BLT
Chapter 26
Maura stood in front of the full-length mirror and admired the small baby bump that was now big enough to notice. Running her hands over the small protrusion, she couldn't help but smile. Excitement filled her heart and anticipation fluttered in the pit of her stomach… or perhaps it was the baby moving. At a little over four months pregnant it was about time to feel that little feather-like flutter tickling her from the inside but at the moment, she wasn't exactly sure what she was feeling.
"Hey, you've started without me…" Jane said from the doorway of their bedroom with that husky voice Maura found so sexy.
"Hmmm…" Maura continued to run her hands over the small baby bump as her eyes moved to meet Jane's reflection in the mirror she was standing in front of. She could feel a flush run over her bare skin at the hungry look Jane was giving her and it made her shiver.
"Have I told you today how stunning you are?" Jane asked as she moved across the room like a panther on the prowl. "Pregnancy looks good on you…" she said as she stood behind Maura and wrapped her arms around the smaller body she now held against her own. Placing her hands over the ones that now rested on the small bump, a surge of protectiveness shot through her like an electrical current.
Leaning back into the protective warmth that Jane's body offered, Maura sighed. "It looked pretty good on you too…" she said as she threaded their fingers together.
"Well, for what it's worth… you're beautiful." Jane rubbed her nose against the back of Maura's neck before bringing her chin to rest on the shoulder near her cheek, leveling her gaze so their eyes could meet in the mirror.
"Well, for what it's worth… so are you, but thank you."
"The kids are asleep and the bedroom door is locked… wanna fool around?" Jane wiggled her eyebrows suggestively causing Maura to laugh.
"I might be convinced…" Maura batted her eyelashes seductively as she tilted her head away from Jane, exposing the skin along her neck as an invitation. "But you're going to have to work for it…" the challenge came out on a shaky breath as Jane's lips grazed that spot just under Maura's ear that caused her legs to go wobbly.
"Well…" Jane's mouth moved lower over Maura's shoulder as she pushed the light material of the robe away from the skin she craved to taste and touch. "How about we move this party to the bed…" she asked as she continued to pepper Maura's shoulder with light kisses.
"No…" Maura sighed as she undid the belt holding her robe slightly closed. "I think I want to start right here…" she said as she watched the robe fall open, exposing her full breasts to the cool air that filled their room. (Thank goodness for air conditioners…) A tingling sensation ran over her skin as she watched Jane's eyes widen at the sight of her semi-naked body and she couldn't help but respond with a sexy smirk.
"Hmm… you're in the mood to play… huh?" Jane chuckled as she moved her hands over Maura's stomach, pushing the robe further away from the soft, creamy skin that lay beneath. "Where to start?" Her eyes dropped to Maura's full breasts that hung slightly over the ribs she knew were extremely ticklish. But now wasn't the time to make Maura laugh… no, Jane wanted to hear her name fall from Maura's lips in that husky tone that set her body on fire with a want and need that only be satiated by moments like these. She could see that Maura was watching her and eagerly anticipating her touch so she moved the tips of her thumbs lightly along the underside of each breast, watching in awe as Maura's nipples hardened. "You like that, don't you?" The question was whispered against the soft skin under Maura's ear, causing her to moan and lean back into Jane's body.
"Ummm… very much…" Maura sighed as she arched her back to allow her breasts to fill Jane's hands. When Jane's thumbs continued to move up and over her soft, sensitive skin her eye's fluttered shut and her breathing quickened as she waited for the touch that would light her body on fire.
Jane paused so she could take in the full image of her and Maura reflected in the mirror. The beauty of Maura's half-naked body in the palm of her hand was an image she wanted to hold onto for a while. But, when Maura let out a slightly frustrated moan, Jane knew what she needed to do next as her thumbs moved higher until they were grazing Maura's tight nipples. As she began to slowly circle the taught flesh, Maura moaned and pushed harder against the touch, begging for more. When she lightly pinched the nipple between her thumb and index finger, she thought that Maura's legs were going to give out so used her left arm to secure Maura's body against her own as she continued to caress and knead the breast in her right hand.
