Chapter 19

Friday

10:23 p.m.

Alex bobbed Theo up and down on her hip, pressing her nose to the side of his head. She looked at Casey who was ready to pass out on the sofa, pregnancy getting the best of her.

"Shhhh," the blonde encouraged.

Theo had been almost inconsolable the rest of the day. He asked where his Mama was more than a dozen times, waiting somehow for her to appear, for her to materialize in front of him at his pleading.

But Alex had ventured forth, trying to reassure him that she was coming soon any moment he asked for her.

But what was the concept of time to a two-and-a-half-year-old? Time didn't exist. The fact that she could tell him that she would be there in seven days, in three days, tomorrow? What did it matter? Time meant nothing at this age and even less to the age that her twins were.

The blonde would have liked to think that she could be enough for their little boy. But the fact of the matter was, even still young and new and starting out, their family was so closely knit, so intertwined daily with the tasks that made them a unit, that he was suddenly realizing that something wasn't right.

She watched Casey jolt now, sitting upright, just having dozed for a few seconds.

"What can I do to help?" she asked, blinking hard.

Alex smiled, watching her holding Grace's sleeping form on her lap before looking at her mother who was on the opposite sofa with Isabel, their little blue-eyed girl still awake, still watching, perhaps still waiting for some sort of action, as well.

"Mama…" Theo whimpered softly, his little body jerking slightly from an impending sleep trying to take him.

Alex felt the tears forming now, unable to control them. "I know, my sweet boy…" she kissed his head, "…I know…"

The Facetime call, although almost half a day ago, was still with Theo. And she couldn't blame him.

They had seen Olivia, sitting there, emotional, and it had gotten to all of them.

"I know, my love. Mama will be here soon."

That was all she could say, hoping, in her heart of hearts, that this was true.

"I still say a finger's worth of bourbon, Alex. In their bottles," Cathy Cabot tried, Isabel now standing, her little fingers gripping the petite woman's hair.

"I'm not giving them alcohol, Mom. That's something Olivia and I would never do."

"Well, Dear, it worked for you and Jonathan."

Alex shook her head, smiling. "Thank God we turned out OK, then…" She smiled at her mother.

"But you do like your Chardonnay, Alex…" Casey added.

Alex narrowed her eyes. "Touché. And maybe that's a connection?" She smiled.

"He's settling down, Dear. I can see it in his face."

Alex felt him gripping her hair now, the way he did before sleep.

They had been asleep a couple of hours ago but had awoken and Isabel and Theo had begun crying, Grace only watching on, as usual, wondering what her sister and brother were so upset about.

She looked down at her son, watching his sleepy eyes, watching them finally close, his mouth part, his breathing begin to slow.

Carefully, she moved to the opposite sofa, next to her mother, and sat, Theo not stirring.

"I don't think that was a good idea today, Alex. With the Facebook call." Cathy adjusted Isabel on her lap, their little girl now sleeping.

"Facetime, Mom, and I know that." Alex looked down at Theo again, before she eyed her gray joggers, noticing a stain of marinara sauce from feeding them at dinner, and then looking down at her gray tank, noticing a stain there, as well.

"Well, maybe you should just stick to Facebooking with Olivia and not have the kids involved."

"It's Face-," Alex began, but stopped herself. "Duly noted, Mom. I've already thought of that. It was a complete disaster today."

Alex took a deep breath now, eyeing the TV, Conan O'Brien interviewing Cate Blanchett, the blonde woman verging on a near-perfect appearance, compared to her own disheveled look at the moment.

"Shall we put them in bed?" Cathy asked.

"Theo's gonna wake up. I can feel it." Alex looked at her mother now. "He needs a little more time. He's still buzzing." She stilled her hand on his back, feeling his breathing.

Cathy only nodded, looking down at Isabel and bringing her little hand to her mouth and kissing it gently.

They watched the low-volumed TV for a few minutes now, no one saying anything.

"Alex?" Cathy questioned softly.

Alex turned to look at her mother.

"You're doing a great job, dear. Just wonderful."

Alex smiled. "Thanks, Mom."

"I know they're missing Olivia...it's obvious...but you're holding it together really well."

Am I? Alex asked herself. Every day without her wife seemed to drag and the moments that she had to take on, or console, their sometime inconsolable children were almost pure torture. And she couldn't escape the thoughts that told her that, if her wife was here, things would be going more than smoothly.

"Thanks, Mom."

They sat in a comfortable silence now, all three kids sleeping, knowing that, at any minute, they would take them into she and Olivia's bedroom and put them down for the night.

