TITLE: Law & Order – "Clean Break"

AUTHOR: D M Harper.

SUMMARY: Sometimes starting afresh can lead to more heartache than what you left behind. One of New York's finest meets Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn and her past comes back to haunt her.

PAIRING: Serena Southerlyn & OFC

RATING: M for Mature Readers.

DISCLAIMER: This story is simply for entertainment for those of us who like to dabble in subtext. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of NBC Universal Television or Dick Wolf. All characters other than those created by the author, remain the aforementioned people's property. This tale 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 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!

A/N: A big shout out to Wendy Woo for the proof reading and for those who like the story, please review.

Chapter 4

Laura sat in the doctor's treatment room on Wednesday morning while he removed her sutures.

"The wound has healed very nicely Laura and the scarring is faint," he announced.

"I'm happy about that."

"Just keep applying the cream for another ten days," the physician advised.

"No worries Doc."

"Next time, duck a little quicker."

"There won't be a next time; I've learnt my lesson." Laura jumped off the exam table and left the office.

Going to her truck, Laura pulled out her phone and called Duncan to advise him she would pick up lunch and would be back at the stationhouse in fifteen minutes.

"Good timing, ADA Southerlyn is here to see you," he said.

"Okay, see you soon."

-0-

Serena returned to questioning Duncan about his statement and grinned when he said Laura was on her way. Since meeting the Sergeant the day before, the Attorney had not been able to erase the officer from her mind. Their brief encounter had left a lasting impression and a barely controllable urge to ask Sergeant York out for a drink.

By the time Laura joined them in the Interview Room, Serena had convinced herself she was a fool to even consider the black haired beauty would be interested in a date, let alone be a lesbian.

"Miss Southerlyn," said Laura in greeting. "I took the liberty of buying you a sandwich for lunch."

Impressed with the other women's consideration, Serena replied, "Thank you that was very nice of you."

"Yeah, I'm a real peach," retorted Laura as she handed Duncan a parcel and drink container. "There you go Partner."

"Cheers, I'll leave you to it."

Laura took a seat opposite Serena, "Is orange juice okay?"

"It's fine and thanks again."

"Don't mention it. I gather you have a date for Hurley's trial."

"Yes, his Attorney asked to go straight to trial this morning. It's set down for September fifth."

"All right," replied Laura before taking a bite of her sandwich.

"I thought we'd go over your statement then I'll prep you and Officer Buchanan when we get closer to the trial date."

"No problem."

Serena swallowed down her infatuation, "I see you've had your stitches removed."

"Yeah, just before I picked up lunch. The doctor did a really good job."

"They certainly did. Do you mind if I ask what happened?" asked Serena keen to learn more about the officer.

Laura finished chewing, "I fell over and sliced it open on a piece of broken glass."

"Ouch, you were lucky to have escaped serious injury."

"It was a dumb accident and should have been avoided."

Serena was taken aback by the officer's self-chastisement and quickly returned to the statement, "You were very thorough with your report."

Laura smirked, "I learnt early on in my career to leave nothing out. If you do, someone will screw you over."

Serena pressed on, "I assume you have been burnt before?"

"Yes, my first appearance in court. The defence Attorney made me pay for omitting an incident in my statement and ended up getting his client off, so I learnt to be more precise."

"Well, you definitely are that," remarked Serena while closing the file. "It makes my job so much easier."

"By the way, how is Saul Soloman doing?"

"He is out of Intensive Care and expected to make a full recovery."

"I'm glad to hear that." Laura stood and cleared the table. "I have to be getting back out on patrol Miss Southerlyn. It was nice to see you again."

"My pleasure Sergeant York," replied the ADA as Laura left the room.

-0-

Duncan turned the corner and confessed, "I like the new ADA assigned to Homicide."

"I do too, she's really nice," agreed Laura with a grin.

"Did you know her predecessor Abbie Carmichael?"

"Yes I did. I worked on a few cases with her. She's an outstanding Attorney."

Duncan pointed out, "And an absolute stunner."

Laura laughed, "Don't let your girlfriend hear you say that."

"Julie would whoop my ass. Carmichael managed to shock a few people when she got married in June."

"That she did and I applaud her openness."

"Do you know her wife is a detective here at the station?"

"Yes I do, Stephanie Richards is a great investigator."

The conversation was interrupted by Central on the radio advising them to deal with a reported domestic violence disturbance. By 1700 hours, the officers had filed their paperwork for assault charges and secured the perp at Central Booking.

-0-

Laura walked to the car park and was surprised to see Serena getting out of a taxi. "Hey Counsellor," she said while approaching the blonde.

Serena closed the cab door, "Hello Sergeant York."

"Are you working late?"

"Yes. Detectives Brisco and Green have a Homicide suspect I need to interview."

"Good luck, I'll see you around."

"Bye," replied Serena. She watched the five foot ten woman dressed in ¾ length beige cargo shorts and green polo shirt walk away and sighed loudly. Before she could stop herself, she yelled out, "SERGEANT YORK, WAIT UP."

Laura turned around, "What's up Counsellor?"

Serena nervously brushed her hair behind her left ear, "As we are both new to the two-seven, I was wondering if you would like to get together for a drink sometime?"

"Sure, sounds great," answered Laura. "I'm actually headed over to O'Malley's now. A few of the guys are meeting up there for a beer and dinner. You're more than welcome to join us."

"I was hoping for something a little less crowded."

Laura raised her brows, "Oh sorry Miss Southerlyn, you mean just the two of us?"

"Yes I do, is that a problem?" replied Serena apprehensively.

"Nope, I'm off for the next three days, so how about Friday night?"

Serena's mouth curved up into a smile, "Friday works for me."

"Okay, I'll pick you up from your office at five thirty if you like?"

"That sounds like an excellent plan."

"I know a great bar. See you then."

"Yes goodbye."

Serena headed for the Precinct while Laura giggled as she got into her truck. She suddenly stopped and thought, "You idiot, she'll think it's a date."

-0-