A/N: Here we meat again. First of all I really wanna thank everyone who read and reviewed the first chapter, I love you all. I did not expect this wonderful response. And thank you for those who gave me positive criticism without crushing my feelings :) I tried my best to take note and to improve my writing.
Just one note about the lack of dialog in the first chapter; it kind of was the point. I wanted to show the intense emotions of the characters, and adding more dialog to it felt a bit wrong to me.
I wanna apologies for the very late update. To be honest I thought that this story would be only a one shot, I never thought about how to continue or what the outcome would be so it took me a while to figure out how I'm going to continue from there.
Last but not Least I want to thank my friend, the amazing Rachael for beta reading and editing this chapter! I can never explain how thankful I am.
And now I leave you with chapter 2, reviews are always very appreciated (it's the only way to know how to improve my writing). And again please remember while reviewing, I'm a human that has feelings. Thank you.
Happy reading.
Chapter 2
She opens her eyes to the sun rays invading the room through the window and finds the figure she was holding all night long no longer there. Jane is all alone. For a moment, all her fears thoughts come crashing into focus. Panicking she wonders if she just really fucked things up this time. She lets out a sigh of relief once she hears the little clattering sounds coming from the kitchen.
She absent-mindedly rubs her face and eyes, glancing at the digital alarm currently flashing red at 8:00 am. Getting out of bed to find her once-scattered-around-the-house clothes all piled up neatly on the armchair next to the window. She puts them on quickly and heads to the bathroom to wash her face, brush her teeth before heading down to the kitchen.
"Good Morning" she yawns her voice slightly huskier than usual. The showered and ready for work blonde is already preparing coffee.
"Good Morning, Jane, did you sleep well?" Maura answers her, trying not to let any awkwardness creep into her voice but failing slightly.
"Uh, yeah, alright. How long have you been up?"
"I'm an early riser Jane, I have been awake since 6:30" Maura informs her while taking a quick look at her watch, "Coffee?"
She nods remembering her neglected phone on the counter "I guess I better check my phone. It's probably already exploding with voicemail from Frost" she converses as she walks towards her phone. Turning it on she turns to face Maura.
"He would have contacted my cell phone if he couldn't reach yours" Maura remarks while pouring herself a cup of coffee and handing Jane hers.
"Thanks" Jane takes it and carefully sips a bit of the freshly made warm coffee.
There's a pause. It's not a very awkward silence but still not entirely comfortable.
The blonde sips a bit of her coffee as well before breaking the silence. "Jane-"
Knowing what the blonde is about to say she interrupts "not now Maura" before taking another sip of coffee.
"Jane, we are going to have to talk about this eventually."
"I know, Maura, but-", Saved by the bell she answers her ringing cell phone "Rizzoli. Where? Okay I'll be there in thirty". Ending the phone call she turns to Maura who has just ended her own phone call.
"We got another one" Jane states noticing the disappointed look on the blonde's face "Maur, I'm not avoiding. I'm just not ready to have this talk yet. I'll get there, I promise" she assures her putting all the sincerity she can muster into her eyes and voice.
Reaching for her keys and gun she hears a whisper behind her back "I just - don't want to lose you."
Startled, she turns to face the other woman, "you won't" she says softly and realizes she really means it. "Well we should leave now if we don't wanna be late."
They each head to their own cars not wanting to draw suspicion by arriving at the crime scene together, although they've done so countless times. The real reason being to avoid the inevitable awkward silence that would occur were they two share a ride.
"Good morning Detective Frost, Sergeant Korsak" Maura greets both men smiling slightly as she walks closer to the crime scene.
"Good morning Dr. Isles" both men reply with respective smiles across their faces.
Jane follows shortly after her, tiredness evident on her face.
"Somebody's having a grumpy morning" Frost shoots her a jesting look.
"Nice seeing you too Jack-"she cuts off the swear word noticing the displeased face of Maura "Daniels" she continues shooting him a glare with one eyebrow shooting up. Jane then turns her focus towards the bloody crime scene in front of them."What do we got here?" she asks him as Maura leans towards the body with her equipment suitcase. Pulling out a pair of blue gloves for herself while also grabbing a pair for the brunette detective.
