Disclaimer: Read Ch. 1
"There's a face that we hide/ Till the nighttime appears/ And what's hiding inside/ Behind all of our fears/ Is our true self/ Locked inside the façade" – "Façade" from Jekyll and Hyde the Musical
Ch. 12: Facade
"What have you done?"
"The only way to help Father."
"By doing this to yourself?"
"You haven't been around."
"There could have been another way."
"There wasn't and, even now, there isn't."
"What can I do?"
"There's nothing you can do, Danielle. I sealed my fate."
The operatic singer echoed through the halls and the music hummed as the dancers rotated along the dance floor. The room was mixed with gold and silver walls, architecture that could found in far off places like France or Italy. A mixed of the old and new world was evident for there were some necessities such as cameras but they were far and few in between.
It was a world that floated in between.
For Maura, it was like everything was from a dream or even from a book and she knew that most of the guests of this ball were individuals from books she read throughout her life. If she was told many weeks ago that she would be meeting Dracula and Frankenstein's Creature, she would ask for that person to be examine but now, here she was, amazed by the world around her.
Despite Maura's amazement, it didn't seem to radiate off to her partner. Jane felt a bit intimidated especially with so many people present and ready to watch Jane dance like a fool. She was nervous and felt her throat constricting at the idea of being the possible center of attention.
What if I embarrass Maura, Jane worried. What if I cause a political clusterfuck?
As if she sensed that Jane was worried, Maura grabbed Jane's arm and linked it with her own. It broke Jane from her thoughts, bringing her attention to Maura. She then leaned in, kissed Maura's forehead in thanks then looked at Danielle who was standing aside, leaning against the bannister.
"What do I do," Jane inquired softly, taking in the sight of the crowd.
Dani looked back, placing her half black and white mask on. "You're going to approach the announcer and you give him your names then they'll announce it to the room. Then you go down the stairs and proceed with whatever you wish to do," she explained. She then pushed herself away from her bannister and proceeded down the staircase toward the announcer.
Suddenly, the announce spoke, "Presenting Detective Danielle Stevenson of the Boston Police Department's Nightfall."
"Well fuck," Jane cussed.
"Jane," Maura admonished gently but still rubbed her girlfriend's hand in reassurance. "Just take a couple deep breaths. Pretend it's just us."
"Just us," Jane repeated. She then took the dark blue mask with gold filigree boarders, placing it on her face. Maura took her mask, a beautiful white velvet, and did the same thing before looking up at Jane who straightened her posture then placed her arm like she seen some do to escort their partners to the party.
Maura smiled at the gesture and placed her hand on top of Jane's.
They walked to the announcer who took in the sight of them and asked, "Name?"
"Detective Jane Rizzoli of the Boston Police Department's Homicide division and Maura Isles, Chief Medical Examiner of the Boston Commonwealth."
The announcer bowed and hit the loud stick onto the floor. He spoke aloud, announcing their name which prompted the crowd to look up and watch them descend the staircase. As they reached the bottom staircase, the couple was approached immediately by a finely dressed man covered in a deep blood red with a black mask with a woman wearing a black dress and wearing an elegant red mask.
"Ah Detective Rizzoli, Doctor Isles, I see that fool informed you about festivities," the thick Romanian accent greeted, giving a deep bow.
Hearing the commentary, Jane knew immediately that under the mask was their host, Dracula with Mina. She returned the bow with Maura curtsying then retorted, "I would prefer that I was trying to catch a murderer, but Detective Stevenson said you insisted, Count."
"Indeed," Dracula retorted. "And let's not have that discussion during the festivities. I would hate if your work disrupted anything."
Despite the casualness of his tone, the detective could hear the veil threat laced in the vampire's voice. Jane was ready to retort but bit back as Mina spoke quietly to her husband's ear, "My love, you have other guests to attend."
Dracula raised his hand, letting the back of his hand glide along her cheek. "Very well, dearest," he spoke before walking away.
Mina released a sigh. She then looked back at the other two women, removing and spoke, "Excuse my husband's behavior, he tends to forget that there's a proper way to speak to people."
