A/N: Sorry for the delay. Here's the new chapter.
Disclaimer: Read Ch. 1
"Every family is dysfunctional, whether you want to admit it or not." – Shailene Woodley
Ch. 3: The Shakespearean Professor
Feet echoed on the stage as a hum came. "Oh hallow these walls, I wonder who will join my play," the words echoed. The feet continued to echo as a single spotlight shinned on a desk with an inkwell pen sitting high in display.
"So far, I have two leads. I'm missing one more. Wonder how long will it take for the play to begin truly?"
"None of her files indicate that she had a client that was going nutty," Jane sighed as she tossed the seventh file she read into the pile on her left.
Korsak peered up from another file and retorted, "So we can say safely that it isn't anyone she knows." He then looked over at Frost and Frankie and asked, "How's the search on the councilman's email?"
Frost looked up from the computer. "So far, he was just very ignorant guy. Didn't do much and when he did an event, it looks like he took all the credit," Frost informed them.
"Basically an ass," Frankie commented. The young Rizzoli then gestured behind him, "Nina's going over the surveillance and so far, she hasn't found anything yet."
"Anything indicate that they crossed paths," Jane asked, rubbing her forehead. Korsak shook his head and at this, Jane leaned back in her chair then looked at the murder board, examining the passages and the pictures of the victims. "Two murders, two victims with no connections, and two exerts from Shakespeare with messages attached to them," she stated aloud. "What are we missing?"
"I got the footage," she heard Nina state to them. They stood up from their desks, walking back to BRIC to see the screen. Nina resumed her seat then pressed play on the keyboard, making the footage go.
The team watched as the councilman was stepping out of City Hall and walking down the staircase. Suddenly, a hooded figure came out of the corner of the screen, walking down the sidewalk then moved up the staircase. The figure approached the councilman and it seemed that they exchanged words with the councilman shoving the figure back. The councilman resumed his walking until the figure pulled out his knife, wrapped his hand over the victim's mouth then the attack began.
They watch each blow until finally, after the last stab, the murderer then stepped back and walked away, disappearing into the night. "No wonder nobody noticed," Nina pointed out. "His screams were muffled and no one was on the streets at midnight."
Jane folded her arms over her chest then asked, "Can you rewind the video to when the murderer approached the councilman?" Nina nodded and rewind the video to that point then Jane looked over at her brother, "Can you tell what he's saying?"
Frankie moved closer to the screen and squinted. "What do you want," Frankie read the councilman's lips. "Get out of my way."
"That doesn't help us," Jane sighed, shaking her head.
"How can this guy leave no trace except these damn notes," Korsak questioned.
"First, "Macbeth" and now, "Julius Caesar." What's next," Nina inquired.
Jane shrugged, "Who knows."
R&I
After a couple hours and finding no leads still, Jane met with Maura in the lobby and grabbed coffee at the Division One Café. They then stepped out and walked to the park across the way and took a seat on a bench. They sat close to each other, trying to keep warm as well as enjoy the sensation of their close contact.
"So anything from that professor at BCU," Jane inquired as she took a sip from her coffee.
"Actually yes," Jane turned her head to look at Maura. The doctor took a sip from her coffee then continued, "They will see us after 3pm but I have a feeling they don't wish to consult with me."
Jane raised an eyebrow at this comment. "Why would someone be that stupid," the detective retorted.
"You don't know them."
"Don't have to know them to know that they are an ass if they don't want to consult with you. They are missing out a big opportunity with the smartest person in the whole entire world."
Maura corrected, "I'm not the smartest person in the whole entire world, Jane."
"Okay, not the whole entire world," Jane conceded easily. However, she leaned in, took Maura's hand in hers and whispered, "But in my world, you will always be the smartest person in the world."
A harsh blush formed on Maura's cheeks, enough to make it look like the winter cold was affecting her. But Jane knew otherwise and gave a small grin while Maura retorted softly, "You, Jane Rizzoli, are a softy."
"Don't let anyone else hear you say that." Maura smiled at this comment, shaking her head then kissed the detective's cheek, causing Jane to blush and give a somewhat funny grin. She then wrapped her arm around Maura's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.
