Fourth of July 2023
The morning of the third of July, Jane received a video call from Maura. "Jane, love, I am so sorry I will not be able to come home later today. You know I have been working on an important case on the side of the convention." Maura was supposed to be on a flight later that afternoon to return home to her family.
"Yes, I remember you telling me about that." Jane and Maura had been talking via video calls daily and Maura told her that the local medical examiner had asked for her assistance. Maura loved assisting whenever she could.
"Well, the medical examiner I was working with was involved in a car accident this morning and will not be able to continue working until she has recovered from her injuries. I know the children will be upset but it is beyond my control."
"I will explain this to them. I love you, hurry home to us." Jane was trying to stay positive, she could sense that Maura was becoming emotional.
"I would love to be with you and the children more than anything." Maura stated as she started crying. She was trying hard not to cry but she was emotional because of missing time with her family and also because her friend was in the hospital.
"Babe, please don't cry, you know I can't handle it when you cry." Jane really did hate when Maura cried. She just wanted to be able to hold and comfort her.
"I know, it is just hard. This will be the first time I will miss a fourth of July celebration with you and the children."
"I know babe, but you are needed. You know how much your thorough work helps the detectives to solve the case."
"I know, it just comes at a cost sometimes. Can we video chat when the children light up their sparklers and snakes?" Maura voice sounder happier and that made Jane feel better.
"Sure babe, we can make that happen."
"I need to get back and finish the most recent autopsy. Please give the children a big hug and kiss from me."
"Okay, call me later when you get a chance. I love and miss you."
"Well do, I love and miss you also." They blew kisses at each other as they disconnected the video call. Jane had to gather the children and explain why their mother would not be joining them for their fourth of July celebration. Jane gathered all the children and briefly mentioned to them that their mother would have to stay in New York longer.
"Mama, why can't mommy spend the fourth of July with us?" Kate asked her mama as she was still upset by the news that her mommy wouldn't be home by the fourth of July.
"Kate, remember mommy is in New York, she had to stay after her conference ended." Jane informed her four-year old daughter again. She had explained this several times already but Kate missed her mommy. She wasn't use to be away from her.
"But she always spends the fourth with us and helps me light my sparklers and snakes. Doesn't she love us anymore?"
"Kate, of course she loves us. The Medical examiner in New York was in a car accident yesterday and mommy was working on an important case with her. They needed mommy to help out with the case. Mommy is great at her job and she had worked with them in the past."
"But I need mommy and I thought family came before work."
Jane shook her head, they had always told the children that they would always try and put them ahead of work. "Remember when we told you and your siblings that we would always try and put our family before work?"
"Yes!" Kate gave a little pout and placed her head down.
Jane gently placed a finger under Kate's chin so she could raise her little face up so she could look her in the eyes. "Well, this is one of those situations where it is beyond mommy's control. Mommy had been working on the case with the medical examiner while she was in New York so it made sense for them to ask her to continue working on the case rather than bringing in another medical examiner and having to wait for them to get up to speed on the case."
Jane asked each of the children if they wanted to go to New York or stay home and have their fourth of July celebration with the family. She was surprised that all of the children except Kate wanted to stay. Jane immediately made reservations for her and Kate to fly to New York later that afternoon. She didn't care about the cost of the flight, she needed to see Maura and Kate did also, and knowing her wife she would need to see her and Kate too.
MJ, AJ and Lilly all stayed with Kelly and Erica so that they could go to the Isles home the next day. Kate was excited to be surprising her mommy in New York. Jane didn't tell Maura that they were coming. She had a key to the penthouse apartment. She packed only the bare essentials as they would only be going for two nights. They would come back on the fifth of July.
Kate was all smiles as she said goodbye to her brothers and sister and Kelly and Erica. They called Constance and Arthur on their way to the airport. Kate was an exceptionally good girl for Jane during the flight. Jane was surprised at how well Kate had behaved. She was all smiles she wanted her mama to be proud of her. She knew it was a treat for her mama to take her and she was so looking forward to seeing her mommy and of course the fireworks.
When they landed, they went straight to the apartment to drop off their luggage. Jane checked the refrigerator to see what food was on hand. She knew Kate was anxious to see her mommy so they went down to the police station. Jane signed in and she and Kate put on their visitor badges. They were escorted to the morgue and Kate screamed when she saw her mommy. "Mommy, mommy!"
Maura turned around recognizing the voice but not sure why Kate would be there. They she saw Jane and just gave them both the largest smile she could. She hugged them both and gave Jane a huge kiss before she asked, "What are you doing here?"
Jane picked Kate up and Maura quickly took Kate in her arms and kissed her. She was happy to see them. "Well, this one," Jane pointed to Kate really wanted to see her mommy and didn't want to break the tradition of having you help her light her sparkler and snakes."
