Title: Skating Mystery

Disclaimer: I do not own Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Dick Wolf does. Figure Skating is owned by the ISU.

Author's Note: AU. Appearances by Lt. Anita Van Buren, Detectives Lupo, Bernard, Benson, and Stabler and Captain Cragen.

A/N 2: This will be the other of the long chapter.

Beta'd by: xushi

Rating: M (for a majority of the chapter due to the dark subject matter)

Genre: Romance/Drama

Chapter 4: Trouble Brews


As Bobby's life was becoming what he had been dreaming of it was quite a different story for Autumn; the skating partner who had walked out on him.

She was happy with the guy she found. It was to the point where she thought he was 'the one', when life began to unravel. She and her guy, Joshua Hiev were out strolling when Coach Richards spotted her in downtown near an abandoned structure.

Since Bobby retired, Ryan Richards had been out of a job due to health and he had been drinking heavily.

When he saw her, he lost his cool as his anger got the best of him. He headed over and he saw her with someone else. He did not say anything and lunged at them both, grabbed them by their shirts and dragged them both into the structure and proceeded to beat Josh to a bloody pulp ignoring the pleading cries from Autumn to stop.

Once he made sure the guy was dead he then knocked her out and carried her out of the building and through an alleyway back to another undisclosed location. There she was kept in a desolate room which had deplorable conditions.

How could this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?

At times, after getting even a little water or food, she would be beaten senseless by all means possible.

Now Richards thought about whether or not to stop but then realized if he stopped and let her go or someone else found her he would be found out, so he decided to finish off the job. He killed her by asphyxiating with his bare hands and wrapping duct tap on her eyes, nose, mouth, wrists and feet.

After it was all said and done, he calmly left the area without raising red flags and went back to his place to clean up. He went and reported the findings, trying act like an innocent bystander. Then, a sinister smile appeared on his face he decided to pin the murders on his former student, Bobby Goren.

He had wanted to go into partnership with Bobby after he retired, but hadn't counted on him falling in love with his replacement and became quietly enraged when he did; this was his way of getting back at him.

What he hadn't realized was the two deserted areas still had hidden cameras running inside and out, taping his every move.

Two weeks following the passionate night, trouble headed Alex and Bobby's way. On a cool fall Friday, Alex had a rare day off; the two had finished lunch and were planning on walk in the park. As Bobby was drying the dishes, Alex was heading towards her room when she heard the door knock.

As soon as Alex went to open the door she knew something was wrong. She saw two familiar faces, recalling the few times they worked together on cases.

"Detective's Bernard and Lupo, how may I help you?"

"Good afternoon Detective Eames. We have two warrants," said Bernard showing the papers, "one from 2-7 and one from 1-6."

"For what?" asked Alex as she read the two warrants.

Lupo said, "For the arrest of Robert Goren in the murder of Joshua Hiev and Autumn Shaw."

"What the heck? This cannot be happening," said Alex, reading the warrants.

"2-7 and 1-6 will be investigating this case concurrently as Joshua was beaten to death and Autumn was too but there is also evidence she was sexually assaulted and raped," finished Lupo letting out a sigh.

What was indicated in the warrants was the last thing Lupo and his partner wanted to do to a fellow sister in blue, but it had to be done.

After cleaning up and putting away the dishes Bobby went over to see what was going on.

"Is everything okay?"

Alex turned and looked at him with a sad face.

"Are you Robert Goren?" asked Lupo.

"Yes I am."

"We have a warrant for your arrest."

"Whoa … what is this about?" asked Bobby as Lupo got out the cuffs.

"Robert Goren you're under arrest for the murders of Joshua Hiev and Autumn Shaw. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney during interrogation, if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you." said Green as Lupo finished cuffing Bobby.

Now it was Bobby's turn to look at Alex with sad eyes and she said, "Don't worry baby, I will get you a lawyer and be there as soon as possible."

She blew him a kiss and he was led away.

Once the SUV and squad car was out of sight Alex went and fetched her phone and made a call.

"Dad I need the number for Douglas Wang."

