A/N: Hello Darlings, I hope you are all doing well and are staying happy, healthy, and safe. Heading into the holiday season can be hard for many people so if you are struggling with that I hope you can find some comfort in your reading and hobbies. Please enjoy the next chapter in this series, and I look forward to hearing from you all. Much Love - E

Chapter 6

"Really Rizzoli?"

Frost's hesitation at the mention of Heather Green was echoed in the looks of both him and Korsak as they stared at her from over her computer.

"How do we know that she didn't just doctor this to make it look like she was trying to help? I mean come on an editing error leading to her not publishing a photo that could have well earned her thousands of dollars?"

Korsak leaned back in her chair as he questioned her.

"Look you and I both know my feelings towards that woman, but Frost confirmed it himself. There's been no markings to indicate that it was doctored which means our theory about Alan West could very well be right."

Jane turned to point at the murder board they had set up next to her and Frost's desks. The growing list of evidence was tacked neatly next to photos and copies from the lab. She pointed to the report Frost generated last night.

"Look, there is no financial motive from the wife, we confirmed that she had full access to his accounts and was not cutoff from anything. She admitted that they were in an open marriage, and both have had several flings over the years."

"Still could be a jealousy thing. Wife gets sick of being in the marriage and wants to jet off to Jamaica with her newest boyfriend." Frost interrupted.

"If it was, don't you think there would have been some record of her moving funds around to leave? Or anything in her phone, late night calls or texts, anything to hint at a boyfriend and their grand plans of escaping?"

Frost nodded his defeat as she stood to examine Alan West's photo. His rounded face was reddened at the cheeks which gave him an almost boy-like charm. The cool confidence that laid around his eyes made her feel uneasy as if even through a photo he could get a rise out of her. She spoke without looking back at the men she knew were studying her. Frost's voice cut through her simmering disgust.

"Do you think we should go talk to Green? She if she has any other wild aces in her stack?"

"As much as I don't want to admit it, it might be a good idea. I want to know why she was even around to photograph them. Last I heard, she was blacklisted from those events, at least that's what they were saying at the event Maura and I were at. Have Frankie get in touch with her and get a meeting set up. I am going to go grab a coffee, come grab me when you're ready."

The café was relatively quiet considering that it was almost lunch. Jane saw some former detectives from the drug unit raise their hand in acknowledgment as they exited. She gave a small wave and turned to wait at the end of the counter for her mother to be done assisting the older gentleman at the register. She smiled politely as the man pocketed his change and turned to leave; the small Danish perched precariously on top of the to-go coffee. She watched as the old dish towel was slung over a shoulder as Angela looked up to see her standing there waiting patiently.

"Hey Janie!"

Angela rounded the counter and swooped her into a bone crushing hug.

"Ow ok, hi Ma."

Angela stood back her arms keeping Jane at arm's length.

"You need to eat something; you are starting to lose weight again. Come, sit, I'll make you a sandwich."

"Can you make it to go? We're heading out here in a minute just came down to grab some coffee."

The lilt of Boston came out stronger in Jane's voice as her mother coddled her.

"Fine, but if Vince tells me, you gave it to a stray dog again you are not going to get another one."

"That was one time Ma! The poor thing was starving."

Angela scoffed as she made for the cabinets that held her own ingredients. Pulling out a jar of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter she quickly began assembling her favorite sandwich. After last night it was exactly what she needed. A simple reminder of her childhood and the safety it brought.

She watched her mother and thought about their homecoming last night. There was no hesitation that her mother loved Maura. The way that she fussed over the wrinkles that normally would have sent Maura into a frenzy, and how she didn't hesitate to be there for them when they arrived even if it meant missing work. There was no question.

Yet, the fights they had about her own sexuality had not subsided. Christ, she needed to pull it together, now was not the time to get into it with her mother. She needed to get this case and the whole psycho killer thing figured out, then she could have that conversation.

Angela's voice pierced through her thoughts. "What's wrong? Did you hear something again? Is Maura alright are you alright?"

She had been lost in thought, but the mention of the night before and the press of a sandwich bag in her hand had her focused back in.

"Shh! Ma, you gotta be careful about what you are talking about in public."

She leaned forward to whisper. A few heads turned to study them before returning to their coffees and pastries.

"No not yet, and after last time I'm not sure who we can trust. Maura and I are looking into it but for now just lay low like nothing happened. Lieutenant Cavanaugh, Korsak, Frost, and Frankie are the only ones who know right now, and I'd like to keep it that way."

"I got it, I got it. No need to scold your mother. Besides I already talked to Sean this morning, he says he's going to do what it takes to keep you girls safe."

