"In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."
It comes with the Badge
__________________________________________________________________________
Last Time:
Elliot watched Olivia. He heard that Kathy had been released this afternoon. She would have picked up the kids right away. He sighed; he wished he could have been a better husband to her... 'and a better partner to Olivia.' His heart ached watching her lying there. 'I'm waiting Olivia, no matter how long it takes, I'll be waiting.'
__________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Two
Expecting
***
Olivia had been in a coma for a month now, and Jerry was still awaiting prosecution because Judge Thomas had been sympathetic to Alex's request to wait two months and see what happened with Olivia. Elliot had been called down to the hospital because the doctor wanted to discuss something with him. He had assumed it was about pulling the plug on Olivia's life support, and that was out of the question.
His nerves were frayed as he walked up to Doctor Herrera. "Well?"
The Doctor allowed a moment of silence to pass. "Were you and Detective Benson sexually active?"
At first, Elliot was offended, but after a moment of calculating, he nodded positively.
"Then there's a chance." She took a heavy breath. "Detective Stabler, Detective Olivia Benson is about a month pregnant."
Elliot stood there for a long moment. "She...she was raped the day afterward; it could be his child."
The Doctor frowned. "It's possible but not likely. Since he stabbed her after raping her, most of the seed was probably washed out of her body by the blood outpour."
Hearing this, Stabler didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was in a coma, but she was pregnant. "Is there anything else?"
Herrera nodded. "More good news. Increased brain activity leads me to believe that she will wake up within the next three days."
Asking to see her, Elliot was led down the all too familiar hallway. As soon as Elliot reached her bedside, he took her hand and prepared to stay until she woke up.
***
Olivia sighed in frustration. 'I'm so close. I just need one last piece.' She knew he raped her orally and had intercourse, but then she froze up. She saw something and her heart raced...but she didn't know what it was. 'I have to keep looking.'
***
Elliot sat in front of her bed. "Olivia...the doctor gave me great news. You're pregnant. She's sure it's my child too because the stabbing probably washed his seed away." He held her hand tighter. "I need you to come back, for me...and for our child."
***
Olivia heard everything Elliot said. 'Stabbing?' The flood of memories returned and she wasn't sure if she was going to complete the puzzle or be forced back to step one by the overwhelming pain. Buckling down, she fought the emotional hurricane. 'Elliot, I'm trying my hardest.'
***
Ryan sighed. The trial of Ricky Simon had been short. The jury deliberated for thirty minutes and returned, finding him guilty of murder in the first degree and rape in the first degree. Matteo Sanchez had testified all he saw, but the DNA spoke for itself.
Elliot and she had been assigned a new case, but it didn't seem to be going anywhere soon. A sixteen-year-old girl was beaten to death in her home. If Olivia had been on the case, Elliot said, it would be done already. 'Not that I'm a bad cop or anything...' Ryan rolled her eyes, Elliot hadn't meant it but it still hurt. She was trying her hardest to find the killer...but without a DNA match or any leads...it was difficult.
***
Elliot heard his phone rang and ran out of the hospital to answer it. "Stabler."
His partner was on the other line, "Elliot!" She was very emotional; "There's another victim...alive." She gave him the address for the hospital and he took off.
Ryan was already there and she gave him a weak smile through her forlorn eyes. "She in room 301. She told me she can I.D. the guy."
Elliot let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Finally."
She looked up at him. "She shouldn't have had to be raped before we solved this."
He frowned deeply. "You're right, but at least we will solve this."
No reply indicated to Elliot that she was too occupied berating herself for her mistakes. "The girl is only fourteen this time, but the MO was the same. He came in to her house under the identity of a repairman, when no one else was home, and he tied her to her bed. The only reason she wasn't beaten to death was because her mother walked in... The perp took off."
Elliot shook his head. "How'd he get out?"
She rolled her eyes. "How about we ask her?"
He laughed slightly. "Okay, let's go." He opened the door to her hospital room and showed his badge to the nurse and the mother. "We just need to ask her a few questions."
The girl looked frightened. "Can it wait?"
Ryan looked into her eyes with utmost sincerity. "We're afraid that if we wait...he'll do this to another girl."
