Thanks for hanging in there everyone. I know my updates have been few and far between. I really want to share my thanks for all of the support you give. I just finished editing this installment of an extra long chapter. I hope to have the third and final part of this chapter completed and edited by tonight.

ch 11 pt 2

"I can't believe we just left like that! I hope Angela isn't going to be too upset." Maura bit her lip in worry.

Jane took Maura's hand in her own, rubbing soothing circles on the softest skin she'd ever touched, while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

Jane knew Maura would worry about their sudden departure so she shot off a quick text to her mother while she was still upstairs, grabbing the sweaters.

- Ma, need to get outta the house for a bit before all the baby starved nuts show up. Yes, that includes you... Jk. I adore you. Thanks for everything you're doing for us.

Jane, wanting to maintain the mystery, simply told Maura not to worry and that she would text Angela once they got to where they were going.

This was enough for Maura to relax completely. She knew she would never have to worry too much while with her beautiful, strong, protective detective.

"Are you going to let me in on your plans or are you going to keep them a secret until we get to wherever it is we're going?" Maura asked. Though, she suspected it would be the latter.

Maura's suspicions were confirmed when all she got from Jane was a toothy grin, shrug, and a nod of the head.

The week prior to the baby shower, Jane had made a trip down to the morgue specifically after seeing Maura leave the precinct. Having an entirely different target than the one that usually led her to that part of the building, she seized the opportunity to search out one Senior Criminalist Chang.

"Chang!" Jane shouted, causing Susie Chang to drop the tools she had just finished disinfecting.

Jane scrunched up her face in sorrow. "Sorry, Chang. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wasn't sure how much time I had before Maura comes back."

"Well, in that case, I suppose I can appreciate the enthusiasm. But, you have plenty of time before she returns. She is headed to a crime scene." Susie disclosed.

"Great!" Jane enthused as she bent down to help pick up the mess she had caused.

"Was there something you needed, detective?" Susie queried after both women had regained an upright position.

"Yes. Actually, I had a question. Is it safe to take a pregnant woman to a spa? Maura is not one to complain but, I have seen her doing a lot more stretching lately. I'm assuming she's feeling some pain and not telling me. I thought maybe we could do a couples massage or one of those mud baths she loves so much."

The senior criminalist didn't like to hear her mentor and steadily advancing friend was feeling any sort of discomfort. She also hated the fact that she would have to put the kibosh to a sincerely sweet gesture on the detective's part.

"I'm afraid that the majority of services provided by a spa are in fact, off limits to pregnant women. Raising the body's temperature can be very dangerous so, mud baths, hot tubs, saunas are a big no-no." Susie could see the anticipation drain from Jane's face as she hung her head is disappointment.

"And laying on her stomach for a massage is out of the question." Jane finished before Susie could tack on herself.

"I'm very sorry detective. I don't like that Dr. Isles is suffering either." Susie confessed.

"Thanks anyway, Chang." Jane gave a half smile and turned to exit the lab.

Suddenly, Susie was hit with inspiration.

"Wait!" Susie commanded. Jane nearly tripped over her own feet in response.

"Yeah, Chang?"

"There are some spa services that a pregnant woman is safe participating in..."

Jane filled with hope at the young lab worker's words.

"Facials. Scalp massage. Those are a couple of things she could do." Susied finished.

"Thanks, Chang. I'll look into booking something." Jane replied.

"I can do it!"

Before Jane could make it out of the double doors, she was, once again, startled by a loud ourburst from the senior criminalist.

"It's fine, Chang. I can call up a spa, myself."

"No. I mean, I can give her a facial." Susie offered.

"Really?" Jane asked, disbelieving.

"Yes. Before I began my work in forensics, I used to work for a spa. In fact, a friend from that same spa had been asking to do a spa day in-home. We are scheduled to do it the morning before your baby shower." Jane had never seen the young woman so animated before. She wouldn't dare get her hopes up.

"Okay. You're on, Chang. But, maybe you could set up a different day just for Maura. We may not be able to get away on that particular day. My Ma can be quite the overbearing type."

"Whatever you wish. But, my friend and I will be at my apartment if you find a chance to escape." Susie had unwittingly provided Jane with the perfect opportunity.

"I recognize this building. This is where we came for Senior Criminalist Chang's birthday party a couple years ago. This is Susie's apartment building." Maura stated.

Jane nodded in acknowledgment. She knew Maura would remember that night. Jane could never forget it. They had both partaken in their fair share of alcohol and participated in some very close dancing.

It was amazing how long they had denied their feelings for each other. Nor was it a wonder why people assumed them to be a couple from time to time.

Jane parked the car and pulled out her phone to text Chang the news of their arrival. Maura stared out the window, wondering what they could be doing at Susie's home. She knew she would be seeing her later because she RSVP'd her attendance to the baby shower.

Jane had recieved the "go ahead" text from Chang to go up. She exited and rounded the car to open the passenger door for Maura.

Jane helped Maura out of her seat and led her inside. Once in the hall, they entered the elevator and rode it to Susie's floor. They approached the door and knocked.

Susie greeted the couple and welcomed them in.

Maura took in the environment and deduced that some sort of spa-like events were going to take place.

"What's going on here?" Maura asked of the women.

Susie felt it incumbent of her, being the host and all, to field the doctor's question. "Well, Dr. Isles, this is Detective Rizolli's pre-baby shower gift to you. My friend Jess..." Susie made a gesture towards her friend. "and I will be performing pregnancy-safe spa services for you and the detective."
Maura was nearly speechless. She had thoroughly believed Jane had plotted their escape as a result ofAngela's anxiety inducing actions from the time they were woken up that day. She never thought she had planned an escape so far ahead in time that she was able to coordinate with Susie.

Maura hugged and kissed Jane in thanks. She hugged Susie and gushed over how surprised and thankful she was for her friendship. Maura also took a moment to introduce herself to Susie's friend, Jess.

Once all of the introductions were made, the women settled in for their treatments.