Author's note:
Pardon the errors. I'm an author who likes to write, write and just write my ideas for a fun story. If there's a kind beta-reader there, please pm me!
I'll be following some of the plot from the TV series, don't shoot me if I forget some. And Barry is alive here!
Chapter 1: Rebirth?
It was just a week after Frankie's and Nina's wedding when Jane started finalizing her move to Quantico for her new career endeavor. After notifying the lieutenant of her soon departure, Cavanaugh 'seemed to be' hell-bent on punishing one of his best detectives with paperwork as the brunette's farewell gift.
"I'm sad to see one of my best detectives go... my ass!" Grumbling before shooting another glare at the never-seem to end stack of papers on her desk, soon to be ex-detective Jane Rizzoli rolled her eyes as she did her best imitation of their boss's best wishes speech. "You'd think he'll be nicer to his girlfriend's daughter." Hearing a familiar snort, the paper-bound officer turned to the source of the sound. Barry flashed her a sympathetic smile.
"How about you go take a break, Jane. The papers won't go anywhere." Stifling his laugh about the irony of the statement, Frost didn't even bother dodging the ball of papers thrown at him by his companion. "What? Trying to do another 'assist' with the papers like how you did the bouquet on Frankie's and Nina's wedding?" The paperball onslaught stopped as the duo started cracking.
Apparently Jane caught/passed the bouquet on her brother's wedding when the ever-studious bride winked at the bewildered sister-in-law before twirling around and tossing the bouquet backwards. Maura, wanting to participate in the traditions, had dragged her best friend on the crowd of bridesmaids, least to say the tall brunette won by height advantage. At the end, a happy Angela was cradling the flowers as they watched a blushing Sean Cavanaugh fumble with the prized garter.
"I swear even Frankie said that was your best basketball move!" Barry braced himself on his desk as he shook from laughter. "Man, we would've expected you to pass it to Maura but to your mom? Oh my god!" Shuddering from the thought of herself or Maura instead of the older lady Rizzoli sitting on that chair with their lieutenant holding the garter... Jane's mirth seized. Another paper ammo flew. "Okay! Okay! I'll stop! Ceasefire Rizzoli!"
"How about you do that garter thingy instead of Cavanaugh?" Another shudder but this time not from the brunette. Satisfied with her comeback, Jane smirked imagining a flustered Frost fumbling with the garter as he tried to slide it up Angela Rizzoli's leg.
"No offense Jane but I'll probably call it a truce if I caught that garter and you caught the flowers-"
"Goddamn it Frost, I was talking about with-"
"Damn back Rizzoli! I'm not sure which one I'll be concerned about! You talking about your mother like that or implying I'm groping an old woman!" Someone shushing from the other side of the room finally cut through the light banter of the two. The familiar grins stayed though. "I'll miss this though." They exchanged another quiet moment before Jane stood up and grabbed her jacket.
"I'll miss it too, Frost."
Barry watched his partner's retreating back till she disappeared in the elevators. He went back to his computer and opened the new messages. Dark brown eyes softened as the familiar name flashed on the screen.
"She'll miss you too, Jane."
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Jane walked aimlessly for a bit before her feet carried her downstairs to the familiar hallways of the morgue. Her intentions of taking a break as Barry suggested was forgotten as the detective gave up avoiding a certain ME. It's not as if they argued but Jane was starting to feel the sadness from the blonde doctor. Just like how Frost gave her that smile, heck everyone was giving her that smile saying 'we're happy for you but sad to see you go', but it bothered her the most when her best friend quietly did the same. Maura said she was happy for her but Jane saw something different.
After their trip to Paris, the brunette detective noticed the somber look on those hazel-green gazes. Maura kept her smiles though and continued back on her position as the chief medical examiner. Then Frankie's and Nina's wedding went by till Jane's last two weeks working in the precinct. Her last two weeks there in Boston also. They were able to schedule a calendar for their overseas trip albeit some details were shifted so next priorities naturally followed.
Jane rubbed her palms as she stood just outside the medical examiner's office door. She was still there but why did it feel like her best friend was so far away already.
"Jane?" Maura watched as the statue of the detective finally turned around. Browns took in the sight of the other woman wearing those familiar dark scrubs and honey colored locks tucked in a ponytail. "Do you need something? A body just came in and I'm about to start the autopsy."
"Ah, I was just checking if you were free for a coffee break." Frowning at the sudden awkwardness of her tone, Jane cleared her throat and tried again adding her usual friendly grin. "You wanna grab dinner later? I'm sure you'll be done with this one by that time." The smile dropped though.
"I can't. I have to finish a full report for this one." Seeing the coming retort, the ME continued. "The lieutenant requested a rush on this."
"Cavanaugh is really giving me hell." The dark haired girl commented more to herself but Maura proved her otherwise.
"No. I was referring to Lieutenant Martinez."
"Rafael?" Clearly annoyed now, Jane didn't even bother to change her tone when the said man joined their conversation. "Oh why hello there lieutenant. We were just talking about you and how you're graciously giving Maura overtime hours.'
"Detective Rizzoli." Martinez clipped. He had been waiting patiently in the autopsy room for the ME to come back after Dr. Isles politely excused herself in the middle of their discussion. They both heard the hallway door opened and closed a few minutes ago but nobody came around so he mused it with the morgue staff but Maura knew better. She recognized those boots. "I'm sure you can understand the demands of the job at times." The lieutenant watched in amusement when the female detective rolled her eyes but bit her tongue as the aforementioned doctor gave her a look. "Shall we continue with the autopsy Dr. Isles?"
"Yes." Giving Jane an apologetic smile, Maura led the male detective back to her domain. Ramirez glanced briefly at his other colleague before following.
"I'll try not to keep her all night."
"You better or I'll not bring you any dinner later."
Dr. Isles lifted a brow when she heard a chuckle from her supposed companion for the next few hours. She turned just in time to see Jane's retreating back before the brunette disappeared from her view. Jades clouded for a bit.
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Returning to her desk with cups of coffee, Jane smiled at the sight of her old time partner as he animatedly explained something on the computer screen to their newest addition of detective force. After Vincent Korsak's retirement, Cavanaugh was not pressed on replacing one employee as the Rizzoli siblings, Frost and Holiday pairings worked well but after Jane's notice of leave, the senior officer had to consider options thus another female detective joined the Boston PD. Alec Reyes stood about 5'7 but she held her ground. Jane was proud especially when the polite looking Asian-American rookie handed Crowe his ass back. The senior female enforcer chuckled audibly at the memory interrupting Barry Frost's mentoring.
