TITLE: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – Living To Extremes
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: The sparks and insults fly when two dedicated and independent woman meet at a crime scene on a cold winter's day in New York City. A/U
PAIRINGS: Detective Olivia Benson & OFC; ADA Casey Novak & ADA Serena Southerlyn.
RATING: MA for mature sexual content and language.
DISCLAIMER: This story is the work of an imaginative mind and the basic wish of many gay women who watch and enjoy certain television shows, to see a little v-vroom between two female characters. I like to dabble with the subtext and do so for fun and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of NBC Universal Television or Dick Wolf. This entertainment does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone with you and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will, hence you have no one to whinge to expect yourself - now bugger off!
Author's Note: Please take the time to review; it is food on which the Muse thrives.
Chapter 1
0530 hours, Tuesday January 1st 2008
West 44th Street, Hells Kitchen
Chung chung
New York City Police Department Medical Examiner Doctor Melinda Warner exhaled a frosted breath and shook her head at Crime Scene Unit Technician Ryan O'Halloran, "This isn't an ideal way to start a new year."
Handsome, early thirties O'Halloran grinned slightly, "I'm with you there Doc, it's freezing out here."
"Well I better get to work. Hopefully it will warm me up a little," suggested the dark skinned doctor as she stepped down into a shallow grave that contained the decomposing body of a naked female. Warner set to task and moments later heard advancing footsteps crunching through the thin layer of snow covering the ground. She looked up into the predawn snowfall and greeted two detectives from the 16th Precinct's Special Victims Unit, "Happy New Year Fin and Olivia."
The tall forty eight year old, African-American Odafin Tutuola sneered, "Yeah same to you Doc, although I can't say it's off to a good start."
"Hey Melinda," remarked the thirty nine year old, olive skinned and brunette haired Olivia Benson. "What do you have for us?"
Looking down, Warner started her preliminary findings, "I've only been here a few minutes, but our victim has been shot once through the chest and just above the heart. By the size of the entry and exit wounds I'd say we are looking for a 45 calibre revolver. The presence of powder burns and stippling on the skin suggests the fatal shot was delivered at close range. With this amount of dried blood on the body, I would suspect this is the kill site."
"Any idea on time of death Doc?" inquired Tutuola as he squatted to take a closer look.
"With the absence of rigor, the liver temp and rate of decomp; I'd say about four days."
"That would make it around December twenty eighth," surmised Benson while bending her five foot nine frame forward for a more detailed inspection.
"I'll have more when I get back to the Lab and complete some tests," offered Warner. "I haven't found any identification as of yet, but your vic is aged between eighteen and twenty five, has blue eyes, is five foot three and a natural blonde."
Benson nodded while she took notes, "Thanks Melinda that will give us something to go on with Missing Persons, assuming she has been reported missing."
"I'll lift a set of prints as soon as I can," offered Warner as she continued to examine the body.
"Appreciate it Doc," countered Tutuola. "I'll go check with the Unis Liv and see if we got any witnesses."
"Okay Fin," replied the pony tailed detective. "Not much of a way to start 2008 for this poor girl," she added forlornly.
"I've got track marks on both arms," declared the M.E. "And bruising to the genitals. Looks like someone got fairly rough with her prior to expiration."
Olivia straightened up and looked around the abandoned industrial lot, "Shit, I doubt anyone will help as an eye witness. There are no other buildings around for blocks."
Tutuola returned a few minutes later with his notebook opened, "The only witness we got is the security patrol officer who called in the 911. Chester Logan started his rounds at five am and located the body at five past five. The place wasn't patrolled from December twenty fourth until this morning. Officers are taking his statement now."
"So our perp had plenty of time and freedom to bring the vic here, rape then murder her," reasoned Benson.
"I'm with you on that idea Liv," agreed Tutuola. "I spoke to Ryan over by the dirt pile and he's discovered drag marks in the soil along with tyre impressions and green paint flecks."
