Disclaimer: Rizzoli and Isles Belongs to TNT, Tess Gerritsen and Janet Tamaro – Not us. We are just playing in their universe.

"Rizzoli, you're not a cop anymore," was the first thing Jane said to herself as she was leaving the courthouse after what was her last appearance in front of the court or military board or police review or government inquiry or whatever the hell she had given the last two months of her life too.

"Any comments Rizzoli?" yelled a reporter, he was the first to see her exit the building. The hovering journalists reminded her of the cartoon fish movie were the seagulls saw prey and started squawking, "Mine," over and over as they began their attack. The flurry of words and flashes from cameras jumbled up and Jane, as always, ignored them as she move away never breaking her stride.

"I've got this." One of Jane's lawyers stepped forward and headed off the mob as they rushed forward. "Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to read you a statement from our client Ms. Rizzoli. If you will please give me your attention." The tall brunette just kept walking. By the time she reached her truck, Jane realized she had just closed a long and powerful chapter of her life.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Two months ago

The mothers of the women dancing to the radio on the lower level of the base watched their girls for a moment. "Your daughter is an amazing woman." said Constance Isles. The elegant woman knew Jane and the team munching pasta and laughing behind Angela and herself had just saved her life, the life of her daughter and the reputation of the Isles Foundation. There had been a team, but the doctor's mother never had a doubt as to who had driven the operation.

"Maura is pretty special too." said Angela. After a few minutes, "They are our daughters so who would expect them to be anything less than wonderful." Constance turned and saw the twinkle in Angela's eyes.

"I totally agree, we taught them everything they know." Mrs. Isles said with a laugh and she took Angela by the arm to join the men at the table for a late night snack.

On the first floor of the base, Jane and Maura were lost in each other's arms. The radio played and they didn't pay attention to anything but keeping with the rhythm of the music as they swayed. Maura looked up into Jane's face. "You look a little beat up. Do I need to check you over?"

Jane let out a quiet growl, "You, doctor, can check me over any time." Maura gave her hip a bit of a slap and made the brunette chuckle. "I'm okay. I won't lie it was a tough fight and I have some bumps and bruises but right now I am doing okay." She pulled Maura tighter. The song set ended and a bank of commercials came on. Maybe it was the horrible jingles, the sound of the unfamiliar voice, or the doctor's hand gently touching a scrap down the side of Jane's chin, but the moment of their dance was lost and the events of the evening started to seep back into both of the dancers' minds.

"I should be asking about you," said Jane looking at Maura. She didn't want the doctor to think she was angry but when Maura had driven away the day before it had almost killed her. "Did he…hurt you in anyway? Or you mother? You seemed okay before but I haven't asked you…" If Maura said or even hinted that Guy had hurt the doctor, Jane would be going to the morgue to kill Gisborne all over again.

In a calm tone Maura said, "Mother is fine just shook up. I have some bruises on my arms where Guy grabbed me and he kissed me once, that was all that happened." The doctor debated on holding that part back but there was no harm in telling Jane. She would have been suspicious if there had been no contact between them. Maura was forced to stop talking as she felt strong hands move into her hair. With a gentle but firm tug her head moved back and then Jane kissed her hard. Maura surrendered to the sensation of the love of her life washing away any trace of the man's touch. Forcing herself to pull away. Maura said, "Well that and he held a gun on me and…" there was more kissing and Jane did her best to try to take away those memories and replace them with something else.

After a long moment, Jane pulled back just enough to look into Maura's eyes. There was relief but the concern was not gone totally. "I was crazy worried when you left." The doctor's eyes went frantic hearing those words. Jane pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth again to calm her. "I know why you did it." As if on cue there was a burst of laughter from the loft area. "Threats to family are the worst form of torture." Jane was going to continue but Maura cut her off.

"I am your family. I know that Jane, you are mine too. As I wrote that note I knew that you would be hurt but I couldn't stand knowing the danger my mother was in and not doing something about it. I am sorry for causing you pain but…" Maura said.

