Title: Exasperating and Appealing

Author: Python

Fandom: Law & Order

Pairing: Briscoe/McCoy

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

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

any feedback is appreciated

Exasperating and Appealing
by Python

Lennie sat in the restaurant, waiting for Jack. He looked over his menu and sipped his iced tea. "Hey," he said when he felt Jack slip into the chair across from him.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"It's okay. I haven't been here too long."

"Scotch," Jack told the waitress when she came over. "What are you getting?" he asked Lennie.

"Philly cheese steak."

"That does sound good," Jack said, looking over his own menu.

Lennie put his down. "So, what kept you this time?" He wasn't upset, just curious. He'd run late enough times himself. He and Jack had approximate times of meeting. They were never ironclad.

"Had to finish up some paperwork."

"Fun," Lennie remarked sarcastically.

The waitress came back with Jack's drink. "Are you ready to order?" she asked.

"I'll take a philly cheese steak," Lennie answered

"Same," Jack said and they handed the waitress their menus.

After she was gone, Jack leaned forward. "I'm convening a grand jury to indict Mr. Chen for murdering Ms. Quan."

Lennie wasn't surprised that Jack was willing to go after a Chinese diplomat. He believed that Chen probably had something to do with the murder. But he wasn't sure how far they'd get. "Do we have the jurisdiction? Won't he claim diplomatic immunity if we try to indict him?"

"I don't think the Chinese government will go to the mat for a man accused of murder," Jack stated. He crossed his arms. "I could win this case, Lennie."

The vehemence in Jack's voice startled Lennie. He put his hands up. "Hold on, I never said that you couldn't."

Jack sighed. "Sorry, Lennie. It's just that Arthur said something like that earlier tonight. He doesn't think we can win if we go after Chen."

"Why?"

"Chen's lawyer belongs to Arthur's old firm. They have more money and resources than our office."

"That's never stopped you before."

"No," Jack agreed. He smiled ruefully. "I'm going to at least give it a shot."

Lennie nodded. "Good."

"Good?"

"Yes. For one thing, if Chen is guilty, he should rot. For another, you'd be hell to live with if Branch made you back down," Lennie said half seriously.

Jack laughed. "Sometimes, you're not the easiest person to live with, either."

"Me?" Lennie asked in mock indignation. "I'm a pussy cat."

"Uh-huh, you're also full of it."

"It's a defense mechanism. I live with a lawyer."

Jack kicked Lennie under the table. Only his Lennie could be so exasperating and appealing at the same time. "You'll pay for that one," he said, his tone indicating exactly what would be in store for Lennie later that evening.

Lennie's eyes sparkled in amusement. "I look forward to it."


The End