It has been a few months after Theo Edison's case. I was just walking in as Liv walked out of her office, just back from eating a small diner. "Lina, I have something I need you check out." Liv said as I put my things on my desk.
"Yeah, what is it?" I asked as I slipped my shield onto my hip.
"I just got a call from our ME. One of their bodies is missing. The body is of a teenage boy named John Laurens, He was killed in a cab accident." Liv explained as I nodded.
"Can I ask why this is SVU?" I asked curious.
"The cabbie is involved in Chess and Checkers Club. We are thinking that they are back and they found a new target. The boy is a foster kid, their normal MO." Liv said as my eyes widen. "I'll head out now." I said as I slipped my coat back on and hurried out.
"Morning Carisi." I said as walked passed him and to the elevator.
"Where you off to Lina?" Carisi asked as I faced him.
"Off to find a dead body." I said as the elevator door closed and I went down. I walked out into the bitter January cold as I pulled my coat closer to my skinny frame. I got into one of the cars and started to drive to the Morgue. I parked and hurried out. I flashed my badge and walked towards Melinda's room. "Melinda?" I called out as I walked in.
"Ah Detective Amaro. Glad Liv sent someone. Something weird just happened and the weirdness just keeps happening." Melinda said as I nodded.
"What is going on?" I asked as we stood at her slab.
"The body of John Laurens was laying here thirty-five minutes ago. My tech was in here by herself and came to get me twenty minutes ago and told me that the body was still radiating heat and his chest was still moving. She took a pulse then she came running out of the room. When we came back the boy was gone." Warner said as my face fell.
"You mean this kid's is missing. He couldn't just get up and walk away?" I asked as we walked into the Melinda's office.
"My technician said that she felt the body giving off heat, saw that the boy's chest was moving up and down. She came to get me and the body was gone, we searched everywhere and then I called Liv. I don't think the boy was dead Catalina." Melinda said as my jaw dropped.
"John Laurens could still be alive? Does his family know this?" I asked shocked as she nodded yes then no. "I haven't informed his family yet. The most extent of his injuries should be broken ribs and a very severe concussion but not his heart stopping. His drug test came back negative right?" She asked as I nodded.
"Yeah the doctor said nothing was in his system." I said as she shook her head. "We did a test on those test but the kid had a cocktail of drugs in his system. He had N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, along with Adenosine." Melinda said as my eyes widened.
"This boy was given drugs that mimic death. I need to call Liv and tell her this. Do you have a log of who came in and out of this room before the victim was taken?" I asked as she nodded.
"Please get it for me." I asked as she nodded yes and got up.
"Sargent Amaro, this boy has a chance to live but if it becomes too late this boy could die." Melinda said as my felt my heart break slightly. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called Liv.
"Sargent, I have news." I said quickly as she told me to slow down.
"John Laurens is not dead." I said as I ran my fingers through my dark brown hair.
"What do you mean that the boy is not dead. The hospital said." Liv said trailing off as I shook my head. "The hospital lied. They lied about his blood work. They said that he had nothing in his system. But Warner ran the blood and it was full of a drug cocktail. So I won't not be shocked if they are involved in this." I said as one of Warner techs came out and gave me a piece of paper. I nodded thanks and Liv started to tell me about the cabbie they had in custody.
"Do you think you can bring the doctor who was in charge of Laurens in to chat?" I asked as I took the paper and started to walk out. I headed to my car and got in.
"Yeah, I'm sending Nick and Carisi to get him. Fin and Rollins are talking to the cab driver. CSU recovered kiddie porn websites in his history. We think the kid might have been taken by Chess and Checkers Club." Liv said as I started to drive back to the precinct. I parked and headed in as I saw Liv leading the grieving Washington family into the interview room.
"Amaro, good your back. Do you want to give the family the news?" Liv asked as I nodded.
"Do you think you could call the kid's boyfriend? The kid needs to know." I asked as she nodded.
"I will, just tell them what you know." Liv said as I nodded and walked into the interview room.
"Mr. and Mrs. Washington, thank you for coming down. I'm Sargent Catalina Amaro. I have some news for you about your son." I said as I sat in front of them, Mrs. Washington clutched her husband's hand.
