Olivia stared out the car window, watching the buildings pass as Andy drove through the Village. Her head reeled from what had just happened on the sidewalk. Or almost happened. She was fairly sure that he'd tried to kiss her, and only slightly less sure that she had wanted him to do it. And Elliot had seen it. He would want to know what was going on and she was going to have to explain it to him, even though she couldn't quite explain it to herself. She wished she could blame the situation on alcohol, like she done with Cassidy, but she couldn't use that excuse at 9 in the morning.

Andy cleared his throat to get her attention. "So...uh, maybe you could tell me about our guy."

She smiled slightly as she imagined that her silence was intimidating him, but changed her expression as she thought about his question. She looked at him carefully, trying to decide if he really wanted to hear about Paige or was just trying to make conversation. "Didn't you read the report?"

"Yeah, but you and I both know that it's impossible to get everything you know into your report. Just tell me your impressions, your insights, you know, that kind of stuff."

"Paige is just...," Olivia paused as she shivered involuntarily. "He's scary. There's no other way I can say it."

"Olivia, we both deal with hardened criminals and violent psychotics every day. What makes this guy so frightening?"

"I don't know, there's just...something. It's in his eyes. They're totally dead. Elliot and I interrogated him after we arrested him, and he was so detached, like nothing could touch him. The only thing that affected him were the crime scene photos we showed him. He got all content and reflective. It was like he was looking at some sick family album or something. I think I had nightmares for a month." She stopped, realizing she'd said too much. A certain amount of fear was healthy when dealing with a serial killer, but she didn't want Andy to know that Paige frightened her enough to disturb her sleep cycle. She continued, hoping he had missed her last comment, "He's also calculating. And he's smart. When he found out that we were onto him, he started sending us notes with riddles telling us where to find his last third and fourth bodies. He was playing with us, daring us to come and find him. He was constantly two steps ahead of us. We may never have caught him without Marcia Baron's information."

"Yeah, I read that in the report. She actually saw Paige murder the fifth vic?"

Olivia nodded, reciting the details by heart, "April 18, 2001, Erin MacCallan, sophomore at NYU, is kidnapped by Paige. On the 21st around 3AM, he brings her back to campus, still alive, and kills her right outside the Student Activities Center on Greene. Marcia was walking up the street and saw him slit MacCallan's throat."

"And she picked him out of a lineup?"

"No. She told us exactly who he was. That's how we caught him. He was working as a janitor at NYU and she recognized him as the guy who emptied the wastebasket in her office every day."

"Wow. What are the odds?"

"Yeah." She sighed, looking down. She was still disappointed that nothing SVU had done had turned up a lead solid enough to direct them to Paige. They'd gotten plenty of DNA from the victim's bodies, but DNA was only useful after the perp was in custody if he wasn't already in the system. It had taken a luckily placed eyewitness to break the case, an eyewitness who could now be in serious danger because they had convinced her to testify at Paige's trial. She was pulled from her thoughts as Andy covered her hand with his own while they paused at a stoplight. She drew more comfort from the gesture than she felt she should have. He was being so caring, so protective. She sighed again when the light turned green and he moved his hand back to the wheel.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Just kicking myself once again that we didn't let the DNA do the talking at trial. He didn't have to know that Marcia was the one who fingered him."

"Oh, well, you should have thought of that when you were writing your opening arguments and prepping your witnesses."

"Hey, I didn't..." She stopped as she saw his grin and realized he was joking. "Okay, I get it. Not everything is my fault. Stop blaming myself. Yadda yadda yadda..."

He continued smiling and she was finally forced smile back. "Feel better? Really?"

She was surprised to find that she actually did. "Okay, you win this round, Eckerson."

They rode in companionable silence for another block, getting stuck at yet another red light. He was again the one to begin speaking.

"So is there anything I should know about handling this Marcia Baron?"

"Handling her?" Olivia couldn't believe what he was asking. She mentally slapped herself for her thought a moment ago that he'd become more sensitive and compassionate. "She's not a suspect we're interrogating, she's a woman who could be in serious danger."

He seemed to get a little flustered. "I'm sorry, I'm not really asking this the right way. I just want to know if she has any quirks or stuff like that I might need to know about, things I might blurt out about Paige that would upset her more than others."

