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.

A/N: Gratitude to those who take the time to review, follow or make this tale a favourite. The Muse is happy!


Chapter 7

A tension filled Sunday dinner was prepared by Angela's after Jane agreed not to host the meal at her place. Angela made no attempt to hide her disapproval of the latest rift between Maura and Jane. By the time she served dessert, Jane had had enough of the inquisition from her mother and the apologies from Maura.

Standing, she made her farewell and drove home. After taking Jo for a lengthy walk, she returned home for a relaxing bath then dried off. Dressing in a pair of blue and white striped pyjama bottoms and a white tee shirt, Jane smiled when she entered her bedroom to find her phone sounding with Pink's "Raise Your Glass". The tune was Erica's ringtone and the last Jane has expected to hear.

Placing Jo on the bed, Jane picked the phone up off the side table and answered, "Hi, this is a pleasant surprise."

"Hello and I'm at the airport waiting for my flight to board. How was dinner?"

"Ma talked me into having it at Maura's instead of here and World War III was on the cards by the time we sat down to eat. Ma complained, Maura apologised and I was asked where you had been hiding for the last few weeks. Frankie was on duty and missed the whole show."

"I've avoided your mother's call on purpose; I wasn't ready to listen about you and Maura."

"I don't blame you and I think ma still thinks that Maura and I are suddenly going to be best friends again. I have explained I am taking it slow in rebuilding our friendship. Anyway, enough of that on-going saga; how was your visit?"

"I had a great time and Jennifer is positively glowing. Apparently I was hopeless in hiding my feelings for you when dad asked how you were. You've been invited to mom's birthday bash the first of September weekend."

"I have? Jesus, you didn't tell him everything, did you?"

There was a brief chuckle on the other end, "I don't keep secrets from my parents, so they received a sanitised version of events. I know it's early days for us, but you are more than welcome to attend mom's party with no strings attached. The whole family is gathering for the occasion and most would like to meet you."

"I'm glad to see my family aren't the only ones to celebrate large."

"Oh trust me, the Campbells and Sterns know how to party."

"Is Stern your mother's maiden name?"

"Yes it is and her parents are Ralf and Marge. Mom has two other sisters, Jackie and Fiona. Jackie is fifty seven and married to Stuart. They have a son Cary who is twenty eight and his wife is Jade. Their four and six year old sons are Kyle and Jerry. Jackie and Stuart's daughter Millie is married to Allison and they are the parents of two year old Megan."

"Hold on, did you say Allison and Millie?"

"I did and yes, there are two lesbians in the family."

Tittering softly, Jane asked, "Is she older or younger than you?"

"Younger, Millie turned thirty last month. Mom's sister Fiona is onto husband number two after she eloped with Denver two years ago. Auntie Fi has a daughter named Corrine who is married to Ken and they have a son Matt. He is two and a cutie. Fi's son Casper was the groom at the wedding I attended a couple of weeks back. His blushing bride is Amy and that's the entire Stern clan. On dad's side there is his father Patrick and the rest of his family live in Edinburgh."

"So your dad is a true Scot then?"

"Yes. He came to the States on a study visa when he was twenty and met mom at Columbia University."

"Wow, what an amazing story. I'd love to hear more about it."

"Come to the party and dad will gladly tell you. It's a sweet love story."

"I'll have to check, but I may be on-call that weekend."

"I can ensure you're off when I return to the office in the morning."

"Then I better keep in the good books with my boss and accept the invite."

"I don't usually use my authority for personal gain, but this is an exception to the rule and mom will be thrilled," pointed out Erica before adding, "My flight is boarding Jane, I'll see you tomorrow."

"You will and thanks for calling."

"I missed you, bye."

Jane's heart beat double time as the call ended. Happy with the news, she put down the phone and turned off the light as she settled into bed. Snuggling into the spare pillows, she closed her eyes and drifted off with Jo firmly nestled against her feet.

-o-

Monday 20th August, 2012

With no one else in the bullpen when she arrived early for work the next morning, Jane grabbed a cup of coffee and a tea for Maura. She made her way down to the morgue and found Maura busily typing away at her computer.

Placing the hot beverage on the desk, Jane greeted the ME, "Good morning Maura."

Looking up from the monitor, hazel eyes focused on brown, "Oh hello Jane. Is there something I can help you with?"

"No, I just wanted to have a quiet word with you."

Sculptured eyebrows knotted, "What about?"

"The guys have been asking if you are all right."

"Really Jane, why wouldn't I be?"

"Uhm, you have been a little moody at crime scenes the past few cases."

Standing, Maura verbally exploded, "Well if the other Detectives have a problem with me, they should speak with me and not send you to do their dirty work."

"Calm down Mau, they were only concerned is all; no one is complaining about your work or you."

With an expression of anger, Maura soothed her fore and index fingers across her temple and snapped again, "Tell them to mind their own business in the future Jane and that goes for you too. Now if you don't mind, I have paperwork to complete."

Taken aback by the words, Jane nevertheless asked, "Do you have a headache?"

