Discover New Fanfiction by a1tera Published on AO3
Fandom: Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (TV 2024)
Work: Law and Order Toronto (2024) from Frankie’s POV
Started: January 2025
Status: In Progress – Chapters 8 / 11
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Cryptocurrency
Read it on AO3: Cryptocurrency
Published: January 9, 2025
This chapter echoes Season 1, Episode 1, The Keys to the Castle, and serves as an introduction to the lead characters, Frankie Bateman and Henry Graff, two detectives in Toronto’s Specialized Criminal Investigation Unit.
The central case revolves around the disappearance and murder of a cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Frankie, the junior detective, holds a deep admiration for Graff’s intelligence and professionalism, while Graff’s sharp deductive skills highlight his extensive experience.
Infused with humour and subtle romance, this chapter expands on the investigative storyline established in the original TV series.
Incorporating romantic overtones into the relationship between Frankie and Graff required some careful thought, as their bond is deeply platonic. I wasn’t entirely sure my storyline would work.
I sprinkled variations of this quote throughout the work to subtly hint at Frankie’s admiration for Graff, or at the very least, her appreciation of his appearance.
And really, who wouldn’t? He wears a suit, and like any well-dressed man, likely has the expensive cologne to match.
Adding humour to an episode already packed with witty dialogue is always a challenge, especially when the series writers are as talented as they are.
Finally, introducing new or rarely seen characters to advance my story is, of course, not canon. I hope you enjoy the changes.
Cheers, A1
Chapter 2: Condominium
Read it on AO3: Condominium
Published: January 18, 2025
This chapter mirrors Season 1, Episode 2 – Good Neighbours, and follows Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman and her partner, Henry Graff, as they investigate a mass shooting involving a condo board.
Dennis’s murder is linked to a deeper secret—a body buried on the condo property, tied to a decades-old case involving Maeve Waters. Dennis becomes a suspect in her death, but evidence points to someone else.
Through meticulous investigation, Frankie and Graff uncover the culprit in Maeve’s murder and their potential involvement in Dennis’s death.
The choice to make Frankie a marathoner in this chapter came naturally. When I lived in Toronto, I had the “pleasure” of participating in several marathons, 5Ks, and 10Ks. The course in Toronto runs along Rosedale Valley Road, and it’s a truly enjoyable route.
This excerpt is inspired by an actual conversation.
“Is that so?” Graff asks, looking intrigued.
“Yeah, I said to a race marshal, “The winner must have finished by now” and he replied, “The winner’s having dinner right now”,” Frankie recounts, laughing.
My first race took me just under five hours, but with time and practice, I improved—and it felt amazing.
The race where I really excelled was in Columbus, OH. The mostly flat course made for an enjoyable experience, and it was such a thrill to hear the announcer say, “And, from Canada,…” Gosh, I felt so special, even though I finished in four and a quarter hours.
At the end of one of my Toronto Marathons—the spring one in May—my husband, who I had just started dating at the time, sent me roses. It’s the inspiration for Graff’s gesture at the end of this chapter.
He even included a poem that began, “Roses are red…” It was incredibly sweet. I didn’t have Graff write Frankie a poem, but it would have been a lovely touch.
Including the reference to the song “Helpless” from Hamilton brings back such fond memories. We had seats in the front row of the balcony in August 2023, just before the show closed in Toronto, and I absolutely loved it.
The only downside was not being able to sing along—it would have been rude, and I would have looked even crazier than I already am. During the pandemic, Hamilton on Disney+ was my not-so-secret joy. I must have watched it almost every other week.
If you’ve ever worked in an office that conducts a strategic planning process, you’ve probably had the chance to play team-building games like that.
Just don’t count on me to catch you—seriously, lol.
“Hmm,” Graff says, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Are we fixing each other’s collars now?
I used to do quirky things like that with my honey long before we actually started dating. He favours a green shirt to match his green eyes, but I think he looks amazing in any shade of blue. As for Graff in that blue dress shirt and tie combo—I would have been absolutely smitten. Wow.
That magical period before you start dating and eventually marry is the stuff of romantic fiction. Sometimes you get to live it, and sometimes you get to imagine it.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
Cheers, A1
Chapter 3: Charlatan
Read it on AO3: Charlatan
Published: January 27, 2025
This chapter parallels Season 1, Episode 3, The Real Eve, and follows Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman and her partner, Henry Graff, as they investigate the murder of Eve Kinwood, an artist and art teacher.
Eve Kinwood is discovered dead in her office at the college. Initial evidence suggests a crime of passion, with her husband, Rick, and her young lover, Jasper, emerging as the primary suspects. However, the investigation takes unexpected turns as suspicions shift and new evidence comes to light.
A compelling subplot reveals that Eve may have taken credit for artwork that was not her own. This discovery introduces a deeper motive involving art theft and exploitation.
Frankie’s intimate understanding of Graff’s reading habits is highlighted in this chapter, and it becomes even more prominent in scenes from subsequent episodes in the series.
I didn’t have to look far to find poetry, alcoholism, romance, and a great song all in one place. It felt like Mickey Rourke and his early movies jumped straight out at me.
It’s also been quite a while since I watched Barfly, and Frankie’s observation that they never ate in that film was my only takeaway at the time as well. Similarly, Graff’s remark about how little Rick had to drink to become completely comatose is something I wouldn’t have realized before.
Poetry is not my thing, and it’s perfectly encapsulated in this quote:
I feel like Jodie Foster in Contact when she witnesses celestial events and says, “They should have sent a poet.” Sometimes, words fail to capture the sheer wonder of the moment, and that’s where poetry works its magic.
I’m still laughing at the humour in this episode, especially this passage—a variation of which shows up in nearly every episode.
