Do read the previous chapter before you tackle this one. And if you skip it, don't come crying to me if you get lost.

Sorry if this is a little clunky—I have to get back into the rhythm of things!

Amanda and Kim both froze.

Azalea Novak had shown up. Odis Lee was just behind her, and he was clearly barring her from escaping. The only possible way Azalea could go was forward. Into the room.

Behind them, though, a tiny voice cried out. "You're a bad man! BAD!"

Odis Lee shoved Azalea hard in the back. She stumbled and fell forward on all fours. Hard.

The small voice cut through the air again. "Don't! No, no, no!"

Odis Lee headed out of the room quickly. Ahead of him come the sound of small feet running away. But Odis Lee was back just as quickly, carrying a little girl in his arms. The little one was frightened out of her mind. Amanda realized after a wild pause that this little one could only be Violet Kano—the child of Azalea and her fiancée, Hanakatoba. It was no coincidence that they were here. If Amanda hadn't been so exhausted, she would have tried to figure out the methods to her father's madness.

He called out to her. "Junebug!"

She scrambled to her feet as fast as her big middle would permit. "Yes, daddy?"

"Keep that girl quiet, and keep her mother in line." Odis Lee indicated the new people. "Come here."

Amanda crossed the room and lifted the terrified, weepy toddler from her father's hold. She would get to consoling her in a minute. Appeasing their captor was what mattered.

"Need anything else?" Amanda asked him.

"No." decided Odis Lee. "You be good, and if anyone puts a toe out of line, I'll go after your family."

This was enough to stun Amanda for a few moments. Her family was her life now, and it had already taken a lot of persuasion on her part to keep her father from harming Nick or Frannie Mae when he had shown up in her kitchen. But... he had already kidnapped people. Following through on the newest threat was very believable.

Odis Lee took advantage of Amanda's shocked state to close the door again. A rattling sound and a loud click told them they had been locked in with a heavy chain and lock. He had trapped them. Fading footsteps told them that he already on his way out. God only knew just where he was going to strike next.

Remembering the situation at hand, Amanda approached Azalea and set Violet on the floor. The little girl ran straight to her mother. Azalea held her close. She was extremely relieved to have someone so familiar in this crazy hour.

Before Amanda could think of anything to say at all, Maggie Blue awoke with a start. She'd had a bad dream. Her state of being turned to confusion when she saw Azalea and Violet.

"Sissy, what's happening?" Maggie Blue sat up and faced Amanda. "I'm afraid."

Amanda knelt beside her. "I honestly don't know, but daddy brought them here."

"It's 'cause daddy thought we're lonely?"

"Yes." Amanda said, choosing to further her sister's innocence. "That's exactly why."

Maggie Blue beamed and signed the letters o-k before laying back down.

Azalea was puzzled now, but she spared Amanda a second look. "You're Detective Rollins. Right? We met in the hospital."

Amanda nodded. "That's right, Azalea."

"So then what in the world is happening tonight? I'm so lost."

"Complicated is the word."

"We clearly have the time." Azalea gave a shaky exhale. "Please?"

"Then will you and and Violet please come sit over here?" Amanda beckoned to them. "I'm carrying wiggly twin babies that really don't appreciate me moving around so much this late at night."

Azalea and Violet obliged her. She was the clear protector of the group. Just being near her was a comfort.

"Okay." Azalea said as Violet made herself comfortable in her lap again. "I'm all ears now."

Amanda did her best to compartmentalize her last memory of Azalea—laid up in the hospital after being jumped and sexually assaulted. What she had to say was not going to be easy.

"First of all, my father is loose and on the move."

Azalea trembled.

She of course recalled the man who had raped her a month ago and she had recognized him again tonight. But… learning that he was on a mission this time filled her with terror. This was going to be a long night.

"Why?" she cried. "What does he want? The police haven't even been able to find him so we can bring him in for what he did to us!"

Amanda sighed, but only because she knew that the next words were going to sound extremely absurd. "I'm afraid that you and your daughter have been drawn into my family's private little war."

