Chapter 2

"Well, that was helpful," said Jane as she walked to her desk at Boston PD.

"Yeah, that's bad luck," said Korsak. They had just interviewed their suspect. Unfortunately, he has an airtight alibi.

"It doesn't make sense, Korsak," Jane said, frustrated. "He is the only one who knew both victims."

Mia Clark, the first victim, was one of Boston's top lawyers. The second victim, Susan Richards, was a well-respected surgeon.

"Maybe it's a coincidence," Korsak suggested.

"Could be, but I really liked this guy for both murders," Jane replied. "He gave me the creeps."

"Sometimes things don't go the way you want them to," Korsak said.

Jane thought of Maura and the way she felt when they were in bed together. "Uh-huh," she said absent-mindedly. A couple of minutes went by before Jane could focus on the case again. "I'll go see if Maura found something," Jane told Korsak as she made her way to the elevator.

"Hi, Jane," Maura said when Jane walked into the morgue.

"Hey, did you find something?" Jane said, trying not to sound too hopeful.

"No, I'm sorry. I examined both bodies again and reviewed my reports, but there is nothing to help you find another suspect."

"It's OK," said Jane. "I knew you were too good at your job to miss anything." She looked into Maura eyes and found her smiling back at her.

"Thanks," said Maura. "What are you doing for dinner?"

"No plans yet," Jane said.

"Want to grab dinner at The Dirty Robber tonight?" Maura asked.

"Sure!" Jane said, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. "Call me if you find anything!" she said as she walked to the door.

"I will," said Maura.

It was ten minutes before Jane had to leave for The Dirty Robber and she still hadn't found anything to wear.
Why am I making such a big deal about having dinner with my best friend?! she asked herself. We have lunch or dinner at least twice a week. Finally, she decided to wear jeans, a white T-shirt, and her favorite pair of sneakers. She ran her fingers through her hair, took one last look in the mirror, grabbed her keys and headed out.

"Wow, you look nice!" Maura said as Jane sat down at their table at The Dirty Robber.

"Thanks, you too," Jane said. "I didn't want to dress like a detective for dinner."

"I don't mind, I like you in your detective clothes," Maura said, smiling at Jane. Jane felt her cheeks turn red and looked at the menu to hide her face.

"I feel like getting a burger, what do you want?" she asked Maura.

"What I want is for you to limit your fast food consumption," Maura said. "You should be eating more vegetables. Studies have shown that people who eat lots of fast food are more prone to depression and serious illnesses such as heart disease."

"All right, Dr. Google," Jane said. "I'll order a salad with my burger, but that's the best I can do." They both laughed and discussed the case until their order arrived.

"So, do you still like having my mother stay in your guest house?" Jane asked as she put way too much ketchup on her fries.

"Yes, I do," Maura said. "She is so sweet. I like having her around." Jane couldn't help but smile at the thought of Maura and her mother becoming close. "I think Angela is dating Lieutenant Cavanaugh. I've seen them a couple of times together at the guest house and she's always flirting with him in the Division One Café."

"Please, Maura," Jane said, trying to hold down her burger. "I do not want to think about my mother and my boss… you know…"

Maura laughed and said: "All right then, how's your love life? Anyone you like?" Jane almost choked on her milkshake.

"No!" she answered quickly. "After what happened with Agent Dean and Casey, I think I'm better off without men."

"I know what you mean," said Maura. "Every guy I like turns out to be either a fugitive or a serial killer. Maybe we should consider becoming lesbians," she said jokingly.

Jane looked at her in shock. When she regained control of her facial muscles she asked carefully: "Is… that… something you would seriously consider?"

"Well, I don't know," Maura said. "People don't become gay. It's not a choice. I have never been with a woman but I would like to keep my options open." Jane smiled and said: "Smart, double your chances."

"Who knows." Maura shrugged and finished her drink. After they paid their check, Jane drove Maura home. Before Maura got out of the car, she kissed Jane on the cheek and said: "See you tomorrow, Jane."

"Good night, Maura," Jane said. She watched Maura get inside and drove away, trying not to think of how badly she wanted to relive that kiss.

When Jane entered her street she noticed a man in a black hoodie run down the street before he disappeared in the dark. Chills went down her spine and she decided to keep her gun on the nightstand again. She locked the door behind her, made sure all the windows were closed and went into her bedroom. Jane brushed her teeth, changed into her boxers and climbed into bed. She looked at the pillow next to her and wished Maura was there.

This is ridiculous, she thought. I can't feel this way, it'll ruin our friendship. Jane closed her eyes and wished her feelings for Maura would go away. I can't stay away from her, she realized. We work together, I have to see her every day. Determined to find a way to deal with her feelings, she turned off the lights and went to sleep.