TITLE: Law & Order – Fair Game

AUTHOR: D M Harper.

SUMMARY: Connie stands firm while supporting Kristen as she relives her worst nightmare.

RATING: M

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 indent to infringe on the copyright of NBC Universal Television or Dick Wolf. This entertainment does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females. The telling of this tale is for entertainment only and no profit is gained.

Chapter 10

Connie woke to find Kristen starting at her, "Hi."

"Good morning honey. You are so beautiful and peaceful when you sleep."

Reaching out, Connie rubbed her left thumb over the faint two inch scar running along Kristen's jaw, "How did you get this?"

"I was on patrol in Somalia in 1995 when the troop got ambushed by insurgents. I was shot during the attack and I was lucky it only grazed me."

"I'm lucky too," replied Connie reflectively. "How long have you been awake?"

"About ten minutes."

"No bad dreams?"

"No only a very erotic one involving you."

"Oh."

"Would you like to take a shower with me then have something to eat?"

"Yes please and by shower you mean sex right?"

Giggling, Kristen replied, "Of course I do."

"Then you can definitely count me in."

-0-

The couple sat at the kitchen counter sipping the reheated coffee Kristen had bought and eating the danish.

Connie laughed then said, "Do you realise it has taken eight weeks for us to get together?"

"I do."

"I was ready to kiss you the first time I met you."

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to figure out that what I was feeling for you was real."

"Hey, you had a lot going on. Would you like me to stay at your place tonight?"

"I'd like that very much."

"Good, I've been itching to make love to you in that big bed of yours."

Kristen's brows arched, "Have you now?"

"Yes I have and I'm very happy you decided to ride back this morning."

"It was either that or masturbate."

Connie coughed on her coffee, "Oh I did that when you hung up."

Tittering softly, Kristen kissed Connie on the cheek, "That would have been exciting to watch."

With a devilish grin, Connie goaded, "Play your cards right and maybe you will one day."

"I look forward to it. So what would you like to do for the rest of the day?"

"Go over to your house and make love."

"That sounds good to me. You can follow me over in your car."

"Okay, just give me a moment to pack a few things for the morning."

"I'll tidy up."

-0-

Connie swore again when her car failed to start for the third time.

Kristen slid off her bike and removed her helmet. Sauntering over to the BMW, she asked Connie to pop the hood.

Connie did then joined Kristen at the front of the car.

"Have you been having trouble with it?" enquired Kristen as she lifted the hood.

"On and off, Jeff at the garage said the engine was about to give in any day."

"How long ago was that?"

"Three weeks."

Kristen took off her jacket and handed it to Connie, "By the sounds of it, that day has arrived."

"Shit, I guess I'm up for a huge mechanical bill."

"No honey, I can rebuild the engine for you."

Connie's eyes widen, "You can do that?"

"Yes Connie. All you'll need to pay for is parts and I can get a cut off those."

"Oh my very own grease monkey," teased Connie with a tap to Kristen's butt. "I was thinking about buying a new car this year anyway. It's time I got an upgrade."

"Well to be honest honey, she's seen better days and once the motor goes, everything else usually follows."

"I had a feeling you were going to say that and I can't complain."

"Leave it with me Connie and I'll make some inquires tomorrow."

"Thank you sweetie." Connie hugged Kristen then kissed her passionately.

Moments later, Kristen asked, "If I take it slow, will you be okay to carry your gear on the back of the bike?"

"I can juggle, but be prepared to be ravished once we get indoors."

Kristen chuckled as she closed the hood, "Are you always this aroused in the mornings?"

"No, just with you, you seem to affect me more than anyone else ever has." She goosed the blonde before retrieving her pants suit and bag from the car.

-0-

Connie was in the shower when Kristen joined her. Stepping in behind the brunette, she softly kissed her on the left shoulder.

"How are you feeling?" asked Connie.

Reaching for the soap, Kristen answered, "I'm good honey and no, I'm not nervous about court."

"Good, are you seeing Elizabeth this morning?"

