Note: Please be aware, tw: abuse, sexual assault/non-con, child abuse. We're heading toward some pretty deep shit people. This ones a long one!
Thank you all for your reviews!
Side note: Also pissed at myself for not saving Barba to be the ADA. Might switch that, sorry?
As always, thanks for reading guys! I love hearing your thoughts!Alexandra was woken up by the sound of her alarm humming to life from its position on her nightstand. She'd barely slept three hours, but if she wanted to stick to her usual schedule of getting home from the gym before 7, she'd need to leave in the next fifteen minutes. For Alexandra, the gym wasn't a want, it was a need. Especially after last night. On a typical morning, the alarm clock kicked on her usual "every morning" playlist on Spotify to wake her up – running first through a couple of slow-paced songs before throwing the upbeat melodies of Rüfüs or Big Gigantic into the mix to pump her up for the gym. Today, Alex turned the volume down after rolling out of bed and barely let Maggie Rogers finish crooning I'm like fallingwater in the creek, before shutting off the device to leave. She'd changed into a pair of black Nike Pro Dri-Fit mid-rise leggings, a matching high-neck black sports bra, and a pair of dark green running shoes, grabbed her phone off the nightstand, put her AirPods in her ears, threw a sweatshirt over her torso, and was out the door in record time. The snow had paused again, the streets starting to clear. The meteorologists had changed course, now predicting the blizzard-like conditions would be rolling though the City on Saturday. Wednesday's dumping had just been a teaser.
She'd spent most of her time getting ready kicking herself over her actions the night before. She and Olivia had gotten dangerously close to falling over the line of what was appropriate behavior for a divorce attorney and their client. To make matters worse, she'd then had a very intense dream that Olivia was literally dominating her, using her body for her own pleasure. No matter how hard she'd tried to stop thinking about it, she couldn't get the image of a completely naked Olivia writhing above her out of her mind. Which only led her to remember how little control she had over herself when it came to the brunette. After all, she'd gone upstairs and made extremely quick work of bringing herself to a powerful orgasm. As much as Alexandra had tried to tell herself it was okay, that she hadn't thought of the brunette at all while she thrust her fingers inside her body, Alexandra knew damn well she'd crossed a line. Regardless, she couldn't help herself. Between the brunette's tortured flirting, the dream, and her unquenchable need for release, Alex had touched herself because of Olivia and she was pissed at herself.
It wasn't until Alexandra was in the elevator, heading down to the first floor to jog the five and a half blocks to Equinox on 80th and Madison, that she finally checked her phone. The first thing that startled her was the number of unread emails in her inbox. Alexandra never let the little red notification bubble stay long – another of her quirky little habits. 12. She scanned her text messages. 5. Missed calls. 2 from Marla, 1 from Adrienne. Alarm bells started ringing in her head as she instinctively started with her emails – the most recent few raising alarm to instant panic.
Theodore J. Park 3:25 AM
RE: RE: RE: RE: IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
Marla Goldstein 3:23 AM
RE: RE: RE: IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
Adrienne M. Lowell 3:22 AM
ALEX ANSWER YOUR PHONE
Theodore J. Park 3:16 AM
RE: RE: IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
NYSCEF E-Filing Courtesy Notices 3:06 AM
E-Service Index. No. 204462020
Marla Goldstein 2:54 AM
RE: IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
Adrienne M. Lowell 2:33 AM
IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
She slowly started opening each e-mail, starting with Adrienne's initial e-mail at 2:33 AM, just before she'd fallen asleep.
To: acabot ; mgoldstein ; tpark ; amurphy
From: alowell
Subject: IRM Benson-Holter: URGENT
Guys, we might have a problem. Click the link below:
us/new-york-city-mayor-accuses-adulterous-wife-of-ploy-for-custody
Am I missing something, or is he just stupid? I don't understand how he's gonna fight this.
Plan E, or skip ahead to K? I called a few friends… I'm trying to get my hands on the filings. We might just have to wait to be served.
Alex didn't bother to scroll any further up in her emails, immediately clicking the link Adrienne had sent them, scolding herself for failing to check her e-mail before falling asleep. Olivia is too distracting, Alex thought to herself as the page loaded, I need to stop this shit. Alexandra's anger with herself for her own lack of self control was burning hot.
New York City Mayor Bradley Holter files competing petition for dissolution citing adultery.
Mayor Holter's wife, 35-year-old Olivia Holter, filed multiple documents, in addition to a petition for dissolution, with both the Supreme Court and the New York County Family Court regarding alleged misconduct by Mayor Holter late Wednesday morning. In response to the heinous allegations, Mayor Holter's office released a statement denying the shocking allegations lodged against him by his wife.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News reporter Pamela Ulrich, Mayor Holter broke down in tears, explaining that he was absolutely sick over the whereabouts of his six-year-old son, Noah. Mayor Holter has not seen Noah since at least Sunday and has not heard from his wife since Tuesday morning.
"I was visiting my brother in Norfolk," Mayor Holter told Fox News, "I changed my flight to get in before the snowstorm hit on Wednesday afternoon. I planned to go greet my family at our place in Cold Spring Harbor, but I got caught at home here in the City. I was served in the lobby of our condo right after I got back from JFK."
Henshall, Langan, & Associates entered their appearance on behalf of Mayor Holter just moments ago. The Mayor, at the advice of counsel, declined to comment on the police reports filed by Mrs. Holter on Wednesday. He denied having been contacted by Children's Services.
"My wife and I have had our fair share of ups and downs. I worked too much, and my wife sought the comfort of others in my absence, but we always came out on top," Mayor Holter said, "We weren't perfect, but we were happy. My heart is broken."
Attorney for Mayor Holter, Mr. Trevor Langan, said that the firm filed multiple documents – the most important being a demand for access to the Parties' son. "I don't want to keep my son from his mother," Mayor Holter said, "And I won't stoop to her level, but I will fight vigorously in court for the truth to come out. I will never stop fighting for our boy."
Mayor Holter ended the interview early after breaking down a third time. Mr. Langan explained that the Mayor was having a hard time accepting that not only was his marriage over, but that his wife would use their son as a pawn in what could have been an amicable split.
The article went on, but Alexandra couldn't stomach much more. Holter's going to play the victim here? Amicable split? A pawn? She scanned through the remaining emails, Marla had put in a few calls to friends at various news stations, Adrienne had gotten her hands on a copy of the petition Holter had filed, and Ted and Marla jointly decided that it was time to file a Request for Judicial Intervention and wait. "Wait?!" Alexandra exclaimed to herself, still standing in the lobby of her building, "Are you kidding me?"
Alexandra didn't care that it was barely 5:30 in the morning, she immediately called Adrienne. Her blood was boiling at this point.
"'Bout time," Adrienne said, answering the phone on the third ring. Nothing about her voice sounded sleepy, so Alexandra opted to forego the half-hearted apology she'd prepared for calling the law clerk so early.
"I'm surprised you're up so early," Alex answered.
"I haven't gone to bed yet," Adrienne replied matter-of-factly, "Did you get my e-mail?"
"Yes," Alexandra said, "What the fuck are Marla and Ted smoking? Wait? Wait for what?"
"We've done everything we can right now Alex," Adrienne reasoned, "Ted filed the judicial intervention and now we have to wait for the Court… there's nothing else we can file. We've covered all of our bases for now. Until we see what he's filed, and the Court rules on our emergencies, our hands are tied. We can't respond to what we don't know."
"We can't rely on the Court to get it right… you know that."
"Since when do you doubt yourself Alex? What else do you want us to do? We've switched gears to plan K… And our filings were flawless Alex. Seriously,since when do you doubt yourself? Either way, the judge isn't going to - cannot ignore those exhibits in good conscience…"
"You looked?"
"I – I had to," Adrienne answered, "Marla and I needed to know."
"She asked everyone not to – she said she wasn't ready," Alex scolded.
"We're her counsel Alex, we're all about to know everything… We have to see it to use it against Holter."
"Bottom line is she said she wasn't ready, Adrienne. We have to respect our clients. Don't let it happen again," Alex's tone was serious, almost stern.
"There's the Ice Princess," Adrienne teased, "Don't get your panties in a twist – we'll let her share when she's ready."
"Whatever, Adrienne. Just… Ugh… Can you make sure you watch the docket? I don't want to miss anything – the judge should at least make a ruling on the protection order and suspension of parenting time with Noah today," Alex told her. It was typical for the Court to respond promptly to those types of filings – it involved the physical safety of individuals.
"Of course; e-mail and NYSCEF are both open on my laptop, I'll be monitoring all morning."
"Thank you… Anyway, are you still coming to this mediation with me today?" Alex asked her, changing the subject. It was typical for the lawyers at the firm to take a paralegal or a law clerk to a mediation with them – sometimes for a learning experience, other times to provide legal support. This mediation would provide Adrienne with neither, but Alex wasn't really looking forward to dealing with Trevor alone. She had too much on her mind for his bullshit.
"Marla asked me to prep the case file for Warner and start on financials for both Olivia and the new Corbin case," Adrienne answered, "But I can do that from the mediation, so yeah, no worries, I'm still coming."
"Sounds like fun…" she said sarcastically, "You're not too tired? We're not going to settle this, so it might not be very fun, or educational… Trevor's an idiot."
"Like I'd pass up getting to watch you dominate a room two days in a row," that telltale huskiness returning to her voice.
"Guess I'll have to bring my A game then," Alex flirted with ease. What the fuck? Alex asked herself.
"Ms. Cabot are you deliberately trying to turn me on?" Adrienne pretended to be shocked.
