Juliet and Juliet?

Chapter 22

Olivia and Alex emerged from the locker room and spotted Elliot beside the cooker, picking at freshly baked gingerbread from a cooling rack. He turned when he heard the door click shut.

He smiled as he took in the sight of his partner and their ADA. They were both wearing dark denims, Olivia wore a gray and black checkered shirt whilst Alex sported a blue 'v' neck sweater. Alex had also swapped her shoes for a pair of Lucy's sneakers, grateful the girl wore the same size as herself. The clothes looked a little snug on his partner but he was pleased to see she appeared refreshed and more relaxed than she had when they had interviewed Porter.

"How's your bullet holes?" he asked, around a piece of gingerbread.

"Glue's Still holding," she replied and smiled.

Olivia and Alex stood next to each other as they leaned against the island in the center of the kitchen across from Elliot. He finished the piece of gingerbread and nodded his head in response.

"I spoke with Connors," he said as he swallowed, "Actually Liv, I need to show you something..outside. Alex we'll just be a minute," he said and wiped his hands on a nearby towel.

Olivia pushed off the counter but Alex placed a restraining hand on her stomach and pushed her back as she cleared her throat, "I know about Liam, Elliot. You don't have to leave. What did little brother have to say?" she asked as he looked to his partner quickly for guidance.

Olivia nodded her head, "It's okay El, I told her about him."

He smiled at Alex, "You always know when we're holding something back don'tcha counselor? How d'you get her to tell you? Threaten to beat the crap out of her?" he teased.

Alex returned his smile, "More like Backwoods water torture," she drawled.

Olivia's eyes nearly popped from her head. The move did not go unnoticed by her amused partner.

"What did Sean tell you?" Olivia asked, halting any further pursuit of that particular topic.

Elliot folded his arms and stood with his feet apart, "Hold on to your hat, we're about to play, 'Which is the more plausible?'"

Olivia and Alex both turned to look at each other.

"O'Hara called Connors and offered him the contract. Connors accepted."

Olivia waited for Elliot to continue, when he didn't she prompted him with an exasperated sigh, "And?"

"And nothing."

"What do you mean?" asked a confused Alex.

Elliot turned and broke off another piece of the warm, sweet treat. "Connors agreed to the hit, he enlisted Brennan because he's used him before and roped his Cousin Patrick in 'cos he was an 'expendable' fall guy."

Olivia was confused and it showed on her face, "When did Liam come into the frame?"

"See, this is where we start the game. Connors claims he hasn't spoken directly with his brother," he said raising his eyebrows and tilting his head.

Alex's expression of confusion now matched Olivia's, "What do you mean, not directly spoken with Liam?"

"Liam has only contacted him by text message," he saw Olivia about to speak and cut her off by raising his hand, "we've checked his cellphone, text messages from an unknown number, all signed off with 'Liam'. We dialed the number, just rings out, doesn't go to voicemail either," he said, answering her unspoken question.

Why would he believe the messages were from his brother?" asked the doubtful detective.

Elliot removed the cellphone from his trouser pocket and handed it to Olivia. She reached for it and scrolled through the menu to the message inbox. Alex moved closer and leaned against her as she looked over Olivia's shoulder to see the screen. They both read the multiple messages claiming to be from Liam Connors. The most recent ones were mostly directional instructions but the first few had read as though the sender was proving his identity. They finished reading them all and navigated to the sent items folder... Empty. "Damn," Olivia said out loud.