The Murder Show

CHAPTER 7

The following morning was fairly uneventful, which both Maya and Carina were thankful for. They moved around each other in the kitchen that morning making coffee and breakfast with a weirdly familiar synchronicity - almost as if they had been doing it for years - which in itself should have felt weird but it didn't.

"Here." Maya says handing Carina a fresh coffee before moving to sit at the island.

Carina smiles in thanks as she moves to place the coffee on the island next to Maya, before turning back to the stove and returning with two plates with eggs and toast. "Breakfast." She says noting Maya's surprised glance, figuring Carina was making breakfast for herself - not both of them.

"Um, thanks. You didn't have to..." She says, taking the offered fork to eat.

Carina smiles. "I know. But given you and Detective Herrera are possibly saving my life just being here - breakfast is the least I can do." She says with a shrug, tucking into her own plate.

After breakfast Maya and Carina returned to their respective rooms to get ready with Carina having informed Maya she needed to leave for the station in an hour.

Once in the bedroom Maya made a quick call to Andy to arrange hand over and confirmed Gibson and Miller would be at Carina's door - plain clothed, much to Carina's relief - to escort her to the station and stay with her until Andy arrives to take over and man the live trace during the show.

Maya quickly dressed and then gathered her things back into her overnight bag before heading out into the main living area of Carina's apartment. Noting Carina was still in her bedroom she sits on the couch, scrolling through her emails and socials to pass the time until there is a knock on the door.

Maya looks at the time realising it is likely Gibson and Miller, she gets up and goes to answer, opening the door she is greeted by the two officers dressed in jeans and casual jackets as promised. "Hey guys, come on in. Carina is getting ready, when she comes out we will go over the plan for the day and then she's all yours!" She says.

Less than five minutes later the bedroom door opens and Carina comes out, noting the two extra people in her home. "I thought I heard voices. Morning Officers." She says politely.

"Morning Ms, DeLuca." They reply in unison.

"Actually guys, that's Dr. DeLuca." Maya smirks pointing at the Doctorate on the wall causing Carina to laugh as Jack and Dean look between each other with a raised eyebrow at the change of atmosphere between Maya and Carina.

Jack smiles and says. "My apologies, doctor."

Carina smiles and rolls her eyes. "Carina is fine. Ignore Detective snarky pants here." She says with a laugh.

"Hey!" Maya complains holding her hands up. "I was just ensuring your correct title is in use, can't have people making my mistake and assuming you are just playing doctor now can we?" She smirks.

The playful and borderline flirty interaction doesn't go unnoticed by Jack and Dean again, with Dean frowning. "Um, ok, what is happening here?" He asks.

Carina and Maya both turn to look at him, small questioning frowns on their faces. "What are you talking about Miller?" Maya asks, usual gruffness back in her voice, her back that little bit straighter... seemingly having caught on to what Dean was getting at despite the question.

He gestures between the two of them. "This? Friendliness or whatever. It's weird to see you smile, Bishop." He smirks.

Maya rolls her eyes. "Alright, thank you for that Miller. I'll take that as my que to leave." She says, before turning to Carina. "These guys will escort you to the studio and remain with you there this morning, Detective Herrera will be over for the start of the show with Jimmy to set up the trace as normal." She informs Carina who nods her understanding. "See you tomorrow. Try to behave for these guys." She smirks.