”Maura.” She whispered softly her thumb hovering over the screen. Instead she waited until her voicemail picked up. It would do her no good to go back on her promise, if she wanted to see Maura again, she had to follow through.

She waited anxiously, hoping that Maura would leave a message. When the beep indicated she had, Jane almost leapt out her seat.

”Jane. It’s Maura.” Jane sighed, the doctor sounded so cold, so far away. ”I wish desperately that we could be what we were, maybe more but I know that your actions and my feelings prevent that from happening. I left because I found it too painful to be around you. I can’t do it anymore Jane. I’m sure given time; you see that this is for the best. I’ve moved to a place where I may be welcomed, I can be happy here Jane. I wish you all the best in your life and that you can make your peace and find happiness. I always thought that I would be a part of that happiness but now it’s clear to me that cannot be.” Jane clenched her jaw, she wouldn’t cry, not here. ”You say you know why I left but that isn’t true but I do owe you an explanation. I spoke to Patrick before he died and you were right, he would have shot you. I overreacted to your actions and for that, I’m sorry.” There was a pause as Maura gathered herself, Jane could almost hear her trying to decide if she should continue. ”I left because I have realised some things about myself, I thought I could control them and I can’t. I have always held you back, I didn’t mean to but I was unfair to you. This is the way it should be Jane.” Tears shook the doctor’s voice and Jane bit her lip, everything within her wanted to reach out, to hold her until the tears stopped. ”I’m sorry. Goodbye.”

Jane wiped fiercely at her eyes and listened to the options, replaying the message again. At no point had Maura told her to leave her alone, not to contact her, not to look for her.

There was still hope.

Korsak stood at the door to the bullpen and watched as Jane composed herself. As a wry smile crept over her face, he pushed open the door and walked slowly towards the brunette, extending his arm and offering coffee, hoping it would sooth the beast.