Special Victims

Squad Room

September 2

Stabler walks into the squad room and hangs up his jacket. He stops in front of Olivia and hand her ten dollars. He practically flops into his chair.

"Hey, we all getting a handout," Munch asks.

"It was a bet John…Olivia was right," Elliot says, as he looks over his messages.

"Can I get that in writing," Olivia asks.

Elliot shoots her a dirty look, as Dr. George Huang enters the room. Cragen comes out of his office and starts the conversation, "So Doc….I know you've been updated by Olivia…and sure you've got something for us. What do you think?"

"If you're asking if this Ryland is your perp…it's possible."

"Look, I saw the girl bench a hundred pounds…I know she's could beat someone to death…but rape them with a bat? Elements of power-reassurance and sadism…just plain twisted. What makes it fit," Elliot asks.

"It's more than that. She's always wanting more and more attention. The need to be number one is a primal and driving force. Anyone one who threats that for her, is the enemy. It's probably easy for her to deal with the handicapped, most of them aren't going to steal away much attention from her. But this particular victim, still had her looks. She looked like a normal girl, for the most part. Plus, she wasn't always handicapped…."

"Like her sister, Reese…" Olivia says.

"Sort of. By beating her sister to the point of retardation, she attempted to end the competition at home. But ironically, by handicapping her sister, she only forced her parents to give more attention to Reese. So, she sees the handicap as a threat, but only if they take the attention of important people."

"So, she singled out Carrie…why," Cragen ponders aloud.

"There was the problem with the janitor. Ryland perceives herself to be the perfect woman. Every man adores her, and every man is hers and hers alone. By this janitor not fawning over her, it made her lash out at Carrie. Eliminate the competition."

"One problem. Ryland was home….airtight alibi," Elliot says.

"From what Olivia tells me….this airtight alibi couldn't hold water. A doorman that was caught asleep. Her room mate won't even speak to you."

"And her own father thinks she's guilty," Olivia says.

"That's important to note. What about her mother…her thoughts?"

"Denial. She even helped cover the assault charge," Elliot adds.

Huang thinks for a moment, " She definitely has motive….means…and you can prove the opportunity. Ryland is your killer."

Elliot rolls his eyes. Cragen looks at his watch, "Well, it's too late now for Novak to do anything. Doc, you think she's going anywhere?"

"No way. She's enjoy the game of hide and seek."

"Good. But first thing tomorrow, you two will arrest her," he gestures to Stabler and Benson, "Thanks George. We'll call you. Alright people….let's all get some sleep."

Everyone gets up and starts to leave. Elliot looks around, "Cap'n, have you seen Maureen? Did she leave…."

Fin comes down the stairs, "She asleep in the Crib. She said she just couldn't take it…and had the urge to use again. I thought I'd be the best person to talk to….she cried herself to sleep. You gotta tough girl, man. But right now, she needs you. Later….Munch, get your bony ass movin'…..I hate playin' taxi."

Munch and Fin walk out.

"Guess that's my cue," Olivia gets up, "Hey El. Tell her…if she ever needs someone…"

"I know. Call. I'll tell her. Thanks Liv. She probably really needs that."

Elliot gets up from his chair and hugs her, "and thanks for being a good friend. And putting up with my shit."

"That's what partners are for. Well, I'm gonna go, catch a few hours in my own bed for a change. See you tomorrow," Olivia walks away.

Elliot puts on his jacket and walks upstairs. He quietly opens the door to the Crib, and leans on the door frame; watching his daughter sleep. He glances over his shoulder and sees Dr. Huang walking up to him.

"You know, no matter how bad my day goes….watching my baby sleep…always helps. When she was younger, she had this habit of waking up whenever I would come home. And wouldn't go back to sleep unless I held her," Elliot says, in a whisper.

Huang moves in closer, to keep their voices low, "You two are close…"

Elliot smiles, "Always been daddy's little girl, even though she's in her twenties. There was a time when we couldn't even talk….but, she's been a real lifesaver for me. We talked so much while her mother and I where going through the divorce."

"You feel like you put that on her, and that she didn't need that. What did you tell her during these talks anyway?"

"Random things. Mostly that I'm still in love with her mother….and how much she looks like her….only, she acts just like me."

"Elliot. You're a good father. Don't beat yourself up because your daughter started using drugs. But she got out….she knew she was in too deep. But you know it was all a cry for help. She need you now….more than ever. It's crucial to her recovery."

"I know."

"But?"

"But…what she really needs is her mother." Elliot walks over to her and sits down beside her sleeping form and brushes the hair out of her face.

George follow him in and sits across from him, "I think you mean you need her mother."

"George. I love Kathy more than life itself. When she left, it crushed me. And when I had to sign those papers….I….I lost it. I couldn't breathe. Most would think I would have just found someone else. But instead, I turned to my daughter. For nothing else but to talk to….because…..she's the closest thing to her mother I could get."

"But you said it yourself. Maureen has always turned to you. And frankly, I think your scared. Scared of losing Kathy all over again."

"No. It's not that…."

"No, I think so. Plus, your scared if you get in too deep, that it will hurt you. And maybe you're not sure you can handle that."

"Well, Doc. That's where you're wrong. Sometimes love is about pain."

"Then what are you afraid of Elliot?"

"I'm scared. That, this time. I won't be able to save her."

Elliot wraps his daughter in a blanket, just like an infant. He lifts her, like she was weightless and starts to leave, only he stops and faces Huang.

"My whole life I searched for reason. Reason why I need to catch lowlifes….and reason why it all makes sense. It's her….it's all my kids. They're the reason I get out of bed everyday. I just hope I can make the world a little better. Now, I've got to get Sleeping Beauty here back to Queens…not that she needs beauty rest."

"Elliot," He stands and walks over to him, "You really are a great father, no matter what you think."

"G'night George."

Elliot walks down the stairs, without waking Maureen, and leaves the squad room.