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 9

Eklutna Park Drive

Eagle River, Alaska

1814 hours Friday 25th February, 2005

Chung chung

Erin drove up to the house at the end of the road that was to be their new abode and Alex joked, "It's a fixer upper I see."

"It's not so bad once you get inside," explained Erin as she pointed a remote at the garage door and parked inside once the mechanism stopped. "The garage is heated."

"That's good to know. I may end up sleeping out here when we have a lover's tiff."

Erin alighted from the vehicle and immediately grabbed several bags from the rear compartment and entered the house giggling.

Alex followed her with four pieces of luggage and stood beside Erin and took in the open planned first storey, "Wow, this is not what I expected to find inside."

The kitchen was modern and equipped with the latest European appliances and a centre wooden galley. The living room was sunken and featured a large fireplace with logs stacked neatly on either side. The L-shaped black leather couch was new and Alex could smell its scent.

"This is all new Erin; even the polished wood floors are unmarked."

"I gather the prospect of living here just took an upward turn."

"I'll hold my opinion until I see what's lurking about upstairs."

"Well, be sure to take a broom with you in case there's a polar bear hibernating on the bed or spiders in the closets."

Alex turned her head and leered at Erin with an expression of utter horror, "You are joking right?"

"No I'm not. Bears often come indoors looking for food and shelter. As for the spiders, it's been a while since anyone used this place, so a few may be hiding in the other rooms."

"Do you have any idea where a broom would be and just so you know, I hate spiders?"

"You'll find one in the laundry room, second door to the left past the stairs. Would you rather take my gun?"

"Now I know you are lying."

Erin winked, "How can you be sure?"

"The lower left corner of your mouth arches up slightly when you try to stop yourself from laughing."

"I guess I better practice masking that then. In the meantime, I'll start the fire and organise some dinner for us. By the way, the house was fumigated last month."

Alex's shoulders relaxed, "That sounds perfectly fine to me and I'll start taking the bags upstairs." The blonde was halfway up the steps when she asked, "Which bedroom is mine?

"There's only one, second door to the right."

With a cheeky smirk, Alex posed the question, "So you'll be sleeping in the garage then?"

"No, I'll be utilising the couch."

Going into the spacious bedroom, Alex was gobsmacked by the view on offer from the windows. There was a beautiful panorama of snowy mountains, white fields and clear blue sky. Tossing the luggage onto the king size bed, Alex sorted through the assortment of clothes and underwear and divided the items into the two chests of drawers and walk-in wardrobe.

When she was done, Alex looked in the other three rooms and discovered and office complete with the latest computer and security technology. The bathroom was decorated in dark green marble tile and gold plated fittings as well as a spa bath and a clear glassed shower cubicle. The next room was smaller and filled with a cache of various weapons and stocks of ammunition.

By the time Alex returned downstairs, she had a few questions for Erin. She found her inside a fully stocked pantry to the left of the kitchen.

"I'm making a beef and tomato pasta, is that okay with you Alex?" announced Erin as she backed out of the large room.

"That's fine."

"There is a bottle of red wine breathing on the counter if you are interested."

"I am; what about you?"

"I'm on duty 24/7 Alex and can't imbibe alcohol."

"Of course you are my hero," taunted Alex as she went to the bench. She poured herself a generous glass and sat down on a stool to watch Erin cook. "What kind of place is this?" she asked between sips.

"It's a safe house."

"Erin, there's enough guns upstairs to start a war."

"We are five miles from our nearest neighbours and have to be prepared for unexpected visitors."

"Honey, you and I can only carry so many weapons between us."

"The rest are for invited guests."

"Jesus Erin, this house is straight out of a Bond movie. It's fully supplied and furnished, is it always like this?"

"Yes it is. It's ready to be used at a moment's notice and a Deputy was here yesterday to ensure everything was functional. The Armoury door should have been secured before he left."

"You know your way around here, so I assume you have been here before."

"I have."

Blonde eyebrows rose, "With other WitSec participants?"

"Yes, on six other occasions."

"Does the Marshal Service own this house?"

"No, it's lent to them when required and available."

"Do you know the owner?"

"Yes I do and would you like garlic bread with dinner?"

