Disclaimer: All characters featured here are owned by Dick Wolf/ NBC Universal. This story was written for non-commercial/fan entertainment only.
She screams his name, a hoarse cry of pure terror, pain and a longing so deep it makes Rollins' bones ache.
The captain is dreaming. She'd fallen asleep in her office.
Rollins dials a number on her phone , speaking into it quietly, telling herself the consequences will be worth it.
Minutes later, almost too fast for him to have driven safely, the man she had summoned arrives.
She barely knows him, but knows that this, what she has done, is right.
They don't speak as she leads him to the captain's door, as she watches him turn the knob and step inside.
A while later, she hears them tensely talking, then the dam breaks and she can hear, though she knows she shouldn't be listening, the sound of the captain's sobs and the near stranger's murmurings of comfort, of apology, and finally of love.
Amanda Rollins has seen some stuff, some grotesque, some saddening, some joyful, some in between stuff. She has known love, borne children. She has lived life. But she knows with certainty that she has never known the level of connection they have. Close, but not quite.
The thought is at once painful and awe inspiring.
Which is odd for her because she isn't usually one for awe.
She can, though, say, that it gives her peace to hear them laughing through tapering sniffles now.
They will be happy,
They will be together forever now.
Somehow, without clear reason, she knows that with certainty.
And in a city and job where there aren't many wins. Rollins is happy to have had a hand in putting one this big on the books.
For the two in the office...
For them all.