This has been a long time coming. Sorry for the wait. That's what happens when "life" gets a hold of you and doesn't let go.

I tried my best to keep with the characters personalities and how they would react as best I could. This is my personal fave chapter.

As usual, I own absolutely NOTHING in the land of the Wolfe and SVU. All mistakes are my own.

Please let me know what you think. Any ideas or suggestions - I love to hear them. I don't know if I'll be able to update soon. I've had my writers block for the last 2 years. I'm stuck...but I will keep trying.

Enjoy the story.

Chapter 3

Coroner's Office 9:15am

"You sure this wasn't just a mix up?" asked an anxious Benson.

"I'm positive. No one had access to the files or the test results but me. I made sure of that," replied Warner. Over the years, both women became good friends.

"Olivia, are you sure you're alright with this?" concern was laced around the words.

"Don't have much of a choice, do I?" Olivia plastered on a fake smile. Patience was Olivia's strong suit but this time, hers was running out. Melinda knew Olivia long enough to know when not to push, so she let that one go…for now. Pulling a thick file from her desk, Warner handed it over to Olivia.

"It's not you're typical bed time story."

Olivia just arched an eyebrow and took the file.

"What? Someone owed me a favor in archives," said the young medical examiner who had a hint of a smile on her face.

Olivia smiled, "sure." She was about to open the file but Melinda's voice stopped her.

"Olivia, I feel I should warn you."

"About?"

"The things you'll read…see. Olivia, this is worse then any case you've worked on. I had nightmares after reading just the first page. You can't do this on your own." Warner's voice held concern for her friend, which Olivia heard.

"Thanks, but I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. But thanks for your concern," replied Liv. She was about to stand but stopped in mid motion and sat back down and looked at Warner, "I'll let you know if I need anything, ok?" Warner still looked worried but just nodded. Liv got up then and gave a brief nod to Melinda then left and headed for the elevator. Warner hadn't moved from her desk. She just stared at where Olivia had sat just a few moments ago. I hope you're right Liv. I hope you're right…getting up from her desk, Warner got back to work.

10:45 am – SVU

Walking into the station, Liv headed straight for Cragen's office. Half way there, she hears a familiar voice coming from behind,

"Long time no see detective."

Olivia stopped. Inhaled then exhaled slowly. Then turned in the direction of the voice, "Casey," was all the detective could say. When both women first met, Olivia was still reeling from the loss of her beloved ADA, Alex Cabot. Both women had gotten off on the wrong foot from that first meeting. Since that day, both tried to get along.

"Where have you been hiding Liv?"

"I don't see where that's any of your concern"

"When one of my best detectives goes MIA for a day and a half, it becomes my business," a worried Casey shot back.

"I'll remember to call and let you know where I am…mom."

"Liv, what has gotten into you?"

Closing her eyes, Olivia tried to calm herself down. She's just worried about me. Just let it go Benson…she thought to herself. When Olivia was slightly calmer, she opened her eyes and said, "I'm sorry Casey. I've been having a tough time on this case. Actually, I was heading to Cragen's office to talk to him. So if you don't mind, I gotta go."

Reaching out before she lost her nerve, Casey lightly touched Liv's arm, "I'm here if you need me, ok?" Olivia looked at her arm then at Casey, who had just put her hand down.

"Sure. Thanks. Excuse me." Olivia turned and headed for the Captain's office. She knocked on the door frame to let Cragen know that she was there.

"Liv! I got your message. Come on in and have a seat." Getting up, he gestured to one of the two chairs and closed the door.

Sitting down, Olivia gripped the thick file as if it were her only life line, "Sir, I think may need some time off to…sort this out." Olivia looked down slightly as if she were ashamed to ask for time off.

Cragen studied his detective. In the last 8 years of working SVU, he never once heard Olivia request for time off. And this bothered him…a lot. Looking directly at Benson, he asked her quietly, "What brought this on?" Cragen knew the answer, but he wanted Liv to admit it to herself.

