Chapter 10
The next day, Olivia left for work at 12 pm. Kathy had assured her that it was not a problem for her to stay with Nevaeh till she got home.
The work day was going by slow. They didnt have any new cases so everyone was catching up on paperwork. At lunch their Captain came out of his office with news.
"All right everybody. Listen up!" Everyone stopped and gave him his full attention "I just recieved word that there will be a festival to honor essential workers tonight. At the festival there is a talent contest. Anyone can go up and do what they do best. However, this festival is a fundraiser so you have to pay to enter. There will be a drawing here at the precint for one person to win two tickets for free entry. The best part though is there will be free food and drinks for essential workers. Everyone here is required to make an appearance. As SVU we are held to a higher standand."
"Cap, how do you enter the drawing?" Amanda asked,
"We are all here on duty, so we all get an entry. The winner will be announced at the end of the shift."
"YES! I really hope that I win. I want to win, sooo bad."
The others were excited to go but Olivia showed no interest. And went back looking at her file.
Lunch was over sooner than they expected because of a call on rape/homicide and everyone headed out the door. When they arrived at the scene to find out a woman mid-'20s had been raped and killed. However, the killer was still in the building. Once vested up the hunt began. They ended up cornering the suspect on the roof, who ended up shooting at them. He managed to wedge himself in a hideaway spot and because of the way he was angled they couldn't get a shot. Olivia however had an idea. She had them keep his attention to the left while she crawled to the right to sneak and fire at his leg. They hauled him in once they disarmed him and got a confession by 6 that night. A hard part of the whole case was the fact that Nick and Liv had to notify the girl's parents.
Finally, it was time for the drawing and the Captain was ready to announce, "The winner is…Olivia Benson, the newest member of our unit.
Stunned Liv stared at the tickets placed in her hand, not sure what to do with them. One thing she was certain, she wasn't planning on doing the contest. "Thank you."
"Right on!" Amanda shrieked. "I can't believe this. You are sooooo lucky."
"You want them?" Liv asked.
"But they are for you," Amanda said. Suddenly acting almost normal.
"Yes, but I have to work till 11:00 pm, I can't go anyways," Olivia explained.
"Oh yes you can," The Captain smiled at her. "Because you are new here, I am going to let you take the time off and go to the festival. Get to know your squad and this city a little. I won't take no for an answer." He smiled trying to persuade her to go.
"Yes, go Liv. You will not regret it." Amanda gushed. "And I can even go with you if you like." She added hopefully.
"Well, since it starts at 7:30, my sitter will still be with my daughter. And if you are sure that I can go during my shift, well then, I guess I'll go." She shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "And yes Amanda, you may come with me. I will, after all, need someone who knows the place. Because I sure don't." She laughed as Amanda jumped for joy.
7:15, Amanda was ready to go to the festival. Liv had just finished changing in the cribs and looked in the mirror. Her black slacks went well with her red blouse that hugged her just right. She smoothed her shirt and put on her coat. She loved the feel of the soft material against her skin as she zipped it up tight. "Ready?" She asked as Amanda entered the room.
"Yep! The others have already gone ahead" Amanda clapped excitedly.
"Why are you so excited about this? I mean, how great can it be?" Liv wondered.
"Oh, but this isn't just any show from what I hear. Tonight is special." Amanda said, trying to act mysterious.
"How so?" Olivia asked.
"Well besides the fact it is in our honor, but there is supposed to be a new talent on tonight, no one has ever heard or seen what he can do. I am so excited. Ohhh I hope he's cute." She licked her lips lustfully.
"You're sure it's a 'he'?" Liv asked, feeling like a total putz for not sharing Amanda's enthusiasm over this, this 'Talent Show'.
"I am not sure, but that is the rumor." Amanda flipped her scarf over her shoulder and held the door open for Liv.
As they walked to the parking lot Olivia rubbed her head, she had a feeling she was going to need wine, and a lot of it before this evening was over. "How far is this place from here?"
"Not far, in fact, we can walk." she pointed in the direction of the town hall. "It is just a block from here."
"Sounds good to me," Liv smiled, happy to get the fresh air.
As they walked to the festival, it started to snow. Light fluffy flakes, the kind that, when resting in your hair, took a moment, and then melted away. The evening was truly beautiful! Well at least she was enjoying this part of the evening, Olivia thought as she walked beside an ever so chipper Amanda.
When they got to their destination, the music was loud and the place almost packed full. Liv wondered if this is what small towns were like. Talent shows instead of concerts.
