AN! Sorry for the longer delay, but had some family events to attend to and my regular visitor - writer's block - is starting to visit me once again, but I hope this chapter worked out well :) .
I already have an idea for the next chapter, which includes a guest appearance from someone who has been part of Elliot's life for a very long time.
And I'm also taking a moment to say that updates will become more irregular from now on since tomorrow I'll be officially student again, starting my studies to get my Master's degree in 2 years. But I promise not to abandon this and I try to keep updates regular, but we'll see how it goes.
Enjoy and I appreciate your opinions, as well as suggestions.
L.
***SVU***
7.03 – 911
Elliot grinned at Olivia over his desk for what felt like a hundredth time that night. Olivia looked neutral and tried to ignore his eyes on her. His eyes were sparkling and combined with the grin he was wearing, he was slowly driving her crazy. So this time instead of ignoring him, she raised her eyes to look at him and opened her mouth.
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing," Elliot said sheepishly and turned his look over to papers once again.
"You've been doing this for most of the night, you're creeping me out," Olivia was frustrated.
"Just thinking that tonight I get to finally take you out," Elliot said with smile playing on his lips.
"I might reconsider if you don't stop doing this," Olivia deadpanned.
Elliot wiped off his smile and looked at her dead serious, but so did Olivia.
"I swear to look at my work from now on," Elliot said, defeated.
Olivia looked satisfied and finished her report, putting it in another pile and grabbed the next unfinished report.
As time progressed, Elliot kept on looking at the time, they had theater tickets to see "Spamelot" and then probably go to some nice place for drinks. He had this whole date planned out in his head, and he could only hope that this will play out just as he hopes.
It was 4:30 pm, when he shut down his computer and turned off his desklamp. Elliot neatly collected his paperwork, he had finished, and dropped them on Captain's desk.
"Heading out?" Cragen asked him.
"Yeah, got a date," Elliot said with a smile.
"Let's hope Olivia understands it," Cragen said, his face dropping.
"It's Liv," Elliot chuckled.
Cragen smiled – of course it was Olivia, who else?
"Well, you have my permission to take her out," Cragen joked.
"Thank you, sir. I will bring her back home at decent hour," Elliot said, going along.
"Yes, you will. Let me remind you that I carry a gun," Cragen said, trying to keep his face serious.
"Noted," Elliot said.
"Now get out of my sight," Cragen said, but losing his cool and smile appeared on his face.
Elliot smiled, but some part of him felt just like he was still in high school and meeting girl's father right before the date, maybe because even if Cragen was not her biological father, he still acts like one.
"Good night," Elliot said from the doorway, closing the door after him.
He went back to his desk and collected his things, while Olivia was still writing her reports. She looked up, when he sat on the edge of her desk.
"I've got some errands to run, so I'm gonna head out. I'll be back in time," he said.
Olivia nod.
Elliot kissed the top of her head and left the squadroom.
Knowing that they might get off just before the play starts, Olivia took her dress with her along, so she doesn't have to leave the precinct. Elliot did the same and took an extra suit.
Olivia finished her report 20 minutes later. She decided to call it a day and dropped her pen on the desk, heading towards the crib. She took a quick shower and got dressed. She had chosen a black, v- cut, knee length, sleevless dress, which left much to imagination, but showing just enough to leave Elliot wondering, matching the dress with black blazer and handbag. She finished her look with strappy heels and a touch of make-up. She chose against wearing a lot of jewelry, satisfied with just her earrings.
She got ready just after 5 pm, when they were planning on leaving. Since Elliot wasn't back yet, she called him, but he didn't answer, probably driving. She sat back behind her desk, checking her e-mail, when she felt his presence.
Elliot stood by her desk, dressed in a black tight fitting suit with blue shirt along with dark blue tie. He held a bouquet of roses in his hands.
"You look amazing," he complimented her.
"I could say the same for you," Olivia said with a smile.
Elliot smiled and held his hand out, waiting for her to take it and she did, getting up from her seat. He leaned over and chastely kissed her cheek.
"I got these for you," he said and held out the roses.
She took them with a smile and took a moment to admire the bouquet – he never brought her flowers, but then again flowers weren't that essential to her.
"These are beautiful," she said.
"Yes, you are," Elliot said, still taking in her looks – she really looked amazing.
Olivia ignored his last sentence and placed roses on her desk. Elliot disappeared and came back with a mug filled with water, he placed it on her desk and she placed the roses in the water.
"We have to get going or we're going to be late," Elliot said.
Olivia nod.
He took her hand in his and they walked away from the squadroom with their co-workers' eyes on them, including their Captain.