The feeling of Jane's fingers teasing her with light feathery touches was almost enough to push Maura over the edge. Her breasts were already so sensitive without being touched, but having Jane lovingly fondle them was boarding on the most pleasurable torture she had ever experienced. But it wasn't enough… not anymore. Grabbing Jane's hand, she decided it was time to move on to something that would fulfill the need that was beginning to overtake her.
"You ready for something a little more… intimate?" Jane asked as she watched Maura guide her hand lower over her stomach to hover over the waistband of the silk boxers Maura was wearing. With her fingers sitting just above the boxers, she couldn't help but smile at Maura. "I see you're wearing my sexy boxers…"
"They are so comfortable…" Maura sighed as she watched Jane dip one finger into the waistband. "And they feel soooo good against my skin… not to mention they fit over this…" she gave her baby bump a light pat.
"They do feel pretty good." Jane grinned as she touched the silky material.
"I have a feeling you might find what's underneath even better…" Maura wiggled her eyebrows playfully.
"You think?" Jane furrowed her brow as if she were trying to decide if what Maura said was true.
"I do…" Maura's voice was low and husky as she pushed Jane's hand down past the waistband of the boxer shorts.
Allowing herself to be guided, Jane let out a long slow breath when her fingers found Maura wet and ready for her touch. "You weren't kidding… it feels so much better… you feel so much better…" Jane sighed as her fingers dipped lower. "I can't believe how wet you are…" she said as she began a slow, gentle stroke… back and forth… in and out… all while Maura watched. It thrilled her to have Maura watch but the need to see more caused her to tug at the boxer shorts until they were sitting just above Maura's knees. "I need to see you…" she said breathlessly as she exposed both herself and Maura to their watchful gazes.
"Oh, Jane…" Maura moaned as she began to rock with the rhythm Jane set with her fingers. In and out, back and forth, circles and long… slow strokes drew out the pleasure that was on the verge of bursting through. She could feel her body tingling as her breath came quicker and her movements more frantic as she sought out the release that only Jane could give her. A warmth began to spread over her body and she wasn't sure she would be able to stand upright anymore, but the feeling of Jane… inside her and holding her up gave her a renewed confidence that all would be alright. When Jane's movements became quick and more precise… she knew it wouldn't take long. And then suddenly, her body became ridged, followed by wave after wave of pleasure that washed over her… carrying her away on a surge of ecstasy that refused to release her. It was the longest and most intense orgasm she had ever experienced and she wanted more… no, she needed more and the only person who could make that happen was Jane.
The feeling of Maura's climax was so strong that Jane almost lost her grip on the body she now held in her arms. She had experienced many of Maura's organisms but this one was different. It seemed to go on forever and Jane wasn't sure if that was good or bad. "Hey… are you okay?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Oh, I'm better than okay…" Maura's voice was husky again as she moved against Jane's body, seeking more contact. "I want more…" she sighed as she tilted her head back to look at Jane.
"Anything you want… you know I'll give it to you…" Jane said, her body burning from the desire that had built up as she watched Maura.
Spinning around so they were now faced to face, Maura gave Jane a gentle push towards their bed. "I want you to use your mouth this time…" her eyes darkened as she watched Jane scrabble back towards the bed. "But first I want you out of those closes…" she demanded.
"Oh shit… bossy Maura is here…" Jane grinned as she began to shed her t-shirt and jeans. "I love bossy Maura…" she said as she wiggled out of her sports bra and underwear.