"Is it working?" She answered before she could stop herself. Why am I trying to stop myself? She asked herself, maybe it will take my focus off of Olivia?
"Mhm," Adrienne sighed softly, "Goddamn – the way you handled that guy from CNN… You're honestly lucky Marla was there." There was a hint of seriousness to her voice.
"Yeah right, you'd never," Alex laughed, knowing full well that Adrienne was way too chicken to ever make an actual move on her. Had Alexandra not initiated the situation on the 4th of July, they'd probably still be dancing around one another awkwardly. Alex much preferred the playful, flirty friendship they had now. It was certainly more fun this way.
"Are you trying me Cabot?" Adrienne asked.
"Are you intimidated by me Adrienne?" Alex countered.
"Do you know you?"
"A loaded question for 5:30 in the morning, don't you think?" Alex teased.
"Shouldn't you be at the gym?"
"Why do you know my schedule so well?"
"How's Olivia and Noah?"
"I don't know, honestly… Noah's been asleep for hours," Alex answered, "And Olivia… she was sleeping when I left this morning. I'm worried about them."
"Poor kid," Adrienne's voice had gone softer, concern taking over.
"He's just so innocent," Alex answered.
"They're gonna be okay Alex," Adrienne said, "We've got this."
"I'll pick you up at 8:15?" Alex asked.
"You'll be ready by then? It doesn't sound like you've even gotten to the gym yet," Adrienne answered.
"Well, if you'd stop blabbing, I'd be on my way."
"Are you going to yoga this morning?"
"Three miles, then yoga at 6:30," Alex answered.
"You can run 3 miles in less than an hour?"
"You can't?" Alex was confused.
"How far is that?"
"Adrienne!"
"No, for real, how long does it take to run 3 miles?"
"Depends how often you run," Alex told her, "But, judging by this conversation, I'd say you don't run… Probably 35 minutes for you. 23 for me on a good day."
"How humbling," Adrienne retorted, "I'll skip the run Cheetah Girl, but, I'll just meet you for yoga to make it easier? Seems dumb for you to come get me in the Village to go back up to Astoria. We can go to class, be back at your apartment by 7:45 and we can leave from your apartment together at 8:30?" Adrienne lived in Greenwich Village, a handful of blocks from NYU's law school where she was a student. Mediation was at some fancy former federal judge's mediation and arbitration office in Astoria. Adrienne was right, it made more sense for them to meet on the Upper East Side and take the tunnel over to Astoria – going down to the Village would just be an unnecessary loop.
"Are you sure? You just said you haven't even slept yet… don't you want to catch a few hours?"
"And how much sleep did you get last night Alexandra?"
"Point proven. I'll see you around 6:30."
Running was an escape for Alex. She'd done it since she was a kid to relieve stress. Ever the perfectionist, when things got tough with life or school, she ran a lot. She'd started running track in the 6th grade, and caried that on through undergrad. This morning's run was particularly freeing, she hadn't thought of much of anything; instead, she chose to lose herself in the music. It felt good to be back in control of her mind, even if it was only for a little while.
The young attorney preferred to run alone but, she was surprisingly happy to see Adrienne stride toward her as she bounded forward on one of the treadmills. The gym was relatively empty, save for the few early risers Alexandra saw every morning. It was 6:18 and Alex had just finished her fourth mile.
"You're early," Alex panted, taking her right earbud out of her ear so she could hear her friend.
"Ugh I don't understand how you run, especially this early – if you didn't look so good doing it, I'd throw up right now," Adrienne said dramatically, tossing her long hair up into a high ponytail.
"Good morning to you too," Alex said, lowering the speed on her treadmill until she was practically walking.
"Oh, don't slow down on account of me," Adrienne told her, licking her lips at the sight of a sweaty Alexandra.
"Running does it for you, huh?" Alex teased, slowing the machine to a stop and hopping off, "I'm done anyway." She wiped the machine down with a nearby wet wipe and used her towel to pat the sweat off her face and chest.
"I'm starting to be convinced that you just don't own a mirror," Adrienne laughed.
Alex rolled her eyes and started leading them toward the classrooms downstairs where their yoga class would be held. She and Adrienne had gone to a few together, the redhead actually having been the one to introduce Alex to the practice. They'd made it a thing over the last few months, sometimes even inviting the rest of the firm to come along. It was rare that anyone other than Kim or Amanda showed up.
"Has anyone heard anything? I saw Marla put in a call to a friend who has a colleague at Fox," Alex asked as they waited outside the room. A few other people had started to crowd around, but Alex still preferred the 6:30 AM class due to it being relatively small.
"Not yet," Adrienne answered, "Marla said she'd call once she heard. Where were you last night? I've never known you to go missing like that."
"I was working late… embarrassingly enough, I fell asleep at my computer and Olivia woke me up to go to bed," Alex admitted with a laugh, keeping the rest of the night's happenings to herself. Adrienne didn't need to know the details. "For the first time in like nine years, I forgot to check my phone before bed – I was exhausted. I'm just glad it wasn't nuclear."
"If it was nuclear, I would've been at your front door… How much sleep did you actually get?"
"Couple hours."
"So, what you're saying is you took a nap?"
"Where were you all night?"
"Studying, finals are next week," Adrienne answered. Alex wasn't sure if she believed her. As long as Alex had known the redhead, studying was rarely on her to-do list. And, even if it was, Adrienne always ended her nights on a fun note.
"Why do I doubt that?" Alex raised her eyebrow, studying the redhead intently.
"May have had a few beers with friends after – Perfect after studying re-fuel. Girls gotta eat," Adrienne shrugged.
"Eat or eat?" Alex teased.
"Both?"
"Still fucking that straight girl?"
"Still fucking that bartender?"
"No."
"Liar, Marla said you got laid like two days ago," Adrienne retorted, "Or, you got someone new?"
"No." Alexandra had a love hate relationship with the way gossip spread at the firm. It was annoying that everyone typically knew the intimate details of one another's lives, but she also loved how tightknit they all were – her own little family in the City. She just hated being the topic of conversation.
"No?"
"No, there's no one new," Alex answered, looking at the clock. Class wouldn't start for another 5 minutes, and the instructor was nowhere in sight.
"So, you did fuck Sienna the other day?"
"Yes, Adrienne," Alex groaned, giving in to her questioning.
"And?"
"Waste of time," Alex answered simply.
"Oof, Jesus Alex, I'm embarrassed for her!"
"It wasn't her – I just – it wasn't what I wanted," Alex answered honestly.
"We can't always get what we want, now can we Alex?" Adrienne asked with a suggestive smirk.
"I find it hard to believe you don't always get what you want."
"Oh, really?" Adrienne asked, raising her eyebrow. Alexandra knew damn well that Adrienne, more often than not, wanted Alex to throw her against a wall and do inappropriate things to her on an almost daily basis. It was Alex who wouldn't give in.
Alex laughed at the suggestion, "If it makes you feel any better… if you didn't work for my firm," she leaned over slid her hand across Adrienne's cheek softly, "we'd both be a little less stressed."
Adrienne visibly shuddered under Alex's gentle touch.
There was something about Adrienne that Alex was drawn to – in a purely sexual manner. No part of her wanted to actually date her. She'd decided it was Adrienne's free spirit, her wild side, definitely her body, but mostly how easy it was for them to fall into a comfortable rapport. Raunchier than a typical friendship, but not enough for more. It was familiar, safe, and fun. It wouldn't be so bad if they gave in and slept together, in fact, it probably would keep her mind off a certain forbidden brunette. Maybe letting something happen with Adrienne wasn't such a bad idea, maybe it was exactly the distraction she needed to get through this case unscathed. Alex put that thought in her back pocket for now, resigning to re-think it later.
"I quit," Adrienne said with a laugh, obviously joking.
Alex winked at her and went to respond, but before she could speak a familiar voice came from behind them, "Would you two just do it already?"
Both women turned around abruptly, the face of their colleague, Kim Greylik, coming into view. The nature of Alexandra and Adrienne's relationship was no secret around the firm, in fact, it had become a sort of joke. The last Adrienne had heard, Abby had started a pool amongst some of the attorneys over when it would happen, not if.
"Why, you got December or something?" Adrienne asked with a grin, greeting Kim.
"I had November actually," Kim retorted, "I really thought it would happen at the Thanksgiving potluck… Assholes, I'm out $200 bucks thanks to you two."
"There's a bet?" Alex asked.
"$100 buy in on when you two finally do it," Kim answered with a knowing smile.
"Then how are you out $200?" Alex asked, rolling her eyes. Typical. The firm enjoyed a friendly wager, often betting on one another. Until now, Alex had never been the subject of one of the firm's pools.
"I thought I had it on the 4th of July, I had to buy back in," Kim answered with a laugh. Alex rolled her eyes.
"Does everyone know about the 4th of July?" Alex asked exasperated.
"You two were eye-fucking each other so hard, even I was turned on. Abby started the pool right after Adrienne followed you to the bathroom," Kim told her, "Rafael and I both put a hundred in right then and there. We were convinced one of you would cave that night… We were so pissed at Marla for going downstairs neither of us spoke to her the rest of the night."
"What's the pool at now?"
"$2,000, I think," Kim answered.
"$2000?!" Adrienne asked with a laugh. Abby, Marla, Kim, Rafael, Amanda, Dominic, Casey, and even Ted had all bought in on the bet, most of them in for $200 or more having lost once or twice already.
"You're all ridiculous," Alex said with a sigh, waving her hand at Kim.
