Author's note:
Hey everyone. Firstly, thank you to the reviewers. I appreciate the feedback on the story progress. Honestly, I already have a storyline even the ending in mind but I can always alter some parts so comments are welcome!
Oh… and who said Maura and Little Jeanne will meet here? Lol. -wink-wink-
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Chapter 6: Little Jeanne's First Field Trip
She was a jittery wreck came Friday morning. Well, it was more of an understatement as Detective Rizzoli paced the foster care facility; the attendants had long given up to sit the restless ball of energy even Mrs. Cornell's reprimanding did not stop the fidgeting of the little girl at breakfast time.
Now adorning her daytime non-girly kid's outfit consisting of dark wash jeans and plain blue hoodie, little Jeanne waited as patiently as she could by the small lobby with a few other children her age. A school bus was scheduled to pick up the kids and drive them to the local police department. Mr. Alfred and one community volunteer will supervise their group. It was a simple setup but effective enough to accomplish the community outreach field trip of youth ages 10 and lower, from around the surrounding Boston neighborhoods. The organizers had planned to carry out the tour of the precinct by batches so as to not disrupt the regular flow of the agency and give the kids more individualized attention which little Jeanne did not like. Detective Rizzoli was planning to 'accidentally' get lost on her own therefore having more decoys of children would have been her preference. She'll just have to find a way to get to Reyes as soon as possible. The rookie was on her desk duty shift but will be one of the officers helping the visitors when they get to the station.
"Psst, Squirt!" Turning to the direction of the corridor hallway, Jane saw a boy peeking from the corner. She caught the oncoming small blob before sticking out her tongue at Joey. The teen stuck his tongue back at her. "Getting lost already?" Joey boy hushed.
"Yeah yeah." Throwing back the stuffed toy baseball which Joey easily received, little Jeanne hushed also. "Aren't you supposed to be with Sister Winifred?" The detective mentally smirked when she saw the young man visibly flinched and looked behind his back nervously. Detective Rizzoli might have given Officer Reyes some suggestions for the outreach thus the presence of a certain nun was voluntarily counseling the older minors about good manners and right conduct. After Officer Reyes's lecturing of the teen last Wednesday, the bully boy seemed to come to some rational senses and decided to act less of an ass although still managed to annoy the facility staff, Joey and little Jeanne had silently agreed on terms. Thursday morning, Jane had gotten a small cup of ice cream for breakfast as the boy snuck the treat under the table. Since then, the duo had been each other's friendly competitor of catch and throw of baseball at their playtime hours. Of course their banter still existed. "She doesn't like kids sneaking out of her lectures, FYI."
"Heck of a bore." Joey threw the ball back which the receiver easily caught. "The old hag needs to retire!" Jane would have agreed with him if it wasn't for the said old hag's appearance.
"Mr. Balcone!" Even the homicide detective straightened up on her stance. "The lecture session for your age group is in the other room!" Baby browns watched as Joey cowered and scrammed to where the older lady pointed her finger. "And learn some manners, young man. Old hag is not a polite term to refer to seniors!" Little Jeanne ducked her face behind her blue stuffed puppy when the nun gave her a long stare. A very long stare before the senior woman disappeared presumably to where the teenage minors were. The undercover law enforcer quietly chuckled halfheartedly. At least her makeover look passed the knowing eyes of people who knew Jane Rizzoli albeit the little girl swore that sister Callahan can sniff naughty kids like a dog can sniff drugs from suspects. The nun had been giving little Jeanne long hawklike glances ever since the sister stepped foot at the orphanage which Jane just squirmed involuntarily. Well, at least the female cop knows the old hag hasn't lost her divinity touch.
Shrugging off the queasy effect of sister Callahan's glares, Detective Rizzoli followed the line of kids entering the newly parked bus. The vehicle was buzzing with chatters of excited young people and the already anxious brunette child didn't need the extra encouragement so opting to sit by the back, little Jeanne found an empty seat across from a blonde girl reading a book. Double checking that the other child was indeed occupied, Jane pulled out her phone and sent a quick message.
From: Jane Rizzoli
Message: On the bus. I'm with the rabbit team.
Listening a little bit to the attendants' announcements, baby chocolate orbs sneaked another glance over her device when it vibrated.
From: Alec Reyes
Message: K. I'll keep an eye for the rabbit team. I think you'll be after the elephant team.
There was a chorus of cheers before she felt the bus moving. Looking out the window, Jane confirmed their departure. She sat back down and felt eyes on her so she shifted her gaze to one possible culprit. Shy hazel orbs peered through the top of the open book.
"Hello, my name is Jeanne." She grinned a toothy smile. Jane was amused. The little blonde reminded her of a certain ME. She repressed a chuckle when the bashful child squeaked a reply.
"HI." Hazels went back to hiding behind the book. It took a few minutes before they reappeared again and baby browns just watched with intrigued. "Um, how do you spell your name?"
"Eh? What?" Confused for a second about the question, little Jeanne blinked to comprehend the words. "Oh. spell my name?" The inquirer nodded. The book was now placed down revealing a curious face.
"Is it G-I-N or J-E-A-N or –" Now she definitely laughed. Sounds like a mini googlemouth indeed. Jane shifted on her seat to properly face the other girl. "Why are you laughing?"
