Author's Note:- Apologies for the confusion re the song used in Chapter 28. My upload stated it was by She Daisy but several of you have commented that it is actually by an artist called Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Thanks for letting me know.
Also, I have a Buffy and Faith piece that I will be gradually uploading so I hope you all find the time to take a look and let me know what you think.
Chapter 29It was an early start for Korsak and Jane, arriving at a small two-bed apartment in Chinatown and ducking under the yellow tape.
Maura was already there, leaning over the white porcelain bathtub. Immaculate as ever in a claret form fitting dress and heels. She always seemed to look out of place amongst the dead, amongst the evil that man perpetrated against man.
The bathroom was small, a cheap plastic shower curtain rolled back, sticking against the stained tiles, a simple sink and toilet completing the ensemble. Stepping closer the scent of death hit Jane suddenly.
A female face leered up from by the drain, her mouth gaping open; tongue swollen. Part of her skull was smashed, splinters of bone sprayed up the damp wall, matted with coagulated blood. Her body lay twisted like a discarded marionette, her limbs contorted and broken. The couple that still remained that is. Both arms had been amputated just below the shoulders leaving jagged stumps and pulps of flesh. The hands too had been separated and lay discarded in an open black trash bag.
"Jesus." Jane muttered, her husky voice causing Maura to look at her, their eyes meeting. "What are you thinking?" She asked.
"Well I don't like to guess, as you know, but I can conclude she was killed here, probably while she was taking a shower. There are no traces of any particulars in the rest of the rooms so far. My team are still checking."
"So she was taken by surprise, struck on the back of the head, then hacked up?" She mused.
"Nice." Korsak said, peering over her shoulder. "Victim's name is Brianna Foster. Twenty-four. She rented her room out to a Grace Charles. We've put out a BOLO for her."
"Good. Otherwise we might have been looking at two dead girls." Jane grunted, squatting next to the M.E. "Any idea on what was used on her?"
"There was a meat cleaver in the bath. It's been bagged. It would be consistent with the markings on the body." Maura sighed, looking sadly at the brunette. "It just seems so senseless."
"I know. You ready to move her?"
"I will be. I have a couple more things to process than I'll get her to the lab and begin the autopsy."
"Ok. I'll check back with you." Jane said, squeezing Maura's shoulder briefly before exiting and finding Korsak in the lounge studying some photographs. "Anything?"
"Not really. She kept a pretty tidy place. Worked as a rental agent, finding properties for people in the Boston area. Frost's at the station now checking her financials and looking into her life."
"Boyfriend?"
"No pictures, but it's a possibility. Her family live back west."
"Let's see what he can throw up, as well as the roommate when we find her."
"If we find her."
"Way to be positive." She grinned, slapping him on the back.
…..
Maura had the body back at the morgue before eight o'clock. Black scrubs in place she had meticulously performed the autopsy, detailing everything; regimented in her precision and order of doing things. As she had closed up the chest cavity, taking care with the needle and thread, her mind started to wander back to Jane and the previous night together. She could still make out her touch as if it were tattooed on her skin; those fingers and the way they had felt, etched on her memory.
The detective swung open the metal doors as if Maura's mind had suddenly brought her there, causing her to lose focus, the thread snapping loose.
"Damn it!" She cursed.
"Language Maura." Jane smirked, heading over to the metal table and inspecting the victim again.
The M.E. smiled; amused by the sarcastic comment, pleased that she had recognised that type of humour.
"Have you confirmed the weapon? Any prints?" She continued, looking hopefully at the doctor.
"Yes and yes. The cleaver was certainly used to dismember Ms Foster, but it also matched the trauma to the cranium that caused exsanguination. Prints were found on both the weapon and on several parts of the body also. All the same and small, suggesting a female. They were not in the system however."
"Doesn't matter. We have the roommate upstairs now. Found her trying to skip town. My guess is the prints are hers." She caught Maura's raised eyebrow. "But obviously I'll confirm that." She groaned, rolling her eyes.
"I would expect nothing less detective." She replied with a coy smile.
"Well, I best head on up. I have a suspect to crack." She husked.
"Are you free for lunch? If you get done I mean."
"Ah, er no. Sorry. I'm tied up." Jane said, knowing her face probably looked like it was lying.
"You don't usually have plans?" Maura countered, her tone a little challenging as she scrutinised the brunette.
"Ma…you know. Thought I'd spend a bit of time with her." Feeling relieved that she had managed to secure a reason that could actually be put into practice if need be.
