She enters the apartment, and finds a cell phone laying on the table, with a sticky note. The sticky note reads, Thought you might need this. Text me when you get in. Maura. She shoots Maura a text message, and locks the door behind her. She carefully searches each room, ensuring that she is alone. Once she's satisfied that no one is in the apartment with her she heads into the kitchen. She opens the refrigerator. She finds a couple of skunky bottles of beer. She proceeds to pour them down the drain. She opens the crisper drawer, and finds a few bottles of water. She grabs a bottle of water, and opens the cabinet. She expects the cabinets to be bare.
She finds a pack of Ramen noodles, a single can of tuna, and a package of pop tarts. She polishes off the package of pop tarts, and her bottle of water. She vacates her seat on the kitchen counter, and heads into her room. She finds her bed neatly made, with fresh smelling linens. She can tell that Maura has been here. The furniture is free of fingerprint dust, or any dust for that matter. She heads to the dresser, and pulls out underwear, a t-shirt, and a pair of shorts. After a long steamy shower, she climbs into bed. She pulls the covers over her head, and glances at the clock, expecting to have difficulty falling asleep, despite feeling exhausted. She closes her eyes, and prays for sleep.
When she opens her eyes sun is pouring into her room through the window. She rolls onto her side, and glances at the clock. She realizes that she's been asleep for nearly twelve hours. She changes her clothes, and heads into the bathroom. Her hair goes three different directions. Her hair is shorter, and lighter than she is used to. She runs a comb through her hair, and pulls it into a ponytail. She wears a grey Boston PD shirt, and a pair of yoga pants. She hears voices coming from the living room.
She slowly creeps out of the bathroom. She heads into the hallway, moving slowly, with no weapon on her. She finds a lump sitting on her couch watching TV. She sighs in relief.
"What are you doing here?"
"I have a key," Maura answers, as she rises to greet her.
Maura wraps her arms around Jane, "I missed you."
"I figured that I would have a whole house of people."
"We haven't told your mother yet."
Jane takes a seat on the couch. She points to Maura's abdomen, "How did that happen?"
"That doesn't really matter," she insists, "Let's talk about you."
"No," she says firmly.
Maura nods, "How it always happens," she responds.
"I didn't know that you were seeing anyone."
"It is a long story."
"You were obviously knocking boots with someone."
"Yeah."
"I assume by your body language, and your behavior on the plane that my brother is responsible for this situation."
Maura swallows hard, "You don't miss a beat, do you?"
"I'm going to be an auntie," she grins.
"I missed you."
"I know."
"I'm glad that you're back."
"How long have you been here?"
"Just a little while," she answers.
"How long?"
"I usually get up around four, but I was actually able to sleep last night. I slept in."
"Until?"
"Seven this morning. I came over here after that."
"I slept almost twelve hours," she admits.
"I figured that you would. How was your debriefing?"
"Miserably long. Then FBI standard protocol is to have a medical exam after a lengthy undercover assignment."
"That makes sense."
"I just wanted to come home."
"I can imagine."
"Now I have to testify."
"Oh, I meant to tell you, Qamar was successfully apprehended along with several other members of his organization."
"You know the Marshal service showed up before I left the FBI."
"Why?"
"They thought that it would be best for me to go into witness protection."
"Jane how far is this guy's reach?"
"He has a lot of people on his payroll. He is charismatic, and persuasive."
"Are you afraid that he is going to get off?"
"No. There is enough evidence to put him away for ten lifetimes. I have multiple copies to ensure that evidence does not get lost, or misplaced."
"Jane, how close did you have to get to him to get this information?"
"It doesn't matter."
"Of course it does."
"I should go see Ma," she adds.
"She isn't going to want to let you out of her sight."
"She doesn't have much choice. I have to go for my mandatory counseling tomorrow morning before I can return to duty."
"Are you going to rush back to work?"
"Maura, I just want my life back."
"I understand that, but I think that you're rushing things."
"Let's go see ma," she changes the subject.
Maura pushes her front door open. She slips off her shoes, and makes a beeline for the kitchen. She finds Angela pulling a dish out of the oven.
"Where have you been all day?" Angela questions.
"Running errands."
"My son has been completely out of line. He has been pestering me all day."
"That is his job."
"He is absolutely adamant about me making him lasagna."
Maura looks at the fresh pan of lasagna, "You haven't made lasagna is six months."
"I don't think that I can eat this. I don't know if I can ever eat lasagna again."
"You can't give up lasagna," a third voice enters the conversation.
Angela turns to Maura, "You know, sometimes it's almost as if I can hear her."
Maura smiles, "You're not the only one."
"Frankie insisted on going to the store to get beer, after I agreed to make him lasagna."
Jane slowly makes her way to the kitchen. She quietly takes a seat on the stool behind Angela, at the island.
"I get the first piece though, right?" Jane questions.
Angela freezes. She looks at Maura.
"Turn around," Maura whispers.
"You heard it too, right?"
Maura simply nods, as she turns Angela toward the island. Angela turns around, and finds Jane sitting on the stool. Angela practically leaps forward. She wraps Jane in a hug, and squeezes so tightly that Jane can barely breathe.