Law & Order Special Victims Unit s02e07 Episode Script
Asunder
In the criminal justice system sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives.
who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
Yes, I am! No! You're not! Shut up, you witch! What the hell are you doing, going through my things for? You're a liar! You said you'd never do that again! This is the last time, you creep.
I can't wait till you die, so I can spit on your corpse, you freak! No.
No.
No! Come here.
You want to talk? Let go of me.
Think of your body as part of the crime scene.
Time and body fluids erode evidence.
The procedure is we head to the hospital, and then I'll take your statement.
So basically the bastard rapes me, and you waste time.
That's the procedure? Ma'am Look here, Officer Det.
Munch.
Perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a female detective.
I'd be happy to talk to anyone with a brain.
There are five stages of grief.
Try not to go through them all at once.
Cute.
I'll talk slower.
I don't need SOP explained to me I don't need a rape kit and I really don't need you to hold my hand! Look, it doesn't matter if you've had prior consensual sex with this man.
Sure.
Doesn't even matter if you're still in a relationship with him.
He's my husband.
You and I need to see a doctor.
As soon as you give me an address we can pick up your husband.
He's at Manhattan South.
Sgt.
Lloyd Andrews, Homicide.
You care to join us, Detective? I'd love to, but I've got reports to file and coffee to make.
Regardless of your personal feelings, I want you on my team.
But only for as long as you want to be here.
It's nice to be wanted.
Well, these aren't going to file themselves.
So? Patricia Andrews claims her husband raped her this morning.
She's got a sprained wrist, but nothing much else to suggest physical abuse.
She doesn't need the beat-up to prove it.
It's gonna need more than her word, because my partner conveniently forgot to mention our guy's Homicide, Manhattan South.
I didn't mention it, 'cause it's not important, at least not to me.
Twenty-year vet, citations a sheet long, high closure rate.
Along with making the brass very happy, the guy's also a rapist.
Alleged rapist, thank you.
Ever hear of "no"? You ever hear of contractual abandonment? The only reason to forsake all others is so you don't have to hear "no.
" I've been married 16 years.
I hear it all the time.
Okay, Munch, let me clue you in, a wife as property went out in 1984 when the law finally realized that even a married woman is allowed to say no.
We get Mrs.
Andrew's statement? She sign it? Not yet.
It's being typed.
Let's talk to her.
Make sure she knows what the score is.
Are you doubting what happened or her commitment? I don't have his side of the story, and this suspect is a cop.
So Internal Affairs is going to be all over this.
I just don't think his badge should cushion the blow.
Have you ever rubbed IAB the wrong way? I've never had the pleasure.
Then do it my way.
You two, canvass the neighbors.
Get some background on the happy couple.
John, you and your partner have a chat with the missis.
I will apprise the powers that be.
You know, if it turns out that he did in fact rape her and we didn't follow standard op, we're going to get buried in it.
That's going to happen regardless.
There's no smoking in government buildings.
Please read your statement carefully, then sign.
Where's your husband right now? Every day he plays pick-up ball with some cop friends before his shift.
Before you put pen to paper, I want to hear it again in your own words.
Why? You're going to have to get used to telling your story.
Are you married? No, ma'am.
I know you're not.
Who'd have you? Are you always this pleasant? Meaning, I got what was coming to me? That's not how I see it, Mrs.
Andrews.
Nobody deserves this.
We've been married five years.
I just don't understand.
I've seen him get crazy, but never like this.
We fight, we make love.
I almost don't believe it myself.
Maybe he thought you were making up.
Is that possible? A chokehold is not foreplay for me, Detective.
And a pot to the head turns him on? You're not going to do a damn thing to him.
No, not a damn thing.
If your story holds up, I'm gonna have to arrest him, Mrs.
Andrews put cuffs on him, process him, and lock him up in a cage.
I just want to make sure you understand that.
What do you take me for? I wasn't expecting company.
What's this about? We wanted to ask you about your neighbors next door.
Well, have a seat, please.
Do you know the Andrews? Who? They live on the first floor.
Mrs.
Andrews, she's about Mr.
Andrews is a cop.
You mean the Springers.
No, we mean the Andrews.
People around here barely want to make eye contact so you can forget about introductions.
They're the Springers to me.
Better than the show.
I take it, that means that they fight a lot.
Every day.
Sometimes the cops come.
He pulls them aside.
Then they leave.
I always wondered if he paid them off.
Did they fight this morning? He left the house, trying to get away from her.
She came through the door and threw a pot.
That woman's got a hell of an aim.
Did you see him strike her? No.
But he turned around and snatched her inside.
Did you see or hear anything else? No.
Did something bad happen? Gentlemen.
Det.
Santiago, my partner, Det.
Howard, Internal Affairs.
Nice to meet you.
Just give me the word.
Is it mine, or do I kick it to you? We're not equipped to deal with sex crimes.
Have a nice day.
You know, I'd be sore, too.
I'm not following.
We know IAB used you to bring down your mentor.
We just want you to know those were the old days.
That is truly comforting.
We're not here to grind your wheat.
Just do us a favor, take it slow and easy.
Finesse and kid gloves.
Since when does IAB care about finesse? Come on, give us a break.
The guy's not on the take, skimming drugs, or pimping on the side.
Isn't it enough that we kiss their collective PC ass? What's next, castration? We marry them just to have it available.
So tell me, how do you rape a wife? Okay.
Thanks.
We got four domestic disputes at the Andrews' residence.
Dispo'd at the scene.
No arrests.
Same uniforms, Clarkson and Powell.
Are they on tour? Just signed out for a break.
No arrests? Nope.
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Powell and Clarkson? So the groom's mother goes to the bride's mother and asks: "Why is the bride smiling?" 'Cause she never has to get on her knees again.
Old joke.
Do you mind? Det.
Benson, I'm Det.
Stabler, SVU.
We want to talk to you about the DIRs at the Andrews' place.
Right.
Nothing to it.
Handled at the scene each time.
The last one out, we told the sarge if it happened again, we'd have no choice.
Why? Well, four times is three times too many.
You see abuse, you take action, right? He's a fellow officer.
He asked a favor, we gave it.
So you look the other way no matter what? Is that in your cop manual? Because it sure as hell ain't in mine.
What gives? You didn't do your job.
And because you didn't, we caught it.
And since it rolls downhill, I figured you're next.
Sarge and his wife fight, loud and hard.
Names they call each other, I wouldn't say to a hump in the back of my cruiser.
It blows real hot, then it's over.
Besides, if we really wanted to do him a favor we'd run his old lady in, no matter what he said.
Okay, wait a minute, you're telling us that his wife's the abuser? Don't know if I'd say that.
But when she gets ticked off, she likes to throw whatever's handy.
Well, how real does it look? It's hard to say.
Break up to make up.
Wife's a bit of a bruiser, Andrews seems to be handling it.
