Disclaimer: I do not own TBD, kinda wish I did because I'd have a kick ass ending even if it did only last for one season.

(Read A/N if you don't already)

I was starting to feel like sighing was how I was regularly breathing. Of course on the bright side I had grabbed Teach's old scarf from Jenny. In the back of the bakery it was in a dumpster along with some bloody towels I had used to mop up my kitchen from the shooting. I should have gotten rid of them earlier but I just didn't have the time. So I was smiling as I poured lighter fluid over everything. I took out a book of matches, lit one and put it with the rest so they all ignited. Before it could burn my hand I threw it into the dumpster and took a few steps back.

I will say this. Movies over exaggerate these occurrences. Although it was pretty kick ass to watch a tower of flame shoot up before settling down to get rid of the contents inside the dumpster. Maybe I had gotten a tad carried away with the lighter fluid. I looked at the container by my side and noticed there was about a quarter left inside. I had just opened it. Oopsie.

Sweetie's ears stayed flat to her head as she gave me a look that reminded me of my mother. Great. My dog was channeling my mother and every lecture she'd given to me about playing with fire. It was okay the day she'd caught me shooting cans on the fence behind the bakery when I was little, but god help me if she caught me with matches.

I screwed the top back on the container and left it by the steps as I headed back inside the bakery. It was still closed but I noticed two faces in the window and ran a hand from my elbow to my wrist. Wrist sheath, check. Nicky and his flunkie at the door, check.

"This had better be good." I opened the door letting Vinnie and Nicky in. "I know you've got an understanding with Tommy, but I'm not over the whole sending someone to kill me thing."

Nicky frowned and gestured for me to sit next to him at the counter. He nodded to Vinnie who pulled down the shades in the front before turning back to me. "Do you think I really want you dead?"

Sweetie trotted by my side. Strangely she didn't start growling at Nicky. Although she gave him a tired look that no doubt was the mirror of the one I wore.

"Don't try to bullshit me. The idiot was saying how you told Alo to send him."

Nicky sighed and touched my arm with the tips of his fingers. "I knew you could kill him. That's why I told Alo to send that smuck. Róisín, I know you don't like me that much, but I respect you a lot. If things had been different…" His fingers slid down over my hand. He blinked slowly. "I don't want you dead, for an Irish girl you're likeable."

I felt the corners of my mouth twitch in a slight smile. "And for an Italian you're not a complete slime ball Nicholas. Now what is it you came to me for?"

Nicky shifted on the stool. "I need something."

"Tell me you're not looking to buy a gun from me. I will never stop laughing."

"Methanol."

I stopped grinning. "Why?"

"Does it matter?"

I gave Nicky a look. "Yes it does. If I find out you are planning to use it on Tommy or any of the Donnelly's, make no mistake Nicholas, I will kill you."

He just shook his head. "I wouldn't do that to your precious boys. They're smart enough not to take anything I offer them anyway. This is for Alo."

I looked over Nicky's face. He was telling the truth. "Taking over the business?"

"Alo is going to ruin it. Alo's running this whole operation for the Italians and Dokey is ruining everything for the Irish. Your boys and I are fighting for the same thing, well in our own way."

I nodded. "Go about your business. Send Vinnie back here in around a half hour and I'll have it. I need to get some things done first unless you're on a deadline."

Nicky shook his head. "No that'll be fine. Good to know at least Tommy has enough sense to have you as his consigliere, or whatever the Irish equivalent is."

He stood and I followed suit, watching as Vinnie brought up the blinds. I reached over the counter throwing a chocolate muffin to Vinnie. He gave me a quick smile and headed to the car.

Nicky looked at me in a way that reminded me a bit too much of the wedding. His stare could do that. "Take care of yourself. I know you're loyal to your boys, but you can't help them if you're dead." He paused and smiled at me.

"What's with the smile?"

"I just want to remember you. I think I know you better than you think. You'll help them, and this may be the last time I get to see you again." He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "If you hadn't fallen for that Kevin Donnelly, things could have been very different, Róisín." His voice was that same scruffy tone I remember and it sent a chill down my spine.

