Natalie talks to Maura
Maura's viewpoint
I was working at my desk, completing the autopsy reports on the second sniper victim when I was interrupted by a light knock on the door.
Natalie Dearing was standing in the door, looking smart in a dark grey pinstripe skirt suit, pale yellow blouse and black heels. While I didn't totally appreciate the nature of the job she did, I had to respect the effort she put in to her appearance; no doubt it helped get part of her message across to the media.
I had noticed that most of the networks used attractive female anchors and Natalie was equally their measure in both poise and looks.
"Morning Maura, sorry to interrupt you" I smiled and stood.
"Please Natalie, come in and have a seat".
I watched her settle in the seat across the desk. I realised then that I had only one seat and resolved to get several comfortable chairs so that I could sit with visitors, rather than sitting across a desk from them like it was a consultation.
"How may I be of assistance?" She looked across at me for a second.
"I've had an unusual request that I thought I'd run past you" I frowned.
"If I can help of course I will" She smiled and raised her hand.
"Wait until you hear the request first before agreeing" I leaned back and waited for her to continue.
"We've had a request from one of the stations looking to interview you" I was surprised, normally my exposure to the media was limited to being filmed arriving at crime scenes or walking into court rooms to give evidence.
"Interview me, whatever for?" She shrugged.
"They say it's because they are interested in interviewing the City's new M.E., especially one who has transferred here from another city where you have had such a…" She paused for a moment, searching for the right word, possibly trying not to offend.
"Colourful?" I supplied. She smiled widely.
"Colourful career, yes, thank you" I thought about it for a moment.
"You're the one with experience of the media; it's not really my area of expertise. What do you think?"
"I'm reluctant to put you up for it" I cocked my head to one side, considering her statement. Before I could speak she continued.
"I've no doubt that you would handle yourself well, you're used to being cross examined in trials, if you were to approach the interview much as you would a hostile defence attorney you wouldn't go too far wrong"
"But…"
"In this case the program is much more the shock horror scandal variety than a serious news outlet, plus the host is somewhat renowned for his hostile interview technique" I nodded slowly.
"You think they may have a hidden agenda?"
"Yes, I suspect that not only will they try and get more information on the cartel shooting last week, they may also have some knowledge of the sniper attacks, which we really don't want getting out" I was a little disappointed in Natalie, I certainly wouldn't reveal anything I wasn't supposed to, and felt saddened that she didn't realise that.
"I see…" Before I could continue she interrupted.
"However that's not the reason I would be reluctant to support their request, I'm sure you could deflect their questions at least as well as anyone and better than most. I actually think they are more interested in trying to get more information on Detective Rizzoli's background and your association with her" I sat back, processing what she had said.
"And you think that I might say something I shouldn't?"
"Not at all, I think you'd be fine, however they'd likely use images from several of the incidents you've both been involved in, in particular the shooting outside Boston Police Headquarters and the various incidents involving Charles Hoyt as part of the segment, possibly springing them on you during the interview. I'd rather spare you both having to go through that, it's just not worth it"
"Oh, I see"
"If I thought they wouldn't go there, then I would support you if you decided to agree to their request, however I don't think that the chance of some good coverage is worth the risk of putting both of you through experiences I am sure that neither of you care to revisit unnecessarily" I paused for a moment, considering not only what she was saying but also the kindness she was showing us both.
"There is another reason as well, a purely selfish one"
"Oh?"
"Yes, if they did try and embarrass you or upset you, I'm not sure Jane Rizzoli would take it lying down and shooting the interviewer, no matter how much he might deserve it, would be bad for the Department's image" I laughed, especially given Jane's protective nature.
"I could see how that might cause you some problems. Therefore, based on your advice, I am happy to decline; perhaps we can claim press of work?" She nodded.
"Yes, it's not like you don't have enough work" I sighed.
"It's busy, even with several assistant M.E.s here, much busier than I am used to"
"I totally understand where you're coming from. My last role was media liaison to the Seattle Police Department. They're barely a tenth the size of the LAPD and the case loads similarly small, so I'm still coming to terms with it. The warehouse attack involved more shooting deaths than I've seen in the last year in Seattle" I nodded, remembering a similar discussion with Jane in the aftermath of the shootings.
