TITLE: Law & Order – Fair Game
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: ADA Connie Rubirosa of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office discovers she has more than a legal interest with the victim of a horrific crime.
RATING: M
DISCLAIMER: This story is the work of an over 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 indent 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 whine to expect yourself - now bugger off!
Chapter 3
Connie had returned to the two-seven after leaving the hospital the night before to collect the service files on both Yates and Stanton and it had been two am before she finally went to bed after reading Yates' jacket in its entirety and most of Stanton's.
When she had arrived to work that morning, she immediately discussed the case with Executive District Attorney Michael Cutter and District Attorney Jack McCoy.
As she was leaving Jack's office, Michael noted, "This one's got to you, hasn't it?"
Connie raised her brows sarcastically, "They all get to me Mike."
"Look Connie, you are a terrific ADA, you are aggressive and tough, but it's your sympathy for the victim that makes you brilliant."
Surprised by the recommendation, Connie blinked and smiled, "Thank you Mike."
Then he went and spoilt the moment by chuckling, "The fact that you are extremely attractive and have great legs doesn't do you any harm either."
"Ah okay," countered an embarrassed ADA. "I am going back to my office now and you have great legs too." She swiftly went to office 927 and closed the door. She was unsettled by Cutter's remarks and didn't want her gender to be an issue in the DA's Office. She had worked too hard at Harvard Law to ever contemplate she was now an ADA because she looked good in a skirt and high heels. Sighing loudly, she returned to her desk to re-read the DD5s and 61s from Cyrus and Ed before heading to the Courthouse.
Disgraced New York City Police Officer, Ted Yates was remanded in custody until his hearing on February 11th. Michael Cutter handed over full responsibility of the case to Connie and she was happy to oblige. The forensics evidence alone was enough to guarantee a conviction and the statements offered by others made the case a slam dunk.
-0-
Kristen was plucked out of her unconscious state by the fear of choking. There was something caught in her throat and she had trouble swallowing. Panic set in and her eyelids flew open. Concentrating hard, she tried to focus on her surroundings. She saw a white ceiling and turned her head to the left and spotted the monitor. "Damn it," she thought to herself. "I'm in hospital and that fucking prick Yates tried to kill me." Her breathing slowed and she relaxed as realisation set in.
"Good afternoon Kristen," greeted an unfamiliar voice. "It's nice to have you back." A brunette woman in her early fifties and shiny green eyes peered over the edge of Kristen's view and caught her blue eyes, "You can't speak dear; you have a breathing tube in your windpipe. It will be removed in a few minutes."
Kristen nodded her head slowly in understanding.
"There is a very handsome man waiting outside to see you. He has been here all night and day. I'll just go fetch him."
Nodding again, Kristen listened to the whoosh of the breathing machine and the insipid ping of the other monitors. She attempted to move her legs, but was unable to and the panic returned twofold. "FUCK!" she screamed to herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by the cheery nurse.
"The doctor will be in shortly to explain your injuries. My name is Petula and I will be looking after you until ten o'clock tonight. Now here is that rakishly handsome man I was telling you about." She placed the call button into Kristen's left hand and added, "If you need anything, just buzz."
The nurse disappeared from view and Kristen tried to smile when Ed came into sight with his big brown eyes brimming with tears. He looked exhausted and she wished she could tell him.
Reaching out, he gently brushed back a stray strand of blonde hair off her forehead, "You had a few of us worried honey, but you are going to be just fine."
Kristen squinted at him in question.
Ed continued to soothe her forehead, "I know you have questions, but some will have to wait. ADA Rubirosa is on her way over here to interview you. I'm working the case, so we can't discuss it yet."
Kristen blinked twice, hoping Ed would understand.
He did, "Okay honey, two blinks for yes?"
She blinked twice.
Smiling, Ed explained, "You dislocated your right hip Kris and are in traction, so you are basically strapped down."
There were two blinks and a slight smile.
"I want you to know Glenn feels like crap and won't visit until he is over the flu, but he was here last night. He sends his love as do Paul, Joan and Christine."
The two blinks were slower this time and tears flowed from the corners of blue eyes.
Leaning over, Ed kissed her clammy forehead, "It is okay honey and everything is going to be all right. We just have to get you well and back on your feet."
Lifting her left arm, Kristen made the gesture of writing.
"You want to write something down?"
Two blinks.
Ed straightened up and pulled his notebook and pen from the inside pocket of his crumpled suit jacket. "I'll hold the book while you write."
Two blinks.
Placing the pen between his friend's thumb and index finger, Ed held the notebook steady above her face so she could see it. He watched as she slowly wrote the numbers, 10, 25, 4, 6 followed by the word study.
