Please see Ch 1 for disclaimers and warnings…

"But!" Jane jumped out of her seat. "Sir!"

Cavanaugh didn't flinch. "But nothing Rizzoli. Do you understand what you are implying?"

Jane turned to Korsak, pleading with him silently for help. "I do, but you heard Korsak, we already have tampered video. Detective Venno's picture was hanging in plain view in Marcie's office. He works out of the barracks in Andover, right on the edge of the state forest."

"Sit down, Detective." Cavanaugh waited until she finally gave in and dropped back into the chair. "You want me to to go the DA and tell him we believe that the A-1 State Police detective division is, what? Dirty?" He stared at her. "And I'm supposed to do this because you have a gut feeling and saw a picture?"

"Yes!" Jane winced at her own outburst and took a deep breath. She hadn't expected Cavanaugh to be this inflexible. Skeptical yes, but not this adamant. "Well maybe not the whole of A-1 but Venno is certainly worth a look, not that he would have been able to act alone. Sir, it's the only thing that makes any sense. Think about it. Call in Martinez. Go look up Alvarez's Chinatown bust. That whole case fell apart in court on missing evidence from the State central storage."

When he didn't stop her, Jane pushed on. "And the drugs in the statues, where did it come from? It was good stuff, not crap a street hustler like Alvarez would be able get his hands on. Certainly not in the quantity that was sitting in his sister's place or the store. He was working for someone."

Jane leaned forward, words pouring out of her. "And he was selling it off in bulk. That stuff wasn't even bagged into splits. What if it came from skimming off the top in some of the bigger busts? All it would take is a couple of guys from all the right teams, one of the evidence techs. If you don't get too greedy… push it through a few contacts like Alvarez and boom, instant money."

Cavanaugh's picked up a pen and started tapping it against his desk. After a minute the tapping stopped. "Korsak?"

Korsak braced his hands on his knees, ignoring Jane as she turned quickly to face him. "Yes Sir?"

Cavanaugh pointed the pen at Korsak. "Who killed Susan and Alida Taber? Gianni Salvatore?"

With a sigh Korsak avoided Jane's glare. "Victor Alvarez."

Jane threw her hands up. "No, he didn't! He denied killing Gianni Salvatore!"

"I'm sure he did." Cavanaugh now pointed his pen at Jane. "Where's your proof that he didn't? Thought I read that fingerprints were pulled off the air fresher canisters and on the underside of the van's gas cap. It was his car on the video that gave you the break, wasn't it?"

Jane barely kept from rolling her eyes. "It was DNA but yes, it belonged to Alvarez. But he had no problem admitting that he killed Susan and his daughter. He had a motive. So why would he deny killing Salvatore too? Plus Gianni had some expensive toys that we couldn't figure out how he afforded. He worked at the shelter and was dating Alvarez's ex. What if Susan told him what was going on? Or he found out about it somehow? Hush money could explain it."

Cavanaugh didn't look like he believed her. "Electricians can work under the table and that was your theory before. It's one that still fits. None of this would hold up in court." He met her eyes squarely. "Who did Rosa Alvarez say was responsible for giving her the drug filled statues she left at The Good Word?

Jane sucked in air but let it out in a rush. When Cavanaugh went into stare down mode it was time to tread carefully. "Victor Alvarez."

When she backed off, Cavanaugh relaxed, sitting back up. "And the storekeeper with the child pornography was ruled a suicide?"

"Well, yes." Jane could feel any chances she had at keeping the case open rapidly disappearing. She played her last card. "But what about Verna?! We don't know who killed her yet."

Cavanaugh's eyebrows formed a vee between them. "Who?"

Korsak reached over and grabbed Jane's arm, answering Cavanaugh himself. "Indigent death. Dr. Isles pulled her as a re-autopsy to rule out a suspicious death tied to to the Taber killings."

Cavanaugh loudly sighed. "What was Dr. Isles' ruling?"

Korsak tightened his grip on Jane's arm. "She ruled the death probable cause due to illicit drugs."

