FYI - this story is coming to an end! We'll be done at Chapter 50. So thanks for following along for the ride!

A week later, Olivia and Elliot were meeting with Fin, Don, and John to discuss any developments with Frank. Bernie was back at the beach house with the kids with two guards on duty. They'd met at the local precinct with permission from all parties involved and Liv was looking around the little room, longing for the familiarity of her job. She missed it. It was nice spending this time with her family, she just wished it were under different circumstances and that she could come and go as she pleased.

Reaching for her hand under the table, Elliot gently squeezed it, "Liv? You okay?"

Turning back toward her husband, she smiled and snapped back into reality, "Sorry. Just...yeah. I'm fine. I'm here."

Don leaned across the table, "How are you holding up?"

Elliot looked down, shame written all over his face though he had nothing to feel guilty about. Olivia sensed the sadness in her husband and squeezed his hand back, threading her fingers through his, "I'm good, Don. As long as El, Bernie, me, and the kids are safe…that's all that matters. Right?"

Don smiled sympathetically, "Yeah. Of course. And you know we're doing everything we possibly can to make sure we nail Frank as soon as possible."

"I know you are." Her phone began to ring in her pocket, she looked down and frowned, "It's your Mom. Let me take this."

Elliot nodded and watched her go before leaning against the table, his voice dropping low, "There really has been no sign of him? None at all?"

"Unfortunately, he definitely has friends in high places who we believe have been helping him keep a low profile. We've got people at every known location he's had in the last year. If and when we hear anything, we'll jump." John said.

Elliot nodded slowly, running a hand over his face, "And, you've been keeping an eye on Ashton too? I'm afraid he'll go after him knowing he is my best friend."

"He wasn't thrilled about having a tail, but someone has been stationed at his house or the firehouse." Fin said.

Elliot sighed, bent his arms, and began to tap his fingers on the table, "Don…maybe you were right. She should have stayed away from me. Because of who my Father was…"

Don shook his head, remembering how when he'd first met Elliot he had shown his concern over Olivia being close to him, "Elliot, since the moment I met you, you proved you weren't anything like your Father. You have loved and protected Olivia better than I could have hoped for. What Frank is doing has nothing to do with you or your personality. He's playing some kind of game of revenge. We think…that before your Father's death he may have betrayed Jack. And we're wondering if this is the reason for all this."

Elliot frowned, "Jack was my Dad's best friend. They did everything together."

"Some people we talked to said your Dad may have been trying to break free of the Brotherhood. And Jack didn't like that." John whispered.

"So you think my Dad killed him?" All three men were silent, "And Frank knew about it…or found out anyway."

"Maybe he was trying to protect you and your Mom…just like you're trying to protect your family now too," Don whispered.

Elliot looked at the older man. A man who knew his Father, his past. A man who had worked alongside him and who was everything Joe Stabler was not. Did he believe, underneath it all, despite the choices Joe often made, did Don believe he was a good man who loved his family after all? Was his Father, flawed but still at the heart of him, good?

"I hope the three of you know that…if it came down to it…I'd do anything to protect her and the kids. My Mom too. I may have chosen to be a Firefighter, not a cop, but my first instinct and priority will always be to protect them. Frank will never lay a hand on them. No one will. Not on my watch."

Fin smiled and gave him a nod, "Trust us. We know. Otherwise, we wouldn't have let her marry you."

Elliot smiled gratefully just as Olivia walked back over to them, Elliot turned to her quickly, "Is everything okay?"

"She said Brooklyn has been really fussy and then just got sick. She was crying hard in the background."

Elliot reached for his coat on the back of the seat, "We should go home then."

Olivia nodded, "Yeah, I think so too." She turned to her friends, "Is there anything else you need from us?"

"Yes."

Don stood up and walked over to her, taking her hands, "Be safe. Be smart. And stick together. We need you back at work kid. You're the only one that can keep these two bozos in line."

Olivia smiled and leaned forward to give him a hug, "Thanks for keeping my spot for me Cap."

"Always." He turned to say his goodbye's to Elliot as Fin and John hugged Olivia, "I mean it Elliot...you aren't your Father. Remember that."

Elliot smiled softly, genuinely touched and grateful for the gesture, "Thank you, Don. For that, and for everything you're doing. Stay in touch."

After they left, Olivia turned to her husband and reached for his hand, "You okay?"

He smiled and leaned forward, pulling her in for a quick hug, "I know you miss work. I promise you, one way or another we're going back, babe. You'll have your life back. Our life back."

She smiled and squeezed him tight, "I know, babe. I know." Pulling back slowly, she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, "Come on, B needs us."

He gave her a gentle smile, hoping that things would turn a corner and quickly. He wanted his life back. More than that, he wanted to give his family their life back too.

When they got back to the house, it was more chaotic than usual. Brooklyn was a mess, crying nonstop which was unlike her. Charlie was crying because her sister was crying and Noah had retreated to the backyard for some peace with a book and his shadow, Ember. Bernie seemed on edge and Elliot was worried she was on the verge of an episode. Olivia could feel the tension rolling off of her husband, knowing between the meeting earlier and the state of things at home, he too was on edge.

Olivia was trying to console Brooklyn but she was screaming nonstop. As she held her, rocking her back and forth she leaned into her husband who was trying to entertain Charlie, "El…"

He turned towards her, a panicked look on his face, "Yeah?"

