Chapter 17
"Did you try his cell phone?" asked Cragen, as Munch and Fin entered his office yet again.
"Yeah, we tried his home phone, his cell phone, and his pager. No answer," said Munch.
"Where the hell could he be? He was due in three hours ago," stormed Cragen, as he sat back in his chair.
"Give him a break Capitan, he just lost his partner. He needs a couple days to get over his loss. That's probably why he's not answering his calls," said Fin.
"Still, something doesn't feel right. I want the two of you to go and see just what the hell's going on. Call me if there's any trouble," said Cragen.
Munch and Fin left Cragen's office, grabbed their jackets off the backs of their chairs, and headed out the door.
"You really think something's wrong? Or is it just Elliot trying to pretend he doesn't need support?" asked Fin, as he and Munch got in the car.
"I don't know but if something is wrong, Cragen's going to shit himself," said Munch, as they headed towards Elliot's apartment.
He stumbled to the bedroom that he and Olivia once shared and went to the chest of drawers. After rummaging through them for a bit, he found what he was looking for. He looked at it for a minute, then held it up to his temple.
"I'll see you soon, my sweet Olivia," he whispered.
Then it was all over...
"Cross your fingers and hope to fucking god nothing's wrong," said Munch, as he and Fin got out of the car. they walked up the stairs to the first floor and knocked on the door.
"Elliot, open up. It's us, we're all worried about you and we came over to talk," said Munch as he hammered on the door.
"Doesn't he keep a spare key around here someplace?" asked Fin.
"Liv said he keeps it above the door frame," said Munch as he felt around for it.
"Aha!" he exclaimed, as he produced the key.
He put it in the lock and opened the door. The two men entered the dark apartment, weary of what they would hopefully not find.
"Check the back rooms," whispered Munch. Fin nodded and headed towards the back room.
"Munch, we have a situation back here," came Fin's voice.
"What's u-oh my god," said Munch, as he looked down at Elliot's bleeding body.
"Station, this is Detective John Munch. We have a situation. I need a bus now, repeat I need a bus now. Address: 1012 Rose Ave. Apartment number 12." Munch dropped to his knees next to Elliot to feel for a pulse, but there wasn't one. They came too late.
"What the hell was he thinking?" asked Munch, as he got up and stood next to Fin.
"He wanted to be reunited with Liv. He was suffering so much, it took over him in the e-what's in his hand?" asked Fin, suddenly.
"It looks like paper. He was writing a good-bye letter to all of us," said Munch, passing the crumpled paper to Fin.
Not too long after, they heard sirens. They left the back room, unable to look at their dead friend. They stood out on the landing for the paramedics and the rest of the SVU to get there.
The first to arrive on the scene were the paramedics, followed closely by Cragen, Alex, Chris, and Casey.
"What's the news? Did you get a hold of him?" asked Cragen, seeing the two men standing outside.
"We got here, and...um, we were too late," said Fin.
"What the hell do you mean 'too late'? What aren't you telling me?" demanded Cragen.
Before Fin and Munch could say anything, two paramedics wheeled a stretcher out of the apartment and down the stairs. Atop the stretcher was a black body bag.
"My god, he actually did it," Cragen whispered.
They all sat in silence, as the caskets were brought into the church and sat side by side.
"Friends and family of the departed, we gather here today, not to mourn for our loss, but to rejoice in their life. Let us to remember the fond memories we shared with these two dedicated and loyal detectives. Let us now bow our heads in prayer. Father almighty, bring the souls of your beloved children into your kingdom. Guide them and bless them. Keep them in the safety of your loving care. Amen," said the priest.
"Amen," rumbled the church.
They were laid to rest in the Queens Cemetery, side by side, just like they were when they were alive.
Little by little, the crowd around the double grave thinned out, leaving only Munch, Fin, and Cragen staring down at the graves.
"Well, it looks like this is goodbye. Take care of each other," said Cragen, as he, Munch and Fin turned to walk away.
Elliot Christopher Stabler Olivia Elizabeth Benson
A fierce friend A great friend
A loyal Detective A loyal Detective
A brother A little sister
Rest in peace Rest In Peace