I apologize for the extremely long wait. I've had so much going on. But anyway, here's the latest chapter! Enjoy! Please feel free to read and review!
Location: SVU Squad Room. Interrogation.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock,
Even though the room was silent, the steady ticking of the clock resounded loudly in Olivia's mind. Her eyes remained fixed on the table as the minutes crawled by slowly. She knew it was only a matter of time before IAB would come in to question her. She didn't kill Vivian, but it would be difficult to prove her innocence, considering she was at the crime scene and there was plenty of evidence against her. Not to mention she had a motive. She prayed that CSU would find some evidence that the Dreckers were at the crime scene.
Olivia zipped up the gray hoodie Elliot had let her borrow. Her clothes were taken into evidence when she was taken to the hospital to be examined. A nurse had given her aqua-colored medical scrubs to wear, but it wasn't enough to protect her from the cold. So Elliot, who had been with her at the hospital, lent her his hoodie right off his back. Afterward, he escorted Olivia back to the precinct where she now remained.
She wasn't under arrest, but she was still under investigation. She had been immediately suspended without pay. Her gun and badge had been confiscated. Cragen and Elliot had convinced IAB to wait until the crime scene and all the forensic evidence had been processed before making an arrest. They told IAB that Olivia was a victim, as well as Vivian. The gash on her head proved that she had been attacked too. Even though there was a lot of evidence against Olivia, they were hoping that CSU could find something to prove Olivia's innocence.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
Tired and shaken, Olivia concentrated on the case, trying to recall everything she could remember and thinking of anything that could prove her innocence. But the steady tick tock of the clock echoed louder still, like war drums leading soldiers into battle. Her head began to ache, so she closed her eyes and lowered her head. She was beginning to feel better when suddenly the door opened and slammed shut. Olivia opened her eyes and sat up with a start as IAB Lieutenant Ed Tucker neared the interrogation table.
"Sorry, Detective," Tucker said coldly. "I didn't mean to startle you."
He sat down at the table across from Olivia and stared her down, his face void of emotion.
"I know it looks bad," Olivia began in a calm and rational tone. "But it's not what you think."
"Let me guess," Tucker said sarcastically. "You were framed again?"
"As a matter of fact," Olivia told him. "Yes. I was."
"I'd like to see you prove that," Tucker stared her down hard. "You were found at the crime scene, literally red-handed."
"I can explain that," Olivia insisted.
"Really?" Tucker interrogated her. "Can you also explain why your fingerprints and blood are all over the crime scene? And why your hands and clothes are cover in gunshot residue?"
Olivia didn't falter. She knew he was lying. There was no possible CSU could process the crime scene and the evidence that quickly.
"You know," she said, sarcastically. "I specifically remember telling you once before what a bad liar you are. CSU may be fast, but they're not that fast."
"Save it, Detective," Tucker scoffed. "Your sarcasm and wit can't save you now. We still got you red-handed."
"I told you," Olivia spoke firmly. "I can explain that."
"So what happened?" Tucker questioned. "Did you and Vivian get into a fight over her son, Calvin, and your gun accidentally shot her in the back of the head?"
"No," Olivia said, becoming annoyed.
"Come, on, Detective," Tucker pressed on. "I know you have a soft spot for Calvin. What did Vivian say that pissed you off enough to put a bullet in the back of her skull?"
"I didn't kill Vivian," Olivia snapped. "But if I did, it wouldn't do Calvin any good. Get your facts straight. You're a bad liar and a bad detective. How the hell did you make it all the way up to IAB?"
"Enough with the wisecracks!" Tucker was losing his patience. "I want answers! And I want the truth! No more bullshit!"
Before Olivia could protest any further, the door opened and in walked a tall, dark-haired man in a black business suit carrying a briefcase.
"Don't say a word, Detective," the man advised her. "Why does it come as no surprise that you're interviewing my client in my absence?"
"Who the hell are you?" Tucker asked, rather surprised.
"Trevor Langan," the man introduced himself. "I'm Olivia's lawyer. And if it's not a problem, I'd like a few minutes alone with my client."
Tucker realized there was nothing else he could say or do right now. So he reluctantly gave in.
"Have it your way," he proceeded to exit the interrogation room, but stopped at the door. "Oh, and don't get too comfortable."
Location: SVU Squad Room.
"Any word from from CSU?" asked Cragen, entering the squad room.
He was watching Olivia's interrogation while his detectives worked hard to clear her good name. They had been working for over thirty-six hours straight, going over every piece of evidence and looking at the crime scene from every angle possible.
