I

Kadin stood silently on the balcony of her fourth story apartment building. The icy Boston wind blew threw her hair and the dark gray skyline hovered around here. She gazed somberly at the commendable crowd of people gathering at Jonesborough Park for the candlelit vigil dedicated to the three unidentified little girls found at the warehouse the night before; Kadin exhaled painfully and lifted the bottle of wine to her lips once more. Several snowflakes drifted from the gloomy sky above her and landed on the balcony railing, prompting Kadin to turn and go inside for warmth. Kadin switched on her television and sank into her couch, hanging her head as she stared intently into the fibers of her carpet. Her eyes slowly lifted to the television screen as she listened to the sympathetic words of the channel eight news reporter, Elizabeth Underwood.

"Despite the heavy media coverage, no one in the city has come forward to claim any of the children, which has some people speculating the parents are involved with the murders. Whether or not the girls are related has yet to be released to the public, but inside sources suggest these three girls are sisters. Police are working around the clock to provide answers, but little information has been released. The question still remains, 'who could be responsible for such a heinous and senseless crime?'"

Kadin reached over for the remote and turned the channel. She leaned back against the couch and took another drink of wine. Her mysterious green eyes glossed over and she seemed to escape reality for a few moments as she pondered deep in thought. Her eyes snapped into focus when she heard a loud knocking at her door.

II

"Run their prints through the national database," Jane instructed as she leaned across Frost's desk. "These kids can't be from Boston."

"I have to have clearance for that," Frost replied hesitantly.

"You've got clearance," Lieutenant Cavanaugh announced as he approached their desk. "We can't keep pouring local resources into unidentified bodies. If those girls are from a different state, then we lose jurisdiction and it's my duty to call the division chief. Run the prints."

"Yes, sir." Frost quickly accessed the national database and within moments all three names popped up on his screen. "Katelyn Sawyers, born 2003, Britney Sawyers, born 2005, and Jessica Sawyers, born 2008. Three direct matches."

"Where are they from?" Jane asked eagerly.

"Birth records indicate they were all born in Charleston, West Virginia," Frost clicked on several links, "Their parents are Harold and Evetta Sawyers."

"Do they still reside in West Virginia?" Cavanaugh inquired.

"It appears so," Frost remarked. He scanned through several more files, "Odd, no one has reported these children as missing." Frost leaned forward to study the files more closely, but was quickly interrupted.

"Frost, sign out, you and Rizzoli are off the case," Cavanaugh pulled out his cell phone.

"What?" Jane squealed as she jumped from her seat. "You can't just kick us off the case. We've been working it for the last twenty-four hours."

"It just became a federal investigation, Rizzoli. You know the rules. This place is going to be crawling with feds as soon as I call it in."

"Then postpone the call," Jane encouraged. "Give me and Frost time to work this case. Now that we have names and-"

"What do you plan to do? Fly down to West Virginia and conduct interviews with the parents?" The Lieutenant scoffed. "It's out of our jurisdiction."

"But-"

"Jane, let this one go," Cavanaugh pressed his phone to his ear and walked out of the office, "Yes, I need to speak with Chief Sloan, this is Lieutenant Cavanaugh of the Boston Police."

"I hate losing a case to the feds," Jane grumbled as she sat back down in her chair next to Frost. "It's even worse having them in our offices. They sneak around in their black suits and sunglasses, like they're playing a role in a movie. They're never as invested in the cases as we are. You know we have a better chance of solving this homicide than they do."

"You're right," Frost replied, "but we can't interfere with a federal investigation. At least now we'll be free for the super bowl this weekend."

"Go, Pats," Jane muttered lethargically.

Frost smiled, "That's the spirit." He slapped his hand on Jane's shoulder, "Go home; get some rest. You look like hell."

Jane's eyes slowly drifted up towards the man, "Gee, Frost, are you this charming with all the ladies, or just me?"

"Just you," Frost winked as he turned and exited the office.

III

Jaxon gazed around the apartment at the several empty wine bottles, moments later his sister returned with a beer for each of them.

"Wow, looks like you've been drinking a while," Jaxon said as he took a sip of his beer. "What's the special occasion?"

Kadin shrugged, "Shitty day at work."

"Oh," Jaxon took another sip. "I didn't know you had shitty days at the spa. I thought it was always relaxing and… Zen."