"So, when the bets about you it's ridiculous, but it's all fun and games when you get to play," Kim retorted. The last bet had been about Kim, and whether or not she'd finally give in to Ryan Thompson's advances. Ryan was a corporate lawyer who worked at the firm on the 6th floor. He'd asked Kim out at least six times before she finally gave in. Alex had won that bet.
Alex rolled her eyes, "This one is inequitable, the highest pool I've ever gotten to participate in was $1,200."
"Should've done her sooner then," Kim quipped. The instructor arrived as if on cue and the small crowd was let inside for class. Alex didn't get to respond, but neither of her friends missed the deep red blush that began creeping up her neck.
Class had been refreshing. After a fast-paced run and a body opening vinyasa class Alexandra finally truly felt fully in control of herself again. Actually, she'd felt the best she had all week, even with the lack of sleep. Kim had said goodbye outside the classroom, heading off towards the ellipticals to get in a cardio workout before heading into the office. Adrienne and Alex headed toward the locker room to grab Adrienne's change of clothes so they could be back and on their way to Astoria by 8:30 – if they were lucky, traffic wouldn't be too bad, and they'd be right on time.
"You know taking the subway would probably be faster," Adrienne told Alex as they pushed through the doors to the women's locker room.
"I am not taking the subway," Alex answered, still wiping the sweat from her body after their intense class with her small hand towel. Alexandra simply didn't take the subway. Growing up on Long Island, she'd always had a car, and if she was going out with friends in the City, she'd take the LIRR and use cabs while hopping around.
"You're ridiculous," Adrienne replied. She, on the other hand, was a frequent rider of the subway, mostly due to growing up riding the L in Chicago and now working so far from her apartment. At least three times a week, Adrienne took the 1 up to Times Square, the 7 to Grand Central, and the 6 up to the Upper East Side.
"We'll drive," Alex answered simply, following Adrienne to the locker she'd used for the day, "So hurry up."
"I need to shower," Adrienne told her, pausing in front of one of the lockers and making quick work of entering its combination.
"Is that because you worked up a sweat, or you need to cool off from staring at my ass for the last 45 minutes?" Alex teased accusingly.
Adrienne shot Alex a sly smile, "As if you didn't put your mat right in front of mine on purpose, Alex."
Alexandra smiled, rather than blushed, Adrienne was right. Alex loved watching the redhead squirm, plus, it gave her a boost of control over their situation, "Are you mad though?"
"Absolutely not," Adrienne answered, raking her eyes up and down Alex's body. Alex's eyes glazed over at the sight of Adrienne unapologetically checking her out. It never failed to turn Alex on watching the younger woman want her.
"You can shower at my place," Alex told her.
"What about Olivia and Noah?" Adrienne asked, her eyes locked on a bead of sweat that had just started dripping down the right side of Alex's long, slender neck.
Alex paused for a moment, realizing that for the first time since Monday, she'd been able to go almost two hours without really thinking about the brunette. At least not since this morning when Olivia was all she could think about. Instead, she'd focused most of her attention on herself, and, frankly, Adrienne. The redhead looked good enough to eat in a forest green sports bra, her well sculpted stomach fully exposed, and a pair of black Lulu Lemon yoga pants. She hadn't worked up nearly as much of a sweat as Alex had, but the slight flush to her skin had Alex drooling internally. Maybe I'm just incredibly horny, Alex pondered to herself, makes sense, it's all I seem to want these days – really good sex. Or, maybe to stay away from women. She shrugged it off, thankful to have gotten some reprieve from her infatuation with her client. Maybe having something casual with Adrienne wasn't such a bad idea. They were good friends, after all.
"I'm sure they're up," Alex answered.
"Damn, of course the first time I'm naked in your apartment, there's a client and a 6-year-old there," Adrienne said with a laugh.
Alex narrowed her eyes, raising an eyebrow slightly, "First time?"
"It won't be the last, I'm sure," Adrienne answered, taking a step forward into Alex's personal space. The blonde looked up, her eyes locking on Adrienne's lips as the redhead ran her tongue across them briefly.
"You seem sure about that," Alex answered, her eyes connected with Adrienne's.
"Oh, I am… Alexandra Cabot is many things, but she is not a tease," Adrienne answered.
"Are you goading me?"
"Do you want me to be goading you?"
Alexandra couldn't take it anymore, every bit of control she'd had over the Adrienne situation out the window. Or maybe this was her taking control? She wasn't sure. Alex hastily closed the distance between herself and Adrienne, shoving her harshly into the lockers behind her. Her left hand landed beside Adrienne's head, her right on her hip. She dipped her head down, pressing her lips almost directly against the shell of Adrienne's exposed ear and whispered, "I want you to wipe that smirk off your face."
She felt Adrienne jerk against her, but she said nothing, unable to speak from the anticipation. Months of build-up had the redhead virtually incoherent.
"This is just sex," Alex warned, her lips still brushing softly against Adrienne's ear.
Adrienne nodded again, whimpering slightly at the sound of Alex's voice.
"You need to say it, and mean it," Alex told her, watching the goosebumps form on her neck.
"Just friends… I mean sex – Sex friends… Fuck, Alex, I mean, just sex. Just sex," Adrienne stuttered out, finally regaining control over her body and mind. Both hands instantly went to Alex's ass, pulling her closer. She groaned when Alex's thigh slid between her legs.
Alex gripped Adrienne's hip tighter, digging her fingers into the exposed flesh of the young woman's torso. One of Adrienne's hands slid forward, inching her fingertips toward Alex's pelvis; the blonde's head dropped lower, letting out a soft groan, her tongue sliding across the side of Adrienne's salty, sweat slicked neck, "Later. The redhead couldn't help the deep moan that escaped her lips.
Alex gathered the last ounce of self-control she had – or just control in general, she hadn't decided yet – and pushed herself off the wall and away from Adrienne. She took a few deep breaths and glanced around to make sure no onlookers had caught their exchange. Everything had happened so quickly, no one had even come in the locker room. It felt incredibly good to be the one controlling that situation. Ok, so it's full control… what has gotten into me? Alex asked herself.
"You can't be serious," Adrienne finally stammered, coming out of her stupor. Not three seconds ago she was pinned against the locker with her hand creeping across Alex's lower stomach, "You are a tease."
"I said later Adrienne, not no. We'll be late to mediation," Alex answered, grabbing Adrienne's small duffle bag and slinging it over her shoulder. She placed the sweater she'd worn to the gym in Adrienne's bag and started toward the door.
"You're going to be the death of me Cabot," Adrienne groaned, following after her friend.
"Guess you'll have to wait till tonight to find out," Alex teased.
By 7:40 Alexandra and Adrienne were bursting back into Alex's apartment panting. Once they'd exited the gym, the frigid air hitting their skin, the tension from moments prior had been virtually extinguished. Adrienne had promptly challenged Alex to a race back to her place and, after a few close calls in the snow, they were back.
"I won," Alexandra said while she tried to catch her breath. For an added challenge, they'd taken the stairs instead of the elevator.
"You took the stairs two at a time, that's not fair," Adrienne answered.
"Get longer legs," Alex said as she grabbed two water bottles out of her refrigerator and tossed one to Adrienne.
"Why? These babies wrap around your head just fine."
Alex almost choked on her water. She took Adrienne's duffle from around her body and handed it to her friend, "Oh my god, get out of here… Go use my shower."
"Wish you could join me," Adrienne husked, swatting Alex's ass before hurrying up the stairs and into Alex's bedroom.
From upstairs, Olivia overheard the interaction between the two women. She knew she recognized the voice, but she couldn't quite place it. A hint of jealousy coursed through her veins at the woman's suggestive comments. Olivia pondered whether Alex was just simply flirty with everyone. She wasn't quite sure why, but it irked her. Maybe Alex wasn't feeling the attraction too. Shaking the thought, she waited until the woman closed Alexandra's bedroom door before emerging from the guest room with Noah.
"Alexandra?" She heard her name being called from upstairs. A moment later, Olivia and Noah appeared over the railing of the loft.
"Hey," Alex answered smiling up at them, "Did you guys sleep okay?"
"I did!" Noah yelped out, smiling and waving at Alex, "G'mornin' Miss. Alex."
"Good Morning Noah," Alex replied, "Did you sleep good in your big boy bed?"
"Yeah! I got to sleep like a starfish!" Noah cheered, tugging on his mom's hand to follow him down the stairs.
"Looks like you had a good workout," Olivia said as she followed her son down the stairs and into the kitchen. She eyed Alexandra up and down. She was still wearing nothing but a sports bra and leggings, her hair tied up messily, skin slightly flushed from the run back home. Olivia wasn't surprised that Alexandra had many suitors. It made sense, especially after last night's conversation. Alex had told her she didn't do relationships, and it was clear that Alex had a relatively healthy sex life – at least as far as Olivia knew.
"Ran a couple miles and went to yoga class with Adrienne and one of the other lawyers at the firm, I don't think you've met her yet… Kim Greylik," Alex told her with a smile, "Adrienne's taking a shower now and then we're getting out of here for that mediation I told you about yesterday."
"Do you mind if I make Noah breakfast?" Olivia asked, keeping the conversation short. Her mind was swimming now, knowing exactly who Adrienne was. Olivia had only seen her a few times, and mostly corresponded with her via email, but she wasn't blind. Adrienne was beautiful, but not only way too young, but totally not Olivia's type. She was into the "uptown girl" kind – the type with hearts and minds of gold – one that would be into a downtown girl like her. Adrienne was too much like her, and way too wild. She wondered whether Alexandra was just into women like that – bold, from the rougher side of the tracks.
