TITLE: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – "Lost"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: When Assistant District Attorney Alex Cabot is forced into the U.S. Marshal's Witness Protection Program, she doesn't handle her new life according to plan and struggles to let go of the feelings she has for the woman she was forced to leave behind in Manhattan.
PAIRING: Alex Cabot & OFC.
RATING: M for Mature Readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story comes from the imagination. I, along with other Fanfic writers, do so for fun and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of Wolf Films Studio, NBC Television or USA Television. 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!
A/N: Please take the time to review.
Chapter 7
Manhattan, New York
1145 hours February 15th, 2005
Chung chung
"Acting Supervisory Deputy Taylor," answered Erin when her phone rang.
"Hello Deputy, Agent Hammond here."
"What can I do for the DEA today?"
"We need to set up a meeting with Emily Johnson."
"Has there been progress with her case?"
"Yes and we can discuss it over lunch. I'll meet you at Josie's Diner at noon."
"Okay, see you then."
Erin closed her phone and exited the office. Walking over to Lewis' desk, she asked, "Are you free for lunch?"
"I certainly am Boss."
"Don't call me that," protested Erin with a scowl.
"Hey, when you act-up in the big chair, you inherit the nickname."
"I'll be glad when Bradford returns from leave."
"Come on, you love the higher duties."
Erin countered with a smirk, "Yeah, I do."
"So are you taking me to lunch?"
"Yes along with DEA Agent Hammond. He wants to discuss a development with the Emily Johnson case."
"Really?"
"No Lewis, I just made that all up."
"Oops, I asked for that."
"Yes you did."
"Hey, did you ever call Emily back after she phoned me to wish us a Happy New Year?"
"No I didn't and that's the end of that. I need the Reid report A-SAP."
"Yes Boss, coming right up."
-0-
Once formal greetings were dispensed with, the two Marshals and Agent sat down at a secluded table in the corner.
Jack Hammond slid a beige manila folder across the table to Erin, "Elena Brevet, twenty seven and co-owner of Brevet Investments. She was beaten, raped and tortured with seventeen knife cuts before bleeding out as a result of a slashed throat."
"What type of investment did she deal in Jack?" asked Lewis.
"Private hedge fund, worth over 700 million in assets and reported a twenty percent return last financial year."
"Jesus, that's some serious cash," remarked Erin while viewing the autopsy photos. "Who's the guy?"
"That's Jason Brevet, husband and co-owner. He was discovered at their home several hours later. He'd been tied to a chair, stabbed and tortured then killed in a similar fashion as the wife."
"So who was killed first?" enquired Lewis.
"The wife by about thirty-six hours."
Erin looked up from the M.E.'s report, "The doer was meticulous with both bodies and left no trace of evidence."
"That's correct. The killer lifted the house keys from Elena's pocket and let himself into the house. The guy stayed in the house the entire weekend until the husband arrived home after attending a client's party in Miami."
"The torture suggests the perp was after something specific," noted Erin.
"Yes, the combination to the safe in the Brevet's home office. Chromatograph analysis of the safe indicated over one million dollars was taken."
"I see Manhattan SVU caught the case," noted Erin.
"Yes and forensic accountants discovered Brevet Investments was nothing more than a high-end pyramid scheme. The couple was strapped and in debt with both their credit cards maxed out and the two houses they owned were mortgaged. The company profits were bogus and the books cooked."
"So how do you explain the stolen cash?" asked Lewis with a grin.
Erin answered, "Money laundering and skimming a little off the top."
"That's right," said Hammond. "Specifically from a Columbian shell company by the name of Casa Vega Enterprises."
"I'll take a guess and say it's a front for drug trafficking," quipped Erin.
Hammond explained, "The Brevets were exchanging the dirty money with cheques made out to Casa Vega as were some of their so called investors."
Erin flicked through more autopsy pictures, "Are these more investors?"
"That's Sergio Montoya, the Brevet's middle man. The other is his wife. The killer shot them then their eight year old son Antonio in the head, but the slug deflected off the front of his skull and he survived. He stated a "Ghost" killed his parents."
"So where does Emily Johnson fit into all of this?" enquired Erin.
"The bullets retrieved from the Montoyas matched the slug taken from ADA Alex Cabot."
"Dear god, you've finally got a lead on the bastard," whispered Erin.
"Unfortunately it's not that simple."
"Then go on," urged a disappointed Deputy.
"As you know, Cesar Velez ordered the hit on her because she was prosecuting one of his employees Zapata for rape. Velez was also responsible for the bombing death of DEA Agent Tim Donovan who was working that case."
"Yes I remember."