Nicky drew back and gave me a smile before walking out.

When did I get this popular?

And how the hell was he planning to slip Alo methanol?

Oh wait. This wasn't one of my problems. Silly me.

I looked at the clock and realized how early it was. It had still been dark when I set the bonfire in the back and dawn was just approaching when Nicky and Vinnie showed up. How did everyone know I was awake?

As if I had said the thought aloud I heard footsteps in the back, where the steps to the alley were.

I motioned for Sweetie to stay where she was underneath the table and I pressed myself against the wall. The guns I had were currently in the back, when I work I usually just keep the knives on me. Makes me feel like I'm less paranoid. There was a movement and I moved forward pressing a knife into Tommy's neck, while he had a gun at his side.

"Shit." I closed my eyes slowly taking the knife away. "A warning may be nice. Or you could use the front door. Oh and don't just flop your gun at your side."

"Thanks for the early morning lecture Rosie. I think you need one."

"For what?"

"Exactly what did you set on fire in the dumpster? There was still some smoke coming out when I came in."

"Nothing to worry about. Now that we've done the greeting thing, what are you doing here so early?"

"I need backup."

I blinked at him a few times. "You never asked me that before. What the hell happened that you need me?"

Tommy stared at me for a few beats before his eyes widened. "No not like that. I need backup to talk to Jenny."

I grabbed my coat and started walking out with him, grabbing the box of muffins for Jenny. "And the Dokey thing?"

"How does everyone already know about that?"

I gave Tommy a look.

"Right, it's the neighborhood. Listen. I just need you to hang back incase I say something stupid and she tries chasing me out with a knife."

"I think you've met your daily quota for being chased with a knife Tommy. Just take a breath and say whatever it is you need to. So, switching subjects, what are you doing about this whole mess?"

"When I have it figured out I'll let you know. Right now I need to talk to Jenny and get my mom and Seannie out of here." He began mumbling under his breath everything he wanted to tell Jenny. About how he'd gotten sick after Huey and Sal, and how after Dokey all he could think of was where to hide the body.

Tommy and I stood in front of the diner for a moment before moving in.

"Tommy what are you doing here?"

Tommy looked at Jenny all the words on his tongue when Mr. Riley's voice came from the back asking Jenny for coffee.

Tommy and I turned seeing Riley with Samson. Samson and Tommy stared at each other for what felt like eternity but could only have been a few seconds.

Shit.

Tommy looked at Jenny and shook his head. "Nothing." With that he walked out without looking at me.

Jenny looked around and flamed her palm on the counter. "Shit."

I put my right hand on her shoulder giving it a squeeze and meeting Samson's cold eyes over her head. Two could play at that game. I felt the light in my eyes slip away as I looked at him. Two could play crazy. While I was playing Tough Shit with Samson I smoothly lay my left hand on her other side pushing the knife out of its sheath.

Samson broke eye contact to talk to Riley as Jenny moved her head up to look at me. "What…"

"Just hold onto it. If anything happens call me immediately. Do not hesitate to do anything. I'll testify that it was self defense, even if your dad won't agree to it."

Jenny nodded moving the box to the side to hide as I strapped the sheath to her wrist.

I started walking out then turned one hand out the door. "Jenny. Seriously take care. And…I think Tommy will tell you whatever is on his mind, just give him another chance."

"Tommy, you are a pain in the ass to try to catch up with just so you know." I gave a shiver as Tommy rolled his eyes and continued banging on the bar door. "You think that's a good idea?"

Tommy gave me a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"Well if Joey's manning the front he may inadvertently shoot you as he answers the door."

Tommy paused then moved to the side of the door. "Right."

I watched the blinds go up and a second later Joey opened the door looking relieved.

"Tommy, where the hell have you been? You could have been dead." Kevin stopped in his tracks and saw me. "Christ, both of you could be dead."

