Inglee: the name of the Bomb Squad officer who disarmed Faizullah Eshan's vest bomb earlier in this story

"The law is an ass" was said by Mr. Bumble in Charles Dicken's "Oliver Twist."

Special Prosecutions Bureau: the part of the Manhattan DA's office that "investigates and prosecutes … employee embezzlement, fraudulent documents, insurance fraud, arson, unauthorized practice of law, thefts committed by attorneys and other professionals, bank fraud, offenses related to real estate and housing, computer offenses, and all kinds of schemes to defraud the public." (from ) Canon has Casey Novak prosecuting white collar crimes before being transferred to Sex Crimes in 2003. I chose this bureau as her pre-SVU assignment based on that fact.

In this story, two lieutenants (Van Buren and Monaghan) share command of Manhattan South Homicide (canon has the homicide squad as both Manhattan Homicide and Manhattan South Homicide.) There's probably a captain over the lieutenants, but one has never been mentioned on the show.

Audrey: the name of the plant in "Little Shop of Horrors"

SOP: standard operating procedure

Sandra Berger: In season 8, Van Buren was passed over as captain for a white woman. I'm giving this woman a name and a reason for the promotion.

Borough Commander James Deitz: from the season 8 episode "Monster," among others

Captain's course: NYPD has a four-week captain's school for the newly promoted (there's also a sergeant's and lieutenant's school.) Because I don't know how the NYPD actually handles this, I'm presuming it can be taken at the leisure of the promoted officer.

I have no idea if canon mentions Alex Borgia's dislike of sushi. In the L&O episode "Thinking Makes It So," she does turn down an offer of it from Dworkin

Events in this story move faster than they would in Real Life. Procedures and rulings in this story are designed to reflect the needs of the story, not the realities of the NYPD or the DA's office. Characters curse in this chapter.

Residence of Odafin Tutuola
16 August (Monday) 2:05 p.m.

After Sergeant Conner dropped Fin at his car, he walked the two blocks to the precinct house to get his cell phone from his friend.

Crime scene tape in our hall—that's wrong… good thing someone cleaned up the wall and floor… didn't need to see and smell that again… I hung around just long enough to let everyone say they're glad I'm okay and the squad's not a heap of rubble—I'd be wanting to say something thankful, too… but I ain't comfortable hearing it… and I ain't comfortable seeing Cragen's office dark and empty… Howie said he's doing fine, but we should come see him tomorrow so he can rest up today… s'okay with me—resting up is what I'm heading for myself….

Once he was home, Fin settled himself into a chair with a bowl of soup he had zapped in the microwave. A check of the local news channel showed that the only police news being reported was Balzano's disappearance.

Nothing about me—good… nothing about all those promotions and shit the commissioner put in place today… I'd expect the unions and the societies to be raising concerns… if they are, it ain't making the news… and I ought to call Sofarelli…. Dan told me he'd got his stripes—got SVU, too… just what I feared would happen… excepting I know this wasn't Cragen's doing… it's part of the commissioner's overhaul of the department… and Couch was stand-up yesterday… scared shitless and still did what he could to help… him recognizing the name on that kid's ID so fast helped stop the other bombers… I gotta give him credit for that… but not right now… need to check my messages first….

Fin muted the TV so he could check the voicemail and missed calls on his cell phone.

Looks like they maxed out my voicemail….

Messages from reporters and news organizations he deleted unheard.

Don't want to talk to them… I didn't do anything heroic—I was saving my own skin as much as anyone else's… besides, my business ain't none of their business… private shit should stay private….

Messages from his squadmates and friends got a listen.

Olivia apologizing for not coming by to see me… damn, Liv—I know you were too busy trying to help Cragen… no need to apologize for that… I can't get over how he went after Beale… wasn't a week ago he told me he was having panic attacks… now I know the why behind them… he should of told me and not gone it alone….

Fin set his soup aside, no longer interested in eating.

Cap'n getting stalked like that… Beale picking up on how he had made himself vulnerable—cut himself off from his people… good thing he came to his senses 'cause none of us saw it coming… makes me sick thinking about it… Liv told me about Munch, too… damn fool should know better than to rassle perps like that… could of gotten himself killed… maybe I should check in on him….

Fin glanced at the closet where he had stashed the photo and book he had taken from Munch so many weeks before.

