ONE;

 Detective Olivia Benson looked at her partner as the car stopped just outside the alley way. “Nice place to die.” She commented as she stepped around a remaining puddle from last night’s rain. Glancing at Elliot she then added, “How does Kat like Hawaii?”

 Elliot smirked as Olivia mentioned his daughter who was currently on vacation with Tory, Tory’s at the present boyfriend Trip and Kat’s boyfriend, Drew. “Loving it.” Elliot replied as the approached Fin and Munch. “Well?”

 “He’s dead.” Munch told Elliot.

 “Thank you Doctor McCoy.” Elliot replied bending down to look at the beaten man. Pulling away disgusted, Elliot lowered the cloth sheet quickly. “Same as the others?”

 “Yeah,” Fin told Elliot. “Except for the fact that he’s got more beating then the others.”

 Elliot closed his eyes. He hated Serial rapists and murderers. And it looked like one was now calling New York home. For the past week or so, The SVU team was up to their eye balls in dead bodies. Male or Female it didn’t matter. All were raped and then beaten to death. “See if you can find out who he was.”

 ~~

 Assistant Director Frank Thomas looked around the basement office. He didn’t under stand what was so big about the basement, especially with this girl and her partner. Opening the door and flicking on the light he spotted the FBI Agent he was looking for. She was asleep, her head resting on the oval table she and her partner had seat up with a box of Chinese-Sweet and Sour Shrimp by the look of it- Chopsticks included- and a bottle of sparkling Strawberry Water on the floor next to her. “Agent Strummer!”

 Max’s head jolted up causing her brown hair to fall in her face. Brushing her hair out of her face, Max’s brown eyes locked on Frank. “Frankie!” She greeted knowing very well that since the promotion he had gotten to Assistant Director she should very well call him ‘Sir’ but since they had worked together on so many cases, Max had self reserved the right to still call him Frankie. “What brings you to my hole in the ground?”

 “Where’s your partner?”

 “Told him to take the night off. Not why you’re here.”

Frank smiled. “Found your guy.”

 “Oh really?” Max snapped as she stood up. Bending down she picked up her water and took a sip of it. “Where pray tell.”

 “New York Morgue.”

 Max’s face scrunched up. “If he’s molesting dead people I request a transfer Frankie.”

 “He’s dead.”

 “Oh.”

 TWO;

 “No ID on the vic yet.” Fin stated as he entered the squad room. “ME did however find out that he was like the others.”

 Olivia looked at Fin from over her coffee cup. “So we’ve got a serial rapist on our hands.”

 “Try Murderer too.” Munch told her. “He’s killing each of them too.”

 “Thanks for the reminder.” Olivia told him.

 “Sorry I’m late.” Elliot told the group as he entered. Looking at Olivia he read her face and didn’t ask if they had an ID yet. “What we got?”

 “Nothing-“

 “Three fish and a pigeon!” Max shouted to Elliot. She smiled at the group when they all turned to look at her. “Heh, hiya.” She told them.

 Fin smirked and turned away. Max, the last time he had seen Max was when she was in the area undercover on the K-9 case. They had stayed in contact every so often but the relationship had fizzled out after Max had been transferred to D.C for a two month long stint.

 “Agent Strummer.” Cragen greeted. He had come out of his office thanks to hearing her shout and was now more concerned on why she was there.

 “Max..Captian.” She told him bluntly. “And my partner, Agent Mark Richards.” Max sighed. “Now the legal babble. You caught a case involving a dead guy in the past few days. He’s my guy, I want the case yadda yadda yadda. Something something something.” She stopped. “Any questions?” 

“What’s after Yadda?” Munch asked.

 “Funny Munch.” Max told him. “Any problems.”

 “Our case.” Cragen told her. “We’re not forking it over.”

 Mark looked at Max and went to say something but his partner slapped her hand over his mouth. “Oh yeah me.” Max replied with a smile. “Then mind if I join the band wagon?”

 Elliot smirked. “Thought you caused Chaos and Mayhem.” He told her.

 Max returned his smirk with a sly smile. “Only on every day ending with Y.”

 “Max.” Mark told his partner. “Assist-“

 “Frankie wants the case let him come get it.” Max told her partner. “How about another Brains and Braun?” She asked Cragen.

