A/N: I promised you this update quickly and here you go! It's going to get wild from here...well wilder...the whole story has been pretty wild already right? LOL! Hope you enjoy roller coaster rides because that's what this story is about to become. Ideas are welcome. Shout out to my beta Mrj726; you freaking rock girl! And with all that being said...here we go!
The Plan. Part Two.
Jane
"SHIT, get down!" I exclaimed.
James' eyes followed my gaze and noticed Maura approaching her car with Detective Korsak in tow and we both ducked down at the same time. I had parked three cars behind Maura's Mercedes. Maura was already inside the building when James and I arrived this morning but now she wasn't more than fifty feet away from us. My heart raced. Adrenaline surged through me. James was wide-eyed and looked frantic. He had a tall, large body but he managed to stuff himself into a ball between the dashboard and his seat. It was almost comical.
I chanced a glimpse over the steering wheel. Maura was standing right by the driver's side door of her Mercedes dialing a number on her cell phone and Detective Korsak was smoking a cigarette next to the passenger side door. Dread filled my heart. One false move and we would surely be caught. I ducked back down and wished they would just get in the car and drive away so we could follow them. I put a finger over my lips to signal to James to be quiet. He nodded his head in understanding and curled his body into an even tighter ball. His face was pale and sweaty and his normally perfect black hair was wild and unkempt making him look even more hysterical. I figured I didn't look much better, I could feel my heart straining in my chest and my hands shaking from the adrenaline poisoning my system. Why did I have to park so close to Maura's car? I started to peek over the steering wheel again when my cell phone rang.
"SHIT!" I swore in a hushed whisper.
James looked at me in a furious panic.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" he hissed at me.
"Why is your cell phone ringer so LOUD? Are you deaf or something? They're going to hear us! I can't believe this! You're supposed to turn your phone to vibrate when you're spying on people miss 'I graduated at the top of my class at the Police Academy!' You're the worst detective EVER!" James fumed through clenched teeth.
"Just help me find the fucking phone will ya!" I whispered as I tore through the front of the car trying to find my phone.
James cursed again and started to help me look. We scrambled through the car so wildly we bumped heads several times swearing and spitting insults at each other in clipped whispers. I finally found the phone between the seat and the center console. I snatched it up and answered it before I even stopped to see who was calling.
"HELLO…HELLO!" I said in a hushed whisper breathless from searching the car.
My voice sounded as panicked as I felt.
"Jane?" Maura's voice sounded curiously on the line.
So much adrenaline ran through me I thought I was going to pass out or throw up.
"M-Maura?" I squeaked.
I wanted to kick myself for sounding so freaked out but I couldn't help it. I tried desperately to calm my voice and steady my nerves. It was hard to do since I was crammed between the seat and the dashboard randomly bumping my head against the steering wheel. James looked like he wanted to spontaneously combust. I heard him squeak too when I said Maura's name on the phone. Between the two of us we were pouring enough sweat to float the Titanic.
"Honey is everything ok? You sound strange." Maura asked me.
Maura's own voice sounded nervous and concerned. I swore in my head and bit my knuckle to hold in my panic. Of course Maura could pick up on my hysteria. I took several deep breaths as I worked out what lie to tell in my mind.
"Yeah…I'm good. James and I are just…working!" I said honestly.
It wasn't a lie. We were technically working. I just left out a few specific details. It wasn't like Maura was any stranger to doing that herself.
"Ok love. I'm going to be home later to take you to dinner. I know James' family will be here tomorrow and I want to have some alone time with you before the house is over-run with company. I have some very exciting news to tell you and I don't want you to be mad at me anymore," Maura said sweetly.
My heart melted and guilt gripped me. Even now, when she was planning on risking her life to solve my family's case, Maura was still worried about me being angry with her because of yesterday's fight. Her selfless love overwhelmed me. My heart beat for her. I wanted to hold her and hug her and tell her I loved her no matter what. I wanted to beg her not to go on with the crazy undercover work, I wanted to make love to her and keep her safe in my arms. I wanted so many things; but I didn't want what was happening in that moment.
"I'm not mad at you at all, Maura. I love you and I'm so sorry about the way I acted yesterday. I just want you to be safe and come home to me," I sighed.
"You're such a sweetheart, Jane. I love you too and I'll be home later. Wear something pretty and I'll take you anywhere you want to go!" Maura sounded excited.
