Olivia eyed the murder board again, focusing on the facts of the case instead of her anger. The others were huddled around her, taking in the same information. And now her anger was directed at the fact that they had so little.
"No witness reports. No missing persons." Elliot thought aloud. "No one who wants any association with the victims."
Sam spoke up. "The dump sites and where they... worked," she fumbled for an appropriate euphemism, "weren't anywhere near each other?"
"No." Olivia bit back her hostility, drawing out a breath. Fresh eyes never hurt. "It's scattered. No DNA at the scenes except for the victim, and nothing to narrow down a possible transport vehicle."
The smaller man, Daniel, stepped forward. Olivia watched him study the board. Something caught his attention, causing him to peer intently through his glasses. "Your notes mentioned the possibility that she was killed by an employer. Who owns this area?"
"Mostly small-timers," Elliot said. "Free agents, if you will. Do have a family owned business in there. Hustling money from the pushers and pros that are in the area. Lead by Victor Hogan. Not big on violence, and never suspected in any murders."
Olivia watched as the four glanced at each other. She saw a flash of realization pass between them, though the black man, Teal'c, hid it well. She fixed them with a glare. "They did it."
Teal'c spoke, and since Olivia had never heard him before, it seemed to carry an extra weight. "It is highly probable."
"We've got no evidence to go after them with a warrant, which is why we haven't gotten anywhere with them yet. What makes you so sure?"
The Colonel played it off. "Call it a hunch."
And while she was at it, Olivia would call herself the Queen of England.
When Sam excused herself from the bullpen, Olivia followed her. She stalked her quarry into the bathroom, grabbing the other woman's shoulder as she crossed the tiles. Sam neatly twisted out of her grasp, this officer clearly had some practical training. Maybe if she weren't so damn angry, she'd have some begrudging respect.
"What the hell?" Sam said. They both realized how close they were standing at the same time, and quickly took a step back. Sam looked just as flustered as she was.
Olivia shot back with her own question. "What do you know?"
Sam's gaze flicked to the stalls, confirming they didn't have an audience. She sighed. "We've told you everything we can."
"You haven't told us shit."
"I don't know any more than you do right now."
Their voices echoed loudly as tempers flared. "You know who did this."
"No," Sam snapped. Her blue eyes flared with frustration. "Nothing definitive. Like the Colonel said, it's just a hunch."
"And this hunch is classified?" Olivia didn't see how it could be.
"Yes. Let's just say this Hogan fits the type."
"Just what type is that?"
Sam gave a dry smile, finding some sad humor in her own thoughts. "Pre-established power base."
Olivia shook her head. She'd ask for an elaboration, but the look in Sam's eye told her that's all she would get. Sam's gaze flitted towards the stalls.
"Now, if you're finished..."
With a final sigh, Olivia turned and left. In the hallway she received stares from detectives and various people who were milling about. She quickened her pace back to the bullpen, mortified to realize their heated argument wasn't as private as she had hoped. Embarrassed heat raised in her cheeks despite herself.
When she reentered the bullpen Elliot was seated at his desk. She saw the others still talking at the murder board. Wordlessly, she slipped by her own partner to her own desk.
"Guess it shouldn't be surprising you have a thing for blondes."
He spoke so matter of factly that it took Olivia several moments to process the sentence. When she did, her head snapped up. She was mortified, and all she could do was look at him with her mouth slightly agape.
Smiling now, Elliot continued. "Can't blame you though, she is easy on the eyes."
"Shut up."
Elliot raised his eyebrows suggestively, and left it at that. If anyone were to notice her interest in someone, it would be him. They had been partners longer than anyone else in the unit. Though, if she were being honest, Elliot had had her pretty well pegged early on. When had she ever been able to hide anything from him?
"Yo, Liv!" Odafin Tutuola's voice carried across the structured chaos of the bullpen. When she looked over, Fin continued. "Got a call here from some guy says he knows about the hooker killings. Wants to speak with whoever's handling the case."
Olivia nodded. "Patch him over." Sam and the others from the Air Force made their way over, giving her an expected look, which Elliot shared. Quirking her head slightly in a "we'll see" manner, Olivia picked up the phone after the first ring. "Detective Benson."
"You're investigating the hookers?" a male voice asked. He sounded young, still in his teens.
"Me and my partner, yes."
He sounded nervous, jittery. "They picked up another one. Might be able to stop 'em if you're quick."
"Where?" Olivia picked up a pen from her desk.
"Restaurant went out of business on twelfth. Aledo's. Waiting for the big man to come. You can get her if you come first."
"What's your name?"
"Just come. They ain't gonna keep her forever."
"Hold on!" Olivia didn't quite finish before she heard dial tone. She looked at the others. "Wouldn't give a name. Says the next vic is being held at an old restaurant on twelfth, and they're waiting for the 'big man' to come before they kill her."
"Hogan?" Daniel asked.
Elliot looked thoughtful. "In the right place. Can get the local precinct to block it off, keep anyone from getting close until we get there. Far enough back to keep from spooking whoever's inside."
"What about a warrant? We don't really have much to go on, an anonymous tip." Olivia was concerned, because they didn't really have time to try to convince a judge.
"We'll have one by the time we get there," Sam said.
Olivia's eyes widened. Maybe these military guys had a use after all.
