DISCLAIMER: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and all characters are
property of NBC and Dick Wolf.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Why Didn't You Call Me?
By Esther
Part 2
Olivia strode to her desk, took off her leather jacket, flung in on the back on her chair and sat down.
"Good afternoon," Munch looked at the clock then raised a sarcastic eyebrow.
Olivia gave him a scathing glance but did not respond.
Elliot watched her with interest as she rummaged on her desk and when she did not look up to meet his intrusive gaze he said; "you look like hell."
There was still no response.
"Olivia," he rapped his knuckles on the desk.
Ignoring his plea for her attention Olivia said to Munch; "where's the file for…"
"Tell me what happened," Elliot cut her off mid-sentence but his tone was gentle.
At last Olivia looked up with sad brown eyes.
Elliot's expression became sympathetic.
"She didn't want to see you?" he ventured.
Olivia looked around to make sure that no one was listening.
"I saw her and I spoke to her."
"What happened?" Elliot wheeled himself around the desk on his chair and huddled next to Olivia so that their shoulders were touching.
"You won't believe it," Olivia muttered. "It was like she's a different person."
"How is she a different person?" Elliot's interest was fuelled.
"It's difficult to explain," Olivia twirled a pencil in her fingers. "She looked the same but everything about her was wrong, her demeanour, her attitude, and the clothes she was wearing…" Olivia trailed off. "I wouldn't even know where the hell to buy suits that colour."
Elliot held in the laugh that was bubbling and said; "she was in the WPP for a long time. You know as well as anybody that's going to change a person."
"She's engaged," Olivia trumped him.
"What?" Elliot stared at her in disbelief. "To a man?" he pulled an uncertain expression.
Olivia slammed the pencil down. "Yes," she confirmed. "To a man."
"Wow," Elliot rocked back in his chair looking a little shell shocked.
"Oh," Olivia railed on; "not only that. Not only is she engaged but she's fucking some other bloke in her office. A right smarmy bastard called Jim Steele."
Olivia could tell from Elliot's face that he was appalled by this revelation.
"Is that enough evidence to prove that she's not the same person that we knew?"
Elliot was silently thoughtful and then said; "it sounds like she's missed you."
"What?" Olivia was immediately irritated by his level headed reasoning. "It doesn't sound like that at all."
"Sure it does," her partner smiled. "I bet she doesn't love either of these guys and they're just a safe bet."
"Maybe, maybe not," Olivia would not allow herself to hope just yet.
"Did she say why she didn't come and look for you when she came back?" Elliot raised a curious eyebrow.
Olivia's cheeks reddened. "Yes."
"Well, what was the reason?"
Olivia sighed. "Remember the small," Olivia searched for the appropriate word, "dalliance," she waved her hand in the air dismissively; "that I had with Casey?"
"Yep."
"Well, apparently the one time that Casey and I went to a club and were dancing a little… erm… suggestively, Alex turned up at the club to look for me."
"Not expecting to see you with Casey," Elliot finished for her. "Crossed wires all round."
"Exactly."
"So she did come looking for you."
"She didn't try very hard," Olivia muttered.
"Perhaps she didn't want to disrupt your new life," Elliot wheeled himself back to his own desk. "Everyone suffered when she went into the WPP."
Olivia shrugged and sighed heavily.
"Who is the bloke that she's engaged to?"
"Robert Whittingham," Olivia spoke his name with a regal distaste.
"The millionaire lawyer?" Elliot looked impressed.
"The very same," Olivia said through gritted teeth. "She said that she's going to break up with him today, tell him that it's over and she wants to be with me."
"Well that's good isn't it?"
"Yes," Olivia ran her fingers roughly through her hair. "If she does it."
"You don't think that she will?"
"There's only one way to find out," Olivia looked agitated and Elliot could predict what was coming.
"I don't think that you should be spying on her," he objected.
"Get your coat," Olivia instructed. "We're going to lunch."
"We don't even know where they're going," Elliot half stood up then sat back down.
