Disclaimer: I really don't think anyone will miss that janitor (whistles inconspiculously). Anyway, I've not hired Hannibal Lecter to give me a hand, literally Mr. Wolf's hand. Hopefully this will make him see the light…

Now onto the Meat and Potatoes

Lizzie

Catch - 22

Stabler longed to throw himself at this guy and snap his thin neck with his bare hands. Instead, he forced himself to remain seated and composed. "Her name's Detective Benson to you."

Yaburov finished his beer and sat back in his chair. "Detective Benson was actually the reason for this meeting. I'm sure you're curious about her."

Fin's eyes narrowed, Munch cleared his throat, Elliot leaned forward but none of them said anything.

"Very well, if you aren't curious about Liv, I'll just leave."

He stood up and it was Fin who cracked first.

"Where is she?"

Yaburov returned to his seat. He had a smile of victory playing at the corners of his lips.

"Actually, while Detective Benson is the reason for this meeting, her location isn't."

Stabler continued to lean forward in his seat. "Then what is?"

Yaburov leaned forward and whispered in Stabler's ear, "Kendal Evans and New York."

"What do you wanna to know?"

"I want to know if you wish to keep Liv alive?"

Fin's knuckled cracked as he pushed his fist into the table.

"How the hell did you find out about tonight?"

"It's a long story, didn't they say your name was Fin? It's a long story, Fin."

"Detective Tutuola works just fine. Anyway, it's not as if we have anywhere else to be tonight."

Munch nodded his acquiescence. "Yes, please lighten the mood with a story."

Yaburov now wore his poker face. He wasn't smiling nor did he look angry. He simply looked neutral. When he spoke, his voice was neutral as well.

"You have no idea how close you came to having me, detectives. If it hadn't been for Max, you'd have a picture of my New York operator right now and you'd probably be buying plane tickets even as we speak."

Stabler hung his head. Munch and Fin had warned him not to trust Max, yet he had. This is all your fault, Elliot. When'll you learn to listen?

"Max is actually on your side so don't look so betrayed, El. Poor idiot's a coward who loved himself more than Olivia."

This didn't improve Stabler's mood. "Just tell the story, cretin."

If Yaburov was insulted by this, he didn't show it. Instead he continued.

"Last night I was walking in the garden when I saw Max returning with a white piece of paper in his hand. I was curious and notified one of my men, Artur here," Yaburov gestured to one of the men standing behind him, "to follow him. Max went to the room Olivia stays in and Artur heard her ask if everything had gone all right. Artur watched her for a time and after she went to bed, I had him sneak into her room and he found the letter hidden in a roll of toilet paper. He brought it to me."

Yaburov reached into his pocket and retrieved the letter from the previous night.

"Detective Stabler, I believe this is when you told her that a Casey Novak and a George Huang were hunting down Kendal Evans. I had my people contact Evans and do a little research. We found the name Casey Novak in many New York newspaper and we learned she was an Assistant District Attorney for the Special Victims Unit squad. Today, I had another friend in New York go and collect information on the squad and found Olivia's picture in it. However, she wasn't alone in the picture and I soon recognized the man who broke my nose the other day in the market."

Yaburov waited for this information to sink in. He was carefully gauging each man's reaction to this story.

"When Max was out on an errand for me, I sent two of my people to his house. I had his wife murdered and her head returned to my house. Max, the coward that he is, didn't take it well. I promised him that if he didn't tell me everything he knew about Olivia Benson, Detective Stabler and their comings and goings than I would return to his house and slit his three sons throats."

Stabler couldn't help it anymore. He lunged at Yaburov only to be struck in the back of the head for his efforts. Stabler slumped back into his seat, touching the back of his tender head looking for bumps or blood.

"You must learn to control your temper, Elliot. It's gotten the best of you too many times."

Munch caught Stabler's eye and gave him a small nod, which Stabler returned.

"Yet you still felt obligated to beat the shit outta Max?"

Yaburov nodded and took another sip of beer. "I needed to see how much you care, Stabler. Since you were concerned about a man you barely know, I knew immediately that you would be exceedingly for someone you love."

Stabler glanced around at Munch and Fin, both of whom looked concerned and sympathetic.

