TITLE: Rizzoli & Isles – Wake Up Call

SUMMARY: Pining over her co-worker for years, Detective Jane Rizzoli is in desperate need of a miracle, or for the object of her daydreams to finally wake up and grasp the meaning behind the none too subtle inferences they've been sharing. The chance comes Jane's way after experiencing a near fatal ending to a case and she finds the courage to set the wheels in motion that result in having her best friend doing a little more than smell the roses along the way. A/U

PAIRINGS: Jane Rizzoli & Original Female Character. Maura Iles & Ian Faulkner.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: All characters other than those conjured up by the author's imagination, remain the property of author Tess Gerritsen and television series writers Janet Tamaro, Steve Lichtman & Kiersten Van Home. No copyright infringement to Hurdler Productions, Ostar Productions or Warner Horizon Television is intended. The following story is a work of fiction brought to life for the purposes of entertainment only. No money has been exchanged nor any profit derived by sponsorship.

WARNING: Events follow on from Episode 1 & 2 of Season 3. This tale takes a different course from the television series and features several consensual relationships between women. This is not a Rizzles story.

A/N: Please review and allow the Muse a moment of satisfaction.


Chapter 1

Detective Jane Clementine Rizzoli sat at her work desk situated on the third floor of the Boston Police Headquarters' building with her head resting in the palms of her hands. With elbows propped up on the wooden surface, her wavy, long raven locks fell over her wrists and shielded her face.

As it was only 07:10 in the morning, the Homicide Squadroom was uninhabited except for the melancholy Investigator. It had been five days since Detectives put the Rachel Lawson/Paul MacNamara murder case to bed, and the killers arrested. Geologist Rachel and Professor Paul had secretly been investigating the illegal fracking that was going on at the 20,000-acre property in western Massachusetts owned by Matthew Moore aka Sensei Matta. Moore was using the area surrounding a lake on the pretence it was a yoga retreat, but in fact, was utilising heavy equipment to extract natural gas from deep underground and polluting the water with dangerous toxins in the process.

In the wash up, Moore and his thugs had found themselves indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and the attempted murder of Jane and her departmental work colleague Doctor Maura Dorothea Isles.

Three days had passed since the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had been discharged from Boston General Hospital and had returned to her home in Beacon Hill. Upon arrival, the attractive thirty five year old golden brown haired doctor was fussed over by Jane's mother and her younger brothers Frankie Junior, thirty-three and Tommy, thirty-two.

Once Maura had settled on the couch with her injured left leg elevated on the low table and on top of a cushion, Jane had sat beside her and clasped her right hand. Two weeks previously the two women had been snippy and snappy towards each other after Jane had been forced to shoot Maura's biological father and Irish mob boss, Patrick "Paddy" Doyle. Doyle, wanted for the murders of fifteen people, had survived his wounds and was currently imprisoned and awaiting trial.

As memories invaded her thoughts, Rizzoli's brown eyes become pools of tears when she recalled how much it had hurt to lose her best friend's trust and respect. She was also despondent over the fact she had allowed herself to be manipulated during the case by Federal Bureau of Investigations Agent Gabriel Dean.

When the two close friends had been on the run from Moore and his goons as a consequence of visiting the retreat and taking a sample of water from the lake; Maura had stopped moving and collapsed to the ground. Having had her left leg pinned in their unmarked police car earlier when it was t-boned by Moore's truck, the damage to her lower limb had worsened and she was unable to continue walking on it.

At the time, Maura had asked Jane to remove the knee high boot and by the light of the moon, the detective viewed the injury for the first time. Her initial reaction was to cry and blurt out, "It looks like it's … dead."

"It will be if you don't help me," explained a surprisingly calm Maura. "I'm suffering acute compartment syndrome due to the impact of the accident rupturing the posterior tibial artery."

Before Jane could ask what that meant in earthling, Maura continued, "Blood from the artery has leaked and due to the pressure that has built up, the venules and lymphatic vessels that drain the muscle compartments are compressed, and are prevented from draining. As arterial inflow continues while outflow is decreased, the pressure builds up in the muscle compartments. This pressure will eventually decrease the amount of blood flow over the capillary bed, causing the tissue to become ischaemic. The tissues will release factors and will lead to the formation of edema."

Scrunching up her face, Jane asked, "Jesus Maura, can't you for once just give it to me in simple terms. I have no idea what that all meant."

"It means I'll lose my leg if you don't perform emergency surgery."

An expression of utter horror fall upon Jane's face, "Say what now? You want me to do what?"

"You have to do a Fasciotomy. You need to make two incisions into the fascia to relieve the pressure and restore circulation to the tissue and muscle."

Tossing her hands into the air, Jane scoffed, "Oh yeah sure, why didn't you just say that in the first place and what the hell is the fascia?"

"Now is not the time for dramatics or sarcasm Jane. Fascia is a layer of fibrous tissue. We need a sharp edge, so give me your phone."

"It doesn't work remember, the microprocessor is wet and you can't call for roadside assist or a surgeon."

"I know that," snapped Maura. "Just hand it over so I can break the screen and you can use the glass to make the cuts."

"Seriously Maura, I can't do this," pleaded an almost hysterical Jane.

"I'll talk you through it." Pointing to her leg, Maura ran the tip of her right index finger along the outside line of her left calf muscle, "You need to cut deep into the skin and tissue then make a small incision just above the knee."

Handing over the phone, Jane cried harder, "I can't do this; I'm just a cop not a doctor."

"You will be fine Jane, now hand me your shirt."