As they sat there, Jane looked out to the distance to see children ice skating at rink. She took in a deep breath then released it as memories began to flood back in.
Flashback- 20 years ago…
"You're late," she could hear her Aunt commented to the uniformed officer who entered the house.
"Mama, I told you that I would be on patrol until seven but I would be at the party as soon as possible."
The older woman rolled her eyes, wiping her hands as she retorted, "Just get dressed properly and say hello to everyone."
The annual Rizzoli family Christmas party was in full swing at her Uncle Pete's home. Eighteen-year-old Jane hid away from her Ma and aunts because they would be trying to dote over her like her cousin Angelica which she didn't like. In all honesty, all she wanted to do was hang with Frankie, Tommy, and her cousin, Nico but she kept getting dragged away back by her Ma or her aunt. She tried to hide with her Uncle Pete and her Pop but that didn't work out and she couldn't find her older cousin, Devyn until she noticed a small light from the tree house. So she slipped outside to the backyard and hide in the tree house, caring two gifts in her hands.
As she climbed up and opened the trap door, a snowball missed her head. "Hey," Jane barked and looked inside to see her twenty one year old cousin still in her uniform, resting against the wall of the tree house with another snowball in her hand.
"Sorry, Jane. I thought it was the boys or Angelica," Devyn replied apologetically, tossing the snowball aside helped her cousin in.
Jane placed her gifts down onto the ground and asked, "You hiding from Ma and Aunt Annetta?"
"Of course, I am," she retorted. "Just until the Christmas dinner is done."
"But you like cooking."
"That I do but I can't stand when I got the two Italian women hovering over me especially Mama right now." She then glanced down at the gifts by Jane's legs and asked, "You brought the gifts up?"
Jane nodded and handed Devyn the gift, "This is from me."
"You didn't have to, Jane."
"But you got me something," Jane argued. There was a small chuckle as the older teen moved across the tree house and sat next to Jane. They sat there in silence before Jane asked softly, "I didn't know you were working today?"
"Yup."
"So?"
"I'm a rookie. It's expected but anyways, what did you get me?"
Jane watched as her cousin unwrapped the gift to reveal a medium size box, prompting her to flip it open to reveal a silver pocket watch. "It's a late Academy graduation gift," Jane informed her cousin who smiled.
"I love it. Thanks, Jane."
"Jane," the detective blinked a couple of the times to see Maura standing up from the bench with a curious expression and her hand on Jane's shoulder. The medical examiner was ready to return inside BPD but when she noticed that Jane hadn't stood up yet from her seat, she glanced over her shoulder to see that Jane seemed to be in her own world. She called out to her best friend a couple of times until she placed her hand on Jane's shoulder.
It snapped the detective from her thoughts and prompted Maura to ask, "Are you okay?
Jane nodded, "I'm sorry, Maura. I didn't mean to zone out."
"You were very deep in thought it seems," Maura pointed out as Jane stood up from the bench. They then began to walk back to BPD with Maura glancing up at Jane who shoved her hands in her pockets. The detective could feel her best friend's eyes glancing over at her but she refused to acknowledge them. "Do you want to talk about it," the M. E. asked.
"It's nothing," Jane retorted simply.
However, Maura knew it was not just nothing but she also knew how Jane felt about being pushed. Unknown to Jane, Angela called Maura to ask if she could try to convince the detective to attend her uncle's funeral. The honey blonde assured that she would try but she would not push Jane, knowing that Jane had her own mind.
R&I
After letting the guys know that they were heading out, Jane and Maura drove out to BCU in Jane's car. As they were driving, Maura gazed out the window and commented, "You never mentioned that your cousin was part of BPD."
Jane focused on the road but her grip tightened on the steering. "Reason why you are bringing this up, Maur," Jane questioned back.
"I'm just wondering because I thought I knew all the Rizzolis in BPD."
"She wasn't a Rizzoli since she's Ma's sister's oldest."
"How long has it been since you last saw her?"
"A while."
Maura bit her lip then continued, "Your mother called."
"About?"
