So I lied, this is the new longest chapter. :) Anyway, I apologize in advance if there are any mistakes in courtroom procedure in this chapter-I'm a med student, not a law student!
I'm predicting two more chapters for this story before the sequel. Thanks for reading!
Alex smoothed out the tiny wrinkles on her skirt as she sat on the bench of the courthouse hallway. Today was the day. The day she might've been sitting on a plane, first class of course, bound for Kinshasa International Airport, but instead she was here, in the place she called home. Knowing that some of the only family she had left would be situated on the other side of the doors beside her—"big brother" Elliot to provide testimony, "love of my freaking life" Olivia just to support the two attorneys—was just comforting enough to make her smile a bit. But where was "little sister" Casey?
She rose to find the redhead, who she was sure knew what time they were supposed to be there. They'd met up in their office an hour ago, where they split when Alex wanted to come straight to court and Casey wanted to grab something to eat first. They were expected in five minutes, so where was her co-counselor?
In the next hallway, Alex began to hear incomprehensible murmurs emanating from a room on her right. It was the only sound in the uncrowded corridor, so she figured she'd look in there. Indeed, Casey was in that otherwise empty room. Careless of whatever dirt on the floor might be soiling the fabric of her dress pants, the redhead was down on her knees, facing the windows, her head down, too deep into her trance to even notice Alex had walked in. She continued the shushed whispers, and Alex realized she had to be praying. Alex had never been religious and never really knew how to pray except when someone had died, and she sure wasn't Catholic, but nonetheless, she quickly came up behind Casey, and after a thorough inspection of the ground beneath her, kneeled next to her.
"…so that my knowledge, understanding, and skills may help in some little ways to make this world a better place, for Your greater glory. Amen." Casey finished her prayer and finally realized the presence of another next to her. "Oh, Alex, I'm sorry, I was just…"
"Praying. Don't be sorry, you need to do whatever's going to make you feel comfortable. But I hope you're finished, because we've got about a minute and a half before they call court into session," Alex reminded her.
"Oh yes, I'm done," Casey nodded, and the two stood and walked back towards the courtroom doors. "I don't know how much something as trivial as praying does for anyone, but I do feel strangely better," the redhead admitted.
"I feel pretty good, too," Alex smiled.
They came up to the prosecution desk, scanning their surroundings. Elliot was situated in the third row, nodding his head to the two ladies, signaling his readiness. Olivia had not yet arrived, but Alex expected her to come a little late—if she'd stopped at the precinct like she'd said she would, a hold-up would not be a surprise. The defense was in place—a young looking attorney who they each gave a pleasant nod to, knowing that his only crime was becoming a criminal defense lawyer, and within a few minutes, they'd be chewing his ass off if all went according to plan. And then Joe Downer himself, silent and making sure no one saw anything more than the outline of his features. Casey looked away immediately, but Alex studied the guy—probably never the bad guy before his emotions got the best of him. Probably a family man, a soccer dad, someone who enjoyed the occasional football game with the guys. But no one was above the law—and Alex had to put her game face on.
"All rise, this court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Preston residing." The voice of the burly bailiff turned the fire on in the eyes of Alexandra Cabot and Casey Novak. It was show time.
After all had been seated and the charges were explained, Alex looked to Casey, who looked cool and collected as she'd remembered her at the Connors trial. Alex felt calmer—she knew her partner was on her game.
"The prosecution may make their opening statement," Preston stated.
"Yes, Your Honor," Casey began, standing and walking around the right side of the desk. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Today, we're looking at a case of "eye for an eye" mentality. An unjustifiable vengeance led to the loss of a life for Ms. Katerina Parker, whose only crime was following legal medical protocol in line with the wishes of Andrea Downer. Mr. Joseph Downer committed this murder in cold blood, and I have faith that you, acting as representatives of the American criminal justice system, will see to it that this homicide will not go unpunished. Thank you."
Casey returned to her seat next to Alex, letting a large but silent breath escape her mouth. Alex grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it quickly before letting it go again. Her partner was as sure as ever, and if Novak could be on top of things after three years out of practice, she sure as hell could kick some ass after only seven months.
Alex couldn't lie and say this case had been completely predictable. The defense went with some pretty ballsy tactics to make their case, pointing at everything from mental instability to provocation by the victims to procedural mistakes by the police. But that was the wonderful thing about have co-council—whenever Alex thought of something for Casey's cross-examination, or Casey came up with something for Alex to use, they would write just a few words down on the notepad in front of them and shove it to the other side of the desk, and either attorney could set off running with just five or six words. Slowly, working with Casey was going from a prospect that sent chills down her spine to the most wonderful career oriented thing that ever happened to her.
