"Good morning everyone! Today is going to be a test for all of us. We have two cases that need attention. We will be split in two groups. Halstead and Burgess, you work well together but today I need you to work apart. Kim, you will have Ruzek, Torres and Lindsey. Obviously Lindsey will stay behind to work back grounds and pod footage. The rest will work a drug bust. I need my snipers for this case. Here is your information for your case Kim. Get your team working on it." Voight handed Kim the basic information he had been given about the case. "Alright my team we have a 22 year old African American woman who was taken to Med with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Upon exam they found an IUD that she didn't know she had. Apparently she went to a clinic in South Austin for an exam just two days ago." Kim paused for a brief second thinking hard.
"Erin could you please look into our victims background. I'm going to assume she has a record so could you also look into the clinic to see if anything pops there?" Kim asked handing Erin the note with the victims name. "Yeah I will do all that. Not a problem." Erin headed back to her desk. "Okay the three of us are headed to Med. Torres talk to the doctor get as much information as possible. Ruzek, you and I will talk to the victim. Let's head out." The three headed to the hospital. In the car they rode in silence till Torres broke the silence. "So is this malpractice? Is that what we are investigating?" He was still learning so asking questions was the right thing to do. "So yes that is partially what we are investigating. But this is also Medical Battery. So this is not something that can happen ever again." Kim explained as she drove them to the hospital.
"Have you seen this before?" He asked knowing she say lots of crazy cases. "Yes and no. We studied a case in the Academy about something similar but never in person. If this is like that we have a much bigger issue ahead." Kim shook her head as they arrived. "Okay let's get this done." Kim parked the car as they got out to head inside. They flashed their badges heading right in. "Maggie we are here for Victoria Love. We also need to see her doctor please." Adam knew Maggie pretty well so he took the lead. "Of course. Know it's probably not her real name." Maggie gave them a knowing look. "Gotcha thank you." Adam smiled knowing they all expected that. They were led to the exam room while Torres waited to talk to the doctor. "Good morning Victoria. I'm Detective Burgess, this is Officer Ruzek. We are here to ask you a few questions. Would that be alright?" Kim asked gently.
"Um sure. I thought I told the doctor everything." She looked confused. "You did but this is actually a crime. It's called Medical Battery so we have some more questions to stop this from happening to anyone else. Why did you go to the clinic?" Kim asked seeing Adam was ready to take notes. "Um it was my yearly visit. It was weird I felt a pain during the visit I never felt before. And was told to abstain from sex for 48 hours which I have never been told before after an exam." Victoria explained. "Okay before the exam were you having any pain or vaginal bleeding?" Kim asked trying to dig deeper. "No nothing. I felt fine." Victoria shrugged. "My next question is no judgement here but I need to know. Are you escorted?" Kim asked gently since she was a victim. "That's a nice way of putting it." She scoffed.
"Okay. First I'm not vice, I'm not here to bust you. Second I'm not narcotics, I don't care. I just want to figure out why this happened to you. So I want to look at all angles. One last question before we leave. When you were at the clinic did you discuss birth control with the nurses or doctor?" Kim knew this was important to find out. "No. I'm on the pill so no I didn't asked about it." She sighed heavily. "Okay we are done for now. But here is my card. If you think of anything or need anything let me know. I promise to work my hardest to figure this out. We will be in touch, take care." They left her be after that. Torres was talking with Dr Asher when they came out. "Detective, could we all talk in private please." Kim nodded. The four moved to an office to talk about their victim.
"What's going on with our victim?" Kim asked wondering where this was going. "Okay so the IUD is one I've never seen before. It looks like her uterus was burned. I don't know what's going on here." Hanna looked at Kim confused and frustrated. "Shit!" Kim took a deep breath with Adam close by looking concerned. "Okay so I need a few things done. One we need to check this girl for Sickle Cell Anima. Then we need to test the IUD for Benacream. It's banned in the US but it's used in third world countries. And lastly I need you to check and see if she is sterilized now. God I hope I'm wrong here but if I'm right this is not good." Kim heard them gasp. "Okay let me put in for those tests. Why is Sickle Cell important?" Hanna asked wondering where this was going. "So it adversely reacts to Benacream. As in it kills those with Sickle Cell." Kim explained with a sense of urgency. "Omg I will get this tested right away. And I will let you know as soon as I know." Hanna left after that.
