So, here's a new chapter. I hope you will like it. And thanks for reading and following.

T73.

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I come slowly but slowly back to reality and find myself stripped down to my underwear in Maura's bed.
But something is odd.
I am the only one in this comfortable bed.
Have I missed something?
A new murder?
But why didn't Maura wake me?
I have to find out.
But the first thing I have to do now is ... is to stretch me and then go and use the toilet.
I stretch my arms over my head and groan.
Finally, I am once again well rested.
After I got up and used the bathroom, I went down the stairs and spot Maura in the kitchen behind the kitchen island, her back is turned to me.
I sneak up at her and wrap my arms around her waist. I rest my chin on her right shoulder. "I can get used to it."
"Me standing in a kitchen," she laughs.
I kiss her cheek, "That, and freshly brewed coffee in the morning."
She gasps and swat my arm.
I chuckle and turn her around. I sigh and smile at her, "How did I get undressed?"
Maura raises her eyebrows, "I could convince you to go upstairs. In the bedroom, I had to undress you because you wanted to go to bed in your clothes. Jane, I have to tell you that you are very grumpy when you're asleep."
"Sorry," I say and give her a peck. "And thank you."
She pours two cups of coffee, "You should store some clothes here when you stay here overnight more often."
"So should you," I reply and she looks confused at me. "I mean in my apartment."
She sips her coffee with a smile.
I furrow my eyebrows, "What?"
She put the cup down on the counter and licks her lips, "You know ... after Martin I didn't thought that I could trust a person again. I came here to focus strictly on my work, without any distractions."
I shrug my shoulders, "Well, you shouldn't have run into me. I am the personalized distraction."
"Yes, you are," she chuckles and it warms my heart. "But in a good way."
Suddenly, a dark cloud encases me and takes my breath away.
Maura trusts me!
And I am the motherfucker, who will most likely break her heart.
Did I say that I am no cheater?

Fuck, who am I fooling?
I accused her of lying and build an relationship upon a lie.
She is clueless. Another victim that is on me.
I really do love her. And I'm fucking with her in the worst way. I lied to her already.
She had the assumption that Liam was beaten up by a man and a woman and I have turned the idea down and questioned with that her competency.
I literally sabotage her work.
And in the worst case, it's not going to be better.
And I'm not sure if she ever will forgive me.
I wouldn't.
I wouldn't forgive me if I would be in her shoes.
Not to mention that I wouldn't forgive me if I would get to know about CJ ... If I would be in her shoes.
I made a scene because a potential threat and have an affair.

Awesome.
I don't want to have an affair, I don't want to be a cheater.
I wince when I feel an hand on my arm and glance confused at Maura.
"You're a little jumpy," she says.
I clear my throat, "Yeah, that happens when I'm lost in my thoughts."
"I'm sorry."
My heart clenches and I furrow my eyebrows, "Don't say that."
"But I am ..."
"I know." I cut her off and reach for her hand. "But don't say that because you have done absolutely nothing wrong."
She walks over to me and sits down on my lap after I tugged on her hand. "What's bothering you?"
I sigh heavily, "So many things."
She smoothes the worry lines on my forehead, "I can see that."
I rub my right hand over her tight, "I ... I won't hurt you."
"Stop to worry about that so much, Jane. That won't happen."
I laugh briefly. It's not an amused laugh, it's an bitter laugh. "Oh yes, it will."
"No, it won't." she says and kisses my gently.
I feel that my tears start to well up and my lower lip trembles slightly.
She pulls away and searches my eyes worriedly, "Jane, what's wrong?"
I hold her gaze, "I ..." the ringing of my phone upstairs interrupts me. "have to take that call."
She frowns and get off my lap.
I get up from my chair and let my head hang down. "I am sorry, Maura." I mumble and climb up the stairs. And with that I don't mean the interruption.
I mean that I am sorry for hurting her, for using her.
I sniffle as I enter the bedroom and walk to the bed.
I wipe the stupid single tear off my cheek that found its wat down and take my phone from my bedside table.
The display tells me that it's Frankie who is calling me and I accept the call, "What?" I say with a shaky voice.
"Jane," he pauses and I can see him frown. "Are you crying?"
I wipe angrily another tear from my cheek. "No, I'm not crying. What is it, Frankie?"
He sighs, "I've checked our new friends again. Terry and Tory."
"And the other two."
"Yeah, and Liam's friends as well." he sighs again. "The Indomitable has written you off the bounty. You're not safe anymore."

