The show had ended, and everyone was leaving the drag show. The last to leave were two women, walking into the deserted streets. One woman had honey blonde hair, and was holding up the other woman. She had short black hair and could not walk straight.
"Who would've thought that you'd be the one to help me when I've drunk too much? Where are my friends?" The black hair woman asked.
"They all left right after the show. No one knew you disappeared into the bathroom."
"You're so sweet. I can't believe I ever hated you."
The short hair woman wrapped her arms around the blonde. The blonde tried to push her away as they reached the alley way. The short hair woman tripped and pushed the blonde against the wall. The force caused the blonde to hit her head hard against it. The short hair woman leaned her lips towards the blonde's neck.
She blonde fuzzy head tried to push she short hair woman away, but was unsuccessful. The short hair woman grabbed her hands placing them above her head. Holding them with one hand, she used her other hand to punch the blonde in the stomach. The blonde yelled out from the pain, which caused the short hair woman to punch her across the face. She let go of the blonde allowing her to fall to the ground.
She jerked the jean jacket the blonde was wearing off. Straddling the blonde the dark hair woman continued to punch the blonde in the face. The short hair woman stood up and began kicking the blonde in the stomach. The blonde tried rolling the other way and was kicked in the back. When the short hair woman felt satisfied she placed herself between the blonde's legs kicking her as hard as she could. The blonde yelled out in pain.
"Hey!" the doorman of the club yelled seeing the two women.
The short hair woman turned looking at the man, before running down the alley. He ran after the woman leaving the alley way. As he exited a woman with long brunette hair saw them running. She picked up her pace to get to the alley they exited.
"Oh my god!" The brunette ran to the blonde on the ground.
The blonde was able to barely see the face of the woman through her swollen eyes. She attempted to smile but it made her entire face hurt. The brunette grabbed for her phone dialing 911. The blonde managed to reach for the brunette's other hand to get her attention and began moving her fingers. The brunette stopped paying attention to dispatch and focused on her hands, whispering the letters being formed by them.
"G-E-T-J-A-N-E-R-I-Z-Z-O-L-I."
Gun shot was heard not far from the women. The brunette covered the blonde at the sound. Afraid the sound would get closer. The blonde began coughing uncontrollably. She felt things start to get really fuzzy. She was about to black out and had a feeling she may not wake up. She moved her fingers again.
The brunette watched her fingers, and tears were falling freely. She was shaking her head. "No you're not saying your goodbyes. I'm not gonna tell her, you can tell her yourself."
The blonde held up her hand, pulling her middle and ring finger down, leaving the other three extended.
"Rizzoli," Jane groggily said into her phone.
"Jane, its Frost. We need you at the crime scene."
"Frost. What? I'm not cleared for field work yet. I've got about a week left."
"Is that Rizzoli, give that to me," a voice said behind Frost. "Rizzoli you get your ass down here. You can't have your gun back. But we need your help on this one. You're to be with Frost and Korsak at all times when not in the precinct."
"Only if I'm lead on this investigation," Jane negotiated.
"Done. Now get your ass down here. The media is having a field day."
"Jane?" Frost asked when the phone was thrown back at him.
"Yea I'm still here. Where is the crime scene?"
"Maura didn't tell you?"
Jane looked next to her seeing the spot empty. "No, she doesn't like to wake me up. I generally find a note when I get up. She feels bad because I can't help yet."
"Ok it's at a cabaret bar, Jacques. Corner of Broadway and Melrose Street."
"Ok thanks. I'll be there as soon as I can." Jane hung up the phone and got out of bed to try and find her girlfriend.
She didn't have to look hard, when she reached the hallway she heard the shower going. Jane was shaking her head. Maura always had to look her best. She walked past the bathroom to the kitchen to make some coffee. She knew it was going to be a long night. She then entered the bathroom to get ready. When she was brushing her teeth Maura exited the shower.
"What are you doing up?" Maura asked taking the towel Jane was offering her.
"I've been called on a case. I'm assuming it's the same one you're going to."
"Melrose and Broadway?" Maura asked drying off.
Jane finished brushing her teeth. "Yep," Jane reached for Maura giving her a chaste kiss.
"But you're still on desk duty," Maura said matter-of-factly.
"I am. They need me for some reason. I'll have to have Frost and Korsak with me whenever I'm not in the precinct. But I'm lead."
"Well I'm happy for you Jane. I know how much you love doing desk duty," Maura said sarcastically.
"Ha-ha. I think I'm rubbing off on you."
"I guess you are a little. Let's go get dressed. Are you coming with me?" Maura asked at the door.