Of course, since Katerina had died soon after admission from her attack, Alex and Casey did not have her for a witness, but the two members of hospital staff they'd picked out (one that oversaw Andrea Downer, one that oversaw Katerina) were more than competent witnesses. And Elliot, an experienced testifier, was quick to rebuke any theories of police inadequacy with his recount of the investigation.
And now it was Alex's time to make sure the jury didn't forget any of it.
"The prosecution may now make their closing argument."
Alex rose and moved to stand directly in front of the twelve men and women sitting in the jury. "Thank you, Your Honor. Ladies and gentleman, what you have seen here today is little more than a senseless act of violence, no matter how the defense may try to spin it. We have presented you with motive, as unacceptable as such reasoning may be for murder. For Mr. Downer, the best way to deal with anger over his daughter's death was to attack the doctor who had cared for Andrea for four days and complied with her wishes not to prolong her life should the worst happen. We have presented you with method and DNA evidence from the metal pole used to sodomize the victim and the iron club used to bash in the victim's skull, each linking directly to Mr. Downer. The evidence is irrefutable: this was a brutal murder in which the person responsible, Joseph Downer, cannot walk free. I do sincerely hope that you will agree. Thank you."
Alex sat down next to Casey, who was obviously trying extremely hard not to grin. It was over, it was done, and no matter the outcome, Casey sure felt good. She hoped Alex did too, but Alex had always been pretty hard to read. Her face always seemed to look exactly the same, at least when she was in court.
Once the defense had made their closing argument, the judge explained to the jury their duties, and sent the court into recess. Alex and Casey opted to remain in their seats, but turned to face each other.
"You, Ms. Novak, were fantastic," Alex praised.
"Well you, Ms. Cabot, were downright terrifying," Casey joked.
"Good, that means I did my job right. So what do you think?"
"I think if that those jury members have two brain cells in their heads, we've got ourselves a conviction."
"I hope so."
"You're saying you're not sure?"
"I'm never quite sure," Alex admitted. "I don't like to make any snap judgments or have any expectations—I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than let down."
"A little confidence doesn't hurt, Alex. Though I don't think anyone ever would've guessed there was any insecurity in you," Casey said sincerely. "You've got a poker face like nobody I've ever seen."
"Just call me Lady Gaga. And I just admitted to knowing one of her songs. Now I feel like a real professional…"
Casey laughed. "You'd be much more of a freak if you didn't know any of her songs…"
Olivia power walked through the courtroom hallways, deathly afraid of the wrath of Alex Cabot. She had sworn to be there for the whole trial, and now she was lucky if she'd get there before everyone was gone. She had a perfectly good excuse, in her eyes—they'd gotten an anonymous tip on their next case, involving a child that had appeared on the doorstep of the precinct, asking where her mommy was. It was quickly looking like a child prostitution case, and Olivia's hands had been tied to her desk. But if Alex's trial had gone badly, there might be hell on earth.
Alex heard the back door of the courtroom swing open and wondered who'd possibly be coming in this late. She turned around and was met with Olivia's pair of pleading brown eyes. I'm so so sorry, Olivia mouthed at Alex. The blonde just smiled and shook her head. We're fine, she mouthed back, tilting her head towards Casey, who just noticed the detective presence and offered a judicious wave. Olivia sighed in relief—not only was she still in time for the verdict, Alex didn't seem like she was going to try and beat her up for missing the rest of it.
Judge Preston emerged from her chambers and climbed into her seat, an indication that the jury would be following relatively soon. Alex gave Olivia one last grin, and then turned herself around and sat back down. Casey typed something on her phone discreetly, and then sat down next to Alex.
"Texting in court, Ms. Novak?" Alex snickered. "You have the manners of a goat."
"No worse than your lovey dovey eyes in court, I'd say," Casey returned, rolling her eyes.
"We were NOT being lovey dovey. We know better than that. Besides, which one of us is the lovey dovey type?"
"Point taken."
Just then, the doors at the side of the courtroom opened, and the twelve members of the jury, headed by the foreman, filed in and back to their benches. They must have been taking lessons from Alex, because their faces were pretty much blank as well. Casey's confidence faltered a little bit, and her stomach felt a little off. Alex just didn't bother to look.
