Disclaimer: Rizzoli and Isles belongs to TNT, Tess Gerritsen and Janet Tamaro - Not us. We are just playing in their universe.
A/N: Hey! Huge thank you to all the readers, reviews, and followers! Really appreciate your comments. A little Jane and Maura time mixed in.
"Drive Tuck," said John with some force to his voice. He had picked up Jane and forced her into the car. The detective was too lost to make any decisions at the moment. Maura was there and Jane could only focus on how close she was to the woman she held so dear.
"Yes sir." responded the man at the wheel. Tuck, while waiting in the car, had split his time people watching and plotting his getaway with the GPS. Following the route he planned, they were quickly putting distance between the Charger and the crime scene. The quiet man knew that things could get interesting fast. It always did when Jane Rizzoli was involved.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
FIVE MONTHS AGO - Afghanistan
"Jane, John is on his way back." yelled Tuck as he passed by the front of her tent. Rizzoli rolled over and reached for her only true possessions, her boots, a well-worn pair of fatigue pants and jacket, her Red Sox T-shirt, a small travel wallet and multi-tool. Pulling on the boots after making sure they were unoccupied by any creepy crawlies, she stood adjusting her clothing and placing the two little keepsakes in her pocket she walked out to meet the other two men.
"Morning Jane," said Much as he tossed her a package of what would be her breakfast. Doing her best, Jane tried to hide the look on her face as she read 'Beef Stew' across the front of the plastic bag. Rizzoli walked to the camp stove and used the hot water in one of the pots to rehydrate her meal. Pouring a cup of coffee for herself as she waited, Rizzoli held the pot up to the others who waved her off.
Over the past month Jane had become a valued member of Outlaw Unit, as they were on the constant move from one hot spot to another. This unit consisted of a unique set of individuals who worked black ops missions for the US military. Their focus was the misuse or theft of government supplies and money in various war zones. The US and their allies had shipped billions of dollars of supplies, cash and weapons into these areas. These things were supposed to be used to help relations with the locals but more often than not they were taken for illegal gain. The 'help' was being kept from those who needed it, and directed into the coffers of wealthy extremists or greedy foreigners taking advantage of the situation.
Standing off to the side she watched and waited as the beat up Jeep made it's way up to and area just below their camp site. This had been the first place they had stay put in for more than a few days. The little vehicle stopped and parked. The others finished their breakfast as John climbed the hillside path. Arriving at what had been home base for over a week, the big blonde man pulled a medium sized duffel off his shoulder and dropped it a Jane's feet, this was not a good sign. The Lieutenant did not have a happy look on his face. He didn't say anything as he walked to the coffee pot and poured a cup.
Breaking the silence Much said, "Are you a Private again?" and that brought a small grin to John's lips.
"No I am still a Lieutenant, but only because of our good work on that last weapons recovery job." He smiled. "Lieutenant John, that's me."
Jane walked over, "I'm glad. Helping me has put you in a really bad position, I am sure."
"Easy there with the guilt, Sox." John motioned at her T-shirt. Jane was becoming more relaxed around the men and they were doing the same around her, "If I knew you were a Red Sox fan I would have left you with the Gisborne boys. This unit runs Dodger Blue through and through." The others rolled their eyes and waved hands at the man in mock disgust, "What? We do, right?" Jane had to laugh as Much and Tuck did not back up their fearless leader at all.
"Catholic, guilt, Italian, it all goes together…Little John." She raised an eyebrow having had to come up with a nick name on the run. "You know Lt. for Lieutenant looks like little then John, damn it doesn't work if I have to explain it." She sighed and the group laughed, "and besides I can let the Dodger thing slide as long as the Yankees are…"
"Boo Yankees," the men called in total agreement and Jane smiled.
"So we are all good on that front. How about my trip out of here? Any ideas of when I can leave?" she asked and saw how the big man shifted and didn't meet her eyes. "John, just tell me. Please."
Pointing to the small folding chairs around their planning table, the group followed the Lieutenant's lead and took a seat. "Sox, I don't have a clue what you got yourself into, but I can tell you the military has no information on your trip or any type of joint training agreement with the City of Boston. They didn't even know you were in country." It had been a month but this was the first time the crew was off mission for more than a few hours of travel time. John had broken protocol to see what he could do for Jane.
