See Ch 1 for disclaimers…

Maura debated her lipstick colors. She ran her finger along her choices. Did she pick something to draw attention to her mouth? She tapped her index and pointer finger back and forth over two options, debating. Finally she selected a third that was a more of a compromise between the pale, tinted gloss and the matte maroon stain. The claret color would draw attention but not be overt.

Her perfume selection was dabbed to her hairline at her temple, behind her ear, the side of her wrist and after a moment of hesitation, she lifted her pant leg and dotted behind her knees. Maura looked over her bedroom, smoothed a wrinkle from the duvet and straightened the throw pillows.

Just in case.

Standing at her full length mirror, Maura did a final inventory. Tonight she had decided to coil her hair up softly to expose her neck. Her shirt was black silk with an almost sheer illusion, the buttons were open low enough to invite the eye and the interlinked chains of her necklace were designed to hold the viewer there. Her black pants were soft, flowing, tight to her curves but loose at the leg. Everything designed to invite the viewer to imagine more with offering less. Nothing overt but certainly not conservative and hopefully appropriate for the night ahead.

Twisting her wrist to check her watch Maura realized she was earlier than she had anticipated. With a soft sigh she left her bedroom to wait in the living room.

Perched on the edge of her couch, Maura thought about the night ahead, mentally flipping through the scenarios and possible outcomes. So far Duane was proving to be splendid companion. She had stumbled on him quite literally when she had been touring the Harvard Natural History Museum waiting for a consult with an expert on entomology. She had come out of frustration, hoping the team at Harvard would be able to identify the partial pupal casing found on her latest victim. Maura had been so wrapped up in scanning the encased trays that she hadn't noticed the man carefully switching out the lower exhibit until her heel had unfortunately landed rather hard mid dorsum.

After the initial chaos of apologies and eventual introductions, he had allowed her to examine his hand. During the exchange he easily identified the pupal casing as Chrysoperla carnea. Thoroughly impressed, Maura had invited him to coffee to make up for the injury and they had passed a pleasant hour discussing his research and work as an adjunct professor. As she went to leave, she asked what else she could do to make up for injuring him and with a bashful smile he asked for her number.

Since that first coffee they had attended a visiting author lecture followed by cappuccino in the North End. Maura had invited him for dinner last Saturday and he had called almost immediately after to invite her out tonight. He had been a bit mysterious about the destination and she was rather charmed by the prospect. When she'd inquired about correct dress he had blushed and said he had never seen her in an outfit that wouldn't be perfect for where they were going.

He really was rather sweet. Duane lacked the slight intensity she usually found romantically attractive but his kind demeanor and keen intelligence were becoming rather appealing. His kiss goodnight after their last date may not have left her breathless but it did leave a warm feeling and a spark of curiosity behind.

After some additional reflection Maura decided perhaps she needed to expand beyond her usual gauge for potential dates. If there was not an immediate sexual draw, there was certainly a strong fondness developing that was deepening her interest in him as a bedmate. She rationalized that should her relationship with Duane turn physical and afterwards the experience inadequate, she would have at least have reconfirmed her ability to accurately assess potential for a physical relationship.

In any case he would be an improvement over her recent selections.

Maura was not surprised to hear the 7:00pm clock chime be echoed by a knock. With a smile she pulled open her front door. Duane was standing there with a smile as he adjusted his glasses. The odd pullover sweater he had selected was questionable in its fashion sense, but the small bunch of tulips he presented her with was a sweet gesture.

His cheek was warm under her lips and his cologne pleasing. "They're lovely, thank you. Come in for a moment while I take care of these."

After putting the arrangement in water on her kitchen island, Maura turned around and caught him looking. He blushed when he was caught staring, moving his eyes rapidly up and gesturing feebly towards her outfit. "You look amazing tonight. Thank you for coming out with me."

Maura gave him a smile in thanks as they walked out together, the words appreciated. He truly was a kind man, relationship material certainly for many women.