"Mina, we're not here for the festivities but for other business," Jane informed.
"I understand, Detective Rizzoli but please, conduct this without causing much disturbance."
"You will have our discretion," Maura assured. Mina bowed her head at this and walked off, leaving the two by themselves. The doctor looked up at her girlfriend and asked, "Well Detective, I believe we've entered the figurative lion's den."
"Yup."
"Well then, I believe we need to mingle," Maura suggested.
Jane smirked, "And that's why I have you, honey."
"Honey?"
"Too much?"
"No," Maura retorted, "I just never had a significant other give me a pet name. It's sweet."
Jane gave a quick shush sound and whispered into her ear, "You're going to ruin my rep." Maura could hear the playful tone in Jane's voice, prompting Maura to turn her head slightly to kiss the beautiful jawline. Jane pulled back, "Shall we?"
"We shall."
NF
"Dani," the detective glanced up to see Adam with his mask on the top of his head, dressed more to blend into the shadows, standing against one of the pillars. Dani walked over and leaned against the other side of the pillar and listened, "Mephistopheles is here."
"What," Dani hissed, trying to keep a calm demeanor.
"I know. It's not good."
"Understatement, Adam." Dani sighed, letting her eyes survey the room, "Where is he?"
Adam stepped forward, "Last time I saw him, he was speaking with a random person."
"A random? Mephis does not just speak to a random person."
"That's what confused me. Mephis usually stays close to where Faust is and yet, I haven't spotted our favorite scumbag."
"I better start looking around," Dani retorted. As she was saying that Adam's eyes caught something, and a smirk formed on his face. Dani glanced back, due to the lack of reply, and noticed the smirk, "What?" Adam gestured toward the staircase, prompting Dani to look up.
Her jaw dropped a bit, pushing herself off the pillar and walk slowly toward the stairs. Out of the corner of her eye, Jane noticed this and nudged Maura gently. The two women observed the dazed expression that rested on Danielle's face then their eyes followed to the top of the stairs to see Regina in a beautiful elegant purple jewel long sleeve ball gown. The mask was a light purple color with lace trimming like Maura's.
Regina's eyes darted around the ballroom especially after the announcement of her name. Mama Lorna decided to not go, making Regina her representative at the masquerade. Her feet guided down the staircase while her eyes searched for any sign of familiar faces or at least, statures and body language until finally, she noticed Adam in the far back. At least, she believed it was Adam due to his tall stature and hiding in the shadows, she squinted her eyes to notice that another figure was speaking to him.
Adam only spoke to a handful of people and knowing this small bit of knowledge, Regina knew immediately, in that moment, that Danielle was present. She then noticed Adam's gesture toward her, prompting Danielle to look up at her and the expression, though hidden with a mask, spoke volumes.
Regina felt a smile form as Dani moved through the crowd, the two meeting together as if connecting like converging lines until they met at the bottom of the staircase.
Though it was a place full of people, Jane and Maura could see that the looks in Dani and Regina's eyes reflected something that they felt for many years. There was no world except them, others who were there, faded away and the connection was the only thing there.
"Hello detective," Regina greeted as their eyes locked.
A smile formed on Danielle's face and not even the voice could break through because she felt that it could ruin the moment. The detective's feet moved once more but in a smooth motion, as if before royalty, by giving a deep bow and Regina returned the bow with a curtsy. They then straightened, their eyes locking once more with Dani placing her hand out for Regina to take.
The young apprentice took Dani's hand with the two walked together until they reached the dance floor. "Um…I don't know how to dance," Regina whispered as the music began to roll a new tune with the opera singer singing the first note.
Dani took a step forward, placing her hand on Regina's back while the other hand took laced their fingers. "I got you," Dani assured softly.
Regina looked up into Dani's eyes, seeing the assurance then nodded, "I know."
NF
"Miss Rizzoli," Jane heard.
