Author's Notes: Most of the info about Lupo is true except for speaking Farsi and the college he went to get his undergrad degree. Please review or favorite! Not only does it motivate me but it also encourages other writers to post their stories because then they know that there's audience for it.

Logan and Elliot found themselves staring at an elderly man in a wheelchair watching TV.

Elliot spoke first, "That's Ned Baldridge?"

"Yes, he's my grandfather, 92-years-young! Grandpa, these are detectives, Logan and Stabler." Edie said as she sat next to her grandfather on a recliner.

He turned his attention to them, "Hey fellas, I swear I'm innocent!" he joked as he swatted his hand at them.

"Oh grandpa, so what brings two you here?" She asked them,

Edie cupped her mouth when they explained their reason for being there.

"Oh my god, I can't imagine who would do this to him! My father has power of attorney but he's been on a business trip since last Tuesday, he's in London right now. When he's gone, I help take care of Grandpa along with his home care nurse; she drops by four days a week. I also take care of his affairs when my father's gone. And we had no idea that someone stole his identity. We haven't been notified by the credit companies!"

"I hope you two catch the punk who did this me!" He wagged his finger at them.

The detectives did their due diligence and continued to question her and Ned until they covered all their bases.

In Interview Room A, Munch, Thea, Lupo and Bernard were looking over the Bennetts and Breckeridges phone records (LUDs). Captain Ross poked his head through the open doorway.

"Rodgers has some updates on the victims but Goren and Eames are still stuck in traffic. Logan and Stabler are following a lead in Queens. Who's going?" His blue eyes shifted between the teams of detectives.

Munch stood up, "I love seeing Rodgers; she can't get enough of my charming personality."

Bernard got to his feet, "I'll go too, I'm starting to get numb."

"All right, update me when you get something," the captain said before walking away.

"You boys have fun at the morgue; make sure not to get us any souvenirs." Thea said from her seat at the end of table.

Munch shook his head as he briefly gripped her shoulder, "I'm not making any promises, Thea."

A ghost of a smile was on Lupo's lips before he said, "B, I'll call you if we find anything."

Bernard stated as he and Munch walked out, "OK, Lupes, we'll see you two later."

As Bernard drove he answered Munch's question, "I've only been at the 2-7 for a few months. Before that, I spent two years in IA."

Munch's brow twitched, "So, I assume you already know about my partner?"

"Well, I do know that she doesn't deserve the crap that some cops have said about her."

"All right then, at least this won't be a tense and awkward drive. Although your partner, he doesn't seem to mind being left alone with her."

A small scoff came from him, "It's that obvious?"

"He's not the first cop or guy to look at her that way. But he's the first one that she seems receptive to."

"So she's single?"

"She is…but there's a catch."

"There always is."

"Her mother is dating Cragen, our captain. They've been friends since college but didn't get together until after Thea transferred to SVU."

He nodded, "So she's a captain's kid, good to know and rough for any guy, especially if he's a cop."

"It can be but Cragen's a fair guy. And that nerd moment between her and Lupo, that's the tip of the iceberg. She goes to comic book and horror conventions all dressed up as her favorite characters, she collects figures, statues, toys…"

"Oh, so she's a full-on geek."

"And proud of it. But I can't judge. My JFK assassination theories aren't exactly embraced by the mainstream thinking."

Bernard blinked before his eyes went wide, "Say what now?"

They finished discussing Munch's JFK theories when they were one block away from the morgue. As they pulled into the parking lot, Munch revealed that he had asked out ME Rodgers twice and went out on one date with her. And now, she's dating Captain Ross.

Bernard uttered with a sigh, "I knew Lupes and I were the new kids."

"True but you two are fitting in just fine."

Munch was the first one to address ME Rodgers as he and Bernard walked in, "As much I loved your ginger locks, you make a beautiful blonde, Rodgers."

In her usual monotone voice, Rodgers replied, "Aww Detective, flattery will get you everywhere. But I'm off the market."

"I heard and I'm still in mourning…have any consolation prizes for me?"

Bernard chimed in, "Or me?"

"Well, every victim was sexually assaulted at all ports of entry but there was no DNA and using the FBI database, I was able to find out the condom brand, Alurex. It's only been on the market for two months."

Bernard commented, "That gives us something. How about the tox screen?"

"All the victims, including the Erlichs' maid, Greta, tested positive for rohypnol but Emma had the most in her system."

Munch said, "That explains how the killers incapacitated them. Is there anything else?"

"Well, I also tested their hair and it turns out Abby, Jackson and Liam also tested positive for cannabis, MDMA and ketamine but Brie, Jeff and Emma were clean."

Bernard remarked, "It looks like three of our vics loved to party. Thanks Rodgers."

"You're welcome detectives."

"And Rodgers, if things change with you and Ross, you have my number," Munch tipped his fedora at her before following after Bernard.

"I still have your card; a girl likes to have options." The left corner of her mouth slightly twitched.

Lupo looked up from the small stack of LUDs in front of him when he heard Thea's mobile phone ring. Since they were the only ones in Interview Room A, he listened to her briefly speak with her mother. He could tell they were close by her tone and the small smile on her full lips. After she hanged up, she talked to him.

"Sorry about that, my mom likes to check in more than she usually does because I'm not at my precinct."

He shook his head, "I don't mind…and that's a pretty dramatic ringtone you got there."

She stood up and stretched her arms, "Wow, I see that you're not a fan of Batman: The Animated Series because that is the show's opening theme."

With a shrug, he replied, "I think I was too old to watch it when it came out, whatever year that was…"

Thea folded her arms as she walked over and sat in the chair next to him, "Oh come on. It came out in '92 but great stories and great characters aren't limited to one medium. I mean, if it weren't for that show and X-Men: The Animated Series which also premiered that year I would have never gotten into comic books."

