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: Trigger warning! Chapter deals with character death. Thanks for the comments, follows and favourites.
Chapter 26
After checking Erica's blood pressure and heartrate one more time, a satisfied Maura smiled at Jane as she gave her diagnosis, "Erica, your vitals have returned to normal and I don't think you require a visit to the hospital. It appears the initial shock has run its course and you have settled."
Tear filled eyes greeted the words, "I feel much better. I'm grateful for you and Ian being here, but you should be on your way to the airport. I don't want you to miss your flight."
"We have plenty of time and I didn't want to leave before you were stable. We will call with information as soon as we have any. Now, I want you to sit on the couch, eat some dinner then go to bed. You don't need your body receiving any more trauma tonight."
Reaching for her hand, Erica gripped it firmly, "I will and stay safe. You too Doctor Faulkner."
Jane and Vince helped Erica to her feet and guided her to the sofa. "I'll walk you to your car," suggested Jane.
"And I will heat up your dinner," offered Angela as she moved into the kitchen.
Jane ushered Maura and Ian to the grey Prius and wished them luck before being embraced by the two doctors.
"Keep a close eye on her," advised Maura.
"I will and thank you both for being here."
"You are most welcome Jane," replied Ian while opening the driver's door.
Cupping Jane's face, Maura smiled, "Just be there for Erica and wrap her in your love. Until she knows what has happened to her family, she will teeter between hope and despair."
"I know and please keep out of trouble."
"You know I can't promise that, but I will do what must be done and keep you apprised."
"Thank you. I love you Mau."
"I love you too Jane and I must be off."
Jane gave her friend a quick peck on the cheek, "Bye."
-o-
Returning inside, Jane was delighted to see Erica eating enthusiastically at the dining table with Vince and Angela sitting on either side of her.
"I've heated up a plate for you too Janie," her mother remarked as Jane drew closer.
"Thanks ma." Taking a seat opposite Erica, Jane picked up her knife and fork.
The silence of the room was broken when Erica put down her cutlery, "I'll call the FBI hotline after dinner, but I doubt they will have any information at this stage."
"I think you are more than likely right," agreed Vince.
"Do you think we will send officers to Anaheim to assist," enquired Erica while looking to him.
"They will probably request assistance from Police Departments closer to them, but you never know. I'm sure the President will make a statement on the subject when he addresses the nation in twenty minutes."
Wiping away a stray tear, Erica ate the last of her meal, "I apologise for falling apart, but when the receptionist confirmed dad had spoken to her prior to leaving for the Park, I just went cold."
Angela jumped out of her seat and wrapped her arms around the blonde, "There is no need to be sorry for reacting like most people would under the circumstances. I've been praying for everyone and am here to support you."
Placing a hand on Angela's forearm, Erica took a deep breath, "Thank you. I'll go make that call now in the study."
Jane got to her feet and collected the two plates, "I'll join you babe."
"Please honey."
-o-
Jane was holding onto Erica's left hand while the call was transferred for a second time. After two rings, a female answered, "Hello Agent Thompson, how may I assist you?"
"Hello Agent Thompson, this is Lieutenant Erica Campbell with the Boston Police Department."
"Yes Lieutenant?"
"I am seeking information regarding my family. There are staying at the Disneyland Resort and had scheduled dinner and rides at New Orleans Square this evening. I am unable to reach them on their cell phones and am anxious to know of their location."
"Can you give me their full names please?"
"My parents are Phillip John and Claire Grace Campbell and they are holidaying with my brother Thomas John Campbell, his wife Jennifer Rae and their three children Emma Rae, Braxton Phillip and Jacqueline Colleen."
"Thank you. Can you tell me where they live?"
"Yes, my parents' home address is 86 Maple Avenue, Bray Shore, New York and my brother's house is 82 Maple Avenue. They live two houses down from mom and dad."
"Lieutenant, thank you and how soon do you think you could travel to Anaheim?"