I couldn't stop myself from smiling when I imagined the way her eyes must be sparkling and her lips grinning. I wished her lips were against mine and the smell of her shampoo was filling my nose instead of the scents of James' aftershave and the musty smell of the old rental car. I peeked my head over the steering wheel and grinned when I caught a glimpse of Maura's beautiful smile before she slid into her car. She was wearing a pretty white sun dress I bought for her, with the bank card she gave me, and a pair of heels I think she realized were my favorite. Heat rose in my body but it had nothing to do with the outside temperature. I'd keep Maura alive if for no other reason than to see her walk in those heels. I bit my lip and ducked back down in the car. James still looked frightened to death. I patted the top of his head to reassure him there was no reason to vomit all over the seat the way he appeared to want to do.
"Where are you going right now?" I asked
I heard Maura sigh softly. She sounded tired and if I didn't know better a bit guilty also.
"I have some errands for work. I'll try to be home before seven." She said.
I felt my face fall and my shoulders sag. What kind of errands was she talking about? Where was she going with that old detective? I grew worried all over again.
"Please be careful, Maura." I blurted out before I could stop myself.
"I will honey," Maura assured me confidently.
I heard her car engine start.
"I'll see you later sweetheart, I have to go. I love you little princess!" she said sweetly.
I blushed and grinned.
"I love you more little angel!" I gushed.
"Kisses," she said, and the line went dead.
"Little Princess and Little Angel," James chuckled. "That's so precious!"
I flashed a scowl at him.
"Should we follow her?" I asked.
James nodded his head.
"Stay three cars behind her at all times. Don't get directly behind her at a stop sign or stop light." James said as we pulled ourselves up into our seats and buckled our seat belts.
"James I'm trained to be a cop remember? It's been a long while but I got this!" I said somewhat despondently.
"Fine detective! Just waiting on you."
...
Maura
"You look really happy Doc!" Detective Korsak said from the passenger seat.
I smiled to myself. I could feel the detective studying me. I didn't want to be overly transparent but I always felt happy when I talked to Jane. Well, usually. I'd left home this morning feeling a bit lost and dejected after our disagreement yesterday afternoon when the bike was delivered accidentally to the house. I'd spent all day so far worried that Jane's anger would continue as she had every right to be frustrated with me. I even snuck out of the house before she awakened this morning leaving her with a kiss on her sleeping forehead and a whisper of love in her ear. But Jane sounded sincere when she said she loved me on the phone and I couldn't stop my spirit from soaring and my heart from feeling consumed with love.
I tried to push thoughts of Jane and baby Angela from my mind and concentrate on the case; but it was hard to not think of them. I'd never had family before; not the way Jane and Angela and even Consuela were my family. My house in Boston was, for the first time, a home. When I walked through the front door this evening I knew I'd step over dog toys and stuffed animals until Jane flew into my arms and kissed me like she missed me. If I was lucky she would notice I was wearing her favorite heels and the dress she bought me. If I was extremely lucky perhaps she'd left me finish what was interrupted yesterday afternoon. I was already tired from running the DNA test this morning and conferencing with Frost and Korsak over our plans to proceed with our undercover investigation; but I had energy enough for Jane. Even if Jane had no interested in making love again tonight I knew Angela would be waiting for me with a soggy diaper and a happy smile squealing to be picked up and coddled the way I loved to do with her. No matter how much Jane and I fought I knew when I lay my head on my pillow tonight that the pillow next to mine would hold the head of the love of my life and it made me feel, for the first time, complete.
Knowing all these things to be true made what Detective Korsak and I were planning all the easier and all the worse. I wanted to solve this case and bring my love the peace and justice she and her family deserved. I didn't mind putting myself in danger to give her what she had dreamed of for five long years. But at the same time knowing that if I were to die, heaven forbid, I'd be leaving behind a woman more broken than she was when I met her. That thought disturbed me to no end. I sighed and gripped my steering wheel tightly willing myself to concentrate on what I was doing. I would not leave Jane alone to mourn me. I already set up a trust for her and Angela in the event that something did happen to me and as soon as we gained custody of Jane's nephew I'd set one up for him also. This was unbeknownst to Jane of course being as the woman always grew so grumpy when I tried to give her money. Still, money was cold comfort in the face of great loss and Jane had lost enough already.
"I know that look on your face…it's love! You're in love!" Detective Korsak smiled.
I blushed.
"I am," I said simply.
The detective chuckled.
"It's a good look on you. I'm happy for you! You've changed so much since you met her…everyone at the station talks about you and your sexy girlfriend."
