Thank you for the reviews, story alerts and the like…I'm glad to see so much interest in this story, you guys rock, really. You inspire this humble writer to keep on writing (this is a much longer chapter)…Picking up where we left off, assignments given some tension set, lets see where we go…
Emily watched Frost as he drove, time to break down some barriers, "So, how long have you known Detective Rizzoli?"
"About two years now, since I got partnered with her. I knew of her but I didn't know her personally until then, why?" Glancing over he looked at her suspiciously.
"No reasons, just trying to break the ice, get to know you"
"Get to know me huh? By asking about Jane? Okay then how long have you been with the BAU?"
Trick question Emily thought considering the fact that she had been "dead" for part of the time, "Four and a half years now." Even now it was still uncomfortable to think about what she had put the team through letting them think she was dead. Even though they had accepted her back, she knew she was still working on earning their trust.
Letting out a whistle, "that's a long time to see the things you see."
"You have no idea" Her tone spoke volumes about the horrors she'd seen.
Frost knew he had hit a sore spot by the tone of her voice and quite honestly did not want to go there, "So, you speak Spanish?"
"Hmm?" Emily had been lost in thought, "oh yes quite well, why?'
"Cause we're here and I figure you can do the talking." Frost pulled the car over outside a corner brownstone and smiled over at her while he checked his sidearm. "You ready?"
"Are we expecting trouble?" eyebrows rose as she watched, as he made sure he had a round in the chamber.
"With these guys, you never know, better safe than sorry right?"
"Fair enough, but how about we try talking to them before we have a shootout, okay?" Emily's tone bespoke a confidence Frost envied, the same confidence Jane had in tough situations.
"Lead the way" More than happy to let the Prentiss take charge, he hung back a bit. These guys were no joke but maybe having a beautiful female talk to them would better than a young black detective.
"So, who are we asking to speak to?"
Looking through his notes, Frost met her eyes, "A Carlos Maldonado. That's who Detective Rodriguez supposedly checked in with that night."
Ringing the doorbell, Emily waited; angled a bit away from the entry she positioned herself to have a view of the person opening before they saw her. The loud music inside did nothing to calm her as she heard a number of different voices in the apartment. Looking at Frost, she nodded and rang the doorbell again. The voices quieted as someone came to the door. A young woman no more than sixteen opened the door.
In heavily accented English "Can I help ju?" Looking from one to the other she frowned when she saw the badge clipped to Frost's belt. Her look one of suspicion, "we do no wrong." She said simply looking at Prentiss.
"Disculpe senorita, mi nombre es Emily Prentiss del FBI y estamos buscando a Carlos Maldonado" at her look of fright, "solo para hablar con el…no ha hecho nada malo." She waited briefly before continuing, "por favor senorita es importante que hablemos con el." Peering around the young woman she saw several of the young men head toward a back room. "Senorita?" seeing the men bolt, "Frost! Around back!"
Frost responded immediately, Prentiss on his heels.
The two young men had a head start but hadn't counted on the speed of the two in pursuit. Ducking down an alley, the smaller of the two men attempted to outrun Frost, his first mistake. The second was thinking that Frost was just a suit. Frost tackled him and rolled with him ending up on his back. Pushing his legs in, Frost grabbed his cuffs and locked the young man up tight as he continued to struggle underneath him.
Watching Prentiss, he saw her run past him in pursuit of the taller subject. Moving to jump onto a trashcan and vault over a wall, Prentiss kicked the trashcan out from under him. Falling to the ground he rolled away from her. "Bitch!"
"Be nice now" Emily cautiously moved toward him, "Are you Carlos?"
"Fuck you!" his eyes darted back and forth looking for a way to get past her. Glancing at Frost, she saw that he had his hands full with the other runner, who wouldn't stop squirming under him.
"Now, now, you haven't done anything wrong yet, we just want to ask you some questions, that's all."
"Fuck you!" agitated he spit as he screamed at her looking for a way out. He looked her up and down and Emily knew he was trying to gauge how much of a threat she really was. She had him cornered so Emily tried to calm him; she didn't want him to run or try anything stupid. "Damn!"
He came right at her. She sidestepped just in time and grabbed the back of his shirt slamming him into the ground. With a knee on his back she tried to contain him when a wild fist caught her on the side of the head, knocking her off.
Suddenly he was on top of her, "Prentiss!" Frost was trying to get to her, dragging his guy with him.
"Y ahora que puta?" Punching her in the face, she saw stars and tasted blood. As he raised his hand again, Emily locked a leg around his and bucked under him, rolling them over so now she was on top. Pushing off of him she caught him with an elbow across the temple and drew her weapon. Standing on shaky legs, she wiped the blood on her mouth with the back of her hand, as she motioned for him to roll onto his stomach.
With one knee rammed hard into his back, she kept her Glock in one hand and cuffed him behind the back one handed with the ease of a pro. Ramming her knee into his back again, "Puta sera tu madre…" she ground out.
Holstering her weapon she yanked him up and looked at Frost. His toothy grin told her she had earned his trust today. "What are you smiling at?"