"John Davis, 35, found dead by the owner of the café/bar" Frost starts filling Jane in gesturing at the place behind him. "Says he was here last night all by himself, and was the last customer to leave at midnight" he continues as Korsak engages himself with a doughnut.
"You keep eating that stuff Korsak, you're gonna have a heart attack sooner than you think." Frost teases the older man.
"Anybody see him leave with anyone?" Jane interrupts the joke her eyes jumping from Frost to Korsak and then back again waiting.
Both of the men steady their posture and arrange their expressions back to a more serious one.
"No. Last one to see him was the owner, said he left alone" Korsak answered first while chewing on his doughnut.
"But listen to this" Frost replenishes with an amused tone "according to the owner, apparently our victim here was having a disturbing phone call." Holding up a cell phone in a plastic bag and he continues "I got his cell phone right here. I'll start processing it once we're at the precinct."
"Alright" she answers him "Are there cameras around here that might have spotted anything?"
"There are only cameras at the front of the café there's none back here" Frost answers, "I'll go through the ones we've got, see if I can find anything" he proceeds.
The brunette turns to Maura who looks engrossed in her work.
"Uh- Got anything for me - Dr Isles?" She asks the occupied M.E as Frost and Korsak exchange looks baffled by the unfamiliar use of formality.
"Judging by his internal body temperature he has been dead for at least 6 hours" Maura states without turning away from the body.
"So what, he takes an unpleasant phone call inside waits around until midnight and then he ends up getting killed out back?" Jane thinks out loud bemused "well if that doesn't smell fishy-"
But Maura interrupts her absent-mindedly by muttering "several deep stab and slice wounds to the neck and thorax"
"By a knife? So we got a cause of death?" Jane cuts her off impatiently.
"I didn't say that. The murder weapon could be anything sharp, it does not have to be a knife. Plus I did not say that those wounds are the cause of death" Maura said with her usual disturbed tone she uses whenever the detective asks her that question. This time there was a light awkwardness to it. "I'll know more once accurate tests are performed back at the lab."
Sensing the tension between the two, Frost leans towards Jane "Everything alright?"
The taller woman crosses her arms trying to hide how uncomfortable she is "Yeah"
"You sure? You don't seem like -"
"Yes Frost, everything's fine" sharply interrupting him she unfolds her arms and leaves the scene without looking back.
Eyebrows shooting up to his hairline in shock, he follows her with his eyes and then turns to the M.E who looks like she's finishing up.
"You alright here Doc? Ready to move it to the lab?" he asks her with anticipation.
Standing up and taking her gloves off she looks one last time at the motionless bloody body on the concrete, making sure she didn't miss anything "Yes. Yes I believe we are done here detective".
"What was that all about?" Maura asks Jane who is sitting at Stanley's having yet another cup of coffee.
"What was what?" The brunette asks sipping her coffee while staring into space.
Folding her arms, "Jane, you spoke to me as if you're regretting-"
"Well maybe I am" Jane looks up seeing the hurt evident on Maura's face.
The doctor holds up her hands in defense as if blocking the hurtful words from getting to her but failing miserably. "You know what Jane, forget it". She drops her hands to her sides, turns and leaves before the tears start running down her cheeks.
"Maura.." Jane calls after her, "Maura" louder this time but no response. "Dammit" She swears under her breath blinking slowly.
"What's going on?" Jane hears her mother's voice as she approaches her table. "Why did Maura leave so upset? What did you do this time Jane?
"Wha?- Ma it's nothing." The younger woman answers hoping her mother won't press the issue.
Angela sits down on the other chair in front Jane, leaning towards the table separating them. "That didn't seem like nothing Janie"
Jane puts her cup of coffee down following it with her eyes, "It's just a misunderstanding ma, stay out of it will ya?" she huffs redirecting her eyes up at her mother.
Holding her hands up, the older woman admits defeat "Look I'm just trying to help where I can."
"I know it's just there's just nothing you can help with this time" Jane says in a sad tone that Angela doesn't miss. Reaching for her daughter's hands she takes them in hers and squeezes them gently. "Listen, whatever it is, you'll work it out, you always do, that's why you're best friends."
