Jane cracked her eyes open feeling groggy from heavy sleep. She was on her couch. She couldn't feel her arms, they must be asleep. Movement in the kitchen caught her eye, Maura. She was wearing one of Jane's Boston police shirts that barely covered the curve of her ass, that flexed, when she reached into the cabinet for coffee cups. Apparently, she was wearing only Jane's shirt. Jane didn't know why Maura was in her place, and almost naked, but she wasn't upset about it. Her hair was perfectly tousled with sleep and she looked over her shoulder at Jane shooting her a sexy smile. Jane couldn't breathe as their eyes locked. Damn she's incredible. Maura abandoned the cups and turned her body to Jane, then closed the distance between them, and ended up straddling Jane. All Jane wanted was to touch her skin, her bare thighs were screaming for Jane's hands, but she couldn't move. Maura's center hovered above Jane's bare stomach but there was no heat, Jane couldn't feel a thing and couldn't move her hands. She was cold, Maura's face slowly faded away.
Jane tried again to move her hands, harsh material bit into her wrists, and she reluctantly opened her eyes from her unexpected but welcomed dream.
"Thanks for joining us Detective Rizzoli." Boomed an annoying Italian voice that reminded Jane of her uncles and cousins. The sound cut through her right temple and she flexed her face feeling what was likely a new bruise above her eye. Great just what she needed on top of her new stitches and fat lip.
Jane stayed silent and calm taking in her surroundings. This was actually cozy compared to some situations she'd been through in her career. Her holster at her hip was empty, and her hands itched for her weapon. They were in a warehouse of some sort, looks like it hasn't been used for legitimate business practices in years if ever. She was tied to a chair at her hands and feet, with metal wire - interesting, near the middle of the room, the only things in front of her were a large cargo van, probably used to transport her, a large bay overhead door - closed, and a large obviously Italian man. He said us...wonder how many guys were around this building, and how many weapons accompanied those guys.
"I wanna have a little chat with ya."
Jane snorted "never heard of fucking cell phones?" Her growled words charged the space between them with rage.
He grinned. "I heard you was a hardheaded one. Must be that Italian in ya."
"Is it the Italian in you that makes you stupid enough to kidnap a Boston homicide detective?" Jane's eyes shot daggers.
He closed the few feet between them and pressed his hands on top of Jane's thighs, her quad contracted in pain at the pressure on her stitches, she never broke eye contact but he looked down feeling her movement.
"Gotta bum leg detective?" He quickly slammed his fist into Jane's leg and she felt the stitches give, blood seeping through her pants within seconds.
Jane grimaced at the pain, but took a little pleasure knowing she would feel Maura's soft and sure hands again to fix the stitches. She hid her pain behind anger and hissed through clenched teeth "if you're going to kill me just do it, or else tell me what the hell you want and let me go."
"Ralphy seems to have got himself into some trouble. Little brothers do that from time to time, ya know?" He raised his eyebrows at the last part.
Jane didn't respond or show emotion beside irritation. She guessed she was face to face with the elder of the two De Luca brothers. This one was usually smart, stayed off the radar. Apparently cleaning up after Ralph was worthy of committing several felonies.
"I would hate for your little brother to come into any trouble, or his doctor lady friend." Jane tensed at his threat.
De Luca shrugged absently "Tommy's been a good worker for my family."
Fuck, Tommy. Jane was nauseous mixed with furious. She'd been proud of her little brother for staying out of trouble but now she was pissed he got himself, and Maura, involved in this bullshit.
De Luca continued "he makes a good errand boy. Doesn't ask too many questions, always drops off packages at the right times. It would be a shame if someone called his parole officer to put him back in prison or if he ended up on one of your crime scenes. And who does the autopsy when the ME is the body needin cut open?"
If he thought Tommy going back was a threat he was wrong, she would throw him in a cell herself as soon as she got out of this, but Jane snapped at the thought of Tommy or Maura laying lifeless in her crime scene "The evidence doesn't lie. He was dumb enough to kill someone so he'll fucking rot for his crime." Ralph looked really good for this murder but Jane wasn't positive it was him. She didn't care.
A fist connected with Jane's mouth splitting the existing cut back open even wider and spitting her top lip to match. The pain only fueled her anger. If his intent was to kill her she would be dead already, and Jane practiced being an asshole for moments like these.
