Standing before the mirror, Maura studied her reflection. “Could you live knowing you might have let the best thing in your life walk away because you were too scared to take a risk?” she asked herself, echoing the question that had been posed to her. “No, I don’t think I can.”

Jane pulled Maura’s purse across the table and began a random rummage for the tube of organic jasmine and geranium hand cream that Maura always carried with her. Pulling an envelope out of the way, she was surprised to find her name written on it. Turning it over in her hands, the back was sealed and she glanced over her shoulder, only to see the doctor returning. In a panic, she stuffed the envelope into her blazer before continuing her search.

“Did you find it?” Maura asked as she settled into her seat again.

Jane’s fingers brushed against the tube as Maura’s phone started ringing. Pulling both from the purse, Jane slid the phone across the table and popped the top on the tube, squirting some of the floral scented scream into her hand, only for her own cell to start ringing on her hip.

“Doctor Isles.”

Jane rubbed her hands together furiously, not wanted to leave a trail of cream over her shirt.

“Ok..” Maura paused, looking up to meet Jane’s eyes. “Yes, she’s with me.” Another pause. “Yes, we’ll be right there.”

Maura got to her feet with Jane following her. “What is it?” the detective asked, her senses tingling with anticipation.

“A young girl has been found dead in the River Lodge motel.” Maura explained as Jane waved towards the waitress.

“I’ll drive!” Jane told her as she led the way to the car.

-/-

Pulling up to the run down motel, Maura sighed sadly. This wasn’t meant to be how their lunch went.

Korsak met them at the door to the motel room, he had very little to tell them but had sent Frost to the front desk to pull the information for the room.

Stepping inside, they had to side step crime scene photographer’s equipment before Jane gestured for him to leave. The woman was lying on the bed, half covered as though sleeping. “Any ID?” Jane called to Korsak as she scanned the room for clues.