Title: Women's Murder Club – Tying Up Loose Ends

Author: D M Harper

Summary: Holding on to the past after narrowly surviving being kidnapped by the "Kiss-Me-Not" serial killer, Inspector Lindsay Boxer prevents herself from moving on and finding happiness. A/U

Pairings: Lindsay Boxer & Original Female Character

Rating: Mature readers only 15+

Disclaimer: With nothing better to do, why not take a television show and dabble with the characters? All characters created by Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain remain their property and other original characters I stake a claim on those. No financial gain is created by this story nor is any copyright infringement intended to 20th Century Fox Television or Rat TV. This is a tale of fiction purely formulated for entertainment and contains consensual sexual interactions between two females.

A/N: Please review and keep the Muse going.

Chapter 10

Caitlin and Natalie made contact with the Ogden City Police Department and within thirty minutes a full scale manhunt was launched for thirty three year old Zachary Shatner after officers failed to find him at his grandmother's home on Goddard Street.

Agnes Shatner offered the Agents and officers a cup of tea and a slice of pound cake after explaining her grandson had taken her car and gone grocery shopping two hours prior to their arrival.

Declining the offer, Caitlin asked for a description of the vehicle and licence number. Armed with the information, an APB was issued for Shatner and the Subaru Outback.

It was 1420 hours when a patrolling cruiser spotted the suspect SUV parked outside Jordy's Bar on Grant Avenue. Once the place was surrounded by Law Enforcement, Caitlin and Natalie casually strolled into the building and approached Shatner at the counter.

The brown haired male looked to Natalie then Caitlin, licked the beer froth off his top lip and asked, "Can I help you ladies?"

Placing a hand on Shatner's right shoulder, Caitlin moved in behind him and grabbed hold of his left wrist, "We're with the FBI. Zachary Chase Shatner, you are under arrest for breaching your bail conditions by leaving the State of Massachusetts. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been explained to you?"

"Yep, I sure do."

Surprisingly, the subject didn't resist while Caitlin handcuffed him then frisked him. The two Agents escorted him outside to a waiting patrol car without any fuss or fanfare.

"That was easy," pointed out Natalie while opening the door of an SUV.

"He probably realised it wasn't a wise move to struggle," reasoned Caitlin. "I'll call the airlines and book us three seats."

-o-

Returning to the Police Station, the women entered the Interview Room holding Shatner. Natalie sat down while Caitlin stood by the door and folded her arms across her chest.

"So why did you run?" asked Natalie.

"I knew I was facing a lengthy sentence and wanted to see my grandmother one last time. She's eighty six and I doubt I'll get out before she passes."

"Is that a confession?"

"Yeah look, I just want this all over and done with. I was involved with the Federal Bank robbery on July twenty third. It was the first and last time I ever did anything like that."

"Where is the money?"

"The other two are holding it until the heat dies down, but I'm no rat and won't give them up."

Caitlin unfolded her arms, "You don't need to. We know all about Glenn Vaughan and Eddy Crown, but it seems they've skipped town too."

Shatner's eyes grew larger, "Say what?"

Natalie opened the folder she was holding and placed it on the table, "Your two buddies have taken the four hundred and forty thousand dollars and left you behind to take the rap."

With tensed shoulders and the temporal artery in his forehead pulsating, Shatner snapped, "Fuck that, I drove the car and that's all. Vaughan came looking for me when he found out about my driving abilities. It was all his plan and I only stole the car then disposed of it afterwards. Vaughan told me to lay low for two weeks then we would meet up again to divide the money. My cut was ten percent."

Natalie asked, "Where were you supposed to hook up?"

Shatner shook his head, "He was gonna call me, but I'm beginning to think that was a lie too. So how did you know I was involved?"

"Our evidence team located a baseball cap with your DNA on the inner band inside the trunk of the vehicle you used. You were on file from the time you were arrested for joyriding a few years back."

Brown eyes squinted with memory recall, "I didn't wear a hat during the heist, but my Red Sox cap went missing two days before the job. Oh shit, the bastard set me up."

Caitlin nodded in agreement, "We traced the 911 call he made advising police of the location of the Honda you stole and put two and two together."