Rolling her eyes, Maura scoffed, "Yes, so please leave and let my deal with it."

"Maura, you've had a few headaches lately. Is something stressing you, is it Ian?"

Placing hands on hips, Maura gave the detective a death glare worthy of a Sci-Fi Academy Award for special effects, "I really do hate repeating myself, get out and leave me to my work."

Stung by the venom of the instruction, Jane turned heels and departed.

An hour later, Korsak was the next to feel the Medical Examiner's wrath when he went downstairs to collect an autopsy report.

For the remainder of the day, all Homicide Detectives avoided the Morgue and Doctor Isles' wrath. Most assumed her lack of patience was due to the fact Ian had returned to Africa again.

-o-

The next morning, Maura waltzed into the Squadroom carrying a box of pastries and chatted with everyone as if the previous day had not occurred. Still, no one was game enough to bring up the subject while accepting the delicious breakfast treats.

Jane only spoke to her briefly throughout the day and Maura appeared to be over whatever had been troubling her and causing her to act out of character.

-o-

The subsequent six weeks saw Jane and Maura's friendship restored to its former state and Angela was pleased with the result. The Rizzoli matriarch was also happy dating Vincent. Sunday dinners become enjoyable affairs again and a steady flow of homicides crossed the Division's desks. At one stage, the Squad was investigating five cases at the same time and working fourteen hour shifts.

Lieutenant Cavanaugh returned to the station to announce his promotion and transfer. After an emotional farewell speech, he declared, "The first round of drinks is on me at the Dirty Robber."

Hangovers accompanied the Squad the following morning and two murders landed on Jane's desktop. It took four days for the Detectives to track down the perpetrators then Jane and Frost were in court for the next two days giving evidence.

-o-

When Jane walked into the bullpen Friday morning the thirty first of August, she was met by a smiling Erica and Korsak.

"Morning Rizzoli, can you please step into my office?" asked the Lieutenant.

"Morning, and why do I have the feeling you pair are up to something?"

"You're paranoid Rizzoli," taunted Korsak playfully. "I'm off to grab a coffee.

"Late night Vince?" suspected Jane while following Erica.

"No, an early morning," replied a chirpy Korsak with a grin.

Realising he was referring to spending the night with her mother, Jane pretended to vomit and Erica quipped, "Oh snap Rizzoli, didn't see that one coming, did you?"

"No I didn't and that explains ma's happiness downstairs. Keep up the good work Korsak."

Giggling the two women entered the office and Erica secured the door, "There has been a change of plans for the weekend.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, but I received a call from the airline late last night to inform me our seats were double booked. We were placed on standby, so I asked for a refund and have made alternative travel arrangements. Due to all the other flights being full, and it only being a three and a half hour drive; we leave at nine by car."

"This morning?" questioned Jane.

"Yes, so go home and pack. I'll swing by your place in an hour. You can bring Jo Friday now, and Bolt won't mind keeping her company for four days."

"Okay and it's a good thing the Squad has no active cases at the moment or I might feel a little guilty in leaving."

A grin formed on Erica's lips, "After the busy period we've just experienced, you could benefit from the longer break."

"Thanks and I'll see you soon."

"You will and I forgot to tell you mom's party Saturday night is formal."

"Oh shit, like dress up formal?"

"Yes Jane, an evening or cocktail dress is required."

"It's been a while since I've worn one."

Nodding, Erica remarked, "I'm sure you'll look stunning and if it makes you feel any better, I'll be wearing one too."

Blushing at the thought and avoiding a reply, Jane scurried out of the room.

-o-

After finally choosing a knee length and sleeveless dark blue "A" form cocktail dress, Jane placed it into a garment travel bad and packed a pair of three inch heels to accompany the outfit. Tossing a makeup kit and hair dryer into the suitcase, she zipped it up and wheeled it into the living room.

Jo was obediently sitting at the front door and Jane said, "You be on your best behaviour for the next four days. We need to make a good impression on Erica and her family."

In response, the terrier barked twice.

There was a sharp rap on the door and Jane answered it straight away. A lazy smirk broke out on her face as her eyes took in jeans and long sleeved white shirt attired Erica, "Right on time, I'm ready to leave."

Giving Jane's jeans and purple polo shirt a once over, the blonde leaned in and pecked her on the left cheek, "Great, I'll take your bag if you want to take Jo?"

"All right, but I have to collect my dress and jacket first."

"There's no rush," voiced Erica while crouching to pet Jo Friday.

-o-

Walking out of the apartment building, Jane scanned for Erica's vehicle and stopped when a limousine came into view. The driver got out and opened the rear door. Looking to Erica, Jane asked, "Just how much are you worth?"

"Four million and you can consider this our first date."

Surprised was hardly the word to describe how Jane felt, "Holy crap! You certainly do know how to show a girl a good time."

A cheeky grin preceded the reply, "I hope so. I've organised a bottle of champagne for the trip."

A brilliant smile spread across Jane's features, "Maura introduced me to an eight hundred dollar bottle of bubbly last year and it was amazing."

