Title: Women's Murder Club – Tying Up Loose Ends

Author: D M Harper

Summary: Holding on to the past after narrowly surviving being kidnapped by the "Kiss-Me-Not" serial killer, Inspector Lindsay Boxer prevents herself from moving on and finding happiness. A/U

Pairings: Lindsay Boxer & Caitlin Murphy (Original Female Character); Tom and Heather Hogan; Cindy Thomas & Molly Byrne (Original Female Character); Claire & Ed Washburn; Jill Bernhardt & Luke Bowen.

Rating: Mature readers only 15+

Disclaimer: With nothing better to do, why not take a television show and dabble with the characters? All characters created by Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain remain their property and other original characters I stake a claim on those. No financial gain is created by this story nor is any copyright infringement intended to 20th Century Fox Television or Rat TV. This is a tale of fiction purely formulated for entertainment and contains consensual sexual interactions between two females.

A/N: Much appreciation to those who take the time to review, follow or make this tale a favourite.

Chapter 14

County Courthouse, Hall Of Justice, 850 Bryant Street. Tuesday 25th May, 2010

Marty, Cindy and Claire sat with an uncharacteristically nervous Lindsay on the hallway bench seat situated outside the Court Room One entry. They were all startled and their inner thoughts disturbed when the double wooden doors opened to reveal a Court Officer.

"Inspector Boxer?" he asked formally.

Standing, a navy blue pantsuit and maroon button up shirt attired Lindsay received hugs from everyone before being led inside and down the gangway. Taking her place in the witness stand, she remained upright and took the oath when it was offered.

She concentrated on lead Prosecutor, District Attorney Denise Kwon as she sat down and got comfortable. Her eyes glanced at Jill briefly and the second chair Attorney smiled assuredly.

Denise immediately got to her feet, straightened her shirt collar and asked her first question, "Could you please state your full name and occupation for the Court?"

Having prepped twice for this moment, Lindsay answered without hesitation, "Lindsay Faye Boxer; Inspector with the San Francisco Police Department, Homicide Division, Southern District."

"Thank you Inspector. How long had you served with the San Francisco Police Department?"

"Fourteen years in total, nine as an Inspector and five as a Patrol Officer."

Jill passed Denise a sheet of paper and the DA moved to the front of the Prosecutor's table. She read out a list of citations, commendations, medals and awards Lindsay had received over the years, and then finished by saying, "Your service record is impeccable Inspector, would you say you are dedicated to your job?"

"I would."

"Inspector, do you recognise the Defendant Peter David Raynor?"

Avoiding any form of eye contact with Raynor, Lindsay replied, "Yes I do."

"Can you tell the Court when you first made acquaintance with the accused?"

Having rehearsed not using Raynor's name and keeping it impersonal, Lindsay answered, "I was purchasing coffee for myself and my partner from the coffee stand outside the Hall of Justice on the morning of Wednesday the thirtieth of April 2008, when the Defendant introduced himself to me. He explained he had an office on the block and had seen me before."

"Then what happened?"

"The Defendant engaged in idle chit chat then asked me out for dinner."

"Did you accept?"

"No, I didn't need the distraction."

"Could you be more specific?"

"The Squad had been working non-stop on a high profile case and we were busy gathering evidence. Our time was consumed with detecting the perpetrator and I was not interested in forming any kind of relationship with anyone at that time."

"Did you mention the circumstances to the Defendant?"

"I did."

"Did you have further contact with the Defendant that day?"

"Yes. Later that afternoon whilst in the Squadroom, I received a delivery of white roses along with another request for dinner that night and the Defendant's phone number."

"Did you take up that invitation?"

"No, I did not."

"When did you next hear from the Defendant?"

"The following morning the Defendant appeared at the coffee stand again. He was persistent and extremely charming while asking me out again. The Defendant kept trying to convince me he was a nice guy; I was tired and frustrated with the case, and finally agreed just to have the conversation end."

"Looking back with your vast investigative experience and skills, would you say you were manipulated into going out with the Defendant, even after expressing on several occasions, you were not interested?"

"I would."

"Take us through the events that occurred after you had dinner with the Defendant."

"I was called to another Homicide as we left the restaurant."

"So you and the Defendant parted ways that evening?"

"That is correct."

"When did you see the Defendant again?"

"He was at the coffee stall the following morning and we went to dinner that night."

"Were you and the Defendant in a relationship?"

"Not at that stage. We met for coffee or dinner twice for the next two weeks. I was busy with several breakthroughs with the case and working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In hindsight, it was a casual tryst at best." Lindsay kept herself from cringing at her own words. She sounded like a weak minded woman, desperate for love.

