Chapter 3: A Roomie and Name
Setting foot into the New York precinct was like coming home again, at least for John Munch it was.
It had been a few months since his retirement party and ra ra to give him the boot (the latter being his conspiracy at being too nagging).
The sensation of something lacking in his life made him empty.
Empty to the point he would peek over cases Fin brought to their disorderly coffee table; one that the African-American thought needed cleaning now with Munch's "free time". The insinuation in of itself earned the man a night on the worn out couch.
The cases were always different, sometimes taking a personal toll on Fin that also pained John at feeling helpless.
He no longer had jurisdiction or power to help. He had no say. It was terrifying.
The realization that he had "retired" hit him hard just a week back. The pair had been having a comfortable breakfast that Sunday morning: you know pancakes, eggs, the works as it was the first day in a week Fin had returned looking better for the wear.
Their conversation had been light, casual, and too calm.
- Flashback -
John took his designated seat across the kitchen table from the man who he decided to live the rest of his life with.
His eyes peeking over rounded glasses to see the fatigued features of his partner appear more relaxed than they had been in months. Since the Jewish man had left the precinct, it left Fin with so much more work to pick up and the wrangling of the new Sergeant was equally tiresome.
Yet…something seemed off.
Maybe it was the way Fin kept looking at the worn out watch on his wrist; or the tapping of his fingers against the tabletop as he chewed his toast. It was small ticks most would not even take a second glance at.
They had been partners for so long and life-partners for just as long, it made John an expert in Odafin's expressions, moods, and general disposition. Sadly, the opposite was also true for himself. It was irksome to admit but he figured knowing everything about each other came with the territory.
So clearing his throat as he poured them both some orange juice from the pitcher, the elder of the two pointed out, "You're looking rested. That's a first."
"I had a comfy pillow, it wasn't as bony as I'm accustomed to." A smirk played at Fin's lips from the glare he received. He blew a kiss to placid John then reached for his glass of juice.
A hand stopping on top to pause the motion half-way.
This made eyes glance and get into a small staring contest with the other man.
Fin raised an eyebrow, "What?"
"You're TOO rested."
"Oh come on John what does that even mean?" A slightly defensive undertone was met in return and his hand pulling away almost instantaneously as if burned and Fin's eyes pulling off to the side.
This cause a frown to play at John's lips, "You know exactly what that means, don't give me that crap."
"You should be normal and say you're happy to see me rested."
An eyebrow raised and posture slouching to lean forward across the small table to point a finger at his lover. "You and I both know I'm not one for normal first off. Second, of course I'm happy you're not a grouch; but MOST IMPORTANTLY. When you're too relaxed …. You're hiding something."
"Uh….um. That's not true."
"Yes it is!"
Fin gained an incredulous look and shook his head. "You're imagining things."
"Remember when you were hiding about going undercover for that drug ring-"
"That was like a one off— "
"- And you came back to the precinct with this…what do the kids call it…. stage-five clinger? She would NOT leave you alone after that." John shifted back into his seat, arms cross over his chest and gazing with a "remember that" look on his features.
That action made Fin blink his eyes almost confused. This was the first he was hearing it bothered the other but before he could respond, John continued.
"Maybe you recall the time you nearly got shot to death in a hostage situation and I didn't even know, I had to hear it from Elliot!"
The small exclamation had been one of pure concern it made the rugged detective wince slightly. For the other to yell or raise his voice, it clearly meant something considering he was outspoken but not confrontational.
"Or when you knew about Amanda and her gambling sharks but kept that to yourself for the longest time-"
"It was just because she said she could handle it."
The elder man adjusted his glasses, peeked over to the food on the table with a frown set onto his lips. It brought his entire expression down. "I thought…. Never-mind. It doesn't matter anymore anyway." He uncrossed his arms and took to his feet.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm going to go eat my breakfast with the company of the television at least it doesn't hide secrets." His hand reaching for his plate when this time the adjacent wrist was caught and forced eyes to lock once more. "Let go."
