I
Monday morning at the precinct came quickly for Maura, but for Jane, it had been a prolonged and frustrating weekend. Jane's pride refused to allow her to call Maura, but after the entire weekend had passed without so much as a text from the medical examiner, Jane became infuriated. As Maura stepped into her office and opened a case file regarding her grant proposal she was startled by Jane's sudden and forceful entry into the morgue.
"Jane, hi. What are-"
"What's going on with you, Maura?" Jane approached Maura's desk, her hands fitted firmly on her hips.
"Excuse me?" Maura stood from her chair.
"You heard me. You've been acting funny for weeks." Jane folded her arms across her chest. "You're like a ghost around here. You weren't even here, last Friday." She exclaimed.
"Friday was my research day, Jane." Maura folded her hands neatly in front of her as she spoke. "You seem very agitated."
Jane laughed half heartedly, "Agitated? Well, that's a start. I didn't hear from you all weekend."
"Was I supposed to contact you?" Maura asked genuinely confused; she couldn't quite pinpoint the detective's aggression.
Jane shook her head, "On Thursday, I invited you down to the 4-Leaf Clover for drinks and to watch the game. You said you said you were busy and you'd call me later."
"I said I'd talk to you soon." Maura corrected, becoming a bit annoyed with Jane's hostility.
"Soon." Jane repeated. "Soon implies in the near future. Why are you being so secretive, all of a sudden?"
"Jane, I know that we haven't spent much time together outside of work, lately, but -"
"Are you seeing someone?" Jane interjected; she glanced down at Maura's chest to see if turned red or if she broke out into hives; a clear indicator of whether or not Maura was being truthful.
Maura noticed Jane's motive and immediately buttoned her blouse, "Jane, I'd rather not discuss this with you."
"That's it, isn't it? You've got a new boyfriend." Jane concluded. She scoffed and looked away from her friend in what appeared to be disgust, but then her eyes snapped back into focus, "Why won't you just admit it?"
"Don't interrogate me like I'm one of your suspects." Maura defended. "I've had a busy work load and a research deadline to meet. What I choose to do in my personal time is really none of your business, detective."
"Oh, so, I'm detective now?" Jane glared. "Cut the crap, Maura. You can't just turn your back on everyone, you know."
"Jane, you're overreacting." Maura fought to control her own temper; it was difficult to hear Jane's harsh criticisms, and not retaliate. "I haven't turned my back on you or anyone else."
"Yeah? Well, that's not what it feels like." Jane stiffened her chin. "After everything we've been through…" Jane trailed off. She exhaled deeply. "You know what, just forget it. Our ideas of loyalty clearly aren't the same." Jane turned quickly and stormed out of Maura's office space.
"Jane, please." Maura begged.
Jane slammed the door to the morgue. Slowly, Maura lowered herself into her chair and placed a hand to her head. She had anticipated potential issues with protecting her newfound relationship, but she never imagined Jane would act so viciously.
II
As soon as the clock struck four, Maura exited her office and headed straight for her car. Her mind had been clouded all day and it had been impossible to focus on her proposal and presentation. Jane's hostile behavior had sent Maura's emotions skyrocketing in multiple directions. Maura could understand jealousy, even protectiveness, but disloyalty was an exaggeration and a far cry from the truth. "Turn your back on everyone." The very words alone were insensitive and absurd. Maura always feared becoming a woman who was married to her job, and today she felt the repercussions of that fear.
True, Jane was entitled to some type of an explanation, but only at Maura's discretion. Maura wasn't going to just relinquish her right to privacy, which was honestly what the argument was boiling down to; Jane demanded answers, Maura demanded the respect of her privacy, and now the battle lines were drawn. Additionally, this wasn't something that could just be blurted out across the table while they drank beer and ate pizza. How was Maura supposed to explain to Jane, Jane's family, hell, the entire police department that she, a heterosexual woman, had been participating in an ongoing lesbian relationship with another woman? Furthermore, why should she have to explain that? What if it wasn't even explainable? She needed more time. She needed Jane to understand, to value her confidentiality and give her space. Maura was all too familiar with being the social odd ball of the group, the misunderstood, awkward, one, but to be placed on a scaffold and ridiculed for having a private life was intolerable.