"I'm sure she'll appreciate the company." The honey-blonde answered, seeming happy with the explanation as she turned to rethread her needle.
"Great, well I'll catch up with you later." Jane said on her way out, her mind already switching back to the young woman sat in the interrogation room.
Korsak was waiting for her outside, watching the suspect through the glass.
"How's she looking?" She asked, leaning against the counter.
"Nervous. Keeps trying to explain she was needed back home to Georgia. Some sort of family emergency. I'm not buying it though."
"Why not?"
"Full wardrobe at the apartment. No bag, just the ticket she'd purchased. We've printed her. Results should be back any time. Oh, and there's this." He added, handing Jane a report.
She smiled. "Ok. Let's go in."
She led the way, pushing the door open with her shoulder and holding it for her ex-partner. They both pulled up a chair opposite the young woman.
"So Grace. How long were you sharing a place with Ms Foster?" She asked, leaning forward a little, letting her height and frame dominate the shorter girl across from her.
"About three weeks. I moved from Chicago when I got offered a transfer here for work."
"So why were you leaving for home?"
"My mother. She's ill."
"She must be dying for you to pack nothing and head for the station like that?" Korsak interjected, his eyes cool.
"I'm not sure. My Dad just sounded worried when he called."
"The thing is Grace that neither your mobile or home phone had any incoming calls to it in the last sixteen hours. So either you're telepathic or lying to us." Jane countered, pushing a detailed phone log under her nose.
The woman's eyes looked down the list of numbers as if frantically searching for something that would help her. Finding nothing she looked up, her gaze flicking between the two detectives.
"So. Let's try that again."
"I came home late, or should I say early and just found her there…in the tub. I panicked, grabbed my bag and ran. I mean, what if he'd come back?" She stated.
"You seen many dead bodies Ms Charles?" Jane asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Of course not."
"Only I have. In fact we both have, isn't that right?" She replied, looking at Vince.
"Yeah. Loads." He grunted, still staring.
"The thing is when someone sees their first, one of two things tend to happen. They either throw up or run, and I don't mean run to the nearest terminal and get the hell outta dodge."
"No. She means panic, stumble, run to the nearest neighbour or ring the goddamn police." Korsak spat.
"So you can see why this isn't looking too good for you right now." Jane continued, watching Grace's fingers dance nervously against the tabletop.
There was a knock on the door and a uniformed officer entered handing a brown envelope to Rizzoli.
She nodded, before slipping her hand inside and pulling out the report she had been waiting for.
"Anything you wanna add?" She asked, holding up the paperwork, keeping the contents hidden from the young woman.
"No. I've told you everything." She said weakly, shifting uncomfortably in the hard chair.
"Well you see Grace this here is a match for your fingerprints. Care to explain how they were found all over the murder weapon?"
"I live there. My prints are probably all over." She cried, her voice desperate now.
"True, however it doesn't explain them being all over the victim's naked body. You made quite a mess when you were hacking her up. Your DNA will be all over her." She goaded.
"It just happened!"
The room was silent for several beats. Jane leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Manslaughter yes. Murder no."
"I swear. I didn't plan it, I just…snapped. She was such a bitch ever since I arrived here, with her OCD and playing her music till all hours. She was a fucking asshole! I heard her in the shower and just grabbed the nearest thing I could. When it was over and she was…was just lying there I panicked. Thought if I could chop her up I'd be able to get rid of her, dump her somewhere and then clean up. I just couldn't…it was too much." She started to sob, heavy droplets falling onto the table and her hands. "I'm so sorry."
"Save it." Korsak said, standing and walking towards the door.
"I suggest you lawyer up." Jane said, gathering the paperwork up and tucking it under her arm before rising also.
Once in the corridor and heading back towards the bullpen she sighed heavily.
"Cold." Vince said, almost to himself.
"Can't say I've shared with anyone other than my brothers before, but I sure as shit wanted to kill them enough times."
"I hear ya, but come on! Killing someone is one thing but chopping 'em up? I think she's unhinged."
Maura was waiting for them, sat in Jane's chair and chatting with Barry as the two detectives re-entered.
"Result?" Frost said.
"Oh yeah. The roommate did it. Full confession." Korsak said, slumping down into his chair. Jane perched on the corner of her desk.
"Did she, why?" Maura asked; her expression soft yet intrigued.
"Said she couldn't take living with her." The brunette replied with a shrug. "At least the paperwork will be a little simpler to complete."
"Thank god for small mercies." Vince grunted. "You wanna grab something at The Robber?" He asked addressing the team.
