Chapter 35

B.P.D. B.R.I.C. Room – Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

"The bloody bastard covered his face," Mr. Grant says.

"We can't even tell if it's even a he," Korsak adds.

"Look, they're using a key to get in," Frankie says as he points to a screen.

"It must be a master key," I say in disgust. The fucking Apprentices are here.

"It's time we start looking at anyone that works in this building," Mr. Grant says.

"We can't accuse Boston Police Officers of a crime if we don't have any proof. So even interviewing them is going to be a huge problem. They're going to call the Union, and that will be the end of any cooperation," Korsak explains.

"Let's start with anybody that has a master key to this building. I'm assuming that your maintenance and janitorial employees have master keys, correct?" Mr. Grant says.

Cavanaugh says, "That is correct. But before we begin investigating anyone, I need to let the Chief know what's going on."

"By all means," Mr. Grant answers.

Cavanaugh nods and walks back to his office. Korsak turns to me and asks, "Do you know what they used to kill the flowers?"

"It smelled like bleach and some insecticide," I say.

Avery walks in and says, "Here's a list of everybody that was working the graveyard shift last night."

I look at it and say, "We left at 4 p.m. So I also need a list of everybody that was here for the swing shift."

Avery grins, "At least the dumb flower arrangement is dead. A lot of my friends are going to be happy. Since Nina posted it on her Facebook, their girlfriends and wives have been giving them hell."

"Excuse me?" I growl.

When he sees my reaction Avery begins to stutter, "I mean…I didn't…."

"I could care less if their girlfriends and wives are giving them shit because they don't know how to treat their women. I'll send Maura whatever I want when I want. So spread the fucking word, Avery. Anybody that fucks with Maura is going to end up with a fucking broken face or worse. Do I fucking make myself clear?" I angrily state. I've had enough.

"Yes, ma'am," Avery mumbles as he quickly leaves the room.

I look at Korsak and Frankie and ask, "Do you think this is some prank? Some stupid officer that is pissed because his girlfriend gave them the same kind of hell that Nina and Kiki gave you guys?"

"I don't think we have any officers that are so stupid. But, Jane, the entire department knows not to mess with you. And that applies to Maura. So I highly doubt a uniform did this," Korsak explains.

"It was probably the Apprentices, Jane," Frankie softly answers.

"Fuck, they're getting too close to her, Frankie," I say with clear fear in my tone.

"The only other option is to take both of you out of here, detective," Mr. Grant points out.

I run my fingers thru my hair and growl, "Fucking bastards. Is that our only option?"

"We can continue with the arrangements we have in place. One bodyguard will be in the room with each of you at all times. And the other two will be guarding every point of entry. So we can take things one day at a time," Mr. Grant explains.

I nod, and that's when Cavanaugh rejoins us. Cavanaugh states, "The Chief has allowed us to investigate anyone that B.P.D. employs. But we better have sufficient proof if we accuse someone of a crime."

"That's great," I say. Finally, some good news.

"Let's get to work. Where the hell is Will and Warren?" Korsak asks as he looks around the room.

"Will and Warren?" I smirk. Will is okay, but Warren?

"What do you want from me, Jane? They both have asked to be called by their first name. Warren went to get the list of people that worked the swing shift yesterday," Korsak answers.

Frankie rubs the back of his neck as he says, "And Will went to ask Maura something."

"Son of a bitch," I say under my breath as I walk out of B.R.I.C.

Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Harvey are in with her, and they all look relieved to see me, including Maura. I glare at Will and ask, "What are you doing here? We have work to do."

"I just came to see if she was okay," Will mumbles as he stands up.

"Excuse me?" I growl.

Maura gets up and joins me. She interlaces our fingers and tries to soothe me by saying, "Will meant no harm, love."

"So you're on a first-name basis now?" I say with an edge in my voice. I can't believe I'm getting jealous.

"You can call me Will too," Will offers.