"But you had to step up, just had to do something. I believe that might be a bad habit you picked up from me or because of me." said Jane her voice quiet and sounding apologetic. "You have been stepping up for some time now. Protecting my family and taking on more of the investigations at work, looking out for Vince and…"

"It's nothing you wouldn't or haven't done Jane. I just was the one here. When you left there were some big shoes to fill." Maura's voice trailed off.

Jane sighed and lowered her head to rest it on Maura's. A wave of fatigue was touching the detective and she all at once felt exhausted, "I'm here now Maura and I'm not leaving you ever again. We can only hope that this thing is finally over." They held each other knowing there was more to say but this was not the time. Looking at the doctor's shoes Jane smiled to see the sneakers. "I think you need to help me up the stairs tonight." Arm in arm they made their way up the metal stairs to join the others.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Scarlett was good to her word and she kept the world away from Jane for two days. Well she kept the law enforcement world away but Jane and the team had some loose ends to wrap up and it was all hands on deck to get it done.

Constance and Maura were sitting in Much's command center on either side of the scruffy little man. Jane and John were looking over some of the military directives that had been sent to him over night from his superiors. Tuck was with Vince and they were looking into things locally. In a sense they had just run an unauthorized military operation in the middle of Boston. If they didn't have their ducks in a row then one or all of them would be doing time for all the bending and stretching of the law they had done.

"How much money?" said Constance with a start and louder than she had anticipated. Her hand had gone to her shirt collar and she was gripping it tightly. "My people's tally of the night was one hundred and thirty million."

"Mother, let Much finish." Maura said touching the hand of her friend at the keyboard but she had also said a mental expletive when she saw there was only seventy-five million deposited from legitimate donations. Not a bad amount at all but well short of the publicized amount that had made the papers. Any board member checking the accounts would note the large difference and Maura and her mother would be held at fault for the missing money.

Much was beaming and totally ignored the reactions of the two women as he started his explanation. "I took control of two of your systems last night. First as soon as the money started to come in from overseas I spilt it apart from your true donations. The blood money from the war and Gisborne's operation never ever got to you." He taped the keys showing a separate account.

Continuing he said, "I manipulated the amount on your tally board all evening, feeding your people my numbers instead of what was truly coming in from your legit donors. When Gisborne and Sans Terra watched those big number show up they were thinking that the transfer had been completed. Here is the good part," Much smiled so broadly the Isles had to laugh despite their reservations, "When you tried to open your account the first time it failed." Constance let out a gasp. "Thought that was your fault didn't you?" Much winked at her. "It wasn't." Maura stifled a chuckle as her mother moved close to look at the monitor again. She could tell Constance was totally absorbed in what Much had done behind the scenes.

"You were typing on a false front I created to look like your bank. I just grabbed your number as you typed it in. I did the same to Maura. With both of your numbers I could get around the login security and…" The man looked a little uncomfortable now. "I used the numbers Sans Terra gave you to transfer out of instead of into those accounts."

"You pulled money out of those accounts." Said Maura. "You pulled Lackland's inheritance funds. Oh my God. What about Gisborne's account?" Much was grinning as he raised an eyebrow towards the doctor.

"Both men were very charitable last night. The money they killed for has now been placed over where it can do some real good. If you will do the honors and cross your fingers I did the math right." He pointed to the transfer button and Constance hit it. Waiting a small amount of time, Much refreshed the screen and one hundred and thirty million dollars was the now the total donation from the gala and sitting ready for use in the Isle's Foundation coffers. No one would be the wiser of where the money had come from.

Across the room a phone call was just ending. "Roger that Sir. I will talk to you soon." said John and he hung up the phone and then just looked at it for a while before he put it down. "Looks like we caught the attention of some people in Washington." Jane didn't know if that was a good thing or not. "They are having a hard time arguing with the results of our little caper but the ask permission later approach we used has some feathers ruffled."

