“Pennock?” Maura asked, ignoring the change in breakfast stuffs if it meant Jane kept moving. “What’s his first name Jane?”

“I don’t know.” Her fingers gripped the cart, turning her knuckles white as she guided it into the adjacent aisle.

“I need some coriander.” Maura whispered, her breath tickling Jane’s neck.

“Herb!” Jane cheered, louder than she meant to. “Herb Pennock.”

Maura tucked the coriander in the cart and glanced quickly at the list. Jane had done much better than she had anticipated and while there were a few items she still wanted to get, she didn’t want to stress Jane anymore.

“We’ll just get Joe some food then we’ll go, ok?” her hands never left Jane’s hips as she fell back into step behind her. “I’ll collect her for you tonight.” Jane shook her head, her ponytail bobbing and ticking Maura’s nose.

“Not tonight.. I can’t do more today.” Jane’s voice was thick was emotion and Maura could feel her shaking.

“You’re amazing.” Maura whispered, pushing Jane towards the shortest line so they could pay and get out. As it turned out, there was a good reason for that line being the shortest; it was manned by the slowest checker in recorded history.

“Maur..” Jane whispered softly, careful not to draw attention to herself.

“You’ll be fine Jane.” Maura offered, reaching out and squeezing her fingers gently.

“$107.21” the cashier grunted up at them.

“Really?!” Jane growled. She was tired, she was on the verge of losing her mind and now she was being grunted at by some pimply idiot.

“Jane.” Maura warned softly. “Do you want to load the car?” Taking to her heels, Jane rushed from the store, cart surfing as she left Maura to pay the cashier.

By the time Maura got to the car, Jane was curled up in the passenger seat, her head resting on the window as she slept. Maura adjusted the seat, Jane’s ridiculously long legs meaning she couldn’t reach the pedals. As she started the engine, she smiled as Jane mumbled in her sleep. “Not my fault.. too hot.” The detective whispered, “Made me do it, couldn’t stop.” Maura covered her mouth, hoping she could stop the giggles escaping as Jane’s childlike voice filled the car. “There’s melons in the crazy crop.”
Reversing from the space, Maura drove home, the journey punctuated with Jane’s unconscious but comical mumblings and Maura’s soft giggles.