He tilted his head and considered her comments, "…I used to collect a lot of comic books and graphic novels when I was a kid. It was after I started watching Super Friends. But one summer, I was at camp and my mom threw them all away when she was cleaning my room and the attic."

She dramatically clutched her heart as she said, "Oh Mama Lupo, nooo!"

He chuckled as she smiled and said to him, "But seriously, when you have a chance, you should give both shows a watch. They're incredible! The writers knew how to appeal to kids and adults while still telling amazing, exciting, smart, mature, emotional stories. Although I love both, I prefer Batman because of its neo-noir style, use of shadows and animation. And Kevin Conroy is my Batman with Christian Bale coming in second."

"I'll give them a shot but come on now, what about Keaton?"

"I like what Burton and Keaton did but I prefer Conroy and Bale because their performances reflect how I always saw The Dark Knight. Hold on a minute."

With his interest piqued, he watched her reach into the collar of her shirt where she pulled out her silver necklace's pendant. It was onyx in the shape of Christopher Nolan's Batman emblem. He leaned in closer to her then reached out and grasped the pendant between his fingers.

"Is this custom made?" He asked as he kept his eyes on the pendant.

"Yes, I bought it online because anything at Hot Topic or any other mainstream store is usually cheap and falls apart real quick. I like knowing that I'm the only one who has this. And I like supporting small businesses and artists.."

"I really like this; it could be official merchandise that even Nolan would approve. He's not really flashy. And I did like his take on Batman, it's more realistic and a little gritty.."

"Me too and Bale really captures the pain, vengeance, the physicality and darkness that I always saw in Batman.."

They both looked up at the same time and their eyes locked. With their faces mere inches apart they took in each other's features. He admired her luscious ample lips, her dark almond eyes and the soft curves of her nose. Since he was close to her, he was able to identify at least two ingredients of her shampoo, vanilla and some type of berry. She caught the pleasing scent of black pepper and citrus coming from him. The contrast of his black trimmed beard on his light skin was striking; it went well with his deep brown eyes, thick short dark hair and straight nose. Thea saw his lips slowly pull into a wide grin.

She awkwardly cleared her throat as he let go of the pendant and slightly leaned back giving her space. He watched her while she stood up and brushed her dark locks behind her ears as she spoke.

"I um, I also bought a custom Nightwing necklace as a Christmas present for my upstairs neighbor, Ronaldo. He's gonna love it and it's the least I can do since he watches my little Milo when I'm working."

His brows crinkled, "Milo?"

"My dog!" She walked to her side of table, picked up her phone and headed towards him.

His expression brightened as he picked up his phone off the table, "My dog's name is Otto."

Her heart warmed upon seeing the white American Pitt Bull terrier and Boxer mix sitting on a brown leather sofa next to a smiling Lupo, "Awww, look at that sweet face! Pitt bulls undeservedly get such a bad reputation. They're just big ol' lugs who like all of us, humans and animals, wannabe loved. Was he a rescue?"

"He was. I adopted him after working a case that involved dog fighting."

"That must have been horrific. I hope that savage so-called sport goes extinct real soon," she thumbed through her phone's gallery.

"You and me both."

"Here's Milo."

He looked at the photo where Milo and Thea were sitting on her apartment building's stoop, "He's adorable, he looks like Benji."

"That's what I think too! But he's actually a Border terrier, the same breed as Ron Burgundy's dog from Anchorman, I love that movie!"

"Me too! Brick is my favorite. Him and his trident always crack me up. So, is Milo a rescue?"

"Um, sort of? I met him when Munch and I worked the Christian Ackerman murder with Goren and Eames. He was Ackerman's dog. Milo actually led me to his body and he bit the killer which really helped our case. Ackerman's fiancé, Keith, he couldn't take care of him because he reminded him too much of Christian. So, he let me adopt Milo from him."

He nodded, "Huh, that's a… sad and happy story."

"It is but I can't imagine my life without him. He's my little cuddle buddy!"

"Yeah, it's nice to come home after a long day to see him by the door and he's so happy to see me."

With a happy sigh she agreed, "That's the best feeling, they just love you."

"It does feel great, there's no complications…"

"Or caveats. They just wannabe with us."

His head slowly nodded, "Yeah and the feeling's mutual…"

A pleasant silence fell between them until her eyes looked past him.

"And we have jobs to get back to because there's Ross coming out of his office.." She quickly went back to her side of the table and picked up a few sheets from her stack.

"Right, we do…but this was nice a chat."

"It really was.."

"Thea?"

"Yeah?"

"Does this number show up in Liam's LUDs, 212-555-8520?"

She looked at the sheet in her hands, "It does..a couple of times, actually."

"On Friday and Saturday…late night?"

"Yeah, it does and once on a school holiday." She typed the number on her laptop, "It's a prepaid cell…Benson and Barek are looking over their victims' LUDs, maybe this number shows up there too?"

"Let's go find out." He stood up and opened the door for her.

"Thank you." She graciously tipped her head at him as she walked past him.

"Don't mention it," he said to her in his deep voice.

"Oh Bobby and Eames are back!" She beamed when she saw them at their desks.

The detectives gathered at Goren and Eames desks and discovered the number on all of their victims' LUDs.

Eames picked up and dialed on her office phone as talked, "I have a friend in narcotics, he'll check out the number for us."

As Eames spoke on the phone, Logan, Stabler, Munch and Bernard entered the squad room. Benson and Lupo caught them up as Thea excused herself from the room after her mobile phone rang.