"You can tell the judge and the DA that he cooperated, and some evidence could get messed up or turn up missing. I'm sure that sort of thing happens sometimes."
He kept his face only a foot from hers, perfect, Jane spit the blood pooling in her mouth in his face "go to hell."
Jane would quit before she tampered with evidence. If she didn't have a job, she could spend her time protecting Maura. Tommy she wasn't worried about because his impending confinement to a cell would offer all the protection he would need.
Maura's POV
It was just after 0100 when Maura's phone vibrating on her nightstand woke her. She grabbed it and slowly sat up. "Isles."
"Dr. Isles, I'm sorry to bother you so late but have you heard from Jane in the last few hours?" Korsak's rushed his words that flowed heavy with worry.
Maura was instantly energized. "No." She paused. "What is wrong, detective Korsak."
The last interaction Maura shared with Jane was in her office. She spent the majority of Jane's visit reminding herself to inhale and exhale at a normal resting rate. The human brain sent signals to the muscles necessary to breathe at a rate conducive to activity. Maura's brain sent signals at an alarming rate suggestive of physical activity when Maura was in close proximity to Jane. When skin to skin contact occurred, she was forced to take control of the involuntary process and command her respiratory system back to normal. It seemed Maura's heart and lungs reacted to the raven haired detective in a curious manner.
Korsak knew the doctor was a long shot but he and Frost called everyone Jane could even possibly be with. They were grasping at straws, and had to cover their bases before starting a statewide manhunt. Korsak had already started Frost and CSRU on working this like an active crime scene. Gaining precious seconds to find Jane was worth the asschewing from brass for using the resources if it was a false alarm.
"We found Jane's unmarked still in front of the Pd a couple hours after she supposedly left. Her phone was in the driver's floorboard." Korsak didn't need to be a veteran detective to know Jane hadn't decided to suddenly ditch her phone and car to walk home.
Maura was already moving to get ready. "What can I do to help?"
"We've taped off her unmarked as a crime scene. Frost is pulling surveillance footage now. CSRU is processing the scene. I'd appreciate you watching the techs in case there's anything here to help find her."
"I'm on my way."
Maura ended the call and dressed in record time. She drove in silence consumed by her thoughts and worry. She thought of warm brown eyes. She heard the husky voice that spoke softly to a grieving child and widow echo in her mind. She admired the dominant stance she'd witnessed several times in the last two days.
The two days Maura had known Jane Rizzoli included more excitement than she'd experienced in years. Maura continuously worked her whole life to rationalize her feelings. When an emotion or feeling became overwhelming, she would dissect the emotion to scientifically justify it or tirelessly research until she found the justification. It was her defense mechanism.
In this moment of unadulterated worry, Maura was explicitly aware of her proliferating fondness for Jane. She was at a loss for scientific reasoning to vindicate her fondness.
She stood with her hands tucked into her pants pockets analyzing every decision by the crime scene techs. Her newly acquired team was exceptional and highly regarded across the state but this crime scene was personal. Jane was the victim. She spent the last half hour looking over her team as they worked and detective Korsak barked orders at uniforms. She knew detective Frost was upstairs "working his magic" as detective Korsak put it, looking through camera feed from the BPD system.
Jane's POV
Jane earned a few more blows after the blood spitting incident. Worth it. A smelly fabric bag was placed over her head. She could feel herself being lifted, still tied firmly to the chair, and roughly moved, she assumed, inside the van.
She felt hands on her left hip near her holster and heard the unmistakable scrap of the metal glock sliding into plastic. They were going to dump her somewhere, she hoped it wouldn't be the bottom of the harbor, she didn't fancy tea.
They drove for what seemed like an eternity until the vehicle stopped, doors opened and she was being lifted again. She was placed on a hard surface and heard a loud hollow beating sound directly in front of her. She focused on the sounds around her. Several sets of boots retreating behind her. Car doors. An engine revving and fading to the east. A deadbolt turning in front of her.
"Oh God Janie!"
Jane would recognize that melodramatic screech anywhere. The bottom of the harbor actually didn't sound bad now. Sobbing began in the direction of the screech.
"Ma get this thing off my head. I'm fine." Jane rolled her eyes before her mother could see, she'd been hit one too many times today already.
