--
"Hello?" The groggy greeting stumbled down the phone line and for the first time, Nikki remembered the time difference.
"Shit," she said and hesitated momentarily.
He must have sat up, because his voice was a fraction clearer. "Hello? Who is this?"
'In for a penny,' Nikki thought to herself. "H-hello. Is this Detective Elliot Stabler?"
Instead of answering the question, he repeated, "Who is this?"
"It's… it's Nikki Wade. Olivia's cellmate." It sounded odd to hear it out loud.
Now Nikki was sure he was sitting up. "What happened?"
"Let me stress that she's okay," Wade assured, knowing if the positions were switched, she'd be thinking the worst, too. "But she was… stabbed in the showers this morning. About two hours ago."
She could almost see him lean into the phone, as if holding the receiver tighter would transport him to England. "How did it happen?"
"Shell Dockley," Nikki said, assuming from what Olivia told her that Stabler would know who she was referring to. "She got wind of the deal that went down yesterday. She didn't take too kindly to getting the brush off from Olivia. I… I found Liv in the showers." She faltered at the memory.
There was such a long silence on the other end that Nikki wondered if the connection had been cut. His quiet voice told her otherwise. "I don't even know where to begin asking you questions."
"Olivia told me last week," Nikki began, understanding full well what the cop meant. "She needed someone to trust, to watch her back. Not that I was any bloody help in that department." She paused for a moment. "Anyway, she told me who she was and who you were. I called information to get your number. Sorry about the time. Completely slipped my mind."
"It's okay," he said, "you did the right thing. I'm just… she never told me."
"Maybe she was worried what you'd think about her trusting a cop killer."
"Listen," he replied, "it doesn't matter what I might think. She obviously trusts you; that's good enough for me."
She smiled at the faint praise. "You Yanks are a strange lot, I'll give you that much." More seriously, she asked, "Will you make arrangements to get her out of here the minute she's able? She's in the prison infirmary and I don't trust the screws to watch her 24/7. And I really don't trust Shell Dockley."
"I'm going to be on the earliest flight possible," he answered. "Even then, it's going to take me…" Stabler trailed off while he figured the flight and the time. "At least twelve hours. Hasn't anyone pulled Dockley aside?"
Nikki snorted. "She's psychotic, but not stupid. I'd wager a month's worth of fags she's gotten rid of the weapon and maybe even cooked up an alibi. Besides, she's in tight with one of the screws. Guards."
"So she's just going to walk on this?"
"Oh, don't worry. I might not have been able to prevent it from happening, but I've got things covered from here."
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," he said.
There was something about the cop that appealed to Nikki's nature and she remarked, "You're all right, Detective Stabler." She heard his chuckle and nodded. "Will you phone the Governor and tell her the truth?"
"That's Karen Betts, right?" he asked, pulling the name from his memory banks.
"Yeah."
"I figure she'll probably be phoning me to tell me what happened. I've got my name down as an emergency contact."
"Shit, I didn't even think of that," Wade swore. "Sorry."
"No," he forgave, "I appreciate the head's up. And if Olivia's okay, Betts'll figure there's no sense in calling right away. What's the point with me here and her there, right? But this way, it'll give me time to find a flight. I'll fill her in when she calls."
"Okay." She wasn't sure what else to say. "I guess that's it, then."
"I'll see you when I get there."
This piece of information startled her. "You'll see me?"
"Yeah, so wear your best outfit."
"Now I know why you two get on so well."
His smile seeped into his words. "I'm interested in finding out how you to get along so well. Will you look out for her for me?"
His switch from humour to concern caught her breath. "Yeah. Yeah, I will. I promise."
--
Three hours later, Karen Betts hung up the phone more sharply than she had intended. "Bloody Americans!" she cursed out loud. She had just gotten the full story behind Olivia Benson; the undercover ruse, the drug deal, the kids. 'Bloody Americans and their secrets!' And now she would have to be a conspirator along with them, because there was no way in hell she could share this information with anyone and expect Olivia to make it to the end of the day. Fortunately, with Benson being an obvious victim of a stabbing, Betts could put an additional guard in the infirmary without raising suspicion. She already felt a migraine coming on as she began the paperwork that would have Olivia out of Larkhall before the new week began.
