The next morning, Jane and Maura got up early so Jane could get back home in time to fix Alex something for breakfast before taking her to school. Maura left her daughter Hannah to the care of the nanny since it was still very early.
Angela was already up and moving about Jane's kitchen when they arrived. "Oh hey. I was just about to fix breakfast. Any preferences or did you two already eat?"
"Actually ma, I came early so I can make breakfast for Alex. Usually every Friday I make her chocolate waffles. It's kind of our thing."
"It's Monday Jane and did you just say chocolate waffles?" Jane chuckled at the look of pure horror on Maura's face.
"I just thought with everything that's happening I would make an exception. Besides, it's once a week doctor. I assure you I make sure she has a nice balanced diet the rest of the week. I include every single food group."
" You mean order in, take out,frozen, and canned?" Angela Rizzoli asked as she winked at Maura.
"Come on ma. You know that's not true. I cook."
"Jane, last time you made that child spaghetti you boiled some noodles and threw that jarred stuff on top. That's not cooking. You're an abomination to your Italian ancestors."
Jane shook her head. "Anyway…." She reached up into the cupboard pulling down a couple of boxes of cake mix.
"You said chocolate waffles Jane. Chocolate waffles would be actual waffles with chocolate chips. That's cake mix."
"Uh huh," Jane said as she dumped the two boxes into a bowl and walked over the fridge to pull out some eggs and milk to put in the batter.
"You, you are giving your child chocolate cake for breakfast? On a Monday? Jane…"
"No. Chocolate cake waffles. Don't knock them until you try them Maura."
"You can't be serious."
"As a heart attack," Jane said without skipping a beat.
"Yes. Correct. That is what you will get if you eat that. You can't give that to Alex."
"Maura, relax alright? I've been doing this since she was five. It's something special we share. I only do it once a week, at the end of the school week but I'm making an exception for today. If it will make you feel better, I'll serve some strawberries on the side."
"OK. Fine. I wouldn't say anything if I didn't care."
"I understand that but you have to relax. Live a little. Chocolate cake isn't that serious. It's not like I serve her this for breakfast every morning. It's a treat. Don't you ever give Hannah sweet treats?"
Maura's eyes bugged out of her head. "What? Absolutely not! She's only five!"
Jane shook her head. "Oh Maura."
"Good morning ma," Alex called out as she came into the kitchen, saving the impending argument that was probably about to happen. Her eyes scanned the ingredients on the counter top.
"Are we having chocolate cake waffles for breakfast?" She asked a little confused.
"We are," Jane said with a smile.
"I thought we only had those on Fridays? It's Monday isn't it?"
Jane chuckled. "Yes it's Monday and yes we usually do this on Friday. I just thought I would make an exception this week."
Alex nodded. She knew something was off. Her ma never made her an unhealthy breakfast on a Monday. Deciding not to question it, Alex turned her attention to Maura. "Wait until you taste my ma's chocolate cake waffles. They are out of this world."
Jane laughed. "I think Maura would much rather have a nice fruit salad. Can you maybe put that together for her?"
"Oh, OK." The look of disappointment on the young girl's face did not go unnoticed by Maura.
"Don't worry about it Alex. I'll try your ma's waffles."
Jane grinned. "Yolo."
"Excuse me?" Maura asked, wrinkling her brow in confusion.
"Yolo. You know, you only live once."
"Well, that's probably because…" Maura glanced over at Alex before stopping mid sentence. "Never mind."
"So Alex, I think you and I should talk more about that homework incident yesterday."
Alex groaned. "I told you ma. I was going to do my homework. It's not like I was just going to not do it."
"That's beside the point. You lied to me. You keep your word Alex. I raised you better than that."
"Yes ma'am," Alex mumbled.
"Now I'm going to start checking before anything else. Any friends, electronics, etcetera. You know the rules. I let it go this time but next time there will be consequences. You got me?"
"Yes ma'am," Alex mumbled again, staring at the floor.
"Head up please."
Alex looked up, this time connecting eyes with Jane.
"I said yes ma'am," she repeated, this time loud and clear.
Jane nodded. "Thank you Alex."
"May I go get ready for school?"
"Go ahead kiddo. When you're done come back down and breakfast should be ready."
After Alex disappeared upstairs it went silent between Jane and Maura. You could have heard a pin drop. Finally, Maura spoke.
"It's none of my business but that was kind of harsh."
Jane stopped mid stir and stared at Maura. Luckily for them Angela had already left the kitchen
"Seriously? I let her skate by AND she's getting her favorite breakfast this morning. What part of that is too harsh? Nothing. Just to make it clear, not one consequence for lying to me. My ma would have tanned my butt for lying even if it was just a little lie."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…"
"You're right. You shouldn't have. She's my kid. First I have to hear about what I feed her and now you're criticizing how I discipline? When I didn't even freaking punish her. What the hell Maura?"
"I, I'm sorry. I just thought, I mean if we…" Maura shook her head as she could feel tears threatening to fall.
"Just forget it. I'm going outside to get some air."
"Maura, wait."
Maura stopped in the doorway and Jane could hear her starting to cry.
She walked over and wrapped her arms around her waist from behind.
"I'm sorry OK? I'm just a little on edge."
Maura turned around, accepting Jane's embrace.
"I'm sorry too. I just thought, I don't know. I just thought this relationship was going somewhere and…"
"Hey Janie, do you need any help?" Jane and Maura stepped apart quickly hearing the elder Rizzoli coming.
"Um, sure ma. It would be great if we could all eat and get out the door. Maura and I have a lot on our plates today."
"Later," Jane mouthed to Maura before Angela walked into the room. Jane glanced at the clock on the stove.
"Crap, ma can you finish cooking while I grab a quick shower? The batter is already made. All you have to do is pour it in the waffle maker."
With this morning's conversations she had almost forgot about herself. Maura had taken a shower and got dressed at her house but Jane had chosen to wait.
"Sure Janie, go on. Maura can help me while you shower," Angela said with a smile as she looked over at the blonde.
"Thanks," Jane said before heading to her room and gathering her clothes before making her way to the bathroom. As she stood in the shower she let what Maura said replay in her mind. What did Maura mean by she thought this relationship was going somewhere? Wasn't it? Weren't they moving in the right direction?
Jane shook her head and quickly washed her hair and body. She couldn't dwell on Maura's words for long otherwise she would make them all late.
After a quick shower Jane made her way back into the kitchen. She was still towel drying her hair when Joe startled her by alerting to the knocking coming from the other side of her door.
