Friendly Fire Chapter 2
I do not own Rizzoli and Isles nor do I own the characters. Wish I did though...
Jane watched as Maura stood and backed away from Jeff's body. She knew better than to ask Maura what she thought. Jane knew Maura was always so reluctant to give any statements until she had the chance to perform a full autopsy. She could tell by watching Maura that she knew how important every little detail would be in this particular case.
Jeff McDaniels and Jane Rizzoli were not friends. It was common knowledge that the detectives had a very respectful hatred toward one another, but it was also known the high level of respect that was shared. Jane was known to trash Jeff as a man, but couldn't help but admire his ability to recognize even the smallest details that were vital to any case. Jeff constantly challenged and doubted Jane's place as a fellow Boston homicide detective but was quick to congratulate when she was successful at anything. They loved to hate each other and it was known, understood and accepted amongst their colleagues and superiors.
Maura lightly touched Jane's arm to pull her from the trance she seemed to have fallen into as she watched Jeff being covered. A quick glance toward Maura led Jane to then see Frost entering with Jeff's wife. It had been a few years since Jane had seen Mrs. McDaniels and Jane wasn't surprised at the distraught look that covered her face. Jane often wondered how she could love an arrogant ass like Jeff, but it was obvious she did. Never more obvious than now as the tears flowed freely as she approached her husband's body. Jane watched as Jeff's partner blocked her from touching him; he was part of a crime scene and the potential to contaminate or destroy any evidence was in the forefront of every detective's mind.
"Cindy." Jane lowered her voice as she replaced Jeff's partner. "I know you want to see him, but it's better that you don't."
"Jane?" Cindy McDaniels could only cry and shake her head. "What happened?"
"We're not sure yet, but you know we will find out. Every cop in Boston will be on this." Jane watched as Cindy processed Jane's words. Jane lowered herself to the floor along with Cindy.
"Please, Jane. Please let me see him."
Jane glanced up at Maura who slowly knelt down again alongside Jeff. She pulled the sheet back just enough to remove any doubt in Cindy's mind that the form on her living room floor was indeed that of her husband. The sounds Jane heard from Cindy only made Jane thankful she hadn't ever married. Police officers are at risk everyday and their spouses and loved ones know this. It's easier to worry and hope that to accept and Jane held Cindy while she was forced to accept that her husband was gone.
"Is Ryan going to investigate? He'll find out who did this. He won't quit until he does." Cindy worked to compose herself knowing her husband's partner was one of the best Boston had to offer.
"He'll be removed from investigating. He's too close to Jeff." Jane knew Cindy would understand this, maybe not immediately, but in time.
"What about you, Jane? I know Jeff gave you a hard time, but he liked you. Said you were good at what you did."
"I'll help in any way I can, you know that." Jane helped Cindy to stand. "Let's get out of here. They need to get Jeff out of here."
Maura waited until Jane had taken Cindy out of the house before officially pronouncing and releasing the body for transport. She hated this part of her job the most; watching the surviving loved ones mourn. Despite the overwhelming sadness, Maura liked catching Jane in such a compassionate state. She was tough and strong, stubborn as the day was long when she believed she was right. Unforgiving and unrelenting when necessary, but also so very compassionate when the situation called for just that. Tonight, Cindy McDaniel needed someone to hold her up and Jane stepped up to the plate. Maura watched for a few seconds as Jane intently talked to Cindy before pulling her into a tight hug. Maura smiled just a slight smile as she could almost hear Jane's voice as she attempted to comfort the grieving widow of a fellow officer. Jane Rizzoli was a damn tough Boston homicide detective but she was still a woman and Maura easily recognized how layered her friend really was. She liked that about Jane.
It was when Jane had returned to the precinct that she was informed that her and Frost would run lead on the Jeff McDaniel murder. Jane wanted to refuse, but knew she was assigned for a reason. There was no doubt she would be as professional as necessary in finding the answers they needed. This was one of their own and despite the fact that every cop in Boston wanted answers, she would be under a microscope until she provided them. Jane had worked through the night and exhaustion was now the enemy as she accepted her direct order from her captain to go home and get some rest. She stopped by the morgue hoping to at least say goodbye to Maura, but was reluctant to enter and disturb her. Jane was always so impressed by the thorough manner in which Maura worked. She respected Maura way more than she ever shared and was suddenly feeling guilty for that. She watched her from the other side of the window, giving a small wave when Maura looked up. Maura smiled despite her own exhaustion and that alone was enough to calm Jane's nerves enough to head home. She hoped Maura would head home herself sooner than later.