Naw… he tried to expose me for shit and grins… he's no better than those reporters wanting a piece of me….

He quickly moved to the next recorded voicemail.

Elliot checking to see how I am… he's on admin leave for dropping that kid… offered to run errands for me… so did Judith, Loudoun and all of Howie's shift… Lake just sent his best—he ain't up to driving yet… two messages from Sofarelli—first asking if I need a ride home from the hospital… second said to call if I need anything… but I'm good… got everything I need….

Having reached the end of his messages, Fin reached out to put the phone on the table beside his chair when it buzzed in his hand. A check of its screen showed that Sofarelli was calling again. Fin answered with his usual "Tutuola."

"It's Couch. I'm outside your door."

"You are?" Fin asked him. "Then why call me?"

"Because I broke a rib once and I remember how much it hurt to get up. Figured I'd call and save you the trouble of answering my knock if you don't want company."

"I'm good," Fin relied. "Got some soup and the remote. Don't need nothing else."

"That's good."

The silence that followed told Fin Couch had more on his mind.

And I know what it is….

"We're good on your promotion," he assured the younger man. "I know it ain't something you and Cragen finagled. It's 'cause the commissioner shook everything up so it was in 'right time, right place' for you."

"Yep," Couch agreed. "Surprised the hell out of me."

Not me, but the last twenty-four hours have burnt me out on surprises….

"Just make sure you don't screw this up."

"I promise to listen to those who are wiser and more experienced—"

Fin heard Couch pause before he said, "—like Elliot and Olivia."

A snort of laughter sent a stab of pain into Fin's ribs.

"You know damn well laughing hurts," he told Couch.

"Yeah, I do. Sorry, Fin. You think you'll be coming in tomorrow?"

"Sure. It beats sitting here. You offering a ride?"

"Yep. Call me if you change your mind."

"I'll do that—oh, and…."

Fin took a moment to clear his throat.

"Thanks for the shirts and towel yesterday. They helped."

"No problem, Fin. You take it easy and I'll be by tomorrow."

The gruffness in the younger man's voice as he said "No problem" told Fin that Couch had seen through the understatement to Fin's real message.

What Couch did helped me keep that deadman's switch from moving… I'm alive 'cause of him and Chester and Inglee and, most of all, Elliot… ain't no good way to tell them how grateful I am for that….

Fin promised Couch that he would take it easy.

Don't really got a choice in the matter… just gonna sit here and breathe like the doc said to… maybe get some sleep… try not to dream about dead men and bombs and Cap'n all shot up… don't need any new nightmares… the old ones are bad enough….

Officer of the District Attorney
One Hogan Place
16 August 3:17 p.m.

I feel like I'm being called to the principal's office… I don't know why… maybe Alex told Branch about my concerns vis-à-vis the guys I work with and he wants to discuss the matter—except he could have done that on the phone….

Casey Novak asked Sarah, Branch's secretary, but the older woman only shrugged and said she didn't know why before she offered Casey a seat. Novak perched on the edge of the chair while Sarah buzzed the DA to tell him about Casey's arrival.

When the door to Branch's office did not immediately open, Casey began to fidget.

I've got things to do… cases to prep, calls to make… at least I'm trying to be productive… seems like everyone else is still processing what happened… we're going to lose cases if they can't get their acts together….

Inside Branch's office, Jack McCoy tried once more to make his point.

"Arthur, all I'm saying is that she doesn't have the experience nor the ability for this. She abuses the authority of this office and she cuts corners—"

Arthur's guffaw interrupted him.

"In that case, Jack, I should demote you and every other bureau chief in this office. As much as I revere the law, sometimes I have to agree with Mr. Bumble: the law can be an ass. When it is, it deserves a good, swift kick to straighten it out. You've just admitted that Novak knows when and where to place that kick."

Jack shook his head.

Don't make it sound like I'm supporting this… five years with Sex Crimes and some insubordination doesn't make her a bureau chief—not even a temporary one….

"Arthur, if she blows it, you'll have to transfer her—either that or fire her. Bureau chiefs live in the public eye more than ADAs do and, what with the mess Beale made, every eye will be focused right on her."

To Jack's dismay, Arthur merely shrugged.

"I don't think we have to worry about that, Jack. You heard what Alex told us—everyone went to her for support and guidance. That proves she's a natural leader and just the person I need to clean up after Andrew."

The DA pointed at his office door.

