The Detective and the Prosecutor

Part 1

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Brian Kinney was sitting in his office at the Pittsburgh Police Department. He was looking over the file for the murder case that would be going to trial in a few weeks. He had a meeting with the prosecutor assigned to the case later this afternoon, and he wanted to be ready. George Daniels, the former prosecutor he worked with, had retired and he was meeting his replacement, Justin Taylor.

"Damn," he thought to himself, "I don't want to break in somebody new." For the 10 years Brian had been a homicide detective, he and George had worked together on most of the cases. They had a great working relationship, and he hated to have to start over with somebody new.

The knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. His partner, Cynthia, stuck her head in. "Are you going to grab lunch before your meeting?"

"Hey Cyn. Yeah, I should probably get some sustenance before I meet the new guy in town."

"Great, let's go over to Charlie's. It's corned beef day!"

"God Cynthia, you are determined to kill me. Let me guess, this sudden inspiration for Charlie's corned beef wouldn't have anything to do with the new bartender would it?"

Cynthia had the decency to look chagrined. "Okay Bri, you caught me, you're just jealous he doesn't play for your team."

Brian had to smile at that. He and Cynthia had been partners for over 5 years, and in that time they had developed a brother/sister relationship. She knew he was gay, and thankfully had no problem with it. His first couple of years on the force he had been paired with some homophobic pricks, so he was very thankful to have a partner with no such hang-ups.

Fifteen minutes later the partners were seated at a booth in the back of Charlie's Irish Pub. Cynthia was desperately trying to get the new bartender's attention. It took everything Brian had to not laugh out loud, but Cynthia would kill him. He had to admit though, the bartender was pretty hot. Total breeder though, Brian's "gaydar" was first rate. He wasn't the self-proclaimed "King of Liberty Avenue" for nothing.

"So Brian, are you ready to meet George's replacement?"

"No, not at all. How could George retire on me? We were such a great team on these cases. The thought of breaking in somebody new just turns my stomach."

"God, you are such a Drama Queen," Brian glared at her, "only someone as vain as you would think you have to 'break in' a prosecuting attorney."

"Other than George, the other prosecutors in that office have no idea how to properly handle a case and get a conviction. They hinder and undermine our work and then its our fault when the bastards walk. George and I always worked together on the cases and we almost always won, it was a great partnership."

"Well," Cynthia started, "maybe this new guy won't be so bad." Brian rolled his eyes at her. "I mean from what I heard they recruited him out of New York, he must be doing something right."

"I suppose," Brian sighed, but he was not convinced.

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Justin Taylor looked over his schedule for the afternoon. He had an appointment with the lead detective on the Brower murder case. Justin was a little bit nervous, this was the first case he would be prosecuting on his own since moving to Pittsburgh. Hell it was his first solo prosecution ever. All of his work in New York had been as an assistant prosecutor. He only hoped he could live up to the expectations that had been laid upon him when he was recruited for the job. Justin knew his old professor, Melanie Marcus, had been responsible for the job offer. Even though Mel worked in the "private sector" she had friends in the prosecutor's office, and had recommended him when George Daniels retired.

The buzzing of his intercom interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Taylor," his assistant Daphne chirped, "There is a Detective Kinney here to see you."

"Please send him in Daphne." Justin stood up to greet the detective. He hoped his limp wasn't too noticeable. George Daniels had spoken very highly of Detective Kinney, and he didn't want the man to think he was a cripple.

The door opened, and the most beautiful man Justin had ever seen walked in. He had thick brown hair with auburn highlights, and mysterious hazel eyes. He was quite tall, over 6 feet, and his body was lean and toned. Justin swallowed, and hoped his voice wouldn't crack, "Good afternoon Detective Kinney, I'm Justin Taylor."

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Brian was doing some observing of his own. This "kid" couldn't be the new prosecuting attorney he was supposed to work with. He looked like he was 18. Granted he looked like the most beautiful 18 year old Brian had ever seen. His blue eyes were like pools you could drown in, and his hair was the color of the sun. As Justin introduced himself, he smiled, and Brian thought the room lit up with that smile. He shook Justin's outstretched hand and smirked, "Does your mommy know you're here playing prosecutor?"