Olivia looked at Fin and then at the phone on the table. The party had ended at around ten-fifteen and they had changed—Olivia in a pair of jeans and a burgundy tank, and Antonia in a pair of jeans and a gray "Live Your Life" t-shirt.

Fin took a sip from his bottled water—still in his party attire—and then leaned back in his chair at the kitchen table.

"Kaia Schiffer is FBI, as you've found out." Cragen's voice was matter-of-fact.

Olivia nodded, "We have. She told us she's already a mentor with the agency and that Camila's going to ask me next?"

"That's right," Cragen started. "She's been there a little over a month and has gotten in pretty good with Camila and Priscilla. They trust her. As far as they're concerned, she's one of them now."

Olivia looked at Antonia, the younger woman looking at her and nodding, and then back at Fin, focusing on his amiably familiar face and narrowing her eyes as she thought.

The brunette detective wondered what exactly this Kaia had done, as far as moral decisions went, that might have been simply a move or moves, in order to further the case.

Whatever she might have done, or not have done, Olivia had made it clear that under no circumstances would she jeopardize her marital sanctity for the sake of solving and ending this case.

"The party tomorrow night is the big chance to make your moves ladies." Cragen started again.

Olivia refocused on the white bowl in the center of the kitchen table, several light straw spheres nestled inside.

Cragen continued, "Fin won't be there but there are three of you. It'll be a chance to hear something, see something, possibly enough to get a search warrant."

Olivia reached for her bottle of water now and took a swig. "I have a good feeling about this, Captain. I really feel that we're going to see Camila and Priscilla and those two apes in their element tomorrow night. No filter." She reached for a lone banana in front of her that she was thinking about snacking on and held it in her clasped hands on the table.

And Olivia did believe this. She felt that, as far as trust and familiarity went, although they hadn't known the Benetti—Keene duo very long, she felt trusted to enough of a degree that they might let their guards down and she and Antonia and Kaia would witness something that would blow this whole thing wide open.

"Kaia has detailed incidences where she has almost walked in on Logan and Miles with girls who are very obviously underage."

"Yeah…she mentioned that upstairs when she revealed who she was." Antonia added.

"And maybe you'll see some of that for yourself. Do some poking around." Cragen added.

"But don't get caught," Olivia added, smiling, and beginning to lightly press on the fruit beneath her fingers.

"Well, it seems to me that you two have become masters on the art of outward appearances. Your acting is spot on girls. Really nice work."

Olivia looked at Antonia and smiled. "When you have a great acting partner…" she looked at Fin, "…or I mean…partners." She winked at the mocha-skinned man now.

Fin only shook his head, smirking.

Cragen continued. "OK. So, the party tomorrow evening is also at eight. All you have to do is wire yourself and take some bugs. If there is a good time to plant one, do. If not, save it. We should be able to pick up anything said or heard through your wires. Be daring but safe. Keep up the good act of making Camila believe you two are head over heels for each other and your marriage is enviable. And let's get this broken wide open soon."

"Got it, Captain." Olivia looked at Fin again and then Antonia before sitting up in her chair and placing her elbows on the surface of the table, her hands folded in front of her mouth, abandoning the banana for the time being.

"OK, you ladies have a good night and Fin…"

"Yeah, Cap?"

"See you in a few minutes."

"You got it." Fin smiled.

The call disconnected and Olivia took in a deep breath and let it out, reaching for her bottle and taking another swig, this time finishing the contents. "Looks like we're getting closer."

"I think it's sex." Fin said flatly. "The girls, the boys…age don't matter to them."

Olivia nodded. "I think it's drugs. Kaia mentioned something about a class where they use dolls? I bet those are vessels for transportation."

Fin nodded and Olivia felt her partner's gaze on her. She looked up and caught eyes with him. And instantly, she was reminded of so many things.

Their thirteen-year history together.

Their friendship for that long.

How he always had she and Alex's back, no matter what.

His loyalty in any situation they ran into—professional and, most definitely, personal.

His huge heart and how he had comforted her after Elliot had been reassigned.

His absolute lack of hesitation at becoming her partner.

His openness and commitment to their friendship and the fact that she considered him a brother to her, to Alex.

She swallowed and felt the sting of tears now, thinking of these facts, taking a deep breath and focusing on the banana once more.

"Liv?" Fin leaned forward now, trying to look at the brunette.

Olivia smiled and laughed lightly, shaking her head.

"I'm gonna use the restroom upstairs…give you guys a few minutes." Antonia offered.

Olivia looked up at her and smiled, and Fin did, as well, the two waiting for her to leave the room.

"Liv…" Fin tried again.