Eames returned the phone to its receiver, "It turns out the number belongs to a drug dealer named 'Savant', his real name is Steven Janssen. And he works out of the nightclub, Shock and Awe."

"Really, that place again?" Logan asked.

Barek explained, "The Lunden and Peterson murders from three years ago brought us there. And my DJ friend still works there."

Bernard spoke, "According to the tox screens that Rodgers did on our victims, including their hair, Jeff, Brie and Emma were clean."

Munch commented, "Well, at least for the last 90 days."

Stabler offered, "Whoever stole Ned Baldridge's identity…they could have hacked into some of our victims' cellphones."

Bernard chimed in, "Or cloned it. I worked a case in IA once where one of the cops did it to throw suspicion on his partner who wanted nothing to do with his shady dealings."

Stabler nodded as he dialed on his mobile phone, "I'll get TARU on it. Thanks."

Eames spoke again as she stood up alongside her peers, "My friend says that Savant is smart. He has a small team that does the dealing for him. He's only been arrested once and that was years ago, early on in his so-called career."

Barek nodded, "Yeah, Shock and Awe, its clientele skews young.."

Bobby shared, "When-when we were interviewing the waitresses and bartenders about Bethany Lunden and Ethan Garrett. She told me that she didn't recognize them and asked if…if they were my grandkids."

His fellow detectives laughed and he couldn't help but grin despite the slight annoyance he felt.

Benson folded her arms and smiled, "This is a hard case but thanks for the laugh, Goren."

"You're welcome, Benson."

Barek regained her composure and said, "Yeah well, my DJ friend can get us in but come on. We're a little too…mature compared to Savant's usual customers and even if we were younger, he'd make us in a second. We all look like cops."

Munch remarked as Thea walked up to them, "Au contraire, mon ami! One of us doesn't…"

The young detective became self-conscious the moment she saw her peers eyeing her. She looked down at her body then back at them, "Uh…why are you all looking at me like that?"

Thea released an annoyed huff before she walked out of the women's locker room and headed towards the squad room. She wore a red skintight mini dress and black ankle boots with three-inch stiletto heels and held a black clutch purse in her right hand. As she walked she definitely turned heads and received a few smiles from the male officers and the employees of One Police Plaza. Her eyes narrowed in irritation the instant she entered the room and met Logan's stare.

"Lookin' good kid!" The amused smile on his handsome face was large.

"Ugh, whatever Grandpa!" Thea playfully shot at him.

"Oouch…" he said as briefly clutched his chest then put his hands in his pockets.

Munch did a golf clap and nodded, "Savant doesn't stand a chance."

Barek's mouth dropped open then the corners of her lips slightly curled up, "Yeah, Savant's not gonna make you for a cop that's for damn sure."

A Cheshire cat grin spread across Elliot's face as he held up his phone and snapped a photo.

Thea asked him, "El, what are you doing?"

"Dickie's sick and I'm pretty sure this picture is gonna make him feel a whoole lot better!" He nodded as he sent the image to his son.

She rolled her eyes at him, "How thoughtful of you!"

"Thanks, I'm just doing what any good father would do. Excuse me." Elliot said as he answered his mobile phone.

Olivia chuckled as she shook her head, "Thea, you look great! What size are those?'

"Aw thanks Liv!" Thea held out her right foot as she answered, "These are a size eight, medium width."

"That's my size too, can I borrow them sometime?"

"Of course you can!"

"Liv, that was Ken Erlich, he and his wife Debra are back, they're staying at The Waldorf."

"All right, Thea and Munch, good luck with Savant." She nodded at them before her and Elliot put on their coats and walked out.

A smirk came to Logan's lips the second he saw Goren and Eames walk out of Ross's office, "Hey Eames, Goren, what do ya think of Thea's undercover look?"

She scowled at her longtime friend and whispered, "I hate you…"

When Thea slowly faced them Eames blinked before her eyes grew large as her jaw went slack. She pointed at Munch while she said, "Wow. To quote your partner, you look like the kind of pro that a man has to save up for."

Absolutely elated, both of Thea's hands went to her chest. It was the first compliment Eames had ever said to her, "Oooh, thanks so much Eames!"

"I call 'em like I see 'em," Eames shrugged as she grinned.

Goren was utterly awestruck by Thea's appearance. He had noticed her hourglass figure before but he was used to seeing her in pants, sweat pants, jeans, t-shirts, sweaters and other clothing that covered up her body. She either wore a bare face or tinted lip balm during their morning runs, casual lunches or dinners. By her own description, she was a tomboy who only wore dresses on special occasions and on dates where formal wear was required.

The red skintight mini dress had a deep v-neckline that tastefully displayed her busty chest and long sleeves covered her toned arms. From the waist down, the dress's ruching accentuated the flare of her hips and shapely backside. At mid-thigh the hemline stopped and showed off her smooth toned caramel legs. Her black hair was styled in a sleek deep right side part and partially hid her left eye giving her an alluring appearance. The shade of red on her pouty lips matched her dress. Bobby thought she was pretty, beautiful and sexy. Seeing this new side to her was doing things to his mind and body that he didn't expect. It was one of the few times that he was at a loss for words until he heard Logan address him.

"Goren? Hey buddy, are you still with us?" Logan asked.

Thea saw the astonished expression on Bobby's face as his eyes moved up and down her body. It was then she realized that Logan was right about him. She suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable; she folded her arms.

Bobby cleared his throat as he shifted his mouth then pointed at Thea with his left hand, "She uh, Thea-you…you look, you look really…ni-nice."

Eames pulled her head back and looked at her partner with confused eyes. In all her years with him, this was first time she had seen him act awkwardly when complimenting a woman's appearance.