"I forgive you for laughing at my lessons Detective Rizzoli since you brought me coffee." The mentor feint annoyance before grabbing the said drink. "Although you forgot, Reyes here prefers tea." He gestured to their newbie and the other coffee cup.
"Thank you for the tea, Jane." The two women shared a smug as Frost scoffed at the antics.
"Clever Rizzoli, using coffee cup for tea."
"Actually it was Alec's idea." Jane nodded towards the younger girl sipping her mentioned drink. "It does make sense to use the same size cups to balance the holder." She raised her cup for emphasis. "Alas, the tea in the coffee cup. You should have seen Nina's face when Frankie did the switch!"
"Oh no, he did not?!" Barry was now joining the ladies' coffee-cup-a-tea.
"Yes, he did." It was the rookie who answered. "Let's just say I was introduced virtually to Nina Holiday all of a sudden." Everybody knows by now Nina Holiday loves her tea. They shared another round of chortle before settling back down on their respective seats and continuing their professional roles.
"So yeah, Alec the report Dr. Isles sent earlier..." Jane drowned out the male voice after hearing the ME's name. She unconsciously gripped the coffee cup tighter as she took another hard sip. Brown orbs met another brown but with a blue pair. Another intriguing quality of her apprentice, Jane thought as she matched the stare of those bi-colored orbs. They lingered for a bit then those heterochromatic hues focused on its lessons.
The rest of their shift went uneventful. Jane was eager to get away from her desk as the last of her stack got done. With a mission in mind, the dark haired detective got to her car as a WPMI came through her mobile device.
"Great timing. Now I'll be stuck in traffic. Criminals have the worst timings I swear." Her tirade stopped when another buzzing phone nearby reached her ears. Chocolate colored eyes glanced at her rearview mirror. Her curiosity kicked in. She surveyed the form of the unfamiliar rider of the midnight blue motorcycle. A matching helmet obscuring her view of the identity though based on the form fitting leather riding suit, it was a female driver. The figure checked the alert on their phone before putting it back down on its holster. Jane didn't move when the helmet clad head shot in her direction. The visor flipped and she was met with brown and blue eyes.
"Alec?" Jane got out of her car as the younger detective rolled her ride beside the senior's car.
"Detective Rizzoli." The greeting was muffled slightly by the headgear but the intended heard it.
"Didn't peg you for a biker chick."
"Why detective are you scared of motorcycles?" Came the witty reply. Jane chuckled lightheartedly. This newbie keeps surprising her.
"As a matter of fact, I know how to ride also." Then it clicked. "You have a spare helmet in there kiddo?" Jane's smile turned into a grin as the seat compartment opened.
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Barry cursed under his breath when he turned onto another side street and was again blocked by heavy traffic. He raced Jane to their cars when their shift ended and he was enjoying his small victory over his partner until the resounding alert came. Detective Frost is great with computers but even his talents were no match against the building traffic, well at least if he's not on the clock. Manipulating once more his GPS, the device recalculated and still showed him the same results. "Show offs!" He shouted in irritation as a motorcycle passed his car weaving through the traffic in no time.
Meanwhile, another Boston PD detective was cursing under their breath as the traffic blurred by, more accurately Jane Rizzoli hanging for dear life as they wheezed by between cars with frustrated drivers. "Holy shit!" when she felt her body gone sideways then upright within a second as the Reyes biker maneuvered the motorcycle to avoid the impatient driving of the angry mob stuck in traffic. "Motherfuck-" They cut through the sidewalk curb to make a sharp turn instead of the road. The sudden bump made the passenger brunette's head bubbled and she bit her tongue. Few more profanities later, Jane dismounted her impromptu ride. Her legs were shaking.
"You owe me a very nice cup of tea." Two toned color irises watched in amusement at the wobbling older woman. Alec took the spare helmet back before retrieving the items inside the seat compartment. "You're welcome, Jane." Then she was gone.
Standing by the entrance of the precinct, Jane Rizzoli clenched the tightly wrapped food takeouts on her hands.
"Yes, I'm scared of motorcycles now."
She was sure it was a brilliant solution to her sudden dilemma when Detective Rizzoli pieced together a proposed ride. She was sure they'll make it to the Thai place then back to the station before Maura notices the time and places a delivery dinner order. And also maybe, just maybe her ego talking to show off the new kid. So yes, Jane Rizzoli bet the rookie who can drive faster both knowing the current road traffic conditions.
"I'll drive to the Thai restaurant then you drive back. I don't care which route you take. Fastest time wins."
"I'll take the same route you'll take to be fair."
"Name your prize kid."
"A cup of tea."
"You're not even gonna ask mine?"
"Nope."
Apparently the younger biker didn't have to. Jane shook her head lightly replaying what just happened. At least she knows she'll leave her team with a capable replacement. "Leave huh," A notification from her mobile phone brought her back from her reverie.
'We're taking a break Rizzoli.'
In the morgue, Maura finished her preliminary as her supervisor that evening stepped out of the room for a break. The honey blonde doctor took a deep calming breath. She was used to people watching her work by now having countless times interacting with officers in the precinct and her experience of lecturing at the university so it was unnerving her slightly at how this one was causing her much stress. Or maybe it was just the constant interruption of questions from a certain audience. She had worked with the lieutenant before but not this many hours and randomacity of his trail of query. There was even a point the ME had to put her scalpel down.
"So Dr. Isles, did the victim die from the gunshot wound?"
"I will have to finish the autopsy to give you a definitive answer, Lieutenant Martinez." She was used to the presumptions of people at times so Dr. Isles carried on her customary responses. After all a certain dark haired detective gave her the needed years of practice.
"So what do you think of Jane's move?"
"It is a fulfilling career choice. Although I do not see the relation of this to our current autopsy." One question at a time they were on the current case then bordering personal.
"Can you do the other part first?"
"That will not follow proper protocol." Another point on their session.
"Hey doc, Italian or Thai?" The ME placed her instrument down to focus on the man across the table. Rafael looked briefly down on his phone screen before glancing back to the unmoving medical examiner.
"The DNA test will–" "I meant foodwise." Martinez dared to chuckle much to the medical blonde's growing annoyance.
"I was guessing Thai since you're around Jane's family a lot and get Italian food…" The male detective halted as the doctor's hand raised on a stopping gesture.
"Lieutenant, I suggest you ask your questions later until I finish the procedures or if necessary. I understand the priority of this case and you are waiting for the ballistics and toxicology report but I assure you it will not get done if I am interrupted every other step." Getting the intended cooperative response from her company, Maura grabbed her tool again. "And yes, I am actually craving Thai food at the moment."
