Doctor Detective Soldier Heroes

Chapter 2

The next week was busy, Jane's first week back at work, most of it spent catching up on paperwork, requalifying with her pistol, plus two fairly straightforward murder cases, neither of which taxed either Jane's or my skill. It was with interest then that I found Jane striding into the morgue early on Thursday morning as I was finishing up some case notes.

"Hi Maur, how you doing?" I looked up with a smile.

"Much better for your appearance I must say. I was just going over the last of the Chapilwa paperwork. It's all very routine" Her eyebrows rose.

"So nothing out of the ordinary there then?" I shook my head.

"No, all very straightforward, really rather a pleasant change from some of our cases" She turned that lovely Rizzoli grin on me.

"Awesome, we can wrap that one up in a bow and send it off to the DA" I frowned, sure I was missing something.

"Why would we tie it up with a bow?" I got a slow shake of the head and an equally slow smile.

"Figure of speech Maur" I didn't miss the affection in her voice. She looked at me and I caught a slight sense of anxiety from her, making me look at her a trifle closely.

"Is your injury bothering you Jane?" She shook her head, dark curls flying.

"Oh no, no more than usual, I actually came down to ask about something else" I smiled and waited as she looked a little awkward, which to be honest I found looked adorable on her. "It's just you know how we were supposed to have lunch today? Can I take a rain check?"

I looked at her, once again admiring her, tall, lean, striking and gorgeous, even when she wasn't trying. Quietly I sighed inside. 'Oh Maura, you have it so bad'.

"Of course you can Jane, it was just a casual lunch" She smiled and stepped a little closer, as I held myself very still.

"Thanks Maur, normally I'd love to but Abby Sherman, that Army private..." I nodded to indicate I remembered her. "...she rang, asking if we could catch up. I hope you don't mind" I smiled and nodded in return.

"Of course not, please say hello for me" Jane gave me another of her blinding grins.

"You're the best Maur, thanks for that" I glanced up and caught her eyes.

"It is a pleasure Jane, where were you planning to go for lunch" She shrugged.

"Probably grab a hot dog in the Park; Abby mentioned we could go for a walk, she said it'd be good exercise for both of us"

"Abby is indeed correct Jane. You need to continue your recovery exercise regime if you are to return to full health. Mind you, I am not sure about the nutritional benefits of a hot dog. Perhaps a nice salad might be more nutritious..." Jane smiled once more.

"Thank you for the dietary advice Doctor Isles. I'll give it due consideration" I frowned, I knew Jane far too well.

"Meaning you will ignore it completely" The grin I got was pure Jane, I'd always found it hard to resist and now was no exception. She was already moving, that was so Jane, always in restless motion, like her body could barely restrain her personality. She paused in the doorway.

"Gotta go Maura, see you soon. We still up for Friday night movies?" I smiled.

"Of course, I believe it is my turn to host and your choice of movie"

"Excellent, see you tomorrow night then" I watched as Jane breezed out the door, smiling gently. I really enjoyed our time together but I couldn't begrudge Jane some time with Abby, perhaps a friendship could grow out of it.