This is my first Crossing Jordan fic...I've pretty much been a lurker in this forum, reading and reviewing when I can. I've been working on this for a little while now. Please review, but don't flame me if you don't like it...that doesn't help me very much. Currently this is a PG-13 story, but the rating might change due to the subject matter that will be revealed in future chapters. Hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Crossing Jordan or any of the characters, but I do own the one that I created for this story...
She stood outside, leaning against the wall of the Pogue. A light breeze blew strands of her shoulder length blonde hair into her face. She brushed them behind her ear and sighed deeply…the last few months had been hectic to say the least for Dr. Jennifer Brooks. Leaning her head back until she felt it touch the wall, she closed her eyes and let her thoughts wander.
In late spring, she decided she wanted a location change from her Medical Examiner's job in Florida. Her boss thought she was crazy, but also noticed that she hadn't been happy as of late. After doing some digging, he was able to get in touch with a friend of his, Garret Macy. Three weeks later she was on a plane to Boston for an interview with Dr. Macy. A week after that she received a phone call from him letting her know that the Medical Examiner's position was hers. She happily accepted and he in return gave her ample time to take care of things in Florida, along with getting herself settled in Boston. By August, she was settled and starting her new job.
The past few weeks had been grueling…both mentally and physically. Jen, as she preferred everyone calling her, and Jordan had been thrust into a high profile murder case that had just recently wrapped up. Now, it was the beginning of the Labor Day weekend and Garret had insisted they all get together at the Pogue to unwind after work. She had tried to get out of going, but couldn't produce a good enough excuse. The voices from inside grew louder as the door opened and it stirred her from her thoughts.
"Nigel told me I could find you out here. Bored with us already?"
She turned her head slightly, her blue eyes met Garret's brown ones. "I just needed a breath of fresh air."
Garret looked at her somewhat concerned. "You ok?"
"Yeah."
"Sure…you've been quiet for most of the night."
Jen laughed slightly and brought her hand up to brush the hair out of her face. She turned back again to look at him. "I'm fine…really!" She tried to sound more convincing noting the concern on his face."Just tired that's all…it's been a long couple of weeks and then…well…between the move…" Jen let her voice trail off.
Garret smiled and put his arm around her shoulder, feeling her tense at his touch. "Well, how about we go back in and have a drink…enjoy what's left of the evening."
"Sure...why not."
For the next hour, Jen and Garret carried on some small talk. However, he noticed that she managed to sidestep questions concerning her past…opting to talk about him, Boston, or the rest of the staff. As the night slowly started to wind down, the group began to break apart and leave.
"Well…I really should be going." Grabbing her purse she began to get up.
"How about I walk you to your car?"
Jen turned to look at Garret. "Actually, I took a cab."
"Then…how about I drive you home."
Jen smiled, "that's not necessary…I can get a cab."
"It might take awhile for a cab to arrive and I'd hate for you to have to wait for it alone."
Jen shook her head and gave him a small smile, "ok…you win…lead the way."
Garret could see that she seemed a bit uncomfortable at the idea, but he shrugged it off. They headed by the bar, said goodnight to Jordan, and made their way out.
The months passed and Jen settled in well with the rest of the staff. By all accounts everyone liked her and she was a great asset to the team. She worked hard…just as hard as Jordan and the two seemed to hit it off pretty well. She was also the polar opposite of Jordan, who at times let her emotions get in the way of a case, Jen didn't. On a few occasions he noticed that when dealing with a victim's family she could be abrupt and lacked some compassion. When he called her on it one day, she just brushed it off, saying that it was hard for her to comfort people. Nothing more was said after that and he usually opted to speak with the victim's families instead of her.
Garret, however, found her to be a mysterious woman. Sometimes he chastised himself for looking at her longer than he should…considering how his relationships had faired between Lily, Maggie, and then Renee. But, there was something about Jen that intrigued him…she was quiet and shy, never spoke of her personal life, and of course was easy on the eyes.
One morning he stood staring through the glass into the breakroom when Jordan appeared.
"Find something you like?" Her lips curled slightly and she gave him a mischievous look.
He turned to look at her with an annoyed expression. "What are you talking about Jordan?"
"Looks to me like you have a thing for the new M.E."
"Where do you get ideas like that?" He turned and walked away, but heard her footsteps not far behind.
"Don't tell me you aren't a little bit interested. I've seen the way you look at her."
Garret stopped abruptly, grabbed Jordan's arm and pulled her into his office. "Okay…maybe I am slightly interested, but that's really none of your business."
Jordan rolled her eyes. "You're starting to sound like her."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"We've gone to lunch a few times and it was like pulling teeth to find anything out about her. I know her mother and brother still live in Ohio, but that's it. I could tell she was hesitant to give up certain bits of information…as if she was contemplating how to answer my questions. I get the feeling she's hiding something…"
Before Jordan could say anything further Lily interrupted. "Hey guys…sorry to just barge in, but there's been a shooting about five blocks from here. The police need a couple of M.E.'s down there now."
"Thanks Lily." With that, Jordan and Garret collected their things and left.