Cragen watched them walk away with a smile, feeling like a proud father, because Olivia had found herself a good man and also that Elliot had found a woman, who really gets him. His desk phone rang and he went back to his office.
The conversation was brief. Cragen slammed the phone hard, ending the call. He knew, what he had to do, but for once he felt extreme guilt. Standing for a moment, he realized, that he had to act fast. He rushed to the elevators and took a ride downstairs.
Elliot, being gentleman, opened the door for Olivia, kissing her before she could sit in. They broke apart, smiling at each other.
"Olivia! Olivia!" Cragen shouted, getting down the front door steps.
Both Olivia and Elliot looked at Cragen, already knowing what's coming.
"I need you," Cragen said, making a motion with his hand, signaling Olivia to come with him.
Both Elliot and Olivia shared a look of disappointment, but also mutual understanding.
"You need me back in too?" Elliot asked.
Cragen shook his head.
"I'm sorry," Olivia said.
Elliot nod, you can't choose the time for a case to come along.
She leaned in, pressed her lips to his, while he had his arms around her, holding her. The kiss was quick and Olivia joined Cragen, letting him explain the situation to her – a little girl had called 911, claiming she's locked in her room, but probably not hurt. Olivia was hopeful, that maybe she and Elliot can make the date after all.
"All right, everybody. Let's keep it quiet," he ordered the whole squadroom, when Olivia got to her phone.
"This is detective Benson, put her through," Olivia said, pressing the button on her phone.
"Hello?" A scared girl's voice came through the speaker.
"Hi, my name is Olivia. What's your name?" Olivia asked, pushing away all annoyance and frustration from her voice.
"Maria," the girl answered.
"Hi, Maria. You and me are gonna talk, until my friends come and get you, okay?" Olivia said to the girl, hoping to make her feel safe and hopeful.
"Have them come quick," Maria said urgently, she sounded scared.
"Are you hurt, Maria?" Olivia asked with concern.
"I'm hungry. My stomach hurts," Maria explained.
"When was the last time you ate?" Olivia asked, fearing the answer.
"Two days ago," Maria said.
Olivia made a face, knowing it's bad. She looked over at her boss, both realizing the seriousness of this call.
"You must me starving," Olivia said compassionately, sitting down on her chair. "What about drink?"
"I finished water yesterday. Please, will you help me?" Maria asked.
Olivia's eyes widened, once again she looked at Cragen.
"We will, sweetheart. We're gonna be there soon," Olivia promised, looking over at the phone. Yeah, she won't make her date.
Olivia pressed the button, so Maria can't hear, what she's saying.
"Captain, it's bad," she said.
"I know. Let's move you to an interview room, so you have some silence and privacy. I'll call in Munch and Fin and get TARU up here," Cragen said.
"Yeah. Captain, I know it's not your job, but could you let Elliot know that it's gonna be awhile," Olivia said, making a pained face.
"Yeah," Cagen said, feeling another wave of guilt wash over him.
Olivia kept on talking with Maria, first trying to get her to trust her and then moving on to asking questions of her location. TARU moved up pretty fast and soon Olivia was settled in an interview room with TARU technicians at the other side of the glass.
Meanwhile Cragen got Munch to run door to door search, Fin to track down the cellphone owner and let Elliot know about the situation. Having his date canceled, Elliot of course came in, especially as he was already in the parking lot. He also called Casey, keeping their ADA happy and in the loop.
Elliot and Cragen stayed with Morales, listening to Olivia talk to that scared girl, who gave Olivia basically no information, while Fin tracked down every possible lead they got.
But when they ran empty and Cragen asked Olivia to push Maria, she hung up and the phone was out of service.
"I lost her," defeated Olivia said, sitting down on a chair.
Olivia got close to victims, she identified with them and that's what usually makes her good at her job, but it's also what makes this job take a toll on her, and that's exactly what happened when Maria hang up. Only a little over hour ago, she was happy to go on a first real date with Elliot and now she was down.
She left the interview room and went to the squadroom's window. She kept on staring at the city's skyline, when Elliot came to stand behind him. He handed her a cup of coffee, and gently massaged her shoulders.
"Liv, you know it's not your fault," Elliot said softly.
"I was too tough on her. She calls here asking for help and I accuse her of lying," Olivia said, sipping her coffee.
"We had to find out," Elliot said.
Olivia shook her head.
"You know you're not the blame. You kept her talking and made a connection. You got her to trust you. And it's much easier, when the victim is in the same room not on the other side of the phone," Elliot offered.
Olivia closed her eyes and exhaled.
Elliot moved his hands down her bare hands until her elbows and then wrapped them around her middle, placing his head on her shoulder. Olivia leaned in his embrace, accepting the comfort he was offering.