Shaking her head, the mini brunette answered. "No. It's spelled J-E-A-N-N-E." She bit her lip to stifle the bubbling forming in her stomach. The detective studied the reaction of her company as the girl with light tresses furrowed her brows in concentration.
"What is the origin of your name?"
"Err… French I think." Faking nonchalance, Jane volleyed the queries. Might as well make conversation to pass the time. "What's your name?"
"Moreen." Wait for it… Detective Rizzoli just cackled inwardly. "It is spelled M-O-R-E-E-N. My name is a respelling of Maureen spelled M-A-U-R-E-E-N which comes from the Irish word mór, meaning "great".
"Say, Moreen, you wanna be a doctor too?" Hazel orbs brightened in glee.
"Yes I want to be a doctor when I grow up." Little Jeanne just rolled her eyes.
"Well, you'll enjoy meeting the doctor at the BPD then." The light frown was back on the little blonde's lips.
"But are we not going to the police department? What is B-P-D?" Mentally facepalming herself, detective smarty rephrased herself. Moreen was still a kid after all.
"BPD is short for B-oston P-olice D-epartment. Sister Callahan was telling us about it earlier at the orphanage." Now with her own curiosity, Jane fired a subtle interrogation. She surveyed the appearance of the child and noted the well-dressed clothing and fancy looking backpack. Moreen doesn't strike the seasoned cop to be another child from another orphanage. "You're not from the orphanage, right?"
"No, I am not." Moreen confirmed the suspicion. "A doctor at the BPD? Who is Sister Callahan?" Mini googlemouth fired back as she tested the new knowledge.
"Where are you from? Yeah, there's a doctor working with the police. Sister Callahan works with the police too and helps talk to people."
So for a few more minutes, Jane entertained herself talking to the curious little blonde. She'd learn that Moreen was from one of the private schools around the area. She had signed up to join the tour to learn about the community. Rizzoli immediately followed up asking where are the 'friends' of the child as Jane didn't want to mingle about snobby spoiked rich kids but Moreen sadly informed that she was the only one who signed up from her grade and her classmates had other extra curricular activities to attend to. Jane remembered Reyes did say the tour was for kids of the community so she should expect children from different places although Detective little didn't think meeting a privileged girl who could have been doing god knows other extra curricular activities like what Moreen said will be Jane's company. Rizzoli decided it might not be that bad for little Jeanne to have a friend.
"Oh hey! I know that story too!" Baby browns jumped from her seat and joined Moreen on her side of the bus. The blonde child was surprised but moved her bag to the side to let her new friend sit beside her. "I can tell you the full story of Pinocchio even with my eyes closed!" Jeanne showed her smugness and pointed to the book from earlier. She saw the familiar drawing of the boy and the whale on the cover. Piece of cake to impress a seven year old as the proud detective waited for the awe reaction, or so Jane Rizzoli thought.
"Oh really?" There was a hint of amusement on those baby lips, as Moreen picked up her book and opened the page she left off. Little Jeanne gulped. "In french?"
So for another additional minutes of successfully embarrassing herself in front of a seven years old, mighty Detective Rizzoli resigned to shutting her mouth and nursed her bruised ego as innocent girl Moreen read the French version of the famous story. Thankfully the book had illustrated pictures so Jane avoided the mental breakdown of learning an impromptu elementary grade French lesson. She was able to give small comments on the progress of their reading much to the little blonde's happiness.
Thankfully, before her own version of Pinocchio nose sprouted, they reached their destination as the bus parked in front of the station. Little Jeanne hopped off the seat as soon as she saw the familiar building. Bouncing on her heels, Jane waited impatiently for Mr. Alfred to finish his instructions for their tour. Although the detective wished she would have paid more attention to the man's speeches.
"Alright kids, we'll pass through security now." Being one of the shortest in the group, Jeanne was towards the front of the line. Even Moreen was taller than her with a couple of inches much to the little brunette's irritation and sudden dilemma. After the shooting incident years ago, the station had implemented stricter security procedures thus the installment of metal detector gates and key badges. Visitors had to pass through the inspection gate for screening before entry to the building. So used to coming in as her usual Jane Rizzoli self, the little undercover forgot about that detail, well until now.
"Okay kids, empty pockets. Put your things inside these bins right here and the officer will run them through the x-ray machine here." All of the children got excited on the prospect of seeing the cool equipment except one, Jeanne clung to her stuffed puppy.
"Jeanne, it's your turn." The said girl shook her head. "Okay, you can go last." Fortunately, Mr. Alfred mistook the hesitation for the usual child nervousness going on trips. He let the scared girl step aside and ushered the line through. It gave the frantic undercover a few minutes to think but not enough to come up with an appropriate solution. With the last kid cleared in front of her, Jeanne ran past the gate as the metal detectors beeped in alarm.
"Sorry, young lady. We'll have to check you again." She recognized the tall man guarding the gates. Jerry was a very nice guy who the usual Detective Jane Rizzoli got along with but at this moment Jeanne was ready to punch him in the face for blocking her way. Mr. Alfred tried ushering the little rascal back through the metal detectors but as stubborn as she was, Jeanne shook off the grasps.
