Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace

Central Park

Melinda only worked crime scenes every once in awhile now. She was a woman who had always believed in keeping her skillset sharp.

But she also prided herself on being able to predict the patterns of the Upper West Side's Special Victims Unit. At least… when it came to crime scene response.

Just about other time was a gamble.

At least Olivia and company kept her on her toes.

It was appreciated.

Meanwhile, Amanda's thoughts were swirling. And they were mostly about her parents. How she wished her life wasn't so wild that she didn't feel embarrassed of them.

Beth Anne was mean. Her only current redeeming quality was that she was presently in a marriage that could be called both healthy and functioning. Other than that... Amanda was not a fan of hers.

Then there was Big Jim. He had been more on the side of cruel. Recent events showed that he had not changed much.

But… Amanda had also known since she was a child that her father would be the first of her parents to move into the Great Beyond.

Learning of his passing today had proven her correct.

Amanda was not even sorry was unsurprised.

Melinda joined Amanda quickly upon her arrival. "Detective, I know who this man is. Are you sure it's a good idea to be here?"

"We were never close. I will be fine." Amanda told her. "Detective Amaro is occupied. So I volunteered."

"Do you have some people you need to look in the eye?"

"Yep: the witness who my dad earlier, and my dad's young pregnant widow."

"Now you're just doing your job. I understand." Melinda led her away, making a note to call Olivia later. "Come on. The deceased is over here."

Amanda followed her away.

Jim Rollins lay beside the fountain. On the pavement. But Amanda was quick to notice that the sheet was wet.

She said blandly, "Was my father so wasted in broad daylight that he fell into the fountain?"

"Unclear." Melinda confessed. "Are you saying that I should be unsurprised if that's the case?"

"Yes. Dad always drank like a fish." Amanda indicated the sheet. "Let me look. Please."

Melinda knelt down and pulled back the sheet. Just enough to let the face show.

"Detective," she looked back at her friend again. "For the record… Is this your father—James Dale Rollins?"

Amanda looked.

There was her father, the former family monster… dead.

In life, her father had tall. Well-built.

Now… He was older. Weathered. A tad more seasoned. His hair had even turned stark white. Amanda distinctly remembered it being bright red in the past.

In a word, James Dale Rollins just looked… small.

But the detective returned her attention to the medical examiner once more.

She told Melinda, "Yes. That man was my father."

Amanda went through the motions of crime scene duties after that.

But she also hoped, in the back of her mind, that things were going well at the precinct. Some kind of win was needed. Majorly.

Under normal circumstances during a case, Olivia had a space of her own to work. Or at least think. In peace. But not today.

Her office was occupied by the Langans.

Conference room? Crowded by Amanda's kin.

The only area left for her to commandeer was the kitchen. But it was a communal spot. She would not take it.

Unless necessary.

Olivia checked her watch.

Nick was due back soon. With Juliette.

A voice cut through the dull roar of the bullpen's dull roar of daily work. "Sarge!"

Olivia turned to see Nick entering the bullpen. Juliette was beside him. Even in person, her likeness to Amanda was… uncanny.

But Olivia pulled herself together enough to shake Juliette's hand. "Hello. I'm Sergeant Olivia Benson. You must be Juliette Frasier."

She returned the handshake. "I am. And please call me by my name. Has anyone told you yet how Amanda and I are family?"

Olivia nodded. "You're Beth Anne's youngest sister. I also understand that she raised you with her daughters."

"Correct. But that is a long, weird, and tragic story." Juliette stood straighter. "I already know that Tully Jo is here. She's my best friend. Please—may I see her?"

"Yes. But we would like to speak with you first." Olivia began herding Juliette across the room. "We will be in the kitchen today."

One of the most recent rookie transfers was there. But he read the room when the others arrived. And scurried out.

Olivia said to Juliette, "Help yourself to anything from the vending machines. We will be right back."

She then pulled Nick back out. Just away from to the side. Just away from their guest's earshot.

"Nick, how does Juliette know that Tully is here?" Olivia asked him in an undertone.

"Guessed. Accurately." admitted Nick. "She also knows that James Rollins is town. Amanda confirmed it in the course of our chat with her. Juliette had a bout of distress."

"Oh, no." the sergeant winced. "What happened after?"

"Juliette very specifically mentioned that she had already told Tully not to come here. But... She has not divulged specifics. Yet."

Things began falling into place for Olivia. "This is when you decided to move the chat here. And I called about Jim Rollins' body. Got it. Does Juliette know Megara is here?"

"No. But she volunteered to come here. All on her own." said Nick. "By the way... Juliette has been widowed for about eight years. Her husband's name was Esau."

"I beg your pardon?" Olivia felt blindsided. "What became of Esau?"