Justin's smile faltered and he sat back down at his desk and gestured for Brian to do the same. "I may look young Detective, but I assure you, I am more than capable for the job."

"Just kidding Counselor, I just like to keep the mood light."

Justin was slightly annoyed. Beautiful or not, the arrogance of this man unnerved him. Justin had always had to deal with his youthful looks, but the detective's comments about it raised his hackles. For some reason, Justin wanted this man to know that he was an able prosecutor, and not just a boyish kid playing "career."

"Well light moods are all well and good, but we're here to discuss a murder trial, I think we should remember that."

"Of course Counselor," Brian was a little put off by the quick change of the young prosecutor's demeanor. Justin immediately became all business, and Brian decided to do the same, " I have a copy of the case file, would you like to start with that?"

"Yes, but first I would like to ask a few questions about your background."

Brian arched one eyebrow at the blond, was this kid seriously about to question his abilities as a cop. Brian was a highly decorated detective, and took exception to anyone that questioned that, "My background? What do you think the Pittsburgh Police Department just grabbed some Mick off the street and made him a homicide detective?"

"I'm sorry Detective, that is not what I meant. Since I figure we may be working on other cases as well, I would just like to know a little of your history on the force, for my own records."

"Ask away Counselor."

Justin looked at his legal pad, as if referring to notes. He needed to collect himself for a second, this meeting was not going how he planned. This pause did not go unnoticed by Brian. "How long have you been with the Pittsburgh Police Department?"

"13 years."

"How long have you been a detective?"

"10 years." Brian was answering very shortly.

"What did you do for the first 3 years?"

"I was a patrol officer."

"How long have you been in homicide?"

"10 years."

"Well that's really all I was interested in as far as background information. I have a copy of the case file, shall we start going over it?"

Brian gave his trademark tongue-in-cheek smirk, "As you wish Counselor."

For the next hour, the two men poured over the details of the case at hand. Justin asked Brian questions that he had put together from his review of the file. Brian answered them in detail. Finally Justin closed the file, "I think that's all for now. Thank you for your time Detective."

"That's all?" Brian was surprised he was being dismissed by this uppity young man.

"Yes, I believe that's all I need for now, I will contact you when we need to prepare your testimony."

Brian couldn't believe it. In all the years he had worked cases with George, he had always been an integral part in helping to prepare the prosecution's case. To be dismissed like this was extremely insulting.

When Brian made no attempts to move, Justin spoke, "Was there anything else I needed to know right now Detective?"

"No Counselor, I believe covered everything." That said, Brian stood up and walked out the door.

"Well that went well," Justin thought.

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Friday rolled around and Justin decided he would call Melanie and see if she was free for lunch. He had been so busy since his move to Pittsburgh, he hadn't had a chance to see her at all.

"Melanie Marcus."

"Hey Mel, it's Justin."

"Hey kiddo," Melanie's voice brightened immediately, "How are you doing?"

"Great, I'm still getting settled though. Between trying to unpack and this case I'm trying, my head is starting to spin."

He could hear Melanie laugh on the other end. "Well don't burn yourself out, we would hate for Pittsburgh's new shining star to be a flash in the pan."

"Whatever Mel," Justin was giggling now, "I was calling to see if you wanted to have lunch today."

"Oh, I would love to, but I am so swamped today. I've got a ton of depositions to go through and file"

"I understand, we can do it another time."

"How about you come over for dinner tomorrow? Lindsey has been dying to meet you." Lindsey was Melanie's wife.

"That sounds great Mel, I would really like to meet her as well."

"Well come over around 6," she gave Justin directions to the house.

"I'll be there, see you tomorrow."

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Brian was bored. He hated Saturdays, there just wasn't anything to do. In the past he would be nursing a hangover from the night before and trying to figure out how to get rid of the trick he'd brought home the night before. For some reason, in the last few months partying all night at Woody's or Babylon and fucking some nameless trick, had begun to lose its appeal. "Fuck Kinney, you're getting old."

He decided to head over to the gym and then pick up some lunch at the diner. A quick glance at the time told him he wouldn't have to deal with the guys at the gym. That was fine with him. Brian wasn't sure when he grew up and left his friends in the dust, but it had happened.

