Sorry about the delay on this one. I'm setting some things up for some later chapters so I hope you enjoy. I'll try to get the next one out soon. Thanks for reading and hanging in there while I try to pull it all together.

Chapter 25

I've got you…

It was still dark outside when Jane's eyes fluttered open as she swam up from one of the deepest sleeps she'd had in years. Her eyes focused on the sliver of white that was cast from the street lights outside and she marveled at the way the pale light illuminated Maura's alabaster skin. Her fingers itched to touch the bare back and shoulders exposed to her but she curbed her temptation so as not to wake Maura. As she continued to quietly study, she became conscious of the weight of the body that rested upon her own and it was a welcome distraction. Her eyes continued to travel over the visible curves of Maura's hips and a shiver ran through her. The feeling of Maura draped over her, warmed her skin wherever it touched Maura's. A lazy smile graced her lips as she recalled their night together and the realization that they lay naked in each other's arms did little to suppress her need to touch. After a moment of quiet contemplation, she realized that it was too much to resist, so she skimmed the tips of her fingers along Maura's back eliciting a deep sigh from the object of her affection.

"I've been waiting for you to touch me…," Maura's warm breath ghosted past Jane's collar bone where her head was nestled.

"Hmmm, have you now?" Jane's fingers moved higher to dance along Maura's bare shoulders. "How long have you been awake?"

"Don-know…," Maura mumbled against the hollow of Jane's throat. "Not long." She placed a gentle kiss against the soft skin under her lips.

"Not fair." Jane groaned as Maura's mouth moved up her neck and along her jaw. "You have me at a disadvantage. I'm pinned under you and can't touch you in all of the places I want to touch you." She tried to prop herself up so she had a better vantage point of Maura and what she was doing but Maura had other ideas.

"No pouting." Maura pushed Jane back so she was laying down again. "And I like you right where I have you." She moved to straddle Jane's hips and lifted up to hover her lips just a few inches from Jane's.

"Jesus Maur, are you trying to kill me?" Jane placed her hands on Maura's hips before moving them up either side only stopping when her fingers brushed the undersides of Maura's breasts. She let out a contented sigh as she slid her palms around to cup each breast causing Maura to shiver but instead of keeping her hands there, Jane suddenly withdrew.

Maura sat up straighter as Jane's hands began to explore, tilting her head back and closing her eyes when she felt Jane touch her breasts. But when the warmth of Jane's hand's was suddenly replaced by the cool night air, she opened her eyes to find that Jane's once open hands were now clenched fists.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" Maura looked down at Jane's furrowed brow with concern.

Jane bit down on her bottom lip and turned her head to the side in an effort to hide her uncertainty. Her hands were still clinched into tight fists, her nails biting into the tender flesh of her palms except where her scar tissue was. The slightly raised scars felt rough under her fingers and she started to feel self-conscious again. She knew how the coarse bumps felt against her own skin and she couldn't help but think that Maura would dislike it as much as she did.

"I'm sorry. I know my hands aren't the softest…," The uncertainty was heavy in Jane's voice as she continued to look away from Maura's questioning gaze.

"Jane? Look at me please." Maura touched Jane's chin to get her to turn her head. She waited patiently until dark, brown eyes finally looked her way. "I've told you many times before how much I love your hands." Reaching down, she took one of Jane's hands in her own and gave it a gentle squeeze so the tight fist would open. She traced a finger along the palm of Jane's open hand before bringing it up to her lips to place a gentle kiss over the scar tissue that marred the otherwise perfect skin. "So strong…," her words were whispered against Jane's palm. "So soft…," she moved her mouth to skim along the back of Jane's fingers. "If you ever doubt how much I love the feeling of your hands on my body, all you have to do is touch me and you'll never question it again."

Jane watched in wonder as Maura moved to join their hands together, intertwining their fingers before bringing their hands to rest over her heart. Maura pressed Jane's hand, palm down, against the space just above her left breast.

"Can you feel that?" Maura asked as she continued to hold Jane's hand against her heart. "Just the thought of your hands touching me makes my heart race. And as for that little spot of scar tissue…," She moved Jane's hand down to cover her breast. "I like the contrast between the soft and the rough, especially when you tease me with the lightest of touches."

A slow, lazy smile curved Jane's lips as she skimmed her open palm over the warm skin under her hand, barely touching an already hardened nipple. She could feel Maura trembling as she continued to caress a path from one breast to the other. It was time to let go of her insecurities. Maura had shown her nothing but love and understanding since day one.