She frowned. "I see."
Elliot got out his notepad. "Can you tell us anything about what he looked like?"
Carolina, as her chart read, nodded. "He was about a half a foot taller than me...brown hair, white skin."
Her mother piped in. "If he was a half a foot taller, that'd put him at five nine or ten."
Elliot thanked her quietly. "Can you tell us how he exited the house?"
She nodded. "Through my bedroom window."
He thanked her and smiled softly. "Anything else about his appearance?"
Carolina continued. "He had a mustache and he was about average weight, maybe a little less. He wore glasses...I can't remember much else...except that his voice sounded sore when he first came in. He might be sick or something...I don't know anymore."
Ryan smiled. "You've done great sweetheart. Tell you what, tomorrow we'll send a sketch artist down. Until then, we'll see what we can do." Ryan tore a piece of paper from her notepad and scribbled something on it. "That's my cell number incase you remember anything else, okay?"
She nodded. "Okay, thank you for trying to get this guy."
Elliot looked at her determinedly. "We're not trying, we will get him."
This made her smile once as the two left. Ryan looked up at Elliot. "That was a good thing to say. I'm going to go with the sketch artist tomorrow, she may need the support."
Stabler smiled. "That's good. I think I'm going to head back to Olivia though, they said that she'd be waking up soon."
Ryan gave him a shy look. "Do you think I could come too?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I don't think Olivia would mind at all."
They took both cars, since Elliot intended on staying the night at the hospital, and headed towards the midtown hospital.
***
Elliot walked slowly in to the room. "She's right in here." Taking Olivia's hand quietly, he spoke to her. "Olivia...Ryan's here to see you too. We're all waiting for you."
Ryan smiled at him. "He talks about you so much Olivia, you must be a great cop. I could use some female friends besides Alex...Fin and Munch might get to me if I don't have any girls to talk to."
Stabler looked at her intensely through his blue eyes. "Ryan's a good cop Olivia, you'd like her so much. Just come back to us Sweetheart, come back to all of us."
Olivia's hand gripped Elliot's. She started coughing violently and a nurse came in, removing the breathing and feeding tubes from her mouth. She smiled and thanked the lady in a very hoarse voice. Her voice was hardily audible, and very weak, but her eyes were open. "I like her already Elliot." Elliot fell into those deep brown eyes and kissed her softly. Pain filled those dark pools that stared into his blue ones, but he would heal them.
Ryan blushed softly. "Maybe I should go, I have a couple things to attend to anyway..."
Elliot nodded. "Okay, I'll see you bright and early in the morning."
She nodded and Olivia looked at her. "Thanks for keeping Elliot safe for me."
Ryan smiled. "Get better soon, I can't defend myself against Munch and Fin much longer."
Olivia laughed hoarsely and nodded.
***
Ryan smiled faintly. "Hello Father." She had stopped by her apartment to change quickly, and was now wearing a button-down wine red shirt and a pair of khaki slacks. Hugging her leather jacket tight to her, she entered the church and crossed herself with Holy Water.
Kneeling at a pew silently, she prayed. Adoration was held every week, and she tried to make it at least once a month. Sitting before Christ made her feel so much better. As she silently told him all her problems, how her new job was going, and how she was doing...the father walked up to her. "Are you going to Reconciliation today Ryan?"
She nodded. "Yes, it will take a while though Father...perhaps the other people here should go before me..."
Father Kingery shook his head. "You come on in, you still have to see your mother tonight."
Ryan followed him in to the Reconciliation booth and said her prayers. "Father, in the past few days I believe I have been angrier than I ever have before. I want to get this perp so bad...he's hurting these young girls..." She paused. "I really haven't prayed enough lately and I still haven't forgiven Sean for what he did..."
The Father smiled. "My daughter, you will forgive Sean in good time." He then absolved her of her sin and told her to say three Hail Marys as penance.
Detective Jamerson walked solemnly out of the church and smiled. One more stop before she could get some shut-eye.
***
Elliot sat at Olivia's side, handing her the food he'd brought for them. "It's not so bad...I stayed overnight enough times to know."
Olivia smiled. "Thanks for staying with me Elliot."
