A/N: I make no profit off of this. All characters, except I think Tagamaura, belong to Mr. Wolf. I also do not own the music of Celtic Woman. This also marks the chapter where the story shifts from Elliot's POV to Alex's.
Chapter 4
After exiting the courthouse I parted ways with Elliot. It was good to see him even after all these years. But Livy working with the Feds? Never, not even in my wildest nightmares, did I ever think I'd see that happen. And the fact that he was temporarily partnered with someone who couldn't be more different from Liv, just struck me as a gross injustice to both partners.
The more I thought about this Dani Beck them ore annoyed I became. Letting out a very undignified snort, I couldn't help the resentment I felt towards her and her place, however temporary, in my squad.
'Sure Casey may have taken my place, but she doesn't know what makes them tick. She doesn't understand Liv's determination is fueled by her need to prevent the events surrounding her conception from happening to another, or her lingering anger over how her mother died and they never really worked all of their issues out. Or why she and EL were so exceptionally good as partners! Nor does Dani understand why the cases with kids affect him so much! Or how he blames himself for Lizzie and Dickie's younger brother's death from SIDS. Only Liv and I know just how much he beat himself up over it and probably still does.' I can't help thinking to myself bitterly.
"I thought things would be easier coming home. I didn't think it would be this different! How could I have been so wrong??"
"Do you always talk to yourself counselor? What are you doing here anyway? Isn't this a little out of your jurisdiction? Or were you feeling a little homesick, and thought you would see how much this too had changed during your absence." Said an annoyingly sweet voice.
I turned around and saw Dani making her way towards me.
"No detective. I only do that to worry those around me. Or when I have a very difficult case to prosecute. Shouldn't you be heading back to the precinct? I'm sure you have cases that need to be worked on and DD5's to fill out." I say, slightly surprised at my harsh tone of voice.
'Is this really who I've become? This is not the well-bred Alex Cabot I was brought up as!' "That Alex Cabot died the night Liam Connors shot you and you went into WPP. Remember what the marshals told you when you left WPP? 'You have to reinvent yourself. You're not the same person everyone remembers. You have to figure out who Alex Cabot is now."
"Captain Cragen told me I was on call, but to go on home. So, no I don't have to go back to the precinct. What is your deal anyway? So you were shot and had to go into Witsec? At least you were lucky enough to be able to leave! From what I've seen you're nothing special and easily replaced, just like everyone's precious Olivia Benson! I'm twice the detective she'll ever be!" Before either of us knew what happened, there's a bright red handprint on Dani's cheek.
"You are nothing like Detective Benson!" I snarled "How many victims of the crimes you've worked have you seen since you closed their cases? Hmm? How many have you followed up on to see how they're doing?" Dani was silent long enough for me to know her answer. "That's what I thought. Detective Benson went out of her way to check on the victims after the cases closed! That's why everyone loved Livy! Perhaps you should go to homicide where you don't have to deal with live victims." I couldn't help the bit in my tone; this woman really had no right to work at SVU! It's little wonder she's so disliked by the squad.
"Now as enjoyable as this conversation is, I have more important places that I need to be. So farewell Detective Beck. Enjoy the rest of your evening." I turned on my heal and walked towards my car.
"Urgh!!! Why do I let her goad me like that?! What was Cragen thinking allowing her to work with Elliot?" I banged my fist against the steering wheel in frustration before starting my car and running the few errands I had.
When I reached my third floor apartment I quickly put my groceries away and put on the latest Celtic Woman CD and skipped to my favorite song, Annie Watches. I discovered them shortly after going into Witsec, and discovered that I really enjoyed the hauntingly soothing music, especially after a difficult day.