This seemed to satisfy Cavanaugh. "Not a homicide?"

Jane felt her stomach drop when Korsak confirmed quietly, "Not a homicide."

Cavanaugh pushed his chair back. "Rizzoli, I hear you, I do, but put yourself in my shoes. You want me to blow up every cooperation agreement we have with the State Police with nothing to back it up. Sorry, but not yet. Find me something real and we'll talk."

Not even Korsak's warning squeeze could stop her. "But!"

Cavanaugh shook his head. "Conversation is finished until I have something real to show the DA."

Korsak practically dragged her out of the office and into the bullpen. "Look I know that it's frustrating. But keep it clean, Jane. Because of the Macy's connection he's going to be careful no matter what. You're asking him to accuse the State Police and that means he's going to have to face the DAs for both Boston and Essex County. This type of accusation going wrong could kill a man's career."

Her face must have said it all because he dropped her arm and picked up her coat, shoving it into her arms. "Take a walk or grab lunch with Maura. Just go clear your head and eat something. This isn't over yet but we need more."

Bursting out of the building and facing into the cold, Jane considered the lunch options in the area. A quick look at her watch and she made up her mind. The walk down Sudbury was frigid as she walked into the stiff winter wind, but there was only one place that wanted to go to for lunch.

Jane dashed across the street before trying to crowd into line in the tiny space in front of the register at China Dragon.

Behind the register Xiange spotted her and waved. "Detective, the usual?"

"Yeah, mine and Dr. Isles' version of number 20." Jane ignored the annoyed expressions from the crowd around her. The small restaurant was uncomfortably warm.

Xiange waved her off. "Dr. Isles means a special order. 20 minutes."

"I know the drill. I'll come back."

Back outside Jane paced to the corner and then slowly walked back, looking into the windows of the familiar stores. Next to the restaurant there was a tiny, cubbyhole-sized store that Maura insisted on stopping in whenever they came over here to order lunch.

In the past, based on the window display alone, Jane had resolutely refused to step over the threshold. Like death and taxes some things were guaranteed and walking into that kind of independent, eclectic boutique with Maura meant she would end up coerced into buying something she'd never use. Like the weird giant, multicolored, bag filling up the front display.

Forget the money she'd be out, Maura would undoubtedly find a way to make her use it. So no. Tactical avoidance of anything boutique-like was essential, and largely consisted of dropping Maura off at the store and offering to go buy lunch while she shopped.

But today when she peered at the display, the odd combination of elegant and eclectic in the window reminded her of Maura. Her hand was pulling open the front door before she realized she was going to do it.

Spicy incense and flowing scarves competed with wind chimes and unique statues. The woman behind the counter was dressed in a heavy knit dress and beaded jewelry. Soft grey hair and warm blue eyes joined a welcoming smile. "May I help you?"

"No thanks, I'm only browsing." Jane walked past cluttered glass shelves and noticed each case had a small placard on a stand. Quickly reading, she understood Maura's affection for the store. A collection of jewelry made her bend over and study the designs through the case, an idea rapidly forming.

Jane went to catch the shopkeeper's eye and realized the woman was already staring at her. She shoved her hands in her pockets. "So is this like an artist cooperative?"

With a small clap and a giant smile the woman stepped out from behind the counter. "Yes, otherwise we'd never be able to afford the rent. Everything in here is hand-crafted."

"I have a friend…" Jane paused and looked into the blue eyes that were watching her closely. There was something about the way this woman was looking at her that invited openness.

Swallowing quickly, she let the words roll off her tongue. "My girlfriend is a big fan of this place. I was thinking you might have something unique, like a necklace or something, that she could wear… I don't know… whenever. Like for work or at home. Nothing too fancy. But meaningful." Jane shifted uncomfortably. "I don't even know what I'm trying to say."

"Let me see if I can help." The shopkeeper rested a fingertip on the display case. "Anything in here will fit the unique description, it's all one of a kind, but I have a feeling you're looking for it to do something else too."

