Till Death Do Us Part
Part Seven
Rizzoli and Isles are property of TNT and Tess Gerritson. I am just borrowing them for a little fun.
Okay, I am taking some liberties in moving a Texas nature area of one of my favorite Grotto's and transporting it to where the girls are now. The swimming hole is modeled off of the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve.
"Jane, do you need some help?" Maura had gotten off her horse. The canyon they had ridden into had a rock grotto in the shape of a crescent moon. The water tumbled off the grotto wall into the clear pool below. The pool itself was surrounded on three sides by the rock grotto along with trees and various grasses that sprouted up around the rock lined shore. The pool was clear all the way to the bottom, but reflected greens and blues in the afternoon sky. Maura noticed there were several nice rocks for sunning oneself. The grotto had a large overhang that gave shade to half the pool while leaving the open sky to dance along the water on the other half. Blue sky with soft puffy clouds skirted along on a gentle warm breeze sending a sweet invitation out to the couple.
"No, I got it." Jane came down off the horse jarring her ribs some, but expertly hiding it from Maura. "Are you sure this is warm enough and safe?" Jane asked as she looked at Amman. Amman nodded and pointed out the area at the top of the grotto.
"Yes, most of the rock wall on the outside fall's off into a steep drop. The area where you see the water coming off the top is fed by an underground spring. Now, the water below in the spring is heated by thermal energy from below the earth. It is safe. I also asked Doctor Peterson about you swimming. He said your stitches are to come out tonight so it is safe for you to swim. In fact, if you want Doctor Isles may take them out now." Jane shook her head. She was just ready to spend time with Maura, the stitches could wait.
"I am going to be over there." He pointed to a secluded alcove. "I am going to take a nap, feel free to rest and relax. We will not be heading back until after dark. I have dinner for us and lunch. Seek me out, when you are hungry for more than each other." Amman gave a deep baritone chuckle that told Jane they were being teased. Her face blushed even as Maura brushed up against her taking the pack with items in it for their swim from Amman. "You have but to call and I will be there in seconds."
"Thank you Amman, I believe we can figure the rest out from here," Maura's burred response telling the man that the doctor was well pleased. Amman smiled and moved away from the ladies taking the horse with them. As he moved into the alcove he had a perfect view of the entrance, but not the swimming hole. The ladies would have time together for a while. He unsaddled the horses putting them behind a natural made pen and gave them hay which was kept stocked and refreshed by Rebecca. The grotto was used so much Rebecca and Edward had contrived a holding pen for horses. If one hunted a little more they would find the BBQ pit that was created for the small parties Rebecca held every once in a while. "Jane, did you know the word grotto comes from the Vulgar Latin grupta or from the Latin crypta which means vault. The Italian just called it grotta." Jane smiled; Maura's googleness had reasserted itself. Jane stared out over the pool absorbing the natural beauty breathing in the days air letting it remove the phantoms from the last few days.
"God, it's so beautiful." Jane turned to find Maura had laid out a blanket on one of the flat rocks nearby set towels, swimsuits, and even a snack of fruit, cheese, and bottled water. Maura was now near the water's edge sans clothing. Jane's heart caught in her throat. More beautiful than even the grotto was her beloved girlfriend now entering and swimming in all her naked glory. Maura turned in the water her hand rising above the surface with her finger making a come hither movement. Jane took one moment to look toward the alcove then sat down and began removed her clothing. Carefully she entered as Maura came close to help guide her into the water against the rocky floor. It suddenly dropped away and Jane found she was floating within Maura's arms. Jane kissed Maura realizing again how close she had come to losing her love. "I love you."
"I love you. Come on let's have some fun. I think we earned it." Maura's good natured curiosity pulled Jane further into the pool as Jane nodded. Together the two women swam, played, and explored the grotto. It was everything that Amman had said and even more. Jane's' smile exploded forth for the first time in days as she found a new balance within. Maura's faith in Jane's recovery and guilt for not being able to come to her partner's aide when she most needed her began to fade. The two women left the water to snack and then sun themselves in the afternoon sunlight.
"I'm sorry. Sorry, I couldn't get to you to let you know I was alive." Maura whispered softly. Jane looked sideways to where Maura was laid out naked on the rock her sun kissed skin turning pink in the late afternoon sun.
"It wasn't your fault. Circumstances played against us. We couldn't have known not to trust the FBI. Maybe, it was for the best." Maura rolled on her side as her hand rested under head propping her up to look on Jane's naked body. Her injuries making her all the more desirable as Maura thought about how that body had covered her and protected her.
"What do you mean?" Maura's hand ran across the scars from surgery on Jane's side. "How could you say that?" Jane caught that hand bringing it to her lips and kissing it softly.