"Did you receive more flowers from the Defendant?"

"Yes, every work day there would be a new delivery."

"Did you happen to visit the Defendant's office during this liaison?"

"Yes, but only on one occasion. He took me there after dinner and showed me his current architectural project."

"Did the Defendant ever spend time at your home?"

"Yes, and only once."

"Did anything significant occur at that time?"

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, Lindsay replied, "I was drawn into a conversation regards the high profile case and ended up showing the Defendant the evidence board I had erected in my attic."

"What prompted you to share your investigation?"

"The Defendant was searching for more information about me and the case and it was my way of visually explaining I didn't have the time to invest in a relationship. I was too consumed by the case."

Denise turned and faced the Jury panel, "So there is no confusion for the Court, the case you keep referring to is the well-publicised "Kiss-Me-Not" serial murders, is it not?"

"That is correct. The Defendant also informed me he was leaving for Cambodia the next morning and I was further reluctant to enter into a relationship with him."

"Your stance on the matter did change that night though, didn't it?"

Holding back the bile that threatened to expel from her mouth, Lindsay took a deep breath and answered, "The Defendant appeared to be understanding of my need to solve the murders and he was grossly sympathetic to my crusade. I'd drunken several glasses of wine with dinner and was somewhat upset after having the investigation taken away from me that day by the FBI. In retrospect, I was venerable, tipsy and fell for the Defendant's romantic overtures."

"You became intimate with the Defendant that evening?"

Tamping down her shame, Lindsay responded honestly, "Yes."

"Did that involve the Defendant staying over?"

"It did, but in the morning I told him things were moving way too fast and he convinced me we could make a long distance relationship work."

"How long was the Defendant expecting to be in Cambodia?"

"I was told a year or longer."

"Once the Defendant left for his so called business venture, you discovered his statements were based on a lie, correct?"

"Yes. After doubting my decision to enter into a long distance relationship, I realised I knew absolutely nothing about the Defendant."

"Were you suspicious of his intentions?"

"Yes. Several text messages I'd sent were never answered and when the Defendant eventually called me a month later; he claimed to have not received them."

"What did you do next?"

"I ran a police check on the Defendant and discovered he had been married for seven years."

There was audible gasp from several Jury members before Denise continued, "You had no prior knowledge of his marital status?"

"No. The Defendant stated he was single several times during those two weeks and he did not wear a wedding band."

"Did you confront the Defendant with this information?"

"I phoned him immediately and he acknowledged it was true. The Defendant also claimed his wife had intercepted the text messages and deleted them."

"Was that the end of the relationship?"

"It was. I told the Defendant not to contact me again."

"Did the Defendant heed that advice?"

"He did until last year."

"Could you tell the Court when you next saw the Defendant?"

A chill slowly crept up Lindsay's spine as she recalled, "It was Tuesday the twelfth of May 2009. The Defendant approached me outside the Hall of Justice while I was waiting for a coffee order at the cart."

"What did the Defendant say to you after eleven months?"

"He was all smiles and insisted I forgive him. He also wanted me to discuss the situation and for us to resume our previous relationship?"

"How did you react to his requests?"

"I reminded him I had no intention of talking to him like I told him the last time we spoke on the phone. I also asked him to leave me alone."

"Did he?"

"No. The Defendant informed me he was back from Cambodia and wanted to chat like adults."

"What happened next?"

The defendant cupped my face with his hands and as I reached for his shoulder in an attempt to remove them, he forcibly kissed me on the lips."

"What was your response?"

"I was disgusted by his actions and pushed him away from me. I warned him to stay away from me just as Deputy District Attorney Bernhardt neared the scene. DDA Bernhardt advised the Defendant to leave immediately or she would have me arrest him for assault."

"Did the Defendant leave?"

"He stated he has separated from his wife and that things between us weren't over. When DDA Bernhardt told him it was, he further stipulated we would see then departed."

"What did you do then?"

"I collected the coffees and went inside with DDA Bernhardt to arrange for a restraining order."

"Was there any more attempts to make contact with you?"

"Yes. Later that day the Defendant sent me white roses and made several phone calls. I tossed out the flowers and blocked his number."

"Did the attempts to reconcile with you continue?"

"Yes. The Defendant was inside my apartment when I returned home from work the following night."

"He had a key?" enquired Denise.

"Yes and I ensured the Defendant left it behind when I ordered him out of my home."

"Did you feel threatened by the Defendant's uninvited appearance?"

