A/N: A new one has popped out! Beware, these character (for the most part) aren't mine. Enjoy!

It had started raining. Of course it had, Teresa thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around her and continued her walk down the empty street. This whole night was turning into a nightmare. At this point all she wanted to do was take a very hot bath and then sleep for a day and a half.

But, first, she had to figure out where she was so she could begin planning how to get home.

Her feet hurt and as she glared at the heels she had worn for the night memories flooded her mind.

-Words screamed as a fight broke out.

-Strong hands grabbing her bare arms and then her thighs as the fight escalated.

-Pushing him away and leaving the vehicle...

Teresa shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Didn't leave quickly enough," she muttered as she gingerly touched her swelling cheek. Yet left too quick to grab her coat and purse.

Up ahead she spotted some lights and began walking faster, hoping it was something open.

As she got closer she sent a prayer of thanks heavenward for the 24 hour diner she found at the street corner. She was aware she probably looked like a bruised, drowned rat so she pulled at the hem of her dress, squared her shoulders, and gathered her 'Agent Lisbon' authority. Several patrons turned to look at her as the bell above the door announced her arrival but she concentrated on the man wiping the counter. "You have a phone I can borrow?" she asked, wincing inwardly at how wavy her voice sounded.

The man looked up and nodded. "Pay phone round the corner next to the bathrooms."

She spread her hands away from her body and forced herself not to roll her eyes. "I have misplaced my purse."

"Here ya go, sweetie," the one waitress said as she reached into her pockets to get some change.

Teresa thanked her, grateful to the stranger and walked to where the man pointed. She entered her coins then dialed a number from memory before praying again. "Please pick up. Oh, please pick up your damn phone."

Her prayer was heard. "Yeah, Jane."

She slumped against the wall. "Oh, thank God," she said in relief.

"Lisbon!" the man exclaimed, extremely cheerful for that time of night. "You know, my dear, it doesn't say much about a woman's character to call one man while still out on a date with another. Not that I'm complaining," he quickly added.

Jane tended to be distracting and she was sucked into the drag of it. "Wait. How did you-?"

"Know you were on a date?" He chuckled. "Elementary, my dear Lisbon."

She shivered from being damp and immediately got back on track. "Jane, I need a favor and not a lot of questions."

He snorted. "Keep dreaming."

"Jane!" She winced at the whine her voice had in it. She cleared her throat. "I need you to come get me." She closed her eyes and could almost see him sit up at that confession, wheels turning, senses alert.

"Well, I did NOT expect that," he managed. "What did lover-boy do to piss you off?"

Her temper flared. "Jane, quit playing around. I don't have any more money for this phone. Are you coming or not?"

"You're on a pay phone?" He must have heard her growl because he quickly added, "I'm coming, I'm coming. Where are you?"

"In some diner named Burt's."

"Describe the building."

"Um, blue and white awning. Brick, I think. Maybe a post office across the street."

"I'll find you."

"Jane?" she asked before he hung up.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"Stay put."

She went into the bathroom to survey the damage. Her cheek was puffy but not too noticeable yet unless she turned to the side. The finger-sized bruised on her arms were already impressively turning purple. Same for her thighs but at least her dress covered those. She pushed her wet hair back, wishing for a ponytail holder, before making her way back to the main dining room. She eased into an empty booth that faced the door.

The waitress came up. "You get a hold of someone?"

"Yes. Someone's coming."

"How about I bring you some coffee while you wait?"

Teresa smiled at that. "That's the best thing I've heard all night."