"Who were you talking to?" Jane asked as she looked up from the latest communique.

John grinned and said, "That was the Secretary of State." He couldn't help but laugh at the look on Rizzoli's face. "I might not be a Lieutenant for long." It was the man's standard answer when his actions were in question.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

On the third day, Maura, Jane and Vince met Sean Cavanaugh and they traveled together to pay their respects to Barry. There were more than a few tears as each said a few words of good bye. He had been a good officer and a great friend. "We got them, Frost." Jane said quietly. "But we couldn't have done it without your help." She touched the top of the headstone for a long while before she joined the others at the cars. As they left they knew the young man's loss would touch them for the rest of their lives.

Ask to join the new police chief in his office it seemed only natural when Sean took his seat behind the big desk. It fit him. It was odd to go into Boston's top cop's office and see pictures of yourself. Jane, Vince and Maura were all represented in various candid shots that peppered the walls. Vince tapped a picture of Sean and himself as rookies. "We were good looking guys."

"What do you mean were?" growled the new chief of police. The two men chuckled and Jane groaned.

"How's your brain?" Jane asked and Maura bumped her. This made the two men laugh louder.

Sean motioned to seats and they all found a place to settle. Turning to the side, the zipper like scar that ran just above his ear was visible through the short haircut. "It was a close one. It looked much worse than it was. The doctors at the hospital played it up on the request of the I.A. team." He motioned to Vince, "I lucked out more than this guy.

Maura pursed her lips and then asked, "So it was mostly misinformation on the severity of your injury. It was only a ploy by the internal affairs investigation to get you out of town."

"I know they kept you out Dr. Isles, you would have spotted the ruse right off." said the Chief. "I am sorry we worried you. I know that you came to check on me and really followed up with the officers that posed as my family. It meant a lot to me when they told me about it." Maura nodded but she was rather flushed at the kind words.

The niceties went on for about ten more minutes and then Sean asked to speak to Jane alone. The man looked unhappy when he sat down to face her. Jane gave him a smile, "Just spit it out Sean. You can't let a vigilante run around on the streets and not bring her in." As Rizzoli talked Sean was sure that the woman had a list in her mind of every time she broke the law. She had done nothing but good for the city but she would never truly be able to look at it that way.

'"There are charges Jane, but the problem is that while you were not a cop, you were working with a military unit. The way this thing went down fell right back into their mission." Sean smiled. "You were also working within an I.A. operation. Scarlet Wills has so much evidence on Gisborne and Sans Terra's intimidation of your family. How they were hunting you, the murder of the young girl you uncovered, not to mention Richard Lackland's murder." Pausing to take a breath he continued, "There are also the tapes from the lab and the wire Dr. Isles wore and…

"Stop." Said Jane, "Maura wore a wire. When?"

"The Doc picked Wills as an I.A. officer while the detective was dressing down Gisborne in the lab in front of her. Maura was too sharp to miss the technique of a seasoned interrogator. She call Scarlet on it and then agreed to wear a mic around the station. It was a small pin she placed on her lapel." Seeing Jane's eyes flash he added quickly, "It was a more sophisticated technology than we normally use and we didn't think Gisborne would notice or that the doctor would be putting herself in an excessive amount of danger." The look didn't really fade from Jane's eyes and Cavanaugh moved on fast.

"We know that you were attacked, framed and so much more but you didn't come in and get help. You took matters into your own hands. That's where we are running into problems." Sean sat back in his chair, "That fact has some people's panties in a bunch. The other problem is that everyone under the sun wants to be the one to run you through their accountability system. The storm you whipped up helping in Afghanistan and then back here has people looking to cover their asses. Outlaw unit uncovered a big fish. It has them wanting to shout your praises and at the same time keep the details quiet."