 “Get them up to speed.” Cragen told Elliot and Olivia. “Agent Strummer none of the hat tricks you pulled like last time.”

 “Oh no Sir,” Max stated with a smile. “I’ve got all new hat tricks.”

 Olivia smirked. “How you doing Max.”

 “Living.” Max replied. “Yourself?”

 “Not complaining.”

 Elliot cleared his throat getting the two back on the case. “47 year old John Doe-“

 “Hank Edwards.” Max interrupted.

 “Pardon?” 

“Hank Edwards. Prisoner K44760. Arrested for drug possession and distribution in 2000. Escaped Police custody in 2001 after assaulting a federal officer…Now Dead." 

Fin looked at Max. “Let me guess. You’re the said Federal Officer.” He told her.

“Gotta love that phase…Federal officer.”

“Hank Edwards, was the seventh victim.” Elliot continued drawing Max’s attention back to the case. “The guy doesn’t care about sex just, rape and killing.”

“And a round of Ew’s.” Max muttered to Mark. “Anything else.”

“Get comfortable…there’s gonna be more then just those…Max.” Olivia told her. 

THREE:

Max looked at Fin from over a case file. As soon as he looked at her however Max’s eyes fell back on the file. “This guy rapes guys and women.” She stated.

“Thought you didn’t have questions.” Elliot stated.

“I don’t.” Max replied. “It’s just – Ew.”

Olivia looked over at her. “Maybe that’s why you never worked Sex Crimes.”

Max gave Olivia a strange look. “I’ve worked my deal of Serial Killers.” She told Olivia bluntly. “I’ve never worked one who had a fetish with sex though.”

“Fetish?”

“Yeah…Some have it with finger nails and hair. Others with salt and pepper shakers.” Max told Elliot. “Something are about sex with Fetishist and some is about well day to day life. It’s all part of that ick factor.”

Going to answer, Elliot picked up his phone on the second ring. The whole team listened as he talked to the caller for a few minutes. “Your guy has a fetish for credit cards…Hank Edwards just tried to buy three six packs of beer.

“Credit cards?” Max replied as she stood. “That’s a new one.”

“Coming?” Olivia asked.

“Duh.” Max retorted bluntly as she left with Elliot and Olivia.

They hadn’t been gone for more then a minute before Cragen came out into the squad room. “Munch Fin, ME’s found something. Take Agent Richards and see what you three can make of it.”

“So Agent Richards.” Much stated…”What’s your theory on Fetishist?”

“Don’t get him started!” Fin groaned.

FOUR:

Entering the ME’s office, Mark felt sick to his stomach. He was more cut out for working with computers then with corpses but when Max had left undercover she had dragged him out of it too and not back into Internet Crimes. “What have you got.”

“Claw marks.” The ME told him after getting the go ahead from Fin and Munch. “They look like they are from nails, fake nails.”

“How so?” Fin asked.

Uncovering the body, The ME pointed out several of the marks. “They weren’t done by a knife. The marks are to thin and faint for one. Also the pressure applied is to light for a male.” She told them. “My best guess…you looking for a female.”

“On all of them?” Munch asked. When the ME nodded, Munch looked back at Mark. “So much for that fetish theory.”

~~

Flashing his badge, Elliot looked at the PAA as he entered the squad room. “Detectives Stabler, Benson and Agent Strummer. Where’s our guy?” He asked.

One of the detectives heard him. “Oh don’t worry now boys Sex police are here now.”

Elliot glanced up at the detective but didn’t say anything. It was Max that spoke up. “Where is he detective Baldwin.”

“Your asking me where my perp is.”

“One,” Max snapped agitated. “I’m not asking you. I’m telling you. Two, he’s not your perp anymore.” She flashed her badge at the detective. “He’s mine.” Max added with a smile. “Now where is my perp, Detective?”

Baldwin muttered something under his breath which Elliot was glad none of them had heard of Cragen would be bailing his FBI agent Allie out of jail.

Leaning them to the interrogation room, Baldwin watched the kid inside stand up. “Eh Ricky…this are some other detectives and an FBI agent, they want to talk to you.”

“It was a credit card man”! Ricky snapped. “I found it and got some beer.”

