3 – Barefoot in the Park

When Maura and Julian "Rat" Perkins arrived at the apartment that morning to pick them up for their Sunday picnic in the park, Regina flew to the door, her chubby little legs barely keeping her balanced as she threw herself into the seventeen-year old boy's arms. Rat looked startled for a moment, but then his handsomely rugged face broke out into a rare grin as he hugged the toddler.

"Hey Reg," he said. "How ya been?"

"Rat," she said, squeezing his neck.

Maura and Jane watched the charming reunion between their kids. Then Jane patted the huge shepherd/wolf mix breed that was sitting by his master's side, ignoring the small terrier trying to get his attention. Bear's warm, wet tongue slipped out to give Jane's hand a sloppy lick, a sure sign of respect for the tall detective.

Rat finally put the little girl down who then threw herself around the dog's neck. "Bear!" the dark-hair girl cried with a squeal, her unruly curls mingling with the dog's furry mane. Bear responded with a soft woof.

Maura frowned. Regina was wearing purple shorts and a Boston PD tee-shirt printed with the slogan Zombie Task Force: To Protect and Serve…the Living. "Jane, do you really think that shirt is appropriate for a little girl?" she asked.

Jane laughed. "It was a gift from Frost and her current favorite of the week," she said. "I dare you to get her out of it."

Maura shook her head, knowing that the toddler's stubbornness matched that of her mother's and any suggestions to improve the girl's wardrobe would only be met with distain. "Are you two ready to go?" she asked Jane, her eyes shining with anticipation. The Medical Examiner was dressed in a yellow sundress with white sandals that revealed perfectly manicured toenails.

"Let me grab our bag," Jane said and ran her hand down her friend's arm as she slid by her. Jane was wearing a Property of Boston Police shirt and soft jeans. The contrast in the wardrobe choices of the two friends suitably matched their ideals for a picnic outdoors: Maura enjoying the fresh air as she looked pretty while sitting on a blanket and Jane getting down and dirty with some kind of physical activity.

After transferring the picnic supplies from Maura's car to Jane's and then loading the kids and dogs inside, the detective drove them all to the park Maura had requested when she asked Jane if she and Regina would join them for the day. The park was busy with couples and families and as they searched for a spot, Jane pushing Regina in her stroller and Rat carrying a huge cooler, Jane finally realized something.

"Um, Maura?" she started.

"Yes Jane?" Maura was holding a blanket over one arm and a large Gucci tote bag on the other. She was also holding Joe Friday's leash while Bear padded along by her side.

"Have you noticed that most of the people here are, like, gay?" she asked.

Maura looked around them for a moment and then nodded. "It's Pride Week, Jane," she answered. "There are a lot of people in town for the festivities."

"You brought us to a gay pride picnic?"

"Does it matter, Jane?" Maura asked in return.

Jane scratched her neck as she looked around the park again. It looked like a typical family day in the park except that the majority of the couples were of the same sex. A few of them were free with their public displays of affection, but there were none of the extreme antics she had frequently observed at the city's pride parades she had worked during her beat days. Finally, she shrugged. "No, I suppose not," she said. "Where do you want to set up?"

"Over there," Maura answered and led the way.

They spread the blanket under the limbs of a large oak tree, sharing the space with two other couples, one male couple with two toddlers approximately Regina's age and one female couple with an infant sleeping in a carrier. They politely greeted the others and then continued to arrange their space. Jane let Regina out of the stroller and gave her several toys to play with, but the little girl ignored them and immediately started crawling over Bear who sat at one corner of the blanket, panting quietly and stoically enduring the toddler's attention. Joe Friday immediately curled up next to her larger canine companion.

Rat shook off his backpack, pulled a plastic water bowl from it and grabbed the container of water from the cooler Maura was rummaging through. After setting water out for the dogs, he pulled out a box of dog kibble and scattered a handful out for the mutts. As Jane watched, he held the box out to Maura and, to the detective's astonishment the doctor absently pulled a nugget from the box and began to nibble on it. Rat also stuffed a handful into his mouth, his jaws noisily crunching the chunks.

