KILLING ME SOFTLY
CHAPTER 7
ELLIOT STABLER'S CABIN 5:00/ THURSDAY
Grabbing a couple of bags from the passenger seat Elliot strolls into the quite seemly empty house. "Ethany, I'm home!" he called out with no response. Setting the bags down, Elliot draws his gun as he begins to search room by room for Ethany as his cop senses took over. Searching the cabin with no success Elliot begins to panic until he spots her sunbathing on the back deck. Trying to control his racing heart he runs his fingers through his close cut hair before joining her.
Now his heart was racing for another reason when he came upon Ethany sunbathing just in a pair of boxers. Not wanting to disturb her Elliot tried to slink back into the kitchen without being caught.
"What, cat got your tongue?" questioned Ethany pulling the headphones off her ears.
"No...I just....ugh...I saw you were busy and I didn't want to bother you! Just wanted to let you know that I was back!" answered Elliot embarrassingly.
"Come on Ell, lets go for a swim!" invited Ethany sitting up completely exposing her breasts to Elliot.
"Uh, nah you go ahead! I gotta unpack the supplies in the kitchen!" Elliot said while trying not to stare at her nakedness.
"Detective Stabler, be spontaneous for once in your life! You might actually enjoy it!" teased Ethany strolling to the end of the deck so she could dunk her feet into the cold lake water.
"I'm planning on being spontaneous tomorrow!" Elliot joked back not missing a beat. Walking back to the door something stopped him from entering the cabin. Having a change of heart he quickly slipped off his shoes and then his socks before taking a flying leap into the lake.
"I thought you wanted to swim!" questioned Elliot once he came up for air.
"Are you kidding, that water is too fucking cold!" joked Ethany watching him show off .
Splashing her he tries again to coax her into the water with no success. "Come on Ethany, you're not going to make me swim alone? What happened to swimming with the buddy system?"
"You're a big boy! You look as if you can handle yourself in the water!" offered Ethany kicking his hands away.
"Yea, but I would rather be handling you!" Elliot teased while grabbing her by the ankle to pull her into the water with him.
They splashed and played around until both are nearly out of breath. Swimming over to Elliot she wraps her arms around his neck as they both treaded water.
"You know you probably be able to swim better if you take some of these clothes off!" suggested Ethany as she started to pull his soaking shirt causing them to both go under again. But when they came back up for air Elliot was missing his shirt. Throwing it towards the deck neither waited to see if it actually made it on dry land.
As Elliot hand ran up her rib cage he stops underneath her breast to gently stroke it lightly with his finger tips. Enjoying the sensation Ethany encourage him by leaning in for a hungry kiss.
"You sure you wanna do this?" they both question at the same time as Elliot's hands reach around her back and down to her butt.
Laughing they both agreed it would be much easier out of the water. Swimming back to the deck Elliot got out first and then reached down to help Ethany out. She couldn't help but notice the huge bulge in front of his jeans. Grabbing her hand he led her inside to the couch. Undressing himself he climbed onto the couch as Ethany striped in front of him. Pulling her to him he started kissing her mouth, then down her throat and chest. Still finding her to be to far away Elliot pulls her onto the couch with him as he continued to kiss one ample breast and then the other. After giving each breast equal attention he left a trail of kisses down her belly and into the valley between her legs. His tongue found and circled her clit sending moans of pleasure rushing through her body. With his tongue he traced the smooth inside of her thigh making her tingle from head to toe. Pushing her onto her back he continued his investigation of her clit. His tongue began to flick up and down her wet clit causing her to arch her back in time with his rhythm. Not letting herself come she pulls him from his work. Kissing they roll over so Ethany was now straddling him.
Mounting him she could feel him gently thrust his manhood inside her. As he gently played with her hard nipples she felt him dive deeper inside her almost touching her very soul. As their rhythm increased she enjoyed how he felt inside of her and from the look on his face she knew he was feeling the same. Before she knew it she came causing herself to buck up and down as if she was riding a mechanical bull. Halfway through her own orgasm she felt him release himself deep inside of her. Falling to her side still with Elliot inside her they feel asleep on the couch.