I take a deep breath and decide to be nice because that's what Maura wants. The things I do for her. So I answer, "Will, you can call me Jane. Can you please join the rest of our team? We have a lot of work to do."

"Of course," Will answers, clearly relieved that Maura said something in his defense, and then makes his exit.

Maura gives me a soft kiss and says, "Love, he knows I'm yours. I've been very clear that I only have eyes for you."

Mr. Armstrong interjects, "That doesn't mean the bloke has gotten the bloody point."

Ms. Harvey shakes her head and adds, "He just won't shut up, and Dr. Isles is so nice to put up with him. If she'd allow me, I'd grab him by the back of his neck and show him the door."

I smile, "That's not a bad idea. But, and I've meant to ask, what the hell does bloke mean?"

"It means guy, a man," Ms. Harvey smiles.

"Jane, having our people bodily remove Will isn't necessary," Maura admonishes.

My smile turns to a grin as I order Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Harvey, "If he touches her, break something. Nobody is allowed to touch her."

Both smile back and say, "Yes, ma'am."

Maura shakes her head, but she has a smile tugging at her lips. I kiss the back of her hand and go back to work.

R&I

An hour later, there was a special delivery for Dr. Maura Isles and a visitor.

B.P.D. Homicide Conference Room – Tuesday at 11:42 a.m.

Now that I'm feeling calmer and happier, I can take care of Jane. I quickly dial my Mother's phone number and wait. She quickly answers, "Hello Maura, darling. I'm on my way."

"Before you come, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?" I say as I bite my lip.

"Of course, darling," Mother says.

I ask her to go shopping for Jane. I tell her to go to the Armani store and to buy Jane some work suits and shirts and anything else that would look good on her. Mother is more than happy to do me a favor but says it'll take her a few hours. I tell her to take all the time she needs and that I'm safe and sound. Mother asks me to text her Jane's clothes and shoe size. And I also tell her to buy her some new belts and to make sure they alter all the pants to have belt loops so that she has a way to clip her gun and badge to her waist.

I just hope Mother buys her boots and not stiletto heels. Jane can't run in heels. She promises to call me when she finishes, and I tell her to join us for dinner later.

I can't wait to see what Mother chooses for Jane. And Jane's reaction is also going to be priceless. I hope I can convince her to ignore the price tags and to let me spoil her as I've always wanted to.

B.P.D. Headquarters Lobby – Tuesday at 1:44 p.m.

I hope Warren set up an interview schedule for all the people who worked down in the Crime Lab after Jane and Maura left. The new security system has been very helpful. We've been able to identify everybody that went anywhere near Maura's office. So we are starting with them.

As I walk into the elevator, I'm joined by Will. We've both just gotten back from lunch. I frown when I see he's holding a cheap bouquet. The kind you can get at a grocery store or a pharmacy. I greet him and ask, "Hey, who are the flowers for?"

"I thought they would make Maura feel better," Will mumbles shyly.

Jesus, this guy must have a death wish. Everybody in the entire department knows that they're dating now. This guy might have to incur Jane's wrath personally to get it through his thick skull that Maura is off-limits. And when I say wrath, I mean Jane might have to punch him or something for him to get the point.

But I don't want Jane to get suspended or worse, so I say, "Will, I don't think Maura needs you to make her feel better. That's what she has Jane for, and she takes really good care of her. Kiki dropped off Maura's four-legged cotton ball, and from the noise coming from the conference room, everybody is happy. Didn't you see the huge gorgeous flower arrangement that arrived in the Bullpen a couple of hours ago?"

"I didn't see any flower arrangement. I must have been downstairs with Dr. Lewis when it arrived," Will answers. He looks very confused.

"So, let me put you up to speed. Jane sent Maura another flower arrangement to replace the one the Apprentices' ruined. And to tell you the truth, your flowers look like weeds compared to the arrangement Jane sent Maura. I think it's bigger than the first one Jane sent," I explain. Okay, maybe this guy didn't know about the new flowers. It doesn't excuse him completely, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. And I can't blame him. Maura is gorgeous and a genius. I can understand why Will is infatuated with her.