“How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “Why aren’t you in school?”

“Cuz it’s a skip day!” Ricky told Elliot trying to act tough. “Found the card got some beer.”

“Where’d you find the card?”

“What’s it matter.”

Max glared at the guy. “I’m not asking you again.” She warned him. “And you answer my question with a question again I’ll kick your teeth in.”

“Don’t know.” Ricky replied. “That a crime.”

“Only if you’re lying to us.” Olivia told him.

Ricky looked at her. “What will you give me if I tell you the truth?”

“We’ll have you out by dinner time.” Max told him.

“It was for Roberto.” Ricky told her. “He found it gave it to me and told me if I got some beer for him and his homies, that I could hang with them.”

Max rubbed her nose. “Stick to the books kid.” She told him. “Even twiddle dee knew that was a set up.” Max replied as she opened the cage and let him out.

“Where can we find Roberto?”

Corner of East and Seventh.” Ricky stated looking Max over. “Now what else do I get Senoritia?”

“My foot up your ass is looking pretty tempting.” Max shot at him before watching the kid blot out. Giving Elliot and Olivia a small grin, she sighed. “Let’s go find his buddy Roberto.”

“Cragen didn’t make you boss of the investigation.” Olivia told her.

“I’m doing something that will get this sicko off the streets. You don’t like it get out of my way.” Max replied as the three of them left. Hearing no other complaints she nodded. “Thought so.”

FIVE;

Corner of East and Seventh

Fixing the black skirt, Max looked at the van in which the SVU team was in. “Next time Munch get’s the skirt.” She told them through the wire. 

In the van Elliot and Fin laughed. “Go get Max.” Fin told her.

Walking sexily up to the group, Max’s eyes followed Roberto’s as his eyes traveled down to her backside. “Now that is a chica a boy could sink himself into.”

Max felt sick as she turned. “Want to try muchacho?” She asked with a seductive grin. She felt Roberto grab her and pull her closer. “But the wild pony doesn’t buck for anyone. What’s you name kid?”

“Roberto.”

“Cute name” Max replied as the SVU team came out of the van. “Hands about your head.” Max ordered Slamming Roberto’s shoulders agains the wall. Pinning him there Max waited till Munch and Fin had taken him before walking away.

“Where are you going?”

“To wash off his damned finger prints.” Max shouted back to Elliot.

~~

About a half hour later, Max had changed back into her regular clothes and was now sitting backwards in a chair with Munch and Fin sitting in on her interogation. “Now, Roberto... propstioning a minor to by your beer is bad.” She told him, Resting her chin on the chair’s back. “Trying to make a sexual pass at me...Worse.” She paused. “The only smart thing you didn’t do was run. And that’s in your corner. Where’d you get the credit card.”

“What credit card?” Roberto asked angrily at Max.

“Not a wise start.” Max told him. Glancing at Fin she shrugged passing him the interview.

“We got a guy telling us you gave him the card.” Fin told him.

“Let me meet this guy.” Roberto told him.

“Doesn’t work that way.” Munch told him.

“Give us a name or a place…Then we’ll look past the fact your being an ass.” Max snapped.

“You know a couple of good nights with you-“

Max stood. “You’d what?” She asked him. “Go on!"

Roberto met Max’s standing by standing himself. “Sit down.” Fin snapped at him before pushing Roberto back in his seat. “Just tell us where you got the card.”

“Have her apologize.” Roberto told Fin. “Got a bad rotator cuff.”

Max rolled her eyes. “Fine…I’m sorry.” Max told him.

Roberto blew a kiss to Max before turning his attention to Fin and Munch. “Found it in a dumpster.”

“Write it down.” Fin told him.

SIX;

Moving back outside, Fin Munch and Max looked at Cragen and the others when they did. “What’s up?”

“There’s another one.” Cragen told the group. “Max, Olivia you two go search the sight where Roberto got the credit card. Fin, Munch, Elliot you three get the new body.”

“Eh.” Max stated with a disgusted look. “But he’s her partner.” She told Cragen pointing to Elliot.

“Agent Strummer.”

I’m going.” Max grumbled as she grabbed her coat and followed Olivia out.

~~

Olivia looked at Max as the two got out of the car in front of the dumpster. “You first. I insist.”