"I hope you're right, ma." She looks gratefully into her mother's curious eyes "I really do hope you're right."
"Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help?" Angela asks hopefully.
"No ma, I'm sure, but thanks" Jane looks at her mother apologetically.
"Well let me fix you some pancakes at least, you love those" Angela insists, unwilling to let go of her daughter.
"Okay" Jane answers her, realizing that there's no way from escaping this. "But no bunnies" she continues with a sad smile on her face.
What is this all about? She finds herself wondering, why is she so angry? She did agree with Maura that they would talk about it tonight and she promised the woman that she wouldn't lose her.
WAY TO KEEP YOUR PROMISE RIZZOLI – GOD YOU'RE SUCH AN IDIOT.
If she's honest with herself she isn't angry, she is scared, she's terrified really. But of what? What is it so terrifying that it is keeping her on the edge of her nerves? Last night it seemed like both of them had mutual feelings.
GOD LAST NIGHT WAS BEAUTIFUL.
Her thoughts trail to last nights events without any warning, and Jane doesn't stop them. Even is she could she wouldn't want to. She was with Maura last night and had finally crossed that line she always wanted to cross. Maura on the other hand did not stop her; in fact she confessed her feelings as well even though the detective lost it and broke down in her arms; she didn't run away, she didn't dismiss her feelings. No, she understood and stayed with her and… loved her.
WELL SHE PROBABLY HATES YOUR GUTS NOW – DAMN IT. I HAVE TO FIX THIS.
She stands up to leave but she feels a hand pulling her down to the chair again.
"Not so fast young lady" Her mother warns her, putting the plate of pancakes in front of her. No bunnies as she promised. "Finish your breakfast honey, you have to eat and put some meat on those bones of yours if you wanna meet Mr. Right"
"Young la- Mr. Right, Ma what are you-"
"Eat your food Jane" Angela orders with I-mean-business tone of voice and a smirk upon her face.
Knowing that there's no point in fighting with her mother about Mr. Right Jane decides to obey her mother's orders and eat her breakfast. After all will it will take less time than arguing with her given that both of them are stubborn as mules and won't let the other win.
At the lab the M.E is examining the body trying to find whatever evidence there is to help the detectives solve this case. Maybe this is why Jane seems so angry and off, maybe the case is the cause of all of this anger. Or is she just angry that Maura didn't stop her last night?
FOR ALL YOU KNOW SHE COULD BE ANGRY AT HERSELF FOR CHEATING.
Cheating. Of course, Jane already has a girlfriend. Maura sighs frustrated with how complicated things are getting. She never meant for anything to happen but she doesn't regret anything about last night.
DARN IT, FOCUS MAURA, THIS ISN'T PROFESSIONAL. IT'S NOT THE TIME OR PLACE TO THINK ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.
She looks at the body trying to focus her thoughts on the murder. She leans forward and proceeds with examining the wounds on the victim's body.
"Hello Dr Isles"
"Detective Frost" she answers shifting her focus from the body, "How can I help you?"
"Uh.. I was wondering if you found something, a cause of death maybe?"
"Yes. Yes of course" She answers "I was just examining these wounds on the victim's thorax and neck. The wounds are very deep I'm surprised the heart was untouched" She explains "There's a lot of damage to the Anterior Intercostal arteries and veins between ribs three and four on the left side, and right here" she points at the corpse "on the right side, between ribs two and three, and ribs four and five. I also found a lot of damage to the Inferior Thyroid veins right here" she explains moving her fingers to the victim's neck "and more laterally to the Inferior Thyroid Arteries, Transverse Cervical artery and more superiorly to the Ascending Cervical artery"
"So you're saying our victim here bled to death?" Frost suggests trying with all his might not to lose the contents of his breakfast.
"No, I'm saying that this is the reason for the amount of blood we found at the crime scene. Our victim was suffocated to death" the medical examiner states.
"Suffocated?" Frost answers in surprise
"I found 6 wide stabs that punctured both his lungs and a gaping wound on his larynx which would definitely permit him from breathing and kill him within short minutes."