"She wishes to talk to you about the funeral. I told her that I would but I'm not pushing it."
"Then don't, Maur. Ma is just like a fuckin' dog with a bone and won't drop the subject."
"Language."
"It's true and you know it."
Maura gave a nod to this but she can see the conflict in her dear friend's. Why won't you tell me, Jane, Maura thought. "Jane, I'm trying to understand why you don't wish to go."
"It's complicated, Maura. It's very complicated."
Maura then touched Jane's hand on the gearshift and continued, "I'm here to be on your side. You can talk to me about it when you're ready."
The detective pulled up to a stoplight and looked over at Maura. She pressed her lips together and Maura could see the reluctance in Jane's eyes then the brunette brought her attention back to the light, as it turned green. Jane resumed to drive and Maura brought her attention back to staring out the window. After that, silence hung over them mixed with a bit of tension due to Maura's question but their hands remained link together.
During that silence, Maura wondered if she pushed it while Jane, couple of times during the snowy drive, glanced at Maura with her thoughts pondering, Should I tell her about it or not? Reopen old wounds of disappointment and anger? Psh, as if. However, Jane also had some additional thoughts as well, Maybe I should ask her about that rain check.
It would be a good idea but would it be a date or a friend date?
"So about that rain check," Jane inquired softly.
Maura looked back at Jane, "Yes?"
Feeling Maura's eyes on her, Jane felt shy suddenly. "Do you want to go to dinner…maybe tomorrow," Jane inquired. "I know this case hasn't been panning out really but we can get a real late dinner, maybe get your Christmas tree or I can cook for you at my place or yours."
At those words, Maura's eyes widened and asked in astonishment, "You cooking?"
Jane gave a small smile. "Don't reveal this to anyone but my family knows this, I can cook pretty good."
"Well," Maura corrected.
Jane rolled her eyes but there was still a smile on her face as she pondered, "So? Is that a yes?"
"Of course, it's a yes, Jane."
"Perfect."
About thirty minutes later, Jane and Maura arrived at BCU. As they stepped out, Jane gaped at the sight for the college was covered in a layer of snow. "Damn, it's so different here than last night. It's now a winter wonderland," Jane commented as she looked around the courtyard as students ran across to a building.
"I always found it…magical when it was like this but it was also quite difficult to reach a class if the snow became very dense," Maura explained.
"Interesting," Jane replied. "So what building are we suppose to go to?"
Maura pulled out her phone, glancing down at her email and answered, "Richardson building, floor eight at room 825."
"Whose this professor again?"
"Professor D'Angelo." Jane's eyebrows went up suddenly at the sound of the last name, prompting Maura to ask, "Recognize the name?"
Jane shrugged, "It's nothing. D'Angelo is a pretty common Italian last name."
They began to walk across the campus with Maura pointing to the different buildings where she had classes. It made Jane wondered what it would have been like if she attended BCU, walking among these brainiacs then she thought what if she and Maura met sooner.
Would they have been friends? Would a younger Jane have the courage to ask a younger Maura out on an official date?
Despite these thoughts though, Jane wouldn't change a thing especially how Maura and her met. There was a reason for everything and she believed it.
They soon reached the Richardson building and took the elevator up to the eighth floor, looking for the office number until they reached the office. They knocked on the door and when they didn't get an answer, Jane glanced at her watch. "Our meeting is after 3pm, right," Jane inquired.
"Yes and we are about," Maura glanced down at her watch, "an hour and forty-five minutes early."
"So what do we do?"
Before Maura could reply, a person shouted from the down the hall, "Are you looking for Professor D'Angelo?"
"Yeah," Jane answered.
"Her class is starting in fifteen minutes down at the theater."
R&I
"Damn, it's a full building," Jane commented at the sight of all the orchestra seats were taken up by students. Her and Maura walked down the aisle of the theater and took a spot at the far corner of the stage, waiting for the Professor to arrive.
Maura nodded in agreement and added, "She must be a popular professor."
"I bet it's an old bat."
"Look out!"
Jane pulled Maura down to duck as a basketball hit the theater wall, missing Maura's and her head and bouncing onto the stage. "Watch it," Jane barked to the boys who had the basketball.