--
Fenner glanced around, and confident no one saw him, he entered Dockley's cell. Had he not known better, he would never have thought this woman had viciously stabbed someone only hours earlier. He watched as she painted her toenails, and, tilting his chin at the glass container, said, "You know that's not allowed."
"Oh, come on, Mr. Fenner," she pouted. "It's only a bit of pretty." She looked down and continued her task.
He shook his head in an odd sense of admiration. "You are sure of yourself, aren't you, Shell? I hope you haven't cocked things up with this whole Benson business, though."
"How so, sire? I haven't done nothing."
"Don't play me, Shell, it's not worth your time. If I wanted you down the Block, you'd be there."
"And if anyone thought I has something to do with poor Liv, they'd have come searched my cell, wouldn't they?"
"And would they find anything?" he asked.
"Don't be daft, Jim," she replied. "Let's say I did have something to do with that tragic accident. I would've got rid of the weapon in the rubbish bin that went out this morning, wouldn't I?" She stretched out her legs and pointed her toes. "What do you think, sir?"
Fenner could only shake his head at the woman's gall.
--
Nikki had bypassed lunch and instead was allowed by Helen to sit with Olivia. The cop flitted in and out of consciousness as the pain killers kicked in and wore off, and Nikki was able to tell Olivia about Stabler's arrival.
"Chances are, he won't be able to get into London until later tonight, which means he won't show up at Larkhall until tomorrow morning. For the best, really," she said as she brushed Olivia's hair back. "You look like hell."
Benson clutched Nikki's free hand. "Thank you," she replied weakly.
Nikki knew the woman wasn't referring to her quip. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
Benson closed her eyes and shook her head. "No," she replied, summoning enough strength to make it sound like an order. "You did all you could," she added, her voice now a whisper. "I owe you. A sweater, at least."
Nikki's eyes widened. "You heard me?"
Olivia smiled, then slipped back under the comfort of unconsciousness.
--
It was her growling stomach that reminded her of the missed lunch. Nikki put her book down and looked at Olivia, who was still asleep. She was contemplating returning to the wing for supper when the door opened.
"Hiya, Nikki," Helen greeted.
"Hi, Helen. Sorry. Miss Stewart."
The shorter woman chose to ignore the jab. "They're about to serve tea; I thought you might like to go up and have something. I know you missed lunch."
"I won't even ask how you know." Nikki turned to the bed. "I was just thinking of getting something myself," she admitted.
"She'll be fine," Helen assured. "I okay'd a request from Karen Betts to put an additional guard at the door, if that's what you're worried about."
"Yes, I suppose that's part of it."
Helen tilted her head. "And the rest?"
"I don't know," Wade shrugged. "I feel a bit responsible, really."
"You did all you could," Stewart said.
Nikki looked at her and smiled. "You know, she told me the exact same thing. Word for word."
"Well, do you believe us, then?"
"I suppose so."
"You suppose so?"
Nikki rolled her eyes. "Okay. I can't take on the both of you at once. I know when I'm beat."
"Good," Stewart said approvingly.
Stealing another look at the cop, Nikki asked, "Can I come back later?"
"For a little while," Helen allowed. "Now, let's go get you fed."
--
The wing had an unusually quiet pall over it, and nowhere was this more evident than at the serving counter. Word and rumour had spread like wildfire, and by tea time, Shell Dockley's guilt in the stabbing was known, if not proven. Many women avoided eye contact with the blonde behind the counter, out of fear or disgust, but there were many more who made their contempt known through hard stares and icy body language.
"Yeah, well, I don't need any of ya, do I?" Dockley proclaimed loudly when the two Julies pushed her aside as if they never saw her. When Denny approached for her food, Shell leaned forward and said, "Can you believe this, Den? You'd think I offed Mother bleedin' Teresa!" The young prisoner didn't reply. "Oi, what crawled up your arse?"
Denny bit her bottom lip and quietly said, "You've gone too far this time, Shell."
The blonde couldn't believe what she was hearing. With a snort, she moved back. "Yeah, whatever, Denny. Why don't you piss off to your new mates?" She dropped a ladle of food onto Denny's plate with sharp punctuation.