Now I sigh. Was I ever safe in this story?
"Frankie, save your own ass."
He is quiet for a moment, "Jane, you can't believe that I'll hang you out to dry now. You're my sister, my ..." he trails off.
I have to smile a little. "Yes, I know. And as your big sister, I'm responsible for you. And when a bounty is on me, I put you in danger as well."
"Job hazard."
"Frankie ..."
"I am not leaving your side, Jane." he interrupts me.

Damn family ties.
I could slap myself for involving Frankie. "Ma, is going to kill me."
He chuckles, "Most likely."
I roll my eyes, "Thank you, jerk."
He laughs and sighs once more, "Okay, what do we do next?"
I frown and look over my shoulder to make sure that I am still alone. Then I tell him my next plan in all details.
He doesn't say a word for a minute.
If I wouldn't hear his breathing, I would think that he has hung up.
"Are you crazy?" he asks with an high-pitched voice. "I just told you that you shall be killed and you want to mess with them? Do you have a death wish?"
"Why is everyone asking me that?"
"Because the plan is stupid and crazy."
I growl low.
He sighs, "Should I pick you up from your apartment?"
I glance around and frown, "Uh ... I'm not at home."
"Where are you?"
"I'm at Maura's."
He is quiet again and then burst out laughing.
"You're such an asshole," I growl but chuckle.
"Should I pick you up from Maura's?" he laughs.
I shake smiling my head. "Yes. Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Drop by at my place and grab some fresh clothes and shower facilities for me."
My brother clears his throat, "Got that."
"Thanks," I say. "I text you her address."
I end the call and text him Maura's address.
Then I grab my other phone from the pocket of my jeans and freeze.
Did Maura found my other phone as she undressed me?
Damn it. I am a complete idiot.
But I have to act normal as long as she says nothing about it.
I start typing another text as I walk down the stairs. "It was Frankie. I hope you don't mind when he comes by."
She turns around and smiles at me.
I swear, at this sight I can melt away.
"Of course not. He is welcome here, just like you."
I walk to her and place my hands on her hips, "Better don't tell him that."
She smirks and places her arms on my shoulders, "Why?"
"Because then he's never leaving again," I reply and smile as she starts to chuckle.
"What are you going to do today?" she asks.
I look over her head and take a deep breath, "I have to do a few things and then I'm going to the BPD. But tonight I'm all yours. Can I bring Jo Friday with me later?"
"Is she housebroken?"
"No."
She make a face.
"Yes," I chuckle and she swat my shoulder.
Someone rings the doorbell and I sigh, "That's probably Frankie. I get it."
She licks her lips and tighten the belt on her silky dressing gown.
I wait until she is done and open the door.
Frankie stands in front of me, an overnighter in his right hand.
I frown, "I just wanted a few clothes and not my half wardrobe."
He rolls his eyes and hands me the black bag. He enters the house and glances around. "Nice catch, Janie."
Now I roll my eyes and lead him into the kitchen.
Maura looks up and smiles at him, "Good morning, Frankie."
"Morning," he replies.
"We wanted to have breakfast. Do you want to join us?"
He glances at me, "Sure, if that's not a problem."
I sit down at the kitchen island and pat the stool next to me, "Sit down."
She takes another plate and a coffee mug from the hanging cupboard.
My brother tilts his head to the side and purses his lips with raised eyebrows.
I see that he stares at her butt and slap the back of his head.
He looks in disbelief at me.
"Hands off," I growl through clenched teeth.
He lifts his shoulders and chuckles.
Maura turns to us and smiles again. "What?"
"Nothing," Frankie and I say in unison.
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Frankie and I arrive at a secluded forest cabin.
He frowns deeply, "What are we doing here?"
"This is the address CJ has sent me," I answer his question.
"Who is CJ?"
"A friend." I say. Or better to say, I hope so.
The front door opens and CJ emerges from the cabin. A smug smile lies on her lips.
She wears a black shirt and a light blue fabric trouser.
If I wouldn't be in a relationship, I wouldn't say no to CJ.
But I am in a relationship.
"Jesus Christ," my brother whispers. "If we ever get the opportunity to investigate undercover again, then I'll infiltrate the target group."
I glance at him and smile, "I don't think that you are her type."
He furls his eyebrows, "Why not?"
"You have the wrong private parts." CJ says and hands me a note.
Frankie blushes crimson.
I glance down at the note, "What is that?"
She walks around my Mazda. "A list of things I'm going to need."
It's a list of car parts, even quite expensive ones.
"Is there a problem?" she asks.
I lock up from the note and shake my head. I hand Frankie the list. "Can you take care of this?"
He reads the list and nods his head.
She thrusts her chin at him, "Is this your bud?"
"No, he's my brother. Frankie, this is CJ ..."
"Pérez," she adds.
Now it clicks.
CJ Pérez is a well-known gearhead.
And not only in the illegal street racer scene.
She worked for well-known racing teams and I am surprised that she also works for people like Tory.
"Don't look so surprised, Jane." she says and closes my mouth at my chin, running her thumb along my bottom lip.
"Why are you working for guys like Tory?" I ask.
"Money can be a very good persuasion."
"And why are you helping us?" Frankie asks.
The smile on her lips disappears, "I like neither Tory nor Terry. They are assholes. Terry once thought I would be his property."
"I don't believe that you took any shit from him." I state and she smiles again.
That's the answer I needed. She is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I sigh and nod to the cabin, "Who's cabin is this?"
She glances at the log cabin and raises her eyebrows, "Mine. I am from Boston. I need solitude. Especially if I should work on your car."
"Can you knock my ride into shape until this weekend?"
"Nope," CJ answers immediately.
Frankie's eyebrows shoots up.
My jaw drops to the floor and I furl my eyebrows, "Nope? What does that suppose to mean?"