"Geez! It's still here?" Jane asked no one in particular as Alex pushed her chair away from the table.
"I'll get it," she said but was stopped by Jane.
"Alex don't!" Jane said loudly, causing her daughter to jump. She hushed the dog as she made her way over to the table by the door that held her gun and retrieved it. She moved Alex behind her before looking through the peephole.
She sighed with relief as she saw it was just Korsak. She flipped the lock and slipped off the chain before opening the door.
"I bought donuts for everyone," Korsak said as he held up the box. His eyes fell on the gun in Jane's hand. "Damn Rizzoli, is that how you greet all your guests?"
"It is when it sounds like someone is trying to break down my door," Jane remarks before stepping aside and letting him in. She put her gun away and followed her daughter back into the kitchen.
"Something smells good," Korsak remarked as he set the box of donuts down and gave the scraggly pup a scratch behind the ears.
"You're just in time, Korsak. Would you like some chocolate cake waffles or some coffee?" Angela asked as she put the last waffle on a plate.
"Just coffee is fine. I've eaten enough sugar this morning."
Jane snorted with laughter as she placed two waffles and a few strawberries on a plate for Alex. "Enough sugar until lunch time that is," Jane said as she set the plate in front of Alex and gave her a kiss to the top of her head.
"Very funny Rizzoli."
"I know I'm hilarious aren't I?" Jane asked sarcastically as she set another plate in front of Maura before making her own. She sat down at the head of the table and waited until Maura took her first bite.
The blonde took a bite and her eyes fluttered closed.
"Good right?" Alex asked with a wide grin. She liked Maura. She liked how she made her ma happy and how she would always offer to help her with homework when she would come over.
"Oh my god," Maura said as she took another bite causing Jane to chuckle.
"See, I told you chocolate cake isn't always bad," Jane said with a smile receiving one in return. She and Maura's earlier discussion was momentarily forgotten as they enjoyed their breakfast.
Forty-five minutes later Korsak had left for the station and Maura was getting ready to head out herself. She said goodbye to Alex and Angela and thanked them for breakfast before heading to the door.
Jane watched as Maura grabbed her purse and slipped on her heels. "Alex, go grab your backpack and don't forget your lunch."
"Yes ma'am," Alex said as she headed for her room. Maura had just opened the door when Jane quickly followed her out.
She lightly grabbed Maura's hand to keep her from walking away as she pulled the door closed behind them. "Jane, I have to go or I'm going to be late," Maura said in protest.
"The guy will be no less dead in 20 minutes, Maur."
"Jane!" Maura said with a scoff, giving the brunette a slap to her arm.
"What? It's only the truth besides I wanted to apologize again for earlier. I was being a jerk and I know you're going to say it's okay but it's not. I can't go flying off the handle at you, it's not fair."
"You're right, it isn't but," Maura says as she moves closer to her girlfriend. "I forgive you and we can finish our earlier discussion tonight."
"You do? We will?" Jane asks as she looks down into hazel eyes. Maura nodded before meeting Jane's lips with her own.
They shared a few more kisses before Maura reluctantly pulled away. "I really have to get going and so do you." She remarked looking down at her watch.
Jane groaned loudly. "This adult crap sucks." Maura laughed as she kissed away Jane's pout.
"Goodbye Jane, I'll see you at the station." Jane huffed once more for good measure before returning the kiss.
"Bye Maur."
Jane stood at her front door and watched as Maura drove away. She was lost in thought when Alex opened the front door effectively scaring the hell out of her ma.
"Jesus Alex! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Jane remarked, holding her chest.
Alex laughed. "Sorry ma but Nona wanted me to ask you if she's picking me up from school this afternoon when she drops Joe off at Uncle Korsak's?"
Jane sighed as she stepped back inside. "Yes ma, if you could please pick Alex up after school that would be a huge help." Jane yelled out to her ma as she clipped on her badge and gun and grabbed her keys.
Angela came from out the kitchen holding two lunches handing one to Jane and the other to Alex. "I'll be there, don't worry," she said, giving both Jane and Alex a kiss to the cheek.
"You two have a great day. I'll see you later."
Jane opened up the front door. "Alright bug, let's go." She allowed Alex to pass before again thanking her ma for all her help.
After dropping Alex off at school she didn't head to the station. She had other plans this morning. She didn't tell anyone because she knew none of them would approve, especially Maura. As she pulled into the parking lot of the prison there was Korsak, standing outside his car waiting.
Jane climbed out and headed in his direction. "Korsak, what are you doing here? How did you know I was even coming here?"
"We were partners for how long, Rizzoli? I know you like a book. Korsak remarked his arms still crossed in front of his chest. "For the record, I think this is a horrible idea but you're going to do what you want to do anyway. So at the very least, I'm not letting you talk to that monster alone."
"Alright, well come on then." Jane replied as she headed inside. Like Korsak, Jane knew it was pointless to argue.
As they walked through the prison, whistles, catcalls and shouts could be heard throughout. Jane expected nothing less from the men, most of whom were serving life sentences and would probably never touch or see a woman again unless through a glass panel.
As they approached the visitation area Jane began to nervously rub at her scars. She hadn't seen Hoyt since she testified against him, ultimately sealing his fate of a life on death row.
The doors unlocked with a loud metal bang causing Jane to jump slightly. Korsak was there with a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Jane took a deep breath as they walked, coming to a stop midway through the room. There they stood and waited for the thing of Jane's nightmares to be brought in.
When Hoyt walked through the door he had a sickening grin on his face that made Jane sick to her stomach.
"Jane, how lovely to see you. I haven't seen you since the trial."
Jane shook her head in disgust. "Get his ass in the chair," she instructed the guards before perching on top of a table across from him.
"I love that smell. It's a combination of lavender and fear," Hoyt said, the evil grin widening even more.
Jane took a deep breath, bidding herself not to let him get under her skin.
"See one, do one, teach one. That's what they taught you in medical school right? Who did you teach Hoyt?"
"I dropped out Jane. You know that."
"You were kicked out for fondling a corpse."
Hoyt gritted his teeth before laughing. "That's very good Jane. You've learned how to irritate me."
He glanced towards Jane's hands where she was rubbing at her scars vigorously.
"I want to see them. Hands are so useful. Yours played the piano. Do they still work?"
Jane felt a momentary flashback. She was there again. That animal had nailed her to the floor, a scalpel through both of her palms. She couldn't move. She couldn't escape. In the next instant she heard Korsak's voice call out.
"Jane, Jane. It's okay Jane. You're alright."
