Despite feeling a slight irritation at the way Jane had essentially dictated her actions, Maura couldn't help but follow her with her eyes as she crossed the parking lot towards the crime scene. It was her first nature to automatically seek out Jane in any space they occupied together and this was no exception. Regardless of any ire she may have felt, Jane's presence had a calming influence unlike anything she had experienced in life.
Her guttural cry of, "Jaaaaaaane," pierced the air as she violently threw herself out of the Prius and sprinted, heels and all, towards the detective the instant after the explosion rocked the area.
Riley was the first to reach the detective and uniformed officer, she quickly skirted past Jane to check on the officer as Maura arrived seconds after her and finally Korsak arrived, immediately dropping down to his knees next to the unconscious detective.
Maura was also on her knees as she found the pulse point on Jane's neck and confirmed the presence of said pulse. "Jane," she cooed softly, trying to draw the detective back into consciousness. "Jane, come on, open your eyes."
Korsak was already on the phone calling in the explosion and requesting medical assistance. He clambered to his feet and moved over to Cooper who was rousing the barely conscious uniformed officer, "Can you hear me Callahan?"
Once Officer Callahan appeared to be more alert Riley left him in Korsak's capable hands and turned to look at the front of the check-in which had been blown wide open. Glass doors shattered, brick wall crumbled and the inside of the building was a picture of chaos; the counter no longer existed and the groans of the CSRU technicians could be heard.
"Fuck," Riley breathed as she stepped through the rubble that was the front of the building and knelt down beside the first tech, who's entire front was splintered with wood that she figured must have been the front counter. It was such a mess, she didn't know where to start, the tech was pressurising a particularly gaping wound, but she didn't hold out much hope for the guy.
Further inside she saw the other technician who must have worn the brunt of the explosion, because that was a sight that had her bringing her hand to her mouth as she pushed back the bile. She returned her attention to the technician at her feet, who while bleeding profusely, was still alive. "Doc," she called out, "Need some help in here."
Korsak looked up from the officer he was attending to look for Riley after she had called out. "Cooper what the hell? Get back here. There could be more explosives." He shot a withering look at Maura preventing her from moving forward to help, "Janie would kill me if I let you go in there. Until it is cleared you're staying right there."
While Maura was debating internally whether to argue the point with Korsak, she was rejoined by Riley who just shook her head; apparently it was already too late for the second technician. Beneath her hands Jane dragged herself back into consciousness; "Damn, did anyone get the plates of the truck that hit me?"
Maura's eyes widened in alarm at the words before she noticed the crooked grin on the Italian detective's face; "Jane," she admonished.
Jane attempted to sit up but Maura pressed her down by the shoulders. "Just lie still, you could have spinal damage."
"I feel fine Maura," Jane drawled lazily, clearly feeling the affects of the knock to the head. "Aside from all the aches and pains," she muttered as the sounds of sirens in the distance increased in volume as the ambulance and a new wave of officers responded.
"Just keep your eyes open and on me, okay?" Maura stated calmly, concerned about a potential concussion. She slipped her hand into Jane's and squeezed to keep the detective's attention firmly focused on her. "You're mother is going to be pissed," she said with a smirk.
"Doctor Isles, the language!" Jane feigned shock at the choice of words, the amusement showing in her darkened eyes. Her face paled at the thought of her mother though, "God, Maura please keep Ma away from me when we get to the hospital."
Riley who had been watching on silently couldn't help the snort of laughter those words caused. "Big Bad Rizzoli scared of her mommy?" She teased playfully.
"Tell ya what Coop, next time you're in the hospital I'll send Ma to fuss over you and we'll see how quickly you change…" Jane's voice trailed out as she struggled to find the word she was looking for, the edges of her vision were darkening and God did she just want to close her eyes. Finally she remembered what she was trying to say, "Your tune."
Maura frowned, concerned by the pause in the sentence. "Jane, honey, just keep talking to me okay. Keep your eyes open."
"Oh look, my ride's here." Jane muttered as two EMTs approached the scene.
He watched the carnage before him with much glee. Sure he could have activated the explosion when there were more people at the scene, but this wasn't about wanton destruction; it was to terrorise Detective Rizzoli and those around her. Besides, he was still deciding which person he was going to remove permanently from the detective's life and he wanted to be able to enjoy that with full satisfaction. Not to watch quietly from across the street.
He had to hand it to Rizzoli for playing into his hands, picking a run down motel in the middle of an area with little to no surveillance. It just made it so easy for him to play his little games; but this was merely a precursor, he had more devastating plans for those closest to the detective.
Assured that he would be lost in the comings of the new wave of responders, he turned on the ignition and pulled into traffic. As he drove he glanced to the passenger seat beside him and smiled smugly at the video camera he had used to record the entire event. He had to admit it felt good watching Rizzoli flying through the air and landing hard. He whistled the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy as he drove away.
