1

"What if you and I were friends?" Red John says from the back of the limo. "Imagine the life we could lead. It's a higher path, Patrick, a nobler existence."

Lorelei nods in agreement as Red John once again extends the olive branch of friendship.

I want to say, "Go to hell."

But as I heard through the wire I was wearing, Lisbon and the team have been thwarted by the FBI and help is not on the way.

Why should I throw away all the work and time I've put into getting this close to him?

"I do need a new life," I say. "So, yes, I accept."

2

"Wow. I knew you'd look great in the uniform, Patrick. Try the hat."

I put on the sheriff's hat.

He tilts the brim and sets my hat at a jaunty angle. The mirror image of his own.

"Nobody wears headgear like you, Patrick. Wait till the folks in Napa get a load of us."

3

Hour three of sitting in the patrol car on the main street of town.

"OK, Patrick. Let's go."

He gets out and adjusts his hat and holster.

I do the same.

4

Five minutes later, we're back in the car.

"See what I mean, Patrick? It's a higher path."

I take a bite of my free jelly donut.

"A nobler existence," I say.