A/N—Thanks again to my wonderful reviewers (guests and regulars!) This one got a little delayed so I could finish up another chapter. Still trying to aim toward regular updates. This is a fun story to work on anyway!

By now, you've figured out there's an intricate plot in the works. This is just one of those wild chapters where one spark sets off a chain of events and everybody sees things a little differently. Don't worry, there's still plenty more to tell. This is still early (pre-chapter 1).

x x

Court is due to reconvene at ten-thirty. According to Judge Carter, they plan to resume the defense's witnesses, then break for lunch at noon.

At ten minutes till court's in session, Elliot wanders back inside the doors of the court house with a cup of coffee in hand. While it's too damn hot for coffee, he needs something to wake the hell up.

Didn't sleep very well last night. Not the best motel room bed, and the short nap he took after court yesterday left him wide awake for most of the night, and groggy during court.

Then again, he didn't get much sleep the night before that, either.

Not that he objects to the reason why, he recalls, smiling to himself.

He and Olivia played a few games of pool. They talked, joked, and laughed as if nothing had ever been screwed up between them.

And he loved every minute of it.

It's the way things should be.

He misses the nights they would go to happy hour with Munch and Fin, start up a game of pool and the two of them would stay until the bar closed.

He may have claimed to be 'avoiding diaper duty,' but in all honestly, he just lost track of time.

They got each other. He's the longest relationship she's ever had with a man. And aside from Kathy, she's his longest relationship with a woman.

They're the best of friends. They're great together as partners.

They've been through the worst kinds of cases. Richard White. Victor Gitano.

They've survived all kinds of heat from the NYPD. From suspensions and interrogations from the brass, to that uncomfortable psych evaluation that Cragen had them take.

They'd been through all kinds of family emergencies. His separation and later his divorce. The birth of Eli. and the accident before it that almost killed Kathy, Eli and Olivia.

There was Olivia's mother's death. Kathleen's arrest and diagnosis. Simon being accused of rape.

Things were always a little complicated between them, but they got by.

Until recently…

So, why the hell had things gotten so out of control?

He hopes it isn't too late to make things right again.

He flashes his ID to the guards, puts his gun in the tray and strolls through the security check point.

Retrieving his belongings a moment later, he continues on toward the court room.

In just a few hours this case will be over and they can take the suspect back to New York. He can't wait to get home.

Once again, justice is served.

Clayton Oldbridge will get what he deserves for attacking those women.

For some reason, Olivia's got one of her hunches that something isn't right with this case.

He trusts his partner, of course. Just doesn't happen to agree with her opinion.

Oldbridge is guilty. No question.

He definitely doesn't trust that defense attorney. Something about that guy just rubs him the wrong way.

Geoff obviously has a thing for Liv… He doesn't like it, of course, but he gets it.

And he certainly doesn't want him to pull some stupid stunt for the sake of his own career, and drag her down with him.

Geoff can screw up all he wants and get himself disbarred, for all he cares.

But he's not messing with Olivia's job... Not if he can help it.

All it takes is one snooping media prick, and Olivia's name gets dragged through the mud along with this jackass attorney.

He's seen it happen before.

Olivia's gorgeous. Lots of guys are interested in her. But either they don't get her, or they don't see that her job is very important to her.

He still remembers that creep she dated at The Ledger... The guy was a total jerk.

So he'll have to keep a close eye on this guy, McCray.

Elliot's still en route for the court room when he spots the defense attorney.

Well, speak of the devil…

Geoff had just entered through the security gates—briefcase in one hand, cell phone in the other. He appears distracted by something on his phone.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Geoff sees Olivia. She's a short distance from the door to the courtroom when she sees him as well, and rushes toward him. There's a sense of concern and urgency in her.

Lots of courthouse visitors, workers and media people roam through the large marble corridor where they gather. The area is a little packed at the moment. Six different courtrooms and four judges offices are all in the immediate vicinity.

Olivia reaches out with her hand, takes him by the arm, and guides him out of the way of the mass of people who are either loitering about or else trying to get through.

That concern in Olivia's eyes has him perplexed… Something's up.

Elliot walks a few paces closer to see what's going on.

There's still about thirty feet between them, and his view of Olivia is partially blocked by McCray, who has his back to Elliot. About a dozen or so courthouse visitors and reporters stand between himself and the two of them. He can't get any closer, and it's probably not worth the effort to work his way through this mob. But he can see her face and most of her profile.

He watches them. Olivia's hands are on Geoff's arms, just below his shoulders. There's that intense, slightly worried, brown-eyed glare, with slightly arched eyebrows which he knows her all too well. Whatever she's saying is very important. Probably confidential too, because her eyes keep glancing about to make sure none of the reporters within range are trying to pick up on their conversation.