"Marry me."
Maura cocked her head sideways gentle confusion covered her features. "Jane, I already said I would marry you." Jane shook her head pulling Maura closer leaving just enough room so that the late evening breeze slid between their bodies
"No, here in Texas. I know it won't be legal until we get back and register it in Boston, but I cannot wait any longer. If anything the last few weeks have taught me it is that I cannot live without you. I want to be known as Mrs. Jane Rizzoli-Isles. I want the world to know you're the one that protects, loves, and cares for me."
"Yes, yes," the strong, serious voice of Doctor Isles answering Jane. "I will marry you Jane, but what about our families and friends." Maura asked while holding Jane close.
"You let me figure that out. When this is done and over this week I want to marry you. I want to bring our family and friends down here to enjoy our marriage." Maura nodded and covered her lover's body. She started a slow, loving exploration of the detective's body. While Jane may have given into Maura the night before this time it was a shared experience binding them closer. Soft words of pleasure and need drifted up out of the grotto connecting the two lovers to the natural surroundings. Nearby, Amman smiled relieved that the two lovers were healing together. He knew what the bitterness could do to a person he only had to look as far as Rebecca.
Hours later the two lovers sought out Amman. The protector's fire already roasting several quail, potatoes in the coals sizzled in their aluminum wrappers, and a pan of beans hung over the fire. A bottle of wine chilled in a small cooler. Several bottles of beer sat alongside. The two women sat on rocks that had been moved to be used as chairs. In the center a larger rock was balanced firmly on a smaller base rock to be used as a table. Amman handed Jane a beer and poured a glass of wine for Maura. The women looked more relaxed than during the tele-conference. Jane was doing much better, though Amman could see she was very tired. "I wish we could stay here tonight."
"It is a beautiful sight, especially at night when animals come to drink from the water edge." Amman nodded up at the sky which was now turning orange, red and purple. Amman pulled out a radio and stood up. "Perhaps I can grant your wish. Keep an eye on the fire." Amman walked off toward the entrance of the grotto. Maura watched him go.
"He's a good man." She looked over at Jane who had begun dozing. "Hey, how about I remove those stitches now as we wait for dinner and you take a short nap." Jane opened her eyes looking at Maura with face that told the doctor she was about to argue. Then she stopped and nodded.
"Sure, I have a couple that pulled too much today." Jane moved to a flat rock near the fire and stretched out. She pillowed her head on her the arm she wrapped under to cushion it from the rock. Maura reached in the kit and pulled out the first aid box. When she did a six shooter fell out, safety on. "I think Amman was expecting trouble." Jane looked over as Maura handed her the gun.
"Yeah, but I think this is for you or me. Amman wears his on his side not to mention he has those two rifles in the saddle area. Rebecca did say he was to protect us." Jane said staring at the gun. Maura moved over near her and had Jane roll on her side. She had just started to remove the first few stitches from Jane's leg when they heard the sound of footsteps. Amman stepped into the light and smiled.
"I see you have found the gun I brought for you." He took a seat and put the radio away. "Edward is bringing out some sleeping bags, and ground cover. He thought it was a wonderful idea."
"Why not Rebecca?" Jane queried, though her closed eyes and relaxed posture didn't mean she was really looking for an answer. Amman was quiet for a moment stirring he beans, checking the potatoes, and then turning the quail.
"She was indisposed with a visitor. She wanted to make sure he got the best treatment. She said she would be back out tomorrow." Amman's voice never let on to the gravity of what was going on back at the ranch. The two lovers remained unaware of the events that had and were transpiring.
"How did you meet Rebecca Amman?" Maura asked as she removed another stitch from Jane's leg. Practiced hands moved deftly soothing while removing each stitch.
"I lived in a small village inside of Kurdistan. My parents had been killed by extremists. I had managed to get a visa to the United States to go to college. I met Ms. Rebecca while in college. She needed someone she could trust. I had skills which she found advantageous to her business. We formed a mutual agreement that was beneficial to us both. I have been with her now since her father gave her the ranch." Maura had finished working on Jane's leg, wiping the area with antiseptic and covering an area that was still not where it should be. She had added Steri strips to it just to make sure it healed right. She now turned her attention to Jane's ribs. She examined the area and decided not to remove the few stitches on the outside she could see. "You're very good at that doctor Isles. How come you're a forensic pathologist?"
"I find the dead are less talkative than live patients." Maura gently rolled Jane over and covered her with the blanket they had sunned on earlier. Her lover had fallen asleep the swimming and sunning finally taking their toll on the healing detective. Maura rolled a towel and gently placed it below Jane's head.
