I Can Feel Your Heart Beat.
Rizzoli & Isles
Pairing: Jane Rizzoli/Maura Isles
Author: myIllusion
Rating: R for later chapters
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters-no copyright infringement intended.
Things might get a little scary for awhile...
Chapter IX "Intentions "
Maura
She was nearly finished stitching up the Y incision. The young man on her table had been healthy and fit, his musculature very developed and well balanced. His features and bone structure, especially in his face, presented as Scandanavian but Maura was fairly certain there was a heavy Asian influence. This was purely conjecture on her part and was, at present, not important to this case. The young man had been bludgeoned to death by that "three foot length of two by four," as Jane had stated at the scene of the crime.
Stephen Fitzgerald had been murdered in identical fashion at the first crime scene. The Boston Police Department was facing the work of a Serial Killer. The two murder weapons had come from the same length of board and were left at the separate scenes by the assailant. Traces of a white powdery substance had been found on both murder weapons in the location by which the killer had gripped the board with both hands and swung with considerable force from an overhead direction. Clearly, overkill. Both victims skulls were completely crushed. Maura thought it curious, however, that their faces were left untouched. Not a single abrasion, laceration nor contusion could be found upon the face of either victim - as though the killer did not want to despoil their inherent good looks.
Again, conjecture, on her part but no one needed to know that, privately, on occasion; Maura indulged in the "art" of speculation and conjecture. Jane had teased her relentlessly about her inability to be flexible in the field. On one occasion she had said:
"Speculation is an art form Maura - you should try it once in awhile; prove to everyone, once and for all, that you really aren't cyborg." She snorted at her own joke, flashed that mischievous smirk and elbowed Maura in the ribs to let her know that she was being teased.
Maura smiled at that memory. That had been when she and Jane were just becoming friends.
The Detective had started to poke fun at Maura's methodical, orderly structure. At first Maura had been offended and her feelings were hurt that the Detective did not seem to take her seriously as an accomplished professional in her field. But then Jane stayed late one afternoon, after the completion of an autopsy. Maura looked at her curiously, trying to discern a reason as to why the Detective would loiter in her morgue when the work at hand was finished.
"Dr. Isles... ah, Marua ..."
Jane was fidgeting; she was playing with her her key ring, looking down at the floor and absently kicking the leg of the autopsy table - causing the whole thing to shudder and vibrate.
"I just want you to know that when I make comments like the "Cyborg" stuff and the "Speculation" and the "Wikipedia mouth"... that I am only teasing you...because I like you. I sort of feel that I have hurt your feelings somehow... um... I realized you never smile or laugh when I say those things... and I wanted you to understand that when I joke like that with you... ah... damn. I'm sorry Dr. Isles, what I'm trying to say is... I'd really like us to be friends."
Jane had continued to kick the autopsy table until the covered body on top had started to wobble precariously back and forth. Maura advanced on Jane who was completely unaware of what she was doing.
In an effort to prevent a mishap, Maura stepped into the space between the table and Jane's foot, which had gained a significant amount of momentum and force. The swinging kick connected with a thunk on Maura's shin.
"Owwwww!"
"Oh Fuck...I'm so sorry...oh my God... fuck Maura...why did you do that?"
Jane was turning nine shades of red, she leaned over to look at Maura, who was crouching over her leg, her shoulders were shaking and Jane was certain that the Medical Examiner was crying. She continued to mumble and swear and apologize, until she realized that Maura was not crying... she was laughing... almost hysterically. And soon... Jane was laughing too.
Jane had had her with, "I like you."
No single person in Maura's life had ever said to her those words: "I like you,"
Nor, "I'd like us to be friends."
At that time, Jane had no idea what those words would mean to her, but Maura would never forget that unbelievable feeling of acceptance; a feeling she'd been wholly unfamiliar with...until that moment. With that simple declaration and that endearing display of child like shyness and honesty... Jane had claimed a space in Maura's heart.
She smiled warmly at the Detective, holding out her hand to shake and say hello.
"I'd love to be your friend... Jane."
Jane gripped her hand and squeezed it tight, smiled that beautiful smile and said...
"...I'm sorry I kicked you Dr. Isl.. um... Maura. That's not the best way to start a friendship but I promise not to do it again." Which set off another round of fitful laughter.
As they were leaving the morgue, on the way to have their first drink at the Dirty Robber, Maura glanced up at the gorgeous taller woman and said:
"Now, about that language Jane."
Jane groaned and exclaimed, "Christ Maura... not you too?, damn...my Ma is gonna love you."
Remembering this moment now, Maura looked at it with a new perspective. Jane had really reached out to her considering the past she had recently shared. The last two days had revealed much to the Medical Examiner - about herself and her love for Jane.
Initially shocked by her own wanton behavior the night they had made love, Maura no longer questioned her decision. Once she had identified her attraction to Jane - she simply wanted her. Regardless of the risk of future hurt; she hadn't cared in that moment, and she was glad for it now.
Maura heard a familiar patter of footfalls coming up behind her, and then she smelled the familiar intricate scent. Lost in thought, she hadn't even heard the swinging doors; but now her waist was circled from behind, her neck was being nuzzled and explored by soft lips.