Thea spoke, "Um…thank you, Bobby."

Logan loved what was happening, "Wow Goren, that genus brain of yours is a master with words."

Goren gave the veteran detective an annoyed glare.

Barek was intrigued as she silently watched the interaction.

Munch diffused the situation and helped Thea put on her black trench coat, "Well we have a sleazy drug dealer to bust and judging by how every man has reacted to you thus far, it should be a cakewalk. Come on, Lupo and Bernard are waiting for us downstairs. Au revoir, mes amis!"

"Bye." She waved at them before accepting Munch's arm and walking alongside him.

A uniformed police officer and a security officer walked in carrying large boxes and a clipboard. They walked over to Goren and Eames.

"It's the security logs and video footage from the Penningtons', come on, we're gonna have our own watch party." Eames said as she signed the paperwork. She and Goren directed the officers to the multimedia room.

Thea returned to the squad room and headed towards Logan and Barek, "Logan, I forgot to give you something."

"What?" He asked her.

"This," she quickly smacked his forearm with her clutch purse, "you ass, don't you ever do that again!"

Barek laughed as she sat down at her desk, "Aw Mike, you really deserve that."

A long light cocky chuckle left his mouth as he watched Thea walk away, "I'm not making any promises, Kid!"

Lupo and Bernard were sitting in the back of a cargo van filled with surveillance equipment. Behind them, a Latino technician named Nando who was in his early thirties was tinkering with ear buds and a spy camera disguised as a necklace. The sliding side door was open and Bernard was sitting in its vacant space. Lupo was reading text messages on his phone as his partner spoke.

"According to Munch, Thea is single but her captain, Cragen, he's basically her father. He's been friends with her mother ever since their college days and they just started dating."

Lupo was intrigued but hid it, "And why are you telling me this?"

"Oh come on! Even Munch saw you checking her out and besides, you need to get out there, man."

"B, we're working a case and she's in SVU, she deals with some pretty dark and heavy cases. I don't wanna come home and hear more horror stories on top of what we already see day in and day out."

"Riight, because who wants to be in a relationship with someone who not only understands the dark side of your job but still manages to have a positive attitude and sense of humor. And like you, has a dog. It also doesn't hurt that she's easy on the eyes."

"Sure, she's nice, funny and seems well adjusted but you just told me that she's a captain daughter and I'm already busy with work, law school, spending time with my niece and nephew every weekend and Otto. My plate's plenty full."

"All right, suit yourself. Heads up, Munch and Thea are coming and my oh my...she's looking real fine," Bernard smirked.

His partner moved his head towards the opening. Lupo's mouth became agape as they watched the unlikely partnership approach the van. It was like night and day seeing the remarkable difference in her appearance. Despite just listing off the reasons why he wasn't going to ask her out, Lupo's mind went blank as he watched her. She looked like one of those women who graced the cover Men's Privilege magazine except she had more clothes on.

"Lupes, if you leave your mouth like that for too long flies are gonna get in." Bernard joked.

"…Shut up," he rolled his eyes.

Nando joined them, "Awww man, if I weren't happily married with two kids at home…you gotta get on that Lupo, for me and all the married men out there."

They laughed at Nando until Thea and Munch were within earshot range.

"Hey guys," she smiled at them.

Bernard said, "When you were in vice, was your cover ever blown?"

"Never," there was a hint of smugness in her voice and face.

"Oh I buy it." Bernard nodded.

"So do I!" Nando also nodded.

Lupo agreed, "Me too. I mean, you look incredible and not at all like a cop."

"Oh, uh, thanks." An awkward smile touched her red voluptuous mouth.

"And uh, those heels can't be easy to move in, here," Lupo said as he offered her his hand.

She accepted his hand and got into the van then sat next to him.

"Here you go, Detective," Nando handed her the necklace as he said, "this baby will be our eyes and these are our ears," he gave her ear buds.

"Thanks Nando." She put in the ear buds and put on the necklace.

"You're welcome Thea. Now, I'll be following you guys in the Suburban and Lupo, don't forget to turn on your ear buds."

"I won't, thanks."

Munch winked at her, "You kids behave; I'll be up front with Bernard."

"Real subtle Munch!" She called out before he slid the door shut as he chuckled.

When she crossed her legs, he noticed the toned muscles and definition.

She noticed where his gaze went, "Ugh, I knew I should have worn stockings, it's freezing…" she rubbed her calf.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare it's just…are you a runner?"

"Oh, I am. I started in junior high to lose weight because I was really chubby and now I run in the mornings with Bobby um, Goren. We started back in August."

He paused then tipped his head forward, "So, you two are friends?"

Her voice was cheery and her expression was bright, "Yep, he's my running buddy and we hang out sometimes. There isn't one week that goes by where we don't see each other."

"Sounds like you two are close?"

Thea nodded, "We are and I know it might seem weird with the age difference but it works and well, I have plenty friends who are older than me. We actually met a few weeks before the Ackerman case; we literally bumped into each other on the street. Neither of us were looking, I'm small and he's uh, a giant so...ya know." She made two fists and hit them together as she giggled.

He was charmed by her laugh and upbeat tone; "Say no more."

The Erlichs were staying in the Presidential suite at The Waldorf Astoria. The hotel's butler answered the door and guided Elliot and Olivia to the living room. A weeping Debra Erlich was speaking on her mobile phone as she stood by a large window. Ken Erlich was standing by her side until he saw the detectives walk in. He walked up and shook both their hands then ran his hand through his short black hair. They sat down on the couches.

Olivia spoke first, "Mr. Erlich, we are truly sorry for your loss."