"I did. He was not listening to my repeated instructions to depart and leave me alone. The Defendant was eerily calm the entire time and kept smiling at me while insisting we belonged together. He stated I would realise that soon enough."

"Where was the Defendant situated when you arrived home?"

"He was sitting on the couch and patting my dog."

"Did you draw your service weapon during the intrusion?"

"I did when it became apparent he had no intention of leaving. I warned the Defendant he would be arrested for trespassing, breaking and entring if you showed up at my place again. I drew my gun and directed him to get out and to leave the key behind."

"Were those instructions followed?"

"Yes."

"Can you explain why the Defendant had a key to your apartment?"

"I gave the Defendant one after he stayed that one and only time. I was called into work by the FBI when evidence I had found linked a suspect to the "Kiss-Me-Not" case. It was pre-dawn and the Defendant offered to take my dog for a run before leaving for work. He promised to leave the key behind on the kitchen counter when he was done."

"Did you trust him to do that?"

"I did, but he left for Cambodia that day and I forgot to mention it during our two phone conversations."

"After making the Defendant leave your home, what did you do?"

"I called a friend and informed her. I also organised for a locksmith to change all the locks in the apartment straight away."

"What is the name of this friend you confided in?"

"Deputy District Attorney Bernhardt."

"Go on please Inspector?"

"The next morning I notified my Commanding Officer of the situation and the restraining order against the Defendant was actioned. Two Uniformed Officers went to his last known address to arrest him, but he was not located there. He subsequently disappeared."

"After repeated searches the Defendant managed to evade Police arrest, correct?"

"That is true. Despite a BOLO being issues for his car and himself, the Defendant's whereabouts remained unknown."

"When did the Defendant come out of hiding?"

"It was Wednesday May the twentieth 2009. When I returned home from work I found my apartment had been broken into and my Border Collie was missing."

Denise moved towards the Jury panel and casually placed her right hand on the wooden railing, "How did you know the Defendant was responsible for those two offences?"

"I received a text message from a burn phone shortly afterwards and the Defendant identified himself before informing me he would kill my dog if I didn't take him back. I did not reply to the demand."

"Was the location of the Defendant known at that time?"

"No. However, the Department's Technological Division was able to trace the Defendant by searching CCTV security footage and facial recognition. Once they had a licence number of the vehicle the Defendant was seen using two blocks from my home, he was traced to Los Angeles. After further investigation, it was found he had rented the car under a false identity."

"Were you involved in this manhunt?"

"Yes. Once my partner and I closed out our current caseload, I was released temporarily from the Homicide Squad and allowed to join the Investigating FBI Task Force."

"Did the Defendant contact you again?"

"Yes. I received another text on the fourth of August 2009. Again, the Defendant identified himself on an untraceable phone, but this time, I answered and agreed to meet with the Defendant at my apartment."

"Was a joint operation between the FBI and the SFPD organised?"

"It was. Information received from local Police, indicated the Defendant had stolen a vehicle from Santa Cruz. There was enough time to instigate a thorough plan to apprehend the Defendant in my apartment due to the fact the car was located seventy three miles from my address and it would take at least one hour and eighteen minutes for him to arrive at my destination, if not arrested beforehand."

"That wasn't the case, was it?"

"No. Santa Cruz authorities discovered the suspect's sedan abandoned in a parking lot. By the time I entered my apartment and Agents and Police Officers were positioned outside to wait; the Defendant had already jimmied open an upstairs window and was hiding inside."

Lindsay reached for the glass of water in front of her with a shaking left hand and drank slowly. She took the opportunity to decrease her rapidly beating heart and remember the words of advice Ramona and Caitlin had passed onto her, "Raynor can only have power over you if you allow him"." Returning the tumbler to its previous position on the railing, she waited for Denise's next prompt.

"I realise the next part of your testimony may be upsetting for you Inspector, but when you are ready, please proceed in your own words and describe to the Court what transpired next."

Steadying her hand, Lindsay focused on Jill's tear filled eyes and began, "When I secured the front door and walked into the kitchen, the Defendant rushed out of the pantry and wrapped a forearm around my throat. Using his other hand, he ripped my weapon from its holster then pressed it into my back. The intruder released his hold around my neck and I was subsequently tasered."

"How did you know it was the Defendant in your home?"

"Before I felt the barbs of the taser in my back, he licked my right ear and told me "Pete's back and you are all mine now"."

"Did you lose consciousness at that point?"

"No. I had no control over my limbs and collapsed onto the floor. The Defendant knelt at my side and kissed me on the lips several times."

"Were you able to defend yourself against the unwarranted onslaught?"

