1Chapter Three
Forensic Lab
10:37 am
Sunday, April 11th, 2005
Olivia and Stabler stood in the lab in the forensic room with M. E. Melinda Warner, an excellent medical examiner who constantly helped the Special Victims Unit. She began telling them what they found on the skateboard.
"All we found were several fingerprints that belonged to Davey and we found a couple that belonged to Steve," she explained. "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"And Steve could have touched the skateboard anytime in the past," said Olivia, "It doesn't necessarily mean he left the note."
"But it is a bit of evidence that could add to the theory that he did it," added Stabler.
"Yeah, but it's not enough," commented Olivia.
"We'll be doing further investigation, we might find more but don't could on it," said M.E. Warner.
Special Victims Unit
10:48 am
"Casey says she'll have the warrant by eleven thirty," announced Cragen as he left his office and approached Olivia and Stabler.
"Nothing was found on the skateboard but Davey's prints and a couple of Steve's," informed Olivia.
"Well that really isn't helpful," said Cragen. "Have the parents returned home yet from their trip?"
"I called Steve not too long ago," said Munch. "He said they were going to try to be home tomorrow."
"We also found out he has a football practice today at two," added Fin.
"It'd be a good time to check the house without distraction," said Stabler.
"We still don't have enough evidence," said Olivia as she put her head in her hands. "This isn't looking good."
"Well maybe I can help," said a voice.
The group turned to the direction of the voice. They all saw Brian Cassidy, an old time friend and partner detective at the Special Victims Unit. He greeted them with a bright smile.
"Oh I forgot to tell you guys," said Cragen with a slight smile, "Mr. Cassidy will be reuniting with us."
Munch and Olivia were the first to walk over to Cassidy.
Cassidy was Munch's old partner and they had become good friends.
"How have you been?" asked Munch as he gave Cassidy a pat on the back.
"Pretty good," said Cassidy. "You still look the same as ever, Munchie."
"And so do you," said Olivia as she hugged him. "We've missed you."
Fin approached the three and Munch introduced him to Cassidy.
"Nice to meet you," said Cassidy shaking Fin's hand.
"The pleasure's mine," said Fin.
Stabler strolled over to the group with his hands in his pockets.
"Hey Elliot," said Cassidy and he held out a hand to shake with. Stabler casually ignored it and said "Hi." It was clear he wasn't too delighted that Cassidy returned. Cassidy put his hand down and everyone tried to not noticed Stabler's ignorance.
"So Cassidy," said Cragen, "have you heard the details?"
"Briefly, yes," answered Cassidy.
The group took turns, explaining the case and what recent news they discovered.
"Well if you want to know what I think," said Cassidy. "It seems to be leaning more towards Stevie."
"Stabler and Olivia are searching the house this afternoon," said Cragen.
"Would you like to join us?" invited Olivia.
"Sure," said Cassidy.
11:35 am
"You're five minuets late," joked Stabler as Casey Novak walked in wearing a blue blazer and a matching blue skirt. She carried a black briefcase.
Casey smiled and stared questionably at Cassidy, who she had never seen before. Olivia introduced the two and they shook hands.
"Here's the warrant," said Casey as she handed Olivia several papers attached together.
"Thanks Casey," said Stabler.
"No problem, I hope you guys find something. I'm dying to be in a court room again," Casey said as she walked out.
The Residence of the Callin Family
2:15 pm
Olivia finished picking the lock of the apartment and opened the door. Stabler and Cassidy followed her in. They had their weapons on their belts but they were hoping they didn't have to use them. They shut the door behind them.
Stabler went to the phone and wired so they could trace the calls for precautions.
Olivia went to search Steve's room and Cassidy went into Davey's.
Steve wouldn't notice the device Stabler planted on the phone it was almost completely unnoticeable. He then made his way to the parents' room.
Olivia checked Steve's room for anything she could find that might be helpful. To her luck she found a cell phone on a desk in the bedroom.
She picked up the cell phone and looked at the previous calls. Several were to Christy and a couple others were sent to guys by the name of "John", "Randy", and "Chris". The calls were dated and the only time Steve's parents called from their cells were about one month ago.
