Glazed Feelings

Deanlu

Rizzoli and Isles are the property of TNT and Tess Gerritson. I am just borrowing them for a little fun. Please review and review often. Let me know what you think.

Monday had dawned cloudy and cold. Jane had felt the chill into her bones. The constant checking of leads outside the office and interviewing of suspects in their latest homicide had kept her and Frost out until late evening. Two women strangled and raped, then dumped along the harbor. They wouldn't have been found for a while had a man walking his dog accidently happened on them. She hadn't even gotten a descent lunch, just a quick bite from a local corner store. She was tired when she arrived home. The one good thing had been that she hadn't had to face Maura all day. Just a month ago the incident had occurred, the incident being the shooting of Maura's Sperm donor. Maura and her spoke for work and Jane had kept their conversations light, but nothing more. Jane walked through her front door as her phone rang.

"Rizzoli" Jane said quickly.

"Jane? You have time to come over tonight?" Jane listened to Maura's voice. Jane was tired. She wanted her relationship with Maura to be on track, but it wasn't going to happen tonight. Not to mention it was already eight at night. She really should go to be there for Maura, but she just couldn't tonight.

"Maura, I'm going to have to beg off. I'm just walking in the front door. Maybe tomorrow? Is that okay?" Jane asked as she moved into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from her fridge. Maura's answer was slow in coming just like their relationship these days.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow?" Jane leaned against the freezer door on her refrigerator.

"Yeah, talk to you in the morning." Maura hung up the phone and stared at it for a long time. How had their relationship gotten so far off track? Maura knew it was her fault. Her responses to Jane after the shooting had shut Jane out. Across town Jane looked into the refrigerator, nothing for her to eat. She needed to shop. A chill swept through her body and then she sneezed. "Damn! I don't need a cold." Jane headed into the bedroom making sure her apartment was locked. She then stripped and dropped into bed setting the alarm.

Tuesday dawned even colder than Monday with rain in the forecast. Frost and Jane had gotten a break in the case. They had gone across town to an apartment house in the young and upcoming business section. Jane knocked on the door of 5J.

"Police, Eric Wilder open up. We have a search warrant for the premises. The door opened to reveal a young man in his late twenties, blond hair, blue eyes, with a strong face.

"How can I help you detectives?" Eric Wilder asked nonchalantly.

"We have a search warrant for the premises." Jane stated as she handed it to him. "You are Eric Wilder?" When the suspect nodded Jane had the officer accompanying them stand with near Eric as he took a seat on the sofa in the living room.

"What are you looking for officer Rizzoli?" The comment had been snarky and biting made to push Jane. She just smiled and fired back to him.

"Jimmy Hoffa's crypt." Eric's smile left his face and anger started to simmer. The officers who had accompanied Jane searched for thirty minutes, but nothing was found. "Thank you Mr. Wilder for your assistance." Jane stated professionally as she and the other officers left. The door slammed in Jane's face.

"You'd think he didn't like me." Jane snickered as she and Frost left the building. Jane got in the car and looked up at the building. Eric wilder stared at the detectives and then closed the curtains. "He did it Frost, I'm almost sure. The evidence is all pointing toward him. I just have to find something concrete."

"Jane, it'll happen. We'll get him." Frost said as rain began to come down. "Shoot, I thought it was to rain tonight." It started pouring quickly turning the dry roads into wet slides. "Jane, be careful. I don't need to pay for a cruiser." Jane moved the cruiser through traffic carefully. The rain increased when suddenly in front of them two cars collided, and then a truck struck the first car. Jane turned on the flashlights of cruiser. Frost radioed in the accident. They both went out into the pouring rain to render assistance. Four hours later, two soaked detectives returned to the precinct. Jane felt awful. Her head felt stuffed and she was cold. Both her and Frost headed toward the locker room.

"Rizzoli! Cavanaugh wants to see you right away!" The front desk officer yelled. Jane stopped and sighed deeply.

