Title: Discussion

Author: Python

Fandom: Law & Order

Pairing: Briscoe/McCoy

Series: Deleted Scenes 2002-03 season. Inspired by the ep "Sheltered"

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

any feedback is appreciated

Another episode, another deleted scene

Discussion
by Python

"Do you want to go out for a drink, Jack?" Serena asked.

Jack shook his head. "No thanks. Lennie's coming to pick me up and we're going to have a late dinner."

"Okay. See ya tomorrow."

"Good night, Serena."

Serena ran into Lennie on her way out. "Night, Lennie."

"Night, Serena," Lennie said and came to stand in Jack's doorway. "Hey."

Jack smiled. "Hey."

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah," Jack answered, but didn't move from his desk chair.

Lennie sighed. "You're thinking about Justin Capshaw."

Jack shook his head. "I just don't know how to feel about the end of this case. The jury thought that he was not guilty by reason of mental defect and part of me agrees. Justin was mentally abused by Herman Capshaw since he was five years old. Justin was completely dependent on him. In his mind, a world without Herman couldn't exist."

"It's sad, but Justin did kill four people, three of whom he never knew."

"But, if Herman Capshaw hadn't kidnapped Justin and told him that his real family was dead, none of this would've ever happened," Jack protested.

"But it did, Jack. Justin knew what he was doing when he killed those people. His main target was Herman's boss, but he tried to cover his crime by killing three others. Who knows how many more he would've taken out if we hadn't caught him?"

Jack ran a hand through his hair. "I know. I still can't help feeling sorry for the kid. I don't know what I'd do if my kid was ever taken from me and turned into a monster."

"The families of the victims deserved more justice than this." Lennie said. He went to Jack's side of the desk and sat on the edge, facing his lover. "Feel all of the pity you want for Justin. He still belongs in jail."

"But he'll never go there."

"No because the jury blamed everything on old Herman and he's only serving time for kidnapping. I'm sure the victim's families will sleep a lot better now."

Lennie's sarcasm cut and Jack grunted. "I see your point."

Lennie patted Jack's shoulder. "It's a tough case all around. You did your best."

"Maybe some good will come of this. Maybe Justin will be rehabilitated in the hospital."

Lennie sighed. "I wouldn't hold my breath." He gave Jack a quick kiss and stood up. "Let's go."

Jack got to his feet. "I thought that you might be a little more sympathetic to Justin."

"Because I have kids." Lennie paused. "Yeah, but I also know what it's like to be a family member of a victim of a violent crime. Pray that you never have to know what that feels like."

Jack put his arms around Lennie and the two hugged. "Sorry," Jack whispered. "I didn't mean to stir up bad memories."

Lennie rubbed Jack's back. "It's all right." They pulled apart and he grinned. "Can we go eat now?"

Jack returned the grin. "Sure."

The End