At least after that point of time the senior officer kept his queries to a minimal. So for another hour the ME worked the body. Normally, Dr. Isles can stop here and leave for the day since the lab test result can be done the following day and she can write the report but with the urgent request, it will be another couple of hours till she can call it a night. As far as her findings, the victim had a simple gunshot wound to the chest but the lieutenant's insistence of thorough examination perplexed her. Not to mention she was re-examining it for peer review.
Compartmentalizing her thoughts, Maura aimed back to her office already contemplating which Thai restaurant she will order from. Her favorite one is farthest from the station so that will not be the best choice to maximize her breaktime.
"Got your favorite from that Thai place." Hand still on the doorknob of her office door, the blonde's astonished expression made the room occupant laugh softly. "Come sit Maur, the food will get cold."
"Jane." Entering her office, Maura returned the cheeky grin of her best friend. "Thank you for the food. I am famished." The brunette detective only nodded. Her own utensils out and ready for use. "Where is Rafael?"
"Upstairs with his noodles." Came Jane's response between mouthfuls.
"Jane, do not talk with your mouth full."
"Hm, hm." They ate in silence.
"So you were texting with Rafael–"
"Don't you even finish that sentence." Jane huffed indignantly. Her fork pointed in exclamation as she munched with extra force. "Do you know how annoying he can be?" Hazel-greens looked knowingly. The ME wiped her mouth with a napkin before addressing.
"I may have an idea." Chocolate orbs twinkled with mirth. "But Jane, you could have just asked me for dinner."
"I did, remember?" Jane deadpanned. "Anyway, I know you'll be elbow-deep with your autopsy and you won't be able to answer plus I know you'll most likely wait to eat your dinner till you finish the report." The dark haired woman knew the blonde would have taken the lieutenant's demands seriously of an urgent result even forgoing a late dinner. Plus Rizzoli was able to boss Martinez on the text message demanding he give Maura a break.
"Jane, I was not elbow-deep–" "It's a metaphor, Maur–" "You did not ask what I wanted for dinner–" "I asked if you want dinner–" "You were texting Rafael." "What the hell?!"
A smug plastered on the studious medical examiner. She leaned forward with obvious mocking on her features. "You did not answer my question earlier about texting Rafael, Detective Rizzoli."
"Gah! What is with texting him?! I just wanted to make sure you eat dinner!" Crossing her arms in irritation, Jane scoffed on her seat. The empty food container almost fell from the table. She didn't know why it was so annoying again that she's being implied on with somebody else. Surprisingly it irked her also earlier with Barry even though it was a joke.
"I'm sorry, Jane. I was just teasing." The guilty face of the doctor made the brunette's exclamation turn into a pout. Moving the empty food containers away from the edge of the table, Maura inched closer to her moping friend. She uncrossed those arms and held the other woman's hands on her own. Light hazel orbs met browns.
"Thank you for making sure I ate dinner, Jane." The sincerity of those words softened the visage of the apprehensive detective.
"Always, Maur." Hazels suddenly averted. The honey blonde tried to move away but the brunette was faster. Jane grabbed those hands before they left her reach. "What's wrong?" The ME's head tucked down as she tried to hide from those concerned gaze. "Mau–"
"You won't anymore." The choked reply. A sob followed. "You won't be here anymore…" She couldn't keep it anymore. Her tears flowed freely now. Maura shut her eyes. Her vision blurred with tears but she couldn't bear to see the hurt on those beautiful brown eyes.
"I…" Her mouth opened and closed. No words formed and her throat felt like she swallowed a baseball. Emotions washed over her all at once and Jane didn't know what to focus on. She snapped from her daze when the other female broke from her hold.
"I'm sorry. I'm being selfish right now." Wiping furiously the tears from her cheeks, Maura berated herself. This was unbecoming of her. Not just an Isles but also Jane's best friend. "It's just been a long day and I am tired–" Her hands were caught on hold again. Maybe her breath also. It was barely a whisper but it was enough to stun the gracious Dr. Maura Isles, rendering her speechless.
"Ask me to stay." Her vision blurred also but she blinked the tears threatening to spill. She could feel her body starting to shake. Jane had seen her best friend cry before so it was confusing her again why. It didn't help that those brilliant light green poles swirled with different emotions that the detective hadn't seen before. "Maura–"
"Dr. Isles, are you ready to resume the examination?" A knock on the door followed by Lieutenant Martinez's voice hung on the silence in the room. "Dr. Isles–"
"Y-Yes. I will be right out." Jane stared bewildered at the empty space where her best friend had just fled from.
Outside the door, Rafael stood dumbfounded when the door suddenly opened then immediately closed by the ME. She wheezed passed by him with quick strides to her destination. Ramirez barely caught the doctor's hushed words as she disappeared from his view.
"Lieutenant. I need to wash my hands first."
Inside the chief ME's office, Jane listened for the footsteps to vanish before releasing a heavy groan. The emotional turmoil was too much for her tired mind right now not to mention the overwhelming second thoughts of her relocation decision plagued her senseless. The dark haired female was thankful though that Maura at least had the mindset to immediately close the door before the lieutenant saw Jane's state. The deafening silence soon got to her. Discarding their dinner containers, the distraught brunette rushed home to her apartment.
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The next time Jane woke up was on her couch with an aching neck and empty beer bottle on her lap. After getting home she tried her best to calm down with her normality although it went by like she was on auto-pilot mind elsewhere. A recorded Red Socks game played in the background but that wasn't the reason she was woken up. The flash of notification alert on her phone lingered for a minute before the device stayed still on its place atop the coffee table. Sighing in defeat, she checked it.
'Maura is home. I offered to drive her since she looked very exhausted.'
Composing a quick reply, Jane got up and headed to her bedroom.
'Thanks Rafael.' Another message came before chocolate poles closed and slumber took over.
'You're welcome Jane.'
The next morning, Jane took back her thanks as she got a glimpse of her best friend when the ME strode a little bit later in their office hours. Maura still looked impeccable to everyone but the brunette was not just anybody. They had a brief crosspaths on the elevator when the homicide detective was requested to see a certain lieutenant from the drug unit whom she will gladly meet to give him a piece of her mind.
"Yeah sure offer her a ride home! You sure have the nerve, since it was your demands she was exhausted! Didn't you have at least a decency to give her a day off after?!"
"Good morning to you too, Detective Rizzoli." Martinez closed his office door after the unhappy visitor barged in without knocking. He is sure some gossip will be floating around later. The senior officer sat on his chair reigning his patience over the borderline disrespect. He knew the temper though. "Lower your voice detective. And as for your information, Dr. Isles was given the option for a day off today." Now that he got his companion's proper attention, Martinez gestured for the chair across his table. "Sit. I will have to brief you quickly for an undercover assignment."