Elliot gave them an understanding nod, "And we know this is difficult but we have to ask you a couple of questions. Mr. Erlich, you're a partner in a successful law firm, have there been any recent threats from your clients?"

Ken slowly shook his head, "I practice corporate law not criminal. Debra is co-owner and manager of a fashion boutique with her sister. There haven't been any threats against us or Redding and Emma. They're good kids and we don't lead dangerous lifestyles."

Olivia nodded, "All right, how are things between you and your wife… any issues?"

"Detective, we've been faithful to each other. We've allowed you to look through all of our records. You would have found evidence of affairs or financial troubles."

Elliot said, "We would have and we're still going through them. But what was done to your daughter was personal. Do you have any connection to the victims' families?"

After a beat and with a thoughtful look, he said, "Maybe once or twice a year we run into one of them at a benefit or gala but we're not friends or even business associates. I-I don't understand…why this happened?"

She took out her card and handed it to him, "We're doing our best to figure this out. If you think of anything or receive any threats, call us."

He nodded and gave her a grateful grin, "We will and thank you both."

Elliot and Olivia both sighed after they entered their car. His phone pinged; it was a reminder for him to go Christmas shopping for presents.

He turned to her, "Twelve parents have to bury their kids weeks before Christmas…and here I am worrying about what presents to get my girls."

She reached out and grasped his muscular forearm, "El, don't feel guilty, OK? We're doing what we can for the Erlichs and the other parents. It's perfectly fine for you to think about your kids' happiness."

A little grin formed on his mouth as he placed his hand on top of hers, "I know Liv. But this case, it reminds me that I can't protect them all the time and it's…it's terrifying and it pisses me off."

Olivia nodded, "OK, so when you go home and see them, hug them and let them know how much you love them. I mean, save for Eli, they're teenagers so they'll probably be annoyed," she chuckled.

He laughed and agreed, "They will but I don't care. Thanks for the advice and for…being there for me."

Seeing the gracious look he was giving her warmed her heart but a small part of her wanted to withdraw her hand. Then she remembered that he had ended things with Kathy. She lightly squeezed his forearm and smiled until her phone rang.

"It's uh, it's Ross."

The comfort that her touch gave him was immense. He reluctantly removed his hand so she could answer the call and he started the car as she spoke to Ross.

At the Malicks' palatial home, Logan and Barek were sitting in the living room questioning Michael and his wife, Patricia. Based on the look Logan gave her, Barek fielded the next question to the mourning parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Malick, I don't mean any offense or judgment with my next question but we found traces of cannabis, ketamine and MDMA in Jackson's hair. Did you know about his drug use?"

Patricia glanced down at her lap before looking at Barek, "We were going to get him tested this Monday. Of course, those were only blood and urine tests…do you think his dealer did this to him and the other victims?"

She answered, "We're looking into that possibility."

Michael folded his arms across his chest, "What about Brett Uhl? Why hasn't he been arrested?"

Logan spoke, "Because as of right now, there's no evidence that he's responsible, Mr. Malick."

"He and my boy hated each other, how is that not enough?"

Logan explained, "Motive isn't evidence and there's nothing that links Brett Uhl to your son's rape and murder or the other victims. Can you think of anyone who wants to harm you, your wife or Jackson?"

Michael sighed and shook his head, "I can't…not one name comes to mind. And we don't even know those other victims."

After they finished questioning the Malicks, Logan and Barek returned to their car. When they stopped at a red light, Logan talked to his partner.

"So, DJ Blyx at Shock and Awe, you never did tell me how you met him…"

An annoyed and slow huff came from her before she calmly met his stare and explained, "A mutual friend set us up. DJ Blyx also known as Billy Alexander is a very… charming, talented, funny and an overall, good guy. So, we had one really fun weekend together but - we both agreed it was just a good time and we were better off as friends."

A grin was on his lips, "All right…I didn't expect you to be into younger guys but hey to each their-"

Her dark eyes became big, "Really Logan? There's sixteen years and some change between you and Novak. So you better think real hard before you even consider calling me a cradle robber."

An amuse scoff came from him, "You got me there, Barek. But I think it's good that you two stayed friends and you're not all talk, you really are open-minded. And come on, I'd never call you a cradle robber. If I were Billy's age, I'd see you as a mature lovely woman and not a grandma, that's for damn sure."

She cracked a grin, "All right then, and thanks for clearing that up, Mike. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome…but did he at least get you free glow sticks?"

She chuckled and rolled her eyes, "No you smartass!"

He laughed, "That's a missed opportunity."

Barek shook her head then groaned.

"Something wrong?"

"Yeah, can you pull over into that diner's parking lot?"

He was concerned, "Uh sure, hold on."

A long sigh came from her as she faced him, "Logan, ever since I transferred back and told you why I left there um, there have been moments where I've – where I've felt jealous of Casey."

Stunned, he leaned back and after a brief pause said, "…OK, I thought you got over your feelings for me because until now, you didn't bring them back up."

"I know and I should have. And it's not like I feel jealous every time Casey shows up at the squad room or when you call her but…it still happens, infrequently. And I hate it, because this isn't me."

He nodded, "I'm gonna try something out, just humor me, all right?"

"Okay…"

With his right hand grasped her hand and interlaced their fingers. She looked at their hands and stiffened.

"Now, what do you feel?" He asked her.

"Um..awkward, we've never done this before, Mike."

"I know…but what else?"

Her eyes went their hands and then returned to him; she told him the truth, "Nothing. It's different with Josh there's.."

"Sparks."

"Yes, that's how it is with Casey?"

