I know this woman. We were at the academy together back in New York before I moved out here.

What? Tina asked to make sure she heard right.

Yeah, shes a cop.

She came by a few days ago when she came in town, told me she was on personal business.

Why would a cop be stalking us?

I dont know. Heres what Ill do. Ill call her, see if I can get any answers and I can get back to you. But I know her and she isnt the stalker type. There has to be an explanation for this.

How soon can you do this? I asked.

I saw her at our daughters school. Tina informed her.

She was where? Ok dont worry I will get to the bottom of this. I promise. Give me till tomorrow and I will have something for you.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

No problem. Here is my card. Anything, anything at all, dont hesitate to call me ok? She was adamant about that.

Sure.

She placed her hand on Tinas shoulder, Dont worry, I will get to the bottom of this I promise. Jenna reassured Tina.

Tina gave her a week smile, Thanks.

We left the station and went for a quick bite before we picked up Angelica. We were at a little caf eating when Tina noticed the same woman again. This time she didnt stay watching us from a far, she walked up to our table. We were both on our defensive. Excuse me, um, are you Bette Porter? She asked very cautiously.

What do you want?

I I think you may be my sister.

What? What do you mean, I may be your sister? I have one sister.

I know this is hard to believe, but I am almost certain of this.

What proof do you have?

Was your mother Maxine? Married to your father Melvin, Melvin Porter?

Yeah, my mothers name was Maxine? WhaBut she died years ago? They said she died a month after. Its impossible for you to even exist.

When your, our mother left Melvin she went to New York. Umm she was raped, beaten and left for dead. Its what everyone was told, including Melvin.

But what about her funeral? Dad said that he went

It was a closed casket service. Everyone just assumed she was in there. They said her face was so badly beaten that they couldnt show her face. But it was the only way to protect her.

I dont believe this you mean mom was alive all this time? Why didnt she try to contact me? Why Is she even still alive?

She got really sad, She died two years ago.

You know you would think that after so many years of believing that my mother died, hearing it again would make it easier. After all I had thirty-five years to get over it. But I guess it doesnt work like that. Hearing her say that she died two years ago just ripped my heart out like its the first time I am hearing it. And then it went to my stomach. I started to feel sick, everything I ate for the day was about to come back out in full blast. I ran to the bathroom and barely made it before everything came out. Tina was close behind rubbing my back. She didnt know what to say. There was nothing she could say. But just being there was comfort enough for me. I cried and cried I couldnt help myself. I have a sister I never knew, and I still dont, because I never got her name. My mom whom I thought died so many years ago was actually alive in New York all this time and I never had the chance to get to know her before she died. I needed a few minutes. Tina understood.

After a few moments I collected myself and went back out. She was still there, I was glad for that. She and Tina were at our table talking, mostly about how I was doing. I sat down and I watched her. If memory serves me from the photos I have, she does have mothers eyes. Soulful, loving, warm eyes. Sooo does my sister have a name?

She smiled, Olivia, Olivia Benson.