By raping her? I'm not a fly on their bedroom wall.
That's too bad.
'Cause what's this cop going to say when we ask? "I raped my wife.
Please, put me in jail.
" Why don't we let the ADA decide? It looks like she might not have to.
For the first time in my career, IAB acts like they want to flush it.
So either there's some other agenda, or this could come back to bite us.
Bring Andrews in for an interview.
I don't think we can, without some SBA lawyer turning him into a deaf-mute.
Any other ideas? If it's not official, it's not going to hold up.
I'm not looking for a confession, Elliot.
I just want to get a read on this guy before he gets wise.
Pick him up.
I got him.
Take it up.
It's all you.
Who's next? Lloyd Andrews, Homicide.
Ceasar Vasques out of Vice.
Danny Tatum, he's one of mine.
Elliot Stabler, SVU.
Sex crimes.
I hear that's a tough gig.
I hear they rotate you guys out every two years.
Is it really that rough? Well, Homicide's no picnic, either, right? A body's past caring whether you close a case or not.
Live victims are needy.
Takes a real strong cop to suck it up.
Two on two? Yeah, you're on my team.
Take it to the hole.
What the hell was that? What's the matter? There's no fouls on the blacktop.
What's the matter? Can't you take it? Hey, come on, guys.
Let's play ball.
Your ball.
Knock it off.
Come on.
Move! Calm down, man.
Knock it off.
Okay, what'd I miss? Tatum's trying to give you a message, all right? But I don't operate that way.
He and I will have words later.
You okay? I guess I don't understand his language.
Don't you? Why don't you spell it out for me? I'll tell you what.
You can ask me all the questions you want after the game.
Questions? Rape, right? And maybe the guy was telling me what I wanted to hear but he seemed pretty genuine to me.
Was this before or after his goon kicked your ass? Andrews did know that we were looking into him.
Okay, yeah, well.
So his partner got overly enthusiastic.
Andrews stepped in and saved the other eye, didn't he? I'd like to believe that Fin would show me the same kind of loyalty.
A little history first, might help your case.
So all we have thus far, is a physically abusive woman crying rape.
Is that the gist? What motive could she have for saying that her husband raped her? Pending divorce, for one.
You don't have to worry about fighting over which half you get when the mate you hate's locked in a cell.
We already checked that.
No papers were filed.
All she has to do is wait.
We get rid of him for her, then she files.
What? Yeah, we're on the way.
A unit was dispatched to the Andrews' residence.
Assault with a deadly weapon.
A Mr.
Parker called it in.
You touch me again, I'll cut your pig heart out! Why aren't you in jail? Get away, you stupid bitch.
I should wait till you're asleep and set you on fire! You better kill me, or I'll do you without leaving a mark! You freak! Hey! Look out! Let's go.
Come on.
Take it easy! Get off! Take it easy.
I'm taking her in.
I don't think so.
I've got it from here.
Okay.
I'm all right.
Get off of me! Listen, this isn't helping you at all.
Let's go, let's get up here.
All right.
Just take a breath.
Calm down.
Why isn't he in jail? Calm down.
You again.
What is it this time? Or do you answer DIRs now? I'm going to need you to come on down and answer some questions.
I think I need a lawyer.
Yeah, I think so, too.
You call this finesse? I've had calls from the brass wanting to know did I orchestrate an undercover operation with SVU and the press has already gotten a whiff of it.
What kind of Mickey Mouse Club is this? See, actually I hate that little, black rodent.
Now, Dick Tracy, that was a club.
You got this great decoder ring and a really cool watch.
Are you going to say something, Ms.
Cabot? Like what? Protocol.
Like, if you're charging a sergeant with rape.
Like, if you would rein in your squad and if you could be so kind as to keep us informed as to status.
Very well.
Charging Andrews prior to his making a formal statement is premature.
Am I sweeping it under the rug, as you'd prefer? No.
And I strongly advise you to discontinue obstructing this unit from doing its job.
Or I will be more than happy to file charges naming you and your partner as coconspirators.
IAB is here, strictly in a supervisory capacity.
Not anymore.
You may consider yourselves officially updated.
Let the record show that I will not talk to you without my lawyer.
Okay, interview's over.
Yeah.
All right.
But maybe we should clear this up, so we can all get back to work.
Your wife already told us what happened.
So now we'd just like to hear it from you.
What did she say? That you raped her.
Now, before you deny it, let's just sit down and go through the sequence of events.
All right, fair enough.
I've been working steady midnights for a while.
I come home, I'm tired.
Right away she starts in on me.
She swears that I got a piece on the side.
And do you? Yeah, so? So why do you think she'd accuse you of rape? It doesn't take a genius.
And she's pissed.
You know, it's always something with her.
Either I don't love her, or I smother her.
You guys figure it out, because she's driving me nuts.
Divorce is a hell of a better option than rape.
I did not rape my wife.
And he comes sauntering home like nothing happened.
So why'd you stay there? Where should I go? It's my house, my things.
I did nothing wrong.
You cut him with a kitchen knife, and you threw a baton into the crowd.
I was scared when he walked in like that.
You know, I thought he was in jail.
You got anybody you could stay with? Family, friends? You said you would arrest him.
So what happened? I walked away.
Things were getting out of hand.
Tempers were hot.
So what does that freaking cow do? She hurls a pot and nails me with it.
But you didn't keep walking.
You grabbed her and went back inside.
I sure as hell did.
So that's when you raped her.
Nice try, but, no.
I started packing her bags.
That lease is under my name.
I'll be damned if I let her run me out of my house screaming, threatening me with kitchen utensils.
What does that mean? Threatening you with kitchen utensils? She came after me with a knife.
I disarmed her.
And how'd you do that? Standard academy move.
Come on, guys.
Don't you get it? She's crazy.
Patricia hasn't been right since we found out she can't have kids.
And that's when our marriage started to go south.
So why didn't you file for divorce? I love him.
I want counseling.
He won't go.
But he'll have to after the trial, won't he? They'll make him.
If he's convicted.
We're not even sure we can charge him.
Well, who gets to decide that? Her name's Cabot.
So let me talk to her.
She's a woman.
She'll understand.
He raped me.
We made love.
Did you hold her down? Did you use a chokehold to control her? I don't touch my wife like that, ever.
I know I could do some serious damage.
Besides, I'm the guy with the battle scars.
But you do know how to do her without leaving a mark.
Isn't that right, Sergeant? It's your call.
Cut him loose.
We don't arrest him now, we send a message to every wife that if she's raped by her husband, she'd better get beat up, too.
What do you want me to do about it? Book him.
Let a jury decide who they believe.
I don't even have enough to get past the grand jury.
Alex.
Walk him.
You have business here? Yeah, Captain, I do.
Is my sergeant pinched? That doesn't concern you.
I don't know who you work for but in my department we watch out for each other.
Maybe riding the desk, you forget.