"Excuse me?!"

"There's nothing else to call it. My father has been trying for awhile to get my mother to return to Georgia with him."

The absurdity hit Azalea even harder. "What?"

"Well, the short version is that my parents are both estranged and separated from each other." Amanda began. "My mother also had a baby boy recently by the name of Leon, and he's the happiest little guy. Our father wants to take him and my mother back to Georgia because that's where our family is from. He also wants to make sure that things 'go right.' Never has he ever taken it well that my mother produced three daughters before even one son."

Azalea's eyes flickered from Amanda to Kim to Maggie Blue before landing back on the detective again. "These are your sisters…"

"Correct." Amanda indicated Kim as she joined them on the floor. "This is my middle sister, Kim."

She wanted to Azalea. Azalea waved back.

The young woman then indicated the Rollins' pint-sized companion on the bed. "What's this cutie's name?"

"It's Maggie Blue. Today is her birthday."

Maggie Blue chose this moment to emit a massive sneeze before further settling herself on the bed and looking in the opposite direction. She seemed oblivious.

Azalea tried not to stare. "Does Maggie Blue hear us?"

"No." Amanda told her. "She's very hard of hearing, and extremely overtired."

This last part was true. Maggie Blue had been rubbing her eyes and struggling to stay awake any longer. Kim reached over and started rubbing her baby sister's back. Loud sniffles told them that Maggie Blue was already trying to stave tears off so she could allow herself to sleep again.

"Poor little dear." Azalea checked on her own daughter and gave a small chuckle. "Check this out."

Violet had fallen asleep sitting up.

Kim held her arms out towards Azalea. "I saw that you fell hard. You're probably sore now. I can set Violet with Maggie so she can sleep."

Azalea really was feeling sore, but had no energy to see if anything had broken. It was hitting her now that her body was on fire. She needed tending to.

"That works." Azalea held Violet out to Kim. "Here you go."

While Kim care of Violet, Amanda moved closer to Azalea.

"What happened?" she asked her.

Azalea's face fell as everything flooded back. "Violet was in our bed because she was having bad dreams. Your father stole us right out of bed. Hana was in the next room, but I'm glad of that."

"Will you tell me why?"

"She's recovering from being hurt in the park, when your father found us. Didn't you see her at the hospital?"

"I did." Amanda confirmed.

"My fiancée's ankle is broken."Azalea began to subconsciously cradle her right arm at the elbow. "If your father had made her walk on that leg the way it is, it would probably have permanent damage. Hana must be sick with distress…"

Amanda wanted to know where Azalea, Hanakatoba, and Violet that Odis Lee could have snatched two of them up so easily, but she didn't press the matter. Her companion was just too sad. And still favoring her injured arm in a worrisome way.

"Will you let me look at your arm?" Amanda asked of Azalea.

"Okay." Azalea moved even closer. "It really hurts, and I don't know what I'd do if was broken. A majority of my livelihood depends on me being able to use my arms and hands."

"I'm no doctor, but I've been through more than a few scrapes, twists, and cuts in my lifetime. They sucked." Amanda turned to Kim. "Bring the lantern over here. Are there any blankets we can use for a sling?"

Kim delivered on both. By the light of the lantern, she and Amanda worked together to secure Azalea's arm. It was definitely sprained. Elevating it and securing it were important.

Plus… casting for Azalea gave them something to do.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the weight was taken off.

"Thank you both." she said to them. "What happens now?"

Both she and Kim looked expectantly to Amanda because she was the detective. The non-civilian. The superhero. At least in their eyes.

But she didn't know what to say.

Except—

"If I know my team like I know I do, then they're already hard at work on looking for us." Amanda said. "The only thing we can do right now is wait."

16th Precinct

178 North Street

Manhattan

12:15 AM

Olivia was extremely pleased pleased that Alex and Noah were out in Queens, at the Rollins-Amaro house, with Audrey, Bedelia, Zara, Lilyjoy, Rubyjane, and Leon. They were all together. Safe. There was even an officer assigned to watch the house. Just in case.

