Liv felt her mouth go dry and her stomach tighten, and she nodded wordlessly in response to Fin.
"Okay" Liv began, her voice quiet. "I'm gonna call Lucy and ask her to stay the night with Noah. I'll then head to Mercy General. Fin, can you go to the scene and start canvassing for witnesses" she added, before turning towards Amanda. "Amanda, look into the victim, speak to her friends, professors, find out everything there is to know about her" she instructed. "What's the vic's name?" she asked, directing the question towards Fin.
"Emily Summers" Fin responded. "She's twenty years old. Second year psychology student" he added. Liv nodded. "I'll head out now" he added, disappearing from Liv's office as she thanked him.
Liv reached for her phone and was about to call Lucy when Amanda interrupted her.
"Liv, why don't you let me and Fin handle this" Amanda suggested cautiously, prompting Liv to look up at her with confusion. "I'll keep you fully updated" she added quickly. Liv opened her mouth to speak but then lowered her gaze to her phone, before swallowing hard and looking back at Amanda with a confident expression.
"You don't think I can handle this case because it involves a pregnant woman?" she asked, sounding perplexed. Amanda took her step closer to Liv.
"I think given what you're going through right now, it might be better for you if you take a step back from this case" Amanda said cautiously. Liv's eyes widened slightly and she looked shocked. "I know you can handle this" she quickly assured her. "I just don't think that you should have to" she explained. Liv swallowed thickly and let out a calming breath.
"I can do my job, Amanda" Liv said, an edge of irritation present in her voice. "And I'd appreciate it if you would do yours" she added quickly. Amanda stared at Liv for a moment before nodding.
"I'll head over to Hudson" Amanda said quietly, turning on her heel and walking calmly out of Liv's office.
Liv regretted her words and her tone almost immediately, and sighed to herself in frustration, calling Lucy and making a mental note to apologise to Amanda later.
After making childcare arrangements for Noah, Liv drove to Mercy General, heading up to the maternity ward via the elevator. The familiar scent of the ward caused memories of her recent stay there to come flooding back to her. Memories of the pain, the metallic scent of the blood, and warm liquid pooling between her thighs flooded her. She hesitated as she stepped out of the elevator, and only the sound of a wailing infant being carried by a new mother drew her from her thoughts.
Liv blinked herself out of her stupor and watched as a young woman with dark blonde plaited hair walked towards the elevator. She looked pale and exhausted, her face devoid of make up, but she was beautiful. Her eyes shone and her smile was serene, as she looked from her baby to her husband, a dark haired man carrying an overnight bag, car seat and flowers. Liv felt a lump form in her throat, and she smiled warmly and stepped aside, pressing the down button for the elevator. They both glanced at her and thanked her, stepping into the elevator with tired smiles. Liv's gaze drifted towards the baby, who was wearing a light blue hat and was swaddled in a white knitted blanket. It's eyes were closed, its rosebud lips moved in a sucking motion, as its tiny fingers flexed from above the top of the blanket. Liv found herself feeling suddenly overwhelmed, and she forced herself to turn away from the baby, blinking back tears which had suddenly formed in her eyes as she headed towards the nurse's station. A Hispanic nurse in her forties with a calm expression and no-nonsense demeanour turned towards her expectantly.
"I'm Captain Olivia Benson from Manhattan SVU" Liv announced, showing her shield to the nurse and her colleague, whose curiosity was piqued by her attendance. "I understand Emily Summers has been admitted, following a possible assault?" she explained.
"That's right" the nurse confirmed. "Miss Summers was admitted thirty minutes ago, she's currently in surgery" she explained.
"How is she?" Liv asked. The nurse hesitated.
"Not good" she replied quietly. "She's got a fractured skull and internal bleeding" she explained. "She barely had a pulse when she arrived" she added. Liv nodded in understanding.
"And the baby?" Liv asked hopefully.
"The baby was delivered twenty minutes ago, ten minutes after Miss Summers was admitted" the nurse explained gently. "He passed away five minutes ago" she explained. Liv felt her stomach drop and she gripped the edge of the nurse's station.
"Was he born alive?" Liv asked. The nurse smiled sadly and nodded.
