AN: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed or added Silence to your list of favourite stories.

Disclaimer: I do not own Law & Order SVU. However, any character you do not recognize from the show is mine.

The Hospital

Part 1

10:45 am

Cragen frowns, "I've spoken with Dr. Wong. He has strongly suggested holding off on putting our little Jane Doe into foster care, if only for the time being. She's not talking and may or may not be able to use sign language. Either way, she'll need specialized care. Which is more than an already over crowded group home can offer, especially over the holidays."

Munch frowns and opens his mouth.

Cragen holds up a hand to stop him from speaking, "They don't have any temporary placements available with anyone who knows ASL."

"I'll call Kathy," Elliot says, "We'll be able to take her for the next few days Cap."

Cragen sighs, "If that's fine with your wife I'll look into the paperwork but we still need to get her to a hospital. Olivia?"

"Yes Captain?" Olivia looks up from the fast asleep, but still wheezing bundle cradled in her arms.

"Can you carry her the ten blocks to St. Matthew's or do you want Stabler to drive you?" He asks.

Olivia frowns thoughtfully, "She weighs next to nothing Cap, but if it's still freezing out I'd rather have El drive us."

Elliot holds up the car keys, "No time like the present."

"I'll call ahead to let them know you're on your way," Cragen says and turns his back on them, "Munch, how are you doing on organizing that canvas? Fin what have you done with the note? Have you taken it the the lab yet?"

Olivia and Elliot walk out of the squad room together.

"When Munch mentioned that it was a little girl I packed some of the Elizabeth's old clothes for later," Elliot says quietly as they enter the elevator. "Kathy did a quick trip for the unmentionables," he mumbles, holding up a small duffel bag.

Olivia laughs and smiles at her partner, "Thanks El, but are you sure about taking Jane Doe home? We have no idea who she is and you've already got four kids."

Elliot laughs, "Exactly! What's one more for Christmas?"

Olivia frowns, "Elliot have you even spoken with K-"

He cuts her off, "Kathy suggested it on the off chance we couldn't place Jane Doe before tonight."

"Oh," she whispers.

Elliot opens the car door, "We'll be fine Liv. You're still coming for Christmas dinner right?"

She nods and slides in carefully, "I'll be there."

"Has she said anything at all?" He asks curiously.

"No," Olivia shakes her head.

He frowns, "No shrieks, no crying or grunting in pain?"

She frowns, "Not a single peep other than the rattling when she breathes, El."

Elliot pulls into the hospital parking lot, "And you said she signed thank you when you were wrapping her up?"

Olivia sighs, "Yeah, but I don't know any thing more than please and thank you and that's only from watching Sesame Street years ago with the twins."

Elliot laughs, "Well I know a few more signs than that, again same reason." He frowns, "You said she could hear and understand you?"

Olivia nods.

"So she's not deaf," he muses, "I wonder what else it could be?"

"I don't know Elliot, maybe she's mute?" Olivia sighs, "Then again, she didn't respond when I asked her about knowing sign language."

Elliot frowns, "Were any injuries visible?"

She frowns, "I didn't see any thing except for the burns and scars on her hands, but we both know that doesn't mean there aren't more." Olivia looks at her partner, "What are you thinking El?"

Elliot sighs as he pulls up to the emergency entrance, "We're going to have to see if any of the nurses or know sign language in order to confirm whether or not she signs and if there is a physical reason she's not talking."

Olivia exhales and waits for Elliot to open her door.

12:00 pm

Olivia exits the examining room, rushes to a near by trashcan, and promptly loses her breakfast.

Elliot comes over to her in concern, "What is it Liv?"

Olivia ignores him and continues to dry heave into the can.

"It's her larynx," the doctor says with a frown, handing over two small evidence bags to Elliot.
He takes the bags, "I'm sorry what?"

"The reason why your Jane Doe isn't talking," she answers distractedly, scribbling something onto the chart.