Well, I enforce the law, and the only thing I ride is any hump who breaks it.
Feeling wood for my buddy? I am now, cheap shot.
Get out of my squad room before I lodge a complaint with your lieutenant.
Who do you think sent us over here? Is he charged or not? He's free to go.
Sarge? I want my wife charged with assault.
Lloyd.
Right.
Do it.
How can he do this? I don't know, but I'll ask him.
Count on it.
Come on.
Come on, let's go.
You mind? I told Lloyd I would quit.
Now's a good a time as any.
It's a bad habit.
Although, some are worse than others.
My wife has some pretty foul ones.
Thought you weren't married.
My soon-to-be ex calls me often with requests for money and updates on the status of our uncoupling.
You hate her.
That would make it too easy.
We're not together anymore, but we still fight.
Only now, I'm not there for the tantrums.
So you bust my chops, because I remind you of her.
No, I just don't like you.
Well, at least you're honest.
So what're you doing here? I came here to gloat.
How're you holding up? I'm all right.
A little worried about Lloyd.
Never underestimate the generosity of women.
My husband likes to work midnights, so he doesn't have to sleep.
One time, I came home and Lloyd was in the kitchen scrubbing his bullets in the sink his gun laid out on a towel.
Is there anything you need? Yeah.
Would you drop by my house and check on my husband? Just make sure he's okay? "File number 248957.
"People v.
Patricia Eileen Andrews, assault in the first.
" We'll waive reading, Your Honor, and enter a plea of not guilty.
The People waive bail and request ROR.
You're feeling awfully generous, Counselor.
The extenuating circumstances call for compassion.
Well, those aside the defendant exhibited a serious lack of control towards police and emergency personnel, by tossing a baton into the crowd.
It was an isolated incident.
We do not regard the defendant as a danger to herself or to others.
I assume defense counsel has no objection.
None, Your Honor.
If the People wish to do my job for me, who am I to argue? Well, however lightly our ADA may take the endangerment of city personnel, I do not.
$10,000 bond, post with the clerk.
Unfortunate mess, this Andrews business.
How's it going? Well, it's like pulling teeth.
And I sure as hell could do without all the pressure that goes with it.
I'm afraid it's business as usual.
You'll sort it out.
Actually, I called you down here on another matter.
It seems that one of your detectives is filing a discrimination suit against the department.
Jefferies.
Papers were delivered first thing this morning.
Legal is going over the complaint for merit.
And nobody's happy, and you want me to talk to her.
Unofficially, yes.
No one at One Police Plaza can talk to her without complicating the issue.
Well, I don't see how I can do anything.
She's angry and I didn't realize how angry till right now.
Prior to this dispute, did you have a good relationship with this detective? Yes, I believe I did.
But now you're not so sure? Don, I don't think it's personal.
She hasn't named in her suit, she just wants back in the field.
Well, then, we have a problem, sir.
Because I don't think we can fold on the issue.
Well, talk to her as a friend.
And if that doesn't work? Make it go away, Captain.
Guess who just paid Patricia Andrews' bail? Her husband.
Got a call from a buddy in Processing.
I smell a recant, Counselor.
Fine.
Let's see how cute the sergeant plays it when I get him on the stand.
I thought you were dropping it.
Not enough for a grand jury.
I was, until the sergeant had his wife arrested.
He pays her bail, looks suspicious.
That I can sell.
I didn't know women got into whizzing contests.
Invite Mrs.
Andrews down for a chat.
I think it's time we cleared the air.
Did your husband or any of his friends on the force threaten you? No.
I just don't want to go through with it anymore is all.
What made you change your mind? My husband could go to jail over a misunderstanding a petty marital spat.
I can't live with that.
Just seems strange you would change your tune so easily after singing the he-raped-me song to anybody who would listen.
I was mad.
Wouldn't have anything to do with your husband dropping the felony assault charge, would it? No.
Who paid your bail? He's a good guy.
Really.
According to you, your husband's a first-class arrogant jackass who put you in a chokehold and took what no man has a right to.
And he apologized for that! You know, all I ever wanted was for him to put himself in my place.
You know, he's never really said "I'm sorry" about anything.
This was genuine.
What did he say exactly? He said: "I'm sorry I raped you, Patty.
"It is unforgivable.
" And to give him another chance.
Those were his exact words? Yes.
So you see why I have to drop this, okay? I feel like we're starting over.
For the first time in our marriage, he's trying to feel my pain.
You can't make me change my mind.
I love him.
He admits it and you respond by trying to recant.
That's not love, that's psycho.
Think whatever you want.
I'm not crazy enough to lose my husband just 'cause you want to believe me now.
Can I go? Well, I can charge her with filing a false police report but what I'd really like to do is charge her with felony assault.
You just want to put somebody in jail, is that it? No.
I want to force her hand a little.
I don't see Andrews refiling just to make your day.
He won't have to if we can find another witness to the attack.
I heard them fighting so I called the police.
I didn't see anything.
We were told it was assault with a deadly weapon.
The only way the dispatcher could have known that is if you told her so.
Sgt.
Andrews won't find out it was me? Not a word you say.
Now, did you see the attack? She had a knife.
She cut him.
Assault two, Ms.
Cabot? You're reaching.
Not at all.
Your client cut her husband.
I've got the knife, her prints, and a witness.
That's three years in Bedford Hills.
And trust me, it is not the country-club setting it sounds like.
What happened to compassion? Motive for the assault was fear of reprisal.
She recanted, so it's moot, along with my compassion.
Tell you what, I'll bump it down to assault three.
That'll shave 18 months.
What do you want? I want an indictment for rape in the first degree and the only way I'm going to get it, is with your client in front of a grand jury.
This is blackmail.
No, Mrs.
Andrews, it's the law.
We're busy.
In my pocket is a warrant for your arrest.
Don't make me Mirandize and cuff you in here.
Hold this for me.
What the hell is going on here? I thought this was settled.
Evidently not.
You want to get out of my way? Thanks, buddy.
"File number 25527.
People v.
Lloyd David Andrews.
"One count of rape in the first degree "one count of sexual misconduct in the first degree "and one count of sexual abuse.
" How do you plead? Not guilty, Your Honor.
The People ask that bail be set at $50,000.
What? Quiet! This is a venal attempt to further smear my client who has ties to the community.
He's a respected member of New York's finest and would like nothing but his day in court to answer these specious accusations.
We ask that he be remanded under his own recognizance.
Your Honor, this is a heinous crime.
The People are not prepared to send the message that officers of the law get a free ride.
You are not a messenger, Ms.
Cabot.
So save your button-pushing for the trial.
Enter a plea of not guilty, and since the defendant is not a flight-risk, he's ROR.
Your Honor, the People ask for an order of protection and that the defendant surrender all weapons.
So ordered.
Let's talk.
Sex abuse one, three years.