"Jane."
She leaned back into the embrace to allow herself a moment of simple sensual pleasure, before focusing her mind unto the present moment.
"What have you got for me Dr. Isles?" Jane murmured into Maura's neck before she pulled an earlobe into her mouth and started sucking.
Maura let out a low moan before turning around and waving her blood covered, latex gloved hands in the air. Jane stepped back immediately.
"Christ Maura...eww..."
"Language Jane, and you should know better than to try and seduce a working Coroner Detective."
Smiling, she leaned in, securing her hands behind her back before tenderly kissing Jane upon her pouting mouth.
"I'm sorry Jane, I can't help myself...you tease me so much it's starting to wear off on me."
"Hrumpph."
Maura covered the body, pulled off her gloves and her lab coat, rinsed and washed her hands thoroughly in the sink, before leading Jane over to her desk so they could sit and discuss the case.
"You have a Serial Killer who is targeting young gay men... but you already knew that."
"We recovered saliva samples from each victim and the DNA matches; confirming the fact that this is, indeed, the same killer. No match has been made within the Codis Data Base at this time. He has a definite pattern and precise mode of operation. The weapon is consistent in both cases and both boards came from the same piece of timber. Two by fours are cut in varying lengths. Twelve foot lengths are most common, so he probably has at least two more unused sections of that same piece of timber. I'll let you speculate about how he may use them."
Jane grinned and shook her head at Maura.
"There is a white powdery substance near the end of each board where the grip would be. We were unable to find a single usable fingerprint and I suspect the powder is the reason. The lab is running tests but it is probably CaCO3 - a soft compact calcite with varying amounts of silica, quartz and feldspar."
Jane twitched her eyebrows at Maura, which meant: "in English please."
"Gymnasts chalk... it would allow for a good grip but should also leave substantial prints. He may be coating his fingertips with something like clear nail polish to hide his prints. The chalk would offset any slickness, enabling him to hold the board firmly without slipping."
"Why not just use gloves?"
"Phoebe said he didn't have gloves on when she saw him at the first crime scene. Gloves would be conspicuous at this time of year...he also may have some strange reason of his own. Serial Killers are very attached to their rituals Jane; it may be a good idea to bring in a profiler with this one."
Jane nodded in agreement while Maura continued with her findings.
"Complete overkill. At least six blows to the head. None of them touched the victims face as was the case with the first victim. Both men have aesthetically pleasing features and well developed musculature associated with spending time at a weightlifting facility."
"You mean a Gym Maura?" Jane asked her girlfriend with a smirk.
"Yes a Gym, Jane. As I understand it people who lift weights also use chalk on their hands to grip the dumbbells with."
"Barbells."
"JANE."
Laughing with great pleasure Jane leaned over to place a kiss on Maura's cheek.
"I have to go meet with Korsak, Frost, Morgan and the lieutenant. We're setting up to do surveillance at the gay clubs and, now, probably the Gyms and Art galleries too. This Willows Gallery that Jacob Peterson was found behind is known for having trendy shows that featured Gay and Lesbian Artists in the community."
Maura nodded absently and got up to walk with Jane to the door, she clasped her hand enjoying this new closeness she shared with Jane and wanted to touch her at every opportunity.
Before departing the morgue Jane scanned the room wearing a worried frown upon her face.
"Where is Phoebe Maura?"
"Oh, she's upstairs in the lounge with Officer Silva interviewing tutors. I didn't want her down here while I was doing this autopsy Jane. We called a temp agency and asked them to send over anyone who had tutoring skills... and before you get all excited Jane...-"
Jane was making a disapproving face at the idea of using a temp agency.
"...do you really think Phoebe is actually interviewing these people for real? She may be asking them questions, but you know as well as I do that she will select the right person based on what she senses by the rhythm of their heartbeat..so don't worry. "
Maura was moved by Jane's genuine concern for Phoebe. The two hadn't gotten off to a good start but Jane had warmed up to Phoebe considerably, which made Maura very happy. She had intentions for Phoebe and the future, and she wanted Jane to care about the girl as she had come to. Maura stood up on her tip toes to kiss her tall Detective softly on the lips.
"I'll see you later Detective." She whispered into Jane's mouth. Jane smiled, enjoying the way Maura used her title now... it didn't feel like a piercing knife anymore but swept across her body like a gentle wind, leaving a trail of goose flesh in its wake.
"Okay Maur-, I'll meet you back here after my meeting and then we can go home and see what Phoebe's new room looks like... I hope those guys were able to finish in one day like they promised."
Harold and Paul
Harold was excited to show Paul his secret place within the secluded park. The trail they were running was frequented by hikers, but there was a fork around the next turn that led into the woods a bit. The detour was difficult to see but Harold had used it often. He had come early this morning to prepare the place especially for this tryst with Paul.
Their day had been successful. The Medical Examiner had shown the work crew in and left shortly thereafter with that Detective and the girl in tow behind her. One of the undercover officers was assigned to stay at the home but Harold was not concerned by him. The coverall that Paul provided made him appear as part of the work crew. As the work of the installation progressed the cop got bored and started watching a ball game on the television.
