Thanks to all....Who have reviewed the previous chapter.
Chapter Eleven
For close to three weeks Goren and Eames have been investigating numerous home invasions which have resulted in the murders of Circuit court judge, Helen Sampson. ADA's Brenda Washington and Rachel West and the latest murder victim was retired Judge, Christine Walberg. The common thread between the victims was easy to uncover. They are or have been involved in the criminal justice system for the city of New York.
The press has nicknamed him 'The Ghoul'. He ties them up, steals whatever money and or jewelry they have then tortures them for hours just to watch them beg for their lives, he never uses a gun or a knife he uses his hands. He gains access to the home, by knocking on the front door. Not only were Bobby and Alex surprised by this bit of information so were Deakins, the Chief of D's, the commissioner and the mayor.
Two nights prior, public defender Sharon Wise was attacked by this man. He told her that he was interested in joining the public defenders office after he passed the bar. Presently he is a law student and that he was given her name by Judge Jackson Bradley. Being familiar with Judge Bradley, she had no apprehension in allowing this fine looking, well-dressed young man into her home. She felt a sense of familiarity toward him, she felt she had met him before and after two days in a hospital bed, she remembered where and when. A memorial service was given for Judge David Carr last month and she was introduced to him by Appellate Court Judge Jackson Bradley, as his son.
Wednesday Morning
10 A.M.
The elevator door opens to the eleventh floor. Walking between two uniformed officers is twenty-eight year old, Jackson Bradley Jr., following two steps behind, Goren and Eames.
"I take it, he didn't resist." Deakins comments as he crosses the room. "Why should he," Alex replies. "He hasn't done anything wrong, so he told us a hundred times."
Interrogation Room B
"The media has given you the name 'The Ghoul'." Bobby says.
"Wow," Alex says as she walks past her partner toward the table. "They were right on the mark." She pulls out a chair and sits directly across from Jackson. She looks into his dark eyes, hoping he did not notice her shiver.
Bobby leans his back up against the wall, "Do you know that one of the women you terrorized survived." That remark causes Jackson to take his focus off Alex and turn his attention to the tall man standing in the corner. "She told us that she was fearful that you were going to sexually assault her." Bobby steps away from the wall; his menacing form causes Jackson to lower his head. "You know what she told us?" Bobby begins to laugh aloud as he tosses his leather binder on the table, it startles Jackson.
Two long strides and he is standing next to this man, Bobby turns one of the chairs so he can straddle it, he leans forward. Alex can see the fire in the 'Ghouls' eyes, it is intense. However Jackson remains quiet and still. "She," Bobby opens his case removing a piece of paper, Jackson watches him intently. "She informed us that you tried to….but you," he shuffles through some papers. "You weren't able to get it up; she started to laugh when she told us that." Alex is sitting on the other side of the table with her arms folded across her chest watching and listening to her partner. Jackson moves his hands on top of the table, intertwining his fingers. Bobby continues addressing his partner. "What was the word that she used to describe him?" He snaps his fingers. "I….I can't remember."
Alex's chuckles and Jackson turns his head to face her, "Pathetic," she says with a lilt in her voice. "Yes," Bobby stands, "Yes you're right," he wags his finger at her, "That's what she said, pathetic."
Bobby leans down to catch Jackson's eye. "She said after your, well you know….little shortfall….that you started to hit her, lucky for her she survived, too bad for you she survived." He straightens up. "Now she can and will be able to testify to the world about your," Bobby smirks as he scratches the back of is head, "Inadequacy."
Staring at Alex he asks, "You think I'm pathetic?" She sits perfectly still doing her best not to acknowledge the question. The 'Ghoul' is across and over the table and on top of Alex before Bobby can comprehend what happened. "I'll fuck you right here." Jackson says with his hands around her neck. Bobby moves the table and the chair simultaneously, causing the chair to fall over. With one hand on Jacksons' shirt collar and one hand on his arm, he pulls him up and off his partner, "Get him out of here," Bobby exclaims as he tosses him like a rag doll into the arms of two uniformed officers.
