A nod to Tess Gerritsen and TNT: Thank you for creating these lovely characters that we love to play with at times.

Maura looks at the decorated room in satisfaction. For a hospital cafeteria, it was almost as festive as the corporate party they went to last night. Snowflakes hang from the ceiling, smaller trees with twinkling lights are in the corners of the room. A big tree with a comfortable lounge chair dominated one end.

Jane walks up to Maura. "Everything looks perfect. The kids are going to love this."

Maura has a concerned look on her face. "Are you sure it's enough?"

"Sweetheart, you have elves running around ready to serve the kids whatever they can eat, a craft table, magician, pin the nose on Rudolph. You have presents for the kids AND their families. Seriously, it is going to be wonderful."

"I hope so, Jane. No one want's to spend Christmas in the hospital, we need to make it as happy as possible."

They hear the jingle of bells as a woman dressed as an elf approaches them. "Dr. Isles? Phone call for you." The elf hands Maura a cordless phone.

"Yes? Oh, no. Are you sure? What are your symptoms? No, we can't expose your germs to the children. Do you have a replacement? Ok. Thank you. Rest and fluids as you can keep them down." Maura hands the phone back to the elf. She turns to Jane. "We have a problem. The man who was supposed to be our Santa is sick."

"Oh, no! Did he suggest someone?"

"All the Santa's from his agency are booked today. What about Korsak?"

"I think he went away this weekend."

The list of possibilities for Santa was diminishing. They even asked the hospital staff, but the men were either working or busy on this last Saturday before Christmas.

Maura looks to Jane. "You have to do it."

"What? Are you out of your mind?"

"Jane, your voice is naturally low. You can put on the suit, add a pillow, and be Santa."

"I don't know, Maura." Jane watches as the kids and the families start to come in.

Maura whispers in her ear. "We can't disappoint these kids."

"No, I don't suppose we can. Where's the suit?"

Maura leans in to kiss Jane on the cheek. "Thank you, darling."

Hey everyone. A short one because the weekend snuck up on me! I promise on for Christmas Eve! Thank you for the reviews!