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: A big thank you for the reviews, follows and favouring. The Muse is pleased!
Chapter 9
Tuesday 4th September
Entering Maura's office with a spring in her step, Jane asked, "Do you have the report on Logan?"
Glancing up, the ME pointed to a folder on the end of her desk, "All done and official cause of death was blunt force trauma to the parietal region of the brain."
"No really?" mocked the detective with a chuckle. "And here I was thinking the gaping hole in his cranium was a decoy to put us off our game."
Maura grinned at her friend and chuckled, "Well you are in fine from this morning Detective. I gather your long weekend away with Erica was successful."
Not bothering to hide her happiness, Jane particularly purred, "I had a great time and Erica's family are amazing. Jo Friday made new friends and got plenty of exercise."
"I'm relieved to hear that, but how was the sex?"
"Mau, I swear you are just as bad as Frost when it comes to my love life. My lips are sealed and you will receive no details."
"I take that statement to mean you have yet to indulge."
"Not everyone is as open as you in divulging intimate specifics Doctor Feel Good. Erica and I are not at that stage of our relationship. We are merely dating girlfriends."
Standing, Maura moved to the front of her desk, "I find it hard to believe two attractive people have not engaged in coitus after all this time."
Going a deeper shade of crimson, Jane confessed, "I am up for it, but Erica is kind of old fashioned in that area and to tell you the truth, I'm enjoying learning all about her."
"Maybe I should have a word with the Captain and explain she is missing out on a wonderful experience?"
Horrified by the suggestion, Jane challenged her colleague, "Don't you dare."
"Doesn't she know about our previous dalliance?"
"Erica has full disclosure thank you very much and I am more than happy to wait."
Leering at her best friend, Maura knotted her brows, "Are you really?"
"Yes and change the subject or I am out of here."
"You are no fun at all Jane."
"That's not what Erica says," countered Jane before collecting the file and departing.
-o-
Sitting down at her desk moments later, Detective Rizzoli opened the binder and perused its contents. She was halfway through the four page report when Erica rushed out of her office and approached.
"Rizzoli, do you have a twenty on Frost and Korsak?"
Raising her head, Jane answered, "They're out picking up our main suspect for the Logan murder ma'am."
"Damn it," cursed the Lieutenant angrily.
Getting to her feet, Jane asked, "Is there a problem?"
"You could say that. Can you hand over everything you have on the case to Crowe and Suthers then met me in the BRIC?"
"Yes ma'am." Jane watched Erica walk away before gathering up the ME's findings and case file. Going over to Darren's desk, she plopped them in front of him. "The Lieutenant said for you to take over the Logan case."
"What?" responded a less than impressed Crowe.
"Something has come up and you and Craig are now the primaries on this particular homicide."
With a furrowed brow, Crowe noted, "Didn't Frost and Korsak leave about thirty minutes ago to serve the arrest warrant on Joe Crystal?"
"They did and the Crime Lab confirmed it was his fingerprints found on the tyre iron."
"Okay. What did the "Queen of the Dead" have to say?"
"COD was blunt force trauma delivered by the tire jack retrieved from the crime scene."
Leaning back in his chair, Crowe reasoned, "Sounds good enough for a conviction to me and let me know what the new case is all about when you get the chance."
"Will do," replied Jane as she headed for the computer centre.
-o-
Erica was sitting in front of one of the terminals and typing away on the keyboard when Jane moved in behind her and tenderly laid her left hand on the blonde's shoulder. To her dismay, the Lieutenant flinched and subsequently pulled away.
"What's going on?" Jane demanded as her forehead scrunched up in confusion.
Three Federal Bureau of Investigations' files appeared on the large monitors attached to the front of the room and without making eye contact, Erica answered, "I just got off the phone with an Agent Dean from the Washington D.C. Office."
"Oh," muttered Jane, none too pleased to hear that name again. "What did he want?"
The reply was delivered calmly, "Besides looking forward to seeing his ex-girlfriend Jane Rizzoli; he informed me he is on the way here to ask for our assistance on a serial killer case he is working."
"Hang on, I was never his girlfriend and the man is a well-known liar," snapped Jane defensively. "I can't believe he actually told you that over the phone."
"Oh, he was quite willing to tell me all about your previous close relationship during the Patrick Doyle apprehension."
With rage sparking her words, Jane replied, "Why the fuck would he disclose private information?"
"I have no idea; maybe you can ask him when he shows up here at four this afternoon."
"He can drop dead as far as I am concerned. We had a two time encounter and nothing more," sniped Jane as she replaced her hand to its previous position.
"Please remove your hand Detective," directed Erica sternly.