"I could have showed her that I am a man!" He screams as the officers lead him out the door. "She would have loved it." They can hear one of the officers say, "Shut the hell up, no one cares you piece of shit."
"I'm sorry," Bobby kneels down next to her, "Alex are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"No you're not you head is bleeding." She places her hand on her forehead as she sits up, "I said I was fine Goren."
"Goren," he frowns as he whispers the name. He places one hand on her back and with the other; he takes her hand lifting her easily to her feet.
"That cut looks nasty; I'll take you to emergency."
She pushes out of his embrace, "I said I was fine and I'm not going to the hospital."
"Oh yes you are Detective," Bobby and Alex turn to the sound of Deakins voice as he enters the room. "And that's an order."
St John's Hospital
After a fifteen-minute ride in total silence they arrive at the hospital. The forms are filled out and after only a ten-minute wait she is seen by a doctor.
"She has a mild concussion," Doctor Jennifer Ronan says, "Just as a precaution I want to keep her overnight."
"Can," Bobby clears his throat, "Can I see her."
"Of course, she's being moved to the ward as we speak. Check with the nurses' station on the third floor and they'll direct you to her room."
The door to room 314 is closed; he knocks softly as he opens it, she fixes her gaze on her partner. "Hey," he says as he takes two short steps forward. "How….how are you?"
"Fine," she says curtly, keeping her focus up toward the ceiling. "I just have a headache."
Another few short steps "That's good, I….I mean it could have been worse. The Captain called your parents," he unconsciously checks his wristwatch. "They should be here soon, very soon."
She rolls over on her side, away from him, "That's fine, thank the Captain for me."
"I….I will," he takes a few more short steps closer to her bed, "Alex….I'm….I'm really sorry about this."
"Stop apologizing."
"Yeah but," he stares down at his feet, "I….I…."
"Stop stuttering," she says commanding. She turns to face him, "You went to far Bobby, just like always." She once again turns away from his gaze. "Now I need to get some rest, so get the hell out of here."
He steps forward then back, stuffing his hands in his pockets he walks slow and steadily out of the room. A few feet down the hall he passes John and Sara Eames. They call to him; he keeps his head down as he steps into the elevator.
MCS
Deakins returns to the squad after his quick visit to the hospital to check on his Detective. "It was bound to happen, Walter. You ever see the shit that nut job does in the interrogation room." The blank stare on Walter's face causes Detective Ben Vinton to comment, "What the hell is the matter with you?" He gestures with his head for Vinton to turn, he does slowly. Standing immediately, "Captain, how is Eames."
"She's fine," Deakins stuffs his hands in his pockets. Leaning forward so only Vinton can hear, "My office now."
"Yes Sir."
Deakins gestures for Ben to sit as he closes the door, "Look Ben I know this isn't high school and you are entitled to you opinion but what we have here is a squad of detectives," Deakins sit on the edge of his desk. "Good detectives, if you have a problem with one of my," he places his hand on his chest. "Detectives you talk to me." He raises his voice slightly. "One thing I will not tolerate is dissension out there." Deakins points toward the door. "When I was a junior detective I had a partner who would eat sunflower seeds during his interrogations. It would irate the hell out of....not only the perps but me as well."
"Really," Ben chuckles. "That's odd."
"Yes it was," Deakins smirks. "I believe I told you who my partner was back then.
Ben nods his head. "Yes Sir you have, my father."
Deakins sits erect, "Get it," he says sternly.
Ben nods his head, "Yes Sir," he stands, "I get it."
"Good," Deakins stands. "Go on, get out of here," Deakins says smiling. Ben leaves the office and after a few phone calls and some paperwork, Deakins checks the time. Lifting his gaze out into the squad room he expected Bobby to be sitting at his desk but no Goren. He returns to his duties and after another few hours, he once again checks the time, 6 P.M. He straightens out his desk and leaves the office for the evening.
Later
The Mominator