Title: A Dinner Discussion

Author: Python

Fandom: Law & Order

Pairing: Briscoe/McCoy

Series: Deleted Scenes 2003-04 season. Inspired by the ep "Shrunk"

Disclaimer: These guys don't belong to me. I'm not making any money off them.

any feedback is appreciated

A Dinner Discussion
by Python

"I wish there was something we could do to Dr. Barrett," Serena complained at dinner with Jack. They ordered their drinks but were going to wait until Lennie arrived to order the entrees.

Jack shrugged, looking over his menu. "We gave Myers a chance to tell us that Barrett had him commit murder. But, as long as Myers insists that he did it on his own, there's nothing we can do."

Serena glared. "Barrett is Myers's psychiatrist. He's a doctor. He's supposed to help his patient, not manipulate him to kill someone." She paused and shook her head. "He knew both the killer and the victim well and knew that putting them together would produce an explosion. It's his fault."

Jack put his menu down and sat forward. "I know, Serena. I wish that we could get Barrett, too. But Myers is the one who killed the girl. He's going to jail to pay for his crime." He paused. "And, who knows, time in jail may loosen his tongue and he'll tell us the part Barrett played in the murder."

"I hope so." Serena shuddered. "The look on Barrett's face...He knew that Myers wouldn't turn on him."

"Myers is dependent on Barrett right now. In prison, Barrett won't have access to Myers and Myers will have to learn to be a little more independent." Jack felt a familiar touch on his shoulder and smiled.

Lennie kissed the side of Jack's head and slid into the booth next to Jack. "Hi."

Jack grinned at Lennie. "Hi."

Serena chuckled. "Hi, Lennie."

The waitress came by and Lennie ordered an iced tea. Then he looked at Jack and Serena. "So, what were you two talking about?"

"The Myers case," Serena answered.

"Ah. What happened when you told Myers that Barrett was using him?"

Serena frowned. "He didn't believe us."

Lennie nudged Jack. "I told you so."

Jack shrugged. "Yeah, but I had to try it."

Serena stirred the ice around in her glass of cola with her straw. The gesture was agitated. "Myers may have committed the murder but Barrett played a hand in it. He shouldn't get off." She stared at the two men across from her, challenging either of them to disagree.

Jack sighed. "Serena, we have no proof to link Barrett to the murder. At best, we have some circumstantial clues. A jury wouldn't convict him without Myers testifying against him and Myers isn't going to do that right now."

"We have to wait until Myers realizes that Barrett played him," Lennie added.

"But what if he doesn't?" Serena asked sharply.

"Then, he doesn't."

"I hate that."

Jack looked at Serena sympathetically. "It's the way things work out sometimes."

Serena grunted softly. "It's not a perfect world or a perfect system."

"I'm afraid not."

"I shouldn't let this get to me." Serena stood up. "I have to use the ladies room, guys. If the waitress comes back, will you order me the roasted chicken breast."

Jack nodded. "Sure, Serena."

Serena disappeared and Lennie studied Jack. His eyes sparked mischievously. "You know something?"

Jack's eyebrow rose. "What?"

"She reminds me of you."

"How so?"

"She hates defeat."

Jack waved that off. "Everyone hates defeat."

Lennie laughed. "And sometimes she get stuck on her own moral high horse just like someone else that I know."

Jack's hand wandered under the table to rest on Lennie's thigh. "I'm just passionate about my job, that's all."

"Uh-huh."

Jack leaned in closer and rubbed Lennie's leg. He saw Lennie swallow and grinned predatorily. "Fortunately, my passion extends to other areas of my life."

Lennie shifted in his seat. He cleared his throat. "Serena will be back soon, Jack."

"You want me to back off?"

"I really don't want you to, but it would probably be a good idea."

Jack laughed quietly, his hot breath over Lennie's ear. "I suppose so."

"But keep that thought for when we get home."

"You got it." Jack eased away from Lennie. Ten seconds later, Serena came back to the table.

"Did you get a chance to order?" Serena asked, settling back in behind the table.

"No, the waitress hasn't come back yet," Jack answered easily.

Serena peered at Lennie. He appeared uncomfortable. "You okay, Lennie?"

Lennie nodded curtly. "Fine."

Serena looked from one man to the other and decided that she didn't want to know. She was safer that way.


The End