Now I feel like I need to warn you that my updates will not always be this frequent. Right now it seems like I have found my writing inspiration though and so these chapters are coming out really quickly. Don't be surprised if it eventually slows down a bit.
Also I plan to include certain details from the show (though things will be slightly different as I will take out some things). This story is really about focusing on Maura, Jane and Amelia for me, but I will have a bit of cases here and there and what not. I really hope you'll enjoy this chapter. I felt like it was really important to include it!
Thanks so much for everyone that has been reading! You're all amazing! -J
Chapter 4- The Return of an Enemy
Maura didn't understand the significance of the teacup, not at first at least. Examining the body of the man, it wasn't until she heard Jane pause mid-sentence, looking up to find the brunette with a look of shock and fear on her face that the medical examiner realized that something was seriously wrong. Looking from Korsak to Jane and back again, Maura wasn't sure what to do or say; waiting for one of the Detectives to make the first move.
"What do we got?" Frost asked, obliviously walking in on the rather tense moment, returning to the house after empty his stomach contents in the front garden. "Ummmm what's going on?" He asked, noticing the looks on both Jane and Korsak's faces.
"The Surgeon," Jane answered, her voice low, but easily heard in the silent room.
"It's not possible," Korsak immediately argued, shaking his head as he ignored Maura's gasp of understanding.
"Is he out?" Jane asked, knowing she sounded frantic, but suddenly not caring, as she kept her attention focused on Korsak and away from Maura's worried gaze. "Did they let him out Korsak? Did he escape?"
"No they would have informed us there's no way…"
"Well look around Korsak," Jane interrupted, gesturing at their crime scene and their victim. "Wife's missing, husband's throat has been slashed, the teacup and….and stun gun marks," she choked out, trying not to panic. "It's Hoyt's MO. Every detail."
"It's not him Jane," Korsak stated firmly even though he knew there was nothing he could say to truly assure the brunette. "It's just not possible."
"Well then it has to be some kind of copy-cat," Jane said, though she didn't believe that for a second. "Some sort of apprentice or something," she guessed. "He must…he taught someone his ways…he's been in contact with someone on the outside…something…" She continued. "I don't care what you say Korsak this has Hoyt written all over it and I'm not letting this happen again. I want to see him. Frost let's go," she ordered, heading for the front door, Frost following her rather hesitantly.
Frozen in place for a moment, still feeling completely shocked, Maura continued to stare at the place where Jane had stood before her mind finally caught up with her and she headed in the direction Jane left.
"Jane," Maura called, seeing the Detective making her way towards her car. "Jane, wait," she tried again, jogging as fast as she could in her heels to catch up.
"What?" Jane huffed, spinning on her heel to face Maura as Frost simply got in Jane's car, knowing it was best to give the women some privacy. "What is it?" She asked again, doing her best to soften her tone.
"Are you okay?" Maura asked, though she knew it was a stupid question. "I mean well of course you're not okay but…Where are you going?"
"I need to see him," Jane replied, massaging her left palm with her thumb, a nervous habit she had whenever the topic of Hoyt came up. "I have to talk to Hoyt. I need to make sure he's still exactly where he should be."
"Jane, Korsak's right," Maura shook her head, resisting the urge to reach out and take Jane's hands in hers. "Someone would have told you if Hoyt was out. It's late. Maybe you should just head home for the night and wait until…"
"No," Jane quickly interrupted, shaking her head. "I need to do this now. I need to know now."
"Well then maybe you should let someone else…" Maura began, cutting herself off when she saw the look on Jane's face. "I'm worried about you," she then admitted, having never seen Jane like this before; used to the strong, fearless Detective that she worked with every day.
"Hey," Jane reached out, grabbing onto one of Maura's hands and giving it a firm squeeze. "I'm okay," she assured her. "Or I will be. I just…I really need to do this. I need to be the one to do this. I'll…I'll call you later okay? I promise. Give Mia a kiss for me okay?"
"Okay," Maura nodded reluctantly, squeezing Jane's hand one last time and giving her the most reassuring smile she could muster before watching Jane get into her car and drive away. "Be safe Jane Rizzoli," Maura whispered as she continued to watch the back of the car. "Be safe."
