TITLE: Law & Order – Sea Change

AUTHOR: D M Harper.

SUMMARY: After a family tragedy, Connie Rubirosa is forced to relocate to Los Angeles and leave behind the life she knew in New York.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: This story is the work of an over imaginative mind and the basic wish of many gay women who watch and enjoy certain television shows, to see a little v-vroom between two female characters. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of Universal Media Studios, Wolf Films or Dick Wolf. 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 and take my sympathy with you. This tale telling is for entertainment only and not for profit.

A/N: My Muse is eagerly awaiting reviews.

Chapter 10

Gabriella Jones Residence

3644 Vinton Avenue, Culver City

0357 hours Sunday 24th October

Chung, chung

Startled awake by her trilling cell phone, Kristen swore, "Shit." Extending her arm, she picked it up off the side bureau and scanned the screen before answering, "Yes Captain?"

"It's all hands on deck Kris. We have a warrant to serve of Hector Valdez. Intel indicates he arrived home ten minutes ago."

"Understood sir, I'll be there in twenty."

"Briefing is at 0430 hours."

"Yes sir." Hanging up, Kristen untangled herself from a half awake Connie.

"Was that Captain Griggs?"

"Yes baby, go back to sleep."

"Be careful darling."

"Always Connie." Climbing out of bed, Kristen hurriedly dressed and ran to her truck.

-o-

It was 0420 hours when Kristen ran into the locker room and kitted up. The other six members of the Squad were seated in the incident room when she entered four minutes later and Griggs flicked on the interactive SMARTboard via remote.

"Good morning everyone, let's begin. Judge Middleton was kind enough to sign an arrest and search warrant on one Hector Valdez. Local Unis from West Hollywood will be providing backup and assisting with the search of our subject's property."

Bringing up an image of Valdez along with his extensive criminal record, Griggs resumed, "I remind each of you how dangerous Valdez is. From past experience, he is not adverse to using weapons to avoid apprehension. For those of you not at the last briefing on Valdez, our subject is wanted for questioning in regard to the murder of drug cartel want-to-be Rick Chavez. Chavez, thirty-two, stepped on Valdez's toes by wandering into his territory and offering his wares at a cheaper rate."

Twenty-nine year old Mark Jenner raised his hand and questioned, "Didn't Chavez's older brother run the gear?"

African-American Sergeant David Winston nodded, "Alberto did until taken out by one of Valdez's men four months ago."

"So it's safe to assume Valdez is terminating the competition," remarked dark haired Reece McArthur.

"It is," replied Griggs. "The two lead Homicide Detectives on the case will be joining us at the targeted address, so let's roll people."

-o-

Walking into the kitchen, Connie was surprised to find her mother sitting at the counter sipping from a cup of coffee. "Good morning mom, you're up early," she said while opening the refrigerator door.

"I couldn't go back to sleep after Kristen left."

"She was called in for a job."

"I'm so pleased to see you two have worked through your issues."

"I'm very relieved," replied Connie as she prepared a bowl of cereal.

When she sat at the bench, Gabriella asked, "Did Kristen mention anything about you moving in with her?"

With arched brows, Connie answered, "Yes and I assume you know everything."

"Kristen and I have spoken at length. She is extremely remorseful over her actions."

"I've accepted that and we are definitely headed in the right direction."

Connie nearly spat out her food when Gabriella commented, "She wants to have your baby."

Wiping her mouth with a nearby napkin, Connie inquired, "Did Kris tell you that?"

"No, but she did hint at it several times during our last conversation."

"And when was that?"

"It was last Wednesday when she spent the afternoon with me."

"She certainly is full of surprises. Kris never wanted to be a birth mother because of her parents, but this is a nice change."

"Do you know she surfs?"

"No and I didn't notice a board at her place."

"Kristen stores it at her friend Danny's house over at Venice Beach."

"She seems to have fully embraced her sea change."

"Honey, she'd adapt to the North Pole if it meant being with you."

Smiling at the accurate comment, Connie finished her breakfast with a happy heart.

-o-

Mark Jenner breached the front door of the bungalow with a well-placed left boot. At the same time, Nick Bartlett broke down the rear entrance and in formation, the SWAT officers closed in on the main bedroom from two separate directions.

A startled Valdez jumped out of bed and reached for a Berretta 9mm pistol lying on the side table.

As the point, Jenner calmly stated, "LAPD, don't move or we will shoot."

Dropping his arm, Valdez slumped back onto the mattress and was instantly handcuffed by Kristen.

Jenner continued, "Hector Valdez, we have a warrant to search your house and garage. You are under arrest for the murder of Rick Chavez. 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 speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been explained to you?"

"Fuck you," spat Valdez as Kristen and Nick dragged him off the bed then to his feet.

"I'll make note of your affirmation," countered Jenner deadpan.

Escorting him to the living room, the two officers handed him over to Detectives Morales and Jaruszalski for questioning.

Kristen joined the search and after ten minutes, the suspected murder weapon, a meat cleaver, was located in the kitchen drawer.

By seven o'clock, caches containing firearms, cash and cocaine were unearthed in the basement along with a list of clients' names and transactions.

"Isn't it lucky for us that Valdez has been so efficient with his accounting records," remarked Danny as the team packed up and meticulously logged all the evidence.