Olivia then checked to see if there were any voice mails left on the phone. Unfortunately, there were none. Olivia then looked at the outgoing calls. Again, the calls were dated and again they were sent to the same crowd of people. The earliest call that was sent to either of his parents' cell phones were two weeks ago. He clearly didn't call his parents on this phone yesterday.
She put the cell phone down and continued to search the room.
Cassidy was having less luck than Olivia was. All he found were two skateboards, a bunch of skateboarding parts, CDs, and posters. If Davey did run away himself, there was no evidence that he did so. It didn't help either that the room was a complete mess.
Stabler found that the parents' bedroom was very clean and much of their clothes missing. All that Stabler saw were photos of the family all over the room.
The three met out in the kitchen. Olivia explained about the cell phone.
"Well it is possible that he used the home phone," said Stabler.
"Yeah that's what I'm thinking," said Olivia.
"Well maybe forensics picked up something," said Cassidy hopefully.
Special Victims Unit
2:29 pm
"Any luck?" asked Cragen as Olivia, Stabler, and Cassidy entered the office.
"None at all," said Stabler.
"We did wire the phone though so we can trace his calls," said Olivia.
"Munch get someone on that," commanded Cragen.
"Right away," said Munch as he walked off.
"Has forensics found anything?" asked Cassidy.
"Not yet," said Cragen. "There has to be something on that skateboard."
"Uh guys," interrupted Fin.
"What?" asked Cragen.
"We have a visitor," said Fin.
Olivia, Stabler, Cassidy, and Cragen followed Fin's eyes to the entrance of the office. There they saw Christy McConnell, standing innocently, looking around the office.
Interrogation Room 3 of Special Victims Unit
2:41 pm
Christy sat at a table in a small dark room. Besides the table and chairs there was a mirror and a small light on the ceiling.
Inside with her was Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson.
"Now tell us what you know," said Olivia.
"I know who kidnaped Davey," Christy said.
"And who did it?" asked Stabler.
Christy paused for a couple of seconds and then said "Steve."
"And how do you know this?" asked Olivia.
"He told me he was planning it," began Christy. "He wanted to kidnap Davey and get money from his parents and then kill him afterwards. He told me if I told anyone, then he'd kill me too." Christy began sobbing.
"Why does he want the money?" asked Stabler.
"I don't know. For a lot of things," answered Christy. "He never told me.
Behind the mirror, Fin, Munch, and Cassidy watched the interrogation and could see and hear everything.
"And why did you come to us now?" asked Olivia.
"Because it's getting out of hand," said Christy. "Davey was such a nice kid and Steve shouldn't be able to do this."
"Is there anything else you can tell us?" asked Olivia.
"His parents don't know," said Christy.
"What?" asked Stabler.
"He never called his parents," Christy said.
"Alright," said Olivia, "Thank you very much, Christy. We're going to keep you here for a while but you'll be able to go home soon, okay?"
"Okay,"Christy said.
Stabler and Olivia walked out of the interrogation room and walked over to Fin, Cassidy, and Munch.
"I'm going to check the phone tracer," said Olivia, "Just to see if she's telling the truth."
"I already did," said Cragen as he approached the group. "She's telling the truth Steve didn't call his parents."
"Alright let's go arrest the bastard," said Stabler.
"Go right ahead, take Cassidy with you," said Cragen.
"But what about Olivia?" asked Stabler.
"She can stay here Elliot," said Cragen.
"Yeah, I'll stay here, maybe talk to Christy more," said Olivia.
"Besides, Cassidy hasn't been out much," explained Cragen. "Bring Steve back to us."
Roosevelt High's Football field
2:57 pm
Cassidy and Stabler approached the field. Quickly spotting out Steve from the group of players.
"Steve Callin," said Cassidy as they neared towards Steve. The two took out their badges. The team began to gawk at Cassidy and Stabler. "You're under arrest for the kidnaping of Davey Callin." Cassidy turned Steve around, pulled his arms back and handcuffed him.
"What the hell?" Steve yelled.
Interrogation Room 4 of Special Victims Unit
3:07 pm
"I didn't kidnap my brother!" yelled Steve for a second time.
