*WARNING mentioned/implied sexual assault*

Part 5

Amanda stands at the kitchen counter, debating whether or not to crack open the six-pack in her fridge. She leans against the counter, trying to ignore the pain in her stomach which has done away with her much-needed sleep.

It was only 3 pm. Not to mention it was also New Year's Eve in New York City. After lunch with Cragen, Amanda had returned to her apartment and decided to go to bed, only to be awoken less than an hour later with her sheets soaked in blood, and severe cramps coursing through her abdomen. She had managed to take a hot shower and soak the soiled sheets and clothing before she found herself leaning against the counter deciding whether or not to drown her pain in alcohol.

Amanda glances out her apartment window, people flooding the streets, no doubt excited to see the ball drop that night. She sighs, it's weird how the worst day of someone's life can also be the best day of someone else's. Although, this was by no means the worst day of her life.

Giving into the need to day-drink, she cracks open a beer and settles herself down on the couch carefully, flicking on the TV. She's not really listening, just enjoying the noise that her TV creates, filling the silence of her apartment. As Amanda sips on her beer, the noise begins to shape into words.

"Is it possible you have a blind spot when it comes to men in power?"Declan's voice fills her head.

Yeah, Amanda wants to scoff, you would know all about that wouldn't you Declan?

She stares blankly at the TV.

"I'm sorry," Declan whispers into her ear as he looms over her petite frame before pulling himself off of her.

Amanda shakes her head as she tries to rid herself of his touch.

"It has to look real," he whispers as he undoes her belt buckle, "It has to be real," he adds as he brings his hand to her pants zipper.

She tightens her grip on the beer, the condensation dripping onto her hand.

"Amanda," a new voice drawls, "don't try to fight this," he adds, caressing her cheek with a free hand.

Amanda continues to tighten her grip on the beverage, the opposing hand balling up into a fist.

"You think anyone will believe you, darling?" the voice adds as he tightens his grip on her wrists.

Her nails dig into the flesh of her palm, color draining from her flushed cheeks.

"'Specially after last time, and the new evidence that has come to light," he continues, his free hand now trailing down her chest.

Blood begins to pool in her palm, the grip of her nails unrelenting.

"Besides Mandy, you should know by now, that I don't take no for an answer," he whispers as his hand stops between her legs.

"Amanda?"

The beer bottle shatters, glass cutting into her other palm.

"Amanda?!" Fin calls out, knocking on her door, "You in there?"

Amanda glances at the clock on the microwave. 5:13.

"Yeah," she calls out as she stands quickly, assessing the glass on the floor and the blood on her hands. "Just give me a second," she adds as she races around her apartment, hurriedly sweeping up the beer bottle and wrapping her hands in gauze.

"What're you doing here, Fin?" she asks quickly, opening up the door just enough so that Fin could see her face, the darkness of her apartment preventing any light from illuminating the rest of her body.

"Happy New Year's Eve to you too. I've been texting you," Fin states, "I didn't know if you had plans for New Year's."

"Sorry. I fell asleep watching TV," Amanda lies. Fin nods.

"Alright well, I- Jesus Amanda, what happened to your hand?" Fin asks, noticing the hand Amanda is gripping the door with is covered in gauze.

"It's nothing Fin. I just broke a glass and cut myself." That's true.

"Okay," Fin nods, "Well I brought you some Chinese food, and some chocolate and ice cream," he adds, holding up a bag in his hand.

"Thanks, Fin, but I-"

"Don't worry Manda," Fin interrupts, "If you want to have a chill New Year's Eve-in by yourself, I get it. I just thought I'd bring you some things. You aren't exactly the world's greatest cook," FIn remarks handing Amanda the bag.

"Thanks, Fin," Amanda smiles, feeling bad that she really doesn't want to invite him in. She reaches for the bag with her other hand.

"Jeez girl, your other hand too?" Fin adds with concern. Amanda just smiles sheepishly and Fin drops it.

"Happy New Year's Eve, Fin," Amanda smiles softly.

"Happy New Year's Eve to you too, partner," Fin replies as Amanda closes the door.

I hope you're enjoying the story. Thank you for your positive comments, by the way, they really make my day. As always, reviews and suggestions are welcome but not required :)

Also "Gambler's Fallacy" is going to take place in august 2014 instead of march