Sighing deeply, she looked everywhere but at the Captain. She finally set her eyes on the awards on the wall behind Cragen and said in a quiet voice, "Captain, I've always done my best to be a good detective. Most times it got me into trouble. But I always did my best on all of our cases. But this time I can't do that," her voice cracking, she stopped for a second to regain her composure. Cragen sat in silence and continued to listen to the painful truth. Taking a deep breath, Olivia went on,

"I can't give my best if there's nothing left for me to give. Not anymore. And I'm afraid of what that may mean for me." Stopping once more, Olivia closed her eyes and willed the tears back that were threatening to fall. Holding the up the folder, she gestured to it, "I need to find out what this means for me. I need to know because I can't keep living like this. I just can't…please sir…" Unable to hold back any longer, Olivia quietly cried. Seeing this, Cragen got up from his chair and sat in the empty one beside her.

He placed his hand gently on her shoulder as if she were a frightened child. He spoke softly, "Liv, take all the time you need. Whatever you need, you give me a call. I want you to call me. Anytime. Alright? I won't make it an order, but I will say please. Besides, the rest of the guys need to start picking up the slack around here," the last sentence made Olivia smile slightly.

She nodded and replied, "Yes sir. I will. Thank you."

"Olivia, you'll be fine. No matter what happens or what you decide, you will be fine," Cragen said quietly as she got up from the chair.

Olivia gave him a sad smile then turned and left the office and headed for her locker. She grabbed a box and quietly began to put the contents of her locker in the box. Elliot, Fin and Munch stood by Elliot's desk and stared at Olivia. The rest of the squad room had gotten quiet and looked on as well. Liv finished packing up her locker and desk. She turned to Munch and smiled and gave him a big hug.

"How long?" was all he could manage when she let go. She shrugged and said,

"You'll be the first to know. I promise." Then turning to Fin, she looked him in the eye and said,

"You take care of him," and jerked her thumb towards John.

"You know I will. I'm the only one that can stand his sorry ass," replied a quiet Fin. She also gave him a big hug. She then looked at Elliot who was on the brink of tears but of course, was fighting it.

"El…" Olivia started, but was stopped by a gruff sounding Elliot,

"Don't…just don't...just...just take care of yourself," he quietly said. Olivia just nodded and let the tears fall. After eight years of working closely together, seeing things that no human being should ever see, no other words needed to be spoken between the two. It was as if whatever needed to be said was done in that one little nod.

"I'll walk you out," Elliot said as he grabbed his jacket. Olivia, not trusting her voice, just nodded.

Captain Cragen watched the scene from his office door. He watched as one of the best detectives in New York walk out of the squad room. He watched as John stared at the door where Olivia went through, watched as Fin placed a comforting hand on John's shoulder. Both looked a bit lost. Cragen glanced at what used to be Olivia's desk, and then went back inside to his office, closed the door and blinds and headed for his desk. Instead of reaching for his licorice, he grabbed an un-opened bottle of vodka from his drawer and placed on his desk. He then sat in the chair that Olivia had sat in a few moments ago and stared at the bottle. A second later, he began to cry.

Outside beside Olivia's car:

"You know? I think this will be the first time Munch is going to be doing actual work," Olivia said trying to lighten the mood.

"In other words, more work for me. Thanks Liv. Thanks a lot," replied a sarcastic Elliot.

Both laughed for the first time that morning. Then the reality of Olivia's decision finally sunk in and they both fell silent.

"It won't be the same without you."

She shrugged then said, "You'll manage."

Elliot made his way to the driver's side of the door and opened it for Olivia.

"In 8 years of working together, you now decide to open my door for me?"

"What can I say? I'm a charming guy." Olivia laughed at that then climbed in and shut the door. She took a deep breath and started the engine. Taking one last look, she gave him a comforting smile. Elliot stood back as he watched his partner and best friend drive off.

I hope you find what you're looking for Liv.

Elliot looked at the building he once thought of as grey and depressing. Now, it looked dark and dead. He breathed in deeply and headed back for the squad room.

TBC???