Her left arm fell down onto her chest and she closed her eyes tightly.
"Kris is that the combination to the wall safe behind the picture frame in your study?"
Two slow blinks.
"Okay honey, I understand. Cyrus Lupo, my partner will be here soon."
Two half blinks.
"Are you in pain?"
Blink, blink.
"Press the button honey."
She did and Petula appeared.
"She's in pain nurse," explained Ed.
"That's to be expected now she is awake," answered the petite brunette. "I'll just increase the dosage of pain relief."
"Thank you," said Ed as he returned his notebook to his pocket.
Petula made the necessary changes to a pump then cheerfully announced, "Doctor Greer will be here in five minutes to speak with you Kristen."
Two blinks.
"That means she understands," explained the detective.
Petula laughed, "Good system. Is the pain easing?"
Two rapid flickers.
There was a knock on the door and Ed turned to see the tall ADA of Hispanic heritage. Smiling, he motioned for her to enter.
"Afternoon Ed," Connie remarked brightly.
"Hey Counsellor, Cyrus should be here any minute." He placed his hand on Connie's arm and ushered her outside into the hall. Handing her the note page from his book, he continued, "Connie, Kris wrote down the combination to the safe at her home."
Smiling broadly, the ADA enquired, "I assume that's where we will find the dossier on Yates?"
"I'd bet on it. The doctor is due to arrive to remove the breathing tube, so you want to grab a coffee and give Kris a little privacy?"
"Sure Ed, my treat."
"I'll just go tell Kris we will be back in ten."
Cyrus strolled up the hall and enquired, "How is Kristen doing?"
"She is awake and ready to talk. We have a location on her Yates file," answered Ed.
"Great news, let's get started."
Connie patted Cyrus on the shoulder, "Coffee break first."
"Yeah, Connie is buying," proclaimed Ed before returning to Kristen's bedside briefly.
-0-
Kristen exhaled as Petula removed the plastic tubing from her airway. She coughed and tried to stop herself from gagging. It didn't work and the pain shot across her chest. "Damn," she whispered in a croaky tone. "That smarts."
"Yes it does," agreed the nurse. "How does your throat feel?"
"A little rough, but I'll make it," answered Kristen light-heartily.
"Would you like some ice chips to suck on?"
"Yes please," Kristen replied in a raspy voice.
A grey haired man with green eyes came into view, "Now that we have that out of the way, I can update your condition."
"Thank you Doctor Greer."
"First off, you are in traction to immobilise your right hip. It was dislocated and the traction will align the bones and allow your tendons and muscles to settle."
"How long will that be for?"
"It will be for at least a week. Once your other injuries start to heal, we will start you on some physiotherapy to get you walking again."
"Sounds like I better cancel my subscription to tango classes," wise cracked Kristen.
Doctor Greer chuckled and Kristen smiled as she heard Petula tittering in the background.
The doctor continued, "The stab wounds pierced your lung and spleen. We removed your spleen and reinflated your lung, hence the tubing and underwater seal drainage. Your liver was also lacerated, but will heal in time. The G.S.W. caused damage to your ileum and I had to remove the affected section. You also lost your appendix in the procedure. The bad news is you will be out of action for some time, but I expect you to make a full recovery."
"Thank you Doctor, I really appreciate you saving me."
"You can thank the fifty Police Officers who turned up here last night and donated blood. We had to give you several transfusions during and after your surgery. There has been a steady line of Officers turning up since then."
"You know we all bleed blue," quipped Kristen humbly.
"True."
"So Doctor, are my days as a swimsuit model over?"
"If you stick to one piece, you'll be fine. Unfortunately, we were working against time and I had to make an incision between your breastbone and pubis. We needed to find the cause of your blood loss as quickly as possible."
"Oh well, I need to toss out my bikinis then."
The doctor and nurse laughed again.
Kristen arched a fine blonde brow, "How many staples?"
"None, I used surgical glue so your scarring will be minimal. You also received a cut to your chin and I closed it with glue too."
"I'm grateful because those staples hurt when they are removed."
Smiling, Doctor Greer said, "I believe two Detectives and an ADA are waiting outside to speak to you. I will leave you to it, but before I go, do you have any more questions?"
"Yes I have one. The NYPD are paying for all this right?"
"They are, so you can relax."
"In that case, I would like to book in for a vacation around September."
Doctor Greer left the room chuckling loudly.
Ed looked at him and commented, "I see you have been charmed by the comedic skills of Kristen."
"She's a riot all right and doing very well. We'll move her to a private room tomorrow morning. You are right to go in."
"Thanks Doc," replied Cyrus.