"Why don't you call her in here so I can tell her the good news?"

Jack squared his shoulders.

"Because I'm not as certain as you are about this."

Arthur pursed his lips, a sign the discussion was over.

"Then it's a good thing I'm making the decision and not you. Now, how about the door?"

Jack got to his feet, but he made no move toward the door.

I can stall… change the subject and hope Arthur forgets to come back to this one… it's worth a try….

"We still need to talk about Alex," he told his boss. "Chief Conrad is certain whoever told Dworkin about Beale works in this office. That means either you or me or Alex spilled the beans, and I know it wasn't me and I don't think it was you."

Arthur frowned at Jack's less than firm vote of confidence.

Okay, I could have worded that one better….

"What about the investigators that searched Beale's place," Arthur asked, "Robinson and Salazar? They could have passed the word to Dworkin."

"Could be, but what would either of them gain by it?"

"It wouldn't be the first time an attorney bought himself a mole in the enemy's camp," Branch noted. "What makes you think Alexandra is his source?"

Jack ran through his evidence mentally before presenting it to the DA.

I've been through this and through this… and, each time, it still sounds bad for Alex….

"First, there's the way Alex insisted that we inform Fontana about Balzano and the suspected blackmail."

Arthur nodded as he said, "Yes, she did seem a mite upset."

"She was more than upset, Arthur. Alex has been taking this personally ever since Van Buren chewed her out because she thought you engineered Fontana's firing."

Arthur leaned back as though edging away from Jack's statement.

"I didn't know that."

"Well, the amount of time she spends working with the homicide squad makes it understandable how Alex might feel some loyalty to them—"

Arthur's disgusted snort interrupted Jack's sentence.

"Her loyalty should be to this office, not some disgraced detective."

"Yes, it should," Jack agreed, "and that may be why Alex has been ducking me today—because she acted on that misguided loyalty when she knows she shouldn't have."

Arthur shook his head as though saddened by the thought of Alex Borgia leaking info to a defense attorney.

"Well, she did look a mite nervous when she came in to discuss Novak's concerns about the men she works with."

Jack watched as Arthur pondered the matter.

I don't want it to be true… if it is, I'll have to let her go… I can't afford to condone leaks—especially from my ADA….

"I don't like this, Jack," Arthur finally said. "Unfortunately, I have Novak waiting outside so we'll have to address this matter after I get her settled in as bureau chief."

Jack hid his displeasure.

Looks like I lost the battle… I just hope Arthur is making the right decision… and that Casey is up to the job….

The DA glanced at his desk calendar.

"Now, I have Ed Wilson and Dworkin coming in at four-fifteen to discuss the Fontana matter. If you'd rather, I'll talk to Alexandra and you can handle those negotiations"

Arthur paused to smile at McCoy then he said, "I know how much you enjoy Dworkin's wisdom and wit."

Jack lowered his eyebrows and glared at his boss.

"'Enjoy' is not the word I'd choose," he replied.

"So," the DA told him, "I'll take that meeting, and you'll ask Alexandra about the blackmail."

The offhand way Branch gave the order made Jack frown at his boss.

I think I just got sandbagged into interrogating my ADA… Arthur looks pleased with himself… I'll bet he won't be so pleased after a few minutes spent sparing with Dworkin….

"Yes," he told his boss. "I'll take care of it."

Arthur blessed his decision with a tight smile.

"If it makes you feel better, talk to Salazar and Robinson first. Make sure they're not the source before you accuse Alexandra."

Jack hid a sneer at the suggestion.

You don't think it's them… you're just giving me a reason to put off the inevitable….

His nod of agreement widened the DA's smile.

"Good," he said. "Now, how about you call Ms Novak in? It's time we got things settled in Sex Crimes."

Finally, Casey saw the office door opened then Jack McCoy waved her inside. Arthur Branch was standing behind his desk when she entered; he greeted Casey and offered her the chair across from him while Jack walked around the desk to stand by his boss. When the EADA crossed his arms before his chest and fixed his gaze on her, Casey winced.

Oh, shit—this can't be good….

As soon as she was seated, Arthur sat down and folded his hands on the desk before him.

"Casey," he said, "I'm naming you as interim bureau chief for Sex Crimes. I think you'll do an excellent job."

Casey felt her jaw drop. She glanced at McCoy and caught him shaking his head at her.

