Chapter Thirteen
May 19th
Both Frost and Korsak were on edge waiting for Jane to arrive at the station. Both were fully aware that there was something wrong with their friend and partner but they had no idea what that might be. All they both knew was that Jane's initial reaction to finding out that the attempted mugging of her best friend possibly wasn't so random and that the man responsible was their current murder suspect was in no way typical for Jane.
So when the boys heard the elevator open open and the familiar clack of Jane's boot heels on the flooring they both look a deep breath and tried to be prepared for any one of a number of curves Jane could throw their way as they worked their way through this new development in a case that already had them guessing and frustrated for the past two weeks.
"Where are we at?" Jane asked as she made her way to her desk.
Her tone. It was what struck both men. They had heard her upset, tired, frustrated, in pain and annoyed many times. But this tone was lifeless. Detached. Hollow. It startled them both and truthfully scared each of them.
They looked at each other neither really knowing what to do or say. Not sure if they should ask about it or ignore it. Jane took care of that. "Guys, what do we know?" she asked again clearly only wanting to discuss case specific information.
Frost snapped out of it first. He handed Jane the ballistics report. "The 9 millimeter pulled from the car matches the bullets taken from our three victims. Korsak and I think our suspect is now targeting Maura." He watched Jane as she read through the ballistics report trying to decipher her facial expression.
Jane turned to Korsak. "Since this bullet matches our suspect, have we asked Doug to turn over the parking garage incident investigation to us?"
He blinked. Something was really wrong between Jane and Maura. She just referred to Maura's attack as a parking garage incident. Even with Hoyt Vince hadn't ever heard Jane sound so detached about a crime or an investigation before.
"Doug was fine with us becoming the primary. He transferred all the files, statements and video over to Frost this morning but said if we need anything more or any help he was available."
Jane nodded. Doug really was an excellent detective. "Was any of the video surveillance helpful?" she said directing her attention to Frost now.
Still confused by Jane's present demeanor Frost almost stuttered his answer. "No. The mall security guys were right when they warned us about the quality of their footage. We couldn't ever get a clear shot of anyone following Maura inside the mall in between stores. As for the parking lot footage, unfortunately most of the action took place in a blind spot. We found Maura heading to her car and her running away after she managed to fight the guy off but that was about it."
Jane didn't offer any more reaction to that answer. "Any vehicle information at all?"
"Not specifically," Frost answered. "We have a window in time when the attacker could have driven out of the garage after Maura ran off but that only gets us a few vague car descriptions and no license plates or makes to ran. And that also assumed that he drove and parking in the garage. This mall has outdoor parking as well and he easily could have parked away from the garage initially."
"So, no," Jane shot back a bit more snippy than she intended to. Both Korsak and Frost just stared at her. "Sorry," she offered. And she was. She wasn't trying to take things out on the guys. They were just there and it was convenient.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Korsak braved the question.
Jane didn't offer up an answer knowing full well they both knew it was a no but she wasn't going to say it outloud. Instead of answering him she asked her next question. "Has the composite sketch Sara completed been circulated?"
Jane's non answer let both guys knew that whatever was wrong was worse than they originally thought. "Third shift all had it and it was posted and passed out at first roll this morning," Frost answered.
"Ok, I think we need to open this up further. Vince, I think we need to talk to Cavanaugh about bringing in the press. Maybe if we get that sketch out on the air we may catch a break. Nothing else seems to be working." The sketch that Sara had done was the very best picture of their suspect the three had.
Korsak nodded his agreement. "I'm pretty sure he will sign off on that. Maybe the tipline combined with the sketch will close the noose around this guy."
Jane looked down at the ballistics report again and couldn't help the question that crossed her mind. "So why the attack in the garage? Why there and why her?"
Neither man missed the fact Jane had not yet said Maura's name since she entered the bullpen. All three were quiet for a while trying to think about what the answer could be to that question. It was a good point. Why had a murder suspect who appeared to have just finished eliminating the only three people they could link to him from video footage bothered to now target the medical examiner?
That move just didn't seem to make sense. Unless.
"The video footage," Jane suddenly said out loud. Korsak and Frost just looked at Jane.
"What about it?" Frost asked. "We've watched the footage from the mall and there just isn't anything there."
"Not that footage," Jane said. "The footage from the last crime scene. The footage of the crowd we shot. Have we watched all of that yet?"
Both men shook their heads. It was on their to-do list for today but they had gotten sidetracked with Maura's attack. "Sorry Jane, we got into dealing with what happened to Maura," Frost offered.
"Frost, do you remember what we were doing while Jeff was filming that crowd footage?" Jane asked.
