"Kat?" Jane called out as she entered the bar, Maura's high heels clicking behind her.
"In the back. Give me a moment," came the reply from somewhere.
Jane and Maura stepped into the bar area, and Jane's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Man, she wasn't kidding when she said she was going to remodel. This place is torn up. I wonder who she has reworking the plumbing?"
"Rizzoli & Sons. I heard they were pretty good. Frank just left about thirty minutes ago," Kat walked out from the back dressed much as she was the day before. Her eyes went from the detective to the petite woman standing closely next to her. "You brought me your ID's?"
"Yeah, you want me to fill out a bunch of stuff, right?" Jane pulled out her driver's license and social security card from her blazer's inner pocket.
"Yes. I run a background check on everyone that works for me, and you'll have to pee in a cup. Come sit at the bar. It's the only place you can sit at right now anyway," Kat motioned for the two women to follow her. "You two want something to drink? Water? Tea? Wine? Beer? Romulan Ale? Butter Beer?"
Jane chuckled. "Water?"
"Can do. How about you, ma'am?" Kat turned a curious eye to the honey brunette. "I have a very lovely '93 cabernet sauvignon from the Napa Valley area that I think you would like. I can open the bottle, and, if you'll give it some time to breathe, I think you'd find it delightful."
"Oh, that does sound nice. If you don't mind?" Maura smiled brightly at the woman behind the bar.
"Not at all. I wouldn't have offered otherwise." Kat returned the smile, eyes tracing quickly over the doctor.
"Hey, you going to copy my IDs or what?" Jane snapped, breaking into whatever was going on between her friend and her future employer.
"Don't get your panties in a wad, Detective. I'm getting there. Besides, you haven't even introduced me to your friend. I'm holding your IDs hostage until you do."
"Oh, right, yeah," Jane had the decency to look somewhat embarrassed by her lack of manners. "Kat, this is Doctor Maura Isles. She's the chief medical examiner for the Boston P.D. Maura, this is Kathryn Sutton."
"A forensic pathologist? How interesting," Kat said as she offered her hand, "It takes a very special person to be able to speak for the dead. I'm honored to meet you."
Maura blushed. It did not go unnoticed by Jane.
"If I don't, then who will?" Maura took the offered hand, giving a very light hand shake.
"You can help them." Kat nodded, smile warming more. "They, more than anyone else, need an advocate."
"Yes, exactly." Maura's smile grew more welcoming. "That is one of the main reasons I went into this field."
Kat nodded, pouring the wine after handing Jane her glass of water. "It's admirable. I've known a few other people in forensics, and their work has always fascinated me. I read an article recently on…"
"You said you'd stop holding my IDs hostage if I introduced you." There was clear irritation in Jane's voice.
"Oh, you're right. I'll be right back." With a nod to Jane and smile to Maura, Kat walked to the back.
"Jane, don't be rude!" Maura sipped the wine, making an appreciate humming sound.
"I'm not! I want my IDs back. Besides, I don't like how she's looking at you, Maura." Jane's frown deepened.
"And how is that?"
"I don't know. It's just… there's something about her that makes me feel uneasy. I think we should hold off on anything until we get to her better. She just," Jane shrugged, "sets me on edge."
"I am trying to get to know her better. How else does one do that besides talking with the other person? Honestly, Jane, you're being silly. You're going to work for this woman. Don't you think you should at least be nice?" Maura took another sip of her wine. "This is excellent. She has good taste."
"Obviously," Jane grumbled under her breathe as Kat walked back into the room.
"Okay, Detective, these are yours. I just got a text from my carpenter. She's about to come by to do a little detail work on the stage, so I'm afraid I won't be much of a hostess. I have a few things to do before she gets here." She set the bottle of open wine on the counter along with a cork. "Please take this, my compliments, Doctor Isles, and," she slid a business card across the bar, "if you would like another, call me. I can get them at a discount, and I'm happy to help you stock your wine cellar."
"That's very kind of you, Kat. I may take you up on that offer," Maura lowered her eyes for a moment, a sly smile coming across her face. "Perhaps tomorrow we could talk about wine? I've been meaning to restock, and I would love another's thoughts on what is currently popular. You seem to be well versed."
"I do try to keep up, yes. I would be more than happy to help. My plumber and carpenter will be working tomorrow evening, and I promised to stay out of their hair. Maybe we could talk about it over dinner?"
"Maura, tomorrow is pizza night," Jane said by way of interruption. Her eyes darted between the two women, face set in stone.
"But, Jane, Frankie will still be there. You don't mind, do you? I'll make it up to you. How about I buy you an extra round at the Robber on Friday night?" The look on Maura's face said she expected Jane to agree.
"But, we were going to watch that documentary about turtles tomorrow." The detective blinked, surprised at the whining in her own voice.
"Tortoise, Jane."
"You have a tortoise? You know, I've heard they make good pets. But, anyway, if you two have plans…"
"It will be fine. I'm sure Jane understands that it's not every day one finds someone who can discuss wine, right Jane? You do understand?" The doctor's last words were sharp with unspoken threat.
"Yeah, sure," Jane grunted, returning to her paperwork. "Leave me for wine. I get it," she mumbled as she began writing again.
"Thank you for your understanding, Detective. Oh! Here comes Shirley. I'm so sorry, but I have to step away. Excuse me." Kat hurried to the door to greet her carpenter.
"Honestly, Jane, what has gotten into you?" Maura snapped under her breath.
"Nothing."
Your reviews are appreciated. I promise this is a Rizzles story, but you have to have some conflict, right?