Let's not fight.
Submit your congratulations and be done with it.
Don't be hasty, Sam.
I'm offering to drop this to a D felony.
You obviously don't gamble.
You don't fold a winning hand.
My guy's walking away from this unscathed.
I'm just trying to save us both some time.
All you've got is a bitter wife.
You put her on the stand, the recant goes in the record along with her witnessed physical attacks on my client.
Why are you fighting this? Because he did it.
And he doesn't deserve his freedom, and he doesn't deserve to wear a badge.
When did he confess exactly? A few days ago, to his wife.
Privileged.
Where's your case? In the courtroom, in front of a jury.
Didn't I tell you, we're going bench, not jury.
Come on, Alex, don't be a sore loser.
Drop the charges and send the kiddies to counseling where they belong.
No.
For the egg on your face.
Do you recognize this internal report, Det.
Munch? Yes, it's the report of an interview I conducted with the victim Patricia Andrews.
You were present at the time.
What was the purpose of the interview? Mrs.
Andrews urgently wanted to drop the rape charges against her husband.
Did Mrs.
Andrews actually say her husband didn't rape her? No, she did not.
So it's your testimony that the victim came into the precinct to drop the charges and clear her husband but never refuted what happened, correct? She said that her husband sincerely apologized for raping her and that was the first time in their marriage that he had done so.
Objection.
She said, he said, it's double hearsay.
Exception to hearsay.
Your Honor, the defendant admitted to the felony.
It's a statement against a penal interest.
Why would Lloyd Andrews, a 20-year vet on the Homicide Division admit to guilt if he didn't do it? At the very least, the alleged apology is privileged.
By telling it to a third party, it becomes hearsay, therefore, no privilege exists.
The exception is granted.
Overruled.
Nothing further.
You threw a pot from the stove.
Was it still hot? No.
I didn't want to hurt him.
What happened then? Then he grabbed me by the back of my head, and dragged me into the house.
Go on.
Then we fought some more.
Was it physical? I kept hitting him, and he'd push me back.
And I'd hit him some more and Did he rape you? I don't know.
Didn't you say he slammed you against a wall threw his arm across your neck, and squeezed? Didn't you state that you almost lost consciousness? Didn't you tell police that he pulled your pants down removed your panties, and raped you? Is that the truth, Mrs.
Andrews? I suppose.
Yes or no? Yes.
Nothing further.
Mrs.
Andrews, did you go to the police and recant? I did.
And were you facing assault one charges, and did Ms.
Cabot offer you a deal in exchange for your testimony? Yes.
Then why are we here? Objection.
Withdrawn.
Mrs.
Andrews, didn't you decide to drop the rape charge after your husband dropped the assault charges against you? That's not how it was, you bitch! You're twisting everything around! Watch the language.
In fact, didn't you suddenly have a change of heart after having a long conversation with your husband? Answer the question, or I can arrange accommodations for you to think about it.
Yes.
We've been married for five years.
And for the most part we've been pretty happy, but lately it's been hell.
How many times have the police been called to your residence? Four.
My wife loses control.
She's the batterer, Mr.
Andrews.
Why have you been protecting her? I love her.
I couldn't see her get locked up over something that's my fault.
She's the one who throws heavy objects.
She grabs the knife and attacks.
Why is it your fault? I haven't always been the best husband.
I've cheated on her, I don't always come home.
I wouldn't, either.
Withdrawn.
Did you force your wife to have sex with you? No.
Did you put her in a chokehold or in any way touch her with excessive force? No, I did not.
Since the physical evidence bears witness to that why would your wife accuse you of such a despicable crime? I had promised to cut off a yearlong relationship.
I didn't, and she found out about it.
But I've since stopped seeing the woman.
I love my wife.
Then why would you apologize for rape, if you didn't do it? My wife can't let anything go.
She's got to be right, always.
I'd rather lie and tell her that I'm sorry for something that I didn't do than fight about it for the rest of my life.
I just want some peace, and I don't know a husband in the world who doesn't.
Nothing further.
Mr.
Andrews did you or did you not tell your wife you could do her without leaving a mark? That's not what I meant when I said Let me remind you I can call any number of city personnel who witnessed this statement.
Did you or did you not threaten your wife with bodily harm? The heifer told me that she was going to torch me! What the hell was I supposed to say? That heifer is supposed to be the woman you love? Sexual misconduct, and he's out of a job.
Don't be ridiculous.
You haven't won.
I'd say I've evened the odds considerably, or you wouldn't be here.
Deal, Alex.
At least concede that these two people should never be married especially not to each other.
That's not my concern.
Well, it should be.
Hell of a railroad job on what he said in the heat of the moment.
Got me thinking about the fights with my wife.
What people might say.
Sometimes I want to kill her.
If she dies, then you've got a problem.
D felony, still on the table.
Three years, he'll be out in one.
With a sex-offender tag dragging him down the rest of his life.
You wanted to see me, Captain? So here I am.
Have a seat.
If you don't mind, I'd rather stand.
I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I hear.
It's not official.
Just you and me.
Now, I know these last couple of months have been difficult for you.
I know you think we're the enemy.
So this is about my lawsuit? Have you thought this through? The politics and the stink, how hard they're going to try to make this for you has that crossed your mind? The only thing on my mind is the presumptuous attitude about my private life.
What I do on my own time, is not fodder for this department.
This unit isn't like any other in the department.
Not all the same rules apply, Jefferies.
You know that.
No.
All I know is that when it hit the fan, you ducked.
You're my responsibility, and you're an integral part of my squad.
I did not agree with their conclusion, but I did agree that you need help.
What does my personal life have to do with my work or the way I do it? The way I see it, it's the equivalent of you trying to eat your gun and I can't let that happen.
Then I don't think we have anything left to talk about.
Will the defendant please rise? There is no doubt that spousal rape exists.
There is no doubt that a wife holds the same protection under the law from her husband and any other male acquaintance or stranger with regard to her own body.
But how does the law determine if a rape actually occurred within a relationship defined by its very nature as normal sexual intimacy? Unfortunately, it cannot.
Nor should it, save corroboration or grievous injury.
Therefore, in the matter of the People v.
Lloyd David Andrews the Defendant is herby found not guilty of one count of rape in the first degree not guilty, one count of sexual misconduct in the first degree not guilty, one count of sexual abuse.
The defendant is free to go.
Well, that was a colossal waste of time.
I couldn't disagree more.
Forget about the wasted man-hours or even the taxpayers' money.
You lost.
Where's the victory in that? I'm the only ADA to get spousal rape past the grand jury.
I may not have won, but I changed the climate, so somebody else can.
On the other hand, the only thing you may have proven here today is that women are still chattel.
Only if they want to be.
That's a little premature, don't you think? I thought a narc hotshot like you would be worth at least 60 days.
They're not mine, Captain.
I guess Jefferies didn't want to leave her gun unattended.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.