"You wanna get changed?" Elliot asked, very well aware of the dress she was still wearing as a painful reminder of their almost date.
"Our date," Olivia said, just remembering the plans. "I'm sorry, El, I know it's not what we planned," she apologized.
"It's okay. I get the importance of your job, we'll get our date some other night," Elliot said, hiding his disappointment well.
Olivia took another sip of her coffee, watching the dark liquid as she drank it.
They heard a throat being cleaned behind them.
Elliot removed one of his hand from Olivia's waist and turned around – Cragen.
"We've alerted the call center. They'll put her through if she phones again," he said seriously.
"She won't," Olivia replied confidently.
Against his better judgment Cragen avoided another pep talk, he was sure Elliot had already given her one.
Olivia broke free from Elliot's embrace and walked over to her desk, sitting down. Cragen followed her instantly, while Elliot stayed by the window for another minute.
"You know there might be another explanation," he said warily.
"Oh, what do you mean?" Olivia asked, settling down and crossing her legs, exposing her creamy skin on her thigh.
"You remember Jessica, September '04?" Cragen asked.
Cragen sat on a table across from Olivia and Elliot took his seat on her desk. Elliot scanned the room for other detectives, eyeing them to see if any of them gave inappropriate looks or attention in any way to Olivia, because he was sure that other men were also aware of her attractiveness, especially in that black dress, exposing her skin way more than her usual work attire. While Elliot loved the way she looked, he was utterly uncomfortable with the idea of someone else seeing that too.
"She calls 911. Says she's four years old and that her mommy has stopped breathing. She gave the cops a home address, a school, even a teacher's name before she hung up. They searched, never found a single one of them. Dozens of cops tied up. Thousands of hours wasted. It was all a hoax by an 18-year-old girl," Cragen said, starting to believe the possibility of a bad joke.
Olivia looked away, not wanting to believe that she had been played, because that little scared girl seemed so real.
Morales interrupted them. He managed to enhance the background, getting a traffic sound and Casey managed to bring in dialect expert Julia Ortiz to track down Maria's origins, because at this point they really had nothing to work on.
Until Maria called back and that's when serious problems started – comes out the phone signal had moved. Cragen ordered Fin to downtown, near Holland tunnels, where the signal was originated, but according to Maria she hasn't moved and of course rooms can't move. Cragen stood by suspicious and maybe for a good reason, but when Maria confirmed the sound of cars, he was convinced that this girl is for real, so he made a decision to close down the tunnels.
Elliot stood by their captain, helping to make calls and come up with ideas, because they really ran out, but Munch, Cragen, Elliot and Morales all agreed that the phone signal and so the location was the problem. Casey met Honduras consulate and Olivia developed a strong bond with Maria, but their search was going nowhere.
2 hours later everybody was almost convinced that this is just a sick joke; well, everybody, except Olivia. Elliot tried to stay out, when Morales, Cragen and Munch came to Olivia with proof, that this could be a joke and probably is, while Olivia defended herself and tried to keep Maria talking.
Finally they tracked down the problem with phone signal and their FBI agent started fixing it. Casey managed to get through to Honduras police and picture from them. Olivia had been listening for hours about Maria's pets, family and all her habits, while NYPD was out in a wild goose chase and all they had was a scared girl's voice on the other side of the phone, her location yet to be found.
Up to that point the team was divided: Munch was skeptical, thinking this is all a joke; Olivia was convinced Maria exists, Cragen switched sides as more information became available and tried to find a good solution, while Fin and Elliot were trying to believe Maria, but there was too much things that didn't add up.
Even though their mission was to find Maria, Elliot stood by Olivia, bringing her coffee and food, which she left untouched. He sat on the window sill, listening, and watching as this case got to Olivia more by the minute.
"You may be right, I may be an idiot, but I am talking to this girl, until I am proven wrong," Olivia shouted to her coworkers and boss.
"Did Fin arrange a door-to-door in Queens?" she asked after a brief pause.
"I'm not sending another hundred men on a wild goose chase. I'm sorry," Cragen said finally, letting her know exactly where he stands.
In disbelief and helplessness Olivia turned back to Maria and started repeating the poem, washing away all the anger from her voice.
And they were alone again. Just Olivia and Maria on the phone with Elliot watching over her, playing the same game they have been for hours now.
As they learned that Maria's mother is alive and Maria is supposed to be dead, sides changed again, the story becoming more and more unbelievable and controversial.
"Do you have children, Olivia?" Maria asked.
