Jane hated giving evidence. She was usually calm and collected but this woman had her riled. So riled in fact that Jane had lost her cool on the stand and that flash of emotion threatened to add credibility to Smith by making her look vindictive.
Maura's voice rang out in the Courtroom.
"Other than the stencil" the word dripped with disdain accentuated by Maura's clipped consonants "did you actually find any other evidence to link Victor Smith to the tragic murder of Louise Winters?"
"Well, no, but that bastard did it, I know he did."
The Court erupted with noise. Perfect, now it looked like it was a hate campaign, led by Jane. The press had compounded the vilification of Smith; a teacher accused of grooming and raping and murdering a child at his school. Jane knew he had killed her. It was the way he looked at her, gloating almost. She had been around enough cold-blooded killers to know one when she saw one.
Jane could see justice escaping as if it were a person at the back of the room; coolly opening the doors and walking out into the crisp air of freedom. Crap. She had failed Louise. Failed Louise's family. Failed herself. Failed Frost. Worst of all, there was nothing she could do. They knew they had scant evidence, but sometimes you have to roll the dice. There were no hard eights on this day.
They hadn't had much to go with, but they hadn't counted on Maura Isles. She was methodical in her questioning. She had researched the case and how she would question the Detective. Jane could see why Smith had hired her. She was magnificent.
The sound on the anvil being banged repeatedly on the desk broke Jane from her reverie regarding the pretty attorney.
"Quiet. Detective Rizzoli, if I hear one more word from you, you will be held in contempt of Court."
Shit.
"Counsellor, do you have more questions for the Detective?"
"No. No further questions Your Honour."
"Detective you are free to go."
As Jane walked past Smith he winked at her. Bastard.
Jane sat next to Frost not really listening to the Court proceedings as the Judge had adjourned the Jury to deliberate their verdict. Jane silently followed the people exiting the Courtroom. Frost was waiting for her by the doors.
"Jane. I."
"Don't Frost. Just don't. He is getting away with it. I know it. We had very little on him and losing my temper like that just made me look like it was personal."
Silence fell on the two; both contemplating the verdict they knew was about to be given.
"She's a damn good attorney."
Frost nodded. "The best they say."
They heard an announcement given for their Courtroom and knew that the verdict was going to be given, particularly given the short duration for the deliberation of the verdict. A quick decision meant that the case had been conclusive; unfortunately for them the only conclusion was not guilty.
"Frost, I can't go in. Can you do it? I just can't look at Mrs Winters knowing I failed her. Please Barry, I need to go. I'll meet you at the Robber."
With that Jane turned and left. Frost knew the real reason and was grateful; the last thing the BPD needed was any more press scrutiny regarding this case. Jane was always thinking about others. She was the best partner a guy could have. They hadn't failed Louise, justice had.
Jane found herself sitting at the booth they always sat at. She had handed her keys over to the bar tender and ordered a pitcher of beer. She had already drunk two pints by the time Frost arrived. She looked at him and noticed the slight shake of his head.
Not guilty. Of course.
Frost slid into the seat opposite Jane and poured himself a beer and signaled to the bar tender to get them another pitcher. It was going to be a long night.