He smiled and kissed her. "The doctor said you will be able to come home in two days. I'll take off work and fix the whole place up nice and neat for you."
She sighed. "Elliot! Just because I'm recovering doesn't mean you can be overprotective!"
Elliot kissed her again. "You're also pregnant."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "Go to bed. Let me rest before you smother me with protectiveness."
He kissed her tenderly for a long moment. "Everyone's missed you so much." He ran a soft hand over her cheek and walked out.
***
Ryan sighed wearily as she made a plate for her mother. "Mom, I won't be able to visit next week...the case I'm working on needs serious work so I will see you in two weeks okay?" She knelt down to the level of her mom's wheelchair and hugged her tightly. "Stay safe."
Her mother smiled. "You stay safe too Samantha."
She frowned. "Mother, it's Ryan."
With a heavy sigh, her mother nodded. "I know; I just love your middle name so much more."
Ryan laughed slightly, "Of course." Kissing her mother's forehead, she waved and closed the door behind her. She did enjoy cooking for her mother once in a while, but some days it left her begging to reach her bed. Today was one of those days.
When she reached her house, she sighed heavily and started to strip away her clothes for a shower. That's when she noticed him in her living room. Buttoning the three buttons she'd gotten around to unbuttoning, she turned and looked at him sternly. "How'd you get in?"
He held up a key. "It was under your doormat."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't lie you bastard. How'd you get in?"
With a straining sigh, he pulled himself up from her couch. "It's a secret. Let's talk about why I came here, motive is always more interesting."
Ryan stepped away from him. "I know why. I told you that we're through. You don't want to be around me when I get home from this kind of job anyway; I'm always in a crabby mood."
He sighed. "I see. Perhaps lunch tomorrow then?"
She shook her head. "I'm having lunch with my partner tomorrow. Sorry, take a rain-check and get the hell out."
Arching an eyebrow, he took in a deep breath. "Still so cold Samantha. Why?"
"That's not my name."
"That wasn't my question."
Out of sheer exasperation, Ryan drew her gun and pressed it against his chest. "Get the hell out of my house."
He laughed. "That's right, you're an expert shot."
"I will tell you once more, get out."
When he didn't move, Ryan swung her leg down and tripped him before grabbing her phone and dialing for backup. When he got back up, Ryan backed away, placing her gun back in the holster, and picked up the baseball bat she always kept by the front door. "Get the fuck out of my house asshole!"
He looked at her weakly, "Come on Sweetheart, don't be like this." She swung the bat, hearing the sickening crack of his ribs.
"Don't call me Sweetheart, I don't love you and I never did."
With a pathetic frown, he pouted. "Don't be like this, let's talk about this like a normal couple."
She sighed. "Don't you get it? We aren't a normal couple! We aren't even a couple!"
When the backup arrived, she had him arrested for breaking and entering...after discovering the broken window of her back door. After the cops left, it was around midnight and Ryan was exhausted.
***
Waking the next morning slightly distraught, Elliot shut the intruding light away behind curtains. Sighing heavily, he stumbled over to the bathroom. Olivia woke up and smiled softly. "Hmmm..." She felt like going home right away. "Am I coming home today?"
He looked at her warmly. "I hope so."
Doctor Herrera walked in. "Good morning Detectives. It's good to see you in such good health again Olivia."
Olivia smiled kindly. "Thank you Susan."
"I take it your partner has told you about your new partner?"
She nodded. "Yes, she is only temporary."
Doctor Herrera shook her head and pointed to her thin stomach. "I meant that one."
Olivia laughed and blushed faintly. "Yes, I've heard."
Elliot smiled. "When can I take my lovely partner home?"
Looking at the charts a bit more, Susan smiled. "According to the charts, if she can pass a physical examination, then she's in fit physical condition, and will be allowed to go home. Her muscles will probably be severely weakened for a long while. I spoke with some other doctors and they all agreed with me. I will require you spend another month or so off duty Detective."
Defeated, Olivia nodded. "Whatever will get me back to one hundred and ten percent fastest."
The Doctor smiled. "I'd like you to see a psychologist before you..."
Olivia interrupted her. "No. That won't be necessary."