-x-

An hour later, Bobby was at the 2-7 Manhattan precinct being heavily interrogated by Detectives Bernard, Lupo, and Stabler. Detectives Benson and Stabler met the other two detectives there to save time. Detective Benson stayed out because she knew the testosterone level would get high fast.

They kept asking the same question unrelentingly.

"Okay, where you the night of August 31st?" asked Bernard more persistently

"I told you I was with my girlfriend, spending quality time with her."

"Well, we have a source placing you beating and killing the victim's boyfriend and then raping and then killing the victim," said Stabler.

Bobby was about to say something else when he heard, "Okay, detective's the interrogation is over. My client is invoking his rights."

Bernard, Lupo, and Stabler turned around and Lt. Van Buren with a stern looking lawyer.

Lt. Anita Van Buren gave them the silent signal to leave the room with her.

Soon after they left, the lawyer said, "Robert Goren?"

Bobby nodded.

"I am Douglas Wang; I am the attorney for the Eames family. I have been sent in by John Eames to represent you. Now, we will be going to your arraignment since it your first offense your bail shouldn't set too high. Once bail is posted I have arranged to have you released into Alexandra's custody. Now you are to stay with her until you name has been cleared. Anything you need, you have either her, her father or I along. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

Meanwhile on the other side of the mirror, the four detectives and the Lt. were watching the lawyer and the suspect. Olivia spoke up first.

"I don't know what you guys think, I but feel like someone is trying to frame him and split him and Detective Eames apart. I for one can tell how much they are in love with each other by how she gushes about him. I can tell that he has a 'bad boy' impression about him but I can also tell that he is one of those rare sensitive 'bad boy' types, one who never hurt someone like Alex because they would know the implications. So are we are we into help find the real perp?" asked Olivia.

"I am in," said Lt. Van Buren.

"Count us in as well," said Lupo for both him and Bernard.

"Elliot?" asked Olivia looking over at him. She was getting the impression his response would be negative.

"I am not buying his alibi and I think he did it and the sooner we prove it, the sooner we show Alex he is not worth her time as he doesn't deserve her and we should prevent her from being hurt by this dirt bag, and…"

"How dare you Detective Stabler," said Alex incensed.

She had heard him as she walked into the observation room.

"Detective Eames, you don't deserve the loser. I know he did the crime. I feel like he is acting a pompous jerk by claiming he doesn't know about the murders."

Alex nearly lunged at Stabler but Lt. Van Buren managed to get in between the two and Olivia managed to get a hold of her, and got her to calm down.

"Okay, Alex calm down. I will deal with the knucklehead and talk some sense into him. If that doesn't help, then I know what will."

Alex was still huffing with anger, giving Elliot the evil eye, but she calmed down a bit and proceeded to go into the interrogation room. Bernard and Lupo wisely moved out her way.

Olivia briefly went over to the two-way mirror and caught sight of Alex and Bobby hugging. She had known Alex since their days in the Academy and has seen her like a sister she never had, and now would be a part of an investigation to clear her beau's name, even if Alex would only be assisting. So she knew she had to deal with Elliot one way or another and she knew of an effective plan.

A short time later, as Olivia and Elliot were heading back to 1-6 precinct, Olivia decided to ignore whatever Elliot had to say by giving him the cold shoulder treatment.

"Come on Liv, talk to me."

Olivia continued her silence.

The moment they walked into the bullpen they heard Cragen calling out, "Benson and Stabler my office now."

Fin and Munch instantly glanced over at the two detectives wondering what was going on.

Once Olivia closed the door, Cragen wasted no time.

"I got a call from Van Buren a few minutes ago. Could one of you care to explain what happened over at 2-7."

"Well Captain, Elliot here, or should I say Detective Stabler here, had gotten out of interrogating Bobby Goren with Detectives Lupo and Bernard when Detective Stabler made a few rude off the mark comments on how he's not buying Bobby's alibi and he is a dirt bag. What's worse is Alex walked in right when he said the last two words and he called him a loser and said he didn't deserve her right in front of her."

