Maura looked around her small apartment with pride, it wasn't much but she had made it feel homely and relaxing. She could feel a small pit of worry and fear in the bottom of her stomach as she thought to what she had to do tonight; it was her first night working at the club and she literally had no idea what to expect. She had gone out shopping to buy a couple of outfits, she had spent hours debating but finally decided on two outfits; one was a black and red and white number, a corseted top covered in polka dots and a black and white tartan mini skirt complete with stockings, suspenders and killer high heels. The other was a little more risqué; a sheer baby doll that hung loose around her midriff with silky strands and a teal set of enhancing underwear underneath. Neither outfit was something she would have ever thought she would wear but she couldn't help but admire her reflection in the latter outfit. She packed her outfits away and felt her anxiousness growing again. She took a deep breath and swallowed her fears, I gave my word, and if nothing else Maura Isles keeps her word. She zipped up her bag determinedly and then looked out at the sunny sky outside. Perhaps a run will chase away my nerves. She hooked her headphones into her iPod and started to play her feel good tunes and left her apartment. As soon as her feet pounded the ground her worries immediately began to lift, this was why she adored running as much as she did, she smiled as she thought of the other activity that had the same purging effect; dancing.

Jane stood huffing impatiently at the small dog at her feet "Come on Jo!" those little dark eyes peered up at her curiously "Go!" the little mutt made no move at all and Jane felt like crying. "Come on! Please? It's 6am! You were the one whining at me to go out! Please Jo!" the bundle of fur circled where she was standing a couple of times before sniffing the ground and toddling off elsewhere. Jane gave up, loosed her leash and sat on a nearby bench. She hadn't slept much the last couple of nights, last night was particularly bad; she had nightmares that she couldn't remember now but she could guarantee they were about her Ma. Tonight should be her night at the club and it was playing on her mind. She thought about going to see Cavanaugh to try and talk him round but a) he was stubborn as hell and b) her nose was still purpled and a little swollen and it hurt when she moved her face too much. She knew full well that Cav would never let her perform looking like that, besides her tips would go down significantly anyway...But at least it would be something. She glanced around the small dog park and breathed in the crisp air, she hated to admit it but it was peaceful this time in the morning, what she wouldn't give for a cup of coffee though. She noted the joggers around the park with their breath escaping in white puffs, she shook her head; she never understood why anyone would want to get up at this ungodly hour and do exercise. She loved working out but this was way too early. She frowned as woman jogged past her with her headphones in, eyes set on the space in front of her, mouth moving like she was talking to herself. Jane almost recognised her but then she was gone and the brunette shook the thought out of her head, I don't know anyone that would put themselves through this early morning torture, I need coffee. "Jo!" the little dog bounded back to her having finally done her business and Jane grabbed her leash and went in search of caffeine.

Maura approached the club with butterflies in her stomach. What in the world possessed me to do this. Her mind flashed her back to the night of Garrett's stag do and she felt sick. He had tried on numerous occasions to get hold of her but she had managed to avoid his calls, she couldn't face him, not now, and not when she was embarking on this adventure as she kept calling it; anything to try and make it seem less scary. The bouncer stepped to the side but eyed her curiously. Stepping into the bar took her immediately back and she suddenly felt faint, she reached out to steady herself but nothing was there, she could see pinpricks of black in front of her eyes and no matter how much she tried to breathe through it she couldn't seem to take control.

She opened her eyes to an unfamiliar voice.

"Hey, you ok?"

She frowned at the dark haired guy knelt in front of her and she sat up too quickly, swooning as she did.

"Hey, hey take it easy."

She looked around at unfamiliar surroundings and panic began to set in, her breathing rate increased and her heart began to pound rapidly.

"Hey, it's ok, I brought you in the back, to the dressing room." When she didn't say anything the man frowned at her "You are the new dancer right?" she nodded weakly and he beamed at her with a friendly smile. "Hey. I'm Frost." He held out a hand to her. She looked at him curiously. "Well, Barry. But most people call me Frost."

"Barry." She uttered gently and took his hand. She liked the look of him; he seemed gentle and kind and had an infectious smile.

"You feeling any better? You gave me a fright fainting on me like that, lucky I caught you or you mighta hit your head." He began checking her over tentatively.

"I'm fine, thank you, I'm sorry to have troubled you."

He beamed at her "Hey no worries, listen in future you might wanna use the side entrance ok? Just if you come in the main door Cav gets kinda annoyed, plus the punters will bug you."

"Ok.." she sat up straighter feeling her strength coming back to her. "Are you a...punter?" she borrowed his word and it felt strange on her tongue.

"Nah, I work behind the bar. Say, what's your name?"

"Mau- um, Marie...Marie Franklin." She caught herself before she slipped up.

"Well Marie, I'd like to stay and chat but Cav'll have me by the balls, clubs filling up and they need drinks. Hope you're gonna be ok, tonight's gonna be a busy one, guys ain't gonna be happy Rizzoli ain't here."

The mention of the other woman's name spurred Maura into action. Rizzoli, yes. That's why I'm here and she needs my help. She nodded and smiled at Barry and he left her in the dressing room. Slowly but surely the place filled up with girls chattering and jabbering about inane nonsense but Maura had to try and block it all out as she got changed and applied her makeup, a little heavier than she would usually. She chose the tamer outfit for tonight but couldn't help but notice the disapproving looks the other girls gave her. She took a deep breath and looked into her eyes in the reflection. Show time.

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forgot to say that This chapter is dedicated to Lee Thompson Young RIP you will be missed xxx