A/N: Thank you so much for the helpful feedback. It is greatly appreciated. Here's the next chapter. Happy reading!
Chapter 20: The Secret's Out
"On the sole count of murder in the first degree, how does the jury find?"
"We find the defendant guilty."
"And on the second count of murder in the second degree, how does the jury find?"
"We find the defendant guilty, you honor."
Alex bit her lip to hold back the self-satisfied grin threatening to emerge. This was her first case as EADA and she had nailed it. She gave herself a mental high-five as she glanced to her left. Trevor Langon looked like someone had just kicked him in the balls.
"The state of New York thanks you for your service and time. The defendant is remanded until sentencing. This court is now adjourned." The honorable Barry Moredock stated before pounding his gavel. He gave Alex a curt nod before leaving the bench.
The courtroom was a buzz of conversation and movement as the people made their way towards the exits. Today was a big win for the good guys. Trevor Langon had earned his disgustingly large paycheck by giving Alex a challenge from beginning to end. She had to give it to him; he'd pulled out all the stops for this one. Still, the smoke and mirrors had not been enough to make the jury to see beyond the bloody photos of the murder scene and wounded testimony of a very young and innocent eye-witness.
Alex had done her homework and presented an air tight case to the jury. By the time she finished her closing statement, she had the jury practically aching to find Langon's sleazy client guilty. Deliberations had taken less than an hour. Langon's client had been sure his money would get him off. Alex was more than glad to prove him wrong.
Alex glanced at her watch and noticed the time. If she hurried, she might be able to catch Olivia at the precinct for lunch before the detective headed to Rikers to conduct an interview. She was packing up her briefcase when something caught her eye in the back of the courtroom. She peered around the thinning crowd and slowly smiled. She raised a brow and waited as her favorite detective made her way towards the prosecution's table.
"What are you doing here?"
"I heard there was an incredibly hot EADA kicking ass and taking names. I thought I'd come down and check it out for myself." She pushed the swinging gate open and came around to Alex's side.
She was a bit surprised when Alex immediately pulled her into a warm hug. It was obvious that Alex had no problems being 'out' in public. Olivia liked the feeling.
Alex placed a gentle kiss on Olivia's cheek before pulling away. "I thought you had an interview at Rikers today?"
"I asked Fin to handle it. I couldn't let you try your first case as EADA without seeing at least part of it. I am very proud of you. I knew you'd be great at this."
Alex blushed. "Thank you. Coming from you, that means the world to me."
"You're welcome. You're closing argument was amazing by the way. The jury looked like they wanted to give the guy the needle themselves."
"I'm just glad it's finally over and they found him guilty. I really wanted to nail his smug ass." Alex said making Olivia laugh.
"I can tell. Congratulations babe."
"Thanks." She reached out and linked her fingers with Olivia's. "I really am glad to see you. I was going to…"
The moment was broken by someone clearing their throat behind them. They both turned to see Trevor Langon staring at them.
They both took a step back from one another but remained close. "Trevor. Something I can do for you?" Alex asked slightly annoyed at being interrupted.
"Actually, I was going to ask you if you'd like to go for a drink or dinner later, but…" He looked at them for a moment, taking in their closeness. "…I'm thinking that might not be a good idea."
Olivia's eyes were trained on him. "I think you should follow that instinct, Counselor."
Alex could tell by the look on Trevor's face that he was about to come back with some smart ass remark that would undoubtedly set Olivia off. She knew exactly how her girlfriend felt about Trevor Langon. Olivia had always disliked him because he was usually defending the perps they were trying to put away. However, there always seemed to be more to Olivia's distaste for the man. She practically growled when she was in the same room with him.
"So the rumors floating around are true? You two are a couple?" Trevor asked giving Alex a teasing look.
Alex saw Olivia tense next to her. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes we are."
"Well, Alexandra that is quite…um…"
"Is there anything else you need, Trevor?" Alex asked trying to end the awkward situation.
Trevor cleared his throat. "Actually, I really would like to speak with you before sentencing, if possible."
"What is there to speak about?"
