Close To Home - Chap 6 (Law & Order: SVU)

Author’s Note: I don’t own Law & Order: SVU.

The two women sat cautiously across from each other in the dank cold room. Neither spoke or made a move for the first few minutes alone. This was certainly an awkward situation, but there was no way of avoiding it now. Chris had become very cold and it wasn’t a reaction Elliot was used to coming from his only sister. The fact now was, she wasn’t his sister, she was a suspect and this wasn’t just going to go away.

Olivia finally spoke up, “Why don’t you tell me about Rubin Marcus?” Chris’ gaze shifted from the wall to the table as she placed her hands together in front of her. It was very obvious that her drowsy façade had worn off and she was now very sober. “Where do you want me to start?” she continued to keep her eyes on the table. “Where ever you think is relevant,” Olivia responded. Chris just nodded as she began her story, “A year and a half ago I began working the streets. Things had gotten hard and I needed the money. Rubin was one of my first clients. The night he picked me up, he took me out to a fancy dinner and treated me like a lady. None of the other guys ever did that. The night was incredible and that morning when I went to leave he asked if I would be interested in working for him permanently. I told him I wasn’t interested in having a pimp. He told me it wouldn’t be like that, I would be working for him and only him. Made it sound like a real ‘Pretty Woman’ scenario.”

Chris paused as she began coughing. The coughs were really raspy and when she could catch it she managed to ask for a cup of water. Olivia stood up and headed to the door. An unidentified hand protruded from behind the door holding out a bottle of water. She put it on the table in front of Chris who snatched it up and took a sip. This calmed down the coughing. “Must be the medicine, it’s making my throat dry,” she stated. Olivia nodded and motioned for her to continue her story. Chris took a second and began again, “Everyday for a week he came around. Took me out, paid the big money to wine and dine me. I thought I was falling in love. For 6 months I had lived out of dumpsters and this guy wanted to come sweep me off my feet. I finally said yes.”

She took a deep breath and again paused taking a sip of her water. “That night he took me home and we ‘celebrated.’ He told me he had a special room prepared just for me. So we went down to the basement. The basement? You would think that would have sent off the bells, but nope. I truly was a moron. I got 2 steps down and he pushed me. I’m sure there was some dramatic spill down the stairs, but I wouldn’t know, I was out cold before I hit the concrete. When I woke up I was chained to the wall completely naked with a dog collar on. The first few weeks were training and after that, if I obeyed he would let me walk around the house.” Olivia interrupted, “What do you mean by training?”

Chris shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Training? Let’s see. No using the bathroom without his permission. No shower. Getting hit if I didn’t call him master. Sex whenever and however he wanted it. When he was convinced I was truly his I was allowed to come out. Eventually I became his maid and cook on top of his punching bag. Anyway, hanging around upstairs I would hear conversations. You would be amazed how many girls Marcus pulled that same scam on and then sold them out. Funny thing was, he never ‘sold’ me out.” Olivia had to interrupt again, “Sold out?”

“Yea,” she stated. “As in to the highest bidder. Slaves. I guess I kept on his good side. I did everything that bastard ever asked. The one time I did try to get away he beat the crap out of me and left me chained to the wall for a week. I got water and a vitamin pill once a day. He told me if I was ever lucky enough to get away no one would ever listen to a hooker. I deserved everything he gave me. He had me so backwards I believed him.” She continued to keep her eyes glued to the table as she took another sip of the water. As the story went on she seemed to become more and more cold.

“Tell me about Martin Pinhero.” Chris nodded, “He’s Rubin’s lap dog. Marcus apparently got this great idea a few months ago to rent out girls. Him and his buddies decided that they could get a return on their investments more so than just personal pleasure. Pinhero would hit up the clubs and Marcus would put out the orders. If there were any takers Pinhero would pick the girl up and bring to her wherever. Once the guy was done, they were brought back to their master.”