After a strenuous work out and disappointing lunch, Brian found himself bored again in his loft. When Brian was alone he tended to start thinking, and that was never a good thing. His thoughts started drifting to the beautiful young prosecutor he had met earlier in the week. Although Justin had pissed him off, he found himself intrigued by the man. This had to be a first, Brian Kinney thinking about a man in any context other than fucking. The end of the world must be coming.

Brian decided he would stop at the Muncher's house to see his son. Gus was his pride and joy. He never thought when he agreed to be a sperm donor for Lindsey that he would actually become a father to the kid. Granted he had to deal with Lindsey's bitch of a wife, but he did love his son. Having decided the rest of his day, Brian headed off to the shower.

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Justin was getting ready to go over to Melanie's house for dinner. He was a little bit nervous. When Melanie had been his professor in law school they gotten along thick as thieves, but 7 years had passed. He'd communicated with Mel off and on throughout the years, but he hadn't seen her since she left Columbia to move to Pittsburgh for Lindsey. He'd heard all about Lindsey, their wedding and their son, but he still felt strange going to their home. "Oh well Taylor, suck it up." Justin grabbed his keys and headed for the door.

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Brian was sitting on the floor playing with Gus and talking to Lindsey. He had managed to finagle a dinner invitation, which pissed Melanie off. She started ranting about an old friend that was coming for dinner and she didn't want to deal with his bullshit.

"So Linds, who's this old friend of Mel's? An ex perhaps?"

"No you jerk, it's actually a former student of hers. I guess they've kept in touch over the years and he just recently moved here."

"Oh how touching." Brian couldn't control the sarcasm dripping from his lips.

"Brian, please behave. I convinced Melanie to let you stay for dinner with her friend here, please don't make me regret it."

"Ok Mom," Lindsey responded by punching Brian in the arm, "wow you've got quite a punch for a WASP."

"It's the dyke in me," and the two old friends collapsed in laughter.

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At 6:00 Justin rang the doorbell. He had brought a bottle of wine with him, and hoped that Lindsey and Melanie would like it. The door was opened by a beautiful blonde woman, who immediately smiled.

"You must be Justin," and she pulled him into a hug, "I'm Lindsey."

"It's really nice to meet you Lindsey," remembering the bottle of wine in his hands, "I brought this for you."

"Thank you, that is so sweet, please come in." Lindsey led Justin into the foyer, and offered to take his coat. Justin looked around and glanced into the living room. He immediately found himself staring into a hazel pair of eyes.

"Counselor."

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As soon as Lindsey went to answer the door, Brian got the feeling he shouldn't have stayed around for dinner. When he heard the voice on the other side of the door, he knew he shouldn't have stayed around for dinner. Brian was very confused about how this young man was making him feel. First of all he aroused him in a way no one had in quite a long time. Second of all, he pissed him off in a way that challenged him. As far as Brian was concerned, those two factors alone should make him run. He did not need to get himself entangled in some kind of relationship. Hell, he didn't want a relationship. That's why he liked tricking, you got your physical needs met without the bullshit. Something told him though his life was about to change.

Justin finally spoke, "Good afternoon, Detective."

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"Do you two know each other?" Lindsey seemed confused.

"Detective Kinney is the investigator on a case I'm prosecuting."

"Well what a small world this is." No one had noticed Melanie coming down the stairs. "Come here and give me a hug kiddo!" Justin was immediately swept up into a warm embrace. He was suddenly very happy he had decided to get back in touch with Melanie.

A sarcastic voice interrupted the reunion, "Okay, stop it, this is getting a little too lesbionic for me!"

"Fuck off Brian!" was Melanie's reply, "I guess I don't need to introduce the 2 of you."

"No we've met, but since we're not at work, please call me Brian."

"I'm Justin," and the 2 shook hands, meeting again.

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A couple of hours later, the 4 adults were slightly tipsy, having drank a couple of bottles of wine. Melanie was regaling them with a story about some old heiress client that she had who insisted on leaving all her money to her pet cockatoo, because he was the reincarnation of her late husband.

"God, is private practice really like that?" Justin was curious.

"It can be pretty boring sometimes, but every once in a while you get those fun cases that keep you coming back. It's not as exciting as being the new darling of the prosecutor's office."

