Supreme Court

Trial Part 65

December 5. 2005

Novak is questioning Stabler, while Goren is sitting out in the hall with Adriana. Caver is taking notes. Everything is running smoothly.

"Just a few more questions Detective. Do you have any doubt in your mind at all that Malachi Platt raped Adriana Fitzpatrick?"

Elliot looks over at Malachi, eyes filled with confidence. And then back at the jury. Then back to Novak, "No doubt at all. I know he raped her."

"And what about Detective Benson's stabbing? Do you believe it was Mr. Platt's intention to kill her?"

"Yes. I do."

"Thank you." Casey sits down. She and Carver both watch the defense go to work.

"Detective Stabler, how long have you worked in the Special Victims Unit?"

"Twelve years."

"So, it's fair to say you would know a rape victim on sight?"

"Yeah. I suppose so."

"Do you believe Adriana Fitzpatrick is a rape victim or...just a girl trying to cover up a regrettable sexual experience?"

Elliot laughs, "She is a victim. Plain and simple."

"Why? Because she was upset...More like upset she was caught. DNA means nothing if she consented..."

"Consented? Have you met your client? He couldn't get a girl like her even if he paid for it."

Malachi's eyes light up with rage.

"Detective Stabler, you can tone down the rhetoric right now," Judge Donnaly warns.

"Yes ma'am," Elliot says, knowing he's accomplished something.

Mr. Summers holds up the rosary, "This is supposed to be what?"

"The smoking gun. It's one of a kind. A family heirloom...How did he get it unless he took it from her. It's a trophy. He gets some sort of sexual arousal out of it...He can relive the entire rape by holding it in his hands. That. Is cold hard evidence. And it's blessed...Which is bonus," He retorts, cocky grin on his face.

...Outside the court room

Bobby is sitting beside Adriana. She hasn't so much been breathing hard. Then, out of nowhere. She begins to cry. He reaches out to touch her arm and she jerks away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," she starts.

"No. I should have known better than. What I mean is, I should have known you would pull away."

She sniffles and wipes the tears away, "Sometimes I'm fine. The next minute I could be curled up crying. But everyday...It get a little better."

"You have anyone helping you with it?"

"My mom. And Detective Stabler."

"Detective Stabler..."

"He never pushed me. I just called him. To talk and it was like talking to my dad. At first, it was hard to sit with him. But I told myself that not all strange men were out to get me. And that if I could just let him help me...Then I could start to get over this."

Bobby nods, "He's a good man. He knows what he's doing."

"I know that...Why did you say it?"

"Maybe because saying what you feel makes it real to the world."

She looks at him with curiosity, "I take it you have something you need to make real."

"A few things. I just don't think I could say them."

She nods, "So, why is it exactly I'm not allowed in there before I testify?"

"The testimony given. Could. Influence your story. Like you want it to agree more. It wouldn't be your words."

"Oh, because they think I'm a two year old."

"No. They also don't want you to be intimidated by the defense. It's best to go in blind. And the sight of your. Your rapist may be overwhelming."

"But he can't hurt me anymore."

"I've seen. Kidnapping victims pass out at the sight of a passing van. Seen hostages throw up if we have to take them back to where they were held. Even strong people can't control the way their brain reacts."

She blinks. Like she fully understands something...

Elliot appears from the court room.

"How did it go," she asks.

"Cake walk. Nothing to it."

She smiles and the court officer calls her in.

She walks ahead of Elliot and Goren.

"He's going to crucify her isn't he," Bobby asks.

"With satisfaction."