"I'm in." Frost said, standing and slipping his jacket on.
"Oh, well, as Jane already has plans with her mother this lunchtime, I would be happy to join you." Maura said with a smile.
"No!" Jane cried. Immediately three sets of eyes were staring at her like rabbits caught in headlights. The small room was silent and she swallowed hard thinking about what to say to escape her predicament. "I…thought, that maybe you'd tag along actually. You know how Ma has taken to you." She brushed a hand through her hair as she looked between her colleagues.
"I thought it was just the two of you." Maura said, with a head tilt.
"It was, but you know Ma? Always changing her mind." She laughed, rocking back on her heels a little, feeling awkward.
"Right well you girls have fun." Korsak chuckled.
"I think at our respective ages Vince that neither Jane or myself warrant the term 'girl'. I think woman or lady would be more suitable." She suggested helpfully.
"Maybe for you, but Jane ain't no lady." Frost grinned.
"Hey!" Jane husked. "You think yourself lucky I can't be bothered to hit you today."
"I will. Come on, let's go eat."
The two men left the bullpen leaving the detective and the M.E. alone. It was almost one o'clock and Jane was feeling anxious, hoping that Maura's mother would indeed show up to surprise her daughter as promised otherwise she was at a loss of how to actually proceed with their lunch together. She sighed with relief as she saw the figure of Constance Isles at the end of the corridor being directed towards them by an officer. She smiled, turning to the honey-blonde.
"What are you so pleased about?" Maura asked, raising an eyebrow suggestively as she moved round the desk to perch next to her.
"You'll see." She smiled, finding her eyes drawn to the soft lips that were returning the simple gesture.
The door opened, the soft click dragging their attention towards it.
"Oh!" She gasped, standing quickly and brushing at the front of her dress nervously. "Mother. What are you doing here?" She said, clearly in shock.
"Can't I drop by and take you for something to eat?" Constance said, closing the space between them and pulling her daughter into a warm embrace. "I have a few hours before I head back home and I thought what better way to use them than in your company."
"I…I'm a little taken aback, but so pleased." Maura smiled, tears glistening in her eyes as she stepped out of her mother's arms.
"Yes, well, I'm not surprised dear. I know I should have made more time for you." She replied, the truth of her words evident on her face as she pulled her gaze away, casting it briefly over Jane.
"You're here now." The M.E. said, clearly emotional but so very happy that Jane couldn't help the large grin that spread across her lips.
"You both have a great time." She said, slipping back into her now vacant chair.
"Aren't you going to be late for your lunch?" Maura asked.
"I'll be fine. Seriously. Don't rush back ok? We got everything we need and if we don't I'll go bother one of your geeks." She smirked.
"They are fully trained lab technicians Jane." She corrected, her tone serious.
"I think the detective was being sarcastic Maura." Constance said with a wry smile.
"Oh, yes."
"Don't sweat it. The more time you spend around me the more exposure you'll get to all the true forms of wit." She chuckled. "Now go already."
Both Isles women flashed Jane a smile as they left the bullpen, both for different reasons but as she sat back in her chair and watched them walk away, she felt pleased that she had managed to do something that really mattered for the M.E. At least she could give her something.
…..
Joe was curled up next to Jane later that same evening content with the closeness she was getting from her owner after their recent absence. The detective was dressed in a white tank top and grey sweat pants, her legs tucked under herself as she sat watching the TV flickering to life in front of her, unsure why she was even watching a programme about hyenas with the volume muted.
There was a knock at the door that startled her. Joe lifted her head to look also, shifting to sit upright on the couch.
"It's ok girl. I got this." Jane said heading to the door, checking the peephole before unlocking and unchaining it to greet her visitor.
"I hope it's not too late?" Maura asked, standing awkwardly outside the apartment.
"No, it's fine. Come on in." She husked. "You want me to fix you a drink or something?"
"Only if you'll join me?" She replied, taking off her coat and hanging it up on the rack by the door.
Joe jumped down and ran eagerly over to the visitor.
"Oh, aren't you adorable." Maura cooed, petting the tiny dog, which was clearly appreciated by the loving animal that was now rolled over on her back.
Jane grinned at the scene before replying. "I was going to grab a beer. I think I still have a bottle of wine around here somewhere."
She opened a few cupboards before locating what she was looking for. Maura pulled up a stool and sat at the breakfast bar watching as the brunette grabbed a corkscrew and proceeded to uncork the Merlot, pouring her a generous glass and slipping it across to her.
"Thank you." She smiled, savouring the smooth red velvet as it hit her palette. "This is rather good."
