Author's notes: Thank you to Tiacelaya, mayzee, Jane Doe51, LouiseKureylo and Caramelapple27 for your reviews, much appreciated. And thanks to the followers and all who are reading. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
"What makes you think that? And what do you mean 'people are dying'?
Jane glances across at Lisbon, worry's written on his face.
"I live in a retirement apartment block. We each have our own apartment but there's a communal socializing area, so we know each other pretty well. Of course old people die, but lately there's been three deaths close together and each one was pretty healthy, all of them younger than me.."
Lisbon arches an eyebrow at Jane, thinking that surely nearly everyone is younger than her.
"…they've all been ruled natural causes but each one had something go missing in the weeks before their death. I've tried talking to the police but they won't listen to me."
Her voice becomes filled with disdain.
"They dismiss me like a puppy with a pat on the head. 'These things happen Mrs Jane, there's nothing to be worried about. There's no murders being committed."
She looks between Lisbon and Jane.
"But I am worried, and now my ring's gone missing. I never take it off, not for anything. How did they get it?"
Lisbon interjects:
"Could it have fallen off?"
"You sound like one of those police officers."
Jane jumps to Lisbon's defence.
"She is a police officer and she was just asking."
Charlie looks at Lisbon chastised.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't being fair, it was rude of me."
Lisbon nods her head in acceptance.
"That's okay."
"It's been on my finger for over seventy years, It wasn't loose, and all I do is go from my bed to this chair and back again, so I'm sure it didn't fall off."
"When did you notice it missing?"
"As I was getting into bed the day before yesterday, I always touch my ring and say goodnight to Peter, every night."
Tears well in her eyes once more.
"But that night I couldn't, the ring wasn't there."
Jane pats her hand. He looks across at Lisbon his desire plainly written on his face and then he voices them.
"Move here, live with us, or near us, whatever you want. We've so much time to make up for."
"That's very sweet, but I can't leave my friends getting murdered."
"They might not be getting murder, it's probably perfectly innocent, like the authorities said."
There's a flash of anger in Charlie's eyes.
"And it's just a co-incidence that they all lost something in the weeks before, and now I have. What have I taught you about co-incidences? Or I guess I'm just an old fool."
"You will never be an old fool. I have some vacation time owed.."
Lisbon nods.
"I think you should go and help your Grandma."
He cocks his head and smiles at her.
"You have some vacation time owed you…"
Lisbon's shaking her head.
"No, I'm needed he.."
Charlie butts in.
"How can you pass up the opportunity to talk to someone who knew Jamie when he was growing up? I know you're curious and I bet he hasn't told you much."
"Hey, I think that's up to me to tell Teresa…"
Charlie pats his hand and winks at Lisbon before turning to him and whispering in his ear, but loud enough for Lisbon to catch what she's saying.
"Hush, I'm on your side dear, she'll be in love with you more than ever once I'm through."
Lisbon laughs.
"How can I pass that up."
Charlie looks between the two of them, she puts her hand on Jane's cheek and pats it softly, a small smile on her lips.
"Good, now I can rest."
She sinks back in to her chair and closes her eyes.
Jane watches his Grandma for a few moments and then let's go of her hand and stands up. He looks to Lisbon.
"I guess I'll go and break the news to Abbott."
"What about the case we're working on, we can't just leave it."
"Of course we can. Cho's more than capable and besides I know who did it and that should make things easier for him."
Jane strides out the door with Lisbon following him. Charlie's assistant who was outside waiting, moves in to the office.
"You do? How come you never mentioned anything?"
"Because I was busy thinking of a way to trap him."
"Have you come up with something? We could get it closed before we go."
Jane stops and turns around.
"No, I have a germ of an idea but then something else occupied my mind."
Lisbon looks at the floor.
"Of course, I'm sorry."
Jane moves closer and lift her chin up with his finger.
"I missed it before, but this case is important to you. Why?"
Lisbon shrugs.
"I don't know."
Jane looks at her closely.
"Yes, you do, come on tell me."
She looks at the ceiling, then at him.
"His kids. They didn't deserve to lose their father like that."
"They were cute boys, I'll give you that, but we've seen lots of cute kids and this is more than that."
Jane continues to look at her, after a few moments she squirms.
"They reminded me of my brothers when they were younger."
"See, you got there."
Jane puts his arm against Lisbon's back.
"Come, let's see Abbott and Cho and get one more murderer off the streets."
Cho, Jane and Lisbon enter the FBI building once more with the murderer in tow. Lisbon's fuming, Jane's nursing a black eye and swollen cheek. As they reach their floor, Lisbon takes responsibility for the prisoner and strides off towards the interview rooms. Cho and Jane stare after her. Cho turns to Jane.
"I think you'd better get some ice for that."
"Yes, it doesn't look like Lisbon's going to help me."
A small smile plays on Cho's lips.
"No. I don't think she's very happy with you."
Jane shrugs.
"She wanted me to get him quickly and she knows that means me provoking the suspects."
"It's a shame you didn't count on the knuckle crushers."
"They did hurt."
"Next time, stick to the plan."
Jane raises his hand as he makes his way to the kitchen.
"Will do Cho, I promise."
He smiles, then grimaces at the pain. In the kitchen he grabs some ice and makes a cup of tea and suitably armed he goes in search of his Grandma, who he left in Wiley's care. He only hopes that there's something left of him. He smiles to himself.
"Ow. I must stop doing that."