"How can that be? All my arrangements were made through the Assistant Mayor's office. If I had all the paperwork I could show you." Jane was standing, clenching her fists at her sides.
"Easy, I know Jane. According to my source, your room was emptied by the Gisborne Security Agency about thirty minutes after you left. They are also doing their best to avoid questions about you even now. My contact is in Dubai. He says that a Casey Jones raised a stink in the hotel when you didn't return after he watched you be hurried into the Gisborne's van. When your room was found empty he arranged for any correspondence or phone messages to be sent directly the US military mail hub to await future delivery instructions. He even tried to talk to the Gisborne Agency itself but they refused his call. Right after that this Casey guy was ordered to return to his assignment post haste. I had my buddy contact the mail hub and got your things redirected to the main mail post here in Afghanistan.
"Who is going to write me letters?" Jane mumbled as she thought for a moment. "John, I need to get to a computer to contact…"
Holding up a hand, John stopped her. "This begins the second problem. When we pulled you on the plane, I had to report you as one of our unit, a specialist from the states. I made up a name but they can find your prints and picture if they need to. If I had not done that you would have been turned over to military police, and in this area they are partnered with Gisborne. You are being hunted by the Gisborne boys still, hell they even want to talk to us." He waved a hand at himself and the others. "The quiet talk among the locals is they want you dead and are willing to pay to see it done. It would be stupid to play right into their hands by walking into the open. We have to do this thing smart Jane. There is talk of a large cache of weapons and other equipment way north of here and we have to check it out. You are going have to go with us."
"I need to let someone know what happened to me. I have to tell at least my…" Rizzoli sounded shaky and she hated it. "Family what is going on."
Much cleared his throat and said, "We are a black ops unit Jane. The only thing keeping you and us safe from Gisborne and the others working against us is our black status. For as long as our mission lasts we have to remain under the radar in every way. John gets a single coded radio transfer a day. They are three preset messages to send only. Very few people in our own government know where we are at any point. Long story short, we don't communicate with anyone."
FIVE MONTHS AGO – Boston
"Bass, there are just some days when it does not pay to get out of bed." The lovely eyes of Maura Isles were looking into the curious reptilian eyes of her pet that was busy munching on several large leafy greens and a few strawberries as a treat. The doctor who had her dinner before was enjoying a rather large glass of wine. The day had been such a tough one that she was seated on the tile of her kitchen floor and contemplating stretching out and sleeping there just to enjoy the closeness of a friend. Bass was not all that cooperative however and after finishing the well balanced meal had bumped once into Maura's legs and then walked off. The bump was the best thing that had happened all day and she smiled watching the slow progress of the tortoise away from her.
"Okay, I will just have to tell Jane about it." Maura called after her pet as she hoisted herself up off the floor and made her way to her desk. The letters had been Angela's idea and at first the thought of pen to paper seemed a bit old fashioned when electronic communication was so efficient and fast. With Jane's disappearance and the chaos that had followed the letters had become something more. They were a way that Maura kept her hope alive.
The logical side of the doctor was screaming at her to face facts. People didn't just disappear for a month. It was more than likely Jane had been taken or was dead. That was the plain truth, and with no demands or contact dead was the better conclusion. The emotional side of Maura's brain was having none of that. Jane would not be dead until there was proof. No proof than her friend was still alive.
The letters would always start with updates on family and friends and then lead to cases that Maura was working, carefully staying within the legal framework of what the ME could share of course. Lately the last part of the letters had been more personal, almost journal like in some cases. Poetry or song lyrics and then what they all might mean. Memories of the times the two women had spent together. On nights like this one Maura would risk thoughts of the future or the relationship the two friends had and how Maura thought there might be more to it. The doctor reread the last lines before she sealed this one up, "I was on the floor with Bass and considered staying there for the night because I would have a friend close Jane. It is irrational, but I am angry that you are not here with me. It is selfish I know, but I want you close to me again. I made a vow to myself to keep you safe. It is a silly vow because you are a hero Jane, my hero. It is only one of the hundreds of reasons I love you. I failed to uphold to my word and need to make that up to you. Please come home soon. Maura."
