Title -Turn and Face the Stranger
Disclaimer- SVU and all the Law and Order series belong to Dick Wolf et al. If they were mine, they'd probably have to move the show to HBO.
Author's Note- My apologies for taking so long to update, but the last chapter really drained me and I simply couldn't face this fic for a while. This chapter is short because the break felt natural and I didn't want to extend it too far into the upcoming action. Please read and review, I'd like some input on how this is going.
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As Becca entered the bullpen after her session with Doctor Huang, she ran into Elliot and Olivia who were grabbing their coats.
"We just got an id on our victim, Becca. We're heading out to notify the parents. Do you want to ride with us?" Olivia asked.
"That's probably not a good idea." Becca shook her head. "If the parents find out that I'm San Francisco P.D., the press could tumble to Carson. The last thing we need is reporters all over this thing."
"They're going pick up on it sooner or later." Elliot said as he shrugged into his coat.
"Yeah but the longer we can deny Carson press, the better. Reporters are gonna have a field day when they realize he's bi coastal and he'll eat it up. Besides I want a look at what the crime lab got from the dumpsite and then Fin and I are going back to the lake. I need to walk the area and see if I can figure out why Carson chose it." Becca said.
"You think maybe that's important?" Elliot asked.
"One thing I've learned about Carson, he always has a reason for everything he does, since I'm the reason he came to New York, I think maybe he chose the park to tell me something. He wanted me to be at the scene for some reason or he would have called after the story hit the news." She leaned against the doorframe. "I have a gut feeling something is there for me to see. He sent notes in 'Frisco and he's trying to communicate with me here as well."
"We'll call Fin's cell when we're done with the notification. If you're still at the lake, we'll come help you look." Olivia said.
"Thanks Olivia, see you two later." Becca said and turned toward Cragen's office. She knocked on the frame of the open door.
"Captain. I'd like to borrow Fin. I want to see what the CSIs have and I'd like to take a walk around the dumpsite."
"Sure, he and Munch are working through the faxed material from San Francisco in the loft." Don told her, then reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a Glock, a holster and a card. "Your temporary permit was just messengered over from 1PP. I thought you could use my piece and I'll carry my old one."
"Thank Captain." She took the gun and checked the action before sliding the holster onto her belt. "Does the permit cover just this piece? I'd really like to pick up a small one to wear on my ankle."
"It's at your discretion, up to three weapons. Just let me know the serial numbers so ballistics can add them to the active duty log." He told her. "How did it go with George?"
"About like a root canal, but I'm getting there." Becca answered dropping the professional formality. "I'll make it, Cappie. Somehow I'll make it."
Don came around the desk and pulled her into a hug. "My only concern is that you make it in one piece, sweetheart."
Becca held on tightly, breathing in the faint scent of his aftershave. The familiar smell brought tears to her eyes, reminding her of all the times Cappie had held her safe and made everything right. She silently wished this were only a skinned knee or a boy standing her up, that this pain was something her godfather could sooth away with a hug and kiss, as he had all her small hurts growing up. But the agony she felt over losing Ben wasn't something that could be made 'all better'.
"I'm sorry about Ben, baby." Funny how Cappie had always seemed to be able to read her thoughts. "You never told me much about him, what was he like?"
Becca grinned up at him. "A lot like you, old and grouchy." Her grin faded as her eyes filled with tears and she laid her head back on his chest. "I miss him so much, Cappie. It's only been three weeks and it feels like years since I held him." She was silent for a moment while tears slipped down her face. "Does it get any easier?"
Don smiled sadly and stroked her hair. "It's been twenty years since Marge died and I miss her just as much." He leaned back, lifted Becca's chin with a finger and looked in her eyes. "It does get easier to remember over time. It doesn't hurt as much. At first I stared at her picture every night and cried."
"I remember, I sat in the hall and watched you. I wanted so badly to make it better, but I didn't know what to say." Becca touched his cheek. "For a long time I thought that if I'd just found the right words you wouldn't have needed to hide in the bottle."
"Alcohol was a problem for me before Marge died, baby. Nothing you could have said would have saved me from that, I was the only one who could stop it. Besides having you there saved me from worse than the booze."
"What do you mean?" Becca looked up questioningly.
"I very nearly committed suicide after the funeral, the only reason I didn't was I couldn't leave you alone." He smiled at her and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I know what you're feeling, Becca and I'm here to listen anytime you need to talk."
Becca kissed his cheek. "I love you, Cappie and thanks." She started to the door then turned. "You know seriously, Ben really was a lot like you. I guess that's why it was so easy for him to get past my defenses."
She closed the door and went in search of Fin.
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A/N - Thank you all for reading, now go review so I'll have something to smile about.