A/N: New story that popped in my head, have pretty good idea where I am going with this but wanted to see what kind of interest this receives. This is set post "Something Borrowed, Something Blew Up".

ESCAPING THE INSANITY

Mary looked over at Marshall, who was still avoiding her. It had been months since he said more then a hello or goodbye to her. She was at a loss on how to fix whatever was broken between them. She sighed, stood up and headed to Stan's office. Mary knocked lightly on his door. "Stan?"

Stan looked up and smiled. "Mary, come on in."

She closed the door and sat down across from him, handing him a file. He looked up at her surprised. "Stan, I have thought about this a lot. Everything is a mess here and I need a fresh start." She smiled at him. "You are the only person here, who gives a damn about us and I will miss you...but I think I need to do this."

Stan sighed. "I...Dammit Mary, I really don't want you to go."

Mary smiled, laughing a little. "I know and part of me doesn't want to go"

Stan got up and walked around his desk, sitting in the chair beside her. "I understand. Did you already talk to Seattle?"

Mary nodded. "Yeah, they apparently need a seasoned Marshal there. I just need your sign off."

Stan felt his chest tighten, he really didn't want her to leave, but she was miserable here. "Alright, if it's what you want then yes. One condition."

"Name it." Her voice cracked.

He smiled. "I get to visit you."

She grinned. "As often as you want, sure you don't want to transfer too?"

He laughed then turned serious. "You going to tell him?" Stan gestured toward Marshall.

Mary looked over at her former partner, oblivious to everything around him. "If he gives me the opportunity...if not he will find out when I am not here."

"Mary, you have to tell him." Stan looked at her serious.

She looked at Stan, ignoring his statement. "If it makes you feel any better, I found my replacement."

Stan looked floored. "What?" He looked at her skeptically. "Who?"

"Bobby." Mary grinned. "Dershowitz."

Stan looked surprised. "Bobby is in Chicago."

Mary snorted. "Bobby is in fact in Chicago, but is miserable as hell. I kept in touch with him after he left. He wants to come back to Albuquerque and thanks to me is interested in the Marshal Service. We both know he is good. I think him and Marshall would get along just fine." She paused, looking at Stan mulling the idea over. "I need to know Marshall has a competent partner when I leave."

Stan looked annoyed. "For as much as I appreciate...you trying to find your replacement, he doesn't deserve your concern."

Mary smiled at Stan, he had been her rock the last six months. "Don't judge him too bad Stan. We both know I had my moments too."

Stan sighed. "When do you leave?"

"Once you give them the ok, two weeks. Already sold the house." Stan eyes widened and she looked at him a bit somber. "I am going to take two weeks vacation after that to get myself situated there."

"Alright, I can see that I can't stop you." He smiled. "I will miss you though."

Mary's eyes watered a bit. "Same here."

Mary sat at her desk, a box beside her packed of all her belongings. It amazed her that she could fit seven years in one box. She looked around the office; an ache squarely in her chest, knowing today was her last day here. Marshall was out at the moment with a witness, he was due back momentarily and she was steadying herself to say goodbye to him. He burst into the door, went into Stan's office briefly before sitting at his desk. He was quickly digging through his files.

Mary took her chance, knowing she couldn't delay this any further. "Marshall?"

He looked up at her, startled and then instantly somber. "Hey Mare, what did you need?"

She felt ill, he sounded dismissive and she hesitated to continue. "Do you have a minute to talk?"

"I actually am wrapping up to get out of here, plans tonight. Is it urgent?"

Her body flushed with anger and hurt. "No, nevermind."

"We will talk later. Have a good weekend." Marshall stood, grabbed his things and left, entering the elevator. He saw Stan walk out and put an arm around Mary.

Mary was near tears, which fell as soon as Stan touched her. "You ok?" His voice gentle, but had an edge of anger. Mary knew it was not directed at her, she just nodded. She quickly regained her composure. "All packed up?"

"Yep, all packed." Mary walked over and picked up the box she had beside her desk.

Stan smiled at her softly. "I am going to miss you."

She gave him a watery laugh. "I'm sure Bobby will keep you company."

"Won't be the same..." He smiled. "Now, you call me when you get there, so I know you are safe and sound."

"Yes sir." She laughed then gave him a hug, grabbing her box and walked out of the office for the last time.