Can't tell if it's sympathy or amusement… either way, Arthur has to be kidding… some kind of a sick joke… I need to see if he really means it….

"Sir," she said, "there are people who have been in the bureau longer than I have. Why not one of them?"

Branch steepled his fingers then aimed them at her for emphasis.

"Because I need someone who can jump right in and straighten out the mess Andrew dumped on us. Given your ability to handle unexpected disasters and your experience with both administration and sex crimes, and the way you kept your wits about you today, you're the one I need."

He took a thin stack of papers from his desk and handed them to Casey. She leafed through them, scanning each page for its content.

A summary of what went down between Beale and Cragen… wow, looks like Don did know about this when he talked to me… there's a description of the search of Andrew's residence and what was found… a list of his victims… oh, God—I know some of them… Peter, Marc… no….

"Those dozen victims are to be kept in strictest confidence," McCoy told her. "Not one of them is to be mentioned outside this office. We're releasing only one name—Marc Newman."

Casey jerked her head up to stare at him.

"Have you talked to Marc's parents about this?"

McCoy's mouth puckered as though tasting acid. Branch hissed a long breath before he answered.

"Yes," he said, "and it wasn't a pleasant conversation but, in the end, they saw the wisdom of using their son to protect the living victims."

"And how did you convince them?"

The question came out sharper than Casey had intended. McCoy glared at her, but Branch smiled in response.

"It's a fair question," he told her. "We told the Newmans that their willingness to go along with our plan would spare twelve innocent men the anguish that their son endured. We also pointed out that the truth would clear their son's fiancée of causing his suicide by dumping him."

"And, just so you know," McCoy added, "we're already in the process of telling each of those victims what Beale did to them. We're offering counseling, a generous settlement, and confidentiality if they work with us."

Casey blinked at Jack's statement.

A generous settlement—I'm glad I don't have to decide how much getting sodomized by your boss is worth….

"We're also bracing ourselves for lawsuits," Arthur added. "Any victim who decides to sue will, of course, have to go public, but we know some people don't mind notoriety if it brings them a shot at big bucks."

He then focused his gaze back on Casey.

"So, Ms Novak, you up for the job?"

Casey sat back and considered the DA's offer.

Is this something I want? Hell, no… is it something I can turn down? Also hell, no—not if I want to stay with the DA's office… so, Branch better be right about me being up for the job….

"Of course, sir," she replied. "It needs to be done and I'll do my best."

Branch's smile widened.

"I know I'm asking a lot, Casey, but I also have every confidence that you'll do what is necessary to put Sex Crimes right again."

Casey glanced at the EADA. McCoy met her gaze and held it for a moment then he nodded once as though granted her his approval.

Great… I won Jack McCoy over—either that or he bet money on me taking the job….

As the DA continued to talk, outlining his plans to announce her new position first to her coworkers then to the media at a late afternoon press conference, the reality of her situation settled onto Casey.

I'm the boss now… Donnelly, Beale, and now me… if I do well, I'll get the job permanently… I can't wait to see Heather's face when Arthur makes his announcement… okay, that's really petty… I should be concentrating on all the crap I have to fix, not on who'll be green with envy… first thing, I have to reassure the guys and then refocus everyone… get them thinking about our cases and not about what Beale was and did—yeah, we blew it by not catching on to him, but it's too late to fix that… we have to work together now and get past it….

By the time Branch had finished talking, Casey was eager to take the reins.

I can do this… in fact, it might just be fun….

Manhattan South Homicide
Sixteenth Precinct
16 August (Monday)

Anita Van Buren had spent her day receiving and sending congratulatory calls and e-mails. Most of the communication included the same question.

Why all the promotions and reassignments? I didn't know and no one I asked knew the answer… I did like Jeanetta's explanation… she said it must be sunspots….

The news about the First Dep and his possible fate also was a major topic of those conversations.

Sounds like the man's dead… I can't say I'm sorry… not after what he did and said to me… not after he blew off protecting Fontana… I suppose I should have more compassion—after all, men like him don't kill themselves over little things… but not today… and maybe not tomorrow, neither….

Van Buren arrived at the squadroom her usual thirty minutes early. Unlike most days, when the bustle of detectives working their cases barely broke long enough for someone to say "Hey, Lieu—" at her arrival, today everyone stood up and applauded when she came into the room. When she entered the office she shared with Monaghan, she saw that the "Squad Commander" lettered on the door had been covered with a paper on which someone had written her name and new rank.