"What is it?" Mr. Washington asked me looking me into the eyes as I saw nothing but grief and sorrow. as I coughed to clear my throat.
"Your son is not dead." I said as their faces fell and went to confusion.
"What do you mean? We watched him die in front of us with our own eyes." Mr. Washington said angered as Mrs. Washington started to weep.
"Your son did not die. He was drugged with drugs that mimic death." I said as Mrs. Washington started to weep harder and harder as Mr. Washington started to comfort her.
"How is this possible? Why didn't the hospital tell us? They said that his blood work should no drugs. John would never take drugs." Mr. Washington said angered as I started to put my hands up to calm him down.
"We have reason to believe that your son was targeted and that the cab driver and the doctor may be involved. We are investigating and searching for him." I said as Mr. Washington stood straight up.
"Where is my son!?" Mr. Washington shouted as Mrs. Washington started to sob heavily as she kept trying to wipe away her tears. Nick walked in just in time as I tried to calm him down.
"Nick why don't you take Mrs. Washington out to the squad room and get her something to drink." I said as he nodded. Mrs. Washington looked up towards her husband and got up shaking as she started to walk out.
"Mr. Washington, I need to tell you something that I know will be hard to hear but I think it is best if you hear it first. Do you think you could take a seat?" I asked as he sat down tensely as I took a deep breath. "Your son is most likely be kidnapped and is being put into a child sex trafficking ring know to the dark belly of the world as Chess and Checkers Club." I said as his face turned to irrational rage and shoot up.
"My son is where!" He yelled as I stood up. "We are doing everything we can to get him back. We might have a chance to find him but you need to know that this club moves around. We don't know how much time we have. I need you to tell me anyone weird who has been around your son?" I asked as he sat down.
"No, I haven't. He has been around his friends that's all." He said as I nodded.
"Alright, now I am going to go talk to my Sargent. Would you like me to get you some coffee?" I asked as he nodded. "I will be right back." I said as I started to walk out.
"Detective Amaro?" Mr. Washington said as I looked over at him.
"Please find my son?" He asked as his voice started to crack from all the sadness and anger from today.
"I will do all I can to bring him home to you." I said as I closed the door and saw an older Caribbean man with his hair pulled back along with a young boy with dark circle under his red bloodshot eyes that bore a resemblance towards to him.
"Are you Sargent Benson?" The older man asked as I shook my head no.
"No, I'm Detective Amaro. Are you Mr. Miranda?" I asked as he nodded his head yes.
"This is my son Alexander. Your Sargent called me saying you had information and that you needed to talk to Alexander." Mr. Miranda said as I nodded.
"Can I do something for just a moment. Then I will explain everything that is happening." I said as he nodded. I walked into Liv office and watched her as she watched Fin and Amanda go at the cabbie hard.
"Mr. Miranda is here with his son. I told Mr. Washington about his son." I said as Liv turned me.
"Do you think you can bring Mr. Mirada in here, see if you can talk the son alone." Liv said as I nodded. I walked out to Mr. Miranda and his son.
"Mr. Miranda do you mind if I talk to your son to your son alone?" I asked as Mr. Miranda looked at Alexander then back to me.
"Is he in any trouble?" Mr. Miranda asked as I shook my head no.
"No not at all. I just think it would be easier for him and yourself if I speak to him in private. I give you my word he is not in any trouble." I said as Mr. Miranda nodded.
"Alright, as long as Alexander is alright with it." Mr. Miranda asked as Alexander nodded. "Mr. Miranda why don't you go into my Sargent's office while me and Alexander talk." I said as Mr. Miranda walked in.
"Do you mind if I do something really quick?" I asked as he nodded and followed me to the coffee machine.
"Why do you need to talk to me?" Alexander asked somberly as I felt my heart break for the teenage boy.
"Because I need to tell you something this is more bittersweet then anything." I said as I got a travel cup of coffee for Mr. Washington.
"My life is now a living hell without John… There is nothing you can tell me that would make my life worst." Alex said as we walked back into back to towards the conference room.
