Chapter 2
They are all finally headed home together after three exhausting days at the hospital.
Black floaters hang heavily ahead of her eyes, constraining an otherwise pale haze. Jane might as well be blind, if not for this slight indication that there is potential for recovery. She cannot make out anything, not even the way someone with severe myopia can. Dr. Cohen has promised another procedure, after the first barely made a difference. But she has to wait for it. At least another week, so as to not over-exert her eyes; allowing them time to heal from the first procedure.
Angela wants Jane to live with her in Maura's guesthouse. A compromise is struck between the three of them and Jane is to stay at Maura's, whilst Angela would be at hand to help. Maura's arm around her waist steers her through the crowd when they leave the hospital. Frankie and Angela flank them, making sure their path is clear. Jane has been unusually silent these three days and she walks in a daze, a blank expression shrouding her face.
Maura is quiet too, except remarking intermittently on what's ahead of Jane and where they are. "Only a few more feet to the car, Jane."
Angela's vociferous prattle more than makes up for the silence. "You will be fine Janie…. Only a few more days. You can relax, sleep in for once, listen to music. I can cook for you and draw you a nice bath. I will make lasagna tonight and Frankie can get Cannolis. And maybe I can use those fancy salts Maura has in your bath. You can read…I mean listen to poetry. This is finally a moment for you to take some time off, take your mind of off things, and just put your feet up. We'll go home and you can catch up on your sleep. It'll be fine…And I will sing you more songs." She is probably speaking to calm herself just as much as she is trying to support Jane.
They continue to Maura's car in this manner and then to Maura's house. Angela casually strokes Jane's hand from the backseat all along the way.
Jane takes the guest room. She immediately falls asleep. Maura and Angela drive to her apartment and bring her clothes. Jo Friday is settled on a cane and pillow dog bed by the closet, where Maura is hanging Jane's clothes when she wakes up.
"You've been awfully quiet. What's on your mind?" Maura asks.
"Geez. You mean apart from being blind?" Jane replies caustically.
"I meant in reference to your being visually differently abled – for the time being, Jane," Maura clarifies.
"Maura, please," Jane drawls, "you don't have to be so freakin politically correct about it. I am blind, right now. Let's not mince words. It isn't helping!"
"Jane…I only mean…if you want to talk," Maura speaks hesitantly, "I am here."
"…I know….I am sorry," Jane continues, "I…just…don't have much to say right now."
"Well…I'll see you downstairs for dinner. I've…I've set an alarm on your phone for 7.30pm. You'll find out the time," Maura rushes through her words, placing Jane's phone in her hands. She is hesitant and nervous around Jane. "I…I have also…well, I'm nearby. Call me if you need anything."
"I can't."
"Can't what?"
"I cannot call you Maura, I cannot use this phone." Jane replies blankly.
"No," Maura replies quickly, "I mean call out to me."
And then, Jane feels her come closer, possibly bend towards her, and pause. Morninga and Citrus. There is a fleeting, hesitant kiss on her cheek and Maura is gone. Jane briefly touches her cheek.
Jo barks. "Here Jo!" Jane pets her bedside and her dog leaps to her side. She finds her exuding warmth with her hand and falls asleep petting Jo's fur.
"Easy, stud," Jane swiftly grabs his gun-wielding hand from the side. As the gun clatters on the floor, she has both his arms pinned behind his back and Frost is clamping handcuffs on.
"Game's over." Frost pulls him out.
"Knock it out Frankie. Relax. We've got him," she calls to Frankie, who is still standing breathlessly in the shadows.
"Thanks Jane. Thanks…this was…a nightmare," Frankie breathes out.
"Do you have your car here?" she asks Frankie, "Frost is driving Mr. Drug Don here to the unit with two uniforms. I can drive you home."
"Thanks Janie," Frankie pulls his sister into a one-arm hug. "I think I want to go with Frost. I want to see him locked up before me."
"Okay. Call me when you get home, all right?"
"All right."
The police car is hidden. Jane's is parked right on the street. She pulls out her phone and texts Korsak walking towards it, lingering in plain sight with her badge and gun visible.
When she gets into her car, headlights turn on behind her and an engine revs up. She hasn't even started her car when an SUV veers towards the trunk and smashes into her Honda. Her head cracks against the wheel. She can feel a wet trickle on her neck before darkness envelops her.
So I've continued a little more because the first chapter was perhaps too short to give an idea of the story concept...
Do let me know what you think! :) I have a good idea of where/how I want this to go, but I want to see how you receive it...