As Maura pulled into her driveway, she spotted Angela glancing out the guesthouse window. Maura adored Angela Rizzoli, she cared for her as if she was her own mother, but she feared Jane's bitter feelings would influence Angela's. The heartbreaking thought overwhelmed her. Maura stepped out of her car, and the guesthouse door swung open.
"Maura!" Angela greeted as she waved cheerfully. She hurried down the sidewalk, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. "Here, sweetheart. I made this for you."
Maura graciously accepted the piping hot brew, "Thank you, Angela." Maura caught a whiff of the pleasant hazelnut aroma, "May I ask what's the special occasion?"
Angela smiled, "First, try it. Tell me what you think."
Maura took a small sip of the coffee, it was still much too hot, but tasted delicious, "Angela, it's wonderful." Maura praised.
"Really?" Angela wrung her hands. "You really think it's good?"
"Yes, of course." Maura laughed. "It tastes like it came from a gourmet coffee shop."
Angela's eyes brightened, "It does?"
"Do you mind if I finish it inside? It's freezing out here." Maura motioned towards the door.
"Of course, of course." Angela replied as she followed behind her friend. "I'm glad you like it, Maura. A-and, I knew you'd be honest, that's why I wanted you to be the first one to try it."
Maura led them into the kitchen where she removed her coat, "I'm taste testing?" Maura inquired.
"Yes." Angela leaned against the bar. "Promise you won't tell a soul."
Maura's eyes battered back and forth then narrowed, "Okay, I promise."
"I'm going to open my own coffee shop." Angela blurted.
"Angela, that's fantastic news." Maura smiled a heartwarming smile that she had perfected over the years.
"You really think so? You don't think I'm just kidding myself?" Angela's tone became more serious.
"I really think so." Maura nodded. "You've worked at the coffee shop at the department for over a year now; you're what keeps the customers coming back."
Angela exhaled deeply, she hadn't realized she was even holding her breath, "Oh, Maura, I have to tell you, it's been the most liberating experience and now, I think I know the perfect way to capitalize it. I've been practicing at home and during slow hours at work and suddenly, I'm on the computer looking up rental spaces and bank loans and espresso machines…" Angela shook her head, "Is it too much for a woman my age?"
Maura chuckled, "Not at all. Why work for BPD's café if you can work for yourself? And you're still a young woman, Angela; recent studies have shown that the average lifespan of a female homo sapien has increased by 35% over the last fifty years. Mathematically speaking, sixty is the new forty. "
"Exactly!" Angela clapped her hands. "Oh, Maura, I knew you'd understand." Angela paced the kitchen excitedly, "I'm just thrilled. If I open my own business, I can potentially earn enough to get my own place again." She shrugged, "I know it's not fair of me to ask you to keep my secret, especially from Jane, but if she and Frankie found out about this too soon, they'd try to talk me out of it and…"
Maura held up her hand to interject, "Your secret's safe with me. And you know you're welcome to stay in the guesthouse for as long as you need. Always, if you want."
Angela leapt across the kitchen and embraced Maura in a hug, "Next time you need a favor, you come find me. Anything you need, doll. Anything. You're like another daughter to me." The kind words pulled at Maura's heart and her mind immediately raced back to Jane and their argument earlier that morning. The two women parted. "Well, I've got at least three new coffee flavors to try out tonight. Want me to bring you more samples?"
"Oh, I'll be leaving soon, and I won't be home till late, but I'll be happy to take a sample to work with me tomorrow." Maura smiled.
A twinkle glistened in Angela's eye, "Ahh, a hot date?" She asked teasingly as she shimmied her shoulders.
"Yes." Maura replied. "A hot date with the Physician's Board of Boston. I'm presenting my research proposal for post-mortem tissue analysis in medical school laboratories."
"Aw, sweetie, well, I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead." Angela beamed.
Both women burst out into laughter. Maura immediately noticed the authentic change in her disposition as the dismal mood of the day drifted away. Maura's phone buzzed and she instinctually reached for it. "Dr. Isles. Good evening, Dr. Pyke, how are you? Good. I'm well, thank you. I was just about to review my presentation notes for tonight. Yes, I do have the address, give me just a moment."
