When the Cars Go BANG!

Chapter 1 – Next of Kin

As Jane Rizzloi casually strolled into the Boston homicide headquarters her two favorite coworkers jump apart like little girls caught sharing a secret on an elementary school playground. They actually came apart with identical smirking faces. Vince Korsak and Barry Frost were so up to something. The two together were a dangerous combination.

She stopped in front of them annoyed. "What?" She asked throwing her hands up in exasperation hating being left out.

"Nothing… Good morning, Jane." Frost said stifling the laughter tainting the sincerity of his greeting.

She turned to look at Korsak who wasn't even trying to hide his laughter, "What is so damn funny? You two are up to something! What is it?"

"Nothing…" he said with mock defiance. "By the way Jane, how was your date?"

"Uuuhh…" she said shoulders slumping. "Frankie! I am so gonna kill him."

Frost and Korsak both laughed out loud. Through his laughter Vince asked, "come on Jane, was it really that bad?"

"I only have one word…Toupee." Refreshed laughter filled the Boston homicide headquarters. "My mother tried to set me up with a used car salesman wearing the worst toupee I have ever seen. I was ready to pull my gun on it in case it moved" That was all it took to start a fresh wave of giggles from Korsak and Frost. "It isn't funny! Shut up! Both of you!"

The two leaned into each other giggling like little girls at Jane's expense. Still annoyed Jane just couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face as her desk phone rang, "Homicide, Rizzoli." The only other words she spoke were, "Yes, this is Jane Rizzoli. How can I help you?" As Jane listened to the other side of the phone conversation she felt the color drain from her face as she sat down. The look on her face was enough for Korsak and Frost to sober as she said, "Okay. Yes, I'm on my way". All the previous humor from a moment ago drained from the room.

She hung up the phone with the feeling of panic taking over her body. "I have to go", she said scrubbing her face speaking to no one in particular. The world now seemed hot and dizzyingly fast. Seeing the look on his former partner's face a concerned Korsak moved closer to put his hand on her shoulder asking, "Jane, what's going on? Who was that? What happened?"

Before she spoke she put on her cop brave face pushing away the fear and panic she was feeling, "Uh, Mm…" She cleared her throat. "Maura was in an accident. She was taken to Boston General in critical condition. She listed me as her next of kin. I have to go. I will be on my cell." Korsak nodded not saying a word. Moving on automatic pilot she stood up grabbed her jacket and heading out the door. She broke into a run as soon as she walked out the door. She sprinted to the car then proceeded to break every traffic law ever written.