Jane curled her fingers in her pockets, and pushed down, forcing herself to stop fidgeting. She looked away, eyes retreating to the display case. "We were friends first. For a really long time. This part of the relationship is sorta new. I thought maybe I could get her something that lets her know I'm always there for her, no matter what happens."

The shopkeeper's smile grew, reaching her eyes. "How beautiful. She's a lucky woman." She moved closer. "Would you mind if I showed you something particular?" She didn't wait for an answer, unlocking the case and selecting out a necklace.

Jane studied the delicate silver oak tree inset into a circular pendant. About the size and shape of a quarter the leafless branches fanned out, teasing at the stamped phrase inside. She opened the pendant and the words instantly lodged in her heart. "It's perfect."

The blue eyes twinkled. "I'm so happy. That piece is a favorite of mine and I think it was waiting for a situation just like this. I'm sure your girlfriend will get a lot of use from it."

Jane could only nod and follow her to the register. The necklace was tucked into a small silk satchel and then put in a jewelry box. The woman bagged it and ran Jane's credit card. "It will dress up and down nicely. I hope she gets years of enjoyment from it."

Quickly signing her name on the receipt, Jane tucked the bag in her coat pocket. "Me too. Thanks for the help. I'm going to have to come in with her next time we're over here and let you know how she liked it."

"Anytime. I'll look forward to it." The woman took a moment to let her eyes wander over Jane. "And if she doesn't like that necklace, feel free to come back on your own to return it and I'll help you drown your sorrows."

The realization and warmth traveled over her cheeks and down her neck. The woman winked at her and Jane mumbled a quick goodbye as she hurried out.

Next door in China Dragon the crowd had grown. Jane had to open the door carefully and when Xiange pointed to the brown bag on the counter Jane let out a sigh of relief. Threading around the packed bodies she grabbed it. "Thanks for this. I know a special request at the lunch rush wasn't fair."

An impatient hand waved her off. "You and the doctor are regular customers. Her order isn't hard but it's not on the menu."

Jane laughed, knowing he was right. Maura's food had so many omissions and changes it was nothing like the lunch special the medical examiner thought she was ordering. "Yeah, maybe you should add it. I mean all you have to do is chop up tofu and vegetables and remove anything resembling flavor. Great profit margins."

He grinned, waving the next person up. "Better to be healthy like your doctor. But you should know we double the vegetables on your order per her instructions." He passed another bag to an impatient customer. "She takes good care of you, not all wives would be so diligent."

Jane blinked at his smiling face. Her local Chinese food place assumed they were married? She didn't say anything, squeezed through the crowd to the register, paid, and texted Maura that she was on her way with lunch.

Heading back up Sudbury, Jane let out a groan when headquarters came into view. The morning stress instantly came back and if Maura hadn't been in there waiting for lunch she would have kept walking.

Fucking Cavanaugh.

Korsak might've been right about getting out and calming down, but that didn't change the fact that Cavanaugh was being a moron. Whatever happened to a good cop when they became Brass was a mystery to her.

Jane clutched the bag tighter and started walking faster. At the very least Cavanaugh could've listened to the whole theory. Or let her bring Marcie in for questioning. Anything.

But oh no, who in the hell cared what the truth was if they could mark a trio of murders closed and Vice could check Alvarez off of their list? Macy's would get a sound bite on the news and Cavanaugh would get his pat on the head from the rest of the suits in management. Fuckers.

Frankie and Nina were starting to see it. Korsak was trying, but she wasn't positive he thought she was right. Martinez was fucking thrilled. His guys booked Alvarez and the cherry on the top was a dead kiddie porn dealer. Everybody was happy.

Jane stopped outside of the BPD and looked all the way up at the tall brick building. Around her the winter wind funneled by the buildings and she felt it bite through her clothes. People came in and out the front doors together. Cops, detectives, civilians. Nobody said a word to her.

Screw it. Until Brass pried the files out of her hands she wasn't done.

Barely paying attention to the front desk or security, Jane went on autopilot through the lobby, hitting the down button on the elevator, trying not to elbow her way through people exiting when it finally arrived.