"We were all talking," he said.
"About?" Jane hinted.
"Bleach," Frost said and suddenly understood what Jane was hinting at. "Do you think?"
"It's the only thing that makes any sense," Jane answered.
Korsak looked at both his partners and knew he was missing something. "Ok, you both lost me," he admitted.
Frost filled him in. "When we had Jeff start filming the crowd at the last crime scene we asked Maura to help up watch people's reactions to being filmed," he started.
"Ok, I got that. I was there for that," Korsak answered back.
"As we were doing that, Maura told Jane and I that she might be onto a possible clue for the case. Which honestly would be our first decent forensic clue. She was saying that there was possibly something with the bleach substance the suspect was using to wipe away evidence. Something in the chemical makeup that may help identify the actual source as it appeared not to be simple household bleach."
"Again, ok but what does..." Korsak started but was cut off by Jane.
"What he's saying is that the murder suspect was in the crowd and heard us talking. Our guy heard us say we were close to linking a chemical to the murders."
"If he heard that, he could have decided the only way to keep us from that link would be to eliminate what he thinks is the source of that information," Frost added.
"Maura," Korsak finally caught up. "That would make the attack at the mall make more sense."
"Jane," Frost said looking at his partner. "The guy got away. I think Maura is still in danger."
Jane quietly nodded. She looked at Vince. "We need to speak with Cavanaugh. Now."
Vince nodded.
Jane turned to Frost. "Can you start watching that crowd footage? If he heard us maybe he is on video. We never did find the second guy Mau...the second guy that seemed to disappear once the filming started."
Frost again caught Jane's refusal to say Maura's name. He knew that was really bad. "I'll start reviewing the footage now. Jane," he started, "shouldn't someone tell Maura that she may be a target? Is she still at your place?"
Both men watched Jane intently for a reaction. She didn't have one. "Watch the video. We also need to figure out how Jarvis fits into all of this. Run him and see if there is anything we can use. Korsak and I will handle everything else." With that she headed off to Cavanaugh's office leaving both men to shrug their shoulders at each other.
They didn't get it. But they knew there was a major issue between Jane and Maura.
R&I
Maura needed a distraction. She still was having trouble processing what had occurred the night before or this morning. So she needed to focus her energies on something else. Even if only for temporary relief. Normally what she would do would be to immerse herself in her work. But the idea of going into the station and running the risk of seeing Jane wasn't something she was willing to do at the moment. She was absolutely sure Jane wouldn't want to have anything to do with her after this morning. And she still had no clue what she would say to her even if she did.
For the moment the station was out of the question. But it didn't completely eliminate her ability to work. She could remotely access her work PC from home and she could at least review and analyze the lab reports from Jane's current case. The suspect was potentially up to three victims and there really wasn't much evidence to work with.
The latest victim, Alex Jarvis, didn't exactly match the MO of the previous two victims but there was distinct evidence that he came into contact with the same bleach like substance used on the previous two victims. Maura knew that the ballistic report for the bullet she removed would tell Jane whether it was the same 9 millimeter used on the other two victims. But there was something about that bleach substance that Maura felt could hold an answer to the suspects identity.
Maura was close to figuring out something with the chemical composition of that bleach substance. After running an analysis on the substance once Melissa Scott's body was found Maura noticed a variance in the chemical composition from what she would consider household bleach. The chemical substance appeared to be of a higher concentration that would suggest a more industrial source. She sent the chemical residue for further analysis. That information would now all be available and she knew she could start to review and compare the results.
She was glad for the work and thought it was serve as the perfect distraction. She went into her home office and turned on her computer. As she let the computer launch the operating systems and load all the necessary programs she fought to not have thoughts of this mornings great escape creep into her mind. The guilt she continued to feel about leaving Jane's place after what had happened without even as much as a note was becoming palpable.
She reached for her phone and she considered sending Jane a text message. But she had no idea what she would say. She had no idea how to even start a message to someone who five hours earlier she snuck out of her apartment after having slept with. Her head started to spin again as she thought about it all. There were so many things she needed to deal with. Too many with absolutely no answers. It was paralyzing her.
She had slept with Jane. If she let herself think about last night she would acknowledge that it was better than she had imagined it would be. Their first time was both full of passion and desire as it was sweet and tender. It was perfect. But what did last night mean? Had Jane wanted what happen to happen as much and for as long as she had? She didn't respond the first time Maura had kissed her. Did that mean anything? If Jane had wanted things to happen why hadn't Jane ever said or done anything sooner. If no, then what was supposed to happen now? If Jane didn't want Maura in that way for more than just last night how would that affect their friendship?