"Pardon, I was under the impression the city was in lockdown and only authorised personnel and vehicles were allowed access?"
"You are correct, but by the time you hang up with me, you will have that authority. It is with regret that I must inform you your father's body has been recovered from one of the demolished buildings. There is no further information available in relation to the other members of your family at this stage."
Jane could tell by the look on Erica's face she had received bad news. Gripping her hand tighter, she waited.
"I understand and will make the necessary arrangements tonight. I gather my father is being held at the Orange County Morgue and you require formal identification?"
"That is correct ma'am and you have my condolences."
"Thank you Agent Thompson."
Jane's heart broke as the news sunk in and she stood by as Erica pocketed her phone then received her with open arms, "I am so sorry baby. I don't know what to say."
With teardrops streaming down her face, Erica clung to Jane, "Just hold me please. Oh god Jane, my dad's gone."
"I know and I wish I could take the pain away."
"They have no information on the others. I will try to get a commercial flight out tonight; otherwise I will hire a private jet. Oh shit, I have to ask for time off work."
"I'm sure Captain Gering while have no issue with organising special leave for you."
Through heavy sobs, Erica replied, "I'll have to call him before it gets too late."
"Do you want me to ask Korsak to speak with Gering and explain the situation while you call the airlines?"
Leaning back, a distraught Erica focused on Jane, "Thank you, but I need to do this for myself."
Nodding, Jane fully understood, "I will do whatever you ask me to do. I am here for you and if I can, I will accompany you to Anaheim. I'm sure mom and Vince will drive us to the airport."
Erica stopped crying and inhaled deeply before speaking again, "Can you ask Vince to look after Jo for us?"
"I'm sure he will. Do you want me to go ask now?"
"Yes please, I need to know whether to book one or two seats."
"I'll be right back." Jane pecked her fiancée on the temple before leaving. She closed the door and her chest ached when a wail within the room permeated the doorway and filled the corridor. "Fucking hell," she mumbled while gathering her self-control and taking the required steps to enter the living room.
Her mother and Korsak were already standing and waiting for her. It was obvious they heard the howling too.
Angela raced to her and placed her arms around trembling shoulders, "I suppose she received terrible news."
"Ma, Phillip is deceased and the others still unaccounted for. Fuck, Erica is shattered and I can't take away the hurt."
Vince moved in and wrapped his arms around the two women, "No one can Janie. What can we do to help?"
Pulling out of the clinch, Jane asked, "Is it possible for me to take the rest of the week off? Erica has permission to go to Anaheim to officially identify her father's body and I would like to travel with her."
"You don't worry about that; I will process the forms in the morning. Is there anything else?"
"Yeah can you take Jo to your place?"
"I can and your mother and I will drive you to the airport."
"Thank you Vince and this has been one god awful day for America."
"There will be more to follow sweetie. So many people lost to their families, it just breaks my heart to see someone as kind as Phillip be taken from this earth," added Angela amid fresh tears. "I'll help you pack a bag you and Erica while Vince organises Jo's gear."
Jane struggled to thank her and bawled instead.
-o-
After organising a private jet to fly them to Long Beach Airport California and two weeks leave, Erica called her grandparents with the heart wrenching news as the couple arrived at the hangar. Both Patrick and Colleen were traumatised and ended the conversation by saying they would met Erica in Anaheim as soon as they could arrange a flight.
Boarding the Gulfstream IV, the pair took their seats and buckled in. Without any fanfare, the plane taxied to the runway and was airborne within ten minutes. When booking the flight, Erica had stressed the need for the swiftest journey available and mentioned it was an emergency.
The receptionist fully understood and Erica had no qualm about paying fifty six thousand dollars for the five and a half hour trip. Jane was aghast at the amount, but realised it was a drop in the ocean for her future wife and if it meant they arrived in California as soon as possible, then she was the last one to argue.