By the end of Olivia's story, Cragen was frowning at Elliot.

"Detective Stabler, I understand your worries but you don't say those kinds of things, especially if Detective Eames is one of our own. Now, according to Van Buren, most of you have volunteered to be a part of the investigation to clear Bobby's name," said Cragen and then looking directly at Elliot, and said, "you will help with the investigation, no matter what you think of the guy or how much you dislike him, or you risk an undefined period desk duty. Do I make myself clear?"

Elliot groaned but said nothing.

"I think we should ask Munch and Fin to pitch in. No exceptions," said Cragen glaring at Elliot.

"Okay, you two get back to work and send Detective Tutuola and Munch so I will be able to explain the situation."

As Olivia opened the door she said, "Thank you sir."

Both Olivia and Elliot went back to their desks and Olivia told Fin and Munch to go to Cragen's office.

Elliot hated getting his ass chewed out. Then again he knew he did get a little out of line.

-x-

An hour later, Bobby and Douglas were at the court for his arraignment and only court apperance. Alex and John were there for support.

"How does the defendant plea?" asked Judge Harriett Doremus.

"Not guilty your honor," said Bobby as calmly as he could.

"Okay how about the issue of bail?"

"Your Honor Ms. Novak and I think the suspect should be remanded and remain in custody," said Connie.

"What? Based on what evidence?" asked Douglas.

"The evidence that was given to us by a witness."

"I hate to break it to you but what you have now is circumstantial evidence," said Douglas in a sardonic voice.

Casey was about to say something when Judge Doremus said, "Ms. Novak and Ms. Rubirosa, Mr. Wang is right until you have solid evidence that the suspect Mr. Goren actually did commit the crime. I have come to an understanding that Mr. Goren be released as I understand into Detective Eames' custody where he will remain until further notice, is that correct?"

"Yes your honor," replied Douglas.

"Okay I determine that Mr. Goren should be released on $5,000 bail as he poses no threat to the general public. Proceedings has been adjourned." said Judge Doremus." as she struck the gavel on the wood.

As Alex left the courtroom still feeling the sting from her conversation with Detective Stabler, she was on her way to post Bobby's bail when she heard someone call her.

"Hey Detective Eames wait up."

She turned around and saw Detective Daniels.

"Hey Daniels, what are you doing here?"

"Logan and I were here for a case we wrapped awhile ago. I also heard what happened."

Alex stayed as silent as she could, not trust what she would have said.

"I know what you're thinking, and I will go and talk with Barek, Logan, and Deakins to see if we can pitch in. However, if it's approved you can't be on because of…"

"…conflict of interest," finished Alex. "I know. Thanks Daniels."

"No problem, we look out for each other right?"

Alex nodded and Daniels said, "I will call once I talk with Captain Deakins."

Alex nodded again and then left. Subsequent to posting his $5,000 bail, Bobby, along with Alex and her dad went out the back to avoid reporters and they headed to his place as the attorney said and packed clothing for a few months.

A few hours later after getting all the stuff he would need, they were at Alex's place, snuggling on the couch. As Bobby held her close she whispered, "Don't worry baby, I believe you didn't kill her or the guy she was with … even though she did desert you."

Bobby looked at her and gave her a heartbreaking smile. Alex hugged him even tighter.

Following a short period of silence, Alex's phone rang and Alex didn't have reach far to answer it.

"Eames."

"Detective Eames, this is Daniels."

"Yes? What did the captain say?" Alex asked eagerly.

"He shook his head when he found out, but thought it would be a good idea to pitch in and help. Lt. Van Buren and Captain Cragen have already called Captain Deakins letting him know they were going to help. Captain Deakins instructed me to have Barek and Logan come in. Once Barek and Logan were in the office, I explained what I suggested and both Logan and Barek instantly jumped on board to help. Deakins said it has been arranged … Not only will we be helping, but 2-7 and 1-6 have pitched in as well. Deakins also agreed it would be best for you to be off the case to begin with because of conflict of interest. He is offering you desk duty or paid administrative leave."

