escaped and Rowland and Thompson got them, ok one is in hospital with a nice bullet in his leg but the other one is downstairs waiting for Benson to work her magic. So you need to dry your tears and get ready to get that scum to open up and spill all."
Olivia laughed and took a deep breath.
"Ok let me just clean myself up." Olivia smiled.
"Ok come on." He said taking her hand.
Olivia wiped her eyes and followed Jefferson downstairs.
"Benson!" The Captain called and Olivia let out a deep sigh before turning around and facing him.
"Yes Captain?" She asked trying to sound as calm as she could.
"Go in there and get him to tell us everything he knows before he asks for a lawyer." He said sternly.
"Yes sir." She said.
"Good." He said and together they walked towards the interrogation room.
"Ok so what's his name?" Olivia asked.
"Johnny Richards he's twenty six did three years for assault." The Captain said.
"Ok so what was the assault?" Olivia asked as they reached the window and she peered in on her pray.
"He beat and raped a woman to within an inch of her life."
"And only got three years who on earth was that ADA?" Olivia asked.
"He pled out by giving information on a rape ring so I'm getting Kym up here to offer us a deal depending on what he gives us Olivia. We need Bobby on a plate." He said as she grabbed the door handle.
"I know." She whispered before entering the room.
"Johnny." She said and she heard the door click behind her.
"What's your name?" He asked.
"Detective." She replied.
Olivia put her hands awkwardly in her pockets and started walking around him. She could see him watch her every movement in the two-way. After walking one full circle she stopped in front of him and stood making herself as tall as she could.
"Where's Bobby?" She asked him.
"I don't know no Bobby." He shrugged.
"Don't lie." Olivia hissed.
"I told you ... I don't know no Bobby." He said again leaning forward.
"Put it this way Johnny, you're going down for fifteen counts of rape and false imprisonment at the very least and believe me when I say no one offers kiddie diddlers a deal, however, flip on Bobby and I'll put in a good word with the DA." Olivia said firmly.
"Nah, put your deal on the table and then I'll talk."
"Oh so you do have something that will interest us? Ok, how about this? No." Olivia said and she slowly headed for the door.
"Wait." He said sighing.
"What is it Johnny because I got fifteen girls who will identify you in a line up and I will look forward to watch you rot in prison." She said walking back towards the table.
"He'll kill me." Johnny said as Olivia began walking around the table once again.
"He'll kill you?" She asked mocking him. "That's nothing compared to what I'll do if you don't start talking." Olivia said and she smacked his head into the table.
"What ya do that for?" He asked jumping to his feet.
"You gonna hit a pregnant woman now Johnny?" She smirked as Jefferson stood between them.
"No."
"The sit down!" She said firmly.
"What are you playing at?" Jefferson asked whispering in her ear.
"Just watch." She smirked.
"Now Johnny, you are going to talk to me or I am going to get very, very angry." She said and she leant into his face as much as she could.
"Ok! Ok. Just sit down." He said pulling away from her.
Olivia sat in the chair opposite him and crossed her arms, waiting for him to begin talking.
"I never met Bobby." He said.
"Then what have you got for me?" Olivia asked getting impatient.
"I know where he is." Johnny said clasping his hand on the table.
"Where?"
"Queens." Johnny replied.
"What's Bobby doing in Queens?" Olivia asked her heart hammering in her chest.
"He's after some more meat." Johnny explained.
"He is going to get girls from Queens and bring them to Brooklyn?" Olivia asked.
"Nah man, he's spreading his wings a bit." Johnny sighed.
Suddenly there was a bang on the mirror and Olivia and Jefferson immediately left the interrogation room.
"What is it Cap?" Olivia asked as the door shut.
"CSU bought us some photos of girls. From what they could make out there from Queens." The Captain said.
"Ok so what do you want us to do?" Olivia asked.
"Look through those photos and see if you can identify where the pictures are from and then go and find if you can warn these people, the kids are normally taken from schools and most of these pictures are from schools now get it done." He said before marching off.
"Let's go." Jefferson sighed.
They went into the squad room and sat together at the meeting table so that they could go through the photographs.
"You live in Queens don't you?" Jefferson said as he slowly began going through the pictures.
"Yep." Olivia sighed as she scanned the picture in front of her.
"Why so far from Manhattan?" Jefferson asked throwing the picture onto the desk.
"Better housing, Better schooling it's just better." Olivia said as she changed the picture over. "OH MY GOD!" She yelled jumping to her feet.
"What is it?" Jefferson asked jumping up to and looking at her in shock.
She turned the picture over to face him her eyes watering.
"That's my daughter!" She cried.
Told you there was drama on the way! Do they get to the daughter in time? What daughter is it? Wait and see next chapter!