Harold took this opportunity to slip away unseen. He glued a tiny microphone on the bottom of the keypad for the house security system. The microphone was minuscule - state of the art and well worth the money he had spent. One would have to know it was there in order to notice the tiny black circle, which blended in perfectly with the black plastic that surrounded the keypad. When Dr. Isles pressed her number code into the panel; the microphone would record the tones each number made. Later, Harold would decipher the sequence to the alarm, which would allow him access to her home whenever he chose.
Harold had shown up late intentionally, not wanting to be seen or "felt" by the girl. After further questioning of Paul he gathered that the girl could identify people by how they "felt" somehow. This child was a freak for sure and the very idea that she had "felt" his presence at that crime scene had given him the night terrors.
Turning on his charm the previous evening, Harold convinced Paul to let him watch the installation at Dr. Isles home. He pretended he might make a similar investment with Moon Fabrication as his home was near a playground. He detested the screaming and shrieking sounds of children while they played.
Their evening had progressed as he knew it would. He let the boy blow him and reveled in the power he felt while pressing the young mans face onto himself. The boy was on his knees and Harold loved the feel of towering above while being pleasured. He was entitled to this one indulgence after all - before he brought them home to God.
The time was almost near. Paul was very fit and liked to run, so Harold had suggested this little jaunt throughout the park when their day was finished.
"How about we go for a run Paul and then I'll take you out to dinner again? My thanks for letting me tag along today. I'm more than sure I'll be insulating the South side of my house now. That crew of yours was so efficient and neat. You can almost think they hadn't even come by how clean they left the place ... what do you say Paul? A quick run and then some steaks and beer?"
Paul smiled at Harold. He was kind of over the guy already but didn't want to turn him down now. Especially if there might be another commission in the offing. Paul couldn't put his finger on why but Harold gave him the creeps. He shook himself and thought, what the fuck? If I can make a sale to this guy I'll call it worth my while. But, he silently told himself, no sex this time. The guy was just too weird to do that with him again.
"Alright Harold, lets go back to the warehouse first, I have to sign off on the work order. We can change into our sweats and leave from there. "
Harold stored his homemade resin in a tiny jar within the pocket of his gym bag, along with the chalk. He placed the chalk inside his sweatshirt pocket before he dipped each of his fingertips within the fast drying glue. He took a small brush and swept the shiny glue across each palm gently blowing on his hands to speed the dry time. This was accomplished in the stall of the mens locker room while Paul was filling out his paperwork.
Almost time now Harold thought. He was getting excited; his heart was beating fast with anticipation.
"Just up here Paul, I can't wait for you to see this. " And Harold slowed his pace so Paul could catch him up.
"Right there." He pointed into a little break in the trees, just to the left of the main trail. " You go first, I really want to see the look on your face when you see what's in there."
Paul rolled his eyes at Harold but played along for the sake of the future account he was going to get. Panting from their run but not really tired yet he smiled at Harold and charged into the little crooked path. He ran along for another twenty yards until the trail opened into a tiny oval clearing. Stopping in the center, confused by the lack of anything but trees and a patch of withered grass he turned to -...!...!...!...!...!...
Harold dropped the "three foot length of two by four" on the forest floor next to the body of young Paul. He had brought him home to God. He spat upon the boy and walked away. The feeling of excitement and fulfillment was just the same. Glorious.
He would wait until he finished with the girl before calling the police about young Paul. He didn't want them becoming suspicious if they should discover the body before he talked to... Phoebe. That was the strange girls name. Phoebe.
Phobe
Phoebe was feeling a little weird and sad and confused. The weird was because of how the room felt, but also something else was weird in the house and she couldn't seem to shake the feeling. She had searched every room and closet with Jo Friday. She even grabbed a ladder and looked into the crawl space in the attic upstairs. Something felt askew, wrong and twisted... but she couldn't find the evidence she was looking for. Maybe she would talk about this with Jane in the morning.
Phoebe felt sad because she lied. Now she wished she hadn't lied. The room worked. Sort of. But she could feel Jane and Maura in the house. Her gift was greatly muffled but she could still feel their heartbeats and sense their feelings very strongly. They were really getting happier. Both of them. Their talk had gone well last night - they still had things to heal with one another, but the big stuff was out of the way.
Phoebe was confused because she didn't know what to do. If she had told the truth Jane would still be uncomfortable. She didn't want Jane to resent her... because she knew that Maura wanted her to stay. Maura hadn't been upset when Phoebe felt them...but Maura was different than most people. She hated to lie, especially to Maura ... and Jane. She would have to think about this more.
She rolled over on her side and stroked Jo Friday who was staring at her from the pillow.
"Everything will be okay Jo... you'll see. I just have to think this through. g'night Jo."
And Phoebe wandered into restless sleep feeling weird and sad and confused. Jo Friday sighed and twitched her ears, but kept the watch. She felt something weird too.
To Be Continued
Thanks again to those of you who have left me a note of encouragement.
