Maura was up early as usual. All ready for the day heading to the local hospital in Addis Ababa. Just as she was stepping out the door her phone started to ring.

"Isles."

"Miss. Isles, this is Raul."

" Did you find her?"

"Not exactly. But I believe I am closer then ever."

Maura sighed heavily. She used to reign in her temper at risk of seeming impolite but lately she'd lost her care. "What is that supposed to mean Raul? I have been looking for three years! You are supposed to be the best private detective money can buy! And all I have been given is wild moose chases that lead to dead ends. I need absolutes. I need something more than 'not exactly'."

"Pardon me for saying so, but I believe the term you where looking for is wild 'goose' chase. And I understand completely Miss, but you know she has been very transient and that always makes someone difficult to locate. I do believe I am closer than ever."

"What do you have?" Maura was now gripping the phone with two hands trying not to hope for much.

"I am currently in Zimbabwe in the village called Trinity. I took her photo around to some villagers. They would only speak if I swore I wasn't out to hurt her. They said it looks like the person they call Ngirozi. They are very protective of her and won't say where she lives. But I can figure that out on my own."

Maura was stunned to silence. This was the closest she had ever been to finding Jane.

"Miss, are you there?"

"Yes! Yes I am, I'm leaving right now. I'll meet you there. Stay as inconspicuous as possible until I arrive! I don't want to scare her off."

"As you wish. Although I can't stress enough the need to hurry, Miss. If she finds out she may already be gone."

"Thank you Raul. I'll catch a flight right away and call you when I arrive."

Maura arrived in the village that same day at noon. The locals where kind but weary of foreigners so they treated her with caution. Considering their brutal history she didn't blame them.

Raul had secured a place to stay near the centre of the village. After dropping off her small bit of luggage they started their search.

Maura had more luck then Raul in gaining the trust of a few villagers to lead her to the place 'Ngirozi' was staying. Stepping through the door into the one room house, Maura was overwhelmed. Jane was definitely living here! There was an unmade bed in the corner, a Boston Red Socks sweater on the floor and a photo sitting on her pillow. Maura recognised it right away. It was of her and Jane sitting together at The Robber. They were both a little tipsy and smiling at each other. Completely oblivious to the fact Frankie had taken their picture.

Maura picked it up reverently. It looked damaged on the edges. There was a water stain on the one side and black on the bottom corner. Was it burnt? Her thoughts were interrupted as Raul's voice reached her from outside.

"Miss Isles."

Maura stepped out to see Raul looking apologetic.

"Miss, I have just been told Jane left early this morning. The the village Ishe says she won't be returning. They're not sure where she went. I am so sorry Miss."

Maura's wordlessly went back inside and laid on Jane's bed too tired and too heart broken for any tears to fall. She didn't think she had any left to give. She hugged the pillow and inhaled deeply. It smelled like Jane. It brought a sense of familiarity. A memory of what home used to be.

It had never occurred to her that she should stop looking for Jane until that moment. She was being selfish. She should let her be. It wasn't something she would ever be inclined to believe, but maybe that's why it took her so long to realize it. Jane didn't need her anymore. The thought made her chest ache. She never knew missing someone could hurt this much.

After a while Maura picked up Jane's sweater, took the photo and left the house. Raul was patiently waiting by the door.

"I'm truly sorry Miss. I brought you out here for nothing. The villagers aren't very giving with information. If I had know sooner I could have spared you the trip. "

"You did your best Raul. I am grateful to you for all the help you've given me. But I think it's time I stop lying to myself about this whole situation. I can't find someone who doesn't want to be found. I'm no longer in need of your service."

Raul looked despondent. He had grown fond of Maura and her quirky ways. Her case was the only one he had worked on for the past few years.

"It was a pleasure working for you, Miss. I only wish I could've been more helpful. Come, lets get our things, I'll drive us to the airport."

It was a Thursday of no significance. Not a holiday, not a birthday. Not a day of personal achievement. That's the way she wanted it. Even the weather was perfect-It was pouring. Everyone was so focused on getting to their destinations, ducking their heads and watching their step; preoccupied with life. She could easily get around without risk of being recognized.

Jane had no desire to return to Boston, but she needed to see Frankie. Three years felt both like eternity and yesterday. She would speak to him wherever she was. But being close to the person she often spoke to made her feel less...unglued.

"Hey Frankie...I swear if I had any idea, I wouldn't have let you go...You're probably sick of me saying that, huh?..But, it's true." Kneeling down she dug her hands into the grass. "I'm doing ok though. Better than I was." She traced her finger along the words in front of her, "Thank you for keep an eye on Tommy, TJ and Maura, for me. You were always good on your promises...miss you little brother." Her hand lingered on the last engraved line. 'Gone too soon'.

AN: Look at the mess I made.. comments are appreciated. :)