Max frowned. “Thanks.” She stated to Olivia as she climbed into the dumpster followed by Olivia. “Oh.” She groaned from the stench.

Nearly wanting to hurl herself, Olivia handed Max some latex gloves before the two women went rummaging through the trash. “Here.” Olivia stated holding up the wallet.

Max didn’t answer as she moved away from where she was standing. “And here.” She stated moving away from the hand with broken fingernails.

~~

“Two bodies.” Alex stated confused. Looking at Max she watched the FBI Agent pull the black hoodie over her head. “One in the trash?”

“That’s the story and I’m sticking to it.” Max told her. “Same MO. Can’t tell exactly when she died or where but the ME said she’d try.”

“I need suspects guys.” Alex stated. “The public is in a frenzy and if we have the slightest idea of what’s this guys description is then get out. Make everyone safer.”

“We’re working on it.” Elliot told Alex with a sigh. He glanced up at Max who shrugged. “What about the FBI. You got a profiler right?”

“A whole unit.” Max clarified. “Want one or your dude, Huang.” 

“Get him in here.” Cragen ordered.

~~~~

Walking silently for a few minutes back and forth studying the pictures on the board, Huang simply read each report. “Your person is suffering form a Borderline personality disorder. He’s confused about his sexuality and may have had a sex change and then had it reversed.” Pausing he turned to walk between the desks. “No the people won’t touch him because he wants another one but he doesn’t have the money for it.

Chewing on her pen, Max cracked her back listening to Huang. Phasing out she watched Fin for a minute studying her once lover as he listened next to his partner. 

Feeling eyes on him, Fin glanced at Max before locking eyes with her. Studying her eyes, He could swear there was some kind of emotion in them, though he didn’t know if it was a playful kind or fake. He had seen her play a noncaring person to being some one that needed to feel again.

“Agent Strummer?”

“Huh?” Max asked looking at Huang. “Yeah? What was the question?”

Smiling at his fellow FBI Agent, Huang stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Why do you think he chose your convict?”

“Edwards?” She asked. “No clue. Just saved me from breaking a nail when I kicked his butt.” She answered.

Smiling Fin looked at his feet. Same Max. “Why do you think he did it?”

“He wanted the FBI’s attention.” Huang told them. “Maybe not yours Agent Strummer, but he wanted them to know he was here.” He paused before looking at the board. “This one will continue…he won’t stop till you catch him.”

Silence took over the group after hearing the news of the killer. None of them had any idea on how to catch the killer and knowing that the body count would go up even more made them all sick.

“Comforting.” Max stated breaking the silence.

SEVEN;

Sleep did not come easily for Elliot as he tossed on the cot. His mind still spun with the news of the profile and now he wasn’t even sure where to find the man.

Leaving the room where Fin also rested along with Munch and Olivia, Elliot moved down to the squad room to see Max listening to music rather loudly for he could head the music blaring from the headphones and eating a pizza slice which to him smelled heavenly.

“Planning to share?” Elliot asked.

Startling her, Max jumped nearly over her desk before looking at Elliot and offered a paper plate. “Feel free.” She told him as she pulled one of the headphones off of her ears allowing the loud rock music to blare even more. “It’s sausage and pepperoni.”

“Microwave that.”

Turning both Max and Elliot looked at Cragen as the man came in soaked with the rain falling outside.  “There’s another one.”

EIGHT;

Riding in silent with Elliot the crime scene, Max watched the buildings pass by. “So, anything really interesting in New York lately?” 

“Kat’s in Hawaii.” 

“Oh.” 

Silence again reigned in the car. “D.C?” 

“Rumors of a new presidential scandal.” 

“Over what?” 

Max looked at Elliot as they reached the scene of the crime. “Dunno, I voted for the other guy.” She exited the car and walked next to Elliot her leather coat getting slick from the rain. “Forensics are gonna be pissed with this weather.” 

Elliot nodded as he walked with Max towards the crime scene. “Who is it this time?” He asked the ME after they had reached the corpse.

Watching the ME pull the sheet back, Elliot heard Max gag as she turned her head away and left his side. “New Partner?” The ME asked after a minute.