Having never been on a luxury airliner, Jane was agog at the smoothness of the flight and the service provided to them. Both declined alcohol, but did avail themselves of iced water and canapés.
Knowing Erica was in a world of hurt; Jane didn't attempt to force a conversation with her and patiently waited. She watched as the blonde asked for the crew member to turn on the news.
The attractive blonde nodded, "Will there be anything else madam?"
"No thank you," replied Erica as a wide screen television activated on the wall in front of them.
Jane took hold of Erica's left hand while reading the latest statistics roll by on the tickertape. Tears began to flow as she learnt three hundred and forty two bodies had now been removed and six hundred and sixty four injured. Disney representatives had provided the FBI with a figure of twenty two thousand still in the Park at the time of detonation.
Squeezing tightly, Erica cried, "How the hell does anyone recover from this atrocity? I went through 911 and it tore me apart to see such destruction, lose colleagues and friends, but shit, my family were safe. This has hit even closer to home Jane and I don't know if I can face losing anyone else."
Placing her head on Erica's shoulder, Jane sought out words that would help, "Sweetheart, you are one of the strongest people I know and I will stand by you no matter what. You will not face anything on your own. My family have offered their support and you and I will take care of whatever needs to be done."
Framing Jane's face, Erica vowed, "With your strength, I can find the courage to deal with the pain. I have to stay in control and handle issues that will arise once we land in Long Beach. I love you so much Jane and it means the world to me to have you here."
"I love you too and what is the plan?"
Erica reclined in her seat before answering, "Once we pick up the rental vehicle, we'll book into the Anaheim Marriott then drive to the Orange County Corner's Division in Santa Ana. Hopefully the Sheriff's Office will direct us to the FBI Command Centre."
"Okay and when we have more information, we can discuss how to proceed."
"Precisely and can I make a request of you?"
"Sure, you don't have to ask babe."
"When you can see I need to take a break, tell me and we can refresh at the hotel."
"I can do that honey. How long will it take Patrick and Colleen to get here?"
"It's nearly an eleven hour flight and Grandma said she would call once they land."
Resting her head on Erica's shoulder again, Jane sobbed, "I feel so sad for everyone."
"I do too honey and I intend on offering my assistance to the FBI."
"I thought you would, so I packed our all-weather Police jackets."
"You know me well Jane and thank you for thinking so clearly."
"You are doing well considering the agony you must be feeling."
"I am desperately holding on by a thread and know I will be no help to anyone if I stumble again. There will time for that later, for now, we have to find the rest of family and try to heal."
The words caused Jane to weep harder. Erica pulled her closer and kissed the crown of her head.
They stayed in that position until the crew member offered to turn down the lights. Erica thanked her and despite the pain stabbing at her chest, she closed her eyes and slept. Jane followed and they both woke to the nightmare when the landing gear was activated and the plane began its final descent.
-o-
Jane was wearing a pair of black jeans, black boots and a black button down shirt when she exited the hotel bedroom and she neared Erica. Her fiancée was attired in a similar outfit, apart from a navy blue buttoned shirt.
She turned when Jane placed hands on her hips, "I am ready to go when you are."
Erica wiped a tissue across her eyes, "I am too and I wonder if we beat Maura and Ian here?"
"We'll soon find out," replied Erica while picking up her ID and wallet.
Jane collected the keys to the Chevrolet Suburban and the couple secured the three bedroom suite before making their way to the parking level.
While at the counter of the car rental earlier, Jane had been surprised when Erica handed over the cars to the SUV, but all became clear when she noted her girlfriend's shaking hands. She decided not to draw attention to it and once they settled in the vehicle, her heart broke when Erica leaned over and whispered, "I don't think I am in the right frame of mind to drive and thank you for not making a big deal about it."
"You are welcome babe."
-o-
As Erica pressed the address for the Coroner's Office into the GPS, she asked, "Does this all feel surreal to you?"
"It does and I keep thinking I am going to wake up any minute."
"Yeah I know what you mean."
