**DISCLAIMER – I do not own the characters, they belong to TNT and associated bodies. **

A/N: Hope you enjoy!

FLIGHTLESS ANGEL.

Chapter 9 – Music of the Night.

"Dr Isles . . ."

Maura's eyes rose to her office door, where Matthew stood with a file in hand and a kind smile.

"Matthew, come in," she motioned to her seats at the end of the office. "And call me Maura, please," she smiled.

"Okay," Matthew winced sitting. "These definitely aren't Kentucky style, comfortable couches Ma'am!"

Maura smiled and laughed.

"You know, Jane says the same thing constantly." Her eyes dropped to her hands, where she was playing with her ring. "Matthew, I know we have this case," her eyes looked to the file he held. "However, I can't get this morning out of my head. I've been staring at the Google homepage for the entire time you were in autopsy. I need you to tell me about the Cranston Case."

Matthew set the file down gently on the table that sat between them.

"How well do you know Detective Rizzoli?" He questioned in trepidation.

"She's my best friend," Maura answered honestly. "She just had . . ." she sighed. "Jane was out with the boys last night," she smiled, finding Matthew's eyebrows rising in an understanding.

"She's not one for morning conversation, when she's got a hangover then."

"No. No she is not," Maura laughed, quietly; but soon became solemn once more. "I have been through some horrendous things with Jane. She has saved me from the worst this world has to offer. She would give her life to protect someone. But that's the only time you see her emotions." Maura sighed, thinking of her conversation with Jane only days ago.

"It's incredibly difficult to get Jane to open up," she looked to Matthew, for an inkling that he was following. "I don't want to read news reports about what happened. I want to know what happened. And I don't think Jane is in any mood to talk this afternoon."

"I understand. I'll make you a deal, if you'd do me the honour of being my plus-one this evening, I will happily tell you all you need to know. And all you don't want to know, about the Cranston Case."

His pupils were undilated, his skin unflushed and his breathing normal.

"Plus-one to . . ." Maura smirked, safe in the knowledge this man was not attracted to her.

"Phantom of the Opera, opening night." Matthew grinned like a 5 year old on Christmas morning.

Maura sighed and cracked her neck, but made sure to know her companion was aware it was in good-humour.

"I suppose I can find something to wear to the theatre," she grinned. "Everyone's got a little black dress for an opening night."

Jane looked at the time on her computer. 7.58pm. The office was deserted, save for herself and Frost who were still waiting to crack the cell phone code of the morning's victim.

"Jane," Frost yawned, wiping his face with his hands. "Let's call it a night. The computer can keep running this and I've set an alert, so it'll text me when it breaks. There's nothing more we can do tonight until financials and tox's are back. And considering everyone else has left, and we aren't Maura, we'll have to wait until morning."

Maura.

Jane stretched. She had barely left her chair all day.

"You're probably right," she rose grabbing her blazer and looking out the window. Maura's car was gone. "Looks like it's just us left," she began to yawn. "I'll see ya in the morning, Parter."

"Night Jane."

Jane rounded out of the bull-pen with her 'phone in hand.

She tapped the screen to open a blank message, inputting Maura as it's recipient.

I'm sorry about this morning. There may have been tequila involved last night. My head still hurts. Xxx

After an uneventful ride home, and not feeling her 'phone vibrate, Jane pulled it off her belt walking up the steps to her apartment.

8.24pm. No messages.

She checked on the status of the message. It had reached Maura's 'phone, but hadn't been read.

"Not like Maura," Jane mused to herself as she unlocked her door.

She walked Joe Friday, took a shower and put some laundry on.

9.15pm. No messages.

Jane stretched out on her sofa and looked at the blank screen. She texted Frankie.

Hey little brother. Got the game on now if you wanna join? Bring beer. Janie xxx

Opening another message to Maura, she typed:

Have you gone to bed? Xxx

Jane had fully immersed herself in the game by the time Frankie appeared, soaked through at her door with two 6 packs in hand.

"Always late, never empty-handed!" He beamed.

"Hey little brother," Jane hugged him, before pointing to a towel on the back of the couch. "You want some grilled cheese?" She shouted from the stove.

"Nah, thanks Janie. Ate at Ma's. Man, Maura looked SMOKIN' tonight!"

"Huh?" was all Jane could muster, trying to pretend she hadn't heard her brother over the game.

"Maura. All dressed up and out on the town with some Doctor 'friend'," Frankie quipped, shaking his head. "Guy had a full 3 piece suit on, complete with pocket-watch," he laughed. "A pocket-watch! Out for some fancy dinner no doubt."

"How about that," Jane looked at her now burning grilled cheese. "We don't serve a la carte at Chez Rizzoli."

"What's that Janie?" Frankie shouted from the couch.

"Nothing, little brother. Nothing at all." Jane dumped the burnt cheese into the bin.

Jane was awoken from her beer-enduced slumber with the familiar buzz of her cell-phone, lighting up the room from the table by her bed.

1 New Message

1.15am Sender: Maura

Jane I've only just got your messages. I was at the theatre with a friend. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Mx PS – Sorry if this wakes you.

Jane scratched her head for a moment and let her eyes adjust to the light from the screen. It was now 1.27am. A few grunts escaped from her lips as she considered her options. She could pretend she was asleep. Or, she could reply. She tapped the reply button.

It's okay. Wasn't sleeping. Xxx

She rested the device on the pillow beside her, turning to face it with her hands tucked under her head and closing her eyes. Seconds later the cell buzzed.

Well I knocked on your door twice and you didn't answer. I'm in my car outside. Open the door. Mx

Jane padded to the door, and unlocked it to find Maura quickly tiptoeing up the stairs holding her heels in her hand. She walked up the final flight slowly, after spotting no. 12 open and a sleepy looking brunette leaning on the door-frame with her arms crossed.

"Jane," Maura breathed out, suddenly unsure of herself, walking up to within inches of her object of her greeting.

"I'll put the kettle on," Jane turned her back to the M.E, shuffling into the kitchen. "You can tell me all about your hot date."