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.

Could Have Been Colder

Chapter Five

Olivia made it to SoHo in record time. It helps to have the flashing red light on the car.

"Right on Grand left on Crosby." She had asked Fin to look up the address for Lang. She didn't need it. She remembered what the building looked like. She remembered because the next day was her last day with Alex. Her last happy day.

"This fabric is beautiful." Alex said running her hands over the fine silk. It was green. Not a bright green, not a forest green. A calm, peaceful green. There was a slight bright yellow tint, that if moved just right made the fabric glisten in the sunlight. Lang picked up the fabric and held it up to Alex. He began wrapping it around her in various ways. Olivia watched in amazement. The green and gold played with the light and brought the cool blue in Alex's eyes. She watched while the designer transformed the fabric in to a masterpiece that fit Alex in the perfect form. Lang stepped to the right still holding the fabric in place. Alex's reflection appeared in the mirror. Alex and Lang looked in the mirror.

"Wow!" Olivia bursted out loud. Alex and Lang smiled.

"That's what I was looking for." Alex said moving side to side checking on the hem of the dress.

"And that's what you shall have." Lang said peering at his model in the mirror.

Olivia found herself at the steps that led to the front door of the building housing Lang's studio.

"Stabler."

"Elliot, I am outside of Lang's studio." She looked up at the front door. A thin, tall, good looking woman was exiting followed by another woman. Olivia recognized the taller woman from magazines.

"I don't want to go in alone in case I find something."

"Got it I'll be right over." Elliott said standing to put on his jacket.

"I think I will need a warrant. Who's on call?" Olivia asked pacing back and forth in front of the building.

"Well with Cabot out that leaves." Elliott flipped through the DA roster. "Rubirosa or Steele."

Olivia cringed at the mention of Jim Steele's name. "Call Connie. She usually can get a warrant fast."

"Okay. I'll send a squad car over till the warrant is ready."

"Great. See you in an hour." Olivia broke the line. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to place the next call.

"Cabot residence." Peter said.

"Peter, it's Olivia Benson." Olivia said with her best voice. Peter spoke so clean and crisp that it always made Olivia conscious of her own sound.

"Ah. Ms Benson. How are you?"

"Fine. Are Mr. or Mrs. Cabot available?" Olivia knew it was a long shot, but she did not want to risk calling Alex's room just yet.

"I am afraid not, Ms. They are still at the hospital. I only returned to the house to prepare a bag for each of them."

"Are they going away?"

"No. They will be staying at the hospital this evening with Ms. Cabot."

"Right, I should have known." Olivia silently scolded herself over the over sight.

"Ms. Cabot is doing well." Peter added.

"Thank you. That is why I was calling."

"Shall I tell her you called?" Peter said. He already decided he would no matter what the good detective answered.

"No, that's okay. I'll try the hospital later. Thank you, Peter."

"My pleasure, Ms. Benson. Good night." Peter placed the phone back into its cradle. 'I am going to get the two of you to heal no matter what it takes.' He told himself. He turned to accept the small overnight bags from Mr. Cabot's assistant.

"Thank you." He walked to the awaiting car. Being the head of the Cabot house had its privileges. Even if he was the head butler.

Olivia held up her badge when the patrol car arrived. "Studio's on the third floor. Tape crime tape and seal off the door. No one in or out." Olivia said following the patrol officer to the back of his car.

"Yes, ma'm detective Benson." The officer from the passenger side said smartly.

"You gotta problem, officer." Olivia bent to read his name badge. "Lopez?"

"Yeah, I gotta problem. But it ain't with you detective." Lopez said looking over his shoulder at his partner.

"He's pissed because I go to drive. You know how guys are, detective." The female officer offered.

"Do I." Olivia said seeing Elliot pull up.

"Well, Connie could get the judge to sign off on entering, but we have to wait until a CSI team can be here. And" Elliot looked at his watch. "It won't be until the morning." He looked at his partner. "You look like crap, go home Olivia. This building will still be here in the morning."

"I um."

"Go home, Olivia Get some sleep." He touched her on the arm. "She'll be okay." Olivia looked at her partner and shook her head in acceptance. She wasn't going home.

Mercy General

"When I count to three Alex, I need you to cough." Dr. Poole said grabbing the tube that was in Alex's windpipe. "Ready?" Alex shook her head in agreement. "One, two, three." The tube was pulled from her throat and along with it bile.

"Yuck." Alex said weakly. The room filled with laughter.

"Would you like some water?" Nurse Anderson asked.

"Not unless it has mouthwash with it." Alex said still gagging on the taste of the bile.

"So you're feeling better." Christina said with a smile.

"Yes, now that I can talk." Alex said weakly.

"Can we put the tube back?" Evan said. "I enjoyed having the floor all to myself today." Everyone laughed even Alex.

"Ooh. Daddy don't make me laugh it hurts."

"Sorry princess. But it's the best sound I have heard today." He leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Sweetie you're warm."

Nurse Anderson took the thermometer and ran it up and across Alex's forehead and down again. She held it for the doctor to read. "You have a fever, Alex." Dr. Poole said. She took out her stethoscope and began listing to Alex's breathing. "Hm. I am going to give you something for the fever."

"What about this thing?" Alex said barely raising her arm. She winched has she put it down.

"That thing is your fuel source. It will stay until you are a bit stronger." Dr Poole said has she checked the I.V. site. "Give her vancomycin, 10ccs." Nurse Anderson left the room. Another nurse entered.

"I would like the temperature monitored every 4 hours." Dr Poole began to untie the sleeve of Alex's surgical gown. She stopped before she took down the front panel. "Mr. Cabot."

"Yes. Hum I'll go see if Peter has returned with our bags." He bent and kissed his daughter on the forehead again. "I love you he said." He turned and walked out the door. The doctor nodded and the nurse shut the door behind him.

"Alex, I need to look at your incisions." Dr Poole began to peel back the bandage. The area was still a little numb, and the morphine pump had just activated so Alex didn't feel the adhesive pull at her skin.

"You may look if you like or not. You can wait till you're ready." The doctor paused before taking the gauze from the removed area. "Mrs. Cabot you may wish to wait as well." Christina reached out and took her daughter's hand. She gave a gentle squeeze that was returned. Dr Poole raised the gauze exposing the now vacant area. Alex closed her eyes, just has her mother let out a soft gasp. Christina leaning in front of her daughter's view. She placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"You are beautiful. I love you more today the first time I knew of you. My brave wonderful daughter."

Hope you all enjoy. Next chapter shortly.