"All right, let's go run the details on the victim through the database."
"That won't be necessary," announced a female voice from behind the detectives.
The twosome turned to find one overcoat attired female and a trench coated male holding up FBI identification wallets.
"Supervisory Special Agent Bingham and this is my partner Special Agent Walker," advised the female. "Doctor Warner can you please make sure all your findings are delivered to the FBI Lab as soon as possible? Detectives, you will hand over any information you have on this case immediately and our Evidence Retrieval Team will be taking over the scene once they arrive."
Benson leered at the two Agents and Tutuola stepped up into the woman's personal space, "You got some set of balls on you lady if you think you can just walk in here and try to take over our case."
An expressionless Agent Bingham glared at the detective, "I don't have time to get into a pissing contest with you Detective Tutuola, but needless to say, we have jurisdiction on this. Now if you don't step back, I'll sit you on your ill-mannered ass."
"You wouldn't dare and what would you know about this case anyway? It was only called in twenty minutes ago."
Agent Bingham moved to the side, "Your vic is partially decomposed, left to the elements for the past four days. She is blonde with blue eyes and is aged between eighteen and twenty five. COD is a 45 calibre bullet wound above the heart and delivered at close range, as evident by the bruising, gun powder residue and stippling. How am I doing so far Detective? Oh, I almost forgot, there are traces of needle marks on both arms and extensive bruising to the genital area."
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Benson, realising they weren't dealing with an isolated transgression.
"Ahh, the media darling of the Manhattan Special Victim Unit finally speaks," remarked Bingham mockingly before turning to Walker and adjusting her radio ear piece. "Rich, go inform CSU our ERT are two minutes out."
"I beg your pardon?" snapped Benson heatedly at the woman sporting a black woollen beanie and a frown.
Bingham ignored the comment and approached Warner, "Doctor, you will find a tattoo of a pentagram on the victim's inner left ankle."
Warner reached for the mentioned limb and declared, "You're right and it looks fresh."
Turning to the two livid detectives, Bingham continued, "The vic is the sixth woman to be murdered in the same manner bearing the identical symbol of protection. The other five victims were located in Florida. Those women were taken within five days of each other and discovered between three and five days apart. Agent Walker and I do not have the luxury of avoiding stepping on toes and require your full cooperation. Trisha McDonald, twenty two, blonde and blue eyed was abducted from her home this morning at four am. Agents from Florida are on their way here to continue the ongoing investigation. FBI Assistant Director Frank Hind is currently speaking to your Captain Cragen and advising him of the situation. I suggest you both return to the stationhouse for an update."
Tutuola returned his notebook to the inside pocket of his overcoat then snapped, "Yo, you can take your suggestion and shove it up your sorry ass. You'll get nothing from me."
Benson looked at the Agent and snarled, "Well this has certainly been worth getting out of a warm bed for. I'd work on my inter-law enforcement agency cooperation skills if I were you. Come on Fin; let's leave the experts to it."
Both detectives walked to their Squad Car and turned around in time to witness Agent Bingham double over and vomit several feet away from the grave.
"Yeah, she's real tough," uttered Tutuola as he got into the dark blue Ford Crown Victoria sedan.
-0-
Six foot, sandy haired Richard Walker raced to Bingham's side, "Are you all right Kate?"
The black haired Agent retrieved a bottle of water from her coat pocket and rinsed out her mouth, "I'm fine Rich, just give me a moment to catch my breath." She withdrew a pill bottle and swallowed down two tablets before taking another drink. "Sorry about that," she apologised to her thirty two year old partner.
"No need Kate and ERT have arrived. I'll go talk to them while you take your time."
Warner stepped up out of the hole and approached the Agent. Taking a closer look at the woman's strained face and dark circles under the eyes, she said, "You do realise you have just managed to piss off two of the best detectives in New York?"
"Your observation is duly noted Doctor," replied Bingham in a softer tone as she straightened up.