Kristen heard the door whoosh open and asked, "Is that you Ed?"
"Yes honey and I've brought along Cyrus and ADA Rubirosa."
"Great Ed, you bring guests and I haven't done my hair. Hey Petula, is there anyway I can have the back of the bed raised so I can see everyone?"
"Sure, but you won't be able to rise up much without pain." Petula reached for the bed remote and said, "Okay, let me know when."
"Hit it Petula."
The bed rose slowly and after a second, Kristen declared, "That will do. Damn, everything hurts." She could just see Ed's partner. "Hey Detective Lupo, it's nice to finally meet you."
"Likewise Sergeant Stanton, I'm just sorry it's under these circumstances."
Due to the pain medication, Kristen's tongue was loose and when she looked at Connie Rubirosa, she actually sighed loudly and uttered, "Oh dear lord."
Alarmed, Petula moved closer, "Are you okay dear?"
A heavenly smile spread across Kristen's face, "Oh uhm, yes, I am fine. Must be the meds kicking in."
Connie stepped forward, "Hello Sergeant Stanton, sorry to bother you."
"Oh it's no bother ma'am."
Cyrus looked at his partner and asked, "Do you want me to ask the questions?"
"It's all yours."
Kristen gazed at the stunning ADA and suggested, "Please take a seat ma'am."
Connie got comfortable and Cyrus withdrew a hand sized recorder from his jacket pocket, "This is a recorded interview with Sergeant Kristen Stanton, badge number 5462 conducted by Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Ed Green from the 27th Precinct. Also present is Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. The time is 1424 hours on January 2nd, 2008. Sergeant Stanton, do you know the identity of the person who shot Freddy Timber then stabbed and shot you?"
"I do, it was Officer Ted Yates from the two-seven."
"Do you know of any reason why Officer Yates attacked you and would want Freddy Timber dead?"
"Yates stated it was because no one says no to him and that's what I get for sticking my nose into his business. As to Timber, I assume he was a convenient patsy while Yates dealt with me."
"Do you understand what Yate's comments meant?"
"Yates was referring to the fact I had repeatedly rejected his requests of a date and he was scheduled to be interviewed by Internal Affairs on Monday to answer charges of corruption."
"How are you aware of these charges?"
"I was the one responsible for bringing Yate's illegal dealings to the attention of IAB two months ago after receiving information from a Confidential Informant."
"Do you have evidence to substantiate your claim?"
"Yes I do Detective Lupo. I have collected signed affidavits from prostitutes under Yates' employ along with falsified records connecting him to the disappearance of drug evidence from the property store." Kristen started to cough and Connie stood to retrieve the cup of ice chips on the side table. She passed one to her and Kristen nodded as she popped the frozen flake into her mouth. "Thank you, my throat is a little sore."
"You're welcome," said Connie before taking her seat.
Kristen closed her eyes then resumed, "I also have recorded footage of Yates receiving payoffs from known drug dealers."
"Under whose authority did you carry out this private investigation Sergeant?"
"The Borough Commander."
"Was anyone else aware of your investigation?"
"Yes, there were two others Detective Lupo. Once I brought my suspicions regarding Yates' pimping business to Captain Parsons, Commander Jacobs contacted me and asked if I'd work quietly behind the scenes and gather solid evidence. Due to my extra activities, I informed my partner Officer Glenn Pate of the situation."
"Did Yates ever make any threats to you prior to yesterday's assault?"
"Yes, about four weeks ago he approached me after the completion of shift and told me I was a cock teaser and would get mine soon enough."
"Why did you agree to partner up with Yates yesterday morning?"
"I'd worked with him on previous occasions and he'd never been anything other than professional each time. Besides, no one else at the station wanted to work with him."
"Before yesterday's events, did you ever fear for your own safety while around Yates?"
"No Detective, I did not."
"Miss Rubirosa, do you have any questions?"
"Sergeant Stanton, can you recount what occurred from the time you gave chase to Freddy Timber."
"Yes ma'am. I pursued the suspect for eight blocks in and out of alleyways until he turned into a darkened side street. I was one step behind him and preparing to take him down with a tackle when I was brought down from behind. I felt knees press into my back and was unable to move. Timber stopped running, turned to face me and I heard a gunshot from above me. Timber had this surprised expression on his face then he fell face forward onto the ground. He was about four feet away from me at that time."
Kristen brought a trembling left hand up to her lips and Connie gave her another chip of ice, "Thank you. I struggled to get to my feet and was stabbed between the edges of my vest on the right side. That was when Yates told me his reason and then stabbed me for the second time on the left. I managed to get him off me by rolling to the side. I got to my feet and drew my weapon. Yates shot me in the lower abdomen as I discharged my gun. I blacked out as I hit the ground."