"You ain't seen nothin' yet…" Maura gave Jane a smoldering look as she sat on the edge of the bed, spread her legs, and pointed to the empty spot in front of her. "Now… assume the position and if you do what I tell you, I might let you fuck me with the strap on later…"
Dropping to her knees in front of Maura, Jane knew they were in for a long night of fun. Maura's appetite for sex had grown exponentially since she had entered her fourth month of pregnancy and Jane couldn't be happier. Maura had been beautiful and sexy before, but now… there was a new level of kink and experimentation they had yet to explore and Jane couldn't wait to see where it went from here. The sudden change in Maura's demeanor excited Jane and while it was true that Maura was usually the one in charge, there was something different in the way she demanded Jane give her what she wanted. Maura's confidence in their bedroom never ceased to amaze Jane but this time when she took control, it was on a whole new level… one that Jane was eager to explore. So with that thought in mind, Jane set about to do what Maura told her and she had every intention of doing it again and again if that's what it took to satisfy Maura's insatiable appetite. She was just glad she was the one who got to share in these new experiences and not only that, but she also benefited in many different ways.
YYY
Rolling over onto her side, Jane stretched and slowly opened her eyes. Their room was still dark and she blinked a few times until her eyes adjusted to the soft light coming from the bathroom. Her body was tired and sore in all the right places and she couldn't help but smile at the memory of what she and Maura had done earlier. She could feel Maura's body nestled up against hers and based on the soft snoring sounds coming from Maura, she was very much asleep. Gently, she attempted to stretch again without disturbing Maura but as she did, a sound from outside their bedroom window caught her attention. For a moment, she lay there… holding her breath to see if she could catch the sound again but when it didn't come, she let out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to do was get out of bed and investigate something outside that would probably turn out to be that little pesky raccoon that Valley had named 'Stinky' rummaging through their garbage cans… but then again, the trash cans were now safe and secure in the backyard shed, hidden away from the curiosity of such pests like little 'Stinky'.
As she lay there thinking about trash cans and raccoons, she started to slowly drift off back to sleep but another sound caused her eyes to fly open and her relaxed body to go ridged. As quietly as she could manage, she sat up hoping it might make it easier to hear any other sounds that might come next. Sitting still was nearly impossible as early morning air washed over her naked body causing her to shiver. It wasn't cold, but the heat from Maura's body was beginning to fade, leaving Jane exposed to the cool air that was circulating the room, thanks to the ceiling fan. Leaning over to pick up her t-shirt from the floor, she felt a warmth press into her bare back sending goose bumps racing along her skin and she let out a sigh of relief.
"Hey, is something wrong?" Maura's voice was rough as she cleared her throat.
"Ummm… I don't know." Jane said as she pulled her t-shirt over her head. "I heard something outside…" her voice trailed off as she continued to listen for something… anything that would indicate what might be lurking around in their front yard.
"It's probably just Stinky getting into the garbage cans…" Maura said as she sat up behind Jane. Draping her arms over Jane's shoulders, she rested her chin on one of those broad shoulders and let out a sigh of contentment. "Why don't you lay back down and we can snuggle… without this, of course." She said as she began to tug at Jane's t-shirt.
"It can't be Stinky… I put the garbage cans in the backyard shed." Jane said as she tried not to let Maura's touch distract her.
"I'm sure it's nothing… probably just a neighbor…" Maura started to say but suddenly froze when she too heard the sound. "I think you're right… that's not Stinky…" she said as she pulled away from Jane, craning her neck so she could see out the bedroom window.
"See, I told you it wasn't Stinky…" Jane sighed as she reached over to the bedside table to open the top drawer. When she had it open, she glanced at Maura in apology as she pressed her palm to a glass plate embedded in the bottom. "I just want to make sure it isn't something serious…" she said when the bottom drawer popped open revealing her service revolver and her loaded clips.
"Do you really think you'll need that?" Maura asked, her voice laced with worry.
"I don't want to take a chance." Jane shrugged her shoulders as she pulled the gun from the safe and slipped a clip in.
"I hate that thing…" Maura frowned. "But I understand why you need it. I don't like it though…" but she didn't get to finish what she was going to say next as the piercing sound of the car alarm filled the room causing both her and Jane to scramble from the bed.
