Disclaimer: We do not own Law & Order: CI, nor do we own any characters from the show.
We would like to thank all who have reviewed our story. Also would like to thank and credit TdeAlba of the One Life To Live fandom for some cooncepts of this chapter.
She woke screaming, still struggling, and had stumbled halfway across the room before she realized Anglionby wasn't there anymore; she wasn't in his little surreal fantasy room anymore. She didn't begin to realize where she actually was until two arms wrapped around her and a deep, hoarse voice called her name. She lost her balance and let herself collapse against those arms as he eased them both to the floor. Wrapping both of her arms around one of his, her pulse still racing, still gasping for air, she tried to ground herself. Bobby was here; they were in his room. She was… safe? She couldn't quite make herself believe it.
"It's okay," he murmured in her ear, "it was just a nightmare."
She shook her head. Then burying her head in the curve of his neck she said, "I wish."
His mind slowly processed what that meant, what was going on. Victoria could almost feel the moment when he put it all together.
"Memory?" he asked. "The Doctor again?"
"Yeah," she said as he rocked her slowly back and forth.
"This is about tomorrow, isn't it?" he asked gently.
Her eyes searched the dark room for a clock. Tomorrow or today? It had to be nearly dawn. How much more of the night did she have to get through? "Yeah," she said, unable to stop her voice from cracking, "At least by tomorrow night this will be over."
He stroked her hair gently, "He can't hurt you anymore. You're strong okay? You got through the hard part."
Had she? Was she? How did he know? How many more nights like this would she have? How long before every touch, every laugh, everything to do with ice? Was this really easier than dying in that room would have been?
She reminded herself to be grateful; she was alive. Not all of the Doctor's victims had that opportunity. She had Bobby. She had the daylight. It was only the darkness which brought these thoughts into her mind. Her eyes finally found the red glowing numbers of the alarm clock by the bed; 3:17. She should have known. They might call midnight the witching hour, but she had enough experience to know that the hour between three and four in the morning was always when the darkest thoughts came.
"I'll be right there the whole time," he said. "If he starts to get to you, or the lawyer gets too obnoxious, just look at me. Remember I'm there with you."
"Bobby?" she said softly.
He made one of those sounds which wasn't quite a word but indicated she should go on.
"I don't want you there. I mean, I know you have to be at the courthouse, but I'd rather you weren't in the room when I testify."
The shock of her request made the muscles in his shoulders tighten; she could feel them against the skin of her temple. "Why?"
Reluctantly she pulled away from him enough to look up at him. The amber glow from the streetlight outside lit up the left side of his face. "Because I know how much you torture yourself over everything that happened to me," she said, "and I know it'll upset you to hear me telling the court about it all."
"Don't worry about me," he pleaded brushing the hair out of her eyes.
"I'll do that," she said half smiling, "about the time you stop worrying about me."
"Victoria -" she cut him off.
"Look, I know you've seen the video. I know that you know everything. And I know that you're here for me whenever I need you. And I need you to not be in that courtroom. If I have to see the expression on your face when I talk about it… it's just going to make it harder."
He didn't like what she was asking him, she could tell, but she also knew he just wanted to help her in any way he could. "If that's what you want," he finally said.
"You'll be with me," she assured him, "I'll still know how much you care about me if you're waiting out in the lobby."
"You're sure?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Okay," he said moving suddenly to help her stand up. He led her back to the bed and climbed in beside her. "Think you can sleep?"
"I don't know," she said honestly wrapping herself back in his arms as he tried to arrange the blankets around her.
"You want the light on?" he asked.
She shook her head, "I don't want to keep you up."
He flipped on the bedside lamp and smiled wryly at her, "It won't. The whole time you were gone I don't think I turned it out once."
She didn't point out that from what she'd heard he didn't sleep much then either. "I'll be right here with you," he said letting his head fall against hers.
Snuggling closer to him she wished there was a way she could take him with her into her dreams, into her memories, and then maybe he would be right there with her and she would be strong enough to get through this.
After a very long and sleepless night, Bobby and Victoria returned to the courthouse early the next morning. The day before had been a long day of testimony, but it was Victoria's turn to testify and relive the horrible events.