"Yes, so I'll drop you off beforehand."

"Okay." Turning around, Connie kissed Kristen swiftly, "I'm finished and I thoroughly enjoyed the start to the day."

Laughing, Kristen replied, "Get used to it, I'm a morning person."

Stepping out of the stall, Connie grabbed a towel, "I'll cook dinner tonight Kris."

"It's a date. Do you want me to pick you up from work?"

"No, I'll cab it home. I should be done by five."

"All right, I'll be waiting for you."

"In that case you may as well hold onto my keys."

"I'll need your car keys anyway."

"While you are at it, have a key cut for the house."

"Are you sure?"

Turning, Connie fronted Kristen, "Honey I'm in love with you. I certainly don't want to rush or push you, but I don't plan on ending this any time soon."

Kristen opened the screen door, "You do realise you are the one for me and I've never loved anyone the way I love you."

"I was hoping that was the case. Now close the door before you get me all wet again."

Smirking, Kristen tugged Connie back into the shower, "Too late Connie."

-0-

Kristen was sitting calmly on the bench seat outside Courtroom 2 when Connie walked down the hall. Smiling, she stood and hugged her, "Hello honey."

"Hi sweetie, I'm glad I got here in time."

"I am too. How did your hearing go?"

"We're set for trial in two months time."

Kristen looked at the ADA with a glint in her eyes, "I really do like you in pinstripes."

"I know and I'm sure I don't need to remind you of how you affect me while you are in uniform."

Kristen guffawed, "Remind me to put on my Marine uniform some time. It drives the girls wild."

"Oh god don't, I've still got a full day ahead of me."

The Courtroom doors opened and the Court Officer announced, "Sergeant Stanton, they are ready for you."

"Yes Sir," responded Kristen.

"Be strong darling, I'll be with you all the way."

"Thanks and I love you."

"I love you too."

Connie waited a moment before entering the Courtroom. She was touched to see the public gallery packed with Police Officers. As she walked down the aisle, she was relieved to see a spare seat next to Ed and Cyrus in the front row behind the Prosecutor's table.

The two detectives greeted her and Ed leaned in, "How's Kris doing?"

"She's doing much better and has found her inner strength Ed, Yates won't break her."

Tears formed in both their eyes and Ed nodded in silent understanding.

Cyrus smiled, "Mike and Jack are hammering him and some of the Jury are leering at him with open contempt."

After being sworn-in, Kristen sat down, straightened her tie and rested her peak cap on her lap. She looked directly at Connie and waited for the EADA to begin.

Mike stood and moved to the front of the table than smiled at her, "Could you please state your name, profession and rank for the court?"

In a calm voice, Kristen replied, "Kristen Lee Stanton, New York City Police Sergeant."

"Sergeant Stanton, how long have you served with the New York Police Department?"

"Eleven years Sir, I joined in March 1996."

"So you are coming up to your twelfth year?"

"Yes Sir, that is correct."

"Sergeant Stanton, during your near twelve years have you ever been the subject of an internal review or investigation?"

"Yes I have Sir. In 2002 I was reviewed by the Shooting Committee after discharging my weapon in the line of duty."

"What occurred during that time?"

"My partner and I had been called to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, Officer Danko and I discovered a husband had taken his estranged wife hostage and was holding her at gunpoint. The dispute was over a custody issue concerning their three young children. Officer Danko called for backup while I opened a line of communication with the husband. When it became obvious he was highly agitated and unwilling to listen, we needed to act quickly to resolve the situation."

"And how did you achieve that Sergeant Stanton?"

"Officer Danko distracted the husband as he was about to fire on the wife and I took out the target."

"So you shot the husband?"

"Yes Sir. I hit his right shoulder and he dropped the weapon without discharging it."

"As a result of your actions you were awarded a citation, is that correct?"

"Yes Sir, as was my partner."

"How many citations and awards have you received from the New York Police Department?"

"Nine Sir."

"Is it fair to say you are a dedicated Officer?"

"Yes Sir."