"Shit, are you pissed at me because of a stupid decision I made in my past?"
"No, but I do need you to not touch me at this very moment. If you do, I'll make a fool of myself and breakdown. We are at work and I refuse to engage in personal matters or display any form of affection."
Jane instantly placed her hands on the back of the chair and swivelled it until Erica was in front of her, "Do you want to explain that statement?"
"Jane, please don't push me and just allow me to get through this fucked up day without falling apart."
Noting the tears filling blue eyes, Jane realised there was more going on besides Gabriel Dean's unprofessional insinuations on the phone. She turned the seat back around and whispered, "I am right here for you Erica and will do whatever you ask."
"Thank you and right now I need you to be a detective and not my girlfriend."
"Understood Lieutenant, what case are we looking at?"
Opening the files, Erica took a deep breath and stared at the middle view screen, "Dean wasn't very forthcoming with details, preferring to wait until he arrives. He only mentioned there had been a triple murder committed in Maryland five days ago and the prime suspect was believed to be a Boston born male whose parents live in Roxbury."
Scanning the monitors, Jane moved away from the workstation and closer to the autopsy pictures of three brunettes. A selection of photos showed identical wounds to each woman's throat. All had been slashed from ear to ear; transecting the carotid artery and jugular. Other pictures contained images of the victims' hands pinned to the floor with scalpels to the palms. "Oh dear god!" exclaimed Jane before pivoting back to Erica. "Not again."
"Rizzoli, it's a similar MO as Hoyt and as of this moment, you are not to leave this building without a protective escort until this case is put to bed."
Swallowing down the forgotten terror known as Charles Hoyt, Jane replied, "Yes Lieutenant and obviously we are dealing with a copycat."
"Precisely and this time, the bastard won't get anywhere near you."
Straightening her back, Jane agreed, "You got that right, because just like Hoyt, the prick will be over confident and make a mistake."
With a forced smile, Erica started to recite the data contained in the first file, "Juanita Valdez, thirty two was abducted from the parking lot of her work place on August thirtieth at 1705 hours. CCTV footage captured her abductor entering the staff parking area driving a white 2001 Ford Transit van. He drove up behind the victim's Subaru Impreza as she unlocked the driver's door and blocked her in. He then alighted from his vehicle and subdued Juanita using a taser."
"Lieutenant," interrupted Jane as she read the opening paragraphs on the other files. "It was the same for the other two women, except there were taken at 18:30 and 20:15 and their ages are thirty three and thirty four respectively."
"Crap," the single word just about summed up the situation.
Skipping ahead, Jane read out loud, "Unsub was identified this morning via results of DNA samples taken from each victim's wet test."
"Fucking demented monster," seethed Erica. "Is there a name listed?"
"Yes, Elvin Smithers."
"Why does that name ring a bell?" posed a curious Erica.
Racing over to another computer, Jane logged on to the BPD network and brought up the closed file on Hoyt. She went straight to the last page containing the names of Hoyt's fellow inmates on death row. "Got it," she announced while opening another file. "Peter Smithers was executed two days after Hoyt's escape from Souza-Baranowski. His only visitor during incarceration was his son Elvin."
Twenty seconds of silence stilled the room before Erica began typing again. Jumping out of her seat, she pointed to the centre screen and noted, "Agent Dean is a damn fibber. Smithers' mother died giving birth to a daughter thirty years ago and Peter Smithers raised both children on his own until murdering two prostitutes seven years ago. The daughter Ginny, moved to Dallas before his trial began, but Elvin supported his father the entire time."
The data only provided more questions for Jane, "So why choose Maryland as the kill site if he was paying homage to Hoyt?"
"To piss off the FBI is my guess."
"Speaking of the FBI, why would Dean feed you misinformation?"
"No clue, but before we have the opportunity to ask him; I want you to print out all three files then join me in my office."
"Yes ma'am."
-o-
Marching into the Lieutenant's office, Jane stopped and waited for her CO to finish her phone call before taking another step.
"Thank you Rupert and I'll be more than happy to pass on the message on your behalf," remarked Erica before putting the receiver into its cradle.
"Sorry to disturb you Lew, but here are the files," apologised Jane while handing over the dossiers.
"I appreciate it Rizzoli and once Korsak and Frost return, can you please inform me?"
"No problem and I'll check out Smithers' last known address in the meantime."
"There's no need to. It's 116 Waumbeck Street, Roxbury. I've dispatched a Patrol Car to sit on the place in case Smithers returns in the next two hours."
Smirking at the news, Jane enquired, "Are we jumping the queue?"
"We most definitely are and if you will excuse me, I have to call Commissioner Davis back."
Rotating on the heel of her boot, Jane returned to her desk as Maura strolled into the bullpen.