Just like that she was back, an indescribable anger festering up from deep within her. She flashed her hands, palm up, before turning them over in front of Hoyt. "Good as new. Now, your turn. You trained somebody, didn't you?"
Hoyt stared at Jane for a moment. "I love your neck. It's so beautiful, and your breasts, so very firm."
Korsak had heard enough. Jane was like a daughter to him and hearing such vile directed towards her really pissed him off. Stepping forward, he gripped the back of Hoyt's neck hard. "Answer the question!"
He looked from Korsak to Jane and back before laughing again.
"Tell me Jane, what would you like to do to me?"
"I'd like to take my gun, put it in your mouth, and pull the trigger," Jane said, venom dripping with every word.
"No, no, no. It's so much better to take your time. Now all my life I've been meticulous about finishing what I start and that bothers me. I haven't finished what I started with you."
"And you won't, you sick son of a bitch," Korsak yelled, slamming his fist on the table.
"This is over Jane, let's go."
"Do you dream about me Jane? Because I dream about you."
"I don't even think about you but I'll tell you what. I'll visit you every damn day if you tell me who your friend is. Who killed Dr. Yager and where's his wife?"
"Hmmmm. I see our time is up."
As Hoyt went to stand Jane could see any hope she had of getting answers slipping away.
"I do dream about you, " she blurted out.
"Am I ever your lover?"
"That's it you sick son of a bitch! That's enough!"
Korsak's voice echoed in the room as he shoved Hoyt. Jane jumped up and pulled him away before the guards could get involved.
"Korsak, don't."
"Get that son of a bitch out of here," Korsak sneered at the guards.
"Now detective, you know you can't protect her. No one can," Hoyt said before looking towards Jane.
"You're right. My friend is out there. Enjoy because he'll enjoy you." With that, the guards led him away and he was gone.
"Damn it Korsak! I was trying to get him to talk!"
"That's your problem Jane. You're reckless. You are a damn good detective but sometimes you don't think. You told Maura I wouldn't offer you up as bait. But god damn it you can't offer yourself up as bait either! Use your head! One more move like that…"
"You'll what Korsak? Pull me off the case? You and I both know that won't stop me,Sargent," Jane said snarkly.
"AND THAT'S WHAT GOT YOU HERE! You've put away some bad people in your career Jane but most of them don't have the guts to come after you. That lunatic!" Korsak yelled, pointing down the hall. "Has no remorse, no conscience and that makes him more dangerous!" He took a deep breath to try to reel himself in.
"Give me your badge and gun."
Jane stared at him for a moment in disbelief. "What?"
"You heard me. Once your partner, always your partner. I made a promise to always have your back then and even now and part of that promise is keeping you from doing shit like this. Look what you just pulled! You're going to get yourself hurt or worse. Again. That's not happening this time. Not on my watch. I'm suspending you."
"C'mon Korsak, don't pull rank on me now."
Jane's phone began to ring before she could say anything more.
"Rizzoli." Jane listened for a moment. "We'll be right there."
"They found Gail Yager's body," Jane said as she put her phone back in the holder on her side.
"Jane…"
"Please Korsak. Don't make me beg. It doesn't fit my psyche. Totally unbecoming."
When Korsak didn't immediately reply Jane quickly continued.
"Look, whatever you say goes. I swear but I can't just sit at home and do nothing. I can't bear it. Please."
"Oh God. You're right. Stop. You sound pathetic," Korsak said with a grin.
"Come on Rizzoli. We have a scene to get to."
"Thank you Korsak," Jane said gratefully.
When they arrived at the scene, Jane pulled in with Korsak right behind her.
Jane took a moment to open her car mirror and apply some lipstick before getting out and making her way towards the scene.
As she walked up, Frost was staring.
"Are you wearing lipstick Rizzoli?"
"Shut up," Jane snapped back.
Frost held up his hands in surrender as Maura looked up from the nearby dead body at the sound of Jane's voice. She smiled at her gorgeous girlfriend, blushing slightly when she realized she had stared a bit too long and tried to recover.
"The dog found her," Maura said, gesturing towards where Korsak had stopped and was petting the canine, giving it a good scratch behind the ears. Jane's focus wasn't on Korsak though. Instead, her eyes fell on Agent Gabriel Dean.
"How'd you get here so fast?"
"I was in the area," Dean said, peering over the edge of his sunglasses.
"Oh, what a lucky break," Jane said sarcastically.
"How long?" Jane asks, returning her attention to Maura.
"Vitreous potassium," Maura said, holding up a syringe she was holding full of fluid. "It helps determine the post mortem interval, nice and clear. It's been about thirty six hours."
"Look at the body, how it's laid out like she's taking a nap or reading a novel." Jane said as she crouched to get a better look.
Maura nodded. "That's odd isn't it?"
"Yeah. Why didn't he bury her?"
"Didn't have time," Agent Dean said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"No. It means something."
"I'm about done here. I'm going to head back and I'll be doing both autopsies. I didn't get to get started before we got the phone call. I'll see you both there? Let's say an hour? I know you'll need to finish up here yourselves."
Jane and Agent Dean both nodded.
Maura stood, picking up her medical bag.
"Agent Dean, could I have a moment with Detective Rizzoli please?"
The man nodded. "I'll go check with the others."
After he was gone, Maura turned to Jane.
"You didn't show up at the station this morning. Is everything OK? I was worried."
"Yeah, everything is fine. I just had something I had to take care of before work."
Maura fixed her eye's on Jane. "Care to elaborate?"
Jane rubbed the back of neck, she really didn't want to lie to Maura but what was she supposed to say? I went to see the man who tried to kill me? Surely that wouldn't bode well for her. Luckily she didn't need to say anything as Korsak walked over to her.
"Hey Jane, CSU is here to collect the body."
Jane sighed with relief, at least this would give her enough time to figure out how she would break the news to Maura. "Thanks Korsak."
Korsak nodded before walking away, once again leaving the two women alone.
"Jane?" Maura called out questioningly.
"Can we have this discussion later? I'm kinda in the way of CSU coming in and I need to go check in with Frost." Jane knew Maura could see straight through her excuse.
"Fine, until later I suppose. You know where to find me." Maura remarked before walking away.
Jane kicked at the dirt and cursed under her breath. She was just digging herself into a deeper hole as the day went by it seemed. She knew when Maura said fine it was anything but fine.
Sighing heavily, Jane stepped out of the way of the CSU team and met back up with Frost at the road.
"Gather anything useful?" She asked as she approached her partner
"We have one set of tire tracks. Judging by the size I would guess and say a truck or large van was used."