"Got to say," she told Monaghan, "that looks damn good."

"Hope you don't mind sharing your office with a lowly lieutenant for the next couple days," he said with a chuckle.

"Not at all," she replied, "if you don't mind helping me move to the One-Six. I've accumulated a whole lot of stuff in the past fourteen years."

Monaghan eyed her books, knick-knacks, family artwork, and the green and yellow pothos, the only one of Anita's plants that had flourished in the dim light coming through the grimy windowpanes.

"As long as you take Audrey with you," he told her. "I swear, Anita—the way that plant grows, it has to be a mutant."

Van Buren chuckled at his comment as she took a seat before their shared desk.

"I'll pack Audrey first," she said, "just to make you happy. Now, what do we have?"

Monaghan was almost through his summary of current cases when he stopped and stared through the office window into the squadroom.

"The Chief of Dees," he told Van Buren, "in four, three, two…."

Someone knocked on the door behind her then Anita heard it open. When she turned to look, she saw Chief Conrad framed in the doorway.

"Don't get up," he said, his voice raised over the sound of one shift departing and the other settling in for the evening. "Lieutenant, mind if I kick you out of here a few minutes early?"

Monaghan left his chair.

"I won't mind," he said, "but, if I get home too early, I might catch my wife with the mailman. She will definitely have something to say about that."

He smiled at his own wit as he slipped past the chief and out the door, which Conrad closed behind him. Anita took the opportunity to give him a good look-over.

Man looks tired and rumpled—like he's been up since yesterday… the way he's shifting his weight on his feet makes him look nervous… and I'm just not comfortable staying seated in front of a chief….

"Sir," she said as she rose to her feet, "would you like to sit down?"

He replied with a sharp shake of his head.

"Thanks, but no," he told her, "although I appreciate the offer. Now, first of all, congratulations, Captain Van Buren. It gives me great pleasure to formally inform you of your promotion and your new assignment."

His choice of words worried Anita.

Formally inform? This isn't SOP….

"Second," Conrad continued. "Commissioner Richardson had planned to contact you this morning about your promotion and the reasons behind it. Unfortunately, the attempted bombing of Manhattan SVU, and the matters of Bureau Chief Beale and First Deputy Commissioner Balzano derailed those plans."

Anita raised her hand and rested it on the top of the desk, bracing herself for whatever might be coming.

Okay, he said I'm promoted and I got SVU, but something's not right here…

Conrad straightened and, as he did so, his expression turned serious.

"In the opinion of many, your promotion to captain is coming nine years later than it should have. We both know the reason you were passed over in 1998 and the politics behind it."

Anita felt her blood start to pound in her veins.

Damn right we know… I had the exam grade and the seniority… Sandra Berger had the skin color and a tie by marriage to Chief of Personnel Anthony Balzano… him and his cronies saw to it I lost the promotion… and I lost my lawsuit… and they made sure my unit always got the short end of everything—just to punish me….

She stared at the chief, hoping the heat of her glare conveyed the pain she still felt over the wrong.

You planning to mealy-mouth some justification for what was done to me?

To her surprise, Conrad did not hand her some bull about her humiliation being for the good of the department.

"I can't go back," he said, "and right that wrong, and we both know the department never apologizes, but I can tell you that the decision to promote Berger stuck in more than a few craws. Unfortunately, none of us had the juice to do anything about it—at least, not until now."

Conrad paused to sigh.

"Anita," he said, "for what it's worth, I'm personally sorry for the way your career stalled out, and I'm personally ashamed of the reason it stalled. If it's any consolation, I just came from witnessing the not-so-willing resignation of Borough Commander James Deitz. I know you weren't a fan of his."

Van Buren stiffened at the sound of Deitz' name.

A fan of his? Damn right I wasn't—that man walled off my people from the help and the equipment they needed… he told me the only way I could make things right was to quit… but I don't quit….

"You fired Deitz?" she asked.

Conrad shook his head.

"No, not me. Chief Fulton did the honors. I merely went along to watch."

A quick smile lit the chief's face as though he was savoring the memory then he turned serious again.

"Now, do you have any questions about what I just told you?"

Anita considered his offer…

I'm dying to know if Balzano killed himself because he was about to be fired, but I don't think that question is appropriate right now….