"Mr. Washington, you can leave if you would like. I will call you as soon as we get anything new." I said as Mr. Washington stood up and nodded.
"Please." Mr. Washington said as I nodded.
"I will." I said as he walked out avoiding eye contact with Alexander. "Why was Mr. Washington here? Is this about John?" Alexander asked as his voice cracked as he said John's name.
"It is." I said as he looked at me with a mixture of sadness, anger and fear.
"What is it about? Is this about the bastards who killed him?" Alexander asked as he sat down in a chair in front of me.
"Alexander, honey. Your boyfriend is not dead." I said as Alex's face fell and he looked at me shocked.
"No… No your lying to me! Is this a joke to you people!" Alexander screamed as I tried to calm him down.
"Alexander. I assure you that it is not a joke. John is still alive honey." I said as Alex looked at me and started to sob uncontrollably as he fell to his knees.
"He is still alive honey. Come here." I said as I helped him back into his seat.
"Why haven't I been able to see him? Please can I see?" Alexander asked as I shook my head.
"That's the next part Alexander. John was kidnapped after everyone thought he was dead." I said as Alexander twisted in horror.
"Alexander, I need to ask you a few questions about what happened before he was in the hospital." I said as he nodded quickly and rubbed his eyes.
"Do you know who took my boyfriend?" Alex asked as I nodded slightly. "Hon, we have an idea of who. We just need to find him." I said as he looked at me startled.
"I will do anything to help John." Alex said started to wipe his eyes.
"Did you two hang out before the accident?" I asked as he nodded.
"Yeah, I got into a fight with my dad and ran out. I called John and we meet at a coffee shop." Alexander said as I started to take notes.
"Where is the coffee shop?" I asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It's near the Richard Rogers Theater. I don't remember the name of it." Alex said as I nodded.
"Okay, now did you see anyone weird hanging around you or him?" I asked as he shook his head no then after a moment nodded yes.
"Yeah there was a creep. He ordered John a coffee and said it was from his daughter to him but there were no girls with him." Alex said as I nodded.
"Do you remember what he looked like?" I asked as Alex nodded quickly.
"He was Mexican, had a dark baseball hat on and had sunglasses. He followed me and John out of the coffee shop. After we walked out John said he felt sick. I kissed him and he said that he doesn't want me to get sick but I took him that it was a risk I was willing to take. The guy from the coffee shop followed us outside. He actually hailed John the cab. I told him I would see him later." Alex said as I nodded.
"Did the man have any tattoos, or anything that would make him stick out." I asked as he thought what happened.
"He had an earring in his left ear and a tattoo of a small thing on his wrist." Alex said as I nodded.
"Alright did he say anything to you." I asked as he shook his head.
"No, he didn't talk to me but he would try to talk to John." Alex said as I looked at him worried.
"Did he say anything to John directly?" I asked as Alex nodded.
"He said that John was a good looking piece." Alex said as I wrote it down.
"Okay. Did you see the guy from the coffee shop anywhere else?" I asked as Alexander was still for a second then his eyes widen.
"Yes, he was at the hospital. I didn't think anything of it but I only had one thing on my mind." Alexander said quickly as I told him to slow down.
"Okay, Alex I need to ask you somethings I know will be hard to answer but I need you to be honest alright?" I asked as he took a deep breath.
"Did John do any drugs. Whether they are for medical purposes or for fun. Did he do drugs?" I asked as Alex shook his head no quickly.
"No, he knew that crap was wrong." Alex said as I nodded.
"Alright, were you and John sexually involved with each other?" I asked as he took a sharp breath and looked down.
"I know it's a very personal question." I said as Alex looked at me.
"No… We weren't." Alex said quietly. "Okay. Thank you." I said as I got up.
"Sargent Amaro can I ask you something?" He asked as I looked at him.
"Sure." I said as I fiddled with my hands.
"Have you ever been in love with someone?" Alex asked me as I looked out and saw Carisi leading the doctor into the holding cell.
"I have. Why do you ask?" I asked as I turned back to face him.
"I was just curious…" Alex asked softly as he got up.
"Can you please find John? I don't want to lose him." Alex pleaded as I nodded.