"I'll be right outside.." Bobby said.
"No, I changed my mind."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes...I need you."
She slowly walked up to the stand and took her oath.
"Mrs. Goren, I am going to ask you a few questions. I will ask you to direct your answers to the jury, Okay? Carver said
"Okay."
"First off , Mrs. Goren, you are currently employed as a Registered Nurse?"
"Yes"
"At New York Cornell Medical Center?"
"Yes"
"How long have you been employed there?"
"Six years"
"Have you known Dr. Anglionby that long?"
"No, three years."
"As part of your duties you interact with various Doctors and other medical professionals, do you not?"
"I do"
"Okay. Let me get right to the meat of the matter and take you to the date in question, October 17th. Do you recall the events of that day?"
"Yes I do"
" Mrs. Goren can you please describe to the court the series of events that took place October 17th. " Carver instructed.
Victoria took one very deep breath, and cooley began to recount the events. She would not give Dr. Anglionby the satisfaction of seeing her upset.
" I left work at 3:30 and stopped at the cafe before getting the bus home. I got off at 56th and 9th avenue..my street."
"Is this your usual routine?" Carver asked
"Yes"
"Please continue."
"I was walking down the street and... that's when it happened."
"What happened?" Carver asked.
"A man was walking towards me... I wasn't paying much attention, the next thing I know... he grabbed me by the chest. I started kicking and screaming for help. Then a second man come from somewhere. He grabbed my legs... I was kicking and screaming... he told me to stop. I continued struggling, calling for help. It all happened so quickly."
Carver walked over to his table and grabbed two photos, then walked up to Victoria.
"Are these the two men?"
"Yes."
"Objection your honor." Dr. Anglionby lawyer stated
"On what grounds counselour?" The judge asked
"How can she identify the two suspects if she wasn't paying attention?" the defense lawyer asked
"She saw him walking towards her. Stating that she was not paying attention does not mean she saw what he looked like. That goes for the second assailant as well." Carver said
"Sustained." the judge ruled.
" Please continue Mrs. Goren." Carver instructed.
As she continued her levitating quality of her sparkling, childlike voice took on a light english accent. Bobby knew she was getting nervous, he remembered that voice from their first date.
" They shoved me into a truck. They... they put a horrible smelling cloth over my mouth and nose... the last thing I remember is the taste of blood in my mouth... I must have bitten my lip. Then one of them said, " Easy.. Victoria Spencer, ". I remember wondering how he knew my name. Then it all went black, "
" Is that all you can remember of the actual abduction? " Carver asked.
" Yes "
" Can you tell the court what you remember after you woke up? "
Victoria nodded and continued to tell the court what happened.
" I remember waking up feeling groggy and stiff, I felt extremely cold, like being in a freezer. When I tried to sit up a wave of sickness drew me back down onto the bed. I was losing feeling in my limbs."
"You felt as if you were drugged"
"Objection, leading the witness."
"Overruled, you may answer the question." the Judge said
"Yes"
"What happened the second time you tried to get up?"
"When I tried to get up a second time, I realised that I was tied to the bed ."
"What did the room look like?"
" The room was dark, the only light there was, was coming from under a door and what appeared to be a redlight from a camera."
"Which I will present exhibit A your honor. A video that was found in the defendant's home, it had a live feed to the camera that was found in the room where Mrs. Goren was found. It shows everything from time he brought her there to the rescue and recovery."
"What happened next?"
"I started to hear footsteps everything seemed to be going in slow motion...and then the door opened."
"Who opened the door?" Carver asked.
"Dr. Anglionby."
"Can you identify him to the court?"
After a pause she turned her head and with a stone cold look pointed to him.
"May I intsruct the court that the witness identified the defendant. Mrs. Goren, what happened after he entered the room?" Carver asked.
" I looked down and that's when I noticed that I had no clothes on...only a bra and panties...that were not mine."
Carver walked over to the desk and picked up a bag containing the bra and panties.
"These?" Carver asked
"Yes." Victoria said
"I present to the court your honor exhibit B." Carver said.
"What did think was happening when you saw your colleuge walk into the room?" Carver asked.
