Olivia stared.
A promotion? Her?
Good fortune really did fall out of the sky.
A move like this would make her captain. That was an entirely different pill to swallow.
She parroted Kemper's words. "A promotion?"
Kemper laughed softly. "Yes, you. Really. Saying that you deserve one is an understatement, but so is remarking on the fact that you've more than earned a promotion. How long have you been part of your squad?"
"Since what feels like the dawn of time. I arrived here in the late nineties. At the time, I held the rank of detective, third grade."
Kemper nodded in affirmation. "You've since worked your way up to lieutenant."
"Through hard work, and a lot of determination and grit." Olivia laughed nervously. "I also had help when I lost my way."
"Sounds par for the course. Just before I knocked on your door, I happened to hear your comment to Elliot about asking the universe for a promotion." Kemper kept her focus on Olivia. "I was already on my way to deliver you of that offer. Looks like your words were the cherry on top."
"I suppose they were. May I please ask you something about all this?"
Kemper made a 'go on' motion. "By all means, lieutenant."
"Why come forward now, if you've been keeping tabs on me for all these years? I'm just curious."
"Politics at the house of Internal Affairs Bureau is just messy. The administration before mine was also difficult. I know that you know who I'm talking about."
Olivia nodded. "Yes, m'am. What was preventing you from coming to me sooner?"
For the first time since arriving at Olivia's office, Kemper's face fell. But only for a split second.
"Not a what." she said softly. "A who. Ed Tucker."
Immediately, Olivia felt a surprised jolt, but it was followed swiftly by a burning rage. Of course an association with him would come back to get her. Why was this her life?
"Oh." she said. "I see. What do you know about my history with Sergeant Tucker?"
Kemper thought about it. "I know that you two were together because that information remains on file in Human Resources. And I saw him on the day he moved to Arizona."
Olivia kept her tone even. "Colonel, are you his friend?"
"I am not. He just doesn't like me. Or the fact I don't believe in his 'ironclad fist' philosophy." Kemper sighed. "What he did to your squad over time was unprofessional."
"Yes, it was." Olivia agreed. "And before you ask... I really did happen to be suffering from influenza when I was framed and charged for the death of that biker."
"Wow... And Trevor Langan represented you in court? He generally isn't the type to go out on a limb."
"Trevor came through for me on that occasion. We've been friends ever since, and he even helped me adopt my son."
Kemper grinned. "Am I to understand then that Trevor, and even Judge Elizabeth Donnelley have been helping you out with all kinds of things ever since your daughter came back into your life? Was that in October?
"Yes. Just feels like it's been so much longer." Olivia said with a start. "My life has been totally nonstop now. One could call it the new normal."
"I'm quite impressed with you. Not many people could handle all your hurdles with such ease." Kemper observed. "You also learned that Sophia shares a father with Detective Rollins?"
"Yes, m'am. It was a shock to everyone. Sophia and Amanda have long since adjusted."
"What about you?"
Olivia spoke with complete honesty. "Getting the closure has been an extreme relief. An open-ended mystery spanning a quarter of a century is no walk in the park. I'm so grateful for the closure because I've gotten to know my firstborn. And... I'm very close with Detective Rollins now."
"That makes me happy to hear." Kemper told her. "The records and reports also mention you encountered former Special Agent Dana Lewis again?"
"We did, and I was even able to hold her as she passed away. Dana was very special to me. I miss her every single day."
Kemper grew somber. "I am so sorry for your loss, Olivia. Truly. I read about your tangos with her. Dana sounded like a fun person."
"She was, even when she put us through the paces." recalled Olivia. "Did you read about Oregon?"
"I did."
"The events of my time there became a huge turning point for who I am as a person. And none of it would have happened if not for Dana. Same goes for meeting Serena. And adopting her."
"So your squad had to send Special Agent Lewis to jail for your family to be complete?" Kemper said thoughtfully. "For Serena to be born?"
"Yes." Olivia told her. "I've had to really reckon with it, m'am. None of it has been easy."
