Chapter 10

AN: Thank you for the support for this chapter, I hope you like this chapter.


August 21st 2020

Almost two weeks have passed since Alex and Olivia talked about a lot of the things they needed to talk about and in that time Olivia and Alex haven't seen each other in person, but they have talked basically daily.

It's Friday afternoon and both Liz and Antonio are in the kitchen at Vita Nova when Alex walks up to them.

"How'd it go?" Antonio asks, seeing Alex, as he knows that Alex has been doing an online hearing.

"The Order of Protection has been extended," Alex reveals. "Not that it's likely to do much," Alex mutters.

"Probably not, but it is something," Liz comments.

"Isn't there something more we can do?" Antonio asks.

"I'm trying to figure that out," Alex admits, as this is a rather complicated matter, and her client wants to stick to legal means, which makes it more difficult to help her.

"If you need…." Liz starts to say.

"I know," Alex says, as she knows exactly what Liz is going to say. "But what I do need is to talk to both of you about Monday," Alex says as she pulls a chair over and sits down.

"What about Monday?" Antonio asks confused.

"Ah time for the talk," Liz says amused.

"What talk?" Antonio asks.

"Alex's, 'I appreciate everything you do but with classes starting on Monday we need to focus on our classes, not take on too much, and if we ever need time off just ask,' talk," Liz recites as it is a talk she has been given more than once.

"Am I that predictable?" Alex asks amused.

"Yeah, because you care," Liz tells her.

"I still want to help out here during Law School," Antonio says as he has really liked helping out at Vita Nova.

"I know, and you can, but I don't want you to take on more than you can handle," Alex explains.

"You do realize how ironic it is for you to tell us not to take on too much, right?" Liz asks amused.

"She's right, you take on the work of at least ten people, Mami, even though you're still healing, I've seen that," Antonio comments.

"I've never been one who's habits you should imitate, you know that; Tonio," Alex tells her son as he's seen that up close.

"I don't know. I think you're a pretty incredible person to emulate," Liz comments.

"I agree," Antonio says and Alex is touched.

"Thank you, both of you," Alex says, looking between them. "I just want both of you to do as well as possible at school," Alex explains.

"We know," Liz and Antonio both say.

"We've got this," Liz assures her.

"Good, then come on. We've got matters that are going to be relevant over the weekend that we have to discuss," Alex says, and the three of them head to Alex's office, the only reason they can't have conversation in the kitchen is because Alex doesn't have the files they need to talk about.


September 11th 2020

Three weeks have passed since Alex talked to Antonio and Liz about not taking on more work than they can handle and during that time both of them have started Law School for the year. While both Antonio and Liz have continued to work at Vita Nova they have scaled back their workloads a little resulting in Alex taking on more work.

It's late on a Friday night, and even with her increase workload Alex has been paying attention to what has been going on in the media lately, which is why she has been trying to get a chance to call Olivia but after a lot of long nights the timing hasn't been right. As she finishes writing a motion Alex realizes that it isn't as late as she thought it would so it's a good time to call Olivia.

"Hey," Alex says, when Olivia answers.

"Hey," Olivia responds, honestly feeling very glad to hear Alex's voice.

"How are you doing?" Alex asks interested.

"I guess you've seen the video," Olivia assumes.

"Yeah, and I heard about the lawsuit," Alex explains, not mentioning that she also made the mistake of reading the comments on the video.

"I figured you would have," Olivia admits, as she knows that even though she isn't an ADA anymore that Alex still has a lot of connections.

"Do you need my kind of help?" Alex asks curious, as she will help Olivia, no matter what.

"I'm hoping it doesn't get to that," Olivia admits.

"Liv, if things get worse don't try to handle it yourself; call me," Alex requests.

"Alex…" Olivia says.

"Olivia, please," Alex requests.

"Okay, fine," Olivia says, and Alex can tell that there is something Olivia isn't saying.

"Olivia, what is it?" Alex asks.

"Noah saw the video, so did everyone at his school," Olivia explains.

"I'm sorry, Liv. That must have been a hard conversation," Alex realizes.

"Noah asked me if I was racist," Olivia explains. "I have a lot of work to do, I need to do better, Alex," Olivia admits.

"And you will, because you're you, and you've always learnt from your mistakes, fought to do better," Alex says, knowing that, because she knows Olivia.

"I have to do better," Olivia says, and as she does Alex's office line starts to ring.

"I've got to go, Liv. My office line is ringing," Alex explains.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later," Olivia says and both she and Alex hang up with each other and get back to work.