"What does that mean for me?" asked Jane not liking how this sounded. "I won't apologize for my actions. There was no one I trusted left. I had to handle this on my own. John and the boys came in on my call. They should not be punished for something that…"

Clearing his throat Sean said, "It means you all are going to be stuck in Boston for a while. The military handling the rest of the team. You on the other hand," Cavanaugh threw out files from the BPD, US Military, the court system and the I.A. people. "So many people want to talk to you they are drawing up a commission to handle your situation. Your lawyers are good and there are so many others stepping up to help." Jane started to protest. Sean held up a hand. "It's not like you can stop it Jane. You are just going to have to ride this out."

"Not as a cop." said Jane. It was a statement. Rizzoli the realized she had not been a cop for a long time now.

"No Jane." Sean quietly. "We are trying to work something out." He held a hand out and Jane took it. Somehow it felt like a goodbye.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

"Hey Susie, Frankie missed you!" Scarlet Wills voice carried through the lab as the door slammed open. She had officially been transferred to the homicide unit and couldn't be happier about it. Maura who was in her office had to chuckle. It was funny how this felt so normal. The doctor waited and then the door opened again, "You know you could help me carry some of this." as Frankie came in with what had to be an arm load of food. Susie Chang let out a muted shout, "No food in there, Get it to my desk or… Doctor Isles are you in your office?" The woman sounded panicked.

Standing and walking to her door Maura smiled and waved the group over. "Bring it in here." The trio smiled and moved rapidly toward what had been their refuge for over six months. The food was passed out and the white board was placed between them as they started analyzing their new case. Just as Susie was about to add her latest findings to the report with her boss's permission, the sound of the main door interrupted the presentation. Maura stood and walked to her office door and eyed the man who just entered her lab.

"Captain Korsak, what can I do for you?" Maura asked as the smile on her face grew.

Vince smiled back warmly, "You know I like the sound of that, kinda like a superhero." The detective laughed as he did his best dramatic pose. The detective had his status reinstated and was promoted to the lead position in the homicide unit. "I came looking for my detectives. I have been informed they hide out down here in the lab."

"Captain, do you need us?" Frankie and Scarlet were out the door fast. Unlike just a week earlier they were more than happy to see their new commanding officer.

"Yeah, I need you." Vince said with a smile. "You forgot to drop off my lunch." He held out a hand and gestured for them to turn it over. Frankie smiled knowingly as Vince hadn't ordered anything but handed over half his sub anyway. The older man smiled and took delicious looking sandwich. "Get your report from these ladies and then I want an update in the bullpen. Twenty sound good."

"Yes sir," the two younger officers snapped respectfully. They looked as confident as Maura could remember. Wheeling around she stepped to the side as they rushed back inside and urged Susie to get to the good stuff. The senior criminologist snapped that all her finding were good stuff and if they wanted her report they would hear the whole thing.

Maura was struck by how the scene was playing out in front of her. It was an odd sensation to see how everything had moved on. Out of the blue the thought hit her that she had too. Picking up her cell she called Jane, "You busy?"

"Not in the slightest." Said Jane

"I need to get out of here. Come pick me up." Said Maura. She was already setting up for her team to take over for the rest of the day.

"Be there in ten." The voice on the other end sounded happy to be needed.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Sitting on the edge of the roof, Maura reluctantly tossed a chicken tender into the yard, but had to smile as Chunk thumped after it and wolfed the thing down like it was the tastiest thing in the whole universe. "That can't be good for him." The doctor said as she reached for her wine but Jane's hand got their first.

The doctor and the detective had spent the day together just being them. They had coffee, walked in the park, Maura pulled Jane into a shop to look a pair of shoes. It had just been them. After an early dinner, they stopped and picked up some dessert and treats for the dogs and made it back to the loft. It had been the doctor that insisted that they climb on the roof and watch the city lights come to life as the sun went down and the stars came out. They talked about everything and nothing. It had been a wonderful way to end the day.