All he says is, "Oh."

As the doors open to the Bullpen, I spell it out for him, "Listen to me carefully, Maura and Jane are in love. They've been in love for many years, and they've recently finally told each other how they feel. They are now not only best friends, but they're also romantically involved. I'm warning you, if you continue to pursue Maura, Jane is going to hurt you. I highly suggest you back off and show their relationship the respect it deserves."

Will shakes his head and mumbles, "It's just such a waste. Maura is so breathtakingly beautiful and so very kind."

Now, I'm very pissed. Who the fuck does Will think he is? I grab his arm and pull him towards the break room. Once I know we're alone, I growl, "Maura is fucking lucky that Jane loves her. And Maura loves Jane. Their family and friends will protect them, and nobody is going to break them up. So, I suggest you stop pursuing Maura and treat her with the professional courtesy she deserves. If you continue to pursue her, I'm going to be the one that breaks your face. Now, did you understand everything I just explained?"

I can tell Will is pissed. He's flushed, and he's gripping his stupid flowers hard. But all he says is, "Yes."

"Great. Now, toss those stupid cheap flowers in the trash, and let's go back to work," I say.

I don't wait for a response. I've wasted enough time on this idiot, and I have work to do.

R&I

I'm glad Maura liked my little surprise. It wasn't hard to steal a master key from one of the janitors. I'm just happy "W" didn't get caught. I love getting away with stuff right under their noses. I am sorry that they moved Maura. She's wonderful eye candy.

"Carrie," Kent calls.

Shit time to go back to work.

Maura Isles's House – Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Maura and Constance are up to something. They keep whispering, and they stop talking when I get in earshot. We've just finished dinner, and as Constance joins us on the couch, somebody rings the doorbell. Mr. Armstrong asks us, "Are you expecting someone?"

"It's for me," Constance says as she walks to the door.

When she opens the door, my jaw drops.

Before I know what is happening, three people walk in, and two others come in carrying garment bags and a few more bags.

Constance goes over to greet them as I whisper to Maura, "What is going on?"

Maura grins and says, "I owed you a few new shirts, didn't I?"

Then it dawns on me. Shit, Constance went shopping for me. And they're bringing in more stuff. Jesus.

I pull Maura into the bathroom on the first floor for some privacy and say once the door closes, "When I said I was running out of shirts, I meant that we needed to go to the mall or go on Amazon to buy me a couple of new work shirts. I didn't mean for the mall to come to our house."

Maura grabs my hands and grins widely, "You said our house."

Shit, another slip of the tongue. I begin to stammer, "Umm…well…I…."

Maura kisses me, and when she pulls away, she says, "This is your house, your home, Jane. It's just that I've never heard you refer to it as such. It makes me very happy."

I kiss her one more time and continue, "As I was saying. I meant for us to go to the mall or go on Amazon to buy me a couple of new work shirts. And not for the mall to come to us."

"Jane, buying clothes on Amazon should be outlawed. How can you see the quality? And the sizes vary by designer. And this is hardly a mall. It's just a few things Mother picked out for you," Maura argues passionately.

"Maura, you know what I mean, and it looks like a mall to me. Constance brought enough stuff to stock an entire store," I argue.

She wraps her arms around my neck, and as mine goes to her waist, she softly begins to kiss my jaw, "Love, let me do this for you. You hardly have any clothes here. Just try some of the stuff on, and we won't keep anything you don't like."

I close my eyes, and as I lean into her, I say, "You're not playing fair, Maura."

I can feel her smile against my skin. She knows she has me, and she's right. Yet, all she says is, "Please, love."

"Maura, I don't know about this. This feels like it's too much," I softly argue. I try again.

Maura's answer is to smile, sink her fingers into my curls, and pull my lips to hers. And I'm lost in her kiss. I wrap my arms around her pull her close as she deepens the kiss. I groan when she slips her tongue between my lips, and I surrender to her. Kissing never felt this good. Maura is such a good kisser. She has the softest kiss, and her taste is indescribable. And when she kisses me, the world goes away, and it's only her and me.