"Died in jail when Juliette was very pregnant with their daughter. Sounds like 'bad blood' is the nicest way to put it. Amanda also made it clear that Juliette has never mourned Esau."

"Okay. I consider myself informed. Would any of what you just told me hold bearing on today's events?"

"I don't think so. But Amanda would know better."

"Sounds right." Olivia tilted her head in the direction of the kitchen. "Will you be objective in there?"

Nick nodded. "Yes. I've got your back, sergeant."

"Good." she smiled at him. "Thank you. I'm glad I can count on you, Nick."

They entered the kitchen once more.

Juliette sat in a chair at the table. One open but un-drunk bottle of water stood before on the surface. Juliette could only stare, lost in thought. Her jacket had been clung over the back of her seat. As had her purse. Her bowtie, part of her work uniform, lay unceremoniously beside the drink. Time to talk.

Juliette watched the others take seats before blurting, "Amanda suddenly had to leave, when we were at the bar, instead of coming here with us. Big Jim is in a bad way. Isn't he?"

Olivia felt impressed. "Wow. To the point. But... To answer your question... Yes."

"Did he die?" Juliette's tone read as blunt but determined.

"Yes." Olivia said truthfully. "And it's what my detective went to investigate. Juliette, I am very sorry."

"As am I." Nick added.

"Listen—I know you two are just being polite because that is a social protocol… But the more you dig, the more you'll find how horrid Big Jim was. They brought out the worst in each other. Just make sure you do that digging before she arrives."

Olivia said, "You're sure she'll be coming to Manhattan? From Atlanta?"

This time, Juliette bobbed her head. "Yes. None of us understand Beth Anne Viola's homing ability. All we know for sure is that she can't abide lies. Ever."

Nick responded, "Okay. We'll take that under advisement. Please talk to us about why you told Tully not to come to New York."

"She's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We even have a lot in common, and I adore her, but... She can sometimes be naïve."

"How's that?"

"Don't let her meek appearance fool you: Tully can and will turn absolutely ferocious when pressed." Juliette steepled her fingers. "But one big thing is that TJ actively chooses to see the good in the wrong sorts of people."

"Meaning in this case," Nick realized. "Jim Rollins?"

"Bingo. I told Tully to stop looking at him because he was bad news, but did she listen? Uh-uh. Somehow... She became his companion." Juliette leaned back in her chair. "The moment she turned legal, they became inseparable. Was I pleased when they married? Absolutely not. I held my tongue."

Juliette ran her fingers through her hair.

"But I told TJ not to come to Manhattan because Big Jim would find her. And retaliate."

Olivia blanched. "Would he have killed her?"

"Sergeant," sighed Juliette. "Is it bad if I say, 'I don't know,' but that a black eye is only scratching the surface?"

"No."

"But Big Jim got here before TJ did with her kids?"

"That's right." Nick told her.

"Then that is just sheer dumb luck." sighed Juliette. "I had a feeling that things were going awry. So I was going to call TJ next week to offer her and her babies a home with us while she sorted things out. I don't have a lot to offer. But I care about their safety."

Nick said kindly, "She is lucky to have a friend like you. Keep it up."

Satisfied this talk had gone fast, Olivia turned to Nick. "I believe we've covered everything. Do you?"

He answered seriously, "I do. What about you?"

Olivia just nodded and rose to her feet. Nick followed suit. Juliette copied them, gathering her belongings.

"Would it be alright if I see my friend now?" she asked the others. "I think she could use a familiar face."

Nick beckoned to Juliette. "Come on. Everyone is over this way."

Tully was pleased to see Juliette. Surprised… But surprised.

Nick and Olivia observed them greeting each other.

When Tully received the news about Jim, she collapsed. But Juliette caught her. Sat with her on the floor. Held her as she worked though her feelings.

Most importantly... Juliette reassured Olivia and Nick that they would be alright.

So they made their exit. Closed the door behind them.

Nick sighed. "Those two are my future family. For better, or for worse. That's what I see when I look at them. What about you?"

Olivia said, "I see the bond I've always had with Alex. I'd do absolutely anything for her. I have done anything for her. And I know she'd be like that for me. Even in spite of the insanity that has been today. Alexandra Jasmine is a saint."

"Do you think you'll propose?"

"Yes, but will you keep this to yourself? I'm not quite ready. Nor is she."

"My lips are sealed." Nick promised. "But I am delighted for you."

"Thanks, partner."

"Any time."

Amanda finally made it back to the precinct from the crime scene. Just as a massive downpour began.

Fin sidled up to his friend as she hung up her coat.

"How are you, Amanda?" he asked seriously. "Seeing a parent dead… Especially by unnatural means… It can be messed up. I've been there."