Waking up a couple of hours later still with Ethany in his arms he laid there for a few minutes trying to erase the doubts in his head. Quietly he slides off the couch to grab his things from outside. Coming back into the living room with a load of wet clothes in his hands he couldn't help but feel at peace when he looked at her sleeping on the couch. He knew there was no turning back now, he had crossed the line. Ethany was now someone he truly cared about instead of a helpless victim of a case he needed to solve. He knew it wasn't love quite yet they both knew that. He knew once this case was over they would be able to talk and see what the future might have for them.
Down the road parked in a car was a man who had also crossed the lines of no return. Dean Ryan sat and watched as the lights went out for the night in the cabin. He now knew where Elliot had disappeared to and with whom. It was tearing him up inside knowing what he had to do. It was just a matter of when.
Walking upstairs with his wet things Elliot took a quick shower and then changed into fresh cloths. Going back into the kitchen he found the bags he had left their earlier still unpacked. Realizing that there were still bags in the car he went to retrieve them. Three trips later everything was sitting on the counter. Sorting through the bags he began to unpack the food. Done with the grocery's he began to unpack the other stuff he purchased when a pair of arms circled his waist. Turning in her arms Elliot found himself staring into her Jade green eyes.
"Hey, I didn't mean to wake you!" he said kissing her gently on the lips.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that! I was a little disappointed to find you gone when I woke up!" she complained while running her fingers through his still wet hair.
"Yea, I couldn't sleep! I guess I got too much going on in my mind." He said sounding stand offish.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked as her heart jumped in her throat.
Feeling like a heel Elliot tried to clear his throat before speaking, "I just wanted you to know I never meant for anything like this to happen...."
Before he could finish his thought Ethany breaks in with a laugh, "Babe, I'm not looking for an instant relationship or a ring! I just want to have a good time. If this leads to anything else then that's great. But let's not worry about the future, let's just live in the present, ok?" she offered kissing the worried look off his face.
They kissed and snuggled until Ethany was sure she had erased his fears. Elliot hated to ruin the moment but he knew he had to get back to work. "Hon, I hate to do this but I gotta go back out! Some new information came up concerning your case! I got you this cell phone to use in case of an emergency. I'll be the only one who knows the number. Make sure you don't call anyone but me on it ok? It's very important that no one knows where you are!"
Shaking her head yes they kissed before he left her again.
Knowing that Dean might be involved with the case Elliot knew he needed to retrace his partner's steps to make sure all angles were covered. Searching for his phone without taking his eyes off the road, he called the captain for some information.
"Captain, this is Elliot. Can you tell me if Dean followed up on that lead on the black corvette?" he questioned as his captain told him to hold on so he could check.
After a few minutes of silence the captain returned, "Elliot, the cars registered to a Sunni Keller. It was found at the airport parking garage. It's supposed to be towed away sometime today since no one has come back to claim it. If you want a look at it you better hurry over there!"
"Sunni spelled with an 'I'? That's Lee's wife, but why would they register it under her maiden name?" shot back Elliot as more and more of the piece to the puzzle were starting to fall into place.
"Why don't you go and find out? Be careful ok, I think Dean's starting to suspect something!" cautioned Cavelo.
NEW YORK AIRPORT THURSDAY/ 8:00PM
Changing directions he headed towards the airport instead of his previous destination. Luck was on his side for once he had beaten the tow truck to the corvette. Checking the outer appearance of the car he found nothing out of the ordinary. By chance he tried the driver's side door and found that it was unlocked. As the stale air penetrated his nose Elliot looked through the contents of the passenger seat and back-seat. He was surprised to find that the keys were still in the ignition. It was as if Lee wanted the car to be stolen to erase his involvement in the crime. After bagging the small pile of papers scattered on the passenger seat and floor Elliot popped the trunk. At first glance Elliot swore he had found a dead body in the trunk. But on closer examination he discovered it was only a naked male mannequin "What on earth does this have to do with the shooting?" he thought as he slammed the trunk shut again. Walking back to his car he deposited the evidence bags in the front seat before heading back into the airport terminal.
Putting on his best smile he approached the pretty red head at the ticket counter. "I'm Detective Stabler, I was hoping you could answer a couple of question for me about flight 485." he said flashing his badge at the women.
"I'm sorry I wasn't working that flight! You'll have to ask Tammy over there! I'm sure she would be more than happy to help you out!" giggled the red head waving her friend Tammy over to them.
Grabbing the picture out of his jacket pocket he proceeded with his questions, "Tammy, can you tell me if this man was aboard flight 485?"