Jane rushed through the hallway and burst into Maura's office. "I'm not giving up!"

It was to Maura's credit that she merely stopped typing and calmly stood up. "You rarely do. However I think I need more context in this circumstance to understand."

"This goes deeper than Alvarez. Joe Venno's involved, Marcie's involved and I'm going to figure out why." Jane held up the paper bag. "And I brought lunch from Golden Dragon."

"Well you did think that earlier and I'll admit your theory is compelling." Maura went to her couch and sat down. "Why the sudden affirmation?"

"Cavanaugh shut me down until I can bring him actual evidence. Wouldn't even let me bring Marcie in for questioning." Jane sat down at the other end and started pulling out containers. "So I need you to help me figure out the evidence to support my theory. We already have tampered video as a start. Any luck with the fingerprints yet?"

"I don't disagree with Lieutenant Cavanaugh's insistence on facts to back up your ideas." Maura paused, hand on a takeout container until Jane stopped covering eyes with her hand, groaning. "Stop whining, facts are important but to answer your question, no. I'm still waiting for the crime lab to process the paper from this morning. There were fingerprints but we have to get it into the system and we only have one person on staff this morning qualified to run the comparisons. I believe we were next up."

"Can't this cut the line or something?" Jane stabbed a spear of broccoli with her fork, truly noticing for the first time that half her container of lo-mein was vegetables. "Because you owe me. China Dragon ratted you out, Isles." She pointed the broccoli at Maura. "Extra vegetables!" She shoved the broccoli in her mouth and chewed.

Maura's tone was dry and unrepentant. "I'll point out that I made that request two years ago and you're only noticing now."

Jane finished chewing the snap pea in her mouth. "Of course you did. Fine, it's on principle then. Go play Chief ME and tell your people to hurry up." She pushed aside the vegetables, digging until she could fork up some noodles. "These are why you get lo-mein." She offered the fork. "Try them. Flavor and carbs. It will rock your world."

Maura rolled her eyes but leaned forward and accepted the bite. "Delicious." Their eyes met and Maura pulled away, smiling.

As she was admiring Maura's smile in profile, Jane spotted the flowers. Two dozen roses in a variety of colors sat on the edge of Maura's desk. She swallowed quickly. "Son of a bitch. He doesn't give up, does he?"

Maura was chewing, holding up a finger.

Jane jumped to her feet and stalked over to the roses. "And to think that jackass told me he wasn't going to play second fiddle."

Maura's chewing became more frantic as she stood up and came up behind Jane. Swallowing she coughed slightly. "Jane…"

Jane could feel Maura right at her back. She should have sent flowers yesterday. Maybe if she told Maura that she picked China Dragon because it was the first place they ever had lunch together it would count for something. Maura had to know that the two of them made a hell of a lot of sense.

Or at least they would if one person wasn't an idiot with the ghost of Verna as their guardian angel and an apparent ability to make piss-poor wishes.

She spun around and grabbed Maura's arms. "Look, any feelings you have right now about Jack are probably fake. You have to believe me."

Maura's mouth closed as she stared at her and Jane rushed on, not caring how insane it sounded. "Verna came back Friday night, and you and I had just argued… I don't know... you were so sad. I didn't know what to do and you had been happy with Jack." Maura eyes were now wide and confused. Jane spoke faster. "And his life was calm compared to ours. I thought I could give you that happiness back so I used my last…"

They both spun around at the sharp knock at the door and Jane whipped her hands away. Susie grinned, eyes bright as she walked in. "I have the test results, I just need a signature."

Maura accepted the folder flipping through the pages. Jane stared at Susie while Susie stared back, smile growing wider. It was unsettling. Jane crossed her arms and the woman actually giggled. What in the hell was wrong with Chang besides her god awful timing?

Maura didn't seem to notice anything as she tapped Jane's hip, moving her out of the way so she could grab a pen off her desk. Jane watched her sign off on the work before thanking Susie. The criminologist hovered in the the doorway for a second, shooting them both another smile before disappearing.

