Chapter Four

Friday dawned crisp and bright. Maura turned over and found herself nose to (wet) nose with Jo Friday.

"How did you get in here missy?" Jo wagged her tail, clearly intending on going nowhere. Maura's phone sprang into life ringing shrilly.

"No murders today please, it's my birthday." Maura mumbled to the heavens. She answered without checking the caller display. "Doctor Isles."

"Happy birthday Doctor Isles." Maura sat up immediately, hugging a surprised Jo Friday closer.

"Jane."

"Yep thought I'd catch you before something got in the way of me calling. How's the weather there, I ordered sun." Jane was mumbling and Maura could tell she was eating.

"It's sunny, though I doubt you'll be credited by the weather channel. Are you having breakfast?"

"Breakfast, lunch, dinner it's all the same really. To be honest I can't remember the last hot meal I had before this sandwich so I'm just going with it. Oh and if you mention any of that to my mother there'll be trouble!"

"How are things?"

"Geez, it's tough Maur." Maura could visualise Jane sitting cross legged on her bed running her hands through her dark, brown mane of hair. "I think we're close, no I know we are but another body turned up yesterday. No confirmation yet but it's him, I know it is. Anyway no more depressing serial killer chat, what's the plan today?" Maura filled Jane in on her very normal day.

"Though your mother's dinner will be the highlight."

"Ma's pulling the stops out birthday girl so enjoy."

"Thank you Jane and thank you for thinking about me."

"Maura, it's your birthday who else would I be thinking of. Now I bet if you head to the kitchen Ma will have whipped up some of that fancy coffee and prepared a breakfast fit for a queen."

"Ok I'm going! Be careful, will I speak to you later?" Maura knew she shouldn't say that. Jane was in the middle of the biggest case of her career, she didn't need the distraction of Maura begging for a phone call.

"If I can Maur, of course. Now skedaddle. Bye for now." The phone went quiet and Maura swung herself out of bed.

Of course Jane had been right. There was Ella Fitzgerald playing softly in the background and Angela was humming endearingly. Coffee was brewing and Maura thought she could smell pancakes.

"Good morning."

"Maura, honey! Good morning and happy birthday. Take a seat. Now I've prepared a few things you just choose what you would like." Maura sat at the table noting immediately the vase with brightly coloured tulips in the centre. A cup of coffee appeared and Angela dropped a fond kiss on top of Maura's head. "Now what would the birthday girl like?"

"This is so nice of you." Maura could feel tears brimming, her birthdays when she was younger had always been celebrated but she'd never been made to feel as special as Angela made her feel.

"Oh everyone should be spoiled on their birthday. Pancakes and fruit?"

"Yes please."

"If you don't mind waiting I thought we could save your cards and presents for dinner."

"I don't mind I'm just looking forward to spending time with friends."

"And family. Maura I don't want to keep reminding you. You're family too. Now I've chopped some strawberries and there are some blueberries here too – how's that for you?" Maura smiled widely, Angela Rizzoli may have her moments, she may drive her children crazy at times, she may interfere but there was no one better at making you feel wanted.

Maura spent the morning of her birthday at work; mercifully it seemed that Boston had become a very safe place. No call outs, Korsak and Frost were quietly working through their backlog of paperwork. Both of them were expected later at Maura's for dinner. After finishing what she needed to Maura left the matters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the hands of Doctor Pike. She was under strict instructions as to what time she was expected home so found herself with a few hours to fill. Maura headed towards Newbury Street ready to punish her credit card. Constance had rung earlier to apologise for not being in Boston for her birthday. Maura wasn't surprised by her mother's absence but had been pleasantly surprised by Constance's sincere apologies and obvious personal disappointment.

"Maura darling I'm so sorry but I just couldn't get out of my Los Angeles commitments."

"It's ok Mother, it's only a day."

"No it's your birthday and I'm very aware of how many previous celebrations I've missed."

"Well we can see each other the next time you're on the East coast. Don't worry, Angela has everything under control I'm reliably informed."

"Yes she sounded very busy earlier. I hear Detective Rizzoli is in New York?"

"Jane Mother. Yes she is."

"That's a shame; I know she's a big part of your life." Maura felt as though her mother was skirting around something. Her comments were usually very direct and to the point, she was in danger of sounding vague.

"Well of course I would have preferred her to be here but I'm sure the evening will be delightful nonetheless."

"Yes it will be. Now your gift."

"You didn't have to do anything Mother."

"Nonsense, they're expecting you at Diane Von Furstenberg on Newbury Street. Do you know it?"

"Yes I believe I have browsed there before."

"I took the liberty of providing them with your size and they will have a number of dresses out for you to choose from. I thought even though I can't be there maybe I can provide your attire."

"Thank you that sounds wonderful."

"Enjoy my darling and I'll speak to you soon." Maura stepped lightly out of a cab and headed towards her destination. She'd decided not to drive today believing a glass of champagne may be drunk at some point. As soon as she stepped inside the store and said her name she was fussed over as though she was the first lady. Dresses were hung in front of her for her perusal. Maura sighed contentedly; this was her kind of birthday."