"I'll send the body to your Lab as soon as possible."
"Thank you and I apologise for my abruptness."
"That's duly noted Agent," sniped Warner before signalling to her assistant for a gurney.
Agent Walker returned moments later, "Kate, I've got this covered if you want to head over to the 16th and make nice?"
"All right, I'll see you back at the office by nine with the Florida Agents."
Walker handed over the keys to a black Chevrolet Suburban and added, "AD Hind is smoothing the way."
"See you later and thanks."
Walker watched Warner and the Technician place the deceased into a body bag then made several notes in his notebook before approaching the Medical Examiner.
-0-
0620 hours, 16th Precinct
Manhattan Special Victims Unit Squadroom
Chung chung
Agent Bingham popped a stick of chewing gum into her mouth and steeled herself against the hostile welcome she was anticipating from the detectives in the Squadroom. When she stepped into the bullpen, she wasn't disappointed.
"HEY BENSON," yelled Tutuola across the room. "It's that friendly Fed. I wonder if she brought us cookies."
The brunette didn't bother to look up, "Oh Fin, you know she doesn't have time to bake. She's way too busy swiping cases off lowly NYPD detectives."
"Very fucking funny," barked Bingham before knocking on Captain Cragen's door. "I'm just following orders."
"In a most delightful way," quipped Tutuola as the door opened. "Man that bitch is cold," he continued to Olivia.
"Elliott will be disappointed he missed all that pleasantness," joked Olivia with a tilt of her head.
"I know what you mean and Munch would have enjoyed going toe to toe with her."
"She may have whacked him" retorted Olivia before laughing with gusto.
Their lively laughter was interrupted when Captain Donald Cragen, SSA Bingham and FBI AD Hind exited the office.
Six foot two bald Frank Hind approached the detectives, "Detectives Tutuola and Benson, Captain Cragen has convinced me you would be an asset to this multiple murder investigation. SSA Bingham will bring you up to speed on the other cases and I ask you to provide assistance on local knowledge and contacts."
"Thank you Sir," replied Tutuola with more than a hint of condescending timbre. "We're always eager to help out our Federal counterparts."
"You'll liaise with Agent Bingham at all times and I ask that you share all relevant information with her."
Olivia tapped her pen on her desk top in annoyance and leered at Bingham, "So we have a babysitter then?"
Cragen stepped in to defuse a potential shit fight, "No Detective Benson, you only need to contact Agent Bingham if you find any evidence. Agent Bingham will be working with the two Agents from Tampa."
"Understood Sir," remarked Olivia as she watched Bingham speak to Hind then approach Tutuola's desk.
"If you'll allow me to utilise your computer, I'll bring up the other five files on our database?" she said in a malleable voice. "I'll e-mail them to each of you so you can print off copies."
"Works for me," commented Fin as he stood up.
Bingham took his seat and her fingers flew across the keyboard. Moments later, she brought up the NYPD e-mailing list then announced, "The files have been sent." Closing out of the FBI network, she rose to her feet and waited for Olivia to transfer the files to the large viewing monitors situated behind them. She took off her overcoat and woollen hat and draped them over the back of a nearby chair. Taking her time, she took the detectives through the case victim by victim.
Olivia looked at the black suit and white business shirt attired Agent and noted the woman was extremely thin under the ill-fitting clothes. Getting up from her chair, the brunette moved beside the raven haired woman and noticed her pale skin. Olivia thought the woman was gaunt and was perhaps recovering from a bout of flu. Her thoughts were stymied when Fin spoke.
"So you're saying the perp hasn't left one single shred of evidence behind at any of the murder sites?"
"Precisely, the Unsub has been exceedingly meticulous. The profile suggests we are looking for a Caucasian male between the ages of twenty five and thirty. He lives on his own and has the gift of the gab. He is good looking and easily gains the attention of his victims while portraying an aura of trust."