"Yes please and this wine is very nice."

"It comes from the Hunter Valley in Australia."

"You know, I imaged us having to live in some old run down shack and freezing our asses off."

"That was the good old days," jested Erin with a dimpled grin.

Alex laughed then inquired, "So where is the owner if they aren't here?"

Erin retrieved a small frozen loaf of bread from the freezer and placed it in the oven, "You're looking at them."

Blue eyes bulged, "You … this is your house?"

"It was my father's and I redecorated it a couple of years ago. I often spend my holidays here in seclusion if the place isn't being used."

"Erin, I'm totally shocked."

"Why is that?"

"This is a wonderful home and you allow complete strangers to live here, that's very charitable."

"I first offered it up a few years back because of the location and the fact no one can turn up without being seen."

"You are full of surprises Deputy Taylor."

"I have a few more."

"I bet you do," countered Alex with a hint of sassiness.

Erin turned off the boiling pot of noodles then drained it.

Putting down her glass, Alex leaned over and asked, "What pet name would you like me to use for you in case the neighbours come visiting?"

"I'm sure you'll come up with something appropriate when the time is right."

The cheeky and playful banter continued throughout the course of the meal and Alex partook of another two glasses of wine.

She was in good spirits and completely at ease when she joined Erin on the couch, "I know that you were reluctant to talk about your personal life back in Wausau, but is there any chance you might change your attitude here?"

"We'll start going over our new background information tomorrow."

"You didn't actually answer my question and you seem a little more open with me."

"In answer to the query, I don't know and yes I am more comfortable here."

"Is it because you are in familiar surroundings?"

"I guess so and the fact we are isolated."

"Will you teach me how to handle a handgun?"

"Why do you want to learn?"

"You never know, I may have to avail myself of the war room someday."

Erin grinned broadly, "Is that what you are going to call the armoury?"

"Yes, I think it best describes the room. I noticed all the security equipment in the office, so I guess I better familiarise myself with that too."

"It would help, especially if I am not here."

"Are there motion sensors outside?"

"Yes Alex."

Alex smirked back at Erin, "I like the fact I have my real name back."

Erin got to her feet and avoiding any further discussion of a personal nature, "I'm just going upstairs to check on the alarm system."

"I'll come and watch how you operate it."

-0-

After a lesson on disarming and arming the system grid, Alex asked, "So everything works off the satellite?"

"Pretty much so and if we experience a power outage there is a battery backup system in the utilities room that is located in the garage. We also have a generator at our disposal if required."

"It's really well set up," noted Alex.

"It has to be. The last time I was here on a job, Lewis and I were protecting a government official from overseas."

"You have a fairly exciting job, don't you?"

Erin secured the room and headed towards the stairs, "There is never a dull moment, but I can do without the injuries."

"You have been hurt twice in the time I have known you. Have you been hurt before?" inquired the blonde as the pair descended the steps.

"No, not really, just a split lip or graze here and there."

Settling back on the couch, Alex probed for more information, "Is it true a Marshal will take a bullet for their witness or asset?"

"Yes it is, just like the Secret Service. It is our duty to protect at all costs and before you ask, I took one four years ago to the vest."

"Ouch."

Erin put her feet up on the coffee table and stretched out.

"Do you miss not having someone to come home to?"

"No Alex, I don't usually allow myself the time to contemplate that scenario."

Alex let out a gentle laugh, "I'm sure that will change now."

"Not really, I'll still be busy for the majority of time."

"Well I hope you don't plan on neglecting me or I'll have to ask for a divorce."

Erin tittered at the joke, "I'll keep that on my list of things to do."

Alex yawned behind her raised hand, "I think I'll head up to bed and if you find it uncomfortable on the couch, you are welcome to share the bed with me."

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine down here. I've slept on it before."

"Don't forget it's important for you to get a good night's sleep too."

"Are you nagging me already?" quipped Erin playfully.

"Very funny, goodnight," replied Alex while getting up.

"Sweet dreams Alex."

-0-

Eklutna Park Drive

Eagle River, Alaska

1027 hours 26th Saturday February, 2005

Chung chung

Erin passed Alex a thin gold wedding band and explained, "That's for appearances."

