A/N: Wishing you all Happy Holidays! More is on the way next week. :)

Chapter 23

"Jersey ADA O'Hair had to order a psych exam and he agreed to let Huang talk to Robbie since the FBI has more experience with serial killers," Elliot finished as he collected Olivia's belongings from around the hospital room. The MRI from two days ago had proven that the neck brace could come off but Olivia would be on painkillers for a little while longer to make sure the inflammation was under control and there was no permanent damage. Doctor Beresford saw no reason to keep her any longer since she'd passed the mobility test with only a little pain and her skin was practically healed. Now her partner was picking her up along with all her prescriptions and instructions for what she could and could not do between now and her first follow up appointment.

"Smart to use Huang. The defense can't argue that he has a stake in the case since New York and New Jersey are fighting over him," Olivia called from the bathroom where she was finally putting on some real clothes instead of that stupid hospital gown.

"That's what Casey and O'Hair thought. Anyway, Huang is with him right now. I need to talk to you about something since we're on the topic of mental issues," Elliot said. He'd finished bagging everything up and was ready to go when she was.

"I know you're a nut case. Seems I can't help myself," she chuckled as she exited the bathroom. While sweatpants and a loose sweatshirt were not exactly her idea of being sexy, it was the only thing she could wear that wouldn't rub up against her bandages or her skin that much. Those rashes were almost gone but they were still sensitive and the ones that were the worst the doctor wanted covered with gauze and ointment.

"Very funny. It's about Kathy," he said.

"Look I know that she is going to find it tough, especially since you basically just told the court that we weren't involved, but we don't have to tell her or the kids or do anything crazy. Heck, I wouldn't even mention it to the Captain. He probably wouldn't even notice any difference just yet," Olivia started.

"No it isn't that, well not yet anyway. I spoke to Huang about her behavior," Elliot admitted.

"Oh," she was surprised to hear it. Elliot had been very resistive when Huang had joined the team but eventually he appreciated the doctor's insight even if it didn't always look like it.

"I was concerned because the kids are still going to live with her for a good portion of the week and I wanted to be sure that everything was all right. Her behavior is erratic," he continued.

"Well as much as you two both agreed that the marriage wasn't working, it's still a big change in everyone's lives. Maybe she doesn't know how to handle it. I'm sure the kids are struggling," Olivia said.

"Yes and no. They knew we were unhappy and that this was coming. I think what they are confused about now is Kathy. I mean she was willing to try to lie in court. She told them to give statements about how I wasn't around. Dickie told me that at home she's been snapping at them and angry since the court date. I won't go into the house to get them because I don't want her starting an argument. I mean things are hard enough without her complicating them. Huang said he'd like to sit down with her or at least recommend someone who will see her just so she can address her feelings in a healthy way but I'm not going to be able to convince her to do that," Elliot admitted.

"She was never my biggest fan. I certainly could try though if you want me to," Olivia told him. He heaved a sigh and gave her a loving look.

"I appreciate that you would even offer but you're right. That won't go well," he said.

"What if we get someone from the department to do it? I mean I didn't press charges when she slapped me and we kept it to ourselves at the precinct but maybe we could have the local precinct check in and see how everything is going?" She suggested.

"It's a thought. Let's table that for now and get you home," Elliot told her.

"Sounds good. I'm dying for a real bed and some real food," Olivia smiled.

"Ok food first. Besides I think that one of these pills needs you to eat before you take it," he held up a quart bag with medicine bottles and ointment tubes in it," he said.

"Oh joy," she rolled her eyes.

To Be Continued…