"Not at all, make yourself at home… Can I talk to you in the livingroom first really quick?" Alex asked, remembering that she still needed to talk to Olivia about the news article and Holter's filings. Alex couldn't help but notice that something seemed off with Olivia. Gone were the surreptitious stares from across the room, the barely appropriate touches. Instead, Olivia seemed pensive, stuck in her own mind over something Alex couldn't pinpoint.
"If it's about the article, I already know… It's all over the news," Olivia answered, gesturing toward the tv. At the very least, Alex could now tell that Olivia wasn't really up for talking. Alexandra sighed, figuring that Olivia was likely upset about the fact that Bradley had divulged the existence of her affairs. It would only be a matter of time until the world knew those affairs were with women.
"Of course," Alex told her, "Are you okay?"
"I expected it… warned the women," Olivia answered, "I'm not ashamed by it." Olivia knew she was being ridiculous. She was thankful Alexandra would be out of the apartment all day so that she could take some space to chill out. She was way too on edge from the bullshit of the last few days… few years actually.
"That's admirable, they were lucky women," Alex conceded, "Well then… in the meantime, help yourself to anything you need. I need to go get ready."
Alex turned and disappeared up the stairs, and into the guest bedroom to take a shower.
Getting out to Astoria thankfully hadn't been as much of a hassle as they thought it would be. Alexandra, dressed in a pair of black trousers, a white blouse, and a slim fit black jacket, was already sitting inside the lobby of Astoria Mediation & Arbitration waiting for Judge White to be ready for them. Adrienne had taken Ellen Hawthorn to the ladies' room, and Alex was entertaining herself with a silly game on her phone when Trevor and Kevin Hawthorn walked in the double doors of the office's lobby.
"Good morning, Alexandra," Trevor greeted her politely as they made their way to the other side of the lobby to sit down.
"Trevor," she acknowledged.
"Do you have a moment to talk? Unrelated to our case today," Trevor asked, setting his briefcase down on the chair beside the one Mr. Hawthorn had sat in.
"Regarding?" Alex asked, not looking up from her phone.
"Our new case," Trevor answered.
"I suppose I have a moment," Alexandra answered, placing her cell phone into her briefcase at her feet and standing up from her chair. She gestured to the side of the room and followed him to privacy.
"What could we possibly have to talk about this early in the game?" Alexandra asked, annoyed that Trevor would be opposing counsel on yet another case of hers.
"First, the Mayor would like us to give this note to your client," Trevor answered, taking a small folded up piece of paper out of his pocket and extending it outward to hand to Alexandra.
"I can assure you that my client has no desire to hear from yours," Alexandra told him, holding up her hand to refuse the note.
"You should let your client make that decision," Trevor responded, extending the piece of paper at Alexandra a bit more forcefully. Alexandra rolled her eyes and took the piece of paper from it, putting it into her jacket pocket.
"If that's all, I'd like to go rejoin my client," Alexandra told him curtly.
"Mayor Holter put $200,000 in the joint account for your client to use for attorney's fees and anything else she might need," Trevor told her. "All he asks is that she let him talk to Noah."
"Not a chance," Alex barked, "We don't need your client to do us any favors, the law is on our side here and you know it. If he makes us take this issue to court, he's just adding fuel to the flame we like to call financial abuse… Your client makes nearly half a million dollars a year, is sitting on millions in investments, while my client barely makes $60k. They have a child who deserves to live comfortably and safely... This isn't up for negotiation Trevor."
"It's not a condition. The money is there… This is a request. Is he safe?" Trevor asked.
"Of freaking course he's safe! Your client knows damn well that he's safe with his mother," Alex groaned unhappily.
"A child needs both parents," Trevor stated, "Noah loves his father."
"This conversation is over."
"Your client should think long and hard about going up against the Mayor," Trevor warned.
"Does your clint really think that now is the time to be lodging threats against his wife? Your client is going to pay for what he's done – do you really want to go down with him?" Alex asked.
"You're assuming my client is actually guilty of something," Trevor stated.
"I saw the damage with my own eyes Trevor… It appears you have an affinity for abusive husbands" Alex retorted angrily. How dare Trevor even insinuate that Olivia was lying about Bradley in any way.
"Everyone is entitled to exemplary representation Alex," Trevor said, turning and starting to walk away as Judge White appeared to greet them, he looked back over his shoulder quickly and said, "Call me on Monday, maybe we can settle this."
"Not a chance in hell," Alex responded quickly, walking over to Adrienne and Ellen who had returned from the bathroom.
"10:30?" Trevor called, disappearing down the hall with his client. Alex rolled her eyes.
"You ready Ellie?" Alexandra asked, putting her hand on the middle-aged woman's back and leading her toward one of the two conference rooms Judge White had set up for them.
"As I'll ever be... I just want this to be over," Ellie responded with a smile, "I trust your judgment."
At some point during the mediation, things had started looking up. Kevin was finally providing the required financial documents and had made a reasonable offer regarding their daughter, Sydney. Based on Alexandra's last call with the prosecutor on Ellie's case against Kevin, he'd taken a plea. There was still some negotiating to do, but suddenly – it looked like the Hawthorn case might actually settle today. Alexandra had Adrienne running child support numbers, drafting spreadsheets, determining alimony numbers, and drafting offer notes for Judge White while Alexandra reviewed financial documents, business valuations, stock portfolios, and formulated offers regarding Sydney. Around 12:00, Adrienne nearly jumped out of her chair at the notification that popped up on the side of her laptop screen.
"Alex," Adrienne said, pulling the blondes attention from her conversation with Ellie. They'd all taken a break for lunch and the two were chatting about Ellie and Sydney's upcoming trip to Vermont to ski over Christmas.
Alex looked up, "Yes?"
"A whole slew of alerts," Adrienne answered, gesturing for Alex to come closer.
Alex put her fork down in her salad container and apologized to Ellie before getting up from her chair and walking over to Adrienne. She gestured for Adrienne to surrender the computer. She leaned over, clicking the link in one of the recent alerts and logging into her NYSCEF account.
The Judge had been busy this morning. Their petition was accepted and assigned Index No. 87342021, and the judge deemed Holter's competing petition a Response to Olivia's petition and consolidated the cases. This also gave her access to Holter's filings from early this morning. It was a small win, but not that big of a deal. In the grand scheme of things, it didn't actually matter who filed for divorce first, but for the client it would be a small victory – she'd told Alex that she wanted Noah to know that she was strong enough to leave him first.
The biggest win came in the form of a signed temporary protection order barring Holter from contact with Olivia. The judge had set a hearing on it for December 18, 2021. Alex smiled at the knowledge that it was likely Holter would comply with the order, meaning Olivia would be safe for a while. It also meant Olivia and Noah would probably be able to move into one of the two homes soon – if she wanted to. Trevor had filed a very strange motion with the court along with his petition – essentially demanding access to Noah. The judge deemed it a response to Alex's motion to restrict his access. The judge set it for a status conference on December 16, 2021. That would be a tough week. For now, all that mattered was that Holter wasn't allowed to see Noah or Olivia. Alex's emergency motion for support was put on an expedited briefing schedule, so if Trevor was bluffing about the joint account, at least Olivia wouldn't have to wait long for the court to grant her it anyway. Things were looking good for them and they'd get even better after Olivia's interview with the Manhattan Special Victims Unit tomorrow.
Adrienne had been trying to read along, but Alex had obstructed most of her view. Not that she was complaining, she had a rather stellar view of Alexandra's chest from this position. When she noticed the blonde push the computer away with a smile, she quickly grabbed it, and started scanning through the documents Alexandra had left open.
Alex didn't say anything, and instead took out her phone and quickly texted Marla to let her know the orders had come in, unable to wipe the smile off her face. She walked back over to Ellie and apologized for the interruption again before rejoining her to finish lunch. Alex very rarely, and only in special circumstances, did work for other cases while with another client; but Alex knew Ellie would understand. Adrienne shot Alex a grin from across the table and mouthed her excited congratulations. This was turning out to be a pretty fantastic Thursday.
It was nearly 12:30 by the time Judge White knocked on the door and re-entered the conference room Alex, Adrienne, and Ellie were using.
"I think we've got it," the elderly former judge told the three women with a large toothy grin as he took his usual seat at the head of the large table.
"Oh yeah?" Alex asked with a smile, pulling her notepad and pen from across the table to sit in front of her, "Let's hear it."
"So, we're down to Sydney," Judge White said simply. He reviewed the notepad in front of him and smiled, "Kevin will agree to a 6 month long intensive anger management program, enroll in DBT therapy, will follow any and all recommendations of the care teams. He will provide you with a full release to speak to the team, provided you sign a confidentiality agreement regarding the contents of the conversations."
"That sounds fair," Alexandra commented, looking over at Ellie. The woman didn't make any indication of agreement but gestured for the Judge to continue.
"He'll agree to domestic violence counseling in addition to the stipulations contained in his deferred judgment. He'll have only therapeutic visits with Sydney twice a week until the counselor says that they are no longer necessary. At that time, he will take every other weekend for three months, then every other weekend and Monday nights for three months, and if at the end of his deferred judgment, all professionals are in agreement, he will have Tuesdays, Mondays, and every other weekend," the Judge continued.
"This is a complete 180. Why the sudden flip?" Alexandra asked, concerned that there was something hidden in this plan. Not even two hours ago Kevin had denied their offer regarding Sydney but were close on all things financial and Alex had started thinking that they'd have to get an expert on the Sydney issues.
"He'll agree that regarding anything major for Sydney, you, Ellen, would have the final say," the Judge continued, ignoring Alex's question. Judge White was a fantastic mediator, but he tended to avoid dealing with questions he deemed argumentative. "He'd like Sydney to continue at Dalton until high school graduation and has agreed to split this cost with you 70/30."