The trip to 1071 West Santa Ana Boulevard was noiseless and Jane remained calm until she pulled into a vacant parking bay. Her nerves nearly got the best of her when she heard a soft sob escape from Erica. Turning off the motor, she stretched out her right hand and gripped Erica's left, "We can do this honey."
Nodding, Erica brushed away the tears and unbuckled herself.
Pulling the key from the ignition, Jane met Erica at the front of the vehicle. She held out her hand and her heart gripped with pain as Erica took it.
Walking a short distance, the couple entered the busy building and made their way through the overcrowded lobby then approached the reception counter. Erica was about to speak when a familiar voice greeted them.
"Hello Jane and Erica, I really am sorry you've been called down here," said Maura with a tremble in her tone.
Surprised, the duo turned together and Erica looked at the black scrubs attired Medical Examiner, "I gather you are aware of my father's passing."
"I am and offer my sincerest condolences for your loss." She stepped forward and hugged the blonde. "Ian and I arrived an hour ago and he was taken to Memorial Medical Centre to assist, while I was brought here." Moving back, her eyes clouded with tears, "I will take you through to your father now."
Erica nodded and Maura gave Jane a quick embrace, "This is just pure madness."
"Yes it is and I am glad to see a friendly face."
Letting go, Maura led Jane and Erica down a corridor to the elevators. The trio stepped into the empty car when the doors slid back and Maura pressed the button for the basement.
When they reached their destination, Maura ushered them into a viewing room with a closed curtain behind the glass window and Erica placed a hand on her arm, "Is it possible to see him up close."
"Of course it is, but I must warn you Phillip sustained considerable damage to his upper torso and cranium."
A sob caught in Erica's throat and she swallowed it down before stating, "I need to look at him and be certain."
"I fully understand and please follow me."
Jane caressed her thumb over the back of Erica's hand as they walked into the Morgue. The room was packed with medical staff and five autopsies were being performed. Without looking at the tables, Jane led Erica into another room.
Taking position at the top of the white sheet covered body, Maura locked eyes with Erica and remarked, "Tell me when you are ready."
Erica released Jane's hand and inched closer to the table, "I'm ready."
With great care, Maura lifted the cover and slowly pulled it away from the frame concealed underneath.
"Oh dear god," uttered Jane as she began to cry.
Keeping a straight face, Erica leaned over her father and gently kissed his bloodied forehead, "Safe journey dad. I love you and thank you for loving me." Taking a step back, she calmly said to Maura, "I can confirm this is Phillip Campbell."
Trying to hold onto her professionalism, Maura tearfully replied, "Thank you and can you please sign this paperwork?" She picked up the clipboard lying on a nearby table and handed it to Erica along with a ballpoint pen, "The bottom line please."
Following the instructions, Erica handed back the forms and asked, "Will you be performing the autopsy?"
"Yes. When I discovered he was here, I requested I be the one to perform the procedure. I was going to call until I was informed you had already been notified and were on your way. I will treat him with the utmost respect Erica and ensure he is flown home as per the instructions you faxed to the Coroner's office last night."
"I really do appreciate that Doctor Isles and I know he is in the best of hands with you. Do you know where he was found?"
Maura replaced the sheet to its original position and nodded, "It's the least I can do and Phillip was located inside a bathroom. If you are looking to find the FBI Command Centre; it has been set up at the Main Street Entrance."
"Thank you and we will speak with your soon. Which hotel are you and Ian staying in?"
"We didn't have time to book anywhere. We came straight from the airport."
"We have a three bedroom suite at the Marriott and you are more than welcome to stay with us. I will call the front desk and have your names added to the quest list along with key cards organised."
"That is very generous of you Erica and gratefully accepted. I have no idea what time Ian and I will finish, but I will call if we are going to be too late. I expect to be for at least another ten hours."
"Not a problem and thank you again for being here for my father."
"You are welcome, bye."
Jane gave her friend a hug as did Erica before leaving.