In an attempt to quell her shaking hands, Jane played it for a laugh, "Now I know you are delirious if you think I'm going to bare my tits to you."

"Oh for heaven's sake Jane, you'll need it to bind my leg."

"I guess this means you are still mad at me for shooting your father," reasoned Jane dead pan while taking off her blue tee shirt and revealing a white tank top underneath.

"I doubt I will ever forgive you for that," snarled Maura as she smashed the phone face on a nearby rock. She handed the largest piece of shattered glass to Jane, "Get on with it."

Mortified by the comment, Jane took the offered implement and took a deep breath. Leaning in, she held Maura's leg with her right hand then placed the sharp edge to her skin.

Making an unsteady incision, she jumped when Maura spoke, "You will have to go much deeper."

Doing just that, Jane grimaced as Maura fainted and fell backwards onto the soil.

-o-

Teardrops fell down Jane's face as the memory of being discovered by Moore and his men a short time after completing the procedure on Maura's leg. When the doctor had regained consciousness, she was disorientated and muttering gibberish and Jane had tried to keep her quiet. That had obviously failed when the Detective heard footsteps approaching. She withdrew her weapon and pointed it at a smiling Moore when he walked over the top of an incline. The two women were quickly surrounded and Jane reluctantly handed over her Glock 27.

A short time later, a confused Maura and a pissed off Jane were strapped into the wrecked Ford Crown Victoria sedan while Moore gleefully told them the ravine they were in would soon be flooded with toxic waste once the polluted water stored from the fracking was released.

Once the men left, Maura mumbled, "Use phone, get help."

"It's not working."

"Try," urged the doctor.

Retrieving the phone, Jane was relieved to see it light up, "Shit, it's actually working. The microprocessor must have dried out." After trying to contact her ex-partner Vincent Korsak, she sighed, "Damn it, it won't dial out. Hang on; I might be able to send a text. Oh bullshit, I can only bring up characters."

"Dot, dot dash dash," whispered Maura.

Turning her head, Jane caught on, "Of course, Morse Code."

"You can tell your mother we are friends again," quipped the doctor with a grin.

As a smiling Jane typed in their location, Korsak had already left the station and gone in search of the women after his numerous attempts to contact Jane had gone straight to voice mail.

Finding the piece of glass in her trouser pocket, Jane hacked through her jammed seatbelt then began cutting away at Maura's.

-o-

When his cell phone beeped with a message alert, fifty three year old Detective Sergeant Vincent Korsak pulled his unmarked car to the side of the road. Withdrawing the phone from his belt, his forehead furrowed as he looked at the unreadable missive. He studied it for a second before saying, "Clever girl, Morse Code." Realising his colleague and friend was in trouble and unable to make verbal contact; the seasoned Detective called Lieutenant Cavanaugh with the news then took off for the correct lake.

Five minutes later he pulled up alongside the entrance to Moore's property and alighted from the vehicle. Yelling out, he was relieved to hear Jane's voice answer back. Following the sound down into a creek bed, his heart did a backflip when Jane climbed out the driver's side window. Running down to the car, he noticed the water flowing across the back of the sedan and over the trunk.

"Maura needs help," shouted Jane while racing to the passenger door. "Her leg's been hurt."

"Are you okay?" enquired Korsak with concern while reefing open Maura's door.

"I'm fine and I was never going to leave her."

"I never thought you would," responded a now smiling Korsak.

Helping Korsak drag Maura from the wreckage, Jane assisted with carrying the doctor up the embankment and gently placing her onto the backseat of the car.

"Cavanaugh and backup are on the way to arrest Moore and his followers."

"I doubt they'll still be here Vince," replied Jane while settling on the front passenger seat.

"He'll get them, but for now, we need to get Maura to hospital. So what the hell happened to you two?"

Taking her time, Jane told him everything that had transpired.

-o-

Wiping her face with the back of her hand, Jane's thoughts returned to the present and she smiled with the knowledge her friendship with Maura had been rekindled for the past thirty six hours. Gaining control over her raw emotions, she stood and went to the restroom. Walking over to a sink, she removed the hair tie from her right wrist and looked into the mirror. The image staring back at her was in contrast to how relieved she was feeling over the fact Maura was now on the road to recovery after surgery was performed on her leg to close the wound and flush out the debris that had been trapped inside.

The athletically built five foot eight woman's face was drawn and devoid of colour and there were visible signs of sleep deprivation around her eyes. There was also a sadness etched upon her chiselled features.

Pulling her dishevelled hair into a high set ponytail, Jane turned on the faucet and splashed cold water onto her face. When the freshness returned to her pale skin, she shut off the tap and reached for some paper hand towel. Taking another quick glimpse of her reflection, she muttered, "You freaking idiot Rizzoli, it won't work out anyhow; just like every other time."

"Do you always chastise yourself Detective Rizzoli?" enquired a voice from the doorway.

Spinning around in embarrassment, Jane's eyes locked onto an unknown female dressed in uniform blues bearing the rank insignia of Lieutenant. "I beg your pardon ma'am; I thought I was the only person in this early," she replied while discarding the towel into the trash can. "Is there something I can help you with Lieutenant?"

The blue eyed blonde stepped forward and offered her right hand, "I'm Erica Campbell, your relieving Commander for the next two months."

Taken aback by the news, Jane nevertheless shook the stunning woman's hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you Lieutenant."