"What about it?" Elliot asks again and hands Olivia a water bottle.

The doctor turns to look at him; "I doubt she's been to a competent medical professional in a few years. There are signs she might have seen one as a toddler, but not since." She sighs, "Her throat was cut and healed poorly. Due to the damage to her larynx, I'm not entirely sure that your little Jane Doe could talk, even if she were so inclined. And, if she could, it would probably be quite painful."

Elliot growls, "Someone slit her throat?"

The doctor looks up at him in alarm. "Yes and it was a while ago and someone with at least minimal medical knowledge tended to it," she continues, "It's thankfully not infected, but I have no doubt the child will be self conscious about the scar. It might even be why she was wearing a turtleneck. Then again it might be because her previous guardians felt the need to cover the scar." The doctor frowns, "We will probably need to reset several bones. Her arm for starters, then there's the pneumonia to consider, but-"

Elliot punches the wall, blood gushes from his knuckles.

The doctor looks at his hand briefly, "You should find someone else to look at that for you." She turns back to Olivia, "You're probably going to want to sit in on the rest of the examination Detective but we'll need to keep her sedated, there is no need to traumatize this child further."

Olivia takes another sip of water and nods.

The doctor frowns before asking, "Have you contacted Child Protective Services or shall I?"

Elliot answers her, "Our Captain said he would."

The doctor nods, "Very well. I need to get back in there." She turns to Olivia, "Are you coming detective?"

Olivia looks at Elliot.

He places a hand on her shoulder, "Go on Liv, you'll be fine. She likes you when she's awake. I'll bring the evidence bags to the lab, check in with Cragen and come back for you two when you're ready to leave."

Olivia grimaces and follows the doctor back into the examining room.

12:30 pm

"Have you had any luck Cap?" Elliot asks as he enters the squad room.

Munch is on the phone and Fin is noticeably absent from his desk.

Cragen waves Elliot into his office, "Your report Stabler."

Elliot sighs, "Our little Jane Doe has pneumonia and about half a dozen or so bones that need to be re-broken because they didn't heal properly the first time."

Cragen winces, "What else?"

Elliot sighs, "The tiny thing freaked out and started thrashing and trying to escape when she woke up in the hospital. She calmed down slightly when Liv scooped her up but they still had to sedate her for the exam."

Cragen sighs, "You took the evidence to the lab?"

Elliot nods. "Liv was right, she doesn't use sign language to communicate but she does know a few signs…" he trails off.

"What aren't you telling me Stabler," Cragen says after the silence has stretched on for a few minutes.

"Whomever had her before she showed up here silt her throat," Elliot snarls.

Cragen inhales sharply in alarm then frowns, "I didn't see any blood earlier this morning."

"It's somewhat healed," Elliot replies, "And not infected. Doctor thinks someone with rudimentary medical skills treated it but not a doctor."

Cragen frowns, "Did they perform a rape kit?"

Elliot nods.

"And?" Cragen prompts him.

He sighs, "The doctor said she hadn't been raped but 80% of her skin is covered in abuse, in one form or another."

"So she's been tortured," Cragen whispers and closes his eyes.

Elliot waits a minute before asking, "What did the note pinned to her sweatshirt say?"

Cragen sighs, "It was actually a folded up envelope and on the other side was the address for the 16th precinct, and the floor and room number for our squad."

Elliot frowns.

The Captain continues, "I don't know what to make of it either, and Wong isn't available to be here in Manhattan until after the New Year."

"What about CPS?" Eliott asks.

Cragen sighs, "They've agreed that our little Jane Doe can go home with someone from this squad once she is released from the hospital. They don't have a bed for her at the moment. They wanted to make me very aware that it would be a temporary solution, but that it might take several days because of the Holiday season."

Elliot nods, "Have you thought about what to do with Liv?"

Cragen raises an eyebrow.