Jane only slept for a few hours before meeting up with Frost. The first forty-eight hours were critical to any murder investigation and Jane didn't want to waste too much time sleeping. They talked to numerous people as they traced Jeff's steps over the last few weeks. Jane was careful to listen carefully to anyone that wanted to discuss Jeff; attention to detail was crucial. Jane found herself wondering throughout the day if Jeff would have been assigned her case if she had been the victim. She brushed off her own thoughts as she silently promised Jeff she would prove she belonged; proved she was capable.
It was early evening when they returned to the precinct and Jane let herself fall into her desk chair. She held her head in her hands as she began to massage her temples. Preparations for Jeff's funeral were already underway and Jane wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. She picked up the file Maura had left for her with some findings from Jeff's autopsy. Jane took a deep breath, looking at her watch before opening the file.
"I'm looking for a Detective Jane Rizzoli." Jane looked up at the voice that instantly silenced the squad room. Frost was instantly on his feet as was Jane. The woman that approached Jane walked with a purpose and Jane was quick to get to her full height.
"I'm Rizzoli. And you are...?"
"Melinda McDaniels. Jeff's older sister." Jane was reluctant to take the hand offered to her. Melinda seemed angry and Jane was confused to Melinda's stance. She seemed angry and threatening and Jane was instantly confused.
Jane could feel the tight grip from Jeff's sister as she shook her hand. "What can I do for you?" Jane noticed the gun on Melinda's hip before glancing over to Frost who was quickly typing away at his computer.
"Let's just cut to the chase, Rizzoli." Melinda was not much taller than Jane but outweighed her by at least twenty pounds. Jane could see the family resemblance; she even sounded like her brother. "You got no business investigating my brother's murder."
Jane was not up to a pissing match but could sense that that was exactly what she was in for. "Okay, Melinda? Why don't you have a seat and we can discuss this."
"I know you hated my brother. How do I know you will even give a damn about solving his murder?" Melinda turned her body so that she invaded Jane's personal space.
"Please, have a seat." Jane was trying to be sympathetic without feeling threatened by Melinda's forward nature.
"I think you should recuse yourself from the case. Your personal relationship with my brother an obvious conflict. You're ability to remain partial and professional will obviously be compromised. Jeff deserves better than that...better than you." Melinda stared Jane down almost daring her to say what was obviously on her mind in retaliation.
Jane took a step back before addressing the accusations from Melinda. "Are you on the job, Melinda?"
The slight nod from Frost wasn't missed as Jane caught the motion in her peripheral vision.
"Fourteen years, NYC." Melinda then took a seat in the chair next to Jane's desk. "Is that the M.E.'s report?"
Jane grabbed the report before Melinda could. "Then you know these results are confidential. Pertinent to our investigation."
"I'm here to help. I want to find my brother's killer and fast so my family can have some closure. Is that such a crime, Rizzoli?" Melinda's tone had changed slightly forcing Jane to remember that she was grieving the loss of her brother.
"You also know that you are too close to be of any assistance in this capacity. Now, if you want to tell me anything about Jeff that may help with the case, that would be helpful." Jane took a seat as well, realizing Melinda was beginning to relax.
"I plan on investigating on my own. I plan on following up on you to make sure you're doing your job, Rizzoli. I intend to solve my brother's murder quickly; my family's well-being counts on that." Melinda glared at Jane as she spoke.
"I assure you I will do everything in my power to solve this and help your family get closure." Jane blew out a long breath. "It's true, Jeff and I went round and round on just about everything, but I will in no way tank this investigation to spite him."
The two women locked eyes, neither saying a word. Jane stood her ground, taking in account the emotional state of Melinda. "Okay, Rizzoli. I will be around, just know that."
Jane glanced up as Maura entered the squad room. She watched as Korsak was quick to pull her aside, engaging her in conversation immediately. "Melinda, I think you should be with your family and let me do my job."
Melinda followed Jane's eyes and saw where they landed. "Problems, Detective? Hopefully she doesn't interfere with your investigation."
"What? No!" Jane caught on to what Melinda was implying and suddenly found herself angry. "That's our M.E and I'm anxious to talk with her." Jane tapped the file that Maura had left and that she had yet to even open.
"I'd like to talk to her myself." The smile that followed Melinda's comment frustrated Jane.
"You are not to interfere with my investigation. I will have you arrested for obstruction." Jane raised her eyebrow to emphasize her threat.
Melinda offered Jane a crooked grin as she sauntered over to where Maura and Korsak were talking. Jane watched as Maura took Melinda's hand when it was offered. Maura was not likely to be rude and Jane knew this wishing for once she was.