As Jane heads upstairs to the interview room she receives another text. This time it's Korsack advising they're interviewing Judge Lincoln in Cavanaugh's office. Jane smarts at this news. What just because he's a judge he gets special treatment! Huh; she swallows her pride and changes course to Cavanaugh's office. What greets Jane has her smarting even more. Lincoln is sitting behind the Lieutenants desk. Cavanaugh is standing to the side of it and Vince is in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. Jane assumes she's to have the other one.
As she enters Judge Lincoln stands for her. It piques Jane; another example of his upper class training. Despite this Jane puts out her hand "Detective Jane Rizzoli" she introduces herself. He returns the handshake with a strong and confident grip. Jane finds herself looking at a tall handsome man. He has dark hair and dark eyes. His build is strong; he could have played college football. Jane chastises herself for stereotyping; for all she knew he probably did.
"Benjamin Lincoln, nice to meet you Detective" he responds as Jane sits. Jane notices the recording device on Cavanaugh's desk. At least they are doing something by the book.
"What can you tell us about last night" Jane opens.
"Fidel had invited me over for dinner and to watch the game. When I got there I knocked but Fidel didn't answer. I could hear the TV in the background. I tried the door and it was open so I went in. Fidel was lying on the couch exactly as he was when you all arrived."
"Not all the crime scene results are in but the initial findings were that there was no sign of forced entry Judge Lincoln" Jane offers. "You say you found the door closed but unlocked?"
"Yes Detective."
"Is it typical for Judge Holmes to leave his front door unlocked?"
"I…" the Judge starts to look uncomfortable. "I can say in all honesty Detective that I really wouldn't know" is his considered response.
Jane pushes a little harder. "What is your relationship with Judge Holmes, Sir?"
Judge Lincoln tenses up. He leans a little closer to Jane. "It would seem you already know the answer to that question Detective Rizzoli. I am not ashamed to say that Fidel Holmes and I enjoy… enjoyed an intimate sexual relationship. We do not live together and I do not have a key to his residence, nor he to mine. I will also add that Fidel Holmes is… was, a good and decent man and a Judge of the highest order and integrity. I won't allow you to cheapen what we have… had with your investigation Detective."
Korsack and Cavanaugh speak over each other to try to ease the situation. Jane pulls them both up talking over them. She stares directly at the Judge.
"Thank you for your honesty Judge Lincoln, yes I did know the answer to that question but I needed to understand how you were going to play it. I'm sure you're aware in a typical investigation this would make you our first suspect" Jane explains.
"Thank you for your honesty Detective." Lincoln leans back, the situation having eased. "I am not guilty; I have been completely honest with you. Fidel and I both enjoy Baseball and were going to have dinner and watch the game. The door was closed but unlocked when I got there. Fidel was dead when I arrived. I honestly don't know if it's typical for him to leave his front door unlocked; I will only add that he does live in a nice neighbourhood."
Jane finds herself warming to Benjamin Lincoln. He does seem honest and he does seem to have cared for their victim. "Judge Lincoln can you think of anyone who would want to kill Judge Holmes. Was there anything unusual going on in his work or anything else that might have been bothering Judge Holmes recently?"
"Not that I'm aware of. He'd called me earlier in the afternoon to confirm dinner. He attended the British Consulate Cultural Art Exchange yesterday and said he'd had a lovely afternoon."
"Yes, Doctor Isles confirmed seeing him there" Jane adds.
"Ah" Judge Lincoln now understands how Detective Rizzoli knew of his relationship with Fidel. "It appears Doctor Isles is a very thorough Medical Examiner."
Jane back pedals realising what Judge Lincoln is inferring. "She was very sensitive when she told me. She explained that you were both discreet but at the same time never denied your relationship."
"That's true Detective; it's quite alright. I have enormous respect for Doctor Isles. The quality of the evidence she presents in my court is unparalleled. We do mix in the same social circles, so I understand she would offer this information."
"I'm glad you understand" Jane acknowledges.
"I really can't tell you anything else but I can promise you this; I will sign any warrant for any piece of information your need; even on me; to help you solve this crime. I owe that much to my dear friend."
Cavanaugh moves to end the interview. "Thank you Judge Lincoln. We appreciate your time and we'll be in touch if we need anything." They all stand.
As Judge Lincoln comes around the desk to leave the office Jane extends her hand. "I'm very sorry for your loss Judge Lincoln."
He stops and looks at her; he takes her hand in a warm and strong grip. "Thank you Detective Rizzoli." As he looks away Jane catches the real hurt and pain he's been doing his best to hide.
Korsack picks up the recording device and after a few words from Cavanaugh to solve this quickly, he and Jane walk back to their desks. "You were quiet in there Korsack, what's your take?"
"You seemed in control of the situation Jane" Korsack smiles. "I like him; he seems decent to me."
"Me too" Jane ads "and having him on hand for warrants is going to be a Godsend!"