After looking at the picture of Lee Riley for a few minutes she answered, "No sir, I don't remember anyone who looked like him on board. I never let a good looking man escape my attention!" she giggled flirting openly with Elliot.
Taking another picture out of his pocket Elliot asks the same question. "Nope, never seen this guy either!" she offered looking at Dean's picture.
"Thank you ladies, you've been a big help!" he offered before disappearing into the crowd of people leaving the airport.
LEE RILEY'S RESIDENCE THURSDAY/ 10:00PM
Driving up a familiar tree lined winding driveway Elliot stops the car at the door. Ringing the doorbell once it was immediately answered by the housekeeper as if she had been waiting for his arrival.
"Is Mrs. Riley in?" he asked inviting himself into the house. Not waiting for an answer he went into the study to find Sunni on the phone. Hustling over to the desk he disconnected her phone call.
"What the hell......" she cussed but he silenced her before she could say anything else.
"Mrs. Riley, you weren't talking to your husband, were you?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about! How did you get in here?" she screeched.
"How come there is no marriage licensee for you and Lee? You know I can always bring you in for harboring a fugitive! So do you wanna answer my questions here or down town?" he questioned playing the part of a bad cop.
"I...I... I don't understand! We've been living together for 8 years now. Lee didn't think we needed to get married since in the law's eyes we were all ready in a common law marriage. He thought it was cute that I dropped my maiden name and took his instead." Explained Sunni truly scared by Eliot's threats.
Noticing that she had dropped the dumb blond act he continues to question her., "Who used his plane ticket the night of the shooting?"
"I...I...I don't know!" she cried.
"All right Sunni, turn around! You have the right to remain silent... " Elliot started as he closed the few steps between them to cuff her.
But before the cuffs could ever touch her skin she began to spill her guts "He had one of his men from the construction site use the ticket with Lee's ID. He didn't leave until the next day. But he never told me where he was going! He told me when it was safe he would come for me!"
For a moment he let his attention wander onto the desk. There laying half hidden by papers were a familiar gold watch with a ratty leather band that he had seen almost everyday for the past four years. Knowing the answer to the question he asked her where the watch had come from.
"I dunno, one of Lee's business associates left it!" lied Sunni.
"Or was it replaced with a very expensive gold Rolex? That's funny this looks just like a watch that my old partner used to wear. Are you sure you want to play it like this?"
"You must all ready know that it's Dean's! Why should I have to spell everything out to you? I've told you everything that I know." she hissed hatefully.
"For now this conversation is over. But I'll be back don't leave town." Instructed Elliot walking out the door leaving her to collapse in tears on the floor.
ELLIOT STABLER APARTMENT FRIDAY/ MIDNIGHT
His next stop was a personal one. It wasn't until he had talked to Sunni that he realized just how much trouble Ethany was in. walking into his apartment he went straight to the hall closet to a box he never thought he would open again. Taking a deep breath he opened the black box as the sight and smells sent him back into time of better days. Rummaging through the old pictures of him self growing up he searched for a piece of jewelry. He was almost to the bottom of the box when his fingers finally found the cold metal of the necklace.
As he left the city behind him again the sun was beginning to set. When his headlights finally shown on the front door of the cabin he was thankful there was someone waiting inside for him to help him release the stress of the day.
ELLIOT STABLER'S CABIN FRIDASY /1:00AM
Grabbing the stuff off the passenger seat Elliot wearily climbed the steps to the door which open revealing Ethany dressed in a sleek silver slip dress, her hair pulled gracefully off her neck, and heels that made her almost as tall as himself. "Wow, you look beautiful! What did I do to deserve this?"
"This is just my way of thanking you for taking care of me these last couple of days." she answered dragging him into the candle lit cabin.
Dropping his stuff at the door she led him into the living room where a romantic candle lit table for two was waiting for him. Showing him to his seat she went into the kitchen and returned with two piping hot plates that had steaks with all the trimmings. The days stress began to melt away as he enjoyed the company, atmosphere and the food. It had been quite awhile since he had such a great dinner cooked for him. After dinner they decide to take their wine into the living room so they could relax on the couch and listen to the radio playing softly in the background. It wasn't until "Whiter Shade of Pale" came on the radio that Ethany broke their silence, "Oh man, I love this song! Dance with me please!" she begged trying to pull him off the couch.