When that had been settled, Olivia took stock to see who all of her squad and associates she had on hand. The results were promising.

Fin. Carisi. Casey. George. Trevor. Melinda. Each of them had arrived out of only one missing was Nick. He was at his house in Queens. The bullpen was also full of the regular nightshift workers. They usually stayed out of her way, and she out of theirs. But they came through for her when she needed them. Tonight, they were gathered with everyone else. Every little bit of help mattered tonight.

Olivia had sought out refuge in her office while checking on the security detail. She was glad of the privacy because being pregnant, even in the early stages, was beginning to screw with her. Sleep was the only thing she wanted right now.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, she was interrupted.

"I'm here!" called a voice. "Am I too late?"

Astonishingly, Judge Donnelley could be seen hurrying towards them.

"Nope." Olivia said in surprise. "You're not too late at all. I take that you're here because Casey was able to get hold of you?"

Donnelley nodded as she came to stand between Melinda and Trevor when they made room for her. "Mhm. Miss Novak tried to get hold of Lena, but she is away on other business in Schenectady."

"It's true." Casey chimed in. "Lena sends regrets and her best wishes."

"I've always been very fond of your squad. Now, I'm here to help." Donnelley said to Olivia. "Or do damage control—whichever comes first."

"Thank you." Olivia replied. "That means a lot, judge."

Donnelley gave her the faintest hint of a smile. "I yield the floor to you."

"Alright." Olivia took a step back as she moved to address them all on the whole again. "As we all know, Amanda, Maggie Blue, and Kim have each been abducted night. Their is no question that their father is the person behind this. We do have an advantage right now."

Carisi realized what Olivia was driving at. "It's that Odis Lee likes water, and we've had sightings of him along the lake in Central Park before."

"Precisely. We will make our way in that direction, but I do need to tell all of you something about Odis Lee's legal representation."

Fin spoke up. "It isn't enough already that it's Lionel Granger?"

Olivia gave a hollow laugh. "Don't I wish. Bedelia dropped a large piece of information on me after she and Kim escaped Odis Lee."

"Just what the hell was it?"

"She told me that Lionel is Odis Lee's half-brother."

"What?" the others yelped.

"It's true. Bedelia said that the guys have the same fathers, but different mothers." Olivia confirmed. "Lionel moved up here from Georgia when he was ten."

Trevor stepped in at this point, addressing Olivia. "With Lionel representing his own brother in something like this, that's a whopping conflict of interest. It also sounds like Amanda's father is collecting pieces to a set. Do you think that he's going to after Lionel next?"

"Yes. That's exactly what I think." Olivia said grimly. "Does anyone here know where he lives?"

"Me." Judge Donnelley found herself saying. "I do."

Olivia handed her a Post-It Note and a pencil. "Please write the information down for us."

Donnelley did. Olivia returned the pencil to where she had found it, but passed the scrap of paper to Carisi, who stood straighter when he realized what was happening.

"Is this the part where I go get Granger and his family?" he posited.

"Yes. His family, too, please." Olivia instructed. "Tell them it's for their own safety."

"I understand. I'll be back."

No sooner had he left, than a ringing cell phone could be heard in the room.

Barba tapped Casey on one elbow. "That's yours."

"Oh." Casey said in surprise; her thoughts had been with her family for some reason. "Thanks."

Everyone in the room watched as she answered her phone.

"Are y—"

There was a pause on Casey' s part.

And then a shriek.

"Oh, my God!"

Casey sat down hard in the nearest chair and was only vaguely aware of Barba hurrying to her side. Something had really spooked her. What was more was that while she still had her phone in one hand, her free hand was on her middle as she tracked baby Mía's movements. There was also a pronounced frown on her face.

While everyone came to the realization that Casey might have accidentally startled herself into labor, Olivia was the first person to realize that the caller was no doubt on the other line. She went for the phone.

"Hello?" she said as she held the device to her ear. "This is Sergeant Olivia Benson of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit. Who am I speaking with?"

Crying sounds could be heard. "This is Daisy Novak. I'm Casey's mother."