"With the drug unit?" The skeptic came. Jane furrowed her brows about to fire more.
"Cavanaugh already approved it. It's a routine operation. I just need an immediate body. We had to pull the current detective –"
"Why?" There was a momentary pause before the lieutenant cleared his throat.
"Flu." The incredulous expression of the female detective was priceless. Martinez cleared his throat again. "Yes, Detective Nelson got the flu and can't even stop sneezing with a runny nose to save his life. Doing surveillance is impossible without him getting the attention of the people in the vicinity."
"Surveillance huh." Keen brown pairs of eyes clashed. "Any detective in your unit can do that so why pull a detective from homicide." He was ready for that though.
"It's in an hour and just today. I need someone I can trust." Jane understood. "I'll meet you at the lobby in 10." The office door closed. The man sat in silence for a second before grabbing a file from his desk drawer and headed out the door.
In the elevator, Jane cleared her mind for the fast broaching operation. It was not uncommon for the other units of the Boston PD to collaborate especially in high profile cases. The brunette's gut lurched though. There was no high-profile case alert on their department right now and Rafael's request seemed to be ordinary nonetheless for surveillance only. Detective Rizzoli couldn't shake the forebodingness. Yes, it had been years since they were partners in the drug unit so for him to utter those words stirred deep in the dark haired female's memory. This was not just a simple case for the man, just like Hoyt for Jane. After all those were their code words back then.
The elevator door dinged signaling she reached her desired floor. Trekking the familiar route, Jane stood just by the open door. Maura sat on her office chair engrossed in her report.
"Maur." The distracted ME finally looked up when that low raspy voice reached her ears.
"Hello Jane." Their eyes met.
"I just needed to see you."
"Why?" The brunette shook her head.
"I don't have the time. I'm going undercover just for today." Stepping away from the doorway as the blonde doctor stood from her chair, Jane tried to make a hastily exit." I need to go now. Martinez is waiting in the lobby." With that the detective pivoted and headed for the elevators. Maura was hot on her trail though.
Grabbing the taller woman by the arm, the medical examiner just blurted the first thing she could think about.
"Stay–" The detective whirled around and put a finger on the other woman's lips completely silencing her. The light on those brown eyes showed more though.
"We'll talk later."
The honey blonde haired ME stood there standing in the hallway even after the elevator doors shut and the figure of her best friend disappeared from her sight.
Arriving back at the lobby, Detective Rizzoli nodded to the awaiting man by the entrance hall. They immediately exited the building towards an unmarked van. Martinez handed the female operative street clothes before giving her their brief instructions. Jane studied the simple casual clothes then jumped at the back of the vehicle. She knows the procedure and this was not the first time she had to change at the back of a motor transport. On the way Rafael was debriefing the other as he drove them to their destination.
"Do you understand Rizzoli?" Maneuvering the van into park, the lieutenant studied his surroundings. He heard distinctive knocks. "And Rizzoli," Rafael strained his ears for a sound but not breaking his surveying of the area.
"Martinez?"
"No matter what, do not make contact with them."
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It had been a while since she'd been to this kind of place. Jane studied the steady stream of faces as all sorts of activity buzzed around her. The amusement park's lively atmosphere contrasted her building apprehension as much as the dark haired detective will admit. If it was a different scenario she'd probably be zooming past crowds racing for the rides and enjoying the bewildered expressions of her best friend as she dragged her around the new excitement.
"What am I doing…"
Per Martinez's instructions, he and Rizzoli will have to split towards opposite sides of the park. She'll be his backup and depending on the situation will prompt as his companion so they can blend in with the crowd. He said they have a reliable source and their target will be in the area. Strictly surveillance although the female detective hasn't gotten much detail who they'll be watching for. She didn't like it but Rafael had told her he unfortunately had no specifics either.
So for the past hour Jane resorted on familiarizing herself with the layout of the place. She was to stay at the adult part section according to their plan. This particular amusement park was not the biggest she had been but enough to entertain people for a few amusing moments, or not. Jane stifled a snort when another shriek reached her ears. The female undercover settled at the bench area for now having mapped her territory and was starting to get bored just waiting. She was close to one roller coaster ride and watching two particular passengers of the thrill ride. One blonde girl was screaming her lungs out as her friend looked to be having the time of her life. For a split second, Rizzoli allowed herself to imagine a certain honey blonde ME.
"Rizzoli?"
Refocusing on her task, Jane spoke nonchalantly under her breath as her headset buzzed again. Per protocol, they stayed on communication. Thankful for the technology of noise cancellation, she probably would have groaned in frustration if they were using the devices back then. There was no way they'd hear each other. Maybe that was one of the reasons her sheer apprehension was there or maybe how this whole scenario doesn't help. Again she did not like this. Too many people, too much activity, too many things can happen.
"What is it?"
"Meet me at the house of mirrors. North side."
Double checking the printed map provided by the establishment, Jane stood up and walked to the general direction of her destination. She gave the roller coaster one last glance.
Finding Martinez was very easy as he stood by the meetup building entrance with an obnoxiously wide grin and a large pom pom size bright pink cotton candy on hand. The dark haired detective rolled her eyes at the indication of their supposedly acting roles.
"This better be good." Snatching the pinky prop from his hand, Jane scowled but settled on the bench where her companion gestured to. "I am not sharing." The man just chuckled.
"Don't be bashful, I already had one." Rafael leaned back and sprawled his arms on the back of the bench. He pointed his chin in the direction of the entrance directly to their right. "I'm not gonna touch, baby so you watch." He got a nod.
"Can't it be more obvious?" Another roll of her eyes as the female playfully wiggled her candy treat for decoy as she eyed the two individuals standing about 200 feet away. Both figures held identical briefcases. Their dark cloaks topped with hooded hats couldn't be much more conspicuous. Jane waited for the cloaks to disappear in the house of mirrors. She resisted the urge to deadpan when they turned and her sharp gaze caught sight of their dark sunglasses. If she hadn't been an experienced detective, she would have made fun of Martinez by now. Although the attires were downright as what she described, it was also appropriate given where they are. People may pay attention but in a carnival they can pass for anyone. A few minutes later, a man came rushing towards the same entrance. He was wearing a white coat that Jane was so familiar with. "So who are we watching? The cloaks or the doc?"
"The doc." They stood up. Jane switched the candy on her right hand as they approached the building of reflections. "Jane…" Brown irises met.
