23

Jane and Korsaks surveillance shift started at 6 am. The IT had informed them, that there had been no communication between the riddles and Bradley during the night. At least not from his IP address.

I wonder were he takes us today. The former detective stated yawning.

Jane rolled her eyes as she took a bite from a doughnut.

They sat in silence and watched his wife leave, followed by another surveillance team.

How s it going with Kiki? Jane asked using the waiting time to catch up with Korsak.

Good. He smiled.

Im happy to hear that. Jane smiled too.

Never ever would I have believed to work with you again. Korsak said, sipping coffee.

Me neither. Jane chuckled. Becoming serious she added: but I like it.

Yeah, me too. Just like in old times.

Bradley seemed to be tired too of driving around all the time. He stayed in their whole shift.

Maybe he has caught the flu. Jane mused when heading to the precinct.

This guy is really incredible. Korsak noted. He never works. Either he sits around all day, planning to kill his wife or he spends his time driving around and spending her money.

I would have kicked him out a long time ago. Jane stated.

He's definitely no keeper. Her partner snorted.

That's for sure. Jane laughed.

Oh my, love is a mysterious thing….. he sang.

Late in the afternoon the riddles sent a reply to Bradleys request. Jane held her breath when opening it.

Dear friend,

Unfortunately, we can't meet as we need to protect us and our circle. We think that you also understand, that the service can only be provided when the money is wired to the given account Please let us know if you are still interested by sending us a reply.

Regards,

The riddle

There was a strange sign next to the name. It consisted of a flower hung on a cross upside down.

Really? Frankie snorted at the sight of the sign. No one had truly believed that the riddles would be ready to show themselves. But they had to try everything.

So, now it was Plan B. they would let Bradley wire the money and reply that he was still interested in the deal. His wife would get a 24/7 surveillance in order to protect her. The problem was, that they just couldn't make her a snitch without her own agreement which led to a debate how to approach the subject, without shying her away. If she didn't agree on helping them, they would have to find another solution.

I don't like this. Korsak murmured when they stood in front of the office of Bradley s wife.

Me neither Jane answered and sighed.

He held the door open for his partner and followed her through a big hallway to the reception desk. It was clear that the woman must earn a lot of money, as she worked in the management of a high profile automotive company.

The more I learn about them, the less I understand why they are together. Jane whispered to Korsak who nodded.

It s the law of attraction: opposites always attract each other. He whispered.

Jane thought about herself and Maura. But if you really thought about it, they weren't so different after all. They had the same values and shared the same passions.

Boston PD Jane heard Korsak present himself to a young woman who looked overworked while standing in front of a painting. We would like to speak to Mrs. Rover.

I m sorry, but if you want to talk to her you need an appointment. Do you have an appointment? The woman asked, well knowing that they had none.

Look, Korsak started again, I ve already worked as a detective when you weren't even born. How often do you think did I already hear that joke? It is an urgent matter and we need to speak her now!

The receptionist shot Jane who a questioning look. It is true, it is vital that we talk to your boss now. She stated.

The secretary finally made a call. Agent Rizzoli from the FBI and Detective Korsak from the BPD would like to see you for an urgent matter. They could see her listen carefully.

Then she led them into a spacious office. A tall blonde woman greeted them friendly and offered them a chair and something to drink.

Both sat down decline the offer for coffee. Jane watched the woman closely. She must be in her fourties justlike brad she mused. But she had definitely already had a facelift and maybe other changemets done to her body because these boobs weren't natural. Her desk was well organized and she closed her laptop as she sat down herself.

Nice office. Korsak remarked and mothed Janes thoughts. The woman smiled. Thank you. With the time im spending here it needs to be nice and comfortable.

So, please tell me why you re here. I bet that it must be serious if the FBI wants to see me.

Jane nodded. Unfortunately yes. I hope you understand that we cant give you too much details. But we ve become aware of the fact that someone has ordered a hitman to kill you.

The blonde woman on the other side of the desk laid back against her Lehne and looked thoughtful. Jane had chosen the direct way because this woman was obviously used to cut to the point due to her job. Still she was astonished that Mrs. Rover, Bradleys wife, didn't seem to be shocked at all. But she was clearly thinking who the person was who wanted to see her dead.

Who? The blonde asked.

Mrs. Rover, Jane continued ignoring the question. She would find out anyway, but it didn't seem the right time to tell her that her husband was a very bad person.

We are here because we need your help to catch the hitman. Im not going to lie to you. Its dangerous even though we give you protection. But there is always a risk.

She watched the blonde woman as she put her fingertips together in front of her body. After closing her eyes for a short moment she asked: what would I have to do?

Basically live your live till the hitman tries to strike.

You know who wants me dead?

Yes we do. Korsak confirmed speaking up for the first time since they had entered the room.

Is he going to jail for it? She asked.

Well, we will charge him with attempted murder for sure.

Mrs. Rover was still thoughtful. Usually these operation have a good outcome right?

Jane hesitated. She thought that it would be unfair to lie to the woman, even though she didn't want to scare her away.

As I ve said. I want to be honest with you. We would protect you, but there is never a guarantee that it goes well. Still we hope for your help.

I really appreciate your honesty agent Rizzoli the blonde said leaning forword towards them. You seem to be trustworthy. That's why I agree to help you with this. But you will have to give me further instructions. And I want to know who wants to see me dead.

Jane still found it odd, that the woman was still so calm and reasonable. Most of the people would have a nervous breakdown or anything. It was almost a relieve when she finally noticed a little bit of nervousness in the blonde.

Is it my husband? Mrs. Rover demanded.

Jane nodded slowly.

That son of a bitch. She muttered. I knew that he was bad so I filed for divorce last week. We had had marital problems for a while now because he does nothing but sit on his ass and spend my money. I also suspect him to have a girlfriend. But I would never have thought that he would go as far as to hire a hitman. On the other hand I should have known. He always leaves it to other peoble to solve his problems. He s not only faul but also a coward.

We are really sorry. Korsak stated.

Don't be she said. None of this is your fault. Just promise me to not let him get away with it.

He wont. Jane said. Believe me. We have him under surveillance and we have too much evidence against him. He s not going to get away with it.

The blonde nodded. Ok. She sighed. We are also hopefully going to catch your hitman. Maybe the two can share a cell then.

Mrs. Rover was very cooperative. She seemed to be less scared than the officers. But she was reluctant to spend another night at home with her husband which she had too. It would be alarming to the killer if she changed any routine or morveto a hotel. Jane understood all to well that she was facing some very uncomfortable situations. But they agreed that her husband wouldn't be informed that she knew. it would be easier for her to pretend that she wasn't aware at all.

Jane came to realize that this woman already had had some hard times in live which had made her a tough business woman on one side, but also a hard woman.

When they came back to the precinct Frankie already awaited them with news. He had found out who had helped the riddles to get away with their murders for years.

At the end it was not so hard, he told them while they were settling down in the squad room. Korsak and Jane filled Frankie in on what they had done and learned too after Frankie had told them how he had found out. No doubt that they were closing in on the riddles.

There was just one thing that nobody understood. Why the ritual murders? How did that add up to the hitman? These were two different shoes.

Frankie and Korsak hoped to get some answers from senator Craves who had protected the riddles for some years. They would go and see him right after the meeting.