Tutuola smirked, "Well lucky for you our CSU Tech discovered tyre treads in the dirt and chips of paint."
"That's very encouraging news and an excellent lead."
Olivia looked closely at the photos of the five victims, "Each vic is left in an identical position, the scene is obviously staged."
"You have a good eye for detail Detective."
"Yeah and the media just love me."
"Point taken and I apologise for my attitude at the crime scene. Look, I've been up since five o'clock yesterday morning and my only excuse is I'm overtired."
"You're forgiven," commented Tutuola jovially. "But I do expect cookies at some stage."
"You got it."
Olivia wasn't as forgiving and remained silent.
"I'll leave you both to it," suggested Bingham. "I need to go collect Agents Baxter and Nofke from the airport. I'll check in with you later."
"You got it," replied Fin eagerly.
Olivia was studying the profile report and didn't offer a comment.
Bingham handed Fin an agency card before heading for the door.
After Bingham left, Fin inquired, "What are you thinking Liv?"
"The perp's MO reminds me of that case we caught a couple of years back where the bastard lured young women in with the promise of a better life and his devoted protection."
"Yeah I remember the Stillwell case. You think this guy placed ads in the newspaper offering modelling careers like Stillwell did?"
"Not necessarily modelling careers, but maybe some kind of improved lifestyle. All five victims came from troubled backgrounds. The FBI has already made that connection and the tattoo represents protection."
"You want to call Bingham with your theory?"
"No you do it. You have her number and some semblance of rapport."
"Yeah okay chicken shit." Retrieving his cell, Fin punched in the numbers and waited for an answer.
"Agent Bingham."
"Detective Tutuola here."
"Oh Detective, I didn't expect to hear from you quite so soon, I've just left the car park. Can I help you with something?"
"We may be able to help you, Olivia's got a theory."
"Excellent and that was fast work. How about you both meet me over at Federal Plaza floor twenty three at nine for the briefing with Baxter and Nofke? Benson can present her idea then."
"Sounds like a plan, see you then." Fin closed his phone and passed on the invite to Olivia.
"I guess we can't complain we are being left out of the loop," she conceded.
"That's true and Bingham seemed friendlier the second time round."
Olivia smirked at her colleague and friend, "You got a thing for Miss Fed?"
"You have to admit she is very attractive even though she looks a little under the weather."
"Yes she is, but I thought you preferred women with more meat on their bones?"
"Hey, I'm an equal opportunity dater."
"Good one Fin, but I think the grumpy Agent would have your testicles in a vice."
Fin squirmed in his chair, "Ahh now Liv that's a terrible thought."
"Come on, let's get back on track and take a look at the evidence again."
-0-
0855 hours
Incident Room, 23rd Floor,
26 Federal Plaza Building, Manhattan
Chung chung
After introductions, Agent Grant Baxter, forty two with dark hair promptly asked Olivia out for dinner.
"No thanks," she answered politely.
"Thought you might like to show me around?"
"I'm not here looking for a date Agent Baxter, I'm here to solve a crime."
"Can't blame a guy for trying, you are a very stunning woman Detective Benson."
Bingham joined them, "How is that lovely wife of yours doing Grant?"
"Uhm ... yeah ... she's good."
Smiling, Olivia made her way into the room and sat down beside thirty five year old blond Brad Nofke.
AD Hind entered the room and commenced the briefing.
Agent Walker arrived carrying several pages, "Sorry for the delay Sir, but the analysis on the tyre treads and green paint chips found by CSU Tech O'Halloran has just come through."
"What have we got?"
"Impressions and duco comes from a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab. I've initiated a search of Florida and New York's DMV databases for a cross match."
"Well done Agent Walker and I'll be sure to pass on congratulations to Technician O'Halloran. Is there anything else new?"
"Sir," answered Bingham. "Detective Benson has come up with a theory."
"Let's hear it Detective," directed Hind.
Olivia took her time to explain the similarities of the Stillwell case and the current ones.
