Stabler Residence
Queen, New York
November 7
Maureen is sitting on the couch, watching TV. Elliot comes and sits beside her. He offers her a beer.
"No thanks. And uh, it's probably not a good idea."
"Maureen….it's just one. Doesn't make you an alcoholic."
She takes it from him, "Thanks. What am I watching…..these cop dramas, so pathetic."
"Got enough of that in my real life, thanks," he takes a drink.
"Dad…can we have an honest talk….no bull shit."
"About?"
"You and Mom."
He shifts uncomfortably, "Only if you can be honest first."
"Agreed. You don't need to shake down your own daughter."
He nods, "Why didn't you come to me? Why did I have to get a call from Narcotics?"
She takes a large swig from her beer, as if to muster up courage to answer, "Because of that look. That look on your face right now. I can't handle it. And plus, I got enough of that look when you came to bail me out. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to tell you….I guess I thought I could get out on my own."
"Addicts generally do."
"I'm sorry. For any professional and personal embarrassment I caused you. And I know I'll be spending the rest of my life regaining your trust."
Elliot takes her hand, "I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you Maureen. And I'll always love you."
"I know. I never questioned that. Throughout it all."
Elliot lets go of her hand and starts to peel off his beer label, "So…..you wanted to know something about your mother and I?"
"You don't have to try and interrogate me. And it's more like a statement," Maureen sits her beer down and faces him, "The night she came over…I was at the top of the stairs…"
"Maureen….I…."
"Let me finish, please. I overheard what was said. And I just wanted to say….I understand why you asked her to leave. I know you love her….and I know you always will. And maybe….letting her go is the only thing you can do."
"Yeah? I just wish she felt the same."
"I think…..I think she's so in love with you that trying to deny her feelings is the only way she knows to get back at you for shutting her out."
"So, ripping my heart out…that's justice?"
"Daddy….she's in pain. Trust me. You know how many times she's cried herself to sleep? How many times she's called your name into the night? And how many times she prays that you'll forgive her?"
"Really….this isn't just some attempt to put us back together?"
"No. I think if you guys are really meant to be together….you'll find your way back to each other. Somehow."
Elliot smiles and brushes a few stands of her off of her face, "You're smart like your Mom, that's for sure. And you look more and more like her everyday."
"Yeah, that's genetics for you."
He laughs. The phone rings and Maureen answers, "Stabler….Olivia….fine…..he's right here….," She hands the phone to him.
"Yeah…..when….alright…I'll be there," he hangs up the phone. Maureen throws him his jacket.
"What's up?"
"Someone's idea of justice."