In New York City, the dedicated detectives.
who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
Yes, I am! No! You're not! Shut up, you witch! What the hell are you doing, going through my things for? You're a liar! You said you'd never do that again! This is the last time, you creep.
I can't wait till you die, so I can spit on your corpse, you freak! No.
No.
No! Come here.
You want to talk? Let go of me.
Think of your body as part of the crime scene.
Time and body fluids erode evidence.
The procedure is we head to the hospital, and then I'll take your statement.
So basically the bastard rapes me, and you waste time.
That's the procedure? Ma'am Look here, Officer Det.
Munch.
Perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a female detective.
I'd be happy to talk to anyone with a brain.
There are five stages of grief.
Try not to go through them all at once.
Cute.
I'll talk slower.
I don't need SOP explained to me I don't need a rape kit and I really don't need you to hold my hand! Look, it doesn't matter if you've had prior consensual sex with this man.
Sure.
Doesn't even matter if you're still in a relationship with him.
He's my husband.
You and I need to see a doctor.
As soon as you give me an address we can pick up your husband.
He's at Manhattan South.
Sgt.
Lloyd Andrews, Homicide.
You care to join us, Detective? I'd love to, but I've got reports to file and coffee to make.
Regardless of your personal feelings, I want you on my team.
But only for as long as you want to be here.
It's nice to be wanted.
Well, these aren't going to file themselves.
So? Patricia Andrews claims her husband raped her this morning.
She's got a sprained wrist, but nothing much else to suggest physical abuse.
She doesn't need the beat-up to prove it.
It's gonna need more than her word, because my partner conveniently forgot to mention our guy's Homicide, Manhattan South.
I didn't mention it, 'cause it's not important, at least not to me.
Twenty-year vet, citations a sheet long, high closure rate.
Along with making the brass very happy, the guy's also a rapist.
Alleged rapist, thank you.
Ever hear of "no"? You ever hear of contractual abandonment? The only reason to forsake all others is so you don't have to hear "no.
" I've been married 16 years.
I hear it all the time.
Okay, Munch, let me clue you in, a wife as property went out in 1984 when the law finally realized that even a married woman is allowed to say no.
We get Mrs.
Andrew's statement? She sign it? Not yet.
It's being typed.
Let's talk to her.
Make sure she knows what the score is.
Are you doubting what happened or her commitment? I don't have his side of the story, and this suspect is a cop.
So Internal Affairs is going to be all over this.
I just don't think his badge should cushion the blow.
Have you ever rubbed IAB the wrong way? I've never had the pleasure.
Then do it my way.
You two, canvass the neighbors.
Get some background on the happy couple.
John, you and your partner have a chat with the missis.
I will apprise the powers that be.
You know, if it turns out that he did in fact rape her and we didn't follow standard op, we're going to get buried in it.
That's going to happen regardless.
There's no smoking in government buildings.
Please read your statement carefully, then sign.
Where's your husband right now? Every day he plays pick-up ball with some cop friends before his shift.
Before you put pen to paper, I want to hear it again in your own words.
Why? You're going to have to get used to telling your story.
Are you married? No, ma'am.
I know you're not.
Who'd have you? Are you always this pleasant? Meaning, I got what was coming to me? That's not how I see it, Mrs.
Andrews.
Nobody deserves this.
We've been married five years.
I just don't understand.
I've seen him get crazy, but never like this.
We fight, we make love.
I almost don't believe it myself.
Maybe he thought you were making up.
Is that possible? A chokehold is not foreplay for me, Detective.
And a pot to the head turns him on? You're not going to do a damn thing to him.
No, not a damn thing.
If your story holds up, I'm gonna have to arrest him, Mrs.
Andrews put cuffs on him, process him, and lock him up in a cage.
I just want to make sure you understand that.
What do you take me for? I wasn't expecting company.
What's this about? We wanted to ask you about your neighbors next door.
Well, have a seat, please.
Do you know the Andrews? Who? They live on the first floor.
Mrs.
Andrews, she's about Mr.
Andrews is a cop.
You mean the Springers.
No, we mean the Andrews.
People around here barely want to make eye contact so you can forget about introductions.
They're the Springers to me.
Better than the show.
I take it, that means that they fight a lot.
Every day.
Sometimes the cops come.
He pulls them aside.
Then they leave.
I always wondered if he paid them off.
Did they fight this morning? He left the house, trying to get away from her.
She came through the door and threw a pot.
That woman's got a hell of an aim.
Did you see him strike her? No.
But he turned around and snatched her inside.
Did you see or hear anything else? No.
Did something bad happen? Gentlemen.
Det.
Santiago, my partner, Det.
Howard, Internal Affairs.
Nice to meet you.
Just give me the word.
Is it mine, or do I kick it to you? We're not equipped to deal with sex crimes.
Have a nice day.
You know, I'd be sore, too.
I'm not following.
We know IAB used you to bring down your mentor.
We just want you to know those were the old days.
That is truly comforting.
We're not here to grind your wheat.
Just do us a favor, take it slow and easy.
Finesse and kid gloves.
Since when does IAB care about finesse? Come on, give us a break.
The guy's not on the take, skimming drugs, or pimping on the side.
Isn't it enough that we kiss their collective PC ass? What's next, castration? We marry them just to have it available.
So tell me, how do you rape a wife? Okay.
Thanks.
We got four domestic disputes at the Andrews' residence.
Dispo'd at the scene.
No arrests.
Same uniforms, Clarkson and Powell.
Are they on tour? Just signed out for a break.
No arrests? Nope.
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Powell and Clarkson? So the groom's mother goes to the bride's mother and asks: "Why is the bride smiling?" 'Cause she never has to get on her knees again.
Old joke.
Do you mind? Det.
Benson, I'm Det.
Stabler, SVU.
We want to talk to you about the DIRs at the Andrews' place.
Right.
Nothing to it.
Handled at the scene each time.
The last one out, we told the sarge if it happened again, we'd have no choice.
Why? Well, four times is three times too many.
You see abuse, you take action, right? He's a fellow officer.
He asked a favor, we gave it.
So you look the other way no matter what? Is that in your cop manual? Because it sure as hell ain't in mine.
What gives? You didn't do your job.
And because you didn't, we caught it.
And since it rolls downhill, I figured you're next.
Sarge and his wife fight, loud and hard.
Names they call each other, I wouldn't say to a hump in the back of my cruiser.
It blows real hot, then it's over.
Besides, if we really wanted to do him a favor we'd run his old lady in, no matter what he said.
Okay, wait a minute, you're telling us that his wife's the abuser? Don't know if I'd say that.
But when she gets ticked off, she likes to throw whatever's handy.
Well, how real does it look? It's hard to say.
Break up to make up.
Wife's a bit of a bruiser, Andrews seems to be handling it.
By raping her? I'm not a fly on their bedroom wall.