Kristen took several digital photos of the ledger pages before sealing it and depositing it into a carry box. Turning to Griggs, she suggested, "I'll run a search on these names Captain."

"Once you have the addresses of the individuals, I'll phone Judge Middleton for warrants and coordinate with the drug squad."

"Yes sir."

"Looks like it's going to be a long day," whined Tomas Jaruszalski as he led a sombre Valdez out of the house.

-o-

District Attorney's Office

County of Los Angeles

210 West Temple Street

0826 hours Monday 25th October

Chung, chung

Entering her office, Connie was delighted to find an enormous bouquet of purple and yellow roses resting on her desk. Putting down her briefcase and container of green tea on the table, she retrieved the small white envelope.

Walking around to the office chair, she sat down and withdrew the card. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her racing heart rate and read:

Dearest Connie,

My deepest apologies for not being

able to call you yesterday, but I

didn't get a break until late.

I will try to contact you during shift

today and if you and Gabriella are

free tonight, I'd like to cook for you

both at seven.

Thank you for a wonderful weekend,

Love always,

Kristen. xxoo

A wide smile graced Connie's features as she pocketed the message and Joe appeared in the doorway.

"Good morning Connie," he said in greeting.

"Good morning."

"From your wife?" he inquired while pointing to the floral arrangement.

"Yes, she is very romantic that way."

"And a good police officer," implied Joe as he handed over a case file. "Captain Griggs has a high regard for her."

"That's how it was in New York."

"Do you miss the Big Apple?"

"I do, but this is where I belong at the moment."

"I spoke to Jack McCoy earlier and he asked after you."

Giggling, Connie opened the folder, "I hope you were kind?"

"I told him you had found your feet and he was pleased with the news."

"I'll give him a call later and catch up."

"Jack also mentioned Mike will be flying in next week with two Detectives from Manhattan SVU to interview a prisoner at the State Prison."

With raised brows, Connie asked, "Why isn't ADA Novak from Sex Crimes travelling with them?"

"Apparently her current caseload is extremely heavy as is Chief Cabot's, so Mike volunteered."

"I'm sure he did," replied Connie with a hint of sarcasm.

"Well it's fortunate for you that you'll be in court with the Houghton trial and won't run into him."

"True and speaking of court, are you ready to leave?"

"I am and Jerry subtly referred to dropping in to observe the sentencing."

"We better give him a good performance then."

The two chuckling Attorneys left the office and walked towards the lifts.

-o-

1858 hours

Stanton Residence

12822 Keene Avenue, Willowbrook

Chung, chung

Kristen opened the door to a bubbly Gabriella and a grinning Connie. After welcoming hugs and kisses, Kristen led the pair into the dining room and said, "Take a seat ladies, dinner is ready. A bottle of sparkling cider is open on the table if you'd like to help yourselves."

When asked how her day went, Connie told Kristen about Mike's planned visit.

"You don't know which Detectives are accompanying him then?" probed Kristen while placing a platter of roasted vegetable beside the dish of rib roast.

"No sweetie, Joe didn't say."

Sitting down, Kristen poured herself a drink, "Please help yourselves."

"Everything looks and smells scrumptious Kris," noted Gabriella. "I've missed your cooking."

"Thank you and Connie, I'll give Olivia a call tomorrow and ask if she and Elliot are making the trip."

"It would be good to see them again."

"Yes it would and Gabriella, what's this rumour I heard about you wanting to travel to Mexico?"

"My sister Grace has invited me to visit in November."

Connie smiled at her mother, "I suggested she go and see her family."

"My daughter was very convincing Kristen and I leave on the tenth and will stay for two weeks."

"That is wonderful news Gabriella and while you are there invite them here for Christmas. I think it's time we had a huge family festive season again."

"Oh that would be fantastic, but Pedro wouldn't be able to afford the airfares," expressed Gabriella forlornly.

"I'll organise the tickets and between our two homes, there will be enough room for everyone."

"You are very generous daughter in-law and I love you."

"I love you too Gabriella, now pass me the gravy before Connie cries."

"Too late," declared Connie as she wiped her eyes.

-o-

Kristen said goodnight to her guests at ten then prepared for bed. She had just turned off the light when Connie called. "Hello baby," she answered.

"Hi. I just rang to tell you how much I love you and to thank you for tonight. Mom is so exhilarated by your Christmas gesture."

"I'm glad and I thought it would be nice for her to be able to show her family a different side of the holiday. I remembered how sad she was that Grace couldn't join her in the past and came up with the idea."

"Did you know Robert and Theresa are flying over too?"

"Your mom told me yesterday."

"It's going to be massive Kris."

"It will be a lot of fun and I know how important family is to you Connie."

"I wanted to speak to you about something before I left, but the opportunity for privacy never arose."

Kristen tittered briefly, "Are you a little frustrated?"

"Yes."

"Would you like me to drive over there?"

"Yes I would, but we both have work in the morning and I'd only keep you awake all night."

A warmth long forgotten coursed through Kristen's body and she huskily replied, "I agree, so you better be prepared when I stay over on Friday night."

"Oh, that's another three days away."

"I'm sorry baby, but I'm tied up with an assignment until then."

"I know and can wait."

"Good girl and I'll call you when I can."

"Okay sweetie."

"I love you, sweet dreams."

"I love you too, goodnight."

-o-