"Sorry, is there any way we can wave her off?" The embarrassed child care attendant asked the station guard.
"I can just wave the wand over her." Jerry smiled sympathetically before grabbing the said tool. Baby browns hugged her toy tighter, praying the guard misses the object but not. Jerry stopped the wand in front of the blue stuffed animal when the hand held metal detector beeped. He waved it again and it beeped again. "Sweetheart, you have to give me your toy for a sec–"
"No!"
"Jeanne, the officer just needs to put it through that machine, see!" Mr. Alfred coaxed as he held the child's arms down whilst Guard Jerry pulled the stuffed puppy from the little brunette's hold. Jeanne growled, halting the snatch of her toy. Before teeth biting occurred, another hand appeared and a digital barking sound echoed.
"It has batteries." Detective Reyes pressed the nose of the toy again as it produced the imitation bark once more. "That's probably what your wand is detecting, Jerry." The two men stepped back looking sheepishly. "I'll help her through the gate, Mr. Alfred." She nodded to the children already fussing around. "I think your colleague there needs a hand." The familiar care attendant fidgeted under the stare of those knowing bi-toned irises before obliging. Stepping to the side, Alec blocked Jerry's immediate view before bending over the little dark haired officer. "Slide it in my sleeve." They worked in tandem as the hidden phone slipped in the possession of the rookie. "May I please borrow your puppy, Jeanne?" Detective Reyes audibly asked with a sweet tone and threw a smile over the abashed guard when the toy was handed over. It got scanned as the owner got cleared through the metal detector gate. "What do you say, Jeanne?"
She glared at the coy look of the younger detective but turned to the guard with her most adoring cute innocent angelic face. "I'm sorry, Mr. Officer." Jerry melted at the spot from the gesture before handling the child's precious possession.
"No problem, young lady. Next time we'll just press the nose." He chuckled when the kid accepted his high five before following the crowd. Back with their group, Mr. Alfred introduced the volunteer officers escorting them around the station. He instructed the children to find a buddy and hold hands. Reyes wiggled her eyebrows at her senior officer when a little blonde came to Jeanne's side and asked to hold her hand. Jane just rolled her eyes at the rookie and let Moreen drag her through the precinct walk.
"So who's the mini girlfriend?" Alec teased when they stopped at the shooting range area. She chuckled when little Rizzoli tried to swat her away. "Ain't she your type? Blonde and hazel eyes?" An officer was doing a kid friendly demo of the targets.
"Oh shut up!" Jane was about to retort when the said topic bounded to the duo.
"Jeanne, look at the projectile! The speed and accuracy…" Reyes just busted out laughing. Rizzoli just facepalmed, She walked into it. The mini googlemouth.
"He's discharged already?" They were now at the Drug Unit Department as Lieutenant Martinez introduced his team. Jane hovered back and whispered to her young apprentice.
"Surprisingly, saw him this morning." Reyes whispered back. She kept her eye on the officer giving a demo of how dogs help the operations. The audience clapped when the trained canine found the makeshift hidden contraband. The handler released the dog from his command and let the kids pet the man's best friend. Jane lifted a brow at her companion when the four legged fur sauntered to the duo and started sniffing the rookie. "Oops, he found the dog treats." Alec pulled out a chew treat from her pocket.
"Seriously?" She was about to roll her eyes again at the other female but the dog licked her face. "Ewww!" Oh the disadvantage of being small, Jane just swore under her breath as she wiped her face with her sleeve. "Oh my god pepperoni?!"
Next was the Homicide Department. The pair exchanged distressed glances before following the group. So far none had given Jeanne a second glance about her resemblance to one of the BPD's infamous detectives. Testing the effectiveness of Jane's cover was part of their plan for today so it involved the direct interaction with the senior detective's known contacts. Even though she passed most of the initial regular acquaintances like Sister Winifred and Jerry the guard, Detective Rizzoli felt her palms sweat and felt the fight or flight urge when they neared the familiar doors of the bullpen.
"Welcome to the homicide department…" Reyes joined the line up of officers as Lieutenant Sean Cavanaugh introduced his team.
"They're so cute." Alec plastered a comfortable smile as she listened to Nina's comment. "So who's the one you said you met from the orphanage?" Now or never, heterochromatic orbs met baby browns.
"That one with the blonde girl. The kid with dark hair and glasses." Reyes and Rizzoli held their breaths as Detective Holiday focused on the mentioned children before she picked up the basket of lollipops after the lieutenant finished the introductions.
She felt a squeeze of her hand before the familiar face of her sister-in-law approached. Jane looked down on her hand held by the little blonde beside her. With all the nervousness, she forgot that buddy system. Moreen had felt the shaking hand and smiled reassuringly to her friend.
"Hello, I'm Detective Nina Holiday. What's your names?" From behind her glasses, Jane stilled a steady gaze towards the adult female. Nina's eyes lingered on her face longer but eventually averted to address the other children. When the candies were distributed, Holiday went back to her colleagues. One sigh of relief then Detective Frank Rizzoli and Detective Barry Frost stepped forward.
"...and we help keep the peace and safety!" The two males did an exaggerated mock sword fight using their police batons and with a comical ending of Frankie winning as Frost acted to drop dead which made the children gasp.