Jane gritted her teeth, hearing the smarmy entitlement in the voice. Maura stepped away to grab Jane and herself something to drink, leaving Jane to observe the guests as well as Dani and Regina dancing. For being a shindig for the supernatural, the detective noticed how there were different social circles, and the interactions seemed a bit restricted. She noticed that those who wore medallions had to be Lycans, the vampires were pale and more social in the masquerade as well as 'affectionate.' She was still learning but she understood the social cues that she needed to follow as she bowed her head in greeting as they passed her.
Being left by just a pillar helped blend in but, in this case, she stuck to her greeter. "It's Detective, Mister Grey," Jane corrected.
Dorian smirked behind his blood red mask, bowing with the flourish of his black cape. "I apologize," he hummed even though Jane knew it wasn't true. "And it seems you are alone."
"My date is here. She's just getting drinks."
"Ah the doctor then."
Jane tensed at the mention of Maura's name. The detective wasn't sure how to gauge Dorian but based on the interactions she's seen and heard from others especially how he acts. It reminded her too much of Garrett Fairfield especially in his leering.
"I mean-it's out of custom but with the modern times," Dorian commented.
Jane refocused and raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me."
"Your attire. I just assume Stevenson lack any fashion sense or decorum but, I see that it's some modern thing. Don't you have respect for our customs?"
"You just like mouthing off, don't you Dorian," Jane confronted, moving closer to Dorian.
A smirk formed on Dorian's mouth and before Jane could do anything, she felt a hand on her back. She looked over her shoulder to see Maura approach with a glass in her hand, handing it to Jane. "Mister Grey, it's a pleasure to see you," the doctor greeted cordially.
Dorian was ready to take Maura's hand but with Jane standing in front of her. The smirk widened, "You look quite elegant, Doctor Isles."
"Thank you and I did overhear your comment about Detective Rizzoli."
"I'm just saying that its against tradition. That's all."
Maura laced her arm with Jane. "I think that's what wonderful about a masquerade. The oddities of it all and in all honesty, it does make Jane quite exquisite."
Now normally, Jane would tell Maura to stop because she felt a little self-conscious but, in that moment, just to wipe that smirk from Dorian's face, Jane let her girlfriend praise her looks. The smirk faded and had an indifferent expression, he then cleared his throat which gave Maura ample time to inquire, "Mister Grey, maybe you know this but, there's been a rumor about a Doctor Faust."
"Faustus," Dorian snorted. "A wannabe doctor in today's standards."
"But still a doctor," Jane retorted.
Dorian crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Semantics. However, you got me curious about why you're inquiring about dear Faustus."
"Danielle is just curious about his arrival," Maura answered nonchalantly.
"If he's back then he should be getting ready for his new job."
"New job," Jane repeated.
Dorian sighed, "Yes. If you haven't learned, Faust is a frequent associate to the unemployment line but, due to the importance of blending in and his…tendency to get into trouble."
"That's what we heard but not about the job."
"If you consider it a job. Someone working at a Blood Den especially as boorish as him can lead to interesting happenings," Dorian informed. He then bowed his head, "I'm bore of this conversation so I will take my leave."
With a turn of his heel, Dorian walked into the crowd, leaving Jane and Maura alone. "Prick," Jane grunted.
"Jane," Maura scolded.
There was a pointed look from Jane and a quick gesture of the hand, "You know it's true."
"I do acknowledge that Dorian is quite unpleasant, but he holds ties with the Council hence with Dracula. We have to be careful."
"Yeah, I know," Jane sighed. "He just gives me a bad feeling in my gut."
"I know and I feel the same way."
NF
After the first two waltzes, the band and orchestra decided to do something contemporary involving a lot of face paced dancing, one that neither Dani nor Regina could handle. They step aside and walked to a set of open doors to a walk on balcony, taking a moment in. Dani removed her mask then looked out to the open area; it was an enchantment that a couple witches did, making the illusion that they were far from Boston.
"Have you seen Faust yet," Regina inquired with her voice echoing slightly.
Dani shook her head, "If Faust is here, he's most likely to hide away." Regina nodded then faced out to the open sky, prompting Dani to sigh and scratch the back of her neck, "I'm sorry."
"For what? You danced splendidly."