The handshake was firm and Jane found herself giving Lieutenant Cavanaugh's replacement a lengthy once over. She took note of the short, platinum locks shaped into a fashionable pixie style, the strong angular facial features and the wide span of shoulders. Jane guessed the woman to be five ten in height and around one hundred and twenty seven pounds in weight. Her none too subtle cursory inspection did not go unnoticed and it was met with a dimple deepening grin.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Squad," admitted Campbell as she retracted her hand. "I'm very impressed with the clear up rate and team work attributed to you, Detective Frost and Sergeant Korsak."

Trying not to sound conceited, Jane replied, "We are proud of the results Lieutenant and it's definitely a team effort."

"As you should be and may I enquire as to the condition of Doctor Isles?"

A wave of unforeseen emotion splashed over Jane prior to her answer, "She is recovering well and is expected to return to work next Monday."

"That is pleasing news and I believe her assistant in the Crime Lab is a Doctor T Pike."

The corners of Jane's lips formed into a grimace, "That is correct."

"I dined with Lieutenant Cavanaugh Friday night before he left for Hawaii and he explained Doctor Pike is considered slow by Doctor Isles' standard."

Unable to hide the grin, Jane retorted, "You could say that and it's nice to have another female Detective on board."

"I am sure it is and from where I've come from, here is rather light on them. I understand you were the youngest woman to receive a Detective's shield."

"That was ten years ago and I worked damn hard to get it."

Nodding with understanding, Campbell suggested, "I would think not much has changed in the "boy's club" environment. Do you have the time to show me around the building Detective Rizzoli? I've already been through the offices of the brass on the second floor.

"Sure, right this way ma'am and of course this is the locker and bathroom. I usually have it all to myself, but I can learn to share."

Giggling at the joke, Campbell followed the Detective on a tour of the Boston Regional Information Centre, commonly referred to as BRIC; down the hallway then onto the interview rooms. Next stop was the basement and a quick look around the Crime Lab and Morgue before a trip back to the lobby.

Approaching the Division One Café, Campbell withdrew several dollar bills from her jacket pocket and asked, "Can I buy you a cup of java in appreciation of your sightseeing?"

"Thank you," replied Jane as the two officers neared the self-serve coffee and tea canisters.

"How do you take it?" enquired the blonde as she picked up two cardboard cups.

"Standard, creamer with two sugars."

Campbell busied herself with making the requested brew then poured a green tea for herself. Handing over the coffee, she noted, "Lieutenant Cavanaugh mentioned your mother works here alongside Stan-illa the Hun."

Breaking into a soft chuckle, Jane confirmed the comment, "Yes she does and my younger brother is on the job."

"Frankie junior, right?"

With raised black eyebrows, Jane responded, "Correct and you've obviously done your research."

"I like to be prepared. I think I picked up the habit from my early days as a Girl Guide."

"It was Sprout Troops for me," countered Jane before glancing at the chunky silver watch on her right wrist.

"Am I keeping you from something Detective?"

"No ma'am. The Squad is without an active case at the moment."

"Unfortunately that won't last too long and I have a meeting with Commissioner Davis and Superintendent Ross from BIS that I have to prepare for."

"Good luck with the brass and I appreciate the chat and coffee."

"You're welcome and I'll speak to you and the remaining members of the Squad at 0800 hours in the bullpen for an introduction.

"I'll spread the word."

Smiling at the offer, Campbell fed four notes into the honour jar then tossed her empty container into the garbage can. As she headed for the lifts, Jane's eyes followed the woman's progress. Her earlier mellow mood had lifted and she headed back to her desk once she finished her drink.

-o-

Jane looked up from her paperwork when her African-American partner Barold "Barry" Frost twenty eight, sat down at the opposite desk. "Good morning Frost," she said in greeting.

"Hey, how's it going?"

Tossing a file onto a pile of six, Jane stretched her arms and stood, "I'm happy to announce all our cases have been closed out. I'll drop these folders into the Commander's office."

Eyebrows crept upwards, "Speaking of the Commander, have you seen Cavanaugh's replacement yet, cos you look like you slept here overnight?"

Grinning slyly, Jane collected the stack of documents, "I certainly have and I did not sleep here." She started to walk away.

"Not so fast Rizzoli," protested Frost strongly. "Give it up girl, what are they like?"

Rotating, Jane replied, "I was in early and Lieutenant Campbell happened to arrive shortly afterwards."

"And?" prompted Frost with a right hand rolling motion.

"I found them to be very open and approachable."

"So by that I can assume he is good looking?"

"It's not a "he" smarty-pants and you will see her at eight for a meet and greet."

An expression of surprise ghosted Frost's handsome face, "Oh, I was not expecting that."

"That makes two of us," quipped Jane before ambling over to the Commander's office and placing the folders into the in-tray.

"Are you making extra work for me Detective Rizzoli?" jested Campbell as she entered the room.

Turning heel, Jane tugged at the hem of her dark blue pin striped pants suit jacket and grinned, "Just a little. Those are the last of the after action reports."

Returning the smile, Campbell put her peck cap on the coat rack beside the door, "A couple I can live with and Commissioner Davies spoke highly of you."

Feeling heat flush her face, Jane jested, "Yeah, I look good standing beside him on the front page of the paper."

"I have to agree with his respect, especially after he showed me a story from your award ceremony. Your actions were truly heroic and I'm glad you returned to duty. It's a pity the evening was ruined by the unfortunate murder of a decorated war hero. Private First Class Abigail Sherman deserved better."

"Yes she did and the whole sordid case was heartbreaking." Making for the door, Jane faltered momentarily when the Commander whispered, "It always is."

Returning to her desk and Frost, she greeted Korsak as he neared, "Hey Vince."