That's too bad.
'Cause what's this cop going to say when we ask? "I raped my wife.
Please, put me in jail.
" Why don't we let the ADA decide? It looks like she might not have to.
For the first time in my career, IAB acts like they want to flush it.
So either there's some other agenda, or this could come back to bite us.
Bring Andrews in for an interview.
I don't think we can, without some SBA lawyer turning him into a deaf-mute.
Any other ideas? If it's not official, it's not going to hold up.
I'm not looking for a confession, Elliot.
I just want to get a read on this guy before he gets wise.
Pick him up.
I got him.
Take it up.
It's all you.
Who's next? Lloyd Andrews, Homicide.
Ceasar Vasques out of Vice.
Danny Tatum, he's one of mine.
Elliot Stabler, SVU.
Sex crimes.
I hear that's a tough gig.
I hear they rotate you guys out every two years.
Is it really that rough? Well, Homicide's no picnic, either, right? A body's past caring whether you close a case or not.
Live victims are needy.
Takes a real strong cop to suck it up.
Two on two? Yeah, you're on my team.
Take it to the hole.
What the hell was that? What's the matter? There's no fouls on the blacktop.
What's the matter? Can't you take it? Hey, come on, guys.
Let's play ball.
Your ball.
Knock it off.
Come on.
Move! Calm down, man.
Knock it off.
Okay, what'd I miss? Tatum's trying to give you a message, all right? But I don't operate that way.
He and I will have words later.
You okay? I guess I don't understand his language.
Don't you? Why don't you spell it out for me? I'll tell you what.
You can ask me all the questions you want after the game.
Questions? Rape, right? And maybe the guy was telling me what I wanted to hear but he seemed pretty genuine to me.
Was this before or after his goon kicked your ass? Andrews did know that we were looking into him.
Okay, yeah, well.
So his partner got overly enthusiastic.
Andrews stepped in and saved the other eye, didn't he? I'd like to believe that Fin would show me the same kind of loyalty.
A little history first, might help your case.
So all we have thus far, is a physically abusive woman crying rape.
Is that the gist? What motive could she have for saying that her husband raped her? Pending divorce, for one.
You don't have to worry about fighting over which half you get when the mate you hate's locked in a cell.
We already checked that.
No papers were filed.
All she has to do is wait.
We get rid of him for her, then she files.
What? Yeah, we're on the way.
A unit was dispatched to the Andrews' residence.
Assault with a deadly weapon.
A Mr.
Parker called it in.
You touch me again, I'll cut your pig heart out! Why aren't you in jail? Get away, you stupid bitch.
I should wait till you're asleep and set you on fire! You better kill me, or I'll do you without leaving a mark! You freak! Hey! Look out! Let's go.
Come on.
Take it easy! Get off! Take it easy.
I'm taking her in.
I don't think so.
I've got it from here.
Okay.
I'm all right.
Get off of me! Listen, this isn't helping you at all.
Let's go, let's get up here.
All right.
Just take a breath.
Calm down.
Why isn't he in jail? Calm down.
You again.
What is it this time? Or do you answer DIRs now? I'm going to need you to come on down and answer some questions.
I think I need a lawyer.
Yeah, I think so, too.
You call this finesse? I've had calls from the brass wanting to know did I orchestrate an undercover operation with SVU and the press has already gotten a whiff of it.
What kind of Mickey Mouse Club is this? See, actually I hate that little, black rodent.
Now, Dick Tracy, that was a club.
You got this great decoder ring and a really cool watch.
Are you going to say something, Ms.
Cabot? Like what? Protocol.
Like, if you're charging a sergeant with rape.
Like, if you would rein in your squad and if you could be so kind as to keep us informed as to status.
Very well.
Charging Andrews prior to his making a formal statement is premature.
Am I sweeping it under the rug, as you'd prefer? No.
And I strongly advise you to discontinue obstructing this unit from doing its job.
Or I will be more than happy to file charges naming you and your partner as coconspirators.
IAB is here, strictly in a supervisory capacity.
Not anymore.
You may consider yourselves officially updated.
Let the record show that I will not talk to you without my lawyer.
Okay, interview's over.
Yeah.
All right.
But maybe we should clear this up, so we can all get back to work.
Your wife already told us what happened.
So now we'd just like to hear it from you.
What did she say? That you raped her.
Now, before you deny it, let's just sit down and go through the sequence of events.
All right, fair enough.
I've been working steady midnights for a while.
I come home, I'm tired.
Right away she starts in on me.
She swears that I got a piece on the side.
And do you? Yeah, so? So why do you think she'd accuse you of rape? It doesn't take a genius.
And she's pissed.
You know, it's always something with her.
Either I don't love her, or I smother her.
You guys figure it out, because she's driving me nuts.
Divorce is a hell of a better option than rape.
I did not rape my wife.
And he comes sauntering home like nothing happened.
So why'd you stay there? Where should I go? It's my house, my things.
I did nothing wrong.
You cut him with a kitchen knife, and you threw a baton into the crowd.
I was scared when he walked in like that.
You know, I thought he was in jail.
You got anybody you could stay with? Family, friends? You said you would arrest him.
So what happened? I walked away.
Things were getting out of hand.
Tempers were hot.
So what does that freaking cow do? She hurls a pot and nails me with it.
But you didn't keep walking.
You grabbed her and went back inside.
I sure as hell did.
So that's when you raped her.
Nice try, but, no.
I started packing her bags.
That lease is under my name.
I'll be damned if I let her run me out of my house screaming, threatening me with kitchen utensils.
What does that mean? Threatening you with kitchen utensils? She came after me with a knife.
I disarmed her.
And how'd you do that? Standard academy move.
Come on, guys.
Don't you get it? She's crazy.
Patricia hasn't been right since we found out she can't have kids.
And that's when our marriage started to go south.
So why didn't you file for divorce? I love him.
I want counseling.
He won't go.
But he'll have to after the trial, won't he? They'll make him.
If he's convicted.
We're not even sure we can charge him.
Well, who gets to decide that? Her name's Cabot.
So let me talk to her.
She's a woman.
She'll understand.
He raped me.
We made love.
Did you hold her down? Did you use a chokehold to control her? I don't touch my wife like that, ever.
I know I could do some serious damage.
Besides, I'm the guy with the battle scars.
But you do know how to do her without leaving a mark.
Isn't that right, Sergeant? It's your call.
Cut him loose.
We don't arrest him now, we send a message to every wife that if she's raped by her husband, she'd better get beat up, too.
What do you want me to do about it? Book him.
Let a jury decide who they believe.
I don't even have enough to get past the grand jury.
Alex.
Walk him.
You have business here? Yeah, Captain, I do.
Is my sergeant pinched? That doesn't concern you.
I don't know who you work for but in my department we watch out for each other.
Maybe riding the desk, you forget.
