Author's Note:

Hello readers, I am still in the process of one story on here and have one more chapter to go on it, but wanted to get this rolling right away while I had it in me. Please note it is NOT a sequel or second installment to "And it all Comes Down to You…" It is an entirely different entity. Please enjoy and review, thank you! -Kara

Chapter One

The sound of the halogen lights echoed across the rows of cars in front of us. "As you can see, this is my selection of vehicles. My father's prized possessions passed down to me." The clack of her expensive and probably custom five inch heels on the cement across this enormous enclosed parking lot made my nerves pulse more than the thunderous tick of the halogen above us. She stopped in the middle and waved her hand over the spread of the dozen vehicles. "I have also acquired several newer models to add to the collection."

I scanned the area as briefly as it seems I was allowed to and noticed it was quite the variety of picks. New, old, muscle, classic, electric…

Without a look in my direction her honey blonde, long and wavy locks swung behind her as she turned to go back through the door in which we came with a brisk pace while continuing with her instructions. "If the cars require keys they will be placed in the visor when not in use. I will notify you when and where I need to be and which car I would like you to use. Every so often I will ask you to switch cars for the pick up and drop off. I expect you to be 100% prompt and ready for me at my call at all times. If there is ever an issue with any of these vehicles I will see to it that you have my mechanic and body work experts' contact information. If you do not have any questions about the lot or the cars, I would like to show you where you will be staying."

All I had were questions. I hardly blinked in her direction before she quickly pedaled over the threshold and down the perfectly placed cobblestone paved path to the guest house. Flawlessly manicured landscaping engulfed the walk, aligned with bushes, flowers, small and medium sized trees, and koi fish ponds with bridges. The entire backyard covered about five acres of land at this Dover, Massachusetts estate. We were rounding a corner where I saw the beginning of a small white fence and flowerbed along with a darker brick walkway that lead to the light sand and sky blue cape code style house with a wraparound deck.

"This will be your home. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, an attached garage for your own vehicle, fully equipped kitchen with top of the line appliances, as well as plenty of storage space."

Her designer heels clicked up the three steps to the front porch and I glanced at the cabaret table in the corner with two chairs next to a set of rockers. She twisted open the front door and caught my eyes, "if you would prefer an interior decorator to re-furnish, please let me know and I will be happy to arrange that. I am no expert, but I will say I hand selected each of the items in this home." As we walked through the small foyer area, I cornered the wall next to the rack of coat hooks and took notice of the open concept living and dining areas with the nicest kitchen I think I have ever seen. When she said top of the line she was not kidding. I knew immediately I would need manuals for all of them.

"The bedrooms are on either side of the kitchen and the bathroom is an en suite in the master." I followed behind her quickened pace through my giant and beautifully furnished room that looked like it came straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog, only better, and she switched on the light to the bathroom. There was a whole spa set up with an all glass stand up shower with nozzles coming out of everywhere and the large rainfall one overhead, a huge Jacuzzi in the middle of the room with jets coming out of every inch of it, and an extra large and very modern looking vanity with a bench seat and lighted mirror that covered the entire wall. The bathroom was perhaps the largest room in the house.

I felt the need to say something as I scraped my jaw off the ground. "Miss Isles, this home is incredible. I do not foresee any rearranging of anything here. You have done an impeccable job and I know I would never come close to this. You certainly have an eye for this, Miss Isles."

With a curt nod and an almost genuine smile, she left me to get settled in making mention of the new cell phone sitting on the kitchen counter and all the important numbers I would need already logged in there. She gave me the courtesy of letting me know that at about nine o'clock this evening she would be notifying me. I thanked her vehemently for the accommodations and got to work unpacking.

I only had four suitcases, two boxes, and three duffle bags full of belongings that I carried in after parking my car in the garage for the evening. I questioned how long it would be until I drove it again. I didn't see myself really leaving the residence anytime soon without having it be work related. I did not know any one that lived here except for my new employer – Maura Isles of Isles Associates, an investment firm that has pretty much taken over the entire East Coast, originating here in Boston, my new home.

It would take some getting used to, the East Coast. Being from Chicago, there are quite a few similarities in regards to the city structure, different neighborhoods, type of people… but the air smells different, the sidewalks feel different, the trees are wrong. And though I don't mind the Red Sox because they're a good team, decent sportsmanship, but I'm a Cubs fan through and through. I don't see that ever changing, but I'm sure I could come to appreciate the Red Sox a little more at some point.

I will miss going to all the games with my former partners from the squad. Detective Jane Rizzoli Homicide, Chicago PD, four years service. I joined the academy as soon as I got out of the high school, spent three years there, then got hired on as a beat cop for two years, then went on to spend five in vice while trying to make my spot as a detective in homicide. I soon became the youngest to ever be promoted to the new rank. I rode it out for four years until a serial killer became obsessed with me during an intense case the spanned over the course of five months. I went against his M.O and was on track to finding him. I made a rookie mistake, going to investigate on my own based on a hunch… Rookie mistake.

I was held captive for eleven hours. An L-shaped wound bleeding from the back of my head from the two-by-four that connected with it, and scalpels sticking out of each palm pinning me the ground beneath. His name was the Charles Hoyt… The Surgeon. After the whole ordeal and nine months of physical therapy I knew I needed to leave – my family, my friends, my department, my partners.

I had spoken at length with my Lieutenant about this and he told me to give his friend a call. He was a retired sergeant in the Boston PD and had spent the next ten years driving for a specific client and preparing the leave the position to spend the rest of his life in Florida.

I let a week go by while I packed to go nowhere and finally gave the man a call. He was nearing his last ten days on the job and was waiting for me to get a hold of him. He had already recommended me as a replacement to Miss Isles and now here I am - personal driver to the philanthropist, socialite, and daughter of the famous Arthur Isles. She had a reputation in the media for being cold and intimidating as she rose to the ownership of her father's company following his passing.

With the last of my belongings unpacked and a scan around the area. I decided I was going to take a shower and figure out all the buttons and switches in there, get dressed in the required attire, and sit in front of the sixty-five inch curve television on the overstuffed couch in my new living room and wait for my first call.