Shaking his head, Elliot’s eyes remained on the victim. She was young and pretty beaten. “FBI.” He replied after a minute before going after Max who had pulled her hair back into a ponytail and had taken an evidence bag from one of the CSI techs. “Thought you’ve seen corpses.”

Max looked at Elliot after a minute. “Don’t ask.” She told him after a minute before handing him the baggie. “Acrylic nail blue with yellow butterflies.”

“Not the vics.” Elliot told her after a minute. “She didn’t have her nails done.”

A grim look came over Max’s face. “So if it’s not the vics then could it be the killers.” She asked after a minute. “You can see how it’s been torn from the finger. Probably in a struggle.”

Elliot nodded after a minute as he looked over the nail. “Please tell me you’re not thinking a woman did this.”

“There are woman killers,” Max argued.

“I know but a serial rapist.” Elliot countered. Seeing that Max no longer had an interest in what he was saying, he followed her gaze to see her staring at another Cop. “Max?”

“Hold on.” Max replied after a minute. She took the bag from Elliot and glanced down at the nail before looking back at the cop. “How many beat cops do you know that has time to get their nails done?” Max asked. “I mean FBI we know it’s stupid as all get out to get them done.”

Following Max’s eyes, Elliot saw the nails. Same as the one they had in the bag. He could even see the one that was covered by a band aide indicating one had been lost. Looking up at the cop, Elliot saw that he was more interested in looking around at the ground. “How much you want to bet that he’s looking for that nail.”

“Two chilidogs and fries.” Max replied. “If that’s not our guy, I’ll buy you dinner and if it is…you buy me dinner.”

Deal.” Elliot agreed as the two began to follow the person. Splitting up, Elliot watched as Max moved to the side as he moved around to flank the cop. Moving closer, Elliot reached out to take the cops arm before the flashlight of the cop hit him across the face.

“Elliot!” Max shouted as she pushed her way through the remaining people to get to him.

“I’m fine…get him!” Elliot shouted back to Max as he held the side of his head.

Chasing after the other cop, Max watched as he ran. “I hate it when they run!” She shouted as she ran after him, darting through the streets.

Turning into an alleyway, Max knew that Elliot and several other cops would follow after her when they could. Slowing she looked around her getting a sense of her surroundings. “Darling be a dear, I haven’t slept in a year.” She muttered as the killer approached behind her.

NINE;

The hand grabbed Max from behind. Struggling, Max saw the knife before she reacted. With her right hand, she gripped the blade not caring as it dug into her palm. Her only main concern was not to have it dig into her stomach or neck. Grunting she reared back and head butted the person behind her.

Free from her attacker, Max cradled her wounded hand before jumping back as the killer swung at her again. With her wounded hand, Max grabbed the killer by the arm and spun before using her elbow to hit him in the face.

The cry was feminine, Max noted. Backing away, she stood ready for a fight as her attacker collected herself. Reaching for her gun, Max felt the knife dig deep in her right arm.

Rearing back, Max’s body hit the brick wall behind her. Before she could move the killer raised the knife but instinct took over on Max and she swiftly knocked it away before trying to get away from the wall. Feeling the hands around her neck, Max reached for anything that would get the person off of her. //This is not happening!//she screamed in her mind as she dug her nails into her attacker.

Unable to plan an attack, Max felt the trashcan lid her attacker had gotten a hold of when she had pulled away smack her across the face causing her to land hard on the wet pavement.

Coughing, Max rested her head on the ground as she heard Elliot and several other cops coming around the corner. “Max!”

Wincing, Max let Elliot help her up as she looked at his all ready growing bruise. “You owe me dinner.” She commented after a minute.

TEN;

She had started the fifth round of Yankee Doodle Dandy while her arm was being stitched up when the others hand entered. Across from Max in a chair sat Elliot, holding an ice pack to his head. “Agent Strummer…” Cragen warned.

“New profile addition.” Max interrupted. “Our suspect is Female.” She paused and then glanced at her hand which was held together by stitches, butterflies and gauze. “Usual weapon of choice, knife. Looked kind of Armyish.”