Olivia visibly tensed up, just as Elliot did – they hadn't brought up having kids. True they haven't been together for that long, but the biological clock is ticking. Elliot knows, that she wants to have kids one day, Olivia would make a good mother, but he already has 4 kids
"No," Olivia replied with heavy heart.
Elliot got up and walked over to Olivia. He started massaging her shoulders in comfort, knowing her dedication was taking a toll on her.
Fin quietly entered the room, meeting Elliot's eyes as Olivia's were on the phone as if then she'd be looking at Maria.
"Don't you like them?" Maria asked.
"I love them. I would love to have a child," Olivia said honestly, forgetting for a moment, that she had company. She was reminded, when Elliot moved his hands over to her neck and back to her shoulder.
Elliot moved a step away from Olivia, when Fin walked over, handing her a picture from Maria Recinos, that her mother sent, it's taken on her ninth birthday. When Olivia asked about it and Maria said exactly what she was wearing, Olivia was proven right, but unfortunately that was not the goal. Olivia kept her eyes on the girl, and realized that she looked familiar.
"I've seen her before," she said in whisper.
"I'm switching to the portable," she shouted to the technicians.
Fin and Elliot watched her grab the portable phone and ran out of the interview room, before following her.
"Olivia, what's happening?" Maria asked, sensing something has changed at the other side of the line.
"I'm looking for something that might help us find you. Hold on," Olivia said, getting to her desk and pulling out a pile of folders.
"Looking for what? I don't understand," Maria asked.
"Sweetheart, I need you to hold on right now, okay?" Olivia said. The phone landed on her table by the files as she furiously combed through them.
Fin and Elliot were by her side, waiting for an explanation.
"What is it, Liv?" Fin asked.
"Montreal SVU did a mailing to all precincts. Photos of a girl, I know that I have them," Olivia said.
"Olivia, I'm tired. Can we stop talking now?" Maria requested.
"No baby, I need you to just to hang on, okay? Just one second. Why don't you sing me a song?" Olivia said to Maria, while going through all papers on her desk.
"Let's check the file room," Fin suggested.
Olivia and Fin ran to the file room, Cragen and Elliot following them slowly. Olivia kept on trying to keep Maria talking while she and Fin looked for the photos, which Fin found – giving them all the proof they needed that Maria does exist.
Then the attention shifted to Richard – they had to find out what he looked like and who he is as they were given the chance to put him away for child pornography and molesting a child.
While Olivia was trying to work with Maria, Cragen looked helpless in his office, which had transformed into phone center or TARU's temporary HQ. They knew, that time is running out – Maria is getting sleepy, the phone battery is dying and the little girl wants to hang up. All of them kept on watching at the clock as they were racing against time.
Until they really had no more time – Richard got home and hang up the phone, causing Olivia to break the phone she was using. She put her hands in her hair, keeping them back in frustration, tears forming in her eyes and her body shaking.
Elliot left Cragen's office and entered the interview room. He opened her arms and walked over to her, pulling her into his embrace, enveloping her. He didn't say a word, just held her shaking body close to his, running circles on her back, feeling the material of her dress and the exposed skin. Her hands were around his neck, her hold tight, just as she was scared that he was going to disappear too, but he wasn't.
She loosened her hold, when she was no longer crying. Involuntarily he did the same, letting her warm body leave his.
"I'm gonna get changed," she announced before leaving Elliot standing alone in the now empty interview room.
Elliot watched after her, her dress being a bitter reminder of their supposed perfect first date, but yet again something came between. As perfect as it was planned out in his mind, the date only happened in his mind. Even if they could get a table at a fancy restaurant, it wouldn't be the same, because Olivia wasn't up for it anymore – she had failed to rescue a young girl and knowing her she takes it personally. Well, at least they had a plan and that counts for something.
***SVU***
Olivia came back to squadroom having changed her clothes. She found a long-sleeved shirt with white and light pink stripes, matching them with a pair of jeans. Casey was sitting on the edge of the desk and Cragen stood by the desks, both waiting for Olivia. She walked towards them, looking beat.
"Amber alert is out on Maria. Montreal sent us more photos," Cragen said as Olivia approached them.
Olivia kept on walking so Cragen walked along, while giving her an update.
"Munch is going through them, looking for location clues. Fin and Sorranis are at the cell company switchboard, but I have no idea where Elliot has disappeared," Cragen said to Olivia.
Casey caught up with them, coming to the other side of Olivia. She put her hand around Olivia's shoulder comfortingly.
"And the judge has given us warrants to examine company employee files, cross-check against sex offender registries," Casey continued, desperately trying to say Olivia that this guy will be caught.
"We'll get this guy," Cragen said as they got into his office.
