Chapter 30
A month later, Olivia and Calvin were in court up in Vermont. They sat at the table usually reserved for the prosecution inside the court's well with Matt Tidwell. The table to the left of them sat Clint with his lawyer, Harold McLellan. The judge walked into the room and everyone stood up. He ordered them all to be seated.
"Mr. McLellan and Mr. Tidwell, am I to understand this correctly? The two parties have reached an agreement?" Judge Nathan Kent asked.
"Yes, we have your honor. Just as you requested," Matt stood and responded.
"Yes, we have your honor," Harold stood as well and nodded.
"I'm glad to hear it," the judge looked at the agreement packet that had been forwarded to his clerk.
"So, if I'm reading this correctly, Detective Benson's partner, a Detective Elliot Stabler, would drive Calvin up for visits with his grandfather, should she need to be in court or unable to leave the city?" Judge Kent wanted to know.
"Yes, your honor. If for some reason that neither detective is available, other members of their squad are ready and willing to step up and make sure that Calvin makes his visit to his grandfather," Matt spoke up.
"It seems that the Detective is going to every length to make sure these visits happen. What exactly is the grandfather doing? The terms of the custody agreement require both parties to participate in the arrangement," Judge Kent raised an eyebrow.
"Your honor, my client has agreed to travel to New York City for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. He has also agreed to making the weekend visits flexible based on Calvin's schedule, so he doesn't miss out on parties with friends or sporting events. As my client is getting on in years and is now living alone, he has agreed that when the time comes for him to no longer live in the home by himself, he will look for a facility that is closer to New York City. Detective Benson has agreed to help him when the time comes. Police Chief Hall of the Manchester PD has agreed to keep an eye on my client and keep Detective Benson informed," Harold explained. Judge Kent nodded and looked over the agreement a little more. He'd reviewed it and made notes, wanting to be sure that Calvin's welfare was in good hands.
"Then I am satisfied that this arrangement works for Calvin. Detective Benson, I do not wish any ill on you, but have you completed the necessary paperwork should something happen to you in the line of duty?" The judge asked.
"Yes, your Honor. Immediate custody will go to my partner, Detective Stabler, until Clint can come and get Calvin or until Detective Stabler can take him up to Vermont. Should my partner not be available, then my Captain has agreed to make sure Calvin is being taken care of," Olivia spoke up.
"Your unit is a unique one, that is to be sure. Calvin is lucky to have you and them. I wish that all of my cases were resolved in such a way. This hearing is adjourned," with that the gavel banged and Olivia let out a breath that she hadn't even realized she'd been holding.
"Well with that, I think it's time to take you two out to lunch. How about you see if your Grandpa would like to join us?" Matt asked. Calvin smiled and went over to his grandfather.
"Thank you, Matt. I couldn't have done it without you," Olivia turned to him.
"It has been my pleasure. The judge is right. I wish all of my cases went this well," he smiled.
"I would love to have lunch with everyone. I want to thank you Olivia. I know that I was…" Clint didn't get a chance to finish.
"You don't have to apologize. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who loves Calvin so much," she smiled at him. As they headed out of the courtroom, Calvin took Olivia's hand and gave it a tug.
"Should you call Elliot?" He asked.
"Well, that won't be necessary," she smirked. Calvin was confused and looked at her. It wasn't until the exited the front door of the courthouse and started walking down the steps, that he saw what she meant.
"So, I heard that this kid was going to be in court today and I figured I'd better make sure that everything went ok," Elliot announced, a wide smile on his face. He was leaning up against his rental car.
"Elliot!" Calvin ran up to him and gave him a hug.
"I'm guessing things went like they were supposed to," Elliot hugged him back. They separated and then the young man leaned up against the car with the detective.
"We're heading out to lunch. Come and join us," Matt smiled.
"Sounds like a great idea. Why don't I take Calvin, Liv, and Clint? We'll follow you to wherever we're going?" Elliot offered.
"Excellent idea. I'm just parked over here," the lawyer tilted his head in the direction of his car. They all piled into their cars and headed off to have lunch. It had been a long fight, but everything was as it should be. Now they could all move forward, together.
The End
A/N: A new story will be up next week, but not of this series. This one is finished. The new story will pick up after the events of my one shot Tornado. Thanks so much for reading.