Already caught some reporter's attention… Elliot notes, as he eyes the man's intent focus on Olivia.

The reporter arches his back to see around another court visitor, hoping to lip read and catch part of their conversation.

Olivia's slight hair flip and subtle glance in the reporter's direction confirms that she's aware of him.

Another minute of her explanation and then she's finished. After that, there's some dialogue between her and McCray.

She listens and nods, the concern he initially saw in her eyes is starting to lift. She even smiles.

Then suddenly, McCray leans in and kisses her.

He settles back a moment later, and Elliot can see her face again.

Her wide-eyed expression shows that she hadn't expected it.

Elliot's face flushes with anger.

What the hell is Geoff thinking?

Nothing he could detect in her body language would warrant such a response.

It really didn't matter why he did it—the case is drawing a media circus. Cameras everywhere. Geoff's and Olivia's names and pictures are in the paper and on the news. Everyone's watching this case.

He hates this guy! Does he have any respect for her at all?

No wonder this creep has been under watch by his firm.

He'd love to walk up to them and let this guy have it. But instead he hangs back and watches to see what Olivia will do.

She's surprised, but she brushes it off. That all-business expression of hers is back. Something else is more pressing. She checks her phone, says a little more to him then tugs on his sleeve, intending for him to follow her.

As they start to leave, they see Judge Carter walking in the direction of his office. They catch his attention, and there's a short conversation between the three of them. The judge nods and then continues on. Olivia and McCray head for the other end of the hallway. The only thing down at that end is lock-up, so they must be headed there.

At the security check-point, they see Dunhurst entering the courthouse. Olivia talks to a security guard while McCray falls back and says something to Dunhurst. Olivia, McCray and the guard head toward lock-up. Dunhurst stops for a minute, glances toward Judge Carter's office and then moves hurriedly in that direction. He knocks on the judge's door, enters, and closes the door behind him.

Elliot wanders toward the door of Judge Carter's office. Upon checking the door handle, he sees that it's locked. He doesn't intend to go inside anyway, but he decides to wait for Dunhurst to come out.

His coffee is still too hot, but he sips it as he waits, finishing it before too long.

Carter's law clerk slips in and out of the Judge's office quickly and speaks to one of the court officers, leaving the door propped open for a short time. Elliot can see Judge Carter and Dunhurst inside Carter's office, talking. Dunhurst doesn't look too happy.

After mentioning something to a court officer, the law clerk steps back inside and the door is once again closed.

What in the hell is going on?

After a few more minutes pass, he considers going to find Olivia or calling her cell phone. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the two of them returning from lock-up. He starts toward them, but they are headed toward one of the clerk's offices and he loses sight of them in the crowd.

Then suddenly, Dunhurst reappears.

"Oh… Hey Elliot," he greets.

"What's going on? Something happen with the case?"

"Defense is asking for a continuance," he responds, rolling his eyes distastefully.

"What's that about?" Elliot asks, as Dunhurst starts to walk away.

He shakes his head. "Oh, I don't know… The usual bullshit delay tactics, if you ask me. He's got nothing. Apparently, Judge Carter didn't agree."

"What delay tactics?"

"They should just wait for appeals to start this crap," he argues, seeming to not have heard Elliot's last question. He continues on, walking hurriedly in the opposite direction. "Sorry, I've got to go track down the DA. Catch you later."

Elliot releases an exasperated sigh and moves quickly toward the door to lock-up.

x x

~Moments ago…~

Geoff wanders through the security gate, glancing over a text from Brian about another one of his cases.

Great, he mutters to himself sarcastically, as he picks up his belongings and continues through the check point. CEO Padwick just rejected another plea… Looks like this steaming pile of bullshit is going to trial.

He hates criminal negligence cases.

Before these new managing partners took over, half of his cases didn't involve defending some slimy CEO's bank account.

Sure, criminal offenders didn't deserve leniency.

But neither does the head of some medical supply company who tried to cut corners to save profits, and the hell with the 17 who lost their lives to blood poisoning.

In his experience, even serial killers didn't lie as much. People care more about money than their freedom, apparently.

Geoff gazes up from his message just in time to see Olivia walking briskly toward him. His frown instantly turns into a smile.

The lovely, Detective Benson…

He looked into her background just before they met. Even got the chance to have dinner with her and get to know her better. She's an incredible person in every possible way. He's very impressed by her.

She was his last hope toward getting Clay to open up—and not a slim hope, at that. She's built quite a reputation in her line of work.

He knows his client is innocent. He also knows Clay was sexually assaulted and continually harassed by someone named Brock. But Clay refuses to give much detail beyond that. So he's had very little to work with.