"Okay let's head back to the district. Adam can you text Erin asking her to see if Gloria Rhodes is still in Prison in New York. And to see if this crack head is in Chicago now." Kim jogged back to the car needing to get this figured out quickly. The boss chasing after her. As soon as they were all in the car Adam texted Erin right away. He knew this was weighing on Kim heavily. "Can I assume this is what happened in New York on that case you studied?" Adam asked reaching out for her hand. "Yes. 6 victims in total, one that died because she had Sickle Cell. I hope I'm wrong but too many similarities." She sighed but was focused. "How do we find other victims?" Torres asked. "We don't necessarily. Maybe one of the other nurses knows. But it won't be in the charts most likely." Kim shrugged knowing it wasn't an easy answer. "If it is this Benacream thing. Why is it banned in the US and why is it used overseas?" Adam asked knowing there was more to the story.
"So it's banned here because it's a carcinogen. We as a country don't typically put that inside someone knowingly. Other countries have lesser standards. Especially third world countries. Using this specific IUD is cost effective, under 1 and easy to implant. It's also very effective at sterilizing the women so she can't have more kids they can't afford. And truly can't say no to. So for population control in poverty areas it makes sense." She tried to explain knowing it was tough to understand. "So this woman you asked Erin to look in to what's her reason to use it?" Adam asked trying to figure out the full story. "The women she used it on in New York were all young, junkies, sex workers. Multiple abortions, one had multiple kids taken away by DCFS. That girl just said she would have more after pouring boiling hot water on her baby because it wouldn't stop crying." She paused for a moment thinking of how to word what she wanted to say.
"Look I get wanting to prevent that last one from having more kids. But do it legally. Don't play god. Most states have forced sterilization options for extreme cases. Men who are serial rapists or women who drown their kids and keep having them. That's the right way to do it." Kim watched Adam's face turn to shock. "I know! I'm all about woman's rights but if you kill your children you should pay for your crimes and not be allowed to have more. That's being a true feminist." She knew it sounded counter productive but it was the truth. "I get what you are saying. But in the case of a woman drowning her children would you charge the husband too?" Adam asked trying to gauge her response. "If he knew the warning signs and ignored them. Or very purposefully refused his wife getting treatment then absolutely yes. Treatment could have saved those children. So yes." Kim was passionate they all knew that but this was different. This was also momma bear coming out.
"Okay let's see what Lindsey found. We will get this woman off the street I promise." Adam hugged her tight as the got out of the car. "Let's hope so." She was stressed out over this case and nothing would make it better will this woman was off the street. The entered the bullpen from the back of the district. Kim had no interest in talking to anyone at the moment. Erin stood up as soon as she saw them. "Okay so you were right. She's out of prison. Parole board has her listed as moving to Texas for work. Which they approved because they proof of a job offer. However I checked with that supposed job and she's not there. But i haven't found her here though." Erin watched Kim's face turn to pure anger. "Okay Ruzek, Torres take her photo and head to the clinic see if they know her. If she is there arrest her ass." Kim dismissed them as she looked over the notes Erin had taken.
"Okay so let's get a warrant for medical records for the victim from both Med and the clinic. Let's also look into licensing to practice medicine. If she's here she needs that license or that's another crime." Kim headed to her desk to continue working. She was knee deep in her searches when her phone rang. "Hey Dr Asher. What's going on with our patient?" Kim asked looking at the computer still. "Hey Detective. Okay so we are in luck a bit. She doesn't have Sickle cell but she was sterilized. I already explained it to our victim and she is devastated. But thankful to be alive at least. I also asked her to sign over consent to access her medical records and she agreed already. So I will have it sent over to you right away." Hanna explained. "Well I'm happy to hear she will live and for the records but it sucks this happened to her. Thank you for your help in this and for helping our victim. I do appreciate it." Kim sighed heavily. "Not a problem. Take care." Hanna knew this one would hurt them all for a while.