Elliot looked questioning. "Are you sure?"
She gave him an astonished look. "Yes I'm sure, Elliot!"
He looked down. "Fine. I'm sure she'll be fine Doctor."
Doctor Herrera smiled. "Then I don't see why she can't leave right now."
Elliot grabbed the keys. "Get changed real quick, I'll pack up your stuff." He dialed Ryan to tell her that he'd be late.
***
Ryan groggily reached for the phone. "H-hello?"
Elliot was on the other line. "Are you still sleeping?"
Sleepily, Ryan looked at her alarm. It read 7:47. She gasped and pushed her brown locks away from her face. "Shit." She sat up. "Sorry I'm late."
He laughed. "No, I was calling to tell you I wasn't going to show up today..."
Ryan sighed drowsily. "Okay. I'm just planning on going with the sketch artist to the hospital and showing the sketch around the neighborhood so you won't miss much."
Elliot sounded firm. "Take either Munch or Fin with you."
She rolled her eyes and yawned. "Elliot, they have other things to do. I can take care of myself."
"This guys a serial rapist."
Ryan sighed in frustration. "And I'm a cop who knows how to deal with them so no!" She flipped the phone shut and slammed it on to the nightstand before getting up groggily and staring down at her white camisole and underwear. "Shit." Getting up to get dressed, she shook her head drowsily. 'Good job Ryan, late already.' She looked at her phone and noticed a voice mail, and checked it as she stepped in to her pants.
"Detective Jamerson, it's Carolina. I remembered something that I think might be useful to you. I'm still in the hospital, and I'll see you when the sketch artist comes...Thank you."
She closed the phone and stared at it for a moment before getting in the sedan and driving down to the hospital.
***
Olivia walked in to her house slowly. "Wow, you really cleaned it up."
Elliot smiled. "Fin and Munch helped too. I got a new bed set...the other one was too stained..."
She kissed him softly and walked upstairs to the bedroom. The bedding was now a garnet color with golden accents in the cloth. Just looking at it reminded Olivia of the deciduous trees in autumn. She smiled, turning to him. "It's lovely."
He smiled faintly back, embarrassed. "I'm glad you like it." Elliot kissed her tenderly on the lips, and stared deeply in to her eyes.
When she started heading towards bathroom, Elliot laughed slightly. "I left that alone. I have never seen that many beauty products in my life."
Olivia laughed lightly and blushed timidly. "So, how's work going?"
Trying not to look hurt, he backed away and eyed her sarcastically. "You're supposed to stay off the job for a month or so, that means not being involved."
She looked at him. "If I did that, by the time I got back to work, I'd have to take maternity leave."
Letting out an exasperated sigh in response to her hyperbole, he shook his head. "You'd have a good four months on the job before maternity leave."
Olivia put a hand on her hip, already set on arguing like a married couple. "That's not the point. As soon as Cragen finds a partner for Ryan I'm coming back."
Elliot turned around, not willing to argue. "Okay. Well, then at least wait until then."
She smiled softly. "I will. So what's happening at work?"
Giving her a faintly admonishing look, he turned around and walked down to the fridge. "Do you want something to drink?"
Olivia walked down the stairs. "I'm quite capable of getting my own drink. Now, I'm going to cook you a decent breakfast first. How do you like your eggs?"
He smiled. "How do you know that you have eggs?" When she responded with an exasperated look, he laughed. "Scrambled eggs please."
She grinned back. "That's more like it." She opened a cabinet and got out a frying pan. Turning the stove on, she smiled at him. "How have you been this long month?"
Elliot shrugged. "Eh, you know. Pretty good. Ryan and I caught another pedophile." He watched her cook the eggs and couldn't help but smile.
Olivia smiled. "That's good. I can't wait to get working again." She piled some eggs on to his plate and some on to hers. "These are the best eggs ever...my secret recipe."
Stabler gave her a soft grin and kissed her. "I'm sure they're perfect."
***
Ryan sat in the hospital room, holding Carolina's hand as she told the sketch artist that his glasses were thicker.
The sketch artist, Mickey, was trying to work as quickly as possible because it was evident that Carolina was becoming unnerved.
