Zara accepted help from the nurses and her physician when they arrived. She only wanted to be clean again. And to sleep.

Nick and Amanda caught each other up on the facts out in the hallway. It also didn't escape Amanda's attention that her fiancé sped through his part.

When it was over, Amanda remarked, "How did you know to come here?"

"The sarge's other half intercepted me when we made it back from The Holland Tunnel." Nick told her. "Alex gave me a physical push back out and told me to haul ass to the pediatrics wing here. What is happening?"

But Amanda was quick to sigh. "We asked Zara if she knew anything."

"And was she helpful?"

"Mhm. But she tanked. Cesaria did okay us to talk to Zara, and she was extremely willing to help the grown-ups. I think she liked being included."

"Sounds about right." Nick studied his fiancée's worried face. "Hey—I completely trust you with Zara. And her welfare."

"Zara had two panic attacks." Amanda shuffled her feet. "I'm sorry."

Nick's tone was affirming. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Princesa is having the day from hell. She probably thinks of you as an anchor. Or an angel. You did everything right."

Amanda felt relieved. "I just took care of her without any hesitation."

"That was your instinct kicking in. Please tell me what happened."

So Amanda relayed the story fro what she hoped would be the last time that day.

But…

For as distressed as Nick was upon arrival, he was completely calm by the end.

"Zara chose you." Nick rubbed Amanda's arms. "You know how she called me about the mayhem at my dad's rehearsal dinner?"

Amanda nodded. "Yes. I read that report after getting back from Loganville."

Nick was now doing the feet shuffling. "Let's just say that Zara has been rebuilding her sense of trust in adults. Her circle is very tightly-knit."

"Who does make Zara's cut?"

"Only us, my mother... And Maria..."

The mere mention of his ex's name caused Nick's face to fall. But Amanda wouldn't let him collapse it seemed he was on the verge of doing.

"You have a child with Maria. I understand and respect that. But for everything Maria's put you through, you wouldn't wish death on her. Correct?"

Nick was honest. "Yes."

"You're a strong man with a kind heart. Plus, you had entire life before we met." Amanda went on. "It would be concerning if you felt nothing at all. Your behavior now is normal. I support you. Always."

Nick let out a breath he hadn't even realized he was holding. "Thank you."

Amanda held him close and soothed him.

Nick was truly her best friend. But also her future husband. She would take any chance that she could to act like a wife. Especially today.

But Nick soon pulled away to ask, "Zara said my mother went to pray?"

"Uh-huh." Amanda said. "Your mother also went to find new clothes and shoes for her. Did you see Zara's luggage at the crime scene?"

"Yeah. Maria's, too. But they're pretty much toast. Maria's car was in very bad shape."

Amanda tried not to let a storm cloud grow above her head. "We're actually at square one. Do you have any of Zara's clothes at your place?"

"None that fit. I guess we'll have to go shopping soon. And move." Nick sounded like he was brainstorming aloud. "That house only has two bedrooms. And your apartment only has one."

"Definitely true." Amanda said. "By the way… I had a chat with Cesaria."

But Nick realized almost at once what she was driving at. "Cesaria got it out of you about the baby and the engagement. Didn't she?"

"Something to that effect. But she promised not to tell. Are you mad?"

Nick shook his head. "Not in the least. Our family matriarch is totally someone you can trust with secrets... Unlike my blabbermouth of a sister, Sonya. Remind to me to tell you about the Empanada Incident some time."

"You can do that when you teach me the recipe." Amanda decided. "We also had a major heart-to-heart. I'll tell you the details later, but it turns out that Cesaria has liked me all along. Your mother also gave me her blessing."

"Wow." Nick hadn't seen that coming. "Feels like we're already married."

"Speaking of that…" But Amanda's words trailed off as she thought of what to say.

"I wouldn't say no if you wanted to go do that now." blurted Nick. "And I would understand if you wanted to marry today for the sake of Zara. Truly."

The depth of Nick's words made Amanda want to tell him yes. "I would love to be your wife today. But Zara doesn't know we're engaged. My next thought for her is just letting her unwind first. Look me in the eyes and tell me that overloading one jet-lagged, overemotional eight-year-old would be clever. Go on."

But Nick immediately looked away. "Amanda, you are one hundred percent correct. Zara doesn't need anything else on her plate. What were you going to tell me?"

"It's about the envelope Zara had. Casey and Alex found some interesting items inside." Amanda returned. "One is a sealed letter from Maria to you. They also found custody transfer papers."

"What are we talking about here, Amanda? Please be honest."

"Casey and Alex found that Maria is due for some kind of longterm classified assignment." Amanda explained. "This hasn't occurred to Zara to share. Yet. If she knows."

"But now it's impossible for Maria to keep Zara." Nick sat down on a nearby bench. "This is what she was coming here to tell me. Maria must've ben worried I wouldn't take her call. Perhaps if I had..."