"Yes yes Rafael. No touching." The dark haired woman tried to lighten the mood with her response to his constant reminder that this was strictly surveillance only but Jane was having a little bit trouble not joking about the absurdity of it all.
"If you behave, I'll buy you another cotton candy later." She saw his trademark smirk as they disappeared in the makeshift shadows. He slid slightly on his stance which Jane didn't miss. Her left hand instinctively moved near her left hip where her concealed gun was holstered.
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Back in the precinct, Maura leaned a little bit on her chair. Her upbringing instilled her composure although it flew out the window earlier. Admittedly she was tired and a small sigh passed her lips. At this point she just rationalized it was due to the lack of sleep why she acted like that. Like she had no decorum. The doctor could still recall how she bolted from her office chair and ran after Jane with no qualms of who saw her. Their little scene this morning definitely didn't get unnoticed by curious eyes also. Her morgue staff were acting as ii they were stepping on eggshells even Kent Drake tried unceremoniously waltzing in her office plenty of times with his scientific facts. After about another hour, Dr. Isles was glad to be excused from her office when Frankie came downstairs asking for the ME's expert assistance. So here she was now, sitting behind one of the observation windows of the station's interrogation room.
"You look exhausted." Nina stated without averting her eyes from the three people in the other room. The newlyweds returned from their week-long honeymoon and immediately resumed their shifts. Today was not particularly crazy but not easy either. The homicide team just got a murder case early in the morning and the primary suspect was apprehended fast without much physical force but proving to be more of a mental battle. Holiday finally averted her study to the other woman in the room with her. "Trouble in paradise?" She almost chuckled on the irony as a newlywed.
"Excuse me?"
"The case, Dr. Isles." The dark haired detective hid her smile though. The Rizzoli siblings didn't miss welcoming each other earlier although briefly, Jane made the effort to see her brother and his wife before going undercover. Nina can put two in two together and it was plain sight that her sister-in-law was troubled. "I guess it's the wife's intuition." Hazel-greens blinked in confusion.
"I do not think I am following, Nina." The detective relented for now and turned back to the window. In the other room, a man and a woman can be seen across from another woman. Frankie sat silently as the onslaught of the interrogated deliberately aimed at him or more so the male. Beside him was Alec as the new detective learning the aspects of the job. Then there was the unfamiliar redhead suspect and the reason why Dr. Isles was summoned.
"Samantha Cox, she's the prime suspect for the murder or her husband. She was found covered in his blood but no proof of murder weapon." Nina continued amidst the blaring conversion in the interrogation room.
"I technically don't care for him after he cheated! He was not good in bed anyway!"
"Enough to not care and kill him?"
"He obviously doesn't care about me! For godsakes he don't care if I was talking on the phone with my mother while we have sex! See how men just like to fuck, doesn't matter what!"
Soon the two detectives left the room as the distraught widow just wept. Maura stood from her chair as they were joined by the Rizzoli and Reyes duo. She had met the new detective once when Jane brought the rookie downstairs at the morgue to show her around just a couple of days ago. Her google mouth reacted on autopilot according to best friend as the medical examiner did her diagnosis of the heterochromia, retelling that it was fairly uncommon, occurring in less than 1 percent of the population and can be caused by several factors. Reyes just looked amused with what happened which made the situation less tense.
"Hello Dr. Isles." Speaking of, Alec greeted the ME as Frankie sauntered over to his spouse. The blonde returned the greeting as all eyes directed to the woman in the other room.
"She gave the techs flying colors of her scores with the polygraph so we're not even considering retesting her all over statements but not about killing her husband." The only male in the room explained in disdain. "She's an actress by profession. So what can you tell about her, Maura?"
"She is definitely in grief." The doctor started. Years of working she had been on this similar assistance. Majority of them were because of a certain detective but Maura appreciated it. It was therefore a part of her element; observation. "I have not seen her deny her involvement in her husband's death so I cannot give an analysis of her reaction." The detectives nodded in understanding.
"She only answered on the polygraph test." Supplied by the newbie. "Will you be able to gauge in one attempt or you'll need a comparison of her answers?"
"I will try my best at the first attempt, detective. I have been watching her for 21 minutes and 47 seconds now so I have factual information for comparison."
"Cool."
"Her body temperature–"
"It's an expression Dr. Isles." Heterochromatic orbs added kindly.
"Oh, I see." The newlyweds watched in amazement. No wonder Jane liked the new kid. They just met Alec Reyes in-person this morning before the older detective Rizzoli was called away. There were only a few who dared to interject when the chief medical examiner explained her findings unless it was a certain brunette so Frankie and Nina were ready to jump in if the combo did not mix.
"We'll go back in there and ask directly." Frank Jr. cleared his throat. "Thanks, Maura."
"One more thing." All eyes on the ME again. "Samantha Cox likes Detective Reyes."
"Ah yeah Maura she kinda since she's hating on any guy…" Detective Rizzoli trailed off as he absorbed what's going on in the room. "Oh shoot. What the.." A bit red Reyes coughed when the senior male officer cackled. Nina covered her mouth with a hand.
"Ah yeah I gathered but I wasn't sure. Thanks for the clarification, Dr. Isles." The incredulous faces of the two older detectives mirrored each other.
"You are welcome, Detective Reyes."
So for another hour, one of the Boston PD's interrogation commenced. With new perspectives, Frankie led the questioning as they leverage Mrs. Cox's fascination. He even stepped out of the room at one point prompting the invitation for their suspect to act. Sure enough, Dr. Isles' observation was backed with blatant evidence. And surprisingly enough, the newbie played her role just right.
"I would've gotten rid of my husband sooner if I knew better." Samantha's voice echoed. Her not-so-subtle lecherous leering towards the female detective was on full display.
"So you killed him eventually?" Frankie silently applauded his student. He'd left the interrogation room as they planned.
"Oh no, darling. He's just dead now. I don't have to do anything."
"She is telling the truth." The detective couple heard the blonde doctor's explication. Frankie sighed in frustration. Their only lead just went cold. Nina stepped closer to her partner and squeezed his hand. Their attention went back to the window when voices continued.
"Must be nice that it was done for you already." Mrs. Cox chuckled lightheartedly before giving them what they have been waiting for.
"Oh I am very appreciative, honey."
Maura stepped away from the window as the younger detective exited the other room. Her light jade orbs watched as Nina opened the door for the other female cop then Frankie's proud grin as he gave Reyes a pat on the shoulder. The youngest mumbled a small acknowledgement before shooting an inquisitive glance at the silent ME.
"She was telling the truth." The doctor repeated her analysis. "For both of the questions."