Stabler slammed his hand on the table and got close to Steve. "Keep your annoying voice down or I'll rip your vocal cords out."
Steve took the warning and quieted down. "Who told you I kidnaped my brother?"
"Your little girlfriend," answered Stabler.
Steve shook his head and grinned.
"What's so funny big shot?" asked Stabler noticing the smile on the boy's face.
"She is so pathetic," Steve responded.
"Oh really, and why is that?"
"She's only doing this because we broke up today."
Stabler cocked his head. "Really?"
"Yeah. Besides, why would I kidnap my brother?"
"I don't know you could have multiple reasons. But why didn't you call your parents?"
"I did."
"No you didn't we checked you calls, smart ass."
Steve paused and looked down at the table. "I was scared."
"Scared of what?"
"Calling them! They would kill me!"
"Well incase you didn't know your brother might be killed. You only have one more day for that ransom."
Outside the interrogation room Olivia stood with Cassidy.
"I'm going to go talk with Christy. Call Steve's parents tell them the story" Olivia said. Cassidy nodded and walked off. Olivia approached interrogation room number 3. She entered and shut the door behind her.
"Did you get him?" asked Christy as Olivia walked in.
"Yeah we have him," said Olivia.
"Good, can I go now?" asked Christy.
"Not just yet," said Olivia sitting down across from Christy.
"Why not?"
"Christy, Steve is claiming you two broke up today, is that true?"
"No." Christy looked confused.
"Steve said you two broke up and that's why you're saying he kidnaped Davey."
"That's not true! He's lying!"
Olivia sat at her desk with her head in her hands once again. This whole case was a huge mess.
"So we have two teenagers and we have no idea who's lying and who's telling the truth, meanwhile we have a missing kid," said Stabler.
"This isn't looking good," said Cassidy.
"No shit sherlock," snapped Stabler.
"You guys," yelled Cragen's voice.
Olivia, Stabler, and Cassidy turned to see Cragen standing in the doorway of his office.
"Forensics found something."
Forensic Lab
3:20 pm
"Stuck between two pieces of wood," explained M.E. Warner. "We found a piece of evidence that might help your case."
"And what might that be?" asked Stabler.
Warner held up a plastic bag to Olivia and Elliot. At first it looked as though nothing was in it but when Stabler took it from Warner and brought it closer to him he could see a tiny piece of hair.
"It's a strand of hair," he said.
He handed the bag to Olivia who took a look at it in astonishment.
"And that hair does not belong to anyone in the Callin family," announced Warner.
"Who does it belong to?" asked Olivia.
M.E. Warner walked over to a computer and Benson and Stabler followed her. She brought up a window showing a picture of a man by the name of:
"Fred Reynolds," said Warner. "He lives downtown from here." The man's face was clean shaven and he looked young, probably in his mid-thirties. His hair was short and light brown. He had dark, beady eyes that sat below a pair of dark eyebrows.
Just then, Stabler's phone went off. He stepped aside to answer it.
"So Steve wasn't behind this after all," said Olivia. "Does this guy have a history?"
"Oh yeah," answered Warner. "He was accused for two rapes, both of which he was said to be innocent for. He was caught with possession of drugs but the charges were dropped for reasons which are disclosed. He also was charged for the kidnaping of a woman but again, the charges were dropped."
"This guy must be pretty influential," commented Olivia.
Stabler hung up and approached Olivia quickly. "They found Davey."
"What?" asked Olivia.
"He's dead."
Central Park
3:31 pm
In Central Park, the body of Davey Callin lay at the spot where he was last seen. His skin looked white and pale and his face was ghost-like. He was dead. There were several bruises around the boy's neck, arms, and legs.
"Mr. Reynolds is a day earlier than expected," said Stabler as he stared at the body with Olivia.
"We're too late," mumbled Olivia.
"Well we're not too late to get this Reynolds guys," said Stabler. "Let's head back to the office and tell them what we know."
Special Victims Unit
3:47 pm
"Well the parents are heading back home finally," said Cassidy. "We let Steve go and Christy admitted she was lying because the two broke up."
Munch shook his head in disapproval.
"Steve actually began crying when he found out his brother was dead."