"I was just about to ask the same question," Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot entered the squad room and joined Cragen and the detectives. "This is huge! The D.A.'s office is going to want to know where you are on this every second!"
"Same thing with the Chief of D's." added Cragen. He turned to his detectives. "So what have we got?"
"Nothing yet," Elliot replied. "How's Liv?"
He, along with Munch and Fin were standing at the media center, looking over the crime scene photos.
"She's fine for now," Cragen answered. "She lawyered up. Tucker's not too happy about it. We bought ourselves a little more time. He went out for coffee. So what have we got so far?"
"It doesn't look good for Liv," Munch stated. "She was at the crime scene covered in blood and who knows what other forensic evidence."
"True," Elliot reluctantly agreed. "But she was on her way there anyway. Isn't it possible she walked in on Vivian and the perp and got scuffed trying to stop it? There were signs of a struggle."
"Also true," added Alex. "But the prosecutor could twist it around and say Liv struggled with Vivian before shooting her. Remember, Homicide will be prosecuting her. Not me."
Cragen began to feel frustrated. "Is there anything that could clear Liv?"
"Not much," Finn shook his head. "CSU found a shitload of blood and fingerprints at the crime scene. It's possible some of it could be Liv's. But it's also possible they could belong to the Drecker's, Vivian, or any other junkies that crashed there when Vivian wasn't there. Guess we have to wait and see what CSU makes of it."
"In the meantime," Cragen turned to Elliot. "I wanna know why and how you knew Liv was going to that abandoned house. And I wanna know what the hell you were doing there as well. That house wasn't on the list of places David Drecker gave us."
Elliot explained Liv's hunch about the house to Cragen and his colleagues. He told them how he and Liv planned to meet there after her visit with Calvin.
"Obviously, Liv got there first," Elliot finished. "She had to have walked in on the Dreckers or Vivian or both. I don't know. But I do know she didn't kill Vivian."
"I know," Cragen agreed with him. "And we will find a way to prove her innocence. We're going to keep going over the evidence till we find something. And I'm sure Warner and CSU are doing the same."
Elliot wasn't entirely convinced. "Well, the last time Liv was framed, forensic evidence only complicated things even more."
"But," added Finn. "Warner kept running tests and eventually cleared Liv. Don't worry, Elliot. We'll figure this out like we always do." He saw that Elliot still looked worried, so he changed his approach. "You've been working this too hard. Why don't you take a break in the crib. Munch and I got this."
"Thanks, but no," Elliot began to pick through the crime scene photos for what felt like the hundredth time. "We need to keep working this. There's gotta be something we missed."
"While you guys look over those again," Cragen turned to leave. I'm going to check in on Liv. Tucker will be back from his coffee break soon. Notify me the minute, no, the second CSU calls."
"I guess that's my cue," a familiar voice called out from the back of the room.
Walking towards them was Medical Examiner Melinda Warner holding a file folder.
"It's about damn time!" Cragen called back. "What have you got?"
"Easy now," Melinda quipped. "Don't get your panties in twist."
"Sorry, I haven't slept since yesterday," Cragen apologized. "Please tell me you have good news."
"It's complicated," Warner told them.
"How so?" Cragen inquired.
"Olivia's DNA and fingerprints were found at the scene," began Warner. "And the bullet that killed Vivian came from Olivia's gun. But the rest of the forensic evidence tells a different story."
"So it's good news then?" Elliot became hopeful.
"That's where it gets complicated," Warner continued. "As I saying, the bullet came from Olivia's gun, but there's no way she shot Vivian. There's no gunshot residue on her hands or clothing."
"Please tell me the perp left fingerprints on the gun," Cragen said.
"Sorry," Warner shook her head. "The gun was wiped clean. But once you get a suspect, I can test for gunshot residue."
"We have two suspects," grumbled Munch. "Unfortunately, they're both in the wind."
"If you're talking about Calvin's grandparents," Warner proceeded. "Then I have good news for you. I matched two sets of fingerprints from this crime scene to those taken from the Sorenson case."
"That puts the Dreckers at both crime scenes," Fin spoke.
"Not quite," Alex said. "We've only got them for the Sorenson murder. Their fingerprints at Vivian's murder scene is only circumstantial. There's no physical proof they killed her. Once the jury hears that Olivia was at the scene of the crime and that her gun is the murder weapon, they'll find her guilty."
"But Liv had no gunshot residue on her!" Elliot protested.