"Baby, I think we both have had too much wine to try and dance. Besides if that's not a good enough excuse then I have two left feet." Elliot said playfully.
But she wasn't going to take no for an answer. Pulling him onto his feet they walked into the middle of the room where they would have plenty of space to move around in. As their lips meet they fall into each others arms as they slowly swayed to the beat of the music.
Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him as close as humanly possible to her body. Their lips never breaking the embrace as Elliot's hands began to trace the curve of her body with his strong hands.
Running her fingers through his short hair she felt his hot breath first in her ear and then on her neck. Lightly he brushed her spaghetti straps off her milky white shoulders causing her dress to fall into a silky pool on the floor. As they continued to kiss his hands begins to explore her body.
"Maybe we better take this upstairs!" she suggest in between his kisses.
Not answering her he picked her up into his arms and carried her upstairs to the bed were they spent the night exploring every inch of each others body.
In the twilight hour before the darkness finally surrendered to the light they collapsed in each other arms. Reaching over the side of the bed Elliot searches his Jean pockets for the present he had brought her. Once found he held it out of her sight as he said, "Ethany, I have something for you that has meant a lot to me. I've had it since my mother gave it to me when I was little. Now don't get excited because it's not that big of a deal, but I want you to have It." he stumbled over the words not quite getting them out right.
He couldn't decide if it was just the after glow of their love making or the excitement of getting a present he saw on her face as he handed over the small jewelry box. Opening it up she found a St. Christopher medallion nestled in among the tissue paper. Gently taking it out of the box she gives him a puzzled look as she asked, "I guess your mom thought you were some kind of saint?"
"Hardly!" he joked back as he motioned for her to sit up so he could place the silver necklace around her slender neck. "I know it's not the most romantic thing, but I want you to wear it so you will always be protective even when I'm not here. See my mother gave it to me right before my confirmation. Back then I was shy and had a hard time making friends, I guess I was sort of a woos. She said that this would protect me and give me strength. When I got older I didn't need it anymore but I always kept it in a special place to remind me to be strong. And now that I have you and I know things are going to get pretty ugly around here and fast, I just want you to feel safe!"
"It's beautiful!" she sighed trying to keep her tears at bay, but it was no use.
CHAPTER 7
ELLIOT STABLER'S CABIN 5:00/ THURSDAY
Grabbing a couple of bags from the passenger seat Elliot strolls into the quite seemly empty house. "Ethany, I'm home!" he called out with no response. Setting the bags down, Elliot draws his gun as he begins to search room by room for Ethany as his cop senses took over. Searching the cabin with no success Elliot begins to panic until he spots her sunbathing on the back deck. Trying to control his racing heart he runs his fingers through his close cut hair before joining her.
Now his heart was racing for another reason when he came upon Ethany sunbathing just in a pair of boxers. Not wanting to disturb her Elliot tried to slink back into the kitchen without being caught.
"What, cat got your tongue?" questioned Ethany pulling the headphones off her ears.
"No...I just....ugh...I saw you were busy and I didn't want to bother you! Just wanted to let you know that I was back!" answered Elliot embarrassingly.
"Come on Ell, lets go for a swim!" invited Ethany sitting up completely exposing her breasts to Elliot.
"Uh, nah you go ahead! I gotta unpack the supplies in the kitchen!" Elliot said while trying not to stare at her nakedness.
"Detective Stabler, be spontaneous for once in your life! You might actually enjoy it!" teased Ethany strolling to the end of the deck so she could dunk her feet into the cold lake water.
"I'm planning on being spontaneous tomorrow!" Elliot joked back not missing a beat. Walking back to the door something stopped him from entering the cabin. Having a change of heart he quickly slipped off his shoes and then his socks before taking a flying leap into the lake.
"I thought you wanted to swim!" questioned Elliot once he came up for air.
"Are you kidding, that water is too fucking cold!" joked Ethany watching him show off .
Splashing her he tries again to coax her into the water with no success. "Come on Ethany, you're not going to make me swim alone? What happened to swimming with the buddy system?"
"You're a big boy! You look as if you can handle yourself in the water!" offered Ethany kicking his hands away.
"Yea, but I would rather be handling you!" Elliot teased while grabbing her by the ankle to pull her into the water with him.
They splashed and played around until both are nearly out of breath. Swimming over to Elliot she wraps her arms around his neck as they both treaded water.