"I'm right behind you."
"Rizzoli, victor eight two five," Jane said to the officer on the other side of the yellow tape. She walked over to Frost.
"Tim Johnson, twenty-eight. Gunshot to the stomach, EMT's were too late," Frost answered.
Maura went to the body and began her assessment.
"Ok if you already know the victim and cause why am I here? To find out who?" Jane asked the young detective.
"Sorta. We have a witness but she's in shock. We're not sure if he was the intended victim or not."
"What do you mean?"
"White, female mid-twenties, was severely beaten. She was last seen in Jacques. Tim here is the doorman."
"Where is her body?"
"Our witness called 911, and the other victim was taken to the hospital. It's not looking good."
"Ok, so I'm here to talk to the witness?"
"Yes. She keeps spelling your name."
"What?"
"Yes. She keeps spelling your name." Frost flipped opened his notepad. "Also dispatch confirms she whispered 'G-E-T-J-A-N-E-R-I-Z-Z-O-L-I.' Followed by 'No, you're not saying your goodbyes. I'm not gonna tell her, you'll can tell her yourself.'"
"Why would she spell 'get Jane Rizzoli'?"
"That's why you're here."
"Alright. Bring me to the witness."
Frost led the way to one of the ambulances where the witness was sitting. She had long brunette hair and blue eyes. She had a grey blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She was rocking back and forth whispering the letters.
Jane looked at Frost shaking her head. She didn't recognize the woman. Jane sat down next to the witness placing her hand on her back. Jane reached in her pocket pulling out her ID badge. She placed it in front of the woman's face. The witnessed reached up taking it in her hands staring at it. The woman then turned her attention to Jane. "I'm detective Jane Rizzoli," Jane said to the woman.
"J-A-N-E-R-I-Z-Z-O-L-I," the witness spelled again.
"That's me."
"She told me to get you," the woman finally spoke.
"Ok. Can you tell me who she is?"
"Angela Scavino."
Frost began scribbling on his notepad.
"And what is your name?"
"Jeri Coyan."
"Jeri, can you tell me what happened?"
"I don't know."
"Ok let's start with the beginning of the night. When did you first see Angela tonight?"
"We met around eight thirty. We met at Park Street then made our way this way. There was a group of us. We stopped at Rock Bottom for dinner and drinks then came to the show. When it ended we all left. Angela said to go ahead she'll meet me at the train, since we'd have to take the same one. I tried calling her but she didn't pick up. Then I made my way back here figuring I'd meet her on the way. When I reached the alley way looked like a man had her jean jacket. The door guy was chasing him. I came down the alley and found Angela…" Jeri started to cry.
Jane was rubbing Jeri's back to try and console her. "It's ok. Take your time."
"I called nine-one-one. That's when she told me to get you."
"Why did she spell my name?"
"She was signing. We took a semester together in college. There are a lot of signs we don't know, but we know the alphabet with our hands. So she spelled it. Followed by…" Tears were flowing freely from Jeri's eyes. "T-E-L-L-I-S-A-B-E-L-L-A," Jeri held up her hand mimicking what she saw her friend do. Putting the middle and ring fingers down, leaving the other three extended.
"What does that mean?"
"Tell Isabelle I love you," Frost answered for the witness. Jane just stared at her partner. "My mom would do that sign to me all the time when I was younger. It allowed us to tell each other we loved each other without me being made fun of."
Jane turned her attention back to Jeri,"Who is Isabella?"
"Isabella Tambini. Angela's fiancé. Oh my god. I have to tell her," Jeri was feeling her pockets looking for her phone.
"We'll let her know. Do you have her address?"
"Um yea," Jeri turned her attention behind her grabbing her bag. She rummaged through until she found her GPS. She looked through it looking for Angela's name and handed it to Jane. Jane handed it off to Frost to write down the information.
"We're going to have a police officer take you to the precinct. We'll need your information in case we have any other questions. Also you said you came with a group. We'll need their information as well."
Jeri nodded at Jane's request. "Get justice for my best friend."
Jane placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before standing. "Come on Frost. Get Korsak. I'm gonna go check on Maura real quick."
"Where are we going?" Frost asked.
Jane lowered her voice, "To see Isabella."
Jane walked through the alley to Maura who just finished her initial assessment. "So what do we got Maura?"
"He's been dead for about two hours. I'm not seeing any other signs of struggle or causes of death."
"The big gapping whole in his stomach is an indicator."
Maura looked at her girlfriend. "Jane yes he was shot. But the extent of the injury I'll know when I get back to the lab."
"Ok, you go back to the lab. I'll meet you back there. I'm off to see the fiancé."