"So Erin our victim was sterilized and gave consent for our to see her records. They should be here soon." Kim paused hearing the gate open. They looked to see three people coming up the stairs. "We are taking her to interrogation Detectives." Adam led the woman to the room Kim staring slack jawed. "I'm going to interview her myself." Kim headed for the room knowing Erin was close behind them. "Kim, should you do this?" Adam was very concerned. "Yeah I'm good with this. I need to do this. You are welcome to join me." Kim headed into the room with Adam right behind her. "Good Afternoon Ms Rhodes. How are you enjoying Chicago?" Kim asked sitting across from the woman. "Why am I here?" Rhodes asked. "Well thank you for not denying who you are. And you are here because a young woman who visited your clinic showed up in the hospital with an IUD that she didn't consent to and it sterilized her. Sounds familiar?" Kim explained with no expression on her face.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Rhodes snapped. "Really? Huh so you are not the same Gloria Rhodes from New York that was released from Prison just a few months ago. Who's supposed to be working in Texas according to the parole board. This is your ammo! This is what you do. You are really going to tell me you didn't do this?" Kim asked staring straight at her. Adam moved to stand behind Gloria. "You have nothing on me." Rhodes shook her head. "Well if nothing else you are going back to prison for violation of parole. And working in a clinic without a license to practice medicine. So no matter what you are going back to jail. And mark my word come hell or high water you will rot for what you did." Kim got up leaving Rhodes to simmer. They exit together Adams hand on her back guiding her. "Get patrol up here to take her to a holding cell. We can hold her in prison for the parole violation as we continue to work the case." Kim headed to the break room.
Adam followed close behind her. He needed to check in on her. "How are you holding up?" He asked standing beside her. "Oh um okay. Frustrated but okay. Happy we have her in custody at least. It was too easy though. Or maybe she just got sloppy." She sighed turning to look at him. "I don't think it was that easy. You just knew who you were looking for. And we were lucky because if you hadn't moved here we wouldn't have known what to do. Hopefully it was only that one girl who was affected." He watched her nod. "I think we have enough to hand her over to the ADA." Kim thought out loud. "We do and I will call them now. Good job darling." He kissed her forehead as he left the room leaving her to look out the windows.
Erin was next to follow in to the break room. "Hey. I got to admit your memory is insane. This case would have taken forever without you. I promise you this team needs you but SVU needs you more. We will make it happen." Erin hugged her knowing they both needed it. "Thanks. I really do appreciate it. All I really want is for my family to be happy. And right now we are." She smiled sadly. "I know but you are destine for more than this. We all know it." She watched Kim nod as they headed back to their desks to do paperwork while they waited for the ADA. Right around 4 ADA Stone walked in to get briefed on the case and to properly assign charges. Kim walked him through the details with the medical records that had been provided. "So I will be honest here Burgess the charge for medical battery is less jail time than the parole violation. But I'm going to try for that plus the practicing without a license. The parole violation will at least get her held without bail. This will be handled. We will get justice. You should be proud. We got this." He patted her back heading to get Rhodes charged and sent to arraignment.
Kim sat finishing her paperwork. Her team fully around the room working their own paperwork. "Burgess office please." Voight called towards her. She nodded getting up and headed to the office taking several deep breaths as she walked. "Should I close the door?" She asked. "Not necessary. Just wanted to tell you that you did good today. And that I know you are only 31 but you should really consider taking the Sergeants exam." He watched the shock come over her face. "You deserve it. Just think about it." He watched her nod getting up to leave his office. "Okay both teams, paperwork tomorrow. Head out for the night. You all deserve it." Voight dismissed them for the night. "One drink then home for the night?" Adam asked knowing she could use it. "Sure but only one. I really need my kids." Kim sighed leaning into him. "I hear ya. I need to see the kids too." He held her tight.
The team all headed out to Mollys for one drink. The couple never left each other's side. Always touching in some way. Almost like an anchor holding them into reality. "So I heard your case was solved and that it was crazy." Jay stared knowing they hadn't talked all day. "Yeah it was crazy. But happy it's over and our perp is in jail. How was your case?" Kim asked wondering how it went. "Typical drug bust. Luckily snipers weren't needed. But it's handled. Did I hear the boss say something about you taking the sergeant's exam?" Jay asked hearing Adam gasp. "Um yeah. Even at my age he thinks I should look into it. I don't know. Something to think about though." Kim shrugged but leaned a bit into Adam's side. "You really should think about it. Seriously. You have what it takes." Jay knew she had issues from the past about her job and not feeling good enough at home so he knew this would take time to work through before she could make an actual decision. Nothing came easy to her with all the insecurities shining through.