"I was not. The Defendant picked me up and carried me into the bathroom."

A gasp resonated throughout the Court Room and Lindsay thought she heard sobbing. Steeling herself against the pain and humiliation she was about the relive, she kept her back straight and her shoulders squared, "I was placed on the bathmat and told it was my wedding day. The Defendant then undressed me and turned on the shower faucets. I could move my hands slightly by that time and I struck out at the Defendant's head when he attempted to pick me up again."

"How did the Defendant react to your defensive movements?"

"I was dropped onto the floor and tasered twice. I lost consciousness and was unaware of what happened in the bathroom."

"Where were you when you came to?"

"I was naked and spreadeagle on my bed. My hands and feet were tightly fastened to the bedposts with silk scarves and my mouth was covered with gaffer tape."

"Did you have the use of your extremities?"

"Yes, and I struggled against the restraints in hope of loosening them, but to no avail."

"Was the Defendant in the room with you?"

"No. He entered a short time later wearing a tuxedo and carrying a white wedding dress on a hanger. He smiled at me then stated I would make the most beautiful bride. I tried to work my hands out of the bonds and was tasered again. While I was defenceless, the Defendant released my restraints and dressed me in the gown. He then used my Departmental issued handcuffs to manacle my wrists. I was hauled up the ladder to the attic by my arms and the Defendant performed a ceremony. It was total gibberish and he had a crazed expression on his face the entire time. I was fading in and out of consciousness on the floor and my eyes were blurry."

Holding back her tears, Lindsay gulped several times before resuming, "Once the Defendant announced us man and wife, he took my gun out from behind his jacket and explained it was time to consummate our marriage. While holding the taser in the other hand, he moved closer to me."

Denise inched nearer to the witness, offering silent support.

Brown eyes swam in pools of tears as Lindsay disclosed the events from the worst day of her work life, "The Defendant ripped off the Duct tape and kissed me roughly. The second I felt some semblance of sensation return to my limbs, I clawed at his face and kicked out at his legs. My left shoulder and left leg didn't respond and there was an incredible amount of pain in both extremities. I immediately felt the taser against my stomach and I was shocked once again. The Defendant was visibly angry and pulled up the hem of the dress and pressed the muzzle of my weapon against my genitals."

"Were you wearing any underwear at the time?"

"No. The Defendant continued to kiss me and bite my lower lips while rubbing the gun up and down the length of my vagina. My radio had been left on the floor of the bathroom along with my cell phone and both activated at the same time. Lieutenant Hogan was transmitting on the radio and asking for my present position. This sent the Defendant into a frenzy of abuse. Seconds later the front door was smashed in by responding Officers and the Defendant proceeded to punch me repeatedly around my face and head while screaming at me and telling me I had betrayed him."

Teardrops rolled down Lindsay's cheeks and Denise asked, "Would you like a moment Inspector?"

"No," was the defiant reply as Lindsay finally leered at a smiling Raynor. There was no doubt in her mind the man was enjoying every second of her testimony and she was damned if he would ever see her that venerable again. "I'm fine and can continue."

"Can you please state the injuries you received during this callous, unprovoked and heinous attack on you?"

"When I regained consciousness in hospital, the doctor informed me my left leg was snapped in three places. The fibula, radius and femur had all been broken. The medical and forensics opinions concluded my leg had been placed over the edge of the bathtub while I was unconscious and shattered by the force of a heavy weight smashed up against it. Indentations to a lamp stand from the living room substantiate it was used as a weapon. My jaw was fractured in two places on the left hand side along with my orbital socket. There were deep lacerations to both eyebrows, my nose was broken and my left shoulder dislocated from being dragged up the ladder."

"How long did it take for your physical injuries to heal Inspector?"

"I returned to full duty three months later."

"And what about the emotional scars Inspector Boxer?"

"I have struggled with them every day, but have worked on my mental health with the assistance of a Departmental assigned Physiatrist. Together we have made breakthroughs these past ten months, and I am no longer broken, only slightly cracked."

"I admire your courage and tenacity Inspector, but what price have you paid for the demented actions of the Defendant."

"My personal life became a nightmare. My confidence in holding onto the relationship I was in prior to the Defendant re-entering my life, suffered the greatest toll. I am now only starting to get a decent night's sleep since having to prepare for giving testimony not once, but twice. The delay in court proceedings has affected me greatly."

"How have you coped workwise?"

"It has been my saving grace along with my friends and family and my ever patient Physiatrist."

"Do you envision a future where this tragedy no longer influences your day to day routine?"