"How did Yates know it was you who was responsible for his IAB investigation?"
"I would assume a cohort of his at One Police Plaza must have informed him."
Connie stood up and moved to the door, "Detectives, can I have a word?"
Cyrus turned off the recorder and followed Ed and Connie out the door.
"We need to protect Sergeant Stanton's involvement with IAB until we go to trial," explained the ADA.
"Agreed," replied Ed.
Cyrus nodded in concurrence.
"Has she been notified of the rape?"
"No," answered Ed. "I asked the doctor not to inform her so I could tell her in private, maybe after she has rested some more."
"All right Ed. I think the Sergeant has had enough questioning for the day and I need to get to Riker's to interview Yates at five."
"I'll go with you," volunteered Cyrus.
"Thank you Detective, I'll buy you dinner afterwards."
"You've got yourself a deal Counsellor."
Kristen was fast asleep when the trio returned to her room, having succumbed to the medication.
"I'll stay with her," offered Ed.
"No you won't, you need to go home and sleep," pointed out Cyrus. "Or you will be no good for anything."
"You're right. I'll go home before my girlfriend forgets what I look like."
"I'll come by and visit with Sergeant Stanton after dinner," advised Connie. "I have the day off tomorrow, so I can sit with her."
"Thanks Connie," said Ed before kissing Kristen on the temple.
Her eyes fluttered open with the contact and she groggily proclaimed, "The ADA is gorgeous."
Ed chuckled, "Uhm Kris, she is still in the room."
Kristen didn't reply, she was fast asleep again.
Turning, Ed noted the flushed cheeks of the ADA, "Time to go."
-0-
Cyrus paced the floor behind Connie as prisoner Yates was escorted into the Interview Room and directed to sit down beside his Attorney John Stokes at the table.
"Ah the lovely Miss Rubirosa," said Yates smugly. "Have you come to apologise for getting it wrong?"
"No, I'm here to tell you there will be no deals and the death penalty is on the table."
"What?" exclaimed Yates as he stood.
Cyrus moved quickly and shoved him back onto the seat, "Sit down asshole."
"She drove me to it," blurted out Yates.
"I beg your pardon?" asked an astonished ADA.
"Stanton made me mad ... crazy with desire. I only gave her what she wanted. What all you bitches want."
Connie rose from her chair, "We don't need a confession from you. We have all the evidence we need. CSU located the condom with your semen inside plus we have Timber's blood and GSR on the cuffs of your shirt and Sergeant's bullet in your vest. This is also the fact your Patrol car was parked two blocks away from the scene and the radio calls and G.P.S. printout indicate a space of twenty-five minutes from when the car stopped to when you called for backup and a bus. Oh yes, there's also the matter of your ankle holster being empty when Detectives collected your clothing. We are done here, see you in court."
Yates sniggered, "Tell Detective Green I understand why he protects Kris, she is one sweet piece of ass."
Connie let her rage get the better of her, "You are a disgusting, sick piece of crap Yates and I'll be sitting in the front row watching when they stick the needle into your arm." She stormed out of the room and never looked back.
-0-
"Can I ask you a question Cyrus?" asked Connie while cutting into her Sirloin steak.
"Go ahead Connie."
"Are Ed and Sergeant Stanton romantically involved?"
"No, they are just close friends. From what Ed told me last night, they met on a case six years ago and struck up a friendship. Kristen doesn't have too many friends, but Ed, Paul Gibbs and Glenn Pate are all close to her."
"Do you know much about her?" probed Connie with genuine interest.
"Not really except she is well respected by her colleagues and is very loyal."
"She is pretty gutsy to do what she did for the Borough Commander."
"Indeed and very intelligent to safeguard the evidence."
"I'm glad we picked it up before eating."
"I'll sort through it tomorrow with Ed."
Swallowing, Connie said, "Sergeant Stanton's service record is really impressive. I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far it's outstanding."
Cyrus tilted his head to the side, "If you don't mind me saying, you have taken quite the interest in her."
"I'm just passionate about ensuring justice is served when crimes involve Police Officers. If the District Attorney's Office can't protect them in court, we have no chance of maintaining the public's faith in the system."
"That's a reasonable observation," replied Cyrus with a smirk. "So while we are being so candid, is there any truth to the rumour you are dating Michael Cutter?"
Connie grimaced, "None what so ever. I don't mix work with my personal life and I don't date work colleagues."
"That's sound advice Connie. It just causes a lot of mess."
"Are you seeing anyone at the moment?"