"Not about that." Regina tiled her head and Dani looked out to the sky, "You know I haven't been to a party like this for years."
"In mean of years?"
"Before my immortality, stopped going to parties after…" Hesitation crossed Dani's face then she shook her head, "Well, I just stopped going."
Noticing Dani's abrupt censorship, Regina was tempted to ask but instead asked, "Were they like Dracula's?"
Dani chuckled, "Nothing will ever surpass Dracula's. It's flashy unlike the ones I went to, those were more into socializing than dancing or extravagance. Talk with a younger version of myself, I would have enjoyed the spectacle. I attended one other of Dracula's parties a long time ago."
"What happened after?"
Dani's smile dropped slightly and shrugged, "Spectacle fades."
"But why the apology?"
"Because you should be out there with a date who should be entertaining you and dancing. Not making you look for an idiot."
"I wanted to help, Dani."
"I-"
"I asked you," Regina retorted. "I wanted to go with you."
"But why?"
Regina reached her hand up and touched Danielle's cheek. "I think you and I both know why," she replied. She watched as Dani closed her eyes, leaning into the touch then she turned her head slightly, kissing Regina's palm. It was an answer between them that spoke many volumes despite it's the moment's quietness.
But the moment was gone at the sound of footsteps approaching.
Dani stepped back quickly, the touch almost feeling like a burn against her cheek. Regina lowered her hand, looking at the doorway to see Adam with Frost walking onto the balcony. "What's up," Dani inquired, clearing her throat slightly.
"Jane and Maura got some insight on what Faust might be doing," Frost informed. "Dorian said that he's working at a 'Blood Den'?"
An eyebrow was raised. "Whose sponsoring him?"
"We don't know."
"Another thing," Adam interjected. "We spotted Mephistopheles."
"I better deal with him," Dani sighed.
"Jane's going to join you."
"Alright." Dani then looked over her shoulder to see Regina standing to the side, prompting the detective to end the conversation. The other detectives nodded, walking away and leaving Regina and Dani alone once more. "I need to go," Dani informed softly.
"I understand." Dani gave a deep bow then stepped forward, taking her hand and kissing it. Regina moved closer, grabbing Dani's mask from her belt and reached up to place the mask on. But before the mask was placed, she leaned up and kissed Dani's lips gently, surprising the detective. She then pulled back and placed the mask on Dani's surprise expression, whispering softly, "We'll finish our other conversation later."
"Um…" Dani gaped, trying to collect herself then nodded before she walked away slowly.
She might show feelings for you but, she hasn't seen everything.
NF
"Be safe," Maura said to Jane, kissing her girlfriend.
"I will," Jane assured. She then stepped back, walking toward Dani who was stepping back into the ballroom. The two noticed each other and met toward the side, prompting Dani to approach. "So can you explain what a Blood Den is," she inquired.
"Supernatural beings have vices," Dani spoke quietly. "A Blood Den is an exotic club. Vampires usually run them and have other vampires, werewolves, and even humans as their workers. Usually, it's a free blood bank for the vampires because the workers have a choice to say yes or no for this. However, the workers, most of the time, let the feeding occur because it can bring a sexual euphoric feeling. Sometimes, the vampires feed and even sleep with the workers."
Jane's jaw dropped slightly, and Dani patted Jane's back. "It's a lot," Dani assured. "Unfortunately, it's legal in our world. If feeding is not granted, then it gets to the illegal level because it could kill the worker or even change them into a vampire unwilling."
"I figured that," Jane added.
"The part I'm struggling is somehow Faust got a sponsor."
"What is a sponsor anyway? Is it like AA?"
"No, they vouch for you that you'll do the work and Faust is not one to like to do menial work so the fact that he got hired by one of the Blood Dens means that there's more to the story."
"There's always more
Dani shrugged, "That's why we talk to Mephistopheles." She then gestured for Jane to follow as they weaved in and out of the crowd until they reach an area that Adam was and gestured toward a door. "Calm and cool," the detective stated with Jane nodding; Dani then approached the door first, removing the mask and opened it, walking through with Jane seeing Mephistopheles.