"Have you forgotten that we're detectives my friend?" Olivia got up and slapped him heartily on the shoulder. "I rang Robert Whittingham's office this morning and he's having lunch at the coffee shop on River Walk."
Elliot shook his head. "Can we just have it on the record that I didn't think that this was a good idea?"
"Duly noted," Olivia handed his coat to him. "Let's go."
Alex was sitting at her desk in her office chewing her pen viciously.
She had stayed with Olivia until the early hours of the morning and had eventually left and swore that she would get rid of the men in her life and Olivia would receive her undivided attention.
After hours of making promises and pleading, Olivia was still unrelenting about her anger with Alex for getting engaged and dating men and Alex could not blame her.
Thinking back to that night when she had seen Olivia dancing with Casey; Alex felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She had felt physically sick as she watched Casey's hands on Olivia's hips but mostly sick at how happy Olivia had looked.
Alex had wanted to march right up to them; demand to know what was going on.
What did Olivia think she was doing?
Instead, Alex had walked away, she had gone back to her apartment and that night made a silent vow that work would be her first and only love.
Looking back it might have been best to go charging over to them.
The whole mess that she was in now would never have taken place.
Jim was Alex's only ever boy crush. She was attracted to his arrogance and his Ivy League charm. She trusted him not to speak about their relationship. He had always made her feel attractive and was slightly more stimulating than Robert.
Robert, Alex felt light headed with dread.
His interest in Alex had been welcomed because he could take her places, help her to make contacts, meet important people that could further her career.
With all of this swimming in her head she had just about managed to take a cat nap before going to the office and had called Robert to ask him to meet her for lunch.
He had sounded surprised and pleased and Alex's heart had sunk when she heard his cheerful voice.
He was not a bad guy and she knew that he would be devastated when she told him that she could not marry him.
Alex sighed loudly but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Yes?" she called.
"Hey Alex," Jim's head appeared.
"Jim," Alex composed her face.
"Is everything OK," Jim checked over his shoulder before entering her office and closing the door.
"Of course," Alex said quickly.
"I was disappointed that we didn't have dinner last night," Jim said with a suggestive smile.
Alex rose from her chair and walked around her desk and perched on the edge of it. "Jim, we need to talk."
"Sounds serious," Jim folded his arms and his smile wavered.
"We have to stop this," Alex pressed her finger tips together and looked at him earnestly.
"This?" Jim played dumb.
"Whatever is happening between us," Alex elaborated. "I can't do it anymore."
"I thought we were just having fun," Jim unfolded his arms and placed a comforting hand on Alex's elbow.
"It's not fun anymore," Alex looked him directly in the eye, the ice maiden had returned.
"Are you developing a conscience?"
"Yes," Alex said shortly.
"Robert won't find out," Jim squeezed her elbow. "I can promise you that."
"It's not Robert that I'm bothered about," Alex said.
"You have someone else?" Jim's expression was one of disbelief but then he looked impressed.
"I'm breaking things off with Robert too," Alex said.
"Wow," Jim marvelled. "He must be some guy."
Alex did not respond.
"Don't I get to find out who the lucky guy is?" Jim pressed.
"No."
There was an uncomfortable pause.
"Well, it sounds as though you've made your mind up," Jim looked as though he did not know what to say as he opened the door. "I guess I'll talk to you later."
After he left Alex collapsed in her chair in a heap.
One down, one to go.
Olivia watched Alex enter the coffee shop.
She watched the man behind Alex press his hand against the small of her back and Alex turn and smile, although the smile was a little subdued.
"It's her," Elliot whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "I don't believe it."
He had lowered the newspaper that he was using to shield his face and was staring in disbelief at the blonde woman standing at the counter.
Robert Whittingham placed a tender kiss on Alex's hair and lingered as though he was inhaling the scent that emanated from the young woman.
Olivia was huddled in the corner, semi-hidden by a pillar, her fist curled in her lap.
Elliot's expression was compassionate and he said; "it looks like this guy is really into her," and he raised the newspaper slightly.
"Elliot, we were in love with each other, I know that you always doubted it but I know what Alex and I both felt when we were together. There was something strong between us," Olivia abruptly pulled back behind the pillar as Alex looked vaguely in their direction.
