FIND HER: THE HUNT FOR ROLLINS

By Arizona Romance

Disclaimer: I do not own Law & Order: SVU or its characters. The following work is strictly fan fiction.

Story takes place several months after the Season 22 finale.

Note: There will be trigger warnings including kidnapping, rape, assault, etc. Please read to your own discretion.

Thanks so much for the reviews so far!

Chapter 14: Plea Deal

"Absolutely not," Olivia said, her face stern as she spoke. She could feel her blood boiling at the request.

"I agree with Liv, what he's asking for is ludicrous," Fin replied.

"I understand the concern," Barba replied.

"Do you? Because it sounds like you're ready to offer him a chair and welcome him with open arms."

"Olivia-" Barba began before he paused, sensing the tone. He looked around the room, observing the expressions and reactions each detective had to his offer. Olivia was enraged, as he suspected she would be. Given she was not only emotionally involved since the victim was one of her detectives and friends, she, too, suffered emotional trauma when Carl Clinton forced her hand to stay on live camera. She witnessed someone close to her be assaulted, she was manipulated, and now she was taking care of the victim. She had too many ties and emotions to see clearly. He had suggested she recuse herself from the case, but she'd snapped back at him. If she hadn't been on the job and targeted due to her position and relationship, he would have forced her too. She was reacting on a personal and protective basis and not thinking like a Captain.

He sighed as he turned and glanced at Fin, who looked equally as annoyed. Kat had been called to assist on a case, and although she hadn't been a part of the squad for long, Barba could only assume she would support the others.

Amanda sat there without a word, just staring at the desk. She had barely said a word since they'd come, just a quick hello and a small, unbelievable excuse as to why Carisi wasn't joining when Barba had asked. Olivia had originally disclosed to him that she was keeping him at an arm's length, but he thought by now Carisi would be there to support her. Barba could only assume her reasons given her trauma, but if anyone would be good for her right now it was him. Barba sighed, almost thankful Carisi wasn't there. Perhaps they were all too emotionally attached to the case, and Carisi would be more protective than Liv was.

That was when Barba's attention turned to Stabler, who didn't say a word, his expression neutral as he listened.

"Elliot," Barba said, catching him off guard as he looked up. "What do you think?"

"Um," Elliot paused as he glanced from Barba to Olivia, who looked at him as if he was betraying her by not automatically agreeing. "Don't look at me like that, Liv."

"Like what?" Olivia shot. "Do you even realize what he's asking Amanda to do?"

"Yes, of course. I'm not saying I agree, I just think it's something to consider."

"How can you even consider it?"

"Because he's thinking like a Detective and not like a family member," Barba snapped. He sighed as he looked at them. "Look. I understand why you are hesitant. What he put Amanda through was horrific, no one should have to go through what she went through. Facing the person who assaulted you is not easy; we all know this. What he is asking for is to sit down with her for fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes exactly and he'll take the maximum penalty. It doesn't take a genius to know that he's trying to play a game. Especially after his stunt at the lineup. Chances are he's going to try something similar. I don't know what his angle is. But what I do know, is that if we don't accept this plea deal, then he's going to take it to trial. Not because he knows he has a chance, but because it prolongs things. Every detail of what happened will be shared to a jury. This could end up in the media because a cop was involved. Amanda will have to testify. We will have to hear him testify, and there's a good chance he'll use that opportunity to say what he wants to say to her anyways. Plus, the added bonus that she'll have to see him for months or years if this gets dragged out which no guarantee he'll get the maximum if he puts on a convincing performance or tries to plead an insanity or trauma clause himself and considering who is father was, there's a chance he could get off easier."

"He's got a point, Liv," Fin sighed as he turned to her, watching her eyes gloss over – knowing they were right, and they should take the deal. They could help Amanda prepare for the meeting the best they could, ensure the right people were escorting her and that she was safe. Ultimately though, it wasn't up to them – it was up to Amanda.

"He's right," they all turned when they heard Amanda's faint voice. She heaved a heavy sigh as she glanced up shook her head. She bit her lip and took a moment, holding back tears before she tried to compose herself the best she could before looking at Barba. "Take the deal."

"Are you sure?" Barba replied. Although he was pushing for it, it was her choice.

"Yes," Amanda answered firmly. "As soon as possible. I want this over with."

Barba nodded as he grabbed his bag to leave the office, "I'll start making the calls."

As soon as Barba left the room, Olivia turned to Amanda. Before she had the chance to say anything, she noticed Amanda turn a ghostly white. For a moment she thought the blonde was going to faint until she saw her mouth clench and her shoulder shift. In a swift motion, Olivia grabbed the garbage pail behind her and managed to put it in front of Amanda just in time before she began to vomit. She sighed as she pulled the blonde's hair back to keep it out of the way. Holding it back with one hand she stroked her friend's back with the other, attempting to comfort her.

"I'll go grab some water," Elliot said as he stood.

"Thanks," Olivia replied as she watched him leave before looking at Fin. They didn't need to say a word, they were thinking the same thing – this was not a good idea.