Waiting for I.A.
(Maura and Jane are waiting to see if they can go back to work. Angela ropes them into helping with a Health Clinic–at the Parish Hall. With both brothers.)
Two women of action sat in the living room, fiddling with their car keys.
"Bored. Boring. Bored out of my gourd. I hate not working. How do people stand not having a job?, and Jane flopped down on the sofa.
"It is difficult, I must admit. Especially since I did this to myself. Maybe I could go back to the job I had before Med. School.", Maura's eyes seemed to survey the past.
"What job? It's not like you needed one. So, what did you do? Librarian? Art Gallery assistant?
Maura smiled dreamily. "Sou Chef at one of the finest bistros in Boston. It was fun. Chef was very kind, and didn't scream like so many of them."
Jane flat out stared.
"You, Maura, 'I can't ruin my manicure', Isles were a sou chef? In other words, you were a hash slinger."
"I was not a hash thrower. Take that back." Then Maura pouted.
Jane threw her keys into the air, and caught them.
"Ok, choice number one, go for a drive, and I drive. Choice number two...?"
"The 'Bodies Exhibit' is back. I missed it last time."
"Yuck! I was thinking about lunch. Was, Maura.. Past tense. We could check out all the history markers in Boston–except the battles and stuff."
"Jane, some of those are in...less than hygienic parts of the city. I really dislike rats."
"Our parish is organizing a free health clinic for the poor.", offered Angela.
"Hi, Ma. When did you come in?"
"About when you turned down the, 'Bodies Exhibit.'"
"Actually, Angela...I need something to do with my hands. When is the clinic? I'd be happy to volunteer."
"And Maura will need a translator.", said Jane, preparing to duck. Maura's tossed pillow missed her by inches. "But Maur, you said you don't do well talking to the living."
"For a few days, I can do it. But if you want to help...", and Maura used her pleading face.
"Frankie's doing security, and Tommy is making flyers .He puts them up when he's dog walking. There are so many people without health insurance. This could be their first time in years seeing a doctor, Jane."
Jane knew when to fold. "Okay, Ma. When and where? With one provision...if I.A. calls, I can skip it to go back to work."
"I still don't understand why you have to worry about your job. It's been four weeks...can't they figure out who shot who by now?"
Jane gulped, and glanced at Maura. Her lips were drawn into a thin line. Jane made the motion of combing her own hair, and Maura relaxed.
"Ma. Change the subject for Pete's sake. Gaaa!"
"Well, Father Giosia will be happy to see you. In church. For once."
"Ma, Father Giosia hates me. He always called me, 'That child with the questions.', and he was not amused. Besides he caught me and Tony Mazzoti behind the Parish Hall making out.. Stop laughing, Maur. I swear if he comes near me, I'm hiding out until he goes away. I mean it, Ma."
"Don't worry, Jane, I'll protect you. I carry sharp little items with me.", and Maura mimed using a scapel."
Jane rose to her feet, turned to face Maura, bowed her head and clicked her heels together. "I salute you, oh Queen of the Dead., my protector." And they dissolved into a fit of giggles.
Three days later, the younger Rizzolis were moving furniture, snaking tables around the parish hall for maximum privacy and access to doctors and other health care professionals. Angela supervised.
"No, Janie, there isn't enough room for a massage table there. Allow for three more feet. Tommy, the file folders need to be at the table next to the door, and put three chairs behind them."
Maura walked in carrying her doctor bag, and her purse. Frankie was walking into the same spot, so they had a little dance to decide who went which way. Maura smiled. "It's a bit confusing in here."
"Yeah, but wait until everybody shows up. It's gonna be a zoo." And seeing the puzzled look on her face, he added, "It means super busy. A little wild."
And Maura nodded. "Do you know where my station is?"
"Yes. Jane made Ma move it way down there," and he pointed with his head. "Your name is on the table. I have this weird map that Ma made me. I can find anybody."
As Maura settled at her table, she noticed a woman with long, curly blonde hair, and wearing a lab coat walk into the room. Wire rim glasses hid a slight squint, as her blue eyes perused the area. Maura dropped everything onto the table and ran toward her.
"Bonjour, Ann Fortier! Comment agréable de vous voir. Que faites-vous ici à Boston? "
"Le Dr Isles, a-t-il été dix ans déjà? Je ne vivent pas ici, je suis rendu visite à des amis, et offert de l'aide avec cette clinique. Oh, nous devrions peut-être poursuivre en anglais ... Je ne veux pas être impoli."
Maura switched languages seamlessly. "It's lovely to see you. Where do you live now?"
Anne smiled enigmatically. "I moved to Vancouver for a short time, then to Quebec City. I'm not so confident in English." She shrugged a single shoulder. "Competent, yes, confident no. I met a charming young man who assured me that there would be people in need of psychiatric help here, so, voila, here I am. And how have you been? Did you have any interesting cases?"
"Of course. I'd love to share. Shall I get coffee for us? Still black with four sugars?"
Behind Maura, Frankie made a face. Jane stood close by.
"Who is that?", Jane asked, glaring at the stranger.
"Someone who speaks French. And puts a hell of a lot of sugar in her coffee."