A/N: This is my first attempt at publishing fanfiction and it's a long one. I've broken it down into chapters that I'll try to post each day. Reviews are more than welcome! I, sadly, do not own any of the characters of Law & Order: SVU and am only using them here for enjoyment, not monetary gain.

Seventeen

The case had been going on for six months; little girls would disappear and turn back up more than two weeks later at a place of worship within the city. It wasn't that simple, though. The murdering rapist would molest the girls for days it seemed, before slowly draining them of blood. When they were dead, they would be dressed in their "Sunday best" and brought to a church if they were Christian, a synagogue for the Jewish girls, a Mosque for the Muslim children and placed inside like little dolls; heads bowed, hands folded. Everything was placed perfectly. More than one officer had vomited at the crime scenes.

The first three girls were found in Catholic churches within blocks of one another making priests the prime suspects. That, of course, led to unrest within the city. The next girl, a Jewish tourist from Connecticut, was found by a rabbi who had a heart attack when he realized the girl was dead. The poor rabbi spent three weeks in the hospital. Victim number four was a Baptist from Fair Lawn, New Jersey; she went missing while with her family at a picnic at their church and was found in a small Baptist church in The City. Needless to say, the case was unpredictable. Never knowing when the next girl might turn up or from where she would be taken caused no small amount of strife for the NYPD, especially after the Feds showed up. Everyone expected the FBI to take the case after the victim from Jersey was found in New York but instead they just showed up and said the SVU could use their resources and that they would help where they could. Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, partners in the 16th Precinct, appreciated the gesture but thought the FBI just didn't want to be embarrassed when they couldn't solve the case either.

The members of the SVU were taking the case hard. Detective John Munch was hardly leaving the station house, constantly updating himself on missing person's reports of all young girls from the Tri-State area. He didn't mind too much, though, because he didn't have anyone to go home to anyway. Odafin Tutuola had exhausted every CI he could think of to see if anyone had seen anything on the street. He kept returning over and over to past unsolved cases, unable to wait it out. In addition to checking cold cases, he checked in on his ex and his kid more often. The case was spilling into everyone's personal lives. Elliot spent as much time as possible with his own daughters, which was both unsettling and joyous for the family that had come to regard him as an absentee father. He needed to solidify those connections and reassure himself that his children were safe. Olivia spent every moment she could studying the victims. She felt that there was a key and she was missing it. It had been a long and painful case.

Then, finally, a priest down the street from their very precinct called the station house at 4 am claiming that a suspicious vehicle had parked in front of his church. While Benson called Stabler, Fin and Cabot, Munch sprinted three blocks to the side door of the sanctuary hoping back-up was preventing the car from being able to get away when he entered. Munch didn't disturb the villain as the man set the little girl up to kneel at the altar in a fluffy white dress. When Munch thought he was close enough he finally called out, "This is the NYPD! Put your arms straight out to the sides and do not move!"

"Well done, Detective Munch, I wondered which of you would answer the call."

"Unfortunately for you, it was me, now let's go," Munch growled out as he approached the man.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Detective, this is a church, and you can't have me in here. I believe it's called Sanctuary. I'm sure you understand that Big Brother has his limits."

"Are you kidding me? You've been dropping little girls in sanctuaries throughout Manhattan and now you think you get to claim one?"

"Yes, God will protect me from you. You can check with ADA Alexandra Cabot if you'd like to, but I'm quite right."

Feeling he had no choice, Munch radioed the Captain, "Cap, this creep is claiming sanctuary, what can I do? He said we could ask Cabot if we don't believe him. I'm not leaving him here alone."

"Is it our guy?"

"Yes, he showed up with Melissa's body and I watched him arrange her in the church."

"Alright, I'm calling Cabot."

Alex jumped as her phone rang again, "Yes, I'm on my way, Captain."

"It's not that, Cabot, listen, this guy's claiming Sanctuary; how can we get through that?"

"Oh, Jesus, of course, he is," Alex sighed in frustration, "We should have expected it."

"Well, what the hell do we do?"