"Maybe but like I told Erin earlier all I care about right now is that my family is happy. And they are. The rest I'm not sure about. But it is something to think about, maybe." She shook her head not knowing what to think. "Okay let's get you home. We can talk more about it at home." Adam paid for their drinks and led them to the car. He was spinning a bit but also damn proud of her. It was a quiet ride but not uncomfortable at all. As soon as they arrived they could hear the kids running to the door. They both smiled wide loving how excited the kids were. "Hey babies! I'm so happy to see you both." Kim leaned down to hug them both. Adam picked up both kids hugging them both. "Hey kiddos how was your day?" He asked carrying them to the living room. "So fun! Gunner!" The kids wanted down to play with the dog right away. He was always by Kim's side unless the kids were around then he loved playing with them.
Kim let the sitter out, locking the house once more then made a small dinner for her and Adam. The kids had already eaten so that was helpful. She could hear both kids talking a mile a minute to Adam as they played. She couldn't help but watch a bit. It was easy to fall in love with Adam even more in these moments. He was such an amazing father even of the kids never said it. It wasn't long till Kim brought food out for Adam to eat as well as her self. The couple ate as the kids played but watching them relieved the stress from the day. Relieving the stress from the case. "Kim how about i clean up and you go bathe the kids?" He knew she needed time with the kids laughing and relaxing. "Sounds good. Thank you." Kim led the kids upstairs while Adam let the dog out and then cleaned up after their dinner. He could hear all the giggling from the kitchen. Kids laughter was like a drug to him. He would do almost anything to hear them happy and laughing.
As soon as he finished he brought the dog in and headed up to help Kim. He knew most likely they would have a streaker if he wasn't there to help get the kids dressed. Almost exactly as he entered the bathroom he saw Milo trying to run out naked but Adam scooped him up right away. "Nope little man! You are getting dressed again." Adam held him up in the air over his head laughing with Milo. He carried him to his room closing the door to prevent running. Kim entered with Mia but made sure the door was closed so they couldn't get out just yet. Jammies were on and the kids were allowed back downstairs to play a bit longer. Gunner staying close the whole time.
Both kids started to fall asleep while playing their game so they were taken to bed with the dog in tow. They barely made it through a book before falling sound asleep. The couple left after kissing both kids good night. Kim settled on the couch while Adam grabbed drinks for them. He sat next to her pulling her legs across his lap. "Should we talk about it?" Kim asked knowing they really needed to. "Yeah sure. How are you feeling about that?" He wasn't sure what she was really thinking. "I don't know. Shocked for one. But also maybe not wanting to do it. It would mean more time away from home. And I don't want to do that to the kids. So I'm definitely conflicted about it. I would also need to change units and if it's not SVU then I don't want to change. I like where I am. Getting to take drugs off the streets but also put rapists behind bars. I feel good about it." She looked up seeing complete understanding on his face.
"That makes a ton of sense. Just think about it at some point. But I understand where you are coming from completely. But I also don't want to hold you back ever. So if you want to do this then we will work it out. Just know that." He watched her nod that she heard him. "I think I'm also still working on some level of insecurity right now. You know bad wife, bad mother because of my job. I just need time to process these feelings. Process these thoughts." She explained. "Yeah I kind of figured that was something you were thinking about. But I never think that. You are amazing at your job, an amazing mother and an amazing girlfriend to me. And I can't wait till you are ready for more. I truly believe this is my end game, you and our kids." He saw tears in her eyes. "Come here please." He asked urging her to move into his arms.
She moved to his lap wrapping her arms around his neck crying tears of happiness. "Agree completely!" She kissed him hard allowing her tears to fall on his face as well. "Let's head to bed. Between watching you lead our team today and this confession I need to bury myself deep inside you. Let's go!" He scooped her up never breaking her hold around his neck. "You are my perfect match, my soulmate. I do want forever. Not sure I'm ready to think about next steps." She looked into his eyes seeing understanding once more. "I get that. And that's fine. Not in a rush." He kissed her once more. They entered their room closing the door behind them. He placed her down so they could strip each other of the unwanted clothes. It was a rush of clothes flying till the couple was bare. They slowly moved to the bed, moving into position as he made love to her.
It was slow, steady, tender, moving but powerful all at the same time. As the couple came together they slumped together sweaty, flushed, ragged breath. But blissfully happy and in love. They both knew the possibilities that lie ahead would be rough but they were excited to face them together, forever.