Jane glanced down, thankful she was wearing her boxer shorts, and grabbed her sweatshirt, quickly pulling it over her head as she headed for the door. "Call 911 and give them my badge number. I think someone is trying to break into the car…" her voice trailed off as she took off at a quick jog down the stairs. "And stay inside…" she shouted as an afterthought.
Maura froze for a second as Jane disappeared but then quickly regained her senses as she grabbed her cellphone and called 911. The sound of the car alarm continued to wail in the distance as she relayed the information to the dispatched and only hung up after being reassured that someone was on the way. It wasn't long after she hung up that she heard the familiar beeps of the remote key fob deactivating the alarm and then silence filled the room… that is until Valley started crying and calling for both her and Jane.
"Mama, Mommy…?" Valley called out. "I'm scared… where are you?"
Jumping into action, Maura grabbed her robe and headed towards Valley's room to let her know they were okay… at least she hoped they were. The thought of something happening to Jane made her sick to her stomach but she knew she had to trust Jane to keep them safe, especially now that she was pregnant… but having to sit back and wait was more difficult than she anticipated. It was, however, the only thing she could do at the moment so she did her best to put on a brave face and reassure Valley that all was right with the world.
Jane, on the other hand, wasn't so sure that all was right with the world as she slipped out the front door, gun held high and to the ready. Taking a quick look around the front yard, she could see that the windshield of their car had been broken but she didn't look too hard because she knew the culprit was still around. A shuffling sound in their bushes alerted her to the perp's location and without much thought as to what to do next, she launched herself at the body hunched over in the dark shadows.
The sound of air being knocked from someone filled Jane's ears as she struggled to pin the heavy body she was wrestling with down to the ground. She wasn't sure if it was her or… him… definitely a 'him'… who was breathing heavy but it didn't take her long to get the drop on him as she hovered over him and pressed the barrel of her gun to the side of his head.
"Holy shit, dude… don't shoot… please… don't shoot… I give up…"
When Jane's vision had cleared from the rage that was coursing through her veins at the audacity of this punk vandalizing their car, not to mention terrifying her family, she could see he was just a teenager.
"What the fuck…" she said as she pulled her service revolver away from the kid and turned the safety on.
"I didn't sign up for a crazy bitch with a gun…" the kid groaned when Jane rolled off of him, but he was quickly silenced when she flipped him over to his stomach and knelt on his back.
"I don't think I heard you right…" her voice was husky from exertion as she pushed her knee further into his back causing him to groan.
"Yeah, show the lady some respect." A familiar voice to the left of Jane caused her to whip around so she could see who was there with them. She knew it was Korsak but for some reason, she doubted herself when she heard his voice. Her mind raced as to why or how it was possible for him to have gotten there so quick when she was still waiting for a black and white to arrive but then again, Korsak was almost always in the right place at the right time… at least in her case.
"Fuck you… both of you…" the kid squirmed under Jane.
When Jane finally caught sight of Korsak standing next to her, her brain couldn't comprehend why he was only wearing boxer shorts and a white t-shirt. What an odd thing for him to be wearing to respond to a call this late at night… or morning as was the case.
"Vince? What are you doing you here?"
"Backing you up…" he said as he gave the kid a gentle shove with his bare foot.
This small detail didn't go unnoticed by Jane as she struggled to hold the kid down when he started to resist her. "Don't fucking move…" she hissed at him as she pinned his arm behind his back. "I'm an off-duty cop and you don't want to add resisting arrest to the charges… do you?"
"You're a cop?" The kid squeaked as he suddenly went limp.
"She's a detective… and so am I..." Korsak said as he handed Jane some handcuffs. "Here, this should keep him still until the black and whites get here."
"Thanks?" Jane said as she took them and clipped them around one wrist and then the other before pushing herself up to stand. "There, now you be quiet…" she said to the kid before turning to Korsak. "And you… what the actual fuck?" She waved a hand over what he was wearing only to have a sheepish grin returned. "How did you get here so fast… and why aren't you dressed?" Her question was followed by a raised eyebrow in question.
