Patrick Jane exited the elevator, bringing some surprised faces. Usually, he would enjoy that look, but today he didn't care.
"Jane..it's nice to see you." Jane didn't even bother turning his head.
"Not now…" He quickly walked down the hall, opening Lisbon's office door then shutting it again. Where is she? he wondered, turning around. Before he could continue down the hall, he heard a familiar subdued voice.
"Jane?" Grace sounded shocked. Jane turned to his team.
"Oh..Hi guys. How have you been?" Jane asked.
"We've been good. How about you?" Cho asked. Don't cry. Don't cry... Jane told himself. This was the first time he had felt like crying in nine years, since his wife and little girl had died...
"Never better." It's going to be okay. I promise. Patrick wanted to tell them. But he knew he couldn't. Luckily, Lisbon called from down the hall.
"Jane?" she stopped in her tracks as Patrick turned.
"Oh. There you are." As Lisbon walked over to him and led him in to her office, he thought, I'm finally going to do it...
So, when Lisbon turned, Jane met her with his arms outstretched. Sure, Lisbon was surprised, but she hugged him back, as if this was the last thing she would ever do.
When they finally pulled apart, Lisbon whispered, "Jane.." Patrick took a deep breath for courage and pulled out his gun.
"Good luck Teresa," a tear trailed down his cheek. "Love you."
0o0o0o0o0o
Jane lay against the rock, squinting into the sun as he contemplated the events of the last few months. He wasn't at all surprised when Teresa pulled over her car and sat next to him. "You okay?" she asked.
"Oh yeah. Never Better." Jane offered a wry smile. When Lisbon didn't respond, Jane trailed his fingers down her arm and held her hand loosely.
Neither said anything.
They didn't need to.