"So, let me get this straight…," Jane gave a sexy smirk as she brought her other hand up. "You like this?" She brushed her open palms over Maura's breasts allowing the rough scar tissue to make contact with each nipple.

"Yessss…," Maura hissed through clenched teeth, closing her eyes and tilting her head back. "I like it very much." The words came out on an exhaled breath as she arched her back, pushing herself into Jane's open hands for better contact.

"Hey, open your eyes beautiful. I want you to watch what I do next." Jane's voice was low and husky as her hands moved lower over Maura's stomach.

Maura's eyes flew open when she felt Jane's hands move lower and she looked down just in time to watch Jane's left hand slide between her legs. The feeling of fingers slipping into her caused her to gasp and she grabbed Jane's wrist to hold her hand where she needed her most. Her other hand grasped Jane's shoulder for support as she continued to straddle the narrow hips beneath her.

"I love this…holding you in the palm of my hand." Jane continued to move her fingers but pushed the palm of her hand into Maura's center causing them both to moan. Maura's need filled Jane's hand and painted her stomach as they began to slowly grind against each other. When their movements became quicker, Jane knew it wouldn't be long before Maura tumbled over the edge. She watched as Maura's pale skin blossomed into a light pink flush that traveled up her chest, neck and face.

Their eyes held in an intense standoff while Maura struggled to catch her breath, but she refused to give in to her impending climax just yet. It was too soon and she wanted to hold out as long as she could to savor every second, every touch, every ripple of pleasure that fluttered deep within her just waiting to be released.

"I know you want it Maur, I can feel how close you are." Jane pushed herself up from her reclined position so they were face to face. Her hand and fingers continued to move, alternating between soft strokes and strong thrusts. "I've got you, you can let go…," she slowed her movements before continuing. When Maura didn't respond right away, Jane slowed down even more. "Maura…come for me…," She whispered in a hoarse voice.

"Jane...," Maura cried out as her body finally pushed past the limit. She threw her head back and squeezed her eyes shut as she rode the wave of intense pleasure that carried her away. Wrapping her arms around Jane's shoulders, she allowed the aftershocks to travel through her and over her skin as every muscle in her body tensed and then began to relax.

"Hey…I've got you." Jane sighed against the warm skin of Maura's neck. She waited patiently for Maura to stop trembling in her arms and only pulled back to look at her when she felt Maura's breath slow to an even, steady rhythm. "I'll always be here to catch you; you know that right?"

All Maura had the energy to do was nod. All she wanted to do was snuggle up against Jane and go to sleep.

Jane pulled Maura against her as she laid back, her arms tightly around Maura's body. She could feel Maura nestling against her in an attempt to find a comfortable position as fatigue began to overcome them both. "I love you." The words were murmured against the top of Maura's head where Jane placed a kiss. She could feel Maura smile against her neck just before she fell asleep.

The sound of someone pounding on the front door drifted up to Maura's bedroom rousing Jane from her sleep. She could feel Maura stirring as well as the pounding continued without any signs of stopping. Letting out a heavy sigh, she pushed herself up onto her elbows causing Maura to sit up next to her.

"Who is knocking at the door at," Maura glanced over at the clock on her bedside table. "At 7:23 in the morning?" She lifted her hands above her head as she yawned and stretched out her sore muscles at the same time.

"I'll give you one guess." Jane grumbled as she pushed her fingers through her tangle of long, dark hair.

"Angela…?" Maura tilted her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You are absolutely stunning." She reached over to push a strand of hair behind Jane's ear before trailing her fingers along Jane's cheek and then down her neck.

"You'd better not start something you can't finish Dr. Isles." Jane shot a sexy smirk at Maura. The continued sound of someone knocking on the door caused her to roll her eyes.

"I don't suppose she'll just give up and leave, will she?" Maura asked.

"Um…nope." Jane wrapped an arm around Maura's shoulder and pulled her close. "How about you get in the shower while I send her on her way and then I'll be right up to join you." She punctuated her last statement with a long, slow kiss.

"I suggest you make it quick detective or I may have to finish this without you…," Maura gave her own version a sexy smirk that highlighted that dimple in her left cheek.