"But you loved Serena enough to adopt her."
"Very true. My daughter is a very happy baby, so that was an easy choice to make. Dana also asked me to take her."
Kemper couldn't help asking the next question. "What would have happened if you had said no?"
"Serena would have been lost to the system. Her father like her. And he was Dana's abuser. Dana told me that I was the last hop Serena had." Olivia worked even harder on keeping her tears at bay. "I was completely smitten with Serena from the moment I saw her. Bringing that little girl into the family was an easy choice."
Kemper continued to be patient. "Would you change anything about how you met her?"
"Not at all. If I did, then she would have probably never crossed our paths at all."
"Those are wise words, lieutenant. What does your wife think?"
Olivia folded her hands on her desk. "Alex was on the same wavelength. She didn't meet Dana until that last day, but she already knew all about her. My wife also had no hesitation when she heard about the adoption request. She and Serena completely adore each other now. I love to watch them."
"That is marvelous." Kemper moved on to her next area of inquiry. "How is Harper? Everything involving her also came up. I can't imagine how insane things have been on her end, alone."
"Harper is doing fantastic now. So are her babies." Olivia reported happily. "My sister has even just returned to the workforce. Did you know that she's the personal assistant to Trevor Langan?"
Kemper shook her head. "I did not know that. Harper is impressive."
"Thank you. My sister also knew Dana, and looked after Serena for a short spell. Part of me has always known that Serena wouldn't have survived her hell if Harper hadn't cared."
A ghost of an amused smile flickered across Kemper's face. "I see. Then being of brave heart and protective really is a family trait for you all?"
"Mhm. Harper is an incredible person who survived unbearable tragedies, m'am. Her perseverance and resilience are like nothing I've ever seen." Olivia said truthfully. "Everyone loves her."
"Then I will have to look her up." Kemper decided. "Tell me about Sophia, please. I know she and Casey are engaged. Chatter even finds me at the courthouse. It also didn't escape my notice that your daughter found Serena. And Aria Carisi."
Olivia was feeling happy again. "My daughter is very happy these days. Did you know that Casey and Sophia are both pregnant?"
This took the older woman by surprise. "No. Congratulations on that."
Olivia beamed. "My daughter has everything I've ever wanted for her—even a job she loves. That led to her finding the children."
"Incredible." Kemper shook her head in wonder. "How is Detective Rollins? I saw that she spoke to Sophia that day?"
"Amanda was actually her first call. I sent her to check on Sophia."
Curiosity became Kemper. "Why is that?"
"Everyone trusts Amanda and loves her because she is my partner. She's also very calming, and has no problems with following issues ordered by me."
Kemper lifted an eyebrow. "Some could call that blind loyalty or devotion."
Olivia didn't waver. "I've been through so much with Detective Rollins over the years, m'am. She and I owe each other our lives. I wouldn't do anything to destroy our bond. Neither would she."
"Would Amanda tell me the same thing?"
"She would. We're even godmother to each other's children. Amanda's firstborn has the middle name of Olivia—for me."
Kemper continued to quietly test Olivia. "I'm sure that such closeness would inspire friendship. And other things."
Olivia read her CO at once. "M'am, are you asked me if I love Amanda?"
Kemper was unblinking. "Do you?"
"Yes. But I love Amanda in the way that I love my children. That's the way it's always been. Amanda finds it very touching."
"That's really nice to hear. Has your bond with Detective Rollins ever skewed your objectivity?"
Olivia shook her head. "No. Not once."
Kemper steepled her fingers. "Lieutenant, it's no secret that people paired with you have been recorded as going rogue. We won't even talk about the wild fallouts. But... I can't help noticing that Amanda Rollins has also been your most levelheaded partner to date."
This gave Olivia a small turn because she'd never thought about before. "She has been, hasn't she?"
"Mhm. It's admirable." Kemper changed lanes. "What does your son think of everything?"
Olivia smiled warmly. "Noah has adjusted surprisingly well. He's also have having the time of his life. My boy also used to be very quiet all the time."