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Jane didn't call Maura after her visit with Hoyt; she didn't get a chance. As soon as she left Hoyt she received a call from Korsak telling her they had found Gail Yaegar, the wife of their victim's, body. Promising she would be there soon, Jane had hung up the phone, calling to Frost to hurry up before rushing out to her car and towards their crime scene; needing to see their newest victim for herself.
As soon as she arrived on the scene and approached Korsak and Maura, Jane could immediately feel Maura's eyes on her; doing her best to ignore this as she bent down in front of Gail Yeager's body, which was naked, covered only by some well-place foliage.
"W-what do we have?" Jane asked, clearing her throat in order to steady her voice.
"It's definitely Gail Yeager," Maura replied, noting the look on Jane's face and understanding that now was not the time to ask about her visit with The Surgeon. "Based on my findings she's been dead about 36 hours, which means she was killed not long after her husband," she explained, pausing as she watched Jane fighting to keep her face impassive, wanting to control her reactions no matter how hard it was. "I'll know more tomorrow when I perform the autopsy."
"I wanna be there," Jane insisted, standing back up to her full height and giving Maura her full attention.
"Of course," Maura nodded, understanding that Jane was about to throw her entire self into the investigation. "I'm going to have them move the body now. There isn't much more we can do tonight anyways," she said glancing at her watch with a sigh, knowing there was very little hope for sleep tonight. "Let me drive you home?"
"I have my car," Jane was quick to reply.
"Frost will take your car," Maura insisted, turning to Frost who nodded his consent, understanding the Doctor's intentions. "And I can pick you up for work in the morning. Now come on."
"Maura…" Jane began to argue, quickly cut off by a stern look from Maura; a look, which the Medical Examiner usually reserved for her daughter when she was being particularly troublesome. "Fine," she huffed, seeing there was no point in arguing as she followed Maura towards her car; dragging her feet as she got into the passenger's seat. "You know you really don't have to do this. I can drive myself home; I'm not going to lose it on my drive or something."
"I know that," Maura replied, turning on the car and starting to drive away from their crime scene, not looking towards the brunette. "I'm not worried you're going to lose it," she eventually added, keeping one eye on the road as she attempted to gauge Jane's reaction. "But I am worried about you. I know you don't like to talk about these things Jane but I am here for you. I'm you're friend," she reminded her. "Please talk to me."
"I don't know what you want me to say," Jane sighed, running her hands through her hair in frustration, hating that she could feel herself losing control of her emotions.
"I just want to know that you're okay," Maura said carefully. "Or that you're going to be at least. I know this can't be easy for you," she continued. "You haven't told me much about The Surgeon…about Hoyt, but I know it couldn't have been easy seeing him."
Shaking her head Jane allowed herself a moment to compose herself, not wanting to speak until she knew she could do so without falling apart. "This just…it feels personal somehow," she finally began, not quite sure how to explain herself. "When Hoyt had me I…I was completely helpless. I mean I was pinned to the ground; he could have done whatever he wanted with me. If Korsak didn't show up when he did Hoyt would have…I…well I definitely wouldn't be here," she continued, clearing her throat. "He's taught someone his ways Maur," she turned to the blonde. "He has an apprentice out there continuing his work and I…I don't know what that means for me."
"No one's going to let anything happen to you Jane," Maura was quick to assure her, glancing from the brunette to the road, trying to keep her mind focused on her driving. "Hoyt can't get to you and his apprentice isn't going to either. We're going to find this guy."
"Even if we do it won't matter," Jane replied sounding frustrated. "This is what he does Maur. He trains people to kill like he does," she sighed. "Even if we find this guy there will be another. There's always another," she said, once again running her thumb over the scar on her palm. "You know he asked to see my hands."
"He's just trying to mess with your head," Maura told her. "He doesn't want you focused. You can't let him get to you."
"Too late," Jane laughed sadly, knowing that Hoyt was in her head whether she liked it or not. "He's in my head; he has been for over a year now and he knows that. He'll use it to."
"Not if we don't let him," Maura replied firmly, pulling up in front of Jane's apartment. "You can beat him Jane. I know you can," she assured her as she put the car in park and turned in her seat to face the brunette. "You're not alone. The team can help you; I can help you. You just have to let us."
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Accepting help was not one of Jane's strengths, but upon hearing the news that Hoyt had escaped the Detective knew the time had come for her to give in to the requests of her family and friends. A patrol car had been placed outside her apartment, but after resisting attempts from both her Mother and Frankie to stay with her, the brunette realized there was only one place she wanted to be; only one person who could truly make her feel better.
