Chapter 5

~oOo~

"Ah. Sergeant Tutuola? Is your Captain in? I'd like to speak with her." Edgar hadn't been able to stop thinking about the beautiful NYPD Captain, who'd gone toe to toe with him. Christian had wanted to set them up on a blind date, but he'd likely ruined those chances. "I'd like to apologize."

"Would you?" He chuckled, obviously seeing a joke that Edgar didn't quite grasp. "Sure, man. It's your funeral. She's in her office. Good luck."

Frowning at the man, Edgar wondered if he should ask him to explain further. But he'd made it this far. He refused to walk away like a coward.

He'd made a mistake, and an apology was necessary. If she forgave him, maybe he could strike up a friendship with her. Something that might lead to a deeper relationship.

Straightening his jacket and tie, Edgar strode confidently towards Captain Benson's office. He couldn't see her since the blinds were closed. He steeled himself to make an apology and then knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Edgar opened the door and frowned at the empty seat behind the desk. He glanced around and spotted the Captain on her sofa. She had a container of salad in her lap and a fork in one hand. "I've interrupted your dinner."

"Not a problem. What can I do for you?"

"Can we talk, off the record?" Edgar went straight into his apology. He'd practised it on the drive to the precinct. He wanted to show his sincerity. "I'm so sorry for my part in this."

"You were doing your job, defending your client."

"What he did, there is no defense." Edgar had gone through every moment with his former client in his mind. He'd never get over having missed the signs of what a skilled predator had been in their midst. "And again, I'm sorry."

"I appreciate it."

Edgar was momentarily lost for what to say. She seemed genuine in her acceptance but also as if she wanted him to leave. "I know this is less than ideal. I imagine my reputation has been tarnished in your eyes."

"Counselor."

"Edgar."

"You represented your client." Olivia shrugged. She grabbed her fork and went back to her salad, almost dismissing him. "Was there something else you needed?"

"I had hoped that…"

"Hey, baby? You ready to go?"

Edgar had to move out of the way when the door bumped into him. He stepped out of the way, glowering down at the man who'd barged into his space. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah, move." He continued by Edgar as if he wasn't there. "I thought you'd be finished by now."

"Counselor Goodwin stopped by to pay me a visit now that the case is wrapped up." Olivia put the lid on the container of salad. She set it to one side and then tilted her head up when the man bent forward to place a kiss on her lips.

Ah.

Not single.

Edgar cleared his throat when they continued to ignore his presence. "I'll just be going."

"You do that."

"Elliot," Captain Benson admonished despite the smile on her face. She glanced towards Edgar. "Counselor. Let me introduce you to my fiancé, Elliot Stabler. He's a retired NYPD detective."

"A pleasure." Edgar held out his hand. The man gave him a solid, if slightly stronger than necessary, shake. "Thank you for your time, Captain. Christian and Lamai were correct when they said you were an exceptional woman."

"She is." Elliot gave his hand one last squeeze before releasing it. "An absolutely exceptional woman. I'm a lucky man."

"El." Olivia reached out to grasp his hand and pull him towards her. She sent a single look in his direction, and he immediately seemed to calm down. She turned her attention back to Edgar. "Thank you for coming. I hope you find peace with what happened."

"Thank you." Edgar chose to bow out graciously. He wouldn't make an ass of himself. "And congratulations, Captain. I wish you both happiness."


The author of this SVU: The Rewrite story will be revealed in July