That thought just lead to the other issues and concerns Maura had. No matter what was the answer about what happened last night, what she did this morning put all of that in jeopardy. Would Jane ever forgive her for leaving? Had she just ruined any chance of having something more with Jane because she left? And as hard as Maura tried to avoid the question, her mind continued to return to the biggest question of them all. Why did she leave?
Maura looked down at the phone in her hand again. All she had was questions. Not an answer was to be found. Not one that made sense yet at least. So how could she even try to reach out to Jane? What would she say? A simple 'Hi' surely wasn't going to cut it. And 'I'm sorry' just didn't seem to be enough. So instead she sent nothing. She put down her phone and tried to concentrate on the chemical properties of what appeared to be industrial bleach.
That was certainly easier to think about than the mess she had just created with Jane.
R&I
"Have the press run the composite sketch with the tipline," Cavanaugh agreed. "You are right. We need to get aggressive on this. Print media too."
Both Vince and Jane nodded. They had spent fifteen minutes getting Cavanaugh caught up on the three murders. Ballistics had come back and confirmed that the 9 millimeter that was used to kill Jarvis was the same as the one used to kill Franklin and Scott. Jane had also informed Cavanaugh that the bullet removed the from the car in the mall parking lot also matched the 9 millimeter. Maura's mugger was in fact their murder suspect.
Before getting up to leave to handle the details Jane needed one more thing from the Lieutenant. "Sir?" she asked.
"Yeah," he answered.
"Given that the suspect is still at large and it does appear that he is targeting Dr. Isles, I'd like to request a protective detail for her until our suspect is in custody."
Sean leaned back in his chair and looked at Jane. He had to admit this was an unusual request from her. He was fully aware that the Doctor and Jane were best friends. When she had first mentioned that Maura may be a target he had to admit that he just naturally assumed Jane was going to see to Maura's protection. It was what had always occurred in the past. So the detail request was rather odd.
"Has she agreed to this?" he asked. Maybe it was Maura that wanted the extra protection.
"It has not been discussed with her yet," she admitted.
Korsak watched this exchange. He was as surprised as Cavanaugh that Jane was willing to pass along Maura's protection to a police detail. Another really bad sign of trouble.
Sean shook his head which Jane interpreted as a no. "Sir please. This guy is elusive as hell and has already gone after her once. We need to keep her safe."
"Don't you usually handle Maura's safety concerns," he throw out unable to curb his curiosity.
"I need to focus on catching this guy before someone else gets hurt," was the only answer Jane offered.
Both men in that office knew there was something else going on but neither pushed any further. "I'll approve the detail," Sean started, "if Dr. Isles agrees that it's necessary and that she wants it. I won't force police protection upon my Chief ME."
Jane nodded. She knew that meant she needed to speak with Maura and that thought about made her throw up right in Sean's office. Needing to distract her mind from her stomach she spoke, "If she approves you'll set it up?"
"Yes," he said. "You are right. We need to keep her safe."
"We will run it by her and let you know her answer," Jane said as she stood up. Both Vince and Jane made their way out of Sean's office. Jane walked a few feet away from Cavanaugh's door before stopping and turning to Vince.
"If I asked you for a favor would you do it?" she asked.
Vince had never turned Jane down for anything since they had been partners. "What do you need?"
"I need you to talk to Maura about the protection detail." The flat, detached tone had returned.
"Jane, what is going on between you two?" he ventured to ask.
"Vince, will you talk to her? She needs to be told about what is going on and she needs to approve the detail."
"Don't avoid my question Jane. She's your best friend. Normally you are nothing if not belligerently insistent that you personally handle that woman's safety. Hell, just yesterday you broke speed records just to get to her and now today you want me to speak with her about that same safety? What gives Jane?"
Jane couldn't look at Vince. She couldn't tell him what happened. She couldn't answer him. Mostly because she still couldn't acknowledge the truth herself. For the truth was that she had screwed up the best relationship and friendship she had in her life when she crossed a line she shouldn't have crossed and took advantage of a scared and confused Maura. Her inability to control her desires had just cost her the most important person in her life. But she just couldn't say that outloud to anyone yet.
"Jane?" his tone softened. "Clearly something happened between you two last night. As much as I normally would do anything for you, I don't think this is my conversation to have with her. And I think you know that. Go talk to her. Whatever it is it won't get better by you avoiding her."