Ignoring the part of her brain that was shouting at her that going to Maura's was a bad idea, Jane got in her car anyways, know that a team of officers would follow her wherever she went. Making it to Maura's in record time, Jane knocked on the door; the honey-blonde answering the door dressed immaculately considering it was rather late.
"Do you always look like you're coming from a photo shoot?" Jane asked, feeling slightly better upon hearing Maura chuckling softly as she stepped aside to let her in. "I shouldn't be here."
"Don't be foolish of course you should," Maura replied, closing the front door and locking it behind her. "You shouldn't be alone. And besides it will make your mother feel better knowing you're here. She's worried sick you know."
"Trust me I know," Jane rolled her eyes, following Maura into the kitchen, feeling her exhaustion finally getting to her. "Where's Mia?"
"She's sleeping," Maura replied. "Do you want something to drink? Or eat? Your Mother made Amelia a casserole."
"I think I'd rather just go to bed," Jane replied tiredly, as Maura nodded in understanding.
"Of course," Maura nodded. "The guest room is all made up," she said, gesturing towards the stairs and leading Jane up to the guest room; the pair quiet so as not to wake Amelia.
Expecting Maura to simply say her goodnights before heading to her own room, Jane was surprised when the Medical Examiner instead followed her into the guest-bedroom, lying down beside her without saying a word.
"Is this your way of telling me you have feelings for me or are we having a sleepover," Jane joked, hearing Maura laughing lightly beside her as she attempted to get comfortable. "I've never been so scared in my whole life," she admitted quietly, as Maura reached out a supportive hand. "I shouldn't have come here. It's not safe. Mia…"
"Mia is fine," Maura assured her. "She's asleep in her bed. There is a patrol car out front. We'll be fine."
"I shouldn't have…I should just go," Jane said, sitting up, only to have Maura hold her back.
"Just wait here for a minute. Please," Maura told her before getting up and leaving the room, returning a few minutes later carrying a sleeping Amelia in her arms. "Here," she said quietly, placing the small blonde in the middle of the bed. "This way you know she's safe; though she might be a little confused when she wakes up. Now will you please stay?"
"O-okay," Jane relented, lying back down next to Amelia as Maura got into bed on the four-year-old's other side. Yawning as she finally felt herself relax, Jane knew she would be asleep soon, satisfied that both Amelia and Maura were safe beside her. "G'night Maura," she said sleepily, hearing Maura hum in reply. "Thank you."
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The first thing Jane registered when she woke up the next morning was a weight on her arm, followed by the feeling of something else draped over her stomach, effectively holding her down. Feeling her heart begin to beat faster, Jane tried not to panic as she squinted her eyes open, her fear subsiding when she realized the thing holding her down was only Amelia, who was still fast asleep.
Smiling, Jane remembered the night before, noting that Maura was no longer on Amelia's other side as she ran her fingers through the little blonde's hair, causing her to stir; her hazel eyes opening and searching with a confused look on her face.
"Janie?" Amelia mumbled sleepily. "Where am I?"
"Just the guest room sweetie," Jane replied, rubbing Amelia' back in comfort, seeing that she was still a little confused.
"How come you're here?" Amelia asked, clutching Jane's shirt in her hand, still looking like she was half asleep.
"I came over last night," Jane told her, not really sure how to explain why she was there to a four-year-old. "I needed a friend so I came to see your Mommy. I was feeling a little…down so she decided to bring you in here to sleep."
Accepting this answer, Amelia simply nodded before snuggling closer to Jane, making the brunette smile as she hugged her tighter. "Where is Mommy?" Amelia eventually asked.
"She must be downstairs," Jane replied, still rubbing her hand up and down Amelia's back as she strained her ears, hearing noises coming from what she guessed was the kitchen. "She must have been up early."
"She always is," Amelia nodded seriously, as Jane smiled a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes; Amelia looking up at her with wide, concerned eyes. "Janie are you sad?" She asked, surprising the detective.
"W-what do you…I'm not sad," Jane stuttered. "Why do you ask that honey?"
"You look sad," Amelia replied, reaching up and touching Jane's cheek. "Your smile is different and your eyes are sad," she said like it was the most logical explanation in the world.