"He was" she replied. "He was tiny, three pounds four ounces, which was good given he was at twenty-eight weeks gestation" she explained. "We did everything we could-"
"I know" Liv responded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry" she added sincerely. The nurse nodded sadly in response.
"So am I" she replied. "We all are" she added. Liv nodded in response.
"Do you know how long Emily is going to be in surgery?" Liv asked. The nurse shook her head.
"Her head injury was significant, and she had extensive internal bleeding" the nurse explained. "The baby's heart-rate was dangerously low, so we delivered him to help him and reduce the pressure on Emily's body" she continued. "But I am not sure it will be enough" she added. Liv closed her eyes for a moment and nodded. "Do you know if she has any family?"
"My detectives are trying to find out" Liv assured her. "I..." she continued, breaking off slightly as she struggled to finish her sentence. "An autopsy is going to need to be carried out on... on the baby" she advised. "Where is he?"
"He's been taken to the hospital mortuary" the nurse responded gently. "We've notified the ME's office" she continued. "A Dr Warner is on her way" she advised. Liv nodded.
"Thank you" she replied. "We'll also need to collect Emily's clothing and any other possessions she had" she advised.
"I can do that once she's out of surgery" the nurse responded. Liv nodded resignedly in response, knowing that the evidence was being compromised. But the priority had been saving the lives of Emily and her baby, as it should have been.
"Thank you" Liv responded. "I'll need to speak to Emily's doctor once she's out of surgery, is there somewhere I can wait?"
"Yes, I'll take you to the family waiting room" the nurse responded, before walking out from around her desk and leading Liv into the small white-walled room which was lined with hard-back chairs, soulless paintings and a dated collection of toys.
Liv made phone calls to Melinda Warner, 1PP and Fin to update them on the situation. She was composing an email to the Chief when a doctor entered the room and walked towards her.
"Captain Benson?" the doctor asked. Liv looked up from her phone and rose to her feet.
"Yes" Liv replied, locking her phone and watching the doctor intently.
"I'm Dr Vasquez, I was one of the surgeons who was working on Emily Summers" he said gently. Liv recognised the look in his eyes and swallowed thickly.
"Did she make it?" Liv asked. Dr Vasquez shook his head.
"No" Dr Vasquez replied quietly. "I am so very sorry" he added sincerely. "Her injuries were too severe" he explained. Liv closed her eyes and nodded in understanding. "She had a fractured skull, broken ribs, and internal bleeding" he continued. "Her placenta ruptured and she haemorrhaged" he added. "We did everything we could."
"I know you did" Liv said gently. "I understand Emily was found at the bottom of a staircase on campus, but EMTs believe she may have been attacked" she explained. Dr Vasquez nodded slowly. "Are Emily's injuries consistent with a fall?" she asked.
"In my opinion, no" Dr Vasquez responded. "The majority of Emily's injuries are to her back, and there is bruising on her upper shoulders indicating she was pushed against a hard surface" he explained. "There are also no injuries to her hands or forearms" he added.
"Which you would expect to find in someone who fell, as they would put their hands out instinctively to break their fall" Liv continued.
"Exactly" Dr Vasquez responded. "I'd also expect to find bruising and lacerations to her face if she fell down the stairs, especially if she didn't manage to break her fall" he explained. "The only injury to her face is what appears to be a hand mark" he added quietly. Liv swallowed thickly.
"Someone slapped her?" she asked.
"That would be my guess" Dr Vasquez responded. "Your ME should be able to confirm when the autopsy is performed" he added. "The mark was on the right side of her face, which would indicate the person who assaulted her is left handed" he added.
"Thank you" Liv responded politely.
Dr Vasquez nodded and turned to leave. Liv unlocked her phone and was about to finish her email when he turned back towards her.
"Captain Benson?" Dr Vasquez said, prompting her to look up at him. "Please find whoever did this" he asked.
"I will" Liv assured him.
After updating her team it was agreed that they would meet in the squad room the following morning at nine o'clock to discuss progress. Melinda would carry out the autopsies first thing in the morning, and forensics were being rushed on Emily's clothing.
Liv made it home shortly before ten o'clock, where she found Lucy reading on her couch.
"Noah is asleep" Lucy advised, as she untucked her leg from beneath her and rose to her feet. "He went to bed at around eight-thirty, I let him read for a while" she explained.