Handing their tickets to the young man at the door, Amanda leaned over and planted a big noisy kiss on his cheek. "Hello Sunny."
He smiled sheepishly and said, "Hi Manda. Who is your new friend?"
"This is Olivia. Olivia, Sunny."
"Hi, nice to meet you." She shook his hand and smiled.
"Well you have great seats tonight, front row center." He pointed up the crowded isle.
"Thanks," Alex stuck out her hand to be stamped and then took Liv's hand and pulled her through the crowd to the beer table. "You want a beer?" She yelled above the music.
"Sure," she nodded and took the plastic cup that was handed to her. "I am surprised that they sell beer here. I mean there are kids here." Liv shouted back.
"Yea but it ok. Thy can't get one without the stamp. So you can't pretend your legal here. It has never been a problem." Amanda yelled as she grabbed two cups for herself.
Liv raised her eyebrows at the beers in Amanda's hands; being a cop doesn't slow her down.
"I wonder who the special person is." Amanda leaned closer so Liv could hear her above the music.
Liv shrugged, not caring one way or another. She was simply doing the time and having a beer to ease her mind.
They got to their seat and sat down. But Amanda yanked her back onto her feet when the MC came on stage.
"Ladies and germs…" He joked. And the men, including Nick and Elliot who sat behind them, all protested good naturally. "We have a very special treat for you today….one of ATL's very best! Enjoy!" He would say not more as he ran off the stage and gave someone in the shadows thumbs up.
Olivia and Alex sipped on their beer and stared at the stage. Liv had to admit, this was intriguing. Everything was dark except a single spotlight in the middle of the stage. Then the music started, Jamaican rhythm, wonderful to dance to. The singer started his song….
One day I looked up and there you were,
Like a simple question, looking for an answer,
"Ooooo mysterious, and my, what a sexy voice," Amanda commented as she and Liv started to move to the rhythm of the music. The voice seemed oddly familiar to Liv but she brushed off the thought.
Now I am a whale, listening to some midnight call,
Swimming blindly to throw me upon your shore,
What if I don't find you when I have landed,
Would you leave me here to die, on the shore stranded
I think I know why the dog howls at the moon.
I think I know why the dog howls at the moon.
"I would howl too if you serenaded me, baby," Amanda yelled.
Liv laughed, Amanda was clearing enjoying herself. Olivia returned her attention to the singer, who had not yet stepped into the light. Moving to the music, she strained to see if he could be spotted, but he remained in the shadows.
"I wonder why he won't come into the light," Olivia yelled.
"I don't care, as long as he keeps on singing," Manda yelled back. "Sing it, baby!"
I sing dela...dela,
Minangya, dela when I'm with you,
Dela, some dela, mamma
Some dela, I burn for you..
Olivia danced to the song, loving the rhythm, feeling it move her soul. She didn't care anymore about the singer, this song was the best. Then as the song picked up its beat, and burst into a joyous handclapping chorus.
Then he stepped out of the shadows. Olivia saw him instantly! Overcome with shock she dropped her beer on Amanda's shoes. Odafin Tutuola moved into the spotlight, directly in front of her. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a soft cream long-sleeve shirt fit just right with a green scarf wrapped around his neck.
"Oh my, would you look at that handsome piece of ass," Amanda shouted as she kicked up her heels unaware that her feet were soaked in beer. "What I wouldn't give to take him home tonight for a taste test." She let out a shrill whistle and started to whoop it up.
Ignoring her altogether, Liv stood frozen, completely paralyzed. In her wildest dreams, she never expected this. He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling as he sang….
I've been waiting for you all my life,
Hoping for a miracle,
I've been waiting day and night, day and night,
I've been waiting for you all my life,
Waiting for redemption,
I've been waiting day and night,
I burn for you.
Tears filled her eyes as she listened to him sing. His voice, oh so sultry. The words, striking her in the heart, her eyes never leaving his. She was pulled into a magical realm, a place where only the two of them existed.
Like a lover under a spell she watched as he descended the staircase directly in front of her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he stood before her. His eyes were filled with love as he reached out and took her hand in his as he continued to sing…
The blind bird sings,
Inside the cage that is my heart,
The image of your face comes to me,
When I am alone in the dark,
If I could give a shape to this ache that I have for you,
If I could find the voice that says the words that capture you.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she gazed into his shining eyes. She could hardly believe it. Liv blinked, thinking that maybe her eyes deceived her. But those beautiful twinkling brown eyes, and those words, they took her breath away. It was so seductive, so enchanting, so utterly romantic that Olivia could help but smile. Only Fin could pull off something so outrageous.