Not quite knowing what to say, Jane ran her hand over Amelia's head, truly amazed by just how astute the younger Isles really was. "I guess I've had a hard week," She eventually offered as explanation, hoping Amelia would accept it.
"Is that why you came to see Mommy?" Amelia asked innocently. "She makes me feel better when I'm sad."
"She's pretty great like that huh?" Jane smiled as Amelia nodded happily.
"Mommy's the bestest. She knows how to make everything feel better," the little blonde told her, neither her nor Jane noticing the sound of footsteps approaching the room.
"I do huh?" Maura said, having heard her daughter's statement as she entered the room, a smile on her face, already dressed and ready to face the day.
"Mommy!" Amelia greeted happily, though she remained snuggled into Jane's side. "Mommy Janie's sad."
"Oh she is, is she?" Maura raised an eyebrow, taking a seat on the edge of the bed next to her daughter.
"We gotta make her feel better," Amelia said, looking rather concerned.
"Well how do you suggest we do that?" Maura asked, her eyes focused on Jane whose brown eyes met hers, a small smile on her face.
"You know what I think you've both already helped," Jane told them, hugging Amelia closer and winking at Maura over the young girl's head. "I actually feel better already."
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When it was finally over Jane wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. Her apartment has been trashed and Hoyt, who managed to get a hold of her in all the chaos of the break-in, once again fooled her. When she had come-to, to find that she was once again at Hoyt's mercy, it took all her self-control not to panic; coming up with a plan when Hoyt and his apprentice had left her alone. Though she was visibly shaken when help finally came, Jane was able to take some solace in the fact that she had given Hoyt a scar of his own, having shot a hole through his hand; a fact, which she knew, everyone knew she had done on purpose.
As soon as Maura had heard that Hoyt had gotten a hold of Jane she felt completely panicked. Not knowing what to do or how to help, the Medical Examiner resorted to attaching herself to Frost's hip; refusing to be left behind in the search for Jane, needing to know that her friend was okay.
"You'll stay with me tonight," Maura insisted when Jane had finally been checked over by a paramedic, refusing to go to the hospital. "Your apartment is in complete disrepair; I will help you clean it up tomorrow, but for tonight you'll stay with me," she said, leaving no room for argument as she lead Jane towards Frost's car.
Nodding, Jane allowed Maura's to usher her to the car and into the backseat, remaining silent as both Maura and Frost got into the front of the car and drove them towards the Isles home. Jane didn't say a word the entire way, and Maura began to worry, when the Detective had simply allowed her to lead her towards the house when they had finally arrived.
"Your Mother is in there you know," Maura warned Jane before they entered her house, standing at the front door. "She's in there with Amelia and she's worried sick and I know the last thing you probably want right now is to feel smothered but there's really no avoiding it. Are you okay?" She asked with a sigh, worried by the brunette's silence.
"It's over," Jane finally mumbled, leaning against the doorframe.
"It's over," Maura nodded, crossing her arms over her chest in order to prevent herself from reaching out for Jane. "Hoyt will be locked up again. It's over. You're safe."
"I shot him in the hand," Jane said, meeting hazel eyes as Maura nodded in understanding. "I should have killed him….I should have ended it."
"You wouldn't have been able to live with yourself if you did," Maura shook her head. "You did the right thing. It's over now."
"It's not though," Jane sighed, running her hand through her hair in frustration, needing Maura to understand. "It's not over. It won't be over until he's dead," she continued, not missing the worry that flashed across Maura's face; a look, which was gone as fast as it was there. "As long as Hoyt's alive he's going to find a way back into my life. He'll train another apprentice, they'll kill another couple and somehow I will get wrapped up in it all."
"And if all that happens you will do what you do and stop him again," Maura replied confidently. "Hoyt isn't going to beat you. You won't let him…I know you won't," she continued. "You can't let him get into your head Jane. You're stronger than he is. You're going to be okay; I know it."
"Oh yeah?" Jane raised her eyebrow. "And how do you know that Dr. Isles?"
"Because I'm going to make sure of it," Maura replied with a small smile, feeling her cheeks reddening. "I mean well…I'm here for you. You've got me. For what it's worth."
"Thanks Maur," Jane smiled, reaching out and squeezing Maura's hand in hers. "That's actually worth more than you know."