Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of Dick Wolfe and NBC.
Captain Cragen stepped out of his office and walked into the middle of the squad room with his arms folded across his chest.
"Okay where are with this people?", he said to no one in particular but making sure he kept his voice low. "Have we heard from the lab on how long it will be before we get anything from the rape kit?"
Olivia looked up from the corner of the room where she had been getting coffee. "I'm not sure, Captain. At least a few days I imagine. We could probably call to put a rush on it."
"No need.", John interrupted looking up from his desk. "Melinda called here about ten minutes ago while you were bringing Casey in. She said she would process the kit herself as we speak. She said she preferred to do the tests herself and involve as few people as possible."
"Good.", Cragen replied. "Listen everyone, I know this one's personal but I need everyone to stay focused here. An ADA was attacked right here in our own house. The press is going to get word of this eventually but they're not going to hear it from us. I want everyone to keep a lid on this thing. As of right now the only people who are going anywhere near this case are the four of you."
Cragen looked at each of the detectives who nodded in turn.
"Liv?", Fin began, "Novak barely said two words when we brought her back here. Did she say ANYTHING to you at the hospital?"
Olivia paused for a moment, mindful of her promise to Casey, while she considered the question. "No, Fin. She didn't. Nothing pertaining to the case."
No one said anything for a few moments until Cragen looked over at Olivia and Elliot and spoke up again. "I think it's time we found out what happened..."
Both Olivia and Elliot nodded and started walking toward the interrogation room before Olivia put her hand on Elliot's shoulder.
"What is it, Olivia?" Elliot asked as turned toward her.
"Listen Elliot...", Olivia began hesitantly, "I think Casey would be more comfortable talking to just me..."
"What! Olivia!", Elliot cried incredulously, "I do this for a living to you know... I deal with rape victims all the time. I'm perfectly capable to taking a rape victim's statement".
Olivia noticed Elliot's hands clenching and unclenching while he spoke.
"Elliot...", Olivia said softly, "this has nothing to do with you. She was violated a few hours ago. She's humiliated, El. She doesn't want you and the guys to see her like this."
"I just want to help.", Elliot replied as his hands relaxed.
"I know, El.", Olivia said squeezing his shoulder, "and you will. Just not right this second okay? She just needs some time."
"Okay, Liv", Elliot replied finally relenting, "let me know if you need anything okay?"
Olivia smiled at her partner. "I will.", she said but then turned back around before walking away. "Hey El?"
"Yah."
"Listen... do you think you could maybe talk to the guys? Ask them to give her a little space? I know they all want to help but...", Olivia trailed off.
"Sure Liv", Elliot assured her, "right now we'll help Casey by finding this guy."
"Thanks, El."
Olivia walked toward the interrogation room door, cup of coffee in hand, and paused for a moment to take a few deep breaths before opening the door. What she had said to Elliot was true. This one was different. Olivia empathized with all her victims. In fact that's probably what helped make her such a good cop but she had never dreaded this conversation with any victim more than she did right now. Actually, Olivia had dreaded every part to today starting with the moment she caught of glimpse of Casey in the restroom. If she had only walked in a few minutes earlier...
Olivia shook her head. She couldn't let herself think those kinds of thoughts right now. Right now she had to focus on helping Casey. There would be plenty of time for self-wallow later...