The Ante
Chapter Eight
By: Lizzie Bundick
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Author's Note: Oh the things I could say about this chapter but won't because it would give away all the drama! Mmmm, drama.
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The little coffee shop in SoHo buzzed with the sounds of indie rock and keyboards clicking. Detective Olivia Benson was reminded of the squad room, minus the weird art on the walls, the indie rock and good coffee. She sat nervously in a back booth, watching the door and waiting.
She had no idea why she had called Kathy Stabler and asked to talk. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, since Elliot Stabler wasn't talking to her about the divorce and prying into other people's business had never bothered Olivia before. Except, now she felt like a busy body.
But she had to know what was going on. Elliot was just so angry and it was effecting his work. She had always known he had a mean streak in him when it came to rapist and pedophiles, but now it was directed at her or witnesses or who ever got in his way. It was going to get him suspended if she didn't figure out how to help him.
When Kathy walked in, Olivia stood up, catching the woman's attention. Like always Olivia felt a bit of jealously over the fact that Elliot belong to Kathy, but she ignored it, just like she ignored the fact that for years she had wanted another woman's husband.
"Olivia," Kathy said a little stiffly as they sat across from each other in the booth.
"I guess you're wondering why I called," Olivia hedged, not liking the icy look Kathy was giving her.
"No, not at all. I know Elliot told you about our separation," Kathy said, more than a hint of resentment in her tone, "And here you are, trying to rescue him."
Olivia frowned, "He's not talking to me, Kathy. I didn't know you two…separated until a few weeks ago, and Elliot wasn't the one to tell me."
Kathy narrowed her eyes in suspicion and Olivia wondered why she'd never noticed that the woman really didn't like her.
"Look, it's effecting his work," Olivia said after an uncomfortably long silence, "Cragen's threatening suspension if he doesn't get help. I just want to know what's going on so maybe I can help him keep his job."
"It's none of your business, Olivia," Kathy said coolly, but her eyes flashed fire, "And let him get suspended, maybe some time at home, away from the job will show him just exactly what he's going to lose."
"You're taking the kids?" Olivia said, now understanding exactly what was bother Elliot. It wasn't just that he'd failed at his marriage, it was that he might lose his kids, who loved so intensely.
"He doesn't deserve them. While they were growing up he was with you, taking care of other kids," Kathy said, getting up, "Don't call me again, Olivia, and if you do I'll say all the things I'm too polite to say in public." With that she stormed out of the coffee shop, leaving Olivia staring after her.
How did she save Elliot now? And by extension save herself? He was building a wall between them and she had thought that maybe Kathy could give her a clue as how to tear it down. Hindsight showed that was a mistake, but she still didn't have any good ideas on how to get things back to the way they were before.
The best friendship she'd ever had was dying, and it was breaking her heart.
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Author's Note: Wow, look at all the angst. And the drama! Mmm, divorce angsty dramay goodness. Now, to summon up some ghosts! ( -- blatant hint as to what episode chapter nine is going to deal with, lol)