"You know you probably be able to swim better if you take some of these clothes off!" suggested Ethany as she started to pull his soaking shirt causing them to both go under again. But when they came back up for air Elliot was missing his shirt. Throwing it towards the deck neither waited to see if it actually made it on dry land.
As Elliot hand ran up her rib cage he stops underneath her breast to gently stroke it lightly with his finger tips. Enjoying the sensation Ethany encourage him by leaning in for a hungry kiss.
"You sure you wanna do this?" they both question at the same time as Elliot's hands reach around her back and down to her butt.
Laughing they both agreed it would be much easier out of the water. Swimming back to the deck Elliot got out first and then reached down to help Ethany out. She couldn't help but notice the huge bulge in front of his jeans. Grabbing her hand he led her inside to the couch. Undressing himself he climbed onto the couch as Ethany striped in front of him. Pulling her to him he started kissing her mouth, then down her throat and chest. Still finding her to be to far away Elliot pulls her onto the couch with him as he continued to kiss one ample breast and then the other. After giving each breast equal attention he left a trail of kisses down her belly and into the valley between her legs. His tongue found and circled her clit sending moans of pleasure rushing through her body. With his tongue he traced the smooth inside of her thigh making her tingle from head to toe. Pushing her onto her back he continued his investigation of her clit. His tongue began to flick up and down her wet clit causing her to arch her back in time with his rhythm. Not letting herself come she pulls him from his work. Kissing they roll over so Ethany was now straddling him.
Mounting him she could feel him gently thrust his manhood inside her. As he gently played with her hard nipples she felt him dive deeper inside her almost touching her very soul. As their rhythm increased she enjoyed how he felt inside of her and from the look on his face she knew he was feeling the same. Before she knew it she came causing herself to buck up and down as if she was riding a mechanical bull. Halfway through her own orgasm she felt him release himself deep inside of her. Falling to her side still with Elliot inside her they feel asleep on the couch.
Waking up a couple of hours later still with Ethany in his arms he laid there for a few minutes trying to erase the doubts in his head. Quietly he slides off the couch to grab his things from outside. Coming back into the living room with a load of wet clothes in his hands he couldn't help but feel at peace when he looked at her sleeping on the couch. He knew there was no turning back now, he had crossed the line. Ethany was now someone he truly cared about instead of a helpless victim of a case he needed to solve. He knew it wasn't love quite yet they both knew that. He knew once this case was over they would be able to talk and see what the future might have for them.
Down the road parked in a car was a man who had also crossed the lines of no return. Dean Ryan sat and watched as the lights went out for the night in the cabin. He now knew where Elliot had disappeared to and with whom. It was tearing him up inside knowing what he had to do. It was just a matter of when.
Walking upstairs with his wet things Elliot took a quick shower and then changed into fresh cloths. Going back into the kitchen he found the bags he had left their earlier still unpacked. Realizing that there were still bags in the car he went to retrieve them. Three trips later everything was sitting on the counter. Sorting through the bags he began to unpack the food. Done with the grocery's he began to unpack the other stuff he purchased when a pair of arms circled his waist. Turning in her arms Elliot found himself staring into her Jade green eyes.
"Hey, I didn't mean to wake you!" he said kissing her gently on the lips.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you like that! I was a little disappointed to find you gone when I woke up!" she complained while running her fingers through his still wet hair.
"Yea, I couldn't sleep! I guess I got too much going on in my mind." He said sounding stand offish.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked as her heart jumped in her throat.
Feeling like a heel Elliot tried to clear his throat before speaking, "I just wanted you to know I never meant for anything like this to happen...."
Before he could finish his thought Ethany breaks in with a laugh, "Babe, I'm not looking for an instant relationship or a ring! I just want to have a good time. If this leads to anything else then that's great. But let's not worry about the future, let's just live in the present, ok?" she offered kissing the worried look off his face.
They kissed and snuggled until Ethany was sure she had erased his fears. Elliot hated to ruin the moment but he knew he had to get back to work. "Hon, I hate to do this but I gotta go back out! Some new information came up concerning your case! I got you this cell phone to use in case of an emergency. I'll be the only one who knows the number. Make sure you don't call anyone but me on it ok? It's very important that no one knows where you are!"
Shaking her head yes they kissed before he left her again.
