Chapter 9
14 months ago...
Dinner would be ready in about an hour. Sofia was waiting for Angela on the couch with her backpack.
"When is she coming?"the girl asked scratching her left eye with her hand."I'm sleepy"
"She has to come from one moment to another, sweetheart" Maura said from the kitchen. She was preparing pasta that she knew Jane adored. If she wanted the conversation was on track, pasta and beer would be the key to success. The door opened and Sofia jumped up from her place to run into her grandmother's arms.
"How's my little princess?" Sofi hugged her with a smile. Angela looked at Maura quizzically."So... dinner for two?" The doctor became nervous by the suggestive tone of that question.
"Yes, well, there's something important I must speak with Jane, and as she's gonna freak out, I want it to be with a delicious dinner. "She placed a hand on the counter and the other on her hip."Angela, what I have to tell her could change everything. "The woman walked towards her with the girl in her arms.
"What's so important? Perhaps ... You want to confess her something?" Maura squinted uncomprehendingly. Angela raised her eyebrows and nodded, hoping she get it "You know... a confession..." lowered her voice to a whisper "You know... of "those" confessions" Maura opened her mouth without knowing exactly what to say.
"What? No!" She took both hands to the hip. "Of course not, what are you thinking? It is something that has to do with the girl."Angela shrugged and looked a little disappointed.
"Go get your doll, honey" she left Sofia on the ground, and the little girl obeyed. She approached to the doctor who still looked a little nervous. "So that proposal we are talking about?" She hesitated whether or not to tell. But she knew if she did not give her any clues, she'll going to drive her crazy with questions.
"I want to legally adopt Sofia" Angela clapped both hands to her mouth and then to her chest.
"That would be fantastic! Although I have no idea how could you do that" Angela smiled and hugged her just before the girl appeared."Good luck then. Say goodbye to Mommy Sofi" Maura bent down to hug her.
"Goodnight Sweetheart. Behave yourself Ok?"
"Yes mommy. Love you."She kissed her cheek and stroked her head before she took Angela's hand."See you tomorrow!"
About an hour later the door opened revealing Jane absolutely exhausted. Her expression of fatigue subsided when she saw her best friend cooking. She recognized the scent. It would do it always and everywhere in the world.
"Hello! How was your day?"Maura asked with a smile.
"Are you doing what I think it is?" She approached her and bent down to view the contents of the oven."Did you cooked lasagna?" She gave a little jump and kissed her cheek."You're the best."
"I know" She replied. "Hard day?"
"You know, Dr. Pike loves to make my life miserable" She took off her coat and put it on the hanger. "But I don't want to talk about it. What's the reason for this wonderful surprise? And why Sofia is with my mom?
"There's something I want to talk with you, and it is better if we are alone" Suddenly Jane could feel her heart in her throat. "But I'll tell you when we dine. In a few minutes, please put yourself comfortable"
She did not want to disobey, she sat at the table, could not help feeling greatly intrigued. Maura only prepared lasagna when she had something important to say. She had done it when she told her she was pregnant for the first time, also did it, long before of Sofia's birth, when she told her she was going to commit to someone. She was afraid. Because if there was lasagna meant a huge change in Maura's life, and generally those changes also affected Jane.
Moments later, after praising the exquisite food all was silent.
"And well...?" Jane asked "What do you have to say?" Maura took a sip of wine and sighed.
"More like I want to ask you something"Jane raised her eyebrows waiting for the question. "Why you never wanted to tell me who is Sofia's father?" Jane almost choked. They'd had this conversation so many times.
"He does not exist. So forget it" She answered without convincing her.
"Why don't you want to tell me? What are you afraid of? I will not judge you" Jane sipped her beer.
"Why do you want to know it now? He has no idea of her existence, and he never will"
"Sooner or later you'll have to tell her. She will ask you some Day."
"Then that day I will see what I say to her. I don't want to worry about that now."
"Do I know him?
"Yes"
"Is Casey?"
"No! Of course not"
"Why so much mystery Jane?" She ran a hand through her hair, put her elbows on the table and stared into her eyes.
"I'm scared" She whispered "I have fear that if his name go out of my mouth, somehow he hears it somewhere and want to have contact with her. I don't want to share her with someone else"
"But you share her with me" Jane smiled and stretched out her arm to take her hand.
