Maura Isles smiled as she sipped her tea in the evening Parisian light. Maura and Jane had a week left on their vacation but Maura felt happy. Jane had surprised her by coming to Paris. Maura hadn't expected it but she would happily take the extra month with her best friend. In her quiet moments, Maura wasn't entirely certain how she would survive Boston without Jane there. She honestly doubted that she would. At least, not well. However seeing Jane in Paris had confirmed that Jane needed the change. Jane was burnt out, traumatised and ready for change. Jane needed Paris, needed Quantico. So Maura had encouraged her. Had told Jane to go. Now Maura had to figure out what she wanted.

Paris was a good start. The city was new and different. Maura loved hearing and speaking French every day. She loved wandering the streets, smelling the delicious scent of freshly baked bread. Maura loved the fashion. The grandeur. Everything felt dramatic in France. It inspired Maura. She had written plenty for her book and plenty more for herself. Her journal was full of sights and feelings from the trip. Her wishlist was over flowing with clothing Jane would call fussy and impractical.

Maura's phone stirred her from her thoughts, 'Dr. Isles,' Maura replied automatically.

'Hello Dr. Isles,' Kent's scottish accent greeted her. 'How's Paris today?'

'It's quite lovely Kent. Thank you for asking.' Maura replied with a small smile. She liked Kent. He was strange but he was also thoughtful and competent. More than capable of stepping up.

'Right, well, you asked me to call. May I assume you wanted a status update?' Kent asked over the phone.

Maura let out a small sigh, 'actually Kent, I was wondering how you feel about the role.'

Kent sat quietly for a moment, a sure sign the scott was thinking, 'I am enjoying it Dr. Isles. It's certainly a challenge and I am confident that I still have much to learn but I feel like I have been able to acclimate and even improve your existing systems.'

Maura nodded along. She had confidence in Kent. She needed Kent to have confidence in himself before she pitched her idea to the governor. 'How would you feel about assuming the responsibility on a more permanent basis?'

'Do you not plan to return from Paris, Dr. Isles?' Kent asked softly.

Maura let out a soft sigh, 'I do, for a time. But I have realised that there are other avenues I want to pursue in my professional career. I also believe that you would be a wonderful Chief Medical Examiner.'

Kent hesitated, 'I will be sad to see you go, Maura.'

Maura smiled, 'so may I present your name as a more than adequate replacement for the governor?'

'I would be honored,' Kent replied. Maura could hear a lab tech speaking in the background.

'I'll let you go then Kent. Thank you for your time.' Maura said before the scott could say anything more.

'Anything for you Maura.' Kent replied softly before hanging up. Maura smiled sadly at her phone. Kent was a good friend. She was excited for him to progress in his career but she would miss working with the quirky scott.

Maura took a steadying breath and then dialed the governor. 'Dr. Maura Isles for Governor Baker please.'


Jane had finished setting the table and was pouring Maura's wine when the doctor emerged from the balcony. Jane hadn't wanted to interrupt what looked like an important phone call.

'Everything okay Maur?' Jane asked with a sympathetic smile for her friend.

Maura smiled a tired smile, 'it is Jane. I've just finished a call with the governor formally tendering my resignation as Chief Medical Examiner and recommending Dr. Kent Drake as my replacement.'

Jane stared at Maura, wide eyed 'Are you serious Maura?' Maura nodded, took her seat, sipped her wine and let Jane process.

'But why Maura? You're the most incredible medical examiner ever.' Jane took her seat across from Maura.

Maura smiled, 'thank you Jane but being here in Paris I've realised, my heart isn't in it without you there.'

Jane's face scrunched in displeasure, 'Maur I didn't mean to upset your world, I just...' Jane trailed off, emotion thick in her voice.

Maura reached out a hand and grabbed Jane's. Maura rubbed Jane's knuckles with her thumbs. 'You didn't Jane.' Maura smiled kindly at Jane. 'You felt burnt out and so did I. Jane we've been through so much together. It's changed us. Scarred us. I'm ready to be in safer waters too Jane.'

Jane took a stuttering breath, 'I didn't... I never meant for you to get caught up in it.'

Maura squeezed Jane's hand, 'it's not your fault Jane. None of it's your fault. But being here in Paris? Knowing you're going to be safer at Quantico? It made me realize that I'm ready too.'

Jane nodded, looking away from Maura to discreetly wipe her tears. 'So what will you do?'

Maura hummed and sipped her wine, 'I suppose that depends on you.'

Jane quirked her head side ways, 'how so?'

'How would you feel about my moving to Virginia?' Maura asked, not quite able to look at Jane.

'Yes!' Jane said in a squeak. 'Yes, yes, yes!'

Maura broke out in a grin, 'well, then I suppose the first order of business is moving.'