Olivia's heart skipped a beat. "I'm so sorry that our first meeting has to be this way, Daisy. What's wrong?"

The other woman steadied herself to the best of her abilities. "Our other daughter, Azalea, and our granddaughter, Violet, were abducted from home!"

"What?" Olivia gasped. "Was it from home?"

"Yes! Have you met Azalea and Violet?"

"I'm afraid I haven't." Olivia said honestly. "Where is Hanakatoba?"

"In the next room with my husband. She's completely inconsolable, but she still managed to call us." Daisy's tones quavered but she kept her voice at a reasonable sound limit. "My husband and I were already out because we were at a late movie. What do we do? I'm sure Hana won't want to move."

Olivia felt her sympathy for Hanakatoba skyrocket when she remembered the litany of injuries she'd suffered, thanks to Odis Lee. "That's totally understandable. I will be there soon. Did you call Casey because she's in a position of power?"

"Yes." Daisy admitted. "How is my firstborn doing?"

Olivia looked over at her. Casey was now radio-silent and using both hands to track Mía's movements. She was in her own world. The sergeant was unwilling to jinx it, but she had a feeling that the youngest Novak grandchild would be gracing the universe with her presence in the approaching twenty-four hours. Or less.

"Casey is alright for the time being," Olivia finally said. "But it would be inadvisable if she came to the phone right now."

Daisy Novak realized she was being had. "Okay. The shop is at 665 Central Park West. Ring the bell behind the building."

"I will. See you soon."

Daisy also bid her farewell and ended the call.

Olivia also hung up and put Casey's phone back in her pocket for her.

"How is Mía?" she asked gently.

The redhead let out a breath as she came down from a contraction. "She will definitely be meeting us in the next day or so. You're going to have to tag us out."

"Everyone understands."

"Good. Please share what Daisy said—I want to hear."

So Olivia turned to face the crowd that continued to amass. Everyone was watched her with bated breath. She told them everything. By the end, they were each feeling horrified.

"What a giant mess…" murmured Fin.

"Hang on a second." Judge Donnelley said suddenly as she looked around. "Where is Detective Amaro?"

"He—"

For what felt like the umpteenth time in as many minutes, Olivia was interrupted. This time it was by the arrival of her partner.

"Nick!" she sputtered as he jogged over. "How the h—never mind. A whole bombshell has been dropped on us, Carisi has gone to collect Lionel Granger and his family to bring them back here, Casey has accidentally jolted herself into labor, and we have reason to believe that Odis Lee is behind the new mayhem! Follow all that?"

The detective felt like his brain was melting as he processed what was being told to him, but he nodded when he drew level.

"Yes. I got every word. Just tell me what to do."

"Will you be able to remain objective? I could really use you."

"I'm all good, sarge." Nick said seriously. "That's a promise."

"Good man." Olivia motioned for him to stand with everyone else. "Time to divvy up the labor."

Olivia sent Nick to Central Park with Fin and a number of uniformed officers, while requesting for Melinda to join her for her trip to the flower shop. A message was left for Carisi to make his way to the park when he was done with the Grangers. Judge Donnelley and Trevor both elected stay at the station-house because they wanted see how the adventure would end. George felt the same way. He stayed behind, too. There was no way he could leave his friends. This whole night was turning into one big... something.

Hopefully, everything would go off without a hitch.

And hopefully… Olivia could get back with Casey's family in a timely fashion.

"Liv?"

She turned at the sound of her name. Having functioned in something of an autopilot, Olivia had already forgotten that someone had accompanied her into the police cruiser. She had to focus.

"I'm sorry, Melinda." Olivia turned on the car and the engine roared to life. "I just can't imagine how terrified everyone must be. Central Park at this hour is no place to be."

"Definitely true," agreed Melinda. "But we both know that Amanda will do everything she can to keep everyone safe—and not just because she's in law enforcement. Are you ready to go to the Novak place?"

Olivia nodded and began backing the car out of its parking space. "Yes. I am."

And they drove off into the night.