She nodded towards her Mother-in-Law in the kitchen, "You go check in with your Mom. I've got the girls."

He frowned and looked at Brooklyn, "She's not stopping…"

Olivia nodded, "I know. But…I'm gonna try and give her a bath and put her down for a rest. She doesn't have a fever, at least not right now. Could just be something she ate." He looked at his daughter worriedly, "I've got these two handled. I promise. Your Mom needs you too."

He sighed and kissed Charlie, "You're right. I'm on it."

As he started to walk away she called out to him, "El." He paused and turned back to her, "I love you. And we're gonna be okay. I promise."

He relaxed slightly, grateful for her words, "I love you too."

She smiled and held her hand out to her youngest child, "Come here Charlie, let's go take a bath, okay?"

Charlie, who loved bathtime jumped up excitedly and took her hand, at least for the moment removing part of the chaos in the house. Elliot walked into the kitchen and approached his Mother slowly. She was looking out the window by the sink, holding a cup of coffee in her hands, mumbling something under her breath.

Elliot leaned in and put his hand on her back, "Hey, Mama." She didn't move and he leaned in closer, "Mama?"

She turned towards him, her eyes looking glossy and unfocussed, "Joe."

Elliot turned her body towards him, "No, it's me, Elliot."

But she didn't respond to his correction, "Joe, I told you Jack was bad news. I knew it. I knew it the minute I met him. Something in his eyes…you can always see it in the eyes."

Elliot found that ironic considering her eyes were telling him she was not herself. Bernie seemed to be staring straight through him, lost in a memory from years ago and he waited, letting her process whatever she needed to get through. And, he figured maybe, it could give him some information that she had withheld for most of his life.

"He can't be trusted. Him and that no good son of his. I don't want him hanging around Elliot, pulling him down a bad road." She placed her hands on his arms, squeezing tight, "Elliot, he's a good boy Joe. Such a good boy and you don't give him enough credit. But I worry…I worry that Frank will take him down a bad path. Just like Jack got to you…"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling a rush of emotions coursing through him at once. This was clearly something she had said to his Father in the past and it both warmed his heart and made it ache at the same time.

"But you promised. You promised me, Joe. You said you were leaving. You said you were getting out of this…this…"

"This what?" Elliot probed.

"The Brotherhood. You said you were done. You promised me, Joe. You promised."

She started to cry and he frowned, pulling her in for a hug, "Everything is going to be alright. I promise."

She clung to him, her body shaking and he wished he could fix it for her. Glancing out the window, he did a scan of the perimeter as always, looking for any and all threats. Then he lead his Mother to her room knowing the only thing that would help right now would be a rest.

As Bernie climbed into the bed she reached for him, "Elliot?"

"Right here, Mama." He whispered as he pulled the blanket up around her, "What do you need?"

She looked up at him and frowned, "Don't you let anything happen to Olivia or those babies. Do you hear me?"

His heart jumped in his chest and he nodded, squeezing her arm, "I won't. You know I won't." He bent down and kissed her head, "I won't let anything happen to you either."

Bernie rolled to her side, "Neither did your Dad."

Elliot stood up slowly, wondering if what Don had said had some truth to it and wondering if he'd ever find out the truth…

That night, Olivia has finally gotten Brooklyn to settle down but only if she was in their bedroom. Currently, she was fast asleep, and for the moment relaxed in the large King bed. Olivia tiptoed out of the room, leaving it open a crack in case her daughter needed her. Bernie had remained in her room since earlier and Noah and Charlie were fast asleep by now in their own room too. Olivia found her husband sitting in the small living room, head in hands, looking wearier than ever. Even Ember, his ever companion didn't seem able to cheer him up though she tried from her spot on the floor at his feet.

Walking towards him, she climbed up on the couch and reached for him, "El…"

"She spiked a fever, right?"

She grimaced slightly, "Just a low-grade one, 99.9. I know it will pass. She'll probably be just fine in the morning."

"Or, she'll feel even worse and I'm going to lose my fucking mind."

Dropping her head to his shoulder she sighed, "El-"

"She should be home. In her own bed. With all the things she is familiar with. The things that comfort her. Her Pediatrician nearby. She should be-"

"Honey, we talked to Dr. Nazar today. He saw no reason for real concern. Said it was just a bug. You know that."

"I know. I know. But she still shouldn't be here. None of us should be here. And I don't understand why that piece of shit hasn't shown his face so I can-"

Standing up, she reached for him, feeling his whole body trembling as she held him against her, "Stop. Elliot. Stop."

He clung to her in a way that told her he was seriously on edge. He prided himself on being strong, tough, and most importantly, the protector of his family. And while he was still all those things, he felt like he wasn't. He felt like he was failing them, and that was not something he took lightly.

Since the day she met him, he went above and beyond to prove himself to her, to Noah. To prove his devotion, his love, and the lengths to which he would go to keep them safe. He was a doer, a man of action and who stood by his words. And now, he was being forced to sit, to wait, in his eyes, to hide and she knew to him that was almost a fate worse than death. Even though to her, he was protecting her, their children, and his Mother, doing everything in his power to give them the world. The best thing for him to do was to stay away until all of this died down. Until Frank was caught.

He trembled in her arms, "Liv, I hate this. I hate not being able to do anything. I feel like a fucking coward hiding here like-"

She held on tighter, making him freeze, "Elliot, you are not a coward. Never have been, never will be. And staying here keeps us all safe. And I mean all of us."