"Morning Jane, Frost. You look tired Rizzoli."

"Yeah sleep and I aren't the best of friends at the moment."

"I can see that. Is there something I can help you with?"

"No, but thanks for offering."

"How is Maura doing?" Korsak asked while sitting at his desk to the right.

"She has thoroughly embraced being fussed over by ma and Tommy. She has an appointment with her doctor this morning at eleven and will be dropping by to say hello."

"More than likely she'll be checking up on Pike's work," pointed out Frost.

Korsak chuckled in agreement, "She'll be making sure the man hasn't been sitting in her office chair again."

"She went a little crazy last time and practically attacked him," added Jane amusingly.

Frost suddenly left the conversation and stared past Jane, "Oh my god, is that our Commander?"

Turning her head, Jane replied, "That's Lieutenant Campbell."

Puffing out his chest and sucking in his stomach girth, Korsak got up and sped across the floor to present his right hand, "A good morning to you Lieutenant and welcome to the Homicide Division. I'm Sergeant Vincent Korsak and am at your service."

Shaking the proffered hand, Campbell responded with a smile, "It's a pleasure Sergeant and I look forward to working with you."

Jane glanced around the bullpen and rolled her eyes at the six men staring at the Commander with puppy dog eyes. She lost it when the other Detectives jostled each other in an attempt to be the next to introduce themselves to the Lieutenant.

Her merriment continued when Frost returned to his desk in a daze and commented, "That is one fine looking woman."

As the remaining Detectives primped and preened in front of Campbell, Jane stepped into the BRIC for some privacy and called Maura.

"Well hello Detective Rizzoli," answered the doctor after two rings.

"Hey Mau, just checking to make sure you survived ma's breakfast feast"

"Oh god, I'm going to put on ten pounds if she keeps feeding me every morning."

"She means well, but as usual, has gone overboard. I'll speak to her today and ask if she can tone it down a little baby."

"I'd appreciate that."

The lack of response to the word of endearment did not go unnoticed by Jane and her previous apprehension returned. Over the past week, Maura had referred to Jane as honey or sweetie during conversation, but that all changed yesterday and a certain degree of tension had built up between the pair.

"Is everything all right?" asked Jane, trying to find a clue to Maura's indifference.

"Yes and I missed you this morning."

Buoyed by the admission, Jane's racing heart settled, "That is so nice to know."

"I'll tell you how much when you visit tonight."

"Promise?"

"Yes and we need to discuss this latest twist in our relationship."

The nagging fingers of doubt grabbed hold of Jane's heart once again, "Has this anything to do with me finally finding the courage to ask you out on a date and stop hiding behind my feelings for you?"

"Yes it does and it's a shame it took a near death experience for you to wake up and acknowledge the attraction you have for women, along with the fact you have been unhappy with men because you are gay."

"Uhm Maura, I only recall telling you I was physically attracted to you, not anyone else and you did consent to going out because you felt the same way."

"Jane."

"Yes Maura?"

"Please don't rush me into this; I thought we'd decided to take it slow?"

"We did on Friday night, but I haven't seen you since and to tell you the truth, you have been a little distant during our phone conversations. I've got the feeling you are having second thoughts and are avoiding me."

Maura went straight on the defensive, "Really Jane, you can overthink situations at times. I've been busy every day with physiotherapy and too tired to entertain you after you have finished shift."

If there was one thing Jane was an expert on, it was spotting bullshit and that was what she was getting from her so called girlfriend, "I have to go. I'll speak to you when you drop in later."

"Sorry, but I've had a change of plans; mother is taking me to lunch."

The bullshit meter just went up a notch, "Oh sure, say hello to Constance for me."

"Will do, see you tonight."

Suddenly blurting out her true feelings to Maura last week felt like a monumental mistake and Jane ended the call. At the time of her confession, Jane had been overjoyed when Maura responded positively to news of her attraction, but now, it was a whole different situation.

Returning to the bullpen, Jane packed up her emotional baggage as Campbell began to address the Squad.

"First of all, I'd like to express my pleasure at having been assigned to the Homicide Division while Lieutenant Cavanaugh is on extended leave. I've had the opportunity to read all the statistics on past investigations and expect the excellent work to continue. Over the next few days I will be taking the time to close out all remaining paperwork, so I suggest you use this break between cases to finish up any outstanding reports you may have. Before I let you get back to work, I wish to inform you my door is always open and I am hands on, so expect me to tag along during field work from time to time. That is all and I'll speak to you all individually during the day."

Jane returned to her desk as Frost and Korsak continued to fawn over the new Commander. She was about to make a wiseass comment when her phone rang. Withdrawing it from the holder on the right side of her black belt, Jane answered, "Rizzoli."

"Hey Sis," replied Frankie. "We got a body for you behind the parking lot dumpsters over at the corner of East Street entrance to Lechmere Square. It looks pretty bad, so you better tell Frost to bring a barf bag."

"Shut up," snapped Jane, growing tired of the constant reference to her partner's inability to not vomit around dead bodies and bloodied crime scenes. "We'll be there shortly." She ended the call with the sound of Frankie's chuckle on the other end.

Walking over to the group of flirting men, she tapped Frost on the right shoulder and announced, "We got a fresh one."

Campbell made eye contact and advised, "Keep me apprised Detective."

"Yes ma'am," replied Jane while physically dragging Frost away.

"Hold your horses," he protested while straightening up his suit jacket.

"Impress the Lieutenant on your own time Frost; we are still on the clock."