Present day Boston
They were well away from the scene and approaching the base when Rizzoli snapped out of it. "What the hell had she just done?" Jane said to herself and she dropped her head into her hands to help her think. Finally Jane said aloud, "Tuck, there is a change in plans. I need to get to Maura's place fast."
"Not a chance Jane." said John. "Maura knows you're alive and that is enough for …"
"Oh no John, I have just opened a huge case of trouble for us." said Jane. "Maura will turn this city upside down to find me now. I have to talk to her before she does anything rash." John and Tuck looked at one another. They had run six months worth of missions with Jane and recognized when she was deadly serious. This was one of those times. "If you think I am determined, well Maura is twice what I am plus a bit more. Please you have to listen to me on this. I am not being selfish here."
There was a long moment of silence then Tuck tossed her the GPS, "Punch in the address. I need to be able to find you again. John call Much, see what he knows about the security sign we saw outside the doctor's home. Maura is no dummy, she will have some type of alarm installed." Tuck retrieved the GPS and then changed his route.
They had almost reached Maura's house when Much got back to them. "The alarm company is top notch and Jane, as good as you are with locks, the main system they employee utilizes a rotating code. You have to have the sequence to stand a chance at disarming the box. You will activate it when you enter."
"I will think of something." said Jane. Her focus did not waver at all; she would be getting into Maura's place tonight. "Just drop me off as planned okay." Neither one of the men liked it but they did as they were asked. It was only a few miles later when they pulled up to a blind corner and let Jane out. "I'll call with a pick up time okay."
"Do it Sox or we will break into the place ourselves and drag you out." It was an order not a request from John.
"I hear and obey, Little John" said Jane with a smile. She stepped back and waited for the distraction. The crashing of the rock going through the rear window of the Gisborne Security Vehicle was very satisfying as was the screeching tires as it pulled away in pursuit. Jane moved quickly as there was no doubt in her mind that another security surveillance car would soon arrive. She jumped at the trellis located on the far end of the court yard and used it to climb over the wall and then landed softly. Jane moved in the shadows, cursing the damn porch light her mother had on.
Reaching the door, Rizzoli pulled out her lock picks. "I can hide inside when the alarm goes off and wait for Maura to come home to check, and then wait for Gisborne to check and then wait for the BPD to check." Jane's thought sarcastically how her plan was sounding better and better all the time. She placed the first pick in the lock and the thin wire slid all the way to the end. Confused she placed the other in and it too met no obstruction. Jane pulled the devices out and tried the knob. It turned in her hand. "What the hell?" thought Jane. She steadied herself and then pushed the door open and moved inside closing it behind her fast and quiet.
The lights were off but the shades were open and moonlight and the light from the guest house filtered in. Jane took two more steps into the house and froze. She could just make out the shape sitting on the couch, it turned and Maura said quietly, "I missed you too Jane."
Standing and placing her wine glass on the coffee table, Maura walked towards the detective's motionless form. Jane was not breathing, not really. Her heart was beating so fast she thought she was going to pass out. It hit her as she watched Maura coming closer just how long six months had been. The doctor moved so she was directly in front of Jane. She did not move to touch her but instead just looked into the brunette's lovely eyes. That is when Jane saw the tears. One by one they caught bits of muted light as they moved over Maura's cheeks and the sight smashed into Jane like a runaway train. In one fast motion, she pulled Maura in and held her best friend tight letting her own tears flow too.
Maura felt like she was in a dream. Could this be real? She had waited so long for this moment. Maura had stopped counting the number of times she had almost given up hope. But this was happening; Jane was in her arms. The doctor took in the feel of her skin, the tone of her body, the beautiful hair, Jane was really here. Maura started to worry that she might faint, her knees were so weak and she was having trouble catching her breath. Wanting nothing more than to hold her beloved friend in her arms forever.
Jane, who finally was able to quell her tears, felt like she was in a cloud. The rest of the world had disappeared. At this moment in time, only Maura existed in Jane's arms and everything was perfect. Jane soaked in everything she could, the exotic scent of her perfume, the gentle caress of Maura's hand on her back, those beautiful hazel eyes. Jane knew that she would never be happier than this moment in time.
