Chapter 3

"You know it's the timeless debate of nature vs. nurture. Our second victim Ashwin Desai is a young Indian man in every way: his appearance, his cultural motivations, his interests, his language, but, really, his biological parentage may not be Indian at all. And because of how he has been brought up, everyone is able to trace Indian features on his face. It also speaks to our stereotypes, because our sensibilities of people's appearances are culturally informed. India hosts people with heritages ranging from Central Asia to the Middle East to Europe to East Asia and two Indians can look utterly different because of the broad migratory patterns…" Maura spoke with animation, sipping her Tom Yum soup at her apartment's kitchen table as she unpacked the case with Jane.

"Yeah, the poor kid though. He never knew he was half French and half – we still have to find out what. And Maura, don't talk so much about migrations," Jane frowned. "For all we know, you can be born and brought up a Bostonian and then travel and set up home God only knows where…and change your lifestyle completely, maybe even your accent," she remarked somberly, picking slowly at her stir-fried cashew chicken that failed to capture her interest just like the talk on the case.

Silence hung heavily between them for a moment.

"So, Seattle, huh?" Jane finally breached the topic. "How did that idea enter your head? Last I knew, you didn't harbor any secret ambitions to break world records on genius medical examiner-ness. I kind of think I would have been happier if you'd told me we were expecting bizarre little Giovanni-Maura hybrids."

"Well, I always knew I wanted to pursue further research; possibly a longer project that can become a book." Maura grew pensive, maybe even traces of sadness appeared on her expressive face, "Jane, so much has changed in the last year. I have started to question my commitments and maybe even my place here and…" she trailed off. "But also, I really want to focus on my work, make a larger contribution. Take time to write and publish."

"I would read your book," Jane smiled comfortingly.

Maura laughed. "Would you?" she poked Jane playfully in the ribs.

"Can't guarantee I won't fall sleep trying though," Jane added, laughing, even as fearfulness lurked in her eyes. "When would you have to leave?"

"In two weeks. They are starting a genome coding project that I need to be there for very soon."

"Wow! That soon!" Jane exclaimed. "I am…so…that is very little time. In two weeks, you will just wrap up everything? How?"

"You have family here. Your parents, your brothers, so many people that love you, connect you to Boston. And Angela and Frankie and Tommy have been so gracious to me. But…you know, my parents are not here, I don't have any connection to my biological parents, and a job should not tie me to a city. And Jane, I have come to unquestionably understand that we are friends." Maura took Jane's hands in her own again as she noticed her fearful eyes questioning her, "we will always be friends, this I promise you. We will skype and talk on the phone and share stories about your cases and my nerdy colleagues. But we are friends and friendships can withstand a little distance and still persevere."

Jane responded with a small smile. "You know how scarily morbid marriage is in a way. You enjoy hanging out with someone and then you tell them that you want to keep hanging out with them until they die. And then you force them to come with you and swear it in front of God that they won't back out. Heck, you even mark a person with a metal ring. I should have made some contract with you too and sealed it with a handcuff."

Both of them laughed.

Last quip (desc. of marriage) duly credited to the comedian/actor Aziz Ansari.

Also, I really do welcome feedback. Thanks for your comments!