She looked over at him intently, her stare lasting so long that he started to twitch uncomfortably, revving the engine to distract her. She continued scrutinizing him until he broke the silence, "What?"

"Nothing. You just...you've been surprising me all day. You seem...I don't know, different somehow." She finally looked away as he smiled at her, causing the color to rise in her cheeks.

"So if there were anything I needed to know, you'd tell me."

"Why wouldn't I?" Her tone was harsher than she'd intended it to be. She was getting very frustrated over her inability to stop blushing around him.

"Forget it. It's just nice to know I can count on you."

He sounded more sincere than sarcastic, but, regardless, she couldn't let such an open ended statement go. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's nothing, just..." He paused and she looked at him expectantly, willing him to continue. He didn't seem to need much encouragement. "Healey and I were setting this guy up in Witness Protection about two months ago. I'd never met him, he seemed perfectly nice, then he starts swearing at me and his arm comes flying at me like he's taking a wild swing. I take him down with no problem, spraining his wrist in the process and Healey starts yelling at me like I've done something wrong. Turns out the guy has Tourette's. She knew and didn't bother to tell me, so I ended up hurting a guy for no reason. I mean, the poor guy had been through enough and I was supposed to be protecting him. I don't want to get caught in a situation like that again."

The story seemed too outrageous to be a falsehood. He would never tell a lie that harmed his pride so deeply. And what would he gain from lying to her anyway? She speculated briefly about whether he would have felt bad about such a situation if it hadn't occurred right after the Baxter case. Timing and cause weren't huge concerns for her at that moment, however. Even if he really did seem like he had changed, she didn't want to make it obvious that she found his newfound sensitivity extremely attractive. Not the time or place. We're trying to catch a serial killer for God sakes!, she thought. She spoke instead to the second element of his account that had touched a nerve, "That must be tough. Not being able to trust your partner, I mean."

"Yeah. She's good at her job, she's just kind of, well...," he trailed off, then abruptly changed the subject. "You're really lucky to have someone like Stabler covering your back."

"Yeah, I am," she answered honestly. She thought again about the lecture that she was sure to get from Elliot about being careful of Andy. The conversation lagged as she wondered why he'd rather talk about her partner than his own. She brought it back around to where it had started. "If there's anything you really need to know about Marcia, it's that she's a little jumpy, at least she has been every time I've talked to her, even after Paige was put away. I don't know if she's naturally anxious or if witnessing a murder had that effect on her. I don't think anything you say will really upset her more than she already will be over the escape. Oh, it's right up here on the left."

They double-parked outside Marcia Baron's apartment on Grove St. in the West Village and walked up to the front door. Olivia hit the buzzer. She was greeted by a shy, nervous voice, "Who's there?"

"Marcia, it's Olivia Benson. We're just here to check in with you."

The door buzzed to admit them.

On the stairs, Olivia spoke over her shoulder, "Andy, just try not to scare her too much. She doesn't need to know that we think Paige is coming after her."

"No problem."

They arrived at the appropriate door and knocked. The door opened a crack, catching on the chain as the apartment's tenant peeked warily into the hallway.

"Marcia?" Olivia made sure that both her face and badge were visible.

The door closed and almost immediately opened wide. Olivia had to take a step backwards as small, mousy woman crashed into her, hugging her tightly. "Thank God you're here."

Olivia returned the hug for a moment before gently disentangling Marcia's arms from her coat and scarf. "So you've heard."

"Yeah, I saw the news this morning. I called your precinct and Captain Cragen told me that you were on your way over here."

"Well, we didn't want you to think we'd forgotten you." Olivia smiled warmly, hoping to give Marcia the assurance that they had come to make sure she was safe.

"Where's Elliot?," she asked, eyeing Andy suspiciously.

"He's checking with some other people we thought would be concerned about Paige's escape." She hoped she'd worded her answer delicately enough, and moved on quickly to prevent Marcia from grasping her real meaning. "This is Andy Eckerson, he's with the US Marshals "

"Oh, okay then. Nice to meet you. Please, come in. You can stay for a while, can't you?" The request sounded more like a plea than an invitation, and Olivia was perfectly willing to oblige.

"Of course we can." She stepped through the door into the wake of a hurricane.

Andy leaned close and whispered into her ear, "Maybe we should have called ahead."