"He's not gonna be on any registry. He took a girl that nobody would miss. He kept her in a place that nobody would find," Olivia said confidently, having already lost hope. She looked through the glass into interview room, where TARU technicians were removing all evidence, that Olivia was on phone with Maria.
"We'll find him though the cell company. If he just hacked in, he'll still have left some trace," Cragen said, keeping his eyes on her back and trying to offer some confort.
"Even if we catch him..." Olivia started, not turning around, "he's had plenty of time to get rid of the body."
"Liv, we have to expect the best until we know for sure that the worst has happened," Casey said.
Olivia turned around and met the faces of her concerned colleagues.
"I'm gonna help Munch," Olivia decided and left Cragen's office.
"I'll call Elliot," Casey said and pulled out his cell phone, following Olivia out of the office.
Olivia climbed up the stairs to the lounge, where Munch was sitting behind a table, which was covered with pictures of Maria. Wordlessly Olivia took a seat by his side and started going through the pictures. Her stomach flipped at the pictures, feeling guilt and disgusted at the same time.
"I hear you and Elliot had a date," Munch said, making a small talk.
"Yeah," Olivia said. "Even had theater tickets." she added.
"To what?" Munch asked.
"Spamalot," Olivia answered.
"I hear it's funny," Munch said.
Both of them focused back on the pictures, looking for anything to get their closer to either Richard or Maria. That's when Fin came up the stairs.
"Detective Tutuola, come and pollute your soul with some child porn my friend," Munch said to his partner.
"Any luck with the phone company?" Olivia asked.
"No. You get anything here?" Fin said.
"Not yet," Olivia said shaking her head.
Fin took a seat at the table, starting to look over those pictures, even though looking at them made him feel sick just like it would make any normal person feel.
Silence took over in a room, where 3 detectives were trying to solve the case through looking at child pornography.
"Now, look at this beside the bed," Munch said, handing the picture and magnifying glass to Olivia.
"What? The cup?" Olivia asked.
"The logo on it," Munch clarified.
Olivia spelled out loud, trying to make out the slogan on the cup, and then it hit her.
"Felipe's," she said.
"Felipe's burgers," Munch confirmed.
"She read the cup. That's why she thought Richard brought her food from there," Olivia realized.
"That place burned down. You want us to go back there?" Munch asked.
"Across the street from Felipe's there's a electronics store. Our perp's a communications freak," Fin said helpfully.
Munch, Fin and Olivia got up, with Fin and Olivia heading straight towards the car and Munch called for backup. For once Fin didn't say anything when Olivia got to the driver's seat. She drove like maniac, followed by police cars with sirens on, echoing through the night.
Olivia and Fin got out of the car instantly. Olivia ran to the door, only finding it being locked. She hit the door a couple of times as if it would make it open. Fin came to the door, testing the metal gate, but it didn't bulge
They walked away from the door, Olivia trying desperately to find something, anything to get them closer to their perp.
"This place has been closed a while, Liv," Fin said, not sure what they'll do from here on.
Olivia ignored Fin and looked over at people who had came out from the diner place next to that closed electronics store. Desperation was blindly obvious to everyone around her, her mind was running wild, trying to find something solid. She had to find something.
She turned around and ran to the gate, holding the metal bars in her hands looking into the yard.
"Do we get a warrant?" Fin asked, not sure what to do next.
Olivia turned away from the gate.
"On what grounds?" Olivia asked, no judge will give them a warrant.
Olivia stood in the middle of street, pushed her hair back and put her hands on her hip. She looked on both sides of the street, breathing heavily. And then she saw it – a man getting into a car, taking his silver glasses from a blue case. He unfolded them and carefully placed them on his nose. It took Olivia about 3 seconds to put things together.
She drew her gun and stood in the middle of the street, pointing at the silver car driving towards her.
"Police! Stop the car!" Olivia shouted, standing strong in the street.
The car stopped just in front of her, coming close to hitting her, but didn't. Olivia's breathing was fast as adrenaline was running in her veins.
The driver put up his hands, looking at Olivia, who still pointed her gun at him. Fin came and punched him, dropping his glasses, then dragged him out of the car, pushing roughly against the hood of the car.
"Hey what is this?" the guy asked Fin, seemingly confused.
"Police business," Fin replied.
"I don't understand. What did I do?" the man asked again.
Olivia put her gun back in her holster and checked the hood, announcing it empty. She moved on to check the car.
"What do you know? Richard Dwyer," Fin said, getting the wallet. He took Richard by his coat and turned him around so he was facing Fin
"What are you doing here, Richard?" Fin asked, while Olivia trashed the car.
"I stopped to buy a soda," Richard explained.
"You live all the way in Long Island. You came way over here to get a soda?," Fin asked, trying to get something out of the guy.
