"Liv, we need to talk." Rafael said as he sat down on the seat in front of her in her office. Olivia looked up not expecting him.

"Hey, you sound serious." She noted that he had closed the door behind him.

"You'll never guess who's approached me to represent him." Olivia froze.

"Why?"

"The charges, you know it's a stretch. They ignored Rico charges and gunning for murder of Kathy Stabler with very little evidence. There's a lot of holes Liv." He answered not addressing her question.

"Rafa, are you taking this on?" She asked in disbelief, knowing how out of character it was.

"I have to Liv," he said not looking at her.

"Rafael Barba look at me," Rafael sighed and met her gaze.

"Rafa, this isn't you. I know you."

"Sometimes, there are bigger stakes." He said standing to his feet.

"Rafael Theodore Barba do not even think about walking out of that door." Rafael stopped but didn't turn around.

"What is Wheatley holding over you?" She pressed walking towards him.

"Nothing. I just didn't want you to be blindsided which is why I'm here." He replied with a shrug.

"Bullshit Rafa. I call bullshit." She said getting right in front of him.

"Think what you like Liv, maybe after Drew I am a defence attorney after all."

"I don't buy that for a second. Neither do you. I said it then and I stand by it now and forever, I have never doubted your humanity so if you're doing this I know you're doing it to protect someone." Then it hit her,

"Rafa, are you trying to protect me?" She asked quietly while Rafael remained silent.

"Rafi," Rafael sighed.

"If it's not me Liv. It'll be whatever shark lawyer he finds. Liv they'll drag you on the stand and they will go after you. They will question your position, your ethics. They will bring up your lawsuits. They will scrutinise not only you, your relationships and especially yours with Stabler. They won't stop there to discredit you Liv. They will go all the way back to ensure they rattle you and take away your credibility taking away from the whole point of this trial." She knew what he was referring to. He was trying to protect her from having to relive the worst moments of her life. She knew they would bring him up in connection to her perjuring herself.

"Wheatley did his research Liv. He knows we have a history. That you and I are best friends. Liv he's going after everyone who's connected to Stabler because your old partner decided to wage a war with a mob boss without any concern for the collateral damage. He's going after you because of how Stabler feels about you and he's using your best friend to try and destroy you."

"Rafa. I'm so sorry. You don't need to do this. I will be okay." She tried to assure him. He looked at her earnestly,

"Liv, how could I not? Would you not? At least this way, I control the narrative. Do you really want another lawyer digging through your expunge file? Do you really want to open those cans of worms because I know I don't." He stated.

"Look, I'm not here asking for permission. Nor am I here for you to convince me not to do it. I'm just giving you a heads up. If you want to hang Wheatley for Kathy's murder you guys are going to need something more than someone at NYPD framing someone of Wheatley's caliber. You know as well as I do that Angela Wheatley is just as good for Kathy's murder if not more." Rafael paused once more,

"And Liv, if you don't want to be blindsided in court, talk to Elliot about Angela Wheatley." Olivia inwardly gasped.

"I have to go. I won't be around during this whole thing. I don't want Wheatley finding other ways to knock the legs from under us. Please give Noah a hug for me and tell him I'm sorry. I will call later and explain it to him."

"I'm so sorry Rafa."

"It's not your fault. We're all just collateral damage in your former partner's shit storm. I haven't met the man but I have to say I hate him Liv." He said bitterly. He was about to open the door when Olivia placed a hand over his. With all the blinds closed in her office Olivia drew Rafael in her arms.

"I love you Barba. Thank you for throwing yourself in front of a moving freight train for me."

"Squabbling until 85. I love you too. You know if the shoe was on the other foot you'd be guns blazing. Liv, maybe have Fin look into Noah and Lucy's routine. Make sure no one is watching them. Wheatley, he's ruthless I don't want you and Noah to be caught any more in this shit storm that Stabler's pulled you into." Olivia nodded.