Korsack chuckles "You're not wrong!"
Frost walks over to Jane and Korsack; he has frustration written all over his face. "Jane, Judge Holmes was a Boston Criminal Court Judge. I've gone back over all his cases for the last year and he's put away a lot of bad dude's. Man, the guy's surrounded by people; the family and friends of people he's put away. They could all be pissed at him. There's nothing obvious at the moment to suggest one of them has a vendetta against the Judge though."
"OK Frost; get Judge Lincoln to sign a warrant on his and Judge Holmes phone records for the last month. Office, home and cell" Jane instructs.
"Judge Lincoln" Frost looks from Jane to Korsack and back; surprise written on his features.
"It's OK Frost" Korsack smiles. "Lincoln offered to manage all our needs for any legal support in this investigation. He's expecting to hear from us."
"OK" Frost goes back to his desk and gets to work.
"Jane do you think it's worth getting the guest list from that British Arts thingy and going over it" Korsack asks.
"Good idea Korsack" Jane responds. "I think I'll go and ask Maura if she remembers anything unusual happening there." Korsack gives Jane a funny look. "What's that for" she asks.
"The Doc's definition of unusual and ours isn't always on the same page Jane." Jane laughs and punches him affectionately on the shoulder as she heads to the morgue.
Maura is deep in concentration over her microscope when Jane announces her arrival with no regard for Maura's state of work. "Judge Lincoln seems like a really nice guy Maura" she states.
"Hmm" Maura doesn't break her concentration this time. Jane realises she's focused on something and steps up beside her and waits. Eventually Maura pulls away from her microscope. "Sorry Jane, what was that" she asks as she makes a note on her clipboard.
"Oh, I just said Judge Lincoln seems like a really nice guy."
Maura looks upwards thinking before answering. "Actually I agree with that conclusion Jane. I have always liked him."
"What a shame he's gay; he's very handsome he'd make a great date for Ma" Jane laughs. Maura sees the sense and the humour in the statement and laughs along. Jane focuses, "Maura we're going to go over the guest list from the British Consulate who hah event yesterday, did anything happen there that was unusual" Jane inquires.
Maura's eyes again go upwards as she considers the question. "James was irritable" she offers. "He was eager to get away because of his trip to Texas."
"No Maura, I mean anything that might have suggested Judge Holmes was about to be murdered." Jane can't help but think back to Korsack's last words.
"Oh" Maura concentrates again. "Well Judge Holmes was there alone, Judge Lincoln did not attend. He was charming and in good spirits when we spoke Jane."
"OK, thanks Maura. How's the autopsy going" Jane moves on.
"Oh wait" Maura is still back at yesterday's function. "I did notice Fidel and The British Consulate General engaged in a rather expressive discussion away from the other guests at one stage" Maura smiles. She's proud of her recall of the event.
"That's good Maura" Jane smiles. She calls Frost. "Can you meet me and Maura at the car; we're going to interview the British Consulate General." When she gets off the phone she looks at Maura. "Out of those scrubs Maura; you heard me we're going to interview the British Consulate General."
"Jane, just once could you ask me if now is convenient. You can be so bossy!" Maura carefully packs up what was under her microscope and goes and changes. When she and Jane arrive at the car, Frost is in the driver's seat ready to go. Maura automatically goes to the backseat.
As they pull up at the Consulate building Jane is reminded of another time they pulled up at an exclusive residence. She thinks about the case they worked when the eldest of the Fairfield Brother's was murdered. It had resulted in some serious tension between Jane and Maura, it was early in their friendship and it was the first time the difference in their upbringings had caused some problems. Jane dismisses the thought, their friendship has grown into something very special and given everything they've been through since; she's has nothing to worry about with Maura.
The building is white and features the columns that were popular when the building was erected. Jane guesses early 1800's. The lawns and gardens that surround the residence are lovely although they feature the evidence of fall. The colours and hues are reds, browns and oranges. There are as many leaves falling to the ground in the gentle breeze as there are remain in the trees.
When they knock on the door they are greeted by some sort of house manager. They are invited in and asked to wait in a guest room. It is like a museum with relics from the history of the relationship between Boston and England. Again Jane is reminded of the Fairfield case. Maura on the other hand is in her element. She's fascinated by the history in the room and is walking around scanning everything in great detail. Frost just takes a seat and waits.
"Look Jane, these are replicas of the original 'Stamp Act of 1765' and the 'Townshend Acts of 1767'" Maura states in excitement.
"So" Jane looks at Maura, having no clue what Maura's talking about.
"Jane they led to the Boston Massacre in 1770," Maura explains.
"Oh" Jane's a little annoyed that she didn't know that.
"Look Jane," Maura is animated. "Look a replica of the 'Tea Act of 1773.'"
"I know what that is Maura" Jane responds with satisfaction. "It led to 'The Boston Tea Party.'"