"Sounds feasible," remarked Agent Nofke. "It certainly would attract the attention of someone down on their luck."
"Detective Tutuola and I have already checked all New York newspapers and an advertisement seeking women who want a better life with a career as a nanny overseas was placed in the New York Times on December twenty first via an e-mail. I believe the last victim in Florida was December fourteenth, that's plenty of time for the relocation of the perp to here."
Hind nodded in approval, "Excellent work Detectives. All right everyone, let's get back to work and dig up as much info as we can. Unfortunately, Trisha McDonald is running out of time."
-0-
Hallway outside Apartment 4,
96 Horatio Street, Manhattan
Chung chung
It was a little after two pm when Bingham called Fin with the news all current registered owners of Dodge Rams that matched the specifications in the State of Florida had been checked out and none fitted the profile of the Unsub, or otherwise had reliable alibis.
"Appreciate the info," Fin replied. "We're about to knock on the door of one Clint Decker from Florida who does fit the profile and recently registered his 2007 Ram truck here in New York. Agent Walker is with us, I'll call you back later."
"Be careful Detective."
Fin closed his phone, "Seems the others are all accounted for and Decker just made it to the top of our suspect list."
"Let's go say hello shall we," suggested Walker.
Once uniformed officers were in position at the rear of the building, Walker tapped on the door.
"Clint Decker, Federal Agent, open the door."
Seconds passed then Decker, twenty seven, brown haired and boyishly handsome opened the door, "Can I help you?"
"I'm FBI Special Agent Walker and these are NYPD Detectives Tutuola and Benson, we have a few questions for you."
The handsome man held onto the door, essentially blocking their view, "Sure."
"Mind if we come in?" asked Walker while stepping into the doorway.
"Uhm ... the place is a mess."
Fin looked at Olivia and said, "You smell that?"
Sniffing into the air, the detective replied, "Yeah, smells like gas to me."
Walker didn't miss a beat, "Step aside sir, you have a gas leak."
Decker's protests went unheard as the Agent pushed the door fully open.
The detectives entered and Walker slammed Decker into the wall to the left,
"Clint Decker, you are under arrest for the abduction of Trisha McDonald."
The Agent continued to Mirandise the man while Olivia checked the pulse of the unconscious and naked blonde spreadeagle on the bed.
Retrieving his cell phone, Fin called for a bus and Walker phoned for ERT.
Moments later, Fin raced to the Squad Car and returned with a camera and rape kit.
Walker dragged a handcuffed Decker outside and placed him in the back seat of the closest Patrol Car, "Officer Dunbar, keep an eye on this piece of shit."
"Not a problem sir."
-0-
Agent Walker waited outside until the two detectives finished gathering vital evidence before the Paramedics arrived and possibly contaminated the crime scene.
A few minutes later Fin exited the room carrying an evidence box and several bags, as Agents Bingham, Baxter and Nofke pulled up alongside the kerb. They were followed by the ERT van and Fin handed over the collected evidence to a Tech.
Without delay Walker updated the other Agents and Bingham directed Baxter and Nofke to escort Decker to the office and commence their interrogation.
"He hasn't said a word since I arrested him," explained Walker.
"Well as long as the prick didn't lawyer up, he's fair game," retorted Baxter before he and Nofke left and headed towards Officer Dunbar.
"Gee that man is an idiot," mumbled Bingham under her breath. "Lucky for us Hind will be sitting in on the interview. I'll just make that call then meet you in the apartment."
"You got it Kate."
Bingham reached out and grabbed her partner's arm, "How is she?"
"She's fairly messed up. Decker worked her over pretty bad. Olivia has stayed with her the entire time. They're damn good detectives Kate."
"Yeah, I know Rich and it will reflect just that in my field report. Their attention to detail and the fact they have ten years' experience in dealing with crimes of a sexual nature gives them invaluable insight."
