Sorry for the long wait. My best friend got married this weekend! The consensus seems to be that most of you love Maura's pov but you also like the back and forth so I will continue to write between the two of them but more from Maura's pov. Sound good?
Also, this was inspired by episode 13 S3 of Bones ;)
She's been called to this particular box many times. It's become part of her domain. Sat here many times confidently. She's grown used to the small space of the witness stand.
But this time couldn't be more different. Jane's heart was beating profusely. She was clutching her hands together under the table. Determining the outcome of a case based on the judge's face and the jury's responses have always been her strong suit.
Not this time. Not when she's likely about to be the lead detective who would help put away the father of the woman she is irrefutably in love with.
To no ones' surprise, Paddy has one of the best lawyers in the country defending him.
"Please tell the people of the jury again what happened on August 4th of this year." Has it really been three months since they found that blood in Maura's house?
Cavenagh had pushed for an arrest despite Jane's protest. All they had on Paddy was a small amount of his blood in Maura's kitchen and a statement from one of Paddy's minions that wound up dead. It can't be easy having your chief medical examiner be all over the news and trashy tabloids but still. They needed more time.
Jane shifted in her seat and glanced at Maura in the gallery. "I got a call early in the morning…"
"Do you recall the time exactly?". Gregory Richards, Paddy's bulldog, went on dragging every detail about that day out of Jane. To her own surprise, she answered more charmingly and confidently than she was feeling inside. She even made the jury laugh once or twice.
"The blood turned out to be that of Judge Phillip Darden," Jane answered. "Later we discovered that he was on Paddy's payroll" she continued.
"Thank you, detective. And what did you put in your report regarding the likely reason for Judge Darden being in Doctor Maura Isle's home on that day?" Richards asked as he leisurely paced the area in front of the jury.
"That he was there to kill doctor Isles" Jane answered before swallowing thickly. She could still see Maura's face when she had come to her apartment. She'd spent many days thinking of the way a single tear had dropped from Maura's eye that day.
"We were able to close Collin Doyle's investigation after finding evidence tying Darden to his murder. He was going after Paddy Doyles' family trying to draw him out" She continued.
Paddy wasn't showing any emotion or even moving in his chair. Apart from blinking, he was unmoving.
Richards was nodding along as he followed in the file in his hand that was probably a copy of Jane's report. He unbuttoned a button on his suit jacket and continued. "Right. And Collin Doyle was discovered to be doctor Isle's half biological brother, is that correct?"
Jane couldn't help but steal another glance at Maura before answering "Yes". she too seemed unmoving.
"Can you tell me what this is?" he held up one of Maura's Kitchen knives in an evidence bag.
"That is an authentic Neil Davidson forged chef's knife" Jane recalled the rambled lesson Maura gave her about it when they discovered it to be the murder weapon. Even as evidence was building up against her she wouldn't give up the opportunity for a 'fun fact', Jane thought.
"And whose fingerprints were found on this knife? This knife that was used to kill judge Darden?". He asked holding up the bag for the jury to see.
When a few moments of silence went by, judge Arbor, the acting judge on Paddy's case spoke up to Jane's right. "The witness will answer"
"It's doctor Isles' knife. Of course, her prints are going to be on it! Paddy was wearing gloves like he always does when he's doing his dirty work" she snapped.
"Objection your honor." The court was filled with disruption. Judge Arbor banged his mallet and instructed the jury to disregard Jane's last statement.
She knew what he was doing. Jane was starting to see what people had been saying about Paddie's lawyer. She never liked lawyers but this one, in particular, was testing Jane's patience.
"Just to confirm it was doctor Maura Isles prints on the murder weapon, is that correct?" Jane clenched her jaw. She knew she would have to answer not just because she would be held in contempt otherwise but it would look like she was doubting Maura's innocence if she didn't.
"Yes," Jane looked at Paddy who could have stopped all of this if he wanted to. That would go against his nature, of course, being the mobster that he is. He would do anything to survive. Even have his own daughter put away for something he did, she thought in disgust.
"And where was doctor Isles on the day of the murder?"
"I see what you're getting at," Jane said just above a whisper.
"Can you answer the question, detective?"
"She was with me. She was in my protection seeing as there was a sociopath trying to kill her"
"But she wasn't with you the entire time, was she?"
When Jane didn't answer he continued. "Doctor Isles conveniently forgot her phone and disappeared that morning for an hour. In your opinion, did doctor Isles have the time needed to kill judge Darden?"
Another moment of silence went by before Jane answered. "I have worked with this woman and helped brought closure and justice for the victims of many families. I've seen her work countless hours trying to undo the devastating aftermath of cold-blooded murders. Maura could not have done this" Jane said in a cracking voice.
"I did not ask you your opinion of doctor Isle's character. I asked you… did she have time?"
Jane clenched her fists at the feeling in her stomach. She knew this wasn't going to be an easy case and that Maura would be in the defense's sites but this felt like a sucker punch to the gut.