Elliot sighs, "She's already attached to the kid, even if she won't say anything about it."

Cragen cocks his head; "I thought Olivia was going to spend Christmas with you, Kathy and the kids?"

Elliot nods, "It's actually Christmas-eve dinner and that's only a few hours. You now Liv is going to be calling at all hours on every other day to check in on her. I know she brings home stray dogs and cats, but this is different Cap. That kid has stars in her eyes when she looks at Liv, and Liv, well she's acting more like a mother hen than usual."

Cragen laughs, "Are you backing out from housing Jane Doe for the holidays?"

Elliot shakes his head, "No, I'm just wondering if I could have your help to make Liv stay at my place for a few days. We've got space if the two of them room together."

Cragen frowns, "That might work but what about her holiday plans? Isn't she going away with Cabot, and I think Carmichael?"

Elliot frowns, then sighs, "I didn't think about that. They've got plans to go away for a week. Damn it! I don't have space for three or four people, never mind beds for them to sleep in. It wouldn't even matter that Jane Doe is tiny, she'd still need her own bed."

Cragen laughs, "Looks like you'll need a new plan." He sighs, "I'll call Cabot, we don't have much but she should still be brought into the loop. I'll have her meet you and Benson at the hospital."

1:00 pm

"Hello again sweetheart," Olivia says comfortingly as tired grey eyes flutter open.

The mess of what is now semi recognizable as curls turns towards the voice. The little girl taps on the cast on her left arm.

Olivia sighs, "Your arm was broken so the doctors put a cast on it to help it heal while you were asleep." She smiles cautiously, "I wasn't sure which colour to pick so I chose purple."

A tiny smile appears on Jane Doe's face.

"You need to get cleaned up and then we have two choices to make." Olivia continues, "I need you to nod if you understand me."

She nods slowly.

Olivia smiles, "Good girl. Now you need to have another bath or a shower, but you're not well enough to do it n your own so you can either have me help you or a nurse."

No reaction.

"Nod if you understand," Olivia prompts her.

Little Jane Doe nods.

Olivia smiles, "Do you want a bath?"

Quickened breathing and wide terrified eyes stare back at her.

She winces, "Okay, no bath. Do you want a shower?"

The little girl's breathing slows down and she shrugs.

Olivia nods, "Alright, a shower it is. Now, do you want me to help you or a nurse?"

Silence.

Olivia's cheeks flush, "Nod if you want me to help you."

Jane Doe nods hesitantly.

Olivia smiles gently at her, "My friend Elliot brought you some clothes to wear. We can pick those out and then after we get you cleaned up you can come back here to your room and put them on. Would you like that?"

The tiniest nod and a flash of emotion Olivia can't place cross her face.

Olivia grabs the duffel Elliot brought and pulls out two t-shirts, two pairs of pants and two sweaters. She holds up the two t-shirts, "Which one do you want to wear sweetheart, baby pink or purple."

The little girl frowns and doesn't move.

Olivia sighs, "It's okay sweetie, you can point to one."

A trembling hand points to the purple shirt.

Olivia smiles, "Good choice, purple is a good colour and it will match your cast."

A ghost of a smile appears on tiny lips.

"Next are the pants," Olivia continues, "We have grey sweatpants or jeans."

Slowly a hand points to the sweatpants.

Olivia smiles again, "Last choice sweetie, would you like to wear a baby blue zip up or a royal blue sweatshirt."

Twisted fingers point at the zip up.

Olivia nods, "Okay, now we're going to leave the clothes here. I'll just grab some socks, underwear and an undershirt. No choice this time," she wrinkles her nose and makes a face at the little girl, "They're all white!"

Something that might have been a giggle escapes little Jane Doe's throat. She instantly looks terrified, scrambles off the bed and tries to hide under it.

Olivia sighs and offers helpfully, "You'd be better off hiding in the bathroom if you feel it necessary. Which I assure you it isn't. You're allowed to talk, make noises or cry. I promise I won't be angry with you."

