Part 10
Jane followed Maura into her office. She had a seat on the couch while Maura gathered the first-aid kit. She shook her head at its enormous size. What started out as basic would now rival any ER instrument setup.
"Ok, what is it today? Do you have an all over injury or something specific?"
"Well now that you mention it; my cheek is kind of hurting."
"I don't see an injury or embedded foreign substance."
Maura moved in closer to have a better look. When she was close enough, Jane turned her head and captured Maura's lips in a gentle kiss. Maura pressed in more and the kiss turned hot and both women were lost to their passion. A knock on the door frame broke them apart.
"Senior Criminalist Chang, how may I help you?"
Chang was so happy she finally knew for sure that her heroes were together. This moment would be marked down as the best day in Chang's history of finding out things.
"Chang?" An aloof eyebrow rose, the intimidation was not lost on the petite Asian woman.
'Oh crap, Rizzoli is speaking to me. Hold it together, Susie. You are a conversation ninja, be true to your ancestry. But she scares me so…'
"Chang, do I need to see that report?" Another eyebrow raised, but with different intent.
'Report? What report? Oh, this report!'
"Yes, , I need you to look over it and sign off, please." Melt down crises averted. 'Whew!'
"Thank you, Chang."
All three women stood there. Susie was looking back and forth between the other two. Her nerves were showing by the way she was slightly bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"You know, you guys are so wonderful together." 'Surprise! First thought in mind, first thought out of mouth! Way to go brain. Sensor much lately? Not!'
"You don't say, SC Chang." Jane would laugh out loud if she were sure Maura wouldn't get mad at her.
"Yes. Umm, I guess I'll go. I got a beaker or something…BYE!" 'Mission aborted!'
Before anything could be said, Jane's phone rang. "Rizzoli. Yes, sir. Okay, I'll see you in a few," she answered. With a look of worry she disconnected.
"Is everything alright, Jane?"
"I don't know, Cavanaugh needs to see me in his office. I'll call or see you after I know what's going on."
"Alright, I also have some news to discuss with you. If you cannot get back with me before I leave, just come on to my house and we'll talk then."
"Okay. I will see and do you later." With a saucy wink, the detective sashayed from the office with an over emphasis on swinging her hips.
Maura watched her Detective leave, her cheeks blushed as the mental image of Jane on all fours and herself grinding into that sashaying ass, from behind. With a slight huff she repacked the kit, realizing that Jane had not been tended to.
'I guess I'll just have to give her some good loving to promote healing when she gets home.'
Jane strolled through the halls of BPD as if she owned it. All who passed the Detective gave a polite nod or a full on smile. Those fresh from the academy knew her by name and by sight. The academy took Jane's case dealing with 'The Surgeon' and used it as a teaching tool about what could happen if you don't wait for backup and the sacrifice paid for that misstep in procedure. The Cadets, however, saw Detective Rizzoli as a hero. Not only did she solve the case, she saved a victim in the process. Only those closest to Jane saw the toll it took on her, but when asked by eager young police cadets she always said the same thing, 'I was just doing my job.' The bright faced young soon-to-be peace officers held Rizzoli in high regards, so when she gave a nod and smile or the highly prized and sought after conversation, it was like winning the lottery for that cadet or cadets. Jane just took it in stride. She privately hoped that her giving permission to the academy to share her story concerning Hoyt, it would one day save a future officer's life. If she had one legacy to leave the city of Boston, it would be giving the tools to young police officers to keep themselves and their partners safe. It truly was a crap shoot every time one wore the shield, but if she could increase their chances of staying safe even by a small degree she was willing to put up with the knowing, almost worshipping like young faces who grinned like idiots when she passed by. 'Just another day, Jane, smile and nod. '
Turning down the next hall she went straight through homicide and knocked on her Lieutenant's door.
"Rizzoli, thanks for coming so quickly."
"No problem."
"First let me say great job on catching McNorrsal, he confessed and is at this time signing his statement. The D.A. gave him a plea deal 15 no parole."
"What? That's too easy."
The two officers eyed each other across the expanse of a report littered desk. Cavanaugh really hated what he was going to have to do next. Not only for personal reasons, but also for the fact that Rizzoli had the highest closure rate out of all of the homicide detectives in the greater Boston area.
