Involved Part 12 and 13
Involved Part 12 and 13
by
Cate53
The gun in Hope’s hand was surprisingly steady, Olivia noticed. A slender and frankly rather weedy looking woman like her might have been expected to waver a little. The fact that she was rock steady made Olivia even more nervous. She was not the innocent tree hugger Olivia had taken her for, this was someone with firearms experience. They weren’t out of danger yet.
“Who the hell are you Persephone?”
Olivia didn’t say anything, not sure what she could say, instead, she withdrew from Alex’s arms and pushed her behind her, protecting Alex from Hope’s gun with her body.
“I thought we were friends,” Hope went on. “I thought we trusted each other.” She looked at Alex and Olivia, noticing how Olivia was trying to keep her safe, shielding the attorney from the gun.
A light bulb seemed to appear over her head.
“You already knew her didn’t you? That’s why it took you all of five minutes to fall for her. You were already involved weren’t you? You were part of her plan with this Federal Agent weren’t you? Oh my God, you infiltrated us didn’t you Persephone.” She looked so shocked and disappointed, Olivia felt bad for a microsecond, before deciding to explain.
“My name is Olivia Benson, I’m a cop,” she admitted. “And yes, I was investigating you, but it had nothing to do with Jessica. Her involvement was just accidental.” Olivia felt Alex’s hand rub her back.
“A cop? Oh my God…”
“Look Hope, you haven’t hurt anyone, I know you’re a good person. Just put the gun down and lets get out of here,” Olivia said in her best ‘sooth the victim’ voice. “It’s not you we we’re after, it’s Jake and the terrorist groups. I know you are linked, but you aren’t a terrorist Hope. I know you really care about animals and the environment. Please, let’s just end this before anyone else gets hurt.”
Hope looked at her, sadly.
“I really thought you were one of us Persephone,” she said, fiddling with one of the explosive devices that was on the bench. She kept the gun trained on Olivia, while pressing a series of buttons.
“I really, really hate liars,” she said disappointedly. “A cop, a lawyer and a terrorist. I wonder if anyone will miss any of you?” she said in an alarmingly blank tone as the explosive device began beeping.
“No tampering now, you never know how many fail-safes there might be,” she said, before calmly aiming her gun at Olivia’s head and pulling the trigger.
Olivia desperately threw herself and Alex towards the floor, trying to save their lives. There was an explosion of shattered glass from an assortment of laboratory equipment that had been hit by Hope’s bullet. As it showered down on them, they huddled under a bench Olivia holding Alex tightly, hoping that there wouldn’t be the sound of another bullet as Hope decided to finish them off.
In those few seconds, Olivia’s life really seemed to flash in front of her eyes. Her screwed up home life, the satisfaction of being a cop, her pathetic personal life, and the happiness she had felt in the past few days, being with someone who was so special. Would she and Alex ever get a chance to live happily ever after? Or would the seemingly meek and mild Hope end it all for them right here, right now?
With her face tucked into Alex’s hair, she listened for further danger, but it appeared Hope wasn’t about to kill them. Olivia lifted her head to glance over to where Hope had been. She was gone.
Olivia’s heart was hammering in her chest at their close escape, but her relief at not being dead yet was short lived. The glass door above them slammed and clicked. Hope had locked them in and was heading out through the control room. Olivia pulled Alex to her feet behind her.
“Has she gone?” Alex asked.
But Olivia was more concerned with the beeping noise coming from the timer on the desk. Approaching carefully, she saw two explosive devices, both counting down. 4.30, 4.29, 4.28…
Shit! They had less than five minutes to get out of here or they would die. Alex’s eyes met hers as they both realised the perilous situation they were in.
“Can you defuse them?” Alex asked.
“No, you heard Hope, there could be fail-safes. Even if she was bluffing, I know nothing about bombs and she’s an expert.”
“What about that door?”
Olivia quickly clambered up the metal ladder, rattling the door. Firmly locked, and the glass looked to be very thick. She doubted the gun would be much use, but dropped down and took a shot. As expected, it ricocheted off the toughened glass, causing Olivia and Alex to crouch for cover. Olivia glanced over at the timers.
3.59, 3.58…
How the hell were they going to get out? Olivia looked around the large room, looking for an escape route.
There! High up on the wall was a large rectangular air duct. The sort that people always managed to crawl through and escape out of in action films. Either Hollywood was full of crap, or that was their route out of here.
“Over there Alex, the vent. We have to get up there.” She yelled, starting to drag one of the large lab tables over. It was pretty high, it would be hard to get to, and they had 3 and a half minutes.
Alex grabbed the other end of the large table, helping Olivia place it under the vent. They needed more height to reach the vent. Pulling another worktable away from the wall, the two women frantically lifted it on top of the first one. They now had two tables on top of each other reaching about six feet in the air.
“Get up on top Alex,” Olivia gasped, as she grabbed the trust metal stool that had served her so well against Jake. She threw the stool up to Alex, where she was perched on top of the two precariously balanced lab benches.
2.50, 2.49, 2.48…
As Olivia climbed carefully up to join her, Alex positioned the metal stool under the vent, and climbed up on to it.
“Olivia!” she yelled, as she began to tug at the air vent grate. “Where are you?”
“I’m right behind you baby,” Olivia replied, holding the stool steady so Alex could pull the grating free.
“How are we doing for time?” she asked.
“Just over 2 and a half minutes. Get up there Alex, don’t wait for me, just get moving.” Olivia called.
Alex was pulling herself into the air vent as Olivia spoke, but there was no way she could follow those instructions.
“I’m not leaving you here Liv,” she said, looking lovingly at her. “Come on, we leave together.”
Olivia grinned at her, as she climbed onto the stool, balancing and reaching for the vent. She was a little shorter than Alex, but being a bit stronger, she was able to pull herself up. Giving Olivia a quick kiss, Alex manoeuvred herself around and began crawling to safety.
It was a bit tight, and Olivia’s only view was of Alex’s ass as she shuffled away, but she had no complaints. Olivia cast a regretful glance at Jake’s prone body. There was no way they could have got him up here, but she was a cop, it was her instinct to want to save people.
With a final glance, and the realisation that she had less than two minutes to get clear, Olivia started crawling as fast as she could. They had no torches, needing their hands free. Olivia had shoved the gun in the back of her pants, but if she came up against Hope or T-Bone, they might still be in danger. Still, first things first, get away from the bombs about to destroy an expensive electron microscope and probably a fair chunk of this lab.
“Olivia! Come on get a move on!” Alex was yelling. There was a dim light up ahead, and as Olivia crawled towards it, she realised that Alex had found another air vent to climb down. Alex’s head popped back up as she approached.