As they entered the hallway, Erica took hold of Jane's right hand, "I love you."
"I love you too and I'm sure to stop crying soon."
"I am holding off until we have some privacy at the hotel. If I fall apart now, I will be cactus for the rest of the night."
"Babe, it's actually early Tuesday morning."
"Oh shit, of course it is."
-o-
After displaying their ID and shields, Jane and Erica had their names ticked off on the clipboard being held by a Police Officer. He directed them to the large semi-trailer parked behind the cordoned off area and they thanked him.
There was an elongated table set up in front of the truck lined with twenty phones and Agents seating behind each one. Realising it was the hotline setup, Erica and Jane approached the nearest Agent as she placed the receiver in its cradle.
Looking up, the mid-thirties brunette smiled, "Can I help you?"
"Excuse us," began Erica. "I am Lieutenant Campbell and this is my partner Detective Rizzoli. We are with the Boston PD and the Officer by the barricade sent us this way. We are trying to find some information on my family. An Agent Thompson contacted me last night to inform me my father was killed and she had nothing on my remaining six family members."
A sympathetic frown appeared, "I am sorry for your loss and Agent Thompson is sitting at the end of this table. Good luck with locating your family."
"Thank you," replied Jane and Erica together.
Walking to the left, the pair neared a woman in her mid-twenties with a brown ponytail sitting high on the back of her head. She was talking on the phone and Erica recognised the voice. "That's her," she indicated to Jane.
Jane took in the tailored black pants suit and crisp white button down shirt and the pretty face scrunched up into a scowl. The Agent finished the call and mumbled, "Damn media jerks."
"Excuse me," said Erica. "I am Lieutenant Erica Campbell and this is my fiancée Detective Jane Rizzoli."
Recognition crossed the Agent's face, "From Boston PD; I've been waiting for your arrival."
"We've just come from the Coroner's Office and positively identified my father. Has there been any word on my family?"
Agent Thompson stood and disconnected the phone, "Let's find somewhere private to speak."
Jane noticed she was rather tall and slim and had a slight limp to her left leg. Erica observed it too and asked, "Have you been injured Agent Thompson?"
Looking down, she replied, "I cut my leg on some debris earlier while lending a hand inside the Park. The wound required seven sutures, but I'd rather be fully fit and being more helpful."
Erica and Jane sat down on a bench seat and the Agent took a seat opposite them on a flower pot.
"Answering concerned family members' questions is important too," Erica replied. "It's not easy relaying bad news over the phone."
"You are right, it's been a nightmare and the rotten reporters are using the hotline to enquire about the search and statistics."
"Some things will never change Agent," reasoned Jane as Thompson retrieved a folded piece of paper from her inside jacket pocket.
Thompson looked directly at Erica, "Please call me Claudia and I tracked down some information for you. I'm afraid it is not the best."
"Shit," cursed Erica as Jane reached for her hand.
"Your two nieces, nephew and mother have all been located. They are alive and currently undergoing surgery at UC Irvine Medical Centre in Orange. It appears your mother and the children were waiting outside a restaurant for seating to become available when the blast occurred."
"Thank god they survived," whispered Jane.
Erica took in the words then probed, "How bad are their injuries?"
"I don't have any knowledge of that, but have been advised to inform you your mother is seriously ill."
Tears cascaded down Jane's face, "Oh dear lord."
Remaining focused, Erica asked another question, "Any news on my brother and sister in-law?"
"No, at this time they are both listed as unaccounted for."
"All right, I guess we attend the hospital next and find out how mom and the kids are."
"That is what I would do," agreed Claudia.
Standing, Erica enquired, "Is there anything we can do to help with the search?"
"Thank you for the offer, but we have officers from all over the state inside looking for survivors and removing rubble."
Placing a hand on the younger woman's shoulder, Erica asked, "How bad is it?"