"How's that? Did Noah speak?"
"No. He was totally nonverbal because of some extreme trauma he went through before I met him." Olivia told Kemper. "Now he talks with enthusiasm. Constantly. All these new people give him the motivation."
Kemper continued to feel amazed. "What does Noah make of Serena?"
"He worships her. And she always giggles when she sees him."
"That's really sweet. Now for the last question."
Olivia sat up straight again and straightened her appearance. "Yes, Colonel Kemper?"
"What does Alex Cabot have to say about everything?" Kemper emphasized Alex's name for a reason. "All of these changes have hit her as much as they've hit you."
"Quite right. Alex has handled everything splendidly." Pride returned to Olivia's voice. "Her strength amazes me. Everything we've been through since we've known each other has brought her to embracing the unique family we created together."
"Even in spite of her abduction, which included a run-in with the Bianchi crime family?" this last fact was also a matter of record.
"Yes. The Bianchis did us a valuable service that day, and the matriarch even helped Alex get to the hospital." said Olivia with total seriousness. "I don't condone any of the Bianchis' charges, but if not for them... I would have lost Alex for good. And our youngest child. She's due any day. Alex and I won't forget any of that for as long as we live."
Kemper found herself choosing her words carefully. "Word of Alex's reputation has crosses my desk all the time. Your lovely wife is also very impressive."
"That will make her day when I tell her, m'am." Olivia noted.
"Excellent. Now please tell me honestly—has Alex's current association with your squad, or being married to her, clouded your objectivity? In any way?"
"Not in the least, colonel. I trust my judgement where Alex is concerned. She has always been wise beyond her years. I don't know where I'd be be without her."
Kemper heard what Olivia was implying. "And in a professional manner?"
"My whole squad, and I even daresay ADA Casey Novak, would be looking in the wrong direction if we didn't have Alex as our anchor. There is nothing to suggest that anyone's objectivity has been clouded since she returned to us in the autumn."
And just like that, Colonel Constantine 'Mad Dog' Kemper felt one hundred percent satisfied about how her conversation with Olivia had gone. She even gave the younger woman her kindest smile yet when she made visible signs of relaxing.
"Those are very extremely wonderful answers. I don't see why you can't take the steps to being captain... if you want to."
Of course Olivia did. Being captain was her dream. It always had been.
There was just one thing that was giving her the teensiest amount of pause.
"Wow." she said. "Thank you so much, Colonel Kemper. What you're proposing here is definitely something that I would love. I am so grateful. Honored, too."
Kemper said with a patient air, "Yes?"
"Would I have to leave the Manhattan Special Victims Unit?" Olivia asked. "Or would I be able to stay?"
But the colonel had already anticipated this. "Olivia, you have done more than enough to earn the respect of many people at 1 Police Plaza. And I do mean many. Everything you've done, including every hurdle, horror, and triumph you've had is all on record. All of it. Should you be rewarded with a rank advancement, there is not nothing or no one who would ever be able to force you out. This unit would be yours until retirement."
A weight lifted from Olivia's shoulders. "Thank you again. Hearing those words is a big relief. I'll discuss all of this at home with Alex later. When would you like my answer?"
"Tomorrow by noon would be most appreciated. The next exam date will on September thirtieth."
Now Olivia did her best not to blanch. It was out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Kemper's patience knew no end. "Talk it out. I am your friend, and your ally. That'll never change because I like you."
Olivia just went for it. "Between possibly this week and late August, things are going to be so busy for my family."
"I've been gathering that. Please tell me what all is on the agenda."
"We're expecting our youngest child," Olivia ticked each item off on her fingers as she went. "You know about Sophia and Casey, but Amanda found out around Christmastime that she's been carrying twins this entire time. Nobody planned for that to all happen at once. There are even two back-to-back weddings planned for the last days of August."
Kemper took all of this in surprising stride. "Will you be able to handle studying, keeping up with your work duties, and taking care of your family?"