Vince was troubled by their issues. He had never seen such a strong friendship as the one that existed between Jane and Maura. He had always marvelled at how open and accepting Jane was with Maura. She was a very reserved person but if anyone could get passed that it had been Maura. They were good for each other. Jane gave Maura a true sense of friendship and family and Maura gave Jane a sense of trust she never seemed to find in anyone else. He hated to think that friendship could possibly be in jeopardy.
"Please," Jane practically begged.
That almost made Korsak cave. He had never seen Jane like this before. But on the other hand it reinforced his belief that Jane needed to see and speak with Maura.
"I'm sorry Jane. It needs to be you," he answered and he walked off leaving her standing in the hallway. There was part of him that wasn't even sure she was going to go find the doctor to deal with whatever the issue was.
R&I
Rondo got the answer he was looking for. And it cost him exactly what he thought it would. He now owed a debt to someone he never, ever wanted to owe but as he walked away he simply reminded himself again who the favor was for and who it would benefit. Both ladies were worth any debt he would have to take on. Now he needed to find Jane. As he headed out to find her he knew the details he had been able to get were definitely enough for the detective to bring down the man who not only killed those two girls but also his partner. The same man who now was targeting the doctor.
What Rondo knew was most urgent was the information he got that the guy was still intent on going after Maura. The man hadn't expected her to be able to defend herself the way she did in that parking garage. Apparently she was the first woman who had ever fought back successfully against him. But Rondo had learned that he wasn't going to cut his losses and run. In fact, Rondo's source was certain that the guy was planning on trying to attack the doctor again that day.
He needed to get to Jane quickly so she could watch out for Maura. He was going to head to the station to find Jane but instead he reasoned that after the Maura's attack at the mall Jane would most likely be at the doctor's house in Beacon Hill looking out for her. So that's where he was headed. He figured he would catch the detective and tell her all she needed to know to catch the guy plus he could see for himself that the doctor was safe and sound and alright after last night.
As he continued on his way to the Beacon Hill home he knew the information he got was worth the debt he now carried. He had to help his detective and protect her doctor.
R&I
Two hours of analysis and review had finally given Maura what she was looking for in reference to the bleach substance. She had been able to isolate a specific compound within the chemical and that allowed her to find the exact chemical composite match. It did trace to an industrial strength bleaching agent.
She ran a search for businesses that would use such an agent and was surprised to find that only two types of commercial businesses used the bleaching agent. A more thorough review of the chemical components actually allowed Maura to pinpoint one commercial business as a possibility. From that, she found only three Boston based businesses fit the potential profile and had access the the bleaching agent in the quantity that would have been required to submerge a body.
She knew she needed to get this information to Jane but she was sure Jane didn't want to see her. But it was a major clue in a case that was now open for two weeks. So Maura knew she needed to still deliver the results. She printed the reports she needed and added them to the file she had prepared. She gathered up everything and resolved to head out to the station to deliver the necessary information. She was a professional after all. Maybe she would get lucky and find Frost or Korsak first instead of Jane.
With the report ready to be delivered, Maura grabbed her purse and went to get the extra set of car keys. Vince had parked her car out on the street last night and had locked the key inside the car and left them under the driver's seat. Maura had promised Vince she had another set inside her house to it was fine to lock the keys in. She found the other set for the car and headed out her front door.
R&I
The man had waited near the parking garage last night waiting for the doctor's car to leave the area. He figured his best next shot at the doctor was trying to get her at her house. As he figured it, if he followed the doctor home he would find a time when she was alone and he could get her. He still couldn't believe she escaped from him the first time. He hadn't been ready for her to fight back but he was determined to be ready for anything this time.
A few hours later as all the cops were leaving he finally saw the doctor's car moving. But the doctor wasn't driving. Some old guy was. A little disappointed he decided to at least follow the car. Maybe it would still lead him to the doctor. When the car ended up in Beacon Hill, he figured out that the old guy was taking the doctor's car to her home. No cop had the money to live in Beacon Hill. So he would get his wish after all. He would just have to wait for the doctor to come home.
The old man had parked the car and locked it up. Another car arrived shortly after and picked up the old man. So this was where the doctor lived. Now all he had to do was wait for her to return. He parked down the road to watch the house. He was sure she wasn't going to have a late night.
On that front he was wrong. She hadn't come home that night and at about 4 am he fell asleep in his car. He missed the taxi dropping off the doctor. It was daylight out before he wake up with a horrible kink in his neck. He had no idea if she had come home or not but he decided to wait and watch for awhile. At some point she would either have to return home or come out if he had missed her early return.
And then, finally, there was activity. The doctor was coming out of the house and heading to her car. The man put his hand on the door handle and opened it. Now was the perfect chance to end all of this.