"Sergeant Stanton, would it also be correct to say you are a disciplined Officer?"

"Yes Sir."

"And why is that?"

"My background and previous training have instilled discipline into my professional life."

"You are not referring to the Police Department, are you?"

"No Sir, I am not."

"You were seventeen years of age when you joined the United States Marine Corps, is that correct?"

"Yes Sir, I enlisted in 1990."

"What rank did you achieve and what was your Military Occupational Speciality?"

"I was a Sergeant with the Military Police."

"Did you undertake tours of duty to war torn areas?"

"Yes Sir. I completed a total of nine tours to the Persian Gulf and Somalia."

"Were you decorated during your time as a Marine?"

"Yes Sir."

Mike returned to the table and Jack handed him a sheet of paper, "Correct me if I am wrong Sergeant. You received two Purple Hearts, three Unit Citations and two Bronze Stars?"

"That is correct Sir."

Connie scanned the Jury and noted the looks of admiration on their faces.

Mike continued, "Sergeant, did you have an amicable work relationship with the defendant Edward Yates?"

"No Sir, I did not."

"Can you tell us about that?"

"I was introduced to Yates three years ago when he was assigned to the 27th Precinct. He was rude, ill mannered and kept hounding me with unwanted advances."

"In what form did those advances take?"

"Yates constantly asked me out for dinner or drinks and made snide remarks in regard to my physique."

"What were some of those comments?"

"He told me I had great tits on numerous occasions and that I was beautiful." Kristen stopped and looked towards the Jury, "Excuse the language, but he told me on several occasions he wouldn't mind fucking my sweet pussy."

"How did you react to those comments?"

"I informed Yates his intentions were out of line and unwanted. I was forced to avoid any contact with him whenever possible."

"So it's safe to say Yates pursued you after you made it clear you were not interested?"

"That is correct Sir."

"Did you report this unwarranted behaviour to a superior?"

"Yes Sir, in September of last year. When attending a function to celebrate a fellow Officer's birthday and my promotion, Yates arrived uninvited. Along with my partner Officer Pate, we escorted Yates from the venue. Yates pushed me up against a parked vehicle and forcibly attempted to kiss me. The incident was reported to my Captain, Gordon Parsons."

"Before reporting the incident to Captain Parsons, what did you do?"

"I worked myself free from Yates' hold, told him to leave me alone then went inside to speak with Captain Parsons."

"What was the consequence of your complaint?"

"Yates was investigated by Internal Affairs, suspended for 28 days and fined. He was also approved for transfer to another Precinct."

"Did your fellow Officers at the Precinct display any animosity towards you over this incident?"

"No Sir, Yates was not well-liked at the station."

"During the past three years, how many times did you work directly with Edward Yates?"

"Three times Sir."

"How did he conduct himself during those times?"

"He was professional Sir."

"Is it true you were in possession of evidence linking Yates to illegal activities?"

"That is correct Sir."

"How and why did you collect this evidence?"

"Four months ago I was approached by a Confidential Informant and passed information regarding Yates' illegal dealings."

"Without going into detail, what did you do with this information?"

"I handed it onto Captain Parsons who in turn passed it over to the Internal Affairs Bureau."

"What occurred next?"

"I was called into a meeting with Captain Parsons and my Borough Commander. I was directed to investigate the allegations, which I did and collected additional proof."

"So you were essentially working undercover?"

"Yes Sir?"

"Who was aware of this investigation beside those already mentioned?"

"Only Officer Pate, my partner. I only informed him after I had enough evidence for Internal Affairs to conduct an investigation. Officer Pate had no knowledge of specific details, but I needed a backup plan in case something happened to me and investigating Officers knew where to look for the files."

"Is it true Internal Affairs were scheduled to interview Yates on January 7th?"

"Yes Sir."

"How did you know that?"

"I was requested by Internal Affairs Detectives to present copies of the evidence on that date."

"Did you retain the original evidence?"

"Yes I did Sir."

"Was it common knowledge at the Station that Yates was being investigated?"