"His?"
"No hers. He was not the intended victim. According to the witness he was chasing the culprit."
"Who was the intended victim?"
"Angela Scavino."
"Hmm that sounds familiar?"
"I don't know. She knew me. She told the witness to get me so maybe after I see her fiancé it'll make sense."
"Be careful. See you back at the lab," Maura gave Jane a quick hug.
The rest of the precinct knew by now of Maura's and Jane's relationship. They all had the same reaction as Frost and Korsak. Frankie included. He had corner Jane one day and asked if the rumors were true. She confided in him but threatened him to not tell their parents. He agreed especially after what she said at that Sunday dinner.
"I will see you in a bit."
"This is it," Frost said pulling up to the apartment building.
"She lives pretty close to the hospitals. What hospital did they take Angela to?" Jane asked from the back
"Beth Israel," Korsak answered.
"We may need to stop there," Jane pointed out exiting the vehicle.
"Why?" Frost asked.
"To know the extent of her injuries, see if she'll survive. This may turn into a double homicide. Let's go. Lead the way Frost."
He walked up to the door looking at the intercom, looking for the right number to call. While he was looking someone came out of the building. She had tear streaked cheeks and red nose. She held the door open for the detectives. They went inside walking to the elevators. Frost pressed the number 6 for the top floor.
"You know where you're going Frost?" asked Korsak.
"Yea the apartment number is 1622. Bottom floor was the 1100's. So logically 1600 is sixth floor."
"Way to use your brain Frost," Jane teased.
The elevator doors opened, showing three hallways. There were signs directing them where they needed to go. They went straight and went to the first door on the right. Jane knocked on the door. No answer. Jane repeated the process. It was now 2:30 in the morning and any normal person would be sleeping at this time. She was about to knock a third time when a voice came from the other side of the door. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, is this Isabella Tambini?" Jane asked through the door.
"Yes. And you are?"
"I'm Detective Jane Rizzoli. This is Detectives Vincent Korsak and Barry Frost." Jane responded. She held up her ID to the peep hole for the woman on the other side to see.
Jane heard the lock and the door open a few inches. The chain was still in place to keep the door from being completely opened. Jane saw the face of Isabella, brown eyes, and brunette hair tied up in a ponytail. "Can I see that again?"
Jane held up her ID again. "And theirs," Isabella asked.
Frost and Korsak did what was asked and showed their ID's through the crack in the door. "What can I do for you?"
"We have some news about your fiancé. Angela Scavino." Jane informed the woman.
She closed the door briefly to open it again, "Come in."
Isabella stepped away from the door allowing the detectives to come in. They entered into the kitchen of the apartment. "Can I get you anything?" Isabella asked to be polite, trying to keep her voice calm. She was clearly sleeping. She had on a pair of sleep pants and a sweatshirt.
"No thank you. We're fine. Why don't we sit down?"
Isabella nodded leading them to her living room. She took a seat on the couch. "You said you had news about Angela?"
"Yes. Angela has been assaulted," Jane informed her sitting next to the woman.
Tears immediately formed in Isabella's eyes. "Is she alright?"
"We don't know. She was taken to the hospital. Do you know anyone who might have a grudge against her?"
Isabella shook her head. "I don't know. Where is she?"
"She's at Beth Israel," Frost answered.
Isabella nodded acknowledging she heard him.
"Where were you tonight?" Korsak asked the fiancé.
"I've been here all night. This was Angela's girls' night, and I have to get up early for work."
"If tonight was girls' night then why weren't you there?" Frost asked.
"Do you even know what girls night is?"
"Uh yea. A night out without the boyfriends or husbands," Frost replied.
"Exactly. All of Angela's friends are straight. Since none of them are allowed to bring their love, Angela thought it only fair to go without hers. It's always the first Monday of the month, and I couldn't go if I wanted to."
"Why is that?" Korsak intervened.
"High school teacher, I teach science," she pointed out to the detectives. "Hence the early schedule. And no night out during the week. Can I go see Angela?"
"We just have a few more questions," Frost replied.
Jane was looking around the apartment when a picture caught her eye. It was Isabella at the theater, with what looked like Angela on her knee.
"When was that picture taken?" Jane interrupted.
"The night Angela proposed," Isabella answered.
"You saw your favorite play and the cast acted out the proposal?"
"Yea, Did you see the news cast?"
"Is Angela a nurse?"
"Yes."
"At Beth Israel?"
"Yes she works nights."
"In ICU?"
"Yes. Do you know Angela?"