"Forensics is checking on Davey's body," said Cragen.
"What more do we need?" asked Stabler. "We know Reynolds did it."
"Yeah but why would Reynolds do this?" asked Cassidy.
"Who cares, let's get the son of a bitch," Stabler said.
"He lives on twenty second street, Stabler and Benson, bring him back here," said Cragen.
The Residence of Fred Reynolds
3:55 pm
Olivia and Stabler approached the door of the apartment and knocked. There was no response.
Olivia knocked a second time "Mr. Reynolds!" She called.
Again no answer. The two pulled out their guns and Stabler, with one kick, knocked open the door. The two rushed inside with their guns raised. "Police!" They both yelled.
The apartment was dark. All the blinds were shut. It seemed like a normal apartment.
Stabler and Olivia checked the rooms, Mr. Reynolds was nowhere to be seen. They began to check around the house fore clues. Stabler checked the living room while Olivia checked the kitchen.
The refrigerator was barely full. A carton of milk, bread, eggs, butter, some meats, and cheese was all that was in there. She checked the fridge to find frozen food and some ice cream. She shut the refrigerator and checked the drawers.
Stabler checked the small living room. He first took notice of the newspapers on the coffee table. They were today's and yesterday's paper. He then walked over to the television and checked the tapes.
"We got porn here," called Stabler.
"What a surprise," said Olivia as she continued to check the drawers. It wasn't long until she found cocaine. It was hidden under towels and rags. "We have some drugs here as well." She picked up the plastic bag and put it on the counter.
"He doesn't really seem like the cleanest man," said Stabler.
"Let's check the bathroom," said Olivia. They both walked down the hall to the bathroom which was surprisingly bigger than the living room. Olivia went straight for a trash bag on the floor while Stabler checked a shelf above the sink.
"Found some more drugs," said Stabler as he pulled out another plastic bag from the shelves that were behind a mirror.
"And look what else," said Olivia.. From the white trash bag, she pulled out a pair of kid's jeans and a black t-shirt with a skateboarding logo on it. "Mr. Reynolds is not married and from what we know he doesn't have any kids."
"This guy isn't looking too good," said Stabler.
"There's a lot more clothes in here," announced Olivia.
Olivia handed Stabler the clothes and he took them along with the drugs back into the living room for evidence with the other packet of drugs.
Olivia then checked the hamper. Inside, all she found was clothes that probably belonged to Mr. Reynolds himself.
She walked back into the living room where Stabler was. "Should we check the bedroom?"
"Of course."
The two walked back down the hall to the farthest room of the apartment. The bedroom was almost empty. All it had was a queen sized bed, a small empty desk and a closet. Olivia walked to the closet while Stabler checked the bed.
The sheets, from what Stabler could see were clean. It was neatly made but it didn't stay that way as Stabler pulled the covers off to check the mattress. But the mattress seemed perfectly fine. He checked between the mattress but found nothing. Stabler then got on the floor and checked under the bed. Underneath he found a half full bottle of Vodka.
At the closet, Olivia found what normal people kept in their closet; clothes. But she also discovered something about Mr. Reynolds. He took karate.
"He has a black belt," announced Olivia.
"Well that's good to know," said Stabler. "I found some alcohol here."
"What kind?" Olivia asked.
"Vodka. Oh and look." Stabler reached his hand under the bed and pulled out two more bottles. After searching the rest of the empty room the two began to walk out after putting the bottles of vodka in bags.
"We still need to find this guy," said Stabler as they left the room and continued down the hall, with Stabler walking in front.
As the two walked back into the living room a fist was thrown at Stabler's head. Stabler fell to the ground and Olivia could see that Fred Reynolds had returned home. One of the bottles of Vodka smashed inside the bag. Olivia went to pull out her gun but Mr. Reynolds grabbed her arm and with fierce strength, threw her across the room. She landed against the back of the couch which flipped backwards because of the impact. Stabler stood up but he didn't stand for long. Mr. Reynolds punch Stabler's jaw and blood leaked from his mouth as he fell back on the floor. Olivia stood up and pulled out her gun. Mr. Reynolds was too far away to stop her. He noticed Olivia was about to aim her gun at him so quickly he lifted Stabler off the ground and used him as a shield. Reynolds held Stabler's arms at his side. Olivia stopped herself from shooting.