"Give me five minutes." Jane jumped up from the bed and grabbed her jeans from the floor. With one swift movement, she pulled them on and buttoned them up before slipping her arms into the now wrinkled oxford shirt she had been wearing the night before. "I'll be right back." She called over her shoulder as she buttoned the shirt up halfway on her way out the door.

"I'll be waiting…," Maura called back as she disappeared into the master bathroom.

Jane took the stairs two at a time on her way to the front door in an effort to get rid of her mother quickly and as efficiently as possible. As she approached the direction from which the continued pounding came, with no signs of letting up at all, it never occurred to her that it would be anyone other than her mother on the other side.

"Alright, alright…keep you pants on!" Jane shouted towards the closed door with an assured confidence in her voice. But when she pulled the door handle to open the door, all of the confidence seeped from her in one long exhale of breath as Paddy Doyle brushed past her without even waiting for an invitation to come in.

"I need to see Maura…," His voice was gruff and unyielding as Jane turned around to face him once she had closed the door.

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?" Jane hissed through clinched teeth as her temper simmered close to the surface. It was taking all of her self-control not to push Paddy out the front door on to the street where he belonged. The only thing that kept her from doing just that was his haggard appearance, hollow expression, and her morbid curiosity to know the source of his discomfort. "You have no right to be here." She took a step closer in an effort to intimidate with the extra inch she had over him in height.

"This isn't a social visit." He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket in an attempt to control his own temper. "I need to talk to Maura."

"So you said." Jane bristled at the idea of Paddy getting anywhere near Maura. "You know I can't let you…won't let you near her." The conviction in the words surprised even her.

"This isn't about me." Paddy reached up and rubbed his forehead before running his fingers through his hair.

Jane watched as he fidgeted nervously and it was then that she noticed his red rimmed eyes and the dark circles. In an instant her mind switched into detective mode.

"What's happened Paddy? What's brought here?" Jane's voice turned serious and her temper subsided as she continued to study him.

"He's dead Jane.!" Paddy grabbed the front of Jane's shirt, pulling until their faces were inches apart. "My son's dead!"

Jane fought her first instinct, which was to pull away from Paddy's grasp. Her hesitation only prolonged when she saw his eyes, eyes so like Maura's, fill with tears. She placed her hand on his and gave a gentle squeeze causing him to let go.

"I'm sorry Paddy…really I am." She shook her head. Sadness overcame her at the memory of the young man she had seen on her many encounters with Paddy through the years. The most memorable thing about him was his smile and the dimple in his left cheek that matched Maura's. "But I just don't understand why you're here…,"

For a moment all they could do was look at each other in silence as Paddy tried to think of the words to explain while Jane tried to hide her impatience.

"I need Maura's help." He finally spoke. It may not have been the answer Jane wanted to hear but in that moment a silent understanding passed between them.

"And what makes you think that I'd be willing to help you?" Maura's voice surprised both Jane and Paddy from their silent conversation. She had heard a man's voice as she made her way downstairs to find Jane but did not recognize it until she stepped into the entryway where she found the unwelcomed visitor.

"Um, Maura…honey, I thought you were in the shower." Jane moved closer to Maura in a protective stance that didn't go unnoticed by Paddy who raised an eyebrow as he watched.

"Clearly I am not." Maura's voice was tight with strain as her eyes pinned Paddy to where he stood, daring him to move closer. She could feel Jane shifting her weight next to her, but she refused to take her eyes off of the man who had so menacingly meddled in her life.

"Clearly…," Jane said before coughing nervously. She could feel the tension radiating off of Maura and knew not to push the issue.

"Maura…," Paddy looked down at his feet briefly before looking her in the eyes. "I'm sorry we have to meet for the first time under these circumstances."

"And what circumstances would lead you to believe that you are welcome in my home?" The coolness in her voice sent a shiver through the room. She could see the concerned expression on Jane's face but her anger at finding Paddy Doyle standing in her entryway was too much for her to bare. "Why don't you go take a shower Jane. I think Paddy and I have some things to talk about." Putting a hand on Jane's arm, she leaned over and gave her a quick yet dismissive kiss on the cheek.

"Um…over my dead body. I won't leave you alone with…" Jane waved her hands in Paddy's direction. "Him!" She made a face at him.

"While I appreciate your concern Jane, I can handle this." Maura gave Jane a look that brokered no argument.