Brown eyes filled with tears, "I used to be in the Army and what I saw inside, compared to the worst I experienced in Afghanistan. The blast site resembled a war zone and it will take days before all the wrecked buildings are cleared."
"Thank you for your honesty," commented Jane.
Erica withdrew her hand, "Yes thank you for all your help." Taking a shield card from the front pocket of her jeans, she handed it to Claudia, "If you receive any news, please call me on that number."
"I will and I hope your family recover."
"Thank you," Erica responded while walking away.
Jane caught up to her and snaked an arm around her waist, "I am so sorry babe."
"Yeah, me too and at least they are in the right place to receive treatment."
"True and we'll be there soon enough."
Nodding, Erica kissed Jane on the cheek, "Love you."
"Love you more."
"Not possible and I'll call your mother then Vince and update them once we know more at the hospital."
"They will appreciate that babe."
-o-
A six minute drive found Jane parking the Suburban in a side street adjacent to the hospital's main entrance. As expected, the parking lot was full, and after driving around for a couple of minutes, Erica spotted the free space.
Alighting from the vehicle, Erica reached for Jane's hand and the pair raced to the reception desk. They were informed Claire and the kids were on the fourth floor and still in theatre. Receiving directions to the waiting room, Jane led Erica to the elevators.
Two minutes passed and the couple spoke to the nurse behind the desk. She told them the operation on Braxton was finishing up and the surgeon would see them as soon as possible.
Taking a seat outside the crowded room, Erica pulled out her cell phone and cursed, "Fuck, you know who I have forgotten about in all this shit?"
"Who, I thought we covered all bases?"
"Jennifer's parents need to be notified."
"Oh crap, Bob and Rae must be out of their minds with worry."
"They are actually away on holiday in France. I'll give them a call now and wreck their vacation."
"Erica, it's not your fault."
"No, but I have to tell them their grandchildren are being operated on and their daughter is missing under a pile of fucking rubble."
Rubbing the top of Erica's thigh, Jane said, "Take a deep breath and take your time before dialling the number."
"Okay, but be prepared for my breakdown."
"I am right here babe and ready to catch you if you fall."
Erica pulled up the number and pressed the call icon. She received an answer straight away.
"Erica," replied Bob Taylor. "Rae and I just got back to our hotel and were shocked to see the news broadcast. We've been visiting vineyards all day and didn't know about the bombing. Rae was about to call you, but you beat her to it. Have you any news."
"I do, but it's not good I'm afraid."
"Oh dear god, go ahead. I've put you on speaking and Rae is with me."
"Bob and Rae, Jennifer and Thomas are unaccounted for."
"Sweet Jesus," responded Rae. "What about the babies?"
"All three are in hospital receiving treatment, along with my mom."
Bob fired the next question, "How bad are they?"
"Jane and I only arrived at the hospital and have been given no information. Braxton is about to come out of theatre, so as soon as I have an answer I will call you back?"
"Thank you and what about Phillip?" asked a now crying Rae.
"He … he was found deceased."
"Oh dear god Erica, I am so sorry," blurted out Bob before bursting into tears.
"Thank you and I'll arrange tickets for you to Anaheim. I'll call you back as soon as I have details."
"We appreciate your assistance and the phone call Erica," replied a disconsolate Bob.
"Speak to you soon, bye."
Jane wrapped her arms around Erica, "You are so kind and brave."
"Not really honey. My heart feels like it's ready to jump out of my chest, but I know I have to remain clear headed and organise things this end."
"Lean on me baby and share the burden."
Erica did just that before calling the American office of Air France. When she had purchased two first-class tickets, she phoned Bob again and gave him the flight specifics.
-o-
Jane tugged the sleeve of a sleeping Erica when she observed a dark blue scrubs attired man walk up to the nurses' station. He looked their way when the nurse on duty pointed towards them. Up until then, there had been a procession of doctors entering and exiting the waiting room and Jane's heart had stopped each time one neared. Family members had come and gone from the room and Jane had whispered a pray for those who had left with broken hearts.