"I –" Ellen started to say, before dropping her head into her hands.
Alex looked up at Judge White with a sympathetic smile, "Can we have a minute?"
The Judge nodded and stood up, leaving the women alone in the conference room again.
"Ellie," Alex started, reaching over and placing her hand on the woman's back, "This is good. This is what we wanted." She heard the older woman take in a deep breath before looking up at her with a laugh.
"You're okay?" Alex asked, suddenly confused.
Ellen suddenly burst into laughter. Her hand flying to her mouth to cover it as she tried to calm down.
Alex and Adrienne exchanged a series of confused glances, both unsure of how to handle their now hysterical client.
"He's absolutely ridiculous," Ellen finally said, gathering control over her emotions, "After all of this, he's just going to give me exactly what I asked for?"
Alex smiled, suddenly knowing why Ellen was laughing, "This happens all the time, Ellie… he decided to back down last minute – it's typical."
"All of this freaking money and he – he just…" Ellen laughed again, "This is ridiculous."
"It is," Alex confirmed, "But at least it's over."
"I – I can't even believe it… after all of this, it's finally over," Ellie answered, tears starting to fall from her eyes, "It's finally over."
Alexandra smiled and nodded her head at Adrienne, indicating for her to go get Judge White. Adrienne obliged, while Alex soothed their emotional client.
"Sounds like we're done here?" Judge White asked with a grin,
"We're done," Alex confirmed, "I'll get started on the MOU."
"Excellent," the Judge responded, turning and exiting the room.
Alexandra had never been a fan of bridges. Every time the blonde had to drive over one, which was often living in New York City, her palms would sweat, and her heart would race. Before hitting the pavement that would start her ascend up over water, Alexandra would unbuckle her seat belt, roll down her window, and blast whatever song was on the radio. While they'd taken the tunnel out to Astoria due to traffic on the bridge, the traffic was clear by the time they left Judge White's office around 2, leaving Alex with no viable excuse as to why she wasn't taking the bridge back to the Upper East Side.
As the Queensboro Bridge came into view in front of her, Alexandra instinctively released the buckle of her seatbelt. Her right hand reached up and turned the dial on the radio, raising the volume. Adrienne had put on an album called you ruined new york city for me by some allegedly attractive lesbian named FLETCHER and Alex was just glad she actually enjoyed the music enough to blast it. It was the middle of winter, snow on the ground, and Alexandra rolled the window beside her down. She caught Adrienne looking at her peculiarly from out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't care.
"Alex?!" Adrienne called over the music, "What the fuck are you doing?!"
Alex lifted her hand and shooed Adrienne, signaling she should just sit back and shut up.
"Are you scared of bridges?" Adrienne asked, turning in her seat to look at the blonde attorney, a shit-eating grin spread across her lips.
"Shut up Adrienne," Alex responded, her hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly they'd gone impossibly white.
"You're scared! Alex Cabot is scared!" Adrienne picked up her cellphone and started fumbling with it, a telltale sign to Alexandra that she was about to take a very embarrassing photo of her.
"I swear if you even so much as finish that thought," Alex warned. Her eyes hadn't left the road in front of her as they started across the bridge. For once, traffic was actually moving quite well across the bridge and Alexandra was beyond grateful.
Adrienne ignored Alex and started quickly snapping photos with her iPhone of Alex's distressed state, "This is too good."
"Fuck you," Alex spat. She wasn't actually angry, but it was absolutely embarrassing how afraid of bridges she was. Ever since she was a little girl, she absolutely hated having to cross them – even back then, Alex's window was always open when a bridge came into view.
When they were successfully across the bridge, Alex lowered the music back to an acceptable volume, buckled her seat belt back into its latch, and shut the window.
"What the hell?" Adrienne asked with a laugh.
"I'm afraid of bridges Adrienne, in case you missed that," Alex said, shooting her an embarrassed grin.
"Well that much is clear, but what the fuck?"
"If we go over, I don't want to drown," Alex answered, believing wholeheartedly that her explanation was totally normal.
"Alex if we go down, we're dying on impact," Adrienne answered.
"Not necessarily, we could live," Alex reasoned, "And if we do, if we're buckled, we'll drown. If the window isn't open, we won't be able to escape."
"That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say," Adrienne retorted, still laughing.
"Yeah, well you'd have been glad when I was able to save your trapped ass," Alex told her matter-of-factly.
"You're adorable… I never thought I'd use that word to describe you, but that's actually so stupid cute," Adrienne responded after finally relaxing from her laughter.
"Please don't ever call me cute again, I hate that," Alex answered, "How juvenile."
"Big bad Alexandra Cabot is secretly terrified of bridges," Adrienne teased.
"You'll keep that between us Adrienne," Alex warned.
"So, I can't tell Abby?"
"You will absolutely not tell Abby," Alex growled, "Abigail Carmichael will not be ruining my day today."
"Fine, fine. I promise… but speaking of which, congratulations, Alex. You kicked ass today."
"I did, didn't I?" Alex asked with a grin as she turned right onto 3rd Avenue to head uptown.
"God Alex, you handed Trevor his own ass on a silver platter," Adrienne cooed, "Twice. What a fucking badass."
When Alexandra looked over at Adrienne, she immediately noticed the shift in her demeanor. Adrienne was no longer sitting normally on her side of the car. The redhead had shifted her body and was leaning over the center console, her body as close to Alex's as possible without actually touching her. Her hazel eyes had turned a wicked shade of autumn green, staring at Alex like she was a particularly delicious pasty that Adrienne needed to get her hands on.
"Adrienne," Alex warned half-heartedly.
"Alex," Adrienne responded, her hand reaching over to rest on Alex's upper thigh.
"I'm driving," Alex choked out, suddenly unable to look at the beautiful redhead beside her.
"This morning," Adrienne started with that familiar huskiness, "You said," the hand resting on Alex's thigh started drawing soft patterns on her black slacks, "I was all talk." She slid her hand up further, until her fingertips were brushing slightly against the curve where Alexandra's legs met her lower abdomen. "Are you sure about that?"
Alexandra didn't respond, trying her hardest to concentrate on the busy, snow slicked streets of New York City. Her breathing slowed as she tried to keep her eyes open despite the burning sensation growing in her stomach.
Adrienne leaned over and used her free hand to brush the long blonde locks off of Alexandra's neck. Alex's last breath caught in her throat as she realized what her law clerk was about to do. Seeing no hesitation from Alex, Adrienne dropped her head to Alex's now exposed skin and placed a gentle kiss against Alex's pulse point.
Alex couldn't help the little whimper that escaped from her lips. Adrienne's hand slipped between Alexandra's thighs. Alex instinctively moved her left leg, giving Adrienne better access. The redheads hand slid up to cup Alex's center in her hand, then drug her fingers upwards, making sure to press the seam of Alex's pants into her. Alex's eyes widened at the feeling, dropped one of her hands off the steering wheel and gripped Adrienne's wrist.
"I'm driving," Alex spit out, barely able to form the words.
"You said I'd never make the first move," Adrienne repeated slyly. Her lips fell back into the crook of Alex's neck, placing a tongue filled kiss against her jaw. She felt Alex's grip on her wrist loosen and she smiled against her skin. She slid her hand back down between Alex's legs and slowly started massaging her fingers against Alex's clothed sex. She bit down on Alex's neck, hard, then ran her tongue over it soothingly. This time, Alex moaned loudly, unable to stop herself. "I think I just proved you wrong," she added.
Abruptly, Adrienne stopped, pulling her hand away and plopping back down on the passenger seat of Alex's Cayenne
"What – what the fuck?" Alex asked, suddenly upset that the redhead was no longer touching her.
"Payback's a bitch, Miss. Cabot," Adrienne responded with a wicked grin.
"You're a tease," Alex retorted, forcing herself to take multiple deep breaths in a row, trying to calm down the fire Adrienne had built in a matter of seconds.
"And we're almost back at the office," Adrienne answered, the shit-eating grin still spread across her face.
"I could kill you," Alex growled.
"I have a better idea," Adrienne told her, leaning back over to whisper in the blonde's ear. She lowered her voice considerably, "You could kill me… or you could let me fuck you tonight."
Alex shuddered at the words, at the way confidence oozed out of Adrienne's lips. Maybe giving Adrienne the green light wasn't such a terrible idea. In fact, the thought of the redhead finally giving her what she'd been craving all week sounded like the perfect ending to an already incredible day.
Adrienne pulled back again, smirking at the effect she'd had on the blonde, "After all, I think you deserve a little celebration tonight… Olivia's safe, Noah's safe, Ellie's safe, and now Sydney is safe, all thanks to you."
"It's been a really good day," Alex answered with a nod. "Bemelman's after work?"
"You know damn well I can't afford that place," Adrienne groaned. The sophisticated Upper East Side piano bar was a common after work spot for the attorney's at Goldstein & Park, but the high price tag kept most of the support staff out unless the firm was paying.
"Think of it as a down payment for whatever it is you plan to do to me tonight," Alexandra retorted with a wicked grin.
Adrienne gulped, hard.
"I'll take that as a yes," Alex purred as they finally approached the firm's building.
When Alexandra and Adrienne walked in the large glass double doors to the firm, they could see Ted and Amanda sitting in the conference room talking.
"Hey Taylor," Alexandra greeted the receptionist who was seated at her desk in the lobby of the firm's office.
"Alex," the young receptionist greeted, "I heard there are congratulations in order!"