"We're looking for an accomplice then." Alec nodded appreciatively to the blonde. "Possibly a lover."
"A female lover." Holiday affixed on. "Good job detectives and thank you Dr. Isles."
"You'll have to come with us to the Dirty Robber after we nail this case!" Frankie offered. With the confused face of the newbie, he laughed at the realization. "It's a bar near here."
"Seriously? Dirty and Robber? And they made it a bar name?" Rizzoli Jr. was now openly snorting. "And cops frequent there? Might as well call it the Jailbait bar!" Reyes made a face even Nina had to laugh. "I have to think about this, I might get arrested there all of a sudden." Nodding nonetheless, the latter checked the time. "Thanks for the invitation. I'd definitely join once we close my first case, Detective Rizzoli, Detective Holiday." Bi-colored irises focused on the last person. "And thanks again, Doc. I'm working only half day today so I'll see you all tomorrow."
"You're welcome, Detective Reyes and enjoy your date." Dr. Isles smiled innocently. The shocked expressions of the three officers displayed. "The attire…" Maura gestured to the younger woman's dress code. "The dilation of—" A blushing Alec dashed out of the room with a quick 'I'm outta here!'.
"Interesting. I was merely speculating."
"You can be wicked, Maura Isles." Nina shook her head. And for the first time that day, the blonde really smiled.
Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles
"Shit." Jane grimaced as she kneeled carefully beside the dead body of one of the amusement park security. Feeling no pulse, she looked away from the headshot wound that clearly caused the death of the victim. Her grip on her gun tightened. Flashes of the events that led to this moment replaying in front of her eyes.
Three hours ago Martinez and her were just trailing until they went into the house of mirrors. Initially the duo managed to even get some kicks on the funny images of the mirrors transforming their looks. Their cover blending but as the minutes ticked by, one harsh realization crept in.
"How the fuck we get out of here?"
"Dead-end again. Damn it."
None anticipated the complexity of the fun house. Coupled with the illusions of the mirrors, the maze patterns were multiplied in confusion. Hallway after hallway looked to be a turn but it was only a reflection. Jane had a quick realization that this was a clearly clever plot even if it came out comical before. Whomever this people they're trailing were not stupid than their looks. Martinez was about to call it off after two hours of searching when they heard a man's voice.
"Please! I have a family!"
Two pairs of brown irises watched as a reflection of a gun came near the pleading doctor's face. Rafael unholstered his gun and motioned for the other detective to do the same. They slid back towards the hallway they came from, their backs were on each sides of the reflective wall division. Nodding to the right hallway in front of them, the lieutenant was halted by a hand pointing to the left. Jane's expression of exasperation was mirrored by the man. They were looking at two hallways which showed the same reflection of the doctor but before they could even debate which is which, a swift swishing came as the trigger was pulled and the man in the mirror slumped down like a ragdoll. Both of the detectives winced but kept quiet. A movement followed and a cloaked individual appeared on the duplicate view. Gun on hand, the unknown figure loomed over the body on the ground as another headshot was delivered.
Cursing inwardly, Jane thought of their way out there. Whomever these people are, they execute not just kill. Clear indication of their armed silencers, the law enforcers were at a disadvantage. Her blood froze when the cloaked shooter suddenly straightened up then spoke.
"Come out there!"
The next thing was a blur to her. The mirror behind her shattered. Jane felt her body getting shoved to the ground by Martinez.
"Are you shot?!" Rafael hissed as he frantically looked around them.
"No! They shot my reflection on that mirror!" Hissing back, the brunette scrambled for cover.
A scream clearly opposite their direction echoed as another mirror shattered.
"Where are–" Both dove down on the ground as shards of glasses rained in their direction. "Fuck we're sitting ducks!"
She saw it first before Rafael even had the time to react in pain. Without the shields of the mirrors by their hallway, the cloaked gunner was able to spot the male detective's form. Jane's gun went off also. Acting on pure instinct, she used the distraction of shattered mirrors to grab her fallen partner.
"Martinez where?!"
"Right shoulder. Luckily I moved my head. Dropped my gun though."
"We need–" A hand clamped over her mouth. Rizzoli's gaze snapped to her companion's face. Footsteps. Slowly lowering his good hand, the lieutenant shook his head.
"Go Rizzoli." It was the lightest whisper but Jane heard it.
"No way I'm leaving you unarmed."
"That's an order detective." The footsteps were coming closer. He could see the cloaked gunner on the multiple mirror reflections behind the other cop. Thankfully it was only from one side but still to many side angles to pinpoint where exactly from. Rafael shoved the female enforcer towards the opposite direction as the reflection revealed more than one shooter.
"I said go Rizz–"
Suddenly the lights went off.
"THIS IS THE SECURITY." Speakers blared then redlights came on. "PLEASE EXIT THE BUILDING. ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT."
"Let's go. This place will be swamped with police soon."
They didn't dare move until the footsteps were out of earshot. Once clear, Jane didn't waste time shoving her gun on the other detective's good hand before she assessed his wounds.
"Your head is bleeding too."
"It's just a gash from the broken mirror." Double checking it was as described, she moved to his shoulder. Jane gritted her teeth upon inspecting the damage. "That bad?" His vision was starting to waver also.
"Why didn't you say you got shot twice?!"
"They have a semi-automati…"
"Rafael damn it! Stay with me!" Slapping the lieutenant to consciousness, the brunette released her breath when his brown eyes opened. Unsteady but awake.
"Your slap sure hasn't changed." The supposed reply got caught in the dark haired detective's throat when a glint of a gun barrel flashed on the mirror. In reflex, Jane lunged forward intent on disarming the weapon as her body collided with the intruder.
"Reyes?!" Releasing the chokehold on the girl beneath her, Jane moved her face away from the fist suspended in mid-strike. With the weight off her, Alec rubbed her neck before reaching for her discarded gun. "How the hell did you get here?"
"I was in the area. A lady ran out of this place shouting murder then we heard gunshots." Heterochromatic orbs finally landed on the officer down. "What's the situation?"
"Martinez got shot. We need to get him out of here."
"The south entrance is clear. That's where I came–" A scream from the south side pierced the tension. "Fuck."
"Positive two active shooters wearing cloaks. Semi-automatic with silencers." Checking for Ramirez's pulse, Rizzoli jolted the half-unconscious man. Searching for her phone, luck was still not on their side. "Kid, do you have phone reception?"
A quick glance at her smartwatch confirmed their bad luck. "No." Stepping backwards still with her gun ready, Reyes closed the distance towards the other detectives. "I heard the first responders alert before I entered the building. Civilians were getting evacuated from the amusement park." Her voice in a hushed whisper now.
