DISCLAIMER: The copyrighted characters of any TV program, movie, or published work of fiction are the property of their owners/creators. In this case, Law and Order SVU and Dick Wolfe. No copyright infringement is intended and nothing is being made. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Feedback is greatly appreciated (good or bad). Single quotes indicate thoughts. The subject is sensitive and I will stick to the medical facts as best I can.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.

Any reference to Macy's or "employees' is strictly fictatious.

Could Have Been Colder

Chapter Four

Even with tubes and machines, Alex looked beautiful. Olivia stood in the doorway, she just looked. Alex was still. Except for her chest, it rose and fell with each breath. Olivia watched, she made sure. Alex indeed was still alive. She walked slowly to the bed. Hesitating has she drew closer. Afraid to startle Alex. Afraid to break her in such a fragile state. Slowly lifting her left arm, Olivia touched Alex on the head. She began stroking the little tufts of hear that had freed themselves from the surgical cap. Her hair was so soft. Olivia gazed at the beautiful face she had found herself remembering, longing to see.

"Why?" She asked no one. "I am here. I am not away. I will be right by your side through anything."

The cool feeling of her own tears sent a chill through Olivia. She didn't notice that a small pool of them had landed on Alex's exposed cheek. Alex flinched has another tear fell. Olivia's eye grew wide, out of fear and hope. The bluest eyes in the world were now gazing into her brown.

Alex's throat was paralyzed by the breathing tube. She just looked at the woman in front of her. Inside her head was screaming.

'You're not supposed to be here. Run. Go. Leave me alone.' It was as if Olivia heard her. She turned and walked from the room.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cabot." She called down the hall. The elder couple came running to her. "She's awake."

Evan and Christina rushed passed Olivia and entered their daughter's room. Smiles crossed their faces has they saw Alex wide eyed and reaching for them. The three of them hugged the best they could. Despite the pain Alex was beginning to feel, the hug felt good.

"We Love you so much Alex." Christina said through happy tears. "I…I am glad." Was all she could continue with.

Olivia watched for only a moment more. She turned and walked swiftly form the hospital. Her hip began to vibrate and without missing a step she pulled her phone.

"Benson." She said reaching the stairwell. She took the steps quickly.

"Olivia, I have news." Warner said holding up an x-ray. "Our victim, Stanford Lang, has some pretty interesting internal scaring."

"Stanford Lang. Stanford Lang." Olivia repeated to herself has she yanked open the door and walked towards the emergency room exit. "I have heard that name before."

"Yep. He is a private label designer for the internal boutique at Macy's."

"That's it. Alex has a few of his dresses." Olivia said not thinking. "That beautiful blue one she worn to the spring police ball and the black dress she wore to the Met."

"The blue one I remember. But the Met, don't think I ever went there with her." Warner said. She knew about the relationship between Alex and Olivia. She was one of only a few people that Olivia and Alex trusted.

"I think I read somewhere that he was branching out on his own." Olivia started her car. "Hold on a second." She placed the phone in the holder and turned on the overhead speaker so that she could talk hands free.

"Yes, he was actually planning on a spring show for fashion week. He got some private investor to back him."

"Right. I will look into it when I get to the squad." Olivia had an idea. "Melinda, can you please call your friend Danielle at Women's World. She might have an insight on who the investor was."

"Great idea. I'll get back to you."

Olivia's mind drifted back to Alex. She remembered visiting the designer's studio with her late August. She pointed her car towards SoHo and headed for his studio. She glanced once more at the hospital has she passed.

'I love you'. She said.

I know this is a short one and it took awhile. Living through a subject you are writting about is hard. Hope to ahve another soon.