"You don't know him like I do." Jane ignored Maura's silent warning as she did her best to plead her case. She looked to Paddy for his agreement but when she got none in return, she rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated huff.

"Please trust me. I know what I'm doing." Maura's expression softened when she saw the panic building up in Jane's dark eyes.

"Fine." Jane frowned. Turning to go up the stairs, her bare feet padding along the hardwood floors, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "You have five minutes."

Maura couldn't stop herself from smiling at Jane's retreating back but then she schooled her features and looked at Paddy. Slipping her hands into the front pocket of Jane's BPD sweatshirt she was wearing, she gave him an expectant raise of her eyebrow.

"I'm glad you have her to watch your back." Paddy said quietly.

"Don't underestimate me. I can take care of myself." Her voice held contempt as she glared at him. "But no thanks to you, I don't have to anymore."

Paddy swallowed hard and shook his head knowing exactly what Maura was referring to. Any other time he wouldn't care but today was different. He was different and he needed Maura to know that.

"Would you like to go into the kitchen to talk? I'll make some coffee." Maura said, moving towards the kitchen without waiting for him to answer.

Paddy silently followed Maura into her kitchen. He wasn't sure where to start so he kept quiet under her not-so-subtle scrutiny.

Moving around her kitchen, Maura started her coffee maker before turning around to face Paddy. She tilted her head in the direction of the chair at the breakfast bar as she grabbed two cups that were sitting on the counter. When he sat down and gave her an expectant look she turned back to the coffee maker.

"Cream? Sugar?" She asked without turning around.

"Cream, please." He watched her with veiled curiosity.

Maura gave a curt nod as she poured two cups of coffee before sliding one across the counter towards him.

"The cream is right there." She tipped her chin towards the small container in front of him. Patiently, she waited for him to finish before beginning her questions. "So…why are you here?" Her hands were shaking slightly as she brought her cup to her lips to sip at the hot liquid.

"I need your help." He brought his own cup up and looked at her over the rim waiting for her next question.

"What makes you think that I could or would help you?" Her eyebrow rose again in question as she lowered her cup, this time with a steady hand.

"I have…um…had a son." He set his cup down, no longer wanting to drink it.

"Had?" Maura asked, her once hard gaze softening slightly.

"I need you," he hesitated briefly before continuing. "I need you and Jane to take over the investigation of his murder. I need someone I can trust to look after him."

Maura looked over Paddy's shoulder as Jane entered, true to her word, exactly five minutes after she had left. She could see the questions and the concern reflected back as Jane moved across the room to stand next to her. The feeling of Jane's hand against the small of her back was a comfort she hadn't expected and it filled her with warmth. She leaned into the touch as she thought about what Paddy had said.

"You know we can't do that Paddy." Jane reluctantly turned her attention away from Maura.

"You can and you will." Paddy's eyes flashed with the anger Jane had come to associate with the man in front of her. "This is about family."

"DNA doesn't make us family." Maura said with a sigh as she pushed her hair away from her face. "But," she hesitated and leaned further into Jane seeking her unwavering support. "What was his name?"

"Colin," Paddy's expression softened as he said the name. "He was only twenty-two years old," his voice trailed off before he coughed against the knot that had formed in his throat.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what I could do to help you." Maura said sadly.

"Look, I'm sorry Paddy, really truly sorry for your loss but you can't just show up here at Maura's expecting us to hand over intel so you can plan your revenge." Jane wrapper an arm around Maura's waist to try to still the trembling she could feel.

"If you give me this one thing," he looked at Jane and clenched his teeth against the anger he was feeling. His eyes hardened as he stared at her willing her to agree. "I'll turn myself in…after I finish what needs to be finished." The unspoken message was clear and he knew that Jane would understand.

"I don't understand why no one has called us about this yet." Maura began to muse as she tried to figure out why the department hadn't called her in for an autopsy.

"That would be because I still have him." Paddy looked down at his hands which had turned into fists at the memory of what had happened the night before. "But I will hand his body over to you and only you Maura."

Jane could feel Maura stiffen against her as they both tried to process what Paddy had said.

"Tell us what happened Paddy. You know it will be next to impossible for us to find any viable evidence since there is no crime scene." Jane tried to reason as questions flooded her mind.

"They threw his body out of a moving car, right in front of my door." Paddy's breathing became heavy as he tried to control himself. "Shot in the back of the head, execution style," his feelings betrayed him and his voice faltered.