Jane nodded and looked around. "If what you're suggesting is correct then he wouldn't have had enough room to turn around. He would have had to continue that way. Do we have any footage from the entrances?" She asked, looking at her partner.
"Unfortunately no, since this road isn't a part of the nature reserve so there's no need for it to be monitored."
Jane again looked around her surroundings as the wheels continued to turn inside her head.
"What are you thinking?" Frost asked after a few minutes of silence.
"I'm thinking this guy is calculated. He picked a place where he knew he would have enough time to place her body just as he wanted her with a slim to none chance of her being discovered."
"You think he's from this area? A hunter maybe? Someone who knows these woods?"
Jane shrugged, "I'm not sure, maybe."
After talking with Korsak and jotting down a few more notes they headed back to BPD.
When they arrived in the morgue it was obvious Maura had already completed one autopsy just at a glance by the sutured up Y incision on Dr. Yager's body. Maura looked up from her position beside Gail Yager when Jane and Korsak walked in.
"I'm sorry. I waited as long as I could but I did end up needing to do two autopsies instead of just one. I am finished with Dr. Yager and I am just beginning to examine his wife."
Korsak took a quick look around.
"Where's Frost?" He asked, glancing over at Jane.
"He went to work on paperwork."
"What? Wiping his face with it after he puked?" The older man chuckled as he took a bite from a jelly donut, probably left over from that morning.
"Come on Korsak. Leave him alone. Also,are you really going to sit there eating a donut while Maura has someone cut wide open on the table? Have some respect, man."
Korsak took one more bite before tossing the donut into the garage.
"What do you have doc?"
Just then they all turned at the sound of someone else entering, Agent Dean.
"Did you do a wet prep yet?" He asks Maura, not bothering with a greeting.
Maura stopped her movement, staring at the federal agent through her face shield. "I hadn't planned to but I can."
He nodded. "Please."
A little while later they were all gathered around viewing Maura's findings, the microscope projected onto a large screen in the morgue.
"Those little guys really are swimmers," Korsak exclaimed.
"Quite fresh, deposited postmortem," Maura replied.
Jane scrunched her face in disgust and looked over at Agent Dean. "How did you know?"
"I didn't."
"Yes. You did!" Jane said, clearly agitated.
"It's not standard procedure to look for evidence of necrophilia," Maura said, looking between Agent Dean and Jane.
Jane gave Maura a slight smile. Her smile disappeared as she glared back at Agent Dean.
"Do you want to tell us why you're really here?"
"I'd like a copy of both reports please. As a courtesy," Agent Dean replied, ignoring Jane's question before walking out.
Everyone was silent for a moment before Maura broke the silence, determined to push on.
"I found carpet fiber on Gail Yager's body. The lab is processing it."
Jane nodded. "Hoyt didn't meet his apprentice in prison or medical school. All eighty classmates are clean."
For a while it was silent as Maura finished up the autopsy and they decided to break for lunch. Korsak opted to go get himself a burger while Jane and Maura stayed behind, eating a simple lunch of tuna and crackers in Maura's office that Jane's ma had packed that morning.
"About this morning…" Before Maura could finish that thought there was a knock on her office door.
"Come in."
Jane rolled her eyes when she saw it was Agent Dean. "You again?"
"Are you guys eating cat food?"
"Yeah. You want some?" Jane asks, waving the tuna under Agent Dean's nose.
"Uh, no thanks."
"Must be a chick thing," Jane said to Maura as she grinned.
"What's up?" She asked sarcastically, before taking another bite of her lunch.
"Um, you might want to sit down."
"No. Whatever you have to say just tell me."
Dean hesitated for a moment. "A few hours ago, Charles Hoyt escaped custody."
"WHAT?!" There was alarm in Jane's voice before she turned a pale white as the fear flushed over her. Maura could see her getting unsteady on her feet and quickly stood, helping Jane sit in a chair.
"How? He's in a maximum security prison. Explain to me how in the hell that happened!" Maura asks angrily.
Agent Dean walked over to Maura's computer. "May I?"
"Sure, go ahead." Maura remarked.
Dean tapped a few buttons and inserted a disc before turning the screen around for Maura and Jane to see. They watched in horror as Hoyt grabbed a scalpel and cut the two doctors throats before jumping from the operating gurney.
"Why wasn't he cuffed?!" Jane asked, her fear, giving way to anger.
"Two doctors assured the warden he was suffering from appendicitis." Agent Dean remarked as he folded his arms across his chest.
Jane huffed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Two hundred milligrams of Decadron would give him an abnormal white cell count. It mimics all the symptoms," she said, causing Maura to smile slightly.
Maura remembered when she and Jane had this discussion revolving around a documentary they had watched together. It seemed Jane did listen to her and all of her ramblings. Maura's face quickly hardened as a thought crossed her mind.
"Even with the symptoms he was experiencing, it doesn't explain how he escaped the facility. Wasn't there a guard outside the room?"
The Agent sighed. "You aren't going to like what I have to say on that matter."
"Oh like everything else you've said was rainbows and fucking unicorns. Just answer her damn question," Jane remarked, using her anger to deflect from how shaken she really was.
"He killed and disarmed the guard before taking out two other hospital personnel and disappearing."
"You've got to be kidding me! So there's a madman on the loose who's now armed. That's just fucking great, and what are you Fed boys doing about it? Huh?!"
Dean, not entirely sure what to say, caught a glimpse of something on the screen. "What's he doing?" He asked as they watched Hoyt run the scalpel across his hand before showing it to the camera.
Jane swallowed hard as her lunch felt like it was going to present itself again. "It's a message for me." She remarked as she stood and made her way over to the window. She never heard when Agent Dean left the office. The only thing to pull her back from the dark rabbit hole her thoughts were taking her down was a soft touch to her lower back.
"Jane," Maura said softly as she ran her up and down the detectives back.
Jane closed her eyes and spoke. "This can't be happening Maur. Not again, I, I."
Jane couldn't get her words out as the real fear of the situation came crashing down on her. Hoyt was out and would be hunting her down yet again like a wounded animal. How far would he go this time? She had just rebuilt her and Alex's life after Hoyt tried to destroy it two years ago. Could she go through this again? And what if he succeeded this time? Her thoughts only made her tears flow faster and her breath to come in short bursts.
Maura cradled Jane in her arms and held her tightly as the detective's legs gave from under her. Maura guided them down to the floor and she held onto her girlfriend and whispered what she hoped was comforting words.