It didn't matter that she had years of experience, dealing with an injured Jane Rizzoli was still one of the most frustrating experiences Maura endured on a semi regular basis. "Jane," she hissed, "You may have been cleared of any spinal injury, but you still have a mild concussion, which means taking it easy!"
"I'll take it easy when I'm dead, Maura." Jane responded gruffly as she jabbed her finger hard at the homicide bullpen floor number. The silence that followed that statement caused the detective to glance sideways at the medical examiner. She exhaled softly, "God, I'm sorry Maur. Not the right time for that kinda comment huh?"
Maura shook her head softly in the negative and clasped her hands firmly in front of herself. There were two new bodies waiting in her morgue, but before she could organise the autopsies they needed to meet with Cavanaugh and the FBI. The fact was she was feeling quietly overcome by the days events; watching an explosion send the woman she loved flying dangerously through the air was not something that sat well with her. Especially when Jane was so obstinate and checked herself out of the hospital once it was confirmed she only suffered from a mild concussion.
"You need to be resting," she said looking up into the dark orbs watching her every move. "So promise me you'll take it easy in there? Don't get too worked up if you don't like what they have to say?"
The elevator doors pinged open, but before stepping off Jane nodded softly and murmured, "I promise." She reached out and took hold of one of Maura's hands and gave it a quick squeeze of reassurance and from there they both headed into the bullpen.
Korsak stepped out of the BRIC when they arrived and smiled grimly, "Jane, Doc, they're waiting for us in the conference room."
Jane and Maura filed in, taking a seat next to each other around a long wooden table. Korsak took a seat near the end of the table; also seated at the table was Lieutenant Cavanaugh, Agent Blake, Agent Mancini, Detective Cooper and two other people that neither Jane nor Maura recognised.
Agent Blake, who sat opposite Jane, welcomed them into the meeting. "Detective Rizzoli, Doctor Isles I'd like to say it was a pleasure to see you again, but considering the circumstances." She watched as Jane shrugged her shoulders and Maura subsequently sent a daggered look at the detective. Blake had to stifle a chuckle, watching those two interact was fast becoming a favourite pastime.
"However before we get started I would like to introduce you to, Doctor Celia Lawrence and Supervisory Special Agent Lance Hopkins. SSA Hopkins is the lead agent for the task force and Doctor Lawrence we have brought in to perform autopsies on the latest victims." Blake explained succinctly.
"Now hold on a minute," Jane growled, standing up and planting her palms down on the table forcefully. "Why the hell would you bring someone else in when you've got one of the very freakin' best at your God damned disposal?"
Maura placed a hand on Jane's forearm and calmly said, "Jane, I would have had to recuse myself anyway." She waited until the detective glanced down at her imploring hazel eyes before continuing. "Doctor Lawrence makes for a better option than Pike or Popov," she turned her attention to where the other doctor sat, "I've read several of your papers on forensic investigation and it is an honour to meet you, Doctor Lawrence."
With Maura effectively deflating her righteous indignation Jane slumped back down into her seat and mumbled, "No offense meant, Doctor Lawrence."
Doctor Lawrence smiled graciously, "None taken Detective," glancing at Maura she added, "The honour is all mine, Doctor Isles. While it is imperative I perform the autopsies myself, I see no problem with allowing you to observe, should you so wish."
Maura didn't even need to look at Jane to know what she was thinking in this instance; with a courteous smile she responded, "I would be more than happy to take you up on that offer, Doctor Lawrence."
"Great, now that's settled we can get down to some further business." All eyes turned to SSA Hopkins when he finally chose to speak up, "Detective Rizzoli, as you appear to be the unsub's primary target and a victim of his actions twice now, I have no choice but to limit your participation in the investigation." He held his hand up to silence the indignant detective before she could interrupt, "If I had my way I would keep you as far from this as possible, but your Lieutenant has successfully argued your value as an investigator. As such we will consult with you and your partner Detective Cooper, but neither of you will be permitted to interview suspects or chase down any physical leads."
Jane sighed heavily, played with the scars on her left palm and bounced her knee up and down forcefully in an attempt to curb her anger. She knew that it was the right call, but she hated the thought of effectively being sidelined when the people she loved were in the sick bastard's sights. She needed to do as much as possible to protect Maura, first and foremost because she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she might just be the true object of his obsession.
"Thank you Sir," she said politely, knowing the pointlessness of arguing.
SSA Hopkins nodded his approval of her acceptance. "And Rizzoli," he said forcefully, "When we catch this guy, and we will, you are not to go anywhere near him. Got it?"
She nodded reluctantly, "Yeah."
"Great," Hopkins beamed cheerily, "I suggest the docs go and do their thing while we discuss today's events."
A/N: Latest update, I hope y'all enjoy. Thanks again to all reading, reviewing, favouriting and following.