"She is healing faster since you arrived. Her soul no longer weeps." Amman said gesturing toward Jane.
"Yes, so am I. Your home is an area of great strife." Maura said taking another sip of her wine.
"Yes, you know of my country?" Maura nodded and told him about her time with Doctors Without Borders. Jane drifted in and out listening to Maura's soft light voice and Amman's deep baritone burr. "You are an admirable woman Doctor Isles."
"Yes, she is, but she still calls blood a reddish brown stain." Jane called softly from where her slitted eye's watched the two talking.
"Jane you know it isn't blood till it's tested." Jane's hand was up with the gun cocked and ready to be fired.
"You can come out of the shadows if you don't want to be shot." Jane had risen faster than she should, but pushed the pain and dizziness aside as she watched Edward walk into the firelight carrying sleeping bags, pillows, and a couple of lanterns.
"Sorry, I was listening. Didn't mean to startle you." Edward set the items down. "I have a few more things to bring in so you don't have to starve in the morning." Edward wandered back out of the firelight toward where his horse was located. This time Edward brought the horse closer and unloaded fresh food for breakfast into the cooler. Jane had put the gun away and moved to sit at the table. Maura had joined her noticing how her lover had wavered. Edward joined them after depositing the items. Amman dished food out for the two ladies, Edward, and himself.
"Edward, can you tell me something?" Jane asked after she had finished her meal. She had time to examine the man. Edward nodded. "Why do you have a reddish brown stain on your jeans?" Edward looked down where blood was indeed on his jeans. Dang it, forgot to change. He looked back up at Jane trying to figure out what to say and what not to say. He finally settled on the truth.
"Ms. Rebecca had a visitor earlier who took exception to her hospitality she has extended." Edward wanted to snort in laughter to the words exception to her hospitality as he remembered and told the story to his guests.
Back at the Ranch, earlier in the afternoon…
Rebecca kept her breathing steady and level as she had been taught to do in yoga class. She knew the gunman was getting closer, but still too far away. She needed to lure him in just a bit more. She let her hand slide from the rifle praying she remembered to leave the safety on should it fall. It wouldn't do to shoot herself. He was close now. She just hoped that the next few seconds were enough. The gun was being aimed.
"You might want to aim that somewhere else boy." Edward's base voice echoed out. The gentlemen turned to see who was behind him when Rebecca suddenly jumped up and grabbed his gun hand. She was a little too slow and the gun went off. Edward was there in seconds bringing the gunman down even as Rebecca fell to the floor of the porch. Jacob and Jaramillo came out seconds later and restrained the gentleman. The man's hands and legs were tied together.
"Shit. Damn old age." Rebecca cursed as Edward moved to her side. "It's nothing to worry about. It entered the top of the Deltoid and came out the other side."
"Stop swearing about your old age, you haven't even reached your 40's yet." Edward was pissed. This was all needless risk in his mind." He could have killed you Rebecca. Why do you keep insisting on taking such risks?" Edward assisted Rebecca to her feet while Rebecca held pressure on to the wound.
"I was trying to kill her and I would have if you hadn't distracted me." Edward backhanded him hard. Rebecca came over and got a better look at their shooter. She smiled in a way that made your blood run cold.
"Take him to the barn. Let's show him how we treat "special" guests. This is your lucky day Joey Gonzalez. I am going to let you know why your father and I have such a special relationship." Jacob and Jaramillo moved Joey to the barn as Doctor Peterson came out of the house with the first aid kit. Carefully, he cleaned and bandaged the arm. He then gave Rebecca a shot of antibiotics.
"I wish you would rest. You lost enough blood to make yourself dizzy." Rebecca thought about this for a moment and shook her head.
"Have orange juice and water brought to the barn. Bring the bottle of Wild Turkey behind the bar." Edward turned to get a better look at Rebecca from where he had been holding her while doc worked on her.
"Rebecca, if Sheriff Edison comes out and finds what you're doing." Rebecca cut him off.
"No! Now let's attend to our guest." Rebecca stood up without either gentleman's help and walked toward the barn.
"What is she going to do?" Doctor Peterson inquired. Edward looked down at the boards in the porch.
"Send a message." Edward walked inside and got the requested items. He headed out to the barn where Joey Gonzalez was strung up in the back doorway, arms over his head. He was strung up in a Y between the doors. A small table with chair and umbrella sat nearby with Rebecca seated in it. Jaramillo and Jacob both held whips in their hands one a bull whip, the other a stock whip. Rebecca rose and grabbed the bull whip from Jaramillo's hand. She walked up very close to Joey and began asking questions.