"Jane, have you got a moment?" the ME asked.
"Sure Mau, what is it?"
Nearing her friend, Maura perched herself on the corner of the workstation and whispered, "I wanted you to know I received a phone call from Agent Dean some forty minutes ago."
Suspicion crept along Jane's backbone, "Shit, what did he want?"
"Language Jane and he informed me he was on his way to Boston. He asked if you were seeing anyone."
Jane was left standing on the shore after being dumped by a wave of dread, "Oh Jesus Mau, you told him about Erica, didn't you?" She already knew the answer before she finished asking the question.
"You are well aware of the fact I cannot lie, so yes I did Jane."
"Well that solves that little mystery."
"I'm not following you," stated Maura while rubbing the right side of her temple.
"Dean phoned Erica to inform her he was arriving here at four to discuss a case. The bastard also told her I was his ex-girlfriend."
"Well, that's not true and by the look on your face, I'd be correct in assuming the Lieutenant is not happy with the news."
"You got that right, but there is something else bothering her besides that lying dickhead."
"I think I might know what it is."
"What do you mean and do you have a headache?"
"Yes, I've had it since I woke up, and it will be due to stressing over Ian until he returns home. Bring up this morning's edition of the Boston Herald on your computer then go to page two once you do."
Following the directions, Jane went to the appropriate site and asked, "What am I looking for?"
"I remember Korsak telling me about the reason behind Erica's move to Boston and during breakfast, I read an article on a plea bargain having been made between the United States Attorney's Office in Manhattan and the Defence Attorney of a corrupt Police Officer."
"Fuck," swore Jane as she brought up the report.
"Please Jane, language."
Ignoring the often coined phrase, Jane perused the story then shook her head, "Thanks Mau and you are correct."
"No names are mentioned, but the case married up with details of Korsak's story. It's a terrible business indeed."
"You have no idea and Erica must be so disappointed."
"I would image she is and I better get back to work."
"Thanks for the info Mau and have you taken anything for the pain?"
"I have and you're welcome Jane. Please give my best to Erica."
"Sure," acknowledged Jane as Frost and Korsak appeared in the bullpen.
"Hey Doc, looking good," stated Frost in greeting.
"Hello Barry, Vince," replied Maura before heading out.
Closing off the website, Jane got up, "Where's Crystal?"
Korsak pointed upwards, "In Interrogation two, why?"
Jane took her time to fill him and Frost in on the change of task then added, "The Lieutenant wanted to know when you got back."
"Okay," responded Korsak. "I'll let Crowe know Crystal lawyered up then speak with the Lew."
Once he departed, Frost glared at Jane, "Why the hell would Agent Dean mislead Campbell?"
"Because he is a prick and can't be trusted. I bet you good money that he intends to waltz into the station and leave with all the glory like the last time he was here."
"Go figure," scoffed Frost. "I suppose the Lieutenant has other plans."
"Damn straight she does," commented Jane as Erica and Vince drew closer.
"Detectives," began the Commander. "Can you please join me in the BRIC?"
All three followed her and when they entered the room, Erica approached the Detective sitting at a computer terminal, "Baily, can you give us the room please?"
"Yes ma'am," the burly male replied while getting to his feet.
"You can leave your work; I'll ensure no one else touches it."
"Appreciate that Lieutenant."
Baily moved swiftly and Erica secured the entrance behind him then drew the blinds. Going to another computer, she commenced, "Rizzoli, did you bring Frost and Korsak up to speed?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Excellent work and that will some save time." Erica brought up a DMV photo of the suspect and resumed the briefing, "Meet Elvin Smithers, thirty two. He is wanted by the FBI for three murders committed in Maryland, Virginia five days ago. As of ten minutes ago, I received authority to apprehend the perp and hand him over to the FBI's Field Office."
"They're not joining us?" enquired a surprised Frost.
"No, it's to be a BPD arrest. I've already organised a team of five uniformed Officers and to join us and they are currently standing by. The Officers staking out Smithers' house have confirmed he arrived home in a cab some twenty minutes ago."
Korsak posed the next question, "Do we have any information on why Smithers copied Hoyt?"
"I spoke with Warden Ranch at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Centre and after checking with the mail room, he called me back a couple of minutes ago to confirm Smithers wrote to Hoyt on a number of occasions. There is no record of Hoyt ever replying to any of the correspondence."
Jane spoke up, "The theory is Smithers Senior talked about Hoyt to Junior during their twice weekly visits and information was shared."