"It's unlike you to show up unannounced," Kadin replied, brushing off Jaxon's joke. "The last time I received a spontaneous visit from you, you lost seven grand in an online poker tournament and was too afraid to go home and face Cheyenne."

Jaxon smiled, "She's still sore about that. Actually, I came by to tell you that I took your advice, and I talked to Cheyenne about having a baby and…" Jaxon paused for a beat, "Well, we started trying a few days ago and with any luck, you'll be an aunt in nine months," He gleamed. Kadin frowned and glanced away from her brother. This was not the reaction Jaxon had anticipated. "What's the matter? I thought you'd be happy."

Kadin set her beer down on the table and scooted to the edge of the couch so she could be closer to Jaxon as she spoke, "I just don't know if right now is the best time to have a kid."

Jaxon laughed lightly, "What are you talking about? You were just telling me two weeks ago how I'd make a wonderful father."

"You would," Kadin reiterated. "Just maybe not right now. Not right at this moment."

Jaxon repositioned himself in the chair, clearly becoming agitated with Kadin, "I don't understand. What's changed between two weeks ago and today?" Kadin reached across her coffee table and pulled out a copy of the Boston Globe and tossed it in front of Jaxon. He read the front-page headline, which detailed the previous night's murder. "Yeah, I've heard about this. It's been all over the news." His eyes lifted and he stared at Kadin questionably, "What? You don't want me to have kids now because three little girls were murdered last night?"

Kadin swallowed heavily, "It happened right across the street from the Blackbird Theater. I was at that theater with Maura when she got the call from the police department."

Jaxon studied his sister's expression closely, "What are you getting at?"

"You know what I'm getting at," the woman's nostrils flared as she struggled to contain her emotions.

"Kadin…" Jaxon smiled weakly, "Come on, it's been nineteen years."

"And out of those nineteen years," Kadin noted, "how many days have gone by that you haven't thought about it?"

Jaxon took a large gulp of beer, "This is ridiculous." He cleared the back of his throat, "Three dead kids show up in your relative vicinity and now you're jumping to conclusions."

"Wouldn't you?" Kadin shot back.

"No," Jaxon spat quickly. "In case you haven't noticed, we live in Boston. There's a murder here every other night. Hell, I've probably been within twenty feet of a murder scene and never ever known it."

"No one's claiming the bodies."

"So what?"

"So, the parents don't live in the city," Kadin stressed. "Those girls aren't from Boston."

"Then they're from New Haven," Jaxon roared. "Stop trying to connect imaginary dots."

"Jaxon, I can feel it," Kadin closed her eyes. "I could feel it last night at the crime scene and I still feel it today. He knows we're here."

Jaxon jumped from the chair and waved his arms, "For God's sake, Kadin! Listen to yourself, you're starting to sound like Mom."

"Jaxon…"

"Listen to me, you have to stop thinking like that," Jaxon kneeled down next to his sister and calmed his voice considerably. "You're paranoid."

Tears whelmed in Kadin's eyes as she desperately fought the urge to sob. "No, I'm scared," she whispered. "I've tried to shake it off; I can't."

"You have nothing to be afraid of, little one," Jaxon consoled the younger woman as he stretched out his hand and took hold of hers, "You're safe here." He sniffled lightly then composed himself. "Pull it together, okay? Don't let Maura see you acting like this. She's a smart one; she'll figure you out. You understand?" Jaxon emphasized, "She isn't like all the other women you've dated. She's a medical examiner for the Boston Police Department. She might as well be a detective with a medical degree. You slip up in front of her and-"

"I won't slip up," Kadin interjected. She gazed into her brother's eyes, "I care too much about her. I'd never put her in danger."

"Good," Jaxon nodded. "If you really care about her, then you'll stop putting yourself through hell every time a sob story ends up on the six o'clock news." He stood to his feet and exhaled, "I gotta go; Cheyenne's expecting me for dinner at seven."

Kadin stood as well. She gave her brother a concerned gaze that clearly expressed her unease, but she only smiled and said, "Thanks for stopping by."

"Look, the only way to permanently overcome this is to stop letting the fear take control." Jaxon rested his hands on his little sister's shoulders, "And if you can't do that, then at least fake it. Even imaginary courage is better than none at all."

The doorbell to Kadin's apartment chimed, a dead give away that Maura was at the door; she was the only one who ever thought to use the damn thing. Kadin and Jaxon exchanged one last empathetic look before Jaxon crossed the apartment and opened the door.

"Hey, Maura," Jaxon smiled. "How ya been?"