"No problem, do you have one?"

"Yes I do. All right, pop quiz, who proposed and where?"

"I popped the question during our first year anniversary while dining in our favourite restaurant."

"Very good, what is the name of the restaurant?"

"It is Captain's Catch on the boardwalk at Atlantic City."

"Date?"

"February third, 2002."

A sly smirk appeared on Erin's face, "You get a gold star for that."

"I'd rather some chocolate."

"Bottom shelf in the pantry," instructed Erin as she got up from the dining table. "I ordered some for you."

"That was a wise move; it pacifies my desire to kill during PMS."

"Why do you think I got it? I remembered how cranky you got in Wisconsin."

Alex's look of embarrassment was followed by an apology, "Oh sorry about the last time and for yesterday. I was a little feisty."

Collecting all the contents of the folder, Erin handed it to Alex, "That's for you and feisty is an understatement."

"I'm just trying to be ladylike and not swear."

"You did enough of that yesterday."

Alex jumped up and walked into the pantry. She returned with a block of confectionary, "You got my favourite. You do have a good memory."

"It's called observation."

Alex opened the packet and popped a square of milk chocolate into her mouth. She closed her eyes and groaned loudly with pure delight, "Oh my god, this is so good."

Erin took one look at the blonde and dropped the china mug she was carrying to the sink. The sight and sound of Alex in unadulterated rapture was enough to awaken her long suppressed desire for the woman.

"Oh god," husked Alex in a deepened tone.

Bending down, Erin began picking up the larger pieces of shattered porcelain.

Alex looked down at the flustered Deputy and smiled. As she walked past her, Alex leaned down and ran a hand through brown locks, "I like your hair longer, it makes you look like Jennifer Garner from the television show Alias. All sexy and kick ass and so yummy."

Too flabbergasted to reply, Erin continued to stare at the floor and Alex was busy in the gym room behind the garage by the time she regained some semblance of composure.

Checking the time, Erin knew Lewis would have rotated off the protective detail covering Antonio, so she called his cell phone.

"Hey Erin, how's it all going?"

"Good, have there been any signs of detection your end?"

"No, everything is secure and the boy and his cousin's family are all adjusting well to the requirements."

"That is jolly good news. I'll check in with you again next week."

"No worries."

"Uhm Lew, before I go, do I look like Sydney Bristow?"

"Are you talking about the chick from Alias?"

"Yes, that's the one."

"You're more muscular, but yes you do, especially when your hair is longer."

"Oh okay, talk to you soon."

"Oh no you don't, not so fast. What made you ask that question?"

"Someone pointed out the resemblance to me."

"I'm thinking it could only be one person and girl, you are in deep shit."

"Thank you for your well informed and eloquent assessment, but it's totally unnecessary, goodbye." Closing the phone, Erin busied herself with cleaning the weapons in the armoury.

-0-

The subsequent two weeks consisted of Alex learning how do use a Glock and the operation of the security system. Erin avoided spending time around Alex except when necessary and as she prepared to begin work as the Sheriff the following Monday, Alex came into the office and flopped into the chair adjacent to Erin's.

"Is there something you need?" enquired Erin while putting down the Sheriff's procedural manual.

"Sorry to interrupt your study, but I'm bored."

Erin grinned at the pouting blonde, "You sound just like a petulant child."

"I've run out of things to do. The washing and housework are done."

"Well I appreciate your hard work, but don't you have a book to read?"

"I've read them all, along with the Magistrate's regulations. I'd drive into town, but you'll have to go with me."

"That's true, so I better throw on a jacket. We need to pick up groceries anyway."

Alex jumped up and kissed Erin on the head, "Thank you, I'll go rug up."

Erin shook her head and went downstairs to dress for the cold weather. She walked into the garage and warmed up the Ford's engine and Alex climbed into the vehicle seconds later.

"Would you like to have lunch while we are out?" asked the passenger as she buckled up.

"Sure, it will be a nice change of scenery," answered Erin while reversing.

"Maybe we could put those two snow mobiles in the garage to use this afternoon?"

"Do you know how to ride?"

"You forget my background of growing up with winters spent in the snowfields of Europe."