Well, I enforce the law, and the only thing I ride is any hump who breaks it.
Feeling wood for my buddy? I am now, cheap shot.
Get out of my squad room before I lodge a complaint with your lieutenant.
Who do you think sent us over here? Is he charged or not? He's free to go.
Sarge? I want my wife charged with assault.
Lloyd.
Right.
Do it.
How can he do this? I don't know, but I'll ask him.
Count on it.
Come on.
Come on, let's go.
You mind? I told Lloyd I would quit.
Now's a good a time as any.
It's a bad habit.
Although, some are worse than others.
My wife has some pretty foul ones.
Thought you weren't married.
My soon-to-be ex calls me often with requests for money and updates on the status of our uncoupling.
You hate her.
That would make it too easy.
We're not together anymore, but we still fight.
Only now, I'm not there for the tantrums.
So you bust my chops, because I remind you of her.
No, I just don't like you.
Well, at least you're honest.
So what're you doing here? I came here to gloat.
How're you holding up? I'm all right.
A little worried about Lloyd.
Never underestimate the generosity of women.
My husband likes to work midnights, so he doesn't have to sleep.
One time, I came home and Lloyd was in the kitchen scrubbing his bullets in the sink his gun laid out on a towel.
Is there anything you need? Yeah.
Would you drop by my house and check on my husband? Just make sure he's okay? "File number 248957.
"People v.
Patricia Eileen Andrews, assault in the first.
" We'll waive reading, Your Honor, and enter a plea of not guilty.
The People waive bail and request ROR.
You're feeling awfully generous, Counselor.
The extenuating circumstances call for compassion.
Well, those aside the defendant exhibited a serious lack of control towards police and emergency personnel, by tossing a baton into the crowd.
It was an isolated incident.
We do not regard the defendant as a danger to herself or to others.
I assume defense counsel has no objection.
None, Your Honor.
If the People wish to do my job for me, who am I to argue? Well, however lightly our ADA may take the endangerment of city personnel, I do not.
$10,000 bond, post with the clerk.
Unfortunate mess, this Andrews business.
How's it going? Well, it's like pulling teeth.
And I sure as hell could do without all the pressure that goes with it.
I'm afraid it's business as usual.
You'll sort it out.
Actually, I called you down here on another matter.
It seems that one of your detectives is filing a discrimination suit against the department.
Jefferies.
Papers were delivered first thing this morning.
Legal is going over the complaint for merit.
And nobody's happy, and you want me to talk to her.
Unofficially, yes.
No one at One Police Plaza can talk to her without complicating the issue.
Well, I don't see how I can do anything.
She's angry and I didn't realize how angry till right now.
Prior to this dispute, did you have a good relationship with this detective? Yes, I believe I did.
But now you're not so sure? Don, I don't think it's personal.
She hasn't named in her suit, she just wants back in the field.
Well, then, we have a problem, sir.
Because I don't think we can fold on the issue.
Well, talk to her as a friend.
And if that doesn't work? Make it go away, Captain.
Guess who just paid Patricia Andrews' bail? Her husband.
Got a call from a buddy in Processing.
I smell a recant, Counselor.
Fine.
Let's see how cute the sergeant plays it when I get him on the stand.
I thought you were dropping it.
Not enough for a grand jury.
I was, until the sergeant had his wife arrested.
He pays her bail, looks suspicious.
That I can sell.
I didn't know women got into whizzing contests.
Invite Mrs.
Andrews down for a chat.
I think it's time we cleared the air.
Did your husband or any of his friends on the force threaten you? No.
I just don't want to go through with it anymore is all.
What made you change your mind? My husband could go to jail over a misunderstanding a petty marital spat.
I can't live with that.
Just seems strange you would change your tune so easily after singing the he-raped-me song to anybody who would listen.
I was mad.
Wouldn't have anything to do with your husband dropping the felony assault charge, would it? No.
Who paid your bail? He's a good guy.
Really.
According to you, your husband's a first-class arrogant jackass who put you in a chokehold and took what no man has a right to.
And he apologized for that! You know, all I ever wanted was for him to put himself in my place.
You know, he's never really said "I'm sorry" about anything.
This was genuine.
What did he say exactly? He said: "I'm sorry I raped you, Patty.
"It is unforgivable.
" And to give him another chance.
Those were his exact words? Yes.
So you see why I have to drop this, okay? I feel like we're starting over.
For the first time in our marriage, he's trying to feel my pain.
You can't make me change my mind.
I love him.
He admits it and you respond by trying to recant.
That's not love, that's psycho.
Think whatever you want.
I'm not crazy enough to lose my husband just 'cause you want to believe me now.
Can I go? Well, I can charge her with filing a false police report but what I'd really like to do is charge her with felony assault.
You just want to put somebody in jail, is that it? No.
I want to force her hand a little.
I don't see Andrews refiling just to make your day.
He won't have to if we can find another witness to the attack.
I heard them fighting so I called the police.
I didn't see anything.
We were told it was assault with a deadly weapon.
The only way the dispatcher could have known that is if you told her so.
Sgt.
Andrews won't find out it was me? Not a word you say.
Now, did you see the attack? She had a knife.
She cut him.
Assault two, Ms.
Cabot? You're reaching.
Not at all.
Your client cut her husband.
I've got the knife, her prints, and a witness.
That's three years in Bedford Hills.
And trust me, it is not the country-club setting it sounds like.
What happened to compassion? Motive for the assault was fear of reprisal.
She recanted, so it's moot, along with my compassion.
Tell you what, I'll bump it down to assault three.
That'll shave 18 months.
What do you want? I want an indictment for rape in the first degree and the only way I'm going to get it, is with your client in front of a grand jury.
This is blackmail.
No, Mrs.
Andrews, it's the law.
We're busy.
In my pocket is a warrant for your arrest.
Don't make me Mirandize and cuff you in here.
Hold this for me.
What the hell is going on here? I thought this was settled.
Evidently not.
You want to get out of my way? Thanks, buddy.
"File number 25527.
People v.
Lloyd David Andrews.
"One count of rape in the first degree "one count of sexual misconduct in the first degree "and one count of sexual abuse.
" How do you plead? Not guilty, Your Honor.
The People ask that bail be set at $50,000.
What? Quiet! This is a venal attempt to further smear my client who has ties to the community.
He's a respected member of New York's finest and would like nothing but his day in court to answer these specious accusations.
We ask that he be remanded under his own recognizance.
Your Honor, this is a heinous crime.
The People are not prepared to send the message that officers of the law get a free ride.
You are not a messenger, Ms.
Cabot.
So save your button-pushing for the trial.
Enter a plea of not guilty, and since the defendant is not a flight-risk, he's ROR.
Your Honor, the People ask for an order of protection and that the defendant surrender all weapons.
So ordered.
Let's talk.
Sex abuse one, three years.
Let's not fight.
Submit your congratulations and be done with it.