"Jaxon," Maura greeted delightfully, surprised to see the tall, dark haired man instead of Kadin. "I'm well, thank you. It's good to see you. How's Cheyenne?"

"Great. She's great." Jaxon pointed at Maura, "You're still coming to the super bowl party this weekend, right?"

"I've been looking forward to it all week," Maura replied. "Do you need me to bring anything?"

"Just your beautiful self," Jaxon dug his hands into his back pockets then glanced back over his shoulder towards Kadin. His head spun back around quickly, "Well, hey, I hate to cut it short, but I'm late for a romantic dinner with the misses." Jaxon squeezed his way passed Maura. "See ya, little sister!" Jaxon called as he made his way out the door.

Kadin welcomed Maura into the apartment and pulled her closer, engulfing her in a tender embrace as they shared a hello kiss. Maura immediately smelled the aroma of alcohol wafting from Kadin's body. She held the woman at arm's length and eyed her curiously, "Kadin, how much have you had to drink today?"

"More than I care to admit," Kadin replied casually. "How was your day?"

"Not much better than yours, I'm assuming," Maura placed her purse down on the kitchen counter and removed her jacket. "We've been removed from the murder case."

"Really? Why?" Kadin's brow furrowed.

"It's no longer our jurisdiction," Maura shrugged. "I hate losing a case to the feds," she mumbled. "It always feels like a kick to the gut."

Kadin's eyes batted back and forth, "I don't understand; the murder was here in Boston."

"The victims are from out of state," Maura replied. "As soon as the Lieutenant reported it, we were all told to cease investigations and medical work. The bodies were removed from my lab this morning."

"Where did they come from?" Kadin asked as nonchalantly as she could manage. "The kids, I mean."

"No clue," Maura reached for a glass and poured herself a cup of wine, "I've been discouraged from prying once we lose a case. It becomes a strictly need to know basis."

Kadin awkwardly glanced around the apartment, but then back to Maura, "That's a drag, huh?" She asked. She placed her hand on the back of her neck and rubbed it thoughtlessly.

Maura sipped her wine, "Yes, but the media will pick up the story from here. We'll just have to follow it like every other citizen. It's a shame, I was eager for those toxicology reports."

"So, how much did you figure out about the girls before they pulled you from the case?"

"Not much," Maura sighed. "They're sisters. No signs of physical or sexual abuse, so, damage was most likely inflicted internally. My hunch was poison, but now I won't be able to review the medical results to confirm it. Hopefully, the FBI will be able to determine the cause."

"Poison?" Kadin's eyes squinted. "That's a peculiar weapon of choice."

"Poison is a brilliant weapon and has been used for thousands of years. It's perfect for those who prefer a crafty and sly attack," Maura remarked. "Poisons and toxic chemicals have become a popular way of assisting in child kidnappings and homicides. It's much easier to drug the child and keep them in a sleep like state, that way the perpetrator raises no suspicion if they're in public or around others. It's also incredibly simple to poison a person's drink or food." Maura paused, "It's practically the perfect weapon. No fingerprints. No direct connection. Many poison homicides remain completely undetected, or even ruled as suicides, or accidents. It's one of the trickiest causes of deaths to verify, because one must rely on evidence and theory to determine if foul play was involved."

"So, when you say poison…" Kadin began, "You mean?"

"In this case, I suspected strychnine," Maura polished off her wine, "But we'll have to wait for the federal investigation's report. " Kadin's face turned pale and she immediately took a seat at her bar. Maura set down her wine glass and grabbed Kadin by the arm, "What's the matter?" she asked fearfully.

"I'm sorry," Kadin replied faintly as she reminded herself of Jaxon's warning. "The topic of child murder is a little heavy for me."

"Of course," Maura nodded, "We don't have to discuss it any further. I'd rather forget about it for a while, anyway."

Kadin took Maura by the hand, "I have a much happier topic I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Maura asked curiously.

Kadin stood from her seat and pulled out a folded piece of paper from her back pocket. "Here," she handed it to Maura.

Maura unfolded the paper eagerly. Her eyes lit up with excitement, "Diamond Hills Vineyard?"

"You've heard of it?" Kadin asked optimistically.

Maura laughed, "Sure, who in New England hasn't? They have an extraordinary selection of wines and I've read impressive reviews about the wine tasting events. It's considered rather exclusive, actually. How did you manage to get an invitation?"