"Nothing. Just make sure he doesn't get out and I'll be right there. I'm literally getting in a cab heading to the station house right now. Should I go somewhere else?"

"No, I'll have someone meet you; we're just a few blocks away."

Alex put her head back as she flipped her phone closed. This case was more disturbing than she wanted to think about. She knew she was supposed to stay distant but there were so many victims. This one, Melissa, was number sixteen. How could she stay detached from that? As the cab pulled up at the precinct, Alex saw Olivia waiting impatiently for her and the blonde quickly wiped the tears from her face and grabbed her briefcase. "Sorry you had to wait for me, where are we going?"

"Down this way." Olivia started walking quickly toward the flashing lights.

"Sorry, I should've known, the lights are there. I'm just, ya' know, I just woke up," Alex stammered.

"Listen, Alex, are you sure you want to go down there? If you go into the church you'll see the little girl," Olivia said quietly, finally looking at Alex's face. The Detective stopped the ADA with a gentle hand on her arm, "Your eyes…you look like you've been crying. Are you okay, Alex?"

"No, but neither are you. Let's just do what needs to be done and put this bastard away," Alex sounded stronger and gently squeezed the hand on her arm.

Nodding, Olivia agreed, "Okay, but make sure you stay back, we don't know what he took in with him or what's in his car. Don't come anywhere close to the church unless I tell you to. Got it?"

"Isn't Cragen at the scene?" Alex was surprised about the chain of command issue she had just heard coming out of Olivia's mouth.

"Yeah, he is, but he's focused only on getting the bastard and might not remember that you're not a cop, you're a lawyer. Don't come near it unless I tell you it's safe. Promise me?"

Alex flushed, not sure where this was coming from. Olivia had been so snippy with her lately that this protectiveness was quite unexpected. Sweet and thoughtful, yes, but unexpected. "I got it. Your voice alone."

"No, Alex," Olivia stopped them again, "promise me. I have such a bad feeling about this. Please promise me," Olivia was nearly whispering and had stepped squarely in front of the tall blonde and was very definitely inside her personal bubble. The detective's strong hands were on the attorney's forearms as she looked into her eyes. "Alex, please."

"Yes, Olivia. Yes, I promise. Just, I don't know, be careful. You're making me really nervous. You've had standoffs before. Why is this one different?"

"Because you'll be there."

With that interesting fact, the detective turned and walked away. Following a moment later, the counselor found herself watching the brooding detective closer than usual.

"Cabot, over here!" The two women heard Elliot shout from the sidewalk in front of the church.

Discreetly putting her hand up to stop Alex, Olivia jogged to her partner. "El, are you sure we should be so close to his car? Do we know if it's clean?"

"Questioning me now, Benson? It's my scene," Elliot said with the odd smirk he wore when he thought he was playing mind games.

"No, no, El, I'm just thinking on my feet," Olivia tried to play the humble card while she seethed inside, Why is he being so obstinate? I hate testosterone.

"Alright, alright, let's go talk to Cabot over there," he said gruffly as he pointed generally across the street. He allowed Olivia to go first so it looked like he had sent her over. He watched as she gently put her hand on Cabot's back to guide her away from the church. Something about it made his brow furrow but he wasn't sure what. He'd figure it out eventually; in the mean time, he had a bad guy to catch.

"Captain wants to know if this asshole can really claim sanctuary in there. He carried in the body of a dead girl, can he really stay in there?" Elliot said quickly.

"The laws on this are really unclear. If I could talk to the priest I could probably get you in there to get him out but I need to then double check with Donnelly."

"Yeah, okay, he's around here." Elliot started to walk toward the church before he realized that Alex wasn't following; she was looking at Olivia.

"The priest's not in the church is he?" Olivia watched Elliot tense up as he heard her shocked tone.

"The guy's got no weapons, Liv, we're not gonna make a priest leave his church 'cause some creep walks in," Elliot answered angrily.

"I'm a little confused. I thought he claimed sanctuary; has he been searched?"