"A recommendation from the people would be…"
Alex held up her hand. "Trevor, don't even try it. Your client is guilty as sin. You know it, I know it, and the jury was unanimous. He deserves to rot in a pine box for what he did. Whether he does or not is out of my hands. Now if you would excuse me, I have more important things to do."
Trevor grinned smugly knowing he had gotten under Alex's skin. It was like he lived to annoy her. He lifted his briefcase from the empty chair and gave them a curt nod. "Good day, ladies. I hope you enjoy your afternoon. Alex, I'll be in touch."
Olivia watched him walk away until he had disappeared behind the courtroom doors. If looks could kill, the man would have died a thousand times over in very painful ways.
"You really don't like him do you?" Alex asked.
Olivia shrugged her shoulders casually. "He's a defense lawyer. He annoys me."
Alex looked at her closely shaking her head slightly. "No. I've seen you annoyed. That is something else entirely. Why do you always look like you could tear his head off when you're within ten feet of him?"
"He's arrogant."
"So am I." Alex smirked.
"He wears thousand dollar suits. It's just ridiculous."
"Liv?" Alex waited.
Olivia rolled her eyes and growled. She found the finish on the wooden table very interesting. "You went out with him." She finally mumbled.
Alex frowned. "That was at least ten years ago."
"And your point would be?"
Alex laughed. She never thought Olivia would be the jealous type. She had to admit, she liked it.
"Are you telling me that you're jealous of Trevor?"
"No." She mumbled again.
Alex bit back a grin and took pity on her. "Olivia, it meant nothing. I lost a bet. That's the only reason I was having dinner with him and it hasn't happened since."
Olivia raised a brow. "Really?"
"Yes." Alex chuckled. "I would have told you years ago if I had known it bothered you so much. I had no reason to believe that you even cared."
"I cared. You had on that gorgeous red dress and your hair was perfect. I wanted to drag you out of there that night to make sure Langon couldn't put his smarmy hands on you."
"You're sweet." Alex leaned over and kissed her cheek. "And just so we are clear, his smarmy hands never touched any part of my body. I had him drive me home as soon and you and Elliot left the table."
Olivia smiled a little. "That's good to know. So what was the bet?"
Alex blushed slightly and looked away. "I refuse to answer that on the grounds that... that… I don't want to."
"Alex?" Olivia's curiosity was no peaked.
Alex sighed heavily. "Trevor bet that I wouldn't have the guts to ask you to be my date for the Cabot Foundation Gala."
Olivia blinked and her mouth dropped open. "What?"
Alex rolled her eyes. She would make sure Trevor paid for this later. "Trevor and I have known each other since college. Actually, we used to be pretty good friends. I guess you could say that we're still friends, but only when our professions aren't involved. He knows me and he figured out that I had a crush on you and made the bet to push me along. I, of course, chickened out and he ended up going with me to the Gala as my date that night. For losing, I had to take him to that ridiculously expensive restaurant, get him season tickets to the Yankees, and attend one game with him." Alex finished with a shudder.
Olivia laughed. "He actually made you go to a game?"
Alex nodded.
Olivia continued to laugh at the miserable look the attorney's face. "Oh and I bet it just killed you to sit in Yankee Stadium didn't it?"
"He made me wear the jersey too." Alex said with a wounded look.
Olivia would have never thought it possible and wouldn't dare tell a soul, but she suddenly felt a glimmer of admiration for the defense attorney.
"Wow. You know… I hate to admit this, but Langon was actually pretty decent to me when he was representing me a couple of years back." Olivia shoved her hands into her pockets and scuffed her boot on the floor. She glanced up at Alex shyly. "Thank you for that, by the way."
Alex straightened her glasses. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"For a lawyer, you really are bad at lying." Olivia folded her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes. "As my lawyer, Trevor was obligated to tell me who was paying his retainer for me if I asked. I know it was you, Alex."
Alex bit her lip. "He wasn't supposed to tell you."
"I gathered that much. Why didn't you want me to know?"
Alex shrugged her shoulders. "You and I weren't exactly on great terms at the time. I know how stubborn you can be. I knew you wouldn't want to accept the help if you knew it was coming from me."