"I know," Alex said sympathetically. "But it won''t matter to the jury. The prosecutor could easily argue that because she's a cop, Olivia covered her tracks well. I don't like it either, Elliot, but if we're going to clear Olivia, we need more evidence."
"Then your wish is my command," Warner raised up the file folder she had been holding. "Aside from Olivia's, Vivian's, and the Dreckers' prints, CSU also lifted dozens of fingerprints, blood, hair, saliva, semen, and anything else they could use to test for DNA. From there, I was able to find hits in the system for forty-four sets of fingerprints, eleven hair and saliva samples, and twenty-nine semen samples. All the names are in this file."
Warner handed over the file folder to Cragen.
"I don't mean to sound rude and impatient," Cragen skimmed through the pages in the file folder. "But how will this help Liv?"
"One of those names is a witness to your crime," Warner replied.
"How do you know that?" Elliot asked, looking over Cragen's trying to read the list.
"There was large old wooden trunk at the crime scene," answered Warner. "And inside the trunk was a puddle of urine. It was still warm, which means someone was hiding in there during the attack. The DNA from the urine was a match to a blood sample found on the broken window. And according to the DNA, your witness is male, which narrowed your list from eighty-four to forty-two names."
"So I'm guessing our witness was either a junkie or homeless," Cragen put the pieces together in his mind. "Or both."
"Who popped in for a nap or a fix," added Fin. "But gets spooked when he hears Liv and the Dreckers, and possibly Vivian, approaching."
"Then he hides in the trunk," Elliot finished. "Where he got so scared he wet himself. Then afterward, he cuts himself escaping through the broken window."
"Or he could have cut himself upon entering," Munch pointed out.
"It's possible," Warner explained. "But if that were the case, there would've been blood in or on the trunk as well as the window. And there wasn't. But it could just mean he bandaged himself up before hiding in the trunk. There's no way to tell exactly how long he was there before Olivia, Vivian, and the Dreckers arrived."
"We have to find this witness," Elliot said, desperately. "But in the meantime, is there anything we can do for Liv right now?"
"Get her statement," Alex replied. "If her story corroborates with the witness's and the evidence, which it should, then we just might be able to clear her name."
"Alright, then," Cragen cleared his throat. "Elliot, Munch, and Fin, run the names on the list through every database possible. See if you can narrow down that list even further. Alex, you come with me and sit in on Liv's interrogation. Tucker should be back any moment."
As if right on cue, the elevator door opened and out stepped Tucker into the squad room holding a coffee cup in one hand.
"Speak of the devil," Munch mumbled under his breath.
"Can it, Munch," Cragen nudged him.
"Dr. Warner," said Tucker, approaching the group. "Can I assume you finished processing the evidence and that you're not here to shoot the breeze?"
Warner nodded and explained her findings to Tucker, who maintained a cold, emotionless expression as he listened. When she was finished, Tucker remained silent for a moment.
"Have you told Benson all this?" Tucker inquired.
"Not yet," Cragen answered.
"What the hell are you waiting for?" Tucker demanded. "An invitation?"
Location: SVU Squad Room. Interrogation.
"Forensics are back," Tucker said upon entering the room, followed by Alex. "Guess what? We've got your fingerprints and blood all over the place. And the murder weapon is your gun. Now what have you got to say yourself, Detective?"
Olivia sat speechless, as she put the pieces together in her head. George Drecker had confiscated her gun before he knocked her unconscious. He must have used it to kill Vivian, then left it at the house to frame Olivia. But how could she prove her innocence? Before she could open her mouth to speak, Langan waved his hand motioning her to maintain her silence.
"Don't say a word, Olivia," Langan advised. He then turned to Tucker. "I'd like to see a copy of the forensic reports and any other evidence pertaining to this case."
"You'll get them soon enough," Tucker told him.
"Aren't you going to tell them the rest?" Alex asked, wondering what angle he was playing.
"The rest?" Langan was confused. "There's more?"
"Don't worry about it," Tucker tried to dismiss comment, but failed miserably. "It's not relevant at the moment."
"I believe it is," Alex protested. "And if you won't tell her, I will!"
"My client has right to know all the evidence against her," Langan declared. "And if you don't tell us the rest now, I will report you and file suit against you for withholding evidence."
"Fine," Tucker reluctantly caved in. He motioned to Alex. "Tell them."