They stayed this way for over an hour before Jane's sobs slowed and her breath evened out. The brunette wiped away her tears before standing, pulling Maura up with her.
"I have to go. I need to be with Alex."
"I'm coming with you. We can pick up Alex and Hannah on the way to your apartment, " Maura said as she began to shut down her computer and gather her files.
"Maur, you can't just…." Jane tried to protest but was cut short by Maura.
"There's no " can't" Jane. I can and I will. You don't need to be alone right now. Besides, I'm done here for the day until the lab comes back with the results at which point they can reach me through my cell. I'll drive." Maura's words left no room for argument.
Jane nodded as she waited for Maura to grab her things. "I just need to stop upstairs and let them know I'm leaving for the day."
Maura shut out her office lights and pulled the door closed before looking at her assistant Suzie. "Suzie, I will be stepping out for the remainder of the day. If the lab results come back this evening just have them give me a call. I assume you can handle everything from here?"
"Of course Dr. Isles," Suzie said with a small smile.
Maura nodded before she and Jane headed out.
After thinking about it further, Maura decided to let her nanny pick Hannah up and drop her off at Jane's apartment, realizing there was no reason to pull her from school early. Alex, however, would be picked up long before the three PM bell ringing.
When they arrived Jane felt a rock in the pit of her stomach for the duration until she finally saw her twelve year old round the corner to the front office. As Alex came into view she burst into tears
She ran to Alex and scooped her up in her arms. "Oh thank God. Thank God."
Alex's eyes widened, glancing towards Maura over her ma's shoulder. Maura gently put her hand on Jane's shoulder.
"Jane, you're scaring her," she said as she stepped forward and whispered into Jane's ear.
"Are you okay ma?" Alex asked when Jane finally let go and she got a good look at her. "You're crying."
"I'm okay, bug. It's going to be fine. I promise. We'll talk about it later, okay?"
"Okay."
At Least it was the middle of the day and Jane didn't have to worry about Alex missing much. She knew she would probably have to pull her from school for the week but hoped that before Friday rolled around this would all be behind them. Again.
"Hey Maura?" Alex asked as they drove towards Jane's apartment. "Would you mind helping me with my Chemistry homework?"
Maura smiled at the tween in the rearview. "Sure sweetie."
"Thanks. There's a few problems that I'm having some trouble with."
"Well then you definitely picked the right person for the job. Let's face it, me and science get along as well as oil and water." Jane remarked with a grin. If it were anyone else it would probably bother her that her daughter asked for their help rather than hers but Alex and Maura just clicked and Jane loved how the two bonded over all things science.
Jane's statement about mixing oil and water had Maura going into a full blow explanation causing Jane to groan dramatically. Alex just chuckled from the backseat.
When they entered Jane's apartment, Alex dropped her bag at the door and made a B-line to her bedroom.
"Dang it," Jane said as she tripped over the school bag. "Alex! Come and pick up your bag and put it where it belongs before someone breaks their neck. That someone being me!" Maura chuckled from behind the brunette as she shut the door.
Alex emerged from her room. "Sorry ma."
"It's alright, just next time bring it to your room please." Jane unclipped her badge and gun and placed them on the table next to the door before moving into the kitchen. She grabbed a beer from the fridge and the bottle of wine she kept there just for Maura.
After pouring a glass she handed it to her girlfriend. "I think we both need a drink." She remarked before leaning down and giving Maura a soft kiss. "Thank you for coming with me, for being here," Jane said as she pulled away.
Maura gently ran her hand down the side of Jane's face before smiling up at her. "You keep thanking me but it's not needed, I'll always be here."
As Jane leaned down again to close the distance between them her cell began to ring. Hearing the ring tone she groaned. "It's my mother, probably just calling to check up on me." Jane hit the ignore button before standing upright.
"What do you want to do for dinner?"
"I can cook if you'd like but after a day like today just relaxing with you, Alex and Hannah sounds nice." Maura said, taking a sip of her wine.
"Sooo, pizza it is then." Jane said with a chuckle as she picked up her cell. "One mushroom and spinach and one large pepperoni?"
"Actually, just make it two large pepperoni."
Jane gasped and raised her eyebrow. "Maura! Are you joining the darkside?"
Maura couldn't help but laugh at Jane's facial expression. "Every once in a while doesn't hurt. Isn't that what you told me? Yo-yo? Right?"
Jane laughed.
" It's yolo Maur but more importantly you're actually going to let Hannah chow down on something so greasy and unhealthy?"
"Don't push it Detective or I will have you order a salad on the side." Maura remarked with a grin as she placed her glass in the sink. "While you place the order I'm going to go help Alex."
Jane smiled as she watched Maura walk away. God she loved that woman. She flipped on the television as she settled in to place their order. The local news was playing coverage of Hoyt's escape and the path of carnage he left in his wake.
An hour later Maura came out of Alex's room to a steady knock sounding on the door. Jane was seated on the couch, her face void of all emotions and her gaze far off.
"Jane," Maura said calmly, trying not to startle her. But Jane jumped from Maura's touch anyway and her eyes grew wide like it wasn't Maura she was seeing.
"Jane, it's okay. You just dazed off. You're alright." Maura said as Jane came back to reality.
"Alex!" Maura called out to the teen.
"Ma'am?" Alex said as she stepped out of her bedroom. Her eyes fell on her ma who looked like a frightened cat ready to flee at any moment. "Is she okay?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.
"She's fine sweetie, can you get the door please?"
Alex did as she was asked. She looked through the peephole before opening the door. It was Emily with Hannah. Alex stepped aside and let them in.
"Mommy!" Hannah squealed as she took off towards Maura. The blonde didn't have time to adjust before her daughter threw herself into her lap. "Look what I colored today at school." She said, excited to show off her artwork. When Jane didn't look at her picture Hannah looked up at Maura.
"Is Jay okay?" She asked, her little voice laced with sadness that one of her favorite people in the world didn't look at her picture. Maura kissed the top of her head.
"Jay's okay Hannah, she had a bad day is all." Maura remarked, running her free hand up and down Jane's back. Hannah leaned over and kissed Jane on the cheek.
"All better," she said with a smile. Jane's blank face cracked a smile as she looked at the little girl in Maura's lap.
"What was that for?"
Hannah shrugged, "It's what mommy does to me when I have a bad day and it makes it all better." Maura let Hannah squirm into Jane's lap and took the opportunity to talk to Emily.
"Thank you for bringing her, we have pizza on the way."
"Um, actually Maur." Jane said, looking over the back of the couch. "I hadn't ordered it yet. I guess I got lost in my thoughts for a minute."