It's entirely up to Clay to disclose what he chooses and report it to the police.

All he can do is keep encouraging him to talk to someone.

"Hey, Olivia," Geoff greets her. "Sorry…I did get your messages, but I was headed back here anyw—"

"Geoff! We need to talk!" She abruptly takes him by the arm and pulls him out of the stream of foot traffic. She quickly fills him in on her interaction with Clay and what she just learned from the Major Case detectives.

She finishes, and Geoff tries to process the information he's just received. He stands there shaking his head. "I wanted him to tell you when we were at Sheldon Arc. I guess I should be relieved that he trusted me enough to admit that he was attacked at all. I thought we had a pretty good rapport. All he does when I ask him about it is get angry." There's relief and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Olivia. How'd you do it?"

She smiles. "It's my job, Geoff. I work with lots of victims who are too angry to talk."

"Wouldn't even talk to his therapist. He needed to get that off his chest. Anyway, I think you just saved the day." Still gazing at her appreciatively, he leans in and gives her a gentle peck. He'd love to kiss her on the mouth, but he decides her cheek is probably more appropriate. He doesn't want to offend her—just thank her.

Except his aim is off, and she's not exactly expecting him, so he catches the corner of her mouth instead.

She's surprised by his sudden public display. "Geoff…? What's that for?"

"Nothing… Just a thanks," he adds sincerely. Seeing that perplexed brown-eyed glare linger, he blushes. "I'm sorry…I hope I didn't—"

She shrugs it off. "No problem… We've got a lot on our plates right now. I want to show these pictures to Clay…" she says as retrieves her phone. "Major Case sent me some recent sketches of James…."

"Right… We need an ID." His eyes drift about, suddenly noticing the judge who is headed back toward his office. "Court's about to reconvene. We'd better catch Judge Carter first."

x x

Elliot shows his ID to two guards at lock-up, then makes his way to Clay's holding cell.

Clay is standing by the cell door, holding onto the bars. No one else is back here.

Olivia and Geoff had Clay's handcuffs removed for the time being. There's still much to be done before all of this is resolved.

At last…things are looking up, Clay thinks to himself. He's far too nervous to sit, so he remains there by the cell door, waiting for his attorney and the lady detective to return.

They said something about a signature or form…or something, and then disappeared. More legal crap. He didn't know what it was about. But they said they'd be back in a few minutes.

His expression changes from hope to resentment when he sees the male detective approach.

"Th' hell do you want?" Clay poses, sneering back at the cop bitterly.

Elliot walks all the way up to the bars, keeping his voice leveled. "I'd like to know what the hell you and your lawyer are trying to pull!"

"I didn't rape or kill any—"

"Yeah, you did!" Elliot charges angrily. "And now you're trying to screw with the system!"

"System's already screwed! I shouldn't be in here! Even your partner thinks so!"

"Leave her out of this!"

"She's on…my side," Clay responds smugly. "It's a shame she got stuck working with a prick like you! But hey, you're not my problem anymore!"

"Wanna bet?" Elliot takes a step closer. He grabs onto the bars and rattles them, intending to intimidate Clay. "You raped and murdered those girls! Everyone knows you did it!"

"My lawyer's going to get me out of this—"

"Your lawyer is a lying sack of shit who is only out to save his own ass! There's no way you're getting off for what you did!"

"Get out of my face!"

"Or what? What are you going to do, tough guy?"

"Open this door and you'll find out pretty quickly!"

Elliot pokes a finger at him. "Maybe you and your lawyer can pull a stunt like this, here in this crappy little Pennsylvania suburb and get a few people to buy it. But if you think you're going to just sail through the New York courts…?" Elliot chuckles condescendingly. "Bullshit!"

"I'm done with this place! I'm done with you!"

"You're not done with anything! You're certainly not done with me. I'll make damn sure you pay for what you did to those girls!"

Clay grabs Elliot by the collar and pulls him hard against the bars. "I'll fucking end you!" Clay draws back his arm, preparing to punch him.

"Oh yeah? You're really going to punch a cop? If you think you've got problems now, pal, you ain't seen sh—"

One punch would be worth it, Clay decides. His fist comes through the bar, connecting with Elliot's jaw. Elliot ducks, but Clay still has Elliot by the collar, preventing him from drawing back too much. The pain is sharp and he struggles not to let on that it hurt.

He reaches with both arms and grabs Clay by the collar of his orange jumpsuit. "You low life piece of shit! You're going to—"

Before he even realizes the door is open, he hears Olivia's angry voice erupt from behind him.

"ELLIOT! Let him go!"

Elliot releases Clay, then turns to face his partner. Directly behind her is Geoff and a security guard. "That punk just punched me!" he alleges, touching his jaw where Clay had struck him.