When Alex looked back at the menu boards Elliot turned his attention to Olivia. "I'm not saying that you didn't love each other then but things are obviously different now."
Olivia sighed and as she moved her leather jacket creaked.
"Elliot, they're sitting down," Olivia craned her neck to get a better look at Robert's face.
Elliot lowered the newspaper again and looked at Alex.
She had taken up residence at a table by the door and her male companion was standing at the counter paying for their coffee and sandwich.
"I need to go to the bathroom," Elliot made to stand up but Olivia tugged him back down.
"She can't know that I'm here, it would look like I don't trust her," Olivia hissed.
"You don't trust her," Elliot replied simply.
"She doesn't know that," Olivia repositioned herself behind the pillar. "Let's just wait for a few moments; this shouldn't take long. I'm sure you can hold it in."
Alex was sitting alone looking at the pattern of the paint swirls on the wall; nervously drumming her fingers on the table.
She had been thinking about what to say to Robert all morning but nothing was coming to mind.
She looked at him as he paid for their lunch. He was so handsome and strong and smart, Alex thought; and boring and stuffy and sexually dull.
He gave her that charming smile of his as he approached with the tray of food and coffees.
Alex forced a return smile but it was weak.
"I must say," he said as he placed the tray down; "I was surprised when you asked me to lunch. It's very unlike you."
Alex cleared her throat but could not say anything.
"Is everything OK, sweetheart?" he looked a little concerned.
Alex fiddled with her hair. "Actually, it's not."
"I don't like the sound of that," Robert positioned her sandwich and coffee in front of her and placed the empty tray beneath the table. "Tell me about it," his tone was still cheerful.
Oh well here came the sucker punch.
Alex took a deep breath.
"Come on Alex," he smiled but this time there was nervousness in his voice.
What could she say?
Alexandra Cabot was never lost for words.
"Robert, I'm sorry but I can't marry you in December," she blurted.
Shock spread across his face but instantly his composure returned. "If you want to put the wedding back then that's fine; we can have a summer wedding."
"No," Alex said quickly. "What I mean is that," she took a deep steadying breath. "I can't marry you at all."
"At all?" Robert looked at her in dismay.
"I'm sorry," Alex looked away from him.
"Why can't you marry me?" his voice shook and he frowned as though in pain. "I thought that we were happy. Have you met someone else?"
Alex's long pause told him everything that he needed to know.
"Who is it?" he swallowed hard, desperately trying to hold it together.
"It's someone from the past; someone that I didn't think would want me but they do and I want to be with them," Alex reached out and put her hand on Robert's knee. "I'm so, so sorry."
He clenched his jaw, the veins in his neck visible as he struggled to control himself.
"I love you Alex. I want to make a life with you."
"I know," was all that Alex could think of to say.
"Is there any point in me raising an objection to this?" his voice was beginning to break.
Alex shook her head sorrowfully. "Robert, you and I, we're just not that compatible."
"It's the sex isn't it?" Robert fished. "We can work on it. Go to counselling or something," his voice was a whisper.
"It's not that," Alex said although the sex was pretty awful. "Please don't do this to yourself. It's not you; I need to see if I can make something else work."
"Why are you willing to risk all that we could have for something that isn't a sure thing?" Robert fidgeted with his napkin. "You don't take chances like that. It's completely out of character for you."
"I need to start taking chances," Alex said gently.
Robert inhaled deeply. "They told me you know. They said to me that you were the ice maiden and not to be tangled with. People said that you were frigid and career hungry and didn't care about other people but I thought I saw something more than that in you. I bet this other guy is some other hot shot that can further your career because that's all that interests you."
Alex said nothing but allowed him to have his rant. It did not matter what he thought about her, everything from the day she went into the WPP had been an act and it was time to find the old Alex again.
They sat in silence for a few moments then Robert said "I'm going to leave. You can drop by my office and collect your things in a couple of days."
"Thank you," Alex said softly.