I was floored.
"What…really?" I said nervously.
I didn't like to be whispered about behind my back. It reminded me of my past when I felt I was a lesser woman and not strong enough to take care of myself.
"Don't worry Maura. It's good talk. Love is good! But you have to focus on the case too. You can't think about her when you're working. It's a distraction. It clouds the mind and your judgment." Detective Korsak pointed out.
I sighed. I knew what he was saying to be true, but it did not lessen the blow to my pride. I'd always considered myself to be upstanding and above reproach in my work. For the longest time work was all I had. But now I had a family to support and a woman to love and to say they weren't constantly in the back of my mind even when I was swamped in work would be a lie. The pressure of great responsibility was a heavy burdon; but my family was worth it. I was reminded of that every time Jane smiled at me or Angela giggled in my arms and patted my cheeks excitedly as she bounced in my lap. Even now as I drove with the detective I smiled as I thought of them.
"I won't get distracted," I firmly stated.
Detective Korsak studied me for a while. I grew nervous under his studious gaze.
"Are you afraid?" He asked me bluntly.
"Yes," I said without even thinking about it.
It was true; I was very afraid. I'd be a fool if I wasn't.
"Does she know what we're doing?" He asked.
I paused to consider his question.
"Are you asking if I told her about the undercover work?"
"Yes."
I considered my response carefully.
"I let a few things slip that I shouldn't have; but I went into no specific details. I don't want her to worry," I said honestly.
"Do you think that's wise? Leaving her in the dark that is?"
I chanced a glance at Detective Korsak's face briefly before turning back to the road. He seemed genuinely interested in my response. I'd never been so open with a coworker before; but Detective Korsak and I had developed a kinship since I'd returned to Boston that made me feel comfortable with him. I liked that I could be open and honest with him and he wouldn't judge me and was always discreet. He was like the father I never had but always wanted and I'd come to consider his counsel when he offered it to me. I decided to test the newly developed relationship between me and him and be equally blunt.
"When you were married did you tell your wives about your undercover work?" I asked him.
"Yes. I didn't tell them all the details, but I told them when I was undercover on a case. I thought they deserved to know incase something happened to me. I found my wives to be much more patient and understanding with me when they knew I was working a heavy case undercover. This kind of work gets dark and the danger is taxing. They deserve to know they're the light in your life. A good woman will do everything she can to make sure her light shines extra bright when you come home safely every night." He counseled me.
I nodded my head as I considered his words but still I was unsatisfied.
"The last time we spoke of Jane you said it was a good idea not to tell her I was investigating the case," I pointed out.
Detective Korsak nodded his head.
"I did say that and then she found out anyway and didn't look happy about it! She doesn't seem like a stupid woman either. Like I said these cases can get dark and you'll bring home some of that darkness whether you want to or not. She'll put two and two together eventually, or she'll be miserable and think your darkness is because of her. It's best if you're upfront about it before she kills herself trying to find out exactly what's going on. Women are craft little things; they have ways of discovering secrets especially if it concerns someone they love. If Jane loves you like I think she does she'll get to the bottom of what's going on and she'll be angry with you for not telling her upfront; especially since the work is potentially dangerous!"
I didn't like to think of Jane worrying over me. I wanted to think I could keep my work separate from my home life and not bring the darkness into Jane and Angela's lives. But maybe the detective was right. Jane wasn't a stupid woman and after last nights fight I knew she was still curious about the bike; even if she hadn't mentioned it so far today. How far would Jane go to discover the truth? I only kept this a secret from her to protect her; would she understand that? I hoped pushing Jane to work with James and take custody of her nephew would be distraction enough; but detective Korsack was right. Jane was not stupid and I had no doubt she could accomplish anything if properly motivated; including finding out about my undercover work. The thought made me nervous. There were things about this case that Jane did not need to know for her own good! She was my responsibility and it was my opinion that I was doing the best thing for her by keeping some things confident.
"It's different with Jane. I'm working her family's case. I want to give her peace; but there are certain details she should never know. I read parts of the file you gave me…is everything in that file true Detective Korsak?"
My heart ached just thinking about what I'd read. The detective sighed and nodded his head.
"An old buddy of mine I used to work with in Vice gave me the file. I've been asking around my contacts in other departments for information that might help us and he told me some things."
I bit my lip nervously. The information in that file haunted me. I could only imagine what the truth would do to Jane.
"So Jane's brother really was involved with the Road Dogs undercover?" I asked sadly.