September 24th 2020

Almost two weeks have passed since Alex and Olivia talked what happened with Jayvon Brown and ever since Olivia has been dealing with the fallout and Alex has been paying attention to what is going on. It's late on Thursday night and while the rest of the squad has gone home Olivia is sitting alone in her office. While she has work to do Olivia is just staring at her laptop as she can't help but think about the recent case she has been working.

As she heard through her connections about the case Alex has made her way to the sixteenth precinct for the first time in two years. Usually, she would be stopped by the desk officer but because he knew her from the old days she was able to walk straight into the squad room. Once in the squad room Alex takes off her mask and heads to Olivia's office, where the door is open.

"I heard about Irene Nowak," Alex says, from the doorway.

"Alex," Olivia says, sounding surprised, but glad to see her. "Fin call you?" Olivia asks curious, as Alex walks over.

"Uh, no actually," Alex admits, as she sits down. "I have connections at all the courthouses in the city. They call me when there is a matter that sems like it involves Domestic or Family abuse," Alex explains.

"Wow," Olivia says impressed, as she leans back in her chair. "You've built quiet a little network for yourself," Olivia realizes.

"I've done what I had to do," Alex admits.

"Alex, do you think you could have helped Irena and Will if you knew?" Olivia asks curious.

"I can't say," Alex admits.

"You are such a Lawyer," Olivia says amused.

"Olivia I can't say because ever matter is different," Alex admits. "When I help someone, I give them all the options, we discuss everything, all the realties, I help, but I make sure the survivor is in control; I make sure they have the control that had been taken away," Alex explains. "If I had known about Irena and Will I would have made an approach, talked to her, given her all the options, but the choice would have ultimately been hers, she would have had to accept the help," Alex explains.

"I think she would have," Olivia admits. "I know I only see a fraction of what is going on in the city; Ally how many Irena and Will's are there?" Olivia asks, knowing that Alex knows more about the reality than she does.

"Too many," Alex answers, and the two of them drift into silence.

For a few minutes Olivia and Alex sit in comfortable silence, both enjoying each other's company.

"Feel like getting some take out?" Olivia asks curious.

"Yeah, that would be nice," Alex responds and the two of them go to do just that.


October 8th 2020

Two weeks have passed since Alex showed up at the precinct and she and Olivia had dinner together. Since having dinner together Alex and Olivia have talked frequently but they haven't had a chance to see each other in person.

It's a Thursday, a nice day, and because they both have some time Alex and Antonio went on a walk to get coffee and are walking back to Vita Nova.

"I just love it so much Mami!" Antonio admits. "It's hard, and overwhelming, and sometimes I still feel like I have to prove myself, but I love it," Antonio admits as he has loved every single day of law school, even still being online.

"I'm really happy for you, Tonio," Alex says, putting an arm around his shoulder, it being slightly difficult for her to do because Antonio is a little taller than her. "I'm so proud of you," Alex admits, smiling underneath her mask.

"I'm proud of you too, Mami," Antonio admits.

"What do you mean?" Alex asks her son, as she is pretty sure that she hasn't done anything for her son to be proud of lately.

"I'm proud that you're letting people in more; Olivia especially," Antonio explains.

"Tonio…" Alex starts to say.

"Mami, it's okay. I know you're in love with Olivia," Antonio admits, as he also knows that his mother is a lesbian has since they were in the program. "You talk about her all the time, and when we were in the program when you had nightmares, when you were terrified, you asked for Olivia," Antonio reveals.

"I did?" Alex asks, as she doesn't remember that.

"Yeah, a lot," Antonio confirms. "Plus, Rafi says you've been in love with Olivia for twenty years but is too scared to tell her," Antonio explains.

"You really need to stop gossiping with your Godfather," Alex says amused.

"It's not gossiping when it's true," Antonio explains, and Alex knows that he is quoting Barba. "Mami, I know you've spent a lot of years scared, that you're still scared sometimes, and that you struggle to let people see all of you, but I also know that you deserve to let yourself be loved, to have something good and Olivia's good," Antonio explains.

"How did you get so wise?" Alex asks curious.

"Watching you since I was eight," Antonio responds and the two of them continue to walk together, Alex feeling incredibly proud of her son.


October 23rd 2020

A little over two weeks have passed since Alex and Antonio talked about her feelings for Olivia. Despite her son's encouragement Alex hasn't told Olivia how she feels, in fact, due how busy they both have been Alex and Olivia haven't seen each other in person, but they have spoken on the phone.

It's a Friday afternoon and as she actually has time for once Olivia is walking into the Vita Nova offices with coffee. Walking into the office Olivia sees Antonio and Liz at their desks, and that Alex's door is close. As they see Olivia approach Liz and Antonio exchange concerned looks as they know that she isn't going to react well to something.

"Hey Olivia," Liz greats, trying to keep her voice even.

