“Yeah.”

Maura pushed open the door and found Jane, wrapped in a towel and sitting on the closed toilet, her knees pulled up to her chest.

“Why aren’t you in the bath?” Maura asked, dipping her hand into the bath water to double check the temperature. “The lavender will help to relax you. It’s said to reduce anxiety, stress and even mild depression.”

Jane looked at her curiously. “What, no study to prove it?” Immediately she felt bad for snapping at Maura; she was only trying to help.

Maura chose to ignore her and answered the question instead. “A University of Maryland study has shown that it does reduce anxiety and stress. So get in the bath, before it gets cold.” Maura turned her hands on her hips.

From her seat, Jane pouted. “I don’t want to!” she complained, sounding like a whiny child who had been sent to bed early. “It’s all slimy.”

Maura raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixing the stubborn detective in place. “We can do this the easy way….”

“Or the hard way. I know!” Jane pouted and got up. “Why do you always have to do that?”

Maura beamed.

“Well get out then.” Jane shooed her friend away, “I don’t need babysitting.”

Maura turned her back but remained in the room. “I need to talk to you.” She paused, listening for the tell-tale splashes that Jane was safely ensconced in the tub. Jane settled herself in the hot water and inhaled deeply. It wasn’t that bad really, ‘smells like Grandma’ she thought as the bubbles danced over the surface of the water, coming to rest under her chin like an aquatic blanket. “It’s about Hoyt…” Maura continued.

“I don’t wanna hear it.” Jane told her firmly and ducked her head under the water.

Maura sighed and reached for the shampoo. “You can’t stay under there all night.” She called, tapping Jane on the head. Jane resurfaced and wiped the soapy water from her eyes. “Now settle back.” She ordered, smiling as Jane reluctantly gave in and laid back in the bath.

Squirting shampoo into her hands, Maura began rubbing it through Jane’s long hair. “I’m not five!” Jane complained.
“Will you stop fidgeting? I’m giving you a scalp massage.” Maura explained as she began massaging.