Knowing that Dean might be involved with the case Elliot knew he needed to retrace his partner's steps to make sure all angles were covered. Searching for his phone without taking his eyes off the road, he called the captain for some information.
"Captain, this is Elliot. Can you tell me if Dean followed up on that lead on the black corvette?" he questioned as his captain told him to hold on so he could check.
After a few minutes of silence the captain returned, "Elliot, the cars registered to a Sunni Keller. It was found at the airport parking garage. It's supposed to be towed away sometime today since no one has come back to claim it. If you want a look at it you better hurry over there!"
"Sunni spelled with an 'I'? That's Lee's wife, but why would they register it under her maiden name?" shot back Elliot as more and more of the piece to the puzzle were starting to fall into place.
"Why don't you go and find out? Be careful ok, I think Dean's starting to suspect something!" cautioned Cavelo.
NEW YORK AIRPORT THURSDAY/ 8:00PM
Changing directions he headed towards the airport instead of his previous destination. Luck was on his side for once he had beaten the tow truck to the corvette. Checking the outer appearance of the car he found nothing out of the ordinary. By chance he tried the driver's side door and found that it was unlocked. As the stale air penetrated his nose Elliot looked through the contents of the passenger seat and back-seat. He was surprised to find that the keys were still in the ignition. It was as if Lee wanted the car to be stolen to erase his involvement in the crime. After bagging the small pile of papers scattered on the passenger seat and floor Elliot popped the trunk. At first glance Elliot swore he had found a dead body in the trunk. But on closer examination he discovered it was only a naked male mannequin "What on earth does this have to do with the shooting?" he thought as he slammed the trunk shut again. Walking back to his car he deposited the evidence bags in the front seat before heading back into the airport terminal.
Putting on his best smile he approached the pretty red head at the ticket counter. "I'm Detective Stabler, I was hoping you could answer a couple of question for me about flight 485." he said flashing his badge at the women.
"I'm sorry I wasn't working that flight! You'll have to ask Tammy over there! I'm sure she would be more than happy to help you out!" giggled the red head waving her friend Tammy over to them.
Grabbing the picture out of his jacket pocket he proceeded with his questions, "Tammy, can you tell me if this man was aboard flight 485?"
After looking at the picture of Lee Riley for a few minutes she answered, "No sir, I don't remember anyone who looked like him on board. I never let a good looking man escape my attention!" she giggled flirting openly with Elliot.
Taking another picture out of his pocket Elliot asks the same question. "Nope, never seen this guy either!" she offered looking at Dean's picture.
"Thank you ladies, you've been a big help!" he offered before disappearing into the crowd of people leaving the airport.
LEE RILEY'S RESIDENCE THURSDAY/ 10:00PM
Driving up a familiar tree lined winding driveway Elliot stops the car at the door. Ringing the doorbell once it was immediately answered by the housekeeper as if she had been waiting for his arrival.
"Is Mrs. Riley in?" he asked inviting himself into the house. Not waiting for an answer he went into the study to find Sunni on the phone. Hustling over to the desk he disconnected her phone call.
"What the hell......" she cussed but he silenced her before she could say anything else.
"Mrs. Riley, you weren't talking to your husband, were you?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about! How did you get in here?" she screeched.
"How come there is no marriage licensee for you and Lee? You know I can always bring you in for harboring a fugitive! So do you wanna answer my questions here or down town?" he questioned playing the part of a bad cop.
"I...I... I don't understand! We've been living together for 8 years now. Lee didn't think we needed to get married since in the law's eyes we were all ready in a common law marriage. He thought it was cute that I dropped my maiden name and took his instead." Explained Sunni truly scared by Eliot's threats.
Noticing that she had dropped the dumb blond act he continues to question her., "Who used his plane ticket the night of the shooting?"
"I...I...I don't know!" she cried.
"All right Sunni, turn around! You have the right to remain silent... " Elliot started as he closed the few steps between them to cuff her.
But before the cuffs could ever touch her skin she began to spill her guts "He had one of his men from the construction site use the ticket with Lee's ID. He didn't leave until the next day. But he never told me where he was going! He told me when it was safe he would come for me!"
For a moment he let his attention wander onto the desk. There laying half hidden by papers were a familiar gold watch with a ratty leather band that he had seen almost everyday for the past four years. Knowing the answer to the question he asked her where the watch had come from.
"I dunno, one of Lee's business associates left it!" lied Sunni.