Jane figured out how the victim knew her. She was her nurse a few months ago when she shot herself. Jane opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Frost. "Does Angela own any guns?"
"Yea three, her father gave them to her, a twenty, nine and forty."
"Twenty-five, nine, and forty-five," Frost said as he wrote down the calibers. "Did she bring one with her?"
"Yea, the second one, she always did to try an ease my mind. Was someone shot?"
Jane took Isabella's hand in hers. "Yes the doorman of Jacques. He was shot. According to the witness he was chasing Angela's attacker."
"Is he ok?"
Jane shook her head. Isabella let go of Jane's hands and covered her face. "Who would do such a thing?"
"That's what we are here to figure out," Jane said trying to console her.
"The witness said the attacker had her jean jacket. Any reason why?" Frost asked.
Isabella removed her hands from her face. She used her left hand and pretended to open a jacket, placing her right one right underneath it. "Phone," she said out loud. She repeated the process on the other side, "Wallet." She patted the left side of her stomach, "Keys." Then the right side of her stomach, "Gun." She patted the left breast, "Camera." She repeated the process on the left, "Chap stick."
"I don't get it," Korsak confessed.
"She kept everything in that jacket. Her cell phone, wallet, camera, Chap Stick, keys and gun. Oh my god," Isabella's eyes went wide. "Whoever stole the jacket has Angela's gun and the keys to our apartment."
"Do you have someone you can stay with until we catch this guy?"
"Uh yea my parents, but I'm not going there. I'm going to the hospital. Are we done here?"
"Let us come with you," Jane offered.
"I'd appreciate that. It's only about a block. Thank you. Just give me a minute."
Isabella disappeared to the bedroom and returned in a few minutes. She had her bag in hand ready to go. They exited the building in silence, once outside Jane told Korsak and Frost to meet them at the hospital with the car. She gave them both a stern look to not argue and walked Isabella to the hospital.
"So you didn't answer my question. You know Angela?" Isabella asked again.
"Yes. She saved my life a few months ago, when I was shot on the job."
"You're the detective that had the doctor with you?"
"Yes. She talked about me?"
"Nothing specific, because of HIPPA. But she did mention when the doctor had gotten upset for checking your skin," Isabella laughed.
"Yea. Maura can get jealous. So how long have you and Angela been together?"
"Six years. We've known each other for seven."
"Took her six years to pop the question?"
"She's a thinker. She doesn't do anything without thinking it through. According to Jeri she'd been thinking of proposing for years, but couldn't figure out how. Then when Wicked came back around it was her sign."
"Wicked? That's your favorite play?"
"Yes. It was also our first date. It kind of happened on a fluke. She had plans to see it through the school with her best friend Jeri. But for some reason Jeri backed out and Angela asked me. We were friends at the time and I wasn't sure if I liked girls. Well that night everything changed and we've been together ever since."
The women reached the hospital and walked up to the main desk. "Angela Scavino," Isabella said to the woman sitting behind it.
"SICU room 4. Do you need help finding it?"
"No I know where it is," Isabella said walking to the elevators.
"Are you Angela's advance directive?" Jane asked Isabella as they entered the elevator.
"Yes. When Angela proposed we did the paperwork the next day."
"Do I have your permission to have a copy of Angela's injuries?"
Isabella nodded as tears started to form again. The doors opened and Isabella led the way. She pushed the button of the call box to get into ICU. "Can I help you?"
"It's Iz," Isabella said into the box.
The doors opened and Isabella made a beeline for room four. Jane followed and was heartbroken seeing the sight in front of her. Angela's face was so swollen it was unrecognizable. There was a blue tube coming out of her throat. IV bags hung around her, and a bag was at the foot of the bed. Jane couldn't tell what tubes were going into Angela and what was coming out. Isabella was leaning over the bed talking into Angela's ear, while holding her hand. One of the doctors passed Jane and went into the nurse's room. Jane followed the man.
"Detective Jane Rizzoli, can I have a copy of Angela's injuries?"
The doctor turned to Isabella. "Give me the form to sign. I'm Angela's advanced directive."
He turned around and walked back out. He talked to one of the nurses. She came in with a clipboard with a sheet for Isabella to fill out. Once finished she walked back out and began making copies. She then walked back in with the paperwork in an envelope for Jane. "May I see an ID?" the nurse asked.
Jane pulled out her ID for the nurse to see before handing the envelope to her. "Thanks Maria," Isabella said to the nurse as she left. "Is there anything else detective?"
"No. Just thank you for all your help. And I promise you we will get the person who did this," Jane turned and left to get a ride back to the precinct. She didn't know how to tell Maura the bad news.