But before he could answer, Angela's voice called to them from the side gate that led to the backyard causing them both to look in her direction.
"Angela!" "Ma…!" Korsak and Jane said at the same time.
"Is everything alright?" Angela asked. Her head was the only visible part of her over the top of the fence.
Bringing his gun down to his side, Korsak ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "I told you to stay put until I gave you the all-clear." He said in exasperation.
It was about this time that Jane heard the police siren and said a silent prayer of thanks to the Gods above that this would soon be out of her hands but she would still be left to deal with the mystery of why Vince was standing in her front yard in a pair of boxers and a t-shirt… just like she was. The thing was, she knew why she was there but she didn't know why Vince was. "Finally…" she muttered under her breath as she turned back to the kid who was now starting to panic at the idea of being arrested. Glancing up towards the front door, she willed Maura to stay put and was happy to see that there was no sign of Maura going against her request to stay inside… unlike her mother.
"Well, I couldn't very well wait… I had to see if you and Jane were alright." Angela tried to defend her decision to check on them. "Besides, I heard the sirens and knew the Calvary was on the way. See…" she pointed at the black and white patrol car that was now pulling up in the driveway.
"Hey… I didn't sign up for this. It was just a prank…" the kid started to get anxious again.
"What do you mean it was a prank? You broke our fucking windshield and…" Jane glanced at the car and immediately regretted it.
The spray paint was still wet as it ran down the sides of Maura's Mercedes leaving red streaks of paint but the words were still very clearly present… words like 'Dyke' and 'Bitch', just to name a few. Anger began to coil again in the pit of her stomach as the realization that she knew who had done this or the person who had orchestrated it… Stephanie's ex.
"Look, some asshole paid me $100 to spray paint the car… and break the windshield… I thought it was just a joke…" the kid started to ramble on.
"That's an expensive joke…" Korsak muttered under his breath as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other as nervous energy rolled off of him.
"Excuse me… Detective Rizzoli?" A young woman who Jane recognized as one of her students from their last term by the name of 'Simpkins' called out as she approached.
"Officer Simpkins…" Jane said as she stood up straight but she left her barefoot on the lower back of the kid so he couldn't move… much.
"Is everything okay?" Simpkins asked as her partner followed her in silence.
Jane offered a lopsided smile and then a nod of acknowledgment to the man, a veteran on the force she had known for years, bringing up the rear. "Yeah… just nabbed a vandal. I don't think he's much of a threat… or flight risk." She said, giving him a sideways look, getting a nod of agreement from him. "I'm sure if he cooperates, we can get him processed and back home in…" she glanced at her watch. "About an hour…"
"Oh my God… that would be great. I'll tell you whatever you wanna know…" the kid sounded relieved.
"But there is still the matter of damage to our car. We'll need to work something out…" Jane's voice trailed off as she glanced around at everyone who was standing around.
"Anything you want…" the kid agreed. "The guy who paid me to do this said he was moving out of town and wanted to leave you with something to remember him by…"
"Yeah, we won't be forgetting this anytime soon.." Korsak interjected as he looked the car over with a frown on his face.
"Hey, what's that written all over the side of Maura's car?" Angela called out, getting everyone's attention.
"Ma, you need to go back and let me handle this. I'll tell you everything when it's over." Jane shrugged her shoulders in frustration as she glanced over towards her mother who was still looking over the top of the fence. But before she could say anything else, the light on the front porch turned on flooding the front yard in a slightly harsh white light causing them all to squint. "Hey, Ma… would you please go in the house and tell Maura what's happening." It was the best solution at the moment.
"Okay, but I still don't know what's happening…" Angela huffed as she disappeared behind the fence.
"That is the most stubborn and hard-headed woman I have ever known…" Korsak started to say before giving Jane a knowing look, silently conveying that he now knew where Jane got it.