As the pair neared the elevator, Frost grinned at his partner, "Come on Rizzoli, besides you and Isles, Campbell is the best looking woman around here."

"I'll be sure to let my mother know that," quipped Jane as she pressed the call button.

"You wouldn't," dared a less than happy Frost. "She'd be all over my ass and stop making such terrific food for me."

"Precisely, so smooch the Lieutenant's ass on you own time."

When the doors slid shut, Frost stared at the scowl on Jane's face, "Why you so snappy?"

Remembering the call with Maura, Jane answered, "It's nothing to do with work, it's personal and I want to keep it that way."

The duo walked to their dark blue Ford Crown Victorian sedan once they exited the building without further conversation and were two miles into the twelve minute journey when Frost reached for the computer tablet in the glove compartment.

Once he'd logged onto the Departmental Personnel File Jane gave him a curious sideways glance, "What are you looking up, we don't have the victim's name yet?"

"I'm checking into Lieutenant Campbell's service record."

"Shit Frost, you're hopeless," chided Jane, although she was eager to learn more about the Squad's Commander herself.

Frost started to read out aloud, "Born March 24th 1977 in New York. Height five foot ten and weighs one hundred and twenty seven pounds. Joined NYPD in 1998 and made Detective First Grade in 2000 after only two years on patrol."

"NYPD, that explains why I've never heard of her," reasoned Jane with a head nod.

"It does and she rose in rank fairly quickly. She was promoted the Second Grade in 2002 and Third two years after that. It says here she made Sergeant in 2006 and Lieutenant four years later."

"Does it have anything about why she ended up here?"

"I'll have to dig a little deeper for that answer."

"Well do your magic Frost," suggested an intrigued Jane while pulling up at a red traffic light.

"Holy crap!" exclaimed Frost moments later.

"What have you got?"

"Nothing, I can't access any other files."

"You mean you can't hack into them?"

"Hell no, it's sealed pretty tight."

Tittering, Jane drove on, "I never thought I'd see the day you were stumped."

"Give me time and I'll get in."

Just then his phone rang and he retrieved it from his belt, "Detective Frost."

"Detective, Lieutenant Campbell."

"Yes ma'am?"

"I suggest you cease your attempts to gain access to my service records."

Stunned at being caught out, Frost stuttered, "How … did … you know?"

"There is a notification flag on it that informs me of any unauthorised activity."

"There is?"

"I put it on myself and advise you to ask me any questions you may have in person."

"Yes ma'am and my apologies."

"No harm done this time Detective, but I don't tolerate breaches of protocol and I'd be happy to impart my story over a beer with the Squad Friday night after shift."

"Awesome," replied Frost a little too over enthusiastically.

Campbell giggled, "It's not that interesting and let Rizzoli know I've just made acquaintance with her charming mother while purchasing breakfast."

"I'll pass it on."

Jane leered at her partner with furrowed brows when he returned his phone to his belt, "What was that all about?"

"First off, our Commander knows a thing or two about computers. Her file has a flag and secondly, the Squad has a date for drinks Friday. She'll divulge all then and thirdly, she has met your mother."

"Jesus, I told ma to stay away from the relieving Commander. That woman never listens to me."

"I don't think she listens to anybody Rizzoli," deadpanned Frost. "By the way, how's she doing since your father showed up last week?"

"Oh, she's just peachy," replied Jane with more than a hint of sarcasm. "I mean the man runs off to Florida without a word, leaves ma in debt with the business, so she has to sell the family home; now she is broke and living in Maura's guest house and of course, had to find a job. To top it all off, he turns up at the station after months without a single word to anyone and expects her to sign annulment papers so he can marry Lydia the bimbo. He's been shacked up with the woman the entire time, who by the way, just happens to be twenty eight for Christ's sake and younger than his own kids."

"So I take that to mean you are still not talking to him?"

"You got that right. The last words I said to him referred to idolising him then I told him to get his sorry ass out of the café. I just can't believe he's hurt ma this way and moved on like he has no family. As far as I'm concerned, he is no longer my father and can rot in hell. Ma has my full support and she won't sign the papers and dishonour us kids."

"It's a shame," noted Frost with sympathy as Jane pulled in behind the Medical Examiner's dark blue van.

"Yeah well, he set the rules and I hope Pike has something for us."

Smiling, Frost retorted, "I'll be glad to have Doctor Isles back so we can save time standing around waiting for Pike's results."

"Amen," agreed Jane as she alighted from the vehicle.

The two Detectives walked under the crime scene tape and greeted the assembled Medical Technicians and Uniformed Officers.

Black haired Frankie approached with his notebook open and began, "Detectives, vic is a Theresa Hooper, nineteen and a student at Boston University. She lives five minutes away in apartment two at fifty five Gore Street. Charles Reed was out walking his dog when he first spotted her having a verbal altercation with some man on the opposite sidewalk and called Paramedics and Police when he realised how frightened she was. Our witness saw her being assaulted then hauled behind the dumpsters. Reed is a retired Army Medic and attempted to assist her once he finally got across the road, but she'd already bled out."

Frankie pointed to a solidly build male in his late fifties standing over by the ambulance and holding the leash of a golden Labrador, "He's pretty shaken up but has a description of a man he observed talking to the vic before dragging her into the car park then running away."

"Excellent," replied Jane while taking notes. "Frost, you go get a statement from Mister Reed while I check out the victim."

"You got it," acknowledged Frost as Korsak joined the trio.

"Nice to see you could drag yourself away from the Commander," taunted Jane to her good friend and colleague.

"She's a nice woman Rizzoli, so what we got?"