His white suit jacket back was toward them with his black gloved fingers laced behind him. Jane could tell that his hair was a platinum blonde, and it was combed back. "Ah Danielle, you finally found me," a deep voice spoke. He then turned to reveal his young boyish face, and black rose on his jacket lapel but what caught Jane off guard was the piercing yellow eyes. He walked over and his eyes darted immediately from Dani to Jane. "I see you brought a friend," Mephistopheles eyed Jane. He then bowed, "A pleasure to meet you, Detective Rizzoli."
"You know me," Jane questioned.
"Why of course. After all, you did send Charles Hoyt down to us."
Jane's blood went cold at the sound of Hoyt's name and the demon knew it too because he smiled widely. "Enough Mephis. We are not here to discuss about those who occupy Hell especially when you're stuck here to keep track of your favorite soul," Dani stepped forward.
Mephis' smile dropped and his skin that was a normal pale turned pale to almost a sickly white. "You think that I know where Faust is at," the demon spat in disgust.
"We already know that. He's now working at a Blood Den but, I want specifics."
"Why so interested in that idiot?"
"He's making deals with humans," Jane retorted.
Mephis laughed, "He is human."
Jane rolled her eyes, now understanding why Dani didn't like to talk with Mephistopheles. The demon spoke in circles which seemed to be a common thing for those in the supernatural world. A way of secret keeping, Jane filed away in her mind. "Those who don't got immortality boosts," Jane retorted.
"Oh dear, that is a problem," Mephis crossed his arms. The shade of color was starting to come back onto his skin and Jane took it as an indicator that Mephis was going to ignore the Faust issue. "Now, I understand that you two expect me to deal with Faustus but, that's not my job," the demon explained as he grabbed a glass from the table and poured a drink.
"So, you don't know what he planned to trade off from an occult professor," Dani questioned.
"I'm a demon, Danielle. Mind reading are fortune teller's jobs or if the right witch came along, like your Regina."
Oh, he just went for the gusto, the voice spoke.
Dani's fist clenched and before she could step closer, Jane grabbed her by the shoulder. The action stopped Dani from charging from the demon, prompting Dani to take a deep breath and released it. "Don't talk about her," Dani ordered the demon.
"Did I strike a chord, Danielle? That's new for you," Mephis smirked.
"Dani, he's not going to help us," Jane whispered.
"Oh, he's going to because he does this all the time." Dani moved Jane's hand from her shoulder. She moved toward the table and took the glass from Mephis, drinking the brandy like a straight shot then tossing it aside.
"Dani," Jane hissed.
Mephis looked up and seeing the eyes shifting color. "Mephistopheles, I want to know where Faust is hiding? What is he willing to trade off," she demanded.
"You think that making demands is going to start something." Memphis' teeth began to change from human to sharp-razor like and his skin's color became white as snow. Jane noticed that the gloves seemed to morph to claws.
"Dani…"
"He's your charge," Dani argued. "He's working at a Blood Den. Somehow he got a sponsor, and you don't know. Stop playing dumb, Mephistopheles. We know you were speaking with someone earlier and you don't just talk to anyone."
"I'll stop playing dumb when you stop lying to yourself, Danielle."
As if she was burned horribly, Dani stepped back and looked more spooked than ever. Did you really think that he didn't know, the voice questioned. He's a demon; one of the Devil's great servants and you thought that you could hide.
Jane noticed this and asked, "Are you okay?"
"Fine."
"You look pale," Jane retorted.
"I'm fine, Jane."
Jane looked back at Mephis who was smirking, prompting Jane to come forward. "Who were speaking with Mephis," Jane probed. The demon's eyes darted to Jane and the detective continued, "People are dying, Mephis. Supernatural and human alike, you got to tell us where Faust is at and what he's up to?"
Mephis retracted his claws and crossed his arms, "You think that your plead will change my mind?"
"We're asking for something. Just a small lead. Something."
Pleading to a demon, the voice in Dani's head scoffed. So fuckin pathetic.
Mephis then uncrossed his arms and with a quick snap of his fingers, a card appeared in his hand. He handed it to Jane, "Name of his sponsor."
