The Bet

Chapter Five

By: Lizzie B

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Author's Note: So, seriously, I've been wracking my brain for what to do next. I mean, there are so many big moments in SVU that I could cover, and I had a great idea. Stall tactics! I'm making something up until I can make my mind up, lol. Oh, and on another note, this story does take place during actual SVU timeline. It's not any sort of Alternative Universe or anything like that. It does sort of follow the show, I just inserted a running gag. Now, please, enjoy chapter five.

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"Hey man," Detective Ed Green said, clasping hands with Fin before pulling him into a one armed hug, "What's up?"

"Got some information that may help you with your murder," Fin said, handing over a file, "Looks like your vic was suspected in a couple of our cases."

"Yeah? Strange he didn't pop up in the system," Green said, flipping through the file.

"Never could convict the guy, most of it was circumstantial. We just had to let him hang," Fin looked around the two-seven Homicide office, "Where's Briscoe?"

"Talkin' with the LT. Where's your geezer?"

"Left him at the house, figured I could run this over myself," Fin sat down on the edge of Green's desk, "How ya been, man?"

"Raking it in, made a killin' in Atlantic city last night," Green leaned back in his chair and smiled, "Started down a Chevy, ended up a platinum Rolex."

"Nice man." At that moment, Fin had a very interesting idea, "Hey, you want in on a little inter office wager?"

Green's eyebrows went up in interest, "What? You got a pool on the Nicks or somethin'?"

"Naw man, this is a little more long term."

"Depends, what are you running?"

"Munch and I got a little bet going," Fin could just hear his partner yelling at him about letting another precinct in, but Fin knew Green would keep his mouth shut, "You know Benson and Stabler right?"

"Yeah, intense guy Stabler," Green studied Fin for a second, "Wait a minute, you bet on Stabler?"

"Yeah, sort of," Fin grinned, "Practically the whole squad knows they wanna jump each other, but no one talks about it. John and I got a bet goin' about how long it will take."

Green burst out laughing, "You're kiddin' right?"

"Got Huang in on it, the ME's thinking about it, and we're waiting to see how the new ADA turns out before lettin' them in," Fin explained, "Might even let the Captain in on it."

"Oh man, you gotta hang around and tell Lennie, he'll love it."

"So, you're in?"

"Just tell me how much, man, I'm there."

"Two hundred, and you gotta pick a time limit."

"Low stakes, huh?"

"We're cops, man." And Fin mentally marked down Green for eight years, after explaining who bet what time limit. Then they chatted for a few minutes about cases and sports until Detective Lennie Briscoe walked out of Lt. Van Buren's office.

"Hey Fin, Munch here?" Briscoe asked, tossing some files onto his desk.

"Back at the house, but I'll tell him you say hi."

"Fin brought us some information about our vic," Green said, handing over the file to Briscoe, "Looks like he might not be such an upstanding citizen."

"I'm crushed," Briscoe said dryly, "So, what you hang around for?"

"Just like a cop, always suspicious," Fin smiled, "You want in on a bet?"

Briscoe rolled his eyes, "Just like my partner, always gambling."

"Munch and him has a office pool on when Benson and Stabler will find a little motel room somewhere," Green explained, leaning forward over his desk, "Only two hundred, that's not bad, Lennie."

"Huh," Briscoe snorted.

"And if they do it proves your cynicism about marriage," Green pointed out, "Come on, man, it'll be fun."

"Alright, fine, put me down for four years, and tell that mortician you work with I'm not paying him anything if I retire before those two prove me right."

"Gotcha," Fin got up from Green's desk, "Well, better head back to the house. See you two later."

"Hey, poker Friday night, drop in," Green called as Fin walked out. Fin waved a hand to indicate he'd be there if he could and strolled out of the two-seven.

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Author's Note: Chapter is dedicated to Jerry Orbach who played one of the most beloved characters in Law and Order history, Detective Leonard Briscoe. You are missed.