"I know you didn't write that letter. I know Detective Benson's handwriting and it was hers."

"It was," Yaburov's smile was back. "And here's the brilliance of it. I had Max go and collect Benson's letter. I than read through it and told him that if he would deliver it, I would let his family live. Needless to say he caved, yet again, and headed off to find you."

Stabler thought back to Max's behavior that evening. He had been acting out of character. Why hadn't he noticed? Stabler cursed himself for not being a better judge of character. Why hadn't George Huang been with him? The man would have known immediately if something was wrong. Again, Stabler began to feel that this entire situation was his fault.

"What have I done," he whispered quietly. Not only was Benson probably dead but their recklessness had caused Max his wife and possibly his children.

"When Max returned," Yaburov continued. "I asked him what had happened. He informed me that you were growing suspicious so he left quickly. He also asked me what was going to become of Liv. He still cared for her, for some reason beyond my understand, and begged me not to harm her."

At this statement, Stabler, Fin and Munch all sat up.

"I told him it was none of his business, sorry to disappoint you, and he should leave."

Stabler had liked Max and he wondered if possibly he had found a way to tip Benson off. His hope must have shown in his face because Yaburov quickly stifled that hope.

"My men escorted him home and shot him. I couldn't risk him being around."

Stabler, while he kept himself in check, glared at the man sitting beside him.

"You son of a bitch! You didn't have to do that!"

"Yes, I did. He might have cost me everything." Yaburov's voice was calm and collected. He didn't seem pleased nor contrite about his actions.

"Where's Detective Benson," Fin repeated his question.

Yaburov turned to the other detective. "Where do you think she is? Lying in a mass grave somewhere, burned up in my fire place? Bet you wouldn't believe that she's sound asleep right now, safe and warm in her bed."

"You're right, we wouldn't." Munch had joined the conversation.

"Then don't believe it but right now that's where she is. No I didn't drug her. She knew I'd have her out working tomorrow and that she would need some sleep. Since she figured she'd be out late with you, she decided to take a few hours of sleep before she met you." Yaburov reached into his pocket and pulled out the cell phone Benson had been using.

"She uses this as an alarm clock. I simply took it and she's still asleep. She has no idea what she's sleeping through."

Stabler squeezed his glass wishing it would break. "I want her back!"

"That's not an option, Stabler." Yaburov had signaled for one of the barmaids to bring him another drink. She brought him a large mug of warm, malty beer, which be began to sip contentedly. Stabler had glanced at the beer and wondered that if he kept Yaburov talking long enough, would he drink enough to become vulnerable. Yaburov seemed to posses ESP because he placed his mug on the table and shook his head.

"Don't worry, I can hold my liquor and it takes a hell of a lot to intoxicate me. Plus, I never drink to excess. I prefer to be in control, such as I am now."

Stabler was not in the mood to see Yaburov gloat. The look on his face told Stabler that the Russian was positive of his victory. And, as of right now, Stabler couldn't see how the situation would turn in their favor. He couldn't think of a damn thing to say. He took a drink from his beer, but the taste that had filled his mouth during the toast with Benson was gone. The beer tasted disgusting and vile. He quickly returned it to the table, his thoughts overwhelming him.

"What do you mean getting Benson back isn't an option? If it weren't, why are you here?"

"Munch, I think that's your name, you'll never see Benson again. How she lives out her days, or doesn't, is completely up to you."

Stabler knew that Yaburov couldn't let Benson live. She had seen too much and had too much on him. Why was he even joking about her life still being on the bargaining table?

"Keep talking."

"Benson has seen too much for me to ever let her go." Stabler slumped back and groaned.

"Then why are we even here?"

Yaburov ignored him and continued to adress Munch.

"However, you three plus this Novak and Huang are also involved. I have to keep you quiet. Olivia is my bargaining chip for this. If you return to the United States and forget this incident, I'll let her live. However, should I think you'll turn me in or if I'm arrested, my people will send her back to you piece by piece."

Stabler laughed at this. But it wasn't a cheerful laugh. It was a high, cold laugh that made even Munch and Fin exchange looks. Yaburov raised his eyebrow.

"You find something humerous in this situation?"