Jane explained while walking him over to the Assistant Medical Examiner and Frankie's partner Eddie Sims.

"Detectives," greeted sandy haired, twenty six year old Sims.

"Sims," chorused the Detectives simultaneously.

"Found her identification in a bag recovered from under the dumpster. It contained her wallet, money, credit card, BU identification card and a green line transit pass, so I'd discount robbery as a motive," shared the latex gloved Officer.

"Thanks," responded Jane as she crouched beside blond Pike. "Morning Doc."

Without turning, Pike reacted, "Detective, it appears the young lady received a fatal stab wound between the fifth and fourth vertebrosternal ribs of the thoracic cage. The instrument severed several veins when it entered the intercostal space as well as piercing the lung and diaphragm. There is evidence of trauma to the costal cartilage. She would have experienced trouble in breathing and due to the blood loss, would have gone into hypovolemic shock, but my guess for cause of death is exsanguination. I'll have more once I return to the morgue."

"Thanks Doc." Jane straightened up and looked to Sims, "Link up with Frankie and canvas the area and check for any CCTV footage in the region."

"You got it Rizzoli."

Korsak closed his notebook while looking down at the petite brunette, "What a god damn waste. Poor kid had her whole life in front of her. I'll go to the University and speak with faculty and any friends she may have had. I'll meet you back at the station."

Jane nodded in response, "I'll have Frost check her financials and track down her family after we search her home."

-o-

Jane and Barry entered the bullpen to find Campbell waiting at their desks. The Commander was holding a beige folder and handed it to Jane when she approached.

"Your vic's parents live in Santa Monica, California and are on their way here to make identification," began the blonde without fanfare. "I will be picking them up from the airport."

Impressed by the background work, Jane said, "I appreciate the assist Lieutenant."

"You're welcome and I like to get involved with more than signing paperwork. The Crime Lab has made a start on the security footage Sims located and Doctor Pike is a pompous dick."

Jane and Frost both laughed at the last comment before the Senior Detective spoke, "Pike is an acquired taste. You just have to flutter your eyelashes and bestow a little praise to his ego."

"I'll keep that in mind Rizzoli and your mother invited me to Sunday dinner."

Rolling her eyes, Jane shook her head, "She's a little forward."

"She mentioned it was a welcome to BPD and I accepted. Frost, the invitation also extends to you and Korsak."

"Jesus, I hope Maura doesn't object to so many quests," chided Jane.

"Angela explained all about her living arrangement with Doctor Isles," remarked Campbell. "And said she wouldn't be there over the weekend."

Taken aback by the news, Jane sat at her desk and opened the file the Lieutenant had started on Theresa Hooper. Included were several printouts of the young woman's bank records. Focusing on the transactions and pushing questions about Maura to the back of her thoughts, Jane quickly made a discovery.

She interrupted the conversation her partner was having with Campbell about finding no useful evidence at the victim's apartment.

"I've found something interesting. Since January last year Theresa was receiving a monthly deposit in the sum of five hundred dollars, but they stopped last month."

The Lieutenant's blonde brows rose, "There could be a connection and may suggest the killer knew Theresa. Nothing says personal like the use of a knife does."

"Maybe," pondered Jane as Korsak joined them. "My guess is the killer knew her routine and followed from her home then to the station."

"I'm with you," established Korsak. He placed two photocopies of Boston University identification onto the case board and explained, "Theresa was studying for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture. She was an A grade student and well-liked by her classmates. I spoke to her close friend Chelsey Burrows and learnt about the on and off boyfriend, a Billy Chambers." Korsak pointed to the enlarged picture of a handsome black haired male with brown eyes and a sneer, "He just happens to be missing from his campus dorm, so I've issued a BOLO on him and his car."

"Sounds like too much of a coincidence," remarked Jane. "You got anything else on the boyfriend?"

"Plenty; Chelsey told me Theresa started dating Billy back in January last year and suddenly had extra money to spend. Billy's family own a cattle ranch in Texas and send him a generous allowance each month. Chelsey mentioned his assignment grades started to improve and when Theresa ended the relationship, they went south again. Apparently, he was barely passing this semester and doing everything he could to have Theresa return to him."

"It's possible Chambers was paying Theresa to do his assignments," put forth Campbell. "He may have killed her when she refused to continue their previous arrangement."

"That's a solid theory and strongly suggests he had motive," noted Korsak. "Chelsey confirmed Theresa caught the 08:05 train for BU every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I checked with Campus Police and there was a complaint of physical abuse lodged from Theresa against Chambers six weeks ago, but it was dropped two days later when Theresa resumed her relationship with Chambers."

"I gather the liaison initially ended a month ago," surmised Foster.

"It did," replied Korsak while viewing the picture of nineteen year old Billy Chambers. "Smug bastard; I'll call the parents and do a little digging."

"I'll go see if Pike has anything yet?" suggested Jane.

-o-

Jane tapped on Campbell's open office door and waited. She stepped inside when the Commander looked her way and motioned for her to enter. The blonde put down her phone and smiled at the Detective.

"Anything useful from Pike?" she enquired.

Passing over a folder, Jane replied, "The weapon was a Stanley Phillips head screwdriver and the CSRU retrieved it from under the mattress on Chamber's bed while searching his room some twenty minutes after Korsak presented the warrant. Pike has made a positive match to the wound and confirmed Theresa had been raped post-mortem. He collected semen during the wet test and the Crime Lab is currently running a DNA cross match test on it and hair samples recovered at the dorm by Korsak."