"I will do everything I can." I said as I opened the door.
"I'm going to get your dad alright?" I asked as he nodded and looked down at his hands. I closed the door and heard the doctor demanded from the holding cell why he was locked up. I knocked on Liv's door and walked in.
"Mr. Miranda if you like you can take Alexander home." Liv said as Mr. Miranda stood up wiping tears off his face.
"Find the bastards that took John and are causing this pain to everyone." Mr. Miranda said as he walked passed me.
"So our doctor is asking why he is brought in. Who is this guy anyway?" I asked as I crossed my arms and watched Fin and Rollins leave "The Box" and walk into Liv's office.
"Our doctor is Doctor Benjamin Gomez." She said as I looked at her.
"What, are you sure?" I asked shocked as Liv looked at me worried. "Everything alright?" Liv asked as I nodded.
"Let me at this guy alone." I said letting people know I am not taking any arguments about it.
"Alright. Fin go lead Doctor Gomez into the interrogation." Liv said as Fin nodded and walked out.
"This guy and I grew up together. He and Nick were best friends." I said as Liv asked me why I was surprised.
"Are you sure you can do this? I can send Nick in." Liv asked me.
"Yes ma'am I'm fine. Just keep Nick away from this." I said as she nodded as I looked in and saw Benny waiting for me.
"Get TARU to look through all of his computers and his history." I said as Liv looked at me.
"Do you think he is involved?" Liv asked. "Yes." I said as I started to pace.
"Then get him to tell why he lied." Liv said sitting at her desk.
"Copy that Sargent." I said as I put my hand on the door knob.
"Catalina Amaro. God you grew up. I didn't know you became a cop." Benny said trying to make pleasant as I closed the door behind him.
"Cut the crap Bennito." I said harshly as he looked at me shock.
"What is that for? First I am taken into custody then my only friend here is acting like she doesn't want to be nice." Benny said acting hurt.
"Why did you lie Benny?" I asked trying to restrain myself from lunging at him.
"Lie about? No one has told me why I am here." Benny said as I sat in front of him. I pulled out a picture of John Laurens and placed it in front of him.
"This boy was your patient. You lied to his family about his injuries and his blood work." I said as he shook his head.
"I never lied. Nothing was on the toxicology report." Benny said as he slammed his fist down on the table.
"Really? Well our ME looked at the report and tested the blood. Both tests found traces of DNT and Adenosine in his blood. Now I believe her a lot more than I do you. Now tell me the truth. Why did you lie?" I asked as he looked at me shocked.
"I didn't lie. The boy died and was taken down to the morgue." Benny said as I heard three sharp raps on the door. I got up and walked out.
"What's going on Sargent?" I asked as Nick was looked through the glass.
"TARU just called. Our doctor was found walking into the morgue room and then doesn't come out. It was two minutes after the tech left to find Warner." Liv said as I watched the footage.
"Son of a bitch." I said as I turned to walk back in. I walked back into "The Box".
"You were in the morgue." I said as he looked at me shocked.
"No I was not. Catalina please believe me." Benny said as I pointed to picture.
"Benny… this kid has a family, friends and someone that loves him more than anything. Please tell me Bennito where is the boy." I said as I sat in front of him.
"I didn't hurt him." Benny said as I shook my head.
"You were caught by security cameras going into the morgue room where the boy was. But you didn't come out the way you came in. Bennito please tell me." I said as he shook his head.
"I…" Benny said as the door was opened. "Not another word." Someone said behind me as I turned and saw a sharply dress man.
"Mr. Buchanan, never knew he lawyered up." I said as I got up and walked out. "He was so close to cracking!" I said frustrated as I walked into Liv's office.
"Come on do as I say." A male voice said from the computer as I heard a boy crying.
"Please let me go home." Said a boy, I peeked pass Nick and saw John Laurens with a bandage around his head, his face covered in cuts and clutching his wrist. His eyes were filled with terror as I watched in horror.
"Oh my god… he is really in this ring now?" I asked as my heart sank further down my chest. We watched in horror as we watched people sending in requests on what they should do to him.