"Oh yeah. Barek, that night when I shot Tarkman, it was-it was real rough. It messed us both up but I screwed up more by inviting you to spend the night at my place. It was stupid and wrong. You were my partner and I disrespected you. If I could, I'd take that back. I'm sorry." He withdrew his hand from hers and didn't break eye contact.

She felt the tension fall away and nodded, "Thanks for telling me that Mike. I really needed to hear it. That night, neither of us was thinking straight because we saw another cop die. And yeah, we didn't know it until it was too late. You killed him and it was a clean shooting…but it still felt awful. At least we didn't cross that line and get into bed together. Sure, it would have been a distraction but it in the long run, it wouldn't have helped us and Tarkman would still be dead."

Logan took in her words, "I couldn't agree more…are we good now?"

"Yeah, we are."

He grinned as he started the car, "Good. So, do you really think I deserved that smack from Thea?"

She chuckled, "Definitely! Look, Goren and her they got something going on but that's between them. She doesn't need you, her surrogate uncle, making things even more awkward between them."

A sly smirk stretched across his face, "But it's so fun, Barek."

She grumbled under her breath, "Yeah, well, you have no right to bitch the next time she smacks your arm or messes with your chair."

"I guess we'll have to agree to disagree." He jokingly tipped his head from left to right.

"Ass." She shook her head at him as the edges of her lips turned upward.

Eames and Goren were in the multimedia room; they had finished watching the Penningtons' video footage from their security cameras. She had already gone through the security system's logs which matched up perfectly with the video footage.

She exhaled, "Well, this clears Ophelia and frankly, I'm relieved."

He nodded, "Me too. They're still kids but Landon he-he's sticking by her. It shows real character and commitment."

"I know and I remember being her age. If I was pinned down and had my head shaved…I would've felt like my world was over and probably never leave the house."

He cracked a grin, "I don't know Eames; I've seen your prom photos. You could have pulled off that alternative look."

She scoffed, "Gee what a compliment…but at least this night wasn't a total bust."

"Why's that?"

The smirk on her mouth matched her tone, "Well, I got to see awkward teenage Bobby Goren getting tongue-tied over seeing a pretty girl."

He stiffened in his seat but tried to play it off, "Eames, I was not tongue-tied."

Eames folded her arms and turned towards him, "Bobby even the blind and deaf would agree with me right now. And come on, we've been together for almost a decade and throughout all those years I've seen you effortlessly flirt with witnesses, victims and criminals! Hell, some of those were strippers who were either naked or close to it, and you weren't uncomfortable at all! I know I'm not a seasoned profiler like you and Barek but I've noticed a couple of things about you. So you can't deny that you find Thea attractive and that you have feelings for her."

Bobby knew that she was right and he hated that he had been so transparent, "Eames…I'm not used to seeing her dressed like that, all right? And the last thing she needs is me hitting on her, especially a man of my age. It's creepy."

"Well she seems to love being around you Bobby and she's been flirting with you ever since we've worked the Ackerman case with her and Munch. She also doesn't seem to care about your age. I mean, she chooses to spend her mornings running with you where get all sweaty and smelly. And yet, she still hasn't shown any signs of getting sick of you or creeped out. So, what's the hold up?"

His eyes narrowed, "Well, according to you I would be 'robbing the cradle' if I asked her out."

Her mouth dropped open then her face scrunched up, "That was about Nicole Wallace and Ella Miyazaki and you damn well know it! Yes, Thea is younger than you but unlike Ella she isn't a weak, easily manipulated and naïve teenager. She's a well-adjusted adult, a woman and you're definitely not like that psycho Nicole. Give me more credit than that, Bobby!"

Bobby saw how upset she was and said, "I know…I know. Sorry about that… but why are you fine with this?"

"Because I trust Munch's judgment and yours. According to him, you've helped make Thea a smarter and better detective so you've been good for her but - it goes both ways. You're healthier now, you're taking care of yourself again and for the first time in what feels like forever, you're actually happy.

So, what are gonna do, Bobby? Because we saw her and Lupo getting real friendly in the interview room over her Batman necklace and I saw the sad puppy dog look on your face."

He groaned as he briefly held his face in his hands, "Eames, I appreciate what you're saying but I've already had this conversation last night with Lewis. So, I'm gonna tell you, what I told him; I'm not ready to date anyone until I reach my goal weight."

Her eyes rolled, "No disrespect to Lewis for accepting that line..but that's bullshit and you know it. She clearly finds you attractive no matter what size you are. It sounds like you're afraid which I get. But sometimes we only get one chance at happiness, don't you wanna find out if she's yours?"

Her comments registered with him and he knew that she had valid points. After a few seconds and releasing a lungful of air, he told her, "I'll…I'll consider it."

"All right; but don't take too long because Lupo's some stiff competition."

"Oh come on, Thea can do better than him."

She sarcastically shook her head at him, "Yeah, because she clearly isn't attracted to handsome, charming, funny, geeky Italian detectives who tower over her."

He nodded then grinned, "You think I'm handsome?"

"Ugh, yes, that's objectively true. But don't flatter yourself, because all those female witnesses, suspects and criminals flirted with you too. And I'm pretty sure half of them wanna kill you and sometimes, I feel that urge too."

His head leaned forward as he scoffed then said, "Don't worry Eames, I won't let it get to my head but that reminds me, Lewis asked about you last night. He wants to know if you're still single."

Eames chuckled, "Of course he does. He just doesn't know when to quit."

"He's an eternal optimist and persistent. Also, he wanted me to let you know that he's single again."

"Yeah, I've got enough on my plate Bobby. I don't have time to date your overeager car buddy."

"Riiight, because all of your dates lately have been going swimmingly!"