"...and we arrest the bad guys!" Reyes promptly jumped between the two fighters and delivered a superhero combo move with accompanying sound effects to the male Rizzoli. Frankie feints receiving the finishing blow before surrendering over his arms for arrest. When the police cuffs were secured, the kids started cheering.
"So who wants to try to arrest the bad guy?!" Jane gulped when her baby brother came over and offered the children to try the handcuffs. Their eyes met as Frankie blinked at her several times but kept his hands-on activity with the other children. One more and Jane will release a content relief. Grabbing hold of her buddy's hand, Jeanne cautiously asked the tall dark detective.
"Can we arrest you too?" Barry looked down when he felt a tug on his jacket. He smiled at the two little girls. Kneeling on one leg, he let the pair cuff him.
"Why, you want to be a detective when you grow up?" The innocent question tugged at Jane's heart. Her long-time partner gazed at her with a friendly curiosity but with unfamiliarity. It was just till then the dark haired detective felt the reality of losing her close friends.
"Yeah, I think she does." It was Reyes who answered. "Say thank you to Detective Frost, We're going to the next department now."
After that, Jane didn't really hear anything else. Her mind was swirling and she felt numb. They had gotten to the last department on the list and Moreen finally got the delirious brunette kid out of her stupor when the little blonde squealed in delight.
"Jeanne! They have a lab! They called it the morgue! We'll meet doctors too!"
Now she felt like she got tasered again. More like shocked with an electric defibrillator as the mute detective's heart rate got jump started from its cardiac arrest. Everything zoomed in on her and Jane grabbed the rookie's hand before the elevator doors could close them in.
"Ah! Excuse us! Restroom!" Reyes had managed to deliver an excuse as she was pulled by the child to the nearest privacy. Once inside the empty ladies room, Alec briskly locked the door. "We can't stay here long." She eyed the shaking girl. Sighing, the adult sweeped her comrade in a strong hug. "Pull it together."
Normally she'll refuse such gestures but Jane allowed the small comfort as she released a choked sob. "It's… it's Maura. What if… it doesn't work…"
"It has to work." The words were steady. "We have to make it work." The determination on those bi-hues helped her calm down although the reminder wrapped a steel grip on her chest. "Either this or Jane Rizzoli is dead." Anger rilled between them but none stepped back. Jane broke the embrace and went to the sink to wash her face.
"Let's go Detective Reyes."
After a few unhappy words from Mr. Alfred, the two had rejoined the line to the morgue. The usual chill air of the downstairs floor greeted her as Detective Rizzoli walked the nostalgic hallway. They stayed towards the end of the group both silently anticipating the invertible meeting.
Baby chocolate orbs glanced at the recognizable name plate of the Chief Medical Examiner on the door that they were all waiting to open. Their lead knocked and the door finally opened.
"Good morning, everyone!" Reyes and Rizzoli blinked simultaneously. "Welcome to the morgue. My name is Dr. Kent Drake…"
"What the hell is happening?" Jane groaned discreetly to her partner-in-crime. Albeit the confused expression of the rookie gave the similar sentiment.
"I'm not sure either." The brunettes scrambled with possible scenarios but the Scottish accent cleared it for them.
"...The chief medical examiner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dr. Maura Isles, extends her apologies. She was excited to meet you all but she got called in by the governor to work…"
The tour started but the pair kept a reasonable distance to chat. "Was there a new crime scene with homicide?"
"Not to my knowledge. Might be a different department." Pulling out her phone, Reyes checked. "None with our department." She texted Martinez and got a quick reply. "Raf wants me to go see him asap."
Raising an eyebrow at the nickname, Rizzoli shooed the other officer. "Fine, go see Raf then."
"Yeah yeah, go entertain your girlfriend there." They both rolled their eyes at each other before Alec left the morgue and Jane went back to pretending to be her seven years old self. She looked to the front and saw Moreen happily chatting with Kent.
"Wrong doctor, Moreen." Little Jeanne just grumpily grumbled to herself.
Upstairs, Detective Reyes stepped out the elevator but beared the set of stairs going to the rooftop. She likes to take breaks up there in the open air but this time it was not close to it. The lieutenant had clarified before that they will keep low profiles around the station in case the mole was watching them so in-person calls like this didn't feel right to the rookie. If Martinez was risking seeing her face-to-face then it was not something just to chat about the tour of the kids today.
"You know smoking is not good for your recovery." Martinez chuckled slightly at the reprimanding of the younger detective. He took one last puff of smoke before distinguishing the cigar under his shoes.
"Hard habit to break, detective. It is getting cold." He was correct. Alec felt the cold air even though they were standing under the midday rays of the sun.
"What happened to the hot coco instead?" Rafael bemused. They stayed quiet for a little bit before the lieutenant broke the peaceful atmosphere.
"Dr. Isles is not at the morgue."
"Yes, I was just down there. Where is she?"
"Massgen." Deep browns observed the growing pits of rage on those heterochromatic irises. "Robocop detected the cloaks were on the move."
"Is that why you're not at the hospital anymore?"