"I was just on the phone with Captain Floyd from Portland State Troopers and our prime suspect has been apprehended in Westbrook."

"Great, you want Frost and me to go collect his sorry ass?"

"Yes and I'm off to pick up the Hoopers from Logan Airport."

"I don't envy you that task."

"It's never pleasant and make sure Chambers is kept on ice until I can observe the interview."

"Yes ma'am," consented Jane while exiting.

-o-

An unremorseful Billy Chambers was buckled into the rear compartment of the Squad car and he actually smiled when Frost closed the door.

"Self-righteous prick," commented Jane before settling behind the steering wheel. Once her partner was strapped in, she reversed out of the loading dock of the Portland Police Station and headed for Interstate 95 and Boston.

"I'm thirsty," stated Chambers as if on a family outing.

"Yeah, well people in hell want ice water too and that ain't going to happen either," snapped Jane.

"It's my right to be afforded all reasonable requests bitch," snarled the suspect with evident dislike.

"I'm not your bitch scumbag, so shut your filthy mouth."

"Whatever bitch. Hey dude, you gonna let the bitch talk to me like that?"

Frost ignored the question and pulled out his cell phone.

"Yo, you hear me?" enquired Chambers.

The car remained silent until Frost said, "Chambers, I remind you of your earlier warning regards your right to remain silent."

"I'm not some dumbass; I know my rights. Actually, seems we are alone and so cosy, I'll let you in on a little secret. I did that whore Theresa after she refused to write my paper like she used to."

Jane turned her head slightly and winked at Frost, "So by saying you did her, do you mean you killed her or had sex with her?"

"I did both. Smart mouth bitch got all righteous on me and was going to go tell the Dean about our arrangement and have me expelled."

"Of course you couldn't allow that to happen, could you Chambers?" prodded Frost nonchalantly.

"Hell no, crazy bitch would have ruined my plans."

"What do you mean," probed Jane.

"My daddy was sending me money as long as I stayed at BU. He would have cut me off if I was tossed out and now I'll refute I said anything to you two."

"That's very clever of you," remarked Jane while leaning over and turning on the emergency lights and siren.

-o-

Campbell stood beside ADA John Batista inside the observation room and watched as high price defence attorney Malcolm Sellers conferred with his client Billy Chambers. Sellers had been retained by the suspect's father William the minute he had been contacted by his son whilst still in Maine. William and his wife Stella were currently in the air aboard their private jet and making their way to Boston.

Detectives Rizzoli and Frost entered the Interrogation Room and Jane placed three folders and two plastic evidence bags onto the table.

A handcuffed Chambers leaned back in his chair and spoke to Sellers, "They got nothing."

Taking a seat opposite Chambers, Jane waited for her partner to take up the chair across from Sellers. As soon as he put an A4 sized notepad on the steel top, she began, "Billy Chambers, can you explain why you missed class today at Boston University?"

Leaning forward, Chambers rested his hands on the table and answered, "Sure, I was feeling restless when I woke and decided to skip lessons and go for a drive up to Maine for a seafood lunch."

"Is that a regular activity for you?"

"Yeah, I've been up there a couple of times this year. You know, it helps relieve the stress of all that study."

"You are studying Architecture?"

"That's right."

"Last semester you received an average grade of D on all subjects, is that correct?"

"Yeah, I slipped a little, so what?"

"Since January of 2011 you were averaging a C and notified in writing two weeks ago that your place at BU would be terminated if your D grade did not improve, is that also correct?"

"It is."

"That was not your first warning, was it?"

"No, there was another."

"Is it fair to say your grades improved while you were dating a fellow classmate by the name of Theresa Hooper?'

"Sure they did. I was happy with Theresa and it showed with my results. She was my study buddy and I became depressed when she dumped me. That's why my marks dropped."

"I see and when was the last time you saw Theresa?"

Chambers looked upwards before answering, "That would have been last Friday in class."

"Did you speak with her?"

Leaning back, Chambers replied, "No, I was still upset over the breakup."

Opening a file, Jane withdrew several 8 x 10 photos. She displayed them on the table then stated, "That is a lie. As you can clearly see by the date and time stamp in the top right hand corner, you were engaged in conversation with Theresa Hooper on the platform of Lechmere Train Station at 0800 hours this morning." Pointing to another print, Jane went on, "By the hand gestures, it appears Theresa was reluctant to speak with you."

The suspect inspected the pictures closely and with Sellars, but made no comment straight away. It took several seconds before he spoke, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I'd left some books at her apartment and needed them for class today. I drove over to Cambridge and knew I'd find her at the station. We got into an argument when she refused to walk back to her place and let me grab the reading materials. Theresa got on the train when it arrived and I took off for Westbrook."

Jane calmly returned the photos to the dossier and placed another set of prints on the table, "That is lie number two. Why did you need books if you'd already decided to skip classes for the day? Let's move onto lie number three, shall we?" Turning the pictures around so Sellers could get a better look, the stone faced Detective continued, "There is the train arriving in the background and Theresa walking away from it. You followed her along Monsignor O'Brien Highway then crossed the road and caught up to her just before the staff parking lot of Lechmere Square."

Chamber's face lost all colour as he realised his crime had been captured on camera. His bravado vanished as his shoulders slumped and an expression of horror fell upon his features.

Undeterred, Jane resumed, "In the next still, you can see you slap Theresa across the face and the following happy snap has you pulling a screwdriver from the back pocket of your jeans; the same pair found on the floor of your dorm room this morning. Incidentally, the blood stains on them and your shirt are being tested right this very minute. I personally think it's a no brainer to expect them to match Theresa Hooper DNA."