“Liv, come on, that bomb is going to blow any minute, the blast will shoot along those vents, you need to get out of there!” She said urgently.
They were in an office that was still probably much too close to the electron microscope lab for comfort. Olivia clambered down from the vent, ignoring the scraped skin on her hands and knees. She grabbed Alex hand, the couple hurrying out of the door.
“How the hell do you know about bomb blasts and air vents?” She asked her lover as they hurried along the corridors towards the exit. Olivia had drawn the gun, not sure whether Hope would be waiting.
“Have you never seen Die Hard Liv? Or was it Speed? Anyway some action film.” Alex grinned at her as they trotted along.
Just as they approached the main lobby, a huge crash could be heard behind them. Glancing at her watch, Olivia saw it was 12.25. Hopefully everyone was out of the building now. Everyone but Jake. He might have been a bastard, but she regretted his death.
The ceiling began to shake as the effects of the bomb blast spread throughout the building. Creaks and groans could be heard, and Olivia ran over to the glass entrance doors, peering around to see if Hope was waiting for them.
What she did see made her heart leap. There were police cars and FBI vans everywhere, as well as agents and officers. While many were watching the destruction from a safe distance, some agents had the other members of the group on the floor, handcuffing them.
She felt Alex lean into her and give a small sob of joy at the sight of the law enforcement officers.
Rather than head out to meet up with the police and FBI, Olivia leaned against the wall beside the doors for a moment, drawing Alex to her.
“I know we’re in a building about to collapse and have just escaped certain death, but you know once we go out there we won’t have a moment,” she said seriously. “Alex, I love you. I need you to know that. I don’t know what will happen, but I just…”
She was interrupted by the other woman’s lips pressing against hers, kissing her passionately.
“I love you too Liv,” she gasped between kisses. “And I don’t care what anyone says or does, I can’t be away from you any more.”
“Oh Alex..” Olivia pulled the lawyer tightly against her, never wanting to let her go. “Baby, you have to be safe. You can’t put yourself in danger.”
Alex sighed. “I know, but I can’t live like this either. I’ll talk to Agent Hammond, there has to be something, some way I can live my life again. And if there isn’t…” Alex gave a devious little smile as she leaned in for another quick kiss before suddenly frisking Olivia, patting her down as if looking for something.
As much as she enjoyed it, Olivia grabbed Alex’s hands, giving her a quizzical look.
“Give me your cell phone. I’ll keep it so you know you can always contact me.” Alex explained, grinning.
“Alex, Hammond will kill you,” Olivia smirked.
“He won’t find out.” They were drawn together again, relishing the kiss, knowing it might be their last for a while.
Olivia pulled back after a few moments and looked at the woman in her arms, memorising Alex’s features, burning her image into her brain. Her untidy tousled hair, her cheeks smeared with grime from the air vents they had crawled through, a few scrapes on her chin from some other part of the tight situation they had just escaped from. Her elegant business suit from earlier had been swapped for a shapeless black sweater and baggy jogging pants. Olivia watched Alex rubbing her raw red wrists that had been bound for most of the evening.
She was perfect.
Alex would be unhappy that this was the image Olivia intended to keep in her head for however long it took for them to be together again, but she had no say for once. To Olivia’s eyes she was totally gorgeous, exactly as she was.
“What?” Alex asked, a little disconcerted by her lover’s intent gaze. “Are you OK Liv?” She ran her fingers through Olivia’s dark locks, casually feeling for any head injuries. She had gone so quiet and thoughtful. A sudden terror seized her.
“You..you haven’t changed your mind about us have you Liv?” she asked fearfully.
Olivia smiled lovingly at her, kissing her gently on the forehead.
“Never baby,” she replied kissing her eyelids, the tip of her nose, the scrapes on her chin and finally those perfect lips. “I just wish we could stay in here for a while longer.”
Alex knew just how she felt, but the creaks and crashes were rather disconcerting. Just then, another loud explosion shook the west end of the facility. T-Bone’s group must have set their bombs to go off after all. Alex and Olivia could feel the vibrations in the floor, and despite their just expressed wish, were charging out of the doors within seconds, not being all that keen to stay anywhere that was about to collapse on them!
“Freeze!”
“Don’t you move!”
“Get down on the ground!”
“Show us your hands!”
“Stop right where you are!”
“FBI! Don’t move!”
A cacophony of voices met them as they stumbled out. Olivia was thankful she had stowed the gun earlier, or she knew there was a good chance they would have shot first and asked questions later.
As soon as they were away from the building, the two women stopped and raised their hands.
“My name is Olivia Benson, I’m with the New York Police Department, working here under the supervision of FBI agent Dean Porter,” Olivia called out. “I have a gun in the back of my pants that I took from one of the suspects.”
“Don’t you move! And keep those hands where we can see them!” An angry voice barked out.
“Benson? Is that you?” Another voice called.
It was Dean Porter. They weren’t close, just colleagues, but Olivia was immensely glad to see him alive.
“Agent Porter?” she called. “You’re OK?”
“Yep,” he confirmed. “Just bruised. Even with a vest it damn well hurts to get shot.”
“Sir, can you confirm this woman’s identity?” A police officer was asking, still keeping his gun trained on Olivia.
“Yes, this is Detective Olivia Benson,” he confirmed as the cop lowered his gun. “Good work getting that message to me by the way. We had lost track of you after the mess at the restaurant. Still, at least me being shot persuaded my boss that I wasn’t wasting his time and he let me have the backup we needed to close this thing out.”
“Liv!” Alex was calling her, and turning, she saw her being dragged away in handcuffs by rather over zealous FBI agents.
“Hey!” she yelled rushing over. “What’s going on? Where are you taking her?”
“All the terrorists are being taken down to the station,” growled one of the agents.
“She isn’t one of them,” protested Olivia. Turning round, she called over Dean Porter. “Please Agent Porter, tell them.”
“Who’s your friend Olivia?” He grinned. She gave him an annoyed look. This was no time for joking around.
“This is Jessica McNeill, the attorney at Coleman and Williams that was abducted today and forced into helping the terrorists. She has had quite an ordeal and now you are treating her like a suspect. She’s a victim!” Olivia said passionately.
“Ah, the famous Ms McNeill,” Agent Porter said curiously. Olivia had kept Alex’s identity and her feeling for her from Agent Porter, but he knew she had been sent to pursue her for information by Hope and the group.
“It’s alright officer, you can release her too,” he said much to Olivia’s relief. “But we’ll need statements from both of you.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” a gruff but commanding voice came from behind Alex. A voice she had come to hate.