"Thank you."
Jane, in the politest way, bowed to Mephistopheles and backed to the door. Dani was about to follow until she heard, "Danielle, a word?"
Jane looked at Dani with uneasiness. "I'll be fine," Dani assured, gesturing the other detective to go through the door and leaving Dani and Mephis alone. She watched as the demon shifted back to a more natural human form. "Who says I'm lying to myself," Dani questioned softly.
"Because we know the truth of who you are," Mephistopheles argued. "I've known since I met you." The demon moved closer and touched Dani's shoulder. A warm feeling ran through Dani's body while the demon spoke, "Death follows you; it is within you. You can't hide it."
"You don't know anything," Dani shoved back, storming out of the room.
Mephis smirked, And so the creature will be unleashed.
NF
"So, what did Mephis say," Adam asked as Jane rejoined with Maura and the others.
Jane showed the business card and handed it over to Adam. "Claudius Xigbar," Adam read, "Executive to Markos Randolf."
"Ever heard of them?"
Adam shook his head, handing the card back. "I've never heard of the name," Adam informed the group. He then looked around, noticing that someone was missing, "Where's Dani?"
"Right here," Dani answered.
Jane looked back at Dani, "What the hell happened to calm and cool?" Dani shrugged and Jane shook her head, "You're supposed to be a lead in this situation, and I had to get the shit from the demon."
"Jane," Maura said softly.
"Look Jane, you said you wanted in on this-" Dani argued.
Jane rolled her eyes, "'In on this' does not mean that I have to be your fuckin handler."
You don't need someone to handle you. You've handled yourself, the voice spoke. Or have you?
"I don't need a handler."
"At least we have a lead," Korsak pointed out, stepping in between the two.
"Damn it, Danielle! You are so brash! How could you do this?"
Maura's eyes darted to Dani, leaning against the wall.
It can't- Dani thought.
"Are you okay," Maura mouthed.
The detective gave an assuring nod. "But that lead doesn't actually tell us where Faust is exactly at," Frankie added, getting Maura's attention once more.
"On contrary," Maura stated. "We've learned that he's working at a Blood Den."
"That could be ten to fifty different ones," Adam huffed. He twisted the mask in his hands, "It doesn't narrow the field."
"This is the only way to stop you, Henry. To stop this."
A sharp pain came and a cringe across the face. Her hand darted to her pocket, feeling for the reserve in her pocket until she realized that it was not there. "No," Dani groaned, feeling the pain that radiated through her body to her head.
"Dani," Jane called out, catching a glance of the hunched over detective. The others looked at Maura rushed over toward Dani to examine her, prompting the detective to push through them and dropping in the middle of the dance floor.
Guests' eyes were all on her including members of the Council and Regina's.
This can't be happening. Not now.
She raised her head to see Mephistopheles standing on the side and raised his hand to reveal the blue vial.
Oh, it is, Danielle.
Unsure what was happening, Jane drew her weapon as did Frankie, Korsak, Nina, and Frost. Dani raised her hand, watching it as it shook uncontrollably then flexed before she let out a scream of anguish, dropping to the ground.
"To stop you, I need to become like it."
Suddenly, Dani went limp prompting Regina and Maura to rush over. In the rush, Jane trailed behind, watching cautiously and watched as Maura ask for a first aid kit. As someone was rushing over, Jane noticed a twitch in Dani's foot, "Maur…"
"Danielle," Maura called out. "Detective Stevenson, can you hear me?"
"Dani," Regina placed her hand on Dani's back.
A groan suddenly seeped out of Dani's lips and the hand began to move, curling. "Let's roll her onto her back," Maura informed.
They rolled her over with the chest rising and falling, however, Jane noticed Dani seemed to be paler. The hand curled once more, and the breathing leveled then the eyes snapped open revealing dark red irises.
"Maura!"
Hi everyone! Sorry for the small delay, you know life and all that jazz. Hoped you enjoy the chapter! Also, National Coming Day! Be proud and be you!
Please review! See you next chapter!