Fin could only shake his head silently, move to stand up himself and walk around the small rustic table to stand in front of Munch with a steely gaze.
The table had been the first piece of furniture the pair had picked out so long ago. It held too many memories to let go even as the one leg wobbled precariously sometimes or had dents, it was valuable and irreplaceable. As was his relationship with John. When they got into these little snips, it made him concede almost instantly as he knew losing his family a second time was not an option especially over something so small.
"No, I can't."
"You can't tell me or you can't let go? You just have to pull away those chunky fingers you brute."
Rolling his eyes, Fin pulled at the lanky wrist attached to an equally lean frame until he could scoop his arm around that waist and pull him close. "I can't let you go John. You know that."
"Then will you tell me what you're hiding?" John shifted and allowed himself to be pulled into the light embrace, their torsos flushed together and his free hand going to poke the forehead since his other hand was still captured by the wrist.
A nod was answered along with a stolen kiss shared between them as the elder became entrapped by those arms. "Yeah…. I'll tell you only if you agree that you sounded kinda jealous over Amanda a second ago." Fin's lips contorted into a small smirk.
"Are you asking for me to smack you? Because it's definitely an option I prefer."
The elder attempting to tug himself away before being pushed to the counter instead and effectively trapped.
"Just admit it. You were jealous I kept Amanda's secret from you."
"I thought maybe your preferences MIGHT have strayed to a younger…. blonder sort."
"…. Not prettier?"
"Of course not. I'm still the prettiest so I was just thinking younger but in poor taste clearly." A huffed response from John as it was his turn to glance away irritated at being interrogated now.
Laughing, Fin could only squeeze the other back towards his frame and shake his head. "You're unbelievable. But I win, you didn't deny it."
"Shit. I hate you."
"I love you too." Another shared kiss before Fin removed his arms and moved to explain the story concerning his case.
- End Flashback -
At his insistence, Munch would play recruiter and shamelessly guilt the Latino attorney to be complacent and play an integral part to this undercover sting.
John always got the details out of Fin somehow and it made him feel like he had not lost his touch at all.
Or his edge since he had Rafael Barba at his side and they drew attention to themselves almost immediately from all officers. It was a good thing that Olivia had been called away to tend to her son but stood the obstacle of the "blonde" so affectionately nicknamed.
Amanda Rollins pulled her eyes away from the desktop screen to gaze over to the pair of men and do a double-take. "John?"
"Yep. It's me. Have you seen Fin?" And straight to the point. It was not that he disliked the woman; it was more that he had to keep his wits about her. Her gambling past, her troubled sister, it was dangerous to get too involved.
"Huh? Oh yeah, he dragged Dodds and Carisi into a conference room about an hour ago." She got to her feet, patting her hands onto her denim jeans and look at the ADA then back to John. "The Captain went home since her son's sick with the flu."
Rafael heard the statement primarily directed at him so he blinked his confused expression away and nodded. "I've heard. I came with John to speak to Fin about a case."
"I didn't hear anything about it." She continued, arms crossing over her shoulders in curiosity.
"Well you were remanded to desk duty for a couple of more weeks Rollins to take it easy. They will probably brief you after they brief me." Barba continued lightly to throw the woman off of their trail.
He had been briefed by John on the cab ride over that Olivia and Amanda had not been informed. The former due to her relationship with one IAB Ed Tucker could jeopardize the mission and the latter for her recent birth of her daughter could cause emotions to run high should things get ugly. Little did any of them know how deeply involved this case would turn out to be.
Amanda would only shake her head and promptly took her seat back. It was true that the days after coming back to work were shaky to get back into the swing and preoccupations of her daughter with the sitter mingled with this line of work could be too much.
"Fine, fine. I'll take Dodds out for a couple of drinks and loosen his tongue."
John raised an eyebrow and laughed, "You might get more than you bargain for with that one."
"I'm fully prepared to handle the consequences." She retorted with a snicker and went back to typing up some reports while humming to herself.
