Office of District Attorney

Arthur Branch

Monday, November 21

ADAs Novak and Carver, along with Detectives Stabler and Goren are seated in Branch's office. They are discussing the prosecution of this case.

"I think the only fair way to settle who sits where is give me the best argument," Branch says, leaning back in his chair.

Novak and Carver exchange looks.

"This is ridiculous Arthur," Carver says, "there's now way we'd be able to tell you which of us is better for this. Why don't we just split it down the middle? She can question the live victim...I can handle the other."

"Because," Branch says as he stands, " We need to win this."

Casey's eyes go wide, "Excuse me?"

"No offense Casey, but you don't exactly have the best track record with ambiguous cases. Unless it's a slam dunk, you usually get nailed on a technicality. I can't afford for that to happened. I'd more comfortable with you sitting second chair."

"Because I've lost my share of cases?"

"If you had more awards for legal excellence than softball, I would feel more comfortable. But Ron has the goods."

Casey shoots a look to Stabler.

"What do you think Detectives," Branch asks.

"I think Mr. Carver does an excellent job," Bobby says, "Every know and again they throw him a curve, but he always seems to get the job done. I've got no problems with this arrangement."

"Since when do you ask the cops what they think," Elliot asks.

"When I want an outside opinion Detective Stabler."

Elliot coughs, "Well. I...I plead the fifth."

Branch smiles, "What you're saying is that you're afraid if you say what you really think, it's going to be hard to work with Casey on a daily basis."

"What I'm saying is. She always does what she can with the evidence we give her. Sir."

Branch nods, "Good. Then...We'll do this my way. Ron, you're first chair. Casey, second. You two should get to comparing notes."

They all leave the office.

"Casey," Carver stops her in her tracks, "can we get together in say an hour to...compare notes?"

"Sure. Anything you say."

"I didn't make the call."

Carver walks away and Casey scowls, "Didn't exactly fight it either," She turns to face Elliot, "Thanks for catching me in there."

"What did you want me to say Casey?"

"Anything would have been better than that. I've got to get some evidence together for this...if you'll excuse me."

She storms off to her office.

Bobby watches her walk away, "This really gets to her."

"She's had some pretty big shoes to fill. And a hard time doing it."

"That's right...I'd almost forgotten about her...What was her name...Cabot right?"

"Yeah. And she was one hell of a prosecutor, let me tell ya. Fierce in a courtroom. She didn't put up with any crap from any of this humps."

Bobby nods.

"Can I ask you something, out of sheer morbid curiosity," Elliot asks.

"Why stop now," Bobby replies.

"You seemed, I don't know...Uncomfortable in the interrogation. When Malachi was talking about his mother..."

"Let's just say, I've heard that story before. A little too familiar. And leave it at that. I don't discuss my mother with anyone. Nothing personal."

Elliot nods.

"You owe me a question."

"Then ask it..."

"Later. Right now...we have some lose ends to try and tie up for Carver and Novak."

"I'm sure they'd appreciate a motive."

"And you know his attorney isn't letting us talk to him anymore."

"Have I told you lately how much I hate listen to tapes of interviews?"