I am really sorry this has taken me so long to get out…but with the holidays fast approaching I haven't had any time for anything else but work. After school gets out and all the little darlings are home for the holidays…I will have more time and hope to get back on a better schedule. I did have a few questions from guest reviews that I couldn't answer personally so I will do that here if that is okay…I want to make it clear that I am not going to rewrite the episodes (I actually haven't watched the last season). I did start this similar to the first episode because I liked it…but I am not following the story lines from the show…with a few exceptions. As for the other questions…I hope if you all continue to read they will be answered eventually. I try to answer any questions that come my way so don't be afraid to ask…and I do make mistakes as well so I appreciate when someone nicely points it out. I hope you all continue to read and review…I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas as well. I haven't forgotten or stopped writing…so please don't give up on me. Until the next chapter…best wishes to everyone.

Chapter 2

Winds of Change…

Vince Korsak slipped his readers down to the end of his nose so he could get a better look at the two women before him. It hadn't surprised him that Jane didn't acknowledge the presence of the new M.E. as she moved across the hard wood floors, the sound of her heels announcing her arrival. What had surprised him was the way everything seemed to come to a stop as she brushed through the room without a word to anyone, her eyes firmly planted on the bent head of his best homicide detective. Everything became quiet except for the whispered curse that Frost said on an exhaled breath. He couldn't help but follow the movement of the young woman as she came to a stop in front of Jane and the slight tremor in her hands had him raising a curious eyebrow as he wondered where he had seen her before. And then she spoke and the soft timber of her voice caused Jane to freeze momentarily before slowly raising her eyes to meet with those of the woman who had captivated the entire room, himself included. When Jane finally found her voice, Vince wasn't sure exactly what he was a witness to so he cast a questioning look over to Frost who was watching with wide eyes and mouth agape.

The name Isles echoed through his mind as Korsak tried to remember why it sounded so familiar to him. It wasn't until Frost moved to stand next to him and Vince heard the name Maura whispered that it hit him in a rush. If memory served him right, Jane had lamented over the fact that Maura was the one that had gotten away…the one she couldn't seem to forget. He could see by the stiff set of Jane's body and the panicked look in her dark eyes that she was on the verge of bolting from the scene. In an effort to snap Jane out of it, he cleared his throat before he finally spoke.

"Um…Dr. Isles…I'm sergeant Korsak…" He started to say but stopped when she turned to face him. He suddenly realized why she had looked so familiar and the soft plea in her eyes begged him not to acknowledge his recognition. She was the one who had made sure that Jane had had the best possible care while she was in the hospital. He had only caught a glimpse of her as Angela had cried on her shoulder, but for some reason her authority and knowledge of Jane's injuries had caused him to assume that she was a doctor at the hospital. They never spoke to each other during those times that they had passed in the halls during that awful time but Vince knew it was because of her that Jane was able to return to work as quickly as she had. With a small smile he nodded at Maura before casting a glance at Jane over her shoulder.

"Nice to meet you sergeant Korsak…" Maura gave him a grateful smile as she took the hand he offered.

"Please, call me Vince…" He was immediately struck by her charm and poise as she shook his hand with just the right amount of pressure. 'Jane's in deep trouble…' He thought to himself.

"And please call me Maura…" She said, confirming what he hadn't been completely sure of until that moment when he saw Jane wince at the name.

"Barry…" Maura turned to Frost.

"Um…Dr. Isles…" Frost took her offered hand and tried to close his mouth but only succeeded in looking like a fish out of water as his mouth opened and closed a few more times. He watched as her eyes tracked around the room before coming to rest on Frankie. For just a moment he saw her resolve crack as a sad look passed across her face before she quickly schooled her expression to impassive again.

It had been years since Frost had seen Maura and Jane together. Once everyone had graduated and scattered to different schools, he didn't figure he would ever see any of them again but then two years ago he found himself partnered with Jane. It hadn't taken long for them to rekindle their friendship and it hadn't taken long for him to figure out what was off limits when it came to his new partner. The biggest 'off limits' topic was Maura and what had happened fifteen years ago to make Jane walk away from the best thing in her life. There had been a few drunken nights here and there where Jane would pine away after the lost love of her life but he could never get her to explain why she had ended things. Over the last two years he had watched as Jane had moved through a string of perspective girlfriends and boyfriends, never sticking to anyone longer than two or three dates. It was a sore subject for her and as he stared into the warm, friendly hazel-green eyes from so long ago he realized why. Giving up Maura had been the biggest mistake Jane had ever made and he could see that she regretted it every day. The only thing he couldn't figure out was why she had done it in the first place. As he accepted the warmth of Maura's handshake he gave Jane a stern look that dared her to run. The look he gave her told Jane that he would tackle her himself if she did. "It's been a few years, but it's nice to see you again." He turned his attention back to Maura and the smile he had been so fond of.

"It has been a while…" She gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she watched a myriad of emotions pass over his face. The memory of his soft smile and friendly brown eyes brought another smile to her face. She had always liked Barry and she was happy to see that he was the person who would be there to help keep Jane safe.

