Title: Jack's Tough Night

Author: Python

Fandom: Law & Order

Pairing: Briscoe/McCoy

Series: Deleted Scenes. Inspired by the ep "Equal Rights"

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

any feedback is appreciated

Jack's Tough Night
by Python

Lennie sat on the couch in Jack's office, listening to Jack rant and watching Jack pace the floor in agitation. Jack wasn't really paying attention to him, so he stretched out to lay down. He pillowed his arms behind his head and held back telling Jack that he thought Jack was over-reacting.

Jack waved his arms. "No, don't call the police, don't leave. Hire a hitman. It's brilliant," he said sarcastically. "I can't believe the jury bought that."

"Juries aren't always brilliant, Jack," Lennie replied half-seriously.

Jack paced to the wall opposite Lennie and then turned back to face his lover. "Leslie Cooper's husband beat her, yes, but she didn't have him killed because she was afraid. She had him killed because she wanted revenge. If she had really been that afraid, she would have left." He stared at Lennie, challenging for an explanation that he could buy.

Lennie shrugged. "The jury saw the pictures of Mrs. Cooper's injuries and felt sorry for her. You knew that could happen."

Jack glared. "They ignored the facts. Her behavior didn't fit in with Battered Women's Syndrome. She hired a hit man," he stated, accentuating each word my jerking his hands.

"At least Russell Woods is in jail."

"True," Jack allowed. "But Leslie Cooper still put him up to it. She knew that her husband was screwing anyone that invested in Everson Technologies. She could've warned Woods in advance but instead she let him lose everything when the Everson stock tanked." He shook his head in disgust. "And that made poor Russell as mad as her and he agrees to shoot the husband for part of the insurance money. And, oh yeah, to save her from any more beatings."

Lennie knew Jack hated to lost cases but Jack normally didn't sound that bitter after a defeat. "You really let this case get to you."

Jack stopped abruptly and put his hands on his hips. "A woman hires a hit man to kill her husband and gets off scot free. You really don't expect me to be happy about it do you?"

Lennie sat up and put his hands up in a placating gesture. "Of course not, but you usually don't get this upset."

"I just don't understand it, Lennie. The jury knew what she did and condoned it. That's a great message to sound to battered women everywhere: Don't get help, don't leave. Hire a hitman."

Lennie didn't know what to say to make Jack feel better. Jack was staring at him intently. "What do you want me to do about it?" he asked sincerely.

If there was anything within his power, he'd do it.

Jack shook his head. "No, you did your job. Too bad I couldn't do mine."

Lennie saw Jack's shoulders slump. He stood up, walked over to Jack, and took his lover by the shoulders. "You did all you could."

"But it wasn't enough."

"Hey, we can't win 'em all," Lennie replied and cracked a tiny smile.

Jack slid his arms around Lennie's waist. He laid his head on his lover's shoulder and sighed. "I know, Lennie, but I should have won this one. It's plain that Leslie Cooper had her husband killed."

Lennie rubbed Jack's back. "It sucks, but sometimes juries vote with their hearts instead of their heads. It's part of the game."

Jack knew that Lennie was right but it was so frustrating. He buried his face in Lennie's neck. His grip around Lennie tightened and he was so glad his lover was there.

Lennie let Jack cling to him for a long few minutes. Then, he put his hand under Jack's chin and raised Jack's head to face him. "Are you going to be all right?" he asked although he had no doubt that Jack would get over this.

Jack finally smiled and nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Let's go home, order a pizza, and watch the rest of the Knicks/Bulls game."

"Sounds like fun."

Lennie chuckled. "I'm glad you approve." He was about to step back but Jack held him in place.

"There's one other thing, Lennie."

"Yes?"

Jack leaned in and softly kissed Lennie. "I love you," he whispered.

Lennie grinned. "I know." He left a trail of light kisses along Jack's jaw and up to Jack's ear. "I love you, too."

Jack grabbed Lennie's hand. "Let's go."

Lennie cocked his head to the side. This time his smile was tender. "Lead the way."


The End