If the wing had been quiet before, it literally held its collective breath now –behind the small form of Helen Stewart at the barred entrance was the dark glowering figure of Nikki Wade.
As they entered the area, Helen discreetly laid her hand on Nikki's arm. "I'll tell Dominic to take you back down to see Olivia whenever you're ready," she told the tall woman. Nikki's stare burned across the room and hit Dockley full on. "Nikki," Stewart said, then repeated the name with a touch of force. "Nikki." This got Wade's attention. "If you do something that gets you down the Block, you won't be able to see her."
The line between Nikki's brows softened and she found enough amusement in Stewart's warning to raise an eyebrow. "So you've given up using my appeal as leverage?"
Helen narrowed her eyes and feigned defeat. "Well, that wasn't working, was it?"
"I'll be good, I promise," she vowed.
"I'll hold you to that," Helen replied. "Let Dominic know when you're finished, okay?"
"Okay." She took a step towards the counter, then stopped. "Miss Stewart?" she called out as Helen walked over to McAllister. When the Scot turned, Nikki gave a self-conscious shrug and said simply, "Thanks." When Helen accepted it with a small smile, Nikki began towards the serving area again.
If she felt every eye of the wing following her path, Nikki gave no indication. She ignored the interested stare of Jim Fenner who was hovering in a corner, the bastard obviously hoping the con would give him an excuse to use some force. And she pushed aside the feel of Helen's gaze that had settled between her shoulder blades. The sound of Nikki's tray on the counter sounded like a gunshot in the deathly silent room.
"Oh, is that chicken pie?" Nikki asked with exaggerated pleasure. "My favourite. I'll have some of that, thanks."
Dockley was the only one at the counter, because any other available hand had quietly made themselves scarce. The blonde sauntered up to the food, but it was the slight tremble in her hand as she dropped the serving into Nikki's plate that gave her away.
Wade smiled appreciatively. "Milk, please."
The audience's shocked silence was nothing in comparison to Shell's. Dockley had expected an outburst, a show of violence; anything but this unsettling cheerfulness.
As Shell poured the milk, Nikki leaned forward and whispered through the plastered smile on her face, "You're lucky we have an audience or I would take great delight in leaping over this counter and throttling the worthless life out of you."
With false bravado, Shell sneered, "Careful, Wade. It's funny the things that can happen to someone when they think they're top dog round here. Just ask your friend."
The taunt failed to get a rise out of Nikki. "Then I wouldn't get too comfortable in the position if I were you, Shell."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Nikki shrugged. "It's just a long drop from Enhanced. Figuratively speaking, of course." She lifted her tray. "Though I wouldn't mind giving you a push."
"Sorry I'm late," Yvonne said as she came up beside Nikki. "I couldn't find my spoon." She winked, then looking around, remarked, "It's quieter than a bloody church in here. Who died?"
Without breaking eye contact with Dockley, Nikki replied, "No one yet, Yvonne."
The older woman looked down at the selection. "Is that chicken pie? I'll have me some of that."
Slowly, but surely, a smatter of conversation began amongst the other prisoners and the wing returned to a cautious normalcy. The explosion that the wing had expected never materialized, but it did nothing to quell the heightened anticipation. If anything, a subdued Nikki Wade only seemed more dangerous.
--
"Self satisfied bitch," Yvonne spit out as she and Nikki sat down with Barbara. "What I wouldn't pay to wipe that smirk off her face."
"You're not the one who had to stand there and listen to her practically brag about what she had done," Nikki retorted, her nostrils still flaring as she controlled her anger.
Atkins took a sip of her coffee and glared at Dockley over the rim. "Yeah, well, let's see how much bragging she does when the screws toss her cell."
"Everything go smooth, then?"
"As silk. Now we just gotta put a little bug in Betts ear."
Nikki thought of Stabler's arrival, and for the first time since she left the infirmary that day, Wade allowed herself a genuine smile. "I think I've got that covered."
--
True to her word, Helen had given Dominic the okay to bring Nikki down to visit Olivia after dinner. Although Benson had continued her cycle of drifting in and out, Nikki stayed as long as she could before McAllister gently told her it was time for lock up. She bartered for a few extra minutes and the young guard couldn't say no.