"Uh, Sean? Since when are you on first name basis with my boss Ma?" Jane's voice lifted above its constrained whisper causing the group that was now watching them to whisper to each other, their stares drilling into her from across the room.

Angela shooed her away with the towel that previously occupied her shoulder. The light sting of it hitting her square on the hand which gripped the bag tightly.

"None of your business what I call the gentlemen in my life, Miss Nosey. Now go on, I got customers."

Jane repressed a shudder at the thought of her mother and her boss. She would definitely have to talk about that later, maybe with a therapist or bartender. She pushed through the now formed line and back into the lobby where Frost threw up a hand to wave her over. She tucked the sandwich bag under her arm and jogged to meet him, there would be time for all that later. She had a killer to catch.

Heather Green was smaller than Jane remembered, or perhaps it was the just the way she hunched over the small desk in her cramped South End apartment. The studio apartment was situated in the typical beat-up brownstone that dotted the community, but from the inside was tidy and clean. She could see the stack of notebooks and camera equipment shoved carefully to the side of the late model Dell computer Heather currently typed away on. The walls above her desk were covered in photo lines and news clippings that she knew would likely dot the next front page if the tabloids were interested.

Frost sat perched on the edge of the black futon that brushed up against the desk, his eyes watching Heather's work as his hands took notes almost automatically. She tapped him on the shoulder to point at the photo that hung closest to his head. He blinked at her before stifling a laugh at the image which showed a group of no doubt Boston's "Elite" diving naked into the harbor.

"I know it's not exactly cutting-edge news, but it keeps my bills paid and stomach full."

Heather's voice was high-pitched like a songbird to Jane's ears, smooth and steady. The Malibu Barbie comment she made to Frankie was accurate. Her thin stature and sleek bobbed hair made her look older than her thirty-ish years.

"Look Jane," Heather stopped and corrected before Jane could. She turned in her chair to look her up and down.

"I'm sorry, Detective Rizzoli. I know that you don't have the highest opinion of me, but I do really want to help. I know that what I have said about you wasn't in the best light, but you must believe that it's only business."

Jane folded her arms comfortably and glanced down at her. Her eyes seemed to be honest and body language was open, if she was lying, she was damn good at it. Still Jane felt the angry bubble in her chest, but she knew she had to play nice to get this woman to cough up information. She cleared her throat and controlled her tone.

"Look Ms. Green, I am not here on personal matters, if you want to discuss those things maybe we can get together over tea or the world ending. For now, can we stick to the Brumfield Case? You said you had some information on Alan West and James Brumfield."

Heather sighed as her shoulders slumped, she turned back to the computer to tilt the screen up towards her.

"You've already seen the photo that I sent Frankie. I told him that I didn't send it to production because of an editing error which is true, the photo was too grainy to be viable. However, it did jog my memory of a story I wrote a couple of years ago for the Post. James Brumfield had just pulled off the funding deal for their newest development branch and they were hosting this huge party at the Opera for their shareholders and guests."

She clicked a folder open that held dozens of Jpegs. She double clicked on one and the image of Alan West filled the screen, his face flushed red as he pushed past a group of women posing in front of the Boston Opera House. She clicked the next button as the photos showed James Brumfield running after him, his hand outstretched to catch Alan by the elbow.

"Alright so you've got some photos of two business partners meeting up. Groundbreaking."

Heather scoffed at Jane's dry tone and returned to her scavenger hunt.

"Well Detective, looks like you don't need these silly little photos. Guess I can clear them off my hard drive."

Jane rolled her eyes before the next image halted her movement. James Brumfield had pinned one of Alan West's hands to the wall, their chests pressed tightly together. To an onlooker it would have looked like a heated argument, but her eyes were trained to see the details like the way West's free hand laid under the lapel of James' suit jacket. The smile that Heather Green shot her was full of mirth.

"I see I've caught your attention. I was covering the event itself, not Mr. Brumfield or Mr. West, these photos were from my B roll. If it wasn't for Detective Frost asking if I had interacted with them before the gala last month, I probably wouldn't have remembered it."

Frost spoke up from his seat.

"Ms. Green, can I ask a frank question?"

She nodded and closed the laptop to look him straight on.

"If you knew you had that on your B roll, why didn't you publish it back then? I'm sure that photo alone could have netted you a nice little paycheck."

"Well, that was taken when I was still trying to make a name for myself. The Post had given me a shot a reporting real stuff, I was in line to take over the investigative unit. Enquirer garbage was not an option for me back then."

