Home of Malachi Platt

November 17

Stabler and Goren are standing outside the door to Malachi's apartment. Stabler pounds on the door.

"Malachi Platt...Police."

They hear someone come to the door and unlock several locks before opening the door, stepping out, and closing the door behind him, "I'm Malachi...what's this about?"

They flash their badges, "I'm Detective Goren...this is Detective Stabler. We need to speak with you."

"I coudn't imagine why..."

Elliot shows him the pictures of Adriana and Sophia, "You know these women?"

He drops his head, "Detective, I'm flattered, but I'm a little old for such things."

"You sure," Bobby asks, he takes Adriana's picture, "She's an extra in Wicked...and the other one was the understudy for Elphaba."

He reaches into his pocket, "Wicked you say? I've seen that play a few times...hmm, funny. Well...something must have happened to these two or you wouldn't be here..."

"This one was beaten and raped...and the other was murdered."

He pulls a rosary out of his pocket, "That's too bad. I'll say a special prayer for them and their families. And if you'll excuse me Detectives, I'm late."

"For what,"Bobby asks.

"A morning service...before work."

Elliot steps in front of Malachi, "You know...that is a beautiful rosary. Can I see it?"

"Why?"

Elliot smiles, "My daughter's getting married and I've been looking for something like this to give to her."

Malachi reluctantly hands it to him. He watches nervously as Elliot rubs his fingers over every stone, "It's been in my family for years. So, I couldn't tell you were it came from. But I do know it's one of a kind."

"I'm sure it is...are these rubies?"

"Uh...I, I guess so."

"Well, it truly is beautiful," Elliot hands it back and Malachi snatches it away from him.

"I'm sorry I've wasted your time. I pray you find the sick man who did this...speaking of time, I really must be going. Peace be with you both."

"And you, " Elliot responds, almost out of habit, as Malachi hurries off.

Elliot notices Bobby glaring at him, "What?"

"You're a bad liar."

"I don't think so...got me a good look at the rosary didn't it?"

"I guess...you Catholic?"

Elliot nods, "Are you?"

"Well...I was born one."

Elliot laughs, "Sometimes it feels like that for me. Let's go."

"For a man who relies on absolutes...your faith strikes me as...odd."

"Odd? Because I can't see it...touch it...smell it...well, you're wrong. Because I can see God in the eyes of an innocent child. In the sunlight. And at the end of the day, when I see another innocent life shattered, my faith in a loving, mercifulGod is the only thing that helps me sleep at night."

Bobby nods.

The two exit the building and start walking back to the car. Elliot's phone rings, "Stabler...alright, doesn't matter anyway. I think we found 'em. Right...bye."

"You think so too?"

"My gut tells me so...plus, that rosary. It's Adriana's."

"He did reach for it after he saw her picture. Besides,that's an awfully big attachment to just a string of beads with a cross."

Elliot rolls his eyes, "Next your going to tell me a church is just a building with stained glass windows."

Bobby shakes his head, "It's all about your point of view...and if God is truly feeling merciful...maybe this guy will have some priors."