[Chapter 18 : A Little Reassurance]

Hi Guys, here's another chapter. I thought the story was coming to an end but its taken a turn! More to come! Comments always encourage me to write quicker.

'Ok, so where are we?' asked Cragen as the team had gathered around the table and the white board to gather their thoughts and refocus their attention after delivering the sad news to the various parties. The team worked together for about another hour .

'Guys and girls, it's 6:40 you all have about twenty minutes to make yourselves scarce. People who I find in this squad room after 7pm are in serious trouble. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication but now get out of here and enjoy the evening.

'Yes, sir.' Fin replied on behalf of everyone.

Ten minutes later Olivia watched as her computer screen turned black and then she stood up.

'Ok, I'm out of here guys. Enjoy your evening.'

'Bye Liv.'

'Have a good one.'

'Thanks, I plan to.' She said with a cheeky smile.

'Whoa, just what are you planning?'

'MMmm wouldn't you like to know? Good night boys!'

Olivia walked past her captain's office and knocked.

'Come in.'

Olivia walked in and sat down in one of the chairs near Cragen's desk.

'Just wanted to say that I'm on my way.'

'Ok. Why do I sense a bit of hesitancy on your part? Is it case related?'

Olivia shook her head without saying a word. She looked down at her lap. 'I'm going out tonight.'

'That's great Liv. It will get your mind off the case. Is it with Brian?'

Once again she used her head to answer.

'Ok. Liv, what's up? You've been seeing him for a few months now.'

'I kind of told him to get lost a few weeks ago. I just couldn't see myself with anyone right now. But he started dropping things off at the precinct when I came back to work. I guess he ignored what I said.' She said with a shy smile. 'Tonight… Its…. It's the first time since…'

'Oh Liv.' Cragen stood up and walked around his desk and sat down on the other chair next to her. He reached for her hand and spoke softly. 'Liv, talk to me.'

'I'm nervous, Don.' She used his first name that indicated that she was talking to the man she considered a father, and not her boss. 'I don't know why. It's not as though I don't know him. As you say, we were been dating for months before...'

'Why do you think you are so nervous?' Trying to force Olivia to verbalise her true thoughts and feelings.

'Perhaps because I feel different to the woman I was last time we were together or maybe because I still haven't told him everything that happened while I was with Lewis. I mean what if we date and when we reach the point of being intimate, he can't cope with what he sees.' Her hand going to her chest.

'Liv, look at me. He would be a fool to be bothered by a few scars. You are one of the most beautiful, smart, loving, caring and funny woman I know. Remember he was at the hospital when we rescued you, so he knows that Lewis left a few scars and I've seen the stuff he has left on your desk these past few days. I saw him waiting in your room beside your bed while you slept. He still wants a chance with you. I must admit when you two started out I thought he was just in it for the fun, but these few weeks I've seen a different side of him. He really cares, Liv.'

'Hold up a sec. He sat beside my bed while I slept in hospital? I never saw him.'

'Liv, you were in and out of consciousness for two days and when you were awake you were on pain meds. No one expects you to remember everything. Why don't you go and talk about things, take it slow. I think he'll understand. And if he gives you any hassles you come and tell your father and I'll send your brothers after him. ' Don said with a naught grin on his face.

'Oh crap! I'm late! I'll never get home and be ready in time!'

'Liv, call him. Tell him you running late. He's a cop, he'll understand.'

'Ok.' She said standing up. She moved in closer and gave him a peck on the cheek. 'Thanks dad.'

'Bye Liv.'

He took a seat and let out a sigh. She had done so well with the case that he had no doubt that Detective Benson was back. He just wish he could say the same about Olivia, the woman. He knew that she was very good in keeping her private life out of the office and somehow that made him fear all the more. She seemed so insecure now, so unsure of herself. He'd have to watch her carefully.

As she walked to her car she typed a message on her phone.

Bri, I am so sorry. Just walking out of the office now. Going to be late.

As she walked to her car, she turned around. 'Hello?' Anyone there?'She swore she'd heard something. Maybe she was just imagining. Her senses had been oversensitive since Lewis. With one hand getting her keys ready to unlock her car, she laid the other one her gun which was still attached to her belt.

As she entered her car, the message came through. She chose to ignore it until she was out of the parking garage.

Once safely on her way, she read the message.

'Ok, no problem. I'll pick you up an hour from now. B'

While stopped at a robot, she replied.

'Appreciate it. See you soon.'