"I remember thinking that it all had to be a dream... but it wasn't. I was confused, shocked, I trusted him, never had any idea that he would do something like that. He wouldn't tell me where I was. All he would say is that I would find out in time, and then.. " Victoria said, then paused.
"What did he do?" Carver asked.
A long paused followed.
" He walked over to the bed... he sat down beside me. He started stroking my face and tracing my eyes. He started telling me that... that my eyes had enchanted him since the day he met me. I asked where I was and why he is he doing this to me."
"And what did he tell you?" Carver asked
Bobby clenched his fists. Watching Victoria go through this was killing him. He stared at her, his eyes filled with concern. He heard the doctor laugh, and his whole body filled with anger. He was about ready to snap and attack the doctor right then and there when Alex reached over and placed her hand on his shoulder.
" He told me that ... my eyes would be the crown jewel to his collection. He said that he was playing a game with, Detective Goren. He said that he was giving him 3 days to find me. He said that he wouldn't find me because he always wins."
"What did he do next?" Carver asked
"He started to touch me. ... I told him not to ... and he slapped me. I spit in his face. Then he... strangled me. He said not to raise my voice to him again. Told me to speak when I was spoken to . He finally stopped strangling me and left the room. All I can remember is being so scared... I thought I was going to die. A little while later he came back. He had this... this big cooler full of ice. He dumped it all over me. I begged him not to do it."
"How many times did he dump the ice on you?"
"I lost count around four..he also had the air conditioning on the whole time."
"What did he do after he dumped the ice on you the first time?"
" He smiled and he... he started to sing."
"Do you remember what he sang?"
"Yes, because that song haunts me night and day. It's like a broken record that no one will stop."
"Can you recite some of the lyrics to the court?" Carver asked
"Know,what I'm saying
When I say to you
I've spent my life dreaming
Of a girl like you
I see myself smiling
From your eyes so blue..."
"Mrs. Goren please finish what happened up to the time of the rescue."
" He was gone for quite a while. When he came back he checked to make sure that I hadn't gotten out of any of the ropes he had my hands tied with. After that he... he started to run his hand up my leg... up to my face... then he started... tracing my eyes. I called him something and he... he punched me in the stomach. He started to slap me... and then... strangled me again.
"Do you remember how many times he strangled you?"
"Several"
"He asked me why I still defied him. He left the room and returned with another cooler of ice and a roll of duck tape. He... he told me to expect ice baths every hour. He taped my mouth and dumped the ice on me. I must have passed out after that because the next thing I remember is waking up and hearing someone yelling."
"Did you recognize the voice?"
"Yes, it was Detective Goren. I shouted his name with every ounce of strength I had left...I heard him yell out again. I tried to yell but I couldn't. The last thing I remember... is him telling me to stay with him. Then it all went black. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital four days later. "
"What has it been like since you've returned home?"
"Thank you Mrs. Goren. No further questions." Carver concluded.
" Mrs. Goren, can you describe the type of relationship that you had with Dr. Anglionby prior to the alleged abduction? " the attorney asked.
" We had a strictly professional relationship, " Victoria replied.
" Really? " the attorney asked. " Then do you mind explaining these? "
The attorney then held up several photos of Victoria. She was wearing somewhat provacative attire in the photos.
The first photo the attorney shown said " For You I'd Wait Forever " and in the picture she was sitting seductivly on a couch in a red dress with thin straps, one strap off her shoulder exposing a little of her clevage. Her eyes more accentuated with color blue.
The second photo was of her laying on a cement floor, wearing knee high black fish net stockings, high heels, and black dress
with a crinilin skirt. One leg is up with one foot pressing against the wall, the skirt is pushed up exposing a little bit of a black little panty. Lying there her hair spread out looking seductivly at the camera.
The next photo was of her against an all white background and floor. Sitting on the floor arching backward, her long hair flowing down her back, wearing a lacey black panty and bra set, the bra is covered with a black fur stole. She is wearing black knee length high
heeled boots.
One more photo he showed was of her in a black and white photograph kneeling sideways on a white sheet covered mattress against a white background, looking seductively at the camera as she is holding the white comforter against her topless body showing her white cotton underware.
