Hope's phone dinged as she was washing dishes from dinner. Hope paused, dried her hands and looked at the text.

Jane Rizzoli: Hey Hope. Maura is in Boston for the next few days. She needs to speak with you, she has some news about Paddy to share. I know it's a hard topic for the both of you so I thought it might help if you reached out to her first. Initiated the conversation. I'm here if you need me. Jane.

Hope was surprised. She'd known Maura was in Boston, she also knew the woman's time there was limited. They hadn't planned on meeting and then there was the information about Paddy. It didn't take a genius to figure out that whatever news it was, could not be particularly good news and Hope was a genius. Hope had spent most of her life waiting on bad news about Paddy Doyle. At this point, it was just part and parcel of having fallen head over heels in love with a mobster.

That she loved Paddy was never in question. He had swept Hope up in a whirlwind romance, sparked her imagination, encouraged her dreams. Hope had given Paddy a piece of her heart and had never managed to reclaim it. She'd forgiven him for so much through the years. She'd turned a blind eye to the money he gave her for her clinics, had not asked questions about the injuries she'd treated. She had overlooked his status in a deadly and criminal gang out of love for the young man she had loved at 18. Lying about Maura though? That had changed it all. Hope would always love Paddy. It was as inevitable as the sun rising in the East. But he had kept Hope from Maura's first smile, her first steps, her first word, her first science experiment, her first heart break. He broke Hope's heart telling her that their daughter had died and then hidden her away. Hope understood why. She understood the particular threat Paddy Doyle posed to a newborn baby. But she would never forgive the man for stealing her daughter.

Hope read the message over again. She was grateful. Jane was showing her how she could help take care of Maura. Giving her the next steps. Hope just had to take them. Hope found Maura's name, listed under her emergency contact beside Cailin's, a heart at the end and she pressed call. She tried not to fidget while the phone rang.

'Hope!' Maura answered, a smile in her voice, 'I'm glad you called.'

'Me too honey,' Hope said automatically, 'I mean, Maura. Forgive me if I was too personal.'

'It's okay, Hope,' Maura replied her voice soft, 'you can use nicknames if they feel comfortable. You are my mother after all.'

'That I am,' Hope said softly, tears dampening her eyes. She felt strangely touched by the acknowledgement. Hope would have to consider the idea later. 'Jane said you needed to meet up while you were in Boston. My schedule is fairly flexible tomorrow. Can I meet you somewhere?'

'I do need to speak with you. Would you be free for lunch tomorrow?'

'Certainly, just let me know the time and place,' Hope replied, 'are you okay Maura? Do you need anything?'

'I am…' Maura hesitated, 'tired. Angela made me dinner… and tea… and cookies. I think all I really need now is rest.'

Hope felt a pang of jealousy. She was certainly grateful for Angela's care and she was well aware that such jealousy was a fruitless and immature response but sometimes feelings just crept up on her. Perhaps because she never got to make Maura cookies to help her feel better. Still, Hope was glad that Maura had someone taking care of her.

Hope knew she must have been silent for too long when Maura spoke again. 'I didn't mean to reject you Hope.'

'Nonsense,' Hope replied her voice a bit pitchy even to her own ears, 'I just want to make sure you're taken care of. Of course I wish I could be there but you're what matters Maura.' It was more honest than Hope had intended to be but perhaps they needed a bit more honesty between them. A little vulnerability.

Maura was quiet a moment, 'thank you Hope. I believe tomorrow will provide ample opportunity for us both.'

That made Hope frown. It was vague and cryptic but Hope didn't press her on it. 'Well I look forward to spending time with you even if it is under ominous terms.'

Maura chuckled, 'me too Hope.'

'I'll let you get some sleep but I did want to say one last thing.' A hmm from Maura let Hope know she was listening, 'you're doing an incredible job with your book. I've watched all of your interviews and I am thoroughly excited to read it.'

'Thank you Hope. I will have a copy set aside for you when they are released,' Maura replied. Hope wasn't sure but she sounded slightly flustered.

'Perhaps you could put in a good word for me with the author and have it signed?' Hope teased gently.

Maura chuckled again, 'I don't think I have to put a good word in, the author is already quite fond of you Hope. She'd be happy to sign it.'

That made Hope happy. 'I will treasure it forever. I'll see you tomorrow, sleep well.'

'Good night Hope,' Maura said through a yawn on the phone.

Hope hung up with a smile on her face as she returned to the dishes.


Vinnie sighed as he watched his target, sipping on a little Irish coffee as she hurried off to her next class. His contact had come through for him with a name. Now it was Vinnie's job to figure out the rest. A less patient man might have simply shot the woman on the street. Left her to bleed out while passerby's watched. Vinnie had considered it. It would be easier in some ways but Vinnie wanted to go on with his life. A very public shoot out was hardly conducive to that. Besides, he wanted Maura Isles to feel the agony he felt. Having something of his ripped from his hands and hidden away never to be found again. He wanted Maura Isles to feel what he felt on a visceral level. A simple shooting wouldn't be enough. He watched the dark haired woman slip into a building, disappearing from view. He was done for the day.

Vinnie left the small coffee shop just as an interview with Maura Isles began to play. Vinnie drained his coffee cup, crushing it and throwing it away. Doctor Maura Isles was ubiquitous these days, her face haunting him every where he went.