"I don't have time to deal with whatever…" Jane waved her hands at Korsak again. "Whatever this is… but we will definitely get to the bottom of it, very soon." She shot him a stern look as he ducked his head in embarrassment.
When a second car pulled up, she recognized it as Frankie and Frost and let out a sigh of relief. Now she wouldn't have to deal with this vandalism and Vince on her own. She could see that Vince was slowly backing away at the arrival of Frankie and it pissed her off that it appeared Vince was more afraid of Frankie's wrath than her own. Well, she would surely rectify that… later.
"Hey, Jane… I heard the call on the scanner." Frankie said as he walked across the yard to stand next to her. "I can see you've got everything under control." He looked around, giving nods to each and everyone present, only stopping to linger on Korsak for a few seconds longer. When he turned back to Jane, he had a questioning expression on his face causing her to shrug her shoulders and roll her eyes.
"It appears as if Detective Rizzoli caught this young man vandalizing their property..." Simpkins interjected as she moved closer to the kid to get a better look at his face. "I'd say getting paid to vandalize a cop's car isn't a good investment of your time…" she leaned closer to the kid and frowned at him.
"Vandalism?" Frost asked as he approached everyone. "Who would vandalize you?" He asked Jane with genuine curiosity.
Without saying a word, Jane pointed to their car and shook her head. She didn't need to explain what had happened to Frost or Frankie because it was obvious they were a target of a hate crime. "I think I know who the mastermind of this scheme was…" she said giving Frankie a sideways glance to let him know that the suspicions she could see darken his features were right.
"That son of a bitch…" Frankie was breathless with anger as he approached the kid who was now sitting up, thanks to assistance from officer Simpkins. "Where is he?" He hissed out, causing the kid to shrink back in fear.
"He said he was leaving, moving out of state… and this was his last chance to get his point across…" the kid said, clearing his throat nervously as he spoke.
"Leaving?" Frankie asked as he looked at Jane for confirmation.
All Jane could do was shrug, a look of uncertainty on her face as she did. This inconvenience had already cost her far more time than she was willing to give up as she looked up at the sky. It had been dark when everything started, with stars dotting the canvas that was the night. But now, the indigo was lightening up to a faint shade of purple along the horizon where the sun would soon be making its appearance. A shiver ran through her… not because it was cold, on the contrary, it was still quite warm and humid. It was a shiver of uncertainty that rolled over her skin. Could this really be one last-ditch attempt to get his point across or would Stephanie's ex show up again and again to become a thorn in their side?
"Detective Rizzoli, would you like to come down to the station for questioning?" Officer Simpkins asked as she pulled the kid up to stand on his feet.
Even though Simpkins' question was directed at Jane, Frankie jumped in to answer before she could. "Yeah, Frost and I have this…" he said causing Frost's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.
"Really?" Jane asked as the adrenaline from earlier began to drain from her body only to be replaced by fatigue.
"No worries, sis… you go on back to bed. Frost and I have finished up our surveillance for the night… or morning as it stands. We'll get to the bottom of things…" Frankie assured Jane.
"You sure about this, Frost?" She couldn't help but ask him as he stood there looking slightly confused by Frankie's eagerness to volunteer them to work over.
Clearing his throat, he glanced at Frankie who seemed to silently plea with him to agree. "Yeah, sure… we've got this." He sighed as he resigned himself to working late.
"Man, that sure takes a load off my mind." Jane ran her fingers through her tangle of dark hair.
"Okay, Detective Rizzoli… um, Detectives… um, we'll meet you at the station..." Simpkins said as she nodded goodbye to Jane and then turned to Frankie. "We'll be interrogation…"
"Got it..." Frankie said as he waved off Simpkins and watched as put the teenager in the back of the patrol car. "Um, what's he doing here?" Frankie asked Jane as he tilted his head in Korsak's direction.
