Trial Part 65

December 5, 2005

Detective Goren takes the stand. Carver takes his place, leading the questioning. Starting with the details of Sophia McDowell's murder.

"Detective Goren, could you explain what the marks on the back of the victim's shoes are?"

"They're scuffs. Drag marks. Meaning that. She wasn't murdered in the alley. She was killed somewhere else and dragged to the alley after she was already dead."

"Then, where was she murdered?"

"We found the trail of drag marks. We followed them back inside the theater. To her dressing room."

"What did you find there?"

"Signs of a struggle. A shattered mirror, over turned vase. And a two-by-four, which had DNA and blood from the victim."

"Anything else to note?"

"Yes. We also found traces of oil on the victims forehead and hands. We believe that. Her killer gave her. The Last Rites."

Caver nods in appreciation.

Mr Summers stands, a little more slowly than necessary and moves to the front of his table, "The Last Rites?"

"Well. If we want to be correct, the anointing of the sick."

"All of that from some trace of oil...She could have just put it on her skin..."

"That and the connection to the rape of Adriana Fitzpatrick. Her statement, which revealed this signature. Was invaluable to us."

Adriana smiles at the mention of her name.

"Working with Manhattan Special Victims is was lead us to the defendant so quickly."

"And how do you know for sure that Miss Fitzpatrick was truthful? Because you are a master of knowing the truth from a lie. Or is it because you have some mind-reading ability you have yet to reveal..."

"Because. Nearly being beaten to death. In addition to being raped. Getting blessed with oil by a religious fanatic. Not something usual to report."

"My client...religious fanatic. Define that for us, Detective."

"Of course. Religious fanatic. One who takes their faith to outrageous extremes. One that shows his or her devotion to God through actions, not just words. Even though the outside world would call their behavior as "extreme," this is normal for them...Oh, will. That do?"

"Why not call him a devote? The word fanatic is a little...harsh...Don't you think?"

"Actually, no. Fanatics are extremists, Counselor. People of their own faith won't even accept them. Religious devotes just conduct boycotts and bake sales. They don't commit heinous crimes to give glory to God."

"But just how do you know that?"

"Objection. Asked and answered. I think we've established that Detective Goren knows what he's saying."

"Sustained. Move on or take a seat Mr. Summers."

Mr. Summers, after offering a scathing look to Bobby, takes his seat.

Later that evening at O'Malley's Pub...

Bobby is sitting with Elliot and Alex. There are several empty glass on their table, most of them belonging to Alex.

"Don't you think out ought to take it easy there, Crutch," Elliot says to Alex, "You've got to be able to get out of her...Let alone, testify tomorrow."

"Call me Crutch one more time and I'll see you have a crutch removed surgically."

Bobby laughs, "I think she's serious."

"Damn right I am. Angry, tiny woman. And just a little buzzed. But I'm okay. I can hold my liquor...If you need to worry about anyone Elliot...It's him."

"Really," Elliot asks, still nursing a whiskey sour in his hands.

"Yeah. Hell, Bobby so much as sniffs his drink and he's hammered."

"That. Is grossly untrue. I at least need to take a sip of it first," he says with a mock hurt tone.

"So it is. My apologies."

"Just to mention the crutches...You're getting along quite well with them Alex."

"Well, still. I'll be glad when I can make it up the stairs."

"That's what partners are for," Olivia says as she joins them.

Bobby and Elliot both stand. Elliot offers his seat to Olivia, which she takes thankfully. He also stops a waitress and orders Olivia a drink,cranberry and vodka.

"To carry you upstairs and order drinks," Elliot says with a smile, "I thought you weren't coming. You said you were staying in...I would have picked you up."

"I bet he even pays for your cab fare," Alex says with a snarky grin. She and Bobby chuckle.

"Cab? Please. I walked...Well, limped here. Couldn't let Crutch here out do me," Olivia takes her drink from the waitress.

"See what you started Elliot? You've turned her against me," Alex says with a laugh.

"Wait. Back up. You walked here? Liv..."

"Elliot. Don't start with me. I'm a big girl. Besides...I just, quote you, look like I cop. People leave me alone. I'ma big girl and can take care of myself. I'll be glad when this is over and I'm back to normal. But thanks for worrying Dad."

They have a laugh at Elliot's expense.

"I suppose I deserve that," he says, brushing it off, "But I'm taking you to court in the morning."

"Fair enough."

"You know," Bobby jumps in, " Adriana really missed you today, Olivia."

"I bet. I feel so bad that I couldn't be there for her...But she was in good hands."

Elliot smiles, "Thanks."

"Speaking of," Alex chimes in again, "how is the trial going?"

"Hard to say," Elliot says as he finishes his drink.

"Mr. Platt's attorney. Very good. Quick. Tricky almost," Bobby adds.

"That's the way I like them," Alex says, "Cocky for no reason."

"I'm not to worried," Bobby says, "Not just yet."

"It's almost bullet-proof," Elliot adds, "But nothing is completely bullet-proof. We brought Carver and Novak the best evidence we could get."

"And some of us got a hell of a scar for it," Olivia adds, "Aside from that wack-o trying to kill me...That night was fun. We should do that...Only not undercover sometime."

"Bobby doesn't play well with others," Alex says.

They laugh and Alex finishes her last drink, "Hey Elliot...I have just one question for ya...I have to know..."

"Alright...fine."

"Is Bobby a good kisser?"

"Why, interested?"

"No. Are you?"

"Well, it does get kind of lonely," Elliot puts him arm around Bobby's shoulder.

"It's now offically. Strange," Bobby says as she shoves Elliot's arm away.

They all laugh and Olivia says, "That's better than...Not tonight. I have a headache."

"No kidding," Elliot says, "After twenty years...I know what that means."

"No?"

"Don't be silly. It's maybe."