"Believe me, it's not as exciting as it may seem. It's actually a lot of research and time spent in a library. But I like the work."

"So how did you end up being a prosecutor," this came from Brian, who was just as surprised to find himself asking.

"Hmmm" was the response.

"Well there's so many different areas of law that you could practice, why prosecuting?"

Melanie looked at Justin, who seemed a little uncomfortable, "Well …"

Brian, having noticed the exchange, quickly said, "If you don't feel comfortable telling me …"

"No, it's not you, it's just … well when I was 17 I was bashed in the head with a baseball bat at my senior prom. There was this guy at my school that had a real problem with the fact that I am gay. I was in a coma for 6 weeks, and I have a permanent limp in my leg, and Chris Hobbes got off with probation. I decided I need to try and contribute to society in a way that may prevent something like that from happening to someone else. That was why I was so popular in New York, I pushed very hard for the prosecution of hate crimes, and most of them returned guilty verdicts."

Everyone at the table was really quiet, it was Lindsey who spoke first, "Justin, I'm really sorry."

"It happened a long time ago, it's in the past."

Brian recognized that statement as one that had been rehearsed over and over until Justin believed he believed it. Justin's confirmation that he was gay did nothing to quell Brian's dilemma. He found himself more intrigued by this man than he was before, and that could not be a good thing.

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Justin was disappointed that Brian left. He was finding himself more and more attracted to the detective. After dinner, Lindsey excused herself and went upstairs. She sensed the two old friends would want some time alone. Justin and Melanie curled up on the couch and began talking like the old days.

"So tell me about Brian." Justin hoped he sounded casual.

Melanie cocked up her eyebrow, and looked at the young man, "Why do you want to know?"

"He just seems like a really interesting guy that's all."

Melanie was tempted to tell Justin what she really thought of Brian, that he was a selfish, self-centered prick, but he was a good father to their son, and she had to admit he had mellowed out over the years. "He's alright I guess."

"So how did he end up being the father of your son?"

Melanie had to laugh at that one. "He and Lindsey were best friends in college. When we decided to have a baby, she wouldn't consider anyone else being the father. I was surprised he agreed."

"Really, why?"

Again Melanie wondered how much she should say to Justin about Brian. She decided to hold her tongue … again, "Well … Brian's not really into the domestic thing, at least he wasn't six years ago when Gus was born. He really was just supposed to be the sperm donor, but Gus was born, and he and Brian had an instant bond, so Gus has two mommies and a daddy. So how's your mother doing?"

Justin laughed, he and Melanie had spent a lot of time laughing about his mother's society functions that he dragged her to. "She's fine. Now that she's accepted that I'm gay, she's trying to hook me up with the crem de la crem of New York's quuer scene. She says 'Hi' by the way."

"Well you tell the poor man's Ivana Trump that I said hello as well."

"I will, she only calls like once a day. I'd better get going, it's getting late."

Melanie walked him to the door and gave him a quick hug, "Goodnight Justin, it was wonderful to see you again."

"You too Melanie."

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Justin Taylor was not far from Brian Kinney's thoughts all that week. At the most inopportune time, the blonde's face would pop into his thoughts. "Dammit," he thought, "I am not going to turn into some dyke over this kid."

He thought about talking to his best friend, Mikey, about it, but decided against. Mikey was the sole supporter of his "King of Liberty Avenue" reputation, and might not like it if he found out Brian's thoughts were focusing on one guy that he hadn't even fucked yet. Brian suspected that Mikey's feelings for him were more than friendly, and that was why it was so important that he believe Brian just like one night stands. As long as he did that, Mikey could fantasize a future for them. Brian tried to gently let him down over the years, but it never worked. He just tried to not lead him on. Besides if he did, he'd have Debbie, Michael's mother, all over his ass, and he did not want that. Debbie could scare the shit out of even him.

Around noon on Friday, Brian found himself interviewing a witness downtown near Justin's office. Figuring what the hell, he decided to see if Justin was free for lunch. As he rode the elevator to Justin's floor, he began to question the wisdom in just showing up unannounced. The sound of the elevator stopping on the 7th floor made the decision for him.

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Justin was reviewing some notes for an arraignment that he had to do, when he heard a knock at his office door. Daphne was gone for lunch, so he just called out, "Come in."

