To say that Jane was a bad patient would be an exaggeration. She hated to be seen as weak and having her hands being operated on, repaired, stitched and bound made her feel weak. Hoyt had made her feel weak. She was the Captain of the Joe Friday and she couldn't even pick up a damn glass to drink from.
She had been kept in the hospital on the base overnight. She wanted to go home. She hadn't been home in nine months. She wanted her bed and a beer. She wanted to go home and enjoy the luxuries that people like her afforded to everyone else. That thought made her proud. She had an important role in society and enjoyed the fact that not everyone could do what she did. She didn't begrudge people that; people's smiles and laughter and their happiness inspired her. It gave her purpose. It kept her company on those long and lonely nights; there were lots of those.
She assessed her situation. Her head seemed clear; the anaesthetic and morphine apparently almost out of her system. She placed her feet on the floor and padded to the bathroom. She knew the drill; toilet, food, walk, home! She struggled a bit, but her determination to go home was greater.
As she sat back on the bed a nurse appeared with a sandwich, as if on cue.
"Captain Rizzoli, how are you feeling? Have you been for a walk? Passed urine? How about something to eat?"
"Nurse Slater, nice to see you again. I am feeling perfectly lucid. I have been for a walk to the bathroom and yes passed urine. Something to eat sounds fine. Uh, so I was pretty out of it before. What did they have to do?"
Jane raised her hands, the full question unspoken.
"There was some damage to the nerves and bone, but they were able to repair it. You will have a scar but you should fully heal in time. You will need to come in a week for the stitches to be removed, but as long as you rest, you should be fine."
"Thank you nurse Slater. Can I go home?"
"Once you have eaten your sandwich you should be able to go home. I'll come back and check on you in an hour, but you should be free to go Captain. Shall I call someone for you?"
"Yes, call Reid." Jane winced, as the memories came flooding back. She thought for a moment; she would need a new Vice-Captain, but who?
"Can you please call Barry Frost for me? He will not be expecting your call but explain that I have asked for him."
As Slater left Jane picked up the sandwich and slowly chewed. She really did not want to eat, but she knew the nurses; they would not let her leave unless she did. People prided themselves on being sticklers for the rules, and Nurse Slater was no exception. After eating her sandwich, she dressed herself and waited for the young nurse to return.
Nurse Slater was back within the hour. She took Jane's blood pressure, oxygen levels and checked her temperature; signing the papers in front of her.
"You are free to go, Captain. Shall I send Frost in?"
"Yes. Please. Thank you for looking after me."
Jane hadn't done it on purpose, but the combination of the days' events, the drugs and her tiredness caused her gravelly voice to sound more husky than usual. She looked the young, attractive nurse straight in the eyes and gave a lopsided grin. The nurse blushed, her skin visibly colouring, she cleared her throat as if to bring her back down to Earth.
"Uh, it was my pleasure, Captain. You know if you need a hand with changing your bandages or anything, please don't hesitate to give me a call. I would be more than happy to help."
"Thank you, Katherine. If I need anything, I'll be sure to come find you." She was definitely feeling more lucid; but the morphine had lowered her resolve. She had flirted with the nurse because she could. She was no better than Hoyt; a cat toying with a mouse because it wanted to.
She watched the young nurse exit the room, a noticeable sway now more prevalent in her hips. She smiled, perhaps she had been a bit harsh on herself; the young nurse obviously hadn't minded at all. Good to see you've still got it Rizzoli.
Jane heard a knock at the door.
"Are you ok, Captain? I heard what happened. I'm so sorry. Reid was a good man."
"Yes he was. I'm fine Frost. I wanted to talk to you about an opening on my staff. Reid was an impressive Vice-Captain. With his death I have an opening. I would like you as my Vice-Captain."
"Me?"
"Yes, Frost. You. Do you not want the job?"
"Yes, yes, of course. Why me Captain? What about Korsak? Surely he is your next in line?"
Jane's mind flashed to being pinned on the floor and the look of concern on his face. Jane's answer was abrupt and authoritative
"I am the Captain of the Joe Friday, Frost! I alone will decide who I want as my Vice-Captain and I would like you for that role. Am I mistaken in choosing you? Are you un-suitable for the role?"
She felt bad taking it out on Frost. He was a good man.
"No Captain. I would be honoured, thank you."
"Good. Take me home, Frost."
"Yes Captain."
As Jane lowered herself from the bed she could have sworn she saw an angel; an angel with honey blonde hair dressed in a lab coat walking through the hospital corridors. A vision of beauty and grace. Maybe the morphine hadn't quite worn off; no one was that beautiful.
"Were you at the Dirty Robber when Slater called you?"
"Yes Captain. I'm off duty; I wasn't expecting a call from you."
"Frost, it's ok. I was just asking. I drink there too you know, in fact I wanted a beer, but I think I should go straight home. Maybe another night?"
"Sure Captain, I'd like that."
As Frost took Jane home he thought about the mystery that was Captain Jane Rizzoli. She was an enigma. She was strong, commanding, an incredible leader who was fierce in battle and protected her crew. She was brave and fearless. A mixture of strength and beauty.
Jane was single and unmarried. She had many a potential suitor but focused on her work; putting the needs of her crew ahead of her own. She was a formidable woman, her long raven hair and Italian brooding looks made her a sight to behold as well as to be reckoned with.
Frost was thrilled that Jane had chosen him above Korsak. The Joe Friday was an incredible ship and Jane's team was highly sought after. Frost had worked under her for two years and respected her a great deal; being Jane's Vice-Captain was an honour and one he would fulfil with pride.
"We're here Captain."
"Thank you, Frost. Not just for bringing me home. I know you will make a fine Vice-Captain. I'll maybe see you at the Robber."
"Of course, Captain. I'm sure I'll be there every night until we're drafted again. Do you need anything before I go?"
"No, thank you Frost. I have everything I need."
She waited for the man to go before struggling with her key in the lock, eventually opening the door to her home.
"Lights on."
She missed home. It wasn't much, but it was hers. She went to the fridge and opened it. God she loved her Ma. She had told her that she was due home and Angela had stocked her fridge with food and beer.
"Thanks Ma."
Jane decided that alcohol was a really poor idea and instead grabbed a can of coke and headed to bed; she figured she could work a ring-pull.
As she got herself ready for bed she thought back on the last few days; her eyes filled with tears. She was still alive, he could have killed her but he didn't. She knew Hoyt was out there somewhere; she knew she would see him again.
She looked down at her hands; they would remind her to do better, that she had people to protect; people she was responsible for.
As she undressed and settled herself in bed she told herself that tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow she would be Captain Jane Rizzoli again. Tomorrow she would choose her crew for the next mission; realising she was light a doctor. Tomorrow she would prepare and think about something other than the sorrow she felt right now.