"The theory is Velez is Casa Vega Investments and when he discovered he was being short changed to the tune of millions by the Brevets and Sergio Montoya, he ordered a hit on them. NYPD Detectives tracked down the "Ghost" as a Liam Connors. He was born in Belfast and is a known IRA hit man. He turned up in Columbia about five years ago."
"I suppose with the cease fire in Northern Ireland, Connors had to find alternative employment," reasoned Erin.
"Precisely and the only witness, Antonio Montoya identified Connors in a line up after Connors was arrested at a fuel depot in Gowanus."
"So he's set for trial?" asked Lewis as he waved to the waitress.
Erin closed the folder and Hammond waited to answer while the server took their orders.
Once she was gone, the Agent resumed, "Again, it's not that simple. Antonio was shot at on the morning of January twelfth when he was scheduled to testify in front of a Grand Jury."
Erin gasped, "Dear god, is he all right?"
"Yes, but his handler Detective Miguel Sandoval from Narcotics required medical attention. He was working with the SVU on the case and because of the assassination attempt; ADA Casey Novak was fifteen minutes late arriving at court and lost her application for remand. The Judge ruled the DA's office had no proof of Connors' complicity in the shooting and released him until trial."
"There's my tax dollar at work," scoffed Lewis.
"When Connors went to leave Novak directed Detectives Stabler and Benson to re-arrest him for the murder of ADA Alexandra Cabot. Luckily, Judge Preston was a friend of Alex's and remanded him for arraignment."
"Bugger, I can see where this is headed," remarked Erin as the meals arrived.
Hammond smirked, "You'd be right. When I was notified, I went to see Captain Cragen at the 16th Precinct to find out why he didn't call me before his detectives arrested Connors. I informed him that I would be called to testify at Connors' trial and would refuse to commit perjury. Cragen was shocked by my statement; he didn't know Alex Cabot was still alive."
"Well you did request Stabler and Benson remain quiet about WitSec," pointed out Erin.
"I didn't expect them to keep their word. Cragen tore his two detectives a new one and made mention of the fact they had signed affidavits charging Connors with murder knowing full well the victim was alive and wilfully committed perjury."
"I'm assuming they didn't expect their ADA to ask for the arrest in open court."
"That's correct. They both knew it would have put Cabot at risk to divulge the fact she was still alive."
"That's quite the mess," noted Erin between bites of her sandwich. "What do you need from us?"
"I need to take Captain Cragen to see Cabot."
"Okay, I'll arrange it by three this afternoon."
"Do you want me to clear it with your boss?"
"I am the boss at the moment, Bradford is on leave."
"Well that saves us some time then."
"It does and as a thank you, you are paying for lunch."
"It's a small price to pay Deputy Taylor."
-0-
Hammond parked the silver GMC Yukon in the drive and all the passengers alighted from the vehicle then approached the front door.
Erin hung back and allowed the other two men to climb the stairs first. Her heart sank when Alex opened the door and said, "What's happened ... is it over?"
Cragen stepped forward and hugged the friend he thought was deceased for the past sixteen months. They both cried for several minutes before Alex gained some semblance of self-control and led them inside.
Erin remained in the background and made coffee for everyone. When she entered the living room carrying a tray, Cragen was explaining the details of the Connors case. Unnoticed, she placed the beverage and condiments on the low table.
Retreating from the room, Erin fetched a bottle of water then sat down in the vacant armchair several minutes later.
Alex was sitting in the other one and Hammond and Cragen were perched on the couch. Alex was looking at a photo of Liam Connors, "I always wondered what he looked like. I always looked for him in the strangers I saw and hoped he hadn't found me. Now I know who to look for." She put the police mug shot down on the table, "I have wanted my would-be killer to pay for what he did to me, but it is against all I believe in as an Attorney to have him tried for a murder he didn't commit."
Cragen sighed, "I hope you understand why I've come here?"
"I can't expect you or anyone else to commit perjury. The court will have to be informed that I am still alive."
"It's wrong," protested Cragen. "The bastard should pay for what he did to you and for what he took from you and others."
"He will pay Donald; I insist he be charged with my attempted murder."
Hammond objected, "No, you can't do that. That would mean returning to New York and testifying. You would be placing yourself in danger."
Alex clenched her fists, "It used to be my job to persuade victims of crime to face their attackers and I believe it's time I did the same thing."
Cragen leaned forward, "It would be pointless for you to testify, you can't identify your shooter; no one can."
"Donald, you know that I would be classified as a missing witness if I didn't, then the case would be lost."
"We can still pin Connors for four murders. He won't walk free," pointed out Hammond.