"Oh, well I can certainly take some time to help her with that."
"I told her that you had to work but that you could take a break."
"What will you two do while you wait for me?"
"I called Olivia and she and Noah are going to spend some time with us. Olivia said she hadn't seen you since you arrived and would love to see you before you return to Boston. So just let us know when you available and we can all spend some time together."
"That sounds like a plan. I can't believe you are here." Maura said as she snuggled into Jane. She hated being away from Jane and the children.
"I know, I can't either but she really wanted to see you and so did I." Jane said as she leaned in and gave Maura another kiss. "I guess we should let you get back to work so that you can finish and spend some time with us."
"Yes, I am just beginning another autopsy. So, unless another body drops, I should be free for the night in about three hours. The Captain doesn't want me burning the midnight oil. He wants me to be well rested so that I can review all the evidence I have collected and let the detectives know my findings. He also said something about enjoying the fireworks."
"Well Kate definitely wants to enjoy the fireworks with you."
"Yes mommy, I hope you hurry so we can light my fireworks."
"I will do my best baby, but I cannot rush my work. It is a process that must be completed. I promise I will be back to the apartment as soon as I can. I will call mama when I am done."
"Okay, mommy, I love you." Kate kissed Maura on the lips and then motioned to be put down. Her attention span was short and she was ready to go somewhere else, knowing that her mommy couldn't join them yet.
"See you later Maur. I love you." Jane said as she gave Maura a quick kiss and grabbed Kate's hand so that they could head out to meet Olivia and Noah.
Olivia and Noah met Jane and Kate for dinner while Maura worked on the autopsy. They made plans for the next day before they left the restaurant. Jane knew that Maura would be finishing soon and wanted to make sure that Kate had her bath and was ready for bed. She knew that Kate wouldn't go to bed until Maura was home but at least she would be in her pajamas and ready for bed.
Kate fell asleep snuggled up with her mama on the couch but woke up quickly when she heard her mommy, who had entered the apartment and walked over to give Jane a kiss. Some fireworks were going off and they could see them from their penthouse apartment that overlooked Central Park. Kate and Jane had been sitting in front of the large floor to ceiling window watching the fireworks.
Maura sat down next to Jane and Kate quickly climbed into her lap and snuggled up to her as Maura scooted over so that she could snuggled up with Jane. Kate put her feet in Jane's lap as they continued to watch the fireworks. Jane told Kate that, "the fireworks would be better on July 4th. We can go out on the balcony and watch them. Would you like to have a little snack tray out there and you can light your snakes."
"Mommy needs to help my light my sparklers and my snakes."
"Of course, I will help you." Maura said as she hugged Kate. "I think right now we need to go to bed so we will be well rested. I have to go back to work in the morning but I will be home before it gets dark. I understand you will be having a picnic with Olivia and Noah."
"Yes, and Miss Olivia said that Miss Alex will be joining us also."
Maura looked over at Jane and Jane smiled. Jane had not told Maura that they would get to see Alex as well. Maura and Alex had known each other since they were about eight years old. "Jane."
"I wanted to surprise you Maur, I know you love Alex."
"I haven't seen Alex in years. Our lives have just been so busy. We really need to take more time off and just enjoy our friends and family."
"Yes, we do and that is why Alex made sure that she would be available to spend time with us today. She was scheduled to be out of town but once I had called to tell Olivia we were coming, Alex was able to rearrange her meeting so she could stay here in New York."
Maura looked down at her watch as she yawned. It was 11 PM and she was exhausted. She wanted to stay up but she was too tired. "Love, I am tired, I need to go to bed." Kate stirred and stretched she was exhausted but didn't want to leave her mommy.
The three of them stood up so that they could make their way to the bedrooms. Jane was carrying Kate and went to put her in her bedroom but Kate fussed she wanted to stay with her mommy. Jane readjusted her grip on Kate. Jane and Maura looked at each other. Without saying a word, the decision was made, the three of them would sleep in the master bedroom.
Maura held Jane's hand and led them to the master bedroom. Jane placed Kate down on the bed and Kate climbed under the covers and laid on her back in the middle of the bed. A few minutes later her mothers joined her, each one climbing in on one side of the bed and snuggled up to her. Jane and Maura were facing each other as they cuddled with Kate.
Jane and Maura looked at each other and each leaned in and gave Kate a kiss on the cheek and then attempted to kiss each other but Kate wanted to join in on the kiss. It was awkward but they managed to kiss each other. Kate turned on her side so she could look at her mommy. She backed into Jane and Maura leaned in and gave Kate another kiss. "Good night my little love. I am so happy you are here and that we can continued our tradition of me helping you with your sparkler and snakes tomorrow."