"That's great, thank you so much, Lucy, I really appreciate it" Liv said sincerely. Lucy observed the tiredness in her eyes and the sadness in her expression.
"Difficult case?" Lucy asked gently. Liv put her bag down on the kitchen counter and removed her blazer.
"The worst" she responded. Lucy nodded in understanding.
"Well, I'm available tomorrow evening and over the weekend, if you need me" she explained, as she began putting her things into her bag.
Liv thanked her sincerely and walked her to the door, before checking on Noah, who was fast asleep. She kissed him on the forehead and closed his bedroom door, before heading into her bathroom to remove her make-up and brush her teeth. She then changed into her pyjamas and climbed into bed, where she remained wide awake for almost three hours before sleep finally claimed her.
When Liv arrived at the precinct at eight-thirty the following morning she was exhausted and unsettled, and dreading the days which she knew were ahead. Her team had been working throughout the night, and Fin and Amanda were standing by the whiteboards which they had already filled with information. After greeting her team and advising they'd have a meeting in ten minutes, Liv asked Amanda to come into her office, and the detective followed her dutifully.
Liv walked towards her desk and placed her bag on it, before turning towards Amanda who was watching her with an unreadable expression.
"Amanda, I just wanted to apologise for yesterday" Liv said sincerely. "I didn't mean to snap at you, but that's no excuse" she explained, leaning against her desk as she spoke. "You were looking out for me and I am so grateful for that. For everything you have done for me these past weeks" she explained. "Honestly, I don't know how I would have got through this last month without you" she added, her voice tinged with emotion.
Amanda's expression softened and she walked towards Liv, placing her hand on her upper arm and squeezing it reassuringly.
"I'm sorry if I overstepped the mark" Amanda said. "I remember how angry I was when people were treating me with kid gloves when I was pregnant, and after Jessie was born" she explained. Liv nodded in understanding.
"You were looking out for me, and I appreciate it" Liv assured her, offering her a gentle smile. "And I also appreciate the clothes you gave me" she added, prompting Amanda to look down at her trousers, which looked familiar. "I honestly haven't felt this comfortable in weeks" she added. Amanda smiled.
"If I could, I'd still wear them now" Amanda confessed. Liv chuckled lightly in response. "How are you holdin' up?" Amanda asked gently. Liv's smile faltered and she met her gaze.
"I'm fine" Liv assured her. Amanda nodded in response.
"Okay" she responded. "But if it gets to a point where you're not fine, talk to me" she encouraged. Liv forced a smile and nodded, before Amanda walked out of her office.
Liv made herself another cup of peppermint tea and headed into the squad room where her team had assembled around the notice boards. A picture of Emily was in the top right hand corner. She was a pretty, fresh-faced young woman with curly blonde hair, bright green eyes and a shy smile. There was a kindness to her eyes which struck Liv, and she found herself staring at her as she sipped her peppermint tea.
"Counsellor?" said Fin, who was facing away from the boards.
Liv turned on the spot and found herself standing opposite Rafael Barba, who was dressed in a three-piece black suit and midnight blue tie. He was carrying his briefcase and trademark cup of strong black coffee. He nodded to Fin in acknowledgement and glanced at the board, before turning towards Liv.
"Rafa" she said quietly, as she was flooded with his scent and the smell of freshly made coffee.
"My bosses called me this morning about the Summers case, they want it closed yesterday" he explained, addressing Liv as he spoke. "Where are we so far?" he asked. Liv swallowed thickly and turned towards the board.
"Emily Summers, twenty years old, she was a student at Hudson University studying psychology" Liv explained, focusing her attentions on the photo of Emily, and desperately trying not to look at Barba. "She was twenty-eight weeks pregnant" she added, staring into the bright green eyes of the hopeful girl in the photograph. "She was found at the bottom of a stone staircase outside of the psychology building at Hudson at approximately 5.45pm last night" she advised. "EMTs rushed her to Mercy where they performed an emergency c-section and surgery on Emily" she continued. "Emily and her baby... didn't make it" she added. Barba stepped towards her and stood by her side.
"And the EMTs believe that Emily's fall wasn't accidental?" Barba asked, as he took a sip of his coffee.
