I'm right here....

Chapter 7

"Prostitution and multiple DUI's" Cragen says, wringing his hands anxiously. A wave of nausea hits me hard, I gag and swallow hard before replying with as much strength as I can. "Go for it, get her. You can do that right? Like she isn't a fit parent."

"Mariska." Cragen stops any further rambling by softly setting his coffee mug on the desk, it sloshes around before settling again. "Let us do what we need to do. For now you and Kelli are to have no involvement in the case."

"But Captain-"

He slams his fist on the table, and barks authoritatively "No Mariska. Leave it alone. Let us deal with it, you're too attached already."

"Fine. Keep me up to date at least?" I push, giving him the best pleading puppy dog eyes I can muster in a professional manner while still ultimately knowing his response.

"I will, but don't come asking for updates. Go home and be with Kelli and Cheylee."

"Okay Captain" I answer meekly, and Danny looks at me surprised.

"What was that tone about Mariska? You never are meek when speaking with Captain."

"I need to get back to Chey, and I know he won't budge." I'm lying through my teeth, and I know he can tell but he doesn't push. I just can't deal with an angry Cragen right now with Cheylee being as vulnerable as she is.

I walk back to my desk to find Cheylee messing around on her cell, and my beautiful wife catching up on paperwork.

I walk up behind Kelli, and tap her on the shoulder softly. She shivers at my cold hands, chuckles and then turns to me after noticing the look on my face. I bend down and whispering in her ear. "Cragen said we can't be involved."

Kelli nods, "Alrighty then, as much as that irritates me and as much as I want to go scream at Cragen I will try to be obediant to his orders. If we can't be involved how about we go home or out for a bit? We could make a long weekend out of it at the cabin."

I nod cautiously, fear creeping into my thoughts ever so slowly. The cabin was the last place I had a night terror about Lewis, and I ended up bruising Kelli as she tried to snap me out of it.

"Miska, I can tell you're worried, but sweetie you don't have to be. I am fine, and you will be fine. Okay? Don't stress too much about it lovey." Kelli soothes, wrapping her arms around me and kissing my forehead.

"Kelli, I-I dont know if I can do a long weekend. I'll try but-"

"Hush sweetie. Hush." Kelli interjects my racing thoughts with her soft as silk voice. "I got you, and I can take care of us. You'll be okay."  My heart melts, but my head is filled with doubts and fear. I swallow the fear and answer the best I can, "I love you..."

Kelli blushes and gathers her things, Cheylee zips her jacket, tucks her cell phone into the pocket of her sweats, and reties her shoes while I stand around Kelli's desk twiddling my thumbs. "Ready?" The dimly lit parking ramp is nearly empty when we get there, but I can feel another person watching. I reach to put my hand on my gun holster and Kelli does the same before shifting positions to guard Cheylee. Luckily Cheylee doesn't seem to notice the increase of attentiveness or tension as we continue walking, rushing to the car before speeding off.

The three of us arrive home from the precinct around half an hour later, I immediately jump to start laundry and Kelli lets Frannie out for her afternoon break. Cheylee saunters over to the couch and sits curling up under the soft knitted afghan, a worried yet numb look on her face.
I begin shuffling around gathering items for the weekend and after a bit I hear a soft voice pipe up. "Mariska" Cheylee motions for me to come closer, "I n-need h-help." She chokes out the words and bursts into tears.