"As in easy for Frost and Rizzoli-2 to get the perp to confess, that would be a big yes. Seems when they threw your name around a bit and McNorrsal gave it all up."
Jane was pleased that her name carried such weight, but strangely she was disappointed at not being able to bust some balls over the deaths of the tortured women.
"Now that that's out of the way, I have some administrative duties to perform."
"Well that just sounds ominous."
Sean hated to go down this road with Jane, but budget cuts were budget cuts.
"Jane, you know I am on your side, more so than any other detectives here, but I have news. Due to budget cuts, I have to make cuts where possible, there is no favoritism involved. I had to call it based on seniority."
"Ok, so how does this all wash?"
"You are the cut."
They both waited for the explosion of Rizzoli temper, which strangely did not flare. Jane continued to calmly look at Sean as he readied himself to further explain.
"Basically your group has been dissolved. Vince is a Sgt. Detective, so he will be working with Crow, Sanders and Lewinsky. Frost, being the whiz with tech that he is, will be moving to Financial and Security Force Unit.
"And I'm left out in the cold."
"No, well yes, until our budget gets better you are. However, I fought for you and had the Mayor sign off on paying you all your back overtime, sick time and vacation time. All together that equals to a year in pay."
"An entire year! One whole year without me working as a detective? Lieutenant, I will go crazy, as well as driving those I care about, down the same path. There's gotta be something I can do? "
"I'm sorry Jane, I really mean that. I tried, but every way I sliced it, it came out the same way every time."
Jane felt empty. What would this mean for her career? For her new relationship with Maura? Oh and Frankie?
"Sean, what about Frankie, will he be able to go back to the drug unit?"
"I tried, but unfortunately it was either uniform or the street for him. Some seniors bucked for placement instead of taking a furlough."
"Okay, so how does this work for my career?"
"You still have one, but the only thing is you will be gone for the year."
"What about when the year is up?"
"We'll cross that bridge then, Rizzoli, like I said it's all about the budgets."
Jane looked around the office taking in the awards and certificates. She was doing her best to hold it together. To have the one thing she had worked so hard for to be taken from her because of politics, it was almost unbelievable. The truth was there, in numbers and seniority, which she was at the bottom of the totem pole.
"Do you have any questions, Jane?"
"No sir, at least not right now. Will I be able to contact you if I have any in the future?"
"Of course you can, Jane. My door is always open, even if you just want to say hello to Vince or myself."
"Ha, I noticed you did not mention Crow."
"Let's just say I prefer our M.E. to keep her scalpels in the morgue and Darren and his cohorts are on their own. I, on the other hand, would like to keep my God given private goods on my person and not hanging as a trophy on display in Maura's office."
Both officers laughed out loud at that. Cavanaugh pulled a sheaf of papers out and turned them over to Jane.
"What's this?"
"This is your package I fought and won for you. In it you will find your pay in one lump sum. Insurance to be carried over by Boston P.D. for 1 year or until you get another job. Last page is a contract saying that you agree to the furlough and that you are taking payment of time earned and given. If you don't have any questions right now, sign at the bottom and date it. I'll also need you to turn in your service weapon."
"What about my shield?"
"Your shield is yours to keep. Like I said, you are still a Detective."
Beyond everything Jane did not want to cry, but as she took in the paper work she felt her world cave in. She heard her lieutenant talking but she could not understand his words. The pen in her hand felt heavier than her side arm. She hesitated for a moment, and then with a flourish she quickly signed her name and dated it. Tossing the pen down, Jane could not hold back the tears any longer. She was not aware of when the office door opened and then gently closed. The only thing she was aware of was two small hands coming to rest on her shoulders. Identifying the person by smell alone, Jane turned and pulled Maura closer as she continued to cry.
"It's going to be okay, Jane. We are okay."
"But Maur, who am I if I am not Detective Rizzoli?"
"You, my beautiful, are Jane Rizzoli. You are a caring daughter to Angela and a great sister to Frankie and Tommy. You are a wonderful and loving aunt to TJ. You are my best friend and love of my life."
"It just feels like my whole world got screwed."