Angela threw up her hand and waved goodbye as she slipped out of the kitchen and dashed off back to the guesthouse to experiment with more coffee concoctions.
III
Finally, Maura could call an end to the longest Monday of her life. The presentation had gone over flawlessly, and the question and answer session afterwards proved beneficial in filling in any potential gaps. The head of the Physician's Board gave his stamp of approval and thanked Maura for another year of hard work and dedication. Pictures were taken, toasts were given, and Maura was approved for further research in her field for the following year.
It was well passed ten by the time Maura had said goodbye to her medical colleagues and left the convention. Exhausted, she sleepily made her way towards her car. As she fumbled through her purse, looking for her keys, she failed to notice the black shadow creeping up closer behind her. Suddenly, Maura felt a sharp pain shoot through her neck and she collapsed onto the sidewalk. Her purse was violently ripped from her hands and by the time she was able to piece together what had happened, a swarm of people had gathered around her in utter shock and panic.
Maura tried to rise to her feet, the pain in her neck throbbing with intensity.
"Dr. Isles, stay down." Dr. Hallowell responded as she rushed to the woman's side and eased her back to the sidewalk. "You've been struck with a blunt object."
It was then that Maura noticed the ringing in her ears. She followed instruction and remained seated on the ground. Soon, the ringing vanished and was replaced with the sirens of an ambulance. Wait, had someone called the ambulance for her?
"Maura, did you get a look at your attacker?" Dr. Hallowell asked optimistically. Maura shook her head no. She glanced around at the half dozen people standing over her. Had none of them seen him either? "Light blunt force trauma. Contusions. Abrasions." Dr. Hallowell listed off the findings of her quick examination. "There doesn't appear to be serious injury."
"I don't need an ambulance." Maura confirmed.
"No, but you're going to have a headache hand delivered by the devil himself come tomorrow morning." Dr. Hallowell slowly helped the woman up to her feet.
Maura rubbed the back of her neck, "My keys…" She mumbled. "My keys were in my purse."
"No problem." Jaxon, Dr. Hallowell's husband, announced as he pulled out his cell phone. "My buddy Anthony's a locksmith. He can make a new ignition key right here on the spot."
"I've already contacted the police department." Dr. Pyke chimed in, "I can stay and give a testimony, if needed."
"I think you saw about as much as everyone else here, Pyke. You can head on home. I have a feeling you'll be filling in for Dr. Isles at BPD, tomorrow." Dr. Hallowell affirmed.
"Yes, of course. You have my deepest of condolences, Dr. Isles." Pyke carefully eyed the streets before he made his way across the intersection to his parked car.
As the ambulance arrived on the scene, they quickly addressed Dr. Isles and began looking over her injury. There was no need to take her to the emergency room for further treatment; nevertheless, it was a hell of a wallop. The friendly EMT offered Dr. Isles a blanket and a bottle of water.
"You're going to want to see your primary care physician as soon as possible." She instructed. "You'll need something to help with the pain and swelling."
"Covered." Dr. Hallowell assured as she stepped up next to the EMT. "Thank you for your assistance.
The familiar blue lights of the Boston PD lit up the corner of Washington and Irving. Officer Garrett approached Maura while she sat in the back of the ambulance.
"Did you get a look a the guy, Dr. Isles?" Garrett asked. "Any indentifying traits?"
"I didn't see anything." Maura replied softly, her body shivered as she wrapped the EMT blanket tighter around her shoulders.
"A few of us caught a glimpse of a man dressed in a dark coat and hat." Dr. Hallowell informed the officer. "He was roughly my husband's size and build."
"Well, that's not much, but it's something. Preston, check the area for someone who looks a lot like Mr. Hallowell, here." Garrett glanced back to Dr. Isles, "I'll take your statement when you're ready, Dr. Isles. Just start from the beginning."
Maura sighed, forcing herself to remain calm as she spoke, "I was at the medical convention at William Franklin Hotel. I walked out of the lobby at about half passed ten. My car was parked on a side street behind the hotel. I was digging in my purse, trying to find my keys, and then I felt a wave of pain radiate up my neck and into my head. I fell to the ground and someone grabbed my purse from my grasp. I never saw him. Next thing I recall, Dr. Hallowell was by my side."