"I don't know if this is such a good idea." Jane raised an eyebrow at the mostly empty glass and then down the drop off on the side of the building. Without another word she grabbed Maura and pulled her back and up into her arms. About to protest the doctor's words quieted as Jane placed the wine glass back in her hand and pulled the doctor's hair aside and set about the rediscovery of that special spot right below her ear. The warm lips didn't have to search long and Maura melted back into Jane with a sigh as the zing of pleasure that shot through her.

"I still can't believe you own this whole place." Whispered Jane as she pulled her head back and the two women checked out the area at a safe distance from the edge. "I know you were coming to our rescue but buying this whole place. What were you thinking Baby?" Jane said with a hint of concern in her voice. The buildings in the park were run down and no one would have placed much value on them but this amount of land on the water had to put Maura back a very large chunk of change.

"It reminded me of you." Maura said and then giggled as Jane grumbled something like, "Well thanks a lot." The doctor turned and pushed her partner back and soon they were both down the ladder and in the loft. "Let me explain," Said Maura. The doctor had walked and placed the wine glass and Jane's empty beer bottle on the counter.

Jane started to tease, "No I get it. I'm pretty beat up and have some scars. I'm rough around the edges…" The self-depreciation was stopped by the look on the doctor's face. "Hey I am all those things." Said Jane more seriously now, "But it's okay."

"It's more than okay," the tone to Maura's voice was so emotion filled it was hard for the brunette not to just grab and hold her. "Don't you ever forget I know how every one of those scars got there, I know what you sacrificed when you…"

Jane had Maura now in her arms, "Hey, hey, it's okay. I was just playing with you. Tell me why this place reminded you of me." She kissed the top of the doctor's head to reassure her.

"Because these places are strong and stable, like you. These buildings have histories and stand up to anything that comes at them, like you." Said Maura

"Kinda smell funny, like me." Jane said and the doctor couldn't help but laugh.

"I have no comment on that but can only offer my professional advice if needed." The honey blonde flashed amused hazel eyes at the woman holding her. "Really Jane look around this place it is so you. The loft, it has this tough exterior that provided protection to anything held inside, but is all beautiful lines filled with rich deep tones and colors and surprising comforting touches." Maura ran a hand over the leather of the oversized chair. "The place is so you, I wonder if I even belong…"

"I would be nothing without you." Said Jane. "Don't you ever question if you belong with me. Never Maura." The detective was close but not touching the doctor. "This place needs to be for both of us or we won't stay." With just the presence of her body, Jane turned Maura around and started to walk her backwards towards the bed. "I want you to see yourself here too." The fire in the detective's eyes was unmistakable. "Here is what we are going to add so I see you here." And she leaned in close to make her point.

"This place needs the darker tones to be blended with something lighter." Jane reached out and stroked the doctor's cheek. Maura's knees hit the back of the bed and she stopped, feeling Jane's thumb run across her lips she fought not to moan, huskily Jane said, "we need things that are warm and so very inviting." The women's lips were now touching as their bodies melded together.

"Oh god," said Maura with a whisper but Jane didn't stop.

"There needs to be good planning to the space," strong hands caressed the back of the doctor's head then one gripped and pulled just a little on her hair to bend Maura's head back to expose her neck, "with a better and easier access to the area." Kisses were being worked down the doctor's throat and the zipper of Maura's jacket was pulled down and the material pushed off. "Things that are soft and curvy are a must." Hands that had been busy elsewhere now were working over, around and finally under Maura's shirt, stroking and holding the doctor's breasts, raking soft nails down her lower back, kneading hands that slipped over and below the back pockets of her jeans, altogether making her knees falter as the doctor fell backwards with the sensation.

"Jane, please I need…" Maura murmured as she felt the detective body move with her. There was a delicious pressure as their thighs tangled together and then both couldn't help but begin to move into one another pressing their bodies together.