The basketball continued to bounce a little bit more before it rolled backstage. As it went behind the curtain, there was a loud slam of a door further back of the stage then the sounds of footsteps approaching which prompted the students to become quiet. Jane and Maura gave surprised expression while they listened as the professor approached.
The footsteps weren't heavy and Jane could tell that they weren't soft like an older person then they heard the basketball bouncing against the hardwood floor. "Mr. Stevens," Jane heard, causing her head to whip over to the stage as the footsteps came closer and there stood a woman who looked a bit older than Jane with a satchel on her shoulder and the basketball in her left and in her right, a silver pocket watch.
Maura watched as a student stood up with a sheepish expression. The professor held the basketball up and gave a questioning expression, "This belong to you?"
"Yes ma'am," the student answered.
"My only warning about this since finals are coming up. Hold the ball and don't toss around the theater. I find it anywhere and I take 10% off your exam. Got it?"
The student nodded and the professor tossed it back, placing her bag down on the stage, closed her pocket watch then grabbed a chair from the corner. As she removed her coat, Jane continued to watch in awe as her thoughts raced, It can't be.
It's been almost ten years.
"Today's focus will be on Shakespeare's common liking about masquerades or even hiding identities in honor of our high society's party theme," the professor spoke as she looked around her class. She was about to continue until she noticed the two women in the corner and locked eyes with Jane.
Maura noticed immediately, the surprised expression on the professor's face briefly before she cleared her throat. "So why the theme of a masquerade? What is so special about a simple mask," the professor pondered aloud to her students then she brought her attention back to Jane and Maura, "Maybe the answer is because it is possible a simple mask can hide many things but also, the simplest of masks cannot hold everything especially the darkest of secrets." She then looked back at the class, "Alright, books out and let's resume our reading of "Romeo and Juliet"."
The students began to take out their books and Jane continued to stare down the professor. She did this for a couple minutes until it seemed the professor turned her head as well. Their eyes locked with Maura witness an exchange of looks before the professor looked away as did Jane who had a furrowed expression.
"Do you two know each other," Maura whispered.
Jane nodded numbly, "That's Devyn D'Angelo, my cousin."
They listened to the lecture with Maura watching Jane and her cousin the whole time. The medical examiner took in the two and she can see that the two did somewhat look alike. They both had brown hair however, D'Angelo had light brown hair but both had olive skin. However, Maura noticed that D'Angelo had dark green eyes compared Jane's dark brown eyes, prompting Maura to think, It must be a recessive gene. She continued to do her observation and comparison of two, pointing out the use of hands and quick-witted remarks.
But once in a while she noticed how the professor would glance back at Jane and her. They would lock eyes once in a while as if to get a read on each other. But, both seemed to have the same facial expression when they saw each other.
Surprise and some anger mixed with anxiety.
Eventually, D'Angelo focused back on her class while Jane glared at her through the whole lecture, making Maura wonder more about the past with the two.
"Alright," Maura snapped out of her thoughts to see D'Angelo stand up as well as the students. "I expect you all to do your readings so you can take your practice final."
As the students filed out, Jane and Maura climbed up the staircase while D'Angelo collected her satchel and placed her winter coat back on. There was silence and Maura wondered if the professor was going to greet them or if they were. After a couple of minutes, Jane greeted simply, "Devyn."
"If I knew that I was expecting you as well, Jane, I would have worn my 'Jane Rizzoli' glared proof shirt. It still very sharp cause I can feel it a mile away," Devyn commented immediately, disregarding the greeting as she faced her cousin.
Their eyes locked and Maura realized that the two were almost the same height.
Jane frowned and crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "Who would have thought you would be teaching Shakespeare," she remarked. Feeling the tension between the two intensifying with each word, Maura cleared her throat quickly and even taken Jane's folded arms apart to hold her hand, prompting both to remember that the medical examiner was present. Jane squeezed Maura's hand and cleared her throat as she introduced, "Doctor Maura Isles, this is my oldest cousin, Devyn D'Angelo or your Professor D'Angelo."