Walker gave his colleague a sly smile, "Sounds like you have changed your tune since this morning."
Bingham chuckled softly, "That was just my unavoidable bitchy side." She turned to her right, "Paramedics are here. I'll get back to the office and start the paperwork. You have everything under control here, so I won't get in the way."
"Okay Kate," replied Walker before re-entering the one room apartment. "Medics are here," he announced. "How is Trisha doing?"
Olivia looked up from the bed, "She is doing all right. Decker obviously drugged her, but her pulse rate is steady."
Fin headed for the door, "Guess our job is done here; we'll head back to the station."
Olivia joined him as the Paramedics entered the room, "We'll have our reports to you A-SAP Agent Walker."
Walker followed the detectives after speaking briefly to the Medics and caught them as they were getting into their car, "Hey wait up! Agent Bingham is really impressed with your work."
"That's made my day," retorted Olivia while settling on the driver's seat.
"Look I know Kate was more than a tad abrupt this morning, but she's not usually like that. She is a good person once you get to know her."
"I don't intend finding out," countered Olivia as she closed the door.
Walker looked at Fin, "She's really pissed."
"It's a woman thing," wisecracked Fin. "Takes 'em a little longer to forgive a dissing."
Walker laughed, "I know what you mean. I'll see you later and Hind will call you guys in for a debriefing."
"You got it, see ya then."
Fin climbed into the sedan then closed the door, "You need to chillax Liv and Bingham is not all that bad."
Olivia turned on the engine before replying, "I know, her approach just annoyed me." Putting the vehicle into gear, Olivia pulled into the street. "She kinds of reminds me of a certain ex-ADA with her no nonsense attitude. Maybe that explains my dislike of her."
"Yeah maybe," agreed Fin. "But Bingham didn't break your heart."
"No, but she did pique my interest for a few minutes," admitted Olivia honestly.
Fin scoffed, "So you are saying you found her attractive?"
"Didn't you say she was?"
"Oh yeah, she's mighty fine."
"Too bad the arrogance is so off putting."
"Maybe you should get to know her better," suggested Fin with a wink.
"Somehow I don't think Agent Bingham is interested in making friends."
"Only one way to find out girl, ask her out for coffee or something when we attend the debriefing."
"I don't think so Fin," remarked Olivia unconvincingly. "I'm not ready to put myself out there again."
Fin reached over and gently caressed his friend's shoulder, "Liv it's been two years since Alex returned and became Bureau Chief, you need to move on honey."
"That's easier said than done. Every woman I've dated can't hold my interest for long or just doesn't measure up to the Alex Cabot standard."
"Man that woman did a job on ya."
"Yes, but you are right Fin ... I do need to get over her."
"Good because you've wasted enough time being alone."
"You know, you are worse than Elliot."
"Well seeing as he is on vacation, it's only fair I pinch hit for him."
Olivia smirked and pulled into a vacant parking space outside the one-six.
-0-
16th Precinct Manhattan
1610 hours, SVU Squadroom
Chung chung
Cragen stepped out of his office and approached Olivia's desk, "It seems you two have a fan over at the FBI."
"You know us Cap, we're just lovable," retorted Fin whimsically.
"Well get your lovable asses over there pronto. Assistant Director Hind requested your attendance. You pair did this Captain proud today and after such a poor start I congratulate you on your professional dealings with the Feds."
"Thank you Captain," replied Olivia as she stood and collected her overcoat.
Cragen looked at his watch, "Call it a day once you are done over there."
"Okay, see ya in the morning," countered Fin gratefully.
"I bet Bingham isn't our admirer," joked Olivia as she pressed the lift call button.
"More than likely it's lover boy Baxter,"
"Shit, I can do without seeing him again."
"I'll run interference for you if you like Liv."
The two detectives stepped into the elevator car and Fin pushed the button for the ground floor.
"Thanks for the offer, but I can handle the jerk. I'll be glad to get home to bed; it's been a long day."