The medium height surgeon approached and held out his right hand, "Hello, I am Doctor Paxton and I operated on your nephew Braxton."
Shaking the offered hand, Erica spoke first, "Hi, I'm Erica and this is my fiancée Jane. How is Braxton doing?"
Jane shook his hand and waited for a reply.
"He received several lacerations to the back of his head that have been cleaned and sutured. Unfortunately there was a deep wound to the top of his cranium which resulted in fracture."
Jane placed a bent index finger under her nose and cried, "Shit."
Staying rigid, Erica enquired, "Will he be all right?"
"Yes, there was no swelling to the brain and he has come through the surgery remarkably well. My colleague and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Doctor Trent had to pin Braxton's left ulna and radius back into place. Both bones were badly broken and required stabilisation. With immobilisation of the arm with a cast, Braxton should make a full recovery within eight weeks. Of course the pins will be removed at that time unless the bones have failed to knit."
"That is good news and you have our sincere gratitude."
"You are welcome and I believe your two nieces are in recovery too. Their surgeons will speak with you soon and I'll have a nurse inform you when you can visit Braxton."
"Thank you again Doctor Paxton."
With relief, Jane hugged Erica, "I'm so glad he is going to be okay."
Nuzzling into black curls, Erica sighed, "Me too honey, me too."
They were still in the same position when interrupted four minutes later, "Excuse me, I am looking for Jaqueline's aunt Erica."
Pulling back, Erica raised her left hand to the bald male in his late fifties, "That is me Doctor. How is she?"
"I am Doctor Bryce and I'm pleased to say she is doing well in recovery and winning over all the nurses."
Erica and Jane shared a quick smile before the surgeon continued, "Jacqueline suffered a broken right leg and several deep cuts to her arms. All have been cleaned and stitched and her leg put in a cast. Our main concern was a laceration to her left forearm. There was same nerve damage, but I believe the impairment has been fully repaired. She was responsive to stimuli and all appears to be in good working order. I will check in with her in an hour or so and run some tests, but at this stage I am confident she will make a complete recovery."
Tears rolled down Erica and Jane's faces as sheer relief washed over them.
Once she regained control, Erica hugged Jane to her side and turned to the surgeon, "Thank you so much."
Nodding, he patted Erica on the shoulder, "We organised for the children to be in the same room. A nurse will speak to you soon and advise you of the room number."
Jane shook his hand, "Thank you Doctor Bryce and the kids will be glad for the company."
Erica continued to cry and once the doctor left, she buried her face into Jane's hair, "This is just too much to bear."
"You are doing just fine babe and so far the news concerning the kids has been encouraging."
Sniffling, Erica dried her eyes yet again, "Fuck, how long before the tears run out?"
Smiling marginally, Jane pecked Erica on the chin, "It's an endless supply."
"Crap."
"Sit down before you fall down," suggested Jane while taking a seat.
"I'm so tired honey, but wired at the same time."
"I know what you mean. Why don't you close your eyes and try to nap?"
"All right, I'll give it a try."
Feeling the strain, Jane leaned into Erica's chest and began to drift off.
-o-
Erica was startled into wakefulness when a hand rested on her right shoulder. Turning her head, she recognised Agent Thompson. She also noted the sorrow etched on the younger woman's features, "Hey Claudia, I suspect you have more bad news for us?"
"I sorry to say I do. I was on my home for a break when I received an update from my Supervisor."
Jane stirred in Erica's arms and she sat up, "What have I missed?"
Erica kissed to top of her head, "Nothing yet."
Claudia nervously looked to Erica, "I'm very sorry, but Jennifer and Thomas have been recovered from one of the gift shops. I am deeply sorry for your loss."
"No, this can't be real," whispered a dumbfounded Erica. "How the hell do I tell their children and mom?"
"We'll find a way together," offered Jane.