Jane's hand moved down and played with Maura's waistband and then popped open the top button of her jeans, "Have I made my point or do I need to keep going?" the raspy sexy tones of Jane's voice touching Maura's ear.

There was a fast roll and Maura was on top, there was a definite increase in contact as she pushed into Jane hard. "This project is a long way from through." Maura took control of the hands on her body and pinned them to the side. "But I think we should stop decorating and make love don't you." Jane could only chuckle into the wonderful feel of Maura taking control, the retort of "well okay" was covered by deep soul scorching kiss.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

John and Angela were squished into Jane's loft kitchen, "Now what do I do?" he asked as he had finished chopping up the onion and celery. She eyed him with suspicion. "What?" The large handsome ponytailed man asked as he tried not to meet the eyes of the woman next to him. He slid the chopped offerings into the pot and stepped back to chunk of a piece of butter and drop it into the heated cookware.

Raising an eyebrow, Angela said, "I thought you said you never cooked before," looking with dismay into the pot. "I don't cook with butter at this stage, I use olive oil."

"Oh," the big man said, and he reached a big arm around Angela to the side counter. The move had her trapped between him and the counter as he grabbed for the glass bottle. He held his positon looking into the charming face of his trapped victim. "For the record, I think I said I had never cooked for you before." He smiled as she blushed. "That doesn't mean you can't teach me a thing or two." He pulled back and added a few good splashes of the oil.

After a few moments Angela said, "Are you going to stir that or let it…," John turned and held a spoon up with a raised eyebrow. "Just trying to help." She leaned back and then moved behind the man at the stove. Carefully placing her hand on his lower back, Angela leaned to grab the salt and pepper. Letting her hand drift slowly across the muscled back, there was a low chuckle from John and he turned to take the two small glass containers, then added several healthy shakes.

"Thank you." He said softly and Angela nodded. "Now what do you want me to do with the basil?" The man was already rolling the leaves to run his knife through the herbs.

"Why don't you show me what you've got." As she grabbed for the garlic with a smile.

Jane was watching the duo from the counter, they had long ago forgot she was in the room. As she took a pull on her beer she tried to figure out how she felt about this thing between her Ma and John. It had been something of a joke before, now they looked too happy for this to be a trick they were playing on her. Tuck yelled at her from the door, "Hey Jane, Much wants to see you and me in computer center." She finished her beer and then walked to the refrigerator to grab three more. Jane was going to say something but it was as if the outside world was unnoticed by the two cooks. She smiled as she turned and left them too it.

"Much," Tuck called out as the large man and Jane climbed the stairway towards the loft.

"Up here." The scruffy little man yelled as they rounded the corner. "Oh, Hi." He added and motioned to a few seats. Jane handed out the beers and they all took a drink. "Well," Much said after a moment, "It's not like we loved our jobs all that much, right?" He ran a hand through his hair. The others let out quiet chuckles.

"It could have been worse." said Tuck, "At least we were granted honorable discharges and at rank." The group did laugh out loud now. John had been returned to his rightful rank of lieutenant colonel and the Much and Tuck were both majors as they finished their active careers. Jane dropped her head and put her elbows on her knees as she felt guilt wash over her again. She had been present as the men got the news. These three had done such good work for so long and it was over for them in less than thirty minutes. No charges but no career either.

Tuck grabbed Jane's t-shirt and sat her up straight. "Sox, this is not on you and you know it." His words were as gruff as Rizzoli had ever heard from the gentle giant. "We all knew too much about what had gone wrong over there. How money and equipment has been miss handled. No, this is not about us helping you Jane. This is a way for them to tie up some loose ends without making a scene."

"I wish I believed that Tuck," She knocked back his hand as he reached out to give her a little shake. "I'm just sorry you gave them their money back." Tuck and Much looked at one another, Jane narrowed her eyes, "What?" She took another pull from her beer.