"I don't know, but I'm gonna get to the bottom of it… sooner rather than later." She let out a frustrated sigh as she watched Korsak talking and laughing with Frost. It irritated her that he seemed relaxed enough to joke with Frost when she was now the ire of her anger. She couldn't help but wonder what the hell was he doing here in the middle of the night. Okay… she was smart enough to know what he was doing there but she wasn't ready to admit it just yet… at least without confirmation from her mother.
"Alright… you handle that…" he pointed at Korsak. "And I'll handle the punk kid who did that…" he hitched his thumb at the car. "I'll call you this afternoon. Hey Frost, let's head out..."
"Sounds good." Jane nodded her agreement and tiredly watched as Frost said goodbye to Korsak and he and Frankie waved goodbye. When she turned to confront Korsak, he was already headed towards the backyard gate. "Hey, you're not gonna get off so easy…" she called to him.
"We'll talk later." He said with the wave of his hand. "I've gotta go check on Angela…"
Before she could fire off another retort, he disappeared behind the gate, leaving her alone without any answers to the questions that were swirling around in her very tired brain. But then she remembered that her mother was probably still inside with Maura and if Vince wasn't going to answer her questions… well, surely her mother would.
YYY
Maura sat at the kitchen table with Valley wrapped in her arms as she listened to Angela explain what was happening outside. She was grateful that Li hadn't woken up when Valley did and now that things had calmed down a bit, Valley was sound asleep with her chin tucked against Maura's shoulder.
"So you say it was just a teenager vandalizing the car?" Maura asked, her voice in a hushed tone so as not to wake Valley up.
"Yeah, he spray-painted some awful stuff on the side of the car and broke the windshield. Jane was sitting on his back when I got there…" Angela shivered slightly even though she knew that everything… everyone was alright. "She asked me to fill you in on everything."
"Well, I appreciate it. I was worried…" Maura frowned at having to stay back while Jane handled everything, but at four months pregnant, she knew it was for the best. Shifting slightly so she could see out the back windows, she furrowed her brow as if it would help her see better because she wasn't sure if what she was seeing was a result of being overtired. "Um… Angela? Isn't that Vince in the backyard… um… in his underwear?" The last word rose an octave in surprise.
"Yes… it is…" Angela glanced over her shoulder, hoping that Vince would go inside her cottage quickly. "I'll explain later…" she said to Maura's questioning expression.
"Oh, you can count on that Ma…" Jane said as she stepped into the kitchen nook, surprising both Maura and Angela. "Here, let me take her upstairs and put her to bed." She bent down to take Valley from Maura's arms.
"Thanks…" Maura said, grateful to have her arms back. Valley was small for her age, but she was still an armful for Maura the longer they sat there.
"And you…" Jane gave her mother a pointed look that brokered no argument. "You are gonna explain why Vince showed up in our front yard wearing nothing but boxers and a t-shirt…"
Angela's cheeks turned a light pink as she nodded her understanding but having Jane talk to her like she was a child did not sit well with her. "I agree that we need to talk, but I am still your mother and you will treat me with the respect I deserve." She said as she stood up and shoved her hands in the pockets of her robe. "Now, if you'll excuse me… I'm off to salvage the last few hours of sleep I have left before I have to get." And with that last statement, she turned and left Maura and Jane stunned and alone.
"Um, let me help you get her back to bed..." Maura whispered as she stood and followed Jane upstairs to Valley's room. She could see how tense Jane was but knew she would have all the answers to her questions as soon as they were alone again.
"Is she okay?" Jane asked as she tried to quietly and gently lay Valley back down in her bed.
"I think so. The alarm scared her and then the police sirens but once your mother showed up to explain that everything was okay…" her voice trailed off as she watched Jane pull the covers up and place a quick, yet protective kiss on Valley's forehead. "I think she'll be fine. I promised to make pancakes for breakfast."
"Um… my favorite..." Jane whispered as she stepped aside to allow Maura to kiss their daughter goodnight as well. "I think we may get to sleep in this morning, that is if Li doesn't have other ideas."