Amanda had never been more grateful that Odafin Tutuola was her friend. "Thanks for asking. Had Big Jim never been such a bastard, I might be sad. But it is what it is. Closure is what I feel. Good thing… My mom will be wanting some kind of explanation…"

"Just why is everyone so worried about her showing up here?" Fin wanted to know.

"It's her way. But at least she's mature enough to realize that it'll be Tully's call about what to do with Big Jim's body. My vote is cremation."

Amanda quickly surveyed the room at this point.

"So the Langans are in Liv's office now. Does this mean that Juliette is hanging out with Tully?"

"Correct." said Fin. "And the sergeant hasn't had any place to unpile her thoughts in peace. Now she's acting like she might climb a wall. It's almost funny. But come on: let's have you go tell the others what's happened before she actually does freak out."

Much to Amanda's relief, everyone took her update about the crime scene well.

What stumped them was thoughts about motive. Or if Jim's death had been an accident. These aspects had everyone puzzled.

Fin chose to show himself out. He would go to the morgue. So he could check on the postmortem progress.

Amanda took initiative on the next part, saying to Olivia, "I'll go speak with Tully and Juliette. Would you like for me to speak with Megara after that?"

"Yes." Olivia decided. "Your update should snap her out of her fear."

Alex turned to Olivia as Amanda walked away. "I may be losing track, but do we have any break? Or is that what just happened with Jim Rollins?"

"No, you aren't losing track. But I'm hoping that things have been set in motion for some sort of break." Olivia answered. "Today has just been long. Already."

Alex arched an eyebrow. "Then what's the continual buzz about the arrival of Amanda's mother?"

Olivia only just refrained from a shudder. "Inevitability."

Juliette and Tully joined Amanda at the conference table upon her appearance. Time for a new chat. Of different proportions.

Amanda asked Tully, "What exactly has Juliette told you?"

"That I'm a widow." Tully rubbed her eyes. "Amanda, I am all cried out. Please just give it to me straight."

Amanda obliged her. "For the moment, it looks like Big Jim was intoxicated. He travelled from where he was first spotted, to a place called Bethesda Fountain."

"Are they far apart?"

"No. Fifteen minutes on foot. At most."

"His coordination always took a nosedive when he had too much. Did he trip?" Tully wrinkled her nose. "Hit his head?"

Amanda responded, "The whole truth remains to be seen. But that is the picture that's forming."

Juliette sneered in disdain, "I always knew something like this would happen."

"Me, too." the others chimed in unison.

Amanda cleared her throat. "We will keep you both in the loop, but the threat has passed. I'm sure you all can leave. But I just have to check with my sergeant."

Tully nodded. "Okay. Thank you. For everything."

Amanda smiled at her. "We're famil—"

DING! Amanda's phone beeped at her with a text.

Her display screen bore the initials of BAVDV.

Tully said, "That's her, isn't it?"

Amanda nodded.

Then she proceeded to read her mother's text. We've been in Baltimore. And I've had word that both your father & Tully Jo headed to Manhattan. With your luck, one of them has found you. Don't lie. We will be there soon.

Amanda begrudgingly sent, Copy that. See you later.

Then she stood and looked to her guests. "There may be a hitch now. Stay put."

Tully and Juliette showed understanding. But said not a word. They were back to being spooked.

Alex and Casey noticed Amanda re-emerge from the conference room. Brooding.

"What's up?" Alex asked when they joined her in a powwow.

"I have to go speak with Megara Langan right now." Amanda told them. "But where is my boss?"

"Just over there." Alex motioned in the direction of the kitchen. "She's with Judge Donnelley now. There was a break. Detective Amaro went to meet Fin about it."

"Okay." said Casey when all Amanda could do was furrow her brow. "Just what is that look?"

"Please tell the others that I've had a text from my mother." Amanda tried not to sound irritated. "Because it's her way, she, my stepfather, and my sister were in Baltimore."

"But...?"

"The neighborhood grapevine reached them about members of the kin being here."

"And no one outside of this… kin has knowledge that your father is dead."

"Yes." Amanda said. "My mother said, 'see you soon,' so that means they're probably on the way here from some fancy hotel…"

"Hey. Take it easy." Alex told Amanda when she began to grouse. "The two of us will go deliver the update. Are you good?"

Amanda exhaled heavily to center herself. "I am. Thank you both."

Both attorneys promised it was nothing. And proceeded to wish her luck.

The detective was going to need it.

How she longed to be in the field. Not here, playing messenger. But keep herself in check.

Especially because her Georgia family was on the approach.

Dealing with her mother was a whole different ballpark. One that she would need all her sanity for.