Pulling back, she smiled to feel Maura rejecting the idea of any distance between them and the strength of the doctor holding on to her tighter. Softly, Jane rested her forehead on Maura's and brought her hand up and laced her fingers around the side of Maura's neck while her thumb traced a tender path along the ME's cheek. There was almost a moaning growl from the detective and Maura felt the hot press of Jane Rizzoli's lips to hers. It was as welcome as it was somewhat unexpected. Finding her voice when she pulled away, Jane rasped softly choked with emotion, "God, please forgive me if this is not what you want. I am sorry if I… I just had to…."
Through her stammering Jane heard a small sigh come from Maura then the doctor replied, "Jane, I need you to kiss me again. Please kiss me again." The embrace that followed started as a gentle caress, each touch capturing an individual perfect moment in time. However, new tenderness soon swelled into a passion that quickly engulfed the two. There was no fight for control, each letting the other explore what they had denied themselves for so long.
Finally, out of a need for oxygen, Maura pulled back and smiled. Only to immediately have Jane's mouth find her kiss swollen lips again. Feeling Jane's tongue trace her bottom lip, Maura lost herself for a moment as the kiss deepened. Once again pulling back, Maura placed gentle hands between the two of them. If they didn't get some space between them neither one of them were going to be able to think straight. They needed to talk about what they were feeling but both women knew it was not the time, other issues had to take precedence.
The doctor started the choppy conversation as each woman tried to jam six months of information into a few moments. Maura was fact based at first and then it was like a dam broke, "Jane, so much has happened." She reached out and took the detective's hand tightly. The security she felt from that simple touch was so comforting Maura rushed to tell her everything at once. "I've tried my best to hold things together. We couldn't find you and I don't know what you know. Vince, Barry….."
Tears had once again started to fall down the ME's beautiful face. Jane brought two fingers up and gently placed them over Maura's lovely lips to quiet and calm her. The gesture allowed the doctor to regroup for a moment. Jane said, "Maura, I know about the accidents and Barry's death." This time it was Jane's turn to grip Maura's hand. "Maur, I should have never gone. My gut told me so and I didn't listen. The whole thing was a set up, it was all a fraud."
The sound of disgust filled Jane's voice and there was a flash of anger that crossed her face made Maura nervous. Jane took a moment to get some control back, "I don't know why this is happening to us and our family. It's just crazy but I am back and I promise we will get to the bottom of this mess. This Gisborne guy is behind this but I don't know why. His people have tried to kill me at least twice now. They will try again if they can find me."
The shiver that ran through Maura's body when Gisborne was mentioned was not missed by the detective. The anger was back in an instant. "Do you want to tell me about him Maura? Has he hurt you?" said Jane carefully not knowing how she could handle an answer that confirmed her fears. It was futile to hide her feelings, Maura could read emotions a hundred different ways.
"Tell you about Gisborne" Maura growled her disdain, "Jane, he is an…asshole." said the doctor. The description caught Jane so off guard she could do nothing but laugh. The sound was genuine and so Jane. Maura stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the tall detective. Holding on tight, Maura added, "Forgive me, I have picked up bad habits from Frankie, Scarlet and Susie." Jane just held her tighter. Thanking God that Maura had someone to watch out for her in the detective's absence.
Maura continued, "He is dangerous Jane. I can't lie to you. He is harassing me but I can handle it for now. I can handle anything now that I know you are safe and home." They stood quietly in the embrace for several moments. It should have been new, maybe strange or less familiar than it felt but it wasn't. The couple had been there for each other for years. The only change now was recognizing what was really being shared between them. It was a hell of a lot more than friendship on every level.
Clearing her throat Jane said, "I ended up in Afghanistan with a black ops unit. I couldn't contact anyone. I got back only a few days ago and found Gisborne was everywhere. Parked outside, your phone tapped… cut off from you and my family and…" Jane released Maura and stepped back. "They kicked me off the force, Maura. When I finally got all the letters from home," Jane stopped talking and smiled at the doctor. "Thanks by the way for writing to me," the doctor blushed a bit. She had meant every word but the letters were written almost with the expectation they would never be read by Jane. It would be something the women would have to discuss at a later time.