“Agent Hammond,” she said coolly, her hopes of staying with Olivia for tonight at least sinking.
The tall balding, yet oddly sexy Agent Hammond approached, giving Alex and Olivia a quick nod of acknowledgement before pulling Porter and the lead FBI agent to one side, talking quietly to them.
Left alone for a moment, Olivia and Alex just stared at each other, neither of them able to think of what to say when their separation was imminent. Olivia wasn’t usually one for public displays of affection, but she was the first to reach out and take Alex’s hands, their gazes locked as their hands were tightly clasped.
“So Ms Cabot, it seems we meet again.” Hammond said in his usual irritated tone. “And Detective Benson. What a coincidence you turning up.”
“Believe it or not it really was,” she snapped, desperately unhappy that Alex was to be torn from her again.
“Agent Hammond, no one knows who I am. Why can’t I just stay here?” Alex pleaded. She didn’t love being Jessica McNeill, she just really didn’t want to be moved and have to start out all over again. Besides, Olivia would know where she was and they could..
“I’m sorry Ms Cabot, but this whole case is much too high profile. You would make the news for being involved and that is not what we want. Besides, the explosion here means we can kill off Jessica McNeill quite easily and start you off afresh somewhere else.”
“But I don’t want to start out somewhere else!” Alex knew she was sounding like a petulant child, but she was being treated like one! She had no control over her life, all her decisions were being made by Hammond and others like him.
“Besides,” she went on, catching hold of Olivia’s hand.
“Yes, that’s another reason we have to move you,” Hammond said with an annoyed glance at their hands. “Detective Benson, you know perfectly well what the situation is, how Ms Cabot’s life is at risk.”
“It’s been so long Agent Hammond, is she really in danger still?” Olivia asked hopefully.
“Well I don’t know, why don’t we find out,” he replied sarcastically. “A man like Velez doesn’t forgive and forget you know. We have made some progress in catching some of his underlings, but the man himself is still elusive.” He paused for a moment. “I really am sorry Ms Cabot, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but you really can’t afford to take the chance. Not yet.”
Yes, they both knew it was true, but it didn’t mean they had to like it. Alex and Olivia’s eyes met sadly, knowing what had to be done.
“As far as anyone else is concerned, Jessica McNeill was trapped in the building and died,” Agent Hammond was saying. “You’ve only had contact with a few agents, so we should be ok. The terrorists think you’re both dead actually. Ms Cabot, you’ll come with me right now.”
Alex had known it would go down like this, she had just been hoping for something different. She wondered if she’d get a chance to get any of her things, but then realised with a slight shock that
She didn’t have anything of personal value at her house. The only thing she wanted was the small cell phone tucked into her pocket, the lifeline to Olivia that she was determined to hold onto. She didn’t care about her clothes, her books could be replaced, there was nothing at her house. Alex wondered if she had unconsciously tried to prepare herself for the day this happened, when she would be hurried off to begin yet another new life.
She looked at Olivia’s crestfallen expression, and stepped closer to her.
“Liv? We’ll be ok baby. You know we will.” Alex was surprisingly calm and actually found that she really did believe it this time. Unlike their other separations, this time they knew each other’s feelings, there were no unspoken regrets.
Olivia raised damp eyes to smile half-heartedly at Alex. “I know. I just wish things could be different. I love you,” she said seriously, uncaring that Hammond and Porter were standing right there.
Alex reached out and hugged her, equally uncaring. “I know Liv, me too,” she whispered, clutching the dark detective tightly to her.
Hammond’s not very subtle cough disturbed them.
“Time to go Ms Cabot.”
“I’ll see you soon Olivia,” Alex said tightly, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.
Olivia just watched, unable to speak as the love of her life walked away. Again. She felt like her heart was being stamped on once more, as Alex walked sadly round to the back of the anonymous black sedan Hammond had arrived in. She paused before getting in, her gaze meeting Olivia’s across the roof of the car.
There was nothing more to say, so they just made the most of the few seconds to feast their eyes on each other before Alex disappeared into the back of the car, and was swiftly driven away.
Olivia stood motionless until the car was out of sight.
“You OK Benson?” Agent Porter asked.
“I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “I really don’t.”
“Well we have a load of work to do getting these terrorists charged and convicted.”
Olivia knew that getting back to work was all she could do right now. Just focus on that, and grieve later for the abrupt halt that had been called to her relationship with Alex.
“Did you get Hope? She’s the one who almost got us killed,” she asked Agent Porter, forcing herself to focus on the details of the case. “She trapped us in that room with her bombs. She is also responsible for the death of Jake Matthews. He was trapped in there when the explosions happened.”
Concentrate on the details, make sure Hope and T-Bone went down, try to hep Chris and Iris. Do her job. It would get her through. Then later, she could return to New York, to her city and her friends. And then one day, very soon, she would be with Alex again. Yes, that was the way it was going to work. One day at a time.
13 Epilogue
Things were different. Elliot was different. Olivia herself was different now. The Oregon case sometimes seemed a million miles away. That magical time with Alex, a beautiful dream that had never really happened except in her imagination.
However, the sickos of New York were one thing that never changed, no matter how long Olivia was away. Husbands killing wives, child porn rings, scum sucking CEOs exploiting the under privileged, or mob lawyers suspected of murder. The squad room was always a busy place. Maybe a good thing, Olivia thought as she sat at her desk filling in paperwork on the latest case they had wrapped. At least she didn’t have time to brood on things.
Alex must have managed to conceal the cell phone successfully, as she had rung her just a few days after their painful parting. Only a few words as she was clearly staying in close quarters with her federal friends for a while. It was often the way when a new identity was being sorted out and established. She had sounded annoyed, and Olivia had a little smile at the hard time her handlers were probably having. Alex Cabot could be a handful at the best of times.
She didn’t dwell on the connotations of that stray thought for too long. Not while she was at work anyway. She hadn’t said anything to Elliot or the guys about seeing Alex again. Besides, things with Elliot were still strained, although a bit better than when she had left at least.
Alone in her apartment at night, her emotions would often swing from erotic delight at the memory of making love with Alex, to deep despair at the prospect of not seeing her again for a long time.
To make matters worse, after that first phone call, she had heard nothing for weeks. Olivia was in a mild state of panic as she scanned the newspapers and the police grapevine for news, imagining the worst. She hoped that Agent Hammond would take pity on her, and inform her if something terrible did happen to Alex.
Olivia was burying herself in her work to keep the dark thoughts away. Almost being poisoned by deadly chemicals had been a blessing in disguise. Olivia had become passionately involved in the case, determined to help stop a big corporation exploit people living in poor housing. Possibly a little too involved, but at least she had helped, and it gave her a warm feeling when the case wrapped successfully.