Olivia’s expression changed and it seemed as if she truly didn’t want to ask the next question. “Where you ever a part of that?” This finally seemed to break Chris’ cold exterior. A tear escaped her eye as she nodded, “Two weeks ago. You know, Rubin promised me that I was worth way too much to him to ever rent me out. Apparently everybody has a price and mine was 50 grand. Marcus even drove me himself. When I got there, 5 guys were waiting. I guess it was a bachelor party or something. Marcus said he would be back by midnight and off he went. These idiots took their turns screwing and beating me then got so drunk they forgot I was even there. I grabbed some clothes and headed out the fire escape.” Olivia questioned, “And you haven’t seen Marcus since?”

Chris brushed the tears from her eyes, “He would kill me if he ever found me. Luckily, he isn’t very bright.” “Do you know where we can find him?” Olivia questioned. “If he caught wind of Pinhero getting arrested then he’s gone. Mentioned something about a place outside the city, but I have no idea where. What happens now?” Olivia looked her straight in the eyes, “We need to talk to the ADA and see what she thinks.” Chris nodded back to her, took a sip of her water and turned to the mirror on the wall of the room. She yelled at the wall, “Is that what you wanted to hear, Elliot? Does it make you feel better knowing?”

Elliot peered back through the one sided mirror at his lost and crying sister. It took everything he had not to throw his first right through it. The images of everything she had gone through. The bruises and marks she had from her last encounter. Five men had used and abused her and got drunk and forgot about her. This wasn’t just one of his victims, someone he met along the way. This was his flesh and blood. He changed her diapers, he read her stories, and he watched her graduate. This was someone he thought he knew everything about and realized he had no idea who she really was.

Elliot caught the Captain watching him through the corner of his eye. He kept his attention dead ahead. He didn’t want Cragen seeing how angry he truly was. Olivia stepped into the tiny room. She too was trying to gauge Elliot’s reaction. “We need to call Casey.” Elliot nodded, “We need to talk to Pinhero again. I bet any amount of money he knows where Marcus is.” The Captain pointed to Olivia, “You and Munch talk to Pinhero. Elliot, you call Novak.” Elliot attempted to interrupt, “Captain, I think I can handle talking to Pinhero.” Cragen shook his head, “No. You worry about Chris right now. Olivia and Munch can handle the case.” Elliot was now becoming frustrated, “Captain…” Cragen responded, “Don’t push it. I would be sending you home right now if she wasn’t here. This is not something you need to be dealing with. Your sister is more important and she needs you right now. This isn’t negotiable.”

Elliot turned his attention from the Captain to his sister as he peered through the glass. Olivia nodded to the Captain and headed out to find Munch. Captain Cragen looked over to Elliot. “Call Casey,” is all he said as he too walked out the door. Elliot kept his eyes stuck on her. He watched her get up and walk around the room with the empty water bottle in her hand. She looked as lost as he now felt. She wandered over to the barred window and stared out. He wondered if she actually saw anything or if it was just some place else to look out in hopes that she could disappear from the room. He knew exactly how that felt.

He walked to the door and motioned out to a passing officer. “Can you just sit in here and watch her? I need to make a call,” he asked. The blonde officer agreed as Elliot walked out of the tiny dark room. He kept his focus straight ahead. He was aware of the eyes now piercing through him, but did his best to ignore them. He was also aware of Olivia cruising by his desk with Pinhero right in front. He didn’t let his sights leave the phone. “I’m calling for ADA Novak.”

Once the call was complete he walked over to the coffee pot and poured a cup. He made his way back to the room relieving the officer standing guard. He again, continued to stare at her. She seemed to be even more fidgety and started walking faster back and forth. As she turned to peer at the mirror he caught the look of fear in her eyes and knew he couldn’t let her sit in there alone. He had to push his resentment away and face her.

He walked in as she stared at him. He placed the mug down in front of her. “Am I under arrest?” she asked. “No,” he simply stated. “Then why am I still here?” she continued her trek back and forth. “We have to talk to the Assistant District Attorney.” Chris nodded to him. “Can you sit down please?” he asked. He watched as she took a few more steps, but finally took the seat in front of the coffee he had poured for her. Silence filled the room as they both did their best to keep their attention off of the other. Elliot wasn’t sure of what was floating through her mind, but he definitely knew that if he let out what was on his one of them would be on a stretcher when it was all over. She was a hooker? A hooker? Why didn’t she come to him? Why didn’t he look for her? What about the postcards?