"He shacks up with some woman over in Everett or he did before the robbery."

"Do you have a name?" inquired Caitlin.

"Yeah, it's Rochelle London. Crown is probably there too because he doesn't do anything without Vaughan."

"We'll be sure to check that out," advised Caitlin as she opened the door.

A police officer stepped inside and took Shatner to a holding cell.

Checking her watch, Natalie asked, "You want to grab an early dinner then go to our hotel?"

"That sounds good to me. I could do with an early night and I'll notify Teller and have that address in Everett checked out."

-o-

Lindsay said goodnight to her father and turned off the main light after he left the room. By the light of the bedside lamp, she reread the card Caitlin had sent with the flowers:

Dearest Lindsay,

I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you before

you got hurt. I can only beg for your

forgiveness and let you know I sincerely

regret leaving without speaking to you

first. I don't want another day to pass

without you knowing I love you with

all my heart. I will contact you as soon

as I am able to.

Rest & get better soon.

Just know I never stopped loving you

and promise to make amends.

Love always,

Caitlin xoxo (I'm a little pig headed honey.)

Lindsay felt the heat of tears behind her eyes and was startled when her cell phone trilled. Lifting it off the roll-away table, she answered the unknown number, "Hello."

"Hi," replied Caitlin in a broken voice.

"Oh Caitlin, it's so good to hear from you. Thank you for the wonderful roses and I'm so sorry you were emotionally hurt by all this crap."

Caitlin choked back her tears, "Don't apologise, you did nothing wrong. How are you feeling?"

"I'm so much better now I am talking to you."

"So am I."

"Dad told me you visited; sorry I was asleep and missed you."

"I wanted to see you and talk, but this case came up." Caitlin's tone waivered, "I was so worried about you and had to make sure you were all right."

Lindsay started to cry, "Except for some broken bones, I'm doing fine."

"I'll be back in Boston early tomorrow morning, so I'll check in with you again."

"I'd like that Caitlin."

Tears dropped as Caitlin let go, "Can you forgive me for running away?"

"There's nothing to forgive you for babe. Have you missed me?"

"Oh just about every single day honey."

"Oh that is so nice to hear. Can we start over again?"

"Yes please, but you'll have to be content with a long distance relationship I'm afraid."

"I can do that for the woman I love."

"Thanks and I'll fly home as often as I can."

"And I can visit too. Between us, we'll work it out Caitlin."

"I'm positive we can and how is Martha doing?"

"Uhm, she's still at the Vet's under observation for dehydration. When was the last time you spoke to your parents?"

"It was an hour ago, why?"

"You're mother came to visit me earlier while dad was here."

"Oh."

"She explained you told them all about Raynor and the assault. Your mom offered to take care of Martha until I was discharged."

"So why didn't she tell me that when I spoke with her?"

"I asked her not to; I wanted to be the one to inform you Martha was okay."

"Oh god Lindsay, I am so glad she is and I wish I was there with you."

"I do too, but being able to talk is a nice alternative."

"I was totally stunned when Cindy called me."

"Dad told me as much"

"How long are you expected to remain in hospital?"

"At least until Friday, I'll be out of traction then."

Bursting into a fresh round of tears, Caitlin apologised, "Lindsay, I'm so sorry. I should have been there to protect you from that whacked out bastard."

"It's done babe and we move on from here."

Caitlin stopped crying long enough to ask, "Will you stay with me while you recover?"

"Can I bring Martha with me?"

Caitlin tittered briefly, "Of course you can darling. I've missed her too. How about I fly in on Saturday and bring you both back to Boston?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

Crumbling again, Caitlin sighed, "Oh honey."

"Ssh babe, we are going to be just fine."

"I have so much to ask you."

"It can wait until we are together, but right now I want you to get some sleep. You sound tired and I'm ready for sleep too."

"All right and I'll call again tomorrow."

"I'll look forward to then. I love you so much Caitlin, sweet dreams."

"I love you baby, goodnight."