Stabler nodded. "Those are my choices? I can choose to either let my partner die what I assume will be a horrible death, or allow her to remain in your "loving" care. No thanks."

Yaburov leaned forward and met Stabler's eyes. "They aren't fun choices, but it should be an easy one. Do you really want to be responsible for the death of your loyal partner, Detective Stabler? Wouldn't that be akin to having you choose death for Maureen, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Dickie or Kathy?"

Munch leaned over and grabbed Stabler by his upper arm. "Don't do anything, Elliot."

Fin had also leaned forward slightly although being across the table did put him at a disadvantage to get to Stabler. Both detectives knew how it angered Stabler to be taunted about his family. When he made no movement, Munch let go but Fin remained forward in his chair.

"How long do we have to think about it?"

Yaburov's eyes grew wide. "I didn't think this would need pondering. But, if you need it, I'll allow you until tomorrow to think about it."

Stabler cocked his head and met first Fin's eyes and then Munch's. Something was out of place here. The other two seemed to agree.

Yaburov pulled himself to his feet and extended a hand to Stabler. "If you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend. Have your answer to me by noon tomorrow or I'll make it for you. And you won't like it." Yaburov kept his hand extended for several more seconds before retracting.

"You won't shake my hand?"

Stabler stood up and the two men Yaburov had brought with him moved forward quickly. Stabler glared at him before spitting on his hand.

"I've got enough filth on me without touching you."

Munch and Fin had also stood up and the three on each side all looked ready for a fight. The night manager in the bar sensed trouble and hurried over.

"Gentlemen, if you're finished with your drinks, please leave."

He said all of this in Russian so Stabler didn't understand what she said. Munch, who spoke some Russian, translated.

"We were just leaving," Yaburov spoke in Russian and Munch, again, translated.

"You three will remain here for another fifteen minutes. If you try and leave sooner, it will be the last thing you ever do."

He slowly wiped his hand on Stabler's shirt before leaving, the other two men at his heels.

As soon as they were gone, Stabler gave a cry of fury and threw his glass against the wall. It smashed into thousands of pieces and he continued to scream. He wasn't saying anything exactly and Munch and Fin knew better than to intervene. After a few moments, he calmed down and just sat there with his chest heaving.

"I'm gonna kill him," he kept whispering. They didn't speak for the fifteen minutes they waited. Munch and Fin kept glancing at Stabler, worried, but he didn't look back. His eyes were glazed over and he seemed to be in a trance. His thoughts were churning out a plan.

The conversation on the return walk was the complete opposite of the one they had walking to the bar. No one really knew what to say.

When they reached their hotel, Fin offered Stabler his bed and said he'd crash on the floor. Stabler shook his head but didn't object when Fin offered to take the other bed in his room.

"It's up to you. I'm not gonna do anything stupid, I promise."

Neither Munch nor Fin believed him. Munch walked Fin and Stabler to their room and right as he told them good night, Stabler gestured for him to come in. Once the door was shut, Stabler told them of the plan he had formulated.

"Tomorrow, around ten, we're going to head to Yaburov's mansion and we're going to rescue Liv. I don't care what it takes. You two in?"

Munch and Fin had exchanged looks. "Why don't you tell us what you've got in mind."

Stabler knew what they were thinking and he didn't blame them for being unsure. They were both hoping that this plan had some substance rather than just marching in with guns blazing.

"We'll infiltrate the house. It's huge so it won't be hard."

This wasn't the plan Munch and Fin had been hoping for. Wouldn't be hard? Both Munch and Fin wanted to laugh at this. That place would be swarming with body guards, all of whom would be armed to the teeth. What Stabler was suggesting could be suicide, but what choice did they have? If they didn't act quickly, Benson would be dead or worse. Both men nodded reluctantly.

No one slept well that night. Tomorrow would be a dangerous mission but one that would be rewarding if they won.

Stabler pulled himself out of bed around eight the next morning. He hadn't really been asleep anyway so it didn't matter. He shook Fin awake and called Munch's phone. They met up around eight thirty. They had decided to leave everything behind because they were certain they would be running for the nearest airport. Stabler had already bought tickets to London and from there they would be able to hide until they could get back to the United States.