Olivia's answer was very confident. "Yes, m'am. I can handle all of it."
"Just what I wanted to hear from you."
Kemper got to her feet. Olivia copied her, shaking her hand when it was offered. They were sealing the deal.
"Your name will go on the registration list the moment I get your confirmation. I'll also have the study materials brought over here." Kemper informed Olivia. "How does that sound?"
"Completely perfect, m'am."
"Terrific. One last thing—can you keep a secret? From your squad?"
"Yes, I can. What is it?"
"My trip here also includes a having a chat with Detective Rollins. I think it's about time that your top detective should be your top lieutenant. Do you think she'll accept it?"
Olivia's heart skipped a beat. "She really would. I already want it for her."
Kemper gathered up her belongings. "Then I'll go find her. I look forward to your call soon."
"You'll have it, m'am." Olivia opened her door for Kemper. "Thank you again for everything. Have a nice day."
With a final wave, Kemper departed Olivia's office.
The lieutenant sat down on her sofa as she became lost in thought.
Captain Olivia Margaret Benson. That had a lovely ring to it.
A new knock on her door brought her back to earth some time later.
Olivia looked up to see that Amanda had returned, and she bore an expression of dazed confusion. It was clear who had she had just been in conversation with.
"Lieutenant, can we talk?" she asked.
Olivia beckoned for her to join her on the couch. "Always."
"I just had a chat with Colonel Constantine Kemper from IAB." Amanda sat with her boss. "Talk about out of the blue…"
"And what did she say?" Olivia asked knowingly.
"Kemper offered me the chance to take the lieutenant exam in September. Of course I'm going to tell Dominick the moment I can... The colonel even asked for an answer by noontime tomorrow."
"I know that you're going to tell her yes, but what's got you so confused, Amanda? It's all over your face."
Amanda looked like she was working hard to figure a problem out for herself. "A promotion would make me lieutenant, same as you. But the colonel showed up here for a reason. Didn't she?"
"You're spot on." Olivia answered. "Kemper came here to offer me the chance to take the captain's exam."
Amanda stammered in surprise, "R-really?"
"Mhm. I'm going to discuss it with Alex later on. I plan on saying yes."
"That's great, Liv." Amanda said.
Olivia turned to make sure she was facing her friend. "I also plan on being the head of this precinct until I retire. If life smiles on you in all the right ways, then it's my hope that you'll take over for me as the captain one day."
Amanda's heart did a giant loop. "Do you mean that?"
"Yes. I couldn't imagine a better person to follow in my footsteps than you."
Amanda both shocked and incredibly flattered by the words coming out of Olivia's mouth.
She adored their friendship. There was also the part where she got to work with a living legend. Hearing that she was the personal top choice as future successor for the woman was now all at once the pinnacle of her career thus far. Amanda didn't know if she could take any more excitement.
But she gave her CO a radiant smile. "I want exactly what you said. Being the captain of this precinct one day would be a dream come true, but I am quite content to wait. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart."
"You deserve it. Being lieutenant, too." Olivia told her. "You've come such a long way from who you were when we first met. Progress like that deserves to be recognized."
"Thanks again." Amanda said bashfully. "Sorry I keep repeating myself."
"It's okay, Amanda." Olivia gestured towards her partner's middle. "Have your children settled yet?"
Amanda nodded and rubbed her bump in experimentation. "They fell asleep. I won't be able to get back up for awhile, though. Have Dominick and Fin come back yet?"
"No, but I bet one of them will send me an update soon."
The words were scarcely out of Olivia's mouth when her phone beeped with a text. She was quick to respond before setting her device aside.
"That was Fin. He and Dominick are on the way back here now."
"Perfect." approved Amanda. "I don't know how much longer I can wait to tell them about my new siblings."
"Knowing them, they're going to be elated." Olivia surmised. "You can stay here to wait for them. It won't be long now."
Amanda made a sound of relief. "Thank you, yet again."
So both women settled in to wait on their colleagues.
They also fell quiet as they began to imagine their plans for the future.
