Chief Dodds and Captain Olivia Benson stood in her office in what appeared to be a tense conversation.
"Chief, I am thrilled that you want to install a new detective at Manhattan SVU, but I assure you that we have everything under control here." Benson, tried to say, calmly.
"I appreciate your faith in your squad, Captain, but NYPD protocol states there be a minimum number of case detectives, not including yourself or Sergeant Tutuola. I have someone in mind for the department that I think will live up to your standards, and then some. If you agree, she could start within the next two weeks."
The case load at Manhattan Special Victims Unit never slows down. In recent years, it has felt that it has had an uptick. Crime never slows down, and Olivia knows that. With Carisi now in the DA's office and Rollins having left the NYPD to teach at Fordham, it leaves just two case detectives besides her and Fin.
"I understand Chief. It would be nice to have another detective instead of having to spread everyone so thin. I would like to interview this person before we transfer them over to SVU. Who is she? Where is she transferring from?"
"Her name is Elizabeth Suarez, 31. She's originally from Queens, and has been with the department for ten years. She previously worked in homicide, before being deployed to North Africa with the Marines. She worked in intelligence there, but she can tell you more about that when you meet her".
Benson glances over the girl's resume, and as much as she hates to admit it, Dodds, is right. She would be an asset to her squad.
"I'll sign off on the transfer. Tell her to report here first thing Monday morning. We'll do a trial run." Benson says cautiously.
"I'll sign the transfer forms myself back to Homicide if she ends up not being a great fit. You have my word" Dodds says as he walks out the door.
(Sunday night)
Jack's Bar 7pm. Elizabeth Suarez is nursing a Crown on the rocks, thinking about the last three and a half years. She left the United States in her twenties, happily married and working as a Homicide Detective. Now, she's in her thirties, starting what feels like a new career in Special Victims. Homicide changed her. Libya changed her. She's divorced now. She is not the same person she was when she joined the force ten years ago.
She had returned to New York, to her family, as someone new, almost three months ago. She could've gone back sooner to the NYPD, but she needed time. There are some things you just cannot unsee. She took the time to heal, and she is now ready to come back, almost with a vengeance. A desire to be the best. A desire to outshine her family's legacy.
"This seat taken?"
She's suddenly taken away from her daydreaming and looks to her left. Next to her, stands a man in a three-piece suit. He is tanned, almost as if it were a sun-kissed effect. His beard shows a little grey stubble. He immediately catches her attention.
"All yours."
"I'll take a Dewars on the rocks, and whatever she's having." He says as he looks her up and down.
"Normally, you ask if you can buy someone a drink." She says with a smirk and a small laugh.
He looks at her and gives her an almost half smile.
"Straight forward are you?"
"To a fault." She says, letting out a chuckle. She takes a long and thoughtful sip.
"Well let me buy you this drink. Especially since I ordered it already."
"Well since you put it like that." She says, thanking the bartender as he hands her drink. The man takes a sip of his drink.
"Scotch. Must have been a long day." She says, carefully observing him.
"I could say the same about you. What is that bourbon?"
"Close. Whiskey. Guess I should peg you as the observational type?"
"Bourbon is a type of whiskey, so I'll take that as a win; Observational to a fault. Speaking of, I have never seen you at this bar. New to the area?" He looks at her intently.
"New to New York? No. New to Manhattan? You could say so. I've been gone from New York for three and a half years. But born and raised in Queens. So, to answer your question, yes and no." She laughs. He smiles.
"I'm sorry. How rude of me. I didn't even catch your name."
"Elizabeth. But you can call me Beth. Everyone does. And you are?"
"Rafael."
"Well, Rafael. Thank you for the drink, but I have to call it a night." Beth says, standing up.
"Busy day tomorrow?" He says, sipping on his scotch. He watches her stand up, as she puts her coat on. She is tall, graceful. Piercing blue eyes that could stop a room full of people.
"I start a new job tomorrow, so you could say so. Not far from here actually." She catches him staring at him and raises her brow flirtatiously.
"So I guess I'll be seeing more of you then?" He says, matching the flirtation.
She can tell he is methodical, constantly thinking about what to say next.
"Hopefully." She says. She pulls cash out of her purse to tip the bartender. Her eyes catch Rafael's. Their eyes are transfixed on each other.
"Goodnight then, Beth."
"Goodnight, Rafael." She turns away, walking towards the door. She can feel his eyes watching her as she walks out.
"Dios mios." Rafael says, watching her walk out the door. He adjusts his tie and orders another drink.
(Monday morning)
Monday Morning. It is a seemingly normal, almost uneventful day. The Manhattan Special Victims Unit has steadily trickled into the squad room, coffee in tow, ready to take on the city's worst offenders. At exactly 8:00 A.M., Chief Dodds strolls out of the elevator with a young woman to his left.
Olivia Benson is in her office with ADA Dominic Carisi. With a court hearing later this afternoon, they take this early morning meeting as a chance to prep. Chief Dodds knocks on the door. Benson looks up and waves him in.
"Everything good, cap?" Carisi asks.
"All good. We are expecting a new detective to start with the squad today, and I believe Dodds may have brought her here."
"Must be someone to have the Chief personally escort you to your first day." Carisi remarks.
"I haven't met her yet, so your guess is as good as mine. I've only looked at her file."
Chief Dodds walks in.
"Captain Benson. Counselor. I am glad you're both here actually. Saves me on introductions. I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of Manhattan Special Victims, Elizabeth Suarez."
Elizabeth Suarez steps forward.
"Captain it's very nice to meet you—" Beth starts, extending her hand out to shake her new boss's hand. She looks up when her voice catches.
Carisi and Benson stop talking. Their jaws practically hit the floor.
"Beth?" "Lizzie?" Carisi and Benson say almost simultaneously.