She smiled. "Keep going Carolina, you're doing terrific."
The young girl looked up at her. "Detective Jamerson...there was something else I remembered. The car that was parked in the driveway, it wasn't a big van like I expected. It was a red four-door car and there were no supplies in it either. I remember thinking how odd that was."
Ryan hugged Carolina to her. "Thanks sweetheart."
Mickey held up the sketchpad. "How's this?"
Carolina flinched, but nodded. "That's him."
Ryan smiled halfheartedly. "Thank you so much for helping us Carolina. If you need anything at all, or you want to talk, call my cell. I already gave you the number right?"
The girl nodded and smiled. "Thank you."
Ryan offered her a warm embrace. "No problem."
Standing up to leave with Mickey, she turned around. "Stay safe sweetheart." Ryan walked out slowly with Mickey right behind. She shivered lightly when she caught a glimpse of the sketch. 'That man would scare me just walking down the street...poor Carolina.'
***
Elliot arrived at the station around 2pm and smiled. Fin and Munch were sitting at their desks. Alex was talking to Ryan about a warrant to search a potential perp's apartment. Cragen was walking towards Elliot, and he noticed Olivia behind him. "Welcome back Olivia." Everyone looked up.
Olivia smiled. "Hey guys."
Munch and Fin stopped chatting and stood up. Ryan smiled kindly from her desk and turned to speak to Alex again, who was heading towards Olivia. Alex smiled. "It's so good to see you back!" She hugged her lightly. "I'm going to need your statement soon..."
She smiled. "Of course..." Her brown eyes looked a bit haunted. "I'd like to do that now if that's okay..." She looked over Alex's shoulder and glanced at Ryan.
Detective Jamerson nodded. "Go ahead, I've got time."
Alex nodded. "Let's go."
Elliot planted a soft kiss on her cheek and looked concerned. "Do you want me to come with you?"
Olivia gave him a powerful look of reprove. "I'm fine on my own Elliot."
As far as Ryan could tell, Olivia seemed to be talking about more than just her statement. Trying not to be nosey, she turned to Fin and Munch. "John, you and Fin should go talk to the neighbors."
Munch nodded. "Right. We'll see if anyone else saw him."
Ryan laughed, she knew the nosey old woman across the street had probably made the whole thing up, but she had said that she saw the man enter the house but never leave. Gladis, the old woman, had given Ryan a name, which was traced to 413 East 3rd Street. Bobby Johnson was his name. It sounded awfully fake to Ryan but she knew she had to follow every lead at this point.
Elliot looked up at her. "Well? Where are we headed?"
She took the keys out of his hand. "Wait and see."
He gave her a reproachful look but sighed and followed her.
She looked at him as he sat climbed rather angrily in to the car. "What's wrong with you?"
He looked at her for a moment, questioning whether she could be trusted or not. "Olivia's pregnant...and the doctor told me that it's my child...but she was just raped around that time too..."
Ryan looked at him as she stopped at a stoplight. "Ask Olivia."
Elliot shook his head. "I can't make her think about that..."
Jamerson laughed. "Chances are she already has. Trust me, she'll know. You can't carry a child for ten months without knowing. Personal experience only affirms my belief."
Stabler made a point not to read in to that comment as they drove on in silence.
***
Olivia sat in the room with Alex sitting across from her and Huang to her left. "Olivia, we need you to tell us what happened..."
She stared at the desk for a long moment. "Well...I was taking a shower, and Elliot was picking up some stuff from Kathy's. I heard the door open, and assumed it was Elliot. I was drying my hair off and I had a bath robe on."
Alex frowned. "The one in the lab, with your blood on it..."
Her deep brown eyes watered lightly. "Yes."
"What happened next?"
Olivia looked up at Alex. "Don't you know? Haven't you read the reports from the other victims? Do you really need me to tell you what he did to me?"
Alex put a hand on Olivia's...only to have Olivia pull away. "I know how you feel but..."
Detective Benson cut her off. "No you don't Alexandra. You don't know how I feel, stop trying to treat me like a fourteen year old girl who doesn't even know what happened to her!"