"No, they don't" Fin responded. "I talked to 'em both and they said her injuries weren't consistent with an accidental fall" he added. "They said the scene looked staged" he explained.
"Emily's surgeon agreed" Liv added, prompting Barba to turn towards her, their eyes meeting as she spoke. "Emily's injuries are not consistent with a fall. She sustained a fractured skull, bruising to her upper body and injuries to her back which appear consistent with being pushed against a hard surface" she explained. "She also had a bruise on her face which appears to indicate she was slapped, hard" she added. Liv watched as Barba visibly stiffened, his eyes hardening as he nodded. "She also had no injuries to her hands or upper arms which you would expect of someone who tried to break their fall" she added. Barba nodded.
"When are the postmortems due to take place?" Barba asked.
"First thing this morning" Liv responded. Barba nodded in response.
"Did the doctors say if the baby was born alive?" Barba asked gently. Liv felt her stomach tighten and she swallowed thickly before turning towards him.
"The baby was born alive" Liv said gently. "He lived for fifteen minutes before he passed away" she said quietly. Barba nodded solemnly in response.
"That means I can charge whoever attacked Emily with two counts of murder" Barba advised. "Provided the postmortems support the doctor's suspicions" he added, taking another sip of coffee. "Where are we with forensics?"
"Emily's clothes and possessions have been taken to the lab" Amanda began cautiously. "But the EMTs and doctors cut through her clothing, tossed things aside whilst they were working on her-"
"Understandable" Barba said quietly, as he lowered his coffee cup. "But not ideal for us." Amanda nodded in agreement. "Is there any CCTV or witnesses?"
"We're waitin' on Hudson to provide the CCTV footage we have requested, and we're canvassing for witnesses" Fin explained. "Lectures ended at four and exams are comin' up, so there weren't many people in the area at that time" he advised.
"If Hudson don't get the CCTV to you in the next two hours call me and I'll get you a warrant" Barba instructed. Fin nodded in agreement.
"What do we know about Emily?" Liv asked.
"She was from Nebraska" Amanda advised, consulting her tablet as she spoke. "Her mother died when she was young, her father was never in the picture, so she grew up in foster care" she explained. "She was very quiet, kept to herself, and spent the majority of her time in her room or the library" she advised. "She was workin' two part time jobs in addition to studying full time."
"So she's intelligent, hard-working, shy" Barba reasoned. "Did she have a boyfriend?" he asked.
"No" Fin responded. "In fact, the only person who knew she was pregnant was her room-mate, Amy Alvarez" he advised. Barba frowned.
"She was seven months pregnant and only one person knew?" he asked, confusion present in his tone. Liv felt her stomach clench and her breathing deepened.
"She wore loose-fitting clothes, mainly hoodies" Fin explained. "She worked night shifts and early hours at local stores, so she had limited interactions with other people" he continued. "We've seen it many times before, young girls in college get pregnant, then they hide it" he explained.
"She must have talked to someone" Barba said. "The room-mate, Amy, were they close?"
"They were friendly" Fin said. "Amy's more confident and outgoing than Emily, she looked out for her" he explained. "Amy's a second-year law student and she is real upset by Emily's death."
"Did Emily tell Amy who the father of her baby was?" Barba asked. Liv sipped her peppermint tea slowly, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
"No" Fin responded. "She wouldn't say" he added simply. "But apparently she was going to talk to him last night" he explained. Barba's eyes widened slightly and he nodded.
"So she hadn't told him she was pregnant?" Barba asked slowly.
"No" Fin replied. "Emily was gonna put the baby up for adoption, but according to Amy she changed her mind, wanted to keep it" he explained.
"So she was going to talk to the father" Barba reasoned. "Young student, working two part-time jobs. She would have needed money to enable her to keep her baby" he continued. "Perhaps she was going to ask him for financial support" he considered.
"That's what Amy thought" Fin said. Barba looked up at the whiteboard and nodded.
"And Amy has no idea who the father was?" he asked.
"No" Fin responded. "We're interviewing Emily's classmates and professors this morning to see if they know anything, but it sounds like she kept herself to herself" he explained. Barba nodded slowly.
"Okay" Barba replied, before turning towards Liv. "Can you keep me updated?" he asked.
"Of course" Liv responded.