Don't be hasty, Sam.
I'm offering to drop this to a D felony.
You obviously don't gamble.
You don't fold a winning hand.
My guy's walking away from this unscathed.
I'm just trying to save us both some time.
All you've got is a bitter wife.
You put her on the stand, the recant goes in the record along with her witnessed physical attacks on my client.
Why are you fighting this? Because he did it.
And he doesn't deserve his freedom, and he doesn't deserve to wear a badge.
When did he confess exactly? A few days ago, to his wife.
Privileged.
Where's your case? In the courtroom, in front of a jury.
Didn't I tell you, we're going bench, not jury.
Come on, Alex, don't be a sore loser.
Drop the charges and send the kiddies to counseling where they belong.
No.
For the egg on your face.
Do you recognize this internal report, Det.
Munch? Yes, it's the report of an interview I conducted with the victim Patricia Andrews.
You were present at the time.
What was the purpose of the interview? Mrs.
Andrews urgently wanted to drop the rape charges against her husband.
Did Mrs.
Andrews actually say her husband didn't rape her? No, she did not.
So it's your testimony that the victim came into the precinct to drop the charges and clear her husband but never refuted what happened, correct? She said that her husband sincerely apologized for raping her and that was the first time in their marriage that he had done so.
Objection.
She said, he said, it's double hearsay.
Exception to hearsay.
Your Honor, the defendant admitted to the felony.
It's a statement against a penal interest.
Why would Lloyd Andrews, a 20-year vet on the Homicide Division admit to guilt if he didn't do it? At the very least, the alleged apology is privileged.
By telling it to a third party, it becomes hearsay, therefore, no privilege exists.
The exception is granted.
Overruled.
Nothing further.
You threw a pot from the stove.
Was it still hot? No.
I didn't want to hurt him.
What happened then? Then he grabbed me by the back of my head, and dragged me into the house.
Go on.
Then we fought some more.
Was it physical? I kept hitting him, and he'd push me back.
And I'd hit him some more and Did he rape you? I don't know.
Didn't you say he slammed you against a wall threw his arm across your neck, and squeezed? Didn't you state that you almost lost consciousness? Didn't you tell police that he pulled your pants down removed your panties, and raped you? Is that the truth, Mrs.
Andrews? I suppose.
Yes or no? Yes.
Nothing further.
Mrs.
Andrews, did you go to the police and recant? I did.
And were you facing assault one charges, and did Ms.
Cabot offer you a deal in exchange for your testimony? Yes.
Then why are we here? Objection.
Withdrawn.
Mrs.
Andrews, didn't you decide to drop the rape charge after your husband dropped the assault charges against you? That's not how it was, you bitch! You're twisting everything around! Watch the language.
In fact, didn't you suddenly have a change of heart after having a long conversation with your husband? Answer the question, or I can arrange accommodations for you to think about it.
Yes.
We've been married for five years.
And for the most part we've been pretty happy, but lately it's been hell.
How many times have the police been called to your residence? Four.
My wife loses control.
She's the batterer, Mr.
Andrews.
Why have you been protecting her? I love her.
I couldn't see her get locked up over something that's my fault.
She's the one who throws heavy objects.
She grabs the knife and attacks.
Why is it your fault? I haven't always been the best husband.
I've cheated on her, I don't always come home.
I wouldn't, either.
Withdrawn.
Did you force your wife to have sex with you? No.
Did you put her in a chokehold or in any way touch her with excessive force? No, I did not.
Since the physical evidence bears witness to that why would your wife accuse you of such a despicable crime? I had promised to cut off a yearlong relationship.
I didn't, and she found out about it.
But I've since stopped seeing the woman.
I love my wife.
Then why would you apologize for rape, if you didn't do it? My wife can't let anything go.
She's got to be right, always.
I'd rather lie and tell her that I'm sorry for something that I didn't do than fight about it for the rest of my life.
I just want some peace, and I don't know a husband in the world who doesn't.
Nothing further.
Mr.
Andrews did you or did you not tell your wife you could do her without leaving a mark? That's not what I meant when I said Let me remind you I can call any number of city personnel who witnessed this statement.
Did you or did you not threaten your wife with bodily harm? The heifer told me that she was going to torch me! What the hell was I supposed to say? That heifer is supposed to be the woman you love? Sexual misconduct, and he's out of a job.
Don't be ridiculous.
You haven't won.
I'd say I've evened the odds considerably, or you wouldn't be here.
Deal, Alex.
At least concede that these two people should never be married especially not to each other.
That's not my concern.
Well, it should be.
Hell of a railroad job on what he said in the heat of the moment.
Got me thinking about the fights with my wife.
What people might say.
Sometimes I want to kill her.
If she dies, then you've got a problem.
D felony, still on the table.
Three years, he'll be out in one.
With a sex-offender tag dragging him down the rest of his life.
You wanted to see me, Captain? So here I am.
Have a seat.
If you don't mind, I'd rather stand.
I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I hear.
It's not official.
Just you and me.
Now, I know these last couple of months have been difficult for you.
I know you think we're the enemy.
So this is about my lawsuit? Have you thought this through? The politics and the stink, how hard they're going to try to make this for you has that crossed your mind? The only thing on my mind is the presumptuous attitude about my private life.
What I do on my own time, is not fodder for this department.
This unit isn't like any other in the department.
Not all the same rules apply, Jefferies.
You know that.
No.
All I know is that when it hit the fan, you ducked.
You're my responsibility, and you're an integral part of my squad.
I did not agree with their conclusion, but I did agree that you need help.
What does my personal life have to do with my work or the way I do it? The way I see it, it's the equivalent of you trying to eat your gun and I can't let that happen.
Then I don't think we have anything left to talk about.
Will the defendant please rise? There is no doubt that spousal rape exists.
There is no doubt that a wife holds the same protection under the law from her husband and any other male acquaintance or stranger with regard to her own body.
But how does the law determine if a rape actually occurred within a relationship defined by its very nature as normal sexual intimacy? Unfortunately, it cannot.
Nor should it, save corroboration or grievous injury.
Therefore, in the matter of the People v.
Lloyd David Andrews the Defendant is herby found not guilty of one count of rape in the first degree not guilty, one count of sexual misconduct in the first degree not guilty, one count of sexual abuse.
The defendant is free to go.
Well, that was a colossal waste of time.
I couldn't disagree more.
Forget about the wasted man-hours or even the taxpayers' money.
You lost.
Where's the victory in that? I'm the only ADA to get spousal rape past the grand jury.
I may not have won, but I changed the climate, so somebody else can.
On the other hand, the only thing you may have proven here today is that women are still chattel.
Only if they want to be.
That's a little premature, don't you think? I thought a narc hotshot like you would be worth at least 60 days.
They're not mine, Captain.
I guess Jefferies didn't want to leave her gun unattended.
I'm sorry.
Me, too.