Huang looked at Alex and nodded. "Let me talk with her for a little while."
Olivia rolled her eyes and hung her head back, staring at the ceiling. "Don't try to shrink me, please."
George laughed. "Sorry Olivia but that's my job. Now, why was Elliot at your house?" He gave her a sly grin.
She chuckled faintly. "He and I are seeing one another I suppose you'd say."
Huang nodded. "How long?"
Olivia stared at the floor. "The day before I was raped..."
He retreated and chose another topic. "Do you like Detective Jamerson?"
She nodded faintly. "She seems nice enough to me."
George continued. "She was raped too you know."
Olivia looked at the floor. "Did they get the guy?"
He shook his head. "They will if you testify."
She looked up, surprised. "It was Jerry?"
Huang nodded sadly. "Yes, but her case is so old that without you they cannot get a conviction."
Olivia rested her head in her hands. "Terrific." She stared at the desk for several moments and shook her head. "I can't testify in there...in front of him..." She looked down for a long minute, ashamed. 'I have told vics to have courage yet I cannot conjure the courage myself to do what they have done.' She sighed. "I...I just can't testify. You do have evidence though?"
George sighed. "DNA is miniscule and without your testimony, Ryan's count of rape is useless."
That stung Olivia. "It's just that...looking in to his eyes...seeing him before me...I don't know if I can."
He nodded. "That's perfectly understandable...but there are many people who know you can get through this...and need you to go through with it. Let's just talk about what he did to you..." He flipped the tape recorder on.
She hugged her arms around herself. "Well, I had left my gun and handcuffs downstairs...and when he came up, he had them. After a short, and pathetic, struggle..." Huang could see her criticizing herself mentally; "He forced me to my knees and orally raped me."
Huang looked at her softly. "What happened after that?"
Olivia looked way more fragile than she ever had before. "He handcuffed me to my bed and pulled my robe open. Then, he raped me. I kept remembering not to let him see me scared, because that's what he was wanting, but it only made it worse. When he was done...he took out a knife and stabbed me multiple times between my legs." Her legs were crossed tightly and insecurely.
George frowned. "I'm terribly sorry. Was there anything else?"
She looked up, pondering, and then nodded. "I've been told that he visited me in the hospital, and left a white rose on my bed."
Huang nodded. "The white rose, a symbol of purity. He wants to think, even though he's done terrible things to his victims, that they are still as pure as they were. If he realized they weren't, he would have to blame himself. Also, he brought it to you while you were in a coma because he wanted you to live, unlike the others."
Olivia stared at him. "Ryan lived..."
He looked away for a moment. "I've talked with her...he let her live because she stopped fighting. She gave up, and he lost his drive and left her for dead after stabbing her."
Detective Benson shuddered. "I was going to quit...but I kept thinking maybe I could hold him off long enough for Elliot to come back..."
Huang smiled. "You were lucky, he wouldn't have killed you anyway. He wants to see you suffer for putting him away."
She scowled. "Too bad." She started to stand. "You have my statement, he raped me...but I cannot testify in court. Play that tape if you wish, but I cannot testify."
George looked up at her gently. "The prosecution may need to subpoena you if they feel they are loosing their case."
Olivia nodded. "I understand. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with the DEA."
Huang gave her a questioning glance. "What about?"
She sighed heavily. "Turns out they were running a sting on Hobson and they're furious that we've messed it all up. According to them, he's been sneaking crack and pot in to the country for over five years now. Terrific. Now I know he's got the connections of a drug lord and enough fiery hatred towards me to want me six feet under."
He chuckled slightly. "You'll be fine. I can guarantee if you tell them that you were raped by this guy, they will give him to you."
Olivia nodded. "That's the idea." With a faint smile, she headed out the door.
***
Stabler and Jamerson walked out of the apartment on 3rd street and sighed. "Well, his alibi seems shaky, but I don't see any motive..."
Elliot shook his head. "I do. He was arrested for rape and murder once before, but he got off because of prosecutorial error."
Ryan shook her head. "Sick bastard. What was the old case like?"
He opened the case files in the car. "Too much like these cases. I'm worried. We need to find the loophole in his alibi."