"You are YOU. You love Sofi the same as me. And there's nothing in this world that would not share with you... but with someone I hardly know, who I don't even know about his life or his family... How could I?"
"Maybe you could try... investigate him? see what kind of man he is?"
"No, I know he's good, but... Sofia is mine and if she ever want to know who is he, I will tell her then, not now. I don't want to. I do not want to include someone in her life, someone who she loves and adore and someday he disappointed her as my father did with me or yours with you"
"Not everyone are like them Jane" She said stroking her hand with her thumb."You can not protect her from the disappointments from the people around her. Or the sorrow that she may feel. There are things that hurt but, it make us grow up.
"I don't want to, Maur. Not now"
"It is your decision. And I respect it" she said with a smile "I will not going to ask it again" Jane smiled in appreciation.
"And that's the reason for this lasagna" Maura released her hand and turned back to her plate. The doctor didn't said anything. She stood in silence watching her. Trying to find the least shocking way to tell what she wanted. But there was no way to be subtle."Or there's something else you want to tell me?" she put a piece into her mouth and waited with a smile. Maura took a deep breath and without thinking again dared to speak.
"I want you to marry me" Jane's food stuck in her throat, she started coughing trying to breathe again. How she could release a question like that from nothing? "Are you okay?" She raised her hand and continued coughing until she could breathe normally. She sipped her beer and stared at Maura.
"What did you say?" She asked for a confirmation. Perhaps she had misheard.
"I want you to marry me" repeated this time a little quieter.
"What? But ... How? ... What?!" She stood up suddenly and Maura did the same. "What are you talking about? How do you say a thing like that?!" She was a little hysterical.
"Can you calm down and listen? Please?" She asked in a calm tone though her heart was pounding.
"Maura, you can not go asking people to marry you in that way"
"Should I give you a ring?" Jane's eyes widened even larger.
"What? No! I mean."She stayed with her mind blank briefly. It was Maura, should have a logical reason behind that question. She had not asked her to marry her. It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Jane saw her a little quieter. If there was a reason she wanted to hear it "how do you want to marry me?"
"Can we sit?" She sat in place and Jane did the same. There was no romantic involvement at that dinner. Maura was being completely analytical, rational or logical. As she wanted to name it "I want to marry you" she continued "because I want to legally adopt Sofia" That was the reason. Jane was still with her mouth open and was unable to speak. "Look, you don't need to give me an answer now, but think about it"
"Why do you want to adopt her?" Jane's voice made her feel more confident. She was calmer and willing to listen to her reasons
"We have a job that involves a lot of risk. Have you ever thought that would be of Sofia if something happens to you?" She paused to think for a moment the answer.
"I know if anything happens to me, you'd be there for her"
"Jane, without a paper to endorse me, anyone could take her away from me. I have no right to her. They would give her to your mother. It is most likely"
"Ma would never take her away from you"
"I know" she wait a few moments before continuing speaking."Have you ever thought if something happens to me?"
"I don't like to think about those things"
"I'm an only child, all what belong to my parents will someday be mine. At this point I will not have my own children. If something happens to me, my heritage and my parents will go to the state or some very far cousin" Jane frowned. "I want to adopt Sofia, so if anything happens to you, me or both, she never miss anything. I know Angela would take care of her. But it would be difficult for her take care of a girl and work simultaneously. I want to assure her a good future" Jane paused for a moment to think about the words of her friend "Furthermore" she continued with her voice a little shaky."If something happens to you... if I ever lose you and they took her away from me... Jane, I could not resist it" She took her hand in hers and looked into her eyes "When you were in the hospital, when you shoot yourself. It was horrible for me not to know anything about you. They didn't tell me anything because I was not a familiar. If it wasn't for Angela I've couldn't even visited you. And that was not just once. When you lost your baby. It happened exactly the same. I was left out of everything. And I felt absolutely impotent" Jane looked Maura's eyes began to be watered
"Listen, that's not going to happen Ok? I'll be fine and Sofi's fine. You will always be with us"
"But under the law I am nothing hers" Jane wiped a tear with her thumb."Have you thought what would you do if something happens to me? Wouldn't you be the the first to know how I am? What is my status?" The answer was no, never thought about could not even think about it. "You would be no one Jane, and with my parents milles away I'm alone here. No one but you would be interested in me. But you could not do anything because you are nothing more than my friend" She sighed with a smile before speaking again" don't give me an answer now. Just consider it.