"Do you think he fancies me?" Nikki asked the sleeping cop, and was surprised when she received a sleepy smile in return. "More likely he fancies the pants off you. Not that I can blame him, I suppose. Anyway, I've got to go, but I'll see you in the morning. Doctor says you should be ready to get off the strong stuff and move down to the paracetamol. Which is good for everyone because God knows I'm getting tired of the sound of my own voice." The knock on the door was Dom's polite way of telling Nikki her time was up, and she sighed. "Right. Well, I'll see you tomorrow. And your partner. Should be fun times for all." She stood up and pressed a kiss on Benson's forehead. "Sleep well, Liv."
--
It hadn't been that long ago since Nikki had had her own cell. As a lifer, it was standard procedure to be given her own cell. She didn't know whether that was supposed to be a measure of decency on the part of the prison system, or just more punishment. As a loner, Nikki always took it to be the former. Though her reputation as well as her crime gave her a large measure of respect, the last thing she needed was to have to sleep with an eye open. The only reason she had been two'd up with Barbara was because the woman had a touch of claustrophobia and the big brains upstairs thought sharing might help her. Nikki reminded herself to ask Barbara how she was coping with the new cell on Enhanced.
As it was, when she entered her cell and heard the heavy door lock behind her, she realized for the first time in over a year, she was truly alone. And for the first time, she found no comfort in that privilege.
--
Karen Betts extended her hand. "Good to meet you, Detective. Though I have to admit, I wish the circumstances were different." She gestured to the opposite chair. "Please, sit."
Elliot accepted the offer and sat down. "I'm glad you could see me so early, Ms. Betts. I'm sure this has all been a bit crazy for you."
"That's one way of putting it." Holding out a pack of cigarettes, she asked, "Fag?"
Stabler smirked. "No, married."
The confusion clearly played across Betts' face until she realized his joke. "Ah, that pesky English slang. I'll be more careful." She slid a long cigarette out and flicked her lighter. "I've had more of these in the last 24 hours than I have all month."
The American was gracious enough to look contrite. "Yeah, sorry about all this. I'm sure you can understand why this had to go down the way it did."
Exhaling, the governor had to nod her head. "I suppose I do," she admitted. "It's just a bit of cold water to find out what's been going on under your nose. I had no idea. I'm just glad it didn't end up any worse than it did."
"So, she is okay?"
"I spoke to the doctor before your arrival. He seems to think he can move her down from the medication to something like paracetamol. Equivalent to aspirin," she clarified when she saw his look. "The paper work set a new world record for clearing bureaucratic red tape, so I can release her once the doctor gives the all clear."
"Today?"
"I'm not sure. No later than tomorrow morning, definitely. Don't worry, I put an extra guard on her door last night."
Her words soothed his concern and he nodded his thanks. "Can I see her?"
"Of course," she replied, extinguishing the cigarette and standing up. "I'll take you down immediately."
Stabler held his hand up, stopping her. "I was wondering if I could see someone else first." Her puzzled look urged him to continue. "Nikki Wade."
Betts couldn't keep her surprise out of her voice. "Nikki Wade? I… well, yes, of course. If you don't mid the question, may I ask why? By all accounts, she has very little information to offer." As she watched him brush an imaginary speck of dirt from his pant leg and avoid her gaze, it dawned on her. "Nikki Wade knew." She dropped back into her chair and pressed her temples between her thumb and middle finger. "Nikki Wade knew," she repeated. "Christ."
"My partner felt she needed to trust someone. She chose Nikki Wade."
Betts laughed. "Nikki Wade seems to have that affect on people. But you do know what she's in for?"
"Yeah," Elliot answered, "and so does Olivia. And that trust tells me more about Wade than whatever file you might have on her."
Betts paused at the thought. "Point taken," she said, then lifted the receiver of her phone. "Can you have Nikki Wade brought up to my office as soon as you can?" She looked over at the jet-lagged cop. "And have someone bring in a strong pot of coffee."
--
Dominic approached the table of women. "When you're finished breakfast, Nikki, Miss Betts would like to see you."
Nikki stood up immediately. Knowing full well this meant Stabler had arrived, she asked, "Can I go now?"
