"A choice made a thousand times

and never spoken aloud."

The sound of Beni's giggles filled the living room as Angela stacked blocks with him, her voice full of playful enthusiasm. In the kitchen, Jane and Maura stood side by side at the sink, washing and drying dishes in a quiet rhythm. The warmth of dinner lingered, the scent of roasted vegetables and garlic still faint in the air.

Jane glanced sideways at Maura, who was carefully drying a plate and setting it on the rack. The earlier tension from their conversation still nagged at her, and she knew she couldn't let it go unaddressed.

"Hey, Maur," Jane said softly, breaking the silence.

Maura turned her head slightly, her expression calm but curious. "Yes?"

Jane sighed, setting down the sponge and leaning against the counter. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. For earlier. You know, when I said we'd do 'whatever it takes.' I wasn't trying to dismiss what you were saying. I just—" She hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck. "I got carried away."

Maura paused, placing the plate she was holding onto the counter. She turned to face Jane fully, her expression thoughtful. "Jane, I understand that you're coming from a place of deep care and instinct. That's one of the things I admire about you. But this situation is complicated, and it's important to think through all the possibilities."

Jane nodded, her gaze dropping to the sink. "I know. I do. It's just… I look at him, and I see this little kid who's already lost so much. The thought of him losing more? It makes me crazy."

Maura stepped closer, her voice softening. "And that's why I know your heart is in the right place. But we also have to think about what's best for him, not just in the immediate future, but long term."

Jane looked up, her dark eyes meeting Maura's. "I get it, Maura. I do. And I'm not saying I have all the answers. I just…" She exhaled, her voice quieter now. "I want him to feel safe. To know he's got someone looking out for him."

Maura's expression softened, and she reached out, placing a gentle hand on Jane's arm. "And he will, Jane. You're already doing that for him. We both are. But we have to approach this as a team, with clear eyes and realistic expectations."

As Jane scrubbed the last dish and handed it to Maura, she noticed Maura's movements were slower, her focus distant. Maura's lips pressed together, as if she were holding back something she wanted to say.

Jane tilted her head, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Alright, Maur. Spill it."

Maura blinked, startled. "Spill what?"

Jane leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "Whatever's on your mind. You've got that look—the one where you're thinking a hundred things but trying not to say any of them. Just ask me."

Maura hesitated, gripping the edge of the towel in her hands. "It's nothing," she said lightly, though her tone betrayed her.

"Maura," Jane said gently, her voice steady. "You know you can ask me anything, right? Whatever it is, I'll be honest with you."

Maura hesitated again, her hazel eyes flicking to Jane's, searching her face. Finally, she took a breath and spoke, her voice soft and tentative. "Do you ever… think about us?"

Jane blinked, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean, 'us'?"

Maura's cheeks flushed faintly, and she quickly looked away. "Never mind," she said hurriedly, waving a hand as if dismissing her own words. "Forget I said anything. It was a silly thought."

"Whoa, wait a second," Jane said, reaching out to lightly touch Maura's arm. "Don't just brush it off. You've got me curious now. What did you mean?"

But Maura had already slipped the towel over the counter and was moving toward the living room, her movements unusually brisk. "It's nothing, Jane. Really. I'm going to check on Beni."

Before Jane could stop her, Maura disappeared around the corner, leaving Jane standing in the kitchen with her arms crossed and a puzzled expression on her face.

Jane muttered to herself, "What was that about?" She turned back to the sink, her mind racing as she replayed Maura's words.

In the living room, Maura joined Angela and Beni, her composure seemingly intact as she helped Beni stack blocks.

Maura's phone buzzed on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with a notification. She picked it up, her brow furrowing as she read the message. Without a word, she stood and hurriedly grabbed her laptop from the side table, opening it with focused precision.

Jane, who had been leaning against the kitchen doorway, noticed Maura's sudden shift in demeanor. Her brows knitted together as she followed Maura into the living room, settling beside her on the sofa.

"What's going on, Maur?" Jane asked, her voice low but concerned.

Maura didn't respond immediately, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she navigated through the screen. A file popped open, and Maura's expression turned grim as an autopsy report filled the screen, complete with a photograph of the deceased.

Maura exhaled sharply, leaning back slightly as she turned the laptop toward Jane. "It's the report for an unidentified body that was just processed. The forensic team forwarded it to me because they thought I might have context for the case."

Jane leaned forward, her eyes scanning the image on the screen. Her stomach dropped as recognition hit her like a punch to the gut. "That's Nana," she said hoarsely, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maura nodded solemnly. "It appears she was found not far from the warehouse where you and Frost located Beni."

Jane's jaw clenched, her mind racing. "She had Beni, Maura. She was protecting him. Who the hell would do this to her?"