"Hawthorn closed. Got the parenting issues worked out how we wanted them, and Ellen's walking away with her own estate worth about seven million," Alex answered with a wide grin.
"Awesome Alex, really, good job," the young woman answered, "Marla also said things went well for Olivia today, two wins in one day, that's great."
"Thank you," Alex answered.
"Hey, don't forget about me; I helped," Adrienne complained from beside Alex.
"Like anyone could forget about you, Adrienne," Taylor retorted. Taylor and Adrienne weren't exactly fond of one another. When Adrienne had started at the firm, Taylor was contemplating enrolling in law school. She'd hoped that if she did enroll, she'd be able to move up the ranks and become a law clerk for the firm. Last Alex had heard, Taylor's mom had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, halting her dream of going to law school. Taylor had been cold toward Adrienne ever since she was hired. Adrienne was living the life Taylor so desperately wanted. Despite that, the two got along well enough – almost like Adrienne was the annoying younger sister for Taylor.
"I know you didn't mean it as a compliment, but I'll take it," Adrienne answered with an annoyingly fake smile.
"What are you doing here on a Thursday? Don't you have class?" Taylor asked the redhead.
"I'm currently missing Sub Crim, but duty called," Adrienne replied, shooting a wink over at Alex and walking down the hall toward her office. Taylor rolled her eyes at them both, clearly not amused by their flirtatious relationship.
"Do you know if Marla's informed Olivia of the filings?" Alex asked Taylor, rolling her eyes at Adrienne as she scurried off, her eyes fixated on her ass.
"Yes, Olivia is in her office with Noah, actually," Taylor informed her.
A smile crept across Alex's lips at the revelation that the brunette was at their office.
"Thank you," Alex answered, turning and heading down the opposite hallway toward her office. She waved to Ted and Amanda in the conference room as she walked past and headed into her office to put her briefcase down. She then exited her office and headed right, finding herself in front of Marla's office door. She knocked gently and waited for a response from Marla before entering.
Slowly, Alex pushed the door open and entered. Marla was sitting at her desk with Olivia sitting across from her. Noah was sitting on the couch watching cartoons and munching on a small baggie of goldfish.
"There's our star," Marla called out happily, standing up to greet the blonde. She pulled Alex into a respectful hug and then released her, "Congrats Alex, how is the client?"
"She's great, very relieved," Alex answered with a grin.
"Hi Miss. Alex!" Noah called from the couch with a huge toothy grin.
"Hi Noah," Alex answered, walking over to the little boy. She squatted down beside him, "How has your day been kiddo?"
"Mommy let me stay home from school today," Noah answered happily, "We went to the park, and then to the museum. I got to paint and play with magnets and then we got ice cream!"
"That sounds like a really fun day, Noah!" Alex said happily, ruffling his hair and standing back up.
"How are you Olivia?" Alexandra asked, moving over toward Marla's desk and sitting down in the chair beside her.
"I'm well," Olivia answered simply.
Alex looked over at Olivia, a puzzled look on her face, "Oh… yes, good, I'm glad." She glanced over to Marla, "Have you told her about the Orders?"
"Yes, we just finished discussing them, Olivia is very relieved… Noah is safe, she got some sleep, and she was able to withdraw some cash today from the joint account, she's happy," Marla answered, recalling her conversation with Olivia not long before Alex had returned from mediation.
Olivia nodded, "Thank you Alex… Thank you both." Olivia was grateful, and truthfully, she was happy too; but she was also still incredibly jealous of the firm's law clerk. She could've sworn, right before she fell asleep, that she'd heard Alexandra say fuck, no, moan fuck. She was sure of it now. But, until this morning, she'd been sure she was the cause. Olivia had spent the night, and most of Thursday morning thinking about it, overanalyzing the action, wondering if she had caused it – just to learn that the beautiful attorney was a hardcore flirt.
Something about Olivia was still off. Alex couldn't quite put her finger on it, but if she wasn't mistaken, Olivia was upset with her and had been since this morning. The only problem was, she couldn't understand why.
"I'm glad it worked out," Alex answered. Her eyes remained locked on the brunette beside her.
"We were just discussing our next steps. We want to get Olivia into a rental situation as soon as possible," Marla told Alex, trying to catch her up on the situation.
"I spoke with Trevor briefly; he wants me to call him Monday at 10:30 to see if we can come to any agreements…" Alex explained. She still hadn't taken her eyes off of Olivia, "Do you want to move back into your house?"
"No," Olivia answered simply, finally turning her head to look at the blonde. She was immediately reminded of why she'd been so attracted to Alex in the first place. Alexandra looked fucking good in a tailored suit. She took in a breath, gave Alex a small smile, and continued, "No, I don't want to go back there… to either house. I want to find something permanent for Noah and I."
"Understood," Alex affirmed, returning the smile. Even if it was half-assed, Olivia's smile had a very quick effect on Alexandra.
"Our RPI client has a friend with a home rental service out on the Island. I contacted her and she waived their 30-day notice requirement so that Olivia can move in on Saturday. She has a home available in Huntington until we can find something more permanent," Marla explained.
"That's great!" Alex said happily, "Noah can likely stay with his same schools."
"Noah's very happy about that," Olivia confirmed.
"Yeah!" Noah shouted from the couch, "I don't want to stop being friends with Jesse."
"Baby, I told you, no matter where we end up moving, you'll always be friends with Jesse," Olivia reminded him. She looked toward Marla and Alex, "Jesse is my friend Amanda's daughter." Noah had already stopped paying attention, a cartoon police officer dog capturing his attention.
"We were just discussing where Olivia and Noah will stay in the meantime," Marla added.
"She can stay with –" Alexandra started to say.
"No, we can't impose on you anymore. We can stay in a hotel, it's only two nights," Olivia said, cutting her off. Olivia did want to stay with Alex until her and Noah could get somewhere more stable, it was better than option 2 – moving to two different hotels to avoid the press for the next two nights. At the same time, Olivia didn't want to impose any further on the blonde. She clearly had a life, one that wasn't really fit for a client and her son to intrude on.
Alexandra was surprised at the urgency with which Olivia declined. Alex looked at Olivia inquisitively, and opted to argue her point, like a true attorney, "I insist… It's really no imposition. I enjoyed having you two, actually, it's typically very quiet at my place."
"The other option is to have them stay at the Lowell for a night, then the Carlysle. They're both safe, have good security, and should be mostly off the press' radar. We don't want them somewhere big… Olivia would be recognized at this point," Marla cut in. Olivia's face had been all over the news today – whether it be the press trying to learn about her affairs or labeling her a helpless victim. Neither were enjoyable for anyone.
"I think it's best they stay with me, it's been safe for them so far," Alex fought.
Olivia smiled at the way the attorney refused to back down – in fact, it made her heart surge. Maybe Alex did feel it too. Maybe she could stay with Alex for a few more nights, "Okay, okay, jeez, we'll stay with you until Saturday," Olivia told her finally, as if she was doing Alex a favor.
Alex shot her a surprised, open mouthed, half smile, well played Olivia. That sense of control Alexandra had gained throughout the last few hours was rapidly dwindling in the presence of the brunette. She'd been able to fend off Adrienne for months, keep their relationship professional, all in the name of maintaining an ethical work environment. Sure, sleeping with or even dating Adrienne wasn't against any ethical rules, or even the firm's rules, but it had just seemed safer. As for Olivia, it would make the most sense to control herself for a few months and ask her out after the case was over. She couldn't understand why she could do that with Adrienne, but not Olivia. You'd date the fuck out of Olivia, Alex told herself, that's the fucking difference. Alex ignored herself; instead, she sat beside her client, thinking about the fact that Olivia's smile had just looked the exact same as the one she'd given her right after Olivia had asked her, "top or bottom" last night.
"Good," Alex finally answered, her mind elsewhere.
"As long as we're not keeping you from anyone," Olivia commented with a wink.
Alex froze. Had Olivia suspected something was going on with Adrienne?
"Oh, that's hysterical," Marla interrupted, "Alexandra bills well over 280 hours a month, if she's not working, she's sleeping… Alex has no life."
Olivia laughed. Alex shot her boss a stern look, about to protest when there was a knock at the door. Marla grinned at Alex and mouthed, saved by the bell.
"Come in," Marla called.
The door opened, Adrienne appearing in the room.
"Yes?" Marla asked the redhead.
"We've got the NYPD on the line," Adrienne told her, handing her cellphone off to Marla.
"Thank you," she said, taking the phone and gesturing for Adrienne to exit the room. Reluctantly, Adrienne turned and exited the room.
Marla pressed the unmute button on the phone, "This is Marla Goldstein."
"Hello Ms. Goldstein, this is Sergeant Tutuola of the NYPD. I am callin' about Olivia Benson…" It was Olivia's friend.
"Fin," Olivia said.
"Liv, how you doin'?" He asked, his voice full of concern.
"I'm okay," Olivia told him, "I'm safe."
"Good. This report Liv – it's all true?" He asked.
"It is," she answered.
"Liv," he said gently, "You – I need you to come to the station and talk with my detectives and our ADA" he finished, at a loss for words of what to say to his best friend. She knew what he did for a living, she could have come to him, could've let him help her.
"When can you talk to her?" Alexandra asked.
"You can bring her down now?" Fin didn't know what else to say. He just wanted to help, to give her a hug and let her know he was going to do everything in his power to make sure Bradley paid for what he did to her.
"Who's the ADA?" Marla asked.
"Swift," Fin answered.
"Thanks, one of us will be down there with her in the next hour," Marla replied.