She looked up at him, “What about them?” He looked up hearing her question. He hadn’t realized that he actually asked the last question out loud. The look of bewilderment must have been evident as she repeated the question, “What about the postcards?” He shook off his reaction, “Why did you send them?” She sighed and let out a little smirk, “Those cards were Rubin’s idea. He figured if I wrote to my family then they wouldn’t come looking. Obviously he was right” Silence over took the room as she took a sip of the coffee. She got tired of waiting, “Why don’t you ask me what you really want to ask, Elliot?”

He shook his head and stared at her. “Come on. I know you have that one burning question. Why don’t you just get it off your chest?” He shook his head, “If this is some sort of game, Chris, I’m not playing.” “Fine,” she stated, “I’ll ask for you.” She stood up from her chair and placing her hands on the table in front of her, stared right at him as she seemed to switch rolls taking the pose of the interrogator, “How could I let this happen?” He looked up at her, “I wasn’t going to ask that.” “Why not?” she shot back at him, “I know you want to. I can see it in your face. You didn’t have any problems asking me that question before, why is it such a hard question to ask now?” He stood up from his chair, “Chris, don’t start this,” he stated.

“Come on, ask me. How did I become a whore?” she stared at him as he returned the stare. “Fine, that’s what I want to know. How did you become a hooker?” She smiled at him, “See, that wasn’t so hard. Let’s just say I did what I’m good at doing. I screwed up and I took the easy way out. I couldn’t call my big brother the detective because I was too afraid he would judge me like he always does. I couldn’t cut it in the Army and now I couldn’t cut it in the big city. I’m worthless, isn’t that what you said?” He shook his head, their argument from 2 years ago replaying itself in front of him, “I never said that.” She took a step toward him, “You mine as well have,” she shot back. “Chris, don’t put words in my mouth!” he yelled back at her taking a step toward her. She took another step toward him now placing herself within a foot of his body and shouted, “Just say it. I’m a worthless whore.” He clenched his fist, “Damn it, Christina.”

The door came pushing out pulling both of them off guard. They drew apart as Captain Cragen poked his head in the door, “Elliot, outside.” Elliot moved toward the door without thinking twice. He was glad someone had the sense to interrupt. As he entered the tiny room he found Casey waiting. She must have watched the entire exchange from the look she was pushing in his direction. She didn’t wait for the question, “If she agrees to testify we won’t bring charges. If Rubin Marcus is running some sort of sex slave ring, I want him.” “She’ll testify,” Elliot calmly stated. “Good,” With that she turned her attention away from the two men and headed out the door.

Out from behind her Olivia crossed through the door. “He won’t talk,” she stated the look of defeat apparent on her face. The anger left over from his encounter with Chris still hitting him hard, “Let me talk to him. I’m sure I can get it out.” Captain Cragen made sure to get his attention by grabbing his arm, “You’re taking Chris home and you’re staying with her until this is over. You are going nowhere near this case, Elliot and I suggest you two take this time to get some counseling. I know she’s going to need it and there is no doubt in my mind that so are you.” Elliot looked to Olivia and back at the Captain. He nodded as he calmed down realizing he was in no state to really talk to anyone. He took a deep breath and released it.

He looked back at Olivia, “Could you take her to my car? I need to get some fresh air before I drive home.” She nodded her agreement as he stepped out of the room. He grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and walked out of the station. He sat on the steps outside taking in everything that had happened in the past few days. His world just kept beating down on him and all he wanted to do was blame himself.

He heard the door swing open behind him as he watched Olivia and Chris walk out. Chris met his eyes and something about them actually soothed him. The picture of his baby sister throwing him that cute smile flashed through his head. He took one more deep breath and stood up from the steps. He walked over to the driver’s side door and unlocked the car. Chris stepped in and sat down as Elliot turned over the ignition. Olivia shut the door as she sat down and turned her back to the car. As he pressed on the gas Chris looked over at him and with one loud, gut wrenching sigh said, “I’m sorry.” He nodded back to her, “Me too.” They both turned their attention to the front window as they sped toward the apartment.