"Let's move."

They had taken public transportation to the estate and passed through the gates easily.

From there they split up. Stabler knew they would work better on their own. He was taking the back enterance while Munch and Fin each took a side. They had agreed to meet at the airport right before takeoff should they not rendezvous here at the house.

"The house might be large but I'm sure we'll know if something goes wrong."

Stabler and Fin had agreed and all three headed for their separate entrances.

As Stabler headed for the back, he had to admit that he was surprised. He had expected a shoot out right at the beginning.

"For a wealthy criminal, your security sucks," Stabler muttered to himself.

Keeping his gun in front of him, Stabler made his way to the back door.

"Maybe we're walking into a trap?" Stabler wasn't sure but he was prepared for anything. If he went down shooting, it beat the choices he had been given. He wasn't giving Benson up without a fight.

Stabler's hand found the door and to his great surprise, it opened with ease. He pointed his gun into the room before slipping inside.

He found himself in a laundry room and made his way out the door and into the kitchen. As Stabler made his way along the floor, he felt a feeling of dread coming over him. It wasn't that he heard voices, it was that he heard nothing. Not a peep.

It was like that in the rest of the house. Everything was in its place, breakfast dishes were on the table, but no one was around.

Stabler uncocked his gun and called out for Munch and Fin. They joined him minutes later.

"Let me guess, you guys got nothing?"

Both men nodded. "No one's around but my door was open."

"As was mine."

Stabler nodded. "Mine too. Why would someone leave their mansion wide open? I'm sure he has paperwork on all of his brothels. Liv told me that the locals suspect him. He wouldn't just leave important information out in the open."

Munch gestured to the stairs.

"Let's go and have a look."

While they had started out tiptoeing though the house, the three detectives were soon walking as they normally would. The place seemed to be abandoned.

The three men found the office just fine. However, it was empty. The room was a mess and it looked as if whoever had been there had left in one hell of a hurry.

"Maybe they were ratted out and decided to bolt?"

Stabler's stomach flipped. If they thought they'd been ratted out, maybe they would clean house. Benson said that they would destroy all evidence that incarcerated him. And that included…"Liv!"

Fin's eyes grew wide and Munch's jaw dropped. All three were thinking the same thing.

"Oh my God!"

They were off like a flash. Each detective took a different floor but turned up nothing. They searched for two hours before meeting back up.

"Maybe they took her with 'em?"

Stabler couldn't think why Yaburov would risk that. Her testimony would get him the Needle so she was a threat to his very life. Plus, she was a trained police officer and there was always the chance Benson would escape and then they were done. She would know exactly where to go and who to talk with. He voiced this to Munch and Fin.

"What if they weren't ratted out? What if they were throwing us for a loop and decided to take off?"

Stabler half hoped this was the case. He didn't like to think of where the bastards were and what they had done to Benson but at least she would be alive.

"Let's check the backyard. He did mention a mass grave."

Stable headed that way when Fin called them back.

"He also talked about burning her body. You guys check the yard and I'll check the fire places."

Stabler and Munch turned over every leaf looking for disturbed soil. Fin joined them when his searched turned up negative. Finally, they had to admit defeat. Rain was beginning to fall and it looked like Yaburov and his men had made Benson simply vanish.

Stabler sat down on the ground and didn't move. Munch leaned up against the tree, his head down while Fin bit on his lip.

For ten minutes they sat there in silence, the rain turning the dirt Stabler was sitting in into mud. He didn't care. Olivia Benson was dead. He should have given Yaburov his answer last night. Closing his eyes, Stabler wished the rain would drown him and take away his problems.

What now? That thought kept going through his head. Should they return to the States? There, life didn't improve. He'd be fired, probably divorced, and if he should escape both fates, he'd have to break in a new partner. Would he ever be able to look at another partner without thinking of her, of Benson? Of course not. But would it affect his job? Yes.

That's when it hit Stabler. His life as a cop was over. Fired or no, he was never going back to SVU. Where would he go next? Stabler had no idea. He just knew that he was on his own. He'd left his family right when he was beginning to reconcile, he had been so close to saving Benson but then she was taken away. He was completely on his own. It didn't matter where he went or what he did.