Amanda sat with him. "None of this is on you. I mean it."

"Thanks. I have no idea where I'd be without you." Nick gently bumped his shoulder against Amanda's. "Did our friends find any other big revelations?"

"They did. Casey and Alex discovered that Maria is giving full custody of Zara to you and me."

"Pard—" But Nick was cut off.

"Detectives!" came a new voice.

They both stood when they say Olivia on the approach. With Casey and Alex. It seemed all were moving in a pack today.

"Amanda," Olivia said when they joined them. "Have you and Nick been catching each other up?"

She nodded. "Yes, m'am."

"Good. Please give us the full situation on Zara now."

Her detectives immediately filled in the blanks. Including what they knew about Zara's present care.

Casey remarked, "What a day this is becoming. Nick, where did your mother go?"

"Cesaria is around." he told her. "She went to pray, and find a new outfit for Zara. Little princesa is in rough shape where clothing materials are concerned."

Any further concern that could have been said here by Olivia in response was then interrupted.

Zara's nurses filed out and away from her room. So did her doctor. But not after a notice about sleeping medicine and a warning to keep Zara stress-free. Her tone suggested they stop, altogether. Everyone understood.

"Sarge, I guess that's that." Amanda told Olivia after Doctor Fernsby had cleared out. "Did you come to check on Zara? Or to give Nick and I a new assignment?"

Olivia was pleasant. "A little of both, Rollins. May I see Zara first?"

"Go for it." Amanda and Nick said together.

The sergeant entered Zara's room. She looked more worn out than ever. But a smile appeared on her face when she recognized her visitor.

"You came to see me?" Zara said in surprise.

"You bet, kid." Olivia smiled at her. "Thanks for being so brave today. Everything you said was a big help. I have a present for you."

Olivia placed an object from one of her coat pocket into Zara's hands. It turned to be a very handsome police badge on a chain. The thing looked surprisingly real. But Zara felt extremely awed.

"Thanks!" she told Olivia.

"You are so very welcome." Olivia hugged Zara. "I'll come back later on."

Zara cheered and bid her good-bye.

Nick and Amanda joined Zara as Olivia left. They had to tell her a certain something now.

"Princesa," Nick addressed his daughter. "Mandy and I have to go back to work."

Zara rubbed her eyes. "Okay..."

Amanda pointed to Zara's badge. "Is that from Olivia?"

"Mhm." now Zara was yawning. "She gave it to me for being brave."

"You are very brave." Amanda tucked Zara in. "I'm proud of you."

Zara heard the compliment, but her mind was elsewhere. "But where is abuelita now?"

Nick said to Zara, "She's back from praying. Now she's waiting in the hall. Abuelita will stay."

Even in her sleepiness, the girl remained sharp. "So you and Mandy can work on more clues again?"

"Bingo. All you have to do is count sheep."

Zara giggled at the metaphor. "Okay, daddy. I love you."

Nick hugged Zara. "See you later, princesa. I love you."

The detective headed back out.

Amanda was alone with Zara again. How she wished she could stay.

But Amanda just said, "I loved looking after you."

Zara smiled, but then gave her umpteenth yawn. "Can we cuddle later? At home?"

"You bet, sweet pea. That can definitely happen."

Zara's eyelids were drooping. "Okay, Mandy. I love you."

Amanda hugged Zara. "I love you, too. See you later."

Zara fell asleep in mid-farewell.

Upon seeing Amanda return to the hallway, Cesaria excused herself away. She had a task to do. As did everyone else.

Back to business.

The detectives listened closely as Olivia told them about Annabella and Genevieve.

In a word, Amanda felt windswept by the end. "That's… A lot."

Olivia nodded. "Our sentiments, exactly, Rollins. Fin and Carisi are back at the station. You two are off to Pérez Market."

Nick said, "I know that place!"

"Just what I want to hear." Olivia made a shooing motion. "Come back with something good."

The detectives departed.

Olivia then turned to the attorneys. Both had been watching it all unfold. Much like a silent guard.

But they both took a collective step back when Olivia turned her gaze on them. Her expression clearly read as, 'Don't fuck with me.' Nobody was out of the woods. Yet.

"Time to talk." Olivia told the other two. "Now."

Alex and Casey followed her away. It almost felt like they were off to the gallows.

A perk of belonging to and having command of one of the city's most elite units meant that when Olivia asked for something, it was given to her. Fast. Even at the hospital.

Today the request was for an empty conference room.

She spoke the moment the door closed.

"Nothing about our lives have been at all normal since the case before this one. I'm soaking in every moment because it brought both of you back into my life. Everything has been… A learning process."

Olivia started pacing before Casey and Alex as they sat together on the edge of the conference table.

"I just need you two to help me out with something."

"Oh?" said Alex curiously.

"Go on." Casey encouraged.