"I get one every year," Kadin shrugged. "I serve several of their wines at the spa." Kadin reached for a pamphlet that was lying nearby on the counter, "There's an inn not too far from the vineyard. It's peaceful there this time of year. It's tucked away in the mountains; trails, hiking, golfing, a hot tub," Kadin smirked. "And the best part is, it's not in Boston."

"No, it's not; it's in Cumberland, Rhode Island," Maura replied playfully. "So, are you inviting me on a romantic weekend getaway?"

Kadin pulled Maura closer, "I am." She kissed the woman softly, "Are you interested?"

"I am," Maura replied as she returned the kiss. "When do we leave?"

"Thursday, the fourteenth, after work," Kadin answered. "So, get Pyke to cover for you on Friday."

"Mmm… Valentine's Day."

"You didn't already have plans did you?" Kadin teased.

Maura's voice lowered, "I had a couple ideas in mind, but I'm sure we can reach some type of compromise." Maura pressed her body against Kadin's and interlocked their hands. Maura's soft lips covered Kadin's neck, evoking a moan of passion and desire. Unable to refuse Maura's advances, Kadin lured her into the bedroom, discarding the outside world behind them.

IV

Kadin bolted up from her pillow and thrashed about the bed wildly, causing Maura to wake from her sleep in a panic. Maura watched frightfully as the young woman cried and struggled against some unseen force.

"Kadin!" Maura called. She resisted touching the woman, knowing it was dangerous to lay hands on a person while they were in the middle of an active nightmare. "Kadin, you're dreaming, wake up!" Kadin continued to wrestle with herself under the covers. "Kadin!" Maura's voice was loud and sharp, but it registered with the plagued sleeper and Kadin gasped loudly for a breath of air as her eyes snapped open. Maura watched Kadin's chest and shoulders rise in fall in synchronization as her heavy breathing promptly turned into light sobbing. Maura reached over and tugged on the woman lightly, coaxing her to fall back into Maura's arms. "It's all right," Maura soothed gently as she rubbed Kadin's back. "It was only a dream." Several minutes of silence passed before Kadin lifted her head to speak.

"How embarrassing," She muttered as she wiped at her eyes. "I haven't had a sleep terror in months."

"Sleep terrors?" Maura's concern was evident. "Sleep terrors are rare in adults, unless he or she has a medical condition."

Kadin laughed lightly, "Sometimes, you know too much for your own good."

"So, you have a parasomnia disorder?" Maura rose up from the bed and glanced down at her lover.

"A disorder?" Kadin repeated as she sat up as well. "Must we make it sound so negative?"

"I'm sorry," Maura replied.

"I've had them since I was a kid," Kadin confessed. "I was supposed to outgrow it, but I never did. Sometimes, I can go months, even over a year, without experiencing one." Kadin's eyes drifted, "Other times…"

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Maura interjected as she reached over and cupped the woman's cheek in her palm. "I know of several psychotherapy options that could help reduce the number of attacks, possibly even eliminate them all together."

Kadin shook her head, "No, I'm not interested in psychotherapy. The last thing I want on my record is that I'm a nutcase."

Maura's eyes softened, "Kadin, you're not a nutcase and having therapy doesn't mean you're crazy. It's a form of medication. A way of healing."

"At my age, they'll want to put me on some type of drug, some commercially sponsored antidepressant that causes side effects worse than just dealing with the sleep terrors themselves." Kadin lifted the blankets off her body and stood from bed. She headed towards the bathroom and returned a couple minutes later with a glass of water. "Look, I appreciate your concern for my health, but the only doctor I want to see, is you." Kadin leaned across the bed and kissed Maura tenderly on the lips.

"I could research herbal remedies," Maura suggested. "Natural techniques that you could do here at home. I'm sure meditation and proper exercise play a huge factor in recovery as well."

Kadin smiled, "Maura, do you forget where I work? It's all right, really. I've got it under control. I was hoping we'd be together a while before you witnessed it for yourself, but I knew it would happen, eventually. Perhaps sooner rather than later is for the best."

"I want to help you."

"You do," Kadin tilted her head to one side. "This helps," She replied as she snuggled closer to Maura, resting her head on shoulder. "I can't think of a better treatment than having you here with me."

Maura wrapped her arm around Kadin, "You don't have to be embarrassed to tell me anything, you know. I'm not going to judge you, or just stop caring for you. I adore you and I'll always be here for you."