Jane's vision became clear as Angela Rizzoli blubbered and started working on her restraints. Once Jane was free of the restraints and her mothers vise grip she stood and immediately felt dizzy. Her mother helped her to the couch.
"Oh Jane everyone is so worried about ya." Her mother fussed over her. "I gotta call Vince and call off the search."
Angela pulled her phone out of her fluffy pink robe and dialed. "Vince she's here." Pause. "See ya soon."
Her attention never left Jane. "We gotta get you to the hospital sweetie." She peppered kisses on Jane's forehead.
"Ow Ma. That hurts. Stooop." She crossed her arms in defiance. She would not go to the hospital. It was already embarrassing enough that she got kidnapped and Korsak probably had the greater half of Boston looking for her. "I'll let Dr. Isles look at me. No hospital."
Anglea narrowed her eyes at her oldest and most stubborn child. "Fine." She reached for her phone once more. "Hey Vince. Do you have Dr. Isles number?" Pause. "Perfect. Bring her with you."
"Where's Tommy? Hasn't he been staying with you?"
Anglea waved her hand in the air "I can't keep up with you kids. He comes and goes. I'm grateful for my Francesco, he at least stays out of trouble."
"Call him. Now."
"What's goin on Jane?"
"I'll tell you when I know. I need to talk to him first."
Her mother's house filled quickly. Frost arrived first, then Korsak and Maura. Frankie with the other uniform he was on patrol with Mason, he was a nice kid. Jane warmed at the people who cared about her but all the excitement and attention was overwhelming.
Frankie nearly yelled at her "who did this Jane?"
Frost bowed up as well "I hope these bastards fight when we find them. I will teach them a thing or two about pain compliance."
Jane appreciated her brother and partners protectivness, even if it was annoying sometimes, but she waved them both off "I know who it was and trust me they'll get theirs. I need to talk to Tommy first."
They all have her a curious look. She raised her palm and gave them her classic "leave it" look. Each one of them knew she'd only enlighten them after she spoke with Tommy.
"Maura her leg is bleeding bad." Anglea worried.
"Didn't you patch that up earlier?" Korsak directed at Maura.
"Earlier? Good lord what happened earlier?" Anglea's voice pierced Jane's already throbbing head.
"Oh you shoulda seen it Mrs. Rizzoli. Jane make a guy twice her size cry like a baby." Frost added. He launched into an animated telling of the story to Frankie and Mason.
Angela nagged Jane but she blocked it out. Korsak did his best to calm Mama Rizzoli.
Jane watched Maura take in the madness. She stood silently both hands clutching the medical kit in front of her. If the fact that Jane was going to throw her little brother in a cell didn't scare her off being surrounded by Rizzoli's and those who associate with Rizzoli's surely would.
She was watching Vince comfort Angela, and Jane watched her. Suddenly hazel eyes were locked on hers. She was caught. She stood her ground and offered a weak smile but flinched when her lip stung at the movement. Concern covered Maura's face.
Jane made a decision, she needed to warn Maura about Tommy, and she needed some privacy for that conversation.
"Ma tell me the minute Tommy walks through that door. Come on Maura." Jane turned without another word and Maura followed her to her childhood bedroom.
Jane's stress eased being alone in the room with Maura. It wasn't just because the living room was a circus. Maura's presence soothed her, comfort and calm hovered around the blonde overtaking Jane's senses along with light and flowery perfume.
"You will have to remove your pants this time." Maura's soft and velvety voice warmed Jane chest.
The irony of this situation was not lost on Jane. She was standing in her old room with someone who made her feel the emotions of a giddy 16 year old and who she would very much like to get undressed with in the right circumstances. "It's been years since someone has said those words to me in here."
She was rewarded with a giggle. "Jane."
"Okay okay." Thank God she'd remembered to shave her legs in the last 24 hours.
In a series of at bats full of strike outs, she managed a base hit.
She started to undo her belt and Maura averted her eyes, focusing on the wall where Jane's old Red Sox pennant hung along with several autographed cards and pictures.
She stood in front of Maura in her v neck boy shorts and socks. Besides the obvious comfortability her boy shorts offered Jane was glad for the coverage provided. If she was a thong kind of girl this situation might be a lot more uncomfortable.
"Busted my new stitches. I'm sorry." She broke the silence.