The Medical Examiner must have felt Jane's askance gaze on her and she looked up sheepishly. "It's an acquired taste," she said with a wry shrug. "Want to try?"

Jane shook her head. "I'll think I'll just stick with the potato chips," she said.

While Maura set out the various dishes she had prepared, Jane attempted to clean a squirming Regina's hands with a wet nap, finally getting the child to settle down with her sippy cup.

Jane was amused to see Maura had already cut up Regina's food for her as the doctor laid a plastic container on the blanket. The little girl immediately grabbed a handful of buttered corn with her chubby fingers and jammed it into her mouth, most of the kernels landing on her ZTF shirt.

"She has your manners, Jane," Maura observed with an amused grin.

"Yup, that's my girl," Jane said proudly and took the container Maura handed her. Inside several different compartments was cold fried chicken, corn on the cob impaled on a stick to make for easier eating, collard greens and a light tossed salad already coated with Jane's favorite dressing. Jane took a bite out of a chicken leg, finding the skin crisp and the flesh succulent and tender. "Thanks, Maura," she said swallowing. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Yes," Maura nodded, handing Jane an ice cold bottle of Sam Adams ale. "Rat helped me cook."

Jane looked at the wiry teenager who was leaning against Bear. He was eating out of a container the size of a large KFC bucket. "Thanks, Julian," she said.

The boy regarded her with eyes way too old for someone his age. "Rat," he finally said.

Jane gave him a short nod, accepting what the boy offered. "It's great, Rat," she said and took another bite of her chicken.

While they ate, Jane silently observed the strange young man who, were it not for him, Maura would have long been dead. She flashed back to the horrible day they held the Medical Examiner's funeral, sitting in the cold church pew and fighting off the tears for the friend they had all believed died. Julian Perkins had given Maura back to them and for that, he would always have Jane's undying gratitude.

Rat was a strange and quiet boy with a troubled history. At first she had opposed Maura's attempts to adopt the orphan, thinking that a woman living alone with a demanding job had no business taking in a boy like that. When Maura was denied custody, Jane had thought it for the best, but her friend had surprised her by doing exactly what she had vowed to do: she was making a difference in his life. In return, he was making a difference in hers. Jane saw it as a good thing.

After their meal, during which Maura had blithely lectured them on the history of soul food, Rat took out a Frisbee and threw it for the two dogs to chase, while little Regina ran happily back and forth, giggling with happiness. Maura sat with her back against the tree as Jane lay with her head in the doctor's lap watching as their children played.

"I think my kid is going to Forrest Gump her way through life," Jane commented. She was feeling warm and relaxed and was thoroughly enjoying the day, very glad her friend had extended them the invitation.

"Forrest Gump?" Maura asked as she idly ran her fingers through Jane's hair. She too was enjoying the day, happy to be surrounded by people she loved.

Jane looked up at her friend. "Really, Maura? You don't know the life is like a box of chocolates guy?" she asked.

"Yes, Jane, I'm familiar with the film and the character," Maura said, rolling her eyes. "I was confused by your use of his name as a verb."

Jane chuckled. "I meant that she's going to run her way through life every step of the way," she explained.

They watched as Regina tripped over her own feet and was helped up by Rat, who brushed the grass off the seat of her pants. Regina immediately ran toward the romping dogs. "Yes, I do believe she will," Maura agreed. "I look forward to future marathons with her."

With a full belly and warm comfortable thighs cushioning her head, Jane Rizzoli slipped into a light doze lulled by the soothing caress of soft fingers through her brown locks.

R&I

After her nap, Jane felt like stretching her legs, so she and Maura left a sleeping Regina with Rat who was content to read a schoolbook under the shade. The two women strolled through the pretty park eventually coming to an open area set up with tents for vendors and organizations promoting their causes. Jane patiently watched in amusement as Maura eagerly visited each booth, engaging with those running them, but when her friend got into a lively discussion about lesbian safe sex practices with a physician from a women's health clinic, she discretely wandered off to another booth, her cheeks blushing slightly.