Once in the car the conversation flowed easily and Maura watched the sights of Boston slip by until they were crossing the bridge over the harbor. Duane pulled into a parking lot and paid the attendant. He jogged around the car to open her door. "It's time for the great reveal. I know a Wednesday night might seem a usual time for an invite out." He offered her a hand out. "And I know Southie might seem an odd choice."

Maura put her hand on his arm as they started to walk "Culturally speaking it is not the most traditional night for a date, but I have never been one to hold to purely traditional institutions or choices." She offered him a small smile. "And South Boston has many charms."

He looked relieved at her words. "And there is a point. I promised my younger brother I'd be in the audience for amateur night at Subculture. It's a small jazz club next street over on Athens. I thought you might enjoy the atmosphere. You have to audition so I can promise there will be some talent there."

Maura squeezed his arm lightly. "This is your youngest brother then? Roger?"

Duane nodded. "He's a good kid. Wants to be in an orchestra but he has the worst stage fright. He's trying to play as many of these nights as he can during college to get over it. He landed a gig here as back up for the solo vocalists."

"Has he tried hypnosis?" Maura was curious now.

"Yes. I'll hand it to the kid, he keeps trying. Hopefully he'll make it through tonight and they'll keep him on. His therapist thinks if he performs enough he will hopefully manage from now on during auditions." He stopped in front of a glassed in store front, the paint on the door chipped and the handle showing the patina of use.

Maura looked up at the sign, the lettering frayed, indicating the establishment had been in operation for awhile. That boded well for the level of entertainment. "Immersion therapy, I am familiar with it. It can be successful."

There was a cover to get in and they were lead to a table in the front that had been reserved for them. The space was dark and the conversation muted. It was a familiar laugh that caught her attention. Maura scanned the space and broke into a smile. "Duane come with me, I need you to meet some friends."

Tapping Frankie's shoulder Maura tried to understand why his look of shock bled into a slightly horrified expression that was instantly mirrored by Frost. Frankie's voice was almost a whisper. "Hey Maura."

Frost could only clear his throat at first. The only positive thing Jane had said all day was at least Maura had a date and wouldn't see her end up humiliated. They were all under death threats to keep the entire bet from Maura period. Yet here she was. Shit.

Frankie however seemed to have found his voice, gesturing to Maura and introducing her to Willy and the rest of table from Ladder 19. "Guys, this is Dr. Isles, our Chief Medical Examiner. I think some of you guys know her."

Maura gave a slight smile. "We do." She turned to Duane "I've worked with several of these gentlemen in some unfortunate arson cases." Maura stared at Frost trying to decipher why he was unwilling to make eye contact and seemed extremely uncomfortable. She wondered if she had overstepped her welcome. "We're going back to our table but I saw you sitting over here and wanted to come say hello before the music started." Uncertainty aside, social graces dictated an introduction before they left so Maura turned to her date. "Duane, this is Frankie Rizzoli, Jane's brother and her partner in homicide Barry Frost."

Duane held out his hand. "The brother of the best friend I have heard so much about. Pleasure." He reached out to Frost. "And the partner with the fine technology skills."

Frost shook Duane's hand but couldn't stop staring at Maura. "I have to ask, what are you doing in Southie?"

"Duane's brother is the saxophone for the vocalists. He invited me along to hear his debut. We're down in front." Maura gestured towards their table. "I didn't know you both enjoyed jazz."

"I don't exactly…" Frankie tried to hunt around for the right words when Frost jumped to his feet. "Maura can you come with me for a minute?" She had barely time to agree before she was pulled from Duane's side and towards the wall, out of earshot.

Frost seemed as frozen as Frankie had been moments earlier. After several long moments he finally leaned in. "Maura, I have something I need to tell you." But before he could continue the lights dimmed and Maura pulled away. "I'm sorry, I'll find you later Frost but I need to join my date back at our table."

Frost rubbed a hand over his head as he made his way back to the table and sat next to Frankie. The other man shared a look with him. "Don't get hopeful. I didn't have enough time to explain the situation to her. How in the hell did this happen?"

Frankie just groaned and chugged his beer. He could feel a headache coming on to match the throbbing in his wrapped ankle. Somehow he knew Jane was going to pin this on him.