"Yes, Boston is also a lot quieter in that respect. Most of the firearms homicides are murder or robbery related, nothing like what we witnessed"
"Well, I would be happy to not witness too many more like that, even looking from a distance it was quite unpleasant, I don't know how you cope, having to immerse yourself in the middle of the scene" I shrugged.
"It's my job; it's what I have trained for and what I am good at, or so I'm told"
"Well I'm happy to leave you to it, I was studying medicine but found I didn't have it in me to cut open people, so I switched to another profession" I nodded, curious as to her job.
"Do you enjoy what you do?" Natalie smiled at me.
"Actually I do, I've always been a people person and this job means I spend my day talking to all sorts of people, learning all sorts of things. Plus I get to talk for the Department, getting the stories out that might otherwise go untold" I raised an eyebrow, that sounded very familiar.
"It's somewhat similar to me; I speak for the dead, telling the stories they cannot" She nodded and smiled.
"That's a good way to describe it, so in a way we're similar, we both speak for others" I thought about it, there were indeed similarities.
"One good thing about my job though. I've ended up with a head full of useless information, so I'm a whiz at trivia competitions" I smiled, having been part of several trivia competitions back in Boston.
"I'm also considered rather proficient at trivia, so if you are ever putting together a team please keep me in mind. Jane as well, she's quite good at sports" Natalie smiled.
"Well Ana, my partner, is great at geography and history, plus I can handle pop culture, so we have the basis for a good team. I'll keep my ear to the ground, see if there are any trivia competitions running"
"Back in Boston our local, the Dirty Robber, had a monthly Tuesday night trivia completion. They would offer a $100 meal and drinks voucher to the winning team, which we were successful in winning from time to time"
"I can handle the occasional free night out, courtesy of a trivia win, so I'll keep an eye open for any local competitions. It'll be good to get out and be social, Ana and I don't really know anyone here yet"
"It's much the same with us, so please keep us in mind" She bit her lip slightly, perhaps signifying a little nervousness.
"There is one last question if you don't mind"
"Of course" She paused, looking a little pensive.
"This might be a little out of line, and if you tell me to mind my own business I'll completely understand" I looked at her for a moment, suspecting what she was going to ask.
"Please go ahead"
"I was wondering if you and Jane are just good friends or something a little more"
I sat back thought about her question and its implications. Our relationship wasn't a secret, at least not back in Boston and we weren't trying to hide it here, just not being completely open unless asked. I could see Natalie starting to look uncomfortable, obviously afraid that she had said the wrong thing.
"Maura, I'm sorry if I've presumed…"
"No that's alright Natalie. Yes, Jane and I are partners" She broke out in a smile.
"Ah wonderful, I'm very happy for you both. I just wanted to be sure"
"You're actually the first person to ask" She nodded.
"I thought you might be; you have such a close rapport. You are aware that Anastasia and I are together?"
"I gathered as much" In fact their connection was quite apparent if you spent any time around them both. They had an easy intimacy and an openness that I hoped Jane and I would develop over time.
"It's nice to meet another couple like us; I hope we get the chance to catch up outside work. If you need anything, just ask" Natalie smiled and stood, bringing the chat to a close. "Anyway, I have to run, but thanks for the chat" I smiled at her.
"It was nice"
"It was indeed, have a great day Maura, we'll chat again soon:"
"I'd like that Natalie, see you soon"
After she left I thought back over our discussion.
I found myself liking Natalie, she was cheerful and thoughtful and I appreciated her kindness in wishing to spare Jane and myself any difficulties with the media.
Back in Boston we had Jane's family and our work colleagues, Detectives Korsak and Frost to socialise with, whereas here we had no one.
Jane tended to lose herself in her work, so it would be partially up to me to build any friendships over the next few months, particularly if we found ourselves staying longer than the initial six months. Natalie seemed like a nice person to get to know, only newly arrived as we were and with her partner Anastasia they were in a similar situation to ourselves.
I smiled to myself, hoping that we could find ways to stay in touch.