"You're basing that statement on the willingness of an eight year old to testify, even after he's been shot at."
"Alex, if you go anywhere near the Courthouse, you'll be at risk of being killed," argued Cragen.
Alex stood and glared at both men, "Do you expect me to allow Connors to take my conscience too? The bastard took my home, my career, my lover and finally my mother. Because of him, I couldn't even attend her funeral. He's not taking any more, I won't let him."
Excusing herself, Alex went to the bathroom.
Erin got up and offered, "I'll go check on her."
Hammond rose up from his chair, "Stay with her Deputy and return to New York in the morning. I'll meet you at the Newark hangar."
"Understood Agent Hammond, I'll make the necessary arrangements." Without further ado, Erin walked the two men to the vehicle then went back inside the house.
Alex was standing in the hallway, "Do you think I'm doing the wrong thing?"
"No, I'd do exactly the same thing if I were in your position. We'll fly back in the morning; just give me five minutes to organise the flight and a detail from the airport."
"Of course, you have a job to do."
Erin ignored the jibe and reached for her cell phone.
Ten minutes on, she joined Alex on the couch, "Everything is arranged. You'll be staying at a safe house until you have testified."
"Thank you Deputy Taylor."
"There's no need to thank me."
Alex countered with a snide remark, "I know Deputy Taylor; it's your job."
"Obviously you're angry right now, but I'm not the enemy."
"Why did you run out on me the last time you were here?"
"Honestly, I didn't want to hear about your date and I had no right to be jealous."
"Why didn't you call me again?"
"I took a break from the internal struggle between duty and you. Besides, you were moving along nicely and I certainly wasn't in a position to interfere with that."
"I thought we were friends?"
"We were, but it was unprofessional of me to have any form of relationship with you."
"Thank you for finally telling me that."
"I'm sorry."
"I am too, how is Lewis?"
"He's really good."
"I was relieved when he recovered from his injuries."
"So was I."
"I guess I better start on dinner."
"You don't have plans?"
"No, not any longer, I cancelled them earlier."
"Sorry about that."
After a quiet meal, Alex went to bed and Erin stayed in the living room until her watch alarm woke her at six-thirty.
-0-
Manhattan District Attorney's Office
1 Hogan Place, New York
Thursday 17th February, 2005
Chung chung
Olivia and Elliot waited in Casey Novak's office and prepared themselves for the ass kicking they knew they were about to receive.
On cue, Casey strode through the doorway and fired her first salvo, "You pair should have trusted me with the truth. Shit, how can we work together if you don't trust me?"
Olivia got to her feet, "Look Casey, we're real sorry, but we made a promise to Agent Hammond."
Shot two fired, "Christ, you left me blowing in the wind in court."
"Shit Casey," said Elliot. "Will we need legal representation?"
"I bloody well hope not," replied Casey as she moved behind her desk. Her face dropped when she looked at the two people who suddenly appeared in the doorway.
The two detectives turned to see Agent Hammond and Alex.
"Oh dear god, Alex," cried Olivia.
Elliot jumped up, "There was no need for you to come back."
Grinning brilliantly, Alex quipped, "I had to come save your three asses."
"I hate to break up this happy reunion, but we are due in court in ten minutes," declared Casey.
Erin, Lewis and four other Deputies formed a circle around Alex as she exited Novak's office. The detail escorted the former ADA to the Courthouse and along with Hammond, secured her in a holding room to the side of the courtroom.
Erin left the room and quietly slipped into the back row of the courtroom. She remained standing close to the door and surveyed the room. Her eyes continued to scan for any unusual movements or body language.
Momentarily, Judge Lois Preston asked the prosecutor, "Have the people a new indictment for the defendant?"
Novak stood, "We have Your Honour. Under indictment 72404, the defendant Liam Connors is hereby charged with attempted murder."
Defence Attorney Roger Kressler sprang to his feet, "This is an outrage. My client was arrested on murder one, where is that charge?"
"The people withdraw it Your Honour," replied Casey.
"No doubt due to insufficient evidence," scoffed Kressler. "Ms Novak, how many more fake charges do you intend tossing my client's way?"
Judge Preston interjected, "Who is your complainant in the new indictment Ms Novak?"
Casey calmly replied, "Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot."
Erin observed as Connors looked around the room, his face detailing his shock.
The Judge was no better as Hammond ushered Alex into the courtroom via the side entrance.
Kressler immediately protested, "Your Honour, I insist Detectives Benson and Stabler be arrested immediately."
"On what charge?" demanded Judge Preston.
"The detectives committed perjury by filing a false instrument charging my client with ADA Cabot's murder."