Clearing his throat and swinging to his key board Much brought up a bank account with two hundred and fifty million sitting in it. "Well they got what Gisborne's company took. People never ask the right questions." Rizzoli flashed on the single word answers Much had given the court martial tribunal. He had the JAG officers so upset that they had to call a recess to calm everyone down.

"Much what are you talking about." Said Jane eyes wide now as she recounted all the zeroes on the screen.

"They only asked about the transfer, they didn't asked about the bank it came from." Said Much. "Looking into to it, the place was nothing more than a way station for terrorist money, a really shady place. I worked information gathering long enough to recognize a money hold when I see it. So the night of the gala as I backtracked the bank's signal, I also pulled all the rest of the accounts." Much swallowed hard, "I am going to split it up between all of us. Think of it as Outlaw unit's retirement fund, even Vince will get all his retirement back plus a bunch more."

"I was only with you for a short time Much," Jane said, "This should be split between the three of you." The information officer and Tuck rolled their eyes.

"Right Jane." Said Much. "Take the money and do wonderful things with it. Make a new life with Maura, think of it as payment for six months of your life."

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Present day

Jane had left for the court house alone. She asked the others to stay away, even Maura. The media had been running wild and it had been hard on everyone. The members of the commission were doing their best to make the organization they represented look good in the public eye. There were times Jane felt she answered the same question ten times a day. When the ruling came down it was nothing unexpected. The findings of the collection of the administrators had been the route to bury the story fast. She was cleared of all criminal charges but had not been reinstated as a member of the BPD. Jane stood and thanked the commission then left the room without another word.

Jane made a quick stop before she left downtown. She listened to the radio as she drove. The local news had broken in with the report of the commission's findings and then a report of her statement to the press. Maura had helped her draft it and she was proud of it, thanking the right people and the city, she let them know how much it had meant to her to serve them. It had been her honor. The news anchor called it a classy way to end her career. She smiled broadly as the newsman also reviewed Sans Terra's verdict, life without the possibility of parole. Putting her foot on the gas, Jane turned the radio off and concentrated on getting home.

As Rizzoli's truck pulled up to the building that she had been calling home, she was truly amazed at the work going into the area around her. Maura's purchase was in full renovation everywhere. Thanks to the papers the mayor's office signed the area could populated with any type of building or business they wanted. Jane had put a good deal of her money towards what would give back to the committee. There was a veteran's center, a community health center with a full work out facility and a park for starters.

On the home front the building that held her loft was being overhauled completely. Tuck and Much kept their homes on either side and were doing the same thing. Both men were in heaven as Tuck was acting as project manager, watching over and helping with the construction. Much was in charge of gathering all the supplies. He was working with all the inspectors and finding the code requirements. It wasn't a matter of national security but it kept the man happy and that is what mattered.

Angela had moved into Maura's place and John moved into the guest house. Everyone had a sneaking suspicion that was just for appearances but neither one of them would say anything. What every made them happy. John was coming out of her building with Angela as she approached. "Sox, you okay?" He asked as her mother pulled her into a hug.

"Like you John," Jane shrugged. "It stings but I'll get over it." He had taken the news of his discharge harder than the rest. Angela was helping him get on with this life in lots of ways.

"We love you Jane. You know that." Said Angela as she kissed her daughter's cheek. Jane groaned and John laughed.

"I know, you okay watching the dogs?" The younger Rizzoli asked as she wiped at her face. They nodded and motioned to the car where two happy puppy heads were looking out the window. "Bass too?"

"Jane, it's okay we have everything covered. Maura is stewing, you better get going." Said John and he pulled Angela away as she was telling her daughter to have a good time. Checking in with Much and Tuck, they also told her to get going and enjoy herself. They could handle things for a month. Taking the hint she moved inside and found a mound of luggage and a pacing doctor.

