N: I know it's been a minute since i updated. Busy busy busy with real life things. My new job is crazy and I might have underestimated how busy i was going to be. But I figured out where i wanted to take this story, yes I'm bringing back a few characters but i like a tormented driven Jane. I'm hoping I'll have another update this week as I'm sort of on a roll. Enjoy! This was a stale chapter to get through.

Jane

I shivered, shoving the empty pizza box in the trash can right outside Maura's back door. The night was cold and bit through the thick material of her sweatshirt. I sighed with a silly smile on my face as I looked out onto the incredible view of the city Maura had. Dinner had been perfect. We laughed and shared stories over slices. Maura was adorable and incredibly awkward, which mystified me. She was a genius wrapped in designer clothing, and yet she was clueless about the stupid little things about life. She didn't understand half the catch phrases I used or knew any of the movies I quoted. She was this perfect blank canvas and, in a way,, I wanted to be the one to corrupt her. Throw paint on the perfectly put together canvas and show her the parts of life she was missing out on.

I sighed, pulling the sleeves over my hands. There was the distance between us, however not great, just long enough to be annoying. New York and Boston were a hop, skip, and a jump away, but it was too far away. Over one and a half large pizza's, I realized that I wanted Maura by my side everyday. I wanted the option to call her and meet her at the corner for fancy coffee. Call her on a Sunday and drag her to baseball game before we went to ma's for family dinner. I wanted her. Life felt empty with out her naturally falling to my right side, remembering I was left handed and would need easy access to my dominant hand in case of emergency.

I barely knew this woman a week, and she already understood me.

"Jane? Are you okay? Or did the raccoons' corner you?" Maura poked her head out the back door.

I cocked my head. "Raccoons in New York City? How's that possible?" I turned and walked towards the warmth pouring out of the house.

"It's the trash. There's so much of it, it attracts animals who thrive off it." Maura held the door open, shivering herself. "I try to leave cleaner scraps of food out for them. Usually over in the compost pile. They dig it up and help aerate the soil along with fertilizing it."

I smiled, wrapping her in my arms. "You're cold and full of useless facts. Frankie and I used to chase raccoons out of the playground at school. They'd steal our lunches." I grinned as Maura relaxed in my arms, squeezing me closer.

"It's very late, Jane. I apologize for losing track of time." Maura mumbled against my shoulder.

"I'm not sorry. I enjoyed listening to you break down the history and science of how baby pepperoni came to be a staple of pizza." I sighed, looking at the clock hanging in the kitchen. It was almost three in the morning. It was very late and I had a very long day ahead of me. But the last thing I wanted to do was leave this woman and her warm arms. "I need to go. Frost will hate me in the morning if I'm cranky."

"Stay. Stay with me." Maura leaned back to look in my eyes, her cheeks were red. Whether it was from the chilly air, or embarrassment, I didn't care. She looked beautiful. "There's at least two guest bedrooms in this home. We wouldn't have to share a bed."

I chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "You drive a hard bargain. I'll stay. With you. In your room. I don't want to waste another minute in a fancy guest room. We only have a few hours before our jobs take us in opposite directions."

Maura bit her bottom lip and took my hand as she stepped out of my arms. "I don't usually sleep with someone after the first date."

I winked. "I thought this was our second date?" I chuckled when Maura's face dropped. "I'm kidding. Physical interaction is the furthest from my mind right now. I'm so tired and my brain is stuck on the case. All I want is a warm, soft bed and good company." I pulled her closer, running my fingers down her cheek. "I don't want to ruin this, Maur. There's something here and it frightens me as much as it excites me." Her hazel eyes brightened at my words. My heart thundered in my chest and I could feel my world starting to spiral out of control. "Come to Boston in two weeks. Let me take you on a real date. Let me show you the real me outside of the world of crime we live in."

Maura grinned, leaning into my hand. "Two weeks. I'm holding you to it, Jane." She stood on her tip toes, softly kissing me. "Come to bed." She turned from me, still holding my hand. "Please excuse the mess in my room. I left in haste this morning."

I smiled as she led me past the kitchen into a room that was quite possibly half the size of my entire apartment. Maura let go of my hand, rushing to the untouched side of the bed to collect a book and newspaper sitting on the blankets. She scooped them up. "I'm sorry. I woke up early and wanted to start the next novel in the series we're both reading."