"Yes I do. I have survived since being assaulted and I know I have the support and love of my ex-partner. That alone inspires me to make a full recovery."

"I wish you well Inspector Boxer and thank you for your dauntless testimony. Your Honour, I have no further questions for the witness and reserve the right to redirect if required."

Fifty five year old Judge Beverley Morton turned to Lindsay and announced, "The Court will adjourn for an early lunch. Inspector Boxer, I remind you that you are still under oath and as such, cannot speak with anyone from the public during the break. One of my Officers will escort you to a witness room and a meal will be organised for you."

"I understand Judge Morton."

Banging her gavel with gusto, the judicial blonde stood and exited the room.

-o-

A quivering mess also known as Caitlin Murphy, gritted her teeth as she walked into her office. She continued to fall apart as the words from Lindsay oral evidence kept pounding her brain and imagers of the true horror she endured at the hands of Raynor flooded her thoughts.

The Agent scarcely managed to keep a lid on her truculent desire to race up the aisle of the Court Room and pummel the life out of the smirking defendant. The smug bastard didn't even attempt to shield his perverted enjoyment as Lindsay retold her ordeal.

Caitlin had observed the looks of disgust on the majority of the Jurors' faces and she failed to blanket her own revolution at times. On several occasions she had to grip her father's arm and prevent him from attacking Raynor. Her mother has cried openly when Lindsay described being sexually assaulted and she totally broke down when the Inspector mentioned her ex's love and support. That was the moment when Caitlin's heart shredded and she raced from the back row of the public gallery and into the hallway.

Niles had pursued her and eventually caught up with her in the parking lot across the street. Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around his friend and allowed her to cry without judgement.

Five minutes passed before Caitlin leaned back and searched tear filled eyes, "I had no idea he'd touched her like that."

"None of us did Cait. He broke her sweetie, but she is on the mend."

Nodding, the blonde released a flood of tears, "Oh god Niles, I love her so much and all I want to do is hold her."

"I know you do sweetie. It torn my heart in two having to watch her struggle; she was incredibly brave."

Blubbering, Caitlin held on tight, "She's all alone in that room … alone with her tortured thoughts."

"Jill is with her Cait. Lindsay is allowed to have legal counsel present."

"Oh shit, I'm too upset to think straight."

"I think we are all in the same boat. Your parents and Marty are probably waiting for us in the Courtyard Café. Do you feel up to joining them?"

"I don't think I am. I'll head back to the office by bus and leave you the car."

With a final squeeze, Niles released his hold, "Okay. I'll make your apologies and see you later."

"You got it and thanks for the shoulder," responded Caitlin before heading to the nearest bus stop.

That conversation had taken place some thirty minutes ago, and Caitlin was still shattered. She wept for another forty minutes before there was a gently knock on her closed office door.

Grabbing some tissues from the box on her desk, Caitlin turned and went to open the door while drying her eyes. She was taken aback to see a grim faced Melissa. "What's wrong ma'am?" she asked with trepidation, not wanting to hear any more bad news.

"There's been an incident at the Courthouse."

"What the fuck?"

"When Raynor was in the County holding cells, he started to haemorrhage from the mouth, nose and eyes. Paramedics were called and he was escorted to Mission Cross North Hospital."

Realising where the story was headed, Caitlin fast tracked it, "He's escaped custody right?"

"Yes Cait. The slimly prick overpowered one of the Correctional Officers while waiting for toxicology results."

Suspicious of the comment, Caitlin pointed out, "Shouldn't there have been two Officers guarding him?"

"There was, but one stepped out to use the toilet when Raynor appeared to be under the influence of a sedative."

With a clinched left fist, Caitlin swore, "Shit! That is a fucking rookie mistake. They should have followed procedure and have called hospital security to stand in."

"You'll get no argument from me. As Niles was already at the Courthouse, he secured the scene and discovered three condoms under the bend seat of the cell. They contained minute traces of blood and he assumes Raynor smuggled them in to carry out his escape plan. I need you to assemble the rest of your team and locate this sick son of a bitch before he does any more damage. All available security cameras have been hacked into by our Techs, so the search has begun. SFPD is onboard and all units have hit the streets."

Caitlin's breath hitched as she asked, "Ma'am, where is Inspector Boxer?"

"She was moved to a safe location once Niles found out what had happened at the hospital. The Courthouse is in total lockdown, no one is allowed in or out without the proper authorisation."

"Understood ma'am," replied Caitlin as she collected her bulletproof vest from the back of her desk chair. "I'll gather the team in the ready room A-SAP."

-o-

A/N: What lies ahead for Lindsay and Caitlin? Let me know what you think.