"Bring him in and I'll do the autopsy." Maura's voice was strong and almost devoid of feeling.

"Maura, you don't have to do that." Jane tried to reason. "We can let someone else do it."

"No," Maura let out a heavy sigh. "I should be the one. It's my job."

"But you shouldn't have to do this." Jane was beginning to panic as she saw the resignation in Maura's eyes.

"I'll give you what I can but I won't make any promises." Maura reached up to rub her forehead just as Paddy had done earlier.

"We can't do that Maura." Jane dropped her hold on Maura's waist. "This goes against everything we work for. You know that."

Maura took a heavy breath as she thought about what to say next. She glanced at Paddy who had a hopeful expression on his face and then to Jane who looked like she had just lost her best friend. She knew she couldn't help him the way he wanted her to, nor would she but she had to do something.

"I won't give him anything I wouldn't give to the press." Maura said as she looked him square in the eyes. "I just might give it to him before I make it public."

"Jesus Maur, you're walking a fine line here." Jane leaned against the counter and glared at Paddy. "And you!" Her voice raised an octave. "I can't believe you'd ask her do an autopsy on her own brother. What kind of person does that?" She began to shake as anger overcame her.

"I've never asked for anyone's help before but I can't sit idle on this." Paddy gave Jane a sympathetic look. "I have an idea who did this but I just need the smoking gun and I trust you to find it."

"I won't be a party to this, but I won't stop you either." Jane had a pained expression on her face as she turned to Maura.

"He had just been accepted to BU." Paddy's voice sounded faraway and wistful. "He was going to study physical therapy. He really loved sports and wanted to do something with that," his voice faded as he looked at Maura. "I should have told you about him. He begged me to let him meet you."

Maura took a deep breath and looked away trying to steel herself from the sadness that was beginning to wash over her. "I'm sure you were proud of him." She said in a quiet voice.

"I have always been proud of both of you." He turned his attention back to Jane. "I don't blame you for hating me Jane. I haven't given you much of a reason to feel otherwise but please think about what I'm asking."

"I don't need to think about it Paddy. I won't cross that line." Jane dropped her eyes from his intense gaze.

"And I won't ask you to." Maura's voice shook slightly as she took Jane's hand in her own. "I know this is about family for you Paddy but Jane is the only family I will ever need." She gave the hand in her own a gently squeeze. She smiled when she felt Jane squeeze back.

"Keep her safe Jane." He tapped the counter with his knuckles before standing up to leave. "And I will be in touch." His eyes went back to Maura as he gave her a quick nod.

As Paddy left them standing in the kitchen, they were silent until they heard the front door open and close. Jane went to double check that he was really gone and left Maura alone to ponder what had happened. When she was sure that Paddy was gone, she returned to the kitchen to find Maura with her head down, quietly sobbing into to her hands.

"Oh honey," Jane moved across the room to gather Maura in her arms. "I've got you." She pulled Maura close and held her until her body stopped shaking and her tears subsided. "You know I'll do whatever you need me to do to help. I just can't let him know." Her hands moved up and down Maura's back in an attempt to soothe.

"I know, I know." Maura pulled back and took a deep breath to gain some control over her emotions. "I don't usually get emotional. I don't know what's wrong with me."

Jane looked surprised as she held Maura at arm's length to study her. "Really?" She rolled her eyes in an exaggerated way and shook her head. "Are you kidding me now? Your biological father…the one who gave you away to strangers when you were a baby…a well-known mob boss…just walked into your home and told you that you have a brother who has been murdered and he wants you to do the autopsy."

"I suppose it is a lot to take in before breakfast." Maura tried to smile but her heart was heavy and it just didn't feel right.

"You want me to make breakfast before we deal with this?" Jane pulled Maura back into her arms and waited patiently for her answer but before she could, the cell phone tucked in her back pocket began to ring. Pulling it out she looked at the caller ID and frowned. "It's Ryan. Looks like the shit's about to hit the fan." She chanced a look at Maura who had pulled away so she could answer the phone. The frown that matched her own was all the confirmation she needed that their day was about to get even more complicated than it already was.

Maura watched as Jane answered the phone and let out a heavy sigh at the thought of what was coming their way. She knew it wouldn't be easy but what she didn't realize was that this was only the tip of the iceberg for them and as they did their best to navigate the perils that lay ahead, neither of them could know the dangers that lurked just below the surface.