"Man, that's awful."
"Judging by your response, you're not here about the case, are you?" The medical examiner looks at him questioningly.
"Uh-well, I was just.. is.. is everything alright?.. I mean between you and Jane?" the man asks unsure of what he's getting himself into.
Removing her gloves, she answers "Yes, why are you asking?" surprise is evident in her voice.
"Well, I know this is none of my business, but you both seemed…" He trails off unsure of how to finish the sentence or what word would be most suitable for what he witnessed.
"Jane and I… it's just a misunderstanding Frost. We're fine." She answers him in a firm way putting an end to the discussion.
"Okay, uh- good. Well anything else on the case?"
"Well, I found some wounds on his hands and legs which indicate that he tried to defend himself. I also took some blood samples for toxicology screen and for DNA testing and sent his clothes for examining, maybe my team can find the killer's fingerprints on them. It is a very long shot, but there's nothing to lose. I'll let you know when I have the results back."
"Alright, I'll let Jane know-"
"Let me know what?" as if on cue, Jane enters the morgue interrupting the dark skinned detective, but the tone of her voice indicating she doesn't really want to know.
"Uhm- um, Dr. Isles here just found-"Frost starts to explain but gets interrupted by one of Jane's go-away looks. "I'm gonna leave now" He says instead "I'll be upstairs if you need anything" he continues before he turns around and leaves.
"It's about time you came down here" Maura starts, looking at Jane with almost accusing eyes.
"I'm sorry Maura, I-"the brunet approaches the M.E trying to explain, to apologize but gets interrupted by the angry low voice of Maura's.
"About what, Jane?" the blond woman bursts out, throwing her hands up "For being angry with me for no apparent reason? Or for treating me differently as if nothing happened yesterday? Or is it for making me the other woman?" she pauses a second to take a breath "Which is it Jane?"
Taken aback Jane takes another step forward. "No, Maura, I'm not angry-"
"You sure seem to be angry Jane"
"Well I was- I am angry" the brunette confesses "It has nothing to do with you though. I'm angry with myself. Look I'm really trying to figure this out Maura, I promise" the taller woman says apologetically.
"Jane, it's not just you that has to figure this out, but you don't see me treating you as if we aren't even close friends" Maura folds her arms and searches Jane's face with her eyes.
"I know, Maura, I know- and I'm sorry for acting strange. I really didn't mean- Damn it" she looks at her ringing phone, "It's Frankie, I gotta take this Maur, I'm sorry"
"What is it Frankie?" She inquires, putting the phone to her ear and listening to her brother for a moment. "Alright, bring it up here. Good job little brother."
"He said he found a bloody knife in a trash can close to the crime scene" She says while closing her phone.
"Well those wounds might of been created by a sharp knife."
"So ut could be the murder weapon?"
"I shall have to look at it and see if it's symmetrical with the wounds on the victim's body" Maura explains.
Jane starts to say something but gets interrupted by the sound of the M.E's computer.
"What is it now, another shopping e-mail?" Jane says sarcastically.
"Ha-ha, very funny, Jane" Maura retorts, rolling her eyes while walking to her computer. "It is the victim's DNA results."
"DNA res- Maura we IDed the victim, John Davis, remember?" Jane replies with sarcasm evident in her voice.
"I was just curious" The smaller woman justifies "Wait a minute" she presses some buttons on the keyboard opening another file on the screen.
"What is it?" Jane asks anticipating some sort of explanation.
"I thought there is a resemblance but-"
"Maur?"
"Look, see these?" Maura explains pointing at some lines on the screen "They look a lot like these" she continues pointing at the lines on the other file.
"Yes. Maur, you have to give me more than this."
"This DNA here is John Davis' DNA", she says pointing at one file "and right here" she moves her finger indicating the other file "is our Jane Doe's DNA."
"Are you saying that John and the little girl are relatives?"
"No, Jane. I'm saying that John Davis is the biological father of our Jane Doe victim."
"Wha- are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"Oh my God, Maura. You're a genius" the brunette takes the blonde's face between her palms and kisses her ecstatically before she leaves.