Intruder

Ch. 13

Olivia was first to realize that Lizzie was gone that evening. She was usually home by 5 the latest, and she notified one of them every time she was out later. She had a strange feeling of dread wash over her and she bit her lip softly shaking her head as she called Elliot. Elliot called Kathy, and once word got out that Lizzie was gone, the adults were sent on high alert, and the sheriff called the agent in charge of the Stabler case. 

Elliot came home quickly and found Olivia, “Have you heard anything?” he asked softly and she shook her head. “No I called Sheriff Graham and I haven’t heard anything since, he said he called the agent on your case but we don’t know how long that could take or anything for that matter.” she sighed and he shook his head, “How could you let her leave!” he exclaimed. “Me? You were here too Elliot.” She said creasing her brow, “Yeah, but I didn’t let her out of the house without my knowledge Olivia.” he glared “And you think I did?” she questioned back just as angry. “I wouldn’t put it past you!” he huffed. “Really Elliot?” she glared “You don’t have kids Olivia, it wouldn’t surprise me that you don’t know how to watch one.” he growled. “Oh? And you do? You weren't home enough to watch your own don’t tell me that I don’t know how to watch a child Stabler.” She yelled and he gasped. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about Benson!” he exclaimed and she shook her head before grabbing her bag to leave. “Oh yeah, leave, because that’s all you know how to do.” he called after her and she nodded. “Yep, I learned from the best.” she called before slamming the door behind her and going to the station to see what leads they had if any. 

She drove to the station and when she got there she sat at her desk quietly thanking Cragen for the coffee he handed her. “Don’t worry, Munch didn’t make it.” he said softly and she nodded in thanks once more. They went over every detail they could and she even gave a statement. Legally she wasn’t allowed to investigate, but they knew that they wouldn’t be able to get her or Stabler off the case, and if they were honest, they needed the manpower. 

What Olivia hadn’t prepared for was a visit from Kathy. The blonde practically charged into the precinct and pursed her lips gently. “I can’t find my daughter, and I can’t get a hold of Diago.” she whispered. “Diago?” Olivia asked. “My fiance Olivia.” she huffed softly. “Oh, I forgot you were getting married.” she said softly and Kathy rolled her eyes. “What’s Diago’s last name?” Cragen asked wanting to run a background in case. “Delgado.” she shrugged “Diago Delgado?” Fin asked with his eyes widening slightly and Kathy nodded, “Yeah, why?” she asked confused.

Not a second later did Graham come in, “We found a ransom note.” he said handing it to Cragen who looked at the group. He read it aloud.

“To whom it may concern,

I have your daughter, Elizabeth Stabler.

If you want her, come get her.

With salt in her hair, and dust in her lungs is how you’ll find her.

She’s not far away, but if I do say, she is a precious gem

-papi”

They listened quietly and Kathy shook her head. “What does that mean?” she asked confused. “Where’s Elliot?” she asked again and they shook their heads slightly not knowing. 

Kathy went to go talk to her ex husband and Olivia looked at the detectives. “So we know it’s a riddle, but what does it mean.” She said softly. 

Fin looked at it confused. “Dust in her lungs could mean she’s in an old place.” he suggested. “Or close to a lumber yard.” Munch chimed in. “What about salt in her hair?” asked Graham and Olivia raised a brow, “Or maybe it’s salt in the air?” she suggested and they nodded. “Okay salt in the air, dust in her lungs, it says she isn’t far so what are places close by that are old and… salty?” Fin asked and Graham shook his head. “None that I can think of, wait.” he whispered. “Once, our mayor was kidnapped and held captive in one of the old fishing warehouses on the docks.” he suggested. “Precious gem is another term for pearls.” he said softly and they nodded “What’s the location?” they asked as they got ready and Olivia called Elliot.