Returning to the SVU wasn't quite what Olivia expected because it was a full house.

In addition to Cassidy and Ruthers being there, Olivia also spotted Trevor Langan, Alex and Casey, and most surprisingly, Judge Donnelley. They were all camped out near her office.

Perplexed, Olivia said, "What are you all doing here?"

Trevor held up a goldenrod-colored envelope. "I only just got here, lieutenant, but I have those files that we talked about."

Olivia had genuinely forgotten about her chat with Trevor about drafting custody and guardianship papers for Sophia and Casey that would help them keep their family legally intact. When she remembered, she smiled appreciatively at her friend.

"Thanks, Trevor."

"You're quite welcome."

Olivia turned to the lawyers and the judge.

"What brings you three here?"

"We were getting antsy." Casey said.

"And we don't have any cases besides this one happening." Alex added. "We just wanted to be near you all."

"And I've been hearing about this case through the grapevine." Donnelley confessed. "I was already on my way to check things out for myself, and then I bumped into Alex and Casey, so I gave them a lift."

"Actually, it's not bad you're all here—we're due for a powwow, and I could use everybody's input. Where are Elliot, Fin, and Carisi?"

Alex cast a look about the room and then pointed. "They're all at the media center."

Olivia and her posse headed over, and though it was difficult, everybody squeezed together around the counter and gave the lieutenant their attention.

"We're welcoming Detective Cassidy back to the SVU for this case, and we're borrowing Detective Ruthers, from the fiftieth precinct in Brooklyn. They've both already been a big help in the case." Olivia began. "For instance, for those of you who don't know, Cassidy found Kim Rollins by happenstance last night, in the rain storm because she escaped from captivity, and he got her checked in to a hospital. When we interviewed Kim, we even learned where she'd been."

"And that would be…?" Casey prompted.

"An auto shop in Brooklyn called Parker's Auto. We also spoke to Beth Anne and Benoît Rollins when they came to visit their daughter."

Elliot was hanging on to every word. "What did they say?"

So Olivia explained about the paper that Sophia had pick-pocketed. She also included the web surrounding herself, Sophia, and the Rollinses, for good measure.

"And from all that," Olivia concluded. "We were able to deduce that it's an actual treasure map, and that this whole war is about money, double-crossing, and maybe even revenge."

Donnelley arched an eyebrow. "A treasure map, lieutenant? I'll buy a war because I've seen your squad engage in several over the last eighteen years, but are you serious about the rest?"

"Oh, very. Beth Anne Rollins was also able to identify the paper as Floyd-William Enos' because she recognized his handwriting."

"And that's because she used to be married to him, right?" Trevor asked, trying to keep up with everything.

"Yes. She also told us that he was more than likely taken advantage of by Karissa Lee and Reagan, but then changed his mind somewhere along the way about splitting the money three ways."

Fin held his hands in the time-out position. "Did you ever make it to Parker's Auto?"

"We did," Cassidy said. "But it was on fire."

At that, Casey's, Alex's, and Carisi's legs all buckled. They were all caught quickly by the people standing closest to them, and when they were settled, Cassidy went on.

"The good news is that the building was empty, but the bad news is that they were moved."

"To where?" Elliot blurted after a beat of silence.

Cassidy laid out the evidence bag containing the treasure map, and pointed to the coordinates.

"Wherever this is."

Olivia stepped back in, putting a hand on one of Ruthers' shoulders. "We ran into Ruthers, here, at the auto shop. She's the granddaughter of the fire chief who was on the scene, and he told us that she'd be able to help out."

"How's that?" Donnelley inquired.

Ruthers pointed to the paper. "Besides being a detective, I'm a cartographer, judge. There are two sets of coordinates here, and I think they're in the vicinity of Central Park. One of these probably even leads to the money."

"I'm really good with maps, too. I'll help you."

Everybody stared at the judge in surprise.

She rolled her eyes. "Is it really so hard to believe that I do things besides making people jump when I enter a room?"

"Yes!" they all said in unison.

"Well, I can. Is there an archive room, or a place with maps about?"

"Y—oh, my God…"

Olivia was about to flag a uniform down to show them where the records room was when she caught of someone enter the squad room.

It was Karissa Lee Redding, herself!

"What the hell?" Olivia cried in anger, immediately making her way to the forefront of her knot of people. "You have a lot of nerve, coming here!"

Karissa Lee heard her, but saw Casey first.

"You!" she cried, starting to rush over. "You're the reason that my only family is dead!"

The whole squad room was watching, but of all people to react first, it was Trevor.

He rushed Karissa Lee, headlong, and ended up disabling her by pinning her arms behind her back.

"Okay, lieutenant!" Trevor called as Karissa Lee bucked and kicked, trying to break free. "What now?"

Slightly stunned because everything had unfolded so fast, and because she'd never seen Trevor move so quickly, Olivia called for Karissa Lee to be put into an interrogation room. Two stronger, burlier uniforms obediently saw to it.

Meanwhile, Casey sat in a chair, breathing heavily and trying not to flash back to the courtroom shootout twelve years prior—the one that Karissa Lee had already made mention of. Brannon Lee Redding, Karissa Lee's only living family at the time, had died on the stand while talking to her. Casey had had nightmares for ages, and counseling for even longer.