Olivia looked from one attorney to the other. "Did you two cross paths before 2005?"

Alex shook her head. But she was flooded with memories of the first time she and Casey worked together.

"I only knew about her by reputation." Casey confessed. "And from tall tales. Why?"

"Because Alex is your boss now. The timing is a tad… on the nose. I'm not angry. Just curious." Olivia stopped pacing. "No 'regime change,' huh? The three of us are still at a new crossroad. Where is Rafael?"

Alex chose her words carefully. "That change I told you about yesterday has already fallen from the sky. Judge Donnelley stopped in for a chat with us."

Casey nodded. "It happened at my office. Raf was already there because we were talking about dinner plans. Alex happened by a few minutes later. We..."

But she stopped short at the look on her boss' face. It was a clear 'Are you sure about this?' expression.

"You know what? Forget it." Casey found herself turning red. "The point now is that Donnelley passed by not long after and noticed us."

Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Did she pounce? That's always been one of her qualities. Amongst many."

"The judge literally gave us officers we couldn't turn away. Everything has already been settled."

Alex added, "And in stone. We're yours. Good and clear."

"Mhm." said Casey. "And Raf? He's off to immigration law. Such a job has always been a dream of his."

"Good for him." Olivia said sincerely. "Are you replacing Rafael? And where have you been all this time?"

"Arson squad. Total boy's club. Never again." Casey shuddered. "But to answer your other question: I am replacing Raf."

Olivia's confusion deflated as more things come together. "And he's cool about it?"

Casey nodded. "He is. But you know him—the man is not super into sharing his feelings if put on the spot."

"How true." Olivia allowed herself to laugh. "This is all so abrupt. Are you going to be okay?"

"Mhm. We're just pinching ourselves because we have exactly what we want for our careers now. But... He'd probably like it if you called him tomorrow."

"I will definitely do that."

Olivia then turned to Alex.

"Now please tell me what's going on with you."

Alex looked like her thunder had been stolen. "I was going to cook you dinner and tell you as we ate…"

Olivia laughed again. "Alexandra, I won't stop you. Quit beating around the bush."

"You're looking at the Sex Crimes Bureau Chief. Again." (the blonde had once held this position before) "What do you think?"

All weariness from the day had been lifted off her shoulders for a moment.

"I am very proud of you," Olivia kissed Alex's hands. "And that I will cook something very nice for dinner."

"So long as I get to cook." Alex bargained. "Eventually."

"Deal."

Beside them, Casey laughed softly. "Look at you both. Now you're acting as married Raf and I do."

Her friends laughed. She had a point.

But Olivia also gave her a hug. "I'm happy for you, too. And very proud."

Casey beamed. "Thanks, Liv. I… Oh, dear…"

Casey's hands flew down to her middle as she felt her children stretch out. In unison.

Alex moved over to Olivia could step closer to their friend.

"Something you want to share?" Olivia prompted. "You stopped yourself in mid-ramble before…"

"We found out this morning that Maríposa does have an identical sister in there." Casey tapped the upper half of her middle. "Our Liliana was asleep until she kicked Posey. Now they're both just kicking me."

Alex gave a sympathetic wince. "Bev would go for hours when she realized finally she had legs. It was like she was bored of being cooped up."

Olivia was amused by the lightheartedness of the conversation, but also feeling satisfied that her questions had been answered. Everything with Alex and Casey was okay.

So Olivia held opened the conference room door for her companions again. She didn't mind being chivalrous.

"Let's go. I have a feeling that we should be getting to the squad room now. By the time we get back, someone will have discovered a new clue for us to ruminate on."

As per usual, Olivia's intuition was on the nose.

Nick and Amanda were at Pérez Market, in East Harlem. The place was very quaint. A neighborhood general store of sorts. It put Amanda in to a mood of contentment.

Even though they were there for business.

Amanda let Nick do most of the talking because it seemed that the employees preferred speaking Spanish. Perfectly fine. At least the security footage hadn't been confusing to look at. And straightforward.

But Amanda still stood off to the side while she waited for Nick to finish speaking with his last witness.

When the detective did join his fiancée, he found her to be lost in thought.

Nick said, "You okay?"

Amanda smiled at him. "Yes. I'm just thinking how I need to learn more Spanish. Do you think that will tickle Zara?"

"Yep. She is bilingual. Zara will probably just talk at you, but she would over the moon at any of your attempts to learn Spanish."

"Good to know. I'll engage her later on." Amanda tilted her chin in the direction of where Nick had just come from. "What did the butcher say?"

"He told me Starkweather was hanging out here just before Annabella and Genevieve arrived." reported Nick. "The master sergeant asked the butcher for directions to the first gasoline station outside of the city."

"Wow. That's oddly specific." Amanda zipped her jacket up. "Did your witness deliver?"

Nick bobbed his head. "Yes. We're going for a drive."