"Yeah, but only after he turned himself in for all the shit he'd done for them."
"So it's possible that he was killed to silence him and Jane's family was just collateral damage?"
I blinked back tears as I spoke. The truth was almost too much to bare. Jane lost her entire family simply because her brother got involved with very bad men.
Detective Korsak nodded his head again. I held in my tears with great effort. How could I ever, ever tell Jane something like that? Knowing that would absolutely devastate her. Sometimes ignorance was bliss. Jane's heart was my responsibility; I had to care for it and protect it from harsh truths that would kill her. Jane idolized her entire family; she spoke of her brothers as if they walked on water. It wasn't my place to shatter her image of Tommy. I'd let her have her happy memories because they were the only things that brought her peace.
"He wasn't a bad guy, the brother, Tommy. He was trying to do the right thing in the end, but somebody gave him up as an informant. No one knows who. The brass at the time wouldn't let homicide push our investigation because it would interfere with the undercover investigation Vice had going on inside the Road Dog gang. There was a Vice officer undercover with the gang at the same time Tommy was an informant. Tommy didn't even know he was a cop. The brass thought the undercover officer could bring down the whole gang for illegal arms dealing, drug smuggling, and a dozen other murders and the Rizzoli case. But the guy got killed under suspicious circumstances just like Tommy. After that the gang closed ranks. Nobody has gotten close to them since. It really pisses me off that the brass just went quiet on the whole thing!" Detective Korsak said angrily.
"You think the gang killed the undercover officer too?" I asked growing more and more nervous.
"The guy was found in a hotel room with a needle in his arm. The medical examiner at the time called it a heroin overdose; but I knew that guy. I didn't know him personally; but I knew he wasn't a junkie. He had five times more than enough drugs in his system to kill him. A lot of officers were furious about it. I remember when it happened, but I had no idea it was tied to the Rizzoli case at the time. Everyone was screaming for justice, but the FBI and ATF got involved. They didn't get anywhere with the case either; everything just went cold and they closed up shop and left. The brass doesn't want to get involved with the Road Dogs again. The gang has been quiet anyway for years. I swear if we can break this case it will bring a lot of families justice for the murders and missing persons associated with that club."
"I'm determined to do everything I can," I said softly.
I didn't want to reveal how anxious and afraid I was. I had a feeling the detective knew my thoughts anyway. I felt him studying me again.
"It could get really scary, Doc," He said bluntly.
I nodded my head.
"I know. But science has come a long way in the five years since the case opened. We just have to find the guy with the jacket. I just need his DNA or a fingerprint then we can blow the whole case wide open. I can get a finger print off almost anything. And I don't have to have a cheek swab to get DNA. I can get if from his hairbrush, his toothbrush, his fingernail clippers, his sweat, his spit, his urine, and so many other things. If I can connect the one man in the gang to the Rizzolli case then we can blow down the doors to the whole gang. The DA can claim RICO against the club, subpoena them all for fingerprints and DNA samples and bring them up on charges for conspiracy to commit murder. I'm sure something will turn up for them in the DNA and fingerprint data bases. We can send the whole gang to prison if we just find the one man with the jacket. I'm confident in my abilities and I'm confident in yours," I said with as much vigor and certainty as I could muster.
"We're going to make a hell of a team doc," Korsak chuckled.
I smiled.
"Tell me more about this…Gentleman's Club," I said.
Detective Korsak smirked.
"It's a strip club doc; just call it a strip club. The old detective friend of mine in Vice gave me the name of an informant that works as a bouncer at the club. The informant says one of the Road Dog gang members owns the club and the guys hang out there a lot. I figure it's a good place to start. But the place is a dive I'm told. It's not like any place you've ever been I'm sure. Don't expect any pleases and thank yous from the people in there. You won't find any upstanding citizens or pillars of society on that side of town. I'm just warning you!"
I pondered for a while.
"I've never been to a strip club before! That's ok; I won't run into anyone I know there!" I said innocently.
"I love strip clubs," Detective Korsak cracked.
I looked at him in bewilderment for a moment.
"You frequent those types of establishments?" I asked curiously.
"Well not this particular one; but it's a great way to blow off steam." He replied simply.
"Oh!" Was all I said.
"You're a lesbian! I can't believe you've never been to a strip club before…you like tits don't ya?"
I blushed.
"Yes detective…I enjoy a woman's body! But I prefer my women to be a little more…modest!" I said sincerely.