Despite everything, she still loved her job and the chance to help people like Diego and Jennifer was something that made it all worthwhile.
Of course, what really would make it all worthwhile was word that her girlfriend was OK. In quieter moments, Olivia fretted. Not only about Alex’s safety, but what the future would bring for them.
It was a Friday night, and Olivia was slumped on her couch, sipping half heartedly from a beer bottle, channel surfing, trying to find something to occupy her mind. It was all mindless reality shows and banal dramas. There wasn’t even any sports on for a change.
When her phone rang, she debated ignoring it, before her conscience got the better of her.
“Yeah?” she said tiredly, running a hand through her still long hair.
“Rough week detective?” An incredibly sexy alto voice asked.
“Alex? Oh my God, is that you?!” she almost yelled, suddenly wide awake. “I haven’t heard from you in so long, I..I thought.. Jesus Alex, I was so worried,” she went on.
“I’m sorry Liv, I got busted. Hammond found the phone and almost kicked me out of the program altogether.”
“I’m just… Shit Alex, I’ve been psyching myself up to hear bad news for weeks. You’re ok?” She said a little breathless. Olivia sank back down onto the chair, tears of relief gathering in her eyes.
“I’m fine. Listen Liv, things are moving quickly for me, I just wanted to let you know...”
Olivia could hear noises in the background, voices raised, particularly that of Agent Hammond.
“Ms Cabot, I need you to come out of there right now,” Olivia heard.
“Sounds like you’re in trouble again Alex,” Olivia grinned, just happy she was ok.
“Ah they’ll be alright.” Alex said, “I just had to speak to you. I miss you Liv.”
Olivia sniffed as relieved tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
“Me too baby, me too.”
From Alex’s end of the phone, loud banging came through. Olivia guessed she was calling from the bathroom, and someone was making their presence known. She heard what sounded like a door being broken down.
“I’ve got to go,” Alex said quickly, “Love you Olivia.”
“I lo…” Olivia trailed off as she heard the dial tone. She guessed Hammond had grabbed the phone and cut them off. Olivia hoped Alex wouldn’t be in too much trouble, and wondered when she would hear from her again. Hammond wasn’t the type to appreciate having his witnesses break protocol.
As she lay in bed later that night, Olivia could at least relax, knowing Alex was safe. She closed her eyes, and said a little prayer for her safety and safe return.
A few weeks later, Olivia was at the courthouse, seeing Casey about a case. Routine stuff, just going over her testimony for a trial. Seeing Casey here was always a painful little reminder of all the times she had visited Alex’s office. Olivia wondered how many arguments they had had right here in this room. She smiled to herself a little sadly.
“Oh, you couldn’t do me a huge favour could you Olivia?” Casey asked. “There’s a new Bureau Chief at the DA’s office supervising a bunch of ADAs. I need to get these papers up there, like yesterday!” She grinned. “Any chance you could take them for me, I’m due in court in ten minutes. I know it’s not your job but..”
“Sure Casey, hand them over,” Olivia said amiably. She wasn’t in a huge rush.
“Thanks Olivia, you’re a life saver.” Casey patted her shoulder as she rushed out. “I think her name’s Cabot,” she tossed over her shoulder as she left the room.
Olivia froze. It couldn’t be could it? Cabot was not a common name, and surely Casey would know if it was THAT Cabot. Then again, Casey Novak was hardly the sharpest tool in the box.
Well, only one way to find out, but don’t get your hopes up, she said to herself, trying to dampen down the little burst of apprehension inside.
It was an office like any other. Smart young lawyers lounged around, not seeming to be doing much work, apart from flirting. Olivia had no idea who they were, but they were all notable for their good looks and smart clothes. Clearly young ADAs were paid much better than veteran cops.
A floppy haired young man with a thin face and odd goatee was eyeing her up appreciatively.
“Can I help you?” He said, approaching. He obviously thought he sounded sexy.
“I’m looking for your chief,” Olivia replied, smiling to herself at how young he was.
He gave her a rueful grin, and nodded towards an office to the right.
Olivia walked over, her footsteps slowing as she saw a figure sat behind a large desk. She could see the top of a blonde head through the glass and felt her heart start thumping. How was this possible? How had she not heard? Why hadn’t Alex contacted her?
As she approached the open door, the blonde in question had her back to her, and was speaking on the phone. Olivia’s palms were sweating, her mouth dry. There was no mistaking that voice.
“She’s still not there? Well when will she be back…? I tried her cell phone Elliot, she’s not answering… What? No, Novak’s in court so I couldn’t reach her either…. I’ve been trying all morning for God’s sake!”
Olivia smiled to herself. Seems like Alex was looking for her. She closed the door quietly, leaning against it.
“Look Elliot, I need to talk to her…That’s none of your business!… Just tell her…no, don’t tell her. Shit…”
“Anything I can help you with counsellor?” she asked quietly, making Alex jump. She slammed the phone down, and swivelled round in the chair.
“Liv? Oh my God, I’ve been trying to call you all morning,” Alex jumped out of her chair, and practically ran into her arms, the pair embracing tightly.
Alex ran her hands over Olivia as she kissed her hungrily. “God I’ve missed you so much Olivia.”
“I can’t believe you’re really here Alex, what the hell is going on?” Olivia gasped between kisses.
“No idea,” Alex shrugged. “I don’t know how it happened. One minute I’m in witness protection, then all of a sudden, I’m back. It happened so quickly, today’s my first day, so naturally after meeting the team, my first job was to try and find the elusive Detective Benson. Where the hell have you been all day?”
Ignoring the rhetorical question, Olivia ran her hands over Alex’s newly re-blonded hair, her gorgeous if still rather skinny body, back in the sexy suits she loved so much. She needed the physical confirmation that she really was there, and this wasn’t another elaborate dream her subconscious had constructed.
“So it’s over?” Olivia asked. “You’re back for good?”
Alex felt the need to do some physical confirmation herself, heading south for a quick squeeze of Olivia’s ass. She smirked at her surprised look, before running her hands up her sides, stroking her shoulders, and then sinking into her hair, pulling the dark detective towards her for another kiss.
“I don’t know how it happened, I just know I am a bureau chief with a gaggle of smart young things,” she breathed, pulling back to look into Olivia’s eyes. “I know something else. I love you…” she said seriously, “but you still need a haircut.”
The End.
Note: Just like Dick Wolf and NBC, I didn't bother trying to explain Alex's return! Who knows how it happened. I didn't watch Conviction, and as I've set the epilogue on Alex's first day, it hardly matters.
