Title: Rose Tombstones

Author: elfluvr

Summary: Two women found dead in Central Park, no suspects, but one lead who seems inordinately attracted to Alex. Stand-alone story based in part on Sexual Kinetics and Chanel No. 5.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Dick Wolf, René Balcer and the actors who bring them to life. No harm intended, no money made.

Archive: Fanfiction - anywhere else, just ask

Feedback: Please! It's always welcome

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A/N – It's not necessary that you read Sexual Kinetics or Chanel No. 5 before this. The only connection to the two are the crimes.

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Chapter 1 – Rose Tombstones

"Mr. Gregory will see you now."

Detectives Goren and Eames got up out of the plush leather chairs they'd been occupying in Brian Gregory's reception area. The financial advisor's offices in Midtown wore a décor that exuded understated elegance, more commonly interpreted as old wealth. The soft leathers, rich earth tones and thick carpets were meant to garner confidence from his rich and famous clientele. Success spelled out in interior design.

The luxury continued as they entered the inner sanctum of Gregory's office, although neither detective was overly impressed by it. Bobby Goren had a knack for being impervious to his surroundings. He was always more interested in studying personal details and analyzing the psychology behind a person's choice of environment than he was in being awed, or disgusted, by it.

And Alex Eames really didn't give a shit. Not that she couldn't appreciate the beauty of these offices, but she was way beyond being intimidated by the outer trappings of wealth. She'd seen too many perverts, murderers and just plain undesirable people being catered to by butlers and chauffeured around the city in their limousines. In her mind, money did not equate to decency.

"Detectives," Brian Gregory rose out of his chair and reached his hand across the large, antique walnut desk. "Brian Gregory. I'm sorry you had to wait."

Goren was first to shake his hand. "Detective Goren. No need to apologize. We… showed up without an appointment. This is Detective Eames."

When Gregory turned to greet Eames, Goren noticed a certain spark in his eye – a little more quirk to his already crooked smile. He cocked his head to study Gregory more closely and thought that women would perhaps find him attractive. Tall with sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a quick and charming smile for the ladies. Expensive suit that was well-tailored and suggested a fit body beneath. Yeah, he fit the type.

"Please, have a seat," Gregory gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk. "How may I help you?"

Eames dove right in. "We're investigating the murder of Lisa Harrison. We understand that you dated her until recently."

Gregory flinched a little at the mention of Lisa Harrison's name, but looked Eames directly in the eye as he answered. "It ended over six months ago. I'd hardly call that 'recently.' Who told you about us?"

"It's just something we found out during our investigation," Eames replied vaguely. She was great at that – pulling information out of others while revealing very little to them. "What can you tell us about her?"

Leaning against the back of his leather chair, Gregory studied Eames intently as he seemed to consider his answer. His eyes trailed from her face, down her body and back again before he gave her a small smile.

"She was a great girl. We had a lot of fun. But Lisa wanted something more serious than I felt for her," his smooth voice was directed totally at Eames. He never once looked at Goren.

"So… you ended it?" Goren asked, wanting to draw his attention away from Eames. He was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the way Gregory was eyeing her – as if he was sizing her up for something.

Gregory's eyes glanced quickly at Goren before darting back to Eames. "It was a mutual decision. We both felt it was time to move on."

"And who did you move on to?" Eames' question was delivered with her trademark bluntness.

He chuckled, leaned forward and clasped his hands on the desk in front of him. "I didn't move on to anyone, Detective Eames. As a matter of fact, I'm quite alone these days."

Goren reached into his binder and pulled out an eight-by-ten photo. "I'd like to ask… do you know this woman?" He watched Gregory as he placed the head shot of Carrie Littleton on the desk in front of them. Carrie was the second victim found in Central Park less than a week ago.

"I'm sorry, I don't recognize her. Is she someone I should know?" He looked from Goren to Eames with a totally guileless expression that reminded Goren of his days as an altar boy. He knew better than to trust altar boys.

"No… no reason you should know her," he shook his head as he slid the photo back into his binder and rose to leave. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Gregory." Goren reached out to shake his hand and Eames stood to do the same.

"Detective." Gregory held on to her hand as she tried to pull away. "May I have your business card? I'd like to call you," he released her hand and again surveyed her body before locking eyes with her. "If I think of anything about Lisa that might be helpful."

Eames nodded and reached into her jacket pocket to pull out one of her cards. "You can reach Detective Goren or me at the number on the card," her voice held a note of purpose. "Thank you for your time."

"My pleasure," again with that lopsided grin.

God, could he be any more obvious?

Goren was sitting in the passenger side of the SUV and Eames slid into the driver's seat before either of them spoke.

"Think he wanted something?" Eames smirked.

He chuckled with an amusement he didn't really feel. "Well… if he's that obvious with all his women, I can't imagine he has much success."

"What was it you once said, Bobby? 'Women respond to confidence'? I found him charming, in a jackass kind of way."

Bobby frowned and Alex grinned as she started the engine and eased out into traffic to head back to One PP.

TBC…