"And you did it anyway?" Olivia said shaking her head still blown away by this woman's generosity.
"You were in trouble, Olivia. There was no doubt in my mind that you were innocent, but we know jury's don't always go the way we want them. I couldn't allow you to go to prison for something you didn't do. As a cop, you would have had a target on you back as soon as you went to lockup. I was worried out of my mind. I couldn't represent you myself so I called the only person I could trust to defend you as well as I could. Trevor may be a lot of things, but a lousy lawyer isn't one of them. He's the best at what he does and if you tell him I said that no one will ever find your body. I have three judges and a Senator in my family. I can make it happen. "
Olivia laughed out loud. She loved Alex's witty sense of humor. She glanced around and noticed the courtroom was now completely empty. She stepped into Alex's personal space and pulled her close. She leaned in and gave Alex a kiss so passionate it made the blonde's toes curl in her shoes. When she pulled away, Alex still had her eyes closed.
"Wha… What was that for?"
"That was for being my hero. You have the amazing ability to always be there when I need you. I'm incredibly lucky to have you in my life and even luckier that you've decided to love me." Olivia said cupping her face.
"You just want to get me to go to a Yankee's game with you." Alex teased trying to lighten the conversation again.
Olivia laughed. "Well, you know how jealous I can be when it comes to Langon. He got you into a Yankees jersey. I have to find a way to top that."
Alex grabbed her briefcase then took Olivia by the hand before pulling her towards the exit.
"How about we start with you taking me to lunch in the park? Then if you're really good I might consider wearing that jersey for you later tonight… when we're alone… and you can top me instead."
Olivia grinned, allowing her eyes to rake over Alex's lean body encased in her favorite black Armani suit. She could picture how sexy that body would look in nothing but her favorite Yankees jersey. She licked her lips.
"Ha! Try and top that Trev!"
Alex simply laughed.
Alex smiled to herself as she flipped through the New York Times. She and Olivia had slept in since it was Saturday and neither had to work. The extra couplle of hours of sleep was exactly what they had needed after the marathon of lovemaking that had lasted well into the night. Alex found herself smiling as she recalled the excited look on Olivia's face when she walked out of the bedroom wearing nothing but the detective's favorite Yankee's jersey. Although Alex was a born and bred Boston Red Sox fan, she knew she would be willing to wear the rival jersey anytime it was requested if it resulted in being ravished by her girlfriend that way.
A loud thump interrupted her thoughts. A few seconds later, she heard yet another loud thump coming from Olivia's bedroom down the hall. She folded the paper and tossed it aside before heading towards the bedroom. What she found made her eyes widen.
"Liv? Baby, what are you doing?"
Only Olivia's voice floated from the small walk-in closet. "I'm trying to find something to wear!"
Alex instantly knew what the issue was. Olivia was officially showing. Alex wasn't even sure when it happened. It seemed like they got up this morning and suddenly Olivia had a baby bump and slightly larger breast. Alex certainly wasn't complaining about the latter, but Olivia was having a fit about the first.
"Olivia, why don't you just tell them?" Alex stood with her hands on her hips as she watched Olivia toss yet another outfit onto the bed.
The detectives of the 1-6 were throwing the captain a small dinner party tonight at a restaurant on the West Side in honor of Cragen's birthday and they were expected to be there.
"Sweetheart, you can't hide the fact that you're pregnant anymore." Alex said gently.
Olivia poked her head back out of the closet. "I know that Alex. I was planning to tell them tonight anyway, but I have to find something to wear to this thing. I can't very well walk into the room wearing this."
Olivia was standing in the middle of her bedroom wearing a pair of black satin panties and matching bra. Alex licked her lips unconsciously. She thought Olivia looked incredibly sexy even with the small pregnancy pouch.
Alex leaned in the doorway with crossed arms and grinned as she looked Olivia up and down. "You are so right. You cannot be seen in public in that."
"Why? Because I'm fat?" Olivia pouted.