And Olivia looked at him. Really looked at him, not able to hide the emotions she was feeling.

"You doin' an amazing job, girl."

Olivia nodded quickly. "I feel that. I just…"

"Alex is OK, Liv. She's got her parents and I heard Novak's there…"

Olivia looked up at him once more. "How did you know?"

"I talked to your wife yesterday. Just called and checked in on her."

"And?" Olivia raised her eyebrows.

"And…you know how she is, Liv. You been talkin' to her, too." Fin smiled. "Come on, girl. Alex is a strong woman. Mentally and physically, regardless of that skinny frame."

Olivia looked up at her partner now, not able to keep from smiling. "She's gotten a little thicker since we met, Fin…and you know it…"

"Yeah, she has…" he agreed softly. "But you and Tony doin' good. Had me feelin' like ya'll was together, too."

Olivia felt a wave of guilt come on again, looking back at the banana and beginning to pick at the stem with her thumbnail. "Scares me how easily it comes out sometimes."

"That's cuz you good at your job, Liv. Always have been. You do what you gotta do, every time, baby girl. And you get it done. And I feel like this one's gonna wrap soon, too."

Olivia looked back at her partner and nodded. "Yeah…you're right."

"And Liv…"

"Yeah?" Olivia looked at Fin's, kind, sparkling eyes.

"Can you leave that poor banana alone?"

Olivia looked down and saw that she was, in fact, pressing on it again. She pushed it away from her and held her hands up before looking at Fin and beginning to giggle. "I stepped away."

"Good," he winked. "Poor thing didn't have a chance with all those Alex thoughts going on."

Olivia only smiled and shook her head.

"I gotta go, girl." Fin stood now.

Olivia stood, as well, and the two embraced—firmly, assuredly, the brunette taking comfort in the safety she felt from the hug.

Pulling away he looked at her and smiled, and she watched as his hand slowly came toward her face, his thumb brushing carefully along her cheek, wiping a tear. She hadn't even realized she had started crying.

She smiled again and laughed lightly and they began walking toward the front door, arms, around the other's waist.

"Goodnight, Tony," Fin called up the staircase on their way to the front door.

A faint "goodbye" from the younger agent was heard coming from upstairs.

Fin turned now, just short of the door and they hugged once more before he pulled away, his hands on her upper arms. "You can do this, Liv. Have been doin' this. It won't be long now. Go and get these sons of bitches."

Olivia smiled up at her partner. "Consider it done, Fin. Thank you."

Fin winked and opened the door and stepped out into the night.

Olivia watched him get into a champagne-colored Jaguar, close the door, and start the engine. He waved at her and then turned in the half-circle drive, and then drove off and out of sight.

She stood there for a few moments, arms hugged against her, taking in a long breath of the fresh night time air, wondering if her wife was outside on their balcony or in their bedroom or on the downstairs patio at this moment, breathing in the same air, having the same thoughts of the freshness, and of each other.

She missed Alex more than she had ever missed her. Her body ached to hold her. She wanted to smell her, to feel her, to touch her, to just sit and lie somewhere and look at her.

Those were some of the best moments and she couldn't wait to see her again.

And she knew it would be soon.

She smiled to herself, closed her eyes, and took one more deep breath and let it out before she took a step backward and into the house, closing the door behind her.

Tomorrow night was the night to find out what was going on. If they found anything at all, that would be probable cause.

And they could move forward with arresting and prosecuting Camila Benetti, Priscilla Keene, and any known or unknown associates, and the case could come to a close.

Olivia moved to the sofa now and sat, flipping the TV on, laying back, and getting comfortable. She was exhausted, not only from the case, but from the stress of so many things.

Tomorrow would be a long day of mentally preparing and getting psyched up. She knew that she could do it, though. With two other strong female agents on her team, she had an extra boost of confidence that gave her the hope that this would all soon be over.

Pretty Woman was on and it was the part where Vivian and Edward are eating escargot. She smiled and closed her eyes, letting her body relax for the day and enter sleep.

Saturday

7:03 a.m.

Olivia opened her eyes and squinted before closing them again. She had fallen asleep again on the sectional on the previous evening and was still in her jeans and burgundy tank, her feet bare.

She opened her eyes once more and furrowed her brow and heard noise coming from the kitchen behind her—subtle, yet there.

She sat up from the sofa and quietly swept the throw from her body before standing silently and listening.

Slight clanging.

Squeaking?

Princess's toenails?

Water running?

Surely Antonia wasn't awake already.

Olivia hugged her arms to her body and tip-toed now, eyes squinted against the early-morning sun coming in through the windows, yawning, and heading toward the small wall that separated the kitchen from the living area.