Thanks for reading!
by
Cate53
The gun in Hope’s hand was surprisingly steady, Olivia noticed. A slender and frankly rather weedy looking woman like her might have been expected to waver a little. The fact that she was rock steady made Olivia even more nervous. She was not the innocent tree hugger Olivia had taken her for, this was someone with firearms experience. They weren’t out of danger yet.
“Who the hell are you Persephone?”
Olivia didn’t say anything, not sure what she could say, instead, she withdrew from Alex’s arms and pushed her behind her, protecting Alex from Hope’s gun with her body.
“I thought we were friends,” Hope went on. “I thought we trusted each other.” She looked at Alex and Olivia, noticing how Olivia was trying to keep her safe, shielding the attorney from the gun.
A light bulb seemed to appear over her head.
“You already knew her didn’t you? That’s why it took you all of five minutes to fall for her. You were already involved weren’t you? You were part of her plan with this Federal Agent weren’t you? Oh my God, you infiltrated us didn’t you Persephone.” She looked so shocked and disappointed, Olivia felt bad for a microsecond, before deciding to explain.
“My name is Olivia Benson, I’m a cop,” she admitted. “And yes, I was investigating you, but it had nothing to do with Jessica. Her involvement was just accidental.” Olivia felt Alex’s hand rub her back.
“A cop? Oh my God…”
“Look Hope, you haven’t hurt anyone, I know you’re a good person. Just put the gun down and lets get out of here,” Olivia said in her best ‘sooth the victim’ voice. “It’s not you we we’re after, it’s Jake and the terrorist groups. I know you are linked, but you aren’t a terrorist Hope. I know you really care about animals and the environment. Please, let’s just end this before anyone else gets hurt.”
Hope looked at her, sadly.
“I really thought you were one of us Persephone,” she said, fiddling with one of the explosive devices that was on the bench. She kept the gun trained on Olivia, while pressing a series of buttons.
“I really, really hate liars,” she said disappointedly. “A cop, a lawyer and a terrorist. I wonder if anyone will miss any of you?” she said in an alarmingly blank tone as the explosive device began beeping.
“No tampering now, you never know how many fail-safes there might be,” she said, before calmly aiming her gun at Olivia’s head and pulling the trigger.
Olivia desperately threw herself and Alex towards the floor, trying to save their lives. There was an explosion of shattered glass from an assortment of laboratory equipment that had been hit by Hope’s bullet. As it showered down on them, they huddled under a bench Olivia holding Alex tightly, hoping that there wouldn’t be the sound of another bullet as Hope decided to finish them off.
In those few seconds, Olivia’s life really seemed to flash in front of her eyes. Her screwed up home life, the satisfaction of being a cop, her pathetic personal life, and the happiness she had felt in the past few days, being with someone who was so special. Would she and Alex ever get a chance to live happily ever after? Or would the seemingly meek and mild Hope end it all for them right here, right now?
With her face tucked into Alex’s hair, she listened for further danger, but it appeared Hope wasn’t about to kill them. Olivia lifted her head to glance over to where Hope had been. She was gone.
Olivia’s heart was hammering in her chest at their close escape, but her relief at not being dead yet was short lived. The glass door above them slammed and clicked. Hope had locked them in and was heading out through the control room. Olivia pulled Alex to her feet behind her.
“Has she gone?” Alex asked.
But Olivia was more concerned with the beeping noise coming from the timer on the desk. Approaching carefully, she saw two explosive devices, both counting down. 4.30, 4.29, 4.28…
Shit! They had less than five minutes to get out of here or they would die. Alex’s eyes met hers as they both realised the perilous situation they were in.
“Can you defuse them?” Alex asked.
“No, you heard Hope, there could be fail-safes. Even if she was bluffing, I know nothing about bombs and she’s an expert.”
“What about that door?”
Olivia quickly clambered up the metal ladder, rattling the door. Firmly locked, and the glass looked to be very thick. She doubted the gun would be much use, but dropped down and took a shot. As expected, it ricocheted off the toughened glass, causing Olivia and Alex to crouch for cover. Olivia glanced over at the timers.
3.59, 3.58…
How the hell were they going to get out? Olivia looked around the large room, looking for an escape route.
There! High up on the wall was a large rectangular air duct. The sort that people always managed to crawl through and escape out of in action films. Either Hollywood was full of crap, or that was their route out of here.
“Over there Alex, the vent. We have to get up there.” She yelled, starting to drag one of the large lab tables over. It was pretty high, it would be hard to get to, and they had 3 and a half minutes.
Alex grabbed the other end of the large table, helping Olivia place it under the vent. They needed more height to reach the vent. Pulling another worktable away from the wall, the two women frantically lifted it on top of the first one. They now had two tables on top of each other reaching about six feet in the air.
“Get up on top Alex,” Olivia gasped, as she grabbed the trust metal stool that had served her so well against Jake. She threw the stool up to Alex, where she was perched on top of the two precariously balanced lab benches.
2.50, 2.49, 2.48…
As Olivia climbed carefully up to join her, Alex positioned the metal stool under the vent, and climbed up on to it.
“Olivia!” she yelled, as she began to tug at the air vent grate. “Where are you?”
“I’m right behind you baby,” Olivia replied, holding the stool steady so Alex could pull the grating free.
“How are we doing for time?” she asked.
“Just over 2 and a half minutes. Get up there Alex, don’t wait for me, just get moving.” Olivia called.
Alex was pulling herself into the air vent as Olivia spoke, but there was no way she could follow those instructions.
“I’m not leaving you here Liv,” she said, looking lovingly at her. “Come on, we leave together.”
Olivia grinned at her, as she climbed onto the stool, balancing and reaching for the vent. She was a little shorter than Alex, but being a bit stronger, she was able to pull herself up. Giving Olivia a quick kiss, Alex manoeuvred herself around and began crawling to safety.
It was a bit tight, and Olivia’s only view was of Alex’s ass as she shuffled away, but she had no complaints. Olivia cast a regretful glance at Jake’s prone body. There was no way they could have got him up here, but she was a cop, it was her instinct to want to save people.
With a final glance, and the realisation that she had less than two minutes to get clear, Olivia started crawling as fast as she could. They had no torches, needing their hands free. Olivia had shoved the gun in the back of her pants, but if she came up against Hope or T-Bone, they might still be in danger. Still, first things first, get away from the bombs about to destroy an expensive electron microscope and probably a fair chunk of this lab.
“Olivia! Come on get a move on!” Alex was yelling. There was a dim light up ahead, and as Olivia crawled towards it, she realised that Alex had found another air vent to climb down. Alex’s head popped back up as she approached.