As Maura took in everything around her, she found her thoughts drifting as she moved from Korsak to Frost. With their introductions had come the recollections of days past and a life she had pushed so far behind her she told herself she barely remembered. But she did remember. She and Vince had passed each other every day when Jane was in the hospital and she had barely acknowledged him. The fact that he thought she was one of the medical staff helped her feel somewhat protected from the questioning look he had given her when she turned to introduce herself hoping he wouldn't say anything. Being the gentleman she knew him to be, he had seen the silent plea in her eyes and he acted as she hoped he would…like they had just met. But when she turned her attention to Barry, she felt her resolve almost crumble under his soft, curios gaze. She could feel Jane's eyes on her as she moved to shake Barry's hand and she wasn't sure if the sadness she saw in his eyes was a reflection of Jane or herself. The tingling she felt on the back of her neck caused her heart to beat faster and the panic to rise quickly and she suddenly felt like she had made a mistake taking the job as M.E. It was the gentle squeeze of her hand and the kind smile from Barry that brought her back and without words he indicated that it would be okay, that she would be okay.

The most painful thing Jane had ever experienced in her life was walking away from Maura, but seeing her again, standing in front of her was coming in at a close second. She had seen Korsak lower his glasses as he studied them, not quite sure what he was witnessing. When Frost stepped closer to him and said something under his breath, Jane knew the instant the pieces fell into place for both of them. She tried not to wince when she heard Maura introduce herself to Vince but the pain in her face was quickly blooming into a full grown massive headache. She watched through watering eyes as Maura moved to Frost, the pain almost unbearable when he gave her a stern look that spoke volumes. It wasn't until her eyes met Frankie's that she found herself angrily wiping away the tears of pain that had blurred her vision as the throbbing in her face caused her groan aloud.

"Damn Jane…I told you it was broken…" Korsak made a move to touch her face but stopped when she held up her hand.

"I'm fine…" She tried to look away but not before Maura had seen her wiping at her watering eyes.

The reserved professional façade Maura had pasted on her face upon her arrival cracked when she saw how much pain Jane was in. Her expression softened as she turned her attention to what she assumed was an acute nasal fracture. "Look, you can either go to the emergency room or you can let me…" Maura's voice trailed off as she realized what she was proposing. It would mean physical contact and she wasn't sure she was ready for that.

Jane watched Maura's eyes widen when the implications of her suggestion hit her. For just a second she considered it but then she shook her head and tried to smile, unfortunately it caused her eyes to water more. "I'll have Korsak take me on our way back to the bullpen…" She muttered around the swelling that seemed to be getting worse.

"Why?" Frankie stepped up, his arms crossed as he glared at Jane. "We both know Maura can set it for you…we've seen her do it before. Why waste a few hours in the emergency room if you don't have to." He couldn't stop himself from giving Maura a crooked grin when she agreed with him. He could see that Jane was royally pissed at him for making the suggestion but he didn't care. The memory of seeing his sister at the lowest point in her life was still vivid in his mind. To this day Jane had never given him an explanation as to why she left Maura and it had hurt and angered him that she didn't trust him enough to confide in him then or now.

"I'm sure that Dr. Isles has more important things to do with her time than fix my broken nose…" Jane growled at her brother before turning an apologetic expression to Maura. She could tell that Maura didn't want to have to touch her just as much as she didn't want to be touched.

"Nonsense Detective…Officer Rizzoli is correct…it would be a waste of time for you to go to the emergency room when I can take care of it in a matter of seconds." Maura said, her professional tone returning.

Jane glared at Frankie, the beginnings of a pout marring her usually handsome features which were turning a lovely shade of purple, black, and blue. When Korsak and Frost moved to stand behind Maura, both with expectant looks on their faces, she finally shrugged her shoulders and conceded. "Whatever…" She sighed, resigned to the fact that she wouldn't win this battle no matter how much of a fit she pitched.

"Come stand here in front of me…" Maura ordered with no tenderness in her voice. The tone surprised Jane as she stood frozen, unable to move to where Maura had indicated. "Fine…" Maura moved to stand in front of Jane. Her eyes looked everywhere but into Jane's as she studied the bruising and swelling. Taking a deep breath she reached up and placed her hands on either side of Jane's face, her thumbs pressing against the sides of Jane's nose. "This may hurt a little…" She tried not to smirk as she pressed gently at first but then with enough pressure to bring forth a soft crunch. Jane's howl of pain almost distracted her from the tingling sensation that spread through her body at the feeling of Jane's skin against hers. She was grateful when Jane suddenly jerked her head away breaking the contact.

"Mother fucker!" Jane howled in pain as she pulled away from Maura's touch. She wasn't sure if it was Maura setting the bones back into place or the feeling of Maura's hands on her that elicited the electric shock that shot through her body. Of course if she had had time to process it, she would have realized that the pain ebbed quickly but the lightning bolt that singed her had come straight from Maura's skin against hers. "A little my ass!"