Jane found herself standing in front of a table that had a display of softballs arranged in a pyramid.

"Tryouts are next Saturday."

Jane looked up. A redheaded woman wearing a Red Sox hat and matching jersey was standing behind the table and giving Jane a wide smile. "But I bet you won't have any problem getting picked for a team," the woman continued.

"Already on one," Jane said, returning the smile. "For the Boston PD."

"You're a cop?"

"Homicide detective," Jane clarified.

"Whoa, impressive," the woman drawled. "Kelley Wingate."

"Jane Rizzoli," she said shaking the extended hand.

"Homicide, eh? Were you part of the investigation of that murder at Merch?" Kelly asked.

"Heard about that, huh?" Jane asked wryly.

"Are you kidding? The whole lesbian community in the New England area heard about that," the redhead answered.

Jane chuckled and gave nod. "Yeah, that was our collar," she answered.

"Which arrest was that, Jane?"

The detective turned to see Maura had finally rejoined her. "The homicide at Merch."

"Oh yes," Maura said. "I'll never forget that one. It was my first time undercover."

"You're a cop, too?" Kelley asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Medical Examiner," Maura answered, shaking her head, her shining honey-blonde hair gently caressing her shoulders, Jane noted. "But I work closely with the homicide unit."

"Kelley Wingate, Dr. Maura Isles," Jane introduced, gesturing back and forth between the two women.

"Hey," Kelley said.

"Delighted to meet you," Maura said and looked at the table. "Women's softball?"

"Yeah," Kelley answered. "You guys should sign up. We have a few cops in the league, but no pathologists, I think."

"But we're already on a league for the summer," Maura said, sounding disappointed.

"Here's a schedule for the teams," the redhead said handing them a sheet of paper. "Games vary from Saturday or Sunday and with some night games thrown in during the week for flexibility."

"That's cool," Jane said as Maura tucked the paper into her tote. "We'll think about it."

"Great," the woman said enthusiastically. "I hope to see you around."

Maura smiled and said, "Maybe you will."

"Take care," Jane said and placing her hand on the small of Maura's back, led them both away from the booth.

"So did you get all the information you needed back there?" Jane asked, waving a finger toward the clinic's booth.

"Oh, I think I have all the information I could ever need now," she answered with a sly grin.

"I am soooo happy for you," Jane dragged out, finishing with a chuckle.

Maura paused and looked at Jane. "That woman was flirting with you, Jane," she pointed out.

"You think so?" Jane asked. At Maura's nod, she added, "Why? Are you jealous, Dr. Isles?"

"Maybe I am, Detective Rizzoli," Maura said playfully.

Jane glanced back at the table where the woman was already talking with another potential softball player. "Nah, she's not my type."

Maura laughed. "Well, what is your type?"

Jane paused a moment, her eyes roaming over the delicate planes of her friend's face. "Less redhead," she finally answered. "More blonde."

Maura's smile outshone the brightness of the sun.

R&I

The rest of the afternoon was spent with more relaxing, more playing and more eating. After the sun set, there was a fireworks show much to the delight of the small group. Like her mother, Regina had rallied after her nap and had returned to chasing after boy and dogs with her usual wild abandon, but by the time Jane had driven them back to Maura's house, she had conked out again. Rat carried the toddler into the guest bedroom that was slowly being transformed from the pretty feminine décor she was familiar with into a teen-age boy's room that brought back memories of Frankie's and Tommy's room at the old house. Jane hadn't been in here for some time; when she spent the night at Maura's, it was simply more natural for them to share the same bed since they usually ended up speaking long into the night anyway.

Rat laid the girl down on his bed and then grabbed some clothes and a few more school books.

"Thanks for giving up your bed, Rat," Jane said as she began to untie her daughter's sneakers.

Rat snorted. "Maura's couch is a lot more comfortable than some of the things I've had to sleep on, Mrs. Rizzoli," he said.