"No! We can't until Cabot clears us for it which will happen if you let me take her up there to talk to the priest!"

Olivia apologized and tried to explain to Elliot that she was just trying to keep the ADA safe when Alex interrupted.

"Is that the priest in question?"

Turning, Elliot saw Father Tom headed toward them being guided by Fin. "Yeah, he's the one you need to talk to."

As the priest walked up, Alex started explaining that sanctuary only held if the priest granted it so it was his decision whether or not they arrested the man currently kneeling on the altar inside.

"I feel that I need to offer him an opportunity for confession before I say yes or no to his claim of sanctuary. I have a great many people to think of in this situation. Surely, you understand all the implications of being in this awful position," Father Tom said grimly to Alexandra.

"I do, Father, but please also understand that this man is most likely the one who has left sixteen little girls dead all over Manhattan. I will wait out here for your answer."

"What!?" Elliot yelled, "How could you even consider granting sanctuary to this scum? What could you possibly have to consider? He's killed sixteen little girls; not just killed, but raped, tortured and bled them dry and now you're going to offer him confession. You can't do this! I'll arrest you for obstruction of justice!"

"Stabler! Over here, now!" It was the captain calling.

"Please, detective," Father Tom turned to Olivia, "I must contact my Archbishop and think of others who may need to seek sanctuary for other reasons. If I say no to this man, what if the next time, they seek it elsewhere with disastrous consequences? A church can be a refuge for all people; not only those who we think deserve it most, but for those who God knows need it most."

With that grave statement, the priest walked slowly back to his church, his shoulders held high, but his head hanging low.

"I understand, Father," Olivia said just loudly enough as he walked away.

"Detective, I need to call Donnelly. Where will you be so I can let you know what she says?" Alex asked Olivia quietly.

"I'll wait right here. Call her now." Somehow, even when Olivia was giving her orders, they didn't come out like orders, they sounded like requests.

Olivia tried not to listen too obviously as the ADA explained the situation to her superior, who, Olivia guessed, Alex had woken up a bit too early.

"Listen, Liz, I talked to the priest and he said he has to consult his archbishop as to whether or not he is going to grant sanctuary…Yes, I understand the enormity of these crimes…No, I don't want to lose the case before I get it…I'll see to it," Alex sighed as she flipped her phone closed.

"I take it she told you we should arrest him?"

"Mmm-hmm, take him no matter what the priest says. She doesn't think well on her feet when she's woken up like that."

"Well, we don't want to let him get away, do we?"

"No, of course, not! I just think that barging in that way isn't going to help us in the public eye. I don't know, or maybe it will. Maybe the average citizen just wants him caught and will be offended that he even tried to claim sanctuary. Public opinion is so fickle, I never know which way it'll turn," Alex sighed.

Inside the church, Father Tom had already spoken to the Archbishop and was kneeling next to the silent man on the altar. "My child," he began, "I feel that your soul is in need of cleansing. Would you like me to hear your confession?"

Turning his head eerily toward the priest near him, the murderer simply smiled for a moment before speaking, "I have nothing to confess. I, too, work for a higher power. I do his bidding on Earth and will be seated accordingly. Would you like me to hear your confession, Father?"

"No, I would not. I am sorry to tell you that I cannot offer you sanctuary here. You committed a crime in the sacred space and, as such, I must ask that you finish your prayers and leave. May you repent and seek the mercy of God." The good priest could not suppress a shudder as he walked away slowly from the disturbed and disturbing young man.

"You can't do that! She said you can't do that! Sanctuary! I came for sanctuary, Father, you must give it to me!"

The priest stood still for a moment before answering, "I offer sanctuary to those who need it. I offer it to those suffering souls who seek to cleanse themselves and be safe - not those who seek to hurt. I cannot offer sanctuary to one who fights against God. Remember, son, our God is a vengeful one." With that, Father Tom left the sacred altar of his church to pray for the decision he had just made. He knew he must seek solitude and forgiveness. He hoped God would understand.