Alex was a little speechless in how many of her fellow comrades were willing to help.

After a short pause Alex said, "I will take desk duty but ask him if I can have weekends off until the case is over."

Daniels nodded and said, "Okay I will talk to him about it."

"Thank you Daniels for your help."

"No problem, hey we all want our fellow sister to be happy and have Bobby's name cleared right?"

"Yeah."

As soon as Alex had closed her phone she looked at Bobby.

"That was Detective Daniels calling with important news."

Alex then went into detail what was about to happen.

"So I will be on desk duty as the investigation is conducted. I was thinking while I am gone maybe my dad will be able to let you stay with the family for the day. I know he and the whole family trusts you."

Bobby gazed at her; he didn't know how lucky he became when he met her six months ago; he would be forever grateful.

In an instant Alex got a text message and saying Deakins will work in giving her time off for the weekends during the case.

No sooner had she seen the text, she got another call.

"Eames."

"Detective Eames, this is Detective Stabler calling."

"What do you want?" asked Alex in a hostile voice, startling Bobby in the process.

Oy I deserved it, thought Elliot pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I am calling to apologize for the way I acted in at the 2-7 earlier. And I will be a part of the investigation to help clear Bobby's name.

Alex didn't know what to say; Olivia had made good on her promise.

"Okay, but you better watch your step, mister."

Without even giving Elliot a chance to respond, Alex closed her phone and placed it on the coffee table.

Bobby sensing something was wrong asked, "Sweetheart what is wrong?"

"Oh it's nothing."

"Oh, come on, it is something if it got you upset."

Alex took a deep breath and explained what had happened at the 2-7 precinct.

Bobby smiled as he gave Alex a big hug and Alex asked, "Why are you smiling? Detective Stabler insulted you."

"I guess I let out too much of my 'bad boy' impression. I mean they were all meeting me for the first time."

Good point thought Alex.

-x-

So began the search into the whodunit suspect. Bobby and the defense lawyer, Douglas Wang agreed to cooperate with the detectives in helping, including giving DNA.

For the first month, there had been no leads and everyone was getting frustrated; none more so than Bobby and Alex.

Even the Chief of D's, Police Commissioner, First Deputy and the Deputy Commissioner wanted Bobby's name to be cleared and opened a reward fund to persuade whoever had information to come forward.

Luckily she wasn't working much besides desk duty to be with him to calm his frayed nerves and being a part of his steadfast support system.

As the investigation was heading into its second month, all the puzzle pieces were coming together.

One chilly morning in early October, Alex was coming in a later after she and Bobby had to take a sick Nathan to the hospital. Deakins was already beginning to experience a bad headache after getting an earful from the higher ups.

Suddenly came a knock on the door and he said, "Come in."

Three of his detectives came in with a nervous looking couple.

"Captain, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw say they have some information that should help us solve the case," said Barek.

Deakins' eyes widened and he thought finally we have a possible break.

He had the three detectives close the door as he got the visitors some water.

"So Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, Detective Barek said you may some information to help us?"

"Yes, yes we do," began Mr. Kendrick Shaw in slight Scottish accent and continued on, "When we heard about Autumn's death, my wife, Ceanna and I are devastated. Autumn was our only daughter and only child. We are here today to help clear our daughter's ex skating partner's name. We have met Bobby and we know he wouldn't dare think of hurting our daughter ever.

The three detectives and Deakins let out a frustrated sigh.

Logan thought no parent should have to go through this kind of situation ever.

"Our beautiful Autumn loved life and loved skating. There is only person we are able think of who do this to our Autumn. We suggest you look into their former coach, Ryan Richards, there was always something about the guy we didn't like."

Deakins immediately looked at all of his detectives and they got the signal. They were on their way to do the fact finding and what ever other information they would need to solve the case.

Deakins talked with the family a little longer and gave them the NYPD's condolences. He personally walked them out. Once he got back to his office, he made the crucial calls to the other precincts helping out.