"Maura," Said Jane and then smiled broadly as the doctor ran to her and pulled her into a huge hug. "You ready to go Baby?" the brunette added happy to focus on someone besides herself

"We are all set. Do you want to check the list?" the doctor asked, Jane politely declined. Pulling back Maura looked deeply into Jane's eyes, "I have to ask, are you okay?"

"It could be so much worse Maura. I can't really complain." Jane said and then seeing the look in the doctor's eyes said, "I'm okay. Let's get going." Thankful for the lift the women and the baggage dropped to the first floor and within a few minutes their car was there, they loaded up and were off to the airport. They boarded the sleek private jet and got settled as the crew handled the bags.

Within thirty minutes the plane was up and they were on their way. Maura still didn't know what had gotten into Jane that made her suggest the doctor show her Paris, but she didn't argue. The cabin attendant got their drinks and told them to let him know when they were hungry and he would set dinner up for them. "We are good, Andy. Thank you."

"Anything for you Maura just let me or the captain know." The younger man said. "I will be up in the front." He turned and grabbed a curtain. "Just press the button if you need anything. I will give you two some privacy." He winked and pulled the thick fabric across.

"Is there something I should know?" said Jane and Maura laughed but didn't say anything. The doctor grabbed Jane's hand and held it.

Jane cleared her throat, "You didn't have to quit your job. I know how you loved it." Maura had kept it a secret from Jane. When she had told her the doctor explained that her department was wonderful and they would continue to do a great job with or without her. She also had agreed to work as a consultant if they needed her. They all had fingers crossed that Susie Chang would be the one to take her place.

"It was time. Dealing with Gisborne took it out of me. I need a break." There was a soft kiss on Jane's cheek. It killed Jane that the man had left such an impact. "Besides, I am not missing a minute of time with you." Maura said. "Work will find me, don't you worry." Reaching for her purse Maura pulled out a five by eight envelope. "Work will be finding you too."

Jane took it with a grin. She ripped it open and a plastic card fell out along with a single sheet of paper. Rizzoli read the first of line aloud. "Dear, Jane Rizzoli, you have met the requirements deemed necessary by the State of Massachusetts for a private investigation license." Jane leaned over and looked at her partner, "Did you get yours too?" Maura nodded and pulled a nice leather cover which she opened to show the same type of card.

Maura pulled a nice leather cover just like hers and handed it over. She said, "So Much, Tuck and John are set as well. Outlaw Investigations is all set for business as soon as we get home." The doctor smiled a little flushed at the thought. Like everything else in their lives it would be an adventure.

"I did a little packing of my own." Jane said after a quiet moment. Shifting her position she reached into her pocket and pulled out a paper bag. She handed it over to Maura. The doctor let out a laugh as she pulled out a small multi-tool, "Someone told me they were very useful." Said the detective. Maura reached back in the bag and pulled out a soft leather travel wallet. Jane didn't say anything but smiled as the doctor looked it over.

"We will have to take some pictures in Paris so I have …" Maura's voice caught as she found the picture already inside. The image was Jane was on one knee with her hand held out, black sharpie marker made a speech bubble and written inside were the words, "Will you marry me?" The doctor looked up fast and Jane was holding a beautiful ring out in front of her.

"I love you Maura, you are my world. Will you marry me?" Jane said. The barrage of kisses had to be enough for several moments. "Are you going to give me an answer or do I have to guess?"

"Yes, of course, yes Jane. I love you and you are my world too." gasp Maura, as the ring was slid onto her finger. "Yes, always, yes." They snuggled and talked that a month in Paris would be a wonderful place to plan a wedding, but they had time. They had each other and all the time in the world.

A/N: There it is. What a fun ride for us. Hope you enjoyed the reading as much as we did the planning and then finally writing the story. If we had five bucks for every tangent we took off on, we would be rich women. Thanks again everyone for your support of this story. I have a few projects on the burner but would like to revisit this fandom and its kind readers again sometime.

A/N2: Faefan you're the best! Now go write your next story!*hugs*