"And if you need any warrants for anything, if anyone at Hudson stalls or is obstructive, call me" he advised, looking from Liv to her team.
"Absolutely" Liv responded. "Thanks, Rafa" she continued. "I know you have a lot going on with the DiAngelo trial starting next week" she added gently.
"I'll make time for this" Barba responded with conviction. "Call me if there's anything you need" he added, before looking back at the board once more, his eyes focusing on the picture of Emily for a few moments, before he turned on the spot and walked out of the precinct.
"I'll call the Chief and 1PP to update them" Liv announced, "thanks for everything you're doing, everyone" she added sincerely, before turning on her heel and heading back into her office.
After making the phone calls to her bosses Liv leaned back in her desk chair, staring at a space in the wall to her left, and desperately trying to suppress the rising feeling of panic she was currently experiencing. This case was devastating, and she was finding it even harder to handle given her condition – not that she would admit so, of course. The fact that she would be working closely with Rafa on it caused her guilt to increase tenfold.
"Hey, Liv" came Amanda's voice from the doorway, drawing her out of her stupor. "You okay?" she asked quietly. Liv forced a smile and nodded.
"I'm fine" she lied, as she rose from her seat. "I'm gonna go to Hudson and speak with the president" she advised, desperate to be out of the precinct. "See if she can shed any light on this."
For the next two days the SVU detectives and their partner agencies worked tirelessly on the Summers case, and their efforts proved fruitful. Melinda's postmortem reports confirmed the doctors' suspicions about Emily's attack, and her death was ruled a homicide, as was the death of her son.
In addition to the injuries they were made aware of by the EMTs and Dr Vasquez, Melinda found traces of white stone in the laceration at the back of Emily's head, which Forensics indicated was from a stone fireplace, likely made more than a century ago. There was also skin underneath her fingernails which forensics were able to prove belonged to the father of her baby.
Another breakthrough in the case came late on Friday afternoon, after Hudson University finally provided them with the CCTV footage they had requested, which was only forthcoming after Barba got them a warrant. Unfortunately there was no CCTV footage by the staircase or surrounding areas. However, CCTV footage showed Emily leaving her dorm two hours before she was found and heading towards the law buildings. Given she was studying psychology, and her room-mate was at home, at the time of her attack, the detectives were uncertain as to why she would be headed there. But one possibility was provided by Fin, who called Amy. He put down his phone victoriously and rose from his seat.
"I just talked to Amy" he announced to Liv and Amanda. "I asked her if she knows anyone apart from her on her law course, and she said no" he added. Amanda sighed.
"It would've made sense if one of Amy's classmates was the father of the baby, they could've met Emily" Amanda said, confusion present in her tone. "But Amy is sure Emily didn't know anyone?"
"Amy was sure she didn't know any other students" Fin advised. "But apparently she did some waitressing work for a law faculty event with Amy" he continued.
"Was this about seven months ago?" Liv asked. Fin nodded.
"There were eight professors, only one male who is still at Hudson" he advised. "Professor Charles Rasmussen" he stated. Liv smiled. "It gets better" he added. Liv raised her eyebrow expectantly. "Professor Rasmussen is the faculty head, and the only one with a large, white fireplace in his office" he added. Liv nodded.
"Bring him in" she instructed, as Fin and Amanda picked up their coats. "Let's see what Professor Rasmussen has to say."
After sending Fin and Amanda to bring Professor Rasmussen to the precinct, Liv called Barba to update him. Due to the high profile nature of the case and the fact that the prime suspect was a law professor, Barba suggested he attend the interview. Liv agreed and he made his way over to the precinct, arriving just minutes before Professor Rasmussen.
Liv and Barba were standing in the precinct when Professor Rasmussen entered with Fin and Amanda. He was a tall man in his mid-fifties with light brown hair which was greying slightly. He had piercing blue eyes and a look of assurance, and would have been attractive had it not been for his arrogant demeanour. He wore an expensive tailored suit and looked around the precinct as though he were there to present an award. Liv had a strong feeling they had identified their suspect.
As Fin led Professor Rasmussen to the interrogation room Amanda approached Liv and Barba.
"Do you want me and Fin to talk to him?" Amanda asked.
"Actually, Barba and I are going to interview him" Liv advised. Amanda nodded in response.