Despite his surprise, Munch quickly placed the unknown man under arrest and read him his rights before bringing him back to the station house. The three block walk was taken in silence, witnessed by over ten other officers and by the time Munch had him in a room at the station house, Olivia, Elliot and Fin were there. The creep stared at Olivia before introducing himself to her as Jeremy Sean Baldwin and started talking about the little girls. How their skin was softer than hers and their hair was finer. When Cragen walked in, the perpetrator immediately lawyered up and the only person he would speak to was the ADA who was going to try his case, Alex.

When Alex arrived, Cragen showed her into the room and Jeremy instantly said he had news for her.

"Your lawyer hasn't arrived yet, Mr. Baldwin, are you sure you want to speak with me," the blonde attorney said dryly.

"Yeah, I'm sure, listen, you know that little princess who went missing on July 4th?"

"No."

"Well, I might know where she is."

"I've already said no, Mr. Baldwin."

"You're lying. She's been all over the news. She was taken right off the beach down in New Jersey; she still had a tiara on."

"What? I thought she drowned," Alex said suspiciously.

"Hmm, I don't think so," he grimaced.

Hoping the detectives were listening in the other room Alex pushed him to tell her what he knew of the little girl. "Well, if she didn't drown, where is she Jeremy?"

"If I tell you, will you let me go?"

"No, but I'll take the death sentence off the table."

The door opened, "That's enough, Miss Cabot; my client doesn't want to be harassed by you any more."

"Get the facts straight before you come barging in next time, Greg, your client asked to speak with me and was just agreeing to a deal."

"Well, if that's the deal you can do better," the slimy defense attorney smirked. Alex had never faced Gregor Scantaliola in court, but knew his reputation of shady tactics and backroom deals.

"Yes, ADA Alexandra Cabot, you need my information," Jeremy smirked, too.

"That's what I'm offering."

"She's still alive," Jeremy whispered.

Absolute silence greeted that shocking statement.

"But not for long," he looked away.

"Where is she?"

In the observation room Huang, Fin and Cragen watched nervously. "Man, I hope she don't blow it, that guy's loony," Fin said.

"She won't, Alex knows exactly what she's doing. She's got to keep him focused on her, on connecting himself to her, if she's going to get what she wants," Huang said quietly, "she can do this."

When he didn't answer Alex made another offer, it would be her last, "Plead guilty to all 16 counts of child rape and murder for the girls we found and serve concurrently."

"15 to 25 with parole," Gregor said haughtily.

Alex laughed harshly, "Please, have you ever tried a case before? Not a judge in the world is going to agree to that sentence. Your client raped and murdered sixteen little girls then left them in churches. Concurrent sentencing and no death penalty is a gift and it's all you're going to get from me."

"I can't just tell you, ADA, Alexandra Cabot. I can tell you, though, that I don't always stay in my apartment; sometimes my water bed doesn't rock me enough," with one final, intense look at Alex, Jeremy put his head on the table and fell asleep.

"I'll see you in court soon, Greg," Alex said on her way out.

Cragen met her at the door, "I'll meet you in the bullpen in a minute." He walked into his office quickly with Fin.

"Cabot, you've got to be kidding me!" Olivia nearly shouted as she entered the bullpen.

What did I do now? The attorney thought.

"I just heard you made a deal with that sick creep! What were you thinking? He repeatedly raped over a dozen little girls and then bled them to death and you made a deal? How dare you?"

Without even waiting for an answer from the blonde, Detective Olivia Benson turned back around and left. Though used to being treated a bit roughly in the Special Victims Unit, having Olivia go off on her like that hurt more than she expected. She had thought Olivia was over the mistrust that plagued the beginning of their working relationship; she had thought they were working on a friendship, a very close friendship.

Loud footsteps behind her caused Alex to stiffen and turn, seeing the angry entrance of another detective working the same case. "What, Stabler? Get it out," she said crossly.

"It's been a really bad case, Alex, and we're disappointed that you would make a deal with such a scumbag," he said in disgust, neither of them realized she was crying, "We thought you wanted justice for the kids, not just another win in your column." He, too, stormed out.