The car ride to midtown was short and quiet. Olivia hadn't said much since they talked to Fin on the phone a half an hour ago. She, Marla, and Alex had spent the half hour gathering all of the evidence Olivia had of Bradley's abuse so that they had it to deliver to the police. Alex had offered a comforting hand to the brunette on the ride over, and she'd taken it. They didn't let go until they'd arrived at the station.
"Liv," Fin said, pulling his friend in for a long, fierce hug. Olivia returned the hug, wincing slightly at the strength of her friend's arms around her small, bruised frame. He instantly pulled away, "Oh Liv, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I'm okay," Olivia told him again, giving him a soft smile.
"I could kill him," Fin told her, clenching his fists.
"We'll kill him in court," Olivia told him.
"You ready to do this?" Fin asked her.
"Yes," she assured him.
"Okay, we've got Detectives Stabler, Amaro, and Tamin, they'll take your statement. I have to stay off this one. But I'll be watchin' everything," he told her. "ADA Swift is good, she's new."
"Let's do this."
Fin led Olivia and Alexandra down the hallway inside the precinct and toward an interview room. The precinct was cold, dreary, and Olivia was instantly uncomfortable. She followed closely behind her friend, her body nearly touching the larger man's as they headed down the hallway. Alexandra watched her, and overwhelming sense of concern immediately enveloping her body. For the first time since she'd met her, Olivia looked almost docile – fear had overtaken her.
"You can wait for Olivia over here," Fin told Alex as they came to a stop outside of interview room 2. He gestured to the line of chairs off to the side of the door, "Or I can take ya up to the break room."
Alexandra fought the urge to fight the man, instead nodding her head and taking a few steps toward the line of chairs. While Alex dabbled briefly in criminal law at least a few times a year, it was always from the other side – defending her falsely accused clients of various criminal acts. For the survivors, she'd prep the case, and happily pass it off to the prosecutor. Despite her overwhelming need to protect the brunette, this wasn't her ball game.
"No," Olivia said suddenly, as if she'd only just found her voice.
"Liv?" Fin questioned.
"Can she – can she come with me?" Olivia asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, of course, baby, whatever makes you comfortable," Fin answered, opening the interview room door and leading the two women inside.
Olivia shot Fin a grateful smile and took a seat in one of the armchairs off to the left side of the room. Alexandra followed her, sitting down in a chair a few feet away.
"Stabler and Amaro will be in here in a minute," Fin told her, "They're good guys."
Olivia only nodded. Fin gave Olivia another sympathetic look before speaking again, "God I wish you told me." He shook his head, "I would've protected you."
Before Alexandra could stop herself, she interjected, "She's telling you now."
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that bastard rots," Fin assured the blonde before walking out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
Olivia looked toward Alex, panic evident across her face, "I don't know if I can –"
Alex stood up and moved closer to the brunette, kneeling down in front of her, "Tell the detectives only what you feel comfortable telling them. We have a ton of evidence to show them, they don't need to hear the words right now," the blonde assured her with a smile, placing a hand on her knee.
Olivia looked down at the blonde with hopeful eyes, unable to speak. She smiled thankfully at the attorney, lifted her hand and placed it over Alex's, squeezing gently. Somehow, Alexandra knew exactly what she was saying.
"Ms. Benson," there was a knock at the door.
Alex looked to Olivia again for consent before responding, "Come in, she's ready."
Two particularly hard looking men entered the room. They were both around the same height, dark and mysterious looking. Neither man smiled at first, both entering the room with notepads and determined expressions across their faces.
"I'm Detective Stabler, and this is my partner, Detective Amaro," the elder of the two men said, walking toward Olivia and Alex, finally wearing a gentle smile.
Alex stood up from her position kneeling on the floor in front of Olivia and extended her hand, "Alexandra Cabot, and this is my client, Ms. Olivia Benson."
"Good to meet you," Amaro said, moving to sit down in one of the chairs near where Olivia was sitting. Stabler followed suit. Alexandra remained standing, directly beside Olivia, protectively.
"How are you holding up Ms. Benson?" Stabler asked, offering her a bottle of water he'd brought into the room with him.
Olivia took the bottle, opened it, and took a long swig. When she'd finished nearly half the bottle, she shrugged, "As best as I can… I – My son and I are safe for the first time in years."
"If you feel comfortable with it, can you give us some more details?" Amaro asked, lifting his pen to begin writing down notes once Olivia was ready to talk.
"I don't even know where to start," Olivia admitted honestly.
"Let's work our way backwards," Stabler told her, "How did we get here?"
"I've been good friends with Judge Elizabeth Donnelly for as long as I can remember… After my mom died – she took me under her wing," Olivia started.
"Donnelly?" Amaro asked quickly.
"Yes," Olivia affirmed.
"She's a good judge," Amaro stated after realizing he'd spoken aloud, "Sorry, continue."
"I'd just dropped my son, Noah, off at school and I went and met with Elizabeth before class. We were supposed to get coffee and catch up, like we do every Monday morning," Olivia explained, "And she leaned in to hug me and I jumped back – she'd accidentally pressed her arm too hard into my side and I couldn't help it… the pain, it just – it hurt." Olivia looked down at the ground, averting her eyes from all three of the people in the room, "She asked me what was wrong and I told her I'd fallen in the shower that morning and hit my side on the bathtub… She gave me this look that said I'm not stupid, and demanded I show her what hurt… I tried to make excuses, but I – I knew she knew. There's only so many times your friend can physically hurt themselves in a row before you start to get suspicious."
"So, you showed her?" Amaro asked.
"She begged me to show her, to let her help me," Olivia answered with a nod.
"What happened to cause the injuries?" Stabler asked gently, not wanting to push the brunette.
"It depends which ones you're asking about," Olivia answered. Olivia stood up from her chair and gripped the bottom of her long-sleeved t-shirt. Her eyes darted quickly over to Alexandra as if silently asking her if it was okay. The blonde only nodded, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. The brunette took in a long, deep breath, and slowly lifted her shirt up and over her head, taking it completely off. Alexandra couldn't stop the choked sob that escaped her lips at the sight of Olivia's nearly naked upper torso, her upper body covered only by a black sports bra. The bruises that covered Olivia's lower abdomen, sides, and upper abs extended further, jetting up under the bra she wore, across her shoulders and down her arms. Standing slightly behind Olivia, she could see that her back was covered in red marks, bruises, and even what looked to be lashes? She couldn't help the tears that silently started falling from her eyes. This is why you went private, Alexandra reminded herself, wiping away the tears. Olivia looked up at the blonde, having heard the sound of Alex's whimper. Her heart broke, watching the attorney struggle to look at her. Olivia instinctively reached for Alex, took her hand in hers, and gave her a smile that told Alex she had nothing to worry about now, she was safe.
Olivia looked back to the detectives, her attorney's hand still laced together with her own. Stabler and Amaro had both looked away from her, both unable to look either.
"It's okay," Olivia said finally, "You can look."
Both detectives raised their heads, studying her bruised body, seemingly trying to count the various markings on her.
Olivia dropped Alex's hand, and placed both of her hands onto two bruises on her lower abdomen, "These are from earlier this week… Brad – he – he attacked me after I got out of the shower one night…" her hands drifted to her sides, pointing out two smaller, thumb shaped bruises just to the sides of her hip bones, "These…" she shifted so that her back was to Amaro and Stabler and reached around to point out the four nail marks imprinted into her back. They were scabbed over, healing. "These are from just before he left for his business trip… Brad grabbed me and pinned me up against the front door so I couldn't move and –" she paused, not wanting to continue, "he wanted to remind me that I was his –" She shook her head, turned back around, and ignored the tears that loomed in her eyes. Her hands slid upwards again resting on hand shaped bruises that were beginning to fade on her upper arms, "These were after the last Foundation event… he'd thought I spent too much time talking to one of the Senator's wives… and he lost it," her hands slid across her chest to cover at least three more bruises, she then turned again, showing the detectives her back, "He used his belt."
Alexandra once again couldn't control the whimper that left her lips at the realization that the long red streaks across her clients back were lashes, lashes from a belt. Her head fell, no longer able to look at Olivia, suddenly completely overwhelmed by the urge to take the brunette in her arms and never let go.
"I've been slapped, kicked, punched, hit, spit on," Olivia said, "held down, choked, shoved… I've spent years being physically and emotionally wrecked by him… I don't – I don't even know how to talk about it."
Alexandra suddenly jumped to attention, remembering that they had plenty of evidence to show the detectives, making Olivia's recitation of events unnecessary for now. She leaned down to her briefcase and withdrew a large green file folder, and a small USB drive. She handed both to the detectives and returned to her place beside Olivia. Olivia picked her shirt up off the chair she'd placed it on and slipped it back over her head.
Amaro reached for the folder, while Stabler took the flash drive and walked over to the laptop that was sitting on a table in the center of the room. He picked it up and walked it back over to the sitting area, inserting the drive.
Amaro lifted the papers out of the folder and was immediately shocked at the contents. There were at least 50 of pictures of Olivia. The initial photo that caught his attention was of Olivia's back, bloodied and welted from, what Amaro assumed to be, the belt, "Is this from when it was fresh?" He asked.
Olivia nodded, "He didn't stop until –" She stopped herself again.
"Until what?" Amaro asked.
"I –" Olivia tried again, but couldn't form the words. She looked up at Alex again, searching her eyes for some level of reassurance. Her brown eyes were so lost and Alexandra couldn't decide if it was from fear, or shame. It broke her heart.
Alexandra couldn't stop herself, she instantaneously stepped closer to the brunette and wrapped her up in her arms, letting the brunette collapse into her chest. Her hands rubbed softly up and down the brunette's back as her body struggled to keep them both upright, soothing her, "It's okay Olivia, it's okay."
