The Bet
Chapter Seven
By: Lizzie Bundick
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Author's Note: We're moving to a new house this weekend, so I've been packing like crazy. Sorry about the long wait! And since the new house won't have internet until like the 27th, it might take me awhile to update The Ante as well. Yay for Criminal Intent cross-over! Please, read and review.
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"Skittles?" Detective Alexandra Eames tilted the bright red bag towards Detective Odafin Tutuola as they both leaned against his desk in the Special Victims squad room and watched their partners study a large cork board filled with pictures.
"No thanks," Fin frowned as Detective Robert Goren peered close at a picture. Fin didn't think there was even room for a sheet of paper between Goren's nose and the picture.
"Yeah, he's a little odd," Eames said, noting Fin's frown, "But he's good. Really good."
Fin shrugged, "Trust me, odd doesn't bother me." Eames raised an eyebrow in question, not believing anyone could be as odd as her partner. Fin pointed to where Detective John Munch was now also nose to nose with the picture Goren was studying, the two of them muttering softly to each other.
"He looks normal enough," Eames said off handedly.
"If you want to keep that delusion you won't bring up anything about JFK and black helicopters."
"Conspiracy nut?" Eames sounded generally surprised.
"He knows them all."
"Huh," She studied Munch, "Mine's a defunct altar boy who used to work for military police." They both were silent for a beat.
"Maybe we should separate them," Fin suggested
"I think Bobby can handle a few conspiracies," Eames chuckled, "He'll probably enjoy pointing out the flaws in them."
Fin grinned evilly, "Then I say we sit back and wait for the fun to start."
"Got something!" Detective Elliot Stabler said, striding back into the squad room, his partner Detective Olivia Benson in tow.
"Morales enhanced one of the photographs, one with the mirror and found…" Olivia started, but Goren spoke up before she could finish.
"The mirror reflects the bill board outside the window. It's for a body shop, a block away. Now we know where these were taken. He thought that we wouldn't find a clue with these, he was taunting us. He over looked the mirror." Fin and John looked to Elliot and Olivia for confirmation. Their surprised looks were answer enough.
"Have you gone to this hotel yet?" Goren asked, looking over his shoulder to the pair who had thought they had big news.
"We sent O'Halloran over," Elliot glanced at his partner out of the corner of his eye and Fin watched a whole conversation take place in a few seconds. He didn't miss that Eames noticed as well.
"We were going to head over their next," Olivia finished Elliot's thought, a little hesitantly.
"Let me come with you," Goren turned to pick up his customary black binder, "Eames, you should stay here and see if you can find out who this girl is."
"Maybe some of my old Vice buddies will know her," Eames said, nodding at Goren.
"Maybe she's a junkie, I can ask around in Narcotics."
"Good, good," Goren took one photo down from the board and then walked out, right past Elliot and Olivia. They had another silent conversation before walking out, following Goren.
"Well, that was interesting," Eames chuckled, "Wonder how long it will take for those two to sleep together."
Fin and John laughed, "It's been six years since we had the same conversation," John said, walking away from the board, "And, so far no one's won The Bet."
"Yeah?" Eames tapped the Skittles bag against her hand, "What are the guide lines?"
"Two hundred bucks, and a time limit," Fin said, "But you might want to wait until you know them better before placing in."
"Yeah, that was his first mistake," John joked.
"The other was working with him," Fin shot back.
"Boys, thanks for the warning, but I've seen all I need to seen. Put me down for two years and let's go hit up Vice. I'm sure Bobby will have something by the time he gets back and I'm not one to be out done."
"I knew there was a reason I liked you," Fin said, handing Eames her jacket.
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Author's Note: I do love Goren's quirky-ness so much. It's just fascinating to watch. And interesting to write. Eames is my hero though, lol. I wanna be her when I grow up.