"Well it looked fancy, so…" Jane's voice trailed off. She smiled, cracking open the fridge door and popping the cap off a beer. She leant against the counter behind her, their eyes finding one another's. "You have a good time today?"
"I did. That's why I'm here actually."
"Really?"
"Yes. Surely you would know that my mother would disclose the details of the conversation you both had last night?" She smirked, wetting her lips a little.
"I hadn't thought about it." Jane replied honestly, sipping her drink, her free hand holding the countertop; the naked muscles in her arm flexing.
Maura watched her intently for several moments as she sat demurely in the kitchen, twirling the glass between her fingers.
"Why did you do it Jane?" She asked, her voice just above a whisper.
"Why did I do what?"
"Really? You're going to play that game?" She continued, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I wasn't aware I was playing anything." Jane swallowed some more of the amber liquid, keeping their gaze locked.
"We can either do this the easy way or the hard way detective." She said coquettishly.
"Maura, really?" She husked.
"Really."
Jane put her bottle down on the side, both hands now on the counter behind her. "It wasn't planned ok, I just saw your mother and I went and had a talk with her."
"You did more than that."
"Listen." She sighed. "You were so upset and I couldn't stand to see you hurting like that. I was so mad you know, that she hadn't put you on the list. I just wanted her to see what that had done to you. If I overstepped the boundary then I'm sorry Maura, truly I am, but she needed to see what she was missing out on by not spending time with you."
"That wasn't so difficult now was it?" She smiled, taking another sip of wine before carefully slipping down off the stool and walking slowly round the bar to stand in front of the brunette. "I had the best day I can remember having with my mother today and I have you to thank for that Jane."
"I just wanted you to be happy." She breathed, the closer contact affecting her senses.
"I know. You never fail to amaze me." Maura replied, taking a step closer and running one finger along the top of the detective's left hand; circling slowly up her forearm as she continued. "No one has fought for me like you have Jane. No one has tried to really get to know me. We both have walls, stubbornly constructed over time to protect ourselves from the world and everyone in it." Her fingers danced higher, searing into the supple flesh of hardened bicep and lean shoulder mass, the M.E's eyes watching her own movements carefully, allowing the brunette the opportunity to simply gaze at the beauty stood before her. "Will you be my date again tomorrow night?" She breathed, finally flicking her hazel-green orbs to the brown ones studying her.
"Where…" She croaked, coughing to clear her throat. "Where to?"
"Barry's party."
"You don't need a date Maura. We're both invited." She husked, mesmerized by the honey-blonde worrying at her bottom lip with her teeth.
"I know that, I just want to go with you." Her fingers trailed back down the olive tanned arm, both hands finally coming to rest on top of Jane's.
"Ok."
"Good. I thought as we're both off on Sunday you might like to stay at mine, or if you prefer I could bring a bag here?" She asked, leaning her body in closer until she could feel the rise and fall of Jane's chest against her own; her nose teasing at the base of the brunette's neck, letting her words ghost over her skin.
Jane swallowed, her eyes closing as Maura's perfume once again invaded her senses like a drug, sending her mind into a chaotic freefall of emotions and desires. She pressed her palms deeper into the counter to ground her. "Sure." She whispered.
"To which suggestion Jane?" She smiled, suppressing a giggle.
"You choose." She replied, feeling the heat rising from her core.
"Mine it is then. I like taking care of you."
Maura pressed her lips lightly to the pulse that was bouncing under her mouth begging to be touched; lingering long enough to hear the catch in the taller woman's throat as she bit back a moan.
She stepped back, removing her touch, basking in the vision of a clearly aroused detective struggling to focus.
"Breathe Jane." She smiled. "You need to breathe."
The brunette let out a long, languid breath, her eyes finally finding Maura's.
"I best head home. Bass needs feeding." She said, walking casually over to the rack and easing her coat over her shoulders, before waiting for Jane to join her.
Finally she emerged from the kitchen and they stood for a moment looking closely at one another as if each were daring the other to act.
The M.E. opened the door, letting in the light of the corridor outside before turning one last time.
"I'll see you at work then."
"Yeah."
"Sleep well Jane. I'll be thinking of you when I turn out the light." She smiled before sashaying out of sight and leaving the detective alone with her thoughts.
She slid her back against the door once she'd secured herself inside, placing a hand over her chest to calm her breathing.
Joe barked once, trotting over before sitting down and looking up with soulful eyes.
"I know Joe. I know."
She barked again and wagged her tail.
"She's all I can think about too."
