Friendly Fire Chapter 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Rizzoli and Isles or Jane or Maura. I do however own...her.
Maura was not surprised that the doctor had decided to admit Jane. She had developed an infection from the injury she sustained in the car accident causing her to run a fever that had been getting worse. The abdominal breathing was Jane's way of subconsciously dealing with a cracked rib. Maura had figured it was high and had to have been causing Jane serious discomfort. The sun was beginning to come up and the darkened room was beginning to come alive with morning. Maura was exhausted, but she was also worried about Jane who had yet to wake up from when she fell asleep down in emergency.
"Dr. Isles?" Korsak had peeked his head into the room, motioning for Maura to join him in the hall. Maura was reluctant to leave Jane as she glanced at her sleeping form once more before slowly making her way out of the room.
"Is Detective Frost alright?" Maura was concerned for Jane's partner knowing Jane had wanted to check on him.
"He's going to be okay, but will be out of commission for a while." Korak looked beat and Maura felt for the older detective. She rubbed his arm and waited for him to continue. "I need to talk to you about Melinda McDaniels."
Maura held up a finger asking Korsak to give her a minute as she quietly opened the door to Jane's room. After feeling satisfied that Jane hadn't awaken, she closed the door once again turning her attention back to Korsak. "I don't know what I can tell you that you don't already know about her."
"Do you think she's involved with Jane's accident? Or even the shooting?" Korsak wondered if Maura would confide in him, especially with Jane in the hospital as well as Frost.
"I couldn't possibly answer that for sure." Maura was nervous and Korsak picked up on that immediately.
Vince took Maura by the arm and gently guided her over away from Jane's room where there was a little sitting area. He suggested she sit and when she did, he took a seat as well. "I need you to level with me. What is going on between you and Melinda McDaniels and her and Jane? I know I'm out of the loop sometimes, but I got two detectives in the hospital and another dead since she has arrived in town."
Maura rubbed her eyes, the fatigue beginning to settle in. "I don't know what to do, Vince."
Korsak could feel the frustration and fear that crept through Maura's voice as she spoke. "Talk to me."
"Melinda has threatened to hurt Jane if I chose not to see her anymore. I called Jane and asked her to come over the night before her accident. I don't think her being nearly killed the next morning was a coincidence." Maura didn't believe in coincidences. "She doesn't want me having anything to do with Jane."
Korsak blew out a long breath, it was apparent he wasn't liking what he was hearing. "Melinda McDaniels is a person of interest in the shooting last night as well as Jane's hit and run accident. The problem is her alibi is solid both times."
"I'm sorry I can't help more." Maura closed her eyes and spoke without opening them. "I fear she will hurt Jane again, especially after tonight."
"Jane had already looked into Melinda's background, but I did as well and she is on leave from the NYPD pending further investigation into a harassment charge filed against her." Korsak sighed again, slightly shaking his head. "She is still a detective as it stands right now and she has filed a complaint against Jane for unnecessary force."
"What will happen?" Maura's question showed the guilt she carried and Korsak knew he had to know more.
"Most likely suspension if not worse. Jane could lose her shield if not her career if it is proven she is harassing McDaniels." Korsak was matter of fact with Maura at first but then softened when his words seemed to attack her. "Is Jane off base here? Is she reacting out of jealousy?"
Maura's eyes widened at Korsak's question. "You know Jane, Sargent Korsak. She wouldn't do that. She is good at what she does, so good." Maura took a few steps away, turning as if to hide her expressions.
"If Melinda is involved, we will find it." Korsak had hoped to pull Maura's attention back to him.
"She is involved. I just don't know why she hates Jane so." Maura walked away then, refusing to stop for anybody as she entered Jane's room.
"Maura? Where'd you go?" Jane was slowing pulling herself from the bed.
"Just in the hall with Sargent Korsak. Should you be getting up?" Maura was quickly by Jane's side as it was evident in her facial expressions that she was still in quite a bit of pain.
"I know Melinda is involved with the shooting and I have to find out what her problem is with me...other than you." Jane stopped her movements to study Maura for a few seconds. "What Maura?"
"Korsak seems to think you will be suspended, maybe even fired for assaulting Melinda."