"Fuck," mumbled Chambers.

Replacing the pictures with another series, Jane commented, "Speaking of which, you were filmed stabbing Theresa in the side then dragging her behind the dumpsters before defiling her after she stopped breathing. We also have a witness who has identified you as the person he saw attacking Theresa, hauling her into the parking lot then fleeing the scene. CCTV caught you getting into your car at the train station wearing bloodied clothes and we have your murder weapon."

Picking up the bag containing the screwdriver, Jane put it in front of Sellers, "The icing on the cake is your taped confession Chambers." Opening the last evidence satchel, she withdrew Frost's phone and remarked, "I guess you really are a dumbass."

Sellers turned to his client, "He'll plead guilty to second degree murder."

"No deal Counsellor. With all this evidence and the fact he premeditated the killing by bringing along the screwdriver, he gets the full ride for first degree murder and for interfering with a corpse with special circumstances," countered Jane as she and her partner stood.

Outside, Campbell suggested, "Looks like you're on Mr Prosecutor." She turned off the intercom as Batista opened a side door.

-o-

Lieutenant Campbell was eating an extremely late lunch at the café when Jane approached her table. Putting down her fork, she asked, "Care to join me and tell me why you are smiling like you're the cat that swallowed a canary?"

Climbing onto a stool, Jane explained, "Paperwork is done and Chambers senior just withdrew Seller's as his son's attorney. The bastard has been disowned and is in holding waiting for a Public Defender to show."

"Serves the prick right for what he did."

"His father wasn't about to support him again. It seems he's pulled junior out of the fire a few times in Texas and this was the last straw."

As Campbell was about to speak, Jane's mother arrived and asked, "What will you have Janie?"

"Mac and cheese thanks ma."

Scrunching up her face, Angela replied, "I don't think so, not at this time of day; you'll spoil your dinner. I'll make you a nice salad like the Lieutenant is eating."

Before Jane could respond, her mother was gone.

Tittering briefly, Campbell remarked, "Your mom puts together a great salad."

"She's a fantastic cook, but way too overbearing at times."

"Like most mothers, she only wants the best for her children."

"Yeah, her faults are outweighed by her good points."

"Before we were interrupted, I was going to say it's an excellent result of Theresa's case."

"Yeah, how are her parents doing?"

"I organised a hotel room for them after they made a positive identification. They are both in shock and surprisingly, Pike announced he would release the body first thing in the morning. Arrangements have been made to fly her home with her parents."

"This is the part of the job I hate," admitted Jane as her mother placed a bowl in front of her.

"Eat up sweetie, you look exhausted."

"Thanks for the food ma and I'm doing okay."

"Good and when was the last time you spoke to Maura?"

"It was early this morning, why?"

There was a mock shock expression on Angela's face, "Her ex, that Doctor Ian is back."

"What!" cried Jane as she got to her feet.

"He was at her house this morning when I dropped in to make breakfast. He's was just as charming as the first time I met him and Maura was extremely happy to see him."

"Bullshit," whispered the Detective before storming off.

"JANE, WHAT ABOUT YOUR SALAD?" yelled Angela.

"Toss it," replied Jane. "I've lost my appetite."

With no place to hide, Erica lowered her eyes and focused on her meal. It didn't work, Angela didn't leave.

"I don't know what to do about her," the older woman complained.

"I beg your pardon?"

"A mother knows things and Jane has wasted too many years waiting for Maura to return her feelings."

Realising the mother of one of her detectives was about the "out" her daughter, Erica raised her right hand, "Uhm, Mrs Rizzoli, I think this is a conversation best suited for a private setting between Jane and you."

"Oh of course, I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"You didn't," replied Campbell while getting to her feet and retrieving her wallet. Placing money onto the table, she added, "I'll take care of Jane's lunch."

"Yeah, sure thanks," responded a pre-occupied Angela.

-o-

The little voice inside Jane's head was telling her to leave the station, drive over to Beacon Hill and confront Maura. On the other hand, her breaking heart was letting her know she had every right to have had doubts and it was time to get over her feelings for her best friend and move on. It was what she had done when FBI Special Agent Gabriel Dean had lied to her during the case revolving around Patrick Doyle's capture and it was the same when she realised a relationship with Army Sergeant Major Casey Jones was never going to get off the ground.

Barricading herself in the locker room, Jane leaned up against the far wall and cried as she warred with her conflicting emotions. After having admitted the truth to herself then Maura regards her sexual proclivities, Jane was inconsolable and lost. The volume of tears increased and she slid down the tiled wall into a crouched position.

Time dragged by slowly as Jane compartmentalised her feelings and returned to cop mode. Her decision had been made and she would distance herself from Maura and not interfere with the obvious reignited union with the love of her life. Drying the last of the tears with her hand, she got up and washed her face. She was patting it with paper towel when the door opened.

"Are you okay?" enquired Campbell while holding the door ajar.

"Yeah I'm fine and sorry about that scene with my mother."

"She's worried about you Rizzoli and is upset. I don't usually pry into my Detectives' personal business, but you need to go talk to her and then go home. You've had a full on day and came out with a great result. If another case comes along, I'll cover for you."

"Thanks Lieutenant."

"Get some sleep and I'll see you tomorrow." Turing heel, the Commander departed.

Jane took the advice, smoothed things over with her mother and climbed into bed after taking her mixed breed terrier Jo Friday for a walk then feeding her. All thoughts of Maura faded as pure exhaustion took over and Jane slipped into a deep sleep.

-o-