A/N Likely just a two-shot. Hope you like it. I really appreciate favs, and of course comments. They make a fanfiction writer's world a better place.
"Maura, do you think the guy can see and hear us, too? Or is he just monitoring us with this stupid shit?" Jane wondered as she looked toward the monitor that was measuring her heart and breathing rate.
Jane couldn't believe it. It was bad enough that she couldn't seem to keep herself safe, but she was always dragging Maura into stuff, too. How long would it be before one of them paid the ultimate price for her recklessness? And if it was Maura, well, she knew they may as well bury her, too.
"I don't think so, Jane. From a scientific point of view, this is a great way to monitor people. You can be sure they are here and you don't have to check on them."
Poor Maura, even as a prisoner with an absolute psycho watching over her, she couldn't help but be a scientist first, and a victim second.
"That's good, Maura, because I have gotten out of these cuffs! The problem is, if I take this monitor thing off of me, that nutjob will know!" Jane grumbled.
And that was actually a real problem, as the nutjob had rigged the room with an explosive device big enough to kill both of them if they tried to escape. Of course, that may actually be the better deal, considering this guy was a serial killer who liked to torture people. Jane was sure that if they didn't get free soon things were going to get a lot worse.
Jane weighed her options: she could wait until the guy finally came to them to try to fight him off, but then she couldn't know how many others he may be hurting while she waited. She could just yank the monitor off of her and hope for the best, but that seemed like a really bad gamble.
"Maura, do you have any ideas? You're the genius."
But Maura was way ahead of Jane. From the moment Jane said she was out of her cuffs, Maura's mind was working overtime. She kept coming up with ideas that were less that optimal, as well. Until finally a crazy thought sent her mind spinning a little.
Maura looked at Jane, who at this point was squirming in her chair. Her arms were free, and she was looking at the monitor that was tracking her heart rate and breathing. Distracted and unaware that Maura was looking at her so intently, Maura had the opportunity to really look at Jane and ponder the idea that came to mind.
Somehow the idea almost seemed like a bigger gamble than Jane just ripping the monitor off. Presenting the idea to Jane was as scary to Maura as being blown up! But she knew she had to hurry, this killer had another target and was only keeping her and Jane alive long enough to do what he wanted and then come back and likely torture them, too.
"Jane," Maura said calmly, quietly, and low.
"This really sucks, Maur. And the beeping of this freaking machine is driving me nuts."
"Jane," Maura said, a little more persistent.
"Maybe I really should just rip this damn thing off of me. The bomb might just be a dud."
"Jane!" Maura said with authority, instantly causing Jane to look at Maura.
"Jane, I have an idea. And I don't think we have a lot of time for me to explain all of it. I think I can mess with the readings of the machine. If we do that, he may not blow us up but instead come down here to see what is going on. I am betting he would be curious," Maura said with as much certainty as she could muster.
"Well, great, Maura. Tell me what to do… hurry." Jane said, in typical Jane fashion.
"It's not something we can do in a hurry, but it shouldn't take long. Just sit still Jane, and look into my eyes," Maura said calmly.
"Hahaha! Maura come on. This is no time to practice becoming a hypnotist. We are in trouble here." Jane said, mildly scolding.
"I'm serious, Jane. Without disturbing the monitor, scoot your chair as close to me as you can, and begin looking into my eyes and face. Do it."
Jane could tell that Maura was serious. Her face was stern, but she clearly wasn't angry. Jane did as she was told. If there was one thing that she had learned over the years, when Maura has an idea … go with it. She is usually right. She can find out what this is about later.
"Okay, Maur. Here I am, looking at you. What are we supposed to do now? Of all the crazy ideas you.."
"Jane, just sit quiet and look at me."
Jane took a deep breath shut her mouth. She squirmed a little. What a weird thing Maura was asking her to do. And then she realized that Maura was staring intensely at her. At first it was a little creepy, but then she noticed Maura's eyes softening as she looked at her and she began to feel a little warm.