I rolled my eyes at Kevin's worry. "Right, because someone would be dumb enough to take a shot at me in public. Kevin let me tell you a little secret. The Irish don't want me dead because up in Boston they will send people down to 'avenge' me. Stupid, yes, but very true. And right now the Italians won't touch me. I already killed one and…" I worded the rest of the sentence carefully, "I'm under Italian protection."

Kevin gave me a look. "Alo wouldn't lose sleep killing you."

I moved forward placing my hand in his. "I wasn't talking about Alo. He won't be around for much longer anyway. I meant Nicky." I watched him freeze. "Kevin, don't get stiff like that. I have an agreement with Nicky same as Tommy. Business deal. Relax."

Kevin stayed tense and stared at me without blinking…or moving at all for that matter.

I moved into his arms, placing his other hand over my heart. "Kevin, don't get bitchy, or jealous. I love you. That's what matters." I looked over his shoulder and noticed a box open on the pool table. "Uh Kevin?"

He turned and smiled. He grabbed Tommy's shoulder with and dragged me to the back with them. "Hey Tommy, You remember Dickie right?"

I only half listened to the greetings. I was too busy staring at the box.

"Rocket launcher."

Kevin said it the same time as I did and we stared at each other.

I looked at Tommy in disbelief. "What the fuck?"

I watched as Tommy's eyes widened and he went back and forth between Kevin and Dickie. I moved to the bar where Joey was sitting. "Fuck this. I need a drink."

Joey gave me a smile. "You know what time it is?"

"Yeah its…" I looked at the clock and swore. Vinnie would be back at the bakery any second. "I've got to go. Joey, tell them I left. Don't want them to freak out and think I got kidnapped."

Joey gave me a little salute hitting himself with his gun as he did so.

I walked outside the bar and took a deep breath. As long as Joey didn't lay a hand on the launcher the bar should be in one piece next time I saw it.

Vinnie pulled up just as I pulled into the back lot. I had made a quick trip home for the little vial and grab one of Sweeties chew toys. I hadn't left her in the bakery too long, but I still was worried about damage. Hopefully the chew toy wouldn't be too late to squelch any biting urges.

I leaned into the car window handing Vinnie the vial. "You know enough about this?"

Vinnie nodded. "Always do research first. By the way, the muffin was amazing."

I gave him a smile and stood up straight. "Hey, us micks can bake just as well as you."

Vinnie laughed and drove away.

With allies like these, we may just make it out alive.

I opened the front door and drew up the shades. Sweetie trotted over to my sniffing my leg and wagging her tail furiously. As far as I could tell there wasn't any damage. I handed the stuffed fire hydrant to her and she galloped to the back room to play.

Dogs I could handle quite well. I was pretty proud of myself.

Now it was time for work.

There was an ominous feeling all day. You could feel it in the air and you could see it in the eyes of every customer that walked through the doors. Everyone talked, not exactly in hushed whispers more like solemn low tones.

There were a lot of fond looks at the pictures on the wall. Many people pointing to the pictures of the Donnelly boys. I saw a few of the older women touch the corners of the frames and whisper a prayer.

At least I knew who the majority of the neighborhood was rooting for. Not that it helped. Dokey still had a lot of clout. Out loud they were with Dokey, but behind closed doors they were praying the Donnelly boys would bring Dokey to hell. Literally.

I picked up the phone feeling tired. "Hullo?"

"Did you know it was me or are you just sick of answering the phone?"

I gave a smile. "Hey Kevin. What's going on?"

"Uh, Tommy is going to buy a car. He wants us to go…"

I nodded a goodbye to Mr. Holmes as he walked out the door, leaving the rest of the store empty. One hand held the phone to my ear while my arm was wrapped around my stomach. "I figured this was coming."

"Come with us."

"I can't." Even as the words came out of my mouth I realized I had worded them, very, very wrong."

"…You can't?" Kevin's voice turned ice cold. "Really, Rosie? And exactly who are you staying behind for? Nicky?"

I laughed. It was bad timing but I couldn't help it. "Kevin. Don't be an idiot. I don't mean I can't come. I just can't come right away. I need to tie things up here. It's going to look bad if we all disappear together."