"How did he react when you asked him to come in?" Barba asked. Amanda scoffed.
"He wasn't impressed" Amanda advised. "But I guess he knew it'd look suspicious if he refused" she added, putting her hands on her hips as she spoke. "He claimed he doesn't know who Emily is, doesn't recall seeing her at the function she waitressed at, and said what a tragedy her accident was" she added, with barely veiled contempt. "He's mentioned his 'friend' the Commissioner four times already." Barba rolled his eyes.
"Do we have enough to get a warrant for his DNA?" asked Liv.
"Not even close" Barba said quietly, shaking his head. "CCTV footage showing her walking into the law building is not enough" he explained.
"What about the stone found in her head wound which is consistent with the fireplace in his office?" Amanda asked.
"Circumstantial at best" Barba responded. "If she had told someone he was the father, or that she was going to see him personally, or if someone saw her go into his office on the night she was killed then I could get a warrant" he explained. Amanda sighed in resignation.
"Shall we?" asked Liv, picking up some files from a nearby desk. Barba nodded and followed her into the interrogation room.
Liv opened the door to the interrogation room and stepped inside, offering a warm smile to Professor Rasmussen as she entered. He looked up at her with a curious expression.
"Professor Rasmussen" she greeted, as she stepped into the room and approached the table, pulling out a chair as she did so. "I'm Captain Benson and this is ADA Rafael Barba" she announced, as Barba pulled up the chair beside hers.
"A Captain and an ADA" Professor Rasmussen said, raising his eyebrows as he spoke. "I'm afraid I really don't know how I can help you" he stated. Liv shook her head and opened the file. Barba sat silently beside her, waiting to see how Liv was going to play it.
"Well, you can start by explaining how well you knew Emily Summers" Liv said, looking up from her paperwork and holding his gaze. Professor Rasmussen blinked languidly and shook his head.
"I didn't" he responded. "Your colleague said that she waitressed at an event I attended earlier in the year" he continued. "There are so many of them I hardly remember" he explained. Liv nodded in understanding. "This young lady's death is a tragedy, but I'm rather perplexed as to why it is a Police matter" he explained. "My understanding is that she fell down a flight of stairs."
"Not according to the Medical Examiner" Liv advised, as she removed a copy of the postmortem report from the file. "According to the ME, Emily sustained multiple injuries on the night she died, including a fractured skull, contusions to the back of the head, broken ribs and bruising to her right cheek and upper chest" she advised, looking up at him once more as she finished reading. Professor Rasmussen shook his head sadly.
"That's tragic, but hardly inconsistent with falling down the stairs" the professor continued.
"The ME disagrees with you" Liv advised, leaning back in her chair as she spoke. "She's ruled the manner of death of Emily and her baby as homicide" she advised.
Professor Rasmussen stiffened slightly but quickly recovered himself.
"When a person falls, they instinctively reach out with their hands" Liv explained, demonstrating with her own hands. "It's a natural reflex to protect themselves from the impact" she continued. "Emily had no injuries on her hands or upper arms, which means she did not try to break her fall."
"Perhaps she fell backwards" Professor Rasmussen reasoned. Liv held his gaze.
"Backwards, down a flight of stone steps?" she queried. The professor nodded.
"It's not impossible" he advised. "Pregnant women are prone to fainting, perhaps she fainted and fell down the stairs" he continued.
"If that were the case she would have bruising on her arms and legs, but she does not" Liv responded. "But what she does have is a fractured skull" she advised, looking up at him once more.
"Which she could have sustained when her head hit one of the stone steps" the professor continued. "Forgive me, Captain Benson, but I fail to see why you believe this poor young lady was murdered" he added, crossing his arms as he spoke.
"Because the ME's report shows she sustained multiple injuries to the back of her head" Liv explained. "Falling down the stairs would cause injuries to different parts of the body" she continued. "In addition to all of the other injuries I just outlined" she added. "Her death was no accident, Professor" she stated. Professor Rasmussen sighed.
"Even if it was not, I fail to understand why you are questioning me" Professor Rasmussen replied, his tone heavy with indifference. Liv held his gaze with confidence.