As he stood up Alex slid the engagement ring off her finger and pressed it into his hand. "Goodbye Robert."
He looked down at the ring, put it into his pocket and left without saying a word.
"Well," Elliot said quietly. "That sure looked like a break up to me."
Olivia felt a little bad for Robert but could not contain her elation. "It sure did," she said with such enthusiasm that Elliot shook his head disapprovingly.
They waited patiently for Alex to gather her belongings and she left without touching any of the food on the table.
Elliot looked out of the coffee shop window as Alex crossed the street at a set of lights.
"Let's go," he said to Olivia and they made their way to the door.
As she passed the table where Alex had been sitting she eyed the fresh sandwiches. Without a second thought she wrapped them up in a napkin and pocketed the packets of sauces.
"What are you doing?" Elliot's tone was incredulous.
"Cops have got to eat, right? It seems a shame to let them go to waste." she handed one to Elliot. "Let's get to court."
Alex rested her head against Olivia's chest and gave a contented sigh. She had been ecstatic to find Olivia waiting outside of her office for her at the end of a crappy day.
She needed to be held and had not felt that need for a long time.
"So how did Robert take the news?" Olivia stroked Alex's forearm and admired the decoration of Alex's living room in her new home.
"He was upset, obviously," Alex rubbed her cheek against Olivia's shoulder and inhaled the familiar smell of her body. "I'm sure he'll get over it."
Olivia swallowed. "I have a confession to make."
Alex looked up at her and smiled. "I know that you were there."
Shock splashed across Olivia's face. "How do you know?"
Alex laughed. "I've been watching my ass for how many years in the WPP? Did you honestly think that I didn't see you as soon as I walked into the coffee shop?"
Olivia looked ashamed. "I guess I'm busted."
"It might have been a little less easy to spot you if Elliot hadn't kept wafting that newspaper all over the place," Alex's eyes were mischievous.
"He was happy to see you," Olivia lowered her head and kissed Alex gently on the mouth.
Alex welcomed the kiss. "I'll have to come and see everyone," she said when Olivia pulled away. "I'll do it as soon as you and I have things back on track."
"Do you think that we can get things back on track?" Olivia whispered.
"I hope so," Alex linked her fingers with Olivia's. "I feel nervous around you but sitting here like this feels so right."
"Me too," Olivia concurred. "It's like starting all over again."
"Well," Alex tilted her head up and kissed Olivia's chin. "We can just take things very slowly."
"That would be good," Olivia smiled then wriggled away from Alex and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Alex wailed. "We just got comfortable."
"I need a shower," Olivia stretched revealing taut stomach flesh to Alex's hungry eyes. "I have the stink of the City all over me. I need a much nicer and more fragrant scent on me," she winked at Alex suggestively and turned and walked to the living room door.
Alex sat up looking a little disgruntled at her departure.
"Aren't you coming?" Olivia called over her shoulder. "I don't know where the bathroom is in this place."
With a huge grin Alex did not need a second invitation. She pulled her tee shirt over her head, dropped it on to the floor and followed Olivia to the bathroom.
The man stood on the corner of the street and watched Alex come down the front steps of her home. She had not left her apartment all weekend but he knew that she was not alone.
She was followed by a tall, lean brunette.
He opened his cell phone and dialled.
"Do you see her?" he said when a voice answered.
"Yes, Sir," came the reply.
"Follow her," he instructed. "Is that the lady cop?" he asked into the cell phone.
"Yes Sir, that's the one," was the reply.
"I knew it," he was angry. "Wait until the cop turns her back and then do it. Let her see what happens when you meddle with the wrong person."
"I understand Sir."
He closed the cell phone and watched the beautiful Alexandra Cabot as she said goodbye and carried on walking.
Alex felt groggy.
She could not breathe, something was covering her head. She could not move her hands, and she struggled against something that burned her wrists when she tried to move.
Suddenly light streamed on to her face and air rushed up her nostrils.
The darkness had been removed and she squinted against the brightness.
A shadow appeared before her and Alex could make out a familiar silhouette.
"Hello, Alexandra," an identifiable voice said.
To Be Continued