Epilogue

Eve wasn't sure how they all fit at the table but it felt wonderful squeezed between Roarke and Peabody with the smell of turkey and dressing filling the air.

Across the table, McNab and Baxter seemed to be in contest for who could eat the most. It looked pretty even to Eve. Morris and Mira were in deep conversation on the other end of the table and on the other side of Roarke, Feeney was talking sports with Trueheart. Or more, he was talking sports TO Trueheart, who ate quietly and politely, periodically offering to refill someone's drink or fetch more mashed potatoes from the stove.

They were well into pie and ice cream when the doorbell rang. Both Peabody and McNab jumped up to get it, but Eve and Mira each put a hand on Peabody's shoulder and pushed her back into her chair. She winced, then flushed before lifting her glass of wine and trying to hide behind it.

McNab led in Commander Whitney, The room went silent.

"Sir!" Feeney exclaimed, "I thought you went home."

"It's nearly eleven PM back in New York. I finished dinner and flew back out here. I have a few things I need to take care of."

"Let me get you a chair," Peabody offered, attempting to stand again.

"Peabody," Eve snarled, pulling her down again.

"I'll get it," McNab started toward the living room.

"No need, Lieutenant," Whitney held up his hand. "This will just take a moment." He looked at McNab, "I understand you are no longer employed by FPSD."

"That is correct, Commander. They eliminated my position."

"I see." He looked over at Peabody now, "Detective, I have something that is yours."

This time, Eve and Mira let her stand. She slowly made her way over to her former commander, "Sir, I want to thank you for your assistance in this case."

"No need," he shook his head and reached into his pocket, "Now, it is my pleasure to be the one to return these to you." He handed her her stunner and badge.

Peabody didn't let the tears fall as she studied the badge and gasped, "Sir, this is not my badge."

"It is," he argued, "If you're willing to transfer of course."

"Back to the NYPSD?"

"It's your decision. Captain Feeney, do you have something to say that may help Detective Peabody change her mind?"

"Oh yes," Feeney stood and brushed crumbs off of his shirt, "Lieutenant," he turned to McNab, "You wouldn't by any chance be interested in a position with the NYPSD either, would you?"

"We both get our jobs back?" Peabody asked, only slightly embarrased that the tears were rolling now, "Oh wow."

"Welcome back," Eve stood and stepped over to McNab to shake his hand, then, rolling her eyes, let Peabody hug her.

"Now, I'll be out of your way in a moment, but I have one more thing I need to address," Whitney made the whole room silent, "Officer Trueheart, could you come here please?"

Looking slightly nervous, Trueheart stood and stepped over to Whitney,  "Yes sir?"

"This is not customary, but the chief and I have agreed. Monday is the ceremony for those who have moved up the ranks at Central. I need for you, DS Baxter and Lieutenant Dallas to all be there."

"But sir, I didn't get to take the exam."

"No, but you proved yesterday more than ready to be a detective. Not only did you save the life of  another officer in peril, but you gave key evidence in apprehending a killer and his assistants. You kept cool in the line of fire and thought quickly and correctly when faced with difficult decisions. Congradulations, Detective."



Eve stood with Roarke sipping her wine as Mira and McNab cleaned up the kitchen. In the living room, they could hear Morris and Feeney cheering over whatever game they were watching. The brand new Detective Trueheart guided Peabody in to join them.

"Feels almost right," Eve commented.

"And tomorrow, we'll take them home," Roarke kissed her gently, "To New York."

"Home," Eve said again and let him hold her for a minute, "It will be nice to be home."