Jane still watching the doctor carefully continued, "There was a letter from the Mayor's office and the BPD explaining that I was suspended and then terminated for a series of charges, all criminal." Maura looked up a Jane. The doctor didn't need to say anything, Jane felt the ME's outrage and support directed towards her as Maura's beautiful eyes lit up with intense emotion. "They know I'm home and now I have a feeling they are going to be painting me in a pretty interesting light as they try to pull me out in the open. I have to stay low until I figure out how to fight them and clear my name."
Maura turned and sat down. "So you are home…but not really home." Maura pushed away the unease growing in her stomach. It would be foolish of her to think that Jane's presence would end all the problems she was dealing with and Jane shouldn't be expected to handle this all on her own. Maura had done a good job as protector and would continue to fill that role until this whole mess was cleared up.
"I have a place Maura, you need to come with me and Vince and the guys… I am going to fight them. I have to and I don't want you in the cross fire." Said Jane. There was panic in her voice as she just realized what a position Maura was in now. "I've put you in danger and I'm sorry. I never should have answered the phone."
It was Maura's turn to be angry, "Jane Rizzoli, so help me if you are thinking of leaving me again. After we just …"
"God Maura I would never leave you again." There was hurt in Jane's voice. "Never ever and especially after we just," the detective got a goofy grin on her face, "after we just clarified a few things about our relationship." More serious now, "But Maura you need to be safe, I will go crazy…"
"Do you think it is going to be easy for me, knowing that you are out there? I can't lie Jane. When they ask about you I am going to have to tell them everything. Besides I can't leave my position in the department. I have my own people to protect. Jane there is so much we need to talk about…threats to your family and other things. I can help with this Jane, I can."
There was a sudden and harsh banging on the door. Jane grabbed Maura, pulling her gun out as she pushed the doctor behind her. "Maura, it's Angela, I know it's sort of late but I have amazing news." the familiar sound of Jane's mother was muted as it traveled through the closed door. "I'm going to let myself in okay. Frankie just told me something I think you should know." Jane froze on the spot. She had been keeping her family away for the same reasons she had been afraid to talk to Maura. Jane's presence put them in danger. Angela had already been threatened. But Jane wanted desperately to see her Ma. To hug her and reassure her that things would be okay. The fact she couldn't had the detective paralyzed for the moment.
"Just a minute Angela, I'm coming." called the doctor. Rizzoli felt strong arms on her body as she was pushed hard towards the office. Maura hissed, "Jane you have to go. I love your mother but she will tell everyone she saw you here. Go out the larger window in the office, stay near the house until you get to the street. It will keep you in the shadows." Maura pulled Jane to her and kissed her fast then turned away in an attempt to hide the emotion on her face. It didn't work and Jane reached for her. Maura put up her hands and said more forcefully, "You have to go. We will find a way to see each in a few days. Now go." Maura touched Jane's face and then turned at a run hearing the door open leaving Jane to make her escape.
"Maura where are you?" Angela called. Her tone was concerned and she was looking around the house worried.
"I'm coming." Maura almost ran into the living room to meet Jane's mother.
Angela looked her up and down, "Maura what's wrong?" The older Rizzoli's stare should be classified as a weapon. It certainly was Maura's undoing every time.
"It's Jane." Maura blurted out as if the information had been pulled by a truth ray of some sort.
Angela squealed with delight, "I know. I know. Of course Frankie would have told you too. We were right. Jane is alive." The women pulled into a tight embrace as they sort of danced around and laughed.
Wiping her eyes Angela continued, "Of course she is in some type of trouble, but I don't care. She is alive. Did Frankie tell you why she is on the run? He said that she had only been seen on a video tape and that something was up…" Angela continued talking as Maura considered how she needed to talk to Frankie about what he was sharing with his mother. "You will get her out of it. Things will work out, you'll see."
"Jane is now considered a fugitive, Mrs. Rizzoli. I don't think that an upbeat attitude will be enough to solve her problems." Guy Gisborne stood in the doorway of Maura's home. Angela in her rush to share her good news had not shut the door. The CEO was not alone; there were two security agents behind him. Feeling Maura's eyes on him Gisborne continued, "The surveillance detail outside your house was attacked. I was concerned there was a threat to your safety." Of course Maura saw through the lie instantly.
"I could not help but overhear that the updated police report has been shared. Jane does appear to be in Boston and her actions have her wanted for questioning on some very serious charges." sneered Gisborne. "It must have been difficult for your son to turn the focus of a murder investigation and possible terrorist act on his sister. Tough stuff you Rizzoli's are made of."