Alex proceeded to tell Olivia and Langan everything Warner had said in the squad room. She told them everything from the lack of gunshot residue on Olivia's clothing to the urine and blood on the trunk and broken window to the witness list that Elliot, Fin, and Munch were currently trying to narrow done. Then Alex finally told Olivia how and why she needed her testimony of what happened.
When Alex was finished, Langan and Olivia exchanged hushed whispers for several minutes. Finally, it was Langan who spoke first.
"Go ahead, Olivia," he told her. "Tell them what happened."
Olivia took a deep breath and began her story. She told them how George held a gun to her head while Evelyn searched her and confiscated her gun. Then she told them how George badgered and beat her for answers before knocking her unconscious.
"I don't know how long I was out," Olivia finished. "But when I came to, my head was bleeding and my gun was on the floor next to me. Vivian was lying on the floor across from me. I got up and went to check for a pulse and to see if I could help her, but she was dead already. That's how I got her blood on me."
"So what happens now?" Langan asked Alex and Tucker.
"Elliot, Munch, and Fin are tracking doing our witness," Alex explained. "Once they find him-"
"If they find him," Tucker interrupted her.
Alex shot him a dirty look.
"We will find him," she assured Olivia and Langan. "And when we do, we'll get his statement, which will corroborate with yours, and your name will be cleared."
"Does this mean Olivia isn't under arrest then?" Langan inquired.
"Not yet anyway," Tucker answered. "But you're still suspended without pay. Also, I advise you not to leave the city any time soon."
"I'll keep that in mind," Olivia quipped.
"And Cragen," Tucker faced the two way mirror. He knew Cragen was watching the interrogation. "Your detectives have forty-eight hours to find the witness. Or else Benson will be placed under arrest."
Location: SVU Squad Room.
Olivia was finally relieved to be out of the interrogation room. She wanted nothing more than to go home and be alone. Tucker, Langan, and Alex, had already left. Olivia was on her way out as well, but she need to get a few things from her desk. Cragen was in his office. Meanwhile, Elliot, Fin, and Munch were working on narrowing down the list. Elliot saw her approach her desk and went over to her.
"So how did it go?" he asked her gently.
"I'm not under arrest," Olivia told him. "But I'm suspended without pay. And I can't leave this city."
Elliot could see she was stressed out so he didn't want to ask her anymore questions about the interrogation. Instead, he tried to comfort her.
"Don't worry, Liv," Elliot assured her. "We've got your back. We'll find this witness in time. We won't let you go to jail."
"I know," Olivia looked him in the eyes. "This time you can't mortgage your house to bail me out."
"No, I can't," Elliot joked. "But there are other ways to raise bail money. I could get a night job as stripper. Then I'd be making several hundred, hell, even a thousand bucks in tips per night."
"I had no idea you danced," Olivia chuckled.
"I don't," Elliot admitted. "I think the last time I danced was at my wedding. But all jokes aside, Liv, everything is going to be okay."
"I want to believe you," Olivia said. "I really do. But while you guys are looking for the witness, the Dreckers are still out there."
"We're looking for them too," Elliot reassured her. "But we don't have any strong leads at the moments. When you were at the house, did they say anything about where they were heading next?"
"I don't know," Olivia paused a moment to think.
"Take your time," Elliot said, gently. "And it's okay if you don't remember. You had a head injury and you've been through a lot."
Olivia closed her eyes and focused her mind to the events that took place at the old house. She could remember everything that was said but nothing stuck out. She went over their conversation in her mind again and again. Until suddenly something stuck out in her mind. Her eyes snapped wide open.
"Oh my God," Olivia realized. "I think I made a mistake."
"What do you mean?" Elliot asked.
"I think I know where they're going," Olivia said.
"You remembered something they said?" Elliot inquired.
"No," Olivia replied. "I mean, yes. But it wasn't something they said. It was something I said."
"I don't understand," Elliot was confused.
"I made a mistake," Olivia explained "When I told them they were going down for beating Calvin into a coma. It seemed to make George angrier. I think he thought he killed Calvin before."
"But now he knows Calvin's alive," Elliot pieced the rest of the puzzle together himself. "And he wants to finish the job. Where's Calvin now? Is he is still in the hospital?"
"Yes, he's still there," Olivia answered, becoming frantic. "But he's getting released tomorrow. ACS is putting him into a group home for the time being. I have to go check on him. I have to make sure he's okay."
"No, no, no," Elliot stopped her. "You need to go home and get some rest. I'll go check on him. And I promise to call you afterward. But first we have to inform Cragen about this."
Stay tuned! More exciting chapters to come soon! Please feel free to read and review!