Love and Litigation - An Alex Cabot/Law and Order SVU fanfiction

Chapter 19

Back at home, Amanda and Luke sat in front of the TV after dinner. Rising up her in seat, she muted the sound and turned towards him. 

"I talked to Cabot today." 

Luke eyes didn't divert from the television. 

"Oh yeah?" 

"Yeah, she seemed on edge." 

"I think she's still trying to play catch up since Casey got cut loose." 

"No, it's more than that. She seemed pissed off at me." 

He cut his eyes over to her. 

"Why would she be pissed off at you?" 

"For almost getting you killed? I didn't press the issue, but she wasn't having it." 

"We've been friends a long time. I'm sure it's just concern." 

Amanda arched an eyebrow at her friend. 

"What?" 

"I don't think that was just concern from a friend." 

Still confused, he only stared at her. 

"She's got feelings for you! How are you so clueless?" 

Luke laughed, his breath catching with the discomfort in his ribcage. 

"You're out of your mind." 

"Am I? She's been by the hospital several times, and now this? Read the room, Luke." 

"Look, even if you were right, and you're not...it's a moot point. A detective dating the ADA? Just something else for Olivia to be on my ass about." 

Guilt crept into Amanda's tone. 

"Yeah, about that. You were right. She didn't believe me when I said you had nothing to do with it." 

"She knows how close we are," he chuckled. "and, I think she gets it to some degree." 

She stayed quiet and he cut his eyes over at her. 

"I've already forgiven you for this. It's time for you to forgive yourself." 

Quickly dabbing her leaking eyes, she came to her feet. 

"I'm gonna get some sleep. Do you need anything before I do?" 

"I'm good." 

As she rounded the couch, she planted a kiss on his head before heading to the guest room.
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The following week: 
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With over a week since his attack, it was finally time for Luke to get back to work. Even though he would be chained to a desk it was better than sitting at home all day. The swelling in his eye had dramatically improved, and his double vision was nearly gone. Now if he could just get this damn cast off his hand, he'd be right as rain. 

As soon as he walked into the squad room, Olivia intercepted him and called Alex in behind her. After they all walked into her office, she shut the door and closed the blinds. 

"We've got somebody in custody. I want you to take a look at him. See if you can remember anything."

"He was wearing a mask, and he didn't say anything. I'm not sure how much help I can be." 

"Amanda just identified him in a lineup," Alex informed him. "If you can take a look and see if anything comes back to you, that would really help." 

He shook his head in agreement and the three walked down to the interrogation room. Through the privacy glass, Luke saw Nick and Fin talking to the perp. He studied him for a moment, trying to will himself to remember even the tiniest detail. And then it hit him. 

"His hands." 

Olivia and Alex exchanged glances. 

"What?" Alex asked. 

"I saw it when he was slamming his fist into my face. He has a black skull tattoo on his hand, near his thumb." 

"Let's get him in a lineup." Olivia said, tapping on the window. 

A short time later, they walked into the designated area. Six sets of hands were on display as Olivia gave Luke the signal to begin. Studying them closely, he took his time careful not to miss anything. When he reached the third set of hands, a lump formed in his throat. On the man's right hand was a black skull tattoo, right where he said it would be. Luke held up three fingers, prompting Olivia to rap the window three times. 

As they exited the room, Amanda glanced up from her desk. 

"Well?" 

Luke nodded his head. 

"It's him." 

He took a seat at his desk, a place he knew he'd find himself glued to for God knows how long. What a first day back.