Chapter Twenty-One

                                    

                                          
I knew this one would be difficult to write in some places. I don't think I realized just how difficult it could be, hence the lateness of this chapter. You'll probably be able to tell which places I struggled, and there was one place where it was easy to skip ahead in the episode (you'll really be able to tell where that is). With Nolan at the helm, there were several ways to take this episode. Overall, I'm satisfied with my work, and I'm anxious to get the ball rolling from here.
Oh . . . and happy (it's within 24 hours, it counts) Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Law & Order, and Law & Order: SVU renewal day! Fingers crossed for Organized Crime to get the same treatment!
So, what everyone has likely been waiting for since they figured out it was happening . . . Nolan Price takes on Rafael Barba in the case of People v. Richard Wheatley! I love adding music to the chapters - this one came to mind instantly when thinking of Nolan in the courtroom.
***
"Elliot is going to kill Nolan for not saying a word about this," Olivia warned as she led the way into the cemetery, cradling a bouquet of flowers in the crook of her arm.
"He'd have to kill Cosgrove, too," Owen chuckled. "He knew we were coming, too."
"Not just because he'd be the first to stand in front of Elliot's way," TK added.
Olivia shook her head fondly. "It means a lot that you're here. Thank you."
Owen's green eyes hardened. "We wouldn't miss this for anything."
Carlos nodded in agreement, and the four sets of footsteps approaching made Elliot look up from his wife's tombstone. His eyes widened in shock, and he stepped away from his three children to approach. "Owen?" he asked in surprise. "TK? Carlos? What are you doing here?"
"You thought we wouldn't come to see Wheatley get his reckoning?" Owen snorted. "Please." He pulled Elliot in for a hug. "There's nowhere else we'd rather be right now."
"Thanks for coming," Kathleen smiled and hugged TK.
"Family shows up for each other," TK hugged her in return.
"That really may as well be the extended family's motto," Elliot muttered.
"No complaints from me," Owen shrugged, looking around the gathered Stablers. "How's everyone doing?"
"We're OK," Dickie answered.
"And I'm really getting through things," Eli added.
"Good," Olivia smiled.
TK stepped forward and crouched in front of Kathy's tombstone, a sad smile on his face. "Sorry it took so long to visit you," he said, carefully placing his bouquet among the rest. "I miss you, Kathy."
Carlos squeezed TK's shoulder supportively and placed his bouquet next to the firefighter's. "I didn't even get to talk to her," he remarked.
"She would've loved you," Kathleen smiled.
Owen and Olivia silently placed their bouquets down, and Elliot cleared his throat. "Italian for lunch?" he suggested. "Kathy's favorite."
"Sounds perfect," Olivia agreed.
"Actually, Dad, I was gonna go meet Sara," Eli looked at him. "Is that OK?"
Elliot raised an eyebrow. "You got a date now?"
"She's not a date," Eli shook his head. "She's my study partner."
Elliot hummed then nodded. "Alright. Well, check in, text."