Angela could not speak but Maura could. The protective side of her had been honed for months and she wasn't going to back down now. "I don't believe I invited you into my home." The doctor walked towards the men at the doorway. There was purpose to her movements and Gisborne raised an eyebrow as she placed herself directly in front of him. "As far as the updated report, Detective Frankie Rizzoli is a damn good cop just like his sister. He did not hide Jane's prints at the crime scene they were reported and logged as they should have been. He also followed procedure by passing on this information to his mother. Jane has been reported as a missing person so it is proper that family is updated on changes in the case. In regards to the charges against Jane, are there any? Being wanted for questioning and being charged are very different things. No matter what, justice will be served here. The evidence never lies."
"Spoken like a true Rizzoli supporter and quite a show of professionalism, Dr. Isles." Guy's eyes were boring into her. He liked her close to him like this. It would be so good to make the doctor bend to his will. Maura fought not to shutter as he licked his lips. "Jane Rizzoli wouldn't be here by chance. I'm asking in my capacity as consultant to the BPD and the assistant mayor's office. My men said that your actions at the crime scene were a bit odd at the end after I left. You made a phone call that…appears to have upset you."
Maura stepped aside and motioned the man inside, "I received some news about Jane and yes it did make my emotions run a little high. Now why don't you come in and check the place out yourself, in your capacity as consultant to the BPD and the assistant mayor's office of course." Gisborne narrowed he eyes and stepped inside never expecting to actually be invited into the doctor's home. Maura leaned over and pressed two buttons on the alarm keypad. "You have five minutes before BPD arrives. I suggest you make the most of it." Gisborne growled and then nodded to his men. One moved to go upstairs but Angela stepped in front of him.
"No way." She growled. "No way are you going anywhere in this house without someone to watch you." Angela turned with a huff and then followed the man up the stairs. Maura was left standing with Gisborne and the other man. With a second nod of his head, Gisborne sent the agent on his search of the ground floor.
The run through was quick as it took less than two minutes for the BPD to show up. Okay, it took Frankie and Scarlet less than two minutes to show up as they were the closest. Another patrol showed up right after they did. The doctor's role as medical examiner but also as a board member of the Isles Foundation had her high on everyone's priority list.
"What the hell is going on here?" asked the stocky red head through gritted teeth as she marched into the middle of Maura's home. Scarlet watched Angela walking a security agent down the stairs and a second man coming out of the guest room and heading towards Maura's home office. Frankie, who had followed Scarlet in moved quickly to stand by his mother, while his partner moved over to the doctor's side.
Seeing the men attempting to continue their search, the redhead put an end to it. "Get your sorry asses over of here now. You are not police officers nor do you have a warrant to search this home. The doctor has been too kind in meeting your request, but this little intrusion of yours is over. It is time for you to leave." She looked at Maura and the doctor felt the anger and concern her friend was feeling directed her way. In a very police like tone, Scarlet continued, "The next time you enter this house, the doctor will be requesting that a BPD officer be here as an observer." The message was spoken towards Gisborne but it was also directed at Maura.
"They were searching for Jane." said Angela to Frankie. "She let them in before I could stop her, but I followed the one upstairs. He touched the doors, looked under the bed and checked the closets. Frankie you need follow me up there and check that he did not leave any bugs or listening devices." The young man was going to argue but the look on his mother's face changed his mind. He shrugged and followed his mother up the stairs. Scarlet held her hands out and directed the security agents out the door and she walked the pair all the way to the curb.
Gisborne who had been following his men stopped and he turned to smile at Maura. Reversing his direction he walked up to her. Leaning down, the handsome man said quietly, "Thank you Dr. Isles. You're cooperation is noted. It is a start. Two minutes is a bit short but it is more than you have given me before. I'll take it. My men will be close tonight doctor, just in case."
"Next time just ask me Guy." Maura tried to sound defeated. "You are well aware of the fact that I cannot lie. If you want to know something just say it. The game between us is getting old." said Maura fighting the urge to pull back from the man. As if agreeing with her statement Gisborne nodded back and then excused himself and joined his agents outside.
