Tucking a lock of hair back behind her ear, Maura failed to notice her voyeuristic friend and continued writing. Whatever it was, Jane thought, it had to be important. Maura paused again, her fingers trailing across her lips as she searched for the right word or sentence, Jane noticed her breath came in shallow gasps as a mischievous smile danced over her face before she dipped her head and continued to work on the text before her.
 Jane was lucky, she realised that now. With the chaos and danger that permeated her every waking moment, having someone that stayed at your side, regardless of their own personal safety was a rare thing to be treasured.

“Morning.”

Stepping into the room, her greeting snapped Maura from her task and she slammed the large journal closed, folding her hands over its cover before looking up with beet red cheeks. Jane crossed behind her friend to fetch a mug for her coffee, her hand grazing Maura’s shoulders as she passed.

“I let you sleep in.” Maura sounded nervous, the tremble in her voice only served to remind Jane of the previous evening and her own trepidation returned.

“Look, about last night….” Jane began, avoiding looking towards where she knew Maura had stiffened in her seat and turned to regard the detective. “I’m sorry.” She took a large gulp of her coffee, a deep, cleansing breath and turned, forcing herself to meet the warm hazel eyes that were scrutinising her.

Maura’s expression instantly softened when she saw the uncertainly in Jane’s face. She shook her head. “It’s fine, Jane.” She rose to her feet, side stepping Jane delicately. “Would you like some breakfast?” she busied herself with pancake mix, avoiding the penetrating stare she could feel aimed at her.

“Maura?” Reaching out, she let her fingers brush Maura’s hair before coming to rest on her shoulder. “Are you ok?”

Maura jumped at the touch and turned. “Yes, sorry.” She forced herself to meet Jane’s insistent gaze and smiled. “I was elsewhere, figuratively speaking.” She forced a smile onto her lips and Jane returned her own weaker version.

Realising she wasn’t going to get an immediate answer, Jane nodded slowly. “I’d love some pancakes.” She said, occupying the seat that Maura had just recently evicted.