“Liv, come on, that bomb is going to blow any minute, the blast will shoot along those vents, you need to get out of there!” She said urgently.
They were in an office that was still probably much too close to the electron microscope lab for comfort. Olivia clambered down from the vent, ignoring the scraped skin on her hands and knees. She grabbed Alex hand, the couple hurrying out of the door.
“How the hell do you know about bomb blasts and air vents?” She asked her lover as they hurried along the corridors towards the exit. Olivia had drawn the gun, not sure whether Hope would be waiting.
“Have you never seen Die Hard Liv? Or was it Speed? Anyway some action film.” Alex grinned at her as they trotted along.
Just as they approached the main lobby, a huge crash could be heard behind them. Glancing at her watch, Olivia saw it was 12.25. Hopefully everyone was out of the building now. Everyone but Jake. He might have been a bastard, but she regretted his death.
The ceiling began to shake as the effects of the bomb blast spread throughout the building. Creaks and groans could be heard, and Olivia ran over to the glass entrance doors, peering around to see if Hope was waiting for them.
What she did see made her heart leap. There were police cars and FBI vans everywhere, as well as agents and officers. While many were watching the destruction from a safe distance, some agents had the other members of the group on the floor, handcuffing them.
She felt Alex lean into her and give a small sob of joy at the sight of the law enforcement officers.
Rather than head out to meet up with the police and FBI, Olivia leaned against the wall beside the doors for a moment, drawing Alex to her.
“I know we’re in a building about to collapse and have just escaped certain death, but you know once we go out there we won’t have a moment,” she said seriously. “Alex, I love you. I need you to know that. I don’t know what will happen, but I just…”
She was interrupted by the other woman’s lips pressing against hers, kissing her passionately.
“I love you too Liv,” she gasped between kisses. “And I don’t care what anyone says or does, I can’t be away from you any more.”
“Oh Alex..” Olivia pulled the lawyer tightly against her, never wanting to let her go. “Baby, you have to be safe. You can’t put yourself in danger.”
Alex sighed. “I know, but I can’t live like this either. I’ll talk to Agent Hammond, there has to be something, some way I can live my life again. And if there isn’t…” Alex gave a devious little smile as she leaned in for another quick kiss before suddenly frisking Olivia, patting her down as if looking for something.
As much as she enjoyed it, Olivia grabbed Alex’s hands, giving her a quizzical look.
“Give me your cell phone. I’ll keep it so you know you can always contact me.” Alex explained, grinning.
“Alex, Hammond will kill you,” Olivia smirked.
“He won’t find out.” They were drawn together again, relishing the kiss, knowing it might be their last for a while.
Olivia pulled back after a few moments and looked at the woman in her arms, memorising Alex’s features, burning her image into her brain. Her untidy tousled hair, her cheeks smeared with grime from the air vents they had crawled through, a few scrapes on her chin from some other part of the tight situation they had just escaped from. Her elegant business suit from earlier had been swapped for a shapeless black sweater and baggy jogging pants. Olivia watched Alex rubbing her raw red wrists that had been bound for most of the evening.
She was perfect.
Alex would be unhappy that this was the image Olivia intended to keep in her head for however long it took for them to be together again, but she had no say for once. To Olivia’s eyes she was totally gorgeous, exactly as she was.
“What?” Alex asked, a little disconcerted by her lover’s intent gaze. “Are you OK Liv?” She ran her fingers through Olivia’s dark locks, casually feeling for any head injuries. She had gone so quiet and thoughtful. A sudden terror seized her.
“You..you haven’t changed your mind about us have you Liv?” she asked fearfully.
Olivia smiled lovingly at her, kissing her gently on the forehead.
“Never baby,” she replied kissing her eyelids, the tip of her nose, the scrapes on her chin and finally those perfect lips. “I just wish we could stay in here for a while longer.”
Alex knew just how she felt, but the creaks and crashes were rather disconcerting. Just then, another loud explosion shook the west end of the facility. T-Bone’s group must have set their bombs to go off after all. Alex and Olivia could feel the vibrations in the floor, and despite their just expressed wish, were charging out of the doors within seconds, not being all that keen to stay anywhere that was about to collapse on them!
“Freeze!”
“Don’t you move!”
“Get down on the ground!”
“Show us your hands!”
“Stop right where you are!”
“FBI! Don’t move!”
A cacophony of voices met them as they stumbled out. Olivia was thankful she had stowed the gun earlier, or she knew there was a good chance they would have shot first and asked questions later.
As soon as they were away from the building, the two women stopped and raised their hands.
“My name is Olivia Benson, I’m with the New York Police Department, working here under the supervision of FBI agent Dean Porter,” Olivia called out. “I have a gun in the back of my pants that I took from one of the suspects.”
“Don’t you move! And keep those hands where we can see them!” An angry voice barked out.
“Benson? Is that you?” Another voice called.
It was Dean Porter. They weren’t close, just colleagues, but Olivia was immensely glad to see him alive.
“Agent Porter?” she called. “You’re OK?”
“Yep,” he confirmed. “Just bruised. Even with a vest it damn well hurts to get shot.”
“Sir, can you confirm this woman’s identity?” A police officer was asking, still keeping his gun trained on Olivia.
“Yes, this is Detective Olivia Benson,” he confirmed as the cop lowered his gun. “Good work getting that message to me by the way. We had lost track of you after the mess at the restaurant. Still, at least me being shot persuaded my boss that I wasn’t wasting his time and he let me have the backup we needed to close this thing out.”
“Liv!” Alex was calling her, and turning, she saw her being dragged away in handcuffs by rather over zealous FBI agents.
“Hey!” she yelled rushing over. “What’s going on? Where are you taking her?”
“All the terrorists are being taken down to the station,” growled one of the agents.
“She isn’t one of them,” protested Olivia. Turning round, she called over Dean Porter. “Please Agent Porter, tell them.”
“Who’s your friend Olivia?” He grinned. She gave him an annoyed look. This was no time for joking around.
“This is Jessica McNeill, the attorney at Coleman and Williams that was abducted today and forced into helping the terrorists. She has had quite an ordeal and now you are treating her like a suspect. She’s a victim!” Olivia said passionately.
“Ah, the famous Ms McNeill,” Agent Porter said curiously. Olivia had kept Alex’s identity and her feeling for her from Agent Porter, but he knew she had been sent to pursue her for information by Hope and the group.
“It’s alright officer, you can release her too,” he said much to Olivia’s relief. “But we’ll need statements from both of you.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” a gruff but commanding voice came from behind Alex. A voice she had come to hate.