"But-"

"No. Elliot…" She pulled back to look him in the eye, "I need you here. The kids need you here. And your Mom too. You being safe is what we need. Don't you get that? We need you. We always have. Let Frank dig his own grave but you stay here. Right beside me. Where you promised to always be. Okay?"

He sighed and leaned all the way in, resting his forehead against hers, "I just want our life back."

"And we'll have it. But there is no life without you." She nuzzled him closer and whispered, "I almost lost you once Stabler. Don't put me through that again. Please?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he leaned down, nuzzling into her neck, "I'm here. I'm here."

She let out a little sigh of relief knowing that for tonight she had calmed him. But she had no idea what tomorrow was going to bring…

The following morning was cold, gray, and rainy. Olivia slept in having been up most of the night on and off with Brooklyn. Elliot took Ember for a walk with Charlie and Noah, all of them decked out in raincoats (Ember included) which Charlie found to be hilarious. She waddled after the dog, laughing as Ember strolled about in her blue coat, walking ahead of them on the beach.

Elliot smiled after her, his heart bursting at the simple joy on his youngest daughter's face. At least she was happy and content, one of them had to be. Noah was quiet beside him the majority of the walk, and Elliot let him be with his own thoughts, not wanting to push him. But as they turned around to start back home, Noah called out to him, "Dad?"

Elliot turned his head as they walked in the sand, lifted his hand, and placed it on his shoulder, "Yeah, bud?"

"Why do you think some people are good and some are bad?"

Elliot frowned but turned his eyes forward to keep an eye on Charlie. Ember sensed him, turning her head and letting out a soft bark, reminding him that Charlie was in good hands with him. He smiled and thought through his response, but wasn't sure exactly what to say, "Noah…that is a complicated question. One I'm not sure I can answer."

His son sighed beside him, not out of anger toward his Father, but frustration with the way of the world. "I just don't understand how some people can make such horrible decisions. And how others understand the difference between right and wrong. It doesn't make sense to me."

"I hate to break it to you buddy, but sometimes most things in life don't make any sense at all. It's a lesson you'll learn time and time again the older you get."

They walked in silence for a few moments, only the sounds of the crashing waves and Charlie's laughter could be heard. Elliot looked back at the footprints they left in the sand. Noah's feet were so much bigger now. He remembered a time long ago, before he was even dating Olivia, when Noah tried on a pair of his shoes and they practically swallowed him up. He was sure that if he tried them now, they wouldn't be so off.

Clearing his throat, he spoke softly, "I suppose part of it could be how people are raised. The morals their parents instill in them."

Noah nodded, "But some people with good families, still grow up to be bad people."

Charlie stopped ahead of them, marveling at a few shells on the sand. Elliot stopped and turned his body to his son, "You're right. I guess those people are just born that way."

Noah kicked at the ground below them, "And some people grow up with bad influences…but choose to make better choices." He lifted his head, "You and Mom did."

"Yeah well…" He lifted his shoulder slowly, "Your Mom wanted more for you. And so did I. Your sisters too."

Noah nodded slowly, "Yeah. I guess you're right."

"Your Mom is a good person. The best person I know. Despite everything she went through as a kid…she has more integrity and heart than anyone will ever give her credit for."

Noah smiled softly, "Yeah, but I could say the same about you, Dad."

Elliot fidgeted nervously, "Noah…"

"I know you've never told me everything about your Dad…and I don't expect you to. But I've heard you and Mom talking lately…he made bad choices with Frank's Dad. That's why we're here. Right?"

"Unfortunately…yes."

Noah looked at his sister now trying to catch raindrops, Ember stood beside her and the ocean, always protecting.

He smiled softly, "I guess I wonder what keeps some people in line. What makes them stop before crossing that line? Is it…just ingrained in them? Or do they stop…for someone…for the people they love?"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "Noah…"

Noah turned back to him, puffing his chest out slightly, looking more and more grown up by the second, "Dad, I love you. I'm so thankful you came into our lives. But I just want you to remember…I know how much you love us. That you would do anything to protect us. I've always known that since day one."

Elliot cocked his head to the side, gazing at his son, "What are you trying to say, Noah?"

Noah frowned, and this time put his hand on his Father's shoulder, "I know that you'd do anything for us. But…please remember we need you."

"Noah…"

"And protecting us is one thing…but if it means we lose you in the process…it's not worth it."

"Noah, I'm never going to let anything happen to any of you. I won't-"

"I know." Noah smiled at him, "But…Mom won't ever let anything happen to you either. Remember that, okay?"

"Noah! Come play with me!" Charlie shouted to her older brother.

Noah smiled and turned to his sister, "I've been summoned…" Elliot smiled at him, nodding slowly, unsure of what else to say. But as Noah stepped back he shrugged, "You're a good man, Dad. And you don't need to kill anyone to prove your love for us. Just…remember that, okay?"

Elliot's heart clenched in his chest as he watched his son run towards his sister. They all knew it. They all knew the lengths he would go to if it came down to it. But Noah was right. Olivia would do the same. And if it came down to putting herself between him and Frank she would…

He let out a soft sigh and began to walk again, laying a hand on Ember's head. Her raincoat crinkled under his touch, she looked up at him, a question in her eyes, asking if he was okay. He smiled and tapped her nose, "I'm good Em. We're all gonna be good."