"I was passing through. What the hell are you looking for?" Richard asked, playing innocent.
"Nothing here," Olivia said and came towards them, "What do you have to do with that store?" She asked, pointing to the electronics store.
"What do you want to know?" Richard asked back.
"Why don't you answer her?" Fin asked, intimidating their suspected perp. He got to the car and grabbed keys.
"Maybe his keys will open the door," he suggested, but Olivia had already broken the door window with her flash lamp.
"Hey" You can't do that," Richard protested.
Fin pushed him roughly back against the door.
"Keep him here," he said to the fellow officers. "Give me that light," he said, taking the flash lamp from Richard's hand.
Olivia entered the empty store, shouting for Maria, Fin hot on her heels. The managed to find a door with "Staff only" sign, Olivia kicked it in without hesitation, finding stairs. Both detectives ran down to the basement. They went through doors with heavy locks on them to finally find the room Maria described the picture on the wall. Fin flicked on the lights. The smell of ammonia was strong, indicating that Richard had cleaned up and he has Maria. Olivia refused to give up hope, knowing that Maria could still be alive since Richard got her only an hour ago. That's why she ordered Fin to bring Richard down there.
Olivia had pictures of Maria to maybe help him talk.
"This is Marcia Recinos. I spoke to her for more than two hours today on your phone," Olivia said to Richard, showing the picture.
"That's impossible. My phone has been with me the whole time," Richard protested.
"She described you. She told me everything that you did to her, here in this room. We have hundreds of photos like this, all taken here," Olivia continued, showing one of the pictures taken in the basement.
"Please, I honestly don't know what you're saying. I'm a day trader. I live on Long Island," Richard said.
"Then why do you have the keys to the store?" Olivia asked.
"It belongs to my dad. I hardly ever come here. I'm trying to sell it," Richard said, looking innocent as ever.
"They were are you gonna make your child porn?" Olivia asked, ignoring every reason he tried to come up with.
"I would never do such thing. I swear I haven't been down here in years. Maybe one of the people who worked for my dad kept keys. I can give you names," Richard offered, denying everything.
"Why are you here tonight?" Olivia asked.
"I had a business meeting downtown. I stopped by to check everything was okay," Richard said, seemingly having an answer for everything.
Olivia lunged at him, pushing him down on the bed hovering over her. Her one hand supported her and the other was on his chin, gripping tightly.
"You know where she is. Now, if she dies, I promise you I will make the rest of your life hell," Olivia said to her, anger radiating from her voice.
"You can't do this to me. I want my lawyer," Richard said underneath her, his breathing rapid.
Olivia removed her hand from Richard's chin, wanting to punch him in the face, but a millisecond later she realized that it's not a good idea, so she climbed off of him.
"I want my lawyer," he said once more.
Richard looked satisfied with a grin on his face, when Olivia walked away to the table, putting her hands on it and leaning on them. She stood there, glancing at Richard. She had to get the truth out of him, but then he crossed his legs and Olivia got a good look at his shoes, or more specifically what was under them.
"Fin!" Olivia shouted.
Fin appearead instantly, coming to stand near Richard.
"You said you had a business meeting," Olivia said, coming to Fin.
"That's right," Richard confirmed.
"So why have you got mud on your shoes?" Olivia asked.
Richard wiped the grin off of his face and let his leg fall back to the floor. He made a move to run, but Olivia and Fin stopped him, pushing him back on the bed. Richard kept on protesting. Fin kept his grip strong on his legs, so Olivia could get a shoe off. She hit the shoe against table, so the mud fell to the table.
"Soon as the lab gets this, they'll gonna tell us exactly where you buried her. Last chance, Richard, where is she?" Olivia asked, finally having something solid against him.
Richard stood up and made a move towards Olivia, but his face collided with Olivia's elbow, forcing him down the bed and then he fell to the floor.
Fin came over to watch the soil sample they had, noticing a burnt wood.
"Liv, look at this. Burnt wood, Felipe's burgers burned down. There was charred beams," he said, catching Olivia's attention.
Olivia looked at Richard, and realized exactly where Maria is.
"She's in the empty lot," she said.
Fin and Olivia ran outside and ordered police cars to drive down the wooden fence. Olivia barked orders to look for disturbed or darker earth footprints. They had already called an ambulance in case they'll find Maria alive and sirens were heard from the background.
Their search was successful as Fin found disturbance, he and Olivia started digging, first finding a trash bag full of girl clothes and underneath it was Maria with more clothes. Olivia and Fin lifted her out of the hole, but she was not breathing. Olivia performed CPR and soon Maria opened her eyes, standing face to face with Olivia.