Sharing a glance with Elliot, Cragen watched him pull the ice pack away from his temple to show the blood red bruise on his face. “Are you sure it’s female.”

“We found a fake nail at the scene of the crime.” Elliot told him. “We then took chase of a person who we saw with the same type of nails and one missing. When we got close, she hit me with the flashlight and Max went after her.

Picking up where Elliot had left off, Max continued. “I followed her into an alleyway, where she surprised me from behind. We fought and she got the upper hand by hitting me with a trashcan lid.”

Waiting till the Doctor was done, Fin moved Max’s head to the side to reveal the strangulation bruises. “Seems like she really had the upper hand.” He pointed out.

“I’m a bit rusty in a fight.” Max argued pulling her head away as she cradled her fixed right arm.

“Captain.”

Turning all of them looked at the uniform as he waited for Cragen to join him out in the hallway. Voices low, none could hear what they were talking about.

“You okay?” Olivia asked Elliot after a minute of straining to hear.

“Yeah.” Elliot asked. “Max was the one that took the most of it.”

Glancing over at Max, she saw Fin and Munch with their FBI ally. Olivia wasn’t one to jump on the Max fan wagon since Max and her had been at odds almost the whole time during their first meeting.

“Well you made a fan Agent Strummer.”

“I tend to.” Max replied to Cragen as he entered again.

Cragen didn’t smile as he moved to the middle. “About twenty minutes ago a call came in, female, indicating that the next one to die is her prey that she sought tonight.”

“Fine I’m bait to catch this sicko.” Max replied. “What’s our game plan.”

“FBI is sending down several agents tomorrow.” Cragen replied. “As for tonight…you’ve got two uniforms following you at all times.”

“Wait!” Max snapped hopping off of the examining table. “I’m being benched? I’m a star player and you’re benching me?”

“I am...we’re not playing with this one.” Cragen replied. “You are out.”

Watching Cragen leave, Max and Elliot shared a glance. “I want a rain check on dinner.” She told him. “Right now…I just want to get out of these clothes and sleep for a week.”

“I’ll give ya a ride.” Fin told Max after a minute.  Seeing a soft smile from Max he handed her coat to her before they left.

Eleven;

Max awoke the next day in serious pain. Downing two vicodin’s as she entered the squad house, her eyes rested on Frank and the nine other FBI agents. “All for me?” She groaned attempting to sound her cheerful self. “I’m flattered.” 

“Agent Strummer.” 

“Still alive and kicking.” Max stated and motioned to the two officers with her. “They’ve done well. Protected me from my breakfast and the scary bell boy!” 

Frank rolled his eyes and hung his head. “Are you ever going to take your life seriously.” 

“Are you ever realize that you always needing me to be the one that goes and does your dirty work isn’t the best?” Max countered softly so only he could hear it. 

Going to return fire, Frank was silent as Cragen came out. “Good to see you made it through the night, Max.” 

“More or less.” Max muttered as she looked at Elliot. “You?” 

“More or less.” Elliot commented. 

Smiling at his comment, Max took a seat in the chair next to Munch’s desk. Across from her Fin stood sipping his fifth cup of his coffee. Though after he had returned Max to her hotel room and had a drink—coke for both of them—Fin had decided to stay and watch from the street. 

Lowering her eyes, Max watched Frank flip through the files on the murders. “What’s your verdict Frankie?” 

“You’re flying back to D.C” Frank stated not looking at her. 

Scrunching her nose up, Max sneered. “What’s behind door number two, Monty.” 

“Flying to Montana.” 

“Can I go for the grand prize?” 

“Flying to any field office that ain’t in New York.”  

Fin glanced at Huang when the profiler entered. “Seems like you’ve got a few choice locations to be at.” Fin commented softly to Max. 

“None of which I’d like to go to” She whispered back. 

“You’ve made a fan, Agent Strummer.” 

Max gave Huang a small smile. “Living to serve.” She told him bluntly.  

Shaking his head, Huang didn’t return her smile. “This one will try and kill you though. This one is hard to get a read on. She’s powerful, yet let you live.” 

“I fought back.” Max commented. “I had back up.” 

Holding out his arm, Huang motioned for her to take it. Watching her extend her injured arm, Huang looked at the cuts. “With some medical skill possibly. Morgue worker, she didn’t remember to cut down the complete vein.” 