Jane dropped her arms in a huff. "Well that was weird. What's up with Chang?"

Maura tapped Jane's arm with the folder. "She's happy for us."

Jane shook her head slightly. "Huh?"

Maura quirked an eyebrow at her. "My staff apparently is very supportive of our relationship."

"You told your staff about us already?" Jane wasn't sure if she was more shocked or relieved. She was definitely impressed. Maura was intensely private at work. Almost too rigid. It had taken her years to refer to Susie by her first name.

"Not exactly. I believe the fact that most of them were in attendance on Friday might have lead to some initial suspicions that my late arrival yesterday did nothing to dispel. Susie made the connection and I couldn't correct her without lying." Maura opened the folder and tried to hand it to Jane. "The flowers you're upset about are from them."

Jane instantly stopped walking and stared at the roses. "Those are from your staff?" Maura nodded. "They sent you multicolored..." Jane started laughing. "Oh my god. They gave you rainbow roses."

She couldn't stop laughing. She would start to slow down, take one look at Maura's face and another round would start again. Finally Jane stumbled over to the couch, put her head down and managed to control herself. She picked her lunch back up and took a mouthful, not daring to say anything.

Eventually Maura sat down, placed the folder on the coffee table and picked up her own meal. "After some initial reservations, I thought it was very sweet of them to express their support."

Maura's tone came across as uncertain and Jane quickly shifted towards her. At the tight lines around Maura's mouth she scooted over on the sofa until their thighs touched. She reached over and ran a hand down Maura's arm. "Sweetie, it is very thoughtful. I'm not laughing about the gesture. I'm laughing about the rainbow thing."

Maura pursed her lips before letting out a little sigh. "Okay." She pointed to the folder. "Colorful flowers aside, I would have thought you'd be more interested in those results."

Jane quickly chewed and swallowed. "Those are mine?!" Her food was dropped back on the table and Jane grabbed the folder. "Why didn't you tell me? Maura!"

"I was trying but you were too busy laughing." Maura continued to pick at her lunch. "The unidentified fingerprints from the tape on some of our Febreze canisters matches several of the prints we exposed on the check receipt."

Jane pulled the folder into her lap. She flipped through the papers shaking her head. No matter how many times she read it she couldn't believe it. "Let's see Cavanaugh try to ignore this. You've got full and partial matches on here. Just wait until I show Korsak."

She finally finished reading the last page and Maura's signature caught her attention. The signature made the evidence report official. All reports were written by someone and signed off by someone.

"The reports!" Jane quickly reached over to the coffee table and started shoving her food back into the bag. She knew exactly what she could do that would convince Cavanaugh. "I have to get my hands on all the reports." Her stomach dropped. "Crap. Nina."

"I don't understand." Maura took one last bite and added her containers to the bag.

"We can't rely on any of the copies the State Police give us. They've already altered the video we have. I need access to their system without them knowing what I'm trying to look at." Jane stood up and helped Maura to her feet. "And without Cavanaugh's support, that means hacking them. Frost would have done it but Nina…" She sighed. "…she's pretty much sticks to protocol."

"Ahhh…" The edges of Maura's mouth twitched. "I'm sure with enough time, you'll corrupt her." She touched Jane's shoulder. "She sounds like me. What would you do to change my mind?"

Jane let her gaze roam over Maura. "Do you really want to ask that question?"

Maura narrowed her eyes."Before Sunday night."

Jane tilted her head as she looked down. That was a good question. How would she have convinced Maura to yield, especially early on in their friendship?

Looking into hazel eyes, Jane suddenly knew what might work. One of her favorite parts of Maura was her compassion. It was that fierce desire to help others and Maura's determination to do it no matter what other people thought of her, that had drawn Jane to the medical examiner in the first place. "I have an idea. For Nina and for convincing Korsak once and for all. You coming with me?"

Maura accepted her hand and let Jane pulled her up. "Always."

A/N:

Special thanks to siDEADde for tackling this for me :)