When she breaks the kiss, she whispers, "Please, Jane. Let me do this for you, love. Please."

I'm still panting and flushed, and to tell you the truth at this moment, I'd promise Maura heaven and earth. But, instead, she smiles and gives me a soft kiss and pleads again, "Please, love."

I close my eyes and say, "Okay."

She gives me one last kiss and pulls me out of the bathroom. When we reach the living room, Constance beams, "Sophie, this is Jane. Isn't she gorgeous?"

"She definitely is," The beautiful blonde smiles. The woman is dressed impeccably, and her hair and make-up are perfect. She extends her hand, and as she hands me her business card, she says, "Hello, I'm Sophie Barnes. If there's anything you need or anything I can do for you, please, call me directly."

I smile as I take her card, "Jane Rizzoli, nice to meet you."

"Jane darling, if you want or need anything, from clothing to make-up, you name it, call Ms. Barnes, and she'll take care of it. I set up an account for you. She's your personal shopper," Constance happily announces.

"Constance, you really didn't have to," I say to Constance as I look for Maura for help. But from the smile on her face, I'm not getting any.

"Nonsense darling, now let's see if you like what Ms. Barnes and I have picked out for you," Constance continues to grin.

I don't know when they brought in a three-way mirror, a stool for me to step up to, and a tailor. They introduced him as Mr. Jan. The first suit Constance picked out for me was a grey pinstriped three-piece suit with a starch white shirt. The tag says, Armani. I look at myself in the mirror and can't help but smile. Then, I catch Maura's eyes in the mirror and ask, "What do you think?"

"Stunning. What do you think, Mother?" Maura grins.

"I agree, darling," Constance smiles and then turns to Ms. Barnes and orders, "Send over the black one and the navy blue one too, Ms. Barnes. Choose the appropriate shirts and make sure they have belt loops."

"Of course, Mrs. Isles," Ms. Barnes says as she writes in a little notebook.

I look at them in confusion and ask, "This one came with belt loops."

"Of course it did, darling. Mr. Jan here added them this afternoon," Constance happily explains.

I look at Maura and mouth, "Added?"

Maura just shrugs and says, "The suits are going to be tailored to you, love."

I don't even want to think about what this one suit costs. It's probably more than I make in a month. But, it's very well made. The lining looks to be silk, and the outer shell is wool. It's perfect for the fall and winter seasons. I look back in the mirror and say, "It looks like my belt will fit the belt loops."

"About your belt, Jane darling?" Constance says as she bites her lip.

"What about it? I have to wear a belt to clip my gun and badge. Not to mention my phone," I frown. I can't go without a belt.

"We brought some other options. I'd love for you to try," Constance says.

I look at Maura and begin to say, "But…."

That's as far as I get because Maura pouts, "Love, just try them out. If they don't work, then we don't keep them. Please."

She officially has me wrapped around her little finger. There's no point in fighting her. So I agree.

When Constance hears that I caved again, she happily says, "Smashing, now, you should try on some of the new shoes and boots we picked out for you. I know you cann't wear heels at work because you need to be able to chase the criminals. But I also brought you some nice what Maura called your court outfits and some nice dresses and casual wear."

My jaw drops, and that's when Maura comes to me and repeats, "Come on, love, you already agreed. You need clothes and shoes. Anything you hate goes."

"Maura, this is too much," I repeat nervously as I step down. I don't even want to know how much Constance has spent.

"No, it isn't, love. Please, please, let me do this for you," Maura pleads again.

"What am I going to do with my stuff from Virginia?" I ask.

Maura grins and says, "Mother and I have a great idea."

"What?"

She gets close to me and goes on her tiptoes to whisper something in my ear. Of course, I immediately exclaim, "You're kidding?!"

"Nope," Maura smiles.