"Well, you know-"

"Shut up, Munch, you guys have no idea what you're talking about," Alex spat as she turned to face what she thought was going to be another onslaught. She was unprepared for the tissue and bottle of water he was holding out her way. "Oh! Uh…sorry, I just," she paused, "I'm sorry. What were you saying?" Alex took the tissue and quickly dabbed the tears off her face.

"I was just going to say, you know Olivia was the first one to find the last vic from this freak. Olivia took it real hard, felt like she should've saved the kid. It didn't matter that she was killed somewhere else, Olivia wanted to save her and took it personally when she showed up in her church. Not the one tonight, the one before that. So, that's why she's all shook up."

"Listen, Munch, did you hear what that guy was saying?"

"Not really, I walked away when he started talking about soft skin. I just can't take these creeps sometimes."

Just then Fin Tutuola walked up, "So, Alex, you think he meant it? What can you do for us on warrants? Hey, do I needa kick a little Munchkin butt here, why you so upset?"

"Don't look at me man, I learned with wife number two how not to make 'em cry."

"I'm fine, Fin, but warrant for what exactly? I thought the captain sent a whole group of cops to search his apartment when we got his name, didn't he? Where else is there?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" While Alex and Fin told Munch what she'd just gotten out of the dirt bag, Cragen came over in his coat.

"I thought Benson and Stabler were back," he said before giving them his news, "this guy has a boat but it's not in the marina where it's usually docked. We gotta find it, fast. Alex, we're gonna head to the river, you work on a location from Jeremy. When you get it call one of us. We have to find this girl now. If he's already started bleeding her we may have only a matter of an hour or so."

The tall blonde dove back into the fray thinking how it would have been nice to have a quick moment of support from a pair of chocolate brown eyes before being confronted with such a blatant piece of trash.

George Huang stayed with Alex to talk to her before she went in to grill the bastard. "Alex, you don't have to do this. I can go in there instead of you or with you if you'd prefer. You're not alone in this."

"Really, George, because I feel like I am. She - I mean, they just jumped down my throat for making a deal with him without even considering I might have a good reason and now I have to go back in there." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before walking toward the door. When she turned to answer George, she saw Olivia rushing in behind him, a soft look in her eyes. Alex didn't respond to the woman, she looked at George, "I'm going in alone. He talked to Detective Benson first and then to me, it's a girl thing." The tall blonde quickly entered the interrogation room, knowing she should've waited until she was more balanced.

"Huang!" Olivia shouted.

"Yes, Detective?"

"You can't send her in there without backup! She's not prepped for this crap! She shouldn't have to interrogate him, what are you thinking?" Olivia rushed toward the door, stopping only when Huang put a gentle hand on her arm.

"Olivia, he talked to her before. He wasn't threatening toward her in any way and she knows we need this information. She chose to go in alone."

"I don't care who chose it, I'm not leaving her in there alone," Olivia shook him off and tapped on the door. When she stuck her head in, Alex turned toward her, eyebrows raised in question. "Excuse me, Counselor, may I speak with you moment?"

Though upset at the intrusion, Alex nodded and stood to leave. "I'll be back in a moment, Jeremy, I suggest you sit up."

Olivia closed the door in the observation room behind Alex. The two women stood looking at one another for a long moment, tears shining in the blue eyes but being held back by sheer force of will.

"Alex-"

"What happened to 'Cabot'? I thought you were back to the last name treatment," the lawyer spit out at the detective.

"I know and I was so out of line. I can't believe I just pounced like that, I'm truly sorry."

"It doesn't matter, Detective, now I know. Can I get back in there so you can find the last missing girl?"

"It does matter, Alex, this conversation's not over but you're right we should finish the case first. Can I go back in there with you? He talked to me, too and I don't want you in there alone. You shouldn't have to talk to guys like that alone," Olivia finished quietly, stepping closer to the lawyer.