Maura's unexpectedly charismatic response warmed Kadin's heart; she squeezed the woman tighter and whispered into the cool darkness, "I'll always be here for you as well."

V

"Are you sure about this?" Maura asked skeptically.

"Yes," Kadin stressed. "For the third time, call her." She grinned and handed Maura her phone.

"What about Jaxon?"

"Jaxon barely remembers meeting Jane."

"I don't know if Jane remembers meeting him at all," Maura replied.

"Perfect! Then let's reintroduce them at the super bowl party."

Maura sighed, "She hasn't mentioned anything about us since I've told her. I'm not even sure how she really feels about it."

"Well, then it's time we find out, wouldn't you say?" Kadin encouraged. "Come on, I know Jane's a football fan and this is great chance at finding common ground. "

"An olive branch…"

"Exactly." Kadin smiled, "A peace treaty. Call her."

Maura dialed Jane's number and pressed the phone to her ear, "Jane, hi." Maura greeted enthusiastically, a bit surprised that Jane answered so suddenly. "I'm well, thank you. How are you?" Maura glanced over at Kadin gestured a supportive thumbs up. "Yeah, I know, I hate losing jurisdiction too. Hey, listen, if you don't have any particular plans tonight, Kadin and I were wondering if you'd like to attend a super bowl party with us?" Maura waited patiently for a response. "Well, bring Frost with you." Maura paused for a moment, "Wonderful! I'll text you the address. We'll see you tonight. Bye." Maura hung up the phone and smiled, feeling much more confident in herself and her decision.

Kadin lifted an eyebrow, "You didn't mention it was at Jaxon and Cheyenne's house."

Maura nodded, "Yeah, well, just in case she does remember."

Kadin laughed and pecked a kiss on the woman's cheek, "I'm going to take a shower before the game."

Later that evening, Maura and Kadin joined in on Jaxon's super bowl festivities. Jaxon had invited over a few of his old college buddies as well and the four of them were a six-pack in each by the time the girls arrived. As soon as Kadin and Maura stepped into the house Cheyenne leapt towards the women in relief.

"Thank God you're here! I'm severely outnumbered," Cheyenne exclaimed as she handed each woman a martini. "You two look great! Have you been working out together at the spa?" she winked.

"Hmm…" Kadin smirked as she took a sip of her drink, "We haven't tried that, yet. We should put that on our list." Maura blushed lightly at the comment, but said nothing. Kadin set down her drink and clasped her hands together, "Cheyenne, I haven't mentioned this to Jaxon, but-"

The doorbell rang and Jaxon immediately jumped from the couch, "It's about damn time. I ordered our pizzas two hours ago."

"Jaxon, wait," Kadin moved towards her older brother, but he opened the door faster than she could prevent him. "You're lucky, pal, I was just about to-" Jaxon hushed and stared perplexingly as he realized Frost and Jane were standing on the other side of his door, instead of the teenage pizza punk he had imagined.

"Well, Jaxon, don't just stand there like an idiot," Cheyenne stepped towards the doorway and placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Invite our guests in." Cheyenne motioned for the detectives to step into the house.

Jaxon slid over next to Kadin and pulled her aside, "Did you do this?"

"I was just about to tell you." Kadin replied. "They're here to make amends, so play nice okay? It's important to Maura."

Jaxon grumbled under his breath, "Yeah, okay." Jaxon scratched the back of his head and then approached Frost, "Frost, is it?"

"Call me, Barry," Frost replied.

"Barry," Jaxon corrected. "You want a beer?"

"Sure," Frost nodded. "As long as it's a Bud Light."

Jaxon smiled, "That's all you'll find in this house, buddy." Jaxon slapped Frost across the back, "Come on in to the living room, we've got a cooler set up in there and we're watching the pregame show on the big screen."

Cheyenne handed Jane a martini, "Here you go, Jane."

Jane held the drink awkwardly, "Thanks."

Kadin chuckled, then opened the fridge and handed Jane a beer, "Here, I think you'll find this more to your liking."

"Oh, I-I'm sorry," Cheyenne apologized.

"It's okay," Jane replied as she placed the martini glass on the kitchen counter. "I've just never been much for fruity drinks."

Cheyenne smiled pleasantly,"Well, to each their own; I'm glad you and your partner were able to make it. We're happy to have you in our home."

"Oh, Frost isn't… he isn't my partner," Jane laughed uneasily. "I mean, he's my partner, he just isn't my partner." Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she took a long drink of beer.