Frankie, Scarlet and Angela all started talking at once when they gathered in the living to join Maura after assuring Gisborne was gone. The doctor just held up her hand to quiet them. "It wasn't worth the fight. So they walked around my bedroom. He won't be back to bother me, tonight at least."
"That was just stupid Dr. Isles and you know it. I'm not alone here in wondering just what you were thinking." said Scarlet sounding less the rookie homicide detective and more the experienced police officer from up state. "They don't come in here again without one of us. Even if he flashes a warrant okay, you have that right to call someone else to be here. You will do that okay. The man and his people are just too unpredictable for you to be alone with." Maura nodded. Shaking her head as if trying to decide if the doctor really agreed with the plan, Scarlet touched Frankie's arm and then called it a night biding the rest good-bye.
Walking his mother out Frankie turned, "Maura please listen to Scarlet, I'm taking Ma home but do you need me to come back? Gisborne will have his people on alert all night. I can be here if you need me."
"No Frankie, I will be fine. Take care of Angela. Thank you, both of you. We need to focus on the fact that Jane is alive and in Boston." She smiled and the two Rizzoli's smiled back.
"We love you Maura," said Angela. "Jane loves you too. You are family and we will get my Janie back soon."
Maura watched the duo move to the guest house and then she closed the door and locked it. "I love Jane too." She said in a harsh whispered tone that finally reflected her emotions. Setting the alarm, she moved to the kitchen to get a drink of water.
Bass, who was agitated by all the commotion, was banging around the space. Maura said to her pet as she sipped from the glass, "Okay, I know that was dumb, but if Gisborne was looking inside then Jane could escape outside. Right?" The tortoise did not respond but someone else did.
"Unless Jane was not outside," said a very familiar voice. Maura jumped and almost dropped her glass of water. Jane Rizzoli was standing at the edge of kitchen leaning against the wall. She had stayed back in an attempt not to scare Maura too badly, but still the doctor's heart was thudding wildly in her chest.
"Jane, what are you doing here? I told you to go… the window to the patio…" Maura was stammering in her surprise as she was registering the fact that the detective was in her home still. "They could have found you…" now Maura turned pale then she got angry. "Damn it, Jane I told you to leave. My actions were based on a logical path of reasoning and if you can't..." A look crossed Jane's face that stopped Maura's words. "What?" snapped the doctor.
"I am really very impressed." said the detective from her position on the wall. "They were wrong, you know." Jane nodded towards the door, "Ma, Frankie, and the red head, they were wrong about your plan. It was a good one. Dangerous and not to be repeated but it was a good plan of misdirection." The detective did not miss the flash of relief and maybe pride that touched Maura's face. "It would have been a brilliant plan if I had truly left." Jane grinned and Maura almost stamped her foot in frustration as the thoughts of what could have happened filtered through her mind again.
"Jane, what are you still doing here? It is too dangerous for you. Gisborne knew you might be here and his men are just outside. You are going to be stuck here all night." said Maura forcefully and then she snapped her mouth shut as if something had just entered her mind and maybe the look on Jane's face was confirming that line of reasoning.
Pushing away from the wall, the detective said, "What am I doing here? Before we were interrupted, you said there was more for us to talk about." Jane ran her hand over her face, then turned with a smile, "You really are amazing. Taking charge by shoving me out the door, for my protection I hope, then handling hurricane Angela. The subtle way you managed Gisborne and his men. Hitting the alarm to call the police was fast thinking. That's nothing new for you, I have missed that big beautiful brain of yours." Jane turned and was looking at Maura.
"Tell me why you are still here." said Maura. The look that the detective gave her almost melted the doctor on the spot. Maura knew it wasn't possible, but it was as if she could feel that heated gaze as it moved from her eyes to her lips and back again.
Making her way across the kitchen, Jane took the glass from Maura's hands and placed it carefully on the counter. Leaning in so she was almost touching the doctor's soft lips but not quite, Jane said, "I am here because you have taken care of everything I hold dear. I am here because you are brave and strong. I am here because you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am here because when you held me and returned my kiss earlier I felt my heart for the first time in six months. I am here because you love me Maura Isles and I love you, and now I am going to show just how much.
All Maura could say before Jane kissed her senseless was a giggled, "Well okay."