Maura's voice was quiet but steady. "Based on the initial report, it looks like blunt force trauma to the head. There are also signs of a struggle. This wasn't accidental, Jane."

Jane leaned back, her hand running through her hair as anger simmered beneath her calm exterior. "Damn it," she muttered, her voice tight. "She didn't deserve this. She was just trying to help."

Maura placed a gentle hand on Jane's arm, her gaze steady. "We'll figure out who's responsible, Jane. But we have to approach this carefully."

Jane nodded, her eyes still fixed on the screen. "We're not letting this slide, Maura. Not for Nana. Not for Beni. Whoever did this is going to pay."

Jane pulled her phone from her pocket, her jaw set as she typed out a message with quick, deliberate keystrokes.

Jane:Got an update. Nana's body just showed up in the morgue. Blunt force trauma, signs of a struggle. Found near the house where we found Beni.

She hit send and leaned back against the sofa, her mind racing. It didn't take long before her phone buzzed with replies.

Frost:Damn. You sure it's her?

Jane:Positive. Maura confirmed it with the autopsy report.

Korsak:That poor woman. You think it's connected to Leah's murder?

Jane sighed, her fingers pausing for a moment before typing her response.

Jane:It has to be. Too much of a coincidence. Whoever's behind this, they're cleaning house.

Frost:What's the next move?

Jane:Start digging. Anyone who had a beef with Leah or knew Nana. This wasn't random.

Korsak:Got it. I'll check in with my informants and see if anyone's talking.

Frost:I'll look into surveillance around the warehouse and nearby streets.

Jane read their responses and nodded to herself, feeling a flicker of relief knowing Frost and Korsak were already on it. She looked over at Maura, who had been quietly observing her.

"They're on it," Jane said, setting her phone down on the coffee table.

Maura gave a small nod, her voice soft. "It's a start. But Jane…" She hesitated, her hazel eyes locking onto Jane's. "This is escalating. Whoever did this isn't afraid of collateral damage."

Jane's jaw tightened, her expression grim. "Yeah, well, they just made a big mistake. Because now they've got us coming for them."

Jane and Maura were seated on the sofa, their conversation heavy with the weight of Nana's murder and its implications. The intensity of the moment was interrupted by Beni's small, urgent voice calling out from across the room.

"Potty!"

Both women looked up instantly, their expressions shifting to surprise as they saw Beni standing by his toys, hopping from foot to foot.

Angela, who had been observing from the kitchen doorway, stepped in quickly. "I've got it!" she said, her tone light and reassuring. "You two keep doing whatever it is you're doing. Come on, Beni, let's go."

Beni's wide eyes flicked to Angela, and he nodded, reaching out for her hand. Angela swooped in, scooping him up with ease. "Let's get you to the potty, little man," she said cheerfully, carrying him toward the bathroom.

Jane let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and leaned back against the sofa, running a hand through her hair. "I swear, Ma, she's got a sixth sense for this stuff."

Maura allowed herself a small smile, though her focus remained on the matter at hand. "She's wonderful with him. And I suppose it gives us a few more minutes to focus."

Jane nodded, her smirk fading as her thoughts returned to the grim task ahead. "Yeah. A few minutes might be all we need to figure out where to go from here."

From the bathroom, Angela's cheerful voice echoed faintly. "Good job, Beni! Look at you! Such a big boy!"

Jane glanced toward the hallway, a soft smile tugging at the corner of her lips despite the tension. "Kid's getting the royal treatment around here."

"And he deserves it," Maura said simply, her tone unwavering. "Especially after everything he's been through."

The sound of Beni's excited footsteps echoed down the hallway before he burst back into the living room, his stuffed bear trailing behind him. With a wide grin on his face, he ran straight for the sofa, launching himself into the space between Jane and Maura.

"Whoa, buddy!" Jane laughed, steadying him as he wiggled into place, his blanket still clutched tightly in one hand. "You did so good!"

Maura smiled softly, brushing a lock of Beni's hair back. "He's made excellent progress today."

Angela strolled in behind him, her face beaming with pride. "That's my boy! Big potty success! You're such a champ, Beni," she said, clapping her hands lightly.

Beni's face lit up even more at the praise, and he leaned against Jane, clearly enjoying the moment.

Jane gave him a playful nudge.

Beni giggled, snuggling closer to Jane as he peeked up at Maura, who was smiling warmly down at him.

Angela wiped her hands on a dish towel, her voice softening. "Alright, you two, I'm heading back to the guest house. Don't let this little guy stay up too late."

Maura nodded, her smile gentle. "Thank you for all your help today, Angela."

"Anytime," Angela replied, her tone full of warmth. "You know I love having Beni around. He's such a sweet little thing." She turned to Beni and wiggled her fingers at him. "Goodnight, sweet boy. Sleep tight."