She elbowed him lightly in the ribs, but had to agree whole-heartedly with his assessment. The apartment was in complete disarray, with boxes and suitcases in various states of readiness. Marcia indicated a sofa partially covered by clothing for Olivia and Andy to sit on and disappeared into the kitchen. She seemed far more relaxed with the door closed and double bolted. They heard her calling back, "I'm sorry the place is such a mess. I decided to leave town when I saw the news about Terry Paige on TV, but then I realized that I don't have anyone to stay with. That's when I called Captain Cragen. He must have thought I was a crazy person! But then he told me that you were coming, Olivia, and I felt so much better that I started unpacking. And here you two are, not fifteen minutes after I called! Can I get you some coffee?"

Olivia was both touched and saddened by Marcia's admission that she, Olivia, could inspire enough confidence to make Marcia want to stay in the city. She didn't betray any of this emotion, however, when she answered, "Sure, that sounds fine. Andy?" She looked at him expectantly.

He got the hint. "Coffee would be great."

Marcia returned a few moments later with three steaming cups. Olivia's first instinct was to make small talk, but Andy began speaking as soon as Marcia had settled herself into a book-covered chair.

"Ms. Baron, we're actually here to offer you a protective detail, strictly as a precautionary measure, until Paige is caught." Olivia had to admit that she was impressed by his tact if not his stark directness. Even after his earlier display of sensitivity, she had half-expected him to walk in and inform Marcia that she would be receiving a detail. The painful memory of Elliot's betrayal in a similar situation unexpectedly assailed her. She pushed away the recollection and refocused on the present.

Marcia seemed put off by Andy, asking, "What exactly does that mean?," while shifting uncomfortably in her chair.

He explained, "Well, it means that two policemen will be keeping an eye on you, just in case Paige decides to try something stupid."

Marcia looked at him critically. "He won't do anything stupid. I always thought he was too smart to be a janitor. I wish I'd been wrong." She paused, fiddling with a stack of magazines in front of her on the coffee table. "Will the officers will be here all the time?"

"They'll be working eight-hour shifts, so two police officers or US Marshals will be watching you or your apartment 24-7. I can make a call right now and have the officers here immediately if you'd like."

"I don't know...it sounds kind of like being under house arrest. Olivia, what do you think?" Andy's continued straightforwardness seemed to intensify Marcia's anxiety, as evidenced by her inability to sit still.

Olivia did her best to downplay the tension. "I think that this is the best thing we can do for you until Paige is safely behind bars again, both for your peace of mind and ours. And the officers will be there to watch out for you, not to interrupt your life in any way."

Marcia seemed reassured, though she continued wringing her hands. "Well, I guess it's okay then."

Andy stood, saying, "I can set that up right now, if I can just use your phone."

"It's in the kitchen."

While Andy arranged the detail, Olivia took the opportunity to catch up with the woman who'd really brought down Terry Paige. "So, not counting the past few hours, how've you been doing?"

"Oh, very well. I'm working as a librarian at NYU while I finish up my doctorate in American Literature. I like it a lot. I get to interact with the students, but it's still quiet and...what did your Marshal mean when he said that this protective detail was just a precaution? Do you really think that Paige is coming after me?"

Olivia grasped the nervous woman's hand. "Like you said, Paige isn't stupid. He's going to try and hide from us, not attract attention to himself. In all honesty, the detail is to protect you from the media. They're going to be calling and following you, and the officers can help keep them from bothering you too much." She had never lied more guiltily or more convincingly in her entire life.

She was almost sick when Marcia earnestly replied, "Thank you so much for everything you're doing. You've done so much for me already, and now I feel like I'm wasting your time with my silly fears and..."

"Marcia, it's okay to be afraid. You've already been braver than any of us had a right to ask you to be. Not many people could have faced Terry Paige in court, but you did. The least we can do is keep you safe until this is over."

"Still, thank you. I'm just so happy that someone cares so much."

Olivia felt as if she were on the verge of tears when Andy thankfully interrupted them. "Sorry to butt in, but two officers should be here in five or ten minutes. I told them we'd stay until they arrived." He sat back down next to Olivia to finish his coffee and rejoin the conversation, but they didn't get the opportunity. Olivia's phone rang almost immediately.

"Excuse me." She answered without getting up, "Benson."

"Olivia, you and Eckerson need to come back here ASAP." Cragen's curtness alerted her that something had happened.