"It's just Detective Rizzoli now," she said. "But call me Jane."

He looked at her for a long moment and then nodded his head. "All right," he agreed. "Good night, Jane."

Maura was sitting up in bed when Jane entered the bedroom after changing into her sleep wear. She was reading through the various pamphlets and literature she had picked up at the vendor booths earlier.

As Jane slipped into bed, Maura turned to her and said, "This is fascinating, Jane. Did you know that dental dams were invented in…?"

"Vomit, Maura!" Jane interrupted and was about to protest even more, but then stopped. She looked at Maura with narrowed eyes. "You do that on purpose, don't you?"

"Do what?" Maura asked innocently, blinking her eyes at Jane.

"Never mind," Jane said rolling her eyes. She punched the pillows under her head until she was comfortable. "So I want to thank you for today. I think the kids had a great time and even the dogs are exhausted. Bear and Joe were both passed out next to Bass when I got a glass of water."

Maura chuckled as she put the brochures aside and turned off the light. "I'm sure they did have fun," she said as she rolled over on to her side to face Jane. "But what about you? Did you have a good time?" she asked, her voice growing softer. She brushed an errant curl of hair off of Jane's face.

Jane looked into her eyes and nodded. "I had a wonderful time, Maura," she said, her voice hitting one of its lowest registers. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Jane."

On impulse, Jane leaned over and kissed her best friend's cheek, lingering for a moment as she appreciated the incredible softness under her lips. When she pulled back, Maura's eyes were shining brightly at her through the darkness of the room. "Night, Maura."

"Good night, Jane."

R&I

Author's Note: You can buy Regina's tee-shirt online.

Rat, short for Ratatouille like the movie, is, for all intents and purposes, Maura's adopted son. They spent weeks together on the run from killers in the mountains of Wyoming during the middle of winter and it was only Rat's superior outdoor survival skills that kept them alive. He saved her life, she saved his and Bear saved them both. Tess described their relationship thusly: "They were joined, the three of them, woman, boy, and dog. An unlikely union forged by hardship into something close to love. Maybe even stronger than love."

While Rat was recovering from being shot, Maura promised to herself that she would never abandon the orphaned boy and he'd always know someone cared about him. She tried to adopt him, but when she was refused because of the demands of her job, she arranged to have him enrolled into a school for unique students run by the eccentric billionaire Anthony Sansone much closer to Boston. Rat and Bear visit her and he's even helped her solve one of their cases. When he tells her he wants to be just like her, Maura says that is the most flattering thing anyone has ever said to her. We'll hopefully see more of Rat in the next book, Last to Die, as his school is mentioned in the synopsis: "Having withstood violence, the students at Evensong, a school deep in the Maine wilderness, prepare for careers in crime fighting. That's where Det. Jane Rizzoli decides to hide Teddy Clock when the rest of his foster family is murdered." Release date: August 28, 2012. The publisher moved up the date to coincide with the ending of Season 3.

While writing this, I questioned to myself if Jane would feel comfortable leaving her child in Rat's care. Then I found this: during a scene where the killer was bearing down on them and, too exhausted to continue running, Maura begged Rat to leave her behind and save himself. Rat refused. Maura thinks, "If ever I had a son, she thought, this is the kind of boy I would want him to be. As loyal, as courageous, as Julian Perkins." So the answer is yes. Jane trusts Maura and Maura trusts Rat, therefore, Jane would trust Rat.

A scary trailer for Ice Cold, the Tess Gerritsen novel of Maura's adventures with the boy can be seen at Goodreads dot com under the ICE COLD page. Just do a search for Tess Gerritsen.

Oh, and since this author's note has by now reached ridiculously epic proportions, I'll leave you with this extremely rare Rizzles moment from Ice Cold: "Jane reached out to take Maura's hand. It felt strange to do so, because Maura was not a woman who invited touches or hugs. But she did not flinch at Jane's touch; she seemed too weary to react at all."

Yup, that's about as subtexty as it gets, folks.