Maura ushered Jane to sit and got started. "No need to apologize Jane. I'm sure it was not your fault." She had seen the chair, bag, and metal ties on the front porch, Jane had been restrained and literally delivered to her mother after a beating.
"I could have kept my mouth shut. Probably would have saved me some pain." She shrugged.
"Would you like to talk about what happened?"
She didn't. Words were coming out of her mouth before she knew it. "I've been through much worse." Maura glanced at Jane's hand, and scar, sitting on the bed. "He's locked up ya know. I rushed in when I shouldn't have. I should have waited for Korsak. I realized that after I was pinned to the floor with scalpels through...them." She flexed her hands and they twitched with the memory. "I was terrified. Today was a walk through Boston Commons compared."
She searched Maura's face for a reaction. When she looked up Jane didn't find pity, but Maura looked proud.
"You are very brave. I appreciate you sharing with me. My inclination is to believe this will not be the last time you are my patient. Why do you refuse to receive treatment at the hospital?"
The last time Jane was in the hospital was after Hoyt. It made her claustrophobic to think about going back.
Maura moved on to tending her lips as she thought. She cleaned the splits and they stung. Her face hovered only a few inches from Jane's.
"I trust you." Jane finally answered with a tone that implied her simple statement was obvious.
Their eyes were locked. The air between them was palpable. Charged as electricity shot between them. Tommy. Guilt. Damn it.
"I don't think you should see Tommy anymore." Jane blurted breaking the spell they were in and she prepared for an angry retort.
"May I ask why you feel that way?"
She was calm...almost amused. This may be easier than Jane thought. "I think he's gotten into some trouble. I don't want you mixed up in his mess."
"My attempt to inform you earlier was interrupted, but I declined Tommy's offer of a second date."
Maura wasn't interested in her brother after one date. If she wasn't so pissed at him she might feel bad.
Hot damn she managed to steal second.
Maura frowned. "Your brother is sweet. I hope he isn't in too much trouble. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"We'll see." She paused. She wanted Tommy to admit what he'd done before she told anyone. His reaction would tell all. "He seemed pretty sure of himself at the PD today...well yesterday...I figured you two were really hitting it off."
"Substantial sexual attraction is required to truly hit it off." She used air quotes as she repeated Jane's words with a smile. She leaned back in close working on Jane's cuts again. "In order to release the necessary hormones of adrenaline serotonin and dopamine the brain must recognize attraction, then hormones linked to long term attachment such as oxytocin and vasopressin could be released if the attraction is also accompanied by variables that suggest compatibility for a lengthy period. This process starts with initial lust, which releases estrogen and testosterone." She sighed and thought for a moment. "I rejected his effort to kiss me."
She let a small laugh rasp out. It was cute when the doctor talked about science stuff. She wasn't sure if it was the the detailed explanation regarding hormones or the single sentence that did it, but Jane knew Maura thought it was important to tell her there was no attraction to her brother and they hadn't even kissed.
She was rounding third. Run home Rizzoli. Run as fast as your legs will take you.
Maura furrowed her brow at Jane's laugh.
"Why did you tell me that?" Jane asked even though she knew why.
Maura opened her mouth a couple times to answer but no words came out. Thoughts rushed in the brain behind beautiful hazel eyes. Her cheeks reddened under Jane's intense gaze.
"I thought so." Jane whispered.
The world stopped spinning. Everything faded away. Her loud family the room over silenced. Jane was certain she would want to remember this moment forever. She memorized the delicate details of the face in front of her.
She lifted her left hand and cupped Maura's jaw, slipping her fingers into soft golden hair. She lightly touched the corner of her lips with her thumb and felt Maura tense at the contact. She leaned forward only inches from soft parted lips. Maura's eyes fluttered closed urging Jane to continue.
She slid home with a smile of her face. Score one for Jane.
When their lips met Jane felt Maura relax and they melted into one another. Jane relished in the moment as the kiss evolved. It started gentle and she admired how soft and full Maura's lips were against hers. Maura's hands travelled into Jane's hair and teeth grazed Jane's bottom lip gently tugging, wanting. The heat of want and need erupted low inside Jane's stomach and spread through her.
"Janie!!" Angela's voice cut through the air from outside the door making both women physically jump back. "Tommy's here sweetie."
