Major Case Squad

Monday, November 21

Stabler is sitting at Eames' desk, watching Goren obviously researching something. Elliot can't take the silence any longer.

"Normally, I don't complain when you're quiet, but..."

Bobby looks up from his books, "What...sorry. I was. In the middle of something."

"Oh, hey...I was just about to say. I'm sure they've got Malachi arraigned by now..."

"Without bail, I'm sure."

"So, what I'm saying is...Why keep trying to crack this mutt? He's never going to tell us anything."

"Wanna bet?"

Deakins walks up to them, "That'd be a real bad idea for you Stabler. Everyone loses to him."

"Thanks for the advice."

"Almost hate to see this one off the books. You two seem to be getting along great...Plus, the Chief of D's is really happy with the way this investigation was handled."

"Just doing our jobs..."

Bobby nods, never looks up from his books.

"You know Stabler. I bet a guy could get anything he wanted for putting this to bed. Any transfer...any where..."

"Me? Here...No way. No offense, but I've been with Special Victims for twelve years. I don't think I'm going anywhere."

Deakins laughs, "You've got me there...Hell, I've got my hands full with this one and Logan...Don't let the little book worm make you late for your meeting."

Deakins goes to his office and starts tending to paperwork.

Elliot glances over to see what exactly Bobby is so interested, "Is that a copy of the catechism...And the Bible? Coming back to the flock..."

"Just need the cross-references. I think. I know what drove him to do this."

"Care to share?"

"Malachi...He's has matriarchal obsession with Christ. It explains his behavior."

"Say what? I've been a Catholic my whole life...I must have missed that..."

"No. It's...A theory. Instead of focusing on the pain and suffering of Christ, which brought salvation...He focuses on the pain and suffering of Mary. Probably due in large part to caring for his mother for so long."

"So, because he can see they were suffering...He longed to end it. To what?"

"What else? As a work of mercy."

"Of course. So, you think Novak and Carver will buy that as a motive?"

"They have to. It is what it is. Let's go...before we're late."

The two get up and leave for the meeting.

Office of Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver

Casey Novak and Ron Carver are going over the evidence. They work in silence.

"Casey."

She says nothing. Just continues to take notes.

"Please. Let's just. Talk this out."

Casey puts down her pen, "Fine Ron. What?"

"I have no intentions of taking anything from you that you deserve. Adriana Fitzpatrick is our best link to Mr. Platt. I most certainly want to guarantee that she has been properly prepared for this trial."

"Well, I assure you. Getting her comfortable is a task in and of itself. I just hope she'll do it."

"If anyone can convince her, it's you. You do have quite a way with the victims. Especially the children. And for that, I'm grateful. How can you handle that?"

"Lesson number one about Special Victims: No one can handle the kids."

Carver nods.

Goren and Stabler arrive and sit down at the end of the table.

"Any insights you guys would like to share," Casey asks.

"Actually...I think Bobby figured out his motive," Elliot says, directing attention away from him.

Bobby hands Carver and Novak various copies of information, "He's. He wanted to save these women from the pain and suffering that they where enduring."

"But, there's really no evidence that they were suffering," Caver says.

"They're women," Elliot says, "No offense Casey. But women will always suffer. For bringing sin into the world."

"And the guilt Malachi feels for. Killing them. Comes from the feeling of inflicting pain and suffering of their mothers. Sisters. Nieces...and so on."

"So, because he's obsessed with the Virgin Mary's pain of losing her son...He kills people. Hell of a psyc defense," Casey says.

"That's just it Miss Novak...This isn't a recognized disorder."

"Just makes him twisted. So, not all that special," Elliot adds.

"Wonderful. So, who instilled this idea in his head? The Church," Carver asks.

"His mother. She was...a sick woman. He had to care for her. And I'm sure all he wanted was to end her suffering," Bobby answers.

Carver looks at Casey, "Well, that ought to be easy to sell to a jury."

"Have you asked if he wants to plead out," Elliot asks, "I know I'd like another run at him."

"I would as well."

"It would be a lot easier on Adriana if we could plead him out Ron."

Carver sighs, "I'll arrange a meeting at Riker's...And we'll go from there."