She nodded. "Then let's talk to some neighbors." Ryan got out of the car and wrapped her leather jacket tightly around her body. Even in mid-autumn it was freezing. She turtleneck sweater did not even offer enough refuge from the icy wind blowing. With a heavy sigh, she walked across the street to another apartment building.
Upon questioning every neighbor, they got only shady responses about a fight, and screams. When they inquired as to why there were no 911 calls from their building, they all said that they assumed someone else had already called the police.
This kind of thing made Ryan sick to her stomach. If someone had called the police when she screamed, she may be able to have kids. She sat down in the car for a moment, and Elliot got in next to her. "Want to grab some lunch before we grill another building?"
She looked up and nodded slowly. "Sounds good." She threw him the keys. "Know any good places?"
Elliot nodded. "Definitely."
After switching seats with her, he headed for a nearby diner and smiled. "They have pretty good breakfast here, never had their lunch though."
Ryan grinned. "As long as it has meat, I'll be fine." Her grin looked somewhat forced, but it was at least there. Elliot did not smile back.
"I heard about the B&E at your house...who was that?"
She looked away slowly. "An ex. That's all. It was nothing, he just wouldn't leave."
Elliot inquired further. "Did he hurt you?"
Ryan laughed. "That boy couldn't hurt a fly, he's too damn stupid."
Stabler chuckled slightly, but refused to think of it in a comical way. "Are you seeing anyone right now?"
If Ryan hadn't known about Elliot and Olivia, it would have sounded like a come-on. "Yeah, a cop in the 31, his name's Jared. Cragen told me he might transfer him in here when he starts up another team."
Elliot smiled faintly. "How long?"
She shrugged. "Two years or so, I can't quite remember." She toyed with a silver ring on her left ring finger. It was shaped like a dolphin with a sapphire in the middle.
He raised an eyebrow after taking a heavy drink of his coffee. "That an engagement ring?"
Ryan blushed. "I wish. It's a promise ring."
That surprised Elliot more than the engagement ring would. "He's a good guy then."
She nodded. "He knows how religious I am, and says that's cool."
Elliot smiled. "It's good that you're happy. You two thinking of getting married?"
Ryan hesitated. "I guess. I don't know...I'm afraid that I might be too scared to sleep with him when we do, and he might get mad. I've seen it happen to married rape vics. I don't want to end up like that."
Stabler looked away for a long moment, staring in to his coffee cup. "Do you think that might happen to Olivia?"
Jamerson put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She's strong Elliot. Granted, she's not going to heal right away, but she's strong. Just give her some time, and from what I've seen so far, some space too."
He smiled. "So I'll be sleeping on the couch?"
Ryan's eyes went wide. "No!" She calmed a bit. "You're the only one she trusts right now. She thinks that she couldn't protect herself, so she needs that security that you can offer."
Elliot looked at her. "How do you know all this? Have you been talking to Huang too much?"
She laughed, a real laugh, and Elliot could tell. It brightened both their days a bit. "No, I got my bachelor's degree in psychology. I know all about the human mind. In fact, I could be shrinking you right now."
He chuckled slightly. "I see." He pretended to scoot away. "Well, I...er, better go."
Ryan grinned. "Sit your ass down, I'm still hungry."
Elliot nodded, "I agree, I suppose. Where's our food?"
Two plates were placed in front of them. Elliot had a cheeseburger and fries. Ryan was eating a large grilled chicken sandwich with a baked potato. When Elliot gave her a surprised look, she laughed. "I said I was hungry."
***
Olivia looked up at Huang. "Don't you understand?" She sighed heavily. 'Of course you don't.' Benson rested her head in her hands. "I have nightmares every night...he raped me!"
The DEA rep, David, looked surprised. "I'm sorry Detective, but we've been working on this for almost two years."
She slammed her hand down on the desk. "Two years is nothing! I've seen your stings go on for five years or so, I want this guy and I will get him! If you don't turn him over to us, I will have a judge force you to."
He sighed. "I..." He paused. "I will have to tell Carrie to pull out of there. Do not say a word about what you know Detective Benson. Give me a week and then we'll use what we have against him, plus your case, to put him away for life."