"Fine, come in with me if you want to but I'm going now," Alex brushed quickly by Olivia, then paused at the door to look back briefly at the detective, "I'm not sure I want to finish the other conversation." Before Olivia could say anything, though, Alex had the door open and was moving back toward the interrogation room.

As the two women walked in, Jeremy sat up and stretched, "That was a nice nap. Ahh, perfection, Alexandra and Olivia. How are you Detective Benson? Did you have a nice chat with my lawyer friend here?"

Alex sat at the table across from Jeremy and Greg while Olivia stood behind her, arms crossed. "Where is she?"

"Counselor, didn't you tell her I tried to help you before?"

"Listen, I've given you a really good deal for someone in your position but if we don't find this little girl soon, I'm taking it back," Alex was playing tough. Though, she wasn't quite sure if she was doing it for the victim or to prove herself to the detective.

"I don't think you have given me a very good deal. My lawyer here seems to think I can get better. He told me to hold out for the next step. He says that if I give in too soon I'm giving something up, but it's okay, I know now's the time, Alexandra and Olivia." Then, Jeremy leaned forward and whispered, "I think he's working for her, too, Alexandra and Olivia, be careful." He slid a little further away from his lawyer.

"You killed 16 innocent little girls. You're lucky you're getting any deal at all out of her," Olivia jumped in.

"You sound protective of her now. You didn't sound protective before when you were shouting at her," Jeremy goaded, "and that wasn't very nice detective, I don't like it when my ladies shout at each other."

"Your ladies?" The women said in unison as the defense attorney rolled his eyes.

"Yes, you two are my ladies. Alexandra and Olivia. Come on, Counselor, you're a smart woman, don't you know the magic number?"

"What the hell are you talking about? Why do you keep saying our names?"

Olivia stepped forward so she was next to Alex, ready to protect her if the cretin across the table attacked in any way.

"Alexandra and Olivia is 17, didn't you know? Just like my name is 17."

"Your name is Jeremy," Alex said slowly. She looked at Greg, who was shaking his head at his client.

The two lawyers and the detective just stared at the criminal while he smiled and his eyes glowed with the secret of his crimes.

"Yes, my name is Jeremy, 6, Sean, 4, Baldwin, 7. See? 17. Alexandra and Olivia is 17."

"There really is another girl. Where is she? Tell us, you bastard!" Olivia had reached the end of the line.

"I can't just tell you! I need a nap." Again, he put his head on the metal table and fell asleep.

"Well, I think we're done here ladies, if you'll excuse me, I need to go prepare for the arraignment," Greg left quickly. He was clearly uncomfortable in the presence of the two strong women.

Going back to the bullpen, Olivia motioned for two uniforms to watch Jeremy. She sat heavily at her desk racking her exhausted brain for another clue as to where the girl could be hidden.

"Detective, how long have you been working this case," Alex asked quietly.

"Six months, just like everybody else."

"Okay, have you ever investigated anyone for it?"

"Yeah, I don't remember the name. Let me look. It was, uh, Jacob Cranning, he had an apartment at 17 West 17th Street," she paused, "Holy shit. This guy's crazy."

"Liv, we have to get to that apartment now. There's a good chance that's where she is."

The women ran from the precinct, calling Cragen from the car they made their way to the apartment building.

"Alex, do I need a warrant?"

"Let me make a call but please, Olivia, wait for back-up. You don't know what's in that apartment."

"I don't have time to wait, that little girl could die. Look, I see the lights coming now."

"Then let me go up with you to make sure we're clear for a search," Alex shouted as she ran to catch up with Olivia.

The doorman let them in and pointed them to the general manager. She listened to the situation but told them they must be mistaken.

"What? No this has to be it. We investigated Jacob Cranning for this case. She's got to be here," Olivia's hands were shaking with the stress and adrenaline coursing rapidly through her blood stream.

"I remember that and shortly thereafter he moved out. He's been gone for four months and that apartment is now rented by a young couple and their daughter."

"Oh, shit," Olivia said, "are you sure it's a couple? When's the last time you saw the girl?"

"Well, I don't know, really. She's very sick and her father was carrying her the last time I saw them."