"Yes and no." Martinez looked out towards the open horizon. His mind was elsewhere. "They tried to silence me off." He put his hand up when the rooke tried to speak. "I got out of there before they got to my room." Rafael balled his fists. "Apparently I'm not their main target."
"What do you mean?" The uneasiness within her was starting to suffocate her. Possible horrid schemes were playing on her head and Reyes was verging to explode for answers.
"They were looking for Jane Rizzoli."
Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles - Rizzles
At Massgen, Dr. Maura Isles just finished her preliminary examination of their latest body. Although she will not speculate, the direct gunshot wound on the back of the head looked to be the primary cause of death. She signed the log and instructed her staff to transport the victim back to their morgue.
Today was definitely not the best day. She rationalized that being disappointed as she missed the tour of the kids for an important reason. Someone had just died and the lives of people were more important. The governor had called her and asked that she oversee the situation at the hospital. Although based on the police investigation that the incident was a result of a break in robbery at one of the busiest hospitals in Boston, the bureaucrats didn't want to cause public panic and have the essential establishment shut down even just for a small part just because of petty press problems, of what the ME was told. One thing that tickled her natural curiosity though was the presence of FBI agents and not the BPD detectives. But as per oath being the chief medical examiner, it was not her place to openly question the observation.
When the papers were cleared, an agent had escorted the blonde ME. Everything was dealt with discretion and even the presence of the chief medical examiner was planned to adhere to the same privacy. It was nothing new to Maura as she had been consulted with high profile cases before although this time there was something irking and somehow the usual professional compartmentalization she mastered did not help. She deduced the logic because it was close to home and her sister was just around the vicinity of the scene. So once she was dropped back at the precinct with instructions on how to proceed with the reports for that case, Dr. Isles decided to swing by to the nearby restaurant and eat her lunch. She made a phone call to Cailin also and was reassured when the younger doctor said that she was actually off work yesterday.
"Not really. I just hung out with Lauren yesterday. She was off also. What's up?" Finding a diversion so she won't suffer hives, Maura explained that she just wanted to check how her sister was coping with the new schedule since she knew how it can be having dealt with hospital rotations before. Cailin didn't indicate any alarming problems about the hospital so Maura kept it brief. The younger woman was safe and the crime scene at Massgen has not reached the public as far as they are concerned.
With her phone call ended, hazel-greens stared at her mobile display. She opened her text messages and hovered over the last chat from her dark haired best friend.
From: Jane Rizzoli
Message: Hope you have a good day today, Maur. Don't scare the kiddos with the dead bodies at the morgue ;P
Love,
Jane
The message was from this morning and she didn't even have the chance to reply before she was called away for the urgent medical examiner duty. After her rather bold admission on the text last Wednesday, Maura had dissected their exchanges and per her analytical standpoint, Jane was beyond just her best friend for now at least. Until they really could talk face to face she'll get more clarification but if she would be unreasonably honest, all the hazel-green eyed female wanted at that moment was to go to her best friend? Lover? Girlfriend? Maura sighed. Dr. Isles prided herself for having prim self-control and admirable patience but the current repercussions were making her doubtful. Maybe the famous impulsiveness and impatience of Detective Jane Rizzoli would have been her better approach.
"I should go back to work." Refocusing on things she can actually wrap her mind into, the honey blonde doctor headed back to the BPD station.
From: Maura Isles
Message: Hello Jane, unfortunately I got called away by the governor so I missed the kids. I'm heading back to the station now.
Love you too,
Maura
Back at the headquarters, Detective Reyes furrowed her brows in contemplation. It had been a few minutes now since she 'accidentally' read the text message for the older dark haired officer. Maybe she was snooping but it was not her intention. Her pocket vibrated and on instinct the rookie took out her phone, well what she thought was her phone and checked the screen. Can't blame her, her mind was analytically-occupied trying to find the said owner of the device.
"Okay, if I were Jane Rizzoli, where would I be hiding?"
After the talk with the lieutenant, Alec went back to the morgue and was informed by Dr. Drake that their department tour was done and the children were escorted to the cafeteria or so they thought because when the rookie went on the pursuit, another discovery hit her: a certain little brunette was not with the group.
When heterochromatic orbs didn't see Jeanne, she immediately zoomed in on a fidgeting blonde child. Moreen was about to cry when Reyes approached.
"Hey kiddo, you okay?" The detective asked softly. The child sniffled but answered.
"I'm sorry. Mr. Alfred said we should hold hands so no one gets lost but Jeanne said she needs to poo.."
"Your name is Moreen, right?" Receiving a nod, Alec scanned the place for a second. She didn't see the male child attendant, most likely hunting down the missing girl. "Actually, I came down to tell Mr. Alfred that Jeanne is with my colleague." Moreen brightened at the news, if only the young cop could relish the feeling as well. "You didn't do anything wrong, okay?" Patting the little blonde's knee, Reyes straightened up and spotted the disgruntled Mr. Alfred. He just stepped in the cafeteria with Guard Jerry in tow. She intercepted the pair before things escalated. "Mr. Alfred, there you are. Hello, Officer Jerry. If the two of you are looking for little Jeanne, I came down to actually tell you that she's with my colleague upstairs."
