AN: *waves* Hi. I guess I couldn't stop writing, so here it is, my newest project. AU, of course, since I'm an AU addicted, also.
So... *coughs* yeah... *coughs again* I really need to study to my exams but... Heck, I'll start tomorrow -.-' Enjoy this one :)
Disclaimer: I just own my brain...And Rachel.
Another talk-show, another victim of his job, another week spent without going home, another week spent without his wife's kiss or his daughter's smile…
He lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.
His agent had told him that this would be his last show and then he could return to his house and to his family.
He already had the plan of giving up his fake psychic career and work as a consultant on high-profile cases for the police. He didn't mind the job, it paid and he actually helped the detectives catching the criminals.
It felt good to be on the right side of the Law.
His wife got scared sometimes, fearing for their lives, but he knew she had nothing to worry about.
They were safe, protected. No one could harm his family.
He woke up at the sound his cell ringing incessantly.
Cursing, he didn't even check the ID, picking it up.
"Patrick Jane."
"Daddy?"
His eyes opened immediately and his brain started working as soon as he heard his daughter's voice.
"Sweetheart, what's the matter? Why are you calling me so late?"
"Daddy, help me."
His heartbeat turned erratic at his daughter's sob.
"Rachel, what's happening?"
"Daddy, someone's at the house. A man and he's hurting mommy."
He was already out of his hotel room, car keys in hand and running to his car.
"Rachel, listen to me. I need you to stay calm sweetheart. Let's play hide and seek, ok?"
"Ok daddy."
"Get out of the house carefully, Rachel. You can't let the man see you, ok?"
"Where do I hide daddy?"
"Go to the tree house and stay there. You can't make any noise, ok? Can you do that for me sweetheart?"
"Yes daddy."
"That's my girl."
He was sure he was breaking every speed limit known to man, while driving to Malibu, but he didn't care. After a full minute hearing his daughter's breathing on the phone and the rustling of the wind on the tree, he knew she had made it.
"Rach, are you in the tree house?"
"Yes daddy."
"Good girl, now I need you to do something for me. I need you to hide under the table where you play, ok?"
"Ok."
"Rachel, you can't get out of there until I pick you up, understood?"
"Und'stood daddy."
An hour and a half later he was parking his DS outside his house and calling 911.
He grabbed a kitchen knife, not knowing if the stranger was still there and went immediately to his bedroom. The smell of blood invaded his nostrils and he closed his eyes.
He was in front of the door.
The note…
The signature…
The creaking sound, when the door opened…
The metallic taste of blood…
The red-smiley face on the wall…
The terror he felt…
The bloodied body of his wife…
The cry that filled the night…
The tears that fell from his eyes…
The emptiness of his heart…
The sirens…
The touch of a police officer on his shoulder…
The reminder of his daughter who was still in the tree house…
He ran outside, calling her name…
He hugged her when he saw she was okay…
He promised her, he would do everything he could to keep her safe.