"That's okay ma, I can call them," Alex said from the kitchen.
"Thanks bug," Jane replied. She scooted Hannah off her lap before walking over to Maura and Emily. "Maur why don't you give Emily the rest of the night off. I can help with Hannah."
Emily tried to protest but Maura wasn't having it. "You know what, Jane's right. Why don't you take the rest of the night off."
Emily, who didn't seem to know how to take this, spoke. "Are, are you sure because I don't mind, really."
Maura chuckled softly. "I'm sure. Go out and have some fun with your friends. Jane and I can handle things for the night."
Emily smiled and thanked her boss and Jane before leaving.
While Alex was calling in their order and Hannah was glued to the tv Maura tried to approach the subject of what happened with Jane but before she could there was another loud pounding at the door followed by Jane's cell ringing.
"Shit!" Jane said loudly as she looked at her phone. Her mother was calling again and had been for the last hour. "I forgot to tell ma that we picked up Alex early." Jane quickly raced to the door. She didn't need to look to know who was there.
When the door opened there was Angela and she was fuming.
"Grazie a Dio stai bene. Ora, ho intenzione di ucciderti. Non potresti essere disturbato a chiamarmi e dirmi che Hoyt è scappato? Ho ricevuto un avviso sul mio cellulare. Sai quando l'ho preso? Mentre stavo cercando Alex. Dannazione Jane, pensavo che l'avesse! Come puoi essere così sconsiderato! Ho una mezza idea di metterti sulle mie ginocchia."
"What?" Jane asked. "Wait, is that Italian? I didn't know you knew Italian."
Angela rolled her eyes.
"Maur?"
Maura couldn't help but grin, making Angela all the more angry.
"È uno scherzo per te?"
Maura held up her hands and tried to cease her laughter.
"Scusa Angela."
"She said you didn't call her and tell her you were picking up Alex. Then while she was trying to find Alex she got a notice over her cell phone about Hoyt escaping. It scared her. She thought he had Alex. You scared her to death and…." Maura stopped as she started to laugh again.
"She has half a mind to put you over her knee."
The words had no sooner left Maura's mouth when Angela and Jane began to play a game of catch me if you can around the couch, that eventually stretched out to the entire apartment as they darted in and out of rooms. Finally, Angela called it. She knew she would never ever win against her daughter that was in tip top shape for her job.
"I'm sorry ma. I meant to call you. Really. It's just, it's been a lot to process."
"Jane." Jane turned towards the sound of Maura's voice.
"Yeah Maur?"
With all the commotion going on, no one had noticed Alex over in the corner. She was sitting in a chair in the living room with her legs pulled up to her chest, tears streaming down her face.
Damn it. Maura was immediately cursing herself silently.
"I'm sorry Jane. I wasn't thinking."
"It's OK. I was going to tell her anyway. I have to."
Jane made her way over, gently pulling Alex to her feet and sitting before pulling her down into her lap.
"He's not going to hurt me baby, not this time. I promise."
"Why are you here ma? We need to go somewhere else." Alex would never forget the many hours she spent pacing the floor wondering if her ma was dead or alive. That was a lot for anyone to take on, but especially Alex at only ten years old. There had been one person that had been there through every single minute.
"Maura, please! Tell her! Tell her she needs to go!"
Maura's eyes darted helplessly between Jane and Alex.
"Mommy, is Alex OK?"
"Yes, yes sweetheart. She's fine." Maura glanced over at Angela. "Please?" She motioned her head towards Alex's bedroom.
Angela nodded in understanding. "Come on Hannah. I bet Alex has some old toys from when she was little that you might can play with."
After they were gone, Maura finally responded.
"Come on Jane. You need to come stay with me until they find him."
"Maura, we can't…"
"Yes. You can and you will. This isn't a discussion. It's an announcement. Pack some bags for you and Alex."
"Uh, I can pack my own bag. Otherwise I'll have seven shirts and one pair of pants," Alex said with a chuckle.
That gave everyone a much needed laugh.
After Jane and Alex got their bags packed and were just about to head out the door, Frankie came barging into Jane's apartment without even knocking, scaring the hell out of all of them. Frost was right behind him.
"Pack a bag! You're going to ma's and pops!" He demanded without even so much as a hello.
"What is this? Open door day at the asylum?" Jane asks before closing the door behind him. "Alex, could you go see if Nona needs any help with Hannah please? We will leave in just a few minutes." After Alex was out of ear shot she replied.
"You have got to stop. If I was a guy everyone wouldn't be freaking out like this."
"You're not a guy!" Frankie replied.
"No. I am a homicide detective and he is not going to kill me!"
"Oh really? Look at your hands Janie! Just look!"
Seeing Jane wince Maura spoke up.
"Frankie, that's enough," she said in an authoritative tone. "Jane will be fine. She's going home with me and I would appreciate it if you lowered your voice."
"Well, then so am I," Frankie replied stubbornly.
Jane looked desperately over at Frost. "Come on man. Take him home. Y'all go get some sleep."
"I'm good," Frost replied.
"Frankie, what are you doing here?" Angela asked as she came back into the living room after leaving Alex to occupy Hannah.
"I came to talk some sense into my sister but it seems Maura already beat me to it. By the way, is something going on between you two?" Frankie asked as he looked between his sister and Maura.
Maura flushed crimson.
"What?! No!" Jane answered defensively. She missed the look of hurt that briefly flashed across Maura's face.
"What? No." Angela remarked before laughing off Frankie's question. "What makes you say a thing like that?"
"Well, Maura acted like she was going to punch me."
A knock sounded at the door, Frost grabbed his gun and moved Frankie out of the way. Jane sidestepped and grabbed her gun from the table.
Once she was ready Frost pulled the door open. The pizza delivery guy's eyes grew wide as he stared down the barrel of two guns. With everything going on everyone had forgotten the pizza.
"I,I, have a delivery for for a Jane Rizzoli." He said, his voice squeaked out.
"Sweet lord, would you two put those away!" Angela remarked as she made her way to the door, grabbing her purse as she went. She handed the delivery boy a few bills and told him to keep the change. As she turned around she shook her head.
"I know you two are jumpy but my lord you almost made that poor boy wet his pants. Maybe you could have looked before pulling your guns. Also Jane Clementine Rizzoli! What is the matter with you? You're a cop who should know better than to have a gun on a table within a five year olds reach."
Jane's eyes shot up to meet Maura's when she realized her mistake. "Shit, Maur. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Alex had been raised around it and was quite the shooter herself.