"Nothing, you okay?"
"Peachy? Let's get these guys back down to the police station so we can sort them out."
"Yes ma'am" he grinned
"Ass" as she smiled back, what a way to earn their trust, JJ was not going to be too happy with her though. Ruefully she ran her tongue along her busted lip. The tightness in her face told her it was already swelling and she was going to be sporting a nice bruise later. Sighing she followed Frost as she shoved Maldonado forward toward the car.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Morgan and Reid left the hospital after speaking with co-workers of the two victims. They hadn't known each other as far as anyone knew and the hospital was still reeling from the loss of two of its employees.
"So, the sister's house?" Morgan opened the door to the SUV and waited for Reid.
"Well, we need to confirm whether or not she had a date and if anyone knew who it was with. I'm guessing the sister may be our best bet."
Getting into the car Morgan looked over at Reid. "So are we thinking that maybe whoever she was dating may be our unsub? Or that he may know something?"
"At this point I'd say both, unless JJ and Detective Rizzoli find something at the first victim's job, we might have to wait to hear from the guy Emily and Detective Frost went to talk to. I know it bothers you, but I find it a little odd that we haven't heard anything from the date of the last victim? I mean he is a detective and yet, it doesn't seem as if he has involved himself in the investigation at all. At least that was my assumption based on Detective Rizzoli's reaction to Frost's inquiry." Reid was running on all four cylinders now and he was jumping from one thing to the next.
"Wait now slow down, that doesn't necessarily mean anything, good or bad." Derek knew he had sounded like he was justifying this guys actions but,
"I know Derek, I'm just saying its still odd." Staring straight ahead he waited for Morgan to start the car.
"Well maybe he's not involved because someone's not letting him. Detective Rizzoli seems like the type to not let a guy get involved with an investigation that's personal." Morgan's tone was harsh he knew, but Rizzoli bothered him, she was a ball buster, and his weren't up for grabs.
"Really, you think so?" Reid oblivious, just continued, "She didn't seem that way to me. Having been the victim of a serial killer twice I would think she understands exactly how personal some cases could get. Why, does something about her bother you?"
"No." Putting Rizzoli in the back of his mind, he put the car in gear and headed for the home of their fourth victim hoping to find out something, anything, about this alleged date.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jane put her phone away and looked at JJ.
"Sorry, I was just replying to a text." Maura's text was testy to say the least; 'I cannot believe you were flirting with that agent in front of me'
Jane had been surprised to say the least, had she flirted? She didn't know anymore, this day was going to hell quickly, first this was her case now it was a joint case with the friggin FBI, then she was mad at Maura now Maura was mad at her, good grief!
Texting back she had written 'Wasn't flrting I was wrking! Come to DR when ur done. Luv u'
Finding a booth, she let JJ sit down first then sat across from her. "Wow she really is pretty, love her eyes" realizing she was staring, she cleared her throat, "So media liaison; but still an agent correct?
Smiling at her discomfort, Jennifer Jareau stared back at the detective. Pushing her jacket aside just enough for her to see her sidearm, "yes I am still an agent." She couldn't keep the smile out of her response.
Jae watched her as she spoke and could imagine this woman having the media eating out of her hands; she nodded to the waitress "something to drink? I'm gonna have a beer."
"Sure, a glass of white wine please" acknowledging that the waitress had taken their order; Jennifer saw Jane grinning at her and arched an eyebrow.
Jane couldn't help but grin as she realized this woman ordered exactly what Maura would order, folding her hands under her chin, she looked at the young woman and noted the differences. Definitely the eyes, and she projected an air of self-assurance that was impressive. Jane didn't think this woman would find any social situation uncomfortable.
"So, you and Agent Prentiss?" for just a split second, JJ was taken aback by the directness of the question.
"What do you mean detective?
Leaning back in the booth Jane spread her arms along the back, "Jane…you can call me Jane. Look I'm not stupid and it's fairly obvious. I mean you look to each other, probably more than you realize." Smiling, she waited for the other woman to respond.
Jennifer Jareau looked at the woman sitting across from her and was surprised at how much like Emily she was. They had the same personality, that same directness, that same charisma…
"Detective…Jane, are you flirting with me?" she said innocently.
Sitting up quickly she brought her hands down, "No!...I mean am I? I don't mean to…" flustered she was surprised when Jennifer touched her arm laughing, "relax detective, I'm kidding…you asked a very personal question so I just thought turn about is fair play and gave it back. I know that you and Dr Isles are together."
"Oh?" confidence back, "what makes you say that?"
Picking up the glass of wine just placed in front of her, she looked at Jane as she took a sip "you look to each other also"
Jane picked up her beer and tipped it in her direction before drinking.
Eyes locked, the women reached an unspoken understanding.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Frost had each gang member in a separate interview room cuffed to the table while Prentiss explained what had happened to Hotch and Korsak.
"Dammit Prentiss you need to get that checked out." The swelling on the side of her face was noticeable as was the busted lip and accompanying bruise already forming.
"Look" she said, "all I need is some ice, come on Hotch it's fine, really, I'm fine."
