Story : Like Father, Like Son

Summary : When a young woman is found dead, detectives race to solve the case, with her young son's DNA as the only solid clue.

Chapter Fifteen

Don't own it

Benson and Huang are standing in the hallway outside the courtroom.

HUANGYou know I do not approve of him finding out Patrick is the father of his son in the courtroom.

BENSONBut we need the jury to see his reaction. We need them to feel all the pain that Patrick Brennan has caused.

HUANGI don't even know if I want to go in their and witness this. This is just wrong.

BENSONCome on. You need to be there.

Courtroom

District Attorney Casey Novak is standing at the witness stand, where Anthony is sitting.

NOVAKAnthony 4 years ago your wife was raped correct.

DEFENSEObjection, my client is not on trial for a four year old rape.

NOVAKYour Honor, we have full proof that Patrick Brennan raped Katie Brennan four years ago, and this prior rape led to her death at his hands.

JUDGESustained.

NOVAKWell then, Anthony your wife was raped four years ago correct.

ANTHONYYes Ma'am.

NOVAKHow did you find out she was raped?

DEFENSEObjection! Irrelevent!

JUDGEOn what grounds? Carry on Attorney.

ANTHONYI uhh… came home from work and she was in the bathtub crying. She said-

DEFENSEObjection, hearsay.

JUDGEReword and I'll allow.

NOVAKWhat physically happened to your wife during the rape?

DEFENSEObjection!

NOVAKIt's in the police report, which we all have a copy of your honor!

JUDGEI will hold you in contempt of court if you object everything District Attorney Novak has to say!

NOVAKAnthony please, what physically happened to your wife during the rape?

ANTHONYShe had a bag put over her head, and the draw sting on it was tightened.

NOVAKAnd how was Katie killed?

ANTHONYShe was strangled by a drawstring bag.

NOVAKWe've got this bag. Do you recognize it?

ANTHONYYeah.

NOVAKFrom were?

ANTHONYMy father keeps his golf balls in that bag.

NOVAKThank you. You and your wife have a child together?

ANTHONYYes. A 3-year-old son, Nicky.

NOVAKAre you the biological father?

ANTHONYYeah.

NOVAKAre you sure?

ANTHONYYea Ma'am. We had a genetic test done before he was born. Katie wanted it.

NOVAKWho did this test?

ANTHONYA friend of my fath- (catches himself and restarts) A friend of Patrick Brennen's- Shawna Goldwin.

NOVAKI have something to show you Anthony.

DEFENSEObjection!

NOVAKI have a copy for you, and for you Your Honor.

JUDGEDoes this pertain to the case Novak?

NOVAKVery much so Your Honor.

Anthony looks at the paper.

ANTHONYWhat, how did you get this. Are you sure?

NOVAKAnthony what does that paper say.

ANTHONYIt says I'm sterile.

NOVAKWhy is this hard to believe.

ANTHONYI already have a son.

NOVAKAnd that is correct you are sure you're the biological father because Patrick Brennan told you.

ANTHONYOh my God. After he raped her, he offered to do the test for us…

NOVAKDid he show you the results?

ANTHONYNo, we were so happy she wasn't carrying the rapist's child, and just that it was ours. We didn't ask to see. We just rejoiced.

NOVAKFor what reason would your father offer to do the DNA test, then lie about the results.

ANTHONYHoly shit… he… he…

Anthony sits still for a moment, then looks up at Patrick. He jumps out his seat and charges at him.

ANTHONYHow could you do to this to Katie? TO ME? I would die for my son! And this is what you do to your son. NICKY! My son isn't my son. He's my-

Anthony begins to puke and his holders let him go. He stands up and wipes his mouth off. He flies at Patrick and has him on the floor beating him before anyone can do anything.

ANTHONYHe's my brother! YOU ASSHOLE! YOU KILLED MY WIFE! YOU RUINED MY LIFE! YOU TOOK MY SON. I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!

They pull Anthony off Patrick.

PATRICKDon't you get it Anthony, I loved her too.

JUDGEOrder in the courtroom! Council be in my chambers in ten minutes. Bailiff take Patrick Brennan.

Anthony looks at his mother in the courtroom. They make eye contact and begin to cry harder. He runs to her and she holds him tightly. Anthony falls down and she kneels with him. Blake stands next to them too shocked to move then silently crouches down and puts his arms around his mother and brother.

JULIAI had no idea it was him baby. By the time I found out they were taking him away and they said I couldn't tell you.

Benson is sitting next to Huang. A tear rolls down her face.

BENSONYou were right. There was no reason for him to find out in a courtroom. I wasn't told I was the child of rape in a courtroom. It was does at home with just my mom there. Why Anthony. He's such a good boy.

Huang wipes the tear off her face.

HUANGI'm sure Anthony will tell Nicky in a private way.

BENSONWhy Anthony? He is such a good kid.

HUANGOlivia, we don't get to pick the vic.

Pan to Novak standing still with her arms wrapped around herself.

Pan back to Julia, Blake, and Anthony sitting on the floor hugging each other and crying.