"Now, Joey who sent you? I know your father; he would not send his eldest son and endanger the livelihood of the ranch. So who sent you?"
"Go to Hell Bitch! You haven't got the cojones to use that." Rebecca stepped around back of joey.
"Remove his shirt." Jacob pulled out his ram's horn knife from its sheath and cut Joey's shirt away from his body exposing the broad muscular back. The cool evening breeze caused goose bumps to rise across his skin or maybe it was fear. Rebecca ran her hand across Joeys back while speaking, "Such a strong man. Flawless in muscle. It would be a shame to mess up this body for the ladies." The last was said as Rebecca came to a stop in front of Joey. Your chica, she loves this body. I wonder how she will love it when I am done loving you." The space between Joey's shoulders had begun to ache from being hung so long. Perspiration began to bead on his forehead. "No? Oh well, let us begin."
Rebecca moved around behind Joey loosening the whip She took her stand just like her daddy taught her.
*crack* echoed across the late afternoon air.
*crack* nothing, Oh he was going to be a fun one to break.
*crack* A whimper escaped Joey's lips. "You know it's my belief the young of this world are not as tough as their fathers."
*crack* Next a low moan. "They have grown soft from technology and easy living."
*crack* A small scream escaped Joey's lips.
"All you need to do to end this is answer my questions." Rebecca had moved to the front again. Edward had come in and set out the drinks for Rebecca. She wandered over to the table and took a slow drink of orange juice. No sound came from Joey except heavy panting. Rebecca returned to behind Joey.
*crack* a louder scream and suddenly.
"Winez" Joey panted out. "Winez gave me money to kill you." Rebecca moved back in front of Joey again.
"What are your transporting across your land?" Rebecca asked running her hand across his sweat soaked cheek. He shook his head. Rebecca moved behind him again and let the whip fly.
*crack* *crack* Blood began to weep from the whip marks on Joey's back.
"Guns!" Joey screamed. "We are transporting guns and money back and forth to Mexico. Please, don't whip me again."
"Who is your contact in Mexico?" Joey shook his head and let it fall.
*crack* *Crack* "An agent within the Mexican government I don't know his name.
"So why blow up the warehouse in Boston?" Rebecca handed the whip to Jaramillo. Then walked around and picked up the bottle of Wild Turkey. She poured herself a drink as she listened to Joey whimper and cry behind her. She took a slow drink as she waited for the answer.
"The warehouse was being used as transfer point. One of the crime mob bosses in Boston was helping smuggle the guns and money where we needed it." Joey hated how weak he was and he hated this woman for exposing it.
"Who?" Joey shook his head.
"I don't know. Only father and Agent Winez know." Rebecca nodded, turned, and walked up to Joey.
"What is the account number for the Bahamas for Agent Winez?" Joey shook his head. Rebecca moved behind him once more, but this time she grabbed the stock whip.
*crack* *crack* *crack* *crack* *crack* Just like quicksilver Rebecca delivered five quick strikes across the raw inflamed areas of Joey's back forcing loud screams and writhing on the ropes. She quickly walked around grabbed Joey's chin forcing him to look at her.
"I have staked men to ant hills for less. So you better begin telling me now what that account number is boy!" Her voice was ragged and filled with anger. Joey rattled off the number.
"Doctor Peterson will be here in moments to tend you. You will be moved to a room in the bunk house and provided with clothing. Do understand one thing boy when in public we observe the niceties. Your father will explain why when you are returned tonight." She nodded to Jaramillo who set the bullwhip on a nearby hay stack and picked up a bucket. He tossed the liquid in the bucket across Joey's back. The young man's eyes went wide and he began screaming anew. "Antiseptic to make sure your back doesn't become infected." The young man was reduced to a whimpering mess. "Remove him, clean him up with Doctor Peterson's help, and take him home. Jacob, clean the mess in the barn." Jacob nodded with no argument as Jaramillo and Edward helped Joey off to the bunk house.
Back in the grotto…
Jane just sat for a long time after Edwards's story. It was hard to believe this hard, angry woman was the same person she had handed off to her father here in Texas all those years ago.
"I have to be getting back. Jane, don't judge her harshly. She is what this environment and position she holds in life has made her. She does what needs to be done to protect those she loves. Rebecca does love still, she just doesn't realize it." Edward turned to go, but was halted by Jane's next words. Maura thought about those words as it brought Patty Doyle to mind.
"How long can you wait Edward? Must be tough living in the shadows." Jane said as Edward looked at her. The firelight reflected off Jane's eyes as Edward studied her for a moment.
"How long did you wait in the shadows for Maura?" Then he was gone swallowed up by the night leaving an unsettled detective who hated that a cowhand could see into her soul.