Trial Part 54

November 4

Ryland Somerset's trial has already been going for a few days. There has been expert testimony about the murder itself; what makes a person do this; and who that person is. Ryland, however, has been an expert at casting doubt.

Casey Novak has Detective Stabler on the stand and is in the middle of questioning him.

"Detective Stabler. How is it that the police concluded Miss Somerset was the prime suspect?"

"Everyone we questioned about her recalled her as a, quote loose cannon end quote. Everyone had a story about her flying into fits of rage and unleashing it upon them. Also, the assault conviction….some of the details of which are very similar to the murder of Carrie Bowersock."

"What matched…."

"Objection," Ryland shouts.

"Sustained. Miss Novak, nice try…..move on."

"Yes, Your Honor. Detective….is there anything else….other than the assault, that ties Miss Somerset to the murder?"

"Yes. She was identified by several witnesses. The identified a woman matching her approximate height and weight, with brown hair, glasses, and brown eyes. Miss Somerset owned a brunette wig that was identical to the suspect….and she even told us that she "got rid of it."

"But….Miss Somerset has blue eyes Detective…."

"A very reliable source told us that Miss Somerset has brown eyes…."

"Objection…Your Honor. I think it should be up to the court to decide the reliability of the source…"

"Indeed….Detective Stabler?"

"My eldest daughter, Maureen Stabler. Miss Somerset and she had a confrontation. Apparently, Miss Somerset forgot her contacts. And since she was just inches from my daughter's face…I doubt she could forget that."

"Over ruled."

Casey smiles, "Nothing further…." She maintains her smile of content as she passes Ryland and takes her seat.

Ryland smiles as she stands. She walks to the center of the room, "Detective Stabler….you mentioned your daughter Maureen…."

"And?"

"The same Maureen Stabler who had plead out to a possession charge?"

"Yes."

"She was sentenced to out paitent treatment and community service as a favor too…"

"Yes."

"And I suppose she told you about this little misunderstanding we had."

"Objection…Your Honor…."

"Goes to credibility Your Honor."

"Make your point very quickly Miss Somerset."

Ryland nods, "Detective?"

"She did."

"Alright….then, logically….is it at all possible that your daughter was in fact under the influence of these substances when this little misunderstanding took place?"

"I don't know…I wasn't there….I suppose…"

"Yes or no Detective. I knew her right when she started this whole mess….so, with that being said."

Elliot pauses, "Yes."

Ryland smiles, "Okay. This one is far less painful…..how long have you been a police officer?"

"About….14 years.

"Impressive….so, you've seen your share of guilty people?"

"Yes," Elliot says with a smile.

Ryland smiles back, "I guess it would be safe to say that your some what of an expert on guilt….at least determining it?"

"It's not an exact science…but sure."

"Do you think I'm guilty?"

"OBJECTION!"

"Your Honor…this man is a veteran police officer; surely his opinion on guilt would be relevant."

"I'll allow it, but watch your step."

Ryland places her hands on the stand and looks Elliot directly in the eye, "Do you think I'm guilty?"

Elliot peers deep into her eyes; he looks down, then at the jury…and then at Casey, "Honestly. I don't know what to think."

Ryland's lips twist into a grin, "Thank you Detective. Nothing further."

She takes a seat and offers a smile to Elliot as he walks back to his seat. Judge Petrovsky dismisses until the following day."

Casey; along with Elliot. Olivia, and Dr. Huang are standing out in the hallway.

Elliot shakes his head, "I'm so sorry Casey….I really didn't know what to think. She just…..she got to me."

"That's what she does, Elliot. Manipulate and destroy," Dr. Huang adds.

Just then, Ryland and Toby walk up. Ryland laughs, "Casey….love…ready to drop it now?"

"Not a chance in hell."

Toby looks Elliot over, "Well Casey…..kinda looked to me like she destroyed your star detective."

Elliot steps inches away from his face, "She didn't DO anything to me."

"Easy there Elliot…..I just noticed you looked a little tense," Toby strokes his arms and Elliot jumps back, "Just an observation."

"Don't. Touch me."

Ryland stands next to Elliot, "Aww, Toby. You have to behave. Elliot here probably hasn't been touched like that since his wife left."

Elliot turns to face her, "Don't bring my personal life into this. Got it?"

"Wow, a set of balls…..guess you did get them back in the divorce."

"You little bi…"

"Ah, ah, ah Elliot," Beecher says, "Wouldn't want people to think you're the loose cannon….not after all that. But I imagine having a girl crush your ego would do that."

Elliot stares at him.

"Very scary."

Ryland pulls on Toby's arm, "Come on poodle, this party's a joke. And we need to go….beauty rest and all. And plus, I always sleep better after a good kill."

The two start to walk off and Olivia shouts to them, "Did you sleep well after you raped and killed Carrie…did you Ryland?"

Ryland and Beecher stop. Ryland tells him to stay there and she walks back to Olivia, "Very nice try Liv…."

"It's Detective Benson to you."

"Whatever. But that phrase….was referring to destroy people on the stand. Geez, haven't you ever heard of a metaphor," She puts on her best pitiful face and even sheds a tear, "Besides….I could have never done anything like that."

Ryland walks back off. Olivia shouts again, "Well…did you?"

Ryland does nothing but turn and smile. She and Beecher leave.

"She'd never confess….not in a million years," Olivia says, shaking her head.

Elliot shrugs his shoulders, "Too bad. Confession's good for the soul."

"I don't think she has one," Casey says without even blinking.