I’ll need to create a separate section to compile these statements. I’m sure it’ll make for hilarious reading!
I also like this hilarious passage. Who thinks like that? I’m dying.
The concept of “Plato-adjacent” and Platonic forms first appeared in this episode, prompting me to include passages about how Frankie and Graff describe their relationship as platonic.
Graff remarks how the statement is Plato adjacent.
In this chapter, Frankie appears aware of Henry’s occasional compliments and gestures, yet she interprets them through the lens of their strong platonic bond. While she acknowledges his attractiveness and appreciates his kindness, she does not perceive his actions as romantic overtures—at least not until that evening in Caledon.
By the way, the lookout I’m referencing is located at the top of Mt. Pleasant Road, just north of Bolton, if you ever find yourself in the area.
The slow burn of their dynamic is almost maddeningly slow throughout the series. Are we really going to have to wait until a future Season 10, or will it finally happen in Season 2?
In our duo’s interview on the City TV YouTube channel after the Season 2 wrap, it’s mentioned that Bateman and Graff work late… well into the night. No lack of motive, and plenty of opportunity, so to speak.
That said, I nudged things along in my story, and it’s not like Graff doesn’t drop hints about his feelings in every episode. I tried to demonstrate how Graff’s patience and subtlety are undeniably effective.
Playing a romantic song is such a quiet, deliberate gesture, leaving Frankie to interpret it however she wishes. It’s as though he’s giving her control while gently guiding her toward the possibility of something deeper.
As an aside, this move also seems like the kind of thing a man with his experience would do.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Cheers, A1
P.S. In Canada, heroin can be prescribed under special circumstances. I fact-checked this to be certain because I really didn’t know. And, now I do—and so does Frankie—glad to be ticking it off the list of “Maybe, Someday, Frankie Will Find Out.” Seriously, lol.
[By the way, I am writing this after Season 2, Episode 4, Hogg’s Hollow, so nothing has developed, but we do get a first glimpse of late nights. Holness also mentions in this episode, how the team have put in a lot of overtime so, obviously, neither is in a rush to get home.]
Chapter 4: Campaign
Read it on AO3: Campaign
Published: February 4, 2025
This chapter parallels Season 1, Episode 4, Crack Reporter, and follows Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman and her partner, Henry Graff, as they navigate a romantic relationship while working together on a high-pressure case.
They investigate the murder of Tatiana Wynn, an investigative journalist, and later, Aldo Carbone, a construction company owner, both of which appear to be connected. The investigation involves bribery, political scandals, and attempts to uncover hidden motives behind these deaths.
The story builds toward the culprit’s arrest and the revelation of his involvement in orchestrating events to manipulate the mayoral race, bolstered by his belief in killing for the common good.
Frankie is smitten with Graff and the man can do no wrong.
Frankie smiles and chuckles to herself. Saying stuff like that is what makes Graff super adorable in her mind.
And before you say, ‘People don’t talk like that,’ I do. I don’t think I sound like a Valley Girl, but maybe I can’t tell. Shaking my head sadly at the next quote, lol.
This next part is where the relationship in the series looks like it could be something more.
I missed writing Graff’s comment into my story and I should have put it in there somewhere.
At first, I thought it was just a sarcastic reference to Aldo’s wife’s comments, passed along by Frankie, that she never wanted to see Aldo again. But now, maybe it’s about Frankie handing Graff his jacket while he gets her a coffee as they prepare to leave.
It’s something we all do with our partners. By being helpful and considerate, we ensure they have everything they need to succeed. Definitely a show of domestic bliss.
In the episode, Frankie’s expression when she hears that in the elevator is absolutely priceless. I just wish I had been more imaginative in developing what happened next.
Graff’s arrival at Gavigan’s Sports Bar is one of the moments where he visibly cringes at the noise of the excited patrons.
I might have misunderstood this, much like Frankie does in the series, when Graff says he doesn’t like sports bars and she replies that it doesn’t surprise her.
Now, I feel it’s less about him disliking sports and more about his aversion to the noise in places like this.
Could he be a sports fan? Maybe, maybe not.
Two quotes from Todd—’the fog of war’ and ‘the noiseless harmony of genius’—inspired the title of this chapter. Winning a war takes a solid ‘Campaign,’ kind of like a mayoral race.
In the story, Graff advances Frankie’s career, guided by Carl Von Clausewitz’s strategic lessons on war. Coming up with how this chapter plays out was a lot of fun and really shows off Graff’s creativity and brilliance.
Oh, my word! If Graff isn’t putting his feelings completely on display here when he says that, then I don’t know anything about anyone.
Is it just me, or is it getting warm in here?
By the way, I did rewatch Blade Runner after writing this. I’m not sure how many people remember the opening search sequence, but that scan-and-zoom technology is downright terrifying. If you’ve ever dreaded a close-up, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was based on an excellent episode that highlights the moral complexity of people and the lengths they’re willing to go to achieve their goals.
Plus, the throwback to the mayor smoking crack was hilarious!
Cheers, A1
Chapter 5: Catfishing
Read it on AO3: Catfishing
Published: February 13, 2025
This chapter parallels Season 1, Episode 5, Bleeding Hearts, and follows Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman and her partner, Henry Graff, as they investigate a homicide at a shipping yard.
The investigation reveals details about romance scams, organized crime, and the emotional toll on the individuals involved.
Frankie and Graff’s relationship deepens, creating moments of lightness amidst the weight of their demanding work.
Frankie and Graff’s investigation techniques reach new heights.
As, I’m writing this we’re still in the midst of a long cold spring. It’s not hard to imagine winter weather, a real Christmas in July.
We’ll join the party in Chapter 10.
Who knew Graff would be a Swifty? Cruel Summer is a great song.
Graff has some hilarious lines in this episode.
Cheers, A1