She nudged his hand with her wet nose and licked his wrist, reminding him that she was beside him no matter what. And for the moment, it calmed him.

When the three of them and Ember got home, Elliot could tell that Brooklyn was getting worse. He could hear her crying as Olivia tried to console her, and in the corner, Bernie was staring off into space, that familiar and haunting look in her eyes that always sent a shiver up Elliot's sign. Noah turned to him, clutching Charlie's hand, "I can get Charlie a snack…keep her occupied."

"Thanks, bud." He smiled and took Ember's coat off before walking over to his mother, he crouched down in front of her, "Hi Mama, how are you feeling today?"

Bernie didn't even look at him, "I don't like him."

Elliot had a feeling that the him she was referring to was either Frank or Jack. To her, they were one and the same, "Mama, did you take your meds this morning?"

She shook her head, "All gone."

Elliot sighed and stood up slowly, his knees cracking slightly, "They're none left? Mama, I told you to tell me when you needed more so we could call the prescription in."

She didn't move and he walked to her room, pushing the door open. He found the empty pill bottle in her dresser and he frowned, holding it in his hand as he walked towards his bedroom to check on his wife and daughter, "Liv?"

She was standing up, holding an inconsolable Brooklyn, "Hey…"

"She's worse?"

His voice sounded sad, worried and her heart ached for him, for all of them, "She won't eat anything. Will barely take any water…the Doctor said he'd call in a prescription to try and help but he was having trouble getting through to the one near here."

He reached for his daughter who clung to him, wrapping herself around him, "Well, I'm gonna have to call my Mom's Doctor too. She is out of meds."

"I thought she had another week?" He shrugged, "I should have checked. I'm sorry…"

"No. It's not your fault. You've been busy with the kids. I should have checked too. She's my Mom…"

"Daddy…" Brooklyn cried into his neck, "Daddy it hurts."

He rocked her gently, pressing his lips against her temple, "I'm sorry baby. What can I do to make it better?"

She nuzzled even closer, whimpering, "I want Sparkles."

He sighed and looked up at his wife, "We both know that sometimes it's the only thing that keeps her calm."

Olivia sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "El…I don't know."

He bit his lip as he moved Brooklyn side to side, "I don't want to leave either. But maybe that way I can get Sparkles, her meds, and my Mom's. I'll go straight there and back."

"What if Frank is following you? What if-"

"I'll have someone tail me. And extra guards here." He looked down at his daughter, "I don't want to be away from you either but Brooklyn is miserable. And chances are, without my Moms meds, she will have an episode sooner rather than later. I'd like to avoid that…especially given where we are. The kids don't need anything else to scare them right now."

She reached out to touch her daughter's back, "You'll come right back?"

He nodded, leaning down towards her, "I promise."

Pressing up on her toes, she kissed him softly and ran her fingers through Brooklyn's hair, "Okay."

He offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile and looked down at his daughter, "Hey Miss B, will it help if Daddy goes and gets Sparkles for you?"

Her lower lip stuck out between her teeth in a soft pout, "We can't go home now?"

His cheeks flushed slightly and he shook his head, "No baby. Not yet. But I'm going to go get him and bring him right back to you. How does that sound?"

Brooklyn smiled sleepily and wrapped her arms tighter around him, "Thank you, Daddy."

He smiled and kissed her head again, "Anything for you B. Anything at all. I love you."

He looked back at his wife who still looked slightly unsure of the situation but also wanted whatever would make her daughter feel better. Not to mention she wanted to help her Mother-In-Law. She just prayed nothing happened to her husband while he was away from her…especially when she felt she may be the only thing able to pull him back from the brink.

Thirty minutes later, Elliot was getting ready to go. He sat down beside Brooklyn on the bed who was already asleep. He smiled, leaned in, and kissed her cheek gently, "Be back soon, B."

When he stood up, Noah was standing in the doorway, "You're taking Grandma too?"

Elliot walked towards him, "Yeah, I want her Doctor to check on her real quick. I'll be back as soon as I can." He stared at his son who looked unsure, "You want to come with me?"

Noah shrugged, "Might be kind of nice to get out of the house for a bit. Be home. But…I also don't want to leave Mom and the girls. I'd rather be here…to keep an eye on things."

Elliot smiled at him, "You're a good kid, you know that?"

Noah shrugged, "Used to just be me and Mom. She always protected me. And now…we have you too. But I want to protect my family too."

Elliot's heart clenched in his chest when he thought of his fourteen-year-old son trying to protect his sisters and Mom. He knew Olivia could protect them all. Knew she had her gun here. And though Noah was growing fast, this was not something he wanted for him, not ever.

Leaning forward, he pulled him into his arms and squeezed tight, "I'll be back before dark. I promise."

Noah hugged him back, "I know. We'll be okay."

Elliot squeezed his shoulder as he pulled back and turned to see Charlie walking toward them. She rubbed her eyes, yawning slightly, ready for a nap but she held her arms out to him, "Daddy?"

He smiled and quickly scooped her up, "Yeah munchkin?"

"Are you going away?"

"Just taking Grandma B to an appointment and then I'll bring Brooklyn some medicine to feel better." He paused and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead, "You feeling okay baby?"

Charlie nodded, her head falling slightly as she curled into his embrace, "Mhm."