Messy hair and grey eyes pop up on the other side of the bed.

"I promise I won't get mad," Olivia repeats and continues talking while holding out her hand, "You won't get in trouble. Come on, let's go wash up. Then we can find something to eat."

The little girl comes around the side of the bed and tiny twisted fingers clasp Olivia's hand once more.

2:00 pm

There is a quiet knock on the door of the bathing room.

"Just a minute!" Olivia calls out then she turns to little Jane Doe, "Stay here sweetheart, I'm going to see who's at the door. Try to get dressed and I'll come back to help you if you need it, okay?"

The little girl nods.

Olivia quickly takes the few steps towards the door and cracks it open.

A laugh greets her, "Wow Detective, you're soaked! You look like someone tried, and then succeeded in drowning you!"

Olivia smirks, "Nice to see you too Counselor. If you want to come inside I'm sure I could locate the hose I was just using."

Alex stops laughing abruptly. "Cragen only said I should meet you and Stabler here, he didn't say anything else, and none of the staff seem to know where your partner is…" she trails off and looks at Olivia expectantly.

Olivia frowns, "Elliot should be back by now. The room is down the hall to the left."

Alex frowns, then winces, "That's the children's ward."

Olivia nods and steps half out into the hall.

Alex closes her eyes. "How bad?" She asks in a whisper.

Olivia makes a moue of distaste, "Bad Alex,"

The blonde raises an eyebrow.

Olivia looks over her shoulder and sighs, "Little ears are listening."

Alex sighs, "Alright. What's the room number? I'll meet you there."

"611," Olivia answers quietly.

Alex places a hand on Olivia's arm, "I'll see you in a few minutes."

Olivia nods and steps back into the shower room.

Little Jane Doe steps out from behind the curtain, a curious expression on her face.

With a thick voice Olivia says, "I'm going behind that curtain." She points to the other divider, "I'll be out in a few minutes. I need to put my clean clothes on too."

The little girl nods and proceeds to pull the hospital gown on over her undershirt.

Olivia disappears behind the curtain and pulls off the extra set of scrubs before putting on her clothes very quickly. She sits down on the chair and gives in to her overwhelming need to cry. Olivia muffles her sobs with the bunched up shirt.

A dark head pokes around the curtain.

Olivia doesn't notice anything until the tiny Jane Doe is sitting on the floor next to Olivia's feet, patting them comfortingly. She scoops her up and wipes away her own tears. "Hello sweetheart," she murmurs.

The little girl watches Olivia's face very closely before pinching her fingers of her right hand together and bringing them up to touch her lips.

Olivia stares at her in confusion.

The little girl sighs without making a sound and repeats the motion.

Olivia wracks her brain for the few signs the nurse who was familiar with American Sign Language showed her on the off chance her little Jane Doe knew more than she was letting on. "Are you hungry?" she asks finally.

A nod.

Olivia sighs in relief, "Okay sweetheart. Let's go find some food. Hopefully Elliot's brought coffee for me, and a sandwich for you." She smiles down at the little girl, "If not maybe we can raid Alex's bag for snacks. Would you like that?"

Grey eyes blink up at her.

Olivia smiles tightly. "All right, you managed to get yourself dressed. Good job! I'll just tie the strings." She sighs as her fingers get caught in the knots in little Jane Doe's hair, "I hope Elliot remembered to pack a hairbrush in that duffel bag."

The little girl yawns and slides off Olivia's lap.

Olivia walks to the door and half turns to watch her charge's progress.

Little Jane Doe who's walking is a little steadier and faster than this morning, possibly due to the pain medications running through her bloodstream, stops walking just out of arm's reach.

Olivia sighs.

An entire hand of twisted fingers attaches themselves to her thumb.

Olivia smiles slightly at the progress and pulls the heavy door open.

AN2: Thanks for reading, please review :)