DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but Allyson!
NEW YORK
"There's a witness," Cyrus said.
Kevin looked at his partner like he'd grown three heads.
"What," Kevin asked.
"There were seven attacks in London. Six victims died. One survived," Cyrus said.
"Really? Is there a name or anyway to contact her," Bernard asked.
"The name was redacted, but the record of her interview is in the file," Cyrus said.
He read a little more and threw the paper down.
"This is one sick, twisted bastard," he said.
"Think it's the same guy," Kevin asked.
"No doubt. The surviving victim had the 13 stab wounds, but the doctor credited the police with finding her so fast and saving her life. Apparently some scar tissue from an appendectomy kept the knife from making the fatal wound. Maybe she remembers something now. I'm going to call DI Chandler and tell her I think the cases are related," Cyrus said.
Without waiting for his partner to reply, Cyrus went to Van Buren's office.
"I think they are related," he told his boss.
"What did the lead detectives over there have to say," she asked.
"I haven't spoken with them, but I did talk to their direct boss. She's convinced they were related before I even saw the evidence. It's worth investigating. See what they have and getting this guy off the streets," he said.
"Call McCoy and let him know what you have. Allyson might be able to advise you on some of the legal aspects of the British judicial system," Anita said.
"I'll see her tonight when we have dinner," he said.
Anita raised her eyebrows at her detective.
"It's just a causal thing. Ally's very easy to talk to," Cyrus said.
"Just be careful. Ally's a special girl," Anita warned.
"I will," Cyrus said.
Cyrus went to his desk and placed a call to DI Chandler.
"Chandler," she answered.
"This is Detective Lupo from the NYPD," Cyrus said.
"Detective. Did you look over the reports," she asked.
"Yes and I do believe the cases are related. Is there any way for me to be able to talk to the witness," he asked.
Natalie went quiet. The last thing she wanted to do was compromise the safety of the lone witness. The police had been very careful when releasing information about the attack. They didn't believe the offender knew he had a surviving victim but, at Matt's insistence, they had kept her identity a secret from anyone outside the close circle. He'd taken great pains to keep the name out of the reports. He made sure that only himself, Natalie, Ronnie, Alesha, Henry and Jake knew who the witness was and how to find her. Matt had guarded the identity of that witness and refused to allow anyone to know there was a survivor from the serial killer. He'd made sure there was security at her hospital door as she recovered and she was well protected when she resumed her normal activities.
Natalie knew the detectives in New York could be trusted, but convincing Matt to let the name out, would be easier said than done.
"I'll talk to the detectives on the case. If they are both agreeable, we'll let her contact you. If the top lets me, I'll send one of my detectives to New York," Natalie said.
"That would be perfect. I'll work on getting it clear here," he said.
"We'll be in touch, Detective," Natalie said.
"Thanks," Cyrus said.
He ended the call.
Jack put the last paper in his briefcase. It had been a long week and he was anxious to get out of the office. This serial killer case was going to be causing a lot of sleepless nights on both sides of the case. The cops and his prosecutors would be working feverishly to get the perp and put them behind bars.
He picked up his case and was headed out the door when the phone rang.
Wondering who would be calling him on a Sunday afternoon, he went back to his desk.
"Jack McCoy," he said.
"Mr. McCoy. This is Henry Sharpe. I'm the head of the CPS London office," Henry said.
"Yes, Mr. Sharpe. I remember you. You gave an excellent recommendation for Allyson Briscoe," Jack said.
"She's a lovely girl. I'm calling because we have a mutual problem," Henry said.
"What is the problem," Jack asked.
"Are you currently working on a serial killer case in New York," Henry asked.
Jack's interest was piqued. "Yes," he said.
"Well, we have reason to believe that your attacks are linked to a series of seven attacks that occurred in London over the last few years. This man has killed six. One of your detectives sent out a standard feeler to other departments and it got on the Interpol blips. The feeler was seen by one of the Detectives that investigated the crimes here in London. He told his supervisor who agreed there might be a connection and contacted your detective...Cyrus Lupo about comparing notes. We sent our police reports and your detective contacted us and said he believed it was the same person. Apparently the reports are nearly identical," Henry said.
"Are you saying this person is operating in two countries," Jack asked.
"And Interpol believes he's connected to some drug dealing that's going on in Europe. It's a sticky case with multiple jurisdictions. I'm calling because we think one of the leads on our case should come the US and work with your detective on solving this," Henry said.
Jack thought for a moment. "You said seven attacks and six victims. One survived," Jack asked.