"Hi Liz," Olivia greats, handing her a coffee. "Hi Antonio," Olivia says, as she hands him his.

"Hi Olivia," Antonio responds.

"Is Alex in?" Olivia asks curious, and she once again notices Antonio and Liz exchange looks.

"Um yeah, but she's doing, um something," Antonio says, clearly lying because he is very bad at lying, which Olivia is concerned about as he spent time in WITSEC.

"What kind of something?" Olivia asks suspiciously.

"Um…" Antonio starts to say, not being able to think of a single excuse.

"Elizabeth, Antonio, what do you two clearly not want to tell me?" Olivia asks, feeling concerned, as she looks between the pair.

"There was an incident this morning," Liz answers, trying to be diplomatic.

"What kind of incident?" Olivia asks worried, but as it becomes clear that neither of them want to tell her, which means it must be bad, she heads straight to Alex's office.

Walking into Alex's office without knocking Olivia finds Alex sitting at her desk, leaning back in her chair, her eyes closed, only wearing a tank top, with an ice pack on her shoulder, the exact shoulder that she was shot in all those years ago.

"What the hell happened?" Olivia asks angrily, though she is so angry because she is worried about Alex, as forcefully closes the door.

"Liv…" Alex starts to say, looking at her.

"Don't Liv me," Olivia says, walking over to Alex. "What happened?" Olivia says as she lifts up the ice pack to have a look at Alex's shoulder, where the bruising is already showing, and Olivia has to fight not to react to the gunshot scar that is still clear on Alex's shoulder despite its age.

"It's nothing," Alex says, winching as Olivia puts the icepack pack on her shoulder, even though she did it gently.

"That sure as hell doesn't look like nothing," Olivia tells her. "Alex you can either tell me what happened, or I'll go ask Liz and Antonio, and they won't lie to me," Olivia informs Alex.

"You're overreacting," Alex says, though she knows she would be acting the same way if Olivia was hurt.

"You're using an Ice Pack!" Olivia exclaims, and she takes a few moments to calm down. "Ally, what happened?" Olivia asks, in a gentle tone of voice.

"I was with a client, their ex showed up, pushed me out of the way and to the ground," Alex explains, feeling glad that the ex didn't hurt her client, they were just trying to scare them. "I landed awkwardly on my shoulder, and with my old trauma…. Let's just say that my shoulder hasn't been great since that night," Alex admits, revealing something else Olivia didn't know.

"Did you at least get checked out?" Olivia asks as she stands right near Alex and leans against her desk.

"Yeah," Alex confirms. "I'll be fine," Alex explains, deciding not to tell Olivia that it will take a couple of weeks.

"What's their name?" Olivia asks, as she has no intention of letting someone who hurt Alex get away with it.

"Olivia, no," Alex says.

"You've got to be kidding me," Olivia says angrily. "You can't let them get away with it!" Olivia admits.

"Trust me, I'm not," Alex assures her. "I'm handling this in my own way," Alex explains.

"What does that mean?" Olivia asks, feeling a little concerned about the answer, but before Alex can answer, or more specifically avoid answering, Alex's phone rings.

"Cabot," Alex answers, with her good hand. "Yes, good. I'll be right there," Alex says, before hanging up.

"I've got to go," Alex says, taking the ice pack off her shoulder, and dropping it on her desk.

"Where could you possible have to go?" Olivia asks as Alex pushes her chair back and stands up.

"To handle this my way," Alex explains, as she walks over to where her shirt and jacket are.

"I'm coming with you," Olivia says.

"Liv…" Alex says as she attempts to put her shirt on with a look of pain all too clear on her face.

"Ally you can't even put your shirt on without pain," Olivia points out. "With everything going on in the city it's not a good idea for you to go wherever you need to go alone," Olivia explains.

"I'll be fine," Alex says, struggling significantly to put her jacket on.

"Really?" Olivia asks, giving Alex a look, as with how much Alex is struggling she doesn't look like she will be fine.

"Fine," Alex says with a sigh. "You can drive me to where I have to go, but can't be with me," Alex explains.

"Alex what are you going to do?" Olivia asks.

"It'll be better for both of us if you don't ask questions," Alex tells Oliva, heading back towards her desk and picking up her handbag. "You coming or not?" Alex asks, and Olivia really doesn't like the sound of the little Alex has said, while Alex is hoping that Olivia just lets her do what she has to do.

Walking out of her office, with Olivia right behind her, Alex walks straight up to Liz's desk.

"I got the call," Alex says looking at Liz.

"Good," Liz says, handing Alex a folder, and a small item which Olivia recognizes.

"Is that a recording device?" Olivia asks shocked.