Monday 7:20 a.m.
"¡Nina"Jane jumped up when saw her arrive. The brunette looked at her attentive. "I need you to do something for me"
"Of course" she said walking to her workplace."What do you need? Have you found anything?"
"Can you tell me the current addresses of these people" Jane handed her a paper with a list of names. Nina read them and turned to see the desperate eyes of her partner.
"Of course" Jane smiled and she did the same."You have not slept at all, right?" Jane shook her head.
"I'll go to take a coffee now. I have so much to do today and need to be wide awake" Nina nodded and headed for the exit. "Call me when you get it ready please"
The man looked at the body of the woman lying on a small pool of blood. He took off his mask and ran a hand through his hair several times. He had explicit instructions not to harm her or the child. But, how he could accomplish it if she turned crazy? He had received several cuts, scratches and bites. It was his life or hers. Now he would has problems. He stood watching her for a moment. Until he felt one of his partners move. The man sat holding his head gazing to his feet until he could focus his eyes again. When he noticed the body on the floor looked at the other man frightened.
"What have you done?" He asked softly. "Stupid now he's going to kill us!"
"Hopefully she did not kill us first! I just defended myself" Replied.
"Is she dead?" The man's eyes seemed that would come out of their sockets.
"I think so. She's not moving anymore"
"Check it out, Take her pulse or something!" The man guarding the gate of Sofia picked up the phone that was supported on one side of the door and called the boss.
"I do not know how to do that!"
The plump man whispered "stupid" before starting to speak.
"Sir, we had a problem. The woman escaped and attacked us. We're hurt but ... we had to defend ourselves" The man on the other side of the line yelled things no one understood "I think she is dead" Then... a moment of silence hung up and looked at his companion. "He said that we got rid of her and talk about it later"
Monday 10.45 a.m.
Sofia sat hugging her knees back against the door. When she felt approaching footsteps stood immediately hoping it was her mother. They stepped aside to feel the lock and saw a man with a tray in her hand, it was the first time they entered without covering his face. Sofia stepped back.
"Morning little girl" She recognized the voice. He was the man who always spoke to them. The one who communicated with them.
"Where is my mother?" She asked with a frown. He sighed and put the tray on the table. He closed the door behind him and sat on the bed.
"You know? I have no intention to hurt you" He started to say in a soft tone. Sofia was not convinced so easy and turned away from him. "I have a boy about your age" He began to tell.
"Then why are you doing this?" The man sighed, ducking his head as he rested his arms on his legs.
"He is ill." Sofia kept her frown. "We must do surgery. You know what that is?" the girl nodded. "Of course you do. You're very intelligent." The man sighed. "It's a very expensive process and we have no money. My job can barely keep and pay for medication that he needs." The face of the girl looked at him suspiciously. "They told me to take care and communicate with you. No harm"
"Why don't you help me get out from here? My mommy has a lot of money, she can pay you" The man felt a lump forming in his throat. "Parents sometimes do crazy things to take care of our children" he gave her a sad smile. "I do not think your mom can help me now. Here's your breakfast" Sofia did not understood "From now on I will guard the door. So if you need anything let me know" He stood up and walked out under the watchful eyes of the child.
Jane ran to where Nina was after she called her. She barely look at her when Nina gave her the list she had requested.
"Thank you" She said just going to take way out. When she was about to board the elevator Korsak crossed with her when she was about to enter.
"Where are you going?" He asked holding her hand.
"To take a look at who is behind all this" Replied convinced.
"Do you have any leads?"
"Rather a list." She said getting in to the elevator. Korsak instead held out her hand demanding an explanation with his eyes. "I have a hunch it has to be one of them" she said, extending the paper. "Although I lean more to the last one"
"They are good choices"
"I remembered something Maura once told me about a weekend in Vermont. I had not thought about it before because I was too blinded by the pain. Now I know we're close Korsak, I know we will find them. The only thing we have to do is check their adresses. From there we will reduce further options. And if he is not where it's supposed to be..."
"What will you do?" He asked intrigued and excited by Jane's trust
"I will seek that damn and I will make him pay for what he has done" Korsak grinned. There was Jane in all its glory again. The pain was not interrupting her work, it was even more motivating her. It was just matter of time before could have Sofia again with them.