He smiled and kissed her rosy cheek, "Take a nap and I'll be home before you know it, okay?" She nodded and he whispered, "Don't be too much trouble while I'm gone, okay?"

With eyes closed, she smiled the mischievous little smile of hers that matched her Mother's when she was up to something, "Okay."

He laughed and kissed her again before handing her off to Noah. When he turned to walk towards the front door, he saw Ember waiting for him by the door. He smiled, knelt down in front of her, and put his hands on either side of her face, kissing her nose.

"You stay here, girl. Keep an eye on things for me, okay?"

She whined, lifting her paw and placing it on his arm, and he wondered if she knew something he didn't. But he swallowed down his worry as best he could and he kissed her nose again. When he stood up, he looked back at his son who was still holding Charlie and could see Brooklyn sleeping through the door. He nudged Ember closer to them and she trotted off, sitting down beside Noah. "Love you guys."

Then he grabbed his jean jacket and walked out the front door. He saw his wife making sure Bernie was comfortable in the truck, "Stay with Elliot, okay?"

Bernie turned to her daughter, a slight spark returning to her eyes, "What am I, five? He's not dropping me off at school Olivia."

Olivia smiled hearing the teasing in her voice, "Bernie…"

The older woman smiled and reached for her hand, "You be careful too. Okay?"

Olivia squeezed her hand gently, "Always."

Seeing her husband out of the corner of her eyes, she turned and carefully shut the truck. Pulling her cardigan around her tighter, she walked over to him, leaning against the side of the truck, "Did Brooklyn fall asleep?"

Elliot nodded, studying her face carefully, "Yes. I think she'll be out for a bit. Charlie was nodding off too."

She nodded slowly and reached out, adjusting the collar of his Henley shirt. "Okay."

He sensed the worry in her voice, his hand touched her hip, gently urging her closer to him, "Liv."

She cleared her throat nervously, "I put your gun in the glove compartment."

He stood up a little straighter, "Liv…I'm gonna be fine. I'll be back before you can even miss me."

She smiled, lifting her eyes to his, showing him the true vulnerability and fear she had for him, "I already miss you."

She leaned up, wrapping her arms around his chest as his circled her waist, holding her tight, "Do you need anything at home?"

She shook her head and kissed the underside of his jaw, "No. Just need you back in one piece."

He smiled and kissed the top of her head, "I told you a long time ago Benson, you can't get rid of me so easily."

Pulling back, she placed both hands on his cheeks, "I love you."

He kissed her forehead, her nose, and then her lips, "I love you too."

She sighed, kissed him once more, and stepped back watching him climb into the truck. She watched him pull out of the driveway and the two cars that were going to tail followed close behind giving her some comfort. Giving him one last look, she turned on her heel to go back inside to her children.

On the road, Elliot saw her moving towards the house from the rearview mirror. Slowing down beside another car, he saw the two men on patrol who would be watching after his family while he was gone. Two men that had been here almost every day with them. The man behind the wheel rolled down the window and waited. Elliot looked back at the house again, "Headed out Mr. Stabler?"

Elliot nodded, "I'll be back soon." He paused, "You know…they're my whole world and-"

"Mr. Stabler." He cut him off quickly, "We'll take good care of them. I give you my word."

Elliot tapped the side of his truck, letting out a shaky breath, "Okay…thank you."

He smiled and gave him a slow wave, "See you soon."

And then he pulled away, Bernie smiled at him, "They'll be okay Elliot. You'll see."

He smiled and took her hand, "I know Mama, I know. Why don't you take a nap during the drive?"

She gave him a reassuring smile and sighed, resting her head back on the seat, "You're a good man, Elliot. Remember that."

From the car that Elliot had stopped beside, the two men watched him take a right out of the neighborhood. Then, the man behind the wheel spoke first, "Call him."

The second man picked up his phone and dialed the number.

"Hello?"

"They're alone."

"Stabler left?"

"Yes."

A moment later, the man on the other line said, "I'm on my way."

An hour later, Olivia was in the kitchen cleaning up. To her left she saw Charlie, now awake, playing with Ember on the floor. She smiled, so proud of how patient and gentle Ember was with all the kids, but especially Charlie who was never quite as gentle in return. Currently, her daughter was sitting on her back as she lay on the floor pretending Ember was a horse.

"Fasta Emba! Fasta!"

Olivia laughed at her daughter's inability to always get her r's right. You'd think she was from Boston, not New York. Brooklyn was still lying down in the big bed, watching a movie with her brother at her side to keep watch.

The bedroom door creaked open and Noah walked out, she turned to him and he held up his sister's cup, "She said she's thirsty."

Olivia smiled and took the cup from him to fill up, "Well, that's a good sign."

Noah shrugged and hopped up on the counter, "Maybe she is starting to feel better."

Olivia smiled and put the top back on, "Maybe."

Noah just smiled and looked down at the linoleum tile, clearly deep in thought. She slipped back into the bedroom to give Brooklyn her drink and then walked out to the kitchen, sensing her son might need her more right now. Clearing the space beside him, she lifted herself up on the counter and tapped his knee with hers, "Spill it, kid."

The corners of his lips turned up in a gentile smile remembering all the times she'd said that over the years. The times when it was the two of them against the world. She was his best friend, his hero, and favorite person. Elliot, his Father was right up there too. But there had been a time when she was the only thing he could count on and he would never take that lightly.