"Oh thank god! I swear I just blinked and that child ran off somewhere!" The rookie bit her tongue, Mr. Alfred's cheerleader pitch was showing. "I can come with you and get her–"
"Oh no no. It's okay." Thankfully she was good at thinking on her feet. Reyes feigned a convincing story. "The poor kid had a bad case of err you know, poopy. I guess that's probably why she ran off all of a sudden. One of my colleagues recognized Jeanne from the tour earlier so we got her. Don't worry, we'll bring her down after…"
"Are you sure?"
"Really, Mr. Alfred. She's okay and I volunteered to help too, remember? So don't worry. Have lunch with the kids." So after enduring one session of Mr. Alfred's appreciative hugs and kisses, Reyes started their version of the hide and seek game. It had been a few minutes now and a regular seven years old child wandering lost in the precinct will not be hard to miss but in this case, it was a fine detective who didn't want to be caught like a lost wandering kid so it was challenging to say the least.
Meanwhile with the lost wandering, Jane poked her head from under one of the tables before bolting to the closing doors of the elevator. She had been timing it so that the automated lift was empty and she could sneak without someone noticing. Pressing the designated floor, baby browns hugged her toy in anticipation. The sound of the elevator indicated before the doors slid open once more…
Dr. Kent Drake blinked. "Huh, convenient." He was about to press the elevator button but the doors opened before he could even request his lift. Another blink and Kent saw a blue stuffed puppy laying on the floor towards the back side of the elevator. "Must have been one of the kid's." His Scottish accent spoke with a tang of amusement as he stepped inside and went straight to pick up the toy and clearly missed the little girl crouching at the side panel.
Successful with her diversion tactic, Detective Rizzoli slipped out of the elevator unnoticed. She waited for the metal doors to close before continuing her stealthy course. One thing about being small, she sure can hide or in this case just walk by the busy techs as the half wall and tables covered her short stature. Finally at her destination, Jane checked that the coast was clear and went for her target. She knew the chief ME's office will be locked for intents and purposes but being the best friend of the said office owner has its perks too. Detective Rizzoil knew where the esteemed blonde hid the spare key for emergencies. Once the door was unlocked, she returned the key back in its hideout then carefully slipped in the office.
The room was dark but there was enough hallway light from the open blinds. Waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dim surroundings, soft footsteps moved forward. She really didn't need the light as small hands ran a finger at the familiar table. Jane knew the room by heart and closed her teary eyes. Even Maura's scent lingered there. Rounding the desk, the little girl let her hands glide the all too well white coat hanging on the back of the office chair. Dr. Isles was a stickler for proper hanging of clothes but once in a while if the blonde ME was called in urgently, Maura leaves her office lab coat on her chair. The dark haired detective smiled fondly.
When the tour ended and the kids were escorted back to the cafeteria, all Jane could think of was to at least see her best friend's office one last time. They had been informed that after lunch, the school bus would arrive and bring the children back to their respective places. With her apprentice not looking to be back anytime soon, little Jeanne made her move. When the attendants got distracted trying to find ample seating arrangements at the cafeteria for the children, she told Moreen she had to use the bathroom and dashed off. Momentarily forgetting also that her phone was with Reyes. Without any other choice, detective sneaky carried along her operation.
Wrapping the white lab coat around her small frame, Jane curled on the ME's office chair. Her sobs were muffled by the warmth and scent of the person she longed to be close to. It didn't take that long when baby chocolate orbs closed as exhaustion took over and the brunette child surrendered to unconsciousness. Jane also missed the soft clicking of heels walking around the hallways.
Dr. Isles greeted another of her staff as she went about checking the progress of her department. She made it a habit to be on top of her employees especially after the incidents in the morgue. On her way from her lunch break, Kent had notified her that he will be going for his own lunch break so it was a coordinated switch for both doctors to not leave their department unattended. In fact she bumped into him in the lobby. The silver blue toy of the male's possession got the blonde ME's attention which also prompted Dr. Drake to guide his colleague to the cafeteria where the children were.
"Oh Dr. Isles, good timing. Come, let me introduce you to our adorable visitors." Having been around the energetic five years old T.J., Maura anticipated the lively company although it took her a little bit surprised how they can be in multiples. The chief ME was bombarded with excited questions ranging from whatever possible.
"Dr. Isles! How many people go to the morgue?!" "Do you have a boyfriend?!" "How does the x-ray machine work?!" "Why are bodies in the freezer?!" "Do you want to have lunch with us?!" "What's your favorite color?!" And so forth, ever the enthusiast for learning, Dr. Isles indulged the curious much to Mr. Alfred's bewilderment. Dr. Drake played referee when his boss got too technical and before the parental guidance turned to R-18+. Maura was intrigued to meet a little blonde girl who shook her hand happily and said they have the same origin of the name mor.
"But my name is spelled M-O-R-E-E-N. How is your name spelled?"
"It is spelled M-A-U-R-A."
After commenting on the French version of Pinocchio, Maura excused herself. She was glad that their department tour went well and Kent handled it to the utmost professional standards of children's education. So with a lightened mood, the chief medical examiner resumed her domain.
"What is the ETA of the body?" Reading some of the reports, Maura addressed one of the techs on duty.
"Currently it reads 25 minutes, Dr. Isles." The tech glanced at the GPS status on the computer.
