Special Victims Unit

Squad room

November 16, 2005

Detectives Stabler and Benson are sitting in the interview room with Adriana. She is tearfully accounting her assault to them. She only offers one new piece of information.

"And right after he….blessed me….he picked up this board and held it above my head. Before he could swing…the back door opened and he took off with the board. I didn't even see him then. I'm not very helpful, am I," she asks.

"Adriana," Olivia reaches out and places her hand on Adriana's, "you are being very helpful. And I realize this is very difficult. But I promise you….you are helping. We just need to ask a few more questions okay?"

"Sure."

Olivia decides to ask the obvious, "Adriana, do you have a boyfriend?"

"As surprising as this sounds….no. I have a lot of guys that a good friends and watch out for me. But boyfriend…I don't have the time for that right now. They really watched my back this time. Chris begged to walk me home…and I said no…and look what happened."

"Chris?"

"Chris Peach….another extra. We've been friends ever since I started with the show. But I suppose I should be grateful…he did find me…and called the EMTs."

"Why didn't he come with you to the hospital?"

"Probably figured I was freaking out enough with what happened. I'll give you his number so you guys can talk to him…if you want."

Elliot slides her a pen and paper, "That would be great, thank you."

She scribbles down her friend's name and number.

"Anything out of the ordinary that's been happening lately that would suggest something like this could happened," Elliot asks.

"What do you mean exactly….."

"Have you noticed anybody following you? Or maybe you've noticed someone…."

"Like he's just always there, no matter where I go."

"Exactly…..so have you seen anything like that going on?"

"Actually. There's this guy…..he's always at the store when I'm there. I thought he worked there at first. But then….he was at my gym whenever I work out…and I work out really late; I've got a crazy schedule. One time….I saw him walking behind me…and I stopped inside this store where a friend of mine works. And then he left. My God…he's even been to my church."

"You ever notice him in the crowd while you were on stage," Olivia asks.

"Not really…I mean, it's possible….but he's average looking. Nothing to notice about him except he's been following me."

"Adriana," Elliot starts, "do you always do everything on the same days…same times…."

"Just rehearsals….and church. But most of the rest of it is random. You think he's stalking me?"

"Maybe. Just in case….we'll need the names of your store, gym, church….any place you go to on a regular basis."

She writes down the information on the sheet of paper in front of her. She puts down the pen, "Anything else?"

"I think we're done for right now," Olivia says as they all stand, "but if you can think of anything else…."

"I'll call."

Elliot opens the door. Olivia is the first out. Adriana stops before she gets through the doorway and grabs Elliot's arm, "My….my rosary….has it turned up?"

"Not yet. But I swear we'll find it."

"I need it….I can't go to mass without it. I feel so empty when I don't have it in my hands."

"I know."

She smiles and hugs Elliot, "I pray every night that this man who did this….feels so guilty he comes to you and confesses."

"If he came to us it would make our jobs much easier."

"Well….when you do find him, don't hurt him. I want the chance to forgive him….if not now then in time."

She releases her hug and leaves the squad room. Elliot sits down at his desk. "I wish I could be that way."

"Forgive her rapist? I have to admit….we don't hear that one everyday."

"Strong woman that one."

Munch and Fin stroll in. They sit down at their desk without saying a word. Elliot looks over and laughs.

"I hate it when you two fight….just make up already."

Munch spins to look at Elliot, "Actually we were just debating on whether or not to tell you two the good news."

"We would love some good news today," Olivia says.

"Well…apparently…there's a homicide that sounds pretty close to your rape…go ahead, look it up," Fin says, "There. Happy?"

"Tickled pink," says Munch.

Elliot chuckles at their squabble and opens up the database on his computer and inputs the new information. Within seconds, the murder of Sophia McDowell pops onto his screen. He smiles until he gets to the bottom, "Liv….did you see this?"

"What," she comes over and reads it, "Hmm, it's very close…only no sexual assault, but he did kill this one. Lots of links….who caught it?"

"Major Case….Goren and Eames. Excuse me…."

Elliot gets up, storms into Cragen's office, and slams the door behind him. Cragen is on the phone, "Uh, well….we'll be in touch….sure, that'd be fine. Today if at all possible," He hangs up, "Elliot…."

"When were you going to tell me that Major Case had this homicide?"

"It just came in….I only found out myself while you where in with Adriana."

Elliot paces and nods his head. His face is turning a familiar shade of red, "Just tell me that we can work this separately…then have one conference and decide on a perp and be done with it."

Cragen just stares, "That was Captain Deakins on the phone…I told him to send Detectives Goren and Eames over so we can get started on this. The brass wants this guy caught. Killing a Broadway actress will get you noticed for sure."

Elliot shakes his head, "Captain…."

Cragen holds up his hands, "I know…you don't exactly play well with others. But just once….for all of our sakes, just keep it cool. Look, the sooner you get along, the sooner they're gone. Alright?"

He nods and still says nothing.

"Elliot….you're still the lead on this. Make no mistake…..and don't let Goren walk all over you. Just, make sure he knows we're together on this."

"Yes sir," Elliot says and he leaves the office. He walks over to his desk and sits, "Liv…it looks like we're going to make new friends."