Chapter four: Justice

Olivia made her way back to the lab, and approached the Medical Examiner standing by the entrance of the building. She was watching as Olivia made her way towards her. Olivia gave her an odd look, Why was she waiting for her? Surely, she would've met her inside like usual? "Olivia… I had to have Courier come and run the diagnostics on the test. I couldn't do it. But he has answers for you… He's inside." Olivia raised her brow, at the woman stood in front of her. She led Olivia to Benjamin Courier's lab, and they saw the Forensic Analyst standing in front of his computer screen. "Detective Benson, Dr. Warner! I believe I have what you need." He exclaimed, grabbing a file off of his desk, and placing it in Olivia's hands. Olivia sighed, as Melinda watched her crack open the seal of the Manilla envelope with Kathy's results inside. She looked at Courier with a concerned look. "Christ, Open it Olivia…" She said, not being able to stand the suspense any further. Olivia finally, after a brief pause she'd taken, she opened the envelope and pulled out it's contents. She stared at it momentarily, and almost passed out from what the results said "One Kathy Stabler, is hereby not found evident to have said Substance: Firearm Discharge Residue on said self's person or area." Melinda sighed in relief, "Then… Maybe it came off…" She said, offering some extended information. "It's always possible. But even her clothing was checked…" Olivia regarded.

It was Courier's turn to speak, "Well technically speaking detective, when we ran the tests for GSR inside the room, we found plenty. However, Dr. Warner is correct, it could've been just as easily washed off of her hands. It only lasts anywhere from 3-8 hours on skin. However there is no way to completely rid fabric or clothing of GSR. " He explained, plaintively. "If and when I find anything else, from the room and weapon, I'll be sure to let you know." He told the Detective. It made her reubute in defeat once more. However it still left the one question floating in the air, that everyone was asking, "Was Kathy guilty?" Olivia had no idea, at this point. But she was determined to find out, for her partner's sake. Olivia bid farewell to her friends, and decided to head back to the hospital. There she would meet up with Cragen, and her and the rest of the squad could talk, and throw their theories and ideas together.

Upon arriving to the hospital, she noticed all three men inside Elliot's room. But before she had a chance to think about how she was going to greet them, the doctor entered. "Evening everybody. So, we got Elliot's results back. No signs of infection or anything around the wound. And he should heal up nicely. Now it's just to wait until the anesthesia wears off. And then, you can take all the statements you need." He said, with a laugh at the end. It caused Olivia to shoot daggers at the doctor. She knew he was trying to make a joke, but it felt wrong to joke about her unconscious partner; bestfriend.

The other three men said their goodbyes, and left Olivia alone with her partner. It was quiet for a while.

Around 7 am the next morning, Olivia finally decided against her better judgement to go home get a change of clothes and shower. And she decided on the drive, she'd pick some clothes up for Elliot too. She finished her shower and collected Elliot's spare clothing she had at her house. She was hoping he'd wake up soon, not only did she need his statement to find out what actually happened, but she missed her partner's presence. And the longer he was unconscious the longer this case would be drawn out, and left without an answer. But she also missed her partner… She just wanted this to be over. It wasn't like Elliot had never been hurt in the line of duty before. But he had never remained asleep this long after being shot. Which was why everyone was so worried.

She was getting changed, when she heard her phone ringing. She picked it up, off the bed and placed it to her ear. "Benson." "Hello Detective Benson, this is Doctor Ramos at Mercy General, I've called to inform you, Elliot has woken up, and he's asking for you." The man on the end explained to her, she told him she would be on her way, and hung up. Now, for the truth. She was so relieved Elliot had woken up, she almost forgot his change of clothes. She chastised herself for even leaving the hospital in the first place, he was looking for her, and she wasn't there. She made a mental note to apologize for that.

Olivia ran into the hospital, and made it to the 3rd floor, ICU into her partners room.

"Elliot." She said managed to say, catching her breath. "Liv. Hey." He said, extending his hand. She grabbed it in her own, and squeezed it softly. He looked at her, with a sad look. "I'm sorry I wasn't here. I had to go home and shower, and get you some clothes." She said, earnestly. He smiled. "All good. Hey where is Kathy? And are the kids!?" He finally asked. She guessed he had just barely recollected all that had happened the night before. "Uh well…" She took a seat next to him on the bed, and then continued, "Kathy is in Rikers, for holding… Until we get the proof we need that she didn't shoot you… And the kids are with her parents." She finished, trying to gauge his reaction before it even happened. "Olivia, you know for a fact she didn't shoot me. Kathy wouldn't do that… It was her boyfriend!" He shouted, hoping that Olivia would be reasonable. He knew she was a good cop, but she was also biased right now. "Elliot, calm down… I know that, but what I know, doesn't exactly matter… You were shot, she was holding the gun… And that's all I saw… I can't exactly prove anything else. She looks guilty… But I'm trying my hardest to prove she isn't. However I have no choice, but to follow protocol. Not only was YOUR weapon fired. But, it was fired at YOU. You're a cop Elliot. That's already assault and attempted murder on an officer… This really doesn't look good, El.." She said, honestly. He rubbed his hand down his face. "Are the kids okay?" he said, finally. Realizing this was a lot worse than he had anticipated. "Yes, they're fine. I've been over to check on them. They have my number if they need anything.." She said. She knew Elliot was stressed more now, than he had been before she arrived. "I've had test ran on Kathy… I am trying my absolute hardest to prove her innocence. But there is another MAJOR factor that's making her look guilty ..." Olivia explained. He looked at her quizzically. Waiting for her to continue, "Her boyfriend is Charles Fontaine…." Olivia spat, the name. He was one of their most dangerous cases as partners. He had some sort of obsession with Olivia while they were working on the case, and never chance to act on said obsession, due to Elliot collaring him. But now, Elliot's ears were steaming. "CHARLES FONTAINE!? " He yelled, she watched him struggle to sit up. And that's when she intervened, placing her hand on the lower part of his chest. "Elliot, you need to stay here… You just had surgery. I've got it under control." He began to panic, knowing she'd at least had him around the kids once, and he'd been inside his home. "I'm sure you do! But, she's had that scum around my kids! I have to do it!" He yelled. "Elliot, the moment you stop trusting me, to protect you, your kids and this city. Is the moment you need a new partner." She said, the phrase just as she had anytime he underestimated her. He looked into her eyes, understanding. "Liv, I'm not underestimating you. I'm just pissed, he's been in my home, around my children… That means he could've followed me to your house… We're all in danger Olivia…" He argued. "Elliot, I've got this. Okay?" She said, leaving no room for him to argue. He nodded his response. Olivia stepped out into the hallway to make a call to Cragen, "Hey cap, I know who the boyfriend is." She said, into her cellphone. "It's Charles Fontaine." Olivia had spent all day deciding whether or not she'd report that. That would surely keep Kathy in prison. But, you can't pick the vic… Or in this case… The suspect. Plus, Olivia wasn't 100% sure herself, Kathy was Innocent. She just knew she had to do this for her partner, and his kids.

She hung up the call, after reporting to Cragen and walked back into Elliot's room.

"I know she looks Guilty Liv." He spoke, softly. "But, she isn't… I know she came to you, talking about a divorce… But, she would never have shot me… Now her being with Fontaine is what infuriates me…" He said, his anger rising again. Olivia just sighed, "I know, El… I'm sorry, but I'm going to figure this out.." She said, squeezing his hand.

Hey everyone, this chapter is A LOT shorter, than usual, and for that I apologize. But, I have been soo busy lately, with work and school. But, I hope you all have enjoyed so far. Thank you so much for reading :) Until next time.