He's finally getting out of the hospital. He tried for two weeks to persuade the doctor to let him out earlier but she wouldn't be moved and he made himself pretty unpopular with the nurses. When it became obvious that the lady was not for turning, he had to work hard at getting back into their good graces for the rest of his stay. They particularly didn't like his stunt of mixing up the dinner trays, so everyone was given the wrong meals, he made sure that he kept everyone on their prescribed dietary requirements. He was very happy with the fuss that ensued but it didn't get him his ticket out, only the wrath of the entire floor Calling in a favour, owed by an old friend, that brought the touring cast of Hairspray visiting the floor, had succeeded where his apologies and his best smiles had failed. He pointed out that the stamina and muscle strength it took to move all the trays in the time allotted surely showed he was well enough to go home, the doctor had only smiled at him and said,
"Beware of payback"
The night that followed had been a sleepless hell of agony, which the nurses seemed to take a little too much sadistic satisfaction from.
It feels strange being back in his suit that Cho has brought him from his motel room. It's as though it belongs to a different life. Things have changed since he last wore one. The weight of all the fabric feels heavy on his weakened frame. It's weighed down with the guilt that he carried around for so many years. It's woven itself into the fabric. It gives off the scent of regret and sorrow. He's not that man any more Red John is gone, his life has changed. He will ask Lisbon to buy him something else to wear. He doesn't know yet what that will be, what would he feel comfortable in now?
He's sitting on the edge of the bed, as all the preparations in getting ready to leave have wiped him out a bit. He's signed everything and is just waiting for Lisbon to arrive to take him back to her place. He had to agree to that arrangement or his departure would have been delayed even further. The doctor says she doesn't trust him on his own to keep to her instructions. In truth although he hates being a burden ,he wasn't looking forward to going back to the motel room. A nurse enters the room pushing a wheelchair. Jane looks at it with disdain.
"Is that for me?"
"It sure is."
"Do I really have to use it."
"Hospital policy. Agent Lisbon called to say she's sorry she was delayed but is on her way and will be here in fifteen minutes."
Jane gives an exaggerated sigh.
"At least she's apologised."
"She wasn't saying sorry to you."
Jane raises his eyebrows and the nurse breaks in to a smile.
Come on climb in, Let's go for a walk while you're waiting. It will keep you out of trouble."
Jane hesitates and then sits in the wheelchair. The nurse wheels him out of the room and they head towards the day room. Jane can hear the murmur of voices. As he's enteres the room he sees a banner stretched along the wall.
'Good bye Patrick'
The room is filled with nurses and patients healthy enough to move, and they are holding aloft a plastic cup each. One is shoved in to Jane's hand.
In the middle of everyone is Dr. Polly.
"We only do this for our more noitorious patients and we can most definitely say that we've never had a patient like you before. We want to wish you well and make sure that you actually leave."
"Here here"
Echos around the room. Jane joins in the laughter and then clears his throat.
"Thank you everyone but believe me you have no worries I will definitely be leaving as soon as my ride gets here. But I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me."
He raises his glass and takes a drink. He scrunches his nose.
"Water?"
"That's all you're allowed on your tablets Patrick."
Lisbon parks her car and makes her way quickly across the car park towards the hospital entrance. She knows that Jane will be itching to get out of there. He's probably been ready for hours. She'd hoped to make it a lot earlier, but, a murder, as usual, got in the way. This day has been along time coming and probably even longer for the hospital staff. Lisbon hopes she's thought of everything that Jane may need while he's at her place. She's trying not to freak out about the fact that there will be someone there all the time, she's so use to going home to an empty place. She cherishes the time by herself and not having to answer to anyone. She's certain that Jane will be a demanding patient. But when the doctor told her that she couldn't allow Jane to go home to an empty place, she knew she had to offer her home to her friend. Jane still in the hospital was driving everyone crazy. She just hopes their friendship will survive living together. After finding that Jane isn't in his room, she notices that the floor is practically empty. She can hear voices and then smiles as she recognises Jane's dulcet tones. At the door to the day room she takes in the scene.
"I thought you'd left without me."
"Lisbon about time. Get me out of here."
"Is that nice Jane after all this effort?"
"Effort appreciated and acknowledge now let's go."
Doctor Polly laughs
"You better get him out of here."
Jane gives everyone a wave and Lisbon takes the wheelchair.
"Okay let's get going. Thanks for everything, I'll get him out of your hair."
As they enter the lift Jane throws back his head and gives a big smile.
"Free at last. Lisbon I've suddenly got a yearning for a blueberry muffin. Can we stop and get one."
"I would prefer to get you home and sorted,"
"Oh please Lisbon, I would really like one, and I have just come out of hospital. Surely you wouldn't say no to a man who has been denied the pleasures of the outside world for three months."
"Okay I guess we can stop."
"Fantastic and can we stop and get some shoes, Cho didn't bring me any."
Lisbon looks down and sees that his feet are bare.
"Jane you don't need shoes right now, you're not going anywhere."
"Please..."
Lisbon rolls her eyes, this is not getting off to a great start.