"You make one move and I will kill him," said Fred Reynolds to Olivia
Stabler was too wounded to move. His jaw had to be broken. Warm blood trickled down his mouth and to his chin and then eventually staining his shirt or the carpet below.
"Drop your gun," commanded Mr. Reynolds.
Olivia disobeyed and kept her gun aimed.
"Drop your gun!" he yelled again and again Olivia didn't listen she began walking around the couch, increasing stress on Mr. Reynolds. The more stress Mr. Reynolds had the less he'd notice Stabler, slowly pulling out his gun.
"Come one step closer and I'll..." Stabler shot his gun into the foot of Mr. Reynolds. He screamed in pain and let go of Stabler. Quickly Stabler turned around and punched Mr. Reynolds in the face. He fell.
Special Victims Unit
4:30 pm
"Well it isn't broken," said Stabler as he felt his chin.
"That's good," said Olivia.
"Well he must of hit you hard 'cause there is a clear bruise right on your face," said Cassidy.
"Yeah I know," Stabler said as he gave Cassidy a glare as if warning him and saying that he'd do the same to him if he didn't shut up.
Cragen joined the group. "There was no other way you could of handled this situation?" he asked Stabler. "You just had to shoot him."
"Hey you should be lucky I didn't kill him," said Stabler.
"Well he'll be here for questioning as soon as the hospital lets him go and please contain yourself from killing him," said Cragen.
"Did forensics get the evidence we found?" asked Olivia.
"Yup, and they're checking it over now and they said they'd tell us right when they're done."
"Are they almost done with Davey's body?" asked Cassidy.
"From what I know, they'll be done tomorrow," said Cragen.
Olivia went to go reach for a pen on her desk when she flinched in pain.
"What is it?" asked Stabler, noticing her movement. He got up from his desk and walked over to Olivia. She held her arm, wincing.
"It's nothing, he just grabbed my arm really hard," said Olivia.
"Well let me have a look at it," said Stabler.
"I'm fine," said Olivia.
"Come on Liv," said Cassidy as he walked over to her. "Let's just take a look."
She removed her jacket with some slowness and then lifted her right sleeve. Cassidy helped her and Stabler watched somewhat in anger. Across her bicep was a dark, black, blue, and green bruise.
"That doesn't look good Liv," said Cassidy. "I'll run and get you some ice."
"Thanks," said Olivia and Cassidy ran off.
"It isn't broken, is it?" asked Cragen.
"No it's definitely not broken," Olivia answered.
Cassidy returned with the ice and handed to Olivia who put it on her bruise. She smiled. "Thanks," she said.
He smiled back at her and then walked over to his desk.
Just then Olivia's cell phone rang. She picked it up and opened it.
"Benson," she said into the receiver.
"Hey Olivia its Jake," said the voice on the other end.
"Hey, how are you?" she asked with excitement. Stabler, Cassidy, and Cragen stared at her with quizzical looks.
"I'm doing pretty good, having a busy day," he answered. "How about you?" Olivia noticed their questionable stares and decided to end the conversation.
"Hey this isn't the best time," explained Olivia to Jake. "Can I call you back."
"Oh sorry," said Jake. "Sure, what time?"
"I'm not quite sure," she answered.
"Well, alright then," he said sounding a bit disappointed. "Talk to you later."
"Yup, talk to you later," said Olivia. She then hung up.
"Who was that?" asked Stabler.
"An old friend of mine, Kristina" Olivia lied.
"Oh, how's she doing?" he asked. Stabler had met Kristina once previously.
"She's doing okay," answered Olivia.
"Well that's good."
"Yup."
Olivia's Apartment
11:32 pm
Olivia laid on her couch with a new pack of ice on her arm. It still hurt a bit but it was healing. She called Jake on the way home and they talked a bit. She explained to him that she would have to cancel Monday night's plan. She couldn't get the night off. Tomorrow would be a pretty big day. Fred Reynolds will be questioned, forensics will be done with the examinations of both the body, and the evidence and Mr. and Mrs. Callin will be home later in the evening. They would no doubt cause a big mess.