"But, but," I begin to argue, but Maura interrupts with, "Love, we don't have to decide anything right this minute. See what Mother brought, and we'll decide once you see everything."

"Where am I going to put all this stuff?"

Maura bites her lip and offers, "I'll make room in my closet."

That caught me completely off guard, and I'll deny it if ever asked, but the fact that she's willing to share her closet with me makes butterflies in my stomach. I think she might love that closet more than me, and that's why I grin, "Really?"

"Yes, really," Maura says as she grabs my hands. The smile on her face tells me that she knows she's won. She takes my hand to her lips; once she kisses my palm, she asks, "Can we continue?"

Just so it seems I'm not totally agreeable, I groan, "Fine."

Maura kisses my cheek and says as I step back up on the stool, "I can't wait to see what else Mother brought."

Shit, I have the definite feeling that I can kiss most of my stuff goodbye.

B.P.D. Headquarters Lobby – Wednesday at 7:45 a.m.

I look at my watch and smile. We're going to be right on time. I can't stop smiling. I finally did what I've wanted to do for many years. I got Jane a new wardrobe with Mother's help. And more importantly, I finally got to burn all her t-shirts, tank tops, her one pair of boots, and her only belt. Of course, I had to promise her sports stuff like jerseys, but it's well worth it.

Jane really does look stunning. She's wearing the grey pinstripe Armani three-piece suit, the starch white shirt, new black suede boots, Chanel belt, and a new Burberry wool overcoat.

And she's getting second looks everywhere. When we went to Boston Joe's, the new barista was almost drooling. We stopped by the Café because Jane wanted to get a donut. The lady behind the counter said that Jane looked beautiful and I couldn't agree more.

Now, most officers are giving her second looks. Not to mention the women: they're openly drooling.

Crap, what have I done? I glare at the worst offenders and hope they keep their hands to themselves.

Jane grabs my hand and walks me to the elevator without our shadows on our heels. At least they're not getting stared at anymore. The officers are getting used to them walking around in body armor and their weapons. Maybe I'll send Mr. Grant a text telling him what Jane told my shadows.

No one is allowed to touch my love, and if anyone tries, they should break something.

It's a thought. A serious one.

B.P.D. Homicide Bullpen – Wednesday at 8:10 a.m.

I just dropped Maura off downstairs. Time to start my day. Once I get to my desk, I drop my keys and go over to hang my overcoat.

I hear Frankie exclaim as he walks into the Bullpen, "Wow!"

I face him and ask, "What?"

His jaw is slack, and his eyes are as wide as saucers. I don't know what the hell is the big deal. All he says is, "No t-shirt."

"And?"

Then Korsak walks in and, when he takes a look at me, and says, "Damn!"

"What, Korsak?"

"New boots," Korsak says as he stares at my feet.

"Look, different belt. I've never seen Jane wear a different belt," Frankie mumbles as he continues to gawk.

"What is the big deal?" I ask in frustration to the room in general.

"You look great! That suit is amazing!" Nina said when she walked into the Bullpen.

Before I can thank Nina for the compliment, Frankie goes to her and says as he points at me like a five-year-old, "Look, Nina, no t-shirt or tank top, new boots, and even a new belt. She's worn the same belt and boots for years. And she's wearing a nice dress shirt and a vest."

"I wonder who talked her into getting a new suit, a nice dress shirt, new boots, and a new belt? And wow, the belt is Chanel," Korsak points out.

"I have a good idea," Nina laughs.

I roll my eyes and answer in frustration, "It's a new outfit. So what's the big deal?"

Nina's grin gets bigger, and Frankie asks clearly in surprise, "Outfit? Since when do you wear outfits?'

Shit, wrong word. That's what I get for hanging out with Maura, Constance, and Sophie for hours, with the only subject being clothes.

Korsak laughs and orders, "Since now. Come on, Janie, give us a twirl."

"Shut up, Korsak," I growl. I did enough twirling last night. And if Maura wants to keep me happy, she will keep the twirling thing to herself.