Another photo is of her leaning against a wall wearing a black evening gown with a very low cut back.
The final photo the defense attorney showed was an upclose photograph of her face in black & white looking at the camera a
little sideways, her hair gently windswept and some gracefully grazing her lips her eyes colored in blue to stand out in the photo.
After the attorney showed the pictures to the court, he turned back to Victoria.
" If you're relationship was strictly professional, Mrs. Goren, then can you tell me why you gave Dr. Anglionby these photos of you? "
"Objection your honor this evidence was not made aware to me." Carver stated
"Your honor I just received these photo's this morning." the defense lawyer said
"I'll allow it" the judge ordered
Victoria was shocked when she saw the photos. She had no idea how they would have gotten into the defenses hands.
"I never gave or even showed those photos to him, " Victoria said. " I don't even have a copy of those photos. My ex fiancee took those photos for a portfoilio he was entering for a magazine shoot. I was the model to display his ideas for the layout."
"My client said that you gave him those photos to tanilize him, " said the lawyer. " He claims that you had been pushing him to become intimate for a long time, but he didn't take you up on your offer at first, is that true? "
" No, it is not true, " Victoria said.
"Shortly before the alleged abduction the two of you started having an affair. You wanted to keep it secret from your boyfriend at the time, now husband, " the attorney said.
" No, that is false " Victoria calmy stated.
"At work did you not sweet talk the doctor into getting what you wanted?"
"No, I did not."
"The other nurses said that you could talk him into anything you needed."
" Yes, I called him if we needed order for medication or treatment, he seemed to be more receptive to me. This common among doctors and nurses some doctors prefer to work with a specific nurse. In my case it was Dr. Anglionby but now it's come to realize it was for other reasons."
After many long hours of testimony, the trial ended for the day. Bobby and Victoria went home.
Shortly after everyone arrived, Doctor Anglionby was brought into the courtroom. He stared over at Victoria. Still seemingly infatuated with her beautiful blue eyes. Victoria turned her head and looked the other was. Although she was a very strong person, she didn't know if she could stand to have him staring at her like that.
Bobby was angry as hell. If looks could kill then the doctor would have dropped dead in his tracks when Bobby staring at him, with a look of pure hatred and anger in his eyes.
Bobby wrapped his hand slowly around Victoria's, giving it a gentle squeeze. Victoria was very greatful that Bobby was there. In truth, she really didn't know if she would have been able to make it through this without him.
Bobby had been so helpful and supportive throughout the whole ordeal. He really was like her knight in shining armor because when she was with Bobby, she felt safe.
After a moment, the trial started. Doctor Anglionby was called to the stand. Everyone watched as the doctor slowly made his way before the court.
" Dr. Anglionby, can you please tell the court what happened on the day of the allegded abduction? " the attorney asked.
The doctor nodded. He then began to stare at Victoria, as he started to tell his story.
" On October 17th, Victoria left work around 3:30pm. I wasn't off until 5:00pm. We had been planning the events of that day for a long time. " the doctor said.
" What exactly do you mean by planning the events? " Carver asked.
" She had been begging me to have a little get away. Because I'm married we decided to things discreet. So, we just left. Just like that." said the doctor.
" You both just left, went off to your upstate house?" Carver asked
" Yes."
" Then tell me why the elaborate abduction?"
" It was part of the fantasy."
" Fantasy, please continue Doctor."
The doctor sat there quiet for a moment, before continuing.
" After leaving work, I met Victoria at the abandoned train tracks, I paid the two gentleman that we hired. I was starting to feel that the whole thing might be a bad idea you know, since her boyfriend was a detective and all. She got very upset when I mentioned calling everything off. She came up to me with those big beautiful blue eyes of hers and assured me that everything would be alright." said Dr. Anglionby while still staring at Victoria.
Dr. Anglionby then pointed over at Victoria and said, " How could I possibly say no to those beautiful eyes, "
" What happened next? " asked Carver.
" We left. It was a long drive to my cabin up in the mountains, that's pretty much all that happened. We went up to the cabin and had a good time. That is until the police and Detective Goren showed up, they burst in there accusing me of kidnapping and then he assaulted me..twice. I was sure that Victoria would straighten the whole thing out... but instead she turned on me. I couldn't believe that she would do a thing like that. I am not denying what happened just that it was consentual. " said the doctor.