Beni waved his little hand at her, mumbling a soft "Night, Nonna," as Angela stepped out of the room.

As the door to the guest house clicked shut behind her, Jane leaned back against the sofa with Beni still snuggled into her side. "Well, I guess we're doing something right. Look at him—happy as a clam."

Jane glanced down at Beni, who was still snuggled into her side, his blanket draped over his lap. A tender smile crept onto her face as she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head.

"There you go, buddy," she said softly.

Beni giggled, tilting his head up to look at her. Without hesitation, he reached up and planted a small, wet kiss on Jane's cheek.

Jane laughed, her grin widening. "Oh, so we're doing this now?"

Beni giggled louder, nodding enthusiastically. "You!" he said, pointing to her and puckering his lips again.

Jane leaned down and gave him another kiss on the head. In response, Beni leaned up and kissed her on the cheek again.

"Alright, alright, I get it," Jane said, laughing as they continued the playful exchange. Each kiss from Beni seemed to come with a little more excitement.

Then, suddenly, Beni stopped and pointed across the sofa. "Kiss Maura!"

The room seemed to pause for a beat. Jane froze, her eyes widening slightly as she turned to look at Maura.

Maura, who had been smiling softly at the interaction, raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh… well, Beni, that's not really—"

"It's okay, Maura," Jane interrupted, trying to keep the moment light despite the heat creeping up her neck. She turned back to Beni. "You're full of ideas tonight, aren't you, kid?"

Beni nodded, his wide eyes fixed on Jane. "Kiss!" he repeated with a little more insistence.

Jane hesitated, glancing at Maura again. Maura gave her a small, understanding smile, her voice gentle. "It's alright, Jane."

With a faint, nervous chuckle, Jane leaned over, brushing a quick kiss against Maura's cheek. "There. Happy now, buddy?"

Beni clapped his hands, giggling. "Yay!"

Jane leaned back, rubbing the back of her neck and giving Maura a sheepish grin. "Guess I've got no say in this anymore. Kid's calling all the shots."

Maura's smile softened, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. "He has very good instincts."

After a few moments of laughter, Maura stood, smoothing her hands over her sweater. "Alright, it's getting late. I'll grab some pajamas for you, Beni," she said, her voice gentle but firm. She then helped Beni out of his current pajamas to put into the laundry.

Beni, sitting comfortably between Jane and the armrest of the sofa, suddenly perked up. "No new jammies!" he exclaimed, wiggling away from Jane and jumping to his feet.

"Hey! Where are you going, kid?" Jane called, laughing as Beni darted off toward the hallway in nothing but his pull-up and a grin.

Maura sighed lightly, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "It seems we've reached the 'catch-me-if-you-can' stage of bedtime," she said, glancing back at Jane.

Jane grinned, standing and stretching as she nodded toward Maura. "You grab the pajamas, Maur. I'll handle Mr. Streaker over there."

Maura chuckled softly. "Good luck," she said, heading toward the dresser in the guest room to retrieve Beni's pajamas.

Meanwhile, Jane strode into the hallway, spotting Beni just as he peeked around a corner. "Alright, buddy, game's over. Time for bed."

Beni giggled and ran in the opposite direction, his little feet pattering on the hardwood floor.

Jane groaned dramatically, though the smirk on her face gave her away. "Oh, you're asking for it now!" she called, jogging after him.

As Jane turned the corner, she saw Beni dive behind the sofa, peeking out with his bear clutched tightly in his hand. Before she could move, Maura reappeared, a set of soft, star-patterned pajamas in hand.

Maura paused, watching Jane and Beni with amusement. "Do I even want to know what's happening here?"

"Little man thinks he's faster than me," Jane said with mock seriousness, pointing at Beni, who giggled and tried to scoot farther behind the sofa.

Maura placed the pajamas neatly on the armrest and crossed her arms. "Well, you might need reinforcements."

Jane turned to her with a smirk. "You volunteering, Maur?"

With a light laugh, Maura stepped into the fray, moving toward the other side of the sofa. "Beni, it's time to put your pajamas on," she teased.

Beni squealed with laughter, darting out from behind the sofa just as Maura moved to grab him. He nearly collided with Jane, who scooped him up mid-run, holding him upside down as he giggled uncontrollably.

"Gotcha!" Jane said triumphantly, spinning him slightly as he wriggled in her arms. "You're not getting away this time!"

Beni clutched his bear tighter, laughing so hard

Maura approached, her smile warm as she gently touched Jane's arm. "Alright, let's calm down before we lose control entirely," she said, holding up the pajamas. "Beni, do you want to pick your bedtime story after we get dressed?"