Startled, the guard replied, "Why don't you finish your breakfast first?"
"I'd really like to go now, sir."
Yvonne looked up from her plate. "I'll clear up for her, Mr. McAllister. It's probably word on Liv. Nikki'll only jitter and annoy the shit out of the rest of us until she can go."
McAllister smiled. "All right, then. But I don't want to hear you complaining about being hungry later on, yeah?" Nikki smiled in return. "Let's go."
As he walked ahead, Atkins grabbed Nikki's arm. Lowering her voice, she said, "This is it, Nik. Whatever you've got planned to get that cell of Dockley's knocked over, you'd better do it before she finds our little gift, right?"
"No worries, Yvonne," Nikki assured. "You've done your part. Now watch me do mine."
--
There as a light tap on the door before Dominic opened it a sliver. "Nikki Wade, Miss."
"Let her in. Thanks, Dom."
The young guard nodded and swung the door open, allowing Nikki into the room. The first thing that caught Nikki's attention was the man in the chair who stood up to greet her. She didn't know if he matched any image she had of him because she never quite created one of the faceless voice on the phone. But without a doubt, this had to be Elliot Stabler. There was just something in his manner that screamed, 'Cop!'
She smiled at the thought and out loud mused, "You must have gotten all the brains."
Elliot's eyes narrowed as he deciphered the comment. Realizing the meaning, he laughed. "Jesus, you've got a set, don't you?"
"Well, in my defense, I am a lesbian," Nikki quipped. "Though I know a few girls on the wing who would be all over that brooding intensity thing you've got going on there."
Betts simply covered her face.
Elliot held out his hand. "Elliot Stabler."
Firmly shaking his hand, she replied, "Nikki Wade."
Karen stood up and asked, "Is it safe to leave you two alone?"
Before Betts got to the door, Nikki stopped her with a query. "How's Olivia?"
"Good," the governor answered. "I think the doctor will release her by tomorrow morning."
Nikki nodded. "That's good. Any leads on who might have done this?"
Betts' hand froze on the door handle. The last thing she wanted right now was to ignite the hot-headed temper of the lifer. "We've got people looking into it, Nikki."
Wade turned to Stabler and translated, "Which is the polite way of saying, we don't know our arses from holes in the ground."
"Nikki…" Karen gently warned. "We have no witnesses. We can't do much without that, can we?"
Stabler stepped back and watched as the two women stood their ground.
"Have you talked to Shell Dockley?"
Karen frowned. "Shell Dockley? No, why?"
Nikki snorted at how much went on without the higher ups knowing. "Fenner took the boots to Olivia last week." Both Betts and Stabler drew a gasp of surprise. "And everyone on the wing," she stressed the last word, an obvious distinction between what the cons knew and what the ones in charge didn't, "knows Fenner and Shell are hand in glove, to use the nicest phrase possible."
It took Karen several seconds to find her voice. "But why would Jim Fenner want to harm Olivia? And more importantly, why in the world didn't you tell me Olivia got beat up?"
"What's the use? It's not like you've ever believed a word against the sainted Jim Fenner, is it?" Nikki glanced at Stabler then back to Betts. "And if you knew why Olivia was here, it wouldn't take a mathematician to put one and one together."
"Detective Stabler has filled me in."
"Well then you'd know why Shell would put it to Liv. It's about the drugs, innit?"
The corners of Karen's mouth turned down. "I don't know, Nikki."
Wade threw her hands up in the air. "Typical. You want us to help you clean up the prison, but you don't believe us when we try and tell you what's going on right under your nose. If I were you, I'd be giving Dockley's cell a tip, but then, who am I, eh? Just another con. Whatever."
Nikki crossed her arms in disgust and watched as Betts hesitated at the door. The seed had been planted and Wade knew Dockley's days were numbered.
"You two take as much time as you need," Karen said. "If you want to go see Olivia and I'm not back, there will be a guard nearby to assist you."
When the door clicked shut behind Karen, Stabler remarked, "That was smooth."
"Sorry?"
Elliot shook his head in admiration. "Shell Dockley did it; you've found some way to make sure they'll find the evidence in her cell."