She stood and walked towards Jane; her hands clasped tightly together at her waist. Jane towered over her 5'3 frame, she merely flicked her eyes down at the woman.

"I know that you have no reason to believe me after the things I've written about you both in the past and recently. Even with our past and the opportunity you've cost me you know that I would never actively hinder an investigation."

"Why now? Why help us days after running another smear campaign on me?" Jane's voice was tight but controlled as she stepped into Heather's space.

Heather's head tilted back to challenge her, but Jane could see the spark of intimidation crinkle her forehead. She had to give the fiery red-head chops, most men would have crumbled by now. She watched the woman swallow thickly before responding.

"Frankie, he was so torn up after I ran that article. I just want to make it right for him."

"For Frankie! Aren't you guys just messing around, why the hell?"

Jane's hands flew up to quote messing around. Frost rose from his seat to grab her arm and pull her back before she could continue. This woman had some nerves, she felt the heat inch up her neck but couldn't pull herself away anger's grip on her. Months of slander to this angel act she was calling bull.

"Jane outside now."

His voice was stern, and she knew this conversation was getting the best of her. Her mouth opened to argue but his eyes narrowed, and she saw the plead there. Ripping her arm from Frost's grip and stomped the few feet to the door, letting it slam behind her as she obeyed her partner's order. The hallway was harshly lit, and she could count the knicks in the paint along the walls. She leaned against the opposite wall and stared down the faded brown door.

She couldn't focus on anything but that woman. It unnerved her how easier she had managed to get under her skin like that. Frankie was his own person, but how could he ever think that for one second that woman wasn't using him. This case was high stress as it was, but now dealing with her brother and his fling was adding to it in ways that she couldn't handle. The faster she could get this behind her the better.

The door opened gently. She could hear Heather wishing Frost a warm goodbye, the slight wobble giving away her lack of steadiness. He slipped the hard drive she offered him into his pocket and exchanged it with his police issued business card. He turned to face her once the door was shut and he simply held out his hand for her to lead the way back to their car. He knew her well enough to leave it for now, but she needed to get a handle on things and fast.

Maura shot of the last email of the night to the bodyguard she had hired to protect Mary Castor in New York. She had run the idea by Jane when Mary had first moved to New York, but it had been put on the back burner once the cases started popping up states away. Now she knew there was an active threat, and she had more money than God, so the idea was nothing but logical to her.

Slipping the now closed laptop in her bag she collected her files and the note to take home. There was something bothering her about how easily Callaway had slipped in and out of one of the most secure hotels in New York. She knew from listening to the investigators that a few bellhops had been out sick, but they had been quickly cleared as their badges hadn't been scanned in on the elevator logs.

She remembered how easily she and her partner had slipped through security here and at her neighbors and wondered if the single bodyguard would be enough. Her cell phone chirped out the familiar tune of a text coming through and smiled at the selfie Angela had managed to snap with Frankie and Tommy smiling in the background of her kitchen. Dinner wasn't for another two hours, but the clan had happily made her home their first stop.

The door to her office was open and she saw Susie approaching her quickly with a red lab report in her hand.

"Dr. Isles, I wanted to catch you before you leave. I got the trace reports back on the Brumfield case, there was some residue that we found along the rim of the water bottle that contained the Rohypnol. It matched finally to a compound mix of anhydrous sodium sulfate and carbonate, powdered sulfur, powdered charcoal, and white kaolin. Color hex #120A8F, or better known as Ultramarine."

Susie had entered her office fully to hand her the file from across the desk. She took it easily and browsed the report. She may not be a sailor, but she knew that color was one of the more popular for pinstriping on yachts.

"Thank you, Susie. Was there anything else from the national lab in the inventory today? I am expecting some results from the New York and Washington labs."

"Not that I was made aware of. Detectives Rizzoli and Frost came down earlier while you were in your meeting with the Governor. I know that one of them dropped off some photos for Christopher to look over, but other than that there was nothing to note."

Maura nodded and bent to make a note on her calendar to check on those photos in the morning.

"If you have nothing else, please feel free to leave for the night. I am about to head out myself."

Susie nodded and thanked her as she left the room to head towards the lab's locker room. Closing the door behind her, Maura slid her laptop back out of its spot in her bag. She settled in guest chair quickly setting the small device on her lap. She navigated to the Boston Harbor Yacht Club website and logged in using her father's credentials.

The member's site was nothing impressive, but she could care less about the general aesthetic as she hit the search bar. Alan West had docked his boat there for the past decade, his family for even longer. The donor page displayed the club's oldest and highest paying members, their sailboats cutting through the waves of the harbor on cold overcast days. Her scrolling stopped when she saw it.