Olivia turns to the guard and Geoff. "If you'll excuse us…" She turns back to her partner. "I need a word with you, Detective Stabler."

Clay laughs spitefully, as Elliot follows her out.

They walk down the corridor that leads from the lock-up to the clerk's office, passing various courtrooms and judges offices, until they finally find an empty jury room. She motions for Elliot to come in, and then closes the door behind him.

"Clay punched me, Liv—"

"You provoked him!"

"He started into me, the second I got in there!"

"What the hell were you doing in there?"

"Trying to find out what the hell was going on! Dunhurst tells me there's some kind of defense bullshit story going on, and you and that jackass defense attorney had disappeared!"

"So you went in there to have it out with Clay…"

"No, I didn't!"

"Yes, you DID!" She shakes her head at him in disgust! "Dammit, Elliot, I'm sick and tired of this!"

"He's GUILTY! Low-life scum deserves to pay for what he did to those girls!"

"Will you stop?"

"No, YOU stop! This IS about justice, Olivia, isn't it? Isn't that what you used to care about? Th' hell happened to you? Whose side are you on anyway? You used to be a damn good cop, not running off listening to a bunch of lies from a desperate defense attorney about to lose his job!"

"I've had about all I can take!"

"I'm trying to get justice for our victims and get criminals like that off the street!"

"No, you're antagonizing Clay to prove some kind of point, to show you're better than he is, and maybe to get back at me! But right now, I need you to shut up and listen for a min—"

"What the hell has gotten into—"

She steps into his face and raises her voice. "I said…SHUT UP!"

He huffs irritably, but doesn't speak.

She takes a few deep breathes, attempting to settle herself down before she continues. "There's more that you need to hear…" She spends the next few moments updating him on everything.

"So, now what?" Elliot asks unimpressed.

"We'll take Clay back to New York with us. We're going to leak to the press that they've made a settlement. When we get back to New York, there'll be a meeting with the chief of D's and the DA's office."

"Fine." Elliot says flatly, then turns and walks toward the door.

"So, is this the way it's going to be from now on?" she asks, following him.

One hand still on the door knob, he turns back toward her, his expression full of spite. "You're the lead on this case, I'm not. Cragen's not going to hear me out either. So yeah… I guess I'm just along for the ride!"

"You're not the least bit concerned?"

"About what?"

She cocks her head and looks at him disbelievingly.

"Just because Clay and his lawyer cook up some story about a sexual assault that Clay neglected to report, and now he wants to use it to save his own ass? Well, Liv…since I don't have room to disagree without it costing me my job and my partner…then I don't have anything to say!"

"Elliot…"

"Why the hell do you care what I think? You stopped doing that a long time ago!" he fires back hurtfully.

She shakes her head, tears beginning to cloud her eyes.

"Just tell me when it's time to go." Elliot adds, shutting the door behind him.

She stands there, gazing at the closed door in disbelief.

Resting her head against it, she cries.

She hates where things stand.

She misses the times they'd work together when a case would evolve, much like this one has.

She misses the nights they'd both be up late, fixated on some part of it because neither of them could fall asleep if they tried.

But anytime Elliot doesn't agree, the job automatically becomes harder.

She can't have him attacking Clay when he's the only one who can identify this guy James. Clay is still very guarded about his attack.

So instead, she steps in and ends up fighting with Elliot.

Lately she's had to come to his defense so he doesn't get himself into more trouble and lose his badge.

But other times she has to step in and do her job, and the hell with his anger issues.

She knows he cares, even if he won't say it.

She knows he would fight for Clay, if only he'd admit that he had some misconceptions about the case and let that go.

If only, he'd stop fighting her when he doesn't like an outcome.

She knows this attitude really isn't him. It's a weary, unsettled, maybe even burned-out version of the man she's known, adored and respected for years.

It takes her a few minutes to get herself calm and collected so she can head back out there. When she's ready, she opens the door and leaves.

Not really sure where to go, she wanders back toward lock-up.

She feels this growing emptiness inside of her, as her thoughts drift back to Elliot.

They've fought many, many times before. Somehow, this feels worse.

Gazing around at the stark walls and marble floor that lay in front of her, she suddenly wanted to leave this place. Just go somewhere and scream, cry, maybe curl up into a ball and wait for the ache inside of her to go away.

It won't, of course. The day he entered her life, he changed her.

Lost in a fog, she doesn't notice the security guard hurrying toward her, until he's just a few feet away. "Detective Benson…?"

"Yes?"

"It's your suspect, Clayton Oldbridge…"

"What is it?"

"Guard found him unconscious down in lock-up… He's dead."

TBC…