Collision Course by niklovr

Part Four

"The truth is out there."

Fox rolled his eyes. Groaning at hearing his words thrown back in his face. He glared at his editor.

Walter Skinner chuckled. "You're good, Fox, the best. I want you on this case."

Fox shook his head. "I can't take it."

"Any investigative reporter worth his byline wants this. It's the story of the century. Mob boss's wife is dead and his blood is on her hands. Of course, you can take it."

Fox stiffened. Damn straight he wanted it. But he wanted his wife back more.

He shook his head. "Give it to Scully. She's been chewing at the bit for a chance like this. Give it to her."

"On one condition."

Fox had a strong feeling he wouldn't like this. "What?"

"You write it with her."

"That's not fair."

"Life isn't."

Fox grunted. He already knew that. But he wasn't giving up on reconciling with his wife. Not even for a fucking byline.

*#*

Elliott glanced at Olivia as she returned with two steaming mugs of coffee. He ripped open of packets of sugar and cream and poured the contents into his brew. As she did the same, he asked, "Are you ready?"

"Push play."

This was their second viewing of the recording. On the third viewing, Cragen, Munch and Fin would join them.

Carly Corinthos' image appeared on screen. She stared into a camera with red-rimmed eyes. Her chin trembled as she spoke. But she sat up straight, reserved and composed. A well staged act, Elliott thought as he swallowed coffee.

"My name is Carly Corinthos. If you're watching this, I'm dead." She paused for effect. "My husband, Sonny Corinthos did this. He killed me to shut me up. Please, don't let him harm my son."

Elliott pushed the stop button. "There it is. The question is do we believe it."

"Don't you?" Olivia cupped her hands around the mug. Questions filled her dark, piercing gaze. "It's possible she stumbled onto something. Corinthos found out and killed her."

"The crime scene is one of passion," he argued. "Not calculation."

"Not unless it was his intention all along, but something triggered his spontaneity."

He frowned. "The tape is too easy. She doesn't mention what she found out, only that he's a killer. Why? Why would he kill her?"

"So you think he's innocent."

"Not a snowball's chance in hell is he innocent. Maybe of killing her. Maybe not."

"McCoy wants an airtight case," Olivia said.

"Let's give him one."

*#*

"Ah."

Sonny walked the streets of Manhattan a free man. At least until the verdict came through. His connections didn't fail him. The judge set bail and before the hour was up, the money was paid. The look of distaste on Dara's face almost did him in. She deserved an explanation, but he wouldn't give her one. Some things were better left unsaid.

"Your assets have been frozen," Dara said. They moved briskly through the crowded sidewalk. "Have you made provisions for shelter?"

He swallowed a growl of approval. Her lawyer-speak was a major turn on. He ignored the urges that punched him in the gut. "No, are you offering?"

"Comments like that will find you looking for another attorney."

Her eyes blazed like a wildfire, aggressive and burning hot. He looked away before he made another 'comment'.

"A friend is putting me up."

"Good. I'll need the number and the address."

"No, problem. The address is only a couple of blocks from you."

She nodded and stepped off the curb to hail a cab.

He moved behind her. "Aren't you curious?"

"Don't you mean jealous?" A cab stopped. Sonny opened the door. Dara slid inside first. Sonny followed. She put space between them as she added, "No, your personal life is none of my concern unless it pertains to your defense."