Can't Always Win
Summary: When Cesar Valez finds out that Alex is back in New York City (in "Ghost"), he takes action.
Spoilers: "Loss", "Ghost"
Author's Note: I was re-watching "Ghost" again yesterday, and this idea kind of popped into my mind. Starts after Mike and Antonio leave Casey's office.
Chapter One
"We've gone over all my questions," Casey Novak said. "I think you're ready." This was awkward. She knew it. She was given this position, Alex's position, because Alexandra Cabot was dead. Now here Alex was sitting only a few feet away from her. Casey was trying Alex's attempted murder case. She understood the other woman's apprehension and nervousness about the trial. After all, she did not actually see Liam Connors shoot her. If they lost Antonio, they were screwed. They both knew it.
"Are you?" Alex Cabot asked back in almost immediate response. She then felt bad. She did not know Casey. She knew that she had to be a good lawyer for Branch to put her on Special Victims cases. She had a win on her first case. She saw the look on the other ADA's face. "Casey, I'm sorry," she apologized. "I was out of line."
"It must be hard being on the other side of the bench," Casey said finally.
Alex nodded. It was harder than anyone could imagine. She had lost everything. No one else could understand. She valued her time back in New York since she knew that as soon as it was over, she would have to go back into Witness Protection.
"Come on," Casey said finally to break the silence. "We should get you to the hotel." She was about to call for a police escort when the phone rang. That was odd. Was Elliot already there? "Novak," she answered as she picked up the phone.
"You think you're safe? They know where you are. You should have stayed dead." The voice was in a whisper. Casey could not tell if it was male or female. The person hung up right after that. It sent a chill down Casey's spine. "Alex," she said fearfully as she turned to face Alex.
Before Alex could answer, a single gunshot was heard. The bullet broke through the window. It entered Casey's body from the back of her left shoulder and exited through the front. Casey instantly fell forward and landed on her side. The bullet continued its path and grazed against Alex's right arm before lodging itself in Casey's door.
Alex's arm hurt, but she was still conscious. Casey was not. Alex rushed to the younger woman. She heard the door opening. It was followed by the sound of several ADAs rushing inside. They were asking what had happened. Alex heard one of them calling 911. Another one took off his business jacket and handed it to Alex to use as a tourniquet for Casey's shoulder.
"Ambulance is on its way," someone informed Alex.
Alex nodded slightly as she kept her focus on Casey. This should not be happening. That bullet was meant for her. She swallowed hard and prayed that Casey would survive.