"Thank you, Patty. I will be in my office. If I am not back here 5 minutes before the arrival of the transport, please remind me."
"Of course, Doctor."
Satisfied that her bases were covered, the honey blonde doctor headed towards her office. She wanted to sit down for a second then change to her scrubs. With the request of the governor, she wouldn't have the time to sit again once the body arrives and a full autopsy report was needed. It will be another late night for her. Unlocking her office door, Maura turned the lights on but stopped by her doorway. Something was on her chair. With another careful studying, well someone was on her chair. A small someone.
She couldn't make out the face as the child was bundled with her coat. Her coat? Hazel-greens blinked again. There was a child wrapped around her white lab coat on her office chair in her office. Intelligent mind processed the information. Dr. Isles pieced the details and derived a plausible answer. There were children earlier in the morgue so this child might have gotten lost. For how long and how come no one has reported the child missing… Maura snapped out of her analytical thinking when she heard a small whimper.
With cautious steps, the doctor made her way to the sleeping bundle. She still couldn't make out the face as the little one was curled like a ball. Another whimper as a hand brushed the curtain of dark locks.
"Sweetie, it's okay. Wake up now." A small gasp escaped her lips when baby brown orbs fluttered open. The eyeglasses looped loosely but hazel-greens were locked on the little girl's face. It took minutes but she managed to speak. "Hi, sweetheart. Did you get lost?"
She heard the voice first before it registered. Jane felt the familiar caress of the hand that never failed to rescue her from her nightmares. Slowly opening her eyes, the detective was face to face with the one person she wanted to see. Emotions washed over her and another sob came through.
Against her better judgment, Maura scooped the crying child in her arms. It was an impulse but when those deep chocolate orbs showed tears, the strong urge to soothe them away overwhelmed her normally rational senses. Adjusting her hold, the blonde ME sat on her office chair and she cradled the younger female. Small hands clung to the front of her designer blouse and she felt the fabric getting soaked but Dr. Isles ignored it and continued to whisper calming words while she rubbed the back of the sobbing girl. Eventually the crying ceased.
"Sorry." Hazel-greens twinkled at the shy expression. The little brunette pulled away and rubbed her nose with the back of her sleeve. Opening a nearby drawer, Maura grabbed some kleenex before halting the child's unsanitary attempt of drying her face.
"That will make your sleeves damp and having moist fabric, saturated with saliva and mucus on your body can cause germs, viral agents and bacteria to grow and spread right on your hoodie shirt." She allowed the adult female to remove her glasses and clean her face with the tissues. One gentle hand cupped her chin as the other dabbed remnants of tears. "What is your name?" She could feel the slight quiver on those hands and the small pause with those words. Jane knew that the other female was studying her features and was struggling to accept logical reasoning to justify what was in front of her.
"Jeanne." She felt the sharp intake of breath as the doctor heard the name. Another moment of staring and the child started squirming. "Sorry." Dazed hazel-green pools watched as the little girl got hold of the kleenex and dabbed on the ME's chest. Comprehension now working, Maura smiled sweetly at the apologetic gesture.
"Thank you." When the cute pout was still there, the older looking woman reassured. "I was about to change to a different set of clothes and this one will be in the laundry." Gesturing to her current wardrobe, Dr. Isles observed the form of a bashful smile. She assessed that the little girl was around 4 or 5 years old based on the physical attributes. Indeed noting the time, hazel-greens pondered what to do with the current predicament. Although she didn't need to worry longer as a knock came on the open door and Detective Reyes walked in.
"There she is." The rookie advanced to the pair and poked the child's cheek. "Moreen already told on you. Playing hide and seek again." Heterochromatics turned to the ME. "Sorry, doc. This one likes to play every department earlier." Jeanne huffed and crossed her arms.
"But that man talks weird!" With the confused faces of the two adults, little hide and seek pointed her finger out the door.
"Oh," Maura piped in. "Dr. Drake has a Scottish accent. He grew up in Scotland that is why he adapted the…"
"Yeah, weird accent." Reyes supplemented with a laugh. "Anyhow, let's go kiddo. You missed lunch already and Mr. Alfred is waiting for you." She easily plucked the huffy child from the blonde's lap. Jeanne, now on her short legs, had to look up to face the sitting medical examiner. "Jeanne, say goodbye to Dr. Isles now."
"Bye bye, Dr. Isles." Jeanne waved farewell as hazel-green orbs watched the detective and child leave her office. Still a little bit stunned, Maura got startled when another knock sounded and tech Patty reminded her of the ETA. Then the chief medical examiner was back on her feet with a few minutes to spare to change to her scrubs.
Alongside the hallway, Reyes and Rizzoli peered behind a corner as the blonde ME left her office after a tech showed up. "I guess it worked." Little Jeanne picked on the hem of her hoodie.
"Yeah, I was listening just outside the door." Baby browns snapped at the adult. "Well, pardon me. I had to find you before Mr. Alfred files for missing child's report and an amber alert." Bi-tone irises countered back with a glare. "Where's the pup?"
"I had to use it for decoy." The rookie contemplated before following up with another inquiry.
"Glasses too?"