"I said that once too…and I'm still not fully prepared." A small mumbled under the elder's breath. This presented the opportunity for John to motion for the ADA to press forward and both men made it to the conference room with more fervor to their step.
After confirming the plan was now in motion, the three of them moved rather swiftly. Sonny went to grab onto the large marker board to pull it forward and start sticking up pictures of known elites with ties to this "little-boys club."
One by one were they tacked and each given a disgusted sneer.
"What kinda man... what kinda HUMAN would do somethin' like that to a kid?"
"The lowest of the low Carisi. Hang in there kid, you haven't seen it all like I have." Fin responded to the younger man whose exuberance in everything was a benefit.
"We gotta get 'em Fin. This plan's gotta work."
"It ain't full-proof but it's the closest we've got. It's definitely more than narcotics has on them. We have faces of these bastards."
Mike Dodds was situated at the table still, sifting through case folders that held details of the top three men now plastered on the wall. It made him shake his head to the thought of these prominent men having any connection but according to narcotics and their inside man; they were the main perpetrators.
The left-hand, Enrique Marco de Soto. Aged 53, sandy blonde hair with flecks of grey, bright grey eyes, standing at 5' 7". One notable scar on the right hand side of his face that ran from ear to nose in a horizontal motion and apparently from a childhood fight. His story was he was born in Honduras but brought at a young age for a better life. Grew-up with his elderly uncle who worked to the bone to get him through college to the man became a successful exporter in precious metals, gems, and gold; it gave him easy access to play transporter.
The right-hand, Juan Carlos Paz. Aged 38, black hair cut short with hazel eyes and stood at 6' 6". A native to Puerto Rico with Dominican roots on his father's side and nicknamed the "Peace-maker" by the world. Growing up in middle-class, the man strives himself to be the best and is a revolutionary engineer in weapons design and distribution. He was the man diplomats, politicians and power-hungry men lined up to shake his hand.
Lastly and most importantly was the head of the demon, Rey Nicolau Sanchez. Aged 42 with chestnut brown locks that were long and held back into a low ponytail. Black eyes, a mustache and neatly trimmed beard that gave the image of prominence. Born in Catalan, Spain to a winemaker and novelist. The famous pair had always travelled around the world, promoting their brand and literature; leaving their perfect 'king' in the lap of luxury and his own fame. Known as an elite and philanthropist, the man became a Chief Financial Officer to his father's wine empire with his quick know-hows of money.
From the Intel from Narcotics, the three men operated out of Manhattan in its three bustling areas: Little Italy, Upper East Side and Soho.
The sting operation would start with the easier of the three targets: Enrique de Soto. The man owned various jewelry stores in Soho, his face constantly plastered in promotions and his constant visits to all locations made for planting their 'agent' in place.
Mike peeked up over to Carisi who seemed to be writing down little notes and slapping them underneath each target then over to Tutuola who was glancing to his phone presumably in contact with his partner and ADA Rafael Barba.
Trying to wrap his head around the thought made the sergeant shake his head and go back to reading over his case files; after all, he knew better than to interject too prematurely as it earned him status of overzealous from his captain. He had been inclined to involve her and Amanda of course who was swamped with reports but the reasoning Fin and Sonny gave was understandable.
The time clicked and only when they heard the audible click of the door opening did they all look up.
Sonny turned his head with a marker in his lips as he was making sporadic notations to go over with the attorney who had to be looped in entirely as they popped into his mind. And as he glanced to the door and the visitors, his mouth opened and the marker plopped onto the floor.
"Close your mouth Carisi, I know I'm praise-worthy but seriously." John waved his hand to the younger man who closed his mouth.
The Staten Island native could only clear his throat, bend over to pick up the marker and offer a wide smile to the retired detective then look promptly to Rafael. The man had been his mentor of sorts since he started with SVU.
Taking him under his wing while he studied to pass the bar examination to be a lawyer or prosecutor in the future; the ADA had only pushed him hard.