The ambulance took Maria to a hospital and Olivia went along. The doctors chose to keep Maria overnight under observation, so Olivia headed back to the precinct.
"How's Maria?" Fin asked, when Olivia got back.
"She's good," Olivia said with a smile on her face the first time since she got on phone with her.
"I called Honduras police, Maria's mother will be flying out so she'll be here tomorrow," Munch said.
"Good," Olivia said, nodding her head.
Olivia took a seat behind her desk.
"Did you get confession?" she asked.
"He was not willing at the beginning, but we threatened him with you and he started talking. You managed to scare the crap out of him," Fin said with a proud face.
"That's the idea," Olivia said.
She picked up he cellphone and decided to call Elliot – he had been gone for hours now and he probably didn't go home without her, unless he was too pissed off about their almost date. Elliot didn't pick up.
"Have you seen Elliot?" Olivia asked.
"Not since the phone call ended," Munch said.
Fin also shook his head.
Olivia looked straight ahead, calling him again, but once again coming up with no answer.
Cragen came out of his office with proud smile on his face.
"Good job everybody. Richard's at central booking and Maria's gonna be okay. The hospital just called," he said, looking over at his three detectives.
"Fin and Munch, go home, sleep it off and report back at tomorrow," Cragen said.
Named detectives grabbed their belongings and headed towards the elevator, not needing to be told twice. Olivia called to Elliot again, but got no answer.
"Liv, you should go up to lounge," Cragen said with a smile.
Olivia eyed Cragen with curiosity, but decided to go up. She took her time, occasionally looking over her back to Cragen and then ahead. She saw faint light coming from the table and then Elliot came to sight.
Elliot was standing over the table grinning. He had lit candles on the table, making the atmosphere cozy, accompanied with plates, boxes of food and bottle of red vine.
"I promised you a date and I will give you that," Elliot said.
Olivia looked back at Cragen, who looked satisfied and then back at Elliot. Smile appeared on her face and she walked towards Elliot, straight into his arms. She found his lips and continued the kiss she gave him by the car. Her hands found his neck, holding his head steady, Elliot gripped her sides, moving his hands to her back, pulling their bodies close together.
They broke the kiss, but not the physical contact. Olivia placed her head on the crook of his neck, letting him fill her senses.
"I love you, El," she said.
"I know. I love you too," he replied.
Olivia moved her head so he could look at him. He smiled, pressed a quick kiss to the corner of her lips and loosened his hold.
"Don't let the food get cold again," he whispered.
Olivia left his warm embrace, allowing him to take her hand and lead her to the couch. Elliot sat down beside her. He poured them vine and then opened the food containers. He got them spaghetti and meatballs knowing that she likes Italian food. Elliot divided the food between their plates. It was until Elliot put food on her plate, when Olivia realized how hungry she really was.
Elliot took his glass, she followed suit.
"To our first real date, may the next one go according to plan," Elliot said.
"To our first date," Olivia agreed.
They clicked their glasses and both took a sip of the vine. After that the silence took over as both detectives ate in cozy silence.
"I heard you saved a girl's life today," Elliot said casually.
Olivia shrugged her shoulders.
"I just talked with her for hours, others did most of the work," Olivia said modestly.
"Your determination kept the investigation going," Elliot said.
"Maybe it did, but we also got lucky," Olivia said.
Elliot put his fork down and leaned back on the couch. Olivia turned herself around, keeping her eyes fixed on him, then leaning back until her back collided with the couch and Elliot.
"You know this is where it all began," Elliot said.
"Sort of," Olivia said.
"This is where we slept, you safely in my arms," Elliot went on.
"You snore," Olivia said.
"I remember your lips looking so irresistible and I lost control," Elliot continued, completely ignoring Olivia.
"You do know how to kiss," Olivia commented.
"Oh, Liv," Elliot said, accepting her comment. "You are pretty damn amazing yourself too," he added.
It was Olivia's turn to look pleased, her lips curling in a faint smile. She turned her face towards him and kissed him gently, her hands stilling his face. For once Olivia let the kiss be short and no tongue, as she pulled away from him.
Elliot made a noise of frustration, when they parted, but he knew it's for the best – getting more, makes you want more and he knew that ripping Olivia's clothes off at work is not an option.
Olivia focused on her food, hoping to silence her growling stomach. Elliot leaned forward and started toying with his food. There was something they had to talk about, something serious. He had to let her know his opinion about kids. He knew Olivia wanted kids, but he already has 4 of them. She'd be a great mother, but he's not sure about his standings.
"This is good," Olivia said, commenting the food.
"You know me, I only give you the best," Elliot smirked.