Monday 6:30 p.m.
She hasn't much time for this. In fact she had no desire to see Maura's parents, she wouldn't come home if it wasn't because Angela insisted. She just wanted to continue her research. She reached Korsak home to meet her mother, the Isles and Hope in the living room. The first one up was her mother who walked toward her and kissed her cheek.
"I thought it would be good to invite them a coffee while you tell them what has happened" Jane reluctantly smiled and raised a hand in greeting. Korsak made a slight bow with his head. Hope stood up and walked over to give her a big hug.
"I can imagine what you're going through Jane" She kissed her cheek and looked into her eyes. "But I know that if anyone can find Maura and Sofia it's you."
"Thanks" it was all she managed to say before receiving a hug this time from Constance. She stroked her cheek and looked at her tenderly "Well, I have not much to say now, I haven't time to explain everything but. We are investigating with Korsak some suspects and the FBI carries a research on their own so hopefully soon we'll find them"
"Is there anything we can do for you, dear?" Constance asked kindly. Jane shook her head slightly. "You look exhausted"
"Well, I hadn't slept, but I'm fine. Ma, please, take care of them. I'm really sorry but I must go." The four nodded and she look at them distressed. Jane gestured to Korsak and both went out and got into the vehicle.
They drove in silence for a moment until Vince decided to speak.
"We interviewed 8 of 13, wich only 2 did not been on his legal adresses"
"That's right. We must finish and then locate the ones missing" She replied without taking her eyes off from the road.
"Jane, have you thought about Sofia's father?" She opened her eyes wide. Korsak had not touched the subject since she had told him she was pregnant"
"What about him?" Vince pursed his lips and shrugged.
"Have you thought that maybe he has something to do with this?" Jane took her left hand off the wheel to support it on the low window.
"He has nothing to do with this." Replied lowering her voice.
"How do you know?" She gasped but did not speak for a moment.
"He doesn't even know she was born" She snorted and tried to forget this conversation, but Vince did not seem convinced of that.
"Are you sure he does not know? He could have the means to carry out all this?" Jane glanced briefly at her friend
"No, he would not be able to. And I'm sure he doesn't know. Not even Maura knows who he is" Korsak grunted. He was about to reply when the phone rang.
"Korsak" he responded immediately."Who speaks?... Where ... Are you sure?" Jane ran a hand through her hair without losing sight of the Route. Vince glanced at her without saying a word. "Aha, send it to me" he hold the mobile in his hand waiting for the arrival of the file.
"Something's wrong?" She asked knowing it was not a friendly call. He did not answer.
When his phone vibrated again he immediatly opened the file, and took a hand to her mouth. His eyes began to fill with tears and a lump formed in his throat.
"What?"
"Please stop the car" He said hoarsely. Jane's heart stopped. In a quick move she parked the car in the first place she found. He barely had the chance to go down Korsak stepped away and began to walk in circles. Jane did the same and immediately stood beside him.
"Hey" she called taking his arm. "Tell me once! what happened?!" Korsak took a deep breath and stared at the dark eyes who demanded an explanation.
"I'm so sorry" Those words made her heart stop. She released her grip, slowly lower her arms to the side of her body. She stopped breathing without realizing it. "They found Maura's body" She smiled nervously and took a step backward.
"No, that's not possible" Korsak nodded without knowing what to do or say. "No, it must be a mistake "
"They sent me a picture. It's really her Jane" She shook her head. She would not believe it until she see it with her own eyes.
"Show it to me" Demanded with the firmer tone as she could. "
"No, seriously, don't"
"Show it to me!" She shouted with bloodshot eyes. Korsak shook his head and pulled the phone from his pocket. He held the device a moment before deciding to give it to her. The image opened perfectly revealing Maura's face with an asleep appearance but marked by bruises, her matted hair and stained with blood. She shook her head and looked at Korsak who came to her to comfort her. Jane stepped away still containing air, she felt dizzy , her legs trembled and were about to falter. Her gaze returned to find that image it had just destroy her heart and fell without a tear drop. Korsak bent to be at her height and hugged her tightly. Jane was paralyzed a few moments before of letting out a cry of pain.
Hello everyone! I'm sorry for the delay. And I'm sorry for the mistakes you could find. I hadn't slept in hours, almost a day and I am so tired.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I will update soon. Don't forget to leave your review! I really love to read you.