"Yeah, I screwed up." Jane was on her feet and forced a smile for Maura. "It'll all work out. I just have to prove her involvement. That's what I do."
Maura loved Jane's confidence, but still she worried. She walked toward the other side of the room away from Jane which caused an awkward silence.
"Maura, what is it?" Jane was confused, but she kept her distance from Maura as it was obvious she needed it.
"Jane, what if she isn't involved? What if you end up losing your career over this? What if she is angry and comes after you?" Maura shook her head, then rubbed her temples with her fingers.
"What if you just trusted me for once? I told you, Maura. I told you she would hurt you and look what she is doing." Jane decided to close the distance then, shocked at how Maura was suddenly nervous and anxious around her. "Don't let her do this, Maura. You said you trusted me."
Maura couldn't help but feel for Jane as she listened to her raw voice as it pleaded with her, but she also knew Melinda wouldn't just leave it alone. "You're right, Jane. I should've listened to you, and now it is up to me to make her stop this."
Jane grimaced as she reached out to stop Maura from walking past her out of the room. "Whoa, where are you going?"
"Jane, how about trusting me. It is my fault that you are here, that Frost is here and that your career may be on the line." Maura stared into Jane's eyes. "Let me handle this."
"No way. Look at you. Look at what she's done." Jane raised her hand towards Maura's face only to drop it when Maura flinched away. "Look what she's doing to you, Maura."
Maura took a few steps toward the door only to be stopped by Jane's voice, unusually weak and vulnerable.
"Why, Maur? Why would you date her in the first place? Why did you blow me off for her?"
Maura couldn't help but respond to Jane when she allowed her to see how she hurt. "You only dated men...and it was obvious you didn't feel for me like I...I enjoyed Melinda's company. She allowed me to be me."
Jane pulled her eyes away from Maura. Her words stung, but she couldn't argue with them. "I've dated women before, you've never asked. I didn't want to risk our friendship, so I never..." Jane was suddenly frustrated and turned her back to Maura to change out of her gown and into her shirt.
Korsak knocked on the door, poking his head in. "I've got a lead on a blue pontiac sedan seen leaving the scene last night. I've got to go." Korsak tried to ignore the thick atmosphere in the room as he eyed Jane. "Cavenaugh wants to see you as soon as you released."
Jane waited until Korsak was gone before addressing Maura again. "I would always allow you to be you. I know I get a little irritated but that's just because every minute counts in what I do and you can't rush what you do. I get that, Maura."
"Jane, it's really not as simple as that." Maura reached for the door only to be stopped once again by Jane.
"Do not go to her, Maura. She is angry, I'm sure and she will hurt you or threaten to hurt me. Let me handle this. Let Korsak handle this." Jane's voice wavered as she spoke. She waited as Maura held the door open. "Please, Maura. Please stay away from her."
"Stay away, Jane. Just stay away." Maura left without looking back leaving Jane alone in the hospital room. The last thing she wanted was Jane hurt again and she was already going to be suspended for attacking Melinda, this much Maura was sure of.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jane made it to the precinct before Korsak got back and she found herself relieved for that, despite desperately wanting to know if he found the car and or the driver from last night. She had noticed Maura's car outside and had to force herself from heading down to her office first. Maura said stay away, but what did she mean? From her? Or from Melinda?
"Rizzoli. Now!" Jane cringed at the harsh tone of her captain. Yeah, there was little doubt she was going down. She hurried in hoping to be able to plead her case before he too wouldn't hear her arguments. "Sit down."
"I'd rather stand, sir." Jane pleaded with her boss, her side still screaming at her and the extra movement would only serve to aggravate her injury.
"You need the time off anyway. You are hereby suspended without pay for the unlawful and unnecessary use of force against a fellow officer." Cavenaugh dared Jane to speak although his eyes wanted an explanation.
"She's involved, sir. I can't prove it just yet, but I will prove that she is involved in my accident, the shooting that injured Detective Frost and I still think she has some involvement in her brother's murder." Cavenaugh glared but didn't interrupt. "She's had a problem with me from the minute she arrived in town and we figure that out and I think everything will fall into our lap."