"What Jane means to say, is that she and Frost work together at the police department," Maura explained.

Cheyenne nodded, "I see. It must be very exciting to be a detective. I can only imagine all the excitement, the fear, the satisfaction you feel when you've solved a case. It sounds exhilarating."

"Well, that's romanticizing it a bit, but yeah, it's a pretty rewarding career," Jane took another drink of beer.

The doorbell rang again and Cheyenne's ears perked, "That must be our dinner." Cheyenne called through the house, "I'll get it!"

"Drop the tip!" Jaxon yelled from the couch, "He's late!"

"I keep trying to explain to him how busy delivery restaurants are during the super bowl, but it's like talking to a brick wall," Cheyenne replied. "Excuse me, I'll be right back." She dashed towards the front door.

Jane ceased the moment alone with Maura and Kadin to quickly clear a past transgression. She casually took a couple paces toward Kadin, "Hey, about your nose…" Jane pointed in the general direction.

"Forget it," Kadin threw up her hand. "Hardly felt a thing."

"No, I should apologize," Jane continued. "I haven't thrown a punch since high school and I don't know what provoked me to that night, but I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too," Kadin held up her drink, "Water under the bridge, eh?" Jane held up her beer as well, signifying a toast to their bygones.

Maura smiled at the reconciliation between the two women. Impulsively, she reached over and placed her hand on Kadin's knee and rested it there. Jane noticed the gesture of affection, but immediately looked away. Cheyenne hustled back into the kitchen with several pizzas in hand and a swarm of hungry footballs behind her.

Frost grabbed a plate and a piece of pizza and walked over next to Kadin. He wiped his hand off on his pants and extended it to her, "We haven't been formally introduced. I'm Barry Frost."

"Kadin Aldridge," Kadin shook the man's hand. "It's nice to formally meet you." She smiled.

"Likewise," Frost returned. He stared lingeringly towards Kadin, prompting Maura to interject.

"Frost, there's something you should know," Maura paused for a moment. "Kadin and I…"

"Yeah, I already know," Frost replied before Maura could finish. He broke eye contact with Kadin and turned to face Maura, "You have admirable taste in women, Dr. Isles."

Maura glanced over towards Jane, "Hey, don't look on me. I didn't tell him," Jane shrugged.

"No one has to tell me, " Frost laughed, "I have eyes. I can see."

"Jaxon's little sis has a new mate?" One of the men asked as he shoved a piece of pizza in his mouth.

"And a doctor? Nice! Way to go little sis," Another replied as he offered Kadin a high five, which she politely declined.

"Hey, guys, how about you don't talk about Maura like she isn't in the room?" Jaxon scolded.

"Sorry," the men replied in unison.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Tyler," the first man introduced himself.

"I'm Josh," saluted the second.

"Mark," said the last, as he popped the tab on another beer.

"Kadin's like a kid sister to all of us," Tyler commented proudly.

"Yeah, we think it's awesome that she plays for our team," Mark laughed.

Josh glanced over at Jane, "You gay too, doll face?"

"Josh!" Cheyenne smacked the man on the arm.

"What? You have to ask these days," Josh defended.

Jane recoiled from the question, but cleared her throat and replied, "No, I'm not gay."

Josh smiled, "Good to know." He took a step closer to Jane, suggesting he had something more to say, but was interrupted before given the chance once Jaxon announced the game was starting and everyone migrated to the living room.

The kitchen cleared out one by one until only Jane and Maura were left standing. Jane finished off her beer and tossed it into the nearby trash. Maura was hesitant to speak, but knew if she didn't say something, neither would Jane.

"Thank you for coming," Maura replied graciously. "It means a lot to me and to Kadin." She took a shallow breath, "I know this is new for you, for us. It's different, maybe even a little uncomfortable."

"A little," Jane admitted. "We don't have to talk about it, Maura."

Maura nodded, "Oh, okay." She glanced away from the detective for a moment, "If you'd rather we didn't, I understand." She tacked on a smile for good measure.

"Thanks," Jane flashed a hint of a smile as well, but its insincerity was painfully obvious. She grabbed another beer and headed off into the living room and joined the others.

Maura followed behind and took a seat on the couch next to Kadin. Jane claimed an empty chair that was only a few feet away from Frost. The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball. Seconds later Boston erupted in an explosion of Patriot pride as fans across the city cheered on their home team.