Novak sprang to their defence, "Your Honour, the detectives hands were tied in this matter. Ms Cabot's life would have been placed in jeopardy if the truth was known at that time."
"Mr Connors has been imprisoned unlawfully, so that adds a charge of false arrest," objected Kressler.
"Your Honour," began Casey. "The defendant would still have been placed on remand on a charge of attempted murder of a city official, so his liberty has not been unfairly hindered."
Judge Preston nodded her head, "I agree and find no underlying violation has been committed against you client's rights Mr Kressler. The defendant is to remain on remand and there will be no charges brought against Detectives Benson and Stabler." The Judge raised her chin to Alex as she banged her gavel, "Twenty minute recess."
Erin watched closely as Lewis and the other Deputies took up strategic positions around the room. She also noted Detective Stabler approaching a dark haired man at the door and overheard him say, "Has something happened to Antonio?"
"No, but we do have an issue," replied the man Erin assumed was Detective Miguel Sandoval.
Observing meticulously, Erin stood firm as Elliot neared Hammond and Alex. The DEA Agent motioned to her that they needed to exit the Courtroom. Erin directed her Deputies to proceed with escorting their asset from the area with haste.
Once the group were in the hallway, Hammond informed then they were to return to Novak's office.
-0-
When the detail arrived outside office 206, Sandoval was already inside with Antonio and the ADA, so Alex stepped past the doorway and joined them.
Erin approached Hammond and enquired, "What's going on?"
"The boy is frightened and Detective Sandoval thinks it would help if Alex talked to him."
"I hope he's right," reflected Erin with a frown.
After a short conversation, Detective Sandoval departed with Antonio along with the two DEA Agents assigned to protect the young boy.
Alex appeared moments later and Erin and her team went into action and transported her to the safe house. Detectives Stabler and Benson had requested to be part of the protective detail and Erin had consented. It allowed her to free up two of her Deputies and ensure they were well rested for the following morning.
Once Alex was settled, Elliot took the first shift inside the house while Erin, Lewis, Craig and Turner took up covert external positions.
-0-
During her last check-in, Erin found Elliot and Alex playing backgammon. Glancing at Alex, Erin watched as she ran long fingers through her blonde hair. The former ADA had dyed it back to its natural colour the morning they left Wausau. Erin felt a tingling up her spine and bid the two friends a goodnight.
Going outside, Erin neared Olivia as she got out of her car, "You have four fresh Deputies around the perimeter and they will be relieved at 0600 hours. The detail will leave for the courthouse at 0800 hours. Have a good night Detective Benson."
Olivia smiled deeply, "Thanks for allowing me this time with Alex."
"I am aware of how important she is to you, but I warn you, she has changed."
"Seriously, how could she not with all that has happened?"
"Sad but true, goodnight."
"Bye."
-0-
Olivia spoke briefly to Elliot before he left the house. She secured the door and went into the living room. Standing by the couch, she just stared at Alex for a moment before saying, "I suppose Elliot won."
"Yes, every single game. I wish I could open the windows and smell the city aromas."
"It hasn't changed," said a nervous Olivia as she sat down beside Alex.
Blue eyes focused on brown, "I get so homesick for the hustle and bustle of New York's night sounds that I often whistle the Mr Softie song. It's so quiet in Wisconsin."
"So that's where you live? Have you established any friendships?" Olivia was dreading the answer and stopped herself from cringing.
"A couple, especially my next door neighbours. Uhm, I started dating a work colleague back in November."
"I'm glad you've found some happiness Alex."
"It's nothing serious Liv, more of a means to forget my life back here. Jenny is a wonderful woman, but she's certainly not the love of my life. When we make love she calls me Emily and I have to stop myself from blurting out my real name."
Olivia grimaced, "Ouch that hurts."
"Oh god I'm sorry Liv that was insensitive of me."
"It's fine and I know how hard it is to pretend to be someone else."
Alex changed the subject, "I'm having trouble forgetting I'm no longer a prosecutor now that I'm back here. I wish I knew more about Connors and how he thinks."
"I may be able to help you with that," offered Olivia as she passed Alex a folder. "You didn't get that from me."
Alex opened the file and stared at Olivia, "It's Connors' criminal record."
"I know nothing."
Reading the contents, Alex glanced sideways at her ex-girlfriend every now and then to find her watching intently. When she was done, Alex handed back the dossier then stood. Holding out her hand to Olivia, she pleaded, "Take me to bed and remind me how it feels to be Alex Cabot."
Reaching for the trembling hand, Olivia followed the blonde into the bedroom.
-o-