"She'll probably go back to t-shirts in a few days," Frankie smirks.

"I can't," I mumble.

"What was that, Janie?" Korsak asks.

"I said I can't!" I loudly answer.

"Why not?" Frankie frowns.

"Because Constance and Maura had a bond fire last night," I continue to mumble as I turn my back to them.

Nina repeats Korsak's question, "What was that again, Jane?"

"Constance and Maura had fucking bond fire last night, alright?!" I loudly answer as I face them again. My face feels likes it's on fire. I hate this.

"You mean they burned your t-shirts, old boots, and belt?" Frankie asks. His jaw looks likes it's going to hit the floor.

"Yes, among other things."

"And you let them?" Korsak asks in shock.

I close my eyes and groan, "Look, I agreed under protest."

"What does that mean?" Nina grins.

"It means that Maura probably just batted her eyes or kissed her or something along those lines, and Jane agreed to anything she wanted," Korsak happily explains.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out because Korsak hit it on the nail. Shit, I can't believe this is happening.

When my chin hits my chest, the entire room erupts in laughter. Frankie comes up to me, hugs me, kisses the side of my head, and happily says, "God, I thought I was whipped. I love Maura. It was about time you got a new belt and boots. And you do look great, Janie. So is the suit Chanel too?"

I squirm in his arms to get loose as I say, "Oh, just shut up, Frankie. And you are as whipped as me. Can we go to work? Please."

"Well, is it?" Frankie continues to tease as he kisses my head one more time before finally letting me go.

"What?"

"Chanel?"

"I think it's Armani," Korsak grins.

I roll my eyes and mumble just to shut them up, "Armani."

"I knew it," Korsak grins.

"Again can we go to work, please?" I plead again.

"Sure."

Just when I thought it was over, Cavanaugh walks in and exclaims, "Jesus, Rizzoli. You look amazing."

I guess not.

I look at my shadows, and their smiles couldn't be bigger.

After another fifteen minutes of teasing, we finally get to work. To their credit, Will and Warren don't join in when they arrive. At least they have some sense.

Once we get going, Korsak asks Will and Warren, "Have you guys found Jackson Rodgers and his wife?"

"No, Nina hasn't even been able to find someone with that name in Boston," Will says.

"Are you guys finished with the interviews?" Frankie asks.

"Almost, we'll complete them this afternoon," Will says.

"Get going. While you are doing that, Korsak and I will look for Mr. Hicks to interview him. Maybe we'll get lucky, and he'll give us a way to contact the Rodgers," I order.

As I grab my suit jacket and overcoat, Korsak says, "Maybe the Rodgers are Hoyt's Apprentices'. Maybe they went to the event to hunt. It's no mistake they paid cash to get in. A check might lead us to them."

Just as we were going to leave, I'm reminded that I can't when Mr. Grant says, "Detective, this isn't a good idea."

Shit, I collapse in my chair and yell in frustration, "Come on! I'm a Homicide Detective."

"We know that detective, and I understand why you're frustrated. But this is for your safety," Mr. Grant patiently explains.

"This just sucks!" I say as I put my head on my desk to sulk in private.

"It does, Janie. I'll take Frankie with me, and you can work with Nina and Mr. Knight. See if they've run the facial recognition program on the picture of the phantom emailer. I think Mr. Knight said that they found a better picture of her from a different camera," Korsak offers.

I sit up and say, "Okay, Korsak. Get going, and I want you to call me if you find anything."

"You got it, Janie," Korsak says as he walks out with Frankie.

I hang up my coat again and join Nina and Mr. Knight in B.R.I.C. But, unfortunately, it's not like I have much of a choice.

Hope you enjoyed it! I don't know about you guys but I always thought that they could have dressed Jane better. I hated her t-shirts. When she wore a nice dress shirt she looked great.

Thank you for the reviews, follows and favs. This week I'm posting from Sunday to Wednesday. So I still owe you two more. Will be back on Sunday.

See you soon!