Taking a breath he turned to her, "You remember that time… think maybe I was 3 or 4? We had just left dinner with Aunt Alex and we were on the subway…and that man approached us?"

Olivia didn't need more detail. She remembered. Would never forget it. She'd just left a 24-hour shift and was exhausted. She'd helped a young boy whose Father had beaten him to within an inch of his life. She'd stayed by his side staring at him thinking "what would I do if this was Noah?"

She'd picked him up at preschool vowing no matter how tired she was, she'd be alert and awake for her son. They'd have dinner, play whatever he wanted and she'd read him as many stories as he asked for before he fell asleep. With no car of her own at the time, they took the subway more often than not. And that afternoon, it was unusually quiet for that time of day. They were sitting in a back corner of the car when a man approached, hands in his pockets, hat drawn down over his eyes and every protective bone in her body screamed to get him away from your son.

She remembered the way his hand in his right pocket clenched around something. A gun? A knife? She didn't know. But she'd slid her small son behind her, he'd called out to her in that soft voice and she told him to sit still and be quiet. Not to move unless she told him to. His tiny hands had clutched the back of her jacket, smart enough even at four to know something was wrong. Everything after that had happened so quickly. The man had lunged, pulling the knife and she was on her feet in an instant, gun drawn, kneeing him making him crash down to his knees. She'd yelled at him to stay down, that she was a member of the NYPD. And as many times as she'd taken down a criminal, none scared her more than this time. Because this time her son was involved. This time her son's life was at stake and she hated him to see her draw her weapon, even if she was protecting them.

"I remember I was terrified. Shocked. I swear I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I just kept my eyes on you…couldn't make out what you were saying really. But then it was over, and someone was coming to help us and you were picking me. I think maybe I was crying…"

She remembered he had cried, silent tears streaming down his face as she held him close to her, "Noah…why are you bringing this up?"

He reached for her hand squeezing gently, "You told me that day you would never let anything happen to me. And as scared as I had been…I knew with you I would always be safe."

She smiled, her heart aching slightly for him, "You are always safe with me."

"I know." He hopped down off the counter and he just shrugged gently, "But just so you know…you're safe with me too. Brooklyn and Charlie too."

She sat up a little straighter and frowned, "Noah, honey, I love you for saying that. But no matter how grown up you think you are, you're still just a kid. I'm not letting you involve yourself in any of this." He just started to back away, "I mean it, Noah, do you hear me? No matter what happens, you are not to do anything that would put yourself in danger."

He nodded slowly, his fingers crossed behind his back, "Okay. I hear you, Mom. I think I'll go hang with Brooklyn again. You good out here?"

Behind her, she could hear Charlie and Ember still playing and she nodded, "I'm good. Will check on her in a bit."

Noah gave her one last smile and then slipped out of the kitchen and back to the bedroom with his sister. Olivia sighed, jumped down off the counter, and walked into the living room. Kneeling on the floor, she scooped up Charlie and tickled her sides, "Okay silly girl, why don't we give Em a little break, okay?"

Charlie giggled and neighed like a horse, "Em's a pony!"

Olivia laughed and tossed her in the air slightly, grateful for the distraction of her rambunctious daughter, "Whatever you say, Charlie. Whatever you say."

An hour later, a knock on the door had Olivia standing up to check. Brooklyn and Noah were still in the bedroom and Charlie was beginning to snooze on the couch. Checking through the window, Olivia saw it was a familiar face, one of the officers who were on duty to guard them most days

Opening the door she smiled, "Hey Pete. Everything okay?"

"Sorry to bug you, but do you mind if I use the bathroom real quick?"

"Oh, no. Of course not." She stepped aside and smiled, "You remember where it is?"

He nodded slowly and pointed down the hall, "First door on the left at the end of the hallway."

"Right. Can I make you guys coffee or anything? It is kind of miserable out there today."

"That would be great. Thanks so much!"

"No problem. We appreciate all you've been doing, truly. So thank you."

"Of course. Always happy to help another cop. Brothers and sisters in blue should stick together, don't you think so?"

Olivia swallowed hard, suddenly getting anxious, "Hmm…"

He smiled as he passed Charlie, "She's sure growing."

Olivia smiled but noticed the way that Ember was staring at him, her back rigid, her paw protectively over Charlotte's arm, "Yeahh…she is."

He gave her another smile and walked down the hallway. Olivia walked towards her daughter and knelt down, "It's okay Em."

But Ember seemed to disagree, she bared her teeth, something she never did around the kids. And the little hairs on the back of Olivia's neck began to prickle. She stood up slowly, one eye on her daughter, the other on the coffee table where her gun was in the drawer. Quietly, she opened the drawer, took the safety off, and slipped it into the back of her jeans.

Just as she was about to stand up, Charlotte stirred, "Uncle Fwank."

This time, the mispronouncing of her r's wasn't endearing to her Mother, "What?"

Charlie yawned and sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she pointed down the hallway where Pete had gone down, "Uncle Fwank came to visit."

Olivia stood up all the way, whipped around and her heart sank. Standing there in the hallway with Pete was Frank Donnelly. An all-knowing smirk on his face, the kind she wished she could slap off of his face. "Hey, Liv."

Slowly, she sidestepped, putting herself between the couch and the two men, "Frank…"

"I tried Liv, I really tried. Tried to bring you into our circle. Teach you the ways of the Brotherhood. But you disappointed me."