“Comforting.” Max commented pulling her arm away from Huang. “Still I’m alive and I’m the one she’s hunting.”

“Hunting?” Huang repeated. “Trying to toy with you actually.” He pointed out. “Don’t think you survived on skill. She let you survive because she wants to have a rematch…prove you’re worth her time.”

“Bring it.”

Huang looked at her. “You’ll die.”

Twelve; 

Max’s smile slowly fell. So this was the killer that would take her to her grave.  

RIGHT! 

Standing, Max looked at Huang. “Always thought you profilers were full of crap.” She snapped before walking away and wrapping her arms around her two officer escorts, “Come on boys, I’m buying breakfast.” 

Elliot looked at Max as she left the squad house. “You’re serious about this.” He asked Huang. 

“Very, Max is playing a dangerous game with this girl. She’s escalating her murders and attacks.” 

Leaning against the desk, Olivia looked at her partner. “Max has all ready stated she’d be willing to play bait with this person.” 

“Out of the question.” Frank snapped at Olivia. “Agent Strummer is currently under protection.” 

Breaking the group argument by dropping a large book, Huang turned the attention to him again. “Might I remind you that two were attacked?” 

A chuckle came from Elliot. “I was beamed with a flashlight by a woman, thanks for bringing that back up.” He commented. 

Giving his friend a small smile, Huang shrugged. “She targeted you as well. Two for the price of one.” 

“No way,” Elliot replied his smile fading. “She didn’t fight me…It was who I fought end quote.” 

Elliot knew Max would get a chuckle out of this. Now she wasn’t the only one with a permanent babysitter. “Max was her primary target.” Huang agreed. “But she also may see you as an advantage point. A way to get to her.” 

“Advice.” 

“Keep an eye on them both. Max heavier detail…Elliot one or two uniforms.” Huang stated. “She can’t go after them both…but I think Max would draw more of a sporting hunt then Elliot.” 

Silence overtook the group as the phone rang startling all in the office. Listening to Munch on the phone for a minute, Huang looked at them. “She didn’t start from scratch. This one has been working up to it for a while.” 

“ME,” Munch stated after hanging up. “Score one of the Feds, Perp does have a background.” Hearing the fax machine dial and ring, Munch went over a received the wrap sheet. “Kylie Palermo, forgery, prostition, drug usage…List goes on.” 

“Petty theft.” Huang guessed. “She’d have a minor charge too.” He paused as the fax machine went off again and another sheet came through. “Her alter ego. Most of his records would have been sealed though…parents not wanting to think of their son being charged with stealing women’s clothing. It wouldn’t work with their son being mentally a woman.” 

“And it gives and address.” Munch stated with a cheery tone. 

“Bring him—her, in.” Cragen ordered. “And get Max back here…we need her for an id.”

 Thirteen; 

Max reluctantly, having left her pancakes and eggs at the local tucked away café, met the others at the apartment complex where Frank and the other FBI swiftly escorted her into the SWAT van. 

Glancing up, Letty looked at Elliot. “We always meet under the strangest circumstances.” 

“Next time its Beers and pizza promise.” 

Bullshit.” Letty joked with a small smile. “Welcome to my tango, Stabler, I’ll bring out your girl in a second.” 

Elliot chuckled at Letty’s comment. “Thanks Toretto.” Elliot called after her as she joined her SWAT team. Moving to enter the mobile command with Max, he saw her sitting rather grumpily on the counter near a monitor—glued to it as if she wanted to see if she could will herself into the action. “Max.” 

“Elliot…heard the gossip. You’ve got some new accessories too.” 

“Jon and Matt here aren’t that bad.” 

“Only when they are arresting bellboys for bringing up breakfast.” She muttered as SWAT went in. “Now come on…why can’t I be doing that. I know the chick.” 

“Precisely why.” 

“You just don’t want extra paperwork.” Max muttered to Frank, though Elliot knew it could be aimed at Cragen as well. Silence took over the group as the SWAT team cleared each room. “Section cleared." 

Glancing around the group in the command unit didn’t move before Max followed by Elliot and their guards ran out and up to the apartment. “Then where is he? She?” Max asked. 

Removing her helmet, Letty stepped out of the bedroom. “Definitely our perp.” She stated removing the safety shades she was wearing. “And she’s AWOL.” Letty added, “Making matters extremely worse.” 