"I am well aware of that," Olivia replied.
Elliot finished his plate before Olivia, so he eyed her, letting his look linger and take in her appearances while she ate, but she finished not soon after him. Olivia noticed his eyes on her, and she decided that this was a little out of character.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," Elliot replied.
"Tell me," Olivia coaxed.
Elliot ran his hand on her upper arm, feeling the material of her shirt, but remembering only hours before he could feel her skin under his fingers.
"Just trying to picture you in that black dress and wondering why you changed," Elliot said simply.
"Oh, right. You're still in your good suit," Olivia said, noticing that he hadn't changed.
"Exactly," Elliot agreed.
"Elliot, if I had interrogated Richard in that dress… Let's say you wouldn't have liked that," Olivia said, knowing her close contact with the perp in her dress would have exposed her way too much.
"I don't like anyone seeing you in that dress, except me," Elliot confirmed.
"That's what I thought," she smirked.
"You know it's hard being with an attractive woman. Of course I like to go out with you and I want you to dress up, you looked amazing in that black dress. But I know that other men notice it too and that is one thing I don't want. Then I have to keep an eye on you and every other man, who might look at you the wrong way, it's hard. It's like an oxymoron," Elliot said, trying to explain his struggle.
"I don't care about other men, all I care about is you," Olivia smiled, flattened as he just exposed his jealousy, "But you know the same thing applies to women."
"Liv, you don't have to worry about me," Elliot said confidently.
"Oh, what a relief, because up until now I thought you were sleeping around," Olivia said with sarcasm, she raised her eyebrow.
"Well, yeah, I did bang that hot detective just the other day," Elliot said casually, successfully not laughing at his statement.
Olivia playfully slapped his hand, which caused Elliot to lose his control and smile appeared on his face.
Elliot leaned in putting his mouth by her ear.
"You are my hot detective," he whispered smugly.
Satisfied grin appeared in Olivia's face.
"And I'd better be the only one," she whispered.
He laughed and pulled her into his embrace, enjoying the feeling as she wrapped her arms around him. He buried her face in her hair, closing his eyes and for once he felt like he doesn't need anything else. It seemed as the whole world stopped around him, just so this moment would last forever.
"I love you," he whispered.
"Love you too," Olivia replied.
Neither of them moved for a long time, they just enjoyed the feeling of closeness, which for some weird reason felt much more intimate than having an intercourse.
Slowly and painfully she finally pulled her head away from his, her eyes meeting his and she pressed her lips to his as it felt the only right thing to do at the moment, plus Elliot's lips were too irresistible. He eagerly welcomed the contact, letting his tongue slip into Olivia's mouth.
He was getting turned on by Olivia pressed against him, her breast against his chest, her hands around his neck and his tongue in her mouth, of course he felt familiar stirring in his groin – Olivia had always been damn near irresistible. Knowing it's not the place and time, he pulled away abruptly.
"You wanna go home?" He asked instantly, not giving her time to ask questions.
"Yeah, I'm so tired," she said, rubbing her eyes.
Elliot stood up, helped her up and gave a quick look at the discarded table. He threw the food containers to the trash while she placed their plates in the washing machine. Elliot blew out the candles, wishing Olivia would always be by his side.
Satisfied with the result he took her hand and led Olivia down the stairs. Both of them collected their things along with the bouquet of flowers Elliot gave her earlier, Elliot being a gentleman helped Olivia with her jacket and off they went. Their fingers were intertwined as they walked out of the precinct into Elliot's car. Wordlessly he drove to her apartment building, where they both got out of the car.
Olivia rushed to the stairs, but Elliot grabbed her hand, stopping her.
"El, it's cold," She protested.
Elliot smiled and took a step forward. He wrapped his arms around her middle and leaned in kissing her. Olivia welcomed the warmth Elliot's body offered and let her hands slide around his neck, still holding flowers in her hand.
They broke apart in a need of oxygen and Olivia let her head fall to his shoulder, refusing to leave his warmth.
"So, I know it's only our first date, but maybe I could come up," Elliot asked innocently.
"Well, I don't know if you should. My central heating is probably not working yet and it's pretty cold inside. But if you want to keep me from freezing, you should stay the night," Olivia said, as if she was calculating her options.
"I have an idea that could keep you warm," Elliot grinned.
Olivia shook her head while smiling. She pulled away and took out her keys to let them in. Elliot hot on her heels, his hand wrapped around her shoulder, he was right behind her back, already kissing the back of her neck underneath the hair, giving her a glimpse of exactly what was coming. He loved how she still shivered in his touch or maybe it's the cold. Either way he shielded her, doing exactly what he wants to the woman, who captured his heart.