Chapter 3

"Well, I think its about time we go have a little chat with Mr. Schmidt." Elliot said lifting his keys from his desk and moving toward the exit. Olivia followed close behind.

The two detectives drove to the now familiar office building. They once again met with Becca the receptionist and requested a talk with Mr. Schmidt.

"I think he might be in a meeting." She said as she fumbled around her cluttered desk.

"Well please tell Mr. Schmidt it is very important that we talk to him immediately." Elliot said forcefully.

"Yes, Mr. Schmidt, I have two detectives here at the front desk. They want to speak with you. They say it is important. Yes, I'll send them in."

"He said he'll meet with you. Follow me, I'll show you where his office is."

The two detectives followed the young woman down a maze of various halls until they stood in front of his office. A plaque outside his door clearly read his name and profession."

"Thank you, ma'am." Olivia thanked the woman and knocked lightly on the large wooden door."

"Come in," a voice called out from the other side.

The two quickly entered and shut the door behind them.

"Mr. Schmidt, I presume?" Elliot asked as he stood in front of a large wooden desk littered with various documents and envelops.

"Yes, and you would be…?"

"Detective Benson, and this is my partner Detective Stabler."

"Can I ask what this is about?" he asked as he fumbled through a pile of papers in front of him.

"There has been a report of sexual assault by two women in your office, Mr. Schmidt. And your DNA was found on the underwear of one of the alleged victims. We know it's your DNA because we have fallen across your criminal record which shows that you've had problems in this very area." Elliot explained.

"I was never charged for that crime," he put in. "And just because my DNA was found does not mean I raped anyone. Adults can engage in consensual sex."

"Consensual sex with multiple employees?" Olivia asked.

"Mr. Schmidt, under the circumstances, we need to take you down to our precinct for some questioning."

"You can't arrest me, you have no evidence."

"We're not arresting you, Mr. Schmidt, we just need to talk to clear this up."

"Not without my lawyer."

"Mr. Schmidt, we're not charging you with anything yet. We just need to talk."

"Fine," the man retorted reluctantly. He knew he would not be able to get rid of the detectives. "But I'm driving myself. I'll clear this all up."

The three exited the office and proceeded out of the building.

"Shoot, I forgot my keys in your office," Elliot said looking at Mr. Schmidt.

"Go on back, Becca can let you in. I'll get my car."

The young receptionist led Elliot back down the numerous halls to Mr. Schmidt's office.

"So Becca, have you ever had any problems with your boss?" Elliot asked as he followed the young woman.

"What do you mean?"

"We're investigating two reports of sexual assault, and Mr. Schmidt is the man they're naming."

The woman fiddled with the keys in her hand nervously.

"Um, no, he's a great boss."

"Are you sure, ma'am? If he has done anything you should report it. You can't let him get away with it."

"NO, he's a great guy. I don't know who alleged such things, but I assure you he's innocent. Maybe a bit flirty, but what man isn't."

"Ok, well, if you change your mind. Here's my card. Please call if you want to tell me anything."

Elliot held out his business card for Becca and she retrieved it reluctantly.

"Ok, grab your keys quickly." The girl instructed and Elliot grabbed his missing keys from a chair adjacent to Mr. Schmidt's desk.

The two retraced their steps and walked back down the winding halls.

"Elliot?"

"Kathy?" Elliot was caught off guard. His ex-wife had just exited a near-bye office.

"What are you doing here?" Kathy asked startled by Elliot's appearance.

"Olivia and I are working on a case. We had a victim from this office come into the precinct yesterday. What are you doing here?"

"I work here now. Mr. Schmidt hired me about a month ago. I never thought I'd be using my CPA license, but here I am." She laughed nervously.

"You work for Mr. Schmidt?" he asked in surprise.

"Yeah, um, he's a great boss. I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry. I'll talk to you soon. You have the kids this weekend." Kathy quickly moved down the opposite hall.

Elliot quickly exited the building and rejoined his partner for the drive back to the precinct.

"Guess who I just ran into?" Elliot began as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Who?"

"Kathy, she works for Mr. Schmidt."

Olivia looked at Elliot with a face of surprise. "How long?"

"For about a month. You don't think she…"

"I think we'll need to talk to her El."

"That is what I was afraid of."

A/N:

Ok, I have a quick question. Does anyone know if it has ever been mentioned that Kathy changed her last name back to her maiden name and if so what it is?

Also, if Kathy has another known profession I don't know about, and it's not a CPA, I'm sorry, but I am doing it this way for the story.

Thanks so much for the kind reviews. They're always appreciated.