The 2012 Knysna 500se Catamaran was impressive to the eye. The nearly 50-foot boat was docked at the end of the member's pier with Alan and his father Fredrick posing happily in front of her. She could see the name Fortune and Fate written in bright blue along the hull, the irony of the name not lost on her. She quickly printed the page out and added it to the folder it's bright red now sticking oddly out of her stylish Alexander McQueen tote. She slung it gracefully onto her shoulder and answered the call of her family waiting at her home.

Locking the office behind her, she made her way to the employee garage. There were several officers in uniform heading to their cruisers for shift. She smiled at them as she passed, and her gaze fell towards her Prius parked in its assigned spot. The light blue was obstructed by a lanky Detective who leaned against the driver's door.

She could see Jane scrolling on her phone as she waited. If it wasn't for her heels clicking soundly against the pavement, she would have been able to sneak up on her. As it was, she was greeted by the dazzling smile that Jane managed only for her.

"Well hello Detective."

"Dr. Isles." Jane tipped her head towards her, the aviators sliding down her face to rest perfectly on her nose.

Maura's laughter echoed in the garage as she came to a stop in front of Jane. Her hands automatically coming up to rest at her duty belt. Jane rubbed her forearms gently in return.

"You ready to go Darling? Your family is already at the house so if you need anything from the apartment or the store, we should do that first."

"Nah I had Frost stop on the way back from talking with Heather Green. Figured I could use that time to cool off and recenter before I lost it on some poor rookie."

"Good call, I'm proud of you for doing that. I know that conversation must have been hard, if you'd like we can talk about it later tonight? I have some other items to show you that may make you happy."

Jane's gaze peered over her glasses and took a long appraising look at her body, the black mock neck jersey dress left a lot to the imagination, but it didn't seem to matter to Jane.

Maura pressed a quick peck to Jane's cheek before pulling away to unlock the car.

"Mind out of the gutter please! I meant about the case."

Jane moved to open the door and closed it after she slid quickly inside, making quick work of the distance to the passenger seat. She pulled the file out and handed it to her to read as she pulled the car out of the garage and towards her home.

"Maura how are you just going to casually drop that you linked Alan West's boat to the murder site?"

"Those are not my conclusions to make. I simply found a bluish residue on the cap and had Susie run a Mass spectrometry on the items. Since I happen to also know that the color gradient found is common on boat paint, I used logically deductive reasoning to hypothesis that it would reasonably be on the boat Mr. West inhabits. Though just a theory."

Jane scoffed at her while she pulled off her glasses to study the photo more closely. Though Maura kept both hands on the wheel, traffic was moving slow enough for her to chance a look over at the scribbling that Jane had been making. She had her phone in one hand as the other wrote furiously along the margin.

"What is that?"

"These are the names of some of the guys on the force that have fishing boats out there. I want to get an up-close look at that boat tomorrow, but I wouldn't be able to get on the pier without a member or a warrant."

Maura concentrated back on the moving traffic as the familiar sights of her neighborhood came into view.

"I know that I said I wouldn't help until there was more concrete evidence. However, considering the events of the day and Susie's report I would be remiss to say that a reevaluation would be in order. I'm sure my father wouldn't mind if we had lunch under his membership at the club and well as guests of the club you would have ever right to…admire the boats around the docks."

Jane shifted in her seat to mock gasp at her, the file falling to her lap. Her voice dropping to a stage whisper.

"Dr. Isles are you suggesting we spy on a suspect?"

She felt her mouth drop open as she shot a quick glance to Jane before turning down her street.

"I was not. I was merely stating that we would be there by happenstance."

"Mmhmm. Sure. Happenstance. Going to be doing my happy stance when I get my eyes on Alan West's shocked face when he sees us bright and early."

She was glad to have the garage closing behind her as the now ridiculous conversation began to ease. Jane smiled at her before turning slightly more serious.

"Thanks for your help Maur. I know you don't enjoy going up against your people, but we wouldn't be able to solve these cases without you."

She felt herself nod as her chest filled with warmth. She still hadn't become used to that feeling of being appreciated like that. Yes, Jane made sure to tell her how wanted and loved she was, but in the professional setting it was still like the school yard playground. Always the odd one out, Maura the Bore-a left to read alone while everyone else seemed to make friends instantly.

She was pulled out of her revery by Tommy peeking around the door before yelling at them to come inside. She was happy, and safe in this moment and everything else would wait until later. She gathered her purse and let herself be pulled from the car by Jane's strong grip, their hands dropping their connection before moving inside. They would reconnect later away from the others, but now she settled into the chaos.