“Agent Hammond,” she said coolly, her hopes of staying with Olivia for tonight at least sinking.
The tall balding, yet oddly sexy Agent Hammond approached, giving Alex and Olivia a quick nod of acknowledgement before pulling Porter and the lead FBI agent to one side, talking quietly to them.
Left alone for a moment, Olivia and Alex just stared at each other, neither of them able to think of what to say when their separation was imminent. Olivia wasn’t usually one for public displays of affection, but she was the first to reach out and take Alex’s hands, their gazes locked as their hands were tightly clasped.
“So Ms Cabot, it seems we meet again.” Hammond said in his usual irritated tone. “And Detective Benson. What a coincidence you turning up.”
“Believe it or not it really was,” she snapped, desperately unhappy that Alex was to be torn from her again.
“Agent Hammond, no one knows who I am. Why can’t I just stay here?” Alex pleaded. She didn’t love being Jessica McNeill, she just really didn’t want to be moved and have to start out all over again. Besides, Olivia would know where she was and they could..
“I’m sorry Ms Cabot, but this whole case is much too high profile. You would make the news for being involved and that is not what we want. Besides, the explosion here means we can kill off Jessica McNeill quite easily and start you off afresh somewhere else.”
“But I don’t want to start out somewhere else!” Alex knew she was sounding like a petulant child, but she was being treated like one! She had no control over her life, all her decisions were being made by Hammond and others like him.
“Besides,” she went on, catching hold of Olivia’s hand.
“Yes, that’s another reason we have to move you,” Hammond said with an annoyed glance at their hands. “Detective Benson, you know perfectly well what the situation is, how Ms Cabot’s life is at risk.”
“It’s been so long Agent Hammond, is she really in danger still?” Olivia asked hopefully.
“Well I don’t know, why don’t we find out,” he replied sarcastically. “A man like Velez doesn’t forgive and forget you know. We have made some progress in catching some of his underlings, but the man himself is still elusive.” He paused for a moment. “I really am sorry Ms Cabot, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but you really can’t afford to take the chance. Not yet.”
Yes, they both knew it was true, but it didn’t mean they had to like it. Alex and Olivia’s eyes met sadly, knowing what had to be done.
“As far as anyone else is concerned, Jessica McNeill was trapped in the building and died,” Agent Hammond was saying. “You’ve only had contact with a few agents, so we should be ok. The terrorists think you’re both dead actually. Ms Cabot, you’ll come with me right now.”
Alex had known it would go down like this, she had just been hoping for something different. She wondered if she’d get a chance to get any of her things, but then realised with a slight shock that
She didn’t have anything of personal value at her house. The only thing she wanted was the small cell phone tucked into her pocket, the lifeline to Olivia that she was determined to hold onto. She didn’t care about her clothes, her books could be replaced, there was nothing at her house. Alex wondered if she had unconsciously tried to prepare herself for the day this happened, when she would be hurried off to begin yet another new life.
She looked at Olivia’s crestfallen expression, and stepped closer to her.
“Liv? We’ll be ok baby. You know we will.” Alex was surprisingly calm and actually found that she really did believe it this time. Unlike their other separations, this time they knew each other’s feelings, there were no unspoken regrets.
Olivia raised damp eyes to smile half-heartedly at Alex. “I know. I just wish things could be different. I love you,” she said seriously, uncaring that Hammond and Porter were standing right there.
Alex reached out and hugged her, equally uncaring. “I know Liv, me too,” she whispered, clutching the dark detective tightly to her.
Hammond’s not very subtle cough disturbed them.
“Time to go Ms Cabot.”
“I’ll see you soon Olivia,” Alex said tightly, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.
Olivia just watched, unable to speak as the love of her life walked away. Again. She felt like her heart was being stamped on once more, as Alex walked sadly round to the back of the anonymous black sedan Hammond had arrived in. She paused before getting in, her gaze meeting Olivia’s across the roof of the car.
There was nothing more to say, so they just made the most of the few seconds to feast their eyes on each other before Alex disappeared into the back of the car, and was swiftly driven away.
Olivia stood motionless until the car was out of sight.
“You OK Benson?” Agent Porter asked.
“I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “I really don’t.”
“Well we have a load of work to do getting these terrorists charged and convicted.”
Olivia knew that getting back to work was all she could do right now. Just focus on that, and grieve later for the abrupt halt that had been called to her relationship with Alex.
“Did you get Hope? She’s the one who almost got us killed,” she asked Agent Porter, forcing herself to focus on the details of the case. “She trapped us in that room with her bombs. She is also responsible for the death of Jake Matthews. He was trapped in there when the explosions happened.”
Concentrate on the details, make sure Hope and T-Bone went down, try to hep Chris and Iris. Do her job. It would get her through. Then later, she could return to New York, to her city and her friends. And then one day, very soon, she would be with Alex again. Yes, that was the way it was going to work. One day at a time.
13 Epilogue
Things were different. Elliot was different. Olivia herself was different now. The Oregon case sometimes seemed a million miles away. That magical time with Alex, a beautiful dream that had never really happened except in her imagination.
However, the sickos of New York were one thing that never changed, no matter how long Olivia was away. Husbands killing wives, child porn rings, scum sucking CEOs exploiting the under privileged, or mob lawyers suspected of murder. The squad room was always a busy place. Maybe a good thing, Olivia thought as she sat at her desk filling in paperwork on the latest case they had wrapped. At least she didn’t have time to brood on things.
Alex must have managed to conceal the cell phone successfully, as she had rung her just a few days after their painful parting. Only a few words as she was clearly staying in close quarters with her federal friends for a while. It was often the way when a new identity was being sorted out and established. She had sounded annoyed, and Olivia had a little smile at the hard time her handlers were probably having. Alex Cabot could be a handful at the best of times.
She didn’t dwell on the connotations of that stray thought for too long. Not while she was at work anyway. She hadn’t said anything to Elliot or the guys about seeing Alex again. Besides, things with Elliot were still strained, although a bit better than when she had left at least.
Alone in her apartment at night, her emotions would often swing from erotic delight at the memory of making love with Alex, to deep despair at the prospect of not seeing her again for a long time.
To make matters worse, after that first phone call, she had heard nothing for weeks. Olivia was in a mild state of panic as she scanned the newspapers and the police grapevine for news, imagining the worst. She hoped that Agent Hammond would take pity on her, and inform her if something terrible did happen to Alex.
Olivia was burying herself in her work to keep the dark thoughts away. Almost being poisoned by deadly chemicals had been a blessing in disguise. Olivia had become passionately involved in the case, determined to help stop a big corporation exploit people living in poor housing. Possibly a little too involved, but at least she had helped, and it gave her a warm feeling when the case wrapped successfully.