"Precisely," agreed Erica. "During a conversation with FBI Headquarters' Assistant Director Grainger, he shared all information pertaining to Smithers and it appears he was under the care of a Psychiatrist after displaying delusional behaviour at his work place over twelve months ago. He'd been found by a co-worker running around the parking lot of a freight transport company welding a scalpel. He was ranting on about being spoken to by the voices in his head."
"Holy shit," murmured Korsak, worried there had been another maniac under the tutelage of Hoyt. "So basically he's a nut job?"
"Not according to the report furbished by his shirk. Doctor Blanco declared him to be of sound mind and his behaviour was attributed to a lack of sleep after completing two long distance trips back to back. Blanco also stated Smithers constantly made reference to a man named Charles who wrote to him through his father."
"Son of a bitch," snarled Jane. "The bastard taught another one."
"I don't think he did Jane," responded Korsak. "Too much time has passed since Hoyt's death and these killings. There is also one noticeable detail lacking from this sick bastard's modus operandi; all three women were single and no husband or boyfriend was forced to witness the rapes before being slain too."
With her eye cast upwards, Jane took in the possibility of the changes then posed the query, "What if Hoyt instructed Smithers to wait and purposely omitted the need for a second victim so as to concentrate on the women?"
"It could have been Hoyt's backup plan in case anything happened to him after escaping custody," suggested Frost. "Maybe Smithers has been biding his time and the MO was altered under meticulous instruction from Hoyt."
"I tend to agree with Frost," remarked Erica. "The man always played his game one step ahead of Law Enforcement and been the one to set the rules, so why would that change just because he absconded? The women are the main focus of these killings, there is no second tier to their humiliation and torture. No one else has witnessed their suffering and defilement. It's all about them and they are of similar age, body type, hair colour and bone structure."
Jane's past fears came flooding back at the speed of a tidal wave and her palms started to ache. Her body started to shake and it took all her strength to remain focused, "They look like me."
Her comment was met with gasps and sympathetic glances from the two men.
Erica noticed the trembling extremities and moved in closer, "Korsak, take Frost with you to the courthouse and pick up a search and arrest warrant on Smithers. Judge Rollins is expecting you. Rizzoli and I will meet you at the perp's location in thirty minutes. Park your vehicle at the end of the western entrance on the corner of Waumbeck and Harold Streets. Link up with backup and await further instructions before making a move."
"You got it," he replied prior to gripping Jane's left shoulder. "He's not Hoyt Kiddo and you'll be surrounded by cops."
"I know Vince and I'm fine," Jane reassured him with a weak smile. "Trust me, I won't be going anywhere on my own."
"You got that right Partner," added Frost before departing with Korsak.
As soon as the door closed, Jane turned to Erica, "Dean knew about our relationship from speaking with Maura."
"Why the hell would she tell him?"
"She breaks out in hives if she lies and he asked the right questions."
"Fuck that, she had no right to pass on personal information about work colleagues," protested Erica before taking hold of Jane's hands. "Sorry, I shouldn't be bitching on about it while you are upset." With gentle massages, she attempted to alleviate the ache from her girlfriend's palms.
Tears fell from brown eyes as Jane remarked, "I thought there was to be no touching at work."
"That was before all this shit came to light and I'm more concerned about you than what pissed me off earlier."
"Thank you and I read about the deal done with Madden."
"You did?"
"Yes. Maura brought it to my attention when she informed me about Dean. I know it hurts and I'm here for you."
"It's not important at the moment, but it's comforting to know you are with me," replied Erica while continuing to knead the scared flesh. "How are your hands?"
"Easing, just a slight twinge."
"Good and once we enter Smithers' house, you are to remain by my side at all times. I want you in my line of sight and protected."
"Yes ma'am and the pain has gone."
"Excellent," stated Erica as she withdrew contact. "I don't believe in displays of affection in the work place, but I think I can make an exception this one time." Opening her arms, she wrapped them around Jane when she stepped forward.
Placing her head on Erica's shoulder, Jane began to sob harder, "I thought this nightmare was over, but it's apparent I'm the real target."
"I believe you are too Jane. Take your time to settle before we leave." Erica glided fingertips across Jane's tear streaked face, "It will be finished soon then you and I can have a quiet dinner date and talk."
"I'd really like that."
"You know, you only have to say the word and you can sit this one out."
"I appreciate the offer, but Hoyt won't get to win this game either."
"That's my girl and we better get going."
Jane pulled back and locked onto Erica's eyes, "I like being your girl and thanks for the hug and pep talk."
"You are welcome. Now I need to unhand you and drop back into command mode."
Smiling, Jane deleted the file on the monitor and her chest tightened when Erica leaned in and kissed the side of her neck.
"And now I'm the Lieutenant again," declared the blonde as she moved towards the door.
-o-