"All three of them?"

"No, just the dad and the little girl. She was all dressed up and - oh, my God. She was all dressed up. Oh, my God," she covered her hand with her mouth as she said the last bit.

"Yeah, that's right, now, when was that?"

"Probably two months ago. Oh, my God, I'm gonna be sick," she said quickly. She was right. The young woman turned and vomited into a trashcan behind her desk.

"Listen, we think he's got another girl up there right now. You've got to let us in."

"Okay, let's take the staff elevator, it's quicker."

The three women jogged over to the elevator and waited impatiently for it to come down and take them back up.

Finally, they arrived and Olivia stopped Alex again, "Please, wait here by the elevator."

"Olivia, I'm not a baby, would you just go!"

Pounding on the door and announcing her presence, the detective got her gun set in her hands. When no response was forthcoming, she motioned the manager to open the door

With the door unlocked, Benson checked to make sure the attorney was still by the elevator and then motioned for Danielle, the manager, to move that way as well. The detective announced loudly, "NYPD, I'm coming in!" She slowly pushed the door, felt a light resistance and heard a strange rustling sound as it moved inward.

"Olivia, please, wait for someone else to get up here."

"I can't."

"If you really want to help the last girl, you will! I can't do anything with any evidence you find if you get it this way. You know you shouldn't go in alone. You know, Olivia," Alex was speaking so low at the end that Olivia could barely hear her.

"Alright, I'm waiting right here. Go get the uniforms and bring them up."

"I'll go!" The manager hit the elevator call button and stepped in when the doors immediately opened.

As the doors closed on her panicked face, Alex spoke again, "Olivia, thank you. I know you want to go in there but waiting is the right call. You shouldn't go in alone."

"I'm still going in first, Alex. I have to find her."

"We don't even know if she's here. Olivia, he could have her anywhere. We don't know if this was even the place he was talking about. He could have her on his boat."

"I know that! I have to try, though. There are already people on the boat, we have to check everywhere. We know he used this place."

"No, we don't. The manager said it was a couple with a child, Olivia why would that be Baldwin? It could be a family with a sick kid!"

"Yeah, Cabot? Then why didn't anyone answer the door? If it's just a normal couple with a kid, shouldn't someone be home at 6:30 in the morning?"

The elevator opened again as the women stared at each other.

"Alright, Benson, we're good to go in," one of the patrolmen said.

"Right, you two stay back," Olivia said again to Alex and Danielle.

The detective again held her gun in her right hand as she used her left to slowly push on the door. She paused momentarily to consider the slight rustling noise she heard. Making eye contact with one of the uniforms, Benson furrowed her brow a bit and tilted her head toward the apartment. The officer shrugged back, he didn't know what the sound was, either. The detective pushed the door a bit farther and saw a sheet of thick, clear plastic on the interior wall. She assumed that was the rustling sound she had heard and continued to slowly push the door open. As it went, she saw more and more plastic and realized it was on the floor and ceiling, too. Suddenly, Olivia realized why he would cover an apartment in plastic. He drained her blood. He was protecting the floors, walls and furniture from spillage. For the first time since she could remember, and certainly the first time in Alexandra Cabot's experience, Olivia Benson vomited at a crime scene.

"I'm sorry, guys, I'm sorry. Just gimme a sec. Be prepared for this, it's gonna be seriously awful. He covered," Olivia stopped herself when she looked at Alex's face, "Alex, please, please walk away."

"I'm fine, Detective, just do what needs to be done."

But Olivia couldn't. She couldn't just open that door and allow Alex to see the horrendous death scene she knew would be there. So Olivia did what needed to be done, she turned to one of the uniforms behind her and said, "Keep her well away from the door. I don't want her to see what's in here." After Officer Mitchell nodded, Olivia squared her shoulders and resolutely pushed the door in.

As it turned out, Olivia needn't have worried about what Alex would see inside the apartment; she should've worried about what Alex would see in the hallway, namely, Olivia's motionless body lying on the floor.