Her wide-eyed innocence was betrayed by the tongue planted firmly in her cheek. "I've no idea what you mean." They both sat down and wondered what to say before the awkwardness kicked in. "Listen, I've got a favour to ask," Nikki said as she slyly leaned forward. Stabler mirrored her pose and raised his eyebrows. "Do you think I could have some of that coffee? I bet it's the good stuff and not that shit they serve on the wing."
Stabler pulled his head back and smiled. Reaching for the nearby carafe, he poured a stream of dark hot liquid into the governor's unused mug. "Don't tell Betts."
--
Halfway down the hall, Karen bumped into Dominic who was coming around the corner.
"Sorry!"
"It's okay, Dom," she replied, and when he made a motion to keep walking, she put her hand on his arm. "In fact, you're just the person I need to see."
McAllister's face was an open expression of curiosity. "Oh?"
"Yes," she said. "It's about Shell Dockley."
--
"When do you get in?" Nikki asked after she savoured a sip of the delicious coffee.
"About two hours ago," he answered and rubbed his hands over his face vigourously, as if the question reminded him of how tired he was. "I've still got my bag in the car."
She showed a small grin. "Manage to hit anyone on the road?"
He scratched the back of his head as he replayed the few close calls he had when he forgot which side to drive on. "No. Close, though."
Crossing her legs and nestling the hot mug on her lap, she could have easily been mistaken for a prison official and not the offender she was. Even in the chair, she looked tall, her lean body only adding to the illusion. She was dressed in what Elliot would call 'casual', though considering they were in prison, he figured there wasn't any other style. Worn jeans clung to long legs and he recognized the same t-shirt and sweater combination his partner wore. Hands that had gripped his so firmly now loosely cradled the cup, and as his gaze moved up, he was met with a wry smile and sparkling brown eyes.
"Is that a cop thing?" she queried. "I got that same catalogued look from Olivia the first day we met."
Stabler grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. Habit." He looked down at his hands then back up again. "Listen, I just wanted to say thanks for everything you've done. I appreciate it."
"I'm not sure what you mean," she frowned. "I haven't done anything."
"You watched my partner's back." He held up a hand, stopping the retort he already knew was coming. "She didn't expect you to be there twenty-four hours a day, so you shouldn't either. You probably saved her life. I owe you."
Coughing, Nikki had to cover her mouth to prevent the coffee from escaping. "You owe me? A cop owes me. That's a new one." She blew out her disbelief in a short hard breath. "There's a certain irony about having a cop killer save a cop, isn't there?"
"You're a human being who saved another human being," he corrected.
"Yeah, well…" Despite his efforts, she seemed determined to deflect the compliment by changing the subject. "Can you tell me what happened Thursday? With the case?"
"How much did she tell you?"
"Everything, I think. I know that Weston bastard is using kids to smuggle in his smack."
Elliot nodded. "We got the passenger lists of every flight coming into New York within a certain window of time," he explained. "We got lucky; the supplier was only traveling with the kid. A young boy. Eight years old."
"Shit."
"We got them at the airport. Like I said, we got lucky."
"How's the boy?"
"We got him to the hospital. We took a quick statement before they rolled him into surgery. Enough to nail the supplier and Weston."
"Will he be all right?" Nikki asked. "The boy, I mean."
"Health-wise, there shouldn't be any problems," Stabler answered. "The rest of it –bringing him back, finding his family, doing what's best for him –that's another story. We've already contacted the proper child services agencies here; hopefully they'll do right by him."
"And Weston?"
"The I.D won't be enough, but it's a pebble in the pond. The supplier is up to his neck in shit as it is; we should be able to lean on him. And we'll have Olivia's testimony. Beyond the legal nightmare over which country gets to do which case, I think we've got this one."
Nikki smiled, pleased that it all seemed to work out. "You'll let me know how it goes, won't you?"
"I'm sure we can figure out a way to keep in contact."
Setting her jaw in a weak attempt to look serious, Nikki searched Elliot's face for a sign of mischief in his expression. He held her stare and she thought he'd make a formidable poker player. It wasn't until he blithely said, "Speaking of which, do you want to go see her?" that she laughed.
"Cheeky bastard!"
--