"No questions Captain," Alex responds, like there is nothing strange going on.

"Are you sure this is the best way to play it?" Antonio asks his mother.

"It's the only way," Alex responds. "I should be back in less than an hour," Alex explains.

"Be careful," Liz says and Alex heads towards the elevator.

"You don't have to drive me if you don't want, Liv," Alex tells her.

"No, I want to," Olivia admits, as she wants to know what the hell is going on. "Where are we going?" Olivia asks.

"Giovanni's," Alex answers.

"The restaurant?" Olivia asks surprised, and Alex nods. "Okay, what the hell, Alex?" Olivia asks, feeling even more confused.

"This is how I handle things sometimes," Alex reveals, and Olivia just feels even more confused.


After a car ride where Olivia attempts to find out what is going on, but Alex avoids answering, the two of them get to the restaurant where Alex needs to go.

"I'm going to wait here," Olivia tells Alex.

"Liv…." Alex starts to say.

"Hey, if you're not going to tell me what you're doing then I'm gonna wait here to make sure you're okay," Olivia explains.

"Fine," Alex says, realizing that there is no point in arguing and that this might actually work in her favor. "I shouldn't be too long," Alex says before heading inside, turning on her recording device as she goes.

From her position in the car Olivia watches Alex walks inside, giving no sign that she's hurt, and is taken to a table near a window, which allows Olivia to see exactly who Alex is meeting.

"Rita?" Olivia asks confused, as she had no idea that they ever knew each other. Feeling the need to get some answers Olivia quickly pulls her phone and text's, 'Does Alex know Rita Calhoun?' to Barba and seconds later she gets, 'of course, we were all at Harvard together,' in response. As that does not clear much up Olivia, while still watching what is going on, texts Barba, 'Were they friends?', and Barba responds, 'Friends? Not exactly. But they weren't enemies. They had a mutual rivalry, and understanding, and respect. Rita was jealous that Alex was born into the world she desperately wanted to be apart of and Alex was jealous that Rita had the supportive loving family she desperately wanted, but they were also only two of only a few women in our class. Why? What's going on?' reading the message that doesn't help with her confusion Olivia texts back, 'I'm trying to figure that out,'.

For the next five minutes Olivia watches as Alex and Rita talk, as Alex shows Rita the file. While she knows both women well Olivia can't completely tell what is going on and so she just keeps watching until Alex gets up and heads back out to the car, taking part of the file, but leaving the rest.

"What was that?" Olivia asks, once Alex gets in her car.

"Rita's representing my client's ex, we came to an understanding," Alex explains.

"Blackmail?" Olivia asks, as she is trying to make sense of things.

"Negotiation," Alex corrects.

"And the recording device?" Olivia asks.

"Insurance incase Rita or her client backtracks," Alex explains.

"So that's it? It's a simple as one conversation with Rita?" Olivia asks.

"It was a lot more than one conversation," Alex admits, as this was in the works for weeks. "Look Liv, my client talked to their ex, said what they needed to say, got their closer," Alex admits. "All they wanted was to be with their child on the West Coast. They wanted to feel safe, start a new life, and get away from the city they hate; they've got that now; they got their justice," Alex explains, knowing that for every single one of her client's justice looks different and she fights as hard as she can to make sur they each get their version of justice.

"What about you? What about your justice?" Olivia asks.

"I don't need justice," Alex answers, as what mattered to her is her client getting what they needed.

"Alex what if Rita's client does this again? We both know the chances," Olivia comments.

"I've got that handled," Alex admits, as she made sure of that fact.

"So, this is your way?" Olivia asks, not overly sure that she likes it.

"The is the way my client wanted," Alex explains. "The option that had the best chance of success, and it succeeded," Alex explains.

"And your shoulder, was what?" Olivia asks, waiting for Alex to fill in the blanks.

"An unexpected complication," Alex answers, as she leans back on the seat as her shoulder is killing her. "I didn't expect that," Alex says as it certainly threw a wrench into her plans, but she did find a way to take advantage of it, make sure something good came of it.

"Has something like this happened before?" Olivia asks concerned.

"A couple of times, but nothing serious," Alex tells Olivia.

"Alex…." Olivia starts to say.

"Every job has dangers Liv," Alex says, as it becomes clear that Alex is in even more pain.

"I'm driving you home," Olivia tells Alex, as in her opinion Alex should not go back to work now.

"I can't go home yet," Alex reveals. "I've got an online hearing and my client is coming by the office soon so that I can give them the news," Alex explains. "But then I'll go home," Alex admits, and that tells Olivia that she is in a lot of pain.

"I'll be checking in to make sure of that," Olivia informs Alex.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Alex says, as Olivia starts to drive them back to Vita Nova.