"Uh, that has nothing to do with-"

"So, let me get this straight. I have to be open to asking Thea out but you won't even give Lewis - a perfectly nice guy who has a lot in common with you and really likes you - a real shot?"

With an irritated glare and voice, she replied, "….Shut-shut up Bobby!"

He laughed as he watched her quickly walk out of the room.

With Shock and Awe only being minutes away, Lupo and Thea continued to have an interesting and delightful conversation.

"So, do you really think I could pass as your bodyguard tonight?" He asked her.

"Of course! You're tall, you're not scrawny, you give off an authoritative vibe and your voice is pretty commanding."

It was the first time anyone described him that way, he felt complimented and grinned, "Oh…um, thanks."

"You're welcome."

"At least this will be quick. I really don't like nightclubs."

Shrugging, she commented, "When I was younger I thought they were awesome but that's because I wasn't allowed to go to any, not even the ones that catered to underage teens. My dad he was um…he was really strict and well, quite frankly, downright terrible. I wasn't allowed to date or even go to parties where boys were in attendance."

He looked at her deciding whether or not to let her know that he was aware of her father's abusiveness. She continued to speak and he listened.

"That all changed when I graduated high school a year early. The day after, my mom filed for divorce and we moved out. We had been planning that for a long time. Thankfully, he had already left for a weekend at Foxwoods with his cop buddies."

"So, wait, did he even go to your graduation?"

She shook her head, "He had already left with his buddies by then but honestly, it didn't hurt. Having my mom and Don-um, my captain, Don Cragen, there…that was enough for me."

Lupo nodded and gave her a sympathetic smile, "Well, that's good. You still had family with you."

A dreamy look was on her face and present in her voice, "Yeah, I did and it was perfect. Anyway, on my 18th birthday, my girlfriends and I went to Spire. After that, every Friday night we would go to a new club. But after a few weeks I got tired of it. Although I don't mind going to a club if it's for one of my friend's birthdays or a bachelorette party."

"So..are you a homebody?'

"Sort of, I do like going out to the movies, restaurants and the occasional concert. Oh and I do host a weekly girls' night but that's for my female friends from work like Olivia, ADA Casey Novak and of course, you already know Connie Rubirosa."

"I do, that must be a fun time."

"Oh it is but I'm not saying anything else because everything we do and talk about is sacred." She folded her arms she emphatically tipped her head.

He teased her, "I see, is there also a blood oath and secret password to get in?"

She didn't miss a beat, "Yes, there are also ceremonial robes and tattoos, naturally."

They shared a laugh and then he asked, "Which college did you go to?"

"Hudson U. They gave me a full scholarship. How about you?"

"Brooklyn College and right now I'm taking night law classes there."

Her eyes curiously looked into his, "You wannabe a lawyer?"

"Honestly, I haven't decided. I mean, laws are interesting, challenging and nuanced…"

"Well, it must have helped you on the job, right?"

He sighed and then tipped his head from left to right, "The results…they've been mixed."

"That doesn't surprise me at all. I've asked Connie and Casey about their work and they're great at it but I couldn't handle the politics and everything else that it entails."

"Yeah, that's why I'm deciding if I wanna seriously pursue it."

From the driver's seat, Bernard interrupted their conversation, "We're at Shock and Awe, put your game faces on."

Nando drove Thea and Lupo up to the entrance of Shock and Awe in the Suburban. Lupo opened the car door for her; she gave him a small nod as she accepted his hand and stepped out of the car. They ignored the small spark they both felt. When they approached the doorman, Lupo identified Thea by her alias, showed the doorman his ID and claimed to be Thea's bodyguard. After the doorman found her and Lupo's names on the VIP list, he winked at her as he unhooked the velvet rope allowing her and Lupo to pass through.

Instead of checking in their coats, Lupo accepted her trench coat and got a full view of her appearance. With her back to him, his eyes slowly traveled down her body. The only thought that came to his mind was something Bernard said in the surveillance van while he shared the details he was able to pull out of Munch about Thea.

"Lupes, now I know you're used to dating women like Jenny, light skinned, tall, leggy and slim but come on, broaden your horizons! Thea's skin is like smooth caramel, she's small but she's also stacked and her lips, women on Park Avenue pay top dollar to get a mouth like hers. And according to Munch, she's into tall guys like you. What are you waiting for?"

Thea's voice pulled him out of his train of thought, "Lupo, I see Savant. Luckily, my booth is right next to his. Let's get this over with."

"You're the boss." He uttered under his breath as he followed her and his eyes stayed on the back of her head as she swayed her hips.

As they passed by Savant's booth, they saw the well-dressed 32-year-old brunette drug dealer hand off a long and thick envelope to a scrawny sandy haired teenager. After making the exchange he looked up and locked eyes with Thea. He kept his eyes on her until she was out of his view.

She slid into the booth and grinned once Savant appeared. Lupo blocked his path.

"Cy, it's all right. I've got a good feeling about this guy. Go get yourself a drink," she instructed.

Lupo noticed a dramatic change in her voice. Instead of her cheerful energetic tone, she spoke with a slightly slower pace and in a lower register. It was more seductive than her normal voice and he understood why her cover in vice was never blown.

"You're the boss," Lupo nodded at her as he walked away.

Bernard could hear the act she was putting on, "So far, so good. Now Thea, all you have to do is reel him in."

The arrogance in Munch's tone was apparent, "Don't worry Bernard, she's got this."

Savant unbuttoned his midnight blue suit's jacket before sliding into the booth. A sly smile came to his lips as he offered her his hand, "I'm Savant and you are?"

"Sinara. I'm in town, for business and pleasure." She slowly tilted her head to the right and continued to hold his hand.