"Did you have many valuables in the purse, ma'am?" Garrett asked.
Maura shook her head, "No, not really. My keys, a credit card, my ID, my badge." She sighed, "But the purse itself is worth at least seven hundred."
"That's probably what made you a target." Officer Garrett replied. "I'll never understand why women buy purses that cost more than the money they carry in them." He shook his head.
"If it helps, officer, the man was heading southbound on Oliver St." Dr. Hallowell added. "But that's just a side street that opens up to East Park, and from there…"
"He could go anywhere." Officer Garrett finished. "Dr. Isles, may I have a description of the purse. Hopefully, he's a clumsy thief and tries to sell it to a pawnshop. We could also let a few confidential informants know to keep an eye out on the streets."
"It's a vintage, black, Chanel Flap Bag." Maura replied. "I don't know the model number off hand."
"A black bag." Garrett repeated. "That's not going to narrow it down much."
"I'm not really concerned about retrieving the purse, officer, I'd just like to go home." Maura rubbed the back of her neck again.
"Speaking of home," Garrett began, "Did you have house keys in your purse as well?"
"Yes, but I have a spare hidden at home in case of emergencies." Suddenly, a look of terror flashed across Maura's face, "Oh, no, he has the keys to my house, my car, and he knows my address."
"It's all right, Dr. Isles. We're sending patrol units to your neighborhood right now and we'll park a car in front of your house the next few nights. Tomorrow, you can have all your locks changed, if you feel that's best. Chances are he won't even come near your home, but we always like to take extra precaution. That scumbag was most likely only after the purse and credit cards."
"I'll need to call my bank's hotline and file a report." Maura placed a hand to her forehead. "Are we done, Garrett?"
"Yes, ma'am." Garrett nodded. "I'm sorry for your bad evening, doctor."
"Thank you."
Maura reached into her jacket and pulled out her phone. There was just enough battery life left to call her bank's 800 number and report her credit card stolen. As she was hanging up with the bank, Anthony's Tow & Locksmith truck pulled up next to her car. Maura breathed a sigh of relief. Within minutes, Maura's car was unlocked, and Anthony went to his truck to make a copy of the ignition key, but Hallowell was quick to question Maura's ability to drive.
"Dr. Isles, I'd feel better if you let my husband drive you home and I follow behind." Hallowell tenderly placed a hand on Maura's shoulder and then handed her a slip of paper with a prescription written on it.
"Thank you, Dr. Hallowell, but I don't want to be a burden. You've already done so much."
"Please, call me Cheyenne, and you're not a burden. You're a friend." Cheyenne smiled. "And a very vital part of the medical community. We take care of our own around here."
"You're all ready to go, doc." Anthony announced as he handed her a new key to the car. "I'll come by your home address first thing tomorrow morning, if you'd like. I can switch out all your locks in a couple hours. Half price." He winked.
Maura nodded, "Thank you. That would be fine."
"Hey, no problem. My business is word of mouth, so, you know, just tell your friends. Have a better night." Anthony smiled and then turned to shake Jaxon's hand before climbing into his tow truck and driving away.
"Come on, Let's get you home, Dr. Isles." Jaxon placed his hand on Maura's back as he guided her to the passenger side of her car.
IV
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Jaxon asked.
"Just a hot bath and a warm bed." Maura replied.
Jaxon nodded, "All right, well, here. Cheyenne wanted me to give you our numbers. That's her office, her cell, and my cell. Turns out you do need anything, don't hesitate to call either one of us." Jaxon handed Maura a slip of paper.
"I can't thank you enough, Jaxon." Maura took the paper and placed it with the prescription Cheyenne had written earlier. "Tell Cheyenne thank you again for me."
"Get some rest." Jaxon smiled. "Fell better. I'm sure Cheyenne will be calling to check in on you tomorrow. Take care, doctor."
