A/N: A shout out to Faith Ann Tucker. So glad you liked the last chapter. Hope you like this one too!
Chapter 16
Elliot sat in the courtroom clenching his fists. Kathy had made good on her promise and despite everything he tried to do, they now sat at opposite tables with their lawyers in front of a judge. The detective hadn't even known about the court date until the judge saw his name on the docket and called him regarding the issue and what attorney had he hired. It had been all over the news that SVU had caught their suspect and the Olivia had been harmed in the attempt to find Elizabeth Stevenson. So the conversation had started there and then Elliot discovered that he was due in court. He had only three days to find a lawyer and get them up to speed. Casey had suggested a colleague, Martha Lavine, and she had gladly accepted.
"Your Honor, this is a clear case of paranoia. Not only did my client not have an affair with his partner, he was only informed of the court date, three days before its occurrence. I should think opposing counsel would know better," Martha spoke to Judge Carlson.
"What of it Mr. Boles? When the filing occurred you should have notified Mr. Stabler or his counsel. You know how this works," Carlson gave the lawyer a look.
"I sent word via overnight mail to Mr. Stabler's address," Boles objected.
"Your Honor, opposing counsel knows quite well that Detective Stabler was not a home for a good portion of the last few weeks. He and his entire squad were trying to catch the serial rapist that has been splashed all over the papers and the news. Also, he knows that the most likely place to find the Detective was at the station, not his apartment. Furthermore, when my client did return to his residence, there was no notification. I submit that this was an underhanded attempt to steal custody of the children," Lavine argued.
"Mr. Boles the disciplinary committee will be hearing about this. Miss Lavine, that might be so but unless you have any proof, we'll proceed with the hearing. Mr. Boles, call your first witness," the Judge gave him a look.
"The plaintiff calls Kathy Stabler to the stand," her lawyer said. Kathy got up and walked to the stand. She was sworn in and then sat down.
"Mrs. Stabler, do you have any proof your husband was cheating on you?" He asked.
"He constantly spends time with his partner, more than he spent with me or the children. His job tends to keep him long hours but more than once I've caught the smell of perfume on his clothes that most definitely did not belong to me," she said.
"Objection. This is nothing but conjecture," Martha argued.
"Overruled. Make a connection quickly, Mr. Boles," Carlson gave him a look.
"Is there anything else that would make you suspicious?" He asked.
"I've seen the way Olivia looks at him. She's even tried to get in the children's good graces," Kathy started.
"Liv is lying in a hospital bed and you have the audacity to say that she's trying to steal your children from you and ruin our marriage?" Elliot blew a gasket and could not contain himself.
"Detective Stabler, you know better! Remain silent or your lawyer will inform you of my decision after the hearing is over," Judge Carlson gave him a look. The outburst certainly did not help his case but Martha quickly addressed the court.
"Your Honor, I find it convenient that the plaintiff would impeach the character of Detective Benson while she remains in critical condition at Bellevue."
"I would agree. It would seem that there is little point in continuing the hearing as we have no way of getting Detective Benson's side of the story. Since she is indisposed for the time being, I want counsel to provide briefs and any statements regarding the supposed fabrications on the original divorce paperwork by the end of business tomorrow, is that understood?" Judge Carlson asked.
"Yes your Honor," both lawyers replied.
"And Mr. Boles, if I find that this is just a giant goose chase and any other improprieties, you will find that list going to the disciplinary committee getting larger. I have little tolerance for those who try to play these games as does the law. Court is adjourned," Carlson banged his gavel and with that the hearing was over. Elliot stood up and threw his coat on.
"We need to talk strategy," Martha said.
"I've been away from the precinct and the hospital for too long. Alvarez's lawyer is trying to get evidence thrown out and we have to nail this down or he's going to get away with it. I also have to check on Liv," he said.
"Is that such a good idea? I mean we are in the middle of trying to prove you didn't cheat on your wife," Martha pointed out.
"I'm Liv's emergency medical contact. I have to check in," Elliott said. Martha gave him a look.
"She doesn't have any family. We agreed on this after her mother died six years ago," he told her.
"All right. Go. We'll talk later," Martha nodded.
To Be Continued…