You could have knocked him over with a feather when Brian Kinney came walking to his office. Justin had been fantasizing about the man all week, and now here he was. He quickly stood up, "Detective, I'm sorry did we have an appointment today.?"

Brian immediately regretted his decision. Not only was Justin call him Detective again, he seemed very surprised to see him, and not in a good way. "I was just conducting an interview downtown and noticed it was lunch time. I thought I would see if you were free."

"Um, well, I … uh," Justin couldn't put a coherent thought together.

Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Brian decided a hasty retreat was in order. He started to back out of the office, "Forget it, you're probably really busy."

Justin sensed that if he let Brian walk out the door, he would lose his chance completely, "Actually Detective," Brian paused, "I'm starving."

With his trademark smirk, he replied, "I told you to call me Brian."

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It was a beautiful day out, and Justin's office was within walking distance to the Liberty Diner. As they walked they talked. Mostly mundane things, but things that help you get to know another person better.

As they walked in the diner, Brian immediately heard a familiar voice, "Hey kiddo! Haven't seen you in a while."

Justin was taken aback as a multicolored tornado approached them and swept Brian up in a hug.

"Who's your friend."

"Justin Taylor, this is Debbie Novotny. Debbie this is Justin. We're working pm a case together."

Debbie swept Justin up in a hug that surprised him, "Welcome to Liberty Diner Sunshine. You two have a seat, I'll be back to take your order."

Brian and Justin grabbed a booth and sat down. Justin spoke first, "Is it just me or is she a little bit freaky?"

Brian laughed, Debbie had that affect on a lot of people, "She just takes some getting used to. Deb's actually my surrogate mom. Her son is my best friend, I've known them since I was fourteen." Justin immediately felt bad about his quick judgment of the woman. "But she is kind of freaky." That made Justin smile.

Brian could immediately see why Deb would nickname him Sunshine, his smile lit up a room. Over lunch they talked more, until Justin realized he had to get back to the office.

"Brian, I'm sorry, I really need to get back, I have an arraignment in an hour."

"Okay," Brian went to the register to pay the bill, as Deb went over and talked to Justin.

"I hope to see more of you around here Sunshine, you make Brian smile."

Justin was embarrassed by the attention, "Well I'm new in town, and like Brian said, we're working a case together."

"Sorry Sunshine, no dice, I've know Brian Kinney for over twenty years, this is not just a case to him." Justin said nothing else because he saw Brian walking back.

"Are you ready Justin?"

"Yeah."

They walked back to Justin's office in silent. Brian knew he was going to have to ask Justin out in order to see him again. It seemed unlikely the soft-spoken polite attorney would be hanging around at Babylon or Woody's. "Justin, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?"

Justin seemed surprised by the question, and Brian wondered if he had been misreading the signals. "I'd love to Brian, thank you."

They parted company outside Justin's office. Justin gave Brian his address, and promised to be ready at seven o'clock the following evening.

"Damn," Brian thought, "I'm going on a date."

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Justin was anxious all day on Saturday. It had been so long since he'd even thought about going on a date, that he wasn't sure how to act. He hadn't been interested in anyone since Steve, but he quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head. He never really got into the gay scene. He wasn't into bars or bathhouses, and had no desire for the anonymous sex that went on there. Justin had to be the most conservative fag around. He was so excited about his date with Brian. He seemed to be a really nice guy, and Justin felt safe around him.

Sitting around his apartment was not doing anything to ease his nerves so he decided to go exploring. He headed down to Liberty Avenue. When he was down there with Brian yesterday, he noticed a lot of shops and wanted to check them out. His first stop was a clothing store called "Torso."

He had never seen such wild clothes before. He was looking at some of the racks when he was assaulted by the biggest queen he had ever seen. The man was dressed even more flamboyantly than the clothes in the store, but it seemed, somehow appropriate.

"Well hello sweetie! You must be new in town, I don't believe I've ever seen you around before."

"Um, yeah, I've only lived in Pittsburgh a little over a month."

"Well I'm Emmett Honeycutt, I'd be happy to show you around town."

"Thanks Emmett, I'm Justin, it's nice to meet you."

"Now what can I help you with today."

"Well, I have a date tonight, and I wanted to get something new to wear."

