Starting over with you.

 
Three Weeks Later....

"Court grants partial custody of the children to both parents, Det. Stabler will have them on weekends and holidays. Mrs. Stabler, during the school week but taken to their father's on Friday night at 7:30 pm no later. Should any event arise to change the arrangement will be brought back to court. Also, a trial separation for both parents is in effect as of now, a limitation of one year to decide if you can reconcile or file for divorce. No earlier or later. Mrs. Stabler, you will remain at the residence in Brooklyn, unfortunately Detective, you will have to 14 days to vacate. Anything else before I dismiss?" Judge Horn looked for someone to object.

 

Kathy looked to her lawyer who was in experienced and searching through paperwork, then to her children in the stands behind them, who hated the air she breathed for wrecking their happy home.

 

'Your honor, Mrs. Stabler has no job and would request child support payments.' Kathy's lawyer squeaked out. " Elliot's lawyer stepped up, "Your Honor, Det. Stabler and I have already been this with Mrs. Stabler and her lawyer." 'But no final amount of payment has been agreed upon..'

 

Judge Horn banged his gavel twice in rapid cession to stop and silence the bickering lawyers.

"Det. Stabler, have you and your lawyer set a rate of payment to your estranged wife?" Elliot stood up and cleared his throat, "Yes your honor, She will receive a stipend of five thousand a month for bills, food and the children's needs."

 

'That's not enough Elliot!" his wife screamed. 'Funny that is not enough now, but for 17 years we have made it work on less money. Your being spoiled and I will not give you anymore.' Elliot had vengeance in his eyes and directed them at his wife.

 

'Mrs. Stabler, that is enough. I will ask you hold your tongue in my court room or I will put you in contempt. Do I make myself clear?' The judge had had enough of her outburst and being ungrateful for what was a rather generous sum per month. Kathy silenced herself.

 

"I feel as thought the stipend is more than generous, a lesson to learn for future divorcing couples, look after your children, never punish them because of the other parent.' Judge Horn meant that last statement to sting for Kathy. He knew Elliot was a good cop, great father and ended it there. 'If there is nothing else, this case is dismissed.'

 

The gavel bang echoed through out and Elliot breathed a sigh. Separated. A word that in his family meant his marriage had failed. He turned to his kids, and hugged and kissed them. Kathy shot him a glance and he ignored her, Shaking his head at her, he took his kids home.







 

The next few days were filled with work and apartment hunting. A cult had been discovered sacrificing the fathers off to appease an unknown god and young children forced to have sex with their siblings to continue the race. It was sickening. Finally capturing the head of the cult was more exhausting than the entire case load, she was a crafty bitch and gave them the slip more than once but, she could not get away for long.

 

Capt. Cragen checked in on his detective, whom were silent and engrossed with paperwork. His man concern was Elliot, he had been too quiet and with marriage over and family torn apart, he was liable to crack and soon. 'Stabler, my office please?' he motioned for Elliot only. Olivia, Munch and Fin looked to their fellow detective and shrugged. "What do you think that's about?" Munch whispered to Fin, 'No clue, probably person. 'Liv you know?' Olivia shook her head, "Nope, he's been so quiet during the case and with his marriage ending, I can only imagine." Liv worried about her partner but their was nothing to be done, he claimed he was fine and they knew better than to push his limits.

 

"I'm fine Don." he lied through his teeth. sleep deprived and missing his kids, made his days longer and his nights never ending. 'Elliot, I know it can tough after so many years of marriage, but it will get better.' "I hope so hefe', I really hope your right. But...I don't think I can ever forgive her or myself for resorting to this step." Elliot sighed and straightened up before leaving, Don caught his arm and spoke once more with sage advice: "You may not ever forgive but the blame will dissolve sooner than you think. give it time. That's all you can do."

 

'Thanks Capt." a small smile crossed his face and he walked back to his desk and went about his day.

 

By later that evening, the squad was done with paperwork and went about to their homes for much earned sleep. Olivia stayed behind and watched her partner. "Liv, go home. You need sleep." Elliot knew that she was staying behind to watch him but truth be told, he wanted her to leave so he could leave without her following him. He respected her and loved her as a friend and as a partner but he wanted to be alone.

 

'What about you? Sleeping in the tombs?'

"Nah, found a hotel nearby, and it's only until next week when my place is ready. I'm fine, you go." A final lingering stare down and she left. "Night, El."

'Night, Liv.'