"Night mommy, I love you so much. I am happy mama brought me with her." Kate said as she closed her eyes.
"Did mama bring you with her or did you bring mama with you?"
"I wanted to be with you, I didn't know I would be able to, mama surprised me."
"I think your mama missed me and wanted to come see me, but she needed a reason and you missing me gave her what the reason she needed." Maura and Kate both laughed.
"Hey, I am allowed to miss my wife. Plus, Gen was tired of me moping around the precinct she told me I should take a few days over the fourth and come see you, especially since we didn't know when you would be able to come home."
"True, I was missing you also. I am glad that Gen is such a great friend and is looking out for your well-being."
"I am sure she had some complaints about me being such a grumpy person lately."
"Could you two go to sleep already. You are keeping me up." Jane and Maura both laughed quietly and leaned in to give Kate another goodnight kiss."
"Good night, Jane."
"Good night, Maur."
Maura's alarm sounded at 6 AM. She needed to get up and take a shower and have a light breakfast before she headed off to work. This case was starting to get on her nerves. It would still be a few days before her friend was released from the hospital.
The detectives working on the case were looking into whether the accident was an accident or an attempt on the medical examiner's life. As a precaution they had an unmarked police car following Dr. Isles. Jane was not aware of this until she and Kate went to join Maura for lunch the next day. Jane was very aware of the unmarked following them. She made a few extra turns which alerted Maura that something was up. "Jane, where are you going? the restaurant is in the other direction."
"Maur, I didn't want to alarm you but I believe we are being tailed. Do you have the phone number of the detective in charge of the case?"
"Yes, would you like for me to call him?"
"Yes, please and put him on speaker." Jane told Maura as she glanced back at Kate to make sure she had her headphones on. Kate was watching a cartoon on her iPad.
Maura dialed the number. "Foster" was heard as the phone was answered on the second ring.
"Detective Foster, this is Captain Rizzoli of Boston PD. I believe I am being followed and wanted to check in with you to see if you have a detailed assigned to my wife, Dr. Maura Isles, who is working temporarily with your team."
"Yes, Captain Rizzoli, as a precautionary measure we are keeping a close eye on your wife."
"Is that standard operating procedure not to inform her?"
"As you know Captain, officers quite frequently keep an eye on members of the team if we think they might be in danger."
"Yes, I am aware of that but I nor my wife were aware that she was being watched. She is a very private person and would not have agreed to such an action."
"I understand Captain, however, we are not sure that our medical examiner's accident was an accident, so we are taking every precaution to protect Dr. Isles."
"I am in town until tomorrow evening and I would appreciate it if you would relax your detail. When I leave, I would recommend rather than following her that you simply have a patrol officer pick her up and return her to her apartment at the conclusion of her workday. Do you also have someone posted outside of our apartment when she is present?"
"We have a team monitoring your apartment 24/7. Until we determine that there is no threat, we want to make sure that Dr. Isles is safe."
"Thank you, just in the future it would be nice if she had been informed ahead of time."
"Noted, Captain. Enjoy your time in New York and if we can be of any assistance, please let us know."
"If you can make this rain disappear, that would be nice." Jane said as she laughed with the detective.
"Sorry, ma'am, that is a little above my paygrade."
"Mine also, unfortunately. My little girl wants to light off her sparklers and snakes and the weather is not cooperating."
The finished their conversation and Jane drove her family to the restaurant. They had a nice lunch and then took Maura back to work. Jane and Kate then went to Olivia's to spend some time with Olivia, Alex and Noah before it was time to watch the fireworks.
Because Maura's apartment had the height advantage, they agreed to watch the fireworks from there. Maura was escorted home by a very nice patrol officer and immediately entered the apartment and headed for the shower. She wanted to freshen up before she set out to help Kate with her sparklers and snakes. Noah had never lit up a snake so he was really looking forward to that.
Olivia was silently cursing Jane for introducing her son to snakes. He had gone 10 years without knowing about snakes and now in one rather impromptu visit by a friend he was suddenly hooked on sparklers and snakes. "Sorry!" Jane mouthed to Olivia as Maura helped Kate and Noah light their snakes. Alex decided she wanted to join in the fun also. She has missed her friend. She and Maura quite often played together when they were younger but had lost track of each other when they went off to college.
MJ, AJ and Lilly had waited long enough for their mothers to call them so they decided to call them. Jane frowned when she saw the incoming video call. She knew she was forgetting something. Olivia laughed at her and mouthed 'how could you forget to call your other children.' Jane didn't mean to forget she was just overwhelmed at the situation she had walked into in New York. She had no idea her wife could be in danger.