Yet he didn't cry. For everything that was wrong, he didn't shed one tear. Truth be known, he was too much in shock to cry. Stabler knew eventually he would break down but not right now. Today he just wanted to leave Latvia and the horrors of the past few hours.

Stabler pulled himself to his feet and looked around for Munch and Fin.

"Let's get outta here, guys. We can still make that plane to London."

Munch nodded and while Fin didn't respond, he walked with them out of the gates surrounding the empty house.

"I'll call Cragen." Fin had reached for his phone but Stabler pulled his out first.

"Let me. I owe him an explanation."

Stabler pulled his phone out of his pocket, dialed Cragen's number and had been about to press call when it rang. Stabler recognized Novak's number.

"Hi, Casey."

"Elliot!" Her voice sounded so filled with joy. "We did it! We had a suicide in New York that was akin to the one Benson experienced. We apprehended the man who paid for the victim and he's agreed to give us information on Evans. We'll have all the information you need to arrest Yaburov shortly."

Stabler couldn't even bring himself to sigh. Nothing mattered any more. And if by some miracle Benson was still alive, having Novak and Huang continue would be her death sentence.

"Casey, forget about the case. We were wrong."

Novak couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Elliot, are you okay?"

"We were wrong, Casey. You and the Doc can go home and forget everything. Thanks for your help."

There was something in Stabler's voice that Novak didn't like.

"What about Liv, Elliot?"

Stabler's voice caught in his throat. He had to say it. He had to tell her. But saying it would make it real. Saying it would mean he would never see Olivia Benson again. And that was the last thing Stabler wanted.

"Elliot, are you still there."

He had to say it. He'd have to say it eventually.

"Casey, Liv's dead." And with that he dropped the phone onto the grass, sank into the mud and wept.

Munch had picked up the phone while Fin turned away from them.

"Casey, you still there?"

There was silence for a few moments.

"John, is that you?" It was Huang.

"It's me, George. Where's Casey?"

"She handed me the phone and said she needed to get a drink of water. She went into the restroom. I'll go after her in a minute. What's wrong?"

Munch looked at Stabler, who was having his break down in the grass, and Fin, who he was sure was crying but trying to hide it, had his back to him. Munch knew he would start soon but not before he had informed Huang.

"Liv's dead, George."

More silence but soon Huang was back. His voice was dead but he seemed to be at least semi in control.

"Do you want me to tell Cragen?"

Munch muttered yes.

"Do you have Yaburov or have any idea where he's at?"

"No, we came to try and bust Liv and everyone was gone. We can't find Liv's body so I don't know if that makes it better or worse."

"John, Yaburov owns a jet so he can travel with ease. His local air strip is about ten miles outside of town. If you can find it, I'm sure he left on it. I know it won't bring Liv back but at least you might have a shot at catching the bastard."

Munch muttered his thanks and hung up. He returned to his partner and Stabler. The former wouldn't look at him and the latter was completely unresponsive. Deciding that he should just say what Huang had just told him and hope it caught their attention, Munch cleared his throat.

"There's still a chance we can catch Yaburov. Huang and Novak found out that he owns a jet. If he left in a hurry, it would be on that. The air strip is just outside of town. We can find out there where he went." Munch squatted down next to Stabler.

"We still have a chance to catch this bastard. Liv would want justice, Elliot, and you know it."

Stabler said nothing. He didn't even look up.

"I'm in." As Fin took a seat beside Stabler as well, Munch was grateful that he had at least brought one of them around.. "Come on, Elliot. Let's do it for Liv. Let's get this bastard a potassium chloride cocktail."

Stabler looked up at them. His face was covered with mud and his eyes were red and puffy.

"For Liv, then."

Munch and Fin got to their feet and helped Stabler get to his and they slowly made their way to the airstrip.

When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on.

Phil Collins – You'll Be in My Heart

Author's notes: I feel so hypocritical because when I review I berate authors for cliff hangers but I do 'em myself. Sorry, guys:) Thanks for the reviews, guys, and a special thanks to obsessedwithstabler for the birthday shout. I'll try and get another chapter up tonight to make up for not posting last night.