… then she shook her head.

"Okay," the chief continued, "then I'll be going. I need to do a few more of these before the day is through. Captain, again, my congratulations."

Anita accepted them with a smile then, as soon as the chief was gone, she dropped into the side chair, closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath.

Damn… I got a black Chief of Department firing the white man who wanted me to give up and quit… the white man who used his authority as Chief of Personnel to shove me aside is missing, presumed dead… and the Chief of Detectives said he regrets me making captain took so long… feels like I should bust out singing "We Did Overcome" or something….

A rap on the door interrupted Anita's thoughts. She opened her eyes to see Ed Green peering down at her.

He looks like he's wondering if he should call me a bus… I can't look that bad, can I?

"You okay?" he asked. "The chief didn't take back your promotion, did he?"

"No, Ed," she assured him. "It was nothing like that."

"Then what was it?"

"It was," she replied, "as close to a departmental apology for what was done to me as I I'm going to get.."

Green's eyes widened.

"Damn. You think it's enough?"

Not by a damn sight, it ain't… but... when I add it to my captain's bar and SVU as my next command, then… maybe….

Anita held her head high as she answered her detective's question.

"It will do. Now, since Cassady's off getting some much needed education, let's see who I can pair you up with this week…."

Officer of the Executive Assistant District Attorney
One Hogan Place
16 August 4:07 p.m.

By the time four o'clock rolled around, Alex Borgia felt secure enough to begin to relax.

No one has said anything last night… Jack hasn't asked me into his office… no phone calls from Detective Otten saying she gave me up to keep her job… and ,when I kept my promise to Casey and brought her concerns to Arthur, he smiled and said I was very conscientious… from him, that's a compliment….

So, when Alex went to the EADA's office to give him the list of upcoming arraignments, McCoy's suggestion that she take a seat did not immediately alarm her. It wasn't until he walked around his desk and also took his seat that she began to sweat.

Jack doesn't do formal… not unless he has to… and tomorrow's arraignments certainly don't need formality….

Alex tried to look comfortable and at ease, but Jack did not return her smile.

"Alex," he said, "we need to talk about something that happened last night."

Her mouth went so dry, she had to swallow before asking what he meant. Jack proceeded to tell her about the meeting with the police commissioner the night before and how it had been interrupted by a phone call from Randolph Dworkin. As he described how Fontana's attorney appeared to know all about Beale's blackmail of the first deputy commissioner, Alex struggled to remain calm.

But not too calm… an innocent person would be a little worried… wondering if, by some weird fluke, they might have said or done something that made them look guilty… I have to look like that… worried, but not too worried….

"I talked to the chief of detectives this morning," he told her. "Chief Conrad assures me that neither Detectives Stabler nor Benson leaked that information. I also talked to our people, Hector and Ted, and neither of them are the source, either."

Alex leaned back a bit in her chair and frowned just a little.

It's okay to looked worried now… anyone would with Jack circling them like this… I know he didn't ask Dworkin or Fontana… attorney-client privilege keeps all their conversations private….

Across the desk from Alex, McCoy drew himself upright and pinned his gaze on her.

Don't say Otten's name… don't… I can't lie about her without you catching me….

"So, Alex," he said, his voice catching on her name, "I have to ask: have you talked to Dworkin about anything pertaining to Fontana, Beale, or Balzano?"

She shook her head.

That I can answer honestly….

"No, Jack. I haven't spoken to Randy since I last turned him down for a date."

McCoy's eyebrows shot up. Alex decided to treat the move as a question..

"Last week," she told him, "Thursday, I think. I ran into him at the courthouse, and he asked me out for sushi."

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Didn't you turn him down for sushi once already?"

"Yeah, after the Mitchell Lowell arraignment."

Jack's lip curled into a sneer.

"I remember that one," he said, "Lowell, Fontana, and what Randy referred to as a 'good old-fashioned swirlie.' So, he keeps asking you out?"

"Yes, and always for sushi, which I don't like very much."

Jack shook his head as though amazed by Dworkin's dimness. Alex stifled a smile.

Actually, his persistence is kind of charming… maybe, if he'd suggest something else to eat….

Her boss cut into Alex's thoughts.

"Can I assume you didn't leak anything to Dworkin while turning him down?"

"Jack…."

The scorn in her voice was not faked.

You know I wouldn't pass information to the defense… at least, not about a case… this isn't a case... it's a police matter… mostly….

