Special Victims Unit

Squad Room

September 3

Olivia and Fin are directing Maureen as she places photos and other items into an evidence box. Elliot is almost completely lost in thought but Munch decides to bring him out of it.

"Hard to believe isn't it? Well, I guess anything's possible."

Elliot looks up and blinks, "What?"

"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you. What I meant was…that a young woman kills that handicapped because her parents covered up for her. Glad my parents make me take responsibility. Even if I was innocent."

Elliot nods in agreement, "Well, she'll pay for it now. And arresting her his my job…just waiting for my partner," he goes back to staring a hole through his desk.

Munch pulls up his chair to Elliot's desk, "Elliot. You've sat here in total silence for hours….what's up?"

"Nothing."

"You haven't spoken to Olivia once today…."

Elliot looks right at him, "Kathy. She…..she came over last night."

"And?"

"And what. Nothing John. She kissed me….and I knew; she felt nothing. That she didn't love me….or at least was trying hard not to. God, why did she have to come….why do this to me?"

"You know, most of my exes only would make personal house calls to rub it in that we weren't married anymore. They would never dare touch me, let alone kiss me. Could be a good sign…"

"John…remember the power-reassurance ideal….that's Kathy. Just let's me know she's still got my balls in a jar. I think I really pissed her off…I told her to get out. And I hate myself even more for making her leave."

"You still love her?"

"With all my heart. But I know….we can't. We just aren't…well, us anymore. It's me and her. And last night, I spilled it all to her….what this divorce has done to me…and how bad it hurt."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. And I think that Maureen overheard it all. I never wanted my kids to hear any of this."

"Well, she is an adult. And you can't protect her forever. Look what protecting your children can do….Ryland for example."

Elliot nods. Olivia come over, "Elliot….ready?"

"Let's go…Hey John…."

"Anytime you need to talk man….I'm always in need of some company…"

"Geez, you make it sound like a date…," Elliot says as he grabs his jacket.

"Well, I usually go for the blondes…but I could make an exception…"

"Thanks," Elliot laughs. He grabs Olivia's jacket and hands it to her on their way out, "We know where she is right now?"

"Yep. Class."

New York University

School Of Law

September 3

Benson and Stabler quietly enter the classroom. A professor is in mid-lecture.

"The reading of the Miranda rights is a crucial moment in the arrest. It allows the accused to know what exactly they are entitled to and keeps the Fifth Amendment alive and well….excuse me….can I help you?"

Stabler flashes his badge, "Actually….we're going to help you….with a little demonstration of this lecture."

Benson stands in the center of the room, "Ryland Somerset…step down. Do not make me find you. Ryland…."

A wave of murmurs moves through the room. Ryland, who is seated in the middle, smiles. She gathers her things and puts them in her book bag. She slings it over her shoulders and makes her way down the stairs.

"Detective Benson…Elliot…bring some bracelets for me?"

The professor looks around confused, "Detectives….Ryland….what is going on?"

"Oh, where are my manners. This is Detective Olivia Benson...and the gentleman with the cuffs is Detective Elliot Stabler. Manhattan Special Victims."

Olivia steps in front of the professor, "Sir, if you'll excuse us….we have a job to do."

Ryland puts her hands behind her back and faces the front of the room, "Alright everyone, listen up. This is important….go ahead, Elliot…and speak loudly for those in the back."

He puts the cuffs on her and speaks a little louder than necessary, "Ryland Somerset. You are under arrest for the rape and murder of Carrie Bowersock. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. In the event you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

"Yes, of course. I'm not retarded," Ryland laughs.

"Alright, let's go….show's over," Elliot says. He grabs her by the arm and begins to lead her out.

"See. That was educational," Ryland says with a smile.