Despite everything, she still loved her job and the chance to help people like Diego and Jennifer was something that made it all worthwhile.
Of course, what really would make it all worthwhile was word that her girlfriend was OK. In quieter moments, Olivia fretted. Not only about Alex’s safety, but what the future would bring for them.
It was a Friday night, and Olivia was slumped on her couch, sipping half heartedly from a beer bottle, channel surfing, trying to find something to occupy her mind. It was all mindless reality shows and banal dramas. There wasn’t even any sports on for a change.
When her phone rang, she debated ignoring it, before her conscience got the better of her.
“Yeah?” she said tiredly, running a hand through her still long hair.
“Rough week detective?” An incredibly sexy alto voice asked.
“Alex? Oh my God, is that you?!” she almost yelled, suddenly wide awake. “I haven’t heard from you in so long, I..I thought.. Jesus Alex, I was so worried,” she went on.
“I’m sorry Liv, I got busted. Hammond found the phone and almost kicked me out of the program altogether.”
“I’m just… Shit Alex, I’ve been psyching myself up to hear bad news for weeks. You’re ok?” She said a little breathless. Olivia sank back down onto the chair, tears of relief gathering in her eyes.
“I’m fine. Listen Liv, things are moving quickly for me, I just wanted to let you know...”
Olivia could hear noises in the background, voices raised, particularly that of Agent Hammond.
“Ms Cabot, I need you to come out of there right now,” Olivia heard.
“Sounds like you’re in trouble again Alex,” Olivia grinned, just happy she was ok.
“Ah they’ll be alright.” Alex said, “I just had to speak to you. I miss you Liv.”
Olivia sniffed as relieved tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
“Me too baby, me too.”
From Alex’s end of the phone, loud banging came through. Olivia guessed she was calling from the bathroom, and someone was making their presence known. She heard what sounded like a door being broken down.
“I’ve got to go,” Alex said quickly, “Love you Olivia.”
“I lo…” Olivia trailed off as she heard the dial tone. She guessed Hammond had grabbed the phone and cut them off. Olivia hoped Alex wouldn’t be in too much trouble, and wondered when she would hear from her again. Hammond wasn’t the type to appreciate having his witnesses break protocol.
As she lay in bed later that night, Olivia could at least relax, knowing Alex was safe. She closed her eyes, and said a little prayer for her safety and safe return.
A few weeks later, Olivia was at the courthouse, seeing Casey about a case. Routine stuff, just going over her testimony for a trial. Seeing Casey here was always a painful little reminder of all the times she had visited Alex’s office. Olivia wondered how many arguments they had had right here in this room. She smiled to herself a little sadly.
“Oh, you couldn’t do me a huge favour could you Olivia?” Casey asked. “There’s a new Bureau Chief at the DA’s office supervising a bunch of ADAs. I need to get these papers up there, like yesterday!” She grinned. “Any chance you could take them for me, I’m due in court in ten minutes. I know it’s not your job but..”
“Sure Casey, hand them over,” Olivia said amiably. She wasn’t in a huge rush.
“Thanks Olivia, you’re a life saver.” Casey patted her shoulder as she rushed out. “I think her name’s Cabot,” she tossed over her shoulder as she left the room.
Olivia froze. It couldn’t be could it? Cabot was not a common name, and surely Casey would know if it was THAT Cabot. Then again, Casey Novak was hardly the sharpest tool in the box.
Well, only one way to find out, but don’t get your hopes up, she said to herself, trying to dampen down the little burst of apprehension inside.
It was an office like any other. Smart young lawyers lounged around, not seeming to be doing much work, apart from flirting. Olivia had no idea who they were, but they were all notable for their good looks and smart clothes. Clearly young ADAs were paid much better than veteran cops.
A floppy haired young man with a thin face and odd goatee was eyeing her up appreciatively.
“Can I help you?” He said, approaching. He obviously thought he sounded sexy.
“I’m looking for your chief,” Olivia replied, smiling to herself at how young he was.
He gave her a rueful grin, and nodded towards an office to the right.
Olivia walked over, her footsteps slowing as she saw a figure sat behind a large desk. She could see the top of a blonde head through the glass and felt her heart start thumping. How was this possible? How had she not heard? Why hadn’t Alex contacted her?
As she approached the open door, the blonde in question had her back to her, and was speaking on the phone. Olivia’s palms were sweating, her mouth dry. There was no mistaking that voice.
“She’s still not there? Well when will she be back…? I tried her cell phone Elliot, she’s not answering… What? No, Novak’s in court so I couldn’t reach her either…. I’ve been trying all morning for God’s sake!”
Olivia smiled to herself. Seems like Alex was looking for her. She closed the door quietly, leaning against it.
“Look Elliot, I need to talk to her…That’s none of your business!… Just tell her…no, don’t tell her. Shit…”
“Anything I can help you with counsellor?” she asked quietly, making Alex jump. She slammed the phone down, and swivelled round in the chair.
“Liv? Oh my God, I’ve been trying to call you all morning,” Alex jumped out of her chair, and practically ran into her arms, the pair embracing tightly.
Alex ran her hands over Olivia as she kissed her hungrily. “God I’ve missed you so much Olivia.”
“I can’t believe you’re really here Alex, what the hell is going on?” Olivia gasped between kisses.
“No idea,” Alex shrugged. “I don’t know how it happened. One minute I’m in witness protection, then all of a sudden, I’m back. It happened so quickly, today’s my first day, so naturally after meeting the team, my first job was to try and find the elusive Detective Benson. Where the hell have you been all day?”
Ignoring the rhetorical question, Olivia ran her hands over Alex’s newly re-blonded hair, her gorgeous if still rather skinny body, back in the sexy suits she loved so much. She needed the physical confirmation that she really was there, and this wasn’t another elaborate dream her subconscious had constructed.
“So it’s over?” Olivia asked. “You’re back for good?”
Alex felt the need to do some physical confirmation herself, heading south for a quick squeeze of Olivia’s ass. She smirked at her surprised look, before running her hands up her sides, stroking her shoulders, and then sinking into her hair, pulling the dark detective towards her for another kiss.
“I don’t know how it happened, I just know I am a bureau chief with a gaggle of smart young things,” she breathed, pulling back to look into Olivia’s eyes. “I know something else. I love you…” she said seriously, “but you still need a haircut.”
The End.
Note: Just like Dick Wolf and NBC, I didn't bother trying to explain Alex's return! Who knows how it happened. I didn't watch Conviction, and as I've set the epilogue on Alex's first day, it hardly matters.
Thanks for reading!