"Me too and we have been on duty for twelve hours, so no wonder we are tired."
Exiting the lift, Olivia quipped, "You are worn-out because you partied until three this morning."
"Guess I can't argue with that. Maybe I wasn't the only one; Bingham looked a little under the weather too."
"Might explain the barfing, but she didn't strike me as to the party girl type."
"You should know it's the quiet ones you need to look out for."
"Thank you for the reminder and it's your turn to drive."
-0-
1625 hours
23rd floor 26 Federal Plaza Building
Manhattan
Chung chung
Kate gripped the side of the restroom counter and waited for the next wave of nausea to hit her stomach. The wait was over in seconds as her abdominal muscles contorted against the intrusion and her hands started to shake as the convulsions continued to wrack her body.
"Fuck," she mumbled once the vomiting ceased.
Splashing cold water onto her face, Kate then reached for her toiletries bag. After brushing her teeth, she towelled off her still warm face and took two pills. Straightening the lapel of her jacket, Kate touched the blackness under her right eye and thought, "I really do have to stop and get some sleep."
Packing up her gear, she returned it to her locker then headed for the scheduled debriefing. She was the last to enter the spacious room and quietly took a seat beside Richard.
Olivia watched as the woman took her place and noticed how unwell she appeared. The detective noted the slight tremble in the Agent's hands and the heavy sheen of perspiration glistening across her forehead.
Fin leaned in and expressed his opinion, "Bingham looks like shit."
"Yeah, I think it's more than a hangover from hell."
AD Hind stood up at the end of the table and began, "Agents and Detectives, let's get started so we can all go home. Agent Bingham, the floor is yours."
"Thank you sir," acknowledged Kate as she slowly moved to the back of her chair. Grabbing hold of the backrest, the Agent reviewed all activities for the day that resulted in the apprehension of Decker.
"As of 1715 hours, Clint Decker has been interviewed in the presence of a Public Defender where he made admissions to the abduction of Trisha McDonald and the killings of Robyn Marshall, Tina Keller, Sharon Polson, Roberta Kirby and Lucy Bell in the State of Florida. He also confessed to abducting and murdering Alexis Bell in the State of New York. Assistant US Attorney Abbie Carmichael has scheduled Decker's arraignment for 1100 hours tomorrow and personally passed on her gratitude to Detectives Benson and Tutuola for their first-rate investigative skills."
Fin whispered to Olivia, "I always did like Abbie."
Olivia returned a sly smile that said it all.
Kate inhaled then continued, "Miss Carmichael also thanked this office for its assistance and speedy apprehension of Decker. She wishes Agent Nofke and Baxter a safe trip home and will be in contact in due course."
"On that note," declared Hind. "Agents Nofke and Baxter, your flight is due for take-off in two hours and I have organised transport to the airport for you."
The two mentioned Agents stood and shook hands with the others.
When Baxter reached Kate, she said, "Miss Carmichael also wanted you to know that if you call her one more time, she will have you arrested for stalking by her wife Captain Richards."
"Oh shit," the stunned Agent uttered.
"Strike three," chided Nofke. "You're out idiot."
Once the two Agents left, Hind stated, "Baxter is a putz and his Supervisor is eager to speak to him upon his return. The man managed to ask out five female Agents and an Assistant US Attorney within the time frame of ten hours."
Olivia raised her hand, "You can add one detective to the list."
"Holy crap, that is unbelievable," bemoaned Hind as Kate exited the room. "He's an embarrassment to the Bureau. SSA Bingham has recommended you both receive a commendation for your solving of this case in under twenty-four hours. The paperwork has been forwarded to your Captain and a copy to Chief of Detectives Muldrew."
Olivia looked at Fin then back to Hind, "Thank you sir."
"You deserve it. Well done and it was a pleasure working with you Detectives."
After saying goodbye to Agent Walker and AD Hind, Fin dropped Olivia home before driving to his apartment.
-0-