"To my knowledge, Yates had mentioned it to several Officers and the subject had been discussed openly amongst the rank and file."

"As the matter is an on-going investigation, I ask you to turn your memory to the events of Tuesday January 1st this year and in your own time, explain what occurred after you arrived at the home of Freddy Timber to arrest him."

Kristen looked at Connie and proceeded to recount the incident in a calm and precise manner.

Mike then went ahead and listed her injuries and subsequent rehabilitation, "Since this horrific attempt on your life, are you under the care of a Psychiatrist?"

"Yes I am Sir."

"Have you been able to return to work?"

"No, I have not Sir."

"The Court has already heard from Detective Lupo that Yates escaped custody and was located at your home. What happened there?"

"Yates set fire to my garage and burnt it down before being arrested."

Mike returned to his seat, "Your Honour, I have no further questions for the witness at this time and reserve my right to redirect."

"So be it," said Judge Davis. "Your witness Mr Yates and my previous warning to you in regard to staying on point still applies."

Yates stood, "Yes Your Honour." The dark suited man approached the right side of the witness stand and to Kristen's horror, reached out and touched her shoulder.

Mike and Jack rose to their feet in unison and yelled, "OBJECTION YOUR HONOUR!"

Connie's hands formed into fists, but she was relieved when Kristen didn't react and remained emotionless.

Judge Davis scowled, "Sustained. Mr Yates, if you touch the witness again I will find you in contempt of Court. Now leave the theatrics out of it and get to a question."

Yates looked at the Jury and made the comment, "Sergeant Stanton, is it fair to say you are a prick teaser?"

Mike stood again, "OBJECTION YOUR HONOUR!"

Judge Davis shook his head, "Mr Yates, where are you going with this line of questioning?"

"Your Honour, it goes towards character. Mister Cutter has had the opportunity to paint a lovely picture of the witness' character."

"I'll allow it, but tread very carefully. Objection overruled. Sergeant Stanton, you will answer the question."

Looking straight at Yates, Kristen answered, "No, I am not."

"Sergeant, you are a very attractive woman, are you telling me I was the only Officer to ask you out for coffee, drinks or dinner?"

"No, you were not the only one."

"So, you caught the attention of others at the 27th Precinct?"

"I suspect so."

"Was I the only one you said no to?"

"No, I declined all requests."

"And why is that?"

"I don't date fellow Officers."

"Including Detective Ed Green?"

"Yes, Detective Green is a close friend."

"He is awfully protective of you, don't you think?"

"Again, he is a close friend and that is what friends do for one another."

"Is it fair to say you enjoy being the centre of attention with men?"

"No, that is not true."

"But you do like parading around, flipping your hair back and fluttering your long eye lashes at male Officers at the Precinct?"

Kristen tried not to laugh at the absurdity of Yates' questions, "No and I always wear my hair up in a ponytail while on duty."

Yates ignored her answer, "Did you attend a barbeque last June for Officer Waldron's birthday?"

"Yes I did."

"Did you see me there?"

"Yes I did."

"What outfit were you wearing at the party?"

"Flip flops, board shorts and a bikini top."

"And did you not tease the men by dancing around half naked?"

"No I did not. It was a pool party and I had on more swim wear than the other women present."

"So you didn't dance in front of me and try to entice me?"

Jack rose to his feet, "Objection Your Honour. The witness has already stated she did not tease the men."

"Overruled Mr McCoy, it is a different question."

Kristen answered before Judge Davis directed her to, "No I didn't dance in front of you. If I remember correctly, you were busy making a fool of yourself in front of the bimbo you brought along as your date."

"You sound upset by the fact I had a date?"

Kristen scoffed, "No, I'm just answering your question."

"Isn't it true that you deliberately played hard to get in an effort to tag me along?"

"No, that is incorrect."

"Didn't you continually brush up against me during roll call?"

"No, that was you doing that to me."

"You took great pleasure in teasing me, didn't you?"

"I never teased you."

"What about your partner Glenn Pate? Rumour has it you and he are having an affair."