"It's alright Jane, mistakes happen. Just please put it up high until we leave and once we are at my home I have a safe you can put it in."
"Yeah, okay," Jane said as she clicked the safety back on and placed her gun on top of the bookshelf well out of Hannah's reach.
"Girls! Pizza is here!" Jane called up the stairs. "You two staying to eat or?"
"Uh, no. We already ate," Frost replied.
"Well good, because it looks like Frankie could lay off the fast food for a while." Jane snickered as she poked her brother in the stomach.
"Ha ha, funny. We will be waiting in the car. We'll follow you over to Maura's."
Jane rolled her eyes as she grabbed the plates and set the table. After having a quick dinner filled with some much needed laughter Jane, Maura and the kids headed out.
When they arrived at Maura's, Jane watched in the side mirror as Frankie and Frost pulled up across the street followed by her ma and pop. "Geez." Jane remarked under her breath.
"What was that?" Maura asked, shutting off the car and looking over at Jane.
"It's just my whole family thinks it's necessary to camp outside your house." She replied, running her hands over her face.
"They're just concerned about you Jane."
Jane sighed."I know, just give me a sec and I'll help you get the girls settled."
"Take your time, Alex and I can manage." Maura remarked as she opened the car door and stepped out.
Jane stepped out the passenger side and made her way across the street. She knocked on the window of her parents car. When Angela put down the window Jane leaned in a little closer. "What are you two doing here? Frankie and Frost are here and there's an unmarked a few blocks down as well. We're covered, go home. Get some rest."
"But Janie," Angela said, Jane could read the concern and fear on her mother's face.
"Ma, we're fine. Go home please. Pop, take her home and keep her there." Jane was telling, not asking.
"If you two need anything just give us a call alright?" Her pop said before starting the car.
"I will pop, goodnight. Be careful, love you."
"Love you too Janie," Frank remained silent to keep her emotions at bay as they drove away.
Jane made her way inside of Maura's. She locked the door and set the alarm before going into the kitchen. She needed to check in with Alex.
"Hey bug? Can I talk to you for a minute?" She asked. Maura, sensing Jane needed a moment with her daughter, decided to take Hannah upstairs to bed. "I'll give you two a moment," she said as she placed a kiss on Jane's cheek as she passed. "I'm going to take Hannah to bed."
Jane nodded. She kissed Maura and Hannah each on the cheek. "Goodnight Hannah banana." After they were gone she turned her attention back to Alex.
"Alex, come sit down for a moment," Jane said as she pulled two chairs from the table. Alex made her way over and sat down.
"I'm sorry for the way I freaked out earlier."
"Hey, no. Alex, you never have to apologize for your feelings," Jane says, taking her daughter's hand in her own. "I know this brings up a lot of stuff from the past. I know you're scared but you don't need to be okay? He's not going to hurt me again. Uncle Frankie and Frost will make sure of that."
"Were you going to tell me? You know, before Maura let it slip?" Alex asked as she looked up at her ma.
"I had planned on it," Jane said with a heavy sigh.
"But?"
"But you're still kid Alex, this isn't something you should be worrying about."
"I'm not a baby ma. I can handle bad news," Alex said with a slight grin.
Jane chuckled and pulled her daughter into her lap and kissed the top of her head. "You may not be a baby anymore but no matter how old you are you will always be my baby. You got that?" She asked as she began tickling Alex.
Alex broke into laughter. "Ye, yeah ma. I,I got it." She remarks in between laughs.
"Good and don't you ever forget it," Jane says with a smile as Alex settles back down. "But seriously bug, everything is gonna be okay. How about tomorrow when I get off we go out in the backyard and I can give you a refresher on how to shoot and we can work on some of those self defense moves I taught you."
Alex's fear was read loud and clear and Jane quickly corrected what she meant.
"I'm not saying you will need either of those bug. I just feel like it would give you some peace of mind to know that you can defend yourself if a situation were to arrive. I think it'll help you not be so frightened."
Alex nodded with understanding before cracking a wide smile. "I'm gonna kick your butt."
"Oh you think so huh?" Jane said with a laugh. "Well challenge accepted. Tomorrow, after work, you and I."
Alex giggled when Jane wrapped her in a hug and squeezed her tight. "I love you, bug."
"I love you too ma."
"Now," Jane said, releasing her hold on her daughter. "Go on up and get to bed. It's getting late."
"Awww." Alex pouted, making Jane chuckle.
"It's late," Jane remarked, copying her daughter's tone. "You have all day tomorrow to watch TV or Instasnap or whatever it is you kids do. For now though, it's bedtime."
Alex snorted with laughter as she made her way towards the stairs.
"Wait, what about school?"
Jane sighed. "Don't worry about that bug. Maura and I will work everything out, okay?"
Alex nodded, "Oh and ma? It's Instagram. Geez, you would think after everything I've taught you, you would remember that."
"Goodnight Alex." Jane remarked as she chuckled and rolled her eyes in true Rizzoli fashion.
"Goodnight ma, goodnight Maura," Alex said as she passed the blonde coming down the stairs.
"Goodnight Alex." Maura replied with a smile as she made her way over to Jane. She wrapped her arms around the brunette's neck.
"She seems to be in better spirits now."
"Yeah, I think she's going to be okay. She needed to know that everything is going to be okay. I'm going to give her a refresher on shooting tomorrow when I get off and work on some of those self defense moves I taught her. I just figured it would give her back some of her control to know that she has the upper hand if anything was to happen."
"A refresher on shooting Jane?"
Jane shrugged, "She's a cop's daughter Maur. What do you expect?" She remarked with a smirk as she leaned down to give Maura a kiss but was halted in her movements as the doorbell rang.
Jane groaned. "Who the hell is ringing your doorbell at this time of night. I swear if it's Frankie he won't be able to walk with my foot in his ass."
Maura chuckled, "It's not Frankie, I have someone dropping something off to me," she said as she made her way to the door.
"Dropping something off? At this time? Who could…." Jane stopped in mid sentence when Maura opened the door to none other than Dean.
"Why is it that every time I turn around lately there you are?" Jane said, not even trying to hide her annoyance.
Dean sighed and turned his attention to Maura. "Here's those case files you asked for."
"Thank you," Maura replied with a smile.
"If that's all you came for you can go now," Jane remarked. She didn't like the way Dean kept looking at her girlfriend. Granted he didn't know they were together but it still didn't change how it made her feel.
"Um, right, well have a good night Maura. Detective," he said with a nod.
"Well that was rude," Maura said after she shut the door behind him.