Images of Maura stabbing Darden flashed in her mind and she felt like she was going to be sick.
"Yes," she heard herself say.
"Yes. She had time. It's been established that Doctor Isles had motive." Jane felt the anger rise steadily within her as he continued. "Not only did judge Darden try to kill her but he murdered her half-brother. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, judge Darden was murdered in her home. With her designer knife which had her prints on it."
Reasonable doubt. Two words that had the power to throw out a case that people like Jane had spent endless hours on over the span of months. Not only that... On this day, those words had the power to do much more harm.
Jane caught a glimpse of Maura's Channel cape as she exited the courtroom. "The defense rests your honor"
Three months earlier.
Maura closed the weather tab on her phone as she got in her car. 70 percent chance of rain. Not the best day for a Volleyball match she thought to herself. She had read everything she could find on the sport and even watched a Youtube tutorial.
She felt more than ready to vanquish Jane's team. She was wearing a white mini skirt, a matching tank top, and vans. Not something she would normally wear but distraction is the added asset of the outfit for sure.
A devious smile crept up at the corner of her mouth when she saw Jane's eyes widen as she approached the outdoor table where she, Frost, Korsak, and Cavenagh was sitting. She smelled freshly cut grass and BBQ sizzling nearby.
The skies were blue and it was warm but not quite overbearingly humid just yet. Maura felt slightly pleased with Cavenaghs policy. It meant an extra day with a certain detective as well.
Jane cleared her throat. "Hi"
"Hello, detective... Gentlemen" she greeted but her eyes remained on Jane's. Maura took a seat next to her. Jane pulled a beer from a bucket filled with ice and held it toward Maura.
"My beer," she said. Maura looked at the bottle and back up at Jane. She did say she would try her beer, in a binding contract no less. She took the bottle and Jane popped the cap with ease before clinking her bottle with Maura's.
"That's delicious!" Maura exclaimed to her own surprise and Jane giggled. It was quite refreshing. She could see why Jane liked it so much. She still preferred wine and wasn't a fan of the carbonization.
She let out an unexpected burp and turned bright red. Jane winked at her. "Sexy" she teased and Maura snarled at her as best she could but the way Jane was looking at her and bouncing her eyebrow, she couldn't help the giggle that followed.
Everyone at the table just watched the interaction with confusion. "Better out than in I always say" Frankie said as he approached the table with a volleyball in hand.
"Yeah, he got that from Shrek" Jane whispered just loud enough for Maura and Frost to hear, with an eye roll. "Nice outfit by the way" she added and Maura suddenly felt warm. She scolded her thoughts quickly.
"I thought so" Maura quipped.
"Doctor Isles!" Susie exclaimed as she shuffled over wearing knee and elbow guards. "I'm so glad you came"
"I don't know why you seem so surprised Senior Criminalist Chang. I said that I would"
"Susie. Were not at work you can call me Susie" Maura gave a thin-lipped smile and a slight nod.
Maura insisted that both teams part take in a dynamic stretch and Jane whined incessantly. Angela was sitting in the shade with Cavenagh's niece, cheering on both teams to Jane and Frankie's annoyance. They're very competitive Maura noted.
The game started and Maura surprised herself with how well she hit the ball considering she had never actually played the sport. She heard the lab techs around her cheer as she made the first goal of the day.
They were extending their hands to her cheerfully. Maura conceded to the cultural action of celebration regardless of how many potential bacterial germs would transfer to her own hand in the process. For the first time she truly understood why people insisted on high-fiving in times of celebration, it felt satisfying she noted.
Maura's eyes locked on Jane's as she prepared to serve and an equally unsettling yet sexy grin was gracing Jane's face. The ball had hardly made it past the net before Jane thrusted into the air and smacked it back.
The ball hit Susie's face and she dropped to the ground with a thud. "I'm fine!" she exclaimed as Maura came to her side. Her face was red and Maura concluded that she was more angry than hurt.
"You alright Susie? I'm sorry-" Jane said before Susie interrupted.
"I'm fine. Serve the ball already" With that Jane served and the game continued without any further injuries. The score climbed with Jane's team in the lead and Maura felt more and more annoyed.
It's that smug smile, Maura thought. Maura was turning slightly pink with exhaustion as the game continued longer than they normally played. People from both sides were starting to suggest that they call it quits.
Jane looked at her and without words, Maura knew she was asking whether they should stop. "Yeah come on I'm starving" Frankie quipped.
Maura shook her head before pulling her hair up into a high pony. "I came here to win," Maura told her team and they knew that that was all the pep talk they were going to get from the team captain. They cheered and looked like they were ready for another match.
The game continued and Maura's team started gaining points. Maura felt like victory was going to be theirs.
It was short live as Jane blocked ball after ball. The game finally came to an end with Jane's team winning with two points in the lead.
