Friendly Fire Chapter 4

How I wish I had at least some rights to the characters. I would make things just a little different, but I suppose that is why we write these stories...

Frost stole glances at Jane as he maneuvered through the streets; early morning traffic was never enjoyable in Boston. He was hesitant to say anything about the conversation he just witnessed, choosing instead to give Jane time to work out was bothering her. He knew Jane was furious and he also knew she was trying like hell to hide it.

"What's her angle? Maura's not going to tell her anything pertinent to the investigation. She's knows better than to jeopardize a case like that." Jane looked to Frost for an answer she knew she wouldn't get. She knew Frost knew when to stay quiet and Jane knew her mood wood keep him from answering anything indirect.

"The best thing to do is just concentrate on this case, find out who killed Jeff and Miss New York can go the hell home." Jane huffed out her own answer and flipped through the notes she had compiled throughout the night. After a few moments of reading she started again. "She's only flirting with Maura to get me agitated enough to mess this up. To get pulled from the case."

"Is that what she's doing?" Frost cringed at the look Jane shot at him.

"You didn't see the way she looked at her. How obvious she was in announcing her interest. Come on, Frost, don't be such a guy."

"I meant, she would go through all that trouble, just to get you pulled?" Frost really did seem oblivious to Melinda's intentions, however Jane was not. "Why not just go through channels. Surely she knows the process."

"She already has. At least that's what she claims."

"Jane, you're too good at what you do. Everybody knows you hated Jeff, but they also know the both of you were professionals. Damn good homicide detectives. You've got too much to lose not to give one hundred percent to this case." Frost parked the car, turning it off before turning to face his partner. "Do you think she's really interested in Maura?"

"Not sure. She knows how important the M E's finding's are to any case. She's hates that I'm running lead on her brother's homicide. She's here riding me the day after her brother's death? It's not sitting right." Jane tapped her fingers on her notepad as she talked.

"Her brother just died, Jane. Of course she's going to be here. She's a homicide detective herself, so it's in her blood. Cut her some slack." Frost knew what Jane was really worried about but knew it best not to voice it.

"Let's get in there, by the book. Rule out the spouse. Let's see what Cindy does or doesn't know." Jane pulled herself from the car and forced her body straight. It had been a long night and she was sure it would be a long day to follow. "Maybe she can keep Melinda out of my hair for a while."

Maura was hoping to find Jane at her desk when she entered the squad room, but could only sigh out loud to see her chair empty. She knew Jane had to be running on empty as it was well after two in the afternoon and Maura was hoping to grab some lunch with her.

"Detective Rizzoli still out?" Maura hadn't realized Melinda had come up behind her and her sudden voice startled her.

"It appears so. She's been running all day and spent the night here as well. I'm a bit concerned for her." Maura jotted a quick note down for Jane and slid it on her desk.

"Rizzoli knows how it is when one of our own go down like this. Its all hands on deck for as long as it's needed. She's lead, so she needs to put in the time and legwork." Melinda studied Maura carefully as her expression hadn't changed at all with her words. "You want to grab something to eat? Jane probably won't be back for quite some time."

Maura hesitated, but finally accepted Melinda's invitation. "Let me change and I'll meet you out front?"

Melinda nodded as she watched Maura walked out of the squad room. She then moved a few papers on Jane's desk until she found the note Maura had left. Irritation was instant as she read Maura's invite to Jane for dinner tonight. "That won't be happening." Melinda took the note with her and hurried to meet Maura out front.

Maura took a seat across from Melinda at the quiet little restaurant not far from the precinct. Her and Jane had come here often and the familiar atmosphere was just what Maura needed. Her morning had been a full, busy one and she was hoping to get a chance to talk to Jane before she began the even busier afternoon that was ahead of her.

"So, how long do you think you'll be here in Boston?" Maura gave the waiter her menu before turning her attention to the tall blond that sat across from her.

"Not sure. I want to help Jeff's family settle some things before I head back. I actually like it here, might extend my stay." Melinda loved how Maura kept constant eye contact as she spoke to her.

"Oh, that would be nice. I'm sure your brother's family would love that." Maura's smile was genuine and Melinda couldn't help but smile back.

Melinda watched Maura carefully as they held comfortable conversation. She liked how proper and polished yet easy and relaxed Dr. Isles was. She could see how Rizzoli could be taken with her. It was obvious to her that Jane had an interest in Maura, but very clear that she had yet to pursue her. Melinda decided she would pursue Maura Isles as it was common knowledge that Jane would be too wrapped up in her latest case to even notice.

Conversation flowed easily between the two women and Melinda saw the obvious disappointment in Maura's features when she announced that she had to return to work. They parted with plans for the evening and Maura promising to call when she had finished for the day. Melinda left the restaurant feeling confident that she would win the beautiful doctor over before Rizzoli even had time to talk to her again.

It had been a long but productive day for the homicide detectives working Jeff McDaniels case. Jane strolled into the precinct on reserved energy, stopping by her desk to check for any messages or notes. She looked up at Korsak who had been just as busy and looked like he was ready to call it a day. "Have you seen, Maura?"

"Not lately. She came by to see you a bit ago, but left when she realized you weren't back yet." Korsak barely glanced at Jane as his attention was focused on his computer.

Jane forced away the disappointment before heading in to brief the captain. It had been a long day and Jane found herself wanting nothing more than a hot shower and to crawl into bed. She knew tomorrow would bring much the same as today had, but she and Frost had uncovered some leads that looked promising.

It was late and Jane dialed Maura's number as she gathered her belongings to leave for the night. It bothered Jane that there wasn't an answer but it wasn't like Maura always answered her calls right away. "Call me when you get a chance." Jane put her phone back on her belt and headed home. She was exhausted and wondered if she'd even hear the phone should Maura call.