At this, Jane's cousin turned to face Maura who placed her hand out to shake the professor's. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor. Your lecture was very impressive and introspective," Maura complimented.
Devyn shook her hand back. "Thank you," she stated her appreciation, "you are also very early, Doctor because I know my cousin. She either is on time or five minutes early." Jane glared at her cousin who gave a small smirk but began to walk with them following behind as she asked, "So, you wish to speak with me about a case?"
"That's why Doctor Isles emailed you," Jane answered sharply.
Maura bumped Jane's shoulder with a surprised expression while Maura continued, "We've received written letters with Shakespearean quotes and we are wondering why someone would choose these passages."
They reached the office building and instead of the elevator, the professor took the staircase with Jane and Maura following behind. "My cousin informed you that I am retired from my services for BPD," the professor questioned.
"Yes but, you seem to be good at your specialty."
They reached the eighth floor and entered her office. Immediately, Jane spotted on the wall were the college diplomas and shelves filled with books which she wandered over to. As Jane looked at the wall, her cousin took a seat at the desk with Maura sitting across from her, taking sight of a clutter desk, which reminded the honey blonde of Jane's desk.
As she pulled out the evidence from her bag, Maura noticed a picture of two young women with one in a gap and gown and the other in a uniform that sat behind the professor with other family pictures with her recognizing them. "That's Jane and you," Maura inquired at the sight.
Jane looked away from the diplomas to look as Devyn glanced over her shoulder then answered, "Yes. My father took the picture after Jane graduated from high school."
A sad expression crossed her face and Jane noticed this. "I'm sorry about Uncle Pete," she said to her cousin, the first statement that was soft between the two.
Devyn gave a simple nod in acknowledgement, cleared her throat as she pulled out a magnified glass. "So let me see these documents," Devyn stated. Maura handed the evidence bag with Devyn placing them under the magnified glass. The doctor and detective then watched as the professor became very pale suddenly and pushed the documents back. "When did these begin," she questioned tensely.
Sensing the tension, Jane answered, "Two days ago."
"Back to back?"
"Yes," Maura answered as Devyn handed the documents back to her. The professor stood up from her seat, approaching a window while she fiddled with her pocket watch. Jane noticed this while Maura continued, "It appears they were written on handmade parchment paper."
"With the exerts focusing on the murders which seemed to be reactments of the passage or connects to it?"
Maura gave a surprised expression to Jane and answered, "Yes…"
"Devyn, why are you asking," Jane questioned back, watching her cousin continue to fidget as if she knew more.
"The city is the stage and we are the actors," Devyn mumbled.
Seeing the distant look in her cousin's eyes, Jane made a big decision and decided to ask the forbidden question, "Is it him, Devyn? Is it the Bard?"
At those words, she closed her pocket watch and turned to Jane and Maura as she claimed quickly, "I'm sorry to conclude this, ladies but I have another appointment to attend off campus."
Jane watched as her cousin grabbed her satchel and papers on her desk, walking toward the door. The detective blocked the door immediately and demanded, "Answer my question."
"Move, Jane."
"Make me."
"Il mio ufficio in modo da uscire," [My office so get out] Devyn barked in Italian.
"Rispondi, Devyn Eleanor," [Answer, Devyn Eleanor] Jane demanded once more.
"Don't use my middle name, Jane Clementine. Now, move," Devyn raised her finger at Jane. At these words, Maura expected Jane to argue back again but instead, she moved aside. Her cousin then opened the door but stopped at the doorway. "All I can tell you is that you need to take out every Shakespeare play that has a violent act," she then turned and left the office.
Jane then looked over her shoulder at Maura who looked very surprise. "What just happened," Maura inquired softly.
"That's why I said it was complicated," Jane answered back as she left the office with Maura following quickly behind.
It can't be…
He disappeared…
"…The dear Devil…" Only he calls me that…
It's beginning again.
We meet Devyn finally! But, what will happen next chapter? What will happen during Jane and Maura's dinner? When will the killer strike again? What happened between Jane and her cousin? You have to wait and see! So review please for I need fuel to write cause they are like cookies.