"And why would Mrs.Goren turn against you? " Carver asked.
" Why I just really don't know conselor? " Dr. Anglionby replied innocently. " I guess only she could answer that. I mean, since she's the one making up this wild story about me. I can only assume that she turned against me because she didn't want her detective boyfriend to learn the truth. I really can't say for certain. After all, I am the victim here. "
" If this whole thing was set up by Mrs. Goren as you claim, how do you explain the calls placed to Detective Goren giving him a short time to find Mrs. Goren or else you would kill her? " Carver asked.
" I did not make any such calls, " Dr. Anglionby replied.
" Really? Then how come Detective Goren, along with several other detectives who witnessed the calls say you did? "
" Why I really don't know. Maybe the whole was set up too. Maybe Victoria had someone call and say those things. I don't know what she could have possibly had against me to make her hate me so much, " Dr. Anglionby said. " Or maybe the detectives are making the whole thing up. It might just be that it's easier for Detective Goren to believe that I kidnapped Victoria, instead of believing that she cheated on him. "
Carver had to fight back the urge to shake his head. " How do you explain the jars that contained human eyeballs which were found in your apartment? "
" They were for a scientific experiement, " said Dr. Anglionby. " Nothing illegal about them, "
" In that case, how do you explain this paper?" Carver asked, as he held up the DNA report matching the eye DNA to other victims of the serial killer. After showing Dr. Anglionby the report, he presented it to the court, and explained what it meant.
"Also this sketch book that was also found in your study, with the names of the victims and dates of their murder. That matched all the eyes found in the jars?"
" It must be a mistake. " said Dr. Anglionby. " Probably planted evidence to set me up, "
The trial went on for several more hours, with Dr. Anglionby constantly claiming that all the evidence against him was planted or tampered with. All the while, he didn't take his eyes off of Victoria.
After the court heard all of the testimony, the jury went into deliberation. It took them only two hours to announce their verdict... guilty on charges.for her assalt and kidnapping. Also for the 2 murders of his former patients . He was sentenced to life without the possiblity of parole. As soon as the verdict was announced Dr. Anglionby went mad. He was in total shock because he was sure that he would be found innocent on all charges.
As the court officers handcuffed Dr. Anglionby, he starts screaming, " Look at them! How can you not want them! They were to be mine! " He was pointing right at Victoria... but she knew what he was really pointing at... her eyes.
Victoria let out a big sigh. After everything that she had been through, it was finally going to be all over. Victoria started crying, but not tears of sadness... they were tears of relief.
Dr. Anglionby's wife was there. She walked up to Victoria. Slowly, she placed her hand on Victoria's shoulder.
Bobby, who was standing right next to Victoria watched the woman very carefully.
" I am so sorry about all of this, " Mrs. Anglionby said. " I had no idea that my husband..."
" You don't need to say your sorry, " Victoria said. " I wasn't your fault how could you know did what he did. "
" I know... but I still feel so guilty, "
" You really shouldn't feel that way, " Victoria said. " I know that you had no idea about what was going on, "
Mrs. Anglionby nodded.
" We have to get going, now. It's been a really long day... several days actually, " Victoria said.
" I understand, " Mrs. Anglionby said, with a smile. " Good luck with your pregnancy, and again, I'm very sorry, "
Bobby and Victoria watched as Mrs. Anglionby left the courtroom. After a moment, Alex and Deakins walked up.
" Congratulations, " Alex said, with a big smile. " I bet you two are really glad that this is finally over, "
" I think it's safe to say we all are, " Deakins said.
" Well, I think it's about time to get my lovely wife home, " Bobby said, as he wrapped his arm lovingly around Victoria's body.
" Yes, I'm beat, " Victoria said.
" I"ll stop over tomorrow, " Alex said.
" Thanks Alex. " Bobby said.
With that, Alex headed out of the courtroom. Bobby and Victoria followed close behind her. As they stepped out of the courthouse, the sun was shining brightly down on New York City.
They headed home with the relief of knowing that, after many months of emotional stress was finally over.
TBC.