"It's easy for me to forget you're a little Princess," taunted Erin as she armed the perimeter sensors with a remote.

"Snap," whispered Alex before giggling.

-0-

Erin opened the passenger door for Alex and took hold on her right hand.

Alex allowed herself to be helped out of the SUV and squeezed the hand gripping hers.

The couple strolled into the supermarket and went directly to the stationary section. Erin released Alex's hand and kissed her lightly on the cheek, "I'll go fetch a cart and make a start on our list while you browse."

"Okay sweetheart," acknowledged Alex for the benefit of the locals in close proximity. She selected three novels and two magazines before catching up to Erin. Looking at the near full trolley, she asked, "Are you planning a party?"

"No babe, just stocking up in case we get snowed in by the storm tonight."

"What storm?"

"Tom the butcher just informed me all about it."

Alex giggled, "Well you certainly can't beat local knowledge."

"Is there anything else you wanted?"

"I need some conditioner and cotton tips."

"Okay, that's in the next aisle."

Alex slipped her fingers into the back pocket of Erin's jeans and pressed into her back, "I'll cook tonight sweetheart."

Erin was too busy controlling her racing heart rate to answer. She pushed the cart forward and hoped she didn't break before the couple got home.

-0-

The temptation to fall into a genuine relationship with Alex continued for Erin and she found herself quite relieved when Deputy Marshall Nathan Willis arrived on March nineteenth to protect Alex until she commenced work on the second of May.

The relief was short lived when Erin realised Willis would be using the couch and she would have to bunk in with Alex. The problem was solved that morning when Erin responded to a break in at Tattler's Camping Store.

After lifting fingerprints from the cash register, counters and door handles, Erin purchased an inflatable mattress from business owner Gabe. Returning to the office, she processed the prints and by 1000 hours, had her suspect arrested, interviewed and on his way to arraignment.

Afterwards, Deputy Sheriff Martin Simpson drove Randall Smyth to the Anchorage Correctional Complex where he would stay on remand until sentencing in two weeks' time.

Erin drove home when her shift ended at five and set the bed up in the office before speaking with Alex. She met her in the hallway as she exited the room and Alex shook her head at her.

"Is the prospect of sharing a bed with me that distasteful?"

"No, but it wouldn't look too good in Willis' report."

"You can trust me not to jump you."

"It's not you I don't trust Alex."

As the brunette passed by, Alex smirked at the comment and hoped it wouldn't be much longer before Erin woke up and saw what was in front of her.

Erin exhaled and held onto the thin string of resistance as she descended the stairs and went to the downstairs bathroom.

-0-

Deputy Willis returned to Eagle River June twenty fifth and Erin left for a three week vacation. She departed for the airport in a cab before Alex arrived home from the Courthouse and evaded the goodbye.

After settling back into her apartment, Erin went over to Lewis' for dinner two hours later. Millie and the boys were ecstatic to see her after five months and Tyrone stayed by her side until he had to go to bed.

While Millie was putting the boys to bed, Lewis took the opportunity to talk shop, "How is Alex doing?"

"Really good and she is enjoying being amongst the law books again. Being able to argue about legal matters has revitalised her."

"I'm glad to hear that Erin."

"How did the relocation go for Antonio and the Delgado family?"

"There were no issues and Martinez is with them 24/7 until further notice."

"Good, Antonio deserves some stability and normalcy in his life."

Lewis nodded in agreement, "You still holding out on Alex?"

"Of course I am and you know I won't step over that line."

"Just checking, but I bet you are tempted."

Erin sighed deeply, "Every bloody day Lewis. Sometimes I forget we are just playing roles and nearly react as if it's real."

"My advice is you do what will make you happy."

"Breaking away from protocol will not make me happy."

"Well suck it up girl and get on with the job."

"That happens to be the plan I intend following."

"You busy tomorrow?"

"No not really, just a Tactical Firearms assessment in the morning."

"Great, Watkins and Christianson are playing golf with me at one. You can join us if you like."

"That sounds good to me."

"Anyone for coffee?" inquired Millie when she entered the living room.

"None for me thanks Mill," answered Erin. "I need to be going; I have an early start in the morning."

-o-