Olivia looked up at him. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
David fiddled with the wedding band on his finger. "I don't want my wife near Jerry anymore, not now that I know he's a rapist."
She nodded, completely understanding, and slightly thankful. "He's not just a rapist, he's a murderer too."
He bit his lower lip lightly. "Thank you for your forewarning Detective. I will call your precinct when our agents are out of the operation."
Olivia smiled. "Tell your wife thanks." She gave him another warm, thankful smile, which was mixed with a twinge of pain, and walked out of the office.
As she got in the sedan, she frowned. Elliot was going to be furious with her for working today, but she had to talk to this guy.
When she got back to the station, she found Huang. "They're going to pull everyone out of the op. and then we get him. Until then, don't even hint that we know about his other career, okay?"
Huang sighed. "I know what I'm doing Olivia, I know what I can and cannot say. Thank you though."
She hated the way he spoke so gently. It made her want to scream. "I was raped! I'm not a timid teenager! I'm a grown woman who can deal with this AND the fact that I'm pregnant at the same time! I do NOT need you to treat me so easily! Got it?" Olivia took in a deep breath and let it out, glad to have finally told him off.
The object of her rage just sighed. "My apologies."
Doing everything in her power not to yell again, she walked out of the room and in to Cragen's. "When are you getting the new cop?"
He looked up. "I'm not sure. Ryan has requested I call in Jared Moore, from the 31." Cragen noticed Huang standing outside, looking somewhat perturbed. "You finish that interview with Huang?"
Olivia nodded, but behind her, Huang shook his head. "Yes."
Cragen sighed. "Olivia, don't lie. Get back in there, when he says you can go, go home. I don't want to see you back here unless you're talking to Alex about the case or I've called you back. Got it?"
Benson sighed. "But I'm fine."
He shook his head. "Got it?"
She walked out, slamming the door behind her, and followed Huang down the hall.
***
Ryan sighed heavily as she walked back in to the station. She was incredibly downtrodden. Not one neighbor could place the guy at the scene...and all they had was one picture that no one could identify.
Munch walked in. "Ryan, we've got a surprise for you."
She turned around, about to tell them she was not in the mood, when she noticed they had guy walking behind them that looked all too much like the perp in the sketch. Ryan was about to hug them both when Huang walked out. "Ryan, I need you to come talk with me and Olivia for a moment."
Dread filled her; his tone was way too serious. "Um, sure, of course." Ryan glanced at Elliot. "Want to take care of those three?" She motioned to Fin Munch and their potential perp.
He nodded. "I got you covered." She smiled weakly and turned to follow Huang.
She walked down the hall, and smiled when she saw Olivia sitting in the room. "How's it going?"
Olivia looked at the ground, and she did not respond.
Ryan shifted uncomfortably. "What is this about?"
Huang frowned. "Are you going to testify against Jerry?"
She stood tall. "You're damn right I am! That man is going to get a needle in his arm if I have to inject it myself!"
Olivia rested her forehead in her hand and sighed heavily. "I can't testify."
Jamerson's eyes lit up. "Why the hell not?"
When Olivia looked at her again, Ryan noticed the tears brimming in her eyes. "Because I cannot go in there and relive that again in open court, in front of him, and in front of Elliot."
Alex walked in. "I can motion for the court to be closed to press and anyone you do not wish to allow in."
Olivia shook her head. "If Jerry's going to be in there, it'd all be a waste of time."
The assistant DA sighed. "You know there's nothing I can do about that."
She nodded. "I know."
Ryan started to pace. "You can't even use the recording Olivia." She set it down after listening to it. "He has a right to face his accuser."
Olivia sat back in her chair. "I know damn it! I know..." She shifted uncomfortably. "Can you please try and run this without my testimony?"
Alex nodded. "Yes, but the moment the balance evens out, I'm going to subpoena you."
Benson stared at the wooden desk. "I understand."
Ryan watched Olivia for a long moment, unsure of whether to pity her or be angry. Confused, she walked out in a huff and didn't look back. Grabbing her cell phone, she called Jared. "Jared? It's Ryan, can we meet somewhere for dinner? I need to talk to you..."
***End Chapter Two***