Maura's eyes. Any time Jane took more than a few seconds to look into those hazel orbs it always caused an ache in her chest. On most days, Jane could set aside the more than platonic feelings she had for her best friend, but there were times when that was simply impossible. Jane couldn't help but think that being trapped in room by a serial killer was probably one of those times she should set it aside, but she couldn't.
Maura's face was a thing of beauty to her. After a moment or two Jane was actually experiencing seconds where she forgot what was going around her. Maura would give her small smile that reached those eyes and Jane couldn't help but feel flush.
Jane felt a little guilty for loving this as much as she did. She had permission to simply admire Maura, but she knew that Maura didn't know how much she was enjoying it, especially under the circumstances. Indeed, Maura didn't know a lot of things – like the fact that her best friend was so in love with her.
Jane's thoughts were interrupted by a door opening on the other side of the room. She quickly made it appear as if her hands were back in the cuffs before the nutjob walked in.
"What are you silly bitches up to in here? Hmm.. you're both here. What did you do with my machine, Rizzoli," the nutjob said as he moved forward to inspect it. This gave her just the opportunity she needed.
Jane swiftly swept her leg out as the man approached knocking him off his feet and sending him to the floor. Before he could rise to his feet a booted foot connected with the bridge of his nose, blinding him and taking the fight right out of him. Jane used the cuffs he thought he had her secured with to secure him.
Before long the cavalry arrived and began processing the scene. Maura was in full talk with her forensic staff and Jane was glad the nightmare was over. What she really wanted, though, was an explanation about what happened in there? Why did that guy come to check on them and allow them a chance to escape?
"Detective Rizzoli." Jane turned around to see Chang approaching. Oh well, she would have to find out later what Maura had done to lure that guy into the room.
"Hi, Chang. We actually didn't do too much damage in there. Shouldn't be too hard to process. Maura was brilliant again, so we got out of this pretty easily." Jane said being casual.
"Yes, I was amazed at what Dr. Isles and you did to get out of that situation. I realize that it may have been awkward, but at least now you know… and that is a beautiful thing," Chang said with a knowing smile.
Jane as more than confused. She felt like there was a big secret hanging out there and she was the last to know about it.
"I'm sorry, what? What do I know?" Jane said with obvious frustration.
Chang looked ill. She clearly just brought forth an issue that had apparently not been made known yet.
"Um, nothing Detective. My bad. Excuse me, I have to get processing."
Chang tried to duck away but she was snagged by the intimidating detective before she could escape.
"No way, Chang. I want to know what all that was about. Clearly you know," Jane said sternly. She wasn't in the mood to play games.
"Detective, please. Please ask Dr. Isles. I didn't realize that you didn't know what happened in there. Dr. Isles was trying to explain it without getting personal, but I guessed how it worked because I am familiar with the research. Please, just ask her," Chang begged.
"Chang, I am sorry to be a bully, but no. Maura has already left and, please Susie, I need to know," Jane said. Clearly nervous.
Chang knew she may regret this, but she could also see how desperate Jane was to know, and damnit it was about time.
"Okay. Jane, science has learned through several different studies that…well.. the heart and respiration rate of people who are in love with synch up when they stare at each other for a period of time. It doesn't happen between strangers, only those who are in love. They don't have to touch. All they have to do is look at each other."
Jane was silent. Her face emotionless. She could hear her pulse in her ears and she felt dizzy. Was Chang really saying what she thought she was saying?
Chang continued, knowing Jane was having a hard time catching on. "The killer saw that you and Dr. Isles readings were in step, and thought you were either trying to escape or something was wrong with the machine. It was probably confusing to him, because he knew he would have been alerted if you had actually taking off your monitor and placed it on Dr. Isles. It led him to come to you, and you know the rest. I have to go." Chang concluded and walked away.
Jane's mind was reeling. Had she just been told by Chang that she and Maura are in love, and that Maura knew it? That Maura used that fact to get them to escape?
Jane had no idea what to do next…