I nodded absently, taking the moment to look around her bedroom. It was warm, cozy, but sterile at the same time. It was as if she only slept here, not actually lived in any part of the house. I sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about a plan to woo this woman. Before I could get too far, Maura appeared next to me.

"I normally sleep on the left side but can shift if you prefer that side." She'd changed into a pair of thin sleep pants while I was being a snoop.

I smiled, rolling over to the right side of the bed. "You're in luck. I sleep on the right." I swiftly slipped under the blankets, sighing at the feel of very expensive cotton sheets gracing my skin. The second my head hit the clouds of pillows, a huge yawn pushed forth. "Sorry. I'm beat and my manners are slipping."

Maura slid in next to me, rolling onto her side. "It's fine, Jane. I know your tired." She reached up, running her fingers through my hair. "Get some sleep. I've arranged a car to pick you up and take you and Frost to the station in the morning." She leaned over, kissing my forehead.

My eyes drooped with exhaustion. I scooted closer to her warmth and found myself pressed up into Maura. She wrapped her arms around me, mumbling against my hair. I passed out in two breaths, barely registering anything other than I was content. Something I hadn't been in years.

Maura

I hated leaving Jane as the sun barely rose, but I was called for an early morning death. I dressed as quietly as I could, not wanting to disturb her as she slept heavily. Cradling my pillow the second I slipped out of my bed. I even stood in the doorway, memorizing the way she looked so at peace. Asleep and worry free for a few minutes.

I knew as I walked out the door to meet the patrol officer who was escorting me to the scene, I was in love with Jane. It was a foreign feeling, but I enjoyed it. I'd never really been in love like this. So wholly and to the point it short circuited my normal sensibilities. But I was and now I had an unwritten path ahead of me. And yet, I knew where that path was going to take me.

The scene took two hours to process before I could remove the body. That lead to an immediate autopsy since there was already a suspect detained and the detectives wanted to close the case. I had barely enough time to check my phone once. Jane had sent a few messages thanking me for the sleepover, the coffee and the note that left her blushing. I grinned, replying I'd call her when I was out of the labs for the day.

Unfortunately, my day slipped into evening and I hadn't a chance to stop working to call her. Lab reports needed to be deciphered, evidence needed to be processed, and I was caught in last minute budget meetings. By the time I left the labs, it's was almost ten o'clock at night and I was on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion.

Walking out into the cool night air, I sucked in a heavy breath, clearing my lungs of the stale lab air. I removed my phone, smiling as I saw another message from Jane.

Back in Boston. Frost and I had to leave. We caught a huge lead and wanted to arrest the suspect before news got out. I'm going to miss you terribly, and might have stolen your pillow to keep you near. It smelled like you and maybe I'm a creep, but you smell like home. I'll call you later when I throw the jerk behind bars. We can talk about that date. I hope you like loud Italians and pasta.

I laughed, typing out a reply.

I can buy a new pillow. I won't judge too harshly about your petty theft. I already miss you, Jane.

I sighed, debating saying the words too soon. I had to plan a few things before I bridged that gap. I hit send before opening my email. My grin growing at the sight of the governor of Massachusetts name sitting at the top of the letter. I grew even more excited as I read the email.

If this all worked out, I'd have one incredible surprise for Jane in two weeks.

Two weeks later

"This is the crime lab, Dr. Isles. The staff are eager to meet you. They've heard so much about you, and I assure you, they're some of the best in Boston." Lieutenant Cavanaugh grinned as he escorted me around the station. He'd taken lead from the Chief and the Governor to show me around since his homicide team would be working the closest with me. We walked around the corner to my new office. "Dr. Pike moved most of his belongings out last week. I had the cleaning crew give this a good scrub since that man was a mess. But anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. The entire department is excited to have you take over as the new Chief Medical Examiner. You have quite the stellar reputation for good clean work. Something we need here."

I grinned, blushing under the praise. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I just hope I can live up to the reputation. This is my first time in such a position." I looked around the stark office, picturing where I would put my things. "If it's possible, can we go and meet the homicide detectives? I'd like to get a better idea of the detectives I'll be working side by side with." I clasped my hands, trying to contain my excitement. I hadn't told Jane about taking the new position, only that I'd be out in Boston in two weeks for our date. We'd both been busy. She'd caught a new case and I was in the process of tying up my life in New York and preparing to take on a new one. We shared one phone call two days ago, and I could tell Jane was tired, exhausted and something was bothering her. I felt it in her tone and any time I asked what was wrong, she brushed it off and changed the subject to how my day had been.