Her reply seemed to satisfy McCoy but, to her dismay, it did not end the questioning because Jack then asked if she had talked to Fontana.

She shook her head.

"I haven't talked to him since his firing."

"I know," he next said, "that you've talked to Van Buren and Green about Beale; that's what brought this entire mess to our attention."

Jack rested his arms on his desk and leaned toward Alex.

"Did you tell either of them about his blackmailing Balzano?"

"No, I didn't," she assured him. "I've kept all our discussions to arrests and cases and other pertinent matters."

Jack nodded at her answer then he turned his head to stare at his coat rack. The sour frown on his face warned that he was unsure of his next move.

Just end it here, Jack… don't ask any more questions… Fontana will work things out with the department and it won't matter how he and Dworkin found out… no harm, no foul… I won't mind if you drop this… I won't mind at all….

Alex folded her hands in her lap as she waited for McCoy's next move.

Praying for help to hide a wrong is a sin… but I don't think I did anything wrong… not really….

Finally, Jack turned his gaze back to her face. The sigh he gave before he spoke sounded to Alex like her luck running out.

Oh, crap… he's going to ask….

"Alex," he said, his voice slow and thick, "did you tell anyone else about Beale blackmailing Balzano?"

Alex raised her chin and met his gaze…

Jack wants to believe me… all I have to say is 'No….'

… but, when she opened her mouth to reply, the word would not leave her tongue and her breath caught in her throat, leaving Alex with no option but to nod her head. Jack gaped at her, too stunned to react to her admission. Seconds passed while they stared at each other. Finally, Jack clamped his jaw together then swallowed hard.

Alex…."

The shock in his voice sickened her.

"Who did you tell?"

Alex wet her lips and said, "Fontana's fiancée, Detective Otten."

Jack slumped back against his chair. His mouth worked as though it were searching for something to say.

I have to explain… it won't fix anything, but I have to tell him why….

"She rode with Captain Cragen to the hospital last night so she was in the waiting room when I got there."

Alex leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, her hands open before her.

"Jack, she was so sick with worry that I just had to say something—especially after I'd heard you and Arthur say you were okay with the commissioner sweeping everything under the rug."

Her boss' frown deepened. Alex paused to lick her lips again.

"But I'm not okay with it. Fontana deserves to know the real reason he was fired, and I can't face Ed and the rest of them knowing I was complicit in a cover-up. I'm sorry, Jack. I really am, but I had to do it."

Her hands drooped as she realized how lame her justification sounded when spoken aloud.

But that doesn't matter… I did it, and I was right—at least, I think I was right….

Across the desk, Jack was shaking his head as though denying what she had told him.

"Alex," he said, his voice rising with the flush of anger in his face, "you assumed there would be a cover-up, but Arthur and Richardson aren't hiding any of this. Besides, it wasn't your decision to make."

Her voice shook as she replied.

"I know, Jack. I know."

"You also know what happens now, don't you?"

Her stomach lurched and her hands went cold, but neither reaction stopped her from nodding her head in response.

Yeah, I'm about to be fired… there's no way you'll let me stay—not after this….

To her surprise, Jack did not say the words. Instead, he reached for his desk phone then called an inter-office number.

He called Arthur to tell him it was me… then he called Security and asked them to send someone to escort me from the building… he didn't look at me during either call….

When he finished the second call, McCoy fixed his attention at a point somewhere over Alex's head in a blunt refusal to met her gaze.

"Security will walk you out," he told her. "They'll help you pack your things. I can't. I won't."

Alex felt her chin began to quiver. She quickly clamped her jaws together.

Right, Jack… those who step out of line must be punished—except when it's you… but I'm not going to fall apart… not here, at least... not where you can see me….

"It's okay," she said between clenched teeth. "I'll be fine."

A rap on the door behind her signaled the arrival of the security guard. Alex used the arms of her chair to push herself to her feet. She glanced at Jack, but he switched his focus back to his coat rack.

I need to say something… I can't just walk out of here without saying something….

"Jack," she said, "I have to say 'Thank you.' You taught me a lot and—"

He waved away her gratitude.

"I didn't teach you this."

With that said, McCoy spun his chair until she could see only the back of his head. The rejection hit like a fist in her stomach. Alex gulped hard then turned and ran from the office, forcing the guard to rush after her.