AN: Okay, guys, how is the story so far? I was looking through the stats and comparing it with the number of followers and favourites, and it don't look too good. :/ Should I continue this story?
By some unspoken assent, Jane continued to live at Maura's house. Not only that, they – well, more Jane than Maura – kept up the lie, and pretty soon, it was almost an established fact that Maura really did have a fiancé. Jane even moved to Maura's room where Maura had set up the mattress for her.
There was one thing that still stayed in the back of Jane's mind, though. It was the parting message Korsak had left with her. When the time is ready, we'll bring you back. I am confident that the Surgeon does not know where you are. I'll send you a message when it is the right timing.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks gradually turned into three months. Both Jane and Maura got to know each other more and more. A certain chemistry was formed between the two of them.
Jane helped out wherever she could. Her hands greatly hindering her. Maura had done some research and helped Jane by aiding her in some physical therapy. Maura got some loose scraps of fabrics, leather, and anything soft that she could get her hands on. She rolled this into a round ball, stuck them together with some home-made adhesive. She gave it to Jane and instructed her to exercise by gently squeezing this ball with as much strength as she could, and as often as she could.
Maura was more than happy to have Jane in her house. Never before had she met someone like her. Growing up, Maura's only acquaintances were those from the upper crust of society, where the most of them spoke one way, thought another way, and acted yet in another way. Interacting with them was like playing a game with combustibles and an open flame. Jane could make her laugh by means of using her sarcastic remarks or dry humour. Jane accepted her as who she was. Accepted Mura with her fact spouting mouth, her bordering on compulsive disorder in the area of cleanliness, and her somewhat naive nature.
Jane, on the other hand, never had a friend like Maura. All the ladies Jane had come across that came from Maura's kind of family were snobbish, and, if she met them as Jedidiah, their only goal was to flirt with him. In some cases, they went as far as to get him into bed, even if their husbands were just a few feet away. Maura was different. She wasn't proud of the money, prestige, knowledge, and service that she was doing. On the contrary, she seemed to be quite oblivious to the talent that she had. Maura said what she meant, and meant what she said.
The both of them knew that they felt something for each other. Even if they didn't acknowledge it yet. For now, they had been simply contented with their friendship.
The day finally came when Maura decided that it was time to remove the bandages. They were both excited. It was evening now, and they had gone up to Maura's room. Jane lay on her belly on Maura's bed, while Maura sat cross legged, facing Jane.
"You ready?" Maura asked.
"Yup, ready as I'll ever be." Jane replied nervously.
Maura gently grasped Jane's right hand and started to unwrapped the cotton gauze. The last layer came off, unveiling the hands. Jane's palms were now pink in colour. There was a puckered white line that went through the middle of the palms and was visible on the back of the hand too.
Maura moved to the other hand. The condition the same as the right. "How does it feel?" Maura asked as she gathered up the gauze.
"Cold. It feels almost cold." Jane whispered. Jane held her hands up and looked at it closely, examining the scars left behind. Looking back up at Maura, Jane was struck by her beauty. The candlelight cast an ethereal glow over Maura's face, giving her an angelic hue.
Gathering her courage, she lifted her right hand up to gently cup Maura's cheek. Maura caught her breath, but did not move away. She looked deep into Jane's brown eyes. "Maura, I've always wondered how my palms would feel against your skin."
"Well, now that you do, how does it feel like?"
"It-it feels like it was meant just for me."
Maura's eyes fluttered close when she felt Jane's thumb move up and down. "I think it was meant for you."
Suddenly, there was a harsh knock on the door, breaking the spell that had wound itself around Maura and Jane. They jerked apart, with Jane rolling down to the mattress below. Maura clambered out of the bed and cracked open the door. "Yes? Oh, it's you, Susie. What is it?"
"Doctor, Isles, one of the soldiers just coughed up a whole lot of blood and he don't seem to be breathing no more."
"Okay, I'll be right down." Maura said as she put on her robe to cover her night gown. Glancing down at Jane, she smiled. "I think the person really knew what he meant when he said that there is 'no rest for the weary.'"
Jane smiled back. "Come, let me help you then." When Jane saw the glow of gratitude, she felt her heart melt, and the words from Alfred Lord Tennyson reverberated through her mind. She, looking thro' and thro' me/Thoroughly to undo me…
She was the one I had really wanted. That girl called Jane Rizzoli. She belonged to me and me alone. Every night now, since the day I first laid eyes on her, she has constantly been on my mind. She occupies my mind during the day, and she owns my mind during the night. My dreams are all about her. Nothing else. I managed to get close to her once. When I did, I took the chance to inhale her scent deeply. Like a wolf seeking down the scent left by its mate. She smelled of lavender. Soon, that would mix with the scent of fear.
I just had to get to her. To own her. I nearly came to make that wish into reality, but luck was not on my side. The cruel gods must have mocked me that day. But, no. No one makes a fool out of me. No one.
I knew what I was going to do would make her come after me. It was just a matter of time, skill, patience, and all the skills required when hunting. That day did come finally, we found each other, and now she has some souvenirs from me. I would have pulled it off if it weren't for her two superiors that showed up. Maybe the gods are just testing me. Just honing my skills to make me a better hunter.
Three months has passed now. I am a doctor too, and I know that the wounds would have healed sufficiently now. I know where she is now. I also know who she is with now. Rather than risk it by going out to the prey, now would be the time for the Surgeon to come back and strike again.
Set s trap, draw the prey out, let her fall into the trap, and then, she will at last be mine. I took out my twin scalpels and checked them. This were new ones, and I have only used it on dead animals so far. The blades were still shiny after all the practice cuts. After all, a hunter must keep his weapons in top condition. I took a piece of paper, held it out, and slid the scalpel from the top all the way to the bottom, smoothly cutting the paper into two.
It was a full moon outside. The eerie glimmer of the moon shot down and illuminated the town. I read once that the moon was supposedly a woman, out of loyalty to her husband, swallowed a pill and floated up to the heavens and became the moon. Humans are always making up stories to explain this kind of things. That part of humanity, I will never understand.
Whatever the case, it was perfect time for the kill to happen. I already knew who the victims were. I don't think Jane would mind that much. From all the information that I gathered, this couple were not that well loved. They wouldn't be missed that much. However, their deaths would still be close to home and affect the rest of the town. And the eyes that Jane had left to watch the town would report it to her soon.
She would know who it was, and she would come out of her hiding cove and come after me. What a reuniting we will have! I have fantasied what I will do to her this time. How long should I stretch the torment? How far should I carry on?
I smell the air. It smells of rain about to fall. Yes, this is a good night for the hunt. Tonight, I make my move.
AN: Muahaha! I feel so dark and evil after writing the last half of the story. The legend I referenced is a Chinese one. There are many variations to it. So, the one I used might be different from one that you have heard. Anyways, please do review! Love to read them! :)