Kevin was quiet on the other end. "So you're not even going to say goodbye?"

I sighed. "Of course I am. It's just…there's a lot for me to do Kevin. I'll have to move everything Patrick gave me. I think he knew I couldn't stay here forever. It became clearer after he had to do cleanup. Someone else in the family can relocate here. I put in enough years. But it's not just me Kevin. With you guys, you're all you have now. I still have the business. I can't just go away without a changing of the guard, or whatever reference you want me to use."

"But you will come?"

I smiled relaxing my hold on myself. "I'll follow you anywhere Kevin. I swear it."

He released a breath he'd probably been holding since he said Nicky's name. At least he hadn't hung up. "Listen, give Tommy a call will you?" He paused. "I love you."

"I love you too." I hung up then quickly called Tommy.

"What?"

"Geeze, don't sound so happy. Kevin told me you may have needed to talk to me?"

"I asked Jenny to come with me."

I frowned. "I don't like that tone."

"She said no. I told her the last thing I do before we leave is call her."

"She'll go with you Tommy. I know she will. She just needs…she needs to sort things out, just like me."

Tommy sighed. "I should have figured you weren't coming."

I groaned. "I'm not coming right away. But I will be there. I made a promise. Tommy, you know I never go back on my promises. Listen. If you're really getting out of here, let me help you. I'll give you a list of things to know and…well I know where you can head. This is what you need to do…"

I watched Tommy hop in to a new van. "Oh wow. Way to domesticate yourself Tommy."

He leaned out the driver's side window. "Listen just make sure everyone stays calm inside. I need to go grab Jimmy and Joey." He looked me over. "You armed?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Tommy, you're inheriting Kevin's knack for asking stupid questions. Go get the boys; I'll take care of the bar."

Kevin must have been watching the window because as soon as I came to the door it swung open. Walking into the bar I felt some heaviness drop from me that had been around all day. Joanie was there talking with Mama D. Apparently Mama D was taking a liking to Joanie. She was smiling and seemed to be immersed in a story about the boys as kids, because Seannie was looking uncomfortable. Sweetie trotted over to Mama D, resting her massive head in her lap. Always looking for attention that dog.

Joanie stood up and gave me a hug. "Rosie! Hi. Are you coming with us too?"

I felt Kevin lace his fingers with mine as Joanie sat back down letting Mama D braid her hair. "Not right now."

Mama D and Joanie both looked taken aback. Mama D glared at Kevin. "And why isn't she coming with us?"

Kevin held up his free hand. "It's not my fault ma."

I smiled shaking my head. "I need to tie up some loose ends and then I'll meet up with you. Is there anything left at your house I can bring? I can do anything but furniture."

Mama D smiled and shook her head. "It's all right sweetie, I got everything packed I needed."

"Yeah, and then some."

Mama D turned and glared at her youngest son, who was sulking behind the bar. "Watch yourself Seannie."

Mama D resumed her story with Joanie and Kevin tugged me to follow him to the back. "I need to make sure everything is locked up and I want to talk to you."

I followed and checked the locks and windows with Kevin. He hopped me on top of one of the small tables in the back and kissed me. I gripped his elbows with my hands in an attempt to pull him closer. His hands ran down my back and cupped my bottom to slide me against him. My feet lightly touched the floor and we broke the kiss.

I blinked dreamily at him. "What was that for?"

Kevin twisted a strand of my hair with his fingers. "That was because I don't know when I'll be able to do that again."

I smoothed the front of his shirt looking into his eyes. "It shouldn't take more than a week. It won't take me long to catch up with you. Kevin, you look worried."

He cupped my chin, running his thumb along my cheek. "Of course I'm worried. People are trying to kill you, you're your own army, and I've never been out of the neighborhood. You were around Rosie. You knew we never got anywhere for one of the family trips. It's just scary to know not only are we finally getting out of here, but it'll be for good."

I slid my hands down his arms pulling him toward me for a kiss. One hand stayed at my face while the other gripped me as close to him as humanly possible. It was funny how well we fit together, like pieces of a puzzle. This was goodbye in a way. Soon we'd be going on to start over, as long as things went as planned. But just incase, this was a kiss to remember.