"Yes. Detective Lupo wants to interview the witness. She's in New York and part of the reason I would like to send an detective from here to New York," Henry said.
"Really? Where? We need to talk to her," Jack said.
"That's why I want to send one of my detectives. She'll be more comfortable if he's there with her during the questioning," Henry said.
Jack sank into his chair. He was well versed on the methods of this particular killer and to discover this madman's victim was in New York, was almost too much for him to handle.
"I'll see what I can do," Jack asked.
"Thank you. Just call me if you have any questions or need information," Henry said.
"I'll get in touch with someone to make this happen. How soon can you get your detective here," Jack asked.
"I can get the detective on a plane in 24 hours. I shouldn't have a problem getting the approval to send him," Henry said.
"I'll make the arrangements. I'll also get my ADA's here along with Dets. Lupo and Bernard. Which Detective will you send so I know who they will be working with," Jack asked.
"I'll get DI Chandler to send Matt Devlin. He developed a good relationship with the victim. They're still in touch," Henry said.
"Are you sure it's wise to send someone personally invested," Jack said.
"DS Devlin has been a bear when it comes to chasing down leads on the case. You'll read this when you get the case file, but Matt was the one who found the victim. He went to look for her when she didn't return home. He found her as she crawled out of the darkened apartment house entry way. The attacker must have gone out the back. Here are my cell and office numbers. Let me know when it's approved. I'll send Devlin out on the first available flight," Henry said.
Jack wrote down the numbers and thanked the British attorney. He hung up the phone and took a deep breath. He couldn't believe what had happened. It seemed too strange to fathom.
He picked up the phone and called the Chief of Detectives. He knew the Chief would take his call on a Sunday because this serial killer case was taking priority.
After Jack explained the situation, the Chief of Detectives was happy to allow a London detective to come to New York to work on the task force.
Jack then called Van Buren. He knew she was still in the office, her precinct having caught the case.
"Anita, Jack," he said.
"What can I do for you," she asked.
"I just got a call from the head of the CPS in London. He thinks there is a connection between our case and some cases in London. I've arranged for the London police to send their lead detective to New York to help. How does that sit with you,," Jack said.
"Cyrus told me. He's been in contact with Natalie Chandler. Do you think it's the same person," Anita asked.
"Yes. I want to catch this guy. The lone survivor is here New York," Jack said.
"Really? Can we talk to her? Can she identify the guy," Anita asked.
"Apparently, she's still in contact with the London Detective Matt Devlin. He's coming and will arrange for us to get in contact with the witness," Jack said.
"Did you get clearance," she asked.
"Yeah. For as long as we need him. Lupo, Bernard and this DS Devlin can handle things here. Devlin's partner can handle the London end," Jack said.
"When would he arrive," she asked.
"In the next 24 hours," Jack said.
"I'll let my guys know," she said.
"Great. Have Lupo and Bernard report to my office in the morning. I'll explain everything and, hopefully, have an arrival time for the London detective," Jack said.
They ended the call and Jack picked up the phone again and contacted Henry.
"Mr. McCoy, I take it you got clearance," Henry said.
"That's correct. He's welcome for as long as he can stay," Jack said.
"OK. I'll book the flight and email you the information," he said.
"Thank you," Jack said.
Jack gathered the necessary files from his cabinet and ran off several copies of the documents. He put them in a folder and placed them on the desk for Allyson to use in the briefing tomorrow morning.
Just as he was leaving, the phone rang.
"Mr. McCoy, Matt will leave at 7 in the morning, our time. His flight should get in around 10 your time," Henry said.
"I'll make sure someone is there to meet him. Will he need hotel accommodations," Jack asked.
"He'll make those arrangements when he gets there," Henry said.
"Wonderful. We'll keep in touch," Jack said, hanging up the phone.
LONDON
"Matt, Ronnie, Henry just called and said the DA in New York got permission for one of you lot to go to the US," Natalie said.
Matt looked at his boss, unable to believe what she'd just said.
"Sounds like they believe they can help catch this guy," Ronnie said.
"The flight leaves at 5 am tomorrow morning from Heathrow. Got your passport, Matt," Natalie asked.
"I'm going to New York," Matt asked.
"Yes. That good with you Ronnie," Natalie asked.
"You bet. I'd like to see Ally-girl again, but I think Mattie might knock me down to get to her," Ronnie said.
Matt's ears turned red. "I just want her to have justice," Matt said.
"Ronnie can take you to the airport. Don't miss the flight. Your ticket's at the counter. You'd better pack and clean up the place," Natalie said, heading back to her office.
Matt stared after her. "Why does everyone do that," he asked.