She'd sent me a text a few hours ago as I was getting ready to come to the station. It was short and quick. Unlike the long rambling messages she often sent if we didn't speak for a bit.

I really miss you, Maur. I can't wait to hold you. You're my strength. And I'm gonna need all of it.

Cavanaugh nodded with a smile. "Of course. I know you've worked with Detective Frost on the combined task force. He spoke highly of you when he returned from New York a few weeks ago. Thank you, by the way, for helping us close that cold case. It was a big win for the department and the city."

I smiled, tipping my head down. "Thank you, but I was just doing my job." I kept my head down as we walked to the elevator.

"A helluva good job, Dr. Isles." He held his grin as we entered the elevator. "The unit hasn't been notified of the change of guard down in the morgue. That announcement will be made officially. We wanted to keep it quite until you arrived and started." He tapped a button. "Hopefully Rizzoli won't give you a hard time. She's one of my best, but hates change. But she did hate Pike with a passion."

I bit my lip, hiding the grin. "I have a feeling Detective Rizzoli will be okay with my arrival." I knew Cavanaugh had no idea Jane and I met and worked together in New York. He only knew I provided the lab work that closed the case.

He chuckled. "Don't say I didn't warn you, doc. Rizzoli can be a tough pill to swallow." His smile faded a tiny bit. "Especially with this new case." He sighed, mumbling. "I wished she'd killed the bastard when she had the chance."

Cavanaugh spoke so softly, I barely heard what he said. "What's the new case? Maybe I can be of assistance?" I offered a professional smile, hoping Cavanaugh would tell me.

He shook his head as the doors opened. "A demon who won't die and keeps haunting her." He waved me off. "I'll have your team fill you in later. They've been processing the latest evidence."

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, the homicide unit was buzzing. An older man rushed towards Cavanuagh, grabbing him away from me. I couldn't hear anything they were discussing, but by the pale color flooding the lieutenants face, I knew something was wrong.

The older man rushed past me and into the elevators. I turned to Cavanaugh. "What's happening?"

He shook his head, pulling out his phone. "The tour has to be postponed. I need to call the Chief and Angela." He gave me a tense smile as he turned his back. I took the hint and turned to walk back to the elevator when I overheard a detective next to me talking to his partner.

"That fucking animal. I don't know why Rizzoli didn't kill him the first time."

"Yeah, but I heard she got him this time. Shot him dead center from the floor." The other detective shook his head. "Frost said it ain't good. She lost a lot of blood."

My heart tumbled into my stomach. I turned to the two detectives. "Excuse me? Can I ask what you're discussing?" I pointed at the ID tag hanging from my lapel. "I'm the new Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Isles."

He looked me up and down, incredulous a woman could be the Chief. "Charles Hoyt happened. Rizzoli hunted him while he hunted her, it came to a head and she's being rushed to Mass General in serious condition." He stepped away from me, shaking his head.

The world seemed to slow down as fear crept in. I rushed down the hall, pushing into an empty office as I removed my phone and dialed Frost. He answered on the second ring.

"Dr. Isles." His voice trembled. I had to curl my free hand into a fist to remain calm.

"Barry, what happened? Is she okay?" I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Don't make me lie, Doc." He took a slow breath. "I'll call you when she's out of surgery. They rushed her in. She's lost a lot of blood." He took another deep breath. He was in shock, otherwise he would've questioned how I knew Jane was injured.

"I'll be right there." I spun on my heel and walked towards the elevator. I could be at the hospital in less than ten minutes. Thankful I'd brought my BMW with me from the city.

"I can come to the airport and get you or send someone. The doctor said the surgery could be a few hours." He sighed. "Call me when you land and I'll fill you in."

"Barry, I'm in Boston. I'll be at the hospital in ten minutes." I ran out of the elevator and into the parking garage, thankful I'd only brought my car keys in with me. Leaving everything else in the trunk for my first day. "Ten minutes." I dropped down in the driver's seat and started the car. Barely hearing the last few words Frost spoke.

"I have to warn you, it's not good, Maura. It's not good."