"I'll take whatever we get…" Maura yawned as she followed Jane out of Valley's room and towards their own.
When they were finally alone, Jane closed the door to their bedroom and then dropped down on the bed with a heavy sigh. She had grass stains on her knees and an elbow from tackling the kid who had vandalized their car and her body ached… this time not in all the right places like before. She was still tense and angry about what had happened but she was also extremely tired.
"You going to tell me what happened and why I saw Vince sneaking back into the cottage out back?" Maura sat down next to Jane and rubbed her arm to help soothe away the aches and pains.
"Yeah, well… it seems as if Stephanie's ex got one last shot in before bugging out of town… for good hopefully." Jane pushed her unruly hair away from her face. The room was dimly lit and it seemed to exacerbate her fatigue. "And as to Vince… I have no idea… or maybe I do… I just don't want to think about it right now." She frowned at the thought of her mother and Vince being together.
"I suspect he was… is spending the night…" Maura mused as she ran her fingers over Jane's cheek and then her forehead. This light touch was always something that calmed Jane down and by the looks of it, tonight was no exception.
"Ugh…" Jane huffed as she threw her arm over her eyes in frustration. "I can't deal with this right now. I'm too tired."
"Want to tell me what happened after the police got here? Did they take him in for questioning? Are you pressing charges? Why didn't you go down to the station so you could question him yourself?" The myriad of questions came from Maura without so much as a breath between them causing Jane to push herself up onto her elbows so she could look at Maura in surprise. "What?" Maura asked innocently, unaware of why Jane was looking at her so funny.
"You asked me all of those questions without taking a breath between them…" Jane said with a chuckle. "I will try to answer them, but let's get into bed first. I'd like to snuggle with you if that's okay?"
Maura nodded, doing her best not to ask Jane to wash the grass off her knees before they slipped under the sheets. She would just wash the sheets in the morning and put new ones on later.
When they were finally settled under the covers, Jane let out a long, tired sigh as she rested her head against Maura's shoulder. "So, to answer the first question and perhaps the second one too… Officer Simpkins, one of my past students, showed up and took the kid in for questioning. And no, I haven't decided to press charges yet. If we can work out something to get the car fixed… at his expense, I think it should be lesson enough for him. He was pretty scared and also adamant he was only doing what someone paid him to do. As to why I didn't go down to the station, Frankie and Frost showed up and agreed to go in to question him. Hopefully, they will get some answers and we will finally know for sure if we're rid of that asshole for good. Now, did that answer your questions?"
Maura was quiet for a moment as she tried to decide if she had any more questions but when Jane yawned again, she took that as their cue to let it go until the morning. She was tired too and ready to get back to sleep… if only for a few more hours. "Yes… I think that should suffice until we can talk more tomorrow. Maybe Frankie will have some more information."
"Yeah, maybe..." Jane's voice trailed off as she closed her eyes.
Maura was still as she quietly listened to Jane's breathing tapper off into slow deep breaths indicating she had fallen asleep. Laying on her back, she had one arm wrapped around Jane and one arm resting protectively over her baby bump. It had been a long night filled with wonderful and not-so-wonderful things but at least she felt confident enough to think that the thorn that had recently grown into their sides was no longer a problem. Of course, the damage to the car would be a pain in the butt to fix but it was a fair trade-off if it meant they would finally be left alone. With Frankie and Steph being granted full custody of Noah, things would get back to normal and they could all be a family again without the fear of homophobic slurs or the not-so-subtle hate being directed at them.
As her mind began to wander to more pleasant thoughts, Maura's eyes fluttered shut and she settled back against her pillow with Jane snuggled against her left side. With the night and all of its excitement behind them, she let herself drift off to sleep feeling safe and protected in their little cocoon of love. The morning would bring a new day, fresh and filled with new possibilities… and some questions as well… especially one big, unanswered question. What was Vince doing spending the night with Angela?