"I bet that woman of yours puts on quite a show!" The detective laughed heartily.
I looked angrily at him. I knew Jane had been a stripper at one point in her life. I didn't like to be reminded of that or for people to insinuate something like that was even possible. I knew my anger was over the top but the detective had struck a nerve. He stopped smiling immediately when he saw my furious face and started stuttering and stumbling over his words.
"I mean privately…for you…behind closed doors…she puts on a good show for you; that's all I'm saying," Detective Korsak said nervously.
I rolled my eyes and focused on the road again. I tried to hide the smirk on my face. I felt my anger fade away. Thoughts of yesterday on the kitchen table and the couch flashed through my mind. I thought of the smell of Jane's hair in my face and the way she whispered dirty things in my ear when I was inside of her. I felt my face flush.
"Jane is all I need," I said softly.
Detective Korsak smiled.
"I bet she is; you're a lucky woman, Maura," He complimented me.
I nodded my head.
"Yes I am," I grinned to myself.
"So there's a little shop not too far from here where we can get some biker clothes before we head over to the strip club. It's way too early for any of the Road Dogs to be there; but I figure we could swing by, flash our jackets, tell our story, see what kind of looks we get and if anyone approaches us. You never know we might get lucky. Either way we need to get our faces out there. You remember the story don't you?" He asked.
I sighed. I wasn't fond of the story; but it was necessary to play the parts we needed to be trusted inside the gang's circle.
"I remember. My name is Diamond; just Diamond no last name. Your name is Bo. I'm your 'Old Lady," I said the last words distastefully.
I thought I saw Detective Korsak trying not to grin next to me.
"We are nomads and have been for several years. We wander around town to town never staying in one place long. We were once in a gang in California but our club was raided by the feds and we went on the run after half our members were thrown into prison. You committed some crimes a while back and that's why we have to keep running. We never say exactly what you did. You work construction and odd jobs for cash under the table. I used to be a stripper before I met you but you made me stop when I became your old lady. Our bike broke down a few days ago and we're in town waiting on a part to be delivered and that's why we're out at the clubs looking for a good time. I refer to all men as sir or boss; even though I think that's disgusting!" I said with a grimace.
Detective Korsak chuckled.
"You don't have to like it, but that's the way it is in those gangs and we gotta play the part. You've got the story down and that's good. You aren't anything like Diamond and I'll never forget it."
I sighed.
"I have to believe I'm Diamond while we're undercover. I have to believe the story or it won't work. I have an issue with lying. But this is more like misdirection or acting so I should be ok. As long as I'm not discovered for who I really am, or have to answer direct questions about certain things our story should hold."
"Don't worry so much. Let me do most of the talking. Women are seen and not heard in these gangs anyway. A woman that talks too much would draw unnecessary attention. Stick to me and I'll keep you safe. The hardest thing for you will be turning down that brain of yours. Diamond isn't a genius and you have to remember that. You can't go running off on tangents about smart people stuff the way you do. You need to play dumb and talk stupid and for the love of God don't correct anyone's grammar! You might see some things that disturb you; these guys and even the girls get in fights all the time. If someone comes up with a busted face or broken bones you ain't no doctor and you can't help them. You can't even call 911, let someone else do it if it comes to that! Remember, these people aren't bright and you can't be either or it will look too suspicious," Detective Korsak warned.
"I'll do my best," I said nervously.
"You just keep your sharp eyes open and your ears to the floor. We find the guy with the jacket, get what we need, and get the hell away from those people. If we're lucky this will all be over in a week,"
"If the guy with the jacket is still around," I added.
"My informant says he's seen a guy with the jacket when I showed him a picture of it. But he said it's been a few months since he's seen him and he didn't get a look at his face which doesn't help us much. But it's better than nothing. At least we know he's been in town recently."
I perked up.
"I'd like to speak to this informant when we get to the club. I might be able to jog his memory."
"Not going to happen. I won't even point him out to you if he's working. We don't know anyone in town remember; and you can't be seen chatting it up with local men. Maura, old ladies don't talk to other men and we could blow his cover and ours if we speak to him. Maybe I can set something up between the three of us later; but not at the club!" Detective Korsak said firmly.
"I understand," I said sadly.
"If you make this left turn the motorcycle shop is on the right."
"Actually, do you think we can go somewhere further outside of town? I looked up a place on the internet that will have what we need that's far enough away that I won't run into anyone I know. I don't want my girlfriend to know exactly what I'm doing yet. I'll tell her in my own time but I want her to hear it from me and no one else." I said honestly.