Jane accepted the video call request and immediately smiled when she saw all of her children on the screen. "Hello." She greeted them.
"Hi mama, where is mommy and Kate?" MJ asked as he tried to look around in the background behind his mama.
"Oh, I see, I am just chopped liver, you didn't want to talk to me just them, I see how it is."
"No mama, we wanted to see you also but we miss mommy. She has been gone for almost a week now. She was only supposed to be gone for four days, five days tops." MJ replied.
"She is just over there lighting up snakes with Kate and Noah." Jane pointed over to where Maura was so that children could see her.
"Can you take the iPad over to her so we can talk to her?"
"Sure, give me a minute." Jane said as she walked over to where Maura was.
Once MJ felt that they were close enough that his mommy would hear him he shouted, "Hi mommy."
Maura turned around and saw the children on the screen. "Hello, my loves, how are you? I miss you all so much."
Lilly replied, "We miss you too, mommy, when are you coming home?"
"I'm not sure baby. I have to help out with this important case. I am not saying that you are not important to me but this was unexpected. How was your cookout? Did you grandfather do okay with cooking on the grill?"
"Yes, he did fine. It was raining so Uncle Frankie moved the grill under cover and we had to stay inside and play until it was time to eat."
"It rained here today also, of course I was inside working but that meant that Kate had to stay in also and you know how much she wants to be outside playing."
"Yes. It is not the same without you, mama and Kate here with us. Can you tell us a little Fourth of July story, like you do every year?"
"Yes, let me have you talk to mama for a minute or two while I grab Kate and Noah so I can tell you all at the same time, okay?"
"Okay, mommy."
Jane looked her children and waited for Maura to gather Kate and Noah. Meanwhile Olivia and Alex talked with the children. Once Kate and Noah cleaned up their snake residue, they all sat down so Maura could tell them a story.
"Did you know that one of our founding fathers John Adams sought to have a day to celebrate with pomp and parade and that is how the Fourth of July came to be. Although he felt very strongly that the day to celebrate should have been the Second of July." Maura paused and took a drink of water. It had been a long day for her but she didn't want to miss out on this tradition. She loved informing her children of the history of events.
She continued, "One former president, John Calvin Coolidge was born on the Fourth of July in 1872. Three former presidents passed away on July 4th, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died in 1826 within hours of each other and then James Monroe died in 1931." She paused again thinking that she probably shouldn't be talking about people dying when they were trying to celebrate, but she had already said it and she couldn't take it back so she continued.
"By signing the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers who were citizens of Great Britain, committed treason against the King of England. What England considered 'treason' the United States celebrated as 'independence.'
Fireworks were added as a way to celebrate national prosperity and patriotism during the first organized celebration of Independence Day in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. It is estimated that this year Macy's will spend over $150,000 on the fireworks for their annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City. It is the largest pyrotechnic show in the country. They use a total of five barges along the East River to present the fireworks display."
"That is a lot of money." AJ stated as he was taking in all of the facts that his mommy was telling them. He loved listening to her tell them facts. They all did. It pleased Jane that the children were so taken with Maura's ability to spout of facts. She was also pleased to see Noah listening intently to Maura. She looked over and Olivia and Alex were also listening intently.
When Maura had finished telling her facts the children all dispersed, the three on video chat said goodnight to their mothers and Jane disconnected the video call. Maura had retreated to the kitchen to get another bottle of wine and some glasses. The four adults shared in the wine while Kate and Noah watch a show on TV.
The fireworks show started at 9:25 PM and lasted for 25 minutes. Some never seen before fireworks were used in the display and Kate and Noah just loved it. She and Noah were mesmerized by the display. Jane could see that Kate was fading fast and Noah wasn't too far behind Kate. Olivia opted to take Noah home so they all said their goodbyes with Alex promising to keep in touch with Maura from now on. They knew their lives would be busy but they vowed to make time for each other. Jane and Olivia did the same.
The next morning Maura had to go back to work and Jane and Kate were flying home after lunch. They spent a little bit of time before lunch visiting with Kate Beckett and Richard Castle. Jane was hoping that Maura would get to visit with them before she came back to Boston.
After lunch Kate cried when she had to leave her mommy at the precinct. She wanted her mommy to come home with them. Maura promised Kate she would come home soon and that they could video chat every night before bed time. Maura told herself even if she had to video chat with her children from an office at the precinct she would. Life was too short and she needed to remind her children that they were a priority for her.
She gave Jane a big hug and kiss as they hopped in their car to go to the airport and return to Boston. Maura was happy that Jane had surprised her by visiting New York City for the 4th of July. She knew she would not have been able to fly to Boston. She continued to wave to Jane and Kate until their car was out of sight. She went back to the morgue to find the clues to solve this case so that she could return to her family.