Kristen had had enough, "No, I am not having an affair with Officer Pate or any other male Officer at the two-seven."

Yates turned and glared at Kristen, "I put it to you that you took great delight in playing with my emotions and leading me on."

Without blinking, Kristen answered, "Besides the fact you are a totally self obsessed idiot, I never went out with you or teased you because I'm a lesbian you dumb ass."

Mike and Jack attempted to stifle their laughter as did the majority of the Courtroom.

Yates scurried back to his seat, "No further questions Your Honour."

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to embarrass Yates further, Jack stood, "Redirect Your Honour?"

"All yours Mr McCoy."

"Sergeant Stanton, how long have you been aware of your sexuality?"

"Since I was ten years old Sir."

"On the day of the party for Officer Waldron, did you dance?"

"Yes I did Sir."

"And where was Yates at that time?"

"Arguing with his date, they left the party shortly afterwards."

"Did you take a date to the party?"

"Yes I did Sir."

"Male or female Sergeant?"

"Female Sir, I've never dated males."

"Thank you Sergeant. I have nothing further Your Honour, may the witness be excused?"

"You may step down Sergeant Stanton."

Kristen picked up her hat and exited the Courtroom as the Judge recessed for lunch.

-0-

Connie raced outside and found Kristen leaning up against the wall, "Are you okay?"

Smiling, Kristen answered, "Yes and I'm glad that it's over."

A young woman approached Connie and enquired, "Connie Rubirosa?"

"Yes."

The woman handed her a small folded blue manila folder, "You've been served."

"Shit!" exclaimed the ADA while opening the subpoena. "I was afraid of this. Yates has added me to his witness list."

The smile disappeared from Kristen's face, "He is going to ask you about the assault."

"Come on, I need to talk to Mike and Jack."

"No, you go ahead Connie. I need to get the hell out of here. It's okay, tell the truth, I understand. I don't want you to perjure yourself on my behalf."

"Kris, we have footage of Yates being attacked by Barrow as well as his confession."

"Yes, but Yates will ask if he told you about me visiting him downstairs and I refuse to allow you to lie for me."

Connie shook her head, "You once asked me if I'd lie and I told you only if I needed to protect someone. Well that someone is you Kristen."

"Connie, I couldn't live with the knowledge you committed perjury and put your career on the line. If the truth came out, you would be crucified."

"Don't shut me out. Please let me do this for you."

"No Connie, I don't want you to, it's not fair."

Connie steeled her emotions and protested, "It's far from fair what Yates is trying to do."

"I can't do this to you."

Kristen walked away and Connie watched her go. She understood how important it was to Kristen for her to be truthful. She was also aware that Kristen would tell the truth in rebuttal. Turning, she went into the Courtroom to do the right thing.

-0-

Kristen drove a new silver 3-series BMW sedan into Connie's drive then went into the house. She wrote a note and left it on the kitchen counter. Walking home, she changed into running gear and took off for a two hour run.

-0-

Connie nodded her head, "Yes Jack, I'm positive. It's the only way to protect Kristen. She's been through enough and if she is forced to take the stand as a rebuttal witness, she will confess to assaulting Yates and effectively end her career."

"Connie, we have the bastard by the balls, the Jury is with us."

"I know, but if I get in the box I will lie to save Kris then once she tells the truth, I'll be censured for perjury. She knows that Jack and it's hurting her."

"Where is Kris now?" asked Mike.

"She left, she couldn't handle it anymore."

"Okay, let's go make a deal with the devil," lamented Jack.

The three attorneys walked into the interview room and Yates looked up from the table.

"I'll take the deal," he declared arrogantly.

"Life, no parole, that's as good as it gets," chided Jack.

"I knew you wouldn't risk putting Kris back on the stand, especially after Miss Rubirosa here would have to tell the truth."

"You've got your deal, the death penalty is off the table," said Jack disdainfully. "I hope you rot in hell you smug son of a bitch."

"I'll see you there Counsellor," replied Yates with a grin.