Olivia growled against Alex's chest, her hands reaching up and gripping Alex's suit jacket into her hands tightly, squeezing and pulling at it, trying to pull the blonde closer, even though there was absolutely no space between them. She stayed like that for a moment, regaining her composure. Surprising to Alexandra, the brunette still hadn't broken down.
Slowly, Olivia pulled away and faced the detectives again, "Until I gave him what he wanted."
"What did he want?" Amaro asked, trying to keep his voice even. The last thing he wanted to do was push Olivia into silence.
"Don't make me say it," Olivia responded, alerting everyone in the room to the realm of what she meant.
"He raped you?" Amaro asked softly.
Olivia shook her head, "No."
"Has he ever?" Amaro asked.
"No," Olivia responded, "He never got that far."
"So, he?" Amaro asked, willing the brunette to continue.
Olivia looked back at Alexandra again. Instead of seeing the comforting gaze of the blonde's bright blue eyes, she could see nothing but seething anger. Alexandra's fists were balled tightly at her sides, her face stern, lips tight, eyes narrow. Olivia placed a hand on Alex's forearm and smiled softly at her, trying without words to calm the blonde down. Alex's face softened at the touch, but her anger remained. The blonde let her eyes lock on Olivia's and she silently nodded, encouraging her to finish. Olivia cocked her head as if she was asking Alex if she was sure she could handle hearing more and Alex's resolve broke. Olivia was comforting her? Alex let her anger subside, pulling Olivia closer to her, "Tell them, it's okay."
"He hit me with the belt until I gave in and sucked him off," Olivia said hurriedly, not wanting to dwell on it whatsoever. Her tone turning snippy with the well-meaning detective. He was just asking too many questions, not reading between the lines.
A moment later, the door to the interview room opened again, two females standing in the doorway.
"Amaro," the blonde woman said, "Outside for a second please?"
The Hispanic detective stood up, nodded, and walked out of the room to follow the woman.
"I'm Detective Tamin," the other woman who still remained in the doorway said, "ADA Swift and I have been watching from outside… We – I figured you'd feel more comfortable talking to a female detective."
"I'm fine," Olivia responded. Weirdly enough, it was true. The brunette hadn't cried yet, hadn't let her emotions get the best of her. Olivia was incredibly strong. "I'm not afraid of men."
"I'm glad to hear it," Detective Tamin said, walking into the room and taking the seat Amaro had been sitting in. She glanced down at the photo that had sparked the previous conversation and instantly felt like throwing up. She'd supported the Mayor – voted for him even.
She started shuffling through the various photos. Some were of Olivia's stomach littered with bruises, broken blood vessels, cuts, and scrapes. Some were of her thighs, bruised and covered in red marks. There were photos of Olivia's naked chest, bruises and bite marks peppered across delicate skin. A few were of Olivia's back, some of her neck and upper arms. But the one that bothered them all the most was one single photo, an old one, of Olivia's face – her left eye swollen with black and blue hues, her lip busted open and bleeding – but the worst of it: the dead look in Olivia's eyes.
"Bradley Holter did all of this to you?" Tamin asked.
"Yes," Olivia responded simply, "I – I have more… but, I –" she looked up and over at Alex again.
Alex nodded her support, encouraging Olivia to go on.
"Can – can you please," Olivia asked, her eyes silently begging Alexandra to leave the room.
Alexandra gulped sadly, afraid to know what it was that Olivia wanted to tell the detective without her around. Alexandra nodded at Olivia, understanding her unspoken request, and walked out of the interview room, "I'll be right here, okay?"
Olivia nodded, and Alex closed the door behind her. She reached for her cellphone in her back pocket and started going through her Photos and Videos.
"She can still hear you," Tamin told Olivia once the door was closed, "Do you want me to turn off the intercom?"
"No," Olivia told her, "I just –" she paused. It wasn't that she didn't want Alexandra to know, it was that she didn't want to see her face when she found out. "She's my lawyer… for the divorce, and my son… I just – she needs to know, but I – I can't watch another person look at me like I'm fragile. Like I'll break…"
"Okay," Tamin responded with a smile, "We'll leave it on."
"I've got something," Stabler said from the corner of the room, looking up from the computer in front of him.
Tamin stood up and walked over to Stabler, watching the video on the screen in front of her. Olivia had clearly propped her phone up on a nightstand, and while there was no volume, the very clear image of Bradley Holter appeared on the screen. His back was to the screen at first, but once he lifted his hand, swung it back, leaned over, and let it connect with something in front of him, he turned, revealing his face. Once his body was out of the way, Olivia's limp body came into view. She was half naked, body bruised and red, curled up in a ball on the floor, sobbing.
Together, she, Olivia, and Stabler went through the remaining pieces of evidence on the USB. They turned next to the file folder, scanning through various print outs of text messages, e-mails, and a plethora of handwritten apology notes from Bradley. Next, Olivia turned to her phone, allowing the detectives to sift through the few videos she hadn't felt comfortable sharing with Alex and the firm. The worst of them being a saved video from the Holter's Ring Doorbell Camera – and this one had sound.
"I said pick it up," Bradley scolded Olivia on the screen. It was late, the sky was dark, and their bodies were barely visible, even with the front porch light being on.
"Brad, I can't bend over, please," Olivia answered, her voice sounding pained.
"You should have thought of that before you put your head between that woman's legs… fucking whore," he spat, shoving Olivia against the house.
"Brad please," she said again, fear evident in her voice.
He lifted his hand and thrust it forcefully around Olivia's neck, gripping her tightly, shoving her almost into the air, "Oh now you want to beg?" He leaned his head down and shoved his head into Olivia's hair, biting down on her ear.
Olivia couldn't speak, her airway was virtually completely cut off by the force of his hand. Her hands shoved out in front of her, trying to push him away.
"Pick up the fucking phone and get your ass in the house," he demanded, slowly letting his grip on her neck loosen until he dropped his hand. Olivia immediately started coughing, gasping for air.
They watched as she gathered herself, and slowly started to try and lean over. With each bend of her waist, Olivia's painful moans got louder, until she was doubled over in pain and on her knees on the ground, tears falling from her eyes.
"Pathetic," Brad spat, shoving her backwards with his leg. Olivia fell over at the force, her back connecting with the ground. She quickly grabbed for the phone Brad had dropped only seconds prior and tried to hand it to him.
Instead, he grabbed her by the arm and forced her back to her feet, shoving her back up against the house with one swift movement. He grabbed her hand, placed it over the bulge that had very clearly appeared in his pants and rubbed her hand over it a few times.
"You spent all night with that bitch," Brad told her, his voice turning decidedly sinister, "You wanted her, didn't you?"
Olivia shook her head quickly, "No Brad, I – I was just being friendly… they – they wanted to donate to your campaign."
"L iar," Brad spat, grinding his pelvis into the brunette. "I saw the way you looked at her."
Olivia could do nothing but cry, afraid to speak another word.
"Get on your knees," he demanded, placing his hands on her shoulders and shoving her downward.
"Brad please, no!" she cried as his strength overpowered her and she fell to the ground.
"You don't get to say no to me," he growled. They watched as he unzipped his pants and started to pull his black slacks down just enough for him to pop out and slap Olivia in the face.
Olivia gagged, and it set him off. He grabbed her face with both hands…
Olivia grabbed the phone from Detective Tamin's hand and quickly shut the app, ending the video, "Please, no more."
Detective Tamin stood up and closed the distance between her and Olivia, reaching out a hand for Olivia to take it.
"Alexandra, please… just get her," Olivia said softly, tears finally starting to spill from her eyes. She was shaking now, completely unable to control the rush of intense emotion that overtook her. She fell to the floor, curled her body up into a ball and sobbed, repeating Alexandra's name over and over again. She didn't know why, but in that moment, Alexandra was the only one she wanted. The only one she felt safe with.
Within seconds, Alexandra was back in the room, kneeling beside Olivia with her arms around her, "Shh, it's over," she whispered softly, running her fingers through the brunette's hair, "It's over Liv, you don't have to live that way anymore." Alexandra couldn't stop her own tears, having overheard everything from outside, "You are so strong, so brave. It's over, it's all over."
The two women stayed like that for a moment: Olivia sobbing against Alex's chest, and Alex trying over and over to comfort her.
A few moments later, Amaro and Swift entered the room from outside.
"Stabler, Amaro – go arrest the son of a bitch, now," Swift barked.
Both detectives immediately rose from their chairs and nodded, grabbing their belongings and heading toward the door. Both gave Olivia a sheepish smile.
"We'll get him," Stabler said, mostly to Olivia, "He'll never touch you again."
Olivia didn't respond, instead choosing to bury herself deeper into the blonde attorney wrapped around her.
Alex shot the detectives both an appreciative grin as they walked out of the room and headed off on their task. She turned to ADA Swift, "What are you charging him with?"
"Aggravated sexual abuse in the first degree, sexual abuse in the third, criminal sexual act in the first, predatory sexual assault, sexual misconduct, assault in the third, menacing in the second, reckless endangerment in the second, unlawful imprisonment in the second, and endangering the welfare of a child," Swift responded.
Alex gulped, hard at the mixture of misdemeanors and serious felonies. The predatory sexual assault charge alone carried a 10-20 year prison sentence, of which 10 years was mandatory. If they were successful, and depending on whether the sentences would run consecutively or concurrently, Bradley could be facing life in prison.
"He's going to prison," Alex told Olivia softly, "He's going to prison and he'll never be able to hurt you again."