"Yeah, heading that way." Jane headed upstairs to Cavanaugh's office. She spent the next hour arguing with Cavanaugh about the search warrant they had performed. Finally, free of her boss Jane headed to the locker room to change. She had planned to take a hot shower, but the exhaustion and lack of food pushed her to change. She headed down to the cafeteria. Her mom was off somewhere on break, so Jane got a cup of coffee and a sandwich. She wolfed both down and went back to her desk. Two hours later she headed out of the precinct home. She had received a voicemail from Maura saying she had to cancel due to work. Jane was fine with that since she felt wiped. Another night of dropping into bed.

Wednesday dawned as bad as Tuesday, except it was raining cats and dogs. Jane's throat was sore, but she ignored it. She stared at the newspaper that sat on her counter as she drank her coffee. Chills swept through her body and she coughed several times. Quickly she grabbed a pack of cough drops from her cabinet. This day was going to suck badly. Just then her phone rang.

"Rizzoli. Yes, I'll be right there." Frost had called. They had another dead body. Jane quickly dressed and headed out. By the time she arrived at the scene Jane knew she was getting sick. The stuffiness had her head in a vice not to mention the she couldn't seem to get warm. "Rizzoli, Victor 825. Jane walked under the tape as Frost came to give her an update."

"Same as before girl, late twenties, strangled, raped repeatedly. Dr. Isles says she has been here maybe four hours." Jane stopped and looked around at the people that had gathered even in the rain.

"Why dump the body here?" Jane asked Frost.

"He needed a new place since the last place had been discovered. Not many people around, even less when raining. We aren't going to have much evidence with the rain." Jane approached Maura and began coughing. Maura looked up from where she was bent over the body.

"Not feeling well detective?" Maura asked rising and approaching Jane. Jane moved off and around the body avoiding Maura.

"I'm fine, just a cough Dr. Isles." Jane quickly reminded Maura where they were and had placed the enforced boundaries Maura had given them in place. She didn't need sympathy or help right now for herself. Now as for the body she needed more information. "So what do we have?" Jane bent over as water dripped from her hair. "Damn rain is causing us to lose evidence." Jane stifled a cough and stood back up. Maura signaled the bodies removal as Jane moved toward the car. Maura caught up with her quickly grabbing her by the arm. Jane spun and broke the hold like she had been poked with a hot brand. "Sorry, just jumpy." Maura stepped back some, but she could see Jane was sick.

"You should be home resting." Maura said concern lacing her voice. Jane looked up at the rain that was soaking them both. Her more than Maura as the good doctor was dressed for the weather.

"No rest for the wicked Maura." Jane looked at the doctor. "I'm the worst there is aren't I?" Maura blanched as Jane began to move away. She could only watch as the detective climbed into the car. Jane drove across town and parked her car. She watched the flat of Eric Wilder. Her phone rang. "Rizzoli... Yeah, I'm sitting down the block by Bagliones. His car is in front, but he hasn't come out. No, I'll watch until you show up. Hey, bring some soup and coffee." A few hours later Frost knocked on the window. Jane unlocked the door and let him inside. By now the detective was coughing off and on. Jane took the soup and drank it down. It felt good.

"You don't look good Jane. You should go home." Frost said looking at his partner. Jane nodded. Suddenly they saw Eric Wilder come running out of the apartment building. He hopped into his car and drove off. Jane followed. Two hours later, after a fruitless time of tailing Mr. Wilder they arrived at his home again.

"Well, this was useless. I am going to head home Frost." Jane's coughing had gotten worse. Frost nodded.

"Stay home Jane. Get well." Jane nodded. She drove home and slowly climbed the stairs to her apartment. She unlocked the door, entered, and leaned back against the door. She so desperately wanted Maura's touch, but it was not possible. Maura had put the lines in place. Maura had to cross them. Jane would not. Jane made it to the couch dropping her coat onto the floor. She grabbed the red socks blanket off the back of the couch and fell asleep.