"Hey, you're really good at this. We usually beat the lab team with way more points" Jane said as she wiped her brow. Maura felt like she was going to combust with fury. She didn't know why she was so angry.
She's always been competitive herself but never with anything so futile as a Volleyball game. Angela came over to congratulate Maura on a game well played. "Uh, we won Ma". Jane said and Maura stormed off to the bathroom.
"She needed a win, Janie! Gah, you could be so insensitive sometimes." Angela scolded.
Jane huffed. "It's just a game Ma."
"With everything she's been through, you'd think-"
"Gah I'll talk to her. Ya happy? I can't help I'm good at sports!" Jane quipped before walking to the general picnic area.
Jane was sipping on her beer at the table with Frankie, who was biting into a burger when Maura reappeared. "Well played, detective"
"Thank you, doctor" Jane quipped. "You mad at me?"
"Don't be absurd" Maura relaxed into a camping chair and fanned herself with a paper plate.
Jane plugged her phone into the speaker and played a Roxette soundtrack. People started grabbing partners and dancing on the lawn. Maura furrowed her brow quizzically at them. Is this a standard company picnic? she asked herself.
Frankie extended his hand to Maura, asking her to dance. "I don't dance" she simply said and he didn't push any further.
Jane and Maura watched as everyone danced and Maura felt her pulse rise as another detective asked Jane to dance and she accepted. She cleared her throat and willed the furious thoughts invading her mind away.
Why am I reacting like this? This hardly qualifies as breaching contract, which she hasn't even signed yet! Maura thought. The day was coming to an end. The thunder clouds rolled in and people started packing up.
Cavenagh thanked everyone for yet another fun department picnic and left along with a few other people. Before long all of the department had packed up and left. Maura took her cooler bag in hand and felt a hand on hers.
Jane took her bag and placed it on the ground. "I'm getting ready to leave, Jane. It'll be pouring rain soon"
"I know" Jane did something on her phone and Simply the best by Tina Turner started playing. "I would like to dance with you. Now" she added and started mouthing the words at Maura.
Maura huffed but she couldn't deny the feeling that was all but taking control of her body. "Come on! Afraid I'll find out you can't dance?" Jane teased.
"That's getting old. You're gonna have to do better than that" Maura said as she crossed her arms.
"You want me on my knees?" Jane quipped.
"Yes but that won't suffice now."
"So you are mad at me for beating you at Volleyball" stray droplets started dropping sparsely.
"Goodbye, Jane" Maura turned around and reached for her bag.
"Alright sheesh," Jane jogged back to Maura and dropped to her knees. "I'm on my knees and I'll do you one better…"
Maura looked down at her. Jane was beautiful. Her brown eyes were illuminated as she looked up into Maura's. "I'm listening"
"I'm signing the contract-"
"Jane no. You can't do it just to dance with me"
"I'm not. I knew I wanted to sign it since the moment you suggested it. I can't wait for you to take me to that room… and I don't want to date anyone… no one but you"
"Jane" Maura breathed out. It started raining softly and a song by Kane Brown came up on the loudspeaker
Jane laughed and spread her arms. "You think I would be on my knees in a park, in the rain, for anyone else? I want to dance with you"
Maura bit her lip. This has already gone far enough a voice in her told her. But a louder voice was screaming with joy. "Alright," she conceded and took Jane's hand.
Jane got to her feet and lead Maura closer to the speaker. Maura took in a shaky breath as she felt Jane's hand pull her closer by the waist.
"I bribed a guy to leave the speaker here for a while longer you know" Jane whispered into her ear and Maura got goosebumps all over.
"You did?" she heard herself say. That's what she said Maura, she scolded herself. "Wouldnt the rain damage it?"
"Probably," Jane said with a nervous laugh. Her curls were getting damp with the light droplets of rain that covered them both. "But it would be worth it… you're so beautiful" Jane trailed her hand over Maura's cheek.
Maura leaned into her touch and it started raining louder. "You want to kiss me don't you?" she asked and Jane nodded wordlessly. "What are you waiting for?" Maura asked and brought her arms to Jane's neck.
Jane smiled and Maura could feel her breathing increase as they became flush with one another. They were both soaked but neither one cared as they kissed.
Maura doesn't presume on matters in the future but she knew she could never get tired of kissing Jane so long as she would live. She felt Jane smiling into the kiss and for that, she deepened the kiss.
When oxygen became a factor they broke the kiss. Somewhere along the way, Maura had lost her breath and she was panting. "I want to take you to the room now"
Jane's eyes widened but they were quickly accompanied with a smile. "Ok… After you, Maur". With that Jane stole another kiss before they made their way to the parking lot. Jane twirled in the rain a few times, eliciting a chuckle and a fact about lightning and open fields from Maura.
Again sorry for the long wait. Hope you guys enjoyed this one. I have a few ideas of where to take it. Tell me what you guys thought about the court scene and does everyone get the plotline so far? :)