"That's right Jane, the British responded by closing the ports and bringing in more troops to contain the dissidents. On the evening of April 18, 1775, the British dispatched troops to the towns of Lexington and Concord to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and to seize arms which the colonists were storing," Maura rattles on.
"I know and that's when Paul Revere and William Dawes rode through the night to warn the colonists of the approaching soldiers," Jane ads sounding cocky.
Maura is oblivious to how she's made Jane feel, she's so caught up in the moment and enjoying the conversation. "Yes, and the next morning, on Lexington Green, 'the shot heard round the world,' was fired, and the American Revolution began. Two months later after the Battle of Bunker Hill, George Washington was summoned to Boston to take command of the rebel army." Maura looks at Jane, "I love our history!"
To Jane's great relief Maura is interrupted. "Lord Downey will see you now. Please follow me" the House manager informs them. They are taken into a huge office where Lord Downey walks around his desk to greet them.
"Doctor Isles, good afternoon, how lovely to see you again" he welcomes Maura.
"Thank you. These are my colleagues, Detective Jane Rizzoli and Detective Barry Frost." Maura introduces them.
"It's very nice to meet you both; welcome to our consulate. Please won't you all sit?" Lord Downey points to the lounge setting and coffee table that adorns one corner of his enormous office. "May I offer you some refreshments, tea or coffee?"
"Tea sounds lovely Lord Downey," Maura smiles. Jane watches Maura in awe. She is so natural in this environment. Judging by the few words Frost has offered he's as much a fish out of water as Jane is.
"Detectives" Lord Downey asks.
"I'm fine, thank you" Jane offers. Frost politely declines as well. Downey's House manager leaves to arrange tea.
"I assume you are here to discuss the terrible news about Judge Holmes" Lord Downey offers.
"Yes we are" Jane immediately feels more comfortable. "You were noticed having a somewhat heated discussion with Judge Holmes yesterday; can you tell us what you were talking about?"
Lord Downey looks confused, "I'm afraid I don't know what you are referring to Detective."
Frost tries to help, "did you talk to Judge Holmes yesterday?"
"Why of course, Fidel is a Director of the Boston Arts Council. He played a large role in organising yesterday's event."
"Did you have any problems yesterday that caused you and Judge Holmes to be concerned" Jane prods.
"Oh, oh; yes we did actually." Lord Downey's English accent is very strong. "Yes one of the Boston Art Council's pieces did not arrive for showing. Fidel was very concerned."
Maura can't help herself, "how awful Henry, which piece was it?"
Lord Downey becomes animated "John Singleton Copley's 1772 portrait of…"
Maura too becomes animated "Dorothy Quincy or Mrs John Hancock. I would love to have seen that painting, my goodness what happened to it?"
"Yes Lord Downey, what did happen to it" Jane brings them back to the purpose of the discussion.
"Oh yes Detective, well as you can imagine Fidel was very worried. The painting is extremely valuable."
"It is" Frost asks.
"Oh yes Detective Frost, it would almost be priceless, wouldn't it Lord Downey" Maura's enjoying be involved as she looks from Frost to the Henry Downey.
"Indeed" Downey responds. "We discovered that the Gallery where it's shown decided at the last-minute not release it. Both Fidel and I were extremely relieved to learn it was hanging safely in its home and not lost or worse, stolen."
"Huh" Jane grunts. "So you're not aware of anything else that was upsetting Judge Holmes or whether there was anyone else here yesterday that had any problems with the Judge?"
"No, Detective. Fidel is… was much loved in the artistic community. I honestly can't think why anybody would want to hurt him. Our community is very upset; they are already organising a tribute for him" Lord Downey explains.
Jane's phone buzzes at her waist. She picks it up and reads about another murder. Frost's phone also buzzes. Jane knows what his message is before he reads it. "Well Lord Downey, thank you for your time but I'm afraid duty calls. We have to go."
"We do" Maura looks at Jane; she was looking forward to her cup of tea. Maura loves traditional English tea. "What about my tea" she asks.
"Goodness me Doctor Isles how rude of me," Lord Downey stands to find out what's taking so long. At that moment Maura's phone starts to vibrate and she's alerted to the new murder.
"Actually please don't worry Lord Downey, there has been another murder and I must go" Maura explains.
"I'm so sorry Doctor Isles, you must come to our next official High Tea; I'll make sure you are on the guest list."
Maura smiles, "thank you Henry, I would be delighted."
Jane butts in to Maura's organising of her social calendar. "Come on Doctor Isles we have to go." She grabs Maura's arm and Maura stumbles slightly as she's pulled away. Maura smiles and waves somewhat apologetically to Lord Downey as Jane drags her away.
...
Footnote: There is a British Consulate in Boston but it is housed in an office building at One Broadway, Cambridge. The British Consulate General at the time of writing this story is Suzie Kitchener. In order to create the effect wanted for this story and for the author's enjoyment of history a great deal of artistic license has been taken in presenting the British Consulate and the British Consulate General in this story.