Kevin's lips trailed to my neck placing a few light kisses before turning back to my face. His eyes were clear and bright in the way I had always given in to. "I need you to do me a favor."

"Anything."

"In the event I try screwing this up again, once we're finally settled and gone from here I want you to beat the shit out of me."

I smiled kissing his nose. "I can think of better ways of making you see the light."

I stood outside with Joey watching Joanie and Jimmy going at each other. I gave this to Joanie. I'd never seen any other person make Jimmy this uncomfortable. Not even Mama D could make Jimmy squirm the way he was now. That just proved exactly how much he really loved her.

He just grabbed Joanie and kissed the top of her head. "What the hell? I think I'm due for a vacation."

Joey gave a small laugh next to me, clutching the rifle that was usually under the bar. I preferred less obvious weapons. It was cold enough to start wearing winter coats again, meaning I could wear the nice duster I had gotten for Christmas. It wasn't the kind where people looked at you as if you might be a flasher, it was fashionable and long. Long enough for me to hid the sawed off shotgun I held, along with other 'toys' strapped to the inside. To someone looking by it merely looked like I was keeping a hand inside my jacket for warmth or searching for a cell phone.

I watched as Tommy loaded everyone up in the van and grabbed his cell phone. He waited on it for a while then took Joey aside to talk. I felt my own phone ring and pulled it out. What the fuck? "Jenny?"

"Rosie…Rosie. I killed him."

My eyes widened as I saw Tommy staring at me. As soon as I had said Jenny's name his head shot up.

"What?"

"Samson…he…he wouldn't leave. And he…oh damn it. He raped me, I had to save my dad Rosie. I just, I need to get out of here. I'll testify to Frankie. It was self defense, he hurt me. But damn it, I was not letting him get away with it. Rosie, I love Tommy. I want to be with Tommy. Please tell me he didn't leave."

I placed a hand over my mouth feeling a tug at my heart. "No he didn't, but, sweetheart, you can't just leave. If you want to tell Frankie we'll do it. I'm going after them, but I need to do things first. Do you want to talk to Tommy?"

"Please?"

Tommy was already taking the phone from my hands as Jenny whispered the last word. I watched as his face tightened then softened. He turned his back to me whispering something to her I couldn't hear. A minute later he got off the phone handing it back to me.

Tommy's eyes were bright and he just hugged me. "Thank you Rosie. For being my best friend, and for making Jenny realize I can love her better than anyone. She's coming Rosie. She's coming to us with you. You have no idea…" He squeezed me tighter and let go. "If there's anything I can do…"

I lowered my voice. "Take Joey."

Tommy grinned. "Always part of the plan." He turned to Joey. "You coming?"

Joey shook slightly and smiled. "Yeah." He gave me a quick kiss and headed to the van with the others.

I leaned into the passenger window for a moment. "I'm going behind the bar to watch you drive off then I'll go grab Jenny and take her to the station." I squeezed Kevin's hand one last time. "Take care, I want you to have this." I pulled out the Browning Hi-Power I used to keep by the door. "Just incase."

Kevin looked at the gun and gave me a kiss. "We'll give you a call once we get there."

I bit my lip and nodded walking away from the van and toward the back of the bar to watch then drive away.

They didn't make it.

A/N:

I will still take Fan Art, if you have it. If you're confused at this go read the author's note for last chapter.

Extra special thank you to .Nyx Farsiris. Who submitted the first…and currently only art. It's a nice Tommy/Jenny layout. There's a link on my profile.

Don't worry there's still a Joey Ice Cream chapter, don't flip out just yet.

Now on to thank yous:

Nelle07: Thank you as always

XNegAttentionX: Just because you may kill me if I don't say it there's going to be a Joey Chapter then maybe an Epi. But this is not the last chapter I promise. Oh and you'll love his lawyer more in the next chapter haha

.Nyx Farsiris.: yay Fanart! Look for your name next chapter and a late review is still as loved as an early one.