"What's rude is the way you keep checking him out like he is some kind of eye candy."
"For the hundredth time, I am just being cordial. You should try it sometime."
Jane rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
"So what if he's interested in me. At least someone is."
"Wh, what is that supposed to mean?"
Maura ignored the question as she made her way upstairs to her bedroom, Jane following behind.
"Answer the question Maura."
"It's been six months, Jane. You promised we would tell people soon. That was six months ago."
"Come on . You know with work it's complicated."
"No, it's not. That's an excuse and you know it. We looked it up. There are no regulations against me dating a BPD officer."
"It's more than just regulations Maura. There are other factors involved."
"Yes. There is. Like you're ashamed of me."
"Whhh,what? That's not…"
Before Jane could finish Maura continued.
"Not only that, every time I try to talk to you about Alex you shut me out."
Jane groaned. "What in the world are you talking about? God, men are much less complicated."
Jane knew that was the wrong thing to say as she saw the anger flash across Maura's face. Maura didn't get angry often and when she did you didn't want to be on the receiving end.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that but what are you talking about? I don't understand Maura. Seriously."
"Alex is twelve years old Jane. I don't want her shooting a gun."
"Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I do. I have plenty of evil people out there that have an X on my back. If, God forbid, the worst was ever to happen, I am comfortable in knowing Alex can defend herself. Trust me Maura, she knows how to handle a gun safely and she also knows she is not to touch it unless her life is in danger or I am with her. I would spank her for that and she knows it,"
"I knew your parents spanked you growing up but I wasn't aware you utilize the same methods. After all the abuse cases you've seen Jane? Resorting to violence is…"
"That's ENOUGH!" Jane's voice was loud and angry startling Maura into silence.
"One, I rarely spank her. I mean hardly ever. I try to utilize other , it is hardly violence. I do NOT abuse my dare you."
It fell eerily silent for a few moments before Jane spoke again.
"She's my daughter. Like I told you yesterday, my parenting is not up for debate with you. I don't tell you how to parent Hannah. I don't agree with a nanny doing ninety percent of the parenting for you but I keep my opinion to myself."
Maura fought hard to push back the tears but they came anyway.
"She does not do ninety percent of my parenting. Where is this relationship going Jane? I don't think we want the same things. I want a life with you. I want a family and to raise our kids. Together. To make these decisions together. If I'm just some fly by night let me know now because I love you, and I love Alex but you keep pushing me out!"
"Y, you what?" Jane replied, a bit taken off guard by Maura's admission.
Maura sighed and wiped her face as she turned and looked at Jane. "I want this, I want you but if this isn't what you want then there's no point in this relationship continuing."
When Jane didn't immediately speak Maura turned and headed towards the bathroom. "That's what I thought."
Jane finally caught a grip on herself and stopped Maura from closing the door. "Maur, stop," she says as she grabs Maura's hand. "Say it again."
"Jane, if you don't…." Maura was silenced when Jane's hand came up to cover her mouth.
"Just say it again, please." She begged as she moved her hand away.
Maura looked deeply into Jane's eyes, realizing what she was asking and poured every bit of emotion into her words. "I love you Jane, I'm hopelessly in love with you."
Jane captured Maura's lips in a deep, passionate kiss. This was the first time they spoke these three words aloud. She cradled Maura's face in her hands as they broke for air. "I love you too Maur, I want this with you. Please believe me when I say that."
"Then why are we hiding this Jane? Are you afraid of what your family will say? Because I can assure you that they will love YOU no matter who you choose to love."
Jane walked towards the bed and pulled Maura to sit down next to her. "I'm not worried about what my family will say Maur. They love you. Hell, sometimes I think my ma loves you more than me."
"That's not true," Maura says with a smile.
"Sure it isn't," Jane remarked with a grin. "My point is, you're family, Hannah is family. That's why after the first run in with Hoyt, even though it brought you and me closer together I couldn't let us be together. Not until he stopped invading my dreams. I love you both so much that it scares the shit out of me babe."
"Language."
"Sorry, but it's true Maura. Look at what I do for a living. I put away some of the worst and doing so has put a permanent target on my back. I'm not saying I want to hide us forever but with Hoyt being out, I couldn't, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you or Hannah. You know his MO. Please, please know that I am not ashamed of you Maur. If anyone should be ashamed of anyone, you should be ashamed of me."
It was Maura's turn to be taken back by Jane's words. "Jane, I'm not ashamed of you and I never will be. What is there to be ashamed of? You are the most gorgeous, loving, caring woman I've ever met. Sure sometimes you let your heart overrule your brain but that's one of the things I love most about you. I know we won't always see eye to eye on parenting and I'm sorry if I've overstepped but…."
Maura stopped when Jane began to shake her head.
"You didn't overstep Maur. I'm the one who should apologize. I know that you spend every minute you have loving Hannah. I shouldn't have said that about Emily. Alex loves you. I love that you care about her, it's just, this is all new to me. It's always just been the two of us. Sure ma has helped but for the most part it's been just me. I'll do better, I'll be whatever you need me to be because I don't want to lose you."
Maura smiled and her heart swelled with love for this woman. She kissed Jane softly. "I don't want you to be anything other than who you are. Everything that you are is the reason I fell in love with you."
Jane grinned, causing a lone tear to slip down her cheek. "Even my stubbornness and tendency to be a jerk?"
"Yes, even that couldn't make me love you any less."
Jane leaned in and kissed her girlfriend again. "I love you Maura Isles."
"I love you too Jane. We will figure everything out with time but for now, stop being a jerk to every man that looks my way."
This made Jane laugh as she stood to gather her things for bed. "Now you and I both know that's never going to happen. I mean have you seen you?"
Maura chuckled, "It was worth a shot."
After finishing with their showers both women climbed into bed. Jane was laying on her back, Maura's head resting on her chest when she suddenly sat upright with the sounds of thumping coming from somewhere downstairs.
"It's okay, it's just Bass." Maura said, referring to her large pet Tortoise.
She tried to coax Jane to lay back down. "Really love, it's okay, lay down."
Jane sighed as she laid back down and Maura's head found its way back to her chest. "I've never been so scared in my life," she said, under the cover of darkness, referring to Hoyt's past attempt on her life and his recent escape.
Maura gently stroked Jane's arm. "We will get him, he won't hurt you ever again Jane. We won't let him, none of us will."
Jane nodded, the conviction in Maura's words putting her a little at ease. She knew tomorrow would bring another day of stress and too much caffeine but for now she would let it be. Both women held onto each other letting the exhaustion from the day pull them both into a deep sleep.