"Please turn this off." I said weakly as the laptop was closed.
"Laurens is still alive… we need to tell to his parents." I said as Liv turned to face me.
"What comes next?" I asked Nick shifted his weight.
"We ask him if he did take the boy. Fin, Cat go in and talk to him. Nick and Rollins go talk to the boy's friends. See if noticed anyone weird around him before the crash." Liv said giving out our tasks as Carisi walked in.
"Um Sarge, there is a young lady in here to see Lina." Carisi said as I peered behind him and saw a familiar face. I was taken back slightly and hurried passed Carisi.
"Eliza sweetheart what is it?" I asked as I hurried out to her.
"I need help Miss. Lina; I don't know who else to go to…" She said as she had tear stains on her face.
"Okay, come on sweetie. Let's go talk somewhere else okay?" I asked as I led her to the conference room. I closed the door as she sat down in one of the chairs.
"What's going on Eliza?" I asked as she had fresh tears falling on her cheeks.
"My dad… he is making me marry Samuel…" She said between tears.
"He is what?" I asked shocked as she nodded.
"Please can I stay with you till tension settles?" She asked as I looked at her worried.
"Of course sweetie. Your welcomed anytime. I gave your mother my word that I would make sure you and your sister grew up into wonderful young women." I said as I knelt in front of her.
"Daddy is making Angelica marry Aaron Burr. He has no morals and I don't even know about Peggy's arrangement. I ran away when he gave me this ring." Eliza said as she started to calm down.
"Well... Honey I don't know what to say. Eliza do you think you can hang out here for a bit. We just got swamped with this large case." I said as she looked at me and gave me a nod.
"What is your case about?" She asked as I shifted uncomfortably.
"It is about your friend John Laurens… It sort of worked that you came down when you did. I need to ask you about him." I said as I sat next to her.
"John just passed away… Why would his cab crash be something you and your co-workers be investigating?" Eliza asked as I bite my lip.
"Eliza, John is not dead." I said as she covered her mouth.
"What?" She asked quietly as I nodded.
"He isn't dead. I need to ask you some questions okay?" I asked as she nodded.
"Did you see anyone weird hanging out John or Alexander lately?" I asked as she shook her head no.
"Not that I know of… Did someone take John?" She asked as her voice cracked.
"Yeah we think so. Do you know any one that would want to hurt him?" I asked as she rubbed the back of my neck.
"Well Sam doesn't like him. He calls him all the degrading homosexual nicknames that are under the sun. Then you have Thomas Jefferson but that boy and Laurens only argue." Eliza said as I nodded and heard someone knock at the door. "Okay, Eliza I will be right back okay." I said as I got up and walked out.
"Everything okay?" Carisi asked as I nodded.
"Um… You are going to hate this but I need a raincheck for tonight." I said as Sonny put his head down.
"What is the deal the girl and you?" Sonny asked as I looked back at the room where Eliza was pacing back and forth on her phone.
"I helped raised her and her sisters. I knew her mother when I was in college. She has an older and younger sister. When her mother passed away, their father became a heavy drunk then I intervene. I told him that he needed to go to rehab. I took the girls in when Peggy was nine, Eliza was ten and Angelica was eleven. I kept them for three years. The hardest day of my life was giving those girls back to their father." I said sadly.
"Are you taking in her and her sisters?" Sonny asked as I shrugged my shoulders.
"I don't know yet." I said as Liv walked out.
"Well I just got off the phone with Rollins. She said that all of his friends have not seen anyone around our vic." Liv said as I turned back to the interview room where Eliza was.
"Liv, do you think I can go handle some personal things for a second. It should not take long." I said as she nodded. I walked back to the interview room and opened the door.
"Hey Eliza, I'm going to drop you off at my apartment. When I get back from work then we are going to have a long talk about what is going on." I said as she nodded. I walked over to my desk and grabbed my coat.
"Nick, tell Oliva I'll be back soon." I said as I walked passed him.
"I will. Think you can grab me some coffee?" Nick asked as I nodded.
"I will. Good or Bad?" I asked laughing as he rolled his eyes.