Alex rolled her eyes. Although the morning sickness and fatigue from the first trimester had tapered off, Olivia had picked up some new symptoms. Now, at sixteen weeks pregnant, she had acquired reoccurring headaches, back aches, as well as swelling hands and feet just to name a few.
"Olivia, we talked about this with Dr. Powell. It is perfectly normal to start gaining weight."
Olivia growled as she tossed another pair of pants on the bed. "Don't patronize me, Alex."
Alex bit her lip. She'd almost forgotten the new raging hormones that made Olivia particularly moody. It was like having two girlfriends. She never knew which one she'd get on any given day.
"I'm not patronizing you, Liv. I promise." Alex went over and stopped the further destruction of her girlfriend's closet. She sat Olivia down on the bed and kneeled in front of her. "You are not fat. You look so amazing, baby." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on each of her breast. Olivia shivered. "I especially love the girls. I always said they were magnificent, but they just keep getting better and better."
Olivia couldn't help it. She cracked a smile. "God Cabot, you are such a breast bunny."
Alex flashed a lascivious grin before kissing her soundly. "I'm more of a Benson bunny. I love every inch of you and if you don't get some clothes on this very instant, I'm going to show you just how much."
That did it. Alex had somehow made her come out of her darkening mood. "Well that's all well and good but if I don't find anything to wear, everyone will be seeing every inch of me."
Alex nodded and stood. "Well we can't have that. I'd hate to be arrested for attacking anyone who dares to ogle my gorgeous girlfriend. So let's see what I can do to help."
Alex went into the closet and after a few failed attempts she found a pair of dark grey slacks. They were just loose enough for Olivia to button them underneath her growing tummy. She then found a simple white button down shirt then layered it with a black cardigan sweater. Once Olivia had her leather jacket, the outfit was complete.
"This will do until we get to the stores?"
"Stores?"
"Yes, darling." Alex flashed teasing grin. "I'm taking you shopping… right now."
Olivia stopped and instantly paled. She hated shopping with Alex. The woman had a black belt in it. "But…"
"Oh no." Alex held up a hand. "You're going. Not only am I going to get you something amazing for tonight, but I'm getting you an entirely new wardrobe so we don't have to go through this again and you're going to like it, Detective."
Olivia groaned as Alex pulled her out the door. "I should have just worn my underwear."
"You really need to stop staring at me like that, Counselor. We won't make it to this party if you don't." Olivia said trying to hide her blush.
Blue eyes twinkled behind black frames as she turned her gaze back to the road. "I can't help it if my girlfriend is incredibly sexy."
Olivia continued to blush as she tried not to squirm in the passenger seat of the car. Alex had kept her word. She had taken Olivia shopping and to her own surprise Olivia had liked it.
It wasn't the fact that Alex had pampered her that made Olivia enjoy the little shopping excursion. It was just the way the blonde had taken delight in seeing her in every single article of clothing. Alex had sat in the 'husband' chair with the sexiest little smirk on her face as she watched the attendants help Olivia dress and undress. Olivia felt like the blonde had x-ray vision. She felt naked no matter what she had on. Then came the touching; Alex found a way to caress her every chance she got. By the time, they had returned to Olivia's apartment, Olivia was climbing the walls with arousal. They had made love nearly all afternoon until they were forced out of bed to get ready.
Olivia knew Alex had done this to make sure she was distracted. They both knew that allowing Alex to spoil her would always make Olivia uncomfortable, but she was learning to deal with it. This was just another way Alex expressed her love. She loved Olivia and wanted to give her the world… or at least what little Olivia would allow her to.
"You think anyone will notice that we're late?"
Alex chuckled. "Will John Munch be there?"
"Yes."
"Well, you can be certain that they have already been discussing the possible reasons behind our tardiness and I can assure you that us having sex is one of them. John would probably have a heart attack if he knew he was right this time."
Olivia laughed. "You know it's only because he has a thing for you. He always has. You're his fantasy girl."
Alex slipped out of the car and handed the keys to the valet. She reached down and helped Olivia out as the valet opened the passenger door. Olivia blushed again. Whoever said chivalry was dead hadn't met Alexandra Cabot.