Thursday morning dawned with sleet falling. Jane didn't move from the couch all night. She woke now shivering between hot and cold. She attempted to rise from the couch, but just couldn't quite manage it. She reached over and pulled her phone out of her coat pocket. She pulled up her contacts list and pushed who she thought was her mother. The phone rang and rang…Jane dropped the phone and was too tired to pick it up…slipping into sleep she never heard the answering voice.

"Jane…Jane…Jane, answer me." Maura's voice echoed over the line…Jane never heard.

Late afternoon, Jane tossed and turned falling off the couch. She heard knocking, but could not answer as the fever her body was encased in ravaged her flesh and mind. She never heard the door open, or heard the footsteps cross the room to her.

"Frankie, help me get her to her bed." Frankie helped Maura pick up Jane and move her to the bed. Maura got her settled with Frankie's help into the bed. "Frankie, go into Jane's kitchen and get me some water. Bring my bag from the living room." Frankie rushed to get what Maura asked for as the doctor went into the bathroom wetting several rags and putting cool water into a small bowl from under the sink. Maura began bathing Jane's brow as Frankie reentered. "Jane, I need you to drink this. Please Jane, come on." Somehow Jane heard Maura and drank the glass of water. Maura then got her to take antibiotics and acetaminophen. Maura then kissed her forehead and helped her settle into bed. "Frankie, I am going to make a list and I need you to get the items. Can you do that?"

"Yes, how did she get this bad Maura? It's not like Jane to not take care of herself." Frankie hadn't seen his sister this sick since she had measles when she was six years old. "I know she has been working hard, but she would have taken care of herself." Maura shook her head. She didn't need to discuss this right now. What she needed was to get Jane well.

"I don't know Frankie, but we will find out. Please run and get the items on the list." Frankie nodded and left. Maura pulled the covers off of Jane. She carefully removed Jane's clothes. She bathed her sweat soaked skin with the cloth. Finally, Maura dressed her in her white socks sweats and a t-shirt. Once sure she was cooling down, Maura left the bedroom. She picked up Jane's gun and badge putting them into drawer in the bedroom that Jane kept them in at night. She then heated some broth Jane had from her cupboard and poured it into a cup. Maura returned to the bedroom. She set cup on the side stand and gently attempted to wake Jane. She noticed the detective was much cooler now. "Jane, I need you to wake up. Come on sweety." Jane opened her eyes recognizing Maura's presence for the first time.

"Maura? What?" Jane's confusion worried Maura.

"Shhh, we are in your apartment. You called me this morning. I need you to drink this Jane. Can you do this for me?" Jane tried to rise, but didn't have the energy.

"Can't get up." Jane said

"Hang on." Maura moved behind Jane propping her up against her. She fed Jane the broth. Jane got three quarters of the cup down before she grew too tired. "Good Job sweety." Maura said as she sat the cup on the side stand and held Jane's body close for the first time in a month. "I'm here Jane. Get some rest and fight this cold." Maura kissed her head and held Jane as the detective drifted into a healing sleep. Maura gently slipped from beneath Jane and tucked her into the covers. She heard the front door open and close. Maura stepped out of the bedroom cracking the door open so she could hear Jane.

"Hey," Maura called to Frankie. Frankie looked up after sitting down two bags of groceries.

"Hey, how is she now?" Frankie made some tea for Maura as he waited for her response.

"Better, for now. The fever will be back tonight. I changed her clothes while you were out. She must have been in fever all last night. Her clothes were soaked. She should get better now that we are here. I have called off for Friday and into Thursday next week." Frankie shook his head.

"Do you want me to stay tonight? I could take the night watch while you sleep." Frankie knew things had been strained for Maura and Jane, but he wanted to be there for them. Especially right now.

"No, but I would appreciate it if you would watch her while I shower. I don't want her waking up with no one here. Oh, Frankie could you put her gun away in the safe in her closet? I know you know the combination." Jane's brother nodded taking a sip of his tea.