"Suit yourself," Detective Korsak said offhandedly.
"Thank you," I was relieved.
I couldn't imagine the look on Jane's face if she saw me dressed up like a motorcycle skank. I shuddered just thinking about it.
...
Jane
"I think we should go in there," I said to James as I slumped in the driver's seat looking at the creepy little motorcycle shop Maura and the old detective entered moments before.
I couldn't believe Maura had driven all the way to this part of town just to visit this horrible little shop. This part of town was awful. It was way outside the inner city and no place would I ever expect Maura to know about or visit. There were housing projects and liquor stores everywhere. Bums and vagrants peppered the sidewalks and corners. I swear I'd seen three drug deals in plain sight on the way over here and the streets looked like they hadn't seen a street sweeper or an asphalt truck in years. Men with unwashed clothes and women with unwashed bodies wandered around drinking from bottles in brown paper bags. Children ran around unchecked and unmonitored by any adults. Filthy dogs and cats were everywhere eating from trash cans or begging for scraps of food. The shop Maura went inside was little better than a run down shack. There were iron bars on the windows and the doors and the widow display was the strangest thing I'd ever seen.
It wasn't much of a display actually. It was a random collection of leather clothing and accessories; leather vests, jackets, skirts, belts, gloves, masks, even whips. I shuddered to think of what type of people would want to wear any of those things…especially the masks…what was that all about? And why were Maura and that Detective in there? I looked over at James. He was huddled in his seat with a frantic look in his eyes clutching a small Taser he produced from his pocket. James seemed more than terrified and out of place in this neighborhood. He'd locked the doors and pulled out his Taser as soon as we exited the highway into this part of town and kept insisting we turn around before we got robbed.
"James…let's go in there!" I repeated, nudging him with my elbow.
He crouched lower in his seat.
"We can't go in there! Are you insane? There are bums and thugs everywhere! Let's just get the hell out of here!" He insisted.
I rolled my eyes. I was used to neighborhoods like this. It looked just like the area in New York where my old apartment was. I was no stranger to the lesser lifestyles; but James was acting like he'd never seen anything like this before in his life except maybe on TV.
"Don't you want to know what she's doing in there? I do! We drove forty-five minutes to get out here so we might as well see what's going on!" I exclaimed.
"I'm not getting out of the car!" James spat at me.
I gritted my teeth.
"Maura's in there James, she could be in trouble!" I hissed at him.
James frowned.
"She's fine! She's with a cop and he's got a gun! I'm wearing a three thousand dollar suit; this watch is a Rolex! You're wearing expensive stuff too; why are you so eager to get killed or worse ROBBED?" James said wide-eyed and frantic.
I sighed.
"I'm starting to be concerned with your priorities." I grumbled.
"This place looks like Rapeville USA! I'm staying right here!" James blustered.
I grew furious with him. I started smacking him with the driver's manual of the car.
"You- ain't- gonna- get -raped -you big baby! And what's with the Taser! That little thing ain't gonna stop anybody from robbing us if it comes to that! Why don't you have a gun?" I spat angrily at him between blows.
James flinched and whined in his seat trying to protect himself from my assault.
"I don't own a gun! I don't believe in violence!" He whimpered.
I rolled my eyes and kept hitting him.
"I DO!" I raged.
"I see that; you're very mean!" James complained.
"Will you stop being such a sissy! Man up and act normal!" I barked at him.
James reluctantly sat up but he continued to clutch his little Taser and looked around outside with horrified eyes. I sighed and threw the manual in the back seat.
"We can't go in that store!" James insisted.
I looked at the weird little shop again.
"You're right. That place is really small. They might see us." I said.
James looked relieved that I agreed with him.
"I'm going to search Maura's car; I've got the spare key!" I said excitedly as I pulled Maura's key from my pants pocket.
James looked twice as horrified now.
"You can't go sneaking around her car! It's a brand new Mercedes; it's probably going to get stolen in the next sixty seconds in this hell hole. You should stay in this car where it's safe!" James pleaded.
I banged my fists against the steering wheel.
"I need you to buck the fuck up,James! We're spying remember! Spying takes guts…stop being a big BABY! Just stay in the car and keep a lookout. I won't be long. If you see them come out the store call my cell phone and I'll book it back here before they see me!"
"You're really going over there?"
"YES James I'm really going over there! Keep a lookout! And put that Taser down before you shock yourself with it you giant wussy pants!" I hissed as I opened the car door and got out.