"All rise," the bailiff ordered.
All of the inhabitants of the courtroom stood, eyes on the man at the front of the jury panel, holding that sheet of paper out to the bailiff. The burly man brought it over to Preston, who scanned the paper and nodded, handing it back to the bailiff who returned it to the jury foreman.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
"We have, your honor."
Casey fought the urge to reach out for Alex's hand again. This moment never used to faze her, but right now it seemed like the most important few seconds of her life.
"On the single count of murder in the first degree, how does the jury find?"
Casey held her breath. Alex closed her eyes. Olivia clenched her hands, and Elliot stared straight into the foreman's face.
"We find the defendant, Joseph Downer, guilty as charged."
They'd done it. Their first case as partners, their first case back with SVU, was over and won.
"Noted. Sentencing will take place next Tuesday at three in the afternoon. Will the bailiff please take the defendant into custody."
Both Casey and Alex silently picked up their briefcases and filed out from behind the desk and up the aisle towards the exit. They were ever professional, their expressions kept at a safe minimum, making no noise one way or the other, speaking to no one, moving only to walk.
At least until they got outside. Casey exhaled so loudly Alex was sure they could hear it in the next courtroom, and then swirled around and captured Alex in a huge hug. Alex was surprised at first, but relaxed into the embrace as her tension began to fall.
"Oh God, Alex, it's done, we didn't screw it up, he's going to jail, oh, we did it!" Casey exclaimed, unaware of the crowd that was beginning to exit the courthouse as well.
"Hey, hey, Case, calm yourself, you sound like this was your first conviction ever," Alex laughed.
"It might as well have been. It proved to me that I still know how to do this and do it right." Casey pulled away from Alex, looking over her shoulder. "Oh, hey!" she said, and ran off.
Alex tried to see who she was going after, but she felt a tap on her back. She turned back to find Olivia next to her, grinning. "Welcome back, tiger," she joked.
"Nice to see you too," Alex returned. "It was a case that kept you, I hope?"
"Yeah, and not a pretty one by the looks of it."
"Are they ever pretty?"
"Not particularly."
Then, Casey was back at their sides, with a man in tow that Alex and Olivia hadn't seen before. "Hey, Liv! We did it!" Casey smiled broadly.
"You sure did!" Olivia said proudly. "Who's this, Casey?"
Casey grinned abashedly. "Oliva, Alex, this is Mark. A few months after I started teaching at Georgetown, they had a faculty vs. student softball game. The students kicked our butts, I'll admit, but Mark was the pitcher and I was the catcher."
Olivia smirked, earning a slap on the back of the head from Alex. "Honestly, Liv."
"Yeah, you perv. Anyway, of course pitcher and catcher work closely together, so we got to know each other…and anyway, we've been together for ten months now," Casey smiled, giving Mark a peck on the cheek. Alex and Olivia both smiled at this, even though they longingly wished to be able to do that for each other. "He came up here for my first trial, and to talk with the dean over at Columbia Law about his new position."
"That's fantastic, Casey! I can't believe you were holding out on me, but still!" Alex said.
"Yeah, it's about time you found someone," Olivia added.
Elliot exited the courtroom at that time. "Hey guys, major congrats!" he said to Casey and Alex.
"Thanks El! El, this is Mark; Mark, this is Detective Elliot Stabler," Casey introduced. The men shook hands.
"You guys up for drinks? Fin and Munch are dying to hit up the bar after the crazy day they claim they had," Elliot said.
"It actually was," Olivia responded, having been there herself.
"Are we game, honey?" Casey asked Mark.
"I sure am," Mark joked. "Cop bar?"
"What else?" Elliot and Mark laughed.
"I think I'm going to head for home," Alex said. "Long day, I'm pretty tired. I'll see you all later." They said their goodbyes to Alex as she walked off.
The four of them stood there talking for a few minutes before they collectively decided they should probably head for the bar if they wanted to get there before it got too crowded.
"What about you, Liv, are you coming?" Casey asked.
"Um…" Olivia had been toying with her phone. The first message she received read: Aren't YOU going to head for home? She'd sent back: Does home mean your place?
Her phone buzzed one more time and read solely: Uh-huh.
"Ah, no, I think I'm going to head for home too. I'll see you all tomorrow. Pleasure meeting you Mark," Olivia said rushing, and quickly walked away.
Elliot and Casey winked at each other, each pretty sure they knew where Olivia was really going.
Olivia sent one more text.
Oh yeah, I'm going home.