Giggling, Erica motioned for Jane to take a seat, "Now I feel totally inadequate; I only chose Moet."

"Don't, you are way ahead in the best date ever category."

Settling in beside Jane, Erica admitted, "I am very pleased to hear that."

Once Jo Friday was comfortable on a dog cushion on the floor, the driver set off and Erica poured the golden liquid into long stemmed Bohemian crystal flutes. Passing one to Jane, she made a toast, "Here's to no work and hopefully the start of something wonderful."

"That was very charming and have many women been subjected to this sort of treatment?"

With a coy grin, Erica answered, "You are the first."

Reclining, Jane sipped her drink with a satisfied smile on her face, "Oh damn, this is nice."

"I'm pleased you like it and as you know, I don't flaunt my wealth."

"You don't sprout statistics at the drop of a hat either like Maura either. I find that very appealing."

"Thanks, but I hope everything I do won't be compared with Maura."

"No of course not and I'm sorry for mentioning her."

"I'm fine with it most times, but this weekend is about you and I spending time together and seeing if we have a future."

Smiling broadly, Jane conceded, "I like that idea and so far, I am thoroughly enjoying myself and you."

"Good and one last thing about the similarities between Maura and me; I never showed off academically. In fact, I hid my intelligence for many years because I wanted to fit in at school and not be considered a nerd or seen as something of an oddity."

"I assume you inherited your high IQ from your parents."

"Yes and away from their work, they are just regular people. Thomas and Angus were also born with their intellectual DNA."

"Until you told us, I would never have guessed."

"Mom and dad never treated us kids differently and accepted the fact Angus and I wanted to serve with our chosen career paths."

Taking a hold of Erica's right hand, Jane confused, "It's tough when you lose a loved one."

"It is and Angus would have approved of you. He actually warned me off Drew when he first met her and in hindsight, I should have listened."

"We all have regrets," lamented Jane sadly.

"True and as we embark on what I hope will be a terrific break, you should be aware of a couple of things."

"I'm all ears."

"You have cute ears and don't freak when you see my parent's house."

"I have a feeling it's massive."

"It is. There is a maid, a gardener and a chauffeur. Nathan is the driver and this is dad's car. He sent him down last night when I called about the airlines mix up."

"In that case, I will try not to gawk."

"I suspect you have been around the highlife several times before with Maura."

"She's taken me to a few fancy get togethers during cases to seek out evidence or when her mother Constance visits."

"Constance Isles the visual artist, right?"

"You know her?"

"Not personally. I've heard her name mentioned at the family home and mom has several pieces of her work in the library."

"I've seen some of her art and just don't get it."

"Neither do I," agreed Erica while leaning forward and opening the refrigerator. "Do you feel like something to eat?"

"Sure. I missed breakfast and apparently coffee is not considered part of a food group."

"I have a selection of cheeses, fruit and crackers."

"What no caviar?" exclaimed Jane mockingly. "I'm devastated."

Erica giggled before saying, "The thought of eating fish eggs is repugnant to me."

"Amen to that and what other snippets of information do you have for me?"

"I'm not religious, but that fact hasn't dissuaded your mother from trying to get me to go to church with her."

"She'll eventually wear you down, so you may as well give in next time."

"I don't think so," shared Erica as she placed a platter on a side table.

Jo Friday jumped up and went and sat at Jane's feet.

"She likes cheese, but it's bad for her," explained the brunette.

"I have some doggie biscuits for her," replied Erica.

"You have thought of everything."

Placing a bone shaped treat in front of the dog, Erica commented, "Hey, you are a pet owner and I have to win Jo over too."

Watching the terrier resettle on the mat, Jane confessed, "I don't think you will have any worries in that department."

"Excellent and if it's okay with you, we'll be sharing a bedroom at the house?"

"As long as you don't snore, I'm cool with that."

"I don't think I do. Maybe others haven't told me."

"Have you had many girlfriends Erica?"

"Ten, but only two of those were serious relationships and long term."

"The first girl to break my heart was Susan Smart in high school. She threw my over for Becky Zeppy."

"We've all been there. Mine was Alice Fletcher. She was a cheerleader and she dumped me for Pauline Mortimer. They're actually still together with three kids. I run into them every now and when I'm in Manhattan."

"The other month when you spent the weekend in New York for your cousin's wedding, what caused you to be pre-occupied when you returned?"

"It would have been Drew's birthday and being around happiness reminds me of what I'd lost."

"I used to feel that same way when I looked at Maur at work."

"I noticed, but you don't anymore."

"No. I've gotten over her and is that why you have gone to all this trouble for the long weekend?"

"Yes."

"I really do appreciate the effort."

"You are welcome and it looks like rain."

"I like rain. It washes all the gloom away and everything smells fresh afterwards."

"That's a sweet way to look at it and I enjoy the sound it makes on a roof."

"I like that too."

"I enjoy dozing off to it."

Inching closer, Jane put her glass down and lay her head on Erica's shoulder, "That would be nice to share."

For three hours, the two women talked about family and past relationships while finishing the bottle of champagne.

-o-