"No problem, Cap. We'll leave as soon as the detail arrives."

"Good. I'll explain everything once you get here. Oh, and let Elliot know that I want everyone back here."

"Okay. See you in a few Cap." She put her phone away, trying to avoid Marcia's eyes. "I'm sorry, Marcia, but we have to get back to the station. The detail should be here soon, so we'll meet them outside. I wish we could stay longer, but..." She trailed off, unable to say anything more comforting.

"I understand. I know you have to go catch Paige." Marcia saw them to the door, hugging both and saying again, "Thank you. Thank you for everything."

Olivia's stomach was unsettled as she descended the stairs. Marcia deserved more than a ten-minute visit when her life was in such serious danger. She had almost forgotten that Andy was with her until they stepped out into the cold sunlight and she noticed him smiling at her. "What?"

"You. You were really good up there."

"Um...thanks?" She wasn't quite sure how to take the compliment.

"I mean it, Olivia. I don't know how you manage to care so much. And Marcia, she really trusts you."

She looked into his eyes, hoping he could see how awful she felt about breaking that trust. "I lied to her. I told her we didn't think Paige would come after her." Breaking the gaze, she looked down, concentrating on a crack in the sidewalk.

She saw his feet step closer. He ran his forefinger along her jaw-line, stopping under her chin and exerting gentle pressure that caused her to raise her head. His eyes were so warm, caring. "Knowing won't help her." Olivia wanted to step into his arms and let him hold her until Paige had been caught and her guilt alleviated, but the short burst of a siren prevented anything further from happening. "I think our detail has arrived. We should check in with them so they know the situation and head back."

"Yeah, why don't you take care of that? I need to call Elliot." She thought his face fell slightly at the mention of her partner, but she forgot it as she dialed.

His greeting was gruff. "Stabler."

"Well, I was gonna tell you it was nice to hear your voice, but you can forget that now."

"Olivia," he greeted, drastically changing his tone. "What's up?"

"Cap'n wants us back at the station. He wouldn't say why, but he said to hurry. Andy and I leaving Marcia Baron's apartment since the uniforms are here and..."

Andy tapped her arm on his way to the car, saying, "The detail is all set. We should head back to your precinct."

Before she could say anything more to Elliot, he replied with a voice that was again irritated, "Liv, we're just leaving the courthouse, so we'll see you in a few." He hung up, leaving her to say good-bye to the dial tone.

She clipped her phone back to her belt and stood staring at the sidewalk for a moment, wondering what could be wrong with Elliot. He must still have been upset about that little scene between Andy and herself outside the precinct; maybe hearing Andy had reminded him. She blushed guiltily at the memory, more ashamed that she'd let her guard down around Andy than being caught by her partner. Her blush deepened as she realized that she again regretted that the moment they'd shared hadn't led to anything more.

"Something wrong?" He came up beside her unexpectedly, not giving her a chance to hide the redness in her cheeks. She was certain she'd blushed more in the past few hours than she had in the entire previous year.

She tried to play it off. "No, Elliot just seemed a little upset on the phone." She looked into his eyes and prayed he couldn't tell what she was really thinking. "It's nothing, I'm sure."

Andy seemed to sense her worry and immediately allayed it, pawning off the blame for Elliot's mood on his own partner. "Hey, an hour with Healey will fray anyone's nerves. She takes a lot of getting used to."

"Oh?" Olivia forgot Elliot and was suddenly very curious to find out exactly what he meant by 'getting used to.' She was shocked to find that she was actually jealous of Healey. "So you two are pretty close then?"

"Hardly. She's good at her job and I respect her professionally, but she's got a personality like a bed of rusty nails, even when you get to know her. Once you get past a certain point, she starts to include you in her little circle of superiority and she's a little less abrasive. That's how it was with me anyway. Not that she doesn't have some other interpersonal issues to work on, like people skills and tact and...eh, I don't think anything you do or say could make her like you until she damn ready to, if ever."

"So I guess Elliot is having a fun day then."

Andy gave her a dazzling smile. She was pleased that he seemed so happy to be with her rather than Healey. "I really owe your Captain for the break from her. Now get in the car Olivia. You look freezing. Your face is all red from being out in this wind." She tried her hardest to prevent even more blood from rushing to her cheeks as she got into the truck where no wind would provide an excuse for her color.