Emmett immediately started clapping his hands, "Ooh a date, well let's find you something extra fabulous!! I'll even give you my employee discount."

Justin chuckled as he was fussed over by the man.

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Brian was hanging out in Mikey's comic book store. About 5 years ago, Mikey followed his dream and opened a comic book store. Since he was the biggest comic nerd around, it seemed like the perfect career. Surprisingly the store had done really well, and Michael was able to support himself. Brian was secretly surprised, but he guessed that comic book sub-culture could be pretty lucrative. Michael's voice invaded his thoughts.

"So, do you want to go to Babylon tonight?"

"What?"

"Geez Brian, weren't you listening, I asked if you wanted to go to Babylon tonight?"

"Sorry Mikey, I have plans," plans that include a hot young lawyer flat on his back. Brian chuckled at the thought.

"Brian," Michael whined, "we haven't been to Babylon in ages."

"I'm sure Ted and Emmett would be more than happy to join you."

"But I want to go with you."

"Well not tonight. In fact, I need to get going."

Michael pouted as Brian walked out the door. Over the last few years he'd felt his relationship with Brian changing. He hardly ever went to the clubs anymore. Michael was missing the good old days.

The bell on the door announced the arrival of a customer. Michael looked up and saw a striking blonde man walk through the door. Blonde hair, blue eyes, he definitely attracted attention.

"Hi, can I help you?" Michael asked the young man.

"Oh no, I'm just looking around. I'm new in town and this is my first excursion to Liberty Avenue."

"Well my name's Michael, I'm the owner of this store."

Justin extended his hand, "I'm Justin, it's nice to meet you."

Looking at the bags the young man carried, "I see you've been to Torso."

Justin blushed slightly, "Yeah, I have a date tonight, and I needed something to wear."

"Ooh la la, a date, well that's pretty cool."

"Yeah, he's a detective I met a couple of weeks ago."

Michael's ears perked up, "Brian Kinney?"

"Yeah," Justin was confused, "do you know him?"

"All of Liberty Avenue knows Brian Kinney. You may have something with him, but it's not a date."

"What do you mean?"

"Brian Kinney doesn't 'do dates.' He's more of a one night stand kind of guy."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, he's the king stud of Liberty Avenue, in fact I think he has a plaque erected to him in the back room of Babylon. 'For services rendered.'"

This revelation really bothered Justin, "Oh, I had no idea."

"So I'm sure he's not taking you on a date, probably just to Babylon for a quick fuck."

Justin was silent as he listened to Michael go on about Brian and his reputation in the clubs. "Well, I'd better get going. It was nice to meet you." His country club manners were still in full force.

"You too Justin."

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Justin needed to get out of that store. The things that Michael had told him about Brian were quite disturbing. Is that why Brian wanted to take him out? For a quick fuck. The thought of that truly upset Justin. He wasn't a one night stand kind of guy, but it seemed Brian Kinney was. Damn, Justin was really hoping that something could develop with Brian, but it sure didn't seem like that was going to happen. He decided to call Brian and cancel.

Thankfully he got his voice mail. "Hey Brian, it's Justin. I had something come up and I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. Sorry for the short notice. Bye."

He flipped his cell phone closed, and blinked back the tears.

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Brian was going through his closet deciding what to wear. God, he felt like a teenager going on his first date. Well it was kind of like a first date, at least for him. He really liked Justin, and wanted Justin to like him too. He couldn't believe he was this nervous. He looked over at his cell phone and saw that it was off. "Shit," he thought, "I hope I didn't miss any calls."

He saw that he had a new voicemail. He frowned as he listened to it. Justin was canceling on him, and it bothered him more than he was comfortable with. He decided to call him, and see what was up.

"Hello?"

"Justin, hey it's Brian."

"Oh, hi."

"I got your message."

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I had some things come up with a case I'm working on, I really couldn't get out of it."

"Well let's do it another time."

There was silence on the other end, "Brian, I really don't think it's a good idea for us to see each other socially. You know work and all."

Brian felt his heart sink, "Fine, whatever."

"Look, Brian, I …"

"Don't worry about it … Counselor," and he hung up the phone.

Justin stared at the phone and wondered, "What have I done?"

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