Maura closed the door behind Jaxon. She let out a long exhale and slowly slipped off her jacket. Exhausted, but aching for a hot bath, she made her way to her bathroom and turned on the water to fill her tub. She took a glance at herself in the mirror and was shocked by her appearance. She looked worn down and ragged, no wonder everyone pitied her. She grabbed a washcloth from her linen closet and wet it with warm water to wash her face. As she pressed the warm cloth against her cheeks she allowed a few tears to escape her eyes and trickle down her face. She had managed to hold back from crying all evening; she absolutely despised crying in front of others, but here in the privacy of her bathroom, tears could flow freely. She turned off the water in her tub, and was about to undress, when she heard the distinct noises of a scuffle outside her house.
"On the ground, now!" A police officer shouted. "Put your hands behind your head. Behind your head!"
Maura bolted out of the bathroom and headed to her living room window. She peaked through the curtain to see an officer on top of another body that was laying face down in the grass of her front yard. Maura immediately opened the door.
"Dr. Isles, stay back!" The young officer ordered. "Everything's under control here." He whipped out his handcuffs and leaned down over the body, pressing his knee into the suspect's back.
"Maura, what the hell's going on?"
"Kadin?" Maura's voice broke as she dashed from the doorway to her front yard.
"You know this woman?" The officer asked.
"Yes, she's a friend of mine. Let her go." Maura snapped.
The officer reluctantly placed his handcuffs back on his belt and removed his knee from Kadin's back. "I saw her approaching your door from my car." The officer remarked. "She looked rather suspicious showing up here at this hour, especially after the night you've had. She didn't want to comply with my questions. Walked right on by, like she didn't even hear me."
Kadin stood to her feet and brushed the dirt off her clothes, "Sorry, officer, it seems there's a language barrier. I don't speak idiot."
"I'm so sorry." Maura apologized as she stepped between Kadin and the police officer. "Are you okay?"
"I should be asking you that." Kadin replied sympathetically. She glanced over Maura's shoulder at the cop, who was still eyeing her suspiciously, "Look, pal, I'm not the bad guy here, okay. Do you mind?" The officer mumbled a few inaudible words, and then slowly turned to walk back to his car.
Maura took Kadin by the arm and led her into the house. Once inside, the two embraced tightly. A rush of relief and peacefulness flowed through Maura's body as she took comfort in Kadin's arms around her.
"I tried to call." Kadin replied as she held the medical examiner close. "It went straight to voicemail. I was worried about you."
"My phone died over an hour ago." Maura explained.
"I heard about what happened." Kadin held Maura back at arm's length. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you? How's your head?" Kadin's eyes searched Maura thoroughly.
"I'm fine." Maura cleared her throat, when she felt a wave of tears form behind her eyes. "It was a classic hit and run." She laughed, hoping it would help regain control of her emotions.
Kadin pulled Maura close to her once more. "I'm so sorry." She whispered as she gently rubbed Maura's back. "Thank God, you're okay." Kadin led them both to the couch and helped Maura sit down. "Do you need anything?" she asked. "Something to eat? Drink?"
"No, no, I'm fine." Maura shook her head. She sniffled lightly, and a tear formed in the corner of her eye; she wiped it away quickly, before it had the chance to fall. "Did Cheyenne call you?" she asked.
"Actually, Jaxon called." Kadin explained. "We had plans to meet up at my apartment tonight after the convention, but he called to cancel. When he mentioned your name and what happened, it felt like my heart dropped to my stomach. When I couldn't reach you over the phone, I got in my car, and I drove over here. I know it's late, and maybe I shouldn't have just shown up unannounced, but I had to come see you. I just wanted to make sure, you know, that you're really okay. That's when Officer Barney Fife, out there, face planted me into the yard." Kadin scoffed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's looking out for you, but-" Kadin's speech was cut short as Maura's lips suddenly collided into her own.
When Maura pulled away from their tender kiss, Kadin was startled to see her tear stained cheeks. She cautiously reached her hand up to Maura's face and wiped them dry. She cupped Maura's cheek in her palm, and Maura leaned into the soft touch.
"Thank you for coming." Maura's voice cracked.
"Of course." Kadin replied sweetly. She leaned back into the couch and pulled Maura with her.
Maura laid her head on Kadin's chest. Kadin reached for a throw blanket resting on the couch and used it to cover Maura's body. The two sat in silence for a while, no words needing exchanged. Finally able to relax, Maura fell asleep in Kadin's arms, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.