"I know, sweetheart, but just you know I am going to be with you on this adventure you are about to embark on."
"Adventure? No, Maura, there's no adventure and no, you shouldn't have to take a year off just to keep me company."
"Hush now and dry your tears. I have made up my mind, and it's your choice if you want to be with me because with or without you I am taking a year. So why not let us be together? Hmm? I will most definitely make it worth the effort."
Wiping her eyes, Jane smiled at Maura and laid her head back down against her lover's stomach. Taking a few deep breaths Jane finally calmed. Pulling away she took the tissue from Maura and cleaned her face.
"Where's Sean?"
"He left when I came in. He called and asked if I could come up and be with you. He explained about the furlough."
"I guess it could be worse. He fought for me and got a package for me."
"Jane I know you and I know how you feel about using my money, but I love you and I will see that you are able to live comfortably during this time."
"I know you care, Maura, but I cannot see me taking your money."
"Jane we are a couple now, get over it."
"Can we table this till later; besides the Lieutenant had the powers that be pay me all my owed time in one lump sum."
Curious about the amount, Jane shuffled though the folder until she came to the envelope containing the check. Ripping it open she was amazed at the amount given."
"Jane, does that amount say a hundred thousand?"
"Maura…I…it does. Is it right?"
"Honey, Sean fought for you, so you can be sure he twisted very single cent out of them that he could."
"I guess. Say, are you ready to get out of here?"
"Yes I am. I don't know about you but I need some serious relaxation."
"I can agree with that. Let's go home then."
"You know it really is."
"What really is?"
"My house is our home." Hazel eyes were true and clear.
"Really?"
"Most definitely, my love."
With one last brush across her face Jane grabbed the folder containing her furlough and negotiated incentives, sans the signed contract portion, and headed for the office door. Taking Maura's hand they left together, both eager to see where tomorrow would take them.
Washington D.C.: Outside the DOD
"Casey? Casey Jones? "
"Yes, I am Casey, and you are?"
"I'm Agent Gabrielle Dean and this is my partner, Agent Patricia Timmons."
"Please to meet you, Colonel, you can just call me Pat."
Agent Dean noticed the insignias adorning Casey's uniform. Also he noticed the spark between Casey and Patricia. Thinking that he should try to stop something before it starts, he tries for an easy way to let his partner know that Casey is taken.
"Oh yeah, Jane said you were up for a promotion. How is Jane, your fiancée, doing now a days, Casey?"
"Okay, now I remember. You are the agent who worked with Jane on the Hoyt killings."
Dean mumbles something about how it was Jane working with him, but Casey and Pat take no notice of the correction.
"I have not talked to Jane in weeks, but last I heard she is fine. In regards to the fiancée thing, we are not together anymore."
"Oh, so Jane is single?"
"No, she is with the Medical Examiner now. You remember Maura, don't you?"
"I knew there was more there."
"Frankly, Agent Dean, it is none of your business, but for the sake of you not trying anything, I will tell you this. Jane loves Maura and Maura loves Jane. Jane had no idea about her true self until Maura and I stepped in. She is happy so do not think there is a chance to be had."
"Is that a threat, Colonel Jones?"
"No threat, just sticking up for one of my best and dearest friends."
Casey looked over at Agent Timmons again. She was a most beautiful woman. She was statuesque at 5'9" with short, spiky, auburn hair, blue eyes and sinfully kissable lips. If she would give him the time of day, he would count himself a lucky man.
"Agent Timmons, it is almost lunch time. Would you care to join me for a meal and hopefully good conversation?" Casey tried to use his most charming smile to help sway the lady in his favor.
"Colonel, I would be happy to. Agent Dean, is there anything else I need to do before lunch?"
Dean stood there looking for the entire world like a kid left out.
"Umm, no, we can pick up where we left off after lunch. I'll meet you back at Quantico."
"Well that settles that." Casey held out his arm for Patricia to take. As a farewell, the military man half way salutes Dean and strides off with his beautiful companion in tow.
"Yeah right, new discovery 'I'm a big ole lesbian but I just did not know it' my ass." Dean gets curious looks from passersby. Straightening his tie self importantly, the FBI agent heads back to his car for the trip back to HQ.