Not saying a word, Max entered the bedroom and looked at the ceiling that was covered in numerous raunchy pictures. “Elliot, your territory!” She called stepping out feeling sick. “I’m going to catch up with Frankie before he makes an ass out of himself with the press.” 

“Get some camera time, Max.” Cragen called after a minute. “See if you can bring this guy out in the open.” 

“Aye-Aye Captain.” Max shouted back as she headed down the stairs.

Fourteen;

"I’m inviting the guy to come and try and take me on.” Max’s voice stated on the television as thunder boomed outside. “If she’s not the chicken she was in the alley, I’d love to finish this fight.” 

“And that was the comment form Special Agent Maxine Strummer earlier this morning after a raid was performed on Kylie Aileen Palermo’s apartment. Though the Suspect wanted today for questions on the attacks against Agent Strummer and Detective Elliot Stabler was not at her apartment, the police are now asking if anyone knows of her location or any information, to call the hotline number at the bottom of your screen.” 

“In other news-“ The reporters voice died as Elliot turned off the television. In the squad house below him, his protector-Jim Boxer- waited at the door. At least his protection was easier to deal with then Max’s who now was surrounded as if she was some movie star with thousands of bodyguards. She had made the comment of wanting to buy some large sunglasses and a low cut top. Fin had joked about adding some reporters to the mix but was quickly shooed away by Frank—obviously not wanting the detective to be around Max, due to their past no doubt. 

“You ready to get home Boxer?” Elliot called as he collected his coat. “To the newborn.” 

Boxer’s face lit up in a smile at the mention of his son. It was his first born after he and his wife had tried so hard to conceive. Now Patrick was a godsend and Boxer tried hard to be with him at all times.  

“Trick question, Elliot?” Boxer teased after a minute. 

“Just try and get some sleep all right…it’s hard.” Elliot stated as they left.  

Moving down to the car, Elliot stopped seeing the familiar blonde hair. It wasn’t, It couldn’t be. “Boxer call for back-up.” Elliot stated drawing his weapon.  

“Detective.” 

Watching the blonde haired woman move down the alley, Elliot followed. “Now! Tell them it’s Palermo. Go now!”  Making sure the safety was off; Elliot felt a sinking feeling as he scanned the alley. “Palermo! This is Detective Elliot Stabler come out with your hands up!” 

The rustling behind him caused Elliot to turn as the knife slid into his stomach.

Fifteen;

Elliot gasped as the shock set in. Glancing down at the knife he had been sure that the main target was Max. Everyone was. She had fought Palermo.

Allowing her to help him to the wet pavement, Elliot struggled yet every move he did made him scream in pain. “No.” Elliot coughed as he fought her off. 

The knife was withdrawn causing Elliot to lurch as if he had been shocked. In his mind he kept thinking that this wasn’t happening. He wasn’t the target—it had been Max! MAX! She was the target. 

Feeling the knife cut through him as if he was butter, Elliot’s hand finally loosened on his gun as everything was beginning to go dark. Palermo was going to win.  

It sounded like thunder. But the echo…thunder didn’t echo or strike twice with a twangish sound. The body fell to the side, leaving Elliot a blurry figure. 

Boxer.

Giving a small smile, Elliot didn’t say anything as he passed out.

Sixteen; 

Blurry figures. That’s all Elliot could make out as he slowly attempted to focus on the face of his wife. ”Hey,” he whispered hoarsely. Gripping her hand, Elliot’s eyes fell on Boxer still guarding him.  

Boxer—The officer that had saved his life. “Jim,” He called. Watching the other man come to his side, Elliot took his hand and gave it a squeeze as if to say thank you. “Thank you.” He whispered. 

Out in the hall, Max watched as Elliot thanked the one that had saved him. She hadn’t been Palermo’s target…Elliot was. Turning Max pulled her hair out of her leather coat before heading towards the elevator. Hitting the down button, Max didn’t see Fin coming around the corner. 

“You leaving?” 

“Yeap.” 

So now all Fin was getting was one syllable answers, how kind. “Think Elliot would want to see you? Say goodbye.” 

The Elevator dinged letting Max enter it. “Tell him, I’ll see him later.” She stated before the doors closed.

The End