"Because Emily told her friend that you were the father of her baby" Liv stated, her tone so convincing that it took Barba a moment to register the lie. "She was going to put the baby up for adoption but changed her mind, so she went to you to ask for financial support to enable her to keep her son" she continued. "Your son" she added.
"That's ridiculous" Professor Rasmussen said quietly, his voice less confident than before. "I told you, I don't even know who that girl was."
"We also have two witnesses who saw Emily entering the law building. One of whom saw her walking down the corridor towards your office" Liv continued. Professor Rasmussen bristled and looked away from her. "What happened, Professor?" Liv asked. The Professor shook his head. "It must have been quite a shock when you found out she was pregnant" she added.
"I really don't know what you're talking about" Professor Rasmussen responded.
"No?" Liv asked. "Okay. Well, if you provide us with a DNA sample we can get this all cleared up" she said brightly. The professor scoffed.
"I am not giving you my DNA" he responded.
"We have enough evidence to get a warrant which would compel you to do so" Liv countered. "If you didn't sleep with her seven months ago then you have nothing to worry about" she added. "Perhaps I should have this conversation with your wife?" she suggested, having noticed his wedding ring.
Barba watched Professor Rasmussen, who was staring at Liv. His initial confidence had faltered at the revelation that Emily had told a friend he was the father of her baby, and he had been visibly unsettled by the knowledge that there were two witnesses who saw Emily enter his building. Liv was certainly convincing, but he was unsure whether the professor believed it.
"Even if I did have a brief encounter with her many months ago" Professor Rasmussen said carefully. "That does not mean I killed her."
"You're right, it doesn't" Liv returned. "So provide us with your DNA and an account of your whereabouts on Wednesday evening, and we can clear this matter up" she advised.
"Fine" Professor Rasmussen said quietly. Liv nodded.
"Where were you on Wednesday evening?" she asked.
"I was in my office until six" he advised. "I left shortly after the ambulance" he added. Liv nodded.
"And what time did Emily come to your office?" she asked, the confidence in her tone impressing Barba. "We know she was there because remnants of the stone from your fireplace were imbedded in her head" she stated. Professor Rasmussen shifted in his seat.
"She came to my office just after four" he advised. "She said she was pregnant and it was mine, and she wanted me to pay child support" he continued. "I agreed I would provide her with that support on the condition she did not tell my wife or anyone else about the child" he stated.
"Your child" Barba corrected, prompting Professor Rasmussen to turn towards him. "Go on" he encouraged.
"She was standing by the fireplace and she lost her footing" he said simply. "She hit her head on the fireplace" he advised. "I reached for her and stopped her from falling again" he added. "I suggested she sit down, she insisted she was fine, and she said she had to go" he continued. "We agreed I would pay her $500 on the first of each month" he stated. Liv nodded encouragingly. "Perhaps she hit her head harder than I realised, and passed out at the top of the stairs" he continued. Liv made a note of what he had said and then looked up at him.
"So you're saying you came to an agreement about financial support for your child, and then she just left" Liv said. "Why didn't you just tell us that to begin with?" Professor Rasmussen sighed and folded his arms.
"Because I was hoping to keep the news of my indiscretion from my wife and children" Professor Rasmussen replied. Liv nodded slowly in response.
"So Emily left your room after how long?" Liv asked. Professor Rasmussen considered his answer.
"Perhaps fifteen minutes" he replied. Liv nodded.
"Then can you explain why she wasn't found until 5.45pm, despite being just a few minutes' walk away from your office?" Liv asked. The Professor shrugged.
"Perhaps she collapsed some time before she fell" he suggested. Liv leaned back slightly and held his gaze.
"We have several students who used that staircase during the afternoon, the latest one walking up it at 5.15pm, and she wasn't there then" Liv replied. Professor Rasmussen stared at her.
"I really don't know" he replied, leaning forward and placing his arms on the table. "If she had a head injury it's possible she was disorientated. Perhaps she wandered around for a while" he continued. Liv nodded.
"Did she hit her head fairly hard?" Liv asked.
"I don't know" the Professor replied, sounding uncertain for the first time in the interview. "It's possible she hit her head harder than I realised" he admitted. Liv nodded.
"Four times?" she asked quietly. The Professor looked up at her.
"I'm sorry?" he asked cautiously. Liv picked up the ME's report.