Connie stepped forward and slapped Yates on the face with all of her might, "Just so you know, I would have lied for Kris, you fucking bastard."

Yates stumbled backwards as she left the room and allowed Jack and Mike to finish the paperwork.

-0-

The taxi pulled into Connie's drive and she looked at the brand new BMW. After paying the fare, Connie got out and remembered Kristen had her house keys. Retrieving her cell phone, she called her.

"Hello," answered a sleepy Kristen.

"Honey I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

"Yes, but it's fine."

"You have my keys and I can't get into my house."

"No I don't. I left them under the second flower pot to the left of the front door."

"Oh okay," said Connie while picking up the keys and opening the door. "Why aren't you here?"

"I went for a run and overdid it. I got a headache and tried to sleep it off."

"Did it work?"

"Yes, I feel much better."

"That's good, so when are you coming over for dinner?"

"I'm not coming over."

"Oh ... okay, I'll leave you alone then."

"Bye."

Connie held back her disappointment and found a set of BMW keys sitting on top of a note on the kitchen counter after she entered the house.

My Dearest Connie,

I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you have done for me.

Because of you, I have found peace and my strength again.

Please accept my gift as an appreciation of your love and support.

I love you so much and will be forever yours.

Kris xxx

Connie burst into tears. "I love you too," she said softly. Going into the bedroom, she smiled when she saw the blonde curled up in bed. "You had me worried," she declared.

"You thought I was at my place, didn't you?"

"I did and thank you so much for the present. Of course I can't accept it Kristen, it's way too extravagant."

"We'll discuss it after you've had a shower. I'm completely naked under here and would like you to join me."

Connie dropped her bag and ran to the shower. Kristen giggled as she waited for her lover to return.

Lifting up the covers less than two minutes later, Connie slid in next to Kristen and embraced her closely, "I actually thought you were upset with me and had no intention of seeing me."

Running her fingers through Connie's wavy tresses, Kristen responded, "I was angry at myself for once again putting you into an unacceptable position."

Leaning in and kissing Kristen's neck, Connie explained, "I didn't take the stand Kris. The trial is over. Jack and Mike offered Yates a deal to protect you and me."

"Really?"

"Yes, I told them I was willing to perjure myself to save you, but in the end we all agreed that once you were recalled to the stand, you would tell the truth. Yates knew that and that is why he subpoenaed me. He simply called our bluff. Jack and Mike agreed that you have been through enough already and ended it."

Tears fell down Kristen's cheeks, "I just want it to be all over baby."

"I know you do and it is nearly finished. Yates will spend the rest of his days in prison looking over his shoulder and waiting for the next assault. He is a marked man honey."

"Were you there when the deal was offered?"

With a sly grin, Connie answered, "Yes and I slapped the bastard for all he'd done to you."

Kristen's face broke into a smile, "That's my girl."

"I'll always be yours Kris."

"And I am yours as is the Beamer. I checked out your old one and it was in bad shape, so I upgraded."

"Honey, I can't accept it."

"Too late, it's registered in your name and the paperwork for the insurance should be in the mail tomorrow."

"I don't know how to repay you."

"It's my way of thanking you for being there in court for me and helping me get through this mess."

Looking at Kristen, Connie smirked, "You were very good and the look on Yates' face when you dropped the lesbian bombshell was priceless."

"The fucker is an egotistical asshole."

"Judge Davis called Jack and Mike into his chambers and expressed his disbelief at the plea bargain. He was reluctant to accept it until Jack did some fancy talking."

"When is the sentence hearing?"

"Friday, Jack is busy so I'll be sitting second chair."

"I don't want to be there," admitted Kristen in a soft voice.

Connie hugged her tightly, "You don't have to be honey."

"Would you like to get away with me for the weekend?"

"I'd love to Kris. Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"I thought it would be nice to go to Aspen."

"That sounds absolutely wonderful," replied Connie." We are going to be just fine honey, it's nearly all over."

"Yeah we are and I love you dearly."

What's in store next?