Olivia was finishing up paperwork when the doorbell rang. She at first, questioned herself and didn't believe that her doorbell rung. Who would at her door at eleven-thirty at night?
She got up, leaving the ice on an end table, and walked to the door. When she opened her door she raised her eyebrows. Standing there was Brian Cassidy. He was still wearing the same clothes that he wore at the office.
"Hey," he greeted with a sleepy grin.
"Brian," said Olivia, "what are you doing here?"
"I just came by to make sure you were okay," he answered.
"Well I'm fine," she said. She didn't want to be rude and just let him leave after he came all the way to her house. "Want to come in?"
"Sure," answered Cassidy accepting the invitation.
She moved aside and let him walk in. She shut the door and said, "Have a seat."
Cassidy sat down on the couch and laid back. Olivia sat next to him and he rested his arm on the back of the couch.
"So what do you make of this whole situation?" Cassidy asked.
"Well this Reynolds guy is definitely guilty," said Olivia. "He attacked Stabler and I"
"Yeah," agreed Cassidy. As his arm rested behind her, she felt safe and there was a warm feeling inside her. But yet she forced herself to feel uncomfortable because she loved Jake, not Cassidy. Jake was what she was looking for. But then why was she feeling happy that Cassidy was close to her?
"I missed you," he said.
She looked up at him. "I missed you too."
Slowly his face moved closer to her's. She could feel his breath, smell his cologne. She couldn't stop herself. His lips landed upon her's and they began kissing. His arm moved behind her back and her hands touched his face. Everything, all the stress, the disappointment, the pain, it all seemed to go away. She wasn't thinking about anything but Cassidy. Olivia moved her hand down his chest and he pulled her closer. His other arm grabbed her leg and brought her upon his lap.
"I love you," he gasped out.
"I love you too," she managed to say.
He kissed her neck and she wrapped her arms around him. His lips moved to her cheek and then reached her lips again. He laid her down on the couch and he put himself above her. Olivia pulled him closer to her and they continued to kiss. She couldn't stop herself. It was all too good. Too good to explain.
Olivia's heart beat faster. This felt so good to her. She couldn't remembered the last time she kissed someone.
But her moment didn't last long. Her cell phone rang. They stopped kissing and turned to the phone that lay on the coffee table. Cassidy moved aside to let her get up. She reached for the phone and answered it.
"Hello?" she said into the receiver.
"Hey it's Jake," responded the voice.
Olivia turned to Cassidy feeling a bit awkward. This was the worst timing possible. She stood up from the couch. Cassidy leaned his arms against his knees.
"Hey, what's up?" she asked.
"Nothing, I just couldn't get to sleep and I decided to call," he explained. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"Funny you should say that."
"Oh I'm sorry," he apologized.
"Don't worry about it," she reassured.
"Well I'll let you go," he said. "Sorry for waking you."
"Don't be sorry," she said. "Try and get some sleep."
"I'll try," he said. "I love you."
Her heart sank as she heard those three words. Those three words that were just said to her by another man. And those words she repeated to another man. What was she to say in response. If she didn't say it Jake would be disappointed and it could lead to other problems but if she did say it then Cassidy would become suspicious or even angry.
But she did the only thing she could do.
"I love you too," she said.
"Good night," he said.
"Goodnight." She hung up, put the phone on the table and turned to Cassidy.
"Who was that?" he asked.
"My mom," she lied again. Cassidy didn't know her mom was dead.
"Why was she calling this late?" he questioned.
"The same reason why you came by," she answered. "To make sure I was okay."
"I see," he said.
Olivia was lost. Lost in feelings. It seemed so childish but it was true. She didn't know what she wanted. She was confused. Wasn't this suppose to happen in high school, not when you're an adult?
"I'm going to get some sleep," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Sure," he said, sounding a bit disappointed and confused as to why she was all of a sudden tired.
She walked him to the door and opened it. Before he walked out they stared in each other's eyes. She knew he wanted to kiss her but she wouldn't let it happen.
"Goodnight," she said.
"Goodnight," he said and she shut the door.