Disclaimer - Maria Frank is my own creation. John Munch belongs to Law and Order: SVU.

Chapter 11: Epilogue

Looking at his apartment clock, John knew that Maria had to be back in Boston by now. Reaching over at the side table, he picked up the book she gave him and scanned the well kept book. The cover was faded from constant use, but pages and spin were in fantastic shape. Sighing heavily, he opened it and began scanning out all of the side notes she had made over the years in black and blue pens. Various sentences were highlighted in yellow highlighter and a few notes scribbled beside them in question or statement about what seemed important or suspicious.

As he became engrossed in one chapter, something fell out and landed on his lap. Putting the book down after marking his page, he picked it up and unfolded it. He caught his breath and softly gasped; it was a picture of Maria with her arms wrapped around a very young Alex. His overgrown erect ears flopped to one side. Tongue hanging out with a goofy smile. Maria's hair was slightly longer and pulled back in a ponytail. The background was of a police K-9 training field. They both looked so happy together. Flipping it over, there was Maria's handwriting:

Me and Alex '92!

Picking up a small note that had been with the picture, he flipped it open and read it.

John,

I know by now I had told you to move on with your life and you have taken that rather hard. Just thinking about me telling you while writing this bothers me greatly. I love you and you love me. What we had and have is very special considering what we've been through before, during and after we started our relationship. We have talked about things I wouldn't mention to the work therapist, let alone my closest friend. That's how important you are to me. You have also mentioned things to me you have never even mentioned to your closest friends. There is a special and complicated bond between us that needs to be tested. I just want you to know I will never, ever forget you and want you to keep your promise for me. Enclosed is a photograph of me and Alex during training at the training field. This photo has always been so special to me and I know you will take care of it as much as I have.

Take care of yourself and maybe, someday, we will see each other again.

Mar.

Taking a deep sigh, he whispered to the picture, "I promise."

M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M

Back in Boston, Maria stood outside the familiar red brick station house. Alex stood beside her, probably wondering the same thing. What nightmare is waiting for me in there?

Taking a deep breath, she snapped her fingers for Alex's complete attention and they walked through the doors.

It was now or never for them.

-End!

Finally finished fixing this one up. ::smiles:: Yay!