Home of Ryan and Dr. Linda Somerset

Park Avenue

September 2

Benson and Stabler arrive at the penthouse of Ryland's parents.

"Nice place," Elliot exclaims.

"A nice place doesn't make anyone less guilty," Olivia makes her point.

She knocks on the door to the penthouse and a young woman opens the door a crack, "Hi, my name is Reese….But I'm not allowed to let strange people in."

They show their badges, "Well, I'm Olivia and this is my friend Elliot. We're police officers and…."

The door opens more before she can finish her sentence, a man puts his hand on the Reese's shoulder, "Reese…again with talking to strangers…"

"But Daddy, they're police officers…and they're really nice."

"I'm sure they are….baby, why don't you go to your room and color" she waves good bye and the detectives wave back, "I'm Ryan Somerset, what can I do for the NYPD?"

"I'm Detective Stabler and this is my partner Detective Benson, Manhattan Special Victims….we need to ask you some questions about Ryland."

"Ryland….this is about that girl that was murdered where she does her volunteer work….by all means, come in."

The detectives enter the penthouse and soak in the surroundings. Dr. Somerset leads them to a sitting area, complete with a view of the city. He offers them a seat, "My wife is finishing up with some paperwork…I'll go get her….if you'll excuse me."

He leaves and Olivia speaks, "That girl….Reese….gotta be Ryland's sister…wonder what the age difference is?"

"I'm surprise that they don't have more children," He gestures to a crucifix on the wall, "but age isn't all that makes Reese different, obviously handicapped, mentally….bet that requires a lot of attention from two busy parents."

"Sounds like someone gets jealous of those who get all the attention. Good motive for murder."

The two stop the small squabble as Ryan and his wife come back, "Detectives Benson and Stabler, this is my wife, Dr. Linda Somerset."

They exchange handshakes and everyone sits, "So, Ryan tells me that you're here to ask us about Ryland," Linda says.

"Yes ma'am. Just some background information. Nothing major," Elliot explains.

Olivia asks, "Reese…how old is she?"

Linda puts her head down, and then answers, "Twenty-four. She and Ryland are identical twins. Our miracle babies. I was told I couldn't have any at all, and then God blessed us with two beautiful baby girls. Although, you'd never know they were twins at all. Ryland's dying her hair ever since I can remember."

"Which one is older? I have fraternal twins myself, a boy and a girl. The girl is older by three minutes and rubs it in every change she gets," Elliot remarks.

"Reese is older, by two minutes. But she was always more mature, and a little faster than Ryland," Ryan says.

"Faster," Olivia asks.

Linda fields the question, "Reese and Ryland used to do everything together, from school to church…and Reese was always number one, every time. She was a gifted athlete and so smart. Straight As without even trying. And a stunningly beautiful girl," Linda directs their attention to a portrait of the twins together, "she was always so easy to love and a parent's dream."

"And Ryland…always second place, even at home," Elliot asks without looking up from his notes he's taking.

Ryan looks ashamed," How many children do you have Detective Stabler?"

He looks up, with a smile on his face, "Four."

"So you understand how hard it is to divide attentions not only between your children, but work and your wife."

"Ex-wife. Apparently work and our kids took up more attention than she could handle….but please, continue."

"We do admit…Reese was a stand-out…and Ryland was always in her shadow. Maybe we should have, I don't know….we gave those girls everything…but Ryland. Had a passion for being number one…and had to be loved by everyone."

"But she is number one in her class at NYU," Linda adds.

Olivia offers her thoughts, "So, she's a top law student, with a good upbringing…and she volunteers her time at a home for special needs adults. Sounds perfect."

Linda smiles, "She is."

A cell phone rings and everyone checks. Linda excuses herself to answer, "What's wrong….okay, just. Calm down. I'll be right there….don't do anything…stay on the line…" She covers the speaker, so the person on the end of the line doesn't hear, "Ryan….Detectives…this is work related, I have to go. Again, pleasure meeting the two of you."

She kisses Ryan, goes back to her phone conversation, grabs her things and leaves.

"So, what kind of doctor is your wife," Elliot asks.

she's s therapist, with a specialty in domestic violence and rape crisis. I'm retired from Homicide, got shot in the knee and I was done. And correct me if I'm wrong….but Special Victims investigates crimes against children, the elderly, the handicapped, and sexually based crimes…"

"Yes, we do," Olivia says, "I'm sure you've handed off your share to units like ours"

"Not to change the subject…but did Ryland tell you what happened at the home she works at," Elliot asks, in an attempt to redirect the conversation.

"No. I just knew about it by the news reports. To be honest, I don't think she was affected much by it. I was worried…usually she calls about midnight after she gets home…but she called about three a.m. And from her cell phone, I thought it was strange, but nothing major."

Elliot makes a note of that, "Well, you say that this woman's murder didn't affect her….how so?"

"Well, to be honest….she only started working at places like that because she feels guilty."

"About what? Being perfect, them not," Olivia says.

"No. It's…about Reese. And not because Ryland identifies with the special needs people."

"Meaning," Olivia asks.

"I'm sure since New York's finest are here, asking about my daughter….she's a suspect, and a strong one. If that's the case, I'm sure you already found her assault conviction…and all the dropped charges."

"We have. And we are going to speak with Ryland…but if you could help us out," Elliot leads.

"Her mother won't talk about it. That's part of the problem….says Ryland has enough shame to carry. sigh In high school, Reese was very popular with the boys, always had a boyfriend."

"I could understand why. She's beautiful," Olivia says.

"Well, Ryland…couldn't grab the attention of any one…because they all wanted to date Reese. Don't get me wrong, Ryland had boyfriends, but only after Reese had dumped them."

"I have daughters…I know that it's unwritten mortal sin to date your sister's ex. Practically all out war," Stabler adds.

"That's the point Detective. Ryland loved to push Reese's buttons. And she really loved to embarrass Reese. But once….it went to far. Reese had just been told of Ryland telling every boy Reese was an uptight virgin, but only because she was afraid she wouldn't be a good lover. So, Reese confronted Ryland."

"What happened," Olivia asks.

"Ryland beat the hell out of her, that's what. And not just with her fists…she bashed Reese's head against a wall. The trauma to her face and head were so severe….well, that's why Reese is handicapped. Ryland beat Reese's promising future away, just so she could be number one. She did it, out of jealousy and anger."

The two detectives exchanges looks. Stabler's phone rings. He excuses himself to answer it.

"When I heard that poor girl was brutally murdered….I, I don't know. I love my daughter, but if this girl was getting more attention than Ryland….I think. I mean, she could have done this. I know she could. She's a sick girl."

Elliot hangs up his phone, "Thank you. We'll be in touch."

Olivia gets up and they leave the penthouse, "What's up?"

"That was Ryland. She wants to speak with us…at her gym…can't disrupt her workout routine."

"Five bucks says she's wearing nothing but a sports bra and the tiniest shorts she owns…just for you."

"You're such a child, you know that. Make it ten."