Olivia's hand pressed into her lower back, her fingers curling around her gun, "Frank…don't do anything stupid right now."

"Mommy?" Charlie asked as Ember stood up, growling at the threat in front of them, "Mommy, what's going on?"

"Nothing baby. Everything is fine, okay? Stay right where you are."

Frank gave Olivia a leery little smile and bent down, eyes on Elliot and his wife's youngest daughter, "Hey kiddo. Did you miss your old Uncle Frank while you've been hiding up here?"

Olivia clenched her jaw and spat out, "You are not her Uncle."

Ember barked aggressively as if agreeing with Olivia and Frank laughed, "Relax Liv. I'm not here to cause them any harm. They are innocent in this. I just want to talk to you and to Elliot." He gestured between them, "See it we can sort this all out. Maybe some of us can get some closure and be able to move on."

Olivia scanned the room, "He's not here." Frank chuckled and she looked at Pete, "But I assume that is exactly why you are here. Right?"

Frank cocked his head towards the room to his left, "The other two in there?" She didn't respond but she assumed he already knew the answer, "Take her back there with them. Make sure they don't leave. Like I said, I'm not here to hurt them."

Olivia turned at an angle, not wanting to turn her back fully on the men behind her. But she was able to pull her shirt over her gun before he saw it. Bending at the knee, she scooped up her daughter, "Okay Charlie. Do you want to go watch a movie with Noah and Brookie?"

"Can I pick?"

Olivia smiled though she wanted to cry, she kissed her little cheek, "Sure baby. But you have to stay in there until I tell you it's okay to come out. Alright?"

Charlie clung to her Mother tighter, wrapping herself around her neck and waist, "You don't want to watch it with us?"

"Tell you what…why don't you start it and then after I catch up with Frank, I'll join you, okay?"

Charlie relaxed slightly and she looked at Frank waiting for him to let her know it was okay to move. He gave her a slow nod before she slowly moved towards the bedroom. At the last second, he mumbled, "You might want to tell that son of yours…to mind his own business. He's old enough that I won't feel guilty if something happens to him."

Olivia shot him a look and then slipped into the bedroom, closing the door a bit so that Brooklyn and Noah wouldn't see who was outside, even though she was sure Charlie would tell them. She knew better than to shut the door all the way and try and escape because Frank wouldn't react well to that. Instead, she slipped into the room, calling Ember with her though she was hesitant. But she knew better than to go against Olivia or Elliot and at least maybe she could protect the kids long enough for them to get out if God forbid this went south.

Placing Charlie down on the bed, Brooklyn barely looked over at her Mother, too wrapped up in whatever was on the TV. But Noah turned to her, giving her a questioning look but she smiled and placed Charlie down beside him, "Charlie wants to watch a movie too. I'm going to…do a few things out in the living room and kitchen and then I'll come to watch too."

Charlie looked at her Mother and asked, "Is Uncle Fwank gonna watch?"

Immediately, Noah shot off the bed, his Mother's arms stretching out to stop her son, "Noah." She gave him a quick shake of her head, "Don't move."

His eyes were wide, "Mom…"

She leaned in so only he could hear her, "I need you to stay with your sisters. Okay?" He shook his head back and forth, "Noah…please. You have to stay here. I need you to stay here with them. You'll be safe."

Noah swallowed the lump in his throat, "What does he want?" He whispered.

Olivia's hands were sweating and she fidgeted nervously, "He said he wants to talk."

Noah gave her a frustrated look, "Mom…he's going to call Dad."

"I know he is." She gave him a watery smile, "But can you do something for me?" Noah nodded slowly, "Use the phone in here…Frank doesn't know about it. Call Uncle Fin. You know that number?" Noah nodded, "Okay. Call him. Tell him Frank is here and then hang up…don't do anything else. He'll take it from there. Then you stay…right there with your sisters and Ember. And you don't move until you hear me or Dad says it's okay. Alright?"

Still, he looked concerned, "But Mom…"

Lifting her hands she placed both palms on either side of his face, "I love you. I have always loved you. I know you want to protect me…but right now I need you to protect your sisters. Okay?" His hand gripped her forearm, "Everything is going to be okay, I promise you that."

Noah's heart was pounding but he knew that interfering could make things worse. But the thougth of his Mother outside with this man and God knows who else made him want to scream, made him want to run out there and fight, even if he had no chance. But when he looked at his two helpless little sisters, he knew that right now, his place was here. And he had to trust that his parents always had their best interest at heart like they always did. He took a slow, deep breath and nodded, "Okay. I love you too."

Slowly she began to back away and watched as he sat down on the edge of the bed, still looking unsure. She tried to give him her most reassuring smile as she moved. Brooklyn finally turned her head to her Mother, "Mommy?"

Olivia froze, the lump forming in her throat, "Yeah baby?"

Brooklyn snuggled closer to Noah, "Will Daddy be home soon with Sparkles?"

At that moment she wanted to scream because she knew that yes he would be back soon. Even faster once he knew what was happening. But, what scared her was her husband's reaction. She knew he wasn't going to be calm and that was what Frank was counting on. She just hoped, for all of their sakes, she could find a way to ease the tension and make sure everyone got out in one piece.

"Yeah…" Her voice cracked and she quickly cleared her throat, "Yeah B, he'll be home real soon."

Brooklyn smiled and turned back to the TV, "I can't wait to hug sparkles and Daddy too."

