Friendly Fire Chapter 5
I don't own Rizzoli and Isles, the characters, the show, the rights, nothing.
Maura sat comfortably across from Melinda McDaniels at a quaint little restaurant just outside the city. It briefly crossed Maura's mind to ask how Melinda would know about his little out of the way place, but figured with family living in Boston, it was probably suggested. It was a bit pricy, and the environment was that of old money; neither deterred Maura from ordering her favorite wine from the menu.
"Ever come here before with Jane?" Melinda knew the answer before she ever asked the question, but was interested in Maura's response. Maura smiled sweetly as the waiter elegantly poured her wine from the bottle he then left on the table.
"No. Jane doesn't feel comfortable in places like this."
"That's too bad. No doubt you're comfortable enough." Melinda drank from her own glass of wine, keeping her gaze locked on Maura.
"It's nice once in a while. I don't mind eating with Jane at the Robber. People can be so interesting sometimes." Maura let her eyes scan the diners who were busy with their own conversations.
"It is nice not to have to lower yourself to accommodate someone else. I like to put myself up above my job sometimes, you know." Melinda smiled at Maura hoping for a similar response.
"Your job shouldn't define you." Maura stared at Melinda for a long few moments before continuing. "Jane is more than her job as well."
"I'm sure she is. After all it's not her fault that people keep killing each other and she has to clean up the mess." Melinda finished off her glass of wine before dinner arrived and was quickly offering to top of Maura's glass as well. "I run twenty-four seven sometimes back home."
"I am really sorry about your brother. From what I hear, he was an outstanding detective." Maura reached into her purse for her phone while speaking. "Jane really respected him."
"Jeff and Rizzoli hated each other. She has no business being on this case." Melinda watched Maura as she checked her phone.
Maura put the phone to her ear, holding up a finger to silence Melinda. Disappointed she replaced the phone back into her purse. "I guess she's still going. Jane is perfect for this case. She will get to the bottom of it despite her extreme dislike for your brother. She respected him and he is one of their own."
"I know. I'm just frustrated that I can't help. I'm too close." Melinda tried another angle realizing Maura would defend Jane at all costs.
Maura nodded in agreement and understanding. "They'll solve this."
"So, Dr. Isles, tell me why it is you're so comfortable here. Did you grow up abroad or something?"
Maura's light laughter and dinner being served was enough for Melinda as the conversation steered clear of Rizzoli. Her only intention now was to get to know the Chief Medical Examiner, maybe even in a way her closest colleagues didn't. In a way Jane Rizzoli didn't.
Jane rolled over as her reoccurring nightmares forced her from her sleep. She was exhausted and her case load promised not much rest in her near future. She lied on her back staring at the ceiling, letting her mind retrace her steps that previous day. The answers were there, she just had to find them. The glare from her digital clock pulled her attention from the ceiling. Two in the morning, that was all?
Jane's thoughts shifted to Maura as she reached for her phone. She had missed her return call like she had feared. She sighed out loud before setting the phone down again. She would touch base with her in the morning, it was too late now. Or too early. Either way, Jane was wide awake and she decided to head in early. Do a little digging from her computer while she waited on Frost. The first subject would be a Melinda McDaniels. NYPD. Shouldn't be too hard to find out her story and why the attitude right off the bat. Jane pulled on a pair of jeans and a flannel. She would change into more professional attire by morning but for now she opted for comfort. Nothing about Melinda McDaniels made her comforatable and she needed to find out why. Instincts, sometimes more powerful than her piece.
Melinda was thankful that Maura had agreed to allow her to pick her up at her home earlier. The wine was a bit much as their conversation carried on for hours covering several different topics. Melinda seemed to know a little bit about everything Maura spoke of and that was enough to keep the ladies drinking and talking. "Feeling okay, there Doc?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for a nice evening." Maura removed her seat belt, surprised to see Melinda do the same as she parked her car in front of Maura's home.
Melinda caught the questioning gaze and decided to remind Maura who she was. "I'm a cop, it's late and I just want to make sure you get in safely. Okay?" Melinda slid her jacket slightly over to expose her gun.
"Sure. Thank you." Maura got out of the car and noticed how quickly Melinda was by her side. Once at the door, Maura reached into her purse for her keys. "Thank you again, Melinda. I had a nice time."
"Maybe we can see each other again soon. I had a nice time as well." Melinda watched Maura as she fumbled with her keys. She gently reached out, taking Maura's hand, hoping to help her steady herself.
"Sure. That would be nice." Maura worked to compose herself, feeling Melinda remove her hand from hers and proceeded to insert the key. She knew she had consumed too much wine and her balance was suffering slightly for it.
"You sure you're okay, Maura?" Melinda used her fingers to raise Maura's chin so that she was looking her in the eyes. "You seem a bit off balance."
Melinda quickly moved in, pressing her lips against Maura's. It was a sudden move and she knew she had caught Maura off guard. Melinda hoped she hadn't angered Maura and decided to make sure she didn't have a chance to be angry. She kissed her hard and with meaning, tasting the wine that lingered from their conversation earlier. Melinda could feel Maura swaying a bit and moved her hands up to her face to help steady her while she continued to kiss her.
Maura pulled away, staring at Melinda in confusion. She kept her eyes trained on the NY detective while Melinda reached around her opening the door. "It's cold out here, might want to go inside."
Maura turned to enter her home, searching for the words she needed to answer Melinda. Melinda had closed the door behind the both of them before Maura could even speak. "I'm sorry, Maura. I don't know what came over me. You look so beautiful and maybe too much wine, I don't know."
"I...I'm sorry. I am flattered really, but..." Maura truly was at a loss for words.
"Is it Rizzoli?" Melinda was careful not to use a tone that would push Maura away.
"What? No. Jane and I are friends. She doesn't think of me like that and I..."
"Deserve to be thought of like that. Maura, I'm sorry I didn't warn you, but I'm not sorry for kissing you. You didn't seem too sorry either." Melinda smiled at Maura hoping for a similar response.
"No, I...it was nice." Maura raised her fingers to her lips. "Tomorrow?"
"Sure thing. Goodnight, Dr. Isles." Melinda reached for Maura's hands, pulling her toward her again. Her lips weren't as demanding this time, but still she controlled Maura's simply by kissing her in a way she wouldn't forget any time soon.
Melinda let herself out, hearing the door lock behind her as she made her way down the walk to her car. Maura Isles was beautiful and Melinda had every intention on letting Rizzoli know just how beautiful. Jane had no business investigating her brother's case. She had no business being a detective, not how she had turned on Jeff in the past. And she certainly had no chance with Maura Isles, not if Melinda had anything to say about it.