St. Mark's Hospital

Friday, November 18

The detectives have changed out of the their theater attire and into plain clothes. Elliot is pacing nervously. Bobby is sitting; both Captains are talking on their cell phones.

"No sir they haven't yet. I'm sure they'll be on it right away," Deakins gives the detectives a look.

Cragen yells, "I realize that...well, can we use it...Just great," He hangs up.

"What," Elliot stops pacing.

"If we ever catch this hump...we can maybe use the tape to get him to confess. Novak doesn't seem to think any judge would allow it."

"Novak," Deakins asks, "What's wrong with Carver...he's very resourceful."

"Sounds like a question for the DA," Bobby adds.

Two doctors approach the group.

"How are they," Deakins asks.

"Detectives Benson and Eames are lucky ladies. Eames only has a small chip in her knee cap...but she should definitely be off of it for the next four weeks or so."

Bobby breathes a sigh of relief.

"And Detective Benson, a grade two concussion. As for the knife wound, if he would have just moved over half an inch to the left...he would have tore her femoral artery wide open and she would have bled to death. But he only nicked it...we were able to repair it with stitches."

"Can we see them," Elliot asks.

"Just bear in mind Detective Benson is still a little altered from the concussion...and Detective Eames is on pain medication."

Elliot and Bobby exchange looks. "We just need to make sure that they're okay," Bobby says.

"Okay...right this way."

The four follow the doctors down the hall and into the room.

"Bobby! Captain," Alex manages to slur out, "so good of you to join the party!"

Bobby sits down beside her, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not feeling a damn thing..."

Deakins stifles a laugh.

"Now I know why people do this crap...you don't feel pain...you just forget was pain is."

"No yelling," Olivia groans, "My head is killing me."

Elliot and Cragen stand beside her bed.

"Other than that, you gonna be okay Liv," Elliot asks; his voice heavy with concern.

"Maybe...my leg...I hope it doesn't leave a scar..."

"That's our girl," Cragen says with a smile.

"Someone's gotta keep their looks up," Elliot squeezes her hand and she smiles in appreciation.

"I let him get away," Bobby says, "I'm sorry Olivia...Eam..."

"You never call me Alex. What's up with that...God, I've been your partner for like...five years ro so. Geez."

Bobby starts to answer but is saved by the ringing of Elliot's phone.

"Stabler...Adriana?...Wait, calm down. Just calm down. Okay...good. Now...what? You see...Where are you...okay...well, stay there. Don't leave. That'll keep him there...Yes, I'll be right there."

He hangs up, "It's Malachi...he went to Adriana's church, St. Andrews. She goes every other Friday night to confession there."

"Go then! Kick him for me," Alex says, with a playful shove at Bobby.

"Go," Deakins says, "Well make sure they get settled...then, back at..."

"Major Case will be fine," Cragen says, "besides, Elliot could use a change in scenery."

The two detectives nod in answer and leave.

St. Andrew's Church

Friday November 18

Elliot and Bobby walk up to the church.

"We need to do this as smoothly as possible," Bobby says.

Elliot nods, "And remember, it's still a church."

"Right."

They quietly open the doors and go inside. Adriana meets them right in the foyer. She throws her arms around Elliot.

"Thank God. I was so scared...I mean, I looked up and there he was. The man that raped me...who's this?"

Bobby keeps his distance, "I'm Detective Goren. I'm working your case too."

"Where's Olivia?"

"She got injured tonight...but she's fine...is he still in there?"

She nods.

"How did you know...that, that is was him," Bobby asks.

"He...sniff...had my rosary. And then...he looked at me. And I knew."

"Okay...why don't you go home...so we can get him off the streets..."

She nods and pulls away, "I'll leave you a message so you know I got him safe. Peace be with you."

Elliot smiles as Adriana leaves the church.

As the two enter the sanctuary, Elliot dips his finger in the holy water and blesses himself. Bobby rolls his eyes.

"Halfway up. Middle pew," Bobby whispers.

Elliot nods, "Wait," he stops Bobby, " Let him finish praying. He's going to need all the help he can get."

The detectives wait until Malachi stands. He turns and faces them; face still wet from tears.

"Detectives...I'm so sorry...I'm not going to run."

Elliot walks over to him and handcuffs him, "Good decision. Malachi Platt, you are under arrest for assaulting two police officers; the rape of Adriana Fitzpatrick; and the murder of Sophia McDowell. You have the right to remain silent..."

"I know my rights."

They escort him out to the car and put him in the back.

"I'm surprised he didn't try and claim sanctuary," Elliot remarks.

"He couldn't," Bobby says, "It only works for the innocent."