Her hand gripped the doorknob behind her and she smiled, "I'll be in in a few minutes, okay?"

The girls called out their response, still glued to the TV. Noah was lying beside them, but his eyes stayed on his Mother. Ember slowly walked towards her, her claws tapping at the wood floor. She nudged Olivia's knee, waiting for her to acknowledge her. Glancing down, Olivia whispered, "Stay Ember." The dog that had stolen her heart from the moment she met her, now older, even more, attached whined, nudging her again, "It's okay…stay with your sisters and Noah. Stay girl…stay."

Ember huffed, somehow understanding before she turned and leaped up on the end of the bed. Sitting up, eyes trained on the door and Noah reached for her, feeling calmer with her close by. Olivia gave the four of them one last look, then slowly turned to walk out into the living room.

When she shut the door behind her, she saw Frank sitting on the couch, "All set?" Olivia nodded slowly, "Great. Let's call Elliot then. I feel like…playing a little game."

Olivia's hand was on the door behind her, "Frank…"

"And before you even try anything…you might as well hand Pete your gun now. Make this easier for all of us." Olivia froze and he smiled, "Unless…you want me just to shoot Elliot as soon as he gets here? That's fine too…"

Olivia bit down hard on her lip, slipped her hand in the back of her jeans, and retrieved her gun, "You're a real son-of-a-bitch, you know that?"

Frank smiled, leaned against the back of the couch, and propped his feet up as Pete guided her towards a chair in the corner, a rope in his hands to tie her up, "So I've been told." He nodded toward Pete, "Toss me her phone too."

Olivia was shoved down into the seat and she grimaced slightly, feeling the wood dig into her back. She watched her phone fly through the air, watched Frank scroll through her contacts, and when he found what he was looking for…dialed the number. And then…she waited.

Elliot had picked up Brooklyn's medicine, taken Bernie to her appointment, and insisted on speaking to the Doctor along with her (even though she protested). Her Doctor assured Elliot that with the medicine she would be back on track, but may be more emotional than usual. When he asked if any major changes were happening in any of their lives, he'd felt that guilt wash over him again. He assumed she not only worried for the family but all of this probably brought up a lot of memories for her. A lot of not-so-pleasant memories in fact.

Now they were back at the house, and Bernie had gone in the house with him to use the bathroom before they got back on the road. Elliot did a lap around the house to check things though he knew Fin and their friends were keeping an eye on things. Then he walked up the stairs to his daughter's room in search of the one thing she wanted most. He smiled at the toys littered on the floor, and their drawings on the walls, and he couldn't wait to get them all back home where they belonged.

Leaning over, he scooped up the stuffed unicorn, a bit worn around the edges showing how well loved it was and he smiled thinking about how happy Brooklyn would be to have it back. As he looked around the room to see if there was anything else he should grab before leaving, his phone began to ring in his pocket. Recognizing the ring as his wife's ring tone, he smiled and held the phone to his ear, "Hey babe, I have successfully secured Sparkles for Brooklyn. About to head out to the truck unless there is something else you need me to grab first."

"Hey, babe." Came the mocking response on the other end, but Elliot knew immediately who it was instead.

"Frank."

His hand shook as he gripped the stuffed animal at his side, "Hey buddy…how fast do you think you can get back here? I'm very curious to see how far you'd be willing to go to protect your wife and kids."

His heart pounded in his chest as he stomped towards the door, practically yanking it off its hinges, "Frank, I swear to God if you hurt one hair on any of their heads I'll-"

"Kill me like your Dad killed my Dad?"

Elliot froze, his Mother was walking towards him, a question in her eyes. "Elliot? What is it?"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "I'll be right there. Don't…don't you dare…"

And then Bernie knew, her eyes glossing over, "Oh no…"

"Put Olivia on the phone." Frank didn't respond, "I said put her on the phone, Frank!"

He heard the older man sigh, "So demanding for a man who should be treading lightly right now…one wrong word from you and I'll have Pete over here…" He made a gunshot sound and chuckled, "Maybe if you ask nicely…"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he felt his Mother's hand on his arm, "Frank…please, please put her on the phone."

"Good boy, now was that so hard?"

A moment later, he heard mumbling, "El-""Liv, baby, are you okay? Where are the kids? What-"

"El…we're fine. Noah is with the girls, Ember too. Everything is fine, okay? Just…just stay calm. I promise…we're okay. I love-"

But Frank didn't let her finish before he yanked it away, "Hope you don't run into traffic Stabler. I'd hate to get bored and start the game without you."And then he hung up leaving a million terrifying scenarios running through Elliot's head. "Elliot…"

He looked down at his Mother, "Come with me."

She stumbled slightly as they moved towards the door, "Elliot, you need to call 911."

"If I do that he'll kill her before anyone even breaks through the door. You know that."

He was moving her towards the neighbor's house, "Elliot…stop-"

"Mama…" He banged on the door, "You are gonna stay here. Okay? You stay here and you don't do a damn thing until I call you."

He banged on the door again and Bernie reached for him, "You are not your Father. Do you hear me? Do you hear me?"

The door opened, "Elliot, Bernie, what-"

"There's an emergency. I need you to stay with my Mother. I'll…I'll explain later."

He turned, kissed his Mother's cheek, and took off down the steps toward his truck and all Bernie could think was…if her suspicions were true from all those years ago…was history about to repeat itself?