"Do what," Ronnie asked.
"Assume I'm a slob. I'm living at Ally's place because I gave up my apartment when I got shot and she had the room," Matt said.
"Come on, we're teasing. We know it's because she cooks and has an amazing view of the Thames and that wonderful telly to watch the matches," Ronnie said, smiling at his partner.
Matt rolled his eyes.
Ronnie laughed. He turned serious and looked at his young partner. "I know how you feel about Ally. Maybe you need to tell he that you love her and be done with it," Ronnie said.
Matt shot him a look. "And risk the rejection like last time. No thank you. The relationship we have works just fine," he said.
"Whatever you say, Sunshine," Ronnie said, heading back to his desk to grab his coat.
Matt walked behind him. Truthfully, he wanted to tell Allyson he loved her, but he didn't want her to tell him she didn't care that way for him and then he'd lose the friendship. He'd survived being shot and major heart surgery, but he knew that, his heart couldn't handle.
He headed to the flat. He was still amazed that Allyson had welcomed him without reservation and told him to stay in the place while she was in the US. He entered the place and was greeted by his cat. "Guess I'll ask Ron to feed you while I'm gone," he said, putting the cat down on the floor and heading to the bedroom.
He took out the suitcases from the spare room closet and went into the bedroom.
He didn't know what to pack, but put a few pairs of dress pants and dress shirts in the case. He added a few ties, just in case. He tossed in his jeans and a few long sleeve shirts and tees. He pulled out underwear and socks and added them to the pile. He put his tennis shoes in the bottom of the case and put the other clothes on top. He placed the case by the door.
He didn't know how long he'd be staying, but he wasn't one to pack everything. Taking the big suitcase was going to be a chore for him. He made sure his cell charger was in the bag and his laptop was charged. He figured he could get some work done on the plane ride since it would be a long one.
He changed quickly and called out for dinner. He busied himself with cleaning before his food arrived. He took the food to the dining room and went through the papers that he'd brought with him from the station. He knew he'd have to take all the information he had with him. He made sure the files had pictures of the evidence in the storage room and slipped the file in his computer case.
He was about to go to bed, when the phone rang.
"Yeah," he said.
"Mattie. I'll pick you up early to take you to the airport. You won't have to worry about calling a ride or leaving your car," Ronnie asked.
"That'd be great, Ron," Matt said.
"I'll pick you up early then. I'll feed Lucky twice a day," Ron said.
"I'd appreciate it. You could even come round and watch the matches on the big screen," Matt said, laughing.
"You know, Mattie boy, I just might do that," he said, laughing at his younger partner.
"I'll see you in the morning," Matt said, ending the call.
He smiled. Ronnie loved Ally like another daughter and treated Matt like a son. He had never had that kind of relationship with his father and it felt nice to have something like that with Ronnie. Ronnie believed in him when he didn't believe in himself. Matt would never forget the look on Ronnie's face when he saw him for the first time after the shooting. Matt was certain Ronnie was going to kiss him. Instead, Matt saw the undying gratitude that he was alive on Ronnie's face. Matt was certain his real father would never have looked at him that way.
He had just slipped off his pants and shirt and was going to get under the covers when his mobile rang.
Recognizing Ally's ring instantly, Matt answered the call.
"Ally," he said.
"Matt. Just thought I'd call and see how that evidence turned out," she said.
"We have a big lead, Ally. One that, unfortunately, I can't discuss with you right now," he said, keeping his impending arrival in NYC the following day a secret.
"OK. So, how are you," she asked.
"I'm fine. You," he asked.
"Right as rain," she said.
They talked for a few more minutes, mostly about the weather in each country and about the crazy things Lucky had done since Allyson had been gone.
"Oh, Matt, look at the time. I'll talk to you tomorrow," Allyson said, realizing how late it was in London.
"It's fine, Ally. You know I love talking to you," he said.
"I know. The feeling's mutual," she said.
"Lyssa, there's something we need to talk about," he said.
"What, Matt," she asked.
"Not now. Too big a conversation to have right before bed, especially with you all the way across the pond. Can we talk about it tomorrow," Matt asked.
"Sure. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Matt," she said.
"'Til tomorrow, Lyssa," Matt said.
The call ended and Matt fell back against the pillow. He'd gladly take the grueling physical therapy he'd endured to get back on the force than tell Allyson how he felt about her. He was terrified of rejection.
He put the phone back on the nightstand and pulled the covers up to his waist. He closed his eyes. As he fell asleep, he dreamed of Allyson's reaction to his revelation. He hoped her reaction was as wonderful as he dreamed it.