"Well, my dear, I will have to remain just that; a fantasy..." She brought Olivia's hand up to her lips and kissed it. "…because I have a fantasy of my own. Are you ready for this?"
"Well, considering that this little dress I'm wearing will leave little about my condition to the imagination, I'd better be." Olivia joked nervously as she gave herself the once over again.
The dress she was wearing was a burgundy Chanel sleeveless sheath that fell at the knee. It dipped low in the front showing off her impressive 'girls' as Alex referred to them. It fit her like a glove and it showed off all of her curves especially the small baby bump in front.
"You look so beautiful. Don't worry. I'll be right there with you."
The small dinner party was in full swing by the time they arrived. Olivia glanced around the room and saw the regular turnout. Amanda and John were seated at the end closest to the entrance. She assumed the handsome guy next to Amanda was her date. Nick was seated across from Fin and Melinda Warner. Olivia smirked. She had seen those two together quite a bit lately. She was the only one who knew that Fin had a secret crush on the doctor for years but he had never pursued her because she was married. A year after her divorce was finalized; things seemed to be very different. George Huang, his partner David, a few other officers and friends were sitting on the far end. Captain Cragen, of course, was in the middle of the table holding court.
Just as predicted, when Alex helped Olivia out of her jacket their close friends fell silent. Olivia thought a quick announcement might be best, but it turned out to be unnecessary. Alex looked her in the eyes for a long moment before placing a gentle hand over Olivia's small stomach. When Olivia smiled back, the blonde gave her loving kiss on the cheek. To the average person, the sight was nothing more than a touching moment shared between two people in love. However, this was room full of seasoned detectives trained to notice the smallest of details.
Amanda's eyes lit up first. "Oh my God!"
"What?" John said not yet catching on.
Amanda continued to stare at the couple. She met Olivia's eyes then pointed. "Are you... Are you serious?"
Olivia's smile widened and she nodded her head. Alex, with her hand still in place, was beaming.
Fin was the next to latch on to the clues. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Cabot, you are officially my new hero! If you were a guy, I'd say you were 'The Man!'"
Alex chuckled. "Uh… Thank you… I think."
Melinda rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm. "That's wonderful news you two. Congratulations!"
"Well I'll be damned." Nick grinned and held up his drink. "Enhorabuena!"
"What the hell is going on?" John asked. "What's with all the congrats?"
Fin rolled his eyes and leaned across the table. "What kind of detective are you, man? Can't you tell when a woman is having a baby?"
John blinked and looked back and forth between Olivia and Alex then simply lifted his glass. "Mazel tov!"
Before long, everyone in the small dinner party had embraced and congratulated them. Cragen had given a brief toast offering his love and support. Everyone teased that Olivia and Alex had cheated and made them all look bad by giving Cragen the best gift of the night. All in all, things could not have gone better. It was strange. No one asked about the father or how the baby had come to be. Olivia was sure that the guys had put two and two together. They all knew about her past with Cassidy and they were detectives after all. No one seemed to care though. They just rejoiced in happiness because Olivia and Alex seemed thrilled.
After dinner, the guys had managed to whisk Alex off to the bar. They had deemed her to be the 'guy' in the scenario and felt it was their duty to share their fatherly wisdom with her. They also managed to ply her with several shots of Patron. She had tried to resist, insisting that she couldn't drink because she was driving. Olivia had simply waved her off and told her to have a little fun; she could drive them home. To be honest, Olivia thought Alex needed it. The younger woman had been so steadfast and reliable the past few months. She had been Olivia's rock. Olivia was glad to see her just let go if only for a little while.
A couple of hours later, the dinner party had died down and everyone had headed home. By the time Olivia made the short drive back to Alex's apartment, she could tell that the alcohol had the blonde was feeling rather relaxed and quite frisky. She had to admit that she liked this side of Alex. The blonde had pounced on her as soon as they walked through the door. They had left a trail of heels, dresses, and underwear all the way up to the bedroom. They had made love long into the early morning hours before passing out in an exhausted heap.
TBC…
Coming Soon: Changes to make