Beni's giggles slowed, and he looked at Maura with wide, curious eyes. "Story?"

"Yes," Maura said, her voice calm and coaxing. "But only if you put your pajamas on first."

Beni considered her offer for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Okay."

Jane set him down gently, ruffling his hair. "That's more like it, buddy. But don't think you can outrun me next time."

Maura knelt down, helping Beni into his pajamas while Jane stood nearby, watching with a grin. "You've got a future sprinter on your hands, Maur," Jane said.

Maura glanced up, her smile soft. "Perhaps. But for now, he's just a little boy who needs his bedtime routine."

Beni yawned as Maura zipped up his pajamas, and Jane chuckled. "Looks like the chase wore him out."

Maura stood, picking up the blanket and draping it over Beni's shoulders. "And just in time for bed. The new mattress got delivered earlier, and I got special sheets for Beni."

As Jane carried Beni down the hallway, his head resting against her shoulder, he seemed half-asleep, his little body growing heavier with every step. Maura followed closely, holding the blanket and stuffed bear, ready to help settle him into the guest room.

But as soon as Jane stepped inside and began lowering him toward the bed, Beni's eyes snapped open. He looked around, realizing he wasn't in the "big bed."

"No!" he cried out, his voice rising in panic. "No, big bed!"

Jane froze, her hands still supporting him as he started wriggling in her arms. "Hey, buddy, what's wrong?" She asked, her tone soft but concerned.

Beni squirmed harder, tears welling up in his eyes. "No, here! Big bed! Mommy!"

Maura stepped forward, her expression shifting to concern. She crouched next to Jane, reaching out to touch Beni's back soothingly. "Beni, sweetheart, it's okay. You're safe here. We'll be right nearby."

But Beni wasn't having it. His cries grew louder, and he clung tightly to Jane, burying his face in her shoulder as he sobbed. "Big bed! Big bed!"

Jane exchanged a glance with Maura, her heart twisting at the little boy's distress. "Maur, I don't think this is gonna work," she said softly.

Maura nodded, her voice calm and understanding. "He's overwhelmed. He feels safer in a space where we're close to him."

Jane stood, cradling Beni against her chest as he continued to cry. "Alright, alright, buddy. We'll go to the big bed. It's okay."

Beni sniffled, his cries softening slightly as he looked up at Jane, his tear-streaked face filled with a mix of fear and exhaustion. "Big bed?" he whispered.

"Yeah, big bed," Jane said gently, brushing his hair back. "Whatever makes you feel better, okay?"

Maura stood, smoothing out the blanket she still held. "Let's get him settled there. He needs comfort right now, and we can work on adjustments later."

With Beni still clinging tightly to her, Jane carried him down the hall toward the master bedroom. Maura followed, quietly turning off the lights behind them.

When they reached the big bed, Jane sat down on the edge, still holding Beni close as his little body finally began to relax. Maura carefully tucked the blanket around him and handed him his stuffed bear.

"There you go, buddy," Jane said softly. "Safe and sound."

Beni snuggled into Jane's side, his breathing slowing as he clutched his bear tightly. His voice was barely a whisper now. "Stay?"

Jane glanced at Maura, who nodded without hesitation.

"Of course, we'll stay," Maura said gently, smoothing the blanket over Beni's tiny shoulders. "We're right here."

As Beni's breathing evened out, his tiny frame nestled between Jane and Maura, the room grew still. Maura shifted slightly, glancing at Jane with a small smile. "I'm going to change into my pajamas," she whispered, carefully slipping out of the bed.

Jane nodded, her voice low. "Go ahead, Maur. I'll stay here with him."

Maura padded quietly to her closet, grabbing a soft pair of pajamas before stepping into the adjoining bathroom. The faint sound of running water drifted back into the room as Jane leaned back against the headboard, watching over Beni. The little boy clung to his stuffed bear, his face peaceful now, though traces of dried tears still clung to his cheeks.

Jane gently brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her expression softening. "You're safe, buddy," she murmured under her breath.

A few moments later, Maura returned, dressed in a cozy set of pajamas, her hair brushed back. She moved quietly, slipping under the covers on her side of the bed. Her gaze flicked to Jane, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your turn."

Jane hesitated, glancing down at Beni.

Maura nodded reassuringly. "I'll be right here. Go get comfortable."

Reluctantly, Jane slid out of bed, carefully maneuvering around Beni to avoid waking him. She grabbed her bag from the chair in the corner and disappeared into the bathroom.

When Jane returned, dressed in a loose t-shirt and sweats, she found Maura softly humming under her breath, one hand resting protectively on Beni's back.

Sliding back into bed on the other side of Beni, Jane settled in, her head hitting the pillow with a quiet sigh.