"It will take too long. He'll bleed to death if we wait for them to clear the whole place."
"Jane, I need to check my phone for the map." Switching guards, the younger cop quickly pulled her phone from her pocket. "I was able to get a copy of the staff map from their security here. I was following that before your tackle." Relieving the senior officer, Alec handed the device over.
Doing a quick review of their location, Detective Rizzoli quickly worked up a plan. According to the map, they're closer to the south side entrance. There is a clear shot if they scale the walls but it will leave them open. The maze of halls will be a longer route but they have better chances of surviving using some cover.
"Well kid, we'll see how good your route was."
So they trekked back from where detective Reyes came from. Jane led the move as she cleared one hall to another. The two females were able to stir the passed out Martinez much to their relief. He was verging blackouts every hall they went though. The dread of urgency was weighing on them sooner.
"Ugh!" The brunette whirled like the wind hearing the grunt from behind her. Jane's eyes widened for a second before she leaped in action to catch the falling body of Rafael. Alec was giving him a half support on their way as the rookie covered their backs but with his almost doubled size, Reyes struggled to balance as the man went deadweight. The trio slid down on the ground. Then there was silence.
"He's still breathing but can you help him off me?" Rizzoli glared at the forming amusement on the other hunched over female officer. "Reyes!"
"Yes ma'am!" Finally freed from her temporary entrapment, Jane wrinkled her nose. Her clothes were now covered with blood. The latter was not looking clean either as her shoulder and upper arm where she'd been supporting Martinez were stained red. They tried keeping pressure on the lieutenant's wounds but he was still bleeding continuously. "He's out cold."
"We can't carry him." Exhaling the words between her gritted teeth, Jane took in a shaky breath. "We have to move." She just hoped Rafael will hold on until they can get back to him. Someone has to get out of there alive to get help, even if it's just one of them. "Let's go. Still cover the back." Receiving a nod, the senior glanced down on the map and noted the spot. Just three more hallways to the entrance but as soon as their first turn, the lead back tracked so fast that the younger girl almost got knocked down.
"Body." Heterochromatic orbs hardened.
"I did not pass by a body earlier." Not a good sign. Jane was more than convinced this was turning to a haunted house they're in. Chocolate brown orbs searched the panel of mirrors to find the reflection of the hallway. Once focused, she was able to study the prone figure and what they're wearing.
"Security personnel." Definitely a haunted house. Scanning further, Jane could make out a clear path minus the dead barricade. "Alec, I need you to stay here and give me cover until I can check what's on our next turn. If you need to shoot, I'll go right so shoot the opposite mirrors."
So there they were, Detective Rizzoli stepped carefully over the corpse as she strained her hearing for any activity. Her eyes darted everywhere with each forward stride. The mirrors were her friend or end. A noise.
Alec's breath hitched as she watched her senior colleague drop to the ground. Triggerfinger ached in stillness. She didn't move though. There was no pool of blood so the other detective intentionally dove down. With Jane, her pulse was racing. She saw them on the reflection. Dark cloaks. At least her idea worked. She didn't see the dead body earlier for a particular reason. She prayed to all the saints the gunners won't look directly upward or they'll come face to face with a sprawled out wide-eyed Rizzoli. Jane watched albeit upside-down figures of the cloaked duo; their guns pointed to where she would have if she turned the corner.
"There's nothing there."
"We'll have to leave through the parking lot now." As if on cue, the telltale sounds of the sirens filled the quiet halls. Jane was beyond relieved to hear the blares. She waited for a few minutes after the cloaks disappeared before rolling on her stomach. Still in a crouching position, the seasoned detective signaled her companion. Satisfied she had her backup, Jane took a breath and stepped out to the next hallway.
"Son of–" Jolting in surprise, Jane's heart almost leaped on her throat when her phone suddenly vibrated. Quickly backtracking to the kid detective, Rizzoli answered the call.
"Jane?!" Frost's out of breath voice flowed through the speakers. "Where are you–"
"Martinez got shot badly. We need help. South entrance of the house of mirrors. Two shooters in cloaks." They were still not in clear.
"I'll send the backup there." Jane immediately ended the call. Years of experience, until she sees their actual faces then she'll put her gun down. They're very close to safety now, she cannot afford to be careless. Gesturing for Reyes to follow her lead, they laid on the ground with their guns pointed in either direction. Minutes ticked by as soft footsteps approached. Jane released her breath when she saw a familiar silhouette on the mirrors before the actual police backup team filed down the hallway.
"Detective Rizzoli? Detective Reyes?" One of the backup officers knelt by the two women's laid forms. "Are you hurt?"
"No. Martinez is in the next hal…" She wasn't even able to finish her sentence when a swamp of blues took over and the two female detectives were escorted out the building. Rizzoli and Reyes soon found themselves in the back of an ambulance as an EMT looked them over. The sound of a helicopter snapped Jane from her shock. She shoved passed the medical attendant as a stretcher was carried out from the building.
"Martinez you better not die you hear me?" The brunette let herself fall out of steps from the medical staff as they boarded the air transport. Rafael didn't speak as his mouth was covered by the oxygen mask but his brown eyes locked with hers. The helicopter ascended and soon can't be seen on the horizon.
"Jane." Teary browns turned and met brown and blue.
"He's alive, Alec." The younger one nodded. "Thank–" They ducked in reflex as shrapnols flew everywhere accompanied by an explosion. Jane recovered first and gawked at the once house of mirrors. Flames of smoke started to envelope the surrounding area. Chaos ensued.
"MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!" "EVACUATE!" "CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!"
Another explosion from the north side entrance of the mirror house had the officers cowering to possible cover. Jane had grabbed the rookie and they hid behind the ambulance van from earlier.
"Were there still people inside?!"
"I don't know!"
Amidst all the mayhem, her vision locked. It was like slow motion even the noises stopped. Jane froze and her sharp brown eyes only saw them. They were far but with their dark cloaks, the contrasting light of day highlighted their presence acing to that one dot on a blank piece of paper.
"Rizzoli!" Then everything was back again. The noise, the flurry of panic, Jane felt herself being shook. "Come on Jane! Get a–" She ran.
Alec released an audible grunt as she was thrown off when the older woman literally ran by and passed her. Her superior all of a sudden just didn't move or even breathe. She was afraid the other detective went into shock. Groaning, the apprentice almost missed the fast retreating form of Jane before the taller girl vanished from view. The chase began.