What they hadn't realized, was that it was the tip they needed. Major Case got busy with the research in order to get enough information to persuade Novak, Rubirosa and Cutter to get an arrest warrant for 1-6 and 2-7.

When Alex came in later on she noticed all three of them were busy. Almost the moment she was about to sit down, did she see Deakins signal to her.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, Deakins got to the point.

"Okay Alex, Bobby's ex-skating partner's parents came in this morning and they have provided us a tip and possibly a break to the case."

"That is great news captain," began Alex not knowing what to feel.

Deakins added, "Last time I checked with Detective Barek, she and Detective Logan and Daniels were still compiling information on a Ryan Richards and…"

"Ryan Richards? Coach Richards? Bobby's ex-coach? Oh my word, I knew there was something off and fishy about the guy. Oh, sorry.

"I need you to go down to SVU and see if the ME is able to find still trace amounts of semen fluids on Autumn."

"Yes sir I am on it," said Alex releasing a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

Before Alex got in her car, she called the ME at SVU, Melinda Warner, telling her the tip they received and ME Warner said she would have the information ready for her when she arrived. Alex also notified Olivia she was on her way over.

As it turned out, there were still trace semen fluids found on Autumn and the rape kit done showed she had been raped before being killed. The tests also showed she had become pregnant by none other than Ryan Richards.

The lone tip helped unearth disturbing information for Manhattan's 2-7, SVU and Major Case. The tip unearthed that Coach Ryan Richards was a pseudonym for Malthus Kane, previously a low life druggie who killed to thrill. He already had two strikes against him before coming to New York.

Right after getting the most incriminating piece of evidence, 2-7 re-interviewed the previous witnesses and got more information. Eventually, they got a subpoena to get surveillance tapes of that particular day. It was made clear, after watching the tapes, as Alex pointed out, that Bobby only drove sports cars. The car seen in the tapes was a gas guzzler SUV.

Soon thereafter, Detectives Benson and Stabler, along with Lt. Van Buren presented all the evidence to the ADAs and easily convinced them. They got the needed warrants. Elliot had to admit, after piecing all the puzzle pieces together, he was wrong about Bobby; he and Alex were lucky to have each other, that's for sure.

When they left One Hogan Place, Lt. Van Buren said, "Detectives Benson and Stabler, why don't you call Detective Eames and then head on over to where the suspect lives. When I get back to the precinct, I will send over Detectives Lupo and Bernard as well some officers and beat cops to arrest the dirt bag?"

The two detectives nodded and were on the way.

As Elliot drove, Olivia called Alex.

Alex was getting ready to leave after an uneventful day of desk duty when she got the call. She nodded gratefully and said, "Let's all go and pick up this dirt bag and clear Bobby's name."

When they got to a dingy living area in the outskirts of Manhattan, all of them went in with the back up walking a few steps behind them.

As they approached the third floor, Detective Bernard looked at Alex Eames and said, "Why don't you cuff the scum after we show him the warrants?"

"With pleasure … I will be happy to," said Alex, taking the cuffs from Bernard.

After Elliot knocked on the door and it opened, Richards knew what they were there for, but said, "May I help you?"

"We are here looking for Mr. Ryan Richards."

"That's me."

Everyone then parted and Alex stepped forward and Richards said, "You! What you are doing here? Aren't you supposed to be somewhere consoling lover-boy?"

"Now … that was we all wanted to hear. Malthus Kane, you're under arrest for the murder of Joshua Hiev and the rape and murder of Autumn Shaw. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney during interrogation; if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you," Alex said with as much composure as she could.

She handcuffed him, but not before almost getting hit by the suspect. However, the back up, as well as the other detectives intervened.

"I think we should add another charge on to the list of growing charges. Attempted assault on a police officer comes to mind," said Stabler, as he helped the others restrain the perp.

As most of the crowd had escorted the suspect away, Olivia turned to Alex and said, "Why don't you go and see Bobby and tell him what happened."

Alex nodded and the two walked out of the dingy building.


A/N 3: Thanks for reading chapter 5 of "Skating Mystery". More to come!

A/N 4: Reviews please? It helps feed my muse!