➺ 𝙎𝘼𝙑𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙄𝙎𝘼𝘽𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙀 - O.Benson

Chapter 12: Legal Proceedings Begin

**POV: Olivia's**
Olivia Benson stood in the precinct's hallway, leaning against the cool, sterile wall as she waited for ADA Rafael Barba to emerge from his office. She knew that today was the day they needed to talk strategy—how they were going to build the strongest case possible against Austin Parks and his accomplices. She had to make sure these men never hurt Isabelle or anyone else ever again.The door opened, and Barba stepped out, his sharp eyes scanning Olivia's face. "You look like you haven't slept, Liv," he said, his tone a mix of concern and determination. "How's Isabelle holding up?"Olivia gave him a tired smile, her shoulders slumping slightly. "She's strong, but she's still trying to piece herself back together," she said. "I'm more worried about her having to testify. I know how traumatic it could be for her to face those monsters in court."Barba nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I've been thinking about that. I don't want to put her through any more pain than necessary, but her testimony could be the key to locking these guys away for good. We might have to prepare her for cross-examination."Olivia's stomach twisted at the thought of Isabelle on the stand, reliving her trauma in front of a room full of strangers. "She's just a kid, Barba," Olivia said, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know if she's ready to face them again."Barba's expression softened. "I know it's not easy, Liv," he said gently. "But we'll do everything we can to protect her. I'll make sure she's as prepared as possible. We can discuss the option of using her recorded statement if she's not up to testifying in person."Olivia nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Whatever it takes, we'll make sure she's safe," she said firmly. "She's been through enough, and I'll be damned if I let them hurt her any more than they already have."**POV: Isabelle's**Isabelle sat in a small, private room at the precinct, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. She'd been called in to go over her statement again with Barba and Olivia, and the idea of it made her stomach churn with anxiety. The thought of facing her father and his friends in court made her feel like a child again—small, powerless, trapped.The door opened, and Olivia stepped in, giving her a reassuring smile. "Hey, Izzy," she said, sitting down next to her. "How are you holding up?"Isabelle shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared," she admitted. "I don't know if I can do this. I don't know if I can sit in front of all those people and tell them what happened."Olivia reached out, taking Isabelle's hand in hers. "You don't have to do anything you're not ready for," she said gently. "Barba and I are going to talk to you about your options. There's a way to use your recorded statement if you're not comfortable testifying in person."Isabelle bit her lip, her eyes darting to the door as it opened and Barba walked in. He sat down across from her, his gaze steady and calm."Hi, Isabelle," he said, his tone soft but direct. "I know this is a lot to take in, and I want you to know that we're here to support you, no matter what. Your safety and comfort come first. If you decide you can't testify in person, we'll use the video statement you gave."Isabelle's fingers tightened around Olivia's hand. "But if I don't testify, does that mean they might get away with it?" she asked, her voice trembling.Barba shook his head. "Not necessarily," he said. "Your recorded statement is powerful, and we have other evidence to support our case. But if you feel strong enough to testify in court, it could make a big impact on the jury. The most important thing is that we do what's right for you."Isabelle took a deep breath, looking at Olivia for reassurance. Olivia's eyes were full of unwavering love and support. "Izzy, no matter what you decide, we've got your back," she said. "You're so brave, and whatever choice you make, it'll be the right one for you."Isabelle swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She didn't want to be afraid anymore. She didn't want to let her father win by keeping her silent. "I'll do it," she said finally, her voice small but steady. "I'll testify. I want to make sure he never hurts anyone else again."Barba nodded, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "That's incredibly brave of you, Isabelle," he said. "We'll start preparing you for what to expect in the courtroom. And remember, you're not alone in this. We'll be right there with you, every step of the way."Isabelle nodded, a mix of fear and determination settling in her chest. She didn't know how she'd find the strength to face her past, but for the first time, she believed she could try. She had Olivia, Barba, and the people who cared about her standing by her side. And that was enough to make her feel like maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as powerless as she once thought.