The squirming baby in her womb reminded her that the world wasn't over.

"You okay now, Casey?" Trevor asked upon his return from stopping Karissa Lee.

The redhead nodded. "Yes, Trevor, and thank you. What made you move so fast?"

"You're my friend, and you're pregnant. I don't want you getting hurt." Trevor looked over to Olivia. "What's going to happen right now?"

"Elliot and I will go do the interrogation because I really didn't see it coming that she'd turn herself in. Judge Donnelley and Detective Ruthers should get to work on finding out where those coordinates go."

"And what about the rest of us?" Carisi asked.

"Come watch the interrogation."

Olivia turned and spoke to Trevor again.

"You can come, too, but maybe take a detour and show Casey those papers, hm?"

Trevor nodded in understanding and occupied himself with taking care of Casey.

After that, Olivia finally got someone to help Donnelley and Ruthers find the things they needed before leading everyone else over to the interrogation room.

This was going to be a long day, but at least the end of the case was in sight.


UNDISCLOSED LOCATION

CENTRAL PARK


Amanda had been through a lot in her life, either because of her parents' toxic marriage, or else because of the drama she'd caused the SVU when she had been in over her head with her gambling debts. Then again, there were also the times when she'd nearly lost her job whilst trying to protect Kim…

But now her life had finally slowed down to a point where she could enjoy it, especially since Kim was reformed.

There was, however, the addition of Sophia now. Amanda had come to adore her the second that they met, and already, they were very close. Neither of them would change the bond for anything.

But at the same, the arrival of Sophia Benson also made Amanda a big sister again. She took this role very seriously.

Sophia sat beside her, trembling and soaked in sweat. Neither sister was sure where they were, specifically, other than that it was the backend of a boiler room, meaning that the air was very hot. They had both since shed their socks, shoes, and jackets, and Sophia had taken off her shirt to reveal a lightweight tank top. Even still, she was fanning herself down.

"I'm so hot, Mandy." Sophia whimpered. "This really sucks."

"Yes, it does." Amanda agreed. "You're not going to be sick, are you?"

Sophia knew she meant seizures. "No, I'm not."

"Good. Now come closer."

Sophia did, and Amanda began wiping her face for her.

"You're my sister, Sophia Rose, and bum ankle or not, it's my responsibility to take care of you, even when the going is tough. What's bothering you the most right now?"

"I'm beyond exhausted because I didn't sleep well in the night, and the baby won't stop moving."

"Lay your head on my lap, Sophia. Come on."

The idea sounded inviting as soon as Amanda said it, so Sophia didn't have any trouble following through.

"Sometimes Jesse or Frannie will come lay with me while I'm resting on the couch at home, and they'll put their head in my lap. When they do that, I do this."

Amanda was gently stroking Sophia's hair.

Already, Sophia felt her eyelids getting heavy.

"Do they like it?" she murmured.

"Oh, yes. Frannie will even wag her tail, as if there's no tomorrow." Amanda laughed softly. "Do you like this?"

"Yes, I do."

"Good."

They stayed like that for a few moments, and then Amanda noticed something.

"What's that you're humming, Soph?"

"It's the lullaby from The Hunger Games soundtrack—I sing it most nights to Melissa."

"We like that series." Amanda remarked.

"You and Dominick?"

"Uh-huh. We even went on a date to the last one."

"That's cute. Are you going to marry him?"

Amanda couldn't help but smile because her heart always went aflutter at the very thought of being Carisi's wife.

"I really hope so. He's my best friend, and the absolute love of my life. I've never loved anyone more than him before." Amanda sighed. "He'a also the only person Jesse has ever known as a father figure—I've been with Dominick for the span of Jesse's entire life to date."

"Wow. Do they get along well?"

"They really do. Sometimes I'll find her giggling hysterically at a story he tells her, or when he starts telling her nursery rhymes." Amanda tried not to get teary-eyed as she longed for her family. "He's also a champion at getting her to fall asleep when I can't, and Jesse even has a lullaby that she prefers."

"What is it?"

"For some reason, Jesse really digs Down To The River, and she falls asleep every time. She also digs Melissa's lullaby, too."

"That's really neat." Sophia was really struggling to stay awake now. "I learned to play it on the violin, and when Melissa hears it, it's like she becomes hypnotized because she just loves it so much."

"Close your eyes—I'll sing you the song."

Sophia's eyes were shut immediately, and she found out that Amanda's singing voice was just as pleasant as her speaking voice.

I remember tears streaming down your face when I said, "I'll never let you go,"

When all those shadows almost killed your light

I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone,"

But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down

You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now

Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Don't you dare look out your window, darling everything's on fire

The war outside our door keeps raging on

Hold onto this lullaby even when the music's gone, gone

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down

You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now

Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Just close your eyes, you'll be alright

Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Sophia finally fell asleep, and she slept well. So did the baby.


I swear I'm not making this chunk of the tale ridiculously long on purpose, but it is almost done ;) This just might be the last update for awhile because I'm getting ready for a trip to DisneyWorld (yes, really), and starting Thursday, I'll be off the grid for a week! Plenty more will come when I return, including a LOT of romantic/baby fluff ;)