-o-

Sunday August 9th

It was well after 1900 hours by the time Vaughan, Crown and Shatner were interviewed, booked and placed into separate lockup cells. Teller took the team to Kinsale Irish Pub for a drink and Caitlin was home by 2116 hours.

She took a quick shower, dressed in black cotton pyjama bottoms and a pink tank top. Climbing into bed, she reached for her phone and called Lindsay.

"Well hello sweetness," answered an upbeat Lindsay.

"Hey darling, you sound very bubbly. How are you?"

"A little better now I am talking with you."

"Mmm, so am I."

"How is your case going?"

"The team closed it out a couple of hours ago and handed it over to the state prosecutor."

"Well done babe."

"Thanks. Did you have lots of visitors today?"

"Your family, dad, Cindy and Molly all showed."

"Yeah, I called mom this morning and needless to say she was more than thrilled about us being back together."

"Apparently she and your dad picked Martha up this morning. She and Izzy have been inseparable."

"The company will be good for them both."

"She's being terribly spoiled and won't want to go home."

"Speaking of home, was there any damage done to your apartment?"

"A few walls were messed up and the attic ladder was destroyed."

"Are you worried about going back there?"

"Kind of, it's hard to describe."

"Then ask mom for the spare key to my house and move in."

"While my place is repaired?" queried Lindsay.

"No, I mean permanently honey."

"Are you sure?"

"Totally and I'll even build Martha a kennel for when we are both at work so she can run around the yard chasing butterflies."

Lindsay chuckled softly, "You've convinced me."

"All right," cheered Caitlin before yawning.

"It's time you went to bed," suggested Lindsay huskily.

"I'm already there."

"I wish I was."

"Good grief, so do I Lindsay."

"Don't make me laugh, it hurts my jaw."

"Sorry darling, is that better?"

"Yes and will you call me again tomorrow?"

"Yes baby."

"Thank you and sweet dreams Caitlin."

"You too Lindsay, goodnight."

-o-

Friday August 14th

Sitting down at the table outside Finagle A Bagel, Caitlin unwrapped her classic chicken sandwich then unscrewed the lid off her bottle of Dasani water.

Natalie did the same then asked, "You must be looking forward to going home in the morning?"

"I certainly am, but I'll be back Sunday afternoon with Lindsay and her dog."

"Do you have a picture of her?"

Flipping through her phone, Caitlin brought up a snap taken at Lindsay's birthday party and passed it over to Natalie.

"Wow, she really is beautiful Caitlin."

"Yeah, she sure is."

Natalie handed back the phone, "Do you remember the police Sergeant who backed us up last Wednesday?"

"You mean the tall blonde with short hair and a very cute smile?"

"Her name's Keely Burke and she called last night to ask me out to dinner tomorrow."

Caitlin smiled cheekily, "You'll have to bring her over for dinner if things work out."

"We could double date," suggested Natalie before biting into her lunch.

"I'm glad to see you're dating again."

"I am too. Is Lindsay staying until her leg mends?"

"She expects to be here for six weeks at least. It was a horrible break. In fact the fibula, radius and femur were all snapped and Lindsay is in a full leg cast."

"Christ, he really worked her over."

Tears brimmed Caitlin's eyes, "The fucker threw her down the stairs of the attic after hitting her with a Taser when backup breached the apartment."

Natalie reached out and softly caressed Caitlin's hand, "No wonder you were concerned."

"Lindsay is so strong physically and could have defended herself if the coward hadn't stunned her first."

"You need to stop feeling guilty for not being there Caitlin. Things may have turned out differently if Raynor found out about you. Considering the trouble he went to with Lindsay, it's safe to assume he would have disposed of you in some manner not conducive to your health."

Caitlin nodded, "Lindsay told me it wasn't my fault too and all I want to do is hold her again."

"Good and I'm friends with the owners of Tavern on the Water Restaurant, so when you bring Lindsay back on Sunday; I'm going to organise a special home delivery for you."

Taken aback by the offer, Caitlin responded, "I don't know what to say."

"Just graciously accept. I know Lindsay will be limited mobility wise for a while, so let me bring dinner to you."

"Thank you so much Nat, you're a good friend."

"So are you Caitlin."

-o-