Building by building, she was hot on their trail. It was like an endless bait she'd almost caught sight of but cannot reach. When she turned the corner, the bare telltale of their cloaks was just disappearing to another corner. It was just pure adrenaline she was sure was the only thing keeping her running. She was positive if she blinked, they would be gone from her grasp. The stretch of the establishment's buildings were fading and Jane soon realized they were getting further away from the amusement property. Another turn, the brunette threw herself on the pavement disregarding the sheer force of her impact or bruises as the wider sparse area presented. She was at a parking lot now. Very few cars were parked and very little construction to provide her cover. But before the detective could register what happened, something hit her on the back of her head, almost knocking her out cold.
"This one is persistent." Blurry chocolate hues saw the barrel coming closer.
"No." The voices were fading. "Use the other one. We don't need a body trail." Jane felt a sting on her neck. She missed the sound of a gunshot when her body started feeling warm, too warm.
Alec felt like she'd been running a marathon. She raced after Jane but when they turned the second path, she knew her trail would be lost. By the distance and length of the block, the other will be gone from her sight by the time she rounds the corner. Her analytical mind kicked in overdrive as her bi-toned eyes surveyed around her. Finding a cover, she quickly checked her phone. A sigh escaped her lips as there was a present signal. Pressing speed dial, the line was answered immediately.
"Frost, I need you to track Jane's exact location and send me the coordinates." Her phone vibrated before any vocal response came.
"I already pinged it to your phone."
"Send backup. Track us. They have jammers so I'm not sure how long I can have a trail or Rizzoli."
"Wait! You're not supposed to–" She cut the call off. Her phone vibrated with incoming calsl but she ignored it as she memorized the map details she'd been given. Reyes studied the other female detective's constant moving tag. Luckily Jane's phone still has a signal. Rizzoli seemed to be circling around an area. Wielding herself to think, getting away from this kind of place on foot will not be the smartest choice so a getaway vehicle will have to be accessible. Split screening, she pulled the amusement park map from earlier.
"Shit." The pointer icon for her trail just disappeared. Debating her choices, she leaped into a sprint towards the loading dock parking garage. Her mind went blank as soon as she reached the landing of the parking perimeter. Her feet moved on instinct as she saw the long barrel of the gun lifted and pointed directly on the head of the prone body laying on the ground.
"No!"
Shots fired as she bolted across the parking lot, bullets wheezed by her as she dove then rolled down the grass slope, her body rolling the downward hill so fast no way she could stop herself until she reached the bottom. Detective Reyes dropped into a ditched heavily breathing as the sound of a vehicle engine roared. Using the impromptu fox hole, heterochromatics peaked with her gun ready. The dirt near her head shifted and she ducked again.
"Fuck the silencers." She covered her head when metal crashing and car screeching reached her senses. The smell of burning rubber penetrated her nose before the fading sound of a speeding vehicle quickly faded in the distance. Her heart jumped when she felt vibration from her pocket. "Signal… Jane!" Like a rabbit, Alec sprung from her hideout crawling up the small grassy slope. Her eyes frantically roamed the parking area. "Jane!"
She heard her name being called but she's not sure anymore. Her vision almost white. Jane tried to open her mouth to speak but the building heat enveloping her body was making her dizzy. Her throat was constricting and she was struggling to even take in air. "Maura…" She wheezed before everything felt like she was melting.
"Jane! Jane! Stay with me!" The younger cop desperately searched the older officer's form for visible wounds as she tried to keep the woman conscious. "Where are you hurt?!" She heard a wheeze before the older female's body started convulsing uncontrollably. Whacking her brain for the first aid training, she rolled Jane making sure her neck was not on the bad angle it was laying on. Grabbing the front hem of Rizzoli's shirt, Reyes yelped as she yanked her hands off.
"What the…" Her eyes like saucers as she scouted backwards. "hell is happening…"
Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles
Her eyes shot open and she bolted upright. Her breathing shallow as her body caught up with her consciousness. Panic struck her when her vision did not comprehend. She started wrestling and felt the reason why she couldn't see. Pulling and kicking the cloth draped around her, she found an opening and swam out of the sea of fabric. She winced as the sudden light blinded her but her ears picked out a sharp audible gasp. Her head shot to the direction of the sound.
"Alec?" The younger female's jaw was dropped and she looked like she'd seen a ghost. Then it hit her. "Shit! Where the fuck are the cloaks?!" Her head turned left and right to decipher where they were. "Where's my gun?!"
"J–Jane?" The rookie croaked. Her breath hitched again when those chocolate orbs snapped back again to her direction.
"Snap out of it, Reyes!" This was not the time for the new kid to go in shock. They had to be on-guard and with those cloaks… "Do you hear me?!"
"I– I–"
"Goddamn it." Her patience was wearing thin. If she has to slap this kid to senses then be it. She strode forward and tripped but she didn't paid it no mind as she caught her footing and kicked the offending cloth that caught her foot. "If you not–"
"Ah! Don't come near me!" They both jumped backwards from the sudden exclamation.
"Jesus Christ, Reyes. If you shriek like a schoolgirl again–"
"I– What! No! I… I…" A step. "Don't! You might be contagious!"
Her jaw dropped. She stared incredulous at those shell shocked brown and blue eyes. The kid probably snapped. She couldn't blame her, not even a week in the job and she already seen too much action. Crossing her arms, she looked around her surroundings again.
"Fine, I'm not going to come near you." Her eyes caught the skid marks leading to what used to be the fence gates of the parking property. "Did you see the getaway vehicle?"
"No."
"Damn it. Did you cal it in?"
"No."
"What the hell Reyes?! Snap out of it!"
"Well pardon me! It's a little bit hard to make sense of this while a kid is shouting at me and–"
"Excuse me?!" She had enough. Noone disrespects her especially not a rookie. "I am not going to tolerate your disrespect, Detective Reyes. You better pull your head from your ass. I don't appreciate you implying I'm a kid–"
"Excuse me! You are a kid!" Alec conflicted. She saw the oncoming opposition and instantly formed her sentiment. "Look!" The raging glare shot at her. "Just look at yourself!"
"I am not fucking kidding here, Detec…" Her stomach started to lurch, there was something… her brain slowly but surely but won't believe something… "It can't be…" She can't believing this but she heard it. It's now just registering. Her voice sounded smaller, higher and…"Holy…" She was suddenly realizing also why she was more low to the ground. "How…" She nervously looked down as her gaze lingered on two way too smaller hands then lower down to the small bare feet. She even wiggled cute fingertoes. "What.."
Detective Reyes watched in disbelief as her senior detective…ahem senior detective's kid form fainted.
"I did not sign up for this."
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TBC
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