Reaching out, Erica got up and shook Claudia's hand, "Thank you for delivering the news in person. I suppose I am required to attend the Coroner's Office again for official identification?"
"Yes, you have a ten o'clock appointment with Doctor Isles. She requested to handle both cases and passed on her condolences. As to informing you in person, I felt it was the right thing to do. If you need anything while you are here, please don't hesitate to contact me." Retrieving a business card from the inside of her jacket, Claudia passed it to Erica.
"Thank you."
"Take care Erica and Jane," the Agent said before departing.
She was replaced by a tall, handsome man with a touch of greying to his wavy black hair and wearing dark blue scrubs. He presented his right hand to an overwhelmed Erica and she accepted it, as did Jane.
Compassionate blue eyes locked onto dull blue, "Hello, I'm Doctor Derek Shepard. I am Chief of Neurosurgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital Seattle."
Jane's forehead furrowed as she asked, "Did you say Seattle?"
"Yes. My wife Meredith and I were in Santa Barbra on vacation with our two children when this unimaginable atrocity occurred and we both volunteered our services."
Erica's already wobbly legs gave out and she sat down, "Does my mother have a head injury?"
"She suffered a haematoma to the Parietal Lobe section of the Cerebral Cortex when her skull was fractured by the flying rubble that struck her. Claire lost a large volume of blood before rescuers located her and had to be revived while her haemorrhaging spleen was removed. Your mother required several transfusions during the procedure and her blood pressure is still low. It is hoped that will improve over the next two hours."
As her knees collapsed, Jane reached for the seat and steadied herself, "Jesus."
Erica stared blankly at the doctor and recited, "The parietal lobe is located in the mid-section of the brain and is associated with processing tactile sensory information such as pressure, touch, and pain. A portion of the brain known as the somatosensory cortex is located in this lobe and is essential to the processing of the body's senses. Damage to the parietal lobe can result in problems with verbal memory, an impaired ability to control eye gaze and problems with language."
Shepard nodded, "That is correct and I assume you are medically trained?"
"No, I just have the ability to retain information and I apologise for interrupting."
"There is no need. I understand this is a stressful time for you both and I will be as thorough as I can without giving you false hope. Claire is gravely ill and the next twenty four hours will be critical for her survival."
Jane found her voice, although it was somewhat strained, "We appreciate your candour Doctor."
"I was able to relieve the pressure to her brain and clean the wound of all foreign fragments, but my major concern was the damage done to her vertebra. Claire suffered trauma to the T11 and T12 vertebra resulting in fractures to the bone and tearing to the ligaments. This also caused compression to the adjacent spinal cord. I fused the two vertebras on the top and bottom with a bone graft harvested from your mother's left hip. The fusion is being held together by plates and pedicle screws. It will take months for the fusion to form a solid piece of bone, but I am hopeful of a successful outcome for Claire as long as she endures the blood loss."
Getting to her feet, Erica moved into the surgeon's personal space and hugged him, "Thank you for everything you have done, you and your team. When will we be able to see her?"
In a daze, Jane remained seated as her eyes overflowed with tears.
"She is in the ICU and heavily sedated so as to give her body time to heal itself. She will stay there for at least forty eight hours whilst being monitored closely for Hypovolemia. I can take you there now if you like?"
Nodding, Erica grabbed Jane by the hand, "We can do this honey."
"Together," replied the brunette in a low tone.
"I'll have to wait for Bob and Rae to arrive before calling them. I can't inform them of their daughter's death while they are on a plane. I just can't do it."
"You don't have to Erica. We can break the news to them when we pick them up. It really doesn't matter when they are informed, they will be heartbroken either way."
Nodding, Erica couldn't put two words together, let alone form a sentence. There was a lump in her throat that wouldn't budge, so she gave into the misery and sobbed.
Gripping her fiancée's hand, Jane comforted her only way she knew, "I love you and am right here by your side."
Erica faced her and replied, "You have no idea how you are holding me together right now."
"I have a pretty good idea babe."
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