Savant was clearly interested, "Well, luckily for you I'm expert in-"

With a lustful look, she told him, "Savant, I'm thinking about all the satisfying ways we could be using our mouths right now…and talking isn't one of them."

Bernard pulled his head back and smirked, "Well damn Thea!"

"I told ya she was good," Munch proudly said.

Lupo's eyes widen while he spoke, "Yeah, no guy's turning that offer down."

Savant's eyes darkened as he started to lead her out of the booth, "We'll go to my office for some privacy."

"All right, do you happen to have anything that will...enhance our experience?"

"I do, just follow me."

Lupo kept their eyes on them and followed them at a distance.

Once they were inside his office, Savant walked over to the desk and removed two small clear packets from a drawer. One packet had a white powdery substance and the other one had pills.

"Are these to your liking, Sinara?"

From her necklace's camera Bernard and Munch saw the drugs, the former said, "Lupes, we got him."

Thea said, "Oh they definitely are, but I've got something even better," she reached into her clutch purse and revealed her badge.

The smirk on Savant's face slowly faded, "Of course…but I've gotta say, you are New York's finest."

She rolled her eyes, "Like I haven't heard that one before."

Lupo opened the office door and began telling Savant his rights as he handcuffed him.

Once they were back at One Police Plaza, Lupo and Bernard brought Savant and his lawyer into Interview Room A.

With obvious arrogance in his voice, Savant stated, "I prefer being interrogated by that other detective, especially if she's still in that red dress, mmm."

Lupo shrugged, "Well what guy wouldn't? But you're stuck with us."

His lawyer, John Buchanan, shifted his heavy build in his seat, "Detectives, what are we really here about? Because I don't buy that Major Case cares about arresting my client for a measly misdemeanor."

Bernard sat down but Savant spoke before he did, "This is about those murdered rich kids, right?"

Bernard replied, "You went to that real fast."

Savant paused whispered to Buchanan and then let him speak, "What considerations will Mr. Janssen get if he cooperates?"

Bernard said, "We'll talk to the DA and let him know helpful he is, but that depends on what he's got."

Savant answered, "I had nothing to do with their murders. I did do business with Abby, Liam and Jackson. And before you make wild assumptions, they were paying customers. I don't accept IOUs it's bad for business and these spoiled brats, they always paid up front."

Lupo stood next to him, "All right…but that doesn't alibi you for their murders."

"Last night, I was working and then after, I and two lovely ladies spent the entire night together in my penthouse apartment. I have a doorman and security cameras are everywhere. I can also give you their names. In fact, one of them is a very well-known actress."

Lupo and Bernard shared an annoyed look, the former pushed a legal pad and pen towards the drug dealer, "We need their names and their contact information, now."

Goren was alone in the multimedia room watching security camera footage from Shock and Awe. Eames had gone home for the night to get some rest. He was hoping to see if anyone was following Abby, Liam and Jackson on the nights they visited the club. Thea entered the room holding a small white box and he could smell the sweet scent of pastries coming from it. She was wearing a smile, black sweat pants and a a matching long sleeve shirt. On the front of the shirt was white lettering that read "Stark Industries". Her hair was styled in a low bun and she only had tinted lip balm on her mouth.

"Hey Bobby! We picked up zeppoles from Iadarola's Bakery on the way back. Want one?"

He smiled, "Sure, I love zeppoles!"

"Me too! I've never been to Iadarola's but Lupo spoke very highly of them. So, I had to give them a shot."

Bobby's smile disappeared after she spoke, "So uh, everything went well at Shock and Awe?"

She nodded, "Uh-huh, although right now it looks like Savant might have an alibi for the murders." Thea then took a bite from the pastry.

"OK…you got a little cream on your lip right there," he pointed at right corner of her mouth. He controlled the carnal side of himself when she licked away the cream and lightly moaned at it tastiness.

"Thanks!" She grinned at him the said, "At least this night wasn't a total bust."

"What makes you say that?"

"On the drive there, Lupo and I talked. He's taking night law classes; he's worked the last four years in the intelligence division where he was overseas, he worked alone and was unarmed. He can speak and understand Cantonese, Spanish, Japanese and some Farsi." She finished the rest of her zeppole and reached into the box for another one.

Bobby saw how she was happily talking about Lupo. It was the same upbeat and interested tone she has used when talking about the conversations she's had with Stabler, Benson, Lake, Finn and Munch. However, he couldn't help but feel jealous.

"Interesting, so did he ask you out in English or in some other language?"

She paused and withdrew her hand from the box, "What? Nah-no. Why would you say that, Bobby?"

He tipped his head to the right, "It's obvious that he's interested in you. He's…he's been flirting with you and you're reciprocating."

Thea looked down at her lap and briefly clenched her jaw, "What are you doing?"

He shrugged and he could see that she was upset but he kept speaking, "I'm simply sharing my observations of you and him because I also saw you two in the interview room looking at your necklace-"

"Because he's a fellow comic book geek and I wanted to show off my necklace to him. And I didn't ask for your observations, Bobby!" She stood up and folded her arms, "This is a horrible case but the one bright spot was that I was working on it with you and my other friends. But now, you're accusing me of using this job to hookup with a guy I literally just met today! I'm-I'm going upstairs to the bunks to get some sleep. Have a nice night, Bobby!" She walked out not waiting for his response.

He groaned before bringing his up left hand and resting his chin on the heel of his palm as his mouth pressed against the outer side of his fingers. Even though he knew she meant no harm, he didn't like hearing her talk about Lupo so enthusiastically. She had spoken about her fellow detectives in the same manner but he never had that reaction until now. Bobby knew he made a mistake but at the moment, he didn't know what to say to make up for it.