She peered around and entered fully now to find Antonia, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a gray V-neck t-shirt, black flip-flops on, moving around the kitchen.

Coffee was on.

Princess was fed.

Something was on the stove.

Olivia yawned once more, covering her mouth, and still watching the younger woman.

Finally, Antonia saw her and smiled. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Olivia answered.

"Coffee's ready. I have eggs, bacon, and toast on. Princess has eaten," Tony chirped.

"Hmmm." Olivia raised her eyebrows and scratched her head vigorously, still trying to wake up. She moved up to the island and leaned on it.

Tony turned from the frying pan on the stove and smiled. "Eggs are almost ready."

"What time did you get up?"

"Mmmmm, about six? I've been on a run, did some weights. Showered."

Olivia raised her eyebrows. "Wow," she said just loud enough for her own ears to hear.

"Coffee?" Antonia held the pot out in front of a mug.

"Yeah, absolutely. Thanks." Olivia moved around the island now and took the cup, feeling like she was actually in desperate need this morning. She took a sip, not bothering to cream or sweeten it. "Mmmm, good."

Antonia only smiled again, having moved to the toaster. She took out four slices and placed two on each plate already set out and holding two slices of bacon each.

Olivia wasn't going to mention the younger woman's change of routine, but she didn't have to. Antonia did it for her.

"I'm trying the waking up early and getting things done in the morning thing…like you. I think I might like it. Second day in a row." She slid two eggs onto each plate, and then handed the brunette hers. "Here you go."

"Looks good. Thank you."

"Grapefruit juice, if you want, is on the table. Fresh-squeezed."

Olivia raised her eyebrows again, smirking and moving to the table with her plate.

She sat and Antonia joined her, raising her own coffee mug.

"To eating a good breakfast and kicking ass tonight." Tony smiled.

Olivia lifted her own mug. "Amen, Tony. To all of that." She smiled and took a sip.

2:48 p.m.

Alex smiled at what her wife had just said. "Are you sure, Olivia?" She raised her eyebrows.

"Yeah, Babe. We're almost there. I can feel it."

Alex felt the giddiness rise inside of her entire being, like the feeling you get the night before a trip to an amazing place. "Oh, God, Liv…" Alex fought to remain calm, but calm was far from what she felt, "…you don't know how happy that makes me, Babe."

"Me, too, Al."

Alex watched the three kids at the kitchen table playing with a homemade playdough that they had colored with food coloring—one red, one blue, one yellow.

The kids and Casey were all pressing and flattening and forming the pliable mixture into various odd-shaped things. But they were having fun. Alex lifted the blue star she had made a few minutes prior and began flattening it with her fingers.

"Mommy, why you do that?" Theo asked her.

She looked to find Theo's face scrunched in confusion. She then looked at Isabel and Grace. Grace had stopped to watch what was happening and Isabel was still pressing all of the colors together into one ball, her little tongue sticking out.

She eyed her sister-in-law now and saw that the red head was listening and smiling. "Tell her 'hi'…"

"Casey says 'hi', by the way."

"Tell her 'hi' from me, too."

"I will." Alex grinned, looking at Casey. "Well, Liv…I'm gonna have happy dreams tonight knowing I'm gonna see you soon." Alex smiled, handing Theo the now-flattened star. He took it began taking the points off almost strategically.

"It's a cookie!" he shouted, smiling.

"It's a cookie!" Alex repeated before leaning toward him and pretending to gobble it. "Yum, yum, yum, yum!"

Theo giggled wildly now.

"Well, I gotta go, Babe," Olivia said softly.

"OK, Liv. I do, too. We beached. We bathed. We play-doughed. And now we're gonna nap before dinner."

"Sounds like a fun day, Al…"

Alex smiled. "I miss you…and I love you…"

"I love you, Al. So much…more than you know…"

Alex only nodded, feeling the lump beginning to form in her throat. "I know you do," she whispered. "Bye, Babe…" She took the phone from her ear and looked at her three children and Casey.

"What that?" Theo aske his aunt.

"It's a pizza!" she beamed, holding up a flat yellow circle with little red pepperonis and blue dots of some sort.

"A pizza!" Theo yelled, clapping his hands.

The twins joined in on the clapping and smiling while Casey pretended to eat it.

And Alex smiled, watching the loves of her life, knowing that the fourth love of her life might be coming home soon.

And this filled her heart, body, mind, and soul with more satisfaction than anything could ever do.

A/N: It's been more than the every-other-day or every day posting, but I'll get back. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. As always, one or two words really lets me know people are out there, reading, and enjoying!