"Yes, Kylie. She works at an internet café. It's very casual because it's hard for me to find the time to date."
"I understand that all too well."
"You still playing Devil's advocate between Jack and Michael?"
Connie giggled, "Not as often, they have learnt to play nicer with one another."
Cyrus grinned, "You should just hand them a set of boxing gloves and let them duke it out."
"It certainly would put an end to the ongoing pissing contest between them. Both of them should leave all the arguments about Law for the Courtroom and I've told Mike not to bad mouth Jack around me anymore." Connie signalled to a waiter and asked for the bill. "It seems to be working."
Cyrus dropped Connie at the hospital fifteen minutes later and she made her way up to I.C.U.
-0-
Kristen smiled broadly when Connie stepped through the doorway, "Hello Counsellor."
"Hello Sergeant."
"Please call me Kris and I see you've been to my house."
Connie lifted the NYPD duffle bag, "Yes, I thought you might need a few items from home. I hope you don't mind, but Ed fetched the keys from your belongings and gave them to me."
Kristen smirked, "I don't mind. Did you find the files?"
"Yes thank you very much. Ed and Cyrus are going to sort through them in the morning before handing them over to IAB."
"I appreciate that ma'am."
Connie sat down beside the bed, "Please call me Connie. I brought your toothbrush and tube of paste. I packed a couple of pairs of boxers and tee shirts, but couldn't locate any sleepwear."
"Uhm, I don't wear any during summer and boxers and a tee shirt constitute my winter garb. I'm a simple kind of gal."
Connie avoided the blonde's blue eyes, "Oh I see. I also brought shampoo, conditioner and a hairbrush."
"I'm really grateful Connie. Do you always treat victims this well?"
"I try to be has helpful as I can," replied the ADA honestly.
"I'm privileged then?"
"Yes you are."
"Connie Rubirosa, you strike me as someone who wouldn't lie."
"I try not to, but sometimes it is necessary in my line of work to protect people or to get at the truth."
"That's good, because I want you to be truthful with me."
"Sure, what do you need to know?"
"Did Yates rape me?"
Connie stood up and moved closer. Placing a hand on Kristen's left shoulder, she answered softly, "Yes he did."
A single tear escaped from the corner of Kristen's left eye, "Well I guess that explains the pain in my vagina then."
Reaching over, Connie wiped away the tear, "He used a condom."
Kristen closed her eyes tightly, "What kind of animal rapes a woman while trying to kill her?"
"The kind the State of New York will put to death."
Kristen scoffed, "I'll turn up for that show."
"I advised him I would be in the front row."
Smiling slightly, Kristen noted the worry on the other woman's face, "You are pretty feisty Counsellor."
"He brings it out in me, he's a complete narcissistic bastard."
The blonde reached for Connie's hand, "I really am grateful for your help."
Looking into tear filled eyes, Connie grinned, "You're welcome. So tell me how you are feeling today."
"Not too bad, at least I can brush my teeth now and feel almost human." Kristen glanced down and saw they were still holing hands. She felt a wave of comfort wash over her and sighed.
"Kristen, I know you are fairly independent and if I overstep the line, please let me know."
"I will, but I don't feel too independent right now."
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
Tears fell from the blonde's eyes, "In my belongings you'll find my cell phone. There's a contact number for Elizabeth Olivet. Can you please call her tomorrow and ask if she can visit me?"
"I know Elizabeth; we use her as an expert witness on cases from time to time. She's an excellent Psychiatrist and I'll call her first thing in the morning."
"I think I'm going to need some professional help in dealing with all this shit." Kristen started to cry harder, "I'm usually not this emotional."
"It's okay Kristen, you have been through a fairly traumatic experience and your body and mind need to heal."
"How do you know so much?"
"My sister was in an abusive marriage for years until she finally found the strength to walk away and start all over again. She was raped several times by her husband and when she showed up at my door all battered and torn, I arranged for her to seek help with Elizabeth."
"It seems like it's in your nature to help people."
"I've been told I have genuine sympathy for the victim." Connie grabbed two tissues and wiped Kristen's tears. "And I used to be a kindergarten teacher, so learned how to listen to people."
"Thanks for hearing all my crap. Have you heard how Ed is doing?"
"Cyrus spoke to him while we were having dinner and he got some decent sleep last night."
Releasing her hold on Connie's hand, Kristen turned away, "I'm kind of tired now and it's been a long day."
"All right, I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Okay, goodnight."
Connie reached the lifts before she realised Kristen had pulled her hand away when dinner with Cyrus was mentioned. The brunette was overwhelmed with a rush of confusion and decided to speak to Kristen about it the following morning.
TBC
