A/N: This is my second fanfiction, so suggestions for improvement are very welcome! Let me know if this story gets confusing at any point, and please leave your feedback! All are welcomed and greatly appreciated!
Summary: The CBI team is falling apart. And to make things worse, they're faced with a case that takes them across the West Coast due to a string of arsons/murders all linked through one common bond-fixation on the CBI team. While out of state, Lisbon has to make a life-altering decision, and the shattered team will return to the CBI with fewer team mates than when they left, and a team mate in a body bag. Who won't be going home?
Rated: T
Categories: Drama/Tragedy
Pairing(s): Chisbon, Jace (no fear, Jisbon and GrigsPelt fans, they are subtle, closer to friendships than relationships)
A soft knocking startled Lisbon from her paperwork. She thought that everyone from her team had gone home, so she expected the person knocking on her office door was Jane, who spent more time in the office than anyone.
"Come in, Jane." Lisbon said, allowing the person knocking on her door to enter.
"Boss, it's me, not Jane. He left twenty minutes ago."
Looking up from her paperwork, Lisbon asked, "Why haven't you left yet, Rigsby? Is there something that you need?"
"I was wondering, as a friend, if you could give your advice. I mean, I understand if you don't consider me a friend, and that you might not want to, but I figured-"
"Sure. Stop rambling and get to the point. What do want to ask me?" Lisbon said, interrupting Rigsby's monologue.
"Say you were given an ultimatum- you had to choose between the person you love and your career. Which would you choose?"
"Honestly Rigsby, you aren't exactly asking me something that I can relate to. I choose my job because that's all that I have. Why do you ask?"
Ignoring her last question, Rigsby stated, "Then I'm sorry, but I find it necessary to give you my two weeks notice."
"Are you sure of this? I can get you a transfer to another unit if you wish. But I cannot give you a chance to change your mind once we make this official."
"Yes, I'm sure. The only additional thing I will ask you for is to send an honest recommendation to my next place of employment."
"I can do that." Digging through her desk drawer, Lisbon pulls out the resignation form. Handing it to him, she said, "I don't want to see this form back here until you are absolutely sure. Once I get this from you, you are taken off active duty, there is no turning back, and you have almost no chance of getting a job here again."
"Thank you boss, but I am absolutely sure. You shall see this back on your desk in the morning." Rigsby replied, taking the form. "Good night Lisbon."
"Good night Rigsby. I hope you're right." Lisbon replied, dismissing him from her office.
"Have you cut off your ties with the CBI yet?" The woman asked over the phone.
"Not yet. I will be free from active duty in the morning, and will be free to leave in two weeks." Rigsby replied in a whisper, since he was still at the CBI in the elevator on the way to the parking lot.
"Good. If you can, try to opt out sooner."
"I can't. People will get suspicious, and then start asking more questions than they normally would."
"Fine. I look forward to working with you in two weeks."