Maura's car was parked in a tiny little lot on the side of the little motorcycle clothing shop. We were parked across the street in clear view of the little lot and the front door of the shop. I ran across the road quickly and headed straight for Maura's car. I had no idea how much time I had but I knew I had to move swiftly. I passed three bums that all asked me for change but I ignored them all. I clicked the button on the car key chain to unlock the car and slid into the driver's seat closing the door behind me. I smiled when I smelled Maura's perfume. It made my head dizzy with images of her beauty; but I quickly shook them aside. I had investigating to do.
I tore through the car looking for anything that might be a clue as to why Maura and that Detective were at this shop and what their plans might be. I found something promising in the glove box. It was a business card. 'Jiggle Hut Gentleman's Club' it read. I frowned. Maura wasn't a strip club kind of person so I knew it must have something to do with the case. What the hell did a strip club have to do with my family's case? I noted the address and put the card back in the glove box.
I was just about to exit the car when I noticed a file folder sitting on the back seat. I grabbed the folder. It was labeled 'Rizzoli'. My heart skipped a beat. I thumbed through the folder. My mind raced with everything I saw in there. There were medical examiner's reports. Pictures of motorcycle jackets that looked suspiciously like the ones Maura and Korsak were wearing earlier. There was a great deal of information about a motorcycle gang called the Road Dogs. I read through some of the information with wide eyes and a clenched jaw. Whoever this gang was they sounded extremely dangerous. They were linked to all sorts of crimes;heroin distribution, illegal gambling, illegal firearms, prostitution, even sex slave trade. I frowned and shook my head disbelievingly. Why was all this information in a file folder with my family's name on it? Who the hell were the Road Dogs?
I kept reading. The Road Dogs were linked to over a dozen unsolved murders and at least half as many missing person cases where the victims were suspected of having been murdered and disposed of by the Road Dogs. There was even a bit about a cop who died under suspicious circumstances while working undercover in the Road Dog gang. The more I read the more dread I felt. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the words on the pages. There were just so many pages about the gang and all the horrible things they were suspected of being involved in. What was Maura planning on doing? Did she dare go undercover and infiltrate this horrible gang? Why would she do that when she knew how dangerous they were? I kept flipping through the pages. My heart skipped a beat when my eyes landed on a name I knew all to well. Tommy Rizzoli was listed as an informant for the BPD working to bring down the Road Dogs. I felt like I was going to vomit. Not my brother. He couldn't have been involved with these people. I just couldn't believe it.
I turned to the next page and my heart stopped completely. It was a statement written by an officer over five years ago detailing Tommy's involvement with the Road Dog gang.
"On December 11, 2007 Tommy Fredrico Rizzoli turned himself in to the BPD for crimes he committed. Mr. Rizzoli stated that he'd committed crimes for the Road Dog gang in order to pay off a gambling debt he had accumulated with them. Mr. Rizzoli stated that the debt was over forty thousand dollars and he'd received threats against his life and his family's lives if he didn't pay the money back. Mr. Rizzoli stated that he agreed to assist the club in committing various crimes in order to fulfill his debt obligations. Mr. Rizzoli admitted to committing robberies, scams, money laundering, and petty theft at the behest of the road dog gang. Mr. Rizzoli stated that on December 8, 2007, while committing a home robbery with several members of the Road Dog gang the owner of the home returned and was shot dead when she entered the house. The home owner was 27 year old Felicia Parks, an ex-girlfriend of one of the Road Dog gang members. Mr. Rizzoli stated that he wanted to turn himself in to get away from the gang and his guilty conscience. The gang member suspected of committing the murder fled the city before an arrest could be made. Mr. Rizzoli was given a deal by the DA that in exchange for his cooperation with the police department in bringing down the Road Dog gang all charges against him would be dropped. Mr. Rizzoli agreed to the terms and began work undercover inside the gang to aid vice in their investigation. It is believed that while working with the BPD Mr. Rizzoli's intentions against the gang were discovered and…"
RING RING RING
"SHIT!" I swore loudly.
I jumped so hard the file flew out of my hands and the papers scattered everywhere. I cursed repeatedly. I'd been in the car way too long. I couldn't believe I'd allowed myself to get distracted but I just couldn't stop reading. My heart was racing. Adrenaline was coursing through my veins. I looked at my caller ID. It was James. I swore again. I looked out the passenger's side window and saw Maura and the old detective off in the distance dressed in motorcycle gear approaching the car. My heart stopped in my chest.