"The ME's report shows that her head was slammed into a hard surface four times" Liv advised. "The stone from your fireplace was embedded deep in her skin" she advised, pushing a copy of the report towards him. "She also had DNA of her attacker under her fingernails. The same person who is the father of her child" she advised, prompting him to look up at her. "This wasn't an accident, Professor" she said calmly. "And it wasn't just once."
"You didn't agree to pay child support" Barba said quietly, prompting the professor to turn towards him. "You were furious when she told you she was carrying your child – a child whose existence you knew nothing about until that night" he added. "It was too late for her to have an abortion" he continued. "What happened, did you try to encourage her to have the baby adopted?" he asked. "Did she refuse?"
"It was an accident" Professor Rasmussen insisted.
"No, it wasn't" Barba responded. "A frightened and desperate young woman came to you and asked you to take the smallest amount of responsibility for your child, and you didn't want to" he said simply.
"She was trying to blackmail me, and-"
"No, she wasn't" Barba countered, his tone taking Liv offguard. "If she wanted to blackmail you she could've done so several months before" he added. "She took on two part time jobs in addition to her full time study because she wanted to provide for her child" he explained. "And when she asked you to do the same you got angry and you hit her, and then you just couldn't stop" he continued.
"She is the one who couldn't stop!" Professor Rasmussen returned.
"You didn't want the Dean to find out, or your wife, and you were furious with her" Barba continued. "So you attacked her, and left her seven months pregnant bleeding and unconscious on the floor of your office" he stated. "You waited until it started to get dark, then dragged her out of your office and tried to make it look like her injuries were caused by a fall" he advised.
"It was an accident" Professor Rasmussen insisted.
"No, it wasn't" Barba responded. "The extent of her injuries, your attempt at covering up what you did, and not calling an ambulance which could have saved her life all prove that your actions were deliberate and calculated" he stated. "And that's why I will be charging you with two counts of murder" he advised.
"This is not murder-"
"Two counts of murder two, or I take this to trial and charge you with two counts of murder in the first degree, and I will recommend and get life without parole on both counts" Barba stated, his tone cold and his eyes ablaze. "Spare your family a trial, and take this deal" he encouraged. "Because I assure you, it is the best one you are going to get" he stated. "And you know it" he added, before rising from his seat. Liv copied his motion, tidying up her papers and rising to her feet. "My offer expires at 10am on Monday morning. You can spend the weekend in the Tombs thinking about it" he stated, before turning on his heel and walking out of the room.
Liv followed Barba out of the interrogation room and into the precinct. She allowed a few moments of silence to fall between them before she spoke.
"Are you alright?" Liv asked gently. Barba sighed and nodded.
"Fine" he replied. "Nice work with the witnesses" he added. "You were so convincing I almost believed you" he added. Liv smiled softly and nodded.
"If he decides against giving us his DNA, do we have enough for a warrant?" she asked.
"Absolutely" Barba confirmed. "He admitted to being in the room with her, I can obtain a warrant compelling a DNA sample" he advised. "There's no jury who won't convict him" he added.
"Murder two" said Fin, who approached Liv and Barba, having observed the interview. "I thought he was gonna ask for manslaughter."
"Murder two is the best I will offer" Barba responded.
"Nice work, Liv, counsellor" said Amanda, who appeared beside Fin.
"Thank you" Liv responded. "Could you please arrange for him to be transported to the Tombs for the weekend? And arrange for his DNA to be taken if he still consents."
"If not, call me and I'll get you a warrant" Barba advised. "I'll book his arraignment for first thing Monday morning" he added. "The Court Clerk owes me a favour" he explained. Liv nodded, and Fin and Amanda disappeared towards the meeting room. "Can I buy you a drink?" he asked. Liv's expression softened.
"I would love to, but I have a meeting with Dr Lindstrom in twenty minutes" she advised. Barba nodded.
"Of course" he responded, offering her a warm smile. "I'll see you on Monday" he added.
"You will" Liv confirmed, watching as Barba walked out of the precinct.
As soon as she was alone, the feelings of guilt and panic which had been rising within her overcame her completely. Liv turned on her heel and walked quickly towards the bathroom, hurrying inside and throwing herself onto her knees in the nearest stall, where she was violently sick.