"I understand she is dating Dr. Isles? Could that be the problem she has with you?" Cavenaugh's tone shifted slightly with the questions. "Do you have a problem with that, Rizzoli?"
"She abusing her, sir."
"Has Dr. Isles reported the abuse? I mean, come on, Rizzoli. Dr. Isles is a smart woman, surely she would know the signs of abuse and report it." Cavenaugh worked to discredit Jane's theory.
"It's not about being smart enough. McDaniel's is threatening her by threatening to hurt me. And two incidents in two days. Come on, Cap, she's involved." Jane could feel her blood pressure rising.
"You are out of here for a week, suspended pending further investigation. Use the time to get healthy, you look like shit, Rizzoli." Cavenaugh dismissed Jane with a wave of his hand. "And stay away from McDaniel's. That is an order. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." Jane was pissed. Her temperature rising with her mood and she was careful not to slam her boss' door as she made her way out into the squad room. Korsak had just returned, shaking his head that the lead did not pan out. "She's involved, Korsak. Please, for Maura, find it."
Korsak watched as Jane made her way out of the squad room. He figured she had gotten the news and was heading home. He would know where to find her when he needed her. He hoped like hell he would find what Jane was so sure was there and need her.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Maura opened her office door to Melinda and silently took a step to the side. She forced deep breaths in an attempt to slow her heart rate as she closed the door behind Melinda. "Thanks for coming."
"I will always come when you call, Maura." Melinda looked rough and Maura tried hard not to make eye contact. "Maura, look at me."
Maura let her eyes take in the damage Jane had done to Melinda's face. "I need to talk to you. It's important."
"I'm sure this concerns Rizzoli. I have nothing to say. You saw her, Maura. You saw her attack me in your home for no reason." Melinda stared hard at Maura. "Actually, I'm sure there is a reason. She is extremely jealous of the relationship you and I share. She hates that I can touch you and she cannot."
Maura let out a long breath before taking a few steps further away from Melinda. "They are suspending her for her actions last night."
"That's too bad, but I told you before. Jane Rizzoli is careless. She brings her troubles on herself." Melinda took a few steps closer to Maura not surprised when Maura retreated once again. "Don't be afraid of me, Maura."
Maura was angry at herself, frustrated that the backbone she promised she'd have for Jane was suddenly non-existent in Melinda's presence. "Please, Melinda. Please drop the charges against Jane. She has worked so hard for her career and this will undoubtedly hurt her chances for any further advancement in the future."
"Maura, are you asking me to ignore what she did last night?" Melinda took her hands and let then glide down Maura's arms.
"No, not ignore. Just forgive and maybe help her out of this." Maura was careful not to tense up at Melinda's touch.
Melinda let her fingers trace the outline of Maura's lips. "Look at me, Maura. Look at what she has done to my face. I don't know if I can just forgive that."
"Please, Melinda. Please do this for me." Maura's voice was a little more than a whisper and she knew she would have to give. She only hoped that Melinda would drop the charges and Jane could get back to work and prove Melinda's involvement quickly. Her safety and her health really was a small price to pay for Jane. Jane's safety and her career.
"Kiss me, Maura. Kiss me and tell me you only want me. Tell me you have no desire for Rizzoli." Melinda kept her mouth only inches from Maura's. She waited until Maura recited the lines Melinda wanted to hear and then pulled Maura to her. The kiss was deep and passionate. Maura was careful to not alarm Melinda by the fact she was scared. Scared for her and scared for Jane. She would have to trust Melinda to drop the charges against Jane.
Maura opened her eyes to see Jane just outside the door to her office. The horrified look on Jane's face was more than enough to have Maura pull away from Melinda. The abrupt movement caused Melinda to turn and see Jane as she stormed off down the hall and away from them.
"She'll get over it." Melinda kissed Maura again. "See you tonight, Love?"
Maura only nodded before taking a seat behind her desk. She watched as Melinda winked at her before making her way out of the office. How she hoped Jane had left the building and there would be no confrontation. How she hoped Melinda would keep her word and drop the charges against Jane. How she hoped Jane would find a way to forgive her for the hurt she saw in Jane's eyes was more than enough to cause her own heart to bleed.