"It means what it means," she says and ambles toward a wood barn. "It means no."
"I have two races at this weekend. What should I do? Run after the others?"
She glances over her shoulder and smirks, "I would love to see you all sweaty. But not because you ran after someone."
Jesus, she cuts right to the chase of the matter.
My brother clears his throat.
She chuckles and opens the barn door. "Don't worry so much, Jane. I got the right set of wheels until I'm done with your ride."
I stare into the barn and my mouth hangs open.
In there stands a black BMW i8.
On the outside its like the original.
"Holy shit. I think I'm going off my rocker. Is this ... is this a BMW i8?"

"An expert," she purrs and opens the gull-wing door on the driver's side. "The car is almost in its original condition. I only added here and there a few extras."
I sit down on the driver's seat and set it back.
The scent of leather raises in my nose. I slide my hands over the steering wheel and my heart speeds up.
I always wanted to sit in such a car. But with my salary ... unthinkable. "This is awesome," I mumble.
"He suits you," she says with a smile.
I lick my lips and furrow my eyebrows. "I ... CJ, I can't drive this car."
She raises her shoulders and pulls the corners of her mouth downward. "It is either the BMW or you're walking."
I chew on my bottom lip and suddenly I feel totally excited, "The BMW it is." I say and beam broadly at her.
She smirks and raises briefly her eyebrows. "Great."
I get out of the BMW and ogle it in awe.
"Your car keys, Jane." CJ chuckles.
I glance at her and frown, "Huh," I say and realize what she had said. I fish my keys out of my pocket. "Oh yeah, sure. Sorry."
She grins and walks out of the barn.
"I start tomorrow to convert your ride," she says and pulls her shirt over head, revealing a black bra.
My eyes almost pop out of my head. "What are you doing?"
She undo her bra and drops it to the ground and looks over her shoulder at me, "It's hot, Jane. I go swimming. A pool belongs to this property. Want to join me?"
A frown crawls up on my forehead, "Uh ..."
Frankie gives me a nudge with his elbow.
I glare at him and then it hits me when I see his gaze.
I was so overwhelmed that I've supplanted Maura from my mind.
Damn it, what's wrong with me?
"Uh, another time ... Thanks."
"That's up to you," CJ says and disappears.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Frankie hisses.
I sigh, "Nothing."
"You have thought about her offer."
"Are only men allowed to think with their ..."
He opens the passenger's door and glares at me. "Not if they are in a committed relationship. Shit, Jane. You witnessed what something like that did to Ma as Pop betrayed her."
I sit down in the car and start the engine, "It was ... it was just a moment of weakness."
"Yeah, the best excuse," he grumbles and crosses his arms over his chest.
He is right, it is just a excuse.
As CJ stared to undress herself my old self gained the upper hand again. I really don't know why. I am happy with Maura.
If Frankie wouldn't have been here too ...
I don't want to think about what would have happened.
And it hurts. It hurts deep down in my heart.
I sigh and start driving.