Chapter Two

Jane had agreed that Maura could come over and 'help' her pack as long as they could go to her choice for lunch. The call from NYPD had come through the day before and the deal was 'you want in you get here quick'. Jane's flight was booked for the following evening so the friends had decided to spend the day together. The timing of Jane's secondment was unfortunate. Maura's birthday was a couple of days away and Jane would be well and truly ensconced in her new role in New York so would be missing Angela's dinner party. She had offered to cook for the occasion. It wasn't a 'special' birthday but the strength of her own disappointment had taken Maura by surprise. She realised Jane was the one person she really wanted at her birthday celebrations. She would never cancel on Angela, especially as she knew how much trouble she had gone to. She hadn't had to bring up her birthday concern as Jane had been more than aware. After being called into Cavanaugh's office to be informed of the NYPD's call Jane headed straight down to the basement.

"It's a great opportunity Jane. No more women should have to go through what these women did." Maura swept her hand towards the covered gurneys. Jane nodded and shuddered slightly as she knew what was underneath the sterile, green cloths.

"But, what about your birthday?"

"Oh Jane, look I'll be one day older than the day before. Of course I'd love you to be there but we eat so many meals together it really doesn't matter." Even as Maura said the words and watched Jane nod, seemingly placated, she knew they weren't exactly true. Her thoughts were perplexing to her and she shook her head slightly as though to try and rid herself of them. "When do you leave?"

"Er asap, Cavanaugh said I can leave now to get ready and a flight's been booked for tomorrow evening." Maura glanced at her watch. It was 6pm on Monday. "I'm going to tie up some filing then head out and speak to Ma. Convince her I'm not about to die!" Jane rolled her eyes for emphasis. "Will you have Jo Friday or shall I ask Frankie to have her?"

"Of course she can stay with me, Bass will enjoy the company."

"I'm not sure the turtle notices whether he has company or not!"

"Jane!" Maura swatted her arm playfully "Tortoise, and of course he does, he's a very sociable creature. Jane may I help you prepare for your trip?" Maura's formality of language both amused and still surprised Jane. Only Maura would ask her best friend in such a formal way whether she wanted help to pack!

"Of course Maur. I need you to make sure that I don't forget anything! Look come over tomorrow morning and help me pack, one condition though."

"Oh?"

"I choose where we go for lunch and I'll treat."

With the packing done Maura and Jane stepped out into the still chilly Spring air. They walked silently for a while until Maura broke the silence.

"Are you nervous?"

"Mmm not about catching the son of a bitch but I feel like I've got a lot to prove."

"Because they've requested you?"

"Yep."

"You're going because you're the only detective who managed to piece together all the clues."

"With your help."

"I provided some pertinent DNA evidence Jane I do not have your 'gut instinct'." Jane chuckled at her air quotes and then suddenly stopped.

"Stay there – I'm just going to get lunch." Maura looked around, half expecting a hot dog cart to materialise."

"But..."

"Won't be long." Jane scurried off and then Maura realised her favourite deli was around the corner. Sweet, thoughtful Jane. She appeared soon afterwards carrying a couple of brown paper bags.

"It's not too cold I thought we could eat outside." Maura nodded and smiled, linking her arm through Jane's as they wandered to find somewhere to settle with their goodies.

On their bench in the park Maura's eyes lit up as she found her favourites in the bag. Arugula and pear salad with walnuts, Parmigianino and lemon olive oil, bresaola with fresh tomato and mozzarella.

"Thank you Jane, but I feel I should be treating you. This is very thoughtful." Jane shrugged as she tackled her Italiano sandwich – salami, sopressata, mortadella, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and hot sauce.

"It's ok. I just rang ahead earlier and made the order. No biggie. Besides if I'm missing this amazing birthday extravaganza of a dinner – which by all accounts is going to be fabulous. This is the least I could do." They ate some more in silence.

"I'll miss you – you will be careful won't you" Jane looked up surprised by Maura's sudden comment, Maura was looking at her so earnestly that Jane knew a flippant Rizzoli retort had no place in the conversation.

"Maur of course I'll be careful." She covered Maura's hand briefly with her own. "I'll be back before you know it."

"It's just..." the usually articulate medical examiner stumbled for a second "It's just I feel better knowing that…" Still struggling uncharacteristically Maura looked at some distant point ahead of her.

"Knowing I'm in Boston?"

"Yes I suppose so. I'm sorry Jane I think I've just realised maybe I take you for granted."

"You don't take me for granted, no more than I do with you. It's called depending on someone." The silence that landed between them felt heavy like there was something monumental about to be said. At that moment however a gust of wind blew one of the paper bags out of Jane's hand.

"Shit." She leapt up and began chasing the errant bag which seemed pretty determined to stay out of her grasp. Maura couldn't help but laugh and also mourn the fact that a perfect opportunity (for exactly what she wasn't sure) had passed them by.