When Cars Go BANG!
Chapter 7 – Totaled

Alright guys! I hope everyone is willing to be patient with my story. I have been working the grave yard shift and that has wrecked havoc on any kind of concentration I have aside from regulating my screwed up schedule. I have always had the basic outline of where this going but I hit a wall with this chapter.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

And of course the character are not mine, just the story line…

With the encouragement and reassurance of Dr. Martin Jane finally left the hospital with little resistance. However, Jane Rizzoli did not leave the hospital for the intended purpose of taking care of herself. Logically she knew full well she needed to sleep, eat, and shower but she was not being logical especially now in this exhausted shocked state. Soon she would be rendered of no use to anyone. It was inevitable but for now she ignored her own needs as her body propelled her through the streets of Boston. On autopilot she made her way to the Boston Police department's evidence and impound lot. This was simply something she needed to do. She had no real explanation for what she was doing but it was something she needed to see for herself. She had to see for herself.

Realizing where she ended up she walked into the small office showing her I.D. and badge to the familiar officer on duty, "Hey, George. How are you today?"

"Not bad detective. You are clear to go in."

"Thanks George."

As she walked through the lot she allowed her thoughts to wonder vaguely. She didn't focus on any particular thought or memory. It was utterly impossible for her to focus on any one thing at the moment without losing what little control she still had. Everything was simply too fresh and raw to process. Focusing purposefully on any one thing would only remind her of her exhaustion and the fragility of her emotional state of mind. As a homicide detective there was no room for weakness of any kind. She was afterall the Pit-bull of the Boston PD.

Half way through the lot she reached her goal. The car she was searching for held only the vaguest resemblance to Maura's brand new environmentally friendly Prius. When she saw the mess her breath hitched, "Jesus". A sudden sheen of sweat beaded along her forehead. She felt sick at the sight. How could anyone have survived this and walk away? Evidence showed that the fire department had to pry and cut the vehicle open with the Jaws of Life to get through the severely impacted driver side door. Well, technically Dr. Maura Isles did not exactly walk away from the wreckage but she was alive and expected to make a full recovery given time to heal.

Jane started thinking about something she read recently. The article stated that someone relaxed or asleep would be less likely to break bones or suffer severe bodily damage then someone in same accident in a state of tension, 'Thank God for yoga and meditation'. Maura ability to relax probably saved her life.

Looking over the mangled mess of fiberglass and steel the world was tainted in all the shades of red. Anger was in the proverbial driver seat now. She shook head slightly. There wasn't room for anger yet. She took deep cleansing breathes until she felt the calm seep in and for just the briefest moment.

Scanning the vehicle remains with her trained detective eye she was determined to find whatever it was her gut was telling her. Something about the whole ordeal just was not right. She trusted her gut even if Maura had her doubts. She ran her fingers lightly over the edges of the mangled frame. "Something has to be here", she muttered to herself. Closing her eyes in concentration she continued running her fingers over each edge, until…'wait. What is that?' She opened her eyes grabbed her tiny flashlight from her pocket to get a better look at what her roving finger felt. It looked suspiciously like a bullet hole slightly malformed by the emergency equipment. She flipped open her phone dialing her baby brother, "Hey little brother. I need a favor."

"What's up, Sis? You okay?"

"Frankie. I need everything the unis, first responders, and eye witnesses reported on Maura's accident. Can you look into that for me?"

Listening his sister speak he could hear her usual confidence but there an under tone of fear and anxiety he was not used to hearing. anyone who didn't know Jane wouldn't hear it at all. But he knew his typically brave and confident Sister was rattled badly whether she was willing to admit it or not, "Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"I don't really know yet. I just have a gut feeling but I am interested in possible gun fire in the area."

"Gun fire? Okay…Alright I'll see what I can come with and let you know."

"Thanks, Frankie."

"Jane?" Frankie asked tenitively.

"Yeah?"

"You doin' okay?"

"Yeah, Frankie, I'm fine. I'll talk you later? Bye" Jane answered then hung up before he could respond. Frankie knew his big sister well enough to know that she just told him a bold face lie. He knew she just wasn't willing to admit her feelings and risk falling apart without recovery.

Head spinning she looked down at the now disconnected phone. After a moment she finally dialed the number she by heart.

"Frost" he answered simply.

"Hey it's me."

"Hey partner, what's up? How's the doc?"

"She's doing better. Hey look I need a favor."

"Shoot."

"I need to know what CSU found in the initial investigation of Maura's car. I have a feeling there is something we're missing. I think shots were fired at her car and the 'accident' happened to cover it up."

"You think she was a target?"

"I'm not sure what to think yet. Just let me know what you find out."

"Okay, I'm on it."

"Thanks."

"No thanks needed. No one messes with 'our' family. We take care of family."

"Thank, Barry", she whispered on the verge of tears as she disconnected.

Finally there was something she could fight and investigate. Leaving the lot with a twinge of accomplishment s she made her to her apartment allowing some time for a shower and a change of clothes. Standing the kitchen contemplating food made her already empty stomach twist uncomfortably. There will be no food consumption today for fear not keeping it down. With her small travel bag on her shoulder she made her way back to the hospital to stand guard.