It Takes Two To Tangle

Chapter 4

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Instantly, Jane felt a surge of anger pulse through her. She wished she had changed her cell phone number, but she never thought anyone from the Carolla family would have the nerve to call her. She wanted to say something rude to the woman on the other end of the line. Her stomach churned, and she opted for a response somewhere between civility and annoyance.

Jane was trying to keep her emotions in check and not wake Maura up. If it were possible to whisper loudly, she would do it. "Maria, do you have any idea how late it is? And why are you calling me anyway? I thought my dealings with your family were over a long time ago."

There was a brief moment where no one spoke, then Maria, choking back tears said, "Jane I probably deserved that, but hear me out ….please. It's about Sandra."

"Well go on; spill it."

"About five months ago Sandra starting having back pain, and she was losing weight fast. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."

Jane was shocked for the second time tonight. Her mouth felt dry, and she felt badly about the way she had spoken to Maria. "Maria, I'm sorry, but I haven't heard from Sandra in years. We didn't exactly part on good terms. I'm not sure what you expect of me."

"She wants you to come and see her Jane. She's receiving hospice care at our parents' home. I'm calling because she wants to make amends; she wants to apologize."

Jane sniffled, "Please don't think I'm a terrible person, but I need time to think about this. I don't know if coming there will make things worse. It was a terrible falling out that hurt me a lot."

"I know Jane. She wants to try and make it right. The doctor said she has less than two weeks; please let her die with a clear conscience." Maria sounded like she was begging.

"I'll call you in the morning. Goodnight Maria." Jane pushed END on her phone, she carefully removed her arm from under Maura, and the woman fell against Jane's side quietly snoring. The emotionally exhausted detective gently tousled the hair of the woman beside her.

"Maura," Jane began lightly rocking her shoulder. "Wake up. Sweetie, I need to talk to you."

Maura yawned, stretched her legs, and splayed her fingers. Jane thought she resembled a cat awakening from a nap. She half expected Maura to start sharpening her nails on the couch.

Maura sat up, looking adorable and sleepy. "What time is it Jane?"

"It's 12:45. I need your advice about a blast from the past."

Maura sat up, giving Jane her full attention.

Jane looked down at the scars on her hands and made circles over them with her index finger. She was unable to make eye contact when she spoke "Maura, I…I heard from the sister of someone that I used to date. She called while you were sleeping."

"Go on," Maura encouraged. She was interested, but unsure about how much she really wanted to hear. She and Jane spend so much time together that Maura had forgotten Jane belonged to the rest of the world as well.

"It wasn't an easy break-up. She flunked out of the academy. It wasn't my fault, but her whole family blamed me for it." Tears slipped from the corners of Jane's eyes.

Maura wasn't surprised to hear it was a woman, and she felt a pang in her heart knowing the memories were obviously painful for her friend. "Jane, it's OK…..it's OK. What can I do?" Maura reached for Jane's hand and held it tightly.

Jane squeezed back. "Well, the woman I used to date, she's really sick. She's dying and she requested that I go see her—you know so she can apologize, before she goes. I want to go, but her family treated me so badly. One day I was a part of them, and the next…I was a sworn enemy. But I feel like no matter how much this hurts I should do this. I want to go to Connecticut and let her get it off her chest."

Maura now held both of Jane's hands in hers. "Jane, I'll be as supportive as I can. Try to remember that you're going for her, not for her family. You're also going for yourself. Maybe after you two talk, you'll be able to put it behind you once and for all."

Jane pulled Maura into a hug. "Thank you."