"Sure, go on and shower. I'll call for some Thai food. I haven't eaten today and I know you haven't either." Maura nodded and hugged him as she went toward the bedroom. Frankie looked around his sister's apartment. It was all normal since her estrangement from Maura. Dirty clothes tossed all over, bottles of beer in the trash, and food boxes forgotten on the coffee table. He shook his head and took out the trash quick. Then picked up the dirty clothes setting them into the basket where Jane's washer and dryer were located. He called in the order and then turned on the television after checking in on his sister. The weatherman predicted snow for Friday with colder temperatures. Frankie shook his head at least he had stocked up Jane's fridge and cabinets with what Maura required.

"Frankie, you didn't have to clean." Maura said as she came into the living room and sat down next to him.

"I didn't want you having to worry about that while you were caring for her." There was a knock at the door and Frankie went to get the food from the delivery man. The two sat and ate their dinner until Frankie finally broached the subject he had been avoiding.

"You can't stay away from her Maura. She loves you and you love her. She did what she should have in the warehouse whether you like it or not. You can't help that Agent Dean won't leave her alone. She loves you. You know that." Maura sat her box of Thai down and the chopsticks.

"I know Frankie. I should never have let it get this far. I just…it hurt so badly. I wanted to blame Jane for everything. After Doyle escaped, God I wish I knew how that happened, I know I should have talked to her. I should have let her know I didn't blame her. I messed up so bad Frankie." Tears fell down Maura's face as she tried to make Frankie understand. "I don't think Jane will take me back now." Frankie set down his food and pulled Maura into his arms.

"Yes, she will. She has done nothing with anyone since the warehouse. The two times she and I have watched sports together she has missed you so bad. Just try Maura. You're the one who handed Jane the ring back. You're the one who put the barriers into place. You're the one she called today. She needs you. The question is do you need her?" Frankie asked Maura looking into her eyes searching for an answer.

"Yes. I do. I need her desperately." The two heard thrashing in the other room and the sound of a glass hitting the floor. Both jumped up and moved quickly into Jane's bedroom. Maura was by her side instantly. "Jane, calm down. It's Maura Jane. Shhhh, calm down." Jane calmed once Maura began to speak. "Frankie can you clean that up and bring some more water." Maura noted that four hours had passed. She gave Jane more water and medicine for the fever. Frankie bid Maura a good night after cleaning up their dinner. Maura climbed into bed next to Jane and held her. Both ladies were asleep soon after.

Friday morning dawned with snow falling. Maura had awakened in the early hours to give Jane more medicine and bath her brow. Jane had briefly woken enough to take in more liquid and broth. She even was able to handle some yogurt. Now the late morning found Frankie entering the apartment with another bag of groceries and several containers of Angela's soup. After placing them away in the refrigerator he checked on his sister and her fiancé. He opened the bedroom door to find Jane holding Maura in a cuddled hold. Frankie sat down on the edge of the bed and checked Jane. Her fever must have broken in the middle of the night because she was finally cool to the touch. He gently shook Maura awake. He quickly put his finger to his lips signaling her to stay quiet and follow him. He moved out to the other room and got coffee going. He then started breakfast; pancakes with fresh strawberries on the side and bacon. He poured Maura a glass of juice and set her a cup of coffee.

"How is she this morning?" Maura came out in Red socks sweats and Jane's BPD t-shirt.

"Better, her fever broke early this morning. She spoke for a few seconds and drank more water. I'd like to see if we can get some soft eggs and toast into her soon. She hasn't really eaten anything since Monday. Her body has nothing to repair itself with. It's why she got sick so fast." Frankie nodded as he poured syrup over his pancakes.

"Ma, told me to tell you bass and Joe Friday are fine. She also said that whenever you need her just call." Frankie grabbed Maura's hand. "We're here for you Maura. Whatever you need." Maura nodded and squeezed Frankie's hand back.

TBC