"Argh. Left it in there." They both looked at the closed door of the chief medical examiner's office. "Do you mind getting it later? I don't think breaking into her office at this moment is a good idea."
"Yeah I prefer not to be charged by breaking and entering nonetheless in the police station." Having an agreement, they rounded the corner. "I'll get it the old fashion way–" The jest was cut off when someone collided with the young detective and a few papers dropped on top of the little girl's head. "Sorry!" Reyes immediately offered a hand to steady the startled individual.
"Ow…" Jane rubbed the top of her head. She felt the tip of the folder before paper rained on her. Bending over, the child gathered the files on instinct. Toxicology results slipped from the folder as she picked the documents. "Here, Mr…" A little bit taken aback when bloodshot eyes met hers, Jane felt uneasy.
"Thank you." And the man walked away.
"You okay?" Shrugging off the awkward feeling, the older law enforcer continued to the elevator doors. "Yeah, I know. He looked like he needed sleep." Alec didn't miss the interaction. "That's that tech who received that 'disappearing body in the bag' from the amusement park."
"Ah cannot blame the dude. Definitely lose sleep dealing with that. Maura probably lit his ass too." Remembering how an upset Dr. Isles can be, Jane pressed the button for their lift.
"Yeah, there was a thorough investigation and review after that. His alibi checked out though so he got cleared." If only it was that easy for everybody.
When they got to the cafeteria, the group of children were gone and they were met by a waiting Hopkins. The child protective services lady informed them that the bus transport had left but she'll take over and bring the little girl back to the orphanage.
"I do believe this is yours." Jane nodded as the silver blue stuffed dog was handed to her. Reyes also discreetly handed the mobile device to Hopkins. "And a lunch box. I heard someone missed lunch due to a bad case of–"
"Alright alright." She stomped towards the exit doors. Detective Rizzoli nodded to the rookie before she and Hopkins left the precinct.
Buckled in at the backseat and belly full, baby browns glanced at the dashboard clock. She looked out the window as the car made another turn. "This is not the way to the orphanage."
"You are correct." Was the only response. Few more minutes of driving, they entered a parking garage. The detective was not surprised when the car parked at an empty lot level. "Please be patient, they will be here shortly." Patient she can be, Jane fidgetted. Hopkins was about to ask for the bouncing knee to stop when a sound of a motorcycle engine echoed from the ramps. Seconds after, the familiar dark blue bike came to view and Detective Reyes pulled beside the parked vehicle. The female biker stayed with her transport though.
"Where's that lollipop…" Grabbing her lunch pack, the impatient law enforcer found the candy from Nina earlier. Might as well keep herself busy while they wait for whomever Hopkins pertained to 'they' although Detective Rizzoli had an educated guess who else is coming. Soon enough, her presumption was right when a car drove up from the other side of the lot. She recognized the unmarked vehicle as Lieutenant Martinez parked near them. "Oh yay, we having a picnic party?"
"If you want to call it that, detective." Before a snide comment could form on the sarcastic mouth of the little girl, another vehicle rounded the lot. It was also unmarked but a van. "Please follow me." Hopkins exited their car leaving no room for questions. Doing as told, Jane unbuckled herself and stepped out of the vehicle. Reyes fell in step with the senior female detective then Martinez joined them. Gesturing to the back doors of the parked utility van, Hopkins gave them instructions to go in.
"Lady, aren't child protective services supposed to teach kids not to get in strange people's vehicles?" And the sarcasm was back. Detective Rizzoli didn't bulge from her spot. Wherever this was leading, once they board that van, none of them will be able to tell where they're heading. There were no visible windows. She didn't even bother checking her mobile device for reception. The rookie confirmed it as Alec glanced over her no reception smartwatch.
"You are correct." The nonchalant answer unnerved the three law enforcers. "That is why Robocop is offering to meet you in person."
"Can we have a second?" Receiving a nod, Detective Rizzoli beckoned the other two officers. They huddled together. "I'm going." Looking at the lieutenant, she recognized the undeterred expression Rafael sported on their drug bust operations before. They exchanged a mutual nod before turning to the rookie. "You don't have to go, Reyes."
"However this goes down, you are not responsible." Martinez added but bi-tone irises just stared back with indignation. "Don't be stubborn like your senior officer here." The little girl rolled her eyes at the finger pointing although did not object to the comment.
"We do not leave our comrades behind." Alec stated calmly. She fixed the duo with a firm gaze before nodding to the unmarked vehicle. "And I don't like when someone threatens the person I love."
"Are you sure you two are not related?" Rafael just chuckled when the two women shot him equally annoyed glares. "Let's go then." With that, they sauntered to where Hopkins stood and the lady opened the back door of the van. "Ladies first." Jane tried to jump up the step but ended up dangling from the edge of the van's ledge.
"A little help here!" Relenting with amusement, Reyes helped the child up the vehicle.
"Go get a seat, shorty."
"May I remind you I am taller than you in my adult days."
Hopping in without a word, Rafael just shook his head. "Children." He chuckled.
"We heard you!"
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.To be continued.
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Dun dun dun! A small sneak peak of Maura and LIttle Jeanne! Now you know how Jane also came up with her name… kudos to the ones who can guess the last name.
Let me know about this chapter. Thanks for the reviews in advance.