In the background, the band continued to chant.
I think I know, I think I know, I think I know, I think I know,
Fin drew her near him as he approached her, causing Nick and Elliot to stand and reach to interfear but he pulled her with him up onto the stage. Amanda, dancing like a wild woman, grabbed Liv's hand, determined not to be left behind.
For moral support, Olivia held Alex's hand tightly, much to Fin's annoyance. Who was this oddball; surely she couldn't be a friend of Liv's. No class what so ever, and with that thought, he firmly removed her grip from Olivia's hand and gave her a kiss on her hand before moving her back down the stairs, where security returned a tipsy Amanda to her seat. Smiling deeply, he continued singing.
I think I know why the dog howls at the moon;
I think I know why the dog howls at the moon,
I sing dela…..dela,
Minangya, dela when I'm with you,
Dela, some dela, mamma
Some dela, I burn for you..
Fin moved to the rhythm of the song, circling Liv like a hungry cat on the prowl. Then he grabbed her hand once more, held it up high and twirled her gracefully around as he broke into the course.
I've been waiting for you all my life,
Hoping for a miracle,
I've been waiting day and night, day and night,
I've been waiting for you all my life,
Waiting for redemption,
I've been waiting day and night,
I burn for you.
As the musicians continued to croon the song, Fin pulled a reluctant Liv close and kissed her. The crowd went wild, cheering and whistling, whooping and some crying. Nick and Elliot were not impressed.
"Hey, Babygirl." He whispered. Olivia shivered as his lips seductively kissed her ear.
"How incredibly romantic." One lady said to her friend as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I hope she says 'yes'!" She cried optimistically
When the song ended, they stood for a moment and stared at each other. Then he let go of her hand and backed away. Liv stared numbly after him. When the band broke into a new song, she jerked back to reality and turned quickly went to return to her seat to grab her purse so she could leave. Feeling like she was in a dream and would wake up at any moment. It had to be, things like this didn't happen in real life.
Fin ran off the stage and grabbed his coat from his chauffeur. "Let's go!"
"Where are we going?" He puffed after Fin.
"If I know Liv, she is on the run. And I am going to catch her." He laughed wickedly.
"Benson are you ok?" Nick said with concern.
Elliot grew angry at the fact that Fin kissed her and by her anxiousness to get out of there he assumed it wasn't wanted. Sensing her distress he went to find the bastard.
"Hey Olivia, what was that all about?" Amanda bellowed a little too loud when Liv returned to her seat.
Annoyed Olivia lied, "I have no idea. Just a lucky shot being in the front row and everything."
"Lucky, huh? He looked like he wanted to make love to you right on the spot. And that song, oh my goodness, what a singer. Let's not forget that kiss!."
Amanda took another swig of beer.
"You have had enough Amanda." Liv grabbed her beer and threw it in the trash. "I'm getting out of here Nick take her home," she said as she started to walk away. Nick grabbed her hand "You not leaving alone we will walk back with you" he spoke as he got his stuff and Amanda.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, they managed to fight their way to the lobby. Pulling her jacket close around her ears, Amanda sniffed the air, "Lordy we smell like a couple of boozing skanks tonight. Pheww!" She belched and then accidentally farted. "Oops!" She giggled.
"You reek of beer because I spilled mine on you. And you have obviously had way too much yourself." Liv wrinkled her nose in displeasure.
"Don't get preachy Olivia, I…hick, I am just having fun." Amanda belched. "Besides I'm not ready to go home. That was only the first guy, " Turning to Nick, "Nick you know you are a really good looking man"
"Yea thanks Manda but your drunk and I am not interested. Now let's get you home"
They came up to Nick's car and he put Manda in the back"Liv I'll drive you to your car"
"I'm literally right down there Nick. No point. Just get her home ok. I'll see you tomorrow," with that she walked away.
A blast of snowflakes flew into her face as Liv reached her car. She went to open the door but screamed when a hand snaked out, grabbed her arm, and pulled her sideways. Her boots gave way under the slippery snow as she landed on her back with her 'would be' assailant on top of her, in a cloud of powdered snow. The weight of his body was crushing her as Liv stared into the laughing eyes of Odafin Tutuola.
"I had every intention of sweeping you off your feet my love. Just not quite like this." He laughed and then leaned down and kissed her astonished lips.
A/N: Ok y'all. Hope you are still enjoying this. Stay tuned because it's about to go down