Exasperated Hotch looked at Korsak, "I called Dr Isles, she's on her way up with some ice, she can take a look."
"She's a pathologist!"
"But I'm still a doctor" Maura walked in with a small baggie of ice. "I've fixed up more scrapes, bruises, broken noses and knuckles than most emergency room doctors thanks to this group." She said nodding to Korsak
Holding his hands up in surrender, "Hey that's Jane and Frost, when was the last time you had to bandage me up?"
"Softball game two weeks ago, you got hit by a line drive" opening and closing his mouth he just shook his head, he knew better than to argue with her.
"Sit down Agent Prentiss and let me have a look"
"Ow!" Glaring at the doctor she was struck by just how beautiful she was.
"Well the occipital bone doesn't appear to be broken, but without x-rays I can't say that conclusively."
"Prentiss…" Hotch tone threatened a harsh reprimand if she didn't get herself to the hospital.
"Come on Doc, is it broken or not?" Emily looked into Maura's eyes and pled with her.
Biting her lower lip Maura looked back and sighing in surrender, "I don't believe its broken Agent Hotchner but she should keep ice on it periodically for the next 24 hours or so."
Mouthing a silent thank you Emily looked expectantly at Hotch.
Korsak watched amazed as Agent Prentiss got Maura to do what usually only Jane could get her to do.
"Fine Prentiss, take a break for awhile. Let Detective Frost and Korsak talk to these two and see if we can't confirm that alibi. If we need you we'll call. Got it?"
"Got it" anything to avoid going to the hospital. "Okay if I see how JJ is doing at the Dirty Robber?"
"Oh, I was heading there in a few minutes do you mind if I tag along?" Maura asked.
"No problem Doc"
"Maura…you can call me Maura"
xxxxxxxxxxx
Jane and JJ had just finished talking to one of the waitresses about their first victim. She had been dating someone but all she knew was that she had met him at work; she didn't know who it was. The waitress who came on in about an hour might know since she knew the victim best.
Working on her second and last beer, Jane had just finished telling JJ the story of Frost's first autopsy.
Laughing they were surprised when they were interrupted, "Hey there sweetheart" talking to JJ, "can I buy you a drink?"
For the past twenty minutes, JJ had ignored the looks the man had cast in her direction from the bar. She hated when men hit on her and had hoped he would limit himself to just ogling, but apparently he had drunken enough liquid courage to make a move.
"No thank you" ignoring him she turned back to Jane.
"Hey," he said putting his hand on her shoulder, "don't ignore me, this dyke's got nothing on me."
"She said no thank you" Jane's voice was clipped and hard.
Jennifer knew that voice; it was the same as Emily's when she got angry, explosively angry. With a hand on Jane's tightening forearm, "Its okay, no harm," looking at the man and removing his hand from her shoulder, "I said no thank you"
"Bitch you did not…"
"Don't…finish it…" Standing up, Jane was toe to toe with him, "I suggest you leave, now"
"Or what?"
"Taking a deep breath and knowing that she was going to be in trouble, "Look I'm a detective okay Boston PD you do not want to do this." Jane kept her voice low and controlled; she did not need this right now.
"Oh? What so now dykes hide behind badges is that it?" His voice was carrying now to other patrons some of whom had been enjoying happy hour for over two now.
"That's it!" turning to JJ she handed over her badge and gun and turned to face the asshole when she was blindsided. The punch knocked her onto the table spilling their drinks.
Kicking out, one foot caught him right in the groin the other in the face. Falling backward he grabbed at his balls at the same time trying to stop the bleeding from his mouth.
Standing up she was surprised to see blood on her shirt.
"I think he broke your nose" JJ held up a napkin for her as she eyed the man rolling on the floor in pain.
"Yeah well I hope I broke his…"
"Jane!"
"Shit…Hi Maur…" Maura rushed over with Emily Prentiss in tow looking the worse for wear.
"What happened?" Maura watched as other patrons escorted the man outside. Looking from JJ to Jane she waited for an answer. JJ, seeing Emily, was shocked by the bruise and swelling on her face.
"Emily are you alright?" The concern in her voice made her smile. "I'm fine hon, Dr Isles took care of me."
"Oh she did?" JJ looked from Emily to Maura and felt just the slightest flicker of jealousy before dismissing it.
Maura meanwhile was busy telling Jane that eventually she wouldn't be able to fix her nose if she kept breaking it. Jane's yelp when she set it made them all laugh as they realized how ridiculous they must all look.
Settling back down in the booth, Jane and Maura looked at Emily and JJ.
"Well, we have some time before the other waitress we need to interview gets here," Jane said looking over at Emily, "so what happened to you?"
So? Enjoying it still I hope. Yes the ladies are bonding, somewhat, there will still be tensions that arise between them for reasons I will share later of course. Also, you all remember this is about a serial killer so things are looking to get ugly very soon. I hope that if you are enjoying his story, that you take a moment to feed the muse and review, review, review. I value and listen to your feedback, it helps guide me in creating a better story for you, so, feed me please…Review…Review…Review