"Or was it replaced with a very expensive gold Rolex? That's funny this looks just like a watch that my old partner used to wear. Are you sure you want to play it like this?"
"You must all ready know that it's Dean's! Why should I have to spell everything out to you? I've told you everything that I know." she hissed hatefully.
"For now this conversation is over. But I'll be back don't leave town." Instructed Elliot walking out the door leaving her to collapse in tears on the floor.
ELLIOT STABLER APARTMENT FRIDAY/ MIDNIGHT
His next stop was a personal one. It wasn't until he had talked to Sunni that he realized just how much trouble Ethany was in. walking into his apartment he went straight to the hall closet to a box he never thought he would open again. Taking a deep breath he opened the black box as the sight and smells sent him back into time of better days. Rummaging through the old pictures of him self growing up he searched for a piece of jewelry. He was almost to the bottom of the box when his fingers finally found the cold metal of the necklace.
As he left the city behind him again the sun was beginning to set. When his headlights finally shown on the front door of the cabin he was thankful there was someone waiting inside for him to help him release the stress of the day.
ELLIOT STABLER'S CABIN FRIDASY /1:00AM
Grabbing the stuff off the passenger seat Elliot wearily climbed the steps to the door which open revealing Ethany dressed in a sleek silver slip dress, her hair pulled gracefully off her neck, and heels that made her almost as tall as himself. "Wow, you look beautiful! What did I do to deserve this?"
"This is just my way of thanking you for taking care of me these last couple of days." she answered dragging him into the candle lit cabin.
Dropping his stuff at the door she led him into the living room where a romantic candle lit table for two was waiting for him. Showing him to his seat she went into the kitchen and returned with two piping hot plates that had steaks with all the trimmings. The days stress began to melt away as he enjoyed the company, atmosphere and the food. It had been quite awhile since he had such a great dinner cooked for him. After dinner they decide to take their wine into the living room so they could relax on the couch and listen to the radio playing softly in the background. It wasn't until "Whiter Shade of Pale" came on the radio that Ethany broke their silence, "Oh man, I love this song! Dance with me please!" she begged trying to pull him off the couch.
"Baby, I think we both have had too much wine to try and dance. Besides if that's not a good enough excuse then I have two left feet." Elliot said playfully.
But she wasn't going to take no for an answer. Pulling him onto his feet they walked into the middle of the room where they would have plenty of space to move around in. As their lips meet they fall into each others arms as they slowly swayed to the beat of the music.
Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him as close as humanly possible to her body. Their lips never breaking the embrace as Elliot's hands began to trace the curve of her body with his strong hands.
Running her fingers through his short hair she felt his hot breath first in her ear and then on her neck. Lightly he brushed her spaghetti straps off her milky white shoulders causing her dress to fall into a silky pool on the floor. As they continued to kiss his hands begins to explore her body.
"Maybe we better take this upstairs!" she suggest in between his kisses.
Not answering her he picked her up into his arms and carried her upstairs to the bed were they spent the night exploring every inch of each others body.
In the twilight hour before the darkness finally surrendered to the light they collapsed in each other arms. Reaching over the side of the bed Elliot searches his Jean pockets for the present he had brought her. Once found he held it out of her sight as he said, "Ethany, I have something for you that has meant a lot to me. I've had it since my mother gave it to me when I was little. Now don't get excited because it's not that big of a deal, but I want you to have It." he stumbled over the words not quite getting them out right.
He couldn't decide if it was just the after glow of their love making or the excitement of getting a present he saw on her face as he handed over the small jewelry box. Opening it up she found a St. Christopher medallion nestled in among the tissue paper. Gently taking it out of the box she gives him a puzzled look as she asked, "I guess your mom thought you were some kind of saint?"
"Hardly!" he joked back as he motioned for her to sit up so he could place the silver necklace around her slender neck. "I know it's not the most romantic thing, but I want you to wear it so you will always be protective even when I'm not here. See my mother gave it to me right before my confirmation. Back then I was shy and had a hard time making friends, I guess I was sort of a woos. She said that this would protect me and give me strength. When I got older I didn't need it anymore but I always kept it in a special place to remind me to be strong. And now that I have you and I know things are going to get pretty ugly around here and fast, I just want you to feel safe!"
"It's beautiful!" she sighed trying to keep her tears at bay, but it was no use.