"You might want to put some ice on that Detective…" Maura tried to look smug as she did her best to hide her trembling hands in her pockets. All the heat and electricity that had existed between them all those years ago was still there even though it was hidden behind walls that had taken years to painstakingly build. It had only taken one touch to threaten to topple the protective barriers that Maura had constructed around her heart. One touch and everything she had promised herself seemed to vanish from her mind as the butterflies returned to her stomach as the mere presence of Jane had her wondering why she was fighting so hard against fate.

"No shit…" Jane frowned as she gingerly touched the side of her nose. "Tell it to me straight guys…do I look like Rocky?" She turned imploring eyes to Korsak and Frost who only laughed in response. "Assholes…" She growled as she pushed past them mumbling a barely audible 'thanks' to Maura as she headed towards the door.

"Someone may want to drive for her…" Maura felt a sudden surge of concern wash over her as she watched Jane's retreating back. She also couldn't stop herself from giving an apprising look as Jane stalked out of the room in her tailored suit.

"I'm on it…" Frankie said as he grabbed Maura in a quick hug. "I'm glad you're back…" He whispered into her ear.

All Maura could do was nod curtly when Frankie released her and darted after Jane. She had been too surprised by his actions to do much else. "Well, gentlemen…I suppose I should do what I came here to do." She gave Korsak and Frost a small smile as she waved her technicians in. "I'll let you know my findings as soon as I can."

Both men knew she was gently but effectively dismissing them. With the wave of his hand, Korsak acknowledged the dismissal as he closed his notebook before tucking it into the front pocket of his shirt.

"Things are about to get real exciting around here…aren't they?" Frost whispered to him as they left.

"You just said a mouthful…" Korsak said as he took one last look over his shoulder at Maura who was bent over the bodies carefully studying them. "I don't think Jane stands a chance…" Frost nodded in agreement as they left to meet Jane back at the bullpen.

Maura had watched as Jane walked away, the usual swagger she was used to seeing slightly marred by the pain from her once broken nose. It had taken everything in her to not show how much touching Jane had affected her as she did her best to appear impassive when she was anything but. When Jane disappeared from sight, Maura turned her attention to the job at hand and effectively albeit gently dismissed Korsak and Frost. All she could think about was how much she wanted to retreat to the safety of her labs so she wouldn't have to be faceD with her past anymore. With a sigh, she waved her technicians in to gather evidence, take pictures and bag the bodies so she could do her job. It wasn't easy to dispel the tingling that continued to move up her arms from her hands so she shook them in an effort to lessen the effect it was having on her. It was with heavy resignation that she admitted to herself that Jane still made her tremble inside and out making her feel powerless but damn, it still felt good.

Jane opened her car door and threw herself into the driver's seat with a heavy sigh before slamming the door shut. She banged her hand down on the steering wheel because she couldn't stop her mind from wandering to the hazel-green eyes that seemed to penetrate her own, opening wounds she had thought long ago healed. But in an instant, those wounds had ripped open and now she felt as if she were bleeding to death all over again. Taking a few deep breaths, she started to relax a little when a loud knock on the window startled her.

"What the fuck Frankie…?" She rolled down the window to address him.

"You need to let me drive…" He smirked at her. "Dr.'s orders…"

"Yeah, we'll see about that…" She started to roll the window up but stopped when Frankie reached in and pulled the keys from the ignition. "Hey…give those back."

"Sorry sis…don't want you endangering yourself or anyone else out there on the streets of Boston." He wiggled the keys tauntingly in front of her face causing her to try to grab them back. The fact that her eyes were still watering made it difficult and with a huff she pushed the door open hitting Frankie. "Hey…watch it." He groused as he moved to take his place behind the wheel.

"Asshole…" She grumbled as she stalked past him to get in the passenger's seat.

He waited for her to get settled and fasten her seatbelt before turning to her with an expectant look on his face. "So…wanna talk about it?"

"No…" She couldn't stop herself from choking on the word. When he tried to read her expression she turned her head so she could look out the window. Of course it happened to be right at the moment Maura was leaving with her techs and Jane couldn't stop herself from releasing a shuttering breath.

"Look, you're gonna haveta deal with this one way or another…unless you ask for a transfer that is." He tried not to look smug this time.

"Fuck you Frankie…" She whispered as he eyes continued to watch Maura.

"You really need to do something about the foul mouth of yours, ya know…" He reached over to touch her on the shoulder. "I'm just trying to let you know that I'm here for you…"

"Ever since I walked away from her…I've been haunted by what could have been, and now…here today, I'm faced with the reality of what I gave up." Her voice was soft and sounded far away as she continued to watch Maura.

"It was your choice Jane…" Frankie pressed hoping that Jane would finally explain what she wouldn't fifteen years ago.

"Was it Frankie?" Finally she tore her eyes away from Maura and gave Frankie a sad smile.

"You've never told me otherwise…" He held her gaze for a moment silently begging her to explain.

"Let's get out of here…Maura's right, I need some ice." She turned her head back to look out the window at the M.E. van just as it disappeared around the corner.

"Alright Jane…but one of these days…" He started to say.

"I will Frankie…but she has right to know before anyone else." The sadness in her voice had Frankie clearing his throat nervously as he started the car and followed the van back to the police station. Neither said another word the rest of the way back, instead taking comfort in the knowledge that the truth would soon be revealed.