It was beneficial and made the younger strive to be the best, if only for his mentor's sake. It also made him want to impress him. He did not know when exactly it began; however, the dreams and fantasies could not be hindered. Even now as the other stood there in his glory, Sonny could not look away like a love-sick puppy. He could only look but not touch as he knew it would create a conflict of interest that perhaps the Latino was not interested in. He could only give a small wave instead and grin crookedly.
"Hi Councilor."
This made everyone in the room curious considering he had not greeted the other arrival despite being told off.
Rafael could only blink his eyes, set his jacket down into one of the chairs, and nod his head in greeting. "Hi Carisi. What do you have to show me then? Or…have to brief me on?" He shifted to cross his arms over his chest as his eyes squinted over to the board and attempt to read the faint little notes.
Fin was the first to speak as he stood next to John. "Those three are the primary suspects. Enrique de Soto, Juan Paz, and -"
"Yes, Rey Sanchez. I am familiar with their names considering they are held at such high standards." Rafael retorted and settled to lean his hip against the conference table.
"Narcotics has provided intel that all of the smaller traffickers report to one or the other." Mike chimed from his seat.
Rafael's eyes turned to land on Sonny's as the younger seemed to stare straight into his soul and made the attorney glance away. "You do know going after them is risking a LOT right? More than I anticipated…."
"We understand that." All three men chimed while John could only shrug his shoulders.
"The higher they are, the lower they'll fall." Munch responded with a firm remark.
Sonny moved over to the board he had put together and waved his hands about, "See, there's always a shift in power. It's kinda like the government ya know? So out of process of elimination, we're thinking Enrique will be the easiest to collude with and let you into his circle of clients. Then when you've befriended de Soto, it goes up to making it pass Paz and finally Sanchez. They won't know what hit them."
A hand held up by the ADA as he mentioned, "What do you mean befriend?"
"It was Sonny's idea." Mike nodded to the taller young man across the room.
With a sense of pride at the expectant expression he received from Barba, he pointed to the other; "You are going to go to one of the more high-end jewelry stores as Rafael Cordero, attorney for Marks, Brighton and Kelly law firm –"
"That's…. rather high up there."
A smile on the tall male's face as he nodded, "I have a friend who works there as a partner so he kinda helped put that face, he's willing to put up his face for the publicity when we catch them all. It's Sean Brighton so we're covered. Then you're gonna be shoppin' under the pretense of a fiancée when really you heard it around the high block about their invite only club. You're convincin' Barba, I got faith you'll pull off the impression."
"And if they catch wind I'm not who I say I am?"
"Don't worry, I'm gonna be with you every step of the way." This was uttered in a serious tone and stood taller if possible.
Rafael could only stare once more, give Sonny a glance over and tilted his head. "How?"
"I'm gonna play your personal bodyguard. It's fool-proof. I'll play the muscle and I promise to protect ya with my life." The detective stated so sincerely it made the others in the room almost uncomfortable as if a confession was being made in that statement.
The ADA could not look away from those eyes as those words were promised to him. It was as good as gold if he was concerned. A quiet nod of his head as he reached for the file from Mike containing information about Enrique de Soto. "I better get to studying so you don't have to risk your life." His eyes looked to Fin then Mike. "And you two?"
"I'm driver and Fin's gonna be the extra muscle in spare car in case we get any tails. We secured an apartment for you to go to and you'll presume the new identity immediately along with your new roommate/bodyguard." The sergeant waved to Carisi who cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "He forgot to mention the pair of you will be living together under the pretense of employer and guard. You have one with you due to the high end clients you handle."
The Latino could only stammer in return as though surprised and John moved to chime in.
"It isn't as bad as you may believe. Welcome to the team Rafael Cordero, we're counting on you." A nod from everyone in the room as they let the man stew over the details further along with wrapping his mind about sharing an apartment with Sonny Carisi, the young detective that drove him crazy in so many ways. It was going to be a long month.
To be continued...