"Surprise me." Nick said as Eliza and I got in the elevator. We went down and I tied my coat around me as I pulled it on. We walked outside and walked through the brisk cold. I got to my apartment building with Eliza trailing behind me. I opened my door and walked in as Albert greeted us.
"Hey Ally." Eliza said as she petted him.
"You can go get settled in the guest bedroom." I said as I followed her into my small guest room.
"Thank you for taking me in. I promise as soon as I handle things with Samuel, that I will be out of your hair." Eliza said as I put my hand on her shoulder.
"Eliza, you and your sisters are always welcomed here in my home. You three girls are my closest things to daughters." I said as she hugged me.
"Thank you…" Eliza said with her head buried in my chest.
"Anytime mija. Anytime." I said as I rubbed the back of her head. "Hey I have to get back to work okay? I have some old pajamas in my room. You can go find some and get yourself something to eat. I'll see you later mija." I said as I let go of her and started to walk out.
"Bye Miss. Lina." Eliza said as I closed the door. I hurried outside and walked out to the street. I grabbed Nick and I two coffees and hurried back to the squad room.
"Anything new?" I asked as I walked in.
"Well Benny is a ring leader so we found out, and the kid is still missing. Benny won't tell us where he is." Liv said as she sat on the side of Nick's desk.
"I will take another run after him." I said tiredly as I took a sip of my coffee.
"Lina, after you talk to the guy. Go home." Liv said as I nodded. "Okay." I said as I got up and walked into the interrogation.
"You done stupid Benny." I said shutting the door. I crossed my arms as his lawyer stood up.
"Detective Amaro, I am going to ask you to change your tone." He said as I nodded. "
My apologies. Benny, we know that you are a part of Chess and Checkers Club. You pimp out the boys that you kidnap." I started to say as Mr. Buchanan cut me off.
"That is circumstantial. There is nothing that proves he pimped out anyone." Buchanan said as I shook my head.
"A boy he declared dead in the hospital, ends up being alive and is now pimped out into his child porn website. So if I am able to read into it, so will a jury." I said as Buchanan glared and sat down. He whispered over to Benny as Benny whispered back.
"Benny wants to make a deal. We need to speak to your DA." Buchanan said standing up. I narrowed my eyes and walked out to the Liv's office.
"Is Barba here?" I asked as she shook her head no.
"He wants to make a deal." I said as I rubbed my eyes.
"The cabbie and doc are staying here for the night. I'll call Barba and Lina, go home please." Liv said as I looked tired. "Are you sure Sarge. You need everyone you can to find this kid." I said as Liv nodded.
"Yes, you can't run yourself ragged. We got Carisi to cover you okay." Liv said as I nodded and walked out. I grabbed my things and clocked overtime and clocked out. I started to walk home as I put my key in the door. I walked in quietly and saw Eliza laying on my couch in a shirt that belong to Sonny and a pair of plaid pajama pants, fast asleep with the TV on and Albert laying below her. I closed the door softly as Eliza lifted her head up.
"Sorry hon, didn't mean to wake you up. Did you eat something?" I asked softly as she nodded quietly. "Why don't you take Albert and head to the guest room and get some rest okay? Today was just a rough day." I said as she got up and slowly made her way to the guest room. I smiled as she closed the door and I put my gun on my side table. I went to the kitchen and heated me up some leftovers from the fridge. I went to my room and pulled my hair out of its bun and slipped off my heels, I unbuttoned my top and slipped into my pajamas. I felt my phone buzzed in my back pocket.
"Hey, you still wanting to raincheck?" Carisi asked as I texted him back.
"Sorry Sunshine but I need to handle things right now." I said as I slipped out of my slacks. I tussled my hair and walked back out to my kitchen and pulled out my heated food. I started to watch the news as they talked about John Laurens and the entire scandal. I turned off my TV and all of my lights. I headed to my room and started to fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
I want to extend my gracious gratitude to pearlsandrhinestones. She allowed me to use some of her amazing plot. I love the musical "Hamilton" and she writes the best stories. Check her story Remember Me. It is amazing, thank you so much for allowing me use some of the plot. You are truly the best of writers and best of women. Thank you so much.
