Ch 4
See Notes in CH 1
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The day had been going very slow at the precinct, so Elliot and Olivia decided to go to lunch.

"Liv, can I ask you a question?" Elliot asked while they were waiting for their waitress.

"Sure El. What is it?" Olivia answered.

Just then their waitress came and interrupted them.

"What can I get you?" She asked them.

"A burger and fries." Elliot replied.

"A garden salad with French dressing on the side." Olivia told her.

"It will be a few minutes." The waitress told them.

"Okay now what was the question Elliot?" Olivia asked.

"How can someone take twenty years of marriage, and throw it away for an affair? I know my hours weren't easy for Kathy, but I thought our marriage was worth more than that to her. Maybe I should have got a different job. That probably could've prevented this." Elliot asked.

"Elliot, look at me this is not your fault. Do you understand? You didn't tell Kathy to go cheat. Sure you work long hours, but so do a lot of other people. Now I know this is gonna sound really cliche, but it will get better Elliot. I promise you that it will get better. Another thing, if you start blaming yourself, I will personally kick your ass." She said, smiling on the last part.

"I know it will get better Liv. I am not gonna sit here and play the what-if game though. As long as I have the three things most important to me, I'll be fine." He said.

"Okay, I know two of the things, your kids and your job, but what is the third?" Olivia asked her curiosity was obvious.

"My best friend, the person who knows more about me than anyone else and still sticks by me, in other words you." He replied.

"You are important to me to Elliot." She said.

They ate their meal in a comfortable silence. Elliot glanced at his watch and asked Olivia if she was ready to head back.
"Yea sure lets go." She answered.

As they were on their way back Elliots cell phone rang.

"Stabler." He said to the caller.
(Pause as the caller talks)
"What happened to her?"
(Pauses)
"She did what?!"he practically screamed.
(Pauses)
"I'll be right there."

He hung up the phone. He was trying to keep his temper in check.

"What is it El? What wrong?" Olivia asked concerned.

" That was a nurse at Grand Mercy Hospital. Katie is there. Kathy pushed her down the stairs at the house. Katie is in a coma Liv. I got to get there, so I'm gonna drop you at the station then head to the hospital. Can you feel Cragen in?" Elliot said barely taking a breath.

"No, Elliot I am going with you. I'll call Cragen from the hospital. I love your kids almost as much as you. Where are Dickie and Lizzie and Maureen?"she asked.

"The twins are at school. Maureen is at the hospital. She witnessed it."He told her, glad she was coming with her. He knew he needed someone now more than ever.

"Oh my goodness. I can't believe she would do that and in front of one of her other children." Olivia said. Her heart went out to Elliot and his kids.

They arrived at the hospital shortly after that. While Elliot went to find out about Katie, Olivia called to fill Cragen in. He already knew though.

"How did you find out?" she asked.

"The precinct in Queens called. They recognized the name. You and Elliot take as long as you need." He told her.

"Why do I need the time?" she asked.

"Elliot is going to need someone to look out for him. I think you are the person to do it." Cragen told her. He knew those two relied on each other.

"Thanks Captain. I'll call you with any news." Olivia said.

She went to find Elliot, so she could find out about Katie."Excuse me, what is Kathleen Stabler's room number." She asked a nurse.

"Room 40 on the fifth floor." The nurse answered

"What's the news?" she asked when she found Elliot.

"They haven't got her tests back yet so they don't know much of anything?" he replied, his eyes shiny with tears.

"Cragen said we can take as long as needed. So I'll be here for whatever you need Elliot." Olivia told him.

"Thanks Liv. I appreciate it." He said.