"SHIT!" I swore again.
I started gathering up the scattered papers and stuffed them in the folder. Some pieces had slipped between the seats and in my haste to retrieve them I tore several pages in half. I wanted to cry. The adrenaline in my system was making me feel sick. Dread and fear overcame me. My hands shook and my palms were sweaty. Maura was getting closer. I ducked down in the car and opened the door sliding out backwards. I tried to put the file back in the back seat but it slipped from my shaky hand again and papers fell all over the ground. I was so terrified and desperate tears were rolling down my face. I started snatching up the papers again when a voice next to me made me jump so hard I hit my head painfully on the door frame.
"Miss, do you think you could spare some change?" A shoddily dressed bum asked behind me.
"GO AWAY!" I hissed at him.
I couldn't have someone talking to me right now. The bum could very easily give away my position and he was drawing way too much attention to the car. I threw the file in the back seat and closed the door as gently as I could. I stayed crouched beside the car. I couldn't stand or Maura would see me. I was panicking like I never had before in my entire life. I was going to get caught I just knew it. What would Maura say when she found out what I'd been doing? She would know I looked through the file which was illegal. She would be so embarrassed. What would she do to James? How angry would she be? Would I be arrested? Would Maura break up with me? I felt shame, fear, extreme sadness and and alarming terror over what I read in the file. I looked up at the bum with pleading eyes. He was watching me with interest.
"This ain't your car is it?" He asked curiously.
I closed my eyes and tried really hard to steady my breathing. I had to figure out how to get away. I knew Maura had to be close. My cell phone rang again but I silenced it immediately. I knew it was James. I knew he must be pissing his pants in the car.
"Hey buddy Boston Police!Get away from that car!" Detective Korsak's voice sounded so close I knew he could only be maybe ten feet away. The only thing keeping him from seeing me was the car.
I looked up at the bum. He had his hands raised in surrender. He looked shocked and scared. Was Detective Korsak holding a gun to him? I cringed. I pulled out my wallet and grabbed five one hundred dollars bills from the bill fold. The bum's eyes looked down at me inquisitively. I showed him the money and tucked it into his shoe. I put my finger in front of my lips to signal to him to be quiet about me. He nodded his head once and raised his eyes back to the detective. I scrambled away on my hands and knees and just managed to get around the car parked two spaces from Maura's when Detective Korsak's voice sounded so close I knew I had just missed being caught by him.
"Who were you talking to? What are you doing beside this car?" Detective Korsak demanded of the bum.
The detective's voice was strong and powerful. I could tell he was not playing games. I trembled in fear. I tasted bile in my mouth. My fate and future rested in the hands of a bum. If he turned on me the jig was up. I wiped tears from my eyes and prayed to a God I wasn't sure was there to have mercy on me.
"There was somebody trying to break in here sir; I scared 'em off though!" The bum said.
My heart was racing so fast I thought it would burst my chest wide open. I covered my mouth to suppress my choked sobs. I was only two cars away and I was too terrified to move. I huddled next to the car on my hands and knees willing myself not to fall apart.
"Oh my goodness!; I need to get into the car…"
I heard Maura's sweet but terrified voice.
"..Maura go back inside!" Detective Korsak demanded of her.
"But there is a file inside of a sensitive nature I have to make sure…"
"…Maura go inside until I come get you!" Detective Korsak commanded.
I heard Maura whimper and then her footsteps running in the opposite direction.
"The doors are unlocked and the alarm didn't go off! How did that happen?" Detective Korsak authoritatively thundered at the bum.
A vile sick feeling settled in my stomach. I didn't think to lock the door. How could I have been so stupid?
"I don't know sir. I don't know nothing 'bout no cars sir; but I know them kids been breaking into cars all summer sir. The one breaking into this car was young, maybe sixteen, black, baggy jeans and a red shirt. He run off that way sir. You can catch 'em if ya hurry!" The bum said.
"You're sure!" Detective Korsak asked.
"I'd put money on it sir," The bum said.
I heard the detective's footsteps disappearing in the opposite direction. I breathed a sigh of relief. I quickly crawled out behind the car and ran across the street as fast as I could. James was already buckled into the driver's seat with the car running when I slid into the passenger's seat frantic and breathless.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" James screamed.
He looked like he didn't know whether to be furious or terrified.
"Just drive," I said between gasping breaths.
Tears streamed down my face as James and I sped away.
